วันเสาร์ที่ 18 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2553

Play Soccer

Each enthusiast, fan or player will give anything in this world just to be able to play soccer. The game is highly regarded by health experts due to the fact that it makes the athlete use the main parts of his or her body. To become a fit and well-conditioned individual is what many of us aspire. Seeing yourself physically conditioned and free from illness simply makes you feel good.

It is an ideal opportunity for people to make better their physical well being as it is one of the best forms of exercise. What makes this sport really great is that you impose upon yourself a highly recommended physical activity while you are not aware of such a routine. The explanation of which is that when you engage in a football game you just focus on how to outsmart your opponents and giving out the best of your skills.

Soccer is a perfect contact sport for children. The young ones should be guided and motivated by their parents to play football as the sport has highly regarded rules and regulations that can be used by the children even in their actual lives outside soccer. It is advised that the young person's thoughts are directed to gaining knowledge and expertise of a sport such as football.  

Children are getting hooked to the computer and computer games these days than engaging in sports. As we all know, letting them spend most of their time sitting and staring at the PC monitor spells trouble for their health. Young people need to do exercise and sweat in order to develop healthy bodies thus encouraging them to play soccer is a wise move.




Watch Videos about play soccer.

วันศุกร์ที่ 17 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2553

Visit Thailand - Visit Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are just about 84 kms northwest of Phuket in the blue crystal waters of the Andaman Sea. The islands have become popular with tourists because of their clear blue waters, especially among divers. The most interesting spots, therefore, seems to be found beneath the waves. Many spectacular coral growths in the world can be found here.

The Similan Islands have become just as popular in their own right because of the low-lying formations covered with thick forests of Ironwood and gum trees. The islands are also home to many types of animals as well as endangered animals.

The Similan Islands consist of ten small islands. The first island is Hu-Yong or Koh Nueng (Koh means island in Thai). Koh Nueng has got a white sandy beach and is the longest beach from all other islands. It is a place for sea turtles for laying their eggs, and it is a good place for deep diving.

The second island is Pa-Young or Koh Song. There is no beach on this island. So, it is just a good site of deep diving and snorkeling. The third island is Pa-Youn or Koh Sam. Also, there is no beach on this island. Generally, people call this island "The Great Wall Island" as there is a rock formation just like the wall under the sea around the island. Lots of beautiful fishes are swimming around the wall including barracuda. This island is a good spot for deep diving.

The Forth island is Mieng or Koh See. There are tourist information center, restaurant, accommodation, office of The Similan Islands National Park, and other western amenities for tourists on this island.

There are two main beaches on Koh See. The first one is located in the front of The Similan Islands National Park office. It has got a very fine and white sandy beach and it is 400 meters long. It is good spot for swimming and snorkeling. The second beach is located on the east of the island. Tourists can walk through the evergreen forest to reach this beach as well as can get a good opportunity to study the nature of the forest within the area. Koh See is a great spot for snorkeling, deep diving, nature studying, bird watching, beach activities, and sightseeing.

The fifth island is Koh Haa. It is just a small island, but it is a great spot for diving. On this island, there is white-gray eel that it loves to show itself out of its hole which it can not be found on the other islands. There are lots of corals around the island. This island is a great place for deep diving.

The sixth island is Pa-You or Koh Hok. The island is full of rocks and cliffs. There is a beach on the east side of the island with a wide area of living corals. It is a good sport for deep diving.

The seventh island is Pu-Sa or Koh Jed. This island is a great site for deep diving as its geographical area provided. Lots of beautiful and colorful fishes are living around this island. Tourists may be able to see sea turtles and Sting rays.

The eighth island is Similan or Koh Pad. It is the biggest island out of ten islands of Similan Islands group. There is a small curve bay on the north of the island called horseshoe bay which there are full of corals and beautiful fishes. The sea is very clear which is good for swimming and snorkeling. On the east side of the island, there is a big rock in Boot shape and Fantasy Rock which are symbols of the island. This island is a great spot for snorkeling, deep diving, nature studying, and camping.

The ninth island is Ba-Ngu or Koh Koaw. General geographic of the island is rocks and cliffs. "Christmas point" is well known for deep diving site for divers and is situated on the east side of the island.

The tenth island is island is Ta-Chai. This island is announced to be included into The Similan Islands group on the 25 September 1998. This island is also a great spot for divers.

So, if you are looking for the excitement and natural beauty that can only be found in the clean unspoiled waters of the sea. Please visit the Similan Islands.




