Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Friday, 1 July 2011
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Things to Do at the Grand Canyon
Carved by the great Colorado River, situated in Arizona, United States of America, the Grand Canyon is one of the largest canyons of the world. It is about 446 km long, 29 km wide and is as deep as 6000 ft. The Colorado River has been establishing its course through the canyon for the past 17 millions years and has eroded more than half the Colorado Plateau to form the present day Grand Canyon. The canyon was populated by the Native Americans before the Europeans immigrated and captured the canyon.
According to the Grand Canyon facts, there are various geographical features such as caves and water bodies, to make the canyon rich in animal and plant diversity. Therefore, there are many things to see and do in the canyon which is also one of the largest tourist spots in the world. If you are thinking of taking a trip or a vacation to the Grand Canyon, you surely won't be disappointed. Here's a list of things to do at the Grand Canyon for your information. Keep reading!
Fun Things to Do at the Grand Canyon
All of us must have studied the Grand Canyon in our geography textbooks, but witnessing this wonder of nature in person can be a completely different experience! Over a span of 446 km, there is a lot to see and do, such as: the Grand Canyon National Park (a home to several flora and fauna), the brilliantly built Skywalk, walking trails on both North and South rims, the fierce Colorado River, Kaibab Trails, and many other famous points to visit. With so many things to do at the Grand Canyon, you are surely going to need a really long vacation. So, make sure you take some time off, as you are about to see some breathtaking sights and experience the level of fun you probably haven't even thought about. Take a look!
Hiking
The best way to experience the Grand Canyon is to hike through its trails. There are plenty of trails found in the canyon, some created by nature and some by man. The canyon is divided in sections like the north, south, east and west rims, which have their own trails that will guide you within the rims and towards the river. Therefore, you can see the points located on both the rims, camp at these sights and then hike down towards the river. There are hotels and campsites at every point in the Grand Canyon, so you won't run out of supplies while hiking. In case you get tired, you could rent mules, horses or bikes for your journey as well and enjoy exploring the canyon on their backs. The Grand Canyon Village, Tusayan Ruins, the National Park, Grand Canyon Skywalk, etc. are some of the things you can see while hiking.
Rafting
Once you hike down through the trails to the Colorado River, you can witness the beauty of this magnificent river responsible for creating the canyon. The Deer Creek Falls are the best place to go river rafting and kayaking as they can be immense fun when you are with friends and family. The Havasu Canyon is a valley with four beautiful spring-fed waterfalls smashing down the cliffs, creating swimming holes with relaxing sights. Fishing is also something you could do in these waters, if you are more of a quiet vacationer. There are various other waterfalls and bodies in the Grand Canyon, such as: Chevaya Falls, Thunder River, Mystic Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Elves Chasm, etc. that make rafting and fishing some of the best things to do at the Grand Canyon.
Taking Tours
Since, there are so many things to see in the Grand Canyon, tours have been arranged for tourists. These include air, land and railway tours which work in shifts at specific durations of time. In these tours, tourists are given a chance to see the Grand Canyon from the air and from the railway. Air tours include, helicopter and airplane services that fly tourists over the canyon for about 30 minutes and show them the various beautiful sights. Land tours include a shuttle service (bus and jeep tours), which take tourists to sights like the Kolb Studio, El Tovar, Lookout Studio, Hopi House, Bright Angel Lodge and Santa Fe Railway Station. The railway tours are held by the Grand Canyon Railway Depot that was built in 1909. The railway service operates from Williams, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon National Park south rim.
With these things to do at the Grand Canyon, you are surely going to have one of the best vacations of your life. So, are you ready to book your tickets?
According to the Grand Canyon facts, there are various geographical features such as caves and water bodies, to make the canyon rich in animal and plant diversity. Therefore, there are many things to see and do in the canyon which is also one of the largest tourist spots in the world. If you are thinking of taking a trip or a vacation to the Grand Canyon, you surely won't be disappointed. Here's a list of things to do at the Grand Canyon for your information. Keep reading!
Fun Things to Do at the Grand Canyon
All of us must have studied the Grand Canyon in our geography textbooks, but witnessing this wonder of nature in person can be a completely different experience! Over a span of 446 km, there is a lot to see and do, such as: the Grand Canyon National Park (a home to several flora and fauna), the brilliantly built Skywalk, walking trails on both North and South rims, the fierce Colorado River, Kaibab Trails, and many other famous points to visit. With so many things to do at the Grand Canyon, you are surely going to need a really long vacation. So, make sure you take some time off, as you are about to see some breathtaking sights and experience the level of fun you probably haven't even thought about. Take a look!
Hiking
The best way to experience the Grand Canyon is to hike through its trails. There are plenty of trails found in the canyon, some created by nature and some by man. The canyon is divided in sections like the north, south, east and west rims, which have their own trails that will guide you within the rims and towards the river. Therefore, you can see the points located on both the rims, camp at these sights and then hike down towards the river. There are hotels and campsites at every point in the Grand Canyon, so you won't run out of supplies while hiking. In case you get tired, you could rent mules, horses or bikes for your journey as well and enjoy exploring the canyon on their backs. The Grand Canyon Village, Tusayan Ruins, the National Park, Grand Canyon Skywalk, etc. are some of the things you can see while hiking.
Rafting
Once you hike down through the trails to the Colorado River, you can witness the beauty of this magnificent river responsible for creating the canyon. The Deer Creek Falls are the best place to go river rafting and kayaking as they can be immense fun when you are with friends and family. The Havasu Canyon is a valley with four beautiful spring-fed waterfalls smashing down the cliffs, creating swimming holes with relaxing sights. Fishing is also something you could do in these waters, if you are more of a quiet vacationer. There are various other waterfalls and bodies in the Grand Canyon, such as: Chevaya Falls, Thunder River, Mystic Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Elves Chasm, etc. that make rafting and fishing some of the best things to do at the Grand Canyon.
