Off The Beaten Path – Guyana

Few things are as exciting as stumbling upon a sight that no one else seems to know about. Guyana is literally filled with natural beauty, Kaieteur Falls, and all of the untouched jungle that covers nearly 90% of the country. You will be immediately drawn in, not to mention one of the few in the world who can claim to explore it. 

Mountain Trek to a Power Plant
Perhaps an oddity, but you can visit an old power generator plant in the Lethem region of Guyana. Water cascades down the mountain into  this generator's large turbines.
The best part is you can climb the mountain all 3000 plus steps that leads to the top of the mountain.

Up river to Kurupung

Take a boat trip (USD 80.00) up the Mazaruni River to Kurupung, a diamond and gold mining village in the interior. Rent a canoe and head further up river to the falls. The trip takes about a week and you can camp in the jungle or with the friendly miners - a great experience. By travelling by canoe you are silent and will have the opportunity to see the wildlife in its undisturbed natural habitat. 
Kurupung is very basic and everything is a lot more expensive as it has to be brought in by boat. Go prepared.

The Kwitaro River

The Kwitaro River drains the area between the Rupununi River and the Rewa River. It is one of the major watercourses of the Southern Rupununi District.  The Kwitaro is remote from civilization. Its 120 mile course has but a single family living on it and is unmarked by road. Access over land can be done by Land Rover to Shea Village and by jungle footpath to the east for 30 miles to Brian's Landing. These are their tribal lands for the Wapahani Amerindians. This region is exceptionally rich in natural wonders.

Rainforest Tours
Rainforest Tours, a local tour company can take you on the adventure of a lifetime.

First stop is Amatuk, a small island near Amatuk Falls. The word Amatuk means Love, and the island is named Amatuk because it is shaped like a heart. Set up camp and walk out to see Amatuk Falls. 

After Amatuk the tour will navigate the Lower Potaro River. Once the boat is in the river, you will proceed to the next camp for the night, the Tukait Guesthouse. The Tukait Guesthouse is nestled in the trees, is extremely quiet, has 3 bedrooms with beds/sheets, plenty of hammock space, a kitchen, and solar panels that will allow you to charge up all of your electronics before your hike. Once you've settled in take a 1 hour hike to Stone Creek Falls, the trail consists of 30 minutes on brush/dirt and about 30 minutes climbing over boulders. Once there, spend your time swimming underneath the waterfalls that stand approximately 200 feet tall. 

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Culinary Travel - Guyanese Coconut Buns

These buns are a quick and easy desert or snack, that’s a favorite among Guyanese everywhere.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, cut into pieces
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup flaked coconut

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit 

In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Add butter, and cut in using a pastry blender or a fork until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. 

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour in the wet ingredients. 

Add coconut, and mix just enough to blend. 

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

Notes
You can substitute butter with margarine if the thought of a half pound of butter terrifies you as well as adding cinnamon, and sugar. Plus you can add raisins or cranberries if you want to.  These are really delicious!

Talk to us about traveling to this exotic, adventure filled destination. Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Travel Guyana

Guyana, a country on South America’s North Atlantic coast, is defined by its dense rainforest. Few places on the planet offer raw adventure as authentic as densely forested Guyana. English-speaking, with strong traditions of cricket and calypso music, it's culturally connected to the Caribbean region. Its capital, Georgetown, is known for its British colonial architecture, including tall, painted-timber St. George’s Anglican Cathedral. A large clock marks the facade of Stabroek Market, a popular source of local goods. A joyful and motivated mix of people are turning the country into the continent's best-kept ecotourism destination secret.

Georgetown, the country's crumbling colonial capital, is distinctly Caribbean with a rocking nightlife, great places to eat and an edgy market. The interior of the country is more Amazonian with its Amerindian communities and unparalleled wildlife-viewing opportunities tucked quietly away from the capital's hoopla. From sea turtle nesting grounds along the country's north coast to riding with vaqueros (cowboys) at a ranch in the south, Guyana is well worth the mud, bumps and sweat.

