Adventures for Anyone: January 2022

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Jenn Wants to Get Away From it All...Easter Island!

As I perused Jenn's bucket list, I noticed an item that would allow us all to get away from it all. It's also a particularly good time of year to run away to Easter Island!

Most of us are aware of the giant stone figures with long heads and sometimes enormous hats that inhabit the island. We are aware that the Rapa Nui inhabit this island as well. Then what? What else do we really know about this mysterious island?

Easter Island is one of the most isolated places on Earth. It belongs to Chile and lies almost 2300 miles off that country's coast. Strangely, its closest neighbor is a mere 1200 miles away at Pitcairn Island. Pitcairn Island is the most isolated place on Earth.

Isla de Pascua, or Easter Island, is a mysterious place of volcanic craters, giant sculptures, traditional peoples, sea turtles and some original traditions.

The indigenous peoples have only been there since sometime between 800 and 1200 AD. The exact time of their arrival isn't clear. The Rapa Nui are Polynesian people who immigrated to the island centuries ago.

Today, the area inhabited by the some 1,000 sculptures is a national park. It is easily approached by car or other vehicle. Wear you walking shoes, because there's a lot of land to cover. Other areas that are commonly visited by tourists are Rano Raraku, believed to be the quarry where the stones originated, and Orongo, home of the fort like dwellings within a crater where it's believed people once lived. Some of the in ground buildings in Orongo align with certain celestial bodies at certain times of year, leading scientists to believe that they may have been designed as observatories.

Just a sidebar: Robert Doherty wrote an entire series of books called "The Area 51 Series." It's one of the best series of books to find stories of Easter Island in the later part of the series.

Easter Island was once an active volcanic area. There are a few massive craters on the island, and hiking is permitted in most areas. The entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many protected areas and animals. Hiking is a popular activity on Easter Island.

Sea Turtles are king on Easter Island. The species of Sea Turtles that live on the island are beautiful and reproduce there as well. But, poaching is a huge offense and highly illegal, so don't harm the turtles.

Easter Island has all the expected activities. You can go to the beach and scuba dive in season. Unlike some other South Pacific islands, Easter Island is less temperate. It can get too cold to swim in the season that we call summer in the Northern Hemisphere. In our winter, beaches are a great place to spend the day.

Have to add another sidebar here, and I find this fascinating. Where I live, we all know of the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. As with most polar events, there are Southern Lights or Aurora Australis in the Southern Hemisphere. It is not common to see the Southern Lights on Easter Island, but it does happen. If you happen to be on Easter Island during March or September, there is a chance you could see them.

The Rapa Nui welcome visitors. Most people, 90 percent, live in Hanga Roa, the island's only real town. Here you will find the small airport that you can fly in from Tahiti on LAN Airlines from. It sounds strange to me that the travel hub in the area is in Papeete. You can also visit by any number of cruise lines in season and may be able to include the Galapagos Islands in that way. Winter, by our standards is the high tourist season and it will get crowded...for Easter Island. Population on the island is somewhere around 7,000, so it doesn't get crowded by American standards.

If you like seafood, Polynesian food, or foods from South America; you will be happy eating on Easter Island. Seafood is the staple, so don't expect much else. The Central Market is a good place to find souvenirs in Hanga Roa, and visiting the Ballet Kari Kari is a must. The Rapa Nui enjoy sharing their culture, whether it be through language, food, crafts, or dance and music. If you attend events you will learn about their culture, and it is a rich one.

Dance is the featured cultural item most of the year, but in February there's something else. The Tapati Festival is a cultural festival that takes place the first half of February each year. There are traditional games and sporting events, including a triathalon, Rapa Nui style. There are events of sledding banana trunks down mountains and surfing canoes on the ocean, as well as many other exciting events. It's the height of the warm season there and a great time to visit.

Hanga Roa is full of hotels and resorts from basic to luxury to ecological. The choice is yours. You can take a tour that includes Easter Island and have a guide the whole way. You can come in by South Pacific cruise if you like and also have guides. You can always take a tour with a local guide, which would be my favorite choice. I also wouldn't stay at a resort, because I would want to interact with local people.

