Travel for Pennies

More than half of all the elephants of Asia, make their homes in the country of India.  More than twenty percent of the elephants that are domesticated for purposes of work animals or those that are part of the tourism industry either by providing rides or performing in the shows are also in the country of India.  Many roads have been constructed, dams built, or buildings raised, such as the five star Jaipur hotels, where all created with the help of these large beasts.  So it is of utmost importance that the species survives.  This role that elephants have played throughout history, remains just as important today as it was hundreds of years ago.  Much of the heritage of religion and culture is associated with elephants.  And for there to someday be a time when the elephants may not survive, is an unthinkable thought in India.

It is for this reason that the Elephant Festival that occurs each year in March, is not only a fun celebration, but an honoring of these beasts that provide so much for the people of this country.  The festivals take place in Jaipur, and coincides with the festival of colors, which happens throughout the country.  Which makes this the perfect time to be in Jaipur, as the two festivals combined make for an unforgettable experience.  The elephants are adorned with colorful costumes, and parade through the city in these attires.

Other activities include races, tug of war, and polo games.  The tug of war happens between an elephant and a team of men, and spectators are held in awe of the strength of both sides.  There is also a competition at the end of the night for the most decorated of elephants.  There is also many options for food, for dancing and for listening to music.  It is an overall fun and colorful time in the city.  This is one of India’s most unusual festivals and should not be missed.

Bookmark It

Of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, Ibiza has the reputation of the place to go for the 24 hour party vacation.  However, the Summer Solstice Celebration taking place this June, is about much more than partying ’til you drop.  The weekend celebrating summer begins June 19th with a hike of three, of the many, beautiful beaches on the island’s coastline.  Tour guides will provide healthy drinks adn wholesome treats along the way.  The hike ends with yoga on the beach.  That evening, the organization Greenheart, will have members speaking about the goals the group has for the island and details about the projects they are working on currently to reduce pollution and promote sustainable living on the island. Shankara will provide live entertainment for the close of the evening.

The next day will bring people to the largest open air market on the island, San Jordi.  In the section with five star hotels, Ibiza merchants offer the best in artistic goods and bargains.  The spirit of the market is joyous and colorful.  There will be tours offered later in the afternoon to one of the most pristine and unspoiled beaches on the island, Salinas, the area that is protected from development and a reserve for the indigenous plants, animals and marine life.  There are a few relaxing cafes and restaurants along the reserve where one can continue relaxing and socializing after a day spent hiking, swimming and scuba diving in the lagoons.  There will be an organized cleaning session for the beach with members from Greenheart, with a party for all those involved to follow, celebrating the care of the environment and those taking part in doing so.

The final day of the three day celebration begins with pilates on the beach.  La Casita Verde is the home base for Greenheart, and there will be performances and art exhibits all day.  One of the projects the group continues is the Aloe Vera plantation.  There will be seminars on the health benefits of the plant and the various recipes one can utilize.  There is also an organic farm located on the property and the meal provided that day will be organic and vegetarian , with specialty juice drinks available, coffee made from carob, and a variety of health conscious deserts.  As the progresses there will be film festivals and workshops relating to climate change and the dangers of not stepping up to protect the environment.  All is not instruction however, as there will be various stages with performances by dance companies, and music, with a drumming workshop intended for all to participate.  And in the tradition of the island, the party will continue on into the evening, but with just a bit more awareness, to the planet and to one’s own physical well-being, than is what one experiences in the dance clubs and bars.

Bookmark It

Pablo Neruda was Chilean born, and is now considered one of the most influential poets of the 20th Century.  He was born Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto, but changed his name in part as teenage fashion and in part to hide the fact that he was writing poetry, to hide if from his father.  As then is as it is now, with parents wanting their children to choose practical and sensible careers, not those so unpredictable as a life in the arts.  So ironically funny today, as stated before he is the influential poet of his time, and then some.  A poet who because of his writings and political activism received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1971.  What would his father say today?  Fellow Nobel Prize winner, Gabriel Garcia Marquez is quoted as naming Neruda the most influential poet of all time.  He was forced to go into exile because of his controversial writings, but was later given jobs as a diplomat in Argentina and Barcelona, relishing in the city life and experiences in the cafes and 5 star Barcelona hotels.  He was much the center of late nite literary circles, as was Dorothy Parker in the days of the Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan.  Proof that the arts, and writing specifically in this case has an effect, not only on those partaking in the late night conversations, but the world in general.

As diplomat and consul in Madrid he became well known and saw a side of government that forever affected is soul and his writings.   The beginning of the Spanish Civil war put Neruda in the political, rather than the literary, public eye.  He desired a more communal way of life, not that communes were the way, but communal in feel, people taking care of each other in general life and society.  It was during this time that he became, quite self-proclaimed and not named by others as part of the ‘Red Scare’, communist.  He was compelled after the shooting execution of fellow poet and friend, Spanish born poet Francisco Franco.  Through his work during this time, he was appointed by the Spanish Government as the consul in Paris.   It was a political position he did not seek out, often commenting that he put his everything into something that he never wanted.  His most noble of missions.   Many familiar with his writings on politics, society and love may beg to differ.  Regardless, he was a man of his time, and a man for all times.

Bookmark It