The Great Mosque of Djenne

Djenne is a historically and commercially important small city in the Niger Inland Delta of central Mali. It is just west of the Bani River. It has an ethnically diverse population of about twelve thousand in 1987.

The Great Mosque of Djenne is the largest mud brick or adobe building in the world and is considered by many architects to be the greatest achievement of the Sudano Sahelian architectural style, albeit with definite Islamic influences.

The mosque is located in the city of Djenne, Mali on the flood plain of the Bani River. The first mosque on the site was built in the 13th century, but the current structure dates from 1907. As well as being the centre of the community of Djenne, it is one of the most famous landmarks in Africa.

The entire community of Djenne takes an active role in the mosques maintenance via a unique annual festival. This includes music and food, but has the primary objective of repairing the damage inflicted on the mosque in the past year, mostly erosion caused by the annual rains and cracks caused by changes in temperature and humidity.

In the days leading up to the festival, the plaster is prepared in pits. It requires several days to cure but needs to be periodically stirred, a task usually falling to young boys who play in the mixture, thus stirring up the contents. Men climb onto the mosques built in scaffolding and ladders made of palm wood and smear the plaster over the face of the mosque.

Another group of men carries the plaster from the pits to the workmen on the mosque. A race is held at the beginning of the festival to see who will be the first to deliver the plaster to the mosque. Women and girls carry water to the pits before the festival and to the workmen on the mosque during it. Members of Djennes masons guild direct the work, while elderly members of the community, who have already participated in the festival many times, sit in a place of honour in the market square watching the proceedings.

The original mosque presided over one of the most important Islamic learning centres in Africa during the middle Ages.

The historic areas of Djenne, including the Great Mosque, were designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. While there are many mosques that are older than its current incarnation, the Great Mosque remains the most prominent symbol of both the city of Djenne and the nation of Mali.

Guest House 2012 Olympic Games – Making the Right Choice

With the 2012 Olympic Games rapidly approaching, the time to prepare your accommodation is now. With London already being the chosen place to host the event, those that are planning on attending are already starting to make provisions, meaning those that do not start soon will not get the first choice of places to stay. When attending the games there are a variety of options in terms of accommodation – from hotels, to camping, to rented accommodation to Guest Houses.

Guest houses are becoming a very popular choice among holiday makers, and especially those that are attending events because of the advantages that they offer. The flexibility that they offer, coupled with the luxury and ease of making a booking make them perfect for anyone to take advantage of during their stay in London for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Advantages

When you stay in a guest house the atmosphere will be much different from a hotel, and as such you will not have to alter your plans to cater for the other guest’s needs. If you want to wake up later for breakfast, or enter your guest house later on than the curfew, then they will be happy to accommodate. You may also be able to influence the menu to get the kind of food that you would like the best, rather than your choice from the options available on the menu.

Guest houses are much more private than a hotel and are much more homely too. You will not have to meet hundreds of guests like you would in a hotel; rather, they cater for a smaller amount of guests and deliver a much more personnel service.

When you visit a guest house you can get to know the people who own the guest house, and they will be able to give you great information on the area where you are staying, travel routes and nice places to eat out. This will be especially useful for the London Olympic Games – it can be hard to find your feet in a new city!

Guest houses can work out much cheaper than a hotel because the people who own the guest house live there anyway, meaning there are less costs. Also, because guest houses are a less conventional means of accommodation, there will be less competition as a result of the games being on.

Disadvantages

Guest houses are generally not in the center of the city, and as such it will take you longer to get to the events which will be held in the city center. Because guest houses are generally on the outskirts you will also find that public transport will be less reliable as well.

Guest houses may be uncomfortable to stay in if you do not get on with the owners. The reason for this is that because there are less people staying there, you will have to experience more one on one conversation with them than you would ever have to in a larger hotel where you could easily go un-noticed.

How a Hydrospa Hot Tub can help you recover from Jet Lag

Most people usually sleep much better after a hot bath and improving how you sleep will obviously help to reduce the effects of Jet Lag.

Whenever possible you should enjoy a long therapeutic massage in a Hydrospa Hot Tub immediately after every long haul flight. Hydrotherapy not only relaxes your body by opening up your blood vessels, it also helps to rehydrate you.

The relaxing combination of warm soothing water coupled with the Hydro Massage effect produced by a Hot Tub will go a very long way to reviving you and providing the respite so often needed after a long flight.

