Traditional Ceremonies: A Zambian Safari!
Zambia safari has it all …an ideal tourist destination for that special holiday of your lifetime. And Africa’s undiscovered gem! But why? Because of the rich cultural heritage, the spectacular wildlife, the unforgettable adventure and the awesome beauty.
And don’t forget Zambia is home to the mystic and awesome Victoria Falls. And Zambians are well known for being warm and friendly people. Zambia safari is a cultural tourism you’ll remember.
Rich Cultural Heritage With a population of only 10 million people in a country of 753,614 sq km Zambia is large country. It’s larger than Texas in the USA and has one of the lowest populations to land ratio in Africa. The high urbanisation has resulted in massive tracts of uninhabited land across the country. But, however, many of the rural inhabitants have retained their indigenous and traditional customs and values.
The government recognizes this and has set up institutions to protect and promote Zambian culture. The National Heritage Conservation Commission is one. Government and private museums and cultural villages promote the expression of artistic talents.
Over 73 dialects are spoken in Zambia but the official language is English and most Zambians speak it fairly well. All media and business is in English. Bemba is the next most commonly spoken language, followed by Nyanja. Other large languages are Tonga, Luvale, Lozi. Being a haven of peaceful Zambia has hosted many refuges from the neighbouring countries in the past and still do today. It’s an epitome of unity in diversity.
Traditional Ceremonies Would you have known it? Zambia has numerous traditional ceremonies. But a word of advice! They generally do not follow the normal calendar. The weather elements and a bit of “sniffing around” or such related matters bring things to bear on the date… if you get the drift…
But seriously, the timing of most traditional ceremonies depend more on natural factors such as rainfall, the season, the position of the moon, the month, etc. If you happen to be around when one of these ceremonies is on don’t miss the opportunity. Just ask your tour operators they’ll advise you.
There are more than 21 annual traditional ceremonies cerebrated in Zambia. They generally manifest customs, social life, rituals, oral history, material and spiritual culture. They provide a valuable insight to a traditional culture that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Two of the more colourful traditional ceremonies are Ku-omboka and Umutombuko.
The Ku-omboka Ku-omboka means “to get out of the water onto dry ground”. Every year during the rainy season as the floodwater of the upper Zambezi River valley rises, the Lozi people make a ceremonial move to higher ground.
They pack their belongings into canoes ….and the whole tribe leaves en mass! The Litunga (the Lozi King) rides in his royal barge called the “Nalikwanda”. It’s got zebra stripes that run up and down and make it look great on the water. Numerous boats and canoes of all sorts, shape, colour and make follow it.
Just imagine the jostling that gets under way when it’s time for the people to get selected for this great honour, the honour to paddling the royal barge. A troop of traditionally dressed Lozis paddle it with pride. It takes about six hours to cover the distance between the wet season capital Limulunga and the dry season capital Lealui,
This crossing when completed successfully is celebrated with traditional singing and dancing. Great traditional beer and all! This ceremony dates back more than 300 years ago.
The Umutombuko The celebration is an annual reminder of the victories of Chief Mwata Kazembe of the Lunda people. It commemorates the migration of his great kingdom into Luapula Province of Zambia from the Congo earlier last century. The two-day ceremony is a grand affair, mixed with ritual, semi-mystic performance, pounding drumbeats and long speeches. The women bring tributes of beer and food to the chief.
Then the chief, smeared with white powder, goes to pay homage to his ancestral spirits by pouring the foodstuff in special places such as shrines and into the special lake. Children have a “field day.” They jump into the water to collect the food stuff. …and they get praised for finding the bounty.
Later the Chief is carried in a special hammock back to his palace accompanied by the beating of drums. On the second day, a goat is slaughtered before the Mutomboko dance is opened by the chief. This ceremony takes place in the Luapula Province near the border with DR Congo.
