guides - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T11:53:53Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/guidesTips for Dating Women in Ukrainehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/ukraine-datin-tips2021-05-25T10:00:00.000Z2021-05-25T10:00:00.000ZMarkhttps://tripatini.com/members/Mark815<div><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009540875,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009540875,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" width="636" height="423" alt="9009540875?profile=original" /></a>The culture, history and traditions of each country are unique. Undoubtedly, professional help should be sought in order to get in touch with as many places of interest in a given country as possible. In this article, we will talk specifically about Ukraine and how to choose <a href="https://www.showaround.com/locals/ukraine/kiev/female" target="_blank">Kiev local women guides</a>.</p><p>Don’t forget what you should pay attention on break the ice, family-related topics and cultural habits, be manly and attentive, age does matters, gentleman's are appreciated, appearance and location.</p><p>In order to create a positive image we can clearly state that to be successful with women in Kiev you should be acting like you really do care. In certain cultures, such an approach tends to be too excessive, but in Ukraine ladies are more sophisticated than elsewhere.</p><h2>Ladies are more careful</h2><p>When it comes to approaching a person, a male representative is the one that should make the first step in Kiev. Ladies are more careful in Ukraine due to the country's past and the broad surroundings that they are living in.</p><p>Besides, guys approach girls across the world similarly, thus take this tip as a reminder that you should lead the conversation.</p><h2>A deep conversation</h2><p>When having a deep conversation during your date do not hesitate in discussing family-related topics. Kiev’s ladies are certainly willing to meet a guy that clearly proclaims his serious intentions otherwise most of the ‘good’ ladies in Ukraine will respond negatively.</p><p>Show your intent, advise her that you are serious about the family and you are looking for a serious relationship that is not even going to ease your life but also will make everything much easier and straightforward which Kiev girls do like.</p><h2>Equal or standart rights</h2><p>In the west there are new and more equal rights, thus that is why most of the time the dinner bill is either split or sometimes even paid by a lady. But in Ukraine, the standard is still the same as it was in the early century. A guy should pay the bills, thus do not hesitate and pay the bill without asking her if she wants to split.</p><h2>Attention is everything to a Ukrainian girl</h2><p>A great gesture is to bring flowers when meeting a Ukrainian girl, of course, this gesture is known across the world but it is almost crucial when trying to impress a Ukrainian girl. Of course, do not overreact to everything, be patient and polite at the same time.</p><h2>Dating</h2><p>If you are dating a woman that is 21 years old or higher then take into account the fact that this age is already considered as a well-matured woman's age and society is encouraging women in Ukraine to search for a serious relationship even earlier than that.</p><p>Keep in mind that girls are looking for respectful man which can take care of himself.</p><h2>An image of a hero</h2><p>No matter what standard you have as a guy, or what sort of approach you are planning to take, keep in mind that an image of a hero to a Ukrainian girl is still one of the best ways to impress her.</p><p>Such acts as opening a door or helping her out when getting off a bus or taxi is certainly a must-do when showing her that you are a gentleman.</p><h2>Casual appearance is unacceptable</h2><p>Casual appearance is unacceptable if you think of that. The date is a date when you look stunning, that's how it's done in Kiev. This is important because you can be almost sure that the girl you are asking out will certainly represent herself properly and will look stunning, so do you.</p><p>A suit or at least white shirts are okay when you are meeting a girl for the first time in Kiev.</p><h2>The last step</h2><p>When you finally arrange a meeting with a girl, either it is a date or something else be proactive. Bringing flowers is not everything, you may find a beautiful place somewhere in a city center, this could be a great way of showing that you are really into her.</p><p><strong>To sum up</strong></p><p>We covered 7 important tips that should help when it comes to understanding the culture of dating in Kiev. If you follow these advises when encountering a girl and you follow these tips along the way you can be sure that you will do everything right.