#swim around the shore collecting resources from the ocean floor | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

that-foul-legacy-lover · 7 months

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you're a diver from Fontaine, one of the best in the entire Court, and are known far and wide for your ability to collect whatever resource people need- that's where most of your pay comes from, collecting beryl conches and romaritime flowers for jewelry, perfumes, and the like. but you also enjoy diving as a hobby, spending most of your time off in the water and enjoying the sights, your Vision allowing you to breathe easily under the waves. there's something about floating weightlessly in oceanic world that helps you feel so calm and at peace.

it's during one of these leisurely dives that you encounter something- or someone- incredible.

you won't lie, you were swimming too close to the Fortress of Meropide. yes, it's technically forbidden, but you couldn't help but investigate the deeper waters and caves around it after so long of staying away from the area! as long as you stayed away from the searchlights, no one would suspect a thing, so you swam down into the murky gloom. it's more difficult to see as you cautiously glance around, slightly on edge- until you come face-to-face with an oddly glowing light, seemingly emitting from a faceted crystal. you don't dare go towards it (you've had enough experience with ocean creatures to know it very well could be a lure), so instead it decides to come towards you, and an enormous slinking creature is revealed from the darkness. your blood runs cold, all instincts screaming to get away, run, but the monster merely chitters curiously, tilting his horned head and blinking at you quietly.

hesitantly, you raise a hand and wave, and the beast's singular eye widens in awe as he waves back.

you come back to visit the odd creature again and again after that day, becoming adept at avoiding the lights of Fontaine's prison. the monster- Childe, as he told you via carvings on the wall- was incredibly sweet despite his intimidating appearance, greeting you with a delighted chirp and a hug, always extremely gentle with you. he follows you as you explore, protecting you and bringing you trinkets that have sunk to the ocean floor, nudging your hands for head scritches. through his gestures and warbling tones you deduce that he lives in a cavern further below, one you refuse to go to- it makes your skin crawl, for some reason. rarely does Childe come to the surface, but occasionally he'll accompany you if he doesn't want to see you go, wrapping his scaled tail around your legs and whining until you give him a kiss on the forehead. he loves you, and you love him, and he was your special secret.

until you began to fall mysteriously ill, your breaths coming out short and ragged and your head filling with cotton clouds. at first you think it's just a common cold, but it doesn't go away, only getting worse over time. the doctors you visit don't seem to have a cure, merely telling you to rest until you feel better, which you never do, no matter how many hours you sit on the shore with Childe's head in your lap. his worry for you makes you feel a little happier, caressing his cheeks and whispering hoarsely to him as he whimpers, claws dancing over your cheeks in an attempt to hold you back. but it hurts and you cough again and again, growing weaker by the day for no reason other than fate's cruel story.

you don't know that Childe is a monster from the Primordial Sea, gradually wearing away at your strength and life, until it's too late.

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travelcenter-uk · 4 years

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Blissful Antigua & Barbuda in 7 days!

They say “Life is a beach” and in the Caribbean, this saying couldn’t be truer. Undeterred by their colonial heritage, Antigua and Barbuda are quintessentially Caribbean. Compassionate locals boasting about being able to hit a new beach each day throughout a year, the “Land of 365 beaches” has entrenched itself as a destination of class and preference among families, travellers, honeymooners, and even the most pre-eminent of celebrities, long for luxury holidays in this mere island.

With the ample number of beaches, there’s a lot of water-based activities to engage in Antigua escalating from swimming with stingrays to a romantic sunset catamaran tour or an enthralling jet-ski adventure. Once you etch the periphery of Antigua’s palpable artistic appeal, surely, you’ll stagger upon more alluring traits. Here you’ll be able to witness the prime breeding and nesting colony of the Magnificent Frigate Bird in the world. Reef-fringed Barbuda is one of the outclassed ecological secrets in the West Indies. Her rugged landscapes, splendid serene shores, salted lagoons and abundant wildlife may be a resource as treasured as its fisheries.

The land-lubbers can tour through St. John’s city (the capital of Antigua and Barbuda) and the UNESCO World Heritage site in English harbour along with a fascinating off-road safari to yield an incredible experience. A zip through the rainforest or an adorable heart-warming horseback ride would please your mind.

Fact: Located in the heart of the West Indian colony, about 1000 miles east of Jamaica and approximately 4090 miles from London, averages an eight-hour fifty-two-minute direct flight journey to the V.C Bird International Airport, Osbourn, Antigua. Antigua has an area of 108 square miles and the sister island Barbuda with 62 square miles.

Your 7-day odyssey!

