THE TROY

2000 years Before Christ, in India and Mesopotamia

Travel for trade was an important feature since the beginning of civilisation. The port at Lothal was an important centre of trade between the Indus valley civilisation and the Sumerian civilisation.

600 BC and thereafter

The earliest form of leisure tourism can be traced as far back as the Babylonian and Egyptian empires. A museum of historic antiquities was open to the public in Babylon. The Egyptians held many religious festivals that attracted the devout and many people who thronged to cities to see famous works of arts and buildings.

In India, as elsewhere, kings travelled for empire building. The Brahmins and the common people travelled for religious purposes. Thousands of Brahmins and the common folk thronged Sarnath and Sravasti to be greeted by the inscrutable smile of the Enlightened One- the Buddha.

500 BC, the Greek civilisation

The Greek tourists travelled to sites of healing gods. The Greeks also enjoyed their religious festivals that increasingly became a pursuit of pleasure, and in particular, sport. Athens had become an important site for travellers visiting the major sights such as the Parthenon. Inns were established in large towns and seaports to provide for travellers' needs. Courtesans were the principal entertainment offered.

This era also saw the birth of travel writing. Herodotus was the worlds' first travel writer. Guidebooks also made their appearance in the fourth century covering destinations such as Athens, Sparta and Troy. Advertisements in the way of signs directing people to inns are also known in this period.

The Roman Empire

With no foreign borders between England and Syria, and with safe seas from piracy due to Roman patrols, the conditions favouring travel had arrived. First class roads coupled with staging inns (precursors of modern motels) promoted the growth of travel. Romans travelled to Sicily, Greece, Rhodes, Troy and Egypt. From 300 AD travel to the Holy Land also became very popular. The Romans introduced their guidebooks (itineraria), listing hotels with symbols to identify quality.

Second homes were built by the rich near Rome, occupied primarily during springtime social season. The most fashionable resorts were found around Bay of Naples. Naples attracted the retired and the intellectuals, Cumae attracted the fashionable while Baiae attracted the down market tourist, becoming noted for its rowdiness, drunkenness and all- night singing.

Travel and Tourism were to never attain a similar status until the modern times.

In the Middle Ages

Travel became difficult and dangerous as people travelled for business or for a sense of obligation and duty.

Adventurers sought fame and fortune through travel. The Europeans tried to discover a sea route to India for trade purposes and in this fashion discovered America and explored parts of Africa. Strolling players and minstrels made their living by performing as they travelled. Missionaries, saints, etc. travelled to spread the sacred word.

Leisure travel in India was introduced by the Mughals. The Mughal kings built luxurious palaces and enchanting gardens at places of natural and scenic beauty (for example Jehangir travelled to Kashmir drawn by its beauty.

Travel for empire building and pilgrimage was a regular feature.

The Grand Tour

From the early seventeenth century, a new form of tourism was developed as a direct outcome of the Renaissance. Under the reign of Elizabeth 1, young men seeking positions at court were encouraged to travel to continent to finish their education. Later, it became customary for education of gentleman to be completed by a 'Grand Tour' accompanied by a tutor and lasting for three or more years. While ostensibly educational, the pleasure seeking men travelled to enjoy life and culture of Paris, Venice or Florence. By the end of eighteenth century, the custom had become institutionalised in the gentry. Gradually pleasure travel displaced educational travel. The advent of Napoleonic wars inhibited travel for around 30 years and led to the decline of the custom of the Grand Tour.

The development of the spas

The spas grew in popularity in the seventeenth century in Britain and a little later in the European Continent as awareness about the therapeutic qualities of mineral water increased. Taking the cure in the spa rapidly acquired the nature of a status symbol. The resorts changed in character as pleasure became the motivation of visits. They became an important centre of social life for the high society.

In the nineteenth century they were gradually replaced by the seaside resort.

The sun, sand and sea resorts

The sea water became associated with health benefits. The earliest visitors therefore drank it and did not bathe in it. By the early eighteenth century, small fishing resorts sprung up in England for visitors who drank and immersed themselves in sea water. With the overcrowding of inland spas, the new sea side resorts grew in popularity. The introduction of steamboat services in 19th century introduced more resorts in the circuit. The seaside resort gradually became a social meeting point

Role of the industrial revolution in promoting travel in the west

The rapid urbanisation due to industrialisation led to mass immigration in cities. These people were lured into travel to escape their environment to places of natural beauty, often to the countryside they had come from change of routine from a physically and psychologically stressful jobs to a leisurely pace in countryside.

Highlights of travel in the nineteenth century

· Advent of railway initially catalysed business travel and later leisure travel. Gradually special trains were chartered to only take leisure travel to their destinations.

· Package tours organised by entrepreneurs such as Thomas Cook.

· The European countries indulged in a lot of business travel often to their colonies to buy raw material and sell finished goods.

· The invention of photography acted as a status-enhancing tool and promoted overseas travel.

· The formation of first hotel chains; pioneered by the railway companies who established great railway terminus hotels.

· Seaside resorts began to develop different images as for day-trippers, elite, for gambling.

· Other types of destinations-ski resorts, hill stations, mountaineering spots etc.

· The technological development in steamships promoted travel between North America and Europe.

· The Suez Canal opened direct sea routes to India and the Far East.

· The cult of the guidebook followed the development of photography.

Tourism in the Twentieth Century

The First World War gave first hand experience of countries and aroused a sense of curiosity about international travel among less well off sector for the first time. The large scale of migration to the US meant a lot of travel across the Atlantic. Private motoring began to encourage domestic travel in Europe and the west. The sea side resort became annual family holiday destination in Britain and increased in popularity in other countries of the west. Hotels proliferated in these destinations.

