403 Search Results for "cold"

• An impressive trip to Tibet by An impressive trip to Tibet by Beijing-Lhasa Train

  • From: tibettravel
  • Description:

    We heard that the best way for first-time travelers to Tibet was taking a train to Tibet for it can help travelers acclimate the altitude of Tibet gradually. But we realized it was a great mistake after we sought proof from a friend who had ever taken a train to Lhasa. He said it was just like travelling at a low altitude when staying on the train to Tibet. Anyway, the breathtaking scenery along the way and the world’s highest railway also attracted us to choose the Beijing-Lhasa train.

     

    We booked the train tickets 10 days before travelling to Tibet. The train from Beijing to Lhasa arrived at Xining in late afternoon of the second day. From Xining, the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, our Tibet train journey actually started. Oxygen was supplied from Xining.

     

    When the train ran through the Hoh Xil, we saw gazelles, wild yaks and Tibetan kyang, but we were not lucky enough to have a glance of elegant Tibetan antelope. It did not matter because our Tibet train trip was full of surprises. Especially when the train ran by the beautiful Cuona Lake, we were deeply shocked. It was just located by the railway.  

     

    The Beijing to Lhasa train ran over 40 hours to Lhasa. After we reached Lhasa, we realized that it was really wise for us to take shower before boarding the train to Tibet. In addition, we were advised not to take a shower on our first day in Tibet for taking a shower may cause a bad cold which was not helpful for us to acclimating the altitude and environment of Tibet.  

     

    Not everyone to Tibet suffers from altitude sickness. But it is best to follow the advice from local tour guide. Generally, travelers can take Rhodiola rosea 10 days before starting to Tibet. After arriving in Tibet, drinking some butter tea is also helpful for reducing the impact of the high altitude. 

     

    If you stay at a high-end hotel with good shower facility, taking a shower actually can help you relieve from tiredness. But do keep warm. 

     

    After arriving in Lhasa, we transferred to our hotel for a little rest and then went out for dinner. For curiousness about authentic Tibetan food, we found a Tibetan restaurant. We ordered some butter tea, Tibetan Tomato Bun and Yak meat. The Tibetan food was great and very cheap.

     

    I felt a little headache after dinner. Maybe I was a little tired or the altitude began working on me. So I had to go back to the hotel for a good rest and prepare for our coming Lhasa tour.  

     

    The next morning, we got up very early to visit the Barkhor Street which is the representative and symbol of the ancient city of Lhasa. Though we got there very early, there were already many pilgrims doing ritual walk along the street. Most of them walk along the Barkhor Street with the prayer wheels while turning prayer wheel and murmuring some words in Tibetan language, but some of them even prostrate along the street. We were impressed and touched by the scene.

     

    Then we paid a visit to Sera Monastery in the afternoon. The Buddhist Scripture Debating among monks is the most attractive part of the monastery. Though we couldn’t understand what they said, the atmosphere was very interesting. They used various gestures during the debating.

     

    Then we made a Tibet Nepal Tour via the Friendship Highway. On the way, we also made a detour to the Everest Base Camp.

     

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  • 4 weeks ago
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• Unique Traditional Tibetan Foo Unique Traditional Tibetan Foods

  • From: tibettravel
  • Description:

    The distinctive environment of Tibet produces unique traditional Tibetan foods that can only be tasted in Tibet. It is said that you have never been to Tibet if you haven't ever tasted Tibetan food. Tourists to Tibet will firstly check the unique Tibetan food when travel to Tibet. Tibetan main foods are Tsampa (Zan Ba), pea, horsebean, milk sediments, meats and milk products. Tibetan like eat air-dry beef, mutton. The major drinks in Tibet (Lhasa) are ghee tea, pure tea, sweet tea, fresh milk and Chang. Especially the Tsampa, ghee, tea, cow and sheep meat are reputed as "four treasures in Tibetan dining". If you make a tour to Tibet, do not miss the delicious highland food. Traditional Tibetan food uses roasted barley flour, yak meat, milk, cheese, yoghurt and butter. This diet sustains those living at high altitude and the extreme conditions of the high plateau as little vegetation grows there. In contrast, the diet of those living in the Tibetan Himalayan foothills, where a wide range of fruit and vegetables are cultivated, is more varied. There is an abundance of wild herbs and mushrooms which are commonly used in Traditional Tibetan medicine and also used in cooking Tibetan food. Due to Tibet's distance from the sea and, more importantly, a deep rooted belief in limiting the killing of sentient beings, fish and seafood are not widely used. In some areas of Tibet, Tibetan people even do not eat fish as they regard fish as the incarnation of the god of water or due to the fear of its bone getting stuck in the throat. Whatever, travelers are kindly required to respect local Tibetan customs during Tibet tour. Tsampa Tsampa is one of the stable foodstuffs in Tibet and very important to Tibetan. It is rich in nutrition and has large heat which is suitable for allaying hunger and keeping out cold. Generally, Tibetan people eat Tsampa every day and every meals. As the Tsampa is very simple to prepare, it is a convenient food for Tibetan, especially the herds such as sherpas, nomads and other nomadic people in Tibet. The Tsampa is made of highland barley, a kind of cereal crops. With abundant nourishments and outstanding curative and health care function, highland barley is the main material of making Tsampa. The barley flour usually mixed with salty Tibetan butter tea. Tsampa is goluptious, crisp and sweet. Tibetan people like to have Tsampa assistant with dishes, butter tea and capsicum. When eating Tsampa, Tibetan people would put some butter tea at the bottom of the bowl and put some barley flour, then stir gently with the forefinger and knead with the hand. When you make a Lhasa tour, you can go to a sweet tea house in Lhasa, order a cup of sweet tea and some Tsampa, sit down to enjoy the food as local people do. Tibetan Sausage Tibetan Sausage was created by Tibetan nomads more than 1000 years ago. The main method to make Tibetan sausage is to prime different materials into the fresh animal guts such as sheep, pig or cow. When put the stuffing into the intestines, people will put some assistant ingredients such as salt, pepper powder, chopped ginger and so on. The Tibetan sausages can be either steamed or roasted and then cut into slices to eat. Tibetan usually make this food in batches during new-year time. The Tibetan sausage taste fresh and goluptious and not oily, which is a nice cold dish. Then it can be stored for about one year. Therefore, you can buy some Tibetan sausage and take back home when you travel to Tibet. According to different materials, the sausage can be divided into several categories. The sausage filling with sheep blood called Blood Sausage; and the one that stuffed with dogmeat named Meat Sausage; sausage which is filled with flour paste and edible oil is called Four Sausage; the one mainly filled with sheep fat together with some chopped meat named Oil Sausage; sausage stuffed with chopped animal liver called Liver Sausage.

