Luciana Di Floriano

ETHIOPIA- Lalibela, the Ethiopian Jerusalem – Timkat celebrations

April 7, 2014March 12, 2017luci2111Leave a comment

Ethiopia is a fascinating country in the Horn of Africa. Its culture and traditions date back over 3000 years, with over 80 different ethnic groups with their own language, culture and traditions.

The long history assures that there are many historic sites in this country. In fact historians believe that Ethiopia may well be the beginning of mankind. The fossils of the oldest living mankind “Lucy” was discovered in Ethiopia. The rest of it can be seen at Adis Ababa National museum.

The natural beauty, with high mountains, lakes, water falls as well as arid deserts are among the attractions of Ethopia.

In addition Ethiopia offers to its visitors its unchanged traditions.

Lalibela, also known as the Jerusalem of Ethiopia, is a village in the mountains and offers its visitors its monolithic churches carved from a single block and isolated by a deep trench, worked from the outside and perforated for doors, windows, arches and columns; they represent a unique monument in the world.

During the coptic festivities, Lalibela becomes a place of pilgrimage for all the people of Abyssinia, a set of colors, dances, processions and prayer moments.

TIMKAT which means Epiphany in Amharic language, it is the most important and colorful event of the year. it falls every year around mid January and commemorates Jesus Christ’s baptism in River Jordan.

It’s a two day religious ceremony that begins early afternoon in the Timkat eve with the procession of the “tabots” the holy replicas of the Ark of the Covenant – the sacred chests described in the Book of Exodus as carrying the stone tablets on which the 10 commandments were written.

They are wrapped in luxurious cloths and placed on the head of a priest to be carried out of church in procession with the clergy to the nearby body of water.

Accompanying the procession are thousands of church members and believers chanting, dancing, drum-beating. As evening falls, the priest and the pious believers participate in overnight vigil around the Ark until dawn.

Early in the morning at the pre-sun rise celebrations starts: huge crowds, dressed with their “shamma”, white cotton dresses and small l

ittle candles in their hand gather around the water. After, the chief priest blesses the water and celebration reaches its climax.

These ceremonial processions take place in every city and village of Ethopia. Timkat is one of the few opportunities for ethiopians to be close to the Tabot which is considered to be the most sacred item in Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

The festival ends the third day which is dedicated to Archangel Gabriel. With parades, no less magnificent than the previous two days, the Arks are carried back to their respective churches.

BHUTAN: a country where happiness matters the most!!!

June 21, 2013March 12, 2017luci21112 Comments

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Tashi Delek!: is an auspicious bhutanese expression with a number of meanings such as wishing you well, congratulations, cheers, good luck!!

This pocket size country, sandwiched between India and Tibet, has preserved its cultural identity and protected its unspoiled environment.

It is the youngest democracy in the world and has become globally recognized for its adoption of “Gross National Happiness” a term coined by his Majesty, the 4th king of Bhutan, in 1972. The concept of GNH consists of 4 pillars: social economic development, conservation and promotion of culture, protection of environment and good governance. Its objective is to achieve balanced development essential for people’s happiness.

The Bhutanese name for Bhutan “Druk Yul” means “Land of the Thunder Dragon” and opened up to outsiders only in 1970 but still now tourism is restricted: only a certain number of visitors per year is allowed and must travel as part of a pre-arranged package or guided tour.

There are no skyscrapers, no traffic lights, no car manufacturers but just pristine environment, fresh and clean air and water, blue sky with high mountain peaks perennial covered with snow, this is what you will find visiting this fascinating country.

Bhutan is an ancient land with unique customs and people with deep held beliefs. A land of dzongs and monasteries, white stupas, colorful festivals, dances, are also main attractions of this country. A country proud of its unique culture and traditions: from environment to dress to language to religion; they manage to keep their rich heritage always alive.

Dance is part of bhutanese people, in Bhutan everyone is a dancer. The main attraction are the cham or sacred dances many of which reenact stories about saints and deities. Chams are performed by masked dancers who wear decorated silk costumes and are accompanied by monk musicians chanting and playing.

