It seems that almost everywhere I go on an outdoor excursion (especially when hunting for waterfalls), mosquitoes are around. It doesn’t matter whether I’m in the alpine meadows and forests of California’s Sierras, the moors of Northern Norway, the tropical jungles of the Pacific Islands, the billabongs of Northern Australia, or even the desert oases of Southern Utah. It seems that mosquitoes are everywhere looking to draw my blood. And the itchy welts they leave afterwards can be quite annoying.

So why are they everywhere? Is there any cause for concern about them? What can be done to cope with them? To answer these questions, I did a little research and found out that in Nature’s system of checks and balances there are things we ought to know about these pesky little buggers.

There are many reasons why mosquitoes are so widespread around the planet. Like almost all organisms, they rely on water to survive, but in this case, they tend to favor standing pools of water to lay eggs. Standing pools of water can be found at some moments during the year in nearly all climate zones except the arctic cold of the polar regions (though Global Warming is changing this). For example, melting snow in the alpine regions can saturate the ground in late spring and early summer to create marshy conditions full of standing water in meadows, valleys, and plateaus. This also explains why mosquitoes are found in the desert lining rivers, creeks, and springs as water is scarce and only concentrated in these areas on the surface. Moreover, the tropical regions are natural places to harbor standing pools of water as the humidity, frequent rainfall, and dense vegetation help maintain the conditions favorable to mosquitoes throughout the year. In fact, the tropical regions are where the species are most abundant, and unlike other climate zones, they do not have population variations where their numbers significantly reduce or grow depending on the seasons. So given all these factors, it’s no wonder why I constantly run into mosquitoes in my waterfall adventures as we standing water is an inevitable part of such ecosystems.

Fossil records have shown that mosquitoes have survived for over 30 million years, and related ancestral species have dated back to over 100 million years. This means that they have not only used this time to successfully spread their population throughout the world, but that they have evolved to become very good at what passing on their genes to their offspring to prolong their existence as a species. It’s surprising to note that for the most part, it’s only the female mosquitoes that bite. That’s because they need the proteins from the blood of birds and mammals (including humans) to properly nourish their eggs, which are laid in mostly standing water habitats. Their sensor-like design is perfectly adapted to detect chemicals, motion, and heat. For example, they can detect carbon dioxide and lactic acid emissions from our breathing and our sweat, they can sense when something contrasting with the background moves, and they can tell if something is giving off heat (especially from warm-blooded organisms). Take all of these factors into account and it’s no wonder why mosquitoes never seem to leave you alone as well as hone in on you like a heat-seeking missile.

The mechanism by which mosquitoes draw blood is through a multi-syringe-like mouth called the proboscis. It is through the proboscis that saliva (containing anticoagulants) is secreted to keep the blood from clotting and thus making it easier for the mosquito to draw blood - often times without you feeling anything due to an anesthetic-like substance. However, it’s also this saliva that tends to induce an allergic reaction that often swells and becomes itchy. That’s usually when we finally realize that we’ve been bitten. Usually their bites are merely annoyances, but mosquitoes can also pick up viruses and bacteria from one organism and transmit them to others - thus making them disease vectors. It is this fact alone that has perhaps made mosquitoes one of the biggest killers (at least to humans) on the planet. It has been said that more people have died from mosquito-borne illnesses such as Yellow Fever, Malaria, Encephalitis (including West Nile), Dengue Fever, etc. than has all the wars throughout human history combined! Mosquito-born diseases are transmitted to 69 million people with 5.3 million of them dying every year. This explains why certain regions of the world seem to be very prone to such diseases (e.g. the presence of malaria in Malaysia). With the advent of Global Warming, the population of mosquitoes and the consequent spread of diseases will increase as more parts of the planet will have climates favorable to their existence.

There are some measures we can take in order to prevent or minimize the adverse impacts of mosquitoes on us while participating in nature-based activities. One approach is to wear enough clothing to minimize the amount of exposed skin. The problem with this is that mosquitoes are usually located in warm and humid areas so this can make you unbearably hot while losing more water through sweat to keep the body cool. A second approach is to apply bug repellant containing DEET, which seems to be quite effective in confusing the mosquitoes’ chemical sensors. Unfortunately, there are certain health risks associated with this chemical (it has been known to burn plastic) so it ultimately comes down to a trade-off between your assessment of the risk of disease versus the unintended effects of DEET. There are other types of repellant out there, but they don’t seem as effective (e.g. in my experience, Avon’s Skin So Soft hardly works even though it’s not as toxic as DEET-based repellants). Finally, you can do the best you can to keep moving since mosquitoes can only fly so fast and for so long. Usually a combination of the above measures gives you the least chance getting bit by a mosquito while being out in nature because each of these measures has drawbacks.

