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Knafeh Recipe A Cheese Butter Pastry Delight

February 23, 2019 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Knafeh Is A Cheese Pastry Delight

Knafeh is the richest and creamiest; it is a sweet and cheesy delicacy. Just when it seems it could not be better, it is topped with a crunchy topping and soaked in sweet syrup. It is totally seductive! It is delicious! There is no other dessert that seduces the Middle East like Kanafeh. You will find it in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Palestinian Authority, Turkey, Greece, and Egypt. So many countries can’t be wrong. Kanafeh is the best dairy desert in the Middle East.

So many spellings, but the same luxurious dessert. In one place it may be spelled Kanafeh or Kunefe. Yet in another, it is Kadayif or Konafeh. And just when you are sure there can be no more, you will see Konafah, Knafah, Kunafeh, Kanafeh, and Knafe. So many spellings for the same special dessert. It is an amazing and scrumptious dessert called Kanafeh!

You can not visit any part of this region without falling in love with this dessert. This is a recipe easily made at home and we hope this inspires you to create this delicious dessert.

Knafeh Recipe

By Pali’s Favorites on August 18, 2011

(Found on WWW.FOOD.com)

Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Yield: 1 tray

About This Recipe

“You can’t go to Palestine and not eat knafeh every night! A very delicious dessert that is easy to make :) A Syrian sweet cheese is normally used with this, some people use ricotta cheese but it changes the taste and consistency of this dish, but it can be used. I make my own cheese and do not add salt to it so I can use it with this recipe, but store-bought sweet cheese works just fine :)”

Ingredients

1 lb shredded phyllo dough ( knafeh dough) [**Can be found in the Kosher section of most large markets and in Kosher Jewish stores and delicatessens. ]
2 lbs sweet cheese
1 -1 1/2 cup rendered butter [** Also called Ghee and can be bought in most major markets and International Markets. ]
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon orange blossom water [** I make this and can when the Orange tree. blossoms. ]
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 teaspoon kanafeh food coloring [** I usually use regular food color.]
1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
2 cups thin syrup ( attar) [** I make a standard thin syrup with equal parts water and sugar. ]

Directions

Mix cheese, sugar, and orange blossom water together.
Chop knafeh dough with a sharp knife. Mix with 1 3/4 cups hot butter over low fire for 15 minutes, or until dough absorbs all the butter.
Mix 1/4 cup butter, kanafeh coloring, and spread in a 17×12 inch pan. Sprinkle pine nuts evenly.
Spread 2/3 of the dough in the pan over the nuts and press well. Spread the cheese mixture over dough evenly. Cover with the rest of the dough and press well.
Bake at 400 degrees in a preheated oven for 30 minutes. (Place on the lower rack).
Add thin attar. Flip the tray over in another tray of the same size. Return to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes.
Garnish with pistachios and serve hot!

** My notes

Pictures of different types and styles of Kanafeh: https://www.pinterest.com/recipes/knafeh-pastry/

Furthermore this is a rather standard recipe and can be made with little effort and once you have tasted this awesome dessert, you will just have to have it. Make it in the kitchen or take a trip to the Middle East for the “real thing.” You can literally eat your way through the Middle East. Traveling throughout the Middle East is a food adventure in the making. Make this the year you taste the real Middle Eastern Kanafeh.

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Happiness Abounds At The San Diego Zoo In Southern California

October 17, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Happy And Hungry Giant Panda

It is a beautiful day in Southern California with blue skies and pleasant temperatures. Ten in the morning is the perfect time for arriving at the Panda Habitat. As you arrive, you quickly notice how content and happy the Pandas are. The second thing you quickly observe is that they eat a lot! This is feeding time and this contented fellow is enjoying his almost unlimited bamboo treats.

Who can resist loving anything this cute, with the face of an angel and the grace of a lumberjack. The San Diego Zoo can not help loving these not so gentle giants. It all started in 1987 when two pandas came for a visit for 100 days from China. Latter, in 1996, China agreed to allow the zoo to house two of their pandas. These first two residents, Bai Yun and Gao Gao gave birth to Xiao Liwu in 2012. Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu can be visited at their home habitat in the Panda Trek area. Panda Trek is close to the Giant Panda Research Station. The zoo keepers and the researchers are trying to learn all they can about these wonderful, but endangered, residents of the San Diego Zoo. As for Gao Gao, due to his age and failing health, he lives a quiet life at the Panda Habitat.

An adult Giant Panda is only about 2-3 feet tall, but they are definitely members of the bear family. They walk like a bear, climb like a bear, and play like a bear. They are omnivore, as they love to eat bamboo, many other plants, and a meal of good meat is never passed up. They are, without a doubt, the cutest bears in town. They have an extremely thick body and their bones are thick for the size of the bear. But keep tuned for play time, as you will be astonished at how agile and flexible they really are. Have you ever watched a panda do somersaults? They are cute, agile, and more than ready for the Olympics.

Giant Pandas Are Big On Bamboo

Probably one of the most amazing things about these Giant Pandas is how small they are at birth. They are a little more than 3 ounces when born, are totally dependent on their mother, and are completely without hair. They are so helpless that the mother does not leave the baby alone in the den, even to find food or drink for several days. When a baby cub nears 2 months of age, they usually begin opening their eyes and soon after they will begin to crawl. In the fifth month they are usually walking well and this little rolly poly cub is ready to explore the great outdoors with his mother. From this time on they begin to grow fast, as they eat a lot of bamboo and other plants. They spend over 12 hours a day eating. Now that, is a healthy appetite!

The Adorable Meerkat

Welcome to the happy and crazy habitat of the Meerkats at the San Diego Zoo. These little fellows are cute, spontaneous, clever beyond belief, and a bundle of fun. This spectacular member of the mongoose family is similar to a weasel in many ways. If you have never watched them run and play, you do not know what you are missing.

In their natural habitat, and here at the San Diego Zoo, they like to make large burrows for the whole mob of around 40 members. Sometimes the mob can also be called a gang. They greatly love the companionship of other meerkats and of course there is safety in larger numbers. They often groom each other and spend much of the day in group play.

