Passengers in AntarcticaPassengers in Antarctica

Sunglasses will protect you from the overwhelming glare – Ever heard of snow blindness? It’s a real thing, and it totally sucks. Protect your eyes against the incredible glare which reflects off the ice in Antarctica. A pair of wraparound UV-protected sunglasses is the best choice.

Consider your camera equipment carefully – Not everyone who cruises to Antarctica is a budding photographer but, once there, everyone wishes they were. The only mistake many make, however, is taking far too much camera equipment, most of which ends up weighing far too much. Keeping your daypack light is essential, so we suggest you take a good-quality DSLR with interchangeable lenses for both landscape and close-up photography. Consider a hood for your viewfinder (the glare can make it impossible to see otherwise) and, if you’re not too confident, just make sure your camera has an ‘auto’ function.

Taking a tripod? Make sure it folds to nothing and weighs like a feather. Check out these 14 Wildlife Photography Tips from an expert before heading to Antarctica and, if you don’t want to deal with any of that, do note that late-model smartphones can take some seriously wicked photos in Antarctica. See this Conde Nast Traveller article for other cool stuff you need not worry about.

Choose a small, waterproof daypack – You’ll need a daypack for day-long outings so you can carry your water, sunscreen, extra camera batteries, spare socks etc BUT it should be small, compact, and waterproof. A daypack should never be heavy, certainly not heavy enough that it affects your posture. Keep it light and supple and it’ll save you much back-ache.

Passenger in AntarcticaPacking the essentials is crucial to enjoying every moment on the White Continent

Consider using a cold-weather moisturiser on your trip – If you’ve lived or travelled to cold countries before, you may be familiar with ‘cold creams’ which are moisturisers specifically designed to not freeze on your skin in very cold temps. If you have dry or particularly sensitive skin, these can be a godsend on Antarctica cruises.

Now that we have the most important tidbits of info out of the way and you understand the basics that’ll make your life easy and comfortable on an Antarctica cruise adventure trip, you can move on to your essential Antarctica packing list.

 

Classical and Popular Greek Religion

Anatolia embraces this Hellenic religion formed by Hesiodos and particularly by his compatriot Homer from Smyrna. While the Greek religion activity kicked in and was going on, traditional beliefs of eastern people (Persian) and Anatolian people managed to survive. There was nothing more than religion, temples, leg­ends around while everywhere was teeming with gods and god­desses. Anatolia had turned into almost a mound of beliefs. There existed more than one religion at each floor of this mound. Still il is the case!.. Various ethnic groups and their belief rituals have been perpetuated in Anatolia with the spirit of tolerance.

In an Anatolians eye, Anatolia does not have a past and fu­ture. There is eternal present. While living the eternal present, we perceive every figure who owns a stone on the construction of the civilization in Anatolia as a fellow citizen. We assume that an Anatolian lived thousands years ago is in a time period of yesterday and an Anatolian who will live many years later is in a time period of tomorrow. There cannot be any ethnic iden­tity of Anatolia. Greek, Roman, Persian, Laz, Kurdish, Roum, Circassian, it does not matter. We met each other over this land and commingled. Making us “who we are”, each one of us is a part of each other.

Is there any other place where hundreds of ethnic groups have created civilizations in a time period of thousands of years and still live altogether?

We should be well aware of importance of the strong, fertile and colorful geography we live on. Regardless of the identity, ev­eryone living within the boundaries of Anatolia is brother!..

The Greeks are known mostly known for their tale of “Olympian Gods” by Homer rather than “The Creation of the Universe”. We had discussed the tale of “The Creation of Universe” by Hesiodos already and gave the floor to the kingdom of Zeus.

It is time to create the human race after the new Jove Zeus becomes lord. For what is so much of struggle?.. Who is going to serve and present sacrifices?..

When the case is more or less like this, Titans come to Zeus’ mind. Titan Iapetos has four sons. Among these four Menoetios and Atlas are punished for rebelling against Zeus. Atlas receives the exemplary punishment of carrying the vault of the sky on his shoulders forever. The other two Titan siblings assume signifi­cant roles in creation of humankind for being impartial in the war waged against Zeus.

In Greek mythology, the Olympians gods had might and power. On the other hand, we see the cunning and wit in Prometheus. Zeus let Prometheus join the immortal Olympian gods as Prometheus did not rebel against him. By order of Zeus, Prometheus created the first man out of clay. However man gave the impression of the weakest creature of nature because he was naked. The first men used to feed on green vegetables and bloody meat. Prometheus felt pity for these people that endeavoring to survive by primitive hunting in caves and under unfavorable conditions. (The first human and the others were all men.) He thought to teach them how to work metals and cook meat. And Prometheus presented a remarkable gift: Fire.

Akumal, Riviera Maya in Mexico

Imagine leisurely swimming through crystal clear Caribbean waters, when suddenly a turtle swims up beside you, a family of rays glides along the sand below, and a school of brightly coloured fish flutter past. This is the magical underwater world of the Riviera Maya. As this amazing stretch of sea runs all the way along the Yucatan peninsula, it is home to the Great Mesoamerican Barrier reef, the second largest reef system in the world. The presence of this spectacular reef means there are countless breathtaking snorkel spots, the only problem is deciding which one to visit. That’s why I have put together this list of the top snorkel spots in the Riviera Maya.