Easter Island is a mysterious place and should be respected. Don't dive without a guide. Don't hike without at least a map. Don't expect to find American food or shopping. Learn a little bit of the language; just a phrase or two out of respect. Go with the flow and respect the ways of the locals.

Do I think you should take a tour to visit this place? I think that I might consult a travel agent to make arrangements, but I don't think you need to book a guided trip. A cruise might be a good idea if you have the time to spend on a boat for a very long time. That being said, if you do, it could be a great trip. I wouldn't rent a car, even if you can. I would make arrangements with locals to see this island. Bigger companies might miss something fabulous.

When should you go? Interesting question. November to April is the height of tour season there. March through September can be a bit cool, but it's never truly cold on Easter Island. Sometimes cooler and less crowded are better. If you want to catch the Tapati Festival, you must go the first two weeks of February. It depends on what you want to see and do.

Most cultural activities happen year round. Remember, there are barely any trees left on Easter Island, which has that Iceland effect. It can be windy, whether it's hot or cold, so dress for wind. Wind can also be a factor in boating. Obviously boating, diving, fishing are all popular activity options on Easter Island, but be aware that the weather can change boating plans in an instant. Also, if you wish to sail yourself to the island, be aware that the South Pacific can be treacherous at times.

There are a few activities that are exclusive to Easter Island. The Rapa Nui are known for their traditional tatoos, which are well worth checking out. They make a hell of a souvenir. There are lava tubes and caves that you can hike to with a guide, some of them overlook the ocean and have quite a view. You can take lessons to learn the dances that you see at Ballet Kari Kari. The lessons are only available at certain times during the year, so check ahead before you book if you are interested.

There are many things to do on Easter Island. You will find bars and clubs as always, so don't think that you've completely gotten away from it all. They are designed for the traveler, so don't expect to see locals hanging out there. There are museums and visitor centers in key areas. They have a wealth of information about the history of the island and its peoples. I always try to learn while I visit.

Easter Island is one of the most exotic places on Earth to visit. The mysterious sculptures are what bring us there, but the people and the culture make us want to stay. Always check the State Department for Covid-19 and other recommendations when visiting anywhere. Also know that as of January 2022, this trip is truly a bucket list, because the island is currently closed to outsiders. Hopefully that ends soon.

When you do get to visit, dive into the culture. This is the kind of place where you can go and live in another world for a short time. There are so few places in the world where that is possible. Take the chance, take the plunge, take the one airline out of Papeete to Easter Island and enjoy!

http://www.mysteriousplaces.com/easter_island/

https://www.expeditions.com/itineraries/easter-island-tahiti?mrkgcl=1244&mrkgadid=1000000&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=US%7CSouth+Pacific+%28DSA%29&utm_content=246078373%7C442672336%7C0&utm_term=DSA&msclkid=8dfcdc9908661f5c2e67bd688bce13f2&gclid=8dfcdc9908661f5c2e67bd688bce13f2&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.expedia.com/Easter-Island.d6053648.Destination-Travel-Guides?msclkid=0501a5b2044910f28f43c44387e1fb12&pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa&semcid=US.UB.BING.DL-c-EN.PACKAGE&semdtl=a1268809100.b11280931209703859.r1.g1kwd-80058312926505%3Aloc-190.i1.d1.e1c.j144736.k1142101.f1.n1.l1o.h1e.m1&utm_campaign=USA%3AENG%3A%25%3ADL%3AAMER%3AX%3AE%3ANC%3A%3A&utm_content=USA%3AENG%3A%25%3ADT%3AAMER%3ACHL%3AXX%3AChile%3A36%3AEaster_Island%3A6053648%3AE%3ANC%3Atravel%3A&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=travel%20to%20easter%20island

