xperience
B
e
y
o
n
Vol. 10 June 2012
d
www.beyondxperience.com
International Xperience
Xperience
The Grand Canyon Xperience Eternal Fire
Regional Discovery
UAE’s Grand Canyon
Safari’s were fun sometime ago ...
Launching Soon ...
Brings a weekly treasure hunt for the first time in UAE, for people of all ages, groups and families to get involved and change the way you did desert safaris.
Limited Seats Every Weekend Simply logon to www.beyondxperience.com/hunt Click on the banner and get to know more about this Xpedition
Contents 5
8
10
14
21 Xperiences
17
24
27
Regional Discovery
The Great Migration �������������������������������������������6 Wadi Bih ���������������������������������������������������������32 The City of Angkor ���������������������������������������������9 Xperience Eternal Fire ������������������������������������� 10 Reader’s Xperience �����������������������������������������12 The salar of Uyuni �������������������������������������������14
International Discovery
Features
Funny, Frightening and Freezing Festivals �����18 Unique Bridges �����������������������������������������������21 Dramatic & Dynamic Dwellings �����������������������39
Culinary
Bosnia & Herzegovina �������������������������������������26 Dine in Nature �������������������������������������������������36
Editor’s Note
4
Editor in Chief: Mukesh Bhawnani Managing Editor: M. Khalid Shuja editor@beyondxperience.com Photography/Illustrations/Design: Muhammad Farooq farooq@beyondxperience.com Editorial Contributors: Michelle Mcgill Kavya Chawla Kenneth Gabac Contributing Photographer: Navin Vaswani Publisher: Media 4 FZE Fujairah Tower PO Box: 4422, Fujairah, UAE. Marketed by: Winds Advertising & Publishing PO Box: 25271, Abu Dhabi – UAE Tel: +971 (2) 677 3330 Fax: +971 (2) 679 3339 Email: tradewin@eim.ae Marketing Associates: Mashood Ali (Middle East) Jennifer Tina (United Kingdom) United Kingdom Representative Fast Track Travel 6 Way Land, Hayes UB32QU London, UK Disclaimer: While every effort and care has been made to ensure accuracy of information contain in this publication, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions it may contain. To read detailed stories about the Xperiences published in this edition please visit: www.beyondxperience.com
Editor’s Note Summers have arrived and its time to beat the heat! Beyond Xperience takes you across the world to destinations where you can make every moment special. From the natural waterfalls of South America at the devil’s mouth to the meandering wandering waterways in the Amazon, from the aristocratic hospitality on trains of the orient in Europe to being on the ramblers across the trans Siberian landscape of Russia, from the exotic unusual meals of South Asia in Vietnam to the Korian Kimchi. A sobriquet for the families looking for resorts and hotels which offer more than just good stay, offering so much to entertain, engage, learn and be inspired with, from on being on horseback to watching history , the festivals, market places of the Borneo or simply at the collectibles in the best lounges and libraries. A colorful palette on the getaways to the Andes, the Alps, across the Himalayas to the great barrier reef in Australia, some of the most incredible amazing man-made structures, like the Great Indian Wall very similar to its senior cousin from China. We invite you to indulge in the Xperience and share with us your magical moments in places previously you have had chance to explore. If you have made up your mind to pack and travel, then you have the best deals available, check out our very new www. cutthedeals.com and see surprises in store for you. Whilst our teams spread across the world send us their experiences, hope you enjoy the summer time with a getaway you can share with us. Wishing you a wonderful summer getaway.
beyond xperience l June 2012
5
Beyond Xperience
The Magnificent Skellig Michael island of Ireland Seven miles off Ireland’s south western coast lies the Skellig Michael Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Island is filled with opportunities to explore and wander. Discover a 7th century Christian monastery, which will be indeed an amazing experience. The Monastic structure over the pyramid shape Island was occupied until the 12th century, probably the climate and the weather turned the community to look to the mainland. The complex is preserved well, and certainly provides an insight into the lives of the communities which lived and built the monastery.
beyond xperience l June 2012
Beyond Xperience
6
Naples Canal, unforgettable
sunsets...
At the Naples Canal, guys play music , sing songs , worth the visit as you also hear echoes from under the bridges. Around sunset time , it is wonderful for memories, as you pass the homes, a sight so romantic, when many vows for marriage take place.
A medley of three high class residential islands with waterways, Naples, a perfect place to spend time with Venetian Gondola or kayaks. Located close to the the Los Angeles County and following Orange County , you will come across the neighborhood Naples. An adventure for almost an hour on the Gondola Getaway for approx 85 $ a couple, sporting gondolieri in striped shirts and straw hats and a refreshment without paying for corkage can be so
beyond xperience l June 2012
thrilling, you wouldn’t have it just for once, go for it every now and then. Got more on-board? the 10-vessel gondola fleet offers various options for larger groups such as the pizza cruise for a family or a group of 6-10 people at $35 per member. Looking for more?
then guess you take a swim along the tantalum restaurant overlooking the marinas on the Alamitos Bay.
7
Beyond Xperience
Norwegian mountains A birds eye view from the boulder wedged in between the Norwegian mountains
Located in Lysefjord, near Stavanger. Suspended above 984-meter deep sea, Kjeragbolten has an attractive appearance, can be reached conveniently without any special accessory, offering exquisite views of the landscape around.
challenge. Children to be avoided. Be prepared with good hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen , mineral water.