The birth of air travel and after

The wars increased interest in international travel. This interest was given the shape of mass tourism by the aviation industry. The surplus of aircrafts and growth of private airlines aided the expansion of air travel. The aircraft had become comfortable, faster and steadily cheaper for overseas travel. With the introduction of Boeing 707 jet in 1958, the age of air travel for the masses had arrived. The beginning of chartered flights boosted the package tour market and led to the establishment of organised mass tourism. The Boeing 747, a 400 seat craft, brought the cost of travel down sharply. The seaside resorts in the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Caribbean were the initial hot spots of mass tourism.

A corresponding growth in hotel industry led to the establishment of world-wide chains. Tourism also began to diversify as people began to flock alternative destinations in the 70s. Nepal and India received a throng of tourists lured by Hare Krishna movement and transcendental meditation. The beginning of individual travel in a significant volume only occurred in the 80s. Air travel also led to a continuous growth in business travel especially with the emergence of the MNCs.

Top TourisTt Attractions In Rome

Rome is the best tourist destination in Italy with lot of best attractions. In Roma you can find some ancient memorials, Renaissance and medieval constructions and fountains, and big museums. The capital of contemporary Italy is Rome and features several good cafes and restaurants, fine nightlife, and lively squares and streets. Even though it is the big city, the historic center is somewhat small. This Rome travel guide provides complete travel information tips and advice.

Location of Rome:

It is located in the Central Italy on the west, shortly from the seashore. Civitavecchia is the main port of Modern Rome, where the cruise liners docks to travel to the Italian capital.

How to reach Rome?

The good way to reach Rome is by train. Stazione Termini is the main station which is very near to Rome's historic center. There are also many remote stations. You can also reach Termini by coach. The main international airport of Rome is Fiumicino and visitants from US frequently get here. From the airport take a train to reach Rome because you should avoid driving into Rome.

Rome's public transport:

Rome has the far-reaching metro system and coach therefore you could go almost anyplace easily on the public transport. If you going to move in crowded metro autos aware of pickpockets. If you plan to use public transport then there is some fine transport map of Rome which is worth purchasing. Search for them in newspaper stands, tourist offices or souvenir stores. If you decide to take a cab in Roma, ask for the charges before you enter to avoid being overcharged.

Rome's weather condition:

Rome could be hot sometimes particularly in summer but it always has a Mediterranean climate. Romans usually have a word, ottobrata, for such sunny, bright, days in Rome. The best time to visit Rome is Apr and May, or Late Sept through Oct.

The third largest city in the USA, Chicago is situated in the state of Illinois on the south west shore of Lake Michigan. It is known as the "Windy City" although the origins of this title have been disputed and are still subject to debate. Possible explanations offered relate to the weather, politicians, and a derogatory title bestowed by traditional city rivals Cincinnati. Early newspaper reports from that city refer to Chicago as the 'Windy City'; Chicago newspapers in turn referred to Cincinnati as 'Porkopolis'.

Chicago now boasts one of the highest skylines in the USA. It is dominated by the USA's tallest building - The Sears Tower - and also contains a further two of the top five highest buildings in the USA. Indeed, the world's first skyscraper was built in the city in 1885, during a massive rebuilding program following the disastrous fire of 1871 which wiped out a third of the town.

Passionate about its history and architecture, Chicago offers over 80 city tours per day to visitors, accessible by bus, river boat or on foot. Although the wealth of culture, shopping, sporting events, museums and interesting buildings is all well documented, the city also boasts its own unique cuisine.

One dish in particular - the Chicago Deep dish Pizza pie - has been cooked in the city since 1943; a basic dish with a buttery crust, cheese and chunky tomato sauce served in a deep dish. However, unlike a normal pizza the deep dish variety is eaten with a knife and fork as it can't easily be picked due to its gooey consistency.

Deep dish pizza is to Chicago what chilli is to Cincinnati, and has an interesting history. Invented by University of Texas football star Ike Sewell, he launched it on an unsuspecting public when he opened a pizzeria in the city of Chicago called Uno. But, his unique pizza pie proved so popular he soon opened a second establishment, a grill and bar called Duo, in order to cope with demand.

The Angkor Wat Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cambodia. People from around the world travel to this temple to view this temple in Ankor Wat in all of the glory it presents. The temple is truly a look into the wondrous history of this nation's past. The temple was first built in the 12th century as the primary temple for the legendary king Suryavarman II. Many of the temples that have been built during this era have been destroyed thanks to the ravages of time. This is one of the few perfectly preserved temples that still remain in the modern day. The Angkor Wat Temple is not a temple that reflects only one religion. It represents the universal benefits of all religions and its inclusiveness has become a nation symbol. This is why the temple of Ankor Wat appears on the nation's national flag.

The origin of the temple was to honor the Khmer cosmos' caretaker Vishu. The Angkor Wat Temple was first intended as a means of symbolizing the center of the universe. Again, this is somewhat ironic since most travelers will visit from all around the world to see the temple. In a way, this makes it the center of Cambodia's sightseeing universe or sorts. Actually, it is more than just a sightseeing stop as it is also a stunning example of the artistry that has gone into the architecture of its creation. The minute one sees this temple for the first time, the sheer brilliance of its visual imagery becomes overwhelming.

This is most evident in the exterior of the Angkor Wat Temple. The temple is surrounded by a walled structure which itself is surrounded by a moat. This may sound like a medieval castle but the look is far more inviting and invigorating as opposed to ominous. Once you do enter the interior of the temple, you will see a series of ponds, galleries, and chapels. The latter chapels are still intended as homages to Vishu. Again, these structures are all unique in their look and design and still look as stunning today as they were when first built. This is thanks in great part to the tremendous work done to make sure it has been properly maintained.

One of the most unique aspects of the Angkor Wat Temple is the King's throne. Of course, if it was not for King Suryavarman II the entire temple would not exist. While there are many varied examples of items that honor the king to be found in the temple, it is the throne that can be considered one of the most impressive. It truly captures the essence of the leader in a brilliant manner. As such, the continued presence of his legendary throne is quite appropriate. It is also something that is very interesting to examine as well which is another plus to visiting the temple.

