Tanzania

All you need to know about travelling in Africa

 

Cities; The following cities form as gateways into African culture and society. Also, they form as base camps for exploring Tanzania’s mountains, safari routes and volunteer work.

Arusha;

The gateway to exploring the Northern Safari circuits and also hiking Mt Kilimanjaro’s lesser known sister Mt Meru

Accommodation starts at $10 a night for basic level stay, with it increasing in further incriminates in value

The town has a western influence due to the nature of resort-style safari bases operating out of it; this means Western food and restaurants, along with supplies available to the student traveller

Night markets and tourist markets allow for authentic shopping

 

Moshi ;

The town at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, it forms as the base camp for hikers and tourists alike. This town therefore has a mish-mash of cultures and nations as it struggles to combine  a traditionalist African society with the modern influx of foreigners. 

  Due to the hikers; accommodation is cheap and plentiful; with good, clean resources in backpacker and hotel options. Further, safe baggage holding services operate for those with extra packed than their hiking material 

A large mosque is located close to the town centre; respect must be paid by travellers in the form of females wearing operate clothing, and men acting with respect to their traditions

 Due to the travellers; numerous ‘Western’ restaurants and cafes operate in Moshi; look forward to ‘safe’ milk, and good dial up internet connection

Moshi also allows a connection to volunteer work and organizations that allow the traveller to give back to beautiful country they are enjoying. Volunteer work can be for a day, a week or a couple months, depending on your commitment. The rewarding nature allows a remarkable insight into the worlds poorest, but happiest members.

Zanzibar;

The ‘Hawaii’ of Africa, this island located a 40 minute ferry ride from Dar is a stunning paradise of history and new age elegance in its splendour

A ferry ride from the capital, Zanzibar is reknown for its trading and sea port background; the ‘Stone Town’ a historic fort a relic of this

Zanzibar, operating in the Stone Town also holds a fantastic local market that allows the keen traveller to haggle its way into some loved possessions

Beautiful beaches are galore, with diving and snorkelling options open; be sure to trust legitimate, safe schemesThe glamorous resorts make way for a ‘Western influence’, so the homesick traveller can feel welcome not to experience a culture shock

Dar es Salam;

The overcrowded capital of Tanzania, these dirty small streets give way to the modern Africa life; its apartments representing the change from traditionalist living to the modernist approach. Be careful not to lose sight of the ‘true’ Africa that forms itself in the smiles and laughter of each citizen

Mountains;

1.     Mt Kilimanjaro

The famous ‘Mother’ mountain of Africa; the highest peak on the continent forms as a formidable, and inconquerable peak for many travellers. The right training, guides and technique will find of you top of the most beautiful height in awe at the world below

2.    Mt Meru

Mt Kilimanjaro’s sister mountain, the second highest peak at 4,668ft above sea level serves as a lesser and shorter hike to the heights of Kili. Also serving up a beautiful view above the mountains, Mt Meru remains the option for the time and training wise traveller

Game Parks & Safari;

The game parks and safari’s of Tanzania are considered the best in the world. Famous names; the Serenegti, the Ngorgoro Crator and the Lake Manyara lushlands allow the keen traveller an extraordinary insight into the worlds untouched origins. Beauty is unparalleled, where the avid photographer can collect stunning encapsulations. A highlight for many is the Great Migration of the African animals through the game parks.

Tours and stays can be organized through numerous reputable firms. The traveller can choose to embark with a comfortable Western firm, or remain honest to the true African nature of the local tours.

International Australian travel advice from Smart Traveller (a government website); http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Tanzania

Excersice a high degree of caution, especially in Zanzibar due to the crime rates
Pay close attention to your security
Avoid all protests and demonstrations
Ferries are known to be overloaded or unseaworthy
The Australian Consulate is located in the capital, Dar ees Salam; there is also one located in Kenya
A Yellow Fever Certificate that is valid 

 

Estonia

Why Tallinn is a must-see

I highly recommend Tallinn, Estonia as a travelling destination. While it isn't very well known, or a popular country to visit, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed my time in Tallinn and I would highly recommend that others visit the city. It is best to visit during the winter, for it is a very beautiful time of year in Tallinn, especially with the snow on top of the castles and rooftops in town.