https://www.travelocity.com/Vacation-Packages?SEMCID=TRAVELOCITY-US.UB.BING.GT-c-EN.EPACKAGE&SEMDTL=a1412282776.b11198468322568920.r1.g1kwd-74904466342701:loc-190.i1.d1.e1c.j144736.k1142101.f1.n1.l1o.h1p.m1&msclkid=cdd18d1d2eec1354677aececad44da30&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=TVLY%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%25%3AGT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AX%3AX%3Acatchall%3A&utm_term=%2Btavel&utm_content=TVLY%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%25%3AGT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AXX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3ATravel%3A

https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/south-america/chile/easter-island?k_clickid=50ecd623f25d16e3c906b7d271f56f15&ds_kids=p65301357872&ds_kid=43700065301357872&ksprof_id=700000002209551&ksdevice=c&ktarget=kwd-72430934426764:loc-190&kloct=142101&klocf=44736&utm_source=MICROSOFT&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=VRB:USA:ENG:%24:DL:AMER:CHL:X:X:CON:Chile:36:CL:&utm_term=easter+island&utm_content=VRB:USA:ENG:%24:DT:AMER:CHL:X:Chile:36:Easter_Island:6053648:destinationonly:&&msclkid=50ecd623f25d16e3c906b7d271f56f15&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=VRB%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADL%3AAMER%3ACHL%3AX%3AX%3ACON%3AChile%3A36%3ACL%3A&utm_term=easter%20island&utm_content=VRB%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADT%3AAMER%3ACHL%3AX%3AChile%3A36%3AEaster_Island%3A6053648%3Adestinationonly%3A&gclid=50ecd623f25d16e3c906b7d271f56f15&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.latamairlines.com/us/en

https://www.cheapfareguru.com/cheapflights.php?ref=ms-cfg-lp&kwd=Cheap%20Flights&source={bing}&medium={cpc}&device=c&network=o&campaign=388324154&adgroup=1145691991380552&keyword=lan%20chile&matchtype=b-bb&creative=71605878935827&devicemodel=&feeditemid=&targetid=default&gclid=6f74b642215618dae90cd7b3a516fbe1&adposition=&msclkid=6f74b642215618dae90cd7b3a516fbe1&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CFG%20-%20Competitors&utm_term=smartfares%20flights&utm_content=Smartfares.Com

https://www.oneworld.com/

https://www.kensingtontours.com/travels/tours/galapagos_cruises?c3api=bing,1297423937770082,81089120987053&iv_=__iv_m_e_c_81089042039096_k_81089120987053_w_kwd-81089120987053:aud-805956192:loc-4086_g_1297423937770082_n_o_e__h_44736_ii_142213_p_2_b_be_d_c_vi__&mkwid=-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81089042039096%7Cpkw%7Cgalapagos%20travel%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1297423937770082%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81089120987053:aud-805956192:loc-4086%7C&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BING-Galapagos-November%202019&utm_term=galapagos%20travel&utm_content=-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81089042039096%7Cpkw%7Cgalapagos%20travel%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1297423937770082%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81089120987053:aud-805956192:loc-4086%7C&pgrid=1297423937770082&ptaid=kwd-81089120987053:aud-805956192:loc-4086&msclkid=925ba94e1001198b3966c8bf94df14c9

https://www.silversea.com/destinations/galapagos-islands-cruise.html?CID=PS_M_BS_FT_US_PRO_GL__BS_FT_USA_S_PRO_GEN_ALL_EXPAD_NWS4V2R&?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NAM_genericsretargeting__galapagos-islands&utm_content=textad&&msclkid=f4f40220b5fd1cc944e763d13123605d&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=B_US_Generic_Galapagos_Retargeting_ALL_est5114&utm_term=trip%20to%20galapagos&utm_content=NonCruise_Galapagos_Travel_EXM&gclid=CPnq5Nn4z_UCFUwIiAkdHrIBgw&gclsrc=ds

https://www.easterisland.travel/places-to-visit/rano-raraku/

https://imaginarapanui.com/en/easter-island-sightseeing/easter-island-volcanoes/rano-raraku/

https://www.wmf.org/project/easter-island-rapa-nui%E2%80%94rano-raraku

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g316040-d317352-Reviews-Rano_Raraku-Easter_Island.html

