Festival Flowers in India

Festival with rare show of exotic varieties of flowers, orchids and other plants native to Sikkim, a north east state. Held every summer during the peak flowering season, this is a spectacular event attracting people from all over India..

The tiny state of Sikkim, famous for its flora which is in full bloom during March-May has around 600 species of orchids flower, 240 species of trees and ferns flower, 150 varieties of gladioli, 46 types of rhododendrons along with a variety of magnolias and many other foliage plants. The main displays in the flower show are orchids, gladioli, roses, cacti, alpine plants, creepers, climbers, ferns, herbs etc. Experts in the various fields hold seminars and lectures.

A food festival with Sikkimese delicacies is organised during the show. River rafting and Yak Safari are added attractions.

In May, most of Sikkim's horticultural delights are at their best. Gangtok goes to town and shows them off with a huge outdoor flower festival, with food and entertainment thrown in for good measure.

Sikkim boasts 600 species of orchids, 240 species of trees and 240 species of ferns, 150 kinds of gladioli flower, 46 varieties of the world-famous rhododendrons flower, varied species of magnolias and many other foliage plants. During the month of May, they are in full bloom and experts gather to hold lectures and seminars. Most of the action festival takes place near the Governor's Residence at White Hall.

source: www.festivalsofindia.in

Hot Japanese Girl / Woman With Kimono

The kimono is the national costume of Japan. Originally the word "kimono" referred to all types of clothing, but it has come to denote a particular type of traditional full-length garment.

Kimono are T-shaped, straight-lined robes that fall to the ankle, with collars and wide, full-length sleeves. Kimono are wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right (except when dressing the dead for burial)and secured by a wide belt called an obi, which is usually tied at the back. Kimono are generally worn with traditional footwear (especially zōri or geta) and split-toe socks (tabi).

Today, kimono are most often worn by hot women or girl, and on special occasions. Traditionally, unmarried women wore a style of kimono called furisode, which have floor-length sleeves, on special occasions. A few older women not for girl and even fewer men still wear kimono on a daily basis. Men wear kimono most often at weddings, tea ceremonies, and other very special or very formal occasions. Professional sumo wrestlers are often seen in kimono because they are required to wear traditional Japanese dress whenever appearing in public. They commonly wear the kind of casual Japanese attire that is referred to as yukata, which is of plain unlined cotton.

Kimono hobbyists is hot in Japan can take courses on how to put on and wear kimono. Classes cover selecting seasonally and event-appropriate patterns and fabrics, matching the kimono undergarments and accessories to the kimono, layering the undergarments according to subtle meanings, selecting and tying obi, and other topics. There are also clubs devoted to kimono culture, such as Kimono de Ginza.

Kimono can be expensive. A woman's or girl kimono may easily exceed US$10,000; a complete kimono outfit, with kimono, undergarments, obi, ties, socks, sandals and accessories, can exceed US$20,000. A single obi may cost several thousand dollars. However, most kimono owned by kimono hobbyists or by practitioners of traditional arts are far less expensive. Enterprising people make their own kimono and undergarments by following a standard pattern, or by recycling older kimono. Cheaper and machine-made fabrics can substitute for the traditional hand-dyed silk. There is also a thriving business in Japan for second-hand kimono, which can cost as little as ¥500. Women's obi, however, mostly remain an expensive item. Although simple patterned or plain colored ones can cost as low as ¥1,500, even a used obi can cost hundreds of dollars, and experienced craftsmanship is required to make them. Men's obi, even those made from silk, tend to be much less expensive, because they are narrower, shorter and less decorative than those worn by hot women or girl.

Source: wikipedia.com

Baseball in the world

Baseball is largely known as America's pastime, but has a fan base in several other countries as well. The history of baseball in Canada has remained closely linked with that of the sport in the United States. As early as 1877, a professional league, the International Association, featured teams from both countries. While baseball is widely played in Canada, and many minor league teams have been based in the country, the American major leagues did not include a Canadian club until 1969, when the Montreal Expos joined the National League as an expansion team. In 1977, the expansion Toronto Blue Jays joined the American League. The Blue Jays won the World Series in 1992 and 1993, the first and still the only club from outside the United States to do so. In 2004, Major League Baseball relocated the Expos to Washington, D.C., where the team is now known as the Nationals.

The first formal baseball league outside of the United States and Canada was founded in 1878 in Cuba, which maintains a rich baseball tradition and whose national team has been one of the world's strongest since international play began in the late 1930s. Professional baseball leagues began to form in other countries between the world wars, including the Netherlands (formed in 1922), Australia (1934), Japan (1936), and Puerto Rico (1938). After World War II, professional leagues were founded in Italy (1948) and in many Latin American nations, most prominently Venezuela (1945), Mexico (1945), and the Dominican Republic (1951). In Asia, Korea (1982), Taiwan (1990), and China (2003) all have professional leagues.

