A dream comes true. Ayer’s Rock, Australia

I visited Australia in 2001. Like most of the travelers I stayed for a wile. The trip to the red Australia desert – the outback – has they called there, was fantastic, an experience of a life time. This picture speaks for it self. I bought this painting in the streets of Ayer’s Rock and this photo came stamped to the painting proving the origin and certifying the author. The Aborigines who live in the Western Desert of Australia make wonderful paintings. These paintings, filled with wavy lines, circles, and curves, are decorated with hundreds of small dots. To outsiders, the pictures are beautiful patterns filled with color. But to the Aborigines, these patterns tell stories. The stories are about their ancestors from long ago. The stories are called Dreamings. Dreamings are an important part of the values and beliefs of the Aborigines. The stories told by the paintings are so special that not just any artist can paint any story. Each artist can only paint the stories that have been passed down to him or her. This painting was this lady dream. For me, at the same time, went to Australia was a dream comes true of my childhood. I still have it, and I shall keep it, in my living room as memory of bough dreams.

Coincidence or a joke from the gods. Kyoto, Japan.

Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japan. Here we can fill the extraordinary taste of Japan, even in the right sense of the word! The food is excellent. In the city of Kyoto, we can rest in the shade of Buddhist temples that have stood for over a thousand years, hanging around in the streets marked by the traditions of times, visit the old samurai castles, or just peruse the offerings of the ultramodern department stores. You can join in the time-honored tea ceremony in one of the tradition gardens or unwind with a cup of coffee at a fashionable café downtown. But the idea that only in Kyoto is it possible to cross paths with a real geisha as you stop for a snack at a convenient store is not absolutely true. Let’s go back for my first days in Japan… The second day in Tokyo wakes up with rain and from the top of my hotel room, I realize a grey and sad Tokyo. Definitely this was not a good day for a walk in the city. At eleven o’clock in the morning, I was brave enough to leave the hotel and face the day with my camera in the box, thinking…today is a bad day for photographs even with the cherry blossoms. I took the direction of Shinagawa train station to catch the JR Yamanote Line, the circular Tokyo line. The imaginable happens! At the entrance of the train station, two beautiful geishas (in fact a geisha and a maiko, a geisha apprentice, as I learned afterwards) where there standing, waiting for a taxi and for my shot. It was like a miracle. But the best is yet to come. After two weeks of traveling in Japan I arrive to Kyoto, and like all travelers, even with my Tokyo geishas in my computer, I had the expectation of seeing and photograph a few more. I did. What I didn’t expect was seeing the same girl I saw in Tokyo at the Shinagawa train station in that raining day. This photo is this special moment. For a country with 128 millions of inhabitants (343 for each km2) it is something unreal. Like a friend of my used to say, just a coincidence or a joke from the gods.

Perito Moreno Glacier. El Calafate, Argentina

Perito Moreno Glacier was the most beautiful natural site I ever visited. It is located within The Glaciers National Park and was declared "World Natural Patrimony of the Humanity". Its front covers 5 kilómetres and it has almost 80 metres of hight above sea level. Ice blocks of different sizes are constantly coming off the glacier and falling into the waters of the Argentine lake causing astounding sounds and impressive waves over the surface, turning this moment into an unforgettable spectacle. This glacier is one of the few ones in the world that is in constant development. Several lacustrine and terrestrial visits can be done. This photo was taken from the Lago Argentina, as far as I could reach from the ice. In the spot, the dimension is impressive and difficult to describe. Within the park, located at 80 km. from the locality of El Calafate, the tourist can visit other nearby glaciers and take part in varied activities, like walk on its surface being in close contact with the glacier ice, meeting its inner peaks and ponds.

Full of hope. Aswan, south Egypt

Today, I paid tribute to a visit to this Nubian village and to Nubian People in Egypt. Nubians are the people of northern Sudan and southern Egypt. The Nubians are believed to be the first human race on earth, and most of their customs and traditions were adopted by the ancient Egyptians. This girl and her family where forced to change their homes from their original village in south Egypt to a tiny island in the middle of the river Nile caused by the construction of the Aswan Dam. Today, this small island is pot of Nubian culture, where they rebuild all their traditions. This photo was taken in 24th June 1997, more than 10 years ago. I wonder where she is now.

