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From the Nazca Lines and the heights of Incan archaeology to the beach at Ipanema, this 45-day long tour provides limitless opportunities for adventure. Explore the wetlands of the Pantanal, thundering Iguassu Falls, and the bizarre landscape of the Uyuni Salt Flats. In the thin air of the Andes, trek the challenging Inca Trail to legendary Machu Picchu. With local transportation and authentic accommodation, this one's got it all!
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit, Ccaccaccollo
Your G for Good Moment: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay
Your Foodie Moment: Huacachina Winery Visit, Huacachina
Your Discover Moment: Cusco
Your Local Living Moment: Lake Titicaca Homestay, Lake Titicaca
Your Discover Moment: Sucre
Your Discover Moment: Bonito
Your Discover Moment: Paraty
Your Discover Moment: Ilha Grande. Nazca desert cemetery and potter's studio guided tour. Arequipa stay. Colca Canyon guided tour. Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo ruins guided tour. Inca Trail guided hike with cooks and porters (4 days). Machu Picchu guided tour. Floating islands of Uros visit. Lake Titicaca guided tour. 4×4 excursion to the Uyuni Salt Flats (3 days). Pantanal wildlife excursion (2 days). Iguassu Falls visit (Brazil and Argentina). Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Conquer the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, settle in with the locals at a homestay on Lake Titicaca, explore the Uyuni Salt Flats and Andean wilderness, spot wildlife in the Brazilian Pantanal, stand in awe of Iguassu Falls
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
The rules and regulations controlling the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu are continually changing. Before embarking on your adventure to Peru it is very important that you familiarize yourself with the Inca Trail booking policies and guidelines as described in a document available on our website, at the following URL address:
Please advise at time of booking if you do not wish to hike the Inca Trail. Instead, you will have 2 nights in Cusco, travel by train for a night in Aguas Calientes, and join the hikers for the tour of Machu Picchu.
Portions of the Inca Trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February each year. Also, closures may occur at various times throughout the year due to inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control. During these periods, any tour affected will hike the Lares Trek.
4. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
5. Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Theme Packs! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, theme packs are optional add-ons to your G adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Theme Packs must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and ask you sales CEO.
6. In our continued effort to support the rights of the porters on the Inca Trail, we would like ensure that they never exceed the weight limit for their packs as set out by the Peruvian authorities. Porters are allowed to carry no more than 6kg of personal belongings per hiker (for all other Peru treks the limit is 8kg). That means that including your sleeping bag, toiletries, clothing, etc, you are allowed a total weight of 6kg for the hike which will be carried in a duffle bag provided by our local office. Any additional weight must then be carried by you in your day pack. To help achieve this goal we recommend that you carry travel sized toiletries, that you bring sport sandals that can be worn with socks (which are lighter than running/walking shoes) and that you limit electronics to those that you are willing to carry. Any additional baggage can be left in Cusco, but is advised that you bring anything of value (eg. money, passport, credit cards, camera, etc) with you on the trek.
If at the end of your trek you felt your trekking guide and support team did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline, we suggest each hiker contributes the following to a collective pool. We suggest a tipping amount of $40 per person for the Inca Trail and $35 per person for the Lares Trek.
7. All travellers are required to pay the tax on domestic flights in Peru. Foreign travellers are exempt form this, and proving you are indeed a foreign traveller can be done by providing us with your international ticket number (ITN). Travellers who do not submit international ticket numbers at least 30 days prior to Day 1 of their tour will be required to pay the domestic tax on all included flights.
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country visited. Please check in with your local health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.
Please be advised during the wet season (Jan – April) if there are periods of severe rain some of the campsites on the Inca Trail may become unusable. In the interest of your safety, there may be changes made locally to the trekking itinerary if the conditions of the campsites are assessed to be unsafe.
Please note, in most cases, the entire group will not be hiking the Inca Trail together. Members of the group may choose to hike the Lares Trek or spend additional time in Cusco and the Sacred Valley instead of hiking. If you have chosen the Lares Trek or Cusco Stay you may be paired with members of other G Adventures groups for the trek, transportation, and activities included.
Group Leader Description
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Meals Included
39 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners
Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.
Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients.
For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Public bus, plane, ferry, train, private van, boat, hiking, 4×4 vehicle.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Hotels (33 nts), overnight buses (2 nts), overnight train (1 nt), camping (3 nts), homestay (1 nt), basic hotels on Uyuni Salt Flats excursion (2 nts, multi-share), tented room with hammocks in the Pantanal (2 nts, multi-share).
My Own Room Exceptions
Night 4: overnight bus, Night 6: Colca Canyon, Nights 10-12: Inca Trail, Night 18: Lake Titicaca/Taquile Island, Nights 23-24: Uyuni/Salt Flats, Night 31: overnight train, Nights 32-33: Pantanal, Night 36: overnight bus.
If you have chosen the Lares Trek/Cusco Stay you will have a single room/tent for nights 10-12.
Joining Hotel
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
Joining Instructions
Jorge Chavez International Airport in Callao Lima, is approximately a 45-minute drive from the Miraflores district, where our joining hotel is located. The easiest way to get there is via taxi. Immediately after the customs and immigration area, as you head to the exits, you will find an official taxi stand. You can pay for the car at set (approximately $27 USD) rates and won't need to worry about sorting out a ride outside the airport facilities, where the situation tends to get more chaotic, with many drivers vying for few clients. There are exchange facilities in the Arrivals area open 24 hours.
If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time.
A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
G Adventures Office Lima, Peru.
During office hours (Weekdays, 9-6pm Local Time): +51 1 241 1650 or 01 241 1650 (from mobile within Peru) or 241 1650 (from payphone within Peru)
After hours Emergency number: +51 99 758 2712,
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
What to Take
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America however the weather varies greatly. Be prepared for rain and thunder storms in the wet season (from December to March), especially in the Amazon. Temperatures of -10C and lower are frequent around Uyuni and the Altiplano (high plateau). It is best to layer clothes rather than wearing a heavy parka. This allows you to accommodate clothing to varying degrees of temperatures and wet/dry/windy weather conditions.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.
Packing List
Available for Rent:
• Camping mattress/sleep mat (45 soles)
• Sleeping bag (45 soles)
• Walking poles (15 soles each (30 per pair))
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Inca Trail:
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
• Pack liners to waterproof bags
• Rain gear
• Sleeping bag (Also available for rent)
• Thermal base layer
• Travel pillow
• Walking poles, rubber-tipped (Also available for rent)
• Waterproof hiking boots
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Note: The best clothing for trekking is either wool or synthetic materials in layers, as this is quick-drying and can keep heat in better. We suggest a base-layer, then a mid-layer such as a light fleece jacket or similar, then a windproof and waterproof layer.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas and Entry Requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
Effective January 7, 2013 all US, Canadian and Australian citizens are required to pay a reciprocity tax in order to enter Argentina. This reciprocity tax must be paid in advance online with a credit card. Cash at the border or airport is not accepted.
US citizens: 160USD, valid for 10 years
Australian citizens: 100USD, valid for 1 year
Canadian citizens: 75USD for one entry and re-entries from bordering countries within 3 months; OR 150USD for a multiple entry visa valid for 5 years.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (PEN), Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL) and in Bolivia, the Boliviano (BOB).
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank.
You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money, a combination of US dollar cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
We do not recommend bringing travellers cheques as they are very difficult to change in country.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Departure Tax
It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
If at the end of your trek you felt your trekking guide and support team did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline, we suggest each hiker contributes the following to a collective pool.