Many European countries have pro leagues as well, the most successful beside the Dutch being the Italian league founded in 1948. Compared to those in Asia and Latin America, the various European leagues and the one in Australia historically have had no more than niche appeal. Recently, the sport has begun to grow in popularity in those nations, most notably in Australia, which won a surprise silver medal in the 2004 Olympic Games. In 2007, the Israel Baseball League, featuring six teams, was launched. Competition between national teams, such as in the Baseball World Cup and the Olympic baseball tournament, has been administered by the International Baseball Federation since its formation in 1938. As of 2004, the organization has 112 member countries.

Since the early 1970s, the annual Caribbean Series has matched the league-winning clubs from Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. The Confédération Européene de Baseball (European Baseball Confederation), founded in 1953, organizes a number of competitions between clubs from different countries as well as national squads. The inaugural World Baseball Classic, held in March 2006, had a much higher profile than previous tournaments featuring national teams, owing to the participation for the first time of a significant number of players from Major League Baseball.

The 117th meeting of the International Olympic Committee, held in Singapore in July 2005, voted not to hold baseball and softball tournaments at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, but they will remain Olympic sports during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and will be put to vote again for each succeeding Summer Olympics. The elimination of baseball and softball from the 2012 Olympic program enabled the IOC to consider adding two different sports to the program, but no other sport received the majority vote required for inclusion. While baseball's lack of substantial appeal in much of the world was a factor; more important is the unwillingness of Major League Baseball to have a break during the Games so that its players can participate, something that the National Hockey League now does during the Winter Olympic Games. Because of the seasonal nature of baseball and the high priority its fans place on the integrity of major-league statistics from one season to the next, it would be more difficult to accommodate such a break in Major League Baseball.
Source: wikipedia.com

Wondeful month with festival rose

This june is started with a lot of festival rose. I cant wait to round of this country just to see it. Some schedule for rose festival that i have from : www.oregonlive.com and www.portlandobserver.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 30

Rose Cup Races: More than 400 drivers from the United States and Canada compete in various classes at Portland International Raceway, West Delta Park. Gates open 7 a.m. through Sunday, culminating with the Rose Cup race at 1:40 p.m. Sunday. Daily tickets and three-day passes on sale via Ticketmaster, 224-4400. Continues through June 1. Details: www.rosecup.com

SATURDAY, MAY 31

Key Bank Starlight Run: The largest fun run in Oregon, with more than 4,000 runners expected this year. Dress up and win prizes for best costume. Run (3.1 miles) starts at Lincoln High School, Southwest 16th Avenue and Salmon Street. Registration 6:30 p.m. Entry fee: $12-$29. Costume judging: 7:15 p.m. Race starts at 8 p.m. Details: www.starlightrun.com

Naval Fleet: Vessels from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Maritime Forces arrive from around the world. Ships moor along Tom McCall Waterfront Park's harbor wall from the Steel Bridge to Waterfront Village. Tours available daily; 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; free. Continues through June 8. Details: www.rosefestival.org/events/fleet

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

26th Annual Rose Art Show: 2008 Rose Festival Art Competition. Artist reception: 1-4 p.m. Sun. Oregon Society of Artists, 2185 S.W. Park Place. Continues through June 27. Details: 228-0706; www.oregonsocietyofartists.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 5

Lloyd Center/Portland Rose Society Spring Rose Show: The 120th annual event is the country's oldest and largest rose show. 1-9 p.m., continues Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Lloyd Center Ice Rink. Tickets $3; available at Ticketmaster. Details: www.portlandrosesociety.org

FRIDAY, JUNE 6

Concert at the Park: A variety of musical acts for the entire family. Headlining the show will be the Rose Festival One More Time Around Again Marching Band. 7 p.m. at PGE Park, reserved seating; $12-$15. Ticketmaster; 224-4400.

Royal Rosarian Knighting Ceremony: 10 a.m., Rose Garden Amphitheatre, Washington Park. Details: www.royalrosarians.org

2008 Festival of Flowers: Presented by Hoffman Construction Co., this year's design, Urban Meadow, will be on display at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Flower display: 6 a.m.-midnight June 6-18. Flower sale: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, June 19-22. Continues through June 22. Details: 223-1613; www.pioneercourthousesquare.org

Mock's Crest Productions presents Gilbert & Sullivan's classic, "Pirates of Penzance": 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Mago Hunt Theater, University of Portland, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd. Continues through June 29. Details: 943-7287

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Queen's Coronation presented by Pacific Power: The Rose Festival queen will be announced Saturday morning in Memorial Coliseum just before the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade. 8:30 a.m., Tickets $30; www.rosefestival.org

"From One Rose" Motion Picture: At the Historic Hollywood Theatre, the Portland Rose Festival will host a screening of its Centennial Motion Picture, "From One Rose." A cinematic journey through the life of a woman born at the turn of the century in Portland who grows up with the Rose Festival. 7 p.m. Tickets $10. Details: 281-4215; www.hollywoodtheatre.org

Regence Grand Floral Walk: The four-mile fitness walk's route is also the route of the Grand Floral Parade. The walk begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. at Memorial Coliseum. Registration fee: $10-$15; limited to 2,000 participants. Details: www.grandfloralwalk.com

Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association Dragon Boat Race: Nearly 100 teams will compete throughout the day in races held on the Willamette River in boats provided through the Portland-Kaohsiung Sister City Association. Races held at the south end of Tom McCall Waterfront Park along Southwest Naito Parkway. Continues through Sunday. Details: www.pksca.com

Bi-Mart X-Treme Air Dogs: Northwest Challenge Busch Beer Outdoor Series at Oaks Park in Sellwood. Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m., continues Sunday. Register before June 3; $20 fee. Details: 541-689-3612; www.northwestchallenge.com

Grand Floral Parade Float Viewing: Visit the float display on Southwest Naito Parkway adjacent to the Waterfront Village to view a closer look at this year's floats. 2-5 p.m., continues Sunday.

