International Adventure Travel

International adventure travel: Safaris, balloon tours, swimming with dolphins, bicycling down volcanos, trekking in the Himalayas, Walmart on Christmas Eve – the list is almost endless. This will not be a comprehensive listing of all the adventure opportunities out there. Instead, here is just enough to whet your appetite.

My Own International Adventure Travel

Long before hitchhiking across the country at sixteen-years-old, I had a taste for adventure. At fourteen, a friend and I bicycled 300 miles in a few days during one summer. At seventeen, I went international with my adventuring, hitchhiking from Michigan to half-way across Mexico. Over forty now, I no longer put out my thumb – not very often, anyhow – but I still love to travel.

More recently, my international adventure travel took me to Ecuador. While there I climbed to the furthest point from the center of the Earth. Everest is highest above sea level, but due to the Earth’s bulge at the equator, the peak of Mount Chimborazo, at 20,600 feet, is farther from from the center of our planet. The top is all snow, ice, and glaciers.

My guide didn’t speak English, and thought I was a mountaineer. I had once used an ice axe and crampons to go forty feet up a sledding hill, in Michigan. The rest of the story is on the website, but you can get information and a guide by talking to almost any hotel manager in Riobamba, Ecuador.

Go On A Jungle Book Safari

In southern Nepal, In the Royal Chitwan National Park, you can see tigers, leopards, rhinos, and sloth-bears. And where better to see them from than the back of a large elephant? The tours are lead by naturalists and park rangers. Stay in the comfortable Safari Lodge and take daily tours into the jungle.

Take A Mongolian Horseback Trek

Travel with one of the great nomadic and horse-based cultures of the world. The trips take you beyond tourist routes, and you can customize your trek to fit your schedule and budget. These tours are run from an office in Mongolia, and they provides experienced guides that are multi-lingual.

Go Rock Climbing In Rio

Want an outdoor adventure and city nightlife? Try a rock climbing tour in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. You’ll find routes for all skill levels in the Sugar Loaf, Urca, Corcovado and Pedra da Gavea mountains. Tours include bilingual instructors, equipment rentals, and transportation, and start at under $100 per person.

Swim With Dolphins In The Croatian Sea

Escape from the cold this winter, to the Cres-Lošinj group of islands, which is known for it’s mild climate. Mali Lošinj on the island of Lošinj is known for its health resort, but recently, the area is becoming famous for the bottle-nosed dolphins that have made their homes in the clear and clean waters of the Cres-Lošinj group of islands. Mingle with them by boat or in your swimsuit.

Climb Mount Kinabalu

Mt. Kinabalu (4101m) is the king of the Borneo sub-continent. It rises 3000 feet higher than other mountains in the area; far above the jungle. It attracts international climbers of all skill levels, who scramble, climb and trek in its unique jungle-alpine enviroment. Kinabalu is in a world heritage site that boasts a wide variety of plants and animals. Experienced guides will take you trekking, or take you to the top.

Sherpa Survival Skills on the Annapurna Circuit

Sherpa Survival Skills on the Annapurna Circuit

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“The Himalayas,”I said to myself as the sky grew dark around us.

The Annapurna Circuit is the most popular trek in Nepal. The entire trek lasts three weeks from start to finish, weather permitting. Most trekkers begin the trek out of Pokhara (about five hours outside of Kathmandu). From there one must obtain an easy-to-process permit in order to spend more than one night on the circuit. The area is administered by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, which strives to preserve the cultural, and natural resources.

Without any hassle my friends and I hired a Sherpa to take us on a guided tour throughout the circuit. I am thankful we did because our experienced Sherpa saved my life.

My travel companions and I edged our way along the Annapurna Circuit towards our rest stop for the night, trying to beat nightfall. It was December and the air was cool that time of year in Nepal. The night before we left, I had come down with a simple head cold.

I never thought this trip would bring me danger.

In the distance I could barely make out a village where we would be spending the night, after our long eight-hour day of hard climbing. The word village was a funny way to describe three shacks and a mud hut restaurant perched on a mountainside, lit up only by candlelight. I remember this one night in particular, the night my trekking adventure took a turn for the worst.

A weathered but beautiful Nepalese woman greeted us upon arrival. Her hands were dirty and callused from an obvious hard day in the vertical layered fields she plowed into the mountainside. Her eyes were deep, dark, and told a long tale without her saying a word. She warmly smiled at our tired expressions and showed us to where we would spend the night. Her children played and curiously popped their heads in and out of the doorway to our room. Playfully they would yell “Namaste” then run away excited for us to respond. They were so content in their world, far away from the noise and chaos of the city; bare feet and torn clothes, but not a care in the world. To them happiness was really within and not in the circumstance.