Inca Trail:
Head guide: 10-15 USD
Assistant guide: 5-10 USD
Your trekking crew: 40 USD
Lares Trek:
Head guide: 10-15 USD
Assistant guide: 4-8 USD
Your trekking crew: 35 USD
Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
Optional Activities
- Pachacamac and Paso Horse Show (69-98USD per person)
- Magic Circuit of Water and Dinner Show (68USD per person)
- Lima City Tour (130-186PEN per person)
- Sandboarding in Ica (65PEN per person)
Paracas National Reserve
- Ballestas Islands Wildlife Tour
- Flight over Nazca Lines
- Santa Catalina Monastery Visit (60PEN per person)
- Arequipa City and Area Panoramic Bus Tour (20USD per person)
- Juanita Museum (60PEN per person)
- Hot Springs (15PEN per person)
- Cusco City Tour (45PEN per person)
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (130PEN per person)
- Inka Museum (10PEN per person)
- Rainbow Mountain Hike – Full-day Trip
- Whitewater Rafting Urubamba (165PEN per person)
Machu Picchu
- Inca Bridge Visit (Free)
- Sillustani Burial Towers Entrance (45PEN per person)
La Paz
- Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
- Valley of the Moon Tour (150BOB per person)
- Witches' Market Visit
- Death Road Biking Adventure
- Silver Mine Tour (150BOB per person)
- Casa de la Moneda (40BOB per person)
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Sunday Tarabuco Market (40BOB per person)
- Sucre Dinosaur Tracks Excursion
- Bonito Snorkelling (236-280BRL per person)
- Gruta Azul (100BRL per person)
- Waterfall Tour (210BRL per person)
- Canopy Tour Bonito (160BRL per person)
- Balneario Do Sol (90BRL per person)
- Balneario Municipal (60BRL per person)
- Cave Rappelling & Snorkelling (700BRL per person)
Foz do Iguaçu
- Iguassu Falls Bird Park Visit (60BRL per person)
- Iguassu Helicopter Ride (460BRL per person)
Puerto Iguazú
- Iguassu Falls Boat Tour (70USD per person)
- 4×4 Tour (100BRL per person)
- Horseback Riding Paraty (120-150BRL per person)
- Kayaking (90BRL per person)
- Diving Paraty
- Cachaça Distillery Visit (90BRL per person)
- Paraty Boat Tour (100BRL per person)
Ilha Grande
- Snorkelling Ilha Grande
- Surfing Ilha Grande (40-80BRL per person)
- Lopez Mendez Hike
- Hike to Pico do Papagaio (130BRL per person)
- Ilha Grande Diving
- Ilha Grande Biking
- Ilha Grande Boat Excursion (120BRL per person)
Rio de Janeiro
- Rio de Janeiro City Tour (240BRL per person)
- Rio Hang Gliding (750BRL per person)
- Rio Football Game (150-200BRL per person)
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:
Trip Specific Safety
Care should be taken when wandering around on your own in central Lima, as some areas can be dangerous and pickpockets are daring.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at firstname.lastname@example.com and we will send it on to you.
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Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Max Pax
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout (except on the local flight from Sucre to Santa Cruz), specialist Inca Trail CEO on hike, local guides.
Day 1: Lima
Arrive at any time.
Additional Notes:
Please note that hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Latin America (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Day 2: Lima/Paracas (1B)
Take the morning to explore more of Lima before journeying down the coast to Paracas. Walk the town's lively peatonal (pedestrian avenue) and find a café to sample some Peruvian food such as ceviche or papa a la huancaina (potatoes with a chili cheese sauce).
Try your first Pisco Sour cocktail while staying in Paracas, the neighbouring town of Pisco.
Local bus (4.00 hour(s), 250km)
Day 3: Paracas/Nazca
Catch a bus south to Nazca. On the way, pass by the pleasant colonial town of Ica.
Ica enjoys a dry, sunny climate year round and is known for its huge sand dunes. Located near the oasis of Huacachina, the dunes are perfect subjects for photographs and for a favourite local past time: sandboarding. Apart from the dunes, Ica is famous for its wines, and there are several wineries and distilleries in the area.
Included Activities:
Huacachina Oasis visit
Huacachina Winery Visit
Local bus (1.00 hour(s), 60km)
Local bus (3.00 hour(s), 140km)
Day 4: Nazca/Arequipa (1B)
Travel south to one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, the Nazca Lines. The lines consist of patterns and pictures etched in the ground, crisscrossing a wide area of flat desert. It's difficult to make out the lines from the ground. The best view is from a light aircraft, which can easily be arranged.
Opt to pre-book your Flight over Nazca Lines on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Remains of the Nazca culture are still visible during the included tour of the ancient Pre-Inca desert cemetery site of Chauchilla, with 1500-year-old mummies, bones, and pottery on the desert floor. The tour also includes a visit to an artisan's workshop, where modern masters create Nazca style pottery.
Later, board a night bus to Arequipa.
Included Activities:
Nazca Desert Cemetery and Potter's Studio Guided Tour
This comfortable double decker bus has toilet facilities on board.
Overnight bus (9.00 hour(s))
Day 5: Arequipa
Interested in history and architecture? Opt to visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery, offering a brief respite from the outside world and a unique view into a bygone way of life. Pre-book by adding the Arequipa City Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery on the checkout page or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
For spicy food lovers, checking out one of the "Picanterías" is a must. Arequipa holds a variety of regional food — alpaca, shrimp, pork, lots of soups, and spicy sauces, waiting for you to dig in.
Day 6: Arequipa/Colca Canyon (1B)
Travel a rough, rutted road through high plains flanked by extensive Inca and pre-Inca terracing that goes on for kilometres, en route to the Colca Canyon — the deepest canyon in the world. Stop at villages and miradors (scenic lookouts), searching for the famous symbol of Peru, the condor.
Included Activities:
Colca Canyon Guided Tour
Private Vehicle (4.50-5.00 hours, 165km)
Day 7: Colca Canyon/Arequipa (1B)
Start early to catch the condors in flight. Travel from Chivay to the condor viewpoint to admire these magnificent birds. On the way back, stop by some local villages and viewpoints to see ancient terraces and different sections of Colca Canyon. Return to Arequipa in the afternoon for one final night in the 'white city'.
Private Vehicle (4.50-5.00 hours, 165km)
Day 8: Arequipa/Cusco (1B)
Take the short flight to Cusco for an afternoon wandering this fascinating city.
Plane (1.50 hour(s))
Day 9: Cusco/Ollantaytambo (1B, 1L)
Travel through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting a G Adventures-supported women's weaving co-op. Meet the women and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Opt to pick up some handmade souvenirs and textiles directly from the women who made them.
Take a guided tour of the impressive Pisac ruins, the colourful artisan market (on market days only), and the small indigenous village of Huchuy Qosco. Have lunch at the G Adventures-supported Parwa community restaurant. Learn about the G Adventures for Good project and eat a delicious buffet-style lunch. Proceeds of this meal go directly back to the remote community.
Continue on to the town of Ollantaytambo. Take a guided tour of the large ruin site adjacent to the town. Ollayntaytambo is the first taste of what lies ahead in Machu Picchu.
Included Activities:
Ccaccaccollo Community and Women's Weaving Co-op visit
Pisac Ruins Guided Tour
Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley
Ollantaytambo Ruins Guided Tour
Make stops along the way as you pass through this gorgeous valley – the elevation descends the whole way.
Private Vehicle (1.75 hour(s), 94km)
Day 10: Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)
Trek through beautiful scenery, with a variety of flora that changes with the seasons, passing several smaller ruin sites like Llactapata.
Additional Notes:
A crew of local porters, cooks, and guides will take care of all the details for the duration of the hike. Porters carry the majority of the gear so you'll only need to carry a small daypack with water, rain gear, snacks, a camera, etc.
Included Activities:
Inca Trail Hike
Private Vehicle (0.75 hour(s))
Day 11: Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)
Start early to climb the long steep path to Warmiwañusca, better known as Dead Woman's Pass. This is the highest point of the trek at 4,198m (13,769 ft). Most hikers reach camp by early afternoon, with ample time to rest and relax.
Included Activities:
Inca Trail Hike
Day 12: Inca Trail (1B, 1L, 1D)
Cross two more passes and ruins on today's trek. The first pass is Runquraqay at 3,950m (13,113 ft) where, on a clear day, hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Cordillera Vilcabamba. Hike through the cloud forest on a gentle climb to the second pass of the day, walking through original Incan constructions. The highest point of the pass is 3,700m (12,136 ft). On a clear day, enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba Valley.
At 3,650m (11,972 ft), reach the ruins of Phuyupatamarca, the "town above the clouds." Camp here or go another 1.5 hrs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins ("forever young") located at 2,650m (8,694 ft).
