thecircumference.org results for 'fun', editorial entries only

La Tomatina, The Worlds Largest Food Fight!

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 20:28:18 +0000

Children brought up in any proper home were taught not to throw their food, but when you visit the La Tomatina Festival, this is the one destination that will deliver the sweetest of pleasures to those suppressed childhood dreams of rebellion. No need to feel guilty about tossin’ out the rules that your mom so sweetly instilled in you here, in Bunol Spain the La Tomatina Festival showcases one of the least publicized talents for many, that of throwing your food, tomatoes to be specific! During the celebration this small town of normally 9,000 is flooded with enthusiasts from all over the world to take part in week long festivities of music, dancing, fireworks, and of course the main event. To start the fight, water canons blast and the hour long battle of every man for himself begins. The after math of such a saucy event is none other then street bathing, which can be just as fun as the initial messy match!

Master Fiji's Bula Dance

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 02:08:08 +0000

It's sunset just after dinner on the Korovou Eco Tour Resort in the beautiful Yasawa Islands of Fiji, and the local Fijian Bula dancers are ready to play. Most of the tourists reluctantly head to the centre, realizing they don't have a choice. I, on the other hand, giggle in anticipation of the fun we're about to have. The Bula Dance, created by the more touristy resorts of Fiji, is in no way traditional. As opposed to the Meke, Fiji's cultural ceremonial dance involving voices and symbolic movements, the Bula Dance loosely follows the structure of the Macarena. It's performed in a single line with the Bula Boys: a group of three to five young, local men (usually the same ones taking you on various activities around the resort) leading the crowd in the front. Two steps left, two steps right, two steps left, two steps right; roll your hands up to the left, roll your hands down to the right; up to the left again, then down to the right again; hand on your shoulder, hand on your other shoulder, hand on your hip, and hand on your other hip; then a grand pelvic thrust along with a giant—“Bula!” from the whole crowd. Rotate counter-clockwise one-quarter circle, and repeat. After a full circle comes the fish move: bend slightly over with one hand spread in front and one spread in the back like fins; then shake your bum and wiggle back and forth like a fish. All throughout the dance, the lead Bula Boy shrieks and claps to increase the energy. If anyone dares sit it out, he randomly runs up to them and screams in their face. After the full circle, the Bula Boys will ask you to perform a centipede, connecting your hands in between your legs with the people in front and behind you. Needless to say, you’d only be able to get away with this sort of public fondling in a place like Fiji. By the end, everyone seems to be cured of their hammock comas. The Bula Dance is done at resorts all over Fiji, and is meant to be an icebreaker to welcome the newly arrived tourists. Fiji is known for its hospitable natives, and the Bula Dance serves as a way to bridge the gap between the tourists and the locals by merging modern-day booty shaking with Fijian traditions. Even the village children perform the Bula Dance for visiting tourists to raise money for their school. The art of hospitality is taught to the youngest of Fijians. Perhaps the most captivating aspect of the Bula Dance is the way it gets you out of your shell. In a matter of minutes, you’ll go from sitting at a table chatting with your friends, to bumping booties with a giggling Fijian local and shouting “Bula!” so loud you’ll swear they heard you on the next island.

Get Extreme with Ice Cross Downhill in Quebec City

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 05:04:22 +0000

Never heard of ice cross downhill before? Neither had most of Canada until the Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship exploded onto the world of hockey in 2001. Now held annually in January, this extreme sports event in Quebec City draws followers and participants from around the world. Think of downhill skiing but substitute skating instead; then add in some great roller derby action. Throw in some BMX biking jumps. Combine all of this with ice hockey athletes, a 196-foot vertical drop over a 1,280 foot track—and you’ve got ice cross downhill. This exciting new sport sends four skaters down the course as they vie to finish first while careening along at speeds up to 43 mph. It’s crazy, fun and scary all at the same time. Although rules do not permit any physical contact, crashes occur on a regular basis, which excites the crowds even more. In 2009, two Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championships were held: one in Quebec City, with another in Munich. The upcoming 2010 season promises to be bigger and better than ever with events to be held in Munich again, Valkenburg in the Netherlands, and Moscow; with the event finale to be held in their original Quebec City location. Athletes from around the world participate in the event, and notables have been Adam Green, Anthony Yearego, and Brian Zhou from the U.S.; Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, Gabriel Andre, Kevin Olson, and Christian Papillon of Canada; along with seven-time Red Bull Crashed Ice World Champion Jasper Felder of Sweden, who’s also a U.S. citizen. In 2010, the Red Bull Crashed Ice track was almost attached to the gorgeous Chateau Frontenac, and ended at Place de Paris on the St. Lawrence River in downtown Quebec City. Each year the course is changed slightly to continually add more challenges to the already dizzying course. Join more than 120,000 fans to watch the Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championships. It’s a great spectator sport for anyone who’s a hockey fan or for those looking for a thrilling event to watch up close and personal. Ice cross downhill is an exhilarating event that inspires young athletes to have fun and do their best when competing. And of course, you get the added bonus of being in vibrant historical Quebec City.

