Taking Hike to Khao San Road For a Budget Traveling
Friday, July 25, 2008
Khaosan road or Khao San road is a short road in central Bangkok, Thailand. It is located in the Banglamphu neighborhood (Phra Nakhon district) about 1 km north from the Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaew. It has developed over the years into probably the most profound worldwide example of a “backpackers’ ghetto”, with relatively cheap accommodation compared to other areas of central Bangkok. The accommodation varies from ‘mattress in a box’ style hostels, to full Western-standard luxury.
Many tourists use Khaosan road as their base for exploring the rest of Thailand as there are many direct coaches from the street to virtually all major tourist destinations in Thailand, from Chiang Mai in the North to Ko Pha Ngan in the South. Many visitors will also take advantage of the abundance of relatively cheap travel agents to arrange visas and transport to surrounding countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia, though many (if not most) of these travel agents are scams of some sort and travelers would do themselves wise to use Thai public buses instead.
Crafts, paintings, clothes, pirate CDs, DVDs, fake educational diplomas, fake driver’s licenses, food, second hand books as well as many items useful to backpackers are among the common goods traded along the road.
Khaosan road has in recent years also become popular among local people, especially artists and art students. The road hosts a number of pubs and bars, where people of many nationalities meet and discuss their travels. Khaosan and the streets nearby are also Bangkok’s center of dancing, partying and splashing water during Thai New Year (Songkran festival) on April 13 to April 15.
It is one of Bangkok’s most vibrant streets, host to people from around the world. One Thai writer described the road as “a short road that has the longest dream in the world.” The street certainly attracts some bizarre characters. Any visit to Bangkok is incomplete without a people-watching beer on Th Khaosan, an experience that could only be compared to a visit to a zoo; some consider it has degenerated into a tourist ghetto.
Khao san means ‘raw rice’ in Thai. Before it became a tourist hotspot, the street was a major rice market for Bangkok.
Source hikingoutdoor.wordpress.com
Many tourists use Khaosan road as their base for exploring the rest of Thailand as there are many direct coaches from the street to virtually all major tourist destinations in Thailand, from Chiang Mai in the North to Ko Pha Ngan in the South. Many visitors will also take advantage of the abundance of relatively cheap travel agents to arrange visas and transport to surrounding countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia, though many (if not most) of these travel agents are scams of some sort and travelers would do themselves wise to use Thai public buses instead.
Crafts, paintings, clothes, pirate CDs, DVDs, fake educational diplomas, fake driver’s licenses, food, second hand books as well as many items useful to backpackers are among the common goods traded along the road.
Khaosan road has in recent years also become popular among local people, especially artists and art students. The road hosts a number of pubs and bars, where people of many nationalities meet and discuss their travels. Khaosan and the streets nearby are also Bangkok’s center of dancing, partying and splashing water during Thai New Year (Songkran festival) on April 13 to April 15.
It is one of Bangkok’s most vibrant streets, host to people from around the world. One Thai writer described the road as “a short road that has the longest dream in the world.” The street certainly attracts some bizarre characters. Any visit to Bangkok is incomplete without a people-watching beer on Th Khaosan, an experience that could only be compared to a visit to a zoo; some consider it has degenerated into a tourist ghetto.
Khao san means ‘raw rice’ in Thai. Before it became a tourist hotspot, the street was a major rice market for Bangkok.
Source hikingoutdoor.wordpress.com
Labels: Thailand
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posted by Daniy @ 7:26 PM,
,
The Big Buddha in Kho Samui, A Must Visit
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Venerated by locals and Thai visitors, the Big Buddha is also visited by foreign tourists who come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of the image. Built in 1972 by a local society as a place of worship, the mammoth-sized sitting Buddha is within the compound of the Phra Yai temple on the island’s northern shore.
At night, the towering image, brightened by floodlights from the base of the platform, looks like a giant sentinel to the island. In fact, superstitious locals look up to the image as the island’s guardian.
Even the temple and the meditation center at the foot of the Buddha are an attraction by themselves. Their architectural design is characterised by Buddhism, Brahminism and animism.
Within the temple grounds is a gaudy bazaar where visitors can buy not only religious souvenirs but secular items from T-shirts, hats to amulets. Indeed, spiritual concerns and everyday life tend to overlap in Buddhist centres more than they do in some other religions. And a touristy area like this won’t be complete without those small Thai-style restaurants catering to both devotees and tourists alike.
Beyond the temple, of course, is the Big Buddha Beach, named after the famous landmark which you can see from the whole length of one of the island’s longest beaches, from Bophut to Samui Airport. The beach itself is very quiet and peaceful and the waters are calm.
The resorts around the area tend to be laid-back, well-spaced beachside affairs attracting long and short-term quests alike. They’re also a great place for a party, as Secret Garden proves with its weekly festival and there are an increasing number of find (and reasonably priced) dining options here too.
If it’s your first visit to the island, make the Big Buddha your first stop. Countless others do it not only for good luck but because it is one of the best things to see on the island.
Source hikingoutdoor.wordpress.com
At night, the towering image, brightened by floodlights from the base of the platform, looks like a giant sentinel to the island. In fact, superstitious locals look up to the image as the island’s guardian.
Even the temple and the meditation center at the foot of the Buddha are an attraction by themselves. Their architectural design is characterised by Buddhism, Brahminism and animism.
Within the temple grounds is a gaudy bazaar where visitors can buy not only religious souvenirs but secular items from T-shirts, hats to amulets. Indeed, spiritual concerns and everyday life tend to overlap in Buddhist centres more than they do in some other religions. And a touristy area like this won’t be complete without those small Thai-style restaurants catering to both devotees and tourists alike.
Beyond the temple, of course, is the Big Buddha Beach, named after the famous landmark which you can see from the whole length of one of the island’s longest beaches, from Bophut to Samui Airport. The beach itself is very quiet and peaceful and the waters are calm.
The resorts around the area tend to be laid-back, well-spaced beachside affairs attracting long and short-term quests alike. They’re also a great place for a party, as Secret Garden proves with its weekly festival and there are an increasing number of find (and reasonably priced) dining options here too.
If it’s your first visit to the island, make the Big Buddha your first stop. Countless others do it not only for good luck but because it is one of the best things to see on the island.
Source hikingoutdoor.wordpress.com
Labels: Thailand
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posted by Daniy @ 7:19 PM,
,
Bali is not Always Beach and Sunset, They Have National Park, Too
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The area of Taman Nasional Bali Barat (West Bali National Park) situated at the Edge of north Bali Island is the stretch of green ground along the 150 km road that link Gilimanuk and Denpasar or Gilimanuk and Singaraja. It is located between district of Gerokgak in Buleleng regency and district of Melaya in Jembrana regency. It is reachable from Gilimanuk as the main entrance to West Bali, and from Denpasar. This 77,000-hectare park was established in 1941.
Lush forests still grow on Bali's southern and western slopes. West Bali National Park (covers 50,000 hectare on the western tip of the island. It also includes another 7,000 hectares of coral reef and coastal water. Considering in the small size of the island as a whole, the National Park is a major commitment towards attempting to preserve the wildlife found on Bali. The forest in this area has been determined as " Nature Park" - later on known as Taman Perlindungan Alam Bali - based on the decision of " Raja-Raja di Bali" (Kings in Bali) dated 13th August 1917 noE-1/4/5. This regulation is intended to preserve the flora and fauna in this area.
The region is watered by clear streams and traversed by footpaths, which offer often steep but relatively easy walking. Explore the forested hills, scrub acacia near the coast, and the unspoiled reefs and dense mangrove swamps along Teluk Terima and the bays to the East.
The diverse fauna exist here, including Jalak Putih Bali/Bali starling (Leuoeopsarrhotschildi) and Bull (Bos javanicus), Antelop (Muntiacus Muntjak), deer (Cervus timorensis), monkey (Presbytis cristata, Macaca sp.), Scaly anteater ( Manis javanica), boar (Sus scrofa), hedgehog (Hystrix javanica), Sturnus melanotenus, Sturnus contra, Acridotenis fuscus, Picoides mucet, Orialus chinensis, Haliastur sp., Galus sp.
Since Bali is such a densely populated, intensively cultivated island, very little wild forest is left. Such primary monsoon forests as remain (about 50,000 hectares) are found along the watershed at the western end of island, on the slopes of the mountains Sangiang, Merbuk, Musi, and Patas, an area not nearly as rugged as the higher mountains of eastern Bali.
More like a forest than a jungle, the park offers exceptional walking and first class panoramas. The types of the land are forest, savannah, mangrove, coast, beach, and conservation forest. The plantation that formed the pure forest are sawo kecik (Manilkara kooki) and palm (Borrassus flellifer).
Source:
Taman Nasional Bali Barat (West Bali National Park)
Jembrana Regency Northwest Bali 82217
Lush forests still grow on Bali's southern and western slopes. West Bali National Park (covers 50,000 hectare on the western tip of the island. It also includes another 7,000 hectares of coral reef and coastal water. Considering in the small size of the island as a whole, the National Park is a major commitment towards attempting to preserve the wildlife found on Bali. The forest in this area has been determined as " Nature Park" - later on known as Taman Perlindungan Alam Bali - based on the decision of " Raja-Raja di Bali" (Kings in Bali) dated 13th August 1917 noE-1/4/5. This regulation is intended to preserve the flora and fauna in this area.
The region is watered by clear streams and traversed by footpaths, which offer often steep but relatively easy walking. Explore the forested hills, scrub acacia near the coast, and the unspoiled reefs and dense mangrove swamps along Teluk Terima and the bays to the East.