Included Activities:
Inca Trail Hike
Day 13: Machu Picchu/Cusco (1B)
The final day of the hike starts pre-dawn to reach the Sun Gate before sunrise. Catch the first views of the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu on a clear day. Hike down for a guided tour of the site and enjoy free time to explore until noon as permitted by the tourist ticket. Opt to visit the Inca Bridge, if time allows.
Catch the bus to Aguas Calientes to meet any non-hiking members of your group. Eat and relax before your train back to Cusco in the afternoon.
Included Activities:
Inca Trail Hike
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Train (2.00-3.00 hours, 118km)
Private Vehicle (2.00-2.50 hours, 95km)
Day 14: Days 14-16 Cusco
Free days to relax, explore, and shop in Cusco, or discover its surroundings on any of the many optional excursions.
Opt to visit and hike the famed Rainbow Mountain, pre-book on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Additional Notes:
Optional Amazon Jungle Excursion: Experience 3 days and 2 nights at our G Lodge Amazon. All meals and excursions with a local naturalist guide are included during your stay. If you are interested in this opportunity, please inquire at time of booking or add it to your experience online. If you pre-book this activity, you will travel to the Amazon Jungle on Day 14 and return to Cusco on Day 16.
Day 15: Day 17 Cusco/Puno (1B)
Today, travel through the high Altiplano region from Cusco to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Titicaca is the largest lake in the world above 3800m, and the views from its Islands are stunning. The trip takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery en route.
Local bus (7.50 hour(s), 389km)
Day 16: Day 18 Puno/Lake Titicaca (1B, 1D)
Head out by boat across Lake Titicaca. Visit the community on the Taquile Islands and stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a lunch with spectacular views.
After, cruise to another village for an overnight homestay on the shores of the lake (the homestay location can vary based on community availability). This experience provides an opportunity to learn more about rural life in the Peruvian highlands and to participate in local traditions. Eat with the family, learn some Quecha and Spanish language skills, try on traditional costumes, and help out with daily chores around the village.
Included Activities:
Lake Titicaca Guided Boat Tour Day 1
Lake Titicaca Homestay
Day 17: Day 19 Lake Titicaca/Puno (1B, 1L)
Leave the homestay families late morning, and visit the Uros Islands on the way back to Puno. A popular optional activity in Puno is a visit to the spectacular chullpas (funerary towers) of Sillustani, a pre-Inca archaeological site only a short drive away.
Included Activities:
Lake Titicaca Guided Boat Tour Day 2
Uros Floating Islands Visit
Day 18: Day 20 Puno/La Paz (1B)
Enjoy a full-day drive around the lake and through the Altiplano to La Paz. Bolivia is filled with spectacular views of the countryside. La Paz sits nearly 4000m (13,120ft) above sea level, so be prepared for cool evenings and mornings.
Included Activities:
Border Crossing (Peru – Bolivia)
Local bus (2.50 hour(s))
Local bus (3.00 hour(s))
Day 19: Day 21 La Paz (1B)
Enjoy another free day to explore La Paz. Opt to visit Iglesia de San Francisco, Chacaltaya, the Valley of the Moon, the Witches' Market, or pre book a Death Road mountain biking adventure.
Day 20: Day 22 La Paz/Uyuni (1B)
Travel by train and bus to the town of Uyuni, home base for salt flat exploration.
Local bus (4.00-5.00 hours)
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride. If travelling on a day when the train is not operating, you will take an overnight bus from La Paz departing at 19:00 and arriving in Uyuni at 06:00 the next morning.
Local train (6.00 hour(s))
Day 21: Day 23 Uyuni/Salt Flats (1B, 1D)
Travel through the Bolivian landscape to the town of Uyuni. Despite its isolation and challenging climate (cold and blustery most of the year), the town of Uyuni has earned the nickname of Hija Predilecta de Bolivia (Bolivia's Favourite Daughter).
It is also the starting point for our three day excursion through the spectacular Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats) in 4×4 vehicles.
Additional Notes:
We offer unique accommodation on the Uyuni Salt Flats. Instead of very basic refuges and homestays most operators use, we have upgraded to simple hotels that are equipped with solar panels to provide electricity and hot water. Rooms are multi-share and each has a private bathroom. Meals are made from local ingredients, most of which are grown on-site.
During the rainy season the locations visited may change due to some routes being covered by water.
Included Activities:
Salt Flats Excursion
Day 22: Day 24 Salt Flats (1B, 1L, 1D)
Continue exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats on a 4×4 excursion. Admire the spectacular scenery while passing red and blue lagoons along the route. Spot wild llamas, alpacas and even flamingos deep within the desert.
Included Activities:
Salt Flats Excursion
Day 23: Day 25 Salt Flats/Uyuni (1B, 1L)
Rise early to cover more ground of the unique landscape of the Uyuni Salt Flats. Continue to see incredible scenery, including volcanoes, salt lakes and geysers.
Included Activities:
Salt Flats Excursion
Day 24: Day 26 Uyuni/Potosí (1B)
Journey from Uyuni to Potosí and get a view of the mountain Cerro Rico looming over the city.
Private Vehicle (4.00-5.00 hours)
Day 25: Day 27 Potosí/Sucre (1B)
Continue by bus to Sucre and explore the beautiful colonial city.
Private Vehicle (2.50 hour(s))
Day 26: Days 28-29 Sucre
Free time to explore the city, the former capital of Bolivia. For more active options opt to go hiking in the surrounding area or mountain biking.
Day 27: Day 30 Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Take a local flight from Sucre to Santa Cruz, located close to the Cordillera Oriental foothills.
Plane (0.50 hour(s))
Day 28: Day 31 Santa Cruz de la Sierra/Puerto Suárez (1B)
Spend some time exploring Santa Cruz before travelling by overnight train to the Brazilian border.
Overnight train (airplane seats) (14.00 hour(s))
Day 29: Day 32 Puerto Suárez/Pantanal (1L, 1D)
Cross Bolivia's eastern border at the frontier town of Corumbá, Brazil, on the edge of the Pantanal, an immense wetland area famed for its profuse wildlife. Take a 2-day wildlife excursion to fully appreciate the area's beauty and bounty.
Additional Notes:
Please note, while on the rustic excursion in the Pantanal the nights will be spent in hammocks.
Included Activities:
Border Crossing (Bolivia – Brazil)
Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s))
Day 30: Day 33 Pantanal (1B, 1L, 1D)
Enjoy a 2-day excursion into the wetlands of the Pantanal with a local guide. Opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys, macaws, giant otters, and caiman abound.
Included Activities:
Pantanal Wildlife Excursion
Day 31: Day 34 Pantanal/Bonito (1B)
Travel to Bonito and spend time here snorkelling in the rivers or exploring nearby caves.
Shared Van (5.00 hour(s))
Day 32: Day 35 Bonito (1B)
Enjoy a full day in Bonito with optional activities like snorkelling in the crystal-clear rivers or exploring the nearby caves and waterfalls.
Day 33: Day 36 Bonito/Foz do Iguaçu (1B)
Enjoy the day in Bonito before overnight transport to Iguassu Falls.
Overnight bus (14.00 hour(s))
Day 34: Day 37 Foz do Iguaçu
Visit the Brazilian side of the falls before a free afternoon to relax or visit the bird park, home to species such as the Hyacinth macaw and toucans.
Included Activities:
Iguassu Falls (Brazil Side) Guided Tour
Day 35: Day 38 Foz do Iguaçu (1B)
Cross the border to Argentina for a new perspective of the falls. With an extensive series of catwalks and optional boat rides to the base of the falls, there's plenty to do before returning to the Brazilian side for the night.
Additional Notes:
If you have booked the Iguassu Falls Boat Ride Theme Pack, you will do it today on the Argentine side of the falls.
Included Activities:
Border Crossing (Brazil – Argentina)
Iguassu Falls Visit
Border Crossing (Argentina – Brazil)
Day 36: Day 39 Foz do Iguaçu/Paraty (1B)
On arrival in São Paulo, continue on by bus to the gorgeous coastal town of Paraty. Wander the cobblestoned streets, take a boat trip to the nearby islands in the bay, or visit one of the many white-sand beaches that make Brazil famous.
