Thursday, November 22, 2007

Looking For Adventure Travel


Are you looking to have some fun on your next vacation. Have you thought about traveling to exotic locations worldwide, and pursuing the dream vacation, perhaps taking a tree canopy ride in Rio de Janeiro, or traveling on a sailboat while on an eco-tour off the coast of British Colombia. Of course, this type of vacation is not for everyone, so if you are looking for rest and relaxation, adventure travel maybe is not what you are looking for. It is definitely a trade off to experience this type of outdoor recreation, which is usually far removed from popular destinations. It is great to get out in nature.


Most of us get stuck in a rut. There's a routine to our lives, same old, same old. This is why it is good sometimes to get out of that rut and adventure travel is a wonderful rut destroyer.
What you need is a getaway, and if you are the adventurous type there are a number of destinations from which to choose. You can walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin exploring the Galapagos Islands or maybe you'd prefer an exciting African Safari.


There are always some risks involved in anything we do, but maybe a little more so in adventure travel, especially when you have picked a remote destination. But you don't have to go that far to get into trouble. Even places like the Grand Canyon make hundreds of rescues each year for travelers who are hiking down to the river, but are not prepared and don't realize how adventurous that hike can be. I remember the last time I tried that hike, coming back up you saw a lot of really worn out people, probably dehydrated too. So the thing to do is make sure you are prepared for whatever you have chosen to do and your vacation is appropriate for those going. If, for example, you are pregnant, have very small children or a particular medical condition you must adjust your expectations.


A wonderful guide to adventure travel can be found at www.nationalgeographic.com, but there are also many more good resources out there for adventure travel and outdoor recreation with information on top destinations, national parks, outdoor gear, hiking, and kayaking. For family adventures you might look into dude ranches, houseboat rentals, bicycle tours, horse pack trips and trail rides, even dog sledding vacations. Using your computer to do your research will dig up a multitude of sites where you can investigate your next trip. You'll find all sorts of information on adventure travel worldwide.


Thankfully we all have different preferences when it comes to adventure destinations. But even if you don't have the time or money to travel on some great adventure in places like Egypt, Australia or maybe Antarctica, there are always places closer to home to check out. Some adventure tours are not only more strenuous but fairly expensive as well which also is limiting.
Most adventure travel sites recommend that travelers visit the United States Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov for the latest travel advice. Be sure to take into consideration any travel warnings that have been issued for destinations on your list.

Be prepared and get the recommended vaccinations in plenty of time before your trip, and stock up on any medications you may need on your journey. Travel light and last but not least, enjoy your vacation.


There is no limit when it comes to real-life adventure destinations. The trick is to find one that you and your entire family can enjoy. Just do your due diligence and make sure you and your travel companions are up to the adventure you choose.


D. McBride is an avid traveler who enjoys both adventure travel and luxury travel such as cruises and resorts, who has a Galapagos Island site located at www.GalapagosTravelSite.info
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Swimming with Dolphins in Malta


Those who have had close and intimate encounters with dolphins say they experienced joy and peace of mind. Swimming with dolphins is rapidly becoming a very popular activity around the world – even in Malta.


There is only one facility in Malta that offers swimming with dolphins. This is by the Mediterraneo Marine Park. The activity involves only captive dolphins, and there have been protests from environmental groups the world over against the park.


The park authorities say that swimming with the dolphins is done in an orderly and sequenced manner. Swimmers are allowed to interact and swimming with dolphins for 20 to 30 minutes.
The park provides a professional photographer on the site throughout the swim session. A participant can purchase the photographs from the gift shop at the end of the day.


Children under 8 years, people suffering from a weak heart, low blood pressure, epileptic fits, physical disabilities and pregnant women are not permitted to swim with dolphins.


However, you should also keep in mind that you don’t have to be an excellent swimmer to be able to have close encounter with the dolphins. There are programs available for all levels of ability and for all ages. For those not confident enough to venture into deep water, there are programs that allow you to swim with the dolphins in shallow waters.


Dolphin Swim Info provides detailed information about swimming with dolphins, including profiles of the best places to swim with dolphins: Florida, Hawaii, Cancun, California, Malta, Key Largo, and the Bahamas. Dolphin Swim Info is affiliated with Original Content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva

Swimming with Dolphins in Key Largo


Key Largo, known as the diving capital of the world, is located only an hour and a half from Miami International airport. Key Largo is the first in the Florida Keys chain and a perfect get-a-way for an extended vacation or day trip from Miami.


