The Ilattischerif of October 23. 1802

There were many, too, who had rendered homage ‘(jo .to Joseph II., or had borne arms under him.

But it also occurred to the Servians that Austria had never retained the possessions she acquired, but had alwa}-s given back both land and people to the Turks. Moreover, Austria was now directing all her attention to the West ; concentrating her entire strength for a new conflict with the French empire: which, both in Italy and Germany, must be a matter of life and death.

On the other hand, the name of Russia had, during the last century, acquired a high reputation amongst all the followers of the Greek church ; but the most important point was that, for a length of time, she had stood in the same relation to Moldavia and TVallachia as that which Servia now sought for herself.

In repeated conventions with the Porte, Russia had stipulated for freedom of religiou_and moderate taxation for these two principalities. The Ilattischerif of October 23. 1802, was still fresh in their recollection; in which the Porte granted to the governments of those countries a greater degree of .stability, pledged itself not to remove the reigning prince without previous reference to Russia, and not to allow any Turks, except merchants and traders, to enter either territory. A short time previously, the new prince had, with the assistance of Russia, obtained a grant of freedom from taxes, in consideration of the devastations caused by Passwan Oglu.

Services so important, rendered at that period to their neighbours, induced the Servians, after some consideration, to decide upon addressing themselves tiiP.ussia.__. In August, 1804, Prota Nenadowitscli, John—Proti.ts.ch, and Peter Tschardaklia, were de-spatched to St. Petersburg- In February, 1805, they returned with an answer which was, upon the whole, very favourable. The Russian government called upon the Servians first to prefer their requests at Constantinople, and promised to promote their fulfilment there.

The Servians, having now the promise of support from a great Christian power, were inspired with new confidence in their cause, and the demands which they made were of an important character.

Scottish Love Tales

Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)

Walter Scott, founder of the romantic historical novel, was born in Edinburgh in 1771. He entered his father’s law office, but before long gave up law for literature. His first works were ballads and long narrative poems. In 1814 he published the novel Waverley, which established his position as a writer. At the very height of his brilliant career he found himself morally obliged to pay off an enormous debt, and spent the rest of his life trying to do so. Scott wrote several short stories. The Bridal of Janet Dalrymple, not so well known as the far longer Wandering Willie’s Tale from Redgauntlet, is a well-written and (for Scott) surprisingly short and closely-woven narrative.

The present edition is reprinted from the volume, Scottish Love Tales, London, no date.

The Bridal of Janet Dalrymple

Miss Janet Dalrymple, daughter of the first Lord Stair, and Dame Margaret Ross, had engaged herself without the knowledge of her parents to the Lord Rutherford, who was not acceptable to them either on account of his political principles, or his want of fortune. The young couple broke a piece of gold together, and pledged their troth in the most solemn manner; and it is said the young lady imprecated dreadful evils on herself should she break her plighted faith.

Shortly after, a suitor who was favored by Lord Stair, and still more so by his lady, paid his addresses to Miss Dalrymple. The young lady refused the proposal, and being pressed on the subject, confessed her secret engagement. Lady Stair, a woman accustomed to universal submission (for even her husband did not dare to contradict her), treated this objection as a trifle, and insisted upon her daughter yielding her consent to marry the new suitor, David Dunbar, son and heir to David Dunbar of Baldoon, in Wigtonshire.

The first lover, a man of very high spirit, then interfered by letter, and insisted on the right he had acquired by his troth plighted with the young lady. Lady Stair sent him for answer, that her daughter, sensible of her undutiful behavior in entering into a contract unsanctioned by her parents, had retracted her unlawful vow, and now refused to fulfil her engagement with him.

The lover in return declined positively to receive such an answer from anyone but his mistress in person; and as she had to deal with a man who was both of a most determined character, and of too high condition to be trifled with, Lady Stair was obliged to consent to an interview between Lord Rutherford and her daughter.

