The TravelSphere

Hawa Mahal: Palace of the Winds

2011-12-23T16:58:00.000-08:00

If you’ve ever traveled to Jaipur, India, the façade in the city will most certainly catch your eye. The Palace of the Winds or Hawa Mahal stands on a high platform adjoining the city wall. The architecture is unique and intricate, and the palace itself resembles a honeycomb screen. The palace is five-stories high and is built of red and pink sandstone. The Palace of the Winds is lined with white borders and motifs that are painted in a lime wash.

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There are close to 950 windows on the façade, each of them with a projecting balcony and crowning arched roof with a hanging cornice. The small windows have been compared to peepholes, which allow just enough breezes to enter the rooms behind them. The façade was designed to resemble a crown of mukut, worn by the god.

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Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh created Hawa Mahal at a very interesting time in 1799, when females of the royal family observed very strict purdah. This meant that their faces were completely covered. It was built as an extension to the main palace, and it allowed the royal women to observe the goings on in the street.

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The first three stories of the palace are actually one large, wide single room. The arched entrance to the west opens onto a exquisite courtyard surrounded by a two-story building, and on the eastern side, a fourth level rises like a stairway to the heavens. Ironically, there are no stairs, but ramps. The interior is simple and organic, unlike the ornate and fantastical architecture of the exterior. Evidently, it was created in this fashion to provide a resort like experience, instead of a comfortable residence.

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The Palace of the Winds was dedicated to the Hindu deity Krishna, to whom Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh dedicated it.

Dubbo Zoo - hotels and accommodation

2011-12-17T21:38:00.000-08:00

I've visited several zoos around the globe, with the hopes of encountering endangered species that many will never have the chance to see in their natural habitat. There's one particular zoo, one in which I haven't seen firsthand, which was brought to my attention by a friend who visited Sydney several years ago. The Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a combination of amazing encounters with Koala bears, as well as observing Asian Elephants frolicking in the mud in the wallow. Consequently, the zoo is known worldwide for its conservation of the coral reefs, black rhino, meerkats, and tigers, amongst many other species. The Taronga Zoos have won countless tourism awards which have, essentially, shed light on wildlife conservation.

If you're traveling to the Taronga Zoos, there are several options for Dubbo hotels and accommodation, and many of them, have wonderful ratings through AAA. Rates range anywhere from $141.00 a night to $112.00, and less. The hotels provide basic amenities to provide you comfort and a good night's sleep. After all, you'll be spending two consecutive days at the zoo, so you'll need a comfy bed. All of the hotels and accommodations are family friendly and are run by reliable, recognizable companies. Regardless of where you decide to stay, you'll have something to look forward to the morning. I mean, who could pass up some meerkat pups exploring their abode, or their parents, sunning themselves in all their glory in a Buddha pose. Gotta love these guys!

Facts About the Taronga Zoos

Did you know that you can obtain a Certificate III in Captive Animals? This certificate is essential for those of you looking into Zoology or Marine Biology.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo has several samples of the Great Barrior Reef on display in their frozen zoo.
Taronga has committed to the long term support of Wildlife Protection Units in the Sumatran Tiger’s habitat to help reduce illegal logging and poaching.

Zoo Info

Taronga Zoo is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day from 9am to 4pm. The entry fee includes two consecutive days’ admission and last entry to the Zoo circuit is at 3pm.

Adults $46
Children (4-15 years) $23
Children under 4 go free

Temple of Artemis in Ephesus

2011-12-17T20:46:00.000-08:00

Turkey is one my favorite travel destinations in the world. The combination of geological wonders and archaeological sites brings hundreds of thousands of tourists a year, flocking in to see what richness Turkey has to offer. Since I have a fondness for archaeology, I was thrilled to find Francois' piece on the Temple of Artemis. Francois is an expert in international travel destinations, so if you have a moment, check out his piece on the Artemis Temple.

The Temple of Artemis, also know as Artemision in Ephesus, Turkey, was one of the Seven Wonders of the World and ruled the religious and social life of the city for centuries. It is located close to the Isaa Bey mosque and a fig trees field. Pausanias used to say that this temple exceeded in beauty and splendour everything man had produced so far. The monument would have been constructed upon order of the Gods after Artemis’ birth. Pliny the Elder also declared that during its history, the temple was pillaged and destroyed seven times, each time rebuilt at the same place and with even more magnificence. The last reconstructions were the most remarkable of all, according to a legend.

[Thanks Francois]

Renting an Apartment in Calgary

2011-11-03T14:37:00.000-07:00

Over the next coming year, my fiance and I will be planning our move up north. We have both come to an agreement about the area, but University of Calgary came up in a conversation when my fiance received an offer in the mail to continue graduate work there. Personally, I've never been to Canada and I wasn't exactly familiar with the universities, as I hadn't considered them for my academic discipline. I proceeded to tell my fiance that we would have to visit prior to him applying, and I figured looking into Calgary apartments for rent would be my first stop.

Mind you, I'm quite finicky about the sites I use for information, and especially for finding new housing, so my first, and only, stop was at a top rental site called Rent Calgary. This site offers visitors the most up to date home, townhouse and apartment information and availability. It's a user friendly site so be afraid to look around. Once you click the area of Calgary you want to move to, you'll be presented with photos, descriptions, and prices of the houses, apartments, and town homes available for rent in that area. You can sort the results by price, bedroom, bath and square footage. It only takes a moment to find a new home in a location you'll love.

World's Most Inhospitable Places

2011-10-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

Temperatures below freezing, polluted air, and bubonic plaque. Sounds like a destination for tropical travel right? Wrong! These conditions plague some of the world's most inhospitable places, yet many tourists still risk danger and trecherous conditions to go there.

Siberia is the coldest city on the planet, with temperatures regularly plunging to -50°c. Winters are long and cold, with just fifteen hours of sunshine reaching the city in the whole of December.

Check out the entire article at Tripbase

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Luxury Inclusive Holidays at WexasTravel

2011-09-07T18:04:00.001-07:00

I tend to be set in my ways when it comes to travel sites. When planning a trip, I navigate to the last site I booked my holiday or plane tickets on. Why? I appreciate excellent service and I know how the process works. There’s a but of course. There’s a difference between just booking a plane ticket or a hotel and Tailor Made Holidays. WexasTravel provides a service like no travel sites I’ve ever seen. You provide them the requirements for your holiday, where you want to go and what you’d like to see, and their travel specialists form the perfect trip based on your specifications. Whether you’d like to travel around the world or go on an African Safari and stay in a rainforest, all your desires can be realized.