The diverse fauna exist here, including Jalak Putih Bali/Bali starling (Leuoeopsarrhotschildi) and Bull (Bos javanicus), Antelop (Muntiacus Muntjak), deer (Cervus timorensis), monkey (Presbytis cristata, Macaca sp.), Scaly anteater ( Manis javanica), boar (Sus scrofa), hedgehog (Hystrix javanica), Sturnus melanotenus, Sturnus contra, Acridotenis fuscus, Picoides mucet, Orialus chinensis, Haliastur sp., Galus sp.
Since Bali is such a densely populated, intensively cultivated island, very little wild forest is left. Such primary monsoon forests as remain (about 50,000 hectares) are found along the watershed at the western end of island, on the slopes of the mountains Sangiang, Merbuk, Musi, and Patas, an area not nearly as rugged as the higher mountains of eastern Bali.
More like a forest than a jungle, the park offers exceptional walking and first class panoramas. The types of the land are forest, savannah, mangrove, coast, beach, and conservation forest. The plantation that formed the pure forest are sawo kecik (Manilkara kooki) and palm (Borrassus flellifer).
Source:
Taman Nasional Bali Barat (West Bali National Park)
Jembrana Regency Northwest Bali 82217
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posted by Daniy @ 1:13 AM,
,
Kayaking in Thailand Beach
There are a number of companies, all with experienced and trained staff, who are willing to take you on an exploration of the Thai coast from the sea, and it is a fantastic way to view the country. Sea Kayaking caters for all types- from beginners to experienced, from those wishing just for a little light canoeing and sight seeing, to those wishing to have an adventure and explore uninhabited islands. Sea Kayaking in Thailand offers a unique and exciting way to discover your own Thailand.
There are different types of Sea Kayaks, whether inflatable, or with a fibre glass roof to sit on, but the most popular and best way is with the traditional kayaks, using nothing but muscle power. No other way will allow you to explore so closely the rocky coastline or inlets of small islands- other water transportation can be too noisy, fast or clumsy. Sea Kayaking enables you to connect with the beautiful scenery, touring the beautiful coastline, and observing the wildlife under your own power.
There are different types of trips one could take in their Sea Kayak. A leisurely visit to a National Park where you can watch the animals and birds from your own vantage point is a favourite, or else day trips to islands with camping overnight. They don’t have to be too strenuous, and are suitable for any fitness level. There are also many caves, or ‘Hongs’ (Thai for ‘room’) that are only now being explored fully, the narrow Sea Kayak perfectly able to weave in and out of them. Furthermore, uninhabited islands dot much of the coast, with white sandy beaches and luscious scenery, all waiting to be discovered.
Sea Kayaking in Thailand is a liberating and rewarding form of transport, enabling one to escape the hordes of tourists on land, and enjoy a tranquil and unusual way to sightsee Thailand.
Source: MyAsianVilla.Com
There are different types of Sea Kayaks, whether inflatable, or with a fibre glass roof to sit on, but the most popular and best way is with the traditional kayaks, using nothing but muscle power. No other way will allow you to explore so closely the rocky coastline or inlets of small islands- other water transportation can be too noisy, fast or clumsy. Sea Kayaking enables you to connect with the beautiful scenery, touring the beautiful coastline, and observing the wildlife under your own power.
There are different types of trips one could take in their Sea Kayak. A leisurely visit to a National Park where you can watch the animals and birds from your own vantage point is a favourite, or else day trips to islands with camping overnight. They don’t have to be too strenuous, and are suitable for any fitness level. There are also many caves, or ‘Hongs’ (Thai for ‘room’) that are only now being explored fully, the narrow Sea Kayak perfectly able to weave in and out of them. Furthermore, uninhabited islands dot much of the coast, with white sandy beaches and luscious scenery, all waiting to be discovered.
Sea Kayaking in Thailand is a liberating and rewarding form of transport, enabling one to escape the hordes of tourists on land, and enjoy a tranquil and unusual way to sightsee Thailand.
Source: MyAsianVilla.Com
Labels: Thailand
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posted by Daniy @ 12:41 AM,
,
House Painting After the Summer Holiday, Why Not?
Summer hasn’t over yet, but the holiday should end in nearly time. People should get ready to end their vacation and take the home trip safely to get back on the routine. It’s hard, I know that. But sure as I do, you can’t take all the 365 days as holiday.
Back to the daily activities after a long holiday could be displeasing. However there are ways to cope with the problem. Maybe, it’s some kind of bored feeling as you step back in front of your house. If that so, then why don’t you consider pimping your house a little. At least, a home improvement will give you different experience to boost more productivity.
Give your house a new paint. If you think blue is out-of-dated, then a pale yellow will bring different excitement. Contrasting colors will draw attention to architectural details. But, extreme contrasts will clash and actually detract from details. To be safe, consider staying within a single color family. For some accents, you can try using a darker or lighter shade instead of a different color.
Some seasoned contractors are available to do this house painting job. Make a short call and they will wrap up your house on the next day. Spend some bucks to have yourself free from paint stains. But, if you’re on a budget and rather to build relationship with your family members, you can ask your children to help paint the lower part of the wall, and give yourself the upper section. It’s nice when the job is finished, a big jar of lemon juice are ready to sip from your lovely wife.
Remember to have all the safety procedures as you do the job yourself. When you’re using the sprayer to apply the paint, you can attach goggles and mask to avoid the paint particles rushing into your eyes and nose. Consider other workshop accessories to keep your work comfortable and safe. Happy painting!
... read more
Back to the daily activities after a long holiday could be displeasing. However there are ways to cope with the problem. Maybe, it’s some kind of bored feeling as you step back in front of your house. If that so, then why don’t you consider pimping your house a little. At least, a home improvement will give you different experience to boost more productivity.
Give your house a new paint. If you think blue is out-of-dated, then a pale yellow will bring different excitement. Contrasting colors will draw attention to architectural details. But, extreme contrasts will clash and actually detract from details. To be safe, consider staying within a single color family. For some accents, you can try using a darker or lighter shade instead of a different color.
Some seasoned contractors are available to do this house painting job. Make a short call and they will wrap up your house on the next day. Spend some bucks to have yourself free from paint stains. But, if you’re on a budget and rather to build relationship with your family members, you can ask your children to help paint the lower part of the wall, and give yourself the upper section. It’s nice when the job is finished, a big jar of lemon juice are ready to sip from your lovely wife.
Remember to have all the safety procedures as you do the job yourself. When you’re using the sprayer to apply the paint, you can attach goggles and mask to avoid the paint particles rushing into your eyes and nose. Consider other workshop accessories to keep your work comfortable and safe. Happy painting!
posted by Daniy @ 12:29 AM,
,
The Japanese Star Festival
Monday, July 21, 2008
When it comes to July, everyone in Japan are celebrating what they call as Tanabata. As the word means "Evening of the Seventh", the celebration derived from the similar Chinese tradition, Qi Xi which means "The Nights of the Sevens".
The Japanese believe that once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar, the Orihine (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair) is having reunion as they separated by the Milky Way. A river made of stars across the sky. Since the stars come out at night, everyone then celebrates it at night.
Everyone is writing wishes, sometimes in the form of poetry on tanzaku on a piece of paper. Then they hang it on a bamboo with decorations, or float them on a river. In other occasion, the wishes are burned after the festival on midnight or the next day. This resembles the custom of floating paper ships and candles on rivers during Obon. Many areas in Japan have their own Tanabata customs, which are mostly related to local Obon traditions.
The Japanese believe that once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar, the Orihine (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair) is having reunion as they separated by the Milky Way. A river made of stars across the sky. Since the stars come out at night, everyone then celebrates it at night.
Everyone is writing wishes, sometimes in the form of poetry on tanzaku on a piece of paper. Then they hang it on a bamboo with decorations, or float them on a river. In other occasion, the wishes are burned after the festival on midnight or the next day. This resembles the custom of floating paper ships and candles on rivers during Obon. Many areas in Japan have their own Tanabata customs, which are mostly related to local Obon traditions.
Labels: japan
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posted by Daniy @ 12:12 AM,
,
The Yellow Rose
Sunday, July 20, 2008
When I heard about plants, my memory were turning back as since I was a kid. I have a close friend Natasha who adore the green plants above all. Her mother was a botanist working in a local non-governmental organization, thus running a little greenhouse in the backyard.
The first time I invited to her house, my big attention was mainly at the small glass building which soon I recognize as the greenhouse. It was the very first place for me when I got introduced to many varieties of plants and flowers which placed on various size of planters. Some of them were ordinaries as if I often look around my house. But some others were formed and colored with something that I never experienced before. Natasha said that those were coming from the cross-matching among the ordinary varieties.
As we finished the junior high school, she and her family moved out of the town. She left me a yellow rose in a window box planter as a memorable. Unfortunately, I wasn’t good enough to maintain a plant, so the unique yellow rose was dead at the third week. I intended to move it into another decorative planters, but somehow I just missed the details. Ever since, when I saw a yellow rose, I just felt guilty to Natasha.
... read more
The first time I invited to her house, my big attention was mainly at the small glass building which soon I recognize as the greenhouse. It was the very first place for me when I got introduced to many varieties of plants and flowers which placed on various size of planters. Some of them were ordinaries as if I often look around my house. But some others were formed and colored with something that I never experienced before. Natasha said that those were coming from the cross-matching among the ordinary varieties.
As we finished the junior high school, she and her family moved out of the town. She left me a yellow rose in a window box planter as a memorable. Unfortunately, I wasn’t good enough to maintain a plant, so the unique yellow rose was dead at the third week. I intended to move it into another decorative planters, but somehow I just missed the details. Ever since, when I saw a yellow rose, I just felt guilty to Natasha.
posted by Daniy @ 1:06 AM,
,
The Visa Requirements When Visiting Indonesia
Friday, July 18, 2008
Visas are required except for the nationals of 48 countries namely Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom (Great Britain), United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Venezuela, Yugoslavia and Taiwanese holding MFA//M passports. The visa requirement is also waived for other nationals from friendly countries, attending a conference which has received official approval.
