Monumen Stonehenge in English

Stonehenge is a monument stone at the time of ancient man and bronze Neolithikum which is located close to Amesbury about 13 kilometers (8 miles) northwest Salisbury Plain, Wilshire Province, England. Stonehenge has been defined by UNESCO as one of seven world wonder.

Stonehenge itself consists of thirty upright stones with a very large size (each stone on the first uniform height of 10 meters with each stone heft 26 tons), all stones are arranged with a vertical form of a vertical circle known as megalithikum.
According to the British Archaeologists, Coplan Jhon Richard Atkinson (1950), Stonehenge was built roughly around 5000 years ago, construction itself is divided into several phases (I, II, IIIA, IIIb, and IIIc). Of course, with many stages in the development phases of Stonehenge, indicating that the building requires a very long time in the process, from the transportation of the stone to the engraving on each the stone.
Stonehenge complex was built in several phases of development during the year 2000 and during the period of activity is running. This is evidenced by finding a dead body the Saxon was trained and buried in the monument, and the possibility of dead bodies came to the centuries-7 M.

Stonehenge I
Monument first circle consists of cliffs and rounded trench measuring 115 meters (320 feet) diameter and one with the entrance in the northeast. This phase is about 3100 BC. Area on the outside of the circle there are 59 holes, known as the Aubrey holes for the Jhon Aubrey, archeologists of the seventh century is a pity that the first person to know the holes are. Twenty five of the Aubrey holes known have gray on the two centuries after its foundation Stonehenge. Thirty corpses ashes placed in the trench area and other parts of the circle in the Stonehenge area. Neolitikum end of the pottery have been found together provide evidence of this date. A single stone monolith that does not create a slippery known as' heel stone '(Heel Stone) is situated outside the entrance.

Stonehenge II
Proof of the second phase is no longer visible. However, evidence from several holes from the pole this time period to prove there is some wood building that was built in a circle around the area early third millennium BC. Some effects board found placed at the entrance. This phase is the same as the place that is located adjacent Woodhenge.

Stonehenge IIIA
Research shows that around 2600 BC, two crescent curve of the hole is created (known as hole Q and R), which was unearthed in the middle of location. Hole in the 80 vertical blue stone brought from Preseli hills, 250 miles in Wales. Stones are formed into a pillar of the examination, most of dolerite with rock type, but also including examples of rhyolite stone, volcanic tufa, and myolite seberat 4 tons.
Entrance be dilated at this time make it consistent with the direction of the sun rising mid-summer sunset and mid-spring period. Monuments are left without a prepared, while the blue stone appears to be moving in the hole and the Q and R are closed. This is made possible in the phase IIIb Stonehenge. This monument appears to be beyond the terms of Avebury in importance at the end of this period and the Amesbury Archer, found in 2002 three miles to the south, imagine how Stonehenge look at this. Stonehenge IIIA is said build by the Beaker

Stonehenge IIIb
In the next phases of activity at the end of the third millennium BC found 74 large Sarsen stones taken from the query 20 miles north of the location in Marlborough Downs. Stones are formed a connection with the pivot joint and was established before 30 stone pillar shape roundness measuring 30 meters diameter with a 29 stone roof (lintel) above. Each stone cob 25 tons of weight and was clearly impressed with the goal of making. Inside the sphere is located five thon stone sarsen processed and prepared in the form of a horseshoe. This large stone, five and ten uprise stone beam, with each weight to 50 tons of a certain connection with the complex. Carved dagger and ax heads found in the sarsen.

Stonehenge IIIc
Next in bronze era, stone blue seems was portrait from originally, in the sphere between the two pole sarsen and also in the form of a horseshoe in the middle, follow the procedure sarsen layout. Although he seems to be one phase of a stunning development built Stonehenge IIIc inaccurate proportionate Stonehenge IIIb, blue stone that appears to be portrait does not have a solid foundation and starting trees. One of the fallen stones have been given names that are less appropriate as the Stone Worship (Altar Stone). Two sphere also dug holes in the stone outside the sphere, known as Y and Z. hole

Stonehenge IV
Around 1100 BC, Avenue road through far more than two miles to the River Avon is not even clear who is involved in this additional development work.
Heel stone (The Heel Stone) in a period known as the Friar's Heel. Folklore, which can not be originally from the early seventeen century, recounts the origin of this stone.
Some of the claims heels Friar ( "Friar's Heel") is the change in name "Freya's He-ol" or "Freya Sul", from the name of god and the German Freya Welsh word for "laluan" and "sun day" according to the sequence.

