Josh and team go ghost hunting for spirits that are said to haunt the Moai statues of Easter island. In the next segment, the team travels to New Zealand's South Island to investigate claims the extinct Giant Moa has been sighted.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZclJwhZJAXw&hl=en
Josh and team go ghost hunting for spirits that are said to haunt the Moai statues of Easter island. In the next segment, the team travels to New Zealand's South Island to investigate claims the extinct Giant Moa has been sighted.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGhxoyw6CYM&hl=en
Josh and team go ghost hunting for spirits that are said to haunt the Moai statues of Easter island. In the next segment, the team travels to New Zealand's South Island to investigate claims the extinct Giant Moa has been sighted.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_w89ypfeNw&hl=en
Image : http://www.flickr.com
If you are planning a visit to O'ahu, Hawaii, and are in love with island culture, including all things Tiki, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. This museum located on 42 acres of land opened in 1963 and is dedicated to displaying the local history and traditional culture from Hawaii as well as other islands in the Pacific Ocean.
PCC is owned by Bringham Young University-Hawaii, and many of the performers you'll see during your visit are student there. The center was founded after lu'au and hukilau gatherings held on the beach during the 1940s and 1950s to raise money to rebuild a local chapel that had burnt to the ground. A luau is a large Hawaiian feast, and hukilau is a traditional way of fishing. A popular song during this era, "The Hukilau Song" performed by Alfred Apaka, was actually written following a visit to one of these events.
The Center is also known as the originator of the 'shaka' sign, made by extending both the thumb and the little finger. Known worldwide as a Hawaiian symbol, it was created as a greeting by Hamana Kalili, a local leader who was missing three fingers on his right hand. Kalili provided nets that were used for the first hukilau event, which led to the founding of the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Today, the Polynesian Cultural Center is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the islands. During a visit to the Center, you can observe traditional activities performed by various cultures in the Pacific Ocean. Frequent luaus offer visitors the chance to sample Polynesian fare such as pork cooked in an underground oven. PCC is also the venue for the World Fire Knife Dance Competition, a unique annual event in which contestants dance with flaming swords. Other shows held at the Polynesian Cultural Center include the Ha-Breath of Life, a show combining multiple Polynesian cultures into one event. The largest Polynesian performance in the world, it features the traditional cultures from many different islands, including the Hula and other islands' songs and dances.
The setting of the PCC is known for its lagoon and canoe ride led by a tour guide. The lagoon is also the setting for the PCC "canoe pageant" known as Rainbows of Paradise. In this event, a parade of canoes showcases dances originating from each of the islands in Polynesia. During the autumn season, take a "haunted canoe ride" through the lagoon.
In addition to these events, which showcase a variety of Polynesian cultures, there are also events and exhibits for each of the major Polynesian islands and cultures. Re-created traditional villages are shown from the islands of Hawaii, Samoa, Aotearoa (the traditional name for New Zealand, home of the Maori people), Fiji, Tahiti, Tonga, and Marquesas. There is also an exhibit dedicated to Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, home of the giant stone heads known as Moai. Special events held yearly to celebrate the cultures of Polynesia include 'Christmas in Polynesia,' the Moanikeala Hula Festival, and Te Mahana Hiro?a O Tahiti, a Tahitian dance festival.
Royal Tiki's genuine Hawaiian Tiki statues, totems and masks make a great addition to any Tiki bar. Also check our Tiki hut accessories
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Chile stretches 4,300 km along the southwest coast of South America, its geographical structure making the country itself eighteen times longer than its widest point. This long strip of landscape is full of surprises and Chile is known as a country of contrasts, with attractions ranging from ancient forests and beachside retreats to hot springs, canyons and mountainous valleys. This of course makes the perfect destination for a break away!
Northern Chile benefits from a tropical climate meaning there are plenty of idyllic locations where you can wine, dine and unwind in Chilean style. San Pedro de Atacama is a charming town that makes a great destination to visit in itself, as well as an ideal point to begin further exploration, due to its position in the heart of some of northern Chile's most spectacular scenery.
You could easily spend a few days in the town, wandering around the tree lined main plaza and soaking up the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Further afield from San Pedro de Atacama, one of the most popular attractions is the hot springs of Termas de Puritama where you can really get back to nature by bathing in the waterfalls and pools. Located in a small and picturesque canyon, this really is an idyllic location to truly relax, unwind and lose oneself in one of the many wonders of Chile.
The central band of Chile is home to the capital city of Santiago which sits amidst a mighty circle of mountains; the snow-capped Andean peaks to the east and a smaller but equally beautiful coastal range that lies to the west. Immerse yourself in the jazz scene that diffuses throughout this cultured and quirky capital or visit the old centre of Barrio Brasil which is dotted with fine museums and a flourishing arts scene. Indeed, a lazy afternoon sharing various tell-tales can easily be whiled away here in one of the many bohemian cafes.
Of course, when you go away for a break it is important to let your hair down a bit. As such, a trip to Santiago wouldn't be complete without a wine tasting trip. Concha y Toro is one of Chile's largest wine producers and sipping on one of the countries renowned red wines makes an enjoyable experience to savour.
But when looking for flights to Chile, it's worth noting that from Santiago you can hop on a flight to Easter Island, one of the most isolated on the planet. Located roughly halfway to Tahiti, the island offers the perfect secluded escape.
Famous for Moai, giant stone busts that were carved centuries ago, Easter Island is a unique hidden treasure that offers fascinating cave systems, deserted white sand beaches, and simply stunning scenery. A visit to this remote spot in the South Pacific is well worth the trip and life doesn't get more relaxing than this.
However, the further south you go in Chile, the slower the pace becomes and the greener the country gets until you reach snow-bound volcanoes that frame lush valleys and clear watered lakes. Punta Arenas is the southernmost city on the whole of the earth and offers an array of historical sites matched by a vibrant and compelling culture and unspoilt natural beauty. Overall, Chile has something to offer everyone; whether you choose to wine, dine or unwind, you can certainly make a break away that little bit extra special.
Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
© Easter Moai Blogger template 'External' by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008
Back to TOP
