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History and Ethnic Relations of Kenya..Must Read.

2012-08-20T01:43:00.000-07:00

Emergence of the Nation. The Great Rift Valley is thought to be one of the places where human beings originated, and archeologists working in the valley have found remains of what they speculate are some of the earliest human ancestors. The first known inhabitants of present-day Kenya were Cushitic-speaking tribes that migrated to the northwest region from Ethiopa around 2000 B.C.E. Eastern Cushites began to arrive about one thousand years later, and occupied much of the country's current area. During the period from 500 B.C.E. to 500 C.E. , other tribes arrived from various parts of Africa. Tribal disagreements often led to war during this time.

In the 900s, Arab merchants arrived and established trading centers along the coast of East Africa. Over the ensuing eight centuries, they succeeded in converting many Kenyans to Islam. Some Arabs settled in the area and intermarried with local groups.

Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed at Mombasa in 1498, after discovering a sailing route around the Cape of Good Hope. The Portuguese colonized much of the region, but the Arabs managed to evict them in 1729. In the mid-1800s, European explorers stumbled upon Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, and began to take an interest in the natural resources of East Africa. Christian missionaries came as well, drawn by the large numbers of prospective converts.

Britain gradually increased its domain in the region, and in 1884–1885, Kenya was named a British protectorate by the Congress of Berlin, which divided the African continent among various European powers. The British constructed the Uganda Railway, which connected the ports on Kenya's coast to landlocked Uganda. The increasing economic opportunities brought thousands of British settlers who displaced many Africans, often forcing them to live on reservations. The Africans resisted—the Kikuyu in particular put up a strong fight—but they were defeated by the superior military power of the British.

During the early twentieth century, the British colonizers forced the Africans to work their farms in virtual slavery, and kept the upper hand by making it illegal for the Kenyans to grow their own food. In the early 1920s, a Kikuyu named Harry Thuku began to encourage rebellion among his tribe and founded the East Africa Association. He was arrested by the British in 1922, provoking a popular protest. The British reacted violently, killing twenty-five people in what came to be called the Nairobi Massacre.

Desire for self-rule continued to build and in 1944 the Kenya African Union, a nationalist party, was founded. In 1946, the Kikuyu leader Jomo Kenyatta returned after sixteen years in England and began agitating for Kenyan independence. Back on his home soil, he was elected president of the

Turkana men working at a gold mine in northern Kenya pass blocks of gold-bearing ore to the surface of a shaft. The mines often lie sixty or so feet below the ground.

Kenya African Union. His rallying cry was uhuru, Swahili for freedom. While Kenyatta advocated peaceful rebellion, other Kikuyu formed secret societies that pledged to win independence for Kenya using whatever means necessary, including violence. In the early 1950s, members of these groups (called Mau Mau) murdered 32 white civilians, as well as 167 police officers and 1,819 Kikuyu who disagreed with their absolutist stance or who supported the colonial government. In retaliation for these murders, the British killed a total of 11,503 Mau Mau and their sympathizers. British policy also included displacing entire tribes and interning them in barbed-wire camps.

Despite Kenyatta's public denouncement of the Mau Mau, the British tried him as a Mau Mau leader and imprisoned him for nine years. While Kenyatta was in jail, two other leaders stepped in to fill his place. Tom Mboya, of the Luo tribe, was the more moderate of the two, and had the support of Western nations. Oginga Oginga, also a Luo, was more radical, and received support from the Soviet bloc. One common goal of the two was to give blacks the right to vote. In a 1957 election, blacks won their first representation in the colonial government and eight blacks were elected to seats in the legislature. By 1961, they constituted a majority of the body.

In 1960 at the Lancaster House Conference in London the English approved Kenyan independence, setting the date for December 1963. Kenyatta, released from prison in 1961, became prime minister of a newly independent Kenya on 12 December 1963 and was elected to the office of president the following year. Although he was a Kikuyu, one of Kenyatta's primary goals was to overcome tribalism. He appointed members of different ethnic groups to his government, including Mboya and Oginga. His slogan became harambee, meaning "Let's all pull together." In 1966, however, Oginga abrogated his position as vice-president to start his own political party. Kenyatta, fearing cultural divisiveness, arrested Oginga and outlawed all political parties except his own. On 5 July 1969, Tom Mboya was assassinated, and tensions between the Luo and the Kikuyu increased. In elections later that year, Kenyatta won reelection and political stability returned. Overall, the fifteen years of Kenyatta's presidency were a time of economic and political stability. When Kenyatta died on 22 August 1978, the entire nation mourned his death. The vice-president, Daniel Toroitich arap Moi (a Kalenjin of the Tugen subgroup) took over. His presidency was confirmed in a general election ninety days later.

Moi initially promised to improve on Kenyatta's government by ending corruption and releasing political prisoners. While he made some progress on these goals, Moi gradually restricted people's liberty, outlawing all political parties except his own. In 1982, a military coup attempted to overthrow Moi. The coup was unsuccessful, and the president responded by temporarily closing the University of Nairobi, shutting down churches that dissented from his view, and giving himself the power to appoint and fire judges. Moi did away with secret ballots, and several times changed election dates spontaneously to keep people from voting. Moi's opposition has faced even more blatant obstacles: Legislator Charles Rubia, who protested the policy of waiting in line to vote, was arrested and later lost his seat in a rigged election; Robert Ouko, Moi's Minister of Foreign Affairs, threatened to expose government corruption, and was later found with a bullet in his head, his body severely burned. Pro-democracy demonstrations in the early 1990s were put down by paramilitary troops, and leaders of the opposition were thrown in jail. Western nations responded by demanding that Kenya hold multi-party elections if they wanted to continue to receive foreign aid, and in December 1992 Moi won reelection, despite widespread complaints of bribery and ballot tampering. During this time, the economy floundered: inflation skyrocketed, the Kenyan currency was devalued by 50 percent, and unemployment rose.

In 1995, the various opposition groups united in an attempt to wrest the presidency from Moi and formed a political party called Safina. Opposition efforts have been unsuccessful so far, however. In July 1997, demonstrators demanding constitutional reforms were teargassed, shot, and beaten, resulting in eleven deaths.

Despite Moi's unpopularity and his advanced age (he was born in 1924), he maintains his grip on the presidency. Kenya continues to suffer from tribalism and corruption, as well as high population growth, unemployment, political instability, and the AIDS epidemic.

National Identity. Kenyans tend to identify primarily with their tribe or ethnic group, and only secondarily with the nation as a whole. The Kikuyu, who were better represented in the independence movement than other groups, and who continue to dominate the government, are more likely to identify themselves as Kenyans.

Ethnic Relations. The Kikuyu are the largest tribe in the highlands, and tend to dominate the nation's politics. Over the centuries, they consolidated their power by trading portions of their harvests to the hunter-gatherers for land, as well as through inter-marriage. This gradual rise to domination was peaceful and involved a mingling of different ethnic groups. While the Kikuyu have enjoyed the most power in the post–independence government, they were also the hardest–hit by brutal British policies during the colonial period. The Kikuyu traditionally had an antagonistic relationship with the Maasai, and the two groups often raided each other's villages and cattle herds. At the same time, there was a good deal of intermarriage and cultural borrowing between the two groups. Relations among various other ethnic groups are also fraught with tension, and this has been a major obstacle in creating a united Kenya. These conflicts are partly a legacy of colonial rule: the British exaggerated ethnic tensions and played one group against another to reinforce their own power. Under British rule, different ethnic groups were confined to specific geographic areas. Ethnic tensions continue to this day, and have been the cause of violence. In the early 1990s tribal clashes killed thousands of people and left tens of thousands homeless. Conflicts flared again in the late 1990s between the Pokots and the Marakwets, the Turkanas and the Samburus, and the Maasai and the Kisii.

Kenya has a fairly large Indian population, mostly those who came to East Africa in the early twentieth century to work on the railroad. Many Indians later became merchants and storeowners. During colonial times, they occupied a racial netherland: they were treated poorly by the British (although not as poorly as blacks), and resented by the Africans. Even after independence, this resentment continued and half of the Indian population left the country.

Will be Back………………

Geography of Kenya..Must Read.

2012-08-18T01:29:00.001-07:00

The country takes its name from Mount Kenya, located in the central highlands.

Location and Geography : Kenya is located in East Africa and borders Somalia to the northeast, Ethiopia to the north, Sudan to the northwest, Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south, and the Indian Ocean to the east. The country straddles the equator, covering a total of 224,961 square miles (582,600 square kilometers; roughly twice the size of the state of Nevada). Kenya has wide white-sand beaches on the coast. Inland plains cover three-quarters of the country, they are mostly bush, covered in underbrush.

In the west are the highlands where the altitude rises from three thousand to ten thousand feet. Nairobi, Kenya's largest city and capital, is located in the central highlands. The highest point, at 17,058 feet (5,200 meters), is MountKenya. Kenya shares Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the main source of the Nile River, with Tanzania and Uganda. Another significant feature of Kenyan geography is the Great Rift Valley, the wide, steep canyon that cuts through the highlands. Kenya is also home to some of the world's most spectacular wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, antelope, wildebeests, and many rare and beautiful species of birds. Unfortunately, the animal population is threatened by both hunting and an expanding human population; wildlife numbers fell drastically through the twentieth century. The government has introduced strict legislation regulating hunting, and has established a system of national parks to protect the wildlife.

Demography : According to an estimate in July 2000, Kenya's population is 30,339,770. The population has been significantly reduced by the AIDS epidemic, as have the age and sex distributions of the population. Despite this scourge, however, the birth rate is still significantly higher than the death rate and the population continues to grow.

There are more than forty ethnic groups in the country. The largest of these is the Kikuyu, representing 22 percent of the population. Fourteen percent is Luhya, 13 percent is Luo, 12 percent is Kalenjin, 11 percent Kamba, 6 percent Kisii, and 6 percent Meru. Others, including the Somalis and the Turkana in the north and the Kalenjin in the Great Rift Valley, comprise approximately 15 percent of the population. These ethnic categories are further broken down into subgroups. One percent of the population is non-African, mostly of Indian and European descent.

Linguistic Affiliation : The official languages are English and Kiswahili (or Swahili). Swahili, which comes from the Arabic word meaning "coast," is a mix of Arabic and the African language Bantu. It first developed in the tenth century with the arrival of Arab traders; it was a lingua franca that allowed different tribes to communicate with each other and with the Arabs. The major language groups native to the region include Bantu in the west and along the coast, Nilotic near Lake Victoria, and Cushitic in the north.English is the language generally used in government and business. It is also used in most of the schools, although there has been movement towards using Kiswahili as the teaching language. English is not spoken solely by the elite, but only people with a certain level of education speak it.

Symbolism : The Kenyan flag has three horizontal stripes—red, black, and green—separated by thin white bands. The black symbolizes the people of Kenya, the red stands for the blood shed in the fight for independence, and the green symbolizes agriculture. In the center of the flag is a red shield with black and white markings and two crossed spears, which stands for vigilance in the defense of freedom.

Indian Independence Movement...Must Read....!

2012-08-14T01:25:00.003-07:00

The Indian Independence Movement incorporated the efforts by Indians to liberate the region from British rule and form the nation-state of India. It involved a wide spectrum of Indian political organizations, philosophies, and rebellions between 1857 and India's emergence as a unified nation-state on August 15, 1947. The Indian independence movement incorporated the efforts by Indians to liberate the region from British rule and form the nation-state of India. It involved a wide spectrum of Indian political organizations, philosophies, and rebellions between 1857 and India's emergence as a unified nation-state on August 15, 1947.

The initial Indian Rebellion of 1857 was sparked when soldiers serving in the BritishEast India Company's British Army and Indian kingdoms rebelled against the British. After the revolt was crushed, the British partitioned the region into British India and the Princely States. They tried to develop a class of educated elites, whose political organizing sought Indian political rights and representation. However, increasing public disenchantment with the British authority — their curtailing of Indian civil liberties (such as the Rowlatt Act), political rights, and culture as well as their avoidance of basic issues facing common Indians and an essential nonacceptance of foreign occupation — led to an upsurge in revolutionary activities aimed at overthrowing the European colonial powers, particularly the British.

The movement came to a head between 1918 and 1922 when the first series of non-violent campaigns of civil disobedience were launched by the Indian National Congress under the leadership of Mohandas Gandhi — whose methods were to a large extent inspired by the philosophy and methods of Baba Ram Singh, a Sikh who led the Kuka Movement in the Punjab in the 1870s. Gandhi's movement came to encompass people from across India and across all walks of life. These initial civil disobedience movements soon came to be the driving force that ultimately shaped the cultural, religious, and political unity of a diverse nation.

Committing itself to Purna Swaraj in 1930, the Congress led mass struggles between 1930 and 1932. By the late 1930s, however, with growing disenchantments over the delaying tactics of the Raj and the Congress's failure to extract commitment on self-rule and political independence, a faction within the movement turned towards more radical ideas of Subhash Chandra Bose. Bose's actions proved controversial among the Congress party but popular within the Indian populace, when Bose defeated Gandhi's candidate in leadership elections in the Tripuri Session of the Congress Working Committee. However, this was the parting of ways between the radicals and the conservatives. Bose left the Congress to found his own party during the war, seeking first Soviet and then Axis help to raise a liberation force. The raising of the Indian National Army in 1942 by Subhash Chandra Bose would see a unique military campaign to end British rule. Following the trial of Indian National Army officers at the Red Fort, mutinies broke out in the navy, in the Air Force, and in the army. The Congress also led a civil disobedience movement in 1942 demanding that the British leave India (a movement called the Quit India Movement). Following these and widespread communal rioting in Calcutta, the Raj ended on the mid-night of 15th August, 1947, but only at the expense of thepartition of the country into India and Pakistan.

Planning for Singapore ? Must Read Before Go........!

2012-08-07T03:22:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Singapore. Do bear in mind that Singapore is quite small so many places are within walking distances or accessible to get there fast via good public transport system. So Here Today I am trying To tell give you some important tips while travelling across Singapore

Travel Tips

Visitors to Singapore should have valid passports and visas to enter Singapore. Applications for such visas can be made at the respective countries' high commissions or overseas missions. However, visas are not required for Commonwealth citizens, British passport holders, and Republic of Ireland citizens for a stay of up to 14 days. All onward visitors should have passports valid for at least three months from the time of arrival. They should also have return tickets, and sufficient funds for the length of their stay in Singapore.

