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Saving the Coconut in Hawaii

 Imagine arriving in Hawaii, and realize that a majority of coconut trees on the islands have become extinct. It would be like to discover that flowers in connection with Hawaii - hibiscus and orchids - has disappeared from the landscape of this remote tropical paradise thousands of miles from the mainland, in the middle of the Pacific. An insidious, devastating "cancer" is decimating coconut palms in Hawaii at an alarming rate - 15 percent of the trees have been destroyed by a deadly pathogen called Phytophthora katsurae, causing coconut heart rot. What are the symptoms of Phytophthora? Abnormal loss of small to nearly mature nuts has been a common early sign of disease. Infected fruits have dark, mottled spots and rots. Irregular expansion of the brown infected areas often create round green spots or islands of green tissue surrounded by diseased areas. Water soaking is also common in large unripe fruit and looks like dark green, fatty tissue adjacent diseased areas. Young diseased fruit less than three inches long are usually brown but mottling. Internally infected skin of older fruit reddish to reddish brown. The contaminated meat, or endosperm, is white, cream-colored or slightly brown. The pathogen can penetrate mature nuts growing through germination pore at the stem end of the nut. The first symptoms of juvenile and mature trees are wilting, browning and death of the youngest leaves. Unfurled spear leaves may also die early in the disease. Dead fronds are bent abnormally, but they remain attached to the trunk for a couple of weeks, hanging on or between the mature green leaves. In the following months, more leaves die and fall, as a pair of lower fronds. Roots and lower stem tissues remain healthy and viable for several months, and continues to deliver the lower leaves with nutrients and moisture. Eventually all the leaves drop, produces leafless stems. Less frequently, older leaves die first, resulting in trees with only a few young, upright fronds. Since young leaves are vertically oriented, infected plants appear stiff. At the time of leaf death is observed, is the internal heart rot is already in an advanced stage. These diseased trees have large rotted areas involving most of the terminal bud. Killing of the single growing tip will eventually death of the palm. Sick nuts and heart rot, followed by plant death, has been associated with a Phytophthora species. The pathogen of coconut provides abundant and distinctive sexual spores in the host tissue. Each spore is produced in a mother cell that is distinctive blister-like swellings and a long base. How to fight PathogenOnce tree is infected, died of the disease appears to be inevitable, and several hundred trees have lost all Hawaii since 1970. As the host range of Phytophthora appears to be limited to coconut, eradication and exclusion is feasible control options. All infected trees and nuts should be destroyed by incineration or deep burial. Prompt removal of diseased trees will reduce the risk of soil contamination with the pathogen. The sexual spores of most Phytophthora species can survive in soil without host plants. Removal of diseased material will also prevent the spread of the pathogen to healthy trees. Many diseased trees have been observed in the wet windward areas of Kauai, Big Island and Oahu and Maui. Growers should avoid collecting coconut planting materials from these areas. As the mature trees can be infected but remain asymptomatic for several months, is careful selection of pure nuts and healthy plants and trees are needed. Stock plants or young plants should be grown in relatively dry areas to minimize the creation of the pathogen on the new facilities. Because of the epidemiology of the disease in Hawaii is not known, exactly how the pathogen is not particularly known. Based on studies of other Phytophthora diseases, however, wind-driven rain, insects feeding and movement or activities of other small animals are probably important factors in the spread of the disease. Moisture favors strong growth, spore production and spread of the pathogen and disease development of Phytophthora. Sexual spores of the pathogen present in high numbers in diseased husks and stems. These thick-walled resistant structures, allowing the pathogen to survive for long periods in a dormant state. The pathogen is seed-borne as sexual spores are commonly found in the skin of diseased fruit. The removal of the nut clusters and heavy leaf pruning of large trees has probably helped the spread of disease. Microscopic spores from diseased tissue will contaminate the cutting tool and infect healthy trees during the next cropping operations. Also damaged were the stem base by cutting off the green fronds exposes highly susceptible plant tissues to pathogen infections. Where possible, pruning should be done during dry weather. Equipment is cleaned, then immersed in a disinfectant after trimming of each tree has been completed, especially in places known to have the disease. Fungicides such as curb 2E (metalaxyl), the point where M-45 (mancozeb), Aliette (fosethyl-Al), and Truban (ethazole) are known to be effective protectants against other Phytophthora diseases, but they are ineffective for treating trees with advanced rot in the heart or terminal bud. Limited control of the disease at an early stage can be achieved by removing the diseased fruit on trees that do not have young dead leaves, so protecting the wound with a pruning sealant, thus preventing disease progression in the trunk. A good plan is to plant coconut trees more often. The life of a coconut tree, only 15 to 25 years with the disease in Hawaii, therefore, young trees should be planted at regular intervals. From Genesis to Epidemic ProportionsCoconut trees had been relatively free from disease in Hawaii, before the discovery of Phytophthora katsurae 1971 by Dr. Minoru Aragaki from a sample collected at Wailua, Kauai, according to University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) in Honolulu . Infected trees died within a year. Aragaki and Dr. Janice Uchida worked on the disease over the years. During the 1980s, Phytophthora found on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island also. Inter-Island movement of nuts, plants and large trees, and tree trimming, probably contributed to the disease is escalating to epidemic proportions. Fear that a centuries-old icon in Hawaii may become extinct in the not too distant future, experts here have launched a concerted effort to combat coconut heart rot. Philippe Visintainer, owner operates Hawaii Coconut Protectors on Maui, leading the fight against Phytophthora with unabashed zeal. "The University of Hawaii, began his research on Kauai in the late 80's," Visintainer said. "Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai in 1992 and destroyed the research site. Nothing was done to combat the disease in the environment until I took over the project in the late 1990's. I was managing a tropical plantation on Maui. I planted lots of coconut trees on properties, and I noticed that some of the trees died. I was worried about it, so I talked with University of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture and other specialists pathogen. "Visintainer invited experts from around the world to Maui to assist in the establishment of research plots. After experimenting with different formulas to combat the pathogen. Visintainer has been on the board of the Maui Farm Bureau for about six years. As part of the board, he favored a bill in the Hawaii Legislature in 2000, to extend the research on coconut heart rot. The Bill was passed and $ 10,000 was earmarked for the project. Visintainer realized that research on Phytophthora could be stopped if he can not keep a full-scale war against the pathogen. Make a commitment "I stopped working on the plantation and started a company called Hawaii Coconut Protectors," Visintainer said. "We have been airing a video of the TV on all the islands, which describes the spread of coconut heart rot and what we do to combat it. Our approach was to educate the public about the pathogen. We met people in the landscape industry in connection with the University of Hawaii. We have conducted research. We offered an injection programs statewide to protect coconut palms from the pathogen. Other than that we are promoting extinction. Within the next few years, we want to implement an eradication program through a federal government grant. We have not applied for a grant yet, because there is a good time to ask for money. "The injection formula has been successful, according to Visintainer. He has worked with hotels, resorts, apartments and private owners in Hawaii. Visintainer also trying to get Maui County to take action against the pathogen. His company developed a formula based on phosphorous acid. Visintainer refers to it as the nutrient augmentation approach. The injection promotes the overall health of a coconut tree and fertilize it. At the same time it creates an environment in the heart of Palm, which repel the pathogen. "We inject the tree at about chest high, and the formula is systemic, so the tree will bear the formula to the top of the blades and back down into the heart of the palm of your hand in approximately two to four weeks, depending on the tree," Visintainer said. "We have achieved a 95 percent success rate with healthy trees. We are not sure how the spread of the pathogen, whether it be by rodents, tree trimming, or insects. It seems that wind-driven rain is an important factor. It moves around with the wind and rain, and may in the crown of the tree, and works its way into the hearts of palm. "Visintainer saves usually five to 15 percent of infected trees. Most of the time, when he examines the trees, and people have realized that they have a problem, the trees are rotten. There is no Visintainer can do at this point. There are 350 species of pathogens in the world, and it has invaded a variety of plants, ranging from pineapple to the oaks. Visintainer speculate that the pathogen arrived in Hawaii when travelers brought plants and materials here. At this point, is unique to the pathogen of coconut palms in Hawaii. It started on the windward side of islands, but has spread to the leeward of the islands. Visintainer has identified attacks on golf courses. He reasons that the maintenance crews give lots of water to keep courses green, coconut palms against the amounts of water also. Educate the public "This encourages the spread of pathogens, because it thrives on moisture," Visintainer said. "In Hawaii, we have high levels of moisture. Care about the pathogen, if they were aware of it. We're talking about perhaps tens of thousands of coconut palms. If you have a tree die from the pathogen, there is only one tree out of perhaps a grove of 50 trees, so it's often hard to recognize the pathogen and its potential to infect more trees. By the time the tree is sick and died, the tree trimmers come and cut down the