CHILE WITH CHIMU ADVENTURES

It doesn't come as a shock to know that South America is comprised of many countries but what may interest some is just how much history is encapsulated in Chile in particular. 

Chile is alive or 'hot hot hot' as the advertisement says. To understand her past is to understand her future. Conquered by the Spanish conquistadors in 1540 and it was not until 1818 that Chile gained her independance. Since then there have been upheavals in leadership that have resulted in the Chile we see today. One of the most well know Presidents is Pinochet who assumed rule following the coup d'e'tat in September 1973. He overthrew the democratically elected Unidad Popular government of Salvador Allende ending civilian rule. But time moves forward and today Sebastian Pinera currently resides over a very modern Chile.

But enough of history, let's get to the more palatable side of Chilli - wine. Producing world class wines as the 9th largest producer in the world has been an exciting time for the country. The region stretches on the West coast with Casablanca - yes this is the original- being noted for many boutique establishments. Bodegas Re is a perfect place to sample true boutique style wines and visit their Balsameria where they are perfecting incredible vinegar and syrup varieties. 

The Carmeneire' grape is now producing some of the finest reds while Pinot Noir is making its mark in the cellars of Santiago and beyond. The Leyda and Limari' valleys alongside Casablanca are well known for their exquisite Sauvignon Blanc while Malbeck lovers are not forgotten.

Heading northwest of Santiago will position you perfectly in the coastal port of Valparaiso. What can only be described as artistic and cultural, the UNESCO listed ( 2003) city is well known for street art and the Nobel Prize winner ( 1971) Pablo Neruda who is reknowned for his love poems alongside his political career. The Chillean rail begins in Valparaiso and it is home to the Chillean Navy. I don't think a few days in this beautiful city would go astray. Try out their cuisine at one of the many restaurants. 

An odd addition to Chilli is that it boasts the largest swimming pool in the world. Built at a cost of 1 billion dollars it opened in 2006 after taking 5 years to construct. Algarrobo is situated on the Pacific coast in central Chille andcertainly is a great place for water lovers. Chile also has the longest coastline ( 6500 klms) in the world. Just north of El Canelillo is the Isolte Pajaros Ninos a small rocky promontory where you will find the migratory Humboldt penguins. The Seno Otway Colony in Punta Arenas is home to around 150,000 strong Magellanic penguins during the months of November to January. Their powerful agility entering and existing the water is just incredible to watch - as it is when they waddle too fast and then plank as they fall flat. 

No story about Chile would be complete without a mention of RAPA NUI, the world famous Easter Island. The Moai- large stone heads resting on ahus ( pedestals) gazing to the sea - are wrapped in legend as nearly 900 statues created during the 13th to 16th centuries have stood the test of time on this volcanic island. 

While there is so much more to Chile like the phenominal Tierre del Fuego shared by both Chile and Argentina  with snowy mountains glaciers and tundra, the Atacama Desert in complete contrast is where I will end my story. The driest desert in the world stretching from the Andes Mountains to the Pacific for 1,000 kilometres is without doubt, the provider of some of the most exquisite sunrises and sunsets imaginable. But far from being and arid desolate wilderness, Atacama is alive with llamas, Vicunas -who produce the most expensive wool - and Guanaco (wanaku) the only wild species of llama -and the cutest bunny like creature - the Vizcacha. Of course there are the usual lizards that languish on rocks watching the tourists as if they were aliens. Visit Rainbow valley which reminds me of a moonscape and the petroglyphs of Yerbas Buenas mark the tide of time with windswept rock faces hovering as if protecting a long ago secret. The Tatio geysers and salt lakes ( much smaller than the Uyuni in Bolivia) cannot be bypassed. 

So do you sleep in the desert? Of course you do - in one of the most stunningly designed resorts such as Alto Atacama, the Explorer and Tierra Atacama. There are so many options that you are spoilt for choice. Our hosts for this expedition the Alto Atacama provided us with the ultimate experience and I cannot acknowledge them enough. Close to the township of San Pedro de Atacama the resort has thought of your every need. From trilogy massages to excursions to the unknown - well they will be at first - and the exposure to the stars through their astronomy programme, you will have no problem in filling your time. Feeling like you are close to heaven as you recline on your own couch, wrapped in a blanket, while listening to the resident expert explain just how close you are to the constellations is a highlight, you could almost reach up and touch the stars. 

The Alma Project observatory is located 50 kilometres from San Pedro de Atacama and is open every Saturday and Sunday morning to the public-free of charge -  but you must register well in advance. The construction of the Alma Observatory in Chile has contributed immensley to the development of astronomy in the country. For more information go to www.almaobservatory.org/en/about-alma-at-first-glance/

So as the susets over the Andes Mountains I need to acknowledge the company that made this journey possible CHIMU ADVENTURES AUSTRALIA. Without your guidance and planning this adventure would have only been a dream. 

