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startrekvigilant · 6 years

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Earth in the year 2395 functions in a very different manner to any other comparable society we've known. It's a constantly moving wash of cultures and species. It's a utopia, but the point of this show is making the audience understand that even a utopic society can have corruption.

Since First Contact, vulcans have helped humans get back on their feet, and after a century of cleaning up the mess we made of each other and the planet, Earth is a comforting and enjoyable place to be. Maslow's hierarchy of needs is always fulfilled when an individual needs it, there's no longer capitalism so there's no need to slave away at a job you despise to survive.

People work because they find joy in it, people interact because they want to.

In the 24th century privacy is sacred, and if you need to be alone it's just as easy to find as it is to be sociable. Keep in mind the sheer amount of destruction the combined forces of the Eugenics Wars, WWIII, and the Dystopian Years did to the planet. Many places are unrecognizable, destroyed, changed, built up or completely abandoned. Many parts of the globe are still hazardous wastelands, some have been bombed completely off the map.

So what I'm trying to get at is that earth is structured into four main parts.

Most of the area in the world is made up of empty space as 90% of the current population reside in heavily built-up urban areas. The total population of Earth is kind of impossible to tell since many people are coming and going so quickly, however, there is about 9 billion individuals who claim earth as their permanent place of residence, meaning they live on the surface for most of the earth year.

These people live all over - cities, suburbs, farms, etc. But just please remember the world is a much different place. No one cares about countries, or nationalities or passports in the same way we do now.

This doesn't mean they no longer exist! It's just a formality now. Think of it like the brontosaurus. We know now that these creatures were actually a mix up of two separate creatures and eventually re-categorized them - but the name stuck. It's the same way for the places on a map.

Borders and state lines don't actually exist, but we still refer to places as "The Canadian/American border" because we have for so long. "Canada" and "The United States of America" aren't real places, they're just names we use to describe certain surroundings.

All of earth is accessible and no human is illegal.

Turns out people move around on the surface in fairly predictable patterns. Ribbons of human movement flow through habitable parts of the planet like rivers, and certain areas build up into impossible numbers. These huge areas crammed full of people are referred to as a megalopolis.

in other areas of the globe, sometimes surrounding a megalopolis and sometimes not, there are rows upon rows of homes commonly referred to a "The Endless Suburbia." Where these rivers of human populace taper out, there is only the pristine and cared for ecosystems, untouched wilderness and organized farmland.

The Wilderness

in the aftermath of WWIII, when the bombs finally stopped and society collapsed, human structures were engulfed by nature once more, and the planet began to take back a part of itself. Centuries later, these parts of the world are vast expanses unchecked old-growth forests and ecosystems. Yet remember the wilderness isn't empty of human activity - many on Earth still chose the Wild over civilization, or live a nomadic life outside of the monolithic cities and the endless rows of houses that surround them, living in these parts of the globe on traditional homesteads and campgrounds. The possibility of meeting another human without prior planning is slim. Much of the planet is empty space, wide open spaces where nature is finally able to heal itself.

mega + metropolis = megalopolis

typically defined as a chain of roughly adjacent metropolitan areas, coined approximately around 1915. In 2395 it's a term used to describe behemoth cities, towering into the atmosphere. They're a whirl of movement at every given time, filled with humans and aliens alike. Earth is the home of the federation after all, and these places really prove that. They exist all over the world and each one is vastly different from the other. it's a mishmash of strong human cultures and strange new alien ones. There are people everywhere. But there are also many parks, trees, gardens, and overall greenery. But the buildings are what make up everything, with hardly any horizon or break to it. For someone not used to it, it could give a person horrible vertigo.

Megalopolis' are made up of levels on a scale of 1-9.

In a level one section of a city, interaction between people is quiet and minimal. A very kind place to overwhelmed human beings or shy new arrivals. It's where many the of the senior homes and nurseries are found, as well as where the sleep pods originate - small and private enclosures with a bed and covers. They have padded walls, touch screens and dim lighting, designed to keep a single person safe and warm for however long they need.

As the levels go higher, so to does the social engagement. Level two has beautiful cafes and libraries; level three is what we would consider the shopping district, but in a society that has little to no concept of capitalism, it operates itself in a very different way. The overall feel to it is that of a giant mall - complete with food courts and window shopping.

Levels 5-7 have the best bars, restaurants, and dance clubs. It's where a majority of people live, and host some of the more famous landmarks. Level 8 have intricate, beautiful gardens and first class dining experiences. It's the most romantic of all the levels, with cascading fountains and winding canals.

Level 9 is for adults only. It's where the brothels are, where free love is found willingly and you're never really alone, baby. Level 9 is a place of excess, a never ending pride parade. Many festivals and concerts happen on level 9, and it always kind of feels like it's your birthday when you're there.

Now when I say level, I don't mean one stacked on top of the other per se, but the general idea is that each of these cities on earth are divided up into the nine sections similarly, even though each megalopolis is unique from the other. These places are always changing, moving and growing like an organic creature. It's easy to move from one level to the other, or jump between them. There are huge transporting stations on each level, with people phasing in and out constantly, from any and every different place on earth. The skies are filled with movement, shuttle pods and flying cars, zooming about different regions of the stratosphere. There is no real ground level, it all just meshes together.

Endless Suburbia

Exactly like it sounds. Just huge swaths of land stretching out for miles, all filled with houses. It looks a lot like what suburbia does today, except without roads or fences. It's beautiful well kept front yards, with criss-crossing walkways to connect them. The homes are pristine, either filled with families who have been living there for years, or completely empty, waiting for someone who needs to use a roof over their head. There are parks and nature reserves, but mostly it's row upon row of backyards and homes of every different size and style.

the things we consider private property in the 21st century (houses, cars, yards, etc) have taken new forms after the centuries of dramatic changes on earth. There are no more roads; all that activity takes place stratosphere. You'd think that would cause havoc on the weather, and you'd be right! Except for the fact that according to Gene Roddenberry (CITATION NEEDED) Humanity now has the power to control the weather...possibly thanks to the vulcans? Anyway the daily traffic of people coming and going happens too high to disturb the local fauna, flora and person. But what happens if there's a crash, or an explosion? That's what shields are for, dummy! Starfleet uses the same technology to protect starships that hold the same amount of people as a local township in endless suburbia, so it's feasible to think there's this similar bubble over heavily population regions on earth.

Looking at a map today it's hard to distinguish where these regions would be...I know for sure the main one is in North America, Starting in Alaska, it cuts through western Canada, the central united states, ending in south eastern Mexico. the east coast of the American continent is in ruins. Some of it is still irradiated. the western coast is similar but on a much smaller scale. the Megalopolis' in North America are located around the great lakes, and several are in the arctic circle.

FARM COUNTRY

of course earth would still be producing food the traditional way, agriculture is still an essential part of human society, it's physically changed the landscape of the planet. Most of the southern west coast of North America (Turtle Island) is made up of these hundreds of thousands of individual and collectively owned farms.

The countries that used to make up most of the middle east and some of south west Africa are drastically different after the events of the eugenics war, world war three, and the dystopian years that followed until First Contact. The east coast of North America - from New York to Florida - was hit particularity hard in the War Years, and in fact much of the major metropolitan areas on the coast are still considered to have dangerous levels of radiation that it is still healing from.

However, even though the areas from Southern BC extending to the gulf of California were also bombed during the war years, the damage was not nearly as extensive as the east coast. As a result, this area was able to recover much more quickly, with added thanks to the combined efforts of both humans and vulcans during the Great Rebuilding.

#original content #writing #this is a lot of my own speculation but also is seen in canon as well #star trek #to be edited #long post

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journeytoamoresustainableyo-blog · 4 years

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Blog Post - Sustainable fishing, whats the catch?

Sustainable fishing can be defined by three categories:

1. Sustainable fish stock: are there enough fish left in the ocean to continue the fishing trade without endangering a species? Fishing must maintain a level which ensures the trade can continue indefinitely and the fish population can continue to be productive and heathy.

2. Minimising environmental impact: What impacts does it cause? The level of fishing must be managed closely to ensure other species and habitats within the ecosystem are not damaged by the activity and remain healthy.

3. Effectual management of fisheries: Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fisheries must adhere with the appropriate laws and must be able to adapt to varying environmental circumstances.

Sustainability is focusing on the needs of the present without compromising the future

The goal of sustainable fishing is the assurances that there will be populations of ocean and freshwater wildlife in the future. Marine environments are home to immeasurable species of fish and invertebrates, most of these species are considered food and therefore sought after. Many of which are harvested for reasons other than food such as oysters which produce pearls used in jewellery or assorted fish oils for medicines and supplements. Fish and other marine animals have been a source of food which has for thousands of years used to feed their families and communities. It is respected and consumed globally, in many different forms by many different diverse cultures.

