#Amazon River Tours

[junglexperiences]

Rainy Vs. Dry Season: Which Is The Best Time For Amazon River Tours

Amazon River Tours have a huge following among backpackers. Nature lovers have so much to discover in this mighty river flowing over 4000 miles and the region is home to about 10% of the world’s flora and fauna. Therefore, Amazon cruises are both interesting and intriguing. Amazon is a must-visit destination for people interested in unusual kind of tours. If you might wonder which one is the best season for Amazon River tours, here is the answer to let you make an informed decision for best results.

The best time for Amazon River tours Just choosing a river cruise might look simple for you. You might imagine Amazon River tours like exploring a good deal, and then choosing the ship and itinerary. In this, you have not covered the biggest and the most important part namely when to sail. Remember with regard to Amazon tours, choosing the right time is as important as choosing where to go and which cruise to choose.

Weather is a crucially important aspect that will decide what you can see and do on and off the river. Access to the wildlife, excursions on the shore, and ports will highly depend on water levels and hence this is an important topic to understand.

The downsides to travel in the Amazon during wet season are a phenomenal increase in mosquitoes around this time, many hiking trails in the forest becoming inaccessible during this season making you spend more time on the skiff than on foot.

The dry season, also called as the low-water season runs from June through November. In fact, the term ‘dry’ is out of context in this rain forest as Amazon is an ever green forest. The only difference is you will come across fewer rains during this season. If fishing excursions and jungle walks are your interests, then the dry season is the best time for Amazon River tours. Since fish will swim in a lower volume of water during this season, it is easier to catch a piranha. Though this is the hottest time in the year, the mosquitoes will be fewer to contend with.

Take away Always choose your Amazon River cruise itinerary wisely and plan the tours during the right time to make the most of this fantastic experience. To this end, doing some research and updating you with some good information about the region will be highly useful.

[shewhoeatssand]

I want to befriend Kaneki and meet with him and email him forever

[danielleurbansblog]

Review: A Cold, Cold World

Synopsis: An amateur female sheriff tries to fill her late father’s boots and be the sheriff her small Washington State Mountain town needs as a deadly snowstorm engulfs the town, in this dark, twisty mystery.  The world felt pure. Nature made the location pristine again, hiding the scene from prying eyes. As if no one had died there at all. In the months since Bet Rivers solved her first…

[manurainforest]

Exploring the Treasures of the Amazon River Tours Peru

Entering the Amazon River region of Peru is akin to entering a vibrant, living Eden. In this place, the natural world thrives in its purest form, with new discoveries revealed at every bend in the river. The sounds of exotic birds fill the air, and the thick undergrowth conceals mysteries that are solely understood by the local aboriginal groups who have lived here for ages. Starting a Peruvian Amazon tour Peru promises an experience like no other, a journey that blends the excitement of seeing wildlife with a deep respect for prehistoric cultures. Read more: https://manurainforestperu.wordpress.com/2023/11/01/exploring-the-treasures-of-the-amazon-river-tours-peru/

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Macron rekindles France-Brazil relationship in widely memed Lula visit

Photos of French president’s three-day trip to Brazil to reaffirm countries’ partnership delight internet observers

If the official photos are anything to go by, Emmanuel Macron’s three-day trip to Brazil has been more romantic getaway than international diplomacy.

The French president, who ended his tour of the South American country on Thursday with a state visit to the capital, Brasília, prompted online hilarity after the publication of photos showing him being particularly chummy with his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Macron, 46, began his visit on Tuesday in Belém, the Amazonian city that will host the Cop30 climate conference next year, and the nearby Combu island.

In one photo released on 78-year-old Lula’s social media channels, the two beaming heads of state can be seen clasping hands on a boat while gazing out at the Guamá River. In another, they appear to be blithely skipping under the Amazon canopy.

Quick-witted internet users compared the images to engagement photoshoots or scenes from a romcom.

Continue reading.

[wishfishy]

When I first heard that a new Endless Ocean was going to be released, I was incredibly excited. Just absolutely over-the-moon excited. You see, Endless Ocean 2: Blue World (also called Endless Ocean 2: Adventures of the Deep) is one of my favourite games of all time. Scratch that: it is my favourite game. It was far from perfect, but I loved it dearly and happily sank hundreds if not thousands of hours into it.