Day 1 – Say hello to Paradise

What about lounging under the lush palm trees relishing the spark of the pinkie white stretches of silky sand, snorkelling under the turquoise blue waters with assured twilights and ravishing milieus? Any idea of savouring fresh lobsters at the beach bar while sipping rum cocktails nearby a pool? Spend your 1st day in the most emphatic way; tranquillizing your muscles and tanning your backs accompanied by world-class amenities at the Royalton Antigua resort & spa 5* multi-centre holiday destination. Just a 13km drive from the V.C Bird International airport, brace yourselves to feast in with the hotels’ exquisite Antiguan buffet and their delectable cocktails.

Day 2 – Discover the Nelson’s Dockyard and party at Shirley Heights

The island is ripe for the venture, though, and it would be a shame to spend the wholeness of your getaway under a sun umbrella. Equip up to take in the history at Nelson’s Dockyard. From the old cannon-topped frigates of the colonial British forces in the 1700s to the glittering silvery yachts that puff down from Freeman’s Bay today has been fluttering down the waters of Nelsons Dockyard. You can see the aged naval capstans lining the water’s edge with a huge anchor left over from the great English naval warships. Track along the hiking traces which consents you to enjoy the park’s natural beauty.

Tip: Nelson’s Dockyard is also home to the fabulous Seafood Friday’s event. Not to be missed for any discerning foodie!

Head onto Shirley heights, a restored military lookout, standing at 490ft gives you the best view in Antigua. No trip to Antigua is complete without a night watching the nightfall over the historic English Harbour whilst dancing to steel drum music, dining BBQ and drinking Cinnamon spiced rum. The Antiguans are the most content people you could ever walk in to, so tag along with a local and enlighten your nightlife.

Day 3- Legacy of the Devil’s Bridge

Self-possessed by limestone rock, the rugged terrain of Devil’s Bridge is the result of millions of years of erosion by the continuous onslaught of the Atlantic Ocean waves on the east coast of Antigua and is famed for the craggy appearance and dramatical swelling of waves. The Devils Bridge has many blowholes in the surrounding rocks erupting like geysers. No, don’t ask me how the bridge got her name, I’m leaving that for you to find out. The spot is also immersed in a lengthy haunting history, so the horror enthusiasts got something I guess.!

Day 4 – Go sweet at Betty’s Hope!

Being one of the primitive sugar plantations dating back to 1651, well-known as Betty’s hope, has the most impeccable fertile soil in Antigua. This stands as a reminder of the deep record of slave ownership by the Englishmen on the island. At present, one of the two sugar mill towers have been restored completely with sails. An on-site visitor’s centre showcases a collection of original tools used in the production process back then. Now I’ve got a slight feeling that you know this heritage landmark is well worth a visit, isn’t it?

Day 5 – Find new friends at Stingray city

Continually rated as one of the top things to do in Antigua, Stingray City will be the highlight of your vacation. Experience swimming and interacting with the rays while feeding and snorkelling with them. Be free enough to click some cuddly snaps featuring your newly found companions *wink*. A short speedboat ride whisks you to a shallow pool with a white sand bottom surrounded by some gorgeous coral reefs, which will surely make your camera tiring.

Day 6 – A day with the “man-o-war” birds

A short boat trip through the sluggish Codrington Lagoon on untrodden Barbuda to reach the prime spot for seeking out the curious red-throated fliers that bellow and bulge with their weird and wonderful mating displays. This is the largest Frigate bird colony in the western hemisphere including a vast reserve of lush mangrove, mud swamps, brackish bayous and waterways. A comprehensive number of pelicans and sea birds are present here while the sublime landscapes mark the far end of the Codrington Lagoon National park.

Day 7- A shopping vibe before take-off

Distancing just 7km from the Royalton Antigua Resort and Spa 5*, Heritage Quay is the place to be when visiting Antigua’s capital city of St. John’s. Offering two floors of shopping, also known as the shopper’s paradise, provides an array of tax- and duty-free merchandise for you to cash in on amazing values and savings from retail prices of the UK. Electronics, local music, cigars, liquors, fine crystals & china, designer clothing & footwear, swimwear, sporting equipment’s, fragrances, skincare cosmetics, fine jewellery, high-end watches and other souvenir items are just samples of the goods available.

Nibble, Sip & be jolly

From grilled barbecues and tamarind balls at the beach bar to the finest fish exclusively at the Royalton Resort and Spa 5*. Hang out at the resort and bite away from your all-inclusive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. Antigua and Barbuda aren’t just handsome tourist destinations, they are a melting pot of persuasion drawing people from all over the world. The Antiguan cuisine is mainly found on the spicy side. The locals often whirl around fresh seafood including red snapper, conch, mahi-mahi, shrimp and lobster, also you’ll also be able to sample French, Italian home-cooked, and American dishes alongside Caribbean fare, including the traditional fungi and pepper pot for which the island is famed.