Travelling around the country you will be astonished to see so many prayer flags and prayerwheels!

Bhutan landscape is awash with prayer flags: horizontal flags known as “lung ta” (wind horse) and vertical flags known as “Dhar Shing” referring to prayer flag poles. Prayer flags must be put up on a particular auspicious day in order to invoke good luck and increase life force. They come in set of five colors: white, yellow, red, green and blue representing the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.

Prayer wheels are usually found around temples and monasteries, attached to the walls so that people can spin them when entering or leaving the temple or monastery. You can also find them built at water sources where the water running makes the wheel turning thus producing a continuous jingle sound which can be heard at far distance.

Many religious and historical monuments dot the hills of Bhutan. Its architecture is unique and is richly displayed in fortress, the Dzong, used today as administrative centers but also a religious part as monastery. Dzong and monastries are not considered only as spiritual and historical attraction, but also a veritable example of bhutanese art, architecture, culture and way of life. Taktshang Lakhang, known also as Tiger’s Nest monastery, is one of the most important buddhist monasteries in Bhutan. Situated in the outskirts of Paro, on a vertical cliff at 3.000 mt , it is believed that, according to a legend, Guru Rinpoche flew on this cliff from Tibet on the back of a tiger, stopping and meditating in the monastery

The Chorten, more commonly known as Stupa, are sacred structures containing consecrated items or sacred relics, such as written mantras, hair or pieces of clothing. In white conical shape, surrounded by colorful prayer’s flags, they dot the country landscape.

Bhutan is a special country which has something to offer to every tourist whatever the preference may be: wellness, trekking, hiking, bird watching, water rafting, relaxing.

Bhutan, a hidden Shangri-La in the Hymalayas: breathtaking. stunning, unforgettable!!!!! TASHI DELEK DRUKPA!!!!!

India: RAJASTHAN “The Land of Kings”

March 3, 2013March 12, 2017luci21114 Comments

We usually shake hands when we meet, but here in India people join hands to the chest and say “Namastè” to each other meaning “I greet the divinity be in you”. A traditional indian greeting of respect with spiritual and symbolic meaning.

India is a country to live fully, a country able to offer excitement and emotion, a country that evokes deep impressions. But it is also a country of great contrasts where modernity, technology collide with extreme poverty, chaos, disorganization and bureaucracy.

This is our 7th trip to India. We visited regions of the far north, east and west and down to far south.

This itinerary takes us to an intersection between a royal India and a rural India.

South of Delhi open the doors of the magnificent Rajasthan, almost a desert but also architectural gems, fabulous buildings which reflect in the waters of lakes.

We start our circuit from Mandawa in the region of Shekhvati. Mandawa is a town rich in Havelis which are medieval merchants’ houses beautifully painted. For this reason, this town has also been named “open art gallery” of Rajasthan because of the many fascinating havelis that have lavishly painted walls. Unfortunately most of them need much “face-lift”, but seems that architects concentrate more on the inside paintings and sculptures than on facades.

CURIOSITY: The Dola Maru Legend

One of the paintings that often appear in the havelis walls illustrate the legend of Dhola and Maru, a local version of Romeo and Juliet but with a happy ending. It’s the story of a princess Maru and a prince Dhola who, after having overcome many vicissitudes, they can crown their love dream, run away together and……live happily ever after.

We proceed towards Bikaner, 4 hours drive from Mandawa, in the Thar desert. Bikaner is a lively and dusty place with a frontier-town atmosphere. It is dominated by the magnificent Junagarh Fort, a strong imposing fort protected by mighty walls and considered one of the most beautiful forts in the world. Bikaner old city is very pleasant, you will find yourself walking in the middle of a maze of narrow streets animated by motorcycles, cycles and tuctuc, by shops selling all kinds of stuff, but…. watch out the train passing by through the streets of the city and stopping the flood of people!!!