The demand for seafood is rising and the global is population rising. In addition, the demand for advances in technology have been on the rise consequently traditional fishing practices such as spearfishing, angling and hand gathering depleting. Modern day commercial fishing extract more than 77 billion kilograms of wildlife from the sea each year (FAO, 2018). The main concern of such a large demand for seafood and widescale fishing is that if this rate continues or worse increases it may soon result in a collapse of fisheries globally. This could result in the point of no return for many species. In order for fisheries to be sustainable they must be able to meet the needs and current demands of consumers. While maintaining their business at a degree which ensures the level of sea life remains plentiful enough that they are not at risk of species endangerment or extinction.

“Another way to prevent overfishing and bycatch is to simply abstain from eating fish and other seafood” Dr. Sylvia Earle, renowned marine scientist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence suggests “people need to take a break from eating seafood until we learn better how to maintain healthy fish and wildlife populations.”

(National Geographic Society, 2019)

So why eat fish?

There are numerous reasons for people choosing to eat fish and other seafood. Some of the popular reasons include the health benefits, many fish are high in protein, major sources of healthy long chain omega-3 fats. As well as being rich on vitamin D and selenium – an antioxidant which plays an important role in protecting the body from disease (Fernandes et al., 2012). Additionally, studies such as that by Fernandes et at., (2012) have shown that eating fish or taking fish oil supplements is good for our blood vessels and cardiovascular health. As people are becoming more aware about the negative effects of a high red meat diet, many are becoming encouraged to add more fish into their diet as an alternative, but is this really the answer? While the healthy omega-3 fats, rich in calcium and phosphorus may all sound great, is eating fish really healthier for you long term when compared to not eating any animal sourced products at all? The thought of not having an animal product on our plates for dinner time may seem absurd to some people but the question is, can we live without it? And should we?

While nutrition is important it is not the only reason individuals choose to have a seafood-based diet. Location is a big factor people often forget, for countries where fish is the main protein food source in their diet and their long-standing traditions, they are reliant on their coastal economies.

The problem with plastic

If no action is taken, there could be more plastic in the sea than fish by 2050 (Bicanski, 2018). As people become more aware of the ethical battles faced when consuming traditional cattle such as cows and pigs they may turn to fish, but is it more ethical? Data from FISH TO 2030 Prospects For Fisheries And Aquaculture projects shows that in the UK alone, the weekly consumption of fish is expected to increase from just under eight million kilograms to 9.23 million kilograms by 2030, an increase of 17% (Voegele, 2013). The current world as we know it faces a number of other issues regarding sustainability, mainly encountered from plastic waste and the pollution resulting from single use packaging waste. Well you may be thinking “what does this have to do with me eating fish?”.

In a 2017 UN report it is stated, there are more than 51 trillion microplastic particles in the sea, this is more than 500 times the number of stars in the Milky Way (United Nations, 2017).

In contrast to plastic bags, fishing gear and other macroplastic waste, microplastics are so dangerous because they are invisible to the naked eye. These microplastics get into the stomachs of the fish that we eat, resulting in plastic ending up inside of us. At this point in time more research is needed to understand exactly how ingested microplastics may affect human health. It is known however that humans are in fact eating these microplastic particles and the average person is consuming roughly 182 plastic particles a week from fish alone.

Abandoned fishing nets, cause marine wildlife threats

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United nations (FAO) state that over 640,000 tonnes (the same weight as 55,000 double decker buses) of nets, lines, traps and pots all used every year in commercial fishing are abandoned and discarded into the sea (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, 2009). This accounts for roughly 10 percent of all marine litter and that there is no sign of this slowing down. Instead it is getting worse due to the increased scale of global fishing operations. While most fishing gear is not being purposely dumped but, instead being lost as a result of storms, strong currents or from “gear conflicts” for example, fishing with nets in areas where there are bottom-traps that can entangle them are already deployed (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, 2009). These fishing nets can accidently capture marine animals such as sea birds, whales, dolphins, sharks and sea turtles (Werner et al., 2020). This causes even more unintentional damage which has further effects on species populations. Different species often ingest plastic waste including net fragments, sea turtles may mistake plastic bags or other prey. Ingesting plastic can lead to increased rates of death when the stomachs or intestines become blocked or damaged.

It’s not only marine wildlife that is affected it is also the marine environment. Commercial capture fishery methods such as dredging and bottom trawling can be especially harmful for the sea-floor habit (National Research Council, 2002). Due to the decline in traditional fisheries efforts to find previously unfished areas and under exploited fish populations. Labours have been made to develop new gear and navigational aids in order to be able to achieve this. However, it is often these new technologies that are abandoned and find their way to the seabed and pollute marine habitats. The National Research Council (2002) states that any fishing gear will affect the flora and fauna of a location. While the damage is dependent on a number of factors, for example the towing speed, water depth and the substrate over which the tow occurs. The alternatives in substrates consist of sediment type, the bed formation as well as the biological structure (sponges, corals and macroalgae). So, what are the ecological costs of this? In order to fully determine the consequences of trawling and dredging it is vital that the differences between the direct and indirect consequences are determined. Direct effects include an abundance and biomass of larger fish and species decrease. While indirect results involve the greater chance of survival for small fish due to the limited predation and competition which results in depensation effects (Shin et al., 2005). The results of this are pollution, the environmental damage, depleting marine species all of which lead to a substantial loss of biodiversity further threatening the ecosystem.

“The high seas – in other words, the oceans beyond the 200-mile national limits – are a lawless realm. Here fishing ships put out lines of hooks up to 75 miles long, which sweep the sea clean of predators and any other animals which may encounter them.” – George Monbiot

Why biodiversity is important

The marine environment contributes to many ecosystems that help maintain biodiversity in coastal and open ocean habitats. With high diversity, more opportunities for efficient resources become available, this provides stability to ecosystem processes in environments which encounter disturbances from fishing and other human influences (Strong et al., 2015). In systems where communities are species-poor they are theoretically likely to be functioning more poorly, be less resilient and resistant to human disturbances than systems with species-rich communities (Stachowicz, Bruno and Duffy, 2007). Overfishing can devastate the environment and marine ecology and disrupt the food chain entirely. For example, in the Shetland Islands seabirds such as puffins were dependent on the Sandeel for their food, when these Sandeel’s are overfished by local fisheries this depletes not only the fish, but the colonies of seabirds automatically decline due to the fight for food resources.

So, what can you do?

With all these problems it can seem like there is no way to contribute to fishing practises without causing damage, further contributing to the problem. Luckily there are many things that can be done, beginning with stakeholders in the fishing industries switching to support those already doing their part in guaranteeing fishing is done sustainably. Conservationists have put efforts into protecting marine and freshwater environments, often by seeking more traditional fishing methods such as rod and reel fishing, which is a more sustainable alternative to long lining for commercial fishers (Brown, 2019). As consumers the most effective method we can do is support small local fisheries, which are practising these strategies for sustainable fishing.

The marine conservation society (2017) provides tips for making sure consumers purchase seafood from responsibly managed sources, which are caught and farmed by fishers which catch and farm fish while minimising damage to the marine environment. World fish catch may be at an all-time high, but the majority of the world’s fisheries are in trouble. A way to help this is to start shopping small and local. This helps support the livelihoods of people and communities who fish sustainably and preserve marine life. The less fish there is in demand, the less pressure there is for large commercial fisheries, with a decrease in consumption there is a decrease in demand. Is it more ethical to stop eating fish all together? This would help reduce the pollution and risk of extinction to many species, but what would it do for the local fisheries who depend on selling fish as their only source of income? By being better informed about the damages fishing causes, you can then make more educated decisions about what is right for you and our seas. Whether that decision is to cut out fish all together, reduce your consumption, only buy from local reputable fisheries who are marine stewardship certified, or to continue educating yourself and others on the impacts large scale commercial fishing has on our planet, there is something each of us can do.

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topfygad · 5 years

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Things to do in Oman: our top 12 picks

We explore the best things to do in Oman, from modern Islamic architecture to the jagged peaks of its wild interior

Oman is an intriguing blend of the modern world and old Arabia. Unlike some of its neighbours, overdevelopment is yet to saturate the country. Lying on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world, sharing borders with the UAE, Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

Despite its neighbours, the country remains stable, peaceful and comparatively progressive. In fact, it was named in 2019 as the world’s safest country for expats.

Oman’s broad spectrum of landscapes, from dramatic forts and spectacular mountains to wind-blown deserts and pristine coastline, makes it a more adventurous alternative to Dubai. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

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Best things to do in Oman

We did a six-day dash through the north of the country, which means we didn’t manage to see all of the best things to do in Oman. Allow between seven and 10 days to see all of the below.