It is a little known fact that at the beginning of a long haul flight the cabin humidity drops from an average of 50% down to 25% and as the flight progresses it comes down to 10% and it has even been recorded as low as 1% at the end of an intercontinental flight. Aircraft cabins are drier than some of the driest deserts on the planet earth. The result of this extremely dry air is dehydration of your body, particularly your skin which can cause discomfort, itchiness and also wrinkles.

During the flight you should drink lots of bottled water and try to breathe moist air from a damp handkerchief draped across your nose. Do not drink alcohol or coffee before or during the flight as these have diuretic properties, which drive moisture from your cells and can cause discomfort.

You should also avoid eating food that is high in fat and salt (most airline meals) and stick to food that is high in carbohydrates such as fresh fruit and fruit juice, chocolate and biscuits are also high in carbohydrate. As soon as possible after landing it would be a great idea to get into a Hydrospa Hot Tub for 20 minutes and let the magic of millions of Hydrotherapy Bubbles and Massage Jets sooth you back to normal. Remember to continue to drink lots of fresh water for at least two days after your flight and try and have a 15 minute Hydrospa Hot Tub session morning and evening each day in the week following your flight.

But remember using your Hydrospa Hot Tub is a great idea anyway irrespective of whether you have been flying. Nothing beats the effect of warm water with Massage Jets to produce the combination to make that perfect Hydrospa treatment so relaxing.

Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

There are very few countries that offer the variety of attractions and culture that Spain has to offer.As a country that still has great inter regional “differences of opinion” – euphemism here for cultural differences and in some cases acts of terrorism, Spain still has a tremendous amount to offer.

the countryside is rich in the heritage of a great many influences from both international and internal sources

It goes without saying that for a country with a profoundly religious influence that there are numerous routes and pilgrimage opportunities throughout the country.

The Camino de Santiago otherwise known as the way of St. James is one of the more popular pilgrimage routes. El Camino de Santiago has had its origin in this in the ninth century and that was one off the three pilgrimages on which all sins could be forgiven for those who would complete the journey.

El Camino de Santiago has out a chequered past with regards to popularity indeed at some points that has been barely interest at all. Folklore says that during this time prisoners used to walk along the route is the attempt to try and perform penance. Whether that has something to do with the lack of interest in the route is open to question actually might be more of an “old wives tale”

Interest in this particular pilgrimage route was revised in the 20th century when UNESCO made Santiago de Compostela a world heritage site – a site that now has since become the setting for one of the world’s biggest pilgrimages.

Today tens of thousands of Christian pilgrims and other travellers from across the globe set out to walk the various routes

There are in fact several routes of which the English route, numerous Spanish routes and the French route of the most popular. It has to be said that the most popular pilgrimage routes originate in France, leading from the north or France right down to Spain. All of the French routes come together and meet in the town of Roncesvalles in Navarre.

To be totally honest nowadays all but the most ardent and fervent pilgrims start out along the Way of St James from Roncesvalles and proceed along the 760 kilometre route to Santiago de Compostela. As they pass through historic towns and villages along the route such as Navarre, Burgos and Logrono, many pilgrims claim that having gone through this experience en route they feel suitably spiritually prepared for when they arrive at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

The French route is the more popular of the three routes.

The route does go some way to ensure that the pilgrims do not get lost along the way and the most common sign of route markers are the small yellow arrows that are found all along the way. It is said that these were by and large painted in the 1970’S by Father Elias Valdinha who as well as wanting to improve the way also wanted to avoid more confusion that was necessary and also to ensure that all pilgrims arrived at their destination in good order as well as humour!

A considerate man.

Lisbon Interesting Capitals of Europe

Lisbon is for me one of the most beautiful and interesting capitals of Europe.

Looking out from the Castle of St George you have a sweeping view of the entire city.

Lisbon was built upon a series of hills with deep valleys leading down to the river Tagus. Walking down from the Castle, you walk through the narrow medieval streets of Alfama, into Rossio and the Baixa, past churches built upon the birthplace of St Anthony of Padua.

In the city centre you enter an environment in which the Portuguese intermingle with Angolans, Brazilians, Goans, visitors from the old colonies of Macau and Mozambique, along with large numbers of Europeans who have to watch the football or to explore Portugal.

In the evening you can relax in the Bairro Alto, enjoy a meal at one of Lisbons endless variety of restaurants, soaking up the sounds of fado music or choose from the wide assortment of bars and clubs in the region.

