Fishing Vacation

Going on a fishing vacation can bring relaxation to you and your family. Not only will you be able to enjoy nature and spend time with those you love, you will also be able to get a free meal. There are a number of different vacations that you can participate in. While some vacations can last a weekend, others can come in the form of extended tours that can last for days or weeks. There are a large number of remote areas around the world where you can fish in an environment that is serene and comfortable. When you are planning a fishing vacation, you will first want to decide what type of fishing you’re interested in.

Fishing can basically be divided into two types, and this is saltwater or freshwater. You will also want to decide what type of fish you’re interested in. There are many species of fish, and you may want salmon, trout, or mackerel. To get the the right fish, you will need to make sure you choose a location that contains the fish you’re interested in. Another thing you will want to look at is your budget. The options will range from local lakes or ponds to luxury hotels where you can fish while staying at a resort. Your vacation can be simple, or it can be complex. The choice is up to you. Some people are independent and will want to travel alone, while others will want to use a travel agent.

Fishing vacations can be taken during any season of the year. Depending on where you travel during the winter, you may be required to cut a hole in the ice if you wish to fish. If you plan your vacation carefully, you can have the same experience that is achieved by expert fishermen. One thing that you will need to acquire is a fishing license. All the other equipment can be rented, and this is generally a much cheaper option to use instead of purchasing it directly from the manufacturer. Some of the equipment you will need for your trip is a reel, rod, and a boat. A life jacket and first aid kit should be purchased as well.

Fishing vacations are excellent for families. They can give you time to spend together that won’t be distracted by the many things you will have to deal with on standard vacations. You don’t have to be a master fisherman to enjoy your vacation. There have been cases were novices were much more successful than seasoned professionals. Even if you don’t like fish, or are a vegetarian, you can still practice catch and release methods for handling fish.

While there are many packaged fishing tours available in the United States, they can also be found in foreign countries. With the number of available options, some people mave have a hard time deciding where they want to fish. One of the best advantages of taking an organized tour is that everything you need is readily available. Depending on how far you want to travel from home, you may need to take a plane, and carrying around the necessary equipment will be difficult. At the same time, those who are independent may not want to be stuck in organized tours, and will enjoy planning the entire trip themselves.

Michael Colucci is a writer for Fishing Vacations which is part of the Knowledge Search network

Source: High Quality Article Database – 365articles.com

Rome airport transportation: the strike of Rome’s taxis

Italian Taxi drivers renewed the strike in the middle of July 2006 after talks over government plans to deregulate the sector ,causing chaos in many cities.

The drivers staged various forms of protests, besieging main squares, deliberately snarling traffic, blocking access to several airports and organizing go-slow drives, local media reported.

In Rome, the drivers descended on central Piazza Venezia, the city center of Rome, soon after midnight after taxi unions abandoned the negotiating table.

They remained there throughout the night and forced local authorities to close the square off to traffic.

Some 60 other taxis took part in a go-slow drive from the city’s main airport to the city and back again, causing further problems.

The protests were replicated in Naples, Turin, Genoa and Milan, where drivers blocked access to the city airport.

Italian Economic Development Minister who drew up the bill contested by the drivers, said that “they (the taxi drivers) do not own the city.”

The matter of controversy is a government decree that intends to liberalize taxi licensing and break the virtual monopoly status of local taxi federations.

This decree orders municipal administrations to increase the number of taxi licenses issued and give out temporary permits during predictably busy periods.

One of the most controversial aspects is a measure which would have allowed private firms to enter the sector by acquiring licenses and then hiring their own drivers.

Taxi licenses in Rome are regarded as private property by their holders, who trade them on when they retire or pass them on to their children. The practice has created a grey market in which the cost of a permit can reach as high as 200,000 euros (about 240,000 U.S. dollars).

Italy’s 40,000-strong fleet of taxis is the smallest in Europe. According to official statistics, there are 2.1 taxis per thousand inhabitants in Rome compared to 8.3 in London and 9.9 in Barcellona.

