America

Introduction

Sport is very important in American culture, just think at the universities: in addition to their educational function, organized student teams.

The universities offer scholarships and university sport degree to attract the most talented athletes.

These incentives interest many people from all over the world, in fact, American universities are full of European and Asian students.

Sport is not only strong in the universities, but it is felt by the entire population because it is followed by sportive people from all over the world.

The most popular sport is Baseball and it is considered the national sport; it is also very important American Football, which is very practiced in colleges and universities.

The most popular American sport in Italy is Basketball in particular the spectacular NBA, which attracts many fan in its country.

Sport can be considered a real economic source for USA, because it attracts many tourists who spend here many times and money but not only to assist to one or more sport events but also to visit the fabulous cities.

The Olympic Games are also a economic source and in America were hosted 8 editions of these.

American athletes are among the strongest in the world in Olympic disciplines!

Here, there is the possibility to practice many outdoor activities like tennis, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, trekking, skiing and many others.

Finally it must be said that America is the land of sports, because here you can practice all kind of sport you want to do.

- Martina Faccioli, number 214 -

Baseball

Baseball is the most famous sport in USA. This game consist in a competicion between two teams of nine players each.

The aim of baseball is complete one tour of the field to get a point. The mach is diveded in two parts: the offense and the difense. The team that plays on offense must throw the ball with a baseball bat as far as possible so that the player, who have throw the ball will complete the tour of the field, winning every basis without being eliminated from opponents in defense. The team on difese most catch the ball and try to eliminated the player that tours the field touching the oppones with the ball. The aim of the team on difese is hinder the player who is completing a tour of the field.

Baseball is more important for Americans beacause is one of the homesick sport, all americans on their chilhood used to play baseball with their parents. That is a magic sign in their memory. But is important also because this game can be played by all people because it is a simple.

The first baseball professional league took place in 1871. A few years later, nearly every major city east of the United States had its own professional baseball team.

The Major League Baseball is more popular. This is diveded in American League and National League. The first teams that win this two league plus the best second in each league play the Playoff. The final competition between two teams is called the World series.

For those tourists who want to live an unmissible experience, we propose to take part of a baseballmach. This is a spectacular experience where all the fans build an atmosphere of joy and serenity. During the macht you can buy hotdogs, tacos, beers and other drinks. In the pause from every inning you can assist a marriege proposal or a funny jokes planed by the organizer of the mach. You can buy the ticket on internet web site of the teams and the prize range from 10.00 to 115.00 dollars.

If you don't want to wacht a baseball macht you can visit the stadium of one team. At the stadium where the Texas Ranger plays you can visit the players' bench, the field and the press gallery and, during the days in which no matches are played, you can also visit the sports club, with a beautiful collection of posters or films related to baseball, and look to the private rooms of the players of the most prestigious teams. All this visit cost 50 dollars.

You can visit also the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum of Cooperstwn in New York with 30 dollars.

- Alice Sassi, number 197 -



Cheerleader

"Rah, Rah, Rah! Ski-u-mah, Hoo-Rah! Hoo-Rah! Varsity! Varsity! Varsity, Minn-e-So-Tah!"

Cheerleading is a physical activity, a competitive sport, based on organized choreographies that contain elements of tumbling, dance, jumps, cheers and stunting, sometimes with pom poms.  It usually lasts from one to three minutes and cheerleaders, the name of the athletes, have to encourage the crowd to support and cheer on their own team and to generate spirit and pride in its school or community. In fact most colleges and universities have a cheerleading squad.

Cheerleading originated in the United States, and remains a predominantly American activity, but it’s also practiced in the rest of the world; for example in countries like Australia, Canada, China, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

They became one of the mayor icons of the American dream: in fact they are symbols of prestige, attractiveness, leadership and popularity, but also of wholesome sex appeal.