Johny is currently living on Samui Thailand and is working on a number of travel websites. If you are looking for a great discount on Phuket hotel then do visiting http://www.myphuketholiday.com Read more about Phuket in his Phuket Guide.

วันพุธที่ 15 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2553

Petrocaribe - Should Costa Rica Accept Handouts From Chavez?

Costa Rica, like many Latin American countries, buys a lot of oil from Hugo Chavez. Try almost 100% of the 18,000 barrels of crude that the country refines daily. Under current financial terms, this crude has to be paid for within 8 days. However, if Costa Rica joins in with Hugo Chavez sponsored "Petrocaribe" those terms could change drastically for the better. Petrocaribe is Chavez offer to countries of Central America and the Caribe to purchase oil on very favorable terms. They still have to purchase at market rates and if those rates exceed $100 per barrel, the favorable terms kick in. Specifically, the ability to finance the purchase of 60% of the price of the crude over 25 years at interest fixed at 1% (and with two years of grace). The remaining 40% of the price would be paid over 90 days. This would generate enormous savings that could be invested as Costa Rica chooses. A big debate is over what to do with this surplus.

That is what I like to call a "good problem." A bigger problem in my opinion is whether to accept any such handouts from Hugo Chavez in the first place. Does this not allow Chavez, who has expressed dictatorial visions of grandeur, to get his hands around the throat of Costa Rica economically? Could this just be a ploy in his pursuit to become the czar of Latin America? Would it have been a good idea for France or Great Britain to have made such cozy deals with Hitler? Chavez is no Hitler, you might say, but are we sure about that? He has already been busy muzzling any negative press in his own country and rapidly passing laws giving himself control over every facet of Venezuela's economy prior to the upcoming elections. Venezuela's citizenry enjoy cheap oil, but the Chavez version of freedom offered to his people seems pretty "cheap" as well. The price of any debt incurred to Chavez may ultimately prove to be very expensive.




I own and operate Package Costa Rica in San Jose, Costa Rica. We are a travel and real estate consulting company and arrange complete travel packages to Costa Rica for leisure or investment. Please visit our web site. http://www.packagecostarica.com I am also the author of a Costa Rica Informational Blog known as Tiquicia. [http://tiquicia.typepad.com/my_weblog]

วันจันทร์ที่ 13 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2553

Introduction to Thai Food - Pad Gra Pow

Breakfast, that's the key. I'd find myself in Thailand standing on the street in front of my hotel or guest house that first morning in a new city or town or village and realize that I was ravenous after yesterdays' travel. Once more down the list of options. Eat in a nice hotel dining room where the food tastes exactly like every other hotel dining room in the world or is priced several times beyond what I would like to pay?

Maybe take a chance on one of the "Farang" restaurants (that means foreigner.) A sign in English and photographs on the menu so ordering can be done by pointing. And yes, the credit card size piece of ham is as small and the eggs are as runny as they look in the picture. You can also bet that the toast will be as cold as my high school English teachers' heart. The "Thai" food won't much better because it's always carefully adulterated so as not to offend the taste buds of foreigners who don't like Thai food anyway.

No. Start walking in any direction you see people are going and take a chance on what you will find. You'll know it when you see it. Indoors, outdoors or even street side, people are sitting and eating. Better yet is if you see more than one operation serving food in an area and only one of them is busy with satisfied customers while the competition stands around contemplating a career change. If there are taxi or Tuk Tuk or Moto-Taxi drivers starting their day there, you know you've hit the mother-lode. The food will be good and the price right.

Walk in, sit down and look like a customer. Catch someones' eye and have a go at ordering. I might end up with jok (rice porridge,) khao thom (cooked rice stewed with some meat) or even some noodles in a broth if I have to resort to pointing to the next table and asking for the same. My first choice though is usually pad gra pow (pronouncing "pot kapow" with a smile on my face usually does the trick.)

The beauty of pad gra pow is that it's so simple that it's almost impossible to not do well and it can be done quickly and easily. A plate of cooked rice smothered in a stir-fry of meat and holy (or sacred) basil. It is obviously peasant food but it's exactly what is needed to get your day off to a good start.