The number of taxis operating in Rome is 5,820, compared to more than 61,000 in London, almost 43,000 in New York and 17,000 in Paris, the report said.

Complaints from residents and tourists over the difficulty in finding taxis during peak hours and at night have shot up in recent years, with taxi drivers accused of deliberately restricting the number of cars available in order to safeguard their earnings and the values of their licenses.

Stefano Sandano is an archaeologist of Rome and expert of his city. You can find out more about Rome airport transportations and tours on his online resource at http://www.rome-airport.org

Source: High Quality Article Database – 365articles.com

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Spain’s Doñana National Park

Spain’s Donaña National Park
(and the nearby Paradores)

This park is one of Europe’s largest fluvial wetlands, and a wondrous gift from Nature. This area of 1,300 sq. kilometers was declared a national park in 1969, and UNESCO declared it a Biosphere Reserve in 1971. It was then named a Human Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994.

This incredible area began its like thousands of years ago as an estuary of what is now the Gudalquivir river. Gradually filled in with silt and blocked from the sea by the building up of a huge sand berm that stretches for miles, it is now comprised of marshes, salt flats, extensive sand dunes, and scrub forest.

In past centuries, it was used primarily as a private hunting preserve for royalty. It has always been a haven for wildlife; rare lynx, Fallow and Red deer, wild boar, , tortoise, and especially birds. At any given time there are estimated to be 600,000 birds in the park – permanent residents and migrating species. Flamingos, geese, ducks, gulls, plovers, sandpipers, terns, and scores of others. It also has Spain’s largest concentration of Imperial eagles.

Because of the delicate natural balance (which is being constantly tested, pressured and threatened by human encroachment) of the area, it is one of the few National Parks that cannot be freely visited – and entrance into the park is strictly controlled. There are several visitor centers set around the park’s edges. You can arrange guided tours via four-wheel drive vehicles. As well, from each of these centers there are marked trails on which you can hike a ways into the park and observe the beautiful surroundings on your own.

Access is from three major areas that surround the park; Huelva, Sevilla, and Cadiz.

- From Huelva, you can enter via the La Rocina visitor center, the El Acebuche center, or the Palacio de Acebron center. Each has fine exhibitions, slide and video, for the enjoyment and education of the visitor.

- From Seville, the Jose Antonio Valverde center (which is located in the middle of a marsh) is the entrance point. Its exhibitions stress the marshland ecosystem.

- From Cadiz, the Fabrica de Hielo center is the entry point.

Directions to the above-mentioned visitor centers:

El Acebuche – take the A483 road south of Almonte until around 12 km. from El Rocio where a signpost at Km 29 points to the center. From this center there is a 5 km. trail into the park that has several ‘blinds’ set up for bird-watching.

From El Rocio you can also get off on the Matalascanas road about 500 meters from the village and head into the La Rocina center. There is a 3 km. trail for hiking that originates here.
Seven km. form the above center is the Palacio Acebron which offers a 1.5 km. trail.

The Jose Antonio Valverde center is reached by driving some 30km. south from Villamanrique de la Condessa.

The Fabrica de Hielo (so named because it inhabits an old ice house) center is got to from Sanlucar de Barrameda via the Bajo de Guia district.

Another fascinating way to visit the park is by boat. Out of Sanlucar de Barrameda (in every month but Jan.) sails the ship, Real Fernando. It goes up the Guadalquivir for about 13 km. and stops at several spots along the way. It provides a wonderful, educational, and unique way to experience the Donana.

Where to stay while visiting the park?

There are two fine Paradores de Turismos within easy access distance of the entry points into the Donana. These are Parador Mazagon to the north of the park on the Huelva side, and the Parador Cadiz in Cadiz for access from the south of the park.

Parador Mazagon -

Located at the edge of the Doñana Environment Nature Reserve, the Parador faces the ocean above the spacious Mazagón beach, in the middle of a scruffy pine wood. It is an ideal spot to enjoy nature and the blue waters of the Atlantic. The building has a splendid garden with outdoor and heated pools, a gym, sauna and Jacuzzi among other features. The interior is characterized by pleasant and welcoming rooms with decorative details which bring joy and brightness. Cozy bedrooms with terraces and beautiful panoramic views, comfortable living rooms and a splendid swimming pool complete its facilities.