Cheerleading starts at the University of Minnesota around 1898 when a student, Johnny Campbell, directed a crowd at a football game to chant and cheer. He directed a crowd in cheering "Rah, Rah, Rah! Ski-u-mah, Hoo-Rah! Hoo-Rah! Varsity! Varsity! Varsity, Minn-e-So-Tah!" and after that he founded the first cheerleading fraternity, Gamma Sigma. This cheer in a Minnesota sporting event  is still in use today, also in different forms.

At the beginning in a squad there were six male students, so was an all-male activity; but during the Second World War women began to participate and it became an activity predominantly female and are they that began to incorporate gymnastics, pyramids and throws.

There are no Olympic Teams but there are professional cheerleading leagues all around the world like for example the NBA Cheerleading League or the NFL Cheerleading League.

Sports such as football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, or hockey are cheering by professional cheerleaders.

There are a lot of movies based on this sport where you can see the beautiful and creative choreographies of cheerleaders, and also Nintendo has released some video games on it.

- Federica Plebani, number 196 -

Gymnastic Artistic

In the world there is a sport that unfortunately hasn't the fame which it deserves, considering that it’s also one of the oldest sport in history, always present in Olympic competitions. This sport is gymnastics, and maybe it’s so underestimated than other sports because people stops at the appearance: colored body, hair spray, glitter everywhere. But behind it all, gymnastics is much more and the USA national team especially knows this reality, as it is the best and stronger team in the world, in fact it won the gold medal in the last World Championship in Tokyo. In the world of gymnastics, the athletes of USA national team are admirable and feared opponents; the WOGA (World Olympic Gymnastics Academy) is an Olympic training center, with three locations in Dallas Metroplex (Texas-Usa), which trains male and female gymnasts from beginning to elite levels, and these gymnasts have won 24 World and Olympic medals, and have been a major contributor to the US Team’s success since 2002. To become an elite gymnast, athletes must train hardly to develop superior strength, flexibility, coordination, grace, balance, and agility, and they must make sacrifices and adopt a lifestyle that allow them to bring their gymnastics skill to their maximum potential; this implies a time at least between 5 and 10 years of time. Gymnastics is a really hard and difficult sport, which aims for perfection, in which a little mistake can be a big penalty and for this reason it requires concentration, determination and self-control.
It’s a sport for a few people, but everyone can be fascinated by the exhibition of these athletes who, for example, do back flips on a beam which is 10 cm wide. So if you want to discover this amazing world or you are already a lover of gymnastics, you can see the USA national team in some events, such as:

2012 Visa Championships
June 7-10, 2012
Chaifetz Arena
St. Louis, Mo

2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics
June 28-July 1, 2012
HP Pavilion
San Jose, Calif.

2012 USA Gymnastics Open Championships
May 31-June 3, 2012
Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

2013 Level 9 East/West Championships
May 2-5, 2013

2013 J.O. National Championships
May 9-11, 2013

2013 J.O. National Invitational Tournament
May 12, 2013

2013-20 JO Compulsory Master Workshop - East
May 31-June 2, 2013
Orlando, Fla.

2013-20 JO Compulsory Master Workshop - West
June 7-9, 2013
Reno, Nev.

- Roberta Rubagotti, number 126 -

Into Alaska Wilderness

« Happiness is real only when shared »

Christopher Johnson McCandless (alias Alexander Supertramp)

Those are the latest words that Christopher McCandless wrote in 1992 before he died. He discovered Alaskan wilderness, running away from his well-being condition, full of facilities and wealth, experienced the last adventure of his life in order to find out what he was searching for. In the final corner of America, in Alaska, he comprehended, among fjords and green forests - and also in his heart in deep contact with this nature - an immeasurable feeling: Happiness, which is real, perceptible only when someone shares it with you.

Before his death, Christopher McCandless, a 26 years old man, shared with us this little thoughts which is quite a contradiction, because he realized it when he was completely alone, surrounded only by unspoiled nature, suggesting us to share our every day moment with someone by our side.

Our company had realized a special trip in those isolated lands in order to re-live this touching experience. In Alaska winter are very cold but they carry with them the spectacular of northern lights. During the summer, instead, the country is immersed in the sunlight and wild creature can be easily admired.

