953 Search Results for "red"

• Tour d’Azerbaijan finished in Tour d’Azerbaijan finished in Baku

  • From: MRagency
  • Description:

    The Tour d’Azerbaidjan reached its conclusion in the capital Baku on Sunday. The 144km route of the fifth and final stage comprised a dozen laps of a 12km circuit in the city centre. It ended in triumph for Lithuanian national team rider, Tomas Vaitkus. "Winning is always nice," enthused Vaitkus, who ended five years without a stage victory. "I showed with this victory, that I'm still capable of getting results and that I know how to finish first."

    In second place was Belgium's Sean de Bie of the Leopard-Trek team, with Stan Godrie from Rabobank Development crossing the line in third.

    The stage result didn't affect the top of the general classification, as Ukrainian Sergiy Grechyn of Torku Sekerspor finished as overall winner. "This victory is very significant," said Grechyn at the post-event press conference. "It's an honour to come the first in a race of this standard and class. I'm very glad that I managed to defend the blue jersey."

    Local team Synergy Baku Cycling Project also finished among the honours, with their German rider Christoph Schweizer claiming the green jersey as the Tour's best sprinter, while his Irish team-mate Connor McConvey took the King of the Mountain's red jersey. Meanwhile, Bakhtyar Kozhatayev of the Continental Team Astana was convincing winner of the violet and white jersey as the best young rider of the Tour.

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  • 2 weeks ago
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• Red Fort Delhi Red Fort Delhi

  • From: seogaurav
  • Description:

    The word 'Luxury' starts and ends at Palace on Wheels only. The train is regarded as one of the revered luxury trains not only in India but in the whole world. It is rated as the 4th best luxury train all across the globe. The luxury train was designed keeping in mind the erstwhile kings and rulers of the country who used to travel in such types of railway coaches for nuptial sojourn, hunting trip and occasion of state tours. The train is a joint venture between Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and Indian Railways, which started its operation in the year 1982. It is equipped with traditional treatments yet all modern amenities and services. The train will help you exploring Rajasthan and its famous tourists' destinations like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, and Bharatpur. The whole sojourn will be of 7 nights and 8 days, which will commence from Delhi and weaves through Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra and finally ends the sojourn at Delhi itself.

  • 2 weeks ago
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• Havasu Creek Havasu Creek

  • From: Meriam
  • Description:

    Havasu Creek is a great place for a hike and a swim with its red canyon walls, beautiful vistas at every turn, and the blue-green water inviting you in to play.  This picture was taken on a 7-day rafting trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon with awesome guides from Arizona River Runners.

  • 2 weeks ago
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• Red Eyed Tree Frog Red Eyed Tree Frog

  • From: gdcall
  • Description:

    This is a photo of the Red Eyed Tree Frog. I took this photo whild on a tour of the Old Lava trail outside Aranol Volcano.

  • 4 weeks ago
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• day tour cairo egypt day tour cairo egypt

  • From: egypttravel@cc
  • Description:

    	# 127 Photo 1 of 5	Day Tour to Sakkara, Memphis & Dahshur Enjoy an excursion to the Step Pyramid of Zoser, the world's oldest major stone structure. After that transfer to Memphis which was the capital of Old Egypt. See the Statue of Ramses II, the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid at Dahsur. Trip Duration : Approx 6 hours Trip Type : Private Guided Tour Trip Runs : 7 days a weeks Starting From $ 65$
    	# 126 Photo 1 of 3	Pyramids Tour to Dahshur & Sakkara Have an exciting day tour to the land of Pharaohs and discover their enchanting might to build such Pyramids. Start your tour visiting Sakkara Step Pyramid then proceed to Dahshur Pyramids.. Trip Duration : Approx 05 hours Trip Type : Private Guided Tour Trip Runs : 7 days a week Starting From $ 68
    	# 124 Photo 1 of 4	Day Tour to Sakkara & Memphis Have an exciting day tour starting at the Step Pyramid of Sakkarra proceeding to Memphis; which was the capital of Old Egypt during the Old Kingdom and is considered to be a center of rule and culture for over 3000 years the first capital of Egypt and see the Statue of Ramses II. (Private Tour) Trip Duration : Approx 4 hours Trip Type : Private Guided Tour Trip Runs : 7 days a week Starting From $ 55
    	# 123 Photo 1 of 5	Day Tour to Pyramids of Giza & Egyptian Museum Go back to the time of the pharaohs and discover their enchanting history by visiting the great Giza Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinus. Visit the legendry Sphinx, the Valley Temple and the Egyptian Museum, which features artifacts from the Pharaonic period. Trip Duration : Approx 8 hours Trip Type : Private Guided Tour Trip Runs : 7 Days a week Starting From $ 70
    	# 122 Photo 1 of 2	Day Tour to Pyramids, Sakkara & Dahshur A magnificent Tour to the most historical sites of ancient Egypt during thr old Kingdom. Pay a visit to Giza Pyramids, Sakkara Step Pyramid and Complex also visit the magnificent Dahshur with its oldest Pyramids in the Egyptian history, The Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid. Trip Duration : 8 Hours Trip Type : Private Guided Tour Trip Runs : Everyday Starting From $ 80
    	# 121 Photo 1 of 5	Day Tour to Pyramids, Memphis & Sakkara Have an awesome day trip to the Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinus. Visit the Great Sphinx , Valley Temple, Sakkara Step Pyramid and Memphis; the ancient capital of old Egypt.. Trip Duration : Approx 8 hours Trip Type : Private Guided Tour Trip Runs : 7 days a week Starting From $ 55
    	# 120 Photo 1 of 5	Cairo Stopover, Transit Tours from Cairo Airport Cairo Stopover, Transit Tour .. Enjoy your few hours in Cairo through Cairo Stopover & Transit Tours. Discover The Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and enjoy shopping at Khan El Khalili Bazaar; one of the most famous and oldest bazaars in the Middle East. Trip Duration : Approx 8 hours Trip Type : Private Guided Tour Trip Runs : Everyday Starting From $ 90
    	# 119 Photo 1 of 6	Tours & Excursions to Alexandria from Cairo Pay a visit to Alexandria known as The Pearl of the Mediterranean. It is the most important City in Egypt after Cairo called the second capital and one of the most summer resort in the Middle East. Trip Duration : Approx 10 hours Trip Type : Private Guided Tour Trip Runs : Everyday Starting From $ 80
    	# 118 Photo 1 of 9	Luxor Tour from Cairo by Flight Discover the beliefs of the ancient Pharaohs by visiting their legendry temples in Luxor. Start your tour moving from your hotel in Cairo taking the flight towards Luxor . Upon arrival at Luxor, have a blissful day tour kicking off at Karnak Temples, proceeding to Valley of The Kings, Valley of the Queens and finally Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Trip Duration : about 14 hours Trip Type : By flight Trip Runs : 7 days a week Starting From $ 249

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• Many Reasons for Visiting Raja Many Reasons for Visiting Rajasthan

  • From: reenajha
  • Description:

    When people ask “which is the royal state” of India, only one name comes in both mind and mouth that is Rajasthan. Truly, no doubt about this fact, it is not just a royal state but also a resplendent tourist destination, honored for its rich culture, traditions, magnificent forts and palaces, electrifying fairs and festivals, heritage, the scenic sand dunes, adventure sports, thrilling wild-life, cuisine, music & dance, rip-roaring desert safaris and so on. Below we have explained why you must visit Rajasthan once in a lifetime through few points.
    
