Emeralds are Colombia’s calling

The Iglesia del Carmen church and Colonial Art Museum also worthy of a photographic stop, if nothing else. The historic quarter played a pivotal role in the creation of Bogota over 500 years ago and when it comes to striking architecture it is the city’s piece de resistance. One could spend hours just soaking up the beautiful façade of the old homes and buildings along Bogota Street alone.

Almost 400 years ago a church was built atop Mount Monserrat, the striking 3,150m peak that hovers over Bogota as if protecting it from evil spirits.

A pilgrimage site for centuries, Monserrate is revered for the splendid and all-encompassing views over the city it offers as well as spellbinding sunsets. No need to make it a hard slog either! A convenient and very enjoyable cable-car will have you up the top of the peak in a jiffy so if you wish to skip the 1 hr ascent on foot you certainly can. The views of Bogota after dark, on a clear night, are simply exceptional.

On the western outskirts of the city centre is the Jardin Botanico, reputedly the largest and most comprehensively flowered in the country.

Not just a relaxing place for a nice stroll, these gardens house over 100,000 species of flora endemic to Colombia and there’s an excellent indoor facility that’s divided in the different ecosystems found throughout the country. Orchid lovers will be particularly impressed. Colombia boasts over 5,000 different types of orchids and the display in these gardens are outstanding.

Emeralds are Colombia’s calling card and easily one of the least ‘kitschy’ souvenirs you could seek. Expensive as they may be! Affordable silver jewellery is also very popular as are the hand-made artefacts locally sourced.

You’ll find a lovely cluster of souvenirs stalls, boutiques and stores in the side alleys around Plaza Bolivar and in the city’s famous Sunday markets (like Usaquen flea market) which are held all over town. Colombian coffee is also very popular although you should check import restrictions if travelling from Australia and New Zealand.

Usually, they need to be commercially prepared and vacuum packed to be allowed through but best to double check before purchasing. The country is also famous for its good quality leather goods. Just one block south of the flea market in Usaquen is the colourful Hacienda Santa Barbara, a shopper’s paradise if you’re in the market for good quality souvenirs. Bogota has taken to the ‘shopping mall’ craze and you’ll find an array of malls attracting budget and splurge shoppers alike.

Ask your hotel concierge or tour guide for more specific recommendations dependant on your wishes and budget.

The face of the Island

So he prepared ships and filled them with armed knights, and set forth towards France. And as soon as they had landed, they sent messengers to show the nobles of France the cause of the embassy. And by the joint counsel of the nobles of France and of the princes, the maiden was given to Llevelys, and the crown of the kingdom with her. And thenceforth he ruled the land discreetly, and wisely, and happily, as long as his life lasted.

After a space of time had passed, three plagues fell on the Island of Britain, such as none in the islands had ever seen the like of. The first was a certain race that came, and was called the Coranians; and so great was their knowledge, that there was no discourse upon the face of the Island, however low it might be spoken, but what, if the wind met it, it was known to them. And through this they could not be injured.

The second plague was a shriek which came on every May-eve, over every hearth in the Island of Britain. And this went through people’s hearts, and so scared them that men lost their hue and their strength, and the women their children, and the young men and the maidens lost their senses, and all the animals and trees and the earth and the’ waters were left barren.

Consume first night

The third plague was, that however much of provisions and food might be prepared in the king’s courts, were there even so much as a year’s provision of meat and drink, none of it could ever be found, except what was consumed in the first night. And two of these plagues, no one ever knew their cause, therefore was there better hope of being freed from the first than the second and third.

And thereupon King Lludd felt great sorrow and care, because that he knew not how he might be freed from these plagues. And he called to him all the nobles of his kingdom, and asked counsel of them what they should do against these afflictions. And by the common counsel of the nobles, Lludd the son of Beli went to Llevelys his brother, king of France, for he was a man great of counsel and wisdom, to seek his advice.

And they made ready a fleet, and that in secret and in silence, lest that race should know the cause of their errand, or any besides the king and his counselors. And when they were made ready, they went into their ships, Lludd and those whom he chose with him. And they began to cleave the seas towards France.