Visa free entry is for maximum of 60 days and is not extendable. Entry and departure must be through the airports of as mentioned below:
Seaports of:
There is only one land gateway, Entikong in West Kalimantan.
For other ports of arrival or departure, visitors must have visas, For others, tourist visas for thirty days can be obtained form any Indonesian embassy or consulate. Two photographs are required and a small fee is charged. Possession of passports is a must to all visitors to Indonesia valid for at least six months with proof of onward passage, either return or through tickets.
Visa free entry is for maximum of 60 days and is not extendable. Entry and departure must be through the airports of as mentioned below:
- Polonia (Medan),
- Simpang Tiga (Pekanbaru),
- Hang Nadim (Batam),
- Tabing (Padang),
- Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta),
- Husein Sastranegara (Bandung),
- Juanda (Surabaya),
- Adisumarmo (Solo),
- Ngurah Rai (Denpasar),
- Eltari (Kupang),
- Supadio (Pontianak),
- Sepingan (Balikpapan),
- Sam Ratulangi (Manado),
- Pattimura (Ambon),
- Hasanuddin (Makassar),
- Selaparang (Mataram), and
- Frans Kaisiepo (Biak),
Seaports of:
- Belawan (Medan),
- Batu Ampar and Sekupang (Batam),
- Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Tanjung Mas (Semarang),
- Tanjung Perak (Surabaya),
- Benoa and Padangbai (Bali),
- Bitung (North Sulawesi),
- Ambon (Maluku), and
- Tanjung Pinang (Bintan).
There is only one land gateway, Entikong in West Kalimantan.
For other ports of arrival or departure, visitors must have visas, For others, tourist visas for thirty days can be obtained form any Indonesian embassy or consulate. Two photographs are required and a small fee is charged. Possession of passports is a must to all visitors to Indonesia valid for at least six months with proof of onward passage, either return or through tickets.
Labels: traveling-tips
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posted by Daniy @ 7:17 AM,
,
Traditional Postcards Reinvented
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Imagine being able to mail your friends a personalized postcard and have it delivered to their mailbox without ever having to step into a store or post office. Then imagine the time you'll save not having to find a store that sells postcards, choose the "best" generic card and make your way to the post office to buy stamps.
Now backpackers and vacationers anywhere in the world can upload their own photos from a computer to the popular ZoomAndGo travel web site and generate personalized, printed postcards that are then mailed out, through the postal service, to recipients. With every postcard sent, $0.20 is donated to the charity of the sender's choice from a list on the site.
"It's a traditional postcard with a digital twist," explains Jonathan Haldane, CEO and Founder of the site. "Whether you're on an adventure half way across the world, or at a celebration in your own backyard, you can now create a personalized postcard and have it in the mail within a matter of minutes. What makes it unique is that a person uses their own picture, chooses a handwriting style for their personal message, and then our proprietary online system looks after the rest."
ZoomAndGo postcards are professionally printed and laminated real postcards (4 1/4" x 6" or 10.8 cm x 15.25 cm) that are created online. Each postcard costs US$1.99 for delivery destinations in North America and US$2.99 for delivery destinations everywhere else. Payment for cards, which includes printing and delivery, is done through VISA, MasterCard or PayPal. Postcards are usually delivered within five to seven days for Canada and the U.S. and within seven to nine days for the rest of the world. As an added feature, all addresses used to send the postcards through a ZoomAndGo account (free) are kept in a secure database for future access.
"Postcards are fun to receive and they're fun to send. They're a quick, easy way to say 'hey, look where I am' and share your experiences," says Haldane. "And that's what ZoomAndGo is all about too. We've just made it really easy to personalize the experience, make use of technology, and keep the pop culture appeal of postcards booming."
ZoomAndGo.com, which has been described as "Facebook meets Frommers", is critically acclaimed as one of the best social sites for exchanging reviews, tips, photos and videos related to travel. With a library of more than 15,000 user generated videos and 75,000 vetted and geo-tagged photos, the site provides honest, up to date and peer-reviewed points of view on thousands of destinations, hotels and points of interest.
"What I'm especially proud of is the charity aspect of the cards," says Haldane. "We have seven selected charities with whom we are associated. For every postcard sent, $0.20 is donated to the charity of the sender's choice. With our large number of users, we believe we can really make a significant difference in improving this world we all share."
About ZoomAndGo.com
ZoomAndGo.com is a rich-media travel experience Web site featuring the world's largest online collection of user generated hotel and destination videos. ZoomAndGo has become a popular social hub for travellers with up to a half million international visitors a month and more than 20,000 members. The site offers reviews of hotels and lodging, attractions and points of interest, and places from around the world. Content is collected from users in exchange for cash which is then donated to the charity of the user's choice. Contributors receive ten cents to one dollar for their content which is all vetted by an independent ZoomAndGo team.
SOURCE Zoomandgo.com Inc.
Now backpackers and vacationers anywhere in the world can upload their own photos from a computer to the popular ZoomAndGo travel web site and generate personalized, printed postcards that are then mailed out, through the postal service, to recipients. With every postcard sent, $0.20 is donated to the charity of the sender's choice from a list on the site.
"It's a traditional postcard with a digital twist," explains Jonathan Haldane, CEO and Founder of the site. "Whether you're on an adventure half way across the world, or at a celebration in your own backyard, you can now create a personalized postcard and have it in the mail within a matter of minutes. What makes it unique is that a person uses their own picture, chooses a handwriting style for their personal message, and then our proprietary online system looks after the rest."
ZoomAndGo postcards are professionally printed and laminated real postcards (4 1/4" x 6" or 10.8 cm x 15.25 cm) that are created online. Each postcard costs US$1.99 for delivery destinations in North America and US$2.99 for delivery destinations everywhere else. Payment for cards, which includes printing and delivery, is done through VISA, MasterCard or PayPal. Postcards are usually delivered within five to seven days for Canada and the U.S. and within seven to nine days for the rest of the world. As an added feature, all addresses used to send the postcards through a ZoomAndGo account (free) are kept in a secure database for future access.
"Postcards are fun to receive and they're fun to send. They're a quick, easy way to say 'hey, look where I am' and share your experiences," says Haldane. "And that's what ZoomAndGo is all about too. We've just made it really easy to personalize the experience, make use of technology, and keep the pop culture appeal of postcards booming."
ZoomAndGo.com, which has been described as "Facebook meets Frommers", is critically acclaimed as one of the best social sites for exchanging reviews, tips, photos and videos related to travel. With a library of more than 15,000 user generated videos and 75,000 vetted and geo-tagged photos, the site provides honest, up to date and peer-reviewed points of view on thousands of destinations, hotels and points of interest.
"What I'm especially proud of is the charity aspect of the cards," says Haldane. "We have seven selected charities with whom we are associated. For every postcard sent, $0.20 is donated to the charity of the sender's choice. With our large number of users, we believe we can really make a significant difference in improving this world we all share."
About ZoomAndGo.com
ZoomAndGo.com is a rich-media travel experience Web site featuring the world's largest online collection of user generated hotel and destination videos. ZoomAndGo has become a popular social hub for travellers with up to a half million international visitors a month and more than 20,000 members. The site offers reviews of hotels and lodging, attractions and points of interest, and places from around the world. Content is collected from users in exchange for cash which is then donated to the charity of the user's choice. Contributors receive ten cents to one dollar for their content which is all vetted by an independent ZoomAndGo team.
SOURCE Zoomandgo.com Inc.
Labels: traveling news
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posted by Daniy @ 6:50 AM,
,
Things You Need To Know When Traveling To Laos
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Getting Here
Laos can be reached by land, air and river from the neighboring countries of Thailand, Viet Nam, Cambodia and China. To enter the country, visitors need a passport with at least six months validity. There is regular air service to Laos on Thai International, Viet Nam Airlines, Lao Airlines, China Southern and Bangkok Airways. The busiest entry-exit point is the Friendship Bridge, which connects Vientiane to Nong Khai, Thailand. Another popular overland border crossing is Houeisai that links Northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai province to northwestern Laos at the center of the famed Golden Triangle.
Visas and Border Formalities
30-day visas are available from Lao Embassies and consulates abroad. Alternatively, 30-day visa on arrival may be obtained by passport holders at the following 11 international border crossings: Botene in Luang Namtha (Laos-China), Houeisai in Bokeo (Laos-Thailand), Na Meo in Houaphan (Laos-Viet Nam), Namkhan in Xieng Khouang (Laos-Viet Nam), Nam Phao in Bolikhamxai (Laos-Vietnam), Thakhaek in Khammouane (Laos-Thailand), Na Phao in Khammouane (Laos-Viet Nam), Dene Savan (Laos-Viet Nam) and Dan Savanh (Laos-Thailand) in Savannakhet and Vang Tao in Champassak (Laos-Thailand). If you have already have a visa you may enter Laos from Cambodia at Veun Kham. Visa extensions are possible and best handled by one of the many tour companies in Vientiane , Luang Prabang or Pakse.
With the enactment of the ASEAN Tourism Agreement, ASEAN nations are moving towards establishing a visa-free tourism zone for ASEAN nationals by the end of 2005. If you are a citizen of an ASEAN country, check with the Lao Embassy in your country whether or not you require a visa to enter Laos.
Climate
Laos generally enjoys a mild tropical climate, but it can get quite chilly in the cool season. Temperatures range from 10 ? 40 degrees Celsius in the Mekong Valley , and may dip below zero in the mountains and on the Xieng Khouang and Bolaven Plateaus. There are three distinct seasons: cool from November-February; hot from March-May and the rainy season which lasts from June -October. Most people find the best time to visit from October-February, however the low season offers lush green landscapes in the rainy season and the colorful Lao New Year’s festival in April.
