The Great Wall (the travel icon of China)

The Great Wall of China is really one masterpiece of human power and construction. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus stretching approximately 6,700 kilometers (4,163 miles ) from east to west of China. With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the section of the great wall are now in ruins or even entirely disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance.
Today, it is the travel icon of China – and one of the leading vacation travel destinations in the world.
The Great Wall was originally built in the Spring, Autumn, and Warring States Periods as a defensive fortification by the three states: Yan, Zhao and Qin. The Great Wall went through constant extensions and repairs in later dynasties. In fact, it began as independent walls for different states when it was first built, and did not become the “Great” wall until the Qin Dynasty. Emperor Qin Shihuang succeeded in his effort to have the walls joined together to fend off the invasions from the Huns in the north after the unification of China. Since then, the Great Wall has served as a monument of the Chinese nation throughout history. A visit to the Great Wall is like a tour through the history backwards, it will bring you great excitement in each step of the wall.
The construction of the Great Wall began between the 7th and 8th centuries B.C. when the warring states built defensive walls to ward off enemies from the north. It was only a regional project then. Until the Qin Dynasty, the separate walls were joint together and consequently it stretched from east to west for about 5000 thousand kilometers and served to keep nomadic tribes out. The Wall was further extended and strengthened in the succeeding dynasties. Especially during the Ming dynasty when the northern nomadic ethnic groups became very powerful, the Ming rulers had the Wall renovated 18 times. As a result, not the remains from the Qin dynasty were restored, but some 1000 kilometers were constructed to a full length of 6,700 kilometers.

The “North Pass” of Juyongguan Pass is known as the Badaling. This particular area of the Great Wall is where most tourists visit. When used by the Chinese to protect their land, this wall was extremely protected by guards, because it was protecting China’s capital, Beijing. Badaling is very difficult to access. Made out of stone and bricks from the hills, this portion of the Great Wall is 7.8 meters high, and 5 meters wide.
Representing the Ming Great Wall, Jinshanling is considered to have the most wonderful sights of the Great Wall. It runs 11 kilometers long, ranges from 5 to 8 meters in height, and 6 meters across the bottom, narrowing up to 5 meters across the top. Wangjinglou is one of Jinshanling’s 67 watchtowers, rising 980 meters above sea level.
ShanHaiGuan Great Wall is refered to as the “Museum of the Construction of the Great Wall”, because of a temple, the Meng Jiang-Nu Temple, built during the Song Dynasty. The ShanHaiGuan Great Wall is known for many different things, both with the construction of the wall, and also its history.
The wall is complemented by defensive fighting stations, to which wall defenders may retreat if overwhelmed. With more than 10,000 watch towers (which were used to store weapons, house troops, and send smoke signals), each tower has unique and restricted stairways and entries to confuse attackers. Barracks and administrative centers are located at larger intervals.
Anyway if you decide to visit this place it will be an unforgettable trip, which will enchance your life with enchanting experience to the magnificent Great Wall – one of the great wonders in the world.

Corcovado National Park (an excellent life laboratory)

The park is located in the pacific coast, in the Peninsula de Osa, in the province of Puntarenas. Corcovado is located in the life zone that correspond to the very humid Tropical forest in the south pacific of Costa Rica and you can be sure that no other wild area in the country protects plants and animal as this park. This wild area is considered an excellent life laboratory, in which you can study the structure and function of the tropical ecosystems and the relationship between them.
The very humid forests of Corcovado, are some of the last places that still maintain the ecosystem of the very humid tropical forests in the American pacific, with precipitation over 5.000mm annual. This park helps the investigation and scientific studies and allows the environment education. There are like 500 species of trees in the whole park, which is equivalent to the fourth part of all the tree species in Costa Rica. The tropical rain forests protected in the area, no only constitute the best ecosystem in the pacific, but the last of them in Central America. The flora of the park is constituted in the most by the very humid tropical forest with the following habitats: The mountain forest, the cloudy forest, the prairie forest, the swamp forest, the “Yolillal”, the herbaceous swamp, the mangle, the sheer flora and the coast flora.
The park protects several endangered species like cats, big reptiles, species of birds of restricted distribution. There are habitating more than 104 mammal species, 367 birds, 117 amphibian and reptiles and 40 species of fresh water fish. In the wild life you can notice the danta, the jaguar, the puma, the white face monkey, squirrel, congos, and others. This park is one of the most important conservation areas for the protection of lizards and crocodiles.
Brave the mud of Corcovado National Park and maybe you’ll spot an endangered scarlet macaw. Seasoned hikers will want to tackle Chirripo Mountain, but there are easier, equally dramatic hikes to waterfalls and swimming holes in the Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula, and around Dominical.

