Playing Ice in Summer

Playing Ice in Summer

By darmansjah

Winter is interesting for those who live in a tropical country like Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Playing the snow, forming notable figures from the ice, or simply enjoying the temperature and wind chill bones and hurt the skin could be a form of entertainment that appeals to the whole family.

However, that does not mean it can only be felt pleasure during the winter alone. In the summer time too, you can feel his experience and sensation of cold that freezes the ice and snow, among others at Ice World 2012 in Macao Resort Hotel, held until 16 September 2012.

Ice World is one of the most spectacular places in Macau today, and tourists can visit her as in previous years. As in last year's exhibition was a success, with nearly a quarter of a million visitors enjoy unique activities this summer, hopefully, the same expectations for this season anyway.

Ice world that is becoming more popular in the eyes of world travelers is one effort Sands China Ltd to further strengthen the business and to vacation in the wilderness monopoly business and tourist spending in Macau. Not merely as a business center and shopping, but also as one of the major tourist destinations in the world!.

Steps strategic business behavior is in fact supported by the Macao Government Tourist Office (MGTO), Ice World 2012 which covers only 18.000 square meters and the temperature is set close to minus 8 degrees Celsius is divided into ten zones featuring sculptures made into works of artists ice sculpture they are so majestic and awesome.

Besides landmarks in Asia, also displayed sculptures by artists who have won the carving sculptures made of ice.

And do not worry about a frosty atmosphere as the organizers have provided entertainment for member convenience hooded coat for every visitor. Now, you simply set the cost of travel to the budget over the winter to be ready to feel like you are in the white snow.

Life at the Top of the caldera

Life at the Top of the caldera

Share author traveled Vulkan in Iceland Glacier yagn hooks to Black, heated controversy, and learning coexist with Lava.

Text by Jonathan B Tourtellot (is National Geographic Fellow), executive summary by darmansjah

"I was able to fly you to vulkan!" Cried the enthusiastic pilot. "This is a rare opportunity! We'll fly low zig-zag between the ice cliff. "He moves his hands like a wriggling snake, adding:" Flying lower the better. Flying high could hit the cliff. "Then he told me about the wonders of lava, the greatness of nature, carelessness government-things I do not know. Vulkan or mountain berapai it, Eyjafjallajokull, erupted two years ago. Blankets ashes crippling road and air traffic in Europe for days-the worst disaster after World War II (called, "that vol-CANE-oh in ICE-land").

The pilot was the Icelandic versatile, Omar Ragnarsson, 70, radio entertainers, filmmakers, newscasters, journalists, comedians, politicians, and environmental activists. In the summer, he wrote a blog about the dangers that threaten the countryside in Iceland. He wrote what he saw from the cockpit of his Cessna 172 for the 35-year-old opener people about Eyjafjallajokull (read: Ehya-fyettala-yuh-kuttle).

I'm doubtful. It seems not a good idea surrender my life to the aging pilot who likes to fly this plane passed. Especially my wife, Sally, had intended traveled vulcan in Iceland (this trip with his wife for the third time, and I personally the sixth time). We never get tired of enjoying the diversity as well as natural and cultural uniqueness of the country inhabited around 309 000 inhabitants. While Virginia hit by a humid summer, we have reason to fly to Iceland to experience the cold dry, volcanic eruptions as well.

Iceland topped the Mid-Atlantic ridge, belt mountains and valleys where the eruptive fissure periodic basis to expand the Atlantic Ocean. We want to experience living in settlements frenzy, down the active volcano area of the south coast after the Westman Islands, wading interior Arctic, to the city of Husavik on the northeast coast. Just what we worry about: Will the recent eruption attract crowds of tourists?

Shikoku

THE NEXT DAY, I arrived at Okuiya Niju Kazurabashi, or the twin bridges. I walked down a hundred steps to the bridge are still visible spectral-tangle of vines stretching over the river rapids. Local residents believe the bridge is higher and long known as the man, and the lower bridges and short are known as women. Floating fog, blurring the panorama of hills and surrounding areas.

Of all presented in the Iya Valley-mountains, temples and hot springs-this is the place I visited as recommended mandatory Fumiaki. "The bridge was reportedly built by the Clan Heikie in the 12th century, when they fled from Kyoto after losing the civil war to the Genji clan," he said. "Heike live in the interior mountains, and they built this bridge for protection. This Shikoku relics of the past. "

A gust of wind shook the bridge, the rain made ​​the slippery wooden boards. Giddy, I set foot on a wooden board first. I regret using the sandals, not proper footwear. I stepped up and took a deep breath, step foot next to a wooden board. Hap!

