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In the vast, beautiful continent of Africa, there are fantastic lands to be explored and seen. Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in the south, is one of them. From exquisite mountains to captivating savannahs, the wild, untamed Africa is a fresh delight to even the most seasoned tourists. It is bordered clockwise by South Africa, Zambia and Mozambique. The River Zambezi forms the north-western boundary with Zambia, featuring landmarks like Victoria Falls and Lake Harare. People have lived here since time immemorial amidst mountains and rivers. In fact, Zimbabwe, or the 'House of Stone', derives its name from the archaeological remains of the stone-city capital of the vast, ancient Monomotapa Empire. The 20th century saw Zimbabwe being colonized by the British, followed by political upheavals that continue till date.
The terrain is mainly plateau intersected by rivers Runde, Save and Mazoe. The rivers cut through this highland to form picturesque valleys and waterfalls. The famed Victoria Falls on the river Zambezi presents the largest curtain of falling water on earth, when in flood between February and April. Not far away is the Lake Kariba, a hotspot for picnickers and wildlife enthusiasts. African wildlife can be viewed here in its element. Moving east, one is rewarded with heavenly views of the cloud-topped mountains of the Eastern Highlands. It is here on the Mozambique border that the Inyangani rises in splendor to 2600 meters. Hikers adore this region and throng its capital Mutare and the village of Chimanimani.
Scattered over the breadth of Zimbabwe's beauty-soaked territory are remnants of the stone cities built in the 15th century. Great Zimbabwe is the most famous among these. South-west of Bulawayo, lies Matopo - a natural museum of exquisite rock formations. The area features rocks standing at unearthly angles, having been carved by centuries of winds that scooped the sand particles from them. Exotic reptiles and antelopes can be seen at this picnic spot. One can get around in buses (between cities) and minibus taxis (in cities). Still, hitchhiking remains the best option given the fuel crisis and a weak currency.
Zimbabwean hospitality has not been affected much by the reigning poverty and shortages. With general safety precautions the game reserves, safari tours and city rides are very enjoyable.
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Ati-atihan in Kalibo Aklan
Ati-atihand origins ccan be traced to 1210 when refugees from Borneo would smear their faces with soot in affectionalte immitation of the Filipino natives The island of Panay in the Visayas is where this particular detail of Philipine history took place sometime ih the late 12th or early 13th century. For centuries hence, it has been commemoratged in one specific place - in Kalibo, the capital ... Read full Blog post
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