Luxury Holidays, albeit you might assume they’re more expensive, are more reasonable and attainable than you might think. Independent travel sites are more capable of providing you a one on one experience for all of your travel needs. Consequently, travel clubs are also available for business or family travelers, thus allowing you access to a tailor made holiday you’d never receive on ordinary travel sites. Impartial advice is provided to you on the best flights, hotels and tours and if you’re concerned with a sustainable vacation, sites like WEXAS provide this experience as well.

As a champion for heritage around the globe, I was more than impressed with the fact that WEXAS works directly with environmental groups and local communities, thus limiting the impact of tourism on the environment. Not only will you get All Inclusive Holidays for a competitive price, but your conscience will be comforted in the fact that your trip will not impact the local fauna and environment.

Whether you aspire to trek through the mountains of Peru; take a tour of the Hawaiian Islands; frolic with the lemurs on Madagascar; stay in a wildlife preserve or tour the sacred site of Petra, travel specialists who plan your trip according to what YOU want are more valuable to me than saving some pocket change with a site that’s convenient, but not personal. Structured for everyone, instead of tailor made for one.

The Hidden Aztec Treasures of Mexico City

2011-09-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

Mexico City – a vast, sprawling cultural melting pot, all blaring-horns, shimmering energy, ablaze with a typically Mexican riot of color and noise. But underneath the thriving and thrusting of a modern city, many visitors may fail to hear the subtle tremors of a more ancient civilization. Listen carefully enough, though, and you may just be able to hear the whispered chants from the ancient city before Mexico City – the whispers of Tenochtitlan, as the Aztecs called their capital city on the lake.

Truly a wonder of its age, the archaeology site of Tenochtitlan was a floating mirage in the middle of Lake Texcoco, when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1519. It was also one of the largest cities in the world at that time, rivaling Paris and Venice. Dikes fed fresh spring water to the city's streets, floating gardens encircled the island, and temples to the gods of the Sun and Moon towered over the plazas of a city that was home to as many as 200,000 people. But all of that glory was lost when the Spanish razed the city to the ground in 1521.

Or has it? The lake that protected Tenochtitlan may be long gone, the pyramid temples may not pierce the city's skyline, but the bones of the 800-year old Aztec city are to be found just under your feet. More than that, a vibrant echo of the Aztecs is very much alive in the color and spectacle of Mexico City's modern inhabitants. Because the Aztecs didn't disappear with their city – they are still here, in the smiles and chatter of the people you meet on the avenues of this fascinating city.

For those wishing to discover that long-shrouded Aztec culture, the most obvious starting point is the Museo del Temple Mayor. There, the hidden bones of Tenochtitlan have been bought back into the light, and made accessible to all. The unearthing, in 1978, of the 10-foot stone disk inscribed with the distorted form of the Moon goddess, Coyolxauhqui, kicked off the digging for the city's history. It hasn't stopped since.

Only a few years ago, another major find was made when archaeologists dug out the 11-foot statue of the Rain god, Tlaloc. The museum hosts an amazing array of these, and other archaeological treasures, all unearthed from around the biggest Aztec temple, the Temple Mayor. It also has walkways stringing over the exposed ruins, allowing an unparalleled vista of the streets, temple-steps and statues of the original city. But the visitor to Mexico City shouldn't leave their quest for the real Aztec city at the museum doors – the old city shows up elsewhere too, in some unexpected places.

The Temple Mayor may be long gone, but it still lives on in spirit in the Zócalo plaza – the vast and dramatic 'lung' at the heart of the modern city. The plaza was created by Spaniard Alonso Garcia Bravo, shortly after the Conquest, but it was paved with the hefty Aztec-era stones of the Temple Mayor. And the Catholic Cathedral was also built from the stones of that pagan temple. Even the baroque splendor of National Palace is fashioned from the stones of the palace of Aztec ruler Moctezuma II.

But away from these dead relics of Tenochtitlan, you can also breathe something of the original spirit of Aztec times. In the south of the modern city, there are still fragments of the original lake, in the area called Xochimilco. Here, some of the original Aztec canals frame the floating gardens, called chinampas, which fed the city of Tenochtitlan in precolonial times. Some of these are still being farmed in the traditional way. You can hire gaudily-colored canal boats, or trajineras, to glide your way around them, just as happened in Tenochtitlan's heyday.

You can also see echoes of Aztec times in the sweat-lodges, or temazcalli, which are becoming increasingly popular again around the city. Like a Mexican interpretation of the sauna, the idea of the temazcal is to purify mind, spirit and body with steam generated from hot volcanic rocks. Once just archaeological curiosities, a resurgence of interest in the old ways has seen modern temazcalli open their steam-rooms to visitors.

So whether you want to rediscover the splendor of the Aztec city, or immerse yourself in the experience passed on through the generations, Mexico City can offer it all. All you need do is listen out for call of the ancient city of Tenochtitlan beneath the thrum of Mexico City's traffic.

This guest post is contributed by Wozniacki, a fitness instructor who owns a website offering fitness tips & workout plans at BuildMuscle.org

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Gothic Cathedral of Sainte Cecile in Albi, France

2011-09-04T18:58:00.001-07:00

During the 4th century, the last recorded structure before the Cathedral of Sainte Cecile was located upon the foundation. Albi was a Romanesque cathedral in stone which burned down in 666AD. In 920 AD, a building by the name of Saint Celicila, patroness of musicians, found its home upon the foundations of Albi.

Work began on the Cathedral of Sainte Cecile in 1282 in the town of Albi, which gave its name to the heretic sect, the Albigensians or Cathars. The papal war against the Albigensians was brutal, even by the standards of crusaders. The Gothic nature of the Cathedral of Sainte Cecile is no accident, as it’s meant to intimidate religious rebels.

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Commissioned by the Dominican bishop, Bernard de Casanet-head of the Inquisition in Languedoc, the Gothic Cathedral of Sainte Cecile is a reminder of the bloody crusades even decades after they happened.

The architecture is quite different than most Gothic cathedrals as there’s no flying buttresses. The supports are built into the walls of the Cathedral of Sainte Cecile, so from the outside, a series of circular watchtowers are a prominent feature.