</p><p>If you are interested in learning more and meeting great people feel free to visit <a href="https://www.showaround.com/" target="_blank">showaround.com</a></p></div>Royal Safarishttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/royal-safaris2019-09-11T11:42:31.000Z2019-09-11T11:42:31.000ZKruger Safari UKhttps://tripatini.com/members/KrugerSafariUK<div><p><span>Experience the Kruger National Park in your own private Open Safari vehicle. Entering the Kruger national Park we begin to explore the high biodiversity the park has to offer. </span></p></div>Wanyama Safarishttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/wanyama-safaris2019-09-16T11:03:28.000Z2019-09-16T11:03:28.000ZRoyal Safarishttps://tripatini.com/members/RoyalSafaris<div><p><span>If you are looking for a safari adventure then look no further. We are a Kruger Park safari company that specialises in Wild Life Safaris within the Kruger National Park, South Africa, to make your wildest African Safari Dream to come true. The Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s finest jewel, like no other in the world, established in 1898 to protect the fauna and flora of this amazing wildlife heaven and consisting of almost 20 000 square kilometres in size, an area bigger than Wales or Israel.</span></p></div>Thailand's Top Destinations & Experienceshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/thailand-attractions-highlights2020-11-16T03:30:00.000Z2020-11-16T03:30:00.000Zkandy lewhttps://tripatini.com/members/kandylew<div><p><span><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009297101,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009297101,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009297101?profile=original" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/es/foto/un-tiro-de-primer-plano-de-chica-tailandesa-linda-vistiendo-ropa-tradicional-gm1142004348-306185752" target="_blank">Skarie20</a></span></em><br /></span></p><p><span><br /> <br /> Located in southeast Asia, this long, narrow country of more than 66 million is a dramatic mixture of bustling cities, traditional charm, fantastic beaches, and engaging ecotourism. Here's an overview of what Thailand's tourism authority has branded as "the Land of Smiles"- with some justification, as Thais are a friendly people who do seem to smile more than many other nationalities:<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Temple_of_the_Emerald_of_buddha_or_Wat_Phra_Kaew_%28cropped%29.jpg/800px-Temple_of_the_Emerald_of_buddha_or_Wat_Phra_Kaew_%28cropped%29.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Temple_of_the_Emerald_of_buddha_or_Wat_Phra_Kaew_%28cropped%29.jpg/800px-Temple_of_the_Emerald_of_buddha_or_Wat_Phra_Kaew_%28cropped%29.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" width="750" alt="800px-Temple_of_the_Emerald_of_buddha_or_Wat_Phra_Kaew_%28cropped%29.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Temple_of_the_Emerald_of_buddha_or_Wat_Phra_Kaew_(cropped).jpg" target="_blank">Preecha MJ</a></em></span><br /></span></p><p><span> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Bangkok</strong></span></p><p><span><br /> The heart of a metro area of more than 14</span>½ million, <span>Thailand's bustling, congested, sometimes gritty capital will nonetheless enchant you with its cultural experiences and historic sites including its famous "floating markets"; temples; delicious dining; and legendary nioghtlife. Here are several of Bangkok's highlights:<br /></span></p><p><strong><span> <br /></span> The Grand Palace & <span>the Temple of the Emerald Buddha<br /></span></strong></p><p><span><br /> Built nearly 240 years ago in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand's royal palace complex comprises more than two million square feet wiht more than a hundred brightly colored halls, pavilions, apartments, gardens, courtyards, and temples adorned with graceful roofs, golden spires, and gorgeous mosaics. The most important and famous of all is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (above), so named for its</span> <span>two-foot-tall seated Buddha statue (actually made of jade), Thailand's most important and sacred Buddha image. It's clothed in golden robes, jewelry, and headpiece, and the changing of this apparel three times a year is a major event, performed by Thailand's king or a senior royal <br /></span></p><p><strong><span><br /> Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha<br /></span></strong></p><p><span><br /> Located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho is one of the city’s largest and oldest temple complexes, with the country's largest collection of Buddha images. The one it's named for is a 46-meter reclining Buddha covered with gold leaf. The temple is the original public education center and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. For that value, the temple has been list as UNESCO historical site. Until now, the place still teach and practice traditional Thai massage.</span> <span>It is only take ten minute from Wat Pho to the Grand Palace, so you can visit Wat Pho second. Most visitors would head for Wat Pho as soon as they enter while visiting time here would be less than the other part of the complex, so that you can avoid the peak time and make a more relaxing tour.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Mahout_Elephant_Nature_Park.JPG/800px-Mahout_Elephant_Nature_Park.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Mahout_Elephant_Nature_Park.JPG/800px-Mahout_Elephant_Nature_Park.JPG?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" width="750" alt="800px-Mahout_Elephant_Nature_Park.JPG?