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Japan is one of the countries that have the best of both worlds. It\’s advanced in terms of technology, and yet, it has been able to retain its greatest heritage - its culture. Indeed, Japan has done an amazing feat as it can manage to stay as one of the world\’s leading economic powers while still being able to hold on to the roots of its past. And, as such, it has become one of the most interesting places to visit - a rich blend of history and technology.

1.) Watch the cherry blossoms fall

There\’s no symbol of Japan more famous than the beautiful Cherry Blossoms. Indeed, the cherry blossom, with beauty so intense but so fleeting, is something that you have got to see if you ever visit Japan. They bloom during the months of April and May, and by the end of these months, they fall to the ground like a dreamy curtain of pink and white. There\’s no other sight quite like it.

2.) Release your inner child

Japan is one of the few countries in the world with its own Disney Land. And, of course, because the Japanese are sticklers for culture, their Disney Land is built with a distinctly Japanese influence. It sets it apart from all other such theme parks in the world.

3.) Indulge the shopaholic in you

Tokoyo is one of the world\’s biggest shopping capitals. Ginza is a huge market where you can find anything you need, from the latest gadgets and gizmos to the latest manga release of your favorite anime series. In the morning, you can even see it transformed into the world\’s largest fish market. Indeed, Ginza is one place that you\’d be sorry to miss.

4.) Sip some tea

Essentially, the Japanese are people who prefer everything to be clean and serene, that\’s why they love such peaceful activities as drinking, or rather, sipping tea. While you\’re in Japan, you should at least experience authentic Japanese tea. Or better yet, you can participate in the Japanese Tea Ceremony, a festival held both in Kyoto and Tokyo.

5.) Play in the snow

In some parts of the year, particularly in winter, Japan gets coated in a blanket of pristine white snow. During this time of the year, it would do you well to have some fun in Japan\’s steep ski slopes. You can even partake in the Snow Festival where ice parties take place for a whole seven days and where you can see beautiful ice sculptures.

6.) Relax in the hot springs

And, if your muscles need to loosen up a bit, why don\’t you give yourself a treat by visiting one of the many hot springs. These can be found in most parts of Japan, especially in Okinawa. The relaxing steam is sure to make you feel like you\’ve shed a very heavy load.

7.) Become a samurai

Japan is quite famous for its noble Samurai who follow the Bushido code, and the swords or their \’katana,\’ though light and flexible, are sharp and deadly. You can buy your own katana for your collection\’s sake, but mind you, a lot of effort and time are put into these swords, so they won\’t be cheap. Some sellers are even picky as to who they\’re going to sell their swords to - that\’s how special these deadly weapons are.

8.) Watch giants clash

A sport like no other, sumo wrestling is one of the most interesting things that you will see in Japan. Sumo Wrestling is Japan\’s national sport, and it draws large crowds from all over. You can even place your bets to make watching it more exciting.

9.) Do some sightseeing

There are tons of things to see in Japan. It is, after all, rich in architecture and landscapes. You can take pictures of the famous Imperial Palace if you\’re into architecture or the famous Mt. Fuji if you\’re into nature.

10.) Bask in the Nightlife

And, of course, what better way to end the day than to experience Tokyo\’s nightlife. There\’s no other place in the world where \’glow-in-the-dark\’ is a fashion statement. Indeed, a great place to let loose and just be yourself.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/japan to view or share Japan travel videos.

Argentina is home to some of the best tourist attractions in South America, and with its rich Spanish culture, you will find it a culturally rich destination when it comes to music, dance, architecture and most especially food. Here, because of its diverse climate, you can do a myriad of things from hiking in the rainforests to skiing or trekking the glaciers, from immersing yourself in culture and history to taking part in eco-tours, from enjoying the rich food and night life to nights of camping and days of diving. Here are 10 things you can do or go to in this fabulous country:

1.) Buenos Aires

The first Argentina destination you would probably find yourself in is this vibrant city offers much when it comes to entertainment. It has Spanish inspired-architecture and culture to the beat of the nightlife or the exotic delicacies. Here, your senses will definitely be stretched to the fullest in this magical city.