A mob of meerkats are a gang of several family units, though there is always one pair that is dominant. This structure keeps them together as a community, while answering their individual needs to be groomed and played with. It is their love of community that keeps them strong, even in the face of danger.

This amazing meerkat lives about eight years in the wild, and can live as long as 13 in a good zoo. When they are first born, they usually weigh less than a pound, but when full grown they would have doubled that. Even a large meerkat is not much over two pounds. They may not weigh much, but they can be nine to thirteen inches long. Unlike most animals, it is the female that will outweigh the male.

By far, the most amazing thing about them is their dare devil way of getting their food. These tiny hunters can kill poisonous snakes so fast that the snake doesn’t know what happened. They also like to eat the desert scorpions, though like the snake, their venom doesn’t seem to bother them. They have some type of immunity to the venom, as it does not seem to affect them in any way. They also love eating roots and tubers they find in the ground, and a favorite are the tsama melons. The moisture naturally found in the tubers and roots supply them with all the water they need.

These little creatures can keep you laughing as they run, climb, and play. If you are feeling down, just head to the Meerkat Habitat, and they will give your mood a big boost. It is hours of fun and games, in the life of the Meerkat. If you need an injection of laughter, then you have come to the right place.

The Unique Kentia Palm Seeds Of Southern California

As you wander through the grounds, be sure to take in all the unique palms and flowers that grow in Southern California. The San Diego Zoo Grounds has many different palms, each with their own uniqueness. This one is known for it’s patterned bark and it’s strange looking seeds that grow on the outside of the tree.

This is a slow growing tropical palm that can make a wonderful house plant. It will quickly become a conversation piece. In the San Diego area, it is an outdoor treat for curious eyes, and inquiring minds.

The Skeleton Of A Python Is All Backbone

This is a giant Python! It is not a venomous snake or even an evil one, as we generally assume. If you look closely at the skeleton above you can see where he has had several broken ribs that healed. Pythons live in Africa, Asia, and Australia.They love the native savannas and rain forests of these areas. Pythons move while in a straight line, making their ribs very strong and stiff. Adult Pythons make a good meal for the larger Birds of Prey. Even leopards and sometimes lions get in on the action.

They hatch their eggs when it is time to reproduce. During the incubation period the Python keeps her eggs warm by coiling her body around her eggs. If she sees they are too cold, she does a shivering motion with her body to warm up the eggs. This is a lot of exertion, and afterwards she will not lay eggs again for three or four years. Once the eggs hatch, the babies are on their own. Then the life cycle begins all over again, with the babies trying to outsmart their predators.

The Long Snouted Indian Gharial

This Long Snouted Indian Gharial has gone Jurassic at the San Diego Zoo in Southern California. This Gharial, with his 110 very sharp teeth and very long snout, is amazing at catching fish, thus he is often called the fish-eating crocodile. Fish is his main source of food. This member of the crocodile family spends most of his time in the water, though when cold, he pulls himself onto the bank and spends a few hours in the sun. He is one of the three different crocodiles that are native to India, Pakistan, and Nepal. The male Gharial has like a round knob or growth on the end of his slender snout. The Gharial having lived on earth for an estimated 65 million years, is now a critically endangered species.

Flamboyant Flamingo At The Flamingo Lagoon

Flamingos are most at home in salty or caustic lagoons or very shallow lakes. These lakes are poisonous for most other animals, so they have little competition for the algae, diatoms, and those small crustaceans. This is perfect, as these tiny creatures are what they prefer to dine on. If ever there was a win-win situation, this is it!

The San Diego Zoo has one of these caustic lagoons, and it is the perfect environment for these beautiful giant birds. Like other Lagoons elsewhere, it is too salty and caustic for other birds or fish that might give competition for their favorite food supply. With that in mind, the Flamingos at the San Diego Zoo flourish in the Southern California Sun.

Their extremely long legs also allow the Flamingos to wade farther out into the water than other animals, and thus their selection of food is even greater. If you have ever watched a Flamingo fish for his food, you can not help but enjoy this unique and different concept in fishing. While holding their beak upside down, they begin taking in water. They take in water, animals and all, and then filter out the water with their built in water filter. All that remains are these tiny creatures and dinner is served.

These beautiful birds put on quite an airshow, when they travel in formation. Just imagine their long beautiful necks sticking straight out ahead, and their legs straight out behind. When they wave their wings, as they often do, the colors are spectacular.

Tasmanian Devil At The San Diego Zoo

The Tasmanian Devil is a strange looking marsupial which lives in the grasslands and forests of Tasmania Island, Australia. Such a little fellow, but he has earned his name. He is similar in many ways to the rat in features, but watch out for his temper. He has sharp teeth and when he is mad he is vicious. He is known to have one of the sharpest bites in the animal kingdom.

Even though the majority of Tasmanian Devils prefer the grasslands and forests, you will find them throughout the island. Watch your step, as they like to sleep in empty caves, burrows that they run across, and under rocks or logs. The better they can hide, the happier they are. Such a combination of happy and snarly! They are nocturnal and so sleep all day and often go on long journeys at night. It is not unusual for them to travel up to 10 miles in a single night.

The Tasmanian Devil is highly endangered and is in grave danger of dying off due to a very deadly and transmissible cancer. Great care is being taken in the safekeeping, protection, and study of this little devilish critter with the terrible temper at the San Diego Zoo. Be sure to check out this little fellow next time you are at the zoo.

The South American Guanaco At The San Diego Zoo

Welcome to the home of the Guanacos, a close relative to the camel. Where as, camels are the work horses of the desert with coarse coats, the Guanaco is so very soft, has no humps, is smaller, and extremely graceful. They are beautiful with their light brown coats with white underbellies. Their tails are quite short, they have really long necks, and big ears that point straight up. Unlike camels that come from Africa and Asia, Guanacos come from South America. A Guanaco is much smaller than a camel and larger than other camelids, such as alpacas, vicunas, or llamas.

Guanacos live in groups with one dominant adult male, up to about 10 females, and all their young chulengos. Unattached bachelors form their own groups which may be 50 or more adult males. When a female Guanaco gives birth, her Chulengs are quite able to stand and walk. They have no issue with keeping up with the rest of the group shortly after birth.