Tip: Make sure you check out the tasty fare served by street vendors on your way too.

Travel information

The paradise island seems pretty interesting huh?! Don’t disremember to plan your desired multi-centre holiday with Travel Centre UK pending in with the cheapest flight rates and best deals for your convenience. Better giving a try than regretting later on? Crisscross the latest flight deals and holiday packages, call us and get personalised and specialised services on finding cheap flights and all the advice essential for your getaway. Don’t hesitate to take a few seconds and drop a comment regarding your views and ideas if you have visited this gorgeous West Indian gem already!!

Read More:- https://blog.travelcenter.uk/blissful-antigua-barbuda-in-7-days/

This Article, Information & Images Source (copyright) :- https://blog.travelcenter.uk

#travel #travelcenteruk #travelvibes #wanderlust #traveller #travellife #travelgoals #bestplacetotravel #Antigua & Barbuda

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afrikanza · 5 years

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10 Must Visit Beautiful African Islands

One thing’s for sure, Africa has plenty of islands!

Some of these islands are just paradise on their own.

Characterized by spectacular flora and fauna with magnificent beaches that welcome you to their graceful waters and ecosystems.

We put together this collection of our ten most beautiful islands, to make it easy for you to organize your best trip; as well as daydream about sand (or rocks) at your feet.

10. Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe is a two-island nation off the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. It is one of the few island nations in West Africa that attracts huge tourist flow. There are many nearly exclusive beautiful beaches.

Once the world’s leading cocoa producer and still one the best producers of high-quality coffee, this is a place for lovers of these two beverages to enjoy the natural taste from its source.

Due to the small population on these two islands, beaches are less populated and thus provide a high level of exclusivity of any given public beach in the world. Yet, there are still many exclusively private beaches that dot the two islands.

There is a smooth blend between the coastal environment and the interiors making it easy for one to seamlessly transition between the two environments. The two islands, especially Principe, are a paradise for bird watchers.

9. Lamu Archipelago

Lamu archipelago is found on the north coast of Kenya. It is famously known as ‘secluded beauty’ due to its highly secluded environment and hidden beaches. Peace, quietude, and tranquility are its famous hallmarks. There are several eyelet islands on Lamu archipelago.

Lamu is characterized by white sand beaches and clear blue waters of the Indian ocean. Shela village is one of the most famous villages in Lamu. The 700-year-old town of Lamu is characteristically famed for its narrow streets which are impassable for cars. Donkey rides are common as they are the best means of navigating these narrow streets. Apart from donkeys, canoes and dhows are the other means of transport.

Lamu town is home to some of the most ancient historic buildings dating back to almost half a millennia. It is a mixture of culture involving the Arabs, Africans (Swahili people), and Portuguese. It is also a leading UNESCO World Heritage Site along the east coast of Africa.1

Elaborately carved wooden doors, inner courtyards, mangrove timber, verandas, etc are the hallmarks of Lamu town. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities along the shores.

8. Nosy Be, Madagascar

Nosy Be is the smallest island of Madagascar archipelago.

It is very popular with tourists around the world. It receives visitors all-season, and is not reputed for great beaches, but rather an environment with a high tranquility that allows re-connection with calming nature.

Crystal clear turquoise waters and the scenic smooth sculptured stones, plus surrounding green vegetation, makes it a great place to unwind. The mouthwatering sea dishes makes it a good place to sample out a unique taste of culinary art.

7. Moheli Island, Comoros

Moheli Island is the smallest of the three major islands that make up Comoros.

Comoros is a small island archipelago in the Indian Ocean, East Coast of Africa. What attracts tourists most to Moheli is its marine life comprising of rare sea turtles, whales, and dolphins which inhabit the protected zone.

The colorful coral reefs help to accentuate the stunning natural beauty of the Moheli beaches. Due to its relatively calm waters, it attracts snorkeling parties from around the globe!

6. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Bazaruto archipelago has maintained its stunning natural beauty due to it being a national park. It remains a great blend of land and sea ecosystems in their natural habitat.

The beaches remain clean and pristine with minimal offshore activities. Whales, sharks, dolphins, and rare colorful marine fish species grace the offshore waters. It is a great place to explore the underworld of marine life.

As such, it remains one of the best entry or exit points for those who want to experience both safari tourism and beach tourism. Pertaining to safari tourism, Mozambique, especially its northern part, is home to some of the most spectacular grassland wildlife – the big cats and the big herbivores call it their home.

