Tetap Modis Di Musim Hujan Dengan Poncho Korea

Jangan biarkan hujan menghalangi kesenangan akhir tahun anda.

Bulan Desember akan menjadi bulan yang basah di sebagian besar wilayah di Indonesia. Hujan akan turun dalam waktu lama dan dapat mengganggu aktivitas anda. 

Ironisnya, akhir tahun juga bertepatan dengan musim libur. Banyak anggota keluarga berkumpul, atau anda melakukan reuni dengan teman.

Tentu tidak semua anda senang dengan aktivitas indoor atau di dalam ruangan. Satu atau dua kesempatan anda juga ingin melakukan kegiatan di luar ruangan.

Masalahnya, kondisi cuaca di musim hujan mengganggu rencana anda. Hujan yang turun dengan deras bisa menggagalkan rencana anda. Apalagi, kegiatan yang ingin anda lakukan tidak sekedar di luar ruangan, tapi anda ingin melakukan kegiatan di alam terbuka dan jauh dari keramaian kota.

Satu hal yang jelas, kegiatan seperti itu akan sangat menyenangkan. Anda kembali menjalin keakraban dengan anggota keluarga atau sahabat lama, sekaligus mengisi baterai menjelang tahun yang baru.

Jas hujan dan poncho

Dengan semua keuntungan itu, saya berharap anda tidak menyerah dengan kondisi alam. Di musim hujan, anda tetap bisa melakukan aktivitas yang menyenangkan jika anda memiliki jas hujan atau poncho.

Sebelum anda memilih perlindungan dari hujan, anda perlu memahami perbedaan antara jas hujan dan poncho. Secara sederhana jas hujan merupakan setelan yang terdiri dari atasan dan bawahan. Untuk atasan dilengkapi dengan tudung untuk melindungi kepala anda.

Sedangkan poncho merupakan lembaran dengan lubang untuk memasukkan kepala yang kemudian dilindungi oleh sebuah tudung. 

Jas hujan membantu anda dalam pergerakan karena anda mengenakannya seperti halnya baju dan celana. Namun, jika bawaan anda banyak, cukup sulit melidunginya jika menggunakan jas hujan.

Berbeda dengan poncho, anda dapat melindungi diri maupun bawaan anda karena umumnya bentangan poncho cukup luas untuk menutup tubuh dan barang bawaan anda. 

Masalahnya jika anda menggunakan poncho, ada bagian tubuh anda seperti kaki maupun tangan yang tidak sepenuhnya tertutup oleh poncho tersebut.

Poncho Korea modis

Jika anda akhirnya memilih poncho, akan ada kebingungan yang muncul dalam benak anda. Pasalnya, di pasaran, poncho tidak memiliki banyak pilihan.

Jika anda perhatikan para pengendara motor yang menggunakan poncho, warna yang mereka gunakan sangat membosankan. Biru, abu-abu, coklat, atau ada yang hitam.

Kalau anda seorang pria, tentu tidak jadi soal. masalahnya jika anda wanita, tentu tidak menarik jika anda menggunakan warna-warna seperti itu.

Anda tetap ingin tampil modis, meski harus berbasah-basah di alam terbuka. 

Jika anda menginginkan hal seperti itu, anda dapat mencoba Poncho Korea 7 warna dari Aliexpress. Seperti namanya, ada tujuh warna yang bisa menjadi pilihan anda saat berkegiatan di alam terbuka. 

Selain memiliki motif-motif menarik di permukaannya, poncho ini didisain semi transparan. Jadi jika anda tetap ingin menunjukkan gaya pakaian yang ingin anda kenakan, poncho tidak akan menutupinya. 

Meski transparan dan bergaya, poncho ini tetap pada fungsi utamanya melindungi anda dari hujan. Bahannya yang tebal membuat anda tetap kering. Namun, bobot poncho ini ringan sehingga tidak membebani saat anda membawanya. 

Kini anda tidak perlu khawatir menikmati kegiatan di luar ruangan termasuk di alam terbuka. Anda sudah memiliki poncho yang bisa membuat anda nyaman dan kering, tapi tetap bergaya.

***
Link Aliexpress:

Poncho Korea 7 warna dari Aliexpress. 

A Day-Long Cultural Interlude in Barcelona

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Full of culture, history and art everywhere you look, Barcelona makes a wonderful day-long city break for those looking to immerse themselves in its charm.