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mahout_Elephant_Nature_Park.JPG" target="_blank">Adbar</a></em></span><br /> <br /></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>Chiang Mai</strong></span></p><p><span><br /> Thailand's second most popular destination lies a nine-hour drive (r hourlong flight) north of Bangkok, and a bit more laid back than the capital. Founded in 1296, this city of just over 127,000 is known for its two dozen Buddhist temples as well as eco and adventure options in the surrounding jungles and nearby mountains. A pair of musts in Chiang Mai</span></p><p><strong><span><br /> Wat Chedi Luang</span></strong></p><p><span><br /> Right in the center of Chiang Mai Old Town, this Buddhist temple, some 60 meters high - was begun in 1391 and finished several decades later, in an era of great prosperity.</span> <span>The Emerald Buddha was housed here until 1551, and in 1995 it was finally replaced with an oversized replica in black jade. Visitors are invited to talk to monks and ask them anything about Buddhism. Interestingly, as with some other religious sites in Thailand, some buildings here are open to men only (it’s believed that in Thailand that women are not pure during periods).<br /></span></p><p></p><p><strong><span>Elephant Nature Park</span></strong></p><p><span><br /> About an hour north of the city, at this elephant sanctuary and rescue center (above) you will be not only a visitor but also a volunteer who actually help elephants as well as dogs and cats in their natural habitat. The park is entirely covered by lush mountains and home to numerous local species.</span> <span>Walking, bathing and feeding with elephants is an incredible experience here; it's truly moving to witness these majestic pachyderms live safely and contentedly in a natural environment. Besides hanging out with them, you'll learn about the history of their rescue from cruel conditions.</span></p><p></p><p><span><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e3/Isla_Tapu%2C_Phuket%2C_Tailandia%2C_2013-08-20%2C_DD_36.JPG/800px-Isla_Tapu%2C_Phuket%2C_Tailandia%2C_2013-08-20%2C_DD_36.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e3/Isla_Tapu%2C_Phuket%2C_Tailandia%2C_2013-08-20%2C_DD_36.JPG/800px-Isla_Tapu%2C_Phuket%2C_Tailandia%2C_2013-08-20%2C_DD_36.JPG?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" width="750" alt="800px-Isla_Tapu%2C_Phuket%2C_Tailandia%2C_2013-08-20%2C_DD_36.JPG?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span><span><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Isla_Tapu,_Phuket,_Tailandia,_2013-08-20,_DD_36.JPG" target="_blank">Diego Delso</a></em></span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong><br /> Phuket</strong></span></p><p><span><br /> Surrounded by paradisiacal tropical waters, Thailand is also reknowned for its coastal and island beach destinations. The largest and most popular is Phuket island (a flight of an hour 15 minutes from Bangkok). whose relaxing, white-sand beaches and turquoise seas (wonderful for snorkeling and diving as well as swimming) are complemented by a wide range of entertainment and dining options as well as various attractions both natural and manmade. Perhaps the most compelling and popular is:<br /></span></p><p><strong><span><br /> Phang Nga Bay</span></strong></p><p><span><br /> In this bay off Phuket's northeast coast, a pair of small islands called Khao Phing Kan (above) have become famous attractions due to their sheer limestone karst formation rising precipitously from the sea</span> <span>- or more specigfically, their use as a backdrop in the 1974 film <em>The Man With the Golden Gun</em> (in fact, since then they've become popularly known as James Bond Island) and <em>Star Wars: Episode lll – Revenge of the Sith</em>. It;s one of a number of spectacular islands that can be best appreciated by taking a boat tour (which also usually includes stops for snorkeling).<br /></span></p><p><span><br /> <br /></span></p><p><span><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/KohPhiPhi.JPG/800px-KohPhiPhi.JPG" target="_blank"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/KohPhiPhi.JPG/800px-KohPhiPhi.JPG?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center" width="750" alt="800px-KohPhiPhi.JPG?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:KohPhiPhi.JPG" target="_blank">Luxure</a></em></span><br /></span></p><p><strong><span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:12pt;">Phi Phi Islands</span></span></strong></p><p><span><br /> Lying off Phuket's west coast (and reachable by ferry in 90 minutes or speedboat in 45), these half dozen small, paradisiacal isles also boast dramatic limestone scenery as well as gorgeous beaches.</span> <span>The largest, Phi Phi Don attracts a thousand visitors a day while on the second largest, uninhabited Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay was featured in the 2000 movie <em>The Beach</em> starring Leonardo DiCaprio - and sadly and inevitabley, by 2018 it had become overwhelmed by tourists and was closed until it recovers.