Haven’t posted too much about biking lately, and while I dug around a lot and found some good links, I did just want to alert folks to the New York Times’ biking guide. Now, you may not think that the Times is exactly the kind of news source that’s gonna have a lot to say about biking. You’re probably right. But bear with me for a moment, and take a look at an article like this one, by Jeffrey Gettleman, who biked his way around Tanzania earlier this year. Now, that’s good biking journalism. Another piece takes you to Sedona, where the fat tire opps are prodigious. So you see. Good stuff for you.
Chumbe Island Coral Park
If you’re looking for pure exotic fun and diving…well, do some research and go. Just kidding. I was looking through a copy of Scuba Diver magazine from a few months ago and caught mention of Chumbe Island Coral Park in Tanzania. This incredible ecolodge on Chumbe, a coral archipelago about 7 miles south of Zanzibar Town, features seven bungalows that dangle over the sea. This is paradise. Really. Honestly. A two-mile sand bar, killer waves, coconut crabs crawling through the trees, and some of the finest diving this side of paradise. And when I say eco-paradise, I mean it. Greenies will love the solar-powered bungalows, composting efforts and overall eco-feel. Oh, there is also a real exclusivity to it. The island is privately managed and only allows 14 guests at a time.
Volunteer Vacations
The latest issue of Transitions Abroad is out, and although our focus in the States is very close to home this difficult holiday weekend, we can’t forget that there is, and always will be, ways to help out elsewhere.
Volunteer Vacations is the theme of the September/October special section. There are articles with tips on how to pick the best organization, why the costs to volunteer are worth it, and ways to do it on a tight budget. Examples of volunteer travel experiences featured in the issue include: caring for cubs in a South African Lion Park, working as a health intern in Tanzania, assisting on an ecovillage outside Buenos Aires and volunteering for a environmental clean-up project on Ile D’Hoedic.
You’ll have to subscribe to the print publication to read these articles, but here’s a peek at some bonus articles available online: How to Make the Most of Volunteer Vacations, stories of volunteer travel in Dharmsala and Lima, and a list of key resources for volunteering abroad. Volunteer vacations are an excellent option to consider before planning any trip, and the TA staff are pros at pointing us to the best programs and places looking for assistance from willing travelers.
Bond…Annabelle Bond Climbs Seven Summits
In a sport largely dominated by alpha males, a (ahem, very attractive) young blond named Annabelle Bond has become the fastest woman to complete the seven summits, the tallest mountains on all seven continents…all of which she did in less than a year. This was the fastest time ever for a woman, and the fourth fastest for men and women. She hit peaks in Nepal, Tanzania, Argentina, Alaska, Antarctica, Australia and Russia.
Bond is the daughter of banking magnate Sir John Bond, the head of HSBC, and up to now has been called the Bridget Jones of mountaineering, a somewhat derisive nickname that she will likely shed with the accomplishment.
And as you can see by the picture, and the photos on her site, there will likely be many an endorsement now waiting for her.
April Fool’s Day
Happy April Fool’s Day everyone! Use this day to make pretend, tell a tiny white lie, or pull a prank on someone for the rest of the day. Tell your boss you’ve had it with corporate, capitalist America (you’ve been complaining about it anyway) and that you’ll be heading to Tuvalu next week. Call your friends and let them know the big eco-adventure vacation you’ve all been planning to Tanzania is OFF! While you’re at it, swing by 2camels dot com and check out the history of April Fool’s. In short 2camels is an excellent website for festival finding, history and locations for awesome festivals around the globe.