TOURISM AND CULTURE

Marketing for Hospitality & Tourism

2011-11-22T04:20:00.000-08:00

THE most widely used Hospitality marketing book—this four-color leader is comprehensive and innovative, managerial and practical, state-of-the-art and real-world. Building on the authors’ expertise, it uses an integrative approach to discuss the major marketing decisions hospitality marketing managers face in today's global marketplace. Video cases, chapter examples and marketing highlights showcase real people and companies and demonstrate how marketing impacts every member of the hospitality team. Experiential exercises and new material on social networking, database marketing and revenue management help solidify the book’s position as the definitive source for information on hospitality marketing.

MONAS by night.. # 5

2010-08-04T22:34:00.001-07:00

MONAS by night.. # 5
Originally uploaded by Frost Photography

Night time views of MONAS or Tugu Monas as known to Indonesians.

sand in Parang Tritis Beach

2010-08-04T08:41:00.001-07:00

Long Walks
Originally uploaded by hertantosuryadi

Life on Parang Tritis

2010-08-04T08:37:00.001-07:00

Life on Parang Tritis
Originally uploaded by eriani

Parang Tritis beach

2010-08-04T08:36:00.001-07:00

Parang Tritis beach
Originally uploaded by myflickpics1

Traditional Weapon From Borneo Island, Indonesia called " Mandau "

2010-05-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

Indonesia is a country which has a lot of major and small islands and a lot of culture. Mandau (Saber) is a traditional weapon used by Melayu Dayak communities who live in East Kalimantan, especially in the area of Barito. According to folklore, the full title of this weapon is mandau ambang birang bitang pojo ayun kayau (in dayak language). In ancient times mandau (saber) is always associated with the tradition of headhunting among Dayaks, namely behead enemies, whether in war or other. This tradition eventually became a Dayak people’s confidence mandau which is often used for headhunting which is considered more sacred. The owner of this weapon is considered more powerful and higher in social status. But today, with more loss of headhunting tradition since the early 20th century AD, Mandau is not sacred like in the past. Mandau has become common weapons that are not only used for headhunting but also for hunting, cutting down trees, cutting branches and digging tubers.

The history records that the original Mandau (Saber) is made of melted rock that specifically by people with expertise, with ornate gold, silver or copper. This weapon is similar to a parang (marchete), the only difference lies in the carvings made at the blunt blade. In addition, the blade is also made with holes covered with brass blades in order to beautify it. Mandau is a traditional weapon which is almost the same as the Keris (dagger) for the Java community, or rencong in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Society.

Tana Toraja, The Popular Tourism Site in Sulawesi, Indonesia

2010-03-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

Tana Toraja is a place of tourism in Sulawesi, which has beautiful nature and unique cultures. Tana Toraja is a district located in approximately 350 km north of Makassar, Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. Tana Toraja is very popular with the customary form of house building., the traditional house called Tongkonan.The roof of this house is made of Nipa or palm leaves and can survive up to 50 years. Tongkonan also has the degrees in accordance with the strata of nobility like the gold, bronze, iron and brass. The popular culture in this area is the funeral ceremony.

A wonderful Place to Iravel in India - Rajasthan

2009-09-03T23:56:00.000-07:00

Are you planning to visit India? If so, Rajasthan can be an alternative to visit. You shouldn' miss Rajasthan because this is the favorite place for foreign tourists to visit. The following is the description of Rajasthan.

Rajasthan – A wonderful place to travel

By idhamathur

ravel to Rajasthan – where the mystique of the desert beckons – isolated in time-wrap, yet pulsating with golden legacies of romance and valour. Turbaned men with proud moustaches and veiled beauties in gaily coloured costumes and heavy jewellery, overwhelm with their cheerfulness. Fairs and festivals only add colour to the bleak life of the barren desert and turn the land into a creative fertile basin.

Visit the capital of the colourful state – the passionate pink after the pretty wash on its buildings by Sawai Jai Singh – Jaipur, a diamond in the must-do tourist circuit of northern India. If you have traveller’s luck, you might see a polo match on your Jaipur trip.Welcome to the pleasant surprise amid brown desertscape, the alluring Lake City of Rajasthan. Climb to the top of the state, the only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu. Visit the world famous Dilwara Jain Temples, known for their sculptural detail and intricate carvings. The Thar Desert Safari in Rajasthan has become a popular extravaganza among the tourists. Plan your holiday vacations in Rajasthan and explore the unvoiced pleasures associated with these safaris, a thrilling journey on the sands of time.

originally posted in toursinindia.wordpress.com

Egypt tourism ad 2009 مصر

2009-06-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

India Glacier Toursim-India Trekking8 (Wonderful Tourism Object in India)

2009-06-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

India Glacier Toursim-India Trekking8 (Wonderful Tourism Object in India)

Shanghai Toursim Festival

2009-06-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

Austin Tourism : Austin Tourism: Uncommon Objects

2009-06-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Austin Tourism : Austin Tourism: Uncommon Objects

Amazing Toursim Objects : Fernando de Noronha Island - Tourism in Brazil

2009-06-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

Amazing Toursim Objects : Fernando de Noronha Island - Tourism in Brazil

It is a fantastic tourism object in Brazil. It can be your alternative in choosing a place to visit for your vacation.

Amazing Tourism Objects : BROMO MOUNTAIN EAST JAVA, INDONESIA

2009-06-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful scenenry Bromo Mountain is. It can be one of your alternatives in choosing a pla ce to visit. Bromo Mountain at Tengger , East Java, Indonesia is a beautiful Place to visit.. Don't miss this place if you are going on vacation in Indonesia.

Waterfall Sipiso-piso in North Sumatera, Indonesia Beautiful and Exotic

2009-05-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

The waterfall "Sipiso-piso" is the beautiful tourism place in the regency of Karo (kabupaten karo), about 45 minutes by car from Medan, North Sumatera, one of the main islands among thousands of islands in Indonesia. This waterfall is very high and the scenery around this waterfall is very beautiful. This object is also near Toba lake which is also very popular in Indonesia.

Fujiyama Mountain in Japan l Tourism object

2009-05-09T02:17:00.000-07:00

This is Fujiyama Mountain of japan which is very popular. This place must be visited when you go to japan on Vacation. It is a very beautiful mountain. See the other photos of Fujiyama below:

Karimun Jawa Island, The Tourism object in Java See, Central Java

2009-02-10T19:41:00.000-08:00

One of the tourism object in Central java, Indonesia is Karimun Jawa Island. It is located in the north of Jeparaa city near Semarang, the capital city of Central Java province. It is one of 27 islands scattered along the Java Sea . The average temperature of 26-300 ° C. The whole area is 107,225 hectares consisting of 100,105 ha of land and 7120 hectares of water. Some islands are coral reefs and sand covered layers.The coast is largely covered with mangroves and other marine plants. Five of 27 islands are inhabited; they are Karimunjawa , Kemujan, Parang, Nyamuk than Genting.

Thailand Beautiful Places; The Beauty of Phi Phi Ley Beach

2008-12-17T01:49:00.001-08:00

More details here; Originally uploaded by imp1

This is one of beautiful tourism places in Thailand. This place is called Phi Phi Ley Beach. it is a beautiful beach which can become the place for relaxing on your vacation.

Thailand Tourism Place : Phuket and surrounding Islands

2008-12-07T00:12:00.000-08:00

more information, originally uploaded by electra-cute

This is a beutiful site of Phuket in Thailand. This is one of the favorite tourism places in Thailand. It can be your alternative in spending your vacation time

Beautiful Sea and surrounding Islands of Phuket Thailand

2008-12-07T00:08:00.000-08:00

more information, originally uploaded by electra-cute

This is the beautiful beach of Phucket in Thailand. This place can become your alternative to spend your vacation.

Beautiful landscape: Phuket Thailand and surrounding Islands

2008-12-06T23:42:00.000-08:00

more information, originally uploaded by electra cute

Thailand has many beautiful tourism places. One of them is Phuket Beach. This is the beautiful beach of Phucket in Thailand. This place can become your alternative to spend your vacation

Beutiful Places in Peru : "Tourism Peru"

2008-11-15T02:02:00.001-08:00

This video shows the details of beautiful places in Peru. This can become your consideration when you want to go on vacation in peru.

The Culture Code: An Ingenious Way to Understand Why People Around the World Live and Buy as They Do

2008-10-23T16:58:00.000-07:00

Review by : By Peter Hupal
"The Culture Code: An Ingenious Way To Understand Why People Around The World Live And Buy As They Do" by Clotaire Rapaille examines how different cultures view products, events, and concepts.

Rapaille argues each product makes a unique imprint on members of any given culture. This imprint can be described in only a few words. For example, Rapaille says the American code for cars is "Identity," while the German code for cars is "Engineering."

For the last thirty years, Rapaille, a cultural anthropologist, has helped international companies learn and understand these cultural codes by examining how consumers really feel about products.

Rapaille worked with Chrysler to discover the code for Jeep. The American code for Jeep is "Horse," a go-anywhere vehicle. Based on this, Rapaille suggested replacing square headlights with round ones, because horses have round eyes. Luxury interiors weren't part of the code. The Jeep was then successfully marketed as a "horse" in America.

In France and Germany, Jeeps were seen differently. People there associate them with the WWII liberation of Europe. Chrysler marketed Jeeps in Europe as symbols of freedom.

According to Rapaille, most cultural imprints occur by a very early age. In America, many people love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, because they ate as children. People associated the sandwiches with care and attention from mom. In other cultures the sandwiches might not have been imprinted at all.

Cars also have a strong, positive imprint in America. Rapaille writes: "[Children] imprint the thrills associated with cars in their youth. Americans love cars and they love going out in them. Throughout the discovery sessions, participants told stories of their excited parents bringing home a new car, about the enjoyment and bonding that comes from families going out for drives together on the weekend, about the breathtaking first ride in a sports car. American children learn at an early age that cars are an essential and vaunted part of family life, that they bring joy and even family unity. When it is time for them to buy a car, this emotional connection guides them subconsciously. They want a car that feels special to them. ..."

Based upon his understanding of the American code for cars, Rapaille helped Chrysler develop the concept for the PT Cruiser. Rapaille writes: "It became obvious to me that because the emotion associated with driving and owning a car is so strong, the PT Cruiser needed to be a car people could feel strongly about. It needed to have a distinctive identity to justify such strong emotions. To create a strong identity and a new car at the same time, we decided to tap into something that already existed in the culture, a familiar unconscious structure. The one we chose was the gangster car, the kind of vehicle Al Capone famously drove. This became the PT Cruiser's signature. It lent the car an extremely strong identity--there is nothing like it on the road today--and the customer responded. Again, if the Cruiser had been just another sedan, the public probably wouldn't have even noticed it, but its distinctiveness tapped into something very emotional."

In addition to products, concepts like beauty, youth, health, home, dinner, money, shopping, luxury, work, and perfection are also imprinted with certain subconscious associations. Rapaille examines how each of these is imprinted in American culture. The George H.W. Bush campaign even hired Rapaille to discover the cultural code for the American Presidency.

While many of Rapaille's insights seem spot on, a few seem to be a bit of a stretch. Rapaille suggests being overweight isn't a problem, but a solution. He says the American code for fat is "checking out." This means people get fat, so they can withdraw from society. That seems a bit like asking for the cultural code for gravity. It doesn't necessarily have a cultural explanation. It really seems more an issue of food tasting good and calories in and calories out at the waist.

For marketers who want to better understand some of the cultural reasons why Americans behave as we do, I recommend "The Culture Code: An Ingenious Way To Understand Why People Around The World Live And Buy As They Do" by Clotaire Rapaille.

The Beutiful Morning of Bromo Mountain, Esat Java, Indonesia

2008-10-11T22:44:00.001-07:00

Bromo morning
Originally uploaded by Farl

This is the situation of Bromo in the morning which is very beautiful. The explanation below is given by Farl who uploaded this picture on 24 May 2008:
_____________________________________

After sunrise, the fog was weaving in and out of the valley. The visitors already got shifty. Some groups started to leave and luckily, I was able to grab a choiced spot which suddenly became free. Just about the same time, the air cleared up. Although any grand changing of colors already had come to pass, the caldera and the myriad of volcanoes were now in full display.

the Tengger massif, shot some 30 minutes after sunrise, the Bromo National Park, Probolinggo-Pasuruan, East Java, Indonesia.