After a warm meal I was

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By Joanna Niebler – Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

About the Author

Joanna Neibler – Jetsetters Magazine. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

A Room With A View

In March of 1999, the Guinness Book of Records bestowed upon Hotel Everest View the title of Highest Placed Hotel in the World. This hotel is situated 13,000 ft (3,964 m) above sea level in Sagarmatha National Park in the Southern Khumbu region of Nepal. With its luxurious accommodations, guests stay overlooking the Himalayan peaks and Mt. Everest.

A Japanese construction company, Trans Himalayan Tours Ltd, built the Hotel Everest View in 1968. In October of 1973, the hotel opened its doors for the first time. The hotel was built with the intentions of attracting wealthy Japanese tourists seeking luxurious getaways that offered a breathtaking view of Mt. Everest. In order to accommodate tourists, the Shyangboche airstrip was built to receive private plans and helicopters.

Unfortunately, the Japanese tourists encountered some difficulties adjusting from a lower altitude to 10,000 ft above sea level. Tourists flying into the Shyangboche airstrip from Japan experienced horrible motion sickness, including nausea and vomiting. Even though Hotel Everest View offered a beautiful view of the surrounding peaks and high-quality accommodations, guests were unable to enjoy themselves.

Hotel management tried desperately to resolve the issue by supplying guests with oxygen tanks, but the problem still remained. It was after several deaths were reported that the government finally took action and forced the Shyangboche airstrip to shut down, leaving Japanese tourists to fly into Lukla (9,200 ft) and walk three-days up the mountainside.

Elimination of chartered flights into Shyangboche airstrip caused a devastating affect on tourism for Hotel Everest View. Very few tourists would endure the three-day hike up the mountainside to enjoy the amenities of the hotel. Business declined rapidly and left the facility bare. Since than, the Shyangboche airstrip has reopened to transport gear and supplies to Mount Everest. Tourists that are accustomed to the altitude fly into Shyangboche airstrip to visit the Hotel Everest View.

Tourists still climb up the mountainside from Namche Bazaar, in the Himalayas, to stay at Hotel Everest View. Although the menu has changed from ravishing meals to light food and hot and cold beverages, this Japanese run establishment’s accommodations are still breathtaking. For a reasonable rate ($170-$270 per night), guests can enjoy a luxurious room overlooking the surrounding peaks.

Hotel Everest View is staffed with Sherpa people, who are natives to the Mt. Everest region. ‘Om mani padme hum’, a Tibetan Buddhist mantra, is inscribed on the hotel interior walls. These ancient stone carvings serve as a constant reminder of the Sherpas’ deep religious beliefs. A Sherpa tour guide is on hand for guests.

Plane or helicopter charters are available for guests that desire a more direct flight to the hotel. Guests may also take advantage of a 50 minute flight over Shyangboche from Kathmandu and walk 45-minutes up the mountain trail to Hotel Everest View.

Reservations and transportation can be arranged through:

Hotel Everest View
P.O. Box 1624
Durbar Marg
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 977-01-224854
Shyangboche: 977-038-40118
Fax: 977-01-227289
Credit Cards Accepted

About The Author

Scott Chamaden owns and runs Route Four Travel a quality source of travel related information. For more travel articles take a look at: http://www.rftravel.com/ezine/

Book reviews: The Virgin Goddess, by Anjali Paul

“THE VIRGIN GODDESS” by ANJALI PAUL

The Virgin Goddess is a meticulously researched story of a girl who was selected as the Royal Kumari of Kathmandu, Nepal at the age of four. A Kumari is a pre-pubescent girl who is worshipped as a living goddess until she begins to menstruate – unless she suffers an accident involving the loss of a large amount of blood, in which case she is replaced at that time. All being well, she is only deposed at puberty, when she rejoins her family – and society – as an ordinary girl, while another pre-pubescent girl takes her place as the living goddess. The prevailing trend is to de-mystify such ancient traditions – but this novel, which is the only one ever to have been written about this subject, exuberantly re-mystifies it, revealing a clear-eyed understanding of the deep spiritual knowledge which nourishes this cultural practice.

The heroine of “The Virgin Goddess” is called Archita Shakya. The novel tells the story of her life as the Kumari and her attempts to adjust to life afterwards. When she is deposed she returns to her family and acquires an education which is cut short during the pro-democracy struggles in Nepal of 1989-1990. Her marriage is arranged to a man who is murdered on their wedding night. She escapes from Kathmandu with the help of her childhood friend who facilitates her flight by arranging a new identity for her. On her escape journey she is robbed and left for dead. However, she survives (though she suffers temporary amnesia) and marries an English artist who does not know that she was the Kumari. He takes her to London with him. In England she attempts to make her mark as an artist, but is committed to a psychiatric hospital after her second husband dies. By the time she comes out she has lost her original identity completely. While telling Archita Shakya’s story the novel explores the impact of cultural background and conditioning, religion, power, and status on personal identity.