Other main attraction of Bikaner is the Camel Festival. Every January camel owners from all over Rajasthan gather to this colorful festival dedicated to the “ship of the desert” The Camel. Festival opens with a parade of bedecked camels. Celebrations include camel races, fur cutting design, camel milking, camel acrobatics. Thousands of spectators attend the shows which ends late at night with spectacular fireworks.

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CURIOSTITY: A nice cup of Masala Tea

The best Masala tea I had in all my trips in India is the one sipped in the streets of old Bikaner. Made at art rule by a street seller, a cup of sweet hot masala tea is the best antidote to warm weather when touring in India.

Not far from Bikaner, in Deshnok, there is the temple of Karni Mata, the holy temple of rats. There are differences in the legends about the temple, but local people version is that Karni Mata lived around 1500. She was a mystic, believed to be an incarnation of Hindu Godness Durga. When the child of a storyteller died, Karni Mata tried to bring him back to life, but Yama – God of Death – had already claimed him. Karni Mata decided, from then on, all storytellers would reincarnate as rats so Yama would no longer be able to have their souls. Spotting a white rat is highly auspicious, but seems that only two or three white rats live in the community, this makes difficult your dream to come true. You can have however more chances that an holy kaba walks on top of your feet: this also is a sign of good luck for you. Karni Mata has her own shrine inside the temple, surrounded by beautiful carved silver sculptures and guarded by silver lions.

A long drive takes us from Bikaner to Jaisalmer, the “Golden City” located in the Thar desert and close to the border with Pakistan. Jaisalmer is a magnificent city of historic importance. Like all other cities of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer too has its glorious past which goes back to the Rajputana period. Its name “Golden City” is due to the color taking its beautiful palaces at sunset kissed by the last ray of sunshine. Romantic and charming, in Jaisalmer you can still enjoy the atmosphere and traditions of past centuries of splendor. Its fort acts as sentinel from its 80 mt of height to the desert that broadens at its feet. Within its walls you can walk along narrow and characteristic streets that recall ancient medieval atmosphere, as well as visit beautifully carved and decorated jain temples. And also, Gadi Sagar Lake, an artificial pond surrounded by temples and shrines. All this and much more you can find in the “Golden City” of Jaisalmer.

We reach Jodhpur known as “Sun City” because of its bright and sunny weather throughout the year, but also as “Blu City” due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. The painting of the houses is most believed to do with the prevailing caste system in India. In fact Brahmins – the Priestly class – were the first to start coloring their houses blu to signify their domicile and set them apart from the rest of population. Jodhpur has many beautiful palaces such as Mehrangarh fort, a spectacular hilltop fort situated on a steep hill. It is one of the largest forts in India enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its territorial boundaries there are several palaces which are famous for their intricate carvings and hidden courtyards all worthwhile visiting. We could have stopped longer in this enchanting blu city but time is running out and Udaipur is waiting for us.

CURIOSITY: Elegance on horseback

The “Jodhpur” are elegant horseman trousers generally of pale cream color. They are wide above the knee and tight at the bottom. It seems that the designer Pratap Singh, soldier and horseman of Jodhpur has designed these trousers for the Golf team of Jodhpur Lancers. Trousers soon spread and were adopted throughout the world.

Udaipur, the white city of Rajastahn stands on the banks of Lake Pichola, often called “the Venice of the East”. Overlooking the lake stands the splendid City Palace with balconies and cupolas, it ‘s Rajasthan largest palace and home, even today, to some Royal family members. The Lake Palace, Jag Niwas, located in the middle of the Lake, is a beautiful example of architectural marvel. Built as Royal summer residence was then converted into an heritage hotel. The city is dotted with old havelis and temples at every turn.

A long drive through chaotic villages full of traffic and dust takes us to Bundi. A small town surrounded by the Aravalli hills. Its main tourist attraction is the Taragarh Fort or “Star Fort”. This is one of the most impressive and, in days gone by, impregnable forts of Rajasthan. The Bundi Palace, on the hillside adjacent to Taragarh fort is notable for its traditional murales and frescos. Visible from the fort and palace is the artificial lake where a temple dedicated to Varuna, the Aryan God of water, stands half submerged in the centre. The reflection of the old city, the fort and palace can be seen in its waters.

