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Land Diving in the South Pacific

March 8th, 2010 by John

Every year, when the first yam crops emerge in early April on the tiny Vanuatu Island of Pentecost, the local Islanders construct high wooden towers. Once completed the village men and boys dive from these rickety structures with vines attached to their feet to break their fall. Whilst this is an age old practice, the ritual was not discovered until the 1950s when David Attenborough documented the event on film.

The divers calculate the length of the vines to within centimetres so that when the man dives the vines pull him up just so that his hair is touching the ground. The ritual is said to fertilise the ground ensuring a great harvest. The event is also a right –of- passage for boys to jump their way into manhood. Mothers will dispose of a cherished childhood memento when her son completes his first dive.

Divers complete this spectacle accompanied by the throbbing fast beat of native drums that raise the excitement levels in the 300 strong crowd that is voiceful in their appreciation every time a diver walks away from the tower after a successful jump.

Today tourism as much as tradition drives the Land Diving ceremonies in Nagol, with dives taking place mainly for show, however the locals must still adhere to traditional taboos in order to participate; no wearing of lucky charms and no sex the night before the event. Failure to comply will have cultural implications (or worse) for Nagol divers.

This event takes place every Saturday between April and June and travellers should book early as there is limited accommodation available especially during Nagol Land Diving Ceremony. The island also has walking trails to picturesque gorges and waterfalls.

Hong Kong Rugby Sevens

February 1st, 2010 by mike

February already, and the falling leaves from the rubber plantation, opposite our house, remind me, we are only a month away from the Sevens in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, staged the last weekend of March every year, attracts people from around the world to an event that has become bigger than the Rio Carnival. Technically ’sold out’ as soon as booking opens, there are always tickets for the Sevens available at the ground.

Arriving in Hong Kong, it is best to take a train to the Central District and then a taxi to your hotel.

Try and grab a few days before the Sevens tournament, to get out and enjoy sights, sample the local food and explore the fantastic Hong Kong markets.

There are three main markets, Stanley is the best-known, and leans towards fixed prices for tourists. Visitors will discover some nice places to lunch along the seafront.

If you are looking for ‘genuine fake’ Rolex watches, Bulgari perfume that can double as mosquito repellent, clothes and jewellery, head for the Ladies Market in Mong Kok or the Night Market. Bartering is easy, and without the aggression so often encountered in other parts of the world.

Getting around is easy with clean comfortable buses, a fantastic MTR underground system and the famous Hong Kong trams. When you arrive it is worth investing in an Octopus card, which is valid on the MRT, trams, buses, ferries, restaurants, vending machines and even the legendary Kowloon Ferry. Your Octopus card can be purchased and topped up at any 7-Eleven.

Friday afternoon with the sightseeing and shopping done, it is time to head for the 45,000 seat stadium for rugby. The drama builds up to the final on Sunday night, with matches every 20 minutes and the games are punctuated with songs, Mexican Waves and the occasional streaker.

The South Stand is the place to be, for ‘The Sevens’, which is a short, fast and incredibly exciting game, very different from conventional Union 15s.

At the Sevens, laughter and friendship reign, ancient grievances are forgotten, especially when the Welsh and Scots shout for England.

There is plenty of food and drink on sale but never any trouble, as Aussies, Chinese, English, Fijians, Irish, Kenyans, Kiwis, Scots, Tongans and the Welsh, to name but a few revel in the games and the atmosphere.

So, once the leaves are all picked up, it is time to head for the Sevens, Hong Kong a destination with something for everyone, even Disneyland for the kids.

Cuddle Class

January 27th, 2010 by mike

Air New Zealand Boeing

We have all looked longingly at luxurious business class seats as we head towards cattle class to spend up to 12 hours fighting for an armrest and some much needed shut-eye. Now one airline has decided economy passengers deserve more respect and are going to make significant changes to their flight experience.’

Dubbed ‘Cuddle Class’ Air New Zealand has thrown down the gauntlet and is giving economy class passengers a chance to put their head down.

The three-seat blocks on its new planes are being pitched at couples and families with two young children.

The airline has, however, been quick to squash any lingering thoughts from couples wishing to join the ‘mile high club’.

Ed Sims, group general manager of the airline, said this was not something the airline encouraged. ‘Although we have no objection to cuddling,’ he added.

The airline’s CEO, Rob Fyfe was also quick to shoot down any mile high club aspirations, adding: ‘Just keep your clothes on please!’

The seating row can partially recline and has a retractable platform which can be raised to create a flat space across the foot well.

For a couple, the third seat comes half-price whereas for a family of four the idea is that one adult lies with their children while their partner has to make do with an ordinary seat.

The airline has also suggested children could be allowed to use the space as a place area.

