International Travel Adventure

Almost immediately after Part 1 of our planned two-part series on China travel adventure was written, the earthquake centered in Wenchuan County of the Sichuan Province struck with an initial force of 8.0. The huge tragedy is ongoing, both due to the numerous (continuing) large aftershocks (5.7 Tuesday afternoon on the 27^th, injuring over 60 people), and the gargantuan job of dealing with the aftermath of such a major disaster. As of this writing, two weeks and nearly two days later, the death toll is at 67,183, with an additional 20,790 still missing. Approximately 15,000,000 people have needed to be relocated, most due to already losing their homes, others because of evacuations downstream from the numerous newly formed lakes that are ready to burst from their temporary confines.

Now we come to what is being done about it all. The heroic efforts of the Chinese people, and the organizational skills of the government and military, have been nothing short of amazing to witness. If you saw news coverage from anywhere other than China, you probably got bits and pieces; watching CCTV (China Central Television - CCTV 9 is in English), even now that 24-hour continuous coverage is past, has been very refreshing in terms of seeing what concerted efforts of tightly organized large numbers of people can accomplish. And yet, shortly after their first efforts, the Chinese government realized help was needed; and thankfully, they began to accept help, first from only nearby neighbors, then widening that circle to eventually include much of the world.

We have mentioned in an earlier post about how international adventure is not always fun or entertaining or good. If we asked any who have been “privileged” to help out in China in the aftermath of the quake, I’m guessing there would be mixed feelings of sorrow over the lives unable to be saved, extreme gravity in dealing with the conditions - not for themselves - but for the survivors (newly childless, orphans, amputees, and more), and yet, elation for direct participation in saving so many more lives, comforting those they could, and witnessing, and helping in, the transition from grief-stricken loss to moving on with life, which so many survivors are gradually accepting.

As was mentioned in Part 1, China should be visited this year. The Olympics is only one reason, and only one short season. There is so much more to see and do in that large wondrous country. But if you are truly adventurous, and have the ability to take the time now, why wait? You can watch CCTV to find out directly what is needed; it is posted on-screen at least every half hour. If you’re able to contribute your time and efforts, check out local branches of Red Cross and other organizations where you live. Find out how and when you can go as a volunteer. Literally tons of foods, fuels, clothing, tents, bottled water, etc. have been donated - and even delivered - for the cause of the stricken. And yes, the Chinese have large numbers of people in almost every specialization imaginable. But there are still needs for skilled people; for example, doctors, nurses, and those skilled in trauma psychiatrics are the obvious. Just check with your local charities and other humanitarian aid societies.

Maybe you have brought to completion a recent development or invention that can be helpful. A perfect example (on a large scale) is the mobile hospital contributed from its inventors in Germany. The unit modules - packed, shipped, and personally delivered - house either 120 or 400 beds, and contain operating rooms, emergency room, etc. It is completely self-contained; it generates its own electricity, purifies all needed water and air, processes all human waste, and more. The inventors/developers delivered it, set it up, and trained local peers in all aspects of the unit. They have also donated it to China for any possible future needs. Is that an adventure for those Germans? You bet!

More medical teams and doctors are being sent to, and arriving in, the earthquake zone, even now. Another medical team recently arrived from Pakistan, and 20 more doctors from Indonesia. These people are all contributing of themselves where they are needed. Are they in the midst of an adventure of a lifetime? Yes! Is it all uplifting and good times? No. Is it something they’ll remember the rest of their lives? Absolutely, and they won’t regret going to China and being part of the effort to make a positive difference in so many people’s lives!

The quake zone still requires much work and talent. Besides the inglorious tasks of finding more of the missing and burying the dead, disease and epidemic prevention are high on the list at this time. Temporary dwelling structures are being erected, while in some areas rebuilding has already begun. But at the same time, any areas downstream from the aforementioned newly formed lakes (and one dammed lake) are being evacuated. The engineering jobs required to contain and divert the accumulating water safely is of prime importance as the minutes and hours become more fleeting.

