Around The Globe

United Kingdom

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 06:24:00 +0000

The UK look small on the map, but be assured, this land of heritage and tradition exudes culture and sophistication. Britain is undergoing an unprecedented cultural renaissance since the turn of the new millennium. Until recently, England was thought of as a gentle, fabled land with its country pubs and vicarage image, but it's now better known for its vibrant cities and pulsating nightlife contrasting with the verdant, pleasing countryside.

The largest city in Europe, London, has a history stretching back to the Romans. In fact, it was the Romans who built the first bridge across the Thames. London's rich history is evident at every turn ; St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the House of Parliament are a treasure trove of historical delights. But London isn't all about historical building. The center of the city is a maze of beautiful and tranquil parks which off set the hustle and bustle of the city and West End and what better way to while away a few hours than a boat ride on the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Visit one of the many museums and art galleries renowned the world over before enjoying a stroll around Trafalgar Square. Head for Oxford street and the much needed retail therapy in some top name stores such as Selfridges, Liberty's and Dickins & Jones. Why not take in a show? World famous musicals and plays are performed each night in the heart of Theatreland and if that's not enough excitement, you can drop into Rock Circus and Madame Tussaud's to pose with the waxwork models of the rich and famous. London may be famous for its designer boutiques and department stores but it is literally sprinkled with markets, from the bizarre and quirky Carnaby Street and Portobello Road to the bargain hunters' paradise of Petticoat Lane and Camden Town.

Manchester, in the north of England, has recently become one of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities, but it's more than just a party town. The fine restaurants, excellent shopping and wonderful museums evoke a more refined feel to a once industrial center of Europe.

Scotland offers everything from majestic glens and tranquil lochs to exciting concerts and a vibrant nightlife. The capital Edinburgh is perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags. The towering Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse, official Scottish residences of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is enchanting. A few yards away from the new Parliament Building, Arthur's Seat, eroded lump of lave which erupted 325 million years ago, dominates Holyrood Park.

England's ancient cathedral cities such as Lincoln, York, Salisbury and Winchester are exquisite. The southwest is the seat of Celtic culture and is where you can find traces of prehistoric settlers - most famously the megalithic circles of Stonehenge and Avebury.

Ireland

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:57:00 +0000

It's said that Ireland, once visited, is never forgotten, and for anyone who has even been there they would probably say that this is true. The Irish are very friendly people and they certainly know how to enjoy themselves. This beautiful island, often referred to as The Emerald Isle, is undisputedly home to one of the most extrovert and hospitable people in Europe.

The Irish Republic's Capital, Dublin, now ranks among the top tourist destinations in Europe. Although Dublin is famous for its vibrant nightlife and party atmosphere, the city's museums, art galleries, and historical buildings are definitely worth visiting. They offer a wealth of interesting exhibits, everything from the proverbial pot of Irish gold and artistic riches of the book of Kells to a host of other interesting artifact. The Dublin Theater Festival takes place every October for two weeks and brings together the best of Irish and international theater. An exciting Fringe Festival also follows.

Music and dance can be experienced all over Dublin. The popularity of " RiverDance" has reskindled an interest in traditional Irish dancing which visitors can try their hand at in numerous venues around the city and country. And if that isn't your scene, dance the night away at Dublin's trndy nightclubs or watch rock band perform at a range of venues all over the island.

Exploring Ireland is something for which every visitors should try and allow time. The scenery is simply breathtaking and the coastal drives are stunning. Travel South-West from Dublin and you will come across the provincial cities of Cork and Shannon. Ancient castles, quaint harbor, picturesque villages, all make this area well worth a visit.

On the western shore of Ireland, Connemara and Galway are just two of the popular towns located along the rugged coastline. Horse breeding and farming are the main sources of income in this area.

To get a feel for this magical land, walk around the pretty little streets and take in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the smell of hops of the Guinness brewery, dine at the wonderfully old fashioned fish and chip shops, or shop for traditional crafts at the numerous stores around.

Arlington Hotel Temple Bar
Lord Edward Street, Dublin, Ireland

Austria

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 04:27:00 +0000

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A jewel in the heart of Europe, Austria is a land of culture and beauty, from the stunning Alpine landscape to Baroque inspired architecture and fairytale castles. From music of Strauss and Mozart to the immensely welcoming people, Austria has so much to offer visitors.

Grandiose Vienna, Austria's capital is the heart of the country's musical life and is home to the renowned Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Vienna Boy's Choir. This showpiece of the Hapsburg dynasty is a treasure trove of world-class museums and historic monuments, lining the city center. Most of Vienna's main attraction can be found in the Inner Stadt(Inner City) including the Gothic tower of St Stephans Cathedral, the regal Schonbrunn Palace and the colossal Hofburg Imperial Palace. Vienna is also home to the Spanish Riding School, where visitors can watch the elegant white Lipizzaner stallions.

Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace, is idyllically sheltered by impressive mountains and straddles the Salzach River close to the German border. The old town on the south bank of the river with its churches, courtyards and fountains oozes charm and it's easy to see how Mozart became so inspired. From its quaint old town nestled below the medieval Hohensalzburg Fortress to its baroque palace and trimmed gardens, the city present one magnificent view after another. Salzburg was the setting for The Sound of Music, the movie which captured the hearts of everyone who saw it, due in part to the incredible scenery.

For more adventurous, visitors to Austria can head out of the main cities to explore the Alpine scenery. The impressive mountain ranges offer something for everyone, from gentle walks to year-round skiing on the sun-sheltered glaciers. One of the highlights of any visit to the Alps are the Eisriesenwelt Caves. These are the largest accesible ice caves in the world and they cover more than 40 km of passageways and are made from 30,000 cubic meters of ice.

10 Secret Gems in the South of France

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 04:50:00 +0000

As seductive as the south of France is in summer, we kind of like it off-season too. Maybe even prefer it. Domestic holidaymakers, international college students, jet-set VIPs and look-at-me-now celebs may swell the likes of Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Juan-les-Pins in July and August but Le Midi is vast – well beyond the borders of the chi-chi communes that dot the Côte d’Azur – and relatively hush from October to April. Time to think outside of the box in France mes amis.

Laruns
Laruns (pop. 1,419) is smack dab in the middle of Pyrénées National Park and extends all the way to Spain. Best of all, the town is only 40 km from Pau, the exquisite capital of the Béarn.

Where to stay: Pau Hotel List

Ax-les-Thermes
Ax-les-Thermes (pop. 1,426) is a platform to Andorra and pristine Pyrénées panoramas. The flagship of the town, however, is a thermal water supply. 130 km south of Toulouse.

Where to stay: Toulouse Hotel List

Albi
Albi (pop. 51,302) is a UNESCO World Heritage city of some heft. Some 75 km north-east of Toulouse, the prefecture of the Tarn department is full of vital landmarks, from the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum to the Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile.

Where to stay: Albi Hotel List

Uzès
A mere 25 km from Nîmes, Uzès (pop. 8,213) is a photogenic former Gallo-Roman town in Languedoc-Roussillon.

Where to stay: Uzès Hotel List

Rodez
Rodez (pop. 24,540) is a bastion of farmers’ markets and bellwether landmarks like the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rodez and Musée Denys-Puech.

Where to stay: Rodez Hotel List

Orange
Orange (pop. 30,025) may not be a bona fide secret but it has a low-profile in comparison to Avignon, some 30 km to the south. The UNESCO World Heritage city in the Vaucluse department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is a marvel, so give it a day or three of your holiday time.

Where to stay: Orange Hotel List

Gap
Mind the Gap. The handsome Hautes-Alpes department town (pop. 38,584) is on the fringe of Écrins National Park but suffers from a patent dearth of tourist love.

Where to stay: Gap Hotel List

Annot
Another Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur jewel, Annot (pop. 1,028) is a medieval town with epic vistas of mountain summits and dense woodlands. Just 100 km from gorgeous Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, and Mercantour National Park.

Where to stay: Annot Hotel List

Vence
James Baldwin, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, D. H. Lawrence and scores of other artists and writers have sought sanctuary and solace in Vence (pop. 19,247) over the years. It is well worth the short trip north of Antibes or Nice to find out why.