    Grand Forts of Rajasthan: Apart from rich cultures and heritage, forts in the state are other highlights as the land is enriched with innumerable titanic forts, which describe the gallant past of Rajasthan as well as the victorious Rajputs. Some of the prominent forts of the state are:
    
    •    Mehrangarh Fort: Located in the Jodhpur, and was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha. Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and Sukh Mahal are few striking attractions of this palace.
    
    •    Amber Fort: One of the best places to visit in Rajasthan is well-known for Rajput and Mughal architectural patterns, and is situated in Jaipur. This fort is finest architectural marvel of Rajasthan, and made by using white marble and red sandstone. Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Jai Mandir, Jas Mandir, Sukh Niwas, Diwan-i-Am or Hall of Public Audience, etc. are the most popular attractions of this fort, and can be explored in Jaipur tour. Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan, and has several beautiful tourist attractions.
    
    •    Chittaurgarh Fort: Situated in the Chittor District of Rajasthan, and noted for its elevated construction, which captivates attention of visitors. Rana Kumbha Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace and Padmini's Palace are few beautiful palaces inside the fort.
    
    Park of Rajasthan: The desert state of India is also globally famous for its eye-opening wildlife and national park. Ranthambore National Park, Keoladeo National Park and Desert National Park few bewildering parks within the state. Tourists who are wildlife lover have must visit parks once in their life.
    
    Rajasthan food and cuisine: It is also popular for its luscious mouth-watering traditional food. If you are a foodie, you must go to Rajasthan for tasting its superb blend of spicy and colorful dishes. Dal Bati Churma, Bajre Ki Khichdi, Jodhpuri Mawa Kachori, Sohan Halwa and Moong Dal Halwa are some well-liked dishes, and you can enjoy them during your Rajasthan tour as these dishes are available throughout in the state.
    
    Rajasthan Hotels: Hotels of Rajasthan are unique as most of the palaces, forts and royal buildings have been converted into the heritage hotels. These heritage hotels are providing tourists a glance into the life of royal families. Some of the best hotels in Rajasthan are located in Jaipur, Udaipur, summer and Mount Abu city, which are known for their world-class services and facilities.
    
    

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• Red Door Red Door

  • From: Linda Brannen
  • Description:

    Red Door Marfa Texas.

  • 4 weeks ago
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• Top five attractions in Lhasa Top five attractions in Lhasa recommended by Tibetan tour guide

  • From: tibettravel
  • Description:

    Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is the economic, cultural and religious center of Tibet. There are dozens of tourist attractions in Lhasa, but most tourists only stay at Lhasa for three or four days. The following is a list of the top five attractions in Lhasa recommended by Tibetan tour guide is a great reference for you to make a wonderful Lhasa tour plan. It is very easy to visit these tourist sites in Lhasa as you only need to apply for Tibet entry permit. The policy on Tibet travel permit 2013 makes it easy for all travelers to get the Tibet permit.  

     

    1. Potala Palace 

     

    As a world’s famous tourist site in Tibet and one UNESCO World Heritage site, the Potala is always the first must-see attraction for most travelers travelling to Tibet. Originally built by King Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century, Potala Palace is located on the Red Hill of Lhasa. The awe-inspiring Potala Palace, perched high above much of Lhasa, is the landmark of the city. The Potala Palace includes various chambers for worshipping Buddha and chambers housing the eight stupa that contain the remains of fifth through thirteenth Dalai Lama. The Potala Palace also has treasured a large number of sculptures, murals, scripture and other valuable cultural relics.

     

    2. Jokhang Temple

     

    As the spiritual center of Tibet, travelers have no reason to refuse the Jokhang Temple when travel to Tibet. The Jokhang was also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the historical assemblage of the Potala Palace. With a history of more than 1,300 years, the Jokhang is the fine product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architecture techniques. Visitors will be treated to the sight of various exotic and sacred sculptures. Jokhang Temple also houses many invaluable cultural relics. 