For us, those dive spots will just have to wait.

1. Muscat

Most visits to Oman begin in the capital city of Muscat. Pinched between the mountains and the ocean, Muscat is a refreshing take on the skyscraper-choked cities of the Gulf States.

Alas & Boots Muscat’s Muttrah Corniche at night

The Omani port capital may not have the overt glitz of its high-rise neighbours, but it exudes an understated charm and natural beauty rarely seen in the more popular cities of the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.

Read our post on the best things to do in Muscat.

2. Birkat Al Mouz

In the foothills of the Al-Hajar Mountains sits the pretty village of Birkat Al Mouz, which roughly translates as ‘pool of bananas’ – an apt name considering its position amid a sea of banana and date palm plantations.

Atlas & Boots The ‘pool of bananas’ at Birkat Al Mouz

Most visitors pause briefly at Birkat Al Mouz to take in the view of the traditional mudstone buildings en route to Jebel Akhdar. However, there are several other interesting sights to see in the village including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Falaj Al Khatmain, an active falaj (irrigation channel) nearly 2.5km long.

3. Jabal Akhdar

In the heart of the Al-Hajar Mountains, a dramatic range stretching 700km across Oman and into the UAE, lies Jebel Akhdar or ‘Green Mountain’, home to some of Oman’s finest montane scenery. Perhaps the most impressive viewpoint is found at Diana’s Point located in the grounds of Anantara Hotel.

Atlas & Boots Sunset at Diana’s Point

Diana’s Point is named after Diana, Princess of Wales, who visited the spot with Prince Charles in November 1986. A plaque reads that the couple arrived by helicopter to what was then an untouched wilderness.

Nearby is the deserted village of Wadi Bani Habib. Perched at the bottom of a valley, this cluster of decaying mudstone buildings is fringed by abundant walnut trees, making for a timeless scene.

4. Wadi Ghul

Despite being Oman’s highest peak at 3,009m (9,872ft), Jebel Shams is not the main draw to the region. Instead, it’s the astonishingly deep surrounding ravine of Wadi Ghul, known locally as the Grand Canyon of Arabia.

Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock Wadi Ghul is known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia

With vertiginous 1,000m (3,281ft) limestone cliffs plunging from the canyon rims, Wadi Ghul has a number of well-positioned car parks with expansive views and access to several established hiking trails.

5. Wakan Village

Deep in the wild rockscape of the Al-Hajar Mountains sits the mountain village of Wakan. Positioned 2,000m (6,562ft) above sea level, Wakan is a celebrated beauty spot perched above the Batinah Plain.

Atlas & Boots The Al-Hajar Mountains seen from Wakan village

Passing through the centre of the village is Walking Route 25, one of Oman’s most impressive short hiking trails. The well-paved and clearly waymarked trail begins at the watchtower in the centre of the village and leads to a picnic spot with outstanding views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

6. Nizwa

Oman’s most historic town has a postcard-perfect clutch of minarets, souks and sand-coloured buildings bunched around one of the country’s grandest forts. Nizwa played an intrinsic role in Oman’s history for well over a millennium, serving as the capital of the interior and seat of the land’s ruling imams.

Atlas & Boots Nizwa played an intrinsic role in Oman’s history

Today, the town has reinvented itself as one of Oman’s most welcoming to foreign visitors. The centrepiece is Nizwa Fort where it’s possible to catch a ‘Razha’ performance – a surprisingly joyous war dance.

On Fridays, the traditional circular Nizwa Cattle Market is a popular draw for Omani farmers and tourists alike.

7. Al Hamra

Al Hamra is one of the best-preserved old towns in Oman. Built in Yemeni style, the town’s terraces of honey-coloured mud-brick buildings melt into the foothills of the Al-Hajar Mountains.

Atlas & Boots Misfat Al Abryeen

Nearby is the tiny village of Misfat Al Abryeen, wedged in the shadow of a soaring escarpment. The hamlet, alongside the sloping limestone cliffs at the foot of Jebel Shams, completes the quintessential Omani mountainside tableau.

8. Rustaq Fort and Al Hazm Castle

The so-called ‘Rustaq Loop’ is strung out along Highway 13 and provides an absorbing one-day drive that takes in some of Oman’s finest forts, scenic wadis and even a hot spring. The three historic castles of Nakhal, Al Rustaq and Al Hazm are the showpieces of the tour, but it’s also worth pausing in Al Kasfah Hot Spring for a quick look around.

Atlas & Boots The view from Al Rustaq Fort

Al Rustaq and Al Hazm forts have both been renovated and benefit from upgraded facilities and accessibility. Both offer outstanding views of the surrounding scenery.

9. Wahiba Sands

The magnificent Wahiba Sands (also known as the Sharqiya Sands) is the Oman you’ve seen on postcards. The towering sand dunes reach up to 100m (329ft) and constantly shift in the wind. The region is virtually uninhabited apart from a handful of semi-permanent tourist camps and some local Bedu who live in scattered makeshift encampments.

Angelo D’Amico/shutterstock The magnificent Wahiba Sands

Most visitors camp – or glamp – for a night beneath a sky full of stars. The peace is somewhat disturbed by dune-bashers tearing around the sand drifts in their souped-up 4WDs leaving tyre tracks and litter in their wake.

Activities include horse riding, sandboarding, trekking and quad biking.

10. Rub’ al Khali: Empty Quarter

The Empty Quarter (the English translation of Rub’ al Khali) makes up the largest portion of the Arabian Desert and is the world’s largest area of continuous sand at around 650,000km2.

It is one of the driest regions in the world, virtually uninhabited and largely unexplored. It is magical in its expanse and silence, putting Wahiba Sands to shame.

David Steele/Shutterstock Rub’ al Khali (The Empty Quarter)

There are much the same activities on offer here. However, Rub’ al Khali is harder to reach with its access points at Ubar near the Saudi border in the south of Oman.

11. Ras Al Jinz turtle-nesting site

Oman’s most memorable wildlife experience is observing thousands of endangered Green turtles haul themselves from the ocean and up the beach to lay their eggs at the Ras Al Jinz turtle-nesting sanctuary.

Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock A turtle at Ras Al Jinz

The remote beach, on the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula, is under strict government protection and the only way to visit is to join an escorted tour. Only 200 people a day are allowed to visit, so booking is absolutely essential.

12. Diving

Oman has over 2,000km of coastline and with it comes some of the finest diving in the Arabian Peninsula. Oman has many of the same species of coral and marine life as the Red Sea, but receives a fraction of the visitors.

SeraphP/Shutterstock Oman has some of the finest diving in The Gulf

The best spots include the Daymaniyat Islands, Al Fahal Island, Bandar Khayran and Al Munnassir. In addition to spectacular reef systems, it’s possible to see turtles, nudibranches, moray eels, mobula rays, black tip reef sharks, dolphins and humpback whales.

Things to do in Oman: the essentials

What: Exploring the best things to do in Oman.

Where: We stayed at three resorts: the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Muscat in Muscat, Sahab Resort and Spa in Jebel Akhdar and Dunes by Al Nahda. Diana’s Point is located in the grounds of Anantara in Jebel Akhdar. All are highly recommended.

Atlas & Boots

Top four: Kempinski Hotel Muscat; Middle four: Sahab Resort & Spa; Bottom four: Dunes by Al Nahda

When: The best time to visit Oman is October to March when the oppressive summer heat settles to sunny days and balmy nights. It’s worth noting that it does rain in Oman so plan accordingly.

How: We took a six-day trip with Old Muscat Tourism who specialise in showcasing ‘7,000 years in 7 days’. Our guide, Adil, was knowledgeable and flexible and went out of his way to fill our day when our path to Jebel Shams was washed out by the rain.

We flew to Muscat in Oman directly from the UK with Oman Air. Book via Skyscanner for the best prices.

Disclosure: We travelled to Oman with support from the Ministry of Tourism. All publications say this, but we really don’t guarantee positive coverage. We say what we think – good and bad – so you can make informed decisions with honest advice.

Lead image: David Steele/Shutterstock

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#IFTTT #Cheapr Travels

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oselatra · 6 years

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Exploring the White River Refuge with biologist Matt Moran

Where you'll find the largest bottomland hardwood forest in the lower Mississippi River Valley.

Deep in the Delta, just a few miles north of where the White and the Arkansas rivers merge and pour into the Mississippi, you'll find the largest tree in the state. Arkansas's champion bald cypress stands 120 feet high with a circumference of 514 inches, big enough for seven tree huggers to wrap themselves around it. That's not accounting for the retinue of "knees" that crowd the cypress' base, some of them taller than a person.