Where to stay: Vence Hotel List

Mougins
A smart alternative from Cannes or Grasse, bucolic Mougins (pop. 19,703) is home to old village charm, a Museum of Photography and a wonderful new Museum of Classical Art. Pefect views of the Côte d’Azur help too.

Where to stay: Mougins Hotel List

Europe Travel Insight

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 04:42:00 +0000

10 Secret Gems in the South of France
As seductive as the south of France is in summer. Maybe even prefer it. Domestic holidaymakers, international college students, jet-set VIPs and look-at-me-now celebs may swell the likes of Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Juan-les-Pins in July and August but Le Midi is vast – well beyond the borders of … Read More

Luxuriate in Luxembourg
USD $82,000. This, friends, is the GDP per capita in Luxembourg (the IMF puts the figure above $100,000). By far tops on the planet, the diminutive Grand Duchy and pocket state between Lorraine (France), Wallonia (Belgium) and Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland (Germany) puts the lux in Benelux. With that, discover several ways to luxuriate in Luxembourg. … Read More

Luxuriate in Luxembourg

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 04:40:00 +0000

USD $82,000. This is the GDP per capita in Luxembourg (the IMF puts the figure above $100,000). By far tops on the planet, the diminutive Grand Duchy and pocket state between Lorraine (France), Wallonia (Belgium) and Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland (Germany) puts the lux in Benelux. With that, discover several ways to luxuriate in Luxembourg. One visit will convince you: the prominent EU member is sublime. Like Kim Jong-il, you can take that to the bank.

Palais Grand-Ducal
The pulse node of Luxembourg (city and state) is without question the plush official residence of the Grand Duke and sovereign monarch. Most repulsively, a tavern under the Schutzstaffel in WWII.

Echternach
The cultural marrow of Luxembourg dates back to the year 700. A fairy tale commune of less than 5,000 people, Echternach hosts a world class International Music Festival in May/June.

Luxembourg City History Museum
Get to know the capital of Luxembourg, most intimately, in this superlative old meets new civic masterpiece.

Château de Bourscheid
What a shame to visit the Grand Duchy sans forays to the pristine countryside. One notable standout is the medieval castle close to the miniscule village of Bourscheid in north-east Luxembourg.

National Museum of History and Art
Much love and national pride went into the exquisite National Museum of History and Art. The result is singularly Luxembourgian and a total treat for amateur historians and artifact junkies.

National Museum of Natural History
The pretty Grund quarter plays congenial host to this fabulous repository and tribute to astrophysics, botany, ecology, geology, geophysics, mineralogy, palaeontology and zoology.

Neumünster Abbey
While in Grund and on Münster, be sure to get all monastic at the austere late 17th century Neumünster Abbey.

Mudam
The Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art is truly nonpareil in Benelux and evinces Luxembourg’s ability to parlay vast capital wealth into significant arts and culture enterprises. To wit, the museum’s architect is none other than Pritzker Prize laureate I. M. Pei.

The Bock
This conspicuous promontory over the River Alzette contains a patchwork of furtive tunnels and Vauban-built defensive chambers. If you like, visit the contemporary art gallery at Am Tunnel and the Pétrusse Casemates as well.

Victor’s Gourmet Restaurant Schloss Berg
Luxembourg has more Michelin star restaurants per capita than any other jurisdiction under the purview of the little tire outfit out of Clermont-Ferrand. The only one with three stars is run by super-chef Christian Bau and his most capable kitchen brigade and front of house staff.

Vianden
Vianden is so picturesque it almost aches to take it all in. That is, of course, when the din of digital cameras from the ever-present tourist hordes subsides. Valley, castle, town – all in all a triumphant trifecta and Luxembourg must.

Where to stay: All Luxembourg Hotel List

Hotel Comparison

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:23:00 +0000

This page may help you compare hotel deals from a variety of sources, giving you the opportunity to obtain a list of hotels worldwide. This page gather all information relevant hotel - price of hotel rooms, hotel reviews, hotel maps, and more than 30 renowned travel sites like Hotels.com and Travelocity.com , Agoda.com, Intercontinental, Booking.com, etc.

According to information we have collected, you can sort the list in order of popularity, price, stars, name and distance - overall, we help you find hotel deals that give you the best value. Our hotel search engine is free and easy to use, but it can help you greatly save your time and money finding the right hotel offers.

Top Destination
Singapore 257 Hotels	Bali 795 Hotels	New York 625 Hotels	Seoul 177 Hotels
Hongkong 227 Hotels	Paris 1,444 Hotels	Las Vegas 199 Hotels	London 1,417 Hotels
Amsterdam 409 Hotels	Rome 1,902 Hotels	Dubai 389 Hotels	Mecca 46 Hotels

Bryce Canyon National Park Page 2

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 07:27:00 +0000

Activities

Hiking

* Rim Trail (11.0 miles round trip). Leading along the cliff edge from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point, this trail is paved in portions and accessible from numerous overlooks. Most park visitors will hike at least a portion of the trail to enjoy the views.
* Mossy Cave (0.9 miles / 1.5 km round trip). Accessible from highway 12, this easy trail leads past a waterfall and up to a cave, with views of hoodoos along the way.
* Bristlecone Loop (1.0 miles / 1.6 km round trip). This trail starts from Yovimpa Point and leads through a coniferous forest to a nice view on the cliff's edge.
* Navajo Loop (1.3 miles / 2.2 km round trip). One of the most popular trails in the park, leading through the heart of the Bryce Amphitheatre past formations such as Thor's Hammer and Wall Street. The trailhead is at Sunset Point.
* Queen's Garden/Navajo Loop Combination (2.9 miles / 4.6 km round trip). A popular loop trail that starts from Sunrise Point and finishes at Sunset Point, passing through much of the Brcye Amphitheatre along the way.
* Tower Bridge (3 miles / 4.8 km round trip). A trailhead north of Sunrise Point follows a portion of the Fairyland trail to a natural arch.
* Hat Shop (4 miles / 6.5 km round trip). Departing from Bryce Point, this trail descends 900 feet to some interesting rock formations.
* Swamp Canyon Loop (4.3 miles / 7.2 km round trip). This loop trail starts from the Swamp Canyon overlook and briefly joins with the Under-the-Rim trail before returning.
* Peekaboo Loop (5.5 miles / 8.8 km round trip). A trail shared with horses and leading through formations within Bryce Amphitheatre. It is accessible from the Queen's Garden trail.
* Fairyland Loop (8 miles / 12.9 km round trip). The Fairyland loop trail starts at Fairyland Point and loops into the Bryce Amphitheatre near Sunrise Point before returning.
* Riggs Spring Loop (8.5 miles / 14.2 km round trip). The Riggs Spring Loop Trail (8.8 miles round trip) from Yovimpa Point has four backcountry sites.
* Under-the-Rim (23 miles). This trail extends 23 miles from Bryce Point to Rainbow Point and has eight backcountry campsites.

Photography
The park is a mecca for landscape photographers, with clear air and incredible scenery making for amazing photographs. Offseason trips may be best in order to avoid crowds, although the best light for photographing the amphitheatre occurs during the long days of summer. The best light to bring out the colors of the rock is at sunrise and sunset.

Horseback riding
Guests wanting to join a guided horse riding trip can do so during the spring, summer and fall.

* Canyon Trail Rides, P.O. Box 128, Tropic, UT 84776, Ph: (435) 679-8665 or (435) 834-5500, [6]. 2-hour and 4-hour trips are available on either horses or mules into Bryce Amphitheatre along the Peekaboo trail.

* Ruby’s Inn, Ph: 435-834-5341, email: Brady@rubysinn.com. Half day, full day, and 1 ½ hour rides, including the Thunder Mountain Ride.

Camping
There are two campgrounds within the park. Facilities at the campgrounds include drinking water and restrooms, and pay showers are available during the summer at the general store.

* North Campground (Year Round). Located near the Visitor Center, this campground offers 107 campsites, with some sites suitable for RVs. Fees are $10 per site, and reservations can be made from May through September up to 240 days in advance by calling 877-444-6777 or visiting www.ReserveUSA.com. Note that a $9 fee is charged for all reservations.
* Sunset Campground (April - October). Located near Sunset Point and offering 101 campsites, with some sites suitable for RVs. Fees are $15 per site, and all sites are first-come, first-serve.