The whole city has a medieval feel to it, and it is just enchanting. The downtown area is made up of cobblestone streets, snow covered roofs, castles, bars with delicious and cheap local food and drinks, weekend markets, and every local and traveller alike walking around everywhere on foot. I never saw a car in the downtown area the whole time I was there. 

Everything is very cheap, affordable, and well priced in Tallinn. The food, accommodation, and entertainment are all a great price for student travellers. My top recommendation is just to set off into the city without any set plans. The city centre is small, and you will easily be able to wander around on foot all day. There are heaps of amazing museums, churches, and restaurants that you will discover just from wandering around. 

Some specific recommendations include visiting: the cannon tower Kiek-in-de-Kok, the town hall square Raekoja plats, The Beer House, and the Oleviste Church. I also recommend asking the locals about any weekend markets that may be happening. 

Fiji

The Yasawa Islands

If you are planning a trip out to Fiji, I highly recommend visiting the Yasawa Islands. This volcanic group of islands is made up of 6 main islands, and a number of smaller ones. These islands are located in the Western Division of Fiji.

To get to the Yasawa Islands, you will first need to fly into the mainland, Nadi. From there, you can take a boat from the marina in Nadi out to the islands. Until 1987, it was illegal for tourists to visit these islands. This makes it an ideal destination to visit today, for the islands are not too crowded with tourists and are much less of a visited destination then other spots in Fiji. 

I highly recommend booking through the company Awesome Adventures Fiji. They work with the resorts on each island and coordinate boating from the mainland out to the different islands. You can also read about each different resort on their website, and book your trip through them. http://www.awesomefiji.com/

It is ideal to stay out on the Yasawa Islands from 1 week- 3 weeks. I recommend booking stays at about 3 different resorts so that you can experience different parts of the islands. My top 2 recommendations are the Blue Lagoon Resorts, Manta Ray, and Octopus Resort. 

It is ideal to pack lightly, perhaps only bringing a backpack and small duffel bag, as you will be moving around a fair bit and hopping on and off the boat during your stay. 

Be sure to try everything- snorkel, kayak, visit the local villages, hike, try kava and make friends with the local Fijian workers at the resorts who are most friendly. 

China

5 Must-See Spots in Beijing

1) The Great Wall

The Great Wall is as enormous and majestic in real life as it seems in the photos. Climbing the wall, and looking out from it is truly a once in a lifetime experience. I recommend visiting it on a day when it isn't as hot, and not going during the middle of the day for that is when it is the most busy. It is also best to visit a section of the wall that is further outside of the city, for it will be less crowded and less touristy. 

2) The Olympic Sites

Seeing the Olympic sites is one of the best parts of visiting Beijing. For a small fee you can go for a swim in the water cube, which I highly recommend. The Bird's Nest and The Green are also worth a visit.

3) 798 Art Space

This art community is located in the Chaoyang District, and it is the best place in Beijing to visit for those you love art, appreciate art, want to see the Chinese art scene, or just want to find a cool souvenir to take home. It is mostly located in a old military factory complex. 

4) The Silk Market

This enormous market is the best place in Beijing to do shopping at. Even if you don't want to buy anything, it is still an amazing place to visit, just for the sheer size and uniqueness of it. There are over 1,500 stalls and you can buy just about anything. Remember that you need to haggle at this market place, never take the   

5) The Summer Palace

This Palace is the largest royal garden in China, and used to be a summer retreat for emperors. This imperial garden in the best spot in Beijing to relax, walk around, and enjoy some peace and quiet with beautiful natural views. 

Festivals in Belgium

Why Belgium Festivals are a Must

An easy way to tell if someone is from Belgium is if you say the word ‘Doudou’ to them and they respond with enthusiasm.

So what is the Doudou? Well, it is an 8 day festival that takes place in Mons, Belgium annually. I was lucky enough to attend it in 2010 when I was living in Mons. The Doudou dates way back to the Middle Ages, when in 1349 Mons was hit by the plague, and locals decided to organize a procession with a shrine. After this procession, the plague disappeared and therefore ever since a procession has taken place on the same day in Mons. In addition to the procession, there is also yearly fixtures such as the reenactment of the fight between Saint George and a Dragon, and military bands from all over the world playing, and filling the streets with music, Belgium fries, and Belgium beer.