Mighty though it is, the cypress is just the most prominent citizen in a vast woodland community hugging the lower White as it winds a course between Monroe, Arkansas and Phillips counties. This is the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, a sinuous island of bottomland hardwood forest rising from a sea of cotton, soybeans, rice and other row crops. At 160,000 acres, it's the largest such forest to be found anywhere in the lower Mississippi River Valley and one of the last remaining pieces of a world almost entirely lost to agriculture.

Hunters and fishermen know the refuge is one of the great natural jewels of the state, as do birdwatchers. But somehow, it's been neglected by most of the thousands of hikers and casual nature lovers who flock to the Ozarks and the Ouachita Mountains. Dr. Matt Moran, a biology professor at Hendrix College in Conway, has written a field guide that aims to change that.

Moran's "Exploring the Big Woods: A Guide to the Last Great Forest of the Arkansas Delta" (University of Arkansas Press) is an invaluable, first-of-its-kind resource for those seeking to explore the White River refuge and its smaller sister to the north, the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. He carefully documents 27 hiking and canoe trails in this Big Woods region and provides extensive context on its ecology, hydrology and natural history. Gleaned from countless hours of firsthand exploration and research over a decade, the book conveys a scientist's eye for detail and a conservationist's passion for the land in clear, accessible prose. It's available on Amazon or directly from the publisher.

One gray morning in late September, Moran, 49, took me to visit a few spots in the refuge. The 1.2-mile path to the champion cypress tree begins at a trailhead near the tiny unincorporated community of Ethel, about an hour's drive from Stuttgart.

"For natural areas, mountains get all the press," Moran said as we hustled into the forest. "The Buffalo River is beautiful — everyone knows that. This is a place to go for the biology, because there's so much going on down here. There's such abundance of life, such rapid growth. In terms of the number of animals, it's incredible. I think it's been overlooked by a lot of people."

Photography doesn't do this landscape justice; everything tends to blur together in a monochromatic jumble of chlorophyll. In person, the bottomlands just feel fundamentally different than other forests in Arkansas. I had expected a swampy tangle of brambles and brush spreading in all directions, but there's only sparse undergrowth beneath the overarching canopy of mature trees. That's because the White floods the land most years, Moran explained.

"If the water level rises above saplings' height, it'll kill them, because they can't respire," he said. "So, trees only get to reproduce during a series of dry years in a row. They have to grow tall enough to escape the flooding." That means the refuge is more traversable than one might expect. "I've walked cross-country across miles of this, and it's pretty easy."

Another perk of flooding: Ticks and chiggers are "almost nonexistent" in the bottomlands of the refuge because the annual deluge suppresses their populations. "If the mosquitoes aren't out, you're almost free of pest species," Moran said. That's a big "if," though — depending on the day and the month, mosquitos can be a severe hassle, so bring along bug spray.

Be warned also that snakes are common in the refuge, including water moccasins and sometimes timber rattlesnakes. (Wear boots. Even if you never see a snake, you will most definitely encounter mud.) So are cold-blooded creatures of all kinds: innumerable small frogs and toads, legions of turtles, the occasional alligator. Bass, crappie, catfish, gar and other fish crowd the hundreds of small lakes, ponds and rivers that speckle the region.

The flood cycle is one of the things that make the White River refuge an exceptional place. Once upon a time, most major rivers regularly overflowed their banks during heavy rainy seasons — century after century of floods in the Mississippi River Valley yielded the rich soil that makes the Delta such valuable farmland — but that natural pattern has been suppressed by means of locks, dams, levees and various other man-made interventions. Most rivers have been tamed, at least most of the time. This lower section of the White, though, still runs free and undomesticated, going where it wishes. (The closest dam on the White is the one that creates Bull Shoals Lake, in North Arkansas.)

"Obviously, all rivers flood at some point in time, but to have yearly flooding that's roughly what it was before humans came along? That's pretty unusual," Moran said.

Not every tree likes being regularly drowned, so the bottomlands are home to a distinctive set of species: overcup oak and Nutall oak, sweetgum, water hickory, sweet pecan. In the swamps, water tupelo and bald cypress dominate. I could have been convinced this forest had stood here undisturbed for millennia, but Moran said that's not the case. This land, like almost every other acre in the Arkansas Delta, was harvested for timber within the century.

"None of this is old growth forest. ... Most of it was cut in the '20s. Most of it was clear cut, and some of it was cut two or three times," he said. "What's remarkable is how big these trees are already. Because the soil here is rich, and because it's wet here all the time, they grow extraordinarily fast. Probably all these trees are 50 to 80 years old."

There are a few exceptions. The champion cypress at the end of the trail is one such survivor of pre-European times, though Moran said it couldn't be dated with any certainty because it's hollow inside and the growth rings can't be examined. The tree could be anywhere from 600 to 800 years old.

Bald cypress — which is in the same family as sequoias and redwoods — can live up to 1,500 years, Moran said. (None in Arkansas are quite that ancient, though University of Arkansas researchers have found some individuals in an old-growth stand at Bayou De View, in the Cache River refuge, that are around 1,200 years old.)

The fact the champion tree is hollow may have saved its life. "Cypress was really valuable wood because it doesn't rot," Moran explained. "Before we had chemicals for termite protection and that kind of thing, it was really valued for building material. So, most of the big cypress trees in Arkansas were cut for their timber." Loggers likely didn't spare the champion tree out of pity; they probably just thought it wasn't worth their time, because it's a little malformed. "I think this tree may have been damaged when it was young — it resprouted and the trunks fused together. Maybe that's why it has this weird shape to it and maybe that's why the loggers decided to leave it."

The hollow interior of the tree serves another purpose: a maternity ward for mother bears.

Bears, Moran said, have an "interesting problem" in the Big Woods. "In the wintertime, female bears give birth, and they do it in hibernation. ... But there's no obvious place to den. You can't den here in the ground. Why is that? Because it's going to flood, most likely. So, they find a large tree that's hollow, they climb inside of it, and that's where they give birth. And when it floods, they'll be safely up the tree, above the flood zone." (Claw marks on the big cypress indicate it's almost certainly wintertime bear territory: "I'm not going to put my head in there and find out, but I'm sure they use it," Moran said.)

Bears were once so numerous in Arkansas that it was known as the Bear State, but overhunting almost eliminated the animals. "By the middle of the 20th century, there were only about 50 bears in the entire state — right here, in the Big Woods. [This is the] last place they survived," Moran said.

Then, in the '60s, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission made the decision to repopulate the Ozarks and the Ouachitas with black bears brought from Minnesota. "There's roughly three or four or five thousand bears today in the state total, most of them in the mountains. And those are all Minnesota bears. They had to adapt to the climate, but they seem to do all right. Down here [in the Big Woods], these are native Arkansas bears."

Both populations are members of the same species, he explained, but "the ones here are much more closely related to the Louisiana subspecies of black bear. They're smaller and they're adapted to these really swampy habitats." It's unlikely they've interbred with the Minnesota transplants, because the Big Woods is cut off from Arkansas's mountains by miles and miles of farmland.

Today, there are thought to be roughly 500 black bears roaming the Big Woods, Moran said — a fairly large number for a relatively small area. But don't worry about running across one on a casual visit. Though Moran has often seen scat or scratch marks on trees in the refuge, they're so skittish that he's never encountered a bear.

Other animals are more likely to be seen. White-tailed deer are abundant throughout the woods and attract hunters every fall (there are tight quotas on the number of permits distributed). Beavers, squirrels and other rodents are common, as are small carnivores like raccoons, foxes, coyotes, river otters and mink.

And, of course, the bird life of the region is legendary. Millions of migrating waterfowl overwinter each year in farmlands adjacent to the forest, and raptors such as hawks, eagles and owls crowd the woods, along with smaller birds. Woodpeckers fill the refuge in "extraordinary densities," Moran said.

Before heading home, we stopped at the visitor center near St. Charles. Though the day had turned sunny and bright, the parking lot was almost empty — a reminder of the remoteness and relative obscurity of this place. A 1.5-mile trail behind the visitor center led us on an easy loop that includes a boardwalk traversing a swamp and a beautiful overlook of the White River itself, running broad and wild and muddy.

The loop also bisects a small stand of old-growth bottomland forest — a few trees that somehow escaped the loggers a century ago. "It's hard to emphasize how rare this is," Moran said. "I'd say there are maybe 2,000 acres in the entire Delta that were not harvested." About 1,500 acres of that is swamp forest, leaving just 500 acres of bottomland old growth. The largest such patch is found in the wildest southern reaches of the refuge, in a spot called the Sugarberry Natural Area. (It's accessible by canoe or kayak; Moran's field guide tells you how to get there.)