At one point Lisbon was Olisipo, the western capital of the Roman empire, and modern archelogical research in the city is constantly uncovering new remains of Roman buildings.

For several centuries it came to be in Moorish hands, until 1147 when Dom Afonso Henriques led the decisive assault on the castle that is now St. George. Many of the Moors continued to live in Portugal and converted to Christianity. In fact, the area around the castle, Mouraria, where Fado music was born, has long been refered to as the Moorish quarter.

The park of nations was created in Portugal for the Expo 98 and is now used for concerts, New Years celebrations and other such events. The main daytime attraction is an exceptionally fine aquarium, the largest in Europe. A huge central tank contains a breathtaking array of exotic sea life, including a variety of sharks, is surrounded by smaller tanks dedicated to the aquatic life of specific regions of the world.

From the Avenida da Liberdade a tram can be taken up the steep hill leading up to Bairro Alto. The tram drops you off at SPedro de Alcantara viewing point from which you can look over the city centre. Lisbons Bairro Alto is one of the best areas to go for eating out, socialising and clubbing.

There are many very good, cheap restaurants in this area and every Friday and Saturday night the streets are packed with young people moving from bar to bar or just socialising in the street. The atmosphere is generally very friendly and informal.

The Zambias Contemporary Culture

Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa. It borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Tanzania on the north-east, Malawi on the east, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia to the south, and Angola on the west. Formerly Northern Rhodesia, the country is named after the Zambezi River.

Zambia has one of the lowest populations to land ratios in Africa. Only 10 million people in a country half the size of Europe. The employment opportunities offered in the post independence era in the copper mines and associated industries led to a strong rural-urban migration. The result has been to make Zambia one of the most urbanised countries in Africa. About one fifth of the population lives on the Copper belt to the north of the capital, but the biggest concentration of people is in Lusaka itself with an estimated population of over 2 million. This has resulted in massive tracts of uninhabited land across the country.

Zambias contemporary culture is a blend of values, norms, material and spiritual traditions of more than 70 ethnically diverse people. Most of the tribes of Zambia moved into the area in a series of migratory waves a few centuries ago. They grew in numbers and many travelled in search of establishing new kingdoms, farming land and pastures.

Before the colonial period, the region now known as Zambia was the home of a number of Free states. Each having comprehensive economic links with each other and the outside world along trade routes to the east and west coast of Africa. The main exports were copper, ivory and slaves in exchange for textiles, jewellery, salt and hardware.

During the colonial period, the process of industrialisation and urbanisation saw ethnically different people brought together by economic interests. This, as well as the very definite influence of western standards, generated a new culture without conscious effort of politically determined guidelines.

Many of the rural inhabitants however, have retained their indigenous and traditional customs and values. After Independence in 1964, the government recognised the role culture was to play in the overall development of a new nation and began to explore the question of a National identity.

Institutions to protect and promote Zambias culture were created, including the National Heritage Conservation Commission. Private museums were also founded and cultural villages were established to promote the expression of artistic talents.

Zambias present day culture exhibits a blend of historical and cultural features from the past as well as the present. Traditional African practices and understandings continue to influence many aspects of Zambian culture, mainly in how people act towards elders, marriage guidance and ceremonies.

Hyderabad is a City That Was Named After a Queen

The city of Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh, which is spread over the Deccan Plateau and is the fifth largest metropolitan city in India.

Hyderabad, also known as City of Nizams, is a city that was named after a queen Hyder Mahal. Hyderabad literally means the city of Hyder. The city has its own individual character, which is evident in the beautiful, ancient palaces and the equally modern, and state of the art offices and buildings.

The city has a co sister city, which is called as Secunderabad. A man made lake called the Hussain Sagar Lake divides both the cities.

Every tourist visiting India must make a trip to Hyderabad city in India, where you can see an astonishing blend of ancestral heritage with the modern IT sector.The IT sector has made such a deep impact on the ancestral that the city is often called as Cyberabad.

If shopping is your passion, you can pick up some distinctive items such as the famous pearls and other handicrafts, which are unique to the city and flaunt it with pride.

Hyderabad provides scrumptious delicacies to tease your taste buds. It is high on the spicy content so watch out. Keep some water ready on your side in case you accidentally chew on red hot chillies. The food is authentic and is a culmination of the Mughlai cuisine and the traditional style. Though the cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, the people on the coast do eat fish and prawns cooked in sesame or coconut. Rice toddy is the locally brewed alcoholic drink.

