Lake District (England)

Lake District National Park is an inspiring area of natural beauty that offers an enormous range of relaxing and rejuvenating experiences. 

With breathtaking mountains and sparkling lakes, the park's unsurpassed scenery has inspired the works of many writers and poets, including William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. 

In addition to exploring its literary heritage, try out some of the best walking and climbing routes that England can offer, or choose from a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities and attractions. Bring the family - there's plenty to do for all ages. 

Relax in high quality accommodation. From cosy village bed and breakfast accommodation to opulent country house hotels with superb lake views, you'll be thoroughly spoilt for choice. 

When you feel peckish you'll find an excellent choice of inns, hotels and award-winning restaurants. The Lake District is also renowned for its superb local produce. 

Sample some of the local hams, cheeses and beers or try some Kendal Mint Cake or traditional Grasmere Gingerbread.

Abu Simbel (Egypt)

Abu Simbel is a small village lying 280 km S of Aswan and only 40 km N of the border with Sudan. It is a very small settlement with very little to attract visitors other than its great temples for which it has become famous. Very few tourists linger for more than a few hours, although there are around 5 hotels to attract visitors to stay the night. 

The temples at Abu Simbel were formerly located further down the hillside, facing the Nile in the same relative positions, but due to the rising waters of Lake Nasser, the original locations are now underwater. In the early 1960's, each temple was carefully sawed into numbered stone cubes, moved uphill, and reassembled before the water rose. 

The Great Temple of Ramses II was reassembled fronting a fake mountain, built like a domed basketball court, where the stone cubes occupy a section under the dome; from outside, the fake mountain looks like solid rock. 

Archaeologists have concluded that the immense sizes of the statues in the Great Temple were intended to scare potential enemies approaching Egypt's southern region, as they travelled down the Nile from out of Africa.

Edinburgh (Scotland)

Edinburgh is one of the Europe's most beautiful cities - dominated by the magnificent Edinburgh Castle perched on a volcanic crag in the city centre and offering a spectacular view of the surrounding area. The architecture in Edinburgh is remarkable with over 16 thousand listed buildings. Take a hike up to Arthur's Seat or stroll in the beautiful Holyrood Park, west of here is the legendary Royal Mile, a fascinating street full of history. The Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival are two events that bring many visitors from around the world.

Chamonix

Love it or loathe it, everyone tends to have an opinion about Chamonix. Many argue that it's the capital of Alpine sport, with its position next to Mont Blanc, awe-inspiring scenery, a beautiful town, the Vallée Blanche, off-piste terrain to test the very best and the Grands Montets in Argentière. They'll tell you the nightlife rocks, there are plenty of good restaurants, things to do all year-round and it's just over an hour from Geneva airport. In short, why go anywhere else??? 

Sadly, there are drawbacks. Chamonix's skiing does favour more advanced skiers. Beginners might feel left out. It is also disjointed, made up of a series of smaller bus-linked resorts; getting about can be a right pain if you're without a car. It is very popular, so traffic can be terrible, while lift queues still vex the most relaxed (notably the top half of the Grands Montets cable car). It is also expensive, with shopping nearly toppling skiing as the favourite pastime, plus a lot of the skiing requires a guide (most of whom are excellent). 

Even so, Chamonix is one of the great resorts, one that attracts the best skiers - people who really want to challenge themselves. It retains a special aura - one that only a few resorts in the world manage to create. If you want the thrill of pushing yourself to the limits, go to Chamonix - hang out with the pros and the bums, see some of the best skiing and boarding around and, best of all, boast to your friends about skiing on 'real mountains'. 

Chamonix forms part of a region known as Chamonix/Mont Blanc, comprising half a dozen neighbouring villages and hamlets (notably Argentiere, Les Bossons and Les Houches). 

Chamonix itself was once a small village but has grown steadily as the surrounding mountains (the most famous of which is Mont Blan) attract more and more visitors. It now measures about 2 mls by ½ ml with a permanent population of around 10,000. Much of the development is sensitive to the region, although the town centre is rather commercialised, you can still conjure up its village origins in the cobbled streets of the extensive pedestrianised area around the central square. It is a popular year-round base and its size and valley location mean it can get excessively crowded in high season (Jan to March and July to Aug); it is generally quiet mid to late spring and mid to late autumn. 

Courchevel

Courchevel is located in SE France, in the heart of the Savoie region (32 mls SE of Albertville, 70 mls SE of Chambery and its airport, 116 mls SE of Lyon and its airport, 90 mls SE of Geneva and its airport). Courchevel is an integral part of the famous Trois Vallees ski-area, comprising 4 villages (Courchevel 1300, 1550, 1650 and 1850) situated at different altitudes along the wide Bozel Valley, all connected by lifts and public transport.

