Our Amazing Planet

Amazing Races in the World

2009-04-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we travel to attend a big event, like a rock concert, festival or football game, and by the time the we get back to the hotel, we wonder what the fuss was all about. Unfortunately, some events are more enjoyable on television, from the comfort of our own couch. Take the Super Bowl for example. Sold out every year of course but more hype surrounds the television advertisements than the actual game, which usually turns out to be a dud from a pure football vantage point. Rather than fans of the game, the seats are full of corporate fatcats who seldom have any allegiance to either team.

Thankfully, there are some events well worth the price of admission. Best of all, several require no payment at all. You simply have to show up and applaud from the sidelines. Without further ado, we present the Top 10 Races in the World

The Great Tibetan Marathon

Remote? Yes. Good chance of high altitude sickness? Yes. Unparalleled beauty amid a dense backdrop of spirituality? Indeed.

The Great Tibetan Marathon presents unique challenges to runners more familiar with the urban confines of London and New York City. Smack in the middle of the Himalayas in the area famous as the “Top of the World”, the marathon takes participants through scenery heavy with natural splendor and spiritual import unlike anywhere around the globe. The ancient Tibetan Buddhist monuments and monastic shrines that line the route within the Indus Valley lend a quality of mysticism to this annual race. Runners must contend with incredible distractions here. For one, the view. On the one hand, the Himalayas loom large in the distance. That alone is cause to lose focus. The lack of oxygen however, reminds the athletes that the conditions can be deadly. The Indus Valley on the other hand, is one of the most pristine in the world. No wonder that the gurus of yore found enlightenment here and chose the location for their precious monuments.

Medoc Marathon

The region of Bordeaux in France evokes one image and one image only: wine. In a quest to consummate a most unholy marriage, somebody in 1984, perhaps after a blow to the head, thought it would be fun to combine the heritage of Bordeaux with a marathon. Thus, the M?doc Marathon was born.

With a limit of 8,500 participants, the convivial race is a conventional marathon in every sense except one. The route runs past some of the most famous Ch?teaux in France, with names that drip from the mouths of wine connoisseurs. As such, participants who want to make the most of the event slake their thirst not with water, but much more importantly, with wine. A lot of wine. Hardcore veterans of the event measure success at M?doc with how drunk they are at the finish. The revelry that surrounds the marathon is legendary, with elements of Mardi Gras and Halloween that together, make for one raucous weekend in Bordeaux. Definitely one for both Dionysus and Pheidippides to enjoy.

The Dakar Rally

A rare event where the mantra “only the strong survive” is not hyperbole, the Dakar Rally is thrill ride of epic proportions. The annual off-road race, whose organizers - the Amaury Sport Organisation - also put together the Tour de France, epitomizes the word endurance. Participants race for pride, as Dakar is seen by enthusiasts as the most brutal rally test in the world. For the teams that invest in Dakar, a win here is the ultimate ego boost.

The terrain is the problem. Whether the race starts in Paris or Lisbon, it ends past the Sahara and in Dakar, Senegal. As such, teams have to supply drivers with mechanical support the likes of which do not exist in conventional rally events. Vehicles typically drive up to 900 km a day through treacherous sand dunes, camel grass and desert erg. Death is almost inevitable for some, which makes the race even better from a bloodlust tourism standpoint.

Daytona 500

For fans of open wheel sports and rally, a dissertation on the mass appeal of NASCAR is problematic. To outsiders, it looks like a pack of cars going around a large oval track. Which in essence, sums up the sport. But for some reason, NASCAR has become the most popular spectator sport in America, even more than the NFL. Attendance for major events runs in the hundreds of thousands and the television audience now eclipses the NBA and baseball. Baseball! Imagine that. NASCAR has beat out the national pastime.

The preeminent event on the NASCAR calendar is also the first of the season, which is weird. But then again, this is a sport where drivers have names like Cole, Chip and Bo. Sure, the Deep South vibe of NASCAR is not quite as pure now that corporate America runs the show but still, the sport is redneck at heart. The scene in Daytona for the 500 is pure entertainment and good times.

Kentucky Derby

Another great tradition of the South in America is the Kentucky Dery. Of course, the origins of this race are far more genteel than NASCAR. If you consider a horse race genteel that is. The annual thoroughbred event at legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville, a great town by any measure, is a grandiose spectacle. Although it culminates with a race that takes place on a 2 km track, the build up the week before is part of the attraction.

Since 1875 the Run for the Roses, as people call the Derby, has a number of traditions that go along with the pomp and circumstance of the event. If you go and you happen to be female, lavish and elaborate dress is important. A big hat is essential. Spectators drink Mint Juleps, a popular beverage in the South, and eat burgoo, a thick, meat stew native to Kentucky. Of course, strains of “My Old Kentucky Home” resonate everywhere you walk around Churchill Downs.

Royal Ascot, England

A mere six miles from Windsor Castle in Berkshire is the Ascot Racecourse, a fine segment of Crown Estate land. If you want the very height of supercilious snobbery, Royal Ascot is the supreme race event of the year. In fact, the event illustrates the very origin of the term “The Sport of Kings”.

Since 1711, Ascot has been the major event on the royal social calendar in England. The 16 races that comprise Royal Ascot week draw more than 300,000 spectators and lay in excess of ?3,000,000 on the line in prize money. Nobody cares much about who wins however. The real event is in the stands and luxury suites, where the most garish and ostentatious attire known to man or woman is on display. Subtle the clothes are not. While organizers have made every effort in recent years to stem the tide of fashion gone awry, the very rules they enforce result in ensembles that would be cause for embarrassment in the real world. But lest we forget, this is not the real world. This is the realm of royalty and aristocracy, celebrity and old money. The spectacle they put on is more than enough to make you forget that Royal Ascot is a horse race.