Taking Tours
Since, there are so many things to see in the Grand Canyon, tours have been arranged for tourists. These include air, land and railway tours which work in shifts at specific durations of time. In these tours, tourists are given a chance to see the Grand Canyon from the air and from the railway. Air tours include, helicopter and airplane services that fly tourists over the canyon for about 30 minutes and show them the various beautiful sights. Land tours include a shuttle service (bus and jeep tours), which take tourists to sights like the Kolb Studio, El Tovar, Lookout Studio, Hopi House, Bright Angel Lodge and Santa Fe Railway Station. The railway tours are held by the Grand Canyon Railway Depot that was built in 1909. The railway service operates from Williams, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon National Park south rim.
With these things to do at the Grand Canyon, you are surely going to have one of the best vacations of your life. So, are you ready to book your tickets?
Interesting Facts about Beijing
One of the most famous cities in the East and about to become a financial hub for the entire world, Beijing is destination for the New World. Beijing is a metropolis city in Northern China and also the official capital of the People's republic of China. The city is under the direct administration of the central government and continues to be a major political, cultural and educational center of the People's Republic of China. It's one of the few cities that have been a very important part of Chinese heritage and culture since many centuries. It's really strange, but Beijing is one of the few cities in the world which has been renamed constantly. During 1115-1234 it was named as Zhongdu, from 1271-1368 it was named as Dadu. Marco Polo named Beijing as Cambuluc and again in 1949 after the end of the Chinese Civil War, the Communist Party of China renamed it as Beijing.
Beijing Facts and Information
The present situation of the city is as fascinating as the history of Beijing. It has witnessed a unique transformation with passing of time and has reinvented itself as one of the most modern and advanced cities of the world. It's situated at the northern tip of the North China plain and is shielded by mountains on the north. Let's have a look at some more interesting facts about Beijing.
* Beijing is the second largest city after Shanghai and also the capital of the People's Republic of China.
* It's no secret that the Chinese love their bicycles, which is why once you get to Beijing, you will see thousands of cyclists on the roads.
* Beijing also hosted the 2008 Olympics.
* In the Imperial Times, the city was also known as Peking.
* There are 16 districts and 2 counties in Beijing.
* If you want to go on a trip to Beijing, remember that not many people speak English. So make sure you know the basic Chinese phrases or you are going to face a tough time.
* Beijing is called one of the 'Four Great Ancient Capitals of China'.
* The literal meaning of the term Beijing is 'Northern Capital'.
* The Beijing zoo is one of the most famous tourist destinations of the city and its popular for its Panda Bears. The Beijing zoo is also the largest zoo in the country.
* The hottest tourist destination in Beijing is 'The Forbidden City'. The Forbidden City comprises of 980 buildings and 8707 bays of rooms. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 and is listed as the largest collection of old wooden structures in the world by the UNESCO.
* McDonald's is the city's most popular fast food joint.
* For entertainment, people can visit the world famous Peking Opera. The Opera is great combination of songs, dialogs, acrobatics, fighting, music and much more.
* The most common surname in Beijing is Wang. The name is shared by almost 11% of the population.
* The largest wooden Buddha statue in China is located in Beijing in Yonghe Lamasery.
* The most popular sports in Beijing are basketball and football.
* The capital city enjoys four distinct seasons. July is the hottest at 75°F and January is the coldest at 18°F. Spring and autumn are the shortest seasons.
* The city flower of Beijing is the China Rose or Chrysanthemum and the city tree is Arborviate or Chinese Scholar Tree.
* The Beijing Capital International Airport is the second busiest airport in the world and the busiest in Asia.
* Due to the high levels of pollution in the city, the Chinese government spent nearly $17 billion to clean up the city's air during the 2008 Olympics.
* The most famous delicacy of Beijing is the 'Peking Roast Duck'. It's one of China's national foods and has been consumed since Imperial Times.
Even though the People's Republic of China is dominated by a Communist Party, the capital city is filled with discos and night clubs which provide great nightlife for tourists and locals. If you know some more interesting facts about Beijing, then please do not hesitate to list them below.
Beijing Facts and Information
The present situation of the city is as fascinating as the history of Beijing. It has witnessed a unique transformation with passing of time and has reinvented itself as one of the most modern and advanced cities of the world. It's situated at the northern tip of the North China plain and is shielded by mountains on the north. Let's have a look at some more interesting facts about Beijing.
* Beijing is the second largest city after Shanghai and also the capital of the People's Republic of China.
* It's no secret that the Chinese love their bicycles, which is why once you get to Beijing, you will see thousands of cyclists on the roads.
* Beijing also hosted the 2008 Olympics.
* In the Imperial Times, the city was also known as Peking.
* There are 16 districts and 2 counties in Beijing.
* If you want to go on a trip to Beijing, remember that not many people speak English. So make sure you know the basic Chinese phrases or you are going to face a tough time.
* Beijing is called one of the 'Four Great Ancient Capitals of China'.
* The literal meaning of the term Beijing is 'Northern Capital'.
* The Beijing zoo is one of the most famous tourist destinations of the city and its popular for its Panda Bears. The Beijing zoo is also the largest zoo in the country.
* The hottest tourist destination in Beijing is 'The Forbidden City'. The Forbidden City comprises of 980 buildings and 8707 bays of rooms. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 and is listed as the largest collection of old wooden structures in the world by the UNESCO.
* McDonald's is the city's most popular fast food joint.
* For entertainment, people can visit the world famous Peking Opera. The Opera is great combination of songs, dialogs, acrobatics, fighting, music and much more.
* The most common surname in Beijing is Wang. The name is shared by almost 11% of the population.
* The largest wooden Buddha statue in China is located in Beijing in Yonghe Lamasery.
* The most popular sports in Beijing are basketball and football.
* The capital city enjoys four distinct seasons. July is the hottest at 75°F and January is the coldest at 18°F. Spring and autumn are the shortest seasons.