To prepare at home, put about two tablespoons of oil into a hot pan, chop or mince about two tablespoons of garlic and about the same amount of chili peppers and drop into the hot oil. Stir the garlic and chilies until the garlic just starts to brown then add about a half pound of ground chicken (gai) or pork (moo.) Stir the mixture until it seems to dry a little then add a tablespoon of sugar and one or more tablespoons of Thai or Vietnamese fish sauce. Last, add from about one half to a full cup of fresh holy basil leaves. Give a quick stir to mix the basil in well and wilt the leaves, remove from the heat and serve over rice. If finding fresh holy basil is a problem go ahead and use sweet basil and the results will be close to the original.

In the authentic Thai restaurant, the condiment offered on the table will be nam pla prik (fish sauce with some chopped chilies and a squeeze of lime juice.) Just a few drops of this is sufficient to add some saltiness and a bit of after burn to make the meal satisfying.

When ordering, don't be afraid to ask for mai phet (not spicy) or phet nit noi (a little spicy.) A popular garnish is an egg (kai) fried sunny-side-up (dow.) Don't be frightened off by all those who say that Thai is a difficult language to learn. Try ordering pot kapow moo kai dow, mai phet for a very satisfying and authentic Thai breakfast.




Robert Orson edits for English Editing Express

http://www.english-editing-express.com/

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 12 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2553

Phuket Island - Popular Travel Destination in Thailand

Phuket has grown into one of the premier holiday destinations in South East Asia and is one of the busiest travel destinations of Thailand. It has replaced Bali as the most popular holiday island in the region.

What makes Phuket island such a great travel destination?

Phuket is first of all an inexpensive holiday destination. Phuket hotels, resorts and guesthouses can be found in all price categories and ratings and prices are considerably cheaper then what one would encounter in Europe or America.

Dining in restaurants or buying drinks in bars or clubs on Phuket is also less expensive then what most tourists are used to paying back in their home countries.

Phuket Beaches

The palm tree lined beaches of Phuket Island are of course world famous due to its crystal white sand and clear water of the Andaman Sea. Some of the nicest and most popular beaches found on Phuket Island are the beaches at Patong, Kamala, Karon, Kata and Nai Harn.

Phuket Nightlife

The Phuket nightlife is another reason why many tourists visit Phuket each year on holiday. Many tourists seem to keep coming back each year for especially the nightlife and bars of Phuket.

Most Phuket island nightlife venues can be found in Patong beach along the well known Soi Bangla. A number of large clubs are located along Bangla road in Patong including the very popular Tiger disco and the new Seduction Disco.

You can also find along Bangla road and the many small streets leading into Soi Bangla hundreds of beer bars. Each beer bar has a number of beautiful Thai ladies working for them who there to please the clients.

Phuket Shopping

Going shopping in Phuket in the past was not one of the most interesting activities for tourists due to the lack of a good variety of shops and products. Most of the shops sold the same tailor made clothing, bootleg movies and software and fake designer clothing.

Over the last few years however, a number of large shopping malls have opened on Phuket housing well known international retailers, unique local boutiques as well as international restaurant outlets such as Outback steakhouse and Burger King.

If you are going to visit Phuket for a holiday then please make sure to visit the brand new Phuket Junkceylon mall in Patong or the Central Carnival Mall along the Phuket by-pass road.




James is currently living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for a great Phuket hotel then do consider staying at Club Bamboo Resort. Read more about Samui in his Samui Guide.

วันเสาร์ที่ 11 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2553

Five Dream Wedding Destinations Around The World

If you're getting married or know someone else who is, then you're probably already aware of the fact that weddings are rather expensive nowadays. Whoever said that a marriage is easy probably didn't have to sit down and plan his wedding. Even if it is a simple wedding held in a church and is followed by a simple reception and a honeymoon, there is still a lot of planning involved in it. Fortunately, you can now cut those wedding costs to almost half and save on loads of time without the frustration that is normally involved, by hiring a travel agent to plan a dream holiday destination wedding for you.

When weddings are held at holiday destinations, away from the betrothed duo's hometown, they are known as destination weddings. According to recent survey, destination weddings have rapidly increased in popularity over the last few years. Many such weddings feature the betrothed couple eloping to some exciting and adventurous, far off location. Some prefer to invite close friends and family to join in the celebrations.

There are so many breathtakingly beautiful wedding destinations all over the world to choose from and planning your dream holiday wedding is an exciting experience. The most difficult part of having a destination wedding lies in choosing the perfect location. However, here are 5 of the most sought after marriage destinations:

1. Mexico: Mexico is home to two of the most gorgeous holiday wedding locations. All you romantics who are dreaming of white beaches and crystal clear water for a perfect beach wedding should probably opt for Cancun. On the other hand, Cozumel is just off the Yucatan Peninsula and has some of the world's best scuba diving spots. With its charming little resorts that are a perfect contrast to the secluded beaches, Cozumel is perfect for those looking to have a tropical wedding.