If they were put on display at a beauty contest, they would surely come in first place. You haven’t seen beauty, until you check out the Guanacos that live at the San Diego Zoo.

Elephant Odyssey Showcases The Pleistocene Era Tar Pit

Showcasing California’s spectacular history during what is known as the Pleistocene Era, Elephant Odyssey tells the story of who these magnificent animals were that roamed Southern California. You will be able to discover the 40 species that went extinct during this time. This amazing exhibit was done together with The La Brea Tar Pits, The Western Center for Archaeology & Paleontology, and The San Diego Natural History Museum. Here you will learn the significance of the extinctions on today’s animal kingdom. When you see the most famous of the exhibits, the elephant, you will watch them in all there grandeur, as they mate, raise families, and play together. What an enlightening experience this will be for those who care about the animals of today. As we learn from the past, we will be better able to meet the challenges of today’s animal kingdom.

The Playful World Of The Schmidt’s Red-tailed Monkey

The Schmidt’s Red-tailed Monkey goes by several names, but the best description for this cute little fellow is this one. He has a beautiful red tail from which he gets his name. Other noticeable characteristics of this cute primate are his white nose and checks surrounded by a body of gorgeous black or dark grey fur. Like many other animals, he has what seems to be expanding checks so that he can both gather and store food. Sometimes he will need to store his food for months.

These cute little primates are indeed quite small. They usually have bodies that are only about one to two feet long, though his tale can be as long as 35 inches. Males are usually on the top of the scale, with females being very small indeed. The males can weigh from seven to ten pounds, where a female is only in the six to eight pound range. Their long red tales are not only beautiful, but they are used for balance when needed.

The Majestic Great Blue Heron

This majestic Heron actually calls the wetlands that are so common in North America and also Central America home. This graceful heron is the largest bird in North America and certainly the most spectacular. The Great Blue Heron stands tall at 36-54 inches and when they open those magnificent wings, they span from 66-70 inches. Can you imagine the skies of San Diego when they all decide to fly? The skies are filled with large dusty blue herons. What a spectacular sight!

The San Diego Zoo is one of the largest zoos in our country and certainly one of the cleanest and caring. Many endangered species call this huge zoo home, along with the researchers that are working day and night to prevent their names being added to those that are extinct. While we have given you 12 reasons to enjoy this spectacular zoo, the list of animals almost seems endless. These 12 are only some of our favorites. So next time you are in Southern California, be sure to join us for a relaxing visit to the residents of the San Diego Zoo.

Living Art At The Kokyo Gaien National Gardens In Tokyo, Japan

July 13, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com 1 Comment

Japanese Black Pines Trained To Have Intriguing Forms

Breath the fresh pine scented air, in Tokyo’s downtown Kokyo Gaien National Gardens. The Japanese Black Pine has a natural resistance to pollution and salt, making it the perfect urban tree for a small island nation. These tall stately trees make up the overstory of any forest. They are tall and sturdy and just keep getting taller. In their natural state, the are usually the tallest trees in the forest. But with years of skill and patience, they can be trained to be living art in the form of bonsai trees. Such is the case in the Kokyo Gaien National Gardens. From the time that the trees were young, they have been pruned and shaped into the unique and intriguing shapes that you see today. These are some of the most elegant living art forms of the natural world. In the midst of these spectacular Black Pine Trees, you will find peace and tranquility.

In The Center Of Kokyo Gaien National Gardens

Tall living elegance, that have been shaped into the most intriguing forms over the years, stand tall in the center of Kokyo Gaien National Gardens. The center part of this amazing green space is filled with the scent of pine freshness and an overwhelming serenity. This is the perfect place to escape the city rat-race. It is an oasis of peace in the midst of one of the world’s largest green spaces.

Tall And Elegant Japanese Black Pines Tower At The Entrance Of The Imperial Palace

Soaring into the Japanese Sky, are the sturdy and majestic Japanese Black Pines. In this location of the Kokyo Gaien National Gardens they form the overstory of this magnificent urban oasis. Oblivious to the urban smog and the fresh salt in the air, these stately trees that are over 2000 in number, make up the highlight of the garden. In places, you will see other native trees nestled under their overstory. For sure, they are living art throughout the park.

The Imperial Palace Nestled Among The Japanese Black Pines

Even the Imperial Palace is nestled under the overstory of these magnificent Japanese Black Pines. These elegant trees provide a degree of privacy from the outside. The spectacular Meganebashi Bridge, together with a double story wooden bridge, provide the entrance to the palace, which is almost hidden among the trees.

Native Trees Line The Moat That Helps Keep The Imperial Palace Gardens Secure

This urban park, in the midst of Tokyo, has a moat that helps with the security of the palace. The moat is kept clean and is crystal clear, with reflections of the trees and city landscape.

An Urban Oasis Of Japanese Black Pines And Other Native Trees

The Japanese Black Pines, together with other native trees make up a splendid display of living art. If you have never seen these examples of natures art work, then be sure to visit while in Tokyo. Here in the Kokyo Gaien National Gardens, you will find rest and tranquility from the city rat-race. Whether you come for a few hours, or just for a lunch break……. you will leave refreshed and rejuvenated.

The Passion Flower

July 15, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

The Passion Flower

The stunning beauty of The Passion Flower or Passiflora is magnificent. But this amazing flower does not stop with putting on a beautiful floral show. People the world over recognize this beautiful show piece of nature as the symbol of Christ’s Passion and Cross. The many different parts of this lovely flower were adapted to tell one of the greatest stories ever told. Parts of the flower symbolizes the crown of thorns, the three nail holes and the five wounds that Jesus was afflicted with. Especially during the 15th and 16th century, flowers were used to symbolize the making of amends to right a wrong. Thus the beautiful Passion flower became a teaching tool in the hands of the Spanish Christian missionaries. This was the beginning of using flowers for reparation.

The Spanish missionaries used all the various parts of this special flower to tell the story of the passion of Jesus. Each part of the flower represented an event that took place during the last days of Jesus on earth. Most were used as symbols of the different events that led up to the crucifixion.