The new seating is a welcome development for economy travellers who have faced ever decreasing comfort levels on budget airlines in recent years as business class seats have become ever more luxurious.

Air New Zealand will take delivery of the 777-300 planes from the end of this year which have been developed offering 22 sets of Sky Couches alongside the regular seats available in economy.

Air New Zealand say ‘We spent a long time observing how people contort themselves at all different angles to get comfortable on flights and how parents struggle to find a way for their children to curl up and sleep.’

‘Then we hit upon this idea which is perfect for a parent with two children or for couples who can choose to buy the third seat in the row at half price and lie back and relax together.’

Although prices for the seats have yet to be released, they are expected to cost more than a normal economy fare.

The first of five 777-300s will be delivered to Air New Zealand this year and will begin flights between New Zealand and Los Angeles. They will then be flying to and from Heathrow from April 2011.

Air New Zealand said: ‘Airlines spend a lot of time trying to invent new concepts for business and first class but the majority of passengers fly economy which has remained unchanged for years.

The Darwin Beer Can Regatta!

January 25th, 2010 by mike

Surrounded by “Crocodile Dundee” country where the legendary deeds of locally famous characters have become part of folklore, an urban legend says, the annual ‘Beer Can Regatta’ was started to clear up all the empties left by the tradesmen rebuilding Darwin after hurricane Tracy.

Darwin was almost totally obliterated on Christmas Eve 1974 when cyclone Tracy blew away 60% of the city during a 6 hour period.

Beer in this part of the world is generally packaged in cans and with the highest beer consumption per capita in Australia the bi-product is mountains of empty cans.

One local resident came up with the idea of building boats out of the empty cans and holding a regatta.

Now you could be excused for thinking that boats built from beer cans is no big deal. However, these vessels have to float and carry 4 crew members. Vessels are quite grand in their constructions and even resemble Viking ships and crocodiles. They can be up to 12 metres in length so the boats represent a year round effort from the teams to create the necessary empties.

The event has gone from strength to strenght and the proceeds are used to support Darwin charities throughout the year.

A great many sundry events go along with the regatta, including concerts, thong throwing contests and the ‘Henly on Mindil’ competition (named after the Henley on Todd Regatta), where participants run their boats around like Flintstone cars.

Book your place for the 2010 Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta which will be held on Sunday 8 August 2010.

This is just one of the many novelty events that brings people from far and wide to this vibrant new city that is closer to Indonesia than Brisbane, whose residents do not like people to think of them as posh and are fiercely proud of their frontier heritage.

Know the local lingo: Thongs are flip flops.

Author: John Rummery

Five Vacation Planning Tips

January 25th, 2010 by mike

By sharing knowledge we can all avoid the pitfalls that can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare

Know the rules. The saying, ‘when in Rome do as the Romans do’ is never truer than when on vacation.
Spend some time researching the laws, traditions and culture of the countries you are planning to visit. Do not become the unmarried couple arrested in Dubai for sharing a hotel room. Know what over the counter medications you brought from home could land you with a jail term.
Plan early to get the best selection, if you have fixed dates or a must stay destination, and to get early booking discounts.
If you are not particular about where you want to go, you can also make a last minute reservation. You can get some great last minute deals but you need to be flexible and prepared to take a chance.
Plan ahead if you are going sightseeing or planning to visit some special attractions or shows, then make the reservations necessary to ensure that you can do what you want to do when you get there.
Passport tips. Make, sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the last day of your vacation many countries will not allow you to enter with less.
Make colour photocopies of your passport, including any pages with Visa’s for the countries you are visiting. Write down the numbers of your Embassy or consulate in the countries you will be visiting this copy will help if you lose your passport and hopefully speed up the replacement process.
Pack a carry on that is small enough to stay with you at all times. If you get separated from your other luggage your carry on will have your must have items, including any medications you need to take.
For my business trips I always add presentations and reports I need for next day meetings to my carry on.
Pack an attitude. Remind yourself what matters most, and focus on that when you set out to enjoy or discover on your vacation.
If your flight is delayed relax buy a guide book for your destination and find the best places to eat and look forward to a meal there on the first night of your vacation not when you discover it on the the last night!
With your positive attitude packed it won’t matter if you find the two star hotel you booked, right next to that perfect beach, is a little tired and lacks the comforts of the big chains. Focus on the beach and the great time you will have there.
Vacations are about relaxing, recharging your batteries and creating memories.

Add your tips and help others enjoy there vacations even more.

Should Cruise Ships be Visiting Haiti?

January 20th, 2010 by mike

Most of us have seen and heard about the devastation and suffering in Haiti, following a massive earthquake last week.