Geography
Laos‘ main geographic features are low mountains, the Xieng Khouang and Bolavens plateau and the Mekong River valley. Of the country’s 237,000 square kilometers, about 70% of the country is mountainous, with the highest peak, Phou Bia reaching just over 2,800 meters.
Language
The national language is Lao as it is spoken in Vientiane , but English is commonly used in major tourist centers. Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai are widely understood. French, German, Russian and a number of other European languages are also spoken by many educated Lao as many students received university training in Eastern Europe during the 1970’s-1990’s. In addition, there are over 220 indigenous languages spoken by Laos’ 47 different ethnic groups, part of the country’s cultural heritage that makes it so interesting.
Money
The official currency of the Lao PDR is the Lao Kip. Major travelers checks can be cashed at banks. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and a limited number of upscale shopping establishments. At present, it is not possible to withdraw currency from your account at home using an ATM in Laos.
Post and Internet Access
There are post offices in all provincial capitals where letters and parcels may be sent to your home country. At Vientiane ’s main post office there is a post restante service. Both DHL and FedEx have offices in Vientiane. Internet access is available in all major tourism centers and all but the most remote population centers.
Phone and Fax Services
International Direct Dial is widely available and you can send and receive faxes from all post offices and many private businesses. You can also purchase a local SIM card for your mobile phone.
Electricity
24-hour electricity is now available in all major population centers and many district capitals. Laos uses 220 volt AC.
Business Hours
Government offices are open from 8:30-12:00 and from 1pm to about 4:30 on Monday through Friday. Private businesses are generally open later, especially restaurants and entertainment places. Except for restaurants, most businesses are closed on Sunday.
Traveling with Children
Laos is a safe, quiet country with a lot to explore for both adults and children. Lao people love kids, and if you bring yours along the attention and curiosity they arouse will open up many opportunities for you to interact and make friends with your hosts.
Health
Laos has only basic health care and you should check with your physician regarding which vaccinations and health precautions you should get before coming. The World Health Organization recommends the following vaccinations for SE Asia ; diphtheria and tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella, polio and typhoid. If you are taking any special medications, be sure to bring along an adequate supply to last the length of your trip. Precautionary measures like eating only well cooked food, drinking bottled water, staying hydrated, avoiding being bitten by mosquitoes and wearing protective clothing will help prevent most common ailments.
Laos can be reached by land, air and river from the neighboring countries of Thailand, Viet Nam, Cambodia and China. To enter the country, visitors need a passport with at least six months validity. There is regular air service to Laos on Thai International, Viet Nam Airlines, Lao Airlines, China Southern and Bangkok Airways. The busiest entry-exit point is the Friendship Bridge, which connects Vientiane to Nong Khai, Thailand. Another popular overland border crossing is Houeisai that links Northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai province to northwestern Laos at the center of the famed Golden Triangle.
Visas and Border Formalities
30-day visas are available from Lao Embassies and consulates abroad. Alternatively, 30-day visa on arrival may be obtained by passport holders at the following 11 international border crossings: Botene in Luang Namtha (Laos-China), Houeisai in Bokeo (Laos-Thailand), Na Meo in Houaphan (Laos-Viet Nam), Namkhan in Xieng Khouang (Laos-Viet Nam), Nam Phao in Bolikhamxai (Laos-Vietnam), Thakhaek in Khammouane (Laos-Thailand), Na Phao in Khammouane (Laos-Viet Nam), Dene Savan (Laos-Viet Nam) and Dan Savanh (Laos-Thailand) in Savannakhet and Vang Tao in Champassak (Laos-Thailand). If you have already have a visa you may enter Laos from Cambodia at Veun Kham. Visa extensions are possible and best handled by one of the many tour companies in Vientiane , Luang Prabang or Pakse.
With the enactment of the ASEAN Tourism Agreement, ASEAN nations are moving towards establishing a visa-free tourism zone for ASEAN nationals by the end of 2005. If you are a citizen of an ASEAN country, check with the Lao Embassy in your country whether or not you require a visa to enter Laos.
Climate
Laos generally enjoys a mild tropical climate, but it can get quite chilly in the cool season. Temperatures range from 10 ? 40 degrees Celsius in the Mekong Valley , and may dip below zero in the mountains and on the Xieng Khouang and Bolaven Plateaus. There are three distinct seasons: cool from November-February; hot from March-May and the rainy season which lasts from June -October. Most people find the best time to visit from October-February, however the low season offers lush green landscapes in the rainy season and the colorful Lao New Year’s festival in April.
Geography
Laos‘ main geographic features are low mountains, the Xieng Khouang and Bolavens plateau and the Mekong River valley. Of the country’s 237,000 square kilometers, about 70% of the country is mountainous, with the highest peak, Phou Bia reaching just over 2,800 meters.
Language
The national language is Lao as it is spoken in Vientiane , but English is commonly used in major tourist centers. Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai are widely understood. French, German, Russian and a number of other European languages are also spoken by many educated Lao as many students received university training in Eastern Europe during the 1970’s-1990’s. In addition, there are over 220 indigenous languages spoken by Laos’ 47 different ethnic groups, part of the country’s cultural heritage that makes it so interesting.
Money
The official currency of the Lao PDR is the Lao Kip. Major travelers checks can be cashed at banks. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and a limited number of upscale shopping establishments. At present, it is not possible to withdraw currency from your account at home using an ATM in Laos.
Post and Internet Access
There are post offices in all provincial capitals where letters and parcels may be sent to your home country. At Vientiane ’s main post office there is a post restante service. Both DHL and FedEx have offices in Vientiane. Internet access is available in all major tourism centers and all but the most remote population centers.
Phone and Fax Services
International Direct Dial is widely available and you can send and receive faxes from all post offices and many private businesses. You can also purchase a local SIM card for your mobile phone.
Electricity
24-hour electricity is now available in all major population centers and many district capitals. Laos uses 220 volt AC.
Business Hours
Government offices are open from 8:30-12:00 and from 1pm to about 4:30 on Monday through Friday. Private businesses are generally open later, especially restaurants and entertainment places. Except for restaurants, most businesses are closed on Sunday.
Traveling with Children
Laos is a safe, quiet country with a lot to explore for both adults and children. Lao people love kids, and if you bring yours along the attention and curiosity they arouse will open up many opportunities for you to interact and make friends with your hosts.
Health
Laos has only basic health care and you should check with your physician regarding which vaccinations and health precautions you should get before coming. The World Health Organization recommends the following vaccinations for SE Asia ; diphtheria and tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella, polio and typhoid. If you are taking any special medications, be sure to bring along an adequate supply to last the length of your trip. Precautionary measures like eating only well cooked food, drinking bottled water, staying hydrated, avoiding being bitten by mosquitoes and wearing protective clothing will help prevent most common ailments.
Labels: laos
... read more
posted by Daniy @ 7:10 AM,
,
Buying Gifts For Babies
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
It’s so nice when we heard someone we know gave birth to their children. There are several things we adore when we realize that a new life has begun in the world. To celebrate, we usually give things such gifts for the baby. When giving baby gifts, the two essentials that should be known are the baby’s safety and the look of the gifts itself which should be colorful for both the baby and the mother to enjoy. When looking for any baby gift ideas, the following things can be a consideration for you to choose the most proper.
Baby Clothes. These are the most common gift for newborn babies. As it will be worn by the baby, you should ensure that the fabric is comfortable to wear. Make sure that there are no strings or anything that could strangle/harm the baby. Pick the colorful and cute designs so the baby would look fun and interesting.
Baby care products. Choose the good brand, that’s the very first point that you should consider. Since babies has soft skin, the baby care products quality should be safe and guaranteed. That’s why established brands can provide you more level of guarantee.
Toys. This gift can only be given after the baby reaches at least the age of six months, where they start to give attention to things and the surroundings. You can give a toy which is chewable (and large enough which is impossible to swallow) so they can start forming their teeth. Choose the soft and cushioning toys which avoid the babies to hurt themselves.
Baby Clothes. These are the most common gift for newborn babies. As it will be worn by the baby, you should ensure that the fabric is comfortable to wear. Make sure that there are no strings or anything that could strangle/harm the baby. Pick the colorful and cute designs so the baby would look fun and interesting.
Baby care products. Choose the good brand, that’s the very first point that you should consider. Since babies has soft skin, the baby care products quality should be safe and guaranteed. That’s why established brands can provide you more level of guarantee.
Toys. This gift can only be given after the baby reaches at least the age of six months, where they start to give attention to things and the surroundings. You can give a toy which is chewable (and large enough which is impossible to swallow) so they can start forming their teeth. Choose the soft and cushioning toys which avoid the babies to hurt themselves.
posted by Daniy @ 7:07 PM,
,
Banten, Historical and Nature Tourism
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Banten, once a powerful maritime capital rivaling the vast Javanese Mataram empire, is today a fishing village with an illustrious past. The Capital City of Banten Province is Serang. Old Banten is one of the well know historical objects, only 10 km from the town of Serang. In this site, we can find a lot of remains of Islamic Banten Kingdom which was founded between 16 and 18 century. This is the coastal area where the Dutch formerly landed to trade. Banten has few relics to show of its past grandeur, however, there are the ruins of powerful Moslem kingdoms such as the pala¬ces of Surosowan and Kaibon, the grand mosque of Mesjid Agung Banten (1599) and a Dutch fortress and an old Chinese temple. Old Banten is the city which was the capital of the Republic of Indonesia.
Getting there:
Soekarno Hatta International Airport is the main access from aboard to Banten. It also can be reach by car or motorbike through a route of Jakarta - Serang.
Tourism Events
Debus, a combination of traditional martial art performance and body invulnerability Gembrug - the opening act with drum percussion and Beluk Strident hysterical sound when it began to reach heavy level of performance and Pencak - single or pairs of traditional martial art performance.
