Archive for April, 2010
So Whats All The Fuss About Holidays In South Africa?
Ever since South Africa shook off its pariah status with the rest of the world by embracing democratic principles it has become the darling of international travellers and superstars who take a long journey to experience a totally unique corner of the globe.
A world in one country
Glowing tributes are paid daily to the new kid of the international community but possibly the one adage that seems to fit the bill perfectly is a world in one country and this is indeed an apt description of the sights and sounds awaiting even the most seasoned of trekkers who opt to holiday in South Africa.
There are 9 distinct regions in South Africa all with their very own characteristics and attractions. The western areas of the nation are harsh arid badlands but they too have their appeal so if startling desert landscapes where quiver trees march relentlessly down amber sand dunes are you kind of tune head west.
Then there is the fabled bushveld where only the intrepid dare to venture on foot. South Africas northern areas are wildlife wonderlands and fortunately the powersthatbe are more than conservation conscious and there is a wide array of national parks private game reserves and exquisite bush lodges to choose from.
Affordable to the masses
Reputable safari specialists offer self drive private and group African safaris tailored to meet virtually every travellers budget. Financial constraints are generally not an issue for international visitors as the local currency the Rand is particularly weak against the dollar euro and pound making a holiday in South Africa affordable to the overseas masses.
The east coast of South Africa offers a totally different experience. The climate is sub tropical in nature making the vegetation lush and rich and the Indian Ocean temperatures balmy. It is the Water sport Mecca of the country offering unrivalled surfing swimming and diving.
The Western Cape again offers a totally different vibe. The climate is Mediterranean so the winters are cold and damp and the summers hot and dry. The cold Atlantic current influences water temperatures the further south one moves but the beaches are as beautiful as the more tropical zones of South Africa.
Unrivalled natural beauty
The jewel in the crown is without a doubt the sumptuous Garden Route that stretches from Mossel Bay on the Capes south coast all the way to Port Elizabeth. It is a region of majestic mountains pristine lagoons forceful rivers and long white beaches and it remains one of the most popular holiday destinations for locals and visitors alike.
Welcoming people
It is not only the diverse and often spectacular scenery that endears tourists to the Rainbow Nation but its warm and friendly people that make an Africa vacation an unequivocal highlight in anyones book!
About the writer: “>http://www.privatesafaris.com”> www.privatesafaris.com
Sensoji Temple: The Heart Of Tokyo
The spiritual heart of Asakusa and for that matter Tokyo is the impressive Sensoji Buddhist Temple. Built sometime in the 7th century before Tokyo was even Edo to house the golden statue of Kannon the goddess of mercy which according to legend was fished out of the nearby Simudagawa by two local fisherman brothers. Despite their efforts to return Kannon to the river where she was found the statue kept finding its way back to them. Subsequently a temple was built to house the goddess. Sensoji is Tokyo’s only agreed tourist attraction and is visited daily by hundreds of tourists and worshipers from Japan and all over the world.
Arriving from Asakusa subway station Sensoji is entered through Kiminarimon “Thunder Gate”. A majestic structure that houses two protective deities: Fuijin the god of wind on the right and Raijin the god of thunder on the left. These ferocious gods oversee all who enter the temple and keep the grounds safe.
Once inside the gate you will come to Nakamisedori. This shopping street set within the actual temple precinct has a history all of its own. These stalls and their proprietors are a living part of a centuries old tradition of selling wares to the pilgrims visiting the temple.
In the late 17th century neighbors of the Sensoji who received and served visitors to the temple were rewarded by being given a special right to open shops to sell their wares along the approach to the temple.
This continued until 1885 when the Tokyo metropolitan government having taken control of the land belonging to Sensoji ordered all Nakamise merchants to leave and in the same year built western style brick shops leading to the beginning of modern Nakamese.
Today you can find everything from tourist trinkets such as folding fans to traditional Japanese clothing including kimonos and yukata to local snack foods. Stretching out for some 200 meters Nakamisedori is the perfect place to while away an hour and pick up a souvenir or two before entering the main ground of the temple.