The resort is one of the most popular and fashionable resorts in France because of the huge choice of runs and a sophisticated range of amenities and shops. The 4 centres differ dramatically when it comes to appearance, size and amenities. Courchevel 1300, about 700 yds in length (also known as Le Praz), is the only one that retains any genuine alpine character, with some traditional architecture and a low-key atmosphere. Courchevel 1550, about 800 yds in length, is a purpose-built village with modest local amenities and little charm, although it offers direct access to the extensive ski-lift network. Courchevel 1650, about 1,100 yds in length, is a larger, livelier version of 1550, with a significant commercial hub, abundant accommodation and plentiful restaurants. Courchevel 1850 is nearly 1 ml sq and is the throbbing, sophisticated heart of the resort, with myriad facilities, entertainments and shops; it has mainly aesthetically challenged 1950s architecture, although contemporary development is more sympathetic.

Corfu

Corfu is one of the Ionian Islands which nestle off the West side of the Greek mainland. The island is 36 miles long and at its widest part (the North) 15 miles wide. Covered with over 3 million evergreen olive trees, watered by winter rains, Corfu, even during the hot dry summers remains one of the greenest of the Mediterranean islands. At the centre is 'Mount Pantocrator' with a height of 998 metres. The NE coast is made up of sheltered rocky coves and shingle beaches offering secluded bays and traditional fishing villages. The North and South offer long sweeping sandy bays and the expected commercialism. The craggy west coast, with the high cliffs and horse-shoe sandy beaches and spectacular sunsets. There is plenty to draw visitors to this magical island. Modern Corfu Town is upbeat and cosmopolitan, offering an exciting conglomeration of Greek, Italian, French and British influences. The old town was laid out by the Venetians in the 14th century and features narrow alleys lined with multi-storeyed pastel-coloured buildings with red tiled roofs, creating a scene reminiscent of Italy. The hub of activity in the town centre is the Liston, an arcaded row of cafes and restaurants, copied from the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. Those wishing to escape from the melee in the town can head for the interior to enjoy some spectacular scenery and greenery. Corfu has, for instance, 43 different kinds of orchids growing wild in the countryside, and there are countless olive groves. Finally there are, of course, the beautiful beaches washed by the sparkling Ionian Sea, and it is still possible to search out a secluded cove or two even in the busy season when the over-developed resorts on the east coast are awash with package tourists.

Yoga and Music

Hello friends,

Let us take a break from the yoga poses and discuss something different. Earlier, we have discussed about yoga classes and etiquettes and also the benefits of doing yoga in office. Today, I will tell you about music and its effect on yoga.

Music has been used in yoga since time immemorial, especially the classical Indian music. In present times also, the divine music of flute is being increasingly used in yoga meditation as it enhances concentration of the yogis. A lot of yoga studios and classes are now also resorting to western instrumentals fora power-packed and energized session of yoga.

However, one has to keep in mind that the selection of music for a particular session should be done carefully. Though it is not difficult these days as you get music CDs specifically intended for the various practice sessions. Besides, there are many institutions, ashrams and Yoga centers worldwide who have come up with their own music composition specially suited for the yoga sessions. These musiccompositions are done by experts based on the ancient classical music and are a perfect blend of Eastern and Western.

The effects of music on yoga are numerous, the primary ones being that it increases the ability to relax, improves balance and concentration. Hence, I also strongly recommend the use of music in your yoga sessions.

The Yoga Workout for Flat Abs

Yoga poses to get that perfect flat stomach.

Yoga works your whole body-mind, body, and spirit. These poses will engage your abs as well as help you feel relaxed and renewed. Stretches that elongate your abdominals will help create that strong, lean middle. Doing yoga regularly will improve your flexibility, posture, and strength, while giving you that fringe benefit you’re looking for-sculpted abs muscles. Try these yoga moves.

Mountain Tilt

Stand with your arms at your side and your feet hip-width apart. Your toes should face forward. Raise your arm above your head, pointing your fingers upwards. Bend sideways at the waist, extending up and out to your left. Hold for a few seconds and return to center. Repeat on the right side. Do 3 to 5 times

Triangle Pose

Stand tall with your feet 3-feet apart. Turn your left foot out 90 degrees while keeping your right foot pointing forward. Extend your arms out to either side at shoulder height. Bend to your right at your waist, keeping your chest facing forward, and place your right hand on your shin as your left arm reaches up. Your eyes should look skyward (if this hurts your neck, look down). Hold for 15 seconds and return to the starting position. Switch feet and sides. Do 3 times on each side.

Torso Stretch

Lie on your belly, hands flat on the floor close to your chest. Lift your upper body by pressing the tops of your feet and shins into the floor as you press your hands into the floor and straighten your arms. Breathe. Hold for 40 seconds.

Tree Pose

Stand with feet planted, arms at sides and body in alignment (ears over shoulders, shoulders over hips, hips over ankles).  Inhale and bend the right leg, pulling the heel up until it rests on the inside of the left thigh.  Get your balance and hold this position, then slowly push arms overhead, palms touching each other.  Press the knee back without moving the hips.  Hold this for 30 seconds then switch sides. Repeat 2-3 times.

Bending Forward Pose

Sit with your legs together stretched straight in front of you. Point your toes. Inhale and stretch toward your toes with your finger tips, keeping your body long and extended. Hold for thirty seconds. Breathe normally. Return to the starting position. Repeat.