* The city flower of Beijing is the China Rose or Chrysanthemum and the city tree is Arborviate or Chinese Scholar Tree.
* The Beijing Capital International Airport is the second busiest airport in the world and the busiest in Asia.
* Due to the high levels of pollution in the city, the Chinese government spent nearly $17 billion to clean up the city's air during the 2008 Olympics.
* The most famous delicacy of Beijing is the 'Peking Roast Duck'. It's one of China's national foods and has been consumed since Imperial Times.
Even though the People's Republic of China is dominated by a Communist Party, the capital city is filled with discos and night clubs which provide great nightlife for tourists and locals. If you know some more interesting facts about Beijing, then please do not hesitate to list them below.
How do Frequent Flyer Miles Work
In a highly competitive sector, any company which aims to maintain its market share, must come up with innovative ideas that keep customers interested in their product or service. One such out of the box idea, introduced in air travel sector is the frequent flyer program, which has enjoyed huge success in the domestic, as well as international sector.
When I think about frequent flyer programs, a picture of George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, from the 2009 movie 'Up in the Air' floats into my mind, as the character's biggest motivation in life is to earn 10 million frequent flyer miles! There are many such Ryan Binghams out there, who literally live a life out of the suitcase and enjoy the exclusive status and facilities provided by airlines to frequent flyers like them. In this Buzzle article, you will find a clear explanation of how do frequent flyer miles work for these vagabond air travelers.
How Do Frequent Flyer Programs Work?
The sole reason why a branded business survives over the years is the loyal customer base it maintains. As the competition in the air travel sector heated up, airlines needed to come up with new ideas to grab the customer's attention. That's what gave rise to frequent flyer programs. The objective of the program is to create loyal customer base, through awarding of free air miles, or 'points' for every flight that a customer takes with the airline. Number of points earned are directly proportional to flight distance.
The number of points or free miles earned can be 'redeemed' at a future date to get free air tickets or gain other privileges and discounts with associated services. The free miles or points earned per mile traveled, vary for every airline, but it's typically one point for every mile traveled. Of course, the accumulated air miles come with an expiry tag.
They have to be redeemed within a fixed period of time, which also varies for every airline. Every airline has it's own complicated formula for calculation of the points according to the air miles traveled. Every customer who signs up with such a program has a dedicated account with the airline, where he or she can check for the points accumulated.
When customers have earned a certain maximum amount of points (typically, 25,000 miles or more), they are provided with elite status, which provides them access to privileges like first class lounge access, priority in booking tickets, special discounts on stays in hotels affiliated with the airlines, car rental services and other such perks. Most programs also offer air miles according to the usage of credit card for shopping, staying in affiliated hotels or for engaging in other business transactions. One can even directly buy miles from airlines, if his accumulated 'Mile Pile' is falling short of a flight destination by a small margin. You don't need to think about how to buy cheap airline tickets when you have earned miles to cash upon.
When redeeming the earned air miles or points, they are converted to dollar value, according to a fixed value for every mile. This value may vary from less than a cent to more than 2 cents per mile earned. The number of free mile points earned per traveled mile also varies according to the class of tickets you book. First class tickets will earn you more points per mile than business or economy class tickets. For example, if the value of a point or mile is a cent, then 25,000 miles will earn you $250 worth free ticket travel. You can refer to websites like 'Webflyer,' which provides detailed information regarding the frequent flyer programs offered by domestic and international airlines. Till date, trillions of air miles have been accumulated by air travelers in the US.
Hope this article has clarified most of the doubts in your mind about how do frequent flyer miles work. All in all, frequent flyer programs are a win/win proposal for travelers and airlines. Of course, enrolling for them only makes sense if you travel quite frequently and widely. Read all the terms and conditions of the program carefully before signing up and look for hidden costs involved. Go for an airline that operates in your travel domain, which will let you benefit from their frequent flyer program. More the miles you travel, more are the miles you earn to travel free! Once you have accumulated enough points, cash in on the points or miles earned by gifting yourself a vacation trip absolutely free!
When I think about frequent flyer programs, a picture of George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, from the 2009 movie 'Up in the Air' floats into my mind, as the character's biggest motivation in life is to earn 10 million frequent flyer miles! There are many such Ryan Binghams out there, who literally live a life out of the suitcase and enjoy the exclusive status and facilities provided by airlines to frequent flyers like them. In this Buzzle article, you will find a clear explanation of how do frequent flyer miles work for these vagabond air travelers.
How Do Frequent Flyer Programs Work?
The sole reason why a branded business survives over the years is the loyal customer base it maintains. As the competition in the air travel sector heated up, airlines needed to come up with new ideas to grab the customer's attention. That's what gave rise to frequent flyer programs. The objective of the program is to create loyal customer base, through awarding of free air miles, or 'points' for every flight that a customer takes with the airline. Number of points earned are directly proportional to flight distance.
The number of points or free miles earned can be 'redeemed' at a future date to get free air tickets or gain other privileges and discounts with associated services. The free miles or points earned per mile traveled, vary for every airline, but it's typically one point for every mile traveled. Of course, the accumulated air miles come with an expiry tag.
They have to be redeemed within a fixed period of time, which also varies for every airline. Every airline has it's own complicated formula for calculation of the points according to the air miles traveled. Every customer who signs up with such a program has a dedicated account with the airline, where he or she can check for the points accumulated.
When customers have earned a certain maximum amount of points (typically, 25,000 miles or more), they are provided with elite status, which provides them access to privileges like first class lounge access, priority in booking tickets, special discounts on stays in hotels affiliated with the airlines, car rental services and other such perks. Most programs also offer air miles according to the usage of credit card for shopping, staying in affiliated hotels or for engaging in other business transactions. One can even directly buy miles from airlines, if his accumulated 'Mile Pile' is falling short of a flight destination by a small margin. You don't need to think about how to buy cheap airline tickets when you have earned miles to cash upon.