By: Lukas Johannes

Barcelona is an ideal destination for a day-long city break. Although you could probably spend weeks exploring it in depth if you wanted to, visiting the city’s best bits in just one day is surprisingly doable. If you are fascinated by the cultural, artistic, historical background of the places you visit, Barcelona is like a dream come true.

With plenty of wonderful highlights spread throughout, it can be difficult to make up your mind when figuring out an itinerary for your daytrip. That is why I have put together some of my favourite destinations – from buildings to parks to promenades – so that you can get going without wasting any time.

Las Ramblas

No visit to Barcelona is complete without a leisurely stroll down the Ramblas. A vibrant boulevard that travels through the city’s heart, it is surrounded by lovely buildings and it is full of stalls selling traditional artefacts, like hand-held fans, human statues, and plenty of locals pottering about. Moreover, just off the Ramblas, you can find La Boqueria – the city’s best food market – where you can see (and smell!) first-hand some amazing local produce, as well as have a mouth-watering snack while you sit on a bench and people-watch.

Barri Gòtic

This striking neighbourhood will make you step back in time. With some breath-taking, wonderfully-preserved buildings, Barcelona’s Gothic quarter is quaint, bustling borough filled with cobbled streets, narrow almost-secret passages, and historical structures dating back to medieval times.

Furthermore, if you want to get to know the area’s history better, you can step into the Museu d’Historia de la Ciutat, in the Plaça del Rei, and immerse yourself in Barcelona’s past. Once you come out understanding the city better, you can head to the Plaça Reial and the Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia. The latter is actually perfect if you’re seeking refuge from a hot summer’s day, as you are welcome to sit down on the pews and cool down whilst admiring your surroundings.

Gaudí’s Creations

You can’t truly know Barcelona without having visited the impressive works left behind by Antoni Gaudí. The Passeig de Gracia holds two of Gaudí’s outstanding houses – the Casa Batlló and the Casa Milà – the former famous for its amazing roof terrace (with a dragon on it!) and the latter better known for its wavy façade and wrought-iron balconies.

Finally, head to the Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s as-of-yet unfinished masterpiece. It is a must-see for all art lovers and history enthusiasts as, whether they love it or despise it, it represents something truly unique about the man, the time, and the city in which this cathedral was built. The council aims to have it finished by 2026, the centenary of Gaudí’s death.

Fundació Joan Miró

A wonderful final stop before saying goodbye to this beautiful city, this museum celebrates the life and works of the artist Joan Miró. Barcelona-born Miró was a prolific painter, sculptor, and ceramicist that belonged to the Surrealist movement, but dabbled in cubism and magical realism too. His Foundation has over 200 paintings and 150 sculptures on display, as well as an impressive 5000 drawings. Additionally, in line with Miró’s desires, the Foundation’s Espai 13 is a space dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art by young, experimental artists.

How to Get from Lloret de Mar to Barcelona

The drive between Lloret de Mar and Barcelona is very quick and easy. A taxi can have you there in just over an hourFree Web Content, during which you can enjoy the lovely views of the Mediterranean Sea from the car windows.


Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an affordable transfer from Lloret de Mar to Barcelona, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.

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Brussels - Chocolate, Beer and Sightseeing

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By Paul Jones

Brussels is an ideal destination for British holidaymakers. With its location in the crossroads of different cultures, and as headquarters to many European institutions, it fits the archetype of a melting pot city, yet still manages to retain its own flavour. Renowned for its landmarks, chocolate, waffles and beer, it is just a short trip away on the Eurostar, perfect for a relaxing and fulfilling weekend getaway. In order to make a trip to Brussels more enjoyable, this article outlines some of the things to see and do while in the Belgian capital.

Brussels has two official languages, French and Dutch, meaning all streets have two names, but most citizens and tourists use the French. English is also becoming a commonly spoken language due to the international institutions, such as NATO and the European Commission based in the city. You can find out about upcoming events in Brussels by visiting the Brussels Agenda website.