 

Some prepositions for you there:
* Hit the Beach: The surfing is good at remote Playa Pavones, a stunning combination of black sand, tropical forest, and glistening waters.
* Filling Up: Looking for fresh fish? At Las Cataratas, the menu depends on the adjacent pond’s stock.
* Sleeping In: Laze away the day in a hammock on the porch of your cabana at Pacific Edge, a collection of rustic cabins high on a mountain ridge. Luxury ecotourism is not an oxymoron at Lapa Ríos, one of the world’s cushiest eco-resorts.
* When to Go: If you’re heading to the Osa Peninsula, avoid the rainy months of October and November — roads flood and lodges might close.
Google Earth Placemark – Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica

Dambulla Cave Temple (a World Heritage Site)

Dambulla cave temple also famous as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 km east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains.There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha’s first sermon.

The temple is composed of five caves, which have been converted into shrine rooms. The caves, built at the base of a 150m high rock during the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa times are by far the most impressive of the many cave temples found in Sri Lanka. Access is along the gentle slope of the Dambulla Rock, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding flat lands, which includes the rock fortress Sigiriya, 19 km away. Dusk brings hundreds of swooping swallows to the cave entrance. The largest cave measures about 52m from east to west, and 23m from the entrance to the back, this spectacular cave is 7m tall at its highest point. Hindu deities are also represented here, as are the kings Valagamba and Nissankamalla, and Ananda - the Buddha’s most devoted disciple.

However, the temple complex dates back to the 1st century BC. It consists of five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. The inner side of the caves, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images following the contours of the rock. There are images of the Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses. The Dambulla cave monastery is still functional and remains the best-preserved ancient edifice in Sri Lanka. This complex dates from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, when it was already established as one of the largest and most important monasteries. King Valagambahu is traditionally thought to have converted the caves into a temple in the 1st century BC. Exiled from Anuradhapura, he sought refuge here from South Indian usurpers for 15 years. After reclaiming his capital, the King built a temple in thankful worship. Many other kings added to it later and by the 11th century, the caves had become a major religious centre and still are. King Nissanka Malla gilded the caves and added about 70 Buddha statues in 1190. During the 18th century, the caves were restored and painted by the Kandyan Kings.

Apart from the temple side and the surrounding caves, being there will open you a wonderful opportunity to explore the surrounding area, meaning that inside the jungle, where is perhaps the oldest garden in Sri Lanka, the Iron Wood Forest and the largest Rose Quartz Mountain Range in South Asia. The site had been declared as a human sanctuary by King Dappula in 10 century AD as shown in an inscription at the entrance to Namal Uyana. Trees believed to have been planted by those who sought sanctuary here and subsequently turned in to a vast plantation of Iron wood forest. Apart from the biodiversity of the site as it contains many other plants, it is also geologically important because of the Rose Quartz mountain range in the garden, which is believed to be over 500 million years old. White, rose and violet colour quartz deposits can be seen there.

Atauro Island (is a wonderful spiritual place)

Atauro Island is a wonderful spiritual place situated almost at the end of the world, to be more specific it lies on the extinct Wetar segment, 25km north of Dili, East Timor. Its lush mountain interior hemmed by uninterrupted beach and coral reef. This is pure escapism: you’re free to do a lot or a little, with excellent walking trails and snorkelling opportunities (off the pier at Beloi and in front of Tua Koin), and seemingly endless beaches to prop on and watch passing outriggers.

Atauro’s isolation made it a natural prison, and it’s been used by both the Portuguese and Indonesian governments as a place of exile. The community today comprises around 8000 people, mostly subsistence fishers and farmers, living in a few villages spread across the island. The main centres are along the east coast: Makili (a carving centre), Vila (with leafy lanes and a few colonial vestiges) and Beloi (where the public ferry docks), with Macadade in the mountains. However, you truly adventure will begin of you take take the 90 minute trip via Water taxi from Dili Harbour to Atauro across the 30 km Wetar Straight. You may see dolphins in the water taxi as you head to Atauro. Upon arrival at Atauro, you will be greeted by joyful Timorese smiles of the locals. The boat will drop you off right at your accommodation, in most cases situated right on the beach.

Relax on the beach or in a hammock and soak-up the glorious views of the crystal clear water. As I mentioned in the upper lines snorkelling is a must, so find those superb coral reefs that extend along most of the northern stretch of the west coast of the island and dive into the water with grace!

