Inaugural Issue
Xperience
Chasing the Rhino Parting Seas - Myth or Reality I wanna eat FUGO but don’t wanna die Features
10 Secret Items for Travelling Wormen How much does a Trip Around the World cost! Hook Up
BX! Dune Fest 2011
Rock Islands Palau’s famed “Rock Islands” are a collection of rounded, foliagecovered isles which seem to float above the surface of the water...
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Inaugural Issue
Content
7 World’s Fastest Roller Coaster 16 The Formula Rossa rollercoaster boasts acceleration from 0 to 60mph (97km/h) in 2 seconds, and takes the title from the KingdaKa in New Jersey, US, which reaches speeds of 128mph…
8 Desert Extravaganza
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“Come off-roading, you will love it” –Xperience that is bound to change your life…
10 Regional Discovery - Oman Oman is known for its popular tourist attractions. Wadis, deserts, beaches, and mountains are areas which make Oman unique...
14 Sea Splitting? - Myth or Reality?
Imagine the mind ‘gongling’ Xperienceof seeing the sea splitting. This happens during the “Mysterious Sea Path Festival in South Korea…
International Discovery
Palau is one of the most extraordinary diving spots on this planet. Far to the southwest of Micronesia the Republic of Belau (the traditional name) consists of an archipelago of 343 islands…
I wanna eat Fugu but don’t wanna die!
Fugu can be lethally poisonous due to its tetrodotoxin, therefore has to be carefully prepared to remove toxic parts and to avoid contaminating the meat...
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Special Report Abu Dhabi.
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Features
10 Secret Items to Pack as a Woman on Your Next Trip... Cost Of A Trip Around The World...
Editor’s Editor’s Note Note
Mesmerizing, Mystifying Intriguing Myth or Reality? A mist of mystery is about to unfold. What seemed so foggy will manifest itself to mesmerize, mystify and intrigue you. It could challenge your senses and make you ponder on the awesome xperiences that are revealed herein. We are so obsessed and absorbed in our day to day routine that we barely step out to experience the wonders a place has to offer and astonishingly that place could be well within the vicinity of ones abode. These wonders would always remain a myth if the reality of it is not xplored and xperienced. We need to take some time off our busy and hectic schdule and take a cue from those beautiful words of William Henry Davies, “What is this life if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare” and go “Beyond Xperience” to know and visualize the worlds within our world that defy our senses.
Publisher: Media 4 FZE
Fujairah Tower PO Box: 4422, Fujairah, UAE Tel. : +971 9 224 4100 Fax : +971 9 224 4101
Mukesh Bhawnani
Editor in Chief E: mukesh@beyondxperience.com
M. Khalid Shuja
Managing Editor E: editor@beyondxperience.com Contributing Editor: Salim Sayyid Contributing Writer: Michelle Mcgill Contributing Photographer: Masahiro Miyasaka Michal Novotny 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 E: mashood @beyondxperience.com Design & Artwork: Bluechipmarcom E: admin@bluechipmarcom.com studio@beyondxperience.com 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.
Beyond Xperience is not merely a magazine, it is a treasure trove that will shock you, excite you and baffle you. What is strange is that such places and xperiences are real, inviting you, challenging you to behold their existence. Every attempt has been made to accurately recount these amazing places and phenomenons – near miracles which the Almighty has gifted to us to ascertain His astonishing mercy, magnanimity and magnificence... You will feel the irresistible urge to xplore and xperience these places right from this very first issue and this is our humble effort to bring back the excitement and joy in your life if at all it is so full of care with no time to stand and stare. Not merely happy reading it will be Xciting reading with ‘Beyond Experience’
Xperience
Image credited to http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_lrg/ferrari-world-abu-dhabi-5.jpg
Regional
Release your adrenaline, experience a perfectly legal amphetamine - get motivated to stay alive with the world’s new fastest rollercoaster. It’s fast, very fast. So
fast it replicates the supreme thrill involved in driving a Formula1 car. Come to the Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi and climb aboard the Formula Rossa and xperience the thrill of acceleration from 0 to 97kmph in just 2 seconds, climaxing at a mind boggling speed of 240 km ph. Do you dare?
