Galapagos Basics
July 6, 2009 by Anil P.
Filed under Guest Post
This guest post is by Ker & Downey. A luxury travel company servicing not only South America, but other exotic locations around the world.
Known for being the first place to be named a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site, the Galapagos Islands sit roughly 600 miles west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The inspiration behind Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, the islands have an immense amount of wildlife spread across the 19 different islands.
Lovers of wildlife will want to explore every inch of the island chain. Every bit of uninhabited land is part of a national park, and the islands possess the second largest marine reserve in the world, smaller only to the Great Barrier Reef. The islands are also a whale sanctuary, as well as contain some unique species of animal such as the Galapagos tortoise, blue-footed booby, waved albatross, and Galapagos sea lions. A cornucopia of flora and fauna await your exploration at Galapagos!
If it’s the flora you’re after, Galapagos has four distinct zones: humid, transition, dry and coastal. Each zone contains it’s own species of life different than the others. Marshlands and other water loving plants inhabit the humid zone. The dry zone leaves the land fairly clear of vegetation, but allows you to examine the volcanic properties that make up the islands. The coastal zones make up all of the land around beaches, and contain their own special areas of flora.
The islands were first discovered in the late 1600s by pirate Ambrose Cowley, who proceeded to name some of the 19 discovered islands after one of his fellow pirates: Baltra, Bartolome, Darwin, Espanola, Fernandina, Floreana, Genovesa, Isabela, Marchena, North Seymour, Pinzon, Pinta, Rabida, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santiago, South Plaza, and Wolf. Each island holds it’s own special flora and fauna unique to itself. Espanola Island is the oldest of them all, ringing in at 3.5 million years old, and it is also the southernmost island in the archipelago. The waved albatross make their home on this particular island, and use it’s topography to aid their flight to the Ecuadorian coast for feeding time.
While the islands to hug the equator, that doesn’t mean that everything you would associate with a temperate climate are located on the islands. Ever think you’d see a penguin on your island getaway? The Galapagos penguin make their homes on Bartolome, Fernandia, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz islands, and can be seen diving for food. The marine iguana can also be sen on Bartolome, Santa Cruz and Santiago islands, and is the only marine lizard in the world!
The best way to explore the islands is, of course, aboard a cruise. A ship like the M/V Galapagos Legend isn’t what you might think a typical cruise ship is like: there is only room for 100 passengers on the M/V Galapagos Legend, and even room for less than that on some of the other ships, ensuring that your once in a lifetime getaway to Galapagos won’t be hectic and overcrowded. What better way to take a luxury vacation and explore a part of the world on the shortlist to become a part of the seven wonders of the world.
[photo by: dn lpnsk]
3 Ways To Celebrate The 4th of July Outside of the US
This is probably old news for expatriates and long-term travelers but if you’re on vacation or just set out on the road outside of the US, you don’t have to miss out on the 4th of July (Independence Day). There are 3 good ways to get in touch with Americans abroad who are celebrating the 4th of July and join in with them.
1. Call the US Embassy or Consulate
They will most certainly have a party or get together to celebrate. Where it’s possible, you might even get to see some fireworks, have drinks, food, and meet up with other travelers who might be from your hometown. If you happen to be far from an embassy or consulate you can still give them a call and they’ll let you know if there are any 4th of July meet ups or organized parties going on near you.
2. US Army Bases
It depends on where you are in the world and the nature of the base but generally if you give the embassy a call you can find out if there’s a 4th of July bash going on at a nearby army base (i.e. Germany, Turkey, Japan). If you do find one don’t forget to bring your US passport.
3. Find Expats
Groups of expatriates (US citizens living abroad) often organize 4th of July parties which are a good way to mix up your travel routine, meet new people, and add unique experiences to your trip. Start with some Google hacking and a search should yield some expat groups around you. Transitions Abroad has a good list of expatriate resources and Twitter is also an excellent resource. Do a search (‘Find People’) and type “expat” and see is any of the results are close to you.
Two Other Good Options
- Have your own party or go out and celebrate like the locals do.
- Contact big US companies or charities close by who usually have parties for their employees.
Celebrating the 4th of July abroad is a good way for Americans to make a trip or vacation more memorable, especially if you party like the locals. I’d be interested to hear how you American expats will be celebrating the 4th of July this year and any tips you’d like to add. Much of this advice isn’t limited to the 4th of July or for American holidays for that matter – you can adapt them to your country and national holidays and celebrate wherever you are traveling.
[photos by: foxypar4, joshua_d]
St. Petersburg in 48 Hours -Day 2
July 2, 2009 by Anil P.
Filed under Guest Post
This is a guest post from Priyank, a traveler who is preparing to explore the whole world some day. He keeps a detailed account of his travel stories, pictures and experiences on his blog: Final Transit. For the past 2 weeks, Priyank and I have exchanged imaginary posts about St. Petersburg and Manila. Catch up with day 1 in St. Petersburg if you haven’t already and head over to Final Transit to catch my guest post, Manila from perception to reality part 2.