EO2 is a diving game for the wii that was released in 2010, and I have never been able to find a game quite like it. The main story was a bit cheesy, but charming and engaging, with a bevy of likeable if occasionally one-note characters, and the game itself had surprising depths (diving pun fully intended). The game had 12 different diving maps in 6 locations and while the specific areas were fictitious, they were based on very real places (the South Pacific, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Arctic and Antarctic Oceans, as well as a freshwater river in the Amazon) and this was reflected in the species found in each area, with a few exceptions here and there.  You could explore shallow coral reefs, a sunken castle, ancient temples, abyssal depths, a kelp forest, sandy beaches, riverbanks, hidden coves with murals, and much more. You also had a small private island as a hub location, a personal reef you could decorate, and a public aquarium which you could fill with any of the non-legendary species you discovered.

Speaking of which, the game featured 340 different species of marine and freshwater fish, sharks, rays, marine mammals, penguins, shore birds, reptiles, crustaceans, cephalopods and other invertebrates. Some of these also had different models for young or different genders. You could find truly miniscule species that most other diving games overlook entirely in zoom-spots (such as gobies and nudibranchs), and you could interact with most by feeding, touching or even riding in the case of large marine life. And on top of this you could also find legendary creatures, which could be individuals of extant species with unusual colouring or size, or even extinct species, and could be exceedingly hard to find but entirely rewarding.

This is already getting to be much too long but on top of all this you could customize your diver character, buy things for your island hub, decorate and populate a private reef to propagate and release fish, create various aquarium exhibits, discover a great many side-quests, upgrade equipment, take and sell photographs, heal sick animals, search for and sell salvage, find collectable coins, train dolphin partners, take requests for guided tours, dolphin shows, salvage and photos, dodge or placate aggressive sharks, and more that I am probably forgetting. It’s been a while since I’ve played the game, as I no longer have a wii and don’t have the first clue on how to emulate games on my PC. All this is to say that this game was something special, and I have never been able to find anything remotely close to it. And seeing as how the last one was released almost 15 years ago, I had long given up hope for an Endless Ocean 3.

And then lo and behold, a trailer dropped from out of nowhere for Endless Ocean Luminous! And it was releasing in a month! Holy Shit! What!? Yes!

But alas, the more information came out about the game, the more that excitement started to wane. A focus on multiplayer? Procedural generation? Only one map? The only character being an AI that sounded like all those awful tiktok voices? To be clear, I wasn’t expecting Luminous to be the next GoTY. I wasn’t even expecting it to be an exact replica of EO2, or continue the storyline. If it had even a fraction of what I liked about the previous game I was going to be one happy camper. I assumed that the marketing was focusing on the multiplayer aspect instead of the single-player story, that hopefully the procedurally generated map was exclusive to that multiplayer. Surely the single player mode would extend past what little was shown in the trailers. Some things seemed promising, such as an advertised 500+ species, and even more prehistoric marine life. But again, alas, what I have seen since the release is the barest and palest reflection of what I enjoyed about the previous game. I could understand cutting some content, such as the dolphin training and shows, considering the controversy of cetaceans in captivity. But it seems like there is no aquarium, no central hub of any type, no characters beyond the aforementioned AI and a single faceless diver, salvage reduced to a single click, an incredibly reduced story consisting mostly of scanning fish, no ability to feed or interact with fish and fish behaviour also seems to be quite reduced. At least photography still appears to be in the game, though its unclear to what point. Are there still photo requests? The ability for some critters to swim along with or attach to your diver looks cute at least. But everything I’ve watched so far just feels so… lifeless. Empty. As if the whole game was AI generated, which I’m at least %75 sure isn’t the case.

But I’m left kind of baffled by the direction that this game was taken in. I’ve been trying to find any information about it’s development with little to no success. Why the focus on multiplayer to the exclusion of a single player story beyond the bare minimum? What lead to the choice to have a single, procedurally generated map instead of separate, smaller, but more scientifically accurate maps? Or even a single smaller but purposefully designed map? Was this game more like the previous games at any point in its conception or development or was it always intended to be such a departure?

[newlullabies]

Animal Crossing x LEGO is here!!! I haven’t been this excited about a collab in a looong time hehe. here are all the details on the five new sets!