2. Hawaii: If you're looking to have a fun-filled wedding then the sunny capital of Hawaii, Oahu should be your choice. With its pristine, aquamarine blue waters and its long, powdery beaches and the rugged mountains, a wedding here would be a rich and rewarding experience. Maui is another beautiful location in which to hold your dream holiday wedding. With its perfect sunny weather and its secluded beaches that guarantee privacy, Maui will make your special day absolutely perfect.

3. Jamaica: Get married amidst the rich culture, easy lifestyle and tropical climate of Jamaica. What could be more beautiful than getting married on a tropical island? With its breathtaking waterfalls and rugged mountaintops and clean beaches, hosting your wedding in Jamaica would be an unforgettable experience.

4. Bermuda: A true paradise on earth, Bermuda is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Adorned with lush green gardens and exquisite pink sand beaches and unique coral reefs, the hospitality prevalent all over the island is simply amazing. With all the wonderful resorts, hotels and accommodation available on the island, it makes a perfect choice.

5. Las Vegas: Popularly known as the marriage capital of the whole world, Las Vegas is considered to be the most unconventional and exciting of all dream holiday wedding destinations. With almost 150,000 couples getting marriage licenses every year, Las Vegas is the only place on the globe where you can get married by an Elvis impersonator. Being one of the hottest wedding destinations, Las Vegas is where you should go if you want to elope or if you want to have a dream holiday wedding. Despite its 'not-so-rosy' reputation, there is more to this city than just casinos. With its new and ultra cool resorts and nightclubs, Las Vegas will definitely provide you with that exciting and adventurous wedding that you are looking for.




Being interested in Alicante, Peter Wilson was authoring countless detailed articles on this specific subject. You can come across his publications on Benidorm over at alicante-spain.com and many different sources for Costablanca information.

วันศุกร์ที่ 10 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2553

Activities For Women Travelers - Phuket is For All!

Phuket, famous for its beaches and nightlife, is known for driving a large number of men looking for a visit to the a go go bars, beer bars and discotheques packed with young and single Thai ladies. Is a woman traveling alone in Phuket have her place? There are definitely many activities to enjoy for foreign ladies on the island.

There are plenty of cheap and fun activities to do for women traveling alone in Phuket. Finding new friends among other travelers is easy, as well as meeting Thai ladies who will enjoy chatting to practice their English. This can be a good way to learn more about Thai culture and the country. A young sexy female traveler will certainly get the interest of Thai men, but without them being too invasive.

The first thing that a woman will enjoy in the island is the numerous beaches available. From a small nearly private beach where sun bathing can be enjoyed to more busy beaches like in Patong, there is somewhere to go. Foreign ladies must know that sunbathing topless is very impolite and shocking in Thai culture and must not be done publicly.

In addition to the beach, where a cheap Thai massage can be enjoyed, pampering is available at many SPAs that can offer a wide range of services. Some of them provide hydrotherapy, sauna, Shiatsu massage and skin treatment sessions by qualified practitioners in a setting with a great view on the sea.

Wellness programs are also available, generally combined with SPA sessions. On the menu are weight loss and diet programs, fitness, and also alternative methods like meditation and tai chi. Women only groups offer other activities like for example, Nia dance, reiki, yoga and Shiatsu.

Shopping is another activity that women visiting Phuket will enjoy as there is a wide range of quality colorful clothes and accessories on sale in shopping malls, but also markets. All items are priced very competitively in comparison to Europe or the USA, so it is without doubts a good time to add extra luggage when living the country.

A must do in Phuket is sightseeing and there are many tour agencies that have joined excursions available in small groups to the many attractions in and around Phuket island. Renting a motorcycle or a car is possible for those who want more freedom and stay alone. Sport activities like mountain biking, sea kayaking, snorkeling, diving or motorcycling are good options.

Patong is famous for its active nightlife that all men will like. But is there a place in Phuket where women can go? In addition to the a go-go bars, where women can also have drink, there are several pubs and discotheques where the night can be enjoyed. For those who do not want to be alone, there are certainly plenty of opportunities to make new friends.

There is without question a place for foreign women in Phuket, which is not only for men, as anywhere else in Thailand.