The Beautiful Sunrise at Bromo and Semeru

2008-10-09T17:56:00.001-07:00

Bromo and Semeru at Sunrise
Originally uploaded by chaddock81 (away travelling)

This is a picture of the beauty of Bromo and Semeru at sunrise. Bromo and Semeru are located in East Java Province, Indonesia. The following explanation is quoted from chaddock81
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Semeru volcano (3676m. high) erupting ash at top right corner, Bromo volcano (2392m.) blowing sulphurous steam at the bottom left corner. After sunrise at Penenjakan viewpoint. The cone below Semeru is Batok volcano (2440m.)

The legend of Tangkuban Perahu

2008-09-23T20:12:00.001-07:00

Tangkuban Prahu
Originally uploaded by ~ nature boy ~

tangkuban Prahu volcano is one of the volcanoes located in West java, about 20 km the north of Bandung, the ca[ital city of west java province, Indonesia. The people especially the people in west Java believe that the origin of this volcano is from the popular legend in Indonesia which talk about the falling in love which is not allowed by the society between mother and son.

The origin of Tangkuban Perahu is related to the legend of Sangkuriang who fell in love with her mother, Dayang Sumbi. Knowing that Sangkuriang is her son, Dayang Sumbi tried to defeat the marriage. She asked Sangkuriang to make a ship as the condition of their marriage in a night. Knowing his failure in making a ship in one night, Sangkuriang was angry and kicked the unfinished ship. The ship fell down upside down and become a volcano called "Gunung tangkuban Perahu". Perahu, means ship.

The Second Crater of Tangkuban Prahu

2008-09-23T19:56:00.001-07:00

Tangkuban Prahu
Originally uploaded by ~ nature boy ~

This is the second crater. It is safe to go into this one. The dust/ash down there is extremely fine and is slippery to walk on.

The Beauty of Tangkuban Prahu Volcano in West Java, Indonesia

2008-09-23T19:55:00.001-07:00

Tangkuban Prahu
Originally uploaded by ~ nature boy ~

Tangkuban Prahu is the tourism object in West java, Indonesia. This is a popular place to visit. This photo is taken from -nature boy-, and the following is what he said about Tangkuban Prahu.
____________________________

This is the main crater. I was astounded when I saw this huge gaping hole in the earth. I was prepared for something big, but this was beyond all comprehension. "Prahu" means volcano.

Brunei Tourism : Kampung Ayer

2008-09-23T17:04:00.001-07:00

Kampung Ayer
Originally uploaded by Robert Nyman

The Water Village (Malay: Kampong Ayer) is an area of Brunei's capital city Bandar Seri Begawan that is situated in the middle of the Brunei River. 30,000 people live in the Water Village. This represents roughly ten percent of the nation's total population. All of the Water Village buildings are constructed on stilts above the Brunei River.

The Water Village is really made up of small villages linked together by more than 29,140 metres of foot-bridges, consisting of over 4200 structures including homes, mosques, restaurants, shops, a school, and a hospital. 36 kilometers of boardwalks connect the buildings. Private water taxis provide rapid transit. Most of these taxis resemble long wooden speed boats. From a distance the water village looks like a slum. It actually enjoys modern amenities including air conditioning, satellite television, Internet access, plumbing, and electricity. Some of the residents keep potted plants and chickens. The district has a unique architectural heritage of wooden homes with ornate interiors.

People have lived in Kampong Ayer for over 1300 years. Antonio Pigafetta dubbed it the Venice of the East when the fleet of Ferdinand Magellan visited in 1521. The district is a culturally important part of Brunei that preserves the nation's river dwelling origins. According to geography professor Abdul Aziz of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam, this is the largest and most famous water settlement of Southeast Asia. "It was historically the very core of Brunei and one of the most important centres of trade in Borneo."

In order to preserve Kampong Ayer as Brunei Darussalam's most valuable heritage, the Government through the District Office has provided it with numerous facilities including foot-bridges, concrete jetties, piped water, electricity supplies telephones, a school, mosques, clinics, a police station and a marine fire station. All of the six water village mukims (districts) are collectively known as the water village (Kampong Ayer) but are identified as separate mukims for administrative purposes.
Text source: myholidaylocation.blogspot.com

The exotic place to Visit: Going to the Sun U-Valley

2008-09-23T16:40:00.001-07:00

Going to the Sun U-Valley
Originally uploaded by Ken Lund

This is a very beautiful city. It must be one of the agenda of your travel to visit. The explanation of this place is as follows:
_________________________
Going to the Sun Road, Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park is located in the U.S. state of Montana, bordering the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Glacier National Park contains two mountain ranges, sometimes referred to as the southern extension of the Canadian Rockies mountain ranges, with over 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 different species of plants and hundreds of species of animals. This vast pristine ecosystem, spread across 1,584 mi² (4,101 km²), is the centerpiece of what has been referred to as the "Crown of the Continent Ecosystem", a region of protected land encompassing 16,000 mi² (44,000 km²).[1] The famed Going-to-the-Sun Road, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, traverses through the heart of the park and crosses the Continental Divide, allowing visitors breathtaking views of the rugged Lewis and Livingston mountain ranges, as well as dense forests, alpine tundra, waterfalls and two large lakes. Along with the Going-to-the-Sun Road, five historic hotels and chalets are listed as National Historic Landmarks, and a total of 350 locations are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Glacier National Park borders Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada—the two parks are known as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, and were designated as the world's first International Peace Park in 1932. Both parks were designated by the United Nations as Biosphere Reserves in 1976, and in 1995 as World Heritage sites.[2]

The earliest occupants with lineage to current tribes were the Salish, Flathead, Shoshone and Cheyenne. The Blackfeet arrived around the beginning of the 18th century and soon dominated the eastern slopes of what later became the park, as well as the Great Plains immediately to the east. The park region provided the Blackfeet shelter from the harsh winter winds of the plains, and supplemented their traditional bison hunts with other game meat. Today, the Blackfeet Indian Reservation borders the park in the east, while the Flathead Indian Reservation is located west and south of the park. When the Blackfeet Reservation was first established in 1855 by the Lame Bull Treaty, it included the eastern area of the current park up to the Continental Divide.[4] To the Blackfeet, the mountains of this area, especially Chief Mountain and the region in the southeast at Two Medicine, were considered the "Backbone of the World" and were frequented during vision quests. In 1895, Chief White Calf of the Blackfeet authorized the sale of the mountain area, some 800,000 acres (3,200 km²), to the U.S. government for $1.5 million. This established the current boundary between the park and the reservation.

While exploring the Marias River in 1806, the Lewis and Clark Expedition came within 50 miles (80 km) of the area that is now the park. A series of explorations after 1850 helped to shape the understanding of the area that later became the park. George Bird Grinnell came to the region in the late 1880s and was so inspired by the scenery that he spent the next two decades working to establish a national park. In 1901, Grinnell wrote a description of the region, in which he referred to it as the "Crown of the Continent", and his efforts to protect the land make him the premier contributor to this cause.[2] A few years after Grinnell first visited, Henry L. Stimson and two companions, including a Blackfeet Indian, climbed the steep east face of Chief Mountain in 1892.

In 1891, the Great Northern Railway crossed the Continental Divide at Marias Pass (5,213 ft/1,589 m), which is along the southern boundary of the park. In an effort to stimulate use of the railroad, the Great Northern soon advertised the splendors of the region to the public. The company lobbied the United States Congress, and in 1900, the park was designated as a forest preserve. Under the forest designation mining was still allowed, but was not commercially successful. Meanwhile, proponents of protecting the region kept up their efforts, and in 1910, under the influence of George Bird Grinnell, Henry L. Stimson and the railroad, a bill was introduced into the U.S. Congress which redesignated the region from a forest reserve to a national park. This bill was signed into law by President William Howard Taft on May 11, 1910. From May until August, the forest reserve supervisor, Fremont Nathan Haines, managed the Park's resources as the first acting superintendent. In August of 1910, William Logan was appointed the Park's first superintendent.

The Great Northern Railway, under the supervision of president Louis W. Hill, built a number of hotels and chalets throughout the park in the 1910s to promote tourism. These buildings, constructed and operated by a Great Northern subsidiary called the Glacier Park Company, were modeled on Swiss architecture as part of Hill's plan to portray Glacier as "America's Switzerland". Vacationers commonly took pack trips on horseback between the lodges or utilized the seasonal stagecoach routes to gain access to the Many Glacier area in the northeast.[5]

The chalets, built between 1910 and 1913, included Belton, St. Mary, Going-to-the-Sun, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, Sperry, Granite Park, Cut Bank, and Gunsight Lake. The railway also built Glacier Park Lodge, adjacent to the park on its east side, and the Many Glacier Hotel on the east shore of Swiftcurrent Lake. Louis Hill personally selected the sites for all of these buildings, choosing each for their dramatic scenic backdrops and views. Another developer, John Lewis, built the Lewis Glacier Hotel on Lake McDonald in 1913–1914. The Great Northern Railway bought the hotel in 1930, and it was later renamed Lake McDonald Lodge. Some of the chalets were in remote backcountry locations accessible only by trail. Today, only Sperry, Granite Park, and Belton Chalets are still in operation, while a building formerly belonging to Two Medicine Chalet is now Two Medicine Store.[6] The surviving chalet and hotel buildings within the park are now designated as National Historic Landmarks.[7] In total, 350 buildings and structures within the park are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including ranger stations, backcountry patrol cabins, fire lookouts, and concession facilities.

After the park was well established and visitors began to rely more on automobiles, work was begun on the 53 mile (85 km) long Going-to-the-Sun Road, completed in 1932. Also known simply as the Sun Road, the road bisects the park and is the only route that ventures deep into the park, going over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (6,646 feet, 2025 m) at the midway point. The Sun Road is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1985 was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.[8] Another route, along the southern boundary between the park and National Forests is U.S. Route 2, which crosses the Continental Divide at Marias Pass and connects the towns of West Glacier and East Glacier. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps assisted in the development of many of the park's trails and campgrounds. The increase in motor vehicle traffic through the park during the 1930s also resulted in the construction of new concession facilities at Swiftcurrent and Rising Sun, both designed for automobile-based tourism. These early "auto camps" are now also listed on the National Register.[9]

In 2003, wildfires on the western side of the Continental Divide burned 10% of Glacier National Park. There were also extensive fires in the surrounding forests.

Glacier National Park is managed by the National Park Service; park headquarters is in West Glacier, Montana. The National Park Service has the smallest staff of any major federal agency, yet oversees over 84 million acres (340,000 km²).[10] Visitation to Glacier National Park averages slightly less than 2 million visitors annually, however a relative few venture far from main roadways and hotels.

Glacier National Park had an operating budget of $11,885,000 for fiscal year 2006. Most of this budget was used to provide a minimal number of staff and to make minor improvements to structures and roadways in immediate need of repair. More than 60% of the employees are employed for only a few months per year during the summer. Only 20% of the park's annual funding comes from entrance and campground fees. The remaining funding comes from federal tax dollars, grants and donations. According to reports presented to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1999, the cost of deferred maintenance, not including repairs to roads and hotels, was $77 million. Restoring the five hotels in the park by bringing them up to the current fire codes and performing stabilization work, would cost another $100–135 million.

The mandate of the National Park Service is to '...preserve and protect natural and cultural resources'. The Organic Act of August 25, 1916, established the National Park Service as a federal agency. One major section of the Act has often been summarized as the "Mission", "...to promote and regulate the use of the...national parks...which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."[11] In keeping with this mandate, hunting is illegal in the park, as are mining, logging and removal of natural or cultural resources. Additionally, oil and gas exploration and extraction are not permitted. In 1974, a wilderness study was submitted to congress which identified 95% of the area of the park as qualifying for wilderness designation. Unlike a few other parks, Glacier National Park has yet to be protected as wilderness, but National Park Service policy requires that identified areas listed in the report be managed as wilderness until Congress renders a full decision."[12]

In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of the park in 2010, major reconstruction of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is underway, and temporary road closures are expected in the 2007 season. Some rehabilitation of major structures such as visitor centers and historic hotels, as well as improvements in wastewater treatment facilities and campgrounds, are expected to be completed by the anniversary date. Also planned are fishery studies for Lake McDonald, updates of the historical archives and restoration of trails.