Kapp’n’s Island Boat Tour #77048— collect bamboo and coconuts, go fishing, dig for bells, relax on the beach — this set has so many cute activities to do! 233 pieces; includes Kapp’n and Marshal minifigures. — $29.99 on Amazon

Julian’s Birthday Party #77046— this set would make a great birthday present! I love all the charming little details to build, like the cake, treats, and presents. 170 pieces; includes a Julian minifigure. —$14.99 on Amazon

Nook’s Cranny and Rosie’s House #77050— the biggest set in the collab! shop at Nook’s Cranny, have cupcakes with Rosie, and discover a hidden surprise in the orange tree. 535 pieces; includes Tom Nook and Rosie minifigures. —$74.99 on Amazon

Isabelle’s House Visit #77049— this set has so many adorable, iconic ACNH elements, like a present balloon, a garden, and a mailbox. how cute is the smoke coming out of the chimney?! 389 pieces; includes Isabelle and Fauna minifigures. — $39.99 on Amazon

Bunnie’s Outdoor Activities #77047 — imho the cutest set in the collab! I adore the cherry tree, the hidden treasure, and the mechanism for vaulting across the river. I have this set on my desk right now :) 164 pieces; includes a Bunnie minifigure. — $19.99 on Amazon

[cognitivejustice]

How solar power is changing life in Ecuador's Amazon basin

For more than 40 years, the local Indigenous people, the Achuar, have been advocating to stop oil development, which has ravaged large swaths of the Ecuadorian Amazon. But even as they fought against fossil fuels, gasoline was their only option to light their homes and power the boats tied to their livelihood. This area has the thinnest electric coverage in the country. But now a smattering of solar panels across 12 villages in a couple of Ecuador’s deeply forested eastern provinces are transforming life.

Solar power is shaping how they go about daily life in ways big and small, from how they get to work to how they negotiate their connections to the world beyond the Amazon.

Photo above: A solar-powered electric boat

For generations, young men farmed the land, built huts or left their village to find work outside the jungle. Now solar panels are opening up other options.

In the Kapawi Solar Center, an open structure overlooking the Pastaza River, 20 solar panels power a dozen outlets strapped to bamboo poles. There, technicians such as Óscar Mukucham can charge up and hold workshops on how to install panels.

As a boy, Mukucham, now 23, had visions of solar boats moving through the river. Now he teaches others how to maintain them in the Amazon humidity.

Solar power is also fueling eco-tourism. The Kapawi Ecolodge, a hotel managed by the community, boasts 64 panels that illuminate 10 cabins, the dining room and other hotel facilities for 24 hours a day.

The solar boats are so quiet, they make for ideal vessels for nature tours: They don’t scare away dolphins or birds.

For Canelos, the lamps and panels are enabling a bigger vision: powering the Amazon without scarring it with roads and poles. Solar energy connects them to the world beyond their home, while preserving the ancient traditions that have sprouted from its rich rainforest floor.

“We cannot talk about the fight against extractive activities if we are consuming fuel,” he said. “Just as the sun makes life possible on the planet, it also allows the Achuar to keep their culture alive.”

Source

[newbookcats]

Ten Noteworthy and Unforgettable Stories to Stash in Your Travel Bag to Explore Both Real and Fictional Worlds on Your Next Vacation or Olympic Games

Originally posted on my blog: https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/2024/08/ten-noteworthy-and-unforgettable.html

Unless you live in the sun-blazing heat and humidity of Houston or anywhere close to the Earth's equator, Summer rolls around only once a year. Nonetheless, summer in the United States is a time of change: the weather itself turns warmer as the sun works overtime, tropical storms and hurricanes become more occurrent as beach attendance rises, another academic year ends and readies for the subsequent classes to come later, and the awaited summer vacation and family traveling. 

Whether I went to my local park or partook in a family road trip to Florida, each vacation was the most anticipated part of my summer. Moreover, partaking in exciting adventures only gave me more brownie points when I inevitably returned to school and expressed all the amusement to my classmates and friends. Nonetheless, I still left energy to read imaginary stories as well as listen to my classmates' summer stories. 