After exploring the central street of St. Petersburg (Nevsky Prospect) on Day 1 (previous post), I spent the next day walking around the city trying to get a feel of the place and seeing various sights it had to offer. The weather was not the best, but the day was very enjoyable.
Metro
St. Petersburg’s deep Metro system
To get to the downtown, I took the Metro. St. Petersburg’s metro was built in 1955 and is one of the deepest metros in the world and also among the most elaborately decorated. I got off at the Admiralteyskaya subway station, 105 meters below the surface, and the escalator seemed to take forever to get to the surface. The city is well networked by subway, buses and trams and you don’t need a taxi to go visit touristic areas.
Cathedral of Peter and Paul
The Cathedral of Peter and Paul (golden) seen as a backdrop
Founded on the small ‘Hare’ island on the north bank of the Neva, the fortress of Peter and Paul. St. Petersburg was built in 1703 CE to protect the city during the Northern War. St. Petersburg has no skyscrapers and this is the tallest building (122.5m) in the city. If you are curious about Russian Orthodox Church services, this is a good place to go and I especially liked the musical chanting by priests.
Aurora
Aurora, the symbol of the Russian revolution
After the Cathedral, I visited the warship Aurora, which is a symbol of the Communist Revolution. Aurora’s crew took part in the October revolution by firing a blank shot at the Winter Palace, which signaled the victory of the Red Army. The ship is preserved as a museum today, and one can get on board and feel its size and strength.
Night
Rostral column with a figure representing Dnieper River
Kunstkamera, from the from Dvortsovy (Palace) Bridge
Church of the Savior on Blood
St. Petersburg literally glitters at night. The city does a great job of highlighting its decorative architecture, sometimes giving the impression that the whole city is a museum. The city has a great nightlife and an overall artsy feel. I found St. Petersburgers very friendly and relaxed, compared to Moscowites who seemed to be in a rush.
Then You Eat
After a long day its imperative to relax and enjoy some Russian food. I met some friends there and there were a variety of things to eat. After a couple of shots of Vodka, everything tastes even better. Adding anything to Vodka (lime juice, soda, etc.) is considered blasphemous. There is a specific way of drinking Vodka too, and it’s best to learn it in person rather than me describing it here. 
You’ll thoroughly enjoy St. Petersburg despite its weather. I did!
About This Post
Over a month ago, Anil came up with this idea of ‘imaginary travel’ as part of which he wrote 2 posts about his imaginary trip to St. Petersburg and I wrote about Manila. We then followed this up my real experiences in St. Petersburg and his real experiences in Manila. It was interesting to see the perceptions and realities in a creative and fun manner. Thanks Anil!
Thank you Priyank, it wouldn’t have worked out as well as it did without your excellent writing and amazing pictures! -Anil
How To Drink Raki Like A Turk
”The best accompaniment to Raki is good conversation.”
-Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
Raki, the unofficial national drink of Turkey is more than a glass of alcohol, it’s an experience in itself. There is an entire culture around this strong, anise-flavored liqueur that is very popular throughout Turkey. Visitors to Turkey often wonder what that milky stuff in narrow glasses is and leave without a taste.
If you’re heading to Turkey any time soon, savor the food, conversation, and drink raki like a Turk.
Ordering a ‘Kadeh’
Raki is served in a small narrow glass that is specifically used for the drink. The glass is half filled with raki and ice or water completes the rest. At restaurants you can let the waiter know how much for a stronger or weaker drink. The addition of water turns the drink a cloudy white, which is where the nickname “lion’s milk” comes from.
Melon and Feta Cheese
Raki is traditionally served as an aperitif, to be slowly enjoyed with several appetizers. The traditional raki meal varies and can include anything from kebabs to salads. The two essentials however are yellow melon and feta cheese.
Ice and Water
Don’t be surprised to see a bowl of ice on the table. You can plop a fresh one into your drink as needed and the water will help take the edge off of your stomach. It’s also common to see a raki glass filled with water sitting next to everyone’s raki – also to be sipped on.
Sip, Don’t Chug
Raki is a drink that is best savored and you want to sip and drink it slowly. Be prepared to eat for hours, if you’re eating out you’ll be served food and drink all night until you’re done. Don’t worry, you’ll still get drunk in time (it’s 90 proof) but you won’t get the most important thing out of the drink.
A Good Conversation
That’s what drinking raki is all about - not so much the drink but the ambiance that is created around it. Have some raki with friends and spend hours of talking, laughing, reminiscing, and of course eating.
Raki is a has a strong anise flavor (much like Greek ouzo or French pastis) and you might be put off on your first taste, which will be easily forgotten as you finish up your first glass and get to a second.
Turkey Travel Planner has a good guide to ordering raki and more about the traditional ‘raki sofrasi‘. So, if you’ve got 48 hours in Istanbul spend an evening out and have a kadeh, some melon, more food, and of course, good conversation.
Written as part of Lifecruiser and Travel Experta’s drinks around the world series.
[photos by: colm.mcmullen, arteunporro, karstenkneese, stevendepolo, meg and rahul, Shutter Pea]