St George's Cathedral
The most impressive building in Georgetown is the Anglican, Gothic-style St George's Cathedral, said to be the world's tallest wooden building. It was completed in 1892 and was built with a native hardwood called greenheart.

Kaieteur Falls
You may have been to Salto Ángel or Iguazú Falls, seen Niagara or not even be particularly interested in waterfalls, but it doesn't matter: go to Kaieteur Falls. Watching 30,000 gallons of water shooting over an 820 foot cliff (allegedly making this the world's highest single-drop falls) in the middle of an ancient jungle with few tourists in sight is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Depending on the season, the falls are from 250 feet to 400 feet wide. The trail approaching the falls is home to scarlet Guiana cock-of-the-rock birds, and miniscule golden frogs, which are best seen in the rainy season and/or in the morning and they produce a potentially fatal poison.

Canopy Walkway
Only 37 miles south of the field station, Iwokrama's Canopy Walkway is a series of suspension bridges hoisted 98 feet above the forest floor, offers bird's-eye views of native greenheart trees, high-dwelling red howler monkeys and lots of birds.

Part of the walkway closed recently after being knocked down by a tree, but will hopefully be repaired by the time you read this blog; the rest of the walkway remains open.

Talk to us about traveling to this exotic, adventure filled destination. Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Biggest Cruise Ship Ever Harmony Of The Seas

No matter how you like to Caribbean, you've never done it like this. Onboard the world's most revolutionary ship, Harmony of the Seas^SM. Feel the rush skydiving right on the deck of the ship with the RipCord^SM by iFLY® skydiving simulator. Or play at the SeaPlex^SM, an activities space that's a real game changer, offering bumper cars, a roller rink, circus school and more. If leisurely pursuits are more your speed, enjoy breathtaking island sights from the best seat in any house, the North Star^SM. Take in transformative entertainment at Two70^SM. Or grab a drink at Bionic Bar, where mixology meets technology. There's only one way to Caribbean like this. Only on Royal Caribbean®.

North Star^SM
Take yourself to new heights with the jewel-shaped capsule that gently ascends over 300 feet above sea level. Breathtaking 360° views of the sea and our destinations make the North Star one of the most anticipated features on this ship.

Leave it to Royal Caribbean International to literally and figuratively take you to a higher place. The exclusive North Star^SM promises to elevate you both physically and emotionally, revealing 360-degree views of a world you've truly never seen before! Simply step into the North Star^SM intimate, jewel-shaped capsule and gently ascend over 300 feet above sea level, where you can take in breathtaking views of the ocean, the ship, and the exciting destinations that they visit.

RipCord by iFly®
Fly In The Face Of Ordinary Experience the exhilaration of skydiving without ever leaving the deck onboard Anthem of the Seas^SM, courtesy of RipCord by iFly®. For the first time ever, feel what it's like to fly, as you float on air within the safe confines of this groundbreaking simulator. It's a whole new thrill for thrill seekers of all kinds.

SeaPlex^SM

Have The Play Time Of Your Life The largest indoor active space at sea is also the most revolutionary. There's never been a venue like SeaPlex^SM before: offering a circus school, full-size basketball court, and the first-ever roller rink and bumper cars at sea. Not to mention delicious bites provided by the first food truck to ever set sail and music from a floating DJ booth suspended overhead. This is going to change the way you play.

Bionic Bar
Mixology meets technology as the first true robotic bar in the world delivers innovation and delight on every level. With laser precision, robotic arms powered by Makr Shakr work in perfect synchronization, assembling beverages designed to energize and enthrall. These cocktails are engineered to perfection.

Learn more about their revolutionary new features on Harmony of the Seas, and explore a world where innovation rules. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours at 602-843-5100

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100

rawhidetravel.com

In The News – World Spas

Whether it's a full-scale detox or just a serious pamper session, there's no shortage of terrific spas to choose from. The past year alone has seen the debut of hundreds of wellness oases across the globe -- a sign, perhaps, that spas have transitioned from being a mere extravagance to an essential part of travel.