Meanwhile, to distract myself from the never-ending wait to reach a destination (seriously, how many times is too much to ask a parent "Are we there yet?"?) to the inevitable downtime needed for my family to recharge after too many waves on the lazy rivers, my requirement for serious entertainment was delivered in the form of binging episodes of true-crime from Forensic Files or a murder mystery novel...and from the title of my blog, I do not have a doubt which of the two choices I or you chose on our previous vacations. 

Thus, here are ten noteworthy stories to stash in your next vacation's travel luggage! In between glimpses of dragons and historical romances, do not forget to look up from the imaginary universe in your hands to explore reality outdoors! 

Ten Noteworthy and Unforgettable Stories to Stash in Your Travel Bag to Explore Both Real and Fictional Worlds on Your Next Vacation

 1. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Need a break from home? If yes, then may I suggest traveling with Monty along with his younger sister Felicity and his best friend/crush Percy on their Grand Tour of Europe set in the 19th century?! Not only is Monty perfectly sassy and desired by the likes of many women and men, but his desires for trouble and flirts with danger only lead this trio to life-threatening adventures only heard in tall tales. Watch out for this impeccable novel that tackles both pirates and social issues in the midst of a historical comedy and romance!

Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men. But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy. Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.[Goodreads]

2. My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

From the book that inspired the hit Amazon Prime series, it's only fitting to read the book before summer ends and compare the book to its television adaptation. Then, we may all decide whether the book is better than the series?

In My Lady Jane, coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind YA fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help. At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey is about to be married off to a stranger and caught up in a conspiracy to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But those trifling problems aren’t for Jane to worry about. Jane gets to be Queen of England. Like that could go wrong. [Goodreads]

3. The War Outside by Monica Hesse

It's 1944, and World War II is raging across Europe and the Pacific. The war seemed far away from Margot in Iowa and Haruko in Colorado--until they were uprooted to dusty Texas, all because of the places their parents once called home: Germany and Japan. Haruko and Margot meet at the high school in Crystal City, a "family internment camp" for those accused of colluding with the enemy. The teens discover that they are polar opposites in so many ways, except for one that seems to override all the others: the camp is changing them, day by day, and piece by piece. Haruko finds herself consumed by fear for her soldier brother and distrust of her father, who she knows is keeping something from her. And Margot is doing everything she can to keep her family whole as her mother's health deteriorates and her rational, patriotic father becomes a man who distrusts America and fraternizes with Nazis. With everything around them falling apart, Margot and Haruko find solace in their growing, secret friendship. But in a prison the government has deemed full of spies, can they trust anyone--even each other? [Goodreads]

4. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar. Now they’ll see; she’s much more than just the girl on the train...[Goodreads]

5. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Although this is my current read, Maniscalco has me completely trapped in impulsively purchasing a one-way ticket to Italy and engulfing plates of pasta while reading. Be sure to bring this book and a bookmark with you wherever you go to vacation because it will keep you hooked!

 Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe - witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family's renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin...desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister's killer and to seek vengeance at any cost—even if it means using dark magic that's been long forbidden. Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked—princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia's side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women's murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems...[Goodreads]

6. The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn

Anna Fox lives alone, a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine (maybe too much), watching old movies, recalling happier times . . . and spying on her neighbors. Then the Russells move into the house across the way: a father, a mother and their teenage son. The perfect family. But when Anna, gazing out her window one night, sees something she shouldn’t, her world begins to crumble and its shocking secrets are laid bare. What is real? What is imagined? Who is in danger? Who is in control? In this diabolically gripping thriller, no one—and nothing—is what it seems.[Goodreads]

7. Angelfall by Susan Ee

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back. Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel. Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl. Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.[Goodreads]

8. Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller

If you are still mourning the last book of Sarah J Maas' Throne of Glass series, I highly recommend Miller's Mask of Shadows. The story follows Sallot who is training to be a royal assassin...but only if someone does not kill them first!

Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class—and the nobles who destroyed their home. When Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The Left Hand—the Queen’s personal assassins, named after the rings she wears—Sal jumps at the chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge. But the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future, but one that Sal can have only if they survive.[Goodreads]

9. Any Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys Mystery

If your ideal read on a vacation is short but still encapsulates all the features of well-thought stories, then I highly recommend choosing a novel from either the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys series. I might also recommend bringing several of these novels, particularly if you plan to travel for several days, as they might just leave you wanting more adventure after your first look.

10. Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold by Iain Reading

Reminiscent of the Nancy Drew series, this novel is for those who have read all the Nancy Drews and are looking for more history, action, and adventure!

Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold is the thrilling first installment in a new series of adventure mystery stories that are one part travel, one part history and five parts adventure. This first book of the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency Series introduces Kitty Hawk, an intrepid teenage pilot with her own De Havilland Beaver seaplane and a nose for mystery and intrigue. A cross between Amelia Earhart, Nancy Drew and Pippi Longstocking, Kitty is a quirky young heroine with boundless curiosity and a knack for getting herself into all kinds of precarious situations. After leaving her home in the western Canadian fishing village of Tofino to spend the summer in Alaska studying humpback whales Kitty finds herself caught up in an unforgettable adventure involving stolen gold, devious criminals, ghostly shipwrecks, and bone-chilling curses. Kitty's adventure begins with the lingering mystery of a sunken ship called the Clara Nevada and as the plot continues to unfold this spirited story will have armchair explorers and amateur detectives alike anxiously following every twist and turn as they are swept along through the history of the Klondike Gold Rush to a suspenseful final climatic chase across the rugged terrain of Canada's Yukon, the harsh land made famous in the stories and poems of such writers as Jack London, Robert Service and Pierre Berton. It is a riveting tale that brings to glorious life the landscape and history of Alaska's inside passage and Canada's Yukon, as Kitty is caught up in an epic mystery set against the backdrop of the scenery of the Klondike Gold Rush. Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold is a perfect book to fire the imagination of readers of all ages. Filled with fascinating and highly Google-able locations and history this book will inspire anyone to learn and experience more for themselves as Kitty prepares for her next adventure - flying around the world![Goodreads]

Love,

newbookcats

What stories that you read on vacation were so noteworthy that it surpassed your trip experiences? Were any of the novels so good you felt forced to shout its praises from clifftops, or were any so bad that you hid the evidence of your bookish guilt in a dark cave for only Wilson volleyballs to find? Which of my above picks would receive Gold at the Olympics? Correspond with me in the comments below or via my social medias. Talk to you soon!

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[chaletnz]

Amazon: Palo Alto Trek

The morning after my trip, I woke up early enough to make it to the dining room for breakfast, after extraditing a huge cockroach from my room. I ate some tiny slices of bread with butter and jam, with fried plantain and orange slices on the side. I also managed to take down half a cup of coffee splashed with some mystery milk from a tin can with a hole pierced in the top – probably condensed milk. I farewelled the Puerto Rican family who were leaving the jungle today, and then went back to my room to rest again for a few more hours until it was lunchtime. When I woke again and showered, I was shocked at how manageable the temperature was after the rain. It had removed so much humidity from the air and was no longer sweltering hot. Lunch was little medallions of beef (they told us it was snake at first), with rice, yuka potato, and watermelon. After lunch Rodrigo and I headed out to Palo Alto for the day. This was meant as an overnight trip but I didn’t want to go camping feeling so weak so I asked if we could do it as a day trip. Old reliable had been fitted with an engine and had life vests strapped to the seats to make it a little more comfortable for the journey over the river. Our first stop was Santa Maria de Fatima, a more developed town in the rainforest with nicer buildings and even satellite dishes on the houses. Rodrigo took me on a walking tour and showed me plantains, papaya, huge limes, and tumbo the Peruvian giant passionfruit growing on the trees. We then walked about 40 minutes through the jungle to the campsite where I was glad to not be staying. We saw some monkeys on the way, a lot of fire ants, and a couple butterflies. At the campsite there was a boat full of rainwater that Rodrigo scooped out so that we could continue our journey. He paddled us slowly down a little lagoon with seemingly black water. It was beautiful and quiet, with just the sounds of birds chirping as we floated down. We went as far as possible in the boat before the water was too shallow and we then had to get out and squelch our way through the shallows to reach the bank. About 10 minutes later we arrived at the viewpoint tower which overlooks the lowlands and swamp area with a wide view, Rodrigo said there are giant caimans and a lot of other predtors in that area and he wouldn’t want to venture out there too far for his own safety. Thew view was impressive but the black lagoon canoe ride was truly the highlight. We paddled backwards to get back to the campsite and I had a great view, I was lucky to see a tiny monkey run on a branch all the way out to the water until it saw us, got a fright, and ran away. We then trekked the 40 minutes back to old reliable for a nice sunset ride back to Maniti Camp and dinner of the pineapple chicken, rice, fried plantains, and orange halves. I packed up most of my bag ready for departure tomorrow while the lights were on and then went to leave a tip in the tip box for the kitchen staff. The tip box was covered in ants and I wondered if they would eat it before they unlocked it and took the tips. I laid down for another early night and dreamed about my next few nights in Iquitos with air conditioning, and a much more comfortable mattress and pillow that would help the intense pain I was getting in my legs and back every time I slept here.

