Author: Gill Dewar

Where in the World Argentina

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Argentina:

Where is this amazing white desert?

In Argentina!
 
The Salinas Grandes is located in the north of Argentina and it takes the province of Salta and Jujuy. It’s a 212-square-kilometer-long of the 3rd biggest salt flat in South America and the 1st of Argentina.
 
It is a spectacular space of kilometers and kilometers of salt that dye white a soil that used to be reddish-brown. The salty flakes that remained on the floor – and still crystallize – are the result of the evaporation of groundwater from a volcano that erupted billions of years ago. And it is an incredible landscape that is worth traveling to see.
 
It can be visited all year round alongside National Route 52, between the towns of Purmamarca and Susques, in Jujuy, super easy access from Salta.
 
Walking on the Salinas Grandes is a sensory overwhelming experience, the silence there seems to be eternal. Hours can be spent contemplating this desert of whiteness.
 
Travel to Argentina
 

Amazing Travel Fact Argentina

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Argentina:

Some interesting facts about Argentina!
 
It was in 1928 in the city of Buenos Aires, when a group of taxi drivers made a fixed route announcing it with a sign and allowing more than one passenger to board for value 5 times cheaper than what a taxi would have cost, giving birth to the famous collective bus!

These cute little buses do not function anymore in the city, you see them only at Museums or car show where fanatics gather once a year to appreciate these jewels of our past among other great vintage cars.
 
We use these beautiful vintage buses as a way to incorporate culture and history facts into our tours or special transfers. It’s a great way to surprise guests so they can experience a little bit of the flair of old times. Also can be part of a decor plan, like in this picture!
 
 

Amazing Travel Fact Serbia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Serbia:

Did you know that there is a river which is called “One Year River”? It got its nickname because it is only 365 meters long, same as the number of days in a year.
 
Do you know where we need to travel in order to visit One Year River?
 
On the right bank of the Drina, in Perucac, Serbia, 13 km upstream from Bajina Basta, there is the river which people gave a new name – Godina (in English A year). Why? Because it is exactly 365 meters long. It seems that the river Drina jealously kept this beauty to itself. Until now, at least, since it started to attract more tourists every year.
 
Vrelo River originates from a strong karst spring of Perucac at the altitude of 234 meters at the foothill of mountain Tara. The water from Vrelo originates from precipitation accumulated on the spacious plateau of Tara. On average, the spring pours out 330 liters of water each second. The average temperature of the water is about 10 degrees.
 
 

Where in the World Kazakhstan

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Kazakhstan:

Where this beautiful tower situated?

Astana, Kazakhstan

The Kazakh word “bayterek” translates literally to mean “tall poplar,” as in the tree.

That’s what makes Bayterek Tower such a fitting name for a national monument steeped in symbolism and meaning, connecting the old world to the modern in a celebration of progress.
 
Located in Astana, Kazakhstan, every element of Bayterek Tower was designed with the intention of imparting meaning to visitors and citizens alike, right down to the height of the tower, which stands 97 meters tall to represent 1997, the year in which Astana was named the capital of Kazakhstan.
 

Amazing Travel Fact Japan

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts, Where in the world.

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Japan:

Do you know what Christmas tradition was sparked in Japan by the advertising slogan “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!”

Back in 1974, the American fast-food restaurant KFC released a festive marketing campaign in Japan. The seemingly simple slogan “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” (Kentucky for Christmas!) spawned a national tradition that still thrives to this day.
 
Although Christmas is not even a national holiday in Japan, families from all over the country head to their local KFC for a special Christmas Eve meal. 
 

Amazing Travel Fact Hong Kong

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Hong Kong:

Did you know that public transport is called Ding Ding in this city?
 
Amazing right?
 
Serving Hong Kong for 113 years, HK Tramways (“Tramways”) is true to its heritage while remaining young, cheerful and energetic in heart.
 
Hong Kong Tramways (HKT) is a 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) narrow-gauge tram system in Hong Kong. Owned and operated by RATP Dev Transdev Asia, the tramway runs on Hong Kong Island between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan, with a branch circulating through Happy Valley.
 
Hong Kong’s tram system is one of the earliest forms of public transport in the metropolis, having opened in 1904 under British rule. It has used electric trams since its inauguration, and has never used horse or steam power. It owns the world’s largest operational double-decker tram fleet, and is a very rare example of a tram system that uses them exclusively. In addition to being used by commuters, the system is popular with tourists, and is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of travelling in the city.
 