tree. There are still 49 coconut trees, so it does not appear that there is a serious problem. But, you do not have to wait to 30 percent of the population is infected with AIDS, to recognize the problem. Then you have lost the battle. "With coconut palms, experts have an opportunity to deal with the pathogen before it is out of control, according to Visintainer. He has received support from many people. "We charge a fee for injections, which is $ 20 per coconut tree, and if there are 50 trees or more, we charge $ 15 per tree," Visintainer said. "There are much more aware today than it was five or 10 years ago. There is a good possibility that we will win the battle. "One word from Research CommunityDr. Jeri Ooka, plant pathologist, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), University of Hawaii on Kauai, began working on the disease during 1982 through 1985 epidemic and recognized the fruit rot phase of the disease. Ooka demonstrated pathogenicity of isolates of the pathogen. During the mid-1980s, Dr.. Aragaki, Uchida, Norman Nagata and others in the Uchida group confirmed the pathogenicity of Phytophthora katsurae on fruits and seedlings. These experiments were the first who identified the causal agent, as pure cultures of the pathogen were placed on healthy hosts, who became ill. Molokai has not been studied well, but it seems to be free from the disease in the lee of the island, according to Ooka. It is safe to bud rot caused by the pathogen was here 1971st It is likely that the disease was here 1966th Move around the trees during the past 30 years has spread the pathogen more rapidly than it would have spread naturally. The value of trees has made the disease more noticeable. Each tree is worth more than $ 1,000 and the trees are very difficult to replace. "From 1982 to 1992, several field trials were conducted to test various fungicides for the control of the disease," Ooka said. "Early studies have been placing copper-based fungicides in the leaf whorl of the tree. Subsequent studies were generally of varying systemic fungicides metalaxyl and fosethyl-Al, which sprays, Drench or injections. Potassium was the last club to be added to the trials. The last formal test I conducted was in 1992. This study is abruptly terminated by hurricane Iniki. All trials were inconclusive with fosethyl-Al and potassium show the best promise and metalaxyl at least. "The formula for injecting the coconut palms from South African, American, European and Australian publications reporting the use of metalaxyl, fosethyl-Al, injectable fosethyl-Al and potassium phosphite for control of diseases caused by Phytophthora, according to Ooka. The disease is known to landscapers familiar with coconut palms. Tree trimmers are almost always aware of the disease, but not necessarily its details. Homeowners, condominium association boards, hotel grounds keeper, and golf course green keeper becomes aware of the disease because it affects their trees. Ooka notes that bud rot will never eliminate all the coconuts in Hawaii. Ooka explains that Hawaii is a dynamic biological system with many factors affecting the balance between pathogen and host, resulting in the presence or absence of disease. There are biological, economic, cultural and aesthetic reasons for preserving coconut palms. Cocos nucifera, the only other species in its genus. It is a traditional economic plant for low land tropics, which offers many of the ingredients for survival in the ocean or tropical subsistence systems. For industrial economies where coconut oil was once an important feedstock for the manufacture of products. It has cultural significance in communities that depend on it. "It is an important decorative, identifying Hawaii and other places as a tropical paradise for tourists," Ooka said. "The pathogen will never be completely eradicated. In this respect, we can not win a war against it. As the host changes, so do pathogens. Sometimes the environment is an ally of values, other times with the pathogen. Our goal is to keep the disease severity and the presence of an economically acceptable level. "Application of the principals of public health goes far to do so, according to Ooka. There are things people can do to prevent the spread of pathogens, such as starting plants from pure seeds collected from healthy trees grown in a dry environment. Ooka recommend germinating seed of a good mix containers, modified with disease suppressive compost. When they are planted in the field should plants not be fertilized excessively watered. Trees from the wet, cool areas that have a higher probability of infection, should not be used for transplanting. "Do not plant trees in inappropriate sites," Ooka said. "For example, do not plant trees in a suitable environment for diseases and unsuitable for coconuts. This would include most places more than 1000 meters high, or with more than 100 inches rainfall annually, on the windward side of the island. If you plant in these areas, the tree will not survive more than 20 years. In endemic areas, bud rot tree probably succumb to the disease in 10 to 15 years. In dry areas suitable for coconuts, nitrogen fertilizers and watering should be monitored to avoid creating too many tissues susceptible to the pathogen "If Visintainer, other experts, and society in Hawaii can successfully wage a war against Phytophthora -. and win - as their commitment to protect and preserve the coconut palms on the islands will be worth. The arduous process of educating the public about the disease and raise awareness and concern, is a good start. Meanwhile, die another coconut tree for every day - which leaves one less symbol of Hawaii for generations to come.

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Destinations for gay and lesbian travelers

 There was a time when travel arrangements for gays and lesbians were difficult to obtain. It could be a huge feat to jump through all the hoops necessary to find a vacation gay friendly. Homosexual couples who do everything they can to ensure that your vacation is free homophobic. Not long ago, gay people find a travel agent or an agency specializing in trips for gays and lesbians. With the Internet offering so many options for gays and lesbians to travel the path of the travel agency is now a thing of the past. Gay and lesbian people can now simply go online and find all types of holidays that focus on gay and lesbian vacationer.Gay and lesbian travelers seeking to arrange visit a variety of websites, including www.gaytravel . com and www.orbitz. com. While Gay Travel is a website devoted to gay and lesbian vacation, Orbitz has a special section of the website devoted to travel arrangements for gays and lesbians. Both sites allow gays and lesbians to make travel arrangements to suit your needs. May reserve, gay friendly hotels, or staying in the gay seasons. Both are wonderful tools to use when trying to make travelers arrangements.For gay and lesbian travel, gay and lesbians who want to plan a holiday simple, no fuss, there are many places in the United States are known to be gay friendly . Florida and California, both have progressive ideals and are known to welcome gay and lesbian travelers. You can go almost anywhere in any state and have a good time and do not appear. In fact, both Florida and California have specific locations for the gay and lesbian community. Key West in Florida and West Hollywood in California are well known gay areas in the two states would be very welcome in travelers.Gay gays and lesbians and lesbian travelers can also go to the East for the holidays. New York is very gay friendly, and Broadway is known for attracting a large crowd of gays and lesbians. There is much to do in New York, and gay and lesbian travelers will be pleased with how comfortable it feels like to walk the streets or attending a show. Homosexuality is not considered a disease in New York as some places.New Hampshire is another place for gay and lesbian travelers. New Hampshire is home to the Highlands Inn, which is a great resource lesbians. Lesbian Travelers can enjoy all the comforts of a resort, while being surrounded by lesbians. lesbian couples to share intimate holiday without worrying about the insults he directed his way. Cruises are another option for gay and lesbian travelers. A cruise offers a wide variety of activities, and many cruise lines have different cruises specifically for gay and lesbian traveler. Olivia Cruises is a lesbian cruise line offers cruises to many different places around the world. They also offer entertainment such as musicians and comedians. You can make a great trip, and for once, lesbian travelers will find in most of the minority lesbians.For place surrounded by men, Atlantis offers all gay cruises and resorts. A cruise on the Atlantis is a great place for men to meet other men, friends, and perhaps much longer. Atlantis will be a variety of locations and has much to offer the traveler.Travelers gays who want to make travel arrangements outside the United States will realize that Canada is very easy to gays and lesbians. Canadians tend to be very open to the idea of homosexuality. Many gay and lesbian travelers to find a holiday in Canada to be a necessity. Canada has much charm, and lots of beautiful scenery that a traveler is sure to enjoy. While many people do not realize, a holiday in Canada can be very romantic for a gay or lesbian couples to enjoy a holiday of beauty and nature.European are also something many gay and lesbian travelers enjoy. The Europeans are known to be ahead of the United States in the thoughts on homosexuality and the gay and lesbian travelers can find solace in making arrangements for a European vacation. Moreover, Europe offers a variety of sites to please almost all travelers. Gay and lesbian travelers can tour of Rome, or visit romantic France without concerns of homophobia ruining vacation.Most developed nations are good places for gays and lesbians to travel. However, in developing a gay and lesbian travel, stay away from developed nations and nations that are known not welcome gays. For example, as much as you want, you can see Africa, it would be unwise holiday for two men in a relationship. Homosexuality is condemned in Africa, as in many Middle Eastern countries. It is best to play it safe and stay away from places where homosexuality is considered a fatal sin.Many gay and lesbian people wonder about the importance in choosing a season of gay and lesbian cruise, or a hotel when traveling. While centered holiday is not necessary to make your holiday, gays and lesbians can be a great way to relax and feel like you are among friends. gay and lesbian travel ensures that you will feel comfortable with your surroundings, and also offers the ability to make friends with like-minded people. While the holiday does not have to be to places made specifically for gays and lesbians, is something that all gays and lesbians from time to time have to do to enjoy the tranquility of being surrounded by people who do not judge you by your sexuality.