An early morning flight gets you Paraty with plenty of time to explore.
Plane (1.50 hour(s))
Enjoy the drive to São Paulo, stopping for lunch along the way.
Shared Van (5.00-6.00 hours)
Day 37: Day 40 Paraty (1B)
Enjoy free time to explore Paraty. Opt to visit the cachaça distilleries or take a boat into the bay to explore the nearby islands and beaches.
Day 38: Day 42 Paraty/Ilha Grande (1B)
A short, scenic drive along the coast takes us to Angra dos Reis. Board the ferry to Ilha Grande—home to some of Brazil's most beautiful beaches.
Enjoy free time to soak up the sun, snorkel, hike, and cruise to various beaches, not to mention feast on fresh seafood and sip caipirinhas in the plaza in the evenings.
Local bus (2.00 hour(s), 100km)
Ferry (1.50 hour(s))
Day 39: Day 43 Ilha Grande (1B)
Enjoy a free day in Ilha Grande. Opt to hike the island's remote beaches or enjoy free time to relax and explore.
Day 40: Day 44 Ilha Grande/Rio de Janeiro (1B)
Travel back to the mainland by ferry before continuing north along the coast. Enjoy the incredible scenery before rounding the cliffs at Vidigal. Get your first look at one of the most memorable cities in the world—Río de Janeiro.
Ferry (1.50 hour(s))
Local bus (3.50 hour(s), 87km)
Day 41: Day 45 Rio de Janeiro (1B)
Depart at any time.


text:
Surf City: CD-i Review
>> Monday, February 12, 2007
Philips Sidewalk Studios were known as the main developers for "Family Entertainment", the counterpart of "Philips Media Games". While both departments were aimed at delivering home CD-i titles, Family Entertainment mainly developed titles for the younger audience. Sidewalk Studios is known for great children games like "The Crayon Factory", "Sandy's Circus Adventure" and "Richard Scarry's Best/Busiest Neighbourhood Disc Ever". However, sometimes an actual game not specifically aimed at children was written by the creative eyes of Gary Drucker and Rebecca Newman, heading one of the most productive Philips development houses at the time of CD-i.
Developer: Philips Sidewalk Studios
Publisher: Philips Media (Family Entertainment; USA)
Release: 1994
Genre: Interactive Musical
Review date: February 2007
Required: -
Recommended: Mouse/Trackball/Roller Controller
Extra: no multiplayer, age rating: >7
"It's the class of '66. To one of the coolest guys at Surf. Hi - I'll always remember that groovy beach party. Great Tunes. Love, Sandy."
So Sidewalk wasn't purely aimed at children titles. For example, take "Merlin's Apprentice", a game originally developed by Philips Sidewalk Studios, but transferred to Philips Funhouse because it was not in line with Sidewalk's other games. This transfer marked the start of Funhouse being some kind of Sidewalk spin-off creating games with the same animation techniques.
"Hey Homeroom Buddy - How will you survice without Miss Z's pop quizzes? have fun in the sun... -Willies"
But also "Wacky Worlds of Miniature Golf" is a game by Sidewalk Studios not aimed directly at children, although it does appeal to all ages. No, this time I want to talk about "Surf City". Surf City is known as Sidewalk's biggest projects, being in development for a long time. Something that crossed the oath of Sidewalk's vision: The tight structure only allowed small budget titles: It's not for nothing they were able to produce 14 (fourteen!) CD-i titles in just a few years. That marks Sidewalk without a doubt as the most productive Philips Software Unit during the life of CD-i.
"To a cool guy - See ya'Round this summer. HANGTEN, DUDE! -BUZZ"
I'm drifting away from the original subject: The Surf City review. What's this title about? According to the obscurity it has and the fact not a lot of people has played this disc, I assume Surf City is pretty rare to come by nowadays. What we have here is quite an original title: An interactive Musical. I never enjoyed Surf City for the actual games, but for the whole experience. The sound intro is by far the best of all CD-i intros I've seen. The Beach Boys tune takes over the original Philips tune to create the same effect as in a movie; a way I pictured a more clever intro for a lot of other titles. Talking about the games, you can for the most compare this with the Richard Scarry busiest neighbourhood disc. It's made by the same people, and it is obviously inspired by this title. The whole thing is the same, there is an overmap of the main city and you can click the streets. A scene follows in where the streets scrolls by, and you click on any building you want to visit. Inside, you can click on different things, talk to people and call for help. Or exit, and visit a different place. Really, that's it.
"To my good pal - Drama was a blast! See ya next year. -Chip"
Still, you can do the most with these 'games' in the whole title. Surf City is inspired by the great music of the 60s. It is the first animated interactive musical in its own right. Classic hits help tell the story of Ryan Carlson, Wendy Weaver, Rhonda Williams and their friends with favourites like California Girls, Dance Dance Dance and Wipeout. The games, I'd prefer to call them 'activities'. Read the names: Build a hot rod; Go bowling at the Beach Bowl; Design a surfboard; Play the video jukebox; Race cars at the arcade speedway; take a pizza order; learn surf lingo from Tiki; Visit the love teller; Take a pop quiz at the high school; watch fireworks on the pier; Order a burger-to-go; Play spin-the-bottle at wendy's house.
In fact it's a very interesting genre, and I compare it slightly with the "Animal Crossing" thing: Some will love it, some will hate it. It sets an atmosphere and you just want to visit it for once in a while. It's addicting, and Surf City will make you return because of the great music, the holiday feeling and nothing more. Why do kids never get bored of Richard Scarry or Sesame Street? It's the same kind of thing, only Surf City is aimed at a wider (older) public. You won't play Surf City just for the games, I think. Ofcourse, they add a feeling that the city is alive, in the end you just wander around to see what's happening in Surf City.
End comments:
Surf City is a unique title, it's a genre that is lost these days just like the FMV game genre. There's not a lot of action, and it's even hard to call this a game. Really, the term "Interactive Musical" describes its ambition the most.
Graphics: 6
If you've played the other Sidewalk games, you'll recognize the style. Simple, cartoon style. It's the brand of Sidewalk, really. Nice animation, obviously they put a lot of work in this project.
Sound: 9
Outstanding. Musical score by the Beach Boys, this is one of the best bits of Surf City. If it wasn't for the soundtrack, the title wasn't worth even half of it.
Playability: 6
Sidewalk keeps their games simple, and it shows. None of the games are deep or difficult, but the whole system adds a living touch to Surf City.
Value: 7
Nice to spend some time with once in a while, but you won't play this title for many hours. It's the ultimate title to showcase CD-i base case to any Beach Boys fans and non-gamers on CD-i. I love it, but I can understand why lots of people don't get the point.
Overall: 7 (not an average)
Similar games on CD-i:
Richard Scarry's Busiest Neighbourhood Disc, Sesame Street Letters+Numbers

subset: commoncrawl


text:
OAKLAND — It wasn't an official audition, but Kole Calhoun's performance batting leadoff in a 7-5 victory over Seattle on Thursday night may have gone a long way toward helping him land the job on a more-or-less permanent basis.
That's according to Angels manager Mike Scioscia, who called the left-handed hitting right fielder's performance a "huge step forward."
Calhoun is batting just .217 (18 for 83) through 22 games, but the Angels value his ability to get on base and work long counts. He's drawn seven walks and has a .278 on-base percentage.
"I think our best lineup is definitely a look that will have him eventually up there," Scioscia said.
Calhoun went 2 for 4 with two walks and three runs scored Thursday. He was 1 for 19 over his previous seven games after returning from an ankle injury.
He wasn't in the lineup against A's left-hander Drew Pomeranz on Friday, but Scioscia said Calhoun could be in the lineup tonight against another A's southpaw, Tommy Milone.
"Kole took a huge step forward (Thursday)," Scioscia said. "Just the fact of him seeing so many pitches and getting on base so much is why we considered him as a potential leadoff candidate in the first place."
Closing in
Ernesto Frieri started the season as the Angels' closer. Joe Smith took over late last month when Frieri stumbled. Although they're now officially sharing the job, all indications point to Frieri reclaiming it.