Parador Cadiz -

This Parador occupies a lovely space on the edge of the ocean at the tip of a small peninsula on which is located the “oldest inhabited city in the western world” – Cadiz, Spain.

The rooms of the Parador in Cadiz offer ocean views, and each has a balcony and large windows that fill them with the light off the Atlantic ocean. From these same balconies, you’ll have panoramic views of the Bay of Cadiz and the Atlantic. The Cadiz Parador is next to the Genovés seaside park which makes the area even more attractive and adds a welcomed feeling of tranquility. Located in a residential area surrounded by palm trees, it also has exclusive access to a small beach.

Cadiz is famous for the quality of it seafood, and the restaurant at the Parador offers some of the tastiest dishes you’ll encounter anywhere in the city. You’ll find the Parador Cadiz is well situated and within an easy stroll of the center of the old quarter, so walking off the effects of a good meal will be a pleasant task.

Cádiz, one of the oldest cities in all of Europe, was founded by the Phoenicians prior to 1100 BC. Its former grandeur is a bit faded now, but it retains a friendly and somewhat ramshackle ambience that, along with its lively residents – the Gaditanos, is altogether agreeable.

Located on a peninsula, the old city is surrounded by water. Strolling the waterfront promenade and watching the locals fishing in the early evening is an especially enjoyable way to pass some time. Don’t miss the great seafood oriented tapas restaurants here – you’ll discover dozens of tasty little tid-bits you never dreamed even existed.

Interesting excursions from the Cadiz Parador include:

- The Museo de Bellas Artes is well worth a visit.
- The gold-domed old Cathedral is nice and has an interesting history.
- Walk out along the seaside promenade which follows along the seaside in all directions.
- The Museo de Cadiz has some fine exhibits including 17th century paintings by the master Zubaran.

Interesting day trips from Parador Cadiz include:

- The Donana National Park
- Jerez de la Frontera is just a short drive north of Cadiz. There you can visit the famous sherry wine cellars, or see dancing Andalusian horses, of visit the museum of Flamenco.
- The Rock of Gibraltar makes a nice day trip.
- The town of Ronda is unique and well worth a visit, though you might want to move on and stay at the Parador there (with one of the most awesome views of any hotel in the world!).
- Puerto de Santa Maria can be seen from Cadiz and is a great coastal town to visit. However, though it appears like you could almost throw a rock over there – to get there, you need to drive out of the Cadiz peninsula and around the bay of Cadiz.

Cadiz, Spain is one of those places in the world where the history is a palpable presence – you sense it at every turn. After all, this is from where Columbus set off on his second voyage to the New World – which fact ties Cadiz tightly to the history of the rest of western culture. The Parador Cadiz will provide you an excellent base from which to fan out and explore this fascinating city and its environs.

Combining a stay at either (or both) of these wonderful Paradores with a visit into the unique natural surroundings of the Donana National Park will provide a one-of-a-kind vacation experience. Nature lovers and culture lovers – will have the best of both worlds.

About the author:

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty – the wonderful Paradors of Spain. http://www.SpainParador.com

Source: High Quality Article Database – 365articles.com

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a group of large waterfalls that are located in the Niagara river on the eastern coast of the United States and Canada. They are located on the border between the two countries, and are composed of three waterfalls. These three waterfalls are the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. While these waterfalls are not very high, they are quite wide. Over 5 million cubic feet of water will fall down in a single minute. It is one of the most popular waterfalls in the world, and is the most powerful in the North American continent.