Kjeragbolten is a boulder , from where you experience a breathtaking thrill of being suspended between two cliffs. Kjeragbolten, is a popular spot among base jumpers to launch in the air, for non experienced it can be a
beyond xperience l June 2012
Beyond Xperience
8
Yanar Dag
The deepest lake , a legend from the oral traditions of 8000 years
Xperience Eternal Fire
Crater Lake
Among the top destinations for hikers and bikers the Crater lake is recognized for an enormous geological event, when people many years ago saw one of the largest volcanic eruptions here, which was so terrifying that it has been passed down to the current generation of the native community for nearly 8000 years. Known by a number of names, the Crater lake “Deep Blue Lake,” named in 1853 by John Wesley Hillman who discovered it and then an American prospector. Later, in 1885, it was dubbed Lake Majesty, and finally Crater Lake. Almost 8,000 years ago volcanic mountain,Mount Mazama, exploded. The 11,000-foot-tall mountain spew its burning melting lava of the rock and
beyond xperience l June 2012
collapsed in on itself. Upon cooling it left almost 2000 feet deep , 30 square miles crator where it had been a mountain , the depth collected trillions of rain water and turned into one of the deepest lakes of the US and 9th in the world. Almost mythological, the native Klamath tribe people living there for thousands of years have an oral tradition of telling this story of the lake to their children, similarly other tribes have legends and myths of the volcanic eruption symbolizing Gods. The Klamath legend narrates a war between a fiery underworld god Lla-O and a sky god known as Skell. “ the throne rock of Lla-O burst upward and outward, and objects fell through the air, with them were stars of the heavens.
For 7 days there was no sun and no light , and every day of those seven days the yellow water-smoke took toll in agony from those that could not live.” The legend also tells “two holy men offered to sacrifice themselves by jumping into the pit of fire on top of Lla-O’s mountain,”.The final tale explains the volcanic formation of “Wizard Island,” forming a mini-crater lake— the Witches Cauldron—rising from the Crater Lake. Other than the Wizard Island, Crater Lake features, a 100-year-old “Old Man of the Lake,” a full-sized hemlock tree remains stuck vertically in the lake since 1896, and a rock called Phantom Ship Rock, looks like a ship in the misty environs of the lake.
9
Beyond Xperience
El Peñon de Guatape A ten-million-ton rock once worshipped, now a botanical garden A humongous hilly rock over 650 feet in height in Guatape, Colombia, offers an amazing experience of discovering beautiful views and a new species of plant, Pitcairma heterophila.
History has it, that El Peñon de Guatape the giant rock was once worshiped by the Tahamies Indians. A small group of people climbed the rock in 1954 through the cracks of the rock using wedged board , taking 5 days revealing beautiful views and new species of a plant. The rock began attracting people curious to see it. The rock has a smooth surface and has a crack, which was later wedged by local masons to make a 649 step staircase. The start of the seventies the area was a dam and its views changed, now it
overlooks beautiful lakes and islands. You can experience ascending the rock for 2 dollars , and discover a few religious relics and a three story lookout tower. The rock is Columbia’s national monument.
beyond xperience l June 2012
Beyond Xperience
10
Mir Diamond Mine Located in the Eastern region of Siberia the Mir Mine is the world’s largest open pit diamond mine. The mine is 1,722 feet deep with a diameter of 3,900 feet. It’s so huge that the airspace above the mine is closed
beyond xperience l June 2012
for helicopters as in few mishaps the choppers were were sucked in by the downward airflow.
World’s largest open pit mine. The now abandoned Mir Mine.
It is second largest excavated hole in the world. After the second world war, Stalin wanted to to develop Russia’s industry and henceforth large scale drilling and precision cutting needed raw material for the state. At that time private companies controlled the precision cutting of diamonds and Stalin preferred a national diamond source. Mir Mine officially opened in 1957 under harsh weather conditions. Large quantities of gem quality diamonds were discovered during the early 1960s. Today, Russian mines provide almost 21 percent of all diamonds produced. Mir Mine, was closed in 2001 due to reduction in accessing rough diamonds by conventional methods. The mine was privatized and it engaged new methods in production. Russia will still have diamonds to last for another 27 years.
11
Beyond Xperience
Titan Missile Museum
America’s only nuclear missile silo for an experience of a lifetime Titan Missile Museum reminds us of a past that would have been the future, an amazing experience awaits you there.. Located in the vast hot Arizona desert , a huge complex with the nuclear missile silo stands out , which was once the largest nuclear missile silo in the United States. In 1982, silo was decommissioned and became open to the public. What you will see in the silo, a missile that was used for training exercises , the
control room, living apartments , living quarters built to survive a direct attack of nuclear blast. The corridors is like no science fiction. The tour provides a simulated launch, complete with secret codes and two-key ignition, a count down, and a blastoff. The nuclear winter, and destruction is for you to imagine really. On a few nights of the
year, you can even arrange to sleep in the old crew’s quarters, where men and women spent their lives awaiting the signal for nuclear war, which never took place.
beyond xperience l June 2012
Beyond Xperience
12
Mount Roraima The Majestic Mount Roraima Floating Island
This geological wonder is a breathtaking . Mount Roraima, surrounded by countries like Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana, their border combine and intersect on the massive shelf, which is surrounded on all four sides by 400-meter high cliffs. While its cliff walls are only scalable by highly experienced of climbers, there is a hiking path is also up the mountain’s natural ramp-like path, a two day hike. Mount Roraima, part of Venezuela’s 30000-square-kilometer Canaima National Park, is the site of the highest peak of the country of Guyana’s Highland Range. The mountains of this range, including Roraima, are
beyond xperience l June 2012
some of the oldest geological formations known, some dating back to two-billion years ago. Unique climatic conditions and weather trigger almost daily rains which have also created a unique ecosystem which includes several endemic species, including a unique carnivorous pitcher plant, and this region enjoys some of the highest waterfalls in the world. The mountain is revered in local folklore
and legends among the local people then, so much that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel, The Lost World as well as for Paradise Falls in the 2009 Pixar films were made.