The Belgium people that I knew had been telling me about the Doudou and explaining it to me ever since I had arrived in Belgium. A host mother of a friend explained to me that she thinks the Doudou is a spiritual awakening, and that I would find myself and become reborn during the Doudou. She was a bit of a DouDou fanatic, with Doudou decorations all over her house. Some of my Belgium classmates told me that I was be drinking for an entire week straight at the Doudou.

So how did I find the Doudou? Well it was certainly one of my best weeks in Belgium. I loved how alive the town became, and how involved everyone that I knew was in the Doudou. I would best describe it as organized chaos. People were coming from all over the country, and from out of country, everyday for this festival. The streets downtown turned into pedestrian only zones, and were absolutely packed every day from morning until night. Everywhere I went, I bumped into people whom I already knew and also met new people. I saw concerts, watched the procession, stared in wonder during the reenactment of Saint George vs. the Dragon, bought little dragon souvenirs, went out on the McDonalds balcony with the employees there to watch the performances one night, and watched Dad’s dance on tables during the night time.

So, did I find myself? Was I reborn? I’m not sure…but either way I did make some good, hilarious memories.

I highly recommend visiting the Doudou if you have the chance, or any other of the amazing festivals in Belgium.

More information about festivals in Belgium:  http://www.visitbelgium.com/?page=festivals

Cambodia

Cambodia, Siem Reap, and the magic of Angkor Wat

I highly recommend Cambodia as a country that Uni students should travel to. It is affordable, interesting, and full of history. I had the chance to travel to Siem Reap in 2012, and visit Angkor Wat. It is one of the most amazing sites I have ever seen- and I think it is a must see.

So first of all- where is Siem Reap? Siem Reap is in northwestern Cambodia, and it is the capital city of Siem Reap Province.

Second of all- what is Angkor Wat? It is the largest Hindu temple complex and religious monument in the world. It extends over 400 square kilometres and consists of temples, structures, and communications routes. 

I think it is best to travel to Siem Reap with a group of 4 or less. This way, your group will always be able to fit in a tuk tuk, and there is a greater chance that your group will be able to all walk around Angkor Wat at the same pace. You do not need more then a week to visit Siem Reap.

I recommend staying at the youth hostel Siem Reap Rooms. It is reasonable priced, has a good location, and the cleanliness is great. While it isn't as much of a party hostel, this is ideal for your trip to Siem Reap because you might be waking up early one day for the sunrise tour of Angkor Wat and you will want a full nights sleep! Also, with a great location near to the city's night life, you don't need to do more then walk out the door to begin a night of partying and meeting other travelers.

It is best to do a tour our Siem Reap by tuk tuk. You can book this tour at Siem Reap Rooms, or whichever hostel or hotel you stay at, and they will arrange for a local tuk tuk driver to drive you to Angkor Wat, drive your group around the temples, and then drive you back to your hostel or hotel.

I recommend doing a sunrise tour of Angkor Wat. Your tuk tuk driver will take you out to Siem Reap just before sunrise, and then you will be able to see the sunrise over the temples, and see the reflection in the moat around the main temple. Similarly, you can also do a sunset tour. You can spend at least three full days exploring Angkor Wat, and you still won't be able to see it all! That being said, I recommend spending between 2-3 days exploring Angkor Wat.

As far as food goes, try to eat at restaurants that serve traditional Cambodia food, rather then western food. The food will be much better priced, tastier, and more authentic. I ate two meals at western restaurants, a Mexican restaurant, and an Irish pub- but the food was very overpriced at both places, and I preferred the food at the Cambodian restaurants that I went to.

Some helpful links for your trip:

This video by National Geographic is short and informative. I recommend watching it to gain some more insight about the background of Angkor Wat!
http://video.nationalgeographic.com.au/video/specials/ancient-mysteries/angkor-wat-temples/

The UNESCO provides some good background on Angkor Wat as well:
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/668

Siem Reap Rooms:
http://www.siemreaprooms.com/

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