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Top 5 travel destinations in Chile

 Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral - the first Latin American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945 - was once moved to write this wonderful and varied landscape of his country: "Do not trample the earth, not to crush the fruit scented . For his sake, stoop, smell it and give your mouth. "These sentiments are still echoed today in travelers visiting Chile from around the world. They just walk through salt marshes and deserts, active volcanoes rising Andean drink of fresh water from melting glaciers, and the taste of wine is matured for a drop of oak barrell. Chile is a long narrow strip of land on the western edge of South America. It is surrounded by the imposing Andes mountains along its eastern border, the arid Atacama Desert in far north, Cape Horn and a stretch of islands in the south and 4,000 km from the Pacific Ocean at its west.Just recently, Conde Nast Traveller high in Chile in 5th place in the top 20 travel destinations in the world for 2009. Lonely Planet said the southern island of Chiloe as the third most important destination in the world to know in 2009. The Lodge and Spa Puyuhuapi with Chile Puyehue hot springs, have been highlighted among the top 50 "wellness" destinations throughout the world by the prestigious National Geographic Traveler in 2009. In addition, Frommer's travel guide named Chilean cities Puttre, Pucón, Frutillar, Puerto Varas, Tortel and that some of the most charming small town known worldwide. In addition to the praise given above, Chile is also, undoubtedly, one of the safest countries and more relaxing to travel in South America is well developed and its buses are comfortable and are on time. And, as mentioned Condé Nast polite people in the country, "Chileans combine northern calm and measured with the European Latin American warmth and friendliness." With such a variety of natural landscapes, remote towns, and activities to be performed, it is impossible to see everything Chile has to offer in one trip. But after careful consideration, I chose the top 5 must see while visiting this South American fun. These 5 hot spots are: 1) Santiago, 2) Torres del Paine, 3) Valparaiso, 4) San Pedro de Atacama, and 5) of the Colchagua Wine Route. 1. Santiago, Chile - We start with the capital, the first place that you experience when you travel from abroad. This very modern South American city in the heart of the Central Valley of Chile, contains many gems secret that international travelers may spend as they quickly escape to the natural wonders in the south and north. The best way to get an overview of this dispersion, urban metropolis nestled between the Andes mountains and others is to rise to the top of Cerro San Cristobal. At the bottom of cerro 860-meters, or hill, you will see the platform to jump on the funicular, which takes you up along the hill. Midway at the top of the funicular stop at a small zoo for those who want to quickly check some monkeys and zebras. Then, after you exit the funicular to the "Terraza Bellavista," near the summit of Cerro San Cristobal, you will quickly remember why cable cars are always fun. Here at the Terraza, buy snacks and coffee from Chile and the scope to view. However, for the best panoramic of the entire city, you go up the steep walk to the statue of 22 meters high of the Virgin Mary. Even if she offers her blessing as a powerful guardian spirit of Saint-Jacques, it can not always obvious smog impressive as you try to perceive the surrounding mountains in the background. Cerro also includes a Teleférico, or cable, which provides a way of scare you ski-lift circulating around the hill.When you return to ground level, you are placed in a different charm right "must-see" Santiago, the Barrio Bellavista. It is a bohemian longtime artists' neighborhood, which includes various theaters, wonderful restaurants, stylish, and houses painted funkily. You should also visit one of the oldest houses of the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, La Chascona, when you are in Bellavista and you can take a tour of entertainment in English or Spanish.For meal, you should head to the central market animated, aptly named Mercado Central. Here, suppliers and customers as well hide nothing to hawking fresh whole fish and seafood, which includes Congress bright, the salt-crusted oysters, clams, Renetta, squid tentacles, and the base Chilean salmon . Even if you are shy to see the gray lines hooked-up and the pink fish laying around, you still have to bite your teeth into a net in one of the many nearby restaurants. Then after lunch, a look at the nearby La Feria de Vega, a dynamic market full of weird vegetables, and fruit color edge.If river right you have another day in town, or some time now, you should also check central Santiago Plaza de Armas, the name historically given to the mall and city of Spanish colonial city. Here you can see some of the first buildings ever built in Chile, dated to around the 18th and early 19th century. Of course, after seeing this you'll agree, they do not build them like they did. "The complex architecture of colonial Catedral de Santiago, Chile central post office (Correo Central), and National Historical Museum now contrast with the threat hyper-modern buildings of 50-75 floors of downtown Santiago today, right in the background. While you're here, you can also plant your back and rest on benches up nice looking older play chess and I wonder at the beautiful paintings done by the street artists.With few days stay in Santiago and a healthy budget can not afford a rental car, you do yourself a favor by excursioning tranquility and magnificent Cajon del Maipo, a canyon along the main river of Santiago (Mapocho) arising from the Andes . There you can go trekking exceptional riding and whitewater rafting. Or, you can travel to Portillo for skiing, high quality, or select some Pomaire Chilean handicrafts and see how they are made. 2. Torres del Paine - After experiencing the exciting introduction to the country by staying in the city of Santiago, many travelers, especially during the summer, embarking on the serious nature adventure travel in southern Chile. Parque Nacional Torres del Paine in Patagonia South, for example, is a glorious national park 180 000 hectares of spectacular landscapes full beauty in the deepest, most southern edges of the continent. In fact, some international travelers coming to Chile to experience glaciers, ice fields, fjords lurching, huge masses of rock, forest, and drama of the Magellan region alone. You can walk along a number of trails, hiking through forests and tundra Lenga Patagonia, walking alongside pumas, guanacos (llamas southern Chile), the peaks and Nandu (S. American ostrich) with condors flying overhead. With hiking and mountaineering, tourism businesses located in Torres del Paine offers horseback riding, kayaking, hiking and relaxing ferry where you can just sit and try to take all the landscapes are breathtaking in.There course , beautiful campsites. But even if you're not in the hard way, there are many cottages and upscale resorts luxurious inclined. Remember, you not only need to stay warm with gear such as leggings, fleece jackets, socks polartech, and a waterproof layer, you must also remain financially very hot with padded, stuffed wallet. In addition to visiting this UNESCO declared "Biosphere Reserve" called Torres del Paine, it is also strongly recommended to travel to the enchanting, near the towns of Puerto Natales and Puerto Williams. It is also very useful to explore the beautiful, European-esque Punta Arenas, the small city of 120,000 inhabitants in which you have just arrived in the Santiago area by plane. Punta Arenas is the southernmost city of the planet (except for posts dedicated scientists in Antarctica) and its sights include a cemetery weird, a Naval History Museum, and day trips for penguins watching.3. Valparaiso - Back to the central region we go, we visit the third most populous urban area in the country, Valparaiso-Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, a port city extending 120 km west of Santiago, the jewel is unique here it really is unlike any city on our North American continent. Funky, old houses, cabins, and homes of all colors, shapes, and draped in quality during the 45 steep hills looking straight into the Pacific, apparently clinging for dear life structural. Yes, Chile receives many earthquakes, and no, these homes simply do not fall. I think that's where we can say the "magic" of Valpo (as it is locally called) begins. A Spanish captain named Juan de Saavedra first settled in this bay in 1536. In 1544, Pedro de Valdivia has confirmed the name of the city of Valparaiso and defines it as the natural, the main port of Santiago. The town grew very slowly for several centuries during the colonial period. But in the 19th century, Valparaiso has started to become a center of South America's dynamic economic activity. In fact, the city has grown to become the largest port in all of Latin America - a mandatory stop for ships going around Cape Horn, then north. That is, until the Panama Canal