Niagara Falls is a well known site that is a popular tourist attraction. In addition to this, Niagara Falls is known for the hydroelectric power it provides, and the spot was chosen as potential source of power by Nikola Tesla, the famous inventor. A memorial has also been built for him at the site. The three waterfalls are shared by three cities, and these are Niagara Falls, Ontario, and the dual cities of Niagara Falls, New York. It is believed that Niagara Falls formed during a period that is called the Wisconsin glaciation, a period that ended over 9,000 years ago. The Wisconsin glaciation was a large glacier that connected the area with Canada.

The glacier would have moved through the area, crushing surfaces in order to form lakes or rivers. Niagara Falls has a height of about 170 feet, though the American Falls is only about 70 feet. The Canadian Falls are much larger, and have a height of about 2,600 feet. During the best seasons, the amount of water flow will be well over 200,000 cubic feet per second. The word “Niagara” was taken from the Iroquois language, and it can be translated into “strait.” The Ongiara were the natives in the area, and were known for settling disputes among the various tribes in the region. Niagara Falls has been visited by a number of historical figures, and one of them was Jerome Bonaparte, the brother of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Niagara Falls became a popular tourist attraction during the 19th century. Because people need to cross over the falls, the Niagara suspension bridge was built. The steel bridge that was originally constructed in 1886 is still used for railroad cars today. Another bridge that was built during this time that is still being used today is the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge. While Niagara Falls is beautiful to look at, it is also an important source of energy. Efforts to tap into the energy of Niagara has existed since the 18th century. It was Daniel Joncairs who first built a canal near the falls to power his sawmill.

Despite, it was Nikola Tesla who worked extensively to tap into the power of the waterfalls. His three phase system for AC current made it possible to transfer electricity from the waterfalls to distant locations. With financial assistance from the Morgan and Vanderbilt family, it was possible to create underground turbines that could generate hundreds of thousands of horsepower. In addition to this, a number of Canadian companies begin harnessing the power of the falls as well.

Michael Colucci is a writer for Niagara Falls which is part of the Knowledge Search network

Source: High Quality Article Database – 365articles.com

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Weddings In Gibraltar

Read about Gibraltar as a dedicated destination for wedding specialists and online wedding planners in London offering all-inclusive wedding packages in Gibraltar.

If there is one country left which has shunned the euro and still accepts the British Pound (besides Great Britain, of course!), then it’s Gibraltar. Situated just beyond the border of the southernmost tip of Spain, just a short drive to the Costa del Sol and a catamaran crossing away from mystical Morocco, tourists in Gibraltar are perfectly poised to visit three countries in one day. Less than a three-hour flight from the UK with departures from all major airports including Luton, Gatwick, Heathrow & Manchester and connecting flights from most other regional airports, Gibraltar is a veritable home away from home. More and more people are getting married in Gibraltar, with all-inclusive wedding packages being offered by dedicated destination wedding specialists and online wedding planners in London.

Enjoying year-round sunshine tempered by the cool, Mediterranean breeze from Northern Africa, Gibraltar is a duty-free country where the official language is English and the currency is the Pound. Al-fresco restaurants by the waterfront boast good, old-fashioned, British fare including traditional Sunday roasts. You can even read the current English newspapers whilst having your lunch at a certain Marina restaurant! Gibraltar is now becoming a top wedding destination.

Duty-free bargains include alcohol (a litre of Bombay Sapphire Gin at £5.50 or 200 Marlboro Light Cigarettes at £8 per pack), perfumes and cosmetics and electronics. Eating and drinking out is very reasonable when compared to UK and other European prices and there is a wide choice of fine eateries in Gibraltar ranging from the hotels, the Marina and Main Street. The Dolphin safari and the romantic rock have been enticing newly married couples as ever. Weddings in Gibraltar are celebrated like a festival of course.

Take a short drive across the border and you arrive at some of Spain’s finest golf courses in Soto Grande. Stop at the nearby Spanish port for a cold cerveza and tapas or enjoy traditional paella with rich rioja wine whilst watching the yachts sail by. If it’s mountains and cool temperatures you prefer, then visit the region of Ronda – less than an hour’s drive from the border. Go further along the scenic coast towards Malaga and visit the popular sandy beaches for a day. Isn’t it a romantic drive for honeymooners? Not only wedding, you can enjoy the best of your honeymoon and holidays in Gibraltar.