S: https://balkan.privatetours.info/the-bridal-of-janet-dalrymple-part-1/

Above all things however

Correspond to the Italian Fuorus- riti, banditti, or to the Condotticri of some of the Spanish provinces. The consideration, that the rulers whoso administration they opposed were infidels, gave them a much stronger feeling of being in the right than the latter could have. The Ileyducs lay in ambush for such Turks as they knew would be passing the road, especially those sent with treasure to Constantinople.

Tins, however, did not prevent their claiming the reputation of honesty and fidelity. When two of them associated together, one was styled ArambasUa, captain or leader; and frequently they assembled in small bands. They had their Jatcitzi (concealers), who sheltered them, singly, in winter, and whom they served as day labourers or shepherds. With the spring they returned into the forests, and joined their bands’; and when one of them happened to be missing, they all in common considered themselves bound to avenge his death.

There is no doubt that the proceedings of these IIeyducs excited a certain ferment in the nation, awakening recollections of the past, and keeping alive the spirit of warfare. Up to this time, however, they had always been disregarded : frequently, also, the Christian population  who were not very conscientiously spared by them, and who always had to make good the losses they causedtook part against them.

Notwithstanding these disorders, the position of affairs first established  the supremacy of the followers of Islam and the subjection of the Christians was upon the whole maintained. The difference caused by religion was the more striking, as it was unconnected with difference of descent. The Spahis, at least,  though not in any way tracing their origin to the ancient nobility of the country  were mostly of Servian extraction and language.

However none regarded it as an act of arbitrary injustice, emanating from personal dislike, that the Christians should be held in exclusion from State affairs, from military command, and from public life. It had always been so: the system, as has been shown, was intimately connected with the principle of Islamism.

In the book of the “ Sultan’s Commands,” compiled by a chief magistrate of Bagdad, in the fifth century of the Hegira, the duties of the Giaours  that is, of those subjects who are not Moslems  are thus specified. “ They must be recognised by their dress; their dwellings must not be loftier than those of the Mussulmans ; the sound of their bells must not be heard; they must not ride either horses or dromedaries.” Even in the 18th century, a decree of Osmar was renewed, by which the “ Infidels ” are forbidden to study the learned Arabic, or to teach their children the Koran. Above all things, however, “they may not wear armsf;”

Mid this Avas so completely a matter of course, that it is scarcely ever mentioned afterwards. The Baja were considered a weaponless herd, whose duty was obedience and subjection. Such was in general the state of Scrvia in the latter half of the 18th century.

What should I be covered for visit to Antarctica

Planning a visit to Antarctica is an exhilarating process yet although choosing the right insurance cover for your trip isn’t nearly as glamorous as choosing which cruise ship or flight option you’ll take, it is just as important. If not more so.

Frequent travellers attest to insurance being one of the most important components of any trip, be it to the country next door or, in this case, to the end of the world. And as you consider visiting the most remote, hard to reach and inhospitable place on earth, the right insurance cover plays an even bigger role. Evacuations from Antarctica over the last few years have highlighted just how imperative it is to be fully covered for all eventualities this far south. Because as exciting as a visit to Antarctica may well be, you do want to remember it for all the right reasons. An expedition to Antarctica is, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s essential to protect your investment, and yourself, with the right insurance policy.

We’ve compiled this handy guide about the best Antarctica travel insurance for Australians, to better help you choose the right cover for your trip.

Is a travel insurance Mandatory when visiting Antarctica?

While it’s technically not mandatory to buy insurance cover when visiting Antarctica, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a single responsible tour operator who doesn’t demand it. And for very good reason.

Due to the remoteness of the destination, medical attention and evacuations are exorbitantly expensive, so much so that many – operators and past guests alike – deem it ‘insanity’ not to purchase insurance cover when visiting Antarctica, especially when one is investing large sums of travel-funds to travel there in the first place.

For the great majority of Antarctica tour operators, insurance is indeed mandatory, although the level of cover demanded can vary a great deal. This is when it pays to read the fine print when booking your expedition so that you’re fully aware of what kind of cover you are required to have. If you’re not requested to have suitable insurance at the time of booking, it’s highly advisable to contact your travel agent immediately and ensure that everything is in order.