If you wish, stroll through the villages sitting on the coast around the island, including Vila, the biggest village with an underground prison that was built by the Portuguese. On Fridays, you will find a local market where the locals gather to buy and sell their wares. To the south, you will find the village of Makili, where local people create wooden statues and handmade baskets that can be purchased. Not far from your accommodation is Ekmonu, where you will find a mountain spring and if there is enough water you can take a dip. For the energetic, you can climb Mt. Manucoco (995m) which is approximately a three hour trek from Vila. Vila is 6km from Barry’s Place and a local truck transport costs 3 USD each way.

Utila Sunsets (a wonderful paradise)

Utila is a wonderful paradise in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System of Honduras and the second-largest island in the world. It has been documented in history since Columbus’ fourth voyage, and currently enjoys growing tourism with emphasis on recreational diving. More than sixty diving sites are located around the island among its extensive reefs teeming with marine life, including the elusive whale shark. Unique local cuisine includes white bread made with coconut milk, mango jam, conch meat, and crab. Utila is also home to the yearly party known as Sunjam. Sunjam has a set date every year, the first Saturday in August. Sunjam was the brainchild of Alun Gordon, who brought DJs in from around the world to play house music on the paradise desert island of Water Cay. The first parties were charity events, with any monies raised being put towards Utila’s garbage truck.

Moreover, Utila is legendary for its macro creatures. Utila rewards the diver that perfects their buoyancy and is willing to slow down and spend time to find the hidden little creatures of the reef. While Utila is not known for its beaches, there is some excellent snorkeling available right offshore- especially towards the Blue Bayou area. It is possible to snorkel either right off the few small beaches, or with most of the dive boats. Snorkel equipment rental ranges from $5-$15 USD Utila also has fantastic waters for kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. The island is split east/west by a canal that you can kayak through; kayaks can be rented from Coral View Hotel near the southern canal entrance or from several dive shops. Guided kayaking trips (see Kayak Utila to the North Shore through the Mangrove Channel and down to the Cays are a great option to safely explore these waters as well.

On the land, as a tourist you will also have a variety of things to do like spending a day of hiking to. A crashed drug runner airplane in the jungle north of the airport is an interesting sight. Freshwater caves on the eastern shore can make for good swimming or exploring, but be very careful if you plan to go deep into them as people have gotten lost and died inside (take 2 waterproof flashlights). The view from the top of pumpkin hill is not to be missed. Similarly panoramic is the view from the top of the water tower.

The island has a wide variety of fruit, seafood meals, pasta, vegetarian and breakfast fitting for a king with fresh and full-bodied coffee. Many establishments offer a discount for larger groups, so be sure to round up a posse at your hostel before you go out to eat. There are also many small grocery stores and corner stores to buy food for cooking. Almost all the hotels have shared public kitchens. Bush’s is the largest grocery store, similar to a north american supermarket, but is considerably more expensive than everywhere else. At time of writing, the cheapest grocery stores were Mermaids and Tiende del Pueblo. However, sometimes goods do not arrive every day, so not everything will be available all the time. The ATMs sometimes run out of money, produce not grown locally is often only available for a couple days after it has arrived, etc. Internet costs 30-50 lps ($1.50-$2.50 USD) per hour. There are several internet cafes, such as Annie’s (right when you get off the ferry) and Mermaids (east of the ferry dock and just before the cinema). Lots of dive shops and restaurants have free wi-fi, and some dive shops have a computer that guests can use.

Notten’s Bush Camp (one of most treasured natural sanctuaries)

Notten’s Bush Camp is part of the Sabi-Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga. The region is privately owned, situated within the greater Kruger National Park ecosystem, which is one of South Africa‘s most treasured natural sanctuaries. It’s neighbours are the south western side of the Kruger National Park, Mala Mala on the eastern boundary and Sabi Sabi on the western boundary. The Big 5 Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard all roam the Sabi-Sand Game Reserve one therefore has an excellent chance of a close encounter with these animals. As there are no fences between the private game reserves and the Kruger National Park, the animals can move unhindered between the two areas.

Notten’s prides itself in having highly qualified guides and Shangaan trackers who ensure that their guests experience an informative and enlightened exposure to the area. Virtually all of the large mammals that occur naturally in the area are resident in the reserve as well as many of the smaller mammals.

Notten’s prides itself in having highly qualified guides and Shangaan trackers who ensure that their guests experience an informative and enlightened exposure to the area. Virtually all of the large mammals that occur naturally in the area are resident in the reserve as well as many of the smaller mammals.

