Socotra, Yemen; Undiscovered Wonder Land

For most of us, the word Frankincense suggests a term only used in biblical times. A mystical rich substance that is reguarded as rare and most likely extinct. However, the unique species of trees that produce Frankincense do still exist in modern times. Tucked away off the coast of Yemen lies Socotra, four isles of granite, limestone and red sandstone plateaus topped with small trees that secrete a rich sweet amber sap known as Frankincense. This area is home to nine species of these distinctive trees that look alot like mesquite. Alan Burdick had the opportunity to discover this exclusive land and shared the wonderment of how these trees have managed to remain in existence unscathed by time for so long.

"Some 250 million years or more ago, when all the planet’s major landmasses were joined and most major life-forms were just a gleam in some evolutionary eye, Socotra already stood as an island apart. Ever since, it has been gathering birds, seeds and insects off the winds and cultivating one of the world’s most unusual collections of organisms. In addition to frankincense, Socotra is home to myrrh trees and several rare birds. Its marine life is a unique hybrid of species from the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific," says Burdick.

These rare Dragon's Blood trees surrounded by vibrant turquoise water dwell in the Gulf of Aden off the Horn of Africa. Up until 1999, there wasn't even an airport there and could only be reached by cargo ship. The United Nations development plan has opted to try and preserve the natural qualities of the land by paving only a few roads. Socotra has recently caught the attention of tourists but don't expect flashy hotels if you visit the area. They plan to stick with their locally owned hotels and beachfront campsites to avoid mass tourism.

If you do visit the land be sure and hire a guide. There are few road signs and no road maps. Burdick's description of the treasures he's found demonstrates the significance of a local guide to navigate this disguised terrain.

"Ahmed took me to the beach that would have been paved over: shimmering blue water, powdery white sand and not a soul in sight. A ghost crab, pure white, with just its pin-stalk eyes peeking above the water like twin periscopes, drifted by on a current in the shallows. I watched it watch me and then bury itself in the sandy floor," says Burdick.

By, Melissa Vitti

Buenos Aires Part II: Wrapping Up

The experience and knowledge I gained in the past week are too much to fit into a single blog. For this reason, I will list, the top six things any traveler should know before going to Buenos Aires. I encourage you to further explore the topics.

1.Let’s Tango: In Argentina, tango is a popular and traditional dance practiced by Porteños (natives). Our itinerary included lessons at a non-touristy tango club, followed by a performance from the tango orchestra at Fervor de Buenos Aires. Reservations can be made in advance and the cover charge is $10 pesos ($3 dollars). Also, as pointed out by a classmate, it must be acknowledged that Argentinean dance is more than just tango; there is also chamame, cuarteto, and Argentine Folk.

2. Performances: Buenos Aires has some impressive shows and I recommend reserving tickets online. We saw Circus - "Milagro", an acrobatic program 5 minutes from the B.A.U.E.N.

3. Visit recovered factories. We explored three: El Global, (a Balloon Factory), Chilavert Gráfica (a printing press), and Crometel, (a metal factory). We were able to visit these factories through the Argentine Autonomista Project (AAP), an organization, in Buenos Aires offering technical and financial assistance to recovered factories. AAP offers internships and organizes trips like ours.

4. Taking transportation: In Buenos Aires, it is really common to take the Subte, or metro. However, if you get intimidated by big crowds or are claustrophobic, take a Radio taxi (avoid non-radio cabs if possible, they don’t pertain to an organization, thus there is no number to call for problems). My teacher Gloria got separated from her husband on the Subte. It was peak time and crowded; she pushed and yelled to get out but nobody let her off. By the time she got to the door, her only choice was to jump out of a moving train (some trains are old and have wooden doors).

5. Dollars for Peso: Argentina is one country that will not burn a hole in the pockets of Americans; the exchange rate is 3: 1. Argentina uses the American dollar sign to price its items, thus if you see some crazy figure, divide it by three to get the real price in dollars. Also, whenever you get money back, hold it up to the light and look for a man’s face, this will assure that it is not counterfeit.

6. Participate or watch Las Madres de La Plaza de Mayo: In 1976, the last military coup took over Argentina’s government. One result of this was the Dirty War (referred to by Argentineans as The Genocide). The mothers still march every Thursday in protest, trying to find their missing sons and daughters, abducted by Argentine government during that time.

