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Kamis, 05 Mei 2011

Travel to Spain - Find Out More About Spain


Spain is the best travel destination for all those who love adventure, excellent food and exquisite artwork. As a traveller through Spain, one can indulge a fascinating diversity of natural and city landscapes, multicultural blends, centuries-old fests, remains of ancient cultures and traditions. Spain changes constantly. Its high-speed railways have conquered the mountain landscapes, and the large cities have subways and modern day means of travelling.
Together with modern touches one can also learn with delight and amazement lands at which time seems to remain nevertheless, where Roman columns reach towards the clear blue sky and the ruins of the ancient Arabic watch towers watch the broad countryside.
Those people who expect only fantastic beaches and the coastal tourism definitely will find Spain full of surprises, with a much higher geographical diversity - from planes and green valleys, to hills and snow-white mountains in the Northern parts, and almost desert-like regions in the South of the country.
Perhaps this country is so popular due to the fact of its historic history, which left its print over the traditions, culture, language and touristic spots. The story of Spain was shaped by numerous forces - Celts, Phoenicians, Romans and Germanic tribes - and all of them all had a significant influence on the people of the Iberian Peninsula.
The lifestyle of Spanish folks experienced quick transformation in the previous years, the strictly religious tradition leaving more space to modernity, especially in large cities and among most women. Nonetheless, the Spanish tradition is still sturdy and the hospitality and politeness prevails.
In Southern and Western parts beaches with white, fine sands await for their travelers, while the Canary Islands display volcanic beaches with black sand. Each year, countless of visitors come to Spain and the country has come to be one of the most important touristic places in Europe, occupying the 3rd spot in popularity.
You will find long stretches of beaches to crowded beaches. There are plenty of great beaches to choose from. Costa del Sol is one the the well know beaches in Spain. However, due to its popularity, it is often too crowded. If you prefer to have a quieter beach with a fantastic view, you should visit Islas Cies in Galicia. It is more of an untouched island without much tourism.
If you like beach parties, Ibiza is definitely the place you should be going. It is filled with all-night-long clubbing and partying. If you think Ibiza is all about partying, you will be surprised that there are many great islands to explore in Ibiza. You easily hire a boat and you will be able to explore hidden bays and great snorkeling spots at Ibiza.
Find out the best of Barcelona in our Spain travel website. See the best Spain sights and best things to do in Spain.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5907364

Secrets To Get Discounts On Wisconsin Dells Attractions


Wisconsin Dells a great holiday destination as it has many things for all. Countless attractions are plentiful in Wisconsin Dells. Even though the Dells is dubbed as the Water park of the World, yet you simply don't go to the Dells for its plethora outdoor and indoor water parks considering the fact that it's even more than just water parks. One can enjoy nature, fresh air, attractive scenery, fun-filled family activities, shopping, excellent food and even more.
Besides water parks, you and the whole family can also enjoy camping out at a number of state parks, horseback riding, fishing, embark on a boat tour, play golf, get pleasure from theme parks, watch a show, enjoy arcade games, kayaking, dining and a lot more. Wisconsin Dells indeed provides something for everyone. You can also find excellent Wisconsin Dells Packages, too. All you need is a search online.
We cannot deny the fact that the Dells can be an expensive destination for a family vacation or even business travel. However the great news is that there are ways to acquire amazing discounts on Wisconsin Dells Packages as well as attractions, this means to say that you never need to pay for full price. All you need is time, carry out your homework and creativity. Allow me to share some excellent tips to aid you get discounts on Dells attraction tickets.
To begin with, you may consult your civic group, local store, local church, business or organization since some of these offer 20% discount Wisconsin Dells attraction cards that are totally free. However make sure to check the card for attractions, exact dates, terms and conditions of use.
The second is, try to subscribe to the Dells email newsletter. Most often, these will give you you discount to Dells attractions. You will find many newsletters to select from despite the fact that they do not come with a discount they could be of excellent help as they can get you updated about the attractions which are providing discounts.
Third, if you're searching for accommodation, it's a good idea to remain at a specific hotel and get Wisconsin Dells Packages as you can obtain a substantial discount on Water Park tickets at the same time with other Dells area attractions.
Then try to check a coupon book that you've received in the mail or acquired online. Entertainment book or local fundraising book is most beneficial to consult too. The entertainment book and also fundraising book includes Wisconsin Dells attraction coupons listed in them, towards the middle. In order to see the complete list of discounted attraction coupons try looking in the index of the book.
You may even consider checking the internet and official site of Wisconsin Dells for attractions tickets. In many cases, retailers discount these tickets they have received or purchased as they cannot use them.
And lastly, acquire a Dells City Pass. This will give you many attractions at a reduced rate for one price. With this, it is possible to have the ability to save plenty of bucks as well as enjoy even more attractions for vacation dollar.
Who said the Dells is just for the rich as well as the famous? The previously mentioned recommendations can make your dream vacation to the Dells come true.
Are you dreaming of a perfect holiday getaway? Enjoy all year round of exciting indoor and outdoor family adventures at Wisconsin DellsWisconsin Dells Packages provides all the things that you need for a perfect vacation!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6235406