13
The Great Wall of India
The massive fort of Kumbhalgarh is protected by the great wall around it, which is not much know to the world outside. We hear it often being mentioned as the Kumbhalgarh Wall, and befittingly is the Great Wall of India. It extends over 36 Kilometers around the the fort, becoming the second-longest continuous wall after the far more well-known Great Wall of China.The Kumbhalgarh wall protects
a secret, the fort which constitutes over 300 ancient temples.
The ancient fort of Kumbhalgarh wall was constructed half a millennium ago in tandem with Kumbhalgarh Fort itself. The wall is breathtakingly majestic as it curves through the landscape, valleys , crests, mountaintops, strikingly similar to the great wall of China. The widest sections of Kumbhalgarh wall are 15 meters thick, and masoned to perfec-
Beyond Xperience
Experience History and secrets on the second-longest continuous wall on the planet tion , hundreds of thousands of stone bricks have been decoratively flourished. The wall is be seen as an experience that conjoins the past with the modern day. Kumbhalgarh Fort with its imposing quality of construction and its contouring great wall render the fort to a shape of a huge mountain. Tourists will experience it as a place which is historical, alluring, and not frequented much. This is a great experience for the off-the-beaten-path travelers, the walls are tall, the stone hard, many of the traps long the wall and fort have been deactivated, but sometimes incidents can happen, just exercise attention and caution whilst visitng.
beyond xperience l June 2012
Beyond Xperience
14
Crabs of Christmas Island The Christmas Island witnesses every year a scarlet color phenomenon , this is the mad rush of the Red Crab from the forest to the sea. Hundreds of thousands of Red Crabs are the terrestrial inhabitants which are unique to this area, the little red crablings are born in the ocean. Around October or November as the weather becomes right, the scarlet Red Crabs swarm over the island, on roads, via homes
and the schools, beneath foot, every car tire, inside shoes, every available space about one hundred million of them. The people of Christmas Island have been experiencing this yearly phenomenon of being right in the middle of this passage of the migration path of millions of red crabs, the army of these crabs as they march to their mating grounds, after all the island belongs to them. Patient people are cautious of themselves, watching their feet and
beyond xperience l June 2012
the crabs, by reducing to drive, their are road signs “Crabs Crossing” signs on the roads. However still a few millions of crabs get killed during their migrations to vehicles, animals, and tourists who dont care. As the Red scarlet Crab mass reaches the shores of the ocean and mate, they begin their revert to the woods , males followed by females, wait for their offspring to return. Larval crabs are born in sea , after a few weeks , as they would have grown into their land legs, it is then that they return
to the forest from the shores. Each female gives birth to a 100,000 hatchlings , imagine the the sheer number of teeny tiny crabs on their way back swarming over everything. The experience of watching this massive migration, you may be mising out on something special. A species called the “yellow crazy ant” has begun to decimate the red crabs dangerously putitng the red crabs population to almost extinction. The tenacious crabs now face ant-induced extinction.
15
Beyond Xperience
letting you a peep into the dense forest with crocodiles, toucans and panthers. This is an exciting journey. Once you get off the train, walk on to the metal walkway which meets the upper Iguazu river , right through looking at the bottom almost floating over the expanse of the river. The viewing platform dangerously perches on to let you view the heights and depths of the Devils throat. Almost 500 feet long and 260 feet high the waters ferociously gush into the throat, you cannot see the bottom ever enough steeped with cloudy mist. You cannot have or expect fun as you witness the Devil’s throat, it dominates your senses, there is anxiety if you go for a peek from over the walkway platform
Standing in Front of the Devil’s Throat
An amazing experience awaits you at the Iguazu Falls, waterfalls across the border of Argentina and Brazil. The Iguazu Falls are a part of La Garganta del Diablo or the Devils throat.
Voted as one of the new Seven Wonders of the Natural World, Iguazu Falls will leave you speechless in utter awe. Iguazu Falls is extremely intense and humongous that it would belittle the rest of the waterfalls on the planet. Constituting 275 independent theatre walls of water, averaging 210 feet in height.