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• Bushwick High Line Bushwick High Line

  • From: jorgeq
  • Description:

    I ventured out on my own for this visit under ridiculously cold weather which would have discouraged any friend to come tag along with the intentions to take a few portraits around the unoccupied and grungy setting.

    We no longer live anywhere close to Bushwick and one of the disheartening aspects of this is how quickly I'm uncovering places around the neighborhood that I was completely unaware of until we moved. The upside is that I have more of a reason to pay a visit. 

  • 2 months ago
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• San Juan, PR San Juan, PR

  • From: asolotraveler
  • Description:

    I chose this Island because there were no "Hostels" in Nasaau and I did not want to spend a hundred bucks for a room when all I needed it for was to bath and sleep. I found that San Juan has loads of them and I went in search of a little R and R there. I was really happy to know that it is a US territory and that the currency was the same as in the US. No hassels about changing money. I booked my flight which was about $350. And I began packing. After rebooking because a terrible storm had hit the Eastcoast and no planes were coming in or going out, I was on my way via Houston, Texas instead of Washington DC. The flights were uneventful except that with flying with United there is no free meal, you have to purchase them while in flight and just to look at what they were serving, I passed. After arriving at the Airport, I immediately went outside to get a taxi to my Hostel and the heat hit me like a ton of bricks. It was so very hot. I had just come from a cold area with layered clothing and I really wanted to take everything off. I sat for a minute and then walked over the the Taxi Kiosk to get my ride. Right away I liked the little slip of paper that hat "Fixed" rates on them. I mean you didn't have to fight with the drivers about prices or that the meter was broke or some such thing. After arriving at the "Palace" Hostel, I checked in and was led to my room to drop my bag off and then to meet others who were lounging around in the many open areas.

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  • 2 months ago
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• Prague – Vienna Cycle Tour Prague – Vienna Cycle Tour

  • From: Bicycle_tours
  • Description:

    Last September I joined a cycle tour in the Czech Republic. The tour took us from Prague in Central Bohemia to the rolling hills and charming medieval and Renaissance towns of South Bohemia and then through the gently-sloping vineyards of South Moravia. Some riders then cycled on to Vienna, whilst others chose to return to Prague. For many non-Czechs the countryside of the Czech Republic is unknown, secret, and undiscovered. This tour is a wonderful opportunity to discover what lies beyond Prague, a city that is deservedly visited by millions of people every year.

     

    We were a very diverse group. Our party consisted of seven Australians, a British couple, a couple from Brazil, a New Zealander, an American, and our Czech guide, Jiri (George) and driver, Jindrich (Henry). And me – I’ve been living and working in Prague for six years, but I’ originally from London, UK. Age-wise, collectively we covered every decade from early thirties to (almost) seventy. As those who have been on tours like this before, there is a camaraderie amongst cyclists that transcends continents and ages.

     

    Our First Day:        Prague to Ceske Budejovice by mini-bus

                                Ceske Budejovice to Cesky Krumlov by bike

     

    After collecting everybody from their hotels on a quiet and overcast Prague Sunday morning, we group of strangers, soon to become brave companions of the trail, gathered together in the cellar meeting room of the tour company to introduce ourselves and to receive a full briefing. We were given a detailed itinerary for each day, a safety briefing and a small glass of slivovice (a local plum brandy that some people quite like).

     

    Then it was outside to hitch up the bike trailers to the mini-buses, check on helmets and water-bottles, and on to Ceske Budejovice. After a two and a half hour drive, we parked up in the city centre and everyone was allocated their bikes for the week. The bikes are already pre-selected for individual size, weight and experience by the company. Some people had brought their own pedals and these were quickly fitted by the ever-helpful staff.

     

    Ceske Budejovice is of course the home of the Czech Republic’s second most famous beer, Budvar or Budweiser. It is an old town with a lot of green spaces and a very large Renaissance square, where we took the first of many group photographs.

     

    We made our way through the town and down to the River Vltava (Moldau), the same river that runs through Prague. It was a great way to start, riding along the flat cycle path following the river to test out the comfort and settings of our bikes. After a while, we reached a rocky outcrop – our first hill! After climbing above the river, we coasted down a winding forest path to the small settlement and large monastery of Zlata Koruna (Golden Crown) founded in 1263. Here was a chance to stock up on a well-deserved bowl of soup and plate of sausage.

     

    After suitable refreshment, the last stage of the day’s short ride was down to the fairy-tale chocolate-box town of Cesky Krumlov, dominated by the second-largest castle in the country built on sheer rocks which rise up from the river. It is spectacularly beautiful and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  George gave us a tour of the town, but sadly it was raining quite hard at this stage, so we were very glad to arrive at our hotel. The luggage had already been delivered to our rooms and we had time to freshen-up before dinner.