was completed and inaugurated in 1914. It is said that in 1849, one year after the discovery of gold in California, up to 800 vessels could be counted at any time on traffic Valparaiso shore.With such international and mingle, the native of Chile, with Spanish and other European immigrants, became the new inhabitants of Valparaiso, creating a unique culture, memories of molding and developing an inimitable space and forms that characterize the city today. As guides describe Valparaiso Ruta, "The city has never been officially planned ... (But) built by its inhabitants spontaneusly up the slopes of the hills ... different architectural styles coexist naturally, without any prejudice. "On the way, Valpo developed its identity and soul as a source of inspiration, romantic city. Feeding a home for poets and painters, pirates and fishermen, sailors and gypsies. Charles Darwin visited Valparaiso, after crossing the Cape Horn, Nicaraguan writer Ruben Diario worked as a clerk at the customs of Valparaiso, Sir Francis Drake made landfall here, as did Spanish civil war refugees in 1939, and winner Nobel poet Pablo Neruda lived in one of his houses here, "La Sebastiana" (now a museum) overlooking the bay.Among the "must-do" here in Valpo takes the one of 15 external elevators or ascensores that go on top of 15 hills, or cerros for amazing, beautiful view. The elevators will crack and crank, as they have been taken directly from Ridge Robinson Island to Disneyland, but yes, they are still functional and safe and actually provide daily, effective public transport for local residents. You do yourself a favor by exploring the museums and walking the hills of Cerro Concepción, with spectacular views over the port of Cerro Playa Ancha. I think my current favorite is Cerro Cerro Alegre with its various art exhibitions, lively bars, and curiosities generally closely related to recently renovated and beautifully painted homes financed by the good people of Valparaiso Foundation, El Sendero bicentennial, and the Chilean government. Be sure to catch the colors of red and purple of a sunset here in any number of points of view off the city (or viewpoints) over the hills. Then, for the night, the harbor lights up. Valparaiso is famous for its nightlife and culture in pubs, restaurants, cafes, poetry, and nightclubs. There is no shortage of places to drink, get lost (literally or figuratively) in the middle of the night. It can be a ball of a sailor, but also try to make an effort to be safe. And if you happen to pass by Valparaiso for the New Year, you will not be disappointed by the music, dance, fireworks and festivities. Just be sure to eat lentils right at midnight to ensure a year of economic prosperity! 4. San Pedro de Atacama - The fourth major destination in Chile is located in the far north, in the mesmerizing, vast landscape of very dry Atacama Desert. The Atacama, a length of 1000 km covering much of northern Chile and parts of Bolivia, Argentina, is on record as the driest desert in the world in terms of less precipitation per year . In this desert of sand dunes rising, Stark white salt flats, geysers spewing, flamingos (true!) And pre-Columbian archaeological objects, there is a small village surreal - an international, cosmopolitan oasis of sorts called San Pedro. Located 1,575 km north of Santiago, San Pedro is a picturesque hamlet providing a center of tourism infrastructure and services to the growing number of international visitors to embark on excursions to breathtaking in the region. The city has an official population of only 2500 inhabitants of Chile, mostly descendants of indigenous Atamaceño. Yet it is hard to tell who is working, staying, and who is only passing. You will probably hear more German than Spanish being spoken on a few days, and the English you hear in bars and alleys are generally varieties in the United Kingdom. And finally, because this city is a starting point of tourist activity in the vicinity, there is a wide variety of inns, hotels, tourist agencies, and many internet cafes (although I do not understand really how things can get connected out here). There are also pubs chic and hip - even organic - restaurants. While in town, it's nice to meet fellow travelers and the villagers as well as checking the old Spanish colonial adobe church of San Pedro, dating from 1774, and Gustavo LePaige Museum of Archaeology. But the real hypnotic, natural sights are seen outside the city, either with a local tourist outift takes small groups of people in the mini-vans, or as a solitary explorer ... granted, you need an off-road vehicle to get to most of these places. The important highlights of the surrounding altiplano are: Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), El Tatio geysers, and the trip to Toconao and the Salar de Atacama. First, you need to reach a trip to Valle de la Luna, with possibly one or the other Caracoles Cunza Ecoturismo, domingo Cactus Atienza, and other tourist agencies reputable. (You do not want to make the same mistake that my wife and I were visiting the high altitude El Tatio geysers on your first day in the city before allowing your body to an adjustment of one or two days at altitude local.) The valley looks extraordinarily lunar landscape - as those who crossed the moon, I suppose - with the wind beaten hills surrounding a valley bottom in layers. There is also a large dune that sweep the valley, from which you can have a tremendous appreciation from all around, especially after the rise with your traveling companions at the place sitting on top. The sunset is, other-worldly, or perhaps a hint to the essence of what this world really is when we have a good time, space and place for reflection. Cyclists also have the opportunity to hire a bike for a serious trek all the way, 14 km from the center of the valley of San Pedro and return it before sunset. On your second or third day in the city you can visit the El Tatio Geyser, and it's an experience you will never forget! Typically, you pay about $ 20 U.S. per person with a local circuit for a day trip to Geyser Tatio. El Tatio Geyser is a very active geothermal area located high in the Andes, which, at sunrise, exhibits impressive bursts of steam, or "fumaroles", blasting the earth because of high temperatures of underground craters water. First, a mini-van picks you up at your hotel (or hostel) to about 4 hours. It can get very cold at this time in the high desert, so be sure to dress warmly. In addition, for reasons explained later, wearing a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, bottled water, and lemons.After pick you and some others, the van then began the journey of three hours, climbing 4,200 meters. Remember to chew lemons you brought one or the other, or you are offered, in their efforts to mitigate any altitude sickness (or "puna") that you may incur. In addition, officers in the van can offer tea mate, that works as well. You arrive at the height of this place, the largest geothermal field in the world, just as the sun itself together. Here, you'll be amazed at the wonderful vents bubbling water spray here and there. But beware, the earth's crust is very thin in some areas, and people fell. Finally, take a bath in the natural pool near the hot springs pool. It's refreshing, therapeutic, and at this hour, it will be a good treatment in the warm bright sun. The third essential travel to San Pedro de Atacama is traveling 38 km south of Toconao and inspiration Salar de Atacama. Thick layers of sea salt bright white ancient cover large tracts of land that you are in the presence of geological history. Go ahead, break a piece and take a lick. It tastes like the sea salt which is now hundreds of kilometers. Along the way you have wonderful views of two volcanoes towering Licancabur and Lascar, with sweet and upclose encounters with llamas and alpacas. You can exit the van and trying to pet them if they do not run away timidly at first. (They can be a little shy because for centuries the local Atacameño raised llamas and alpacas make good use of their meat and wool.) Enjoy your time in San Pedro and the surrounding area. Just be aware of your footprint on the various ecological reserves and breathtaking landscapes, because with the increased international tourist traffic, some of its inhabitants had to make further efforts for cleaning, etc.. 5. Ruta del Vino Colchagua, Santa Cruz Unless you lived under a rock for the last 5-7 years, you learned that Chile produces some of the best wines around. Therefore, what better to soak the fruit native to Chile and then visiting a few vineyards in the region? (It's also a perfect conversation starter - to tell others about your travels in the heart of wine producers in Chile the next time someone opens a bottle of Santa Rita and Concha y Toro, dinner for your friend.) So, back to the central region of Chile, Santiago closer again, where you will most likely take the plane back international recognition home.Although Chile as wine-producing nation that has emerged recently, wine has actually been grown here since the 1540s. That's when the first Catholic missionaries planted vines so they can participate in the drink during mass Spanish settlers