Hong Kong people informally call the tramway the “Ding Ding” in reference to the double-bell ring used by the trams to warn pedestrians of their approach.
 

Where in the World Hong Kong

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Hong Kong:

Is this just an optical illusion?
 
Located at the Tai Hang region of the Hong Kong Island, Lai Tak Tsuen estate is one of the first public housing developments in Hong Kong, offering more than 2000 apartments.
 
The surrounding is among the best of all public rental buildings – sitting on the slop of the hill, you can get the view of the Victorian Harbor.
 
The unique bicylindrical design of Lai Kit Lau and Tak Chuen Lau is also the first and only design ever employed in a public housing project.
 
Lai Tak Tsuen estate was named after the former Hong Kong Government officer Michael Wrigh.
 
The open space of the bicylindrical structure allows natural light to fall into the inner structure of the building, reducing energy consumption. The geometrical beauty of the shadow created by the layer of rings (circle structure of each level) can be compared to a giant modernistic sculptures. 
 

Where in the World Cambodia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Cambodia:

Did you know that King Louis XIV of France established the world’s first ballet school in 1661?
 
In fact, one of the distinctive features of ballet technique – the turnout, was introduced by the King because he loved to show off the shiny buckles on his shoes when he performed his own dances.
 
But did you know that in 2020, we have a King who is a professionally trained ballet dancer?
 
Amazing right?
 
Do you know of which country he is the king?
 
King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia.
 
King Sihamoni was born to love the arts. His father, the late and much-revered Norodom Sihanouk, produced 50 films during his lifetime, wrote more than 48 musical compositions and was a great advocate of traditional Khmer arts.
 
Born in 1953, Sihamoni was sent to Prague, then Czechoslovakia, at nine years old by his father. At the age of 16, he starred in Sihanouk’s film, The Little Prince. While the civil war ravaged the country in the 1970s, the prince remained in Czechoslovakia, where he went on to study at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (AMU), specialising in classical dance, music and theatre. He graduated in 1975.
 
Inspired by his film-making father, Sihamoni left Prague after his graduation, moving to North Korea to study cinematography in the capital, Pyongyang. Two years later, Sihamoni relocated to France to teach ballet, where he worked as a professor of classical dance and formed his own dance troupe, Ballet Deva.
 
He choreographed some of their performances and made two films with a dance theme.
 
He went on to live in Paris for almost two decades, becoming president of the Khmer Dance Association. In 1993, he was appointed Cambodia’s delegate to UNESCO in Paris.
 
In 2004, Sihamoni’s father abdicated for the second and final time. Sihamoni stepped into his shoes, many say reluctantly.
 
Sihanouk died in Beijing on October 15, 2012, at the age of 89.
 
Little remains known about the current king, who keeps his cards close to his chest. However, the information out there paints a picture of a humble and cultured man.
 
 

Amazing Travel Fact Cambodia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Cambodia:

Did you know that there is a country, which has the world’s largest religious building which is one of the wonders of the world? It is even on their flag, which makes it the only flag in the world featuring a building.
 
Amazing, right?
 
Do you know to which country we need to travel in order to see it?
 
It is indeed Cambodia.
 
Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious building and considered one of the wonders of the world. In 1992 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
 
Originally built at the beginning of the 12th century as a Hindu temple, it was converted into a Buddhist temple near the end of the 12th century. It’s a classic example of Khmer architecture, has become a national symbol of Cambodia and even appears on the country’s flag. Even though it was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, once it became a Buddhist temple it also played a part in converting Cambodia into a Buddhist country.
 
Today Angkor Wat is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world, as well as a major tourist attraction!
 
 

Amazing Travel Fact Bali

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Bali:

What is Gamelan Music and where does it originate from?
 
Across Indonesia, but particularly on the islands of Java and Bali, gamelan is the most popular form of traditional music.
 
A gamelan ensemble consists of a variety of metal percussion instruments, usually made of bronze or brass, including xylophones, drums, and gongs. It may also feature bamboo flutes, wooden stringed instruments, and vocalists, but the focus is on the percussion.
 
The name “gamelan” comes from gamel, a Javanese word for a type of hammer used by a blacksmith. Gamelan instruments are often made of metal, and many are played with hammer-shaped mallets, as well.
 