A Lynn Massachusetts lawyer won from a lawfirm in Carmel Indiana
The Supreme Court ruled that if an employer seeks to rely on that defense. Specifically the jury found that although the plaintiffs did not prove that Knolls intentionally discriminated against them they did prove that Knolls method of deciding who to lay off disproportionately harmed older workers. As long as the adverse action is based on reasonable factors other than age. In reaching its conclusion that the employer has the burden to prove the reasonable factors other than age defense the Supreme Court looked at another provision of the ADEA the bona fide occupational qualification defense. The company had its supervisors rate their subordinates based on their performance flexibility and critical skills. The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit initially affirmed the jurys findings but after the United States Supreme Court asked it to reconsider the Second Circuit reversed itself and ruled in favor of Knolls. In that case Meacham versus Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory the Supreme Court interpreted a provision of the ADEA that permits an employer to take an adverse employment action against an employee. For example it would not be illegal to consider criteria for a particular role in a movie that has a disparate impact on age if the part calls for someone of a particular age. It has the burden to prove that its decision was based on a reasonable factor other than age. The Supreme Court has previously recognized that the employer has the burden to establish the BFOQ affirmative defense. In other words the ADEA permits employers to discriminate based on age considering age is legitimately necessary under the circumstances. In Meacham Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory was planning to lay off a number of employees. The Supreme Court then agreed to hear the case and eventually reversed the Second Circuit and reinstated the jurys finding that Knolls policy unlawfully discriminated because of age. Knolls totaled those scores and gave the employees additional points based on their years of service. Twenty-eight of those 39 employees sued under the ADEA claiming Knolls illegally fired them because of their age. It then used those totals to decide who to lay off. Thirty of the 38 salaried employees the company laid off were at least 60 years old. At the trial a jury found Knolls had violated the ADEA because its layoff procedure had a disparate impact based on age. A lawyer from Rijswijk won from a advocate in Antioch California The BFOQ defense states that it is not unlawful for an employer to take adverse employment actions otherwise prohibited by the ADEA where age is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the particular business. Even if the employment action is otherwise prohibited by the ADEA.
What you need to know about - thailand travel
Thailand is one of those destinations, which is forever teeming with tourists. The country holds an exclusive position in the hearts of all vacationers for the place has much more to offer than anyone can expect. Thailand lies in the South East Asia region and can be taken to be the land of Buddha. Almost all the Buddha devotees desire to visit this country once in their lifetime. This is due to the fact that Thailand has some of the unique and exquisite Buddha temples where perfect tranquility prevails.
A Concise Review of a Seemingly Interminable Place
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is worth visiting spot. This sacred temple has Buddha statue that is 65 centimeter elevated and is entirely made of jasper quartz or jade. While the jade goes back to 15th century, the murals on the walls of the compound can be traced back to 18th century. The visitors can take a look at The Royal Thai Decorations and the Coin Pavilion. All in all the sanctity of the temple speaks through itself and the ambiance is enough to enchant the visitors.
Along with Temple of Emerald Buddha, several other grand Buddha temples can be seen once you move into the city of Bangkok. Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand has proved its worth across the globe. This metropolis has everything to offer to its visitors. From wonderful museums to thrilling nightlife, Bangkok has it all. The bustling city owns the largest South East Asian museum called The National Museum. National Museum has a gathering of various things like Thai art from old to contemporary, musical instruments, weapons, woodcarving, ceramics, clothing and sacred Buddha images.
Visitors that come to Bangkok never miss the opportunity to encounter Vinmanmek Teak Mansion that is supposed to be the largest teak building in the world. The Royal Elephant Museum and Dusuit Zoo are perfect places to have some learning with fun. The Wat Pho temple near the temple of Emerald Buddha in Bangkok is perhaps the oldest and the largest of all Buddha temples there. The Wat Pho temple is known for its 46 meter long statue of reclining Buddha and the largest collection of Buddhas in the country. A refreshing massage therapy is done at this place that too attracts a lot of people.
Finally when it comes to shopping, Bangkok has it all. There are ample of markets here that will serve you with all the things of your necessity. The Chatuchak Market or The Weekend Market (that is open on Saturdays and sundaes only), the Pak Khlong market and markets in Chinatown and Phahurat district are particularly quite famous.
