Life Experience

One of the reasons why people are afraid to travel especially to certain places they are not really familiar with is that they are afraid of getting robbed. While this is completely understandable, there are quite a few things you can do to avoid getting robbed when traveling. This way you get to enjoy the different things that various places and people have to offer.

Here are some tips for you to ponder.

Pay close attention to the behaviour of locals. It is always a good idea to look at how locals go about their usual everyday lives. You have to be very observant about their actions especially on how they protect their belongings. Watch carefully how they carry their bags. If they hug it close in front of their bodies this usually means you’re in an area where there are a lot of pickpockets and robbers or any other lawless element. The same is true if they always bring their items with them everywhere they go and they never leave these unattended on a table or chair. These are usually telltale signs that the area is not safe for your belongings.

Be confident but not arrogant.

If you think you’re lost, don’t appear like one. If you look like you’re lost, you look like sheep just waiting for the big bad wolf. Be confident in your skills. Don’t show that you’re lost. If you have to ask for directions do so from proper authorities. Keep your wits. But do mind your manners as there really is a very thin line between being confident and appearing arrogant.

Take some pooch protection.

Statistics show that people with dogs are far less likely to be attacked by a mugger when travelling. While its not always possible to take a dog on holiday, if you can travel with your dog you are unlikely to be robbed. Even small dogs can act as a big deterrent to would-be-robbers who can be put off by the bark as much as the bite.

Be extra cautious at night.

If you have to leave your hotel room at night for some much-sought after nightlife make sure not to go alone. There will always be other travellers in your hotel who might want to join you in your walk. Or try to use online services that can help you find locals who can join you in your nocturnal adventures. However, this is usually not a guarantee that all will be well. If you really have to go out alone, then steer clear of back alleys as well as over- and under-passes. Make sure to walk in well-lit areas, too and steer clear of sections of the city where there are relatively few people in sight.

Don’t be a walking jewellery shop.

Some folks simply cannot go out without their favourite bling. Unfortunately, these are natural magnets for robbers and other crooks. You are a walking jewellery shop and you are actually inviting them to rob you. Leave everything that glitters in your hotel room safe. If you need to wear jewellery make sure that it will not attract attention. Or better yet, buy some cheap imitation jewellery. If in case this is stolen, then you’d only be ticking the loss as a few dollars.

There are a lot of things you can do to avoid getting robbed even in places you’ve never been before. By considering these tips you can actually get to enjoy all the things the place has to offer.

It’s always summer in the tropics.

Head down to the equatorial belt, and enjoy the heat. Assuming that’s what you’re looking for…

In fact, it should be what you want. Especially if you’re heading for vacation – where coldness isn’t your best bet.

Now, considering how wide the tropics stretch, you can go to many places. You can go to Africa and South East Asia!

Or, you can go to the Caribbean

Why the Caribbean?

It’s a better option than Africa and SEA.

Africa suffers from poverty. And there are many health risks to living in an African countries.

Not only do you need vaccinations. But you must be aware of the “less than ideal” living quality there.

As for SEA, its bit too developed for a vacation.

South East Asia includes Singapore and Malaysia. And those are a bit overpopulated. They’re also too urbanized for the average traveler…

We recommend you the Caribbean instead. It’s just the right mix of urbanity and living standards!

Summer All Year – And With Quality

Summer vacations are irritating in countries with low living standards.

You have to endure hustlers and beggars. Then there’s the crowdedness that makes you feel suffocated…

And speaking of suffocation, don’t forget the pollution. It’s high in horrible countries.

But you’ll never find that in the Caribbean. There, it’s summer all year, and at a high standard too!

Wait – I Thought that Caribbean Countries Were Impoverished?

It depends on where you’re going.

There are many Caribbean islands with excellent living standards. They include Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and much more!

Then you have countries like Barbados – which is the cream of the crop.

It’s really a matter of choice here. You’ve got to pick your travel destination wisely. But overall, here’s what we can tell you…

The Caribbean is a good place to be!