2.) Cordoba

Come to this other great city in Argentina. Here, you will feel like you have traveled back in time as you immerse yourself in the colonial architecture. Its history is also known as one of the greatest western cities of the past.

3.) Pampas

Pampas gives you a glimpse of the wild wild west as it was during the past. Here, you will see Gaucho cowboys living much like the cowboys of old. You can also see the flamingos in the great salt lakes of Argentina.

4.) Tiera del Fuego

In this southernmost of cities at the edge of the world, you will experience a breathtaking myriad of flora and fauna never seen in other places. The marine life here is also something to behold as you go kayaking, fishing or just plain sightseeing. Because of this, a lot flock to this area yearly.

5.) Patagonia

Patagonia is home to the route of the great southern whale as it returns every year to the coast of the Peninsula Valdez. You can also visit one of UNESCO\’s world heritage sites, Alto Valle Rio Pinturas. You can also see the paintings of the river valley in Santa Cruz where ancient paintings adorn the cave walls.

6.) Iguazu Waterfalls

Found in Iguazu National Park, it is one of the most powerful waterfalls of the world. The park itself is home to a wide variety of subtropical plants and animals. So strap on your backpack and get ready for a wonderful trip through nature.

7.) Mendoza

This is the center of commerce of an area blessed with vineyards and snow. Here, you can ski to your heart\’s content at such international ski centers such as Las Lenas and Los Penitentes while sipping homegrown wine fresh from the fields. In this place, you can also go kayaking, bicycling or hiking through nature.

8.) Talampaya

Home to the long extinct dinosaurs and some of the first men who walked the earth, Talampaya is found on the southern part of La Rioja. Today, this place is a hotbed of archaeological and paleontologic finds. In this remote dessert, you will indeed be at awe at the majestic geological formations that dots the landscape.

9.) Valdez Peninsula, Chubut

The Valdez Peninsula in Chubut serves as a refuge for armies of extraordinary animals such as elephant seals, different species of penguins, and the Austral Right Whales. Moreover, you can also relax in the hot baths or perhaps trek in the glaciers of San Rafael. You will definitely not run out of things to do and see here.

10.) Puerto Madryn

It is located north of Trelew. This beach and tourist paradise offers diverse activities such as yachting, windsurfing, sport fishing, and diving. More than that, it is also home to some of the best hotels and restaurants in the country where they serve delectable seafood and bars where dancing can go on all night.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/argentina to view or share Argentina travel videos.

Italy is one of the most popular places to visit in the world. It\’s a favorite of millions of tourists worldwide. And who can blame them? Nobody can resist the charms of Italy\’s culture and architecture. This boot-shaped country was, after all, the home of the Legendary Romans and the Heroes of the Renaissance. Indeed, if you\’re going to go to Italy, be prepared to have your breathe taken away by the sheer beauty of the place.

1.) The Coliseum

No other civilization in the world could top the Romans in terms of strength and power, and indeed, the Romans practically conquered the world. And for their entertainment, the Romans had the world. They had the Coliseum where the prizes of their conquests, lions and other exotic animals were made to battle with the gladiators. Indeed, if you stand within the walls of this gigantic complex, you can almost feel the spirit of celebration that once rang through the place.

2.) Piazza Campidoglio

The Piazza Campidoglio, or the Capitoline Hill, was the seat of power of the Ancient Romans. And up until today, it still stands as Italy\’s center of politics. It holds the famous statue of Castor and Pollux and various structures designed by the great Michaelangelo himself like the double staircase and other buildings.