When redeeming the earned air miles or points, they are converted to dollar value, according to a fixed value for every mile. This value may vary from less than a cent to more than 2 cents per mile earned. The number of free mile points earned per traveled mile also varies according to the class of tickets you book. First class tickets will earn you more points per mile than business or economy class tickets. For example, if the value of a point or mile is a cent, then 25,000 miles will earn you $250 worth free ticket travel. You can refer to websites like 'Webflyer,' which provides detailed information regarding the frequent flyer programs offered by domestic and international airlines. Till date, trillions of air miles have been accumulated by air travelers in the US.
Hope this article has clarified most of the doubts in your mind about how do frequent flyer miles work. All in all, frequent flyer programs are a win/win proposal for travelers and airlines. Of course, enrolling for them only makes sense if you travel quite frequently and widely. Read all the terms and conditions of the program carefully before signing up and look for hidden costs involved. Go for an airline that operates in your travel domain, which will let you benefit from their frequent flyer program. More the miles you travel, more are the miles you earn to travel free! Once you have accumulated enough points, cash in on the points or miles earned by gifting yourself a vacation trip absolutely free!
Monday, 13 June 2011
Visiting Jerusalem
"If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy." (Psalm 137:5-6). Just today, March 23rd 2011 I heard the news about a terrorist attack in Jerusalem. Hoping this too shall pass, like so many often painful and tragic things that happened in that unique place of our globe. I have recently visited Jerusalem for the first time in my life, and yes, I do believe there is something very special and transcendental about the famous city. The very first thing that we saw when entering Jerusalem, or rather when "climbing up" to the Holy city, was the bridge called "King David’s Harp". This bridge is placed on the western entrance to the city. Its shape resembles a huge harp, and this explains its name. According to the Holy Scriptures, King David had among many talents, the one of playing the harp: "David took a harp, and played with his hand." (1 Samuel 16:23).
Another interesting and noticeable thing when visiting Jerusalem for the first time is the fact that absolutely all the buildings in the city are made of the very same type of stone, which is in fact even called "Jerusalem stone". It is a general name that refers to various types of pale limestone that can be found in Jerusalem and its surrounding areas, and which has been used in building ever since ancient times. Anyway, this special kind of rock certainly does give more charm to the buildings and the streets in Jerusalem.
As it is very well known, people of different religions and denominations have a thing for Jerusalem, as many significant religious events took place here. For Christians, it is the place where Jesus Christ was crucified, then buried. And because of that, there is a Christian church called the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is also called The Church of Resurrection. Although it is the headquarters for the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, the holy place is shared by three Christian denominations: Greek Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism and Oriental Orthodoxy. Paradoxically, this place which holds so much significance for all Christians in the entire world is situated in an area which is mostly inhabited by Muslims. For fear of unexpected attacks, many say that it is a dangerous place to visit unless in an organized, safe group.
Another major point of interest in Jerusalem is The Old City. Here you can find Russian Orthodox Churches, synagogues and mosques. I have reached the famous Western Wailing Wall on a Friday evening, so when it was already Sabbath and some of the Jewish believers were praying, some singing and dancing there, in their dark long coats, with their black hats, it was quite an impressive, touching image. I was just so curious what each one of them was praying for at that special place. Hope some of them were praying for peace in this country, and that those prayers were listened.
The tradition states that anyone, regardless of his/her faith, can come to this Wall and hide a note in it, with a special request to God, and they say such prayers go straight to heaven. Anyway, it was so touching to see so many people there, even small children, whispering their troubles towards the sky.
The Israel Museum was another memorable place I’ve seen in Jerusalem. Although I haven’t managed to see it all, it was more than enough to want to come back and complete my visitation. Being a huge fan of the Impressionist painting movement, I just had to see it, and was pleasantly surprised to find a Van Gogh (my favorite painter). Of course, there were more paintings belonging to famous painters such as Pissarro, Monet, Renoir, Gauguin, and also sculptures belonging to the immortal Degas and Rodin.
The village of En Kerem, which is considered in fact to be part of Jerusalem, is filled with an atmosphere of peace, relaxation and natural beauty (flowers everywhere, since springtime was there, trees in fool bloom, cats absolutely everywhere). No wonder it became an artists’ village at a certain point.
Well, I think you can’t be exhaustive when it comes to such a city. And definitely, you need to visit it more than once to discover its numerous beauties and mysteries.
Another interesting and noticeable thing when visiting Jerusalem for the first time is the fact that absolutely all the buildings in the city are made of the very same type of stone, which is in fact even called "Jerusalem stone". It is a general name that refers to various types of pale limestone that can be found in Jerusalem and its surrounding areas, and which has been used in building ever since ancient times. Anyway, this special kind of rock certainly does give more charm to the buildings and the streets in Jerusalem.
As it is very well known, people of different religions and denominations have a thing for Jerusalem, as many significant religious events took place here. For Christians, it is the place where Jesus Christ was crucified, then buried. And because of that, there is a Christian church called the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is also called The Church of Resurrection. Although it is the headquarters for the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, the holy place is shared by three Christian denominations: Greek Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism and Oriental Orthodoxy. Paradoxically, this place which holds so much significance for all Christians in the entire world is situated in an area which is mostly inhabited by Muslims. For fear of unexpected attacks, many say that it is a dangerous place to visit unless in an organized, safe group.
Another major point of interest in Jerusalem is The Old City. Here you can find Russian Orthodox Churches, synagogues and mosques. I have reached the famous Western Wailing Wall on a Friday evening, so when it was already Sabbath and some of the Jewish believers were praying, some singing and dancing there, in their dark long coats, with their black hats, it was quite an impressive, touching image. I was just so curious what each one of them was praying for at that special place. Hope some of them were praying for peace in this country, and that those prayers were listened.
The tradition states that anyone, regardless of his/her faith, can come to this Wall and hide a note in it, with a special request to God, and they say such prayers go straight to heaven. Anyway, it was so touching to see so many people there, even small children, whispering their troubles towards the sky.
