AllExpeditions Travel, Africa Safari, To Namibia Africa

About Namibia, Africa

Namibia is a vast country, even by African standards, covering an area approximately four times the size of the United Kingdom but with a population of a mere 2 million - one of the lowest densities in the world. It is also an 'ageless land'; visible through our heritage of rock art created by stone-age artists and geological attractions such as the petrified forest where fossilised tree trunks have lain for over 280 million years.

Added to the space and silence, these all contribute to a feeling of antiquity, solitude and wilderness.

The region offers some of the best diversity in Africa including
the Skeleton Coast in Namibia, the Okavango Delta in Botswana and the
Victoria Falls in Zambia. Nambia, Botswana and Zambia offer some of
Africa's 'last frontiers' - pristine, adventurous and pioneering of new age travel.

The climate is typical of a semi-desert country. Days are warm to hot and nights are generally cool. Temperatures are modified by the high plateau in the interior and by the cold Benguela Current that runs along the Atlantic coastline. Except for the first few months of the year, the country is generally dry with very little rain.

"A pristine land of untouched natural beauty; of vastness, of
awe-inspiring contrasts and mystical splendour such that it touches
the soul! You take it with you forever." (NTB)
This above is an apt description for this truly wonderful country.

Namibia has rapidly become a well-known safari destination, offering the discerning traveller one of the most diverse African experiences possible.

From the wildlife of the huge national parks, to the vastness and emptiness that stretches to the horizon of the Namib and Kalahari deserts, where you forget your cares and lose yourself in a landscape where time looses its meaning, to the desolate Skeleton Coast and to a cultural diversity unlike any other, Namibia celebrates an abundance of space and big blue skies in one of the most natural and spiritual places on this planet.
Namibia is not merely a safari destination, but an experience where you can be yourself, be alone or just be.

All this is in interesting juxtaposition with the expansive landscapes that surround the cities. The many national parks and game reserves boast a huge variety of wildlife in a kaleidoscope of diverse environments: giraffes amble across the blinding white
saltpans of Etosha National Park, oryx plunge headlong up impossibly
steep red dunes at Sossusvlei, and seals in their multitudes colonize lonely beachheads along the Skeleton Coast. Astonishing contrasts are everywhere for the visitor to savour, enjoy and photograph.

Namibia has rapidly become a well-known safari destination with a difference, known for its remote and intimate lodges, interaction with the indigenous people as well as the wildlife, and offering unique opportunities to become involved with the cultural heritage of all its peoples.

Beijing - The Forbidden City

If there is one place in China you have to see, it is the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is an imperial palace that was the home to 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912. Mere words alone simply cannot describe how impressive the Forbidden City is and how it was and still is an integral part of Chinese culture and history. A visit to the Forbidden City should be ranked high on every travellers bucket list.

One mere blog post cannot do justice to the awesomeness of the Forbidden City so I will humbly cover the basics, throw in a few pics of my last visit and give you the basics to help you with your visit which you must make.

Background and History

Name - People were only allowed to enter and leave with the emperor's permission so it was called "forbidden". "City" comes from the translation of the a part older Chinese name cheng which means walled city. Now common Chinese name for the the Forbidden City is gu gong which directly translates into old palace.

History - After moving house a few times, the Ming Dynasty emperor Zhi Di decided to head back to Beijing and needed a suitable residence so work on the the Forbidden City began in 1406 and finished in 1420. The Forbidden City was the home for the royal family until 1912 when Puyi abdicated the throne to Sun Yat Sen and the newly formed Republic of China.

Facts - The world's largest palace complex (eat your heart out Buckingham Palace) covering 74 hectares, over 8500 rooms (number vary depending on who you talk to). The encircling wall is over 8 meters wide at the base and over 6 meters wide at the top and has a circumference of over 3,400 meters.

Description - Is divided into two parts, the outer court and the inner court. The outer court was used for ceremonial purposes (impress guests) and the inner court housed the emperor and his extended family and served as the emperors offices.

Trivia - All except for two roofs in the Forbidden City are made with glazed yellow tiles because yellow is the color of the emperor. The north south central axis running from the "Gate of Dine Might" at the north to the "Meridian Gate" at the south is the actual central axis of Beijing. Starbucks opened a store there in 2000 and did not close until 2007 when sanity finally prevailed. Chairman would never have let that happen.