Indianapolis 500

The state of Indiana in America is famous for fierce loyalty to two sports: basketball, where at the high school and college level the interest borders on maniacal, and IndyCar. Known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, the Indy 500 has been a Memorial Day weekend staple since 1911. Although squabbles between the two main open wheel associations in the U.S. have been harmful to the event in recent years, a new agreement promises to bolster the competition once again.

Nonetheless, the 500 has always been a thrill ride and draws the best drivers from around the world. For them, participation at legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a feather in their cap. Legends have been born here and careers have come to a fiery end. For spectators, the traditions that go along with the actual race are almost worth the price of admission. The crowds alone for the pre-race practice sessions the week before the 500 dwarf those for other events held the rest of the year. As the first row of cars approach the pole position and the Speedway announcer makes the famous call “Gentleman, start your engines!”, you may just feel a shiver run down your spine.

20 Amazing Places To Bungee Jump

2009-04-20T23:52:00.000-07:00

Bungee jumping - dive from the giddy height of a towering fixed structure while an elastic cord secures you and keeps you suspended just inches above the ground level at the end of the leap. What leaves most people breathless during a bungee venture are the rebounds that occur due to the stretching and snapping of the cord. Bungee jumping was first practiced as a rite of passage for the youths of Pentecost Island in Vanuatu. Since the modern times, several records have been made and broken by bungee-jumpers world over. The Guinness Book of World Records of the highest bungee jump was by AJ Hackett from Macau Tower of China from an altitude of 233 meters.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - 120 ft ( 37m )

Puerto Vallarta is more than a resort with its countless scopes for adventure sports in its jungles, beaches and cultural getaways. You can accept the allure of the lush-green waters of Banderas Bay by taking a bungee jump from the adjacent cliffs for $55.00 between 10 am to 6 pm. The superior quality of the jumping equipments allows you to enjoy a safe thrill.

Ledge Urban Bungee, Queenstown NZ - 154 ft ( 47m )

Queenstown offers a perfect combination of wild adventures and serene beauty. The Ledge Urban site is known for its unique runaway jumping style whereby you can catch a glimpse of the nighttime beauty of Queenstown. The bungee harness helps you to adopt any posture during the free fall and enjoy a maddening rush of adrenaline.

Longqing Gorge Bungee, China - 164 ft ( 50m )

With its green mountains, caves and clear water, Longqing Gorge of northeast Yanqing County is an amazing natural spot for trekking and cruising. However, nothing matches up to bungee jumping. Just gear up some courage and take the plunge. Let your friends capture your action in a camera that you can treasure for a lifetime.

Graskop Gorge, South Africa - 197 ft/262 ft (60 m/80 m)

As a potential bungee jumping site, Graskop Gorge offers you a peerless freefall from a height of 18-19 stories of Foefie slide. As you leap off, the cord will take you across the entire width of the gorge in a single sweep. Catch the spectacular beauty of the Graskop Falls as you trail across in the super-fast zipline like a bird.

AltaVila Tower, Brasil/BH - 233 ft (71 m)

The Alta Vila Tower of Nova Lima attracts site seers and bungee jumpers alike since it commands a breathtaking view of the mountain-surrounded Belo Horizonte.

Corinth Canal, Greece - 260 ft (79 m)

The Corinth Canal works as a connector between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese. If you like to plunge down to the canal’s depth, just take a bungee jump from the bridge. This is a regular weekend sport organized by the Zulu Bungy in the summer months.

Colorado River, Costa Rica - 279 ft (85 m)

The Colorado River is chiefly the haunt of the hobby fishers though its bridge is an excellent bungee jumping site as well. There are both normal and special all-day long bungee jumping schedules offered by Tropical Bungee to give you diverse ranges of experiences at the highest safety levels.

The Pipeline Bungy, New Zealand - 335 ft (102 m)

As you undertake the four seconds of free fall from the longest single span suspension bridge over the raging Shotover River, your heart skips a beat. At the close of these four second, you hang dangerously close to the foamy waters only to be secured in a boat and brought to the shore at the end of the oscillations.

Pont de Ponsonnas, France - 338 ft (103 m)

If you deem suspension bridges as the most exciting bungee jumping spots, this is something you can positively rave about. The old dilapidated Pont de Ponsonnas Bridge has been now replaced by concrete-built arch Ponsonnas Bridge to give you an even safer bungee jumping experience.

Nevis Highwire Bungy, New Zealand - 440 ft (134 m)

The jump pod overlooking the roaring Nevis River holds an irresistible attraction for the lovers of bungee jumping. This incredible 8.5 seconds of freefall offers you an exciting scope to span the Nevis Valley. Nevis Highwire Bungy shuttles the jumpers to the glass-paneled jump pod to help them have an unforgettable experience.

Navajo Bridges, USA - 467 ft (142 m)

Navajo Bridge of Marble Canyon spans across the Colorado River right over the Grand Canyon. The autumnal beauty of its natural setting makes it a lovely bungee jumping spot in late September. The advantage of the superb elevation of the Navajo Bridge is coupled with a unique sense adventure that you associate with bungee jumping.

Perrine Bridge, USA - 486 ft (148 m)

You do not need a permit for year round bungee jumping from this bridge connecting the Twin Falls area to the Jerome County. You can find several BASE jumping compeers to share the excitement.

Victoria Falls Bridge, Zambia - 500 ft (152 m)

The Victoria Falls Bridge over Zambezi River connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia is reckoned a perfect spot by bungee jumpers to get a close brush of the spraying falls. Once you jump off, the fall may seem to rush up to you at a maddening pace but you can trust the ankle and body harnesses for their full-proof security.

Ponte Colossus, Italy - 500 ft (152 m)

You will find this 350 m long bridge awe-inspiring and an inspiring spot for an energetic sport like bungee jumping. It will take you an average of almost 4.5 seconds for the first fall. You need a lot of nerve power to sustain the 100 km/hr vertical velocity of the free fall.