The Thonburi region resting on the west bank of river Thonburi has always gathered attention due to different reasons. The Taksin Monument that has a statue of Thailand’s eminent king Taksin which is a delight to watch. The Royal Barges Museum that has a fantastic collection of boats, the outstanding one being the king’s personal barge -The Golden Swan is definitely a pull in Thonburi.
Buddhist stupas area centre of attraction at Ayuthaya, a city that lies to the north of Bangkok. The oldest and largest temple here is the Wat Phra Si Sanphet, another famous temple is Wat No Phra Meru that has a green stone Buddha statue inside. The Ayuthaya and the Chantharakasen are the two significant national museums. The Lopburi and the Kanchanaburi town in the Central Thailand region is a host to a lot many tourists every year.
In the Southeastern Thailand region is situated the Ko Chang National Park that is crammed by people due to the various activities like elephant riding, diving, snorkeling etc. and also to enjoy the wildlife in this area. The Rayong Province has a set of exotic beaches along with the Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park that has striking limestone mountains, caves, cliffs and waterfalls including impressive wildlife. Pattaya is another eventful beach spot located 150 kilometers away from Bangkok.
The Northern Thailand is bedecked by the Lamphun Province that has numerous historical temples, Doi Khun Tan National Park, the Lampang Province that grounds the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang temple which is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand and there is also the famous Thai Elephant Conservation Center which provides acre for sick elephants, animal shows and tourist exhibits from time to time. The Sukhothai Province is important for its Ramkhamhaeng National Park.
The Isan Region of Northeastern Thailand has the renowned Khao Yai National Park, which is a home for innumerable wild animals and the Phanom Rung Historical Park.
Few places at the Thailand’s Southern Coasts like Phetchaburi city, the Southern Gulf Region (known for marine life and water sports) and the Andaman Coast are everlastingly meant for vacationing in Thailand.
A Beginners Article to Video Marketing - Part One
The prudent old Chinese tale has a very strong denotation; the tale portrayed the truth that we all acknowledge an occasion very much more when it is viewed. Through video production or videography it’s possible to record a succession of events. Improve your businesses revenue online with promotional video production from Vidify.
Nowadays in numerous different corporate presentations, video footage is constantly employed. Through video production services it is feasible to supply the required information to quite a lot of likely clientele to help encourage them. Online Video production at present is employed for several different purposes; however, numerous promotional videos & awareness associated productions are usually produced in order to attain desired commercial goals.
Audio video productions are currently in fashion and thus are used in roughly any sort of industry activity. Digital media businesses at the outset primarily interact with a certain style of client or a company that seeks to develop a short format online video commercial, a presentation or a collection of video clips. The entire job of video production is usually carried out by a couple of freelancers; nevertheless there are numerous online specialist video production agencies around at the moment.
Involvement of music composers, cameraman & script writers can also be typical when creating online video productions. What’s more, marketing firms and public relations firms have recently become involved with many aspects of online video production & marketing.
A Cruising Honeymoon
Today more than ever newly married couples of all ages are opting for cruise honeymoons. What could be better after months and months of high-stress and preparation of the wedding than for the couple to be able to lay back, relax and not have to think of anything other than each other? No cares about anything. It’s all been done for you. Along with being a carefree vacation choice cruises are generally very affordable. Lodging, entertainment, food and all shipboard activities included in the price.
Some cruise ships even offer romantic honeymoon packages. Imagine a private oasis for the two of you. Arriving in your room to find a bottle of champagne, flowers and gourmet nibbles. Make time to have a romantic massage for two, how about the honeymoon table specially set aside in the dining room? How about a pampering facial, manicure and pedicure for the bride? Most cruise ships also offer complimentary sessions for hair and make up, depending on the package you choose.
The most difficult decision about the cruise could be one that takes place months before the cruise itself. It’s the decision of which cruise to take. This would depend of course on the couple and their interests. The Caribbean is a very popular honeymoon cruse destination, along with Hawaii and Mexico. What could be more romantic than walking hand in hand with sweet warm tropical breezes blowing and a full moon shining overhead?