Funny cat. my pets since childhood

Since childhood i prefer to have a cat for my pet. This is my first cat that i have, his name is mujib and funny cat. His character is very agresive but just in mommet that he want something to eat. But he is my daitsuki cat in the world!

This is my second cat that i adoption to be my pet. Very funny and he is very smart cat. My memory with this cat is unforgotten. Freedy i love you!

















This is my sisters cat. Most scary cat in my life....but nice pet to secure our home. Do you think so?

10 tips travelling

10 tips for travelling:

1. If traveling to a humid climate put a dryer sheet in your suitcase to keep you clothes smelling fresh.
2. When traveling by air, avoid taking a nap during the descent and landing. This will help with the pressure change and avoid temporary plugged ears. Stay awake and yawn or chew gum.
3. Beware of cheap cruise excursions provided by local sources compared to those offered by the cruise lines excursions desks. You may end up stranded - or at the least taken advantage of. The cruise lines vouch for the companies they contract with, and you are much safer using one recommended by the cruise line or a company your travel agent recommends.
4. Only drink bottled water in foreign countries. All water contains different sets of microbes and mineral deposits, even in the US. If you aren't used to a country's drinking water, then you may get sick just because it is different. Be safe, buy bottled water cheap at the supermarket.
5. Eliminate having to pack shaving cream by using a shaving brush, and work a lather from the hand soap. It works like a charm.
6. Attention women! Instead of packing tubes, jars, or plastic bottles of creams try a contact lens case. You can use both sides, one for eye cream, the other for concealers or products that require dabs for application.
7. If suffering from a headache during traveling, try massaging lavender aromotherepy oil where the pain is - it works wonders! Aveda makes a great travel size called "Blue Oil Balancing Concentrate".
8. Make friends with the regular bus drivers around your hotel. They're better equipped to make suggestions than most concierges, and are very familiar with local customs/secrets. A good public bus driver can make an entire vacation!
9. Bags within bags. Pack empty duffel bags or soft backpacks (ones that are easy to roll up) into your suitcase. They make great beach bags or excursion bags. Then if you buy more than fits in your suitcase you can always use them as extra luggage on your return flight.
10. When travelling with your family and bring more than one suitcase distribute all family members clothes equally through each suitcase.

History of The Great Wall China

The Chinese were already familiar with the techniques of wall-building by the time of the Spring and Autumn Period, which began around the 7th century BC. During the Warring States Period from the 5th century BC to 221 BC, the states of Qi, Yan and Zhao all constructed extensive fortifications to defend their own borders. Built to withstand the attack of small arms such as swords and spears, these walls were made mostly by stamping earth and gravel between board frames. Qin Shi Huang conquered all opposing states and unified China in 221 BC, establishing the Qin Dynasty. Intending to impose centralized rule and prevent the resurgence of feudal lords, he ordered the destruction of the wall sections that divided his empire along the former state borders. To protect the empire against intrusions by the Xiongnu people from the north, he ordered the building of a new wall to connect the remaining fortifications along the empire's new northern frontier. Transporting the large quantity of materials required for construction was difficult, so builders always tried to use local resources. Stones from the mountains were used over mountain ranges, while rammed earth was used for construction in the plains. There are no surviving historical records indicating the exact length and course of the Qin Dynasty walls. Most of the ancient walls have eroded away over the centuries, and very few sections remain today. Later, the Han, Sui, Northern and Jin dynasties all repaired, rebuilt, or expanded sections of the Great Wall at great cost to defend themselves against northern invaders.

The Great Wall concept was revived again during the Ming Dynasty following the Ming army's defeat by the Oirats in the Battle of Tumu in 1449. The Ming had failed to gain a clear upper-hand over the Manchurian and Mongolian tribes after successive battles, and the long-drawn conflict was taking a toll on the empire. The Ming adopted a new strategy to keep the nomadic tribes out by constructing walls along the northern border of China. Acknowledging the Mongol control established in the Ordos Desert, the wall followed the desert's southern edge instead of incorporating the bend of the Huang He.
Photograph of the Great Wall in 1907
Photograph of the Great Wall in 1907

Unlike the earlier Qin fortifications, the Ming construction was stronger and more elaborate due to the use of bricks and stone instead of rammed earth. As Mongol raids continued periodically over the years, the Ming devoted considerable resources to repair and reinforce the walls. Sections near the Ming capital of Beijing were especially strong.