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Supplied photo
Xperience ultimate thrills with the Cownose Ray feeding in the spectacular waterscape of Aquaventure – Mesopotamian styled Ziggurat. Six guests per feeding and an Aquarist. Xperience 35 thrilling minutes of definite feeding in the shallow waters of Shark Lagoon. As the hungry rays emerge for their tasty treats, guests learn the anatomy of these remarkable species - mesmerizing them, baffling them, thrilling them.
Regional
Xperience
The adrenaline was pumping inside me! The excitement was rising! It was a beautiful Friday morning and I was in my Jeep along with a long convoy of 4x4 SUVs ready to Sand Blast – a dune bashing event organized by Abu Dhabi 4x4 Club The experience is just awesome. The jeep leaping over the still sandy mountainous dunes taking your
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breath away for some moments and the pleasure of breathing back into life while sliding down is ‘beyond xperience’! The wadi bashing continued for over two hours – I loved every moment of these unforgettable ‘sandy’ moments! I returnevvd home in the fag end of the evening with the sand still kissing me and my jeep all over. Thanks to Abu Dhabi 4x4 Club – it was a Sand Blast of a Time!
Beyond Xperience is delighted to announce the annual BXplore Dune Festival on November 28th, 2011 Xperience the most beautiful and thrilling desert rendezvous – 230 km drive of sheer joy and exhilaration. Caution: Not for the faint hearted.
Limited seats! Hurry! First come first basis! Supported by
Give us your wish list for a fun adventure like this and we shall make it come true. Visit www.beyondexperience.com for more details.
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Discovery
A Journey of its own O M A N man is known for its popular tourist attractions. Wadis, deserts, beaches, and mountains are areas which make Oman unique among its neighboring GCC nations (Wadis in particular). With a coastline of 1700 km, Oman offers clean beaches popular with visitors. Few beaches are private, except some attached to the beach resort hotels, or those adjoining military or official property. Wadis are green, lush oases of palm trees, grasses, and flowers. Some wadis have year-round running water, with deep, cool pools in which it is quite safe to swim if the currents are slow. A Falaj (aflaaj) is a system for the distribution of water and is commonly used to describe irrigation channel systems downstream of water sources. Some aflaaj in Oman
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Images courtesy: Oman Tourism
Regional
were built more than 1,500 years ago, whilst others were built at the beginning of the 20th century. In many areas, the only water available is attained by drilling wells to depths of dozens of meters. Numerous forts and castles are included among Oman>s cultural landmarks and, together with its towers and city walls, have historically been used as defensive bastions or look-out points, as well as the seats of administrative and judicial authority. There are over 500 forts, castles, and towers in various architectural styles, built to defend a 1,700 km coastline from potential invaders. Other popular tourist activities include sand skiing in the desert, scuba diving, rock climbing, trekking, surfing & sailing, cave exploration, birdwatching, bull fighting, and camel races. The Sohar Music Festival happening in Sohar every October/November attracts more and more tourist each year. The Muscat Festival, usually held in January and February, is similar to the Dubai Shopping Festival, but smaller in scale, where traditional dances are held, temporary theme parks open, and concerts take place. Another popular event is The Khareef Festival held in Salalah, Dhofar, which is 1200 km from the capital city of Muscat, during the monsoon season (August) and is similar to Muscat Festival. During this latter event the mountains surrounding Salalah are popular with tourists as a result of the cool weather and lush greenery, rarely found anywhere else in Oman. beyond xperience
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Chasing the Rhino
A fascinating adventure xperience is an elephant safari through thick bushes in search of the Asian one horned Rhinoceros and the elusive Bengal Tiger. Where you may ask? No further than Nepal’s Chitwan National Park located in the Gangetic flat lands of the Terai is where adventurers and eco tourists are offered a number of such authentic xperiences. Go ahead, look for the one horned Rhino or the magnificent endangered Bengal Tiger – You’re gonna love the xperience! Image courtesy: Michal Novotny www.michalnovotny.com
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Image credited to Miquel Armengol http://www.flickr.com/photos/armenfish
stopping you to Sting me What’s xperience the feeling of with around 13 if you can! snorkelling million pulsating golden
Image credited to http://www.chinaodysseytours.com/tours/tibet-train-tour/tibet-train-among-beautiful-nature.jpg
Image credited to http://projectaware.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/m-caney-whaleshark-34-small1.jpg
Jellyfishes in a lake? The fear of the ‘sting’? No need to fear – as these menacing, mean, Jellyfishes have all but lost their ability to sting, but why? This is due to lack of predators. Every day these ‘non stingers’ migrate across the lake and you can xperience the exhilaration of swimming with them, by moving slowly, carefully along with them and humming softly, ‘Sting me if you can’.