At a distinct point you can actually experience Iguazu Falls amphitheater and feel the 260 degrees literally natural real 3d environment of waterfalls. Jet boat trips are aplenty to the base of the waterfalls, swimming whilst roped , the peaceful floats and take as much pictures. But the best experience is walking on to the metal plank and standing at the heart of the devils mouth. Getting there is no less than exotic adventure. Get on the Ecological Jungle Train,
edge on the cliff. The ruggedly constructed platform is secure, however being at the edge and watching the devil’s mouth leaves you aflame with the fury of nature that raises certain emotions in even the strongest of journeymen. Watch rainbows emerge from the mists, and as winds rush upwards, the mind is overpowered by the foam formed by the thunderous falls , leaves you awestruck silencing other voices in the mind. An experience to conjure for ever.
beyond xperience l June 2012
Beyond Xperience
16
ROME - ASSISI - SIENA - FLORENCE - BOLOGNA - PADUA - MONTEPULCIANO - VENICE
Romance with
Italy
USD
1249 4 Nights / 5 Days Inclusive Accommodation in 4 * Transportation Half Board Basis Xcursions/Xperience For more information contact 0529178991 http://www.islands.com/wallpaper/grand-canal
beyond xperience l June 2012
17
Beyond Xperience
Explore Andros Island
The island of Andros, one of the central islands in the Aegean Archipelago, is considered to be a doorway to the Cyclades group of holiday islands. Andros has it all: a great history, a friendly atmosphere, and an astonishing nature where a visitor can enjoy one of the Cyclades’s greenest scenery, in addition to a wide range of healing fountains and blooming valleys.
In terms of variety, being the biggest Cycladic island, Andros offers its vacationers the chance to visit many different-sized beautiful villages, such as the island’s capital Chora, Apikia, Messaria, Paleopoli, Korthi, Batsi, and the port Gavrio. Therefore, it is advised that visitors have cars, in order to facilitate their commute. Car rental agencies are widespread in Andros, and they do rent cars at fairly reasonable prices. Being a well-known tourist destination, Andros features many attractions that can fully satisfy a visitor. Just like most places in Greece, English is widely spoken and understood in Andros. The beautiful nature of Andros seems to reflect onto the spirit of its people, as the locals are friendly and they still take pride in maintaining their traditions of hospitality and celebrating life. The local cuisine of Andros is a diffusion of Mediterranean flavors, a cuisine that is rich in seafood, vegetables, and fruits. The kindness of the people of
Andros makes the island’s atmosphere warmer and more inviting; hence, it is guaranteed that a holiday in Andros is something that one can never forget. Apart from its wonderful clean beaches, Andros is notable for its beautiful mountainous nature that captures one’s heart. Thus, a vacationer in Andros has the privilege to see a bunch of different unique sites, such as: Chryssi Ammos, Pythara, Dipotamata, Remata, Gialia, Piso Gialia, and Achla. For fans of water sports and sailing, Andros is the place to go. The beaches are ideal for scuba-diving, wind-surfing, and for amateur fishing. Besides, the island has a lot to offer in terms of shopping and nightlife. Clothing, traditional products, gifts, and many other
types of goods are available at the local market in Andros. The island also has a lively nightlife scene with a large choice of clubs, bars, restaurants, and even open-air cinemas. The architecture in Andros is inspired by a rich history, a valuable culture heritage, and a long-standing maritime tradition. As part of displaying a rich cultural legacy, Andros gives one the chance to visit a sizable number of museums: Paleopoli Archaeological Museum, Chora Archaeological Museum, the Naval Museum, and the Modern Art Museum, as well as a number of yearly exhibitions organized by the Kidonieos Foundation. Plus, Festivals are held around the year, as so to highlight the priceless culture Andros is blessed with.
beyond xperience l June 2012
Beyond Xperience
18
10 Weird Food Delicacies From Around the World Travel is also a kind of exploration, and an exotic travel gets tastier with the native culinary preparations served with the fullest cultural dressing. Experiencing the unusual and engaging to savor food from an alien country culture can at times be a challenge or become a cherish to relish. Tasting foods prepared by the native people is the way to Go for it! This may not be to your all time liking, however, the foods showcased here though considered weird and bizarre to some, can be awesome delicacies in other countries. These foods might seem like a form of ‘extreme dining’ to us, they are in fact quite regular food to native people who eat them.
a year, nesting sites are in the coastal caves , to get the nests climbing can be an extremely challenging. The bird nests soup are in big demand so there are man-made nesting sites. In Hong Kong and in the US the largest importers a bowl of soup could be $30 to $100 per bowl, whilst a kilo of nest can cost between $2,000 and $10,000. The nest soup is a traditional preparation for hundreds of years , is considered nutritious in proteins, minerals and known to possess aphrodisiac qualities.
