I soon as I heard about Tiger Temple in Thailand I felt compelled to write an article. Of course we should do what we can to ensure Tiger survival as a species, but I am not convinced that this place is the answer.
It’s potentially a great concept – but unfortunately one that I am not sure is working. Called the ‘Tiger Temple’ and run by Buddhist monks with the intention of creating an island sanctuary where tigers can roam free and visitors can interact with them…..hum, how is that meant to work with the strongest and most ferocious of cats if they haven’t been sedated? Well, rumour has it they are.
The place started as a forest sanctuary for numerous different types of animals in 1994, and they received their first tiger (found and passed on by villagers) in 1999, and more have been handed over since - the sanctuary claim generally from poaching situations where the parents of young tigers have been killed. Critics claim that many of the tigers have been illegally imported from Laos and that they have an illegal breeding program.The tiger population there has grown to an astonishing 38 tigers (as at December 2008), and it is believed that since 2007 some 21 cubs have been born there, so they know of no other existence and would no doubt have trouble if released into the wild.
Read more...
Brazil February 19-24 officially (actually goes on till February 25th)
I’m sure you’ve all seen photos of the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (which is glitz, glamour and nubile semi-clad gorgeous bodies). But are you aware of the other huge Carnival held in another part of Brazil each year?
The Salvador event is more about YOU the, the onlookers. Each year about 2 million join in the fun participating in, what is known as “The worlds largest street party”! If you don’t like crowds – and I mean vast crowds, this may not be for you! But it’s one of the most joyful and happiest of events with people coming from all over the world to participate, watch and listen to Brazilian sambas and Bossanovas, the whole town is alive with music.
You’ll see amazing costumes, be mind blown with the music and atmosphere,
Read more...
Posted by Guest Author on Sun 18th January 2009 at 03:18 AM, Filed in Europe
Hailed as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Tuscany is a wonderful mix of stunning architecture in quaint towns and villages, great food and glorious landscapes criss-crossed with Italian vineyards. It is therefore not surprising that many choose to explore the region through sight-seeing, walking, cycling, wine-tasting and feasting on Italian cuisine.
But Tuscany has a lot more to offer than your run of the mill activities and we’ve listed just a few:
Read more...
Posted by Jackie Hewett on Fri 16th January 2009 at 04:20 PM, Filed in Europe, February
February 13-24th
Have you ever been to Venice? No? Then do go; it’s one of the most amazing, fascinating cities in the world.
There is no best time to go, the summers are hot – and crowded, but the sun sparkling on the canals is breathtaking. Winter’s watery sunlight adds a different perspective to what you see – wrap up very warm, my last trip here was in a November, and my goodness we were glad of warm gloves and scarves. I could fully understand (though did not approve) of the wealthy, glamorous women wrapped in their fur coats!
Expensive – yes, but it’s a MUST on your list of places to see and savor.
But this is not an article to extol the art treasures and the fading beauty of it’s building. It’s to tempt you to visit in the chilly month of February to enjoy the carnival. Various festivals take place throughout the year, but the one in February is the highlight and the most famous.
Read more...
Posted by Jackie Hewett on Wed 14th January 2009 at 03:49 AM, Filed in Unusual Hotels
Fancy a Night in Jail? Probably not if you have recently been detained at ‘her majesties pleasure’. However, if you are looking for a really different hotel experience, or even in the name of research Trip Inspiration have uncovered what must be some of THE most unusual hotels around – and yes, incredibly there is more than one of them!
Karosta Prison, Liepaja, Latvia
This hotel was built in 1905 as a navy prison for mutinous sailors and was used by the Soviets, Nazis and Latvians. It was changed to a hotel in the 1997. For under £20 you get to sleep on real prison benches / mattresses, see the graffiti left by inmates, be subjected to bed checks and be abused in Russian (for the real KGB experience) by hotel ‘guards’. The hotels motto? ‘Unfriendly, unheated and uncomfortable’. I wonder why there are no reviews on Trip Adviser for this one?!!
Read more...