In conclusion, the relationship between mosquitoes and humans are all part of the checks and balances of Nature and natural selection. In other words, we are part of the food chain and the cycle of life. And it is for this reason that they play a key role in supplying food for other insects and more complex organisms feeding on them. So we ought to respect the mosquitoes as survivors as well as role players in the overall scheme of things. Even though most of us don’t like them, they’re here to stay so we mind as well cope with living with them.

Johnny T. Cheng is author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls (Story Nature Press).

Find out more about his book at http://www.storynature.com or visit his waterfalls blog at http://www.world-of-waterfalls.com.

Protecting your eyes while in the outdoors is a very important thing to do. Many times we forget how important a pair of sunglasses can be. The glare of the sun can not only harm your eyes and burn your skin, but it can also cause problems such as headaches. A decent pair of sunglasses can help alleviate most all of these problems. You can literally get a pair of sunglasses almost anywhere; just remember that you get what you pay for. If you spend five buck at the local convenience store, you’re going to get about five bucks worth of protection.

Many people say things like, “I would never spend $100 on a pair of sunglasses!” As a matter of fact, that’s exactly what I used to say. Then I got tired of the cheap sunglasses that I bought breaking and just not working properly. So I finally broke down and bought a decent pair of sunglasses for $100. They are the best sunglasses that I’ve ever had, and do you know what? I’ve had them for 10 years! If you amortize that, it’s ten bucks a year! Over time, I’ve actually spent less on $100 sunglasses, who would have thought that?

So, when it comes to protecting your eyes in the outdoors, you may want to consider spending what seems to be too much money. In the long run, it pays off and your eyes are better protected. How about polarized sun glasses? Polarization can help in any outdoor situation where there’s a lot of glare, such as hiking in snow, skiing, all water sports, and of course fishing. You see, polarization on the lenses, cuts through that glare, which not only protect your eyes, but in the case of anglers enables them to see under the water. This, of course can be a huge advantage to anglers. When it comes to polarized sun glasses, the same rule applies…you get what you pay for. Not to mention the fact that a cheap pair of polarized sunglasses can cause vicious headaches (I know this from experience as well).

The bottom line is that we all need to protect our eyes when we’re in the outdoors. Not only that, but we get what we pay for, and over time, even expensive sunglasses really aren’t that expensive.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of http://www.JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country…..Montana!

Quality Polarized Sunglasses - http://www.jrwfishing.com/sunglasses.html

Have you ever wanted to camp in the bush and photograph African wildlife in a vast green and lush landscape of water teaming with all kinds of animals? Then take a canoe safari in the Okavango Delta. Recently, a small group of us went on a canoeing safari to photograph wildlife in the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, where some of the greatest variety of wildlife and best-protected delta environments in Africa are located. Often described as “the river which never finds the sea,” the 1300 km long Okavango River forms a massive delta, in northwest Botswana, in Southern Africa. The river eventually disappears into a labyrinth of shallow channels, lagoons and islands, forming lush, swampy wetlands that would cover an area the size of Massachusetts. Having spent the previous two weeks camping in the deserts of Namibia, my partners and I felt that we had found an oasis when we first saw the dazzling green vegetation and the brilliant clear waters of the delta.

On the evening we arrived at our Okavango base camp, we were greeted by a South African named Victor. He was a mirror of this wild world, with a gentle easiness in his movements that seemed to reflect the pace of life around us and red-clay skin that told of much time spent under the African sun. Part of his job was to alert all visitors going out on the Mokoro Trail of the dangerous perils we could encounter.

“There are any number of potentially fatal situations you might find yourself in,” he said, his speech thick with an Afrikaans accent. “You must be vigilant at all times. If elephants come into the camp tonight, which they will, don’t startle them. Leopards too –we just saw one here last night. If you meet one on the trail, just stand still they will get confused and go away. Never, ever run — from any cat. If you run, consider it your last run!”

We listened attentively as he continued with the whole list, which included black mambas, puff adders, hyenas, crocodiles and hippos, the most dangerous animal in all of Africa.

“There is so much life here. Don’t be afraid. Enjoy everything that this place has to offer — there is so much to see and appreciate here. One woman came here and everyday she’d go out looking for lion and everyday she came back disappointed when she didn’t see any. She noticed nothing else. ” He shook his head. “And she left here never seeing a lion — never seeing anything.”

“The way of life here is slow, but it has a very soothing rhythm — something that western societies seem to have lost. Try to fall into this rhythm, to become for a short while totally in tune with nature and its daily ebbs and flows.”