5. Djerba, Tunisia

Djerba is the largest island and most visited beach for tourist attraction in North Africa.

You can find it north of Tunisia, along the Mediterranean Ocean.

Djerba blends ecotourism with cultural tourism. Visitors can enjoy the authentic traditions that are greatly expressed in the architecture, culinary art, and virtually the way of life for the locals.

Despite highly modern beach resorts, this largely remains undiluted. The sandy beaches are extremely beautiful, and the options available for sports are plenty both onshore and offshore.

4. Sal, Cape Verde

Cape Verde is an archipelago comprising of 10 islands in total. All are great islands for beach life.

However, Sal comes out top as the most loved tourist destination.

This is due to its great nightlife, scenic marine beauty, warm shallow waters that make it fun to do snorkeling and overall nerve-calming atmosphere.

3. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar is a palm-fringed archipelago on the east coast of Africa.

It is an autonomous island that is part of Tanzania Republic. In Zanzibar rests the Nungwi village, from which you can witness dhows which are characteristics of the ancient Arab tradition along the coast of East Africa.

Mnemba Island on this archipelago is famed for scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching, and swimming with the dolphins. There are several cottages known as ‘bandas’ along the beach each with its own veranda and etched within the lush tropical forest shade.

Zanzibar is popularly known as ‘spicy island’ due to the plenty of spices and is also famed for its exceptionally polite inhabitants. It is also home to Stone Town, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Stone Town comprises of ancient buildings of early Arabic architecture.2

2. Mauritius

Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa.

It is an archipelago comprising of smaller islets whose citizens are highly hospitable people; a true melting pot of culture, flavors, and sunshine. Trou-aux-Biches is a popular town where the best beaches are located.

The town itself boasts of a mile-long stretch of fine white sand with a calm pristine environment suitable for a family relaxation. After your trip, you’ll be able to take with you the exotic spices and memorable unique crafts.

1. Seychelles

Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa and north of Madagascar.

What can you expect to find here? Giant tortoises, black parrots, and coconut crabs are just some of the unique fauna of this exceptional island nation.

Seychelles is a birds paradise. Here you can watch different types of birds as they sing for you unique happy melodies.

Anse Source d’Argent is a famous location with plenty of beaches. It is located on the island of La Digue and is loved by the public. In case you desire private party space, then you can find exclusive beaches in Fregate, Desroches, or Denis islands which are quite remote and detached.

Praslin is the most well-known island in terms of tourist attractions. Seychelles is considered one of the world’s most romantic destinations. Gently curving palms, shallow turquoise waters, smooth curvy boulders, and a pure white sand floor makes this a paradise archetype.

Pack your bags!

The sunbathing in the warmth of African beaches is incomparable to any other place in the world.

We hope these beautiful African islands have ignited the travel bug within you and we assure you they are some of the most unique paradises in the world. Bon voyage!

Resources:

Magical Kenya (.com)

Stone Town

Wikimedia.org

The post 10 Must Visit Beautiful African Islands appeared first on Afrikanza.

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punalavaflow · 6 years

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Scientists get rare chance to collect data on impact of lava on marine life, sea water

The lava flow in lower Puna is not only changing the landscape, but the seascape, too, impacting the water and sea life within.

Steven Colbert, an associate professor in the Marine Science Department at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, said he had been doing “quite a bit of work” in the tide pools near Vacationland that were lost to the lava earlier this summer.

The focus of his research has been on the impacts of freshwater on coastal ecosystems.

But with the eruption and subsequent lava ocean entry, Colbert said he’s been collaborating with Liquid Robotics in Kawaihae Harbor on the use of their Wave Glider technology, to help understand the distribution of the hot water from where the lava is entering the ocean and how that’s changing through time.

“The Wave Glider is kind of like a robot that’s out there, and it’s been … monitoring the conditions out there over the last three weeks,” he said Thursday.

“It’s a great data set, because without some kind of unmanned device out there, it would have been very difficult to collect this data otherwise.”

The device is roughly the size of a stand-up paddle board, but slightly thicker to hold batteries, a computer for navigation and communication and instruments for science, Colbert said.

“By using this unmanned technology, scientists have the rare opportunity to study the effects of the lava entering the ocean, the plume it creates, and the interactions of the lava and seawater directly from the surface of the ocean,” according to a June announcement from Liquid Robotics. “Scientists note that very few volcanic eruptions and lava flows have ever been monitored in real time from the ocean.”

Colbert said they’ve looked at three different aspects of the data: water temperature, sediment and pH levels.

“The first thing is the temperature of the water, because the water is simply so hot out there,” he explained.