Key Largo is home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, a spectacular underwater park. Professional charter boat captains can help you search for marlin, dolphin, wahoo or tuna just a few miles off the shore.


Dolphins can be spotted daily in a sandy bottomed area about 10-15 feet deep where they are constantly on the move in search of fish to eat.


One cannot swim with dolphins here because the laws of Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 apply here, in addition to the laws of the State of Florida. One can only watch any one group of dolphins for about 30 minutes from the boat from about 50 yards so that feeding, mating, nursing their babies, etc., is not disrupted.


The law prohibits pursuing wild dolphins, swimming after, and touching them. If dolphins approach you while snorkeling (as opposed to you approaching them) the law suggests that you enjoy the moment of close encounter and then go back to the boat.


Dolphin Swim Info provides detailed information about swimming with dolphins, including profiles of the best places to swim with dolphins: Florida, Hawaii, Cancun, California, Malta, Key Largo, and the Bahamas. Dolphin Swim Info is affiliated with Original Content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva

What Dolphins Can Teach Us About Love

5 minutes before our plane landed on the Big Island, Drew and I started feeling waves of love coming from the land. We knew that the energy of this area was powerful and known as a healing center but we weren't expecting to feel it while still airborne...

When we got there,we immediately contacted our friend Meg Sibley. Meg is a master at healing with sound and does "sound pods" where community can come together to set intentions with the power of the voice. She also has a very special connection with dolphins and we knew that she would help us see them in a way that was respectful not only to the dolphins but also to the spirit of the local culture of the island.

She prepped us by telling us to make sure we made eye contact with them and just ask for them to come play. "They will circle you and approach you if they want to play." And she went further to tell us that if we see their tail going away from us, then that means they're done for the moment. Don't chase them...Smart advice given the fact that dolphins are one of the fastest creatures in water (20 mph). If they want to play, you can offer them a leaf and they'll take it and often carry it on their tail, then throw it to their nose, even leaving it for you, only to sweep it up as you reach out for it.

Drew and I were terribly excited about the possibility of communing with these playful creatures, and when we swam out to meet them, we immediately noticed how some people would aggressively pursue them only to be faced with bubbles and then others would simply wait and have the dolphins encircle them.


You can probably gather from the fact that I'm telling you this story it has something to do with the Beloved. Indeed, what struck me most was that learning how to attract dolphins is very similar to attracting love. Imagine a scene from some kung-fu movie where the master says, "if you can get dolphin to come and snatch leaf from hand, then you can have love of your life."
And it's not hard, from what I learned, but it requires a level of detachment as well as trust in divine timing. The first day, we were fortunate to swim with them right away, and then for the next two days, they were no where to be found. What struck me most was the pain some avid dolphin fans felt when they didn't get a chance to swim with them. The language they used sounded similar to people in withdrawal from some sort of addiction. People spoke of the dolphins being "fickle", a "tease", of being able to "take a hint" when they no longer wanted to play. One regular told us of how one morning he saw them out in the water porpoising and when he swam out to where they were, they had disappeared. He waited for them 45 minutes in the water, returned to shore, took off his wet suit and looked back to see them porpoising again. While dolphins are playful, they seem to know and reflect to people what kind of healing a person needs. And in some cases, they can also teach us not to become co-dependent on them in order to validate our needs for love because that would belie the fact that it is truly around us at all times.

On our last day, I scanned the water in the Bay, there were no people and even the regulars doubted that they were in the water. I checked in intuitively and knew that they were near. I scanned the water with Drew's binoculars, and sure enough saw a few of them porpoising out in the distance. We headed out knowing that they may or may not still be there by the time we got there.

And yes when we got to the place where I spotted them, there was no trace of them. We patiently waited in the dark blue water asking them telepathically to come and play with us, and then suddenly out of the mysterious blue vista, appeared a mother and her baby. Then a pair showed up, catching my eye. I followed them as they encircled me, and then one twitched his tail to show me that he had a leaf on it. He and his friend circled me another time and then were called away by their pod. The overwhelming power of their wisdom and ancient intelligence was humbling and made me aware that though playful they were masterful healers. Their message to me? Keep up the good work, continue to help bring more Beloveds together!

