Human tower competition in Spain

Every summer in Catalonia, Spain, teams of "Castellers" can be seen competing against each other to see who can build the highest human tower.

Every catalan town has their own team or "Colla" made up of men, woman and children. Taking directions from a "Cap de colla" (Captain of the Colla), the Castellers form a solid foundation of packed bodies, linking arms and hands together in an intricate way that will carry the weight of several tones.


The foundation also serves to soften the fall in case the tower collapses, which is not uncommon. On this foundation up to eight more levels of people are built, each layer standing on the shoulders of the ones below. The top levels are made up of children and the Castell is completed when a young child waves to the crowd from the top of the pinnacle.

Click image to see in larger view.

This list information was being forwarded around the Internet in e-mail, so I decided to put it on my web page. I'm afraid I can't vouch for its authenticity, tell you where it came from, who compiled the list, or anything like that.

Tips to Enjoying a Great European Vacation

When it's time to consider heading for Europe and a bit of relaxing, quiet time, then it is time to start shopping for your European vacation.

There are many different packages available including the romantic city of Paris, London, French countryside, Spain, Rhine, Switzerland, just to start with. But perhaps designing your own Europe vacation is the way to really achieve the vacation of your dreams.

First there is the planning. Before beginning to book your European trip, do some research to have a better idea of accommodations, travel, and popular sites, and decide where and what you'd really like to see.

Planning your holiday can be a joy in itself. Whether your research on the Internet or head for a travel agency to gather the wonderful brochures, make sure they specialize in dealing with trips to Europe.

It's important before booking that you consult with an expert in travelling abroad so that you'll have an easy time through customs, with languages, and getting around in a foreigh country. There are plenty of websites and travel agencies that will be happy to consult about your trip abroad.

Also, planning for a European trip, you'll want to know more about the countries, their language, culture and the possibility of cultural taboos.

There's plenty of diversity in Europe, and it's important to study each area that you're considering visiting. Although you may think there are small differences between places such as Ireland and Scotland, there is a variety and special taboos do apply for individual country.

Before heading out on your Europe vacation, be sure to take a bit of time and at least learn some basics of the language. Although not common, there is a chance that you could wind up in an area where English is spoken by limited members of the community and it could be difficult to find your way around or find help when needed.

Also, make sure that you're allowing enough time for your Europe trip. There's nothing worse than winding up exhausted day after day without a day of rest, plan in several significant days of rest, especially on a long trip.

Having enough rest to enjoy your trip is just as vital as the trip itself. You also do not want to be missing out on time to see wonderful sites, because of an over rushed itinerary.

If you're looking for budget European vacations, there are plenty available and you can find airlines that have cheap airline fares as well as transfers and accommodations available.

It is best to research all of this before you even begin to plan your trip so you can take advantage of low budget fares and daily rates at hotels. And you may perhaps want to plan for an interspersing of splurge days, when you pay a little more for upgraded accommodation and some extra luxuries.

Take the time to study the countries that you will be visiting on your European vacation and consult with a professional concerning customs, language differences and even cultural taboos.

Taking the time to plan your trip well in advance can ensure that you're going to enjoy the dream vacation you've always planned when you take your European vacation.

You could find your own paradise in a European Vacation. When it comes to vacationing in Europe and choosing a European vacation there are so many activities available and sites to see that planning your vacation can be quite an experience in itself.

Here are a few choices that you can look into for your vacation in Europe, try not to become overwhelmed with all the available activities and sites.
When it comes to architecture, arts, and crafts, you can find plenty of designs and styles available in Europe. You'll be able to take in private and public sites and crafts fairs and see all kinds of unique architectural designs.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most glamorous and exciting places to visit as well as canals in Amsterdam. You also may want to see Barcelona, and the house of parliament in London. All of these places, and much more, can be arranged in a single vacation to Europe.

You'll also have a choice to see some amazing history as in Victorian England, Rome, Napoleonic France, Greece and the Ottoman Empire of Turkey, Spanish conquistadors as well as a history of the Loch Ness and the high mountains of Austria. Again, you can choose a European vacation that includes all of the above in one single trip.

Of course, museums are an option when touring Europe and you may want to visit those in Paris, Russia, the Roman's Vatican, Germany Museum's and of course London's British Museum has one of the continent's treasures.

When it comes to festivals at each of your European stops you can find out what festivals are going on at the time of your visit. Festivals are a wonderful way to immerse yourself in a local culture and to see the locals enjoy themselves in their own choice of festivities.

You may also choose a European health spa vacation that takes you around the country with natural methods of healing, warm and rejuvenating spas, and try classic healing methods that have their basis in the roots of history. Europeans enjoy pampering themselves in many ways including food, fashion and design and of course spas and health treatments, you too can join in those in the European continent by booking a vacation that includes European health spas.
When it comes to touring Europe you can actually see everything that you desire in one trip by planning carefully.