Additional campgrounds cluster outside of the park's borders:

* Ruby's Campground, Highway 63, Ph: (866) 866-6616, [12]. Located just outside of the park entrance, rates are charged based on the number of people per site and begin at $18 for two people, increasing by $2 for each additional person. Rates for RVs start at $26 for two people, also increasing by $2 for additional individuals.
* Bryce Canyon KOA, Highway 12, Ph: (435) 679-8988 or (888) 562-4710, bvkoa@color-country.net, [13]. Open March 15 to November 15 and located twelve miles from the park entrance, this KOA charges $18 - $24 for a tent site, $21 - $30 for an RV site, and $36 - $48 for a cabin.
* Hotel List Around Bryce Canyon

Zion National Park Page 2

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 07:03:00 +0000

Hiking
Simply driving through Zion is an incredible experience, but to enter Zion and not take at least a short walk would be almost foolish. The park is a hiker's mecca! The trails are of varying difficulty and length, ranging from easy strolls to steep climbs or backcountry hikes. The park information desk provides detailed information and overview maps for the main day hikes and trails ranging from short strolls to strenuous hikes of several hours. Longer backcountry hikes with overnight camping have to be discussed with the park rangers in order to reserve spots for the limited back country camp sites in the park.

The most famous trail, and arguably the most spectacular, is the 2.5 mile strenuous climb up to Angel's Landing. Of the easy walks, Weeping Rock and the Emerald Pools Trails are classics. For those seeking a longer, full-day hike, the classic Zion hikes are along the East and West Rims. And for serious backpacking, the Trans-Zion route is the full 48 mile hike across the entire park, from Lee's Pass in the west of the Kolob Canyons to the east entrance of the Park.

Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and Zion Canyon trails
* Pa'rus Trail (3.5 mile / 5.6 kilometer round-trip). Trailhead is at Canyon Junction. An easy paved hiking/biking trail that follows the North Fork of the Virgin River from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center past the South Campground to the Zion Canyon Junction shuttle stop. This is the only trail in the park that allows pets or bicycles.
* Court of the Patriarchs (100 yards round-trip). Trailhead is at the Court of the Patriarchs shuttle stop. A very short trail leading to a view of the Three Patriarchs and the Sentinel.
* Weeping Rock (0.5 mile / 0.8 kilometer round-trip). Trailhead is at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop. A short but mildly steep, paved trail ends under a rock alcove with dripping springs. In the spring and summer, hanging gardens of wildflowers decorate the walls.
* Riverside Walk (2.0 mile / 3.3 kilometer round-trip). Trailhead is at the Temple of Sinawava at the end of Zion Canyon. An easy paved trail follows the North Fork of the Virgin River along the bottom of a narrow, high-walled canyon. The canyon is lush, with hanging gardens, trees, and wildflowers in spring and summer. A great walk if it's hot: the trail is shady and you can wade in the river. This is also the main access to the Zion Narrows.
* Canyon Overlook (1.0 mile / 1.6 kilometer round-trip). Trailhead is at the east end of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel. If you only have enough time to drive through the park without getting on the shuttle, make this your hike. This moderately difficult trail leads over rocky, uneven terrain to a spectacular viewpoint of lower Zion Canyon and Pine Creek Canyon.
* Lower Emerald Pool (1.2 mile / 1.9 kilometer round-trip). Trailhead is across the highway from the Zion Lodge. This is an easy paved trail that leads to the lower pool, just below the middle pools.
* Middle Emerald Pools (2.0 mile / 3.3 kilometer round-trip). Trailhead is across the highway from the Zion Lodge. A moderately difficult trail to the middle pools. Swimming, wading, or bathing is prohibited in all four Emerald Pools due to dangerous bacteria in the water and in order to protect the aquatic wildlife and preserve this fragile area. Careful: Steep cliffs, there has been at least one death from falling at one of the middle pools.
* Watchman (2.0 mile / 3.3 kilometer round-trip). The trailhead is near the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, just across the Virgin River. This moderate trail ends at a view point of lower Zion Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, and the town of Springdale. It is recommended that the trail be taken at the beginning or end of the day due to the heat.
* Hidden Canyon (2.0 mile / 3.2 kilometer round-trip). This trailhead is at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop. A strenuous climb, with cliff side hiking, that is not for anyone who isn't in good physical condition or is fearful of heights. The trail climbs a steep cliff that offers incredible views of Weeping Rock, Big Bend, Angels Landing and the valley below. Chains have been put into the cliff near the end of the trail to provide handholds. The trail ends at the mouth of a narrow side canyon, which you can explore if you wish. Keep your eyes open for the arch located inside the canyon.
* Angels Landing (5.0 mile / 8.6 kilometer round-trip). The trailhead is at the Grotto. A steep, strenuous hike up the West Rim Trail to the Angels Landing Trail, which is a 0.5 mile / 0.8 kilometer spur. The trail follows a steep, narrow ridge with chains added to provide handholds. This spectacular trail ends at a magnificent overlook of Zion Canyon and the Virgin River. For those in good physical condition and not afraid of heights, this hike is a must.

Those afraid of heights can stop and turn around at 'Scouts' Overlook' where the final vertiginous ascent to Angel's landing starts. The hike to Scouts' Overlook only is strenuous but less exposed.

* Observation Point (8.0 mile / 12.0 kilometer round-trip). The trailhead is at the Weeping Rock shuttle stop. This is a strenuous climb through Echo Canyon to Observation Point, offering excellent views of Zion Canyon. The trail gives access to other East Rim plateau trails: East Rim, Cable Mountain and Deertrap Mountain.

* West Rim to Cabin Spring (10.0 mile / 17.2 kilometer round-trip). The trailhead is at the Grotto. This hike travels north through Refrigerator Canyon, up Walters Wiggles, through the basin refered to as Little Siberia and then finally ascends switchbacks blasted out of the solid rock face to the southern tip of the "West Rim". At one time a cabin existed near a small spring and was used as a remote station for Rangers. The views from the southern end of the West Rim are beautiful indeed, and in the spring months there may be water available, but should be filtered or purified.

* West Rim Trail from Lava Point (16.0 mile / 25.75 kilometer one-way). The full West Rim Trail is one of the best backcountry hikes that Zion (or any park, really) has to offer, and is the most popular section of the Trans-Zion backpacking route. It is best hiked top-down (north to south) both to avoid the extreme incline gain you would face going the other way around, and because the scenery starts out beautiful and with each steps becomes more and more spectacular until you hit the climax at the entrance to Zion Canyon at Angel's Landing. (This is also a great way to introduce yourself to Zion, if you haven't yet seen the main canyon.) It's possible to hike the whole trail in one day, although that would be incredibly strenuous hiking from south to north, but a two-day hike is far better to linger along the magnificent views, and to have plenty of time to enjoy the Angel's Landing hike at the end. There is a short spur at the top of the trail leading to Lava Point Overlook, which at 7890 feet is the highest point in the park, and as you might expect offers some magnificent views. This spur can easily be hiked in a couple hours round trip from the trailhead, for those not doing the full trail. At the south end of the trail, a hike up Angel's Landing is a must. At the north (west) end, the trail connects with the Wildcat Canyon Trail, which in turn connects to the Kolob Canyons section of the park.

