Now the continent of Africa are jumping on board and taking a keen interest in developing their own Science and technology needs with many leading figures such as Alvaro Sobrinho leading the way in bringing the African nations up to par with Europe, Asia and America.

Although African Nations have a long history in Science and technology it has only recently started to realize the importance of structuring their science and technological advancements to benefit the entire continent. The idea being to get locally grown innovations and advancement in technologies to challenge the many problems that have plagued a lot of Africa in the past such as food security and clean drinking water, a good example of this is Ugandan scientists are now developing genetically modified bananas which are a local staple food source to resist disease.

With Africa’s economy on the rise it’s only right that STI needs to play catch up, and 2015 is set to be great year for Africa, with many multinational organisations like the UN and the World Bank outlining ambitious plans to see the future development in Africa’s scientific innovations over the next decade. With more people and industries recognising the overall quantity and quality of up and coming African research in science, it’s no wonder these big international organisations want to get involved to secure Africa’s scientific and technological independence.

Although Health care and agriculture remain to be the priorities of scientific research and development across Africa, both of which are making remarkable discoveries, such as clinical trials in the treatment of diseases like HIV and malaria or developing strains of seeds that can withstand some of Africa’s harsh weather. There are also some exciting scientific developments happening from out of this world, with South Africa winning a bid to jointly build the world’s largest telescope, this cutting edge technology is only going to throw Africa’s STI further in to the spotlight.

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Picture Perfect

There are many reasons why celebrities flock to this small island. Firstly, it is absolutely gorgeous, it has wonderful hot weather that anyone would enjoy, white sand beaches and stunning turquoise water encircling it. There is no reason why you won’t see your favourite celebrity at the beach, just acting like any normal person would albeit with a few people taking some happy snaps of them doing this!

The Menu

The word French is synonymous with food and St. Bart’s being a former French colony, this is certainly not an exception. The Caribbean is famous for its exotic food and with the influx of celebrities and wealthy people coming to the island it certainly will not be hard to find an exquisite meal, particularly the seafood.

The Adventure

There are countless things to do in this wonderful island, why not take a scooter around the island and explore, or charter a boat and explore the surrounding islands. Don’t forget that the island is surrounded by reefs, so snorkeling is a great way to pass the time. If you are still feeling adventurous and you want to go on the hunt to see your favourite star then read on.

The Party

Where there is smoke, there is fire and the old adage rings true, with so many celebrities and wealthy people around some might say that it would be difficult to avoid a party. Who knows, you may find yourself in the heat of a celebrity party. Speak to the people the people that you rented your villa from and they may have some connections.

Most of all have fun and enjoy your holiday in St. Bart’s I’m sure I have convinced you. Don’t forget to say hello to your favourite celebrity for me!

Relax

You can swim or sit and relax on the beach, it is entirely up to you. You can also relax in the Gustavia, the capital, it doesn’t matter where you go, there is a place to unwind anywhere you go on the island. You can discover the boutiques in the capital if you like to shop or just lounge around the town in the number of bars and cafes.

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I have been preparing to climb Kilimanjaro for 4 months now and I feel absolutely fantastic! The practice I have been doing combined with the workouts has left me feeling like a new person, my body is in better shape and I am now much more focused mentally in my daily life.

If you’ve ever done any type of rock climbing then I am sure you know what I am talking about here. Climbing leads to a healthy lifestyle that will have a knock effect in all areas of you life. I started to do a little research to see if I could back up the way I was feeling and find out if other climbers felt the same, I was not surprised to see that everything I read confirmed what I already knew – climbing is good for the mind body and soul!

Build your muscle and endurance

If at the beginning you are like you me you would think that climbing is all about your upper body strength, it is in fact about much more than that. Your lower body is just as important, your footwork is key and there are a whole host of other factors involved.

The health benefits of climbing cannot be ignored, in just one hour people burn around seven hundred calories! Add to that your improved endurance and flexibitly and you know that you’re on to a winner here.

Get your brain working

It is true that climbing ail actually improve your brain function! So not only will you build your lean muscle and improve cardio but you will also work out your brain. Climbing involves a lot of practical problem solving skills at each moment. At no point can you lose focus, this increased level of focus and concentration during your workout will impact on your brain’s ability to function in other areas of your daily life as well.