Speaking of Choice

You’ve got to do research.

You need to compare each Caribbean country before travelling.

And you’re not just comparing living standards and vacation spots. You’re also reading up on traveler experiences…

Plus, there are the activity choices you have. Because there’s a lot for you to do in foreign territory!

To do that, you need a database that gives you the info you need. And that would be…

Sarkaar Tours and Travel – Your Guide to Caribbean Travels

To be honest, it’s your guide to travelling in general.

And the Caribbean is a popular vacation spot. So expect to get the information you need there.

All you need to do is download the website’s app, from Google Play or Apple’s App store. And you can use it to do research with ease!

And by the way, Trip Wolf doesn’t just provide travel journals. It also gives you travel agents and matchmakers too!

And the more sources – the merrier, right?

There’s nothing more to wait for. Head to Sarkaar Tours and Travel and start researching.

Summer never ends in the tropics. You can’t miss it – get to the beach now!

Relaxing and enjoying your vacation can be much more meaningful when you take the time to learn more about the rich culture and history of your destination. Dont pass on the opportunity to know how all the sights, sounds and tastes that you are enjoying came to be. Understanding the Culture and Heritage Tourism in your destination allows you to have deeper connections with the people in the places you

World-Known Heritage Sites

One of the most popular Caribbean heritage tourism destinations is Barbados and its capital city, Bridgetown, is must-see during your Barbados vacation. This port, along with its garrison, was hailed as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2011. The towns planning and layout trace a heritage that combined European architectural style and African hard work.

Historically, this place also traces a military history thats evidenced by its garrison. The port was also known as – and is still considered to be – a hub for trade and a melting pot of cultures.

For the modern traveller, this location has places where you can shop, dine and enjoy the sights of fishing boats right by Chamberlain Bridge. It is a draw bridge that is lifted up when tall ships enter the estuary and want to motor to safe harbour further up the Constitution River. The historic cityscape can also be enjoyed in a more relaxed manner while sitting on one of the benches in Independence Square.

Another centuries-old heritage site that has captured world attention is the Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill. This place is listed as one of the worlds 100 Most Endangered Sites by the World Monuments Fund. Visit the Mill to see the largest and the only functional windmill in the island today as well as old pictures of the sugar glory days.

Historical Houses and Churches

There are some houses in Barbados that have been around for centuries, including the Arlington House, the Great House at the Fisherpond Plantation, and the Sunbury Plantation House. Parts of these houses were converted into museums and opened to locals and tourists.

What used to be the working area of the Arlington House, for instance, is now an interactive museum. The new owner of the nearly four-centuries-old Fisherpond Plantation property has also restored the Great House to bring it back to the way it looked in 1635 when it was built. You can also visit the Sunbury Plantation House for a glimpse of plantation life in the 1600s.

It would also be of interest to see how the architecturally intricate centuries-old St. Johns Parish Church (originally built in 1660 and then rebuilt in 1836) was a witness to the history that unfolded in Barbados.

Military Structures

Two heritage tourism spots in particular speak of the military history of Barbados as a British Colony: the Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station and the Gun Hill Signal Station. Both were built in the 1800s and were restored and opened for public viewing.

These stations were built to facilitate communication and to warn the military about incoming ships and brewing slave rebellions. Today, you can visit these stations to see artifacts and even listen to audio tapes.

Theres more to add to this list of heritage sites to visit during your Barbados vacation. You can ask your local tour operator about more of these sites so you can choose to visit the ones that you are more interested in learning about. Dont limit your vacation to just the sandy beaches. You can soak up some of the tropical Barbados sunshine while enjoying the heritage sites, too.

One of the real advantages in choosing Barbados is that it offer something for everyone. It is the ultimate in luxury but there are also many self catering hotel, condos, apartment and villas for every budget – See This blog by ma-tourandtravel for tips on your next island vacation.

The great lure of Africa’s game is a threshold of the unknown situated on a diverse, vast land surprising every foreigner irrespective of media portrayals.