town which has turned the fortunes of the people. The spiders cost only a few cents and taste delicious, picked straight from the burrow and pan fried with garlic and salt. The spiders taste like scrawny chickens and are crispy on the outside with a gooey body on the inside. Puffer fish, Japan, dangerous delicacy
Fried tarantulas, Cambodia
Birds Nest Soup, China
Thinking of having a bird nest soup may bring a strange thought, imagine the leaves and twigs in the nest, the Chinese use Swifts’ nests to make this soup, known as the ‘Caviar of the East’, the Swiftlets use their saliva to make it, kind of gelatinous and rubbery. The soup is expensive due to many reasons, the swiftlets build their nests only during their mating season which could take 35 days, and just for three time harvests
beyond xperience l June 2012
People with phobia about 8 legged creatures shouldnt be tasting it. Its a vital delicacy to experience, discovered first by the starving Combodians during the brutal rule of Khmer Rouge. Now the spiders are a delicacy for tourists who come far and wide to try. They’re great big tarantulas and you can buy them in the streets of Skuon, Cambodia. The black hairy arachnids are found in the forest near to Skuon
For experience sake be careful, the deadly Puffer fish, or fugu, is a celebrated delicacy delicacy in Japan, knowing that Puffer’s skin and insides contain the poisonous toxin todrotoxin, which is 1,250 times stronger than cyanide. Expert Japanese chefs in licensed restaurants are allowed to prepare it. Or else you could get an attack of paralysis whilst still conscious and die from asphyxiation as there is no known
Beyond Xperience
19
diagnosis existing. In Thailand when PUffer was made illegal to hunt, as many as 15 people died as the sellers will dye it as pink and passed it off as salmon. Balut, Phillipines In Philippines Balut is as popular as the hot dog in the US and street vendors yell out ‘Baluuuuuuut’. Fertilized eggs are boiled just before they’re due to hatch, so your yolk oozes and a chicken foetus. Balut is cooked when the foetus is anywhere from 17 days to 21 days, although when the egg is older the
Casu Marzu, Sardinia Casu Marzu is a Sardinian cheese filled with insect larvae. “Casu Marzu” means ‘rotten cheese’ or as ‘maggot cheese.’Banned for health reasons, but can still be found in some parts of Italy. The sheep’s milk cheese is introduced to cheese fly which lays eggs and larvae thrive in it. Fermentation occurs, the larvae digest the cheese fat, the texture becomes very soft.The cheese has to be eaten when the maggots are still alive. The larvae can jump upon getting disturbed, Health issues in relation to Casu Marzu have risen in the past which also includes reports of allergic reactions and the danger of consuming cheese that has advanced to a toxic state. There’s also some risk of intestinal larval infection. Surstromming, Sweden Surstomming is fermented Baltic Swedish
foetus begins to have a beak, claws, bones and feathers.Popularly known as to boost the libido and full snack of protein. Balut are preferred with beer, with a pinch of salt, lemon juice, black pepper and coriander, some Balut eaters prefer it with chili and vinegar. To eat Balut is to crack open the egg, sip the broth and eat the yolk and foetus… everyone cannot have it, but many find it delicious.
herring and can be easily found in supermarket shelves all over the country. In spring the herring starts spawning and is fermented in barrels for one to two months before it is tinned. For months the fermentation continues, and cans can be seen bulging during the shipping. Upon opening the can smells with a strong odour of the fermented fish. Eaten with bread and boiled potatoes or sometimes with milk
or beer or water. Experience Eating Live Octopus, Korea Sannakji from Korea is a dish of live
octopus. The live octopus is cut into pieces , seasoned with sesame oil and served. Eating live octopus can be a mentally agonizing experience, the tentacles stick to any surface they touch. You have to fight with your food to be in your mouth before you can savour its taste.Getting live tentacles off your chopsticks is gamely, and once they are in your mouth the tentacles will suction your teeth, and tongue. Care
beyond xperience l June 2012
Beyond Xperience
20
should be taken to chew thoroughly, or else can be choking hazard.
per pound.
Kopi Luwak, Indonesia Kopi Luwak is a rare , expensive gourmet
Puffin Heart, Iceland The puffin, a lovable bird with its colored beak is also known as sea parrot or clown
coffee. The fact is its made from the excrement of Luwak, a cat lookalike animal from Indonesia. You will have second thoughts should someone offers you a cup of this coffee. The Luwak intakes the ripest coffee cherries without being able to digest the coffee beans, which come out fully in the excrements and hence the name Kopi Luwak. The coffee beans get naturally fermented by Luwak’s stomach acids and give a special aroma. In Sumatra Islands , Java, Sulawesi in the Indonesian Archipelago, the coffee beans from Luwak are found in abundance. This process takes place on the islands of Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi in the Indonesian Archipelago. The Kopi Luwak beans costs anywhere between US$120 – $300
of the ocean, flapping its wings and to watch it jumping from a mountain top to get lift and be airborne is breathtaking. These seabirds have been consumed food for the Icelanders for centuries. This region has the world’s largest colony of puffins ,where its normal to net the low flying birds like at the Westman Islands. The birds are harvested to keep their population numbers high. The real traditionally known delicacy is the puffins heart which is savored raw. When they are served, by breaking their necks, skinning them and eating their fresh
beyond xperience l June 2012
heart. Puffin can be a real delicacy like duck or chicken, smoke it, grill it or pan fry it. No Venom,drink just the Snake Wine, Vietnam
Snakes venom are known for their medical qualities, however in Vietnam , just as in South East Asia or China, the snake blood wine is made by slicing snake’s belly and let the blood drain into the wine and served. The snake is left to remain in the rice wine for many months, as the poison fully dissolves in the wine. The ethanol lets the venom to become inactive so it is not poisonous, and snake wine supposedly has many health benefits. It has a slightly pink color due to snake’s blood .
21
Beyond Xperience
Bizarre beaches from around the World Beaches, can be the ultimate places to unwind, can leave you wanting for more....the beaches vacations go further than the tropical paradise of sun, sea and sand. Lets explore the ideal beach that often comes to our minds, swinging hammock tied to tree trunks on the shorelines. The beaches are stretches of the natural landscapes to its twin which is the sea. Beaches are of different types, sizes, stretches and locations attracting strangers, visitors and local people, we present to you the strange worlds amazing beaches to experience.
