Tai chi for living fully 31 May 2010
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By: SEÑALES. La revista Latinoamericana. August 2008
This discipline helps to develop a sense of balance and get to know the body, its capacity and limits. That is why this activity is recommended for people of all ages, especially older people.
According to this technique, the joints are "doors" through which energy is directed to the entire body. This means that energy is controlled through these doors.
In traditional Chinese medicine, there is a philosophy that is considered its cornerstone called "the five elements:" fire, earth, metal, water and wood. Each one of these elements complements each other to make up the body and control one´s health. Wood, for example, helps the joints.
If you think of a bulrush stem or a branch that bends with the wind, you will understand what the characteristic of wood is: Since Tai chi is an art that is expressed internally, it is understood that flexibility cannot come from the muscles. These can have a greater or lesser degree of length but the characteristic that Tai chi develops is something different because it is based on the joints.
A Taoist wise man said "and old, dry branch breaks with the wind while a string of pasta bends to enjoy the next day" This martial art is developed around this philosophy.
Chinese medicine considers arthritis and rheumatism to be diseases occasioned by bad circulation. Thus practicing Tai chi is the best remedy since it opens and closes the doors that control the flow of energy and expands its limits especially in the joints of the knees and hips. However, through practicing this art all of the joints are benefitted.
As one grows old there is a loss of the sense of balance. Add to that more fragile bones and joints: A greater degree of probability of falling, which could cause serious injuries, is a reason for elderly people to be worried. This fear makes it difficult for them to enjoy everything they have. In addition, it increases stress levels, blood pressure, exhaustion and cardiac problems.
Another benefit of Tai chi is that it helps relaxation because the exercises are done with total calm and, in general, in places that are silent where it is also possible to hear one´s heart beat and breathing, which can also be controlled.
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Important tips for your trip in Ecuador 13 May 2010
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Language.
Spanish is the official language in the country. There are also a number of native languages now spoken in different indigenous nationalities. The most common: The Quichua.
Health.
No vaccinations are requied for entering the country. However yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the Amazon Jungle. If you need any special medication, be sure to bring enought for the duration of the trip.
Climate.
Each region of the country has its own climate, being the coast and the Amazon region warm with an average temperature of 83 °F (28°C). On the highlands the average temperature is 70°F, but at night is cooler with 50°F.
In the Galapagos Islands there are two climatic states: during the months of january to april it is hot and humit and between may to december the weather is dry with an average temperature of 76°F or 24°C.
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Otavalo - Valley of the dawn 10 May 2010
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By: Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador. Tourism Guide.
Located 100 Kilometres and two hours north of Quito, the capital of the Republic of Ecuador, Otavalo is a unique region located primarily in a beautiful inter - Andean valley. Surrounded by the volcanoes of Imbabura, Cotacachi, and Mojanda. Otavalo is refreshed by the legendary Imbakucha or San Pablo Lake, one of the largest lakes in the country and one of the most beautiful lakes in the Andean region.
History.
Otavalo is a very old town and culture, its origins go back at least to 1300 years B.C. Our roots are in the confederation Caranque - Cayambe that was a small state that have the control of the north territory of Ecuador, which main power centre and axis was Otavalo.
The Incas conquest: The "cacicazgos" caranqui and cayambi, formed a confederation to resist the Incan incursion, which was given in the twilights of the XV century and more properly in the first years of the XVI one. The Inca consolidated their presence in the Cayambi and Caranqui territories with the battle of Yaguarcocha, commanded by the Inca Huayna Capac, after long years of resistance. The Incas ruled the region for only about 40 years, before the Spaniards swept in.
The Spanish Colony: The presence of the Spaniards in Otavalo was given in 1535: the firts missioners, of the Franciscan order, imposed San Luis, bishop of Tolosa, as saint patron of the village. Since then Otavalo become "San Luis de Otavalo".
The presence of otavalo in the colonial period was always important: in 1541 it participated, with 4000 Indians, in the expedition that discovered the Amazons river.
Mountains.
The Imbabura Vocano (4.621 m) the Yana Urku (Black Mountain) (4.269 m.) and Fuya Fuya (Mojanda) (4.275 m), are the highest mountains in the region of Otavalo. They are non-technical and can be climbed with a guide or without one if you are a fit and confident hiker.