Throw Colours to the Wind at the Holi Festival of Colours in India

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:37:10 +0000

Imagine you're walking down a city street in India. Spring has arrived and the sun is shining brightly. The level of excitement in the air is contagious. From around the corner a child runs out and throws a water balloon at you, giggling as he runs to find his next target. A cloud of colour bursts into the air as you realize that the balloon wasn't just holding water. It was also holding coloured powder in celebration of the Hindu Holi Festival of Colours. Well-known throughout the world, the Holi Festival of Colours is one of the oldest Hindu festivals observed during the spring season, with adults and children alike taking part in the celebration. Depending on the region, it is also referred to as Holaka, Phagwa, Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi. For those in celebration, Holi is a time to move past winter's gloom and celebrate spring's colours. The Festival of Colours is celebrated each year in the Hindu month of Phalguna on the day of the full moon at the end of February or early March. The celebration includes bonfires and Hindus showering each other with water and coloured powder. While it's easy to buy colours in today's market, many people will make the colours at home from tesu and palash flowers. The Festival is celebrated by all ages, and shops and offices are routinely closed for the main event, which is the throwing of the colours. Mythology plays an important role in the Festival, and the most recognized stories of Holi origin relate to 'Holika Dahan' and the Legend of Radha-Krishan. The 'Holika Dahan' tradition is the lighting of the bonfire and celebrates the victory of good over evil. The legend of Radha and Krishna is more about the throwing of colours. Young Krishna was jealous of his beloved Radha's fair complexion, and feeling mischieveous one day he placed colour on her face. To this day, lovers colour one another as an expression of their love. In India, everyone wants to be the first to shower another with colour during the celebration. Temples are decorated for Holi and an Idol of Radha is placed on swings. Some turn the swings while singing Holi songs of devotion, and across the country everyone wants to take part in the fun while frolicking and becoming intoxicated with the colours. The arrival of spring each year signifies hope and joy to all who take part in the Holi celebration.

Get Apocalyptic at Mexico's Uxmal

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:31:11 +0000

The Yucatan Peninsula is commonly considered and visited for the warm beaches around places like Cozumel, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen. They’re great getaways that draw the sun worshipers looking to unwind, relax and have some fun; but it’s not all about the sand and surf. Visitors to the area can also explore ancient city ruins of the once powerful Mayans: a civilization that ruled a large chunk of present-day Mexico and Central America for thousands of years. The most popular of these sites is the nearby Chichen Itza; but just a bit further down the road sits its impressive cousin: Uxmal (Oosh-mahl)— an interesting and less crowded experience. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Uxmal, which is Mayan for “built three times,” is believed to have been abandoned shortly before the Spanish arrived in the 15th century. Research and restoration work is still conducted to determine historical details, but it appears the area experienced initial construction as early as 850 BC. Uxmal, once a prominent location for the Mayans, diminished as other Toltec invaders and cultures moved in. Uxmal in Yucatan was once home to an estimated 25,000 people, but those crowds aren’t even remotely seen here today as Chichen Itza, the second most visited site in Mexico, tends to draw more visitors from the nearby beach resorts. What sets the Uxmal ruins apart is the Magician’s Pyramid, also known as the Pyramid of the Dwarf, which rises 115 feet (35 meters) above the surrounding structures. It is believed to be unique among Mayan constructions, with its rounded sides and height, and even gradient, as it towers over the sprawling 150-acre complex. The Magician’s Pyramid is adorned with beautiful temples and decorations, some being built as late as AD 1000. A number of other fascinating structures litter the grounds and are also worth experiencing. The Nunnery Quadrangle (a possible military academy) and the Governor’s Palace (both named by the Spanish) are two of the most important and worthwhile. Although elaborate carvings and adornments can be found around both buildings, of particular note is the 320-foot (97 meter) long mosaic facade on the Governor’s Palace. It is definitely worth closer inspection, as is the Jaguar Throne (an animal associated with Mayan kings) in the front of the structure. The ceremonial causeway that links Uxmal with Kabah, once a trading centre 11 miles (18 km) to the south, is definitely worthy of a visit. Some travellers today are attracted to the Mayan sites because of the 2012 apocalyptic predictions from the Mayan calendar. Many historians and scientists argue against the popular culture, saying that there is very little fact indicating such an occurrence. Nonetheless, revitalization in the interest of these places is happening. Now is a great time to take advantage of it and experience a fascinating and exotic place, close to the relaxing resort life, that once held great sway in the world.