The ancient trees aren't the only casualties. Several species that were once cornerstones of the bottomland ecosystem have long since been exterminated locally, including elk, bison and red wolves. Others, like the Carolina parakeet and the passenger pigeon, are extinct.

Still, the efforts of the local conservationists and government agencies that created the White River refuge have yielded monumental results. The forest has reclaimed tens of thousands of acres of clear-cut land, a testament to its resilience. Many species once facing annihilation have rebounded as well, from bears to bald eagles.

Work continues to expand the refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hopes to buy another 125,000 acres from private landowners. But whether the refuge grows or whether its successes are one day retrenched depends in large part on whether Arkansans are invested in the survival of this remarkable landscape. To that end: Grab a copy of "Exploring the Big Woods" and go do what the title tells you.

* * *

Other things to do while you're in the area: Count birds

The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge hosts a Christmas Bird Count, an event in which experienced and amateur birders spend a day recording the birds they see and their number. Twelve-thousand ring-necked ducks? You betcha. This is a great way to really explore the bird life on the refuge, which in winter includes all manner of waterfowl, hawks and perching birds. It's set for Dec. 20 this year.

You don't have to wait until Christmas, however. Birders flock to the Cache River and Lower White year-round to see species that conservation efforts on the refuges are helping survive the Anthropocene onslaught. These include the swallow-tailed kite — a large black and white raptor with a distinct forked tail from the coast — that visits in spring and which biologists hope will begin to nest there. Spring also brings migrating warblers in their jewel-toned feathers, like the egg-yellow prothonotary and the increasingly rare cerulean, to raise their young. Owls, woodpeckers, flycatchers, swallows — there are all sorts of birds you've got to leave the house to enjoy in the rivers, swamps and sloughs of East Arkansas. The bird life is so significant that Audubon has declared the Cache and White River refuges as Global Important Bird Areas.

Buy waders

Mack's Prairie Wings at 2335 U.S. Highway 63 in Stuttgart — close to the flyway that brings ducks to Arkansas — is famous statewide for its hunting gear, from decoys, blinds and duck calls for the hunters to camo vests for their best friends to wear as they brave the cold waters to retrieve mallards. Nonhunters — like the birders headed over to the refuge — will find things they like, too, like rugged shirts, pants and fleecy sweaters suitable for the outdoors. Neither hunter nor birder but along for the ride? Lingerie and UGG moccasins are to be had at Mack's, right there in Stuttgart.

Eat Mexican at a food truck

The Los Locos food truck at 106 E. 17th St. in Stuttgart comes recommended for its American-style desserts by pie maven and author Kat Robinson (in "Another Slice of Arkansas Pie"), but the fajita plates, stuffed avocados, nachos and grilled shrimp will feed you up good. Have dessert, too; you'll work it off stomping in the swamp. It's open 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. weekdays.

Après slough burger, beer and live music

Kelly's On Main Street, 313 S. Main in Stuttgart, serves ample pub grub — burgers, po' boys, meatball soup, toasted ravioli — at lunch and dinner, hosts live music on some Friday nights and serves cold beer and alcohol.

Exploring the White River Refuge with biologist Matt Moran

#Exploring the White River Refuge with biologist Matt Moran

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hugecount · 6 years

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6 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Japan | Hugecount

After a long year of work, is it any wonder we simply can’t wait for our vacation? It’s a wonderful opportunity to travel someplace nice, see beautiful places, and meet new cultures. So, when traveling, you probably want to avoid tourist traps and see things really worth seeing. However, there’s always the same problem with that idea – how do you do it? In general, tourist agencies will offer trips to well-known, touristy places, which means that you’ll have to take care of the organization if you want to visit something out of ordinary.

If you plan on going to Japan you should know that the popular places such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are well worth the visit. However, if you’re going there for a second time, or for the first time but you don’t find any appeal in big cities, you may want to know about some other beautiful destinations to check out. If that’s the case, keep reading, because we’ve got just the thing for you! These six destinations are one of the most breathtaking Japan has to offer.

Shikoku

Shikoku is one of four major islands of Japan, but in spite of that fact, it’s not very popular among tourists. Boasting marvelous nature, beautiful villages and fantastic udon noodles, this island should definitely be on your list of places to see. There are plenty of things to do as well if you like outdoor activities. You can go hiking and exploring the many castles and shrines, or you can go rafting in one of many rapids on the island. The 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku are (what a wonder) located on Shikoku as well, so you can go on a Japanese-style pilgrimage.

Kyushu

Another one of the four big islands of Japan, Kyushu is as neglected by tourists as Shikoku. The major city of the island is called Fukuoka, and it is possibly the best place to live in Japan, considering its size, weather, and fantastic public transport. However, it’s not Fukuoka that’s put Kyushu on this list, it’s the island’s many natural beauties. One of the most impressive ones is the volcano of Mt. Aso – and it’s still active! Not too far away is Takachiho, which is famous for the myths that take place there. Takachiho is where Amaterasu, the Sun goddess, hid away to escape her brother, wrapping the world in darkness and making all the other gods come and try to persuade her to return. Nature is no less amazing. On a nice day, you can take a boat ride through the breathtaking gorge of Takachiho.

Tottori Sand Dunes

Out of its many natural wonders, the most surprising one is probably the desert, situated roughly three hours from Osaka. There are several peaks that will give you a magnificent view of the surrounding areas, and the place is fantastic for trekking. If you get tired of walking, however, you can get a camel ride. In Japan. Unbelievable, right?

Nozawa Onsen

For those of you who prefer winter sports, Nozawa Onsen is a beautiful destination. Aside from the wonderful hot springs, there is a fantastic ski resort. It’s a great place for your ski holidays, and it’s tourist-friendly – there are signs in English everywhere, so there’s no way you’ll get lost, and most restaurants offer English menus, so the language barrier is at the minimum.

Hokkaido

While the northernmost island of Japan can boast some tourist activity, it not nearly as much as it deserves. For those of you who love nature and spending time outdoors, Hokkaido is a place you definitely shouldn’t miss. The Furano Flower fields are a perfect romantic destination, but you should keep the season in mind – most of the flowers will be in bloom from June to September. However, pretty flowers are not the only thing worth seeing – there are many national parks, amazing wildlife, and you can do many adventure sports on the island as well.

Yakushima

Finally, the last place on this list is Yakushima, a small island near Kyushu. The scenery is like something out of Tolkien’s Middle Earth – lakes, mountains, lush green forests, and stunning waterfalls. This is yet another place that’s good for trekking, but you can also go diving around the island, and if you’re lucky you can see some of the sea turtles living there, or other, equally amazing marine life. When you get tired, go and visit some of the hot springs and recharge. With its tranquility and undisputed beauty, Yakushima is definitely one of the must-see places in Japan.

Hopefully, now you have a better idea of how to spend your holiday in Japan. There is no way you’ll regret visiting any of these destinations, so plan your trip well, pack your bags, and have fun!

Source: https://hugecount.com/travel/6-must-visit-hidden-gems-in-japan/

#Japan travel #travel guide #Travel Tips #Travel

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superkrispypeanutstudentstu-blog · 7 years

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African Travel Suggestions When Visiting Kenya