Butterfly Pose

Sit on the floor stretching straight up through your spine. Bring the heels of your feet together, with your knees bent and pointing out to the sides. Let your legs open towards the floor to a position where you are comfortable. Hold your feet in your hands and slowly stretch forward.

Bridge Pose

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Rest your arms at your side. Using your abdominal, lift your hips as far as you can off the floor. Your head, shoulders, and arms should remain on the floor. Keep your thighs parallel. Hold. Repeat 5 times.

Locust Pose

Lie on your stomach so that your chin is on the floor and your arms are extended in front of you. Engage your abs. Inhale and lift your arms, chest, head, legs, and feet off the floor. Hold for 3 seconds then slowly lower to the floor. Repeat 5 times.

Cat Pose

Get on all fours and look straight ahead with your back as flat as a table. Exhale and arch your back upwards while tucking your chin to your chest. Inhale and arch your back downwards, swaying the low back as you look toward the ceiling. Repeat up to 5 times.

Yoga Crunches

Lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest. Rest your hands over your head on the floor behind you and raise your legs with feet flexed toward the ceiling. Use your ab muscles to slowly guide your legs downward. stop when you feel your back arching. Hung your legs to your chest again. Repeat. Build up to 10 in a row.

Malta

Malta is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea that lies S of the island of Sicily, Italy. The country is an archipelago, with only the three largest islands (Malta, Għawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino) being inhabited. The five total Maltese islands- Malta, Gozo, Comino, Comminotto, and Filflawith-have a combined land area of just 122 sq miles featuring narrow cobblestone streets, crowded with Norman cathedrals and baroque palaces. 

The countryside is littered with the oldest known human structures in the world. Malta is very good at selling its romantic past of Copper Age temple builders and crusading celibate knights, and it has used this image to crank up a formidable tourism industry. Not that the islands are overrun with highrise resorts - yet.

Although small, Malta has a long and rich history, with evidence for habitation going back to the Neolithic era (4th millennium B.C.). The country boasts some of the world's most ancient standing buildings (the Neolithic temples), and its strategic location and good harbours in the middle of the Mediterannean have attracted Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Crusaders, the French and finally the British, with the colonial period lasting until 1964. 

The main island of Malta (although just 95 square miles) is a popular travel destination largely due to its secluded bays and white sandy beaches, washed by unpolluted crystal clear blue waters. Set against the backdrop of the island's scenery and its light coloured stone buildings, Malta is a beautiful and fascinating destination.

Despite its size and seclusion, Malta and its smaller island Gozo enjoy a modern lifestyle and the social calendar is filled with summertime festivals with fireworks in honour of the numerous parish village patron saints, as well as the major carnival in early spring each year. The country capital, Valletta, besides offering some incredible Baroque buildings and fortifications as its main sightseeing attractions, is full of restaurants and cafes. 

Yoga For Building Self-confidence

Self confidence is the belief in oneself; to feel good and perform your best. However, this is easier said than done. Many people suffer from lack of confidence, which further affects their productivity and happiness; it comes in between them and the life they want to lead. If you fall in this bracket, you might want to give yoga a shot.

1. Self Awareness: The regular practice of yoga helps you to understand your body and mind; its capabilities and potential. It is a journey from what you could do to what is possible. Yoga helps you understand yourself internally. Once you are aware of the potential that lies within you, your self esteem and self worth automatically increases. You are at ease with yourself, which allows you to flush out the negativity and focus on the tasks ahead. With increased self awareness comes self confidence.
2. Yoga Teaches You About Yourself: Yoga develops both the outer body and the inner self. As you look inside, you begin to accept the good and not so good things you find. You realize that being true to yourself, that following your dreams and letting go of resentments and pain, is the only way to being truly happy. Yoga also teaches you to go easy on yourself and that no-one is perfect, so you can accept yourself the way you are.
3. Yoga Encourages Positive Thinking: Confidence is learned. Thinking in positive ways leads to confidence and success. Personal affirmations allow you to dwell on strengths while working to improve weaknesses.
4. Yoga Relaxes Your Body and Calms Your Mind: Relaxation is one of the key components of practicing yoga. Allowing your self to let go, to release the tension, and to discover the calm is vital to living a healthy and productive life. As you do this, you gain perspective, you prioritize, and you discover inner resources and strength.

Amsterdam

Think of Amsterdam, and you cannot help but think of water - the city is built on 60 per cent reclaimed land, which the Dutch continue to wrestle from the sea with a series of dunes, dykes and dams. The city's distinctively crooked skyline is the result of a deliberate non-straightening policy for historical buildings - 21,000 are on the official monument list - as they slide gracefully sideways on their wooden piling foundations. The nations capital has no fewer than 7,000 of the city's buildings listed, most of them the high-gabled 18th-century houses that line its iconic canals. But unlike other museum-quality metropolises - Bruges, Vienna or Venice, for example - its soul is young: a vibrant mix of bars, brothels and bicycle bells. 