     

    3. Barkhor   

     

    When travelling to Lhasa, do not miss this ancient street in the traditional city of Lhasa. The Barkhor Street circling the Jokhang Temple is a place where Tibetan culture, economy, religion and arts assemble. Tourists can see Tibetan pilgrims walking or prostrating along the street clockwise every day into deep night. It is also a famous commercial street consisting of more than 120 handicrafts shops and more than 200 stalls. After visiting the Jokhang temple or during your free time in Tibet, having a walk along this street will make your Tibet tour more wonderful.

     

    4. Namtso Lake

     

    Known as heavenly lake in Tibetan, the Namtso Lake ranks to one of the top must-see attractions in Tibet due to its breathtakingly beautiful sights. With the lake surface assuming sky blue, the lake and the sky seem to be one and undivided, which may make visitors feel themselves in a fairy land if they have a stroll by the lake.

     

    5. Sera Monastery

     

    Located about two miles north of Lhasa, and occupying an area of about one-third of a square kilometer, Sera Monastery is one of the three great monasteries in Lhasa of the Geluk school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery was named Sera which means wild rose in the Tibetan language, because the hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when it was built.

     

    The highlight of the Sera Monastery is the Buddhist Scripture Debate held at its courtyard by monks in this monastery. As a part of their study, lamas must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.

     

    If you travel to Tibet, do not miss the exciting and interesting debate. It is usually held around 3:00pm. For a clear view of this unique event, an early arrival is recommended.

     

     

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• Is this really a part of Las V Is this really a part of Las Vegas?

  • From: alicenishimoto
  • Description:

    When you think of Las Vegas especially during New Year's, you think of glitter, parties, lights, but this past year, we also took a trip to Red Rock Canyon.  It was a blustery day, overcast, with the sun peeking in and out.  I saw the shadows on Red Rock Canyon and it was beautiful and natural created by our sun. 

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• Gargoyle on Old Red, Dallas, T Gargoyle on Old Red, Dallas, Texas

  • From: pma03
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• Discovering Pu Luong Natural R Discovering Pu Luong Natural Reserve

  • From: activetravelasia
  • Description:

    The houses-on-stilts nestled between the mountains, the yellow terraced fields and green primitive forests., white cloud around…making a natural and wild picture dream. That is scenery you may see when arriving Nature Reserve (NR) Pu Luong.

     

    Pu Luong Natural Reserve, Vietnam

    Located in the two districts of Quan Hoa and Ba Thuoc in the northwestern area of Thanh Hoa Province, Pu Luong Natural Reserve has preserved a primitive landscape and plentiful and diversified flora and fauna. With the above natural values, it has now become a fascinating destination for those who love to discover the beauty of nature.

     

    Pu Luong Natural Reserve, covering an area of 17,662ha, is the largest low area of limestone mountain forests left in the north of Vietnam with three major forest types: thick forests on low land and low mountains; forests on limestone mountains and floristic compositions of bamboos, Neohouzeaua and bushes.

     

    According to the statistics of Pu Luong Nature Reserve’s Management Board, the reserve has 1,109 species of vascular plants, under 447 branches and 152 families. There are 42 special-use varieties of plants of Vietnam and four species listed in the World’s Red Book. Furthermore, it is the place where there is the second largest population of Vooc mong trang (Trachypithecus delacouri) in Vietnam with 31-38 individuals, after Van Long Nature Reserve in Ninh Binh Province.

     

    In Pu luong, tourists have different choices for their tours, such as discovering the beauty of the natural landscape, ecological forests with plentiful fauna and flora or learning the simple and interesting customs and habits of the Thai and Muong people.

     

    Ahamlet of the Thai people with wonderful terraced fields

    Day life in Pu Luong

    During their trip, tourists can see immense terraced fields and learn the traditional farming methods of the ethnic people or discover mysterious caves in Hang and Kho Muong Hamlets. One of the destinations that tourists should not miss is Hieu Hamlet. Following a path, not far from Pho Doan Town, tourists can see many water wheels, a typical tool of the Thai people. After crossing over a suspension bridge and climbing a slope, tourists finally arrive in the place where two waterfalls rush noisily. From afar, tourists can hear the rumbling sound of these waterfalls. Here, small branches of a stream run around the hamlet, through houses-on-stilts at the foot of staircases, to paddy fields and then merge into two grandiose waterfalls.