From: wikipedia.com
Image:The Great wall - by Bernard Goldbach.jpg

Beautiful Niagara Waterfall

Niagara Falls (waterfall), waterfall in east central North America, located on the Niagara River, in western New York and southeastern Ontario. Niagara Falls consists of two cataracts: the Horseshoe, or Canadian, Falls (57 m/187 ft high), on the Canadian side of the river, and the American Falls (55 m/182 ft high), on the United States side. The waterfalls are separated by Goat Island, New York. The crestline of the crescent-shaped Horseshoe Falls, which carries about nine times more water than the U.S. cataract, is about 670 m (about 2,200 ft) long, and the fairly straight crest of the American Falls measures 328 m (1,075 ft). A small section of the American Falls near Goat Island is also known as Bridal Veil Falls.

Niagara Falls was formed about 12,000 years ago, when glaciers retreated north, allowing water from Lake Erie to flow over the Niagara Escarpment, a ridge that extends in an arc across the northern Great Lakes region, from Wisconsin to New York. Erosion slowly pushed the waterfall about 11 km (about 7 mi) upstream, forming the Niagara Gorge. Before large water-diversion projects were built in the 1950s and 1960s, Horseshoe Falls was receding at a rate of more than 1 m (3 ft) per year. With reduced flows slowing erosion, it will take about 30 years for the falls to recede the distance it once did in a year. In 1954 a considerable portion of the American Falls broke off, creating a large talus, or rock slope, at the base of the cataract. In order to study ways of preventing further rockfalls and to remove some of the talus, the American Falls was successfully “shut off” for several months in 1969 by a dam that was constructed between the U.S. mainland and Goat Island.

Niagara Falls is a great tourist attraction, luring millions of visitors each year. The falls may be viewed from parks located on either side of the river, from observation towers, from boats, from Goat Island, and from the Rainbow Bridge, located a short distance downstream. Visitors also may enter the Cave of the Winds, situated behind a curtain of falling water near the base of the American Falls.

Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer, probably visited Niagara Falls in 1613. Father Louis Hennepin, a Flemish monk, is known to have visited the waterfall in 1678; he later published an eyewitness description of it.



Source: encarta.msn.com

Leaning Tower of Pisa Italy

The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italian: Torre pendente di Pisa) or simply The Tower of Pisa (La Torre di Pisa) is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa. It is situated behind the Cathedral and it is the third structure by time in Pisa's Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square).

Although intended to stand vertically, the tower began leaning to the southeast soon after the onset of construction in 1173 due to a poorly laid foundation and loose substrate that has allowed the foundation to shift direction. The height of the tower is 55.86 m (183.27 ft) from the ground on the lowest side and

56.70 m (186.02 ft) on the highest side. The width of the walls at the base is 4.09 m(13.42 ft) and at the top 2.48 m (8.14 ft). Its weight is estimated at 14,500 tonnes. Thetower has 296 or 294 steps ;the seventh floor has two fewer steps on the north-facingstaircase. The tower leans at an angle of 3.97 degrees. This means that the top of the tower is 3.9 meters from where it would stand if the tower were perfectly vertical.

Kuta Bali

Kuta is a town in southern Bali, Indonesia. A former fishing village, it was one of the first towns on Bali to see substantial tourist development, and as a beach resort remains one of Indonesia's major tourist destinations. It is known internationally for its long sandy beach, varied accommodation, many restaurants and bars, and substantial Australian population. It is located near Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport.

Kuta was the site of the October 12, 2002 Bali bombing (202 killed) and the October 1, 2005 Bali bombing (26 killed).

Kuta is now the center of an extensive tourist-oriented urban area that merges into the neighboring towns. Legian, to the north, is the commercial hub of Kuta and the site of many restaurants and entertainment spots. Most of the area's big beachfront hotels are in the southern section of Tuban.

Legian and Seminyak are northern extensions of Kuta along Jl. Legian and Jl. Basangkasa. They are somewhat quieter suburbs with cottage-style accommodations, where many of the expat crowd live. Also to the north are Petitenget, Berawa, Canggu, and Seseh - new and quieter continuations of Kuta's beach. They are easy to reach through Abian Timbul or Denpasar and Kerobokan. Several large hotels are located in this area: the Oberoi Bali, Hard Rock Hotel Bali, the Intan Bali Village, the Legian in Petitenget, the Dewata Beach and the Bali Sani Suites in Berawa.

To the south, Kuta Beach extends beyond the airport into Jimbaran. Other nearby towns and villages include Seseh (6.4 nm), Denpasar (4.5 nm), Ujung (1.8 nm), Pesanggaran (2.0 nm), Kedunganan (2.9 nm) and Tuban (1.0 nm).

The Balinese Provincial Government have taken the view that the preservation of the Balinese culture, natural resources and wildlife are of primary importance in the development of the island. To this end they have limited tourist development to the peninsula on the extreme southern aspect of the island; Kuta beach is on the western side of this peninsula and Sanur is on the east. To the north of the peninsula no new tourist development is supposedly permitted.