Statu Of Easter Island in Chole

Easter Island is a volcanic island located in Polynesia, South Pacific Ocean and 3700 km from the east coast of Chile, with a subtropical so climate. Origin of volcanoes referring to combine the three volcanoes. This is the oldest Poike, with 3 million years, followed by the volcano Rano Raraku, from 2.5 million years old, and finally the youngest, named Maung Terevaka (12,000 to 10,000 years). The island occupies a region 390 km ². The island's economic activities of agriculture (wheat, corn, tropical fruits and yams), development of roads and tourism. Rapanui in the local language, Rapa Nui is called "Big Island," Te Pito te henúa a "world center" and Mata ki te range "Eyes fixed on the heavens." Island with the famous statue of the great stone which is known as Moais (giant heads carved in volcanic stone), statues and wooden board that contains hieroglyphic inscriptions. One of the great mysteries of the "Moais," is the fact that all belong to the same species and is found only on the island.

In 1722, the Flemish master Jacob Roggeveen, together with the sailors, landed 3 of their ships on the beach before the island on Easter Sunday. Thus, on 5 April, they were baptized with the name of Easter Island. But have found the island centuries ago, there is evidence that people who come from several islands in the Pacific Ocean, may Mangareva and the Marquesas Islands. They say that Easter Island is part of the lost continent under water.

Colombia, back on the Map of World Tourism

In 2007 the Government of Colombia hosted UNWTO’s General Assembly with more than a hundred ministers of tourism and a thousand participants from around the world gathering in Cartagena de Indias.

Almost universally the participants were impressed with three issues:
The incredible tourism product.
The real difference between our perceptions before arriving and the positive realities of the tourism experience.
The way in which the people inside the industry and the citizens generally reflected the spirit of the Colombian national and tourism brands – “Colombia is Passion” and “The only risk is wanting to stay”.

UNWTO believes that brand will be an increasingly important competitive factor and asked the Colombian Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Luis Guillermo Plata, to undertake some more in depth analysis of the Colombian case. The goal was twofold:
To objectively dissect the Colombian Brand and the evolution of its tourism product, promotion, perception and performance.
To use the results as a basis for continuing support for Members, in the context of UNWTO’s “competitiveness” activity, in particular with the World Economic Forum.

The report represents an overview of that analysis and underscores the contribution of tourism to the success of this national branding programme as a model example of the important role played by tourism not only in social and economic development, but also in forging the image of a country.

Furthermore the report highlights the smart decision to tackle head-on the perception of Colombia as a risky destination using a clear and direct message, without shying away from mentioning risk, and using that very same perception in a positive sense, turning its originally negative connotation upside-down.

Tourism in the Bahamas

The Bahamas welcomed the new millennium with a travel and tourism renaissance. A change in government in 1992, an adjustment in marketing strategy and a $2.0 billion investment in the island’s infrastructure has helped re-invent the destination for leisure and business travelers.

The Bahamas were presented with the Crystal Palm Award for Excellence by the Caribbean Hotel Association in January of 1998. This prestigious award recognized the Bahamian government for its excellence in tourism management and visionary leadership. This honor was mirrored in the growing popularity of the destination as the Ministry of Tourism reported The Islands Of The Bahamas to be the most popular destination among all Caribbean Islands.

Experience the uniqueness of Guancia dry forests

With all the forests getting thinner and thinner all around the globe, you better explore the forests now before they disappear. The zillions of unique planktons swimming in the waters of the Vieques island, dry and arid climate of the area, and the Guancia dry forest offers the tourists plenty of things to indulge themselves into.

Located on the South West coast of Puerto Rico, the Guancia biosphere reserve includes both coastal areas as well as mangrove habitats. This forest acts as a source of livelihood of the people living in eight nearby municipalities. The forest attracts plenty of tourists to the area and also provides a lot of materials to the people. Recently, Erik Olsen visited the region after being influenced by an article he read.