Kolob Canyon and Kolob Terrace Trails
* Timber Creek Overlook (1.0 mile / 1.6 kilometer round-trip). Departing from the Kolob Canyons picnic area (at the end of Kolob Canyons Road), this easy trail follows the ridge top to small peak which offers views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace and Pine Valley Mountains.
* Taylor Creek (5.0 mile / 8.6 kilometer round-trip). The trailhead is on the Kolob Canyons Road, 2 miles east of the Kolob Canyons Visitor Center. This trek follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek past two homestead cabins to a gorgeous double arch alcove. Watch your kids since rattlesnakes are common on this trail.
* Kolob Arch (14.0 mile / 22 kilometer round-trip). The trailhead is at Lee Pass, 4 miles up the highway from the Visitor Center. A strenuous hike or backpack from Lee Pass (on Kolob Canyons Road) along Timber and LaVerkin Creeks to Kolob Arch, the world’s second longest freestanding arch.
* Northgate Peaks (4.0 mile / 6.4 kilometer round-trip). This is the only easy, day-hike friendly trail in the Kolob Terrace section of the park. There are certainly more exciting trails to be found in Zion, but here you'll find solitude, and have a great excuse to drive up the beautiful and remote Kolob Terrace Rd to the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead.
* Wildcat Canyon Trail (6.0 mile / 9.7 kilometer one-way) and the Connector Trail (4 mile / 6.4 kilometer one-way). These trails are used pretty much exclusively by backpackers, especially those aiming to hike the full Trans-Zion route, of which these two trails are the middle section, connecting the Kolob Canyons and Main sections of the park. Neither has the sort of spectacular rock formations and red slickrock for which the park is famous, and aren't really worth seeking out as day hikes, although Wildcat Canyon is certainly beautiful in its own quieter and thickly forested way. The Connector Trail is likely the park's most boring hike, as it exists mostly just so that backpackers can get from one section of the park to the other without hiking along the road. The Wildcat Canyon Trail runs from the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead in the west to the West Rim Trail near the Lava Point Trailhead; the Connector Trail runs from the west section of the former trail to the Hop Valley Trailhead in the west, where it connects with the Hop Valley Trail.

Rock Climbing and Canyoneering
Climbing in Zion or entering technical slot canyons requires appropriate hardware and skills. Individuals interested in climbing or canyoneering should check for information at the visitor center and be aware that some routes may be closed when peregrine falcons are breeding or conditions are unsafe.

Canyoneering is popular in Zion, but most canyoneers stick to easier canyons such as Orderville Canyon, Subway and even Keyhole and Pine Creek while others venture out to Behunin Canyon, Mystery Canyon, Lodge Canyon, Echo Canyon, Das Boot, Englestead Hollow, Spry Canyon, Icebox Canyon, Kolob Canyon and just outside the park Birch Hollow and Fat Man's Misery. Few attempt Imlay and Heaps, considered perhaps the most difficult technical canyons in the park.

Ranger Programs
* Ranger Programs - Daily activities held April-October include interpretive talks, hikes, shuttle tours, and evening programs at the Zion Human History Museum, Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the campgrounds. Topics cover geology, biology, and human history. Check the Zion Canyon Visitor Center or museum for times.
* Junior Ranger Program - Zion offers the typical park, Junior Ranger program, where parents help children obtain an activity booklet from the visitor center. Kids complete the self-guided program to earn a badge.
* Junior Explorer Program - This is a unique and impressive class room activity for kids ages 6-12. Sign up at the Zion Nature Center, located at the entrance to the South Campground. Most kids love this program!

* Hotel List Around Zion National Park

Birds List 8

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:30:00 +0000

Blue-gray Tanager
Lives in semiopen habitats from southern Mexico to central South America.
Range: Mexico through Amazonian Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago
Habitat: semiopen areas

Rufous-crowned Tanager
Lives in semiopen habitats in South America.
Range: South America
Habitat: open habitas in dry areas

Swamp Sparrow
Range: North America
Habitat: wet areas

Southern Masked-Weaver
Range: Southern Africa
Habitat: acacia woodland, dry savanna

Golden-breasted Starling
Range: Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania
Habitat: arid acacia savanna

Bali Myna
Sometimes referred to as the Rothschild's mynah.
Range: North coast of Bali (an island in Indonesia)
Habitat: open country

Black-naped Oriole
Range: Eastern and southeastern Asia, Malay archipelago
Habitat: woodland, forest, bamboo, coconut groves

Magnificent Bird-of-paradise
Range: Island of New Guinea
Habitat: forest

Green Magpie
Range: Northeastern India to China and south to Indonesia
Habitat: humid forest, second growth

Rota Bridled White-eye
Declared an endangered species on February 23, 2004 with less than 1,000 birds remaining in the wild.
Range: Rota in Mariana Archipelago
Habitat: mature limestone forest and its edge

Blue-naped Mousebird
Range: Africa
Habitat: scrub

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

Birds List 7

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:21:00 +0000

Micronesian Kingfisher
Range: Extinct in the wild. (Originally Guam, Palau Islands, Micronesia.)
Habitat: mangroves, woodland

Lilac-breasted Roller
Range: Sub-saharan Africa
Habitat: savanna, woodland, farmlands, towns

Von der Decken's Hornbill
Range: eastern Africa
Habitat: dry savanna, arid steppe

Red-billed Hornbill
Range: Sub-saharan Africa
Habitat: dry savanna

Blue-crowned Motmot
Range: Mexico to South America
Habitat: open woodland, humid forest edge, second growth, scrub

Keel-billed Toucan
Range: Central America
Habitat: tropical rainforests

Asian Fairy-bluebird
Range: through Malay archipelago
Habitat: forest, edge

White-crested Laughingthrush
Range: Southern Asia (India to Indonesia)
Habitat: forest undergrowth, second growth

Red-crested Cardinal
Range: lowlands to 500 meters of southeastern South America
Habitat: wet scrub, shrubbery

Silver-beaked Tanager
Widespread in the amazon region of South America, this tanager lives in small groups and eats insects and fruit.
Range: Widespread in northern South America
Habitat: open woodland and edge

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

Birds List 6

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:14:00 +0000

Guira Cuckoo
Range: Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, northeastern Argentina

Derbyan Parakeet
Range: Himalayan mountains of southwestern China
Habitat: pine and rhododendron forest

Green-winged Macaw
Range: eastern Panama to northern Argentina
Habitat: rain forest and dry woodland

Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot
Range: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei
Habitat: forested lowlands

Red-fan Parrot
The hawk-headed parrot is a beautiful species named for the blue and red feathers around their head that are raised when they become excited.
Range: Amazon River region of northern South America
Habitat: tropical forests and savanna

Eclectus Parrot
Range: New Guinea and nearby islands
Habitat: lowland forests

Burrowing Owl
Range: Western and central North America to South America
Habitat: grassland, savanna, desert, farmlands

Mottled Owl
Range: Mexico to northeastern Argentina
Habitat: dense forest, open woodland, second growth

Barred Owl
Bon appetit! The striking hoot of a barred owl—“Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”—makes this owl sound as if he’s looking for someone to fix a meal. But barred owls probably use this call to define their territory. These noisy owls use other calls as nestlings, fledglings or courting pairs.
Range: East and central US and Canada; Pacific Northwest; western Mexico
Habitat: Forests and wooded swamps

Laughing Kookaburra
Range: lowlands of southeastern Australia
Habitat: open woodland, forest, farmlands, orchards, towns

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

Birds List 5

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:05:00 +0000

White-naped Crane
Range: eastcentral Eurasia (Siberia, China)
Habitat: swamps, marshes, lakes, especially along river valleys

Guam Rail
Guam rails are a small flightless bird that lived only on the island of Guam in the Mariana Archipelago in the Pacific. They are omnivorous, which means they eat leaves, seeds, fruits, small lizards, bird eggs, small mammals, and carrion.
Range: Guam and nearby Rota
Habitat: various

Black Crake
Range: Sub-saharan Africa
Habitat: freshwater wetlands

Sunbittern
Range: Central America through Brazil
Habitat: wooded swamps, humid forest along streams

Red-legged Seriema
Range: lowlands of southeastern South America (Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Uruguay, Argentina)
Habitat: shrubby plains

Kori Bustard
During the breeding season, males perform “balloon” displays to attract females.
Displays can occur throughout the day, but are usually most intense in the early morning and late afternoon/evening.
During the height of the male display, the esophagus inflates to as much as four times its normal size and resembles a balloon. This display may be seen up to one kilometer (.62 miles) away. With the neck expanded, the tail and wing feathers pointed downward, and the crest erected, the male emits a low-pitched booming noise as he snaps his bill open and shut.
Range:
The nominate subspecies A. k. kori occurs in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, southern Angola, South Africa and Mozambique (Johnsgard 1991), and prefers wooded grassland areas and dry savannas. In arid grassland areas it is found along dry watercourses where patches of trees offer shade during the heat of the day. In eastern Africa, A. k. struthiunculus occurs in Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania in areas of open grasslands including karoo, bushveld, thornveld, scrubland and savanna habitats (del Hoyo 1996). The miombo woodland of Central Africa separates the two populations.
Habitat: grasslands and lightly wooded savannas of southern and eastern Africa