</span></p><p><strong><span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Visiting Thailand with UME Travel</em></span></span></strong></p><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><br /> For these and other must-see places, we provide the <strong><a href="https://www.umetravel.com/thailand/tours/" target="_blank">best Thailand private tour packages</a></strong> which will give you an overview of this beautiful country and leave you with a once-in-a-life memories. These all-inclusive, customized tours take all your requirements into consideration. <br /></em></span></p><p></p></div>How Not To Travel Like An Ugly Americanhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/how-not-to-travel-like-an-ugly2010-06-10T19:53:36.000Z2010-06-10T19:53:36.000ZKaleel Sakakeenyhttps://tripatini.com/members/KaleelSakakeeny<div><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LsHUK0CGCQs6bXa_7gkq6Pof0dzRa7ymPcRZ9zZ0Nsc?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_AnBusKXSA8o/TBERCRw15xI/AAAAAAAAB3U/l346hyflTEo/s800/ugly%20american-thumb.jpg" alt="ugly%20american-thumb.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/travel.video/FromKaleel?authkey=Gv1sRgCIaWy9qJ5r_9WA&feat=embedwebsite">From Kaleel</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />How Not To Travel Like An “Ugly American”<br /><br />It's part of travel's enduring mythology: The American tourist, unable to manage even a few sentences in any language other than English, and oblivious to the culture and traditions of other countries.. <br /><br />The unflattering image of the "Ugly American" is a bit unfair, perhaps, but the "USA Number 1!" attitude persists among many American travelers, and <a href="http://www.learnaboutcultures.com">Dean Foster</a>, self-styled master of global etiquette and cross-cultural trainer to the world, is trying to do something about it. <br /><br />He wrote five books on intercultural global solutions. <br />Foster says that what we don’t know about cultural differences could ruin our vacation-or screw up a business deal. Or just make us look bad in the eyes of a host country. <br /><br />He points out that well-meaning advice, like "when in Rome do as the Romans do" is perfectly accurate but useless advice - if you don't know what the Romans do, and why. <br />For example, Dean says, you should never bring a dozen red roses to a dinner party in Italy. <br />You should send them the next day.<br />And be sure they’re not red because that improperly implies romance, and anyway, Italians prefer an odd number of flowers.<br /><br />Didn’t know that? Most people don't.<br /><br />Foster ‘s snapshots of cultural “do’s and don'ts” are insightful and fun, ranging from the simply social to the seriously corporate. <br /><br />Say you’re in Australia, in the middle of a tense business discussion that's going no where, and you say, "Can we table this for awhile?" <br />But your Australian colleague keeps right on talking about exactly the topic you want to put aside. <br />What’s wrong with her? <br />Nothing. <br />To "table something" in Australia means to bring it forward for discussion, to put it on the table. This is the opposite of what Americans mean, so watch your American idioms.<br /><br />Even if one never leaves home, or doesn't do business abroad, Dean's downloadable <a href="">Culture Guides-To-Go</a> are eye-opening and helpful. <br /><br />John Samellas, CEO of <a href="http://www.medselfed.com">MedselfEd</a> a medical patient education site, says that Foster's guides and insights provide him with just enough "cutting edge" to make a positive difference in his business and social travels abroad. "It's not that I'd be lost without them," Samellas says, "but having the cultural insight is a definite advantage."<br /><br />Take <a href="http://www.deanfosterassociates.com/learn-about-cultures/quiz">Foster's Culture Quiz</a> (free) by picking out a country, and seeing if you can answer the questions he asks about visiting and doing business there. <br />I had a tough time, but I did know that in Russia you never break eye contact with your host (or with whomever is toasting you) from the moment you pick up your glass, to the moment you down the vodka and bang the glass on the table.<br />I also guessed that you should never use a first name in France when being introduced to someone for the first time, especially when they're not introduced to you by their first name.<br /><br />Foster’s site is also rich with hot travel articles and topics, and a book store that sells titles including <span style="font-style:italic;">Bargaining Across Borders</span> or <span style="font-style:italic;">The Global Etiquette Guide to Europe</span> (or Asia, the Middle East, etc.), providing multiple aspects of cross-cultural insights. <br /><br />You'll absolutely want to know not to make dramatic gestures in China. The Chinese find such gestures offensive. <br />Good advice, I’m sure, if you’re ever stuck in a Beijing traffic jam.<br /><br />Know any "Ugly Americans?" <br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Puerto Rico Activitieshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/puerto-rico-activities2010-12-11T19:51:11.000Z2010-12-11T19:51:11.000ZVictor Balbinhttps://tripatini.com/members/VictorBalbin<div><p>A two hour walking tour of old San Juan can be a lot of fun. See <a href="http://www.countrysidetourspr.com/home/walking_tours" target="_blank">Countryside Tours</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvOLT7fjQ3Q&feature=related" target="_blank">Puerto Rico</a></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296538886,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296538886,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="" width="600" /></a></p><p></p><p></p></div>¡Hazte con tu Pasaporte del Viajero Cultural...y Descubre un Mundo en Cada Ciudad!