Relocating the approximately 15,000,000 people for whom it is necessary - many due to the evacuations - is another major task. 566,400 tents have been set up and occupied (average four per tent) so far, while many times that many are still required. 1,600 temporary homes have been set up, with over 4,000 under construction. Yet, 15,000,000 people are being relocated!

Where do you fit into all this? If any of our readers do, or have, become directly involved, we’re all hoping you will tell to us your stories of going, and being a part of the solution, following one of the worst natural disasters of our time. [For any of you wondering, yes, there will be a Part 3!]

If you’re still unsure of anything about your next international travel - and you want it to be cheaper, safer, and more adventurous, get my free “Smart Tips Handbook” available exclusively to Registered Readers! Click the link below.

International Travel Adventure

Perhaps adventure can be defined differently for different people, and different situations, as discussed previously. Not everyone heli-skis from the world’s highest peaks; not everyone climbs to the highest peaks; not everyone plumbs the depths of the ocean, mapping the continental plates and their shifts, or searching for the rare giant squid. And adrenalin junkies rarely find time for a romantic adventure with a significant other.

While events this summer are not everyone’s “cup of tea”, many journalists are already finding adventure in the country that looms on the horizon of the world. This country also happens to be hosting this round of the Summer Olympics. Yes, China has been in the news for a long while now, for various reasons. She already has been criticized as the next major oil consumption nation, causing world prices to skyrocket (only partially true, in a small way). And, of course, there are the Olympics in Beijing this summer, which puts China on display for the world, and for which China would like to be seen in a good light. Then there is also the “old guard” holdout Communist government for which she is well-known, especially by many who remember Tiananmen Square and other human rights issues all Communist governments have had in common.

Recently, there have been news items relating to tainted products (both food items and material goods) which are of Chinese origin. (Keeping in mind how western media hype works, and how Communist spin normally applies to stories that go international, we should be comforted to know that much of what we’ve heard has been blown out of proportion, but also realize that events did happen that put the Chinese industry working “double-time” to correct them; they want the world to buy and love their products, and it hurts them when we don’t. After all, theirs is a world-scale emerging economy - think Japan 40-45 years ago, only happening at a faster pace.)

Most recently have been the stories of strife, primarily inside the Tibet area, of protests and demonstrations by Tibetans desiring independence from China, while the Chinese government wants to maintain control, keeping Tibet as part of China. And yes, there were Chinese soldiers in droves, quashing the resultant rioting, while journalists try to get into the area, to get stories out. What is surprising is that the Chinese government didn’t foresee this happening in a year of such high publicity for the nation, and have a better, pre-determined, way of handling it - perhaps even with a lighter hand. As a nation becoming more “transparent” (of necessity) on the world stage, the “knee-jerk”, heavy-handed reaction of the government is bringing criticism from all corners of the world, and some threats of boycotting the Olympics.

Do you want adventure? Then definitely plan to visit China this year, if at all possible. The Olympics is only one reason, and that is only this summer. But China has so much more to offer, and is (mostly) open to tourists and adventurists from around the world. If you read any of the news items published by News Hound here in this blog, you already know that tourism is one of China’s mushrooming industries; and they welcome it! China is doing everything in her perceived power to present a positive image to the world, both as a place to visit, and as a place to live. At least take advantage of the visit, if you can!

Please be sure to check out the Video II page for Tibetan music videos. I love them, and who wouldn’t? Western videos on MTV have nothing over these visually stunning and musically enriching treats! If you like them, click here for Tibetan Music World.

If you’re still unsure of anything about your next international travel - and you want it to be cheaper, safer, and more adventurous, get my free “Smart Tips Handbook” available exclusively to Registered Readers! Click the link below.

International Travel Adventure

I wanted to share a little something special this time: a unique experience that can be considered “international” by all but U.S. residents. The circumstances and remote location for this adventure make it rather unusual. While it is “off the beaten path” for most tourists, it is still in the south Utah/north Arizona scenic area that fascinates and thrills thousands monthly, usually in any season but winter. (Hardier souls do venture winter explorations, but we can’t say the numbers are as many.)