     

    Dinner was in a lovely medieval restaurant where the food was prepared on an open fire. We sat at long wooden tables and had a chance to get to know each other better. However, what really bonded our group together was the next stop in a lovely crowded pub with a piano player who took requests. I’d like to think that our lusty singing of old standards was enjoyed by the locals as much as it was by us.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   27

     

    Second Day:Cesky Krumlov to Trebon

     

    After a fine and hearty breakfast, we gathered in the courtyard of the hotel to reacquaint ourselves with our bikes and make some final adjustments to them. And so we set off. It’s a long climb out of the valley of Cesky Krumlov, nestled on a bend of the river, where in high summer canoeing and rafting are very popular. We rode along paved cycle tracks and forest paths before stopping at a village restaurant for lunch. It was quite a strenuous day’s cycling and some of our valiant company took respite in the mini-bus for the more hill sections. The mini-bus is never far-away and is stocked up with water, fruit and energy bars.

     

    I should add that the day was quite testing; not only because of the distance and terrain, but it was also quite cold and raining, so it did test the morale of the group. However, the week’s forecast was good and the outlook was for sunny weather. Some of us rode the mini-bus into Trebon, while others pressed on through the mud and rain to arrive later.

     

    After a welcome shower, we met for a meal in the hotel restaurant, which was served with élan and charm by our hosts. Some opted to take a walk around the town afterwards to take in the Renaissance square, the Marian column, the charming castle and a local hostelry to taste the renowned local brew.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   61

     

    Third Day:    Trebon to Telc

     

    Trebon has been the centre of the Czech fish industry for five centuries. Over this time many fish-ponds and man-made lakes have been developed to produce carp and other fish. Carp is a traditional Christmas meal in the Czech Republic. It is a flatter area of South Bohemia, so a good chance to get in some faster cycling along paved forest paths. It was raining lightly and misty but this added to the mystique of riding through the dark, silent pine forests of Central Europe. All very atmospheric, all very Brothers Grimm.

     

    After about 25 kilometres we left the woods and the land began to undulate through fields. We met up with Henry and the mini-bus for snacks and refreshments, and to mend a couple of punctures.

     

    We pushed on through the rain. This was the most gruelling day, the furthest to cycle, nearly 80 kilometres and the second two-thirds were fairly hilly. We stopped for lunch at a country pub-restaurant, but otherwise it was head-down and concentrate on getting to Telc and South Moravia.

     

    The town of Telc is another UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a breath-takingly beautiful and extensive square, consisting entirely of Renaissance buildings from the 16^th century, decorated in the typical brightly-coloured and sgraffitoed style of the time. It’s a great photo opportunity.

     

    We stayed in a very fine hotel not far from the main square, which had been a large farm and dairy complex. The tasteful reconstruction provided spacious rooms and a fine restaurant which served an excellent and well-deserved dinner.

     

    We were all pretty tired after this day, but we went to bed knowing that the following days would be sunny with temperatures rising to 25 degrees Celsius. Indian summer weather!

     

    Kilometres cycled:   78

     

    Fourth Day:  Telc – Vranov

     

    This was a shorter day than the day before but we had some hilly country to tackle as we followed the spectacular rocky and wooded valley of the Dyje river, which flows into the Danube.

     

    By mid-morning the sun had begun to shine and the temperature to rise. We rode through sun-dappled forests and fields and stopped at a large 17^th century convent complex, where we stocked up on snacks and looked around the old buildings perched on top of a hill with lovely views of the Moravian landscape we were to cycle through.

     

    In the afternoon, after lunch in a country village restaurant where some of our party were brave enough to assay the delicacies of the bull, we cycled through deeply-forested paths with short steep climbs and satisfyingly long downhill runs.

     

    We passed the 11^th century castle Bitov, high on an outcrop of the river, and climbed up to take a short tour of the castle. It was extended during the 15^th to 17^th centuries and had a fine library and impressive collection of hunting weapons: bows, crossbows and guns.

     

    A short distance away is another castle called Zornstein (Angry Rock). This is a quite different structure to Bitov, having been abandoned in the Middle Ages and largely derelict. It is however an impressive ruin of medieval fortifications. There were fine views to be enjoyed from this historic vantage point over the blue skies and green forests of the winding valley of the River Dyje.

     

    From Zornstein, it was a short ride down to the river and along the bank to Vranov.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   44

     

    Fifth Day:     Vranov to Znojmo

     

    This was also a shorter day in terms of distance, but again there were some tricky hills and off-road forest tracks to be negotiated.

     

    However, we did have the chance to tour the castle which sits upon a rocky crag that dominates the small town. The castle was modified extensively in the Baroque style in the 18^th century and so offered a completely different style to the previous day’s visits. It really was a most impressive place giving an insight into the opulent way of life of the aristocracy during Hapsburg rule.

     

    After the informative tour, we saddled up again and rode out of Vranov towards the major wine-producing town of Znojmo. This was another enjoyable day during which we mostly followed the border between the Czech Republic and Austria. The trails pass through forest and paved tracks in an area which had been off-limits for forty years during the days of the Iron Curtain. The natural habitat is therefore unspoiled. 

     

    The last section of the ride was quite taxing as we had to climb up away from the border towards Znojmo, situated on a steep hill above the river Dyje. It is a impressive sight with several ancient spires and towers rising above the houses perched on the hillside.

     

    After the steep ascent, we were pleased to arrive at the hotel, beautifully modernised with glass staircases, large rooms and comfortable beds.

     

    Kilometres cycled: 40

     

    Sixth Day:    Znojmo to Mikulov

     

    For me this was the finest day for cycling. The weather was beautiful, warm and sunny, and the terrain was gentle passing through undulating wine-growing lowlands.

     

    We had a long lunch at a traditional pub-restaurant and passed by the only section of preserved pre-1989 defences with fences, originally electrified, tank defences and a cleared, and previously mined, dead zone. It was quite creepy to see the physical embodiment of the ‘Iron Curtain’ and difficult nowadays to understand how peoples could have been so brutally divided after the Second World War.

     

    About 15 kilometres before Mikulov we stopped at a small wine-cellar, little more than an underground shelter, where the proprietor talked us through his current production and we tasted Burcak, the deceptively first fermentation of the grape juice. It was interesting to see the small scale of the production, but it is clear the the best of the wine never reaches the export market.