[sassy-radio-hazbin-queen]

Hey guys last night I had this dream of Drakepad 91.

In it Shush calls Darkwing Duck cause one of there agents called help from the Amazon apparently there's a horrid monster that's eating the males and taking the females to mate with. And Darkwing is called on the case. So he takes Launchpad and convinced Gosalyn to stay home.

When they get there they are greater by the locals and a tour guide tells them they will help them find the monster and the agent. While walking through a fast river though Drake and Launchpad are separated and both think are dead. For 3 days they are separated until they are reunited and tearful kisses everywhere. However Darkwing is a bit traumatized. They find out the agent is dead and the call was from a fowl agents who hope to sacrifice Darkwing to this monster.

The fowl agent realized though Drake is trans so he decided that Drake will be the monsters mate.

Unfortunately the dream stopped there sorry 😐. But I wanted to share this with you guys ☺️ if your interested to do a story on this please do. Thank you 🥰

[2wards-travelling]

Over a week since my last post, but we are still alive and have not been kidnapped (yet). 2 days in the Peruvian Amazon and we discovered just why it was called a rain forest. Day 1 was sunny as we raced down the river, well until the engine failed. False start and 'we needed a bigger boat' No Sharks but caiman, turtles and capybara. The piranhas didn't appear either. Stayed in a lodge type resort , electricity to charge phones etc was limited to between 5 and 10 pm, no hot water, but the bar was open 24/7. Day 2 was the wettest day ever with a 12k hike scheduled. we delayed until the rain eased, however once 6k onto the walk it pissed down again leaving the trails knee deep in shitty water. Not my favourite day so far, but we did get pissed at the bar.

Back to Lima the next day and our last supper with the group. We all promised to keep in touch and they promised to come to Liverpool in August for a weekend out. Aks and Vinny have promised to come up from London, but I will believe that when I see it. I wil still be getting the last train home using my bus pass.

Ann and I stayed a few more days in Mira Flores, before moving on to Santiago. A little bit if luxury, with roof top pool and air conditioning. plus ESPN on the tele for multiple replays of City v Bayern. Football on TV almost 24/7. They have even shown Wrexhams great escape here in Chile with the European round up. A walking tour of the City yesterday, with a lot of political rhetoric. Keeping my gob shut though before we get collared by the secret police. Still a little but volatile here, the riot police out with water cannons tonight. seems like an every day occurrence here. Didn't fancy taking any photos. Been to Valpraiso today on an organised tour. Worth the visit for beaches and so called famous graffiti artists in a very bohemian district. Also a heavy wiff of weed.

Back at our hotel now watching more champions league reruns, after organising flights and accommodation for San Pedro de Atacama ( staying in a converted shipping container, but it does have air con.) No transport from the Airport, yet so winging it a bit this time. That's what all the youngsters do.

Watch out for the next installment in a few days

I will try and post some photos but having trouble uploading them.

[dollycas]