Rocco Forte Spa at Verdura Resort (Sicily, Italy)

There's no spa in Italy quite like the new, 43,000-square-foot Rocco Forte Spa on Sicily's southwest coast. For starters, it sits on its own private stretch of coastline, with uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean from almost every angle. Unsurprisingly, the focus here is on thalassotherapy: the medicinal and therapeutic use of seawater and marine elements. It has an extensive thalassotherapy circuit, consisting of four outdoor pools offering varying levels of salinity and heat.

Thalassotherapy aside, there's also an infrared sauna, a 65-foot-long swimming pool and a juice bar that serves up organic, antioxidant-packed juices all day long.

Spa at Ritz-Carlton, Bali (Bali, Indonesia)
Though it's just six months old, the spa at the Ritz-Carlton Bali is already proving to be as impressively luxurious as the hotel itself. Decked out in suar wood and glossy marble, the spa features a state-of-the-art hydromassage pool comprising of five sections that target different areas of the body. There are also two Jacuzzis, cold plunge pools, steam and sauna rooms, and a yoga studio overlooking the Indian Ocean. In addition to 14 free-standing treatment rooms, there are four private spa villas outfitted with their own Balinese bathing pools and open-air lounges. Treatments blend ancient Balinese methods and modern techniques, and incorporate locally harvested ingredients like coconuts, seaweed and pearls, which are said to have nourishing antioxidant properties. 

Baglioni SPA at Baglioni Hotel London (London)
Located in the bustling heart of London opposite Kensington Park, this sleek newcomer feels like an oasis hidden in plain sight. This spa is ultramodern yet earthy, with nature-inspired artwork, warm colors and dark wood decor throughout. With just five treatment rooms and a menu of only 14 treatments, the cozy spa focuses on quality over quantity.

Spa at Reverie Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
Opened last September, this two-level, 13,000-square-foot space is more like a full-fledged wellness center than a hotel spa. With two open-air Jacuzzis, an 80-foot-long (almost Olympic-sized) swimming pool, several thermal areas and a 1,300-square-foot gym, it's the largest spa in the city. It's also as unabashedly opulent as the hotel itself, decked out completely in Carrara marble, hand-laid mosaics and gold accents. 

Bohemia Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Prague (Prague)
In the heart of Old Town Prague, with sweeping vistas over the Vltava river, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, Prague's newest spa might also be its loveliest. Location aside, the space is architecturally striking -- set in a historic neoclassical building that shares the same elegant Baroque touches as the hotel itself. Inside are mineral-rich thermal baths and an oxygen-intensified vitality pool said to have healing properties. Treatments are inspired by traditional Czech and Hungarian therapies and use local ingredients like linden oil, drawn from the blossoms of the Czech Republic's national tree.

Plan your next great vacation with Rawhide Travel and Tours. Call today (602) 843-5100 or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Off the Beaten Path – Paraguay

Paraguay is itself off the beaten path. The Cinderella of South America, Paraguay lacks the flamboyance of Brazil or the stylish class of Argentina. Without the beautiful beaches of the former and the rich culture of the latter, there is seemingly little to offer even the most hardy of Tourists. Yet given time to explore and you’ll find an understated charm and a laid-back friendliness that rewards you with a sense of adventure.

Here’s why you should consider adding Paraguay to your South America itinerary.

No-One Else Goes There

Literally. If you’re in search of an authentic experience away from well-worn trails then consider Paraguay, where there is barely even a path, let alone a beaten one.  You’ll have UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Jesuit ruins of Trinidad and Jesus to yourself; find friendly locals who aren’t jaded by a constant stream of backpackers; and discover little known gems like Laguna Blanca: a quiet lake with white beaches and crystal clear Caribbean-style waters.

Get Off the Trail

Getting to those elusive, less-visited spots in South America usually involves long, uncomfortable and dusty bus rides. But Paraguay is only one hour away from Iguaz˙ Falls: one of the most popular destinations on the continent. From the border town of Ciudad del Este you need only hop on a bus to, well, anywhere in the country and in a few hours you’ll be far away from the tourists.