https://www.gochile.cl/en/rapa-nui-national-park/

https://imaginarapanui.com/en/rapa-nui-national-park/

https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2018/02/rapa-nui-national-park-isolated-and-fascinating

https://imaginarapanui.com/en/easter-island-sightseeing/easter-island-archaeology/orongo/

https://www.easterisland.travel/places-to-visit/orongo/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/orongo

http://www.rapanui.org.uk/orongo/

https://www.chile.travel/en/uncategorized/rapa-nuis-sea-turtle-the-islands-most-vulnerable-treasure/

https://imaginarapanui.com/en/

https://imaginarapanui.com/en/easter-island-sightseeing/hanga-roa/

https://imaginarapanui.com/en/easter-island-name/

https://imaginarapanui.com/en/rapa-nui-culture/easter-island-music-and-dances/

https://imaginarapanui.com/en/rapa-nui-culture/tapati-festival/

https://www.easterisland.travel/easter-island-facts-and-info/tapati-rapa-nui-festival/

https://islandheritage.org/visiting-the-island/tapati-festival/

http://www.easterislandspirit.com/tapati-festival/

https://www.guestreservations.com/hangaroa-eco-village-spa/booking?msclkid=afc7f4cd32ec1eb41d66953cb984355e

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1049073-Activities-Hanga_Roa_Easter_Island.html

https://www.alamy.com/stock-image-ballet-kari-kari-hanga-roa-easter-island-rapa-nui-chile-166612137.html

https://imaginarapanui.com/en/things-to-do-on-easter-island/easter-island-dances/ballet-cultural-kari-kari/

https://moevarua.com/en/ballet-kari-kari/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktU4d-joGng

https://www.easterisland.travel/things-to-do/get-a-tattoo/

https://imaginarapanui.com/en/easter-island-sightseeing/hanga-roa/hanga-roa-municipal-stadium/

http://www.wesailors.com/marina/profile/826/

https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/easter-island-chile-port-425

https://world.expeditions.com/itineraries/easter-island-tahiti#extensions?mrkgcl=1244&mrkgadid=1000000&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=US|South%20Pacific%20(DSA)&utm_content=246078373|442672336|0&utm_term=DSA&msclkid=aafac3c7c8111f6c3d72a2365b5ba2f1&gclid=aafac3c7c8111f6c3d72a2365b5ba2f1&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.cruisecritic.com/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=6048

https://www.seascanner.com/cruises-easter-island

https://www.affordabletours.com/cruises/ports/easter_island/

https://en.ponant.com/destinations/easter-island

https://www.azamara.com/easter-island-chile-cruises

https://www.adventure-life.com/chile/easter-island

https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/ports/easter-island-chile.html

https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/robert-doherty/235344

https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/chile/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g1049073-Hanga_Roa_Easter_Island.html

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Where the Tulips Come From...My First Post About Holland for Merle!

Merle put Holland on her bucket list, and I suppose that most people would expect me to start out by talking about Amsterdam, but that's not my style. So, to start our discussion about Holland, I decided to concentrate on Flevoland.

Holland is part of the Netherlands, which can be confusing for most people. Like most countries in Europe, The Netherlands evolved over thousands of years into the organized country that it now is. Holland is where the Dutch folks are from and tends to be in the southeastern portion of the country with places like Gelderland (if you've ever seen "A Knight's Tale" surprise! It does exist).

Holland is one of the wateriest countries in Europe and sits largely on the North Sea. Land, or the lack of, and water have always been a topic, an issue, and conflict, and something that needs to be resolved. Flevoland, didn't used to exist. The Dutch have always been the leading edge of dealing with water. Long famous for their shipbuilding, they then turned to controlling the water against floods. Holland is filled with dikes that are there to control the water and where it goes in the Netherlands. Flevoland is a result of some of those projects. It is, in fact, the largest land reclamation project in the world. It is still creating land today.