Although metal instruments are expensive to make, compared with those of wood or bamboo, they will not mould or deteriorate in Indonesia’s hot, steamy climate.
 
Scholars suggest that this may be one of the reasons that gamelan developed, with its signature metallic sound.
 
 

Where in the World Azerbaijan

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world, Whats cooking.

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Azerbaijan:

Did you know that there is a country where the tea tray gives a good indication of how the matchmaking is progressing? If there is no sugar in the tea, more negotiating needs to be done. If it is sweet, then the wedding will take place.
 
Amazing, right?
 
Tea in Azerbaijan is served freshly brewed, hot and strong. It typically has a bright colour and is served in crystal or any other glasses or cups. Azerbaijanis often use traditional armudu (pear-shaped) glass.
 
Tea is served continuously when there are guests or when there is an interesting conversation. For Azerbaijanis tea is associated with warmth, hospitality. tradition says that one should not allow the guest to leave the house without at least one cup of tea.
 
Tea in Azerbaijan is also served during matchmaking. After the negotiations by matchmakers are complete, the maid will bring out tea. If the tea is served without sugar, that is a sign that the chances for marriage agreement are very low; conversely, if tea is served with sugar, it means that there will be a wedding.
 
Azerbaijanis say about tea “Çay nədir, say nədir” which can be translated as “when you drink tea, the cup count doesn’t matter” and means that tea is something almost “sacred” in Azerbaijan.
 
 

Where in the World Armenia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Armenia:

Do you know where the oldest winery in the world can be found?

In the Areni region, Armen
 
If making the oldest known leather shoe wasn’t enough, a prehistoric people in what’s now Armenia also built the world’s oldest known winery…
 
“This is the earliest, most reliable evidence of wine production,” said archaeologist Gregory Areshian of the University of California, Los Angeles.
 
“For the first time, we have a complete archaeological picture of wine production dating back 6,100 years,” he said.
 
To test whether the vat and jars in the Armenian cave had held wine, the team chemically analysed pottery shards—which had been radiocarbon-dated to between 4100 B.C. and 4000 B.C.—for tell-tale residues.
 
 

Amazing Travel Fact Armenia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Armenia:

Do you know what a khachar is?

A khachkar, also known as an Armenian cross-stone is a carved, memorial stele bearing a cross, and often with additional motifs such as rosettes, interlaces, and botanical motifs.
 
Khachkars are characteristic of Medieval Christian Armenian art.
 
Armenian art of Khachkars is transmitted from generation to generation and continuously recreated to satisfy the artist’s creativity.
 
Wherever you go, thousands of khachkars pervade the conscience of the world’s first Christian nation, providing a rare glimpse into the art of spiritual expression.
 
Since 2010, khachkars, their symbolism and craftsmanship are inscribed in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
 

Where in the World Zimbabwe

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Zimbabwe:

Where is this amazing sky walk based?

Looks scary doesn’t it?

The Sky Walk is situated in the beautiful Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe.

The Sky Walk is truly unique, a first for Zimbabwe and the world. The 2 suspension bridges are designed to look like vines above the falls allowing for the first time a full panoramic view of the Mutarazi Falls and its surroundings.
 
The Sky Walk consists of two bridges – the one 30m that take you over the lip of the Falls and the other 90m that is above the entire Falls.
 
If you ever dreamed of walking in midair then this is for you. Activity takes roughly 10 minutes.
 
 

Amazing Travel Fact Zimbabwe

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Zimbabwe:

On which African river is the mighty Victoria Falls?

The mighty Zambezi River – the fourth-longest river in Africa, the longest east-flowing river in Africa and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean from Africa.
 
For about 500 kilometres it serves as the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe thundering over the Victoria Falls and through the narrow, steadily deepening Batoka Gorge, providing a fantastic playground for white-water rafting, kayaking, river boarding and jet boating.
 
Its unique value is that it is less developed than other rivers regarding human settlement and many areas along its banks have even been granted protected status. The Lower Zambezi National Park flanks the river on the Zambian side and Mana Pools National Park on the Zimbabwean side. This whole area of the Zambezi supports one of Africa’s most important wilderness areas as it provides sustenance to a diverse array of game, birdlife and fish species.
 
