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Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sharks, Rays, Whales on the most Watched youtube Travel Video
Actually, the sharks, rays, whales and fish you are about to see are ocean creates also live in Hawaii's ocean waters but these sharks, rays and whales do live in the 2nd biggest aquarium (biggest one is in Georgia, Atlanta) in the world, in Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan
I can't believe this coincidence. One minute, I am writing my blog post about the wonderful book 'Sharks and Rays of Hawaii' and shortly after, when cruising my favorite Hawaii ocean blog 'The Right Blue', I come across this most awesome and amazing youtube video shot by video producer Jon Rowlinson! This is one of those miracle stories which twitter + tweets, youtube and the world wide web can make happen.
I just read on @jonrowlinson the following tweet:
Kuroshio sea is the top rated travel video on youtube...of all time. http://bit.ly/AZhJ9
Long story short. Here is Jon Rowlinson's famous youtube video displayed on Best Hawaii Vacation blog for your convenience and of course, for getting you all excited to watch all the fantastic ocean life in real nature on your next Hawaii vacation. Don't know how close you want to be to the sharks though. Watching sharks through the glass walls of an aquarium feels definitely safer.
Kuroshio Sea by Jon Rowlinson - 2nd largest aquarium tank in the world
Here is what Jon says about the aquarium:
"The main tank called the 'Kuroshio Sea' holds 7,500-cubic meters (1,981,290 gallons) of water and features the world’s second largest acrylic glass panel, measuring 8.2 meters by 22.5 meters with a thickness of 60 centimeters. Whale sharks and manta rays are kept amongst many other fish species in the main tank." Let's not forget to mention that music is "Please don't go" by the group 'Barcelona'.
So, what do you think about the video, sharks, rays, aquarium, music and all? Mahalo for your comments. Aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
Ganesh Shrines, Hampi
The two most important shrines on this hills are dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Sasivekalu Ganesha
Located on the Southern foothill of the Hemakuta Hill, the giant monolithic Ganesha statue is locally called Sasivekalu Ganesha. The name is due to its resemblance to the sasivekalu (mustard seed).
The monolithic statue is carved out of a huge boulder measuring about 2.4 meters (8 feet). On the statue around the tummy the snake is carved. The three hands hold the goad, pasha (noose), and his broken tusk. The fourth hand which holds modak (sweet ball) is broken and not reconstructed.
An open pavilion is build around the statue. According to inscriptions found nearby this pavilion was built by a trader from Chandragiri in 1506 AD, in memory of one of the Vijayanagara king – Narasimha II (1491-1505 AD).
Kadalekalu Ganesha
On the northeastern slope of the Hemakuta Hill is another giant statue of Ganesha, called The Kadalekalu Ganesha. The name is due to its resemblance to the kadalekalu (Bengal gram). This also happens to be north of Sasivekalu Ganesha.
Even this giant statue of Ganesha was carved out of a huge boulder. This statue measures 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall. A sanctum is built around the statue. The pillared hall in front of this sanctum is as charming as this giant statue itself. The open hall constructed by unusually slender and tall pillars. Each of them is highly ornate with mythical themes.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Ocean Life in Hawaii
Jennifer actually wrote together with her partner in life, Gerald Crow, longtime manager at the Waikiki Aquarium, a fascinating book about 'Sharks and Rays of Hawaii', which was published in 2002. If you can get your hands on this book, you won't be disappointed. Amazing, there are 40 species of sharks and 9 species of rays living in the ocean around the Hawaiian Islands, yet, little do we know about them. There is so much in the book that is fascinating. Here are the reasons why we, Keoki and myself, love this book.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Aztec Tattoos
At its pinnacle Aztec culture had rich and complex mythological and religious traditions, as well as reaching remarkable architectural and artistic accomplishments. A particularly gruesome element of Aztec culture to many was the practice of human sacrifice.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Vidhana Soudha Central Dome, Bangalore
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
The main entrance tower of Virupaksha Temple is east facing and is a huge 9 storied tower. The lower two tiers of the tower is made of decorated stone work. The tower progressively diminishes as it moves upward and the
structure is made with brick and mortar. From the tower one will enter into two large courtyards, which are linked to each other. The first courtyard has a pillared hall called 100-column hall at the far left corner, Kalyanamantapa at the far right corner. As soon as one enters this place one can to see on the left side Triple headed Nandi (bull statue).
In the open area in the center there is a pillared cloisters leaving gaps at the north, south and east edges for a series of sub shrines. The front portion has a row of decorated pillars. It looks like the lion figure carved at the base of each of these pillars supporting the slender upper portions. The most striking feature of this court is the central pillared hall known as the Ranga Mandapa added to the temple complex in 1510 AD by Krishadeva Raya. Two mythical lion like creatures forms the balustrade for the entrance to this elevated open pavilion. This hall with 5 aisles and 38 pillars is used for temple rituals including the marriage ceremonies. The highlights include rows of pillars shaped with rampant lion like mythical creatures (Yalis) standing on aquatic creatures (Crocodiles).
At the sanctum of Lord Virupaksha there are two 4 armed guardian deities, about 8 feet tall, stand on either side of the entrance to the inner hall. The sanctum contains the idol of lord Virupaksha in the form of a Linga .