It's called The Afsluitdijk. That's a mouthful. It's a 32 kilometer long dike and is quite literally a bridge across the sea. It was designed to block the North Sea from flooding all the areas inside the IJsselmeer. As a result 17% of the land in The Netherlands has been reclaimed from the sea, and a lot of it is in what they call the Polders. The area inside the IJsselmeer, that the Afsluitdijk cuts off from the North Sea is a lot of that area.

Now, there are dikes all over the country. The Dutch are quite accomplished in building them. There is a place called Deltawerk where you can look at art, based on dike building. It's a great stop along the way. There's a national park for birding in the area. There are archaeological sites all over that particular area since the land appeared digging up signs that there were people there thousands of years ago.

But, why on Earth did I pick a place that's over 30 feet below sea level and didn't exist a hundred years ago to talk about?

Because, you can tiptoe through the Tulips, baby! Flevoland is largely the home of the massive Tulip farms we've all heard about. Over 1 billion Tulip bulbs are produced and sold by the Dutch. From March to May, it becomes a symphony of colors as the tulips are blooming. You are perfectly welcome to go the opposite direction from Amsterdam and go to Keukenhof Park, famous for it's Tulip display, but the fields where they grow are largely in Flevoland.

First, some facts about Tulips. They aren't native to Holland. They come from Turkey. Back when the Dutch were famous for shipping and building ships, they discovered the flowers and transplanted them. Holland is now the biggest supplier of Tulips and Tulip bulbs around the world.

Second, the Tulips that you see in the fields are largely not sold as flowers. The Tulip bulb industry is far larger than the flower industry. Most of the Tulips that you see blooming in the spring will run their course and the bulbs will be harvested for sale. For this reason, you have a couple of months to look at them and enjoy the sight.

There are small, family owned farms in the area that you can visit, and have a great day among the Tulips while you are in the area. Check the links below.

Water and land go together like no other place on Earth in Holland. As you travel through the Tulip farms, you will find yourself along the shore of the inland sea, looking at miles of wind turbines both on land and in water. Holland has long since been at the forefront of wind power, and are famous for their wind turbine fields.

The Dutch love the water, and spend a lot of time enjoying it. They have beaches to hang out on and about a hundred different kinds of boats to enjoy on all kinds of water.

The people of the Netherlands are extremely progressive. Rotterdam is at the forefront of shipping and architecture. They've figured out how to control water. They thrive on wind power.

But, in lieu of boating, driving and other things; biking is the way to tour in The Netherlands if you can. You can drive anywhere you want to and go over some amazing water control projects. You can take a boat or ferry to a lot of places. But, the most Dutch way to go out and enjoy the Tulips is by bicycle. If you're able, I recommend it.

The Dutch have a laid back lifestyle when they aren't working. Biking allows you to meander. You can stop for a cup of coffee or tea and watch the world go by, or just enjoy the shore. You can stop and look at giant metal sculptures along the coast. You can thoroughly enjoy the Tulip farms. It's the best way to enjoy the flat, shoreline and countryside of The Netherlands.

As far as taking a tour to look at Tulips, I don't think that's necessary. There are lots of places that you can get a map. The roads are well marked. The locals are friendly and helpful. Meandering is a fun way to explore such a country, and it would be my choice. There are, however, a lot of companies that provide many different kinds of tours of the country. Be aware, that if you are coming from another country, you will probably be flying in and out of Amsterdam, so plan on that being your hub for travel.

Before I let this one go, I wanted to help out parents. If you have kids, I know for a fact that looking at Tulips is only going to last for so long. But, Flevoland has things for the whole family. As I said, they have beaches, restaurants, resorts and things.

One of the big attractions is Walibi Park. This roller coaster oriented amusement park is fun for the whole family and will keep the kids entertained.

So, Flevoland, the part of Holland that didn't used to exist is a delight, from scenic harbors and lighthouses, to amusement parks and Tulip farms, there's something for everyone. You can stop by an archaeological dig and see old ships that sank centuries ago. You can marvel at wind power and water control in this land that is so unique, they even have their own flag. If you enjoy something a little different, come to Holland in the spring and enjoy!

