Consider the possibility of being guarded by hundreds of Stone Age tribesmen all smeared up in pig grease and soot brandishing their arrows, spears, and axes in your direction while they howl their war chants. You would not like it one bit. Actually, you might be watching the annual Highlands Show of Papua New Guinea.
For Papua New Guinea, it is located in between and the equator, it is made up of small islands from the Bismarck Archipelago plus the eastern half of the large island that it shares with Indonesia. When it gained independence and nationhood, it was the year 1975 but before this happened various United Nations trust arrangements allowed to manage the territories of Papua and New Guinea. Considering the western way of life, it remains unknown in most parts of the country. If you’re looking to learn about papua new guinea diving, visit their site for more details.
White men traveling on foot were the first to explore these rugged Highlands in the 1930s. The white man is still a novelty, and at the Highlands Show the center of attention is often the camera toting tourist as much as the armed and painted warrior. Mostly Papua New Guineans, there are about 60,000 people who watch this two day show normally held alternately in the towns of Goroka and Mount Hagen. There are some who walk from places like Telefomin, Wapenamanda, and Ukarumpa just to be able to join in the festivities even if it takes weeks.
Here, what are shown include local skills like house building and fire making plus staged agricultural and crafts exhibits. You can also witness light entertainment in this show. The competitors have their weapons with them and are barefoot as they engage in bicycle races, chasing after a greased pig, and racing up a greased pole where there are cigarettes and beer dangling above. Actually, the climax of the weekend is when tourists and locals are able to witness each of the tribes display their treasured ceremonial attire in the sing sing competition.
The pace changes to stage a legend from tribal history or to simulate battle and people continue to dance and chant to the deep hollow beat of the kundu drum even under the hot sun. A treat during the Highlands sing is the kaleidoscope of color and costume. Here, the dancers embellish themselves. Used as trimmings for their bodies covered in the darkest soot and faces luminescent in red and blue ochre are feathers, beads, leaves, and even store bought crepe paper. For their pierced septums, they no longer use the usual pig’s tusk or other bone but resort to ball point pens and even pieces of an automobile engine and for earrings they have safety pins. Learn about new guinea travel.
What are unwrapped and displayed here are the village heirlooms. Proudly worn by the children are their headpieces made from the fur of the spotted cuscus, a small marsupial. For the people, seashells are still valuable as these were once a form of currency. The tall swaying plumes of the cassowary and of the national symbol which is the peacock like Raggiana Bird of Paradise can be seen at times.
Then there are the eerie Asaro mudmen. What they wear are grotesque headgear made from sun baked clay and straw and they are covered in white mud. What they do is slap leaves off their thighs as they do a swaying dance. A legend says that one tribe retreated into the Asaro River when they were pursued by their enemies.
Retreating were their enemies when they emerged looking like ghouls all covered in the white clay. In commemoration of this victory, the Asaro mudmen continue covering themselves in the same river mud. Prizes in denominations of cash as well as cattle are handed out after all the sing sings to the group who performed the best and were best in costume. As the sun sets, the people begin their trek downhill heading for home.
Filed under Travel by on Nov 16th, 2010. Comment. 
Drake’s Passage is the dangerous passage between the southernmost tip of South America and the continent of Antarctica. In this 400 mile stretch of ocean, the weather is difficult, many currents collide and there is no land to temper the water. I was only expecting penguins and icebergs. I didn’t really know what to expect since I had no real grasp of the topography. Never having been keen on geography, I wasn’t prepared for what Antarctica had in store.
While prior to setting sail we had been intimidated by the potential rage of Drake’s Passage, the sea gods were kind on the trip out.The Passage did live up to its reputation as we sailed home. A gray, cold sea met us that first morning in Antarctica. Your one-stop resource on antarctica cruise ship is waiting for you.
All we could see off in the distance were gray-brown mountains covered in snow, but soon enough we had our first ice sighting. Itty bitty chunks of ice floated to and fro in the water like bobs on a fishing lure. Everyone is issued a bold, red expedition parka when they arrive. I threw mine on and secured my camera inside it before I dashed out into the brisk, heavy air.
The sky and sea met each other with a similar shade of gunmetal gray, and we spent most of that day listening to lectures by our shipboard naturalists or rushing outside whenever a whale, dolphin, or penguin sighting was reported. We had high expectations setting off in the small raft, putting the mother ship to our stern and closely approaching the bobbing chunks of ice.Penguins lined the shoreline and contemplated the water. They stood on an icy, rocky island and considered us as we floated by.
Honestly, we were surrounded by them. Paradise Harbor houses this little area of land which is shared by the gentoo penguins and a few researchers. The penguins waddles in all directions, seemingly with a predetermined purpose. Some of the birds were just as busy watching us as we were watching them. Most of these penguins had already been left by their parents, and were expected to fend for themselves. Some of the chicks had yet to accept this fact. They enjoy eating krill, and have had it delivered directly to them by their parents until recently. Further resources about antarctica cruise vacations are located there.