From Otavalo you can reach also very attractive mountains such as: Cotacachi (4.937 m), the Cayambe (5.790 m) the third highest peak of the country and Yanaurku of Pifian (4.535 m) despite they are located outside of the limits of Otavalo the best place to approach to them is Otavalo. Also Otavalo is a good base to access in to three national parks and protect areas: Cotacachi - Cayapas, Cayambe - Coca and El Angel.
Lakes.
San Pablo Lake (2.660 m) is one of northern Ecuador´s important tourist attractions with its surface area of approximately 583 hectares.
Mojanda is a high-altitude grassland ecosystem where three beautiful volcanic and glacial lakes are located. These are know as Warmikucha (famele lake), Yanacucha (black lake) and Karicocha (male lake). According to the local indigenous Cosmo vision, these lakes give fertility to the valley because their waters flow trough dozens of above ground streams and underground springs, and as such they are considered a sacred source of natural power and strength.
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Mother´s Day
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Mother's Day is celebrated to honor all mothers and express gratitude for the hardships they bear in bringing up a child. Most countries including US, Australia, Canada and Ecuador celebrate Mothers Day on the second Sunday of May. Mothers Day came into being due to the efforts made by Ms Julia Ward Howe and Ms Anna Jarvis. The Resolution for having a dedicated Mother's Day was signed by US President Woodrow Wilson on May 8, 1914. Since then people across the world have been celebrating Mothers Day with joy and devotion.
God made a wonderful mother,
A mother who never grows old;
He made her smile of the sunshine,
And He moulded her heart of pure gold;
In her eyes He placed bright shining stars,
In her cheeks fair roses you see;
God made a wonderful mother,
And He gave that dear mother to me.
Pat O'Reilly |
A brief tour of the wonders of Quito 05 May 2010
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Points of Interest.
 The colonial center of Quito is a great place to walk. The convents, churches, chapels and monasteries in Quito are witness to the rich history of the city. These buildings were built centuries ago by native craftsmen.. Among the most beautiful churches we can mention: San Francisco, La Compañia, La Catedral, La Merced, La Basílica.
Walking the colonial area of Quito, it is likely that the traveler passes several times through the Plaza Grande. In this place you can visit and meet the Government Palace. The history of this emblematic building dating back to colonial times, around 1570, with the acquisition of the former royal houses located in the city of Quito.
 Through the narrow streets of old colonial leads to the extensive Plaza de San Francisco (one of the most beautiful corners of the city). The construction of the monastery began a few weeks after the founding of Quito in 1534. Inside the monastery contains important relics, paintings and objects of the School of Quito
The small hill south of the old town, El Panecillo is one of the most historic and beloved city. From its summit you can admire the beauty of "the historic city center".
Other sites to visit: The monastery of San Diego, The monastery of Santo Domingo, the Summit of Freedom, TeleferiQo, Half the World City....... and many sites full of history and tradition.
Quito has many places to accommodate its visitors, there are hotels and hostels in all categories. The prices of these sites vary from 40 USD to 200 USD. You can also find sites with the most varied national and international cuisine. In the area of "La Mariscal", the visitor will find many places for fun.
Quito is a city full of constr, is a city full of history and cosmopolitan. Discover it!!!!
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Gulf Oil Spill Fight Turns to Chemicals 04 May 2010
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Ker Than
National Geographic News
Published April 30, 2010
The dispersants are being applied by aircraft over the Gulf of Mexico. Helicopters and ships also can be used, and the joint federal-industry response team, led by the U.S. Coast Guard, said yesterday it is planning also to apply dispersants underwater, directly to the source of the leak.
This technique is considered experimental and has never been attempted at a depth of 5,000 feet (1,524 meters). If BP and the Coast Guard go through with the plan, the undersea dispersants would probably be applied by robotic submarines, also known as remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs.