Reykjavík, Iceland - Nauthólsvík Beach,
Crosby, England, Crosby Beach,
Iceland is far from memory when it comes to beaches, however this seashore is a special destination and comes as a surprise. To the north oceans are minus ten degrees. In the capital city of Reykjavik, known for its only swimming beach gets naturally warmed by geothermal system to a more comfortable 21 degrees during the summer. A lot many spots still around to soak in.
Seven miles north of Liverpool, you may get a shock to see a vast nudist colony but as you watch closely these are a 100 life size Iron cast human figures facing the sea. This surrealism was sculpted by English sculptor Anthony Gormley. The statues seem to become submerged during the high tide. These very statues have been exhibited internationally.
Zanzibar, Tanzania - Private Islands, Stone Town, Outside of the historic stone town of
Zanzibar, seamless pretty white sandbars come from the sea at low tide. The hotel can get to arrange a sail or a dhow boat on a private desert island where you can unwind by celebrating with picnic, swim, search for shells, zircons that occasionally wash up on shore, and you have to be cautiously looking at the tide, as when it comes, the island getaway is lost until the next day.
beyond xperience l June 2012
Beyond Xperience
22
Krausnick, Germany, Tropical Islands Resort To the south of Berlin tropical getaway awaits you, housed in a former airship hangar are the Tropical Islands. The
entertainment in the evening. Hong Kong, China, Repulse Bay This artificial strip of sand on the southern Hong Kong Island is popular
behind the beach. Legend says that the dragon lives at the top of a nearby mountain, and warned by a master of Feng shui that if the building would block dragon’s view
world’s largest indoor water park and rain forest. The 32 stories high Hall could encase the Statue of Liberty. Whatever the weather, sun-seekers ,beach lovers can build sand castles, rest under the palm trees along the 650-foot-long beach and then take a swim or tan themselves. Several amenities will entice you with a wonderful mini gold course, 82 feet water slide, fitness facilities and
among the locals and according to their beliefs , its a local dragon’s favorite place to be. Sharknets and floating platforms have been provided for swimmers safety, the dragons view was also considered important during the construction of the residential building which is 37 story high residential building on the hillside
of the shore, some bad luck will fall upon the people, a large cavity was cut out of the tower’s center. You will experience a perfect sight of the Chinese Sea Goddesses at the Repulse Bay Beach at the Kwun Yam Shrine. For good luck try throwing a coin into the mouth of the fish statue and then add three days to your life by crossing the longevity bridge.
beyond xperience l June 2012
23
Beyond Xperience
San Alfonso Del Mar, Algarrobo, Chile
Mendocino County, California, Bowling Ball Beach,
A beach alongside a beach. The huge San Alfonso del Mar beach facing the Pacific Ocean, has the world’s largest swimming pool along side the sea. The pool’s 26 degree C water temperature is more comforting than nature’s 17degree C seawater nearby, accompanied by huge dangerous waves too. A lot like the Mayan city, the Chilean resort’s pyramid-like apartment buildings which emerge above the humungous saltwater pool is under 1 kilometer that holds an impressive 17.4 million litres (or 66 million gallons) of water.
Bowling Ball Beach in northern California’s Mendocino County is completely natural that looks like an art. As the tides shift, rounded stones of about four to five feet in diameter can be viewed getting out of the water until the sand is covered with neat rows of these mysterious looking balls. popularly known as concretions, the rounded stones have resisted the waves that come to the shores from the Pacific, and the mud stones that were once surrounding them have eroded to form the hills that line up the shore.
beyond xperience l June 2012
Beyond Xperience
24
7 fabulous family destinations We are featuring here for you some of the best destinations for families, from all around the world , families looking for the best time to spend . We have considered those travel destinations which are appropriate for the family, which includes parents, grandparents and grandchildren, and these destinations are growing and getting sophisticated day by day. Growing luxury hotels , resorts have now begun to include recreation, education, entertainment for the family and children. Its certainly lot better than once used to be ‘the friendly hotels’ offering baby siting services while the family enjoyed their stay. Now, there are exotic entertaining programmes offered by these hotels are offering such as circus school and crocodile-watching expeditions. Here are some of the top worldwide destinations for families looking for something a little, well, fabulous. Bovey Castle
beyond xperience l June 2012
Imagine spending your time and staying in a real castle in an area approx 370 square miles of the Darmoor National Park in Devon in southwest England. For Adults enjoy gold in the outdoors, falconry, balooning , tours by horseback to the prehistoric sites, and inside a refreshing spa experience. For kids there is a lot more, such as training in archery, music, gold, tennis, horseback riding, trampoline school, fly-fishing , scavenger hunts and woodland adventure camp. For pets there are pampered pouches. Treasure Island Resort
Make your own adventures at the sea on this tropical Fijian Island. For adults, it can be a romantic setting with the resorts’s fine wining, dining and dancing, whilst staying in a modern bure. For children its a unique entertainment with variety of water sports, snorkeling , crab hunting, spear throwing nad storytelling. Club Med Lindeman Australia’s Linerman Island a village resort is a guaranteed family fun. This village resort on Australia’s Lindeman Island offers an extensive program geared for family fun. For adults, established on the World Heritage parkland to the northeast coast of Australia. Tourists can go for daily tours such as exploring the famous Great Barrier Reef,
25
one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World or, shopping trips, or for a private picnic on an single island. The village offers an exclusive adult-only pool and golf-course for those seeking a little privacy. Kids and grandparents will love the popular Circus School which offers instruction in Flying Trapeze and trampoline (taught by a professional). Engage in other activities such as nature walks, archery, treasure hunts, cartooning instruction, a rock star contest and a theater program. Pezula Resort Hotel South Africa’s Southern Cape coastline presents an authentic African experience along with lavish accommoda-
Beyond Xperience
tion at this luxurious resort. For adults it is watching breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The kids and grandparents will enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo and professional riding instruction, as well as other organized sporting activities. Jaguar Reef Lodge & Spa Belize resort’s Walk on Wild Side Family Adventure offers fabulous experience and fun, kids under 18 can stay and eat free. With 600 acres of rain forest surrounding you, the resort offers 7 miles of white sand beach on the Caribbean Sea, with exceptional snorkeling and diving.The resort’s family vacation package offers beach-front accommodation. Family fun includes snorkeling,
beyond xperience l June 2012
Beyond Xperience
26
diving, fishing, biking, and cave tubing Or you could opt to hike in a jaguar preserve, go crocodile watching on a river cruise or explore caves used by the ancient Mayan civilization. BANFF Fairmont Springs
One of the most beautiful settings in North America. Styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, the resort is an exceptionally good for family explorations at the part perfect base for family explorations into Banff National Park. Families can ride horses, swim, hike or bike in this magnificent Rocky Mountain setting. Winter activities include a hotel ice rink, sleigh rides, ice fishing and skiing.