Or why not just stay put in Gibraltar and enjoy your holidays in Gibraltar and all that this country full of surprises has to offer. In addition to the usual city sightseeing tours, you can enjoy fantastic views of Gibraltar and her surrounds from a cable car (six minute ride to the top of the Rock). See the famous and oldest residents of the Rock here – the Barbary apes. Visit St Michael’s Caves and see the newly opened lower Rock where you can abseil and partake in some rock climbing! Or how about a dolphin safari or a scenic walk through the Botanical Gardens where a whole range of tropical flowers and plants and exotic birds and bats will surround your every sense. Then there’s the shopping, the five beaches, the Casino, the quality restaurantsÂ…and did we mention nearby Tarifa with its long stretch of sandy beach and endless water sports opportunities? You can yourself choose among many wedding destination in Gibraltar. The island is full of surprises.

There is truly a lot to see, hear and taste in Gibraltar and to host your wedding in Gibraltar in the sun will give you a great choice of wedding destinations including al-fresco options in the Botanical Gardens or even right on top of the Rock overlooking three countries whilst you take your vows!

Gibraltar has truly established itself as one of the foremost wedding destinations amongst UK & European nationals as, given its short distance and relatively smaller costs involved, it has become more and more feasible to take wedding guests along to join in the nuptials. Most couples opt for a smaller, summer, al-fresco wedding with a tropical theme followed by a larger reception back home. In Gibraltar you will find all the trappings of the exotic Caribbean but without the huge transatlantic costs that go with such a lavish wedding.

Weddings in Gibraltar are relatively straightforward although not quite a drive-through Las Vegas style wedding either! Due to the VAT free status of the country, it is much more economical to get married here and to enjoy the sunshine along with your closest friends and family.

About Author:
Kay writes about Gibraltar, a dedicated destination for wedding specialists, and online wedding planners in London offering all-inclusive wedding packages in Gibraltar.

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all inclusive wedding packages, dedicated destination wedding specialists, online wedding planners in London, weddings in Gibraltar, honeymoon and holidays in Gibraltar, wedding destinations

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Margaret Island Budapest | Margitsziget Budapest

Margaret Island is 2,5 Km long and at its broadest part there is a huge park 500 m wide. The island is one of Budapest’s most popular places for walking, bathing, amusement and sports. It is likely the once the Romans occupies the island, for remains of villas and watchtowers dating back to Roman times have been found here. During the Middle Ages the Templars of St. John built the castle-monastery in the southern part of the island. The Dominican order was also established here, in which King Bela IV’s daughter, (St.) Margaret lived and died. It was from her that the Margaret Island at one time called Rabbit Island, received its present name. The medieval buildings were destroyed during the Turkish occupation and only since the end of the 18th century has the island become a well-cared-for park. The owner of the island at that time Palatine Joseph planted here flowers, trees and plants and had summer homes built here. At the end of the 19th century deep-drilling operations brought medicinal thermal water to the surface and Margaret Island subsequently developed into an internationally-known bathing (SPA) and recreational area.

Arpad Bridge spans the Danube river at the northern tip of the Margaret Island and there is a road leading from it to the island. The length of the Arpad Bridge is almost 2 kilometers and its length over the water is 928 meters. It was completed in 1950 but has since been enlarged.

Private cars can be driven onto the island only across the Arpad Bridge and only as far as the car park next to the Grand Hotel Margitsziget and the Danubius Thermal Hotel Margitsziget. However any part of the island can be reached by means of bus, taxi (cab) or mini bus service.

The Danubius Thermal Hotel was built on the northern part of the island near the road leading to the Arpad Bridge next to the charming Japanese Garden. The Grand Hotel Margaret Island is situated nearby. The Open-air Theatre of the State Opera House where opera and ballet performances and concerts are held every summer is situated in the center of the island. The stage which is surrounded by ancient trees has an area of 1,400 square meter. The Water Tower overlooking the theatre was built in 1911.

