No, this isn’t something we’ve dug up from a science fiction movie script!

Sharks have been discovered living in a submarine volcano off the coast of the remote Solomon Islands, by Ocean engineer Brennan Phillips and his team. The crew were in search of hydrothermal activity near the islands, which they certainly found a lot of. The main peak of the underwater volcano wasn’t erupting at the time of the expedition, allowing the team to drop their instruments, including a camera, into the crater. To their surprise, the footage revealed species of Hammerhead and Silky sharks residing in the crater, seeming to have adapted to the volatile conditions there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e3t18rrjOA  click the link to watch National Geographic’s video of the sharks.

Phillips and his crew have gone deeper than any geologists or biologists have ever gone before, and have proved that; the deeper you venture into the sea, the stranger it gets! Phillips explains “One of the videos from inside the main caldera of Kavachi (main peak of the volcano) shows some jellyfish hanging out. They seem to be there naturally. And then we see some snappers and some small fish … and then sharks start coming after the camera. Sharks are cool in their own right—all of them are—but a hammerhead is particularly neat looking. And they’re in there, in numbers, inside the volcano! Now I want to spend years trying to study that and why that is the case.”

We will look forward to hearing more about the history of these magnificent and unusual creatures as Phillips and the team embark on further research. The Solomon Islands are a popular destination for holiday makers, with scuba diving being one of the popular activities. There are all inclusive packages available through many travel agencies, perfect for both individuals seeking a travel group and families. The coral reefs surrounding the Solomon Islands hold a universe of underwater beauty. Though you might not bump into any sharks (we hope!), you’re sure to take in some of the extraordinary underwater flora and fauna the coast has to offer.

India is world famous (or infamous!) for its scorching summers. From May to August the sun beats down relentlessly, humidity soars, and people begin to ask themselves one crucial question; ‘Where can I get away on vacation?!’

Travel and Deal have compiled a list of some of our favorite vacation destinations to help you cool off during the unbearable heat of summer.

1) Nainital

Formerly a British hill station, this town is set around Nainital Lake, and is a popular boating site with Naina Devi Hindu Temple on its north shore.

This hill station offers a wide range of activities, making it a perfect destination for solo travelers and backpackers and families alike. Boating on the famous Naini lake and travelling to Snow View Point and appreciating spectacular views of the Himalayas are two fantastic ways to take in the gorgeous natural setting of Nainital. Mall Road, originally built by the British, is another main attraction of Nainital, as it is very much the center of activities in the town with its variety of bars, cafes and hotels. One can stroll at a leisurely pace and enjoy the old british architecture of Mall Road.

Some offbeat attractions nearby which are definitely worth seeing are: Saattal, Bheemtal, Naukuchiyatal, and Khurpatal. So you could also add other stop off points to your journey should you feel like it.

2) Valley of Flowers – Garhwal Himalayan Valleys

This recognised UNESCO World Heritage site, as its name suggests, is home to more than 300 species of flowers including rare and medicinal types unique to the region. During summer, the stunning variety of hundreds of different blooms makes this site one of the greatest spectacles of India.

This unique valley is paradise for lovers of flora and fauna alike, as the huge variety of plants and flowers sustains a rich ecosystem of mammals, birds and butterflies. Some species that can be seen here are the snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan Bear, blue sheep and hare.  As there are no direct transportation routes to the site, the only way to get there is by trekking. You need not worry about your carbon footprint while at this breathtaking site and the trek is the best way to immerse yourself in the landscape, while being a healthy dose of exercise too.

3) Manali

At an altitude of 2050 feet, Manali offers the perfect summer getaway for Indian’s and foreign tourists alike. The location has received international acclaim due to it’s bountiful scenery and the variety of activities there are on offer, making it a perfect destination for both solo adventurers and families.

Manali has a multitude of options for tourists looking for outdoor activities like trekking, paragliding, skiing, zorbing, white water rafting etc. For religious devotees and history enthusiasts, Manali also has a lot of temples the Raghunath temple and Jagannathi Devith Temple being one of the important ones. Perhaps one of the most fascinating temples here is a 14th century temple, Hadimba Temple, famous for it’s unique wooden architecture.
The landscape of the town is one of the most spectacular features, with the pristine River Beas running through it creating a captivating riverside landscape. Manali is the ideal destination for tourists looking to relax and unwind in the lap of nature.

4) Ooty

Arguably one of South India’s best hill stations, situated in the state of Tamil Nadu at 2240 meters above sea level, Ooty is a known for its mountain scenery and luscious green forests. Its vast and rolling tea estates are what brought its initial fame.