3.) The Roman Forums

Also, there\’s nothing more exhilarating than to visit the place where democracy was born. The Roman Forums, where the Roman senate once held their heated debates discussing everything from large-scale wars to petty squabbles, are also popular tourist attractions. Here, you can find the Forum of Caesar and the Forum of Trajan, and there\’s also the Palatine Hill and all the other temples dedicated to the various gods and goddesses of the ancient Romans.

4.) The Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the best places that you can visit in Rome. It\’s teeming with beautiful architecture, beautiful sculptures, and beautiful statues. This magnificent building is also the home of the grave of the famous painter, Raphael.

5.) The Trevi Fountain

This world renowned fountain is famous for its sheer beauty and size, and it features several sculptures, including one of Neptune coming out from underwater, riding on a sea shell that\’s drawn by two horses with wings. It\’s featured in Dan Brown\’s famous novel, the Da Vinci Code. Also, toss a coin into it while facing away from it and it is said that you will be guaranteed a return to the great city.

6.) The Grand Canal in Venice

There\’s nothing more Romantic than going on a boat ride through the famous canals of the floating city of Venice. These quixotic canals are featured in various movies and are a favorite of newlyweds all over the world. It\’s also a great way to take in all the sights of the beautiful city.

7.) The Sistine Chapel

The Vatican, though it\’s considered as an independent country in itself, is still found in the heart of Italy. And, there, you\’ll find the great Sistine Chapel where extraordinary pieces of art can be found. There, you\’ll see the works of Michelangelo and Botticelli.

8.) St. Peter\’s Basilica

Also, if you\’re a fan of great architecture, you will have to see the famous St. Peter\’s Basilica. It\’s the largest Catholic Church in the whole world, and it\’s simply teeming with beautiful paintings, frescoes, and statues. You can also see this Basilica\’s famous dome which is literally filled with works of art.

9.) St. Peter\’s Square

And of course, if you\’re going to St. Peter\’s Basilica, you might as well walk a few steps to get to St. Peter\’s Square. This beautiful plaza is designed by the famous artist Bernini. It is also featured in Dan Brown\’s novels.

10.) The Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens as beautiful as they are large. This grand paradise is filled with beautiful sculptures, fountains, and flowers. It\’s a great place for sightseeing and picture-taking.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/italy to view or share Italy travel videos.

If you\’re looking for a place that\’s rich with remnants of the recent past, then Germany\’s the place for you. As you may well know, Germany was a key player in the previous world wars. Thus, it filled Germany with monuments to the stories of our grandfathers about times long past but never forgotten.

1.) Berlin Wall

There\’s no other place in Germany that\’s more suffused with charged up emotions than the Berlin Wall. You can just imagine the tears and the blood shed over this very wall. This remnant of the wars stands as one of the greatest monuments to democracy known to man - a sign that freedom will always come out victorious.

2.) The Romantic Road

Driving through the Romantic road would be one of the most pleasant drives you\’ll experience in your whole life. This road is flanked by scenic landscapes on both sides. Occasionally, you\’ll pass through a picturesque town, a beautiful gothic church, and sometimes, a quaint countryside inn.

3.) Augsburg

Passing through the Romantic Road will lead you to Augsburg, a town founded by the Roman Legions and named after the esteemed Roman emperor, Augustus. This picturesque town contains such historical places as St. Anne\’s Church, the place where Martin Luther took refuge, and Dom, a very unusual Cathedral. You can also find here the Renaissance Golden Room, a sight that will make you squint with its shine.

4.) Neuschwanstein Castle

Did you know that Walt Disney used a castle found in Germany as his inspiration for the castle of Sleeping Beauty? It\’s true, those alabaster walls and those high towers and wide parapets were all based on the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is now hailed as one of the most popular tourist spots in Germany.

5.) The Castles of Fussen

Like most of Europe, several castles are littered throughout Germany. It contains the other two of Ludwig\’s castles, the first one being the Neuschwanstein Castle. This is a must-see for all those families who are traveling through Germany because the place literally looks like it\’s been torn out of a storybook.