The Israel Museum was another memorable place I’ve seen in Jerusalem. Although I haven’t managed to see it all, it was more than enough to want to come back and complete my visitation. Being a huge fan of the Impressionist painting movement, I just had to see it, and was pleasantly surprised to find a Van Gogh (my favorite painter). Of course, there were more paintings belonging to famous painters such as Pissarro, Monet, Renoir, Gauguin, and also sculptures belonging to the immortal Degas and Rodin.
The village of En Kerem, which is considered in fact to be part of Jerusalem, is filled with an atmosphere of peace, relaxation and natural beauty (flowers everywhere, since springtime was there, trees in fool bloom, cats absolutely everywhere). No wonder it became an artists’ village at a certain point.
Well, I think you can’t be exhaustive when it comes to such a city. And definitely, you need to visit it more than once to discover its numerous beauties and mysteries.
Sunday, 12 June 2011
Famous Cities of Switzerland
Come to the land of Switzerland, a place of perfect retreat, with trendy bars and boutiques, romantic alleys and highest quality of life and all within the few minutes from mountains and pristine nature. The most popular way to explore the exotic beauty of Switzerland while experiencing the natural beauty is to follow the public transport system, the densest in the world.
Zurich
Enjoy life at Zurich and the let the spirit soar, nestled amidst hills and lakes, Zurich is a perfect zone with unique combination of relaxation and enjoyment, nature and culture, nightlife and shopping. Zurich situated in downtown Switzerland is distinguished with unparalleled selection of stores, lining the world- famous shopping mile, the Bahnhofstrasse. Zurich is an idea city for all kinds of excursion such as to the Rhine falls, Chocolate factory, or the snow and perpetual ice on Titlis mountains.
Activities at Zurich
Boat Trip - Cruise on the Limmat River.
Shopping - Zurich, The Shopper's Paradise.
Rhine Falls - Europe Largest Waterfall.
Chocolate Land - Swiss Chocolate Factory.
Lucerne
It is an outstanding city of Singapore, Lucerne, the avante garde, in the form of futuristic KKL luzern was designed by Jean Nouvel. The museums, theaters and festival makes Lucerne a city of Culture, which elegantly holds its own amongst traditions and trends. Immerse yourself in this town, enjoy the magnificent landscape as you meander through the green pastures.
Activities at Lucerne
Guided walking City Tour of Lucerne's Charming Old Town.
Take a Cruise on the lake.
Visit Mt Titlis, the rotating table car to the highest glacier of Lake Lucern Region.
Shop till you drop and take as many things from here that are guaranteed souvenir.
Zurich
Enjoy life at Zurich and the let the spirit soar, nestled amidst hills and lakes, Zurich is a perfect zone with unique combination of relaxation and enjoyment, nature and culture, nightlife and shopping. Zurich situated in downtown Switzerland is distinguished with unparalleled selection of stores, lining the world- famous shopping mile, the Bahnhofstrasse. Zurich is an idea city for all kinds of excursion such as to the Rhine falls, Chocolate factory, or the snow and perpetual ice on Titlis mountains.
Activities at Zurich
Boat Trip - Cruise on the Limmat River.
Shopping - Zurich, The Shopper's Paradise.
Rhine Falls - Europe Largest Waterfall.
Chocolate Land - Swiss Chocolate Factory.
Lucerne
It is an outstanding city of Singapore, Lucerne, the avante garde, in the form of futuristic KKL luzern was designed by Jean Nouvel. The museums, theaters and festival makes Lucerne a city of Culture, which elegantly holds its own amongst traditions and trends. Immerse yourself in this town, enjoy the magnificent landscape as you meander through the green pastures.
Activities at Lucerne
Guided walking City Tour of Lucerne's Charming Old Town.
Take a Cruise on the lake.
Visit Mt Titlis, the rotating table car to the highest glacier of Lake Lucern Region.
Shop till you drop and take as many things from here that are guaranteed souvenir.
Friday, 10 June 2011
The Culture of Pakistan
Pakistan, a country in Southern Asia, has a rich culture and heritage. Formerly, a part of 'Hindustan', Pakistan became an independent country on August 14, 1947. The highly traditional Pakistani culture borrows heavily from the cultures of different countries like the Arabs, Greeks, Persians, Aryans, Moghuls and the British. The neighboring countries of Pakistan, like Iran (in the west), Afghanistan (in the northwest) and India (in the east) also influence its culture.
Language
Although, English is widely spoken in Pakistan, Urdu is the official language. The other languages that are spoken in Pakistan are Punjabi, Sindhi, Pushto, Balochi, Hindko, Saraiki, Brahvietc.
Religion
The majority of Pakistan's population are Muslims and they follow the Islamic religion in a strict fashion. They offer namaz (prayers) five times everyday. Ramadan, the most important festival of the Muslims, is also considered as a sacred month. During this month, they fast from morning till sunset without drinking water and are strictly prohibited from smoking and consuming alcohol. The last day of Ramdan is Eid which is celebrated with great fervor with family and friends.
Islam is the major religion in Pakistan, but is not the only one. The minority population comprises of Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and the Persians. Christmas (also the birthday of Ali Jinnah, first governor-general of Pakistan), Jashn-e-Baharan (spring festival celebrated by the Punjabis), Baisakhi Purnima (the birth date of Buddha) and Naoroz (Parsi New Year) are among some of the festivals celebrated in Pakistan.
Architecture
The architecture of Pakistan is miscellaneous, as every nation that invaded and settled in this country has left a mark on it. In ancient times, this Islamic country was a part of the Indus Valley Civilization and the architectures of Mohenjo Daro, Harappa and Kot Diji, are considered as the heritage sites.
One can also see the Buddhist monuments that were constructed during the time when Buddhism was prevalent in Pakistan. The advent of the Moghuls put an end to the Buddhist architecture. During this time, due to the influence of Greeks and Persians, there was an amalgamation of these styles in the architecture of the country which was known as the 'Greco-Buddhist' style.