The romantic scenery is probably what makes Ooty so popular as a honeymoon destination, but rest assured, everyone from hikers and backpackers to families with young children have something to enjoy about this southern hill station. The weather stays at a comfortable and stable temperature year round, and activities such as hand gliding, trekking and mountain biking are a must for adventure enthusiasts.

Ooty is also renowned for its many bakeries, so perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Why not sip some of the local chai while you try some of the sweet treats on offer? After all you’ll probably work it off with all the adventure sports afterwards!

5) Saputara

Located in the Dang district of Gujarat, this hidden gem is a perfect getaway for eco-lovers, photography enthusiasts and those who love adventure sports. There is an array of adventure activities on offer at Saputara including trekking and boating, and plenty of natural mountain scenery.

As this is a well known tourist destination (being the only hill station in Gujarat) there are plenty of amenities and with a variety of places to stay you are sure to find something that suits your needs and budget.

Attractions of this hill station include monumental temples such as Nargeshwar Mahadev Temple, the Saputara museum, Sunrise point which is acclaimed for it’s unparalleled natural views and the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary.

The name ‘Saputara’ literally means ‘abode of snakes’, there is a rich tribal culture originating in and around Saputara, which can be experienced by tourists visiting the museum of Saputara and Artist Village.

Of Solo Treks and Serendipities of Life

Utkarsh Srivastava

Meet Utkarsh! He wanted to live stories ever since he was put to sleep with the tale of The Little Red Riding Hood. The roads became his home as he continued collecting stories hopping from one place to another. When not travelling or writing in his journal, you will find him planning his next trip, daydreaming about places and people he left behind or just pondering over art or meaning of life in general. He quit his job to travel to and write about the magical lands he visits. He is currently living in New Delhi with his beloved camera and books. To find out more about Utkarsh and his stories, check his blog out at www.thesoultrails.com You can also follow him on Instagram at thesoultrails and on Facebook at Soul Trails.

This story is about how everything – even the mountains, the trees, the rocks, and waterfalls – could be your teacher if you just observe closely.

I woke up to a sunny morning. Only the people who have been to the Naga Hills of Kohima in monsoon can understand the importance of that.

It was my fourth day at Green Wood Villa in Kegwima – a small town about 10 kms from Kohima- the perfect place to make a base for Dzukou Valley trek.

Finally, after waiting for two days the weather got clear and I had my day.

During breakfast, I met a family from Guwahati who had arrived the previous night. They told me that they were also heading to Dzukou Valley. Naseem Ahmed, the head of the family and a veteran trekker told me all that I needed to know about the trek and also asked me to join them.

The valley is located at the border of Manipur and Nagaland. If you are in Nagaland, there are two trails to reach Dzukou, Viswema and Zakhama. I was told by the locals that I should take the trail from Viswema because though it’s a little longer, it is easier to traverse with a little slope, while Zakhama is not a smart choice during monsoons as it is a straight climb over slippery rocks.

To reach the starting point of the trek, you need to drive up to Viswema village on the Nagaland-Manipur highway and then further inside the village for 7 kms off-road. There was no space in the car with the Ahmeds so we decided that I would meet them at the starting point and from there we would trek to Dzukou Valley together.

I took a head start and soon got a lift on the highway in a truck. The driver dropped me at a cross junction and pointed towards a sign-board reading – ‘Way to Dzukou’. I jumped off the truck as soon as I saw the board, thanked the driver and waved him goodbye.

You see, this was my first mistake of the day. I didn’t enquire about the route I was taking and jumped off the truck as soon as I saw the board. But I guess that is a general tendency in us humans. We are always a little too excited and a little too anxious every time we set out to a new venture, and then our common sense takes a back-seat. And in my case, I usually kick my common sense, whatever little I have, totally out of the scene!

Shortly after I took that off-road trail, it started drizzling. Cursing my luck, I took out my poncho.

I saw some trucks moving and labourers knapping. I asked them if I was on the right path and they gave me a confused look. Then I pointed my finger ahead of the road and asked “Dzokou?” and they all nodded, almost simultaneously. I was sure that I have taken the Viswema trek route and I wanted to reach at the starting point before Ahmeds so that I could rest for a while before starting the climb.

After half an hour I noticed a tin shade with another sign board pointing ahead reading ‘Dzokou’. The off-road trail abruptly ended leaving me with a feeling that there has to be more, just like the next season teaser of ‘Sherlock’ last Christmas.

