by Jules on April 8, 2012
Many are enjoying a few hard earned days off work to celebrate Easter and eat copious amounts of chocolate! Whilst enjoying some downtime today I spotted a story online about the world’s fattest rabbit (keeping within the Easter theme).
Darius weighs in at a huge 22.2 kg (3.5 stone) and his weight is down to chomping through up to twelve carrots a day. He’s actually grown another inch in the last month alone bringing him to a startling 1.34 m (or 4.4 feet) which is nearly the height of an adult! So if you’ve overindulged today you now needn’t feel so bad!
By Julie Bowman, on Google+
by Jules on April 4, 2012
A report into the happiest nations on earth is once again upon us. I note that some of the big countries such as the UK and USA don’t even make the top ten. Not because we’re not generally happy as a nation (broadly speaking!) but because this study takes into account more than just well-paid jobs and the latest must-have gadgets. It’s based more on the social support we have as well as the personal freedom we experience on a daily basis. So basically it focusses more on whether we have happy and healthy relationships with our families, friends and colleagues (and having loads of Facebook friends doesn’t necessarily count!)
The World Happiness Report was unveiled at this week’s UN Conference in Bhutan and the top twenty most happy nations are;
1. Denmark
2. Finland
3. Norway
4. Netherlands
5. Canada
6. Switzerland
7. Sweden
8. New Zealand
9. Australia
10. Ireland
11. USA
12. Costa Rica
13. Austria
14. Israel
15. Belgium
16. Luxembourg
17. United Arab Emirates
18. United Kingdom
19. Venezuela
20. Iceland
What surprises me most from this list are the countries that are happy despite (or because of?) economic difficulties. It’s interesting to note that although the USA has had a threefold increase in GDP per person since 1960, their levels of happiness have not increased.
So maybe it’s time to get back to basics, watch the sun rise (or set), take up a fulfilling hobby such as painting or exploring the world and hang out with those nearest to you. And make sure you vote as this determines many of your local and national decisions, which ultimately affect your life and happiness!
by Jules on March 30, 2012
Congratulations again to the winner of the PureTravel Travel Writing Competition 2011, whose winning entry is published in the March 2012 edition of Geographical Magazine. And thanks also to the hundreds of people who submitted entries, we enjoyed reading all of your travel encounters!
And now you can enter the 2012 Travel Writing Competition, just write and tell us about “The place you didn’t want to be”.
by Jules on March 26, 2012
The mighty Amazon Rainforest has been voted one of the New7Wonders of Nature and with some impressive stats it’s easy to see why. The Amazon basin covers an area of some 1.7 billion acres, out of which 1.4 billion acres of land is covered by the actual Amazon rainforest. This is the largest rainforest of the world and is spread out over nine countries in total. The diversified flora and fauna of this rainforest attracts millions of tourist every year, eager to experience the raw and rare green beauty for themselves.
The majority of Amazonia, a massive sixty percent, lies in Brazil and the remainder is spread between the countries of Peru (13%), Colombia (10%) and in smaller measures also Bolivia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela. The Amazon contains more than half of the entire remaining rainforested area in the world and visitors can explore the sheer beauty for themselves on various trips.
The Amazon Basin is blessed with an incredible array of animal and bird species. Just a few awesome sights include the Scarlet Macaw; the most beautiful bird of the world is indigenous to the Amazon Rainforest. However, if you want to see the rare beauty of Macaw, then you need to visit rainforest present in the American tropics. The green leaf frog is another rare species, whose presence is only limited to this rainforest. This frog is also found the American part of the Amazon rainforest.
Boating along the Amazon River is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and if you find yourself in the area you simply must take a boat ride. Although only possible in a few locations, check with a local tour guide who will help you make the most of your visit. And did you know that the mighty Amazon River does not have a single bridge along its entire stretch?!
by Jules on March 19, 2012
Have you ever wanted to explore foreign country sides and get a taste of the rich and vibrant culture that is associated with the outdoors? Then backpacking sounds like just the thing that will get you out of the house and exploring what life has to offer! Backpacking is one of the greatest past times that every one of all ages can do to get a true grasp for Mother Nature. Soak in a lush mountain side or smell the sweet smells of a deep forest. Often times we forget just how beautiful nature can be and how much stress being outdoors can alleviate. In this article we’ll discuss the fun and adventurous world that is backpacking as well as give you the key essentials for how to get started with this amazing new hobby.
First, let’s go over some of the equipment that you’ll be needing in order to get started. The first key component to any successful backpacking adventure is a trustworthy and updated map. Often times people put so much emphasis on their gear that they forget the most simple tool in their arsenal, a map. When picking out a map it’s crucial that you get an updated and detailed map of the area you’re going to be backpacking. The next thing you’ll need to have on you is a compass and or a GPS system. The key here being is so that in case you get lost you’ll have a sense of direction so you can follow your map precisely. It’s also important to note that it’s better to have a compass and a GPS as well. This is so that in case your GPS system fails or a battery dies, a compass will always work.