In Alaska, especially in Stampede (the starting point of our tour) there aren't many and clear beaten tracks and you have to move around by your own and our company now, will give to you some precious 

and important advice in order to make your hike ad safe as enjoyable. Stampede trail, the "memorial" paths, crossed by Christopher was created in late 30s by an Alaskan miner called Earl Pilgrim to access to his property. Stampede road is chosen by many hikers coming from all over the world, their desire is to reach the Bus 142, the place where Christopher took his final breaths, remember to respect this spot in order to leave to the following generation of hikers the chance to enjoy a little part of Christopher's wisdom and adventure.

Hiking in Stampede trail will be the best experience ever but you must not forget that also the smaller error could threaten your life; you must bring with you compass, GPS locator, extra food and water, warm spare clothes, first kit-aid and remember to use bear proof holders.

This 40 miles trip is as exciting as danger, don't cross deep rivers if you haven't any kind of experience, use common sense and your instinct, at least, to hike with some friends is far better.

During your trip you will befriend with others hikers just like you, with them you will share your own thoughts and reflections about how nature can change our life in order to make you experience more and more precious.

- Ambra Califfo, number 23 -

India

Introduction

India is growing up as a modern country where to live, but not in every part of it, but only in its most popular city as the capital New Delhi.
India is a country of contrasts, for example you can consider the distance from the poor to the rich people, the technological and traditional cultural aspects, the chaotic traffic of the big cities and the atmosphere of the temples where people use to relax and to lose their mind in others peaceful worlds. For those tourists who come in India for relaxation, Yoga is the best solution: a practice of physical, mental, and spiritual discipline which is use for the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility.
For those tourists who are looking for cultural and traditional sports we recommend to enjoy the traditional dances of India, more in particular to admire the colored clothes and the sinuous movement of dancers' body, or watching the special gymnastic technique called mallakhamb. Moreover, considering those tourists which prefer special outdoor adventures we propose a trip on a elephant, an unmissable experience for the beauty of landscapes and for the unusual transport which is used.

Mallakhamb

Mallakhamb is an ancient traditional Indian sport. The name is composed by “Malla”, which means “gymnast” and “khamb”, which means “pole”, so it indicates a sport for a gymnast’s pole. Mallakhamb originated in the XII century, but it hadn’t importance in the next seven centuries (as well as the art and culture in general), until it was revived by Balambhatta Dada Deodhar, who was the sports and fitness instructor to Peshwa Bajirao II, the regnant during the first half of the IXX century. Looking at the performance of these gymnasts it seems they do this with ease, but it isn’t absolutely ; the exercises, in fact, are really complex and require the athlete to turn, twist, stretch and balance on the pole. With a combination of grace, agility, dexterity, quick reflexes, muscle coordination and sense of timing, the gymnast makes his incredible exhibition, such as a magic. Mallakhamb is a very special game in India, and athletes who practice this magnificent sport deserve to be observed in their performance. This sport is so popular in this country that, more than 14 states of India, participate in Mallakhamb competitions at the national level. Moreover this game has evolved over the years, developing a series of variables inside, for example the Plain Mallakhamb - fixed on the ground, the Hanging Mallakhamb, the Cane or Rope Mallakhamb, the Revolving Bottle Mallakhamb. These are little changes of the original games, but make it more interesting, and tourists will be certainly fascinated. 

Bharata Natyam

"When the universe was overcome by desire, greed, jealousy and anger, when people became slaves of pleasure and pain, Brahma was moved to create a form of entertainment seen and heard and understood by everyone at the same time, as people could no longer understand the mystic and ambiguous scriptures"    Kali Yuga

Bharata Natyam is not a simple dance, it has got a divine origin. This is an Indian art composed, structured, keep and pass on by the Devadasi, a holy dance.
It is the most popular dance among the Indian classical dances and it was born in South India, in the State of Tamil Nadu, with Madras as capital city.
It is also the most ancient dance of all classical Indian dance styles in the entire India; the others are Odissi, Khatak, Mohini Attam, Kuchipudi e Khatakali, which are all based on Natya Shastra, the Bible of the classical Indian dances.
Bharata Natyam reveals the spirituality through the movement of the physical and the emotional body and it expresses all the moods and passions of the soul.
In this dance are performed especially mythological subjects and epical events which are represented in a dramatic way. 