It can very well be called a tourists paradise. The tourist attractions are worth the visit. There are many places of interest for tourists. Not only are the tourist attractions places of historical interest, but also are strikingly picturesque. So if you want to soothe your eyes with the scenic view of an old monument against the backdrop of an evening sky with the flavour of local food tickling your taste buds, come and visit the famous tourist attractions.

Begin your trip with the historic Charminar that lies right in the heart. The monument is so famous it is almost synonymous. It is best to hire a tourist guide while you visit these places of interest. Not only would you get to know the history behind those monuments, these guides also help one to get around the city with ease.

Next, head on to the famous Golconda fort. Yes, the famous Kohinoor diamond was extracted from here. Right next to the fort is the famous Qutub Shahi tomb, which is an amalgamation of Indian and Persian architecture. The Paigah tombs are an exquisite example of delicate artistry on marble.

The Raymonds tomb is built in the memory of a French General, a rare honour in the name of a foreign general in India. Make it a point to visit the Salar Jung museum. It boasts of a single man collection of over 40,000 arty facts from all over the world. The best way to get around to see these places of interest is by hiring local transport, which are easily available in the city.

The Great Pyramid of Giza member of the Seven Wonders of the World

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis bordering what is now Cairo, Egypt in Africa, and is the only remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the World. The great pyramid was created to honor the pharaoh Khufu, and many of the smaller pyramids, tombs, and temples were built to honor Khufu’s wives and family members. Khufu was the son of King Sneferu, and Queen Hetepheres. Khufu is remembered as a cruel and ruthless pharaoh in later folklore. Khufu had nine sons, one of whom, Djedefra, was his immediate successor. The pyramids of Giza are perhaps the only true rival to the Great Sphinx, when one thinks about Ancient Egypt and its architecture. For centuries the Great Pyramid was completely sealed – its secrets to be revealed when the time was right. In the beginning of the 17th century an intrepid explorer entered the pyramid to measure its passages and chambers. The original name Khafre is the greatest of the three.

During the Arabs’ excavation of the Pyramid of Khufu, they encountered various boulders and slabs that were used to seal the passages and chambers within the pyramid. They also found hidden doors. This probably fueled the many myths about the Egyptian pyramids being booby-trapped, and where a grave robber who managed to get in would never get out alive.

It measures 454.7 ft in height. The bas is 717.5 ft – 11 acres the date of construction was the 4th dynasty 2570 BC and the average weight of individual blocks of Stone was 2.5 tons. There is no evidence that anyone was ever buried in the main chamber. It is the one and only Wonder which does not require a description by early historians and poets. It is the one and only Wonder that does not need speculations concerning its appearance, size, and shape. It is the oldest, yet it is the only surviving of the Seven Ancient Wonders. It is the Great Pyramid of Giza. It is located at the city of Giza, a necropolis of ancient Memphis, and today part of Greater Cairo, Egypt. The great pyramid is believed to have been built over a 20 year period.

When Khufu, also known as Cheops, became pharaoh one of his first acts was to curtail the growing power of the priesthood. He “shut up all the temples and forbade sacrifices”. As a priest’s living came from performing these rituals it is not surprising that Khufu was unpopular with the religious orders.

Man fears Time, yet Time fears the Pyramids Arab proverb.

Minnesota Golf Courses: Mille Lacs Golf Resort and Marina

If you take a poll of true Minnesotans and you ask them to name areas of the state that are traditional vacation destinations, the Mille Lacs Lake area is certain to be in the top five locations for the majority of those polled. Taking a trip to Mille Lacs is one that nearly every Minnesotan has made. A trip to Mille Lacs is similar to attending the Minnesota State Fair or going to the State Capitol building on a field trip as a 5th grade student, everybody does it.

Just off of U.S. Highway 169 and an easy 90-minute drive north from the Twin Cities, just six miles south of Garrison, there is a golf course that has been open since 1964. There have been some changes made during the past couple of seasons and more changes that will be taking place in the months and years ahead. Welcome to Mille Lacs Golf Resort and Marina featuring Hardwoods Golf Club. Future plans include a new log design clubhouse and restaurant, a 35,000 square foot indoor water park, a day spa, a 120-unit hotel condo building and many more amenities planned for the future. There is also the option of purchasing or renting single-family homes and townhouses which feature log design.