If it’s exclusivity, comfort and an intimate experience that one is seeking, away from the hassles of city life. Notten’s is the answer. All game drives are undertaken in an open four-wheel drive Land Rover with an experienced game ranger and Shangaan tracker. The tracker has an innate and instinctive attunement to the environment of the African bush. He uses his acute senses of sight and smell to navigate easily and swiftly through the bush in order to locate game. Night drives begin in time to experience the spectacular lowveld sunsets. On these one sees the nocturnal bush creatures as well as other game under spotlight. The tracker is able to spot the eyes of the animals in the pitch dark night. Cool off next to the sparkling pool with refreshments from the fully stocked bar, or relax in the shade of the Marula trees on the wooden deck overlooking the waterhole.

Accommodation consists of beautifully appointed suites with open-plan bedroom and en-suite bathroom. Two of the chalets have both indoor and outdoor shower facilities. All windows and sliding doors are fitted with screens and insect coils are provided. Each suite leads onto a private wooden deck with a beautiful view of the bush. The Tulbagh Hotel now has a conference facility for up to 35 delegates. All chalets have hot showers but no electricity, paraffin lamps and candles are used for lighting. All the rooms are cooled with an overhead ceiling fan. Facilities are available for the re-charging of video machines and camera batteries in the reception area. A main line telephone facility is also available.

Lulama (an ideal getaway)

Lulama is simply a hidden treasure, a secret hideaway amongst the pine trees of the Phantom Pass in South Africa. This luxurious cabin will rejuvenate your soul in its breathtaking and tranquil surroundings, and is an ideal getaway for nature lovers. This cabin can accommodate a maximum of 8 guests. It has three spacious bedrooms with spectacular forest views and an extra loft bedroom. Guests are greeted with freshly laid out linen and towels.

The main bedroom, with a queen size bed and large picture windows, has the most beautiful forest views – you might not want to get out of bed!. The en-suite bathroom has a bath and shower, and while lying in the bath you will feel closer to nature than you could ever imagine… It also has an entrance onto the outside deck, as does the second bedroom, which has a double bed (and the stunning views!). The third bedroom and loft each have two single beds. The second bathroom also has a bath and shower, and situated between the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms.

The lounge has 2 large very comfortable leather couches, a log fireplace perfect for winter, satellite television and a CD player. Large sliding doors lead onto the spacious deck, ideal for early morning breakfast, sundowners or a tasty meal around the table.
Enjoy the luxury of a kitchen fully-equipped with every convenience, including a washing machine, and the open-plan dining area has a large 8-seater table. Tea, coffee and sugar are also provided.

The braai / barbecue area is situated in the end of the garden, with unsurpassed views over the valley. Enjoy the warmth of the fire pit and relax in the serenity of the surrounding nature… Double under cover parking is available.

 

Calao Tented Camp (an stopover enjoyable )

Calao Tented Camp is situated on a 27 hectare property bordering one of the few perennial rivers in South Africa. Calao Tented Camp is an enjoyable and affordable stopover and offers various types of accommodation on a self-catering basis, but breakfast and dinner can also easily be arranged on request. The camp has two well-designed tents, each with an en-suite bathroom, verandah, gazebo, and braai area. There are also three safari tents with outdoor bathroom, verandah, gazebo, and braai area. Another small tent is provided for children or a third guest. There are lights in all the tents that work with batteries and we can charge your camera or cellphone batteries for you.

 Calao Tented Camp is just ten minutes from the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, 30 minutes from the Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate, and 30 minutes from Swadini in the Drakensberg. There is easy access from the R40 but the last kilometer on the property is a dirt road and can sometimes be a difficult drive. The camp is perfect for a quick stop, 2 or 3 days, just to have a rest and to enjoy the african beauty on easy pace. The whole structure of the campsite is ecological and visitors can practice their own dishes and share them with others guests. Nights there are full of starts and the lovely sounds of the African nature, make your dreams come true…!

The Last Word Long Beach (is superb resort situated)

The Last Word Long Beach is superb resort situated just on the beautiful golden-sandy beach in the picturesque fishing village of Kommetjie, Western Cape, South Africa. It is a 30-minute drive from Cape Town. Guests can enjoy the 8 km of fine sand set against a backdrop of the most stunning sea views.

The 5 Star boutique hotel has six luxurious rooms, all with comfortable interiors and private patios. Each spectacularly appointed room faces the sea, as do the bathrooms. The interior design incorporates tranquil blues, hand-painted fabrics with splashes of colour that compliment the exquisite coastal setting.

Breakfasts are a specialty offering a wide choice of interesting fare. These meals are inclusive, as are all beverages. Dinners and lunches are available by prior arrangement. An in-house chauffeur service is available to guests for restaurant transfers or tailored tours at an additional charge.