If you take a look at the leaves, they have a very fine and pointed leaf. This leaf came to represent the Holy Lance. The Holy Lance has gone by many different names through the last 2000 plus years of religious history. It is also referred to as the Holy Spear, the spear of Destiny, and the Lance of Longinus. Different denominations and different periods of history have contributed to the many names. By any name, according to the Gospel of John in the New Testament, it is the lance that pierced the side of Jesus as he hung dying on the cross. (John 19:34) This lance is believed to have been found by the First Crusaders on June 15th, 1098.

The tender and fragile climbing tendrils were used to represent the whips that were used in the flagellation of Jesus. The Spanish Christian missionaries were more than a little creative as they used this beautiful flower to teach the story of the crucifixion. Certainly using the tendrils was a very unique and inventive way to teach this Gospel story that the people could relate to.

The ten delicate petals and the sepals are symbolic of the apostles who were considered faithful. Interesting that St. Peter was left out as well as Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.

The Passion Flower has radial filaments, which can number more than 100, that were used to represent the crown of thorns placed on the head of Jesus. It is interesting to note that the filaments can vary in number from flower to flower.

The ovary of the Passion Flower is somewhat shaped as a chalice-shaped cup. This was used to represent the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Furthermore, in medieval legend, it is believed that Joseph of Arimathea received Jesus’s blood at the cross in this cup. Some denominations have accepted this version through the years.

Each flower has three stigmata and five anthers below the stigmata. These are symbolic for the three nails and five wounds that he received as he lay hanging on the cross.

Many of the species have beautiful blue and white flowers. The color blue represents Heaven and white is the color of purity in most cultures, even today. You will find that many religious groups today use these two colors predominantly as the color of their vestments.

Throughout the world this beautiful flower has been given many names that reflect this symbology. In the country of Spain, the Passion flower is known as the “Espina de Cristo.” This can be translated as Christ’s Thorn. The German’s have several names for this splendid flower. It is known in some parts of Germany as “Christus-Krone” or Christ’s crown. Some places refer to it as “Christus-Strauss” or Christ’s bouquet. “Dorn-Krone” or Crown of thorns, “Jesus-Leiden”or Jesus’ passion, ” “Marter” or passion, and lastly “Muttergottes-Stern” or Mother of God’s star. These are all common names throughout Germany.

This magnificent flower, with its many names, is a vigorous climbing vine. It requires something sturdy for its tendrils to hang onto for support. It is a spectacular plant that loves full sun and water. The flowers are dramatic as they slowly open up. Rarely does a vine produce any fruit and when it does, it is extremely small and tasty. The Passion Flower loves to grow in tropical areas and in the United States has been known to grow as far North as the State of Ohio. It is a perennial in the tropics but is grown as an annual further North. In the North it is known to re-seed itself from year to year. It can usually be found in seed catalogs starting in the month of January.

Herbalists throughout the world grow this vine for its soothing properties. They often recommend it for treating nervous disorders and anxiety. It is used quite widely as a nerve tonic in some cultures. It never caught on in the Western world due to the many side effects that can present themselves. Certainly it should never be used without a doctor’s supervision, as it reacts with many other herbs, drugs, and teas. It is however widely used as the number one ingredient in many bath products for its soothing aroma and calming effects. It can be found in some teas in small amounts.

As you travel throughout the world, you will see many different varieties of the Passion Flower. The next time you gaze at this spectacular flower, imagine, if you can, the story of the crucifixion of Jesus.

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The Exciting World Of The San Diego Zoo

February 29, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

It’s A Playful World At The Zoo

A day at the San Diego Zoo is always fun and what better place to begin your San Diego adventure. The perfect starting place is at the monkey enclosure. These pesky and playful monkeys are always fun and entertaining to watch. You never know what to expect!

The playful world of the Schmidt’s Red-tailed Monkey is an experience to behold. These playful monkeys are between 12 and 24 inches long, but their tails with a touch of red, can be 35 inches easy. Did you notice the large cheek pouches? Schmidt’s red-tailed monkeys have cheeks that can almost hold as much food as their stomachs. They can eat and pack the food in the cheeks and then find a quiet location where no one will bother them to eat. They can then safely and slowly consume their treasure. It is a built-in safety net to keep others from stealing from them. Now how awesome is that?

The Schmidt’s red-tailed monkey has many different names. They are also known as the black-cheeked white-nosed monkey, the spot-nosed monkey, and the red=tailed Guenon. These special monkeys have brown, black, and grey fur. The underside of their tail is red. This is how they get their name. Now that is one sporty little monkey!

These amazing monkeys live in tropical swamps, tropical mountains and tropical lowland forests. They thrive at the San Diego Zoo in Southern California. San Diego climate is just perfect for these little monkeys from the Congo. They also call Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda home. They are really quite adaptive. Here they have an enormous area to play and roam.

These colorful primates are primarily fruit eaters. In seasons when fruit is not available, they will also eat leaves, tropical flowers, and gum from tropical trees. At the zoo, they are given plenty of fruit and leaves. This makes for happy monkeys at the San Diego Zoo.

Happy Panda Having Breakfast

Next on the morning agenda is the Giant Pandas. This is always a favorite place to spend some time. Around 10 am is a favorite time to visit. This is the feeding time for these giant teddy bears.

This Giant Panda complete with tuxedo, is relishing his breakfast of bamboo. He seems to be showing off for the camera, as he almost has a smile on his face. Who can resist loving this endearing panda with such a sweet face? When he is done with breakfast he will ample off and roam the forest that is his home at The San Diego Zoo. This lovable Panda is a National Treasure in China. He is protected by law in his native bamboo forests of China.

The three Giant Pandas at the San Diego Zoo live a life of luxury. The enormous enclosure has many trees, a wide variety of climbing structures, and air-conditioned bedrooms. All these treasures that they value, plus all the bamboo they can eat.