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The cathedral looks fierce and powerful and resembles a fortification rather than a church. Although the outside looks solid and indeed a bit foreboding, the interior of the Cathedral of Sainte Cecile is a colorful detour from the Gothic façade.

Inside you’ll find an awe-inspiring mural of The Last Judgment dating from around 1474. There are also several 16th century frescoes on the rood screen and on the enormous vaulted ceiling, comprising the largest and oldest ensemble of Italian Renaissance paintings in France.

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The pride and joy of the Cathedral of Sainte Cecile is an organ, designed by Christophe Moucherel. Designed in 1736, the organ is one of three of the finest organs in France.

Holidays in Puerto Pollensa, Mallorca

2011-08-30T18:09:00.001-07:00

Several years ago I wrote an article about the Island of Mallorca and some of the luxurious accommodations and activities available for tourists. Most of what I knew came from one of my high school friends who know lives in Ireland. She frequently rents Majorca villas for a two week stay with her family and on special holidays with her husband she rents apartments in Puerto Pollensa for a more intimate and private experience. She recently came from summer holiday, which is the best time to stay in Mallorca according to her. She explained her trip to me and all I was thinking was, when and how soon will I be able experience what she did?

If you’re not familiar with Mallorca or Puerto Pollensa, I let you in a little secret. Well, not so much a secret, but something you should already know if you plan to visit. Mallorca is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea, off the south-east corner of Spain, and less than 100 miles from Barcelona. Mallorca is part of the Balearic Islands, which if you’re interested in history as much as I am and you’ve read the Iliad, was colonized by Rhodes after the Trojan war. As for the language spoken in Mallorca, you can, of course, get away with speaking English, but most of the locals speak either speak Mallorquín or Spanish, and many even speak German.

My friend also mentioned that it’s important to maintain contact with the villa owners while vacationing in Mallorca. She said the owners were so delightful and welcoming that she already planned her next holiday with them. “Often times, they are the best tour guides”, she remarked.

She explains how helpful they are:

“The villa owners explained that in Mallorca, if you plan to frequent the restaurants, evening is the best time to arrive, as most locals sit down to dinner around 9:30 or 10:00pm. Consequently, supermarkets are open all day and shops tend to open at 9:30 and close around 1:30 or 2 for siesta. They will then reopen around 4:30 and close around 8:00pm. Nearly every shop in town is closed on Sundays”.

Of course, you won’t spend all your time shopping. There is a considerable amount of activities for tourists including horseback riding, Abseiling, Paragliding, Helicopter Tours, Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Caving. Not to mention, you can just stay indoors, workout in your own private fitness room, or take a dip in your indoor pool. Let’s be honest, how could you possibly resist leaving the villa, when everything bit of perfection is viewable from your porch?

Experience the Old World Charm of the Canadian Rail

2011-08-21T16:32:00.001-07:00

It was just a week ago that I mentioned to all of you about experiencing a different side of Canada, what with their rich 19th century Old West heritage. Staying on dry land and trekking through the Canadian Rockies in search of wildlife and lush vegetation seems like a wonderful holiday for any backpacker. Yet, there are times that we want to immerse ourselves in luxury. Be waited on for every meal and never have to make our bed or clean the towels. Purchasing package holidays to Canada are the perfect way to tightly wrap every inch of what we love about Alaska and Canada, into the perfect vacation.

You’ll typically start with Canada Rail Tours, which will take you through Western Canada, allowing you to take in the countryside of Alberta and British Columbia. Traveling by rail has always inspired people due to the romantic nature of the experience. The sounds of the train slowly winding through the mountainous peaks of the Rockies and the eloquent writer, conveniently nestled in the back of the train car, penning a lovely poem or novel, clinking his spoon on his teacup. Your rail tour will typically end in Vancouver, where you will prepare to step aboard the last leg of your journey to Alaska.

You’ve had ample time to prepare your legs for the sea as you embark on one of the many luxury cruises to Alaska. You’ll head south to the Seattle's winter wonderland and experience all the enchanting shops and delectable restaurants in town. From there, you will re-board your luxury cruise and head towards the North Western American coastline, where Southern Alaska lines the Inner Passage and the landscape of the Alexander Archipelago. While in Alaska, you get to experience some of the most mesmerizing creatures in the world, including the narwhal, which many fisherman years ago believed was some sort of unicorn from the sea.

Personally, it’s been over 15 years since I had the chance to experience the snow white peaks of the Rockies or the abundant sea life of Alaska, however this package from Canada to Alaska seems all too inspiring to pass up.

10 Strange and Bizarre Museums

2011-08-10T19:34:00.001-07:00

While exploring archaeological sites and museums of classical and Victorian origin is thrilling for me personally, so is peering into the eye of a bizarre statue or medical device, kept safely at some of the most strange and bizarre museums in the world. These are some of my favorites!

Museé Fragonard, Paris

The Fragonard Museum houses the only remaining collection of the infamous "flayed figures" created by Frenchman, Honoré Fragonard. Fragonard was a medical master and anatomist in the 1700s who created hundreds of "flayed figures" called échorchés, which are carefully dissected animals -- and humans -- which were posed and mounted using a secret process similar to plasticization. Most of these figures were created as educational tools, but some of the works are purely artistic. Fragonard made hundreds of these flayed figures over the course of his life, but the 21 échorchés on display are the last of these haunting figures that exist.

The Cesare Lombroso Museum of Criminal Anthropology, Turin, Italy

Cesare Lombroso was a 19th century Italian criminologist who developed a school of criminology known as "biological determinism", a theory which held that a person's propensity toward criminality could be predicted by studying their physical characteristics. Hundreds of skulls from Lombroso's collections are on display, medical sections of "madmen and criminals," drawings, photos, criminal evidence and even the Gallows of Turin, which was used in the city's final hanging in 1865. Lombroso's own head is on display as well, perfectly preserved in a glass jar.

Coney Island Museum, New York City

Coney Island Museum has been keeping alive the traditions of the famous amusement park, and was founded on the belief that the popular culture of 19th century America gave rise to a democratic golden age. Offering walking tours of the rides and attractions of the area, and lectures covering the legendary history of Coney Island, this bizarre museum is the hub of information on all things Coney Island. One can see Burlesque Shows, a Mermaid Parade and even a Sideshow Freak School in operation. Through April of 2012 the Great Coney Island Spectacularium will be in operation, a series of exhibits and showings that hearken back to the days of dime museums, waxworks, magic lantern shows and other live acts that flourished before cinema changed the entertainment landscape forever.