Walking the USA: Angels Landing


For those who love walking, USA holidays are absolutely ideal. There are so many fantastic places to explore all over the country, not least in the excellent national parks, that you will be spoilt for choice. One of the most famous hikes that you can experience for yourself is Angels Landing in the Zion National Park in Utah. Here is a brief guide to the hike.
Angels Landing
Angels Landing is a massive rock formation standing 368 metres high. This impressive and imposing natural monument has attracted walkers for decades, and in 1926 a trail was cut into the rock to allow people to go up to the top to experience the great views for themselves.
The trail is 2.4 miles long, and is beautiful, thrilling, and can also be challenging. It is not generally considered to be suitable for children, and if you've got a fear of heights then stay well away! The path can be intimidating in places, with sheer drop-offs on each side, so take care when you set off walking. USA authorities always recommend taking suitable hiking gear and being very vigilant at all times.
The Hike
For walking enthusiasts who visit Angels Landing to go walking, USA park authorities state that you will probably need about four or five hours on average to go up and down. The whole trip is about five miles, which doesn't seem very long until you consider that most of it is quite strenuous, even though the trail is well maintained.
From where you start at Grotto Picnic Area, the first two miles are paved and well maintained, but the last half a mile is a narrow sandstone ridge with sheer drops - some sections have support chains to offer assistance. Make sure you set off fairly early in the day to ensure that you complete the trail by nightfall.
You'll experience some lovely woodland in the early stages, and although most of the walk is exposed to the sun you'll find shade at Refrigerator Canyon. One of the trickiest parts is Walter's Wiggles, where you will have to zig-zag to Scout Lookout, and from here you will be greeted with incredible views over Zion Canyon.
You will then head along Angels Landing Trail, with sheer cliffs on both sides, until you reach the summit. From here you will experience some truly incredible panoramic views across every direction.
Enjoy a Magnificent Hiking Experience
Angels Landing is one of the most famous and exciting hikes in the USA, and definitely one to challenge yourself with if you are an avid lover of walking. USA hiking experiences are known for their combination of beautiful landscapes and diversity of hikes, and Angels Landing is certainly worth considering on your next walking holiday.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join our walking USA tours to see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6234269