The must see part of the temple is at the rare of temple complex. Behind the main sanctum a flight of steps leads to the rear exit of the temple complex. Just before the exit on the right side there is a dark chamber with a slit on the wall. The sun ray pass through this slit forms an inverted shadow of the main tower on the wall. This was designed in those early days and a masterpiece.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Hawaii Game Fishing A Hawaii Story
First things first, the Kona Ironman condo (sleeps 6) at the best rate for Kona Ironman accommodations, is still available at this moment. What do realtors always say 'Hurry, this won't last long'. Well, we are not realtors but definitely would like to help those Hawaii visitors who still want to visit Kona for the 2009 Ironman and were just not lucky yet to find a Kona vacation rental for the price they can afford.
We are also happy to welcome back Bill for one of his fantastic stories about Hawaii and island life. His story fits right into the time frame of the First Hawaiian Storytelling Conference with people from Hawaii and from around the world. Story telling starts today in Honolulu 7/16 - 20. There will also be a continuing part on the island of Maui on 7/23/09. We are so happy to hear about this new event to keep Hawaiian traditions not only alive but further support the tradition of storytelling in the Hawaii's culture. Let's get right to our today's Hawaii story about Hawaii Game Fishing.
Bill picks up Big Game Fishing in Hawaii which experiences a high season during Hawaiian summer. If you are interested in fishing, not just the little fish but big game fishing, check out our article about 'Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament July 20 - 24, 2009'. or visit their site about the Kona Billfish Tournament.
"As the summer blooms full and broad across the boundless Hawaii sky, days are long and lazy, and the nights are brightened by a zillion stars. The sun baked land seems to sigh as the cool evening casts welcome shadows across the brilliant flanks of towering Mauna Kea. The daily flock of trade wind clouds now gathers in the lee of Hualalai, and the reaching leaves of the high forest embrace soft rains at Kukuiohiwai. We see these things, and our hearts rejoice that we are among the luckiest to enjoy this wonderful natural theatre each day.
While the shimmering summer air sweeps and swirls around our towering mountain peaks, lacy patterns of bright daylight and racing shadows play over the vast stretches of pasture and forest, lava and sun beaten coastline. This is the sea of air that we live within, the vast atmospheric ocean of north Pacific breezes with their rich currents of oxygen and cooling squalls, while just below us the deep currents of the sea itself surge and grunt against the incredible bulk of the Island. Summer in the off shore waters has a story of its own to tell, and we big game fisherman listen very closely.
Game Fishing for Ono Ahi and Mahimahi on the Kona Coast with Bill on his boat 'Kakalina'
Far below the marching waves, where the rough skin of the Island stirs dark currents of rich, cold water up into the warm surface layers, great plumes of kailua stretch up and down the coast, attracting hundreds of schools of opelu and young aku with a swelling banquet of shimmering nehu and clouds of plankton and algae. Pelagic hunters migrate across the endless expanses of ocean to feast on this rich gift. These oceanic hunters arrive as schools of giant ahi, packs of high speed ono and the always terrifying Pacific Blue Marlin. Few people know that the Pacific Blue Marlin was not documented as a separate species until Captain George Parker, of Kailua-Kona, caught one in November of 1954. That fish weighed 1002 pounds, and Captain George caught it single-handedly from the Mona H on his way to Honolulu for dry dock.
While the ahi and ono provide wonderful meals to friends and family, the marlin provides the most hair-raising episodes a fisherman or woman will ever experience. We don’t hang those fish much anymore. On our boat, Kakalina, we tag our marlin and send them on their way instead of killing them just to weigh. It is good to know that same fish may come back to wrestle with us another day.
Going fishing is the sort of thing that occupies the mind during the soft summer months in the world’s most beautiful place to live. Aloha, Bill"
Thanks Bill for this wonderful story about fishing big fish in Hawaii ocean waters. Not to forget the fun youtube video of your fishing tour in Kona with family and friends. What do you think of big game fishing in Hawaii on vacation? We'd love to hear from you. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
p.s.
Bill has been living on the Kohala Coast for most of his life and has helped many people in the past to find their Hawaiian dream home. Also visit Bill's other Hawaii blog stories on our Hawaii blog guest author page.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Hampi, Forgotten Empire
Later in the 14th century it has been the capital of Vijayanagar Empire from 1336 to 1565. Art and architecture found its special place in Hampi. The rulers were great patrons of art and religion. The city has tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides. The demography is abundant with large stones and these stones have been utilized beautifully to make larger than life statues of Hindu deities. In its hay days the place was known for its splendor and fabulous wealth. For the same reason it was destroyed by Muslim Sultans.