The writer was particularly interested in paddling the Bio bay reserve. At night he swam in the local waters. I will have to agree that he has some guts to swim around at night. I wouldn’t do that. The best part about this area is the landscape that is formed by the salt spray and winds that never die. The 9500 acres of forest doesn’t really look like one.

Yet another interesting fact about Guancia is: it is home to 140 different species of birds as well as plenty of flora and fauna. However, most of these birds shuttle between Puerto Rico and Guancia. So, if you are a bird watcher, you can visit Guancia whenever you want. Pelicans are probably the dominant birds found in this region.


The bio bay reserve is bioluminescent and the best of it’s kind. The environment is created from the luminescent planktons that glow at night. It is a natural wonder and very magical indeed. The visitors normally consider this to be an experience of their lifetime.

Besides birdwatching, paddling and glowing planktons, the island offers activities like biking, diving, Horse back riding as well hiking. So if you are still looking for a place to visit for your next vacation, come on down to Vieques island.

Are you actually an Eco-Tourist?

Well, are you always ready to take the first road out? Do you love outdoor adventure and thrills: Rock –climbing, Trekking Expeditions, White Water Rafting, Skiing, Nature Trails, Wildlife Safaris and more. Do you believe that there’s an exciting new world waiting to be explored? If, yes, than, you definitely are an ardent traveler and nature lover. But, wait; does that make you an eco-tourist? Read this and find out for yourself!


"Just joining tour operators, who promise eco-tourism does not make one an eco-tourist. This is a concept which has to be believed and felt from within."

says Aloke Bajpai, CEO, The Explorers, a Mumbai based Adventure tour outlet.

Going on nature trails and exploring natures’ unexplored and virgin beauty is not enough, practicing eco-friendliness is equally important. Many travellers litter garbage, plastic bags and bottles on the way without giving it a second thought. Keeping the surroundings clean and pure is an important part of eco-tourism.

Besides, paying up a huge some of money to a travel outlet which takes care of all your needs and also plans your trip, it sometimes bars you from a lot of amazing experience. According to the Kiwi travel writer, Heather Hapeta, ‘Eco-tourism is an activity that has minimum impact while providing maximum benefits to the locals.’ He opines that independent travellers are most likely the closest to being real eco-travellers. By staying in cheaper, locally-owned accommodation, eating at small food outlets and using local transport, they leave much of their travel money in the country. Not only this. By doing so, they also get to visit places that are not on the tourist trail and can get to know people and absorb the local flavours. So, are you ready for an actual eco-tour?

Three Cheers to the Great Alaskan Beer Train

This train that offers homebrewed Ale on Rails Passes through miles and miles of beautiful scenery. The word Beer itself is enough to get everyones ears up. Along with the BrewHouse beers are served a variety of appetizers and finger foods

This annual event combines the beauty of fall along the Turnagain Arm with the warmth and good times of Oktoberfest and the Great Alaska Brewhouse . The beautiful views of the Turnagain Arm and Cook Inlet provide a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Alaska Railroad, which dates back to 1903 is one of the safest to travel on . This year you have missed out since the train left on 7th October. Check back in late summer 2007 to book your seats on next year’s train

Mystery of Giant Sink Holes in China Unraveled

Often referred as “tiankeng,” or “sky holes” near the southern Chinese city of Guilin they are 2,000-foot-deep wonders. The main factor to them is an underground river. It is the waterof the river that dissolves limestone to make caves, the roofs of which can give way to form sinkholes.

However the limestone at Guilin is fractured the sink hole are liable to form along vertical cracks forming steep walls. Rubble due to the cave in is dissolved by the waters of the river and over the eons cavern opens to the sky and a tiankeng is born Arthur Palmer, a cave expert at the State University of New York at Oneonta is quoted to have said

“You are impressed by how abrupt they are. These do tend to be the biggest in the world.”

Geologist William White, an emeritus professor at Pennsylvania State University is quoted to have said

“You could fit a couple of Empire State Buildings in and they’d disappear,”.

It would definitely be worth it to visit such extrordinary natural wonders especially now when China is becoming tourism friendly.