There is so much unique to see at the temple of Angkor Wat that it may not even be possible to do so in one visit. This is fine as the temple is open throughout the year and making two trips on your same visit will provide double the rewarding experience. Again, this is one of the most unique tourist attractions in Cambodia and the entire world. As such, visiting the temple is highly advised for any traveler to the land.

Angkor Wat: One of the Wonders of World

Authors, photographers and painters have described Angkor Wat to the fullest of their imagination as architecturally and artistically breathtaking. It has been said to represent microcosm of the Hindu universe with its five peaks symbolising Mount Meru - the house of the gods and the divines. To the King himself, Angkor Wat represents power and divinity.

Century of temple construction starting from the early 6th century brick temple of Sambor Prei Kuk in Kompong Thom to the oldest temple mountain Ak Yum in the Angkor area in the late 8th century and to the 9th century Lolei at Rolous plus many more temples and centuries later, Suryavarman II in the 12th century had perfected the art of temple construction with his show piece of Angkor - the sheer size and the balance of time and space plus its unrivaled beauty. The architecture of Angkor Wat has been said to reach its peak of classical Khmer construction.

Angkor Wat is a three-tiers galleries styled pyramid having quincunx towers with its central tower raised 65 meters above ground. Unlike other mountain temples it was constructed from man made mountain. It was a city temple with the royal palace and city within its wall-all made from perishable materials. The temple precinct surrounded by a moat and exterior wall measuring 1300 meters by 1500 meters with the large causeway 12 meters in width leading from western side 250 meters across the moat and follow by another causeway 350 meters long and 10 meters in width to Angkor proper.

Highlights/Facts:

- It was never really forgotten, it was turned into a Buddhist monastery and continues to be a place of worship. Capuchin friar Antonio da Magdaena visited Angkor Wat between 1558 and 1585.
- The oldest map of Angkor Wat was drawn between 1623 and 1636 by Japanese pilgrim.
- French missionary, Charles Emile Bouillevaux stayed at Angkor for two day in 1850.
- Henri Mouhot rediscovered Angkor Wat in 1858 and his letters and notebooks were published, followed by his book in 1863.
- A representation of microcosm of the Hindu universe with its five peaks symbolising Mount Meru, which associated with facing west.
- Its original name was Prasat Paramavishnuloka, the 16th century inscription name was Preah Mohanokor Indrabrat Preah Vishnuloka and in a 17th century inscription the name was Indrabratnokor Sreisodhara.
- Khmer living in the area called it Angkor Toch (small Angkor) and it was also called as it refers to this Buddhist holy place.
- The Khmers attribute the building of Angkor Wat to the divine architect Visakarman.
- Built by King Suryavarman II and took thirty-seven year to complete. •The European authors decided on a common name of Angkor Wat.

Features:

•The largest religious structure in the World.
•From west gopura between the outer gallery and the second enclosure, a cruciform cloister known as Preah Poan (the "Hall of a Thousand Buddhas) and between the cloisters are four small court yards which may have been filled with water.
•On the wall of the third gallery hall there are 600 meters of bas-relief 2 meters high with the scenes from:

1.Battle of Kurukshetra
2.Epic Ream Ke
3.Army of King Suryavarman II
4.Heavens and Hell (37 Heavens and 32 Hells)
5.Churning of the Ocean Milk (92 Asuras and 88 Devas holding onto the serpent Vasuki with Vishnu in control in the middle)
6.Victory of Vishnu over the Asuras 7.Victory of Krishna over Bana 8.Battle of Deva abd Asuras 9.Battle of Lanka

•Within the 115 meters and 100 meters of the second level-enclosure, there may have been originally flooded to represent the ocean around Mount Meru.

Legend/Myth/Alternative:

• The Angkor complex placement was of a terrestrial principal - the mirrors of the stars in the constellation of Draco at the spring equinox in 10,500BC.
•The legend of Ket Mealea.

Inilah Khasiat Kaki/Ceker Ayam

ORANG Indonesia boleh dibilang kenyang makan ceker ayam atau kaki ayam. Bayangkan, sejak bayi boleh mencicipi nasi tim, kaki ayam sudah jadi hidangan favorit sehari-hari. Setelah bayi belajar jalan, makin rajin orangtua kita memasok kaki ayam pada sajian nasi timnya. Konon, kaki bayi bisa bertambah kuat kalau sering diberi kaki ayam.

Sebagian pakar sering protes dengan pendapat ini. Alasannya, bagian ayam yang bergizi tentulah dagingnya. Sementara kaki ayam, jelas-jelas tanpa daging. Kalaupun ada bagian kulitnya yang agak tebal, pasti tidak ikut dimakan oleh si bayi. Menanggapi pendapat mereka, para orangtua tidak serta-merta mundur. Kaki ayam tetap saja diikutsertakan dalam membuat nasi tim bagi bayi-bayi mereka.

”Ya sudahlah kalau tidak ada gizinya. Paling tidak kita bisa memanfaatkan rasa gurihnya. Toh dulu-dulu juga kita bisa sehat begini, kan antara lain karena kaki ayam,” kata seorang ibu yang jelas-jelas emoh meninggalkan kebiasaan yang sudah turun-temurun itu.

Kaki ayam memang berasa gurih, hingga orang dewasa pun banyak yang hobi makan kaki ayam. Entah kaki ayam yang dimasak ala dimsum atau kaki ayam yang dijadikan keripik bergengsi yang harganya luar biasa melambung.

Lantas, betulkah kaki ayam sama sekali tidak bermanfaat? Atau betulkah kaki ayam bisa menguatkan kaki dan otot bayi hingga lebih cepat berdiri kokoh lalu berjalan? Mari kita lihat apa saja yang terkandung dalam kaki ayam itu.