Picturesque canals form a girdle around the oldest parts of Amsterdam and encompass the city's notorious Red Light District. Here tourists stroll over ancient bridges and down the narrow lanes where the aroma of cannabis pervades the air, and at night the streets are lit up by the crimson glow of windows from which prostitutes beckon passers-by. However the city's attractions extend well beyond these hedonistic activities to include some of Europe's finest sights and museums. This charming and compact city is easily explored on foot, by bike or aboard a canal-boat tour that follows a circular route, stopping at the many attractions along the way.

Vatican City

The Vatican City is a city state that came into existence in 1929 and is thus clearly distinct from the central authority of the Roman Catholic Church, known as the Holy See, which existed long before 1929. Writings and documents of the Vatican City are published in Italian, whilst documents of the Holy See are issued mainly in Latin.

As a travel destination, the Vatican City has a number of draws for the tourist. Aside from being the home of the Catholic church and its attraction to those of the Catholic faith, the Vatican is also abundant with art and treasures, most of which can be seen from the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St Peter\'s Square and St Peter\'s Basilica which form the main tourist attractions of the Vatican City.

Vatican Museums: The Vatican Museums are among the greatest museums in the world, since they display works from the immense collection built up by the Roman Catholic Church throughout the centuries. The museums can be traced back 500 years and contain religeous and ancient roman sculptures, art and treasure throughout history.

Sistine Chapel: The Sistine Chapel is arguably the most famous chapel in the world. Its fame rest on its architecture and its location within the Apostolic Palace (official residence of the Pope). The architecture and paintings of the Sistine Chapel were created by the greatest renaissance artists including Michaelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and Sandro Botticelli.

St Peter\'s Basilica: The Basilica of St Peter is one of four papal basilicas or \'major basilicas\' of Rome. It contains the largest interior of any Christian church in the world (holding 60,000 people) and is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites. In Catholic Tradition, it is the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. In addition to the Basilica\'s religeous attraction to tourists, the architecture of the building is widely regarded as the greatest of its age.

St Peter\'s Square: is located directly in front of St Peter\'s Basilica and was designed so that the greatest number of people could see the pope give his blessing, either from the middle of the facade of the church or from a window in the Vatican Palace. The Square itself is lined by columns, sculptures and statues. Its architecture and design are iconic and form the most visited site of the Vatican City.

Adjustment disorders

Work problems, going away to school, an illness — any number of life changes can cause stress. Most of the time, people adjust to such changes within a few months. But if you continue to feel down or self-destructive, you may have an adjustment disorder.

An adjustment disorder is a type of stress-related mental illness. You may feel anxious or depressed, or even have thoughts of suicide. Your normal daily routines may feel overwhelming. Or you may make reckless decisions. In essence, you have a hard time adjusting to change in your life, and it has serious consequences.

You don't have to tough it out on your own, though. Adjustment disorder treatment — usually brief — is likely to help you regain your emotional footing.

Yoga For Asperger’s Syndrome

Yoga can help those who are suffering from Asperger's Syndrome.

Yoga as we all yoga lovers know has the healing power for many diseases. The good news is that yoga can also help those who are suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome or Asperger’s. Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurobiological disorder in which individuals may have normal language development skills and intelligence, but they tend to show autistic-like behaviors. They also have deficiencies in communication and social skills.

While yoga is not a way to cure Asperger’s Syndrome, it is a great way to deal with the symptoms and help the individuals.

Here’s how Yoga helps:

• Yoga asanas like pranayama or shoulder rolls can counteract perseverance, such as flapping hands. Correct breathing techniques and soothing postures can ease the tension that these individuals often feel and can calm the mind.
• Yoga is a coping mechanism that the child or the individual can use on his own and help himself by dealing or managing certain stressful situations. This makes them a little more self-reliant.
• If yoga is done in a serene atmosphere with mellow lighting, it rests the stressed out sensory system. Eye pillows can be used to block out distractions.
• Since yoga is non-competitive, an individual with Asperger’s Syndrome may enjoy doing this. While they may feel insecure while playing social sports, yoga will only boost their confidence.
• Yoga will improve concentration besides enhancing muscle coordination.

The gentle postures and breathing techniques are often effective in managing over-sensitivity, disorientation and high levels of anxiety that effect children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome. A set of yoga exercises to warm-up, strengthen and calm can reduce coping mechanism as well as increase body awareness, strength and muscle tone. It is always safe to consult your doctor before taking up Yoga as part of any therapy.

Stress basics

Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the ever increasing demands of life. Surveys show that most Americans experience challenges with stress at some point during the year. In looking at the causes of stress, remember that your brain comes hard-wired with an alarm system for your protection. When your brain perceives a threat, it signals your body to release a burst of hormones to fuel your capacity for a response. This has been labeled the "fight-or-flight" response. Once the threat is gone, your body is meant to return to a normal relaxed state. Unfortunately, the nonstop stress of modern life means that your alarm system rarely shuts off.

That's why stress management is so important. Stress management gives you a range of tools to reset your alarm system. Without stress management, all too often your body is always on high alert. Over time, high levels of stress lead to serious health problems. Don't wait until stress has a negative impact on your health, relationships or quality of life. Start practicing a range of stress management techniques today.