     

    Feeling refreshed, we pushed on through the glorious afternoon sunshine to Mikulov which we could see jutting out of the surrounding plains from far away. We had our farewell dinner in a restaurant adjacent to the hotel and then repired to a wine bar for prize-giving and valedictions.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   70

     

    Seventh Day:                   Mikulov to Vienna

                                Mikulov to Vratice – Lednice area

     

    Mikulov is a charming small town with a population of about 8,000 which was at one time a major centre of Jewish trade and scholarship. It is very interesting and thought-provoking to walk through its square with its pretty church and then through the adjacent Jewish quarter with its 15^th century synagogue.

     

    After breakfast, our fellowship was broken. Eight of our party had planned to end their tour in Vienna and they set off with George guiding. After a day’s ride they were driven the remainder of the distance to Vienna and delivered to their hotels by the ever-reliable Henry.

     

    The rest of us spent an enjoyable day riding a circular route from Mikulov to Valtice and Lednice. This area is another UNESCO World Heritage site and is thought of as the most architecturally valuable region in the country. This was a great day’s cycling to end the tour. We cycled along deserted roads to Valtice through the heart of Moravia’s prime wine region. We paused in Valtice to have a look at the impressive chateau and then pressed on to Lednice. The route took us through the forested parklands of the Lichtenstein family which are studded with ostentatious monuments including the Temple of the Three Graces and a shrine to the patron saint of hunters, Saint Hubert. After lunch in Lednice, we went to walk around the glory of the neo-Gothic chateau.

     

    Then it was back to Mikulov along a series of ribbon lakes following the border to meet up with the driver, Tonda, who drove us back to Prague and delivered us to our hotels, safe, sound and tired after a most enjoyable cycle tour through some of the finest countryside and towns that the Czech Republic has to offer.

     

    Kilometres cycled:   47

     

    Total kilometres over the week:  367

    Guided Group Tour by: www.bicycle-tours.cz

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• Summer Palace: Let’s enjoy the Summer Palace: Let’s enjoy the leisure walking in sunset

  • From: Lux
  • Description:

    This winter time, during Jan. 3 to 11, TopChinaTravel visited to northern China: Xian-Datong-Beijing. During the trip, I have the chance to see many quite popular destinations that I have not been in my whole lifestyle. In this blog, I want to tell you how beauty the Summer time Structure under the sunlight after mid-day during the cold months months season.

    It was snowfall 50 percent 30 days ago in Chinese suppliers, but the snowfall is not liquefy so soon in the cold winter time in Chinese suppliers, so we were very fortunate to see the snowfall landscape in sunlight in Chinese suppliers, even our information thought we are fortunate team to enjoy the best weather in Chinese suppliers during the hard winter time.

    Summer Structure is the short-term imperial building and garden of the emperor of Qing Empire. It used to be Qing Yi Yuan. There are shrub popular mountains and 5 landscapes in the Structure. Unique built in 1750, and completed in 1764, it includes an place of 290 rectangle km.

    The door of Summer time Structure is very wonderful with historical structure style.

    Walking into the Structure, we found that though it was winter time, there were still many visitors from both household and overseas. A foreigner child was very charming. There are many strange-looking rocks in the building.

    The big pond in the building is Kunming Lake, it consumes three 4th of the whole place of the Structure, which is about 22,000 rectangle km. The river has been freezing for 50 percent monthly. The surface area of the pond is still so freezing that individuals could stroll and moving on the pond. Our information said that at the last day of 2012, there was a level on the pond just above the big ice.

    Just like a picture, is not it? This picture was taken by my phone so it is not as clear as other images. Sundown on the pond.

    Qing Yan Fang is a big rock boat. It is very wonderful under the sunlight and seems could delivery on the ice.

    Our information Simon told us the lengthy collection of the building is one of the features. It begins from Yaoyue Checkpoint, increasing to Shi Zhan Pavilion. The collection is 728m lengthy, which is the lengthiest collection of all the landscapes in Chinese suppliers. Each ray of the collection was coloured with sceneries, wildlife, individuals, etc.

    The Mountain at the front side of us is Wangshou Mountain. The structure is Fo Xiang Pavilion.

    So wonderful mid-day in Summer time Structure, was not it? Actually it was my first time to summer time place. Strolling relaxing in the Summer time Structure, I lastly understand how luxurious the lifestyle of Emperors and devoted family members.

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  • 3 months ago
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• Hotels in jaipur Hotels in jaipur

  • From: hotelmeenakshi
  • Description:

    Meenakshi hotel is best hotel in jaipur which is so near from jaipur railway station, its so convenient Menakshi hotel offers Jaipur hotels,.Jaipur heritage hotels providing true Rajasthani hospitality in Jaipur. It has reasonable tarrif like hotels in jaipur, budget hotels jaipur,3 star hotels in jaipur, jaipur  hotels tariff, Reasonable hotel in jaipur, Heritage hotel in jaipur, Cheap hotel in jaipur , Jaipur hotel, Luxury hotel jaipur  meenakshi hotel is one of the finest hotel its a first class budget priced hotel A full facility hotel centrally located in the heart of historic Pink City Jaipur providing the domestic and international traveler with AC and air cooled rooms with Television and attached hot and cold shower and other related facilities. 

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  • 3 months ago
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• TET - the biggest festival in TET - the biggest festival in Vietnam

  • From: indochinasails
  • Description:

     

    TET, Vietnamese New Year, occurs somewhere in the last ten days of January or the first twenty days of February, nearly halfway between winter solstice and spring equinox. This year (2013), Vietnam celebrates Tet on Feb 10th as the first day of the Lunar New Year. Although the Lunar New Year is observed throughout East Asia, each country celebrates Vietnamese New Year in its own way in conformity with its own national psyche and cultural conditions. 
    For the Vietnamese people, Vietnamese New Year is like a combination of Western Saint Sylvester, New Year's Day, Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. It is the festival of Purity and Renewal.
    Vietnamese New Year Customs
    1. Clean and decorate the home

    Homes are often cleaned and decorated before New Year's Eve. Children are in charge of sweeping and scrubbing the floor. The kitchen needs to be cleaned before the 23rd night of the last month. Usually, the head of the household cleans the dust and ashes (from incense) from the ancestral altars. It is a common belief that cleaning the house will get rid of the bad fortunes associated with the old year. Some people would paint their house and decorate with festive items.