Last Sunday a British newspaper, the Guardian, reported that Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is docking ships at Labadee, which it leases on Haiti’s northern coast and passengers are enjoying themselves less than a hundred miles from where stunned survivors are searching for food and water.

When Royal Caribbean announced its decision to resume stops at Labadee last week, a company executive cited the economic importance of the resort to the local citizens as well as the opportunity to deliver much-needed supplies.

Are Royal Caribbean supporting the people of Haiti in their hour of need or being insensitive?

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BIRDSVILLE RACES

January 18th, 2010 by John

As an avid enthusiast of “Horse Racing” and an owner of a moderately successful mare racing in provincial New South Wales Australia I have more than a passing interest in major racing events around the world.

I have attended the Dubai World Cup, the financial pinnacle of the global racing calendar, I am drawn with interest to the major racing events in the UK, France, Japan and the US.

However by far the most unique horse racing event takes place in the middle of the Queensland outback on the first Saturday in September every year.

Birdsville is located on the edge of the great Simpson Desert, 400 kilometres from the nearest town.

There is one Pub, a racetrack and a few locals (mainly cattle station owners) that make up the local population (approximately 100 souls). Some of the cattle stations in the area are larger than some small European countries and is equally populated by beef cattle.

Birdsville was established by a few hardy souls in 1870 as a tent town, but by 1882 the town was fully established with a pub and the now famous Birdsville Races were first held.

The Birdsville Races is a week- long event with few hundred light aircraft landing at the dirt airstrip, visitors also brave the long drive on dusty roads to Birdsville and visitors camp at the local camping ground in tents and caravans. As you would imagine the pub is the focal point of the town and entertainers are brought to the town for the week long party.

The pub has to order in copious supplies of beverages to supply the 6,000 revellers for the week long festivities.

On race day (first Saturday in September) the dusty Birdsville race track is alive with colour. Fashions of the field still include a large array of hats (the broad-brimmed Akubra variety) and heels are generally “Boot Heels” (this is no country for stilettos). There is no mobile phone coverage, but you can still bet with the dozen or so local bookmakers. The race day consists of 12 races, the gala race is a 1600 metre event with prize money of around A$100,000 and the racing is of genuine quality with horses coming from near and far for this uniquely prestigious event.

All entry fees are donated to the RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service). Out here things have to be pretty serious before you call the Doctor and he then usually arrives by plane.

I for one hope to make the trip this year, as it is, by far the most unique horse racing event, combined with the true pioneering spirit that still exists in the outback today.

Adding a new dimension to cruising!

January 12th, 2010 by mike

The Sea Cloud Hussar, a legendary new ship, will set new standards in luxury travel for those with sophisticated tastes looking to sail to new horizons.

With her elegant white hull and 28 billowing sails, the Sea Cloud Hussar will be launched in November 2010 and sailed in the traditional way – by hand.

The ship boasts 4,200 square metres of sail and three masts up to 48 metres tall. Sea Cloud Hussar, carrying up to a 136 passengers, will also have balcony cabins – the first ever on a sailing ship.

Be inspired by dreams and cradled by the wind, in this legendary new ship which will take the romance of sailing to a new dimension.

Sea Cloud Hussar will be operated by Sea Cloud Cruises, which was voted best small cruise line in the world in Cond Nast Traveler magazine.

Relaxing vacations

January 4th, 2010 by mike

The first working day of the New Year has arrived, and the inbox promises it is going to be a great year, as I have already won millions and been offered countless opportunities to make myself irresistible to the opposite sex, all at a bargain price!

My first day back at work in 2010 started, sitting with the windows open, as the sun comes up enjoying a balmy breeze while reviewing the travel news.

Pictures, on BBC News, of an Air Berlin flight sitting nose down in the snow after skidding off the runway reminded me of long cold winters and the desperate need to escape to the sun that has always driven me to work in warmer climates.

Living in the tropics it is easy to forget the cold, how important every sunny day is and how important every vacation is to recharge your batteries.

So I thought, I would start the year with a few tips for a relaxing holiday:

Keep your expectations and itinerary realistic
Book comfortable, quiet accommodations
Bringing your own pillow may help you sleep (I must be getting old)
Start packing a few days ahead
Plan your work to avoid last-minute cramming (Or worse, as my wife will say, taking work on holiday)
Eat healthy (An all-gelato diet is not a balanced one)
Limit your alcohol intake

There you go, a few tips for a relaxing vacation and to show I am not getting too old, I will write soon about the top party destinations where you can head if you are not planning on getting too much sleep!

PS: No one was injured when the Air Berlin flight to Tenerife skidded of the runway in Dortmund.

OVClub are on Twitter

December 28th, 2009 by mike

Follow One Vacation Club on Twitter.

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