Via: discovery

Lodges With Alternative Energy Sources#3: Gaviota, Belize

Location: Tobacco Caye, Belize

Rates: $49 to $59 double occupancy, including meals Activities: Snorkeling (rentals; $7.50 per day), scuba diving, fishing, sightseeing tours ($37.50 for up to four people)

Gaviota Coral Reef Resort is located on the tiny island of Tobacco Caye at the opening of a huge barrier reef. Not a place for fancy entertainment and foods but definitely the place for peace and quiet, an ideal vacation for divers and snorkelers. The eco-resort is completely powered by wind and solar energy.

Via: Discovery

Africa in danger of loosing Tourist influx due to Climatic Changes as per UN report

The haven of safaris is in danger from global warning. The coastal zones are most likely to be affected by climate change with reduced fish productivity, coral bleaching, salt water intrusion, loss of beach facilities and tourism revenues. This is as per a new report on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation in Africa , released by the data from UN bodies and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

Rainfall has fallen by up to 2.4% per decade in tropical rainforests regions of Africa since the mid-1970s.The rate of decline has been fastest in West Africa and north Congo. Sea levels could rise by 15 to 95 cm by 2100, according to some estimates.

It is also estimated that 30% of Africa’s coastal infrastructure could be inundated including coastal settlements in the Gulf of Guinea, Senegal, the Gambia and Egypt if Africa does not improve in climate and weather monitoring capabilities and policies. It needs 200 automatic weather stations, a genuine effort to rescue historical data and improved weather reporting capability. By 2085, between 25 per cent and over 40 per cent of species’ habitats could be lost altogether. Experts estimate that cereal crop yields will decline by up to five per cent by the 2080s.

Achim Steiner, United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), said:

Climate change is underway and the international community must respond by offering well targeted assistance to those countries in the front-line which are facing increasing impacts such as extreme droughts and floods and threats to infrastructure from phenomena like rising sea levels.

All these alarming estimates are of no use if they remain as such. The need of the hour is to create concrete realities, firstly to establish better weather stations and make arrangements for greenhouse gas emissions to be cut.

Huangguoshu Falls, China: The biggest waterfall in Asia

Location: Two-hour drive from Guiyang province

The massive waterfall is formed by 18 waterfalls of various sizes. The wide Baishui River thunders over a main waterfall, 74m high and 81m wide, into the huge Pool, then down a series of smaller cascades.


The most fascinating is the 12 meters high water-screen cave that arches into the cliffside and is curtained by a sheet of water also is present an inner waterfall. A path has been cut into the cliff behind the fall which gives you a beautiful view through the cascading water. This semi man made cave takes you behind the falls where you can get a feel of the force of the water as it slips through your fingers.

AquaCity Resort: An ultimate destination for eco-friendly vacations

Use of green energy and opt environment friendly techniques have become need of the hours in order to save the rapidly polluting planet.

Citing this necessity Slovakia’s AquaCity Resort is on the way to become the world’s first complete eco-friendly resort. The resort is built over the geo-thermal spring.

The geothermal water is converted to electricity to power the resort, currently in part, which is planned to convert 100% self powered and emission free by 2008. 14 swimming pools are filled with natural geothermal water and water also heat two hotels, a conference centre, restaurant, bars, and gym and generate electricity. The swimming pools are stainless-steel lined, reducing the amount of chemical required to keep them sanitized.

The resort has not only paid enough heed to the safety of environment but has also come forward with plenty of services at reasonable rates. Accommodation in single room starts from £65 and double rooms starting from £85 per night. If you are least concerned about environment and tend to do something for the betterment of environment then AquaCity is a perfect place for you to spend your holidays without harming the earth or the atmosphere.

Zanzibar: Worlds first zero carbon Luxury Resort

London architects are designing this marvel eco destination, which hopes to have zero negative environmental impact. Its 35 self-sufficient villas, are to be energized by solar and wind power.