International Museum of Surgical Science, Chicago

It may sound boring and mundane, but in the International Museum of Surgical Science Museum the sordid past of surgical science is explored, from the time when barbers doubled as surgeons and performed bloodlettings and amputations without the benefits of antiseptics or anesthesia, through the evolution of surgery into an important and vital discipline of medical science. The exhibits focus on the medical issues of the past and present, including permanent collections of antique medical artifacts with everything from acupuncture needles to x-ray machines on display.

Trundle Manor, House of Oddities

Located in Swissvale near Pittsburgh, this collection of vintage taxidermy, Steampunk sculpture, antique medical devices, rusty cleavers, coffins and dead things in jars is sure to cause chills and wonderment. Billing itself as the headquarters of the Secret Society of Odd Acquisition, Trundle House offers exhibits and creepiness that can be found nowhere else. Visits are by appointment only, but by all accounts no one has ever come away unsatisfied by the experience.

Museum of Bad Art, Dedham, Massachusetts

For those who have never been able to define "good art" over "bad art", the MOBA collection of downright bad art will forever put to rest the uncertainty. This is the only museum in the world that is dedicated to the collection, exhibition and celebration of bad art in all its forms. How bad is it? The word "awful" comes immediately to mind. Pieces in the collection range from works by artists with actual talent that didn't quite work, to others executed by artists who apparently didn't know which end of the brush was used to apply paint. All are purported to possess an indefinable quality that sets them apart from being merely incompetent.

Circus World, Baraboo, Wisconsin

The Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin, preserves the heritage of the traveling circus with an impressive collection of memorabilia, props, posters and painted circus wagons. From May through September Circus World puts on live circus acts, parades, clown shows and animal rides. The circus is a thrill for all ages, and Circus World exists to preserve the circus for all.

The Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast, Fall River, Massachusetts

Yes, that's right, the house that was the scene of the infamous crime is now a Bed and Breakfast. The home has been meticulously restored to "the original look at the time of the murders," and guests can stay in the Andrew and Abbey Borden Suite, or in the actual room where Abbey was killed. Nearby is the Fall River Historical Society, where an exhibit on the famous murders displays everything form a bloodstained camisole, to actual hairs taken from the bloody hatchet and gruesome crime-scene photos.

The First Ripley's in St. Augustine Florida

I have, on occasion, visited several "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" locations around the globe, but the location in St. Augustine is unique. This was the first Ripley's in a collection of museums started by Robert Ripley.
Robert was an eccentric man and an avid traveler, obsessed with the inner workings of anthropology and archaeology. He took the world by storm visiting far off lands and unblemished territories and cultures. Places like India and the Orient were unconventional areas for the American traveler during the 19th century, however Ripley's obsession drove him to these areas to study the local customs and speak with people in the area.

Museum of Questionable Medical Devices, Minneapolis, Minnesota

This truly bizarre museum, now administered by the Science Museum of Minnesota, offers a collection of medical devices that have been sold to the public over the years that range from the horrifying to the preposterous.

Included in the collection is an ultraviolet comb with penile and anal attachments, a prostrate warmer, a MacGregor Rejuvenator that claimed to reverse the aging process by bombarding the body with radio waves, and a Recto-rotor (no explanation necessary).

Find Perfection, Privacy, and Pleasure in Holiday Cottages

2011-08-10T18:42:00.001-07:00

It seems to be an enormous trend at the moment. Travellers are switching their vacation plans and booking holiday cottages instead of the usual hotel or bed and breakfast. Why such a sudden change in accommodations? Home rentals provide guests with a home away from home experience at a more reasonable price. In fact, booking a private home can save you more 50% compared to a hotel or resort. Not to mention. when booking these homes online with companies such as homeaway.co.uk, you can be comforted in the fact that your buying experience comes with free protection against internet fraud.

So why rent a holiday home instead of booking a hotel? Well, let’s look at at example. If you were in looking for Cornwall cottages in the St. Ives area, you would speak directly with the owner, essentially cutting out the middle man. Owners will make sure you have all the information you need prior to travelling to your home: where you will pick up the keys, the physical address of the property, the owner’s contact details, airport instructions and any other pertinent details. Most of the time, this is the last correspondence you’ll have with the owner. There’s no hotel staff lurking around the corner of your bedroom at night or banging on the door at daybreak to make your bed or give you towels.

Complete privacy is yours in a private home where you make your own schedule, plan family meals with foods purchased from the nearby fresh markets, and relax with your favorite pet. This is truly one of my favorite aspects of renting homes. When my fiancé and go on vacation, kenneling our Husky and Pharaoh Hound is quite expensive. We would love to take them with us, but most hotels don’t allow large dogs. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount, thousands in fact, of rental properties which allow pets.

If you still have questions about renting homes overseas or in the United States, listen to what some of the travellers I spoke to have to say about their stay in a holiday rental.

My husband and I used holiday rentals in Paris 2 years ago with absolutely no problems. This year our flat in London is also through them and so far all arrangements have gone well. Jol

I rented a holiday home last year and was pleased, of course most of the properties are for rent by owner, which makes the experience so much more personal. It also gave me some piece of mind since there was no middleman involved. Any questions I did had were directed at the owner. Scott

Experience the Old West in a Cochrane Home

2011-08-08T14:37:00.001-07:00

Traveler’s don’t usually associate Canada with the Old West, which is what makes it a great destination for anyone interested in 19th century cattle operation and cowboys. Cochrane is situated at the base of the Big Hill in Bow Valley River, less than an hour's drive from the spectacular Rocky Mountains. If you’re planning a trip to this spectacular location , I would suggest staying at the many Cochrane homes for rent. Homes range anywhere from $700 to $2200 a month and the include all the amenities of home including large formal dining rooms, hardwood floors, oak wet-bar, pool tables, large screen TV, and so much more. Did I mention that many of the houses are pet friendly? This is great news for those of us that can’t travel without our favorite pooch.

Every traveler to Canada has a certain goal in mind. They want to see the sites, shop in the specialty stories, engage in extreme sports, or prance around in a cowboy hat for a month while stopping in at a saloon for a pint. The last option fits the experience in Cochrane to a tee! Cochrane embraces its ranching heritage, as it was the site of the first large-scale cattle operation in Western Canada in the late 1800s. There are trails and museum displays, western themed shops and restaurants serving only the best in Alberta medium rare beef like the cowboys enjoy so much.