     

    Ahamlet of the Thai people with wonderful terraced fields

    Water wheel_beautiful image in Pu Luong

     

    After a day discovering Pu Luong, tourists can stay in airy and spacious houses-on-stilts of the local ethnic people. It is a form of eco-community tours that has strongly developed in the locality. The tours are held by the local people based on nature and culture with the aim of improving the living standards and protecting the environment. Sitting near the fire, both the host and the tourists can enjoy delicious dishes, such as Com lam (sticky rice cooked on bamboo tubes) and a salad of banana inflorescence. They can drink Can wine and enjoy traditional dances and songs of the ethnic people.

     

    Trekking Pu Luong

     

    Arriving in Pu Luong Nature Reserve where there are immense green forests and green terraced fields, tourists seem to be lost in a valley, completely separated from the outside world, with many mysteries expecting to be discovered. 

     

    With many foreign tourists, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is the interesting ideal for trekking trips  or cycling options. Biking in Pu Luong is one of the best ways to discover the natural beauty of the region and exotic culture of minority groups. 

     

    Source : Vietnamtourism

     

    Recommend Biking tour or Trekking tour in Pu Luong Nature Reserve  by ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA

    
    

    Biking Pu Luong Nature Reserve: On biking tour we will ride on the first part of the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail and spend 3 nights in villages of Thai people.  

    Highlights 

     
    • Biking on the first part of Ho Chi Minh Trail
    • Homestay in villages of Thai people
    • Stunning scenery
    • Traditional foot massage

     

    Trekking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve

    Highlights 

     
    • Unspoiled Pu Luong Nature Reserve 
    • Friendly ethnic minorities
    • Homestay in villages
    • Beautiful trails
    • All meals included
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• The Red Barn The Red Barn

  • From: biglannie
  • Description:

    Kirby's Mill Barn, Medford, New Jersey

  • 1 month ago
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• Boston Weekend Breaks - A Perf Boston Weekend Breaks - A Perfect Escape from Routine Life

  • From: Brianmcquillan
  • Description:

    Traditional yet contemporary, historic yet state-of-the-art, the capital of New England, Boston is an epicentre of education, arts and sports. Fondly nicknamed as the Hub of the Universe, the Athens of America, the city well justifies these epithets bestowed upon it. The city steeped in history, magnificent architecture and several educational institutions of global repute compels globetrotters to catch flights to Boston to explore this mid-sized magnanimous city.
    What started as a homesteading community became a hub of social and political change. Seasoned travellers often take Boston Weekend Breaks to get a rejuvenating experience at its plethora of sports, walking, shopping, nature tours and festival options.
    Things to Do: Footloose in Boston
    » Visit Museums:
    The city of Boston is splashed with a good number of museums that provide an authentic peek into the history and culture of the city. Museum of Art, Museum of Science and Harvard Museum of Natural history are few examples.
    
    » Art galleries: Discover art Aficionado within you
    Weekenders inclined to art, can head to Axelle Fine Arts Galerie and Panopticon Gallery where there are surprises in attendance.
    » Event Calendar:
    The event calendar of Boston remains abuzz with a activities as the city celebrates a number of events including Boston Pride, Boston Marathon and Independence Day among other things.
    
    » Pure indulgence:
    The city of Boston offers some unmatched option of recreation. You will feel truly serenaded while visiting Boston Pops Orchestra and Boston Symphony Orchestra.
    » For Sport enthusiast inside you:
    Whether you are a football fan or Baseball buff, the city has some options that you can’t resist. Fenway Park, the oldest basketball stadium in use, is home to Boston Red Sox while Gillette Stadium and Harvard Stadium are famous football grounds.
    