There are many guiding companies that will help you plan your dream European vacation that can include history, cultural, wildlife, architectural visits, health spa, fashion and design and festivals galore.

Although it can be overwhelming to begin your adventure by planning your European vacation, use your Internet connection and design your trip around those things that you would like to see and do in Europe.

Be prepared to ensure the safety of passports and travel papers and monies. Think ahead for security to avoid unfortunate mishaps or the risk of being a victim.

Plan your luggage, as carrying weighty luggage can become very tiresome. If you plan ahead, check expected climatic details, and minimise your clothing to practical basics that can mix and match, wash and wear, and travel light and tightly packed, then your will have more freedom and flexibility in your travels.

Europe can be a busy, glorious and enlightening vacation, so make the most of it. And, of course, return often.

Courtesy Jules Hawk. For Tips and Information about European Vacations, visit: http://www.europe.muchtravelled.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jules_Hawk

Visit France

France is the largest country in area in the European Union. Four of France's major cities are Paris, Marseilles, Toulouse, and Bordeaux. An interesting fact is the French public often refers to their country as "L'Hexagone" due to shape of its territory. With over 400 airports in France the possibilities to travel to France are endless; all major cities have airports including Paris, Marseille and Lyon and many of the smaller cities too.

With so many things to do and see, the best way to do everything at your own rest is to hire a car. In addition, highways system in France is very good. Most of the freeway links are toll roads. Several toll stations giving you access to a section; others have entrance and exit toll stations. Keep your entrance ticket properly or you will be charge for the longest distance. The best part is all toll stations accept major credit cards.

Over millions people choose to visit France every year which makes it the most visited country in the world. Cheap car hire and affordable hotel should be priority when booking your holiday. Hotelsenfrancais offered numbers of hotels available for road travelers and car rentals at the last minute across all of France including Paris Hotels, Marseilles Hotels, Toulouse Hotels and Bordeaux Hotels.

Whether you want to experience the amazing culture of France, see the arts or see some sport, there is everything to suit varying tastes.

Moon Shaped Skyscraper

With the ambitions of civil engineers flying high and high, Korean Heerim Architects has tried to reinvent the skyscraper with their two projects in central Asian republic of Azerbaijan. They have proposed a skyscraper to be built in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan with a view on the Caspian sea. The name of one of the building is proposed as Full Moon Bay and the other is Crescent and Caspian Plus.

Here are few pictures of what could possibly be a real challenge for civil engineers to built.

Plan your vacation with Hotelreservation.com

Many people like to travel to gain new experiences and also to release their life pressure. Good travels start with a good plan by selecting the good place and all support that need to make perfect vacation. Nowadays it is easy to arrange the flight, hotel, cars, vacation rentals and vacation packages. It is as simple as clicking at banner below:

HotelReservations.com is a very helpful website that helps you to plan perfect vacation. This website is very user friendly. It provide with many international language, so that you can get information with more comprehensive. There you can book and arrange your schedule for flight, hotel, cars, vacation rentals and vacation packages straight from you computer at your own place and at your own time.

Hotelreservations.com presents you the list of hotel name with lowest price. With such list, you can make budget to visit all good places such as Las Vegas, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Miami and other.
Hotelreservations.com also can help you with flight information. You just have to key in the departure city and arrival city, select the date of your travel time, fill the flight information you like, and the how many passenger in your flight. When you arrive at your vacation place and you need a car to pick you to the hotel or other place in your desired place, you also can arrange car in hotelreservations.com.
Hotelreservatioins.com also offers vacation package that can meet your vacation requirements. You can select what type of trip you need, either one destination or two destination. Two destination means that you want to visit two cities and two hotels.

What type vacation package you need?
You can select flight+hotel+car, flight + hotel,hotel + car and flight + car.

The best thing is you select the flight+hotel+car because you are in vacation and lets hotelreservations.com take care all and you can enjoy your holiday.

Please call the customer support if there is anything you need to ask about your holiday with hotelreservations.com. Visit http://www.hotelreservations.com/ today.

Shopping Heavens in London

London is the top tourist destination in the world. Each year a countless number of tourists flock to the city to see the well-known landmarks.


High Street Kensington

Kensington High Street is well-designed and classy. On both sides of the street you can find branches of all the typical chain stores, but overall there is still a reasonable variety. Kensington High Street can be less crowded than the West End and both Holland Park and Kensington Gardens are within easy reach.