The former Premonstratensian chapel near the Grand Hotel is reconstructed historic monument of medieval origin. The 12th century Romanesque church was destroyed during the Turkish occupation and was reconstructed in 1930-1931 by making use of the remaining walls. (The south wall of the nave with the two windows ending in a semicircle is from the original building.) busts of prominent Hungarian authors and artists line the neighboring promenades. In the middle of the Margaret Island ruins of the 13th century Franciscan church have survived. Recent excavations have uncovered additional sections of the sanctuary the sacristy and the former monastery. Next to it stands the walls of Palatine Joseph’s former palace. The church of the Dominican nuns (east of the Water Tower) is another monument worthy of interest. The evidence of the unearthed remains suggests that is was originally one-aisled with en octagonal tower on its western side. Beside it there stand the remains of the convert yard the cloisters and convent halls.

The island can be approached from the south across the Margaret Bridge built in 1872-1876 according to the plans of E. Gouin. The underground passageway leading from the bridge to the Margaret Island was added in 1901. The bridge was blown up by the fascists at the end of 1944 during rush-hour. It was rebuilt in 1946-1848.. (The N° 4 and 6 tram stops are situated at the entrance to the Island. Bus N° 26 carries passengers to the island from Nyugati ter next to the West Railway station.)
A bronze monument (by Istvan Kiss) erected in 1972 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of unification of Pest, Buda and Obuda greets visitors arriving at the south entrance of the island. Behind it there is a fountain illuminated every night in color.

On the left hand side of the island (on the bank towards Buda) is situated a sport stadium (named Pioneer’s Stadium in the socialistic era).

The next sports establishment is the National Sport Swimming-Pool the scene of international swimming competitions and water polo matches. The builder Alfred Hajos was a swimming champion at the first modern Olympic Games held in 1896. The establishment has one indoor and two outdoor pools and a third one with a high diving board and seats 6,000 spectators. Except during times of training and competitions the swimming pool is open to the general public.
Across the island on the bank facing Buda is situated the Palatinus outdoor public swimming pool with cold and warm water pools and swimming pool with artificial waves. The bathing facilities cover an area of 70,000 square meters and can accommodate up to 20,000 people. Across Margaret Island in Obuda we find the remains of the Aquincum which dates back to the Roman times.

For photos and more information about the mentioned places on Margaret Island visit my Budapest updated blog site.

Source: High Quality Article Database – 365articles.com

Want Information on RV Satellite TV?

For many years, people have enjoyed traveling across country in their vehicles, exploring the land they live in. This love of travel led to the invention of the RV, or Recreational Vehicle. The RV is like a small house on wheels. You can take with you all the conveniences of home, from a queen-size bed to a hot shower to a refrigerator and stove, with you as you drive along. Traveling by RV gives you the ability to stop whenever and wherever you want and not worry about hotels and restaurants.

Until recently, however, there has been one problem that RV owners weren’t able to figure out, and that wasÂ…how to watch the baseball game or favorite sitcom while far from home. Frustrated RV owners would get out the “bunny ears” antenna, covered with tinfoil, and jiggle them around on top of their TVs, trying to get just one channel. One man, Bob Stacey, eventually got so frustrated with not being able to watch what he wanted that he invented a motorized satellite dish that he could use on his RV.

That was the beginning. Bob then formed a company called MotoSat and began selling his creation to other RV owners. The product caught on, and soon other companies began to manufacture RV satellite dishes. Dishes available today allow RV owners access to HDTV, hundreds of channels, movies, and, most of all, a crystal clear picture.

MotoSAT and other companies now offer a satellite Internet service that RV owners can use. With the availability of satellite TV and Internet, RV owners can extend their vacations, because they don’t need to return home to catch up on what is going on at the office, and they can watch the last game of the World Series from wherever they happen to be.

These devices are easy to install and operate, and help RV owners to feel connected to their home life while traveling. If you have been wanting to travel but don’t like sleeping in a tent or hotel, try renting or buying an RV. You can now have all the comforts of home with you, including TV and Internet, whether you are in Texas or Alaska!