If you liked this article and want to get more secrets on how to manifest a Beloved relationship and make it thrive, go to: http://www.manifestingyourbeloved.com

About the Author:Cynthia Tsai's life work is to inspire others to live life in an ecstatic way. A self-avowed perfectionist/overachiever turned spiritual love coach, Cynthia helps people re-connect to their own divine essence and sense of wholeness in order to pull in a divine partner.
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Zanzibar and the Dolphin Safari

Zanzibar is not really about the island itself. Although the Island has a lot to offer with the spice trade, a long rich history and natural forests with unique flora and fauna. This Spice Island was discovered by Arab traders in the 8th century and has supplied the world with aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg ever since.

With the many private spice plantations just outside Stone Town, this offers an ideal opportunity to buy spices and spice oils from the people who produce them. Stone Town is jam-packed with historical architecture and a rich ethnic culture and in the towns narrow streets, every sight, every glance conjures up the romantic past
However, for most visitors Zanzibar is about the sea, the corals, and the dolphins.

Menai Bay Conservation Area is home to two species of dolphin – the area is an archipelago of islands and sandbanks. This location is close to Stone Town and you can sail to this location by Dhow a traditional single-sail boat that takes you back in time to the magic of ancient times -

from early explorers and missionaries, to slave trades and colonial rulers. The conservation area is a tropical paradise that dreams are made from; pristine beaches, unspoiled reefs with a palm fringed coastline that looks out over the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The warm crystal clear waters and hidden tranquil lagoons are a giant tropical fish tank - with the brightly colored inhabitants swimming in their underwater coral gardens.

[To be able to swim with the dolphins we recommend early mornings. In the morning, you will have a good chance to swim with the dolphins.]

Any highlight of a dolphin safari is the seafood feast that is presented to you at lunchtime. Every kind of fish and shellfish imaginable is served up with juice from the young unripe coconuts - which is drunk straight from the coconut itself and is a must to try - along with the endless supply of exotic fruits.

On the southeastern most point of Zanzibar is Kizimkazi fishing village, which also offers a popular place for the dolphin safari. These dolphin safaris have replaces the hunting of dolphins – the meat was used for shark bate. The dolphins safaris have become and important source of income for the local population. By taking a dolphin safari you have a most memorable day, you help the conservation of dolphins and are helping the local community who depend on your support.

For more information on Tanzania see http://www.betheladventure.co.uk and more general information on Tanzania see http://www.tanzania-info.co.uk – responsible tourism can change lives.
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Synchronized Swimming and Dolphin Cognition and Communication

As humans become more technologically advanced and are able to see our environments from the outside looking in, we gather insight to our 3D space that we normally would not be able to do, these leaps in understanding which leads to increased technological advances appears to be increased due to such abilities. We have been able to increase our understanding of our total world and space through sea exploration, aircraft observation and space flight. Watching an Earth Rise from the moon would indeed be such a moment, watching it on TV or by way of video link also gives way to additional total populous insight and makes available to our culture to take another huge leap into the such understanding.

Ancient peoples who lived in the hills and mountains developed better spatial reasoning than those cultures, who dominated flat lands. Flat land civilizations often put up castles, pyramids, and temples and from the tops of these they could better see the land, study the terrain and space and better adapt to their environments. Perhaps a ruler or advisor could look out over the lands and develop plans for better use of the land, strategic defense of the area and control over the territorial innate needs of the region. Perhaps this also was the first version of today’s urban planning methodology.

Such a view from above would give humans, like birds a better perspective of their environment, for a species of prey such as a bird flying over the fields in search of small rodents, humans also were able to use advantage of the mountains since they were unable to fly. I can vouch the increased ability of understanding from an aerial perspective having a father take me up in a light aircraft often when I was very young and then teaching me to fly at age nine through my teens.

Those who build scale models, especially train set ups have another advantage over others in that they begin to see the world from another perspective and this brings to mind additional thinking in how the world works and our place in it as surface dwellers limited by gravity, perhaps ideas in how best to adapt our world to serve us better. Drawings and paintings also achieve this additional cognitive ability allowing us to see from someone else’s perspective, point of view or actual place of viewing, without ever having been there or had such a thought previously. Such thought provoking images trigger our brains to a new perspective and increase cognition.

Now then what if we take the Athens 2004 Olympics Synchronized Swimming Event and then videotape it and then put it on large screen plasma TV monitors and play it outside the pool where non-stressed and happy Dolphins are and can view it, they will watch it and smile. We know cats and dogs will sit for hours beside a TV set and that some will in fact may eventually realize that if in front of a mirror that they are looking at themselves in reflection. We can have at least 15 hours of the Synchronized Swimming Olympic Event if you take into consideration all the different teams, it would be good PR for the Olympics and all those countries submitting videos.