Yoga, meditation and tourism

After the everyday treadmill's stress, your entire mind will still lust for a little moment of peace and calm. Sometimes, to reach this (quite always rare) state of mind is necessary to join natural beauties such as only India can offer or just to have a stroll on the seashore gazing the neverending horizon with the seawind in our faces.

In India you will embrace the best way not only to unwind but also to reinvigorate yourself: Yoga.

Yoga is a well-known practice, it is as physical as mental, its intent is to create a real simphony of lives, combining the mind, the body and the soul.

This holistic practice was born 4000 years ago, and it is considered as one of the most ancient therapies of human history.

There are different forms of Yoga, first of all there's the Hatha (those adressed more to postures and meditation), secondly there's the ashtanga (which follows the system of the so-called "eight steps") and, last but not least, the IIyengar (which allows the use of some supports in order to achieve difficult poses).

Anyway here, in India, you will find any kind of Yoga courses, but, the level of the structures in which you will practice this activity is almost variable, especially in turistic areas. This is the reason why we recommend you to ask for advices in tourist offices and to decide your yoga-course considering your exigencies basing your choice also on other tourists or local people's tips.

In Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, for instance, are only the top of the list, in these cities Yoga can be practiced in countless places, in some structures, Yoga courses are totally free, but a small offer is always welcome.

Yoga and also meditation are considered as something really inherent of India's essence. Do you remeber of those fab-four which spend several months in the city of Rishikesh, lost in this Ganga-river area, they enjoyed both India landscapes and the spiritual quest. The Beatles came back to Liverpool totally changed, their music released after that period proves it.

So, this retreat must be an incredible experience, it will modify your own life, creating a new connection between your inner landscapes and those outside your hotel window.

Riding an Elephant in India

This is not a real sport, but it is one of the best activity for tourists.

Everyone in India dreams to get on an elephant and feel like the ancient kings worthy of attention by their own people.
This is the opportunity to try to feel the breeze on the back of an animal so huge and also scary.
This activity can be done throughout the year and every day.
Booking isn’t required, you just go to the many fences which are located throughout the country and then you will decide your itinerary, but if you try to play polo on elephant back you have to book in advance.
Play polo on an elephant is a particular and unusual experience, very similar to that practiced on horses but it is much more slower, of course, but if you aren’t interested to play this extravagant sport you can also see it while it's playing.

Great Britain

Introduction

Sport in Great Britain is a real institution and probably it is much more felt that in our country.

In fact, all year, in particularly during the major sports period, you can find many fans which will shout, rejoice or cry, desperate for a win o for a defeat of their favourite team.

Here is not only about football, but also rugby, cricket, basketball, baseball, hockey or polo, and many others sports.

The sport atmosphere is really wonderful, so that many sportive organized their holiday only to assist to one or more of the major sports events in this country, for example you can't miss tennis matches at Wimbledon or cricket competition at Lord Ground or also football game at Wembley or in the famous Chelsea stadium or in many others Great Britain stadium.

Great Britain is also a land full of natural resources where many outdoor sports can be practice like cycling or trekking or horse riding, these activities are practiced in particular in Scotland or in Wales or wherever there are green spaces and breathtaking landscape.

Britain has always hosted important sporting events and this year Olympic Games will take place in London.

Cricket

The origins of cricket are unknown although it seems certain that a similar competition to the current cricket games were practiced in England's south-east in 1300, imported from that region by shepherds Flemish. In 1700, the game grew to become the national sport and is widespread throughout the British colonial empire. The first World Cup cricket was played in 1975, now this competition is played every 4 years.

