DICTATIONS SECOND SENIORS (10,11,12)

 

 

 

Hawaii, the Aloha State

 

 

This beautiful group of islands lying almost in the centre of the Pacific Ocean is more than just another holiday destination. It is not just  one place. It is a myriad of places with an enormous array of resorts and diversions and each island has something different to offer the visitor. The spirit of Aloha is everywhere. For many people, the mention of Hawaii brings Honolulu and Waikiki beach to mind, but all the islands are surrounded by beautiful palm-fringed beaches . The lush vegetation and scenic splendour of Kauai contrast sharply with the barren volcanic wilderness and fields of orchids on Hawaii, whilst Maui with its outdoor lifestyle and superb resorts is the opposite to the tranquil calm of underdeveloped Lanai or Molokai. Oahu, the main island, offers much more than the bright lights of Waikiki, which never sleeps.

 

The fresh floral air energises you, the warm, tranquil waters refresh you, and the breathtaking, natural beauty renews you. All this can happen in the six Hawaiian islands. Hawaii was first populated over 1,500 years ago by Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands, who arrived guided only by the stars.

 

 

Eco  Lodges

 

Once located exclusively in the African bush and Central American jungles, these retreats now span nearly every ecosystem and every budget-and their mission has never been more vital From Alaska to the Australian outback, these innovative retreats are committed to conservation  -  with the added value of cultural sensitivity, isolation, and, of course, style. Being green has never been so appealing.

 

            Designed to co-exist  in harmony with their surrounding environment, eco lodges utilize local businesses and labour. They are generally in remote locations but are still often luxurious and always comfortable. Most eco lodges celebrate and preserve native vegetation in their gardens and are usually good spots for watching wildlife. Staying at one permits you easy contact with local people and the opportunity to become familiar with their  way of life. In addition, you can take part in sponsored activities that have low impact on the environment. A true-eco lodge is basic, comfortable and  clean, with some of the usual conveniences and with simple but hearty meals of mainly local stuff to eat.

 

 

 

Wombats

 

 

            Wombats are Australian marsupials, which are animals that carry their babies in a pocket, or pouch. They are short-legged, muscular quadrupeds, measuring about one metre in length, with a very short tail.  They can be found in forested and mountainous areas of south-eastern Australia and Tasmania. They prefer to come out in the evening and at night, so they are not normally seen around in the daytime. They live in burrows, which they dig throwing soil backwards. As it has a backward-facing pouch, it does not dirty its babies.

 

            Wombats are herbivores, eating grass, herbs and roots, and their metabolism is extraordinarily slow, taking up to two weeks to complete their digestion. One of their peculiar characteristics is their cube-shaped dung which they leave everywhere they transit. They move quite slowly, but can speed up to about 40 kph and keep up that speed for 90 seconds. Female wombats have one baby in spring, which remains in the pouch for about six to seven months. Their main enemies are dingos and Tasmanian Devils. When attacked, the wombat dives into the nearest tunnel, using its rump to block the attacker.