Australia

G'day! It has always been a dream of mine to travel to Australia. I love the outdoors, hiking, watersports including scuba diving, and the relaxed atmosphere that Australians seem to live in. Here are some important things to know about Australia and some of the best places to visit while you're down under.

Map of Australia



History and Demographic Information

Australia was discovered by Dutch explorers in 1606, but they did not colonize the new land. Not until 1770 was the eastern half was claimed by Great Britain and settlements established. As the population grew, a total of six colonies were established. On January 1, 1901 the colonies formed the Commonwealth of Australia. Before the arrival of European settlers, there was a large indigenous population of Aborigines estimated to be near one million. In 2001, the population of Aborigines and the other primary native group, the Torres Strait Islanders, was counted at 410,003, which accounts for 2.2% of the total population. There are more than four hundred distinct groups of Aboriginal people in Australia. They each have their own cultures, customs, and languages. There is a difficult history between the Australian government and the indigenous Australian groups. From 1870 to 1970, many children of Aborigies and Torres Strait Islanders were forcibly removed from their families by the government. These children are known as the Stolen Generations. There are several reasons for their removal from child protection to a fear about mixing of racial groups. On February 13, 2008, a formal apology was issued by the government for the removals.

Aboriginal man playing the digeridoo, a traditional musical instrument

Listen to a Didgeridoo Performance

“One of the strongest prejudices that one has to overcome when one visits Australia is that created by the weird jargon than passes for English in this country.” Valerie Desmond

Dictionary of CommonAustralian Words and Sayings

Places to Visit

“Australia is an outdoor country. People only go inside to use the toilet. And that's only a recent development.” Barry Humphries

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef. It is located off the northeast coast of Australia and has been used for thousands of years by the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, who fished and hunted in the waters around the reef. Four hundred different species of hard and soft coral make up the reef. Animals often seen in and around the reef include dolphins, whales, sea turtles, sea snakes, clownfish, snapper, coral trout, and many species of birds. Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular and are the best way to experience the reef. There are also several beautiful beaches near the reef if you'd prefer to relax on land. One of the most beautiful is Whitehaven Beach, named for it's pristine white sand, on Whitsunday, Island. It is accessible by boat from the mainland.



Arial view of a portion of the reef





















Uluru or Ayers Rock

This amazing monolith, which is the largest in the world, is 348 meters high and 9 kilometers around. It is also called “The Heart of Australia” because of it’s location in the middle of the Australian desert. It is made of sand stone which changes color as the light changes during the day. The color can vary from light brown to deep red, with the most spectacular colors at sunrise and sunset. During rainy weather, Uluru looks silvery gray. It is considered sacred by the Aborigines, who have marked its holiness with petroglyphs, rock drawings, around the site for ten thousand years. Visitors can hike around Uluru or up to the top, though the indigenous people prefer that the site not be disturbed by hiking to the top. It is sometimes reported that people who take rocks from Uluru will be cursed. There have been many instances where people who removed such rocks attempted to mail them back to various agencies in an attempt to remove the perceived curse.



Uluru





Aboriginal petroglyphs at Uluru



Barossa Valley

This area is Australia’s most popular wine producing region. It is primarily known for producing red wines, specifically Shiraz. Other grape varieties grown in the area include Riesling, Semillon, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Bethany Vineyard was first planted in 1852 and is the region’s oldest vineyard. The best view of the valley is from Mengler Hill. The Barossa Vintage Festival is a week long festival held every other year at the end of April to celebrate the end of the harvest. There are 150 wineries in the region and over 80 cellar rooms and tasting rooms that are open to the public. One of the most well known and popular to visit is Penfolds Grange.



Vineyards in Barossa Valley



Penfolds Grange- Australia's most popular wine
















These are only a few of the amazing things to see and do in Australia. There's also exotic wildlife at the Australia Zoo, surfing, the Sydney Opera House, and much more. I can't wait to plan my trip!

Costa Rica

I love to travel so trying to pick just one place that I am really looking forward to visiting was tough.  I am dying to make my way to Peru and hike Machu Picchu and I have heard wonderful things about Iceland and it is not that far of a flight.  However for this blog I’ve decided to discuss my desire to go to Costa Rica.

According to the United Nations, in 2009 Costa Rica has an estimated population of 4,579,000.  Together, whites and mestizos make up 94% of the population, 3% are black, 1% Amerindians, 1% Chinese, and 1% other.