Water is boiling right where the lava enters the ocean, and researchers are observing temperatures greater than 100 degrees two miles off the coast, Colbert said.

Some days, that distance may be farther, while other days not so far.

“How much hot water there is out there seems to fluctuate day by day and (is) partly related to how much lava is pouring into the ocean,” Colbert said.

The background, or “normal,” water temperature while they were sampling was 79 degrees, he said.

“One of the neat things we’ve seen is that hot water tends to flow away from the shoreline,” Colbert said.

“It doesn’t tend to spread out along the shoreline, in that as the lava comes in, it makes the water hot, (and) that hot water has to move some place. It moves off shore, and cool water is either coming in along the shoreline or coming up from (the) depths to replace the water where the lava pours in.”

It’s like a “conveyor belt of water,” he continued, which provides “a bit of protection for the ecosystems surrounding the lava flow.”

Another observation is that the water is “very muddy,” he said.

“As the lava pours in, it cools and it cracks and it pops. It basically breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces as the lava cools and gets broken up by waves,” Colbert said.

It produces “lava bombs,” rocks, and fine bits of silt and clay, he said, and the small particles stay suspended.

Colbert said the water looks like “Hilo Bay after a big rainfall — the water is that muddy.”

The third measurement is the pH, or the alkalinity or acidity, of the water.

Ocean water is “slightly basic” at a pH 8, and pH 7.2 is the lowest that’s been measured, he said. A 7.0 on the pH scale is neutral.

Colbert said the pH levels have been a concern to some, but “in terms of affecting the coastal ecosystem, it’s less important. The heat and sediment in the water are going to have much bigger impacts on those near-shore ecosystems.”

This is the first time in decades this kind of data has been collected. The last such effort was done in the late 1980s or early 1990s by a group at UH-Manoa, according to Colbert.

“One of the big differences is that this lava flow has so much more lava pouring into the ocean, compared to when they were out there,” Colbert said.

Other advantages come thanks to technological advances in the intervening years.

With the Wave Glider, Colbert said measurements are taken every two minutes, providing “high resolution data that simply wasn’t available back then.”

Impact to the water also means impact to the marine life there.

Misaki Takabayashi, a marine science professor at UH-Hilo, said she is a coral biologist by training, “and my student researchers and I have been monitoring the health of coral reefs around Hawaii Island for the last 15 years.”

In Kapoho, particularly, Takabayashi said she had been monitoring 48 coral heads in the Wai‘opae Tide Pools once a month for the past 12 years.

The tide pools were an example of how scientists, educators from UH-Hilo, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and members of the neighboring Vacationland community “came together for the common cause of marine conservation,” she said.

For animals and organisms, surviving a lava flow “really depends on how mobile you are,” Takabayashi said.

For example, “if you’re coral stuck at the bottom” of a tide pool, and the lava reaches and begins to boil the water, “that’s the end of you,” because there’s no way to move.

“If you’re a fish that’s fast enough to get away, some would get away,” she said.

Some of the tide pools also are “ponded,” so marine life in there at low tide would be trapped.

Takabayashi said she has not been out to the lava zone, but has heard reports of dead fish and other organisms. But the entire reef has now been inundated by lava, she said.

“The whole place is covered now under the new land … some of these corals that were homes for fish are now under the lava flow.”

Heat would be the biggest concern for marine life, but the pH levels “would have to come to a fairly normal state before any marine organism can begin to inhabit the place.”

While there is no life in the affected reefs at the time, Takabayashi said there are plans to monitor what returns once the sea floor stabilizes.

But researchers are nowhere near that point yet.

The reef will return — eventually — as long as the neighboring reefs stay healthy.

“As soon as the substrate — meaning, the sea floor the new lava is creating — becomes stable and the ocean chemistry becomes habitable … larvae of all kind will swim or drift over (from neighboring reefs) and begin to create a new reef.”

But that’s a process that will “take decades,” Takabayashi said.

“The new coastline will form, and life will begin to return, and that returning can only happen by neighboring (reef) populations providing seeds of life to the new coastline,” she said.

Now, more than ever, it’s important to focus on taking care of neighboring reefs so they remain healthy and can supply larvae of marine organisms to repopulate new reefs, Takabayashi continued.

“Yes, we lost that one, but new reefs, new coastal life will come back, and the only way to do that is keep the neighboring reefs healthy.”