The next day we head out with our guides in the mokoros, which are hand hewn wooden canoes and we drift slowly through the clear delta waters. These wetlands are filled with reed, papyrus and water lilies as well as acacia, leadwood and sausage trees, which are used to carve out the mokoros. The shallow dugout canoes appear precarious, but are amazingly stable and ideally suited to being propelled by a pole through the shallow waters.

Wildebeest and red leechwe keep their eye on our slow progress through the marsh grasses and an Africa fish eagle swoops down from its lofty perch to scan the waters for a meal. A few white egrets and a great blue heron prowl the reeds along the shore as I dip my cup into the fast flowing channel for a sip of the cool clear waters. Victor assured us that the bilharzia-free waters were safe to drink. The waters have been naturally filtered through miles of grasses and reeds and tested many times for bacteria content. He hadn’t heard of anyone ever getting ill from drinking the water.
As the sun grows hot, our guides edge the mokoros onto the grassy bank.

“You swim now,” Gobolya announces.

“Right here?” We ask.

“Yes, here. It’s OK.”

My sweaty companions and I survey the water, each of us wondering who would be the first one in. Though it looked tempting, I recalled the guidebook warnings we had read back at base camp: “Swim only where your guide recommends. Be the last one in and the first one out. If a croc gets you, go for the eyes with your thumbs. And never go anywhere near a hippo. Good luck.” African humor at its best. With no crocs in sight, we took our chances and jumped in. After not having had a shower for two days, the water had a wonderful cleansing effect on us. And the thrill of swimming where danger lurked gave us another tale for fireside reminiscences.

This is a magical place, full of wonderful images of the enchanted waters of glistening blues and shimmering greens and mystical sounds of life drifting through the marsh grasses and the scent of moist earth, wild animals and distant rain.
Go explore the Okavango with all of your senses and you’ll have the experience of a lifetime, as well as innumerable photos as your prize.

Deborah Dennis is the author of Adventures of Women, a web site dedicated to making everyday a new adventure.

She is also a writer, a travel photographer, a professional web designer and an adventurer.

She has tracked black rhinos, chased lions in the Okavango Delta, rafted down the Zambezi River, hiked up Machu Picchu, sailed a bareboat in Tonga, got lost in a rain forest in Thailand, dove the Great White Wall in Fiji, sea kayaked in Baja, & outrigger canoed in British Columbia to get her photographs and stories.

The Grand Canyon inspires awe and respect from everyone who sees it. Adventurous travelers often want to experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon up close and personal. There’s no better way to see and feel the beauty of the Grand Canyon than on a whitewater rafting trip winding down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

Many people don’t realize that most Grand Canyon river trips take 6-13 days. The time commitment and cost of these river trips keep many would be adventurers from experiencing the thrill of riding the rapids of the Grand Canyon. The shorter trip lengths require either a strenuous, nine mile, 5,000 vertical foot hike in or out of the Grand Canyon. For many this is an integral part of the adventure but for others a barrier to entry.

For travelers with the urge to ride the rapids, but who maybe don’t have the time or money, or perhaps can’t make the required hike into or out of the Grand Canyon, there are several other spectacular Colorado River canyons upstream that offer a similar experience to what you would find on a Grand Canyon river trip. These other “Grand Canyons” offer a shorter, less expensive, less crowded version of a Grand Canyon trip with the same kind of natural beauty and thrilling rapids. Two of these trips are Westwater Canyon and Cataract Canyon–both are sections of the Colorado River.

Westwater Canyon of the Colorado River is a two or three-day trip. This canyon is often called a miniature Grand Canyon. This segment of the Colorado River is the answer for the person who is short on time but wants it all–including a wilderness canyon so beautiful you’ll have no choice but to leave the cares of the world behind. Looking for world-class whitewater? Westwater is sure to please. Virtually unknown 30 years ago, Westwater Canyon has become a favorite river trip for its pace, rhythm, and intensity.

Cataract Canyon is a normally a five to six-day trip. Cataract Canyon is an excellent destination offering Grand Canyon-like scenery and exciting rapids. Cataract Canyon is an anomaly. Its rapids rank along with those of the Grand Canyon in power and difficulty, yet Cataract Canyon contains mile after mile of rafting through canyons where you are awe struck by the deep multicolored canyons of this section of Canyonlands National Park. Enjoy the scenery while you can, but get ready to hang on for the ride with 23 big rapids with names like Mile Long, Ben Hurt and The Big Drops.

Either of these exciting Grand Canyon rafting alternatives will provide you with a fun-filled rafting trip and a lifetime of memories. You’ll have a great time, and you’ll also find peace as you float down the river and soak up the natural beauty of these canyons.