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/the-netherlands/articles/the-best-places-to-see-tulips-in-the-netherlands/

https://tulipfestivalamsterdam.com/tulip-farms-amsterdam/

https://www.booking.com/city/nl/Emmeloord.html?aid=346685&label=msn-wZz0t5Cg2l5u*00BUjHbTg-1394532415:tikwd-80607961337953:aud-807859093:loc-190:neo:mte:lp44736:dec:qsemmeloord%20netherlands&utm_campaign=Netherlands&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=wZz0t5Cg2l5u*00BUjHbTg&msclkid=91e93042a8781ce3123051a58db89df6

https://www.tripadvisor.com/SmartDeals-g1087508-Emmeloord_Flevoland_Province-Hotel-Deals.html

https://www.luxuryhotelsguides.com/?fullufi=-2144141&msclkid=cbe3776d873618b853c8168aa2f6b00f

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1087508-Activities-Emmeloord_Flevoland_Province.html

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/travel-inspiration/traditional/tulip-season-in-the-netherlands.htm

https://keukenhof.nl/en/discover-the-park/

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/flevoland/noordoostpolder-3.htm

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/flevoland/schokland-and-urk.htm

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/flevoland/urk-en.htm

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/north-holland/enkhuizen.htm

https://www.britannica.com/place/Lelystad

https://tulipfestivalamsterdam.com/keukenhof/

https://www.toursbylocals.com/Holland-Tulip-Festival

https://infonewslive.com/10-unique-experiences-you-can-only-have-in-the-netherlands/

https://travel.saga.co.uk/cruises/river/where-we-go/dutch-and-belgian-river-cruises/keukenhof-and-floriade.aspx

https://www.getours.com/lp/ppc/europe-tour-packages?Source=MEURTB08&&msclkid=0c61390797df1adbbaa158e0bb36cf1b&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Europe%20Tours%20-%20Broad&utm_term=touring%20europe&utm_content=Europe%20Tours%20-%20Broad&gclid=0c61390797df1adbbaa158e0bb36cf1b&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g188559-Activities-Flevoland_Province.html

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/flevoland/walibi-holland.htm

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/flevoland/deltawerk-at-the-waterloopbos.htm

https://theafsluitdijk.com/

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/friesland/the-afsluitdijk.htm

https://www.inspirock.com/the-netherlands/things-to-do-in-flevoland-province

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/flevoland.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6r6zcMl2Xmw

https://www.getyourguide.com/-l96244/-tc1/?cmp=ga&cmp=bing&campaign_id=377279089&adgroup_id=1245747164024931&target_id=kwd-77859444746728%3Aloc-190&match_type=e&ad_id=77859306515023&msclkid=aa2f96e0c0a3165f37f5f707eff087a6&msclkid=aa2f96e0c0a3165f37f5f707eff087a6&loc_physical_ms=44736&feed_item_id=&keyword=flevoland%20tours&partner_id=CD951&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=dc%3D32%3Anl%7Clc%3D96244%3Aflevoland%7Cct%3Dcore%7Cln%3D29%3Aen%7Ctc%3Dus&utm_campaign=dc%3D32%3Anl%7Clc%3D96244%3Aflevoland%7Cct%3Dcore%7Cln%3D29%3Aen%7Ctc%3Dus&utm_term=flevoland%20tours&utm_term=flevoland%20tours&utm_content=lc%3D96244%3Aflevoland%7Cfn%3Df4%7Cci%3D942%3Atour&gclid=aa2f96e0c0a3165f37f5f707eff087a6&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.macsadventure.com/us/toursexperiences/discovery-tours/uk/scotland/?msclkid=d11ac344f05d1e1b6569a2a3df0eb50f&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US%20%2B%20CA%20Discovery%20-%20Scotland&utm_term=vacation%20scotland&utm_content=Scotland%20Discovery%20-%20Scotland%20Tours

https://www.globusjourneys.com/?msclkid=d26e074ea3e01cef5e5a66a98cb346e8&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=glob39%20%7C%20babycomeback%20%7C%20general%20%7C%20prospecting&utm_term=vacation%20tours&utm_content=tours&gclid=d26e074ea3e01cef5e5a66a98cb346e8&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.10adventures.com/tours/flevoland-tours/

https://www.visitflevoland.nl/en

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/flevoland/new-land-flevoland.htm

https://www.netherlands-tourism.com/flevoland/

https://www.visitflevoland.nl/en/see/new-nature/tulips

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/flevoland/sailing-in-flevoland-1.htm