why french Limoges Boxes Are So Collectible

If you have had the privilege of witnessing the manufacture of French Limoges boxes from start to finish, your admiration for these true works of art would increase a thousand fold! Limoges, France is world-famous for its porcelain. Limoges boxes, small trinket or pill boxes, have been meticulously crafted in the Limousine region of central France since the 1700s. Today, very few select craftsmen are left in Limoges who still create these labor-intensive art pieces exactly in the same manner as in the 1700s.A Limoges box is made in two or more parts. Each part is made in a separate mold. After allowing it time to set, the pieces are removed from the mold, are hand-sponged to smooth and remove any extra particles. The pieces are then fired in a special kiln. During this firing, each piece may shrink about 15%. The shrinkage causes each piece to take on a slightly variant shape from any other from the same mold. After the pieces cool, they are glazed and fired in the kiln again at a very high temperature. Now the pieces are ready to receive artwork. Each piece is exquisitely hand-painted by a Limoges artist, one color at-a-time! With each additional color, the Limoges receives another round of firing (3-4 or even up to 7-8 firings). Among numerous colors used, some boxes are decorated with 24K gold and/or chrome, which gives the Limoges box a beautiful gold or silver shine. Once the Limoges box parts have been fully painted and have gone through several rounds of firings in the kiln, they are ready to be hinged. The hinging process is an art form in itself and is performed by highly skilled craftsmen. As each piece is unique, the brass hinge has to be individually cut and fitted to it. Once the hinges are fitted and braised, they are then submerged in acid for a few hours to develop an antiqued patina. They are then adhered to each piece of porcelain by hand. A decorative clasp is also added and the Limoges box is ready to be admired and cherished by a collector!Limoges boxes are made in a vast variety of styles and themes for every taste and area of interest. As well as being beautifully hand-painted on the outside, some have a painting inside the box. Other Limoges boxes come with a tiny accessory piece inside. Many Limoges boxes are only made in limited editions and bear the numbers at the base. However, many artists have produced only a few of each piece. Limoges boxes can cost between $75 to $500 or more, depending on the shape, color diversity and artistic efforts expended on the piece.For more information about Limoges boxes and to view a large selection of Limoges boxes, please visitwww.LimogesBoxCollector.com. Grand Dezign offers an extensive selection of exquisite Limoges boxes made by the most artistic Limoges artisans at www.LimogesBoxCollector.com. Grand Dezign is a direct importer of Limoges boxes, working with the most artistic ateliers and manufacturing workshops in Limoges. Grand Dezign also offers a large selection of retired and rare pieces, especially the highly sought-after, retired Walt Disney Limoges collection made by Artoria Limoges.Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/why-french-limoges-boxes-are-so-collectible-743246.html#ixzz1LVyIxhwm Under Creative Commons 

Historical place in china

Ancient Palace Museum


Ancient Palace Museum which used to be called the Forbidden City was the imperial palace dynasties Ming and Qing, and is the largest group of ancient buildings and most intact in China today.Forbidden City building area of ​​155,000 sq. m, is a rectangular-shaped city walls, in corners empak there is a beautiful loft-style, surrounded by a protective river 52 m wide, forming a tight preserved fortress town with beautiful buildings, magnificent, is the essence of Chinese art building era ancient.

Beijing Tiantan Park


Tiantan, or Temple of Heaven is the most important temple of the temples of heaven, earth, sun and moon in Beijing, is the largest ancient religious buildings that still exist in China and the world today. Tiantan Temple was built in 1420 as a place of imperial dynasties of Ming and Qing menyembahyangi sky and beg harvest, prayer ceremony is held each spring to beg the harvest, in summer to please the rain, and in winter is a prayer to the sky.Tiantan Shrine is the work of building a very beautiful and second to none in the world both in terms of structure, mechanics and aesthetics. Tiantan Temple has now become a public park in Beijing distinctively.

Beihai Park


Beihai Park is located in the downtown district of Beijing was the royal garden in China ancient times. Size is 71 ha park, a park outside the palace in the capital of dynasties Liao, Jin and Yuan, and park royal dynasties of Ming and Qing. Beihai Park which is used as a public park in 1925 is one of the most ancient royal gardens, the most intact and most representative in China today.Unique spatial fantastic.

Tian An Men


Tian An Men gate, built in 1417 is the front gate of the royal dynasties of Ming and Qing, originally called the Gate of Cheng Tian Men, later twice burned, was rebuilt in 1651 and renamed Tian An Men. Tian An Men are referred to as the "Door of the State" is a venue for important ceremonies in the days of dynasties Ming and Qing. Tian An Men is the essence of ancient Chinese buildings, the best buildings and works of art which manifests the Chinese people's intelligence.