Dave Bascom is a marketing consulting for Holiday Expeditions. Holiday Expeditions offers Colorado River rafting trips and other river rafting and biking adventures in Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. For more information, visit http://www.bikeraft.com

Lake Baringo

This rear fresh water Rift Valley Lake encircled by mountains and its surface dotted by picturesque islands and hippos butting their eyelids is a spectacular sight indeed. Topping the scenic surrounds is an amazing abundance of bird life with over 450 of the 1200 bird species Native to Kenya present. For years bird watchers from all over the world have come here to glimpse the rare and beautiful feathered flyers.

Despite being listed as Kenya’s fourth Ramsar site in January 2002, Lake Baringo has been plagued with various problems over the last few years. Irrigation dams and droughts caused the water level to drop alarmingly, pulling the shore line back several hundred meters; severe siltation due to soil erosion around the seasonal luggas (creeks) has meant that water is almost always muddy; and the lake has been over fished so badly that any tilapia caught these days is never more than 15 cms long. The water level has risen again recently, but the situation is still very delicate, and with further drought expected the ecosystem remains at risk.

Lake access is easiest from Kampi ya Samaki on the lakes western shore, some15 km north of Marigat. This small, quiet town used to be a fishing village but now it depends almost entirely on tourism. Sadly the recent problems have caused visitor numbers to drop, resulting in even tougher times for the community.

It is still a lovely place to visit and locals would greatly appreciate the business.

Information
Kampi ya Samaki has traditionally charged a toll of (Kshs 200) to enter the town but this no longer seems to be the case. The nearest banking facilities are in Kabarnet about 40km west while internet access is found in Marigat post office.

Sites and Activities

Boat Rides in lake Baringo

The most popular activities around Lake Baringo are boat rides which are touted as competitively as the Maasai Mara is in Nairobi- they are boat offices all over town and literally everyone you talk to will claim to have access to a boat and be able to undercut everyone else’s price. A specialty is a trip to see fish eagles feeding; the birds’ dives for fish at a whistle making for great (if slightly contrived) photo opportunities.

The most reliable trips are organized by the following:
Community Boats and Excursions (Kampi ya Samaki; per boat per hour Kshs 2,200)

Lake Baringo Club (Kampi ya Samaki; per boat per hour kshs 7000)

Roberts Camp ( Kampi ya Samaki; per boat per hour kshs 2400)

Most boats accommodate up to seven pass angers. A one hour trip allows you to cruise the shoreline while two hours allows you to checkout Parmalok Island. With three hours you can visit Ol Kokwe Island.

Shoreline Surprises

While some life in the lake is indeed struggling, crocodile populations are healthier than ever- so you best are careful when standing next to the shore. We got lost in the beauty of an early morning sunrise one day while at the water edge, and before we knew it, there were 12-15 snouts poking from the glassy surface directly in front of us- Cue speedy retreat!
While crocodiles open ( and hippos) do pose a threat, malarial mosquito’s actually pose more of a risk here- whatever you do remember your bug repellant

Bird Walks in lake Baringo

There is a constant twittering from birds in the trees around the lake, in the rushes and on the face of the escarpment near Kampi ya Samaki. Even if you are not an avid twitcher, it is hard to resist setting off on a dawn bird walk, when you have a good chance of seeing hornbills or a magnificent fish eagle in action. Lake Baringo club offers the most knowledgeable guides and charged Kshs 1100 per person froa60-90minute walk.

Roberts’ Camps and Community Boats and Excursions give less rewarding walks from about Kshs 300 per person

Cultural Tours

Lake Baringo Club offers tours to Pokot, Tugen and Njemps villages close to the lake( Kshs 600 ) ; the Njemps are cousins of the masaai and live one the Ol Kokwe Parmalok Islands and around the lakeshores, mainly practicing pastrolism and fishing. You will usually be able to walk around freely and take photos but you will probably be hassled to buy handicrafts. There is additional Kshs 500 for entering each village.

Other Activities in lake Baringo Kenya

If nothing mentioned so far has floated your boat, there is even an uninhabited and uncharted ‘devils island’ with a fearsome reputation among the normally prosaic locals who wont go near the place at night, claiming you can see flames and hear screaming. So far no visitors have confirmed these sightings but it sounds a bit more exciting than the bird watching!

Robert is a tour expert in East Africa Kenya travel. He is a director of a Kenya tour operator company and degreed in tourism management. For more Blah on Kenya tourism see: http://www.landmarksafaris.com/planner/?refferer=ezinearticles

Although Nakuru is Kenya’s forth biggest town (population of 163,000 at the last census) it has a relaxed atmosphere and makes it a pleasant base for a few days. It’s on the delightful lake Nakuru National Park and is only a few kilometers from the deep, dramatic Menegai Crater.