Places of Interest
Baduy Traditional Society
Baduy Traditional Society. In the area of 5,101 hectares consisting or two parts : inner and outer Baduy tribes. Live in harmony with nature, avoid modern life. It is located at Lebak Regency.
Keraton Surosowan
Keraton Surosowan (The Palace of Surosowan) was built during the reign of Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin (1525-1552). Most of buildings were partly totally damaged. What remains is only the wall of the fortress ciecling the ruin of the monument. According to the old maps it is known that in the past the complexes of the palace were surrounded by a ditch as a guard. It was said, that in the past small ship was able to sail along the ditch or along the canal to the open sea.
Tasikardi
Tasikardi at Margasana village, Kramatwatu district is a part of arceological complex of Old Banten. Its width is approximatelly 5 hectares and in the cebter of the lake there is a square formed “islands”. During the period of the Kingdom of Banten, Tasikardi used irigate the recifields and as a water treatment system in Surosowan Palace.
Speelwijk Fortress
Speelwijk Fortress is located at kampung Pamarican, around at Banten Gulf. In the past it was used as the fortress of the Sultanate of Banten, before the Deutch pene¬trated to and accupied Banten.
Ujung Kulon National Park
Ujung Kulon National Park. One of World Natural conservation as UNESCO declared. Observe the natural tropical forest, found the rare single horn rhino. The grazing area of buffaloes peacock and specific animals completed by beautiful islands around. There is a bus each day from Labuan to Taman Jaya which is on the edge of the Ujung Kulon national park. There simple cabins can be hired and a ranger can then take you on a walk into the park. It takes about six hours to reach a camping site. Food is not readily available so take some with you from Matahari in Labuan. Boats from and of the west.
Taman Jaya where the wood carving community, located nearby Ujung Kulon National Park.
Pulau Dua/Pulau Burung
Pulau Dua/Pulau Burung (Birds Island) is a natural bird conservation area for bird watching, located about 3 miles from the northern of Karangantu harbor. It can be reached by motorized pats or sail boats in 15 minutes. From April to August the island is visited by thousand of bird coming from the continent of Africa, Asia and Australia to lay and hatch their eggs. Soon after the young birds become mature, they will return to their original places. At least 50 kinds of birds and generally those are fishering birds that only to fly far distance such as herons, ducks, teals, fowis and other be able to lay 2-4 eggs, and stayed together in Pulau Dua of 8 hectares land.
The Tower of Bojong
The Tower of Bojong. Built in 1885 the Dutch, it is 75, 7 meter in height and it is an eighteen-story house light in Anyer Kidul. This area is an historical place. It is very well known for its 1000 km Daendles Post Road from Anyer to Panarukan (East Java) in 1811.
Karang Bolong Beach
Karang Bolong Beach is located 50 km from Serang town or 140 km from Jakarta, on Karang Bolong Street. Karang Bolong beach is the beach recreation area where there is a big rock with its hole in the center, facing the open sea.
The Hot Spring
The Hot Spring of Batu Kuwung. Its heat reaches 70-80 Fahrenheit degree. The hot water is iodized but it doesn’t contain any sulphur.
Mount Krakatau
Mount Krakatau is located at Sunda Strait. This volcano is very well known all over the world because its eruption in 1883 shocked the world and had caused a big disaster. The eruption of Krakatau was so powerful and its sound was heard in Australia and Colombo. The new volcano began emerged to surface in 1928. In 1951 geologists recorded that the height of Anak Gunung Krakatau was just above 72 m dpl, but right now it’s already reached a height of more than 200 m.
Rangkasbitung in Lebak Regency is a center of souvenirs made of Opal (Batu kali maya) and Onyx.
Bumi Jaya in Serang Regency produce various kind of export quality potteries.
Shopping Center Unleash the sense of discovery and experience some of the Indonesia’s most sophisticated shopping malls in Tangerang and Cilegon.
Golf Courses
Golf Courses. 11 golf course and 1 dri¬ving range all around Banten. The luxurious facilities, including 18 holes and first class accommodation.
Pulau Umang
Pulau Umang, white sandy beach over looking the crystal clear sea water, located 183 km about 4 hours driving by car and 5 min by boat from Jakarta, there is a resort and spa facilities to relax and living in nature with magnificient view of Krakatau and the Ujung Kulon National Park.
Mesjid Agung Banten
Mesjid Agung Banten This complex consists of a mosque monu¬ment having grave yards along its left and right sides, the monument of Tiyamah, a tower, and grave yard located in the north side.
Keraton Kaibon
Keraton Kaibon (The Palace of Kaibon) It is located at the village of Kroya on the bank of the road of Old Banten, approximately 7 km from the town of Serang or 1 km from Surosowan Palace. The name Kaibon was derived from the word Kai-i¬buan namely Ratu Asiah, taking over his son’s position, Sultan Rafiudin who was just 5 months old to lead the reign.
Getting there:
Soekarno Hatta International Airport is the main access from aboard to Banten. It also can be reach by car or motorbike through a route of Jakarta - Serang.
Tourism Events
Debus, a combination of traditional martial art performance and body invulnerability Gembrug - the opening act with drum percussion and Beluk Strident hysterical sound when it began to reach heavy level of performance and Pencak - single or pairs of traditional martial art performance.
Places of Interest
Baduy Traditional Society
Baduy Traditional Society. In the area of 5,101 hectares consisting or two parts : inner and outer Baduy tribes. Live in harmony with nature, avoid modern life. It is located at Lebak Regency.
Keraton Surosowan
Keraton Surosowan (The Palace of Surosowan) was built during the reign of Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin (1525-1552). Most of buildings were partly totally damaged. What remains is only the wall of the fortress ciecling the ruin of the monument. According to the old maps it is known that in the past the complexes of the palace were surrounded by a ditch as a guard. It was said, that in the past small ship was able to sail along the ditch or along the canal to the open sea.
Tasikardi
Tasikardi at Margasana village, Kramatwatu district is a part of arceological complex of Old Banten. Its width is approximatelly 5 hectares and in the cebter of the lake there is a square formed “islands”. During the period of the Kingdom of Banten, Tasikardi used irigate the recifields and as a water treatment system in Surosowan Palace.
Speelwijk Fortress
Speelwijk Fortress is located at kampung Pamarican, around at Banten Gulf. In the past it was used as the fortress of the Sultanate of Banten, before the Deutch pene¬trated to and accupied Banten.
Ujung Kulon National Park
Ujung Kulon National Park. One of World Natural conservation as UNESCO declared. Observe the natural tropical forest, found the rare single horn rhino. The grazing area of buffaloes peacock and specific animals completed by beautiful islands around. There is a bus each day from Labuan to Taman Jaya which is on the edge of the Ujung Kulon national park. There simple cabins can be hired and a ranger can then take you on a walk into the park. It takes about six hours to reach a camping site. Food is not readily available so take some with you from Matahari in Labuan. Boats from and of the west.
Taman Jaya where the wood carving community, located nearby Ujung Kulon National Park.
Pulau Dua/Pulau Burung
Pulau Dua/Pulau Burung (Birds Island) is a natural bird conservation area for bird watching, located about 3 miles from the northern of Karangantu harbor. It can be reached by motorized pats or sail boats in 15 minutes. From April to August the island is visited by thousand of bird coming from the continent of Africa, Asia and Australia to lay and hatch their eggs. Soon after the young birds become mature, they will return to their original places. At least 50 kinds of birds and generally those are fishering birds that only to fly far distance such as herons, ducks, teals, fowis and other be able to lay 2-4 eggs, and stayed together in Pulau Dua of 8 hectares land.
The Tower of Bojong
The Tower of Bojong. Built in 1885 the Dutch, it is 75, 7 meter in height and it is an eighteen-story house light in Anyer Kidul. This area is an historical place. It is very well known for its 1000 km Daendles Post Road from Anyer to Panarukan (East Java) in 1811.
Karang Bolong Beach
Karang Bolong Beach is located 50 km from Serang town or 140 km from Jakarta, on Karang Bolong Street. Karang Bolong beach is the beach recreation area where there is a big rock with its hole in the center, facing the open sea.
The Hot Spring
The Hot Spring of Batu Kuwung. Its heat reaches 70-80 Fahrenheit degree. The hot water is iodized but it doesn’t contain any sulphur.
Mount Krakatau
Mount Krakatau is located at Sunda Strait. This volcano is very well known all over the world because its eruption in 1883 shocked the world and had caused a big disaster. The eruption of Krakatau was so powerful and its sound was heard in Australia and Colombo. The new volcano began emerged to surface in 1928. In 1951 geologists recorded that the height of Anak Gunung Krakatau was just above 72 m dpl, but right now it’s already reached a height of more than 200 m.
Rangkasbitung in Lebak Regency is a center of souvenirs made of Opal (Batu kali maya) and Onyx.
Bumi Jaya in Serang Regency produce various kind of export quality potteries.
Shopping Center Unleash the sense of discovery and experience some of the Indonesia’s most sophisticated shopping malls in Tangerang and Cilegon.
Golf Courses
Golf Courses. 11 golf course and 1 dri¬ving range all around Banten. The luxurious facilities, including 18 holes and first class accommodation.
Pulau Umang
Pulau Umang, white sandy beach over looking the crystal clear sea water, located 183 km about 4 hours driving by car and 5 min by boat from Jakarta, there is a resort and spa facilities to relax and living in nature with magnificient view of Krakatau and the Ujung Kulon National Park.
Mesjid Agung Banten
Mesjid Agung Banten This complex consists of a mosque monu¬ment having grave yards along its left and right sides, the monument of Tiyamah, a tower, and grave yard located in the north side.