The international organization which governs cricket plays is the International Cricket Council (ICC), fonded on 15th June 1909 by Great Britain, Australia and South Africa. From its cradle located in London in its origin, it is moved to United Arab Emirates in Dobai in August 2005.

The most important aspect of this game is the list of the Rules, in fact, usually, in others sports, rules aren't written but they are entrusted to the common sense of the players. These rules include, for example, the respect for the opponent, for the umpires (referees) and for the traditional values of the game, it is, for istance, forbidden to call to the umpire or to the opponents offensive ordisrespectful words (it is even forbidden to advance towards anumpire with aggressive step), and especially the absolute condemnation of any act of violence between players.

How to play cricket?

Cricket is played between two teams of 11 elements each. The field consists of a space in the grass, oval or rectangular, larger than a football field, but there are no precise instructions about what it should be long and wide. At the center of the field there is a lane about 20 meters long and 2 meters wide. At the two ends of the lane are placed three pegs forming a small door. The teams try to score as many points as possible and they are not eliminated when they are beaten, they have not to score points and get hitters out when opponents are throwing. Who makes more points wins. On the batting side there is the only role of the batter. The team at launch include:- The pitcher- The wicket-keeper (receiver)- Fielders (prepared by the captain on the field)

Destination Scotland

As everyone knows, Scotland is situated in the Northern part of Great Britain and its capital city is Edinburgh. Scotland wards some of the biggest unspoiled lands of Europe, this country is a natural heaven and it is also ideal for countless outdoor adventures.

If you desire a gentle stroll through Scotland's highlands or an electrifying walk on narrow ridges of rocky peaks, Scotland must be the best destination for you.

The best way to discover Scotland's amazing landscapes is by foot; despite the wind, the midges and the drizzles, here trekking is a real pleasure. Thanks to mild winters, trekking is practicable all year long and tourists can enjoy different tours, from those larger (over 5 miles) to moderate ones (under 5 miles).

Trekking will be the best chance to get in touch with the local community of hikers: you will befriend on the slopes of the hills, and at the end of all journeys you could have fun in a warm pub nestled in the heart of highlands tasting a good whiskey.

To hike surrounded by nature is one of the best experience ever, but, in Scotland, the "Munro Bagging", a new kind of outdoor activity, is increasing its popularity by Scottish and tourists.

But what is this "Munro Bagging"? This sport activity became popular at the end of XIX century, when sir Hugh Munro published a list of the mountains over 3000 feet high and these highest peaks, in his opinion were the only worthy of interest. Today, more and more hikers and tourists aim to reach the summits of all these 284 "Munro Mountains", a challenge who is, in slang, well-known as "Munro Baggins".

The best proposals for your outdoor adventures are different:

• You can cross the west Highland Way
• You can climb the Ben Neves
• You can visit the outer Hebrides using your own bikes
• You can descend using your mountain bike over the slopes of Laggan Wolftrax
• You can enjoy an excursion in kayak in the Shetland

Trekking Equipment

• impermeable clothing
• backup clothing
• compass and maps
• a torch
• first-aid kit

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

For long standing tradition, in Scotland there is the outdoor access code in open country, mountains and moorlands. In 2003 the Scottish parliament approved the access code to open country, this code established people's access rights and their responsibilities. This code were approved in order to respect the environment and others people's privacy.

Security tips:

Check the weather condition before starting your trip and inform someone about your daily stages. Plan the pace and the destination considering all components' capability. Don't be afraid to come back if the trek turns out too much exacting.

Wimbledon

The Championships, Wimbledon, or simply Wimbledon, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and it is considered by many people the most important and prestigious.

 Every year it starts in late June and it lasts two weeks: this year it is from 25 June to 8 July.

 It was first played in the year 1887 and gets its name from "The All England Club", the place where it was first played, which is located in the suburbs on the southwestern outskirts of London, in a place called Wimbledon.

 It is one of the four major Grand Slam tennis tournaments (the other three are the U.S Open, Australian Open and French Open tennis tournaments).