Get rid of the stress

Nearly all forms of exercise has been proven to get rid of stress, this is because when we exercise we increase the levels of norepinephrine in our brain – this chemical is what our brain uses to respond to stress. So when we go climbing outdoors we can be safe in the knowledge that we are lowering our stress levels as well as getting all the other benefits listed above!

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Image Source: Travelskyline

Top 5 reasons to see Rocky Mountain National Park

1. It is the most popular attraction in Colorado

Naturalist Enos Mills wrote about the area that is now Rocky Mountain National Park, “In years to come when I am asleep beneath the pines, thousands of families will find rest and hope in this park.” That was in the year 1909. More than a century later, his vision has far and away come true. The park attracts three million visitors each year to experience the 416 square miles of mountainous wonder. And if that wasn’t reason enough, in 2014 National Geographic named Rocky Mountain National Park as one of the best trips in the world. Let’s face it – if it makes the National Geographic list, then it is worth seeing and then some.

2. See the Wildlife

In today’s commercial world – it’s rare to get out and see some of nature’s most majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The park is home to a more than 3000 elk, around 800 big horn sheep (they almost faced extinction last century – so this is a real treat) and the naturally shy moose which you are advised to admire at a distance. If you’re visiting Denver and making the approx 90 minute journey to the park, it’s a great change to escape the commercialism and get the grips with nature.

3. Scenic drives

In terms of scenic drives, it’s hard to think of anything more beautiful than the scenic drives available at Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous motorway in the US and reaches its peak elevation at 12, 183 feet – the views are something else. Old Fall River Road was completed in 1920 and was the first to cross the Rocky Mountains and offers an impressive view of Deer Mountain. It ends at Chaplin Creek Trailhead – 10,640 feet above sea level. Highway 36 is striking; you’ll find sandstone rock formations and the beauty of Roosevelt National Forest. All of these scenic drives are vast and striking – leaving even the most experienced traveller lost for words.

4. Activities & hikes

For kids, the beer lake loop is perfect. Only half a mile long, it’s the perfect chance for families to see the deer and the beautiful views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Coyote Valley is also a short trail – only one mile long. You’ll find beautiful wildflowers in bloom and if you’re lucky you may even spot a moose! You’ll also have the unique offering of going horseback riding the old fashioned way – atop a horse. There’s a wealth of things to do and see, but most of all – it’s the scenery, the sense of nature and the overwhelming feeling of vastness that makes it such an incredible experience.

5. Go bird watching

The park is a haven for bird watching with nearly 300 species of bird said to fly here. Specialty species unique to mountain habitats include White-tailed Ptarmigan, Blue Grouse, Gray Jay, Clark’s Nutcracker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Three-toed Woodpecker, and the Mountain Chickadee. Even if bird life isn’t top of your to do list, this is a unique opportunity that you should most definitely avail from.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a sight to behold with something for everyone – regardless of your age or interests. It’s a national treasure and a real experience for the whole family so next time you’re in Colorado, be sure to swing by.

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1)       Get fit

How fit you need to be for your walking expedition will, of course, depend on what type of trekking holiday you embark on – but with all hiking breaks, you will need to have a certain level of fitness. I would talk to your doctor and see what they say about your general state of health. They might advise you to take up some more exercise before you leave the country or change your diet and lifestyle.

In general, it is a good idea to exercise regularly in the lead-up to the trip; in particular, get used to walking long distances, sometimes at speed (you don’t want to be the one that forces the rest of the team to slow down) and try to practise hiking up slopes if you’re planning to climb some mountains during your time away.

2)       Pick a trip that’s right for you

Once you have spoken to a medical practitioner and gone for a few long walks, you’ll have a better idea of what sort of condition you are in and what you’d be prepared to do. If you’re at the peak of your physical fitness, you might decide this is the ideal time to go on a walking holiday in Canada, the USA or any other part of the world.

Don’t be dismayed if you think your adventurous mountain climbing days are behind you, though, as there are plenty of walking trails you can embark on – and the locations don’t have to be any less glamorous. In my opinion, hiking through the Grand Canyon or walking through Yosemite National Park is right up there with some of the coolest things you can do!