Source: Wikipedia.com

Kailua beach in Hawaii

Kailua is a census-designated place (CDP) located in the City & County of Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. It lies in the Koʻolaupoko District of Oʻahu on the windward coast at Kailua Bay. It is in the judicial district and the ahupua'a named Ko'olaupoko. It is 12 miles (19 km) northeast of Honolulu - over Nu'uanu Pali, the tallest mountain peak in the Ko'olau mountain range.
In the Hawaiian language Kailua means "two seas," or "two currents," a contraction of the words kai (meaning sea or sea water) and ʻelua (meaning two); it is so named because of the two lagoons in the district or the two currents which run through Kailua Bay.

Kailua is primarily a residential community, with a centralized commercial district along Kailua Road. It has a compact, easy-to-shop business district surrounded by mostly single-family homes. By 1992 50,000 residents encompassed a central urban core with surrounding residential areas.

Places of note in Kailua include Kailua Beach Park (photo at right), Lanikai Beach, Kawai Nui Marsh, and Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi.

Beach
Kailua Beach has been repeatedly ranked among the best beaches worldwide. It was ranked as #1 U.S. beach in 1998 by coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, and then "retired" from subsequent consideration.
It is a crescent-shaped, about 2 miles (3.2 km) in length and 50-150 feet wide. The ocean bottom fronting the beach slopes gently to overhead depths without any coral heads. Light to medium waves support surfing and body surfing.
The steady trade winds make Kailua Beach one of the world’s preeminent windsurfing and kite boarding destinations. Robbie Naish, regarded by most observers as the windsurfing's greatest champion, grew up at Kailua Beach.

From: Wikipedia.com

Sanur Beach

Sanur beach from air.

Sanur beach at night

Sanur beach at morning

As the main tourist destination, Bali is popular throughout the world. There
are lots of people come to this island every year and plan to come again the
next year. Bali is very popular with its beaches such as Sanur beach, Legian
beach, Kuta beach and Nusa Dua beach. Sanur beach is perfect for the water
activities including canoeing, swimming, kayaking and the perfect place to see
the beautiful sunrise. Come to Bali and enjoy the beaches in Bali!

Sourse: kebali.blogspot.com

Bali Island

The island of Bali is blessed with the line of beaches surrounding it.

Sanur.
On the southeastern side of Bali, Sanur beach is easily reachable from Denpasar, about a 5 to 10 minute drive. Sanur is an excellent site to watch the sun rises, as you jog along the white sandy beach. Being one of the first resort developed in Bali, Sanur maintains its traditions. Only a stone thrown away from the beach, ancient temples stand as solemn as they have been in centuries past.

Kuta and Legian
Practically on the opposite side of Sanur, the beaches of Kuta and Legian stretch on the southwestern side of Bali, again only about 5 to 10 minute drive from Denpasar or the airport. Surfing is a major activity in these beaches. Shops, Kecak dance performances, pubs, and other facilities make Kuta a tourist mecca.

Jimbaran
Jimbaran is directly south of the airport, on the way from Denpasar towards Nusa Dua. The village of Jimbaran is the narrow neck of the island of Bali, and thus it has two remarkably different beaches. On the west, Jimbaran Beach faces the Jimbaran Bay, recently lined by new luxurious resorts. On the east, the beach faces the body of water sheltered by Benoa Harbor.

Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is a new luxurious resort area where the world's most sumptuous hotels gracefully integrate into the beautiful white beaches. Crystal clear water provides excellent snorkeling and diving site, and the waves on the northern and the southern part of Nusa Dua allow for great surfing opportunity.

Soka Beach
Further northwest from Denpasar, on the way to Gilimanuk, the ferry port town that connects Bali and Java, there is a small quiet beach called Soka Beach.

Medewi Beach
Continuing along the path towards Gilimanuk, near the village of Pulukan, the beach of Medewi is another beautiful beach.

Lovina Beach
Near the northern tip of the island of Bali lies a stretch of villages by the Bali Sea. Lovina Beach is the name. It is well known as an excellent site for sunset watching, snorkeling, and diving. Night life activities are also abound, as well as chartered boats to go out into the sea. If you like what Kuta offers but do not like the crowd, Lovina Beach is for you.

Source: www.indo.com

Egyptian pyramid

The most famous pyramids are the Egyptian pyramids — huge structures built of brick or stone, some of which are among the largest man-made constructions. Most of them took about 27 years to build. In Ancient Egyptian, a pyramid was referred to as mer, which was also their word for the country of Egypt itself, showing how intrinsic the structures were to the culture.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest in Egypt and one of the largest in the world. Until Lincoln Cathedral was built in 1300 A.D., it was the tallest building in the world. The base is over 52,600 square meters in area. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the only one of the seven to survive into modern times. The Ancient Egyptians capped the peaks of their pyramids with gold and covered their faces with polished white limestone, though many of the stones used for the purpose have fallen or been removed for other structures.

