By Kayla Allen
The second largest desert in the world, second only to Antarctica, the Sahara desert takes up about a third of the continent of Africa and is roughly the size of the continental U.S.
The boundaries of the Sahara are the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the Atlas Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea on the north, the Red Sea and Egypt on the east, and the Sudan and the valley of the Niger River on the south. The Sahara divides the continent of Africa into North and Sub-Saharan. The southern border of the Sahara is marked by a band of semiarid savanna called the Sahel; south of the Sahel lies the lusher Sudan and the Congo River Basin.
The Sahara's climate can be divided into two climates, a dry sub-tropical climate in the north and a dry tropical climate in the south.

By Alexa Boyce
Lonely Planet Travel Guide describes the city of Shanghai as, "Whore of the Orient, Paris of the East, city of quick riches, ill-gotten gains and fortunes lost on the tumble of dice; the domain of adventurers, swindlers, gamblers, drug runners, idle rich, dandies, tycoons, missionaries, gangsters and backstreet pimps," (8th edition – China). Whoever you are, it is likely there is something that will entice and excite you in Shanghai. Lavish department stores, glitzy skyscrapers, and a booming café scene all rule this metropolis on the Yangtze River delta.

By Robin Fillner – SALUD Program Guest blogger traveling in Quito.
Aloha – I have to start off that way because I'm from Hawaii. Anyway, I'm starting the 2nd week of the Salud AmeriSpan program in Quito, Ecuador. I was surprised to learn that I am the only nurse out of 12 people all together. Most of the students are in between their first and second year of medical school. One person is an anesthesiologist of 20 years from Sweden. Most of the students speak intermediate Spanish and the doctor above speaks definitely advanced Spanish.
I had never studied Spanish in school (I studied German for 3 years and lived in Germany when I was a kid for 5 years). But, before I left for Quito I studied Spanish for about a month. I'm so glad I did because it is definitely helping me now. I decided to come to Quito 2 weeks earlier than when the Salud program started just to study in the school.
When I first came, I met so many people instantly. It was so easy and amazing! I traveled with a group of 6 on the two open weekends I had before starting the Salud program. Some of the students are still at the school, but most have left already on their own journeys around S. America.
I am also surprised at the level of involvement with volunteering at the school. Most of the students I have met are volunteering in some aspect whether it's with children in schools, with sick people in their homes, at the hospital, or in the government assisting with water decontamination. Most of the student here are from USA, but there are handfuls of Germans, Swiss, Swedish, and others. I've met two mothers with their children ages 11 and 15, and met some people in their 50s and 60s. It's a great group to be with.
In the Salud program we have only been learning Spanish on our level in groups of 4 and then getting together to study parts of the body in Spanish. I sometimes feel like I'm the only one that doesn't know the Spanish words, but then everyone reassures me that they don't either. I think they're just being nice. But, this week is more of the same – Spanish classes and then medical Spanish. I hope we get more into interviewing… none of us have any idea of what to expect for the volunteering that will start next week.

By Jeremy Carter – Guest blogger traveling in Merida, Mexico.
I'll admit that before arriving here in Merida, I had some hesitation about living with a family for a month. I've lived independently for more than eight years, so I was wondering how I'd adapt to eating every meal with a family. As it turns out, it's been one of the greatest highlights of my stay here.
Donia Nena, my house mother, is 85 years old but could easily pass for at least 15 years younger. Another lady of about the same age named Marionella rents a room in her home, and Donia Nena's daughter and youngest grandchild, Ramon (or Ramoncito, "Little Ramon," as they call him) visit nearly everyday.
Although I'm accustomed to eating alone at home, I look forward to our meals together. For one thing, it's provided a much-needed boost for my language skills. When conversations aren't structured like they are in class, your "survival" language skills kick in and even if you don't catch every word of a sentence, you learn to pick out the key ones so you can grasp the idea of what was said. You also develop a knack for figuring out different ways to explain things instead of searching for words that are just out of your grasp.
On the rare occasion that it's just Donia Nena and I eating together, she takes the opportunity to teach me wonderful things about Yucatecan culture. Yesterday, brunch was accompanied by a lesson in local music, with Donia Nena playing several songs for me on the stereo. Much of the music had a very distinct sound, very tropical, but also melodic and romantic. Then she played a few songs from some friends of hers: women who are all in their 80s and 90s but perform together on a regular basis, each of them playing multiple instruments.
Today, lunch was accompanied by Donia Nena telling me a few local legends, such as the legend of Xtabay, a beautiful woman who was looked down upon by many people for certain proclivities. However, due to her very kind heart and her willingness to help those less fortunate than her, when she died and was buried, an abundance of fragrant flowers grew above her grave.
Donia Nena is already planning the legends for tomorrow's lunch, including one about a man who sold his shadow to the devil. Needless to say, I'm glad I put aside any thoughts of finding my own accommodations on this trip, as being adopted by Donia Nena and her family has taken my immersion experience to an entirely new level.