3)       Choose a good tour operator

Now, it’s time to pick the right tour operator. After you have decided what walking demands you want from your trip, which country you would like to visit and what expeditions you are interested in, just search for travel companies that offer what you’re looking for.

It is important to research the organisation thoroughly, as you’ll want a company that has qualified guides that can ensure your safety on the hikes and inform you of the nature and history of the location as you walk. You also need one that will offer you support throughout the holiday as you won’t have your friends or loved ones there to help should something go wrong. Pick a company that has excellent reviews and you consider to be reliable, so you can be confident that going away alone is a safe and enjoyable option for you.

4)       Give loved ones details

Before you set off on the plane, it is a good idea to give your family details of the trip. I don’t just mean your flight information and what time you arrive back (although, these are, of course, useful things!), but also details about the tour operator and the itinerary. Let them know where you’ll be staying when and what dates you will begin and end your walking expedition.

This way, they can contact you if they need to and they won’t worry if they don’t hear from you for a few days if they know you’re away hiking in beautiful landscapes.

5)       Pack for emergencies

When packing, don’t forget to bring everything you need. I often rely on my friends and other half to have things that I might have forgotten (sun cream, insect repellent or headache pills, for instance) but you can’t do that if you’re going on a singles holiday.

The best way to get around this is make a thorough list of everything you need and tick the item off when you’ve packed it, so you know for sure it’s (somewhere) in your bag. Failing this, make sure you buy all the essentials you’ve forgotten at the airport – just before you board the plane is better than not at all!

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What are performance sandals good for?

Lots of things.  At a bare minimum, it’s incredible to have comfortable footwear to change into at the campsite, after the most arduous and difficult hike. Getting out of your boots for even a little while will help relieve fatigue, prevent blisters (and take pressure off any blisters you’ve already developed), and otherwise help your feet recover and relax from the day’s exertions. However, there are times when doing some hiking in a performance sandal is feasible, even desirable. Short diversions on a well-maintained trail, without a lot of ankle-twisting obstacles, can be easily traversed in a performance sandal. Stream crossings in a performance sandal can be a lovely, refreshing experience for tired feet, as can shallow wading in any sort of remote mere or pond. Performance sandals dry quickly due to their open-air design and synthetic-heavy construction (some even incorporate drainage systems to facilitate rapid drying) –this is a boon for any wet/dry explorations you make.
What should you look for in a performance sandal?

Comfort.Broad straps that provide a secure fit, and a thick, anatomically-structured footbed, to provide your foot with adequate support and prevent slipping. The footbed should be a meaty slab of compression-molded rubber, not thin or flimsy-feeling. If you plan to do more than short excursions in performance sandals, choosing a pair with an enclosed toe and a secure, cage-like construction is necessary, while for around-the-camp, other features like a flip flops with a built-in bottle opener may be more practical.

While performance sandals are unlikely to dethrone the prosaic hiking boot as the footwear of the dedicated wilderness trekker, there are occasions where the airy, lightweight, water-shrugging sandal is a great boon. As always, your own explorations with help guide you in deciding this matter for yourself.

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All-Day Shoes: The first type of rock-climbing shoe the beginning climber should buy is known as an “all-day” shoe. With a thick rubber sole, a fit that keeps toes flat, and a stiffer, less-flexible midsole, all-day shoes work for a variety of climbs, but as a climber develops foot-strength and climb skill, that versatility will be less important as shoes that have more specific function.

Steep Face Shoes: Steep face shoes Have a looser toe fit, allowing a more experienced climber to use toe strength to help grip the rock surface.  Similarly, the midsole is less rigid, with increased flexibility and grip on smooth surfaces (“smearing” in the vernacular), while still remaining rigid enough to hold on narrow edges.

Bouldering Shoes: Bouldering (sometimes called gym climbing) shoes are lightweight, with a snug fit that positions the toes in a crimped or curled position. this positioning, combined with a flexible, thin sole and midsole allow for incredible precision and stability while gripping cracked rock faces.  For overhanging routes, bouldering shoes can be fitted with a downturned toe for even better grip in those perilous positions.