About the author:

Discover more RV Satellite TV tips at http://satellitetv.atmyhouse.net/

Source: High Quality Article Database – 365articles.com

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I walked with tigers

Volunteer experience

About a month ago I returned to Denmark after almost 2 months in Thailand, most of the time spent in The Tiger Temple. It has been a fantastic experience, and I would like to share it with whoever wants to read it!!
It all started as a crazy idea in my head sitting at home in the dark and cold winter in Denmark. I had the opportunity to take two months of in school in the spring. I wanted to travel, to see something new, to do something meaningful and to work with animals without spending too much money (since I’m a student I don’t really have any to spendÂ…). Different things came into my mind, but after having seen an ad for the Animal Planet program about The Tiger Temple I wisited the websites there was no doubt in my mind – that was where I wanted to go!!! To be able to work with these big majestic cats, to be part of a project set up to help save these beautiful endangered animals, and to get to see some of Thailand at the same time, what more could I wish for? So I sent an e-mail and asked if it would be possible for me to come and stay, and as it turned out, it was actually possible!! I bought my tickets, got my vaccinations and packed my bag, ready to go, not really knowing what to expect when I arrived.
After 2 days in Bangkok I went with one bus to Kanchanaburi and with another bus out towards the Temple, and there I stood looking at the big sign saying that this was the road leading to the Temple, beginning to realize I was finally there after months of waiting.
I went to the office signed some papers, got a key to a room and Maha followed me up to the nice little house inside the Temple walls that were to be my home for the next 7 weeks. After that I went down to the canyon to meet the other volunteers, the monks and the staff – and of course the tigers!! Such an impressive sight – big grown tigers laying calmly sleeping in the beautiful canyon, tourists padding them and having there pictures taken next to them. Very impressive, but also quite scary in the beginningÂ… The first two days I spent watching and learning the basics about tiger behaviour, and then I started actually working, amazing!! To wake up in the morning, knowing that 4 “little” cute tiger cubs are waiting for you, hearing them great you with that special prrrr sound when you come up to the cage, to go into the cage, clean it and wash the cubs – that was really something that could make me get out of bed with a smile!! For me mornings and evenings were the best times of the day, so peaceful, and so beautiful! The nature around the Temple is amazing, and the fact that lots of half tame animals roam around freely inside the temple walls was something I really loved! The view from our house was fantastic, I spent a lot of time just sitting there watching all the animals.
And the tigersÂ… Wow!! I love tigers, I always have, and to be able to get so close to them was really a mindblowing experience! I have walked and washed the cubs, walked a full grown tiger (Vayo and Techo), I have had a tigers head (Herfa) in my lap, I have had a grown tiger (Techo) suck my finger and I have spent hours watching tigers play in the water, unbelievable, good thing I have pictures to prove it!! And I’ve also got a really cool scar to show off since I got bitten by one of the tigers (Dau Ruang)!! ? Another great thing was the possibility to get to know a lot of very nice people from all over the world and to get to know a lot about a culture and a religion so very different from what I’m used to here in Denmark. I regret that I didn’t learned any thai before I came to Thailand, some very patient thai people tought me some, but I would have liked to be able to speak some more!!
I also got to see some of all the things in the area around the Temple and Kanchanaburi, some of the very beautiful scenery like Erawan National Park with the amazing 7-tired waterfall and some of the more scary things like The Hellfire Pass and The Death Railway.
All together it was a lifetime experience, and I had a very hard time leaving it all behind, and a hard time getting used to being back in Denmark, and I want to go back!! To see how the building of the Tiger Island is going, to see “my” cute little cubs and all the other tigers again, to once more feel the peacefulness of meditating in the Sala in the evening, and to meet some of the wonderful people I got to know there again. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to work in a place like this, and I hope that one day I can come back. Please visit the website and check the photos and if you can donate.
Mai Falk (Denmark)

http://www.walkingwithtigers.org

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