“The Virgin Goddess” by Anjali Paul (published by Kennedy & Boyd Ltd.) is available from Waterstones and other major bookshops. It can also be ordered from Amazon.com. and Amazon.co.uk

Clinical-epidemiological Investigation of Moldy Corn Poisoning Due to Penicillium Spp in Mules at Udayapur District, Nepal

Clinical-Epidemiological Investigation of Moldy Corn Poisoning due to Penicillium spp in mules at Udayapur District, Nepal

1.Dr.Kedar Karki

Vet. Officer,

Dr.Poornima Manandhar SVO

Central Vet. Laboratory. Tripureswor Kathmandu Nepal

Abstract:

An clinical epidemiological investigation of Acute sudden death syndrome due to which 31 mules from a herd of 9oo died within the period of 2006-7-12 to2006-10-21 in Udayapur District Nepal. These animals were being used for good transportation work in hilly region of Nepal. On rout these animals were being fed only whole maize and grame.Normally healthy looking animals started dying suddenly. Initially suspected for acute bacterial disease and treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and vaccinated with bacterial vaccine.On close observation of herd their feed stuff revealed grains fed to these animal during rainy season was found 20% moldy in appearance. On Postmortem examination acute severe congestion and hemorrhages in liver, lung, spleen heart, intestinal mucosa were found.Histopathological examination of tissue from these organs revealed infiltration of mononuclear cell in tissue indicative of chronic nature of condition.Continous use of apparently 15-20% moldy grain (maize, gram) was used as feed. On laboratory analysis of sample of same grain was found to be containing 60-110CFU/gm of Penicillium spp of fungus. When remaining herd still using same feed treated with toxin binder (toxicurb, varishta), liver tonic like bioliv, digevet, mineral mixture promin and immunocare controlled the mortality may be indicative of the disease syndrome being caused by moldy corn poisoning similar to condition Equine Encephalomalacia.Laboratory findings and response of treatment indicates that during rainy season and immediately after rainy season feeding of stored grains are going to be detrimental to equine species. During this period care should be taken to feeding grains to this animal if treated with any toxin binder as well as herbal immunomodulater is going to reduce the chances of occurring this syndrome.

History: The DLSO Udayapur reported the periodic death of total 31 adult mules during o63/2/16-o63/7/6.With sowing symptoms like Abnormal behavior, aggression, changing habits, Abnormal proprioceptive positioning, Abnormal pupillary response to light, Agalactia, Anorexia, Ataxia, Blindness, Circling, Colic, Coma, Cyanosis, Decreased amount of stools, absent feces, constipation, Decreased borborygmi, Decreased, absent thirst, hypodipsia, adipsia, Dehydration, Difficulty in prehending or chewing food, Disoriented, Dullness, Dysmetria, Dysphagia, Dyspnea, Excessive salivation, Excitement, Generalized weakness, Head pressing, Head shaking, , Head, face, ears, jaw weakness, droop, Head, face, ears, jaw, nose, nasal, swelling, Head, face, neck, tongue hypoesthesia, Hemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria, Hyperesthesia, Icterus, Inability to stand, Increased respiratory rate, Mydriasis, Opisthotonus, Paraparesis, Petechiae or ecchymoses, Propulsion, Red or brown urine, Reluctant to move, Seizures or syncope, Skin edema, Sudden death, Sweating, Tetraparesis, Tongue weakness, Trembling, Tremor, Underweight, poor condition, thin, emaciated, unthriftiness, ill thrift, Weight loss

Death within 10-15 minutes after collapsing on the ground. These herd were being treated with antibiotics and vaccinated against anthrax during this period with unchecked mortality. On field investigation, obtaining a thorough history and completing a physical examination, it was discovered that the horses were being fed cracked and moldy corn.