Either side of the border between Utah and Arizona are some of the most beautiful and unusual landscapes and stunning natural visuals to be found anywhere. Most people are familiar with the existence of Arizona’s Grand Canyon, even if they’ve never visited it. In the vast (mostly) wilderness area north and east of “that big ditch” are found such treasures as the five major national parks in southern Utah: (1)Zion, (2)Bryce Canyon, (3)Capitol Reef, (4)Arches, and (5)Canyonlands; and in Arizona: Canyon De Chelly National Monument, Navajo National Monument; and such spectacular areas as are found surrounding the huge Lake Powell, with its Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, mostly in Utah.

Somewhat lesser known, because of what some might consider “extreme” hiking required to reach them, are areas of interest here - along the state border area in the vicinity of U.S. Highway 89, roughly halfway between Kanab and Page. This is the area of Vermillion Cliffs, Coyote Buttes, Buckskin Gulch, and more. What Readers Digest calls the “Best Curves” are the sometimes elusive formations known commonly as “The Wave”, and “Wave 2″. Driving to the area, and parking, is in Utah; the destinations are in Arizona, roughly a 1-1/2 hour (3 mile [4.8 km]) trek from the parking area. You’ll cross the state border when you step over a barbed wire fence well into the hike.

In this area, managed by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management), access is by permit only; 20 visitors per day (10 pre-scheduled through a lottery system, and 10 “walk-ins”). Here is the BLM permit site for The Wave and other area “goodies”. Since the formations are sandstone, and therefore delicate, extra care is needed to walk amongst them. Of interest in the immediate vicinity of The Wave are “brain rocks” and “Wave 2″. Considering the hiking time to and from the area (approximately 3 hours), and finding and hiking to other nearby sites, one should allow a good part of the day - perhaps 6 hours. An early morning start is recommended.

A great time to capture the multitude of colors and their variations in photographs is the middle of the day, when there are no shadows. (Many have repeatedly described the colors as psychedelic.) However, quality photos for textures and dramatic lines can be better shot in early morning or late afternoon; given this consideration, photographers - amateur and professional - may decide to make a day of it.

Good hiking shoes, comfortable clothing for the prevailing weather (often very hot in summer - 100+° F [38+° C]), at least a gallon of water per person, and a hand-held GPS receiver are all equally important. It is a sad truth that many hikers take the time, make the effort, and never find The Wave, and some have needed assistance finding their way back out of the area; this is one hike devoid of any markers - or even a trail most of the way - so it is a good idea to keep looking back while hiking in - to have landmarks for finding your way out. The rangers allowing access will give exact GPS coordinates and a “crudimentary” (I love that “word”!) map. However, you will find the primary destination at 36^o59.77′N 112^o0.40′W, and at an elevation of approximately 5,200 feet (1,585 m). On the trek going in, you’ll gain approximately 350 feet (107 m) in elevation!

For more photos that are fine art quality, visit this link to Terra Galleria to see the work of Q.T. Luong. Check out each of the photos in the bottom row of the page, showing hikers in the midst of “wave heaven”. Skateboards? Not hardly - even if you could manage to carry one in on your hike. (Sandstone - delicate, remember?) But can you imagine someone constructing a duplicate of even part of “The Wave” just for boarding?

If you’re still unsure of anything about your next international travel - and you want it to be cheaper, safer, and more adventurous, get my free “Smart Tips Handbook” available exclusively to Registered Readers! Click the link below.

International Travel Adventure

Does anyone really go to Costa Rica for anything other than to buy and enjoy their own little slice of “retirement heaven”? If your e-mail inbox (or spam folder) is anything like mine, you’d think that Costa Rica was full of American and European retirees living out their golden years drinking genuine mountain grown coffee, playing golf, and perhaps learning a bit of Spanish to help “get by” a little more easily. Well, let’s see about that, shall we?

