Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Angel Falls...



Even the smallest waterfall causes agitation, there is something fascinating in the stream of water falling into the lake. It is no wonder that primitive man worshiped the falls, struck by their strength and consider them something special, a dwelling of gods or spirits, which should be read. Larger waterfalls that crashed into the rock and created a tunnel for the veil of spray, were particularly attractive. Modern man is more practical and less superstitious and considering the possible use of a waterfall in economic terms. Waterfalls reveal the power of water, and this power can now be used to produce electrical energy, which has all sorts of applications.

Angel Falls

The world's highest waterfall.

In a remote area of southeastern Venezuela, near the border with Guyana and Brazil, it is located the mountainous region of La Gran Sabana. In the very border of Roraima is one of the highest mountains in Venezuela (2 772 m), on the southern slopes of which it is rooted in the river Caroni, subsequently flows into the Orinoco.
The river picks up speed on a small slope and then recklessly rushes down into the void. The distance from the edge of the cliff to the first obstacle - 807 m, then - a new jump (172 m) to the huge lake in the jungle at the foot of the cliffs, in the amount of turns 979 meters from a distance it seems that a thin white stripe that begins at the edge of the cliff, gradually , as the water coming down, grows into a white column of spray, lost in a sea of green jungle. In rainy weather, this regal waterfall surrounded by a great number of smaller jets of water escaping under the cliff of cracks in the sandstone. The spectacle at the same time incredibly majestic and elegant in its simplicity worthy of the title of the highest waterfall in the world.



The Fall from ancient times was known to local Indian tribes as Churun-Meru, and the name given to their Plateau - Auyan-Tepui means "Devil Mountain," which aptly defines the rocks when they are shrouded in thick fog. In 1910, the waterfall has been described by Ernesto Sanchez La Cruz, but bring it to the attention of the civilized world was destined to American pilots. Jimmy Angel overflew the area, reconnaissance of gold, when the waterfall recorded in his journal on Nov. 14, 1933. And the waterfall was named in his honor: Salto Angel - in Spanish. Jimmy Angel did not find gold, but his name was immortalized.
Today a tourist trip to the waterfall you can make on a canoe with a motor or a small light aircraft. The waterfall is also seeking thrills for fans of the unforgettable jump from the edge of the plateau on a hang glider - for enthusiasts an exceptional opportunity to first-class entertainment, which can not be neglected.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas are a popular addition to many Antarctic voyages – usually in conjunction with a visit to South Georgia – but they’re well worth seeing on their own for their spectacular populations of penguins, seals and albatrosses. Surrounded by the South Atlantic and by centuries of controversy, the islands lie 490km east of Patagonia. 2 main islands, East and West Falkland, and more than 700 smaller ones cover 12, 173 sq km, about the same area as Northern Ireland or Connecticut.

Today more than four-fifths of the 3140 Falklanders (sometimes called ‘Kelpers’) live in Stanley. There are also more than 1200 British military personnel, nearly all at the Mt Pleasant base. The rest of the islanders live in ‘Camp, ’ the name given to all of the Falklands outside Stanley. Few of the numerous smaller offshore islands are inhabited. About 60% of Falklanders are native born, some tracing their ancestry back 6 or more generations. Most of the remainder are immigrants or temporary residents from the UK.




The Falklands retain their rural character: the islands are laced with 400km of roads, but there’s not one traffic light.

The Falkland Islands are home to a plethora of marine life, from 5 different species of penguins to whales and sea birds that hover around Stanley Harbour.

The lifestyle in the Falkland Islands resembles that of a small English or Scottish village/town and communities on the Falkland Islands are highly self-contained. The influx of the British Forces has obviously had an effect on the Islands. More people now visit for a variety of reasons. The islanders themselves have benefited from the additional amenities offered by the Forces. The population is very keen to remain under British sovereignty.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

The Bahamas Diving

  Bahama invites you to explore the exciting underwater world of Paradise Island and Nassau, Andros...where diving is an underwater discovery of natural wonders and incredible marine life.