In the heart of the city is the Grand Place, a central square surrounded by the city tower and a range of beautiful buildings. It is popular with tourists, and a good starting point to explore the city. The famous Manneken Pis statue, of a little boy piddling, is a short walk away, as is the town hall, Hotel de Ville. Dating back to the early 15th century, the striking gothic architecture makes it a popular landmark in the city, and during the summer months the city organises evening entertainment, including fireworks, light and sound shows free of charge. Other landmarks worthy of a visit are the Palais Royale and the Cinquantenaire Museum and Autoworld Car Museum.

Belgium is to beer what France is to wine and its capital city as a great place to sample some of the vast variety on offer. The typical beers in Brussels are the bitter Gueuze, the sweeter, cherry based Kriek and the Trappist ale. Another local speciality is the "half-en-half" which is a mixture of champagne and white wine.

To sample the best beers Brussels have to offer, the Belgium Beer Tour is a great place to start. The tour covers a wide range of breweries and appeals to connoisseurs and novices alike. Some local breweries, like the Cantillon Brewery, also have their own sampling tours. The city is full of restaurants, cafes, and brasseries that offer a large number of beers along with the traditional national dishes. The famous Delirium Cafe, just a stone’s throw from Grande Place, claims to stock over 2,000 different types of beer, and is popular with tourists and locals alike.

Brussels is also popular with chocoholics, with many tourists flocking to the shops around Grand Place selling chocolate Manneken Pis replicas, but to really experience the best chocolates the city has to offer, head to Grand Sablon. Considered Brussels’ chocolate Mecca, it is a small square near the beautiful Notre Dame de Sablon church, and is home to, amongst others, the three most widely renowned chocolatiers in the city - Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini and Wittamer, each with its own speciality.

Wittamer is the official supplier to the Belgium court, offering traditional Belgian chocolates and hot chocolate. Pierre Marcolini offers more exotic flavours, with cocoa beans sourced from around the world. Neuhaus invented the praline in 1912, and now offers over 60 different flavours in its shop. Other chocolatiers worth visiting in Grand Sablon include Godiva and Leonidas.

Gastronomes are also well catered for in Brussels, with approximately 1,800 restaurants, and local specialities include Belgian waffles, mussels, usually served with frites, and the frites themselves, locally known as fritkots. Waffles and fritkots can be bought from street vendors, and are ubiquitous in tourist areas. For the more adventurous, Belgian delicacies include river eels in green sauce and turbot fish in cream and egg sauce.

If you are planning on making a trip to Brussels on the Eurostar, remember that many hotels offer long and short term hotel parking offers near train stations, many with overnight accommodation, which can be a relief for early travel.

Hopefully this has given you some idea of what to do and see when visiting the Belgian capital and ensure you have memories and experiences to last a lifetime.


via Expert Articles

My Experiences of Voluntary Work Abroad

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By Gus Caje-Medina

Volunteering is something I have always enjoyed, ever since I was at school and used to help the younger pupils at an after school club. For me, in a world where most people seem to be largely concerned with pursuing their own selfish goals, there is something really amazing about giving up time to improve the lives of others. I have worked part-time for most of my professional life, and have balanced it with a variety of volunteering placements. When my work at a local school for the blind came to an end and I started considering my next move, I began to think about the possibility of voluntary work abroad.

This new stage of my volunteering career appealed because I felt it would be a fantastic opportunity to experience a different culture and learn about another part of the world – something I may never have had the opportunity to do otherwise. Even though I knew my time as a volunteer at home was put to very good use, I felt that there were areas in developing countries where I might be able to make even more of a difference than I had done here. As a lot of my volunteering experience was in working with children, I focussed my search for voluntary work abroad on placements which enabled me to work with children. It was eye-opening just browsing through the volunteering opportunities that were available, and got my thinking about the millions of children worldwide who are in need of help just to achieve a decent standard of living.

I lost my mother at quite a young age, so I felt particularly drawn to volunteer placements with children who had lost parents, and orphanages in particular. I had always wanted to see South Africa, and with the football world cup coming up, the media coverage of the country and all its issues had really sharpened my interest. I therefore narrowed my search to find orphanages in South Africa that were looking for extra help. For a country very much in the grip of HIV and AIDS, there was an unsurprisingly large number of young people who had lost parents due serious illness, and the organizations that looked after these children were clearly finding it a real struggle to provide the care and attention they needed.

