On Location February 08 Mozambique
I am not usually a patron of small African curio shops but I have to say that the coffee shop/curio bookstore in the internal terminal of Dar es Salaam airport serves some of the best coffee and sells a grand selection of books that you just wouldn’t find in your local Waterstone’s. It could have also just been the fact that it was Africa and the coffee always tastes better in Africa the fish is fresher the grass is greener and the sea is definitely bluer off the coast of Northern Mozambique. And not to mention the sand white as chalk hot underfoot and clean. The Casuarinas conduct a symphony in the bright sunshine and the waves lap gently in rhythm.
If that is what you are looking for on your next holiday you would do very well to start in Northern Mozambique. Imagine the Maldives without any tourists only a lazy dhow sailing past your room the distant splash of a whale fluke. Of course you can see people if you want to.. not many really but there will be someone to mix up your cocktail or take you to their favourite diving or snorkelling spot. Someone wonderful to cook you some famous LM Lorenzo Marques prawns Portuguese style which you suck lazily as you watch the sun literally sink into the azure sea.
Vamizi Matemo Guludo Mejumbe Quilalea and Londo: all these lovely islands have their own unique take on ‘island getaway’. Collectively they form part of the pristine Quirimbas archipelago which was spared much of the heartbreaking destruction that the mainland of Mozambique had to endure. Understandably now the islands are the first to rise out of the ashes and be targeted by tourism. Hopefully this peaceful invasion will ensure some sustainability. The marine parks already have attracted much attention and it seems that for now the researchers are the ones who are setting the boundaries.
One has to remember however that this is still Africa. My charter flight was delayed due to human misdirection I had to close my room to ensure the monkeys didn’t get in I had to wade through mud at low tide to get to my boat and I got wet on the sea transfer between lodges. That’s just Africa for you but in the grand scheme of things such hardships are a minor cross to bear.
My lasting impression of Northern Mozambique as I sit in the winter of England is the brightness of the sun and the warmth of the nights. The salt in the air and the peace.
About the writer: Steppes Travel specialise in luxury holidays and tailor made holidays
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Mysteries Of Rajasthan
Lofty rocks rolling sand dunes of burning heat and freezing cold of fertile plains and deep wild glens and jungles Battle scarred forts turreted marble palaces of breathtaking grandeur and whimsical charm delightful folk art and culture riotous colors this is Rajasthan a land full of color and contrast.
Itis the largest state of India in terms of area encompassing the enormous Thar Desert. The state is diagonally divided into the hilly and rugged south eastern region and the barren north western.
The Land
The main and most spectacular geographic feature of Rajasthan is the Aravalli Range which is one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world. The range runs for more than 850 km nearly through the entire state from southwest to northeast almost from one end to the other.
The northwestern portion of Rajasthan is generally sandy and dry as most of the region is covered by the Thar Desert. The Aravalli Range and the lands to the east and southeast of the range are in general more fertile this area of Rajasthan is home to the KathiarbarGir dry deciduous forests with tropical dry broadleaf forests.
The Climate
Rajasthan has a tropical desert climate. It is extremely cold from October to February while the scorching sun tortures the land from March to September. There are distinct temperature range variations diurnal and seasonally throughout the state.
Temperature reaches a high a 49C during the summer months. Nights of summers see a considerable temperature fall with a minimum daily temperature around 20C to 29C. January is the coldest month in the stare of Rajasthan. The minimum temperatures sometimes fall to 2C.
The People
Rajasthan is the region of the proud Rajputs who the epitome of Chivalry and whose exploits and bravery in battle are legendary. Before Independence Rajasthan was referred to as Rajputana but the Rajput population is a minority in this state now there numbers have dwindle down with there wealth.
Many tribes are also found in different parts of Rajasthan with their own social systems and customs religion and dress. The Rajasthanis are wellknown for their spirited dances and musical renderings their extremely colorful attire and the royal culture. . Rajasthan is known for its handicrafts and paintings; it is associated with a rich tradition of art culture music and dance.