The park is bordered on the north by Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, and the Flathead Provincial Forest and Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park in British Columbia. To the west, the north fork of the Flathead River forms the western boundary, while its middle fork is part of the southern boundary. The Blackfeet Indian Reservation provides most of the eastern boundary, and the Lewis and Clark and the Flathead National Forests form the southern and western boundary. The remote Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is located in the two forests immediately to the south.

The park contains a dozen large lakes and 700 smaller ones, but only 131 lakes have been named. Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake, Bowman Lake and Kintla Lake are the four largest lakes. Numerous smaller lakes, known as tarns, are located in cirques formed by glacial erosion. Some of these lakes, like Avalanche Lake and Cracker Lake, are colored an opaque turquoise by suspended glacial silt, which also causes a number of streams to run milky white. The lakes of Glacier National Park remain cold year round, with temperatures rarely above 50 °F (10 °C) at their surface. Cold water lakes such as these support little plankton growth, ensuring that the lake waters are remarkably clear. The lack of plankton, however, lowers the rate of pollution filtration, and pollutants have a tendency to linger longer. Consequently, the lakes are considered environmental bellwethers as they can be quickly affected by even minor increases in pollutants.[13]

Two hundred waterfalls are scattered throughout the park, however, during dryer times of the year, many of these are reduced to a trickle. The largest falls include those in the Two Medicine region, McDonald Falls in the McDonald Valley and Swiftcurrent Falls in the Many Glacier area, which is easily observable and close to the Many Glacier Hotel. One of the tallest waterfalls is Bird Woman Falls, which drops 492 feet (150 m) from a hanging valley beneath the north slope of Mount Oberlin.[14] Bird Woman Falls can be easily seen from the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

The rocks found in the park are primarily sedimentary in origin, having been laid down in shallow seas over 1.6 billion to 800 million years ago. During the formation of the Rocky Mountains the Lewis Overthrust, commencing 170 million years ago, moved an enormous region of rocks three miles (4.8 km) thick and 160 miles (257 km) long, eastward more than 50 miles (80 km).[15] This resulted in older rocks being displaced over newer ones, and today the overlying Proterozoic rocks are over 1.4 billion years older than the underlying Cretaceous age rocks.

One of the most dramatic evidences of this overthrust is visible in the form of Chief Mountain, an isolated peak on the edge of the eastern boundary of the park rising 4,500 feet (1,372 m) above the Great Plains. There are seven mountains in the park over 10,000 feet (3,048 m) in elevation, with Mount Cleveland at 10,466 feet (3,190 m) being the tallest. Appropriately named Triple Divide Peak sends waters towards the Pacific Ocean, Hudson Bay, and Gulf of Mexico watersheds, and can effectively be considered to the be the apex of the North American continent, although the mountain is only 8,020 feet (2,444 m) above sea level.

The rocks in Glacier National Park are the best preserved Proterozoic sedimentary rocks in the world, and have proved to be some of the world's most fruitful sources for records of early life. Sedimentary rocks of similar age located in other regions have been greatly altered by mountain building and other metamorphic changes, and consequently fossils are less common and more difficult to observe. The rocks in the park preserve such features as millimeter-scale lamination, ripple marks, mud cracks, salt-crystal casts, raindrop impressions, oolites and other sedimentary bedding characteristics. Six fossilized species of Stromatolites, which were early organisms consisting primarily blue-green algae, have been documented and dated at about 1 billion years.[16] The discovery of the Appekunny Formation, a well preserved rock stratum in the park, pushed back the established date for the origination of animal life a full billion years. This rock formation has bedding structures which are believed to be the remains of the earliest identified metazoan (animal) life on Earth.[17]

Glacier National Park is dominated by mountains which were carved into their present shapes by the huge glaciers of the last ice age; these glaciers have largely disappeared over the 15,000 years. Evidence of widespread glacial action is found throughout the park in the form of U-shaped valleys, glacial cirques, arêtes and large outflow lakes radiating like fingers from the base of the highest peaks. Since the end of the ice ages, various warming and cooling trends have occurred. The last recent cooling trend was during the Little Ice Age which took place approximately between 1550 and 1850.[18] During the Little Ice Age, the glaciers in the park expanded and advanced, although to nowhere near as great an extent as they had during the Ice Age. Coincidentally, the park region was first explored in detail near the end of the Little Ice Age and a systematized survey began in which the number and size of glaciers was documented on maps and by photographic evidence. Much of this late 19th century work, however, was undertaken to lure tourism into the region or to search for mineral wealth, not out of a particular desire to document glaciers.

During the middle of the 20th century, examination of the maps and photographs from the previous century provided clear evidence that the 150 glaciers known to have existed in the park a hundred years earlier had greatly retreated, and in many cases disappeared altogether.[19] Repeat photography of the glaciers, such as the pictures taken of Grinnell Glacier between 1938 and 2005 as shown, help to provide visual confirmation of the extent of glacier retreat.

In the 1980s, the U.S. Geological Survey began a more systematic study of the remaining glaciers, which continues to the present day. By 2005, only 27 glaciers remained, and scientists generally agree that if the current greenhouse warming continues, all the glaciers in the park will be gone by 2030.[19] This glacier retreat follows a worldwide pattern that has accelerated even more since 1980. The extensive glacier retreat that has been observed in Glacier National Park, as well as in other regions worldwide, is a key indicator of climatic changes on a worldwide scale. Without a major climatic change in which cooler and moister weather returns and persists, the mass balance (accumulation rate versus melting rate) of glaciers will continue to be negative and the glaciers will eventually disappear, leaving behind only barren rock.[19]

After the end of the Little Ice Age in 1850, the glaciers in the park retreated moderately until the 1910s. Between 1917 and 1926, the retreat rate rose rapidly and continued to accelerate through the 1930s. A slight cooling trend from the 1940s until 1979, helped to slow the rate of retreat and in a few examples some glaciers even advanced a few tens of meters. However, during the 1980s, the glaciers in the park began a steady period of loss of glacial ice, which continues into the 2000s. In 1850, the glaciers in the region near Blackfoot and Jackson Glaciers covered 5,337 acres (21.6 km²), but by 1979, the same region of the park had glacier ice covering only 1,828 acres (7.4 km²). Between 1850 and 1979, 73 percent of the glacial ice had melted away.[20] At the time the park was created, Jackson Glacier was part of Blackfoot Glacier, but the two separated into different glaciers by 1939.

The impact of glacier retreat on the park's ecosystems is not fully known, but cold water dependent plant and animal species could suffer due to a loss of habitat. Reduced seasonal melting of glacial ice may also affect stream flow during the dry summer and fall seasons, reducing water table levels and increasing the risk of forest fires. The loss of glaciers will also reduce the aesthetic visual appeal that glaciers provide to visitors.[21]

Many areas are only accessible during the summer, and possibly the late spring and early fall, depending on snowfall and elevation. Rainfall is frequent in the tourist season during the summer and may persist for days, averaging two to three inches (5–7.6 cm) each month. Snowfall can occur at any time of the year, even in the summer, and especially at higher altitudes. Visiting in the early summer is a way to avoid some but not all of the wet weather. In the spring, however, the nights and early mornings will be substantially cooler, and high-elevation trails, including the popular Hidden Lake Trail at Logan Pass, may still be snow covered. Thunderstorms are common all summer, and normal safety precautions for lightning and hail should be taken. The mountainous terrain ensures that tornadoes are very rare. The winter can bring prolonged cold waves, especially on the eastern side of the Continental Divide. Snowfalls are significant over the course of the winter, with the largest accumulation occurring in the west. During the tourist season daytime high temperatures average in the 60s and 70s °F (15 to 25 °C), and nighttime lows usually drop into the 40s (7 °C). Temperatures in the high country may be much cooler. In the lower valleys, on the other hand, daytime highs over 90 °F (32 °C) are not unusual.[22]

Rapid temperature changes have been noted in the region, and in Browning, Montana, which is just east of the park in the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, a world record temperature drop of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (56 °C) in only 24 hours occurred on the night of January 23–24, 1916, when thermometers plunged from 44 °F to -56 °F (7 to -49 °C).[23]

Glacier National Park has a highly regarded global climate change research program. Based in West Glacier, with its main headquarters in Bozeman, Montana, the U.S. Geological Survey has performed scientific research on specific climate change studies since 1992. In addition to the study of the retreating glaciers, research performed includes forest modeling studies in which fire ecology and habitat alterations are analyzed. Additionally, changes in alpine vegetation patterns are documented, watershed studies in which stream flow rates and temperatures are recorded frequently at fixed gauging stations, and atmospheric research in which UV-B radiation, ozone and other atmospheric gases are analyzed over time. The research compiled all contribute to a broader understanding of climate changes in the park. The data collected, when compared to other facilities scattered around the world, help to correlate these climatic changes on a global scale.[24]

Glacier is considered to have excellent air and water quality. No major areas of dense human population exist anywhere near the region and industrial effects are minimized due to a scarcity of factories and other potential contributors of pollutants. However, the sterile and cold lakes found throughout the park are easily contaminated by airborne pollutants that fall whenever it rains or snows, and some evidence of these pollutants have been found in park waters. The pollution level is currently viewed as negligible, and the park lakes and waterways have a water quality rating of A-1, the highest rating given by the state of Montana.[25]

Glacier is part of a large preserved ecosystem collectively known as the "Crown of the Continent Ecosystem", all of which is primarily untouched wilderness of a pristine quality. Virtually all the plants and animals which existed at the time white explorers first entered the region are present in the park today.[26]

A total of over 1,132 plant species have been identified parkwide. The predominantly coniferous forest is home to various species of trees such as the Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir, subalpine fir, limber pine and western larch, which is a deciduous conifer, producing cones but losing its needles each fall. Cottonwood and aspen are the more common deciduous trees and are found at lower elevations, usually along lakes and streams. The timberline on the eastern side of the park is almost 800 feet (244 m) lower than on the western side of the Continental Divide, due to exposure to the colder winds and weather of the Great Plains. West of the Continental Divide, the forest receives more moisture and is more protected from the winter, resulting in a more densely populated forest with taller trees. Above the forested valleys and mountain slopes, alpine tundra conditions prevail, with grasses and small plants eking out an existence in a region that enjoys as little as three months without snow cover. Thirty species of plants are found only in the park and surrounding National Forests. Beargrass, a tall flowering plant, is commonly found near moisture sources, and is relatively widespread during July and August. Wildflowers such as monkeyflower, glacier lily, fireweed, balsamroot and Indian paintbrush are also common.[27]

The forested sections fall into three major climatic zones. The west and northwest are dominated by spruce and fir and the southwest by redcedar and hemlock; the areas east of the Continental Divide are a combination of mixed pine, spruce, fir and prairie zones. The cedar-hemlock groves along the Lake McDonald valley are the easternmost examples of this Pacific climatic ecosystem.[28]

Whitebark pine communities have been heavily damaged due to the effects of blister rust, a non native fungus. In Glacier and the surrounding region, 30% of the Whitebark pine trees have died and over 70% of the remaining trees are currently infected. The Whitebark pine provides a high fat pine cone seed, commonly know as the pine nut, that is a favorite food of red squirrels and Clark's nutcracker. Both grizzlies and black bears are known to raid squirrel caches of the pine nuts, and it is one of the bears' favorite foods. Between 1930 and 1970, efforts to control the spread of blister rust were unsuccessful, and continued destruction of whitebark pines appears likely, with attendant negative impacts on dependent species.[29]

Virtually all the historically known plant and animal species, with the exception of the bison and woodland caribou, are present, providing biologists an intact ecosystem for plant and animal research. Two threatened species of mammals, the grizzly bear and the Canadian lynx, are found in the park. Although their numbers remain at historical levels, both are listed as threatened because in virtually every other region of the U.S. outside of Alaska, they are either extremely rare or absent from their historical range. On average, one or two bear attacks on humans occur each year; since the creation of the park in 1910, there have been a total of 10 bear related deaths.[30] The number of grizzlies and lynx in the park is not known for certain, but park biologists believe that there are slightly less than 350 grizzlies parkwide, and a study commenced in 2001 hoped to determine the number of lynx in the park.[31] Another study has indicated that the wolverine, another very very rare mammal in the lower 48 states, continues to reside in the park.[32] An estimated 800 black bears are believed to exist parkwide. The black bear is less aggressive than the grizzly and a recent study using DNA to identify hair samples indicated that there are about six times as many black bears as there are grizzlies.[33] Other large mammals such as the mountain goat (the official park symbol), bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, coyote, and the rarely seen mountain lion, are either plentiful or common. Unlike in Yellowstone National Park, which commenced a wolf reintroduction program in the 1990s, wolves have existed almost continuously in Glacier. 62 species of mammals in all have been documented including badger, river otter, porcupine, mink, marten, fisher, six species of bats and numerous other smaller mammals.[34]