I hope you enjoyed taking the journey with us to Buenos Aires, it was the ultimate learning experience and I hope to return soon.

Mate: The energizer bunny of drinks

Mate is the most popular hot drink of Argentina and in particular, Buenos Aires. In this city of people that never sleep, Mate gives the Argentineans extrodinary energy. As one man here told me, “how else do you think people stay out all night dancing and barely sleep. It´s Mate.”

But don´t get the wrong idea, Mate is no drug. Actually it is anything but unhealthy for you. The herb tea is full of vitamins and minerals, a powerful antioxidant, and it lowers cholestoral.

Drinking Mate is a daily part of life for most Argentineans, especially women and young people between the ages 12 to 19. In 2004, research results of a survey showed that 90% of Argentineans consumed Mate everyday. What is even more interesting is that even during and after the economic crisis of 2001, there was no variation in how much mate was bought. Every year, more than 506 million pounds of mate get drank in Argentina.

“Mate is served with a metal straw from a shared hollow calabash gourd. The straw is called a bombilla, in Spanish or a bomba, in Portuguese and the gourd is known as a mate or a guampa. In the past few years, Mate is available in a "tea-bag" under the name"Cruz de Malta" (Maltese Cross).”

Recently I bought a gourd from a gypsy near Calle Florida for only ten pesos(three dollars). I was a little hesitant to do this at first because I thought my gourd should be of better quality. Coincidentally, the pilot for Pink Floyd was also comparing the crafts to the more expensive gourd he had just aquired and assured me that there was little difference.

I also purchased a big bag of Mate to start using my new cup. Two pounds only cost me four pesos in the supermarket, so it´s not a waste if I don´t like the beverage. I heard the drink is really bitter; make sure to mix in some sugar or honey.

If you are interested in trying some Mate you can order it online at either of these two site: zooscape.com or mercadolibre.com.

A Tour of Buenos Aires

Yesterday, in a two hour guided bus tour I got to see what else exists in Buenos Aires beyond the four blocks I normally cover near the B.A.U.E.N. hotel.

Our tour began with a stop at the Plaza de Mayo, the center of the city. In addition to being surrounded by some of the Buenos Aires´ most famous buildings like the Catedral Metropolitana, Banco de la Nación (Nation's Bank) and the Casa Rosada (Pink Government House) the area continues to host many political events. For example, every Thursday the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo, a gathering of women who pray for their missing relatives from the 1980’s military rule, come together.

Next as we headed to see the city´s barrios (neighborhoods- La Boca, Recoleta, Puerto Madero, San Telmo, Palermo, and El Centro), we passed by the Obelisco, Buenos Aires' famous monument, located on the world´s widest street,the Avenida 9 de Julio.

Although all the neighborhoods mentioned have something speacial about them, my personal favorite is San Telmo due its many artsy stores, indoor fleamarkets, old mansions, cafés, and bohemian nightlife. (On Sunday from 10am to 6pm, it is also a site of tango).

Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires´ port, was also really scenic and fun to see. I especially thought the two colonial ships ( the Corbeta Uruguay and the Fragata Sarmiento from the Argentine Armado) and the Puente de La Mujer ( an abstract bridge) were fascinating sites.

Our final visit was an excursión of the recoleta cemetary which holds bodies of once highly powerful individuals. One beloved soul resting in the cemetery is Eva Duarte de Peron, who more than 50 years after her death, is still a world icon.

Picture source: www.windsorschools.co.uk

How to cross the streets of Buenos Aires

Everytime I cross the road in Buenos Aires I get scared. I feel like a pin at the end of a bowling lane, with someone aiming for me with a big ball; except in Buenos Aires the ball is a car. Normally, I believe it is unsafe and rude to J-walk but in the past days I have changed my street habits. Like the natives, I now run through any colored light if there are no vehicles in sight.

Even if the pedestrian light says green, make sure that no cars are coming before crossing because the rules of the road in Buenos Aires is that there are none. Cars and buses can whip around corners at anytime . Yesterday, I came close to a near death experience. While crossing the street with two friends, a car flew out of nowhere and almost hit us. We dove for the pavement screaming, but people nearby only laughed. That drivers drive violently and are a danger to society is not new to Argentineans.