Next, since we’ve covered the absolute basics when it comes to backpacking, let’s cover some of the gear you’ll be needing. The first thing you’re going to want to get is a headlamp or a heavy duty flash light. These will come in handy in case you see a cave you want to explore, night time sneaks up on you, or even if you’re lost and you’re going to be in the wilderness overnight. A light source can be a life saver in the right scenario, so it’s best that you don’t buy cheap flashlights and head lamps. The next two things we’re going to cover is eye protection and first aid kits. These tools are necessary, especially if you’re a beginner, because in the backpacking world, injury is common. Since you’re going to be out in the wilderness with little resources, it’s best to protect your vision and also have the proper tools to tend to injuries that may occur. Remember, a simple injury in the wilderness can lead to bad news.
All in all, backpacking is fun and exciting but at the same time must be treated with respect. From America, to Asia, and even in Africa, people love backpacking and exploring the outdoors in their local areas. Backpacking is one of the best ways to ease stress, break free from the big city life, spend time with loved ones, and explore what this world has to offer. People all over the planet go backpacking every year and rant and rave about how much fun they have exploring the world and seeing what many people don’t get to see on a daily basis. So why don’t you join in on the fun? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If you remember to backpack safely, your experience will be one that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
by Jules on March 14, 2012
If you are looking to center yourself and take in a location that is sure to change your outlook on life, there are many different spiritual retreats and locations in the world. The word ‘spiritual’ might mean something different to some people, with some individuals finding a spiritual fulfilment by simply being in the great outdoors, while others look for holy facilities individuals from different countries consider sacred. No matter what your definition of spiritual retreat is, there is the perfect location out there just for you;
1. Southeast Asia. Throughout this area of the world there are hundreds of small Buddhist monasteries and small, tranquil retreats where you can center yourself. From rice paddies out from the scurrying cities to the temples that line most of the streets, it is possible to find exactly what you are looking for in Southeast Asia. Try Vietnam for quaint colonial beauty, Thailand for peaceful serene islands or Laos for an old world charm.
2. Machu Picchu, Peru. This not only is an amazing spiritual retreat, but one of the great wonders of the world. The ruins of one of the last great Incan cities stands here among high mountain tops. Try to come early in the morning when there are slighty fewer crowds and you’ll see the peaks of these mountains puncturing their way through the fog. It is an amazing site.
3. Tibet and Nepal. This might be the ultimate spiritual retreat for someone who doesn’t mind a little climbing and exercise. Once you arrive in the port of entry, public transportation is often at a minimum, so you must hire a guide (don’t worry, it is incredibly inexpensive in this region of the world). Trekking for miles until you reach some of the world’s most amazing monasteries is sure to change your life, plus the crowds are few, so you can really experiencing this spiritual retreat on your own.
4. Jerusalem, Israel. No list would be complete without the holy city of Jerusalem. The world’s three major religions all claim important foundations in the city, and although it is often in turmoil, it is a must see for anyone looking for a spiritual retreat.
5. Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This is the holy city for Islam, as every Muslim man is required to visit Mecca at least once in his lifetime. The holy city isn’t just for Muslims though, and it is an incredibly site for taking in a spiritual journey.
6. Vatican, Italy. This city-state is the home to the Catholic pope and contains some of the greatest works of art the world has ever seen. Like then last two on the list, however, you must face large throngs of crowds.
7. Jordan. There are dozens of biblical events that took place in this region of the world, and with the proper guide, you are able to stand in some of the very same locations that Moses, Jesus and others stood, long before our time.
by Jules on March 12, 2012
Saint Patrick’s Day is just around the corner! It’s celebrated on the seventeenth of March every year and you’re almost guaranteed to see green hair, green fountains and drink green beer. Many towns and cities have celebrations and parades and some even dye their rivers green.
It is a celebration of Saint Patrick, who is commonly recognized as the patron saint of Ireland. He is accredited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. In the seventeenth century it was made a feast day, eventually it became a celebration of Irish Culture. Today, the holiday is celebrated in places such as, Great Britain, Canada, The United Sates, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, as the Irish Diaspora; The mass migration of Irish in the nineteenth and twentieth century’s. So if you’re planning to travel for the celebrations, here are just a few places you could go.
One of the most famous Irish festivals outside of Ireland is in New York City. Many of America’s Irish immigrants passed through New York’s Ellis Island. Some of these people settled in New York, while others settled elsewhere. The festivities in New York start with one of the biggest parades of the year. The parade marches down 44th street. It has floats, and bag pipes. It is one of the largest Saint Patrick’s Day Celebrations. You may also want to see Madison Square Gardens, Time Square and New York’s Central Park to name but a few! There are plenty of things to see and do 24/7 in New York City.
With so many people moving away from their homeland, you will find an Irishman in many of the biggest cities. The southern United States are no exception; you will find Irish descendants from Atlanta to Savannah. These southern towns are not to be missed with their southern charm. In Atlanta you will find a parade that rivals that of New York and In Savannah they dye the river green. In Savannah you can enjoy southern charm and a walk down River Street while taking in a cold green beer.