By Kayla Alen
Italy has produced many, not only famous but also ridiculously talented painters some of which have become the fore fathers of this great medium. One of the major reasons people still flock to Italy today is to get a glimpse into its revolutionary artistic past and be in its presence, to stand in front of the masterpieces we send as postcards and have hanging in our homes as posters. So many iconic images from paintings are those of Italian artists.

By Alexa Boyce
When traveling the world, you will certainly run into customs that differ from your own. This is what makes traveling fun, and indeed why many people travel in the first place. Probably one of the differences that people take notice of first is bathrooms, toilets and bathing rituals.
Bathroom
In Australia, like in the States, a daily shower of water as hot as you can stand it is required to feel clean. However, in nearby Indonesia, a mandi, or bath is performed by using a "dipper" to ladle cold water from a trough while soaping up.
In many Asian countries such as Papua New Guinea, the toilet as it is known in Western countries is nonexistent. Instead, the porcelain bowl is set flush with the floor with footholds on either side. One must squat in order to use it properly.
While this may seem a more hygienic way to use the bathroom as it eliminates contact with a toilet seat, we must keep in mind that toilet paper is also a foreign concept. In India, a jug and the left palm take the place of TP, while in Indonesia, one might grow a long fingernail on the left hand for this purpose. Perhaps that is why bowing is a customary greeting in many Asian countries instead of the handshake.
Body Language & Gestures
Body language is just as varied around the world. Often, something that we take for granted as meaning one thing can mean something completely different elsewhere. For example, in Thailand, as the foot is the lowest part of the body it is held in the lowest esteem. To point a foot at someone is extremely insulting. Likewise, as the head is the highest part of the body, it is never touched directly by others. A pat on the head in Western society might mean a job well done, but in Thailand it is an insult of the worst kind.
As mentioned before, greetings in Asia consist of a bow. In Japan, your hands are at your side; elsewhere they may be in prayer position. The inferior person will bow longer and lower. In Mediterranean countries on the other hand, a kiss on each cheek is customary. In Latin America, one might greet someone of either sex with a hug and a kiss. In Muslim nations, sexes generally do not mix at all unless they are family. Something as common as clasping hands may mean impending death to a Guatemalan.
Some simple gestures that are common here in the States, such as the
"thumbs-up" sign are vulgar to those in Middle Eastern countries, Nigeria, Australia and Afghanistan. A two-finger "V" sign can mean Victory with the palm out, but either means the number two or "shove it" depending on where you are.
Some gestures have widely different meanings in almost everywhere it is used. For example, in Japan crooking a finger in a "come here" gesture is obscene. In Yugoslavia, Vietnam and Malaysia it is used to call animals, and therefore insulting to people. In Indonesia and Australia one would use it only to a prostitute. Even something such as a smile, which seems an instinctive reaction to happiness, can mean sadness or anger. When traveling, it is important to take the time to learn about your host's customs so that you do not seem ignorant or offensive.

Part 2 – By Robin Fillner – SALUD Program Guest blogger traveling in Quito.
We were supposed to go on a little tour, but I was so interested in this woman's story (and she spoke clear English) that I didn't go on the tour. Others said that there are three toilets on each floor and right after you walk out of the stall you are in the kitchen so it's easy to get sick. The rooms are like dorms – very small and have up to four women, sometimes with many children. The beds are stacked up and criss cross just to fit them in. Also, if a woman gets pregnant, there are no doctors there to assist with the birth. My lady ended up getting pneumonia from stress immediately when she arrived. She had lost 45 lbs – everyone kept offering her coke because they thought that was why she lost so much weight. She got antibiotics through the missionaries.
I really wanted to share that with you all, my head was so blown after leaving there. We all needed a debriefing. Patty talked with all of us afterward; she is incredible.