The invasion of the Mughal empire led to the development of Islamic architecture. The Shah Jahan Mosque of Thatta is the first building that was constructed according to the principles of Mughal architecture. One of the very important monuments that came up during this period is the Badshahi Mosque. It was built during the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb, and is flanked by the magnificent Alamgiri gate.
Later, during the time of colonization, the constructions were majorly of Indo-Western style. Today, in the post-colonial era, we can see a mixture of all these styles along with the modernized structures.
Sports
Although, field hockey is the national game of Pakistan, cricket is a game that is followed with lot of passion. In recent times, even soccer has become popular among the people. The country also internationally represents in sports like swimming, boxing, shooting and athletics.
Art and Literature
Poetry is the most important form of literature in Pakistan. One of the most known exponent of Urdu poetry is Mirza Ghalib. He has written various poems in Urdu and Persian. His poems are still read and loved by Urdu and Hindi speaking people around the globe.
Pakistani literature is not restricted only to Urdu poetry. There is an embodiment of works written in English, Punjabi, Sindhi and Pushto languages. Also, there are Pakistani diasporic writers around the world.
Music is a primary interest of the Pakistanis. Qawwali, which was said to have been introduced by Amir Khusrau, is one of the most traditional forms of music that exists in Pakistan. Film, Urdu and Punjabi pop music is also popular among the people. Nowadays, it is blended with western music and this amalgamation has developed into a popular music genre.
The most popular entertainment medium in Pakistan are the television and the radio. Pakistan's film industry is referred to as Lollywood with a production of 40 motion pictures every year. Indian movies are also popular in Pakistan, although, it has been banned by the Government of Pakistan.
Social Culture
The Pakistanis are mostly conservative in nature. They follow a strict code of conduct. They live in a patriarchal family where the eldest male member is the head of the family. The elders are given lot of respect and their opinions are regarded with utmost importance while taking important decisions.
Although education is considered as a very important factor among the middle class people, most Pakistani women are not given the freedom to work. But nowadays, many joint families are disintegrating into nuclear families due to the social and economic limitations that are enforced by the joint family system.
Pakistan, is a country, that adheres to its traditional beliefs, values and customs especially in matters of religion. Although, the Pakistanis are deeply rooted in their cultural values, the nation is not lagging behind, with globalization affecting every part of the world. Westernization has embarked into the Pakistani culture which has paved the way for positive development.
Language
Although, English is widely spoken in Pakistan, Urdu is the official language. The other languages that are spoken in Pakistan are Punjabi, Sindhi, Pushto, Balochi, Hindko, Saraiki, Brahvietc.
Religion
The majority of Pakistan's population are Muslims and they follow the Islamic religion in a strict fashion. They offer namaz (prayers) five times everyday. Ramadan, the most important festival of the Muslims, is also considered as a sacred month. During this month, they fast from morning till sunset without drinking water and are strictly prohibited from smoking and consuming alcohol. The last day of Ramdan is Eid which is celebrated with great fervor with family and friends.
Islam is the major religion in Pakistan, but is not the only one. The minority population comprises of Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and the Persians. Christmas (also the birthday of Ali Jinnah, first governor-general of Pakistan), Jashn-e-Baharan (spring festival celebrated by the Punjabis), Baisakhi Purnima (the birth date of Buddha) and Naoroz (Parsi New Year) are among some of the festivals celebrated in Pakistan.
Architecture
The architecture of Pakistan is miscellaneous, as every nation that invaded and settled in this country has left a mark on it. In ancient times, this Islamic country was a part of the Indus Valley Civilization and the architectures of Mohenjo Daro, Harappa and Kot Diji, are considered as the heritage sites.
One can also see the Buddhist monuments that were constructed during the time when Buddhism was prevalent in Pakistan. The advent of the Moghuls put an end to the Buddhist architecture. During this time, due to the influence of Greeks and Persians, there was an amalgamation of these styles in the architecture of the country which was known as the 'Greco-Buddhist' style.
The invasion of the Mughal empire led to the development of Islamic architecture. The Shah Jahan Mosque of Thatta is the first building that was constructed according to the principles of Mughal architecture. One of the very important monuments that came up during this period is the Badshahi Mosque. It was built during the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb, and is flanked by the magnificent Alamgiri gate.
Later, during the time of colonization, the constructions were majorly of Indo-Western style. Today, in the post-colonial era, we can see a mixture of all these styles along with the modernized structures.
Sports
Although, field hockey is the national game of Pakistan, cricket is a game that is followed with lot of passion. In recent times, even soccer has become popular among the people. The country also internationally represents in sports like swimming, boxing, shooting and athletics.
Art and Literature
Poetry is the most important form of literature in Pakistan. One of the most known exponent of Urdu poetry is Mirza Ghalib. He has written various poems in Urdu and Persian. His poems are still read and loved by Urdu and Hindi speaking people around the globe.
Pakistani literature is not restricted only to Urdu poetry. There is an embodiment of works written in English, Punjabi, Sindhi and Pushto languages. Also, there are Pakistani diasporic writers around the world.
Music is a primary interest of the Pakistanis. Qawwali, which was said to have been introduced by Amir Khusrau, is one of the most traditional forms of music that exists in Pakistan. Film, Urdu and Punjabi pop music is also popular among the people. Nowadays, it is blended with western music and this amalgamation has developed into a popular music genre.
The most popular entertainment medium in Pakistan are the television and the radio. Pakistan's film industry is referred to as Lollywood with a production of 40 motion pictures every year. Indian movies are also popular in Pakistan, although, it has been banned by the Government of Pakistan.
Social Culture
The Pakistanis are mostly conservative in nature. They follow a strict code of conduct. They live in a patriarchal family where the eldest male member is the head of the family. The elders are given lot of respect and their opinions are regarded with utmost importance while taking important decisions.