This will help increase the Dolphin Cognition and increase the Dolphin’s Visualization since they will be looking at screen in virtual reality signifying and simulating another pool of water from the outside perspective looking into their own type of world which they are familiar with. This could be considered similar to humans watching a videotape, which is taken looking out the window of an aircraft flying over their cities. We know that this does help humans understand things much better.

I believe that such vide tapes of the cities should be played in grade school for kids, to show the kids a better idea of their true environment from another perspective. This concept is similar to the idea of unlocking the prisoners in the Plato’s “Cave Allegory” and allowing them to see the larger picture.

Also as the Mars Rovers send back video the video should be played on ten surround a sound screens for a virtual reality environment for kids to see, this will develop their spatial cognitive abilities so they can think and understand. If we are to move the human race to the next level and understanding of multi-dimensional space and help them grasp the current theories and reality of the future we need to insure now that their brains are adapted in such a way to think there. Imagine what this can do for early childhood cognitive development? In Mesa Union School District in Phoenix, NASA has a Space Shuttle VR Machine that the kids can use, this type of things should be available everywhere in all United States Schools, we cannot now afford to slack off, because in the future we need generations thinking here to propel our country and the future of all mankind.

Spatial reasoning, thinking, outside the box cognition will be fully necessary in the future for mankind’s next evolutionary step, we need to be ready because here we come. If we can share our environment with the Dolphins and understand the basics of how mammals learn and think we are well on our way to a world-class educational system, which crosses species and uses the whole brain.

For instance taking dolphins up in a hot air balloon over their environment, letting them literally fly with the birds. We should be measuring their brains also to see what they think of all of this, through our advances in TMS and fMRI. We should indeed not limit our observational perspectives to only mammals, as it does appear that many other species of fish, reptiles, birds, marsupials also contain many similar traits with regards to genetic code and therefore perhaps insights into cognition of higher life forms.

Such studies and experiments will give us the abilities needed to progress Artificial Intelligence in computing, robotics and the creation of organizational swarms and socialization which will be necessary to co-evolve amongst non-organic manmade machines.

Establishing moon bases and continued video from Space and NASA on websites, VR portable truck mounted machines traveling to our schools, Discovery Channel TV and picture books will do the same thing to awaken our current human evolutionary process as did the cultures which had the look out advantages of their own lands, as such previous civilizations did have a huge growth spurt over similar peoples in flat lands. Mapping, GPS visual handheld devices, Satellite photography, Aerial pictures should be shown in schools and today they are more available than ever, now we should up the ante and provide better visual images to our entire population to bring them to the next step. We have found life on Mars and realize that we are not alone now and will no longer be able to maintain the thought that we are so special a life form that none other exists anywhere else in the universe. Such a thought is now as silly as the notion of a flat world.
Is it possible to show pictures and videos to Dolphins of the Synchronized swimming from our perspective, then show them the perspective of the birds on their water world, then show them the perspective of the space shuttle or space station on the Earth to a point they can understand it? Surely it should be, since their brains are the same size and they are very well adapted for spatial reasoning, Dolphins can fly in their world of water in the 3D that humans cannot without artificial wings, balloons, parachutes, aircraft, etc. So in essence their evolution has an advantage over us in spatial reasoning, is this to say Dolphins are smarter or have better cognitive abilities than humans? I did not say that, but I certainly wouldn’t bet either way, in fact they are much better adapted to their environment then we appear to be in ours. What would a Dolphin think in space, floating around in near zero gravity? What would that Dolphin say when he got back to his buddies in the water? The first step of my project concept would be to entertain the Dolphins with our synchronized swimmers, much the way they might entertain us at sea world, but using 3D. We know that Dolphins like to entertain and be entertained and have showed up at huge surfing events in record numbers simply to say, “Here we are, we can do this too!” Perhaps bringing both the species together in a common cause and help each other understand one another we can learn more about ourselves and our current environment, current perspective and increase our cognitive abilities to understand what comes next.
As the human race increases their work with frequency modification, gravity waves, sound and light and discover new ways and uses for these, we may find our selves unlocking time, quantum physics and many other great discoveries which will forever change the way we perceive the world we are in. By bringing up our next generation and current generation to a higher and current level they can be ready for what comes next, without rejecting it, calling it evil or refusing to adapt to it. Taking chimpanzees into the international space station is not as silly as it seems. Teaching them to communicate with us through computers they can control with their minds is a worthy and minimal investment in the possibilities of the future. Taking them into a submarine to visit the Dolphins is a great idea. Showing them the water level and submerging below it to meet with the Dolphins and then allowing them to meet, play and attempt communication, whether assisted through Virtual Reality, computers or human go betweens is a smart thing to do. It is time we all got together and learned because it is readily apparent that millions and millions of years of evolution has created some unique and very well niche adapted species here. Our most recent technological advances of the last 200 years is shocking considering the previous 2000 and yes we are moving quite fast and almost at a break through point of the next innovations of computer-human interfaces, life extension, space exploration, time travel, gravity and weather manipulation to mention only a few; however the possibilities of the future are so intense, that we must not leave stones un-turned. There are many species on this planet with extremely high intellectual capacity and we should be thinking in terms of their perspectives, as well as our own to get to the next level of human understanding of the life experience and world’s we live in, effect and move through.
Will the Dolphins appreciate the human entertainment? Will they laugh at the synchronized swimming, will it trigger additional stimuli, what do they think of us? Will they immediately form a closer bond with us, try to better our efforts? Will the Flat screen plasma TV of the synchronized swimmers fall short as seeing is not the same as understanding and the Dolphins may see it for what is, rather than what it is suppose to represent? Or will they immediately understand what it represents, understand why we are showing it and respond with additional communications or brain waves or fMRI lighted up sections of the brain we have not seen before? How about the idea of flying dolphins with blimps amongst the birds, parasailing with the birds, videos of flying over water and land, and from space? Their brains are the same size as ours, they are highly adapted, evolved and intelligent creatures as we are, why wouldn’t they enjoy such intellectual stimulation? Would they wish to thank us for the entertainment? Would they more enjoy the videos than the free fish for those at sea world? Something tells me they would respond is a most positive and shocking way. This experiment will cost about $30,000 in equipment, about $10,000 in video licensing, $10,000 in travel and $15,000 in travel and perhaps some monies for time and space rentals at a World Class Oceanography University or Sea World. This could also be done under grants from NASA, US Naval Research or DARPA. The biggest question is why has this not been done already and if it has, what are the results so far and if the results are inline with such expectations, then how soon can we take this to the next level?
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington
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Dolphin Wedding Ring to Fit Your Personality