The currency is the Singapore dollar (S$). Singapore uses 1c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, and S$1 coins. Notes are in denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$50, S$100, S$500, and S$1,000. The islands also has a S$10,000 note.

Money changing services are available at Changi Airport and at most banks, hotels, and shopping complexes.

Singapore's country code is 65. There is no city code for Singapore.

Generally, business hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Shopping hours are usually from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.

IDD calls can be made from the numerous card and credit card phones, which are located in post offices and around the city area. Phone cards come in denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$20, and S$50.

Loose and light summer clothing is recommended, especially for outdoor activities like sightseeing. "Smart casual" is usually acceptable everywhere except for formal business dining or when specified in an invitation. Smart casual usually means shirts (long or short-sleeves but not T-shirts) or blouses, and trousers or skirts.

As the cleanest of all cities, it is safe to drink water straight from the tap.

As English is widely understood, it seldom acts as a barrier when conducting business in Singapore. Singapore business people expect the people whom they are dealing with to be punctual for meetings and appointments. They give and receive business cards with both hands after the handshake upon first meeting. It is best to admire the card for a few moments before putting it away. Meetings can take place anywhere, be it in boardrooms or restaurants. Most business people rarely wear suits due to the island's tropical heat. However, the men do usually wear ties.

Singapore's voltage is 220-240AC, 50 Hertz. Most hotels can provide a transformer to convert it to 110-120 AC, 60 Hertz.

With well-qualified doctors and dentists, Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world. Registered pharmacists work from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with some open until 10 p.m. Most hotels have their own doctor on 24-hour call.

Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore. It is prohibited at the airport and discouraged at hotels and restaurants where a 10% service charge is included in the bill. A tip should only be exercised when the bill does not include a service charge.

A S$15 Passenger Service Charge should have been incorporated into your air ticket. If this is not the case, you are required to pay during check-in at the airport.

Singapore's laws may be severe enough to surprise most visitors. Trafficking in narcotics is punishable by death. The sale and importation of chewing gum is banned although possession is not necessarily an offense. Smoking in air-conditioned areas is illegal. Littering and jaywalking are also considered an offense. Speeding is also frowned upon with several speed-trap cameras installed around the island.

Singapore has earned the distinction of being one of the most crime-free countries in the world. The streets are usually quite safe at all times, even at nights. However, there are occasional pickpockets and purse snatchers who prey on unsuspecting victims. There are no specific areas, which are crime prone but it is better to avoid dark and secluded streets, especially if you are alone.

Hoping For your Happy journey to Singapore J

Things to Do Before You Travel........Must read

2012-08-01T00:34:00.003-07:00

Airfare,hotel accommodations and rental cars may be the holy trinity of travel preparation, but nailing down these aspects of your vacation is only the beginning of the trip planning process. If you want to achieve a smooth, headache-free trip (and who doesn't?), taking care of essential tasks like researching activities at your destination, managing your finances and getting your home in order is key. Don't leave home without accomplishing the following tasks!

Contact the Kennel and/or House Sitter

Once you have a travel date, your first move should be to contact your pet kennel or house sitter (or any other trustworthy service) to guarantee availability. You may even want to take care of this before booking

Take Care of "Stop" Orders andAdvance Payments

Once your travel is booked, you should look into placing "stop" orders on any regularly occurring deliveries or services. These may include postal mail, newspapers, housecleaners and the like. If you want particular services to continue (such as landscaping), consider paying in advance if this is not your usual arrangement.

Many service providers allow you to place stop orders online; this is particularly the case for mail delivery and most newspapers. As most stop orders require one or two business days' advance notice, make sure you take care of this at least three days before you travel.

Manage Your Cash Flow

If you're traveling domestically, be sure to hit your own bank before leaving for your trip; that way you won't arrive short on cash and have to immediately search for an ATM. Further, you will save on ATM fees at machines run by someone other than your own bank. These fees cost Americans billions of dollars annually, and can be exorbitant if you are forced to use airport or convenience store machines. Go to your bank's Web site and map out any available ATM locations near your destination so you are not forced to use other banks' machines.

If you're traveling overseas, the most economical option is to visit an ATM as soon as you arrive in your destination and make a withdrawal in the local currency. Check the Web site of the airport where you'll be arriving to make sure it has an ATM you can use. Most international airports have several, but if you're flying to a smaller airport in a developing country, there's no guarantee that there will be one (or that it will be working properly). In these cases, you may want to purchase some local currency ahead of time. For more details, see ATM's Abroad.

Call your bank or credit card company and let them know about your travel plans. Most banks and credit card companies keep track of spending patterns and may interpret an unexpected overseas purchase as credit card fraud. Your bank or credit card company could lock your account if you use your card in another country without notifying them.

Plan Your First Day

The first day of your trip is often lost to logistics and unfamiliar surroundings. First you have to haul yourself and your stuff to a resting place. Then you have to figure out exactly where you are, what attractions are nearby and how best to use your limited time. Planning ahead will help you make the most of that first confusing day.

You may want to sketch out a walk near your digs, which can help you get oriented as well as shake off travel fatigue and jet lag. Also, check out any nearby amenities -- like a rooftop lounge nearby, a balcony with a choice view or a heated pool for maximum chill-out at the end of a harried travel day.

Map Out Your First Drive

Similarly, if you're going to be driving during your trip, it may be worth mapping out that first route ahead of time. Figuring out how to get where you are going in an unfamiliar location from a one-page map choked with advertising is risking more than just your afternoon; you could end up driving around with the doors locked and windows sealed in a neighborhood that is anything but tourist- or outsider-friendly. Mapping out your first drive as though you were mapping out an escape route will save you time and anxiety in those first stressful hours of your trip.

Pack Your Cell Phone Earpiece

While we're talking about driving, there is one modern item that has become an essential packing item: the cell phone earpiece. Local laws governing cell phone use while driving vary considerably, sometimes from one municipality to the next. Pack your cell phone earpiece in your carry-on bag and you will not find yourself on the side of the road with a red siren whirling in your rearview mirror.

Do a Web Search of Your Hobbies at Your Destination

You neverknow where you will find the "best of" in any given endeavor; for example, two of the best guitar stores in the world can be found in Staten Island, NY, and Carlsbad, CA. Who knew? The Seattle REI has a stunning indoor climbing wall while Tempe, Arizona has a fantastic rowing club in the middle of the desert. Do a little research and you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find at your destination.

Check Public Transit Maps on the Web

On a recent trip to Seattle, a quick Web search on public transit produced two very worthwhile pieces of information: 1) the public monorail system was not working, and 2) the downtown bus system was free for the entire length of downtown. Not surprisingly for Seattle, it rained all weekend, and those buses proved very useful in making short trips of a few blocks, for which you would not want to drive, but neither did you want to slog through in the rain. A bit of research online before you leave will also allow you to check fares, print transit maps and plan your itinerary.

Check the Local Entertainment Listings

Most cities and even medium-sized towns have some kind of weekly entertainment rag, such as Time Out New York in New York City, The Stranger in Seattle or even The Ticket entertainment insert in Montgomery Township, PA.

These are excellent sources for entertainment listings, reviews, city "best-of" lists and more. It is best to check these from home, as you can then purchase advance tickets where necessary, make restaurant reservations, etc.

Check the Weather

The weather is the single factor most likely to affect your trip positively or negatively, and one of the things many people most take for granted. Of course it is going to be warm in Key West during the spring -- but there are always exceptions to prevailing weather patterns, especially during transitional seasons. A weather forecast can guide your packing strategy, and failure to check the weather can result in unprepared, unhappy and very soggy travelers.

Top 10 Reasons, why you Visit Ireland Once...Must Read.

2012-07-31T01:34:00.000-07:00

Ireland has over 80 million diaspora worldwide. We can’t go anywhere without hearing “Oh my God! I’M Irish too,” followed closely by, “I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland but I never have”. Recently, I’ve managed to convince some people I’ve met abroad to come to the famed Emerald Isle, and now I want to provide you with some of what I believe to be the best reasons to come visit my native land.

1. Cliffs of Moher (Aillte an Mhothair

The cliffs of Moher are listed as one of the seven natural wonders of Ireland, and are a protected Geo park. Peaking at over 700 feet tall, the cliffs range for about 8 kilometers (roughly 5 miles). The cliffs are famous not only for their height, but also for the extreme weather it experiences, brought in by the Atlantic.

Many of you will actually have seen an example of this already. The cliffs are featured in Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, in the scene where Dumbledore and Harry go to the cave where Voldemort has hidden the locket. Because of the weather, the ten-second shot took three weeks to film. Watch the scene, and you can see why this is such a tourist hotspot and, scarily enough, one of the most popular places in the country to surf.

2. Oxegen

Although not taking place this year, Oxegen is an annual music festival that takes place every summer. Now I know every country has its music festivals but, since starting up in 2004, Oxegen has shot its way up to being widely regarded as one of the best music festivals in the world. In 2011, it won Best Line-Up at the European Festival Awards. More than 80,000 people attend Oxegen, and the line-up frequently includes a wide variety of acts, with artists such as Beyoncé, Muse, Eminem, Black Eyed Peas, David Guetta, The Who, and many more.

The general philosophy taken towards Oxegen is to buy the cheapest, most outrageous clothes you can find, stock up on alcohol, spend three days drunk and listening to your favourite artists, then leave with very little, and no parental-friendly, photographic evidence. Oxegen returns in July 2013.

3. Connemara (Conamara)

Connemara is another area on the coast of the Atlantic, although the region itself is not properly defined. The location is world-famous for its marble, although that’s not why I’m including it in this list (seriously, Ireland’s not THAT boring). No, the reason I’ve included Connemara in my top ten is because it’s one of the best places to go in the country if you’re looking to hike or take part in watersports.

There are plenty of lakes and rivers that are among the most popular places to fish, kayak, etc., and the landscape is one of the most beautiful in the country. The landscape is so famous, that part of one of Jupiter’s moons (Europa) is named after it.

4. Book of Kells (Leabhar Cheanannais)

This book was written around the year 800, and is a Latin manuscript containing the Gospels of the New Testament, as well as a large amount of artwork. This is one of the most famous historical artifacts in Ireland because of the extremely elaborate and artistic calligraphy. Like most manuscripts from that era,

the book is written on vellum (calf skin), and was written by monks. Its most iconic feature is that the first letter of each page is the biggest and most elaborate on that page, taking up a large chunk of the top left. And of course, life being as cruel as it is, one of the monks once started a new page and, upon finishing the elaborate first letter (which could take days), realised he’d done the wrong one.

5. Giants Causeway (Clochán na bh Fomhórach)

Although this is located in Northern Ireland, which is currently a separate country and part of the United Kingdom, it is still on the Island of Ireland, and is a part of Native Irish folklore. The Giants Causeway is another one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Ireland. It’s an incredible area created by a volcanic eruption where the lava cooled almost instantly,

leaving about 40,000, mostly hexagonal, columns. The area derives its name from an old Irish legend, in which a warrior named Fionn MacCumhaill built the columns so that giants could step over to Scotland without getting their feet wet, presumably because they had just bought new shoes or something. But I’m pretty sure it was really the volcano thing.

6. Guinness Storehouse (Stóras Guinness)

Most of you will be familiar with Guinness. It’s the most famous Irish drink, and we’re recognised for both it, and its record book, the world over. But here are a few things most of you probably don’t know about our native stout, and the story surrounding it. It was first made in 1759, making it 253 years old. In 2009, the Guinness corporation celebrated the first “Arthur’s Day”, to commemorate Arthur Guinness.

The holiday quickly caught on, with the tradition being to raise your pint at 17:59 on September 23rd, and toast “To Arthur”.

But one of the most unique things about the Guinness storehouse is that Arthur Guinness leased the site for 9,000 years, for a moderate fee of £45. Another thing most people don’t know, which can be very annoying for Irish people ordering the drink abroad, is that the drink is supposed to be poured from tap until the glass is 3/4s full, left to settle, and then topped up off.

7. Newgrange (Sí anBhrú)

One of the things that irks me most about Irish tourism is how much less well-known Newgrange is than Stonehenge. Newgrange is far more impressive architecturally, aesthetically & functionally. The site was built around 3200 BC, making it older than not only Stonehenge, but also every one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. When built, Newgrange was used for many reasons, including storage, burial, and (albeit disputed) religious ceremonies.

But its most important & famous use is that the site was designed and built in such a way that, on the day of the winter solstice, the sun shines through a small opening above the entrance, and reflects off a number of quartzite passages, which illuminates the whole chamber. This is when the days of the year start to get longer, and would let the people know that it is time to start a new harvest year.

8. The SkelligIslands (Na Scealaga)

The Skellig Islands are two small Islands off the coast of Country Kerry, in the Southwest of Ireland. The islands are famous for a number of reasons, one of which is that they are extremely steep and jagged. The islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, meaning the water can be extremely unstable. For this reason, the islands are only accessible when the water is calm, usually in the summer period of the year, as any boats attempting to dock in the rough water could be rising and falling as much as 30 feet.

The larger island, Great Skellig, is home to a 6th century monastery, with many of the buildings having the iconic look of resembling stone igloos. The islands are also known for the wide range of birds that can be found here, as well as seals, sharks, whales and dolphins that live in the water.

9. Gaeltachts(Irish-Speaking Areas)

Some people think we only speak English in Ireland. Others think we don’t speak English at all. Some think our language is called “Gaelic” (it’s not, nor is Gaelic any one language at all). One person I met even thought that, by saying I can speak Irish, I meant that I speak English with an Irish accent.

The truth is, for the majority of us, English is our first language. But over a quarter of the population is fluent in Irish, and Gaeltachts are designated areas, protected by the Government, that live life through Irish on a day-to-day basis. These are mostly on the west coast, as this was where Irish families were forced when Cromwell invaded from Britain. The reason I have the English in parentheses is because nobody refers to them by anything other than “Gaeltacht”.

For an example of the Irish Language (called Gaeilge), watch this weather report.