Hiking at Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro with its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, is an inactive stratovolcano in north-eastern Tanzania. Depending on definition, Kilimanjaro may be considered as having anywhere from the tallest to the fourth tallest free-standing mountain rise[2] in the world,[3] rising 4,600 m (15,100 ft) from its base, and is additionally the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,340 ft), providing a dramatic view from the surrounding plains.

The highest point on Kilimanjaro is Uhuru Peak, on the volcano Kibo 5,895 metres (19,341 ft). The top of Kibo is a 1.5 mile wide crater. As the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak is one of the Seven Summits. The summit was first reached by the Marangu army scout Yohanas Kinyala Lauwo, German Hans Meyer and Austrian Ludwig Purtscheller, on October 6, 1889. Two other peaks are also extinct volcanoes: Mawenzi (5,149 m, 16,890 ft), the third highest peak in Africa (after Mount Kenya) and Shira (3,962 m, 13,000 ft). Yohanas' Notch is named after Lauwo.

Due to Kilimanjaro's equatorial location and high elevation, almost every climate type on earth is represented, including a year-round snow-topped summit.

I think will be nice if we try to hiking at Kilimanjaro!


SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA.COM

National Treasures in Japan Country

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of the government of Japan designates the most famous of the nation's cultural properties as National Treasures (国宝: kokuhō). Examples of the types of works that receive this designation are

* Buildings such as castles, temples, shrines
* Paintings, scrolls, sutras, and works of calligraphy
* Statues in stone, bronze, wood, lacquer or other materials
* Crafts, such as pottery, lacquer ware, carvings, metals, netsuke, swords and textiles
* Archeological and historical artifacts, including burial objects, documents, and letters
* People, called "Living National Treasures (人間国宝: ningen kokuhō)"

Many of Japan's national treasures are in museums such as the national museums in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara. The prefectural and city governments also operate public museums, and these and private museums also house national treasures. Many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, castles and similar installations also open their buildings and grounds to the public, and some have museums as well. The Imperial Household of Japan holds many national treasures. Kyoto boasts about one in five national treasures.

Living National Treasure is an informal designation for a person whom the government has recognized as exemplary in carrying on Japanese traditions. Performing artists in genres including noh, bunraku, and kabuki, and artists and artisans in traditional crafts, have received this distinction.

Source: Wikipedia.com

Ikaho Onsen

Ikaho Onsen is one of the four most famous hot spring resorts of Gunma Prefecture. Its thermal waters are characterized by a high concentration of iron.

Located at the eastern slopes of Mount Haruna, an active volcano, Ikaho is best known for its stone stairs, which lead up through the town center and are lined by ryokan, old fashioned game arcades and shops.

Ten minutes outside of Ikaho stands Mizusawa Kannon, a popular temple, well known for the udon noodles sold at restaurants along its approach. Mount Haruna with its beautiful caldera lake can also be easily combined with a visit to Ikaho.

Attractions
Source: japan-guide.com

BIG-BIG Sumo

Last week, several guests descended upon Japan and sent me scrambling for many days worth of fun and exciting sightseeing itineraries. My greatest planning and scheduling success was a day at the Tokyo Grand Sumo tournament.

The challenge to seeing sumo is getting a hold of tickets. For foreigners who don't have a decent command of Japanese, this can seem a daunting task. The official sumo website provides detailed information in English on ticketing and pricing, but warns that the telephone lines and box office will accept Japanese inquiries only.

To avoid showcasing my deeply flawed Japanese, I tried a Lawson's convenience store. A note on the official grand sumo home page states that tickets can be purchased at Lawson's. I had ignored this at first, not quite understanding how a convenience store would help me see sumo. In fact, many convenience stores have an ATM-like ticketing service machine. It only took ten minutes to get six tickets to the opening day of the May Grand Sumo

Our day of sumo was a really fantastic experience and I encourage anyone in town for a grand sumo tournament to attend (a complete schedule is listed in English on the official homepage found below). A ticket gives you entrance to the whole day of matches. For us, this began at 8am. Not really understanding very much about the sport, we eagerly made our way across the city at the crack of dawn, only to find the stadium....... nearly empty.

Of course, there were several proud mothers and focused coaches gathered around the dohyo (sumo 'ring' where the match is held). But our group made up almost the only spectators. Those early morning matches are comprised of the lowest ranked sumo competitors; those just beginning their sumo careers. These are often very young looking, slim boys who don't fit the general stereotype image of a sumo.

As the day continues, the competitors get progressively higher in rank until between four and six in the evening. At this time, the stadium is packed, the atmosphere is charged and the best wrestlers appear for their matches.

In total, I spent about nine hours watching sumo that day. Besides the fast-paced bouts and the crowd-watching opportunities afforded by the other spectators, there are many things for the visitor to appreciate. Chanko nabe, the tasty and nutritious 'sumo stew' eaten by wrestlers was available for only 200 yen a bowl from the stadium cafe. Gift shops and souvenir stalls were set up in the Kokugikan (stadium building) and walking around offered the chance to glimpse some of the wrestlers headed to their matches.