The recent Kenya elections have led to large fallout in the country and past. The main international airports embrace; Jomo Kenyatta Worldwide Airport, Moi Worldwide Airport and Eldoret International Airport. Mombasa is on the same time zone as the remainder of Kenya. Most of such safaris would invariably be the price range type. The country is called after Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. As you take pleasure in game viewing within the infinite plains of the Mara reserve, you should have a chance to see the large five(lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo) and make your tour a true African safari. For these planning a whole lot of journey by public transport or trekkers, a backpack is advisable. In Malindi, there's the most effective Sea Fishing in the African Content the place you will find sailfish. Forex Kenyan shilling (KSH) at present around Ksh67 per USD. This place is good for snorkeling, diving, fishing and surfing. Areas which might be more prone in cities are slums like Kibera in Nairobi the place there may be very poor sanitation and lack of sufficient piped water which always results in outbreaks of typhoid and Cholera. A yellow fever vaccination is advisable if the traveller comes from an infected nation or area. With many airways flying to Kenya, this airport has grow to be a travel hub for East and Central Africa. Why not spend a while in the park and take a look at the elephants, leopards and cheetahs, and naturally the lions. Packing for a trip to Kenya requires some careful thought and consideration. Right here you'll be able to calm down in the abandoned beaches away from the outside world. Residence stays have come to be the best choice in Kenya budget travel. Probably the most famous locations to view wildlife is Kenya, and what better approach to see it than on a safari. For more up close views, you can take a tundra buggy (a transformed faculty bus) into the migratory packs for a fast day-journey. The three nationwide parks function a stopover for migrant waterfowl and are major breeding grounds for the Nile crocodile, hippopotamus and a wide range of venomous snakes. Subsequently, the Federation of Tour Operators cancelled all holidays to Kenya, and lots of people previously booked to go to the fascinating country were left with no possibility however to cancel, and hurriedly verify the small print of their worldwide journey insurance insurance policies! However, it is the recreation reserves that most people visit Kenya to see, and that adventure vacationers to Kenya are particularly concerned about, so take a aircraft experience over the Meru Nationwide Park and land near Elsa's Kopje - a rocky outcrop on Mughwangi Hill in the Meru Park, where Elsa was launched by Pleasure and George Adamson back in 1958. This area is ideal for walks, picnics, trout fishing, tenting and night time game viewing. Most persons coming to Kenya would love a possibility to visit this wildlife reserve. It additionally has a Safari Stroll - a really unique facility that permits one to see almost all the animals of the jungle in just a short walk! From April 2009 to November 2009, the range has been roughly 1USD: KES74.00 to 1USD: KES80.00. Most banks supply extra competitive rates than inns however the numerous international alternate bureaus obtainable in Mombasa will most likely offer you the very best charges with out a fee charge. Due to altitude and topographical differences of the varied areas, these seasons and temperatures aren't uniform and range greatly. Malinda is another a part of Kenya you should not miss: located on the Indian Ocean Malinda affords Hemingway's a luxurious resort that gives the perfect private service. Up to now there have been 600 deaths and some 250,000 folks (greater than the alleged 'majority' of Kibaki) fleeing their houses. Hotel bill funds- This can be often be paid in shillings or convertible foreign forex. There are common worldwide flights into Mombasa's Moi International Airport however extra choices can be found for flights into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, from where you may connect with Mombasa. The kind of luxurious you may expertise on these journeys is unbelievably excessive, and journey travel to Kenya shouldn't be all safaris and living tough. The long coral seashores and the Malindi Nationwide park are the highlights of this stunning Island. Many of the times they're dearer but you could still get a very good deal for those who guide early. When planning your journey to Kenya, you need to consider taking injections so that you do not contract any ailments. A component from this, there are different journey locations where you may spend your holidays and have complete journey. The islands are surrounded by sea lions, seals, grey whales and humpback whales. However, in case you are touring alone and don't mind joining other like-minded, although strangers on safaris, you may break by the price barrier and luxuriate in magnificent safaris. The vast mouth of the coastal waters at Kilifi Creek makes Mombasa a great place for crusing and there are yachts in addition to trained crew obtainable for hire. When going out on a safari, it could be well worth it to go to the supermarket in the beginning of your journey and purchase some things. When Hudson Bay freezes, between October and November, this town is overrun with polar bears as they journey their migration path. On the Central Business District, you can visit the Kenya Nationwide Archives the place you'll peruse by way of most of the documented Kenyan info, this contains the well-known folks, historic events like the construction of the rail line from Mombasa to Uganda. Use it as a base for a trip to Lamu Island, which used to be a base for the slave trade, and on which the only means of travel other than foot is by donkey. The Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica is a brilliant rain forest that comprises over a hundred,000 acres of land and 5,000 acres of marine habitat. Another space nice for water animals is Glacier Bay in Alaska. In addition to land tours, you can even take a sea kayak across the park and see coral reefs, fish, dolphins, whales and sea turtles. It's at all times advisable to analysis your destination and what may be required of you before you plan your journey so as to avoid a scenario where you might be unprepared for certain conditions. Theodore Roosevelt is a much less well-known park and due to this fact gives nice viewing of bison, wild horses, deer and elk with out all the crowds. You can camp within the park for higher game viewing and images. Visit the magnificent Fort Jesus and harbour, see the Arab architecture in Previous City and scent the scent of spices. Subsequently, all travel to the nation was advised against, and a lot of people needed to say on their international travel insurance, which was confusing given the bizarre circumstances. Additionally do not miss the Mombasa Marine Nationwide Park, the Moi Avenue gateway arch, dhow cruises and the beaches. Mombasa is a excessive-threat area for Malaria and you will need to take a course of anti-malarial tablets. This situation was hardly secure for guests coming to Kenya. Though English is also widely spoken, it is helpful to know some common words and phrases to make use of whilst visiting Mombasa. During your keep in Mombasa, I suggest always requesting for bottled water to drink as opposed to the faucet water which is typically questionable. Moi worldwide airport -The airport is about 10 minutes from the town middle enable an additional half -an-hour on your journey to the south coast due to the ferry crossing. I think it is the warnings about how rooster tikka recipe needs to be made that turns individuals off, which by the best way is just not totally correct; you possibly can't simply fix it and forget it, but you also needn't slave over it both. A combination of the exotic seashores, marine life, world-class hotels, beautiful Islands and the friendly individuals of Mombasa make your journey an entire journey. Overseas currency reminiscent of US dollars, British pounds and Deutschmarks will be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and authorized lodges. Make full use of the view level and go to the Euphobia forest. It boasts a large fowl species and The Big Five that is Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and the Rhino which gives you every motive to travel to Kenya. From my analysis I've come up with a listing of a number of the finest locations to go to if viewing animals in nature is your goal. The Masai, Pokot and the Turkana communities are good examples of itineraries the place you possibly can learn and practice among the cultural activities. If you are travelling by home/chartered flights inside Kenya, do not forget that there are baggage restrictions, particularly on smaller aircraft. Calvin Cottar is without doubt one of the greatest guides in the country, and will take you on a recreation drive in a 4WD or perhaps a more traditional ox cart. Jomo Kenyatta is the main arrival level for all visitors flying to Kenya. Marsabit National Park is the most remote national park in Kenya, positioned in a desert region. After a current go to to Yellowstone Nationwide Park, this felt especially true for me. A traffic jam caused by young buffalo calves and their mothers crossing the road is an expertise to not be missed. On the Tsavo Nationwide Park, (the biggest Park within the country), you will find massive herds of Elephants, volcanic hills and rivers. There have been efforts by the government of Kenya to attempt to eradicate Malaria by providing free drugs and this may really help in decreasing this disease. 4 climatic zones exist: tropical, equatorial, semi-desert and desert. Wildlife has made this East African nation some of the favourite tourist points of interest on this planet. There aren't any restrictions on the quantity of international forex that may be introduced into Kenya, but taking out more than 500,000 Kenya Shillings requires written authorization from the Central Bank. Yellow fever can be prevalent in Kenya and what you are able to do to protect your self from this is by taking the Yellow Fever injection which usually lasts within the physique for a really very long time and is mostly recommended for travelers who're planning to stay within the country for a considerably long time. Attempt to get a private deal, with just the two of you touring, relatively than being half of a giant group, and make sure that your travel is commensurate with the luxurious you might be in search of: a minimal of business class flights, and first-class rail and road journey the place it is involved. Some components of the country are more vulnerable to disease outbreaks and so it's best to arm your self with the required injections. cheap flights to florida Mombasa enjoys a pleasant tropical climate throughout the year with the hottest months between December to April hitting a most of 31C and the cooler months between July and August with highs of 27C. Use our personalised Kenya Travel kit to print data of all this information. Sibiloi Park is Positioned at the border of the Kenya and Ethiopia. Mombasa locals use rickshaws (tuk tuks), matatus (minivans) and boda boda (bicycles) to get across the town. During your stay right here in Kenya, your lodging shall be in the best lodges, hotels and luxury tented camps the place you'll be served delicious food and drinks. These will likely be much cheaper than consuming out at exotic restaurants or motels. Wildlife and the Kenyan beaches are the principle highlights of tourist attraction. Nairobi has rather a lot provide any individual seeking adventure travel to Kenya, and you do not have to journey to unknown places to discover some of Kenya's finest saved secrets and techniques. Exhausting suitcases are very best, but can take up lots of space. Your accommodation must be the best obtainable, and the small private lodges are often the perfect. The various employees in all of the fields of tourism are trained at Utalii School which is a acknowledged center of excellence. All travellers to Kenya ought to visit their personal physicians or well being clinics four-eight weeks earlier than departure. The park is a forested mountain rising up out of the surrounding desert. This vaccination is to be taken at least two weeks earlier than you make that journey to Kenya.

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topinforma · 7 years

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Maroon 5's Adam Levine falls for a new spot on the Westside

Adam Levinewon’t be coming home to Beverly Crest anymore.The Maroon 5 frontman and his wife, model Behati Prinsloo, have purchased an estate in Holmby Hills for $18 million.

Designed by architect Caspar Ehmcke and built in 1966, the French Regency-style home sits on more than an acre of grounds that abut the Los Angeles Country Club.