Easily accessed by way of it own Underground station turning left from the station offers all of the recognisable high street stores such as Marks and Spencer, Next, River Island and Miss Selfridge. Turning right from the underground will offer more expensive and more exclusive shopping. Kensington High Street offers it all. Men’s and Women’s fashions are catered for with a range of tailors, dressmakers and large chain outlets.

For visitors and tourist, there are many places to stay. Refer to list of Kensington Hotels at http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/United-Kingdom/London/Kensington/.



Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge is a posh-shoppers heaven. There is located Harrod's and Harvey Nichols (known as "Harvey Nics") homes. If you're not watchful, you'll spend all day in Harrods (right) alone with its six football field sized floors. If time is of the essence then ensure you make the Food Hall your priority. There's nowhere else in the world with as many different exotic smells and aromas.

For visitors and tourist, there are many places to stay. Refer to list of Knightsbridge Hotels at http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/United-Kingdom/London/Knightsbridge/.



Oxford Street

Another shopping heaven in London is Oxford Street. There are over 600 stores with 150 international brands , 50 new shops and restaurants. You also will discover over 200 bars, cafes and restaurants all within a short walk to London's famous parks, museums, theatres, and art galleries. For visitors and tourist, there are many places to stay. Refer to list of Oxford Street at http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/United-Kingdom/London/Oxford-Street/

Hotels in Malaysia

Malaysia has been a fantastic destination in the world right from the time of its discovery. Anyone can hardly resist the temptation of visiting this country if he or she gets an opportunity. Shopping centers, historical heritage and magnificent atmosphere, everything is available at the tip of your finger in this country. The most important aspect of this unique country is its diversity both in terms of population and culture. Malyas, Chinese, Indian and immigrants from several other parts of the world make this county a cosmopolitan state.

It is full of gorgeous destinations. If you ever wish to be at a place where you can enjoy the best of both modern and natural wonders, Malaysia may prove to be the most suitable place for you. Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak, Miri, Pulao Tioman and many others worth visiting destinations in the country entice the tourists of every place. Plethora of Islands, modern cities and natural assets graces Malaysia with an eternal beauty. There would hardly be anyone who is unsatisfied with arrangements, assets and behavior of the locals in any part of the country. Malaysia has been a shopping paradise for shopping freaks.

But one thing that plays an important role in making Malaysia a hot favorite destination is the availability of magnificent hotels. There is no doubt that these comfortable accommodations satisfy every need of every visitor. Wherever you are in Malaysia, you will never have to put an extra effort in searching for a hotel that is suitable to you and to your pocket. Malaysia hotels are equipped with all modern amenities and render complete comfort.

For more information visit: http://www.stayresmalaysia.com/all-malaysia-hotels.htm

Author is an associate editor of Stayresmalaysia. The website offers exclusive information of Malaysia hotels and Kuala LumPur Hotels. We also provide online hotel reservation of hotels in Malaysia.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niraj_Singh

Mediterranean Tour

The Republic of Malta is a small Island country of Southern Europe of over 400,000 people in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located to the South of Sicily in Italy, the East of Tunisia, and the North of Libya. The Maltese archipelago is comprised of 3 populated islands of Malta, Gozo (Ghawdex), and Comino (Kemmuna) and 4 unpopulated islets. Malta is the largest of the Maltese Islands.

Malta is one of the most charming destinations in the Mediterranean; it offers the visitors a unique holiday experience. Malta's wonderful archaeological and architectural legacy will act as remarkable scenery to all of one's activities - a living testimony of 6,000 years of civilization. The inheritance of the various dominations who ruled over the islands all the way through the ages can be seen, felt and savored.

For instance, if you want to take pleasure in some time by the beach during your Maltese holiday, take a trip down to the southern fishing village of Marsaxlokk and traverse the country's second largest natural harbor. If you like fish, you'll love Marsaxlokk's fish market on a Sunday morning, as well as the village's selection of exquisite seafood restaurants.

Whether you are a tourist that seeks action or relaxation, calm or excitement, one can find it in Malta. Tourists will discover a variety of accommodation ranging from Cheap Hotels in Malta , to get pleasure from the historical places and beaches.

Cyprus has a much larger population of nearly 800,000 in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the busiest tourist hubs in the entirety of Europe. This is not surprising since tourism has always been the main economic thrusts of Cyprus from the day it got its independence from the United Kingdom.

Cyprus is a country that offers service that is friendly and welcoming to its tourists from overseas, from accommodation to entertainment. They have even made sure that Cyprus is conducive to harboring expatriates in offshore businesses or on their retirement. Cheap Hotels in Cyprus is available.

One of the oldest civilizations of Europe, Minoan civilization is the hallmark of the city of Crete in Greece. Hundreds years old temples and places form archaeological assets of the city—they are quite impressive! You definitely need to spend some time in Crete to see all the attractions. Cheap Hotels in Crete is all set to give you wonderful accommodation facilities. They are so nicely located and equipped with facilities that you hardly feel being away from your home.