� The infinity pool in front of each villa will use water that has been naturally filtered by reeds in an adjoining pool � Natural air conditioning will cool the villas. The shape of the villa walls will draw sea breeze into the bedroom, after being cooled by passing over the swimming pool. Cold water pipes will run through the inside of the bed to cool it further. � Villa’s water supply is to be from rainwater and desalinated seawater. � Hot water will be from pipes which run beneath the solar panels on the roof, and so are naturally warmed. � The resort will be built from local earth, renewable timber and reclaimed stone. � Construction itself will be from local earth, renewable timber and reclaimed stone. � Bicycles are likely to be the mode of transport for the 100 staff. � Waste will be put into a biomass generator to produce energy. � Energy from gym machines will be used in the electric supply. Richard Hywel Evans, the British architect behind the resort said:

Carbon neutral is very difficult to achieve. What goes into the hotel must be available locally and plentifully, and what comes out the end must not damage the environment.

Nevertheless, green concerns have not made this Per Aquum resort any less luxurious. It is an effort that supports the local environment as well as the people living there. When built it will be a fine example of an eco tourist destination.

Santa Elena Reserve, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Today in Costa Rica Ecotourism is one of the prime industries in its economy. The country has only about 0.1% of the world’s landmass, it contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Over 25% of Costa Rica is composed of protected forests and reserves. Location: 6 Km (3.6 Mi) SE of Santa Elena, Monteverde Hours: 7 AM to 4 PM daily Entrance fee: $10 for adults; $6 for students Guided tours: $15 for 3 hrs, In Monteverde Costa Rica rain forest are found more than 100 species of mammals including 5 species of cats, over 400 species of birds including 30 kinds of hummingbirds, tens of thousands of insect species (over 5000 species of moths) and 2,500 species of plants (420 kinds of orchids).

A cloud forest is a highland forest characterized by nearly 100% humidity throughout the year. The cloud forest here receives an incredible four meters of rain every year- that is almost twelve feet.


The spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a green paradise of tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. Its mystical magic exudes from a walk in the clouds with a green backdrop. Its all about the lush jungle and all the life hiding in it. Made possible because it’s a cloud forest keeping everything moist with it’s daily mist. Visiting the same reserve with a naturalist guide is a more informative experience.

Environmental concerns over ridden for granting approval to resort and golf courses

Amid worries raised by environmentalists, the developers have received approval to build new golf course and resort on the British Virgin Islands. The project to be build on 650-acre (260-hectare), which would costs around US$80 million (euro61 million) and will cover most of Beef Island and includes an 18-hole golf course. The government and developers seems convinced about proposed plan as the Chief Minister Orlando Smith said in a statement:

Yes, we must protect our environment — but we must also think about creating jobs, growing our economy and securing our tourism industry for the future.

The smith assured that government would take strong measure before initiating the work. He also said 10 percent of the planned hotel rooms and rental villas were cut in the final agreement. Countering the claims of the government, biologists said that the massive construction on the island, would pave way for degradation of marine lives.

It is noteworthy that British Virgin Islands comprise of around 60 semi-tropical Caribbean islands and most of the islands are volcanic in origin and have a hilly, rugged terrain. Only 15 of the islands are inhabited and rests of the island are still far away from the jaws of civilization.

Rules made stringent for elephant safari operators in South Africa

An elephant’s social life, in many ways, revolves around breeding and raising of the calves. Humans selfishly take away these very calves from the live wild herds to train and tame them for safari use. Hopefully these new rules will be a thorn in the side of South Africa’s dishonorable elephant-back tourism industry and put a dent in there notorious activities.

The draft rules, released for comment last week, proposed stopping the capture from the wild of anything other than genuine orphan elephant calves.


Southern Africa director of International Fund for Animal Welfare, Jason Bell-Leask said:

It is callous and greedy in its demands for young elephants, forcibly removing animals from their wild herds and subjecting them to training that is wrong, cruel and exploitative. Ifaw has long been calling for better legislation to manage the elephant safari industry, and it seems that government is finally going to get tough on this awful blight on South Africa’s tourism landscape.

Humans have always wrongly intruded on elephant lives. African ivory hunters, by killing only tusked elephants, have given a much larger chance of mating to elephants with small tusks or no tusks at all. Tusklessness, once a very rare genetic abnormality, has become a widespread hereditary trait.