I waited for Naseem and family to come but then I started moving forward thinking they will eventually catch up with me.  I kept walking, soaking in the beauty that the lush green forest offered. The trail was muddy and it was drizzling continuously. Half an hour more of the walk and I found myself into the middle of a thick dark forest. It’s funny how things you love the most can look so divergent and scary once they get intense.

After a while, the trail vanished into the forest and it seemed it was way past sunset.

Just when I thought I was lost, I saw two ladies coming from the other side.

“Dzokou?”

“Straight. Straight. Not far.” – They answered in broken English.

I’ve trekked enough in the mountains to realize that ‘not far’ by local’s standards means at least a good 3 hours trek for me. But a sign of assurance works as magic when you think you are lost in unknown lands. With this new ray of hope, I kept walking.

Soon it started raining so heavily that I had to take a stop in a broken shed marked as ‘Rest House’, courtesy of Nagaland State Government. I was finishing the last of my Parle-G biscuits wondering where Naseem would be and then it occurred to me that I’ve been climbing over big boulders for past two hours now and Viswema trail has a very short and easy climb.

“Holy mother of Bournvita!”

I had taken the wrong trail. Instead of taking the Viswema trail, I took the Zakhama one. My heart skipped a beat on realizing that I was all alone in this and no one was coming after me to guide through the rest of the path. The rain, the dark, and the slippery stones were not going to take it easy on me anyway. So I just kept walking.

Soon enough the forest and the mountains conspired together and threw me another challenge, a huge stream to cross. I had to take off my shoes and then my pants to cross that. Wet shoes and wet pants can lead to serious troubles in such environment. I had to cross it twice, first with my camera and shoes and then again with my day pack.

The stream which made me take off my pants!

Once again I found myself in the midst of the forest. The climb was getting acute and the trail was so narrow that there was no place to sit and relax. It was getting dark and I was losing hope. I will be lying if I say that the thought of going back didn’t occur to me a couple of times. And just when I was at the peak of my anxiety, I saw two guys coming down. They were local porters and told me that I was not far from the top of the mountain and from there the rest house was just another 30 minutes walk. They didn’t forget to tell me how stupid it was to take that route.

After almost two hours of continuous climbing, slipping, cursing, self-pitying and occasional jumping, I noticed that I was just two steps away from the top of the mountain. My legs were shaking and I was exhausted. I climbed the last few steps only to find myself awestruck and numb by what was before my eyes.

The first view of the valley was mesmerizing. Teary eyed, I dropped the bag off my shoulder. It still is one of the most beautiful sights that I’ve seen so far. I always say that the road is more beautiful than the destination itself. In that very moment, I found that statement losing its meaning.

I sat there trying to soak in every inch of that alluring sight when it occurred to me that I’d learned one of the many mysteries of life today. At times we think that we are on the right path only to later discover that we have misled ourselves into something else. The realization comes with a choice, go back and start afresh or keep moving forward. There is no rule to it and no right or wrong answer. But whatever we choose defines us as a person and has a deeper impact than what we realize at that moment.

The first view of the valley

That day, I decided to see it through. Being a traveler, I’ve never called quits from a destination ever. I believe that’s the whole point of it – to push ourselves, physically, mentally and emotionally. To put ourselves out of our comfort zone and challenge our limits. We emerge stronger and humbler than before. And just when we start to give up, someone will appear out of nowhere and help us through.

The climb seemed never ending and there were more than a few moments when I wanted to give up, but the view was all worth it. When I thought about how this journey unfolded, I understood it more than ever that after all; roads are more beautiful than the destination itself.

I was lost in these thoughts when I saw a familiar figure waving at me coming from the other side. It was Bana, Naseem’s wife. I waved back while a curve found its way across my face, ear to ear.

The rest house was near!

The Ahmeds

Looking to escape the scorching heat this summer? Campfest might just be the perfect getaway for you, if you happen to be a freewheeling hippie, free spirit or someone who just wants to do something different in the heart of nature. Campfest is a three day extravaganza in the picturesque  Uttrakhand village of Kanatal.

As the site description goes:

CampFest is the celebration of life in its own form. Different people from different parts of the world travel to an offbeat destination in the Himalayas, called Kanatal in Uttarakhand. They are all different, yet they all get united in the vibes of surreal mountains, whispering pines, open skies & chilled nights. To add a catalysing effect to this, the musicians takes the charge. We promise you that you will forget everything for the while. From adventure activities & forest trails to Art, culture, Music & Dance. CampFest has so many beautiful things to do for everyone of all ages. And Yes, the Food is so amazing over there that you’ll crave for more even when you’re full.

As well as an eclectic mix of music including electronic, pop and rock, there are also a variety of outdoor activities to get involved with such as skyrope and zip lining! A perfect way to enjoy the lush green surroundings of Kanatal.