I have had many friends visit Costa Rica and come back telling me about how the people and the atmosphere is like none-other.  Pura Vida (POO-rah VEE-dah), used by Costa Ricans since 1956, literally translated means “Pure Life.” Contextually, it means “Full of Life” “Purified life," “This is living!” “Going great!” It is used as a greeting, a farewell, and to express satisfaction. The phrase has become widely known in the USA and Europe. Some foreigners view the phrase as an expression of a leisurely lifestyle, of disregard for time and wanton friendliness. However, Costa Ricans use the phrase to express a philosophy of strong community, perseverance, good spirits, enjoying life slowly, celebrating good fortune, whether small or large.

Interesting Historical Facts:

-1502 Christopher Columbus anchored just offshore from present-day Limon on his fourth and last voyage to the New World. 

-1821 Spain granted independence to its colonies in Central America.  Costa Rica joined the Central American Federation but in 1838 withdrew to form a new nation.

-Mid 1800s coffee was the country’s main export and free land was given to anyone willing to plant coffee on it.  Soon plantation owners grew wealthy and powerful, creating Costa Rica’s first elite class.

-In 1889 Costa Rica held its first free election in Central American history.  There was no bloodshed when the opposition won and thus the region became the only true democracy.

-Unlike most countries Costa Rica has had a history that didn’t really allow bloodshed.  The people there have lived for the most part a peaceful existence. 

Now that I have discussed the history and demographics of the country, let’s discuss the real reasons why I want to travel to Costa Rica.  Costa Rica has so much to offer for someone who likes to mix adventure with relaxation.  Getting to Costa Rica from the New York area is a simple flight to San Jose. 

My first destination after spending a day in San Jose would be Monteverde.  Monteverde is set atop Costa Rica’s continental divide.  It is set some 4,662 feet above sea level.  Due to this, Monteverde is set in the clouds.  The moisture from the clouds, often in the form of fog, lingers on the branches of the tallest trees.  The drip from the moisture helps to support a complex ecosystem, one that is home to over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, tens of thousands of insect species, and over 2500 varieties of plants, 420 of which are orchids alone.  As a visitor this lends itself to a lot of activities.  There are trails and trams and canopy tours with guides.  You can easily spend a few days here, as there is over 8 miles of trails.

The next stop on my tour would be Manuel Antonio National Park.  In 2011, Forbes listed Manuel Antonio among the world's 12 most beautiful national parks.  This park has the best of worlds, beautiful beaches and gorgeous hiking trails.  There are four beaches within the park, Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, Teldoro, and Playita.  Both Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur contain tidal pools and offer the possibility of snorkeling.  Although Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica's smallest national park, the diversity of wildlife in its 3 square miles is unequaled with 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds.  Not only are there a wide variety of water activities one can participate in, you can also go zip lining through the forest, take a canopy tour, or go horseback riding.

The final leg of my journey would take me to the Guanacaste Gold Coast of Costa Rica.  After all the hiking, zip lining, and touring of the two parks, a little bit of relaxation is required.  This region lies on the Pacific Ocean and is home to some of the nicest hotels in the country.  I’m the type of person that loves adventure but for some rest and relaxation I love a five star hotel that pampers to my every need. 

Israel (Bruchim Habaim)

          The country of Israel offers plenty of opportunity for adventure, fine dining, or just plain fun. It is an ancient country with many exotic locales that encompass a wide area of historical places. Visit Jerusalem, with it's ancient temples and cultural diversity. Learn about the Crusades in the port city of Acre. If you prefer 21st century fun, I advise you to travel to Tel Aviv and take advantage of the night life. Indulge under the Mediterranean sun in Caesarea and learn about the marvelous ancient architecture commissioned by Herod.. The weather is moderate, the people are friendly and the food is great!

 Map can be located at: http://start.csail.mit.edu/startfarm.cgi?query=Can+you+show+me+a+map+of+Israel

Brief Background:

          The nation of Israel is situated in the Middle East surrounded by Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. I had the pleasure of visiting Israel numerous times beginning with a port of call with the U.S. Navy. Out of all the places in my visit Jerusalem resonated with me the most. It's majestic temples combined with different historical periods all in one geographical location. On one corner near the old city walls you can catch a glimpse of Muslim pilgrims visiting the Temple Mount. Facing the Wailing Wall Jews offer prayers for guidance while Christians visit the different cathedrals within the old city walls. The country is full of history and offers many opportunities for fun in the sun. I marveled at the diversity that Israel has to offer. 