If you want an authentic holiday in Cochrane, I suggest staying as long as you can to experience all that’s offered to visitors and residents.

Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague

2011-08-08T13:58:00.001-07:00

The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague located in Josefov, Prague was built in the 1400's and is copiously robed in hundreds of Gothic like blocks and layered with century old figures. Many of the inhabitants of the burial grounds were residents in the ghetto like Jewish Quarter, and they were segregated and forced to reside there under the strict institution of the Christian authorities. Of course, these types of ethnic neighborhoods still exist in the United States, Europe and Middle Eastern countries. Typically, they are situated in large metropolitan areas where their local culture is still being practiced.

The People

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There have been close to 12 layers of individuals buried within the confines of the Old Jewish cemetery. It has been estimated that there are approximately 12,000 headstones presently visible and there may be as many as 100,000 burials in all. The most important personalities buried in the Old Jewish Cemetery are Yehuda ben Bezalel- known as the Maharal Rabbi Löw , Mordechai Maisel, David Gans and David Oppenhei.

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David Oppenheim is especially renowned for his famous Hebrew library, the foundation of which was a numerous collection left to him by his uncle, Samuel Oppenheim, in which were some valuable manuscripts. David was also a distinguished cabalist.

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Mordechai Maisel was first mentioned in 1569, having business relations with the communal director Isaac Rofe. Eva, his first wife, died before 1580, however she assisted him in building the Jewish Town Hall in Prague, which is still standing, as well as the neighboring Hohe synagogue, where the Jewish court sat.

David Gans was a mathematician, historian, astronomer, astrologer, and is best known for the works Tzemach David and Nechmad ve'naim. His grave is marked in the cemetery with a "Magen David" and a goose .

An Archaeological Find

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The Old Jewish cemetery's ancestor was a cemetery called "The Jewish Garden", which was found in archaeological excavations under the Vladislavova street, New Town. What's interesting about the find was that it was previously mentioned in the Old Testament which made reference to gardens and the Song of Solomon. Today, there is little to be seen due to the years of weathering.

The odd layering of the cemetery may have been adopted because of the heathens surrounding the Jewish people. They set up graves and altars in the parks and sacrificed in the open air. Although, with the emphasis on foliage and lush landscapes, the stones make sense. It's rather a garden of people who have blessed the earth, as opposed to the cemeteries now that are perfectly manicured and without identity, except for the frigid stones that are symbols of what once was.

Machu Picchu Tours

2011-08-05T20:29:00.001-07:00

Machu Picchu is a well known archaeological site located in southern Peru, atop a mountain that is only accessible by train or Inca Trail tours. Machu Picchu was built by the Inca around the mid 15th century, but was abandoned when the Spanish came. While many other Incan sites were defaced and plundered by Spanish conquistadors, Machu Picchu seemingly escaped discovery. In 1983, Machu Picchu was made a UNESCO World Heritage site and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

If you plan on visiting this historic site, make sure you’re well versed in the Machu Picchu tours available. The Inca Trail is the most famous trek in South America and it leads you directly to the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu. While on your tour, your guides, provided by Voyagers Travel, will take you on a journey of splendid views of the Andes, ancient Incan stone roads, tunnels and ruins. You may think you could navigate this trail yourself, but I would suggest taking someone experienced and educated about the local culture. Voyager Travel is operated independently which means customer satisfaction, and your safety of course, is their primary objective.

Inca Trail tours typically start in Cuzco where you will meet your guides. The best times to take these 2 or 4 day treks range from April - May or September - November. Make sure you book far ahead of your scheduled departure date as room fills up fast. As for the price, that’s purely dependent on your budget, so whether you only want to spend $500.00 or $10,000, there’s a option for every traveler who wants to experience a little piece of history.

New Dave and Buster’s at I-Drive in Orlando, Florida

2011-07-21T10:51:00.001-07:00

Guest Travel Review By Kelly Wade

It was my birthday and I was very excited about going to the new Dave and Buster’s at I-Drive in Orlando, Florida. Upon arriving, we could not find a parking spot. Dozens of vehicles circled the building while many others were parked illegally on curves, behind other cars, and everywhere else they could jam into.

Helpful note to reader: pay the $5 valet and let the good times roll.

Well the good times did not exactly roll. We entered the building to find massive lines and crowds of people waiting. The main problem was the crowds were not sure which line was waiting for what. I did a little reconnaissance and found that several lines were solely for registering a player’s card.

Helpful note: register at home online and if you do not plan to revisit than do not bother at all.

I also found the biggest line was waiting for one young girl to take your name and phone number for the restaurant waiting list; the wait was well over one and a half hours. This seemed a ridiculous waste of time so I approached a manager (term used very loosely) and inquired why it need take so long just to put a name on the waiting list.

The line was taking over one hour just to get your on the ‘waiting’ list. This ‘manager’, think John Candy with a mustache in Blues Brothers, looked befuddled and overwhelmed.

He stated sarcastically, “should we have a separate line for local Floridians”.

“Actually Mr. ‘Candy’, a few small businesses you may of heard about, Universal and Walt Disney, cater especially to locals and it seems to work for them alright.”

Mr. “Candy” talked about how there was 5000 customers on premises. I told him this had no impact on why it took one girl over one hour just to take down customers’ names from a line of about 100 people many of who were in large parties; thus, only maybe 30 names were actually recorded. Also, if there are 5000 customers how about trying to have maybe two employees take down names? Why are large businesses, *cough* Wal-Mart *cough* so opposed to hiring and staffing for proper customer service?

Huge helpful hint: skip the line to get on the ‘waiting’ list. Either eat elsewhere before coming to play games or go straight to the bar area and grab a seat the best you can.

If I return, I will eat before arriving. The food we got was mediocre. We waited one hour for appetizers. The bartender said he was sorry. We did not bother with entrees as everyone around us was complaining about their food.

My birthday experience was rejuvenated by a server in the bar area who took it upon himself to cheer us up. He was very cheerful and friendly. He got us a free round of drinks and gave me a game card and refused to take money when I offered. He wore an orange shirt so he was most likely a trainer, all of the other servers had on black shirts. For any Dave and Buster managers who actually care about customer service this server is about 6ft tall, mid 30s, black, and should be training Mr. ‘Candy’ on how to treat customers.