When booking travel insurance for Antarctica, make sure you are covered from the moment of purchase, thus covering yourself for a possible cancellation of your trip. It is always wise to purchase insurance at the same time as booking your trip – just in case any unforeseen circumstances stop you from travelling.

Any travel insurance policy you purchase should cover you for accidents, emergency evacuation, sickness, loss of baggage and belongings, as well as alterations to your pre-booked travel plans due to local issues, and disruption to travel.

Bad weather – When undertaking an expedition to Antarctica, there will be many things that are outside your control, and insurance should cover you accordingly. They say that weather cares for no man and this is definitely true in this part of the world. Trip delays and unforeseen disruptions are not uncommon in Antarctica – mainly due to weather and sea conditions – so a solid insurance policy which covers bad weather is an absolute must.

Caribbean Cruises

Cruises to the Caribbean, South Seas and across the Mediterranean may still be booming, but nowadays more and more people are heading north – to the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Hurtigruten’ means ‘speedy route’ in Norwegian, and is the motto of the country’s traditional mail ships which have connected towns the length of Norway’s 2,700-kilometre west coast since 1893. Today, the combined cargo, passenger and cruise ships ply the coastline of Norway, from Bergen to Kirkenes, in six-and-a-halfdays, as well as passing through the vast Trollfjord and Geirangerfjord fiyords in the summer.

As well as ensuring Norwegians up and down the coast get their letters on time, however, the Hurtigmten route has been transformed in recent decades into something entirely new – a tourist attraction of international renown. A survey on the theme of customer satisfaction carried out last season showed that no less than 96 percent of those questioned were highly satisfied’ with what they called the ‘most beautiful sea voyage in the world’. Almost 5,000 passengers took part in the survey – what greater evidence of people’s desire to travel the frozen North could you possibly want?

Arctic habitat

There is a huge amount to discover on the cruises, which offer repeated opportunities to watch the fascinating local fauna in their Arctic habitat, a harsh wilderness dominated by imposing glaciers and strikingly beautiful fjord landscapes. The coming year is a big one in polar history: polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen was bom isoyears ago, and it has been exactly a century since Roald Amundsen conquered the South Pole.

Hurtigruten is also celebrating the two polar heroes, as Captain Richard With founded the Hurtigruten line along the Norwegian coast in 1893, the same year Fridtjof Nansen set off for the Arctic Ocean on his newly-built research ship, Tram. Three years later, the Tram returned from the Arctic and Richard With established a shipping line from Norway to Spitzbergen with the intention of enabling travellers to experience the beauty of the Arctic world in icy reality.

Hurtigruten has been offering sea voyages to the polar regions ever since. This historic connection with polar pioneers Nansen and Amundsen is being celebrated in 2011. On Hurtigruten’s expeditionary voyages aboard the MS Fram along the coasts of Spitzbergen and Greenland, travellers can see the fascinating Arctic summer up close, and together with Seetour Austria, Hurtigruten is offering cruises at attractive special prices from June to August 2011.

More information: https://guide.ensarislamoglu.com/caribbean-cruises/

Costs of travelling to Antarctica

Expeditions departing Ushuaia are the cheapest cruising options of all, given that competition, availability and the shorter distance all contribute to lower prices.

If hailing from Australia, you’ll have to consider your return flight to South America yet this still keeps costs comparatively low. Our Antarctica Special Deals page features the latest deals on the market and usually includes at least one option that’s around the AUD 7,000 mark.

Antarctic expeditions from Australia and New Zealand are the most expensive options on the market, due to the significantly longer itinerary. It takes about a week to reach Antarctica from our shores, and the costs of running such world-class ice-strengthened ships are considerable.

These expeditions on lesser-charted waters last anywhere between 21 and 29 days, with prices hovering around AUD 25,000 for a mid-range ship.

Fly+Cruise options tend to be slightly more expensive than classic cruises from Ushuaia, since the flight to the South Shetland Islands is relatively expensive. However, we occasionally feature some great deals on this option too, so keep your eyes peeled on our special deals page for upcoming early-bird sales.

See our detailed guide on the costs of visiting Antarctica from Australia to discover more cost-cutting tips.Weather in Antarctica – When is the best time to travel to Antarctica?