continued small-scale production of wine until 1851, when the first winery was created good . The first winery was developed by Silvestre Ochagavía, but shortly after, my Spanish-Chilean aristocratic families followed in his footsteps, to build beautiful homes and parks next to their vineyards. Today there are over 250 vineyards total in Chile, producing different wines for both domestic consumption and export. The principal grapes grown in the fertile Central Valley are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Carmenere. Many wineries set in lush vineyards around Santiago Tours offers and tastings. In total there are 11 famous Rutas de Vino, or Wine Road, across the country. Here, we focus on one of the best trips around the world with the Colchagua Wine Route Vino by the city of Santa Cruz, which is about 2 hours south of Santiago. As Pablo Neruda wrote, "The wine opens with astonishment, and in the shelter for months, it works on your body soaked in red wings." The doors of the Colchagua Valley can be reached and opened, or by a rental car through a tour van, or to conduct more pastoral, by a locomotive of the early 20th century. The train picks you up at Santiago, serves traditional cheese and nuts, and includes Chilean folk singers on board that you stop and taste to different wineries.Once you reach the lush valley of Colchagua, you have achieved what some call , a paradise for wine in Chile. There are a total of 18 wineries in the valley is full of attractions, which include endless views of coastal mountains, a carriage ride through the vineyards at Viña Viu Manent, and the chance to harvest grapes and make your own wine Wine, a Montgras. Cabernet, Carmenere, Syrah are varieties that grow here because of their attraction to local hot summers. Therefore, you should try these types of wines at Viña Montes, a pioneer in exporing Chilean wines 15 years ago, and the award-winning winemaker Premier Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta and opulent winery.There are several places to rest overnight in the charming rural town of Santa Cruz if you've done too much wine to even think of returning to Santiago the same day. When you return to the capital, you will understand why everyone, while raising their wine glasses with joy, shouting, "De copas del mundo al sur" or "Long live, our glasses to the south of the world." So there you have the top 5 travel destinations for a vacation getaway increasingly popular in South America, Chile. Even if we "North Americans consider Chile a smaller, perhaps a medium-sized countries, there is actually much to see that it can be done in one trip. With only a few population centers and extremely varied, ranging from geography to open the surf of the Pacific to the imposition of jagged mountains, enough fertile farmland of steep glaciers, salt and hot springs to the emerald lake and Araucaria forests, there are so many people to explore natural and sophisticated tourism infrastructure to respond. In our review of the top 5 essential elements of this long, narrow strip of land called Chile, we did not even cover the growing fly fishing and visiting the Antarctic activities of the far south, nor the small-Miami as "garden" seaside town of Viña del Mar, or drive up the Central Coast, along Reñaca, Zapallar all the way to La Serena. We did not visit the mystical, if not haunted beautiful island of Chiloé and its numerous wooden churches rising above each village. Plus, it's an experiment to test the surrounding area Temuco and learn the Mapuche natives. Or, as it has bee strongly recommended to explore the charming German town of Puerto Varas and influenced the fishing center of Puerto Montt. If you happen to catch yourself in one of the top 5 issue of Chile is here, or in any other cities and regions mentioned above, chances are you seeing and doing something very out of ordinary and even having an incredible time. References mentoned above: 1. Poet Seers, "Biography Gabriela Mistral." Http://www.poetseers.org/nobel_prize_for_literature/gab/2. Conde Nast Traveller, "Top 20 Travel for 2009." Http://www.cntraveller.com/Special_Features/Top_20_Destinations_For_2009/Chile/3. Lonely Planet Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2009. "Http://www.lonelyplanet.com/press-centre/press-release.cfm?press_release_id=3884. Husna Haq, 50 destinations welfare favorite. South America and Central "National Geographic Traveler. http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/wellness-directory/south-and-central-america-text5. Frommer's, "The most charming small towns." Http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/central-and-south-america/chile/frm_chile_2319026232.html6. Valparaiso Ruta, "Valparaiso." http://www.rutavalparaiso.cl/web/win2_en.htm7. Pablo Neruda, "Estatuto del vino". http://www.neruda.uchile.cl/obra/obraresidencia2g.html

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Who said that hitchhiking is dangerous?

 I arrived in Santiago in early November in search of adventure. I made my way in the desert north and a week later, I drove from San Pedro de Atacama in a rented Nissan 2x4 pick-up from Seattle with one, two Australians and a Quebeqouis, all I had encountered in the last seven days. Although I was the youngest and least experienced pilot group, my friends agreed to let me drive after incessant pestering.Thankfully, bureaucrats not so clever, but very tedious Chilean overlooked the fact that my New Jersey provisional license doesn 't allow me to drive out of state as I crossed the border in Bolivia. My companions and I spent four days in the Atacama desert, sleeping under certain starriest sky in the world, swimming in hot springs, geysers erupt watching, amazed flamingos they fed on crustaceans in salt lakes , through canyons, climb sand dunes, chasing llamas, and receiving second degree burns from the sun. We've got the car stuck in some fifty yards of sand from the road and 30 km from the nearest town, but perseverance, 90 minutes from the spinning wheel, and creative use of a carjack us income on the highway. All those years of Spanish studies proved really helpful when I had to talk to the police to arrest us for illegal camping. For us, every obstacle seemed another opportunity for an exciting challenge and the tour is easily become the greatest adventure of my life until late November point.In, Mendoza I left and started walking toward the west along the road to Argentina 7 with 30 kg on the back and my thumb. My travels taught me to expect the unexpected and no equipment or gear could help me prepare for the unexpected optimism that a provision and an open mind. On Wednesday morning, I knew that hitchhiking is an inexpensive but slow to cross thousand kilometers of road between Mendoza and Buenos Aires. I had no idea that hitchhiking is a revealing exploration of Argentina culture.I working class met two Argentine truckers, Pipo and Vincente, a YPF gas station just off Route 7 and I asked if Pipo could give me a ride to Buenos Aires. He agreed to carry me, but said it could take some time to reach my destination. We immediately bonded over our mutual dislike of Chilean culture and our common interest in beautiful women passing by. (I confess that I seriously overstated my point of view to put me in the good graces of Pipo.) In my first verbal exchange with Vicente, he asked me if I thought that 10 pesos (about U.S. $ 3) was a fair price for renting a prostitute.We spent several hours at the mall browsing products including radios, computers, DVD players, clothes, thongs, refrigerators and mobile phones. Pipo and Vincente amused by choosing random elements from the women's section of Carrefour (South American equivalent of Sears) and asking me to try them. Vincente finally opted to purchase a lawn chair, a suitcase, soap and shampoo. He spent a total of 258 pesos (82 U.S. dollars), about one third of her weekly salary, about half of my weekly budget in Argentina, five times the price of a steak in a restaurant 500 grams top balance, and 26 times the amount estimated Vincente just pay for dinner hooker.At, my friends assaulted with a barrage of jokes funny, and always slightly annoying. "He wants to know your name," Vicente told the waitress voluptuous, "he does not know just how to ask in Spanish." Stephanie ". the waitress told me through his long floating eyelashes.As I turned my head back to the table Argentina tasty, I found the shoe Vincente where my plate had been. When Vincente continued to encourage me in my flirtation with the waitress, I reminded him that I had a girlfriend. Demonstrate his evil spirit, he stressed that it was the ocean and would never know. He said that in Argentina it is rare, even expected, that men cheat on their wives and girlfriends. I guess it is not so different from the U.S., but at least maybe the American men try to be less visible in their infidelity. Truck drivers average age laughed. Later, around the course in the desert, I had the chance to pay back with Vincente my shoe up on its implementation. "He learns fast," said Pipo sidesplitting guffaws.By by Wednesday night, I had already spent countless hours in the QuickyMart YPF, watching the playoffs and World Cup