One of the most entertaining parts of the day took place when my band of sumo watchers left the Kokugikan to stock up on snacks from the convenience store. Outside the sumo stadium was a spectacle in its own right. A crowd was gathered around the entrance watching and cheering for the sumo champions and highly ranked wrestles who arrived later in the day. Kids ran after them seeking autographs and pictures. Best of all, sumo wrestlers were wandering around the restaurants and convenience stores alongside us, stocking up on water, snacks, and even enjoying a bowl of gyudon from the Yoshinoya.

Nihon Sumo Kyokai The offical Grand Sumo home page in English
fROM: japan-guide.com
Sumo is a fascinating way to spend a day in Japan. It offers quite a look into traditional dress and shinto practices as well as being a great spectacle in terms of crowd watching. Never one for combative sports such as wrestling or boxing, I found the ritualized stretching, short bouts and detailed list of official moves really engaging. Everyone in my party really enjoyed all nine hours at the Kokugikan. I think sumo has a few new followers.

Japan Tourism

Tourism in Japan comprises both a vibrant domestic sector and over eight million entries each year by foreigners. Today, sites such as Nikko World Historical Site, various attractions in Tokyo (see Tourism in Tokyo) and Kyoto, Mount Fuji, world-class ski resorts such as Niseko in Hokkaidō, Okinawa, as well as aspects of tourism including the shinkansen and well-developed hotel and onsen network are enjoyed by natives and foreigners alike.

History of Tourism

The exact origins of early traditions of visits to picturesque sites are lost to history, but perhaps one of the most famous early sight-seeing excursions was Matsuo Basho's 1689 trip to the then "far north" of Japan, which occurred not long after Hayashi Razan categorized the Three Views of Japan in 1643. During the feudal era of Japan, from ~1600 to the Meiji Restoration in 1867, travel was regulated within the country through the use of shukuba or post stations, towns in which travelers had to present appropriate documentation. Despite these restrictions, porter stations and horse stables, as well as places for lodging and food were available on well-traveled routes. During this time, Japan was a closed country to foreigners, so little to none foreign tourism existed in Japan.

Following the Meiji Restoration and the building of a national railroad network across Japan, tourism became more of an affordable prospect for domestic citizens and visitors from foreign countries could enter Japan legally. As early as 1887, government officials recognized the need for an organized system of attracting foreign tourists; the Kihinkai (貴賓会, Kihinkai?), which aimed to coordinate the various players in the tourism, was established that year with Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi's blessing. Its early leaders included Shibusawa Eiichi and Ekida Takashi. Another major milestone in the development of the tourism industry in Japan was the 1907 passage of the Hotel Development Law, as a result of which the Railways Ministry began to construct publicly-owned hotels all throughout Japan.

Tourism Today

Tourism today remains a vital part of the Japanese economy and society. Schoolchildren in many middle schools see the highlight of their years as a visit to Tokyo Disneyland or perhaps Tokyo Tower in the city. High school students may visit Okinawa or Hokkaidō. The extensive rail network together with domestic flights sometimes in planes with modifications to favor the relatively short distances involved in intra-Japan travel allows efficient and speedy transport from many points within the country.
Source: wikipedia.com

Yakushima Island

Yakushima is a subtropical island off the southern coast of Kyushu and part of Kagoshima Prefecture. It is covered by an extensive cedar forest that contains some of Japan's oldest living trees. Trees more than 1000 years old are affectionately called yakusugi (a combination of Yakushima and the Japanese word for cedar, sugi), the most ancient of which may be over 7000 years old.

The island's cedar forests were logged extensively throughout history. Their most common use was to make cedar shingles during the Edo Period. Today the forests are a national park and some areas were declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1993.

Yakushima has become a destination for people who love nature and the outdoors, with lots of hiking, camping and nature watching all around the island. However there are many hotels and restaurants along the island's well developed coast, so you can rough it during the day yet spend your nights in comfort.

source: japan-guide.com

Hanami and sakura blossoms

Hanami (花見, Hanami? literally "flower viewing") is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers, especially cherry blossoms (桜 or 櫻 sakura). The practice of Hanami is more than a thousand years old, and is still very popular in Japan today. It takes place in the Spring, contrary to the custom of Momijigari (紅葉狩り), which is celebrated in the Autumn. The blossoms only last for a week or two, usually from March to April, and they are followed by the media and waited for by most of the Japanese people. Full life and bloom (満開 mankai) usually comes about one week after the opening of the first blossoms (開花 kaika).

Another week later, the blooming peak is over and the blossoms are falling from the trees. A more ancient form of hanami also exists in Japan, which is enjoying the plum blossoms (梅 ume) instead. This kind of hanami is popular among older people, because they are more calm than the sakura parties, which usually involve younger people and can sometimes be very crowded and noisy. It is important to note that the Japanese call this, not only "hanami" but also ohanami (お花見), adding an "o" in front, literally meaning "to view the flower blossoms". Nice life!

picnic in apple garden Malang City

Have you been eat some apples directly from the tree?
In Malang, exactly at Kota Batu there is alot of apple garden. If you came to this garden, plan your picnic while eat some fresh apples from tree.


Its FUN!