Di dalam kaki ayam terdapat kulit, otot, tulang, dan kolagen. Kolagen adalah sejenis protein jaringan ikat yang bening kekuning-kuningan. Kalau terkena panas, kolagen akan mencair menjadi cairan yang agak kental seperti lem. Nah, susunan utama pada ceker ayam adalah asam amino, yakni komponen dasar protein. Di dalam asam amino itu antara lain terdapat glisin-prolin, hidroksiprolin-agrinin-glisin.

Kaki ayam juga mengandung zat kapur dan sejumlah mineral. Dengan begitu, memang masuk akal juga kalau para orangtua tetap bertahan untuk menyuguhkan kaki ayam bagi anak-anak mereka. Sebab, jenis asam amino prolin dan hidroksiprolin serta zat kapur jelas-jelas dibutuhkan dalam pertumbuhan anak.

Betul memang kaki ayam tidak berdaging, tapi seperti diuraikan di atas, saat terkena panas, kolagen yang terkandung di dalam kaki ayam akan segera mengalir dan bergabung dengan nasi tim. Nah, kolagen inilah yang kita manfaatkan, bukan dagingnya.

Memang untuk mendapatkan gizi yang cukup, anak tidak hanya perlu mendapat kaki ayam, tapi juga tentu dagingnya. Meski begitu, kebiasaan memberi anak makan kaki ayam tetap tak perlu ditinggalkan. Fungsi kolagen bukan cuma untuk pertumbuhan anak. Orang yang menderita rematik pun amat dianjurkan sering-sering makan kaki ayam. Kenapa begitu? Karena protein kolagen ayam memiliki antigen yang bersifat imunogenik.

Ceritanya, di dalam tubuh kita terdapat dua macam antigen, yakni antigen asing dan antigen diri. Setiap antigen bisa bersifat antigenik dan imunogenik. Antigen yang antigenik dapat berikatan dengan antibodi, meski tidak bisa merangsang tubuh membentuk antibodi terhadap antigen. Sementara antigen yang imunogenik juga berikatan dengan antibodi spesifik, tapi bisa pula menghasilkan antibodi spesifik terhadap antigen. Nah, antibodi terhadap antigen inilah yang perlu dirangsang bagi penderita rematik.

Tentu hubungan sang antigen tadi dengan penyakit rematik punya uraian ilmiah yang panjang sekali, yang agak sulit kita pahami sebagai orang awam. Yang jelas, makan kaki ayam secara rutin mulai dianjurkan bagi penderita rematik.

Betapapun hebatnya peran si kaki ayam, tentu kalau cuma ditim atau direbus belaka, Anda enggan menyantapnya bukan? Apalagi kalau dihidangkan setiap hari. Begitu juga dengan nasi tim si kecil. Jangan coba-coba cuma menghadirkan nasi tim dengan kaki ayam yang itu-itu saja dari hari ke hari. Bisa-bisa si kecil kelak tidak doyan makanan lain atau malah tidak mau makan.

Nasi tim tentu bisa kita buat bervariasi dengan menambahkan bahan lain secara berganti-ganti. Kaki ayam untuk pengobatan ini pun bisa kita olah jadi hidangan lezat yang variatif. Yang jelas, olahlah kaki ayam dengan cara direbus atau ditim, bukan digoreng. Kaki ayam yang digoreng sudah rusak struktur protein kolagennya akibat suhu yang tinggi. Perebusan dan pengetiman tidak boleh lebih dari 100 derajat Celsius agar tak merusak protein si kaki ayam. Meski hanya boleh direbus dan ditim,sebetulnya kaki ayam bisa dibuat menjadi berbagai jenis hidangan.

- Ceker Ayam Dapat Mencegah Osteoporosis

Osteopprpsis atau keropos tulang adalah penyakit tulang rapuh, mudah retak dan patah. Keropos tulang biasanya tidak menimbulkan gejala, prosesnya berlangsung tanpa disadari. Biasanya baru disadari saat terjadi tulang patah akibat jatuh, tarikat yang kuat,atau timbulnya rasa sakit yang hebat karena tulang retak atau patah. Tulang yang paling sering/rentan patah adalah pergelangan tangan, tulang belakang dan tulang pinggang.
Kendati osteoporosis itu degeratif dan normalnya barumuncul setelah orang berusia diatas 45 tahun, tetapi penyakit ini bisa menyerang kaum muda yang gaya hidupnya cenderung tak sehat, seperti kebiasaan merokok, malas berolah raga, minum kopi dalam dosis berlebihan dan juga mengkonsumsi minuman keras.
Selama ini banyak orang mengetahui Kalsium adalah obat dari penyakit satu ini. Padahal kalsium hanya memperkuat tulang bagian luar saja, sedangkan yang penting kita nutrisi adalah tulang bagian dalam. Dimana tulang bagian dalam akan menghasilkan zat yang bernama Zat Hydroxyapatite yang nantinya akan memperkuat tulang bagian luar. Adapun zat ini berkomponen sama dengan tulang dan lapisan keras mamalia.
Hydroxyapatite adalah makanan untuk tulang yang berasal dari tulang binatang. Secara logika, memang makanan yang tepat utuk tulang adalah tulang. Nah, salah satu makanan yang banyak mengandung zat ini adalah kaki ayam atau ceker.

Tanpa disadari ceker ayam banyak mengandung protein yang terdapat pada kulit, otot, tulang dan kolagen. Ceker ayam juga mengandung zat kapur dan sejumlah mineral. Kalsium memang mempunyai andil besar membangun dan mempertahankan kekuatan tulang, termasuk membantu mengatur detak jantung, pertumbuhan otot, dan mencegah pengumpatan darah. Selain itu, tubuh juga akan mencari cadangan kalsium yang dibutuhkan tulang. Hal inilah yang menyebabkan tulang kehilangan kepadatan dan kekuatannya, sehingga mudah retak bahkan patah.