Crack-climbing Shoes: Shoes built for traversing routes with many cracks or pockets, Crack-climbing shoes are usually pointed, with a narrow, flat-toed profile.  Combined with a stiff midsole and rigid upper, this allows the toe to be driven into thin, narrow spaces like a spike.

Some thought should be given to materials and fit, as well.  With leather uppers, stretch is guaranteed through use (which can be lessened with a lining of other materials), while all-synthetic construction has a very consistent fit, with almost no stretch. During construction, climbing shoes are built with either upturned rockers (allowing the foot to roll) or a camber, which is a downturned toe for overhead climbs. You can also find shoes suitable for a variety of toe configurations and foot widths.  As always, you should try on whenever possible. Proper fit for the proper climb, and success is within your reach.

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A little information goes a long way

The Samaria Gorge trail is about 16km long but there’s a couple of extra km’s getting to Agia Roumeli from the National Park’s exit and is situated in the western White Mountains of Crete. Also, don’t believe everything the guides tell you, it’s not the longest gorge in Europe and no matter what they say, even the locals don’t know why the narrow passage at the end of the gorge is called “the iron gates”…

Visit the gorge, or any gorge for that matter in the summer seasons. For Crete that is between May and October. The high waters make hiking here impossible and incredibly dangerous, they even close the trails if there is a sudden rainy day in summer.

The trails are very well maintained, with natural springs along the way (nothing beats the crisp cool water from a spring right?) guides and marshals are around to help in case of injury or confusion and there are plenty of rubbish bins and toilet facilities that are surprisingly neat and clean considering the amount of people that visit it.

Speaking of people, if you want to avoid the minibuses of visitors, then I suggest you make an early start at 07h30 and get ahead of the pack. That way you have plenty of time to take pictures, stop to look at the sheer beauty of where you are standing.

What you can expect

Lots and lots of stones. And rocks. Flowing rivers and luscious vegetation (if you visit in the springtime). You need to be able to walk for about six hours at a good pace and handle some climbing over rocks and manoeuvring uneven terrain. It’s incredibly fun and rewarding for the surefooted and a great way to see Crete from such a magnificent perspective.

Extra things to consider

Hiking should be a planned excursion with good shoes, sunscreen, some snacks, and a large water bottle to store the delicious cascading waters. It might be a good idea to bring a jersey along (especially if you are getting an early morning start) and some plasters if you are wearing shoes that might cause blisters. There is a small village around half way that most people stop at to have lunch and chat with other travellers about their experiences but when you’re there, see if you can spot some Cretan goats (the young ones are quite friendly but still remember, they are wild creatures…even if they look like Bambi)

Getting there and around

I found it fairly easy to find a flight to Crete, I don’t know why I thought it would be difficult (maybe because I’ve had to take ferries for most of the islands around Greece) but since most popular airlines and travel agencies offer flights to Crete, travelling there has become easier due to its increased popularity. Getting around the island is fairly easy, I took a taxi to Rethimno because I knew it was close to the gorge and has great sea-facing accommodation (we spent the rest of our trip on the beach).

I spent less than a week in Crete and only scratched the surface of what this island has to offer. There are more valleys, gorges and mountains to explore the next time I get the chance to travel to this Grecian paradise island. Have you been to the gorge? What do you love about Crete?

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This city is full of fantastic afternoon tea venues, so whether you’re local or heading here for a short getaway, definitely make an effort to visit one. And for those of you who are interested in finding out more about breaks here, you can learn all about the city and book Newcastle airport hotels here.

The story of afternoon tea

Having an interest in food history, I know the story of afternoon tea very well. When telling it, most people begin with Anne, seventh Duchess of Bedford, who is credited with getting the tradition started. And I agree, that’s where the story begins in earnest – but I also think it’s important to give a nod to Catherine of Braganza (the Portuguese wife of King Charles II), since she is said to have been the first to introduce tea to the royal court back in the 17th century. Thanks, Catherine!

Afternoon tea as we know and love it, though, didn’t come about until the 19th century, and the reason it did is closely linked to changes in the times people ate their meals – and how substantial each of these was. You see, in the mid-19th century, it is was standard to eat a light lunch around midday, then have a large dinner at roughly 20:00 – a fairly long time to go without a sizeable snack.