I arrived to find what seemed like an adapted version of a boarding school, with only a fraction of the money behind it. A matron-type figure cooked dinner every morning for the sixty children, got them out of bed and ready for school, and cleaned their bedrooms and dormitories every day. With so much physical work to be done, one of the gaping holes in the work of this fantastic organization was finding enough time to give these children the emotional support and love that they would have got from their parents. For me to fill this role would perhaps have been slightly counter-productive, as when my two month volunteer period came to an end, I would have to leave the children behind, severing any bonds that had been formed and causing them to leave another person they had become close to. Instead, I took on all the cooking duties, which freed up the matron to pay the children the emotional attention they desperately needed.

This voluntary work abroad was a very different experience from anything I had done at home. The very scale of the care needed for the young people of South Africa was quite a shock, and I was just happy to be able to make a minor difference to these children’s lives in the small time I spent there.

via Expert Articles

Ten Essential Things to Do in Greenland

Greenland (CC Pixabay)

By Jonathan Williams 

If you are still undecided about making that trip to Greenland, do not let the harsh cold dissuade you from visiting because you will surely miss out on a lot of wonderful things unique only to Greenland. In fact, now is the best time to visit Greenland because scientists predict that in a couple more years, a large part of it will have already melted and its brilliant glaciers and bergs will only be part of its history. Aside from those mentioned, here are some ten things that you need to see and do in Greenland.

1.) National Museum

When visiting any country or city for the very first time, it is always a good part of the itinerary to include its National Museum. In this particular museum, you will see the mummified bodies of what is believed to be those of the people who died when their boat turned over back in the 1400s. You can also find here other artifacts as well.

2.) Festival of Snow Sculptures

This is an annual festivity attended by locals and foreigners. Here, you will see a magnificent showcase of some of the world's best snow sculptures on parade. Go to the country's capital, Nuuk, to witness this yearly event.

3.) Greenland Tours

In order to fully enjoy your stay in Greenland and see as much as possible during your trip, it is best to take guided tours that will take you to Kangerlussuag and then to Ilulissat. These tours will take you around the cities. Here, you will experience native life in Greenland including the traditional welcome coffee drink from a local.

4.) Hiking and mountain climbing

One of the best hiking and mountaineering experiences you can ever have is in the mountains of Greenland. The best place is said to be Ice Cap. However, you should always have an experienced guide with you as you can easily get lost or injured if you don't know your way around.

5.) Qaqortoq

This is located in the southern part of Greenland. This is where you will find the oldest recorded fountain of the country as well as old building structures, and these buildings go as far back as two centuries ago. You will also see here a mini Eskimo Museum.

6.) Dog sleds

What is a visit to Greenland without trying its famous dog sledding down its icy slopes? Skiing is also a must. You can go skiing across the country provided you have a guide, and you are well-versed in the sport.

7.) Disko Bay

It is said that one iceberg here can weigh approximately more than 6 million tons! One of the most breathtaking sights you will ever witness here or perhaps anywhere in the world is the sun touching the icebergs illuminating their brilliance. Be prepared to be enthralled by this magnificent sight.

8.) Old Town Museum

This is located in Upernavik. It is a place considered to have a friendlier climate than most places in Greenland. The Old Town Museum houses historical mementos of the country including those about the earliest people who have inhabited the place.

9.) Polar Bears

Definitely not to be missed, polar bears are only seen in the cold regions, hence, they are a sight to behold in Greenland. Although fiercely wild and can seriously injure anyone he comes across with, the sight of this white bear is enough to entice any tourist to catch a glimpse of this wild animal. You will surely be amazed at the power and beauty these animals possess.

10.) Musk ox and other animals

After polar bears, tourists also come to this icy country to catch glimpses of musk oxen. You can also see in Greenland a few of Santa's reindeer and walruses. Whales are also abundant including the majestic white whales.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos



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(Video) Vacation to Ibiza

The green, untarnished island of love. Where one cannot be bored, but can get unforgettable memories, guaranteed by the locals and the many opportunities. If you don’t like sunshine, freedom, having fun, wonderful bays, and complete rest, then do not travel to Ibiza. The others, however, should at least watch this video film. - Expoza Travel

Frequently Asked Questions about Ibiza

Ibiza, Spain (CC Pixabay)

By: Gareth Hoyle

Are you curious about this popular holiday destination? Here are all the things you ever might have wanted to know about Ibiza: 

Where is it? 