There are three packages to choose from, tent, hut and luxury accommodation. All three including main meals and travel to and from either Delhi or Dehradun. So unlike many festivals which involve lugging a tent and all your belongings into a remote field, this festival provides all the essentials.

Solo travelers can also find a safe, comfortable getaway here, as they will be guaranteed a same sex accommodation area.

The festival runs from the 14th until thw 17th of July, and  tickets can be booked through the website http://www.campfest.in

Happy camping!

A Photojournalists opinion: Cuba

Annelise Blackwood 

“That will be $150” said the man behind the counter. After a little arguing, I reluctantly pulled out my cash and felt the reality of communism dig deep in to my pocket. I paid my dues and slumped my way to the security line, luckily to be compensated later by the company who sponsored our entry into Cuba. I began to weave my way through mountains of televisions, bubble wrapped suitcases, and people wearing multiple hats on their heads just waiting in line to return home. On a flight of mostly locals, there were hundreds of people trying to bring back goods that they don’t have easy access too in Cuba. 

This was the beginning of a week long process to document and relay the stories of the Cuban people. As I tried to stay unbiased, the harsh truth of the circumstances that press on the backs of the people of Cuba became more apparent as the days progressed. Now, I want to be clear before I get into what I saw because many people have flawless experiences here – Cuba is a beautiful place full of even more beautiful people. The country itself holds so much life and zest that it made me want to move there immediately, and I miss it almost every day. We heard varying opinions on the reality of Cuba, but the more time spent with the same person the more truths were revealed. It is fairly easy to go to Cuba for a week, stay in government run homes or hotels, and fall into the very endearing trap that is a Communists creation of a country, but the more you dig deep and branch out from the beautifully broken city of Havana filled with colorful taxi’s and buildings, into more ‘local’ cities that can often be overlooked – the reality is shown in a more clear light. 

San Cristobal and Matanzas were two small cities I visited and everyone there seemed to be pretty content. Horse drawn buggies roamed the streets and tractors made out of the parts of 30 different cars chugged along the road. Chickens were clucking around every corner and old women sat in rocking chairs on front porches watching little bits of life happen in front of them while the younger generation stole gum from my backpack and hung clothes out on the line to dry. We hitched a ride with a company called Living Waters to these towns in order to check the water quality in the wells. In spite of life carrying on, although there were a few tiffs over food rations I witnessed, there was a mass deprivation of food supply as well as cholera living in the drinking water provided by the government. These towns were filled with hard workers who would travel up to 6 hours a day to get into Havana to make money. After a day spent in the tourism industry in Havana or Varadero they would head back out to their small towns only to have hopefully made enough money to get food for their families for the night because the rations may not have been enough.

In these moments I was able to meet and interview people whom I felt deeply connected with and am lucky to now call friends. Through this process I began to understand what a standard salary looks like in the average Cubans life. The lowest salary I heard was $12 a month working at the Cigar Factory and the highest I heard was $150 a month working as a Photographer at a private night club that was frequented by mostly tourists and foreign artists.  That photographer was also our fixer and his name was Damien. One day at lunch I asked him how he got his camera, being a photographer as well I figured I would ask. He told me he saved up for years for a Canon Mark III – which run around $3,000 all in – so that he could make money and create art. In order to buy that camera he would have had to work for 20 months non stop and not spend a penny of it to purchase the camera. On top of that he also didn’t have access to the camera in the country so he had to send the money to a friend and get him to bring the camera in on a flight, banking on the fact it would get through security. Seeing as at the time the country didn’t have internet or stores that sold those types of amenities. These are simple stories, ones that are real to the people of Cuba and not the worst ones I heard, but they are relatable enough to realize a stark difference in the way of life. 

It is a delicate topic – Cuba, that is. One that brings a lot of emotions from all sides of the issue. I try to choose my words wisely when speaking about a Country I do not live in or have the slightest idea of what it was like to live in during the rise of Castro. I do know that through many interviews and research there is a serious divide in what once was the Cuban people – and that seems to be the biggest loss.

Photo courtesy of Annelise Blackwood, http://annelise-blackwood.squarespace.com

For more of Annalise Blackwood’s photography and travel writing, please visit her site http://annelise-blackwood.squarespace.com for photo journalism, humanitarian and travel photography and more. 