Review of Literatures:

Penicillium grain mold is probably the second most common grain mold pathogen. It may be caused by several species of Penicillium, including P. oxalicum and P. chrysogenum. Penicillium species are well adapted to survival in many types of storage facility. Kernel infection can occur in the field or in storage. Symptoms range from external mold development to internal discoloration (“Blue Eye”) of the embryo. Symptoms caused by Penicillium are easy to confuse with those caused by Aspergillus glaucus. Mycotoxins most fungi produce a class of chemical compounds called secondary metabolites. These compounds have a wide range of biological activities including antibiotic (antibacterial and antifungal), acute and chronic toxicities (plant, animal, and humans), and hormone and growth regulation (plants and animals). It is not unusual for more than one species of grain mold pathogen to be present within a single storage bin and many grain mold pathogens can be active under the same environmental conditions providing for the opportunity to have more than one mycotoxin produced in a lot of contaminated grain. The nature of the toxic effects caused by mycotoxins varies greatly. Some mycotoxins cause acute toxicities (i.e., immediate effect) where a certain organ (e.g., liver, kidney) loses complete or partial function; other mycotoxins cause chronic toxicities (i.e., long-term) resulting in symptoms such as weight loss and reproductive dysfunction. Still other mycotoxins impair the immune system predisposing the affected animal to a variety of infections or other ailments. For some mycotoxins damage is not permanent and affected animals can recover from ingestion if the contaminated feed is removed from the diet.( Jim Stack, ).

Equine leukoencephalomalacia commonly called “Moldy Corn Poisoning”, is a disease of the central nervous system that affects horses, mules, and donkeys. It is commonly associated with feeding of moldy corn over several days to weeks. The clinical signs associated with the neurologic form of Equine leukoencephalomalacia in horses include apathy, drowsiness, pharyngeal paralysis, blindness, circling, difficulty backing, staggering, hyper excitability, seizures and eventual recumbency. However, in some cases, sudden death may be the only clinical sign observed. Once animals show the neurological signs, death usually occurs within 48-72 hours. If an animal survives the acute syndrome, neurological deficits are observed. A recovered horse is sometimes referred to as a “dummy” because of its loss of intelligence. Histologically, there may be diffuse vacuolization of hepatocytes, fatty degeneration, centrilobular necrosis with inflammatory cell infiltrate, bile duct proliferation, bile stasis, increased mitotic figures within the hepatocytes, or periportal fibrosis. Equine leukoencephalomalacia is a generally fatal, rapidly progressing neurologic disease of horses (and other equids) caused by ingestion of fumonisin. Horses showing these signs will usually become recumbent and comatose in 1 to 10 days and may show clonic-tonic convulsions before dying. In some cases, frantic behavior such as head pressing, agitation, hyper excitability, profuse sweating and delirium may be observed. It is characterized by liquefactive necrosis of the cerebral white matter. Liver lesions can also occur. The extent of contamination of raw corn with fumonisins varies with geographic location, agronomic and storage practices, and the vulnerability of the plants to fungal invasion during all phases of growth, storage, and processing. The levels of fumonisins in raw corn are also influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall during pre-harvest and harvest periods. High levels of fumonisins are associated with hot and dry weather, followed by periods of high humidity. High levels of fumonisins may also occur in raw corn that has been damaged by insects. Horses, along with rabbits, are the species most sensitive to the toxic effects of fumonisin. Ruminants, mink and poultry are more resistant than horses, rabbits, catfish and swine to fumonisin. Onset of clinical signs can occur from 1-21 weeks after beginning eating feeds containing fumonisin, but generally occur within 2-9 weeks. Time of onset depends on the concentration of fumonisins in the feed. Clinical signs of fumonisin poisoning in horses are usually related to liquefactive necrosis of the white matter of the brain and include progressive ataxia, depression, anorexia, delirium, aimless wandering, recumbency, coma and death. Death can occur from 12 hours – 1 week after onset of clinical signs. At necropsy, lesions in the cerebral cortex can range from none to multifocal areas of hemorrhage and necrosis, to the presence of large cavitations of liquefactive necrosis. Histologically, there are multifocal areas of liquefactive necrosis within the cerebral cortex with infiltration of macrophages. Differential diagnoses should include rabies, equine encephalomyelitis, equine herpes virus, botulism, head trauma, hepatoencephalopathy, and bacterial meningoencephalitis (Dr. Steve Hooser, Dr. Duane Murphy 2003).

Material and Methods:

Mule population and Husbandry in Udaypur:

A total 900 mules are being used for domestic good transportation to hilly district under Mule Transporters Society since B.S.2060.A total of 50 members are being involved in this bissunes.Mules are generally fed on dry whole maize,grame grains. These grains are generally purchased from market only small part of it is utilized from domestic production. These grains are having moldiness upto15-20%and are not processed before feeding.

Preliminary Field Investigation:

Post-mortem examination of death Mule revealed severe congestion of liver, lung,speen, heart,serosangqinus fluid in thoracic cavity.Haemorrhage in stomach mucosa. Preliminary cause of sudden death was suspected for moldy grain poisoning.

For bacteriological culture of smear, swab,blood.