Features of the 9,200-square-foot house include a garden-view breakfast solarium, scaled formal rooms and an office/den. Checkerboard marble floors create visual interest in the circular foyer. Two master suites are among the five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms.

The gated estate in Holmby Hills was designed in French Regency style by architect Caspar Ehmcke.

(Nick Springett)

Decking surrounds a quatrefoil-shaped swimming pool in the backyard. A pool house, a two-story guesthouse, a three-car garage and a gated motor court also lie within the fenced and gated grounds.

Linda May of Hilton & Hyland, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, was the listing agent, according to the Multiple Listing Service. Kurt Rappaport of Westside Estate Agency represented the buyer.

Levine, 38, is the lead vocalist and guitarist for Maroon 5. The Grammy-winning pop-rock band has hits that include “She Will Be Loved,” “This Love” and “Moves Like Jagger.” The group’s last album, “V” (2014), sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.

He is a coach on the singing competition series “The Voice.”

A move has been in the cards for Levine since last year, when he put his Beverly Crest home on the market. The 3.6-acre estate, which the singer-songwriter renovated, was last listed for $15.95 million, records show.

Giving up his slice of paradise

Mel Gibsondiscovered his 400-acre beachfront jungle getaway while scouting locations for his 2006 film “Apocalypto.” Now the actor-director, known to roam the property with machete in hand, has put the retreat in Costa Rica up for sale at $29.75 million. He previously listed it three years ago at the same price.

Called Playa Barrigona, the property includes three hilltop villas, a dining pavilion and more than two miles of coastline.

The courtyard-style main house features indoor and outdoor dining and living areas, seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms. Spanish and Italian tiles, stone carvings and native woods are among the details. One side of the house opens to a veranda, a crescent-shaped swimming pool and sunning areas.

Playa Barrigona, Mel Gibson’s private retreat in Costa Rica, is for sale at $29.75 million.

(Christie’s International Real Estate)

The other two-bedroom houses have their own kitchens, living rooms and swimming pools. A structure with an open-air dining room and commercial kitchen was shipped from Bali and reassembled on site.

The neighbors include sea turtles, ocelots and howler monkeys.

Gibson, 61, won best picture and directing Oscars for “Braveheart” (1995). His other credits include the “Lethal Weapon” films, “Signs” (2002) and “The Patriot” (2000).

Robert Davey of Plantacion Properties and Rick Moeser of Christie’s International Real Estate are the listing agents.

Headed for a breakup in Brentwood

Alanis Morissette is giving the peace sign to her longtime home in Brentwood. The singer last week listed the Mediterranean-style spread for $5.495 million.

Built in 1951 and since remodeled, the two-story house sits behind gates on a lot of more than half an acre with a swimming pool, a sports court, lawn and mature landscaping.

Features of the two-story home include vaulted ceilings, Arts and Crafts-style woodwork, French doors and five fireplaces. The roughly 5,150 square feet of living space contains open living and dining rooms, a chef’s kitchen with a curved island/bar, a library and an office/den.

The Mediterranean-style house sits on more than half an acre in Brentwood with lawns, a swimming pool, spa and sports court.

(Realtor.com)

The master suite comprises three rooms and two bathrooms. In all there are seven bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms.

The property last changed hands in 1996 for $1.795 million, records show.

Joe Babajian of Rodeo Realty is the listing agent.

Morissette, winner of seven Grammy Awards, gained fame in the 1990s with her album “Jagged Little Pill.” Among her hit songs are “You Oughta Know,” “Ironic” and “Thank U.” Her most recent album, “Havoc and Bright Lights,” was released in 2012.

New home base in a laid-back place

Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has a new dugout of his own in La Cañada Flintridge. The former outfielder bought a ranch-style house recently for $2.75 million.

At 3,600 square feet, the place has plenty of room for team parties should the National League West leaders want to celebrate.

Built in 1946, the remodeled single-story features such Tudor details as half-timbered trim, leaded-glass windows and prominent gables. A coved foyer, massive family and billiards room, an office, four bedrooms and four bathrooms are among the living spaces.

The La Cañada Flintridge ranch house sold near the end of July for $2.75 million.

(Redfin.com)

Outdoors: a patio with a fireplace, a kitchen, a waterfall spa and a slate-edged swimming pool.

Sheila Arat of Dilbeck Real Estate was the listing agent. Bruce Dilbeck, also with Dilbeck Real Estate, represented the buyer.

Public records show the property previously changed hands in 2005 for $2.125 million.

Roberts, 45, played for the Dodgers as well as the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres. He was with the Boston Red Sox when they won the 2004 World Series.

It’s a sequel kind of sale

This house may have a familiar ring. The Beverly Hills estate of late filmmaker Arthur Hiller has been flipped back on the market at about a 33% markup from the $10.3 million it sold for in mid-June.

Now priced at $13.75 million, the Mediterranean-style estate has about 8,000 square feet of living space that includes a step-down living room, a formal dining room, a chef’s kitchen, six bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms. Features include built-in bookshelves in the den and floor-to-ceiling windows in the sunroom. A discreet doorway connects the wood-paneled entry to the wine cellar.

The Mediterranean-style estate sits among mature trees on more than an acre in the lower Benedict Canyon area.

(Adrian Van Anz / Architectural by Adrian)

Mature trees surround the property, which includes a swimming pool and spa, a raised patio and a fire pit. The private and gated driveway ends at a large motor court.

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topfygad · 5 years

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Things to do in Oman: our top 12 picks

We explore the best things to do in Oman, from modern Islamic architecture to the jagged peaks of its wild interior

Despite its neighbours, the country remains stable, peaceful and comparatively progressive. In fact, it was named in 2019 as the world’s safest country for expats.

youtube

Best things to do in Oman

We did a six-day dash through the north of the country, which means we didn’t manage to see all of the best things to do in Oman. Allow between seven and 10 days to see all of the below.

For us, those dive spots will just have to wait.

1. Muscat

Most visits to Oman begin in the capital city of Muscat. Pinched between the mountains and the ocean, Muscat is a refreshing take on the skyscraper-choked cities of the Gulf States.

Alas & Boots Muscat’s Muttrah Corniche at night

Read our post on the best things to do in Muscat.

2. Birkat Al Mouz

Atlas & Boots The ‘pool of bananas’ at Birkat Al Mouz

3. Jabal Akhdar

Atlas & Boots Sunset at Diana’s Point

Nearby is the deserted village of Wadi Bani Habib. Perched at the bottom of a valley, this cluster of decaying mudstone buildings is fringed by abundant walnut trees, making for a timeless scene.

4. Wadi Ghul

Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock Wadi Ghul is known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia

5. Wakan Village

Atlas & Boots The Al-Hajar Mountains seen from Wakan village

6. Nizwa

Atlas & Boots Nizwa played an intrinsic role in Oman’s history

On Fridays, the traditional circular Nizwa Cattle Market is a popular draw for Omani farmers and tourists alike.

7. Al Hamra

Al Hamra is one of the best-preserved old towns in Oman. Built in Yemeni style, the town’s terraces of honey-coloured mud-brick buildings melt into the foothills of the Al-Hajar Mountains.

Atlas & Boots Misfat Al Abryeen

8. Rustaq Fort and Al Hazm Castle

Atlas & Boots The view from Al Rustaq Fort

Al Rustaq and Al Hazm forts have both been renovated and benefit from upgraded facilities and accessibility. Both offer outstanding views of the surrounding scenery.

9. Wahiba Sands

Angelo D’Amico/shutterstock The magnificent Wahiba Sands

Activities include horse riding, sandboarding, trekking and quad biking.

10. Rub’ al Khali: Empty Quarter

The Empty Quarter (the English translation of Rub’ al Khali) makes up the largest portion of the Arabian Desert and is the world’s largest area of continuous sand at around 650,000km2.

It is one of the driest regions in the world, virtually uninhabited and largely unexplored. It is magical in its expanse and silence, putting Wahiba Sands to shame.

David Steele/Shutterstock Rub’ al Khali (The Empty Quarter)

There are much the same activities on offer here. However, Rub’ al Khali is harder to reach with its access points at Ubar near the Saudi border in the south of Oman.

11. Ras Al Jinz turtle-nesting site

Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock A turtle at Ras Al Jinz

12. Diving

SeraphP/Shutterstock Oman has some of the finest diving in The Gulf

Things to do in Oman: the essentials

What: Exploring the best things to do in Oman.

Atlas & Boots

Top four: Kempinski Hotel Muscat; Middle four: Sahab Resort & Spa; Bottom four: Dunes by Al Nahda

When: The best time to visit Oman is October to March when the oppressive summer heat settles to sunny days and balmy nights. It’s worth noting that it does rain in Oman so plan accordingly.