And here are some written pronunciations to give you an idea of how unlike English it really is:

Glendalough (“Glen da lock”)

Ranelagh (“Wren a la”)

Dun Laoghaire (“Done Leary”)

Saibhne ó Gríobhthá (“Sev nah Oh Gree Oh Faw”)

10. National Leprechaun Museum (Músaem Náisiúntana Leipreacháin)

Yes, you read that correctly. In Dublin City centre, we have a museum devoted entirely to leprechauns. Being a self-respecting Irishman myself, I have, of course, never been to this establishment, and was mortified when I read it was opening. But we’re all tourists somewhere, and the same way I’m sure every New Yorker sighs each time an out-of-town visitor asks to go see Central Park, The Statue of Liberty,

The Empire State Building, etc., I know that this is a huge attraction for North Americans of Irish heritage. Featuring pots o’ gold and rooms filled with giant furniture to make you feel like a leprechaun, it would be a shame to travel to Ireland and not stop in. At least ironically.

Eat, Love, Live Goa in ONE WEEK......!

2012-07-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, I wonder at the irony of it too. Who would in their better senses wish to know - how to spend a week in Goa! One would rather be keen as to how to stop the time racing by or perhaps invent a whole new time measurement system when it comes to hours ticking and days passing.

I’m sure the millions of enthusiasts who land here through the year would swear by their flip flops and beach shorts; the to-do list, if you really insist on one at all – is quite simple. Eat, lounge, drink, lounge, party, and lounge some more. And do that in repeat mode on the beach!

But then again, if a week is all you have and you wish to spend each day experiencing life before getting back to the same old boardroom meetings and traffic jams, well I take no qualms admitting, I lived each of those seven days doing what every stereotype in the travel book raves about. Here goes my recommendation of living it up in Goa-ah!

Day 1: Sunday

Set high standards for yourself; kick off your trip in the lala-land with lounging at Club Cubana, Arpora. Unarguably the hottest nightspot, you step in and you know why. You could opt to pay for the cover charges of Rs 1200 per couple or head to the cash bar. With only veg/non-veg pizzas as dining options – make sure it’s not food that’s on your mind. Fabulous music and free flowing drinks makes this place a hit and the crowd is great. With the lights luring ‘party animals’ of the town, the place truly lives up to its tag line, ‘The Club in the Sky’.

Baga Beach

Day 2: Monday

Needless to say, partying till the wee hours of the morning, kicks starts a laid-back Monday. Better still, beat the life in the fast lane and hire a two wheeler. For Rs 300 (petrol costs an extra Rs 80-90 per litre if bought loose) you buy yourself an all access pass to freedom. Well whoever told you money can’t buy you happiness – can go fly a kite!

Moving onto more important matters, like a king-size breakfast! I’m told nothing beats the one at Brittos on Baga Beach, a hearty meal of scrambled eggs and fresh juice. To make sure you get your exercise after the heavy-duty eating, do window shop at the Baga beach market for trinkets, summer dresses, beach wears, hats and flip-flops. The bargaining can't get any more satisfying than this!

Talking of exercise , water sports at the adjoining Calangute Beach would be on the itinerary ( Rs 500 per person for 4 water rides on the banana boat , bumper boat, parasailing ( a dip costs Rs 150 extra) , water scooter would be the perfect dash of adventure that you can add to your otherwise ‘easy as a breeze Monday’ . The thought that you are getting all this fun at half the prize of what you would have otherwise got at the more commercial Baga Beach – Priceless!

Fort Aguada

That done, ride away to Fort Aguada for a dreamy sunset sojourn. Cross the little cafés and many bars and luxury resorts like the Kingfisher Villa along the way wondering how the city can be all pompous and humdrum all at the same time!

Post numerous touristy clicks, head back just in time for a quick cup of tea and a hot shower—and you are all set to party the night away at St Anthony’s on Baga Beach. With undoubtedly the best Karaoke in town, it’s a Monday night and yet the beach shacks run a packed house.

Day 3: Tuesday

After the action packed, over ambitious Monday, time to slow things down a bit. Explore the quiet and serene beaches of Arambol. Scenic ride through narrow roads, traversing through small Goan villages and lush green patches, you can spot Arambol’s pearly white & blue shore line from a distance. As you come closer, the colorful shops with everything ranging from clothes to tattoo shops greet you. After an elaborate breakfast at one of the shacks, head to the sweet water lake stretch and laze for the better part of the day in beachwear that you can pick along the way.

King-size breakfast at Brittos

The valiant can tryout paragliding (Rs 1,400 per person for half an hour of soaring with the winds) and the impulsive can go for the mud bath with a dip in the ‘once’ sweet water lake. End the day on a perfect note as the sun sets into the quiet waves. Well not as yet, because another night of exploring the culinary trail on Baga Beach follows.

Choose a fine dining option at Cavalla (a very exclusive vintage restaurant, but a bit disappointing for the vegetarians) or go for a quiet one with live music to wind up the action packed day. Heaven!

Day 4: Wednesday

By now, the routine is growing on you! You are halfway through your much cherished vacation and you have had enough beach action – so it’s time to go beyond the ordinary. Head out to the Goan Capital—the vibrant Panjim. Act all touristy at the Dona Paula or spend time walking or cruising along the busy market place. Before the sun sets down, head to Casino Royale. A three deck cruise liner with a full-fledged casino, an entertainment zone which offers entertainment and dining options. For Rs 3,400 per person (with chips worth Rs 2,000 thrown in to get you started), you get drinks and snacks on the house. Enjoy performances by Russian dancers and popular performers and sway to an in-house DJ belting out numbers for you. Do check out their open terrace to watch in awe the glittering city at night after a three course buffet dinner. Casino Royale is a not-to-be-missed experience which no one should rush up, so make sure you have enough time on your hands and enough moolah in your pockets.

But like someone I know said – Goa is for everyone. Those seeking value can head for a cruise at the sparkling and beautifully lit up Mandovi River with cheaper options to suit your mood and pocket. At Rs 100 per ticket you can try the 600-seater Paradise Cruise, which has song and dance performances creating a complete carnival feel. With Goan dances and Bollywood music to keep you entertained, there cannot be a better way to spend an hour in a hundred bucks after which try out an elaborate Goan three course meal at Viva Panjim. A quiet little restaurant run out of the home of Ms Linda– this place is as unpretentious as it can get. Try out the recommendations by the owner who literally sits and supervises the staff and comes and exchanges greetings with everyone who comes around – eating authentic Goan ‘home made’ food here is an experience that lives beyond your pleasure of discovering ‘dining at a highly recommended place by the likes of lonely planet’- doesn’t always bring a dent to your pocket.

Day 5: Thursday

Give your overworked glutton-glands a rest and enjoy the simple pleasures of life by trying out a cutting chai and an anda-pav at a roadside store. Eat to your heart’s content as the food is served hot right out of the kitchen as you watch the lazy city coming back to life.

It’s time to wear your floaters and apply sun-block before getting on your bikes to head to Anjuna and Vagator – two more popular beaches. Try out a motor boat ride( Rs 100 per person) complete with all the twists and turns – enjoy the deep blue sea as you tumble away in your yellow ‘sea pirate’ boat. The proverbial – wind in the face and sand in my feet – can’t get truer than this.

Stop at one of the many French bakeries to try an apple crumble or honey almond cake or anything else that leaps out of the inviting shelves and catches your eye. Pick up a ‘flip-flop’ shaped fridge magnet as a curio & it’s worth your while to negotiate it to half the cost that’s being quoted.

A couple of more minutes of riding uphill and you are in Greece for a lazy lunch overlooking the sea. Yes, I am not mixing up places here in my utter state of deliria. Step into Thallassa, literary meaning ‘sea’ – a vision in breezy- white and melancholic-blue. Soak in the gorgeous ambience – wooden cottages named after Greek gods like Zeus, tavern like seating overlooking the blue expanse, a menu that promises Greek delicacies for a wholesome meal. Romance is in the air and you are on top of the world.

Greek inspired hotel Thallassa

Once you land back on earth and if are still upto it, you could resume the club hopping at ‘Capetown & stop by at Titos for old time’s sake!

Day 6: Friday

After the tiring week, time to say TGIF. And after five days of beach hopping— it’s time to slow things down and move towards the quieter beaches of Arpora and Candolim. You may wonder if you are still in India—amazed at the number of foreigners sunbathing and surfing. You can spend the day lounging under a beach umbrella sipping some lemonade and reading that 500 page-turner you’ve been struggling to finish for a year now.

The rest of the day is dedicated to acting touristy – with the customary visit to the Church and the adjoining Museum. It’s Friday so next up on your agenda will be the not-to-be missed, famous flea market. From clothes to food to those literally ‘sweet-nothings’, fill up your bags with all the junk you can handle and more!

As you fly off on day seven back into the monotony of the daily trivialities – you can’t help but wonder about all the unexplored acres and acres of heaven that a week in Goa wasn’t enough to explore. The Rudrasagar falls and the luxury hotel line up of South Goa. But then that would make up for yet another travel-tale – the one that talks about ‘a month in Goa’. Till then, the memories of the refreshing week can take you through.

Australia..............People, culture and lifestyle

2012-07-27T02:50:00.000-07:00

People, culture and lifestyle

Australia’s diverse culture and lifestyle reflect its liberal democratic traditions and values, geographic closeness to the Asia–Pacific region and the social and cultural influences of the millions of migrants who have settled in Australia since World War II.

Australia is a product of a unique blend of established traditions and new influences. The country’s original inhabitants, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, are the custodians of one of the world’s oldest continuing cultural traditions. They have been living in Australia for at least 40 000 years and possibly up to 60 000 years.

The rest of Australia’s people are migrants or descendants of migrants who have arrived in Australia from about 200 countries since Great Britain established the first European settlement at Sydney Cove in 1788.

In 1945, Australia’s population was around 7 million people and was mainly Anglo–Celtic. Since then, more than 6.5 million migrants, including 675 000 refugees, have settled in Australia, significantly broadening its social and cultural profile.

Today Australia has a population of nearly 23 million people. At 2009, abou 25.6 per cent of the estimated resident population comprised those born overseas. AustralianBureau of Statistics projections from the 2006 census of the numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people suggest and Indigenous population of 575,552 people at 30 June 2011.

Many of the people who have come to Australia since 1945 were motivated by a commitment to family, or a desire to escape poverty, war or persecution. The first waves of migrants and refugees came mostly from Europe. Subsequent waves have come from the Asia–Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa.

Migrants have enriched almost every aspect of Australian life, from business to the arts, from cooking to comedy and from science to sport. They, in turn, have adapted to Australia’s tolerant, informal and broadly egalitarian society.

Shared values

The defining feature of today’s Australia is not only the cultural diversity of its people, but the extent to which they are united by an overriding and unifying commitment to Australia.

Within the framework of Australia’s laws, all Australians have the right to express their culture and beliefs and to participate freely in Australia’s national life.

At the same time, everyone is expected to uphold the principles and shared values that support Australia’s way of life. These include:

respect for equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual

freedom of speech and association

freedom of religion and a secular government

support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law

equality under the law

equality of men and women

equality of opportunity

peacefulness

a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces tolerance, mutual respect, and compassion for those in need. Australia also holds firmly to the belief that no one should be disadvantaged on the basis of their country of birth, cultural heritage, language, gender or religious belief.

An egalitarian society

In most practical ways, Australia is an egalitarian society. This does not mean that everyone is the same or that everybody has equal wealth or property.

But it does mean that there are no formal or entrenched class distinctions in Australian society, as there are in some other countries. It also means that with hard work and commitment, people without high-level connections or influential patrons can realise their ambitions.

The unemployment rate is relatively low (in December 2007 it was 4.3 per cent) and the gross per capita income is around $39 000. All people are equal under the law in Australia and all Australians have the right to be respected and treated in a fair manner.

A typical Australian?

Given the diverse nature of today’s Australia, some people question whether there is a ‘typical’ Australian. There is, of course, no shortage of popular stereotypes, some of which contradict each other.

For example, some people see Australians as egalitarian, irreverent people with a deep suspicion of authority while others regard them as mostly law-abiding and even conformist. Some people, particularly those living overseas, believe Australians live mainly in country areas, the Australian outback or the bush. In fact, more than 75 per cent of Australians live a cosmopolitan lifestyle in urban centres, mainly in the capital cities along the coast. Others see Australians as people who live in a ‘lucky country’ who love their leisure, particularly sport, both as spectators and as participants. In fact, Australians are among the hardest-working people in the world with some of the longest working hours in the developed world.

Another common perception of Australians is that they are informal, open and direct and say what they mean. They are also seen as people who believe in the principle of giving people a fair go and standing up for their mates, the disadvantaged and the underdog.

Many of these popular images have some truth to them and most Australians conform to at least some of them. But Australians, like people everywhere, cannot be so easily stereotyped. There are ‘typical’ Australians everywhere. But they are not all the same.

Language

All people in Australia are encouraged to learn English, which is the national language and an important unifying element of Australian society.

However, languages other than English are also valued. In fact, more than 15 per cent of Australians speak languages other than English at home.

The most commonly spoken languages after English are Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin. Australians speak more than 200 languages, including Indigenous Australian languages.

Australian English

While English is Australia’s national language, there are certain words and expressions that have become regarded as uniquely Australian through common usage. Some of them might seem strange to non-Australians.

The use of these colloquial or slang words, often coupled with an Australian sense of humour that is characterised by irony and irreverence, can sometimes cause confusion for international visitors. There are a number of books on Australian colloquialisms and slang, including the Macquarie Book of Slang.

Religious worship

Australia is a predominantly Christian country, with around 64 per cent of all Australians identifying as Christians. However, most other major religious faiths are also practised, reflecting Australia’s culturally diverse society.

Australia’s earliest religions or spiritual beliefs date back to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have inhabited Australia for between 40 000 and 60 000 years. Indigenous Australians have their own unique religious traditions and spiritual values.

Australia has no official state religion and people are free to practise any religion they choose, as long as they obey the law. Australians are also free not to have a religion.

Vibrant arts scene

Australia has a vibrant arts scene that reflects both the nation’s Indigenous cultural traditions and its rich mosaic of migrant cultures. All forms of the visual and performing arts have strong followings, including film, art, theatre, dance and music.