As last week on the 18th was International Museum Day, we at Travel and Deal have been contemplating some of the most weird, wonderful and downright bizarre museums across the world. Here is our top 5:

1) The Torture Museum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

For those of us who have seen the Hostel movies, the idea of this museum definitely sends a shiver down the spine! Amsterdam has long been hailed as the ‘city of museums’ and this is just one of the niche museums the city has to offer. The museum provides a painful insight into the archaic legal practices of the dark past, for example displaying the instruments used during the Spanish Inquisition, and those used by Ecclesiastical lawyers who devised special punishments for the exceptional crimes of witchery and heresy.

For those interested in the terrifying, sadistic side of European History, this museum is a must see.

2) The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum, Osaka, Japan.

This museum in Japan is, as the name suggests, dedicated solely to instant Ramen noodles and their creator Momofuku Ando. Since their invention Ramen noodles have become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon world over, and at this museum you  can even make your own, and of course enjoy the variety of Ramen noodles on offer in The Tasting Room.

So whether you want to pay homage to Mr. Ando for creating the snack which saved many of us from starvation in our student days, or simply want to learn more about the snack which has become integral to various cultures over the world; this is sure to be a fun day out.

3) The Mutter Museum, Philadelphia, USA

Philadelphia’s Mutter Museum is home to one of the most impressive (and obscure!) collections of medical oddities in the world. The museum boasts a collection of 20,000 specimens both wet and osteological, of which only around 13% are on display. As well as a variety of specimens the museum also houses a variety of wax models and historical medical instruments.

The museums collection, originally donated by Thomas Dent Mutter in 1858, was to be used for biomedical research, and to this day if a focal point of interest for scientists, artists and the curious tourist alike.

This cabinet of medical curiosities includes the liver of famous conjoined twins Chang and Eng Bunker, a piece of tissue removed from the thorax of John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, and even part of Albert Einsteins Brain.

4)The Condom Museum, Bangkok, Thailand

This is definitely one of the cities quirkier attractions, but far from being sleazy or a barrel or laughs, it’s actually a fantastic initiative by the countries Ministry Of Health to promote sexual health and overcome any negative stereotypes associated with condom use. The museum has several rooms detailing the history of the development of external contraception in Thailand, as well as displaying condoms and other sexual health items from all over the world. Perhaps more interesting is the live testing of the strength and durability of the condoms which takes place. Throughout the museum, the importance of sexual health is highlighted and encouraged. Perhaps more countries need a condom museum!

5) Icelandic Phallological Museum, Reykjavik, Iceland

We’ve saved the wildest for last! Yes, this is what it sounds like – this museum houses the worlds largest collection of penises and penile parts. The collection of 208 specimens from 93 species of animal includes 55 whale penises, 36 from seals and 118 from Land Mammals. In 2011 the museum received it’s first human donation, however due to a mishap it’s detachment and preservation didn’t go quite to plan, so to this day the museum continues to look for a better one (Just in case you’ve ever considered organ donation!)
According to its mission statement the museum seeks to enable individuals to undertake serious study into the field of Phallology in an organised and scientific fashion. After all, it’s a natural part of physiology in which research continues to save lives.

Ayahuasca at Caya Shobo Healing Centre – The sacred Amazonian medicine path.

http://www.cayashobo.com/

Peru is often heralded as the most fascinating country in South America, with its diverse geography encompassing the beautiful Andes mountains, the Atacama desert, breathtaking coastlines and of course the vast and mysterious jungle of the Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest and host to a wonder of unparalleled natural diversity.

Along with these natural riches, Peru is also home to a multitude of Hispanic and native peoples, of many varied languages and traditions, and of rich cultural history, artfully expressed through brightly coloured quality textiles, precious jewelry, pottery, music, exquisite cuisines, and wondrous enchantments from the ancient world. The sacred city of Machu Pichu, for instance, the “Holy City of the Incas”, is world-acclaimed as one of Peru’s most exciting and spectacularly beautiful destinations. The city of Cusco also, which was once capital of the Inca’s vast Empire which spanned more than 60% of South America, is the oldest continually inhabited city in the Western hemisphere.

But deep in the Amazon jungle lies a less well-known gem of the ancient native world. Namely, the noble medicine of Ayahuasca, the “Vine of the Soul”, and the Shipibo tribal people, whose Shamanic Maestros and Maestras are the advanced knowledge bearers of Ayahuasca’s mysterious and esteemed healing powers, and holders of the secrets of attainment of more elevated levels of spiritual consciousness through the sacramental use of Ayahuasca – a plant brew that is ingested in ceremonial context under the guidance and care of experienced practitioners.