The hard-throwing right-hander rebounded from a disastrous April with a 1.46 ERA and six saves in May. He's saved each of the last three Angel wins.
Scioscia nevertheless declined to anoint Frieri the closer's job just yet.
"We're still going to have Joe close some games," he said.
Scioscia acknowledged that he'd like the Angels to have "back-end (bullpen) depth clarity."
"Hopefully we're working towards that," he said.
He noted solid performances from relievers Kevin Jepsen, Michael Morin and Fernando Salas — not just Frieri and Smith — as key factors in the team's resurgence.
The Angel bullpen has allowed just nine earned runs over its last 34 2/3 innings going back to May 14.
The Angels had won 14 of their last 20 games going into Friday.
"A lot of things have flown under the radar that are really coming together in our (bullpen)," Scioscia said. "We're going to need all those guys, and if it eventually becomes Ernie in that traditional closer's role and us using Joe Smith wherever it is, great; I think that works too."
Hamilton on assignment
Injured outfielder Josh Hamilton, rehabbing from an injured thumb with the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, was in the lineup for Friday night's game in Tacoma (Wash.) against the Rainiers. He struck out swinging in his first at-bat leading off the game.
If all goes well, Hamilton will rejoin the team next week in Houston, where the Angels open a three-game series Tuesday, Scioscia said.


text:
TextBoxRegex is a user control that inherits from a regular TextBox (System.Windows.Forms.TextBox). It allows to check data entered by the user against any pattern. The pattern can be chosen from a set of predefined patterns (like 'small letters', 'capital letters', etc.) as well as specified in the form of wildcard or Regex (System.Text.RegularExpressions.Regex) string.
It's been about four months since I started learning C#. Some time ago, I decided that it's high time to check how much I learned. I also wanted to find out how TDD (Test-Driven Development) really works, since only reading about it didn't convince me about its usefulness. And I heard of NDoc and it seemed like a great idea. And finally, last but not least, I wanted to write my first CodeProject article. As you can see, I was going to kill many birds with only one stone.
At the time all this thoughts were going through my head, I finished reading a bonus chapter from Platt's 'Introducing Microsoft .NET' (see the references), the one about Windows Forms controls. I've never written a control before, so I decided to finally give it a try. I used Platt's idea of text box checking entered data, but I went much further than he did in his example.
While developing this project, I was reading another .NET book - 'Extreme Programming Adventures in C#' by Ron Jeffries. I was using unit tests throughout the whole development process and you will find these tests in the source code, but neither this article nor the tests are meant to be a TDD tutorial. Some of the tests should be stronger, sometimes there aren't enough of them. I know that. But, as I mentioned, this project was meant, among other things, to be my TDD training ground.
TextBoxRegex uses NUnit tests and as a result it references nunit.framework.dll file. I used #if ... #endif directives to exclude unit test classes from release build. However, if you want to compile the code in debug mode, you will either need to change the nunit.framework.dll reference to point to your location of this file (if you don't have it, see the software section for NUnit links) or remove this reference completely along with all test classes (the appropriate files are located under Tests folder).
I will start with describing the easiest way to use TextBoxRegex control.
Of course, this project is not very useful - no matter what you type, the text box always turns pink - this indicates that your input does not match the pattern. But there isn't much more work to do, before the project turns into something much more interesting.
Let's take a look at the code generated by Visual Studio. I cut and pasted lines that concern TextBoxRegex control below:
private Chopeen.TextBoxRegex textBoxRegex1;
this.textBoxRegex1 = new Chopeen.TextBoxRegex();
this.textBoxRegex1.Location = new System.Drawing.Point(176, 80);
this.textBoxRegex1.Name = "textBoxRegex1";
this.textBoxRegex1.TabIndex = 0;
this.textBoxRegex1.Text = "textBoxRegex1";
this.textBoxRegex1.BackColor = System.Drawing.SystemColors.Window;
this.textBoxRegex1.InvalidTextBackColor = System.Drawing.Color.LightPink;
this.textBoxRegex1.Pattern = Chopeen.TextBoxRegex.Patterns.None;
this.textBoxRegex1.PatternString = "";
this.textBoxRegex1.UseColors = true;
this.textBoxRegex1.UseInvalidTextException = true;
this.textBoxRegex1.ValidTextBackColor = System.Drawing.Color.LightGreen;
There are four blocks of code. The most important one for you is the third one. There are six properties that you can set and that determine the way TextBoxRegex control works. All of them are described in detail in the documentation - you can download it in the form of a CHM help file.
You can also download a demo application and check everything experimentally. I added a property grid to the form and all the additional properties are grouped under a single category (Regex), so just run TextBoxRegexDemo.exe, expand the last group of properties, change their values, and see what happens.
Enough about the easy stuff. Let's talk about something a little bit more advanced now.
One of the problems I encountered whilst developing TextBoxRegex was how to tell the application whether the text that it is reading from the control is valid or not.
The first idea was to create a method - let's call it IsValid() - returning a boolean value indicating whether user's input matches the chosen pattern. It would be the developer's duty to remember to run IsValid() before reading the text from the control to check if there is a match. But I didn't like this idea, because the developer would face a necessity of building an additional logic every time he wanted to use TextBoxRegex control.
Then, I wanted to override the Text property. But I realized that this way I would break the Rule of Least Astonishment. When there is a text box, enhanced or not, what do you expect to get when you try to read its Text property? So my second idea was even worse, wasn't it?
And at last, a third idea came to my mind. I implemented an additional property - TextValidated. As long as the control's text is valid, this property behaves exactly like Text.
But when the text doesn't match the chosen pattern, an attempt to read the value of TextValidated property either throws an InvalidTextException or returns an empty string - that depends on the value of UseInvalidTextException property. It is set to true by default, but change its value to false, if you prefer not to use exceptions.
Below, you can see an example of using TextValidated property in a try-catch block:
textBoxRegex1.UseInvalidTextException = true;
{ // there is a match
MessageBox.Show("You entered" +
textBoxRegex1.TextValidated + "and you were right.");
catch (Chopeen.InvalidTextException ex)
{ // there is no match
MessageBox.Show("You were wrong.");
David Platt says in his book that 'ActiveX controls were difficult to write because the operating system didn't supply any infrastructure for them; you had to write every bit of it yourself. I wrote one in raw C++ once, just for the sheer pain of it, and I'd rather have a root canal without anaesthesia than do it again'. I don't know (and I don't want to know) how it feels to have a root canal, but creating a .NET Windows control wasn't like a visit to the dentist in any way. Even though I have never written a control before.
When I first heard about TDD from Peter Provost's article (see the references), I was skeptical. Really skeptical. But it didn't take more than a month to turn my skepticism into enthusiasm. I admit that writing unit tests requires some additional work, but isn't it better to spend a few more minutes writing more code than hours debugging? And what's even more important - once you have created the tests, you can use them many times instead of manually checking your application after every change you made.
Thanks to this project, I also got to know the power of code refactoring. I always knew that it is important to keep the code as clean as possible, but until now, there was always this fear that the application would suddenly break after I had changed something, and I wouldn't know why. So I usually refrained from refactoring. Unit tests solve this problem. Write good, strong tests and then you can refactor as much as you want - the tests are always there to tell you when something goes wrong.
This article, along with any associated source code and files, is licensed under The Code Project Open License (CPOL)
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text:
U.S. winemakers, tired of wine spoiled by bad corks, have been saying for years that, while they would love to replace them with screwtop closures, they don't dare until somebody big – Diamond Creek or Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, perhaps – leads the way.
Well, it finally might be happening. A London newspaper reports that two of the world's most prestigious wineries -- Burgundy's Domaine de la Romanée Conti and Bordeaux's Chateau Margaux – are looking into it.
And in California, the top-rated Napa Valley winery PlumpJack, which makes $200 cabernet sauvignons, has tried a 10-year experiment, putting half its reserve cabs in corked bottles and half under screwcaps, and found the screwcaps just as good.
Wine fans, what do you think? Would this be progress? Or the end of life as we know it?
Click on the "comments" icon below and let us know.


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Our Mission
We want to create an awareness within our community about the immediate need to reduce the number of unwanted and discarded animals. The cornerstone of our program is to educate and promote the concept of spaying and neutering.
