Egypt:The Land of the Pharaohs
Introduction: Egypt is probably the world’s oldest civilization having emerged from the Nile Valley around 3,100 BC, historically. 
Egypt is probably one of the oldest vacation spots. Early Greeks, Romans and others went there just for fun, and to see the wonders of some of mankind’s earliest triumphs. But Egypt is much more than Pyramids and monuments. It is also Red Sea scuba diving, hot night spots, luxury hotels and five star restaurants. It is romantic cruises down the Nile on festive river boats, a night at the grand opera and it is a cultural experience like none you have ever experienced. Egypt is a land bustling with life, sound, visual beauty and excitement. More than anything else, we want you to think of Egypt as fun. For thousands of years, it has been the playground of emperors and kings, and we hope you will take the time to find out why.
- Location:Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula.
- Area: 1,001,450 sq km.
- Climate:desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters.
- Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc.
- Population:76,117,421 (July 2004 est.)
- Religions:Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94%, Coptic Christian and other 6%.
- Languages:Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes`.
About Ancient Egypt: In Egypt, we find the earliest detailed records of warfare recorded thousands of years ago, but we also find the 
cemeteries and monuments of the world’s last global war, World War II. In Egypt, we find some of the first written words of civilization, but we also find great thinkers and writers through the Greek period, into the Christian era, the archaic Islamic period and even modern Nobel Literates. In Egypt, we find ancient pyramids and giant columns supporting massive temples, but we can now find these architectural elements spread throughout the world. Here, along with the first monumental buildings made of stone, we also find the first paved roads, the first wines and beer and even the first peace treaties between organized governments. However, we also find the world’s first scientists, doctors, architects and mathematicians.
Temples: In ancient Egypt, the gods were not so much worshipped in Egypt’s ancient temples as they were taken care of by the priests.
Common people were usually not allowed into most of the temples, where priests washed, clothed and delivered food to statues of the Gods.Most of the temples of ancient Egypt were fairly similar in many ways. They often had one or more open courtyards, one or more halls with columns that Egyptologists call hypostyle halls, in inner chapel known as a sanctuary, where the god’s statue was placed, and they were often surrounded by a wall, with a large front part known as a pylon.
Tombs, Including Pyramids: At first, the kings of Egypt were buried in what are known as mastabas 
in southern Egypt, mainly at a place called Abydos. Mastaba is an Arabic word meaning bench, because these tombs looked like a bench. They consisted of a pit where the dead were buried in the ground covered by stones above ground. Later, during a period known as the Old Kingdom, the kings decided to be buried in a more northern location around the capital of Egypt. This was a city called the White Walls, but the Greeks called it Memphis. There were several cemeteries used around Memphis. The first was a place called Saqqara, where the earliest pyramids were built.Today, we have discovered many other ancient sites in Egypt. Some are palaces, while others are entire towns, including public buildings, agricultural buildings, common houses and other buildings. Some of the most famous are the worker’s villages, where the craftsmen, artists and laborers who build the tombs (including pyramids) lived. Others include famous forts and huge statues.
After the Pharaohs in Egypt: Egypt’s history is very long, and even after the pharaohs there are many important ancient sites. For
example, there are Roman fortresses, ancient Christian monasteries and churches, and more recently, famous old Mosques (where Muslims pray) and Mausoleums, which are Islamic tombs. Unlike Christian monuments, which often are decorated with religious paintings, the Mosques The Monastery of St. Catherine in the Egyptian Sinaiand Mausoleums are decorated with designs, but no pictures or paintings. We can usually tell that a building is a Mosque because it has a minaret, a tall tower. We can tell that a building is a Mausoleum because they usually have big domes.The ancient Christian monasteries are some of the oldest in the world, and are very famous.
they enjoyed with friends, music, parties, swimming, fishing, hunting, sailing, and especially their children. Much of what has been learned of the types of work done by ancient Egyptians has been gathered from the collections of the artifacts found inside their burial chambers. What is known is that there were several classes of workers, both an upper and lower class. The upper class workers consisted of the scribes and priests. The lower class usually consisted of the merchants and farmers.Education, of course, covers both the general upbringing of a child and its training for a particular skill. The upbringing of males was left largely in the hands of their fathers, that of females was entrusted to their mothers. Ancient Egyptian civilization was one of the most extended in the west, beginning in approximately 3000 B.C., and lasting until nearly 300 B.C. What is amazing about the Egyptian’s culture is not their rapid growth and development, but their ability to retain the past and prevail with relatively little change.