The Shipibo are a special tribe, one of the oldest and largest tribes of the western Amazon basin, with their own language, and an ancient culture estimated at over 2,000 years old. Living as they do in the embrace of the earth’s most vast and primeval natural environment, the Shipibo people hold a deep connection with the nature of the rainforest which infuses all aspects of their life – physical, cultural and spiritual. They were never conquered by the Inca empire and resisted colonization by Spanish priests. Through the passing down of their ancestral knowledge from generation to generation, the Shipibo shamanic healers have preserved their traditions and their age-old treasure of knowledge of the medicine plants of the jungle in a way that no other culture possesses today.

The Shipibo people believe the master plants are physical hosts of advanced teaching spirits; spirits of a high sentience and intelligence, profoundly different from our human intelligence, but that hold immense sacred knowledge, and are able to be accessed through special shamanic practices and dietary restrictions. During Ayahuasca ceremonies the Master healer or curandero administers healing treatments through the singing or chanting of ‘Icaros’ or songs that embody the spiritual energy and healing knowledge of the shaman, as passed down by his ancestors and enhanced through his own dream vision learning while in ‘dieta’ with the master plants.

Luz Universal by Luis Tamani. Peruvian Visionary Artist

Ayahuasca is believed to be the Great Mother of these plant spirits, the Cosmic Serpent, the great master teacher who can provide us a portal to the spiritual world of the plants, and who awakens our lost memories, reminds us of the beauty of our soul, and shows us the pathways to healing through helping us to access the deepest parts of our sub-conscious mind. Some believe the spirit of Ayahuasca has deliberately come forth from the depths of the Amazon and is now emerging into the global consciousness in order to bring peace, healing and harmony into a modern world that is far from its roots and contact with Mother Nature.

There is a growing stream of international interest in this relatively recent discovery of one of the world’s most fascinating ancient mysteries, with seekers journeying to the heart of Peru to find relief from a variety of physical ailments and disease, from the psychological anxieties and stresses of modern life, and to explore the possibility of a more significant and higher spiritual understanding through the experience of entering Ayahuasca ceremony and master plant dieta.

In the past decade many new centres of Ayahuasca healing have opened throughout the Amazon, with a variety of offerings, often combining traditional Amazonian shamanic healing with other western and eastern traditions such as Yoga and Massage.  It is important to note that their are risks associated with the ingestion of Ayahuasca, in particular when combined with other plants that may be destabilizing to the function of the body or mind, or when it is used without the oversight and protection of experienced practitioners. Caya Shobo Healing Centre is a unique place of its kind: for its beautiful environs and for its seriousness and commitment to the deepest and oldest Amazonian shamanic tradition of the Shipibo medicine path, and the safety and well being of all its visitors. Caya Shobo is the only western owned Ayahuasca centre in the world to have received endorsement from Coshicox (the Shipibo Conibo Xetebo Tribal Council) as to the authenticity of its Maestros and its medicine offering in accordance with the true Shipibo traditions. Under the care of Caya Shobo’s expert teachers and experienced facilitators, this centre welcomes all who wish to explore the millennial medicine path of Ayahuasca in a beautiful, safe and natural setting in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

Caya Shobo is conveniently located just 45minutes from the famed jungle city of Iquitos, where guests can take time out to take a tour down the Amazon river, explore the artisanal markets, or visit the popular local restaurants. Iquitos is easily accessible by a short flight from Lima. Bookings to stay at Caya Shobo can be made online at www.cayashobo.com

Travel Tales to Palakkad

- Hama Iyer Ramani

The best way to learn I have discovered is to travel. It is like reading an original book- discovering things first-hand. There is tremendous joy in always leaving behind a home that is ridden with mundane problems, seemingly endless chores, the drudgery of a routine in short! It is like the frog in the well experiencing and breathing new freedom outside- an entire world waiting to be discovered with all its beauty and short-comings.

My brief stay in Palakkad helped me rediscover the simple joys of life that I seemed to have forgotten at least for a while. While the bustling city life has its numerous advantages, I sometimes feel the disconnect that it also brings with it. In the quiet village home in Palakkad, I am quite happy to be without wi-fi and my laptop. My senses are alert and I realized I had become more observant. Summers in Palakkad are quite unbearable and the monsoons are awaited eagerly.

There are row houses facing each other, and every morning would see the women of the homes wash the black Cuddappah stone laid neatly in front of each home and draw out the perfectly drawn kolam out of rice flour to be seen in contrast to the back background. Kolams are almost like graphology- just as you can read from a handwriting, so also kolams tell stories about their authors ! Some are drawn out of mere routine, some in a hurry, some out of compulsion , but the ones that stand out are simple ones drawn out of love. There is a delicacy in each perfect line , and festive occasions would mean more elaborate kolams, drawn out of freshly soaked and ground rice, a liquid that like paint is ore free-flowing and does not get erased away that easily unless the intention is deliberate!