Curiosity: Face to face with holy cows

At any time you may find yourself face to face with a cow roaming freely. In any place, village or town, emaciated cows, stunted and starved go around in search of food. Often eat garbage, plastic, newspapers or adverts hanging down the walls of streets. They leave their droppings on the pavement that, collected with bare hands, are placed in proper sites, then mixed with straw and attached to the walls of houses to dry. These “tiles” in the shape of cake are used to start the fire like firewood.

And now we are at the end of our trip in Ranthambhore Park with the only aim to see the tiger. Ranthambhore Park, the largest park in northern India is situated at the joining of Vindhya plateau and Aravalli hills and is bounded by two rivers: Banas and Chambal rivers. It supports a diverse range of flora and fauna and it is known for its tiger population and being also India Tiger Reserve. It is named for the historic Ranthambhore fortress which lies within the national park. Curiosity: Death or Dishonor

It is believed that at the Ranthambhore Fort it happened the first Jauhar (ritual mass suicide immolation) of the Rajput history. Hammir Deva, lord of the Fort, in XVI century went into battle against muslim forces. Although Hammir managed to defeat them, all women hidden in the fort believed Hammir died in battle. According to a Rajput habit, they preferred death to dishonor and committed mass suicide. When Hammir came to know what happened to women he beheaded himself before the image of Shiva in the Fort.

MY CONCLUSIONS

India is a beautiful many-faces country, a country of rich cultures, colorful festivals, old traditions. It’s a country that surrounds you and involves you in its way of living. The feelings you have from a trip to India are unique and unrepeatable. It’s the country of extreme poverty, resignation accompanied by a total exasperated fatalism, innate religiosity. A country where children spend the best years of their life surviving in the streets to work or beg, where families live their whole life in shelters made of cardboard along roadsides between piles of garbage, where the caste system still exists, where the tradition of dowry is still active and puts great financial strain on bride’s family. It seems to be also the reason of sex selection favoring the birth of sons over daughters: female foeticide that is aborting a fetus because female. Not to mention the living condition of indian women who live their lives under the shadow of inequality and discrimination. They are the most disadvantaged people in indian society, though their status can vary significantly according to their social and ethnic backgrounds and also from urban and rural areas.

But there is also another India. The country of Information Technology and huge economic growth, the country of magnificent maharaja palaces, of luxury hotels for the very rich only and where to lower castes only entering is still denied.

The India of today is in many facets the same India as centuries ago.

GUJARAT – India: the land of Mahatma Gandhi

December 14, 2012March 12, 2017luci2111Leave a comment

A fascinating and unusual route to the discovery of Gujarat, an indian region still unknown and far from mass tourism. The region is very interesting and fascinating both for its art and for the tribal people who live there. A different India with a different charm.

The state is located between the deserts of Sindh and That near the border with Pakistan. Here live people of Hindu and Jain faith, Muslims and Christians, ethnic groups and nomads.

We arrive at Ahmedabad, the capital city, where Mahatma Gandhi founded the Sabarmati Ashram and began his campaign of non-violence and non-cooperation. In Ahmedabad you can still admire temples and mosques of the pre-mughal period and a beautiful fort.

Soon we move to the west of the country to the Run of Kutch, because the authentic Gujarat is the one of different ethnic groups scattered in various villages who live following traditions thousands of years old.

The nomadic Rabari is the largest ethnic group dedicated to breeding of sheep and camels. They move over long distances between Gujarat and Rajastan in search of better pastures.

Their costumes are brightly colored and wear gold and silver jewelry; men have large and colorful turbans.

In their homes prevails white and blu color, the interior is painted lime and inlaid and decorated with many small mirrors.

