Before I go on about how fantastic the
archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar better known as Seychelles is, let me just say all the islands off the coast of Africa
seem to have some fabulous kind of websites. Not that tourism websites make or break a country, but on impulse I’d fly
over to Seychelles in a heart beat. Now, where was I? Yes, beautiful Seychelles. With over 100 plus islands to choose
from water activities like diving, sailing, fishing, as well as island hopping are a given. In addition to sand and sea
the islands offer a diverse range of walking hikes to get lost on. There’s really far to much to capture in one short
blurb here, so I’ll leave you the well done tourism site to explore and gather ideas for your own awesome archipelago
adventure. In the meantime just click around the interactive gallery
for incredible shots on this incredible African place under the sun.
No-Rooz: Persian New Year
Today marks the celebration of yet another New Year in the distant lands of Iran and elsewhere I’m sure, but for
now we turn our attention to the No-Rooz or "New Day" in
the Middle Eastern country. Iran Chamber online has detailed information involving some of the rituals and traditions
associated with Zoroastrian (the religion of ancient Persia before the advent of Islam) along with info on how the
present days to come will be spent among family and friends. If you’ve a moment to spare I highly suggest using it to
view some of the rich, colorful photos on the site as well soaking in some of the literature provided to help us all
better understand the event as they head into the year 1385. There is way too much for me to even begin to summarize
here, but I’ll leave you with these No-Rooz greetings found at Iranchamber.com.
No-Rooz Mobarak (Happy New Year)
Eid-eh Shoma Mobarak (Happy New Year to you)
No-Rooz Pirooz (Wishing you a
propersous New Year)
Sad Saal be in Saal-ha (Wishing you 100 more Happy New Years)
Gadling Spring Cleaning: Kimono Shopping
Alas, spring has
arrived. The budding flowers dance eager to bloom. The wind blows a playful breeze through the trees. A couple whose
relationship soured during harsh wintry blizzards rekindles their love and all of nature appears harmonious. With the
exception of the high pollen levels causing your allergies to go haywire the only other thing keeping you from bringing
this joyous season in, in style is your dusty wardrobe. Ugh – spring cleaning! However, dumping your old clothing for
newer, trendier fabrics doesn’t always have to be a chore and this season I’d like to assist in providing some ideas to
making the chore more of an event.
My first recommendation: Toss out those boring old day dresses to nab a
beautiful kimono this spring. While I haven’t a PhD in fashion my
imagination tells me wearing a kimono to check out the cherry
blossoms in Hiroshima, Japan is one of the best ways to celebrate your efforts. ‘Hanami’ is the term for "flower viewing" and though
it may not require one dress-up for the occasion it’d still be incredibly nice. If a trip to Japan isn’t going to happen this spring season don’t let that keep you from finding
the perfect kimono. Search online starting with these links below and take it to the streets!
- Ichiroya.com – Several styles and colors of kimono for
purchase. - Japan-Shop – Shop for antiques and
various Japanese treasures including kimonos. - Metropolis Japan Today –
Kimono hunting secrets and list of shops in Japan. - JapaneseKimono.com – Everything you’d ever want to know about
kimono with history. - Japan Guide – Cherry blossom
forecasts in big Japanese cities. There isn’t much time left, so go!
P.S. Make sure you pick out the
appropriate color for the season.
Overloaded Vehicles
If you’ve ever traveled to a Third World country,
you’ve seen the odd site of an overloaded vehicle. I know I have. In India, I saw a truck very much like the one in
this picture, loaded with logs and branches such that I was sure the vehicle would soon topple over .Amazingly, it
didn’t but kept right on chugging along down the street. In Cambodia, I saw a family riding a motorcycle. A family of
six. The kids hung off each side, a baby was on the handlebars and the mom and two kids sat on the seat. Well, here’s a hilarious gallery found via Boing Boing of photos that will make you gasp and laugh at the ingenuity and ambition
of the human race. We advise you not to try this at home.
Africa Travel: Senegal
Sports seem to be a pretty big deal in Senegal, a west African country bordering the North Atlantic Ocean.
Whether you’re soaking in the sights from an intense match of the country’s traditional wrestling called
"Laamb" in Wolof, on the hunt for warthog during hunting season or sport fishing off the coast, the active
traveler will not be without options. From May to December sport fishing
enthusiasts have the opportunity to choose from deep sea fishing, long line fishing, fly casting and night fishing
to name only a few. Trips for activities can be organized at local fishing centers or hotels an additional info can be
found by clicking here. If you prefer the land over water relive the big Lisboa-Dakar
race blow-by-blow at the official site found here.