    2. Literally means "getting new clothes"

    This is often the most exciting part of the Vietnamese New Year among children. Parents usually purchase new clothes and shoes for their children a month prior to the New Year. However, children cannot wear their new clothes until the first day of the New Year and onward. The best outfit is always worn on the first day of the year.

    3. Farewell ceremony for the Kitchen Gods (Ong Tao)

    Seven days (the 23rd night of the last lunar month) prior to Tet, each Vietnamese family offers a farewell ceremony for Ong Tao to go up to Heaven Palace. His task is to make an annual report to the Jade Emperor of the family's affairs throughout the year. 

    4. New Year's Eve

    However, in a literal translation, it means "Passage from the Old to the New Year". It is a common belief among Vietnamese people that there are 12 Sacred Animals from the Zodiac taking turn monitoring and controlling the affairs of the earth. Thus, Giao Thua (New Year's Eve) is the moment of seeing the old chief (Water Buffalo for 2009) end his ruling term and pass his power to the new chief (Tiger for 2010). Giao Thua is also the time for Ong Tao (Kitchen God) to return to earth after making the report to the Jade Emperor. Every single family should offer an open-air ceremony to welcome him back to their kitchen. 

    5. The aura of the earth

    Giao Thua is the most sacred time of the year. Therefore, the first house-guest to offer the first greeting is very important. If that particular guest has a good aura (well respected, well educated, successful, famous, etc.), then the family believes that they will receive luck and good fortune throughout the year. The belief of "Xong Dat" still remains nowadays, especially among families with businesses. 

    6. Apricot flowers and peach flowers

    Flower buds and blossoms are the symbols for new beginning. These two distinctive flowers are widely sold and purchased during Tet. Hoa Mai are the yellow apricot flowers often seen in Southern Vietnam. Hoa Mai are more adaptable to the hot weather of southern regions, thus, it is known as the primary flower in every home. Hoa Dao are the warm pink of the peach blossoms that match well with the dry, cold weather from the North. Tet is not Tet if there is no sight of Hoa Mai (south) or Hoa Dao (north) in every home.
    7. Giving away red envelopes (filled with lucky money) 

    This is a cultural practice that has been maintained for generations. The red envelopes symbolize luck and wealth. It is very common to see older people giving away sealed red envelopes to younger people. Reciprocally, the older ones would return good advice and words of wisdom, encouraging the younger ones to keep up with the schoolwork, live harmoniously with others, and obey their parents. 

    8. Making offers for the ancestors

    This ceremony is held on the first day of the New Year before noontime. The head of the household should perform the proper ritual (offering food, wine, cakes, fruits, and burn incense) to invite the souls of the ancestors to join the celebration with the family. This is the time families honor the souls of their ancestors and present the welfare of the family.

    Vietnamese New Year Foods

    
    

    One of the most traditional special foods for New Year (Tet) of Vietnamese is Banh Chung or sticky rice cake. Banh Chung is made of sticky rice, pork meat and green bean, every ingredient is wrapper inside a special leaf which calls Dong. Making the Banh Chung requires care and precision in every step. The rice and green bean has to be soaked in water for a day to make it stickier. The pork meat is usually soaked with pepper for several hours. Squaring off and tying the cakes with bamboo strings require skillful hands to make it a perfect square.

    Banh Chung is a must among other foods to be placed on the ancestors’ altars during Tet holiday. In the old time, one or two days before Tet, every family prepares and cooks the Banh Chung around the warm fire. It is also the time for parents to tell their children folklore stories. 
    The importance of Banh Chung has already gone into poetry:

    ‘Rich meats, Salty onions, red couplets

    Nêu tree, firecracker, green banh chung’.

     

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  • 4 months ago
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• Christmas Lights Christmas Lights

  • From: spurdog
  • Description:

    Our farm house out in the woods on a cold Christmas night in Maine.

  • 4 months ago
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• 12 Days Nile and Desert Advent 12 Days Nile and Desert Adventure

  • From: shoretrips
  • Description:

    Day 1: Welcome to Egypt
    
    Arrive to Cairo airport, meet and assist by your tour manager then transfer to your hotel for check in with an exclusive air conditioned modern van. Our rep will provide you with detailed info about your holiday itinerary advice all procedures and finalize all pick up time for your holiday time, overnight in Cairo.
    
    Meal plan: Welcome drink
    
    Day 2: Giza Pyramids / Egyptian Museum Tour
    
    Breakfast at your hotel in Cairo and then met by your personal guide who will accompany you in day tour to the Great Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, varying between six-thousand and even thirteen-thousand years old, and Valley temple facing the great statue. All places are wheelchair accessible. Lunch at a good quality restaurant. Then move onto the Egyptian Museum, well-paved place, where you can see the collection of Tutankhamen among other splendid pharaonic artifacts. Then transfer to see Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Later, you will be transferred to Giza railway station to board the sleeper train to Aswan-dinner and breakfast will be served on board. Overnight inside your compartment.
    
    Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    
    Day 3: Arrive Aswan – Optional tour to Abu Simbel
    
    Pick up from Aswan train station and transfer to your hotel. Optional to enjoy a tour to one of Egypt's top tourist attractions, Abu Simbel temple, which were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, as a lasting monument to himself and his Queen Nefertari. Overnight in Aswan.
    
    Meal plan: Breakfast
    
    Day 4:- Nile Cruise
    
    Breakfast at your hotel in Aswan. Then transfer to embark your Nile River Cruise before Lunch by 11:00 a.m, and then enjoy visiting the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished obelisk. Dinner on board and overnight in Aswan.
    
    Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    
    Day 5: Nile Cruise – Kom Ombo - Edfu
    
    Sail to Kom Ombo, have breakfast on board and visit Kom Ombo Temple dedicated to gods Sobek & Haeroris. Continue sailing to Edfu, lunch on board, then get a visit to Horus Temple in Edfu. Take afternoon tea during sailing to Esna. Dinner and overnight on board.
    
    Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    
    Day 6: Nile Cruise – Luxor West Bank
    
    Sail to Luxor, breakfast on board then start your sightseeing in Luxor at the West Bank, and get the chance to enjoy the famous Valley of the Kings, then to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut & the Colossi of Memnon. Lunch on board. Enjoy afternoon visit to the Karnak complex and Luxor temple at the East Bank of the Nile River in Luxor and then drive back to the cruise ship. Dinner on board Overnight in Luxor.
    
    Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    
    Day 7: Nile Cruise – Baris Oasis
    
    Breakfast on board the Nile cruise in Luxor, disembark from your Nile cruise and then transfer by private vehicle to Baris Oasis the journey takes about 5 hours drive, where you will spend your first night camping under the stars at this fantastic oasis of Baris
    
    Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    
    Day 8: Kharga – Dakhla
    
    After breakfast, drive to Al Kharga, the largest of the oasis towns and a sizeable producer not only of dates but also cereals and vegetables. Just outside town are the remains of the Temple of Hibis, built by Darius I during the Roman period. There is time to visit the temple, as well as the Christian burial ground at Al Bagawat, dating to the end of the 7th century. We drive on, to Dakhla, where we spend the night at an Oasis style hut with reed huts, communal showers and basic facilities. Overnight in Dakhla.
    
    Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    
    Day 9: Dakhla Oasis – Camel ride in the desert
    
    After breakfast, head off to the fabulous medieval mud-brick town of Al Qasr, exploring the timeless streets, seeing the old school, an ancient olive press and the granary. We also visit the excellent little Ethnological Museum, a locally-sponsored project which we support through our visits. There is also a hot spring nearby which makes a great rest stop either on the way out or when we return. We return for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing while we wait for the heat of the day to pass. In the late afternoon we set off on camels, riding through a desolate windswept landscape to the base of a Great escarpment, where we spend the night under the stars (about 20 km).
    
    Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    
    Day 10: Farafra - White Desert
    
    North of Dakhla is Farafra Oasis where we have time to visit Badr Museum and enjoy a swim in another of the many natural sulphur springs. A little further on we enter the White Desert, a spectacular region of wind-eroded limestone formations. The continual erosion has left a layer of fine white dust on the desert sands, hence the name ‘white desert’. We enjoy a sunset walk in this surreal landscape and spend the night camping under the stars. Note it can be very cold in the winter months (Oct-Mar) so make sure you are well rugged up if you are travelling at this time. Overnight Camping in the White Desert.
    
    Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    
    Day 11: Back to Cairo
    
    After breakfast, transfer to visit Crystal Mountain, Black Desert and Bahariya Oasis. Local tour to the hill top ruin ‘the English House, the Temple of Ain El Meftella and The Golden Mummies Museum. After that transfer to Cairo from Bahariya about a 04 hour drive. Overnight in Cairo.
    
    Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch
    
    Day 12: Final Departure
    
    After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for final departure.
    
    Meal plan: Breakfast

     

    12 Days Desert Safari, Nile Cruise Holiday, Tours in Egypt

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• Ba Be Trekking Ethnic Culture Ba Be Trekking Ethnic Culture Villages

  • From: khuongvn
  • Description:

    This is a new form of The B Tourist Vietnam (Ba Be Center Tourism) has a new organization to bring the convenience for tourists or other travel  agencies  who free traveling alone by car, bike, or by local buses.  “How to get to Ba Be national park?” Please contact us for suggestions.
    Tour code: BB09
    (First night  arrive Ba Be national park, sleeping in Mr Linh home-stay)
    
    Day 1 : Ba Be lake  Boat trip.(B, L,D)

    
    Wake up at 8 am and enjoy the quiet surroundings with the ethnic minorities.
    8h15: Have breakfast in the lake-shore restaurant
    8h45: Start the tour of Ba Be Lake on the boat. You will go along the lake towards the fork of the river to visit the Puong cave, then go down Nang River to the waterfall located by Tuyen Quang province.
    then visiting the Dau Dang waterfall to have a sensation of cold of nature, you will have lunch at the nearly by restaurant, the house of Mr pirate (Ong Hien ). After the lunch you will finish of the tour by visiting Fairy pond (Tien pond ) and An Ma temple where entombed a war dead .
    At the end of the tour you will be brought back to the lake-shore restaurant in the preparation for dinner.
    It is depending on your mood, there will be light entertainment from the local people who will share the music of the village.
    (Over night the same homestay)

    
    Day 2: Trekking .(B, L,D)

    
    Option-1
    8.30am after breakfast a local guide will take you on a trek to Pac-Ngoi village walk along the stream edge to view other village in the Quang-Khe area and visit Hua-Ma cave.
    When you arrive at Hua Ma you will be server lunch at the entrance of the cave.
    After lunch you will have the opportunity to explore the caves and the trek within the forest to visit the big tree 100 year old. (Trekking 24km)
    Come back your home-stay at 5 pm

    
    Option-2
    The local guide will take you on trekking to Costco village, and the continue upland to Khau Qua village, then towards Red Dao village and stay in Nam Cuong area, there you will have lunch before heading back to visit Na-Phong cave in Bo-Lu village, you will be then end the tour by heading back to the lake-shore restaurant for dinner.
    (Over night the same home-stay , Mr Linh house)

    
    The facts…
    Physical activities:
    
    Hiking and trekking with:
    - 3 - 6 km trek on Day 1.
    -  8 – 12 km trek on Day 2.
    From July to September, the climate is usually humid and hot.
    From October to June brings cooler and more pleasant weather.