First, Costa Rica is one of only seven countries that make up Central America. It is even more unique in that it is also one of only five of those countries that have two ocean borders – Pacific and Atlantic. Just that, alone, makes it a very unique country to visit and explore. Then, since the country is only 10 degrees north of the equator, we must add the fact that we have rain forests and jungle. OK, it’s becoming more interesting!

As you may recall from the previous post, the Pacific Ring of Fire includes the west coasts of North America, South America, and of course, Central America. Costa Rica has eleven volcanoes, seven of which are considered “active”. The volcanoes of Costa Rica are: Arenal, Barva, Cerro Tilaran, Irazu, Miravalles, Orosí, Platanar, Poás, Rincón de la Vieja, Tenorio, and Turrialba. The 7 “active” volcanoes are: Arenal, Barva, Irazu, Miravalles, Poás, Rincón de la Vieja, and Turrialba.

Volcano Arenal, which is the youngest and most active in Costa Rica, has been continually active from 1968 to the present. It also lends its name to the country’s (nearby) largest lake. While volcanoes are not the only attractions in the country, they include some of the most active - while being “up close” visible, volcanoes in the western hemisphere. The areas surrounding active volcanoes also cater to the explorers with resorts featuring natural hot springs or ocean-side pools; relax while photographing some of the most spectacular glowing nighttime lava flows, or watching the sun set over the Pacific horizon!

Costa Rica has attained a 44^th place world ranking in the 2008 Travel and Tourism Competitive Index (first among Latin American countries). The real success story behind that is ‘ecotourism’, which capitalizes on the country’s extensive protected areas and national parks. Costa Rica is a pioneer in this type of tourism, and is hailed as one of the few countries worldwide with genuine ecotourism being offered. Fully 23% of the country is protected forests and reserves, and has the greatest density of plant and animal species in the world. Wikipedia states that while the country has only 0.1% of the world’s land mass, it contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity, due in large part to the jungles and the tropical setting of the rain forest areas.

While areas are protected, they are also “on display” for visitors. Enabling actually viewing much of the wildlife, in addition to the myriad of plant life, are “canopy tours” through the forests – both via platforms and zip lines, as well as via the “hanging bridges” that are in place. If you ever wanted to get “up close and personal” with some of the amazing wildlife here, these adventure treks not only allow it, but promote it. Many species of monkeys, turtles, birds (over 850, including eight species of parrots), sloths, reptiles, big cats, tapirs, among so many others, are ready to be spotted and perhaps photographed. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, alone, has about 2,000 plant species, including many orchids. Hanging bridges in cloud forest areas afford spectacular views of amazing scenery.

Other adventure activities include white-water rafting and kayaking on the many rivers, two of the most notable for such being Rio Pacuare and Rio Reventazon; several other notables include a few on the Pacific coastal drainage areas. If you’re into climbing, the highest peak is 12,500 feet (3,810 meters), while the highest volcano comes in at 11,257 feet (3,431 meters). If you prefer tropical islands, Costa Rica has its share, the largest, Calero Island being only 58.5 square miles (151.6 square km), and the most distant being Cocos Island, which is 300 miles (500 km) off Puntarenas on the Pacific coast.

All in all, I have long considered Costa Rica to be a primary destination for adventure travel in the Americas. While it has become quite popular for retirement, it has become almost as popular for romantic adventures, as well; there are many websites devoted to honeymooning in Costa Rica. Romance aside, ecotourism and adventure treks contribute most heavily to the economy, and remain the primary attractions for foreigners.

If you’re still unsure of anything about your next international travel - and you want it to be cheaper, safer, and more adventurous, get my free “Smart Tips Handbook” available exclusively to Registered Readers! Click the link below.

International Travel Adventure

Have you ever gone volcano trekking? I was fortunate (?) enough to live in Vancouver, Washington when Mt. St. Helens reawakened with “a start” in 1980. Being so close to a live volcano (40 miles “the way the crow flies”) - seeing and feeling the effects - was an interesting part of my life then, although sometimes a health hazard (falling ash) and inconvenient (again, falling ash). But flying over her was spectacular; looking into the crater, and seeing the dome being pushed up in the middle, growing with each succeeding view was amazing.