6.) Lake Constance

Lake Constance is both a tourist spot and an essential source of life for the Germans. Several areas in the country rely on this very lake for their drinking water, and this large lake is also a great place to swim and to go bird watching. Indeed, if you\’re one for beautiful natural sceneries, then Lake Constance is not to be ignored.

7.) The Black Forest

The name looks like it has been taken from one of the fairy tales, doesn\’t it? The Black Forest - it sounds like a place where evil witches reside and cursed trees grow, but don\’t let that deter you though. If anything, the Black Forest can hardly be related to its name as it\’s a sunny forest with tall and sturdy firs. It\’s a great place to go hiking and a great place for picnics.

8.) Cologne

When you hear the word, Cologne, what comes into your mind? A beautiful fragrance, right? Well, meet the town that\’s called Cologne for a reason, and indeed, the town of Cologne has its own peculiar fragrance that\’s very pleasing to the nose. Also, there you will find a beautiful view of the River Rhine and the Cologne Cathedral.

9.) Dachau

Take a break from the fairytale castles and mystical forests and go to the place called Dachau. Dachau is a concentration camp - a remnant of Germany\’s dark past where you can just imagine the horrors that took place in this very spot. However, you will also find there a statue bearing the inscription, “Never Again”, a solemn promise of the German people that they will \’never again\’ commit such unspeakable acts - another true victory for peace.

10.) Oktoberfest

The Oktoberfest - technically, it\’s not a place, but it\’s just too good a festival to leave out of any \’top ten list\’ that concerns tourism and Germany. This fun-filled festival in the town of Bavaria is guaranteed to leave you intoxicated and euphoric. You can spend days on end just drinking authentic German Ale and just letting yourself loose.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/germany to view or share Germany travel videos.

Enjoy pristine beaches, larger-than life steaks, ranches, and other things that offer more than just a South American environment. Travel to historic sites and places of cultural importance and learn the Uruguayan\’s way of life. Have a luxurious escape into this South American paradise by going in these heavenly places on Earth.

1.) Punta del Diablo

Find a quiet escape from the busy city in this tranquil part of Uruguay. Walk in miles of empty beach coastlines, surf and fish till you drop, and enjoy wooden cabins and trouble-free rural lifestyle. Learn from people whose lives are as nature-oriented and as down-to-earth as the peaceful surrounding.

2.) Punta del Este

Punta del Este is known world-wide as a plush resort with miles of beaches, a string of luxurious hotels and restaurants and never-ending reasons to party. While it\’s not as famous as its European and American counterparts, its untamed charm and stunning beauty makes people come every summer. Strut your winning figure in its beaches by engaging in its beach activities or partying in its all-night discos.

3.) Isla de Gorriti

Do you find Punta del Este serving too many people that it spoils the fun you deserve? Then go to Isla Goritti and find more beaches that could satisfy the hydrophilic man in you. Eighteenth-century fortresses also abound this idyllic place.

4.) Montevideo

Travel to the place of Spanish-Italian art deco designs and see for yourself the cultural diversity in this patch of land. While it lost many tourists over to more famous tourist zones, Montevideo has its own beaches and festivities to be proud of. Travel between late February and early March and find yourself in the middle of a dancing spree in the Montevideo streets.

5.) Casa Pueblo

Take a look inside the Uruguay\’s Mediterranean villa and art gallery and explore its rooms devoted to Carlos Vilaro\’s masterpieces. Located only five minutes off Punta del Este, Casa Pueblo offers breathtaking edifice that serves as a repository for the equally astounding works of art. A bar was conveniently placed for visitors to unwind in a totally different ambience.

6.) Water Sports

Uruguay\’s long beach lines give unlimited possibilities when it comes to water-based activities. Find your gear and do some boating, surfing, swimming, and fishing in some of the beautiful waters in the world. With Uruguay\’s water, there are simply unlimited opportunities to enjoy.