you dream Shark Encounter Do as a diver to the A diver’s dream encounter notoriously difficult to spot timid Thresher Sharks? Your dreams can become your reality in Malapascua Island – located in the Philippines and famous for its white sand beaches and world class diving sites. Xperience the exhilaration of also sighting Whitetip Sharks, Hammerheads, Mantas, Tropical fishes and Colourful Corals in Malapascua. You would sure become the envy of your friends as you recount the thrilling xperience of sighting the Threshers with elegant long tails and exquisite facial features.
on the fascinating Qinghai – Tibet Railway & Tibet taking a train T27 from Xining at 6:30 O v e r t h e t o p “Ipmwent and arriving in Lhasa at 8:15 pm the following day covering a distance of 1972 Kms. The
Breath taking Xperience!
Golmud – Lhasa section of the railways reaches the highest point at 5072 meters above sea level. In the scenic train journey xperience the tranquility of glittering white capped mountain peaks; the beautiful Conag Lake and the stunning snow draped landscape and all this in summer – Breath taking xperience.” beyond xperience
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International
Xperience
Image credited to http://www.howilookatlife.com
Imagine the mind ‘gongling’ xperience of seeing the sea splitting. This happens during the “Mysterious Sea Path Festival in South Korea. About 500,000 visitors converge on the island to xperience the six meter deep sea splitting at low tide for two hours revealing a path of 2.8 kms and 40 meters broad when walking from the village of Hoedong to the nearby islet of Modo. When the seabed begins to emerge, local people start the procession to Modo, banging gongs and bearing banners in accordance to tradition. Groups of tourists follow, collecting edible sea weeds or octopus as they xperience this ‘miracle’. The phenomenon also became famous in Japan after Enka singer Endo Yoshimi struck pop gold with a song called Jindo Monogatari. Modo, here I come with a gong!
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Image credited to http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/13542763.jpg
The sensational Sangai -The dancing deer of Manipur beckons you in the only floating National Park in the world on the fringes of Lok Tal Lake – just 53 kms from Imphal. Get captivated amidst the park’s magnificent wilds and divine birds. Experience the sheer magic and dazzle of it, ideally from November to March. Capture the hog, the deer, the hooded crane, the black eagle and the awesome falcon in your camera. Memories to last a life time for rediscovering Paradise.
International
Discovery
PALAU’S FAMED ‘ROCK ISLANDS’ ARE A COLLECTION OF ROUNDED, FOLIAGE-COVERED ISLES WHICH SEEM TO FLOAT ABOVE THE SURFACE OF THE WATER. A BOAT TRIP THROUGH THEM WILL REVEAL A NUMBER OF MAGNIFICENT WHITE SAND BEACH HIDEAWAYS PERFECT FOR A SECLUDED PICNIC OR ADVENTUROUS OVERNIGHT STAY
o be a bird and have the ability to fly through the blue skies would certainly be great, but to be a bird and to soar above the islands of Palau would be astonishing. It would have ones beak drop at the splendour of its sights. Gazing down at hundreds of emerald green, mushroomed islands stitched together by sapphire lagoons would compel anyone or even anything to swiftly descend.
