Beautiful Barbados

Beautiful Barbados

Barbados has a rhythm and beat all its own. The 166-square-mile island in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean lies west of St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and north of Trinidad and Tobago. Barbados is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide. The island is primarily flat, with its highest peak only 1,100 miles above sea level, Mount Hillaby.
Barbados became famous as the "sanatorium of the West Indies" in the 19th century. Wealthy British found the island perfect for overcoming "the vapors" in the relaxed, unhurried culture and perfect pink sand beaches. Today, it is a lively, much more active island but it has retained its staunchly British demeanor. Barbadians still love cricket, high tea and drive on the left side of the road.
Flora and Fauna
Barbados offers some beautiful tropical gardens. Welchman Hall Gully, in St Thomas, is owned by the Barbados National Trust and is an excellent start to an exploration of the island's natural beauty. Clove, nutmeg, fern tree and cocoa are plentiful and you might even see a wild monkey dangling from a tree. The garden has massive breadfruit trees which are thought to be descendants of seedlings brought onshore by the notorious Captain Bligh.

From there, head to Harrison's Cave, which is also located at Welchman Hall. Take a tram below the earth's surface to a fascinating natural phenomenon of stalagmites, stalactites, streams, pools and rushing cascades.
About a mile from the Cave, another garden that is worth the visit is, Flower Forest at Richmond Plantation. Take a leisurely stroll through this riot of color from heliconias, begonia, bougainvillea and many other native tropical flowers. This region of Barbados is often referred to as the "Scotland district" from the beautiful early morning mist that settles on the region.
The Barbados National Trust offers an early Sunday morning hike (6 a.m.). The location of the hikes varies from week to week throughout the year but local members of the Trust give excellent educational talks on history, geography, agriculture and geology. The hikes are free to participants and typically are about five miles long and take about three hours.
For those who love to golf, Barbados has several excellent courses. Sandy Lane Golf Course was the site of Tiger Wood's wedding in 2004 as well as the World Golf Championships World Cup in 2006. Try your skills at the Barbados Golf Club and the Rockley Golf Club also.
Scuba diving is another great activity to enjoy in Barbados. There are over 200 shipwrecks in the surrounding waters, making it a haven for wreck divers. The Greek freighter, SS Stavronikita, lies in 120 feet of water and is home to a number of colorful fish and coral. Carlisle Bay contains a number of historically significant wrecks such as the Fox, Berwyn, C-Trek and Eilon. Excellent for beginners, these sites provide viewing of eel, tropical fish and seahorses.

For the best windsurfing second only to Hawaii, head to the south shore of Barbados, around the area of Silver Sands for the best conditions. The season for windsurfing is November to mid-May, and surfers from all over globe flock to these beaches for superior conditions. Known as "the Soup Bowl," the Atlantic winds create a challenge for even the toughest professionals.
At night, head to St Lawrence Gap or Bay Street, in Bridgetown for a number of restaurants, bars and great views. Most nightclubs have live, local music every night. For romance, charter a sunset cruise on a catamaran and watch the world go by.
Whatever you decide to do for entertainment on this gorgeous, diverse island, you will always have memories of its charming beauty. From the lush tropical gardens, the coral beaches or the brilliant underwater life, it will be hard to slow down and just relax. Perhaps you too can rid yourself of "the vapors" like her original visitors some 200 years ago, and return home with a whole new, unhurried attitude.
What are you waiting for? Contact Jadd Fong Travel an Albuquerque travel agency and get ready to go.

Yellowstone National Park

Come Visit the Birth of the Park Model at Yellowstone national Park with Globus

By: Globus
Every 90 minutes or so, hundreds of onlookers gather to admire the gush of Old Faithful, the world’s most famous geyser – a spectacle that remains as enthralling today as it was back in the summer of 1870, when Cornelius Hedges, a member of the scientific party to study the Upper Geyser Basin, first beheld it. After spending weeks on a grueling horseback trip to reach the remote Yellowstone plateau, the American adventurers were so astonished to see the 100-foot-high explosion of sparkling water that they threw up their hats and shouted for sheer joy at the sight. That very same night, Hedges apparently proposed to his fellow expedition members while sitting around a crackling campfire that this volcanic hotspot in the Rockies, which has 250 geysers and 10,000 geothermal features, should be protected from development and turned into the world’s very first “national park.”
Lobbying for the preserve in Washington, DC would be a long and complicated process, but on March 1st, 1872, Congress did pass the bill that protected Yellowstone: A staggering two million acres would be “set apart as a Pleasure Park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” This was a unique concept, and one that would be copied around the world. But in 1872, the idea was still experimental, and Congress made no provision for management of the park or protection of its wildlife: The first superintendent, Nathanial Langford, had no salary, no staff, no budget and was only able to visit Yellowstone twice in his five-year tenure.
Destinations have stories. Globus and Jadd Fong Travel bring them to life.