According to one survey, almost 13 million or 88 per cent of adult Australians attend at least one cultural event or performance every year. The most popular art form is film, attended by about 70 per cent of the population each year. More than 26 per cent attend a popular music concert; 25 per cent go to an art gallery or museum; 19 per cent see an opera or musical; 18 per cent attend live theatre; 11 per cent attend a dance performance; and 9 per cent attend a classical music concert.

Visual artists have played an important role in shaping and reflecting Australia’s image. They range from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to the nationalist painters of the Heidelberg School in Victoria, symbolic surrealists such as Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd and Albert Tucker and modern artists reflecting issues confronting contemporary Australia. Other notable Australian artists include John Brack, William Dobell, Russell Drysdale, Margaret Olley, John Olsen, Margaret Preston, Clifton Pugh, Jeffrey Smart, Brett Whiteley and Fred Williams.

Australia has a strong literary tradition, which started with the storytelling of Indigenous Australians and continued with the oral stories of convicts arriving in Australia in the late 18th century. Australia has one Nobel Prize for Literature to its credit, with novelist Patrick White receiving the award in 1973.

Other recent Australian novelists whose work has a particularly Australian flavour include Peter Carey, Bryce Courtenay, Kate Grenville, Elizabeth Jolley, Thomas Keneally, Christopher Koch, David Malouf, Colleen McCullough, Christina Stead, Morris West and Tim Winton.

A sporting culture

Australians love their sport, both playing it and watching it.

Australia has often achieved impressive results at the elite level. In the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Australia ranked fourth overall in the medal tally behind the United States, China and Russia.

In the 2006 Football World Cup, Australia reached the final 16. Australia is also ranked the top cricketing nation in the world.

But it’s not just at this top level that Australians enjoy their sport. A recent national survey showed that more than 11 million Australians aged 15 or over participated at least once a week in physical activity for exercise, recreation and sport—a participation rate of almost 70 per cent. The 10 most popular physical activities were walking, aerobics/fitness, swimming, cycling, tennis, golf, running, bushwalking, football (often referred to as soccer in Australia) and netball.

Other popular sporting activities include Australian football, rugby, hockey, basketball, baseball, car racing, horse racing, sailing and snow skiing.

The most watched sports in Australia include Australian Rules Football, a uniquely Australian game with roots traceable to early forms of rugby and Gaelic football, rugby league, rugby union and cricket. The Australian Open, held in Melbourne, is one of tennis’s four Grand Slam events. Australia has more than 120 national sporting organisations and thousands of state and local bodies.

A national cuisine ?

Australia has one of the most diverse cuisines in the world, thanks to Asian and European migrant influences, a dining public that is happy to try innovative dishes and access to a plentiful supply of fresh and high–quality produce.

Australia, one of the world’s most efficient agricultural nations, produces high–quality vegetables, fruit and grains, meat, poultry, seafood, and cheeses and other dairy products. In addition, many new industries have been established to accommodate the growing Australian taste for exotic foods, including Asian greens, nashi pears, lychees, olives and herbs.

Aquaculture products such as farmed Atlantic salmon and southern bluefin tuna are now available as well as the great range of seafood that comes from the ocean surrounding Australia, including Moreton Bay bugs (shellfish), ‘banana’ prawns, barramundi fish and oysters.

Australians enjoy a huge range of food in restaurants and homes, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity. Southern Europe has combined with Asia and the Pacific for new flavours and tastes. Italian, Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, Greek, Thai, Malay, French and Vietnamese restaurants are common, particularly in the capital cities. Middle Eastern flavours are also rapidly emerging, with Moroccan and Lebanese flavours being used with local ingredients in mainstream cooking with notable success.

Traditional Australian bush tucker is also becoming more common, particularly in northern Australian restaurants, where kangaroo, buffalo, crocodile and emu can often be found on menus.

Historically, there has never been a cuisine typically regarded as Australian. Instead, Australian fare has evolved with the distinct layers of flavours that each new culture has added. Homesick expatriate Australians sometimes hanker for Australian food such as lamingtons (a sponge cake square dipped in chocolate and coconut), pavlovas (a meringue dessert named after the Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova) and vegemite (a commercially produced spread made from yeast products).

The Australian wine sector is recognised internationally as producing a full range of high-quality wine styles and varietals to match any dish, from full-bodied reds and deep fruity whites to sparkling, dessert and fortified wines.

Obeying the law

Community behaviour in Australia is governed by a combination of formal laws and informal social customs.

All people in Australia must obey the nation’s laws or face the possibility of criminal prosecution or civil action. People are also expected to generally observe Australian social customs, habits and practices even though they are not normally legally binding.

Serious criminal offences include murder, assault, sexual assault, paedophilia, violence against people or property, armed robbery or theft, dangerous driving of a motor car, possession and use of illegal drugs, fraud, and having sexual relations with young people who are aged below the legal age of consent, which is 16 in New South Wales but varies from state to state.

Smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol are not illegal, but there are many restrictions on their public use. It is against the law for any person to sell or supply alcohol or tobacco products to a person under the age of 18 years.

There are also laws against mistreating or neglecting animals, carrying weapons such as knives or guns, littering, polluting or disposing of wastes without permission and creating excessive noise. There is no death penalty in Australia.

Warm climate, informal people

Australia is so large that it experiences most climatic conditions, from tropical monsoons to hot, dry weather and snow. Generally, however, the climate is warm and temperate, particularly in the major coastal cities.

This relatively benign climate has resulted in a country where people spend a good deal of time outdoors at beaches, in the countryside or on sporting fields as either spectators or participants.

Australians tend to be gregarious and outgoing. Most are relatively informal socially and in their relationships with acquaintances and work colleagues.

In the workplace and among friends, Australians generally call each other by their first names. But this informality does not extend to physical contact. When meeting someone for the first time, it is usual to shake the person’s right hand with your right hand. People who do not know each other generally do not kiss or hug when meeting.

Australians queue or line up when waiting to be served in a shop, a bank, a government department, a cinema, or anywhere that a number of people are all seeking a service at the same time. Australians generally wait until it is their turn to be served or attended to. Being on time for meetings and appointments is important.

Clothing

The types of clothing that people wear reflect the diversity in Australian society and the variations in climate. There are no laws or rules on clothing, but Australians are expected to wear certain clothing in work situations—most workplaces have dress standards.

Outside the work situation, clothing is a personal choice—people dress for comfort, the social situation or the weather. Clubs, movie theatres and other places require people to dress in neat, clean clothes and wear appropriate footwear. Australia does not have an official national dress.

Celebrations and holidays

Most workers in Australia have around 12 national and state public holidays throughout the year, in addition to their annual holidays.

These include:

New Year’s Day, which is on 1 January every year. The most common time for people in Australia to take their annual leave is between mid-December and the end of January.

Christmas and Easter, two of the most important dates in the Christian calendar. Christmas Day is on 25 December every year, while Easter is observed at some point between late March and late April each year.

Boxing Day, the day after Christmas Day, is also a public holiday.

Australia Day, on 26 January, is the day Australians celebrate the founding of the first European settlement in Australia in 1788.

Anzac Day, on 25 April, is the day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) landed at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915 during World War I. This day is set aside in memory of those who fought for Australia and those who lost their lives in war. The day is a national public holiday and is commemorated with ceremonies, the laying of wreaths and military parades.

There are also a number of other non-national holidays which are celebrated only in specific states and territories (or celebrated in all states, but at different times of the year). These include Labour (or Eight-Hour) Day and the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth.

Melbourne Cup Day, which occurs on the first Tuesday of November each year, is a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne. The Melbourne Cup is a world-famous horse race which brings Australia almost to a standstill. For a few minutes, most people, whether at work, school or home, stop to watch the race on television.

Key facts

More than 6.5 million migrants have settled in Australia since 1945. English is the national language but other languages are valued.

Australia is predominantly Christian but people are free to practise any religion they choose.

Around 88 per cent of Australians go to at least one cultural event each year. More than 11 million Australians aged 15 or over take part in sport or other physical activity.

Australia has one of the most diverse cuisines in the world but has no national dish.

Top 10 British beaches....Must Read !

2012-07-25T23:35:00.001-07:00

If you're planning a vacation in the UK, This Article will Tell you about Some Beautiful Beaches of Great Britain, Let’s take a look on our todays’ Article, I hopw You would find womthing very important and interesting as you always found.

“Britain offers something for everyone when it comes to beaches.

British beach 1: Holkham, Norfolk

Holkham beach is a favourite of the Queen, who pays a visit to its maze of creeks and miles of soft sand when her doggy duties call. Indeed, many visitors to Holkham beach have bumped into Her Royal Highness and her seaside-loving corgis whilst walking amongst the fragrant pine trees, relaxing on the sand, or admiring the plethora of ancient shells. The natural beauty of this traditional British seaside has featured as a striking backdrop to the popular 1998 film Shakespeare in Love so it's perfect for a spot of sight-seeing.

British beach 2: West Wittering, Sussex

Located in the historic county of West Sussex on the southern coast of England, West Wittering beach offers impressive views of the natural sheltered area of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs, all presented alongside a distant glimpse of the Isle of Wight. The excellent water quality is perfect for children to splash around in and makes West Wittering one of the premier Blue Flag beaches in the country. Visitors can enjoy picnics on the neatly mown grass nearby which often features an array of wild bird species including skylark and warblers.

British beach 3: Filey, Yorkshire

Filey beach offers miles of sublime sandy beach landscapes and is perfect for anyone in search of fresh air and relaxation. The expanse of land at Filey beach also houses plenty to do for adventurers, including mini golf courses, arcades, bird-watching, sailing, swimming, and surfing. The nearby Filey museum is decked out with ancient artefacts that represent the fishing town's heritage and local history, and is well worth a visit for tourists who'd like to take a break from sandcastle building to delve deep into the town's past. There are plenty of nearby caravan parks for those wishing to visit the town for a memorable family holiday, or couples in search of a romantic break.

British beach 4: Llandwynn, Anglesey

Just off the west coast of Anglesey stands the crown jewel of North Wales: Llandwynn beach. The beautiful unspoilt landscape offers captivating views of mount Snowdonia alongside the quaint town of Caernarfon and the Lynn Peninsula landscape, both of which also form a beautiful backdrop to the beach. The endless stretch of nearby forests offers a variety of footpaths for walkers and runners to explore and amongst the paraphernalia of beach shops and cafes stands the historical Welsh island of love, St Dwynwen.

British beach 5: Woolacombe, Devon

Woolacombe beach lies in the parish of Mortehoe in Devon and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The award-winning seaside town offers an endless stretch of untamed beach and is bracketed by the rugged Baggy Point and Morte Point landscapes. The three-mile stretch of sand offers plenty of space for sports including windsurfing, sailing, and canoeing activities, whilst those who prefer to relax can easily find a quiet spot to take some respite. The sand dunes and grassy slopes that surround the beach are perfect for both child and adult explorers alike.

British beach 6: Rhossili, South Wales

Rhossili beach — and the surrounding area — has been voted one of the most naturally beautiful areas in England, and is steeped in history. Indeed, when the tide is low, visitors can see the breathtaking historical remains of the shipwrecked Helvetia ship from 1887, whilst the grey seals often laze around on the surrounding rocks. Visitors can also view the mile long island affectionately named 'Worm's Head', which appropriately resembles the head of a worm and sticks out just above the water to form an island when the tide is high.

British beach 7: Blackpool, Lancashire

Blackpool beach is certainly the shining jewel in the British crown when it comes to lively beaches for all the family to enjoy. From ice creams and donkey rides to naughty postcards and classic fish 'n' chips, Blackpool beach is the embodiment of all things British and has long been established as the ultimate traditional seaside in England. Alongside the large expanse of sand and the infamous donkey rides across the beach stands one of the top UK tourist attractions: Blackpool Pleasure Beach. This is home to some of the scariest roller coasters in the UK and attracts millions of visitors per year. The colourful lights of Blackpool illuminations and the hours of entertainment provided by the arcades make Blackpool the seaside party capital of the north.

British beach 8: Gwenver, Cornwall

Gwenver is a remote, hidden gem of a beach at the foot of the Cornish Trevedra cliff in Cornwall. The beach is thought to have got its name from the mythical Queen Guinevere, the wife of King Arthur in the Arthurian romance legends. The beach is a surfer's paradise and, for those who know little about surfing or simply want to improve their skills, Gwenver beach is a stone's throw away from the neighbouring seaside, Sennen, where surfing schools take place on a regular basis. This is a perfect family beach, particularly for children who will love the rock pools — even the family dog is welcomed with a warm reception and plenty of space to run around. Gwenver beach boasts breathtaking views of the Isles of Sicily, which can be seen far out at sea on a clear day.

British beach 9: Durdle Door, Dorset

Durdle Door is a famous limestone arch that separates the two beautiful beaches of St Oswald's Bay and Man O'War Cove. The climb down can be pretty demanding (double check that you've packed your sandwiches before you begin the trek) but once you get there, you won't want to turn back. This beautiful spot is naturally sheltered from the wind and the crystal clear sea is breathtaking. Durdle Door has featured as a popular location in scenes from films and music videos for artists and actors such as Pink Floyd, Cliff Richard, and Bruce Dickinson. Activities that take place here include scuba diving, fishing, snorkelling, and kayaking. For those who don't fancy the steep climb, Lulworth Cove is a nearby pebble beach with easier access to facilities and a whole host of hotels available that overlook the cove. For those who have the energy though, Durdle Door is a must-see iconic landmark.

British beach 10: Oddicome, Torquay

The British town of Torquay is home to the breathtaking shingle beach, Oddicome. There's plenty to do on this endless stretch of beauty too; from renting a boat to take a scenic tour to taking the cliff railway from the peak down to the shore, everyone who visits is offered with a number of different ways to explore the beautiful beach. Located at the foot of vibrant red sandstone cliffs, visitors are provided with natural protection from the wind. The cafe at the top of the cliff offers a delightful selection of food and drink, as well as scenic views over the sea. If you're feeling energetic, try taking a walk to the top of the cliff — it's a tough climb but the views from the top of the cliff make it worthwhile.

Culture & Traditions From Egypt...Must Read.......!

2012-07-13T01:33:00.001-07:00

Egypt is a country with an immense cultural mix, In every major city in Egypt you will find traditions that remain from the time of the Pharaohs, and in other parts you will find pure tribal customs that were brought in by many invaders throughout the centuries.

