World Venture Travel » Africa

Zulu’s of South Africa

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:42:43 +0000

I was attending an international conference concerning water and I was really impressed with just how many nations showed up to discuss how the source of water is changing in their countries. I got my first ever glimpse of an actual representative of the famous Zulu tribe . They were also discussing just how water is important for their land. He said the land is a healer in South Africa , and if for some reason they become displaced somewhere that they hope it’s near water or a river, because, he said, water is a healer.

Then we were shown a video message from, apparently, one of South Africa’s most well known healer, and his message was that Zulu’s are taught to respect those around them, the earth, everything on this planet. But, they are moving away from old traditions and must begin to return to their traditions. He continued to say that this is how we will heal our world.

The entire conference was focused on how to accomplish the task of healing earth, even if the ice is melting. It was brought up that ice is relatively easy to melt compared to the ice of the human heart.

Then, that evening after I had dinner at a restaurant in one of the luxury hotels South Africa has, I returned to the conference to hear a special message from the Dalai Lama‘s official representative, who said that as we enter the new millennium, this will be a good time to walk as human beings. We must work for a more compassionate and peaceful world and where ever we see an opportunity to benefit others, we should do so without thinking about self interest.

The conference ended with all the nations coming together in a huge circle, we had to go outside to accomplish this, and send out prayers and gratitude for the earth to be able to heal.

Zulu’s of South Africa is a post from: World Venture Travel

Beautiful Cape Town

admin — Wed, 13 May 2009 23:04:25 +0000

The Mother City, Cape Town, is considered on of the most beautiful cities in the world. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean, the city offers beaches, flora and fauna, and a rich and extravagant night life. Luxury hotels Cape Town are also the finest in the world, offering splendid accommodations and the finest of small touches of elegance.

The city itself is ripe for the desires of the curious and lively tourist. There is an enormously wide variety of natural adventures. Quiet time at the beach, mountain climbing, and other explorations are all available here. Because it is also a large city, there are also plentiful urban adventures. These run from exciting shopping adventures in retail stores or outdoor markets, to a rich array of culinary explorations. This is also in the heart of South African wine country. Cape Town also hosts an amazing after-hours culture. World renowned musical styles are practiced and continually evolving.

There is also an enormous museum of world history at one’s fingertips here. Human occupation here goes back thousands of years, and a visit here will give travelers a sense of walking in the footsteps of ancestors. There is much to see in regard to the history of human interaction, but one must-see is Robben Island. Robben Island is the notorious site for the building which held hundreds of political prisoners for decades under apartheid. South African President Nelson Mandela was here for nearly twenty years, where he could not see his family but for once every six months. Some of his most influential political thought was formulated during his incarceration here. Today, Robben Island is a World Heritage Site, and a popular attraction for locals and tourists. The history of apartheid in South Africa can be learned here, through the list of famous prisoners. In both historical relevance, and natural allure, Cape Town offers much to the international tourist .

Beautiful Cape Town is a post from: World Venture Travel

Baboon Vandalism in South Africa

admin — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 06:08:16 +0000

Authorities in Cape Town are struggling to gain control of an increasing problem with aggressive baboons. The crisis is being blamed on tourists and tour operators who offer food to the animals in order to lure them into position for souvenier photographs. Last week baboon were blamed for “vandalizing” a car.

The car was parked on the road bettwen Miller’s Point and Simon’s Town while the owner went fishing. Residents in the area reported that baboons tried to open the doors, which were locked. When they couldn’t gain access to the car, they bounced on the roof, bit mirrors and even ripped off the door’s rubber strip. Residents are calling on the city to take address the problem, stating that this is not the first such incident in the neighborhood.

All across the city, baboons are becoming more aggressive in search of food. Tour bus operators and even tourists have been feeding the animals for so long that the baboons now equate people, and even cars, with food. The city has begun enforcing fines to anyone caught feeding baboons, but many fear that the behavior is now engrained in the animals and can not be unlearned.

Primate researchers believe that getting tourists and operators to stop feeding the baboons will eventually lead the animals to give up the search for food. Residents in Simon’s Town are asking for clear signage warning people not to feed the animals and for baboon monitors to police the area. They are also asking that the fines be increased.

Travelers heading to Cape Town are should keep in mind that the fines are being strictly enforced and may be going up in amount in the near future. Check with Cape Town South Africa hotels to make sure that tours of the city respect the law and remember that even if tour operators promise that they won’t get caught, the lasting effect of that cute baboon photo will be felt by area residents.

Baboon Vandalism in South Africa is a post from: World Venture Travel