BHUTAN - A SNAP SHOT - YOU DREAM IT WE CAN CREATE IT.

This is a quick snapshot of Bhutan.If you can dream it - we can create it! Enticingbhutan.com

                                    THE SOLOMON ISLANDS A HIDDEN SANCTUARY

 The Solomon Islands are one of the South Pacific’s most intriguing and yet least explored regions. A scattered archipelago of around 1000 islands and low lying coral atolls of Guadalcanal (capital Honiara), Santa Isabel, San Cristobel, Choiseul, Santa Cruz group, Gizo and New Georgia, the Solomons offers great dive spots, eco lodges and restaurants.

In 1568 Spanish navigator Alvaro de Mendana became the first European to “discover” Santa Isobel Island and have contact with the Islas Salomon people. His aim was to convert the ‘heathens’ to Christianity. Their first landing was at Santa Isabel where they found the locals to be cordial but as cannibals and offering a body part as food -the Spanish soon realised that making a hasty retreat to Peru would be adviseable.

    Diving World War II wrecks in Guadalcanal is one of the major attractions.
Guadalcanal is considered one of the best dive sites in the world. The wrecks of Kyusyu Maru, and the USS John Penn have recorded one of the highest fish counts in the world. Exotic fish species including Red Tailed Flashers, painted Thecacera and Yamasui’s Cuthoha will be names familiar to fish experts. Dives take between 4 to 6 people- no crowded boats and no tight time schedules. Try surf drops, snorkelling and village tours with Gizo Adventure Sports providing a comprehensive range of options.

 The Isabel province is considered one of the best regions in the Pacific with long stretching white sand beaches ideal for the surfing enthusiast. A secret no longer, Solomon Islands newest resort the Papatura Island Retreat is ideal for fishing, surfing, kayaking, swimming, and the list goes on. There are 4 styles of bungalow that cater for Honeymooners and romantics all with water views. 
Busu Island Eco Retreat on the island of Malaita is located in the Langa Langa Lagoon and is an ideal place to absorb cultural life. Hone your canoeing skills in some of the clearest water on the island or maybe “fall in” for a swim.  

Kagata Village is the true Solomon’s experience where you can fish surf and relax all in one day. Three lagoon front bungalows each with private facilities are the ultimate holiday location. Surf the crowd free waves and learn from the Kagata people how tourism is shaping their future. Mr Laurie Leketo supports the community with an initiative to assist local communities. “By staying with the locals your valuable dollar goes back into the local tribes, helping our isolated communities with much needed essentials like food, medicine, education, and housing” he commented.

There are Eco lodges for the adventurer and modern hotels for those less inclined to want to ‘rough it’. For a period of time, the Solomons ’fell asleep’ but they have awakened with a dedication to sustainable tourism. The importance of local cuisine and fresh caught is so very enticing. Fat Boys Restaurant 10 minutes by boat from the island of Gizo overlooks the aptly named Plum Pudding Island.

THE TRAVELLING ENTREPRENEUR

No matter what your profession there lies an entrepreneur in all of us when we travel. For example have you ever wandered around the likes of Tuscany thinking to yourself –‘I could go home and start a B&B just like this one – the style of the property could easily be adjusted to our conditions.’ Ok so maybe not a B&B but with so many different industries from Chocolate making to shoes there is surely one that may have you thinking of bringing an idea back home. I know people who have had pizza in Italy and thought they should stay and show the Italians how it is done. When we told a colleague in Moderna that we have pineapple on pizzas they were horrified.

From past visits entrepreneurs have imported glass from Murano, and masks from Venice. Sadly the Chinese copies made the price of the original article prohibitive for the export market. The Venetians have to settle for tourists appreciating their incredible craft. Italy is famous for wine and yet again with Australia now leading the forefront in impeccably delicious vintages, the market for wine has slowly declined. Travel anywhere in the world and Australian wines are listed at the top of your choices.

So what else can we extrapolate from our travels – photography, yes we could if we are great sell our photos. What about buying a little property somewhere in the hills to rent out to tourists as a genuine homestay – now I like the idea of that. Many Australians do this in France and Japan so why leave Italy to the Brits, we are entrepreneurs after all. Australians buy property all over the world, you cannot get any more entrepreneurial than that.

But is it all about our plonking ourselves in another country or importing goods from a foreign land- not at all. As we immerse ourselves in another culture we can sometimes see an opportunity to show the world our niche- whatever that may be. Recently I met a scholar who had written a programme to benefit literature in schools and to assist immigrants with their English Language skills. His program can be adapted to any language and has enormous potential. I just hope that the Italians can learn English easier than I could learn Italian. Thankfully many of them are already fluent in the Queens English.