Ibiza is located in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Valencia in Spain. It is within an autonomous community of Spain known as the Balearic Islands. 

How big is the island? 

Tiny! It’s only about 15 miles wide.This is a great advantage to travellers because it means that you can easily explore the whole island within a short holiday. All the main attractions are situated within a 10-15 minute drive from San Antonio and Ibiza Town. 

How many people live there? 

Ibiza has an official population of 132, 637 people, but of course these numbers swell during the high point of tourist season, with the influx of visitors to its shores. 

What is the climate like? 

Hot, hot, hot! People choose Ibiza villas for rent if they want a holiday with plenty of sunshine. This is because the average temperature in the summer months is between 20-25 degrees Celsius and there are over 2,700 hours of sunshine per year! 

What kind of accommodation is there? 

There are many different types of accommodation, from hostels to hotels to Ibiza villas for rent. There are scaled-down, no frills accommodations for the budget traveller, and also luxurious Ibiza villas for rent with private pools. 

I’ve heard there is a lively nightlife scene? 

You’ve heard correctly! Ibiza is considered the party capital of Europe, if not the world. The island’s capital of Ibiza Town and the town of Saint Antonio is the epicentre of the all-night-long dance parties that this island is famous for. During the summer months, top DJs perform at the clubs and live music festivals bring big-name bands such as the Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, The Prodigy, and the Kaiser Chiefs. 

Is Ibiza only for young party-goers? 

No! This beautiful and peaceful island has plenty of family friendly beaches and activities to entertain mom, dad and the kids. If you are seeking a romantic getaway, Ibiza has that as well with fine dining, romantic secluded coves, sailing trips and private Ibiza villas for rent. 

Will I need to rent a car? 

If you are planning on exploring the entirety of the island, hiring a car might be necessary. However, if you are simply enjoying the nightlight and the tourist beaches, you will be fine relying on public transport and taxis. 

Ibiza is a beautiful place to spend a holiday in the sunshine. Why not explore this gorgeous island for yourself?


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Greenland Crossing Expeditions and Ice Cap Crossings

Greenland (Creative Commons Pixabay)

By Jenny Andrew

The development of new areas by Greenland expedition groups from Great Britain has resulted in much more travel, exploration and ascents in the Kronprins Frederik Bjerge, the Lemon Bjerge, the many peaks round the Kangerdluassuaq Basin, the Watkins Bjerge, and areas behind the Blosseville Coast such as the Rignys Bjerg mountains, Lindbergh Fjelde, the Gronau Nunatakker, the mountains of Knud Rasmussen Land and the remote peaks of the aptly named Camp Icefield. Further north still, within the Greenland National Park area, more British groups have been very active climbing in Goodenough Land, Louise Boyd’s Land, the Martin Knudsens and Niels Holgersens Nunatakker and Dronning Louise Land, A major factor in these recent developments since the early nineties has been the role of Paul Walker and his logistics operation, Tangent Expeditions International, which by co-ordination of air operations has facilitated access for many expeditions into these more remote areas during the 1990's and 2000's. 

Further south, the Schweizerland region continues to be a major draw for Greenland expedition groups with continuing development of high standard rock climbing, and increasingly the seeking out of big wall climbing as seen in the Fox Jaw Cirque above Tasiilaq Fjord, and on prominent peaks like Tupilak by the September 16 Glacier. The Staunings alps too, continue to exercise their hold on those seeking demanding alpine climbing. These trends seem likely to persist, alongside a growing interest in ski-touring and ski-mountaineering. Many previously unclimbed and unexplored mountain ranges still exist throughout east and northeast Greenland, containing literally thousands of remaining unclimbed summits. 

The last few years have also seen the first signs of development of winter Arctic mountaineering expeditions in Greenland, an exciting and challenging prospect. In March 2004 Paul Walker led an international team of climbers who attempted the first ever winter ascent of Gunnbjørnsfjeld, the highest mountain in the Arctic at 3,693m. Forced back by temperatures in the -40's and strong winds and frightening windchill on the summit ridge it will no doubt only be a matter of time before this, and numerous other peaks, begin to attract and receive true winter ascents. Indeed Paul Walker and Team Tangent returned to the mountain in March 2006 to make a successful winter Greenland expedition attempt from the north side of the mountain. Thus, although Greenland’s many and varied mountains lack the altitude of the Himalaya or the Andes, their remoteness and likeness to Antarctica, and the promise of new ascents will go on attracting those who search for the rewards of exploration and attainment of new mountaineering experiences as the 21st Century marches on. 