That contradiction and contrast between areas of Egypt, when you compare it with other Middle Eastern countries, is what makes Egypt seem advanced against some of the others. Yet here you will find that the customs and mentality tends to be full of warmth towards visitors and foreigners. I guess this could be the secret why Egypt is considered the most attractive country in the region for travellers. The pure nature of the local Egyptians pops up whenever you need help or when they invite you into their homes and when they hardly know you, or when they smile in your face! All of that makes a visit to Egypt a wonderful and unforgettable experience.

Egypt's population is around 71 million. Around 62 million of them are Sunni Muslims and about 8-9 Million are Coptic Christians (Christian Egyptians), although public statistics indicate that they are not more than 7 million. Whether Muslim or Copt, the Egyptians are moderately religious and religious principles are quite noticeable in their daily lives. Here each family member is responsible for the integrity of his or her family and for the behaviour of other members, creating an environment that would be envied by many people in the West. Here they are very close to each other, family ties are far stronger than in the west, and that is why you will find any major city in Egypt is a lot safer than any western metropolis.

Yet when travellers come to Egypt they are often apprehensive, their views of Egyptians and Arabs, fomented by unkind and untrue media stories, often bear no relation to reality. Travellers, when they meet Egyptians are often surprised by their friendly, hospitable reception and take home with them good feelings about Egypt and its population.

Egyptians form a society of a mixture of Middle Eastern family standards, taken from the different religious rules, whether in Islam or Christianity, it creates a sort of background that can colour their decision-making in a way difficult for foreigners to understand, yet it is precisely this training that makes Egyptians some of the most charming and helpful of hosts. By understanding the culture and with consideration for your hosts, you can be a welcome guest in Egypt.

In general, Egyptians are most accommodating and they will go out of their way to help you and respond to any questions you have. Most Egyptians require little personal space and will stand within inches of you to talk! You will find that whenever you start talking with an Egyptian, you will inevitably draw a crowd, and often the Egyptians will start discussing, among themselves, about the correct answer to a question.

Click here for Some useful Arabic words

Although most of the Muslims in Egypt do not drink alcohol they don't object to others drinking, but doing it in reasonable amounts. In Egypt people don't eat pork, and rarely, when you find a place that offers pork, is there much choice on the menu.

Egyptians like rest of the Muslims all over the world fast at holy month of Rama dan, it is the time when they all come close to each other and respect each other, it is the time Egypt stay awake at night.

During this month, donations, almsgiving and charity would be at its highest rates, it is the time for forgiveness and love. It is a wonderful month.

Interested to know about Ramadan?? Click here toknow more

In Egypt there are hardly any restrictions on foreign women. Ticket lines, for example, are occasionally segregated, women line up with other women (especially as the lines are usually shorter). On the underground lines, the first car is usually reserved for women, especially elderly ones. For men, speaking to an unknown Egyptian woman is a breach of etiquette, so take care in any liaisons you form because some families still follow ancient traditions. Crime in Egypt is nearly nonexistent, and violence is usually limited to family feuds. However, in tourism areas some pickpockets and petty thieves may exist, so be careful and remember that the ever-helpful tourism police are usually nearby. Women must be cautious, especially in out-lying areas. Stay completely away from drugs and leave yours at home.

What to do when you are invited by an Egyptian???

Egyptians, if offered anything, will refuse the first invitation, which is customary, so therefore (unless you're dealing with Egyptians used to western frankness) you should do the same. If the offer is from the heart, and not just politeness,it will be repeated.

If you're invited into a home, especially in small villages, and have to refuse, the householder will often press for a promise from you to visit in the future, usually for a meal. If you make such a promise, keep it, for having foreign guests is often considered a social coup. If you fail to arrive, your would-be host will be humiliated. To repay invitations, you may host a dinner in a restaurant, a common practice.

Tipping is Way of Lifein Egypt

Tipping is a way of life in Egypt, if someone does something you would consider as an extra effort, he expects to be tipped. You should only tip if you feel you want to, you are under no pressure to do so, but it would leave a good impression, and many Egyptian people survive on very little.

Tip appropriately and please, don't give small notes or coins as a tip to people who helped you all the way throughout your trip, such as drivers, tour leaders, and tour escorts, it would be an insult to them, Also, do not offer tips to professionals, businessmen, or others who would consider themselves your equals, as you may seriously offend them by your act.

Egypt women :

Women in Egypt are quite beautiful! The Egyptian woman is well educated, spending a great part of her life being cherished and looked after by her parents until she gets married.

In Egypt 85% of the girls will keep themselves virgins until they get married, this is a common choice in the Middle East, as men usually believe that this is a sign of morality and good karma. 90% of Egyptian men prefer virgin women to marry.

in Egypt will find plenty of girls wearing a scarf, it is common these days among many families. Nowadays in Egypt, many women wear a head scarf, demonstrating either modesty or Muslim piety. One reason many young professional women favour this is that it tends to discourage male advances, physical or verbal.

It is very important in Islam that the woman is less seductive to a stranger and shows modesty. You may find it difficult not to impose your western concepts of feminism on such an inherent part of life. From the 1930s onwards, Egyptian women began to enter into business and many professions, and by 1965, thanks in part to social changes affected in the course of the July Revolution, Egypt could boast a far higher proportion of women working as doctors, dentists, lawyers, professors, diplomats, ministers, or high officials than might have been found in the US or in any European country outside of Scandinavia.

Women travelling alone into Egypt:

Foreign women travelling alone in Egypt are generally very safe, however they will be noticed much less in larger cities than in smaller towns or in the countryside. Should any problems, or difficulties arise, help should be sought from the police or any shopkeeper in the vicinity! Women shouldn't walk alone in isolated areas, which is true in any other city or place around the world. Though most male advances are innocent and harmless, women should not accept these advances from strangers. And dressing appropriately is just plain common sense!

Places of Worship:

All famous and major mosques are open to tourists, except for when services are in progress (the main service is on Friday at noon). Keep in mind that a mosque differs from a western church in that Christian churches are considered houses of God, while mosques are more a gathering place for the faithful of Islam. All visitors to mosques, mausoleums, and Madrassas (religious schools) must remove their shoes! Most Muslims walk around in their stockings, yet sometimes in those mosques that are major tourist attractions, canvas overshoes are available; a tip of 50 PT to 1 LE is in order for the people who put them on for you. Women must cover bare arms. There is no need to wear a hat, or to cover hair. Men and women should wear a long shirt and long trousers when you visit a mosque.

calendar:

The business and secular community in Egypt operates under the Western (Gregorian) calendar (B.C/A.D). But other calendars have official status in Egypt. The Islamic calendar (A.H) is used to fix religious observances and is based on a lunar cycle of 12 months of 29or 30 days. The Muslim year is thus 11 days shorter than the year according to the Gregorian calendar and months move forward accordingly.

In the Gregorian calendar, for example, April is always in the spring, but in the Muslim calendar all months move through all seasons in a 33-year cycle.

The Coptic calendar (A.M) is based on a solar cycle and consists of 12 months of 30 days and one month of 5 days. Every four years a sixth day is added to the shorter month. Many farmers, for planting and harvesting crops, use an adaptation of the Coptic calendar. The authorities of the Coptic Orthodox Church use it.

Major Public holidays:

Day	Description
1st day of Spring (2nd Monday after the Coptic Easter day)	It is called Sham El-Nessim day (Just avoid going out on this day to national parks and the zoo)
25th April	Sinai liberation day
1st May	Workers day
23rd July	1952 revolution day
6th October	Armed forces day, victory day 1973
13th October	Suez liberation day
23rd December	Victory day
Eid El-Adha (Sacrifice feast )	Comes right after the pilgrimage season, it lasts for four days
Eid El-Fitr (Breakfast feast)	comes right after the Holy fasting month of Ramadan

Will Be Back.............!

The Month of Ramadan & Islam.........!

2012-07-13T01:26:00.000-07:00

Egyptians like rest of the Muslims all over the world fast at holy month of Ramadan, it is the time when they all come close to each other and respect each other, it is the time Egypt stay awake at night.

During this month, donations, almsgiving and charity would be at its highest rates, it is the time for forgiveness and love. It is a wonderful month.

First of all, to understand Ramadan, we need to have first a glimpse of the faith of Islam:

What is Islam:

Islam is one of the world's major religions, and the world second largest religion and is the final link in the Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition of monotheism (belief in one God). Islam has two major religious celebrations. One of them, known as Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), takes place during the time of the Hajj, or annual pilgrimage to the city of Makkah (in modern-day Saudi Arabia, also known as Mecca). The other celebration occurs after the completion of Ramadan, the Islamic month during which Muslims (believers in Islam) fast daily from dawn to sunset as part of an effort towards self-purification and betterment. This holiday is known as Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast)

Among the most important duties for a Muslim, is fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan, which is the ninth of the twelve months in the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims use a lunar calendar for many of their religious observances. A new month in the lunar calendar is determined by the appearance of a new crescent moon. Since this occurs every 29 or 30 days, the lunar month is generally 1 or 2 days shorter than a typical month in the Gregorian calendar. Similarly, a lunar year is about 11 days shorter than a typical Gregorian year. As a result, dates of events in the Islamic lunar year "move forward" about 11 days every year. For example, in 1995 Ramadan began on February 1, and in 1996, it began on January 22.

The Importance of Ramadan

Ramadan is important for Muslims because it is believed to be the month in which the first verses of the Holy Qur'an (the divine scripture) were revealed by Allah (God) to the Prophet Muhammad (570-632 C.E). From time to time, Muhammad used to go out from Makkah, where he was born and where he worked as a caravan trader, to reflect and meditate in solitude. Like Abraham before him, he had never accepted his people's worship of many Gods and felt a need to withdraw to a quiet place to reflect on the One God. One night, while contemplating in a cave near Makkah, he heard a voice call out telling him to "Read!" Muhammad protested that he was unable to read. The voice insisted again, and then a third time, and Muhammad found himself reciting the first verses of the Qur'an:

The voice was that of the Angel Gabriel, and he confirmed that Muhammad was selected for an important and challenging mission; he was to call people to monotheism and righteousness.

Muslims consider the Qur'an to be God's speech recorded in the Arabic language, and transmitted to humanity through Muhammad, who is considered the last of the prophets. This tradition of God-chosen prophets, or messengers, is believed to include such figures as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus. Muslims believe that over a period of twenty-three years, various verses and chapters of the Qur'an were revealed to Muhammad through Gabriel. The Qur'an is comprised of 114 chapters of varying length, with titles such as "Abraham", "The Pilgrimage", "Mary", and "Repentance."

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, every day. This means not consuming food and drink, including water, during daylight hours. For married adults, it also includes refraining from marital relations during the hours of fasting (i.e. the daylight hours). In the Arabic language, fasting is known as sawm. Muslims arise early in the morning, during Ramadan, to have a pre-dawn breakfast meal, known as suhoor. At the end of the day taking the Iftar meal, which usually includes dates, fresh fruits, appetizers, beverages and dinner, completes the fast. Later in the evening, Muslims attend special nightly tarawih prayers at their local masjid. Each night during Ramadan, approximately 1/30th of the Qur'an is recited in the tarawih prayers, so that the entire scripture is recited in the course of the 29 or 30 days of the month.

Why Muslims Fast:

Fasting has a number of benefits:

1. It helps one to feel compassion for those who are less fortunate and underprivileged, since each day Muslims feel greater appreciation for what they have as a result of feeling hunger and thirst.

2. It allows one to build a sense of self-control and will power, which can be beneficial throughout life in dealing with temptations and peer-pressure. Through fasting, Muslims learn to control their natural urges such as hunger and thirst, and thus are able to better resist temptations for things that are not necessary, such as drugs or other unhealthy or harmful substances and behaviours.

3. It offers a time for Muslims to "purify" their bodies as well as their souls, by developing a greater sense of humility, spirituality and community. Ramadan is a very spiritual time for Muslims, and often they invite each other to one another's homes to break the fast and pray together. A greater sense of generosity and forgiveness is also characteristic of this time.

As with other duties in Islam, fasting becomes obligatory (i.e. one becomes accountable) after the age of puberty.

Eid EL-Fitr:

After the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate a very festive and joyous holiday, which is known as Eid al-Fitr [eed ul fit-ur], the Festival of Breaking the Fast. On the day of the Eid, Muslims attend special congregational prayers in the morning, wearing their best clothes and perfumes. After the completion of prayers, and a special sermon, Muslims rise to greet and hug one another, saying "Eid Mubarak," which means "Holiday Blessings." Later on, Muslim families visit each other's homes, and have special meals together. Children are often rewarded with gifts, money, and sweets. Lights and other decorations mark the happy occasion.

ISLAM VOCABULARY LIST:

Ramadan - The 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.

Sawm - Arabic word that means "fasting".

Suhoor - The pre-dawn breakfast meal eaten before beginning the daily fast.

Iftar - The evening meal, taken after sunset to break the daily fast.

Tarawih - Special prayers offered nightly during Ramadan, in which approximately 1/30th of the Qur'an is recited each night.

Eid al-Fitr - Festival at the end of Ramadan, in celebration of completing the month of fasting. This takes place on the 1st day of the next month, Shawal.

People

Muhammad — A prophet and righteous person, believed by Muslims to be the final messenger of God, whose predecessors are believed to include prophets Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus, among others.

Gabriel — Muslims believe that among God's many creations are Angels. Gabriel is believed to be one of the most important Angels as he was responsible for transmitting God's divine revelations to all of the human prophets, ending with Muhammad.

Places:

Arafat - A place where pilgrims travel to as part of the Hajj. Pilgrims offer prayers there throughout the day.

Makkah (Mecca) - The sacred city of Muslims, in modern day Saudi Arabia, where the Ka'bah is located.

Mina - A place where pilgrims camp, located on the outskirts of Makkah.

Muzdalifa - A place where pilgrims stay overnight and pray during the Hajj.

Safa and Marwah - Two hills near the Ka'bah.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Allah — The Arabic name for God.

"Eid Mubarak" — A greeting used by Muslims during the Eid holidays. It means "Holiday Blessings!"

Makkah (Mecca) — The sacred city of Muslims, in modern-day Saudi Arabia, where the Ka'bah (house of worship built by Abraham) is located.