Wimbledon Championship is the only Grand Slam event that is still being played on a traditional grass court, the game's original surface.

The greatest tennis players in the world will came on Wimbledon and They will compete for a total of about $22.1 million in prize money, but especially they will be competing for a place in tennis history.

Wimbledon traditions include a strict dress code for competitors, as the eating of strawberries and cream by the spectators, and Royal patronage. The tournament is also notable for the absence of sponsor around the courts.

There is also “Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum” where there is a multi-dimensional tour of the traditions, the triumphs, the emotions that have made Wimbledon the most wished title in tennis.

London Olympic Games 2012

This summer the city of London will accommodate the most important, beautiful and exciting sport event of all time: the Olympic Games, which are certainly the best event to attend for sport tourism’s lovers. It’s the third time that this event takes place in London (the first was in 1908 and the second in 1948), and this year it will happen exactly from July 27 to August 12. The Olympic Games will focuse the attention of all the world on the city, which is going to know an incredible increase of tourists, who want to attend this admirable sport event. More than 8 million tickets are sold, already in 2011, and athletes from all over the world will lodge in 33 structures of the Olympic and Paralympic Village, that is an enormous sport complex in which also numerous facilities for competitions are located, for example the Olympic stadium, the Acquatics Centre and the Velopark. All races will be televised live and, of course, a lot photographers and journalists will be present to document the expected event, where athletes of 26 different sports will fight for the gold medal. After Beijing 2008, now it’s time of London.

Summer Olympics: Sports and disciplines

• Athletics

• Badminton

• Football

• Canoe

   - in open water

   - slalom

• Rowing

• Cycling

   - road cycling

   - track cycling

   - mountain bike

   - BMX

• Riding

• Gymnastic - artistic gymnastic

   - rhythmic gymnastic

   - trampoline

• Field hockey

• Judo

• Fight

• Basketball

• Handball

• Volleyball 

   - volleyball

   - beach volley

• Pentathlon

• Boxing

• Fencing

• Weightlifting

• Acquatic sports 

   - swimming

   - synchronized swimming

   - water polo

   - diving

• Taekwondo

• Tennis

• Ping pong

• Rifle range

• Archery

• Triathlon
• Sailing

Moldova

Introduction

Moldova, officially called Republic of Moldova, is situated between Ukraine to the North, East and South and Romania to the west. It is located in Eastern Europe and the capital city is Chişinău. It is an independent country and a parliamentary republic.
Tourists that visit this country are fascinated by its natural landscapes and its curious and turbulent history; but they are also interested in typical and popular sports, in fact, sports are very important in this country.
Football is the most popular sport, but also rugby is beloved by Moldovan’s sportive people. The national sport is Trânta, a form of wrestling typical of this country, that tourists can enjoy.
Moldova organizes also a lot of sports projects to save children from delinquency or for those kids with disabilities.

An Important Project Based On Sport

In 2009 Republic of Moldova realized an important project (during 12 months) , in collaboration with the Izvorul Moldovei’s Association, which aimed to improve the conditions of life of street children who are also at risk of delinquency in the slums of Chisinau. The project was based on the involvement of children in sport activities, so the initiative provided the construction of a sport center capable to accommodate up to 170 athletes a year. The surface of this structure is about 300 mq and there are all the necessary equipment to practice different sports; moreover many particular activities take place especially for children with disabilities. So the specific targets of this project were:
- Help and support children in difficult conditions to develop social relations, with peers and adults, through their inclusion in sport courses and activities of group;
- Help children to satisfy their needs and desires through the expansion of experiences and a healthy daily living;
- Promote development processes and autonomy in children at risk and increase their social activities.
This project has achieved its purpose and it has been really important because it has been very useful for a great number of children's lives.

Sport plays a very important role in life of everyone, and sometimes it isn’t only a way to do tourism, but much more.