Hippo, Nile crocodiles and monitor lizards, are commonly found along many of the calm stretches of the river. Species of bird, like heron, pelican, egret and African fish eagle are found in large numbers here. The riverine woodlands then support many large animals, such as buffalo, zebra, giraffe, elephant. 
 

Where in the World Ghana

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Ghana:

Where is this interesting monument?
 
In Accra, Ghana…..
 
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum and memorial park is located in downtown Accra, the capital of Ghana. It is dedicated to the prominent Ghanaian leader Kwame Nkrumah. The memorial complex was dedicated in 1992, and is situated on the site of the former British colonial polo grounds in Accra.
 
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & mausoleum, designed by Don Arthur, houses the bodies of Kwame Nkrumah and his wife Fathia Nkrumah. The building is meant to represent an upside down sword, which in Akan culture is a symbol of peace.
 

Amazing Travel Facts Mali

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Mali:

Where is this mysterious building?
 
Great Mosque of Djenné, Mali
 
As one of the wonders of Africa, and one of the most unique religious buildings in the world, the Great Mosque of Djenné, in present-day Mali, is also the greatest achievement of Sudano-Sahelian architecture.
 
It is also the largest mud-built structure in the world.
 
Djenné was founded between 800 and 1250 C.E., and it flourished as a great center of commerce, learning, and Islam, which had been practiced from the beginning of the 13th century.
 
Soon thereafter, the Great Mosque became one of the most important buildings in town primarily because it became a political symbol for local residents and for colonial powers like the French who took control of Mali in 1892.
 
Over the centuries, the Great Mosque has become the epicenter of the religious and cultural life of Mali, and the community of Djenné. It is also the site of a unique annual festival called the Crepissage de la Grand Mosquée (Plastering of the Great Mosque).
 

Where in the World Tunisia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Tunisia:

How fascinating that people still live like this.

But where is this?

The cave village of Matmâta in Tunisia.
 
Matmâta and other desert settlements in Tunisia have wonderful underground homes built to avoid the intense heat and strong desert winds. The homes are made by digging a large pit some 7m (23ft) deep and 10m (33ft) wide and then, around the sides of the pit, tunnelling in a few meters before cutting artificial caves.
 
Matmâta, and a handful of similar towns across Tunisia, is situated on a shelf of sandstone that is soft enough to excavate with hand tools, but sturdy enough to provide homes for centuries.
 
The homes are grouped around a central courtyard and connected to other courtyards with more rooms forming an underground labyrinth.
 
The interior of the cave homes (left) are painted with lime wash to capture as much bright desert light from the courtyard as possible.
 

Where in the World Zanzibar

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

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Zanzibar:

This almost doesn’t look real does it?

Located on Pemba Island in Zanzibar, The Manta Resort has a remarkable jewel in its crown of luxury, an underwater sea room.
 
Anchored in an ocean floor anomaly we call the blue hole, the floating underwater room tops almost anything. Encapsulated within a turquoise blue bubble, watching shoals of reef fish swim by – sometimes in three or four layers of different species, this is a truly heart-stopping, yet awakening, experience. The floating structure, Swedish engineered, provides three levels, above the water clad in local hardwood is a lounge, bathroom below a stargazing, sun tanning bed. Each one worthy of its own story.
 
It’s part of an ingenious floating structure. There are three levels. The landing deck is where the boat drops you off and the location of the lounge and bathroom. The top floor has daybeds and shades for relaxing in the day and watching the stars at night – they say you can see the Milky Way and the planets due to the lack of light pollution.
 
Below sea level is the submariner room, a bedroom bubble where fish glide past your window. There are even fish that have made their homes around the structure; out here you won’t be visited by other guests but by three bat fish and a trumpet fish called Nick. The room is located in a “blue hole” in the middle of a living coral reef so it is the perfect place for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts and also people who just really like The Little Mermaid.
 
 

Amazing Travel Fact Namibia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Namibia:

Did you know that that the oldest desert in the world has been dry for at least 55 million years?
 
Amazing, right?
 
Do you know where we need to travel to in order to visit this desert?
 
it is indeed Namibia.
 
The Namib has been dry for at least 55 million years, and possibly as many as 80 million. While it may not be the world’s largest desert, it is almost certainly the oldest. Parts of the Namib rival South America’s Atacama Desert as the driest place on Earth. Some parts average just 2mm/0.08in of rain a year.
 

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