Palau is a country which endows elements to satisfy even the most pernickety of travellers and classes as one of the world’s top underwater wonders. So, it really is a wonder why Palau hasn’t been as heavily trafficked with tourists as other tropical destinations. The tiny but remarkable country located far southwest of
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Micronesia has just recently gained international recognition. It peaks as the world’s best diving spots and has a variety of exciting xperiences to offer. Now, where to start? Well firstly, it is the only place in the planet where you can swim with jellyfish and not worry about being stung. Jellyfish Lake in Palau inhabits millions of golden jellyfish which due to lack of predators have evolved to no longer have the need to sting. So you can jump right in and become fearlessly tangled up with these incredible creatures. Blue Corner is another of Palau’s gems and can bedazzle even the most experienced of divers. Abundant in marine life including manta rays, sharks, turtles and barracudas it is easy to become overwhelmed. However the strong and unpredictable currents mark this as an advanced diving spot – CARE AND CAUTION are necessary. Many people dream of swimming with dolphins and those lucky few who managed to live out the dream never fail to sing about its wonder. Dolphin Bay in Palau can make dreams come true and allow close encounters with these perpetual smiling creatures. You have the chance to swim, play and dive with these friendly and amazing mammals.
Image courtesy: PTA
If you are looking for a hideaway to just break free and find a secluded spot you will be happy to hear there are a number of options. Palau boasts a
nice forested footpaths to begin an exploration by hiking or biking. Also, you can hike through traditional villages and experience breathtaking jungle scenery. In addition the land is affluent in culture and tradition with many of its historical and cultural sites still intact. You can be guided through many battle sites, xperiencing tanks, shrines and monuments, including the Pleletiu WWII Memorial Museum.
number of splendid white sanded beaches where you can escape civilisation, even if only for a few hours. And if you don’t care much for getting wet you can find a diverse range of things to do on land. The area is rich in wonderful flora and fauna and grants
Palau really does have so much to offer and only a certain extent of its magnificence can be illustrated through description and photo. If you really want to xperience the wonders of this astounding place you need to get out there and do it. Live out a dream in this extraordinary realm. beyond xperience
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Culinary
Xperience
Fugu (Blow Fish) is the deliciously deadly fish with poison in its organs. Despite the risk, Fugu dishes with the milt remain a special delicacy feast in Japan. Fugu is ‘Fuku’ in Japan which means ‘to blow’ or ‘happiness’ and 40 kinds of Fuku are caught and cultured in Japan and 10,000 tons of Fuku is consumed each year! Shimonoseki – in Yamaguchi is the Fuku city supplying Fuku in large quantities. There is an ancient expression in Japan “I wanna eat Fugu, but don’t wanna die” Only licensed cooks are allowed to prepare Fugu – Xperience ‘happiness’ – Xperience ‘Fugu’
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Supplied picture
Why do you need to trek to the end of the earth to xperienece the sumptuous traditional one meal dish - the favorite of the kings - the Biryani? Step in like a king at Ashiana Indian restaurant located at Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers and taste the mouth watering delicious Biryani cooked to perfection under a slow fire with Basmati rice and dates stuffed with cheese and flavored with saffron and mint. Ashiana is enthusiastic about the launch of its new menu. The menu is set with compilations of traditions and tastes adding character to the richness of Indian cuisine. Tickle your taste buds like a king at Ashiana.
Kids
Xperience
Up close & personal
Imagine the xperience of meeting 120 wonderful species from all over the world! This fantastic family and kids zoo park gives the unique xperience of interacting, touching, feeding these species as well as watching their astonishing shows. All this in just a day! To xperience an unforgettable natural atmosphere amidst your kids, friends and families there is nothing like the xperience of the Kids Zoo Park.