         The modern state of Israel was created in 1948 as a homeland for the Jews. Theodore Herze, a member of the Zionist movement initiated attempts to establish Israel. Under the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and support from the British Government, the creation of a Jewish homeland in the land of Palestine began to gain momentum. For detailed information please visit this link: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3581.htm#people

Jerusalem

          I approached the city walls in Jerusalem with amazement! The streets were packed with tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.  The aroma of fresh fruits, vegetables and roasted meat all add to the experience of travel. Like many ancient places the old city was constructed as a fortress, protecting the inhabitants and religious temples within the confines. Subterranean canals were built to allow for the flow of fresh water and in some cases to provide secret passages. The picture below illustrates an old channel built before the time of Christ. Remember Jerusalem is more than 5,000 years old. One cannot help but marvel at the engineering feat required to design, build and then implement these wonderful works for the benefit of all its inhabitants. Jerusalem is also heavily influenced by many other cultures including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantium, and European Christianity. Jerusalem definitely offers old world charm as you can see from the images.

          Take a look at the photo below! Our tourist guide told us that this is where the Last Supper supposedly took place. Notice that there is something strange with this theory. The answer lies within the architecture. The building has a Romanesque architectural design structure and it was built during the Crusades. Throughout the centuries many Christians visited Jerusalem as pilgrims to pray or collect sacred relics ( for example a piece of the cross, etc). The Crusades were wars fought between Christians and Muslims both claiming the Holy Land as a sacred place. These wars lasted for several centuries.  

Acre 

           Acre is situated in the northern part of Israel. The city is heavily influenced by Arabic cultures and makes it a prime location for sun bathing, dining, and more dining. If you like authentic foods Acre is the place to visit. The dishes are prepared with middle eastern spices coupled with vegetables and tasty meats. For seafood lovers there are plenty of fresh fish. Amidst the ruins left by the Crusading Knights, Acre offers excellent opportunities for souvenir collecting as well. Sitting with family and friends at the restaurant I could not help notice the local kids diving from the old city wall pictured below. I guess the water is not shallow around those parts! After lunch we visited the museum of the old Turkish Bath. The bath was a meeting place for many locals to conduct business, catch up on the latest gossip, or just relax. The people living in Acre are very friendly. Just walk through the streets and glimpse at the myriad of enticing colors, talk with the people, or just enjoy a cold glass of freshly squeezed lemons.



         

  Images of old city wall and arches from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Akko-Citadel.jpg  

http://en.enwikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pizaniwall.jpg

Photos from the market place in Acre:

Caesarea

The ancient port city of Caesarea is located between Tel Aviv and Haifa. The city was revitalized by King Herod the Great and named after his patron and benefactor Augustus Caesar. Many of the ancient buildings were commissioned by him and still stand to this day. The maritime port was the envy of the ancient world allowing merchant vessels to bring goods and trade, spurring the local economy. King Herod encouraged these activities but was not liked by the majority of his people.  

          



                                               

Roman Aqueduct courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Caesarea.jpg                             

                                                                                        
   

Take a look at this video which provides a glimpse of what Israel has to offer:

Video can be located at youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or476fgFnV4

"My contemporaries in Israel have a love for life that`s amazing. There, there is not the luxurious and rich existence of material goods of Hollywood films, every day they struggle to survive, but they still have an enthusiasm difficult to find elsewhere."

-Natalie Portman

Mongolia

The Ins and Outs of Mongolia

I never thought much about Mongolia until I saw a recent concert of AnDu Union, a celebration of music from Inner Mongolia.  It transported me to a place where magical things are found in sound as well as sight.  Velvet and mohair costumes, soft yet shielding, were worn by the singers and musicians that seemed to blend those same qualities of their garments with their music.   String instruments in concert with guttural vocals and whistles that you could swear came from an instrument or some techo-synthesized device that required a plug, came together seemingly at once in celebration and defense of an ancient tradition.  I returned to my seat, here at home in Montclair, NJ, a different person, having experienced the possibilities of the human voice and spirit – two qualities that couldn’t seem to be separated from these performers. 

 

 The traditional throat singers (Hoomei), dressed in traditional costumes (standard of dressing still to this day), compliment the musical instruments, such as the horse-head fiddle (Morin huur).

