PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS tation of Mnajdra above-ground temple suggests another purpose: this temple may have served as one of the world’s oldest solar calendars. Sunrise lights up the interior of Mnajdra’s southern temple on the first day of each of the four seasons. On the Equinox days, a ray of sun enters the temple and lights up its main axis. On the Solstices, sunlight illuminates the entrance chamber’s megaliths – focusing on the left-hand vertical in Summer and on the right-hand upright in Winter; and... 3. The underground hypogea – Hal Saflieni and the recently excavated Xaghra Circle–also served as burial grounds.
What happened to the Enigmatic Temple-Builders? We cannot as yet explain the reason for the sudden decline of this magnificent Temple-Building Society around 2500 BCE. We can only guess that these master-masons may have been obliged to emigrate due to climatic factors or were decimated by epidemic disease. Although their monuments have survived, the more refined structures carved out of the softer globigerina limestone have, over the years, suffered serious degradation. Their conservation has since been entrusted to Heritage Malta, the government agency responsible for the protection and promotion of Malta’s cultural heritage.
The Legacy of the Temple-Builders These Temple Builders not only left their buildings as a legacy to mankind, they also bequeathed their innate masonry skills to succeeding generations of Maltese. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes 8 Maltese properties deserving of World Heritage preservation due to their outstanding value to humanity. These 8 World Heritage sites include 6 above-ground Temples (Ggantija, Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, Skorba, Ta’ Hagrat, & Tarxien), the underground Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, and the majestic Baroque walled-city of Valletta. Not surprisingly, it is claimed that the stoneworking skills reflected in 16-17th century Maltese Baroque architecture are themselves a legacy of Malta’s Temple-Builders of the 3th millennium BCE.
Malta’s Temple-Builders: www.heritagemalta.org; www.neolithiafoundation.org; http://web.infinito.it/utenti/m/malta_mega_temples
METROPOLITAN TOURING ANNOUNCES SUMMER 2011 SPECIAL FAMILY DEPARTURES Metropolitan Touring has just released two special, family-orientated departures to the Galápagos Islands featuring great activities for children of all ages, as well as an attractive discount. Unique, intriguing, educational and fun, Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands rank among the world’s greatest natural history destinations, with cruises that allow close-up encounters with captivating creatures both on land and under water. Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
“We were the first company operating in the Galápagos to introduce educational materials and activities tailor-made for our younger passengers,” explains María Cecilia Alzamora, the company’s Commercial Vice-President of Inbound Tourism. “The two departures we are launching for summer 2011 are sure to be a hit as they combine both time on board our vessels and time on land .” The July 3–8 departure features the Finch Bay Eco Hotel and the 48-guest Yacht Isabela II. Prices start at $2,325 per adult, from $1,495 per child. The July 8–13 program combines the hotel with the 90-guest M/V Santa Cruz, with prices starting at $2,099 per adult, starting at $1,345 per child. The departures feature amazing wildlife encounters; specially-designed excursions, guiding and stargazing by expert naturalist guides; games, competitions, trivia, meals, educational materials and visits to the bridge all adapted for under-18s; and extras like a free family photo and family badges. Metropolitan Touring, www.metropolitan-touring.com
CHABIL MAR RESORT ANNOUNCES NEW FISHING AND BIRDING PACKAGES Nestled at the tip of a peninsula in southern Belize, Chabil Mar is a boutique luxury resort in a pristine area perfectly situated for world-class fishing and unique birding adventurest. A Treasures of the Sea Fishing Package presents the offshore waters of Placencia Village and its lagoon, home to some of the best fishing in the world. The package is flexible according to preferences and desires. It features multiple-day immersion for fishing enthusiasts with full-time captains, each day a new fishing experience. For the family—You Fish/We Pamper (non-fishermen will enjoy staying behind). Besides fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle adventures, and Maya culture are available. Full days or half days, as many as desired. Group rates are available. Treasures of the Sky Birding Package. Home to over 600 species, many unique to Belize, Placencia’s location is ideally suited for the birding enthusiast to access a variety of hotspots endorsed by the Belize Audubon Society. Birders go to four distinct locations in Southern Belize and return each day to their accommodations in a luxury villa at Chabil Mar. Trips include Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Aguacaliente, Shrimp Farms and Lagoon Waders (From December to March guests may substitute Red Bank Village for Lagoon Waders or add Red Bank Village as a fifth viewing location. If Red Bank Village is added, an additional fee applies.) The package includes roundtrip flights between Belize City and Placencia, land transfers between Placencia Airport and Chabil Mar, and seven nights’ Luxury Villa accommodations. Also included are an inland tour, Monkey River Howler Adventure Excursion, all breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners at Chabil Mar, four days’ rental of a golf cart, and complimentary use of kayaks and bicycles, enjoyment of beach, infinity pools or touring Placencia at leisure. The Treasures of the Sky Birding Package is priced from $2,217 ppdo. Chabil Mar Resort, 866-417-2377, info@chabilmarvillas.com, www.chabilmarvillas.com MARCH 2011 •
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