Most ice cap expedition routes cross the Greenland icecap from Isortoq to Kangerlussuaq for two simple reasons …. ease of access and price. To embark on such a major polar journey is indeed a privilege and a great achievement. Some leaders continue to support, guide and offer unbiased advice to all those who wish to take part in these expeditions. However there is much more to the ice cap crossing than just one straight line route. There are numerous, alternative Greenland crossing routes across the glacier, with far more exciting starting points in remote and largely unclimbed mountains ranges further north and up the east coast.



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Hiking the Camino de Santiago

Camino de Santiago(Flickr Creative Commons by Martin Bajer)

By Jim Clem

The Camino de Santiago, or The Way of St. James is an ancient pilgrimage route that starts in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, and ends at the Cathedral in Santiago Compostela, Spain.

For hundreds of years, this same path has been used by the faithful making the holy pilgrimage to Santiago Compostela. It was also the route used by Roman Legions, Moor and Saracen invaders, the Knights Templar, and the armies of Charlemagne and Napoleon.

The Camino de Santiago is not only a walk across the hard-packed, rocky soil of Spain, but a journey through history, religion, and western culture.

The trail goes over four mountain ranges, through big cities, rural areas, across the vast Meseta of central Spain, and through the green hills of Galicia.

One of the unique things about the Camino de Santiago is the Albergue system. These are bunkhouse type accommodations every six miles or so. They are run by the church, local municipality, other Camino groups, or private ownership. The cost to stay in a Albergue is free, by donation or a small fee up to six euros. They are generally clean and have showers, bathrooms, and some have kitchens. If you have registered as a pilgrim at the start of your trip, you are issued a pilgrims credential that allows you to stay in the Albergues.

(Flickr CC by Marcin Bajer)

Also along the trail are numerous hostels, hotels, and pensions that range from very inexpensive to expensive. Through most sections of the trail there are bars/restaurants or stores where you can purchase food or any needed supplies or equipment. This allows the hiker to carry less equipment which translates into a lighter backpack.

Pilgrims/hikers of all ages come from all over the world to walk this pilgrimage route making it a truly multi-cultural experience.

If you are interested there are some great internet resources and books on the Camino de Santiago-here are a few:

http://www.ourcamino.com Lots of information, links, reading list and hundreds of photos of the trail.

http://www.americanpilgrims.com American Pilgrims on the Camino-this is the website for the U.S. based pilgrim group.

http://www.csj.org.uk The Confraternity of St. James-U.K. based pilgrim group.

http://www.mundicamino.com One of the best sites about the Camino. Just about everything you want or need to know about the trail.

http://www.backpack45.com Good site with info about hiking in general and info on the Camino.

http://www.santiago-today.com Great site with up-to-date info on Santiago and the Camino.

Some good reading material:

Buen Camino-Hiking the Camino de Santiago by Jim and Eleanor Clem is a day to day record of hiking the Camino de Santiago. The book also covers training and equipment. Over 160 photos gives you a good look at the trail.

The Pilgrim's Guide to the Camino Frances by John Brierley is the guidebook we used on both of our Camino trips. Small enough to carry with lots of information, photos and up to date maps. Our copy is well worn from being used so much on the trail.

The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago by David Gitlitz and Linda Kay Davidson is the best source of info about the Camino. The book is filled with history, facts, maps, and information on art, architecture, geology folklore, etc.

On the Road to Santiago by Bob Tuggle is the first book we read about hiking the Camino, and is still one of our favorites.

Flickr CC by Marcin Bajer

The Pilgrim's Guide by William Melczer is a translation of the Codex Calixtinus-the 12th century guide to the Camino. Very interesting reading.

Camino Chronicle by Susan Alcorn is a great read about her and her husbands(Ralph) hike on the Camino in 2001. Good day-to-day info along with information on how to prepare for the trip. Also lots of history and interesting facts. If you have an interest in the Camino you will enjoy this book.

Some things you need to know before you hit the trail:

Spain is a very modern country with good water, food, medical care, ATM machines etc. The people are very helpful and friendly and they have a very low crime rate.