When my group takes a bus to the suburbs of Buenos Aires, our director Garciella is always alarmed for our safety when we near the street. It takes ten minutes to board the bus and finally I understand why. Its very easy to get hit.

While generally safe, some concerns I have heard about Buenos Aires are about it´s pickpocketers and economic problems; however, no attention has been given to crossing the streets. Buenos Aires might not have many people armed with guns, but they have individuals armed with cars. To me this is a life-threatening issue that travelers coming to Buenos Aires should be warned about .

My best advice for crossing the streets of the city is to take the lead of fellow pedestrians, they are expert street crossers.

Excerpt on Argentina´s Movement

This week I will be exploring the back streets and boulevards of Argentina's capital city, Buenos Aires. Considering its complex history and economic situation, I want to give some background knowledge information on Argentina to make my series of blogs on the country more meaningful.

The Argentinazo Crisis of 2001: “Twenty years of unrestrained borrowing left the country with the world’s highest per-capita debt by the end of 2001. When the government defaulted on its $140 billion debt to the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and private banks such as Bank of Boston and Citibank, the peso, pegged one to one with the U.S. dollar by President Carlos Ménem (1989-1999), devalued 70 percent, forcing half of the country’s 37 million residents below the poverty line overnight. On December 19, 2001, the citizens of Argentina woke up to find their bank accounts frozen. With this, Argentina’s working middle class evaporateed.”

As a result many people are still left without jobs and unable to feed their families; thus began the Recovered Factory Movement (a.k.a occupied or recuperated factories). Below is a description of how the factories are created:

1. The owner, after a period of cutting back on worker wages and benefits in order to cut on costs and minimize debt, locks out workers and abandons the property, usually filing bankruptcy.

2. The determined workers, defending their jobs, organize and prepare to occupy the property, opting to get the factory running and profitable, rather than stay unemployed. Working together with other organized sectors of the community, they stage demonstrations and camp out on the property.

3. The space is then recovered and production begins. When state forces attempt to evict the workers, the groups unite and collectively prevent police entry.

4.Perhaps the most crucial issue the movement has brought to light is that of legitimate ownership: What claims do workers have over factories and the machinery within them, and how does this challenge normative notions of private property? Though the government of Argentina gave many recovered businesses temporary two-year permits to function, these have all expired.

Source: By Yeidy Rosa http://www.warresisters.org/nva0505-4.htm

B.A.U.E.N. Hotel

The B.A.U.E.N Hotel, located on calle Callo in Buenos Aires´ financial district, is not to be confused with the BAUEN hotel, directly around the corner.

Before 2001, both hotels were owned by Marcelo Iurcovich, but then he fraudulently closed B.A.U.E.N. and due to the hotels unprofitability, never paid taxes or debts. As a result, numerous workers lost their jobs and could no longer afford to support themselves and their families. However in 2003, the neglected ex-employees were able to "take it back".

Our class choose to stay at B.A.U.E.N to support the hardworking individuals, who without any education or experience in managing a hotel, have restored the site and opened up 150 jobs.

The four star, twenty-story hotel is no easy building to maintain. Equipped with 200 rooms, a pool, hot tub, fireplace, air conditioning, and television, the bills pile up quickly. Due to limited resources, the owners, (most of them which are the orignal employees), can only invest so much money to keep up the hotel´s maintenance. Still, everyday, my room is cleaned an a satisfactory breakfast and lunch is served.

Although B.A.U.E.N. is not a hotel to stay in if you care for a luxurious experience in Buenos Aires, (it´s got a rustic feel, there is on-going construction in parts of the building, and they speak little english), it is the place to be if you want to help make a positive difference in people´s lives.

Just today I saw how crucial the B.A.U.E.N. is to the people of Buenos Aires. Since the collapse of Argentina´s economy in 2001, when half of the country’s 37 million residents fell below the poverty line overnight, there has been a devastating unemployment rate. Walking through the hotel today, I passed by a long line of people applying for work at B.A.U. E.N.

The B.A.U.E.N. offers hope to the people of Buenos Aires. Without recuperated enterprises like B.A.U.E.N. there would be even less work opportunities for the Argentineans.

Source: Marie Trigona www.thetake.org

Buenos Aires Part I: Protesting in JFK

I did not think that we would make it to Buenos Aires. Myself, thirty five students, and three UMASS professors involved in a class on the politics, history, and culture of Argentina, were on our way to Buenos Aires for ten days. Our focus: to meet with political activists such as the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo and tour recovered factories.