The Cities
Rajasthan is famous for its grand forts intricately carved temples and ornamented havelis built by kings in previous ages. Jantar Mantar Dilwara Temples Chittorgarh Fort Lake Palace Hotel City Palaces Jaisalmer Havelis are part of the true architectural heritage of India. Jaipur the Pink City is noted for the ancient houses made of a type of sand stone dominated by a pink hue. At Ajmer the white marble Baradari on the Anasagar Lake is wonderful.
Jain Temples are found all over Rajasthan Dilwara Jain Temples of Mt. Abu Ranakpur in the fort complexes of Chittor Jaisalmer and Kumbhalgarh Lodarva etc. The most tourists worthy cities are:
Jaipur Jaipur was built in 1727 by King Jai Singh after whom it was named it is the capial city of Rajasthan. Its most striking feature is the pink wash of the buildings giving Jaipur it the name ‘Pink City’. Jaipur is a royal city filled with palaces jagged fortresses; some of the palaces once the residence of Maharajas have been converted into beautiful heritage hotels.
Jodhpur Is the second largest city of Rajasthan; at the edge of the Thar Desert. It was once the capital of the Marwar state. It was founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodhachief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. The city is dominated by the massive Mehrangarh fort on a rocky hill; it is aweinspiring with its wealth of historic appeal and colorful markets.
Udaipur is called the ‘City of Lakes it was founded in 1599 by Maharana Udai Singh. The city hailed as the ‘Venice of the East’ set amidst the Aravalli hills of South Rajasthan is one of the most romantic destinations in India. It has a cornucopia of marble palaces lakes temples and rugged hills.
Mount Abu is perched on a 1219 meters high rock plateau at the far southwestern end of the Aravalli hills. Wellknown for its exquisitely carved marble Dilwara temples Mount Abu is an appealing hill resort built around a lake and surrounded by thick woods and hills.
About the writer: Raman Verma is a travel consultant with World Travel packages . Provides detailed information on Rajasthan Travel Packages.
Lets Relax In New York City
New York City is perhaps the busiest city in the world. The people here are always running to and fro from work to home to meeting to school functions for their children to dinner you name it and most people in this city are constantly on the move. New Yorkers work hard and they play hard and for the most part you will not find a city full of couch potatoes.
As a result of the constant movement and often constant stress of keeping pace in the city that never sleeps there is a huge demand for spas massages and a service industry that is devoted to helping these over worked over played and over stressed people learn to relax. Of course there are other industries in New York City that are equally dedicated to keeping them awake and alert.
If relaxation is the order of the day you will be glad to know that there is a spa on almost every corner in New York City and if your vacation is one in which you wish to have a relaxing time of things then you may want to select a hotel with a spa on the premises and never walk outside. I can’t imagine being in New York City and staying in my hotel the entire time but for some getting away is the only way they’ll be able to leave work and responsibilities behind in order to truly relax and receive the full benefits of a spa treatment.
In addition to the many spas that are available there are also gyms and sports complexes that will allow you to work out your frustrations or aggressions through physical exertion in addition to the many parks scattered throughout the city that offer places to walk run jog ride bikes roller blade and participate in dozens of other physical activities as well.
If the physical activity and the spa treatment don’t help you reach your relaxation goals then perhaps an evening out is in order. You will find all kinds of ways to spend your evenings in New York City. There are bars lounges comedy clubs dance clubs and simple hotel bars where you can have a nice drink or two to lighten your mood and then head back up to your room without the worry of how you’re going to get back to your room.
Of course many believe that laughter without a doubt is the best medicine for whatever might ail you so the many comedy clubs around New York might be the best place to look for a night of fun and relaxation. Chances are if you’re standing in New York City pretty much anywhere you are kind of near a comedy club. If there’s doubt I can almost guarantee that a bellhop or concierge might be able to help you find one close by and rather quickly.
Then of course there’s the last resort. Well for some for me it’s the first thought that comes to mind for relaxation: hot tub and massage. Not necessarily in that order but either or both is a great way to spend the evening. If you are fortunate enough to have a loved one along with you it is a great idea to share both the hot tub and the massage. While giving massages to each other is nice there is something deliciously sinful about lying beside each other while receiving the royal treatment. You know you will be heading back to reality soon so enjoy this while you can.
About the writer: To learn facts about Florida and facts about Texas visit the US States Facts website.