Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho

The Western Group of Temples in Khajuraho (State: Madhya Pradesh) are one of the most magnificent and architecturally marvelous temples of India. This is the largest of the three groups of temples in Khajuraho. Out of the 22 surviving temples 12 of them belong to this group. (Click on the image for bigger view)

Built in the 11th century by Chandela rulers, each of these temple stands on a raised platform, above which rises the main structure.

Some of the important temples are:

• Lakhmana Temple
• Kandariya Mahadeo Temple
• Devi Jagdamba Temple
• Chitragupta Temple
• Matanageswara Temple
• Vishwanath Temple
• Varaha Temple
• Nandi Temple

The tour of these temples can be done either by hiring an audio headset from the ticket counter or with the help of a guide. We shall attempt to cover these temples in some detail in the subsequent posts.

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Gamelan, A Musical Ensemble From Indonesia The Javanese Orchestra

Gamelan is the music created by the sound of gongs alloys, kenong and other Javanese musical instruments. The rhythm of the music that is soft and reflects the harmony of Javanese life will soon greet and soothe the soul so heard. Gamelan is surely not a foreign music. Its popularity has spread to various continents and has created a new blend of jazz-gamelan music, gave birth to the institution as a learning space and the expression of gamelan music, to produce famous gamelan musicians. Gamelan music instrument can now be enjoyed in many parts of the world, but Yogyakarta is the most appropriate place to enjoy the gamelan is it since you can enjoy the original version.

Developing gamelan in Yogyakarta is Javanese gamelan, a different form of gamelan Balinese gamelan or Sundanese gamelan. Javanese gamelan has a softer tone and slow, in contrast to the dynamic Balinese gamelan and Sundanese gamelan highly dominated lilting voice and flute. The difference is understandable, because Java has its own view of life expressed in the rhythm of gamelan music.

Javanese philosophy of life expressed in gamelan music is the harmony of physical and spiritual life, speak and act in harmony in order not to create an explosive expression and to manifest tolerance. Real form of music is the pull string fiddle that is, a balanced blend of sound kenong, saron drum and xylophone and gong sounds on every cover of a rhythm.

There is no definite history of gamelan. The development of gamelan music is expected since the emergence of rafters, fiddle, pat into the mouth, the friction on a thin rope or bamboo to familiar musical instruments from metal. Subsequent developments after named gamelan music was used to accompany the leather puppet show and dances. Later it became independent as the music itself and are equipped with voice sinden.

A set of gamelan consist of several instruments, including a set of similar musical instrument drum called drums, fiddle and zither, xylophone, gongs and bamboo flutes. The main components that make up the gamelan music instruments are bamboo, metal, and wood. Each instrument has its own function in gamelan music show, for example gong music played to close a long and gave the balance after the previous musical rhythm was decorated by gending.

Javanese gamelan is music with pentatonic melodies. A complete gamelan game consists of two rounds, namely slendro and pelog. Slendro has five tones per octave, ie 1 2 3 5 6 [C-D E + GA] with small differences in the interval. Pelog has seven tones per octave, ie 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 [C + D E-F # G # AB] with a large difference interval. Gamelan music compositions created by some rules, which consist of several rounds and pathet, limited by a gong and the melodies were created in a unit consisting of four tones.

You can see gamelan as an independent music performance or a dance or performing arts such as wayang kulit and ketoprak. As a performance, gamelan music is usually combined with the sound of the Javanese singers (male singers and female singers called wiraswara called waranggana or sinden). Gamelan music concert performance can be classical or contemporary gamelan. One form of contemporary gamelan music is jazz-gamelan music as a combination of pentatonic and diatonic melodies.

One of the places in Yogyakarta where you can see is the Kraton Yogyakarta gamelan performances. On Thursday at 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. gamelan as a music performance. Day Saturday at the same time as the accompaniment of gamelan music performed shadow puppet show, while on Sunday at the same time as the accompaniment of gamelan music performed traditional Javanese dance. To see the show, you can go to the Hall of Sri Maganti. Meanwhile, in order to see the old gamelan, you can go to another of the kingdom which lies further to the rear.