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/hazte-con-tu-pasaporte-del2010-09-15T09:00:00.000Z2010-09-15T09:00:00.000ZICONO serveis culturalshttps://tripatini.com/members/ICONOserveisculturals<div><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';color:#333333;font-size:130%;"><font size="4">La asociación</font> <a href="http://www.culturayturismourbano.com/"><font color="#E1771E" size="4">Cultura y Turismo Urbano</font></a> <font size="4">reúne a un conjunto de profesionales altamente cualificados y empresas pioneras en cada ciudad que, con formación y experiencia, ofrecen visitas guiadas por el patrimonio cultural urbano de las ciudades que conocemos y amamos.</font> <a href="http://www.iconoserveis.com/"><font color="#E1771E" size="4">ICONO serveis culturals</font></a><font size="4">, situada en <strong>Barcelona</strong>, es miembro de esta asociación.</font></span></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';color:#333333;font-size:130%;"><font size="4">La asociación</font> <a href="http://www.culturayturismourbano.com/"><font color="#E1771E" size="4">Cultura y Turismo Urbano</font></a> <font size="4">(CTU) te ofrece:<br />* Visitas culturales, paseos teatralizados, rutas literarias y paseos de cine en 17 ciudades españolas y europeas.<br />* Rutas guiadas en Alicante, Antequera, Baeza, Barcelona, Castellón., Granada, Jaén, Madrid, Murcia, Oviedo, País Vasco, París, Roma, Sevilla, Toledo, Úbeda, Valencia y Zaragoza<br />* Nuestro principal objetivo es difundir la historia, el arte y la cultura como alternativa de ocio a particulares y grupos reducidos apostando por un servicio de calidad personalizado.</font></span></p><br /><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';color:#333333;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><font size="4">Además,</font></span></strong> <a href="http://www.culturayturismourbano.com/"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><font size="4">CTU</font></span></strong></a> <strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><font size="4">ofrece al público individual una serie de ventajas con las que podrá disfrutar de la oferta cultural de numerosas ciudades españolas y europeas. Se trata del <span style="color:#660000;">“Pasaporte del viajero cultural”</span>, un bono con atractivos descuentos en los servicios culturales que se ofrecen. Sólo se tiene que presentar el pasaporte en cualquiera de las empresas de las ciudades que forman parte de</font></span></strong> <a href="http://www.culturayturismourbano.com/"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><font size="4">Cultura y Turismo Urbano</font></span></strong></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><font size="4"><strong>, allí sellarán la casilla correspondiente a la ciudad que se visita y se podrá disfrutar del descuento propuesto.</strong></font></span></span></div><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';color:#333333;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';color:#333333;font-size:130%;"><br />Desde <a href="http://www.culturayturismourbano.com/"><font color="#E1771E">CTU</font></a> estamos convencidos que sólo desde el compromiso que hemos adquirido podemos aportar a todas y a cada una de las personas que nos visiten el conocimiento y la experiencia única y el disfrute, descubriendo el arte, la historia, las anécdotas y las leyendas que se esconden en cada rincón de nuestras ciudades.</span></div><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';color:#333333;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';color:#333333;font-size:130%;"><br />Más información:</span></div><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';color:#333333;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';color:#333333;font-size:130%;">Web: <a href="http://www.culturayturismourbano.com">www.culturayturismourbano.com</a><br />Mail: info@culturayturismourbano.com<br />Teléfono de contacto: 657 047 739</span><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';color:#333333;font-size:130%;"><img width="721" alt="" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008550493,original{{/staticFileLink}}" /></span></p></div></div>Half a World Away: The Power of Connection in Travelhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/half-a-world-away-the-power-of2010-03-04T20:12:25.000Z2010-03-04T20:12:25.000ZUncle Sam's New Yorkhttps://tripatini.com/members/UncleSamsNewYork<div>by Samuel Cook<br /><br /><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="http://unclesamsnewyork.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/world-map.jpg?w=300&h=159" alt="world-map.jpg?w=300&h=159" /></p><br /> <br />This past week, I took the opportunity to take my first real vacation since the summer of 2007. It is ironic that an executive of a travel company never gets to travel himself, but such is the reality of running a business - I have had to put my passion for traveling on the back burner as I have built a business around serving the needs of other travelers. My last vacation was a whirlwind trip around the United States to visit friends and family before I deployed on my second tour to Iraq. I was also looking for somewhere to attend graduate school, and it was on this trip that I rediscovered New York City and decided this was the place that I had to live and start a new life. It was on this trip that I discovered the power of connecting with the local population and engaging them on their terms. Instead of Times Square, I found the taverns of Greenwich Village, and strolled the streets of New York City, far and wide. And what I found is that the magic of travel is to truly interact with the local population.