October 1, 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Port of Tian An Men, thus has opened a new chapter in Chinese history. In the new historical period of reform and openness of Chinese society, Tian An Men attracted guests from all over the world with its long history, its culture is thick and of high artistic content.


Yihe Garden




Yihe Garden (Summer Garden) is the ancient gardens of the largest and best preserved intact in China today. Yihe Park is located in Haidian District, Beijing City, area 290 ha, 20 km more from Tian An Men.
Yihe Park consists of Mount Wanshou and Kunming Lake, the scenery is very beautiful and majestic buildings. In this park there are over 3,000 booths in various forms, is divided into complex spatial politics, life and sightseeing. The complex politics that centered on Renshouduan is where Empress Dowager and Emperor Guangxi Chixi offices, as well as meet with the ministers and the mission of another country. Residential complex that mainly consists of Yulan Hall, Pavilion Yiyun and Hall is a residence Leshou Chixi Empress Dowager, the Emperor Guangxi and the empress and the concubines. The complex consists mainly of hills outing front and rear Rear Mount Wanshou and Lake and Lake Kunming, a major part of Yihe Park.
Yihe Park as a very famous classical gardens in the world is very harmonious and very beautiful spatial landscape, reflecting a very high standard of Chinese landscaping.



Great Wall




Badaling Great Wall is 6,000 km long, is a symbol of Chinese nation and one of the largest buildings in the world. Badaling Great Wall is located in Yanqing County is part of a large wall, a large defense project in ancient China. Badaling Great Wall was built in 1505 it is a sector of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall is the most well preserved, also the essence of the Great Wall of Ming Dynasty."Not the Knights Before Arriving at the Great Wall," as the saying goes in China. The Great Wall is a definite tourist attraction visited by domestic and foreign tourists on their way in Beijing. So far many of the leading figures in the world have visited the Badaling Great Wall.


13 Tomb of Ming Dynasty




13 Tomb of the Ming Dynasty (Shisanling), which is the tomb of the 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty is located at the foot of Yanshan Mountain, Changping District, Beijing City, the extent of about 120 sq. km. Within 230 years since the construction of Changling Tomb (tahun1409) by Emperor Yongle, Emperor of the Ming Dynasty until dimakamkannya Chengzhen, the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty, the emperor's tomb had been built 13 very grand, 7 tombs concubines and eunuchs a tomb. Here the emperor was buried 13, 23 empress, 2 crown prince, 30 more concubines and eunuchs.
Tomb complex was built between 1409 and 1644 was historic 300 to 500 years. Vast tomb complex is 40 km square, is the largest imperial tomb group of buildings in the world and most of the emperor and empress are buried. Shisanling as part of Chinese culture that blends the old historic Degnan natural landscape around it, is a tourist boyek thick beautiful scenery and its cultural connotations.

Rabu, 04 Mei 2011

China VS USA


Assuming China's recent massive growth rate of 10% holds and that America keeps growing at its historical average of about 3% a year, China will overtake the US in about 30 years.

There are some caveats to this analysis. First of all, no country can sustain a 10% growth rate for more than a few years without massive inflation taking its toll. Also, the backbone of China's economy: cheap labor, is becoming not so cheap as the nation gets richer (as the GDP goes up, labor gets more expensive), the standard of living goes up, and people demand higher wages (labor will always move around the world). In short, China cannot sustain a 10% growth rate for 30 years. In fact, China's GDP took a big hit last quarter.