Cruises are the ultimate all inclusive honeymoon. You unpack one time, and have six or seven or even more days of cruising from port to port shopping and exploring each one. You can take the excursions offered by the cruise line or do some exploring on your own. Your time is your own, and this is the true beauty of a cruise. You have no where in particular to go, and all day to get there. You can sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast, relax by the pool all day and go dancing into the wee hours of the night.
Bike Tour on the Horizon? How to Get in Shape
People who consider going on bike tours often ask: “What kind of physical condition do I need to be in, and how can I accomplish this?” This article is primarily aimed at very busy people who don’t have a regular exercise regimen due to work, family obligations, business travel, etc.
The very simple answer to the opening question is as follows: one should participate in 45-60 minutes of aerobic exercise at least twice, but preferably 3 times per week until the bike tour starts.
That being said, the next logical question is: what kind of exercise should one do? Some suggestions are discussed below, and much more valuable information can be gleaned by looking at the many resources offered by our friends at About Aerobics. This site can really answer all your training, diet, nutrition, equipment, and other questions. They even offer resources for people to set up a personal training program.
First of all, if you don’t normally follow an exercise regimen, you might want to start out in some sort of group program at your local gym, for example. Many companies now bring in fitness trainers for aerobics classes during lunch hour as well, so if your employer offers that, you have a good option to exercise more and eat less. Overcoming inertia and getting started can be the hardest part of the overall effort. Many people even become almost religious about their exercise habits once they get started and find a program that works for them.
Here’s an example of something one can do: we live in Colorado, and it’s not always easy to get a bike ride in during the winter or even spring months when the weather is often blustery. Our local gym offers spinning classes, and that is an excellent option to train for your bike tour. Spinning is done on a stationary bike with adjustable tension, and classes are led by an instructor, usually to music. It takes a few sessions to get used to, because most beginners are not accustomed to “standing up” on the pedals for 4-5 minutes without sitting down. One should start slowly, sit down and take it easy if necessary, and forget about being macho in front of the group. Normally after about 3-4 sessions, you’ll learn to pace yourself properly while endurance improves. The next thing you know you’ll be able to keep up with the group. Expect to burn from 500 to 700 calories in a 45 minute session, as the classes can be intense. It is also useful to wear a heart rate monitor if you have one and track your pulse during the session. In addition, part of the program is several minutes of stretching after the class, which is something most people neglect. For beginners, my advice is to come early and get a good warm-up. You can learn more about spinning by clicking on this URL.
Another aerobic group exercise option is jazzercise. Jazzercise is popular in most locales, and it’s normally not hard to find sessions that fit your time availability. As always, the hard part is getting started. Follow this link for more about jazzercise.
Of course individual aerobic exercises abound as well, including swimming, running, and various machines which are found in any good gym these days, even in hotels. Anything that will help you get your heart rate up for awhile will benefit your bike tour training.
Here’s an important point, however: no matter what type of aerobic exercise you choose to do, it’s absolutely necessary to get outside and put in some miles on a bike. Even if you spend a good amount of time on a stationary bike at home or in the gym, the feeling of riding outside is different, and you need to get used to that before your bike tour. Check your tour itinerary and determine the longest day of riding that you will encounter. If these distances are not specified, contact your tour operator and ask that question. If you can ride that amount of miles at home in training, then you will have no problem whatsoever on your bike tour. You’ll have all day to do those miles on the tour, and you will be stopping often along the route.
One of the side benefits of bike tours is that they motivate people to get active and get into shape. You’ll enjoy the beauty of the countryside much more if you’re in good physical condition. Being outside on a back road, perhaps in a foreign country, smelling the flowers or the crops or the fresh bread, and greeting the locals you encounter, are all much easier and more pleasant if you’re not gasping for breath. And after successfully riding 20-30 miles and enjoying a busy day of shopping, sight-seeing, and exploring new vistas, you’ll feel you’ve earned a fabulous dinner and a great bottle of wine. Bonne route!
Albergo Angiolino in Chianciano Terme
Albergo Angiolino is a affordable 3 star hotel in Chianciano Terme, located in Via Sabatini, 43
Inaugurated in 1949, the hotel is ideal for those wishing to spend a tranquil holiday in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere in an area surrounded by natural beauty spots.