beyond xperience l June 2012
The Toronto-Niagara Bike Train Fantastic opportunity and a great new experience for those looking Via Rail Canada has announced a new travel option for families looking for both train adventure and cycling. The bicycle-friendly rail cars will travel between Toronto’s Union Station and downtown Niagara Falls.
The two-hour rail trip then passes through the fruit groves, vineyards and wineries.. Routes include the relatively gentle, family-friendly two-hour path between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Tthe Niagara Region offers cyclists a diversity of landscapes to explore, including towns and cities, world-renowned tourist attractions, wineries, historical sites, cultural centres, beaches, parks and conservation areas.
27
World’s great train journeys
Beyond Xperience
Orient-Express train is renowned for its beautiful ornate cabins, elegant cuisine and welcoming personal service. Journeys from London to Venice to Rome, Paris to Budapest to Bucharest to Istanbul let you to views the beauty of the the European land. Travellers can choose from six journeys , among shorter routes and destinations across Europe.
The journeys by train can arouse nostalgia by every sense, and railway vacations reignite romance and sense of adventure of an era that used to be, looking through the windows, watching landscapes like a movie in full frame, travelling in luxurious train coaches or the budget travel by train for a less expensive route, the journeys are a marvelous experience. Here are 10 classic train journeys to take in some of the world’s most historic and beautiful scenery.
is described popularly, it is one of the world’s most famous train journeys. Choose your route, such as the TransManchurian or Trans-Mongolian, both of which take you from Moscow to Beijing. Travel from Moscow to the stunning Pacific port of Vladivostok, an epic journey crossing seven time zones and covers a distance of a third of the globe. Watching these routes to witness a spectacular Russia’s breathtaking natural landscapes of soaring mountains, picturesque villages and, not to miss the Siberian tundra.
Trans-Siberian Railroad: Russia
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Europe
The Rocky Mountaineer: Canada Rocky Mountaineer Vacations offers breathtaking train trips through British Columbia, Alberta and the Canadian Rockies. Best known for the worldacclaimed Rocky Mountaineer train , journey of a lifetime, a two-day, all daylight rail journey traversing the snowcapped Canadian Rockies, also trips
The “fairest jewel in the crown of the Tsars” that’s how Trans-Siberian Railway
The epitome of luxurious aristocratic travel, the legendary Venice Simplon-
onboard the Whistler Mountaineer train, including a three-hour journey between
beyond xperience l June 2012
Beyond Xperience
28
North Vancouver and Whistler. The popular eight-day journey aboard the Western Explorer includes all of the Not to be missed destinations and attractions of the Canadian Rockies. Old Patagonia Express: Argentina
The Blue Train: South Africa A five star hotel on wheels, this is a beautiful blue train. The train has seen the likes of kings and presidents, transporting guests over 1,000 miles of lovely countryside between the coastal city of Cape Town and the inland capital,
rain is a quarter of a mile in length in this country of rich tropical rain forests , rice paddies , lush green hills and the regions cultural tapestry. , This is definitely not fly-over country. The luxury you will experience will be heart warming.
Palace on Wheels: India
Feel like at the end of the world whilst being on The old Patagonian Express, in southern Argentina. Popularly “La Trochita�, the historic train at only 45 km/hr takes you from the majestic city of Esquel to Ingeniero, through towns and villages of the Argentinian country side. Just peep through the tiny windows to take in the valleys and plateaus of mystic Patagonia and the Chilean Andes.
beyond xperience l June 2012
Pretoria. The Blue Train is recognized for its luxuriously appointed cabins , which include marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathroom and exquisite meals prepared by top chefs. Eastern & Oriental Express: Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand The Eastern & Oriental Express recaptures the days of glory of travel through beautiful and exotic South East Asia. The
The Palace on Wheels , true to its name is an enchanting way to journey through the northern region of Rajasthan in India. Feel like a Maharaja on the palace on wheels, with exquisite decor, ornate interiors, luxurious setting for a an odyssey of bygone beguiling history on a sweeping eight-day tour starting and ending in Delhi. Get a warm resounding Elephants welcoming you in Jaipur, have lunch at the lake palace in
29
Udaipur and a camel safari and a tour to the Taj Mahal. Glacier Express: Switzerland
Imagine, you’ll look through to cross 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and cross the towering Oberalp Pass. Gazing through unspoiled natural beauty of ancient mountain forests, peaceful Alpine meadows and valleys rich in tradition and centuries-old culture. The Swiss mountain railways from St. Moritz to Zermatt or from Piz Bernina to the Matterhorn on this rail odyssey of seven and a half hours journey through the Alps.