Tired eyes? Here’s a little remedy…

It’s no wonder our eyes get tired, from the moment we wake until the time our heads hit the pillow, our eyes don’t stop working for us.  Reading, working all day on a computer, and bright day light all take their toll. Your eyes take a lot of strain, and can ache, water and at times even develop a constant twitch!

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of tired eyes, try this little remedy.

Either sitting comfortably with the legs crossed and the spine straight, or lying down:

1. close your eyes
2. hold your hands up in front of your face, fingers pointing up and palms towards you
3. now place each palm over each eye so the eye sockets are covered (careful not to squeeze the nose, breathing is important!)
4. if possible, the eye lid should gently touch the middle of the palm (make sure its just a light touch, no pressure at all on the eye)
5. Sit for 5 minutes or longer if you can. The shoulders may start to hurt after a while, just gently move them around to relieve them.

The theory behind this is that the eyes radiate a thin, strong stream of energy outward. The palms redirect that energy back into the eyes, so refreshing!

Start observing the sensation around the eyes. You will start noticing some heat building up. As the heat builds up, the muscles around the eye sockets will start to relax. As they relax, tension will start releasing – nice huh?

Another beautiful benefit is that the energy is also directed back at the heart chakra, opening up the heart. So don’t be surprised if you move through the rest of your day with feelings of compassion towards every one you come across, and they will no doubt reflect those amazing feelings back towards you!

Enjoy

Manhattan (USA)

Manhattan Island, the commercial and business heart of New York City, is about 12 miles long by 3 miles wide. This large metropolitan area is vaguely divided into a number of different districts or communities. Each one has a different character or atmosphere. 

Lower Manhattan : This is the southernmost tip of Manhattan Island. It encompasses Battery Park, the financial district including the New York Stock Exchange and the South Street Seaport. It is mostly commercial, but includes a few fine restaurants and bistros. From the docks in Lower Manhattan, you can take a ferry to Staten Island or the Statue of Liberty. 

Chinatown: The neighborhood around the intersections of Canal and Mott Streets downtown contains one of the largest concentrations of Chinese living outside of Asia. It could be more accurately called Asiatown as it now includes many immigrants from Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and other Asian countries. Chinatown is famous for its reasonably priced restaurants featuring Chinese cuisine, its Asian grocery stores, and its unique Oriental gift shops. 

Little Italy: The neighborhood next to Chinatown just north of Canal Street around Mulberry Street and Spring Street is called Little Italy. It features many restaurants offering diverse cuisine from the various regions of Italy. Scenes in the movie "The Godfather" were filmed here. 

Greenwich Village: This Village extends across Manhattan between 14th and Houston Street with Broadway dividing it into two distinct districts known as the East Village and the West Village. The East Village is known for punk rock bars, funky cafes, experimental theaters and trendy boutiques. The tree-lined streets of the West Village with mellow jazz clubs and intimate apartments create the atmosphere of a small town nestled within the big city. 

Tribeca: The Triangle below Canal Street that is bordered by Broadway and West Street is called TRIBECA. It was once the industrial district of New York City but its factories have been converted to apartments and condos that now attract famous residents like Robert DeNiro. It contains many famous upscale restaurants. 

Soho: This neighborhood South of Houston Street with its 19th century cast-iron architecture is filled with art galleries, boutiques and a variety of restaurants. 

Midtown: Generally, the area between 34th Street and the Southern end of Central Park is known as Midtown. It extends across Manhattan from the East River to Times Square and the Theater District on its western edge. It is the main business, commercial and shopping center of New York City. It contains the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the United Nations, St. Patrick's Cathedral and many well-known stores. 

Central Park: This vast quadrangle of grass and trees that lies in the center of Manhattan Island offers walking trails, horseback riding, ice skating, boating, bicycling, roller blading and many other sports facilities. 

Upper East Side: The neighborhood bordering the East Side of Central Park from 59th Street to 96th Street is known as the Upper East Side and is the home of many wealthy and socially prominent New Yorkers. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum and several other fine museums are located here. It is also known for exclusive shopping and fine restaurants. 

Upper West Side: On the opposite side of Central Park, the neighborhood between Columbus Circle and 125th Street is known as the Upper West Side. It includes the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts and the American Museum of Natural History. This exclusive area is home to many musicians, performers and celebrities. John Lennon lived here until his untimely death in nearby Central Park. It is known for great shopping and dining. 

Harlem: The upper part of Manhattan Island between 96th Street east of the park and 125th street west of the park and extending to 165th Street is known as Harlem. It is the tradition home of a large Afro-American community and contains the famous Apollo Theater. The Southeastern section includes a predominately Hispanic neighborhood known as Spanish Harlem.

Verde Valley, Arizona

Between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, the Verde Valley is taking off as Arizona’s go-to destination, and not just among the spa and crystal Sedona-fans of years past. The Verde Valley region is beautiful, with green canyons rimmed by red rocks, and towns like Cottonwood, Jerome and Sedona that have long drawn visitors for good food, art and mining lore. But the Verde boost is all about the wine. The new Verde Valley Wine Trail links four new vineyards clustered around Cornville, near Sedona. Most fun is reaching the Alcantara Vineyards by kayak. Less fun is being the designated kayaker.