The main ground itself buzzes with accents from all over the world and the click of cameras. Travelers and locals mix on the temple grounds uniting in their mission to pay their respects. 100 yen will buy you an omikuji fortune written on a small piece of paper. You place the money in an honor box and shake a small cylinder containing sticks with numbers written on them. Shake the cylinder until one of the sticks falls out and pull your fortune from a drawer with the corresponding number. If your fortune is bad tie the paper onto a nearby string so that the wind can disperse the bad luck.
Center stage in the temple forecourt is an incense burner. Here you will usually see a group of visitors fanning smoke from the burning incense over themselves. The incense is believed to have healing powers and so fanning the smoke over your ailment will help to heal it. If you suffer from headache fan some of the smoke over your head.
The main temple hall still houses the golden statue of Kannon a diminutive 6cm tall and is viewable by the public. Step forward to cast some coins in the offer box which sits in front of the alter take a step back place your hands together prey and then bow. This is the standard practice of preying at a Buddhist temple.
To the left of the forecourt and forming part of the temple is the 5 story 53 meter pagoda. A 1973 reconstruction of the original pagoda built on the same ground. This is the largest pagoda in Tokyo.
Destroyed by earthquakes and World War Two aerial bombings Sensoji Temple has been rebuilt and reconstructed time and time again. Testament to the significance it holds within the Buddhist community and the general public. A remembrance of centuries old values and traditions that carry on today within Tokyo’s chaotic lifestyle Sensoji is a steadying reminder that despite warring nations and new technology some things will always remain.
About the writer: Michael Braganza is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel Tourism related topics. He has authored many books on tour guide for Holidays in India and Rajasthan Holiday Tours. Now he is rendering his services to http://www.paradiseholidays.com/
Renting A Holiday Home In Malta
Malta is regarded as one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in Europe. It is popular with tourists going on family holidays staying in holiday homes. There is a tremendous choice of self catering holiday homes for families on vacation to choose from.
Malta has yearround sunshine with the hottest months between July and September but the heat is tempered by cooling sea breezes. It is set in crystal clear waters with many holiday villas with swimming pools sitting right next to the shore line available to rent direct from their owners. Malta and its sister islands of Gozo and Comino are regarded as the perfect family holiday destination with lovers of self catering accommodation.
Malta is an island full of cultural artistic and natural treasures. Many families come to Malta on holiday and stay in self catering apartments and they use them as a base to explore the local architecture. Malta’s outstanding archaeological and architectural heritage encourage tourists to return to this pretty island year after year.
Lovers of sun and water come to Malta and stay in some of the fabulous holiday villas with swimming pools. They can choose to have a peaceful relaxing holiday or if more energetic may enjoy some of the water sports that are available on the island.
Other tourists come to Malta for the night life music theatre and arts. Some like to stay in self catering apartments which give them the freedom to sample the local food and culture.
Malta has become a popular holiday destination for sports lovers with golf tennis skydiving and horseriding extremely popular. Many holiday makers stay in self catering cottages or some of the rustic farmhouses dotted around the island.
Malta is often referred to as the island of sunshine and culture. Many tourists visit Malta and Gozo and stay in some of the small holiday cottages. They then explore the history and civilization that stretches back almost 6000 years. Others stay in self catering apartments and explore some of the local museums and ancient churches.
Malta is becoming an extremely popular holiday destination with lovers of holiday home rentals. It is the perfect location for a family holiday relaxing in a villa with swimming pool. Many families go there on vacation and enjoy the outdoor life style staying in one of the many pretty holiday cottages and farmhouses available to rent from their owners.
Many tourists return to Malta year after year staying in holiday homes drawn back by the warm climate friendly people and interesting architecture that this glorious island has to offer.
About the writer: Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It is one of the fastest growing on line holiday home rentals websites. To see an example of why Direct Holiday Bookings is growing so rapidly have a look at Holiday homes in Malta