Lalu bagaimana ceker ayam bisa berpengaruh pada penyakit osteoporosis? Dalam tubuh kita terdapat dua macam antigen (antigen asing dan antigen diri). Tiap antigen bersifat antigenic dan immunogenic. Antigen antigenic dapat berikatan antibody, meski tidak secara langsung merangsang tubuh membentuk antibody terhadap antigen. Sementara antigen immunogenic mampu menghasilkan antibody spesifik terhadap antigen.
Antigen terhadap antigen immunogenic inilah yang perlu dirangsang untuk mencagah keroposnya tulang. Dan antigen immunogenic dapat ditemukan dalam kolagen yang terdapat pada ceker ayam. Jadi tunggu apa lagi….mari kita santap ceker ayam. Yuuuukk….



*Sumber: zenwid.blogspot.com

Abu Simbel Hotels Near Lake Nasser

It is an archaeological site that comprises of 2 massive rock temples located in Nubia, Southern Egypt. It is by the western banks of Lake Nasser, approximately 290 kilometers southwest of Aswan. It is now called the Nubian Monuments" and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, running from Abu Simbel down to Philae.

During the time of Pharaoh Ramesses II, twin temples were carved from the mountainside to serve as a lasting monument of Nefertari, his queen and himself. It also serves as a reminder of their victory during the Battle of Kadesh. However, in the 1960s, this complex was relocated and placed on an artificial hill from a domed structure over the reservoir of the Aswan High Dam. These temples were relocated to save it from submersion at the time they created Lake Nasser.

Lake Nasser is a massive artificial water reservoir which they formed after the Nile River's Aswan High Dam. With these, It continues to rank amongst the top tourist attractions of Egypt.

Abu Simbel Attractions and Activities
There are 2 main temples in Abu Simbel - the Temple of Hathor and the Great Temple of Ramesses II. These temples showcased various internal stone carvings. For the Great Temple, it took them 24 years to build it. At its current location, it had graffiti on some of its parts already. You'll see these among Ramesses II's 4 giant statues.

To see how the fake mountain dome was constructed, you can just follow the pathway inside. Since the time for visiting Abu Simbel is limited - even the time to read the stone carvings will be limited - so, read more about these temples before going there.

It's also a long journey to reach this archaeological site. Just bring enough beverages and snacks with you.

Abu Simbel Hotels
Here are some 4-star accommodations in Abu Simbel:

Nefertari Hotel Abu Simbel - This hotel offers comfortable accommodations and quality services to travelers. It is situated along Antonion Ayouyo Street near T Lake Nasser. The city center is merely 2 kilometers away and the Abu Simbel Airport is merely 3 kilometers away.

The rooms in this hotel showcase a typical Egyptian style. Aside from magnificent lake views, these rooms have modern amenities like color TVs, air conditioners, Internet access, in-room safes, hair dryers and private bathrooms. The hotel also features an onsite restaurant serving international and local cuisines. The hotel also has a cafe with beverages and light snacks.

Other facilities of the hotel include a reception desk, concierge services, lounge/bar, laundry services, parking facilities and room services. The nightly rate for this hotel ranges from $176 to $280.

Seti Hotel Abu Simbel - This 4-star accommodation offers travelers with moderately luxurious accommodations. It is the only hotel situated by the Grand Temple of Ramses foot. It is the best place to stay if you want to be near the twin statues of Queen Nefertari and the pharaoh.

The hotel has 138 cozy rooms and suites on 2 levels featured in Nubian-style, offering spectacular views of the lake, magnificent gardens and flowing waterfalls. They also have the Layalina Cafe, Toshka Restaurant, a pool bar, ice cream corner and a Fish Restaurant. They provide high quality boardroom executive services and conference rooms as well as individual meeting rooms. Take time to relax in the swimming pool which also overlooks Desert Mountains and Lake Nasser.

Abu Simbel Airport is only 4 kilometers away while the city center is merely 2 kilometers away. Other amenities and facilities of the hotel include a mini bar, telephone, safe, private bathroom with ensuite, color TV and air conditioner as well as a tennis court, lobby and many more.

6 Misteri Alam Yang Sampai Sekarang Tak Terjawab

Kemajuan ilmu pengetahuan dan sains belum mampu menjawab semua pertanyaan di dunia, apalagi alam semesta. Sejumlah fenomena belum bisa dijelaskan secara nalar. Seperti dimuat situs CNN, ilmuwan hingga saat ini belum bisa menjelaskan enam fenomena misterius, termasuk, bagaimana bisa Masjid Baiturrahim di Aceh bisa selamat dari musibah tsunami dahsyat 2004, sementara di sekitarnya porak poranda diterjang gelombang.

Berikut enam fenomena yang belum terpecahkan dan masih jadi pertanyaan besar:

1. Stigmata Padre Pio

Pada tahun 1918, seorang pastor muda yang sedang berlutut mendapati darah mengucur di tangan, samping tubuh, dan kakinya. Sebagian orang yakin luka yang ia derita adalah stigmata tanda ia tersentuh penderitaan Yesus di atas kayu salib. Sementara, beberapa lainnya beranggapan, ia melukai dirinya sendiri.

Meski dipermalukan dengan kontroversi itu, Padre Pio memutuskan meneruskan pekerjaannya, hingga ia mendapat reputasi sebagai penyembuh. Ia ditasbihkan menjadi Santo pada 2002. Saat upacara kanonisasinya di Vatikan, 300 ribu orang rela menerjang cuaca menyengat dan hadir untuk menghormatinya.

2. Fenomena susu ajaib Hindu

Pada 21 September 1995, seorang peziarah kuil New Delhi memberikan sesendok susu ke patung Ganesha, Dewa berkepala Gajah. Yang mengherankan, Sang Ganesha seakan menghisap susu itu. Para ilmuwan berpendapat bahwa daya kapiler menyebabkan susu menyebar ke permukaan patung. Namun, dalam beberapa jam kemudian, sejumlah kuil Hindu dari Bangladesh hingga Canada melaporkan hal serupa: bahwa Dewa telah meminum susu persembahan mereka.