Kick up your Spurs at the Calgary Stampede

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:04:12 +0000

It's the most anticipated event of the year for the rodeo fans. A short window of time where locals and visitors alike forget the hubbub of everyday life, don their cowboy boots, and hoedown. The entire city of Calgary shuts down for one of Canada’s greatest events, the Calgary Stampede. Traditionally known for its preservation of “western heritage and values”, the 10-day event has developed into the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”. For more than a century, Calgary Stampede Park has been home to an epic rodeo. So grab your boots, hat and cowboy chaps and prepare to have the time of your life. To kick off the festival, check out the Calgary Stampede Parade. Held on the first day of Stampede, it heralds the beginning of the 10 day celebration, honoring Calgary's western culture and values. With hundreds of floats, marching bands and other cultural displays the Calgary Stampede Parade will set you off on the right foot. As soon as you hit Stampede Park, the smell of a good ol’ fashioned farm fills your nose. That, and the smell of cotton candy, hot dogs and pop corn. It doesn’t get much better. There are food vendors throughout Stampede Park selling everything from traditional treats – candy apples, French fries, pogo dogs – to corn on the cob and deep-fried chocolate bars. You can even get your hands on some gourmet grub in one of the many restaurants on site. Whatever you’re in the mood for, it will likely be at your fingertips at the Calgary Stampede. Besides great food, there are more than 40 different rides providing endless fun to visitors, so keep you arms and legs inside the car at all times and enjoy the ride. If fast and furious isn’t your thing, ever taunting fair games and betting tables are located around every corner, but good luck fitting that over sized stuffed teddy in your car when the day is done. Midway coupons and wristbands are available for visitors to ride and play all day. Once you’ve navigated your way through the rides and games, you’ll find the Calgary Stampede Grandstand has much more to offer. There are a number of themed areas scattered around the park designed to educate and display the ways of the west and are free to enjoy. One of the highlights of the festival is the Calgary Stampede Rodeo. Your trip wouldn't be complete without cheering on your favorite cowboy or cowgirl as they rope a steed, race their chuck wagon or hold on to their bronco for dear life. When you’re done watching the Calgary Stampede Rodeo, switch up your cowboy boots for dancing shoes and head into Nashville North, one of three great concert venues on the grounds where you can eat, drink, dance, sing and mingle. Between Nashville North, the Coca-cola stage and the Saddeldome Plaza visitors are able to see some of the biggest names in country music with a beer in hand and lots of room to line dance. Most concerts are even free to enjoy. As the Calgary Stampede Park's population swells beyond 100,000 people every day of the event, the gates become only a doorway to other participating venues. Bars, clubs and pubs around town host parties daily and nightly. The nightlife gets so busy you have to show up early, like 2pm early, or you won’t make it in to join the party. Between rodeos, parades, rides and pancake breakfasts you'll never be at a loss for ways to show your Stampede spirit.