So is entrepreneurship about what you can give or what you can take away from your journey. I believe that the answer is both depending on your level of expertise. I was told as a child that if you believe in what you are offering, you could sell ice to the eskimoes. So to all of you travelling Entrepreneurs out there the world is your oyster – oh wait I can feel the next story coming together already. 

The Sanctuary In Paris | Incredible India

 

It's not called Incredible India for nothing. I hear people say India doesn't interest me and the only reason I can think of for this comment is a lack of education. It is one of the most fascinating countries in the world not only for a blend of culture but the festivals are both colourful and moving.

Everything from Diwali in November folowed closely by the Pushkar Camel Fair at the end of November and Holi where you are doused in a miriad of coloured powders to celebrate life. And this is just a snippet of what India represents.

You can join me at enticingbhutan.com where Enticing India is a part of my travel company.

HOWRAMAN KURDISTAN IRAN

We know the bible, we know the stories but how well do we know of the beginnings - the first of the first. Not many can say they have heard of Howraman- the kurdish territory in the north of Iran. Lend me your ear and hear this story as told by a local from Time Tunnel Travelling.

There is a saying among the Kurds- there are no friends BUT the mountains. To trace the history of the Kurds we will start at the very beginning. It was here, in the land some believe was once the Garden of Eden that this resilient ancient people first left their mark upon the world. Archeologists believe it was within this 'Cradle of Civilization' that the Kurdish ancestors first pioneered agriculture, animal husbandry, weaving, metal work and the making of pottery. For visitors a trip to the land of the Kurds is a trip to Biblical history. The great prophets Nahum, Jonah, Habakkuk and Daniel are all buried within the vast borders what came to be known as Kurdistan.

Caught at the intersection of powerful empires, the Kurds had their homes destroyed so regularly in medieval history that, by the XVIII century, a sizeable part of society had foregone villages altogether and resorted to nomadism and brigandry. An important exception, thanks to its impenetrable mountain-hemmed position, was the Howraman valley. This remains one of Iran's least known and most spectacular areas in Kurdistan of Iran.

History
The History of the Kurds dates back to 57,000 years ago, and even more, with evidence of stone age (Middle Paleolithic) people living in six caves near the village of Hazar Merd, south-west of Suleimaniah. In one cave near Zarzi village, many flint implements of the upper paleolithic era have been found.
The earliest archaeological evidence shows that the region was inhabited by humans since the middle paleolithic period. Evidence was discovered by archaeologists near Hajij village and includes stone tools made by Neanderthals or early modern humans. Evidence for late paleolithic occupation discovered in a cave site in the Perdi Mala valley.

Culture
Kurdish culture originates from their lives in the mountains. In colder months you will still see Howraman men wearing kolabal, brown-felt jackets with distinctive shoulder 'horns' that is made from the goat's hair. Howrami people also use local shoes that date back 1,500 years. The 'Chokho Ranak' that is made by goat's hair is also worn as clothing.

In Howraman District the locals sing the 'mother of all songs' with 7,000 years of history called 'Hora', another song 'Sya Chamana' has records showing 3740 years of history. This local song is taken from the voice of Quebec.
Kurdish people are called to be equal in their society through dance, a dance from prehistoric ages that has a different characteristic to other Middle Eastern dance. They do not segregate men and women so all people dance in the same line.

Village Structure
Old stone terracing in the villages is stacked Masuleh-style, one house's roof forming the next one's yard. An example of this kind of structure is Pawa (Paveh) city, the biggest stepping or terracing city in Iran.
The proximity of the houses to each other has a direct impact on the culture among the people of the village in such a way that the people of Howraman are known as the most hospitable people in Iran.

Society and women's rights
Woman in the Kurdish language are referredto as 'Afrat' meaning  'creator'. It is not an exaggeration to say that women of Kurdistan are the lords of this land. In the heart of Howraman district the village called 'Dawan' is known through history as published by Iranian national media to be 3,500 years old but the locals believe that Dawan village has a 5,500 years history. Here women were scholars who attended schools and universities.

***Credit and information for this article courtesy of Mr Salman Enferadi and Mr.Farzad Ravand

Taj Hotels India Royal Heritage

    I could not let a day pass without sharing my other favourite company - TAJ Resorts and Palaces. They have truly embraced the heritage of India in their properties. I have a tour in October that will stay at Taj and Alila properties in Rajasthan - why not join me. Enticingbhutan.com #India #Taj #IncredibleIndia #amazingdestinations #travel #tourism