Once we finally ate and got to the games we had a fun time. There were a tremendous amount of games. However, for just its third day of opening many of the games were out of service. We did manage to win enough tickets to leave with some nice parting gifts. Oh, the water running from the sinks was hotter than a hot tub, so watch your hands.

I hope Mr. ‘Candy’ gets some training and stops leaning on the wall and keeps this place from becoming just another large empty building on I-Drive.

Author Bio: Kelly Wade has been a general manager for some of most high profile restaurants in the country. He’s also owned and operated two successful restaurants in Florida.

Travelsphere Owner: Lauren Axelrod is a certified Executive chef who’s owned and operated two successful restaurants. She also owns the syndicated archaeology website Ancient Digger.

Xcaret Theme Park in The Riviera Maya

2011-06-23T17:37:00.001-07:00

Most of us associate Cancun, Mexico with Spring Break, and really, this location has so much more to offer than tequila slammers and skimpy bikini's. Cancun is also a popular tourist destination for families or couples looking for an eco-friendly and archaeological site that will stimulate the mind and not empty your wallet.

Xcaret Theme Park is a unique and interesting underground geological formation that includes pools, lagoons, fresh water sink holes, and a beach to bask in the sun and rest your tired body after a long snorkel through the crystal clean waters of the Riviera Maya.

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The soft currents make for an easy swim through the caves so you don’t have to worry about being an avid snorkeler or diver. Along the way, you’ll observe prehistoric marine fossils on the cavern walls as well as stalagmites and stalactites. The top of the limestone cavern is covered with small sky light openings that allow for an ample amount of light to guide you along your journey. The entire underground river adventure takes approximately 20 minutes, however, in some cases it can feel a bit longer. If you feel yourself getting tired there are many exit areas to rest so you can catch your bearings before continuing down the river.

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The depth of the water is 1.6 meters and the distance is 2000 feet. Visitors may choose to use life vests and snorkel equipment, but these items are optional. It’s up to you whether you’d like to admire the underwater views or just float along with the current. In some cases, many people will use the fins, but they will clip their masks and snorkel to their vests if there’s nothing to see.

The water is quite cool, like a natural spring, so make sure you take extra precautions and warm yourself up before diving right in. Your personal belongings are stored in locked bags which will be waiting for you at the exit of the river.

It’s a wonderful combination of tranquility and mystery all wrapped up in a historical location where centuries ago civilizations made their way down the river collecting water for their families and animals.

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If you’d like to save your trip to the underground river for another day, you can swim with dolphins for an additional fee or go on an offshore snorkel trip to Xel-Ha’s lagoon. After a long day of water sports, head on over to the XCaret Mexico Espectacular where you’ll experience a collective of ritual full of traditions, music, song and dance.

Don’t leave out the amazing food as it’s a symbolic and sacred object in pre-Hispanic ceremonies. You’ll also immerse yourself in the celebration for the senses with the delightfully prepared feast Xcaret has prepared for you; an original mixture of regional and international food to satisfy even the most pretentious of palates.

The service is perfection and the show is remarkable. A waiter will serve you with a welcome drink before the show even begins, so don’t worry about leaving your seat.

The Butterfly Pavilion

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Experience the Butterfly Pavilion where you’ll get to experience firsthand the entire life cycle of the butterfly. This is the largest butterfly adventure in Latin America, so not only will you experience a one of kind natural location, but you’ll see several species of native butterflies.

The flight area measures 37,000 ft² with a height of almost 50 ft, all within a beautifully landscaped area with multi-level gardens. Visitors will experience the remarkable metamorphosis of the butterfly at the reproduction area “where all the stages of the butterfly life cycle are shown, contributing to restore natural butterfly population with a monthly production of 2000 to 3000 butterfly specimens.”

The Aztecs viewed the butterfly as a symbol of extreme exquisiteness and mysticism, and within the butterfly, there is an ancient warrior who died centuries ago during a battle. Another legend tells us how every butterfly flew to heaven and became a star.

Jaguar Island

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On Jaguar Island, there are telescopes strategically placed for visitors to view these spectacular beasts roaming within the lush vegetation. The preserve was built with only the animals in mind, meaning these godly creatures are being looked upon carefully to guard their conservation.

You will be amazed to see these creatures out of their natural, more recognizable, black-mottled yellow coats. Their sleek black skin reflects a creature of power, lord of the night, and a sovereign of the underworld. Mayan legend tells of a Sun God that transforms into a jaguar to travel the “world of the dead, and fight against it; its victory symbolizes the dawn of each new day.” Its mottled skin represents the stars in the Sky.

You may remember the scene from Apocalypto where a black jaguar is gracefully galloping through the rain-forest in hot pursuit of an escapee. The escapee leads the black knight to his enemies who are eagerly awaiting him with spears. However, as the man changes course the jaguar attacks head on into his enemies. The men believe that it’s a bad omen. So as history as told us, the jaguar has had many faces.

Coral Reef Aquarium

Image via Wikipedia

For those of us that can’t experience the coral reef first hand, Xcaret is one of the only aquariums in the world where you can experience the biodiversity of the multicolored underwater gardens of the Mexican Caribbean coral reef.

There is a handful of colorful fish, hard and soft coral, anemones, sponges, star fish and crustaceans, among many others marine creatures. The exhibits show you the diverse ecosystems in this brilliant coral reef at different depths, giving you an entirely different perspective of all things aquatic. “Interactive exhibits will allow you to put your fingers to the test and touch some of these wonderful species; feel the coral reef directly on your skin”.

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You will finish up your journey at a tank which holds some extraordinary species of sharks and you will be able to watch the mischievous dolphins and the ancient turtles underwater through a glass window.

A one of kind experience in a tropical location is what you will take away from your visit at Xcaret in Cancun. Start planning your vacation today.

Travel To Rotorua, New Zealand

2011-06-23T16:34:00.001-07:00

Rotorua Bubbling Mud Pools and Geysers

Rotorua is one of the most frequently visited areas of New Zealand. Visitors flock to the area to witness one of the liveliest fields of geothermal activity in the world. Geothermal literally translates as “Earth Heat”. The heat from the earth can be seen emitting from the cracks in the streets, the geysers, the mud pools and from backyard hot pools.

There are five main geothermal areas in this New Zealand location. In this area, visitors can expect geysers, hot springs, hissing craters and mud pools. The geysers, hot springs and boiling mud pools are all a result of the Pacific Rim of Fire.