Liver, lung, spleen, heart tissue for histopathology.

Blood for bacteriological, parasitological examination.

Liver, lung, spleen,heart,intestine for toxicological analysis

.Fecal samples for endoparasite examination.

Serum for serological examination.

Feedgrains:Maize,Grame for mycological culture identification,quantitification were collected.

Mules in herds were provided with toxinbinder, adaptogen, immunomodulater, vitaminBcomplex as treatment and preventive measure.

Laboratory Investigation:

Bacteriological culture of tissue specimen, swab blood: revealed no growth of any bacteria. Blood parasite: Negative.Chemical toxin in tissue: negative. Intestinal parasite: Mixed Strongyels spp.

Penicillium, Aspergillus, Candida spp on mycological media.

6*10-110*10 CFU/gm Penicillium colonies recorded in feed samples.

Histopathological changes: Liver,: Fatty degeneration of hepatocytes.Mononuclear cells infiltration in the form of few nodules.

Lungs: Perivascular cuffing. Infiltration of mononuclear cells in the form of nodules.

Kidney:Deep medullary region reveals infiltration of mononuclear cells.

Spleen: The number of white cells seems to be increased in the area of white pulp. Suggestive of chronic/viral disease.

Serum sample :

Revealed positive for for Japanese’s Encephalitis(Elisa)

Treatment and Control Measure advised:

Advised for proper drying of grain before feeding. 2% Copper sulfate to be mixed in grain before feeding. Commercial toxinbinders,Varishta, Toxicurb @ 1kg/tone of grain for 15days along with Liver tonic, Immunomodulaters, Vitamin B complex.

Result and Discussion:

Approximately 15-20% moldy corn infestated with Penicillium spp being fed regularly to these herd.Intermitent but acute sudden death during post rainy season suggest the death due to fungal toxin.Histopathological changes in the tissue of lung ,liver, kidney are similar to the findings of other workers. Histologically, a center of necrosis with no recognizable structure will be observed. The transition between normal and necrotic tissue will often show hemorrhage, edema, congested blood vessels and neuronophagia. In animals with the hepatotoxic syndrome, livers will be swollen and a diffuse yellow-brown color. Irregular nodules and pale foci can be seen in hepatic parenchyma. (Dr. Steve Hooser, Dr. Duane Murphy 2003).Pathogenicity of Fusarium revealed that it causes hepatic congestion with mild triaditis, pulmonary congestion, and splenic lymphoid hyperplasia (Karki 2003) .Further more a positive response to treatment with toxinbinder, adaptogen,immunomdulater further confirm the sudden death was due to moldy corn poisoning. Further monitoring of finding of this investigation is suggested.

Conclusion:

Findings of this investigation indicates that moldy feed grains and ingredients are infested with toxic fungus is emerging as a new health hazard for livestock and poultry.Simultonious use of toxinbinder,adaptogen like livertonic,mineralmixture and Immunomodulaters drugs promises to help in minimizing health risk in livestock and poultry production should be looked into.

References:

1:MOLDY CORN POISONING HORSES:(Equine LeukoencephalomalaciaMark Russell, PhD, Department of Animal Sciences Don Scott, PhD, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology William Hope, DVM, Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesCooperative Extension ServicePurdue UniversityWest Lafayette, IN 47907 , BOLETIM TÉCNICO No. 15 – http://www.micotoxinas.com.br/ Retrieved on 21/6/2007

2:FINAL DIAGNOSIS -Moldy Corn Poisoning (Equine Leucoencephalomalacia, Fumonisin Toxicity) in Horses : Dr. Steve Hooser, ADDL Toxicologist Dr. Duane Murphy, ADDL Pathologist Spring 2003 Newsletter http;//www.addl.purdue.edu/newsletters/2003/Spring/finaldx.shtml. Retrieved on 21/6/2007

3:Prevent mycotoxin’s harmful effects from impacting your horse’s health and performance.Mycotoxins in Equine Feed,: By Trevor K. Smith, PhD, PAg www.ecmagazine.net/…/mycotoxin2.jpg Retrieved on 21/6/2007

4:Grain Molds and Mycotoxins in Corn: Jim Stack, Extension Research Plant Pathologist Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture.http://cbc.homestead.com/Archives.html, Retrieved on 21/6/2007

5:Toxocurb:www.polchemgroup.com.

6:Varishta:www.varshagroup.com

7:Pathogenecity Assessment of Fusarium graminearum in Mice. Kedar B.Karki:pp14,Vetcon 2003, 7th national veterinary conference 2003,Nepal Veterinary Association.