You will be walking about 500 miles. It took us 37 days (one sick day) to compete the trip walking every step. That comes out to an average of about 14 miles a day-in all types of weather over all type of terrain.

Every year the Camino is becoming more and more popular which means lots of hikers/pilgrims/mountain bikers on the trail. You will always find somewhere to sleep, but it may be on a kitchen floor. Unless you are on a very tight budget, stay in small hotels/hostels. You can make reservations a few days in advance and you will get a better nights sleep.

Every day on the Camino de Santiago is an adventure that brings new challenges and rewards. Whether your reasons for making this trip are for religious/spiritual reasons, or you are looking for one of the premier treks in the world, hiking the Camino de Santiago is the trip of a lifetime. The Camino experience is one that stays with you long after you leave the trail and head home.

Buen Camino

Jim Clem

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Vittoriosa - Malta Holidays And Housing Within The Malta Hotel Milano Central Due

Flickr CC By Robert Pittman

by CAROL SIEN

Your Malta vacations wouldn't be perfect if you do not get to visit in Vittoriosa. The town of Vittoriosa has simply more than four thousand population and is considered as second in the positions of the oldest towns in Malta. The first name of the town should you look for Malta hotel milano central within the region is Birgu, which the name the town bore within the days just before the Great Siege. Numerous visitors who invest Malta holidays in Vittoriosa accomplish this to be able to view the great architectural structures within the region.

Among the architectural and historic structures which you would see in the town when you go out of your accommodation in Malta are the ruins of the Roman temples which now overlaid the temples that were built by the Phoenicians. The old town of Birgu really became the Headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St. John before it moved the headquarters of Mdina. Sometime in 1841, a Naval Bakery was assembled by the Knights of St. John in the place which was in service for 100 years until it was converted to a Maritime Museum in 1992 which is really a ideal tour destination for Malta holidays.

From your accommodation in Malta, you would be amazed to view the educational displays within the Maritime Museum which houses the various areas of the maritime history of the Maltese archipelago. One of the excellent hotels in Malta to stay could be the hotel milano central Due which is just a three star resort. The resort is ideally situated and can be conveniently located to other Malta vacations including the Sliema sites, the historic city and capital of Valletta. Also in the hotel, you'd have the ability to go to the Yacht Marina and buy your needs as do your commercial transactions within the commercial centers of Sliema which is only minutes away from this Malta resort.

The single thing is the fact that you can't except to have in this Malta hotel milano is an internet connection and be wired to attend to your own organization transaction inside. Likewise, you're not also recommended to make your pets within this accommodation in Malta because pets are positively banned.

The best things about this Malta hotel is that it also offers a seaside view and is conveniently located to other activity centers in Malta such as the dining establishments, the malls, the pubs and other business centers. This Malta hotel is, in addition, friendly for families who want to spend Malta holidays and have kids with them and no-deposit will be charge upon your entry. One of the outstanding packages in resorts in Malta including the Hotel Milano Due is that the children under a couple of years-old are free of charge even when they use extra bedding. In Addition, the cancellation policy of the organization is sensible because the company wouldn't charge you for a fee in case you are able to call off the booking simply one day prior to your arrival. There is also an excellent residential area around this Malta hotel should you find joy to find a permanent location in Malta to dwell Web Site.


via Amazine

MALTA - THE BRITISH HIDEOUT

Flickr CC Terry Kearney

by MICHAEL MIFSUD


The legendary islands of St. Paul.

Rarely does anything get talked about in the Mediterranean without a mention of the old jewel of the British Crown - the fascinatingly mysterious group of Islands we call Malta and the irascible Maltese. Whilst colonialism never sat very comfortably on the shoulders of the Maltese people throughout its turbulent history, the people without doubt think affectionately of the British days and in particular express its regard for the Crown that once met their gaze with equal satisfaction. Despite much of the scurrilous attacks on British Imperialism, like the Romans, the British occupiers of most of the Commonwealth left a legacy of law, communication and security which unfortunately with subsequent retrograde political changes have in some places, been irretrievably eroded.