The Islands of The Bahamas offer an array of dive experiences like no other destination in the world. There are sunken Spanish galleons, inland blue holes, caves and forest-like coral reefs, teeming with marine life.  Some of the most exciting experiences allow enthusiasts to swim and feed reef sharks, an an experience offered nowhere in the world except The Bahamas. More importantly, the people of The Bahamas are as committed to the art of hospitality as they are committed to preserving the unique ecology of our island home.
The famous "Lost Blue Hole", a 200' wide natural opening in the ocean floor starting at a dept of 30' and descending to 200'. Intriguing wrecks with a fantastic array of colorful marine life. A 3,000 foot living wall on the "Tounge of the Ocean" that beckons experienced divers. And beautiful coral reefs like "The Fish Hotel" that provide an up-close encounter with numerous Bahamian reef fish, lobsters and other marine life.

Andros Diving is the premier dive operation on South Andros Island in the Bahamas. Divers and non-divers alike can enjoy this ideal private setting to relax, swim, snorkel, kayak, sail, bike and explore.


Explore the world’s 3rd largest and healthiest barrier coral reef, the world’s only tidal freshwater blue holes, the Tongue of the Ocean wall dives, wrecks and more. Local dive operators offer guided dives, classes, and supply equipment for unguided dives all over The Bahamas. Swim with the sharks in guided and safe shark dives.  Dolphin dives offer a unique way to encounter these friendly and intelligent mammals without penning them up in the process.
Marine biologists in the Exumas guide eco-dives for small groups who want to learn more about the coral reef habitat and its surrounding waters.



Tuesday, December 1, 2009

New Years Eve in Brazil

The customs and traditions associated with the occasion of New Years Eve in Brazil are many in number. Festa de lemenja is strongly linked to the New Year's Eve in Brazil, as this is one way, in which New Year's Eve is observed in Rio de Janeiro. Lemenga, for the citizens of Brazil is the Goddess Of The Sea, as well as the Mother of the Waters and therefore on this day, a boat laden with gifts, flowers, candles, jewelry, perfumes and rice is set out into the sea as a offering to lemenja, so that she showers her blessings on the people of Brazil and also as a recognition of her past favors. The colorful floating candles gives a splendid view at the time of New Year. This festival is celebrated with much devotion and sincerity by the fishermen of the city. They believe the catch at the time reflects the catch for rest of the year.

Brazilian New Year is one of the most traditionally celebrated festival for the people living there. New Year in Brazil is known as Ano Nove (Portuguese) but is more popularly known as Revillion. It is celebrated on January 1 as per the Gregorian Calendar.

New Year's celebrations in Brazil reflects it's culture and tradition. On the New Year's day, it's a tradition to consume lentils and rice. It is believed to bring in prosperity and good fortune in the coming year.New Year is the time when people from various parts of the world like to celebrate it in Brazil. Pubs, party halls, clubs, beaches and even roads are thronged with people.

VĂ©spera de Ano Novo or the New Year's Eve is the most important day for the people of Brazil. The best New Year celebrations can be seen in the most important city of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro. New Year celebrations are marked with numerous fireworks and crackers. Musical shows, concerts and other dance performances are the highlights of New Year celebrations in Brazil. The world famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro is overcrowded with people on the New Year's Eve.


Another feature of New Year's celebrations is the Brazilian Carnival. People dress up in gaudy clothes and walk down streets singing and dancing on beats of various traditional songs. The famous samba get people on their feet every year.

Any party is not complete without perfect music. New Year's Eve celebrations include numerous local Brazilian artists like samba, frevo, pagode, Axe and forro. Last but not least, dinner is the best part of Brazilian New Year's Celebrations. It includes farofa (tapioca grains flavored with spices), salads, rice, chicken and marajucá mousse (fruit) which is relished by people present in Brazil to have the taste of it's culture.

The people of Brazil get dressed in white for the occasion of New Year, as they believe that if they wear white clothing during New Year, then good luck would stay them for the rest of the year. The citizens who reside in the beach city, after midnight gather at the beaches and jumps seven times and throw flowers while they make their wish.