Most imagine it’s all about the Big Five. Even for us that frequent the wild, it’s much more than the majestic and even awsome Big Five although they command magnifcent presence: The Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhinocerous (Rhino). It’s about the entire family genres and their fascinating
and intermingling habits culminating into a fiesto of varied activity, lending mankind each day a unique glimpse into an eco system entirely theirs.

Having lived in Africa all my life and working for a Kilimanjaro safari tour company, I have – and still do have many personal experiences of this. More importantly, most of my work practices have also enabled my living very close to – and amongst the great nature unique to Africa.

I feel privileged experiencing this and would love to show you all what it’s like – or at least some of the best for a start.

My favourite African animal: Baboon

For ease of reference, let’s just say, “baboons”. These mischevious and versatile creatures have the world’s best advantage in Africa!

They witness what most humans never can. The amazing culture of the elephant – and amazing it is! My accounts of the elephant kingdom run parallel with documented history – they are extremely human-like. A mother doing creche duty was desperate as the youngest fell to the ground, tired and thirsty. One by one, none of the members gave up. Patiently, they urged and urged – it was over a five-hour process. The baboons moved just a little closer, their anxiety for the baby elephant prevalent. Females shared baby caring duties with unusually quiet dedication. Males watched from the trees. Even to my weary eyes and relief, the baby elephant finally started to rise. The baboons pitched a language of their own demonstrating an atmosphere of positivity. It was awsome to experience as the tempo rised until baby elephant was strong enough to take a step or two.

The baboons went out to play, orchestrating both relief and their own return of mischief. Babies and mothers ran races and circles – a sight to see! If one has any emotion, one can’t help but feel what they do! As we drove along, so they employed their fine art of branch-swinging, grabbing their lunch en route. Watching these creatures not only revealed fruits, fauna and flora one doesn’t normally note – but also the awareness of more looming ahead from whichever angle was next. Akin to the elephants and other animals, their passion for their young was the most prevalent feature. Keenly tuned, I was aware of sudden hyped noises and then a respectful silence by the baboons as I arrived at a scene of lions. Mothers were dedicated in their quiet and mutual handling of the babies whilst the males guardedly watched the “King of the Jungle”. And his wives who were lazy in confidence, yet obedient.

In central Kruger National Park where conditions are stony and dry, a lioness hunted dogedly on. It was evident she had a litter stashed somewhere. She covered miles undaunted and so did a small clan of baboons – their curiosity quiet but amazing and what would they glean out of it? As with all our African animals, specifically the Big Five in this case which was my focus for the time being, they are undaunted in procreation and sustaining their babies at all costs. The action was too sudden and fast – basically done with before I could aim a camera lens. She’d made her kill and headed back with a speed. It was exciting! Magic! And the baboons screamed in what I hoped was celebration. They missed nothing. In fact to successfully get to the action of any great African animal, all one has to do is monitor the baboons although in this case the ugly vultures circling above are often a leading and faster method of tracing the great lions out to feed – or merely relaxing days after a feed. The change in the behaviour of the baboons was and is significant as opposed to their shouts of concern for the baby elephant.

Early one morning, a more stunning photo of a leopard and it’s kill in a tree, I couldn’t have wished for. She was in gestation and guarded and I wasn’t going to disturb this majestic animal with too many photos – as it was, I had to use extensive flashing and buffering to avoid a colour mis-balance. Again, the baboons were there in awe. They love meat! Mostly because humans deviated from the rules by feeding them. Mother leopard was cautious and pulled her kill up and down as if to move on. The baboons backed off. Trailed on the side of the road for a mile or two, the mothers continued their creche activities. One mother passed to another – but not without humane contact ensuring the baby was fine with the next mother. I distracted from the leopard totally when something along the line of baboons seemed odd. A mother walking slowly and sitting often. Drawing closer, she was still nurturing a baby that had very obviously recently died. Her agony was obvious and albeit she was alone in form, from a remote distance, many baboons were sitting anxiously and intensely.

