TRAVEL: Easter Island, an Exotic Untouched Place far in the South of the World

Exotic Places of South America-Easter Island

By Jorge Jefferds October 30, 2014

Easter Island is located in the Polynesian Triangle, and in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Geographically speaking, the island is situated in a remote place about 2,182 miles west of Chile. With a population of 5,761 inhabitants, according to the last Chilean census performed in 2012, the place prides itself for the 887 extant monumental statues called Moai.

The early Rapa Nui people, also called Pascuenses, supposedly sculpted these amazing stone monoliths between 1250 and 1500 AD.  Many of them are in bad condition: tumbled, broken or unfinished. Some statues are placed on ahu platforms and others are either scattered in groups on a wider area or are completely alone. An ahu usually had many Moai on it.

Many statues have shoulders and chest, some have arms, some have fingers and a single one even has legs. 397 of the statues are at the Rano Raraku quarry with the remainder placed along the shores, except Aku Akivi which is inland. The Moai face inland and it is believed that the statues were positioned that way to watch over the villages. 

Easter Island's climate is considered subtropical maritime. Winters are mild with cool temperatures, and abundant precipitation. The lowest average July temperature on Easter Island is around 64°F (18°C) while its highest temperatures are in February and average about 82°F (28°C).

Like many Pacific Islands, the physical landscape of Easter Island is dominated by volcanic topography and it was formed geologically by three extinct volcanoes.

Easter Island is considered a distinct eco-region by ecologists. At the time of its initial colonization, the island is believed to have been dominated by large broadleaf forests and palm. Today, Easter Island has very few trees and is mainly covered with grasses and shrubs.

There are three delightful beaches where to spend great summer times. For those who love diving into lapis lazuli colored water or walking along beaches of soft white sand, Anakena beach is perfect. This wonderful beach surrounded by a beautiful coconut tree forest is deservedly popular on weekends. Between December and March, it is common to see some huts and salesmen offering beverages, pies (banana cake) and snacks.

Anakena also has a very symbolic meaning. It is the place where Hotu Matua disembarked. Some people say that one of the many caves along the beach was this king’s home.  Also, Anakena must be the only beach in the world that was blessed with two important archeological sites. On the hill above the beach lies the Ahu Ature Huki, along with an enigmatic and solitary Moai. Anakena is also the home of the great Ahu Nau Nau.

Another unspoilt delight, Ovahe, between La Perouse and Anakena, is a gorgeous place to work your tan. At the foot of a volcanic cliff, this small beach is less frequented than Anakena but is considered dangerous because of falling rocks. You can also see a cave near Ovahe. Looking out of it you will see the Pacific Ocean.

For a little dip in Hanga Roa, the tiny Pea beach, on the south side of Caleta Hanga Roa, fits the bill.

If you are looking forward to enjoy local food and art, in Honu Nui camps you can participate in the process of making your mini Moai. In his workshop, the locally recognized artisan Miguel Nahoe will teach you this ancient sculpting technique.

Shows are performed to introduce the Rapa Nui culture, enjoying and paying respect to their songs, and folk dances, which are rich in old legends. They dress up beautiful outfits adorned with feathers and tiny seashells.

Two major airlines operate from the United States with non-stop flights to Santiago of Chile: American and Delta. At Santiago International Airport, however, you will have to take a connecting flight to Easter Island with LAN, the regional carrier.

HEALTH: Ebola-Tips Nobody Should Ever Forget

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HEALTH AND FITNESS: Ebola-Tips Nobody Should Ever Forget

By Jorge Jefferds October 27, 2014 

While the mass media has subsequently alerted the population worldwide about new Ebola outbreaks, medical institutions and governments are doing their best to control the disease.

People, however, are becoming scarier with the everyday news and more vulnerable to make mistakes with false or incorrect information.

Therefore, it is very important to keep in mind where to get the most accurate information. One of the richest sources of news about Ebola can be found at www.who.int , the official page of the World Health Organization.

Here is, for example, a list they explain, containing key facts we must be aware of.

•  Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic Fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. 
•  The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission. The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks. 
• The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa,near tropical rainforests, but the most recent outbreak in west Africa has involved major urban as well as rural areas. 
•  Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely case management, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe burials and social mobilization. 
•  Early supportive care with rehydration, symptomatic treatment improves survival. There is as yet no licensed treatment proven to neutralize the virus but a range of blood, immunological and drug therapies are under development. 
•  There are currently no licensed Ebola vaccines but 2 potential candidates are undergoing evaluation.

Prevention is essential with those, who work in health care, travel to and from African countries, and deal with exotic animals. Remember. Get informed in the WHO website. Visit the nearest health center if you have questions or any suspicion of a possible virus spread around you, relatives, or acquaintances. Anyway, you cannot transmit Ebola until you are sick-sudden high fever, extreme tiredness.

TRAVEL: Five Scenic Driving Tours are a Must Before the Fall ends

Five Scenic Driving Tours are a Must before the Fall Ends 

By JorgeJefferds October 20, 2014

 The Northeast reflects a portrait we always see in the cartoon movies. Disney, particularly, brought us the fantasy and magnificence of the typical nature found in the surroundings of the Appalachian Mountains and the Alleghany Plateau.

The wild lands east of the Mississippi don’t only attract our attention in warm days. Winter and the fall pride themselves of displaying the most romantic moments a human being deserve to contemplate. A mix of colorful leaves precedes the everlasting wintery white tones and textures of Christmas scenery.

Here are five scenic driving routes that showcase the woods and wildlife of Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Cook Forest River Loop.

Within its 7,000 acres of woodlands, Cook Forest has one of the finest stands of primeval white pines and hemlocks in the eastern U.S. In fact, these huge, ancient trees are as much as 350 years old. Cook Forest is designated as a National Natural landmark and is rated one of America’s top 50 state parks by National Geographic Traveler magazine.

Bucktail Highway, Route 120

This route travels 75 miles from St. Marys to Lock Haven winding through a magnificent river valley. It’s designated as a state park scenic drive.

The High Plateau, Route 144

A 27-mile road in Clinton County-and the Longhouse National Scenic Byway-a 27-mile loop around the Allegheny Reservoir deep within the forests of McKean and Warren counties, provide stunning views of the region’s wildlife and foliage. In addition to the scenery, travelers along the Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway can stop to enjoy one of the engineering marvels of the 19^th century-the Kinzua Viaduct, which once stood as the worlds’ longest and highest railroad bridge.

Devil’s Highway, Route 666

From Tionesta take Rt. 62 north to East Hickory. Along the way, you will have great views of the Allegheny River, which runs parallel to the road. At East Hickory, turn east into Rt. 666-the Devil’s Highway. The drive will take you past a mix of woodlands, farms and eventually deep forest. This is an exceptional stretch of road for fall foliage. It curves uphill and down with some hairpin turns for about 30 miles.

Brady’s Bend and Foxburg

The drive winds through Rimersburg and Sligo, East Brady, Parker and Foxburg. Sligo was named after the seacoast town in Ireland and has streets named Shamrock Drive and Colerain that have an Irish flair. At the southern point along the route, you will find Brady’s Bend. This area has magnificent panoramic views of the Allegheny River and is a popular spot for eagle and hawk watching. Traveling north you will arrive at Parker, where you can cross the river on one of the few remaining metal truss bridges (circa 1934) of any kind on this area. Go a little farther and discover the charming resort town of Foxburg, home of the American Golf Hall of Fame and the Foxburg Winery.

All you have to do is simple: pick up your car, and drive those unforgettable miles across these natural wonders.