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Abu Dhabi
From East to West
Abu Dhabi Emirate is full of Arabian promise
ooking at all the futuristic structures and new developments crawling towards the clouds it is easy to see Abu Dhabi as a fresh, new land and glean only upon its current business hub and ambitious future. This is a misperception, as the dynamic and innovative city spurts from a rich heritage and colourful culture. A visit to Al Ain will attest its interesting tradition and evoke cultural curiosity. Al Ain, meaning ‘spring’ in Arabic is nourished by natural springs derived by the rocky heights which surround. The ‘Oasis city’ is Abu Dhabi’s heritage heartland, renowned for its archaeological excavations. Even tombs over 4,000 years old have been discovered and surprisingly enough this desert land is one of the world’s oldest continually colonized settlements. If it was possible to step back thousands of years and be planted in Al Ain’s location you would find yourself set within a sleepy bustle as ancient traders on routes from Oman to ancient Persia, India and the Mediterranean stop over using Al Ain as a resting point on their journey. The capital of Abu Dhabi’s Eastern region is certainly worth a visit as it boasts a fertile oasis of date palms and is long known as a city of greenery – a welcome change to the usual dry, sandy lands of the Arabian parts. It has emerged as a fundamental centre for agriculture, education and tourism and is rich with traditional souks selling fruits and vegetables, handicrafts and even camels! Taking a trip to Al Ain today will allow one to connect with its great heritage by visiting museums and renovated forts where you can walk in the footsteps of the emirate’s
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historic rulers. It is after all the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the United Arab Emirates. Escape from the heat and noise to tranquillity by taking a walk through the cool, shady alleys and embrace the oasis farms which contain working examples of falaj, the traditional irrigation system. This system has been used for centuries to tap into underground wells. If you want to be marvelled by impressive views I would suggest taking a climb up Jebel Hafeet, another one of Al Ain’s gems. The towering height is one of the country’s largest summits rising 1,240 metres and offers impressive views over the region. Down at the foothill of the mountain rests the Green Mubazarrah, a well developed tourist attraction. At the Green Mubazarrah you can experience hot-water springs gush forth into little streams and form a lake. One can also relax in one of the swimming pools or Jacuzzis that are scattered around the area. The spot has been beautifully landscaped to give the impression of rolling grassy hillsides.
Image credited to http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Middle _ East/United A _ rab_ Emirates/West/Abu _ Dhabi/Al_ Ain/photo988919.htm
Special Report
With the slow, relaxing atmosphere of Al Ain it is surprising how many engaging activities it offers. Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort is home to over 4,000 animals including the indigenous Arabain Oryx and sand gazelle and thus merits a visit. And if that doesn’t seem appealing you can hop on one of the world’s most advanced go-kart tracks, watch an international equestrian show or tee off on an all-grass 18-hole golf course shadowed by Jebel Hafeet. Al Ain really is a superb spot for any tourist wanting to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s culture and history. Also with buildings no more than 3 storeys high it is a peaceful contrast with other gulf cities. At present the ‘Oasis City’ Is undergoing a flourishing renaissance with a dedicated ‘Al AIN 2030’ development plan aiming to foster Al Ain’s authentic Arab identity whilst supporting a continually evolving modern culture. That’s not all for culture and heritage in Abu Dhabi. Steering from the East towards the Western parts you will soon arrive in Al Gharbia. Here lays an adventure wonderland containing some of the world’s most dramatic desert and striking natural offshore islands; it is where ‘desert meets the sea’. The region accounts for 83% of Abu Dhabi emirate’s landmass and holds a great history comprised in the multitude of ancient forts dotting the landscape. The local residents hold the name ‘Al Gharbia’ dearly due to the fact it preserves the true spirit and cultural values and brings a sense of nostalgia and belonging.