If you used the airport in New England in the last week, you may be aware that the two major hubs, Logan and JFK, cancelled flights due to the snowstorm. Yet our group was pleasantly surprised when we discovered our 11: 30 p.m. flight with LAN Chile was not even delayed.

We boarded, but were shortly informed that there was a “de-icing” delay. One hour in the plane turned to two, then to three. At 2:30 a.m. we were still on the plane! Sore, I awoke at 7 a.m. to hear voices telling me to get off the aircraft. This is was the begining our nightmare at the airport.

With $10 breakfast vouchers, we trudged away when told by LAN to check-in at 1:30 p.m. Upon return,we got the same story. Too much ice on the road and bad weather conditions. ¨Come back at 4:30" LAN crew said. My teachers began to loose it; we all saw the ice had melted and other flights at JFK were leaving.

The truth was that the LAN staff had detected a technical problem with the plane the night before. To save money, they lied crying, “icy runway”.

What came next was straight out of a movie. Gloria and Garciella stood up to the LAN crew and protested. Everyone got behind them in support. For two hours, shouting and got involved and my teachers were almost arrested.

To stay out of jail, we all sat on the floor like children and tried to reason with the airline. However, besides protesting, there was no other way to dealwith the cheaters. We were scared: Our trip which had taken months to organize, was in jepordy of being cancelled.

But then a miracle. To get out of the mess they put themselves in, LAN added a new one-time route, which was previously unscheduled. It would solve our problems and let them be rid of us. We´d fly to Chile, stay on board while others unloaded, and re-connect in Peru.

I have two bottom lines: be careful when booking with LAN. Although there are some good reviews about the airline, I have seen how unorganized they can be, thus explaining criticisms that they often have delays. Even though the LAN crew in Peru functinoned better, LAN is an agency I no longer trust. Second. We made it to! Yesterday, I spent my first day in Buenos Aires. It was wonderful to finally arrive after such a disastrous beginning. Stay tuned for the finer points of our trip.

Argentina: Where Steaks are an Art Form

“Argentina may be a vegetarian's nightmare, but it is heaven for dedicated carnivores."

Ask anyone who has visited the country, Argentineans take immense pride in their beef. To try some of this heavenly meat in Argentina, search for a Parilla (a grill or barbecue house). An Argentinean restaurant is considered to have good meat if it has an Asador- an “open fire of glowing coals around which a number of vertical metal crosses hold carcasses of goat, lamb and pork meat,” thus look for this feature before sitting down.

Also take notice if the steak house you enter shares a presence with an enormous stuffed bull; this will let you know if the restaurant is at par excellence.

Whether you dine out or visit someone, be aware that eating in Argentina is different than in most parts world. International style restaurants open around eight or eight-thirty p.m. and diners often start up at around nine or ten p.m. closing by midnight or later.

“A typical Parrilla meal will begin with Empanadas -- small, meat-filled pastry pockets that are the traditional starters, followed by a bewildering choice of side-salads that accompany the grills.” At the finest restaurants in Argentina, the selection of salads is enormous. La Chacra in Buenos Aires has 24 salad varieties to choose from.

As for ordering the beef, the large variety of local cuts may make you feel like your eyes are bigger than your stomach. To help narrow down the selection, here is some advice:

The finest cut of beef is usually Bife de Lomo (Eye Cutlet) and usually the most expensive, but to go with the people's choice, try Bife de Chorozo. It is a steak cut off the rib and similar to Sirloin or Porterhouse. If you're starving, consider the Bife de Costilla; its enormous and compares with the T-bone. Furthermore, Rib Roast, known as Tira de Asado, is the second most popular cut with Porteños (natives). When grilled on the spit, this cut will be thick and short, and if cooked on the char-grill it will be thinner and longer.

Finally, no Argentinean meal is complete without some red wine. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge a little; Argentineans are the fifth largest wine producers in the world!

Source: by Walter and Cherie Glaser
picture by jatininthehat.com

Budget Ski Holidays

It may be too late this winter to get your money's worth on a season pass, but there's still time to enjoy a low budget ski trip. Consider the following guidelines when hunting for a great deal.