Masjid — Muslim house of worship, (also known as "mosque.")

Monotheism — Belief in One God.

Polytheism — Belief in many Gods.

Qur'an (Koran) — The holy book of Muslims, containing God's revelation to Muhammad.

We hope this helps you to know more about Ramadan and a little glimpse of Islam.

Some of Useful Arabic Words........!

2012-07-13T00:38:00.002-07:00

Some of Useful Arabic Words For you while visiting Egypt:

English	Arabic
Hello / Hi	Salaam Alekom
Welcome	Ahlan
Yes	Aiwa
NO	laa
Please	law samaht
Perfect	mia mia
How much	Became
Who	Meen
Where	Feen
I want	Ana Ayez
Really	ya salam
Go away	Amshi
Water	Maya
I don't want	Moshayes
No thank you	Laa shoukrn
Yes thank you	Aiwa shoukran
Tea	Shai
Coffee	Kahwa
Thanks god	Elhamadollah
Left	Shemal
Right	Yemin
Enough	khalass

An Introduction to Malaysia.........Must Read

2012-07-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

An Introduction to Malaysia

Situated in Southeast Asia, Malaysia’s tropical climate makes it the perfect place to visit in the winter when the chilly weather in other countries makes people want to head for the sun. Blessed with a number of beautiful beaches, sun-kissed islands and pristine rainforest, many people travel to Malaysia to enjoy the good weather and natural beauty.

A good way to reach Malaysia is by train from Thailand, which borders Malaysia to the north. First stop should be the pretty island of Penang, where you will find clean beaches, hilltop temples, large gardens and colonial buildings. To the south is the capital city of Kuala Lumpur with its famous Petronas Towers and great shopping and dining options.

Head to the Cameron Highlands to wander through lush tea plantations in the cool air and snorkel in amongst colourful coral on the Seribuat Archipelago before stretching out on one of the picture perfect beaches. There are a good number of national parks to explore, all offering stunning natural beauty such as sparkling waterfalls and caves as well as interesting wildlife. Soak away aches and pains in the Poring Hot Springs and head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for an unforgettable experience.

One of Malaysia’s big attractions is its cultural diversity. Malays, Chinese and Indians all live side by side here, adding their own individual style to the mix. This is a good place to experience festivals and particularly vibrant are the Deepavali, Chinese New Year and Christmas celebrations.

Food lovers will never be bored in Malaysia as the blend of cultures means that there are a wide range of dishes to try. As well as traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine, fusion food is also popular and western fast food restaurants are easy to find.

Malaysia is a country that truly offers something for everyone. Explore magnificent mosques and glittering temples in the country’s bustling cities before heading to the beach to soak up the sun or take part in a range of adventure activities such as diving, rock climbing, windsurfing and snorkelling.

History Of china..........2 Must Read

2012-07-09T22:52:00.001-07:00

History Of china

China, one of the countries that can boast of an ancient civilization, has a long and mysterious history - almost 5,000 years of it! Like most other great civilizations of the world, China can trace her culture back to a blend of small original tribes which have expanded till they became the great country we have today.

It is recorded that Yuanmou man is the oldest hominoid in China and the oldest dynasty is Xia Dynasty. From the long history of China, there emerge many eminent people that have contributed a lot to the development of the whole country and to the enrichment of her history. Among them, there are emperors like Li Shimin (emperor Taizong of the Tang), philosophers like Confucius, great patriotic poets like Qu Yuan and so on.

Chinese society has progressed through five major stages - Primitive Society, Slave Society, Feudal Society, Semi-feudal and Semi-colonial Society, and Socialist Society. The rise and fall of the great dynasties forms a thread that runs through Chinese history, almost from the beginning. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st, 1949, China has become a socialist society and become stronger and stronger.

List of Chinese Dynasties

Chinese Dynasties	Period
*Prehistoric Times*	1.7 million years - the 21st century BC
*Xia Dynasty*	21st - 17th century BC
*Shang Dynasty*	17th - 11th century BC
*Zhou Dynasty*	Western Zhou (11th century BC - 771 BC)
*Zhou Dynasty*	Eastern Zhou ---- Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC) ---- Warring States Period (476 BC - 221 BC)
*Qin Dynasty*	221 BC - 207 BC
*Han Dynasty*	Western Han (206 BC - 24 AD)
*Han Dynasty*	Eastern Han (25 - 220)
*Three Kingdoms Period*	220 - 280
*Jin Dynasty*	Western Jin (265 - 316)
*Jin Dynasty*	Eastern Jin (317 - 420)
*Southern and Northern Dynasties*	Northern Dynasties (386 - 581)
*Southern and Northern Dynasties*	Southern Dynasties (420 - 589)
*Sui Dynasty*	581 - 618
*Tang Dynasty*	618 - 907
*Five Dynasties and Ten States*	Five Dynasties ---- Later Liang (907 - 923) ---- Later Tang (923 - 936) ---- Later Jin (936 - 946) ---- Later Han (947 - 951) ---- Later Zhou (951 - 960)
*Five Dynasties and Ten States*	Ten States (902 - 979)
*Song Dynasty*	Northern Song (960 - 1127)
*Song Dynasty*	Southern Song (1127 - 1279)
*Liao Dynasty*	916 --- 1125
*Jin Dynasty*	1115 --- 1234
*Yuan Dynasty*	1271 --- 1368
*Ming Dynasty*	1368 --- 1644
*Qing Dynasty*	1644 --- 1911

Read Before Travel to Lehladakh..................!

2012-07-08T23:55:00.000-07:00

Leh Ladakh

Leh - Ladakh are two amazing place of visit especia6lly during the onset of summers. This mountainous region has exemplary beauty of the landscape and holidays here could be like being cut off from an entire civilization.

Leh is the capital city of Ladakh, while Ladakh is the plateau and the valley lying close to the Greater Himalayas. There are several ways by how you can reach there but depends on the route that would be open. Srinagar and Manali are two major gateways to Leh Ladakh. A part of the Himalayan kingdom, Leh lies in the district of Jammuand Kashmir. A hamlet of small wooden huts to keep off the cold winds, Leh has a great market for tourists. There are trekking opportunities to Ladakh and excursions to Shimla and other places in Himachal Pradesh. The place is connected to Srinagar from the northwestern part.

In the furthest far flung corner of northern India, in Ladakh near the Indus Valley, lies the town of Leh at 3,505 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level. This remote place has become a popular tourist destination since Ladakh was opened to foreigners in 1974. It's the most beautiful and most common entry point to the Ladakh region.

Bounded by two of the world's largest mountain ranges and surrounded by alpine desert, Leh's dry barren landscape full of historic Buddhist monasteries makes it an incredible sight to behold. This Leh travel guide will help you plan your trip.

Getting to Leh :

Flights to Leh operate regularly from Delhi. Flights are also available to Leh from Srinagar and Jammu. Alternatively, the roads to Leh are open for a few months of the year, when the snow has melted. The Manali Leh Highway is open from around June to October each year, and the road from Srinagar to Leh is open from June to November. Bus, jeep, and taxi services are all available. The trip takes around 2 days because of the difficult nature of the terrain. If you have the time and are in good health, do travel by road as the scenery is amazing.

When to Visit Leh :

The best time to visit Leh is between May and September, when the weather is the warmest. Ladakh doesn't experience rain like elsewhere in India, so the monsoon season is the perfect time to travel to Leh.

Leh Attractions:

Leh’s Buddhist monasteries and historical monuments are the biggest draw for visitors. The most imposing of these is the Shanti Stupa, located just outside the town. In the heart of the town, on top of a steep mountain, the 800 year old Kali Mandir houses a fascinating collection of masks. You can stop to spin a huge prayer wheel on your way there. The 17th century Leh Palace, built in traditional Tibetan style, offers a captivating view of town. South of Leh, ThikseyMonastery is the place for seeing amazing sunsets. The Hemis Gompa is the wealthiest, oldest, and most important monastery in Ladakh.

Shanti Stupa

Kali Mandir

Hemis Gompa

ThikseyMonastery

Leh Adventure Activities:

Nature and adventure lovers will find excellent hiking and para gliding opportunities around Leh. There are also many longer trekking trails to choose from, such as the ones from Likir to Temisgam, and Markha Valley from Spituk. Mountain climbing trips can be booked to peaks such as Stok (20,177 feet), Goleb (19,356 feet), Kangyatse (20,997 feet) and Matho West (19,520) in the Zanskar Mountains.

White water rafting is also possible in July and August along the Indus River in the Leh area, as well as the Shayok River in the Nubra Valley, and Zanskar River in Zanskar.

Leh Festivals :

The Ladakh Festival is held during the first two weeks of September. It opens in Leh with a spectacular procession through the streets.

Villagers dressed in traditional costumes dance and sing folk songs, backed by an orchestra. The festival also features musical concerts, dances performed by masked lamas from selected monasteries, and mock traditional marriage ceremonies. The two day Hemis Festival takes place in June/July at the Hemis Gompa to commemorate birth of Guru Padmasambhava, who founded Tantric Buddhism in Tibet.

There's traditional music, colorful masked dances, and a fair full of beautiful handicrafts.

Leh Side Trips :

One of the most spectacular side trips possible from Leh is a journey along the Zanskar River. You’ll see hanging glaciers, green villages, Buddhist monasteries, and huge Himalayan peaks. The Nubra Valley, on Khardung La, the world’s highest motorable road, is another

unforgettable trip.

It's a restricted area that requires permission to be obtained from the District Magistrate’s Office in Leh, but its well worth the effort. As well sights of Himalayan icicles, wild yaks and horses, and hairy double humped camels, you’ll be rewarded with water, mountains, and desert all in the one area.

Leh Travel Tips:

Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to acclimatize after arriving in Leh because of altitude sickness. Avoid doing anything for the first couple of days and drink plenty of water. Laptops also don’t appreciate the high altitude and hard drives are known to crash. Nights still get chilly during the summer so do bring warm clothes to layer.

Leaving Leh by flight can be a lot more challenging than arriving. Demand for flights is high in peak season, so book well in advance. In addition, flights are sometimes canceled because of weather conditions, so it’s advisable not to book the last flight of the day.

Plan Your Trip to Ladakh

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Great Wall of China, From Seven wonders of the world..Must read

2012-07-07T01:34:00.000-07:00

Great Wall ofChina

The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 8,851.8 kilometers (5,500 miles) from east to west of China.

With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the sections are now in ruins or have disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance.

GreatWall Facts :

1. Chinese Name: 长城/万里长城

2. Chinese Pinyin : Cháng Chéng/Wàn Lǐ Cháng Chéng

3. English Translation : Great Wall/Great Wall of 10,000 Li

4. Length : 8,851.8 km (5,500 miles)

5. Builder: the ancient Chinese laboring people (common people, farmers, soldiers and slaves)

6. Construction Period : About 2,000 years from the Warring States Period (476 BC - 221 BC) to Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

Enjoying the fame of "Wan Li Chang Cheng", China Great Wall starts from Hushan in Liaoning in the east and ends at Jiayuguan Pass in Gansu in the west, via the nine provinces or cities in northern China, including Liaoning, Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia and Gansu. It is often compared to a huge dragon winding up and down in the mountains, grassland and deserts. In Chinese history, over 20 states and dynasties have built the Great Wall, and the sections built in Qin (221 BC-206 BC), Han (206BC-220) and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties exceed 10,000 Li (about 3,107 miles). The new survey of the length of the Great Wall in Ming Dynasty has confirmed that it is 8,851.8 km (5,500 miles) long.

TheHistory and Development of The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is not a continuous wall but is a collection of short walls that often follow the crest of hills on the southern edge of the Mongolian plain. The Great Wall of China, known as "longWall of 10,000 Li" in China, extends about 8,850 kilometers (5,500 miles).

A first set of walls, designed to keep Mongol nomads out of China, were built of earth and stones in wood frames during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE).

Some additions and modifications were made to these simple walls over the next millennium but the major construction of the "modern" walls began in the Ming Dynasty (1388-1644 CE).

The Ming fortifications were established in new areas from the Qin walls. They were up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) high, 15 to 30 feet (4.6 to 9.1 meters) wide at the base, and from 9 to 12 feet (2.7 to 3.7 meters) wide at the top (wide enough for marching troops or wagons). At regular intervals, guard stations and watch towers were established.

Since the Great Wall was discontinuous, Mongol invaders had no trouble breaching the wall by going around it, so the wall proved unsuccessful and was eventually abandoned. Additionally, a policy of mollification during the subsequent Ch'ing Dynasty that sought to pacify the Mongol leaders through religious conversion also helped to limit the need for the wall.

Through Western contact with China from the 17th through 20th centuries, the legend of the Great Wall of China grew along with tourism to the wall. Restoration and rebuilding took place in the 20th century and in 1987 the Great Wall of China was made a World Heritage Site. Today, a portion of the Great Wall of China about 50 miles (80 km) from Beijing receives thousands of tourists each day.

Will Be back...........!

Join Us at

World's Wonders

2012-07-05T23:35:00.000-07:00

World Wonders

Kenya: Winged Migration

A migratory stop along the African-Eurasian flyway, the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley is a cageless aviary—populated by 13 endemic, threatened bird species. Up to four million lesser flamingos congregate among nesting great white pelicans and roving flocks of spoonbills, grebes, and storks. More than 100 migratory bird species make this their home November through March, which local safari guide Preston Mutinda says is prime bird-watching season. A two-hour drive north of Nairobi, the shallow, alkaline bodies of water combine to cover 122 square miles, with Elmenteita, Bogoria, and Nakuru Lakes arranged, as Mutinda puts it, “like pearls on a string along the Great Rift Valley.” The valley’s floor ripples with hot springs, offering a rich feast of green algae for foraging fowl. Zebras, black rhinos, cheetahs, lions, and giraffes also wander along the shoreline—but even they play supporting roles for the star attraction, the flurry of pink taking flight.