It is this kind of love and humane demonstrativity so obvious that makes Africa’s animals unique. One doesn’t have to drive far, get through adverse weather conditions – just take a drive in one day, not in haste, to witness this awsome set of relationships and the pecking order – a vital aspect even by human standards.

Baboons have little interest in the massive Rhino (Rhinocerous). And in a way I can’t blame them. These enormous animals tend to settle within a small radius of plantation and graze and keep to grazing. They’re a sight to see with their eyes almost on their noses, amazinglingly cumbersome bodies, making it difficult sometimes to tell whether the females are in fact with baby inside. Unless angered, both black and white Rhino graze peacefully but highly astutely in their zone. Their only mildly apparent frustration being the huge flies and sometimes the birds who travel and feed off minute creatures on their backs and heads, taking on some irritating and overpowering moves. When a Rhino crosses a road directly in front of one, and one examines the feet – it’s an almighty animal! As with the elephant – the feet tell a lifetime – a much endangered species in Africa!

Particularly the Rhino due to the horn and upper skull considered as an aphrodisiac in various cultures of the world, these beautiful African marvels, often killed just for those parts to be removed. And that is when the baboons arrive at the scene, maintaining a sad, respectful distance. It’s one of those times when many a baboon will be seen pulling it’s hands over it’s eyes or ears as if in defiance and rebellion!

The difference between the Black and the White Rhino: A study not currently to hand would have to be conducted to establish why the names were allocated. The Black Rhino’s primary difference is a more pointed mouth and jaw allowing it to grasp at tougher plants and bushes, whilst the White Rhino’s jaw, particularly the mouth is flat and it grazes on soft grasslands and leaves. There are actually colour variences across both species.

The Buffalo is perhaps one of the most outstanding, yet most secretive African animal. With huge bosses on their heads, often reflecting bitter fights, they graze and the only time one is aware of their alertness, is when they lift their heads to give a one-on-one stare or peep up with the whites of their eyes sometimes showing. When calving, the baboons are again in celebration. I am not sure the buffalo quite feel that way about the baboons – their body language remains almost hostile and yet relaxed. They accumulate and move in massive heards along the same or similar dedicated routes – but also go into hiding very well for not only their individual sizes, but heard sizes at calving times. A heard will easily stamped a perceived threat, like a vehicle with a stripe in bright colours, for to them and elephants, that is the same as the helicopters used for darting them for tagging and monitoring. Ironically, in the Swaziland state of South Africa, many are so tame that a person can touch them and feel their wet noses nudging in to one’s shoulder. A stunning experience!

In Africa, within a day mostly, one has seen all of the Big Five, often with the exception of the leopard who operates with stealth before sunrise or during the night and they’re hard to spot – with their spots! Along the way however, the baboon family continue, with mornings as feeding time and dusk as playtime. And play they do!

The naked beauty of African animals is only revealed in the reality of the accompanying terraine, witnessing all the other significant African animals either grazing, resting under shade in the overtly high mid-day temperatures, bathing in mud or dust, looking worse than before or in amazing territorial manouvres and fights with the youngsters, frisky and playing, obvlious to the stark realities of survival – and survival it is.

The Impala are famous for their horn-butting rituals in the open. The whiplash, deep-sounding cracks are certainly painful in my imagination as they fight for their seasonal females, just as the fat, cheeky Zebra mingle with the “Wildebees” and Warthogs (similar to wild pigs) prefering to be together, providing brilliant viewing as their habits coincide. The bird life, ranging from tiny, colourful wild birds to the predators change across the vast portions of Africa – each within it’s own chosen eco system. An abundance of rivers, but only a few large ones give rise to the Nile Crocodiles, Hippo’s and storking birdlife, most of such birdlife migratory. One’s not to forget the smaller side of life – the famous Dung Beetle rolling a maticulously rounded piece of large animal dropping for endless yards and miles where it will lay it’s eggs to breed. The cautious Chamelion crossing a hot road with both eyes in all directions and oddly, not changing to the colour of the road… Or the Chamelion hanging on a fully decked branch of leaves next to your head – that’s not quite so comfortable at all! Yet, they’re minding their own business and harmless, unlike the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino who command the most respect.