1. Book a reservation at least one month in advance and use the internet. Ski areas post ticket specials and money-saving days on their websites. Also pay attention to if the offer includes discounts on rentals, lift tickets, lodging, and meals. The Bethel Inn charges $140 per night but this includes breakfast and a four course dinner.

2. Be flexible with dates because the cheapest prices are during the midweek (ex. Mt. Washington Valley). Butternut in Vermont advertises $15 tickets Monday through Thursday; Saddleback in Maine charges $25 for women on Mondays and men on Wednesdays, while Mount Abram, promotes two -for -$27 adult tickets on non-holiday Thursdays and Fridays.

For more deals see: orbitz.com , snowpak.com, ifyouski.com, expedia.com, vacationsmadeeasy.com, lastminute.com.

3. Online Coupons and Club Memberships: You may be able to get discounts if you belong to a ski club or sign up for a ski area e-newsletter; they come loaded with bargains. A good tip is to search for e-coupons on Jiminy Peak's website or couponmountain. Also check promotions of credit card companies you subscribe to. American Express is presenting its card holders with a $200 coupon if they stay for five nights or more at select ski resorts.

4. Skis can be expensive so consider bringing your own. Evogear.com offers last years skis at 90% off.

5. Planning. If you want a little help planning your trip, contact the represenatives at Snowtickets.com who are experts in customizing low cost ski vacations.

Finally if you live in the New England Area or plan on skiing there, remember the following money saving tips. Check out Loon Mountain's website for a great money-saving deals as well as Wachusett Mountain's Ski Free in March deal ( ski free for the next season when you buy a Silver Century Pass for $269). Also, The New Hampshire Getaway Guide Offers a plethora of discount information on areas close by.

But just remember, a ski vacation is all about having fun, so clip into those bindings and enjoy the ride.

Source For Picture: http://www.skipackages.us/

Bogota, Colombia; Take a Second Look

Tree covered mountains, colonial architecture, breath-taking cathedrals and art on every street corner sounds like the perfect description for any tourist looking to visit a foreign city. These warm characteristics are probably the last that come to mind when discussing Bogota, Colombia. Sandra Scott brings this underestimated city to life in her intimate portrait of the city in, "New visions of Bogota, Colombia; Ready and Waiting for Tourists".

Scott marks her journey with her first impressions of the city's remarkable green surroundings (considering the city's population is equivalent to that of New York City). Bogota's popular Candelaria area promises to keep any visitor occupied. The streets are full of life with street performers, musicians and people selling their handicrafts. "Each street is a photo opportunity with brightly colored buildings, many with intricate balconies, some with privacy screens and others laden with flowers, but always with the green mountains as a backdrop," says Scott.

Bogota is home to the world's largest gold ornamentation collection. The appropriately titled Gold Museum has only a third of its 35,000 gold pieces on display. While on the museum circuit, catch a glimpse into Colombia’s tumultuous history at The Museo Nacional de Colombia. To make this experience complete, visitors often dine at Gostino's which offers a view of the museum along with authentic cuisine and a unique touch. The restaurant is apart of the Slow Food movement; (a reaction to the fast food chains) where savoring a meal and relaxing go hand in hand.

Bogota's green mountains make for not only infamous coffee but a sharp contrast to the city's liveliness. Among them, lies Monserrate which is hard to miss since the El Santuario de Monserrate rests at the top. It is easy to see from many parts of the city but can only be reached by cable car or a challenging uphill hike.

For the more accessible mountain road trip, try Zipaquira to see the amazing salt cathedral. Scott compares the scenic ride as reminiscent to images of Switzerland but is seemingly more impressed with the town's pride and joy.
“The cathedral is the focal point of Zipaquira’s brick central plaza…..the magnificent subterranean cathedral built in salt mines that were in use even before the arrival of the Spaniards,” says Scott.

Foreign tourism is on the rise for Colombia, and from the experience chronicled by Scott it is easily understandable. For those who have dismissed Bogota in the past or have not been there recently it is undoubtedly worthy of a second look.
By, Melissa Vitti

San Francisco's Lombard Street Re-Made

In San Francisco, Lombard Street has long been reguarded as the tacky access road to the Golden Gate Bridge. Famous for its shiny cluster of lit up motor inns and faded store fronts, Lombard Street is in the process of a long awaited face lift.