Going there - You want at least half a day to see the Forbidden City properly. I took over 6 hours and had to be dragged out by companions with less refined taste. Start of early in the morning at Beijing Train Station which is major tourist destination in its own right. Then walk north along Beijing Station street until you hit Jiang Guo Men street and then head west and keep going till you see the entrance to he Forbidden City. You can't miss it. You'll have Tian An Men square to your left and an enormous portrait of Chair Man Mao to your right. The walk it self is a delight and a great way to see the center of Beijing.

Where to stay - Any where in central Beijing within walking distance of Tian An Men is ok. My favourite is the Beijing City Central International Youth Hotel which is across the road from the Beijing train station. Prices are reasonable, staff friendly and location ideal.

Opening hours are from 8:30am to 4:30pm during the low season from November to March and 8:30am to 5:00 during the high season from April to October. Tickets are not sold during the last hour and entry is not allowed during the last 50 minutes. According to my most reliable source (disclaimer here) entry fee during peak season is 60 RMB and 40 RMB for low season.

My Take - You MUST go to the center of the Hall of Supreme Harmonyand stand there. Why? Because that spot is the center of the Forbidden City which makes it the center of Beijing which is the center of China which is from a Chinese persons point of view, the center of the universe. So stand there, take a photo (like mine below) and savour the experience of being at the center of the universe. The Australian equivalent (from a Melbournians point of view) is standing on the steps of Flinder Street train station.

Then spend hours wandering through the buildings, lane ways and court yards where the rulers of China lived, ruled, played, plotted and died. Countless Chinese TV series are based on the Forbidden City and life there during the Qing and Ming dynasties.

This article is Written by Brendon Lang from China Travel Go, an expert blog on travel and life in China.

Florida Sailing - Become Your Own Pirate of the Caribbean!

If you want to discover some of the best sailing and cruising areas in the world, then you must head to Florida. Florida sailing boasts so many good features you will never want to sail anywhere else again. Be it the lovely fishing villages or sheltered coves to moor, the open blue-water sailing or convenience of the Caribbean sea; there is something for all sailors to experience and enjoy!

Whilst offering so many great locations to sail, sailboat rental in Florida also allows you to pick exactly the type of sailing you want to match your sailing experience. Florida sailing allows you to go:


    * Skippered sailing (sailboat rental with a skipper or a full crew)

    * Bare back sailing (sailboat rental without a crew)

    * Flotilla sailing (sailing within a group of yachts led by a professionally crewed lead yacht.)

    * Day sailing

    * Short haul sailing

    * Long haul sailing

    * ... In fact any type of sailing you can think of is offered in Florida!


And you won't be alone in your Florida sailing adventures, you can guarantee that you will be joined by dolphins, rays, sea turtles and endless tropical fish, all wanting to make your Florida sailing experience magical!

With so many great locations, choosing where to go sailing in Florida is probably the most difficult decision! Here are just a couple of suggestions that may help you decide;

Charlotte Harbour Area
Charlotte Harbour provides diverse sailing opportunities to keep everyone happy. You can island-hop, day sail or head off shore. And for those non-sailors there are plenty of opportunities with Burnt Store Marina offering a fine restaurant, store, swimming pools, golf course and tennis courts.

Fort Lauderdale
Sailing from Ft Lauderdale allows you to experience the Florida Keys, where there is a national and state park, and then onto the Bahamas. For the more experienced, Ft Lauderdale offers a great spring board to sailing the Gulf Stream to Bermuda and then onto the Caribbean.

Fort Myers
Often described as the best place in America to charter a sailing boat, Fort Myers has impressive natural scenery and is renowned for its navigation simplicity. Everyone can enjoy something in Fort Myers with so many stunning areas to discover from Marco Island in the south to the Venice inlet in the north.

Tampa Bay Area
This area offers a great mix of coves and beaches on which to anchor. There are plenty of services and facilities to use; this is sailing in Florida at its most convenient! Head out to Tampa Bay and you will find a group of barrier islands with idyllic white sandy beaches beckoning you to stop. For the more adventurous, head out into the Gulf of Mexico for open water sailing.