It would be yet another job for the submarines at a site that is far too deep, and where pressures are far too great, for human divers to venture.... More
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/04/100430-energy-gulf-oil-spill-chemical-dispersants/
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International Workers´ Day 01 May 2010
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Article taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
International Workers' Day is the commemoration of the Haymarket Massacre in Chicago in 1886, when Chicago police fired on workers during a general strike for the eight hour day, killing several demonstrators and resulting in the deaths of several police officers, largely from friendly fire. In 1889, the first congress of the Second International, meeting in Paris for the centennial of the French Revolution and the Exposition Universelle, following a proposal by Raymond Lavigne, called for international demonstrations on the 1890 anniversary of the Chicago protests. These were so successful that May Day was formally recognized as an annual event at the International's second congress in 1891. The May Day Riots of 1894 and May Day Riots of 1919 occurred subsequently.[citation needed] In 1904, the International Socialist Conference meeting in Amsterdam called on "all Social Democratic Party organizations and trade unions of all countries to demonstrate energetically on May First for the legal establishment of the 8-hour day, for the class demands of the proletariat, and for universal peace." As the most effective way of demonstrating was by striking, the congress made it "mandatory upon the proletarian organizations of all countries to stop work on May 1, wherever it is possible without injury to the workers."......................
More http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Workers'_Day |
Pioneer Journeys launches new multisport video 26 April 2010
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Pioneer Journeys firm publishes video of the wonders and adventures in Ecuador
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk1E-ZoyMFA
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Geography 24 April 2010
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Ecuador occupies a wedge-shaped area on the northwest coast of South America. It is bounded onthe north by Colombia, on the east ans south by Peru, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.
The national territory also includes many islands found in two archipelagos. The larger of these is Galapagos Province. Closer to the mainland is the Archipelago of Jambelí, Isla de la Plata, a mini Galapagos bec ause of the similarity of its fauna to that of larger island chain.
The backbone of Ecuador´s mainland territory is formed by two paralel Andes Mountain ranges. The eastern and western cordilleras run from north to south trough Ecuador´s center for about 500 miles.
The two ranges divide continental Ecuador into three distinct geographical regions: the hot, humid lowland  bordering the Pacific, called Costa; the Andean highland section, called Sierra; and the tropical eastern lowlands, Amazonia.
Enjoy Ecuador!
Taken: Review Discover Ecuador |
Facebook Status? In Town and Wondering What to Do 23 April 2010
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By CAITLIN KELLY
In sailors’ parlance, it’s called local knowledge — the invaluable and detailed insights into a location’s prevailing winds, hidden shoals and tricky tides and currents, accumulated through firsthand experience. Without it, visiting mariners can find themselves in peril.
Business travelers, whether they are government workers, small-business owners, entrepreneurs or professionals, need to tap into specific and timely intelligence as well. They are increasingly doing so through social networks like Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Yelp, using the expertise and wisdom of the residents of places they visit to help them find their way around.
Whether they are heading to Bangor or Bangkok in search of an obscure boutique hotel, a vegan restaurant or professional contacts, business travelers say social networking offers benefits that no travel agent, tourist Web site or guidebook can match.
“I find social media invaluable,” said Ruth Clark, who designs and sews custom clothing for wheelchair users and runs her business from Kamloops, British Columbia. “It enables me to meet people from around the world who have an interest in my work.” More....
Taken:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/07/business/businessspecial/07info.html?_r=1
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Pictures: NASA Solar Observatory's First Shots 22 April 2010
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A huge loop of material shooting up from the sun's surface in March was one of the first events witnessed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. Known as a prominence eruption, the loop was born from a relatively cold cloud of plasma, or charged gas, tenuously tethered to the sun's surface by magnetic forces. Such clouds can erupt dramatically when they break free of the sun's unstable hold.
"We are all living in the outer atmosphere of a star. Its variability influences Earth, the other planets, and the whole solar system," Richard Fisher, NASA's director of heliophysics, said today at a press conference. For example, strong solar eruptions called coronal mass ejections can send bursts of charged particles streaming toward Earth, where they can overload our planet's magnetic shield, knocking out satellite communications and power grids.
(Read "Magnetic-Shield Cracks Found; Big Solar Storms Expected.")...........
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/04/photogalleries/100421-nasa-sun-solar-dynamics-observatory-first-pictures/#solar-dynamics-observatory-loop-prominence_19341_600x450.jpg
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Communitarian Tourism, the philosophy of good living - 19 april 2010
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 The proposals of communitarian tourism are essential for the handling and conservation of the ecosystems and the reinforcement of the cultures of Ecuador.