Italy and Switzerland: Track Star

To the eager adventurers of the mid-19th century, the Swiss Alps seemed to have it all—majestic peaks, sinuous valleys, exuberant vistas. Just one piece was missing: an efficient way to get there. The launches of the Rhaetian Railway’s Albula (1904) and Bernina (1910) lines reached the previously unattainable, with a series of 196 viaducts and bridges and 55 tunnels opening up a remote domain. The narrow-gauge railway and its trademark red train cars delivered a speedy link to, among other places, Tirano, Italy. As a result, an active winter sporting scene emerged, culminating in the 1928 and 1948 Olympic Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland. Jack Helfenstein, who lives on Lake Zürich, advises Bernina riders to stay on board past the tony Swiss resort. “The next leg is even more spectacular, as it passes glaciers and the snowcapped Bernina Massif.” In continuous use since their debut, the click-clacking tracks offer an antidote to the blur of jet-set travel.

Hungary: Masked Avengers

When the calendar turns to pre-Lent carnival season, one thing’s a given in the river town of Mohács in southern Hungary: The busók are coming. Not that anyone could miss them. Arriving by rowboat on the Danube and cloaked in shaggy pelts, carved wooden masks, ram’s horns, and the scraggly chops of a barbarian, some 500 men (and a few women) parade through town, bombarding the air with the jangle of cowbells. Folk singing, craft fairs, and brandy keep spirits high over the course of the rollicking six-day masquerade, called Busójárás, which crescendoes into the burning of a coffin that ceremoniously drives away winter. In the centuries since Mohács’s Croatian minority started the carnival, residents have embraced the rowdy ritual as a spectacle with roots in resistance. One legend holds that the tradition began in defiance of the Ottoman occupation of Hungary, when locals retreated to the woods, created their demonic alter egos, and then reappeared to send the Turks packing. Today, the busók embody street theater at its most authentic—diabolical grins included. “It’s like traveling through time,” says Hungarian-born Joe Petersburger, a biologist and photographer. “You feel an ancient nomadic power fused with Christianity. The devilish horned masks conceal the revelers, so you never know if you’re looking at a skinny teen or a 200-pound bodyguard.”

Belize: Life Aquatic

Second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the 237,962-acre Belize Barrier Reef System is a watery realm of mangrove cays, coastal lagoons, and coral shelves teeming with seabirds, 500-plus fish species, manatees, and American marine crocodiles. It also features a cobalt abyss called the Great Blue Hole. In 1971, Jacques Cousteau sailed the Calypso here on a mission to map its depths and unlock the mysteries of its formation. He determined that a series of geological shifts, starting 150,000 years ago, created a 412-foot-deep cave pierced by massive stalactites and submerged by the rising sea level. In the decades since, an uptick in scuba diving has taken a toll on its delicate coral reef.

Brazil: City of the Future

In the lobby of Brasília’s Itamaraty Palace, a spiraling staircase rises like a helix—one example of the way modernism underpins Brazil’s forward-looking capital. A marvel of urban planning built to fulfill an 1891 constitutional pledge, the “Capital Federal” spun into order in 1960 with an emphasis on curved lines and monumental forms, a layout sometimes likened to a bird in flight. Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer’s dramatic structures radiate from an axis in which an arc of residences intersects a straight stretch of public buildings. Designed for a population of 500,000, the city of 2.5 million has far outgrown its original vision, yet Brasília’s center retains the romance of a time when sleek lines materialized as a language for expressing big ideas. “I always find something new in the ingenious designs of Niemeyer,” says Indira Fernandes, who lived in Brasília as a child and says she loves admiring the sunset from the Dom Bosco Sanctuary. Renowned for its Murano glass windows, the concrete-columned landmark was named for an Italian saint who, in the 19th century, dreamed of a New World utopia that was to become Brasília.

Spain: Social Climbers

Northeastern Spain’s ritual of castell construction, an 18th-century tradition turned contemporary competition, expresses the strength, not to mention structural integrity, of Catalan culture. Human towers, which punctuate festivals in Catalonia like daredevil exclamation points, methodically rise to soaring heights within minutes. A young enxaneta (rider), often a child, tops the steeple of people and salutes the crowd before the construction is carefully reverse engineered to the ground. “The best enxanetas are light kids who go up and down with no fanfare,” says Bernat Olle, who grew up near Valls, where castell building originated. “I topped a four-tier tower once in high school with friends. Without skills, for me the feeling was like trying to stand on one of those gym stability balls—except that you can fall and break your neck. Going down isn’t any easier.”

Virginia: Renaissance Land

When Thomas Jefferson traveled, he collected wine and books—and also ideas that would change the course of history. Nowhere is the electricity of his imagination brighter than within the academical village of the University of Virginia and at Monticello, Jefferson’s plantation home in the rolling Piedmont region of Virginia. “Monticello pays homage to Palladio and Old World neoclassical architecture,” says Leslie Greene Bowman, president of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which runs the estate. Though the Founding Father’s plans were rooted in those ideals of antiquity, his adaptations signaled the inventive pragmatism of his young country. Completed in 1809, Monticello debuted designs for skylights, round windows, and a domed room. Jefferson had a knack for novelties, from wine dumbwaiters to a rotating clothing rack. “He carved off a mountaintop for Monticello and included terraces and Venetian porches to take advantage of the views,” says Bowman. He also pioneered wine cultivation in the fertile land around his estate. Though such experiments bore little fruit in his lifetime, today the Virginia wine industry thrives. The Jefferson laboratory lives on.

Mali: Mud, Sweat, and Tears

Built on a floodplain along the Bani River, Djénné’s Great Mosque, the largest mud-brick structure in the world, dominates the Mali town, southwest of Tombouctou (Timbuktu), in fact and folklore. With its smooth, sun-dried mud walls and towers scaffolded with bundles of sticks (called toron locally), the mosque appeared like a mirage for trans-Saharan camel caravans during the Middle Ages, when Djénné served as a trading hub. These days the century-old mosque houses a network of arched corridors and prayer rooms constructed on the site and in the style of the circa 13th-century original. Devout locals rally for the annual Fête de Crépissage to slather the edifice with a new layer of mud. A few rainstorms have been known to wash away their work, making the hand-smoothed surface a fleeting attraction. That cycle is accelerating as climate change lowers river levels, which in turn degrades the quality of the mud for bricks and plaster. A military coup and conflicts among rebels recently put the country in turmoil, but this seems only to enhance the town’s survive-against-all-odds mystique.

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China: Water World

In Chinese culture, the all-important balance of yin and yang wavers on the “double fifth”—the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (falling on June 12 in 2013). That signals a series of rituals intended to shake its bad luck and flush out illness, ranging from hanging herbs at home to the showstopping, chaotic Dragon Boat Festival. Fiercely competitive boat races pay tribute to the dragon (the mythological ruler of water) throughout China and with related events in Malaysia, North America, and Japan. Ornate boats crowned with dragon heads, scales, and tails are each powered by a crew of up to 50 paddling frenetically to a pounding drumbeat and, these days, pop tunes. The revelry hits its apogee in Hong Kong, where the Tuen Ng Festival features splashy sprints at Victoria Harbour accompanied by a field day of ritual cleansing, song and dance, and feasts of zonzgi (rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves). “For me, the real thrill is the meaning of the races,” says Hong Kong resident and Traveler editor at large Daisann McLane. “They commemorate the poet and statesman Qu Yuan, who threw himself into China’s Miluo River more than 2,000 years ago rather than follow the dictates of a corrupt emperor. Behind the colors and excitement, his story of honor reverberates through the centuries.”

Jordan: Scaling the Sands

Southern Jordan’s sandstone and granite Wadi Rum Protected Area has been called the Valley of the Moon. Another possible nickname—“rock garden of the gods.” T. E. Lawrence (aka Lawrence of Arabia) was so enchanted by Wadi Rum, he wrote of how “the crimson sunset burned on its stupendous cliffs and slanted ladders of hazy fire down the walled avenue” in Seven Pillars of Wisdom, the British Army officer’s autobiography inspired by his time on the Arabian Peninsula during World War I. For the past 12,000 years, successive peoples, from pre-Islamic Arabian tribes and Nabataeans to today’s Bedouins, have tried to chronicle the place’s wonders, with more than 40,000 petroglyphs and inscriptions giving testament to these cultures. By camel or four-wheel drive or by soaring in an ultralight aircraft, visitors traverse the expanse of red sand and craggy rock formations—called djebel (Arabic for mountain)—that some archaeologists now fear may be in jeopardy due to inadequate tourism management. No matter their conveyance, travelers are likely to feel the insignificance that Lawrence described: “Our little caravan grew self-conscious, and fell dead quiet, afraid and ashamed to flaunt its smallness in the presence of the stupendous hills.”

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travelchacha.com: The Kerala one of the world’s 50 “must see” destinations.

2012-07-05T22:05:00.001-07:00

travelchacha.com: The Kerala one of the world’s 50 “must see” destinations.

State Of Monsoon, Kerala.............!

2012-06-29T23:53:00.001-07:00

The Climate of Kerala

Kerala’s climate is broadly tropical and humid, moderated by its proximity to the coast.

The climate is also heavily influenced by the seasonal heavy rains brought by the monsoon. But its mountains which line the interior mean a larger variety of climate than on other tropical coasts.

While a night spent up in the mountains may be cool and even showery, just a few hours below will almost always be the baking heat.

Kerala receives an average annual rainfall of 3107 mm and approximately 7,030 crore m³of water. Kerala's rains are mostly the result of seasonal monsoons .

As a result, Kerala has 120 to 140 rainy days per year.

The winter runs from December to the end of February, the summer starts in February and continues until May, when the monsoons begin.

In summers, most of Kerala is prone to gale-force winds, storm surges, and torrential downpours accompanying dangerous cyclones coming in off the Indian Ocean.

The South West Monsoon starts in late May and lasts until September, drenching and buffeting the state as it sweeps eastward from the Lakshadweep Sea. There is a second, smaller monsoon from October to early December, which comes from the northeast. Kerala’s average maximum daily temperature is around 36.7 °C and the minimum is 19.8 °C.

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Geographical Beauty of Kerala...........!

2012-06-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

The Geography of Kerala

Kerala is one of the smallest states of India. It spans an area of around 38,863 km2 contributing only 1.3% of the total area of India. It comprises of a narrow coastal strip bounded by the Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea also called the Lakshadweep Seaon the west. This fertile coastal strip is about 550km long and not wider than 100 km.

The state of Kerala is bordered by the state of Karnataka in the north, and joined by the state of Tamil Nadu in the south. It lies between 8° 18' North Latitude and between 74° 52' and 77° 24' East Longitude.

Located at the extreme southerntip of the Indian subcontinent, Kerala lies near the center of the Indian tectonic plate (the Indian Plate) and most of the state is subject to comparatively little seismic or volcanic activity. Geologically, pre-Cambrian and Pleistocene formations comprise the bulk of Kerala’s terrain.

The topography consists of a hot and wet coastal plain gradually rising in elevation to the high hills and mountains of the Western Ghats.

According to Indian Mythology, Lord Vishnu descended from the heavens in his incarnation of Parashuram. After slaying the evil kings 21 times, he did penance for waging the terrible war, and threw his axe into the sea. The area where the axe landed, from shaft to blade, rose from the sea as Kerala, a land of plenty and prosperity. As a narrow strip of land ensconced between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Kerala has considerably influenced the course of its history due to its geographical position.

Kerala is described as the favorite child of nature. Like the state of Kashmir in the north, the state of Kerala in the south is famous for its breath-taking natural beauty.

Physical features demarcate the state into three natural divisions. They are

the lowlands

the midlands

the highlands

The Lowlands

Adjoining the sea, the lowlands of the coastline are predominantly sandy, with coconut palms and mangroves lining the white beaches, and patchworks of rice fields fringing the river deltas and backwaters. Fisheries and coif industry constitute the major industries of this area.

The Midlands

Consisting of the undulating country east of the lowlands, the midlands lie in the central hills with valleys, punctuated here and there by isolated hills. This rich and fertile region bears the largest extent of agricultural crops. The lush valleys are sown with tea, coffee and spices. Extensive tea and cardamom plantation dominate in the higher elevations, while ginger, rubber, pepper, and turmeric flourish at the lower elevations. The cardamom takes its name from the Cardamom hills of Kerala.

The Highlands

The forest-clad highlands on the extreme east are a a range of forested mountains averaging 1000m in height, but reaching 2690m at Mt. Anamudi, which is the highest peak in the region.

The hilly portion is broken up by long spurs, dense forests and tangled jungles. The hills of Kerala dot the Western Ghat from Ponmudi in the south to Munnar in the centre and Sultan's Bathery in the north. These Western Ghats that range along the highland are called Sahyadris which rise in elevation between 3,000 feet and 8,000 feet above sea-level. They form a natural wall of protection to the state.

The Agastyakutam, connected to Sage Agastya of the Mahabharata tradition, is 6,132 feet above sea-level. Much of the interior is covered with thick forests sprouting some six hundred varieties of trees, including valuable timber. Most of these are evergreen or semi-evergreen, including teak, mahogany, banya (fig), eucalyptus and oak. The wanton growth of trees makes Kerala a herbarium. The four month-long, copious monsoon and recurrent flurry make this land a perfect nursery for all living beings.

It has one of the richest varieties of flora and fauna in India and they are also the best managed in the country. There are over 15,000 plant species contributing to the 25% of the total plant species in India. These include grasses, orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Kerala also has a rich animal life. There are some 100 mammal species, including copious elephants and monkeys, 550 bird species and 169 reptile species in its wetlands.

The Eravikulam, the Periyar, and the Silent Valley are the three national parks in the state. Kerala being a water place has around 45 rivers and 1900 kms of interconnecting lakes and lagoons known as thebackwaters. Being an attractive, economically valuable feature of Kerala, backwaters include lakes and ocean in lets which stretch irregularly along the Kerala coast.

The biggest among these backwaters is the Vembanad lake, with an area of 200 sq km, which opens into the Arabian Sea at Cochin port. The other important backwaters are Veli, Kadhinam kulam, Anjengo (Anju Thengu),Edava, Nadayara, Paravoor. Ashtamudi (Quilon). The most important of Kerala’s 45 rivers include the Periyar (244 km in length), the Bharathapuzha (209 km), the Pamba (176 km), the Kadalundipuzha (130 km), and the Achancoil (128 km).

Kerala also has the famous Sabarimala which is the hallowed seat of the Lord Ayyappan of pilgrimages.

