Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Cocos Islands are a small group of closely located to each other pieces of land in the Indian Ocean. Explorers discovered these islands in the XVII century. At this point, in the result of a popular referendum, the territory is under the jurisdiction of Australia.

Holiday feature on the Cocos Islands is that the tourist season lasts all year round, you can come here anytime and not be out of pocket. To attract tourists, local residents did not have to build or invent something - the nature has created all conditions for a true and proper rest.

Home Island and West - alone among the 27 islands on which people live. Here the traveler can rent a room in a cozy and warm home-styled hotels. Beaches on the Cocos Islands are so beautiful and comfortable that it seems as if they were created a powerful, supernatural force, to man, resting on them in the shade of palm trees, immediately forgot about all the troubles and problems. Diving enthusiasts believe that the Cocos Islands are not inferior to any other islands, but in something more perfect than the untwisted places for scuba diving. Water visibility is excellent, no dangerous currents or other hazards.

Excellent fishing - it is a worthy continuation of the rest, such an abundance and diversity of the underwater world can be found far from everywhere.

Finishing the story of the Cocos Islands, it is worth recalling that it is beautiful, in every way, place. Scenic tropics, the gentle sun, gentle waves and white sand - a place where you feel like never perfect.

The Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands are trying to avoid the sad fate - marine engineers presented the project of building the 5-kilometer dike, which should protect the archipelago from flooding.

The government has formally asked the UNO to provide financial assistance. The "construction project of life" takes only $ 20 million, these funds should be sufficient for the first phase of the wall. The construction will be built directly into the sea on the leeward side of the capital atoll of Majuro, consisting of 64 small islands. Dike height of several meters and a width of not less than 5 km will distribute the weight of water on small "buffer" coves and crashing waves during storms.

This unique project, which scale design can be compared with the erection of the ancient Great Wall of China. "Marshallian wall" is also needed to save the life of an entire country. Most islands do not rise above the highest tidal point even on the meter. In this case, residential buildings on the same Majuro, where, incidentally, are key administrative areas as well as an international airport, separated from the shoreline up to 10 meters.

With the growth in global sea level all the low-lying atolls fairly rapidly disappear under water. In recent years, the sea rises by 3-5 cm a year. UN experts predict the Climate to the end of this century, the water level may rise by 120-150 cm in this case, the ocean would burry not only the Marshall Islands, but also popular tourist Maldives. In addition, experts predict big trouble coast of China, Egypt and the Indian states of Kerala and Goa. Their flooding may occur in the next few decades.

Icebergs alongside New Zealand attract tourists

For the second time in four years past the whole fleet of icebergs are coming alongside the coast of New Zealand - perhaps there are more than 100. While certainly dangerous to ocean-going vessels, icebergs, however, attract tourists to the country.

About 96 kilometers from Macquarie Island (about 900 kilometers south of New Zealand) was found 150 meters long iceberg. And in early November, Australian researchers examined a group of 20 icebergs drifting near the island.

The Antarctic ocean currents delivered icebergs to the shores of the archipelago. The question is whether the responsibility for the phenomenon of global warming, has become the subject of heated debate.

On the one hand, because of rising temperatures in recent years icebergs calve from the ice shelves faster than usual. On the other hand, in the waters of New Zealand "icebergs" for a long time do not melt because of the unusually cold weather in the region.

In 2006, a few fragments of ice fields came so nearly to New Zealand that they can be seen from the shore - this happened for the first time in 75 years. Helicopters even had tourists on sightseeing trips to the icebergs, which were inhabited by penguins.

The best place for observing icebergs from shore - this is the South Island. From the North Island, where is situated Auckland - the main air gate of the country, has regularly ferry to the South.

In Australia vacationers will be protected from sharks

In December and January - in those months in Australia accounts for the peak summer heat and the swimming season - the coastal waters off Sydney's beaches will patrol from the air by helicopters. Aerial surveillance will give peace of mind many bathers and surfers who are afraid of sharks.

This year sharks attacked three people in the coastal waters, including - in Sydney Harbour. Fortunately, nobody was injured, but reports of increased activity of predators nervous about having a rest. Bathers lost faith in the reliability of metal mesh, which for decades protects Sydney beaches from invasion of sharks, and demanded additional measures of defense against them. The government chose the helicopter, however, for the recognition of officials, one hundred percent guarantee of security can not give and air patrols.