Although education is considered as a very important factor among the middle class people, most Pakistani women are not given the freedom to work. But nowadays, many joint families are disintegrating into nuclear families due to the social and economic limitations that are enforced by the joint family system.
Pakistan, is a country, that adheres to its traditional beliefs, values and customs especially in matters of religion. Although, the Pakistanis are deeply rooted in their cultural values, the nation is not lagging behind, with globalization affecting every part of the world. Westernization has embarked into the Pakistani culture which has paved the way for positive development.
Tourism in Pakistan
Pakistan is a rich and varied country in its own right. It is ancient and modern also. Besides the several historic and cultural sights that Pakistan has to offer, there is geographical and environmental diversity that makes Pakistan truly a destination for all seasons. Indeed Pakistan today presents a rich mosaic of nearly 60 centuries of continuous, eve changing history and culture in settings which range from the beaches of Karachi to the deserts of Thar and Cholistan, and from the green plains of the Punjab to the majestic and challenging mountains of the Hindukush, Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges. And then there are the cities, Peshawar, Lahore, Multan and Thatta, the folkloric histories of which have the ability to charm both the casual tourist as well as the visitor with special interest. The rich diversity that Pakistan offers the visitor is evident as you travel within Pakistan.
Visitors to Pakistan have often noted that in some places of the country you get the feeling that time has come to standstill since ages. In the gently undulating foothills of the mighty Karakorams and in the middle reaches of the towering Hindu Kush Mountains, there is a timeless beauty that is hard to surpass elsewhere. In these two mountain ranges you can experience a Pakistan version of the mythical Shangrila.
It is in these mountains that you have Gilgit, linked with China, in ancient times and in new, by the fabled Silk Route, the world’s highest oldest and toughest mountain road. This road was used for centuries by caravans from China which carried fabulous silk and other oriental merchandise to Arabia and Europe, Gilgit is also the place where the game of polo was born. Centuries ago it was played there at night with balls of fire. Today it is still played there at more or less the same site it has been played at far all these years. In these ranges too is Nanga Parbat, which at 26000 feet is one of the highest peaks in the world. Here too is the Khyber Pass, the route that most foreign invades used to enter the subcontinent from the North. Through this pass came at one time or another the might Mongols, the Turks, the Huns the Moghuls, and other.
The sense of history does not end there. In the foothills town of Chitral you will find that the inhabitants are the descendants of the Macedonians that rode with Alexander the Great when that great conqueror led his armies through the plains of Pakistan centuries ago. Here you will see the Kafir Kalas, called many a pagan tribe because they practice ancient Greak prayer rituals. But after a single look at the Kafirs you will say that this is the legendary land of health and beauty their unlined faces are just as serene at seventeen as at seventy. And all of this can be observed against the majestic backdrop of the 25290 feet high Trichmir Peak.
The reason that these regions in the north of Pakistan are said to be beyond the reach of time is that they are snowbound for most of the years, so modern life has not affected the way of life. In fact most of the inhabitants have not seen the outside world at all. Even the dialects they speak are all but extinct. To be there is indeed to take a trip beyond time, into land of great natural beauty and splendor.
Over the centuries the land that is now called Pakistan has been the cradle of many civilizations. The ruins at Harappa and Mohenjodaro are evidence of the high level of civilization of the people who lived there almost 5000 years also in the down, as it were of human history. Several centuries later, the Greeks led by the indomitable Alexander, left their footprints – indelibly as it turns out in the sands of north of Pakistan.
Soon after Alexander came the rise to prosperity of the great Gandhara civilization, an ear devoted mainly to Buddhist art and architecture. And with the passing of those years came Muslim rule of the subcontinent and the majestic grandeur of the Mughals.
They build the Badhahi Mosque, laid out the exotic Shalimar Garden and erected magnificent mausoleums for their families and the loved ones.
Traveling through Pakistan today, one can easily pick up the threads of history . One can experience it in the museums, the ruins, the shrines and bazaars. And can relive it in the stories and legends that still surround these places of beauty. In Karachi for instance, one could visit the Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam the founder of the Nation of PAKISTAN.
The mausoleum is built entirely of white marble, it has an impressive dome that holds a huge crystal chandelier of Chinese origin. Then there is the quaint Bohri Bazar whole narrow streets and yelling hawkers make an unforgettable sight. And you should not leave Karachi with out visiting National Museum, whole Gandhara Art collection is said to be the finest in the world. Then you could visit Moenjodaro the ‘ Mound of Dead ‘ which was discovered in 1922 and opens up a fascinating window of life of the people who lived there around 2000 B.C.
Old Persia comes to life in Lahore, at the Shalimar Garden designed by the Persian land-escapist Ali Mardan, There are marble pavilions, a marble waterfall and more then 400 fountains, all in area of 42 acres. Emperor Shah Jahan ordered the construction of this Garden of Heaven in 1642 . Also in Lahore is the Anarkali Bazar, named after a pretty dances who was put to death by Emperor Akbar for having an affair with his son Prince Salim, who later became the Emperor Jehangir. Jehangir’s tomb is also in the city as is Wazir Khan’s Mosque which was constructed under the stewardship of the Governor of Lahore in 1643. But the most rewarding sight of all in Lahore is probably Lahore Fort a marvel of Mughal architecture begun in the 11th Century and completed finally by the end of the 16yth Century. Among the emperors who contributed to its splendour were the emperors, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan. Here too is the beautiful Palaces of Mirrors, Shah Jehan’s quadrangle, and the pearl Mosque.
Overlooking the fort is the Badshahi Mosque the world’s largest which was constructed during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb. Pakistan famous poet-philosopher Dr. Mohammad Iqbal lays buried outside the mosque.
Some 18 mile from Rawalpindi is the ancient seat of Oriental culture, Taxila. It was first mentioned in the literature as a satrapy of the Achemenian empire in the 6th century B.C. It was later invaded by Alexander the Great and passed through the control of subsequent rules until it came under the rule of Ashoka the Great, who molded the city into a center of learning philosophy and art. The city prospered during the creative Gandhara period that followed shortly after, but came to a catastrophic and pathetic end when it was attacked by the White Huns.