Beyond Xperience
Mombasa to Nairobi: Kenya From the seaside city of Mombasa to the inland capital of Nairobi, an adventure unparalleled anywhere
The Ghan: Australia The Ghan now celebrating its 80th anniversary rambles through into the vast heart of the Australian continent. You’ll
else of the exotic African countryside on this overnight safari journey. The Jumbo Kenya Deluxe offers breakfast and dinner as well as a glimpse of local wildlife including impala, giraffe and ostrich.
marvel at the spectacular landscapes from the fertile countryside surrounding Adelaide to the rusty hues of the remote Red Centre and then on to the tropical splendour of the Top End. Dont Miss it for once in life.
beyond xperience l June 2012
Beyond Xperience
30
Top 6 Unusual Holiday Spots Antarctica Antarctica is Earth’s southernmost continent, overlying the South Pole. Be prepared to have your breath taken away by the spectacular sight of the Antarctic Peninsula as you follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest
The Amazon You might think that an immense rainforest would be a bulwark against extinction, but several species of turtles in the Amazon Basin are facing severe threats from development, hunting, and habitat loss. The Amazon turtle (Podocnemis
the holiday of a lifetime. What a great opportunity to see beautiful rainforests and the Amazon River – just be careful if you go swimming – there are some rather nasty creatures in that water.
explorers – Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen. Penguins and albatrosses are the birds most associated with Antarctica, but it is petrels, prions, fulmars and shearwaters that make up most of the species inhabiting the Great White Continent. Sea life include whales, seals, squid and fish. This is an ideal holiday for lovers of nature and the cold!
expansa), a huge creature reaching 60 kilograms, and the smaller Tracajá turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) are hunted for their eggs, meat, oil, and shells. What’s more, these endangered species also depend on the river beaches to nest, and hydroelectric dams and river navigation projects threaten to flood critical nesting sites. If conservation is your thing, this is
Tibet is becoming a much more popular tourist destination now that the Communist government of China are promoting tourism; nevertheless, it is still a place worth visiting because of the fascinating history of turmoil that has best the nation. This is the home of the unique form of Buddhism known as Tibetan Buddhism (headed by the
beyond xperience l June 2012
Tibet
31
Dalai Lama). If you are lucky, you may even have the opportunity to see an authentic Tibetan Sky Burial – keep away from those vultures though! Mongolia Mongolia contains very little arable land as much of its area is covered by arid and unproductive steppes with mountains to the north and west and the Gobi Desert to the south. Approximately thirty percent of the country’s 2.8 million people are nomadic or semi-nomadic. This is where the holiday comes in – you can take a horse trek across the steppes following the same paths that generations of nomadic tribes have taken, or across the desert. The Gobi Steppe Ride is supported by camel carts and ventures south through treeless steppes
and semi arid areas towards the desert. Both rides take you into areas where there are no fences, no tracks and no telegraph poles; the only sign of human activity are the nomadic herders you meet along the way. This is a truly unspoilt land and it is almost unbeatable as a holiday destination for those who love the great outdoors.
Beyond Xperience
South Korea South Korea is not a particularly common holiday destination, but in my own experience, it is a great country to visit. If you stay in Seoul you can visit the DMZ (The Demilitarized Zone) – a section of land between North and South Korea which is a no-mans land. You can visit the tunnels that were built by the North Koreans in the hopes that
side-dish) – loved by all Koreans and many non-Koreans. Did you know that when Koreans have their photographs taken they often say “Kimchi!” in much the same way as Westerners say “Cheese!”?
they could be used for a sneak invasion of Korea (this happened after the Korean war incidentally), and you can use binoculars to look across the DMZ to see North Korean soldiers manning their side of the region – it is very eerie but amazingly cool. South Korea also has some incredible food – such as their famous Korean Barbeque, and be sure to try out kimchi (a fermented
also very popular in the Islands. A variety of theatres and open-air venues offer an enormous ensemble of plays, musicals, operas and both classical and modern music concerts. Second to Vatican City, Malta is the most Catholic nation in the world with 98% being Roman Catholic. The languages spoken in Malta are Maltese and English.
Malta Malta is the smallest EU nation in size and population. It has a lovely Mediterranean climate and, in fact, in January 2007, International Living chose Malta as the country with the best climate in the world. The arts have always played a large role in Maltese culture and continue to do so with cultural events occurring frequently. The National Museum of Fine Arts, housed in an exuberant Rococo building dating from the 1570’s, exhibits some magnificent art, ranging from the early Renaissance to modern times. Theatre and music are
beyond xperience l June 2012
d
ol
S
Unbelievable . Irresistible . Real Deals
coming soon ...
&
*Conditions Apply