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/flevoland/eating-by-the-waters-edge-in-flevoland.htm

https://www.yachtfocus.com/en/rent-a-boat

https://www.locaboat.com/en/boating-holidays/holland/

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/flevoland/nieuw-land-national-park.htm

https://www.expedia.com/Flights?langid=1033&semcid=US.MULTILOBF.BING.GT-c-EN.FLIGHT&semdtl=a1268773059.b11288627789450314.r1.g1kwd-80539348001440:aud-807608074:loc-71200.i1.d180539279147989.e1c.j144736.k1129.f1.n1.l1o.h1p.m1bb&msclkid=875bef5998b510b312368ebea9c9b466&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=USA%3AENG%3A@%3AGT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AM%3AX%3A%3A&utm_term=%2Bair%20%2Bfare&utm_content=USA%3AENG%3A@%3AGT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AXX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%

https://discount-fares.com/flights/country/netherlands?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=europe_top_netherlands&line=8777920804&msclkid=d3c221c8dda817406a0e402fecd4cbf0

https://www.kayak.com/horizon/sem/flights/general?lang=en&utm_campaign=business+class+europe&utm_content=BroadMatch+-+business+class+europe&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=business+class+europe&skipapp=true

https://www.cheapflights.com/flights-to-netherlands/

https://www.state.gov/

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Remember, Jenn asked for this...Auschwitz

At Jenn's behest, I'm discussing a very solemn place today. I've been there. I know what I'm talking about.

I chose now to delve into this one, because Liberation Day is coming on January 27th. It will be 77 years since this place was liberated. Auschwitz was the biggest, most notorious, death camp in Nazi History. The entire place has been preserved so that no one ever forgets what happened in WWII. I've heard ridiculous claims that the Holocaust never happened from uneducated neanderthals throughout my lifetime, and all I can say is that apparently ignorance is bliss.

Work shall make you free. What a thing to put on a sign at the entrance of the place you will die. There are a list of movies and documentaries in the links where you can learn more about the details of life in this horrifying camp. This is an educational voyage, folks. If you leave here with a smile on your face, you didn't get it.

From homes to ghettos to camps, to gas chambers; the Jewish folks were herded like cattle and treated worse. Women were raped, people were tortured, experiments were done on them and they were worked to death or gassed. Fortunately, this place is there as a reminder, and hopefully, no one will ever have such thoughts again.

My recommendation for visiting Auschwitz is simple. I believe that every person in the world should visit this place once. Not for a quick walk. Watch the movie in the educational center. Talk to people who volunteer and work there that help the families of victims reconcile their histories every day to this day. Look at each and every display. Read each and every card, placard, plaque. Stand and think about what you're looking at the whole way through. Visit every building. Walk every street. Stand in the gas chamber. Comprehend the incinerators. Go with a guide who knows all about it. Watch the look on the guides' faces as they tell the horror stories. Truly absorb what humans are capable of. After visiting Auschwitz properly, you should never have to visit again. Once you learn. Once you know. Once you realize how absurd anyone who ever denied the Holocaust is. Then you are good to go and never return. The place will turn your stomach if you are human. It will make you cry, even though you may not know anyone whose family was there, and you certainly had nothing to do with it. The place will affect you deeply. You will come away a changed person.

You will see a magnificent educational center at Auschwitz. If, by some horribly unlucky past, you lost family to this place or in the Holocaust in general, they may be able to help. 77 years, and the good people who work in education centers like that one are still trying to help people reconcile their family's past. It's unbelievable.