La Luna Inn is taking action, changing their appearance from the once dreary pastel box to a reinvented 1960s style. The inn has brought in new modern furnishings with a color palette of bright blues and beiges. Rooms from $69 weekdays, $79 on weekends.

Passing La Luna, is the similarly remodeled Hotel del Sol. This hotel has brought in a fresh neew look with a carnival-like motif of colorful pool umbrellas and palm trees. Rooms from $119 weekdays; higher on weekends.

Hime restaurant is also playing a role in the street's new oimage. This chic sushi restaurant has taken out all the stops to draw in their late night crowd of lawyers and the occasional super-star. Hime's covered their walls in bamboo, light the bathrooms with candles and import sashimi from Japan.

“George Lucas stopped in here the other day,” said Derek May, the chef at Hime. (Mr. Lucas's Letterman Digital Arts Center is nearby.) “I think the seediness of all those motels is changing, and so the rest of the street's changing, too.”

You may also recognize the famous Mel's Drive-In. The 1960's styled diner chain was first made famous in "American Graffiti".

“It's a weird street,” said Melanie Shain, owner of the recently opened Past Perfect, an antiques shop that sells vintage furnishings, glassware and decorative items. “I never thought I'd see it change.”

Florida's Everglades: Rich in Wildlife

The Everglades National Park in Florida boasts of not so glamours grassy waters and slow moving alligators. However; taking a second look you may find yourslef enjoying the unique characteristics this biodiverse environment has to offer.

“When people go to national parks, they expect to be blown away by the scenery, to be entertained by a canyon or a mountain,” said Brian Ettling, an Everglades National Park ranger. “We don't have that here. But we have biodiversity. And that makes this a beautiful place all on its own.”

What first comes to mind are the dangers of the grass prairies and mangrove lined waterways but there are plenty of guided tours and organized ranger programs to make any amateur feels safe. Along the way, you'll be able to witness some of the wetland's 350 differnt bird species, 120 various types of trees and over a 1,000 kinds of plants.

"The park's Gulf Coast Visitor Center, in the small fishing village of Everglades City, sits at the precipice of glistening Chokoloskee Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands area. This pristine region of mangroves and saltwater marshes and sandy keys is mostly reachable only by boat on the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway canoe and kayak trail," says Beth Greenfield.

The Everglades is the only place in the world where crocodiles, which live in salt water, and alligators that live in frsh water live side by side. If you plan on venturing to this underestimated land remember that allgators have come to expect free handouts of bread that visitors often give.
By, Melissa Vitti

Last minute spring break ideas on a budget

Spring Break is around the corner and if you haven’t made travel plans, you may be feeling a little down. Nevertheless, stay calm because there are several cheap last minute ideas to look at which are workable given your circumstances.

You have money but were too slow to make any plans: see Last Minute Deals, Orbitz, Travelocity, and American Airlines; these sites offer last-minute offers and vacations that can be booked anywhere from 14 days to three hours before departure.

For cruises try Carnival Cruise Lines. They still have spots open on their five day Bahamas cruise sailing from Jacksonville, Florida on March 10. Interior rooms start at $539 a person.

If your problem is that you lack a passport and funds for a big trip, travel locally. America is a big place to explore and many destinations are perfect for short stays. On the east coast check out Washington D.C. or New York City, they are fun and only a train ride away.

West-coasters can take a road trip to L.A, Vegas, or Arizona. Between L.A.’s beaches and Hollywood allure, Vegas’ casinos and roller coasters, and Arizona’s scenery and wildlife, there is much to be enjoyed.

Nevertheless, if you are truly broke, its ok. Smile. Don’t forget that the best things in life are free. Visit friends at other colleges with a different spring break or throw a party. Perhaps you want to catch up on your fitness or read a book for pleasure. Spring break is about fun, relaxation, and staying worry free. No matter where you end up for the break, make sure to make the most of your time.

Source: Lauren Beley www.wcuquad.com

Finland: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Arctic Adventure

If you regret that your winter has not seen any snow, perhaps you may want to consider a trip to Northern Finland. The European country centered between Sweden, Russia, Norway, and Estonia, often gets feet of snow. This is especially true of Finland’s city of Rovaniemi because it lies at the Arctic Circle.

“In and around Rovaniemi, the Arctic is a fluffy white playground and snow is a source of pleasure. Unlike home, I heard nobody complaining about the weather; in fact they were hoping for more snow,” says Kathryn Lemmon about her trip to city Nordic city.