It is my pleasure to shine the spotlight on When the Carnival Came: An Olivia Penn Mystery by Kathleen Bailey About When the Carnival Came When the Carnival Came: An Olivia Penn Mystery Cozy Mystery 4th in Series Setting - Apple Station, Virginia Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rhino Publishing LLC (November 12, 2024) Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 442 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1956270124 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1956270129 Paperback ‏ : ‎ 442 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1956270116 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1956270112 Digital Print length ‏ : ‎ 351 pages ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DHTK92M2 A mysterious murder at an abandoned military base. A carnival has rolled into town. The shocking connection forces her to choose between a dear friend and her new love. Spring is blooming in Apple Station, Virginia, and Olivia Penn's new romance is heating up. With love in the air and the carnival in town, life seems picture-perfect—until a stranger arrives at her door with carnations and a cryptic message for her friend. When Olivia follows the trail and finds her friend standing over a dead body, she discovers there’s more to the carnival than just fun and games. Compelled to keep an impossible secret from both her new love and the police, Olivia is recruited to go undercover and investigate who among the quirky carnival crew had a motive for murder. In a race to protect her friend and solve the crime, she must trust a man she never expected to see again. Together, they execute a daring plan to bring a killer to justice and save the lives of thirty very precious, valuable feathered friends. With the killer on the verge of vanishing without a trace, justice—and her life—hinge on quick thinking and a bold move. Will she and her new love survive to see another day? When the Carnival Came is the fourth book in the award-winning The Olivia Penn Mystery Series. When the Carnival Came is a small-town, cozy mystery brimming with heart and humor, featuring a charming cast of characters and a fast-paced, twisty plot. Action-packed and full of suspense, this clean, cozy thrill ride will keep you on the edge of your seat. Great Escapes Praise for When the Carnival Came: An Olivia Penn Mystery by Kathleen Bailey I like this kind of cozy mystery – a page-turning mystery brimming with cozy details AND suspects, clues, and red herrings. Adding two adorable pets (dog and cat) is a wonderful bonus. ~Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books 5-STARS Small towns, carnivals, murders, and a puzzle to solve are some topics and tropes in cozy mysteries that I enjoy, and author Kathleen Bailey’s When the Carnival Came includes them all! ~Novels Alive I am so happy to have discovered the Olivia Penn Mystery Series and look forward to reading further. I recommend When the Carnival Came for cozy mystery fans who want to read an exciting mystery and who are interested in small-town settings and a carnival atmosphere. ~View from the Birdhouse About Kathleen Bailey  Kathleen Bailey is the award-winning author of The Olivia Penn Mystery Series. She writes mysteries with heart and humor that keep to the traditional and cozy sides of crime. Kathleen has degrees in English, psychology, and physical therapy. She previously worked as a pediatric physical therapist for over twenty years with children who have special needs. She now spends her days plotting and sleuthing in Virginia where she lives with her husband and adorable feline fur baby. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and the James River Writers. Visit online at www.kathleenbaileyauthor.com. Author Links Website    Amazon     Bookbub   Instagram Purchase Links Amazon - B&N - Bookshop.org - Alibris  TOUR PARTICIPANTS November 12 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT   November 12 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT November 13 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW November 13 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT November 14 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW November 15 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW November 15 – Frugal Freelancer – AUTHOR INTERVIEW November 16 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT November 17 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW November 17 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT November 18 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT November 18 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT November 19 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT November 20 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT November 21 – Novels Alive – REVIEW November 22 – Angel's Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT November 22 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW November 23 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW November 23 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT November 24 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT November 25 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT a Rafflecopter giveaway Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article

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Explore the Wonders of OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, AZ: A Premier Marine Adventure

When it comes to unique and immersive marine experiences, OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a must-visit destination. As the largest aquarium in the Southwest, OdySea Aquarium offers a world of underwater exploration, bringing the beauty and diversity of marine life to the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo, a day at OdySea promises an unforgettable adventure filled with awe-inspiring exhibits, interactive experiences, and educational fun.

An Overview of OdySea Aquarium

OdySea Aquarium is a state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot facility that houses over 2 million gallons of water and thousands of marine animals from around the world. Since its opening in 2016, OdySea has been celebrated for its innovative design, eco-conscious practices, and engaging approach to marine conservation. From tropical fish and majestic sharks to playful otters and mysterious jellyfish, the aquarium offers something for everyone, combining entertainment and education in a way that captivates visitors of all ages.

Top Exhibits and Attractions at OdySea Aquarium

The aquarium’s thoughtful layout allows guests to journey through diverse habitats, each showcasing different regions of the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes. Here are some highlights:

1. Voyager – The World’s Only Rotating Aquarium Experience

OdySea’s Voyager exhibit is a one-of-a-kind experience where guests step into a rotating theater with four large windows, each offering unique views into various marine ecosystems. As the theater moves from one view to another, visitors encounter fascinating creatures like sea turtles, stingrays, and colorful schools of tropical fish. Voyager takes you on an underwater journey that feels like you’re in the ocean itself—without ever getting wet!