The seventh Duchess of Bedford (a close friend of Queen Victoria) thus found herself getting nibblish in between luncheon and dinner, and so started sending for light sandwiches, tea and cake in the late afternoon. Over time, she began inviting friends to join her, and it became a time to exchange news.

Other fashionable ladies about town soon followed her lead, and the tradition of afternoon tea was born. Today, it usually takes the form of small sandwiches, scones, cakes and, of course, tea.

Where to indulge in afternoon tea in Newcastle

Going for afternoon tea seems to be in vogue once more, and Newcastle is home to some fantastic cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the tradition in true style. Plus, there are options to suit a variety of pockets, so it doesn’t need to be a pricey outing if you don’t want it to be.

Among the possibilities is Cafe 21, which you’ll find tucked away in Fenwick department store. This lovely little cafe has a nice selection of special afternoon teas, including a champagne version, and with prices from £5.80 to £16 per person, it’s a good option for hungry holidaymakers on a budget.

Hotel du Vin is a chic venue for afternoon tea and, like Cafe 21, offers several varieties. This venue also has an excellent selection of cocktails if you fancy making your afternoon treat that little bit more decadent.

Another good option is Jesmond Dene House, which is a hotel and restaurant in a gorgeous woodland setting (and don’t worry, you don’t need to be staying at the hotel to enjoy afternoon tea here!). At £14 to £30.50 per head, the afternoon tea here is a little more expensive, but the stunning location and delicious food makes it money well spent.

I’ll round things off with the Olive and Bean, a lovely little cafe that promises homemade local food. This is the place to go for an honest, affordable afternoon tea that really delivers on flavour without demanding a high price tag.

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There are actually six ways to reach Uhuru Peak, and we’re going to give you an overview of each of them to help you decide which will best suit you.
Marangu
The Marangu trail is one of the most popular, and also the only option if you want to stay in huts rather than under canvas. This path is not particularly great for acclimatisation, though, and can also be rather busy, which can detract from the wilderness experience. It is one of the three options that approaches from the south. Another downside to Marangu is that it’s the only trail that takes you up and down the same route.
Machame
As it’s more scenic than Marangu, Machame is often considered to be a better choice. This is, however, the most popular of the trails that climbs Kilimanjaro, so may be one that you want to avoid if you’re hoping to have the mountain’s slopes to yourself. There are plenty of opportunities for acclimatisation on the way, with groups on this path camping for the duration of their trip.
Shira
Shira is one of two trails that approaches from the west and is a very picturesque route to go for. However, this path is not ideal for acclimatisation due to its high starting point, so it may be one to avoid if you are concerned about altitude sickness. The trek across the Shira Plateau in the early stages of the walk is particularly scenic.
Lemosho
Lemosho is essentially an extended version of the Shira route and, as it starts much lower down the mountain, offers excellent opportunities for acclimatisation. Both of these trails tend to be quieter than some of the other choices, which means you can look forward to really enjoying Kilimanjaro’s rugged and unspoilt natural beauty as you hike.

Rongai
The Rongai route is the only one to approach Kilimanjaro from the north and also the sole trail that doesn’t link up with any of the others until the morning of your summit attempt. This is the perfect option if you want to go off the beaten track, with few groups tackling this ascent despite its scenic nature. One of the highlights of this trek is walking across the saddle, with its lunar-like landscape, between two of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones.
Umbwe
The final potential route is Umbwe, but first-time climbers are not advised to choose it as it is very steep and challenging. This trail approaches Kilimanjaro from the south and is the most direct path to Uhuru Peak. However, this doesn’t make it ideal for acclimatisation and only those with extensive mountaineering experience should really consider this as an option for their Kilimanjaro climb.
Aside from the route you choose, one of the other factors that will have a big influence on your enjoyment of the climb is the tour company you travel with. Explore Worldwide offers ascents on the Lemosho and Rongai trails, and the organisation allows plenty of time for the ascent to help climbers deal with the high altitudes they encounter on the way to Uhuru Peak.

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