One key highlight about a trip to Rovaniemi is the chance to ride in a reindeer sleigh. There are over 200,000 reindeer in Finland. Between the herds of reindeer and traditional elfish looking Lapland costumes, you may feel like have walked into Santa’s personal village.

Also recommended is snow mobile riding. Lemmon recounts her experience on the machine as an “out-of-this-world sensation”. Her adventure took her down paths with “pristine, snow-covered pine trees. Acre upon acre of perfectly sculpted snow is such a pleasure to see. The temperatures cause the snow to cling tenaciously to even the tiniest, thinnest tree branch.”

Finally, while travelers do not need to prepare for their trip by learning a new language (the Finnish speak English) they must anticipate the cold weather. Although the average temperature of Rovaniemi is 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the number can quickly drop to -31 degrees; thus be sure to bring warm clothes.

Source: Kathryn Lemmon GoNOMAD.com

Qatar: Capturing the Magic of Arabia

While especially fun for someone with an interest in ecotourism, today the rapid development of infrastructure and buildings in Qatar's capital make it enjoyable for all. “It is the most happening place in the gulf, after Dubai."

Qatar is surrounded by the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and protrudes off the Saudi Arabian peninsula. It’s a flat nation with rocky outcrops and shrub land, desert landscape, sand dunes, and salt flats. Qatar has a lot of marvels to see but anyone that journeys to the country must visit the Qatari desert.

The nearly uninhabited terrain is quite the experience. A traveler can plan their trip through an organized tour agency and camp overnight in the middle of the bare land. Although camping in the middle of a desert may sound intimidating, it can also be a luxurious and enjoyable experience.

The guides are knowledgeable and stay available to the traveler throughout the trip. They drive the participant to the location and set up dinner. Later that night, the traveler will lie in his comfortable Bedouin tent and can appreciate more stars than he ever knew existed. The day to come, the excitement continues with organized camel rides and sand-skiing. Before leaving the desert, Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey suggests bathing in the Inland Sea.

“The Inland Sea is an inlet of the Arabian Gulf that nearly cuts Qatar off from the Saudi Arabian Peninsula and literally runs along the border; you will be looking at Saudi Arabia across the water. The secluded beaches attract flamingoes at certain times of the year and are also visited by free-roaming camels on regular occasions.”

Source: Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey GoNOMAD.com

Drive Away Across the U.S.A. -- Even If You Don't Own a Car!

Companies called ‘Driveaways’ are agencies located throughout America and match up people who wish to drive across the country with cars that need to get to their owners.

The system works because people often move across the country and need their vehicles shipped to them; driveaway companies are cheaper than hiring a professional mover. Similarly, organizations that need to relocate a company car from one office to another will call a driveaway agency to assist them.

Whether the choosen driver picks up a company or private car, the rules are the same. There are usually a set number of days to deliver the car as well as an assigned route to take. Depending on the urgency of a person to redeem their car, there may be room to negotiate a few extra days to extend the trip. Most car owners understand that drivers want time to stop and see the sights they pass and are somewhat compassionate.

To get a car, all drivers must be licensed, over 21, and have a clean driving record. Someone with several speeding or parking tickets, suspensions, probations, and other wrongs in their driving history may be denied a driveaway vehicle.

Also, while using these agencies make for a cheaper travel expererience, keep the following costs in mind: price of food and lodging for the length of the trip, paying for fuel after the first tank, and leaving behind a $300-$400 deposit.

In most cases the deposit is returned, however, there are details to be mindful of if money back is desired. For example, avoid crashing the car. While insurance covers the costs if the driver gets into an accident, if the the driveaway "hired" is found at fault, it is likely that the deposit will be forfeited. Furthermore, junking up the car with trash, dirt, and creating funky odors will usually result in only a partial return. So make sure to clean the car before bringing it in!

If an adventure like this calls to you, check out the driveaway website

Source: Marie Javins GoNoMAD.com

From the Moon to the Grand Canyon; The Ultimate Trip

Former Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, may have already conquered the ultimate career goal when he became the second man to walk on the moon. His thunder may have been stolen the first time around in space, but will soon claim the title of first on earth. On March 20, Aldrin will be the first to lead a walk across the Skywalk, a cantilevered glass semicircular walkway that juts out 70 feet over the Grand Canyon and 4,000 feet above the Colorado River in Arizona.

