View Article  Climb a Glacier in Juneau, Alaska

 

Twelve miles from downtown Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier, the most famous glacier in the Juneau Ice Field. Besides the visitor center, the glacier is surrounded by hiking trails suitable for a variety of fitness levels that don't require training or gear. More adventurous options are to take a helicopter ride over the glacier or sign up for a trek across the ice. You'll be outfitted with the appropriate climbing gear and then flown by helicopter onto the surface of the glacier where a guide will lead you across the fascinating glass-like surface. Water can be seen running directly beneath your feet, allowing you to claim you can walk on water. Weather and pressure changes have caused the glacier to buckle in places, creating a shingle-like world of crystallized ice walls great for basic climbing and rappelling. Crevices reveal pools of the bluest, and perhaps tastiest, water you may ever encounter.

 

View Article  Shop for Perfume Oil in Jaipur's Old City Market

 

India is famous for its perfume oils which have adorned the wrists and necks of the Islamic faithful who carried fragrance across Europe and introduced it to royalty in the 14th century. A walk through Jaipur's Old City Market shows that perfume is only one of many aromas which make up India.

 

In the crowded streets you'll be assailed by the smells of manure from the holy cows which freely wander the roads, diesel fumes from the zooming auto rickshaws, freshly ground coriander and turmeric, simmering vats of yogurt lassi, and thousands of orange marigold garlands which are used in religious ceremonies.

 

The center roundabout of the market is where you'll find the glass stoppered bottles holding dark amber perfume oils. The stall owner, who may or may not be toothless, will happily dab samples of jasmine, rose, musk, patchouli, opium, and marigold oil across your skin, allowing the ancient aroma of India to surround you in a fragrant cloud that not even the smell of cow patties can penetrate. Not much, anyway.

 

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