The Last Resort, Nepal - 525 ft (160 m)

It gives you a scope to look and jump off from the longest Nepalese suspension bridge across one of the scariest tropical gorges, with the Bhote Kosi River rumbling below. You can remain in air for a long time during your free fall amid the charming valley sights.

Niouc, Switzerland - 623 ft (190 m)

Niouc holds the record for the highest bungee jumping spot in Europe. Discover the wild side of Switzerland as you go for an entire array of holiday activities, with bungee jumping topping the list.

Bloukrans Bridge, South Africa - 710 ft (216 m)

This unique highest single span arch bridge adds much to the giddy raptures of bungee jumping. Look ahead to the instructions by the jump experts, the tantalizing countdown before the plunge and the smoothest recoils owing to the pendulum bungee technology that makes it the highest commercial bungee jumping venue internationally.

Verzasca Dam, Val Verzasca, Switzerland - 721 ft (220 m)

Ever since the famous James Bond stunt in the movie ‘Goldeneye’, this high arch hydroelectric dam has been one of the favorite haunts for bungee jumpers. You require an advance reservation, a medical check and of course, the proper height and weight proportions for stepping into the shoes of 007.

Macau Tower, China - 764 ft (233 m)

This 338 m tall tower holds the provisions for an observation deck for relaxing as well as for undertaking daring sports like bungee jumping or ‘sky jumping’ as it actually feels like. It counts among one of the giddiest entertainments that Macau has to offer to its visitors and locals.

Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge, USA - 1053 ft (321 m)

Hanging above the Arkansas River, this suspended bridge is an all-time favorite bungee-jumping spot because of its amazing height. It spans over the Royal Gorge Route Railway and has a wooden plank-way for a breathtaking walk across the river.

If the above 20 spots are not exciting enough for you, then choose the Volcano Bungee near Pucon, Chile. Here, you are flown into an active smoking volcano in a helicopter and you can dive for about 450 feet towards the molten lava. Then you take a long line ride back to the airport at around 130 kph being suspended 450 feet below the helicopter. All this for just $9995, it includes other activities and accommodation.

7 Stylish Family Vacations

2009-04-20T23:49:00.000-07:00

Individuals or couples used to traveling solo may find that planning a family vacation throws a monkey-wrench into their usually fast-paced or ultra-romantic routine. Are there really any hot vacation destinations that not only tolerate but encourage the attendance of young children?

Believe it or not, there are! These family vacations are perfect for families who want to spend some time together and some time apart - no matter what age the kids are when you embark on your journey.

Hotel Hershey (Hershey, Pennsylvania)

A vacation at Hotel Hershey is a favorite amongst travelers of all walks of life - both with children and without. Who wouldn’t want to spend a day in a chocolate

And a chocolate paradise it is. The staff here is especially attentive to young guests, making sure they know they’re welcome t the Cocoa Clubhouse anytime - where scheduled and supervised activities run each and every day. Let the kids play while you relax in the chocolate spa!

Chatham Bars Inn (Cape Cod, Massachusetts)

The Chatham Bars Inn, located right on the beach at Cape Cod, is the perfect destination for those seeking a luxurious vacation destination. The children’s programs here are magnificent, running each morning, afternoon, and evening - making it easy for you to decide when it’s appropriate to go your separate ways.

The childrens programs are split into four age groups, so your child will never be exp’osed to entertainment or activities that aren’t age appropriate. Categories range from ages 4 through 16, so even the most mature teenager will find himself faced with a schedule jam-packed with fun!

Cheeca Lodge and Spa (Islamorada, Florida)

There’s plenty to do in Islamorada, Florida - but not everything is child appropriate. While mom and dad spend a day in the spa or at the adults-only pool the kids will enjoy participating in Camp Cheeca, which runs from 9am until 1pm each day.

Your little ones, ages 5 through 12, will enjoy learning to snorkel, fishing, and participating in arts and crafts projects. They’ll also enjoy a made-to-order lunch cooked especially for them. Camp Cheeca costs a mere $40 per child - small price to pay for a few hours of peace and quiet.
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Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, Michigan)

Guests under the age of 11 stay and eat at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island for free. This delightful rate is only made better by the wide variety of kid-friendly activities offered by the hotel on a daily basis.

Children will enjoy special children’s meals, exploring the butterfly house, and touring the fudge factory, amongst many other activities. The only drawback is that kid’s activities at the Grand Hotel are only available between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Rancho de los Caballeros (Wickenburg, Arizona)

The folks at Rancho de los Caballeros take a different approach to family vacations. Each afternoon between 2pm and 6pm the hotel has a designated “family time” where all activities should be done in the spirit of togetherness.

There is, of course, the Caballeros Kid’s Program, which is available for the rest of the day. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 will be occupied with fun activities while their parents go golfing or simply spend some quality time alone.

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa (Ojai, California)

Children participating in Camp Ojai will have a vacation jam-packed with exciting activities. They’ll get to visit the Inn’s working ranch, take pony rides, and visit the animals in the petting farm.

The kids will also enjoy arts & crafts, outdoor sports, and tons of other activities. While the kids are busy mom and dad will enjoy driving into Ojai to dine at one of the area’s fine dining establishments or to explore one of the many galleries and museums.

Kona Village (Big Island, Hawaii)

Kona Village is an incredible destination for families of all sizes. Not only is Kona Village set in a beautiful atmosphere, but families tend to reconnect with each other while they’re here as well. There are plenty of activities for the entire family, but the children’s programs are simply spectacular.
The kids will have the chance to participate in contests, make crafts, or swim in the hotel pool. Teenagers will enjoy learning to kayak or participating in beach sports, too. The kids clubs are offered year round except for the months of May and September, so plan accordingly.

