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.

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.

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.

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.

Véspera 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.

Buenos Aires is the biggest and the most populated metropolitan city

Buenos Aires is the biggest and the most populated metropolitan city in the country with a population of more than 13 million people. It is the capital of Argentina and is considered to be the financial, commercial, industrial, cultural and political capital of the country. It is located on the eastern shore of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent.

The city derived its name from Nostra Signora di Bonaria, a sanctuary located in the Cagliari, Sardinia. In Spanish, this name means fair winds.

Inhabitants of the city are known as Portenos. A majority of population residing in the city has its origins in Spain and Italy. Apart from these, there are also people originating from other European nations including Germany, Portugal, Poland, Ireland, France, Croatia, England and Wales. Other major communities living in the city include Jewish immigrants, Arabs, Armenians, Japanese, Chinese and Koreans. 90 % of the inhabitants are Roman Catholics. Spanish is the official language in this city.
The capital of Argentina is an interesting tourist destination offering several cultural attractions and an ample glimpse of urban cosmopolitan life in Argentia. The biggest attraction in this city is the Teatro Colon, one of the world's greatest opera houses. Other notable features in the city include the University of Buenos Aires, City Hall, building of the Argentine National Congress and several museums.
Although immigrants populated the City for many decades, Buenos Aires developed its own identity reflected in icons such as the Tango and its slang, 'lunfardo'. More than 3 million people each day witness the relentless pace of a City that never sleeps.

While in Buenos Aires visitors will find themselves bombarded with choices on what to do. An obvious selection is spending time on Tango related activities, such as shows and night classes or sneaking into the many bars where thousands of locals of all ages practice the dance regularly. But there are many more things visitors can enjoy doing, from exploring a miriad of museums and theaters to spending time discovering some of the great local food, including the world reknown argentine beef. City tours and walks through parks and neighborhoods are mandatory to acquire a taste of Buenos Aires.

Argentina - The Connoisseur of Wine

The real word Argentina in reality means "land of silver", but you would be flabbergasted to be acquainted with the fact that Argentina is in reality famous for its wineries! This beautiful country is in fact known as the 5th largest wine producer in the world, and they have been doing this ever since the 16th century! If you are a big admirer of wine and you are looking forward to taste the sweet nectar, you will have about 1800 wineries that you can select from!

The foodstuff that you will discover in Argentina truly has a variety of impacts on you that you might never have assumed. The countries that have Argentinian influence are Italy, Spain, France as well as Germany! Ensure that you try some genuine chorizo, which is a hot meat based sausage, and it tastes scrumptious with eggs.

* Argentina is situated in South America and stands bordered by Paraguay and Bolivia in the north, Brazil and Uruguay in the northeast and Chile in the west and south.
* Argentina is the 8 largest country of the world, spreading over an area of approximately 2,766,890 sq km.
* Argentina comprises of the British controlled territories of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands and 969,464 sq km of Antarctica.
* The capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires and its official language is Spanish.
* The official religion of Argentina is Roman Catholic.
* As per the law, the President and Vice President of Argentina should be Roman Catholic.
* Argentina is a representative federal and democratic republic, with 23 provinces and the city of Buenos Aires as the Federal Capital.
* Iguazu Falls of Argentina are even higher than the Niagara Falls.
* Mt. Aconcagua of Argentina is the tallest mountain in the whole of South America.
* Moreno Glacier of Argentina is amongst the few glaciers in the world that are advancing.
* The popular dance form ‘Tango’ belongs to Argentina.
* Majority of the population in Argentina is of European origin.
* The cuisine of Argentina is largely influenced by that of Spain, Italy, Germany, France and other European countries.
* Current President, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, was the first woman President to be elected in Argentina.
* Argentina is the 30th largest country in the world by population, with just over 40 million people.
* The official currency of Argentina is the peso.
* Argentina were one of the first countries to have radio broadcasting. The first broadcast was made on the 27th of August, 1920. Only twenty people had a receiver at the time!
* Average life expectancy in Argentina is 76 years.
* About 10% of people living in Argentina have private health cover.
* Argentina has a very good literacy rate- 97.6%. This ranks them at equal 58th in the world.
* The official language of Argentina is Spanish, although many people speak Italian and German. Some indigenous populations still speak their native languages.