Michel Gerard is a Travel author living in Asia. Visit the Guest House Phuket website to book your hotel room online and get a *free* eBook: "Stories of Authentic Eco-adventure Destinations for Travelers in Thailand" => http://www.guesthousephuket.com/ebook.html

วันอังคารที่ 7 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2553

Top 10 Things To Do And See In Krabi Thailand

With so many activities that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy, Krabi has framed itself as a laid-back resort destination where the emphasis falls on comfort and relaxation instead of on high-energy parties. The natural landscape is accentuated by limestone outcroppings known as karsts that pop up all over the countryside. With abundant plant life and beautiful coral reefs, there's plenty to explore while you're staying here.

Exploring the archipelago

One of the most remarkable ways to experience the limestone rock formations and spectacular beaches is to take a daytrip from one island to another. Many tour guides offer organised daytrips to the highlights of the archipelago, which are worth it and a chance to break away from the crowds of the mainland resort. For the more independent explorer, sea kayaks can be rented for trips out to some of the nearest small islands. A boat day trip to Phi Phi is a must too!

Than Bok Khoranie National Park

If you have a tent and would like a place to set up camp, consider heading out to Than Bok Khorani National Park, a secluded place with no concrete accommodation but an abundance of plant species culminating in a very picturesque pond surrounded by gardenias and apocynaceae. The park also boasts several limestone caves and some lovely mangrove forests. Many visit on a day trip from Phuket.

Rock climbing

Many rock climbing outfitters in Krabi also give lessons at various skill levels to help you improve your rock climbing abilities. The limestone cliffs and unique stone formations have helped Krabi carve out a global reputation among rock climbing circles. Ton Sai is the first stop for most climbers, as it's the most frequented climbed spot in the area. Other climbing outings to more secluded areas are easily arranged with the help of climbing outfitters.

Koh Lanta Marine National Park

The sea gypsies, or Chai Leh, still live and work on the island of Koh Lanta--now a marine national park. For centuries they have practiced their own form of spirit worship and spoken their own distinct language. This island also has the region's standard fare of beautiful beaches, unique rock formations and stunning coral reefs for exploration. Some of the rainforest on this island is virtually untouched and remains protected. Visitors can rent bungalows and stay a while. It's also connected to Phi Phi island by ferry.

Shell Fossil Cemetery

Thirty five million years ago, the site of Ban Laem Pho Cape was an enormous freshwater swamp that hosted millions of small snails. The remains of these creatures formed a fossilised composite that has grown almost 16 inches thick. This huge slab has become one of Krabi's most popular attractions and can be reached via a 10-mile drive from the town of Krabi.

Krabi nightlife

Ao Nang Beach resort area is the primary tourist hub of Krabi, with Krabi Town itself not offering a whole lot to out-of-towners except for a glimpse of everyday life for the locals. While not quite as exciting as Phuket, in the resort area you'll find bars and restaurants whose doors remain open past midnight, though you'll be hard-pressed to find any exhilarating parties or discotheques. Instead, this is a more family-oriented holiday spot with some nice restaurants and a relaxed, quiet atmosphere.

Scuba diving

The official diving season in Krabi is from November to Mach, though the conditions are hospitable all year round and divers are here at every time of the year. Snorkelling is also a great way to get a view of the coral reefs. Diving companies on the mainland can get you certified as a diver and will also arrange diving trips out to all of the best reefs in the surrounding area. The diving at Phi Phi is especially good.

Biking

Bikes can be rented in the Ao Nang resort area, and a cycling loop that heads out of town guides cyclist through the limestone rock formations that dot the landscape. The road curves through old villages and groves of coconut trees, and riders can stretch this spectacular route into as much as 15 or 20 miles of biking.

Railay Beach

Railay Beach may be the region's most unique coastal area, with its crescent shaped coastline that's cut off from the mainland by huge outcroppings of rock. Only accessible by boat, you can charter a vessel to drop you off for a daytrip to Phra Nang, a sacred enshrined cave, or for an overnight stay in one of the resorts that lay claim to these peaceful beaches. Even the beaches at Phuket don't even compete!

Daytrip to Wat Tham Seua

Wat Tham Seua is the largest temple in Krabi, and its name means Tiger Cave Temple. It's literally tucked into the limestone cliffs of Ao Luk Thanu mountain range, and the Buddhist monks that live and worship here do so in the caves themselves. The highlight of this temple is 'Buddha's footprint', located at the summit of a 1,272-step climb, a point that affords wonderful views of the countryside spreading in every direction.