Family vacations bring children and parents together, sure - but having a little bit of time alone is just as important. Choose a vacation destination that is kid-friendly and you’ll never return home feeling as though you spent your entire trip herding the children instead of enjoying your destination. Guaranteed!

Kings of the World - Rich Living Monarchs and their Royal Residences

2009-04-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

“Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” – so goes this age-old proverb. However, it is not just uneasiness in store for a monarch. Emperors globally have enjoyed and continue to enjoy luxurious lifestyles. Some even have 13 brides. The best levels of comfort that money can fetch are in store for the emperors globally. Be it the Sultan of Brunei or Queen Elizabeth, plush lifestyle is the mark of monarchy. There are currently 44 monarchies in the world and their combined royal wealth has shot up over US $10 trillion. One of the royal attractions is the palace of the King or the Queen. In this article, we will try to catch a glimpse of royal residences of some of the richest ruling monarchs in the world today along with a brief introduction about them.

Bhumibol Adulyadej – King of Thailand

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej (L), Queen Sirikit (C) and Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn greets a crowd from the balcony of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall at the Grand Palace on December 5, 2007, in Bangkok, Thailand.

King Bhumibol, the 80-year-old king of Thailand, is worth US$ 35 billion. He is the longest serving monarch in Thai history. He has benevolently used his royal wealth in over 3,000 rural development projects in the country. He has a world record in having the highest number of honorary university degrees (136). The royal palace in Bangkok was built in 1782. The palace consists of an aggregate of buildings on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. The total area is 218,400 sq. m. The palace has a sacred Buddha temple. You have to follow a strict dress code to enter the royal palace (this is applicable for both men and women).

Official residence: Grand Palace - Bangkok

Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud – King of Saudi Arabia

The 84-year-old king of Saudi Arabia is worth over US$ 21 billion. King Abdullah is known for his benevolence. He bore the entire expenditure of operation of Polish conjoined twins. He was reciprocated with “honorary citizenship” of the Polish town where the twins were born. The King’s palace in Riyadh is more than 1 sq. mile in area. The palace has polished stone walkways and serene water bodies. The pink palatial buildings are true architectural marvels.

Official residence: King’s Palace in Riyadh

Haji Hassanal Bolkiah – Sultan of Brunei

The 62-year Sultan of Brunei, the 29th heir to the throne of an unbroken 600-year-old Muslim dynasty, has a net asset worth of $20 billion. The Sultan has anything between 3000 to 6000 cars in his collection. The Istana Nurul Iman palace, the Sultan’s official residence, provides visitors a spectacular sight. It is the biggest palace in the world, much bigger than the Vatican palace. US$ 350 million was spent in erecting the palace. It has 1788 rooms, 257 bathrooms and the total floor area is 2,152,782 sq. feet.

Official residence: Istana Nurul Iman Palace

Hans-Adam II – Prince of Liechtenstein

The 63-year-old prince is the 15th in succession to the throne of Liechtenstein. His net worth is 5 billion US$. Castle Schloss Vaduz is his official residence. The palace overlooks the town of Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. The main alter has a late-gothic architecture. The original entrance of the spectacular palace has a height of 11 m.

Official residence: Castle Schloss Vaduz

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani – Emir of Qatar

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and his daughter and chief of staff Sheikha (Princess) Hind Bint Hamad Al Thani

Sheikh Hamad, Emir of Qatar is aged 56 and worth 2 billion US$. Sheikh Hamad is instrumental in developing Qatar’s oil and natural gas resources. His fame is also attributed to the modernization of the country’s armed forces. His Royal Palace is in Doha. He does not live there. The palace is mainly used for parliamentary affairs and for receiving guests.

Official residence: Royal Palace in Doha

Mohammed VI – King of Morroco

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and Princess Lalla Salma

The 46-year-old Moroccan king has asset strength of 1.5 billion US$. The king is reputed for his drive to modernize the society and inject a culture of accountability. He has tried to eradicate poverty from Moroccan society. The Royal Palace in Rabat is open to the public. The king has a personal mosque within the palatial complex. The palace is famous for its lush green gardens and the entrance gates are truly majestic.

Official residence: Royal Palace in Rabat

Albert II – Prince of Monaco

Prince Albert II, aged 50, is the current ruler of the Principality of Monaco. His net worth is 1.4 billion US$. He is the first head of state to have visited the North Pole. He is also the Global Advisor to Orphans International. His palace remains open to the public during the summer. The palace hosts many functions ranging from open-air concerts to children’s Christmas parties. It has an Italian-styled gallery and lot of awesome salons. The palace has several attractions. Among them the Throne Room, which overwhelms you with memoirs of the Renaissance period, and the Sainte-Marie Tower are notable.

Official residence: Prince’s Palace of Monaco

Qaboos Bin Said – Sultan of Oman

Qaboos Bin Said, the Sultan of Oman, has royal properties worth $1.1 billion. The 67-year-old Sultan captured the throne after overthrowing his father. His riches are accounted to surplus oil production. He owns a 500 ft yacht. The Al Alam Royal Palace, the residence of the Sultan, overlooks the serene Muscat harbour. The regal palace is an exquisite marvel of art and architecture. Simply stated, the palace seems to be taken out of a fairy tale book.

Official residence: Qasr al Alam Royal Palace

Prince Karim Al Husseini Aga Khan – leader of 15 million Ismaili Muslims

Prince Aga Khan, aged 71, is the spiritual leader of 15 million Ismaili Muslims. Aga Khan, worth 1 billion US$, chairs the Aga Khan Development Network that invests in Asian and African development projects. He donated his palace to India in 1969 in the honor of Mahatma Gandhi and the Gandhian philosophy. The palace, located in Pune, India was built in 1892. The main aim behind construction of the Aga Khan palace was to provide employment to local people hard-hit by famine.

Official residence: Aga Khan Palace

Elizabeth II – Queen of U.K.

