Phi Phi Islands. Thailand

Sorry to all my readers for my long absence. I realize now that TT reaches the 1040 visitors. Not bad! I decided to honor this achievement and all of you with one of the most beautiful places in earth I ever visited, the Phi Phi islands archipelago in Tailand. Phi Phi Islands famed as among the most beautiful tropical islands of the world and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions of Thailand. Phi Phi The name is derived from Malay, and the original was Pulao Pi ah Pi, where in pulao is the Malay word for island, and pi pronounced with only a half p sound, was very close in pronunciation to the English word be; the ah was eventually dropped, so the name was said something like Bi Bi. Later the p was pronounced with a stronger aspiration and the name became the Phi Phi or Pee Pee we know today. Funny isn’t it? The name refers to the mangrove wood found there. Six islands are in the group: Koh Phi Phi Don, Koh Phi Phi Ley, Koh Biddah Nok, Koh Biddah Nai, Koh Yoong, and Koh Pair total area is 42 square kilometers. They were incorporated into the national park in 1983. Unfortunately this lagoon and all the coral reefs were affected by the deadly Tsunami on December 26, 2004. I have no idea how it looks now, but I hope that the people there have found the quietude again. I'm still dreaming of a wonderful time in Thailand and Ko Phi Phi Island.

The Floating Gardens. Mexico City, Mexico

In pre-Hispanic Mexico, in the valley where Mexico City stands was a lake called Lago Texcoco, which now has long been drained. The Aztecs, on its edge, long before the Spanish came, dug a series of canals, whose mud they heaped on the earth around the canals or on anchored reeds atop the water. These plots of land, appeared like floating islands called chinampas - hence, their name ‘floating gardens’. In the Aztec's Náhuatl language the name Xochimilco means "garden of flowers." Xochimilco is divided into a traditional area and a newer ecological park north of town created in 1993 as part of a multi-million dollar "ecological rescue project" spearheaded by the federal government. Both areas offer excellent bird watching. The more touristy canals are lively, particularly on weekends. Brightly-colored, squarish boats (trajineras) carry up to a dozen passengers. Families visit the park en masse and boats carrying musicians serenade young lovers or for birthday celebrations. There are always plenty of vendors (in smaller canoes) with food and drink, souvenirs, and music. Hire a floating mariachi band. Three songs for 200 pesos!