COLORS 74 – Victims. Sichuan province, China

For the fist time in this diary, I’m not using a photo taken in one of my trips. When I saw this picture I felt I had to share it, for the strong symbolism, but also for is beauty. On May 12, 2008, a 8.0 magnitude earthquake hit the Sichuan province of China. The epicenter was 80 kilometers west-northwest of Chengdu with a depth of 19 kilometers. According to China’s State Seismological Bureau, at the time of printing over 11,380 aftershocks had been recorded. The earthquake devastated eight provinces: Sichuan, Gansu, Shaanxi, Chongqing, Yunnan, Shanxi, Guizhou and Hubei. The total damages are estimated to exceed US$20 billion. According to official figures, the quake caused 69,181 known deaths, 68,620 of which were in Sichuan province. 17,686 people were listed as missing, and 374,061 as injured. About 4.8 million people were left homeless, although the number could be as high as 11 million. Millions of livestock and a significant amount of agriculture were also destroyed, including 12.5 million animals. Colors Magazine stated a campaign with a powerful message to this disaster but also to the word. This fantastic photo taken by Erik Ravelo for Fabrica (Benetton’s communication research centre) teaches us that there is another way of looking at tragedy. Can two peoples – seemingly destined to be enemies – share a common hope? More than a magazine, Colors 74 – Victims is a symbolic gesture which attempts to unite where there is only division, to make peace where the only urge is to fight. This issue is divided into five chapters which follow the timeline of the earthquake and rescue operations. The photos, too, follow the same chronological order and portray the same stages, highlighting the distinguishing moments. It is inspired by the meaning and design of traditional Tibetan prayer flags and its principal intention is to promote peace, harmony and hope. The sheets can be cut and hung as prayer flags in the wind. According to Tibetan tradition, this will help to fulfill the prayers and the pleas found throughout the magazine, including your own prayers on the blank pages provided. Sacred words and symbols are printed on these pages. Be respectful, don’t throw the magazine away. Don’t trash it. Don’t forget it in a drawer. If you really can’t stand it anymore, go and burn it in the garden and the smoke will deliver the blessings to the sky. Thirty Tibetan monks have agreed to dedicate their prayers to the victims of the earthquake that recently terrorized the Sichuan province of China. From Italy to India, the U.S. to Germany, Colors visited them and showed them pictures of turmoil, hope, the invincible force of nature and the indomitable spirit of those who manage to carry on with their lives. Each picture became a prayer, each prayer a gift. Colors 74 – Victims is on sale since August and available in seven languages – Tibetan, Chinese, English, Italian, French, Spanish or German – enclosed in graphic reproductions of the traditional Tibetan prayer flags, symbols of harmony and protection against danger and evil. Part of the profit will be donated to Red Cross in providing aid to the survivors of the Sichuan earthquake. The same happens with the Tibet/ China t-shirts, also on sale at the Benetton mega stores. http://www.colorsmagazine.com/victims/

The Caribbean Paris. Havana, Cuba

Sometime a picture can be more than a thousand words. I think this is the case. The same happens with Tomas Gutierrez Alea's film, "Memories of Underdevelopment" The film describes a man and a city torn among three cultures. The island of Cuba is located in the Caribbean; it exists among the United States, Central America, and South America. Like many other countries in Latin America, it was a possession of both American and European colonial powers and its cultural identity expresses this mixture of influences. Havana, the capital city, possesses not only a cultural, mestizo, mixture but, as expressed by Sergio (the main character of the film), a cultural confusion. Through Sergio and Pablo, Gutierrez Alea portrays a post-Revolutionary city nostalgic for its Euro-American heritage, and unsure of its new future. Sergio expresses the irony of the Revolution's so-called Cultural Revolution as reflected in Havana, by noting "Nothing has changed. At first sight it looks like a set, a cardboard city." Unlike other post-Revolutionary Latin American countries, there are no visual, architectural differences. The urban symbolism of the old Batista regime still stands prominently. They used to call it the Caribbean Paris, but not anymore. The area where this photo was taken, back in 2001, is the area where are the most colonial buildings and is the most visited area for tourists who spend a few days in Havana. Besides the evident degradation it's still one of the most beautiful spots. This beautiful city, declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, seems to be frozen in time for the past few decades. Foreigners can walk through the streets getting hustled by jineteros, taking pictures to the Vintage cars, baroque style buildings and beautiful courtyards, or just having a (Cristal) beer. The Havana’s atmosphere is unique. Havana’s Vieja is famous for the Catedral de San Cristoal de la Habana at the Plaza de la Catedral, and for Hemingway's bar, "La Bodeguita del Medio", where you can buy an expensive mojito. Live music is everywhere, and the Habaneros are performing their music in order to earn their daily doses of convertible pesos, so that they can buy what they need at the dollar stores to take care of their families. This is “la vida Habanera”: old American cars, cigars, rum, jineteros and an enormous amount of difficulties to run the daily life.