We continue our trip towards another interesting place: Palitana a place sacre to Jain faith people. But to reach the temple we have to face a long stairway of 3700 steps that leads to the large complex of Jain temples: 836 temples where they worship 11000 deities. The climb is difficult but once arrived we realized that it was worthwhile.

The faithful Jains aspire to visit this place once in their life not only for the sacredness of the place but also to admire the architecture of the temples.

Our trip proceeds and after the visit to Mount Abu and to the Sun God temple, we head to Kumbalghargh to visit the important impressive looking citadel, surrounded by 13 hills. Its fort, once considered impregnable, has inside numerous temples of which the most important is the Badal Mahal, from where you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the valley below.

We have reached the end of our tour in Gujarat, now we will head towards Pushkar in Rajastan for the traditional November fair. But this is another story. Kumbalghargh

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Kumbalghargh

PUSHKAR – Rajasthan: The November full moon fair

December 14, 2012March 12, 2017luci2111Leave a comment

During the full moon of the month of November, thousands of pilgrims and merchants gather in Pushkar, in the north west of India, one of the most sacred places for Hinduism.

They come here in long caravans of camels and carts to pray and purify in the lake – which is considered to be the miraculous place where Brama stayed – but also to participate to the largest cattle fair of all India.

For 5 days spirituality and commerce merge together to create a fantastic atmosphere: thousands of orange turbans and lively saris color the environment, while acrobats, musicians, camel races and tournaments alternate with purification rituals.

A mosaic of colors and jewelry, a kaleidoscope of events and ceremonies.

The fair ends on the last night of full moon with the religious celebrations and with the participation of all people to a purifying bath in the waters of the sacred Pushkar lake.

An unforgettable visit and experience.

MOROCCO – Land of Kasbahs

December 9, 2012March 12, 2017luci21112 Comments

A journey to discover the beauty of Morocco, from the imperial cities to the stunning landscapes of the south.

From Marrakech to Ouazarzate, the fertile valley of the Draa and its palm trees.

The kasbahs, the beautiful fortified buildings in clay, now castles with no lord, but where you can still feel the atmosphere of a time just past.

The meeting with shepherds and nomadic berber people whose hard life is punctuated by ancient rhythms.

The saharian desert around Zagorà (called the desert door) last oasis before border with Algeria.

And the four Imperial cities, cities full of history, of art, of monuments. 4 dazzling cities, 4 timeless cities: Rabat, Fes, Meknes, Marrakech. Designed as capital cities, center of empires that have marked the history of Morocco. Their medinas teeming with life are a window on the past.

From the stories of the storytellers, Jemma El Fna in Marrakech, kasbahs in the south, the red sand in the desert to the green mountains in the north, Morocco is a country of diversity and variety.
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The Kandy Esala Perahera Celebrations – Sri lanka

December 8, 2012March 12, 2017luci2111Leave a comment

As the August moon waxes in the Buddhist month of Esala, one of the most important annual Buddhist celebrations takes over in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

The Kandy Esala Perahera celebration is held for 10 nights culminating with the mid summer full moon. This ceremony, one of the oldest and most amazing Buddhist events, has happened every year since 300 AD

The Festival is held in the city of Kandy to honor the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.

A replica of the sacred tooth relic (the original is kept and can be seen in the Dalada Maligawa Temple) is displaced in a golden casket and paraded thru the streets of Kandy in a procession of richly decorated elephants (more than 90), fire juggling acrobats, dancers, musicians, drummers, whip crackers, torch bearers lighting the roads, and dignitaries.

Legend says that the Buddha’s tooth was brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century AD from India, hidden in a tresses of a princess Hemamali in the 4th century AD.

OUT OF THE TOURISM ROUTES (My second trip to Iran – April 2011)

August 24, 2011March 12, 2017luci2111Leave a comment

“I go to Iran” I say to my friends. “Iran? But is it not dangerous?” they ask. “Not at all” I answer. “It’s the second time I go, but this time I want to do a different route off from the tourists tracks”.