Queen Elizabeth II is the oldest living emperor in the history of United Kingdom at the age of 82. Her net worth is 650 million US$. She plans to rule until she becomes physically unable. The Buckingham palace is the official residence of the royals. It is also a site for hosting state occasions and welcoming international guests. The palace, having 775 rooms, is kept open for visitors on a regular basis.

Official residence: Buckingham Palace

Sheikh Sabah Al-Sabah – Emir of Kuwait

It is interesting to note that Sheikh Sabah Al Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, does not have a royal blood. He was the foreign minister of Kuwait and ascended to the throne in 2006 after the crown prince became too ill to rule. The royal wealth is estimated at 500 million US$. However, his wealth comes in the form of a stipend. He is promoting economic reforms in Kuwait currently. Dar Salwa palace is the official residence of the Emir.

Official residence: “Dar Salwa” Palace

Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard – Queen of Netherlands

Queen Beatrix Armgard, the queen of Netherlands, has a net asset worth of 300 million US$. The queen is rumoured to have stepped down so that his eldest son can ascend the throne. This will make her son the first Dutch king in over a century. Huis ten Bosch Palace is the official royal palace of the queen.

Official residence: Huis ten Bosch Palace

Mswati III – King of Swaziland

King Mswati, the king of Swaziland, has a net worth of 200 million US$. The king, ascending to the throne at a tender age of 18, has reportedly spent 2.5 million US$ to celebrate 40 years of his country’s independence along with his 40th birthday. He leads a lavish lifestyle and has 13 brides. Lozitha Palace is the official residence of the king.

Official residence: Lozitha Palace

Albert II – King of Belgium

Albert, the king of Belgium, is the titular head of state. He symbolizes the entire nation and appoints the Belgian cabinet after an election. The Royal Palace in Brussels, known as Palais Royal, is the King’s palace. However, he prefers to live in Chateau de Laeken. The Royal palace is a neo-classic architectural marvel. It is open to public during summer.

Official residence: Royal Palace in Brussels

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Mizan Zainal Abidin – Sultan of Terengganu, Malaysia

Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al Wathiqu Billah, Al-Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Al-Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Al-Haj (Center)

Yang Zainal Abidin, the Sultan of Terengganu, is the youngest Malay ruler. There are six sultans in Malaysia. One of these six, in this case Yang Zainal Abidin, has been elected as the King of Malaysia. He is the constitutional head of the country. His official residence is Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur. The palace has a ground area of 28 acres. It overlooks the Klang River.

Official residence: Istana Negara - Kuala Lumpur

Margaret II – Queen of Denmark

Margaret II, the queen of Denmark, is a great painter. She is also known for her addiction to tobacco. The queen has multiple palaces. The winter residence is at Amalienborg palace; the summer residence is at Marselisborg palace (or Graasten Palace or on the royal yacht); and the spring and autumn residence is at Fredensborg Palace.

Official residence: Amalienborg Palace ( winter )

Akihito – the Emperor of Japan

Emperor Akihito is the 125th emperor of Japan. His rule is now merely ceremonial. The king is considered to be a direct descendent of God. The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is the official residence of the emperor. It is open to the public on just two days of the year – January 2, when the king wishes New Year to his subjects, and on December 23rd – his birthday.

Official residence: Imperial Palace in Tokyo

Abdullah II – King of Jordan

King Abdullah is the constitutional head of Jordon and retains substantial power. He has contributed greatly to the economic revival of the country and he is applauded for his pro-reform outlook. He is an alumnus of the Oxford University. The Raghadan Palace is the official residence of the King.

Official residence: Raghadan Palace

Henri – Grand Duke of Luxemburg

Henri, the Grand Duke, is the head of the state of Luxemburg. He is known for his anti-euthanasia stands. Interestingly, he is a member of the International Olympic committee. The Grand Ducal Palace is his official residence. It is an awesome palace, located in the middle of the city. Built in 1572 as a town hall, it has become a palace replete with history.

Official residence: The Grand Ducal Palace

Harald V – King of Norway

Harald V is the king of Norway. The king has no real powers, but only ceremonial authority. He resides in the Royal Palace in Oslo. The palace was built in the first half of the 19th century.

Official residence: Royal Palace, Oslo

Juan Carlos I – King of Spain

Juan Carlos I, the king of Spain, is highly popular among his subjects. He helped in establishing democratic governance in Spain. The Royal Palace in Madrid is the designated residence of the King, although the king prefers to live in a smaller palace on the outskirts of Madrid. The Royal Palace is still used for state occasions. It is the largest palace in Western Europe. It has a total area of 135,000 sq. m and has over 2800 rooms.

Official residence: The Royal Palace of Madrid

Carl XVI Gustaf – King of Sweden

The present monarch of Sweden is King Carl XVI Gustaf. He is the seventh king in the Bernadotte dynasty of Sweden. The Royal Palace of Stockholm is the official residence of the king. However, the private residence of the royal family is the Drottningholm palace. The palace has 609 rooms and is considered as one of the largest royal palaces in the world.

Official residence: Royal Palace of Stockholm

Norodom Sihamoni – King of Combodia

Norodom Sihamoni is the king of Combodia, although under the present constitution, he has no real power. The royal palace of Phnom Penh is his official residence. The palace was constructed over a century ago and it hosts all major ceremonial functions of the country. Foreign dignitaries also stay here.

Official residence: Royal Palace of Phnom Penh

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk – The Dragon king of Bhutan

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchukm is the Dragon king of the secluded Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. The Oxford-educated bachelor of 28 years is the youngest reigning monarch in the world. The Tashichoedzong Palace is the official residence of the royal family. The palace houses the government and the central clergy of monks. It remains open to the public during festivals, weekends, and after office hours.

Official residence: Tashichoedzong Palace

George Tupou V – The king of Tonga

George Tupou V is the ruler of the Polynesian archipelago that consists of 150 islands. The king lives in the royal palace of Nukualofa, the capital. The palace is wooden and is not open to the people. The king made strong fencing arrangements after some people broke the old, sacred fence after 1990.