7.) Colonia del Sacramento

Overlooking Rio de Plata, Uruguay\’s Colonia del Sacramento is a place where you can have some of the most cobbled streets, vibrant history and most scenic spots together. Visit the city\’s museum, drawbridge, lighthouse, and bullrings. Plan your trip in this place and experience the life with happy Uruguayans, nightspots and other places of amusement.

8.) Plaza de Torros

Plaza de Torros is located outside Real de San Carlos, Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. Let your eyes feast in Plaza de Torros\’ grand architecture that characterizes this short-lived bullring. Sneak in with the locals through a broken gate and enter the bull fighter\’s arena.

9.) Feria de Tristan Narvaja

Located in Monetevideo, Feria de Tristan is the Uruguay\’s center for antiques, records, astesanias, and more. Shop around for secondhand books, pets, fruits, vegetables, and fish in this one-of-a-kind market. Shop during Sundays and treat yourself with a hoard of bohemian goods on display.

10.) Palacio Salvo

Any Uruguayan trip is incomplete without a visit in this spot in Montevideo. Located in the intersection of 18 de Julio Avenue and Plaza Independencia, this building intended for hotel is now a home for a multitude of residential units and office spaces. Treat yourself with some contemporary architecture by visiting this Uruguayan high-rise.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/uruguay to view or share Uruguay travel videos.

My family and I vacation 2 - 3 weeks per year and have to do so on a fairly tight budget as I\’m sure many of you do. We are able to spend around $1500 - $2000 per trip, so spending $100+ per night on accommodations are out of the question. One way we have found to keep the cost for lodging low is going to timeshare presentations. We lose about half a day of our vacation and the presentations are usually somewhat unpleasant, but we save on our motel costs. We usually stay in budget accommodations that are clean and have all the basics, but by no stretch of the imagination are they 4 or 5 star. Don\’t get me wrong these aren\’t roach infested dumps, but we have always dreamed of staying in the 4 & 5 star resorts we have visited on presentations.

What if I told you I had found a luxury travel membership that allowed you to stay in these 4 & 5 star resorts for as low as $298 per week for your whole family? Well I have, and their name is Global Resorts Network. This was the answer to our prayers, finally a way to stay at 4 & 5 star resorts on a budget we could afford. Global Resorts Network now makes it possible for the average vacationer to travel the world and see places we never thought we would. A one week stay in 4 & 5 star resorts costs members $298-$699 for the whole family (not per person). Resorts that face world class golf courses, breathtaking views of the mountains, or beautiful ocean views, many of which are only available otherwise through a timeshare purchase. We have the flexibility to vacation anytime of the year, even during peak seasons, with no restrictions or blackout dates.

Global Resorts Network when compared to a timeshare purchase or other luxury travel memberships is very affordable. They offer packages starting at $1495 for a 3 yr gold membership and $2995 for a lifetime platinum membership. The platinum membership is fully transferable for a $75 fee, so it can be passed on to a family member much like a timeshare. The gold membership allows 3 weeks of travel per year while the platinum membership offers unlimited vacation weeks per year. Another great benefit is there are no annual fees or dues associated with purchase of this luxury travel membership.

I think this a product that will benefit my family for many years to come. If you feel family vacations are as important as we do. Please visit www.travelclubunlimited.net to see if this membership is right for you.

Scott Westfahl
http://www.travelclubunlimited.net
swestfahl@travelclubunlimited.net

Are you looking for a exotic vacation in the tropics - a fun family affair at a “magical” family resort - skiing down hill in a cloud of fluffy white snow or the dazzling lights of Las Vegas?

Tired of having to search for good rates on hotels, with reasonable restaurants in the area, (and the cost of eating every meal out) hearing people in the hallways, running water from the room above?

How about renting a timeshare. Most vacationers are under the impression that they must own a timeshare in order to have the privilege of traveling to a timeshare property. That just isn\’t so. Anyone can enjoy timeshare travel discounts simply by doing a little bit of research on the internet.