Nicobar Pigeon
Range: Southeast Asia, Malay archipelago, New Guinea region
Habitat: bushes, thick forest, mangroves

Sulawesi Ground Dove
Range: Sulawesi (an island of Indonesia)
Habitat: dense humid forest

Western Crowned-Pigeon
Range: Island of New Guinea
Habitat: forest

Pheasant Pigeon
Range: New Guinea region
Habitat: forest

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

Birds List 4

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:55:00 +0000

Pygmy Falcon
Range: Eastern and southern Africa
Habitat: acacia savanna, thornbush, semi-desert, usually closely associated with colonial sparrow-weavers

Great Argus
Range: Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, Indonesia, Brunei
Habitat: forest, especially dipterocarp

Indian Peafowl
Range: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Habitat: open forest, edge, second growth

Mountain Bamboo-Partridge
Range: India, Bangladesh, China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam

Temminck's Tragopan
Range: India, China, Burma, Vietnam
Habitat: evergreen or mixed forest, dense rhododendron, bamboo

Blue-billed Curassow
Range: Colombia
Habitat: tropical forest

Stanley Crane
Range: locally in southern Africa (Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa)
Habitat: grasslands, veld, savanna

Wattled Crane
Range: Africa
Habitat: swamps, marshes, reedbeds

Florida Sandhill Crane
This subspecies of the widespread Sandhill Crane inhabits the prairies of central Florida.
Range: resident in Florida
Habitat: open grasslands, marshes, swampy edges of lakes and ponds, river banks, and occasionally pine savanna

Red-crowned Crane
Range: eastern Eurasia (Mongolia, China, Siberia, Japan)
Habitat: river valleys, shores of lakes, marshes, wooded swamps

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

Birds List 3

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:34:00 +0000

Mandarin Duck
Range: China, Japan, eastern Siberia, introduced into Great Britain
Habitat: forest

Wood Duck
Wood Ducks inhabit wooded swamps and riparian areas throughout North America.
Range: North America
Habitat: wooded swamps, streams, marshes, in migration also flooded fields and brackish coastal marshes

White-cheeked Pintail
Range: Caribbean islands and South America
Habitat: ponds, lakes, lagoons, inlets, usually with emergent vegetation

Green-winged Teal
The tiny Green-winged Teal is quite common across North America. The green wing patches are usually only visible when the bird is flying.
Range: Europe, Asia, North America
Habitat: lakes, marshes, ponds, shallow streams, farmlands, in migration also streams and brackish marshes

Mallard (wild)
The familiar mallard with its green head, yellow bill, brown chest and gray body, is quite common across North America.
Range: palearctic (Europe, Asia, North America, Australia)
Habitat: ponds, lakes, marshes, flooded fields, streams, farmlands, seacoasts, bays

Ringed Teal
Range: Central and southern South America
Habitat: ponds, marshes, often in forested areas

Smew
Range: Europe and Asia
Habitat: lakes, ponds, in migration also rivers and bays

Hooded Merganser
Unlike most ducks, this fish-eating duck has a thin serrated bill.
Range: North America
Habitat: swamps, streams, lakes, marshes, in migration also rivers and brackish coastal areas

King Vulture
Range: lowlands to 1500 meters from Mexico to Argentina
Habitat: forest, savanna

Bald Eagle
Pesticide poisoning endangered the survival of the national bird of the United States. In recent years this eagle has made a strong comeback.
Range: locally in North America
Habitat: lakes, rivers, seacoasts

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

Birds List 2

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 03:27:00 +0000

Black-crowned Night-Heron
Range: Worldwide
Habitat: wetlands

Hamerkop
The hamerkop is an unusual bird, related to herons but placed in a family and genus all its own.
Range: Sub-saharan Africa, Madagascar, southern Arabian Peninsula
Habitat: lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes

White Stork
Range: Europe, the Middle East and West-central Asia
Habitat:

Scarlet Ibis
Range: Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Venezuela, Guianas, Brazil
Habitat: coastal swamps, mangroves, lagoons, tidewater rivers

White-faced Ibis
The white-faced ibis has a long, decurved beak.
Range: locally in western Nearctic (United States to Argentina)
Habitat: marshes, swamps, lagoons, lakes

Roseate Spoonbill
The bizarre spoon-shaped beak of the roseate spoonbill allows it to strain invertebrates from the water.
Range: Coastal southern United States through South America
Habitat: marshes, swamps, ponds, rivers, lagoons, mangroves

Flamingo
The Zoo exhibits flamingos from the Caribbean region.
Range: locally in southern palearctic and southern Asia (southern Europe, India, Africa, West Indies, Mexico,…)
Habitat: salt lakes, brackish shallow lagoons, mudspits

Crested Screamer
Range: lowlands of southern South America (Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina)

Habitat: marshes, wet savanna, edge of lagoons, river banks

Plumed Whistling-Duck
Range: lowlands of northeastern Australia
Habitat: margins of swamps, marshes, mangroves, grassland, scrub

White-faced Whistling-Duck
Range: Sub-saharan Africa, Madagascar, Caribbean islands, Central and South America
Habitat: marshes, swamps, lagoons, rivers

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

Hotel Comparison

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:10:00 +0000

Booking a hotel room is easy. There are many booking site on the spot and the facts are the hotel room rates can vary considerably from one source to another. If you book through a travel agency, you will get a different rate from those offered by other travel agents, online travel sites and even the official website of the hotel. So how to find the best hotel deals for your travel needs?

This page may help you compare hotel deals from a variety of sources, giving you the opportunity to obtain a list of hotels worldwide. This page gather all information relevant hotel - price of hotel rooms, hotel reviews, hotel maps, and more than 30 renowned travel sites like Hotels.com and Travelocity.com , Agoda.com, Intercontinental, Booking.com, etc.

Top Destination

Singapore
257 Hotels Bali
795 Hotels New York
625 Hotels Seoul
177 Hotels

Hongkong
227 Hotels Paris
1,444 Hotels Las Vegas
199 Hotels London
1,417 Hotels

Amsterdam
409 Hotels Rome
1,902 Hotels Dubai
389 Hotels Mecca
46 Hotels

Germany

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 14:07:00 +0000

Germany's complex history is evident wherever you go, from the modern cities to the picturesque villages set in the heart of lush forest. Each region of Germany has its own distinct characteristics and once you leave the city to explore the surrounding countryside, you will start to unearth many treasure.

Situated on the banks of the River Main, the city Frankfurt is the country's financial capital and a major port with a vast history dating back to Roman times. Modern glass and steel structures sit side by side with more historic buildings. The old center of Frankfurt was simply made for wandering through the streets, watching the world go by. The Saturday flea market on the riverfront is well worth to visit. Wander around the bustling market and pick up a few bargains. A pleasant day can be spent at one of the finest zoos in Europe, Frankfurt Zoo. The zoo prides itself on its conservation initiatives with many of the species living in their natural environment. Summer afternoons can be whiled away sitting under the cold shade of a tree, while listening to one of the many summer outdoor concerts.

Munich has everything expected of a cosmopolitan city, from the stunning architecture of the 18th century buildings and modern skyscrapers, to the bustling market and avenue. But unlike other European cities, the delights of Munich can be savored in the short space of time. Wander through the streets and eventually you will stumble upon the true heart of the city, Marienplatz. Sit at one of the outdoor cafes, sipping coffee, while watching the street performers and the Glockenspiel, the famous clock tower which will mesmerize you with its delicate figures, dancing to the chimes.

To get into the real spirit of Munich, visitors must visit one of the many festival, particularly Oktoberfest. You could also combine a visit to this festival with an educational tour of Andechs. This is a hilltop Monastery built in 1675. It has been brewing its own beer for 500 years and has been attracting tourist for almost as long. After enduring the slight arduous trek to the Monastery, you will be rewardes with stunning views and maybe a free sample of the monks home brew.