Luxury Travel To Africa

Do you like luxury travel?
Do you have any plan to visit Africa, South America and/or the Indian Ocean?
If you do, Magic Globe can guide you.

Magic Globe is an expert in organizing luxury travel to most of fantastic destinations in Africa, South America and the Indian Ocean. Whether you want to plan a family holiday or a honeymoon tour, you absolutely can check their website at http://www.magicglobe.com/ for exciting tour packages.

Magic Globe is well known of their luxury safaris. You may gain fantastic experience and priceless knowledge with the excitement of a safari and see amazing wildlife in Africa’s pure wilderness live in front of you. Magic Globe also offers remarkable activities such as nature walks, game drives, night drives and opportunities to see the incredible seasonal migrations.

If you are a nature lover then you must attract with their exciting safari tour packages. Three of the best packages are South African Safari Holidays, Botswana Safari Holidays and African Safari Holidays. Take a chance to participate in a great safari adventure with combination of land and water activities. Discover the wonders of African desert with a specialist guide.

Apart from luxury safaris, Magic Globe also has some packages featuring South America which includes all significant and exclusive destinations from Argentina to Peru. Whether you want to know the natural world from its closest position or want an exciting horseback riding, Magic Globe special guidance will help you.

Cambodia

Dancers in traditional Khmer dress prepare to perform at the Angkor temple complex. Khmer culture almost vanished during the bloody reign of the Khmer Rouge communists in the 1970s, but Cambodians today are reclaiming their inheritance.

Giant strangler fig tree roots embrace the crumbling Ta Prohm temple at Angkor. Although the forest has overrun this sacred site, it has largely escaped the looting that decimated many of its fellow Cambodian

A Buddha statue brings life to the stone remnants of Angkor Thom. Unfortunately, the poverty and strife that has gripped Cambodia since the 1970s has led to the pervasive looting of temples, leaving only a few hints of the region's previous glory.

Silhouetted against a cloudy sky, a young man rides an elephant outside the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, which is now a constitutional monarchy.

The hustle and bustle of modern-day Phnom Penh is a far cry from the poor farmlands that stretch across much of the country, most of which still lack infrastructure such as roads, phones, and electricity.

A group of monks walks along the wall of the Royal Palace's Silver Pagoda temple complex in Phnom Penh. Most Cambodians practice Theravada Buddhism, which has been popular in the region for at least 1,500 years.

Cambodian farmers in traditional bamboo hats carry their products to a local market in Siem Reap. Close to three-quarters of Cambodia's population are agricultural laborers, but the textile industry and tourism are quickly changing the nation's economy.

Traditional boats cross the Mekong River at dusk. Famed for its endangered giant catfish, which can grow nearly ten feet (three meters) long, the Mekong River has always played an important role in Cambodian culture.

Inland waterways like the Sangker still often act as primary travel routes between remote cities.

The ruins of the Bokor Palace Hotel overlook the Gulf of Thailand. Once an idyllic resort during the French colonial period, Bokor is now best known for its vistas.A man naps in his hammock along the bank of the Sangker River in Battambang.

Two Buddhist monks relax in the ruins of Bayon Temple. The site is just one of many wonders at Angkor—ancient capital of the Khmer Empire.

Cambodia Information and History

A mostly flat and forested land, Cambodia is a small, compact country. But for more than 500 years, Angkor (in northwestern Cambodia) was the capital of the Khmer Empire, which controlled mainland Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 13th century. Thailand and Vietnam encroached upon the kingdom until 1863, when France made Cambodia a protectorate. Independence came in 1953.

The Vietnam War spilled into Cambodia, igniting conflict, and in 1970 a pro-Western military government overthrew longtime ruler Prince Norodom Sihanouk. Five years later Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge guerrillas began brutally enforcing radical communism, killing some two million Cambodians. After intense border clashes, Vietnam invaded and occupied Cambodia from 1978 to 1989, with up to 200,000 troops. In 1991 three rebel groups and the Phnom Penh government signed a UN-sponsored peace accord. Returned from exile in 1993, Sihanouk became king, leading the new constitutional monarchy.

Coming into the 21st century, Cambodia enjoys relative stability; but subsistence farming employs 75 percent of the workforce and many live in poverty. Cambodians hope that tourism focused on Angkor Wat, meaning "capital monastery," will bring prosperity; it is the largest temple at Angkor—its image is on Cambodia's flag.

ECONOMY

Industry: tourism, garments, rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products.Agriculture: rice, rubber, corn, vegetables.Exports: timber, garments, rubber, rice, fish. Text source: National

Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition, 2004