Word: aqua
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...this Olympics, TYR had to alter its design focus. Four years ago, the company had developed a suit called the Aqua Shift, using a technology borrowed from airplanes and Formula One car racing, but never before used on a swimsuit. It used a system of turbulators, or tripwires, that wrap around the chest and back and disrupt, or trip, the flow of water down the body. This was significant because in previous attempts to reduce drag, the water would run quickly down the body and then form an eddy that would literally pull the swimmer backwards. So, in effect...
...massive to experience by air, the best way to take in Peru's Amazon basin is on the water - sailing along its vast expanse in a riverboat. And while there are many traditional boats that allow you to cruise the river in luxury, the new MV Aqua will give your trip a touch of cool...
From the port city of Iquitos (about an hour by plane northeast of Lima), the 12-cabin Aqua delves deep into the 5-million-acre (2 million ha) Pacaya Samiria Reserve in placid pursuit of rare pink dolphins, giant river otters and elusive black caimans. The three-, four- and seven-day journeys include daily excursions on skiffs - manned by guides from the local Bora and Yagua tribes - into remote Amazon villages...
...Aqua's thoroughly modern design is by Lima-based architect Jordi Puig, who relied on the Amazon's natural bounty for both innovation and inspiration. Decks, floors and furnishings on the 130-ft. (40 m) vessel are crafted from Amazonian hardwoods such as shihuahuaco, cabreuva and caoba. Gray slate from Brazil was used to finish cabin walls, and the bedding is made from Peruvian cotton. There are no TVs in the cabins - only huge windows that provide panoramic views: "Nature's plasmas," says Aqua CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro. Meanwhile in the kitchen, baby-faced Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino - veteran...
There is, however, an oasis of calm amid all the chaos: the Maison d'Hôtes Dubai hotel. Forget aqua-aerobics, 24 hour bars and tennis on the roof (for that you'll need to go to the Burj Al-Arab). Instead, the Maison comprises just three villas grouped around a garden with palm trees, two swimming pools and an outdoor restaurant serving fine French food - thanks largely to the two French women who opened the hotel...