It’s Peaceful

Paraguay is a place to enjoy the simple pleasures, like spending an afternoon in a sunny spot in one of the many plazas and enjoying a cold herbal tea with the locals. There is no hassle or touts trying to sell you things, only the slow, relaxed pace of life that is all too easy to fall into.

Practice Your Spanish

It’s difficult to improve your Spanish when you are staying in hostels filled with English speaking backpackers, and the locals insist on speaking English to you. In Paraguay things are different: practically no-one speaks English so you are forced to speak Spanish. The welcoming locals are really curious about foreigners and keen to get to know you, and they honestly don’t care if your Spanish isn’t perfect.

History

Paraguay is great for history buffs, especially if you like your historic sites without souvenir stands and tour buses. The Jesuits were a big part of Paraguayan history and there are many ruins and museums you can visit in the south of the country.

Wildlife

The tropical wetland of the Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland and a popular destination in Brazil for wildlife watching. Not many people know that the Pantanal also crosses Paraguay’s border, but receives far fewer visitors. For a real adventure hang your hammock on the Aquidaban cargo boat for the three day trip from Concepcion to Bahia Negra, where you’ll find pure wilderness teeming with bird and animal life.

Even if you don’t make it that far, Paraguay is a renowned bird watching destination and there are plenty of National Parks to enjoy.

The People

While there are wildlife reserves, historic ruins and museums to visit, the real attraction of Paraguay is the people. Your best memories may very well be a small town where you met the locals and were taken to festivals to see crazy activities like fireball: literally football with a flaming ball. You won’t find experiences like these in any guidebook, and that’s what makes Paraguay unique. 

Plan your next great vacation with Rawhide Travel and Tours. Call today (602) 843-5100 or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:

Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc

6008 West Bell Rd # F105

Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793

(602) 843-5100

rawhidetravel.com

Culinary Travel – Paraguay Cornbread Recipe

Paraguayan Cornbread (Sopa Paraguaya)

A common traditional dish, "Paraguayan soup" isn't quite what its name would suggest. Rather, it's cornbread flavored with cheese and onion, among other ingredients. 
Legend says it's odd moniker stems from a mistake by 19th-century dictator Carlos Antonio Lopez's cook, who accidentally added excessive corn flour to a more liquid lunchtime dish. Fortunately for the cook, Lopez liked the results.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons soft butter
1 tablespoon flour or 1 tablespoon freshly gratedparmesan cheese
1 1⁄2 cups fresh corn kernels from 3 ears of corn or 1 1⁄2 cups sub 1 1/2 cups thoroughly defrostedfrozen corn
1 1⁄2 cups yellow cornmeal
2⁄3 cup milk
1⁄4 cup plus 1 tbls olive oil
1 1⁄2 cups freshly grated muenster cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 cup coarsely chopped onion
3 egg whites
3 egg yolks

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400*. With a pastry brush coat the bottom and sides of an 81/2-or 9-inch square shallow baking dish with 1 Tbsp. of the soft butter, then scatter 1 Tbsp. of flour or grated parmesan over the bottom of the dish.

Tip the dish from side to side to spread the flour or cheese evenly on the buttered surfaces and set the dish aside.

Place the corn in the jar of an electric blender and blend at high speed until it becomes a smooth puree.

In a large bowl, combine the pureed corn, cornmeal, milk, 1/4 cup olive oil, grated muenster cheese and salt, and mix thoroughly.

In a heavy 8- to 10-inch skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over moderate heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 4 or 5 minutes, or until they are soft and transparent but not brown.

With a rubber spatula, scrape the onions into the corn and cornmeal mixture. Beat the egg whites with a whisk or an electric mixer until they are firm enough to form unwavering peaks on the beater when it is lifted out of the bowl.

Beat the yolks in a separate bowl until they are thick and lemon colored, then fold them into the egg whites. Gently but thoroughly fold the combined eggs into the corn mixture, then pour it into the prepared baking dish.

Dot the top with the remaining 1 Tbsp. of the butter. Bake in the middle of the oven for 45 minutes.

Plan your next great vacation with Rawhide Travel and Tours. Call today (602) 843-5100 or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com