Opera at the harbor. Sydney, Australia

This morning I found at the “The Sydney Morning Herald” journal (on line version “http://www.smh.com.au/”) a very interesting discussion at the very funny traveling blog called the “Backpacker blog”. Are travel agents really necessary? This is a question that I’ve been putting to my self for long time ago. The author (Ben Groundwater) explains it better and I share is views. He point out the exact moment when we stopped using travel agents and continues (…) Up until then, I had it made. I'd pick my destination and dates, email the Hilton Hippy, and within a few hours I'd have a complete set of flight options, at the lowest possible price, plus a massively discounted travel insurance policy, visa information ... the works. Sadly, the Hippy has now passed on to the corporate world (although he can still hook a brother up with cheap flights), so organizing a holiday takes a bit more work. Still, it's easily manageable without the help (and expense) of a travel agent. Which kind a makes me wonder: are they a dying breed? A few years ago, the predictions were dire. Flight Centre and its ilk were said to be going the way of Ansett, crushed under the weight of a competitor they couldn't possibly match: in travel agents' case, the internet. If everything travel-related can be researched, booked and paid for over the internet, why bother going to a travel agent? And yet, walk down any main street or into any shopping mall, and you'll see the predictions were way off the mark. Travel agents are still kicking along; people are still using them. However, for most holidays, especially short ones, I wouldn't bother. (…) For starters, unless you know your travel agent well, you're probably going to be paying more than you should be for flights, definitely more for accommodation, and way more for insurance. In return, you get everything booked, and a nice printed itinerary in a neat little satchel. You also, however, get something of a safety net, which can be handy for inexperienced travelers. When everything goes tits up, your flights are cancelled and your hotel booking has fallen through, at least you've got someone to call who might be able to make it all better. But really, travel agents aren't necessary. In the world of travel, Google is your new best friend - check out the flights on the net, sort your visa applications online, find and book some accommodation, make sure you know the right numbers to call in the event of a stuff-up, and you should be okay. The only time I'd probably use an agent is if I was doing a multi-stop round-the-world trip, because, basically, I just couldn't be arsed figuring it all out myself. This is where travel agents are worth their weight in gold. Regardless, if you are going to use an agent - whether you're booking a year-long trip or a week in Bali - the secret is to do your research. If you've done your homework, know exactly where and when you want to go, and a ballpark figure of how much you should be spending, chances are you're going to get a good deal. The agent will appreciate having a client who knows what they're on about (rather than, "Where do you want to go?" "Oh, everywhere!"), and you'll both walk away happy. Do you use travel agents? Do you find them useful, or is it better to go it alone? If you want to contribute to the discussion, please go to Backpacker blog and drop a line at www.blogs.smh.com.au/travel/archives/2008/09/are_travel_agents_really_neces.html