Weather you are traveling far or near, there is probably a timeshare located there. Timeshare rentals generally have one, two, or three bedrooms, generous living area, dining room and fully equipped kitchen (sorry ladies- I know-its your vacation away from the kitchen) Units are tastefully decorated, and have the niceties of home, such as towels, linens, dishes, silverware ,TV\’s and washer and dryer, making them far less expensive than hotels.

Many timeshare resorts have access to golf, tennis, athletic facilities, marinas and many other recreational activities

No matter where you want to vacation or what you want to do upon arrival, there is always a timeshare that you can call “home away from home.”

There are loads of timeshare sites on the internet, these are a few:

a-day-in.com

timeforshares.co

EBay.com (yes, you read right)

Char Lantz writes on Travel and Leisure issures. You can learn more by visiting my blog. TimeShare Rental: http://time-share-rental.blogspot.com/

Now that summertime is upon us and it’s time to take that much needed vacation whether you are out of school, have paid time off from your job, or have been planning that family vacation for months.

If you have decided to go to Florida for your trip, and haven’t decided which of the many fabulous beaches to venture to, we have put together our Florida beach review for you to discover the best beach for your vacation.

Why should you listen to us? We have researched and visited dozens upon dozens of beaches in Florida. Plus, we have surveyed other beach lovers to get feedback on various travel destinations in Florida. These came from both locals and tourists.

Discount Florida Vacations – Florida Beach Review Thumbs Up Destinations

**Our favorite beach and a consensus among others, has to be Clearwater Beach Florida. Of the dozens of beaches in Florida we have vacationed at, Clearwater is our comparison. This is also a popular spot for two other beach lover friends of ours. They will pack up their belongings for a weekend and fly down there to spend a couple days eating at Crabby Bills, touring the town, relaxing on the white-sandy beaches, and enjoying the Gulf of Mexico.

If you enjoy water everywhere you look, sun shining constantly, and a relaxed atmosphere with great food and entertainment, Clearwater if for you.

**South Beach Miami is our second Florida beach review destination.

In all honesty, you can’t write an article or mention a Florida beach without talking about South Beach. The Cuban culture that surrounds this south-eastern spot is a hot spot of the rich and famous.

Hot bodies are located everywhere, quick paced, an amazing nightlife, and all the excitement needed for one trip is located here. Movies and television shows have been filmed here, a diet is named after it, and it is within close proximity to other great beach destinations if you choose to drive the coast on highway A1A.

Offering crystal clear water, plenty of history, more than enough to do, and an overall excellent vacation for any traveler, Miami is a definite and gets an A+ on our Florida beach review.

**Destin Florida is atop our Florida beach review. Spending many family vacations there growing up, the landscape and layout of Destin is beautiful. Plenty of golf and water activities portray this great beach on the Panhandle.

Offering sugar white sand beach and emerald green water, Destin is a spot that will leave you fealing spoiled. Not to mention Destin is a great spot for any budget.

**Sarasota and the beaches that surround it (Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and others) is a vacation spot that amazed us. Whether you want to live there, buy a second home there, or just visit this tropical paradise, Sarasota is the whole package. We were tucked on Lido Key and had the pleasure of enjoying the areas around Sarasota fully.

The food was amazing, the beaches were clean, large, and perfect for walking, jogging, relaxing, playing, and more. This was the one beach vacation that we did nothing but enjoy the beachfront hotel and surrounding water/beach activities and never got bored.

**Our final Florida beach review is on the Atlantic Coast. Daytona Beach has been a staple on the beach scene for decades. With movies going back to the 60’s making this a popular and trendy spot, Daytona Beach is a must.

Events are always taking place here. The long list includes, Bike Week, Spring Break, Nascar racing, car shows, reunions, and more. The cool part was that you could drive on the sparkling, fine grained sand or play volleyball, basketball, or any other beach sport.