Email Stephanie Salmons at [email protected]

The post Scientists get rare chance to collect data on impact of lava on marine life, sea water appeared first on Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

from Hawaii News – Hawaii Tribune-Herald https://ift.tt/2uY2RyO

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travelworldnetwork · 6 years

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It was mid-afternoon on our second day living in Hawaii, and I woke up groggy from a much-needed power nap. I stumbled into the kitchen where my girlfriend was sitting on the floor with the guy from the cable company. He had come to set up our internet – something we direly needed, because our house is situated in a lush valley with no mobile phone signal. But, I realised, they weren’t even talking about the internet. Instead, I found, he was inviting her to come boar hunting with him.

You may also be interested in: • The code that travellers need to learn • The Swedish word poached by the world • The Greek word that can’t be translated

As the days passed, the friendly happenings increased. We stopped by a neighbourhood farm and were offered avocados from the caretaker’s tree. We arrived at the end of a hiking trail, or so we thought, when a passing father and daughter offered to show us the secret additional part of the path that led up a rock face, over boulders and through a stream to a hidden waterfall. On another occasion, we were headed for a swim in the ocean, when someone on shore warned us that the current was too strong to swim safely, then offered us a beer and invited us to go canoeing.

There may be many words to explain these kinds of encounters, but at least one of them is ‘Aloha’. And as it turns out, ‘Aloha’ is actually the law here.

View image of In Hawaii, ‘Aloha’ is more than a greeting – it’s the law (Credit: Credit: Danita Delimont/Getty Images)

Hawaii now hosts almost nine million visitors a year, and ‘Aloha’ is a word that most of those tourists will hear during their time on the islands. The word is used in place of hello and goodbye, but it means much more than that. It’s also a shorthand for the spirit of the islands – the people and the land – and what makes this place so unique.

“Alo means ‘face to face’ and Ha means ‘breath of life’,” according to Davianna Pōmaikaʻi McGregor, a Hawaii historian and founding member of the Department of Ethnic Studies at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. But McGregor also noted that there are several less literal, but equally valid, interpretations of the word.

Aloha is a concept that grew out of the necessity for Hawaiians to live in peace and work together

One especially memorialised interpretation was shared by a respected Maui elder named Pilahi Paki at the 1970 conference, Hawaii 2000, where people had gathered to discuss the past, present and future of Hawaii. It was a time of heightened disagreement in the islands, over Vietnam and other political issues, and Paki stood up to give an emotional speech about the Aloha Spirit – in other words, the unique spiritual and cultural code of a Hawaii that is uniting rather than divisive. In it, she described what Aloha meant about the way people should treat one another.

In her speech, she broke each letter of ‘Aloha’ down to one phrase. And that speech became the basis for Hawaii’s Aloha Spirit law, which essentially mandates consideration and kindness:

“Akahai, meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness; Lōkahi, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony; ʻOluʻolu, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness; Haʻahaʻa, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty; Ahonui, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.”

Although the Aloha Spirit law didn’t become official until 1986, its origins are deeply rooted in native Hawaiian culture. Aloha is a concept that grew out of the necessity for Hawaiians to live in peace and work together, in harmony with the land and their spiritual beliefs, McGregor told me.

View image of The Aloha Spirit law is deeply rooted in native Hawaiian culture (Credit: Credit: Babak Tafreshi/Getty Images)

It makes sense. Hawaii is the most isolated population centre in the world: the California coast is around 2,400 miles away; Japan is more than 4,000 miles. The islands are small – most (like Maui, where I live) can be driven around in a single day. Then, as now, there are no bridges connecting the islands, and even inter-island travel is a challenge. With nowhere to go, the only option, it would seem, is to get along.

“Being isolated, historically, our ancestors needed to treat each other and the land, which has limited resources, with respect,” McGregor said. “For Hawaiians, the main source of labour was human. So there was a need for collective work among extended families and a high value placed on having loving and respectful relationships.”

Like any place, she added, Hawaii had its problems with people abusing power. But, she said, there’s evidence that if a chief was not acting ‘‘with Aloha”, peace-loving Hawaiians would find ways to get rid of them.

View image of The islands’ isolated location led Hawaiians to place a high value on respectful relationships with one another (Credit: Credit: Brandon Tabiolo/Design Pics/Getty Images)

It’s not so different from how the Aloha Spirit law is applied today.

According to the Hawaii State Attorney’s Office, the law is mostly symbolic, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work – especially when political leaders or business people get out of line.

“This law is virtually impossible to enforce because it is a philosophy that directs a code of conduct and way of life. Nonetheless… all citizens and government officials of Hawaii are obligated to conduct themselves in accordance with this law,” Dana Viola, first deputy attorney general of Hawaii, said in an email.

If a business or a government official doesn’t act with Aloha Spirit, they could lose business or be chastised publicly. “So the consequences are real,” she added.