As you are gazing out over the water, you are surprised by a sudden burst through the water’s surface. As you watch, you are amazed and delighted by the graceful ballet you are privileged to witness by the most wonderful creatures of the sea. The dolphins arch gracefully through the air and plunge back into the water to come up again in another fabulous leap to your delight. How wonderful it would be to capture this beauty and grace forever!


That is very possible with rings that are created to exhibit just this quality. Dolphin rings in many styles and designs are available that express perfectly the grace of a leaping dolphin as it dances in the air. Sometimes showing a spectacular leap and sometimes a low-arched leap; both with a grace and beauty that you just feel you must have it for yourself.


You can find a dolphin ring that satisfies your image of a dolphin’s graceful water ballet. A single dolphin arching through the air or two or three in a synchronized dance, the choice is yours. What could be lovelier than a golden dolphin ring? A dolphin engagement ring perhaps? Nothing could exemplify a couple’s commitment to each other better than an engagement ring with two dolphins leaping in unison with a diamond set between them. To complement such a gorgeous ring, match it with a dolphin wedding ring. The enduring beauty and grace of these magnificent creatures make a perfect wedding set.


If you have an image of what you want and don’t see something to match, it is possible the work with the manufacturer to have your ideal dolphin ring custom made to your vision of perfection. Choose your particular ‘Dance of Dolphins’ in the style you like, with or without gemstones. If you want gemstones, you have many options. Besides diamonds, you could opt for blue sapphire or aquamarine to bring out the beauty of the dolphins just as the blue sea presents a perfect backdrop for their ballet.


The choices available in dolphin rings make it hard to choose just one. You may find yourself choosing several, each just as gorgeous as the other. Prepare yourself to fall in love with every one you see. Dolphins are such easy creatures to love that rings exhibiting their grace and beautiful character are just as easy to love. Anyone who admires graceful, fluid motion will appreciate the elegance of a dolphin ring. And those who love dolphins will appreciate them even more.


As you gaze at the gracefully elegant arch of the gold dolphins on your finger, you will be reminded of the magnificent ballet you watched as the sun set, casting a golden light on the dancers of the sea.
http://wholesalemonster.ecrater.com
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