Spectacular natural beauty. Flåm, Norway

By the time I was studying in Denmark, I had the chance to visit the so called Nordic Countries. The Nordic Rail Pass was my great tool, since was I free to discover by train or boat every single corner of these magic countries. The World famous railway and the Beautiful Flåm in Norway were part of my discoveries. Flåm is situated in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the 204 kilometers long and up to 1308 meters deep Sognefjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, Flåm is a paradise for everyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience with nature. With nature-based activities, many nearby attractions, exciting culture and historic traditions - Flåm is the perfect holiday spot for all! From Flåm Port and the many fjord boats it is only a short walk to a trip on the famous Flåm Railway, or maybe a stay at one of Fjord Norway's long-established tourist hotels. The world’s longest fjord adventure, the Sognefjord, lies in the heart of the Norwegian fjord country and extends more than 200 km (120 miles) inland. The region where this deep fjord meets the glaciers and Norway’s highest mountains is considered one of the world's most beautiful travel destinations. At the end of the Sognefjord you will find Flåm Camping and Youth Hostel, were I slept. This place is surrounded by the World Heritage Listed fjordlandscape of Norway. Flåm is a paradise for everyone looking for genuine natural and cultural experiences. The name "Flåm" means "little place between steep mountains," and at the end of the 1800's many cruise ships with travelers from all over the world found their way here to experience Norwegian fjords, mountains and waterfalls. After the Bergensbanen railway was opened in 1909, Flåm became a crossroad for passengers, mail and freight to and from the trains between Oslo and Bergen, in connection with the steamships on the fjord. The old Navy road from Haugastøl and Finse down to Flåm – Rallarvegen has now become an attraction in itself, with thousands of cyclists every summer and autumn. To get to Flåm we experienced the World famous railway. The over 65 year old Flåm Railway is widely known as one of the world's most fantastic stretches of railroad. On this amazing journey you will experience a climb of nearly 900 meters from fjord to mountain top, an incline of one to 18, a tunnel that twists in a spiral inside the mountain, and a view that will take your breath away! As a private branch line of the Bergensbanen railway, the Flåm Railway runs 9-10 daily departures in the high season from May to September and 4-5 daily departures the rest of the year. You can learn more about the exciting history behind this 20 kilometre long stretch of railway by visiting the Flåmsbana Museum in Flåm, a tiny little place full of nice stories.

Koi carp. Japan, Tokyo

Probably surprising to many westerners is the large amount of myth surrounding these beautiful fish. It is known outside Japan as the brightly colored white, golden, orange and even calico colored fish which fascinate private collectors but which can also be found in public ponds. I took this Picture in my hotel’s garden in Tokyo since we can find them everywhere. Although with a Chinese in origin, the carp in Japan is celebrated for its manly qualities. It is said to climb waterfalls bravely, and, if caught, it lies upon the cutting board awaiting the knife without a quiver - not unlike a samurai facing a sword. This theme dates back to ancient China, where a legend tells of how any koi that succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate (on the Yellow River) would be transformed into a dragon. Thus it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement shared by all. Eventually, the stoic fish came to be associated with so many masculine and positive qualities that it was appropriated for the annual Boys' Day Festival in Japan when colorful, streaming koi flags are traditionally displayed for each son in the family. In tattoo imagery, especially in combination with flowing water, it symbolizes much the same - courage, the ability to attain high goals, and overcoming life's difficulties. I may decide to have a carp tattoo one of these days.

Unstoppable sunset. Golf of Finland, Sweden/ Finland

A few years ago I took an overnight boat to Turku, Finland, from Stockholm, Sweden. Sometimes, taking a boat is just a mean of transportation, something that we have to do to reach a specific place. In the Golf of Finland, is something more. At the time, I was amazed with the boat, since it was a large ferry, more like a cruise ship, or a floating commercial moll, with glass elevators and fancy stores. Even with all this extreme luxury, I was traveling with a Nordic Rail Pass, so the price was not much. The boat leaves Stockholm in the end of the afternoon and arrives to Finland – Turku, in the morning. The ferry ride was absolutely spectacular with a perfect sunset across the Gulf of Finland. The sea is very calm and quit, and on the way, we see always land or little islands. Charming red and yellow wood paneled houses rest on small rock islands, with only the sea’s pounding waves to remind us of their impermanence Each little island viewed from the deck of the ferry liner offers a glimpse into how the Finnish live, and it isn’t until Turku comes into view that the pulse of Finland’s atmosphere can be felt. At about 9 pm I was laid down on a deck long chair watching the story-book island vistas go by completed by a background of a perpetual sunset. Small villages were tucked away on the archipelago, all with sailing boats parked in their docks and once it got dark their lights made it all the more magical. Apart from the cold breeze, I stand outside with my camera to catch the magical moment of this photography. I managed to scrape together a few precious hours sleep on the ferry before making into Turku in Finland by 8 am. Once there, I caught the bus into the fresh looking local town square that had a massive market bustling. I felt the atmosphere of a revolution, that, in the end, was just the evidences of a long party night celebrating the Labor’s Days (1st of May): empty bottles on the ground, people slipping on the gardens and, still, open bars for the last beer. About the unknown Turku! I must say that the riverside city is the oldest in Finland and was once the country’s capital city. It boasts a beautiful medieval castle, the impressive Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum, a fine cathedral and stylish boat restaurants. Don’t miss the four museum ships anchored on the banks of the Aurajoki River in the city center. The beautiful Sigyn in particular is well worth a visit. The Sibelius Museum is the most comprehensive musical museum in Finland exhibiting memorabilia of the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and showcasing more than 300 musical instruments from around the world. One of the most superb archipelagos in Europe opens up from the coast of Turku and stretches way out into the Baltic Sea. Take a boat from Turku and enjoy a day trip around the islands or, for a more unusual experience, enjoy a meal at one of the floating restaurants on the Aurajoki River or around the kauppatori (market square) back on dry land or even take in a performance of the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra – one of the oldest in Europe – at the Concert Hall. That’s your choice, but, please, don’t miss it.