Keraton Kaibon
Keraton Kaibon (The Palace of Kaibon) It is located at the village of Kroya on the bank of the road of Old Banten, approximately 7 km from the town of Serang or 1 km from Surosowan Palace. The name Kaibon was derived from the word Kai-i¬buan namely Ratu Asiah, taking over his son’s position, Sultan Rafiudin who was just 5 months old to lead the reign.
Labels: java
... read more
posted by Daniy @ 7:14 AM,
,
Going For A Skiing Experience?
Friday, July 11, 2008
When everybody is getting up onto warm places such as Carribbean or Pattaya in this summer, you may have the like of snow and cold air as the part of your holiday. It’s not impossible to realize since you can prefer to go to Swiss or Aspen for such weather. With snows and ice everywhere, the main thing you can do outside is skiing. It’s awesome when you put your feet on the blade and let your adrenaline flows as you slide down the large mountains at speed.
If you are professional skiers, places like Meribel, Val d’Isere, Chamonix, and Engelberg might be the main options to go. You can have a rendezvous with other pro-skiers and have the great experience among the challenging mountainous slopes and jumps.
For beginners, Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy is a good choice since the ski slopes are free from other skiers with clear and smooth runways. You can have ski training without being distracted from the hustle bustle of pro-skiers. All of the mountainous areas have a reasonable and comfortable altitude, all of which are good for making progress on. This is a popular destination so it is worth going at its quietest period if you are keen on going just to learn. The summer period sees Cortina turn into a relaxing and breathtaking spot for hiking and impressive sightseeing activity.
Whistler is Canada also an ideal for the ski holiday since it holds the best rated ski resort in North America for the last 8 years in a row. Over two million people visit Whistler annually, primarily for its world-famous alpine skiing and mountain biking at Whistler-Blackcomb. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler will host most of the alpine and sledding events.
Whistler accommodation is easy to get since we have internet to figure them out. Some Whistler lodging provides ski-in, ski-out, and private hot-tub that will make your skiing holiday perfect. When you’re taking your family along, vacation rental like Cedar Ridge 17 is the suitable one. With the views over the Village and the valley and with ski-in ski-out access within a 2 minute walk of your front door, this home rentals will serve your holiday to be one of the unforgettable.
... read more
If you are professional skiers, places like Meribel, Val d’Isere, Chamonix, and Engelberg might be the main options to go. You can have a rendezvous with other pro-skiers and have the great experience among the challenging mountainous slopes and jumps.
For beginners, Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy is a good choice since the ski slopes are free from other skiers with clear and smooth runways. You can have ski training without being distracted from the hustle bustle of pro-skiers. All of the mountainous areas have a reasonable and comfortable altitude, all of which are good for making progress on. This is a popular destination so it is worth going at its quietest period if you are keen on going just to learn. The summer period sees Cortina turn into a relaxing and breathtaking spot for hiking and impressive sightseeing activity.
Whistler is Canada also an ideal for the ski holiday since it holds the best rated ski resort in North America for the last 8 years in a row. Over two million people visit Whistler annually, primarily for its world-famous alpine skiing and mountain biking at Whistler-Blackcomb. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler will host most of the alpine and sledding events.
Whistler accommodation is easy to get since we have internet to figure them out. Some Whistler lodging provides ski-in, ski-out, and private hot-tub that will make your skiing holiday perfect. When you’re taking your family along, vacation rental like Cedar Ridge 17 is the suitable one. With the views over the Village and the valley and with ski-in ski-out access within a 2 minute walk of your front door, this home rentals will serve your holiday to be one of the unforgettable.
posted by Daniy @ 12:38 AM,
,
Remodeling Your Kitchen
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
For housewives, kitchen is something they could never be apart with since it’s their duty to prepare everyday meal for the family. Kitchen is also the center of the family’s attention when it comes to dinner which brings the entire family to share their stories and experience after a hard day. The kitchen provides warmth, food, and fellowship at the same time. That’s why, when buying a house, kitchen should be decorated and perfectly equipped room in the house. Unfortunately, not many women really know what they want for the kitchen until they start cooking and realize that they are missing something. So, here are few tips to re-model your kitchen.
Try to watch episodes from The Food Network. They have some about remodeling kitchens. Some of their superstar chefs were paired with homeowners who really needed a kitchen remodeling which are real mess kitchens. If you ever watch the MTV’s Pimp My Ride, then you can start to guess what it would look like.
The Food Network superstars may have come to your house and make all your problems clear. But, if you’re not that lucky, then you should start to give more attention to the kitchens which are used in the shows. Paula Deen creates a kitchen that not only fulfilled her needs as a Food network cook, but also her needs for home cook. Maybe you can pick a little part of her kitchen appliances as an inspiration to your kitchen remodeling.
Magazines can also be your source of inspiration. The good thing when you look for information in magazine is that you can keep the picture of any kitchen design that meets your interest. For further reference, you can open the page again so you can discuss with your husband or the kitchen interior contractors.
If you have a small house, you can still remodel your kitchen. Focus on planning your kitchen remodeling ideas to fit your small kitchen needs. You might even want to buy smaller appliances to give you more room for kitchen cabinet remodeling. Most builders do not configure kitchen cabinets the same way a good cook would. For instance, why do they build kitchen cabinets so high? Most women never use the top cabinets for anything but items they never use. These top cabinets are wasted unless the cook is seven feet tall.
Consider using the cookware racks to store your pots and pans. The kitchen ceiling racks are totally useful for you when you need a quick access to your most used kitchen utensils. But remember not to hang them directly over where you cook since your pots and pans will accumulate grease which is hazardous for your health.
If you have a computer and internet connections, try to surf on sites which provides lots of advice you can count on. The ShopWiki is worth enough to help your guidance in buying deep fryers to pasta makers, flatware to meat grinders.
Take a glance to your kitchen everyday, and think what else you should add, move, or drop to get more comfortable kitchen to work. Happy remodeling!
... read more
Try to watch episodes from The Food Network. They have some about remodeling kitchens. Some of their superstar chefs were paired with homeowners who really needed a kitchen remodeling which are real mess kitchens. If you ever watch the MTV’s Pimp My Ride, then you can start to guess what it would look like.
The Food Network superstars may have come to your house and make all your problems clear. But, if you’re not that lucky, then you should start to give more attention to the kitchens which are used in the shows. Paula Deen creates a kitchen that not only fulfilled her needs as a Food network cook, but also her needs for home cook. Maybe you can pick a little part of her kitchen appliances as an inspiration to your kitchen remodeling.
Magazines can also be your source of inspiration. The good thing when you look for information in magazine is that you can keep the picture of any kitchen design that meets your interest. For further reference, you can open the page again so you can discuss with your husband or the kitchen interior contractors.
If you have a small house, you can still remodel your kitchen. Focus on planning your kitchen remodeling ideas to fit your small kitchen needs. You might even want to buy smaller appliances to give you more room for kitchen cabinet remodeling. Most builders do not configure kitchen cabinets the same way a good cook would. For instance, why do they build kitchen cabinets so high? Most women never use the top cabinets for anything but items they never use. These top cabinets are wasted unless the cook is seven feet tall.
Consider using the cookware racks to store your pots and pans. The kitchen ceiling racks are totally useful for you when you need a quick access to your most used kitchen utensils. But remember not to hang them directly over where you cook since your pots and pans will accumulate grease which is hazardous for your health.
If you have a computer and internet connections, try to surf on sites which provides lots of advice you can count on. The ShopWiki is worth enough to help your guidance in buying deep fryers to pasta makers, flatware to meat grinders.
Take a glance to your kitchen everyday, and think what else you should add, move, or drop to get more comfortable kitchen to work. Happy remodeling!
posted by Daniy @ 9:36 PM,
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Discovering the Busiest City in India: Mumbai
Friday, July 04, 2008
The city of dreams which full of energy and soul. This what will you have when discovering one of the most fascinating cities in India: Mumbai. The name of the city derived from the Mumba Devi, the Hindu Goddess. At first the British made the name as Bombay, and later changed to Mumbai since 1995.
As being one of the most populous city in the world, Mumbai is the home to more than 20 million people and currently holds the India's commercial capital. Some of the fastest growing enterprises are running their business from Mumbai.
Instead of the business capital, the tourism and entertainment are the other thing which make Mumbai so great. When Americans have Sylvester Stallone and Drew Barrymore, then India have their Amitabhachan and Rani Mukherjee. They're among the famous actors and actressess whom spread the magic of Bollywood movies. As well as Hollywood, the Bollywood which located in Mumbai is a famous tourist destination.
The Destination
Strolling down Marine Drive might be the possible way to discover the beauty of Mumbai. The drive is the windswept promenade, flanked by the sea and a row of art deco buildings. Looped between the concrete jungle of Mumbai's Manhattan, Nariman Point and the green slopes of Malabar Hill, Marine Drive was once called the queen's necklace. It is the busiest Mumbai roads which plays important artery for the heavy suburban traffic heading downtown. Like other seafronts, this is where most of south Mumbai caome to breathe some fresh air.
A landmark which identify Mumbai among the other city is the Gate of India which is built to commemorate the visit of the British Monarch to India in 1911. You better not miss your photograph in here as you visit the city.
Some of the most famous museums and art galleries in India are found here. The Kala Ghoda area in South Mumbai teems with them, particularly the Prince of Wales Museum, and the National Gallery of Modern Art. Once again, most of them are concentrated in South Mumbai .
Some city parks are very well-maintained and combine history as well. The "Hanging Gardens" on Malabar Hill offers stunning vistas of the Marine Drive. A gigantic shoe with steps is for the kids to play. Right across is an urban park mainly for walkers but sometimes one is surprised by a band playing!
The Language
Mumbai is India's melting pot - a confluence of peoples from various parts of India, but dominant are people from the west, then north and followed by the south. Marathi is the state and city official language - used by State Government agencies, municipal authorities and the local police.