Official residence: Royal Palace, Nuku’alofa Tonga

Letsie III – The king of Lesotho

Letsie III is the king of Lesotho. Interestingly, Lesotho is the only independent state in the world that lies over 1000 meters above sea level. The Royal Palace in Maseru is the official residence of the king.

Official residence: Royal Palace in Maseru, Lesotho

The Five Most Amazing Zoos and Animal Shelters in the World

2009-04-20T23:39:00.000-07:00

1 Lujan Zoo, Argentina

Often referred to as the most controversial and dangerous zoo in the world, Lujan Zoo is one of the few places in the world where you can have a relatively safe close encounter with some of the most vicious wild animals on Earth.

For an entrance fee of $7 you can observe all the wild animals just like you would at any other zoo in the world. But for an extra $50 and a signed document, stating that, if you get attacked by any of the wild beasts the zoo takes no responsibility, you’re free to get up close and personal with whatever animal you want. All visitors, even kids, can pick up smaller animals and manhandle them at their own risk.

Safety regulations aren’t very popular at the Lujan Zoo and while you feed, pet, stroke or ride on the backs of lions or tigers, the only precaution is an unarmed zoo attendant keeping an eye on the animals. Clearly he wouldn’t be able to help you in any way if the animal should attack, but it gives visitors a sense of security.

2 Cango Wildlife Ranch, South Africa

An important animal shelter and breeding facility for endangered species, Cango Wildlife Ranch gives tourists the opportunity to get close to crocodiles in their own environment.

Crocs might seem sluggish and lazy on land, but in water they become perfect predators. That is what people at the Cango Wildlife Ranch are trying to show the world, through Croc Cage Diving. Anyone over the age of 12 can enter the cleverly designed cage and get lowered in the crocodile’s pool. The cage has an opening big enough for the giant reptile to get its nose in for people to touch, but not big enough to open its mouth.

There have been a lot of complaints from animal activists, regarding the way crocodiles are treated here, but the Cango Wildlife Ranch says all the crocodiles featured in Croc Cage Diving were born in captivity and are used to being surrounded by people.

3 Sriracha Zoo, Thailand

Just as controversial as Lujan, the Sriracha Zoo in Thailand claims to have a population of 400 Bengal tigers and over 10,000 crocodiles. But that’s not what it is most famous for. This is probably the only place where you can see tigers and pigs living together as families.

These “happy families” of mixed species are amazing to look at, and people come from all over the world to see tigresses nurturing piglets as if they were her own. The experts at Sriracha Zoo have so far succeeded in building “happy families” with tigers, dogs and pigs.

There has been a lot of criticism surrounding Sriracha Zoo, as activists claim the animals are mistreated, often beaten and tortured to put on a show for the tourists. Others say taking the tigers cubs away from her mother and giving them to a surrogate pig-mother, has serious health implications on the tigress.

4 The Tiger Temple, Thailand

If there is such a thing as a place where humans and tigers can interact in…more natural conditions, it has to be Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua temple, also known as the Tiger Temple. Those who have visited this special holy place says the tigers seem really happy to find themselves surrounded by people everyday, and the fact that there have been no accidents in the ten years of the temple’s existence, stands as proof.

Established in 1994, when an orphaned tiger cub was brought by villagers, the Tiger Temple now has 34 big cats living in harmony with the monks. The head abbot says he considers the tigers his family, one is his brother, another his sister and so on.

As you might expect, there have been voices that accused the monks of drugging the tigers, but the temple denied these allegations and invited anyone to spend some time at Tiger Temple and film whatever they wish, to convince themselves and the world of the natural harmony between humans and tigers.

5 Maetaman Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, Thailand

A recent article stated there are now six elephant centers in northern Thailand, where elephants have been taught to paint. I’m sure every one of them is very talented, but the most famous painting elephant, Hong, lives at the Maetaman Elephant Camp, in Chiang Mai

Hong was featured in a video that became very popular on the internet, in which she painted an elephant holding a flower, using only her trunk. It took years of practice but Hong proved animals do have an artistic side. Even if they are just reproducing the paintings learned in years of training, you have to admit the elephants’ feat is nothing short of extraordinary.

Thanks to Hong and her brethren, elephant art has become very popular and paintings are reportedly being sold for as much as $25,000. The money raised go to supporting the elephants and funding new projects.

Seasonal Delights:Top 10 Spring Destinations for 2009

2009-04-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

Nature is at its blooming best and you find the most romantic, soothing and stunning settings as shades change and bright colors start to appear. It’s spring. Fresh green grass carpets, lovely flowers and buzzing life make sure that there is no better time to take a vacation, but traveling in spring is also about staying dry and keeping away from the wet spots. Let’s get started on the dreamy-eye journeys across the planet’s very best …

Paris— The city of love

April and May are the most wonderful months to tour Paris, our first and arguably most-loved spot on spring sojourn. A cool and magical trip through the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Cemetiere du Pere-Lachaise and the Louvre is only the beginning of the many, Paris has to offer. Fashion capital of the world and host to the French Open tennis tourney and Paris marathon, there is plenty to do in the city of lights.

Sydney

When it’s spring in the Northern hemisphere, then it’s fall in Australia, and there is plenty to do when you head south there. And as you read this, the 2009 National Trust Heritage Festival is on— a celebration of Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. Then there is the Harbor Bridge and the Opera House to enjoy, and if you have more time the the beaches will offer you more than you would bargain for.

Cape Town

Once again in the Southern hemisphere, Cape Town has a bundle of varied delights to offer no matter which time of the year you head there. With the Table Mountain, its national park, Shark Bay, the meeting of Pacific and Atlantic oceans, the great wineries, sumptuous food and shopping malls to spend your money, the largest city of South Africa will keep you on your toes and thoroughly entertained.