France

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 04:25:00 +0000

The France gave the world Champagne and Camembert, de Beauvoir and Debussy, the Tour de France and the Eiffel. This country has been synonymous with romance and this explains why the 56 millions annual visitors are capitaved by the country's wealth of things to see and do. It's possible to explore everything from Alpine glaciers and sun-blessed beaches to the historic palaces and succulent vineyard.

Known as the city of Lights, Paris is more than just the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Elegant and chic, suave and sophisticated, Paris is a city wgere the name alone evokes visions of grandeur and opulence. Split in half by the River Seine, each bank has its own distinct personality. Sail down the river on one of the many river cruises and you will see just how diverse Paris is.

Magnificent structures evokes memories of great works of art and literature: The Cathedral of Notre Dame, where the fictional hunchback Quasimodo tolled the bell; the Bastille, synonymous with France Revolution; the Louvres, home to the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Stroll down the tree lined Champs Elysees and window-shop in the exclusive designer boutiques or wander through the quaint streets of Montmartre, shadowed by the Sacre-Coeur. Take time out and browse at the budding artists who capture the unique landscape of Paris.

The 'Cote d'Azur' is renowned as playground of the rich and famous. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, it has a warm temperate climate, which compliments some of the most stunning scenery to be found anywhere in the world. Nice, Cannes, Antibes and Monte Carlo, these name alone evokes image of yachts, street-side cafes and luxurious hotels.

Shadowed by mountains that curve down to the Mediterranean east of its port, Nice breaks up into the old and the new. Vieux Nice, the old town, surrounds the hill of Le Chateau. The expensive boutiques, tiny cafes and art galleries in the narrow streets are best explored by foot.

Cannes is world-renowned, due to its international film festival. Beside this event in May, Cannes plays host to international event throughout the year and it will always be bustling with visitors

Monaco is stunningly set between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. This 'haute couture' Principality, with its many museums and fine hotel, is famous for its casinos. The Monte Carlo Casino designed by Charles Garnier, the legendary architect, redefines the art of gaming. With its Boucher style frescoes, bas-reliefs, sculptures and an astonishing gold and marble atrium, the architecture makes a grand impression. The Casino is also home to the Monte Carlo Opera, which stages world-renowned productions.

Read 10 Secret Gems in the South of France

Cyprus

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 03:37:00 +0000

From beautiful sandy beaches, to pine scented mountains, from ancient historical sites and Greek mythology to quaint villages, which have stood the passage of time. Cyprus is an island of contrasts, offering a wealth of attractions for such a small Mediterranean island.

The capital Nicosia or Lefkosia as it is known locally, has had a chequered history since it became the Cypriot capital over 1,000 years ago. Today, Nicosia is famous for being the only divided capital in the world, Nicosia has much to offer.
A stro;; around the Laiki Yitonia quarter of the old city will uncover tiny winding alleyways, packed with quaint cafes and shops specializing in handycrafts.

Ayi Napa Is best known as party capital of the Eastern Mediterranean. It also boasts some of the best beaches in the region. In contrast, the neighboring village of Protaras, has a tranquil atmosphere. Visitors to this side of the island should pass by Cape Greco. A national park of exceptional beauty, Cape Greco is a vast expanse of green shrub lands blending with tiny hidden coves made all the breathtaking by the stunning sunsets.

Larnaca is the entry point for most visitors to Cyprus. The city has many fascinating historical site but one of the most picturesque parts of the city is beautiful promenade overlooking the marina. After a busy morning shopping in the many stores and boutiques, take a well deserved break in one of the pavement cafes lining the palm tree fringed promenade and watch the world, and a few yachts go by.

As the second largest town in the island, Limassol is a sprawling metropolis but take a short ride to the outskirts and you will be stunned by the vast array of historical sites; Limassol Castle, Kolossi Castle and the city-kingdoms of Amathous and Kourion.

Of all the areas in Cyprus, the east of the island has to be one of the most diverse, with a fascinating blend of cultural and historic sites, beaches and stunning scenery. The Tombs of the Kings, the Baths of Aphrodite and the birthplace of Goddess of Love are just some of the delights. Pophos is a resort of contrasts from the bustling harbor area to the peaceful old town, with every activity from scuba diving to go karts, from speedboats to gold.

A little further afield will bring you to one of the most picturesque and environmentally important area, the Akamas Peninsula. The peninsula is the home to one of the last breeding ground of the Green Turtle of the Mediterranean. Just a short drive from here is the delightful fishing harbor of Latchi. Sit at one of the many beach-side restaurants, enjoying a delicious fish meze and the cool breeze while you watch the fishermen bringing the catch of the day ashore.

Belgium

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:19:00 +0000

Belgium is relatively small in size, which many visitors to mainland Europe simply pass through.
However, for those who stop to explore, they will be in for a very pleasant surprise. From the quaint villages to the glorious countryside, from the diamond factories to the chocolate shops, Belgium packs a lot into a small area.

One of the world's great cosmopolitan cities, Brussels is home to both the European Union and Nato. The city of choice for Eurocrats, Brussels is luxurious, historic and yet surprisingly cosy. The best way to get around is on foot. Take a stroll around the quaint cobblestone alleys, sip a cup of coffee and relax at one of the pavement cafes. You will finally emerge into the magnificence of the Grand Place with its baroque guildhalls and the splendid Gothic Town Hall. If you keep walking, you will see what else the back streets of Brussels have to offer. The city probably has more markets than any other capital in Europe. They sell everything from birds to horses. Vendors bring fresh produce from nearby towns, cheeses made in farms and abbeys, traditionally cured meats, chickens and rabbits, and fresh fish, shrimp and mussels from the North Sea.
Brussels nightlife offer something for everyone, excellent restaurants, cozy bars and chic nightclub. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy themselves into the early hours each evening.

Europe's best-preserved medieval city and Belgium's most visited town is Bruges. Located only an hour from Brussels, the 13th century "living museum" was suspended in time five centuries ago by the silting of its rivers.
Climb the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry for a spectacular view of this perfect medieval town. One of the best way to see Bruges is by river boat. There are numerous operators along the many canals. The boats cruise along the narrow waterways, in between the town's historic buildings.

Japanese Arts And Crafts

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Origami
Origami is the art of folding paper. Glue or scissors are usually not used.
One of the most popular folding objects is the crane. It is said that 1000 cranes make a wish come true. 1000 cranes are given to sick people in order to wish them a fast recovery. The folded crane is also a symbol for peace. In the peace parks of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, large numbers of folded cranes are laid down besides the monuments that remember the atomic bombs.
Other popular folding objects are flowers, balloons, gold fish, frogs, swans, and many more.

Bonsai
Bonsai is the art of cultivating miniature trees. The pine, a tree that naturally grows many meters tall, is the most typical plant used for bonsai, but many other tree species can be used.
To achieve miniaturization, the tree is frequently transferred into new pots, and on that occasion its roots are cut a little bit. Bonsai skills include the knowledge of when and how much to cut the roots, how much fertilizer and water is ideal, and which branches should be pruned to give the plant an aesthetic look.

Bunraku(Puppet Theater)
Bunraku is traditional Japanese puppet theater, which originated during the Edo Period. The stories and subjects which are performed in Bunraku are often similar to those performed in Kabuki theater. Bunraku plays are also accompanied by the music of traditional Japanese instruments.
The puppets are about one meter tall and are manipulated by up to three persons. Every person is responsible for a different part of the puppet. Thanks to many years of experience they are able to make the puppets appear alive despite the fact that the puppeteers are visible on the stage.

Caligraphy
Calligraphy (shodo: "the way of writing") is the art of writing beautifully. Most children learn calligraphy in elementary school. It is a popular hobby among adults, too. A calligraphy set consists of:

Shitajiki: Black, soft mat. It provides a comfortable, soft surface.
Bunchin: Metal stick to weight down the paper during writing.
Hanshi: Special, thin calligraphy paper.
Fude: Brush. There is a larger brush for writing the main characters and a smaller one for writing the artist's name. The small brush, however, can be used for the characters, too.
Suzuri: Heavy black container for the ink.
Sumi: Solid black material that must be rubbed in water in the suzuri to produce the black ink which is then used for writing. Of course, "instant ink" in bottles is also available.