Information
Changing cash and travelers cheques in Nakuru is easy, with numerous banks and Forex bureaus. Barclays Banks ATMs are the most reliable. Plenty of card phones are scattered around the town.

Aga Khan satellite Laboratory (off court Road) various lab services. Malaria test cost Ksh 160.

Dreams Cyber World (Kenyatta Lane; per hour 120 per hour, 8am-8pm, closed 1-2pm Friday) fast connection and open Sunday.

Natural Health Clinic (Moi Rd; 9am- 6pm Mon- Thur, 9am-4pm Fri) natural remedies

Petmary Cyber Café (Kenyatta Avenue; per hour 120 Ksh; 7.45am- 5.30pm Mon- Sat) Nakuru’s fastest internet connections

Post office (Kenyatta Avenue) Towns cheapest internet

Budget Hotels in Nakuru

Lurking within the maze of noisy and dirty budget options were these stand outs.

Mount Sinai Hotel

(Bazaar Rd; s/tw/tr Kshs 350/500/600) A big clean place with sound security (iron bars all over). The rooms on the scenic terrace are the brightest of the bunch.

Joska Hotel –Nakuru

(pandhit Nehru Rd, Kshs 400)
Foam mattresses have shag- carpet covers in these basic rooms. Everything is rather clean but you will have to be a porcelain jockey- the toilets lack seats. Ask for and upstairs or an inward facing room, as they are quieter.

Tropical Lodge

(Moi Rd; s/tw with shared bathroom Kshs 250/350) While the bathrooms are shared, they do have toilet seats (a rarity in these parts). Rooms are simple, quiet and baby blue. It is run by a cheerful woman who makes up for the odd cockroach

Crater View Lodge

(Mburu Gichua Rd; s/tw Ksh 300/350) All rooms face a bright inner courtyard, and noise here is less tan you would suspect. The twin rooms are a bargain, even if the bathrooms are a bit rough. Secure parking is available.

Gituamba Lodge

(Gusii Rd: s/tw with shared bathroom Kshs 260/345, s/tw Ksh 310/400)The rooms here are bare bone basics, but they are rather large and some have big bright windows. It can be noisy so take a top floor room.

Other budget hotels that won’t curl your toes include the following:

Care Guest House Nakuru

(pandit Nehru Rd;s/tw Ksh 300/400)Ask for room 66
Pekars Lodge. (Mburu Gichua Rd; s/tw incl breakfast Ksh 360/720)A good deal for single rooms

Campers can drop tent in nearby Lake Nakuru National Park, at Hyrax hill Prehistoric site. Or at 20 km west of town at Kembu campsite (US$4, 1-/2-bedroom cottages Kshs 3000/6000). Kembu has a great atmosphere and its particularly popular with over Landers due to its truck workshop and airy bamboo clad bar/ restaurant (order your food in advance).

The semi- secluded one-bedroom acacia cottage, with French doors, polished wood floors, a gorgeous bed with a lovely bathroom, is easily the Nakuru’s most charming room. The larger cottages have kitchens and are great for families. Mountain bikes hire and various treks into the surrounding areas can be arranged. To get there you take a matatu headed to Molo (via Njoro; Ksh 80) and ask to be dropped at the metal gecko sign, about 6 km northwest of Njoro on the C56. It is also sign posted from the A104.

Robert is a tour expert in Kenya east Africa travel. He is a director of Landmark safaris, a Kenya vacation tour operator & outfitter. Get selecting here; http://www.landmarksafaris.com/planner/?refferer=ezinearticles

Pate Island of Lamu in Kenya

Pate, an engaging mangrove island northeast of Lamu and Manda is one of those rare places where the cultural isolation equals the geographical seclusion, preserving an uncomplicated traditional lifestyle as much as by necessity as by choice.

The only foreigners who come to this island are dhow trippers and occasional archeologist, so you can expect to be a novelty and to be treated with friendly curiosity, especially by the local children. The local mosquitoes also appreciate fresh meat so bring insect repellent.

There are a number of historical sites on Pate Island including pate town, Siyu, Mtangwanda and Faza. All are still inhabited by fishers and mangrove-pole cutters
but very little effort has been put to preserving or clearing the remains of these once powerful Swahili city states.

Accommodation and food on the island are easy to arrange with local families, and there are one or two simple restaurants offering basic meals and tea. Pate town is a little more than a crumbling old settlement, but the Nabahani Ruins just outside town, are interesting, although they have never been seriously excavated or cleared.