Get a Real Taste of Ireland at Dublin's Best Pubs

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:20:17 +0000

For most Dubliners, the pub is the centre of Irish society. Every occasion takes place here, be it happy or sad, culinary or alcohol-fuelled, literary or sporting, business or pleasure, family or friends. And no matter where you go in Dublin, you'll find a public house or two or three on every street. As James Joyce wrote in his classic novel Ulysses, “A good puzzle would be to cross Dublin without passing a pub.” One of the best aspects of Dublin pub life is that it's a culture open to all, locals and visitors alike. Everyone is welcome to sample the charm, “craic” (fun in Gaelic), music, drink and conversation. Whether you're after a quiet pint, a rock music bar, cocktails, traditional music and dancing, food or a simple suburban bar (known as a “local”), you will find it right across Dublin. Of course, for the classic and most authentic Irish pub experience, you'll want to stay away from Dublin’s many modern bars and go for the older, cozier establishments. There you'll find a better pint, better atmosphere and better conversation. Better still, take a day off from conventional sight-seeing and have one drink in a series of different pubs. This way you'll experience the very best of what Dublin pub culture has to offer. This can be done without leaving the environs of Grafton Street, Dublin’s busiest shopping area. Starting from St Stephen's Green, a popular city park, you'll find your way to Peter's Pub—a tiny establishment on Johnson's Place that has great stout if you can fit yourself in the door! Circle back towards Grafton Street and you'll come to Neary's—another classic spot with cozy red interior that has a back door that joins up with the stage door of Dublin's Gaiety Theatre. Come after a play and the actors you've just seen will be at the bar already! On nearby South Anne Street you'll come to Kehoe's—a cavernous old bar where it's easy to get lost and where you'll see sports fans drinking out on the street after a big match. Across the road you'll find McDaids, where the drinks are good but standing is compulsory; and Bruxelles, the home of Irish rock ‘n’ roll, where you can let your ear guide you between two basement bars with sharply contrasting musical styles. Slightly further down is The Duke—a well-known footrest halfway through the Grafton Street area on Duke Street. Davy Byrnes, famous as a location in two of James Joyce's books, is on the same street. If you continue on down you'll come to O'Donoghues on Suffolk Street, formerly known as the Thing Mote and one of the city's airiest wooden pubs. Further up you'll hit O'Neills—a large and welcoming green pub that takes up one whole corner of Suffolk Street. By now you'll have visited many of Dublin's best pubs, and this is without even reaching Temple Bar—the city's cultural and nightlife district. Inside this cultural quarter you'll find dozens of bars including the Palace Bar, where there's always a great traditional music session upstairs; the Auld Dubliner, a nice warm bar that's frequently overlooked; and the Temple Bar itself, which is the best place to find other visitors to team up with. Choose whichever takes your fancy to round off the evening before taking a short stroll back to your guest bed happy in the knowledge that you've seen and done the best of Europe's coolest drinking city.

Fun-Soaked Times at the New Year Celebration in Vientiane, Lao

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:23:44 +0000

Dancing under the splash of water hoses; dodging balloons filled with coloured water; smiling at a sea of faces painted with talcum powder—these are not your typical New Year festivities. Yet, this is exactly the celebration awaiting visitors to Lao’s capital city, Vientiane, during Bun Pi Mao Lao: the Lao New Year. Lao New Year celebrations last from April 13th–15th and are marked by a jovial water fight that the entire city takes part in. Quite simply, this was by far the most exciting and memorable Yew Year celebration I have ever experienced. Arriving a day before the Lao New Year, the sleepy streets of Vientiane were quiet and offered no hint of the splash-filled revelry that would soon begin. Leaving the guesthouse the following morning (the first day of Lao New Year celebrations) I was greeted by a cheerful group of Laotian youth: dancing, drinking and dousing each other with water in the street. As a foreigner, I was a prime target for the water fight, and so I was immediately soaked by the group and invited to join their street party. After my first encounter with Lao New Year traditions, I quickly revised my travel itinerary so I could enjoy the full three-day fun-soaked Bun Pi Mao Lao. The first street party that I encountered on Lao New Year was quickly outdone by the huge parade-like celebration being held on the Mekong riverside. The streets were lined with water-throwing revellers while decorated cars, trucks and “tuk-tuks” drove by blaring music and shooting surprisingly high-powered water guns at the crowds. No one is spared from the water’s reach, and I watched as children, professionals and even policemen laughed as buckets of water were poured over them. It's particularly entertaining to watch as travellers arriving in Vientiane found themselves and their backpacks unexpectedly drenched. Enthusiastic Lao New Year revelers even use talcum powder to paint the faces of those around them. This massive Lao New Year water fight is more than just an excuse to get some much-needed reprieve from the hot summer sun. The sprinkling of water on one another symbolizes a cleansing of the past year’s troubles and the welcoming of a prosperous, healthy New Year. In addition to the cleansing water, Laotians also tie a white string around their wrists: a symbol of the New Year said to bestow good fortune. Since most businesses and restaurants are closed for Lao New Year celebrations, we were honored to share New Year meals with the owner of the guest house and several others along the street. I have never received such friendly, accommodating treatment in a foreign country, particularly one in which I could scarcely communicate in. The contagious laughter of Laotians, and the uninhibited dancing and generous spirit made this Lao New Year festival a truly remarkable experience. Even though Thailand is often described as the “Land of Smiles,” I believe Lao is much more deserving of that title. I can think of no better way to bring in the New Year than to do it Laotian style.