Unlike the strokes of Roman letters, the strokes of Japanese characters have to be drawn in the correct order, not arbitrarily. When you learn Chinese characters, you draw one stroke after the other. This is called the square (Kaisho) style of writing kanji.
This style of writing kanji, however, is rarely used in everyday life. Instead, there are two faster styles of writing, in which the kanji become a little bit less legible, just like when writing Roman letters in a fast way. These two styles are called semi cursive (gyosho) and cursive (sosho).

Kaisho

Sosho

Gyosho

Japanese Dolls
Dolls have been manufactured since the early days of Japanese culture. Today, there exist various types of Japanese dolls. The following is a description of only a few of the most famous ones:

Daruma Doll

Kokeshi Doll

Hakata Doll

Daruma dolls are spherical dolls with a red painted body and a white face, but without pupils. They represent the Zen monk Bodhidharma. It is the custom to paint one of the doll's pupils in the beginning of a new year, make a wish and paint in the second pupil, if the wish comes true. Takasaki's Shorinzan Daruma Temple is the birthplace of daruma dolls as good luck charms.
Kokeshi dolls are simply shaped, wooden dolls from Northern Honshu, which originated as souvenirs distributed at hot spring resorts during the Edo Period. Kokeshi dolls have neither arms nor legs, but a large head and a cylindrical body.
Hakata dolls are clay dolls manufactured in Fukuoka Prefecture on Kyushu. They are worked out in great detail and painted beautifully.

Hina Dolls

Various dolls are used during festivals. Among them are hina dolls, which are displayed during the girl's festival and samurai dolls, which are displayed during the boy's festival.

Ikebana
Ikebana is the art of arranging flowers aesthetically. One tries to represent the three elements sky, earth, and mankind in a well balanced relation.
Traditional ikebana, called kado ("the way of the flower"), developed in the 16th century. There are many different schools of traditional ikebana. In addition, modern styles of ikebana (avant-garde ikebana) have evolved. Some of these styles use glass, iron, and other materials instead of flowers.

Kabuki
Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater with its origins in the Edo Period. In contrast to the older forms of Japanese performing arts, such as Noh, Kabuki was popular among the common townspeople and not of the higher social classes.
Kabuki plays are about historical events, moral conflicts, love relationships and the like. The actors use an old fashioned language which is difficult to understand even for some Japanese people. Actors speak in somewhat monotonous voices accompanied by traditional Japanese instruments.
Kabuki takes place on a rotating stage (kabuki no butai). The stage is further equipped with several gadgets like trapdoors through which the actors can appear and disappear. Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge (hanamichi) that leads through the audience.
In the early years, both men and women acted in kabuki plays. Later during the Edo Period, the Tokugawa Shogunate forbade women from acting, a restriction that survives to the present day. Several male kabuki actors are therefore specialists in playing female roles (onnagata).

Ukiyo-e
The art of ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world"), originated in the metropolitan culture of Edo (Tokyo) during the period of Japanese history, when the political and military power was in the hands of the shoguns, and the country was virtually isolated from the rest of the world. It is an art closely connected with the pleasures of theatres, restaurants, teahouses, geisha and courtesans in the even then very large city. Many ukiyo-e prints by artists like Utamaro and Sharaku were in fact posters, advertising theatre performances and brothels, or idol portraits of popular actors and beautiful teahouse girls. But this more or less sophisticated world of urban pleasures was also animated by the traditional Japanese love of nature, and ukiyo-e artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige have had an enormous impact on landscape painting all over the world.

Japanese Shinto

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:03:00 +0000

Introduction
Shinto does not have a founder nor does it have sacred scriptures like the sutras or the bible. Propaganda and preaching are not common either, because Shinto is deeply rooted in the Japanese people and traditions.
"Shinto gods" are called kami. They are sacred spirits which take the form of things and concepts important to life, such as wind, rain, mountains, trees, rivers and fertility. Humans become kami after they die and are revered by their families as ancestral kami. The kami of extraordinary people are even enshrined at some shrines. The Sun Goddess Amaterasu is considered Shinto's most important kami.

In contrast to many monotheist religions, there are no absolutes in Shinto. There is no absolute right and wrong, and nobody is perfect. Shinto is an optimistic faith, as humans are thought to be fundamentally good, and evil is believed to be caused by evil spirits. Consequently, the purpose of most Shinto rituals is to keep away evil spirits by purification, prayers and offerings to the kami.

Shinto shrines are the places of worship and the homes of kami. Most shrines celebrate festivals (matsuri) regularly in order to show the kami the outside world. Please read more on our special information pages about shrines and festivals.

Shinto priests perform Shinto rituals and often live on the shrine grounds. Men and women can become priests, and they are allowed to marry and have children. Priests are aided by younger women (miko) during rituals and shrine tasks. Miko wear white kimono, must be unmarried, and are often the priests' daughters.

Important features of Shinto art are shrine architecture and the cultivation and preservation of ancient art forms such as Noh theater, calligraphy and court music (gagaku), an ancient dance music that originated in the courts of Tang China (618 - 907).

Shinto History
The introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century was followed by a few initial conflicts, however, the two religions were soon able to co-exist and even complement each other. Many Buddhists viewed the kami as manifestations of Buddha.

In the Meiji Period, Shinto was made Japan's state religion. Shinto priests became state officials, important shrines started to received governmental funding, Japan's creation myths were used to foster an emperor cult, and efforts were made to separate and emancipate Shinto from Buddhism.

After World War II, Shinto and the state were separated.

Shinto Today
People seek support from Shinto by praying at a home altar or by visiting shrines. A whole range of talismans are available at shrines for traffic safety, good health, success in business, safe childbirth, good exam performance and more.

A large number of wedding ceremonies are held in Shinto style. Death, however,is considered a source of impurity, and is left to Buddhism to deal with. Consequently, there are virtually no Shinto cemeteries, and most funerals are held in Buddhist style.

Buddhism
Buddhism originated in India in the 6th century BC. It consists of the teachings of the Buddha, Gautama Siddhartha. Of the main branches of Buddhism, it is the Mahayana or "Greater Vehicle" Buddhism which found its way to Japan.

Buddhism was imported to Japan via China and Korea in the form of a present from the friendly Korean kingdom of Kudara (Paikche) in the 6th century. While Buddhism was welcomed by the ruling nobles as Japan's new state religion, it did not initially spread among the common people due to its complex theories.

There were also a few initial conflicts with Shinto, Japan's native religion. The two religions were soon able to co-exist and even complement each other.

During the Nara Period, the great Buddhist monasteries in the capital Nara, such as Todaiji, gained strong political influence and were one of the reasons for the government to move the capital to Nagaoka in 784 and then to Kyoto in 794. Nevertheless, the problem of politically ambitious and militant monasteries remained a main issue for the governments over many centuries of Japanese history.

During the early Heian Period, two new Buddhist sects were introduced from China: the Tendai sect in 805 by Saicho and the Shingon sect in 806 by Kukai. More sects later branched off the Tendai sect. Among these, the most important ones are mentioned below:

In 1175, the Jodo sect (Pure Land sect) was founded by Honen. It found followers among all different social classes since its theories were simple and based on the principle that everybody can achieve salvation by strongly believing in the Buddha Amida. In 1224, the Jodo-Shinshu (True Pure Land sect) was founded by Honen's successor Shinran. The Jodo sects continue to have millions of followers today.

In 1191, the Zen sect was introduced from China. Its complicated theories were popular particularly among the members of the military class. According to Zen teachings, one can achieve self enlightenment through meditation and discipline. At present, Zen seems to enjoy a greater popularity overseas than within Japan.

The Lotus Hokke or Nichiren sect, was founded by Nichiren in 1253. The sect was exceptional due to its intolerant stance towards other Buddhist sects. Nichiren Buddhism still has many millions of followers today, and several "new religions" are based on Nichiren's teachings.

Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi fought the militant Buddhist monasteries (especially the Jodo sects) at the end of the 16th century and practically extinguished Buddhist influence on the political sector.

Buddhist institutions were attacked again in the early years of the Meiji Period, when the new Meiji government favored Shinto as the state religion and tried to separate and emancipate it from Buddhism.