This $30 million construction made up of over two million pounds of glass and steel will be open to the public on March 28. The Hualapai Indian Tribe is responsible for this amitious project which when completed will include a 6,000-square-foot visitors center, with a museum, a movie theater, a gift shop and several restaurants.

The Hualapai Tribe has about 2,000 residents that live on the million acres of land they own on the western rim of the canyon. The reservation, 242 miles east of Grand Canyon National Park, which has 4.1 million visitors a year, had fewer than 300,000 visitors last year, 90 percent of them from helicopter and airplane package tours and ground tours. This new attraction is hopeful to render their unemployment rate that reaches up to 70 percent in the off season.

Besides the skywalk, visitors will also be able to visit Grand Canyon West’s Indian Village, with authentic dwellings built by five tribes; the Hualapai Market, where local artisans demonstrate their crafts; and the Ranch, a Western town with wagon and horseback rides along the canyon’s rim. Tickets cost $25 for the skywalk in addition to the Grand Canyon West entry fee.

Uganda's Coffee: Fighting Poverty Through Trade

"It’s for our safety," my driver warned "the deeper we go into the jungle the bigger the danger of us meeting with her wild animals... and the rain, she is coming. We must hurry."

Why did Cindy-LouDale travel the great distance to the wild African jungle of the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda and put herself in possible danger? She wanted to witness the miracle Rwenzori Coffee plantation for herself. The plantation was started by a man who his workers say “only God could have sent.”

Andrew Rugasira is the individual responsible for the creation of Coffee Company formed of more than 10,000 small-scale Arabica coffee growers from the Rwenzori Region.Since 2002, the Company has helped many farmers by paying them double the flat fee and in Africa, support like this is a true blessing.

In a phone interview with Dale, Rugasira expressed his belief that Africa is a “giant food basket, not a bottomless begging bowl. She is place of tremendous opportunity. Our coffee growers are ready for business, all we want is the opportunity to fight poverty through trade.”

Rugasira and the Rwenzori Coffee Company are an inspiration to many people in Africa; more loyal and faithful people like Rugasira are what Africa needs to get on it’s feet.

Source: Cindy-Lou Dale GoNOMAD.com

Safari in Afica a Family Affair?

Traveling as a family has limited options when you're trying to accommodate all members, especially the kids. The obvious choice is an amusement park filled with costumed characters or zoos cramped with caged animals (in their oh so natural habitat) that will hopefully keep kid's attention long enough for parents to plan the next family oriented activity. When your child wishes they could pet the elephant they see behind bars, then an East African safari trip might just be what the doctor ordered. Beyond the activities geared for children, what better reward than to return with a more positive appreciation of life for any tourist both young and old?

Your local zoo may wet the appetite of your youngsters, but given the choice of camel rides, rhino sanctuaries and chimp rehabilitation centers, kids as well as adults are sure to choose the latter. This is achievable as Daryl Popper explains in her article East African Safaris; A Unique Family Experience, detailing what Tanzania, Kenya and Botswana all have to offer.

Lynne Leakey has been escorting safaris with the Kenya Professional Safari Guide Asssociation (KPSGA) for thirty years and pledges everyone will enjoy.
“Sometimes we have trouble keeping the adults out of doing the kids’ programs because they are having so much fun," said Leakey.

Children will have plenty to share in class when asked the infamous, “Did you do anything interesting over summer break?" Stories of walking with elephants and warrior lectures to design beading and hair braiding classes will keep teachers and co-workers alike wanting to hear more about the exotic experience.

Trips vary from $3,000-$10,000 per person and have four different packages depending on the level of luxury expected. Regardless, Leakey promises you'll leave with more than just an experience.

"People come back with a little more appreciation of our country. Especially when young people get to see the contrast that safaris aren’t just a lot of fun; they’re a lot of personal development for all ages. People fortunate enough to live in a country with such abundance as the U.S. often return with a greater sense of appreciation for what they take for granted and this makes for better future citizens,” says Leakey.

The significant exchange is mutual between traveler and citizen in East Africa.
“Tourism brings in the revenue and the jobs. By having a strong tourist industry it strengthens the government’s ability and commitment to maintain the game parks and in turn supports this beautiful area.”
By, Melissa Vitti