Experts say that shark off the coast of Australia has increased because of the actions of environmental organizations. In recent years, environmentalists actively induce cleanliness in the beach area of Sydney, so the coast has more ocean fish, and beyond it stretched and predators. In addition, scientists have made protection of many species of sharks that swim in the territorial waters of the continent. This has led to an increase in the population, including sharks and predators.

In Melbourne opened a network of art-hotels

In the Australian Melbourne in the next 2 years will be a network of 5-star Art Hotel, interiors of which will be decorated works of prominent artists. The first network hotel - The Cullen, named in honor of artist Adam Cullen - has opened in December.

The hotel has 115 rooms placed more than 400 works Cullen. The artist took an active part in creating the hotel, ranging from the design menu restaurant to motorcycles and cars, which can be rented guests. Accommodation in The Cullen costs from $ 173 per night.

In February 2010, opened next hotel online - The Olsen to 239 rooms. Its interiors are decorated with works of artist John Olsen. A special feature of this complex will also become the world's largest swimming pool with glass bottom, which will "hang" right above the street.

The third hotel network called The Blackman opened in April 2010. Hotel with 207 rooms will be named in honor of the artist Charles Blackman. In Melbourne is expected to open six such art hotels in total.

Lucky country of Vanuatu

In 2007 Vanuatu was granted the status of the happiest country in the world. In support of that smile everyone he met in your address, free treats from local residents in each small village, where you stop off on the bike, and a full sense of that here there was absolutely nobody interested in the money went to see them tourists.

Lucky country of Vanuatu

In Vanuatu, the taxi drivers are quiet on the sidelines until you go up to him and not ask you to bring up, for 3 days stay, no one local did not try to sell me anything, and money for refreshments in the village categorically no one picked up. If you believe the guidebook, the locals do not know what a bargain, and prices for the tourist market, for example, are the same as for the Aborigines. And so it does not seem to Asia!

By the way, even in the remotest villages, locals smoothly speak English.

Vanuatu has one of the most "successful" wrecks available for divers. SS President Coolidge - 200-meter-long luxury liner resting on the "ideal" depth of 20 to 72 meters. On the island of Pentecost can be found on the land-diving (this video entertainment can be easily found on the internet). There is also the island with the existing volcanoes and elegant beaches with white sand and azure water. How can you not be happy?

Yasur Volcano

One of the most memorable impressions of Vanuatu - Yasur is an active volcano on the island of Tanna.

Tahiti...

Tahiti - the largest and most famous island of the French Polynesia archipelago. Here come the travelers from around the world to experience the romance of places to relax, surrounded by amazing countryside. Tahiti consists of two beautiful islands: Nui and Iti, which are connected by an isthmus. Islands Nui and Iti - these are extinguished volcanoes that dead millions years ago.

* Going on a tour in Tahiti, you can easily target the two islands, each of which has its own peculiarities.

NUI - the round island with amazing nature: this mountainous education side by side with valleys and jungles - with the strikingly beautiful waterfalls. It is interesting to look at the valley Papen, as well as formed from the volcano's crater lake Vayhiriya. Iti Island has steep slopes, in some cases makes it impossible to travel by car. However, in both islands of Tahiti vacation will be wonderful: the azure waves with clear water, the bay side by side with the warm sandy beaches.

* In the north-western part of the island is interesting to visit the capital Papete.

The city is located directly along the coast, and from the ocean to protect the strong reefs. Surrounded by tropical forests of Tahiti are hotels and cottages. In itself a custom greeting guests: each of them endowed with a garland made of tiara, which is a special sign of cordiality.

* Choosing a vacation to Tahiti, align beach pastime sightseeing.

Very interesting museum of black pearls, whose exhibits tell us about ways of processing of pearls. Those interested in history, departing Tahiti, offered tours involving visits to museums in the country, telling about the development of Polynesia and known to mariners. Interestingly, and Gauguin Museum, which opens the details of life of this brilliant artist, who gave many years of life these islands. Travelers are photographed not only in hotels and Tahiti beaches, but also in the City Hall Papete. This is a very beautiful building, which is a copy of the famous palace of Queen Pomare IV, who led the islands in the late 19 th century.

Lovers to shop will be interesting to the market in the capital of Tahiti. Here are not only local vegetables and fruits, but also exotic plants and accessories handmade.