3. Keajaiban Masjid Baiturrahim

Ketika tsunami 2004 menerjang Banda Aceh, hampir semua bangunan di sekitar Masjid Baiturrahim rata. Gelombang tinggi juga menyapu masjid tersebut. Namun, menara masjid berusia 123 tahun dan kubahnya tetap kokoh. Umat muslim menganggapnya sebagai mukjizat, bahwa rumah Allah diselamatkan dari gelombang ganas tsunami.

4. Bagaimana asal-usul alam semesta

Dalam 80 tahun terakhir para ilmuwan berbaris di belakang Teori Big Bang yang muncul setelah Edwin Hubble pada 1929 menemukan miliaran galaksi di alam semesta adalah tidak menetap di tempatnya, melainkan bergerak menjauh satu sama lain.

Belakangan ilmuwan Stephen Hawking mengeluarkan teori kontroversial, bahwa Tuhan tidak ada hubungannya dengan penciptaan alam semesta. Kata dia, karena ada hukum seperti gravitasi, alam semesta bisa dan akan mencipta dirinya sendiri. Dan, hingga kini, tak satupun dari kita bisa memastikan bagaimana alam semesta tercipta.

5. Benarkah alien ada

Pernyataan bahwa, hanya penganut teori konspirasi yang percaya ada mahluk luar angkasa (ET), tidak sepenuhnya benar. Demikian pendapat Frank Wilczek, fisikawan pemenang Nobel di MIT.

Merujuk pada penemuan planet ekstrasolar, di luar tata surya kita yang serupa dengan Bumi, ia berpendapat, “Jika harus menebak, aku akan mengatakan ada ribuan, mungkin jutaan, mungkin milyaran planet di galaksi dengan beberapa bentuk kehidupan, dan mungkin ratusan atau ribuan yang memiliki mahluk cerdas seperti Bumi.”

6. Berapa jumlah spesies di Bumi

Mungkin ada tiga juta, atau mungkin ada 100 juta. Para ilmuwan sepakat, jumlahnya lebih banyak dari angka 1,9 juta spesies Bumi yang sudah punya nama (sepertiga dari semua spesies di Bumi mungkin adalah kumbang tropis). Salah satu alasan mengapa kita belum bisa mendapatkan hitungan akurat adalah bahwa sebagian besar dari makhluk di dunia amat sangat kecil. Dengan api teknologi baru, seperti sekuensing DNA akan memudahkan kita menemukan harta karun keanekaragaman planet kita



*sumber: klikunik.com

GREAT WOLL OF CHINA

"He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man" Mao Zedong. You are on the right page of the Great Wall Tour & Guide around and beyond Beijing. Hiking the Great Wall is a must-do activity for every first time and even regular visitor in Beijing China.

The Wall is not an “it” as you think. It is a “them”, walls in the plural, and they do not form a continuous line. They are in bits built in different dynasties. Most of the sections (bits) of Great Wall in Beijing are well-preserved, mainly the remains from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) - an era of huge construction. The wall goes across the northern part of Beijing for hundreds of kilometers with various passes and towers. The main sections include Badaling Great Wall, Ruined Badaling Great Wall, Juyongguan Great Wall, Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Jiankou Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall, Gubeikou Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall, and Simatai Great Wall.

Of the nine sections, eight sections are officially open to the public - Badaling, Ruined Badaling, Juyongguan, Huanghuacheng, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, Simatai and Gubeikou Great Wall with more than 100 kilometers renovated and well preserved. All the seven sections of the Great Wall in Beijing have their own unique features. You may choose any of the seven sections of the Great Wall or combined for hiking. The wild secctions of Jiankou Great Wall is not recommended for ordinary travelers due to security reason.

In addition to the Great Wall Tours in Beijing, TBTS also organizes several Great Wall excursions beyond Beijing: the Old Dragon's Head by the Sea (the eastern starting point of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall), Jiaoshan Great Wall, Huangyaguan Great Wall and Jiayuguan Pass ( the first pass at the west end of the Great Wall ).

If the information on this Great Wall tour page fails to meet your special request, please kindly contact us. We are happy to offer you a handmade Great Wall Tour.

Beijing Great Wall Tourist Map
Downtown Beijing - Juyongguan (60km), - Badaling (80km), - Ruined Badaling (90km), - Huanghuacheng (85km), - Jiankou (90km), - Mutianyu (85km), - Simatai (140km), - Jinshanling (160km), - Gubeikou (150km)


Remark: Simatai Great Wall has been closed since June 17, 2010 The opening date is unknown. For Jinshanling - Simatai Great Wall hike, you will turn round at the middle way back to Jinshanling.

KOMODO DRAGON

A warmest greeting from Komodo Flores island Tour & Travel Assistance. We're delighted in welcoming you to visit our Tours to Komodo Island and travel to Flores, also others travel destination of Indonesia

Komodo Diving special promoted Diving and Tour in Komodo Island complete information about Komodo Dragons and it's wildlife, Tours, Trekking, Snorkeling and Diving Sites and also about Our Diving Live aboard that we operated only in Komodo and Sangeang marine reserve of Western part of Flores Island Indonesia.