Because of it’s northern location, Daytona is a great spot for the summer months and offers plenty of beach fun! With the snow-bird’s gone, the spring’s jammed pack events over, summer offers an enjoyable trip for anyone.

We could go on all day doing a Florida beach review. These are some of our favorites that we wanted to touch on.

We touched on the various coasts and locations all over Florida to give you an array of choices, but we believe if you are having a tough time picking a destination, these picks won’t do you wrong.

Don’t let your vacation end up a nightmare like the Griswold’s (if you don’t know who they are, shame on you).
Let Discount Florida Vacations be at your service by helping you have fun while planning the best Florida beach vacation possible. Remember you don’t get vacations too often! Click here for all the Florida info you need

In a world without rules except that of nature we must expect anything. The morning we leave the area of Beyla we face the next stretch of bad road, and see the same old scenery of rain forest, by now a regular sight. Long, unbelievable potholes slow us down and make our journey a hell, once again. My heart always jumps at the sight of a pothole which is as large as a swimming pool, though not as deep, which turns out to be our Savior. We make it slowly through the forests, the roads in unbelievable condition, slightly better than in Roman times. Sometimes driving at 10 mph, I think how long it will take me to reach Kankan, today’s final destination. No time to stop for a rest, just to get out of this jungle is my only thought, for I am slowly but steadily getting tired of this menacing place. I cannot see the beauty of the forest, the sometimes appearing rice paddies. It is getting stale to my eyes, I am possessed by one thought, to get out finally and find my truck and passengers.

I reach the French Cotton plantation with the ginnery in the afternoon and I know that I am not far from my destination. Another checkpoint at the entrance of Kankan, this time much more subtle than in the southern part of the country. Tired and completely slugged out I pay and pass through till I enter the city of Kankan, the largest in the north of Guinea.

At the time the Renault truck left its home, one agreement was struck. When nothing is heard for 3 weeks - meet us in Kankan. Neither knew anything about the city, the sheer size would indicate that some facilities are available. A decent Hotel, shower, AC, this is what I long for after days of driving through uninhabitable territory. Sometimes you feel like an explorer, for many hours not a soul on the road. What a view to see people, moving in cars, going after their business, shops, marketenders, the whole lot. Joy comes up and the thought of a hot bath does the rest.

When I roll into the town, I am overcome by some deja vu. No one can explain this. And I know that in this remote city I will come across something that I expect to find here. The exhaust system has suffered greatly on the road, and during the last 100 km a bolder has ripped of the muffler. The sound of the car is like a stockcar in the great price of Indiana. I find the first mechanic welder and he does the job in minutes. When I ask for directions to the next hotel, I am guided through the city’s only main road. Hotel Bate is not far away, I am told.

The main square comes close, and I slow down instinctively, as always to be watchful not to hit anyone crossing the dusty main street, a self protecting measure. For the unlucky one that hits a jaywalker could be lynched if he is unlucky. My luck has brought me through all the perils and dangers one can face. I search the streets carefully, the roads to see a familiar face. Nothing has crossed my eyes so far. When we reach the main communication center with the telecom office and huge transmission tower, I suddenly hear my name being shouted from across the street, the familiar voice is all to known. I have found my employee who comes to me and hugs me like a long lost brother, and I can understand the emotion. Finally we are reunited, after nearly 4 weeks of uncertainty, anxious moments have come to an end. We are in Kankan, Guinea, after all, the city where we have planned to meet….

Next : The relaxation, and retrieval of the vehicle…

http://hwrpics1a.spaces.live.com
lived and worked in Africa, Asia, Europe, the U.S. more than thirty years, writing about remote places, journeys to the unknown, off-the-beaten-track destinations, preservationist, green inspired

.I depart from Mandiana customs check point in the afternoon and follow the road towards Niani.Without a proper map (as there is none) the road is not clearly marked, especially its condition. To my astonishment I find it in much better condition than the ones I got used to since entering Guinea.