The hotel is managed by the Massarelli family, and is situated very close to the principal spas and their parks, the ideal location for the well being of both mind and body.
Hotel Angiolino is situated in a panoramic position only a short distance from Chianciano’s main piazza and the Acqua Santa and Fucoli parks where visitors may take the waters. A short walk will take guests to the Sillene Spa and Wellness Centre.
The hotel has 41 spacious and bright bedrooms and offers everything you need to make your stay pleasant and comfortable including of course, fine Tuscan cuisine.
All rooms have air conditioning, parquet flooring, bathroom (with shower or bath), hair dryer, telephone, TV, radio, writing desk and internet access point.
Many of the rooms have splendid views of the surrounding countryside including views of three lakes; Chiusi, Montepulciano and Trasimeno.
The restaurant
The family are proud to offer a menu of carefully prepared traditional Tuscan dishes. There is a buffet with a large selection of vegetable dishes and an assortment of cheeses is available both for lunch and dinner. Desserts include an assortment of home made cakes which are also part of the sumptuous breakfast.
There is air conditioning throughout the hotel and guests may take advantage of the cool breeze in the garden during the summer months. For guests wishing to sunbathe, a large terrace equipped with sunbeds and deck chairs is available or they can enjoy the same facilities in the privacy of their room’s balcony.
All areas of the hotel can be reached by elevator, making it suitable for guests using wheelchairs.
Situated in the centre of Italy close to the A1 Motorway and main north/south railway, Chianciano Terme is within easy reach of Italy’s most important towns and cities.
Other than Albergo Angiolino, you can browse our offers for other accommodations in Chianciano Terme, from cheap to luxury, togheter with Tours all over Italy; tourist information about Italy can be found on World 66
Why Thailand Is A Favorite Travel Destination in Asia
No wonder people love to travel to Thailand these days. It’s hot. It’s fun. And it’s cheap. Everything here is cheap — hotels, food, shopping — you name it. A coconut costs 20 baht (that’s around 50 cents -US). A bowl of noodle costs from 30 to 70 baht (depending on how nice the restaurant is).
Hotels in Thailand are cheap. They have hotels to suit any budget you have. If you’re a backpacker and want to stay in Bangkok, Kaosan road is your ideal destination. It’s dirt cheap. If you have deeper pocket, you can stay in a small hotel for $40. But if you have $100 or $200, go for a nicer hotel. It’s all worth it. You can be sure that the service is second to none. When you leave Bangkok for the beach, you have the choice of cheap bungalows or prettier resorts. You can book a room in advance or you can just walk in. Feel free to a look around and pick the resort you like once you get there.
You’ll have a great time in Thailand. Bangkok is the capital. And you shouldn’t miss it for the world. Dress politely and take a taxi to the Grand Palace, Wat Pra Kaew (”Wat” means temple in Thai) and Wat Po. If your hotel is by the Chao Phraya river (the main river in Bangkok), book the hotel’s cruise for dinner. Also, remember to spend a weekend in Bangkok. Put on your summer outfit and take a taxi to Jatujak weekend market (open on Saturdays and Sundays). They have everything here. And when I say everything, I mean it — from clothing, accessories, Thai handicrafts, to furniture. The place is huge. Be there around 11, have lunch there, and enjoy your shopping till late afternoon. Make sure you have a lot of cash with you — you’ll love to buy everything you see. Here you have to bargain, and they only take cash. Your travel to Bangkok can’t be complete without going to Jatujak.
I often feel sorry for tourists who travel to Thailand with a tour group. They don’t get to see much. Getting around Bangkok is especially easy. In fact, you don’t need to take a tour. You can get around the city by skytrain, taxi or tuktuk. And if you want to get a little sun-tanned, just fly to the south — to Phuket island, Samui island, Phi Phi island, or Similan island. You don’t even need a tour guide once you are at the beach!