Andy Burrows is a web writer and frequent visitor to Thailand, for more on Krabi online he suggests;
Everything you need to known about Krabi
Gallery of pictures on Krabi

วันเสาร์ที่ 4 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2553

Methane As the Future Fuel of the 21st Century

Bio-gas or methane is made up of CH4 and CO2 in a mixture of about 70% to 29% with other trace gases. Methane is currently being used in India and Thailand in cars and trucks in lieu of gasoline or diesel fuel. Methane is the gas of the future because it's easy to make in the process known as digestion. A methane digester is a simple devise that can produce methane easily and cheaply. One reason it hasn't caught on in colder places of the world is because methane needs to be hot in order to digest organic materials.

Methane production takes place in an oxygen free environment. Anaerobic bacteria with the lack of oxygen and the abundance of organic matter will begin the decomposition process. This process will produce Methane gas and low-odor effluent. The temperature needs to be held constant at 95 F and the PH between 6.6 and 7.6 to keep optimal conditions. Organic matter must be feed into the loop in order to allow the microbes to feed.

This process is very easy to control on a small farm level. The gas produced can run generators that produce electricity or can be compressed to run in cars. Because of the high levels of CO2 in bio-gas, the gas should be sweetened or enriched to remove most of the CO2. This will also allow equipment to run better as many of the trace gases in methane are very corrosive.

Many small farms in countries like India and Nepal use bio-gas for cooking and heating. They produce the gas in small pits and pipe the gas into their simple homes. Waste from 2-3 cows will provide lights and cooking for a few families hooked up on the gas line. The small digesters look like concrete igloos.

I believe that methane produced in small scale size digesters could be the answer to the fuel problems of the 21st century. The garage size digester is my idea of producing Methane gas that can be compressed and burned in your car for fuel. Making a small scale machine is feasible but compressing the gas is a technology that is currently lacking in the market place.

Methane production is isn't something you start and stop. The methane producing microbes need constant feeding of organic substance in order to survive. One day may be the long looked for trick to controlling the product rate and output of methane gas. This is what is needed to make a home system feasible for methane production.

In conclusion, methane gas is a good alternative to gasoline combustion because it breaks down to co2 and water when burned in combustible engines. It burns clean and can be produced from organic waste which is plentiful in households across the modern world. The use of Methane digesters can eliminate thousands of tons of landfill waste that produces methane released in the air causing global warming and the reduction of use of fossil fuels use for the purpose of transportation.




Scott Riefler is an expert in dealing with
Phuket Real Estate and finance related matters. He has written several informative articles on topics like mortgage, home refinancing, real estate loans and real estate insurance. He regularly contributes articles to web guides on real estate and home refinancing.
You can sign up for my newsletter at: Phuket apartments

วันศุกร์ที่ 3 กันยายน พ.ศ. 2553

Safari Travel

Certainly something for the bucket list! Going on safari has to be a real treat for the senses. Everyday you wake and jump on that Game viewer, heading off on another action packed adventure into the African Bush. I've been there and done it, and all I can say is - definitely a good life experience.

Just imagine how you would feel when you stop and have a herd of elephant walk past the vehicle literally an arms length from you - so close you can smell them, and see every large body hair, and best of all make that trans-species eye contact which always puts one onto a high afterwards. Of course, at the time you would probably be holding your breath trying to melt into the frame of the Landrover for fear of being overly-intrusive towards the Pachyderms trundling past. But I highly recommend it - even at the expense of having to change your underwear!

One visit to Africa can literally change a person - it must be that primal link we have with the natural world which gets us tingling when confronted with nature in its raw form. Seeing a group of white rhino as you emerge from the grass into a clearing whilst on foot brings perspective into one's life - we are just another of the many species on Earth, although admittedly, somewhat higher up on the ladder. Pedantics aside, when you find yourself in close proximity to a group of White rhino, you just somehow know your place - smart, but vulnerable. And using your wits is what puts you ahead of the game. Generally though, White rhino are a little more docile than their cousins, the Black rhino. So that close encounter in the clearing, if approached correctly, can bring a real sense of awesome wonder and enjoyment when seeing a group of animals that resemble something out of the dinosaur age.

And in the evening when you're sitting around the fire recalling the days' events, that beer will taste real good!




Patrick from Safarichatter.com
Visit my site for the inside scoop on the safari industry - I've been there, worked there and know the game. http://www.safarichatter.com/