Metode belajar bersama alam

Di era yang serba modern dan instan sekarang, teknik belajar bersama alam sangat digemari oleh masyarakat perkotaan. Maklum dengan suasana pendidikan di daerah metropolitan yang serba cepat dan sesak, belajar terkesan hanya sekedar sebagai pemenuhan kewajiban individu. Sehingga meninggalkan unsur yang sangat penting dari belajar yaitu rasa asyik atau senang ketika menjalaninya.

Metode belajar bersama alam memang sudah dikenal sejak dulu oleh para pakar pendidikan. Akhir ini banyak instansi pendidikan seperti sekolah, lembaga bimbingan belajar, training center yang menawarkan metode ini. Karena sangat efektif untuk merangsang peserta belajar untuk lebih aktif dalam interaksi belajar. Dengan suasana alam yang alami dan fresh akan sangat mendukung kondisi peserta/siswa tetap pada kondisi prima. Biasanya kegiatan ini dilaksanakan pada liburan semester atau liburan yang lainnya.

Lokasi pun haruslah dipilih yang masih alami seperti puncak perbukitan, pantai, taman, atau tempat wisata yang ada di sekitar lingkungan sekolah.

Traveling in Surabaya, why not?

Surabaya is one of central city in Indonesia. Located in Propinsi Jawa Timur, Surabaya known with many interisting place used to spend holiday or traveling. There is some place that you must go there and enjoy the culture.

Hero Monument

Governor Suryo Statue

Tourist Information Center at Balai Pemuda

Reog Dance

Street painter

See you in Surabaya....!

Wisata ke Kenjeran Surabaya

Bagi anda yang berasal dari kota Surabaya atau dari propinsi Jawa Timur pasti sudah mendengar tempat wisata Kenjeran. Tempat wisata ini terlatak sebelah utara timur kota Surabaya atau di daerah pantai utara. Sekarang Kenjeran berbenah sehingga menjadi salah satu obyek wisata yang bisa diandalkan oleh masyarakat Surabaya.Dengan udara pantai yang sejuk, kita bisa menikmati pesona laut dengan berjalan kaki atau berkuda di taman yang telah disediakan oleh Pantai Ria Kenjeran. juga bermain layang-layang dengan bebas disini karena angin pantai yang mendukung untuk permainan ini. Sehingga akan sangat menyenangkan membawa keluarga untuk berlibur di Pantai Ria Kenjeran ini.

Pantai Ria Kenjeran juga sering mengadakan acara-acara pada hari-hari tertentu (sabtu/minggu) yang sangat menarik sehingga sayang sekali jika terlewatkan begitu saja. Diantaranya adalah drag race di park-sirkuit, pacuan kuda, pertunjukan barongsay di saat bulan purnama, permainan layang-layang dan sebagainya.

Most beautiful place in Indonesia

This is most beatiful place in my country. Bali island with a lot of beach, traditional culture, and interisting more.
This some picture of Bali Island. See it~! >_<

Kuta beach

Sanur beach

Holiday in Bale Kambang

Bale Kambang is one of best place to spent holiday in Malang East Java. I've go there last year with my best friend. We go there by motorcycle honda 70. The trip is really fun, because we can also see a lot of naturally picture in the road. We very enjoy with sense in Bale Kambang. Fresh air, white sand also candi is very entertaining to me.
I spend most of my time with white sand.


Bale Kambang is fun!

Liburan Ke Gunung Bromo

Liburan terindah di Bromo

Liburan Desember 2007 yang lalu saya bersama teman-teman kos punya gawean tuk jalan-jalan ke gunung Bromo. Bromo yang letaknya tidak jauh dari tempat kosku di Malang, kira-kira kurang lebih 60 km.

Perjalan pun kami tempuh mulai jam 4 sore sampai 7 petang dengan berkendaraan motor. Kemudian kami sampai di lautan pasir salah satu kawasan Bromo di waktu malam yang petang. Karena kurang persiapan, kami harus menginap di bawah langit di atas bumi alias mbeber kloso (artinya tidur diatas tikar). Dinginnya udara malam sampai menembus tulang apalagi di tengah gurun pasir. Kamipun menggigil secara berjamaah. Dingiiin....!

Kira-kira waktu hampir mendekati shubuh kami bergegas untuk mendaki gunung Bromo. Dengan semangat 45 kami berusaha melewati batuan terjal dan anak tangga yang jumlah sekitar 3000 buah. Akhirnya perjuangan kami tidak sia-sia. Di waktu yang tepat ketika matahari menunjukkan kegagahannya kami berada di puncak Bromo.




















Pemandangan yang terindah yang baru saya lihat selama hidup. Kelembutan sinar matahari yang terselimuti awan membuat kami ingin berlama-lama didalamnya. Menajubkan! Subhanallah! Itulah kata yang pertama muncul di hati ini.



















Pengalaman yang menarikkan bukan? Bagi anda yang belum ke sana, saya merekomendasikan agar segera kemas koper...langsung ke Bromo dengan keluarga atau sahabat-sahabat anda. Rasakan keajaiban salah satu tempat wisata dunia yang dimiliki Indonesia.