Acknowledgement:

We would like to acknowledge Dr.Rebti Man Shrestha Chief Veterinary Officer,Dr.Salina Manandhar,Dr.Binaya Kumar Karna,Dr.Pragya Koirala Veterinary Officer and all laboratory technician for their contribution in Laboratory work and investigation work.

Nepal Land Of Scenic Splendor

Nepal, draped along the spine of the Himalayas, is bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east and west. For a relatively small country, the Nepali landscape is uncommonly diverse, ranging from the humid terrain in the south to the lofty Himalayas in the north. It is notable that within a very small width the elevation of Nepal increases from the plain terrain to the tallest Himalayas leading to a great vegetation. Nepal boasts eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest on the border with Tibet. Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city. The other main cities include Biratnagar, Birgunj, Janakpur, Pokhara, Nepalgunj, Mahendranagar etc. The origin of the name Nepal is uncertain, but the most popular understanding is that it derived from Ne (holy) and pal (cave).The Terai Plains bordering India are part of the northern rim of the Indo-Gangetic plains. They were formed and are fed by three major rivers: the Kosi, the Narayani (India’s Gandak River), and the Karnali. This region has a hot, humid climate.The Mountain Region contains the highest region in the world. The world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest (Sagarmatha in Nepali) at 8,850 m is located on the border with Tibet. Eight of the world’s ten highest mountains are located in Nepal. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak, is also located on its eastern border with Sikkim. Deforestation is a major problem in all regions, with resulting erosion and degradation of ecosystems.Nepali culture is influenced by the cultures of Tibet, which borders to the north, and India, which borders to the south. There are similarities in clothing, language and food. A typical Nepali meal is dal-bhat, boiled lentils served with rice and vegetables, and some spicy relish. This is consumed twice daily, once in the morning and again after sunset. Between these main meals, snacks such as chiura (beaten rice) and tea are consumed. Meat, eggs, and fish are also eaten, particularly in the mountainous regions, where the diet tends to be richer in protein. Millet-based alcoholic drinks are popular, including chhaang and the distilled rakshi.Telecommunication in Nepal is growing up steadily. Nepal has just recently begun to privatize telecommunications within the country. Cell phones and pagers have been made available from Mid-1999. VOIP (Voice Over IP) license is not yet provided. AT&T has linked up to allow card calls and access number is 0-800-77001. Nepal’s Country Code is 977, and Kathmandu’s city code is 1. Normal and Mobile phone numbers are 7 and 10 digits respectively. So, calling Nepal is bit costly though phone cards are available on net. In most services, Nepal calling rates starts from 15 cents per minute. Several prepaid calling card and phone card companies are available to call both to and from Nepal.

Dwarikas The Top Hotel In Kathmandu Nepal

Dwarikas Hotel in Kathmandu Nepal is everything you would want to find in an hotel. It has the architecture of an ancient building, yet this is a boutique style hotel with all the facilities and none of the drawbacks of an international style hotel.

The architects who designed Dwarikas can be very proud of their efforts in creating a unique atmosphere and yet such luxury in absolutely stunning surroundings. Kathmandu is such an evocative city, and Dwarikas Hotel blends in totally.

Dwarikas has 74 sumptuous rooms and suites, and unlike modern chain hotels, they are all unique in their design and character, and when you arrive you will be given a traditional Nepalese greeting with a prayer shawl. A nice touch, very genuine and not at all tacky as it sounds.

The rooms at Dwarikas are in the main enormous, with huge bathrooms, enormous beds, and the whole room is redolent of Nepalese architecture with traditional woodwork everywhere from the windows, the doors, the furniture. All of this is a long way from the norm in modern hotels, in fact the hotel encourages local people in ancient woodworking techniques to keep them alive.

Dwarikas has also a beautiful swimming pool, lovely landscaped gardens, and there is no doubt it is a place to fall in love with. The staff seem to have been born with a smile on their faces, and they are so willing to help with everything from changing money or organising taxis. Great staff make such a difference and Dwarikas has chosen well, trained them even better, and it is such a joy when staff speak English!!

One of the great things about Dwarikas Hotel in Kathmandu is the cost, because you will get great value for your money here in Nepal. One area where this is especially obvious is in the Krishnarpan Restaurant, where their 6 and 12 course banquets are a great introduction to Nepalese food, and that is something Dwarikas is famous for.

Outside the hotel it is well worth trying the Third Eye restaurant in Thamel for delicious local and international food.

In terms of the Dwarikas being a hotel in Kathmandu it really isn’t within walking distance, but there are plenty taxis and they aren’t expensive. Dwarikas is also not really a small children’s hotel in that there aren’t children’s meals, or clubs, but for children who can do without that sort of thing, there won’t be a problem.