<br /><br />So this past week, I went on a vacation to Fiji. I was there at a conference, but the conference was focused on improving your health, life, and finances, so while I was in classes for most of the day and evening, I found it be a well needed break. It wasn’t a typical trip I would call a vacation – on those I usually attack them full on as an adventure, a call to action to see, experience, and soak in the local culture. That was not the purpose of this trip; I had intended it as a time to relax. But on this trip, I encountered some truly magic moments that reminded me of why we travel in the first place.<br /><br />Fiji is a set of Islands in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and the Australian continent. It was first settled over 3,500 years ago by voyagers from the Polynesian culture of Asia. It was first discovered in 1643 by a Dutch Explorer named Abel Tasman while he was looking for the great Southern Continent. Fiji had a long history of fierce tribal warfare and cannibalism, which mainly deterred European voyagers from frequenting the Islands, and it was known for a long time as “The Cannibal Isles.” Fijians today call this period “The Time of the Devil.” With the discovery of Australia in the late 1700s by Captain Cook, Fiji fell under the influence of Britain as a key strategic way station for its new pacific holdings. Fiji received independence from Britain in 1970. Today it is a vibrant country sustained on tropical agriculture and tourism.<br /><br />I spent my time in Fiji on the Namale Resort near the small Island town of Suva Suva on the Island of Vanua Levu. The views from our resort were breathtaking, situated on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the expanse before us so vast that at sunset you had trouble telling where the waters ended and the heavens began. I took snorkeling trips in pristine coves laced with Coral and brimming with tropical fish, and also did some swimming in the ocean and hiking around the tropical forests surrounding the resorts. And all of this was spectacular, but what really made the trip worth the effort were two special interactions with the Fijian people. Now while the Fijian Islands used to be known as the Cannibal Isles, that has long since been replaced by a wonderful, carefree spirit that makes you wonder how they manage to not see how serious life should be!<br /><br />We visited a Pentecostal local church, and the Fijian people in the congregation sang in a natural harmony that we spend years teaching in our music schools. I think if I lived in paradise, I would probably also learn to sing so well. The highlight of the local interaction came on the night that the local villagers donned their ancient war outfits while singing. These traditions once sustained the Island before Western life invaded the Islands. I felt like I was on a magic carpet ride through time, watching men in ancient warrior garb with spears dance in front of men, jumping in and out of roles they played with such deadly ferocity centuries ago. And then hearing these deep baritone warrior voices blend with the sweet soprano of the ladies who form the backbone of their tribal clan – the ladies invariably far outlive their warrior husbands. It is hard to describe the sound of a proud group of people singing about their land in an enchanting beautiful and unintelligible tongue.<br /><br />This break, although too short and not the typical adventure I would embark on, reminded me the reason that I got into this business in the first place. Sometimes in the midst of owning a business, I tend to lose sight of the passion and the reason that I was inspired to create my vision in the first place. At the end of the day, I got into this to provide the unique experiences to visitors that I have had the honor of experiences during my travels all over the world. Just as there is magic in the tribal dances and singing of Fijian culture, there is also magic in the streets of New York City. Seeing the Fijian singers, I am reminded of a wonderful summer evening last year in New York City, when I was leading a pub crawl through Greenwich Village. On Bleecker street, around sunset, a group of street singers began their routine across from the hot dog stand. Everyone stoppe ; the whole street was too enchanted by their wonderful harmony to move. All we wanted to do was just stand there and let them keep singing, bringing us back to those memories in our mind of those times that we cherish.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.unclesamsnewyork.com/">http://www.unclesamsnewyork.com/</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Uncle-Sams-New-York/182225010022?ref=ts">http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Uncle-Sams-New-York/182225010022?ref=ts</a></div>