Reading History Love Nicole Krauss. Captivated by the culmination of history in which a Holocaust survivor who seeks meaning in a life in which he lost everyone and everything he loved, I was constantly interrupted by irreverent jokes Vincente. As I read, my fellow passengers sitting next to me watching porn on mobile phone Pipo. Technology has really done wonderful things. During halftime of the Brazil / Uruguay game, a pair of prostitutes entered the service station. Their clothes revealing that qualified as clothing by the most liberal definition of the word makes little effort to disguise their figures less than appealing. My friends asked me if I wanted to have sex with one of the two. It was even mentioned that I care. I politely left declined.The prostitutes. I continued my book. They continued their porn. A few minutes later, Pipo tapped me on the shoulder and showed me a video of a young girl with two monstrously large black penis in her mouth. He asked me if my girlfriend was involved in activities shown in the video. When I told her she had not, he said, assuming it would only complicate our relationship. I started a new chapter. He started a new video. After Brazil beat Uruguay, 2-1, Pipo withdrew his cell phone porn and told me that I could sleep on top of the truck where his friend I would not be embarrassed by the morning dew or the police. I spent most of Thursday and Friday with Pipo cousins who live in Maipu (the municipality's urban sprawl on the outskirts of Mendoza, where I met Pipo). They were very friendly and open and willing to share their cooking carnivores with me (a bit of a shock to my largely vegetarian diet). During lunch, we saw men of honor in television, which has inspired a debate on racism in the United States and the rest of the world.Pipo and Vincente Yanqui praised their friend (me) at all camioneros their colleagues and anyone else with whom they happened to speak. Both drivers had never talked with a North American prior to my knowledge. As exciting and interesting of our meeting was for me, it might be interesting for them too. "It is not shit like us," Pipo would tell his friends. "He reads books and poetry. He does not sleep with prostitutes. He remains faithful to his girlfriend, even if it is thousands of miles. "This last point so shocked and disappointed nieces Pipo seemed very intrigued my blond hair and blue eyes.Once we left on Friday Maipu evening, I began to realize how different Pipo was of his colleagues. His incessant shouts and humiliating women has decreased. Conversation went from cat to politics. We talked about Bush and he told me that before meeting me, he thinks that all Americans were conservative warmongering idiots like our president. He told me about her family situation. When he was my age, not knowing what a condom was, he had his first son. "I had a girlfriend, we approached each other, we are excited, and she became pregnant," Pipo said. He had a daughter two years later with the same woman and another son, three years after that with another woman. He and his children now live with his girlfriend and her two children from previous lovers. Pipo alone sustains everything, and he has not heard of one of his exes in hours after leaving years.Two Maipu, we arrived in San Luis, where the family lives of Pipo. I spent the weekend sleeping on the floor of his living / dining room, eat home cooking, visiting cousins more than I could count, and tell the audience captivated my travels and the U.S. . Although I was itching to get to Buenos Aires, I was sad to leave San Luis Sunday afternoon. Pipo and his family had shown me so much hospitality and gave me one of my best travel experiences ever. Monday morning, five days after leaving Mendoza, I said goodbye to Pipo at a loading dock on the outskirts of El federal capital and go in Buenos Aires, one of the largest cities in the world in search of my next adventure .

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Best Business Hotel in Rio De Janeiro: Brazil's business capital offers corporate travelers a great place to stay

 Rio de Janeiro has always been a hot spot for business as Brazil's economy is hopping. Soon put to one of the world's three leading economies head Brazil's economy has beautiful city beaches, incredible cultural attractions, some of the best food in the region and now, some of the world's best business hotel as well. For business travelers, a trip to Rio de Janeiro, you will not find all the business hotels better than this best three.Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana - Even if it's a holiday in style location, close to one of the beautiful beaches of Rio, the Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana still offers a great business experience for any corporate traveler.At Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana, you will find 388 of the best rooms in Rio. Each room has a massive bathroom (you will not believe the size of the shower) Wi-Fi Internet, satellite flat screen TV, DVD player, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and private terraces, many of which overlook the famous Copacabana beach.The hotel has several restaurants (the restaurant is superb French), bars and cafes offering all the traditional Brazilian service and hospitality - ideal for entertaining clients or relaxing after a hard day in a meeting.Business business travelers to Sofitel Business Center love with the latest technology, the different sized meeting rooms and of course, function rooms catering for up to 2,000 people. Therefore, the Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Copacabana as one of the best business hotels in Rio.Fasano hotel is known - One of the best hotels in Rio de Janeiro, for business class and any other class, the Hotel Fasano. The Sea View Hotel are great to remember some service, and the hotel itself? Luxurious and stunning.Each of Fasano's rooms and suites are en suite bathrooms with showers, rain, flat screen TV with satellite, mini bar, wireless Internet access, tea and coffee making facilities and spacious balcony. Rooms also feature large work areas, as well as telephone and fax lines.The Fasano Hotel is particularly popular with business travelers who enjoy the holiday atmosphere of the hotel, the modern design of the rooms, all coupled with first class services for businesses. If you are entertaining clients, then do not miss the Fasano Al Mare restaurant, a 3-star Michelin restaurant, where you and your clients can enjoy excellent seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. Pre-or after-dinner drinks on the roof terrace are also a must.Caesar Ipanema Park Hotel - One of the top business hotels in Rio is the Caesar Park Ipanema Hotel a few steps from the beach and a short walk from trendy, upscale restaurants, Cafes and Caesar Park Ipanema is boutiques.The of business travelers, have, among many other things, dispose of his Convention Center, where 200 people can participate in business meetings, while enjoying the magnificent ocean view from every window.The guest rooms, marble bathrooms en suite, Wi-Fi Internet access, flat screen satellite TV, tea / coffee making facilities, hairdryer and safe in the room. Each room has a comfortable work area, where you offer international calls or to catch up Read the story, while overlooking the most spectacular sea views.The Caesar Park Ipanema has several excellent restaurants everything from Brazilian and Italian, to full course meals or fast snacks. On Sunday, too.Even you love the huge Brazilian buffet if you are in Rio de Janeiro on business, make sure take some time off and go to the beach of Ipanema, just outside the hotel door. No trip to Rio is complete without It.More Information: Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Hotel Caesar Park Ipanema Hotel CopacabanaFasano

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Review: Eric Horvath Nature Tours Northern Peru Trip