Amsterdam

This is one spot on your spring journey, that epitomizes one of the popular symbol of spring time— tulips. Dressed in its finest best in April and May with millions of graceful flowers blooming, Amsterdam welcomes you with a lovely warm atmosphere, thousands of bridges and canals to take a stroll and amazing architecture, Amsterdam will put up its charms to make sure you come back.

Singapore

If you go for shopping and a green environment in the heart of a well-connected and sophisticated South East Asian city, by all means your spring vacation should not miss Singapore. With plenty of ultra-modern fun activities on offer, close proximity to nature and even a dazzling Spring Festival sponsored in a huge way by the nation’s tourism board, you will always feel welcome here. The warmth of the people, the fun rides in the theme parks and odd trek into wilderness should make for a perfect holiday.

Acapulco

There is almost an unanimous agreement that this sandy paradise in Mexico is one of the hottest spring destinations in the world, if not the hottest! Beaches, bikinis, skirts, girls, parties, nightclubs, cruises and more hot girls… this is a heaven for those single gangs. Known for its sun-filled shoreline, high fashion consciousness and always on lifestyle, Acapulco is an irresistible stop.

Tokyo

Tokyo would probably rank a lot higher on this list if it were not for the city’s scorching heat at times. Despite the hot outdoors, Tokyo is still a wonderful spring spot with a variety of Asian delights on offer— lots of electronic gadgets, busy streets, ancient history and modern parks. If you wish to experience the ancient orient in spring time, then Tokyo is the city that meets your needs perfectly.

Malta

Crystal waters, magnificent beaches, hilltop bastions, colossal temples, limestone cliffs and the Mediterranean climate that will put you at ease, Malta is an amazing destination for the true traveling enthusiasts. And with the best time to visit the small island, between April and June, Malta should definitely be on your list if you’re planning to leave this month.

Daytona Beach

So who loves to go to Florida and Daytona Beach during the spring break? Well, almost everyone. Considered a top destination in spring time not just in the US, but all around the globe, Daytona Beach is all about life in the fast lane. With beach parties, dancing, music, spas, luxury cruises, sexy sirens and fast cars, there’s a spring flavor attached that you shouldn’t miss.

Negril, Jamaica

Talking about spring break and missing the Caribbean? A large beach resort town, Negril is Jamaica’s hottest spring spot with beach bonfires, waterfall trips, parties and more parties included. Definitely a tropical paradise with stunning cliffs that get the eye, that should be enough to convince you to sail to Negril.

Top 10 Forested Nations on Earth

2009-04-20T23:31:00.000-07:00

The United Nations is more than just an organization whose objective is to uphold international law and security. The U.N. is also a source of untold statistical data about our world, with a slew of adjunct associations that cover a vast array of relevant material, from natural resources to economic and social development.

Take the Food and Agricultural Organization on the U.N. for example. Since 1945, the FAO has led efforts to combat global hunger and mitigate the destructive consequences of famine. As a result, the organization is heavily invested in techniques to modernize the overall food production and agricultural landscape of nations around the globe, in order to achieve proper and sustainable nutrition standards.

The FAO also employs a slew of experts in the fields of agronomy, forestry, livestock, fishery, economics and much more, who, in order to devise formulas to improve the lot of the poor and hungry, collect, analyze and disseminate data about, in effect, our world.

With a copious database of statistics on hand, one of the more remarkable figures the FAO keeps tabs on is a list of the most forested nations in terms of percentage. Although subject to change from year to year, recent results may actually surprise you. Here then, are the top 10.

Sweden

With half of net national income in direct relation to the export of forestry products, Sweden is without a doubt, a forest nation. Over 66% of the country is in fact forest, in the form of Norway spruce and Scots pine for the most part. As a result, the populace of the progressive nation have a deep and almost spiritual connection with the land.

North Korea

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or North Korea, is not just the stronghold of comical and enigmatic dictator Kim Jong-il. The nation between China and the Republic of Korea is also rich in temperate forests, with over 1,100 species of flora, from medicinal plants to conifers.

Finland

Another area of Scandinavia with a surfeit of forest cover is Finland. The majority of the country is awash in boreal coniferous forest and as a result, forestry is the lynchpin of the national economy. The foremost social democracy has a love affair with nature and the land. Private citizens account for over 60% of forest land ownership and access, for the most part, is free for all.

Discover beautiful Finland with superb deals on Helsinki hotels.

Palau

The island nation 800 km east of the Philippines is a young country and relatively rich in natural resources. Once subject to a fierce tug-of-war between the United States of America and Japan, the Republic of Palau’s vast archipelago is over 85% forest and rich in mineral deposits.

Brunei Darussalam

The powerful sultanate of Brunei Darussalam is in northwest Borneo. Independent from the United Kingdom since 1984, the home of the Sultan of Brunei, who at one time or another has had the most colossal personal fortune in history, is not unlike the rest of Borneo. In other words, replete with natural wonder, in the form of a wild, dense network of rainforest canopy.

Guyana

With estimates of tree cover that run in excess of 94%, Guyana is indeed rare in the world of forestation. On the tip of South America, the only former British colony on the continent has more in common with proximate neighbor Trinidad from a cultural standpoint than with border nations like Venezuela and Brazil. The vast river systems of the Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice provide Guyana with a lush, verdant and relatively unexplored landscape.

Gabon

The equatorial nation of Gabon in west central Africa has a diverse network of ecosystems in play, with rainforest cover throughout much of the land. With coastal plains, savanna and mountains, Gabon’s biodiversity is almost peerless on the continent and government efforts in the realm of preservation have been notable. Over 11% of the country is under the domain of a national park system.