Image credited to www.adach.ae
So what would excite a traveller into exploring the area? Liwa for one – this is an historic oasis town at the entry to the Rub Al Khali (the Empty Quarter) the world’s largest
uninterrupted sand mass. This place will overwhelm with the massive expanses of tremendous desert and the biggest dunes this side of the Sahara. Get set to discharge lots of adrenaline with the most adventurous off-road driving the UAE has to offer, and of course feed your eyes with some of its most spectacular scenery. Liwa desert proudly encompasses one of the world’s tallest sand dunes. At 300 metres with a 50 degree incline to the top it is a winning spot for desert driving enthusiasts. Al Gharbia is also known to be a region of festivals. At the festivals expect lots of fun with watersport extravaganzas, the date palm celebration and even a camel festival with the world’s only camel beauty competition! The expanse is also home to the emerging Desert Islands. They include Sir Bani Yas Island which displays Sheikh Zayed’s love for the island’s natural habitat and the heritage of its people. It serves as a green haven for animals given the harsh desert climate.
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The towering dunes of the Liwa Desert home a magnificent desert retreat –Qasr Al Sarab- a place where visitors can engage in traditional pursuits. Closer to Liwa town is the Tital Al Liwa resort where guests soak up the tranquillity of the surrounding desert scenery.
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So why not escape the usual hustle and bustle of modern day life and embrace some culture and past by heading East and West to experience the heritage, culture and fun Al Ain and Al Gharbia has to offer. It will prove Abu Dhabi has an abundance of riches, and not just a wealth streaming from oil.
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Must
Xperience The vast continent of Antarctica establishes no permanent human settlement but it does offer an xperience of a curious creature known to be formally suited in tuxedo as it waddles through the snow. Of course, it is the penguin. There are millions of these fascinating birds. However, recent scientific studies suggest that the temperature in Antarctica is rising at one of the fastest rates anywhere on earth. This will cause grave problems for the penguin, because if the sea ice vanishes, so too would the penguins. Xperience this one of a kind creature on the continent before it sadly fades away.
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Image credited to http://wallpaper-s.org/15 _~_ Adelie _ Penguins_ i n _ Hope _ Bay%2 C _ Antractica.htm
Xperience this before it
Ten items of need for the Female Voyager You are about to embark on months of travel. You peer excitedly into your wardrobe and begin tossing clothing over your shoulder. Soon you turn to your bed which is now muddled with garments. The mission now is to struggle to get that mountain into your lightweight backpack. It is not long before the excitement fades and frustration kicks in. Only one quarter of your items will fit; how will you manage with such a small pack? As ladies we are not known for packing light, even if only for a weekend away. Yet months of travelling involving lengthy hikes require a fairly light bundle of belongings. Thus now your task is to scrutinize which items will make the cut and join you on your travels. Below is a list of ten items which may come in helpful to any female traveller. It focuses on the necessities but adds a bit of glamour to your kit.
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A lot of the places you visit will more than likely be hot but the evenings may turn cool. You don’t want to weigh yourself down with an array of winter wear, so choose carefully. Something comfortable and practical will be warmly welcomed on the chillier nights.
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A small make up bag Don’t go overboard and bring your entire make up collection. The reality of it is you probably won’t end up using it much. Your skin will eventually begin to glow with all the exercise and fresh air you take in. So some mascara, lip balm, concealer and blusher is all you really need to freshen yourself up.
A pair of your favourite shoes You may be flip flopping around beaches and trudging through jungles and forests in your hiking shoes but when it comes to nightlife you may want to add some femininity to your feet. A pair of your favourite shoes in a neutral colour, may they be heels or boots, will always make you feel more confident when you head to a nice restaurant or hit the bars to mingle with new friends at night.
One or two cardigans or jumpers
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A scarf Something colourful to jazz up an outfit and also to cover your shoulders if you are entering areas of prayer. You only need the one, as most countries sell plenty in markets and souvenir shops.