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Frames of Freedom

This was taken at Mysore Zoo located at Mysore (State: Karnataka).

(Click on the images for bigger picture)

Am I really free?

Actually all of us are free like this only. What do you think?

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Tallinn 2011 presents new logo and slogan

Estonian culture foundation Tallinn 2011 presented new logo and slogan.

The slogan sounds "Kultuur kutsub" meaning "Culture Calls" and it is aimed to speak to the audience and tell that the next year Tallinn is the symbol of European culture. The marketing logo and slogan were developed by Midfield Ltd.

As reported, total costs of the project Tallinn 2011 are 17.5 million euros. This sum includes all expenses related to the organization and implementation of the event, i.e. marketing, management, promotional and other costs. Initially, two times larger sum was intended for this purpose, but in course of deterioration of economic situation costs have been decreased dramatically; nevertheless, as organizers pointed out, the quality of the event has not decreased due to the lesser finance.

Various events are planned in Tallinn next year – Maritime Museum opening in June 2011, Urban projects, Tallinn Marathon, Tallinn Song and Dance Festival, Tallinn Maritime Days with a regatta, demonstration of ancient ships, theatre plays and a fish market, MIM Goes Sustainable, European Film Academy Awards Gala Presentation, No 99 Straw Theater – a huge house built of straw, the works for this object have started in March and are going to conclude in May, Plektrum and Tallinn Music Week mainly intended for the younger audience, Surprises and ideas, including such creative events as reading-out loud of books in public transport to attract passengers' attention and involve them in exciting world of books, graffiti events, outdoor posters, printing shirts' classes, Christmas Market, and offer of souvenirs, related to Tallinn 2011.

http://www.tallinn2011.ee/eng

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Mentawai The Beautiful Island Of Exotic

Mentawai Beach    |    Surf Mentawai    |    Mentawai Surfing

Mentawai the beautiful island exotic, and offer beauty to any who visit,

Waves in the Mentawai islands, by various organizations surf-universal is the third best after Hawaii and Tahiti.

In addition to beautiful, Mentawai also play an important role for conservation. Since 1981, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural (UNESCO) set Siberut in the Mentawai Islands as one of the biosphere reserve, so its existence must be protected and kept away from exploitation.

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Beautiful Beach On The Island Of Zanzibar

Zanzibar Beach

Zanzibar Adventure

Zanzibar-Accomoditation

About-Zanzibar

Zanzibar archipelago is part of the East African Republic of Tanzania is facing the Indian Ocean. Consists of a number of small islands uninhabited, and two large islands called Unguja and Pembar. Islands of Zanzibar attracts tourists from all over the world because in addition to Zanzibar has many stunning beaches, is also rich in culture.

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Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur

Built in 1659, the Gol Gumbaz is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah of the Adil Shahi dynasty who ruled the Sultanate of Bijapur (State: Karnataka).

This is a massive structure with a square chamber measuring nearly 50 m on each side and is covered by a huge dome 43.3 m in diameter and attains the height of 27.4 m from a circular platform. There are four octagonal towers one in each corner of the chamber. Each tower consists of seven storeys and the upper floor of each opens on to a round gallery which surrounds the dome. If I remember correctly there are 150 steps to climb. In the center of the chamber are the tombs of Muhammad Adil Shah II and his relations.

Apart from his sheer size another most interesting aspect of the enclosed place is acoustics. At the top inside the dome it is a whispering gallery where even the smallest sound is heard across the other side of the Gumbaz. At the periphery of the dome is a circular balcony where any whisper, clap or sound gets echoed around 7 times. Anything whispered from one corner of the gallery can be heard clearly on the diagonally opposite side.

This Dome is the second largest one in the world which is unsupported by any pillars.

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National Park Day in Costa Rica, a cause for Celebration!

Did you know that August 24th is National Park Day in Costa Rica? Just another great reason to celebrate the beauty that surrounds us in this small Central American country, known as the land of Pura Vida! Many Costa Rica hotels hold special tree planting ceremonies, as well as area restaurants often feature special dishes on their menus commemorating this important occasion, by focusing on all that is green and the abundance of natural ingredients that can be found throughout the country. School children take the day from school to learn more about protecting Costa Rica’s natural resources, and national flags, as well as the special Blue Flags representing ecologically awarded beaches and areas, fly proudly. After all, without the parks, where would Costa Rica be on the World’s sustainable tourism totem pole?