Venice (Italy)

The historical centre of Venice is made up of six districts (sestiere): Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, Castello, Santa Croce, San Polo and San Marco. 

Divided in two by the Grand Canal, the districts of Cannaregio, Castello and San Marco occupy the northern part of the historical centre of Venice, while to the south of the Grand Canal we find the Santa Croce, San Polo and Dorsoduro districts. The Dorsoduro district also incorporates the Island of Guidecca Each of the six sestiere has its own unique character and specific attractions. 

Venice itself was built upon a series of islands, sand-banks and land reclaimed from the lagoon. Any sign of those original islands has long since been lost as the city continued to grow and develop as a sea of stone swept over her origins. 

But, not far from the historical centre of Venice , a string of Islands are waiting to be discovered by the intrepid traveller. Each one has its own particular attraction: 

There are two main means of transportation in Venice, pedestrian and waterborne. Waterborne transport consists of water taxis and waterbuses, or "vaporetto". 

There is a British diplomatic presence in Venice, and should you need assistance while in Italy, consular staff are on hand there to help travellers if they have a problem in the country. 

Italian is the official language. Dialects are spoken in different regions. German and Latin are spoken in the South Tyrol region, and French is spoken in all the border areas. German is spoken around the Austrian border. English, German and French are also spoken in tourism and business circles around Venice. 

Glacier National Park, Montana

One of the countries wildest, most remote and pristine national parks, Glacier is everyone’s favorite national park who’s been. Its jagged, snow-blanketed ridges and glacier-sculpted horns tower dramatically over aquamarine lakes and meadows blanketed in wildflowers. Most visitors stick to the drive along thegoing to the sun road. so it’s easy to escape crowds by venturing beyond it. A relatively new shuttle system offers an eco-friendly alternative. But go soon. The park’s 25 glaciers are melting – and could be gone altogether by 2030 if current climate changes continue!

Paris (France)

Paris, the cosmopolitan capital of France, has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historic associations and remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design. Dubbed the City of Light (la Ville Lumière) and Capital of Fashion, it is home to the world's finest and most luxorious fashion designers and cosmetics, such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Guerlain, Lancôme, L'Oréal, Clarins, etc. A large part of the city, including the River Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has the second highest number of Michelin-restaurants in the world (after Tokyo) and contains numerous iconic landmarks, such as the world's most visited tourist sight the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge, Lido etc, making it the most popular tourist destination in the world with 45 million tourists annually. 

It's hard to find words to do justice to Paris, although visitors and travel writers have certainly tried. The capital of France for 1,000 years, Paris is simply the city against which all others are measured. Sophisticated, stylish, romantic, gastronomic, cosmopolitan... the list goes on. 

The city's people are stylish and flirtatious, its architecture seductive, its restaurants and nightlife devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and its streets are scattered with dreams. 

The iconic views from the Eiffel Tower or Sacré Coeur reveal hundreds of attractions for the snap happy visitor, while mime artists and characteur painters dwell in the tourist crouds

30 Health Tips

A garlic a day: Garlic is the mother of all cures. Researchers in Liverpool have found that 5ml of garlic extract lower levels of a disease-causing chemical by up to 48 per cent.

 Eat wholegrain foods: Make sure you have whole-grain bread, rice or pasta at least four times a week and you will reduce the chance of having cancer by 40 per cent.

 Take care of your skin: Always wear sun-screen lotion during summers. It is advisable to use winter care creams to overcome the harsh and cold winds. The best cure is to smile through and your skin will shine with an extra dash. It's no big secret!

 Eat plenty of fish: Fish is the recommended diet for a longer healthier life. Studies have found that those who regularly ate fish were up to one-third less likely to get heart diesease than those who ate it less than once a month.

 Try Tea: Tea is always good. Being a heavy tea-drinker can never have nagative effects. The protective effects of tea increase with the amount drunk, and people who are regular tea drinkers are the least likely to die of a heart attack.

 Stop smoking: Do not smoke your health away. Nicotine pathces, gums or inhalers might work for some individuals, or other methods, from hypnosis to acupuncture. More you are to smoke, more likely your are to develop cancer or heart disease.

 Walk for Health: There is nothing better than walking. Walking a mile everyday, or taking reasonable exercise three times a week, promises to reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as strengthens bones and keeps them strong.

 Never sleep over a backache: It is never advisable to sleep over a backache. Research shows that people who take to their beds with backache take the longest time to recover. Those who avoid bed-rest and continue normal activities as much as possible have less pain.

 Water spells health: Water flushes out the toxins. A good amount of liquid intake helps the entire system and of course is best for curing skin ailments. The average man needs 2.9 litres, or about 12 cups of water, a day and woman needs about 2.2 litres.

 Stop bad breath: You can prevent that unfriendly odour. It is caused by oral bacteria. A toungue scraper may help, but dental care may be needed. Mouth rinses are effective, as are flossing and brushing teeth twice a day.

 Slow down on the junk: Research shows that eating too many high-fat-food contributes to high blood-cholestrol levels, which can cause hardening of the arteries, coronory heart disease and stroke.