    The city even scores better on the parameter of shopping options.
    Keep your accommodation and dining worries at bay as there is no dearth of accommodation and dining options. You just book the flights to Boston from London and grace this land with your arrival.
    This content is syndicated from - http://www.zimbio.com/Boston/articles/AUzOZ4aG7Zd/Boston+Weekend+Breaks+Perfect+Escape+Routine

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  • 2 months ago
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• Red and White Camellia Red and White Camellia

  • From: mswag2nh
  • Description:

    Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and home to America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens near Charleston, South Carolina, USA.  Visit in February to see the Camillas in all their glory.  Also blooming are snowdrops and some early azaleas.

  • 2 months ago
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• My Yunnan tour to heavenly Lug My Yunnan tour to heavenly Lugu Lake

  • From: Lux
  • Description:

    This is the most wonderful field of water; nothing could be more wonderful than here.” Stone had written the phrase in his journal. There is surrounded by serenity, and this may be the last place designed by the god. What a incredible place!

    Lugu Pond is situated between Ninglang Nation in Yunnan Region and Yanyuan Nation in Sichuan Region, about 300km away from Lijiang Town.

    Maybe there are not so much individuals know Stone, anticipate you are the ash quality crazy visitors. Some one may occur to listen to about “Rock Line”. Actually, Stone is a botanist and traveler. He is excellent at outside lifestyle. His actions protected all the locations in Yunnan Region. And later, we can study the novel Missing Skyline of Wayne Hilton and the film, which created the globe surprised by Shangri-La.

    When looking at the crazy propagate red lie between hills and under the sky with no end. The whole atmosphere produces a atmosphere of relaxing. I seem to comprehend something. Strolling marrage, Mosuo categories, matriarchal community,  Er are all sailing atmosphere. All I am fantasizing for is just here, the incredible lake financial institution. No tale, and do not need any tale. 

    Here, I do not know how to explain it with planets, as the moments freezing tell better than any terms in my thoughts.

    This is Sanggehua, a type of plant increasing beside Lugu Pond. It is so wonderful, genuine, dance with the breeze.

    Looking at the far away natural hills in the sunlight coating with the sky, I sensed so relaxed. And the isle in the river, I did not know if it was where Stone resided in.

    Actually, there are too many terms of experts described the appeal of Lugu Pond. And the elegance even can not be described with terms. It is really a position that you can not help to shout when you were here. 　

    From Chengdu to Xichan, and to Lige, the bus run categories by categories on the hill. I was so repent that why I lost time on the way. 　

    The islands marked in the river, status in the hills, the little vessel waving on the red water, the town relaxing silently at the lakeside…. All of these are so genuine, relaxing, and images and terms in those days could not tell individuals all about Lugu Pond.  

    It was already mid-day. On level, my sight even became genuine without plenty of sunset and structures. Clouds sailing above the river seems do not want to keep just as me. 　

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• Lunar New Year's Lanterns at H Lunar New Year's Lanterns at Hsilai Temple

  • From: Florentine
  • Description:

    Hsilai Temple, Hacienda Heights, CA, is the largest Chinese Buddhist temple in North America. It is being decorated with red and yellow lanterns in preparation of Lunar New Year Celbebration on February 10.

  • 3 months ago
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• Mexican Hibiscus Mexican Hibiscus

  • From: Vonelle Viajera
  • Description:

    in Puerto vallarta, MX

  • 3 months ago
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• Pink, White, Red Pink, White, Red

  • From: Vonelle Viajera
  • Description:

    in Puerto vallarta, MX

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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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• Red Fjord Red Fjord

  • From: jfenson
  • Description:

    Beautiful reflection of the Red Fjord in Scoresby Sound in east Greenland.

  • 4 months ago
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