Suriname

Guyana’s neighbor to the east, the Republic of Suriname shares to a great extent, the fluvial and tropical landscape typical of the north coast of South America. The lush rainforests of the country are fed by a system of six major rivers that flow from south to north. Like Guyana, the nation once known as Dutch Guiana is for the most part, untamed and uninhabitable, which makes it a favorite with eco-tourists.

Solomon Islands

Just east of Papua New Guinea, in the Oceania subregion of Melanesia, are the Solomon Islands. The archipelago nation of more than 1,000 islands is home to two rainforest ecoregions that support a wide range of exotic flora and fauna.

French Guiana

Again, the north coast of South America proves to be the leader in the world when it comes to forestation. Along with Suriname and Guyana, French Guiana helps form a triumvirate of nations with wild, uncultivated swaths of land that comprise over 95% of the entire country. The overseas department of France, between the Atlantic Ocean and Brazil, is within the equatorial zone of South America, with vast alluvial plains and a wet, tropical climate. New construction links underway between the capital Cayenne and the province of Amap? in Brazil will hopefully usher in a bountiful era of tourism to the country.

10 Places to See the World’s Biggest Trees

2009-04-20T23:27:00.001-07:00

Looking for something different to do on a lazy weekend? Perhaps a trip to the nearest park or forest to explore the terrain is in order. Imagine the look of wonder on your child’s face as he stands next to the trunk of one of the largest trees in the world, suddenly realizing how tiny he is in comparison. The biggest and best trees can be found all over the world. Check out a few of these incredible species.

Douglas Fir

Deep within Point Reyes National Seashore park in California, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the Douglas Fir tree. Simply look up and you’ll see that the fir trees stand taller than most of the other trees on this side of the Inverness Ridge. A Douglas Fir is a coniferous tree that can range from anywhere between 20 and 120 meters, or 394 feet, tall. This makes it one of the tallest tree varieties in existence.

Mountain Ash

The Mountain Ash tree, also known as eucalyptus regnans, is most commonly found in Southeastern Australia. There are a number of different trees that use the name “mountain ash” and none of them are related. This particular tree, however, is a different species of Eucalyptus that can grow up to 230-400 feet tall. The tree is known for being the tallest flowering plant in the world. The ones pictured were seen outside of Marysville in Victoria, Australia.

Karri

A Karri tree is yet another species of Eucalyptus and is also most commonly found in Western Australia. Its 90-meter height ranks it amongst the tallest trees in the world. The Karri tree is usually only found in high rainfall zones. Due to its brilliant colors, and because termites don’t like the taste, the wood of the Karri tree is often used in building homes and roof tops. In Gloucester you’ll find a tree that was pegged so that visitors could climb it to watch for brushfires. Don’t climb if you’re afraid of heights!

Kauri Pine

The Kauri Pine tree, also known as the agathis, can be found across a number of Pacific countries and islands, including Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, and Malayasia. These trees have existed since the Jurassic period and usually feature incredibly wide trunks. The trees grow tall, but normally don’t have branches until high up in the tree itself. Look south of the equator for these monstrous trees, especially in places like Waipoua Forrest in New Zealand.

Turkey Oak

The Turkey Oak tree is also known as the Turkish Oak. This specific variety of oak tree can usually be found in the southern portions of Euripe and Asia. These gigantic trees grow up to 40 meters tall and features trucks up to two meters in width. If you thought the acorns falling in your backyard were huge, imagine having one with a 2 centimeter (almost a full inch) cup fall on your head? Keep your eyes peeled for these trees in places such as the Croome Landscape Park in Worcestershire, England.

Coast Redwood

Coast Redwood trees are part of the Sequoia family and are also commonly referred to as California Redwoods. These amazing trees live over 2,000 years each and grow to incredible heights (380 feet) and widths (26 feet in diameter). Coast Redwoods can be found along the Pacific Coast of North America and are most well-known in California. Popular places to see these trees are in Redwood National Park and in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Sitka Spruce

The Sitka Spruce tree can be found along the west coast of North America, ranging from Kodiak, Alaska all the way down to Fort Bragg, California. The Sitka is the largest variety of spruce tree and the third largest conifer tree species in the world. These trees grow anywhere from 50-100 meters tall, with trunks in diameter from 5-7 meters. The tallest Sitka trees can be found in Pacific Rim National Park in Canada, in Olympic National Park in Washington, and in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in California.

Montezuma Cypress

The incredible Montezuma Cypress tree is native to the southern portion of Mexico, but can be found in the southern part of Texas as well. The tree grows incredibly fast and is very tolerant to droughts, perfect for the weather in the Mexican highlands. These trees average heights up to 40 meters tall with a 3 meter diameter, but often grow even larger. We’ve spotted them all over southern Mexico, especially in places like Oaxaca.

Jarrah

The Jarrah tree is one of the most popular eucalyptus species. Found in Western Australia, this tree grows up to 40 meters tall and 3 meters in diameter. It is unique in that its roots reach almost as far into the ground as it is high, giving the Jarrah the ability to find water during droughts. These trees also store carbohydrates that allow them to rebuild if they are damaged in wildfires. The flowers are great for making honey, and the wood is excellent for cabinets and furniture. Watch for these trees on your next trip through Australia - they’re difficult to miss.

Giant Redwood

The Giant Redwood, otherwise known as Giant Sequoias and Sierra Redwoods, are classified as one of the three types of redwood trees in existence. These trees are not known as one of the largest simply due to their height, but because of the combination of height and width. The average tree grows up to 280 feet tall but can also have a width of up to 24 feet! The bark itself is often up to three feet thick. The best place to see the biggest Giant Redwood trees is in Sierra Nevada, California. You may also find some protected trees in Kings Canyon National Park and at the Giant Sequoia National Monument.

Remember, when it comes to trees, the tallest trees aren’t always the biggest. Don’t forget to check out both the height and width of the trees you choose to explore. If you should happen to find a tree trunk that’s been cut, remember to count the rings to figure out how old he was. Enjoy!