We flew to Muscat in Oman directly from the UK with Oman Air. Book via Skyscanner for the best prices.

Lead image: David Steele/Shutterstock

source http://cheaprtravels.com/things-to-do-in-oman-our-top-12-picks/

0 notes

topfygad · 5 years

Text

Things to do in Oman: our top 12 picks

We explore the best things to do in Oman, from modern Islamic architecture to the jagged peaks of its wild interior

Despite its neighbours, the country remains stable, peaceful and comparatively progressive. In fact, it was named in 2019 as the world’s safest country for expats.

youtube

Best things to do in Oman

We did a six-day dash through the north of the country, which means we didn’t manage to see all of the best things to do in Oman. Allow between seven and 10 days to see all of the below.

For us, those dive spots will just have to wait.

1. Muscat

Most visits to Oman begin in the capital city of Muscat. Pinched between the mountains and the ocean, Muscat is a refreshing take on the skyscraper-choked cities of the Gulf States.

Alas & Boots Muscat’s Muttrah Corniche at night

Read our post on the best things to do in Muscat.

2. Birkat Al Mouz

Atlas & Boots The ‘pool of bananas’ at Birkat Al Mouz

3. Jabal Akhdar

Atlas & Boots Sunset at Diana’s Point

Nearby is the deserted village of Wadi Bani Habib. Perched at the bottom of a valley, this cluster of decaying mudstone buildings is fringed by abundant walnut trees, making for a timeless scene.

4. Wadi Ghul

Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock Wadi Ghul is known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia

5. Wakan Village

Atlas & Boots The Al-Hajar Mountains seen from Wakan village

6. Nizwa

Atlas & Boots Nizwa played an intrinsic role in Oman’s history

On Fridays, the traditional circular Nizwa Cattle Market is a popular draw for Omani farmers and tourists alike.

7. Al Hamra

Al Hamra is one of the best-preserved old towns in Oman. Built in Yemeni style, the town’s terraces of honey-coloured mud-brick buildings melt into the foothills of the Al-Hajar Mountains.

Atlas & Boots Misfat Al Abryeen

8. Rustaq Fort and Al Hazm Castle

Atlas & Boots The view from Al Rustaq Fort

Al Rustaq and Al Hazm forts have both been renovated and benefit from upgraded facilities and accessibility. Both offer outstanding views of the surrounding scenery.

9. Wahiba Sands

Angelo D’Amico/shutterstock The magnificent Wahiba Sands

Activities include horse riding, sandboarding, trekking and quad biking.

10. Rub’ al Khali: Empty Quarter

The Empty Quarter (the English translation of Rub’ al Khali) makes up the largest portion of the Arabian Desert and is the world’s largest area of continuous sand at around 650,000km2.

It is one of the driest regions in the world, virtually uninhabited and largely unexplored. It is magical in its expanse and silence, putting Wahiba Sands to shame.

David Steele/Shutterstock Rub’ al Khali (The Empty Quarter)

There are much the same activities on offer here. However, Rub’ al Khali is harder to reach with its access points at Ubar near the Saudi border in the south of Oman.

11. Ras Al Jinz turtle-nesting site

Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock A turtle at Ras Al Jinz

12. Diving

SeraphP/Shutterstock Oman has some of the finest diving in The Gulf

Things to do in Oman: the essentials

What: Exploring the best things to do in Oman.

Atlas & Boots

Top four: Kempinski Hotel Muscat; Middle four: Sahab Resort & Spa; Bottom four: Dunes by Al Nahda

When: The best time to visit Oman is October to March when the oppressive summer heat settles to sunny days and balmy nights. It’s worth noting that it does rain in Oman so plan accordingly.

We flew to Muscat in Oman directly from the UK with Oman Air. Book via Skyscanner for the best prices.

Lead image: David Steele/Shutterstock

from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/2vIwEjO via https://ift.tt/2NIqXKN

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topinforma · 7 years

Text

New Post has been published on Mortgage News

New Post has been published on http://bit.ly/2wBT6Jo

Hot Property: Outta this world

It’s not every week one reports on a $350-million home listing. In fact, this is the first time we’ve ever been able to do that. Chartwell, the estate of late Univision chairman Jerrold Perenchio, has come on the market as the most expensive residential listing in the U.S.

Set on 10 acres in Bel-Air, the 25,000-square-foot main house is surrounded by manicured gardens, a guesthouse, a swimming pool and a pool house.

But it’s not the only mega-manse moving to market. Owlwood, the onetime Holmby Hills home of superstar Cher, among others, has re-entered the fray at $180 million — twice what it sold for last year.

Too rich for your blood? Keep reading. We’ve stacked this week’s notable properties in order of descending price.

Once you’re done checking out these star-studded transactions, visit and like our Facebook page, where you can find Hot Property stories and updates throughout the week. That’s also a fine place to leave a tip about a celebrity home deal.

– Neal J. Leitereg and Lauren Beale

Shaving his price point

What price can you put on a dream?

For Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner, the amount just dropped from $60 million to $55 million. That’s the dollar figure he’s now asking for his 10-acre oceanfront spread in Carpinteria.

Costner purchased the freeway-close acreage about a decade ago with the vision of building his forever home there, but his plans have changed.

Set behind fences secured by cameras, the gently rolling bluff features 500 feet of oceanfront, a path to the beach and panoramic Pacific views. The Santa Barbara Mountains and islands are also visible from the equestrian property.

The actor has used the site for sports, a wedding and family enjoyment.

Costner, 62, won best picture and best director Oscars for “Dances With Wolves” (1990). This year he appeared in “Hidden Figures.”

Peter D’Aprix

Kevin Costner’s 10-acre property sits on the ocean in Carpinteria.

(Peter D’Aprix)

The price of paradise

Oscar-winning director Mel Gibson discovered his 400-acre beachfront jungle getaway while scouting locations for his 2006 film “Apocalypto.”

Now the actor-director, known to roam the property with machete in hand, has put the retreat in Costa Rica up for sale at $29.75 million. He listed it three years ago at the same price.

Called Playa Barrigona, the estate includes three hilltop villas, a dining pavilion and more than two miles of coastline.

The courtyard-style main house features indoor and outdoor dining and living areas, seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms. All the houses have swimming pools.

The neighbors include sea turtles, ocelots and howler monkeys.

Gibson, 61, won best picture and best director Oscars for “Braveheart” (1995).

Christie’s International Real Estate

Mel Gibson’s private retreat in Costa Rica is for sale at $29.75 million.

(Christie’s International Real Estate)

He judged it satisfactory

Adam Levine of Maroon 5 and “The Voice” singing competition show has bought an estate in Holmby Hills for $18 million.

Built in 1966, the French Regency-style home sits on more than an acre of grounds along the Los Angeles Country Club.

Features of the 9,200-square-foot house include a garden-view breakfast solarium, five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms.

A poolhouse, swimming pool, two-story guesthouse, three-car garage and gated motor court are within the fenced and gated grounds.

Nick Springett

Adam Levine’s gated estate in Holmby Hills was designed in French Regency style by architect Caspar Ehmcke.

(Nick Springett)

His own scene stealer

Jerry Zucker, the director of such film spoofs as “Airplane!” and “The Naked Gun,” has his longtime home in Brentwood on the market for $15.475 million.

Set behind gates in Mandeville Canyon, the 1.6-acre estate centers on a traditional-style home designed by Santa Monica architect John Byers. The 1939 house was later refinished by White House interior designer Michael S. Smith, who expanded the floor plan to 10,000 square feet.

Beyond the red front door, the stately two-story includes formal living and dining rooms, a center-island kitchen, a billiard room, an office/den, a gym, six bedrooms and 12 bathrooms.

Outside, mature trees provide cover for a large paver patio and alfresco dining area. A detached guest house, a greenhouse, a swimming pool, lawns and gardens complete the grounds.

Halton Pardee + Partners

The 1.6-acre estate in Brentwood features a main house designed by architect John Byers and later renovated by White House interior decorator Michael S. Smith.

(Halton Pardee + Partners)

Multimillion-dollar buffer zone

Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos has expanded his footprint in Beverly Hills, buying a 1956 house on a half-acre lot that backs up to the Spanish-style estate he bought in 2007 for $24.45 million. Purchase price was $12.9 million.

Talk about a real-world firewall. The two properties total about 2.5 acres.

Tax records show the four-bedroom home has 4,586 square feet of interior space on one level.

Mature trees, patio space and a swimming pool fill the backyard. A motor court with two gated entrances marks the access to the property.

Bezos, 53, has a net worth of about $85 billion.

Google Earth

Jeff Bezos’ Beverly Hills compound now encompasses roughly 2.5 acres after his latest purchase.

(Google Earth)