Go Orange on Queen's Day in Amsterdam

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 03:11:48 +0000

Amsterdam’s Queen's Day celebration of the masses in the Netherlands has spread into a night event as well. If you’re looking for a wildly exuberant party on April 30th, and are happy to dress in extravagant orange, then Queen's Day, or “Koninginnedag,” is one of the world's biggest street parties. There’s a sea of orange, with unique ideas for donning Netherland’s national colour, so pack your most outlandish orange outfit! Holland’s Queen's Day was dubbed a celebration way back on August 31st, 1885 with the birth of Queen Wilhelmina. Sixty-four years later after Queen Juliana's accession into the world of royalty, Queen's Day is officially celebrated on her birthday: April 30th. Succeeding her mother, Queen Beatrice continues to call April 30th Queen's Day in commemoration of her mother. The celebration of Queen’s Day actually starts around 7 pm the night before and carries right on over to Queen's Day. Walk the streets of the Nieuwmarkt and Jordaan areas for the perfect party. Two words of advice: pace yourself! You don't want to miss out on the biggest street party because you had a few too many funky orange drinks the night before the real celebrations begin. As the night turns into day, join in on the fun of the “free market.” Slowly slither through the market crowds to find second-hand artifacts sold by locals anywhere and everywhere. Find the most outrageous bric-a-brac being sold by the locals, and be entertained by talented teenage rappers, street discos, pick-up bands, tantalizing street entertainers, and young and old aspiring opera singers. Hop on a boat and join in the madness of techno music, or check out one of the ten different stages with DJs spinning their tunes. You will see it ALL on Queen's Day. If you are more into the organized lifestyle of concerts, then head on over to Museumplein or Dam Square where huge outdoor concerts are held in an oh-so-orderly fashion! Queen’s Day is a must to add to your bucket list as the crazy orange memories made here will go down in the books for the biggest, wildest street party you will ever attend.

Try to Keep Your Eye on the Prize at the Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling Festival