So, together with my friends we decide for a tailored itinerary choosing to visit the North Western Iran, then down to Isfahan and up to North East to finish our trip in the holy city of Mashad.

It was the week after Norooz when we arrived in Tehran. You could still see the signs of the festivity: tables set with the symbols of their feast: specific symbolic items seven of which have names starting with the Farsi letter S (seen) And posters around the streets with Happy Norooz wishes to the population from their Spiritual Leaders and the President.

Although with regret, soon after our arrival, we leave immediately Tehran and start our planned tour.

We first drive towards the Alamut Valley, on the southern slopes of Alboz mountains, to visit the ancient fortresses. Landscapes from the top are really breathtaking. Crouched in an almost invisible way on the rocky ills, there are the ruins of more than 50 fortresses. They used to be the strongholds of medieval religious sects, known also as “Castles of the Assassins”. We visit the Hassan Sabah, the only one still in good conditions.

No less interesting is the next day visit to Soltaniyeh, in the Zanjan province, to the Dome Gonbad-e-Soltaniyeh. With a diameter of 25 mt and 48 mt high, it is considered to be the greatest brick dome in the world, now listed in the Unesco World Heritage.

Driving through villages, where the time seems to stand still, we reach the archaeological site of Takh-el-Soleyman, once the spiritual center of Zoroastrian, the religion in Persia during the Sassanid period. No much remains of the original site, but the scenery and the location in between the mountains make this place really interesting.

After the night spent in Takab in a modest hotel, we continue our journey towards Hamadan, a city located on the road to Baghdad and situated on a plateau dominated by Mount Alvad. City of ancient origin formely known as Ectbatana. Here we pay visit to a jewish site, the monument and tomb of Esther, the jewish wife of Xerxes I°, Ahasuerus king The very bad weather conditions do not allows us to visit much of this city so we proceed towards Bisuntun at the slopes of the Zagros Mountains to visit some beautiful bas-reliefs carved into the rock of religious subject and dating back to pre-islamic period.

Towards evening we arrive in Kermanshah, in a city in celebration and armoured at the same time. Indeed it is preparing for the visit of President Ahmadinejad, who will arrive in town the next day for a rally. Also the hotel we are staying is in fibrillation, it hosts the President delegation, his bodyguards or escorts already arrived one day before.

Kermanshah is a beautiful city enclosed by high rocky mountains, busy but nice and tidy. We visit Tagh-e-Bostan, located in a lovely garden, here you can admire beautiful bas-reliefs and carved niches dating back to the Sassanid period.

We leave Kermanshah, but before taking the road which will lead to our next destination (Chogha Zambil) we ask our driver to make a detour and drive towards the Iraqi border. We arrive till Mehran, which is the village on the Iraqi border, passing through the area where the Iraq-Iran war took place. You can still see the sign of this terrific conflict which lasted 8 years and made an high number of victims among the Iranian population.

We are thankful to our driver for this unplanned visit and we proceed towards Chogha Zambil to visit the Ziqqurat.

Recognized as Unesco World Heritage, this 5 level pyramid dating back 3000 years is the best example of Alamia architecture in the world.

Our next stop will be Sush, one of the great ancient cities of Iran which was the capital of the Achaemenid. Sush has been of great importance in Iran’s history to rival Persepolis. We visit the castle and the mosque.

We arrive in Khorramabad (Lorestan) for the night. Next morning we visit the Falak-ol Aflak fortress (Shapur Khast fortress). The original building is attributed to the Shapur, the first Sassanian period in the 3rd century AD. The fortress is a monument from the ancient city of Shopur Khast. Important past uses of the fortress are: a treasury for the Badr dynasty in the 11th century – government premises during the Savafid and Qajar dynasties and a military base and political prison during the first and second Pahlavi regimes. Now the castle hosts a very interesting Antropology and Archeology museum which is considered one of the richest museums in Iran.

Next destination Isfahan. We arrive at mid afternoon. The beautiful Isfahan, also called “Isfahan nesf-e Jahan” (the half of the world). It is a pleasure to return in this lovely city. The emotion is strong also because this time I will meet with an Iranian girl met on the web: Masomeh. What a wonderful experience!