Palakkad is essentially the corridor that allows entry into Kerala because of the Palakkad gap, that is a low mountain pass that bridges Coimbatore to Palakkad and cuts through Nilgiri hills and Anaimalai hills. The Bharatapuzha river that originates from here caresses the entire place along with her tributaries . It is a feast to the eyes to watch the lush green paddy fields , the many rivulets, the swaying coconut palms dotting the horizon and the shore and the several colourful birds that find haven in these surroundings. The clear blue skies add to the hues of the blue green waters of the rivers, and it is here that I have found every home with at least a few “basic” trees!

The evening sky glows with the red sky reflecting its glory on its red-tiled roofs. Then as darkness spreads its blanket across the sky, the moon rises shining like a large lamp and the temple priest lights up the temple bringing light from the corner of the street. Then one by one, all lights in the villages are lit. The evening prayers begin and as the priest raises the aarti plate, the entire village stands with folded palms praying from the sacred space of their own homes, thus symbolically taking in the sacredness from across the temple to the altar of their homes. The villages in Palakkad were essentially agraharams(Brahmin residents) and the oldest among them being Kalpathy , which has been regarded as a heritage village. The temple chariot rituals in each of these villages are worthy of participation and are rich memories to carry back home.

The village homes are large and airy, well ventilated with wooden roofs and beams and wooden stairs that lead to the bedrooms of the main part of the house. There is a central court yard which doubles as a wash area to clean hands and legs should one come in from outside. It is quite a treat to hear the sound of rain on these tiled roofs and when they pour down the roof, they almost resemble a mini waterfall !

There is a sense of participation from the entire village when it comes to temple festivals, weddings or even solemn occasions of the passing away of a village resident. It is then that we understand how much we miss the human strength and support when we distance ourselves from the cultural roots.

It was here that I enjoyed teaching my children how to learn from residents how to be resourceful. When my son wanted to play cricket and we did not have a bat- (we had to go to the town to source it), my uncle came with a solution. He used the thick base portion of the coconut frond and easily chiselled out a well-shaped out though rustic bat. When my son found the grip on the handle not too good, my mother promptly came up with a solution- use the jute rope; when the rope was coiled around the handle, it not only looked aesthetically beautiful, it also enabled better grip. It was the first lesson in resourcefulness. The ability to think quickly comes in with being thrown to basics- when solutions do not land on a plate, the mind begins to work. They soon learnt how to send rockets flying in the air using the coconut leaves! Children learnt to make bracelets and coconut –leaf balls too! By the end of the vacation , they had learnt to identify the vegetables and flowers better- Botany seemed fun this way , and all without any compulsion! Soon they found that among all other trees in the garden- a small farm(!), the coconut and the plantain tree could be regarded truly special- every part of the tree could be put to use!

As we plucked the jasmine flowers for my mother who would weave it into a beautiful strand, I found my uncle suddenly quiet as he drew me away from the malli bush. High alert. None of us moved- all remained quiet. After six minutes, we saw a long snake slither away! I gasped- my uncle said: “Pooh, it is only a cherai (rat snake)!” It drew my attention to the fact that living in the quiet of the countryside perhaps teaches us to be alert and sensitive to Nature around us- to be conscious of little sounds, little movements, and more importantly the ability to respect space and species.

In later years, it was perhaps his training in early childhood that probably taught my son to respect creatures around him on his university campus too. He once used a long stick waiting for the snake that had slithered on to the main road, allowed it to settle on the stick before he could carefully put it away from the main road where it could possibly run the chance of being killed.

Vacations in Palakkad taught us to be happy with little, taught us to notice the animals at closer quarter- we understood the calls of birds- the large chemboth (Greater Coucal) , the king fisher, the wood pecker. We watched the flowers bloom, the fruits appearing and the ecstasy of drinking tender coconut fresh from the tree!

As I return to the city and get on to Facebook , I am reminded of the several thinnai ( small platforms ) conversations that we had as we got together each evening waiting for the temple priest to come. I realize the intimacy of the conversations with real people as the against the several ‘friends’ on FB who I have not seen in flesh!

— Hama Iyer Ramani

(A former lecturer of Political Science at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, Chennai-based writer Hemalatha Ramani contributes to newspapers, magazines and blogs. She is the author of a travel book, Soulscapes: Travels and Conversations in India). She writes under the name of Hema Iyer Ramani.

