As previously stated next year over the winter months I will be going to California with a side trip to Hawaii then down to Mexico I will be going to Cancun on the peninsula of Yucatan to experience the Mayan culture and ancient monuments. As usual when ever I travel to various countries I purchase the Lonely Planets Travel guide. The traveller’s bible which I have just received for Mexico
An interesting paragraph which reflects my approach to the varicose counties I have been to over the years in cluding Gambia. Just to say in the 10 years I have been travelling to Gambia I have never stayed in any of the major hotels
Read on:- One of the quickest ways to create a more sustainable future for tourism is by avoiding the major hotels and restaurants from where most of the profit gets siphoned out of the country. Also consider staying in smaller towns that you would normally visit on a day trip. The added revenue servers as an incentive for local people to stay in there village, maintain there language and customs and culture and skip out on the job in the bigger city. The Mayan culture has a long been an insular one but folks living in the country side are now realising that tourism may be key to maintaining their traditions. With this in mind many small communities are now welcoming tourists. It a great way to create a positive impact and it also puts you on the edge experiential travel
Where ever your travels take you mix with the locals and you will learn a lot of the country you are visiting and culture. You will also have some very memorable experiences
Just one example in Gambia many years ago I befriended young lad by the name of Lamin (What else LoL) who took me up country to the village where he was born and brought up. He took me all around the village introducing me to friend’s relatives. He then took me to the school where he was educated and introduced me to the head master. The head master then took me to the play area where all the school children were playing He told the children to go to their classrooms and bring out there musical instruments, who then formed a circle and began playing taking it in turn for one pupil to go into the centre of the circle and dance. I had my video rolling and said to Lamin to hold it and keep it rolling where upon as one child came out of the circle I dashed into the centre and stated dancing a big cheer went up from all the children
"Where ever your travels take you mix with the locals and you will learn a lot of the country you are visiting and culture. You will also have some very memorable experiences"
I agree Snuggles,you also get a BONUS you save loads and loads of YOUR OWN money, some of which you may decide to buy your host family a present,maybe some rice,or a few candles (Ahhhh NAWEC again )
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Posted - 10 Jun 2011 : 15:42:16
some of which you may decide to buy your host family a present,maybe some rice,or a few candles (Ahhhh NAWEC again
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