I invite you to watch a video (or both) of AnDi Union, and take the journey for yourself.  You’ll be tempted to close your eyes, but don’t!  Let visions of the singers be a part of the ancient, visceral experience.  Step “in”. You’ll leave your “outer” self behind, I promise you:

Mongolia is the least populated country in the world, where one third of its inhabitants live in the capitol, Ulaanbaatar, leaving the rest of the country to be primarily semi-nomadic.  There are great stretches of wildlife, void of people and roads.  It is where the only remaining “wild” horses in the world reside (click here for more on Przewalski).   Elegant and free, these creatures know as Przewalski horses are a symbol of the wild nature of the country.  Mongolian Art, (including paintings, music, and instruments) honor the horse by making it their subject and emulating its nature.  Listen to the way the music in this clip integrates the horse into the song, as you watch the incredible footage of them in their natural habitat (or simply, in their country):

Perhaps that is why Mongolians hold fast to traditions, keeping them alive and not a hats off (no pun intended) to the past.  Mongolia remains an autonomous country, where traditional clothes are still worn simply because the people want to wear them.  They also choose to live off the wild life, using everything they hunt.  Mare’s milk is a staple product obtained by milking wild horses; prime examples of living off the wild.    As a tourist, you might encounter a milking, as one person documented the event did:

“Mongolia is divided into 21 aimags (Mongolian: аймаг, sometimes translated to province) and the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Each aimag is subdivided into several sums. The name aimag is derived from the Mongolian and Turkic languages word for ‘tribe’” (click here for Provinces of Mongolia)

SUKHBAATAR SQUARE

If you decide to visit the capitol, Ulaabaator, you might be surprised by the metropolitan feel of the city, particularly Sakhbaatoar Square.  Named after Damdin Sukhbaatar, who “declared Mongolia's final independence from the Chinese…The Square now bears his name and features a statue of him astride his horse”.   Cosidered by many as the hero of the revolution, he encapsulated the movement in a speech, a passage from it engraved on the bottom of the statue: “'If we, the whole people, unite in our common effort and common will, there will be nothing in the world that we cannot achieve, that we will not have learnt or failed to do”. (http://legendtour 2011)

 

 GandanKhiid


"The full name, Gandantegchinlen, translates roughly as 'the great place of complete joy'" (http://www.w.lonelyplanet.com) and it is a fitting name for one of Mongolia's most important monasteries.  The building of the monastary began in 1838, and it continued to evolve through periods in history, ranging from a tourist attraction, void of any religious things going on, untiltoday, where it currently is occupied by over 600 monks
(http://www.lonelyplanet.com).  Just as traditional music has made its way back to Mongolian culture, religion returns; evident in the chants of the monks whose voices echo over the mountains. 







Khövsgöl Nuu National Park

Lakes.  Mountains.  Wildlife.  If these things appeal to you, than you will want to visit Khövsgöl Nuur National Park.  Known as the "Blue Pearl of the Mongolia, Khövsgöl Nuur is an extraordinary lake that stretches 136km deep into the Siberian taiga" making it a perfect location for this national treasure (http://www.lonelyplanet.com). Visitors can see exactly why Mongolians are so connected to nature by touring this park, representative of the vast wildlife found throughout Mongolia.

So, if you are not convinced yet, perhaps you can find out more about the provinces of Mongolia that most interest you. 

There are plenty of websites, like this one (click here for Mongolian resorts) , that provide tourist information.  Just click and go.

"Time is of the essence" commented Karen Campo, a veteran English language teacher, who has collectively spent ten years teaching in Mongolia over the past two decades.  "It could all change, due to China coming in and mining in Mongolia" she said with a sense of melancholy and realism.  "That means a changing culture; it's inevitable" were her sentiments, and I thought that it was fitting for this particular culture.  Mongolia has changed again and again over centuries, yet it has somehow returned to traditions, perhaps making the revitalization seem new.  Mongolians want to revive their ancient culture - it is something wild in them that can't  be tamed.   I knew after speaking with her that this is, indeed, the time to go! (excerpt from Paul Caruso's interview with Karen Campo, September 30, 2011)

For me it begins with music.  But it doesn’t end there.  The topography of Mongolia is as diverse as its culture, including   mountains, deserts, national parks, temples, animals, Buddhism, resorts and art.  As Nars, the  leader of the musical group AnDa Union says, “There is a wealth of folk music for us to learn; so far, our repertoire of songs is like a drop in the ocean”[i] I ask you to consider the following question:  What will your repertoire of experiences be?  Listen.

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[i] Program notes, Peak Performances, Montclair State Universiry,  September 17, 2011.  Nars,  AnDa Union