 Cut back on salt: Health Organisation recommend no more than five grams a day. Too much salt can lead to stroke and heart problems.

 Drink wine: Research suggests that the equivalent of a couple of glasses of wine a day may be good for health. It can also help you keep a good mental frame.

 Spouse can matter: A man in poor health in his 50s is six times more likely to be affected if married to a woman who is also in poor health.

 Eat right for better teeth: Your pearly whites can gleam. Eat apples, oranges, celery, carrots and high fiber green.

 Make love: There is no better medicine than to have sex. people who have sex at least twice a week get protective boost from their immune systems. Of course it relaxes the mind.

 Crash diets don't work: The so called new-age diets do not add to health prospects. There is no easy way to lose weight so the best way is to do it over a period of time.

 Coffee is good: Researchers have found that two to four cups of coffee daily can lower the risk of colon cancer by 25 per cent.

 Being overweight is dangerous: Loose the extra kilos. Over weight people cut 20 weeks of their life for every excess kilogram, according to new research.Keeping a personal weight machine at home really helps. 

 Supplement with selenium: Research has shown that people who took a daily supplement of selenium had a 37 per cent reduction in cancers.

 Lower you cholesterol: Work on reducing your cholestrol. This can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke even when your level is not high. Exercise to reduce weight.

 Asprin is a wonder drug: Asprin can actually do wonders. It helps to reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease and cancers, including of the colon, oesophagus, stomach, rectum, prostrate. cent.

 Change your job: If the workplace is what bothers you. Simply quit! Consider becoming a salesperson. Salespeople are least likely to have a work-related illness.

 Socialising is good: Meeting friends and relatives is recommended. Weekly socialising improves the memory, concentration and problem solving skills.

 Learn to relax: Unwind, take up a hobby and start socialising. This fights stress and depression.

 Fruits and vegetables help: Have at least five portions of vegetables and fruit a day, especially tomatoes, red grapes.

 Sing to stay healthy: Singing is good for the mind and body. it is relaxing, improves breathing and muscle tone.

 Vitamins are vital: A multivit a day keeps the tablet away, but be sure it contains at least 200 meg of folic acid.

 Sleep well: There is nothing like a good sleep. Sleep primes the immune system. Most people need between seven and nine hours of sleep a night.

 Or just hum...: Humming helps. Daily humming is a good way to increase ventilation in the sinuses.

The health benefits of yoga

The potential health benefits of yoga include:

Stress reduction. A number of studies have shown that yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also enhance your mood and overall sense of well-being.
Improved fitness. Practicing yoga can lead to improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength. And this means you're less likely to injure yourself in other physical endeavors or in your daily activities.
Management of chronic conditions. Yoga can help reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Yoga might also help alleviate chronic conditions, such as depression, pain, anxiety and insomnia.

Twin Cities, Minnesota

Lake Wobegon might be ‘the little town that time forgot, and the decades cannot improve,’ but time has been much kinder to the Twin Cities , Minneapolis and St Paul. Minneapolis is often called the country’s best bike city and the Nice Ride bike - share system with its web of new bike lanes proves the point. The St Anthony Falls Heritage Trail is a 2-mile path along the banks of the Mississippi River. Plan time for Uptown’s Bryant lake Bowl. an old bowling alley with seriously good food (think artisanal cheese plates). And pay homage to the epicenter of Twin Cities’ music scene, First Avenue & 7th St Entry – hometown hero Prince sometimes comes by (seriously). St Paul is quieter, but key to see. Pedal over for a meal at the   

Hmongtown Marketplace. with authentic Lao dishes, and a show at the Fitzgerald Theater, where Garrison Keillor tapes his Prairie Home Companion.

Sunset colours in vibrant Udaipur

The city chosen as the best in the world in a poll by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2009, where history, culture, architecture and style intersect in an unparalleled environment, and home to people from the Rajput clan whose favorite pastimes are horse-riding and polo.

 While travelling in Rajasthan, you can visualize the beauty of everyday village life. Young and gentle women wearing colorful clothing and living in incredibly small houses still manage a serene smile on their lips – something incredible in itself. 

Udaipur town is different, though. Crowds and sudden traffic jams were evident the moment we got there. Afternoons are warmer even when the climate is supposedly at its best in winter. But the setting sun grabs your heart with a fierce intensity and that is when the true Udaipur emerges. The historical forts and hotels look stunning in the fading evening light.

Most hotels are havelis and the walls of the hotel rooms and corridors are adorned with photographs of royal lineage. You can drink and have a candlelight dinner on the rooftops of these hotels while the surroundings can make any event memorable.

Udaipur is an ideal location to spend a couple of days without getting bored and the places can be explored by foot. The City Palace is an opulent spectacle and a feast for any camera. You can spend an entire morning in the museum drooling at the artifacts used by the erstwhile rulers of Rajasthan. The vintage car collection at Hotel Garden near the City Palace has Chevrolets, Fords, Mercedes et al and is a treat for discerning connoisseurs.Culturally significant landmarks like the Nathdwara temple, the Jagdish temple and the Eklingji temple make Udaipur irresistible. People who have an eye for architectural grandeur can also visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort, the birthplace of the Rajput hero Maha Rana Pratap. A few kilometers away from Kumbhalgarh is the famous Haldighati arena where the Mughal emperor Akbar defeated Rana Pratap, who fled the scene and lived in oblivion but refused to accept the lordship of the Mughals, which made him the hero that he is today.