Ring of Fire

Image Credit USGS

Rotorua, the 2000 year old crater, is nestled on the Ring of Fire. This Ring of Fire is located at the meeting point of two tectonic plates. This formed the earth’s crust. A fault is created by the pressure that rose from the two tectonic plates. Near the Ring of Fire are superheated water and steam spouts. The molten lava emerges from beneath the surface to allow an escape. The mud pools, fumaroles, hot springs and volcanoes are common in this location.

The waters of the area are deemed therapeutic and have made Rotorua one of the best spa locations in New Zealand. Visitors flock from all locations to experience this wonderful natural creation enhanced by great designers and engineers.

Image Credit SidPix

Image Credit Nicki-G

Fumaroles and silica terraces displaying amazing colours can be found near the thermal parks. From the faint sulpher scent that permeates the air space, visitors will determine where the geothermal activity is centralized. Archaeology experts have revealed some of the most unique aspects of the Maori people through careful excavations of the Fumaroles and silica terraces . Excavations are popular near dried lava pools and mud pools where evidence of early life may be found by archaeology experts.

Whakarewarewa

Image Credit jaappostma

Whakarewarewa is the largest geyser in the country. The geyser is comprised of nearly 500 hot springs. This area is a great place to experience the geothermal activity of the earth and the unique nature of the Maori culture.

Tikitere

Image credit schultzr101

Tikitere is also known as Hell’s Gate. This area is known for its boiling whirlpools, as well as, the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.

Waimangu

The multi-colored lakes of this region are a must-see location for the visitors of the region. The landscape is stunning and the view is breathtaking.

Waiotapu

Image Credit LaraSimpson

Image Credit Wai-O-Tapu

The Champagne Pool is one of the highlights of the region. The Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is also gorgeous. Visitors enjoy viewing it nestled among the bush that is native to the area.

Orakei Korako

Image Credit johnharbo

Many movies have used Orakei Korakoas as the location for particular scenes. It’s beauty and the characteristics often seem like they are from another world. Walking with Dinosaurs was filmed in this location. This location can be reached by boat and is easily one of the best places to view geothermal activity in New Zealand. Archaeology experts are also interested in this area for this reason.

Who are the Indigenous Maori People?

Image Credit cheetah100

Rotorua is at the cusp of the Maori culture. Visitors that want to witness the daily occurrences of the Maori culture can visit the heart of the area to view some of the activity of the Maori people. The music, carvings, poi dancing, art and Haka are all a part of the native Maori culture.

The indigenous people are quite warm and welcoming. The generosity and the hospitality of the tribe were evident from the early days when the Europeans visited the area and the Maori people gave tours of this beautiful area. The Maori guides were proud to show visitors an area that was rich with culture and lush landscape.

Archaeology reveals some of the habits of the Maori culture. Canoe travel was often prevalent during this time based upon the historical discoveries. Fossils nestled in the 2000 year old crater provide evidence of the rich culture that erupted from the earth and the presence of the indigenous tribes.

Geology of Natural Springs @ Ancient Digger Archaeology
The Geology of Cave Systems @ Ancient Digger Archaeology
The Sky is Falling: Five So-Called End of the World Scenarios @ Ancient Digger Archaeology

Global Leadership Adventures Offers Exciting Teen Volunteer Abroad Programs

2011-06-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

For parents, it’s never too early to start teaching your children about global awareness. Experiencing the world thru the eyes of so many unfortunate individuals will prepare your children to see the bigger picture, and not to mention, give back to those that need a helping hand. Attending summer volunteer programs specially designed for teens and high school students in one such way to start learning now.

Established in 2004 and headquartered in the U.S., Global Leadership Adventures inspires the next generation to realize their potential to transform the world and their role in it by offering teen summer community service programs abroad. Programs are open to students from all over the world between the ages of 14 and 18. You must apply before May to be considered to be a teen volunteer abroad.

As an Anthropology student, part of my training includes fieldwork and numerous summer volunteer programs. Prior to visiting a country or even another state, it's always imperative to learn and immerse oneself in the host country's culture and history, and its natural resources. Global Leadership Adventures encourages this type of study and it will certainly prepare your teens traveling abroad to these summer programs for their work with others.

There are dozens of destinations available for summer programs, and to be quite honest, I’m a bit jealous I can’t go myself.

Destinations Available Through Global Leadership Adventures

Galapagos, China, India, Bali, Peru Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Ghana, South Africa, and Tanzania.

For more information about these destinations, check out the Global Leader Adventures destinations abroad page.

Travel To the Strategic Missile Gallery at the National Museum of the Air Force

2011-06-03T16:08:00.001-07:00

Tourists fly in from all around the world to visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force and who could blame them. The museum is completely free, only taking donations if you’re willing to spare a cent, and all this for a weeks worth of military history. It took me several days to walk the museum, spending most of my time with the Planes from WWI and aircraft from WW2.

One of my favorite hangers in the museum is the space gallery, and the focal point is a round room featuring massive strategic missiles.

These particular missiles allowed the airmen to maintain peace between the Cold War superpowers. Nestled in the back of the National Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, these missiles are a reminder of the world’s strategic balance for more than half a century.

Minuteman III Series Ballistic Missile

The Minuteman III was a three stage missile that could reach targets more than 6000 miles away. Once a burnout occurs at the first stage and it then drops off. Once drop off is completed, the next stage ignites. The Minuteman II has a sophisticated guidance system which keep it on course. Helped by penetration aids which disguise it on enemy radar, the warhead follows a ballistic trajectory.
The Minuteman III became operation in the 1970 and is the most modern missile in the Minuteman family. Not to mention, it was the first to use solid fuel.

The missile on the far left is called the Titan 1, which entered operational service in 1962 as the first multistage Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. “It was the first in a series of Titan rockets, but was unique among them in that it used LOX and RP-1 as its propellants, while the later Titan versions all used storeable fuels instead”.

LGM-30G Minuteman III

The LGM-30G, or ICBM, in the United States only operational land based nuclear missile still in service. It’s one leg of the nuclear deterrent called “triad” which also included bombers used by the United States Air Force and the United States Navy submarine launched nuclear missiles.

PGM-19 Jupiter

The PGM-19 Jupiter was the first medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) of the United States Air Force (USAF). It was a liquid-fueled rocket using RP-1 fuel and LOX oxidizer, with a single Rocketdyne LR70-NA (model S-3D) rocket engine producing 667 kN of thrust. The prime contractor was the Chrysler Corporation.