On the American side, our GDP growth has been historically 3%, but in the last few years, due to massive increases in productivity, our GDP growth rate has been higher in the past 40 years.

source: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/When_will_China_overtake_USA_as_global_economic_power

China


The mention of dreams in Chinese history dates back over 4,000 years. The ancient Chinese almanac, the T'ung Shu, has been in circulation nearly that long. It contains a section on dreams called "Chou Kung's Book of Auspicious and Inauspicious Dreams." This specific section has been dated to around 1020 b.c.e. Chou Kung, who is still associated with dreaming to this day, was the author.
The T'ung Shu divides dreams into seven different categories; it discusses the symbolism of these categories independently of one another. In the section regarding the human body, it states, for example, that to dream of one's teeth falling out indicates that one's parents are in danger. If one dreams about the rising of the sun or moon, his or her family will be prosperous in the future. These and other dreams of the same nature are discussed in the section on the heavens and weather. Animal dreams are particularly relevant in ancient Chinese culture; dreams in which a parrot is calling to you is prophetic of an upcoming quarrel that has the potential to be quite serious, while dreams of a swallow flying to you indicate the visit of a dear friend from far away.
The Lie-tseu employs the Taoist approach to dream interpretation. In order to comprehend this principle fully, it is important to understand Taoist doctrine, which concerns the unity of the universe and the relativity of the material world. Concepts are empty without their contrasting opposite. The Lie-tseu divides dreams into several different classifications, such as: ordinary dreams, which are merely random byproducts of the mind without any previous emotion or influence; dreams of terror; dreams of thought, of what the dreamer thought of the previous day; dreams of waking, which are the residue of the dreamer's actions throughout the day; and dreams of joy.
The Lie-tseu discusses the need for harmony in one's life, and how our dreaming mind compensates for the imbalances in our waking lives. The Taoist concept of yin and yang exemplifies this principle. For instance, if one is hungry in the waking world, he or she may dream of taking or of having abundant food. In the same way, a person who is wealthy in the physical aspects of life may dream of giving to the less fortunate. A dream of crossing water may indicate that the yin is particularly strong in that individual's life, while walking through a great fire of some sort may indicate the yang is of greater strength. The Taoist approach also includes the use of astrological factors for explaining the meaning of specific dream symbols.
Like other traditional societies, many Chinese have believed that many dreams originated from the realm of the dead. They separated the soul into two distinct forms: the p'o and the hun. The p'o is considered to be the "material soul." It is the physical essence that gives life to the body and then ceases to exist after death. Co-existing with the p'o is the hun; this spiritual soul could depart from the body while the person is asleep yet retain the appearance of the physical body. During its nocturnal journeys the hun often visited the land of the dead, where it communed with the ancestors of the dreamer, but it could also communicate with the souls of others who were asleep. These interludes make themselves known to the dreamer in the form of dreams.
The Chinese developed the practice of acupuncture, which gave them a more complete understanding of the energy fields in and around the human body. Because of this knowledge, they considered it dangerous to awaken a sleeping person. When the hun is traveling out of the body, the person must wake up according to the soul's timing. If one was awakened abruptly from sleep, the consequences could be dire; should the hun be unable to return to the body, the sleeper would be susceptible to chronic health problems or even madness. Alarm clocks and other abrupt means of awakening the body are violent to the soul and thought to result in a variety of negative side effects.
Dream incubation was also a widely observed practice in various temples throughout China; up until around the sixteenth century, Chinese society expected prominent political figures to seek dream guidance periodically to maintain their balance and objectivity. The sequence of preparatory rituals that one went through before receiving a dream usually began with the supplicant burning incense as an offering before an image of a specific god. Prayer or some ceremonial chanting often followed, all of which would invoke the favor of the temple deity. One must note, however, that not all dreams were sought in a temple setting. In the province of Fu-Kien, people called upon their ancestors for dream revelations by sleeping on a grave.
Upon the reception of the requested dream-if indeed the supplicant received one-he or she would seek to establish if a god did, in fact, send the dream. Once the dreamer was able to establish that the dream was divinely inspired, she or he was then free to spend time in careful consideration as to the symbolic meaning or, as often was the case, seek out a professional dream interpreter. Once the true meaning of the dream was deciphered, the dreamer was able to decide on a course of action and apply the message to his or her waking life.

source : http://www.answers.com/topic/china-13