When Bai Yun and Shi Shi arrived from China they were the first pair of Pandas to come to the United States. They were part of a landmark panda-loan agreement with China. In just three years the unthinkable happened, Bai Yun gave birth to Hua Mei. Hua Mei is the first surviving panda born in the United States. Bai Yun has given birth to 6 living pandas in her lifetime. She is nearing the end of her reproductive life at 24 years old. What a treasure she is for all to love at the San Diego Zoo.

These three pandas are adorable as they amble around and then decide to climb for a while. This little fella was very occupied eating his breakfast when the photo was shot. What a priceless opportunity to watch these happy Giant Pandas at the San Diego Zoo.

Jurassic at the San Diego Zoo

Next on our stop today is the fearsome and Jurassic Crocodilians. It is always intriguing to watch these huge reptiles in their swampy home at the San Diego Zoo. The swamp is large and these big boys are right at home.

The long snouted Indian Gharial is Jurassic at the San Diego Zoo. This Crocodilian with his thick skin and cold blood quite often strikes terror in the hearts of those who see him. For others it is just a very healthy respect. Crocodilians are very efficient hunters, have excellent hearing and keen eyesight.

These egg laying reptiles are most at home in or near the water. Here you will see them floating like logs in the swamp. They appear slow, but don’t be fooled into thinking they can not move. These reptiles can swim up to 20 miles an hour and hold their breath underwater for up to an hour. They are no slow poke on land either. They can run on land up to 11 miles an hour.

These giants of the swamp have 60-110 teeth in their huge mouth. If a tooth wears out or gets knocked out, it is not a problem. A new one just moves into place. A Crock can go through as many as 8,000 teeth in his lifetime. Now that is a lot of teeth!

Crocodilians are meat eaters and will eat whatever they can catch in or near the water. Some favorite dinner delights are fish, birds, monkeys, turtles, frogs, pigs, and even deer and buffalo. It all depends on the size of the Crock. If they can catch and kill it, it is lunch!

Majestic Great Blue Heron

The next members of the zoo family we set out to spend time with are the large birds. The San Diego Zoo has beautiful large natural aviaries with many beautiful and majestic birds. This magnificent Great Blue Heron is a must see on any zoo exploration.

This beautiful bird stands about 4 feet tall and has a wingspan of about 6 feet. His long sharp bill is something to avoid at all costs. With it he feeds on fish who just happen to meander into the shallow water where he stands quietly like he has all the time in the world. He doesn’t mind a meal of frogs or even a small gopher or other land animal that gets in the way of his powerful bill. He catches his prey and then swallows it whole.

Humans should avoid getting too close, or they risk getting nailed in the head or eye. They can often seem friendly and may come up to eat out of your hand in rehab where they are not so wary. Their sharp bill can blind or even kill.

Great Blue Herons are natives of Bhutan. They are getting to be very rare in the wild and are protected world-wide. Take a few minutes and just watch them, they are amazing to observe.

Having Lunch With Mama

Our last stop of this morning is the Gorillas. This is always a place where we can easily spend an hour or so and get many unusual photos. These are some of the most entertaining characters at the San Diego Zoo Park in Southern California. You just never know what to expect from these fun gorillas.

The Western Lowland Gorillas can be found in the very heart of the San Diego Zoo. These gentle giants spend their time in beautiful open meadows with cascading waterfalls, trees of different kinds and climbing structures designed for their inquisitive minds. You really never know from one time to the next what you will see. They always seem to have a new idea for the day. These gentle giants are a lot of fun to just watch and see what they will do next.

We often enjoy spending a half day at the zoo and then going more often. This way you don’t get too tired and overheated and can really enjoy the animals that call the San Diego Zoo home. There are many good places near by to have lunch if you want to enjoy a nice lunch at the end of your zoo visit. There are also many restaurants on the zoo property. Five options at the zoo for a great lunch are:

Treehouse Cafe
At the Parkway, San Diego Zoo
San Diego California 92101
PHONE: 619-231-1515
Menu: http://www.sandiegozoo.org

Albert’s Restaurant
2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego, California 92101
619-685-3200

Casual California dining and drinks served indoors or on the desk at the San Diego Zoo.

Poppy’s Patio
Zoo Place, San Diego 92101
619-231-1515

Front Street Cafe
2929 Zoo Drive
San Diego, California 92101
760-747-8702

So why not grab the family, pack day packs with snacks and water and head for the San Diego Zoo. Be sure to pack the sunscreen. Nothing ruins that perfect day more than a sunburn. The best time to get there is in the morning, if you want to observe feeding times. The mornings are usually just pleasant temperatures and perfect to walk and enjoy your zoo friends.

Strollers and wheelchairs can be rented at the ticket booth. You an also sign up for different special viewing options when buying your tickets. Maps of the zoo are located near-by.

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Walking The Ancient Jordanian Paths

February 7, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Walking The Ancient Jordanian Paths

Walking the ancient Jordanian paths takes us back into the time of the Nabataeans. We begin our journey in the Siq Al-Barid. Leaving the hot open desert of Jordan behind we enter what is often called the “cold canyon.” The difference is noticeable as you step inside this deep cleft in the rock. Hidden from the eyes of a hostile and foreign world, the entrance to the Siq Al-Barid is just north of Wadi Musa. This narrow canyon is a step into the security system of an Ancient people. Traders traveling the Silk Road and others friendly to the Nabataeans had nothing to fear. This was a refreshing deep canyon that nature help carve into the mountainside. It was an incredible path through the mountain. It was secure from any enemies. It was magnificent! It was an oasis in the desert.

As we continue walking the ancient Jordanian paths we come face to face with an ancient culture. The culture and architectural skills of the Nabataeans was advanced beyond what would seem possible. This was an ancient people who knew the value of security and obscurity. They had a building skill that surpassed other civilizations of the First Century CE. This was a pathway through the rocky mountainside that lead to a carved city. It was the entrance into what is known today as Little Petra.

Siq Al-Barid is a canyon of 1,480 feet. Is it any wonder it is called the “cold canyon?” Here in this deep cleft of the rock, no sun could reach. It was a shady area, dimly lit, though a part of a sunny and hot desert. It must have been a reprieve from the scorching hot deserts that the Silk Road traveled through. This hidden narrow canyon provided both security and climate control.