There are some changes in the future for Hardwoods Golf Club. There are some plans on the drawing board to stretch the 6,309 yard course a bit by adding some length to a couple of the tee boxes and converting one of the longer par-4 holes into a par-5 making the course a par-72. The addition of some strategically placed bunkers is on the drawing board as well. In it’s current design Hardwoods Golf Club plays to a par-71 with a course rating of 69.7 and a slope index of 119. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by looking at the yardage on the scorecard and thinking you can overpower this golf course. If you are an accurate ball-striker and an above average putter you can score well, but if you let your guard down this golf course will have you for lunch. All of the greens are small, elevated and have enough undulation to keep you on top of your putting game. The greens at Hardwoods Golf Club have been described as Pinehurst-like, and I would agree with this statement.

General Manager Trent Christenson along with his management staff of, Jim Resch- Head Golf Professional, Justin Heitkamp- Pro Shop Manager and Bob Weston-Golf Course Superintendent, do a fine job of making patrons feel welcome as well as keeping the facility in fine condition.

The weekend rate of $45.00 per person with a cart is quite reasonable for this resort destination. Seniors can golf on any Monday or Wednesday for $25.00 per person with a cart making this an even better value. For tee times call 1-800-435-8720 or visit their website at www.millelacsgolf.com

With the planned additions to the Hardwoods Golf Club as well as the planned expansion to the resort facilities, Mille Lacs Golf Resort and Marina featuring Hardwoods Golf Club is a destination you will want to bring your family to again and again.

beach chairs

There is nothing like a beautiful day at the beach, the sand, surf and the rays of the sun beating down on your body. Beach visits have been popular with people of all ages, and are as much of a family activity as they are an individual excursion. No beach visit is complete without spending some timer relaxing on the beach with some suntan lotion on and getting that perfect tan.

Today, just as important as planning the visit to the beach is the beach supplies you carry with you, from beach towels, to elegant beach chairs and of course swim wear. Irrespective of your age, no visit to the beach can be truly enjoyed without having these basic accessories. With so many new advances in technology and manufacturing methods swim wear and beach towels are now available in a wide variety of designs and patterns. Depending on your taste and choice, there are a vast variety of beach towels and swim wear available today, and the number of manufacturers that are offering these products are simply mind boggling.

Choosing the right beach supplies for yourself can be quite a task if you have no idea where to being. The first thing that you need to get yourself apart from the suntan lotion is a beach towel. Today beach towels are no longer just another accessory to your beach supplies, beach towels are available in a wide variety of designs and also come in a wide variety of finishes. In fact a beach towel has become a way of expressing yourself, and your attitude. The next time you visit the beach look around and you will see everything from Velour finish beach towels to patriotic beach towels with the American flag imprinted on them.

If you are looking to buy a beach towel for regular use, then it is advisable to use a fibre reactive beach towel. Fibre reactive dyes are dyes used on cotton that have much better binding when compared to traditional dyes, so if you are looking to use your beach towel regularly then fibre reactive beach towels are the best option. However if you enjoy the fantastic texture that is offered by velour beach towels then go ahead and indulge yourself, in fact an increasingly large number of velour finish beach towels are now available in fibre reactive dyes too.

The only advice is that no synthetic or artificial material is as durable as cotton, unlike swim wear that is available in a large variety of materials; the best material for beach towels is 100% cotton. So the next time you want to buy a beach towel make sure that the beach towel is 100% cotton or a blend that has a large percentage of cotton. More so if the towel you are using is in velour; as velour usually has a certain amount of synthetic additives, however newer velour beach towels too are as good as 100% cotton, as they are designed to be durable and have a large quantity of cotton used during their manufacture.

Swim Wear

Swim wear is no longer restricted to just swim suits; designers all over the world have started designing swimsuit based club wear, essentially swimsuits and bikinis that you can wear to a club. Even before the advent of club wear based on swimsuits, women from all ages have been wearing swimsuit clothing to clubs, its only recently that fashion houses have started paying attention to the increasingly popular trend and have started offering club wear based on swimsuits and swim wear. The advantages of the club wear mentioned above over traditional swimsuits is that the club wear is made from material that “breathes” and is more suited for wearing to parties and clubs when compared to traditional swim wear. In fact the next time you are looking for something to wear to the club, keep in mind some of the new swimsuit based club wear that is available.