S: https://private.doholiday.com/lludd-and-llevelys-part-2/

 

As with Antarctica, the aim of responsible tourism

In the Arctic, however, the wildlife is being threatened directly in its home turf.

And we haven’t even touched yet on the topic of the indigenous Arctic cultures that are facing very serious threats, with increasing mineral prospecting threatening their very existence. The growth of mass tourism is the latest problem to add to the mix, primarily from mega cruise liners that allow thousands of gawking tourist to land ashore on small and remote Inuit villages all at once, as recently reported by The Guardian.

How can responsible tourism help the Arctic?

Perhaps the prime point to make here is that large-scale drilling, prospecting and development are of much greater threat to the Arctic than tourism could ever be, yet it’s not just a matter of picking ‘the better of two evils’. As with Antarctica, the aim of responsible tourism operators is to offer in-depth and enlightening visits, the kind that swap nightly cabaret shows with educational lectures.

These are the kind of trips that have the potential to change someone’s outlook on the way they live. This is the kind of place that teaches you that what you do at home, every day, has a much greater effect on our planet than what you do on your yearly vacation.

Tourism can also provide an alternative income to indigenous communities who still rely on the trading of fur and game-meat to survive. People in the Arctic have been enjoying a subsistent lifestyle for thousands of years and, nowadays, they’re still allowed to hunt endangered species, although numbers are limited. Nevertheless, offering an income – in the form of tourist dollars – directly on their shores means they’ll be less likely to migrate to larger cities in search of work and can actually help them preserve their traditional way of life.

Nothing in the world is ever black and white and never has this proven to be truer than when discussing the benefits of tourism, even in the most ‘endangered’ destinations of all.

Choose to actually visit the Polar Regions, however, and chances are you will start taking more accountability for your own footprint, in general

What will benefit our planet is not only more responsible polar tourism but more responsible living, no matter where we are. Our increasingly consumeristic lives may well manifest in the Polar Regions, but what we see happening in Antarctica and the Arctic is a consequence of everything we do, back home.

 

And as he abode thus clad with arms

And when this was ended, King Lludd caused an exceeding great banquet to be

prepared. And when it was ready, he placed a vessel of cold water by his side,

and he in his own proper person watched it. And as he abode thus clad with

arms, about the third watch of the night, lo, he heard many surpassing

fascinations and various songs.

And drowsiness urged him to sleep. Upon this, lest he should be hindered from his purpose and be overcome by sleep, he went often into the water. And at last, behold, a man of vast size, clad in strong, heavy armor, came in, bearing a hamper. And, as he was wont, he put all the food and provisions of meat and drink into the hamper, and proceeded to go with it forth. And nothing was ever  more wonderful to Lludd, than that the hamper should hold so much.

And thereupon King Lludd went after him and spoke unto him thus. “Stop, stop,” said he, “though thou hast done many insults and much spoil erewhile, thou shalt not do so any more, unless thy skill in arms and thy prowess be greater than mine.”

Bestow Victory

Then he instantly put down the hamper on the floor, and awaited him. And a fierce encounter was between them, so that the glittering fire flew out from their

arms. And at last Lludd grappled with him, and fate bestowed the victory on

Lludd. And he threw the plague to the earth. And after he had overcome him by

strength and might, he besought his mercy. “How can I grant thee mercy,” said

the king, “after all the many injuries and wrongs that thou has done me?” “All

the losses that ever I have caused thee,” said he, “I will make the atonement

for equal to what I have taken. And I will never do the like from this time

forth. But thy faithful vassal will I be.” And the king accepted this from him.

And thus Lludd  freed the Island of Britain from the three plagues. And from

thenceforth until the end of his life, in prosperous peace did Lludd the son of

Beli rule the Island of Britain. And this Tale is called the Story of Lludd and

Llevelys. And thus it ends.

