Around the World in 100 Countries
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- Our Journey starts now
- Must see in Australia
- There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.” – Robert Louis Stevenson Easter Island
- 3. Galapagos Islands
- Galapagos Islands
- Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac
28. “There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the beginning of it.” – Charles Dudley Warner 29. “A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” – Lao Tzu 30. “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” – James Michener 31. “The journey not the arrival matters.” – T. S. Eliot 32. “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill 33. “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” – Mark Twain 34. “Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quiestest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.” – Pat Conroy “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu 35. “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J. R. R. Tolkien 36. “Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.” – Benjamin Disraeli 37. “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou 38. “Too often travel, instead of broadening the mind, merely lengthens the conversation.” – Elizabeth Drew 39. “Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe”……Anatole France 40. “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca 41. “What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon 42. “I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within.” – Lillian Smith 43. “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley 
44. “Travel does what good novelists also do to the life of everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more clear. Travel does this with the very stuff that everyday life is made of, giving to it the sharp contour and meaning of art.” – Freya Stark 45. “The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.” – Rudyard Kipling 46. “Travel is glamorous only in retrospect.” – Paul Theroux 47. “The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.” – G. K. Chesterton 48. “When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clifton Fadiman 49. “A wise traveler never despises his own country.” – Carlo Goldoni 50. “Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.” – Mark Jenkins Around the word in 100 countries is a journal of two teachers – A language and a History and Geography teachers. Both scholars on their subjects and fascinated by the feast of different cultures the world has to offer, they embarked in a journey that took twenty years and 110 countries insofar. This book shares their thoughts, vision, perceptions and insight into much of the world and its beauty.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain Australia. Place Australia on the top destinations to visit. The nation continent has much to offer. We visited amazing places that give you a true appreciation of how beautiful; our planet is. We visited New Zealand first so it was a short and cheap flight to Melbourne where or journey begun. Melbourne is a live city – made us feel like we were in New York. Full of hotels and restaurants, Getting around is not a problem for you can take the Double Decker bus and hop on and off and see the entire city for dirt-cheap. We took a day to go to an animal sanctuary a visit one of the most impressive things – the smallest penguins in the world one thousand year daily journey back to land. We sit on the stands right on the beach on sunset and just wait. Suddenly like a Swiss clock, we see they coming back to land and realize their chicks were behind us and hear their mother voices. On the way to this sanctuary, you can visit a Koala reserve as well and appreciate these adorable animals on their natural habitat. Must also see is a preservation center or a mini zoo where your kids can get close contact with wallabies, kangaroos and wombats. We have just arrived in the country and its nature and people fascinate us. It did feel like we were in another planet since every single animal is unique, even the pigeons on the streets. Uluru – The Rock. We flew to Airs Rock or like the locals call it Uluru. It has a spiritual significance for the aborigines. It is a sacred ground, and they just got back from the Australian government recently. We had a hotel on the park, which allowed us to have dinner under the stars – an amazing experience. After watching the sunset on the Rock, we were amazed as it changes colors. Dinner was fascinating and Australian wine to celebrate all the stars above us. But, wait, save your energies because they also have a breakfast on the Rock. Watching the sunrise reflecting on the Rock gives you a full appreciation of its colors and its beauty. You can buy calendars with the Rock and don’t miss the opportunity to buy local Australian aborigines art from the locals. They sell for hundreds of dollars in galleries and you can buy directly from the locals. Each art piece is a story of their culture, like a storybook – and if you are