	KOMODO DIVING 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS Morning Flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo. Uppon arrive,Our Local represen - tative will welcoming you,then transfer to the harbour and sail to Rinca by motorized wooden boat, while sailing,Lunch will be provided
	KOMODO DIVING SAFARI 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS On this 3 days safari dive,we would like to make your dream coming true. The komodo island and surrounding are the best dive site for eastern of Indonesia.it has welknown for all the dive master of Indonesia,even the The diver master from over the world. Caused it’s beautyfull,this place Could be a wonderfull and unbelieveable dive trip during visiting the - Indonesian archipelago
	KOMODO DIVING 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS Pick up service at the hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport leaving for Labuan Bajo / The western part of Flores . Upon arrival in Labuan Bajo, our local staff will pick you up and transfer to the harbou r, on Board cross to Komodo island by a Motorized Wooden Boat. On arrival, Begin the diving activities in Pantai Merah or the area close by. Dinner and overnight on boat.
	KOMODO DIVING 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS Pick up service at the hotel in Bali , Then transfer to the airport leaving for Labuan Bajo / The Wetern Part of Flores. . Upon arrival in Labuan Bajo, our local staff will pick you up and transfer to the harbour , on Board cross to Komodo island. On your arrival, Begin the diving activities in Pantai Merah or the Near By Area. Dinner and overnight on boat.
	KOMODO LIVEABOARD 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS Start From Labuan Bajo , 08.00 Am, Sail to Batu Bolong for your First Dive.Dive Point : Wall, Canyon, Huge Napoleon Wrase and many other Things There. Second dive in small Tatawa : high light : little cave where you can find pigmySea Horse and other fishes and colourful of coral .The last dive in big Tatawa there is drift dive , Highlight : colourful of soft coral ,Turttle island other small things
	DELUXE KOMODO CRUISE 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS Boarding the vessel in Benoa Harbour – Bali. Departure at 09.00 Am. Lunch will be served as we pass by the eastern part of Bali.After sailing Out of Lombok strait, the boat then settle on an easterly course. Enjoy the beautyfull sunset as we pass the Gili Islands, the northen coast Of Lombok.

10 Hewan Dengan Teknik Membunuh Paling Brutal

1. Komodo

-Teknik membunuh: Dengan cepat menyergap mangsanya dengan sebuah gigitan yang beracun.

Hewan agresif yang satu ini sangatlah mematikan dengan panjang 9 kaki dan berat 150 pon, satu gigitan dari komodo mengandung 57 macam bakteri, hewan ini dapat mengejar mangsa mereka dengan kecepatan 11 mph.

2. Elang emas

-Teknik membunuh: Membunuh dari atas

Beruang dan Serigala mungkin sangat menakutkan, tapi apa yang membuat beruang dan serigala ketakutan?jawabannya adalah Elang emas. Di beberapa bagian dunia, orang melatih burung ini untuk memburu Rusa dan Serigala, ada laporan bahwa Elang emas mengejar Beruang bahkan melewati teritori mereka.

3. Ubur-Ubur kotak

-Teknik membunuh: Menyengat dengan 60 tentakel yang memiliki panjang 15 kaki dan dengan 500000 sel beracun pada setiap tentakel yang cukup untuk membunuh 60 manusia.

Ubur-ubur yang satu ini sangatlah berbeda dari ubur-ubur pada umumnya, ubur-ubru ini menyerang korbannya dengan jarum berbentuk harpoon yang beracun, racunnya sangatlah kompleks dan kuat, racunnya langsung menyerang jantung dan sistem saraf. Ubur-ubru biasanya hanya menunggu mangsanya untuk datang, namun ubur-ubur yang satu ini dengan aktifnya mencari mangsanya.

4. Ular Black Mamba

-Teknik membunuh: Menyerang korbannya secara berulang kali dengan bisanya.

Mamba merupakan ular terpanjang di Afrika, dengan panjang sekitar 14 kaki, Mamba juga merupakan ular tercepat di daratan dengan kecepatan 14 mph, sekali gigitannya dapat membunuh manusia hanya dalam 20 menit.

5. Saltwater Crocodile

-Teknik membunuh: Menunggu sampai korbannya mendekati air kemudian dengan cepatnya menyerang mangsanya dengan mulut yang besar.

Bersama dengan buaya nil, hewan ini menyebabkan luka yang lebih fatal daripada predator lainnya. Dikenal dengan julukan death roll, teknik berburu hewan yang satu ini adalah dengan menggigit kemudian berputar sekuat mungkin

6. Paus Pembunuh

-Teknik membunuh: Dengan sengaja mendamparkan diri di pantai untuk menjangkau mangsa mereka yang ada di pinggir pantai.

Mungkin paus-paus yang lain tidak akan mau terdampar di pantai, namun paus yang satu ini sangat berbeda, mereka dengan sengajanya mendamparkan diri mereka di lepas pantai, ini berarti menginjak daratan bukan berarti anda akan selamat dari serangan paus ini.

7. Red Bellied Piranha

-Teknik membunuh: Memburu secara berkelompok, dan dengan membabi buta menyerang mangsanya dengan giginya yang tajam.

Piranha amazon yang satu ini mendapatkan reputasi sebagai salah satu hewan terganas, bukan tanpa alasan, sekali mereka mencium bau hewan ataupun manusia, dengan bergerombol mereka menuju ke mangsa mereka tersebut dan menghabisi mangsanya hanya dengan hitungan menit. Hewan yang satu ini dapat tumbuh sampai 13 inchi.

8. Anaconda

-Teknik membunuh: Dengan cara membelit mangsanya.

Mungkin hewan yang satu ini memiliki teknik yang berbeda dari hewan-hewan yang telah disebutkan diatas, hewan yang satu ini tidaklah membunuh dengan cara menggigit, meracuni, menusuk dan sebagainya seperti yang dilakukan hewan diatas, namun hewan ini membunuh dengan cara memeras anda, apabali anda berusaha untuk melawan maka lilitannya pun akan lebih ketat, dan sepanjang waktu matanya yang dingin pun akan melihati anda dan menunggu anda sampai anda pun mati dan kemudian sang Anaconda pun akan memakan anda.

9. Hiu putih

-Teknik membunuh: Dengan kecepatannya, kelincahannya, dan giginya yang tajam.