A total 260 species of birds have been recorded, with raptors such as the bald eagle, golden eagle, peregrine falcon, osprey and several species of hawks residing year round. The harlequin duck is a colorful species of waterfowl found in the lakes and waterways. The great blue heron, tundra swan, Canada goose and American wigeon are species of waterfowl more commonly encountered in the park. Great horned owl, Clark's nutcracker, Steller's jay, pileated woodpecker and cedar waxwing reside in the dense forests along the mountainsides, and in the higher altitudes, the ptarmigan, timberline sparrow and rosy finch are the most likely to be seen. The Clark's nutcracker is less plentiful than in past years due to the reduction in the number of whitebark pines.[35]

Because of the colder climate, ectothermic reptiles are all but absent, with two species of garter snakes and the western painted turtle being the only three reptile species proven to exist. Similarly, only six species of amphibians are documented, although those species exist in large numbers. After a forest fire in 2001, a few park roads were temporarily closed the following year to allow thousands of Western toads to migrate to other areas.[36]

Glacier is also home to the endangered bull trout which is illegal to possess and must be returned to the water if caught inadvertently.[37] A total of 23 species of fish reside in park waters and native game fish species found in the lakes and streams include the cutthroat trout, northern pike, mountain whitefish, Kokanee salmon and grayling. Introduction in previous decades of Lake trout and other non-native fish species have greatly impacted some native fish populations, especially the bull trout and west slope cutthroat trout.

Forest fires were viewed for many decades as a threat to protected areas such as forests and parks. As a better understanding of fire ecology developed after the 1960s, forest fires were understood to be a natural part of the ecosystem. The earlier policies of suppression resulted in the accumulation of dead and decaying trees and plants which would normally have been reduced had fires been allowed to burn. Many species of plants and animals actually need wildfires to help replenish the soil with nutrients and to open up areas that allow grasses and smaller plants to thrive.[38] Glacier National Park has a fire management plan which ensures that human caused fires are generally suppressed as they always have been. In the case of natural fires, the fire is monitored and suppression is dependent on the size and threat a fire may pose to human safety and structures. Major fires that require the assistance of other resources are coordinated through the National Interagency Fire Center.

Increased population and the growth of suburban areas near parklands, has led to the development of what is known as Wildland Urban Interface Fire Management, in which the park cooperates with adjacent property owners in improving safety and fire awareness. This approach is common to many other protected areas. As part of this program, houses and structures near the park are designed to be more fire resistant. Dead and fallen trees are removed from near places of human habitation, reducing the available fuel load and the risk of a catastrophic fire, and advance warning systems are developed to help alert property owners and visitors about forest fire potentials during a given period of the year.[39] In 2003, 136,000 acres (550 km²) burned in the park after a five year drought and a summer season of almost no precipitation. This was the most area transformed by fire since the creation of the park in 1910.

Glacier is distant from major cities, and the closest airport is at Kalispell, Montana, southwest of the park. Amtrak trains stop at East and West Glacier. A fleet of restored 1930s White Motor Company coaches, called Reds, offer tours on all the main roads in the park. The drivers of the buses are called "Jammers," due to the gear-jamming that formerly occurred during the vehicles' operation. The tour buses were rebuilt in 2001 to run on propane, to lessen their environmental impact.[40]

A number of historic wooden tour boats, some dating back to the 1920s, operate on several of the larger lakes.

Hiking is a popular activity in the park. Over half of the visitors to the park report taking a hike on the park's nearly 700 miles (1,127 km) of trails.[41] 110 miles (177 km) of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail spans most of the distance of the park north to south, with a few alternate routes at lower elevations if high altitude passes are closed due to snow. Due to the presence of bears and other large mammals, dogs are not permitted on any trails in the park, though they are permitted at front country campsites that can accessed by a vehicle, and along paved roads.

Numerous day hiking options are available throughout the park. Backcountry camping is allowed at campsites along the trails. A permit is required, which can be obtained from certain visitor centers or arranged for in advance. Much of Glacier's backcountry is usually inaccessible to hikers until early June due to accumulated snowpack and potential avalanche risk, and many trails at higher altitudes remain snow packed until July. The major campgrounds that allow vehicle access are found throughout the park, most of which are near one of the larger lakes. The campground at St. Mary and at Apgar are open year round, but conditions are considered primitive in the off-season, as the restroom facilities are closed and there is no running water. All campgrounds with vehicle access are usually open from mid June until mid September.[42] Guide and shuttle services are also available.

Fishing is a popular activity in the park and some of the finest fly fishing in North America can be found in the streams that flow through the park. Though the park requires that those fishing understand the regulations, no permit is required to fish the waters within the park boundary. The endangered bull trout must be released immediately back to the water if caught, otherwise, the regulations on limits of catch per day are liberal.[43]

Winter recreation activities in Glacier are limited. Snowmobiling is illegal in the park, but cross-country skiing is permitted in the lower altitude valleys on the east and western sides of the park.
source: wikipedia

Amazing Scenery in Iran

2008-09-23T01:54:00.001-07:00

Mashhad tourism kalat tourism 045See paradise ways of Iranامیدوارم از دیدن عکس های جاده های بهشتی ایران لذت ببرید. See paradise ways of Iran
Originally uploaded by Mohsen Moossavi Zadeh

This is a beautiful site I have never seen before. It is in Iran. Unfortunately, I cannot read the Arabic Writing. So cannot understand what the Arabic writing below says.

Mashhad tourism kalat tourism 045See paradise ways of Iranامیدوارم از دیدن عکس های جاده های بهشتی ایران لذت ببرید. See paradise ways of Iran

، عكس ، هنر، عكاسي ، نقدعكس ، گالري ، نمايشگاه عكس ، ايران ، مشهد ، طبيعت ، محسن موسوي زاده ، گردشگری خراسان رضوی ، گردشگری خراسان ، گردشگری ایران ، کوهسنگی ، فردوسی ، گنبد سبز ،میراث فرهنگی و گردشگری خراسان ، آرامگاه نادری ، موزه مشهد ، هتل های مشهد ، دیدنی های مشهد و اطراف آن ، دیدنیهای مشهد و اطراف آن ، گردشگری مشهد ، حرم امام رضا ، طرقبه ، شاندیز ، هنر عکاسی ، راهنمای گردشگری مشهد ، آموزش مدیریت گردشگری، دانشگاه گردشگری، راهنمای گردشگری خراسان ، توسعه سبز ، راهنمای گردشگری ایران ، راهنمای گردشگری ، عکسهای طبیعت ، گردش گری مشهد ، آرامگاه فردوسی ، عطار ، کمال الملک ، خیام ، تخت جمشید ، کورش ، داریوش ، رستم ، کنگ ، زشک ، عنبران ، کلات ، طرقبه ، چالیدره ، بند گلستان ، سد گلستان ، ازغد ، مایان ، نقندر ، اخلمد ، منطقه گدشگری بینالود، گلمکان ، غار مغان ، عکاسی حرفه ای ، آموزش عکاسی ، زاوین کلات، دره قرسو ، آبشار قره سو، آبشار دره ی قره سو، سد زاوین، آبشار ارتکند، ارتکند ، گردشگری ارتکند، گردشگری آبشار قره سو، ، منطقه گدشگری بینالود،عکسهای طبیعت ، آرامگاه فردوسی ، عطار ، کمال الملک ، خیام ، تخت جمشید ، کورش ، داریوش ، رستم ، گردش گری مشهد ، کنگ، محسن موسوی ، سازمان میراث فرهنگی و گردشگری خراسان رضوی ، خیابان پوپک، توسعه سبز، اکوتوریسم ، توریسم بومی ، توریسم طبیعت ، گردشگری بومی ، گردشگری طبیعت ،، شهروند ، شهرآرا ،چشم انداز ،منظره ، کوه ، دشت ، بیابان ،گلگشت ، کوهنوردی ، کوه نوردی ، سیاحت ، زیارت ، سفر به خراسان ،جاذبه های گردشگری مشهد و خراسان ،دیدنی های دیدنیهای طبیعی و سیاحتی و زیارتی مشهد خراسان و ایران ،مراکز میراث فرهنگی و گردشگری و صنایع دستی و هنری مشهد خراسان و ایران ، سد زاوین ، دره راوین ، بابا رمضان ،کاخ خورشید ، بند نادری ، لایین نو ، لایین کهنه ، ارتو کند ، آبشار قره سو ، قرهسو ، کلات نادری ،
مرکز استان خراسان رضوی مشهد
شهرستان‌ها
بردسکن ، تایباد ، تربت جام ، تربت حیدریه ، چناران ، خلیل‌آباد ، خواف ، درگز ، رشتخوار ، سبزوار ، سرخس ، فریمان ، قوچان ، کاشمر ، کلات ، گناباد ، مشهد ، مه ولات ، نیشابور
شهرها
انابد ، باجگیران ، باخرز ، بایک ، بجستان ، بردسکن ، بیدخت ، تایباد ، تربت جام ، تربت حیدریه ، جغتای ، چاپشلو ، چکنه ، چناران ، حاجی‌آباد ، خرو ، خضری دشت بیاض ، خلیل‌آباد ، خواف ، داورزن ، دررود ، درگز ، دولت‌آباد ، رباط سنگ ، رشتخوار ، رضویه ، رودآب ، ریوش ، سبزوار ، سرخس ، سلطان‌آباد ، سنگان ، شاندیز ، ششتمد ، صالح‌آباد ، طرقبه ، عشق‌آباد ، فرهادگرد ، فریمان ، فیروزه ، فیض‌آباد ، قاسم‌آباد ، قدمگاه ، قلندرآباد ، قوچان ، کاخک ، کاریز ، کاشمر ، کدکن ، کلات ، کندر ، گناباد ، لطف‌آباد ، مشهد ، مشهد ریزه ، ملک‌آباد ، نشتیفان ، نصرآباد ، نقاب ، نوخندان ، نیشابور ، نیل‌شهر
نقاط دیدنی
آبشار اخلمد ، آتشکده آذربرزین‌مهر ، آرامگاه بیهقی ، آرامگاه عطار نیشابوری ، آرامگاه عمر خیام ، آرامگاه فردوسی ، آرامگاه کمال‌الملک ، آرامگاه نادرشاه ، آستان قدس رضوی ، بارگاه امام رضا ، برج نادری ، دهکده چوبین نیشابور ، غار آتشگاه ، غار مغان ، قلعه گوش‌لاغر ، کاروانسرای ریوند ، کوهسنگی ، مسجد گوهرشاد ، موزه قوچان ، آرامگاه لقمان ، رباط شرف ، دریاچه بزنگان ، موزه نیشابور

The Business of Tourism: Place, Faith, and History (Hagley Perspectives on Business and Culture)

2008-09-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

Description

Emphasizing the economic and cultural dimensions of travel, The Business of Tourism explores the enterprises and technologies of tourist activity with a particular focus on tourism as a phenomenon through which nations, regions, and individuals produce and consume experiences. The volume is divided into three sections. "Commodifying Place" examines how tourist enterprises have helped to create a distinctive sense of identity for specific locales. "Engaging Religion" addresses the ways in which religion and religious travel have been marketed. "Marketing Communism" explores the role of tourism in buttressing ideas and attitudes in communist settings.

The essays in The Business of Tourism present a vigorous, novel, and empirically grounded vision of tourism as a local and global enterprise from the 1860s to the 1990s. They transport readers from Egypt in the 1860s, where Thomas Cook & Son laid the foundations for international mass tourism, to Burgundy's gastronomic festivals between the two world wars; from Branson, Missouri, to Belfast, Ireland, in an examination of religion in sightseeing; and in the final leg of the journey, from the Stalinist Soviet Union to post-Soviet Cuba, to see the changing relationship between marketing and communism. Taken together, the essays link the cultural practice of tourism to the businesses that create cultural experiences.