Brazil | Amazonian Buffalo Experience

- W. Huynh

Marajó Island is the largest fluvial island in the world by the mouth of the Amazon River, and it’s buffalo central! Buffalo cheese, buffalo meat, buffalo pizza and policemen riding buffaloes. I stayed at the Soure municipality which is right next to Salvaterra. Apparently all the activities are at Soure so it’s better to stay there.

The island itself is absolutely stunning! Soft-sand beaches that make cute, squeaky noises when you walk, mangroves all over the island and a chilled, island vibe. I also watched (and attempted) carimbó dancing and experienced “clubbing” Brazilian style (maybe it’s a South American thing?) where people dance salsa (probably not salsa but it’s similar) in partners rather than jumping up and down and fist pumping. People also don’t dance non-stop. They dance for a minute or so, and then stop for another minute based on what the DJ is doing. Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of all the talking the DJs do in the middle of the song either…really breaks the continuity!

If you like the beach, hot weather, the jungle and want to experience riding a buffalo (the buffalos are well looked after and are free to roam as they please on the farm), then it’s worth checking out and supporting the local communities. I got a more local experience with the blokus (street party leading up to Carnaval in Brazil) and carimbó dancing as I stayed at a couch surfing place.

I met Evaldor at the first pousada (hotel in Brazil) I stayed it. He was wonderful and took me around on his scooter to some nearby beaches and cheese farm while we waited for the buffalo farm tour to start. Pictured here is Praia do Pesqueiro (Pesquiero beach). Unfortunately, I had a bad experience at Pousada Asa Branca where one of the owners acted like a misogynist and made me feel unsafe when a young man harassed me for over an hour.

Enjoy a cold drink or fresh coconut while you sit on a beach chair under the many umbrellas or out in the sun.

Kids, wanna play on this swing? A buffalo swing in the buffalo cheese farm garden.

The canoe ride down a river with a lovely lady I met on the Sao Jeronimo Fanzenda tour (buffalo farm tour). It was so peaceful and the sounds of the birds and insects was exactly what I needed!

 A crab on the beach during out Sao Jeronimo tour. Mario (our tour guide) picked one up and let me hold it. This was a bit bigger than my hand but was he strong!

 Getting the buffaloes ready for the ride. We walked through the farm and had a small buffalo race at the end too. Get your butt pads ready as you should be expecting a sore behind after this! 

View from above. This guy really had a mind of his own wouldn’t go where I wanted him to go…

  Mangroves at Pesquiero Beach. 

How did I get there?

- Marajó Island is a great 2 or 3 day side-trip to make from Belém. I stayed at Galeria Hostel which has the loveliest receptionists and is within walking distance of the ferry terminal. They guided me as to where to go and how to book my ferry ticket to the island.

- Make your way to Terminal Hidroviário De Belém (the ferry terminal) before the morning ferry and choose between a fast or slow ferry.

- Get off at Soure and try to stay with a hostel/[pousada where they speak English. I made the mistake of staying at a pousada, and then couch surfing place where it was hard to get proper assistance.

- Get help from your hostel/pousada as to how to return to Belém. I had to take a bus to the Balsa Camará – Icoaraci which I believe is a slower ferry and terminal located elsewhere from where you enter Soure from.

Sao Jeronimo Farm Tour

     - This tour lasts a few hours and takes you down a river on a canoe, through a beach and on a buffalo ride. I organised mine on the day through the pousada when I arrived.

Recommendations

- Take enough cash with you as the ATMs charge an extremely high commission rate (20% when I was there). I had to take a slower ferry back because I had money stolen from me at the couch surfing accommodation and couldn’t pay for the faster ferry I had originally planned on taking.

- Stay at a hostel with English speakers even if it means very basic accommodation. You will enjoy it more with the help as barely anyone speaks English.

We’ve all heard of the threats humanity poses to the animal kingdom in the form of hunting and deforestation. But it appears that now as a result of severe droughts in Kerala, tigers have killed six elephants over the last six months in Kerala’s Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, with a total of eighteen having perished on account of the water shortage.

Experts say these tiger attacks are due to large scare migration directly influenced by the droughts in the area, as the animals came to clash in search of water. Though six elephants were killed by tigers, two also died fighting each other.

This inter-species violence is indeed rare, elephants tending to move around in large herds, however this is the worst drought in Kerela in the last 115 years.

Whispers of the human impact on climate change are no new phenomena; could the collective environmental degradation carried out by humans also be affecting inter-species relations?..

Read more at:  http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drought-triggers-fierce-water-war-in-kerala-s-wayanad-as-tigers-kill-elephants/story-LBZn6Yf9hjFROwkjqGXoeK.html