A National Park in Costa Rica is defined as a protected area that has been legally declared a National Treasure in order to protect and conserve the biodiversity it contains. These areas generally include diverse eco-systems deemed to be of National significance, generally showing minimal evidence of human impact, while offering important attractions for National and International visitors, as well as learning centers for some of the best scientists in their fields.

In 1888, with the founding of the National Weather Service (now referred to as the National Weather Institute), a century long genesis began of multiple governmental departments culminating in at least a dozen name changes over the years. Duties of protecting the natural resources of Costa Rica gradually expanded to include many diverse functions including specializations in water, hydrocarbons, gender, environmental education, citizen participation, biodiversity, wetlands, climate change, joint implementation, conservation, rational use of energy, environmental quality compliance, as well as the continued control of existing natural resources as previously mentioned. Eventually the morphing entities formed the current government segment referred to as the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Telecommunications, better known in Costa Rica as MINAET.

Costa Rica’s system of Protected Areas consists of an impressive 9 different categories: 1) National Parks 2) Biological Reserves 3) Natural Reserves 4) National Monuments 5) Protected Zones 6) Forest Reserves 7) Wildlife Refuges 8) Wetlands & 9) Indigenous Territories. These wildlife and rainforest areas have been declared as such due to their unique eco-systems, the existence of endangered species and for their significant historical and cultural value as well. The total of these diverse 169 Protected Areas equals approximately 26% of Costa Rica’s territory, protecting an amazing 5% of the World’s biodiversity! This sacrifice of often some of the most valuable land is an incredible example of this country’s dedication to protecting the environment not only within its borders, but the entire continent, since Costa Rica serves as a land bridge between South and North America.

There are an impressive 28 National Parks in Costa Rica, with each park having its own unique features, making every and every one of them worth an in-depth visit. An excellent example is perhaps one of the most famous Costa Rican parks, Isla del Coco, an internationally recognized treasure. Located approximately 340 miles off the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica on an uninhabited island (except for the Park Guard Station), this island has been declared a World Heritage Site, included on the List of “Wetlands of International Importance”, as well as nominated for the short list of 7 New Wonders of Nature, by the 7 Wonders of the World organization. Declared a National Park in 1978, Isla del Coco alone has identified some 235 plant species, 400 insect species (65 endemic), 100 bird species (13 resident, 3 endemic and multiple endangered). Its protected marine territory is home to a wide range of species of Shark, parrot fish, manta rays, among numerous other marine species. This particular park is considered one of the richest diving spots in the World, as declared by the famous Jacques Cousteau. Please see the list below, for an extensive list of Costa Rica’s National Parks, as to detail each one would be too long for one blog post.

List of Costa Rica’s National Parks:
1. Santa Rosa National Park
2. Rincón de la Vieja National Park
3. Guanacaste National Park
4. Las Baulas Marine National Park
5. Diriá National Park
6. Barra Honda National Park
7. Braulio Carrillo National Park
8. Turrialba Volcano National Park
9. Poás Volcano National Park
10. Irazú Volcano National Park
11. Tortuguero National Park
12. Cahuita National Park
13. Barbilla National Park
14. Chirripó National Park
15. Tapantí-Macizo de la Muerte National Park
16. Internacional de La Amistad National Park
17. Corcovado National Park
18. Ballena Marine National Park
19. Piedras Blancas National Park
20. Manuel Antonio National Park
21. Tenorio National Park
22. Carara National Park
23. Los Quetzales National Park
24. Palo Verde National Park
25. Arenal National Park
26. Del Agua Juan Castro Blanco National Park
27. La Cangreja National Park
28. Isla del Coco National Park

Map of Costa Rica’s National Park & Protected Areas
Flickr Photo Galleries of Costa Rica & it’s National Parks