About the Author
Philip Scranton is Professor of History at Rutgers University, Camden, and Director of the Center for the History of Business, Technology, and Society at the Hagley Museum and Library. His books include Food Nations: Selling Taste in Consumer Societies and Industrializing Organisms: Introducing Evolutionary History. Janet Davidson is Historian at the Cape Fear Museum, Wilmington, North Carolina. She is coauthor of On the Move: Transportation and the American Story.

Choose Mexico for Retirement, 9th: Information for Travel, Retirement, Investment, and Affordable Living

2008-09-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Description
This insiders' look at Mexico discusses travel and retirement opportunities available in the country "next door." With information on real estate investments, resources, culture, medical care, and business opportunities, this guide is suitable for travelers, retirees, and investors alike.

From the Back Cover
The best is yet to come!
Today's retirees are anything but retiring, with many choosing to relocate to enjoy life to the fullest. Choose Mexico for Retirement shows you how to travel, live, learn, play, and even work in Mexico. Interested in learning about a different culture? Starting a new business or exploring a second career? Taking up a new hobby? Volunteering your time? All of the above? The choice is yours. From Ensenada in Baja California to Merida on the Yucatán Peninsula, Choose Mexico for Retirement will show you how to discover this thriving country and make it your home.

Inside you'll find up-to-date information on:
Local costs of living and real estate markets
Business opportunities and the Mexican economy
Medical care and safety
Recreation and community offerings

Whether your idea of retirement is taking it easy or taking it to the limit, Choose Mexico for Retirement is your one-way ticket to the best years of your life.

India-Travel Guide: Spiritual Tourism and Ground Realities

2008-09-07T00:41:00.000-07:00

Review: By Victor Cuthbert

This is a travel book breath - taking in its scope! The author is the founder-director of the Vedanic Research Centre in Dehradun, North India. The reader is taken on a tour of northern Indian states and cities, villages and quiet valleys, and hidden spots in the Himalayas. In delightful prose we explore from our armchair bustling towns. small villages, ancient cities, exotic temples. For the visitor to India these are arranged in a series of 21 tours , and the author opens up for them delightful places, often off the beaten track, with detailed information regarding travel, dress, hotels, trekking centres, lodges etc.

But not only that! This book is also about Spiritual Tourism, so the author also takes the reader through excepts of India's ancient wisdom via spiritual teachers of old, as well as contemporary ages and gurus, to glean wisdom as to how modern man can both face and overcome the delemmas faced by the modern world - such as terrorism, global warming - and the inability of man to solve these issues by themselves. The book includes interviews with spiritual leader as well as some appendices illustrating how far India has progressed in the realm of modern technology and, most importantly, the education of those who would otherwise be disadvantaged, through the efforts of Indian educational charitable foundations, helped by such Dr AP Ganguly's own Vedantic Research Centre at Dehradun. A book to enjoy over many readings!

India (Country Guide)

2008-09-07T00:39:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.

Explore the myriad wonders of India with this useful guide in hand. Whether you wish to cruise the backwaters of Kerala on the rooftop of a ferry, explore the Buddhist gompas of Leh, drink Darjeeling's namesake tea, get lost in the dusty bazaars of Hyderabad, or stroll the 16th-century ruins in Hampi, this book will help you get there. Highlights include more than 200 traveler-tested maps, thousands of places to stay and eat for all budgets, excellent health information, all you need to know about transportation options, and a 32-page color section on India's religions. --Kathryn True --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review: By Denis Benchimol Minev "Amazonia"

It is almost a crime to try to fit a great country such as India into a one volume guidebook. However, being such the understandable proposition -- tourists are unlikely to want to carry many guides -- this guidebook does a very nice job of putting it all together.

There are very interesting historical section which are often deeper than what one would get from a local tourist guide. It covers all the major attractions (at least in the places I visited) and gives the tourist a good idea about the culture, history and socio-economic conditions of the places being visited. The list of hotels, restaurants and places to go out at night is quite current, as of July 2006.

It is the only guidebook I used in India, so I cannot compare, but this is quite a good guide that is unlikely to let you down.

The Rough Guide to India 6 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

2008-09-07T00:32:00.000-07:00

Description
The Rough Guide to India is the essential handbook to this extraordinary country. The 24 page full-colour introduction includes stunning photography of the country''s many highlights. The guide has comprehensive accounts of every attraction, from fast-paced Delhi and the sacred sites of the Ganges plain to the Moghul splendour of Agra and the shell-sand beaches of the south. There is also practical advice on activities as diverse as boating through the Keralan backwaters, hiking through the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh or treatments at an ayurvedic spa. The listings sections provide hundreds of insider reviews of the best hotels, hostels, restaurants, bars, shops and museums in every city and village. The authors also give an informed insight into India''s history, politics, religion, music and cinema, providing a valuable context to the reader''s trip.

Review : By Nowhere Man "Nowhere Man
I should begin by saying that I traveled around India with the fourth edition of the Rough Guide. Though I cannot comment on how updates and revisions may affect the utility of this particular version, I feel quite confident in recommending the Rough Guide over any other guidebook in the market.

My approach to travel has always been one of depth over breadth, cultural authenticity over the latest tourist craze. After spending 2 years in Senegal as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I went to India believing that I might somehow have the same ease of access to village life and cultural events that I had in West Africa. That belief was quickly dispelled, though I came to find many other redeeming qualities to travel and to life in India. In total, I have spent about one year in the country and have relied on my Rough Guide in many, many ways.

There is absolutely no way to compare the depth of historical context and cultural insight given by the Rough Guide with what you may find in Lonely Planet or other guidebooks to India. I frequently borrowed Lonely Planet guides from other travelers to compare its recommendations with the ones I found in my Rough Guide. I consistently found the Lonely Planet to be poorly researched, to offer extremely limited background information, and to eliminate many sites/entries of more obscure or esoteric value to the traveler. It would be incredibly difficult to stick to the Lonely Planet and not be one of the millions of blind backpackers circumnavigating the globe thinking they are actually seeing something. The Rough Guide, in comparison, offered countless 'text-box' entries describing the complexities of modern-day life in India. A few that come to mind dealt with drug use, journalism, organized crime, education, et al.

If you expect to spend a significant amount of time in India, you will want to know as much cultural information as possible in order to decipher the circus of events going on around you. In many ways you will be marginalized and will struggle to ever feel like you could possibly belong in the place. This of course is the love-hate relationship that nearly every foreigner who spends enough time there will eventually develop. That being said, your status as outsider will allow you to observe and analyze the country in ways that will teach you volumes about your own native land and culture. My Rough Guide proved to be an indispensable companion on trains and in hotels. It gave me the right combination of thorough logistical information for travel necessities and in-depth cultural information for personal ones. Use your Rough Guide to the fullest and get ready to see how much you can love and hate a place at the same time..

The Besakih temple (Pura Besakih), the Hindu Temple in Bali, Indonesia, the Tourism Place to Visit

2008-08-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

Besakih Temple to be included into World Cultural Heritage List

DENPASAR (indo.com): Besakih Temple in Karang Asem regency, Bali, has been proposed as a member of the World Cultural Heritage List.

Source: +Lanzi

The temple constitutes a powerful religious icon that unifies thousands of Hindu followers from different castes throughout Bali and beyond.

Source: seanmcgrath

Sutaba, a representative of the Bali Archeology Board, explained to indo.com recently that Besakih Temple is part of the island's ancient Hindu heritage, with a long history. This includes evidence of pre-Hindu belief systems found in the large ancient stones from the megalithic era. Also present is evidence of the worship of deities, such as those who are believed to reside on Mount Agung, the holy dragon known as Basuki, and also ancestor worship.

Besakih, often referred to as the "mother temple", consists of five temple compounds around the main temple. These represent the five holy directions, and there are also tens clan temples which are used for ancestor worship on different days. Other compounds honor the founding father of Besakih temple, Rsi Markandya, and Basuki - the holy guardian dragon believed to dwell in a cave on Mount Agung. As the mother temple, Bekasi is the site of Bali's largest and most elaborate purification ritual - Eka Dasa Rudra - held once a century.

To date, Indonesia has three national cultural conservation structures that have been included on the "World heritage List", namely Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple and Sangiran Archaeological Site. Besakih Temple will be the fourth.
Source: indo.com

The exotic Bali Island, The Beauty of Pura Ulu Danau, Bali, Indonesia

2008-08-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

Pura Ulu Danau, Bali
Originally uploaded by Kelvin Ong

Bali is one of thousands of islands in Indonesia. Indonesia is a country located in south east Asia.

Bali is well known as "Pulau Dewata" (the island of god) because most of Balinese people are Hindu followers. Bali is a favorite island to visit for tourists from many countries. One of the beautiful places in bali is "Pura Ulun danau". Pura means temple in english. This place is located in northern part of Bali. It was built in the 17th century on highland Bratan. This gemlike temple is half on the mainland, half on a tony island. Just visit this place if you visit Indonesia.
Photo source: Kelvin Ong

The Beauty of Pura Ulu Danau, Bali Indonesia

2008-08-26T18:52:00.001-07:00

Pura Ulu Danau, Bali
Originally uploaded by Kelvin Ong

This is "Pura Ulu Danau", northern part of Bali.
Built in the 17th century on highland Lake Bratan. This gemlike temple is half on the mainland, half on a tiny island.
I intentionally desaturated the water to help dramatise the picture.

Tourism Marketing for Cities and Towns: Using Branding and Events to Attract Tourists

2008-08-13T19:53:00.001-07:00

Book Description
A guide to strategic planning on how to transform cities and towns into destination

Review
"Professor Kolb has written a comprehensive, eminently readable, andperhaps most importantlyhighly applicable guide to effective tourism marketing. This book appears at a propitious time, as cities around the US are rediscovering and building upon their heritages and as central cities are rebounding from their post-war declines. Kolbs global examples and helpful prompts encourage strategic thinking and effective positioning in the increasingly competitive quest for tourist spending. This volume will be used in academic programs, but it belongs on professional bookshelves as well."
Charles M. Gray, Professor of Economics, University of St. Thomas, and President, Association of Cultural Economics International

"This is one of the first books to explore in a comprehensive manner how cities can develop a tourism sector. It uniquely combines theory and practice; is clearly written, pertinent and perceptive; and its extensive use of relevant examples makes it interesting and useful for students as well as practioners.
At a time when cultural tourism is acknowledged as vital to local economies, Kolbs new book is going to be necessary reading for all of those concerned with promoting cities, towns and the arts."
-- Professor Sara Selwood, Head of Department of Cultural Policy and Management, School of Arts, City University, Northampton Square, London

"Tourism Marketing for Cities and Towns is a must-read for anyone involved in the expanding fields of cultural tourism and urban marketing. Bonita masterfully combines her comprehensive knowledge of marketing strategies with real life examples of current urban marketing campaigns with how-to worksheets and study questions. The independent marketing consultant and the marketing student alike will find this book accessible and brimming over with useful tips and pointers."
-- Monica Shay, Director, Arts and Cultural Management Program, Pratt Institute, Manhattan, NY

"...a must read for anyone involved in the expanding fields of cultural tourism and urban marketing since it masterfully combines marketing strategies with real life examples of current urban marketing campaigns."
- C-News

Tourism, Development and Terrorism in Bali (Voices in Development Management)

2008-08-13T19:36:00.031-07:00

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs):
Nusa Dua, Bali Post, Southeast Asia, Ajeg Bali, Bali Aga, Bayung Gede, Bali Beach Hotel, Netherlands East Indies, Bali Arts Festival, Bali Hotel, East Timor, Nusa Penida, Walter Spies, East Java, Ngurah Rai, North Bali, Tanjung Benoa, Cokorda Gde Agung Sukawati, Darma Putra, Imam Samudra, Kuta Beach, South Bali, Tanah Lot, Aryantha Soethama, Colonial Exhibition

In Chapter 1,Introduction, the book says as follows;

Bali is small but very renowned island situated eight degrees below the equator between Java and Lombok. What is less well known, even by some tourists who frequent the island, is that Bali is part of the vast of republic of Indonesia, the world's fourth largest nation in terms of populations, a country that stretches five thousand kilometres from Sumatra to central New Guinea and comprises fourteen thousand islands. ............