    
    Transport:
    - boat & kayak.
    Local Guides:
    Our experienced and friendly Tour Guide(s) clearly about Ba Be national park forest speak excellent Tay Language .
    They are extremely knowledgeable about local cultures, history and the environment.

    
    Meals:
    - 2 breakfasts.
    - 2 lunches.
    - 3 dinners.
    We choose local ingredients, typical of the way people eat in the area, at local restaurants, markets or homes.
    We also cater for Vegetarians but please request this at time of booking.

    
    Accommodation:
    - home stay (3 nights).
    A clean and comfortable home stay with mosquito nets provided.

    
    Tour price:please contact us
    
    
    Tour price includes: Home-stay, local guide. private boat trip, meals in the itinerary (B ; L ; D),all sightseeing tickets.
    
    Tour price excludes: Personal expenses, tips and gratuities, travel insurance, other services not mentioned above, beverage.

     

     

    For further information, don’t hesitate to contact us:.

    Hotline:

    (+84) 1676 161 008

    Email:sales@thebtourist.com

    Website:

    www.babenationalpark.com.vn

    www.thebtourist.com

     

     

    THE B-TOURIST TOURISM SERVICE AND TRADING COMPANY LIMITED

     

    Head office: No. 03, Lane 150/141, Giap Nhi Street, Thinh Liet  Ward, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi, Vietnam

    Tel: (+84) 4 3 6425 420

    Fax: (+84)4 3 6425 421

    Email:sales@thebtourist.com

    Website: http://thebtourist.com 

     

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  • 4 months ago
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• Planning Your Amazing Adventur Planning Your Amazing Adventure Holidays in Alaska

  • From: jamespattrick
  • Description:

    Alaska is a vast state full of wilderness and potential adventures. From hiking to fishing to skiing, you are sure to find an adventure holiday that suits your needs and desires. Here are a few things to consider when planning an Alaskan holiday.
    
    Decide when to visit Alaska
    
    Alaska's peak tourist season runs from about the middle of May through mid-September. The long days and warm temperatures make this a great time to go camping, hiking, bird watching and general sightseeing.
    
    The flowers show up at the beginning of summer, so vacationers can enjoy nature in her full glory. Alaska's protected waters, rivers and lakes also offer you the great opportunity to go rafting or kayaking in a beautiful wilderness setting.
    
    Summer is also the season of higher prices, however, with July being the absolute worst when it comes to cost. If you plan to go to Alaska during the peak tourist season, be sure to book well in advance to ensure you have the necessary lodgings.
    
    The "shoulder seasons" occur in early May and late September through October. An increasing number of vacationers are taking Alaska holidays during these shoulder months to take advantage of mild weather, reduced crowds and discounts on activities and travels. The shoulder months are the perfect time to go boating and fishing.
    
    The Alaskan weather patterns typically change at some point between late August and the middle of September. Frequent rainstorms and cooler weather cause the foliage to turn vivid, bright colors. It's also a great time to view the wild animals in their natural habitat.
    
    Winter runs from November through April and contrary to what many people believe, Alaska isn't dark and inaccessible and the people don't hibernate. While daylight isn't as abundant as in the summer months, many parts of the large state still enjoy 6 to 12 hours of sunlight every day.
    
    Alaska offers plenty of cold weather activities for snow lovers to enjoy. More sporty types might enjoy trying their hands at snowmobiling, snowboarding, downhill skiing, dog sledding, and ice skating or curling.
    
    Fishermen might like to try ice fishing for king salmon or rainbow trout, both of which are commonly caught in the winter months. You can spend the long evenings at a cultural festival, viewing the Northern Lights or cuddling with that special someone in front of a fireplace.
    
    Set your trip itinerary
    
    some of the more popular tourist destinations include Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park and Mount McKinley, the highest mountain peak in North America. It's also worth taking a driving tour of the picturesque coastal towns and taking a short day cruise to view aquatic wildlife at its very best.
    
    Another option is to choose a travel package offered by a reputable adventure vacation company. For example, Grand American Adventures offers several popular Alaskan tour packages. Sign up for one of these and you'll get to enjoy 8 to 21 days of unique adventures, private transportation and the advice of a professional tour leader.
    
    Alaska is teeming with the opportunities to enjoy outdoor adventures. From water activities to winter sports, you'll find activities that suit your style in America's 49th state.

    Author’s Bio: James Pattrick is known for writing informative articles on Tavel Guide and Home Security Equipment related issues. He writes for HomeAlarmMonitoring.org also.You can catch him on Google+,Facebook And Twitter.

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  • 5 months ago
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• Best places to enjoy Christmas Best places to enjoy Christmas in Ha noi

  • From: acitvetraveasia
  • Description:

    Christmas is popular in Vietnam nowadays, however, only in big cities or tourist destinations, there will be a lot of activities to celebrate Christmas. From the beginning of December, all the streets in big cities are decorated with the Noel’s patterns. Besides, hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and amusement parts also give a lot of activities which will be take place during the time of Christmas holiday.

    The weather in December is cold, it’s suitable for Christmas atmosphere. In Hanoi, there are a lot of places for you to enjoy Christmas:

    Central Churches

    Almost each district has one church, however, people usually come to Saint Joseph Cathedral (“Nhà thờ lớn” in Vietnamese) at 40 Nha Trung, Hoan Kiem. This is a wonderful place to enjoy your Christmas night.

    Old Quarter

    It is colorful and crowded in Christmas holiday. Especially, tourists like to visit Hang Ma street where you can find any necessary things for your decoration in the Christmas tree or your house. You can also find numerous gifts and cards here with the diverse and unique styles and kinds. The streets will be full of things relating Christmas from the beginning of December so you can visit here if you want to enjoy Christmas atmosphere sooner.

    Lakes

    Hanoi has a lot of lakes, however there are two famous ones named Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake. These places attracts tourists when coming to Vietnam, even not in any holiday.