Traveling Well to Israel

 

By: Collette Vacations
Shalom!
Welcome to Israel...a land where Abraham forged his covenant with God...and today is a nation that has defied unbelievable odds to become an ancestral homeland for Jews and a place where democracy has flourished.
For the first time traveler to Israel, it is like a walk through history. Here three continents (Asia, Africa and Europe) and two seas convene making the country a blend of cultures, customs and traditions. Here was a crossroad to ancient routes of commerce and a home to diverse peoples reflecting the flood of conquering armies striving for eminence in this much-desired small country. Canaanites, Hebrews, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottoman Turks and the British—each made their stand, briefly flourished, and were swept away leaving in their wake fortifications, castles and royal palaces. From sheikhs’ tombs with whitened domes to ancient synagogues decorated with colorful mosaics and the graceful arches of Crusader churches, Israel is an amazing feast for the senses.
Rooted in religion—though a majority of its people is quite secular—the old Walled City of Jerusalem is of great symbolic importance for Judaism, Christianity and Islam and their histories entwine on its labyrinthine streets. Walk along the Via Dolorosa or Way of Sorrows to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Jesus, the Christian Messiah’s, crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Observe the solemnity of the Western Wall, the only surviving remnant of Judaism’s most sacred shrine, the Temple Mount. Gaze in awe at one of the world’s great architectural masterpieces, the Dome of the Rock, which was built over a rock said to retain Mohammed’s footprint. It is of particular veneration because of the belief that it is the place that had been visited by Mohammed, the Muslim Prophet, on his miraculous night journey which had taken him from Arabia to heaven.
Ancient and modern, secular and sacred, Israel beckons visitors with its magnificent sites, holy places and warm Mediterranean climate. And while Israel is a land of dynamic contrasts with age-old sacred shrines alongside futuristic skyscrapers and posh resorts with swaying palms alongside desert wasteland…it is its own unique Israeli blend—a fitting description for a nation that continues to confound expectations.
What time of year is best to visit Israel? Anytime of year is beautiful in Israel! Israel enjoys long, warm, dry summers (April-October) and generally mild winters (November-March) with somewhat drier, cooler weather in hilly regions, such as Jerusalem and Safed. Rainfall is relatively heavy in the north and center of the country, with much less in the northern Negev and almost negligible amounts in the southern areas.
Regional conditions vary considerably, with humid summers and mild winters on the coast; dry summers and moderately cold winters in the hill regions; hot dry summers and pleasant winters in the Jordan Valley; and year-round semi-desert conditions in the Negev.
Weather extremes range from occasional winter snowfall in the mountain regions to periodic oppressively hot dry winds that send temperatures soaring, particularly in spring and autumn.
Who are the Israelis?

• Population of 7 Million
• 79% are Jewish
• 15% are Muslim
• 6% are Christian, Druze, Buddhist and more

Official languages:

• Hebrew, Arabic
• Almost everyone speaks English

Short Distances: - Israel is basically the size of New Jersey.

• Tel Aviv-Jerusalem: 50 minutes
• Jerusalem-Dead Sea: 45 minutes
• Jerusalem-Masada: 90 minutes
• Tel Aviv-Haifa: 90 minutes
• Jerusalem-Tiberias: 2.5 hours
• Tel Aviv-Eilat: 4 hours

Preparing for the Trip

• No visas required
• Just a passport with validity of 6 months
• All major credit cards accepted
• Accessible ATM’s
• 3.5 Shekels = $1

Electricity The electric current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 Hertz. Most Israeli sockets are of the three-pronged variety but many can accept some European two-pronged plugs as well. Electric shavers, traveling irons and other small appliances may require adapters and/or transformers, which can be purchased in Israel.

Israel: A Journey to the Holy Land

10 days
Tel Aviv • Jaffa • Caesarea • Tiberias • Sea of Galilee Nazareth • Jericho • Dead Sea • Masada • Qumran • Jerusalem • Wailing Wall • Bethlehem • Church of the Nativity • Mount of Olives • Mt. Zion

Did You Know?

• Israel has 4 seas, 6 micro-climates, mountains, valleys, lush pastureland and deserts, all in a space the size of New Jersey.
• Jerusalem is Israel's "Washington, D.C." and Tel Aviv is Israel's "New York City." Jerusalem, the capital, is home to three quarters of a million people. The Tel Aviv metropolitan area, Israel's center of business, culture, fashion and entertainment, is home to four million people.
• Mount Hermon is 10,000 feet high, Jerusalem is 3,000 feet above Sea Level, and the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. Because it is 2,000 feet further from the sun's rays – even the fairest skin tans at the Dead Sea shore, but doesn't burn.
• 75% of Israelis are Jewish, 25% are Israeli Muslims, Christians, Druze, Baha'is and Buddhists.
• Israel's official languages are Hebrew and Arabic and almost everyone speaks English.