At 40-50 mph this seems a real highway to me. A few checkpoints on the way, nothing spectacular, the usual ‘pay ‘n drive’ method works well here.

The scenery has changed into complete Savannah now. Grasslands and scrubs, solitary Baobab trees, but no more the dense tropical jungle.
Life in these areas is dreadful, no running water, no electricity, as in dark ages. People though can adapt to any condition that is put upon them.
We reach Niani at night close to 19 hours P.M. and my fuel is close to nil. Of course Niani, the border town must be having fuel, or so I think. What I finally find is not the usual filling station.

After crossing the town, which is not much of a settlement, I am directed to the ’station’. I can not somehow forget this scene, it is another milestone on a long road through Africa.
I find a petroleum lit grass hut, crooked stems serve as poles, a straw covered roof. The fuel is all filled in beer bottles of 0.7 ltrs, lined up in a row on front of the ‘gas station’. If it were not for the acute shortage, I would laugh at this, but now I realize I have no choice, for after Niani there is a 100 miles nothing except bush and unknown territory.
So I fill a 50 bottles of ‘beer’ gas, its price almost double inflated to the normal rate. I do not even want to look for food, for I know I have to continue to Mali tonight. So I leave, with a unforgettable memory in place.

The evening brings some cool air, I sense the mighty river nearby. And when I reach the bonfire that is lit near the main road I recognize the Guinean border guards who camp here.
To describe this would take another chapter, however this is an entry / exit point and I must say the guards are the friendliest I ever found in Guinea. The exit stamp in my passport, i carry on, the dark road passing through the middle of the bush, beside the river.
Driving carefully in the dark, against my mentors advice, I focus my full attention on the rough road ahead of me.

The river Sankarani I cant see, as it is dark, but to me it is more a lake than a river. Floating gently, but mightily. A build up to the mighty dam that feeds three quarters of Mali with electricity, the Barrage de Selingui. A gigantic project as I am to see later on. A premonition overcomes me I can’t explain why, but I slow down my vehicle to a mere 10 mph. I cannot see the road ahead of me, and the high beams are not helping much either. I notice the concrete structure that stands in the dark was once a bride crossing a creek beneath. Now, the bridge has been washed away, and I am standing 6 meters over the creek that floats beneath under it. In the darkness I maneuver the car back and find a diversion I passed minutes ago, leading to the creek’s bottom.

The normal type of vehicle would not be able to drive through this makeshift road, but I manage to cross the waters which aren’t deep surprisingly and climb up the other side to continue my journey.

The road turns to the left and leads into pure grassland, with bumps shaking us to the brink. In the distance a see a shimmering light, a line decorated with obsolete plastic carrier bags in all colors indicate a further check point. No one in sight, in the middle of the Savannah. I blow my horn. It is now 20 hours and I still have to make headway, I force myself. After a few minutes a customs guy appears and tells me the border is closed for tonight, from his uniform I can see we have reached the Malian customs.

I beg, a common way of getting things done in these parts, to let me pass, as I have pressing business in Bamako. After consultation for which he disappears back into the dark, he reappears and removes the rope that serves as a barrier. We cross the line and follow him, guiding us to a shelter build from grass, roots and pieces of logs. The papers I am asked to submit. He disappears into the hut, and I wait. 5 minutes, 10 minutes pass. After 15 minutes I follow him and see three customs officials inspecting my ‘international vaccination card’.

I am asked if all my vaccinations are in order, which I confirm. Something they must find, and in my case they ask me for a valid ‘Vaccination contre Meningitis’ as you guess right the vaccination against Meningitis is what delays my departure. 5000 CFA change their hands and I carry on through the night.

next episode : night in the bush

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lived and worked in Africa, Asia, Europe, the U.S. more than thirty years, writing about remote places, journeys to the unknown, off-the-beaten-track destinations, preservationist, green inspired