Miami Bay and Key West
The Miami Bay area or Key West area, 4-5 hours drive away, are both great areas to start sailing. Biscayne Bay is a particularly good area for novice sailors to start. Seven miles offshore from Key West you will find North America's only living coral reef, home to more than 350 species of tropical fish as well as snails, jellyfish, crabs and lobsters.

With so much variety, sailing in Florida can never be called 'mundane'. It offers something for everyone with amazing experiences to be remembered for years to come. With year round sun, consistent temperatures and stunning scenery why not experience your own Florida sailing adventure?

Spain - Medieval Extremadura

This Spanish arena comprises alone Caceres and Badajoz provinces. Its basic is Merida in Badajoz. This arena is an absorbing actual afterimage of Roman ruins. It was the Romans who placed Extremadura arena into history as Merida was fabricated to be one of the Roman Empire's a lot of basic cities. However, the arena fell into the easily of the Moors afore alteration easily to the Spanish Christians. This toggle of administration amid the two admiral connected for absolutely some time.

Through the ages of ability struggle, it was alone afterwards the analysis of America that this arena accomplished a new activity and splendor, as added acclaimed conquerors came to this region.

Beautiful Landscapes of Extremadura

Extremadura has absorbing abundance ranges confined as its landscapes, as apparent by the Cordillera Central range, Sierra Morena ambit and the Montes del Toledo range. It aswell boasts of abundant plains like the Low Extremadura, and valleys which are watered by the Tajo and Guadiana rivers.

With a continental altitude of 30 degrees, it adventures balmy summers, but its winters can be absolutely cold.

There are a few admirable accustomed backwoods affluence and parks in Extremadura, which can be adequate with a walkthrough. These ecological affluence are served by Extremadura's rivers.

This arena is still advised 'undiscovered' by many, although it has abundant to action the tourist. Something altered is in abundance for you, if you are searching for acceptable community and culture, acceptable accoutrements and top handiworks of ceramics and metal with outstanding aerial adornment works. This arena aswell serves as adorable ambit of gastronomy specialties of beginning trout, sausages and bold and a advanced alternative of cheeses, which go able-bodied with the accomplished wine alternative of the region.

Highlights of Extremadura

Merida has managed to bottle monuments which are of Roman architectonics and culture, such as a huge amphitheater and an amphitheater with 2 aquaeductus, which are basically bizarre villas with their own garden space. Merida aswell has an invaluable accumulating in the Museum of Roman Art for accessible viewing.

Caceres is serenely amidst by Moorish walls, calm with huge watchtowers. It is the basic of arctic Extremadura with amazing palaces from the Renaissance era.

Trujillo is the bearing abode of Pizarro, one of Spain's acclaimed conquerors, boasting of a able-bodied maintained boondocks walls which has 7 entrances, and a ample medieval alcazar with a admirable square.

Guadalupe boondocks is absorbing as it is loomed over by a huge abbey of Mudejar architecture, which houses abounding admired art pieces.

Plasencia may be a baby town, but one can acquisition a basilica of Gothic-Pateresque assemble as able-bodied as palaces and boondocks walls from medieval times.

Badajoz is the basic of southern Extremadura with Moorish watch building and boondocks walls to be explored.

Madrid - Palacio Real

Second only to Versailles in size and splendor, the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in Madrid is an architectural marvel along with a treasure trove. Nearly three thousand rooms, with 240 balconies and over forty staircases, this magnificent work is one of Madrid's main tourist attractions.

Despite the fact that less than 10% of the room is open to the public, there is still far far more than a visitor could see in a single day. Everywhere the eye looks can be seen fine rococo decoration, lush tapestries, bejeweled clocks, delicate porcelain and thousands of other precious objects.

Long the property of Spanish monarchs (it was conceived by Phillip V, and occupied until Alfonso XIII in 1931), this palace was once the center of power for a dynasty that ruled half the then-known world.

Sited at the former Moorish fortress, Alcázar (built inside the 9th century, but burned down in 1734), the palace itself is an outstanding example of French classical architecture. But beyond the constructing there are actually statuary and grounds that total the work.