The protected areas of Costa Rica generate extensive economic resources to support its dynamic eco-systems, as well as building centers for further ecological studies, stimulating scientific investigation to learn the proper handling of these delicate zones. Over the last 20 plus years, these Protected Areas have brought in some $1.92 billion dollars per year by promoting sustainable tourism to this country, meaning Costa Rica stands as the most visited nation in the Central American. Tourism now earns more foreign exchange than bananas and coffee combined, a previously unthought of statistic from this coffee and banana republic. Commerce, tourism and associated services now contribute some 68% of the country's GDP and represent more than 13.3% of direct and indirect employment. Not only have the National Parks served as a major economic factor for this developing country, but these important areas continue to serve as healthy and natural alternatives of entertainment, bringing a better quality of life to its citizens, as well as everyone that comes in contact with their unparalelled beauty.

Now isn’t that reason enough to raise a cold Imperial Beer and celebrate Costa Rica’s National Parks, as well as the laidback lifestyle we all call “Pura Vida”?

Author: Kimberly Barron, originally from Malibu, California has lived in Parismina and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica for 20 years. Starting as a certified tour guide, she spent 15 years managing fishing lodges on the Caribbean Coast and later 4* & 5* Hotels on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Currently semi-retired, Kimberly still works as the Marketing Director for Byblos Resort & Casino and Hotel Makanda by the Sea.

Sources:
http://www.inbio.ac.cr/es/biod/24agostoDia.P.N.htm
http://hogar-verde.com/dia-de-los-parques-nacionales/
http://www.minae.go.cr/acerca/info_general/historia.html
http://proparques.org/content/view/93/76/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocos_Island
http://costa-rica-guide.com (Park Map & Photos Courtesy of CostaRicaGuide.com)
http://www.arenal.net/photo-gallery.htm (Photo Credit)
www.naturalencounters.com/parrots_macaw.htm (Photo Credit)

[Read Posts...]

Bahamas Vacation at Pink Sands Resort

Pink Sands Resort is located on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, 50 miles east of Nassau. The resort is 20 minutes away from the North Eleuthera International Airport by car and water taxi. North Eleuthera International Airport is serviced from Nassau and other gateways by both scheduled and charter service.

Pink Sands Resort on Harbour Island is a Bahamas vacation getaway, 50 miles east of Nassau. This 18-acre celebrity hideaway offers a combination of luxury, privacy and natural beauty. Harbour Island's sandy beach, sheltered by a barrier reef, is made up of red coral mixed with white sand, giving it a pink tone.

The island is only 3.5 miles long and half a mile wide with a resident population of just 2,000. Many of the buildings on the island date from the early 19th century. The best way to get around the island is by bicycle or golf cart.

Pink Sands offers 25 secluded cottages decorated with sensual Moroccan, Indian and Balinese influences. This luxury Caribbean resort is surrounded with blue waters and the sound of birds, making it a perfect romantic getaway.

The 21 one-bedroom cottages measure 1,000 square feet is size, while the 4 two-bedroom cottages offer 2,000 square feet of space. Guest rooms have central air-conditioning, full bathrooms with Aveda products and private outdoor patios with teak furniture.

The hotel has a freshwater pool, three tennis courts, an exercise studio and a beach restaurant and bar. Snorkeling equipment and boogie boards are made available to guests.

The two restaurants at the resort serve Caribbean-International cuisine. Breakfast and dinner are served at the the Garden Terrace Restaurant, a romantic open-air restaurant with teak furniture and private candlelit corners. The Blue Bar is located on the beach and is open daily for lunch and cool drinks.

[Read Posts...]

Bali Nusa Penida Dive Site, Dive spots In Bali Indonesia, Best Diving Vacation

Nusa Penida is the largest of 3 islands (the others being Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan). The water here is fairly cold (because of the ocean currents) but often startlingly clear, with gorgeous corals and prolific fish, with some turtle, shark (including grey reefs and silver-tips) and – Aug-Sep – Mola-Mola (the weird and wonderful Sunfish).

Dive Site in Nusa Penida Bali

SD Point
With a strong current flow in the area, generally there are many Anthias around, sometimes big fishes like Giant Trevally, Sharks and if you are lucky, the Sun Fish (the season for sun fish is between July to September). The dive site is stretched over kilometers, along the north coast of Penida Island .