At sunset, there’s nothing nicer than refreshments on the bank of a river at a camp – or even where there isn’t a river. Lulling slowly into a South African Braai (Barbeque),with the sounds of the Fish Eagles, the busy Weaver birds and of course the Baboons putting their babies to bed with humerous chasing, screaming and an occasional spank. And if one waits up a little longer, the Lion calls in the night! The Elephants can be heard passing by secretively and long before that, the calls of the Hyena, Wild Dog and Jackal can be heard. It’s when darkeness has descended and coals are embers, African Animals take on a sound and unique form challenging heavy eyelids!

If you’re planning your first Safari tour in Africa then you probably have a few questions. And, rightfully so, the thought of being surrounded by wild animals in a country you know absolutely nothing about can be daunting too say the least.

It will not matter how many pictures you take to show those back home, the first time you see an elephant approaching your safari vehicle will be an unforgettable experience. Or if you’re lucky you will see a lion take down its kill right in front of you. It is however very important to note that not every moment of your trip will be filled with action in the bush. You may find yourself driving around for hours without seeing anything so always be prepared for either situation.

You should make the best of your safari packages to Africa, no matter what so here are a few very special tips to remember before you set out on your African adventure for the first time:

Be flexible with your time:
As much as we all want to see the Big Five every time we get onto the back of a game drive vehicle this probably won’t happen. Each game drive is different and the animals are unpredictable. You won’t find them in the same place every day. There will be days when you will see many sights and there will also be days when you might not see anything at all. Also, be prepared for any weather conditions. One day you may experience all day sun while the next day could be rainy and windy. Make sure you also pack insect propellant. Nothing could be worse than being covered in mosquito bites.

Always listen to your guide:
Do not leave the game drive vehicle! Let’s repeat that one, do not leave the game drive vehicle! This is for your own safety. You are in the wild, the animals are unpredictable at all times because they are wild. The rules laid out are for the protection of tourists. Many of the animals are masters of camouflage, you may not see them coming, but they will see you. Never approach any wild animals, this includes elephants. Do not hang out of the game drive vehicles, the big cats in Africa are extremely fast and can attack in seconds. Many animals may seem calm in the wild but they remain unpredictable.

Always ask questions:
A knowledgeable guide won’t hesitate to answer any questions you may have. The more questions the ask the more you stand to learn from your trip. Encourage children to also ask questions, very often they will ask questions which you as adults would not have thought of.

Request to stop:
Do not be afraid to ask your guide to stop if you think you may have spotted something. Many guides will be more than accommodating for requests to stop, even if it is for just one more picture of the Impala you saw. Always remember that your guide has been assigned to you to make your experience in the African bush a memorable one.

Snap away:
There is no shame in capturing 30 photographs of your first giraffe. Make sure you have additional batteries and memory cards packed in for your camera. You won’t want to run out of space or find your battery has died when you come across that leopard.

Cordoba is third biggest and populated city of Andalusia, overshadowed only by Seville and Malaga. Today it is a city of a moderate size; nevertheless, the old town contains architectural memories according to a time when Cordova was the capital city of the Baetic province during the Roman Empire and the Caliphate of Cordova period which took place during the Moslem invasion, which governed a big part of the Iberian Peninsula.

The Mosque of Cordoba

It was an Arab mosque during the caliphate of the Omeyas and turned into the current cathedral of the city in the 13th century. It began to be built during the 8th century on the site of the Visigode basilica of San Vicente, by the commission of the caliph Abderramán I. During history, it suffered several enlargements by later caliphs up to culminating in the 12th century by Almanzor. It was the most extensive and important after the Mecca. In the interior, we can see some beautiful arches weakened on 1300 columns made of marble, granite and jasper, the treasure of the Cathedral or the famous courtyard of the orange trees within.