 To assess how relevant my assessment of my experiences on my recent Eric Horvath Nature Tours "Northern Peru: Birds, natural history, and ruins," might be for readers, a considerable amount of introduction seems necessary (1) Even before this. you must establish a distinction between those who enjoy watching birds and birdwatching. I am interested in human behavior and the behavior of other species, too. "Birders", in contrast, are primarily interested in identifying a species, while ensuring that their travel list, and (preferably) life list of birds seen / identified and move on to another bird (species). During a trip to a bird, I'm happier watching a bird go to the business of living. I believe that I am a "bird-watching" and that many "birders" are not. On a Dry Tortuga islands in a previous trip led by Eric Horvath I remember being fascinated watching a Merlin rip and consume an Ovenbird, while birders look, pronounced "Merlin", and began looking for next bird.Not a large enough as "birders" are "SOB" - spouses of birdwatchers. There are birders singles and some couples in which both parties are ardent ornithologists, but there are a significant number of spouses who are found along the walk (s) willing to look at the colorful new bird should be a little in sight, but for longer because their partner wants to birds. withdrawal "SOB" for vehicles before ornithologists, or bird watching as a travel day or week continues to lag behind (if possible, in hotels, or in vehicles in which a group moves from place to place). As I indicated, I consider myself a bird-watching, even if others might consider me as an SOB. (2) Speaking of my mother, a third-generation Danish-Minnesota, she brought me in this regard punctuality as a moral imperative. My culture considers making others wait for a disrespectful and reprehensible. I feel very, very hard not to be late for any appointment that I made and I do not like to be kept waiting (3). This trip was my trip birding fourteenth night of five plus the seventh Latin American trip of birding, and fourth trip led by Eric Horvath, an Oregonian with a degree in zoology who did not complete a degree. When I say that the northern Peru was the worst trip I've been on birding and I've seen fewer birds in the shortest time, I have the basis for comparison. Of possible relevance is that the four guided Horvath were all under the auspices of the Oregon Nature Conservancy, and two more, had a friendly Oregon Nature Conservancy employee, Charlie Quinn, who was very good at spotting and identifying birds along, driving a van and the second will probably do more to make the trip enjoyable that I noticed at that time. (4) I'm not particularly patient. Keelung, my partner is. (5) I like to walk. Walking 4-8 miles a day is not a problem for me (at least below 2000 meters in altitude in any way!) My back and legs are reluctant to walk in one place for more than ten minutes. (6) I like it quiet, especially outside "in nature." (7) I wanted to see the great archaeological sites in northern Peru, Chan Chan and Chavin, and I thought we would the Peruvian North Coast, not in the Andes. (I think that "fact" of the Andes, both in Peru and Ecuador, and my body does not adjust particularly well at high altitudes.) Stipulate that before I pay money to go on tour, I should have insisted on receiving and reviewing a detailed itinerary. (The one we received, along with a checklist of birds of 36 pages was a list of names of hotels and phone numbers.) THE TRIPFrustrations started before falling to the ground. We were under 6 AM flight on American Airlines from San Francisco to Miami with a stop for three hours before a Lima-Miami. When we arrived, as required at 5 am to SFO, the estimated departure time was moved back to 8. About 7 has been moved back to 10. I do not know if and when he finally flew to Miami. We were rebooked through Los Angeles, losing my place of business class internationally, while the ratio of international air time intranational passes from one to 1-8-to-one. Not only do you get to Lima hours later than expected, but close by bus for 8.5 hours when I should have been queued for immigration business class.The Peruvian airport in Lima around midnight consumed another 1.5 hours , followed by half hour taxi ride to Miraflores. When we finally reached the hotel at 2 am, we were informed that (1), despite our reservations, there was no rooms with two beds and (2) we would be leaving to return to the airport at 6 am . Even before seeing Eric was tired and frustrated, not only to American Airlines, but for him to not do that our room accommodation request was waiting for us and not to stay somewhere close to airport.I met the other two members paying the group a couple of Oregon and I will call Oink Ooie, en route to the airport, where Eric's wife and daughter had arrived on a red-eye flight through Miami. We had breakfast at the airport and then flew to an exhausting journey for Cajamarca.After Cumbe Maya, presumably a pre-Inca site, though the primary site for birdwatching. After a few shocks and more advanced, we visited the niche in a sandstone cliff called Ventillas (windows), where I got sick. The group returned to Cajamarca for lunch. I went back to the hotel and missed the afternoon trip to the spa. (The group did not go into the room that the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa, was filled with gold to redeem himself from the Spaniards, who tried and had strangled him after the ransom.) I was surprised to hear Eric say " ; No one got sick, "and stressed that I had. I see this as an early indication of insensitivity to what was happening. Remember, this is a group with only four members.After that payment, the journey continues to consist of early departures and late arrivals, except for some brief stops along the way, the stages birdwatching continued long after the other Horvaths, Ooie , and I stopped and returned to the van, and often after they had seen Keelung. The Ooie fond of his wife may have been perfectly happy to wait for hours every day for Oink and Eric. Keelung wanted to go to accommodation the night before dark to resolve. Keelung and I paid as much as Oink and Ooie, Eric and never once mentioned the awareness that there was something wrong with three or four or even four out of four members of the group waiting (cumulatively for several hours). The road down and the "Grand Canyon" or Peru, the Marañón is rough and narrow with huge dropoffs. Step on it is regularly blocked by derrumbes. (Fran - a word that provides opportunities to prove that I can roll my r) About three-quarters of the way up to Leyembamba, a road crew was cliffisde dynamite on the road. "Hysterical" is the only possible description for the behavior of Eric in the van. Rather than do something to calm our anxieties, went on an extended rant that makes the scenes "crazy" in the works of Bellini seems mild in comparison. He wanted to turn around and go back down, the town of Balsas, which the guidebook describes systems that are very questionable ("what could pass as a 'room'"). All others remained calm and willing, if necessary, to spend the night in the van at an altitude of 10,000 feet, rather than go down and then again the next day.The mad at the scene showed only a non derrumbe lack of leadership calming but also a lack of common sense. On the contrary, Keelung extrapolated progress to clarify the way and predicted that it would be passable at 18:00. Which proved to be almost the exact time when the caterpillar crossed by car (and then spent another ten minutes to clean up remaining debris). We spent three nights in a bungalow at the new Biolgica Estacion Lechucita Bgotona, by Patricia Bra Reserve, which has allowed me to skip pre-breakfast birdwatching. The last full day there (the eleventh of the trip), I was frustrated at the low ratio of time to watch the birds standing time hoping something would appear (see # 5 in the preface). I estimate that I was seeing the birds for about a second of each three minutes of standing around. (I think forbade including hours of bad roads in the denominator!) Oink and Keelung are better at spotting (finding) the birds myself, but I very much doubt that if not to the hummingbird feeders their relationship could be over a second out of every minute of standing.I was also fed up with Eric and Oink (especially Eric), playback of recordings to try to attract "birds target out (see # 6 in the preface). territorial birds respond to what sounds like intruders in their territory, which means that ornithologists have a better chance to see them. I find the repetition of recordings (and also without any response, Eric was not inhibited by concern about upsetting the birds literally more than half a dozen iterations) harmful, as well as harmful to the birds. They get distracted by food or rest, and the instinctive emotional responses probably shorten their lives.I found that among the vast expanses of time in the van and walk around, I was not quite the exercise of the trip, and walked along the Street (appropriately sunscreened, but the water does not carry or rain). I went a few miles (5 km?). The next day, between Olmos and Jaen, just above the watershed (finally, at least on the side of the Pacific, rather than discharge to / through the Amazon), I'm still tired of being around to torture and / or pending birds and approached. I had my conversation with more extensive than our two Peruvian pilots. They were returning home, carrying things and / or pushing a bicycle. They all told me that if I wanted to see birds, I should go down and west.I was acquired by the driver of the second string that said it was time to go. When I returned to the group, Eric said that the driver was going to make me their own initiative and that there was nothing to do in Olmos. I decided to take the dirt road (avoiding the bumpy ride) to the highway. It was about 16:00. I decided to leave my jacket in the van, but has water.I visa is the supposed "target bird" for parking (two flycatchers, at least half a dozen local variety of finches Inca) on the road. The young Peruvian with whom I spoke were right.I I thought I'd be overcome before reaching the main road, but it was not. I decided that if it was raining, I get wet and headed for the highway. According to the signs on the road, I went another 3.5 km on the road before being picked up in Olmos up.By arriving late and leaving early, Eric made sure that no