We want to make sure every animal can find its way home. If it can't find its way home, then we will provide a safe, caring and secure environment until it finds a new home. We strongly believe that every dog deserves the opportunity to live its life as a part of a loving and caring family. All dogs are equal in our eyes, and each one has a special gift to give.
We believe that a caring and compassionate commitment to the animals that we share our lives with, will provide for an enriching environment for us all.
We're Making a Difference, Will You?
We believe that it is our responsibility to leave the footprints for the ones that will come behind us, to make a difference and to make our contributions meaningful and long-lasting.
The Starfish Story
One morning a man was walking down a beach that was covered in dying starfish. The tide the night before had been especially strong and thousands of starfish had been washed up on shore, too far up for them to make it back into the water by themselves. The man shook his head as he trudged along thinking what a shame it was that all of those starfish would die on the beach.
He came upon a boy who was throwing starfish back into the ocean as fast as he could. He was out of breath and it was obvious that he had been at this task for a while. "Son," the man said, "you might as well quit. There are thousands of them. They are washed up all over the beach as far as you can see. There is no way you can make any sort of a difference." The boy did not even pause in what he was doing. He kept bending and throwing but as he did, he spoke to the man, "I can make a difference to this one, and this one, and this one."
And the man thought, and he knew the boy was right. He began to help return the animals to their home, smiling at how life's biggest lessons sometimes come from the smallest people."


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Wes Welker sure knows how to pick his quarterbacks.
The star receiver, Tom Brady's favourite target, is leaving New England and heading to Denver, where he'll join Peyton Manning and the Broncos.
Also getting new deals were Reggie Bush in Detroit, Dashon Goldson in Tampa Bay, and even Ray Lewis — with ESPN.
Day 2 of the NFL's free agency frenzy was highlighted by Welker grabbing a two-year deal with the Broncos, who had the AFC's best regular-season record last year. He gives Manning one of the steadiest targets the four-time league MVP ever has had.
"When you look at Wes in the middle of the field, you can't cover him," Broncos boss John Elway said. "He does such a tremendous job of getting open, finding seams in zones, beating man-to-man coverage. So, he'll be a huge asset for us inside."
The best slot receiver in the league, Welker caught 118 passes for 1,354 yards and six TDs last season. That the Broncos are signing a top player away from New England certainly didn't hurt, either.
"Anytime you can take a player from a team you have to compete against, it helps, especially the calibre of Wes Welker," Elway said. "New England is there year in and year out and that's a team we have to beat to get where we want to get."
Denver also came to terms on a two-year deal with defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, formerly of Jacksonville, and a one-year contract with linebacker Stewart Bradley, who played with the Cardinals the past two seasons. Later in the evening, the team added cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie with a one-year deal.
Bush agreed to a four-year deal and could fill a huge hole at running back. The Lions haven't been able to count on 2010 first-round draft pick Jahvid Best, whose career is in doubt because of concussion issues.
"It's a running back's dream," Bush said. "One of the reasons I wanted to come here is to be able to bring a balanced attack."
Bush adds to a strong offence led by record-setting All-Pro receiver Calvin Johnson. The second overall pick in 2006 by New Orleans, Bush rushed for 986 yards for Miami last season after gaining 1,086 yards in 2011, his first year with the Dolphins.
"The thing that was important to us was not just the talent of Reggie Bush, but also the way those talents complemented the other players we have on offence," coach Jim Schwartz said. "That was really the basis of our interest in Reggie."
The Lions also landed safety Glover Quin and defensive end Jason Jones and retained cornerback Chris Houston.
All-Pro safety Goldson gets a five-year contract worth $41.25 million. He receives $8.25 million per year and $22 million in guaranteed money. He spent the past two seasons on one-year contracts with the 49ers, including last year with the franchise tag for $6.2 million.
"Hard work really pays off. I remember signing up to play football, hiding it from my mom," as a youngster growing up in Harbor City, Calif., Goldson said. "My journey, I wouldn't say it was rough, but it was a little rocky."
Free agent defensive back Charles Woodson had a meeting with the NFC champion Niners in the Bay Area on Wednesday, according to his agent, Carl Poston.
Also Wednesday, former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Glenn Dorsey signed a two-year contract after meeting with the Niners. The deal could pay Dorsey up to $7 million with incentives, a person with knowledge of the contract told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because terms weren't announced.
One day after signing five players to contracts, Pro Bowl safety LaRon Landry became the Indianapolis Colts' newest addition by signing a four-year contract with Indy late Wednesday night.
"We're ecstatic about this signing," general manager Ryan Grigson said in a statement issued by the team. "We feel LaRon is an absolute game-changer and a true impact player. We're talking about a 220-pound safety that runs 4.3 (in the 40-yard dash) and plays to that speed. His approach to the game and his style of play are lights out and embody the culture we're building on the defence and this team in general."
Last season, with the New York Jets, he was selected to the AFC's Pro Bowl team after recording a career-high 113 tackles, matching his career-high with two interceptions and forcing four fumbles.
Cleveland remained active, agreeing to terms with linebacker Quentin Groves and tackle Desmond Bryant to further bolster a defence that added Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger hours after free agency began.
"With the additions of Paul and Desmond, we believe that we have significantly improved our defence overall, particularly our front seven," Browns CEO Joe Banner said.
Kruger is one of many Super Bowl winners to leave the Ravens, including hard-hitting safety Bernard Pollard, who was released Wednesday. The biggest loss for Baltimore was an expected departure: Lewis announced in early January that he was ending his 17-year career. Then he led the Ravens to the championship.
On Wednesday, he joined ESPN as a studio analyst — an intense one, no doubt.
"I'm ready to bring the same level of passion to this next phase of my life as I brought to the field during my years as a player," Lewis said.
Baltimore signed defensive lineman Chris Canty, offensive lineman Ramon Harewood and running back Damien Berry.
Kansas City added cornerback Dunta Robinson, receiver Donnie Avery and offensive lineman Bryan Mattison to the three free agents it signed the previous day when the marketplace opened.
The Chiefs, who have the No. 1 pick in next month's draft after a 2-14 season, agreed to deals with tight end Anthony Fasano, defensive tackle Mike DeVito, and quarterback Chase Daniel on Tuesday, when they also finalized the trade with San Francisco for starting QB Alex Smith.
After hiring Andy Reid as coach and John Dorsey as general manager, the Chiefs signed wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and punter Dustin Colquitt to long-term deals and franchised left tackle Branden Albert.
Also Wednesday:
—Chicago released tight end Kellen Davis and also terminated the contract of tight end Matt Spaeth after signing Martellus Bennett away from the Giants on Tuesday to replace him.
—The Giants signed 11-year veteran place kicker Josh Brown, who joins former Cowboys kicker David Buehler on the roster and apparently indicating free agent Lawrence Tynes won't be back. Tynes has made winning field goals in two NFC championship games in overtime and the Giants went on to win the Super Bowl in those seasons.
—Pittsburgh found its backup to QB Ben Roethlisberger in a Steel City native, Bruce Gradkowski. The 30-year-old Gradkowski is 6-14 as a starter with Oakland, Cleveland and Tampa Bay. He spent the 2011-12 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, appearing in five games.
Pittsburgh also released oft-injured offensive lineman Willie Colon.
—Arizona, in dire need of help in the backfield, agreed on a one-year contract with former Steelers starter Rashard Mendenhall. For three of his seasons, Mendenhall's offensive co-ordinator was new Cardinals coach Bruce Arians.
The Cardinals also cut free safety Kerry Rhodes, a move that cleared $6 million in salary cap space, and added cornerback Jerraud Powers, safety Yeremiah Bell, linebacker Lorenzo Alexander and quarterback Drew Stanton.
—Jacksonville released receiver Laurent Robinson, the latest high-priced player let go as part of the team's rebuilding project. Robinson signed a five-year, $32.5 million free agent-contract last season before missing considerable time with concussions.
"It's unfortunate, but it's part of the business," Robinson said. "Got to keep your head up and keep moving. Can't ever be surprised in this league."
—Tennessee agreed to terms on a multi-year deal with fullback Quinn Johnson, who has been one of Chris Johnson's lead blockers with the Titans.