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Jewellery Again, you don’t need to bring a whole box as you will collect a number of trinkets quite cheaply as you trot around the globe. Two pairs of inexpensive earrings, a bracelet, a ring, and a necklace will suffice to keep you shining.
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Leggings These are a great asset in providing comfort and covering your legs in mosquito ridden areas. They are also fashionable and great to throw over a dress, long shirt or t-shirt. Leggings in navy, black or white should go with most things.
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Bikini I won’t even explain that one!
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Small toiletries bag When I say small, I mean small! This can be the biggest kilo booster. Most essential toiletries are available worldwide; so I would suggest travel sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion to keep you smelling fresh for the time being.
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Small medicine bag This is essential and need not add much weight. Pop in painkillers, anti-malarials, imodium, travel vaccination records and a small sewing kit to sew up any rips or tears which are inevitable.
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Last but not least, a small backpack There will be times when you head off for a one or two day hike/trek/adventure in which you will leave your backpack at the hostel. A small backpack is essential for planting a change of clothes, water, sun lotion and tiger balm into.
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A Trip Around the World f the ions o g e r t mos ever ching u o t you n , s ip r e r t u world wards g cult onth iencin For Ed r m . e e 5 p b 1 x uld ing ating and e am wo ravell xhilar m of e t e a r s e d n r r a a d is e doll you st th Imagin laces he co 4,450 t p 3 f e g o in in imag , visit total world imate e. Now x r o o r f p e b an ap nized t him s recog o c oppor am e g r d in p is h shop s. John t ut y. The untrie e o n c urge o o l 0 m p 2 s f ; h o r g unt e ca throu eeke amo pensiv g x r e a l ery w n v a y e r y e s u v t ran is a tuld b restau verlas ne co 5,000 s e 3 o s : $ g a l e in c g ly r in ing b t top are hu Certa spend out a tows f s hey g o e in b s in d pe urse t s it y y t o ie o c j e it n f s n e o e tu No, nds; ld th diamo , wou nces? r e ie e r v m e e o p e. on s ing ex h. How d pric t w n r o o o l f y b e as b mind nd so trip w end a nique u is ing h r o s ccord ard ries A w o d ? m E ip e r r he t ing m re fo ing g of t erefo h in t p spend ; e t e ’ is k n h d d l g r akin wou reco and by bre eeing ancial s e t in t f a h r ig is u s h acc od, nage try it fairly ort, fo p t he ma s p n -coun id e r a k d r e t t e , w h in g o dgin So h -two veller isas, lo wenty v ng tra t ( u s o is t y H e 2. uck to the $30,16 o six b o t t in d n e l l 7. dow $4,86 h tota f ic costs o h l w and us) e tota llaneo Nepal onabl in s a s e r misce r oa g rive ns. ame t rashin c c s e cursio t x h h t e r h flig e g h hrou o s ot raft t icult t variou f o t g if n d o im is s it e pt am wed h rience f thes in Egy e o ts allo p e s x e il o e n N c o His yful river ards and jo n the r Edw rmit o y w F r o . a d y in his pe wa ord g e a in r cruise h t t iv x rece t’s long ny e g Tibe in not so ma cups a in t ic h c n h it n e w ie W per a fe ointm t in ex eeting disapp u hich o m is h g id in os icket w avo ably l t b in o in r a t p r s his t regre es wa f this n the o a h glitch t t s r o he the c et. Ot ut on o t s for Tib o lo he als of e r 150. u t l much cu e to $ ly t m c o a c t ex have ds wasn’ it would o d Edwar . d e n c a n see erie ak; le exp he did o t h a be ble h w y t a is l l h m a f e ith rvel o alanc ck on Still, w ank b he ma b t ok ba is o t o h l e d o c n t ran ver a ales a hind s of t now o d e e r r a d n d hu tures adven ries an . o m e spent sm l l a e h w e ime yet h ut a t o b a e il and sm
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Thailand - 24th Sept, ‘09
Switzerland - 21th Nov, ‘09
New Zealand - 16th Sept, ‘10
Diving Spots
1Bonaire,
Netherlands Antilles Few places have captured my imagination like Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, it has incredible beaches full of solitude and bless featuring rich marine life. One can walk endlessly on the beach without meeting a single soul. The beautiful coastline invites you to play, relax and enjoy some breathtaking diving spots and reef systems of healthy coral life.