Getting to Pate Vacation Island in Kenya

A motor launch leaves Lamu more or less daily for Mtangawanda (kshs50, about two hours), from which it’s about an hours walk to Pate town along a narrow footpath through thick bush and across tidal flats.

Boats continue to Faza (about another two hours) and Kizingitini (kshs150, another one hour), also stopping at the mouth of the channel to Siyu, where small boats transfer passengers to shore. Boats leave from the main jerry in Lamu town; times depend on the tides, but it can be quite tricky finding out where they go, as Swahili time is commonly used and every one you ask will tell you something different.

Coming back from Pate, ask locally to make sure the boat will be calling at Mtangawanda on the return trip. If not, you may have to wait an extra day.

Siyu Island Lamu in Kenya

Founded in the 15th century, Siyu was once famous as a center of Islamic scholarship and crafts, in its heyday (between the 17th and 19th centuries) It boasted some 30 000 inhabitants and was the largest settlement on the island. Today, however, less than 4000 people live here and there are few signs of its previous cultural and religious influence.

The modern village displays little of Siyu’s former glory , consisting of simple mud walled and makuti roofed houses, what does remain is the ruin of a huge crenellated fort ‘ which sits dramatically on the waterfront. Even third grand structure couldn’t halt Siyu’s demise in 1847, when it was occupied by the sultan of Zanzibar troops. The fort has been well restored and there are some Swahili relics inside.

South of Siyu is the intruding village of Shanga. Apparently settled by is a corruption of China).You‘ll need local help to find it.

Getting to Siyu Island in Lamu

The boat from Mtangawanda to Faza stops at the mouth of the mangrove-lined channel leading up to Siyu, where some canoes transfer passengers to the village. From Lamu the fare is Kshs100. this service isn’t always available, so you may have to walk from Pate or Faza.

From Pate it’s about 8km to Siyu along a dirt track through the bush. The first part is tricky since certain turn-offs are easy to miss, so it is a good idea to take a guide with you as fare as tidal inlet (the boat captain can help to arrange this). From there on its easy, as the path bears left and then continue straight through to Siyu.

Faza Island of Lamu in Kenya

The biggest settlement on Pate island, Faza has a chequered history, being almost totally destroyed by pate in the 13th century and then again by the Portuguese in 1586. It was subsequently re-established and switched its allegiances to the Portuguese during there attempts to subdue as an administrative centre is breathing some life back in to the place.

The modern town is quite extensive and includes a post office, Telephone exchange, a simple restaurant, several general stores and two guesthouses. The only historical relic is the ruined Kunjanja Mosque on the creek next to the district headquarters.

Among the rubble are a beautifully carved Mihrab and some fine Arabic inscriptions. Outside town is the tomb of Amir Hamad, commander of the sultan of Zanzibar’s forces, who was killed here in 1844 while campaigning against Siyu and Pate.

Sleeping and Eating in Faza

The two guest house, Lamu House and Shela House, are essential family residences, but they can provide meals and a bedroom if you need somewhere to stay. The price is negotiable (expect to pay around Kshs 200 per person) and families are very friendly.

A simple restaurant in the of town offers bean stews, tea and mandazi (a semi-sweet flat donut) for just a fistful of shillings, and is a popular meeting place for the local men folk.

Robert is a tour expert in East Africa Kenya travel. He is a director of a Kenya tour operator company and degreed in tourism management. For more Blah on Kenya tourism see: http://www.landmarksafaris.com/planner/?refferer=ezinearticles

When it comes to interesting and scenic holidays, an Almeria vacation is certainly the way to go.

Formally one of the most important ports in the area and situated on the Mediterranean Sea in South Easter Spain is Almeria, the capital of the Province of Almeria. The many natural site of this are along with man made structures make Almeria an explorers dream. Along the coastline are pristine beaches and the famous Alcazaba or Citadel and Almeria’s beautiful cathedral. The area hosts one of the biggest naturist beaches and adjoining accommodation in Europe. One area of natural beauty is the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. The park runs through the areas of Níjar, Almería and Carboneras and is geographically volcanic. It boasts one of the most ecologically significant marine-terrestrial areas in the Western Mediterranean Sea. The once purely fishing villages have now become tourist destination for people interested in nature. The Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park has wonderful beaches, coves and bays and promises to wonderful day of exploration on your Almeria Vacation.

Further inland is desert and has been the setting for many award winning movies such as Lawrence of Arabia and The Wind and The Lion. Many spaghetti westerns were made in the deserts of Almeria as well. Rumor has it that there are still many films sets out in the desert areas. Exploring the desert not only for these sets but to admire the diversity of Almeria’s desert.

The climate is very dry and warm, perfect for swimming or just lazing on the unspoilt beaches. Some coves offer complete solitude, being accessible by water only.