Sampalan Point
The site is located on the north side of Lembongan, the marine life is similar to SD Point with some high lights of underwater structure that is quite different. Some sloping is full of soft coral with reef fish hover to get some nutrient from the rich water.

Blue Corner Point

The site offers a sloping reef with terrace at 20 to 30m. The current here is usually stronger than at other places (it may reach 3 to 4 knots). Consider it as one of the best places to see Sun Fish. The marine life is similar to SD Point but not as rich.

Toyapakeh Point
This is a very nice spot as it is protected from swell and current. Although the current is sometimes strong, usually it is negotiable. Many Blue trigger fishes at some point and near the Pontoon, there are usually many Giant Trevally. The shallow area is excellent for snorkeling. Some encounters with big pelagic is common.

Lembongan Bay point

The site is located in a protected area with water sports and pontoons. The site is shallow, 5 to 10m deep and offers it some varieties of soft and hard corals. The coral is rich and healthy with many varieties of reef fish.

Malibu Point
Malibu Point is considered one of the nicest sites in the island (besides SD and Toyapakeh). It’s slightly wilder than Toyapakeh with great schools of Jacks and Rainbow Runner, and Dog Tooth Tuna. The underwater structure is very interesting.

Gamat Bay Point

The water is always clear, and the reef, a steep, rugged slope leading into the bay. You need your observation skill to see the macro things which lay beneath the surface. It is full of small caves and crevices and number of reef fish and invertebrates here are exceptional.

Crystal Bay Point
The location is situated in a very nice white sandy beach lagoon. The underwater structure is excellent with some variation of coral and alley. When the current is not strong, snorkellers can enjoy the underwater scenery from the bay. Fish life is very rich and occasionally Sun Fish , and Nurse Sharks hide under the corals.

Manta Point
Usually there are 3 to 4 Mantas cruising the site. The profile is slope down to 50m, there are not many corals, just limestone rocks. Other than Manta, there are also Tunas, Mackerels and other pelagic.

[Read Posts...]

Family Beach Vacation at Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort

Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort is a perfect family beach vacation destination since the resort is set on a 1,000-foot white-sand beach in the Bahamas.

You will be able to choose from activities for all ages, including playing in the pools, snorkeling in the ocean, sailing and other water sports.

Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort is set on 7 acres with three freshwater pools, waterfalls, whirlpools, and a swim-up bar. The kids' pool has a waterfall for playing in the water.

Each of the hotel's 694 guest rooms and suites has a private balcony or patio with views of the Atlantic Ocean or the gardens.

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Un weekend à Kaunas.

Kaunas, deuxième ville en Lituanie (environ 420 000 habitants) se trouve au confluent du Niémen et de la Neris. La ville fut fondée au XIII ème siècle et fut la première ville fortifiée. A partir du XV ème siècle, Kaunas devient une ville marchande importante avec son port fluvial.

Entre 1920 et 1940 Kaunas fut la capitale provisoire de Lituanie.

La vieille ville de Kaunas séduit par ses tours médiévales restaurées et l’Hôtel de Ville de style baroque, appelé « le Cygne Blanc ». Quelques bâtiments, originaux et bien conservés, se distinguent dans la vieille ville : l’église de Vytautas, ou la maison de Perkunas, ancienne maison de négociants, construite à la fin du XV ème siècle.
L’avenue centrale, Laisvés Aléja, une des plus belles de Lituanie, est entièrement piétonne.
Non loin du lac artificiel de Kaunas (Kauno marios), se trouve le monastère de Pažaislis, un chef d’œuvre baroque du XVII ème siècle. Un festival de musique classique s’y organise chaque été.

De nombreux musées sont visités à Kaunas, dont les plus populaires sont le musée des beaux-arts de M.K. Čiurlionis, du nom du plus grand artiste lituanien, le musée Vytautas de la Grande Guerre, le musée des Diables, unique au monde, avec une collection de plus de 3000 statuettes représentant Lucifer, le musée de Fort N˚9, construit sous l’Empire tsariste, pour la défense des frontières occidentales, mais transformé en prison par les nazis pendant la guerre et ensuite en camp de concentration.