The best time to visit Kathmandu is between October and May

In conclusion Dwarikas allows you a look into what Nepal was like in past times, and its traditions, but has all the modern conveniences you should expect from what is undoubtedly the best hotel in Kathmandu, a haven of peace and quiet far from the hustle and bustle.

For further details about hotels on the Indian Sub Continent visit http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Indian-Sub-Continent/

Microgaming Slot Machines Guide: Casino Slots Games That Have Geographical Themes

Slot machines are the most popular form of casino entertainment, both at land-based casinos and on Internet gambling sites. Microgaming, the major software provider for the online gambling industry, has launched over 200 slot machine games over the past decade. Each of these slots has its own unique theme, ranging from American Indians to Japanese dining to wealth and high society. This article summarizes ten of Microgaming’s 3-reel and 5-reel slots games that have geographical themes, including 7 Oceans, Frost Bite, Island Style, Jungle 7’s, Cabin Fever, Kathnandu, Mermaids Millions, Muchos Grande, No Worries, and Pharaoh’s Tomb.

7 Oceans is a 3-reel, single payline slot machine. It is based on the 7 oceans of the world. 7 Oceans accepts coins from $0.25 to $5.00, and the maximum number of coins that you can bet per spin is 3. The maximum jackpot is 5000 coins. 7 Oceans is an ideal game for the beginning slots player.

Frost Bite is a 3-reel, single pay-line slot machine with an Arctic theme. Frost Bite accepts coins from 25¢ to $5.00, and the maximum number of coins that you can play per spin is 2. One Frost Bite symbol doubles your payout and 2 Frost Bite symbols quadruple your payout. If you hit all three Frost Bite symbols on the pay-line, you will win the maximum jackpot of $1,600.

Island Style is a 3-reel, single payline slot game with a tropical island theme. It accepts coins from $0.25 to $10.00, and the maximum number of coins that you can bet per spin is 3. The maximum jackpot is 2400 coins.

Embark on a treacherous adventure along the Inca trail.  Jungle 7’s is a 3-reel, single pay-line slot machine with an exploration and adventure theme. The coin range is 25¢ to $5.00 and you can bet up to 3 coins per pay-line per spin. With a maximum bet of $15.00, you could win a possible jackpot of $75,000 (15,000 coins).

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, Cabin Fever is a game that might appeal to you. Cabin Fever is 5-reel, 20 pay-line video slot machine all about winter. The minimum coin size is 1¢, which makes the game appealing to low rollers. Two or more Wild Blizzard symbols on the pay-line create winning combinations. Two symbols pay out $15, three symbols pay out $100, four symbols pay out $1,000, and all five Wild Blizzard symbols pay out $5,000.

Kathmandu is a 5-reel, 9 pay-line video slot that has an Far Eastern theme. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. The game accepts coins from $0.01 to $0.50, and the maximum number of coins that you can bet per spin is 250. The maximum jackpot is 6,000 coins.

Mermaids Millions is a 5-reel, 15 pay-line video slot with an oceanic theme. There are plenty of mermaids, treasure chests, sea horses, and even King Neptune himself. Two or more King Neptune symbols on the pay-line create winning combinations. Two symbols pay out $2, three symbols pay out $500, four symbols pay out $2,000, and all five King Neptune symbols pay out $7,500.

Muchos Grande is a 5-reel, 15 pay-line video slot machine with a Mexican theme. Muchos Grande is a comic world of hot peppers, egg plants, avocados, chili, rattlesnakes, and a nutty donkey. Two or more Gold Coin symbols on the pay-line create winning combinations. Two symbols pay out $4, three symbols pay out $120, four symbols pay out $1,200, and all five Gold Coin symbols pay out $9,000.

No Worries is a 5-reel, 9 payline video slot that has an Australian theme. It was released in October, 2007. No Worries accepts coins from $0.01 to $0.20, and the maximum number of coins that you can bet per spin is 90. The maximum jackpot is 5,000 coins.

Journey to the land of the Pyramids and king-sized treasures! Pharaoh’s Tomb is a 5-reel, 20 pay-line video slot with an Egyptian theme. The coin range is 1¢ to $1.00 and you can bet up to 20 coins per line. With the maximum bet of $400.00, you could win a king-sized $120,000.

So there you have it, ten 3-reel and 5-reel Microgaming slot machines that have geographical themes. Whether you play slots online or at a land-based casino, remember to gamble only with the money you can afford to lose. Decide beforehand how much you wish to spend, and don’t exceed your spending limit should you lose. Finally, have fun and quit while you are ahead.