—Buffalo addressed a need at linebacker by signing seven-year veteran Manny Lawson. The Bills are switching from a 4-3 alignment to a 3-4 under new co-ordinator Mike Pettine.
—Miami already had signed linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and added to that unit Wednesday by giving Philip Wheeler a five-year contract, worth $26 million, half of that guaranteed. He spent his first four NFL seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and played last season for the Raiders, where he had career highs of 109 tackles and three sacks.
The Dolphins released linebackers Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett.
—Minnesota re-signed LB Erin Henderson and WR Jerome Simpson, while Washington did the same with DE Kedric Golston.
—New Orleans re-signed long snapper Justin Drescher to a four-year contract.
—The New York Jets re-signed fullback Lex Hilliard to a one-year contract, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet announced the move. Hilliard was signed in the middle of last season to replace John Conner.
—The Dallas Cowboys are releasing veteran defensive tackle Marcus Spears, with the move designated for June 1, when it will save the Cowboys $2 million against the salary cap. Spears, who turned 30 last week, was the second of two first-round picks after DeMarcus Ware in 2005.
—Seattle and defensive end Cliff Avril reached agreement on a deal that addresses one of Seattle's big off-season concerns, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The agreement was still pending a physical.


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Around northwestern Kenya's Lake Turkana, livestock herding has been the traditional way of life for indigenous communities for generations. Although adapting to environmental changes has always been important, lately extreme weather has posed unprecedented challenges.
"We used to have drought every 10 years," said Ikal Angelei, a young indigenous activist from the region. "Then it became five years, and now every two years we have a drought." This shift has not only made herding more difficult, it's also made finding fresh water for everyday needs — never an easy task in this arid region — even tougher.
This story is not unusual; more extreme weather conditions attributed to climate change are impacting communities across the globe. While indigenous and traditional peoples, whose livelihoods are often closely tied to the land and sea, are especially vulnerable to these impacts, their knowledge and experiences can provide valuable lessons for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
In Ikal's words, "The community-based and collectively-held traditional knowledge accumulated and maintained through practice over countless generations offers valuable insights into the state of the environment."
This is the impetus for the Indigenous and Traditional Peoples Conservation Fellowship, an award given to several indigenous recipients every year in recognition of their work exploring solutions to the threats that climate change and biodiversity loss pose to their communities' lands and livelihoods. Sponsored by CI and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), this year three winners — including Ikal — were selected.
Ikal is the founder and director of Friends of Lake Turkana, an organization committed to environmental justice, sustainable resource management and community rights in the Rendille, Elmolo, Gabbra, Samburu and Dassanach indigenous communities around the lake, including some across the border in Ethiopia. With this fellowship, Ikal aims to expand community knowledge to fight climate change and freshwater inaccessibility in the region through actions like creating historical timelines of weather events, documenting traditional ways of storing water and facilitating knowledge-sharing between communities.
Her organization has a particular focus on women, who Ikal says are the main guardians of biodiversity. "Women are the ones who look for firewood; women are the ones who do healing, especially when it comes to maternal health. Women are the ones who teach the children what to eat and what not to eat among the wild berries."
Ikal's ultimate goal is to empower the local communities where she has spent most of her life. "A lot of the research that has been done in the region has been people coming in, doing research and leaving. No one even leaves a leaflet to communicate what they did, how they did it, what the results were. So this is going to be the first research that is for the people, by the people themselves."
This year's other recipients of the Indigenous and Traditional Peoples Conservation Fellowship are Diana Nascimento, a Brazilian university student who aims to combine scientific and traditionalKaingang knowledge to inform protected area management, and Zenón Gomel Apaza, a Peruvian farmer working to strengthen capacity for sustainable agriculture in Quechua communities.
Molly Bergen is the managing editor on CI's communications team.


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If anyone is interested in playing weeknights at Plummer Park or somewhere else in the Hollywood/Weho area, let me know!
Hey Anna,
I'm available if you're looking for a rally buddy. Let me know.
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ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Friday cautioned Russia "there will be costs for any military intervention in Ukraine."
In a statement issued by the White House, Obama said his administration is in daily communication with Russian officials, "and we've made clear that they can be part of an international community's effort to support the stability and success of a united Ukraine going forward, which is not only in the interest of the people of Ukraine and the international community, but also in Russia's interest."
"However, we are now deeply concerned by reports of military movements taken by the Russian Federation inside of Ukraine," he said. "Russia has a historic relationship with Ukraine, including cultural and economic ties, and a military facility in Crimea, but any violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity would be deeply destabilizing, which is not in the interest of Ukraine, Russia, or Europe."
Obama said a Russian military intervention would "represent a profound interference in matters that must be determined by the Ukrainian people."
"It would be a clear violence of Russia's commitment to respect the independence and sovereignty and borders of Ukraine, and of international laws," the president said. "And just days after the world came to Russia for the Olympic Games, it would invite the condemnation of nations around the world. And indeed, the United States will stand with the international community in affirming that there will be costs for any military intervention in Ukraine."
He said Vice President Biden spoke Friday with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and assured him "the United States supports his government's efforts and stands for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic future of Ukraine."
Uniformed men carrying weapons stood guard outside the Simferopol airport Friday in the pro-Russia Crimea region of Ukraine, but reports conflicted on whether they controlled the facility and who they were, CNN said.
Dozens of armed men seized government administration buildings in Simferopol, the Crimean capital, Thursday and raised a Russian flag. Later, in a vote of no-confidence, pro-Russian members of the Crimean Parliament dismissed the government of Anatolii Mohyliov, perceived as pro-Kiev.
Ousted former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said Friday he will fight for Ukraine's future and said Russia should intervene, in a way that wouldn't "violate the integrity of Ukrainian sovereignty," the Washington Post said.
"It would not be correct on my part to say what Russia needs to do," Yanukovych said. "But Russia cannot stand aside, it cannot be indifferent to the destiny of such a big partner as Ukraine.
"Russia needs to use all the leverage it has to prevent the chaos and terror in Ukraine," said Yanukovych, whose decision in November not to sign political and trade agreements with the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia led to anti-government protests. "It's hard for me to give any kind of tips. I do not accept any attempt at intervention that would violate the integrity of Ukrainian sovereignty.
"I believe that Russia will act," he said. "Since I know the character of Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, I am surprised he has kept silent. This is a big question."
Yanukovych -- speaking in public for the first time since he left Kiev last week -- told reporters in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don he was forced to leave Ukraine because of threats against him and his family, RIA Novosti reported.
He said he does not recognize the authority of the Verkhova Rada, Ukraine's parliament.
Before his news conference, Ukraine's chief prosecutor asked Russia to extradite Yanukovych, wanted by his country on mass murder charges, RIA Novosti said.
On its website, the prosecutor's office said it "intends to raise the issue of extradition of Viktor Yanukovych, an internationally wanted citizen of Ukraine."
Ukraine placed Yanukovych on an international wanted list after filing mass murder charges against him for his role in the deadly clashes between police and anti-government protesters in Kiev in which more than 80 people died in the days before the agreement was signed and he was deposed.
The opposition took control of Parliament Feb. 22 and, along with members of Yanukovych's ruling Party of Regions, voted to impeach Yanukovych, who fled Kiev and arrived at a military facility in Rostov Thursday.
The impeachment vote came the day after Yanukovych and opposition parties signed an agreement to end the escalating violence in Kiev and elsewhere. The agreement called for formation of a unity government, early elections and constitutional reforms.
Yanukovych said he hasn't met Putin since he arrived in Russia.
"When I ended up in Russia, I had a phone call with him," Yanukovych said. "We agreed once the president of Russia has an opportunity, we will meet, but I don't know when this will happen."
Yanukovych said he was in Rostov-on-Don because he had a friend who lives near there, the Post said.
Crimean lawmakers scheduled a referendum on greater autonomy for the region for May 25, the day Ukraine is to hold its presidential and local elections.
In Kiev, Ukraine's Parliament demanded Russia halt activity that may be interpreted as attacking Ukraine's sovereignty and end support for separatist actions.
