Word for the Travel Wise (06/22/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

These days I’m poking around land fit for outlaws in vast New Mexico desert. As nice as it feels to be alone in the calm, quiet stifling hot Land of Enchantment I do miss the sounds of the city. The other downside to being in the middle of nowhere is the lack of internet access (bah) so if you’re wondering why I’m so short with blogging there’s your answer. I’m in the desert right now.

Today’s word is an Afrikaans word used in South Africa:

woestyn – desert

For learning Afrikaans online check out this Afrikaans.us site and Ominglot guide with additional links. Aviva has a nice list of words with their translations you may hear most commonly during your visit in the country. Parties with some knowledge of the language may wish to do some reading over at this blog all in Afrikaans. I haven’t a clue what the content is about, but it could come in handy. Note that the name Afrikaans is simply the Dutch word for African where Afrikaans is the African form of the Dutch Language.

Past Afrikaans words: bly stil , plakkies

Wildest Cities

by Neil Woodburn on

When I read the Men’s Journal headline, World’s Wildest Cities, I thought it to be
yet another ranking of the best places to get drunk and fall down.  Wildest, however, in Men’s
Journal jargon apparently refers to the outdoors. 

The article suddenly appeared much more interesting. 

Rio de Janeiro is mentioned for their fantastic beaches (Ipanema!), mountains, outdoor sports, and flirting. 
Cape Town is praised for much of the same, in addition to diving and canyoneering.  San Francisco makes the list
for its bevy of parks, biking trials and water sports (wet suits required).  A nod is given towards Sydney for its
fine surfing, great beaches, and “beer-fueled karaoke.”  Bringing up the rear is Barcelona.  As
much as I love this city, I was surprised to find it on the list.  Included due to its “celebration of life
outdoors,” the city boasts, in my opinion, some mediocre beaches, some mediocre bike trials and some amazing
outdoor cafes and plazas in which to partake in the other wild activities for which the town is so well
known. 

Brainy Holidays

by Neil Woodburn on

If
you’re the type who likes to take your brain on vacation with you and actually use it, then spare a moment to
consider some of the following “research holidays.”  Built around the dual themes of learning and
research, these vacations combine the challenge of learning with the adventure of travel. 

Mark MacKenzie of The Independent does a nice job summarizing a few of the better options
that are available for those of you with Indiana Jones aspirations.  For more detailed information, check out the
article here.  

Shangri La River Expeditions – Jump in a kayak or
raft and help geoscientists map out river tributaries in western China.  No prior geoscience experience necessary.

South Africa’s Kuruman River Reserve – Work with the Earthwatch
Institute to monitor Meerkat breeding.  No prior meerkat breeding experience necessary.  Earthwatch also has
141 other projects to choose from if meerkats don’t float your boat.

Hawaiian Volcanos – Aspiring vulcanologists can travel to Hawaii to
measure volcanic activity with the United States Geological Survey (USGS).  Don’t expect to spend much time
kicking it on the beach, however.  “Volunteers must be in top physical shape.”  This means lots
of trekking around with heavy research equipment.  Brain and brawn required on this one. 

Antarctica – The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has a variety of
volunteer positions available that ranging from cooking for the scientists to being a molecular phylogeneticist. 
Go now and experience Antarctica before it melts. 

Africa Travel: South Africa

by Adrienne Wilson on

There is too much to be said and to do in
South Africa. One of the most visited of all African countries because of its
diverse range of activity, South Africa has never been a disappointment from those I’ve met who have gone. Instead of
talking about the beaches and instead of talking about the jeep safari tours how about we head out into the country by
luxury train. I’ve never been on a train for any great distance and I find the idea of seeing the country by train a
grand way to explore. There are several rail operators waiting to make this dream come true for those who fancy a long
African rides into the sunset. Head over to their tourism site to sniff them out or start clicking below
as I’ve listed them here:

Word for the Travel Wise (03/11/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

In addition to the big cats
and other wild game found on the vast plains of South Africa the country is also popular for its numerous beautiful
sparkling beaches. Often referred to as the Sunshine Coast, the Riviera, the Wild Coast and Garden Coast no matter
which one you choose to use during and after your stay you’ll surely want to remember this item when making your way
down for a dip in the cool blue.

Today’s word is an Afrikaans word used in South Africa:

plakkies –
flip-flops

For learning Afrikaans online check out this Afrikaans.us site and Ominglot guide with additional links. Aviva has a nice list of words with their translations you may
hear most commonly during your visit in the country. Parties with some knowledge of the language may wish to do some
reading over at this blog all in Afrikaans. I haven’t a clue what the content is
about, but it could come in handy. Note that the name Afrikaans is simply
the Dutch word for African where Afrikaans is the African form of the Dutch
Language.

Past Afrikaans words: bly stil