Anyone who has previously visited the Riviera Maya will have heard about the fabulous snorkelling available in Cozumel. Just a short distance off the coast you will find the world-famous Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Add this to the laid back island lifestyle, warm turquoise waters and the jaw-dropping 30 foot depths, and you have the absolute perfect place to snorkel.

If you are looking for a more extreme snorkel experience, then you can join in on a guided tour and head out to the Columbia Reef. Here you will find sting rays, green turtles, giant anemones, crabs and even a few queen conches. One of the things the Columbia Reef is most famous for, are it’s giant orange corals that reach a gigantic 20 feet off the sea bed.

However, if a relaxing day snorkelling is more your style, then you can head to Dzul Ha, a quiet little snorkel spot found just off the right hand coast of Cozumel. Here the reed is extremely close to the coast, making it the ideal place for first time snorkelers. Be prepared to meet some butterfly fish, seahorses and even a shrimp or two.

Cancun is home to the world-famous MUSA Underwater Museum, the most magical and completely mind-boggling snorkel site you’ll ever see. Built in 2009, this man-made museum was originally an eco-project to extend the natural reef system in Cancun. Today it is home to over 470 life-sizes sculptures, which not only acts as a new habitat for thousands of reef species, but has become the biggest underwater tourist attraction in the Riviera Maya.

This fascinating museum has sparked the interest of snorkelers and divers worldwide, and has become a bucket list dive spot. The haunting figures and vibrant sea life definitely make this snorkel site a must see.

If you are looking for something a little more natural, Cancun also has the perfect snorkel site for you too. Off the coast of the popular Cancun Hotel Zone is a small area called Punta Nizuc. The calm waters here are home to some of the most colourful coral in the world. Sightings of starfish, lobsters, damselfish, giant sea fans and rays are also extremely common here.

Located only 20 minutes away from the bustling town of Playa del Carmen you will find one of the post popular snorkelling spots in Mexico, Akumal. The reason this little beach town is so famous, is because it’s the feeding ground of the giant green sea turtles. Below the waves you won’t find white sand like the rest of the Riviera Maya, here you will find sea grass, the green turtle’s favourite meal.

Sightings of the turtles are common all year round, but they aren’t the only creatures to call this place home. Spotted eagle rays, pufferfish, parrotfish, manta rays and grunt fish are also common sights in Akumal. There is also a vast array of coral, anemones and sea fans to be found in the crystal clear waters. No trip to the Riviera Maya is complete without a visit to Akumal and it’s resident green sea turtles.

Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is extremely special, as here the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system stretches closer to the shore than in any other area in the Riviera Maya. Since being named a protected area in 1998, the people of Puerto Morelos have set up special tour companies that give guided tours of the reef.

Although you can swim out and reach the beginning of the reef, it is advised to take a short boat ride with an official guide, to enjoy the full splendour of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Puerto Morelos’ close proximity to this amazing reef system makes this area a total underwater dream world. Be prepared to see barracudas, lobsters, sting rays, seahorses and beautiful fire corral. This amazing snorkel spot is classed as one of the best in Mexico, so it’s definitely worth a visit when in the Riviera Maya.

Satisfied with one carcass

Ten men will sit at one table, but two dogs will not be satisfied with one carcass. The avaricious man, with the whole world at his command, is hungry; whilst he who is contented, satisfied with a loaf of bread. The narrow belly is filled with a loaf of bread without meat; but the narrow sight is not satisfied with all the riches on the face of the earth. My father, when the term of his life was expired, gave me this one advice and departed: “Lust is a fire, shun it ; precipitate not yourself into the flames of hell: since you will not have strength to support that burning, quench the present flame with the water of patience.”

Suffer distress

He who, when he hath the power, doeth not good, when he loses the means, will suffer distress.

There is not a more unfortunate wretch than the oppressor, for in the day of adversity nobody is his friend.

Between two non-existences

Life depends upon the support of single breath, and worldly existence is between two non-existences. Those who sell religion for the world are asses; they sell Joseph and get nothing in return. “Did I not bargain with you, 0 son of Adam that you should not serve Satan? By the advice of an adversary, you are breaking your promise with your friend; behold from whom you have separated, and with whom you have united yourselves.”

Prevail over the righteous

Satan cannot prevail over the righteous, neither the king against the poor.

Trust not him who neglected his prayers to God even although his mouth be kept open by fasting ; for he who performed not the Divine precepts, neither will he care for his debt to you. I have heard that, in the land of the East, they are forty years in making a China cup: they make a hundred in a day at Baghdad, and consequently you see the meanness of the price. A chicken, as soon as it comes out of the egg, seeks its food  but an infant hath not reason and discrimination. That which was something all at once, never arrives at much perfection; and the other, by degrees, surpasses all things in power and excellence. Glass is everywhere, and therefore of no value. The ruby is obtained with difficulty, and on that account is precious.