    Hotels and Restaurants

    Most of hotels and restaurants will celebrate Christmas with the different activities from parties to music show. With the high-star hotels and restaurants, they usually offer the most luxury buffet party and hilarious music performance and give the presents for the guests.

    Shopping malls, supermarkets and markets

    There will be a chance to go shopping because most of shopping malls, supermarkets and markets will have the big promotional campaign in this occasion with hundreds of new arrivals and numerous of goods are discounted.

    Art shows and new films

    On Christmas Eve or some days before, there are a lot of program under the theme Christmas for children, the youth, etc. People also like to go to the movie theater to enjoy the new films about Christmas. Besides, in the international organizations and universities, there are a lot of activities celebrated in Christmas Eve or some nights before. That will be free for all people to come and join.

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  • 5 months ago
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• Trying medicinal bathing with Trying medicinal bathing with the Dao people

  • From: acitvetraveasia
  • Description:

    Medicinal bathing is a local feature of the indigenous Red Dao in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai. In Ta Phin Commune (Sa Pa District), tourists can spot many families drying herbs in their front yards.

    Legend has it that on the last day of the year the Dao boiled leaves from the forest for medicinal bathing before welcoming the new year in. As this practice proves both effective and salubrious, a majority of Kinh people have considered it a unique feature of Red Dao culture. Each barrel of water usually contains at least 10 types of herbs, even up to 120. Every bathroom has a wardrobe to keep personal belongings and visitors feel quite relaxed to bathe in the typical wooden tubs filled with hot water and the aromatic smell of different herbs.

     

    ---

     

    There are two types of bathrooms: a single for one wishing to bathe alone and a double for couples to share.

    Stepping out from a steam-filled bathroom, Christine Smith—an American tourist—says; "I feel so relaxed, like being full of energy". Christine is no exception. Other Western tourists also feel the same about medical bathing in Sa Pa after a long trip through north-western provinces. Ly Ta May, 30, says bathing with medicinal herbs is a traditional practice of the Red Dao.

     

    “In our village, either in winter or summer, the whole family boils a big pot of medicinal herbs to fill wooden tubs for themselves to bathe in the hope of curing ailments such as knee, hand, and foot pain, muscle pain, headache, back pain, excess alcohol, fatigue, poor blood circulation, and skin diseases.

     

    “If women take to bathing with these herbs after giving birth, they will recover quickly and have a better blood circulation and beautiful skin”, she says.

     

    Getting medicinal herbs

    Red Dao people in Sa Pa are famous for curing bone, joint, and muscle pains, common cold and flu symptoms. Collecting medicinal herbs is no easy task, says Chao Man May from Ta Van Village. “Medicinal herbs grow along the streams or in the forest. If you want to pick them, you’d rather go deep into the forest”, she says.

    Like other Dao women, May has spent time teaching her young daughter about how to pick medicinal herbs where they often grow, and how to tell  the difference between the medicinal plants and poisonous varieties.
    “This is very important because some poisonous herbs look much like medicinal ones. Only after about five or six trips to the forest, can my daughter find the right herbs”, she says.

    She says the best time for picking medicinal herbs is in the early morning, as the dew preserves the essence of the sky and earth in them.

    The Dao only take the branches and leaves, leaving the roots intact for growth until the next time of pruning.

    The final step is to chop and dry the herbs in the sun so that they can be used for a long time. However, according to May, using fresh herbs is better than dried herbs.

    The Red Dao’s treatment secrets have been passed down from generation to generation. Today, some medicinal remedies are given in Sa Pa as a special tourist service

    Preparing water for medicinal bathing is time-consuming. It is boiled with both fresh and dried herbs in liquid form for people to soak up through the skin.

    Dr. Tran Van On from Ha Noi University of Pharmacy says: “Each remedy of the Red Dao usually consists of between 10-120 different kinds of herbs, depending on regular or irregular medication”.

    After many years of research, On has helped other Red Dao people process several kinds of herbs into pulverized substance for future use. The Red Dao’s medicinal bathing has become one of the northern mountainous province‘s attractions, even though it is still a mystery to foreign tourists who first set foot in Sapa.

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  • 6 months ago
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• Frosted Frosted

  • From: woobiecat1
  • Description:

    Early October frost in Middlebury, VT.

  • 7 months ago
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• Chinook Pass, WA. Chinook Pass, WA.

  • From: MaryJarvis
  • Description:

    Going over Chinook Pass any time of the year shows the beauty of Mt. Rainier. I make at least two trips a year, one in the fall before the pass closes and one when it opens. I go over it and turn off to go to Bumping Lake, usually to have my picnic lunch. Then I go to the Little Naches River area where you will see hunters during hunting season, quad riders, fishermen, camping and hiking. I venture up the road where it would be alot better to have a 4WD but I love taking pictures of the views!! Raven Roost has a spectacular view!! Then it's down to Whistling Jack's for a warm or cold beverage before heading home. Everyone is so friendly there. They do have nice little cottages and rooms if you need more time. I highly recommend a roadtrip over Chinook Pass!!

  • 7 months ago
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• sun goes up sun goes down lumb sun goes up sun goes down lumbini nepal ~ chesus sisu to lou two ba coo mitta mika

  • From: derekallanelj
  • Description:

    sun goes up sun goes down lumbini nepal ~ chesu sisu to lou two ba coo mitta mika ~~

  • 7 months ago
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• Columbia Glacier, Alaska Columbia Glacier, Alaska

  • From: waltmustang
  • Description:

    I took this shot from the yacht Lu Lu Belle in Prince William Sound, Alaska.

  • 8 months ago
  • Views: 629
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• As Close As Possible As Close As Possible

  • From: spurdog
  • Description:

    An extreme close up of a tiny Longfin Sculpin in the cold, cold waters of Cape Flattery on the Olympic Peninsula in the far northwest corner of Washington state.

  • 9 months ago
  • Views: 881

• Reaching Out Reaching Out

  • From: spurdog
  • Description:

    This Blood Star reaches out for a small bit of algae.

  • 9 months ago
  • Views: 687
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