Kaunas est une ville étudiante avec ses 5 écoles supérieures, et une ville sportive, où s’entraîne l’équipe de basket-ball de haut niveau « Žalgiris » où jouait Arvydas Sabonis, un basketteur mondialement connu.
La ville possède des infrastructures et services bien développés : plusieurs catégories d’hôtels et des maisons d’hôtes, de nombreux restaurants et cafés, ainsi que plusieurs night clubs.

Pour plus d’informations : www.kaunas.lt

Notre offre spéciale:
http://www.lithuaniantours.com/offres-sp%C3%A9ciales/week-end-%C3%A0-kaunas/895

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Lalbagh Gardens, Bangalore

The Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore the Garden City is a lush green paradise with an area of 240 acres in the heart of the city.

It was started by King Hyder Ali, the ruler of old Mysore in 1760. It was further developed by his son Tipu Sultan and subsequently by the British and Indian doyens of horticulture. In 1856, it was given the status of a Government Botanical Garden. From then onwards, it has been an internationally renowned center for scientific study of plants and botanical artwork and also conservation of plants.

Lalbagh is home for tees, shtubs, plants from all over the world. The rarest variety of trees can be seen here. The main attractions here are:

• Floral Clock
• Tree Fossil
• Glass House
• Directorate Building
• Guard Room
• Lake
• Band Stand
• Pigeon House
• Bonsai Park
• Cacti Park
• Topiary Garden
• Bombax Tree
• Kempegowda Tower
• Pigeon Colony
• Lecture Hall
• Trees and Flowers
• Nursery
  

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Mexico Tourist Attractions

Tourism in Mexico - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mexico City is the capital of Mexico and is popular with tourists as an ancient Meso-American city and the site of many popular tourist attractions such as ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Mexico

All About Mexico - Tourist Attractions, Nightlife, Museums And ...
The complete guide to travel in Mexico. This site contains what you need to know about Mexico for tourism and business travelers.
www.allaboutmexico.com/archeology.html

Mexico Tourist Attractions



Mexico tourist attractions: pictures, videos & maps
Browse 238 top Mexico attractions: Templo Mayor, Frida Kahlo Museum, National Museum of Anthropology, Historic Center, Cancun's Beaches, Mesoamerican Reef ...
www.funtouristattractions.com/.../mexico-tourist-attractions/143

http://www.chinatownconnection.com/argentina-travel-review.htm
http://travel.resourcesforattorneys.com/mexico/index.php?m=03&


http://articles.sfgate.com/2009-02-18/travel/17117579_1_mexico-city-tequila-mariachis
http://escapetomexico.wordpress.com/riu-palace-pacifico-opens-in-riviera-nayarit-mexico/


http://xandnaomi.wordpress.com/2008/09/03/10-famous-places-in-the-world/

http://www.bestday.com/Coahuila/Attractions/


View Larger Map

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Flowering Trees - Indian Cork Tree

Bangalore (State: Karnataka) is slowly changing from the Garden City to concrete jungle. However, some of the trees that helped it to earned its name, still adorned the streets of Bangalore. One such tree that can be seen around is Indian Cork Tree or popularly known in local language as "Aakash Mallige". In other words it is known as "Jasmine in the Sky" (Click on the images for bigger view)

This tree grows tall and straight, with the branches covered with whitish flowers. Though the flowers of this tree are not like any other bright ornamental, they have a very nice fragrance.

The trumpet-shaped flowers are white and borne in clusters. They form a carpet on the ground during the flowering season.

The bark of the tree has deep fissures and is used as cork, hence the name. This tree can be still seen in Bangalore a lot on either sides of the road.

[Read Posts...]

Unknown City Beijing

Writing about the cruises that begin in Japanese ports, I found an interesting name of a city in China: Beijing. I've never heard about it and wanted to learn more. The first information I've seen in internet was a collection of photos of a couple of travellers with the explanations under every photo. So, I knew many interesting things.

The couple visited Forbidden City, the largest palatial complex in the world. There is a Temple of Heaven built without any nail or beam inside the complex. The Emperors prayed to have good year and waited for signs of good auspices on Chinese New Year there. You can see the Emperors in the procession every year even today. Sure, those are only shows to attract visitors but it has to be interesting to see, I think.