Thu, 20 May 2010 16:48:04 +0000

Roughly 200 years ago a group of geniuses decided it would be fun to chase a wheel of cheese down the steepest hill they could find. Although there is no concrete information describing how this tumble derby began, or why the Double Gloucester wheel of cheese is its coveted prize, one thing is for sure, the Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling Festival is one of the UK's most anticipated annual events. Before the rest of the world discovered the Brit's idea of fun it was attended only by locals, but over the years the popularity of Gloucestershire's cheese rolling has grown immensely and now attracts crazy cheese chasers from around the world. Every May long weekend a bunch of people (drunk, crazy... most likely both) take their spot on the starting line at the top of Cooper's Hill, located in Gloucestershire, England. They release a wheel of cheese and the first person down the hill to catch it wins. If you're wondering why it's called 'Cheese Rolling' and not called 'Cheese Chasing' take a quick look at some of the photos. It's impossible to stay on your feet the entire way down, so get some rugged clothes, padding or even an eye-catching costume and get ready to roll. The day starts off like most holidays, a full English breakfast complimented with some pints and then all aboard a bus to be taken to Cooper's Hill. By no means is this your average bus ride, on this bus it is a requirement that random outbreaks of karaoke take place, aided of course by the occasional beverage. Typical playlists might include Ring of Fire, Wonderwall and a few Aussie classics. After the two and a half hour drive from London it's time for some exercise; just a light hour and a half hike up Cooper's Hill. With the starting line underfoot, it is the first time the reality of how steep Cooper's Hill really is, dawns. With roughly twenty people per race and another hundred waiting, a silence falls and participants stagger in the wind as the anticipation builds. In a flash the horn is sounded and everyone starts racing the hill, some still on their feet and some already doing uncoordinated acrobatics. Although many come in with a game plan on how to maneuver down Cooper's Hill, all bets are off when you realize your running like a three year old who's feet can't keep up with their body, and from that point on it becomes a blur of ground, sky, and mud. At the bottom of Cooper's Hill, to our dizzying discontent we were informed that the coveted Double Gloucester wheel of cheese is only used in the first five races. So if you plan on participating in the Cheese Rolling Festival try to get in the first five races to have a chance at taking home some cheese. Although a bit dangerous, Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling Festival is loads of fun and quite the unique rush. Not too mention the bragging rights you get for being able to say you participated in one of ESPN's craziest sports. If you can't make it to the top of Cooper's Hill to participate, as a spectator it’s still a hilarious day taking in the uncontrollable tumbles and tosses of participants.

Celebrate Spring at Yellowknife's Caribou Carnival

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:35:04 +0000

When you first think of Yellowknife, it might conjure up visions of snow-clad tundra, caribou hunts, or maybe even ice fishing in this northernmost territory of Canada. During the winter season, October through April, Yellowknife’s almost 19,000 residents come out to celebrate during their annual Caribou Carnival. Since 1955, Yellowknife's Caribou Carnival has been held in the spring months of either March or April. Originally, the Caribou Carnival was designed as a get-together for local trappers who would compete in various events in the hopes of being crowned the champion. Don’t worry about being cold in the Diamond Capital of North America. As long as you’ve dressed appropriately, there are plenty of places to warm up and enjoy a nice big mug of hot chocolate while enjoying the fun. Today’s Caribou Carnival has evolved into offering music venues, a teen dance, fireworks, entertainment, vendors with food and crafts, traditional northern games such as snow tennis and snow bowling, and ice sculpting competitions. What’s great about the Caribou Carnival is that it's always different. They actually scaled back a few years ago and held the majority of the events indoors, but as of 2010 they were back in full swing. This year also marked the first year to enjoy live webcasts of the Carnival. Because of the time of year during the Caribou Carnival, another big non-carnival attraction is the spectacular views of the brilliantly coloured Northern Lights (also known as Aurora Borealis). Yellowknife is one of the best locations to view them in all of Canada, you’ll be witness to this scientific phenomenon with ribbons of colour ranging from deep emerald greens to ruby reds and royal blues. The highly collectible annual Caribou Carnival button (or pin) is a must for purchase during the Caribou Carnival. They’re widely available for sale, and there’s also an opportunity to trade and purchase pins from previous years. If you don’t purchase the coveted pin, you risk being “arrested” by the Caribou Cops who won’t release you until you’ve bought one—all in the best of fun, of course. The Carnival Capers, usually held at the Ed Jeske Arena in downtown Yellowknife, is a great event for the entire family. Here’s where you’ll find an offering of entertainment ranging from comedians and ventriloquists to popular local performers. The arena is also where the pageant and crowing of the royal Caribou Carnival Queen takes place. The three-day Diavik 150 Dog Race is one of the main events attracting visitors to the Caribou Carnival. Drawing mushers and their dogs from Canada, the U.S. and even France, it’s exhilarating to watch them fly by as they make their way along the solid ice of the normally unfrozen Frame Lake. The 150-mile race takes approximately ten hours to complete, and afterwards, there’s a short window to view the dogs up close and personal (including the icicles that have formed on their snouts and whiskers).

Punting and the River Cam

Thu, 22 May 2008 17:52:10 +0000

Enjoy the quiet sounds of summer as you punt along the River Cam. This simple pleasure preserves an old English tradition initially used for cargo transport in Cambridge, it is now used purely for pleasure and the occasional race. This relaxing row will allow you to indulge in some beautiful views of weeping willows along the banks of some the most treasured archeological buildings in England such as the University of Oxford, the oldest english speaking University started in 1249. Punting the Cam River costs about £10, and you can hire this service at any of the following locations Jesus Green , Trinity College, Grantchester, Silver Street bridge, Mill Lane, and Magdalene Bridge. The first two weeks of June offer an even finer experience as exams are finishing warranting some good old fashion fun for all to enjoy such as boat races, balls, and open theater.