The splendid ruins of palaces, temples and gateways of the broken city silently narrate the story of once glorious past and the final senseless destruction. Today the ruins of Hampi lie scattered in about 26 sq. km areas, amidst giant boulders. One can see a structure of historic importance every quarter of a mile. (Click on the image for bigger view)
- Hazar Rama Temple
- The Kings’ Balance
- Ugra Narasimha Temple
- Virupaksha Temple
- Vittala Temple
- Achyutaraya Temple/Tiruvengalanatha Temple
- Zenana Enclosure
- Lotus Mahal
- Stepped Tank
- Akka - Tangi Betta
- Yeduru Basava
- Hampi Bazar
- Badavilinga Temple
- Mahanavami Dibba
- Sasivekalu Ganesha
- Kadalekalu Ganesha
- Balakrishna Temple
- Queen's Bath
- Stone Chariot
From Bangalore it is at a distance of 353 kms. One can travel to this place either by train or road. By road from Bangalore to Chitradurga drive on NH 4. From Chitradurga to Hospet take the NH 13. From Hospet it is at a distance of 12kms. By road it takes 6 to 7 hrs.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Bear Tattoos
Deer Tattoos
Deer tattoos are most commonly seen on those who enjoy hunting them for food, while animal lovers simply enjoy their unique beauty.
Here we have a great picture gallery of some high quality dear tattoos, to help you in your search for the perfect deer tattoo artwork.
Frogs are quickly gaining popularity in the world of tattoo designs, and why not? Frog are often thought to symbolize harmony, life and rejuvenation, in fact the ancient Egyptians saw the frog as a protector and guide to the afterlife.
Here we have some cool examples of frog tattoos, for you to browse though and enjoy.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Kona Hotel or Kona Condo which one is Best for Hawaii Ironman Accommodation
However, for active triathletes competing in the Kona Ironman we always recommend lodging in Kona. If you are still searching for a place to stay in Kona for the Ironman 2009, we recommend to read one of our most recent posts 2009 Hawaii Ironman Visitors Information.
Week October 4 - October 11, 2009 Ironman week race starts Oct 10, 2 bedroom luxury condo at Mauna Loa Resort completely furnished incl bedding, dishes cooking utensils etc, near all events in downtown Kona Rate $1650 for the week. Call Joe at 703-269-7014!
Mauna Loa Resort is a quiet oasis and a beautiful place for a wonderful Hawaii vacation. This Mauna Loa 2-bedroom deluxe condo offers fully-equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, dining room, bedrooms with plenty of closet and storage space, living rooms with pull-out sofas, and large lanai with tropical views. Remember: better than a Kona hotel! Mauna Loa Village features 8 swimming pools, hot tubs and plenty of tennis courts. BTW, you're just two blocks away from convenient Keauhou Shopping Village: grocery store, shops, restaurants and multi-screen movie theater.
If you are not one of those crazy triathletes who have to immediately take each minute to prepare for their biggest performance in a lifetime, this wonderful Kona condo allows you to enjoy many outdoor activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, bike riding, walking, hiking, and more. When searching for Kona condo specials for the Ironman, I found a 2Br/2Ba at the same resort for $5000/wk. If you don't believe me, Google has the answer!
If you do believe me, call Joe and make your Kona condo Ironman reservation at a premier Kona location for the best price in the Kona Alii Drive area. What's your experience with Kona vacation rental hosts for this 2009 Hawaii Ironman? We'd love to hear from you. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
Hawaii Ironman Triathlon Related Articles
2009 Hawaii Kona Ironman Visitors Information
Suvarna Karnataka
Karnataka has been known as "Cradle of Stone Architecture" for the immense variety of heritage architecture it exhibits. It is a land where one can experience the world heritage sites at Hampi and Pattadakkal, exquisite temples Belur, Halebidu, and Somnathpur, the cave temples of Badami and Aihole, magnificent fort of Chitradurga and Bidar, domes and minarets of Bijapur, the magnificent palaces of Mysore and Bangalore.
One can be amongst the nature in Western Ghats. It is a home for various wild life santuries such as Bandipur, Nagarhole and Dandeli to name a few, bird sanctuaries such as Ranganathittu, Mandagadde and Gudavi to name a few. The tallest water fall of India, Jog Falls is located here. One can stroll on the beaches of Gokarn, Karwar, Marvante etc.,
In short one can enjoy the diversity and rich heritage throughout the state.
We will explore most of these in the days to come among others.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Secrets of Hawaii - Hawaii Blow Hole Diver
Any Hawaii blow hole adventure to share with our blog visitors? We'd love to hear from you. Mahalo and aloha, Pua Hawaii Vacations
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
It is a observatory with collection of architectural astronomical instruments. In 1728 then Maharaja of Jaipur Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh-II had got this place constructed in 7 years. Himself being a keen follower of astronomy, not only did the masonry instruments suit his purposes, they also satisfied his architectural instincts.
It severed the dual purpose of verifying astronomical observations as well as to stimulate interest in astronomy. It was built keeping in mind the rules of astronomy, the position of the equator, latitudes and longitudes. The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes and related ephemerides.
The Giant Sundial (Samrat Yantra) is the world's largest sundial, standing 27 meters tall. The shadow of the instrument moves visibly at 1 mm per second, which for most people is a visibly profound experience.
This observatory is one of the 5 he had created in his time across the nation. Other popular observeatory is in Delhi. But one here in Jaipur is largest.
P.S: December is the month when lot of tourists land in Rajasthan. So if you really want all the arrangements to be done properly this has to be done before October end.