Malayatoor hill has the popular St. Thomas Church. The Ezhimala or Mount Eli, the conspicuous hill overlooking the Arabian Sea or the Cannanore Coast, was the seat of a powerful kingdom and a landmark for mariners in the early centuries of Christianity.

The Puralimala in Tellicherry Taluk was the center of the Pazhassi revolt (1793-97; 1800-1805) against the British in the nineteenth century.

The continuity of the Sahyadri hills is interrupted by the presence of several gaps which have prevented the total isolation of Kerala from the eastern countries.

The major gap is the Palghat Gap which is about 20 miles wide. In addition to the Palghat Gap, there are others like the Perambadi Ghat linking Kerala and Coorg, the Perlya and Thamarasseri Gaps linking Wynad and Mysore, and Bodinayikannur, Kambam, Aryankavu, and Aramboli Passes connecting Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In addition there are several large and historic cities, some of them form the imperial trading posts built on the coast but now cut off from it by centuries of river deposits.

Ports such as Cranganore, Quilon, Alleppey, Cannanore, and Cochin became prominent in later Kerala history. Most of the ancient port cities, except Cochin, are on the decline due to the lack of docking and berthing facilities as well as the expansion of other ports like Bombay and Goa.

Agriculture contributes most to the state's income in the primary sector. Kerala's major sources of exports are agro-based and traditional like coir and cashew as well as marine products and manpower.

In spices, pepper is the single most important product, with Kerala being the largest producer and exporter of black pepper. Cardamom and ginger are also exported.

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Kerala - God's own Place.........!

2012-06-27T23:44:00.000-07:00

Kerala History

The history of Kerala, is as interesting and striking as its varied geographical features that adds an awe-inspiring beauty and thus this place becomes a land of versatile appeal. Kerala is the melting pot of many cultures and civilizations - native as well as foreign and hence consists of a rich heritage.

There is a very interesting mythological famous legend that mentions the origin of the land of Kerala - God's own country.

The legend says that Warrior Sage -Parasuram, the 6th avatar of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, stood on a lofty cliff and ordered the violent sea to recede by throwing his warrior axe in the sea. The sea obeyead his commands and the land that egressed of the sea waters came to be known as Kerala, the land of abundance and affluence.

Parasurama - founder of Keralam. Parasurama, the short-tempered warrior-sage regarded as the incarnation of Vishnu. After defeating the Kshathriya Kings, the sage approached the wise men for penance. As a Self-mortification he was advised to create a land for Brahmins. He readily agreed and

meditated at Gokarnam. After getting the booms from Varuna, the God of the Oceans and Bhumidevi, the Goddess of earth, he proceeded to Kanya Kumari and threw his battle-axe northwards across the waters. The waters subsided and what was left over was called the land of Parasurama, that is today's Kerala. This is the mythological background of kerala history. There is no unanimity among historians about the history of ancient Kerala, since so little written accounts exist.

Malayalam books About Keralahistory quiz are available in bookshops. Ancient history of Kerala is not clear among the historians since very less is available in the written form about it.

Orgin of Kerala

Scientifically the origin of Kerala will be described as Geologists have pointed out that the elevation of Kerala from the sea was the result of some seismic activity, either suddenly or gradually. Another thoughts prevailing in scientific society is the rivers of Kerala emptying into the Arabian seas bring down enormous quantities of silt from the hills. The ocean currents transport quantities of sand towards the shore. The coastal portions could well be due to the accumulation of this silt over thousands of years. Kerala is one of the smallest states in the Indian union. Its area 38.855 square kilometers is just 1.3 percent of the total area of India.

Ancient Kerala occupied a unique place in the commercial world. The orgin of Kerala is very fascinating and intriguing. The exact version about the origin and history of Kerala, India is still a mystery as there are no written records About Kerala history. The name 'Keralam' or 'Kerala', as it was adopted by the English language, comes from the Malayalam words 'Keram' meaning Coconut Palm. Malayalam is the principal language of the South Indian state of Kerala and also of the Lakshadweep Islands of the west coast of India.

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The Kerala one of the world’s 50 “must see” destinations.

2012-06-27T00:07:00.001-07:00

The Kerala one of the world’s 50 “must see” destinations.

Over View

The name “Kerala” comes from two words: “Kera” + “Alam”. (“Kera” means coconut (tree) and “Alam” means land or location). The State of Kerala was formed by the amalgamation of three regions: the Kingdom of Thiruvithamcoore (Travancore), the Kingdom of Kochi (Cochin), and the Province of Malabar. A must see tourist spot in Kerala is Kumarakom. Thiruvithaamcoore and Kochi, former princely states, were merged to form Thiru-Kochi on July 1, 1949. Malabar was merged with Thiru-Kochi to form the State of Kerala on November 1, 1956, based on the recommendations of the State Reorganisation Commission set up by the Government of India.

as mey ochi to form the State of Kerala on November 1, 1956, based on the recommendations of the State Reorganisation Commission set up by the Government of India.

Alleppey

The National Geographic Traveler has quoted Kerala as India’s most verdant state with one of the world’s 50“must see” destinations. “The god who made Kerala had a green thumb”, true to the popular Malayali saying, Kerala’s rich resources have long attracted visitors from across the oceans. It is in fact here that the first seafarers set foot on Indian soil.

Bekal – Kasargod

Legend has it that long before Vasco Da Gama discovered India, when he landed on the coast of Kerala, King Solomon's ships traded off the Malabar coast between 972 and 932 B.C., followed by the Phoenicians, Romans, Christians , Arabs, and Chinese. They all came to stock up on monkeys, tigers, parrots, timber, sandalwood, and ivory along with the abundance of spices.

Veli lake – Trivandrum

Kerala is sandwiched between the Lakshadweep Sea and the forested Western Ghats that define its border with Tamil Nadu to the east. In 1956, the state of Kerala was formed from the former princely states of Travancore, Kochi, and Malabar. Despite its high population density, Keralites have the country's highest life expectancy and the lowest infant mortality rates. As it was largely ruled by benevolent Maharajas who introduced social reforms emphasizing the provision of education and basic services, Kerala remains one of the most progressed and educated states in India. In those days, Kerala was more caste-divided than any other area. It was only in this region that untouchability was highly predominant. But today, it is one of the least caste-conscious and communally tranquil areas of India.

Idukki

Kerala has a high percentage (22%) of Christians whose traditions go back to St. Thomas the Apostle. Another cultural rarity can be seen in the white Jews of Cochin. The first democratically elected Communist Party came to power in Kerala for the first time in the whole world.

The state capital is Thiruvananthapuram. Being a land of spices, realm of Ayurveda, heart-throbbing sceneries, exciting array of dances, Kerala is a microcosm of multi-religiousIndia, co-habited by the Hindus, the Christians and the Muslims.

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History and beauty of hoysala temples

2012-06-25T23:40:00.002-07:00

Five Hoysala temples off the tourist map……!

Belur, Halebeedu and Somnathpur might be big hits among tourists but the

Hoysala dynasty was known to have built over 1,500 shrines, of which only 400 have been discovered. Lakshmi Sharath recommends five lesser-known but no-less splendid Hoysala temples that are off the radar of most tourists

“Hoy Sala " (Strike Sala!) said guru SudattaMuni to his student Sala, who was in armed combat with a tiger. The beast had just attacked the duo, who were immersed in rituals at a Durga or VasanthaParameshwari temple in the village of Sasakapura or Sosevur. The student struck the animal in one blow, immortalizing himself and his victim. Pleased, the guru instructed Sala to establish a kingdom. Thus was born the Hoysala dynasty, with Sosevur as the capital.

We are a country that loves stories. There are tales for everything from deities to devils, from demi-gods to mortals. You will often hear this story told and retold if you are in Malenadu in Karnataka. Almost every Hoysala temple has this tale carved in stone, making it a royal emblem.

The dynasty that ruled Karnataka for over 400 years is known more for its temples than its battles. It is believed that they built over 1,500 shrines, of which more than 400 have been discovered today. Of these only three have made it to the tourist map - Belur, Halebeedu and Somnathpur.

Angadi

When a dynasty owes its origins to a myth, one has to see the place where the story was set. It is believed that Sala’s Sosevur is Angadi, a small hamlet in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Deep inside coffee plantations lies the temple of the Goddess, along with the ruins of more temples and Jain basadis. The priest will narrate the story and show you the temple where Sala killed the tiger. Although historians dismiss the myth, they do believe that the basadis here are the earliest of the monuments built by the Hoysalas. Small mud roads take you uphill into dense coffee plantations. As you follow the roads, you reach a rugged path that takes you to the basadis. Another path leads you to the three temples, which were completely in ruins when I chanced upon them. They are the Chennakesava, Patalarudreshwara and Mallikarjuna temples. Surrounding you are verdant plantations and all that you can hear is the chirping of birds, with hardly a soul around.

Doddagaddavalli

On the route to Belur from Hassan lies a small green board that says “Doddagaddavalli”.Follow the arrow and drive through the detour and you will see lush fields and coconut trees all along the way. As the eyes get blinded by the greenery, you see the first glimpse of this beautiful 12th century temple, built by a merchant, with a lake in the background and fields all around it. A quaint hamlet with a handful of houses interrupts you, as you finally land right on the doorstep of the temple. It is a Lakshmitemple with shrines dedicated to Kali, Shiva and Vishnu and the only Hoysala temple with four towers or vimanas. A serene lake completes this picture-perfect monument as you look up to see the]

Hoysala crest basking in the sun.

Hulikere

Hulikere is not a temple but the only Kalyani or step-well that I have seen in the

Hoysalamonuments. Located barely a few kilometers from the Hoysaleshwar temple in Halebeedu, the step-well has several shrines alongside it. The Pushpagiri hill looks down on this small dusty hamlet and Hulikere often becomes the playground for the village kids who head here to play “This is Queen Shantala Devi ‘s private pond,” says the watchman, adding that it is called Hulikere because the security arranged by the king for his queen was so secure that even a tiger could not walk around it. So much for names and myths!

Koravangala

Three brothers competed with each other to build the most beautiful Hoysala temple right here in Koravangala, near Hassan. But all that we saw was a 12th century Dwikuta or a temple with two vimanas or towers dedicated to Shiva called Bucheswara. It was built by a wealthy officer Buchi after he won the war against the Cholas, although he lost his sons in the battle. The inscriptions here say that Buchi vied with his brothers Govinda and Naka, whose temples lie absolutely in ruins beside a dry lake bed.

Marle
Twin temples dedicated to Keshava and Siddeshwara lie in a quiet remote village called Marle in Chikmagalur district. The village spoke of tribal chieftain Poysala Muruga, one of the earliest founders of the dynasty. Yet, today, you barely see a soul around you as you walk along dry fields and patches of land to see the temples virtually lost to the sky and earth. The two lie side by side, adorned with some flowers left by a priest from the neighbourhood.

The Virupaksha temple is one of the most recognized structures in Hampi. Located at the Hampi Bazaar, it has an iconic 160-foot tall 'gopuram' or tower at its entrance. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Though the city was destroyed in 1565, worship in the temple has persisted over the centuries.

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Life Lives In Hong Kong............!

2012-06-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

Heart and soul in Hong Kong

Explore Hong Kong, arguably one of Asia's most dynamic cities, in photographs.

HongKong, as seen from the Sky Terrace 428. The Sky Terrace 428 located at The Peak and

has a 360 degree viewing platform which is 428 meters above sea level overlooking Hong Kong.

Visitors look out at the view from the Sky Terrace 428.

A visitor photographs the view from the Sky Terrace 428

A young boy looks through binoculars at the view from the Sky Terrace 428.

Shoppers walking in a Hong Kong street.

Incense is seen burning inside the Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong. Built by Chinese merchants for the worship of Mo Tai (God of Martial Arts) and Man Cheong (God of Literature) between approximately 1847 and 1862, the Man Mo Temple Compound takes up three blocks consisting of Man Mo Temple, Lit Shing Kung and Kung Sor.

A butcher smokes a cigarette as he serves a customer from his street-side shop in Hong Kong.

Close up of incense burning in Man Mo Temple.

Shoppers walk in a Hong Kong street.

A general view of an apartment block in Hong Kong.

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10 Lesser Known Natural Wonders Around the World

2012-06-20T01:35:00.003-07:00

10 Lesser Known Natural Wonders Around the World

From the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan to Wulingyuan National Park in China, here are little-known natural wonders

Take a look at ten lesser known natural wonders around the world. From mesmerizing craters ablaze for the past 40 years to an entire forest made of limestone needles in Madagascar which is so dense that’s its virtually impenetrable.

TheGates of Hell in Turkmenistan

In tenth place is ‘The Gates of Hell' in Turkmenistan, which is a crater that has been ablaze non-stop for around 40 years, caused when natural gas was set on fire.

SouthwesternSlot Canyons in the United States
In ninth place is Southwestern Slot Canyons in the United States. Narrow fissures carved into rock by millennia of wind and water erosion. The longest, Buckskin Gulch stretches for 12 miles.

Tsingy ofBemaraha in Madagascar
In eighth place is Tsingy of Bemaraha in Madagascar. A forest made of limestone needles. It's so dense that it's virtually impenetrable to humans.

BelizeBarrier Reef

In seventh place is the Belize Barrier Reef which is the largest barrier reef in the Western hemisphere. 90 per cent of its species remain undiscovered.

GrandPrismatic Spring

In sixth place is the Grand Prismatic Spring. It is the third largest spring in the world and its remarkable colors are produced by algae and bacteria.

WulingyuanNational Park in China
In number five is Wulingyuan National Park in China. Home to over 3,000 gigantic sandstone columns, many over 200m high. This park used to be an ancient tropical sea floor.

Namib Desertin Namibia
Fourth is the Namib Desert in Namibia. It's thought to be the oldest desert in the world and is home to huge sand dunes, some measuring 380m high.

Salar DeUyuni in Bolivia

In third place is Salar De Uyuni in Bolivia, which is the world's largest salt flat, which measures 4,000 square miles.

RichatStructure in Mauritania
In second place is Richat Structure in Mauritania. A mysterious 50km-wide geological feature in the Sahara Desert and is believed to be caused by uplift and erosion rather than a meteor.

SocotraArchipelago in Yemen

At number one is Socotra Archipelago in Yemen. An extremely isolated landform, around 33 per cent of its plant life is found nowhere else on earth.

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