We visit again with pleasure all the places visited the year before: the beautiful Imam square, the mosques, the Ali Qapu palace, the huge bazaar, the oscillating minarets, Jolfa the Armenian quarter and at night the fascinating illuminated bridges on the Zayandeh river.

At lunch, in a typical restaurant in the big square, I meet with Masomeh my friend. We immediately recognize each other and embrace as if we knew each other since long time. We spend the day together, we do shopping at bazaar, she would like me to go and meet her family and spend the evening with them. We end our meeting with a drive in a horse drawn cab around the beautiful Imam square. With much regret we say goodbye, promising each other to meet again soon in Iran or in Italy.

We are close to the end of our journey. Three more places to visit.

Abyaneh, the charming quaint village once inhabited by the followers of Zoroaster. The village is nestled at foot of Karkas Mountain and crossed by steep and winding small streets made of mud and stone. As evidence of the ancient origins and isolation of this village, the older inhabitants still speak a variety of Farsi missing from centuries from the rest of Iran.

We had already visited it last fall in the beautiful warm autumn colors. This time we visit it in spring, less colourful but always authentic and spectacular. The hotel where we spend the night is characteristic, with lovely view over the village and the owner welcome was very warm and friendly.

The next morning we leave for Qom, a very short visit, too short to appreciate in full the spirituality of this holy city.

But time is running short. In the evening we have a flight from Tehran to Mashad, North East Iran, where our Iranian tour will end.

On the road Tehran we still have time to stop in Kashan. And here I will meet another Iranian friend met on the web: Marzieh. We met at Fin Gardens. My God, she is not as I had imagined her! I thought to meet a petite girl but instead Marzieh is veeeeery tall!!! I soon recognized her beautiful light eyes! She had prrepared just for me some delicious cakes, which I shared soon after with my tour friends. A very short meeting but very pleasant!

*******WHO KNOCKS AT MY DOOR? *******

While walking along the streets of Kashan, have a look at the doors of the houses. You will see that some of them have two clappers, one for men and another for women. These two different models produce different noises, so who was inside the house knew in advance if to knock at the door was a man or a woman and so decide who should open the door. This was very important in a society where the women lived in “Purdah” (a cultural tradition preventing men from seeing women)

We arrived in Mashad the holy city late in the evening. An important place of pilgrimage for Shia Muslims. Mashad is the most important religious holy cite in Iran because of the impressive and magnificent Haram-e-Razavi. Mashad was a small village called Sanabad, but after the burial tomb of Imam Reza (Ali Ibn Musa – (8th Imam) it became a place of pilgrimage and its name changed with Mashad which means “place of martyrdom”. The view of this place is breathtaking. You can feel the spirituality of this site walking around the yards. It’s an emotional experience also for those who are not of Muslim faith.

**** MASHTEE ****

As for the faithful who complete the pilgrimage to Mecca receive the title of HAJJI, those who make the pilgrimage to Mashad have the right to add the title “Mashtee” to their names.

We conclude our Mashad tour visiting the tomb of Ferdowsi, an important Iranian poet. Ferdowsi is considered the saver of the Farsi language, the language he choosed for his poems in a period when Farsi was in danger of being replaced by the Arabic language.

Here ends our second trip to Iran: a journey full of charm and authenticity, a different Iran, very particular, mystical in some ways but an Iran that never disappoints you!

I will conclude quoting the verses from the famous poem “SHAHNAMEH” of Ferdowsi:

“……. I have suffered during these 30 years, but I have revived the Iranians with the Persian language, I will not die because I will still be alive, as I have sown the seeds of this language ……..”

KHODA HAFEZ IRAN!

Jambo Jambo – My Safari in Tanzania

July 25, 2011March 12, 2017luci21111 Comment

Traveling teaches you many things : to know, to discover, to learn.