The cruising season officially opens in late October and lasts until the end of March. This is the Austral summer season and the only period where the frozen continent is accessible by both cruise ship and plane. Each month of cruising season offers distinct highlights, be it pristine landing sites and overwhelming icebergs at the start of the season, an abundance of penguin, seals and birds in mid-season and impressive whale-spotting in February and March.

There are some (mild) temperature differences between early, mid and late-season travel to Antarctica although we’d urge you not to let temperatures dictate when you visit. Moreover, do keep in mind that Antarctica isn’t as cold as you may imagine (or fear) during cruising season and ‘monthly averages’ shouldn’t be your main deciding factor when picking the best time to visit.

Instead, learn all about the unique wildlife events and overall scenery changes in our Month-by-Month Guide to Antarctica and you may find your ‘ideal’ time may well be different to what you’re expecting. Head to our blog, Weather in Antarctica for more details on this unique destination.

What are the best cruises & ships travelling to Antarctica?

Now here is a question we field regularly: what is the best Antarctica cruise ship for me? Given it’s near-impossible to answer this without knowing your personal desires, we’ve compiled an excellent guide to the Top 10 Best Cruises to Antarctica and chose each option based on a very particular criteria, be it the most affordable, wildest, shortest, longest and the one that just about guarantees the greatest chances for magnificent wildlife-spotting. Just a hint: that would be the one that visits South Georgia!

When it comes to expedition ships particularly, the ‘best’ becomes even more relative! Our wide range of Antarctica ships features luxurious gems boasting jacuzzis, gourmet dining, fancy gyms, solariums and stunning suites (like the Crystal Endeavour) as well as true-blue adventurous vessel (usually former research ships like the Akademik Shokalskiy) that make-up in substance and ‘expedition feel’ what they lack in bling.

Whether you’re after a truly decadent experience or simply want to get to Antarctica the most affordable way possible, matters little: our main priority is that each and every ship be the most reliable, safe and reputable vessels on the water today. We compare small, medium and large ships here to help you decide which one is just right for you.

 

The face of the Island

So he prepared ships and filled them with armed knights, and set forth towards France. And as soon as they had landed, they sent messengers to show the nobles of France the cause of the embassy. And by the joint counsel of the nobles of France and of the princes, the maiden was given to Llevelys, and the crown of the kingdom with her. And thenceforth he ruled the land discreetly, and wisely, and happily, as long as his life lasted.

After a space of time had passed, three plagues fell on the Island of Britain, such as none in the islands had ever seen the like of. The first was a certain race that came, and was called the Coranians; and so great was their knowledge, that there was no discourse upon the face of the Island, however low it might be spoken, but what, if the wind met it, it was known to them. And through this they could not be injured.

The second plague was a shriek which came on every May-eve, over every hearth in the Island of Britain. And this went through people’s hearts, and so scared them that men lost their hue and their strength, and the women their children, and the young men and the maidens lost their senses, and all the animals and trees and the earth and the’ waters were left barren.

Consume first night

The third plague was, that however much of provisions and food might be prepared in the king’s courts, were there even so much as a year’s provision of meat and drink, none of it could ever be found, except what was consumed in the first night. And two of these plagues, no one ever knew their cause, therefore was there better hope of being freed from the first than the second and third.

And thereupon King Lludd felt great sorrow and care, because that he knew not how he might be freed from these plagues. And he called to him all the nobles of his kingdom, and asked counsel of them what they should do against these afflictions. And by the common counsel of the nobles, Lludd the son of Beli went to Llevelys his brother, king of France, for he was a man great of counsel and wisdom, to seek his advice.

And they made ready a fleet, and that in secret and in silence, lest that race should know the cause of their errand, or any besides the king and his counselors. And when they were made ready, they went into their ships, Lludd and those whom he chose with him. And they began to cleave the seas towards France.

S: https://private.doholiday.com/lludd-and-llevelys-part-2/

 

As with Antarctica, the aim of responsible tourism

In the Arctic, however, the wildlife is being threatened directly in its home turf.