The stone statues of an Inca prince, Atahualpa, and the Aztec king Montezuma are only two of the a lot of unusual touches around the palace grounds.

The two-hour tour of the palace consists of the Salón de Gasparini, where it is possible to see astonishing ceramic walls and sparkling chandeliers. It also covers the magnificent banquet hall, which can seat over 100 guests for dinner.

Twenty-five years in construction, the palace contains the throne room and armory of one of the world's superpowers of the 18th century. Both are on display nowadays.

Within the throne room are the two seats occupied by a succession of Spain's rulers, from which they issued edicts that influenced significantly of the world's history for centuries. The Armeria Real (Royal Armory) shows quite a few weapons and armor, together with a range of medieval torture implements utilised inside the Spanish Inquisition.

But you can find also on display examples of Spain's more exalted aspects.

You'll have an opportunity to see the famed Biblioteca Real (Royal Library), too. Not a serious competitor compared to the Vatican collection, but well worth a go to. You will see a initial edition of Don Quixote, Cervantes magnum opus, and various Stradivarius stringed instruments.

The Royal Pharmacy displays a lot of of the instruments utilized to treat the members of the royal family, and gives some insight into the medical understanding of the day. It is still in use, and consequently is closed in the course of official functions.

Visitors can witness the changing of the guards outside, although taking in a view of one of the most effective of Madrid's numerous fine gardens. Stand on the Patio de Armas and take pleasure in the view of the Manzanares River.

Discover Why All Inclusvie Resorts Should be the Desitnation of Choice for Girlfriend Getaways

Year after year, I've found myself quite fired up and, might I add, ready for a girlfriend getaway. In this economy, it is important that you find a vacation where your precious and hard earned money will be well spent. To assure that you getting the best bang for your buck, all inclusive vacations should be your top choice. You will find that it is the most economical way to travel because you truly get to reap the benefits of all the money you put out to pay for the trip. Want to learn why? Continue reading.

The good thing about having everything covered in advance has to be the very best factor why all inclusive resorts would be the way to go. Generally, you pay for a trip and you have extra cash just for meals, drinks, entertainment and so on. With the all inclusive plans, all those goodies and others are generally covered and spending money is really discretionary.

Across the board, the resorts offer similar perks for their all inclusive packages. Meals, drinks, entertainment, land sports and use of amenities like the pool and the fitness club are pretty much the standard. You have the option of lying on the beach and sipping on a nice cold pina coloda, refilling it as many times as you wish, every waking minute of your stay and it will cost you nothing extra. Some resorts even extend your package to include amenities at nearby affiliated resorts. That would really be great because you may find that you enjoy the other resort better and would much rather stay there on your next trip.

The staff works so hard around that clock at these resorts and would you believe that there is a rule that the resorts have that says that there is no tipping allowed. You will soon learn that it is not a policy that visitors follow very much. Breaking that rule is certainly optional. After all, you did pay for their services when you paid for your trip.

If you want a vacation where you do not have to spend tons of money, while still getting the luxury that resorts provide, then spend your girlfriend getaway at an all inclusive resort. You will be glad that you choose this way to spend your time away. You ladies are going to have a ball.

The palace called the Forbidden City

The Ming dynasty, emperor yongle, is the third generation of zhu yuanzhang the fourth son.A.D. 1402 years, yongle inherited the emperor place under the edict of Beijing, after construction in the Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City covers 720,000 square meters, including palace floor of the building, 786 kind, is the world's largest buildings.The Forbidden City take purple in world center of some of Italy, says it is the world's center, "purple" refers to the unit in transit, ancient is purple, in addition the symbol of heaven and earth, and forbidden palace heavily guarded, so called the Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City is the palace of Ming and qing dynasties, there have been 24 emperors in the residential, the Forbidden City houses legend has 9999 half, only between the emperor between 10,000 fewer than half, according to the modern ancient building between the scientific statistics, the imperial palace expert, temple, big challenge, floor, pavilion hall between such common housing more than pane shows.