Посмотреть на Яндекс.Фотках

The next point of the itinerary of the couple was Tiananmen Gate, than they visited cooking courses for foreigners hold directly in the street. Imagin how interesting it is! I've never heard about such invention in other touristic places.

There is one of the largest and most important in the world Buddhist temples there, Lama Temple of Geluk School, where there are many treasures very important for every Buddhist; and there is a Chinese Muslims' Mosque (Niujie Mosque). I was surprized to read about it, I did not think there are even Chinese Muslims! And the building is interesting too, it comes from 996.

It's possible to visit Yuanming Yuan, ruins of the Old Summer Palace (ah, all royalities had summer and winter palaces!).

Do you like works of Franch architect Paul Andreu? Very beautiful airy buildings all over the world. There, in Beijing, you can see his Center for the Performing Arts.


«Ладья» на Яндекс.Фотках

And there are Beihai Park, a royal garden, Happy Valley, an amusement park, Beijing Zoo, where there are pandas and other rare Chinese animals, 798 Space Gallery a place for contemporary arts. You can visit Beijing Planning Exhibition and walk over the relief models of the city, the world's largest steel structure -the National Stadium, and surely the Great Wall.

Wow, but will it be enough a shore visit to see all these interesting places?

I was very curious: where is this city? And from the next site I learn it's... Peking!
By the way, did you know that Peking is one of the 4 historical capitals of China? Every dinasty had own capital: Beijing, Nanjing, Chang'an and Luoyang.

And to make this more inviting for you: if you look for cruise discounts and want to embark on October 25 , it will cost you only... you will not believe... a third part from the normal price of the cabin... And Ocean view? Have you seen the oceanview cabin price???

[Read Posts...]

Unknown City Beijing

Writing about the cruises that begin in Japanese ports, I found an interesting name of a city in China: Beijing. I've never heard about it and wanted to learn more. The first information I've seen in internet was a collection of photos of a couple of travellers with the explanations under every photo. So, I knew many interesting things.

The couple visited Forbidden City, the largest palatial complex in the world. There is a Temple of Heaven built without any nail or beam inside the complex. The Emperors prayed to have good year and waited for signs of good auspices on Chinese New Year there. You can see the Emperors in the procession every year even today. Sure, those are only shows to attract visitors but it has to be interesting to see, I think.

Посмотреть на Яндекс.Фотках

The next point of the itinerary of the couple was Tiananmen Gate, than they visited cooking courses for foreigners hold directly in the street. Imagin how interesting it is! I've never heard about such invention in other touristic places.

There is one of the largest and most important in the world Buddhist temples there, Lama Temple of Geluk School, where there are many treasures very important for every Buddhist; and there is a Chinese Muslims' Mosque (Niujie Mosque). I was surprized to read about it, I did not think there are even Chinese Muslims! And the building is interesting too, it comes from 996.

It's possible to visit Yuanming Yuan, ruins of the Old Summer Palace (ah, all royalities had summer and winter palaces!).

Do you like works of Franch architect Paul Andreu? Very beautiful airy buildings all over the world. There, in Beijing, you can see his Center for the Performing Arts.


«Ладья» на Яндекс.Фотках

And there are Beihai Park, a royal garden, Happy Valley, an amusement park, Beijing Zoo, where there are pandas and other rare Chinese animals, 798 Space Gallery a place for contemporary arts. You can visit Beijing Planning Exhibition and walk over the relief models of the city, the world's largest steel structure -the National Stadium, and surely the Great Wall.

Wow, but will it be enough a shore visit to see all these interesting places?

I was very curious: where is this city? And from the next site I learn it's... Peking!
By the way, did you know that Peking is one of the 4 historical capitals of China? Every dinasty had own capital: Beijing, Nanjing, Chang'an and Luoyang.

And to make this more inviting for you: if you look for cruise discounts and want to embark on October 25 , it will cost you only... you will not believe... a third part from the normal price of the cabin... And Ocean view? Have you seen the oceanview cabin price???

[Read Posts...]