After returning from a trip, what is most fondly remembered are the emotions you have experienced.

Mine is a journey in the african parks but with a touch of the unusual, a contact with the most authentic and remote Africa.

Our route leads through the endless Serengeti savannah dotted with acacia trees where you can find thousand of animals.

Through Lake Manyara with its birds: pellicans, cormorants and pink flamingos.

The Ngorongoro crater in an unique and primordial environment.

And the important Oldubai gorges, an healthy environment, rich of charm where, among its rocks were found the remains of an Australopithecus.

But whereas on the one hand animals and landscapes lord it, on the other there is the hospitality, friendliness and kindness of its people.

Their friendly “Jambo Jambo” to every encounter, their smiles, their desire to communicate with you, coming from another “world”. And their “Acuna Matata” (no problem) in front of your mistakes when trying to speak with them in a language unfamiliar to you, make your trip even more memorable!!!

And finally a Swahili proverb:

” HABA NA HABA HUJAZA KIBABA” (means Doing things a bit at a time will get you to where you want to be)

KWA HERI TANZANIA !!!!

ANTARCTICA – a black and white dream

March 13, 2011March 12, 2017luci21114 Comments

An unusual cruise on the route of the pioneers of 100 years ago. Antarctica, 1000 km beyond the end of the known world, beyond the far end of South America.

Everything starts from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Direct flight from Italy. We come from our cold winter to the scorching heat of south american summer, because this is the only suitable time to visit Antarctica.

Short stop to take breath and then further down to Ushuaia, the door to Antarctica situated on the Beagle channel.

Today Antarctica belongs to no one and to the entire world. A treaty between nations rules the presence of teams of the scientific bases and an agreement between tour operators has led to the creation of a committee of self-control to prevent a wild invasion of tourism in Antarctica.

The Akademik Sergey Vavilov vessel will be our ship, a russian icebreaker put it back and adapted as cruise ship.

Everything was pleasant and appropriately transformed to accomodate demanding travellers. It’s now waiting for us in the dock of Ushuaia.

We embark, we are assigned our cabin; it’s afternoon and we are ready to sail.

On board with us there is a team of experts, their job will be to explain the secrets of this world. An ornithologist, an anthropologist, a geologist, a IAATO inspector to check that no one dares to do the least harm to nature and animals. A doctor, always on the move between one cabin and the other, always ready and available to our calls and needs. Then there are the pilots of the zodiac landing boats used in our daily excursions.

We pass the legendary Cape Horn. Then the Drake passage, hours and hours of open sea, strong wind and waves meters high, but the Vavilov resists, it is used to face extreme sailing conditions.

Joining us in this crossing, in the sky there are albatross, sea eagles and other rare seabirds. And in the water, whales, orcas, penguins.

Then the sea becomes calm as a lake and around us we see a landscape in black and white. The first iceberg appears at the horizon. But it’s the infinite silence that impresses you most and which wraps up everything.

For days and days we see a succession of natural and breathtaking sceneries: mountain peaks and untouched glaciers but also plains, expanses of snow, deep fjords, beaches, volcanos, icebergs, icebergs and again icebergs of all shapes and sizes.

Antartica 9

Two excursions a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, 3 hours each on board of the zodiacs.

We leave our ship and fully equipped with boots, parkas, gloves and hats we take place in the zodiacs and go to explore this magic world. The first landing is as fascinating as the last. The meeting with the busy penguins that come near to you at tens is exciting. Would like to touch them, caress, cuddle! No, absolutely prohibited! You must not disturb or frighten them. Unforgettable days!

Other excursions allow us the sighting of many whales, seals and other Antarctic species.

We visit a Russian base still active in Antarctica, we speak with the Russian personnel involved in the mission. They are doing researches on the ozone hole. They stay there for six months, by rotation, longer it is not possible, they confess!

It is not only the charm of the distance, the excitement of arriving so far, not just the feeling of being out of this world to make you tremble with emotion when you step on this continent, but it’s realizing all this and you don’t think it true to be here as well!