lucky, they will tell you the story while painting it like they did for us. We drove to Alice Springs – interesting drive through the outback. The real danger is dehydration, so we were warned against its signs. The funniest part was that camels chased our bus. Really, furrow camels. Some idiot decided to bring camels to Australia and now they are everywhere in the outback. Alice Springs is no springs. It is a dry run that has a seasonal river once a year. It does though give you a feeling of the real outback. For American, it is kind of having the feeling of the old Wild West. The flight from there would take us to Cairns – so much more amazing nature to see. Once we settle on our flat, we raced to the beach. Alligators warning were everywhere – it was not for swimming. The city though built beautiful pools along with a marvelous sidewalk. Amazed me how you can go to a local supermarket and then barbeque with the locals at Modern kiosks. It is very stylish indeed. Then there was the Great Barrier Reef – Amazing. Again, once more we took a trip to the top of the mountain to see a sanctuary full of activities. The highlight tough was being taken out to the ocean and dive into the reef. The water was clear as a blue-sky day, and once you dive, you must wear this breathable blue suits that protects you against the U.V. rays, or you will cook like a lobster while admiring the vast amount of ocean species. We fed the animals – felt like being in the movie Nemo. You are instantly surround by dozens of fish, some quite big. Exciting and bold, and for the strongest at hearts, scuba will take into deeper place and ever bigger fishes. Sydney: more than just an opera house, Sydney is classy city itself. Well worth travel is a city tour of the bay and tour around while watching the sunset. The boldest at heart would fancy a tour on the top of the bridge, which we declined due to bad weather. This city makes us feel right at home, just like Boston – a touch of new world with flair of the classic. ![c:\users\leo\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\temporary internet files\content.ie5\peu386jt\mp910220844[1].jpg](867_html_m2abdb786.jpg)
Must see in Australia The Great Barrier Reef is a must-see! It is located in the Coral Sea, right off of the coast of Queensland. It is the largest coral reel in the world, consisting of 900 islands and stretching over a vast 2,600 kilometers. It is now recognized as a World Heritage Site and is the habitat to a diverse sea community, including but not limited to whales, dolphins, porpoises, turtles, sea snakes, stingray, sharks, and saltwater crocodiles. A popular pastime is diving; it is only one of the various ways in which you can explore the sea world! Daily boat trips to the reef and underwater observatories are also available if you are the type of person who doesn’t love the getting into the water. The best time to visit is April through November. If you’re a city person, you can’t miss out on Melbourne. It is known as the country’s shopping capital where everyone’s desires are accounted for. If you are an arts person, check out the Arts Centre in the Southbank, where you can see over 150 stalls of art. If you are more interested in markets, the Queen Victoria Markets are the right place for you. You can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables and bargain for clothing. For a more classy experience, the Royal Arcade is the perfect place. It is Melbourne’s oldest shopping arcade. Parks and gardens are scattered in the middle of these shops and offer peace and tranquility. The best time to visit is March. If you love visiting national parks, you must visit Daintree National Park. You will never get bored there; you can go backpacking, kayaking, snorkeling, climbing, or hiking. You can even get a close look at the villages in the rainforest from a tour offered by an inhabitant! Source: http://www.embraceaustralia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-australia-4805.htm “There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.” – Robert Louis Stevenson Easter Island We have just returned from the paradise island. An incredible 6 hours flight from Santiago Chile takes you to this most isolated place in the world. Rapa Nui has a lovely ambience, people, and incredible scenery. The island is small and there is one flight in and out of the island. The locals call the Island Rapa Nui, and a full day tour takes you around the island. The most impressive aspect of these islands is the Moais – these massive statues representing past kings. They were carved out of the mountains and rolled down to the shore. As time progressed, the statues got bigger to represent the might of their kings. Wars, famine due the environmental destruction and population overgrowth affected the statues. They were topped and even destroyed during these conflicts. On the bright side they are everywhere. Watching them gives you a great perspective on conservation of the environment. You can walk to all restaurants – all family owned - and the people are very friendly.