And we haven’t even touched yet on the topic of the indigenous Arctic cultures that are facing very serious threats, with increasing mineral prospecting threatening their very existence. The growth of mass tourism is the latest problem to add to the mix, primarily from mega cruise liners that allow thousands of gawking tourist to land ashore on small and remote Inuit villages all at once, as recently reported by The Guardian.

How can responsible tourism help the Arctic?

Perhaps the prime point to make here is that large-scale drilling, prospecting and development are of much greater threat to the Arctic than tourism could ever be, yet it’s not just a matter of picking ‘the better of two evils’. As with Antarctica, the aim of responsible tourism operators is to offer in-depth and enlightening visits, the kind that swap nightly cabaret shows with educational lectures.

These are the kind of trips that have the potential to change someone’s outlook on the way they live. This is the kind of place that teaches you that what you do at home, every day, has a much greater effect on our planet than what you do on your yearly vacation.

Tourism can also provide an alternative income to indigenous communities who still rely on the trading of fur and game-meat to survive. People in the Arctic have been enjoying a subsistent lifestyle for thousands of years and, nowadays, they’re still allowed to hunt endangered species, although numbers are limited. Nevertheless, offering an income – in the form of tourist dollars – directly on their shores means they’ll be less likely to migrate to larger cities in search of work and can actually help them preserve their traditional way of life.

Nothing in the world is ever black and white and never has this proven to be truer than when discussing the benefits of tourism, even in the most ‘endangered’ destinations of all.

Choose to actually visit the Polar Regions, however, and chances are you will start taking more accountability for your own footprint, in general

What will benefit our planet is not only more responsible polar tourism but more responsible living, no matter where we are. Our increasingly consumeristic lives may well manifest in the Polar Regions, but what we see happening in Antarctica and the Arctic is a consequence of everything we do, back home.

 

Minos and Rhadamanthus

Niccolo Macchiavelli (1464-1527)

Macchiavelli is best known to the world as author of a famous book on statecraft, entitled The Prince, and of a History of Florence. Like many of the remarkable men of his time, he was an inquiring and many- sided person: statesman, intriguer, political theorist, dramatist, and story-teller. Belphagor, exceptional among early Italian stories, is not part of a collection, and was published after the author’s death. This tale is a spirited retelling of an old subject, familiar to every student of comparative literature.

The present version is translated by Thomas Roscoe, and reprinted from his Italian Novelists, London, no date.

Belphagor

We read in the ancient archives of Florence the following account, as it was received from the lips of a very holy man, greatly respected by every one for the sanctity of his manners at the period in which he lived. Happening once to be deeply absorbed in his prayers, such was their efficacy, that he saw an infinite number of condemned souls, belonging to those miserable mortals who had died in their sins, undergoing the punishment due to their offences in the regions below.

He remarked that the greater part of them lamented nothing so bitterly as their folly in having taken wives, attributing to them the whole of their misfortunes. Much surprised at this, Minos and Rhadamanthus, with the rest of the infernal judges, unwilling to credit all the abuse heaped upon the female sex, and wearied from day to day with its repetition, agreed to bring the matter before Pluto. It was then resolved that the conclave of infernal princes should form a committee of inquiry, and should adopt such measures as might be deemed most advisable by the court in order to discover the truth or falsehood of the calumnies which they heard. All being assembled in council, Pluto addressed them as follows:

“Dearly beloved demons! Though by celestial dispensation and the irreversible decree of fate this kingdom fell to my share, and I might strictly dispense with any kind of celestial or earthly responsibility, yet, at it is more prudent and respectful to consult the laws and to hear the opinion of others, I have resolved to be guided by your advice, particularly in a case that may chance to cast some imputation upon our government.

For the souls of all men daily arriving in our kingdom still continue to lay the whole blame upon their wives, and as this appears to us impossible, we must be careful how we decide in such a business, lest we also should come in for a share of their abuse, on account of our too great severity; and yet judgment must be pronounced, lest we be taxed with negligence and with indifference to the interests of justice.