On the street, a local version of colloquial Hindi, with strong Bollywood influence, called Bambaya Hindi is the "lingua franca".
English is widely used in the corporate world and in banking and trading. At most places you will be able to get by with Hindi and English, as most people you will encounter can communicate in broken English at the very least. So, if you prefer to stay in a good communication, it's better to pay for person to make India translation for you. Some pocket PC gadgets are offering the Hindi translation and Arabic translation which made you comfortable to bring them along with the trip.
As being one of the most populous city in the world, Mumbai is the home to more than 20 million people and currently holds the India's commercial capital. Some of the fastest growing enterprises are running their business from Mumbai.
Instead of the business capital, the tourism and entertainment are the other thing which make Mumbai so great. When Americans have Sylvester Stallone and Drew Barrymore, then India have their Amitabhachan and Rani Mukherjee. They're among the famous actors and actressess whom spread the magic of Bollywood movies. As well as Hollywood, the Bollywood which located in Mumbai is a famous tourist destination.
The Destination
Strolling down Marine Drive might be the possible way to discover the beauty of Mumbai. The drive is the windswept promenade, flanked by the sea and a row of art deco buildings. Looped between the concrete jungle of Mumbai's Manhattan, Nariman Point and the green slopes of Malabar Hill, Marine Drive was once called the queen's necklace. It is the busiest Mumbai roads which plays important artery for the heavy suburban traffic heading downtown. Like other seafronts, this is where most of south Mumbai caome to breathe some fresh air.
A landmark which identify Mumbai among the other city is the Gate of India which is built to commemorate the visit of the British Monarch to India in 1911. You better not miss your photograph in here as you visit the city.
Some of the most famous museums and art galleries in India are found here. The Kala Ghoda area in South Mumbai teems with them, particularly the Prince of Wales Museum, and the National Gallery of Modern Art. Once again, most of them are concentrated in South Mumbai .
Some city parks are very well-maintained and combine history as well. The "Hanging Gardens" on Malabar Hill offers stunning vistas of the Marine Drive. A gigantic shoe with steps is for the kids to play. Right across is an urban park mainly for walkers but sometimes one is surprised by a band playing!
The Language
Mumbai is India's melting pot - a confluence of peoples from various parts of India, but dominant are people from the west, then north and followed by the south. Marathi is the state and city official language - used by State Government agencies, municipal authorities and the local police.
On the street, a local version of colloquial Hindi, with strong Bollywood influence, called Bambaya Hindi is the "lingua franca".
English is widely used in the corporate world and in banking and trading. At most places you will be able to get by with Hindi and English, as most people you will encounter can communicate in broken English at the very least. So, if you prefer to stay in a good communication, it's better to pay for person to make India translation for you. Some pocket PC gadgets are offering the Hindi translation and Arabic translation which made you comfortable to bring them along with the trip.
Labels: india
... read more
posted by Daniy @ 6:55 PM,
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Save Your Pocket on Your European Trip
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
But sometimes, the plan of visiting Europe might stick to some imaginary thing since you know that your pocket doesn't enough to afford the Euros. The Barcelona hotels or Prague hotels are far from your budget. The all you can ever have are the stories from the Discovery channel that you used to tell with your friends.
Well, why don't you stop and think for a while if there are ways for you to get there in reality? Come on, there are opportunities to go even if you have problems with your pocket. There is internet around you and all you need to do is sit and made some research.
You can start to look out for a rock-bottom airfare, affordable rail pass from your travel agent, and then hunt for the low rates accommodations in Europe's most popular spots. Instead of staying at the lavish Hotel La Griffe Rome, you will be familiar to discounted bed and breakfast stays, youth hostels, and other inexpensive lodging options.
Here's a tip if you are in a tight budget when visiting Europe. Enjoy a more authentic, relaxing, and less costly experience in Europe! Just head 15-30 minutes outside the city and overnight in a smaller town right on the main rail line to the big city.
You can start looking for European national rail sites which describes you and your destination. Look on the map and discover the nearest town to your target city. For example, let's pick Zell Am See in this case. On the rail website, type Zell Am See in the "from" or "departure" space and next add "Salzburg" as the "destination" on the "to" line. You can then look up the "intermediate stops" between Zell Am See and Salzburg. Choose a town only two or three stops away from your target place on the main train line. Notice that the towns of Hallein, Golling-Abtenau, and Werfen are just outside of Salzburg on a main rail line.
The next stop is to google "Hallein tourism" or "Golling-Abtenau tourism." Each town likely will have a website listing cozy, family-run hotels. Often for 40%-60% less than the per night cost of a hotel stay in a big city, the nightly rate at an "on-the-outskirts" hotel includes not only a delightful room but also breakfast daily and delicious dinner too.
Well, why don't you stop and think for a while if there are ways for you to get there in reality? Come on, there are opportunities to go even if you have problems with your pocket. There is internet around you and all you need to do is sit and made some research.You can start to look out for a rock-bottom airfare, affordable rail pass from your travel agent, and then hunt for the low rates accommodations in Europe's most popular spots. Instead of staying at the lavish Hotel La Griffe Rome, you will be familiar to discounted bed and breakfast stays, youth hostels, and other inexpensive lodging options.
Here's a tip if you are in a tight budget when visiting Europe. Enjoy a more authentic, relaxing, and less costly experience in Europe! Just head 15-30 minutes outside the city and overnight in a smaller town right on the main rail line to the big city.You can start looking for European national rail sites which describes you and your destination. Look on the map and discover the nearest town to your target city. For example, let's pick Zell Am See in this case. On the rail website, type Zell Am See in the "from" or "departure" space and next add "Salzburg" as the "destination" on the "to" line. You can then look up the "intermediate stops" between Zell Am See and Salzburg. Choose a town only two or three stops away from your target place on the main train line. Notice that the towns of Hallein, Golling-Abtenau, and Werfen are just outside of Salzburg on a main rail line.The next stop is to google "Hallein tourism" or "Golling-Abtenau tourism." Each town likely will have a website listing cozy, family-run hotels. Often for 40%-60% less than the per night cost of a hotel stay in a big city, the nightly rate at an "on-the-outskirts" hotel includes not only a delightful room but also breakfast daily and delicious dinner too.
Labels: europe
... read more
posted by Daniy @ 9:40 PM,
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Spending Your Holidays in Vietnam
Vietnam is a beautiful country with beaches and islands, a 3,260km long coastline, pristine natural beauty, mountains, numerous lakes, rivers, gushing cascades, green forests and enigmatic caves. The boundless stretch of white sandy beaches is alluring. The delectable cuisine of Vietnam is world renowned. The land is filled with exotic marine life and tropical flora. Vietnam also invigorates the visitors, with sweet pine forests and many of Vietnam's constituents are recipients of three World heritage site status awards.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a prominent tourist destination in Vietnam. The embalmed and preserved body of the father of the modern state and the liberator of the Vietnamese people, Ho Chi Minh is displayed in the Mausoleum. The body of the beloved leader of the Vietnamese is preserved in a glass case. Near this Mausoleum is the Ho Chi Minh Museum which displays the memorabilia of the leader which includes the military orders, correspondence, manifestos and photographs that depict the crucial role, he played in the history of Vietnam.
Emperor Ly Thai Tong, dreamt of the Buddhist Goddess of mercy and compassion, seated in a lotus flower, blessing him with a son. Shortly after this incident, he married and had a son. To celebrate this event, the one pillar pagoda was built. This pagoda is visited by many who pray for well being and fertility and many vouch for the miracle that happens after the visit. The wooden structure resembles a lotus flower, which stands for enlightenment, according to the Buddhist belief. The One pillar pagoda is an interesting place to visit, in Vietnam.
Another famous attraction is the Halong Bay. The Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bay is replete with spectacular natural setting, limestone, grotto and caves. The Bay has over 3,000 small islands and many of the islands have names that describe their shapes. Dragon, Incense Burner and Man's Head Islands are the names of a few islands. The Hang Dau Go is the popular cave, in the Bay.
The Royal Tombs are among the popular tourist attractions of Vietnam. To the South of Hue, eight beautiful royal tombs of Nguyen emperors are situated. They are located among the hills, on the banks of the famous Perfume River. Each Mausoleum was constructed, while the emperor was still alive, for afterlife. They are designed like complexes with paved courtyard and many buildings, which have mandarin statues and stone artefacts engraved with the details of the dead and the reign. The main temple is meant for the worship of the deceased.
For that complete Vietnamese experience, a trip on the boat, along the Perfume River is extremely essential. The stops, during the boat trip, bring the tourists closer to the people and the land. The tourists can visit all the major spots in the city, during the journey. The boat trip is sometimes accompanied with folk song performances and music that is captivating. Vietnam is a place, where the pages of history come alive through magnificent structures and historical monuments. This coupled with the scenic beauty of the landscape makes Vietnam a great vacation spot for people, all over the world.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a prominent tourist destination in Vietnam. The embalmed and preserved body of the father of the modern state and the liberator of the Vietnamese people, Ho Chi Minh is displayed in the Mausoleum. The body of the beloved leader of the Vietnamese is preserved in a glass case. Near this Mausoleum is the Ho Chi Minh Museum which displays the memorabilia of the leader which includes the military orders, correspondence, manifestos and photographs that depict the crucial role, he played in the history of Vietnam.
Emperor Ly Thai Tong, dreamt of the Buddhist Goddess of mercy and compassion, seated in a lotus flower, blessing him with a son. Shortly after this incident, he married and had a son. To celebrate this event, the one pillar pagoda was built. This pagoda is visited by many who pray for well being and fertility and many vouch for the miracle that happens after the visit. The wooden structure resembles a lotus flower, which stands for enlightenment, according to the Buddhist belief. The One pillar pagoda is an interesting place to visit, in Vietnam.