Cruising the 'River of Gold'. Douro, Portugal

The Douro River and its Valley is one of the most beautiful, unspoilt and fascinating regions of Europe - so much so that the valley has been declared a Unesco world heritage site. The River Douro rises in Spain and flows more or less East – West across Northern Portugal reaching the sea at Portugal’s second city, Oporto. Once a fast flowing river of rapids and narrow ravines it has been tamed over the past 25 years by the construction of 8 dams along its length giving it, in most places, a tranquil, lake-like appearance. The valley is spectacularly beautiful with the hills falling steeply down to the water´s edge becoming more and more sparsely populated and wild the further inland one travels, with more of the land being given over to terraces of vines and, to a lesser extent, olive groves. This is port country and was, in fact, the world’s first demarcated wine region being established in 1756. Evidence of the port industry can be seen along the valley with all the famous company names – Cockburn’s, Taylor’s, Sandeman and others – appearing on large placards on the hillsides. The colour of the land changes throughout the year as the vines mature and the nature grows. February and March though also see the almond trees in blossom, June-July, the green of the vignards is remarcable, September – October, the reds and browns are the kings. Generally, though, there is little in the way of developed tourism, visitors are comparatively few and, as far as crowds are concerned, getting around is fairly easy. However, the roads zigzagging up and down the mountainsides and between the tributary valleys can be difficult driving but it does offer fantastic unspoilt scenery. More relaxing modes of transport are available, however. A good way to visit it is by a river cruise. This option combines delightful scenery with rural, unspoilt villages and towns and an opportunity to visit the great cities of Porto. In the way it is also possible to visit restored palaces, places of pilgrimage, cultural centers and vineyards. A boat journey takes you on a wonderfully scenic path, through deep cleft gorges terraced with thousands of vineyards, past sleepy fishing villages and through a tranquil countryside of almond and citrus trees. Apart from the port, the excellent Douro wines, both white and red, make excellent accompaniments to the food of the region. Whilst fresh fish is readily available (just as it is everywhere in Portugal) here the meats of the interior start to come into their own with excellent smoked hams and some spicy sausages.