S: https://travel.doturkey.com/belphagor-part-1/

Uruguay is just the kind of surprise

As one of South America’s least-visited countries, Uruguay offers an off-the-beaten-trail and authentic travel experience. Also, might we add, an incredibly surprising one. Unbeknownst to many, Uruguay boasts some of the most formidable attributes for which this continent is so renowned including world-class vines, sensational culinary specialities and hiding, behind a cloak of unassuming nonchalance, startling colonial-era treasures.

With a host of natural hot springs and glorious beaches not
besieged by busloads of tourists, and with the added bonus of short distances
and top-notch roads, a comprehensive tour of Uruguay is just the kind of
surprise you’ll cherish on your up-coming trip to Latin America.

Getting a foot in the Uruguayan door is dead easy, with
hour-long ferry rides connecting its two most prominent hubs, Montevideo and
Colonia, to Buenos Aires.

Best Highlights of Uruguay

 Colonial
architecture, natural mineral springs, glitzy seaside stars and revitalizing
estancia stay: in Uruguay, you can experience it all up in just a few days.

Soak up the historic charm of Colonia del Sacramento

One of the prettiest colonial-era historic centres in all of
Latin America, Colonia’s UNESCO-listed core is an architectural gem like few
others. Having changed hands repeatedly, from Spanish to Portuguese and back
again a few more times, this historic walled city – the oldest in the country –
showcases traits and influences from both powerful empires. Cobblestone winding
laneways, ancient forts, museums, great shopping and delightful dining await
you at the end of the short and scenic ferry ride from Buenos Aires.

Get your history, cuisine and culture fix in Montevideo

The Uruguayan capital has much going for it, least of all the
fact that it feels more like an overgrown laid-back village than a truly
bustling metropolis. Being gorgeous helps, of course, yet Montevideo offers a
wide array of attractions to satisfy all tastes. Its historic harbour side
centre, Ciudad Vieja, boasts classical and art deco architectural gems as well
as several pedestrian-only strolling and shopping strips.

The city also boasts an impressive foodie scene that rivals
those of more illustrious capitals so make sure to spend a couple of days here
at the very least, as feasting takes time! Mercado del Puerto is a particularly
great hive of activity with artisan stalls and food carts feeding the eyes, the
taste buds and the soul, in equal measure.

Spend it up in Punta del Este

Down the southeast tip of Uruguay is the glitzy seaside hub
of Punta del Este, where lovely beaches, plush hotels and a wicked nightlife
attract locals and tourists alike. Dubbed the St Tropez of South America, Punta
del Este is where you go if you want to sip refreshing mojitos in swanky
seaside bars, whilst watching the fabulous emerge from their multi-million
dollar luxury yachts.

This luxury seaside resort town may be Uruguay’s most
expensive destination but living it up here is still cheaper than Europe and
Australia, so include a few days to enjoy the city attractions, long stretches
of beautiful beaches as well as expansive gaucho plains that surround the city.

Soak in the hot springs of Salto

Thermal resorts take advantage of the heated springs of the
Guarani Aquifer to offer a flurry of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments in
the area around Salto and Paysandu, in north-western Uruguay. With temps
ranging between 38 and 46, the mineral-enriched waters are said to be sublimely
therapeutic and, if nothing else, they are exceptionally relaxing. Thermal spa
vacations are popular with locals and you’ll discover several spa resort towns
along the revered Rio Uruguay.

Take a hike in Santa Teresa

Many visitors mistakenly consider Uruguay a country of
scenic but flat landscapes yet the truth is altogether different. Given the
ease of transport and relatively diminutive size, together with a surprisingly
eclectic topography, Uruguay is actually a much-coveted hiking country in South
America with well-established trails satisfying the cravings of multi-day avid
trekkers, day-hikers and even active families with young kids in tow.

One of the most enjoyable hikes in the whole country is done
in the Santa Teresa National Park, a forest-covered coastal reserve 300km north
of Montevideo, and only 180km from Punta del Este.  Views of sandy shores and the glistening
Atlantic keep you company as you meander your way through sections of pristine
forest that lead up to a 300-year-old fort affording all-encompassing views.