Must see in Easter Island If you visit Easter Island, Rano Raraku is a landmark that you cannot bypass. It is categorized as ancient ruins because Easter Island’s famous moai statues were carved from volcanic rock. They are dispersed throughout the slopes of the mountain. You can enjoy the archaeology, statues, hiking, and the beautiful landscape. Rapa Nui National Park is another attraction. It exhibits ancient cultural remnants of the indigenous people of Easter Island (formerly known as Rapa Nui). It is also a World Heritage Site, which means that is has been listed by UNESCO as a place of extraordinary cultural or physical importance. If you are a beach lover, you must visit Anakena Beach. Its breathtaking waters and shoreline exude a sense of peacefulness and serenity. Swimming and hiking are two activities that you can participate in, and the exploration of its archaeology is another. Of course, when you travel, it is a must to shop! Museo Antropológico in Hanga Roa offers exhibitions and shopping. You will never run out of activities! Sources: http://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g316040-Activities-Easter_Island.html http://easterisland.southpacific.org/ “All the pathos and irony of leaving one’s youth behind is thus implicit in every joyous moment of travel: one knows that the first joy can never be recovered, and the wise traveler learns not to repeat successes but tries new places all the time.” – Paul Fussell 3. Galapagos Islands A short flight from Quito will take you to the Galapagos. We decided to take a cruise the MS Explorer and it did pay off. While a lot of tourists stayed on one island and had to take a small boa to visit each island, we instead woke up every morning in a different island. A nice breakfast, then explore a new island, the snorkel. Lunch, explore a different island, and snorkeled again. Finish the day with a wonderful dinner and the most beautiful sunset. The animals are incredible. They do not fear humans, so we walked around sea lions and iguanas lie they did not notice us. In my opinion the gigantic turtles were the most impressive animals and the blue-footed boobie was the most unique. Swimming with a hundreds of years old turtle gives you a perspective how ephemeral we are compared to natured – the blue-footed boobie is very unique with its colors walking, and talking. It is a real spectacle seeing them. Bartholomew It has a land surface of 1.2 km2. It offers visits one of the most spectacular views of the Archipelago. Visitors can climb 114 meters to the highest peak, the trail is both challenging and worth taking. The trail passes by different lava formations and natural vexations on the way to the summit. It’s famous for a scenic pinnacle which looks as if it were sheared away from the cliff. Next to the pinnacle is a please beach with a calm bay ideal for swimming. Bartholomew is also a must for the visitor who is interest in geology. Penguin can sometimes be observed while swimming, snorkeling, or during a dinghy ride. Activities: Swimming, Snorkeling, Hiking, Dinghy ride Type of landing: Dry and Wet Type or trail: Moderate- Difficult Espanola It has a land surface of 60 km2 with an elevation of 206 meters. It is a relatively flat island. Its rocks are among the oldest in the Archipelago. Some geologists describe it as the remains of an eroded and ancient volcano. The vegetation corresponds to the arid and transition zones. The west point of Espanola is one of the most spectacular sites in the Galapagos. Punta Suarez Here you will find subspecies of marine iguanas with red and green pigments, large seabirds including the waved albatross (April to December) and friendly mockingbirds. Activities: Hiking Type of landing: Dry Type of trail: Difficult Bahia Gardner A nice and long white sandy beach offers beautiful landscapes and a large colony of sea lions. Activities: Walking, Swimming, Snorkeling Type of landing: Wet Type of trail: Easy Fernandina It has a land surface of 643 km2 and an elevation of 1,494 meters. Along with Genovesa, this is the most pristine island you can visit in the archipelago. It is the home of the most active volcano in the planet; its huge domed cone reaches 1463 meters. Its vegetation, typical of the arid zone, is concentrated in kipukas (small areas left untouched by recent lava). It has an impressive landscape, with a broad variety of wildlife and volcanic features. Punta Espinosa The only sea of Fernandina opened to visitors; it’s formed by lava and sand. It harbors one of the largest communities of marine iguanas, sea lions and flightless cormorants. It has a lava field that hosts a large marine iguana colony. Flightless cormorants nest here. Activities: Hiking, Dinghy ride. Type of landing: Dry] Type of trail: Moderate