As you walk through the Siq Al-Barid you will encounter cave after cave. Small caves and enormous ones flock the sides of the canyon walls. Some were simple and others more elaborate. These were most likely temporary quarters for the traders who had traveled from afar. A beautiful Inn for the weary traveler. Here in the suburbs of Petra, supplies could be restocked, camels were cared for, and the traders could find the rest they needed to continue on their journey. This was a Nabataean Inn on the way! Today, this area is the site of several archaeological digs. Relics and treasures of a past time tell the story of a way of life. It is the story of an ancient people with quality engineering skills. Skills that builders of today find interesting.

As you travel further into the Siq Al-Barid you will begin to see monuments. These monuments range from the very simple to the more elaborate. It becomes obvious to the traveler that many were constructed for the Nabataean Royalty. With their ornate statues and special shelves for the dead, it is evident that these were intended for prominent citizens of the kingdom. These monuments were more than just a place to bury the dead, they were a place to honor those who had passed.

There are also many smaller monuments. These monumental caves were much simpler in design and usually lacked the doors and special shelves. A simple place to lay those who had left this world.They provided a place of dignity and honor for the deceased.

During the time that these hidden cities and siqs were constructed, the Nabataeans were a prominent people. They were powerful, and influential. The Nabataeans had a very complex character. They were ambitious and industrious. These were skilled Arab craftsman! During the early times of the Persian Empire, they were a nomadic people. They existed in the area of Petra, pitching their tents and moving to find fresh pasture and water for their herds. Out of this nomadic lifestyle arose a superior civilization. They were a people of two worlds. They were very Arabian and very Hellenized. They built with columns and other Westernized architectural designs. These designs were out-of-place in the Arabian Desert. This was an area that was inhabited by Bedouins and simple farmers. Still today, in this area you see the Bedouin tents that move as the need for fresh pasture and water arises. In this nomadic society, the Nabataeans carved a majestic civilization out of the sides of the sandstone mountains.

About the time that the Nabataeans began their building spree in the desert, they had just started getting involved with trading frankincense and myrrh. This was a very lucrative business in the area of South Arabia. This was the trade of the Queen of Sheba. Many centuries earlier this wealthy Queen paid a visit to King Solomon. We can read in history about her visit to the king, and her standard of living. Frankincense and myrrh are to this day some of the most valuable resources you can have.

Frankincense and myrrh are medicinal and fragrant plants. Their resins were valuable then and are still valuable today. These wildcrafted natural resources are found throughout the South Arabian Desert. They are then sold in the open markets throughout the Middle East.

What are these natural resins and why are they so costly? Let us discover the wealth behind these cities as we continue walking the ancient Jordanian paths.

The resin of Myrrh is considered one of the most valuable and effective oils and tincture you can make for oral care. Throughout the Middle East and beyond a simple mouthwash is made of 1 part myrrh and 3 parts alcohol. It is used in the Middle East for loose teeth, infected and inflamed gums, and sore throats. It is also used for gingivitis, bad breath, mouth sores, and toothache. Freshly ground myrrh is available from many sources on the web, including the Apothecary’s Garden out of Canada. Following is a recipe for making a Tincture of Myrrh and how to use it. It was taken from the recipes of Apothecary’s Garden.

“A Recipe for a Tincture of Myrrh

1 part finely ground myrrh.
3 parts 45% grain alcohol or unflavored Vodka. A mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
mix the powdered Myrrh and the alcohol in the mason jar. Make sure to break up any lumps.
Screw the lid on tight, (moisten your finger slightly with vegetable oil and run it around the thread on the outside of the glass before you screw the lid on tight. This will prevent the resins from “gluing” the lid closed if some of your tincture gets on the thread).
Shake the mix thoroughly.
Place the jar in a warm place out of direct sunlight. The top of a fridge, furnace or water heater work well.
Shake your jar vigorously at least once a day for 4 weeks. Longer is fine too, but a lunar month should be sufficient.
After your maceration is done, find a good spot to work.
Filter your tincture into a clean jar or bottle that has a tight-fitting lid or cork. You can do this by pouring it through a paper coffee filter in a funnel (or a cheese cloth inside the funnel is what many use.)
Scrape all the ground Myrrh into the filter. If you like you can try to press the rest of the liquid from the material, but be careful the paper doesn’t rip.
Seal the jar or bottle and let your tincture sediment for a few days.
pour or siphon off the clear liquid and bottle it for use. It can keep for a few years.

For sore, spongy or inflamed gums, loose teeth, Canker sores, toothache, Gingivitis, Halitosis, sore throat, or Thrush, mix 1 teaspoon of your tincture in a cup of warm water in which you have dissolved 1/4-1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Swoosh some around in your mouth for as long as you can, (spit it out when done), and as often as you can till you find relief. Use it a few more times, then continue using this tincture as a daily preventative.”

Frankincense has not had as much Western research to date as myrrh. All species of Frankincense are known in the Middle East to be anti-inflammatory. It is also used as an anti-aging cream, and is known to be helpful in rebuilding damaged nerves. According to Middle Eastern wisdom, there is a connection between the brain and the nerves when you rub it on a nerve damaged area. It is a hot oil and must always be diluted with a carrier oil. When using it as a Tincture, you can use the same recipe as above for Frankincense. Use a 1:5 ratio and substitute frankincense for myrrh. Many are finding that arthritis, inflamed joints and muscles, head trauma, and depression are all responding to frankincense.

Essential oils and resins are safe to use as long as you dilute them properly. However, they are considered medicines. There has not been any known side effects recorded as of yet. As with any natural herb or oil, it is only wise to talk to your own Alternative Care Physician before using.

As the cities in the desert were being built, the Nabataeans were gaining much wealth from the Indian Spice Trade as a whole. As their political and economic fortunes improved, so did their fast hold of lands. This continued till they controlled all the land from Damascus in the north to Hegra in the south. This was literally all the lands boarding the Arabian frontier. As the Nabataeans became more wealthy and prominent, they had to present themselves as equal partners in the International Community. They began to adopt the styles of the Hellenistic Civilization. Petra, Little Petra, and all the other smaller cities and siqs were built by kings looking forward to the future. It was a Greco-Roman future and they built their magnificent cities accordingly.