S: https://travel.istanbulgaria.info/lludd-and-llevelys-part-5/

Uruguay is just the kind of surprise

As one of South America’s least-visited countries, Uruguay offers an off-the-beaten-trail and authentic travel experience. Also, might we add, an incredibly surprising one. Unbeknownst to many, Uruguay boasts some of the most formidable attributes for which this continent is so renowned including world-class vines, sensational culinary specialities and hiding, behind a cloak of unassuming nonchalance, startling colonial-era treasures.

With a host of natural hot springs and glorious beaches not

besieged by busloads of tourists, and with the added bonus of short distances

and top-notch roads, a comprehensive tour of Uruguay is just the kind of

surprise you’ll cherish on your up-coming trip to Latin America.

Getting a foot in the Uruguayan door is dead easy, with

hour-long ferry rides connecting its two most prominent hubs, Montevideo and

Colonia, to Buenos Aires.

Best Highlights of Uruguay

 Colonial

architecture, natural mineral springs, glitzy seaside stars and revitalizing

estancia stay: in Uruguay, you can experience it all up in just a few days.

Soak up the historic charm of Colonia del Sacramento

One of the prettiest colonial-era historic centres in all of

Latin America, Colonia’s UNESCO-listed core is an architectural gem like few

others. Having changed hands repeatedly, from Spanish to Portuguese and back

again a few more times, this historic walled city – the oldest in the country –

showcases traits and influences from both powerful empires. Cobblestone winding

laneways, ancient forts, museums, great shopping and delightful dining await

you at the end of the short and scenic ferry ride from Buenos Aires.

Get your history, cuisine and culture fix in Montevideo

The Uruguayan capital has much going for it, least of all the

fact that it feels more like an overgrown laid-back village than a truly

bustling metropolis. Being gorgeous helps, of course, yet Montevideo offers a

wide array of attractions to satisfy all tastes. Its historic harbour side

centre, Ciudad Vieja, boasts classical and art deco architectural gems as well

as several pedestrian-only strolling and shopping strips.

The city also boasts an impressive foodie scene that rivals

those of more illustrious capitals so make sure to spend a couple of days here

at the very least, as feasting takes time! Mercado del Puerto is a particularly

great hive of activity with artisan stalls and food carts feeding the eyes, the

taste buds and the soul, in equal measure.

Spend it up in Punta del Este

Down the southeast tip of Uruguay is the glitzy seaside hub

of Punta del Este, where lovely beaches, plush hotels and a wicked nightlife

attract locals and tourists alike. Dubbed the St Tropez of South America, Punta

del Este is where you go if you want to sip refreshing mojitos in swanky

seaside bars, whilst watching the fabulous emerge from their multi-million

dollar luxury yachts.

This luxury seaside resort town may be Uruguay’s most

expensive destination but living it up here is still cheaper than Europe and

Australia, so include a few days to enjoy the city attractions, long stretches

of beautiful beaches as well as expansive gaucho plains that surround the city.

Soak in the hot springs of Salto

Thermal resorts take advantage of the heated springs of the

Guarani Aquifer to offer a flurry of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments in

the area around Salto and Paysandu, in north-western Uruguay. With temps

ranging between 38 and 46, the mineral-enriched waters are said to be sublimely

therapeutic and, if nothing else, they are exceptionally relaxing. Thermal spa

vacations are popular with locals and you’ll discover several spa resort towns

along the revered Rio Uruguay.

Take a hike in Santa Teresa

Many visitors mistakenly consider Uruguay a country of

scenic but flat landscapes yet the truth is altogether different. Given the

ease of transport and relatively diminutive size, together with a surprisingly

eclectic topography, Uruguay is actually a much-coveted hiking country in South

America with well-established trails satisfying the cravings of multi-day avid

trekkers, day-hikers and even active families with young kids in tow.

One of the most enjoyable hikes in the whole country is done

in the Santa Teresa National Park, a forest-covered coastal reserve 300km north

of Montevideo, and only 180km from Punta del Este.  Views of sandy shores and the glistening

Atlantic keep you company as you meander your way through sections of pristine

forest that lead up to a 300-year-old fort affording all-encompassing views.