You will see displays throughout the camp and the education center and museum that will shock you. There are displays of glasses, shoes, luggage, artificial limbs and even children's toys. You will see examples of lampshades made from human skin and other sick experiments. You will see teeth that were harvested for gold fillings. This is not for the feint of heart. This is hardcore, this is what actually happened in WWII stuff.

The hardest part to fathom is that the people who were incarcerated in this camp didn't save all that macabre stuff. They were gassed to death. They died. The Nazi's saved all that stuff. The military that liberated the camp discovered all that sick stuff. We worry about PTSD now. Imagine if you were one of the liberators. Imagine finding all of that. Imagine finding the acres and acres of mass graves. Imagine finding it all. Imagine listening to people for the rest of your life, who have no knowledge and no brain say that it never happened after you were there. That's PTSD.

We, as humans, need education. We are not like any other animal. We don't live on instinct. We have cognitive thoughts and mental problems. Hate is something that humans excel at. Places like Auschwitz happened because humans hate. Hopefully, this place will help humans remember how wrong hate is. One can only hope.

Recommendation for this experience is to rent a car and drive out early in the morning from Krakow. Arrive at Auschwitz as early as possible, so that you have time to take it all in and learn what you need to know. Make an appointment to tour with a guide, and then wander more on your own after. If you can, make an appointment to speak with a historian on the premises. Ask questions. If you take a bus tour for a trip from the city, you won't have enough time to see it thoroughly. Don't leave until you get it. Learn what you need to know. If you aren't feeling deeply, you haven't learned enough yet. Everyone needs to learn this. Everyone needs to truly try to wrap their minds around it as much as possible. It is a learning experience, and shouldn't be skimped on. If you ever even think about visiting Auschwitz a second time as a tourist, you didn't learn enough the first time.

The professor who took us there, had been there many times. He did not enter. He stayed on our chartered bus and read a book for the entire day while we learned. He'd already learned and didn't need to learn again. It was etched in his brain as it has been in mine since my visit.

And that's all I have to say about that.

Now that we've covered Auschwitz, remember that this will only be one part of your trip to southern Poland. Either before or after your experience with the Holocaust, you will probably have plenty of time to enjoy some of the rest of the area.

Krakow is one of the best preserved cities in Poland. Much of Poland's great cities were leveled during WWII. Krakow has a giant medieval town square, castles, forts, and plenty of things to do. You will find it a great place to shop, go to a casino, try great cuisine and see ancient architecture. You should take a tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the most fascinating places in the area. People lived in this mine at one time.

Another place to visit is Czestochowa and the Jasna Gora Monastery. The city is a fabulous place to visit and has some of the best ice cream around. Know that one first hand and highly recommend it. The Monastery is home to the world famous Black Madonna painting. It is believed to be the oldest Madonna painting in the world.

So, if you ever wanted to visit Poland, I recommend the Krakow area. I've been all over Poland, and it was the most amazing part. You will find the people friendly, willing to try and talk across a huge language barrier. Most things in the area are educational. When in the area, you must visit Auschwitz. I stand by my belief that everyone should visit one time. After that, take in a castle, a salt mine, a monastery, some great food and enjoy!

http://www.auschwitz.org/en/

https://www.booking.com/city/pl/oswiecim.html?aid=318760;label=msn-kpJj9w9KlSPvVOa%2As0fZmQ-79852099915026%3Atikwd-16725862023%3Aaud-807859093%3Aloc-190%3Aneo%3Amte%3Alp44736%3Adec%3Aqsauschwitz%20concentration%20camp;sid=2da9f0fae7108bbfb62b7dddfab3a52c

https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/auschwitz

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/auschwitz

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g274754-d275831-Panstwowe_Muzeum_Auschwitz_Birkenau-Oswiecim_Lesser_Poland_Province_Southern_Poland.html

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/31

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50743973

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/27/auschwitz-short-history-liberation-concentration-camp-holocaust

https://panorama.auschwitz.org/tour1,en.html

https://www.theholocaustexplained.org/the-camps/types-of-camps/concentration-camps/

https://www.yadvashem.org/holocaust/about/final-solution/auschwitz.html

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-horrors-of-auschwitz-concentration-camp.html