The hall of supreme harmony is the outer court, commonly known as the main JinLuanDian, now people see the hall of supreme harmony is kangxi thirty-four years reconstruction, before the house square area more than 30000 square meters, is the emperor to reign, married at major celebration of place.When the ceremony, held nearly thousand military guard here, in orderly rows waiting audience emperor, because too broad, ministers say don't see in the temple, that the emperor and the emperor of the converging JinLuanDian sight of mystery.

The steps to the hall of supreme harmony extensions of the clouds and dragon stand to carve, such steps can only allow emperor one through.It is the golden throne of Chinese folk said.Just above the throne "panlong sunk panel".Sunk panel carved on a dragon, the dragon mouth is holding a finger under the ball, called the xuanyuan mirror.It's said to be ancient Chinese ancestors "XuanYuanShi" manufacturing, can distinguish true and false one, because the guilty yuan shikai was afraid of shaft mirror will drop down to hit his dead and ordered will move back several inches dragon chair.

Yongle emperor layouts in the Forbidden City, will handle all kinds of e-government business place toward the outside of the emperor and personal life place NaTing separate, in Baohe Palace is the NaTing, also is north of emperor dwellings.The import and export of NaTing qing door, placed at the dry each a male golden lion.

Although the yongle emperor at the palace made extremely tall, defensive very heavily, or even to use these cast-bronze stone beast tremendous his subjects, but the 1911 revolution of 1911 shook the world, has also changed the fate of the Forbidden City, xuantong emperor puyi became the last emperor of the Forbidden City, is also called the last emperor.The Forbidden City is located in the centre of Beijing, today people called it the palace, meaning the past the palace.The palace things 750 meters wide, long from south to 960 meters, area reaches 72 million square meters, is the world's most;The palace of the whole building is two way fortified defenses, periphery is in the midst of a wider 52 meters, deep 6 meters, the river; around the moatThen there is the wall of perimeter 3 kilometers high nearly 10 meters, wall 8.62 meters wide, bottom.The wall has four door, south have wumen, west with the gate xihua, wall, still stands 4 corners of the watchtower, watchtower three sockets layer eaves, 72 ridge, exquisitely carved, modelling is chic, careful layout unmatched is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture,.

In the entire palace is reflected in Chinese culture.The palace can be divided into two parts, aso, namely for the south toward;NaTing living in north, namely.NaTing outside all building toward something arranged in north-south axis, symmetrical, orderly.You must go toward outside of the main building is: taihe palace, zhonghe palace, Baohe Palace.Three house building in 8 meters high all the huge platform, with a total area of 85,000 square meters.One of the most high, brilliant. The hall of supreme harmonyThe hall of supreme harmony and temple is the emperor after attending before major ceremony rest and accept a place of worship, the most northern side Baohe Palace is the emperor of DianShi give feast and draft places.NaTing including dry qing, hand over tai, sansheng ningxia three Palace Museum and things on both sides of the east and the west, this is emperor and museum PinFei place to live, commonly known as the "surrounded by concubinesand placated by everyone.North and a cabinet in residential imperial garden, it is chic, the royal personnel play.The Ming dynasty and qing dynasty emperors were living in dry palace, queens live into tai kun ning palace, the house is the queen's activity places.The later, the emperor and empress have moved to the west to the museum.The most famous is yangxin temple, from yongzheng emperor up, here becomes emperor of Daniel lie in politics, in testimony also for the empress dowager cixi administered, lasted for more than 40 years.

More interesting is, the palace idealds are some symbolism, embodies the essence of ancient Chinese culture."The Forbidden City" with this name on ancient Chinese philosophy and astronomy relevant.Chinese believe that "telepathy between heaven and man" or "nature and humanity", so the structure of the imperial palace is an imitation of the legendary "paradise" structure.The stars are divided into three ancient astronomy, surrounded by walls BaSu 20, including purple walls (north), is all the stars under zhongtian the center.The Forbidden City is the purple, the purple walls midline "purple, meaning the palace is the human" midline "."Purple" is refers to the royal residence, dignity and clinking, forbidden intrusion.Careful visitors will find the names in the imperial palace, there is "benevolence", "and", "medium", "Ann" words, such as tiananmen, taihe palace, the meaning of the word is the core of Chinese Confucianism, namely "CKS", "benevolence and", highlighting the traditional Confucian philosophy.