Football in Moldova
The Moldovan football league was born in 1992 after Moldova's independence from the Soviet Union.
All football matches are held under the governing body "The Football Association of Moldova (FMF)". Located in the capital city of the country, this association also organizes the Moldovan National Division matches and the Moldova national football team. The football matches are usually held in various stadiums of Moldova which include the Sheriff Stadium, Stadionul Calarasauca, Stadionul Dinamo (Chisinau), Stadionul Municipal and Stadionul Republican.There are several football clubs in the country including:

- FC Iskra-Stali Ribnita
- FC Nistru Otaci

- FC Olimpia Balti
- FC Politehnica Chisinau
- FC Rapid Ghidighici
- FC Sheriff Tiraspol
- CS Tiligul-Tiras Tiraspol
- FC Tiraspol
- SC Tornado
- FC Zimbru Chisinau

In may 2011 the FMF organized a “Peace football project”. The most popolar football clubs played some matches to raised money for charity. This project was a grate success and the The Football Association of Moldova expected to replicate it this year.

Trekking in Moldova

This country is really picturesque, it is characterized by green hills, crystalline lakes, colored sunflowers fields and vineyards. Moldova preserves its charm, its inner essence is still far away from the rest of Europe, in fact here, time seems to be stopped suddenly.
In Moldova tourists can find a suggestive mix of ancient and new, an images union which is difficult to repeat anywhere else in Europe.
Moldova has become a brand new tourist destination, it offers the great chance to trek almost everywhere, specially in ancient forests through quiet monasteries.
This East-European country, even if it isn't displays in the most crowded or popular touristic scene, has a wide range of outdoor activities to offer and trekking is only the top of this list.

Trekking, as everyone knows is basically a walk but a little of physical effort is always required. Indeed, it often involves hiking on mountainous areas and carrying all the equipment you need to overnight.
One of the best trekking adventure that tourists can enjoy is in the Saharna monastery complex.
In this unforgettable journey, tourists can enjoy a truly iconic view characterized by rocky hills, forests, a small 16 kilometers river and finally an amazing waterfall. These waterfalls are considered as the Niagara falls of the country and they are really impressive, for this reason tourists who can't give up this activity mustn't miss this opportunity.

Thailand

Introduction

Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country situated at the center of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Burma.
The country is a constitutional monarchy, headed by King Rama IX, the ninth king of the House of Chakri, who, having reigned since 1946, is the world's longest-serving head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history. The king of Thailand is titled Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, the Upholder of the Buddhist religion, and the Defender of all Faiths.
The capital is Bangkok, which is Thailand's political, commercial, industrial and cultural hub. The population is ethnically Thai, Chinese and Malay. The country's official language is Thai. The primary religion is Buddhism, which is practiced by around 95% of the population.
Thailand tourists must have the experience to practice two of the most famous sports of the country: golf and diving. The courses of golf are the most beautiful of the world, the tourists came from all the world to play it. Also the golf champion of the world Tiger Woods appreciates them.
The traditional sport in Thailand is Muay Thay. Also known as Thai boxing, it is a combat sport with ancient fighting techniques; was used by Thai warriors in war if they lost their weapons.
 

Diving and Snorkeling 

The environment of Thailand is characterized by uncontaminated places, coral reefs and a spectacular underwater life, and for this reason the crystal waters of this country, in particular of the Andaman Sea, represent the paradise for diving and snorkeling lovers. The sea and coasts of Thailand are really incredible and suggestive; there are long and white beaches, turquoise and emerald waters with a visibility until 50 mt of depth, strange granite rocks covered by a rich vegetation, but the experience underwater will allow you to know wonderful marine charms. The culmination of beauty, in fact, is the life underwater; you can swim in peace surrounded by clown fishes, turtles, corals and a lot of others species of fish, and in same places you can see also the Whale Shark and the Manta Ray. The best places to practice these activities are Phuket, Similan Island, Phi Phi Island and Kata Beach, where there are also agencies, such as the Sea Fun Divers, which provide the necessary equipment, give all the information, and organize divers courses. So Thailand is the perfect destination if tourists want to discover an amazing underwater world.



