Rolling Stone : New and rare gemstones from East Africa

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

New and rare gemstones from East Africa

The gemstone region of East Africa is exotic and relatively new compared to the long established gemstone regions of South East Asia and Brazil. It extends from the island of Madagascar (Malagasy) in the Indian Ocean to mainland Mozambique then northward through Tanzania and Kenya.

Notable developments have been the discovery and marketing of Tanzanite, a new vivid blue variety of the mineral zoisite, and likewise the promotion of the emerald green variety of grossular garnet, called Tsavorite, from localities in Kenya and Tanzania. Both these new gemstones have limited production and so command high prices. These gems are the icing on the cake. Many more gemstones are available from this little frequented region.
Foto: Watermelon tourmaline crystal
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Accommodation in Managua and Granada

Accommodation in Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas is a tourist town with a wide spectrum of accommodation, ranging from five star hotels (5), to large backpackers (2) to numerous small family guest houses, or hospedajes. Hostels can be found from the website Hostel World and provide private rooms for US $20 to $45. Large backpackers, Casa Azul and Compass del Sur are listed with Backpackers Chileand offer economical accommodation ranging from $10 to $20 dorms to shared rooms with a buffet breakfast for $3.50. They are similar to a large South African backpackers and offer tours, excursions, Spanish classes, you name it and they'll provide it.

Most economical are the family guest houses or hospedajes costing $10 to $15 per person, and listed in guide books like Lonely Planet. A family may rent out to travelers a couple of rooms in a large family house. If you are lucky you may get to share their kitchen to cook meals and learn some Spanish for free at the same time. So you learn how a Chilean family operates. In Puerto Varas I have gone back and stayed at the same hospedaje three years in a row. (and with a different companera each time, which confused mama)

Cape Town for backpackers

Backpackers are very well accommodated in Cape Town. There are dozens of exciting backpackers to choose from. A little booklet called "Coast to Coast" lists them all, with details for booking. The same information is on the Internet for Southern Africa, just put in "Cape Town" for the region.

I shall not recommend any backpackers because that would be unfair and half the fun is finding a good one that suits you. Important factors in your choice are that the backpackers should have good Internet facilities, a good kitchen and dining area, a travel bureau office, a swimming pool, and be close to a popular restaurant, plus any more factors? Many backpackers have ALL these facilities and are converted mansions of old. Lucky you!