Hiu putih dapat tumbuh hingga 20 kaki panjangnya, dan memiliki berat sampai 5000 pon. yang dibutuhkan hewan ini hanyalah sebuah gigitan untuk membunuh.

10. Tarantula

-Teknik membunuh: Dengan cara menghantam mangsa mereka dengan taringnya.

Laba-laba berbulu ini dapat tumbuh hingga mencapai panjang 5 inchi dan dengan kaki yang dapat mencapai 12 inchi. ini berarti apabila anda adalah seekor serangga maka Tarantula adalah seekor gajah.



*Sumber: www.kaskus.us/showthread.php?t=6764726

Prestasi Indonesia yang Tercatat di Guinness World Records

1. Dominic Brian

Bocah 12 tahun asal Kuta, Bali mencatatkan namanya dalam buku rekor dunia Guinness World Records setelah berhasil menunjukkan kemampuannya mengingat 76 deret angka hanya dalam 60 detik.

Anak dari Gidion Hindartho itu masuk dalam buku catatan rekor dunia yang diterbitkan perusahaan bir hitam Guinness, setelah menunjukkan kemampuannya pada acara pemecahan rekor yang dilaksanakan di taman satwa Bali Zoo Park di Gianyar, Bali, 15 Agustus 2009.

Dominic Brian mengaku hanya perlu waktu dua bulan untuk berlatih mengingat deret angka dalam waktu cepat, walaupun dalam satu hari hanya berlatih tiga kali. Dia menyatakan akan terus berlatih mengingat deret angka, guna dapat terus mencoba memperbaiki rekor yang dibuatnya, selain bersiap menghadapi para penantang yang diperkirakan segera bermunculan.

Brian juga berhasil memecahkan rekor pada Museum Rekor Indonesia (Muri), yaitu mengingat 52 kartu selama 100 detik dan mengingat 100 angka dalam waktu 12 menit pada 16 Agustus 2009.

2. Kunto Hartono

Kunto Hartono mengukir namanya dalam Guinness Book of World Records setelah berhasil menabuh drum 72 jam secara non stop. Bukan itu saja, atas prestasi itu, ia juga mendapat penghargaan dari MURI (Museum Rekor Indonesia) dan beasiswa kuliah di Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta sampai meraih gelar sarjana.

Kunto yang lahir di Banyuwangi ini memulai perjuangannya di Gelanggang Remaja Soemantri Brodjonegoro, Rekor 72 jam yang di pegang Kunto otomatis telah memecahkan rekor dunia 60 jam yang telah ditorehkan oleh Alvaro Lopez dari Amerika Latin, Mei 2003 silam.

3. Penyelam di Pantai Malalayang

Para penyelam duduk di dasar laut pada pemecahan rekor dunia penyelaman massal di Pantai Malalayang, Manado, Sulawesi Utara. Sebanyak 2.861 penyelam ikut dalam acara ini dan memecahkan rekor sebelumnya di Maladewa pada 2006 yang melibatkan 979 penyelam.

Sebanyak 2.861 penyelam dilibatkan dalam pemecahan rekor dunia selam di Pantai Malalayang, Manado, Sulawesi Utara (Sulut)dengan catatan waktu 31 menit.Rekor yang masuk dalam Guinness Book of Records itu menjadi kado HUT Ke-64 Kemerdekaan RI. “Menyambut HUT RI dengan rekor dunia merupakan sebuah momentum penting yang tidak bisa dilupakan seluruh masyarakat, apalagi dunia saat ini menatap bangsa Indonesia,” kata Kepala Biro Humas Pemprov Sulut, Roy Tumiwa,di Manado.

4. Rudy Hartono

Dasarnya adalah prestasi Rudy yang menjuarai All England sebanyak delapan kali ( 7 kali berturut-turut pada (1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 , 1974 serta 1976 ) dimana hal ini tercatat dalam Guinnes Book of Record pada tahun 1982 ( bisa dibilang Rudy Hartono juga orang Indonesia pertama yang namanya tercatat di Guinness!). Rudy mulai dikenal dunia ketika menjuarai All England tahun 1968 dan menutup prestasi besarnya dengan menjadi Juara Dunia tahun 1980. Berarti Rudy menempatkan dirinya di jajaran atas bulutangkis dunia selama 12 tahun.

5. Gita Gutawa

Gita Gutawa tercatat sebagai penyanyi termuda yang menggelar konser tunggal dalam usia 16 tahun 6 bulan. Konser bertajuk Kotak Musik Gita Gutawa sukses digelar di Balai Sarbini, Plaza Semanggi, Jakarta, Kamis (25/2/2010) malam.

6. Letusan Gunung Krakatau Tahun 1883

Gambaran Letusan Hebat Tahun 1883

Krakatau adalah kepulauan vulkanik yang masih aktif dan berada di Selat Sunda antara pulau Jawa dan Sumatra. Nama Krakatau pernah disematkan pada satu puncak gunung berapi di sana (Gunung Krakatau) yang sirna karena letusannya sendiri pada tanggal 26-27 Agustus 1883.

Letusan itu sangat dahsyat, awan panas dan tsunami yang diakibatkannya menewaskan sekitar 36.000 jiwa. Sampai sebelum tanggal 26 Desember 2004, tsunami ini adalah yang terdahsyat di kawasan Samudera Hindia. Suara letusan itu terdengar sampai di Alice Springs, Australia dan Pulau Rodrigues dekat Afrika, 4.653 kilometer. Daya ledaknya diperkirakan mencapai 30.000 kali bom atom yang diledakkan di Hiroshima dan Nagasaki di akhir Perang Dunia II.

Menurut para peneliti di University of North Dakota, ledakan Krakatau bersama ledakan Tambora (1815) mencatatkan nilai Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) terbesar dalam sejarah modern. The Guiness World Records mencatat ledakan Krakatau sebagai ledakan yang paling hebat yang terekam dalam sejarah.



*Sumber: www.beritaunik.net