View image of Residents, businesses, government officials and even visitors are expected to act with Aloha Spirit (Credit: Credit: Linda Ching/Getty Images)

But Wendell Kekailoa Perry, assistant professor at the Hawai'inuiakea School of Hawaiian knowledge, who has studied the Aloha Spirit law in depth, said that the law and its sentiment aren’t always positive.

“The Aloha Spirit is used to argue that everyone in Hawaii can ‘feel’ and should accept the love for humanity… [and] says that the Aloha Spirit transcends race, differences and embraces togetherness or ‘equality’. That is a problem because it ignores all of the complexities of our life and society,” Perry said.

“Maybe, on a good day, the law can support Hawaiian rights,” he added. But on a bad day, he said, it can be used to silence native Hawaiians who are protesting injustices in the islands. When that happens, “The Aloha they are using is actually part of the ‘passive’ and ‘don’t-make-waves’ native identity created during the US occupation and control. But, if you look at the thousands of debates that were publicly expressed in Hawaiian language newspapers and protests, it is obvious that passivity was not the only Hawaiian cultural practice.”

View image of Although the Aloha Spirit law likely has its flaws, it still resonates with those who live in Hawaii (Credit: Credit: Jose Fuste Raga/Getty Images)

Before Paki, who inspired the law, passed away, she reportedly said that with Aloha, and the mutual respect that it entails, “Hawaiians have the power to save world culture.” Although the law likely has its flaws, it’s something that still resonates in the islands.

"Visitors to Hawaii often talk about how Hawaii is a beautiful place, but the most special part of their experience has been the people, and how nice people are,” said Hawaii State Representative Tulsi Gabbard. “People across the United States and around the world ultimately want peace… By truly living Aloha – having respect and love for others – we can be empowered to overcome those differences and find solutions that best serve the wellbeing of people and our planet."

Aloha, for me, is kindness and harmony – something important to keep in mind between ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’

Often, when people think of Hawaii, it’s in the context of a holiday. When I moved here two months ago, a friend said “Think of me when you’re having cocktails on the beach.” He imagined an idyllic, one-dimensional version of my life that doesn’t square with the reality. There’s still work to do, bills to pay, shopping and laundry to do and all the other trappings of a normal life.

The Aloha Spirit law is somewhat similar. It’s an idealised version of something that does exist, but is far too complicated to fit in a one-page definition.

For now, I’ll say that Aloha, for me, is kindness and harmony – something important to keep in mind between ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’.

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stunningvacationtips · 7 years

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The Executive and Luxury Hotels in Panama City

Introduction

Few cities in Latin America could match the diversity and also cosmopolitanism of PANAMA CITY: polyglot and also postmodern prior to it is time, its environment is remarkably more just like the magnificent trading cities of Asia instead than anywhere else in the region. The city has actually constantly thrived on commerce, its placement on the globe's trade routes and the financial possibility this provides has brought in immigrants and also businesses throughout the world. With almost one more of the nation's populace living in the urbanized corridor in between Panama City and also Colón, the resources's cosmopolitan fusion is a study in distinguishes. East and West, old and modern, riches and hardship: each has a place in Panama City.

Panama has long delayed surrounding Costa Rica in connection with visitors and also development, although that both nations share great deals of characteristics. In terms of biodiversity, nature possibilities, and also experience possibilities, Panama is a strong contender.

The potential continues to be slow-moving to result in activity for deluxe travelers. In the high-end hotel industry, pickings rather slim up until 2010, when several brand-new upscale hotels finally reduced the shortage in Panama City. Despite among the greatest economies in Latin The U.S.A. and also a thriving financial facility in Panama City, simply a few hotels climbed over the standard business chain resort mold. While Costa Rica and also Belize boast a wide variety of upscale jungle retreats as well as eco-lodges, Panama Hotels are, overall, a moderate as well as unadventurous lot.

Thankfully this is changing, nonetheless. Ideas highlight both real standouts as well as those resorts which are swiftly enhancing and also updating their facilities.

For the moment being a lot of the high-end hotels are in and also around Panama City. We expect the circumstance to modify in the years to coming as visitors to Panama and also Latin The U.S.A. in general maintains climbing. In the future we intend to concentrate on even more new luxury hotels around Boquete, Bocas del Toro, or the Pacific Coastline areas. For the time being, make one of the Panama deluxe resorts with your base as well as discover after that.