Nowadays about 90 million people consider themselves Buddhists in Japan. However, the religion does not directly affect the everyday life of the average Japanese very strongly. Funerals are usually carried out in a Buddhist way, and many households keep a small house altar in order to pay respect to their ancestors.

Confusianism
The great philosopher Confucius (Kong Fu Zi) lived in China from 551 to 479 BC.
Confucianism is one of the three traditional Chinese religions besides Taoism and Buddhism. According to early Japanese writings, it was introduced to Japan via Korea in the year 285 AD. Some of the most important Confucian principles are humanity, loyality, morality and consideration on an individual and political level.

Neo-Confucianism (especially Chu Hsi Confucianism) was the most important philosophy of Tokugawa Japan in government and education. Its influence on Japanese society has been intensive which is still obvious today.

Christianity
Present:
Today, about one to two million Japanese are Christians (about 1% of Japan's population). Most of them live in Western Japan where the missionaries' activities were greatest during the 16th century.

A few Christian customs have become quite popular also among the non-Christian population. Such customs are the wearing of white dresses at weddings or the celebration of St.Valentine's Day and, to a certain grade, also Christmast.

Past:
In the year 1542, the first Europeans from Portugal landed on Kyushu in Western Japan. The two historically most important things they imported to Japan were gunpowder and Christianity. The Japanese barons on Kyushu welcomed foreign trade especially because of the new weapons, and, therefore, tolerated the Jesuit missionaries. The missionaires were successful in converting quite large numbers of people in Western Japan including members of the ruling class. In 1550, Francis Xavier also undertook a mission to the capital Kyoto.

Towards the end of the 16th century, the Jesuits lost their monopoly position in Japan when Franciscan missionaries arrived in Kyoto despite a first banning edict by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In 1597, Hideyoshi proclaimed a more serious banning edict and executed 26 Franciscans in Nagasaki as a warning. Tokugawa Ieyasu and his successors continued the persecution of Christianity in several further edicts.

The main reason which led to the complete extinction of Christianity in Japan by 1638 were the government's intentions to excert absolute control over its people. This would not have been possible with the interference of an aggressive and intolerant foreign religion like Christianity of that time.

In 1873 after the Meiji restoration, freedom of religion was promulgated, and especially since World War II the number of Japanese Christians is slowly increasing again.

South America Overview

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 02:24:00 +0000

The world's biggest rainforest and the largest river (Amazon), the highest mountain range outside Asia (the Andes), remote islands (Galapagos Islands, Easter Island and Fernando de Noronha), heavenly beaches (such as in Brazil's Northeastern region), wide deserts (Atacama), icy landscapes (Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego), the world's tallest waterfall (the 979m Angel Falls, in Canaima-Venezuela), as well as several other breathtaking natural attractions such as Machu Picchu in Peru..

Ecuador - Galapagos Islands
The unique Galapagos Islands, in all their dramatic and desolate volcanic beauty, lie 600 miles west of mainland Ecuador's Pacific coast. This living natural laboratory, inspiration for Darwin's theory of evolution, is home to marine and land creatures - some found nowhere else to the world - which have no Instinctive fear of man. Travelers sailing around theSea lion islands, one of the greatest diving sites on earth, come him unimaginably close contact with art impressive array of animal and bird life including fur seals, hammerhead sharks, iguanas, boobies, manta rays, penguins, turtles, and tortoises in this, the greatest wildlife sanctuary on earth.
[Read more]

Canaima National Park - Venezuela
Canaima National Park is the gateway to Angel Falls. Although other waterfalls and lagoons can be visited from Canaima camp, the main reason tourists fly here is for the three-day, two-night trips to the base of Angel Falls. [Read more]

Machu Picchu-Peru
Machu Picchu is the site of an ancient Inca city, high in the Andes of Peru. Located at 2,430 metres (8,000 ft), this UNESCO World Heritage site is often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", is one of the most familiar symbols of the Incan Empire, and is one of the most famous and spectacular sets of ruins in the world — a visit to Peru would not be complete without it. [Read more]

North America Overview

diazasih563@gmail.com (Ben Slamet) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 02:19:00 +0000

North America - the third largest continent in the world and fourth ranked in population - is a traveler's paradise for both diversity and beauty. Surrounded by water and containing some of the world's highest and lowest points, North America contains every climate and landscape, big city and small town, outdoor and indoor opportunity imaginable, for any traveler of any age.

Natural Wonder
From gazing out into the Grand Canyon, or underwater at the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the natural wonders of the world is an experience almost anyone in your family can appreciate. With so many natural wonders around the world, you almost never have to venture far to get a glimpse of one of nature’s beauties. What is needed to truly appreciate these amazing sites? A good camera, comfortable shoes and the right attire to fit the weather will make your trip a treat. Many natural wonders have eco-friendly hotels, or other accommodations that help you enjoy your stay and reward you with great views. Plan a road trip for an awe inspiring adventure in your favorite National Park, or plan a longer vacation to truly immerse yourself in an amazing site.

Grand Canyon
One of the world’s vast and beautiful wonders, the Grand Canyon is a must-see when visiting Arizona. The walls descend more than a mile to the canyon floor and run 277 miles from end to end. Visitors flock to Grand Canyon National Park, making it one of...
[Read more]

Banff
Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park, established in 1885 in the Rocky Mountains. The park, located 110–180 kilometres (70–110 mi) west of Calgary in the province of Alberta, encompasses 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 sq mi)of mountainous terrain, with numerous glaciers and ice fields, dense coniferous forest, and alpine landscapes. The Icefields Parkway extends from Lake Louise, connecting to Jasper National Park in the north. Provincial forests and Yoho National Park are neighbours to the west, while Kootenay National Park is located to the south and Kananaskis Country to the southeast. The main commercial centre of the park is the town of Banff, in the Bow River valley.
[Read more]

Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon consists of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. The erosional force of frost-wedging and the dissolving power of rainwater have shaped the colorful limestone rock of the Claron Formation into bizarre shapes including slot canyons, windows, fins, and spires called "hoodoos." The varued colors of the rocks and rock formations contribute to the spectacular views. [Read more]

Niagara Falls
The majestic rumble of the falls can be heard from miles away, but the sight itself never fails to cause the viewer to pause and gaze in wonder at the 600,000 gallon per second mass of hissing, frothing water crashing over a 170 foot cliff amid huge... [Read more]

Yosemite National Park
Perhaps the most famous national park in the world, Yosemite has something for every visitor to enjoy. Mountains, forests, lakes and valleys are all here, making for great adventure travel. Hiking, rock climbing, rafting, and even skiing are all... [Read more]

Zion National Park
Zion National Park is an adventurer’s playground. Explore the deep canyons and ascending cliffs on horseback or bicycle; navigate the park’s lovely rivers and lakes on a boat, or just dive in for a swim. Enjoy a day hike and see bats, falcons, hawks.In fact, Zion has some of the most spectacular trails in the National Park System. Visitors to Zion walk on the canyon floor and look up, rather than looking down from the rim as in many parks. In addition to the magnificent monoliths and cliffs, the park is known for its desert landscape of sandstone canyons, mesas, and high plateaus. ..[Read more]

Around The Globe

United Kingdom

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10 Secret Gems in the South of France

Europe Travel Insight

Luxuriate in Luxembourg

Hotel Comparison

Bryce Canyon National Park Page 2

Zion National Park Page 2

Birds List 8

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Birds List 6

Birds List 5

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Birds List 2

Hotel Comparison

Top Destination Singapore 257 Hotels Bali 795 Hotels New York 625 Hotels Seoul 177 Hotels Hongkong 227 Hotels Paris 1,444 Hotels Las Vegas 199 Hotels London 1,417 Hotels Amsterdam 409 Hotels Rome 1,902 Hotels Dubai 389 Hotels Mecca 46 Hotels

Germany

France

Cyprus

Belgium

Japanese Arts And Crafts

Japanese Shinto

South America Overview

North America Overview

Top Destination

Singapore
257 Hotels Bali
795 Hotels New York
625 Hotels Seoul
177 Hotels

Hongkong
227 Hotels Paris
1,444 Hotels Las Vegas
199 Hotels London
1,417 Hotels

Amsterdam
409 Hotels Rome
1,902 Hotels Dubai
389 Hotels Mecca
46 Hotels