A Taste of Israel: Filet of Sea Bass

Ingredients

• 4 fillets of Sea Bass (5 ounces each)
• 3.5 ounces of Spinach Leaves
• 3.5 ounces of Cooked Chickpeas
• 3.5 ounces of Blanched Green Ful (Fava Beans)
• 3.5 ounces of Baby Arugula
• 4 Thyme Leaves
• 1 Garlic Clove
• 1/2 cup of Olive Oil
• 1 grilled Eggplant
• 1 tablespoon of Sour Cream
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1/2 Lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Cream of Eggplant: Burn the eggplant on an open flame. Cut in half and scrape out the inside. Throw away the peel. Mix the eggplant with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon olive oil to taste. Mix in a blender with 1 tablespoon of sour cream until it becomes a smooth cream.
2. Tomato Coulis: Slice an X into the top of the tomatoes. Boil in water for 1 minute. Remove the skin, cut into quarters, and take out the seeds. Put on a tray and sprinkle 2 tablespoons olive oil, pepper and salt to taste. Bake for 2 hours in the oven at 200 degrees.
3. Fish: Season fish with salt, pepper, and 2 thyme leaves. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil on a sauté pan. Place the fish on the pan and sear on both sides until brown. Take the fish off the pan and put on a baking sheet. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cook fish for 4 minutes.
4. Vegetables: Fry spinach in a sauté pan with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Season the spinach with salt and pepper. Let sit until it reaches room temperature. Sauté cooked chickpeas, fava beans, 1 garlic clove, salt, pepper, and 2 thyme leaves in a pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil on a low flame for a few minutes. Add tomato coulis and 1 tablespoon water and cook for another few minutes.

To Serve: Place the cooked chickpeas and fava beans in the center of the plate. Place the fish on top, then place the fresh arugula leaves seasoned with salt and pepper on top of the fish. Pour the cream of eggplant on the side.
Contact Jadd Fong Travel at jaddfongtravel@comcast.net or 505-999-1039 today to start planning your Israel journey.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is one of the largest islands in the Caribbean and while not a state, is under U.S. jurisdiction. However, if you are looking for anything mainland-ish on the island, look elsewhere. Puerto Rico is decidedly a different culture composed of many including Spanish, Latino and Caribbean. Their Spanish heritage comes through loud and clear and is especially noticeable in the restored Old San Juan District.
Being a very Catholic island, Puerto Rico is home to many monasteries, convents and shrines where the Virgin Mary is said to have made appearances before the faithful. One of the more storied convents is the San Juan Convent authorized by Spain's King Philip V. During the building's long history, it has been a nunnery, a grand hotel, and a casino. The San Juan Cathedral, dating to 1521 is the Western Hemisphere's oldest such structure. Also in San Juan, you will discover the oldest continually occupied governor's mansion, and the home of first governor Juan Ponce de Leon. A popular legend says that Governor Ponce de Leon set out to find the legendary Fountain of Youth and "discovered" Florida instead. In reality, he was in search of gold to fund the dowries of his many daughters.
Eco-tourism is alive and well in Puerto Rico. El Yunque, "The Anvil" in English, is a tropical rain forest jungle ensconced in mist and rain. Typical trees soar more than 100 feet off the forest floor. This jungle paradise is replete with the indigenous Puerto Rican Parrot and the tiny coqui (tree frog), which is a national symbol. The water from El Yunqueâ's two waterfalls is rumored to have a rejuvenating effect, but as with travel to most destinations, you are better off with the bottled stuff.
The Southwestern quadrant of the island is renowned for its fishing villages, hidden beaches and the laid back attitude of the residents. In this region, you can have some unique culinary experiences including fresh clams and oysters chased with fresh coconut water.
The capital city of Puerto Rico, San Juan, is one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean and a third of all Puerto Ricans live here. Nearly every visitor to the island arrives at San Juan, many on cruise liners. The port is the largest home-based cruise port in the world, hosting 28 vessels with more being added to the list each year.
San Juan is divided into three distinct districts: Old San Juan, the historic walled city, the beach and resort area and the outlying suburbs. Tourists are concerned mainly with Old San Juan, the site of most restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and the beaches. The old city is linked to the new by the largely residential Puerta de Tierra area, and a series of modern highways leading to the Condado beach front, which is reminiscent of Florida's Miami Beach with its high-rise hotels and apartment blocks.

San Juan

The island's second largest city, Ponce, may have been named for Ponce de Leon, but history cannot confirm. Locals refer to the city as La Perla del Su - the Pearl of the South. Ponce bears a strong resemblance to provincial Spain in the daytime when locals gather in the cool shade of the Plaza Central.
While there is no shortage of fine resorts and hotels across Puerto Rico, the island is also home to many country inns known as paradores. These government-promoted inns, patterned after those in Spain, are ideal for inexpensive family vacations and usually come with a rustic, authentic setting.

Because of the U.S. ties, you can expect faster and more professional service in Puerto Rico than in other Caribbean nations. On the culinary scale, Puerto Rico has something for everyone-local, Spanish, Chinese, Creole, Japanese, seafood, nouvelle, or just plain American are all available to whet every appetite.
In terms of nightlife, there are two different times - day and night. And they are as different as, well, day and night. During the days, the bars and clubs of San Juan are flooded with cruisers who are either starting, ending, or stopping in this popular port of call. At night, the crowd is a bit more local and a lot more authentic with many clubs staying open until the wee hours. The drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18, yet strangely enough, in the airport it is 21! Although heavily Catholic, Puerto Rico is one of the more gay-friendly islands in the Caribbean basin.
Contact Jadd Fong Travel and start planning your vacation.