It has a land surface of 4.588 km2 and an elevation of 1.707 meters. Isabela was formed by five independent volcanoes. It is the largest of the islands, and encloses the Wolf volcano, which reaches 1.707 meters, the highest elevation in the Archipelago. The Equatorial Line passes over this volcano. The island is inhabited in the southern tip and it hosted penitentiary years ago; it is also characterized by its natural diversity. The northwest coast is a sanctuary for whales. Punta Vicente Roca This small promontory known as Punta Vicente Roca is found in the southwestern edge of Ecuador Volcano. The point rises like a jewel. The coves lie on each side of the eroded remains of a volcanic ash cone which makes up the point. The sheltered bay is a popular anchorage for boats and visitors may have a look around in dinghies. The surrounding cliffs are actually the interior walls of a fallen volcano; there is also a partly flooded cave. Activities: Snorkeling, Dinghy ride
It has a land surface of 1.9 km2. It was created from a geological uplift. It has typical arid vegetation that includes the prickly pear cacti, Palo Santo trees and salt bushes. The largest colony of magnificent frigate birds is found here, it is also the nesting place for the blue-footed-boobies and swallow-tailed-gulls. Land iguanas and sea lions can also been seen here. Actives: Hiking, Snorkeling Type of landing: Dry Type of trail: Moderate
Located south of Santiago, Rabida has the largest volcanic variety of the geology chain, its eroded hills and lava emitted from spatter cones have contributed to the island’s striking colors. The visit begins with a wet landing on the maroon beach. Marine iguanas and sea lions are often seen resting under the shades of the nearby caves. The salt brush is found behind the beach, this is where the brown pelicans make their nests. At Rabida visitors can have the opportunity to see pelicans nesting up close. Blue-footed and masked boobies can also be seen on the cliffs. Activities: Swimming, Snorkeling, Hiking Type of landing: Wet Type of trail: Easy
It has a land surface of 558 km2 and an elevation of 730 meters. The southwestern half is inhabited and formed by an extinct volcano; this part is characterized by lush vegetarian and abundant water (including fresh water lakes). The other half of the island, the northeastern part, contrast dramatically with the flat, dry and harsh environments. San Cristobal was colonized during the 1860’s, when Puerto Baquerizo Moreno was founded. Life in this island is sedentary: it’s common to see sea lions resting on small boats. Many businesses are closed for lunch. The natural splendor of its beaches will keep all visitors delighted. It is the home of the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. The Interpretation Center The attractive building was donated by the Spanish government in the 1998. This state-of-the-art facility offers both tourists and native complete information on the islands, from natural history to ecology. Since its inauguration, visits to the Archipelago are taken to a new level. Kick Rock This beautiful rocky islet located off the west coast of San Cristobal is the nesting place for different sea-birds species. El Leon Dormiso as it is well known in Spanish, is a fantastic rock formation of two islets with a channel between them. El Junco (Highlands) Rainwater and condensation have been collected in the caldera for hundreds of year forming the only fresh water forming the only fresh water lagoon in Galapagos with its unique ecosystem. Hiking around the lake offers spectacular views of the entire Kicker Rock. Ochoa Beach It’s a beautiful beach for swimming and observing sea anemones, beach vegetation, seabirds, seashore birds, lagoon birds and mangrove trees. Enjoy your free time walking on the beach and snorkeling. Isla Lobos This island lives up to the name of Sea Lion Island because it has a large and noisy population of those frolicking and barking mammals. It is also the nesting place for blue-footed-boobies, the island is covered with basalt rocks, and offers excellent sports for snorkeling. Las Tijeretas Its spectacular landscape is one of the reasons why you should visit Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The trail passes through Palo Santo vegetation and comes to a view point, where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery. La Loberia This is home to a large sea lion colony and nursery. Dozens of sea lions are visible at all times. Low tide is the best time to visit, since it is when mothers bring the pups into the pool for swimming lessons. Sea lions and marines iguanas live on this long stretch of coast. Cerro Brujo While coral beaches were you can swim and observe seabirds, shore birds as well as the famous Galapagos sea lions. This beautiful sandy beach is also a very good place for snorkeling. Santa Cruz It has a land surface of 985 km2 and an elevation of 873 meters. It was colonized in the 1920’s; it is the second largest island of