Travel destinations: Nepal

NEPAL is the country where mountains shout ‘Never Ending Peace and Love’. Nepal is where one finds never-ending peace and love on its mountains. Mountains may be defaced by mankind. But man’s devastations can never move mountains away. Instead, through all the centuries since they were formed, its mountains have been unmovable. Nepal’s mountains will stand tall, strong and peaceful through all ages.

Mountains have always been the reason why people flock to Nepal. Mountains are where we find the immense beauty of God and His steadfastness. Mountains are where you find the pure source of living water, the silver lining on every cloud, the gentle breeze of Jesus. Mountains are where Kitaro got his inspirations to write his world renowned compositions. Mountains are where many find enlightenment.

Are there mountains which seem dead? Desert mountains seem dead but ’seem’ is the word for below the hot surface, there will always be a cool seam where life is evident, such as the hustle and bustle of a nest of busy and resilient ants. The scorching hot sun turns every pebble into potential heat energy for cooking instant noodles perhaps. Ganesh Himal in the Nepalese valley is one such range.

These desert mountains on Ganesh Himal seem deserted save for a few weird souls who are clawing away at pebble-strewn inclinations of sixty degrees or less to try to scramble up the slopes while in the nearing distance, the boots of platoons of the ever resilient and sure-footed Nepalese soldiers called Gurkha in training pound up and down the same hills in rhythmic taunts. There is never a dull moment on those earth-tone dunes of Ganesh Himal despite the burning sun.

Go to the extremes to the ridges of icy cold Everest, a wrongly spelled version of Ever rest’, perhaps. We will forever rest in peace as Sir Edmund Hillary did, having conquered its peace, or as a very good Nepalese friend of mine would say in jest, “I love myself too much to risk death scaling that mountain.” A wrong footing may snuff the very last breath out of him.

If you want to see snow, slate and ice at a less precarious altitude and yet feel a sense of accomplishment, attempt the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) treks. These range from easy the one day Royal Trek, to exhilarating the ten to fourteen day trek to the snowy white base camp. As a reward for reaching its base camp you can frolic in the freshly fallen snow the morning after. Novices who have done so would have forgotten the pain and difficulties

Best Asian destinations for the US dollar

Looking for a place to just sit back and let curiosity drive you to each corner while your wallet still feels the same size like when you were at home? How do the Himalayas sound? Yes, I am talking about Kathmandu, Nepal. It is the ideal destination to feel like Switzerland but not spending like Swiss prices.

For many, Nepal is an escape not necessarily away from reality, but where one explores numerous venues like temples, art, wild areas; valleys and mountains of so much beauty that the air is worth inhaling will you are riding a taxi cab or hiking your way inside or outside the capital.

For accommodations, Kathmandu has some of the finest hotels and accommodation services in the world. You have the luxury of staying in a five star hotel with two star prices. Food, beverages are plenty and compared to the US dollar, not even a worry. The venues are to just enjoy, as the city is surrounded by a valley continues to have delightfully cool weather; neither humid nor too dry depending at the time of the year you visit.

The nightlife, such as Durbar Square and Thamel are amazing places to take walks or even the night clubs and bars where one frequently sees the wannabe Westerner is entertainment enough. Not to mention lights of the many temples that Kathmandu is surrounded by is often so enchanting after dark, because you have a pleasant setting to a festive atmosphere of lights and sizzling local crowd eager to sell you items less than a $1 of which you would spend a minimum of $10 in downtown Washington DC.

With few tourists and some political tension, restaurants may not have a variety of all cultures, but they certainly will entertain the local Nepali cuisine, which in itself is a dish worth reminiscing of. Just a mineral bottled water is advised to carry with you at all times is recommended for safety of health.

Taxis and buses are the forms of transportation one should take for the real experience; it’s great way to interact with the locals and get a hint of what and where to explore. After a while, temples, markets and restaurants can only lift the spirit so much, so take a chance and indulge yourself in hikes outside from Kathmandu. Areas like Pokhara where trails are long but feels like just minutes away from the Himalayas.

Just in case you are missing home, you are more than welcome to drop by at the Lincoln American School where there is a compensary for you to purchase any American junk food you might be missing, or get a taste of meeting some expats who’ve been here longer than one could imagine.

One can recommend places, but my idea is often to explore by oneself; that is what really makes Kathmandu enjoyable. This valley is well worth a week of your time, and just to get your engine started you can visit places like Tiger Tops (a Forrest resort which houses everything from trekking in the mountains to seeing live animals like Rhinoceros); or if you just like to enjoy high altitude hills, look forward to the Boudanath temple where the setting will encompass your imagination, leaving you to indulge with safe monkeys who will not harm you, but to whom you will have a joyous time throwing bananas at.

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