*  Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Argentina.
* A major export of Argentina is wine.
* Like animated films? The world’s first animated films were made and released in Argentina, by a man named uirino Cristiani in 1917.
* The Teatro Colón, located in Buenos Aires (the capital and largest city of Argentina), is one of the great opera houses in the world.
* Argentina loves movies! They have one of the highest rates of movie watching in the world. They enjoy watching both locally made movies and Hollywood movies.
* The Argentine government has estimated that 750,000 people living in Argentina are illegal immigrants.
* 20% of the population (according to the 2001 census) lack indoor running water and/or indoor plumbing.

The Statue of Christ the Redeemer

Most people associate Rio de Janeiro with the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the new seven wonders of the world, which overlooks the city from the top of Corcovado Mountain. Visitors to Rio make their way to the top of Corcovado via a cog wheel train, a taxi, or by walking on the five-mile long path. Our Celebrity Infinity shore excursion group did the two-mile, 10-minute train ride to the top of Corcovado passing through scenic Tijuca Forest. We purchased tickets with a stamped boarding time for the ride to the top, but had to wait in line to ride back down. At the train station near the top, escalators or 220 steps upward take visitors the to the foot of the Statue of Christ the Redeemer.

The massive statue at the top of Corcovado Mountain is impressive. The views of Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rio beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana are amazing on a clear day.

Surely Mount Corcovado is Rio’s main attraction. With 710 m (2,329 ft) above see level, this mountain supports the statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the best known monuments all over the world. The 38 meter (125 ft) high statue weighs 1,145 tons (1,262 net tons), and was inaugurated in 1931. To reach the main terrace, you have to climb 222 steep stairs, or use an escalator or panoramic elevator. To ascend Mount Corcovado, a train on one of the oldest Brazilian railways, inaugurated by Emperor Peter II in 1884, may be used.

The base stands on the top of the Corcovado hill (710 meters) offering a magnificent view of Rio: the Guanabara bay, Niteroi, the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, the beaches of Ipanema and Leblon, the botanical garden, the Jockey Club and the Tijuca National Park, Further north, Copacabana, Botafogo, Flamengo and the famous Sugar Loaf.
On the platform there are souvenir stores, an information office, toilets, bars and small shops with fast food and light meals at reasonable prices. You may visit it from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Admission, either on foot or by car, is $8 per person.

The Miraculous Bahamas

The Bahamas, a wide-spread archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean located off the eastern coastlines of Florida and Cuba, includes over 700 islands, along with dozens of cays and hidden coves.

Columbus first sighted these islands in 1492, and at that time they were the established home of the Lucayan Indians.

Over the next few centuries the Indian population was decimated, and the islands became a major launching base for the Spanish conquest of the Caribbean, as well as the American mainland.

In the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, American and British factions gained control of this valuable real estate, until the Bahamas finally gained total independence on July 10, 1973.

These low-lying islands (all similar in appearance) are ringed by coral reefs and aqua-green waters that teem with sea life of all descriptions.

Today tourism is the major industry, and these stunning islands of gregarious people, beautiful scenery and sunny skies are one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean, and for that matter - the world.
Newcomers to The Islands of The Bahamas quickly realize that they have stumbled upon not one, but many destinations. Between the "poles" of Grand Bahama and Great Inagua are 23 inhabited islands and thousands of unpopulated islets and cays (pronounced "keys"). Cosmopolitan Nassau, once ruled by pirates, seems a world away from the desert-like wildlife sanctuary of Inagua. On many of the islands, tiny villages seem lifted from the Massachusetts coast and set down amongst palms and pines and iridescent sands. These beautiful islands lie only 50 miles off the Florida coast - far closer than any destination in the Caribbean. Calm waters and cooling tradewinds have rightfully earned...With more than 5% of the planet's reef mass, The Bahamas offer inexhaustible pleasures and challenges to snorkelers and divers. The natural beauty of the water extends to the thousands of miles of shoreline, which has some of the world's most stunningly beautiful and unsullied beaches. From the pink sands of Harbour Island and Eleuthera  to the deserted strands of the Exumas and San Salvador, there is a lifetime of beaches to experience. Further inland are gardens and National Parks with rare and endangered species, such as the exotic Abaco Parrot and the Bahamian Iguana. Although The Bahamas are as diverse and numerous as the days of the year, the reassuring unifier is the charm and hospitality of its people. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism offers a People-to-People programme; an opportunity for visitors to experience a genuine and informal taste of Bahamian hospitality and culture. Volunteers holding interests similar to yours give you a taste of Bahamian life and potentially a lifelong friendship.  Bahamians will be more than happy to introduce you to the richness of their history, folklore, culture  and cuisine. Over a succulent dish of cracked conch and guava duff, you'll hear tales about the nefarious pirate Blackbeard  and the mysterious blue holes of Andros. They'll tell you about the original Eleutheran Adventurers, the playful the Junkanoo troupes.  You can start exploring the Islands of the Bahamas by using the clickable map. Please sign our guest book and let us know what you think, share some stories of the Bahamas, or leave a hot tip. You can also read the tales of other readers on our Bahamas Browser's Page. Finally, we hope that this presentation convinces you to leave that computer screen behind and come visit us in person.