the Archipelago. The sea constantly rushes against the cliff forming white foam. Sea lions are aquatic iguanas rest on the white and golden beaches. There is a forest of gigantic trees, luxurious green mangroves and salty lagoons full of rosy flamingos. This island contains all the vegetation zones, ranging from coast to pampas. Santa Cruz has nine of the thirteen Darwin’s Finch species. Puerto Ayore Its central location and many tourist amenities are what make Puerto Ayora the hub of the Galapagos Island. It is the most important harbor of the Archipelago and the most populated area of the archipelago. Although many tourist come just for a few hours to visit the Charles Darwin Station, the various activates, restaurants and services make this amiable town a destination rather than a place to pass by. Marine iguanas lounge on the dock amidst unloaded cargo while boobies and pelicans lunge into the turquoise waters of Academy Bay. The headquarters of the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Station are also located in Santa Cruz. The Highlands Santa Cruz possesses all the vegetation zones. You can see the contrast, from the arid coastal zone to the remarkably refreshing highlands. The humid zones provide some of the drinking water consumed in the town. The highlands house unusual trees and ferns, colorful land birds, and a healthy population of giant tortoises. Sudden rains are common so bight a light jacket and a plastic bag for your camera. El Chato This area is protected by Galapagos National Park Reserve; here you can observe the giant tortoises in the wild. It is also good area for observing land birds like finches, flycatchers, owls, and white-checked pintail ducks. Lava Tunnels We’ll visit Primicias, a private farm that is open to the public to watch the lava tunnels. They are impressive in size and leng th; you will feel as if you were inside a volcano. These tunnels were created during a lava flow; as the outer lava cooled while the inner lava continued flowing. Bachas Beach This is a very popular beach of swimming and snorkeling. There are small lagoons behind the beaches where you can admire the flamingos and great herons. Cerro Dragon Dragon hill was named after the large land iguanas that once thrived there; it is home to a lagoon, where greater flamingos can be spotted.
It has a land surface of 585 km2 and an elevation of 907 meters. It is the fourth largest island. All vegetation zones, from coastal to humid, and represented in this island. However, the vegetation of Santiago has been altered by the presence of feral goats. Santiago is one of the best islands for observing the Galapagos fur seals and hawks. Puerto Egas Here you can find an array of captivating colors and shapes. The trails start at the black-sand beach and goes along the coats. Tidal pools are filled with bright green algae which are eaten by the marine iguanas. Activities: Swimming, Snorkeling Type of landing: Wet Type of trail: Moderate
Must see in Galapagos Islands Fernandina is the runt of the Galapagos Islands, being the youngest. It erupts frequently and therefore is the most volcanically active of the islands. Punta Espinoza is an attraction, where you can see marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, sea lions, penguins, and Galapagos hawks. Santa Cruz is another place that you don’t want to miss. It houses numerous hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, dive centers, and tour agencies. It is the perfect spot to see the famous giant tortoises that live in the Galapagos. You can see them in their natural habitat as well as “Los Gemelos” craters, which were formed from collapsed lava tunnels beneath the surface of the earth. Santa Cruz is also the home to Tortuga Bay, a beautiful white sand beach that offers surfing opportunities and Laguna Las Ninfas, a great place to swim and observe wildlife. Sources:
http://www.hipecuador.com/html/ecuador/regions/galapagos/galapagos_places_visit.htm http://ecuador.travel/en/ecuador-travel-guide/galapagos-islands/galapagos-visitors-sites/official-galapagos-visitors-sites.html “Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac
Directory: mrd mrd -> Title: Xenon Laser Constructor Field of the Invention mrd -> Keyboard commands for Laptop computers Computer Manufacturer mrd -> What’s That Sound? mrd -> Saltmarsh Ecology Lesson Plan Grades 5-12 Minimum # Educators: 1 Objectives mrd -> "G" Rated Movie List Please double check to be sure the movie you watch is rated "G"! mrd -> Sample Marketing Requirements Document (mrd) mrd -> I. Gender and ethnicity Gender The one-character code for gender appears in column 34 of record type 1 (offender information). The code is often not present. 1 Male 2 Female 3 Unknown (early years only) Ethnicity Download 457.71 Kb. Share with your friends:
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Around the World in 100 