Thai people are incredibly friendly and helpful. All you have to do is ask. Just ask for help, and they’ll help you as much as they can. They can speak a little English. You’ll have no problem. If you approach someone who can’t speak English, you’ll still have no problem. Use your common sense. Use your hands. Speak in chunks, not sentences. Say the name of the place you want to go. If they walk away, that doesn’t mean they don’t want to help you. It simply means they can’t speak English at all. And they’re too embarrassed about that. So, don’t take it personally. Don’t give up. Ask the next person you see. They’ll help you out — I bet you a Pad Thai on that!
When you travel in Thailand, you should have no problem if you just learn to ask for help. You see, most tourists rely on maps (which are pretty useless when you’re in Thailand). They just stand there clueless with their maps while Thai people walk past by (wondering deep down if they can help you out…You see, most Thais are shy. They won’t walk up to you asking if you need help. You need to initiate the conversation.)
Unexpected Guests
We all love having guests over and having a wonderful dinner planned out for them with a perfectly balanced menu of three maybe five courses. Desserts, wine the whole works. We spent about a week really getting down to the last detail so that everything turns out perfect and our guests really truly know how much you appreciate them and the wonderful dinner that you prepared showed for it.
But what happens that Saturday night when you truly are just expecting to sit in the couch watch movies and eat popcorn all night, and all of a sudden you get a phone call with only a warning “we are coming over”. Don’t panic, I am sure there is something in your food cabinet that you give them and they will never know it took you five to ten minutes to prepare. Slice some apples tray them up with some grapes, olives, cheese and crackers it’s a great appetizer. Or how about just some steamed edamames lightly salted.
Make it very casual, turn on the fireplace open a couple bottles of wine, red and white, and start sautéing some fresh garlic in olive oil. Boil some angel hair pasta and lightly toss in garlic and olive oil. Finish with some fresh grated parmesan and you will have your guests leaving happier than you might think.
The important thing it to really welcome them in to your home, and give them the best thing you have lying around, which is why the came over, your company.
Ya Mule! - Backpacking In Siena, Italy
Ah, the glamour of backpacking through Europe. Of course, the glamour comes with a price as I found in Siena, Italy.
Siena
Siena is located an hour or so outside of Florence, Italy. My handy dandy guidebook suggested it was a side trip that just had to be made. A medieval structure located behind protective walls on the top of a hill. The central area was generally closed off to cars and it was a taste of true Italy. Who was I to argue?
As I sat on the train, I check my backpack for any excess weight. I had already discarded or sent home unnecessary items and was feeling pretty light on my feet. Next thing I knew, the train had stopped and I was standing on flat road next to a rolling hill covered in trees and homes. Siena proper was at the top.
The thing about rolling hills with lots of foliage is they are simply evil. You can never get a grasp on how far it is to the top. You keep thinking the top appears to be a few hundred feet in front of you until you reach it. Then you discover it is just a dip before another upward section. The hill up to Siena is just such a rolling hill. Throw in a road that twists all over the hill like a drunken sailor on leave, and you’ll never scoff at a moped again.
Getting in touch with my inner mule, I began to climb and tame the great beast. As I trudged along, I thought of all the great people that must of walked up the same hill throughout history. As I stood in the shade panting, I thought all of those great people probably hitched a ride instead of walking like me.
After thirty-five minutes or so, I was seriously starting to think about hitching a ride. Of course, this would mean admitting defeat. The battle between my genetic male stubbornness and “this sucks” attitude was intense. Like a mule, I kept going. Five bends, three dips that I could have sworn were the top.
Just as I was giving in…a wall. A really big wall. I passed it and suddenly was in a large parking lot area with tourist buses. Hands on knees, shirt soaking, I tried to maintain my dignity as the tourist looked at me like I was insane. Did that moron walk up here? One even took a picture!
After composing myself…err, getting my breath back, I booked a room in a little hotel. The young lady working the desk seemed hesitant, but I made some comment about it being a long way up from the valley. She started giggling and I had the room.
I showered and went looking for trouble. Well, trouble that was on a flat surface. In the town centre, I stumbled upon a small café selling Mexican beer. Being from San Diego, this was nirvana. My inner mule was quickly appeased and the hill of death forgotten.
Reflecting on my climb from a historical perspective, I learned a good lesson. It is far better to be behind the wall than trying to attack it!