Trekking along the flanks and shoulders of Mt. St. Helens was even more adventurous. Being able to watch the recovery of plant and wildlife in the years following “the big one” was an education few get to have in a lifetime; I considered it a privilege then, as I do now. While trips to Windy Ridge (best drive-to crater viewing point on her flanks - about 4 miles from the crater) were more frequent, one of my best memories was being part of a 2-couple group (plus dogs) that hiked up a mountain stream out of the foothills south of her base to an overnight camping spot virtually unknown to most people who even live in the area. Parts of the “hike” involved swimming upstream in the coldest water I’ve ever endured (it’s what you do when there is no more riverbank to hike - on either side). The hike culminated at a beautiful waterfall and pool (the planned campsite) that made continuing further upstream impossible anyway.

Also in the south foothills, nearer the mountain, are the lava tubes, the longest of which is named Ape Cave; they are great for underground exploring fun (mega-candlepower flashlights/torches are needed, due to the immense size and lengths). Other regional activity included finding huge ash beds (while visitor center tourists paid dollars for small vials), and trekking through, while photographing, the many square miles of flattened trees from the May 18, 1980 blast. What a surreal landscape!

Mt. St. Helens is part of the Cascade mountain range in the Pacific northwest of the United States. The Cascade mountain range is, in turn, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of frequent earthquakes and volcanoes around the rim of the Pacific Ocean, which claims more volcanoes as part of a continuous system than anywhere else on Earth. This ring contains over 50% (452 according to a Wikipedia article) of the world’s volcanoes - both active and dormant. It also generates “90% of the world’s earthquakes and 81% of the world’s largest earthquakes” (same Wikipedia article).

My other favorite volcano viewing has been on the Big Island of Hawaii. Actually seeing a different kind of devastation up close that is totally different from that of Mt. St. Helens is an experience not to be missed. Many people are affected regularly by the sometimes uncertainty of the next eruptions. Rather than the multi-megaton explosive power of a blast like Mt. St. Helens on May 18, 1980, the Big Island’s Kilauea exudes pryoclastic lava flows. These flows have even closed highways (Caution! Lava Crossing). Night views are spectacular, as are those where lava spills into the ocean, instantly turning the water into huge steam plumes.

If visiting Hawaii is out of the question, and you can arrange a trek amongst any of the world’s other volcanic regions, plan for the trip to be adventurous. If you are not familiar with where some of the best volcanic sites are located - even relatively near you - check out the free version of Google Earth “on a PC near you”. Using the ‘Layers’ options (usually located in the lower left corner, open ‘Gallery’, and put a check next to the ‘Volcanoes’ item. Then go exploring; “fly” over the earth at about 2000 miles ‘eye altitude’ (referenced in the lower right corner), and have fun planning your treks! Did you ever imagine there were so many volcanoes in the world?

Bonus: Here are a number of excellent images of Klyuchevskoy Volcano which has been erupting on the Kamchatka peninsula over the last year. The text is in Russian (and sometimes also English), but these twenty photos are worth a look even if you do not read Russian. Shown are impressive ash eruptions, lava flows, night scenes, pyroclastic flows and more. Three of the photos are sampled below - all three photos by Yu. Demyanchuk. Trek on!

Disclaimer for U.S. and other litigious societies (the things my lawyers might want me to say): Don’t try this at home! (Say what? If you live on a volcano, consider moving!) Don’t explore volcanoes during eruptions (duh!). Only trek volcanic areas not posted as “Danger, Keep Out” (need I explain?). If regional authorities are absent from a volcanic area, at least wait until the danger is over. Hikes to the peak of Mt. St. Helens, for example, didn’t resume until 1986. [Now removing tongue from cheek.]

If you’re still unsure of anything about your next international travel - and you want it to be cheaper, safer, and more adventurous, get my free “Smart Tips Handbook” available exclusively to Registered Readers! Click the link below.

International Travel Adventure