Final Thought

The particulars of these complicated ballistic missiles might be intimidating, but the actual experience of viewing these fantastic strategic missiles up close, just reminds me how mush effort is being made to protect our country from nuclear war.
If you’re ever in the Dayton, Ohio area, I urge you to check out the National Museum of the United States Air Force, as our military history will be preserved here for centuries.

Florida Nature Travel: Osprey Trail in Seminole County

2011-05-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

Florida has some of the most diverse wildlife and nature in North America. The best part about it is it's free to the public. If you're a nature lover, as I am, I try to visit a new preserve or trail every weekend. For those of you that don't live in Florida but are visiting the national parks and preserves, you should definitely check out Osprey Trail at Spring Hammock Preserve.

I recently took a long and much needed hike with my hiking partner and I've compiled the footage along with some commentary about the history and nature of the trail. The video is close to twenty minutes long, so when you have the time, and at your leisure, please enjoy the tour of Osprey Trail!

The Spring Hammock Preserve is an approximately 1,500 acre property that includes Soldier's Creek Park and Big Tree Park as well as a portion of the Cross Seminole Trail and the Florida National Scenic Trail. Approximately 446 acres of the hammock were acquired by the state and subleased to Seminole County for management purposes. Most of the property remains in a natural state, however the property is surrounded by urban development, except for the east boundary which is Lake Jesup.

Also check out:

The Senator at Big Tree Park in one of the largest Cypress trees in America. The Senator was used as a landmark by the Seminole Indians, as well as the other Native American tribes in the area. During the Hurricane of 1925, the top of the Senator was destroyed, lopping off 47 feet of the original 165 feet.

Read more: Big Tree Park: Home To One of The World's Largest and Oldest Cypress Trees

Guide To Traveling To Florida

Napa Inspired Me

2011-05-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the guest post by Donn Schroeder

Last month, my boyfriend and I took an impromptu trip to the wine region of Northern California. In all my trips to San Francisco, I’d never been to Napa or Sonoma, so it was such a great time getting to taste all the wines and see the fantastic scenery. We got to eat at Bottega, a famous restaurant owned by chef Michael Chiarello. The fun part is, Michael has a show on the Food Network and I couldn’t wait to get home and watch it!

Unfortunately, I didn’t get that channel on cable, so I did some research on CLEARTVBUNDLE.COM and found a satellite package that works for me. Now I’ve got the Food Network and can watch Michael’s show anytime I want and it’s particularly enjoyable now since he hosts it from his home in Napa! I can totally identify with the scenery and all the local ingredients he uses, and I’ve even been able to recreate a few of his dishes at home. It was the best trip, and I’m so glad it inspired me to finally get the Food Network at home!

Travel to the Ming Tombs

2011-05-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

John Smither writes, the site of the Ming Tombs are just 50 kilometres from central Beijing and easy to reach by tourist or local buses or a combination of train and bus. By far the easiest option is the tourist buses, bus 925 runs every 30 minutes from Deshengmen direct to the site from 7.10 am, the last bus returns to Beijing at 7.10 pm.

Thirteen of the seventeen emperors from the Ming Dynasty are buried in what is known as the 13 tombs. Only two of the tombs excavated are open to the public, Dingling and Changling. Changling was the first of these to be opened to the public in 1958 after a two year period of renovation.

Read the Top Attractions in Beijing: The Ming Tombs By John Smither

Your Delft blue portrait on a real KLM Plane!

2011-05-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

It's a bird...It's a plane...It's your picture on the side of a KLM plane!

The Delftware patterns associated with the KLM planes have been in existence since the 16th century in the Netherlands. In fact, you may even find a piece in your china cabinet or maybe your grandmothers. Delft Blue tiles are just a few of the styles of earthenware and art produced from this centuries old tradition. Now, your face will appear on one of these Delft blue tiles for the entire world to see, and I mean the entire world up in the sky, and on the ground.

KLM is introducing Tile Yourself. Your chance to appear, rather your face, on one of their luxurious airplanes on a tile especially made by you. It's simple to enter the contest. Just visit tileyourself.com, enter the country in which you live,watch the Tile and Inspire Intro or view the gallery of previously made tiles, listen to the instructions on how to add your profile picture to the famous Dutch Delft Tiles, and then make one yourself.

You'll have a chance to choose your own tile design at tileyourself.com and enter an inspirational saying, then submit for your chance to appear on a KLM plane. I already did!

How do I look?

Archaeology Museums At Ancient Digger

2011-04-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

The most popular archaeology museums in the world are brimming with artifacts from the field, including archaeological exhibits as a regular part of their offering to the public. Traveling to archaeology museums around the world may not be the easiest task, but the most popular of these museums offer extensive or unique collections, well worth your time. Like many of us, we're not satisfied by a photo of historical, natural or artistic items, which is why we visit museums. For those with a strong interest in history and unearthing it, there is nothing quite like the experience of archaeology museums.

Check out the World's Most Popular Archaeology Museums @ AncientDigger

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The People

© Source

An Archaeological Find

Machu Picchu Tours

New Dave and Buster’s at I-Drive in Orlando, Florida

Xcaret Theme Park in The Riviera Maya

The Butterfly Pavilion

Jaguar Island

Coral Reef Aquarium

Travel To Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua Bubbling Mud Pools and Geysers

Ring of Fire

Image Credit USGS

Image Credit SidPix

Image Credit Nicki-G

Whakarewarewa

Image Credit jaappostma

Tikitere

Image credit schultzr101

Waimangu

Waiotapu

Image Credit LaraSimpson

Image Credit Wai-O-Tapu

Orakei Korako

Image Credit johnharbo

Who are the Indigenous Maori People?

Image Credit cheetah100

Related Posts

Global Leadership Adventures Offers Exciting Teen Volunteer Abroad Programs

Destinations Available Through Global Leadership Adventures

Travel To the Strategic Missile Gallery at the National Museum of the Air Force

Minuteman III Series Ballistic Missile

LGM-30G Minuteman III

PGM-19 Jupiter

Final Thought

Florida Nature Travel: Osprey Trail in Seminole County

Guide To Traveling To Florida

Napa Inspired Me

Travel to the Ming Tombs

Your Delft blue portrait on a real KLM Plane!

Archaeology Museums At Ancient Digger