Luxury Hotels in Panama

Trump Ocean Club International Resort and also Tower Panama

Rising seventy tales over Panama Bay along Punta Pacifica's pristine peninsula, Trump Ocean Club ® International Resort as well as Tower Panama unifies special features, ingenious lodgings and the signature companies of Trump Attaché ™. Established to transform into Central The U.S.A.'s following building symbol, its streamlined design evokes a marvelous sail totally released in the wind, and it's the highest and biggest structure in Latin The U.S.A.. This spots address is redefining deluxe in Panama. Actions from Punta Pacifica's advanced stores and night life, just 5 minutes from the financial district as well as minutes from Panama City-you have actually discovered the best setting to join company with pleasure

Unique among the world's finest hotels as well as hotels, Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower Panama offers a superior degree of modern convenience including meeting centers equipped with sophisticated innovation. Further identifying Trump Panama is an exclusive beach club accessible by hotel catamaran, where one could play a game of golf at the 18-hole fairway, a yacht club, and renowned designer shopping.

The Bristol Panama City

Set in the heart of the busy Monetary center, mins from purchasing, cultural attractions and night life, The Bristol is a rare jewel where elegant lodgings and also superb eating are mixed to produce uncompromising high quality. It Offers A Residential-Style Atmosphere Comparable to An Exclusive Manor In Panama's Exclusive Bella Panorama Area. Visitors Can pick 56 Fully furnished Spaces And Suites. Every one is Attentively Furnished With Every Convenience For Job As well as Relaxation. Resort Facilities Include a 24-hour Modern Physical fitness Facility, Fine Premium Eating, Satisfying And also Banquet Areas, 24-hour Company Center, An expert Floor And Specially-equipped Ladies's Guestrooms.

InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort and Spa

The InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort Health facility proceeds to be conceived as the supreme reward for individuals who enjoy the good life. From incentive teams for your personal incentive vacation, the resort provides an array of activities and tourist attractions to amuse one of the most interested as well as well travelled site visitors. Simply minutes from the Hotel, tours could consist of check outs to Panama Canal Mira Flores locksvisitors centre, the historical colonial district of Panama city, the Amador Embankment, or maybe an exploration of the preferences of Panama with the numerous dine around choices in the city.

Bristol Buenaventura

Set on the Pacific shore of Panama, Bristol Buenaventura is a luxury oceanfront location hotel and also component of Leading Hotels of the World. The resort rests on 1,000 acres of pure elegance, snuggled between rivers, lakes, lush plants, and pristine beaches.

We provide to you 114 timeless stylish guestrooms and suites, 18 lavish suites, 5 cooking settings, as well as our Corotu Day spa. Our services consist of leisure centers throughout the resort: the Gym, 4 pool, game areas, as well as tasks in order to help keep any individual inhabited for weeks.

InterContinental Miramar Panama

Next to Panama Bay and the ocean, the InterContinental Resort Miramar Panama has countless covert extras and is flawlessly matched to both business as well as enjoyment. Recreation facilities include swimming pool, gym, gym, massage, sauna, jacuzzi and also Turkish bathroom. There's an exclusive marina for luxury yacht hire. Thoughtfully developed company rooms have workdesks and the current communications equipment along with the common wonderfully appointed living as well as sleeping space.

El Panama Hotel A Summit Hotel

Put around you elegant guestrooms and collections, bountiful features, and lots to finish at El Panama Resort. Found in the heart of the financial, buying, and dining districts, this phenomenal Panama City deluxe resort offers a perfect setting. Business travelers make the most of our elegant exhibition facility, while recreation visitors can also appreciate the health and fitness room, medical spa, and the vegetation as well as animals of the close-by jungle. Check out the location. Or simply remain on the grounds in our peaceful Panama high-end resort, including impressive exclusive boutiques, an on the internet gambling enterprise, and nightclub. Escape to some fantastic play area at El Panama Hotel, located in the heart of Panama City. With palm-laden yards, delicious eating, and also barbeques alfresco by our gleaming swimming pool, feel welcomed to relish a remarkable Panama deluxe vacation.

Radisson Decapolis Hotel Panama City

Located in the heart of Panama City, simply actions from Multicentro, house of the Majestic Casino and several purchasing and also amusement places, the Radisson Decapolis Hotel Panama City, Panama provides guests first-rate holiday accommodations and remarkable solution. The Radisson combines posh, contemporary layout with Panamanian art, producing an environment that is one-of-a-kind amongst Panama City hotels. Guests appreciate such quality features like a heated pool, a health spa, a business Facility as well as airport transport. Remain at our Panama City, Panama resort and recognize why we are the excellent alternative for your trip.

The visitor areas and suites at the Radisson Decapolis feature stunning sights of the sea or downtown Panama City. Resort visitors delight in such in-room amenities as high-speed Access to the web, Phone Away cellular company and also in-room movies. Our Executive Suites likewise include access to the Executive Lounge.

#book flights #flights #hotels #resort #trip #vacation

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