Rent a Slice of Paradise

by Erik Olsen on

Sure, having your own island is largely the domain of those awash in money, stars and magnates like the late Marlon Brando, Johnny Depp, Leo DiCaprio and Sir Richard Branson. It is perhaps the most vivid expression of conspicuous consumption on the planet. In fact, according to some statistics, more than 200 islands around the globe are available for those with massive amounts of disposable income. But guess what, having your own island, at least temporarily, may not be such a dream after all. In British Columbia, you can rent an island in the Rockies (on a lake, that is), and then there is Sleepy Cove island off the coast of Nova Scotia, a “heavily wooded little chunk of rock in the shape of a human kidney” (two questions here: 1) why “human kidney? Aren’t most kidney’s shaped the same? and 2) why would an organ-shaped island have special appeal?).

Anyway, according to this article at MSNBC, renting islands is all the rage among…well, I’m not sure among whom, but you have to admit it’s a cool idea. The key, I suppose would be pulling together enough friends to make it affordable. So if playing Robinson Crusoe for a week or so tickles your fancy, check it out, and take a look, too, at the following resources.

Vladi Private Islands
A huge range of islands for rent and for sale.
902/423-3202; www.vladi-private-islands.de.

Private Islands Online
With more than 400 listings, an extensive and user-friendly resource for selling, buying, and renting islands.
647/477-5581; www.privateislandsonline.com.

Island Hideaways
Islands and villas throughout the Caribbean.
800/832-2302; www.islandhideaways.com.

Diving Antarctica Video

by Erik Olsen on

It’s a cold, forbidding place where the sun shines all day round in summer and penguins (NOT polar bears) gawk and stare at new arrivals with sardonic curiosity. I am talking about, of course, Antarctica, the seventh continent, that massive hunk of land and ice down at the bottom of the planet where few (but increasingly more and more), people go. And while most visitors take trips on large steel vessels that take them through the icy seas where they stand on deck snapping pictures, National Geographic Traveler’s Boyd Matson decides to suit up in a dry suit and check out the scene underwater.

In this series of videos, you can see what Matsen sees as he plunges into 30-degree waters to check out the bizarre creatures that live in the surprisingly rich Antarctic underwater environment. And bizarre they are. We’re not talking the typical fare here of Great Whites roaming about with hungry stares (although there are killer whales), but about the wee little creatures that make up the nourishing net of life down there. Having been to Antarctica myself, but have NOT dived it, I found these rather satisfying little video bits, especially for the scuba fans out there.

Craig Duff Blogs from Egypt

by Erik Olsen on

Craig Duff is a filmmaker, journalist, writer, traveler…he also happens to be a friend of mine. And a little while ago Craig headed overseas as the recipient of the much-coveted, very prestigious, Knight International Fellowships. Never mind HOW prestigious, you can go to the site and check that out for yourself. Or Google it.

The thing I want you to check out is Craig’s blog. Craig selected Egypt as his host country for the duration of his fellowship and he’s been living now in “choking, chaotic Cairo” for several months. While he’s had the opportunity to savor Cairo’s hubbub, he also gets out of the city to experience its gaping, ancient-world loveliness as well as the epic diving of places like Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab (where I spent my honeymoon).

Craig is an excellent writer, not to mention filmmaker, and his observations on life in Egypt are a must-read for anyone interesting in this region of the world. His insights are thoughtful and penetrating, while his superb sense of humor lends a light-hearted and entertaining touch that makes this blog a worthy bookmark.

The Cook Islands

by Erik Olsen on

If I recall correctly, Neil has posted here a few times about the tropical paradise that is the Cook Islands. They are a historical place, these little dollops of land in the South pacific. They are the place where William Bligh, captain of the H.M.S. Bounty, last visited before the infamous 1789 mutiny.

And yet today they are also a major tourist destination for Aussies and Kiwis as well as many Europeans and Americans who make the long, long flight to get there.

In this fine little piece from the AP, writer Chirstina Almeida, visits the islands and finds they are, as advertised, slice of tropical heaven, a place with few cars, and where most islanders use motor scooters. You learn a little bit about the island’s storied history, but also some of the local attractions, which include (as might be expected) some fine fish meals and superb snorkeling and diving, where you can spot varied sea life from puffer and unicorn fish to giant clams. Needless to say, as we move swiftly into winter, one can’t help but sit back and ponder the fun and sun of a destination like this is.

Freakiest Fish at Divester

by Erik Olsen on

A quick, but nicely done post over at sister blog Divester featuring mention of a contest for the “Freakiest Fish”. In this case, while there were many fine contenders, the Divester guys nominate the blobfish, a fish only in the scientific sense of the term, since the thing looks more like an alien from a George Lucas movie or something that might have dripped out of your nose. But, yes, blob fish are real and in fact are deep water fish found off Australia and Tasmania. According to Divester, they are rarely seen by humans, and “are made mostly of jelly”. But certainly NOT the kind of jelly you’d want to spread on your bagel.