The Tourism place to Visit "Taman Ayun" Bali, Indonesia

2008-08-03T00:26:00.000-07:00

Built in the 1600s, the temple of Taman Ayun is nestled in 3 different levels and is bordered by a river. The inner courtyard itself has a moat of water that separates it from the exterior gardens. Around the temple are pavilions and canopied shades that invite the visitors to relax in leisure.

Taman Ayun in Mengwi, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Source: Farl

- BOROBUDUR, the Big Buddist Temple , Magelang, Indonesia

2008-08-03T00:19:00.000-07:00

The south corner of BOROBUDUR Temple, in the center is a part of hidden foot which uncovered after the 2nd restoration (1975-1982), there are only 5 from 160 panels which still can be seen by the visitors.
==========================================
Borobudur is a ninth century Mahayana Buddhist monument in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. A main dome is located at the center of the top platform, and is surrounded by seventy-two Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.

The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument and follows a path circumambulating the monument while ascending to the top through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, namely, Kamadhatu (the world of desire); Rupadhatu (the world of forms); and Arupadhatu (the world of formless). During the journey, the monument guides the pilgrims through a system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall and the balustrades.

Evidence suggests Borobudur was abandoned following the fourteenth century decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam. It was rediscovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Raffles, the British ruler of Java. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, following which the monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site] Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage, where once a year Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, and Borobudur is Indonesia's single most visited tourist attraction.

FOR MORE DETAILS INFORMATION PLEASE READ :
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borobudur

Source: gabisa_motonia

Taman Ayun Temple, the Exotic Tourism Place to Visit

2008-07-29T21:23:00.001-07:00

Taman Ayun Temple
Originally uploaded by BALIwww.com

Taman Ayun temple was the royal temple of Mengwi Kingdom that survived until 1891 when it was conquered by the neighboring kingdoms of Tabanan and Badung. The name Taman Ayun means beautiful garden. This temple was built by the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Anom in 1634. The date of construction is expressed on a carved door with chronogram reads ‘Sad Bhuta Yaksa Dewa‘ means 1634 AD. The temple has been renovated in 1949 and in 1972 all black fiber roofs were renewed, the last in 1976 was built the pavilion tower called ‘Bale Kulkul‘.

TThe Taman Ayun temple is the second largest temple in Bali, covering an area of 250 x 100 square meters. The temple is built on a high tableland that is partly surrounded by ponds, creating an impression that the temple is foating on the water. The temple is surrounded by a massive moat that looks lovely and is divided into 4 courtyards each courtyard situated on a spacious rising level.

The temple consists of fifty separate structures scattered on a wide green area, surround by beautiful pond, a sight that evokes a palpable sense of calm and beauty. There are twenty-nine buildings in the innermost court, which function as the symbolization of the various God, Goddess, and the power points of the kingdom. Each power point was represented by a multiple roofed tower called a meru.

The Taman Ayun temple not just offers the magnificent temple structure but also the beauty of the surrounding ponds and landscape. On the western side of the temple complex is the natural pool by constructing dam across the small river on the southern end of the temple area. A tour with a bout around the surrounding pond will give the visitors a new point of view on the beauty of the Taman Ayun temple. A visit on this temple ceremony will also provides the visitors with excellent views of women file over the bridge carrying high, multicolored offering, dance and musical performance.

The main one was for Mount Agung, the highest mountain in Bali. It has eleven tiers that represented the eight directions, up, down and centre the totality of outer and inner space. The meru for Mount Batukaru also has eleven tiers and a nine tiers meru represents Mount Batur. Other merus represented the dominant natural features in the Mengwi kingdom, or regions of landscape that held special power, such as the mountains, the lakes the slopes, the plains and the ocean.
Source:baliwww.com

the Beautiful Scene of Gazebo At Niagra-on-the-Lake

2008-07-29T02:14:00.001-07:00

Gazebo At Niagra-on-the-Lake
Originally uploaded by bill.fu

The gazebo at Niagara-on-the-Lake uploaded by bill.fu looks very comfortable to relax. The gazebo is very clean. The grass which is neatly arranged on the left and right sight of gazebo makes the people who stay there refresh their mind. The blue water makes whoever stay there able to forget the burden of life.

"Cerme" Cave (Goa Cerme), Yogyakarta, Indonesia, the Tourism Place to Visit

2008-07-28T19:20:00.005-07:00

Goa Cerme
Originally uploaded by Chelle's shots

"Cerme" cave (Goa cerme= Indonesian, "Goa" = cave) is located in Selopamioro village, Imogiri, Bantul about 20 kms the southern part of Yogyakarta. You must know that Yogyakarta is the second most favorite tourism destination after Bali in Indonesia. There are many beautiful sites in this city. One of them is Cerme cave, or Indonesians calll "Goa Cerme". The photo on the right by Chelle'sshot shows the inside part of the cave. I and my friends have ever entered this cave twice. It's interesting journey inside the cave. It's dark inside of course but we had lamp. The scenery inside the Cerme cave is wonderful, the water is cold and fresh. We were in the journey for about one hour. The length of this cave is 1.5 km. We statrted to entere this cave in Bantul regency and finished in Gunungkidul Regency. It means that this cave is located in two regencies, Bantul and Gunung Kidul. Both belong to the province of Yogyakarta. It took about one hour to finish the journey in the cave. It's interesting experience. The photo below by toples.candy is another inside beautiful "interior" of of Cerme cave. There is also an underground rive which flows in the cave. This make the cave more special compared to other caves. Just visit this place if you don't believe my story.

Slamet" Mountain (Gunung Slamet)

2008-07-28T18:41:00.001-07:00

"Slamet "mountain is one of volcanoes in Java. The other volcanoes are Merapi mountain in Yogyakarta, Cerme mountain in west Java, Semeru mountain in east Java. "Salamet mountain does not look active now. This mountain is located in the boarder between Pemalang regency and Banyumas regency, central java. It is about 300 km from Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. Slamet mountain is 3,432 meters high. In the slope of this mountain, there are two popular beautiful tourism objects namely Baturaden in Purwokerto and Guci in Tegal. This picture of Slamet mountain taken from Moga by nurul15053 shows the scenery of Slamet mountain from the distance.

Kenya (Footprint - Travel Guides)

2008-07-21T02:52:00.000-07:00

Description
Snow-capped peaks meet sun-baked plains. Where to stay from luxury lodges to highland huts. African beats and colonial relics. Sails, Swahili and savannah. The safari lowdown. Pink lakes, white rhino, red robes. The best places to eat. Deep-sea fishing, high-altitude climbing. A mountain home to gods and a treehouse fit for a queen.

The Cheap Bastard's Guide to San Francisco: Secrets of Living the Good Life--for Free! (Cheap Bastard)

2008-07-21T02:48:00.000-07:00

The book contains a number of cheap/free ideas for those visiting the city, including terrific suggestions for shopping. Definitely recommended for both parents and singles.
This book is packed with great facts and activity suggestions for both locals and tourists, and for those, like me, who go to SF often as a day trip.

It covers pretty much every interest a visitor might have. Plus it's a slim volume, reasonable to stick in your backpack.

Top Secret Tourism: Your Travel Guide to Germ Warfare Laboratories, Clandestine Aircraft Bases and Other Places in the United States

2008-07-21T02:45:00.000-07:00

This book is an outstanding guide to all the all-too-real top secret government-controlled spots in the United States, from underground bases, to nuclear testing sites, to creepy office buildings, to fortified areas built just to ensure "continuity of government" in case of an apocalypse.
It's well-written (with only the almost expected typos and tics of a first edition by a smaller publisher to mar it), funny, sarcastic, and interesting. It features maps, good driving directions, and lots and lots of very strange and interesting information.
It is NOT, as one of this book's more asinine reviewers has suggested, a handbook for terrorists full of privately obtained and otherwise unavailable information. Everything within its pages is from public files or from the author's own observations.
For New Mexico alone, my home state, I learned a ton that I had never known before---the Air Force Base in my hometown of Albuquerque has the world's largest wooden object in the world (?!) and more nuclear weapons than any other place in the country, a hippie was caught living in ca ve right on the property of Los Alamos National Labs, the residual radioactive materials at one of New Mexico's underground nuclear tests are considered to be a dangerous collection point for such materials by terrorists, and the UFO that Lonnie Zamora allegedly saw in Socorro, NM a couple of decades ago could have been a moon-landing device prototype..

The Hedonist: World Travel Guide

2008-07-21T02:43:00.000-07:00

ny bachelor looking to enjoy the good life on a vacation, owes it to himself to get a copy of it. This is a very instructive, succinct travel guide that delivers the goods. It gets right to the point, and covers a heck of all of territory around the world. I'm sure most of the reviews cover necessary overseas travel information inside it. I'll just say you will know exactly what to prepare for in advance, and have a reasonable expectation of what to get once you are there.

This is the only book designed exactly for men with a lot of life left, are still very active, and who could care less what other people think. For each city, there's no hassles or wasting time. Just some good old R&R on Beaches with zero stress. Throw in some Sports, tropical fruit drinks, and friendly, sexy ladies with a sweet disposition and you've got yourself some memories that will last a lifetime. You can't go wrong with this guide.

Insight Guide New York State (Insight Guides New York State)

2008-07-21T02:38:00.000-07:00

Description
Insight Guides, the world's largest visual travel guide series, in association with Discovery Channel, the world's premier source of nonfiction entertainment, provides more insight than ever. From the most popular resort cities to the most exotic villages, Insight Guides capture the unique character of each culture with an insider's perspective. Inside every Insight Guide you'll find: .Evocative, full-colour photography on every page .Cross-referenced, full-colour maps throughout .A brief introduction including a historical timeline .Lively, essays by local writers on the culture, history, and people .Expert evaluations on the sights really worth seeing .Special features spotlighting particular topics of interest .A comprehensive Travel Tips section with listings of the best restaurants, hotels, and attractions, as well as practical information on getting around and advice for travel with children

This book has a lot of travel info. It also has some history in it. It's great for the people that would like to travel around NY state.

-SEMARANG

2008-07-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

Semarang is a city on the north coast of the island of Java, Indonesia. It is the capital of the province of Central Java. It has an area of 373.67 km² and a population of approximately 1.5 million people, making it the Indonesia's fifth largest city. Semarang is located at [show location on an interactive map] 6°58′S, 110°25′E. A major port during the Dutch colonial era, and still an important port today, the city is known in Indonesia for its large ethnically Chinese population. The picture by mas_jati is the building of Tawang railway Station which was built in the dutch Colonization Era.

The name of the city, Semarang, may have originated from the concatenation of the words "asem" (tamarind) and "arang" (rare). Another version is that Semarang is originated from Chinese word Sam Po Lang (San Bao Loong), meaning "the city of Sam Po" (Admiral Zheng He). The picture by batigolix below is also the example of Dutch colonial building in Semarang which become the dutch heritage building in Semarang.

text source: wikipedia

- Hindu Temple - India

2008-06-04T19:52:00.001-07:00

Hindu Temple - India
Originally uploaded by qflickr

- WAYANG KULIT (WAYANG PUPPET)

2008-06-04T18:08:00.001-07:00

WAYANG PUPPET
Originally uploaded by 7E55E-BRN

Wayang kulit, shadow puppets prevalent in Java and Bali in Indonesia, and Kelantan and Terengganu in Malaysia are without a doubt the best known of the Indonesian wayang. Kulit means skin and refers to the leather construction of the puppets that are carefully chiseled with very fine tools and supported with carefully shaped buffalo horn handles and control rods.

The stories are usually drawn from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata or the Serat Menak. The island of Lombok has developed its own style of Serat Menak called Wayang Sasak.

There is a family of characters in Javanese wayang called Punakawan; sometimes referred to as "clown-servants" because they usually are associated with the story's hero and also provide humorous and philosophical interludes. Semar is the father of Gareng (oldest son), Petruk, and Bagong (youngest son). These characters did not originate in the Hindu epics, but were added later, possibly to introduce mystical aspects of Islam into the Hindu-Javanese stories. They provide something akin to a political cabaret, dealing with gossip and contemporary affairs.

The puppets figures themselves vary from place to place. In Central Java the city of Surakarta (Solo) is most famous and is the most commonly imitated style of puppets. Regional styles of shadow puppets can also be found in West Java, Banyumas, Cirebon, Semarang, and East Java. Bali produces more compact and naturalistic figures, and Lombok has figures representing real people. Often modern-world objects as bicycles, automobiles, airplanes and ships will be added for comic effect, but for the most part the traditional puppet designs have changed little in the last 300 years.