Trekking in Northern Thailand

The Northern part of this country has always been a world apart, with an unique style. This part of Thailand offers breathtaking landscapes composed of charming hills, imposing mountains, wild rivers, thick jungle and other beauties which can't be found anywhere else all over the world.
The most popular area in which trekking is more practiced is, exactly, the Northern part, with Chang Mai as a perfect starting point for all tours. The village of Chiang Mai is hidden in Chiang Dao Valley, surrounded by rivers and green hills. Here tourists can discover different aspects of this area, for example small tribal villages with their rural lives, and explore Thailand's highest peak.
For those tourists who can't give up extreme outdoor activities, the Umphang Valley, characterized by its jungle, will surely be the best destination. Tourists can reach this valley crossing the so called "Highway of the Death", an insidious route through amazing mountains landscapes. Most of all trek-tours in this valley end with an electrifying descent to the violent waters of the rivers and long walks in the forests. In this region tourists can also visit isolated caves immersed in the jungle and the Thi Lo Su Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfall of the South-East Asia. These waterfalls are so isolated that they were discovered only in late 80s, in fact, two day of trekking and rafting are necessary to reach these iconic waterfalls.

Trekking in Thailand is organized to empathize the beauty of the nature and a little physical effort is needful to enjoy at most this land of contrasts.

Trekking Equipment - What you need:

 - A good pair of trekking shoes
 - Cotton t-shirts, short or long pants
 - Towel, swimming suit
 - Mosquito repellent
 - Sun cream, hat and sunglasses
 - Jogging suit
 - Flash-light
 - Camera




Muay Thai, a traditional Sport

The most  famous Thai sport is Muay Thai boxing or just “Muay Thai” as it is known locally . This sport is a form of difficult and ancient martial art and it was born in Thailand. 

In Thailand it is undoubtedly the most popular spectator sport, in fact it is the national sport. In Thailand it is handed down from generation to generation and now it is practiced in countries all over the world.
It is also known as “The art of Eight Limbs” because fighters can use hands, punches, kicks, shins, elbows and knees while in the other combat sports they can use only hands and feet. The fights are fierce and brutal.

The world “Muay” means “to blind together” and it derives from the Sanskrit.
Muay Thai derives to a very ancient martial art called Muay Boran and in fact this art was practiced certainly from 15th century because people have found written documents that talk about it.
There are five rounds: one round during 3 minutes and there are 2 minutes break between each round.
Before the start of the first round there is a typical dance called Ram Muay accompanied by Thai traditional music.
If you want to watch a Muay Thai fight there are Muay Thai stadiums all over Thailand, especially in touristic areas, like, for example, in Lumpini stadium where you can see matches of a very professional level or  in Ratchadamnoen stadium which is the first Muay Thai stadium in Bangkok or in Suwit Gym stadium in the island of Phuket.
It is particular that Thai fighters traditionally take on the name of the camps in which they train for.
Thai boxing represents somewhat of an enigma because it is curious that this a furious martial art should become the national sport of a Buddhist country known for its peaceful and serenity.
If you want to learn Muay Thai kickboxing you are welcome to join the Muay Thai training camp at Haad Tien.


Golf, a precious treasure in Thailand 

In January 2010, Thailand was elected “Golf destination of the year” and even today attracts many fans that bring merit and substantial income to the state.
Thailand is the most important Asian country for this sport thanks to its 260 first level fields.
For the most golfers, Thailand is the best golf destination not only for its fields quality/price but also for its stunning landscapes, its cultural and religious tours and for its hospitality, and it’s for this reasons that Thailand attracts many tourists and golf fans.
For Thailand golf is a real treasure because it is in a constantly growing, thank to the high tourist demand.
The fields reflect the geographical diversity of this country and the player can discover the coast, then venture into the tropical jungle, visit the main cities, or lose themselves in little mountain villages. Everywhere you can find equipped fields which offers many services like changing rooms with sauna, caddies and luxury hotels with furnished rooms.
If you are a golf lover, here you need only passion because all equipment will be provided by the hotels.