Getting to Almería does not present any problems as it has an international airport named Almería International Airport. The locals are friendly and helpful and eager to tell the tourist of points of interest and relay some of the history of the area. When it comes to accommodation there are many choices with 4 & 5 star hotels with every comfort including rooms with heating, air conditioning, TV’s with Video /DVD, minibars, etc. Other facilities include pools, garages, convention centers, bar and restaurants. The are also apartments and hostels. For the more adventurous types camping is always a great option.

There are many restaurants in Almeria offering a wide range of local delicacies for you to try. Locally caught fish cooked in traditional ways are always a treat. The cuisine has a mix of modern and ancient influences which offers a taste sensation. The many bars around the city off a variety of tapas to go with full-bodied wine from the region or of a cold beer. Soups, frittatas, stews and a selection of game meat waits the hungry tourist. In Almeria, most credit cards are accepted as are traveler’s checks and, naturally, cash.

As well as the natural beauty of the area plenty of attractions to see on your Almeria vacation, monuments, museums and not to be missed is the Club Marina Golf Resort. All in all, Almeria is a place of beauty not to be overlooked as a holiday destination.

Luca Robi is the owner and co-editor of EasyAlmeria.com where you can great news and information about Spain and other related information. Visit us if you want to learn more about Almeria Vacation.

A tour of upland Guatemala will immerse the traveler in the archeology of the last aboriginal Maya of 900-1524, with unparalleled experiences in how archaeological knowledge about society, culture and astronomy is read in the ruins of the richest civilization of the Americas. The adventure travelers are guided by an archaeologist, who is author of many volumes. Our archaeologist tour director also deciphers the principal Mayan sites of the always climatically temperate highlands. The many Maya who live in the region today also provide keys in their lifeways to reconstructing the rich past. This incomparable experience of learning by doing archeology and anthropology is coupled observations of the incredibly rich flora and fauna under the guidance of an expert ornithologist.

Mayan Green Tours is offering a ten day expedition combining archeology, cultural anthropology and birding–to Guatemala during June 11-22, 2007. The four thousand– year-old Mayan culture still flourishes in highland Guatemala among millions of Mayan speakers today. While a glimpse of the aboriginal Maya is viewed in this year’s film Apocalypto our tour fully situates our members among still living Mayan communities with their colorful costumes, religious rituals and dance ballads, and more generally lifeways of the millennia. The discerning traveler thus experiences the ancient Maya in their archaeological cities situated on mountaintop as well as the living Maya at the foot of these mountain sites in their indigenous communities of today. This is the most authentic adventure and educational learning setting of the premier indigenous civilization of the Americas. In the achievements of writing, city building and the architecture of kings and high priests in palaces and temples, the Maya rank among the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans and Chinese. If one is to fully understand the Americas, understanding its civilization is a must.

The observation of the wildlife in its natural habitat is the second of our twin goals. The Mayan landscape is also a biotic treasure trove where wildlife abounds around every tree. The setting of highland Guatemala is also unparalleled in its natural beauty –lofty volcanoes ring highland lakes, a rich diversity in flora and fauna are set in a year round spring-like climate of temperate days and cool evenings. The different altitudes make excursion rich in an ever-changing biotic diversity each and every mile. Ecotourism thus multiplies the Maya experience in their natural settings.

We travel by van across the verdant highland valleys and mountains to see the Mayan cities in their natural settings as they were on the eve of the arrival of the Europeans immediately following Columbus. Our first stop outside of Central America’s metropolis of Guatemala City is to Iximche, the location of the first Guatemala City (called then “Cuauthemala”) where the Spanish Conquistadores garrisoned in 1524. At 7,000 feet elevation, the citadel of Iximche was capital to the Cakchiquel Maya with whom the Spanish conquistadors allied in their strategy to “divide and conquer” the major Mayan kingdoms. This strategy was an improbable one of succeeding – for the native population was in the millions and the Spanish military force was merely in the hundreds. But in the final analysis the plan defied the odds in victory. Yet the Maya have dealt with conquerors before and have endured to rise again. And they have, for they represent the only indigenous American civilization still intact in so many of its original practices

The marvelous palaces, temples, ancient ballcourts, and murals at Iximche have been brought to light by meticulous archaeological excavation so that the site is the best preserved in the highlands. The city is intact and all there for understanding of meanings ascribed by the Maya. At this highest site in altitude and all sites that the tour visits a variety of birds inhabit the ruins.