Uniquely Singapore. Little India, Singapore

If there is one word that best captures Singapore, it is “unique”. A dynamic city rich in contrast and colors. Singapore is a harmonious blend of cultures, cuisines, arts and architectures, inspired by Asia. Brimming with unbridled energy, this little dynamic place in Southeast Asia embodies the finest of both East and West. Even If you only have a single day, a visit to Singapore will take you from the past to the future, from exotic ethnic enclave to efficient business centre, from serene gardens to sleek skyscrapers. The earliest known mention of Singapore was a 3rd century Chinese account which described Singapore as "Pu-luo-chung" ("island at the end of a peninsula"). Little is known about the island's history at that time but this matter-of-fact description belies Singapore's colourful past. By the 14th century, Singapore had become part of the mighty Sri Vijayan Empire and was known as Temasek ("Sea Town"). Located at the natural meeting point of sea routes at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore had long known visits from a wide variety of sea craft, from Chinese junks, Indian vessels, Arab dhows and Portuguese battleships to Bulginess schooners. During the 11th century, this small but strategically-placed island had earned a new name - "Singa Pura" ("Lion City"). According to legend, a visiting Sri Vijayan prince saw an animal he mistook for a lion and Singapore's modern day name was born. The British provided the next notable chapter in the Singapore story. During the 18th century, they saw the need for a strategic "halfway house" to refit, feed and protect the fleet of their growing empire, as well as to forestall any advances by the Dutch in the region. Five centuries later, it was again the scene of significant fighting during World War II. Singapore was considered an impregnable fortress, but the Japanese overran the island in 1942. After the war, Singapore became a Crown Colony. The growth of nationalism led to self-government in 1959 and on 9 August 1965, Singapore became an independent republic. In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Its former role as an entrecote has diminished, as the nation has increased its manufacturing base. Singapore is the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines sending super tankers, container ships and passenger liners to share the busy waters with coastal fishing vessels and wooden lighters. One of the world's major oil refining and distribution centers, Today, Singapore is a major supplier of electronic components and a leader in shipbuilding and repairing. It has also become one of the most important financial centers of Asia, with more than 130 banks. Business dealings are facilitated by Singapore's superb communications network which links the nation to the rest of the world via satellite, 24-hour telegraph and telephone systems. But what most surprised me besides this entire amazing story, and today’s technologies, were the Ethnic quarters, that stills exists today as they were in the past: Little India, Chinatown and Geylang Serai, the cultural heart of the Malay community in Singapore. As you step into Little India, be prepared for an assault on the senses! You will be greeted by the strong, heady scent of spices and jasmine garlands, followed by the treasure trove of silverware, brassware, wood carvings and colorful silk saris, dazzling to behold. The first Indian settlers in Singapore arrived with Sir Stamford Raffles as assistants and soldiers back in 1819. In the late 19th century, many more Indian immigrants arrived to find work, be it as laborers to build roads or to take up key positions in the civil service. Today, Little India is the focal point of Singapore's Indian community. From the large Tekka Centre and Little India Arcade to the small provision shops, Little India is packed with interesting things to discover. During Deepavali (usually between Oct/Nov), the Indian Festival of Lights, Little India is transformed into a fairyland of gaily decorated, brightly lit streets bustling with shoppers. Witness also the faith of devotees during the colourful and ritualistic Thaipusam in Jan/Feb each year. Colorful temples like this one in the photo co-exist side by side with churches and mosques, parrot fortune tellers stationed by the five-foot way and tantalizing scents of spices drifting out from restaurants. Don’t leave Little India without a temporary Henna tattoo or try “Teh Tarik”, a hand pulled cup of tea. (www.visitsingapore.com).

The Patagonia lands: from Argentina to Chile

This photo is from Patagonia lands, from the road that leads to the border of Chile, not far from Puerto Natales. This is the place where the geography of the big spaces has a lot to say. Patagonia is the wild, wind swept region of southern Argentina and Chile that makes up the southern cone of the South American continent. Chile’s portion of Patagonia is even more inhabitable. Mountains and glaciers crash into each amid sheltered bays and lush green forests. The southern half is unconnected by road from the north, therefore ferries, planes, or a detour into Argentina is necessary if traveling the length of the region. You can traverse the northern half along the Carretera Austral, the wild highway that is impassable for much of the year that passes through temperate rainforest, snow covered mountains, and glaciers. The distances are enormous, the winds are free to run and our spirits felt the same, a huge space to breath.

Seascape in the Atlantic Ocean, Berlengas Islands, Portugal

Seascape is beautiful everywhere we go. If your guess about this photo is Thailand or some tropical place of the south in a rainy day, you are totally wrong! This photo was taken in my way to a small group of islands known has Estelas, part of the Berlengas Archipelago. The Berlengas Archipelago is a group of very small islands off the Portuguese coast near the city of Peniche, at 10 to 15 km. In the larger island (Berlenga Grande) there is an ancient fort and a lighthouse. Nowadays, the archipelago has no permanent population. The ancient defense fort is now partially converted into a simple rest house. As the archipelago has been declared a reservation area due to the local fauna (sea birds, mostly), it is only visited by scientists and, in the summer, by a small number of tourists, mostly divers enthusiasts. Berlenga Grande, or just Ilha da Berlenga, is the most visited by all. It is a small territory with is 1500 meters per 800 meters at 85 meters high. In this small island there are two small beaches and several caves, its waters are very clean with barrier reefs and vibrant marine life. Part of the island was ripped off in the past, forming a separated part of the island called Ilha Velha (Old Island). In the summer, the island becomes filled with various sorts of flowers and birds. This territory is now under strict rules of preservation, once it a National Natural Park. I use to go there with my friends at least once per year when I was a kid. The ferry was really an adventure for all, since the Atlantic sea is strong. The most part of the time, after passing the protection of the Carvoeiro Cape, the famous Caboavelar Pessoa (the only old ferry) start moving with the waves and everybody get sea sick. Now is different, several companies are available to get to Berlengas, safe and comfortable. Last year I was lucky to go to the island with group of sea divers and visit the small Estelas, a place not easy to get by a common visitor.