Medina Azahara

It is located in the surroundings of the capital of Cordoba. It was built by Abderramán III in 936 AD, according to the tradition, to honour his love for a woman of his harem, and according to the history for showing off the power of his caliphate. At present only a 13 % of the city has been excavated and when visitors contemplate it, they can go so far as to imagine the stateliness of which, one day in history, was the place of the caliphs court. We can see the Salón Rico (Rich Room), a place where interviews with the embassies took place, the great Aljama Mosque or its wall and north door. For visiting this place, comfortable clothes and footwear are recommended.

The Palace of the Christian Kings

This fortress is a building having a military character which was built by the commission of King Alfonso XI of Castile in 1328. Within this place, the Catholic kings prepared during eight years the siege to the Kingdom of Granada met with Columbus for the first time and witnessed the birth of the Infanta Doña Maria who was, in the end, a queen of Portugal. Later the church turned it into a venue of the court belonging to the Inquisition. The palace has beautiful gardens full of vegetation, flowers and ponds where the visitor can take beautiful photographic memories.

This article was provided by Beverly Dearden who has lived and worked on the Costa Blanca for 20 years where she runs an estate agency. When she has free time, Beverly loves to visit other towns and cities in her adopted country and write about her experiences. If you are looking for a Costa Blanca property, your property search stops here.

After looking at a range of properties on the Playa Flamenca, and trying to get to know the town residents, I realised Blending in with the locals can be an art form, but it is also important for your safety depending on the country. Of course, the success of this mission varies with all of the complicating factors. Do you resemble the physical characteristics of the local population? This factor is one of the most difficult to overcome but it is not impossible. Do you speak the same language? This may take some preparation. But blending in with the locals in Spain can be achieved for most people quite easily.

Honoring the Local Culture

It is the connections you make that override any differences in physical appearance. It is important to shop locally, hire local people to work for you and attend any local special events. Interestingly, Spain does not have any official religion. But most likely though, the communities display their allegiances clearly. Don’t forget about volunteering your time. Usually, schools, libraries, and churches are desperate for assistance. By making connections with your neighbours in this manner you are infusing yourself into their community. Soon you will be as much part of the landscape as them. That is when your protection starts. As they begin to accept you as the great person you are, they will note any difficulties you might encounter and work with you to resolve an uncomfortable situation.

Learn Spanish

If you are able, you can start to learn the language before you arrive in Spain by using one of the many apps that are now available. Some apps are free, others are a minimal charge and even if you decide to purchase a deluxe package, it is an investment that is priceless. When you arrive in Spain, make every effort to speak Spanish whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Note the Type of Dress Common in your Area

You do not completely need to revamp your wardrobe but a straw hat in the latest style does more than protect you from the sun. It demonstrates to everyone that you are here to stay. Dress to the same level of formality as your neighbours They probably do not display expensive watches and jewellery.

Your Gear

For the first few months you will probably be taking a lot of photos to share with your friends and family, but when you are trying to fit in, this is not the time to pull out your professional level camera. Stick to a local phone option. The cameras are more than adequate for this purpose. And if you need to use expensive gear for your work, try to scuff it up somewhat so it doesn’t attract undue attention. Never leave it unattended but don’t make it obvious that you are protecting it by constantly looking at it or clutching it.

Your Gestures

Be aware of body language in general. Some of your common gestures might offend others and you might take offence when none was communicated. In Spain as in most of Europe moving your forearm up in a rapid movement while grabbing at your elbow is a very derogatory comment akin to the middle finger in other cultures. The middle finger gesture has the same meaning throughout Europe as it does in the United States. However, if someone brings their finger to their lips as in a kissing them this is a great compliment such as fantastic, very sexy, or the ultimate.

Soon you will be noting the strangers or the tourists in your midst. Now is your turn to empathize with them and assist with helping them get to know your community. At that point, you know you are part of the local fabric of Spain.