Easter Island - seeing the Moai and hearing many speculations about how these massive stone Moais might have been created and moved to the shores. There is no written or oral history. Moais face inland, with their backs to the sea, and no one knows why. To hear the theories is fascinating; to see the Moais is breathtaking.
South Africa - Robben Island. Tour was led by a former prisoner. We stood in Nelson Mandela's tiny cell. Listening to the humble tour guide, I had such a better understanding of apartheid and the suffering of those who challenged it.
I toured Australia (loved the Outback) and New Zealand about 6 years ago and absolutely loved it (not the days' long trip to get there, though). Being a tea consultant, I also toured a tea estate over there. The scenery is ALL breathtaking. Would go back if I could tolerate the long air time, but that is no longer possible for me. The history over there is amazing, and such an education.
Christmas Eve on a small island in Fiji. We were walking on the beach after dark when we heard singing. There was a Fijian choir at the water's edge, holding candles, and singing carols in their native language. No one else was there; the waves lapping the beach, the palm trees clacking in the soft breeze. I was incredibly moved watching them celebrate the holiday. I wept and will never forget it.
River indigenous village, Panama
Easter Island - seeing the Moai and hearing many speculations about how these massive stone Moais might have been created and moved to the shores. There is no written or oral history. Moais face inland, with their backs to the sea, and no one knows why. To hear the theories is fascinating; to see the Moais is breathtaking.
South Africa - Robben Island. Tour was led by a former prisoner. We stood in Nelson Mandela's tiny cell. Listening to the humble tour guide, I had such a better understanding of apartheid and the suffering of those who challenged it.
I toured Australia (loved the Outback) and New Zealand about 6 years ago and absolutely loved it (not the days' long trip to get there, though). Being a tea consultant, I also toured a tea estate over there. The scenery is ALL breathtaking. Would go back if I could tolerate the long air time, but that is no longer possible for me. The history over there is amazing, and such an education.
I hope you can appreciate my sediments about NZ. I am a very well seasoned NZ traveler...if you read this you will understand why I know the truth about NZ....it is not the "green, pristine, pure NZ" that they try to sell you. I KNOW ...an article I wrote a while back after my last visit to NZ...https://www.flydreamers.com/en/articles/new-zealand-the-poisoned-nation-a1745?backUrl=L2VuL2NvbW11bml0eQ==#ref=wall/item
Christmas Eve on a small island in Fiji. We were walking on the beach after dark when we heard singing. There was a Fijian choir at the water's edge, holding candles, and singing carols in their native language. No one else was there; the waves lapping the beach, the palm trees clacking in the soft breeze. I was incredibly moved watching them celebrate the holiday. I wept and will never forget it.