By Kayla Allen
Almost anything as old as the creature, the sphinx, will have a past and origin rich in speculation and myth and of course the sphinx is no different. The most famous sphinx is located in Egypt on the Giza Plateau at the west bank of the Nile River, near modern-day Cairo. It is the largest single-stone statue on Earth and is commonly believed to have been built by ancient Egyptians in the 3rd Millenium BC.
Sphinx is the Greek name given to it as we do not know what the Egyptians called it and it closely resembles the mythological creature the Greek called sphinx. Generally, Greek spinx would have the head of a female and yet the great Sphinx has the head of what appears to be a pharoh.
The sphinx in Greek Mythology was most often depicted seated upright rather than recumbent, as a winged lion with a woman's head. The Greek sphinx was said to have been sent from Ethiopia to Thebes where she asked all passersby a riddle: "Which creature in the morning goes on four feet, at noon on two, and in the evening upon three?" She strangled anyone unable to answer. The word "sphinx" comes from the Greek word meaning "to strangle". The answer to the riddle; Man – he crawls on all fours as a baby, then walks on two feet as an adult, and walks with a cane in old age.
The first attempt to restore the Sphinx to its former glory was actually thought to have been in 1400 BC. The Sphinx had become burried up to its shoulders and it was then that Tutmosis IV, was said to have uncovered its feet.
Later, in 1817, in the first modern dig the Sphinx was dug out completely. In the 1980's, a haphazard attempt at restoration took place. Over 6 years, more than 2,000 limestone blocks were added and chemicals were injected. This treatment didn't work and just flaked away along with parts of the original rock. Later, various mortars and concrete were used to repair it. In 1988 the left shoulder crumbled.
Present attempts at restoration are under the control of the Supreme Council of Antiquities' archaeologists. They are concentrating on draining away soil moisture, which is damaging the rock. They are also repairing the damaged shoulder and trying to stay within the original porportions.
Beyond what is physically being done to the Sphinx, a plan of action and restoration is being developed so that this piece of history does not have to suffer additional potentially damaging restoration attempts in future. Dr. Zahi Hawass is heading up this effort.

By Jeremy Carter – Guest blogger traveling in Merida, Mexico.
Today marks one week that I've been in Merida, and this city never ceases to amaze me. Although I'd visited before (but only for three days) I was prepared for a bit of culture shock. So far, the only shock has been from the weather (which I'm coping with thanks to a new appreciation for cold showers).
Instead, I've found this to be an incredibly progressive city. Two nights ago I attended a play at a small black-box theater near downtown…a neo-expressionism work about author Marguerite Yourcenar and her lover/translator. The quality rivaled — even surpassed — that of many shows I've seen in the States.
Tonight I'm attending a more traditional work at the same theater. In addition, this month there's an international film festival at a historic, restored theater downtown, with works from all parts of the world. Add to that chic restaurants, clubs and department stores and you have a place not at all unlike any other city of 1 million people in the US.
In other news, yesterday we visited the ruins at Uxmal and Kabah. Our tour guide, Enrique, gave us fantastic insight into each of the sites and Yucatan in general. We also learned that there's a law being proposed that would privatize the ruins. Not only would that put these sacred and historic sites in the hands of private organizations and individuals, it would most likely drive up the admission fees, which are currently extremely reasonable (for example, a visit to Uxmal costs a very reasonable 45 pesos, or around $4.50 US.)
Anyway, I'd always resisted taking guided tours of such places, instead preferring to explore on my own. However, my opinions have changed, as we learned so many things we wouldn't have found out otherwise…and learning them from a local was a definite bonus.

and Restaurants Part Deux
By Alexa Boyce
Back by popular demand… More Celebrity homes and Restaurants abroad!! Last time I gave you the (virtual) tour of Marbella, Spain and the surrounding Costa del Sol. This time in keeping with the Mediterranean theme I thought I would take you through some of the other European hotspots. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Swiss Riviera was the place for the elite to spend their summers. In the 50's and 60's the French Riviera came into vogue, followed by the Spanish Riviera in the 80's and 90's. Most recently, celebs such as Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt have been seen carousing along the shores of Croatia.
Swiss Riviera
I know that some of you might be thinking the obvious: Switzerland is a landlocked country, how could it have a "Riviera"? Well, my friend, the answer to that is that the 99 kilometers between Geneva and Montreaux is filled with Lac Leman, also known as Lake Geneva. This famous lake has beaches that rival the nearby shores of the Mediterranean. Charlie Chaplin and Audrey Hepburn were among the first to set up permanent getaways here in the first half of the twentieth century. Audrey Hepburn had her villa in the quaint village of Tolochenz. Charlie Chaplain's property, the Manoir de Ban, was located in the town of Corsier-sur- Vevey. Montreux even features a statue of the late Queen singer Freddie Mercury, memorialized in the town where he lived out the last few months of his life.
French Riviera
The French Riviera, however, is one of the most famous getaways for the historically rich and famous. The sunset over the clear-blue Mediterranean has inspired the likes of Cezanne, Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Matisse and Picasso. Ivana Trump recently bought a new villa in Saint-Tropez and can be seen docking her 105-foot yacht along the waterfront in Cannes. Bill Cosby does not own any land in the area, but spends summers at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cannes with his family.
Celebrity sightings in Cannes usually become more frequent with the festival in May. Actors such as Clint Eastwood, Meg Ryan and Arnold Schwarzenegger can be seen along the famous promenade. Among the glitterati to set up permanent residence here in the French Riviera are Brigette Bardot, Tina Turner, Elton John and Bono of U2 fame.
I guess we will have to wait and see what fun accommodations celebrities set up on the sun-soaked beaches of Croatia!
SOURCE:
* Daily Press
* SMH