Another famous attraction is the Halong Bay. The Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bay is replete with spectacular natural setting, limestone, grotto and caves. The Bay has over 3,000 small islands and many of the islands have names that describe their shapes. Dragon, Incense Burner and Man's Head Islands are the names of a few islands. The Hang Dau Go is the popular cave, in the Bay.
The Royal Tombs are among the popular tourist attractions of Vietnam. To the South of Hue, eight beautiful royal tombs of Nguyen emperors are situated. They are located among the hills, on the banks of the famous Perfume River. Each Mausoleum was constructed, while the emperor was still alive, for afterlife. They are designed like complexes with paved courtyard and many buildings, which have mandarin statues and stone artefacts engraved with the details of the dead and the reign. The main temple is meant for the worship of the deceased.
For that complete Vietnamese experience, a trip on the boat, along the Perfume River is extremely essential. The stops, during the boat trip, bring the tourists closer to the people and the land. The tourists can visit all the major spots in the city, during the journey. The boat trip is sometimes accompanied with folk song performances and music that is captivating. Vietnam is a place, where the pages of history come alive through magnificent structures and historical monuments. This coupled with the scenic beauty of the landscape makes Vietnam a great vacation spot for people, all over the world.
Labels: vietnam
... read more
posted by Daniy @ 7:16 AM,
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The 16th Century Heritage of Malacca
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
There are some interesting legends surrounding the foundation and naming of Malacca. According to the 16th century Malay Annals, the city was founded by Parameswara, a descendant of Alexander the Great. More likely, he was a Hindu prince and political fugitive from nearby Java. The legend goes that Parameswara was out on a hunt in the region and had stopped to refresh himself near what is now the Malacca River. Standing near a melaka (Indian gooseberry) tree he was surprised to witness one of his hunting dogs so startled by a mouse deer that it fell into the river. Parameswara took this as a propitious sign of the weak overcoming the powerful and decided to build the capital of his new kingdom where he stood, naming it for the tree under which he had been resting. Another account says Malacca is derived from the Arabic word Malakat, meaning market. Malacca had a navigable harbor sheltered by nearby Sumatra across the narrow straits, ample supply of fresh water, enjoyed a prime location relative to the shifting monsoon winds, and had a central location in regional trade patterns, all of which soon made it a prosperous trading town. Its fortunes increased with its official adoption of Islam in the 14th century. The Sultans of Malacca were soon attracting Arab traders from far afield. However, Malacca continued to trade with merchants of all races and religions.
After the visit of the Chinese Muslim Admiral Cheng Ho in the mid-15th century, contact between China and Malacca intensified. In exchange for protection against Siam, Malacca became a vassal state to Ming China. To ensure Malacca's safety, a new powerful kingdom was founded by the Sultan of Samudra-Pasai.
The power of the Malays began to rise through the 15th century. In the Malay Annals,the sultan Mansur Shah was mentioned as having 6 wives and the fifth was stated to be a daughter of the Ming Emperor. However, in the Chinese chronicles, no such event was recorded.
Things started to change with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1509. They were at first welcomed, but Indian traders soon turned the sultan against the Portuguese and they had to flee. In 1511 the Portuguese returned, and at their second attempt seized the city. This marked the start of the formation of a large Eurasian community. The Portuguese turned the city into a massive walled fortress complete with a tower bristling with cannon. It was believed that such fortifications could withstand the encroachments of other European powers eager for a slice of the Asian luxury goods trade.
An alliance between the Dutch and the Sultanate of Johor Bahru saw the loss much of Malaccas power. In 1641 the Dutch navy put a blockade on Malacca and they seized the city after six months. During the siege much of the Portuguese city was destroyed.
Only after 150 years did the Dutch lose their hold on Malacca. In 1795 The Netherlands was conquered by the French, and the British were keen to take over the Dutch holdings in Malacca. By that time, Malacca had lost most of its former importance although it remained an important part of Asian trade routes.
The A Famosa gate is all that remains of the old Portuguese and Dutch forts. As the Napoleonic Wars wound down the British knew Malacca would be returned to Dutch control. In order to make the city indefensible the city walls were blown down. A last minute intervention by a British officer saved the gate. Shortly after its return to Dutch rule, the Dutch and British governments swapped colonies - British Bencoolen in Sumatra for Dutch Malacca.
Malacca is a center of Peranakan culture. When Chinese settlers originally came to Malacca as miners, traders and coolies, they took local brides (of Javanese, Batak, Achenese, etc descent) and adopted many local customs. The result of this is an interesting mix of local and Chinese cultures. The men are addressed as Babas and the women Nonyas by their servants meaning Master and Mistress.
A small group of Eurasians of Portuguese descent continue to speak their unique creole, known as Cristão or Kristang.
After the visit of the Chinese Muslim Admiral Cheng Ho in the mid-15th century, contact between China and Malacca intensified. In exchange for protection against Siam, Malacca became a vassal state to Ming China. To ensure Malacca's safety, a new powerful kingdom was founded by the Sultan of Samudra-Pasai.The power of the Malays began to rise through the 15th century. In the Malay Annals,the sultan Mansur Shah was mentioned as having 6 wives and the fifth was stated to be a daughter of the Ming Emperor. However, in the Chinese chronicles, no such event was recorded.
Things started to change with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1509. They were at first welcomed, but Indian traders soon turned the sultan against the Portuguese and they had to flee. In 1511 the Portuguese returned, and at their second attempt seized the city. This marked the start of the formation of a large Eurasian community. The Portuguese turned the city into a massive walled fortress complete with a tower bristling with cannon. It was believed that such fortifications could withstand the encroachments of other European powers eager for a slice of the Asian luxury goods trade.
An alliance between the Dutch and the Sultanate of Johor Bahru saw the loss much of Malaccas power. In 1641 the Dutch navy put a blockade on Malacca and they seized the city after six months. During the siege much of the Portuguese city was destroyed.
Only after 150 years did the Dutch lose their hold on Malacca. In 1795 The Netherlands was conquered by the French, and the British were keen to take over the Dutch holdings in Malacca. By that time, Malacca had lost most of its former importance although it remained an important part of Asian trade routes.
The A Famosa gate is all that remains of the old Portuguese and Dutch forts. As the Napoleonic Wars wound down the British knew Malacca would be returned to Dutch control. In order to make the city indefensible the city walls were blown down. A last minute intervention by a British officer saved the gate. Shortly after its return to Dutch rule, the Dutch and British governments swapped colonies - British Bencoolen in Sumatra for Dutch Malacca.
Malacca is a center of Peranakan culture. When Chinese settlers originally came to Malacca as miners, traders and coolies, they took local brides (of Javanese, Batak, Achenese, etc descent) and adopted many local customs. The result of this is an interesting mix of local and Chinese cultures. The men are addressed as Babas and the women Nonyas by their servants meaning Master and Mistress.
A small group of Eurasians of Portuguese descent continue to speak their unique creole, known as Cristão or Kristang.
Labels: malacca
... read more
posted by Daniy @ 11:33 PM,
,
Viral Marketing, Why Not?
Building a successful blog is something between hard and easy. The easy part of the job is that you can spend all day sitting in front of the computer to post contents to your blog without leaving your house and get stuck on the traffic jam. You only need a computer, the internet connection, and several cups of tea/coffee to help yourself more relax.
Among the competition
To find any required content, you can search from millions of other news sites, personal blogs, or corporate websites and turn them into some five or six adequate paragraphs. Whenever you need a little touch of images, web services like Flickr or WebShots can help you solve the problem from free to licensed photos. Seconds after you posted your content, millions of internet users will have the opportunity to read and browse your article instantly. That's what we like from the job.
On the other hand, the simple jobs took us into the great rivalry from millions of others who do the same. Writing a unique and interesting content doesn’t automatically put us on the first line for the specific field. When you write about how to make a face lift using Photoshop, other thousand of bloggers are doing the same thing which makes your blog having the 1:1000 opportunity of being read by users.
The internet marketing blog is not just writing content, reap backlinks, and drive traffic. Sometimes we need more backlinks to place our blog at the top of the specific field. The long term strategy to win your blog among the hard competition is by viral marketing. We all know and we all remember how "Tickle Me Elmo" has ever been the most wanted gift in the United States. They should thank to people who kindly pass the information of their product freely with among their family, friends, and colleagues. Free logo download.
Do you want your blog to be successful just like Tickle Me Elmo? Then try the viral traffic. I’m sure it will be a great contributor to your blog development. By the way, Mark Flavin is sharing his opinion about viral traffic in his blog. There are several ebook resources that you can grab.
Among the competition
To find any required content, you can search from millions of other news sites, personal blogs, or corporate websites and turn them into some five or six adequate paragraphs. Whenever you need a little touch of images, web services like Flickr or WebShots can help you solve the problem from free to licensed photos. Seconds after you posted your content, millions of internet users will have the opportunity to read and browse your article instantly. That's what we like from the job.
On the other hand, the simple jobs took us into the great rivalry from millions of others who do the same. Writing a unique and interesting content doesn’t automatically put us on the first line for the specific field. When you write about how to make a face lift using Photoshop, other thousand of bloggers are doing the same thing which makes your blog having the 1:1000 opportunity of being read by users.
The internet marketing blog is not just writing content, reap backlinks, and drive traffic. Sometimes we need more backlinks to place our blog at the top of the specific field. The long term strategy to win your blog among the hard competition is by viral marketing. We all know and we all remember how "Tickle Me Elmo" has ever been the most wanted gift in the United States. They should thank to people who kindly pass the information of their product freely with among their family, friends, and colleagues. Free logo download.
Do you want your blog to be successful just like Tickle Me Elmo? Then try the viral traffic. I’m sure it will be a great contributor to your blog development. By the way, Mark Flavin is sharing his opinion about viral traffic in his blog. There are several ebook resources that you can grab.
posted by Daniy @ 5:25 PM,
,