one could know if there was something in the Olmos.At end of dinner (I have omitted to say that Eric has gone through the checklist and Oink bird almost every dinner; Keelung kept his and has ceased to participate, having his own irritation with the two of them and their ways of field), Eric getting nominated out at 5 am the next morning.I asked for a departure time of the company. Choctmal leaving the Lodge (where we had no electricity because the power plant in Chachapoyas had some broken belt and Eric had a less extended "mad scene" shaking alternatives that do not exist) would be at 6.30. Instead of leaving on time, Eric has Oink out to show him something and not leave until almost 7. He appointed a 9 AM departure from Abra Patricia and was the last to arrive at the van, so we left at 9:30. The bird of destination that morning was an adult male Spatuletail Marvelous. We had seen the young males with their extravagant (mot-mot-like) stories. After climbing up a path that has been alternately mud and loose rocks, we waited over an hour before I gave up. The only bird I saw on the way up other than domestic fowl was a black vulture in the sky. Oink Ooie brief appearances and got the bird landing. Then we had lunch back from bird feeders to which we have again seen young men Marvelous Spatuletails.There 1300 some birds are documented in Peru, and I fully appreciate the past in less than three hours (and some difficult climbing up and down) to see better example of one of them. (Actually, this would be absurd even for hardcore birders eager to increase the number of species seen!) I do not want to get up at 5 am and wait again. Eric said that those who went birding this morning at 5:15 on the left. However, he did not disclose that the bags were being put on top of the van later, so that, after careful and to be ready without waking, Keelung had to knock on the door so that I could open for him to put the bags again. And our real departure from Jaen, the four paying members of the group were also waiting in the lobby for him.I said that my goal was not to ask for recrimination, but to decide the point at which to set the awake, but he could not (not) give me a start time of the company. He reiterated that the best time for bird watching is at dawn. Vital as it was to get to the birds when they wake up, coffee to Oink and Mrs. Horvath was more important. We could not leave before they got their coffee, so he could not give a firm departure time.The White-Winged Guan (a bird that looks like a wattled turkey black) was reintroduced in Quebrada Limón, an hour and a half unity of the north-east Olmos (70 of 90 minutes on rough dirt road). The White-winged Guan is also Chaparro Conservation Reserve which is located east of Chiclayo on a paved road. (That is, instead of being trapped in Olmos or long for that big problem, I could go somewhere near Chiclayo, while those who wanted to try the semi-wild Guan did. Guans really wild and I saw the 'I have seen other types of birds that were born / bred in captivity and released.) Olmos If the hotel (where, incidentally, was not expected, so that the rooms had to be done after we arrived, it was after sunset) had had a pool, I would have stayed and was picked up on the way back through Olmos Chiclayo.As before driving to the case, there was another wait extended from 3 to 4 (and 6 of 7) of the van and Oink Eric and worthy let us leave). The last full day (before a 5 AM departure to airport of Chiclayo followed by a 16-hour stopover in Lima), the usual 3 to 4 did not want to get up early and go birdwatching with Oink and driver had Eric.The Oink had taken the cold before. It might be too much for Eric to take into account not just go birding because three quarters of his group did not want to go, but to force the driver to get up at 5 am ill, knowing that he had a record of six hours after the end of the trip day seems inhuman. To the repeated failure to consider the majority of the members of the group I blame Eric, not Oink. Oink wanted bird and apparently senile Ooie been certified Oink's. I think Oink is guilty for what I consider the abuse of drivers, Juvenal, in the morning last Chiclayo.After Olmos my application for a departure time business, even the oblivious / unresponsive leader (Eric) is aware that I was very resentful at having been kept waiting. He said that he would return to take those who are left behind (three quarters of the group) at about noon. I do not know when Oink got his morning coffee group and a member of the group left to pay, but had not returned at 12:30, at which time we left by taxi to the Museum of the Lords of Sipa; n.When we came back, I left a note asking for Eric to put our boarding passes, reimbursement for tickets Sipan Museum, and modest amounts for lunch and dinner on that day and the last (when he went birdwatching somewhere north of Lima) at the reception. We made our arrangements for the airport of Chiclayo and to eat, and was greatly relieved to have no further group participation.CONCLUSIONSHad I knew that the trip would have been almost entirely in the Andes and not go to one of the capitals in the north of important pre-Inca civilization Peru (see # 7 in the preface), I would go about it. I must accept the responsibility to accept the vagueness about where we were going, but I do not think that a reasonable, even moderately competent tour leader continues day after day to be outside with a member of the group, while others must wait in a previous Latin van.On American birdwatching excursions, managers (who are all natives of the country we were visiting), he would return to those waiting when (or shortly thereafter), the majority voted not to continue with their feet in one place. During a birding trip to Panama, which had 13 members, I was happy to be in the position usually swing "vote." (That is, if I came back, there would be only six in going forward.) Never, never, never before have I had to wait for the leader of a group of birds, both at the beginning or end of a day Travel and / or bird-watching (see # 2 in the preface). I have already made a birding trip in which the leader persists in birdwatching in an airport with 1/4th or 0/4ths of group.I seen some rare endemic birds and some birds that I could actually see (some flycatchers, including a Tyrant torrent I've seen for a long time, Orioles, and the usual trogons property), but I can say without reservation that I saw less and less volatile types of birds on this trip, though it was longer (both in the days and hours field) that none of the previous ones. I think Eric is a good spot and identify birds, though he has not spent much time birding northern Peru, and I think he knows where the birds are less than the native leaders of other Latin American birdwatching trips where I went. It seems to me that the birds of the northern Andes of Peru are particularly lonely. I mean even the jay (the "green jay", which looks yellow to me) are solitary in time I think Eric has become less sensitive to the needs of its customers other than the harder-core - in this case, a. He has become like a teacher who only pitches to his favorite pupil, not caring about the boredom and puzzlement of the rest of the class (group of birdwatching). If you are willing to get up very early, are 16 + hours a day, day after day after day, never get tired of waiting for the birds, are able to avoid getting sick (for the whole trip, I wondered what would happen if someone has severe diarrhea, visitors to the United States to South America regularly do!), perhaps you might consider Eric Horvath Nature Tour I have no doubt that Oink was happy with their own guide (s) to itself. Although I was a customer (I think it was in previous journeys with him and Ooie Oink, Keelung and had been with them for his Amazonian Peru / Machu Picchu in addition to a three intranational I enjoyed) and, as I wrote Oink paid as much as a doubt for the pleasure of being on this journey, I felt that I was subsidizing and Eric Oink birding trip that was beyond my patience trying to abuse real native driver (which I thought was ill-treated / Exploited in other ways during the trip - and I am sure that rather than consideration for his house, the reason was abandoned before us to the airport of Chiclayo was to avoid paying for his accommodation and meals for our yesterdays evening in Chiclayo). We (not just me!) Were so frustrated by Eric's "leadership" of North Peru trip, his (mis) treatment of customers, local people and birds, also makes it clear that local will be the last Eric Horvath Nature Tour for one of us. I think that drove me away from any bird watching trip in the future and nearly destroyed my interest in bird watching (remember the distinction between "bird watching", and actually observing the birds from the beginning of this long posting!). So, perhaps, may be considered a cure for every interest to go birdwatching trips to: here's my bottom line is that I title.The 'shoulda stood in bed' - or at least at home, and certainly should not have signed up for a Travel without a path that would tell me that this was not where I wanted to go in northern Peru.

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