Like ancient Rome did in its day, the British left behind strengthened institutional structures which, as always, served the purpose of the rapidly evolving people left behind. In India, the English language turned a classical Babel into a cohesive mold that paved the way without doubt to Ghandi himself (now affectionately honoured in Westminster Square) and a future, the brilliance of which, is yet to be seen. Much of this has to do with the subsequent acceptance of very large numbers of Indian nationals (original India - now divided into three separate countries) into the United Kingdom over a long period of time and who now form an important and structural communication system with the mother country. As a result, it even goes about that Queen Elizabeth 11 is still their Queen - as she still is of the lucky Commonwealth.

In Malta the language incredibly blended with the base Phoenician, together with Italian among other sources, has created the sing song phraseology so musical and exclusive to the Maltese. English, spoken by all the inhabitants, has turned into the anchor which the Islanders needed to expand and reach their international goals. 

The Maltese archipelago is a member of the European Union and its future stability is not only secured, but set to be a major base for all North African and Middle Eastern enterprise of the future. The politicians of the islands in the main come from good solid backgrounds and appear to know what they want for the people even in perhaps the true significance of the geographic setting is still to sink in. Falcon is the word and good eyesight is its attribute. 

Flickr CC By Berit Watkin

Maltese ancient history is reflected in its language with a broad base of Phoenician words common to the Arab world lending to its original interests in places like Tunisia and Algeria. The Romanized phonetics catch the curious Middle Easterners by surprise since the Arab sense only becomes apparent when the words are pronounced. 

Many words, phrases and idioms are identical to both peoples and some, a version of. Most Arabs feel at home in a country that reflects its ancient culture despite the strong Catholicism of the place. The Grand Harbour of Valletta, the capital in the Island of Malta , is probably one of the most imposing entries into any country. 

The Templars were there briefly but chose to make Cyprus their home instead, to the chagrin of Richard the Lionheart who lost his crown for his Templar exploits and zest for adventure. Richard because of his Royal heritage was unable to reach for the leadership of the Order, but still became a predominant figure in its history. 

The islands, apart from the enormous medieaval architectural legacy, also boasts mysterious prehistoric settlements that defy explanation but which point as most of them to Celtic druidic origins on the once great religion that was born in Egypt long before the great days of the legendary Pharoahs. It is also the island where the arm of the Disciple of the converted Paul, the undisputed pillar of Roman Catholicism who was shipwrecked there, is kept in all its glory and escorted by military cohorts over land and sea when displayed abroad.

Flickr CC Nick Ribaudo

Successful inopportune invasion

But that is not all. Malta resisted invasion throughout its history, although its sovereignty was assumed by the Knights Hospitallers who turned it from the 12th. to the 19th. into their international sovereign State. The knights having turned away from their Jerusalem base in retreat, subsequently became The Knights of Malta. 

Napoleon put an end to that at the start of the 19th.century but having lost it to the British in 1815, it remained under British rule for well over a century. Since the Islands´ independance from Britain after the second world war, the people of Malta have run themselves with the blood and fervor of a variety of ethnic friendly settlers in their veins, not to mention British during the occupation. T

he Ottoman conquerors gave up on their quest for these strategic group of islands, although they established bases in most of the North African shores alongside the Corsair state of Algeria.

The Knights of Malta whose relics still impress the world with its majestic architectural examples in Valletta - the capital - and in the harbour especially, left for The Vatican, where the Grand Master now has his sovereign base. Well anchored in Roman Catholicism, this incredible institution which taught the world the Oriental art of the care of the ill and wounded, continues with its elite high powered membership of the most influential nobles of the world to serve modern and peace associated purposes.

Flickr CC By Juan Llanos

The British retired in the main and seeking their Florida, have looked towards Malta as the ultimate in consideration with security and affection as a main objective. In former days of colonial Britain many of these senior citizens were of a highly cultured background and often made substantial contributions locally in the cultural and social scene. 

The British, lovers of fancy dress, fetes and garden parties were often engaged in charitable causes which were well attended by most of the locals of the diverse colonial outposts. Lamentably, with the retreat of the reluctant British veneer in times of transition, many of the colourful and immensely sociable events disappeared from the local calendars. 

Today, with residential tourism on the increase and the current reappraisal of habitual places that no longer offer any of the criteria necessary for choice, Malta becomes a star of great attraction. History, social activity, English language and warmth which surrounds these shores most of the year, make it a choice for the future - for the elegant and educated. 

For these, little is left of what once was a vast panorama of great natural beauty and food for the soul of a people who sought adventure and colour to spike the days of waning life.


via Amazine