Even though you can see many Hellenistic influences, you also see a distinct Arabian side as you continue walking the ancient Jordanian paths. Especially in the caves and monuments you see a simplicity and minimalist style to their building. As you enter their cities and villages you see many simple high places. Many have stairs leading up to high places that almost seem to touch the sky. These are often little more than flat areas for their use. If you want to look out over the desert, climb the high places. They are simple and beautiful. They present an awesome view of the surrounding desert.

You will also find many of their rectangular stone blocks or betyls. These are found throughout the passageways and are unadorned. These unadorned blocks are thought to represent their many deities or gods. Again, this is Arabic simplicity. It is simple! It is minimalist. It is straight forward.

The last notable major accomplishment found in the canyon and byways is their water system. Like all civilizations, they had to find a way to harness water. You can see the broken cistern as you walk into Little Petra. That gives you a better idea of their enormous size. As you enter the city, you will see that every underground spring was used. They took advantage of many winter time downpour areas. They built aqueducts and channelled this water across flat areas. Every resource was used and taken advantage of. Walking through the siq, you will see the remains of their pipes for carrying water. Water flowed everywhere. There was water in the temples. They had water for their gardens. They even had water in their homes. This was a complex system. It was the finest water system of their time.

Another side to the water system was their dams. As you walk these ancient paths, you will see their retaining walls that kept flood waters out of their cities. Deserts are known for flash floods. They built walls to control the unwanted water.

By the Second Century this powerful civilization had become a part of the Roman Empire. While their cities flourished for a while, they soon also withered and died. They were empty. They became lost to mankind. Only the Bedouins knew and used them. In 363 AD the area was destroyed by an earthquake. It was not until the 20th Century that excavation of the area began. Many relics have been found. Amazing things are still being found. This is an area where the story is still being written. It is fascinating! It is living history.

There are few places on earth with as much living history as Jordan. If you want to walk the ancient paths, then make Jordan your next adventure. Walk through the Siq Al-Barid. Take time to climb the high places. Explore the caves. Discover the Cities. Have tea in the desert! It’s all waiting in Jordan.

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Enjoying The Day At The San Diego Travel Fair

February 6, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

At The San Diego Travel Fair

Our team recently spent a fabulous day at the San Diego Travel Fair. What does our co-founder do when not working or traveling? Here he is shown building connections with Taiwan. We have a special connection with many countries and Taiwan is one of them. We are constantly checking out what is new and available in each country. Even on a day of fun and relaxation, we are constantly learning and building up the exploretraveler.com knowledge base. Traveling is important and all our team loves to travel. But it is when we are in our home offices that the ground work is laid.

A travel fair is exciting and you never know what you will see or learn. When we go to a fair, we expect to have fun and also learn new things. We are like a sponge, soaking up all the latest information. Every area has their own International Travel Fair, and we encourage you to attend if possible. Check out the speakers and try to take in several. Keep a small note pad on you to jot down nuggets that you may learn. We are able to learn from everyone we meet. Everyone comes with a little different perspective and background.

The San Diego Travel Fair was another travel experience. At a travel fair, the world is at your fingertips. We always meet new colleagues, and foster new connections. It is our hope to share all that we learn with you in the future. It is when we come home from any experience that we are able to share our pictures and thoughts. Every place has a beautiful side. It is up to you to find the beauty in each experience.

At a travel fair you will also see many of the latest travel accessories. On occasion you will read about a new product on our web page. A product does not get to our webpage until we have thoroughly tested it among the team. But often it is at a travel fair that we first encounter it.

Another highlight of travel fairs are the cultural exchange. You will see many dances and many native performances from around the world. Remember in the world of international communications, it is not right or wrong, it is just different. Some performances you will like and others you will not. There is always something to be learned from each.

So when you see your local travel fair in the news, take time to attend. Do you know where you are hoping to go next? If so, you can focus on that part of the world. If you are not sure yet, then enjoy the day and experience the world. Something or someone will trigger that inner desire to travel and then you can begin to learn what you can about your next travel adventure.

And who knows, you may encounter our co-founder out there making the rounds. A good travel fair is like a ray of sunlight. Enjoy your next fair and prepare for your upcoming adventure.

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Out Of Siq Al-Barid And Into Al-Beidha

February 6, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Out Of Siq Al-Barid And Into Al-Beidha

Leaving Siq Al-Barid, the cold canyon, where the sun never penetrates;we come out into the open at Al-Beidha. Al- Beidha is one of the oldest villages in the Middle East. We have moved past the temporary quarters for the traders who were traveling the Silk Road. We are past the suburb of Petra where the caravans were loaded up with new supplies. The area was beautiful and, the canyon was incredible. Now it is with anticipation that we come to the end of the Siq and arrive in Al-Barid. Al-Barid together with the village of Jericho, are two of the oldest archaeological sites in the Middle East.

Al-Beidha or Little Petra, is just a few miles from Petra. It is securely hidden among the rocks in the mountain side. The only access is by traveling the Siq Al-Barid. Little Petra is one of the most outstanding sites in Jordan. As you enter Little Petra you will see many well-preserved monuments. These monuments are tombs of notable residents of this little village. Some tombs have doors and even shelves to hold the dead. As we entered inside there was a monument high on the mountain side. It was ornate and had many columns across the front. There was also a meeting area or dining room, complete with benches. Can you imagine all the meetings that must have taken place in that hall?

Another amazing place was a street where you passed many different dining halls. Many of the halls even had a large basin where you could wash up before dinner. This area has been affected by all the floods in the area and most of the seats are missing, but there are many clues to help piece the story together. What would your day be like, if this had been your home?

Most likely there were many underground cisterns but there was only one that you could clearly see. The top side had began to break and you can see inside this monster of a water tank. Also scattered all through the village are little nooks in the side of the rock. These nooks are called beytel or places to house their many gods.

One of the rooms had a ceiling that was not all there. It was made of an ancient plaster and painted. It had been damaged in years past. Everything from the floods and bad weather to the small fires of the Bedouins have taken their toll on these rooms. After all, they have survived over 2,000 years of intense weather conditions.