These baby penguins were molting. Some were in different stages of molt than others. Much of their coats had become smooth. However, there were patches of gray down, mostly in places where the baby penguins couldn’t reach to scratch off. This gave the illusion of earmuffs or a hat on the baby penguins. In some cases, it looked like a really bad haircut given by a beginner barber. As we floated back to the ship, we were able to near some of the bay?s ice. Upon one such jagged, little mountain of ice that our driver took us past rested a lone majestic seal. He gave us a giant tongue-filled yawn; maybe he was telling us how boring we were to see.
The penguins began displaying their very penguin-like behaviors. We all found them extremely charming. The waddle brought smiles to all of our faces. Or maybe it’s the way their black and white tuxedos clash so terribly with their bright orange, webbed feet. The penguins were more clean than others because this particular area had more rocks than dirt. The thin black accent line under their chins makes them look like they all have chubby cheeks.
Filed under Travel by on Nov 6th, 2010. Comment.
Riding on Kimberley cruises for your vacation will definitely give you a high satisfaction rate. You will be overwhelmed by a lot of tours provided by Kimberley coast in Western Australia. In one of the nine regions of West Australia is where Kimberley coast is located surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Timor Sea, the Great Sandy and Tanami Deserts, and of course the Northern Territory.
The diamond fields in South Africa where this coast’s name originated has the same name, “Kimberley”. The reason behind this is that both of them share a similar landscape. Tourists and locals were drawn to the beauty of the barrier reef system similar to the Great Barrier Reef which was formed on the Kimberley coast after sea levels drop. If you’re on the hunt for top kimberley travel information, make sure to visit them.
Upon riding on Kimberley cruises, you would notice a lot of flora and fauna. There has been a lot of work being done to set up preservation areas within the area of the coast because of threats such as animal grazing and Aboriginal practices like fire regimes. In preserving these areas, some examples are the Prince Regent Nature Reserve, the Drysdale River National Park, Gregory National Park, and Keep River National Park.
Only 18 to 20 people per charter can the tours along Kimberley coast can accommodate. For the area not to be bothered by the crowds and for the beauty of the coast to be more appreciated by the tourists are the two main reasons for this. With this, you can claim that an adventurous wilderness cruising experience can be provided by Kimberley cruises.
You’ll never guess that Kimberley coast is already 1800 million years old for its natural beauty has never faded. Definitely, it is one wilderness area that still exists today. This place is definitely rich in history and of course, it is where you can travel filled with ancient art sites and a breathtaking scenery. Find out more about broome cruise through this website.
Getting a chance at a new opportunity as well as being presented with a challenge is what you will get upon riding on the Kimberley cruise. The reason for this is because the area produces the largest tidal ranges in the world. A reputable cruise liner is needed if you plan to travel to the Kimberley for you will be engaged in cruising along a remote coastline.
Kimberley cruises definitely have a lot of operators and one of the main providers is Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises. This provider makes use of a vessel that has been given the name of Kimberly Quest II. The maximum number of passengers they can accept is 18 per charter and they can provide a 7 or 13 day cruise as well.
For more than 25 years, when it comes to tours like this, there are other vessels that have been operating. These four vessels are called Second Innings, Farr Star, Rattle ‘N’ Hum and Spindrift. Along the Kimberley coast, they also provide similar style cruises but only accept a limited number of passengers.
Every cruise down the Kimberley coast will surely be a vacation to remember. Next time, if you plan on going for a trip with your family or friends, considering this would make your vacation worthwhile. To experience the difference and the magnificence of the coast yourself, why not try Kimberley cruises?
You can have your own charter for this vacation if you have complied with the said number of passengers. Also, you can join a tour group which is preferred most of the time. For joining a group would not only let you see the wonders of the coastline but would also let you meet new people.
Filed under Travel by on Nov 5th, 2010. Comment.
If what you are searching for is an unforgettable experience, then head to Papua New Guinea for an amazing experience. An amazing holiday will surely be enjoyed by you and your loved ones. As you trek down the wild Sepik river, you will surely be pampered with all the comforts of civilization.
These days, so many different cruises and tours are already being offered by several travel providers in Papua New Guinea and outside it as well. More often than not, the travel time for a basic sail will last for three days and you will be able to pass through not only the Sepik River but through the Black Water lakes as well. It is truly unforgettable to dive through the waters of Papua New Guinea so make sure you try this out. A deeper insight relating to papua new guinea cruises is found there.
Riding down the powerful Sepik river, you will be greeted by magnificent wood carvings of the Iatmul populace. The Iatmul people belong to one of the most ancient tribal groups in Papua New Guinea. The best fact about these cruises and tours is that they enable the Iatmul and other natives to get a livelihood.
