Bora Bora

Continuing from that amazing trip to Italy, we venture to one of the most amazing tropical islands on earth. Bora Bora is a spectacle to behold and it is our 4th destination on our Twelve Week Trip. Though I could not find the meaning of Bora Bora, in my mind it means absolute bliss. This island is located within the French Polynesia, far east of Australia. It is surrounded by a lagoon and in its center are two peaks that are all that is left from a once existing volcano. The highest peak on this tiny island is 2, 385 ft despite the circumference of the island being merely 18 miles.

Bora Bora has a population of about 8, 900 people. Since the island's economy is sustained almost entirely by tourism, it is safe to say that most of this population work at or sell to resorts! Just think, the beautiful island of Bora Bora and the wonderful people of

Bora Bora serving you... a trip you would never forget. Similar to the Maldives, the resorts in Bora Bora have private over the water bungalows on stilts. These are perfect resort bungalows for couples that are looking to go on a honeymoon or are looking for some time away from the rest of the world.

An interesting fact to know about Bora Bora is that it was once a military supply base for the United States! Back in World War II, the US decided to use the island as their Navy's military supply base, Airforce's airstrip, and a seaplane base. Seven military/artillery guns were constructed around the island in defense of possible military attacks. Of course not many of us have even heard of this before, which also shows us that the base went unnoticed until the end of the war and was closed down in 1946.

Contrary to the potential violence that could have occurred on Bora Bora, it is peaceful and exhilarating. Whether you would want to feed sharks, swim with sting rays, or just explore the town, this island has it all. Who wouldn't want to spend some quality time on sandy white beaches looking into the various depths of blue waters that surround this wonder? That's what I thought.

The Fruits' of Italy

This week we travel to Europe, to a place where there is history around every corner and the food and drink quality never ends. In Italy one can find the love of the game (soccer (football)) seen all throughout the towns and in the cities. When I was younger, I had the opportunity to travel to this great nation my parents originated from, to watch my brother play for the under-18 Canada team. In fact we had traveled to Milan, Rome (Roma), Florence, Atri, and lastly to the place where my family name started in Guardiaregia one and half hours south of Rome. This by far was the best trip I have been on. The food was endless, the weather was great, and the history never stopped; there was something for everyone.When traveling to Italy, our first stop was in Milan were we spent little of our time in the fashion capital. Everywhere you turned in Milan name brands would be present as top fashion icons showcased the latest Versace, Gucci, and Loui Vuitton had to offer. After a day in the fashion capital, the team and I jump onto our next plane ride over to the city of Roma, where we then took a long bus ride through the mountains of Italy to a small town called Atri. Here we had the opportunity to unwind, and watch the U-18 Canadian boys soccer team play against some of the best young stars in Italy.

  The sights did not just stop after each great match. From the mountain ranges, to the views of the town from all four corners, many sights are to be seen like the one above. Spending 4 days in the town of Atri, we then traveled back to the city of Rome and again had the opportunity to unwind and explore this great city. In fact, Roma is filled with so much history that when traveling here, there is no need for a tour guide. You can easily find yourself throwing coins into the Trevi Fountain, searching for your inner gladiator at the world famous Colosseum and being in the center of it all in the Vatican City. Rome has endless history, with so much to be discovered by tourists and many others alike. Just a few hours north of Rome is the city of Florence, listed one of Forbes magazines most beautiful cities in the world. Known for its artistic and architectural heritage, Florence is a must stop when visiting Italy to view the greatness of what was once the Roman Empire.

Overall, Italy is a beautiful country left to be discovered by you to enjoy the fruits it offers. In Italy there is something for everyone; from food & beverages, history, and culture you can all find love on this trip.

Darwin's Discovery, The Galapagos Islands

Our next stop takes us half way around the world to the country Ecuador, but before I continue we must go back into history and discover this hidden gem. In 1836, Charles Darwin was the first explorer to land in the country on the islands of Galapagos. The Galapagos Island are made up of 13 major islands, in which five are inhabited today. Charles had spent many years surveying the coasts' of the islands to finally consolidate his work later on. After 20 years of surveying the islands, he had created the book that is still known today as The Origin of Species. As he traveled the islands for several years, Charles Darwin had noted of the unique animals with similarities of Galapagos but have adapted to their environments differently. From this book came the first theories of human development and social-hierarchy.

These islands are home to a number of different animals, such as the Hammerhead shark, Whale shark, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Green Sea Turtle, Iguanas, as well as the Galapagos Penguin and Greater Flamingo.

Today, the Galapagos Islands are a national reserve giving the opportunity to tourist to explore one of the few places left on earth uninhabited by humans'. Tours consist of boat cruises of the island, diving expeditions, as well as easy to hard travels of the Galapagos landscape.

Traveling to the islands range from $300.00 - $600.00 per day, but do not let the price scare you a trip to the Galapagos can be one you just may never forget.

For more information and videos please click the links provided below.

Also be sure to comment and send us any recommendations for a location, as well as check below and watch Google map the Galapagos islands!

Happy travels everyone and see you next time!

http://www.galapagosislands.com/index.html

 

 

The Maldives

For those who want to experience heaven on earth, The Maldives are the place to be. Located south west of Southern India and Sri Lanka, this small group of islands has a population of over 300,000 people. Its sandy white beaches, transparent waters, and very distinct corals have given tourists the entire package for an amazing vacation. The Maldives are approximately 1,200 coral islands that also produce 27 different atolls. What is an atoll you ask? Well, it is a round coral reef that forms into a circle. This spectacular shape creates a lagoon with coral and many sea animals in the middle, while on the outside is an island that encompasses this beautiful spectre.

The name Maldives originates from the Sanskrit words, "Mala" and "Dvipa". "Mala" means garland and "Dvipa" means islands, hence, the garland islands. This name was given to the country because the different islands created an image resembling a garland from a birds-eye-view. 

Below is a video that shows everything the Maldives has to offer us. Check it out and sip on some iced tea while watching it.

The Maldives are the first stop on our twelve week trip. Be sure to do some more research on it and enjoy your vacation when you get a chance to visit this paradise. Stay tuned for our next trip..