Newly appointed Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said on his Facebook page Russia's actions in Crimea were tantamount to "an armed invasion and occupation" and "a direct military provocation on sovereign Ukrainian territory."
Since Yanukovych's departure from power following violent protests last week, the divide among Ukrainians has widened. Those in western Ukraine generally support the country's interim government and its leaning toward the European Union while those in the east are more pro-Russia.
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warned Thursday against any provocative acts by any party.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had told him the military exercises had already been scheduled and had nothing to do with events in Ukraine. Kerry said Lavrov reaffirmed a commitment given by Putin that Russia would "respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine."
The Ukrainian Parliament, which includes members of Yanukovych's party, named Yatsenyuk as prime minister Thursday.
Yatsenyuk said Ukraine didn't want a fight with Russia but wouldn't accept the secession of the Crimea region.
Crimea "has been and will be a part of Ukraine," said Yatsenyuk, 39, who served as economy minister and parliamentary speaker before Yanukovych took office in 2010.


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Politics & Government
Volunteer attorneys steer Occupy protesters through the legal system
WASHINGTON — As copycat Occupy Wall Street encampments around the country confront the inevitable legal tangles that come with a nationwide sit-in style protest, a growing army of First Amendment-loving lawyers is shepherding the demonstrators through the legal system at no charge.
Growing numbers of protesters are being arrested for trespassing, failure to disperse and disobeying a lawful order, as city after city confronts the question of whether individual rights to free speech and assembly include the right to camp out on public property.
The resulting legal skirmishes have spurred the largest mobilization of pro bono protest attorneys since the anti-war movement of the 1960s and '70s.
"It's probably bigger than the anti-war movement, because there are so many simultaneous demonstrations. I've never seen anything like it," said Carol Sobel, co-chair of the Mass Defense Committee of the National Lawyers Guild.
Some of the volunteer lawyers draft and file motions or simply monitor the protests as legal observers. Some advise the activists on how to negotiate with city leaders. Others show up in court — usually on short notice — to represent jailed protesters at their initial court appearances.
Just last week, Los Angeles police tried to disperse Occupy Los Angeles protesters who put up tents at a street corner along the motorcade route of President Barack Obama, who was in town for a series of fundraisers. After an observer called Sobel, she told the group to stay put, arguing that they were being singled out for unfair treatment since the street wasn't being shut down, no businesses were asked to close and other pedestrians weren't being searched or removed.
"They stood their ground, the president came and went and there was no problem. But there's always that constant pushback," Sobel said. "That's why the lawyers are so critical, because they can give information to the protesters and vigorously arm them with the law. And the law's on their side."
Many of the volunteer barristers are members of the guild, a liberal group that has defended the First Amendment rights of thousands of protesters and controversial figures since 1937.
However, attorneys with no guild affiliation or history of protest involvement are also coming forward to help in the estimated 200 U.S. cities where "occupy" protests have sprung up to oppose economic inequality and corporate greed.
Criminal defense attorney Daphne Pattison Silverman of Houston was watching a television interview with a guild lawyer for the Wall Street protesters when she decided she wanted to help.
"I just felt completely energized and I could just tell this was an organization that was worth looking into," she said.
In addition to starting a local guild chapter in Houston, Silverman has recruited 10 other lawyers to assist the Occupy Houston protesters.
A former attorney in the Navy's Judge Advocate General's Corps, Silverman chafes at any perceived contradiction involving her past military service and her current work on behalf of government protesters.
"To me, the same oath I took in the military to support and defend the Constitution is the same oath I take as a criminal lawyer, and now as a budding First Amendment lawyer," she said, adding that her work sometimes requires "telling the government that they've made a mistake."
With Silverman's counsel, Occupy Houston demonstrators negotiated an agreement with city leaders that allows them to use sleeping bags — but not tents — during overnight stays on public property. Silverman said she won't negotiate directly for the protesters.
"There are plenty of very educated (protesters) who are highly capable of doing their own negotiations. They just need a little encouragement and a little knowledge of what their rights are and where they need to ask for exceptions," she said.
Colorado public defender Eric Sims represents an Occupy Denver protester accused of disobeying a lawful order during a mass arrest by Denver police on Oct 15.
Sims was one of about two dozen attorneys who attended a Colorado Criminal Defense Bar meeting that sought volunteer help for the jailed protesters. He said some 25 other attorneys also volunteered but did not attend.
"I totally sympathize with (the protesters)," Sims said. "And I thought they were courageous because, Lord knows, I'm not going to get arrested (while demonstrating) and risk my law license."
While his heart is with the protesters, Sims said his support for free speech and freedom of assembly crosses ideological lines.
"Even if it was the other end of the spectrum with the tea baggers, if they had gotten arrested the way these kids did, I'd represent them, too," Sims said.
Before he could take the protester's case, Sims had to get permission from his office. He won't be allowed to use work equipment, resources or time for the protester's case. And any court appearances Sims makes for his client will be done on his vacation time.
In Cincinnati, attorney Jennifer Kinsley needs a computer spreadsheet to keep track of the estimated 200 Occupy Cincinnati protesters she's representing pro bono. On Monday, she filed not-guilty pleas for more than 40 who were charged with criminal trespassing.
Since Oct. 9, Kinsley said, Cincinnati police have issued more than 270 criminal citations to the protesters — mainly for being in a city park after hours.
Kinsley isn't a guild lawyer, but she's no stranger to civil rights cases. In recent years she has sued to protect homeless people facing removal from a makeshift encampment and juvenile offenders housed in substandard prison conditions. She even championed the free speech rights of exotic dancers.
"I can't stay away from a civil rights case in this city," Kinsley said. "My heart will not let me. ... Cincinnati has a very storied history of trampling on people's rights and there is much, much work for me in this town."
In a federal civil rights lawsuit filed a week ago, Kinsley and fellow volunteer attorney J. Robert Linneman argued that a city park board rule that closes parks from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. is unconstitutional.
"Basically during those hours there's no public forum where free speech can occur," Kinsley said. "So our defense in the criminal cases will be similar to the constitutional issues that we've raised in the federal case."
The same issue has created tension with police in cities such as Denver, Atlanta, and most recently in Oakland, Calif., where more than 100 Occupy Oakland protesters were arrested Tuesday in a heated predawn clash with police for failing to leave a downtown plaza after it closed for the night.
Guild attorney Rachel Lederman, who's representing the Oakland protesters, said the police action was "illegal and unconstitutional" and violated "almost every term" of the department's crowd-control policy. "It was just complete overkill to come in with a huge assault force," Lederman said. Oakland police said the arrests were necessary to address public health and safety concerns.
Kinsley's lawsuit argues that the First Amendment right to free assembly doesn't "turn off" at a certain time. Local governments can place restrictions on those rights, but they have to meet a constitutional test, Kinsley said. Their suit argues that denying protesters a permit to stay after hours and closing city parks from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. violates the protesters' rights to free expression, speech, assembly and association.
But Peter Scheer, director of the First Amendment Coalition in San Raphael, Calif., said he thinks the lawsuit faces an uphill battle.
"It's hard to find in the history of the First Amendment anything that speaks to camping out as an aspect of assembly," Scheer said. "... In other words, you really can't win a lawsuit on the basis of defective (permit-granting) procedures if perfect procedures would still not let you do what you wish to do. That's what I see as a vulnerability in their claim."
Kinsley isn't deterred.
"What if we had shut the civil rights movement off after three days?" she asked. "Would we have had the Civil Rights Act? Would we have had Martin Luther King Jr.? Would we have had progress? No."
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Marvel at the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland
Marvel at dramatic landscapes formed thousands of years ago, take a cruise on Milford Sound or challenge yourself on a trek through stunning national parks
Imagine a dramatic landscape forged thousands of years ago as glacial rivers created valleys through granite mountains, a place where birdsong fills the air and the sound of rushing waterfalls is never too far from earshot. The spectacular Fiordland region offers unspoilt scenery as far as the eye can see across 1.2 million hectares of World Heritage area. Home to some of the most spectacular walking trails in New Zealand and certainly one of the most photographed natural attractions Milford Sound; Fiordland is a nature lover's paradise and no visit is complete without an overnight stay on a comfortable cruise in the heart of the wilderness.