Jump in a Jellyfish Lake

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:24:44 +0000

Expecting the unexpected is half the fun of being a diver, but when you snorkel Palau's Jellyfish Lake—all assumptions are off limits. This natural marine lake is a magnet for divers and snorkellers alike thanks to its curious populous of harmless jellyfish. Getting to your destination is part of the fun when diving in Palau, and carving your way through remote uninhabited islands on one of Fish n' Fins 225 HP speed boats is definitely not a hardship. The trail to Jellyfish Lake, however, may be just that. The rope-lined trail is a steep 15 minute climb for most. Be sure to take the opportunity to catch your breath by reading the informational signs about Jellyfish Lake on your way up. Everyday, a pulsating mob of over one million jellyfish follow the sun from the west end of Jellyfish Lake to the east. This daily sun migration is done to sustain life-giving algae in the jellyfish's body. Their need for sunlight is so strong that when the waters hit a shadow from overhanging trees, the jellyfish stop as if there were an invisible line. The sun also plays a pivotal role in highlighting its subject matter, and sun rays reflect up through the water, casting accentuating beams of light around and even through the jellyfish. It's a rather psychedelic sight to see. In addition to the abnormal amount of jellyfish, here they are even more unique because they don't sting. Over 12,000 years ago, sea levels rose to a point where water began to form marine lakes through basins and tunnels in Palau's Rock Islands. Over the years, Jellyfish Lake became isolated, and in turn the jellyfish evolved without a need for self defence. Snorkeling Jellyfish Lake is like joining a bizarre dream world. Jellyfish bob into you, ranging in size from the tip of your pinky finger to bigger than your head. Their constant pulsing is mesmerizing, as if they are in sync and random all at once. Snorkelling Jellyfish Lake will give you a whole new sense of surrealism.

Thailand's Elephant Parade

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 23:30:06 +0000

Trunk to tail the procession of gentle giants mosey onward during the Elephant Round Up held in Surin Thailand, every third weekend of November. A relatively recent developed tradition, it originated from citizens training elephants as working animals, but later due the Civil War in Cambodia and the logging ban of 1989 that put thousands of elephants out of work, handlers turned to entertainment to earn a living. Each year over 200 Elephants gather together in this Eastern part of Thailand to entertain, charm, and astonish visitors with their feats of strength and skill during games such as tug of war and football. One of the more hands on events is the Elephant Breakfast held on the Friday morning. Chains of Elephants carrying dignitaries, tourists and their handlers also known as Mahouts, saunter into town and congregate at the roundabout in the south end of the city, where a feast of fruit is devoured. Tourists and locals get a chance to mingle with these massive mammals and feed them first hand. Saturday and Sunday the Elephants convene at the Stadium for displays of skill and mastery with music, games, and an array of traditional customs and attire.

Dance through Cobblestone streets during Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 20:55:48 +0000

Rio de Janeiro savors the title of Carnival Capital of the world, as it hosts the largest, wildest, most indulgent Carnival celebrations annually. The public celebration includes street parties, parades, circuses and masquerades. Some of Carnivals attractions are free like the street carnival but others like the Samba Parade and the marvelous Balls are not, so look to book your tickets in advance. The Samba parade, the highlight for many, takes place from dusk till dawn at the Sambodromo, a 700 meter long parade strip. This show is the stage for an exhilarating competition by the top 14 samba schools, each outfitted in lavish costumes, despite that the participants are usually from the poorest neighborhoods. Each school is accompanied by marching samba bands, floats, and of course the flamboyant scantily clad dancers and singers. With a single school reaching upwards of 4000 people it’s easy to imagine the enormity of the party, as well as the chaos. To avoid pure chaos the organizers give a theme to each year and spend countless hours choreographing and rehearsing to make the parade a seamless ensemble. The atmosphere is so energetic and beats so catchy, that you'll be hard pressed to stop yourself from dancing.