In fact some believe that the wild instincts of male elephants can not be truly tamed. Therefore, they might turn dangerous even towards humans. Well I think that elephants are the gentlest of creatures and it is cruel to segregate young calves from mothers.

Taking a swim in naturally cleansing swimming pools

Self-cleaning “ecological” pools use microorganisms and aquatic plants to filter the water and prevent algal growth, and are designed to attract wildlife, such as dragonflies and butterflies. They do not taste and smell of chlorine but are like natural pools.

Pioneered in Austria, chemical-free pools have become increasingly popular in France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Small hotels looking to save energy and attract wildlife to their gardens, such as Hotel Marini in South Tirol, Italy and Orion B&B in the south of France also have these pools .

So next time you want to cool off with a swim seek out these environmentally friendly pools and treat yourself to visual treat of butterflies and insects.

Source: Guardian

Making the right choice for Eco-tourism

The word eco has been used so cheaply by tourism marketing strategies that probably you and I are unlikely to believe it anymore. In many projects ecotourism today is akin to green washing.

During the United Nations’ International Year of Ecotourism in 2002, Patricia Barnett of Tourism Concern said:

the ecotourism label could be used by anyone at anytime for anything from a small-scale locally-run rainforest lodge where the money goes to support a local community, to a large, luxury, foreign-owned resort which has little community involvement and uses masses of natural resources.

Well if you want to spend your money on genuine Eco-tourism then do check these out:

� Green Globe; Provides certification of green travel

� Green Tourism Business Scheme;(GTBS) is leading the way in certifying domestic green accommodations in the UK. Its website provides a map search facility for over 1,000 places to stay, from small B&Bs to luxury five-star hotels and visitor centers in England and Scotland.

� European eco-labels known as the Voluntary Initiative for Sustainability in Tourism; which is trying to provide a common framework for all certification schemes to work to.

� Australia’s Ecotourism Certification program; It has built up a comprehensive list of certified accommodations and attractions in Australia.

� In central America there is the Certificate in Sustainable Tourism, which has certified 55 hotels in Costa Rica - a country that Tourism Concern says ‘has made pioneering strides to promote sustainability’.

� Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA); It assesses travel businesses on fair trade principles, such as whether they provide decent wages and working conditions for their staff, and has certified over 20 South African businesses, including a downtown backpackers’ hostel and a luxury lodge in the African bush.

So next time you book your holiday you can make sure its genuinely green.

Source Guardian

Islay Birding gets top accolades

Do you want to go bird watching in Scotland? Then it would be a good idea to go with Islay Birding, which has been named as Britain’s first ever five-star wildlife attraction. Not only that it functions in sustainable harmony with nature and birds.

Started five years ago by Jeremy Hastings and his wife Anita in 2002, it offers tailor-made bird watching trips in the Inner Hebrides.


Mr Hastings is quoted to have said:

It is the most fantastic place in Britain for birds and nature and wilderness. There are old fashioned estates here and the farms still use traditional farming methods, so the habitat is ideal. And, because we are 16 miles out into the Atlantic, Islay is also on a major migration route.


The five-star rating comes from Visit Scotland’s new Wildlife Experience Quality Assurance Scheme and Islay Birding is the first attraction ever to receive top marks. Other attractions to receive recognition from VisitScotland include dolphin watching boat tours in Moray Firth, midnight badger trips and mink whale tours, all of which received four-star ratings.

Source: Opodo

Our ancestors chose caves ideally...

The Sevenways Cave is shown, located in the Peak District National Park

I have always fantasized about a cave being my home but for the ancients the cave was more than a home. They were the sites of their ritual activities as well as sites for burials. They did not take there dwelling place for granted, they searched far and wide for the perfect locale.

They preferred caves with larger entrances, deep passages, ones perched higher up, facing east or west and with flat areas out front.

The recently released three-year-long survey of approximately 230 caves in the Yorkshire Dales and 190 caves in the northern England Peak District determined that people there from 4,000 to 2,000 B.C. selected caves based on at least five criteria.

Thor’s Cave, located in the Peak District National Park

Sometimes caves were even like roadside motels, where both human and animal travelers would stop in for a night or two of rest before hitting the road again. These cave studies from the archaeological point of view can become a source of vast knowledge in the future.

Source: Discovery