2. Shark Waters

Get up close and personal with one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring predators in the Shark Waters exhibit. Home to various shark species, including sandbar sharks, white-spotted bamboo sharks, and blacktip reef sharks, this 200,000-gallon exhibit allows you to marvel at these graceful animals from an underwater viewing area. It’s a thrilling experience for kids and adults alike to see these magnificent creatures gliding effortlessly through the water.

3. Penguin Point

Another crowd favorite is Penguin Point, where African penguins dive, swim, and waddle around in their specially designed habitat. Watching these adorable creatures play and interact is both entertaining and educational, as visitors learn about penguin conservation and the threats they face in the wild. The aquarium even hosts “penguin encounters,” giving visitors a rare chance to meet these charismatic animals up close.

4. Rivers of the World

This exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the world’s most famous rivers, including the Amazon and the Mekong. Here, you’ll see freshwater species like giant river otters, arapaima, and piranhas, each with their own fascinating adaptations to river life. Rivers of the World is a reminder of the incredible biodiversity that exists beyond the ocean and highlights the importance of conserving these ecosystems.

5. Touch Pools and Interactive Experiences

For a hands-on adventure, head to the touch pools, where visitors can feel the textures of marine life like sea stars, stingrays, and sea cucumbers. This interactive zone is particularly popular with children and provides a tactile learning experience that encourages curiosity about marine life.

6. SeaTREK Helmet Diving and Behind-the-Scenes Tours

For those looking to dive even deeper into the OdySea experience, the aquarium offers the SeaTREK Helmet Diving experience, where visitors can don a diving helmet and walk along the bottom of a giant tank filled with vibrant sea life. Additionally, behind-the-scenes tours give guests a glimpse into the aquarium’s operations, from feeding routines to animal care practices, and the sustainable systems that keep this massive facility running.

Events and Educational Programs

OdySea Aquarium offers a range of events and educational programs that engage visitors in fun and meaningful ways. These include:

Sleepovers at the Aquarium: Perfect for families or scout groups, sleepovers offer a magical night among the marine life, complete with a flashlight tour, educational activities, and breakfast.

Conservation Talks: OdySea regularly hosts presentations and talks on marine conservation, giving guests a chance to learn about environmental challenges and how they can make a difference.

Family and Toddler Time: For families with young children, OdySea offers designated times where kids can engage in storytelling, games, and marine-themed crafts.

These programs reflect OdySea’s commitment to promoting marine education and environmental stewardship in fun, accessible ways.

Tips for Visiting OdySea Aquarium

To make the most of your visit, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Plan Ahead: OdySea Aquarium can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting during weekday mornings.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: With so much to see and do, expect to spend several hours exploring the aquarium, so comfortable footwear is a must.

Buy Tickets in Advance: Tickets can be purchased online, which is a good idea to save time and skip the lines. Also, keep an eye out for seasonal discounts or family passes.

Allow Time for Dining and Souvenirs: The aquarium has a café on-site as well as a gift shop stocked with marine-themed souvenirs. Plan a break to refuel and pick up a keepsake from your adventure.

Location, Hours, and Admission

OdySea Aquarium is conveniently located in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community at 9500 East Vía de Ventura in Scottsdale. It’s part of the larger OdySea in the Desert complex, which also includes Butterfly Wonderland, the Arizona Boardwalk, and other attractions.

Hours: Open daily, typically from 9 AM to 6 PM (hours may vary seasonally).

Admission: Ticket prices vary, with options for single admission, family passes, and combo tickets that grant access to nearby attractions.

Why OdySea Aquarium Is a Scottsdale Treasure

OdySea Aquarium offers a rare blend of entertainment, education, and conservation in a family-friendly environment. With its innovative exhibits, interactive experiences, and dedicated focus on marine preservation, the aquarium is a place where visitors can marvel at the wonders of the underwater world while gaining a deeper understanding of our oceans and rivers.

Whether you're a Scottsdale local or just visiting the area, OdySea Aquarium is a destination that promises to inspire awe and curiosity in every guest. A trip here is not just about viewing marine life—it’s about engaging with the beauty and importance of our planet’s aquatic ecosystems.

So, grab your tickets, bring your curiosity, and dive into the fascinating world of marine life at OdySea Aquarium.