I slip up, sat down, and my feet wedged between the wooden planks. I tried to pull it out, and the rough tangle of vines hurt my feet. Suddenly everything seemed so close: Wood, fog, spirits of the Heike warriors.

"Yeah residents still believe the gods lived in the mountains," Fumiyaki once said to me, and now I understand why. I seemed to hear them giggling from behind the trees.

Finally I managed to get away from the tongs wooden planks and vines. This time, I was extra cautious step and both hands clinging to the rod of the bridge. Focus, focus. I walked slowly, swaying and creaking bridge. After 10 minutes of heart is pounding, I reached across and spontaneous jumping for joy. I imagine Fumiyaki and pray to the god of the mountain.

ROOM ON MAIN temple complex in Zentsuji, hanging spiral incense and monks sang solemn hymns, while a half-dozen parents bowed and prayed; outside, the young monk sweeping the yard. At one point, a group of Japanese tourists admiring the five-story pagoda towering: four women with chic hairstyle murmur audible ooh and aah  at the front of the cinnamon tree which looked older than the temple.

Zentsuji is the cradle of Buddhist and leaders Kobo Daishi, who built this temple in the early ninth century. It is recommended Kuniko father, Ojiichan. "To understand Shikoku," said Ojiichan, and pilgrim-o-henro-san-walking from temple to temple for virtue and chastity. As a child, every time the pilgrims approached the house we will hear the sound of the bells ting-ting-and they bring mom told me to bring rice and oranges for them. Therefore, we cordially welcome the stranger in Shikoku.

In this complex there is a gift shop that sells books, beads, crutches, and other pilgrimage equipment. I carefully read the picture book tells the journey of Kobo Daishi legend, until he felt the time passed so quickly. When I came out, looked everywhere for pilgrims using conical bamboo hats, jackets and white pants. I approached the couple and the child's seizures. When I asked their trip, the girl grabbed my backpack and pulled out a book bound in red silk and gold. "In every temple, the priests wrote the name of temple on one page and affix seal of the temple," said the father. Her fingers turn a page. "Every time a pilgrimage, I feel enlightened. This pilgrimage reminds me of the meaning of life. After the pilgrimage, I was able to do everything, "he continued.

"Of course," said his daughter, "It's only the fourth round. O-henro-san over there "- he pointed to an elderly man wearing black clothes and colorful belts-" he made rounds to 333! "

I am sure, the pilgrims thankful for Shikoku. They walked slowly in humility, reminding us not to make a fuss and commit to a higher spiritual purpose. I realized the truth of the words Ojiichan tradition hospitality and kindness of the island.

I circled the island for two days, to feel the texture of old hay and straw-clay material village house, lounging in a quiet fishing village, bow pilgrims pay homage to the people I have met. In hot water spa, a half-dozen middle-aged women were friendly, forced to pay my dinner. When I got lost in the intersection, the truck driver was kind enough to drive me. At a roadside snack stall, the owner asked me if I was on a pilgrimage, and when I said no and claimed to have been looking for the heart of Shikoku , he exclaimed, "Then you are also a pilgrim!" And presented me with strawberry shaved ice.

In the afternoon, on the fifth day, I arrived at Johen. Family Kuniko was awaiting my arrival. We enjoyed dining Katsuo sashimi (fresh raw fish meat) and grilled fish, as well as mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumbers fresh from the garden.

While sitting on tatami mats around a low table, Obaachan look with sparkling eyes. "All right," he said, "the success you find Shikoku heart?"

"Of course," I replied, and all eyes looked at me expectantly. "But I do not only find it in one place. I found it on lading agriculture, fishing village, also on the pilgrims who would not stop to give thanks for the gifts of the day. And again I found it on the people around were greeted with enthusiasm and friendliness. "

For a moment, I was not sure Kuniko family understand my words in Japanese just were not at all fluent. But then they nodded and smiled.

Ojiichan poured beer for us all and raises his glass. "Don-san, glad you are finally back home. Kanpai! "

Together we sipped drinks, then obaachan raised his glass again. "And this time I'm glad you're not stuck in the ditch again!"