Life in Modern Egypt: The people of Egypt are a culture built upon for thousands of years. Just as in other societies, today’s
Egyptians have strong family values and much faith in religion. Some of them live in the big cities, while others live in rural farming areas. Egyptian land is almost all a vast desert, with sand as far as the eye can see. The jewel of Egypt, the Nile River, adds lush greenery and fertile soil to the desolate blowing sands common to the rest of the country. Egypt itself is bordered on two sides by water, contrasting the sand with the color of the deep blue sea. Today’s government of Egypt is a Presidency. The President is elected by popular vote, and has quite a lot of power. The population of Egypt resides both in the major cities and suburbs such as Cairo and Alexandria, as well as in small rural villages. Culture in Egypt ranges from popular singers to famous writers and everything in between.
source:http://www.touregypt.net
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American Revolution, their steadfast support of the British during that epochal event had brought them persecution and privation. Fleeing their homes in the former American colonies, they started their lives over again in various areas of what is now Canada, including the west bank of the Niagara River. The Lundy, Bender and McMicking families were among the Loyalists who became some of Niagara Falls’ earliest inhabitants.In 1848, the first bridge opened across the Niagara River. Designed as a suspension bridge for carriages and pedestrians, it was located where the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge is today. The new bridge was opened in 1855.By then, a small village named Elgin had grown up in the area around present-day lower Bridge Street. Elgin was a major divisional point on the Great Western Railway and was also at the Canadian end of an international bridge crossing. Consequently, it grew quite rapidly. In 1856, enlarged town took the name Clifton.In 1881, Clifton changed its name to the Town of Niagara Falls. Not to be outdone, the following year Drummondville became the Village of Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls’ area and population increased dramatically in 1963 when the adjacent Township of Stamford amalgamated with the city. With the advent of regional government in 1970, Chippawa, Willoughby Township and a small portion of Crowland Township also became part of Niagara Falls.
which (Lake Erie) ran downhill toward another (Lake Ontario). The rushing waters carved out a river in their descent and at one point passed over a steep cliff like formation (the Niagara escarpment).Currently, Niagara Falls wears its way back another approximately 1 foot/year.The Niagara River flows at approximately 35 miles/hour (56.3 kilometers/hour).There are actually two waterfalls in Niagara, the American Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.The Horseshoe Falls are 180 feet (57 meters) high Man-made attractions of Niagara Falls include Maid of the Mist, Table Rock Scenic Tunnels, Spanish Aero Car, Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, Marineland, Casino Niagara, IMAX Theatre, and the new Butterfly Conservatory.In 1959, the face of Niagara was changed when Louis Tussaud’s English Wax Museum was opened.The Minolta Tower rises 325 feet above the Horseshoe Falls.Skylon Tower rises 775 feet above the Falls.
Electricity generated in Niagara Falls at the Sir Adam Beck 1 and Sir Adam Beck 2 power stations from redirected waterflow serves the electrical needs of Southern Ontario and Western New York.Annie Taylor "Queen of the Mist" , a school teacher from Bay City Michigan was first person to travel over the Falls in a barrel on October 24, 1901.Niagara Falls Ontario Canada is known as the Honeymoon Capital of the world.The word Niagara comes from the word "onguiaahra" which means "a thundering noise".Until 1886, when the Statue of Liberty was erected, the Falls at Niagara were the symbol of America and the New World. Visitors from all over the world targeted Niagara as a must-see during a visit to North America. Water is redirected from traveling over the Falls in order to drive large hydro-electric turbines that produce electricity for Southern Ontario and Western New York State.One of the bloodiest battles of the War of 1812 took place on July 25, 1814 at Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls, Ontario… A total of 7500 Americans and Canadians fought for six hours. At the end, 1,000 soldiers lay dead or wounded.