South America Fun Facts

• Colombia supplies 90% of the world production of Emeralds.


• The Driest place on earth is the Atacama Desert, in Argentina. It's a place with virtually no vegetation; in some parts of Atacama Desert, it has never rained!


• Highest peak of South America, Aconcagua, is also in Argentina. It is 22,834 feet high.


• Venezuela is home to the highest uninterrupted waterfall, Salto Del Angel, at 979 meters.


• Argentina. - largest Spanish-speaking country of South America


• Sao Paulo, Brazil is the 2nd largest city in the world, with a population of almost 18 million!


• Many of the most important discoveries of dinosaur fossils in the last 30 years were made in South America.


• Brazil has many famous actresses, some of them are: Gloria Pires, Fernanda Montenegro, Florionda Bolkan, Sonia Braga, Regina Duarte, Vera Fischer, Xuxa, and Bruna Lombardi.


• “Evita” a film by British director Alan William Parker was inspired in the life of Maria Eva Duarte de Peron, who was first lady of Argentina in the past century.


• Gabriel Jose Garcia Marquez is one of the best writers in South America. He was born on March 6, 1928, in Aracataca, Magdalena,Colombia.Gabriel Garcia Marquez won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982.


• UNESCO has declared Noel Kempff Mercado National Park (Bolivia), Rapa Nui National Park (Chile), Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary (Colombia), Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), Central Suriname Nature Reserve (Suriname) and Jesuit Missions of La Santisima Trinidad de Parana and Jesus de Tavarange (Paraguay) World Heritages Sites.


• The Colombian people have two idols: Shakira (singer) and Carlos Vives (singer)…


• Brazil takes up 47.8% of South America.


• South America is unusual in that it is both highly urbanized and poor.


• The Andes are a tall mountain range that lines the western portion of South America.


• The Amazon River carries rain and snowfall from the Andes Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.


• In 1493, Pope Alexander VI drew a line that split South America between Spain and Portugal.


• Simon Bolivar was a Venezuelan revolutionary leader known as "the Liberator." Bolivar fought the Spanish to win the independence of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.Simon Bolivar.


• Colombia is a mountainous nation known for it’s coffee and citrus exports. Unfortunately, the Colombian government has been unable to stop the flow of illegal drugs from their nation.


• Oil is a major source of wealth in Venezuela.


• Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana are small tropical nations along the north coast of South America.  Rainforest comprise a great deal of the sparsely populated lands of the nations.


• Charles Darwin formed his theories about evolution Charles Darwinwhile sailing in the Galapagos Islands.


• Bolivia is located high in the Andes mountains. American visitors to Bolivia often find it hard to breath due to the lack of oxygen at high altitude.


• Paraguay is a poor, landlocked Andean nation.


• Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are the largest cities in Brazil, but the capital is the smaller city of Brasilia located deep in the highlands of central Brazil.


• Carnival is a four-day Brazilian festival that comes before Lent.


• Argentina has become a "melting pot" nation. More people have immigrated to Argentina from Europe than any other Latin American nation.


• Tierra del Fuego is an archipelago (or a group of islands) at the southern tip of South America.


• Copacabana has the most “best rate” possibilities. There are exchange businesses on every street, take a consensus and the best rate.