It is an unspoilt paradise in which to walk, ride horses, surf or simply laze in the sun. From the inviting pool or your private deck, you can watch whales frolic 100 m off shore and you can catch your own lobster in season. Kommetjie is one of the premier surfing and marine birding sites in South Africa and it has the country’s tallest cast iron lighthouse which is open to the public.

Udzungwa Forest Camp (you will have a comfortable, relaxing stay in beautiful surroundings)

Udzungwa Forest Camp is located at the forest’s edge, within walking distance of the Udzungwa Mountains National Park main gate in Tanzania. At Hondo Hondo, as it is known locally, you can be assured you will have a comfortable, relaxing stay in beautiful surroundings.

The camp offers six large canvas forest tents. All the hot water is heated using solar energy alone, and as a back up, in case of heavy rains and little sun, there are elevated bucket showers. Electric lighting is provided throughout the camp with low-energy LED bulbs, and each tent is equipped with general lighting, personal solar reading lights and a socket for charging phones, cameras etc. All the tents have comfortable spring mattresses and are tastefully decorated with local furniture. The views from the private verandas and open-air bathrooms are of the surrounding valley, mountains and forest.

Meals can be served under the stars on your veranda or in the cosy Lozenge Bar. The camp staff can provide you with a full board and picnics in the park, and there are also essential snack foods on sell, cold beer and wine, spirits and soft drinks. Activities include hiking in the rain forest, visiting the Sanje Waterfalls, swimming in the plunge pools, mountain biking, guided tours, river canoe safaris, birdwatching, primate spotting, and day trips to Mikumi National Park.

Kakuli Bush Camp ( a perfect spot in which to relax)

Kakuli is a seasonal bush camp on the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa rivers, Zambia. For many it marks the end of a walking safari from camp to camp following the course of the Luwi River. Whether Kakuli is used as a stopover in the middle of a walking trail or as a base for a more static wildlife safari, the game viewing and night drive safaris in this area are some of the best in Zambia.

There are four spacious, traditional safari tents under shady thatched roofs, each with an open-air bathroom. All of the tents overlook the river with stunning views up and down this hippo-packed stretch of the Luangwa. A lovely thatched chitenje acts as the centre of camp. It is on a wooden deck overlooking the grazing lawn that leads down to the two rivers and is a perfect spot in which to relax and watch the river and the wildlife meander by.

Guests are able to decide each day if they want to venture out on foot or with the vehicle. Most evenings however, you will want to explore the area after dark. This stretch of the Luangwa is fantastic for wildlife. It is bustling with predators and the best time to see them in action is during those first few hours of darkness. Night drive safaris from Kakuli have been known to provide guests with some of the most exciting game viewing in Zambia. It is certain that your wildlife safari at Kakuli will be one to remember.

Kakuli is one of the few Zambian bushcamps to open in February and March. At this time of year the river is high, you will gain access by boat and activities are either on the river or on foot in the drier, sandy areas that surround camp.

 

Fishing at Sofia Lake (one of most the important archeological sites)

Sofia Lake is one of the most important archeological sites in the far south of Chile. The first inhabitants of Patagonia lived there together with now-extinct mega fauna such as the prehistoric horse (caballo enano), the milodón (giant sloth), saber tooth tiger, and more. This area is also attractive for its beautiful geography, its mix of lagoons and lakes such as Sofía, and isolated peaks that are home to condor and eagle nesting sites, and extensive native beech forests that are full of flowers. This region also  have marked trails, the reason why excursions there are led by a knowledgeable gaucho and guide.

The lake is also known for its excellent fishing. Most likely you’ll catch salmon and trout between one and three kilo, but with a bit of luck you’ll get your “fifteen-pound-story” to brag about. If you tend to go on a trip there, camp at the ranch “Laguna Sofia”. This ranch was established by Croatian and Scottish settlers who came here as the first pioneers. Unlike this settlers the camp have all the commodities necessary for a confortable living.

After the installing on the campsite, you can grab a cup of coffee and a snack, and your guide will give  you fishing instructions according to skill level and needs. Then enjoy a couple of hour fishing before your guide serves you a warm lunch. In the afternoon go by foot or by horse to the other shore. Even with the usual wind that comes down from the snowy peaks and the southern ice cap, you will find cover behind the dramatic cliffs on the lakes southern shore. Fortunately the deep shore under these rock formations forms a excellent hunting ground for the really big fish.

As the night fall head back to the campground where your guide will prepare you a delicious dinner based upon the catch of the day. The Norwegian Lavuu, a tipi style spacious tent, allows to have a barbeque inside and you will be invited to dine as Djhengis Kahn and Sitting Bull and numerous other noble savages.  The atmosphere and the dishes in this timeless restaurant will be the standard by which you judge every restaurant in the future.