The aeons-old Ranakpur Jain temple is exquisitely carved. An authentic lunch at the Jain dharamshala would make you think that the chefs here are the best in the world.

If you have mastered the art of bargaining, you are at the right place for shopping. The moment you enter any shop, the owner and his assistants make you sit comfortably before starting to show hundreds of varieties of carpets, bedsheets, kurtas, pants, and many other materials of rich tapestry. You can also shop for exquisite antiques, postcards, jewelry and more. A word of caution – the place can burn a hole in your pocket.

One striking feature of this place is that the local people treat travelers with utmost respect and make them feel special. This desert city has many more surprises in store. It is a must for the owners of a cluttered mind. You’ll return home entirely enamoured.

Orlando

Orlando, Florida was once a small cattle town with no more than 200 inhabitants. Now it is the family entertainment capital of the world and this planet's most popular vacation spot. 

It would take several holidays to experience all that this fabulous place has to offer and there is literally something to suit every taste and age group. A hugely popular family holiday destination, this is Florida's entertainment capital, where the theme parks are unsurpassed by anything on earth.

Almost everywhere you go in Orlando, reality takes a back seat and full-blown fantasy is there in its place. Nothing is quite what it seems. 

Not recommended for anyone looking for peace, quiet or restrained good taste, Orlando is ideal for thrill-seekers, and those who thrive on plenty of activity and entertainment. The area is extremely well catered for families and couples of all ages.

Udaipur, India

Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East, boasts several sparkling lakes against a backdrop of the Aravail hills. Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, islands in Fateh Sagar Lake, are the site of Udaipur Solar Observatory and Nehru Garden. Famous palaces include the magical Lake Palace, now a luxurious five-star hotel, and the massive City Palace on Pichola’s east bank, featuring epic courtyards and stunning paintings.

Sydney (Australia)

Situated on the E coast, in the region of New South Wales, Sydney is Australia's oldest, largest and most diverse city. Located in the centre of Sydney is the dazzling Sydney Harbour with its iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. The city has no shortage of lazy bays and legendary surf beaches but Sydney is an adventure playground on the grandest scale with no shortage of activities. There's the Bondi surf, sailing under the Harbour Bridge on a yacht, jogging along the Coogee cliff tops or rampaging through Centennial Park on horseback. Everybody seems to enjoy the outdoors with swarming beaches, buzzing street cafés and the harbour is always blooming with a variety of sails. Sydney's location gives it a temperate, sunny climate with average maximum temperatures range from 17 degrees Celsius in winter (June-August) to 27 degrees Celsius in summer (December-February).

Sydney's population is approaching five million, but it is easy to leave the frenetic urban pace behind with just a simple ferry ride to the North Shore for a bush walk, enjoy a stroll along the harbour beaches or take any one of a number of daytrips to explore the 'real' Australia on the doorstep. 

Sydney is a dynamic city and visitors love its verve and vibrancy, its beautiful harbour and myriad waterways. From sailboats and ferry rides to fine dining at a harbourside restaurant or outdoor cafe, the soul of Sydney is the harbour. The city is also a wonderful base for touring the New South Wales countryside and beyond the city there are friendly country towns, national parks filled with extraordinary flora and fauna, and beautiful beaches up and down the coast. 

LONDON

London is the capital of England, and has something to offer everyone - majestic stately houses, tranquil green parks and a zoo, engrossing museums and art galleries and bustling shopping centres with all the major stores, specialist shops and markets. 

The Royal Family have their main residence in London, at Buckingham Palace , but there are many other interesting houses to visit within London with Royal connections - Hampton Court Palace , The Tower of London , and Regents Park, an ancient Royal hunting park. 

London has a strong maritime tradition, and the docklands on the Thames are undergoing a transformation from empty warehouses to smart city offices and homes. You can learn all about London's Naval history at The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, and aboard the Cutty Sark and HMS Belfast . Greenwich is also home to the Old Royal Observatory, which lies on the meridian line that divides the world into East and West, and where Greenwich Mean Time originates. 

The city is divided by the river Thames, which meanders through central London, splitting it into northern and southern halves. The central area and the most important sights, theatres and restaurants are within the Underground's Circle Line on the north bank of the river. 

The trendy and tourist-ridden West End lies within the western portion of the loop and includes Soho, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Regent St. The East End, so beloved of Ealing comedies, lies east of the Circle Line; it used to be the exclusive preserve of the Cockney but is now a cultural melting pot.

There are interesting inner-city suburbs in North London, including Islington and Camden Town. South London includes a mess of poor, dirty, graffiti-ridden suburbs, such as Brixton, which have vibrant subcultures of their own and are in many ways where the real vitality of London lies. Accommodation for holidays here is generally very expensive but it still attracts tourists of all nationalities and status.