Image credited to http://www.free-desktop-backgrounds.net/free-desktop-wallpapers-backgrounds
2 Sipadan Island,
Malaysian Borneo A gem of a place for serious divers. These islands have sites where hundreds of marine animals swim all around you.. Xperience also nocturnal feeding frenzies by white tip reef sharks and silky sharks.
3 Sulawesi,
Indonesia
Image credited to www.indo-tourism.com
Image credited to http://farm1.static.flickr.com/199/482523548 0 _5b1a26003_ o.jpg
Amazing
The dive sites around the small cluster of islands off the tip of Sulawesi have some of the greatest marine biodiversity on Earth. The islands are undeveloped and unspoiled; having numerous species of fish and other forms of sea-life. You can xperience a huge choice of little visited wilderness diving sites.
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News
Bites
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4 Abu Dhabi anchors home port status with MSC accord Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become an international cruise hub has received a significant boost, following the signing, between Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and MSC Cruises of a landmark co-operation agreement that will see the world’s fastest growing cruise operators deploy one of its top vessels to the UAE capital on a homeport basis from October 2011.
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EMIRATIS set for Antarctic expedition with Robert Swan Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is sending two UAE national members of staff to the Antarctic to take part in an expedition led by renowned polar explorer and environmentalist Robert Swan. The International Antarctic Expedition 2011 will take place in March and the Etihad Ambassadors, Ali Al Shamsi, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Hub, and Taryam Al Subaihi, Corporate Communications Manager, will be part of the group of 65 people hand-picked from 25 nations.
Choose Wisely campaign in Starwood Abu Dhabi restaurants The five Starwood hotels in Abu Dhabi are joining the “Choose Wisely” Campaign with an aim to replace overfished local species with more sustainable options. Starting in 2011, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Le Royal Meridien, Le Meridien Hotel, Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel and Aloft Hotel Abu Dhabi are introduc-
ing sustainable fish dishes based on the consumer guide developed by “Choose Wisely”- an awareness campaign launched by Emirates Wildlife Society in Association with World Wide Fund for Nature (EWSWWF). Starwood Abu Dhabi hotels are the first hotel group in the city to officially join the campaign, leading the way towards increased awareness of sustainability in the hospitality industry.
Royal Caribbean International`s Second Gulf Season, New India itinerary attract guests worldwide Royal Caribbean International’s ship Brilliance of the Seas, one of the world’s most elegant cruise ships started her second consecutive season from her homeport Dubai recently. From January through April 2011, Brilliance of the Seas will be offering seven-night cruises in the region, which will start in Dubai, sail to Fujairah and dock in Muscat - where guests can enjoy an overnight stay in Oman’s popular capital city. She will then continue, spending the day at sea and sail, via Abu Dhabi, back to Dubai.
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Zagreb - the most promising new desitination The Zagreb Tourist Board presented Zagreb at the TTF&OTM (Travel Tourism Fair&Outbound Travel Mart, www.ttfotm.com ) fair, which was held in Mumbai (India) from February 18–20, and it>s proud to announce that Zagreb won the “Award for Excellence - the most promising new destination» award. beyond xperience
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Photographer’s
Xperience
Star icefall The stars fell from the heavens. The stars transformed themselves into an icicle. S tars sleep eternally here. The width of the icefall is 240m. The height is 50m. K iso of Nagano that is the biggest in Japan. Photographer: Masahiro Miyasaka Photographers Tip EOS 5D MarkII Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED MC Aspherical ISO 5000 Only by one shot(None Composite) I use LEE Soft Filter N02 for a lens.
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30 beyond xperience
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