Historically, the performance consisted of shadows cast on a cotton screen and an oil lamp. Today, the source of light used in wayang performance in Java is most often a halogen electric light. Some modern forms of wayang such as Wayang Sandosa created in the Art Academy at Surakarta (STSI) has employed spotlights, colored lights and other innovations.

The handwork involved in making a wayang kulit figure that is suitable for a performance takes several weeks, with the artists working together in groups. They start from master models (typically on paper) which are traced out onto kulit (skin or parchment), providing the figures with an outline and with indications of any holes that will need to be cut (such as for the mouth or eyes). The figures are then smoothed, usually with a glass bottle, and primed. The structure is inspected and eventually the details are worked through. A further smoothing follows before individual painting, which is undertaken by yet another craftsman. Finally, the movable parts (upper arms, lower arms with hands and the associated sticks for manipulation) mounted on the body, which has a central staff by which it is held. A crew makes up to ten figures at a time, typically completing that number over the course of a week.

The painting of less expensive puppets is handled expediently with a spray technique, using templates, and with a different person handling each color. Less expensive puppets, often sold to children during performances, are sometimes made on cardboard instead of leather.

Text Source: Wikipedia

- The Legend of Lara Jonggrang

2008-06-04T17:52:00.001-07:00

Ratu Boko
Originally uploaded by experiencetheworldwithus

The popular legend of Lara Jonggrang connect the site of Ratu Boko Palace, the origin of Durga statue in northern cella/chamber of the main shrine, and the origin of Sewu temple complex nearby. The legend tell the story about Prince Bandung Bondowoso that fell in love with Princess Lara Jonggrang, the daughter of King Boko. But the princess rejected his proposal of marriage because Bandung Bondowoso has killed King Boko and ruled her kingdom. Bandung Bondowoso insist the union. Finally Lara Jonggrang forced to agree for a union in marriage, but she posed one impossible condition: Bandung must build her a thousand temples in just one night.

The Prince entered into meditation and conjure up a multitude of spirits (demons) from the earth. Helped by supernatural beings, he succeed in building 999 temples. When the prince was about to succeed, the princess awake her palace maids and ordered the women of the village to begin pounding rice and set a fire in the east of the temple, attempting to make the prince and the spirits believe that the sun was about to rise. As the cocks began to crow, fooled by the light and the sounds of morning time, the supernatural helpers fled back into the ground. The prince was furious about the trick and in revenge he cursed Lara Jongrang to stone. She became the last and the most beautiful of the thousand statues. According to the traditions, the unfinished thousand temple created by the demons become the Sewu temple compounds nearby (Sewu means "thousands" in Javanese), and the Princess is the image of Durga in the north cella of the Shiva temple at Prambanan, which is still known as Lara Jongrang or Slender Virgin.

Source: Wikipedia

- Gong Cave in Pacitan, East Java, Indonesia

2008-06-02T04:24:00.001-07:00

IMG_0808
Originally uploaded by irul_uul

Gong cave or Javanese peopele call Goa Gong is the most beautiful cave in South East Asia. It is located in Pacitan Regency, The province of east Jav, Indonesia.

- Kukup Beach Yogya

2008-06-02T03:39:00.001-07:00

Pantai Kukup Yogya
Originally uploaded by Panca Rahardiyanto

Kukup is the name of Beach in Gunungkidul Yogyakarta. It is located in Gunung Kidul Regency, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. It is one of beautifuk beaches in Yogyakarta.

- Drini Beach

2008-06-02T02:50:00.001-07:00

Sebuah sisi Pantai Drini
Originally uploaded by whelleast

Drini beach is located in Gunung Kidul Regency, Yogyakarta province, Indonesia. It is one of beautiful cities in the series of beach in Gunungkidul Yogyakarta. It is near Kukub beach, Krakal Beach, and Baron beach which are all located in Gunung Kidul.

- Hanuman in Gedong Songo Temple Complex

2008-06-01T21:24:00.001-07:00

DSC00017
Originally uploaded by Falseter

Hanuman is also called Hanoman in Indonesian and Anoman in Javanese language. He is a protagonist character in Ramayana Story. He is a white Monkey who is the son of god, Bayu. The statu of hanuman can be seen in the compplex of Gedong Songo Temple.

- The Scenery around the Complex of Gedong Songo Temple

2008-06-01T21:19:00.001-07:00

Pemandangan Candi Gedong Songo
Originally uploaded by annisa_eka

The scenery around the complex of Gedong Songo temple is very beautiful. The beauty of the buildings of the temples is accompanied with the beauty of the forest in the slope of Ungaran mountain.

- Gedong Songo temple

2008-06-01T21:02:00.001-07:00

Gedong Songo temple
Originally uploaded by *Gabisa Motonia

Gedong Songo temple, the left side from the 5th group.

Gedong Songo Temple is the name of The Hindu temple building complex in Candi Village, Ambarawa district, Semarang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. This complex is located in the slope of Ungaran mountain.

These temples were discovered by Raffless in 1804. They were built by Wangsa Syailendra (Syailendra dinasty) in the 9th century (927)

- Guci, The Beautiful Scenery in Tegal, Central Java, Indonesia

2008-06-01T05:24:00.001-07:00

the quiet
Originally uploaded by aka sanjaya

Tegal is a regency in Central java Province . It is about 200 kilometres from jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. It is about seven hours by car to get to Tegal. The capital city is called Slawi, about 14 kilometres from Tegal City. Tegal's neighbour include Pemalang Regency in the east, Banyumas Regency in the south, and Brebes regency in the south and west. Tegal has several tourism objects. One of them is Guci which is very popular.

Guci is one of the tourism places in Tegal, which is located in the slope of Slamet mountain. This is very beautiful place. Besides its beautiful scenery, Guci is also popular with its natural hot-water bathing place.

The Hot-water bathing Place of guci is located in Bumijawa district (one of the districts in Tegal regency), about 30 kilometres from Slawi, the capital city of Tegal Regency (Kabupaten Tegal ). There are ten water falls in Guci bathing place. One of them is known as Pemandian Pancuran 13 (13 water-spout bathing place) because in this bathing place there are 13 water spouts. In the 7th spout out of 13 spouts, People like to take a bath. It is believed that the water in the 7th spout can cure any kinds of skin desease.

- Lake Singkarak

2008-06-01T04:16:00.001-07:00

Lake Singkarak
Originally uploaded by Ni'ma

Lake Singkarak (Danau Singkarak) is a lake in West Sumatra, it is located between the cities of Padang Panjang and Solok and have appoximately 21 km long and 7 km wide

- Baron Beach

2008-06-01T02:55:00.001-07:00

Baron Pantai
Originally uploaded by Theodore Springman

Baron Beach is located in eastern Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This belongs to Kabupaten Gunung Kidul (Gunung Kidul regency). It is about 65 kilometers from Yogyakarta city. This beach is often used for camping. This baron beach is a bay between two green hills with coconut trees. In this beach we can eat many kinds of sea foods such as shrimp, fish, and lobster.

- Ulun Danau Bratan Temple

2008-06-01T01:56:00.001-07:00

Ulun Danau Bratan Temple
Originally uploaded by manolinlao

Bratan Lake or Danau Bratan (indonesian language) is located in Kabupaten Tabanan (Tabanan Regency), Bali Indonesia. This lake is one of the popular tourism sites in Bali. This is a very beautiful lake. On one side there is a mosques named "Al hidayah", and on the other side there is a temple called "Pura Ulun Danau". The two different worship places at the same area show that the people in this area respect each other although they have different religions.

Komodo Dragon - Komodo National Park, Indonesia

2008-05-31T03:46:00.001-07:00

Komodo Dragon - Komdo National Park, Indonesia
Originally uploaded by ~marcus~

Komodo National Park (Taman Nasional Komodo in indonesian) is located between the province of Nusa Tenggara Timur and Nusa Tenggara Barat , Indonesia. This national park consists of three major islands namely Komodo Island, Rinca, and Padar and several smaller islands.

This park was built in 1980 to keep komodo not extinct. The islands in this area are basically vulcanic. The population in this area is about 4000 people. In 1986 this park became the world site of UNESCO.

Merapi Mountain

2008-05-30T05:25:00.001-07:00

Merapi Mountain
Originally uploaded by ferry1

Merapai is the name of the most active mountain in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is located in the boarder between Yogyakarta and Central Java.

- GIANYAR, TOURISM OBJECT IN BALI

2008-05-12T01:46:00.001-07:00

Bali is an island with a lot of uniqueness in Indonesia. This island is well known as "Dewata" island because most of the people in bali are the Hindu followers. Hindu is one of the religions besides islam, christian, catholic, Budha, and Kong Huchu. "Dewata" is derived from the word dewa which means 'god'. There are many "Pura" (Hindu Temples)in Bali reflecting the obedience of baliness people to their god. The uniqueness and the friendliness of Baliness people make this island the international tourist destination.

Bali island as a province of Indonesia has nine regencies (Indonesian: kabupaten). Of the nine regencies Gianyar is the soul of Bali. Gianyar is rich of valuable custom, art, natural beauty, and handycraft.

Gianyar is also popular with tourism objects such as "Gajah" (Elephant) cave, "Tampak Siring", "Gunung kawi",
Gianyar juga terkenal dengan objek-objek wisata. Misal kawasan wisata Goa Gajah, Tampak Siring, Gunung Kawi, the area of elephant tourism in "Taro" village, Bali Zoo Park, Shopping and handicraft center such as "Sukawati" art market and so on. The activities of cultural, religious and custom events of Baliness people make the tourists who visit bali interested and decide to stay longer in this island.

- PARANGTRITIS BEACH IN YOGYAKARTA , INDONESIA

2008-05-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

Picture Source: http://fayday.wordpress.com/

Indonesia is a country in south east Asia. The country consists of 33 provinces (provinsi in Indonesian language) which are the smaller than a country areas in ndonesian governmental system. The provinces cover the smaller area called Kabupaten/Kotamadya (regency). A regency covers the smaller areas called kecamatan (district) which cover the smaller areas called Kelurahan (village).

Photo source:http://bantulbiz.com/

Yogyakarta is one of The provinces in Indonesia. Yogyakarta is the second most popular tourism city after bali in Indonesia. One of the tourism objct in yogyakarta is Parang Tritis. Parang Tritis is the most popular beach in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. This beach belongs to Kabupaten Bantul (Bantul Regency), about 27 kilometers south of Yogyakarta (Yogya for short) city. This beach has beautiful cenery; therefore many tourists visit this beach especialy on holidays.

- "TAMAN SARI", The water Castle in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

2008-05-11T05:07:00.000-07:00

Photo Source: http://www.tembi.org/

Taman Sari is one of the popular tourism places in Yogyakarta. It is located in Ngasem street, about 2 km south of Sultan Palace of Yogyakarta. It is also known as parfume Garden or Fregrant Garden because of a lot of flowers are grown around this area. Near this castle, there is a popular bird market called Pasar Ngasem ( Ngasem market). In this market we can buy any kinds of birds.

- JIMBARAN BEACH IN BALI, INDONESIA

2008-05-09T01:05:00.000-07:00

source:http://commons.wikimedia.org/

Jimbaran beach is located in the southern part of Bali Island, Indonesia. This area belongsto Badung regency. This beach is beside kedonganan beach. Jimbaran and kedonganan beach are the place for the fishermen. Therefore these beaches are the center of fish market in Badung regency. Tourists can enjoy the beuty of the beach while eating burnt fish which is popular food here. Jimbaran is the the white beach which is suitable for sun-bathe and sailing by the traditional ship. Jimbaran is only ten minutes from Ngurah Rai Air Port and Nusa Dua Beach. There are several five star hotels with complete and international standard facilities around Jimbaran Beach. There is also a place for fish auction in this beach.

Thailand International Dog Show 2008

2008-05-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

Thailand International Dog Show 2008

SmartHeart Presents: Thailand International Dog Show 2008 is the largest annual dog show in Thailand. It serves as a gathering place for owners and their dogs to enjoy special activities together and to find a wide array of dog care and healthcare products and services at special prices. Along with the exhibition and dog show competitions, educational seminar sessions are also provided for dog owners to learn about proper caring from dog experts.