Communitarian Tourism is an alternative for the "good living" that the indegenous people practice, using their ancestral knowledge in food, natural medicine, customs, traditions and care of their natural and cultural richness....
Text: Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador - Bitácora Ecuador Magazine.
Photo: Wuao Community |
"Major," Green Meteor Lights Up Sky - 15 april 2010
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See the huge, greenish fireball that turned night to day before likely landing in Wisconsin—and get the science behind the sky show.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/04/100415-meteor-in-wisconsin-fireball-sky/ |
YASUNÍ RAINFOREST CAMPAIGN - 5 april 2010
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Yasuni Rainforest Campaign works with the Waorani people, scientists, non-profit environmental and human rights groups in Ecuador, the U.S. and around the world, and lawyers, in order to protect the biodiversity of Yasuní and the rights and culture of the indigneous people who live there.
We have scored major victories against the oil companies, and are leading the fight to turn the tide of history for ecologically sustainable future for this region and its people. Working with the world's leading scientists, including Jane Goodall and E.O. Wilson, local and international NGO's and the native Waorani, Save America's Forests stopped the giant Brazilian oil company Petrobras from building an oil road into Yasuní. Working in 2006 with the Waorani, we also got the Ecuadorian government to draw the boundary of the "no extraction zone" (Zona Intangible) to include major oil deposits in the southern portion of Yasuní. This prevents these oil deposits from being developed, and will protect the forest and the indigenous people in this area of Yasuní. Now we are working to stop illegal logging and new oil projects by Petrobras, Sinopec, Andes Petroleum, and other threats to Yasuni and the Waorani.
BIODIVERSITY: The most biologically diverse forest in the world, which means the most species of plants and animals, including insects, birds, trees, plants, amphibians, mammals, and more. Look at our slide shows and the sections on biodiversity and science to learn more about this extraordinary rainforest region of the western Amazon.
Read the whole article at: http://www.saveamericasforests.org/Yasuni/index.html
You can now visit the Waorani people with a special discount with Pioneer Journeys. Read about it and ask us for it: http://pioneerjourneys.com/huao-multiple-options.html |
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Cheap Airfares
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Grab Cheap Airfares on CheapOair and jet set for a memorable vacation. Now you don't need a fat wallet for a big budget fun!
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Environmental Links
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Save America's Forests
http://www.saveamericasforests.org
Save America's Forests is the nationwide campaign to protect and restore America's wild and natural forests. Citizen involvement is how our laws are made. Help shape U.S. forest protection policy. ecome an activist, a group or business member, or an individual supporter. Together, we can protect and restore America's wild and natural forests!
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| Kayaking Links |
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If you are planning to go to Canada, make contact with Edmonton Whitewater Paddlers. It is one of Pioneer Journeys kayaking partners. They are active year round with a variety of activities; check out their Forums for details:
http://www.paddleewp.com/
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Relevant Travel Directories
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Sanchan : Free Web Directory
Gateway-Worldwide.com PR5 Links To Your Website- Submit Today
Thales Directory
Specialty Travel Directory - Active holidays, gap year and volunteering listings.
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Pioneer Journeys Responsible Travel Code of Conduct
The following are our key principles for operating our trips in a 'Responsible' way:
• Use locally owned infrastructure for accommodation and transport where possible.
• Spread the financial benefits amongst local people and operators.
• Provide employment and leadership opportunities for local people, applying competitive salaries.
• Respect local customs and culture.
• Provide safe trips for our staff and travelers.
• Educate travelers and our operators about how and why we choose to travel this way.
• Limit the negative impacts to daily lifestyles of local people.
• Limit the physical impact of trips in all destinations and in particular in sensitive natural and cultural environments.
• Provide support to visited organizations and local communities.
• Provide fun enjoyable trips to our travelers.
• Provide the best possible service to Pioneer Journeys travelers and staff.
• Provide opportunities for travelers to interact with local people.
• Actively ban leader and passenger participation in or endorsement of illegal drug use or illegal wild life trade on Pioneer Journeys trips.
• Use local operators that adhere to the Pioneer Journeys Responsible Travel Philosophy.
• Work to prevent the exploitation of children in tourism.
• Support and encourage fair employment practices.
• Give our travelers the best possible value.
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News & Links