Throughout Little Petra there are stairs leading to high places and platforms. There was even one that seemed to go to the very sky. How high can you climb? Can you climb to the top? Does it go to the heavens above? These are questions to think about, but for now, just climb and explore. Take time to walk where they walked. Set aside time to view the high places. Little Petra or Al-Beidha is waiting to share the secrets of the past. This is a perfect time for a Jordan adventure.

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Siq al-Barid In Jordan‬

February 4, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Siq al-Barid In Jordan

Siq al-Barid, literally means “the cold canyon.” It is one of the most amazing archaeological sites in the Middle East. It is located just north of Petra near the town of Wadi Musa. It’s rugged beauty is extraordinary! It is another one of the incredible Nabataean sites. Like Petra, you can only reach Siq al-Barid by traveling through a Siq. It is a very high carved pathway through the rocks. It is the only way to reach Siq al-Barid. The sides are so tall, that very little sunshine reaches the Siq. Most likely that is where the name comes from. It is indeed much colder than the surrounding area in the Siqs.

In these beautiful sandstone canyons you will find whole buildings carved into the stone. They are magnificent! The workmanship is suburb by any standard. The Nabataeans were a very advanced civilization. Join our team as we climb the Siq al-Barid. The beauty we see is staggering. Nothing in this world prepared us for what we would discover in the Siq al-Barid.

The Siq al-Barid is actually three wide open areas that is connected by a canyon that is 1,480 feet deep. The canyon is beautiful with the many different colors of sandstone. It is considered part of the Petra Heritage Site, though it is much smaller in size than Petra. It is thought to have been a suburb of the Nabataean capital, Petra. Archaeologists are not able to identify all the ways each building was used, but most feel that it was a place to accommodate visiting traders traveling on the Silk Road. What a magnificent inn!

Little Petra, like Petra, most likely was built during the first century CE. During this time period, the Nabataeans were extremely influential. In later years, as the Nabataean influence began to fall into obscurity, so their beautiful cities were abandoned and lost to mankind. Only the local Bedouins knew where they were. Until the 20th Century, only the Bedouins used Siq al-Barid. In the 20th Century the excavation of the area began. What amazing things they have found and are still uncovering. Not only the buildings themselves, but the amazing art-work on the walls gives much insight to the life of the Nabataeans.

Little Petra sits in a very dry area. It is in a “baked and thirsty land.” The mountains of the desert are rugged but the beauty is breathtaking. The area is over 3,000 feet above sea level. It is just East of the famous Arabian Desert. The wide range of colors in the Jordan desserts are unbelievable. There are hues of brown, orange, and red. The deserts themselves are amazing! Leaving Siq al-Barid to the West, you will descend out of the mountains and into the beautiful Jordan Rift Valley. This valley also includes areas around the Dead Sea. There are places near the Dead Sea that are over 1,300 feet below sea level. This is a magnificent area that is full of history. A Nabataean adventure is perhaps one of the most interesting in the Middle East.

If you have an eye for adventure, then Jordan will provide the perfect locations. Jordan is a country that is immersed in natural beauty. The beautiful red desserts are breathtaking. The workmanship of the Nabataean people is beyond anything else of that era. The people of Jordan are friendly and welcoming. There is no where else that provides so much breathtaking history. This is a perfect year to plan a Jordanian adventure.

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Exploring The ‪Meiji‬ ‪Shrine‬ In ‪‎Shibuya‬ ‪‎Tokyo‬ ‪

February 3, 2016 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Exploring The Meiji Shrine In Tokyo

Meiji Shrine or Meiji Jingu Shrine is 175 acres of beauty to explore. It is calming and inviting. Located in busy Shibuya Tokyo, it is an island of paradise in the midst of a major metropolitan area. Outside are loud noises, cars, and busy city streets. Once you enter the first gate or torii, you enter a lush dense forest that blocks out all the sounds of this Japanese Metropolis. Meiji Shrine is nestled among over 100,000 trees and is a peaceful retreat. As you explore this magnificent Shrine, you will find trees from every part of the world. Welcome to Meiji Shrine, an oasis in the midst of the city.

As you walk into Meiji Shrine, your exploration begins. Breath in the fresh air. Enjoy the calming atmosphere of this magnificent forest. Walking the many paths, you will marvel at the unique and extraordinary trees from around the world. As the peace and calmness of this Shinto Shrine envelops your spirit, your soul becomes calm. Your heart will begin to experience the long needed vacation from the rat race.

In the midst of the Shrine is the magnificent Iris garden that Empress Shoken used to visit regularly. She loved the garden in June when the Iris were all in bloom. In the midst of the garden is a small well where you can relax and enjoy nature. It is named Kiyomasa Spring, named for the military leader that commissioned her to be built over 400 years ago. The faithful consider this well a source of power. Many come here to pray. Others come to remember the spiritual history of this place. Still others will come to meditate. They come here to remember Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. To the Japanese, this is the most famous of the Shinto Shrines.

While walking along the tranquil paths of the Shrine, you will notice enormous barrels of Sake. The Sake was donated by Meiji Jingu Nationwide Sake Brewers Association. On the other side of the path you will see large barrels of wine that have arrived all the way from France.

The Meiji Shrine is a most popular place for traditional Shinto weddings to take place. If you visit on a Sunday you will often see the marriage parade as they walk from one building to another. What a peaceful place for a wedding. The beautiful traditional roofs on the different buildings add to the beauty of the day.

Take some time and explore the Yoyogi Park, home to the 1964 World Olympics. Yoyogi National Stadium was built expressly for those games. Yoyogi National Stadium remains a National Landmark.

Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji ascended the throne when he was only 15. A wise leader, he led the Japanese into a time of industrialization, and modernization. Japan, under his leadership, became Westernized. They soon took their seat among the world powers.

While in Tokyo, be sure to set aside a few hours for the exploration of Meiji Shrine. It is indeed an island of paradise in the midst of the city.
LOCATION
1-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho
Shibuya-ku
Tokyo
151-8557
Tel: 03 3320 5700

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