Date: 26-29 June 2008

Venue: IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center

Show Hi-light: Dog show championships and competitions, “Green Dog….Green World” fashion show, demonstration of dog “hydrotherapy” and “water treadmill,” microchip injection at special price.

Activities: Dog games and entertainment, obedience course, dog care workshops and seminars, and mobile clinic for dog medical check-up.

Contact: IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., Tel: +66 2 833-5122

For more information about Thailand International Dog Show on 2008, please visit our website http://www.thailand-dogshow.com/

NGABEN, THE CEREMONY OF BURNING CORPSE IN BALI

2008-05-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

Source: http://ana.wahanaprogrammer.net/

Ngaben is the ceremony of burning corpse done by Hindu followers in Bali. Ngaben is one of the traditions of balinese culture which is popular. This ceremonyl is a colourful, and exciting event. This ceremony is the celebration which shows the release of soul to be united with the supreme god. The body is carried to the cremation ground in a multitiered tower made of bamboo, paper, string, tinsel, silk cloth, mirrors, flowers, and anything else bright and colourful. Carried on the shoulders of a group of men, the tower represents the cosmos, and the base - in the shape of a turtle entwined by two snakes - symbolises the foundation of the world. On the base is an open platfom where the body is placed in the space between heaven and earth. The size of the group carrying the body and the number of tiers on the tower vary according to the caste of the deceased. On the way to the cremation ground. the tower is shaken and run around in circles to disorient the spirit of the deceased so that it cannot find its way home, A gamelan orchestra - sprints along behind providing a suitably exciting musical accompaniment. At the cremation ground the body is transferred to a funeral sarcophagus and the whole lot, funeral tower, sarcophagus and body - goes up in flames, finally. the colourful procession heads to the sea or a nearby river to scatter the ashes.

Source: http://www.travelpod.com/

Sanur Beach, Bali Indonesia

2008-05-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

Sanur beach is a popular tourism object in Bali island. This beach is located exaclty in the east of Denpasar city, the capital city of The province of Bali. Sanur belongs to Kabupaten Badung (Badung region, the govermental system in Indonesia which is smaller than province (provinsi, in Indonesian).

This beach is a very good place for surfing. The wave of this beach is very good for surfing. Sanur beach is well known as the sunrise beach, the opposite of Kuta beach which is the sunset beach. Besides Sanur beach, bali also has other beaches:

Candidasa Beach
Jimbaran Beach
Kuta Beach
Legian Beach
Nusa Dua Beach
Seminyak Beach
Sanur Beach

Source: http://id.wikipedia.org/

Lake Toba

2008-04-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

Lake Toba (Indonesian: Danau Toba) is a lake,100 km long and 30 km wide, located in South Sumatra, Sumatra Island, Indonesia. there is a volcano island in the midle of the lake. this lake has been the important destination for turists.

Places To Visit in Lombok

2008-04-18T00:54:00.000-07:00

Senggigi Beach
Source: http://lombokmarine.com/

The Highlights

Lombok may not be as well known as its neighbour Bali, but this might actually be an advantage, it gives you chance to enjoy its splendours up close and personally.

LOMBOK has a so much for you to see and experience. It all ranges from the deep blue seas to the unique blending of Islamic and Hindu cultures to the cool waterfalls in green mountain glens to the challenging climb up Mt. Rinjani. You can find it all here on Lombok!

Beaches
Lombok has many gorgeous beaches such as Seger Beach, Kuta beach, Tanjung A’an beaches, Mawun beaches, Mawi beach, Gerupuk Beach, Ekas Bay, Senggigi beach, Sire beach and more! Come enjoy the breathtaking crystal blue waters and untouched white sand beaches!

Mountain
Standing at the majestic 3726 m, Rinjani Mountain is the second highest peak in Indonesia. For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, this mountain is a sacred place where, at the summit, the holy Gods live. To climb such an impressive mountain is unforgettable experience.

Flora and Fauna
The fictive ”Wallace Line” which separates Asia from Australia runs north-south between the island of Bali and Lombok. From the island of Lombok eastward, land becomes drier and less fertile. Also, the flora and fauna changes from the rest of Asia. Forests in west Nusa Tenggara are found mostly in mountain areas. Large parts of the Lombok mainland are coastal wetlands, irrigated fields and other wetlands. Extensive dry land areas are found on the island of Sumbawa. Species of plants growing in West Nusa Tenggara have specific importance for the life of the people. Species of plants found in the forests are Kesambi, Bungur, Sonokeling, Mahoni (Mahogani), Teak, Kelicung, Pala, Ipil and Bamboo Tutul. The island has the flower Dysspyros macrophylla as its symbol. Wild animals found on the island include wild pigs, small deer, deer, iguanas, porcupines, turtles and many kinds of poisonous snakes. Many kinds of bird are found here including Pring, Parrots, Bering, Koak Kaok, Cucak Rawa.

The Gili Islands
Off the North West coast of Lombok, about 20 km north of Senggigi, you can find the famous trio of islands known as “THE GILIS”: GILI AIR, GILI MENO, and GILI TRAWANGAN. All have spectacular white sandy beaches, sparkling blue waters and are encircled by beautiful Coral Reefs containing very rare blue coral and thousands of species of marine life. Snorkellers and divers flock to these islands to indulge in an under water fantasy.

Off the south west coast of Lombok (Sekotong Area), about one hour drive from Mataram, the capital city of West Nusa Tenggara, you can find some other Gili Islands such Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, Gili Tangkong and Gili Gede. There are a lot of small islands in this area. All of these islands have beautiful under water marine life, clear, white sand and gorgeous beaches. They are ideal places for sunbathing, snorkeling, feeding fish and of course, peacefully relaxing!

Senggigi
Senggigi is the large bay that forms the center of Senggigi, with the main road running parrarel to the beach, and large resorts occupying the space between. The beach provides picturesque views of Bali's Agung Mountain to the west and stunning sunsets with the volacano silhouetted on the horizon.

The resort area about 10 Kilometers north of Ampenan, and about 20 minutes drive from the Lombok international Airport. Nowhere near as large or as busy as its Bali conterparts, Senggigi is a great base for exploring the rest of the island. The pace is very laid back, with activities centered around the beaches and day trips to places of interest, which are all with in ferw hours drive from the town. At night dine in the many restaurants catering to all tastest and budgets, listen the live music at the cafes or Bars or dance the night away at the night clubs.

Kuta and the South Coast Lombok
Kuta beaches on Lombok's south coast is a world away from its more famous namesake in Bali. The beaches are clean, the sand blindingly white and the turquise ocean streches as far as eye can see, in contrast to the traffic and congestion of Kuta Bali; Kuta Lombok is a laid back paradise for surfers and sun seekers.

Kuta is the main town and center of tourism development on the south coast of Lombok, a big plan on the progres this year such the international airport and the five star Hotels such the Rizt group will build shortly. Kuta area about one and half hours drive from Mataram or Senggigi,

Kuta and the surounding region has gained an international reputation for some of the beast surfing destinations in south east Asia and consiering to be the best surf spot in Asia.

Mount Rinjani
Mt. Rinjani is the second highes peak in Indonesia standing at majestic 3726 meters, part of the celebrated ”ring of fire”. The dramatic landscape has been created over a millions of years of cone-building, violent explosions, and erosion. Forested slopes rising directly from the sea create their own weather pattern and act as water – collectors for the whole Lombok.

For the people of Lombok Sasak and Balinese alike, treat this mountain as a sacred place. They consider the Gods live at the summit of the mountain. One of the large craters called Segara Anak, located at 2000 meters above the sea level is the destination of many pilgrims, who make the annual trek up the step slopes in order to place offerings to the Gods in the lake it self. This magnificent crater lake now holds a new and active volcano, Mount Baru Jari which appeared this century. On the north side of the lake is a hot spring ( one of 4 Segara Anak hot springs found here) which is said to cure disease.

A model for echo tourism in Indonesia, It is trully an unforgetable experience to climb such impressive mountain as Rinjani and the 2 trek expeditions that offered and the spectacular scenery cwere contributing factors to Tinjani National Park winning the National Geographic World Tourism Award in 2004.

Tex Source: http://www.lombokhotelandtravel.com/

"Sultan" Palace of Yogyakarta

2008-04-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

Source :http://kraton.yogya.indo.net.id/

The picture of sultan palace, taken from
http://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berkas:Jogja.kraton.jpg

"Sultan" Palace of Yogyakarta, or Indonesian people especially Javanese people call Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat is located in the center of Yogyakarta City. "Sultan" is the name of the King in Yogyakarta. The King of Yogyakarat is called Sultan Hamengkubuwono. Now the Sultan of Yogyakarta is Sultan hamengkubuwono XI. Sultan Palace was built by the King of Yogyakarta, Sultan Hamengkubuwono I in 1755. This palace is very popular for foreign tourists.

It is easy to get to this place. Tourists will not get difficulties to visit this place because everybody knows this historical site. Several kinds of transportation such as taxi, city bus, becak (traditional vehicle like pedicab), and Andong (hackney carriage) are available. Near this Sultan palace, Tourists can find Jalan malioboro (Malioboro street). This street is also very popular. Tourist can buy merchandise such as batik clothes, belt, shoes, handicrafts, and so on in this street. From Sultan palace,tourists can walk to the north to go to malioboro street.

Prambanan Temple

2008-04-15T00:21:00.000-07:00

One of the favorite place to visit for the tourists who visit Yogyakarta is Prambanan Temple. This is a very beautiful Hindu temple. This is also the bigest Hindu tempple in south east Asia.

Tanah Lot, Bali, Indonesia

2008-03-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

One of the interesting places to visit in Bali is “Tanah Lot Temple”. This place is located in the coast in the village called “Baraban” in the regency of tabanan, the western part of Bali. The temple which is on the hill makes this place more fascinating. From this place we can take photograph of sunset.

Sunset In Tanah Lot
This photo is taken from http://sasa4ever4u.multiply.com/photos/album/2/Tourism_Object

Yogyakarta, The Culture City

2008-03-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Yogyakarta has several titles such as education city, gudeg city, culture city and tourist city. It is called culture city because this city is the center of culture. This place is the special teritory province located in Java island, Indonesia. It is about 500 kilometers from Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. Yogyakarta used to be a kingdom called Yogyakarta Hadiningrat. The leader is called Sultan. Now Yogyakarta is one of provinces of Indonesia. Although its part of Indonesia, we still can find keraton (sultan palace. This Keraton is popular not only for Indonesian people but also foreigners from other countries. The kinds of high culture from Yogyakarta are Gamelan, the javanese music instrument, Wayang Kulit The puppit show performnce, Ketoprak, the stage show (popular opera), and so on.

The picture of wayang kulit

Borobudur Temple

2008-03-06T03:36:00.000-08:00

Borobudur temple is located in central java Indonesia. It is near Yogyakarta, the second most popular tourism city in Indonesia. This is the biggest Budist temple in the world. This temple was built in the 8th century by the king, Samaratungga.

Kotagede, The Silver Handicraft Center in Yogyakarta

2008-02-18T01:27:00.000-08:00

Yogyakarta is the city which becomes the second tourism destination after Bali. One of the factors which makes Yogyakarta interesting to visit for foreign tourists is that Yogyayakarta (Yogya for short) has an area called Kotagede where many kinds of the silver hadndicraft are produced and sold. Kotagede is the old town located in southeastern area of Yogyakarta. It is about ten kilometers to go to Kotagede from Malioboro Strreet (The popular street in Yogyakarta). Several kinds of transportation are available to reach this interesting place such as bus, andong (a kind of carriage), and becak (a kind of pedicab). Tourists can find the Shops and galleries of silver handicraft on both sides of Jalan Kemasan (Kemasan Street). Many kinds of silver handicraft such as ring, bracelet, pendant, and necklace are sold in the shops and galleries.

Tourism in Indonesia

2007-09-05T02:26:00.000-07:00

Indonesia is a big country in South East Asia. Indonesia consists of thousands of big and small islands. Indonesia is rich for tourism places and culture.
One of the most popular islands in Indonesia is Bali. Bali is a beautiful island located in the east of Java. It is about one hour by plane from Jakarata, the capital city of Indonesia. The other beautiful sites are Yogyakarta city, Toba lake in Sumatra, Borobudur tempel in Magelang, and so on.

Yogyakarta, The Culture City

2007-09-05T02:23:00.000-07:00