Today Taxila is a archaeologist’s paradise with a museum and historic sites scattered within a radius of a few miles. In Pakistan today one can indeed relive the past, transport oneself into bygone era of great kinds who were both warriors and philosophers, men in whole lifetimes rich and majestic histories unfolded. Sand not only is the visitor hound to the spellbound by the stories of the past, he will also be overwhelmed by the splendid natural beauty of the countryside which can be tranquil at times and awe-inspiring at others.
Visitors to Pakistan have often noted that in some places of the country you get the feeling that time has come to standstill since ages. In the gently undulating foothills of the mighty Karakorams and in the middle reaches of the towering Hindu Kush Mountains, there is a timeless beauty that is hard to surpass elsewhere. In these two mountain ranges you can experience a Pakistan version of the mythical Shangrila.
It is in these mountains that you have Gilgit, linked with China, in ancient times and in new, by the fabled Silk Route, the world’s highest oldest and toughest mountain road. This road was used for centuries by caravans from China which carried fabulous silk and other oriental merchandise to Arabia and Europe, Gilgit is also the place where the game of polo was born. Centuries ago it was played there at night with balls of fire. Today it is still played there at more or less the same site it has been played at far all these years. In these ranges too is Nanga Parbat, which at 26000 feet is one of the highest peaks in the world. Here too is the Khyber Pass, the route that most foreign invades used to enter the subcontinent from the North. Through this pass came at one time or another the might Mongols, the Turks, the Huns the Moghuls, and other.
The sense of history does not end there. In the foothills town of Chitral you will find that the inhabitants are the descendants of the Macedonians that rode with Alexander the Great when that great conqueror led his armies through the plains of Pakistan centuries ago. Here you will see the Kafir Kalas, called many a pagan tribe because they practice ancient Greak prayer rituals. But after a single look at the Kafirs you will say that this is the legendary land of health and beauty their unlined faces are just as serene at seventeen as at seventy. And all of this can be observed against the majestic backdrop of the 25290 feet high Trichmir Peak.
The reason that these regions in the north of Pakistan are said to be beyond the reach of time is that they are snowbound for most of the years, so modern life has not affected the way of life. In fact most of the inhabitants have not seen the outside world at all. Even the dialects they speak are all but extinct. To be there is indeed to take a trip beyond time, into land of great natural beauty and splendor.
Over the centuries the land that is now called Pakistan has been the cradle of many civilizations. The ruins at Harappa and Mohenjodaro are evidence of the high level of civilization of the people who lived there almost 5000 years also in the down, as it were of human history. Several centuries later, the Greeks led by the indomitable Alexander, left their footprints – indelibly as it turns out in the sands of north of Pakistan.
Soon after Alexander came the rise to prosperity of the great Gandhara civilization, an ear devoted mainly to Buddhist art and architecture. And with the passing of those years came Muslim rule of the subcontinent and the majestic grandeur of the Mughals.
They build the Badhahi Mosque, laid out the exotic Shalimar Garden and erected magnificent mausoleums for their families and the loved ones.
Traveling through Pakistan today, one can easily pick up the threads of history . One can experience it in the museums, the ruins, the shrines and bazaars. And can relive it in the stories and legends that still surround these places of beauty. In Karachi for instance, one could visit the Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam the founder of the Nation of PAKISTAN.
The mausoleum is built entirely of white marble, it has an impressive dome that holds a huge crystal chandelier of Chinese origin. Then there is the quaint Bohri Bazar whole narrow streets and yelling hawkers make an unforgettable sight. And you should not leave Karachi with out visiting National Museum, whole Gandhara Art collection is said to be the finest in the world. Then you could visit Moenjodaro the ‘ Mound of Dead ‘ which was discovered in 1922 and opens up a fascinating window of life of the people who lived there around 2000 B.C.
Old Persia comes to life in Lahore, at the Shalimar Garden designed by the Persian land-escapist Ali Mardan, There are marble pavilions, a marble waterfall and more then 400 fountains, all in area of 42 acres. Emperor Shah Jahan ordered the construction of this Garden of Heaven in 1642 . Also in Lahore is the Anarkali Bazar, named after a pretty dances who was put to death by Emperor Akbar for having an affair with his son Prince Salim, who later became the Emperor Jehangir. Jehangir’s tomb is also in the city as is Wazir Khan’s Mosque which was constructed under the stewardship of the Governor of Lahore in 1643. But the most rewarding sight of all in Lahore is probably Lahore Fort a marvel of Mughal architecture begun in the 11th Century and completed finally by the end of the 16yth Century. Among the emperors who contributed to its splendour were the emperors, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan. Here too is the beautiful Palaces of Mirrors, Shah Jehan’s quadrangle, and the pearl Mosque.
Overlooking the fort is the Badshahi Mosque the world’s largest which was constructed during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb. Pakistan famous poet-philosopher Dr. Mohammad Iqbal lays buried outside the mosque.
Some 18 mile from Rawalpindi is the ancient seat of Oriental culture, Taxila. It was first mentioned in the literature as a satrapy of the Achemenian empire in the 6th century B.C. It was later invaded by Alexander the Great and passed through the control of subsequent rules until it came under the rule of Ashoka the Great, who molded the city into a center of learning philosophy and art. The city prospered during the creative Gandhara period that followed shortly after, but came to a catastrophic and pathetic end when it was attacked by the White Huns.
Today Taxila is a archaeologist’s paradise with a museum and historic sites scattered within a radius of a few miles. In Pakistan today one can indeed relive the past, transport oneself into bygone era of great kinds who were both warriors and philosophers, men in whole lifetimes rich and majestic histories unfolded. Sand not only is the visitor hound to the spellbound by the stories of the past, he will also be overwhelmed by the splendid natural beauty of the countryside which can be tranquil at times and awe-inspiring at others.
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