Day two will find the group on Lake Atitlan, which is incomparable for its pristine beauty, for birding within the Reserva Natural Atitlan where hundreds of species of birds have been sighted and recorded. Next, we boat 10 miles across the lake and tour the ruined Tzutuhil capital of Chuitinamit in one of the most picturesque spots in the world. The more avian minded adventurers may climb on the forest engulfed Volcano of San Pedro with rich vistas of the tropical birds and of the Pacific coastal plain below.

In cosmology, Lake Atitlan was the southernmost edge of the Mayan world and was conceived as the place of the famous creation of humanity dramatized in the Mayan book of the Popol Vuh. (This book is the single largest native American epic, and has been translated into every European language plus many more around the world). After an evening of birding in San Lucas Toliman, the group may participate in the continued mapping of the only known Mayan zodiac. The archaeological remains of the zodiac, with each of the constellations of the night sky carved on huge boulders, is where the assembled Mayan tribes would ignite the flame of the solar calendar during the last week of January each year. The Mayan chronicles detail the actual ceremony and dance; vestiges of the ancient ceremony were enacted until about 50 years ago and are still remembered.

While the zodiac was simply the ritual south point for a highland Maya, the political and cosmic center was Utatlan (K’umarcaaj). This city was seen as center of the Mayan ritual and political cosmos. The astronomical principles dictating the arrangement of temples, caves and palaces of this most revered of the highland Mayan ies to coincide with the equinoxes, solstices and the rising and setting of particular constellations, will be decoded on site by Dr. Fox, based on his three decades of research.

When the conquistadors burned Utatlan as bastion of Mayan resistance in 1524, its population was forcibly removed to nearby Chichicastenango. Members of the tour will have the opportunity to bargain with Mayan vendors for their handicrafts of textiles, dance masks, pottery and much more in the biweekly market of today in the central plaza of Chichicastenango in much the same way it was when held in the central plaza of Utatlan before.

The tour culminates in a flight to Tikal in the lowlands to see two hundred foot high temples loom above the jungle canopy and relish in the experiences of some of the richest birding locales in the world. Birding enthusiasts will probably note this as a highlight of the trip as do most visitors to Tikal. Tikal is testament to the grandeur and mettle of the Classic Maya. It is an enduring legacy in which the people of Guatemala take great pride.

The traveler will return with remembrances to fill a lifetime; the Maya will be known first hand in person and in their mighty archaeological achievements which have come to represent the indigenous civilization of the Americas. Flora and fauna will be observed and probably photographed in their native habitats in both the tropical highlands and lowlands –together comprising almost unparalleled species diversity.

Dr. John Fox together with Roy Smallwood formed Mayan Green Tours, Inc. to introduce tours to the rich archaeological and cultural labyrinth and ecosphere of Guatemala. Dr. Fox is a leading authority on the Maya and has published extensively having spent 30 years researching the highland Guatemala. Roy Smallwood joins the tour assisting in the identification of the avifauna of Guatemala.

We all have need for some shade in the beaming hot rays of the sun in the middle of summer. And there is no exception for our cars, the steaming hot rays of the sun in the dead of summer and heat of summer can really damage your car’s appearance.

It will start developing lighter shades in patches on different parts of your car at first, it will then start showing up in and developing small bumps, you will then start noticing some bubbles, big and small, which you really should not touch at any cost. Because if you touch these bubbles you will really ruin your cars paint and make your car looks really ugly.

You should get the bubbles looked at and taken care of straight away as they will start peeling and chipping by themselves in the long run. The peeled and unprotected parts of your car will then, in winter be vulnerable to the harsh winter climate, snow and rain.

The winter rains, snows and other things will start a real number on your peeled car and unprotected surfaces, think about rust. And none of us, in the world want to have rust on our cars, this is because rust does not give our cars a good appearance.

In addition it will leave us looking bad too, because no body likes a person with rust on his or her car, because rust makes you look like you are not reliable, because you can’t look after a car, which is a bad thing if you are looking for a job.

The hot Caroline weather plays tricks on your car, that is why you need to get a Carolina carport, they are really great when it come to looking after your car in the dead heat of summer, and we all know that we do not want to leave our cars out in the sun, as we just went through the whole dramatic thing above, so look after your car and get a Carolina carport that will protect your car from the rays of bad from the sun.

Remember that you car takes you from a to b all the time, you need your car, so taking good care of your car will make perfect sense to any body with a car, because without the car you will not be able to work and you will end up on the street, living in your car. Which makes even a lot more sense to start looking after you car’s best interest right now.

Get a Carolina carport that is proven to work for million of cars in the hot sun all over the world, do not let your car down. Keep your car safe during the day when you are cool in the shade of your massive luxury office or in your nice air conditioned home. Take care of the needs of your car and your cars paint with the ultimate Carolina carport today. You will not be sorry you did.

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