Only a good cruise ship like the Sepik Spirit is your best bet for an unforgettable journey around Papua New Guinea. This liner was constructed in 1989 and was especially designed to cater to shallow water expeditions. If one wishes to see the inland waters, he must go with specially designed ships like this one for that purpose.
Normally, it is only the smaller vessels that can navigate through the Sepik river and the mesmerizing Black Water lakes. Watercrafts similar to the MV Sepik Spirit alone can enable one to revel in a unique Papua New Guinea holiday in paramount comfort and protection. Just marvel endlessly, while you cruise in MV Sepik Spirit, at the very diverse wildlife you will get to behold! To understand more about tours to papua new guinea visit this resource.
You will be able to enjoy tours without dealing with mass crowds as the MV Sepik Spirit enables this. Twenty passengers can be accommodated here per cruise as these vessels are smaller than the usual watercrafts out there. One can easily find many cruise vessels that can give them a great Papua New Guinea experience.
For that unforgettable holiday, why not try diving in Papua New Guinea? One important thing you must consider on your journey to Papua New Guinea is the diving experience that the island alone can provide. It really would not matter whether you’re a diving junkie or a newbie as you will have an unforgettable Madang diving experience.
Without a doubt, many will notice just how Madang offers an avenue for diving and exploration by enabling them to witness the exquisite variety of rare fishes and delicate coral reefs within the beautiful land of Papua New Guinea as you make diving a part of your plans. The wreckage from Japanese fighter jets can also be seen by the tourists. Also, one sees a better experience as they behold these combat planes with the cargoes and artillery still whole.
After diving in Papua New Guinea, you may also revel in the exhilarating trekking part which goes with this experience. Plus in Madang, you will get to see the beautiful and mostly active volcanoes. Sepik River crocodiles are an amazing sight and you can view them from a safe yet clear distance.
Enjoy the wonderful sights in Papua New Guinea and book a trip soon. This is something that the entire family can enjoy. Indeed, heading here is something you will never experience some place else.
Filed under Travel by on Oct 7th, 2010. Comment.
A trained individual would easily be able to spot how valuable the contents of the plastic vials and bags actually are.With such specimens originating from the Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica the scientists will truly be kept busy for long. Much data can come from a simple mud sample, says a college senior. A one month trip to Antarctica was funded by the National Science Foundation and the participants, including this college senior, belonged to the chosen university and college group. When it comes to research travel, these schools have been exposed to them already.
The group departed from Punta Arenas Chile, in early February aboard a research vessel. The Larsen Ice Shelf became their destination and it was uncharted territory on the east of the Antarctic Peninsula. Such a location has yet to be explored before they arrived. The boat moved slowly, using sonar to measure the ocean’s depth. Other than getting water and sediment samples, the students and researchers also gathered video footage from the deck. It may take decades before all the samples are analyzed. You will find that further information on antarctica tours is on that site.
By determining the makeup of the mud, how much water it holds, its composition, they’ll learn its history and how it relates to modern global warming. The students agree that this is a once in a lifetime trip. In general, a student says the trip is a chance to see how it really is. The path to graduate school for this student, a native of Scotland, involves global warming. It is during the next year when one student who agrees to spend the rest of her life on a ship will be studying at the school of Oceanography in one university.
The group did well even when they experienced harsh weather conditions in the Southern Hemisphere. They compared it to Upstate New York. Much more intense than the cold days was the sun that rose at 430 am and set at 930 pm. Rather painful because of the brightness is looking out the window.Without much civilization, science still happened every hour and day. If you were a student, a typical shift would be midnight to noon or vice versa. From sleeping on the bunk beds to movie marathons in the group lounge, students on off days had something to do.
Every student is still expected to abide by some rules. Informing seniors of any serious activity is a must. One senior student was roused to check out a newly discovered surface volcano and to visit with an emperor penguin. This made you not want to sleep, according to this Dryden native. You look forward to these occurrences. Going to Vega Island was the best day of her life, as she says. With only 10 other people ever setting foot on that place, she says it was extremely amazing. To get a better understanding of antarctica vacation, visit their website.
Five weeks of classes were missed by the participating students. Due to environmental hazards associated with their vessel not to mention their busy schedules schoolwork was not attended to as much as it needed to be. They experienced a harder time because of the ship always moving. People back home received as little as two emails a day from them. This journey brought together the students and faculty because of the close quarters and the lack of distractions. There was no escape as said by one student. The bleak area and harsh environment will really bring you close together.
As they embarked on a trip back home to the United States they placed the specimens they gathered inside coolers with the necessary documents prepared for the customs officials. One student also brought back 323 digital pictures and five rolls of film. There was another student who joined the trip last year and chose to experience the surroundings instead. Experiences cannot be replaced by pictures. There are times when being conscious of something is enough.
Filed under Travel by on Sep 12th, 2010. Comment.
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