Has this ever happened to you? You have all your holiday shopping done. The packages are all wrapped. Your Christmas cards have all been sent. And, then, it happens.In the mail you receive a Christmas card from someone who was not on your list of cards that you sent. Oh, no! Now what do you do? It's too late. If you do send them a card they won't get it in time. This is but a small part of what I call, "the stress of Christmas."What if you...more
The Mossi have organized some of the most powerful kingdoms in Africa. The Mossi kingdom was once one of the richest kingdoms in Africa but it is now one of the poorest. The Mossi effectively stopped the spread of Islam southward by the Fulani and have kept their animistic, ancestor worship until the current day. Now, they work together with the Fulani, who take care of their livestock. In payment for this, the Mossi pay the Fulani with farm...more
There are many things that have to be taken care of before you can go on a holiday. One important thing to remember is to make sure you find reliable care for your pets. There are several different choices that can be made. You could put your pet in a kennel or cattery. You can have a friend or relative watch your pets. You can hire a professional pet sitter. Another option may even be to take your pet on holiday with you.The most important thing to remember is the welfare of your pet. You have to consider where and with whom they will feel most comfortable in your absence. Some animals handle change well and others have a hard time being taken out of their daily routine. The option you choose will also depend on how long you plan on being away.The ideal scenario is to have someone that you trust stay at your home with your pets when you are on holiday. There are also professional pet sitters who offer a variety of services. There are many reputable companies that have trained professionals who are CRB-checked and specialise in pet sitting.Pet sitters will take care of your pets according to your specifications. They will stay in your home whilst you are away, or may offer one or...more
Lion conservation is vital work. The king of the jungle is not invincible. Sadly the lion is in grave danger across Africa and it's man who is causing the damage. Fortunately the opportunity exists to help try to redress the balance and a lion walk is just one of the benefits.Figures tell us that lion population in Africa has dropped from something...more
Anyone interested in wildlife volunteering must consider Africa as the number one destination and will soon come across the phrase "The big five". But what exactly are they and what made them top of the list?Well it seems the phrase was originally used by big game hunters. It was given to what were considered to be the five most difficult and...more
If you're thinking of spending part of your gap year volunteering in Africa, or indeed you are a little older and are one of the many people who volunteer to work in Africa each year, don't forget that you'll need a visa in addition to your passport. You'll also need a passport which is valid for at least six months.Although a visa for most African countries can be obtained before you leave your home country it's a simple procedure at your destination and it's the choice that most African volunteer organizations suggest. It has been said that some African immigration departments aren't particularly efficient, but they get the job done and you'll be fine as long as you know the rules.For example, in most (although not all) African countries that you'll be volunteering in, the United States Dollar is the currency of choice. Gap year students come to Africa from all over the world, of course, but if you are not a US citizen then whether you're from Australia or Azerbaijan you'll be well advised to change some, if not all of your currency, to the US dollar. You could find yourself quite a lot out of pocket if you don't.It's unlikely that immigration officials will take a credit card of...more
For more and more students deciding what to do with their gap year, Africa is becoming the destination of choice - for at least part of the time. It's not just the stunning scenery and the unique wildlife. As people become more aware of the...more
If you're anything like me you see an African wildlife photographer on the TV and you wish it could be you. Out there in the bush with lions, elephant, cheetah, rhino, hippo. The amazing, evocative sights and sounds. Well what if it could be you?...more
Famous for its natural harbor, one of the best in the world, Cochin has received the sobriquet "Queen of the Arabian Sea." Cochin is one of India's most fascinating cities. Here one can see the oldest church in India. The very old temples, churches...more
Kovalam is a picturesque beach town in the southern state of Kerala. It is situated merely a few kilometers from the capital city of Trivandrum also known as Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam is flanked by millions of domestic as well as international...more
Kerala is situated at the southernmost tip of the Indian sub-continent. It plays an important role in the tourism of the country. Kerala is popularly referred to as Gods own country and as a result millions of guests come to this state to feast on...more
If a person wants to explore mind blowing gifts of nature, Kerala is the most colorful south Indian state. One can visit the backwater destinations and hill stations of Kerala for close contact with nature. The awe-inspiring beauty of nature...more