features of present day Russia is a renewed celebration of the wealth of its past and its potential for the future. Throwing off the blanket of communist uniformity, Russia today is a nation of enormous diversity and tremendous vitality. It is as if the cultural traditions of a century ago have re-awakened with a newfound strength - ancient cathedrals are being rebuilt and restored, colorful markets hum with activity once again and literature and the arts are quickly regaining the creative renown they enjoyed decades ago. A new Russia is now in full bloom.For most westerners,Russia is associated with its European cities–Moscow, St. Petersburg and Murmansk. Russia is the largest country on earth, with enormous tracts of land that have been opened to travellers only in the last few years.Just as Russia’s rich cultural heritage has once more come to life, its natural heritage too is a new country waiting to be discovered.With the dissolution of the Soviet Union there has been an enormous resurgence of interest in Russia’s pre-Soviet past, as well as a great deal of debate and reconsideration of the Soviet era itself.
17,075,400 sq. km.) from Europe to Asia. Even after the dissolution of the Soviet Empire, Russia is easily the worlds largest country. Vast plains cover most of Russia’s territory. Mountain ranges are found mostly in the eastern and southern regions, with the Ural Mountains constituting a natural backbone from north to south seperating European and Asian Russia.The country has a tremendous wealth of natural resources, producing 17% of the world’s crude oil, 25-30% of its natural gas, and 10-20% of all non-ferrous, rare and noble metals mined across the globe.Most of Russia’s territory is located in the temperate belt, though the range of climates and habitats spans from Arctic tundra and forest tundra to forests, forest-steppes and semi-deserts. Average January temperatures range from 0 to minus 5 degrees Centigrade in Western European Russia to minus 40-50 degrees Centigrade in Eastern Yakutia. Average July temperatures range from 1 degree Centigrade on the northern Siberian coast to 25 degrees Centigrade in Russia’s Cis-Caspian lowlands. Check the current four-day weather forecasts for Moscow and St. Petersburg.Russia has the world’s fifth largest population (148.8 million people) after China, India, the United States and Indonesia. It contains some 130 nations and ethnic groups including Russians, Tartars, Ukrainians, Chuvashs, Jews, Bashkirs, Byelorussians and Mordovians.Russia has the world’s fifth largest population (148.8 million people) after China, India, the United States and Indonesia.
Amsterdam, Athens, Berlin, Brussels, Bucharest, Frankfort, Paris, Riga, Talinn, Helsinki, Venice, Vilnius, and Warsaw to Moscow, or from Berlin and Brussels to St. Petersburg.To Siberia, be sure to experience the Trans-Siberian Railway which runs in either direction between European and Asian Russia.
architecture seems to many visitors to Russia to be a rather baffling array of exotic forms and alien sensibilities. Without any sense of the rich tradition of Russian culture, an appreciation of the country’s enormous artistic wealth becomes a game of historical anecdote–"the church where so-and-so took refuge from what’s-his-name"–or a meaningless collection of aesthetic baubles–"I like the blue domes the best."
offshoot of the mosaic and fresco tradition of early Byzantine churches. During the 8th and 9th centuries, the iconoclasm controversy in the Orthodox church called into question whether religious images were a legitimate practice or sacrilegious idolatry. Although the use of images wasn’t banned, it did prompt a thorough appreciation of the difference between art intended to depict reality and art designed for spiritual contemplation. That difference is one of the reasons that the artistic style of icons can seem so invariant. Certain kinds of balance and harmony became established as reflections of divinity, and as such they invited careful reproduction and subtle refinement rather than striking novelty. 
Russian artwork closer to the familiar traditions of western painting. It wasn’t until the end of the 19th century that the next great body of uniquely Russian artistic styles arose, having developed in conjunction with liberal forces of social reform. This modern movement took many different directions almost from its inception, and it would be impossible to describe all of them. However, even a very general acquaintance with their common ideas and interests makes their work much more accessible. From the start, the modern art movement was concerned with breaking away from the classical tradition and creating a new kind of art that was intimately engaged with the daily life of Russian society. It developed a renewed interest in traditional Russian art forms, including both decorative folk art and, of course, icon painting. 
the only buildings to be constructed of stone, and today they are almost the only buildings that remain from its ancient past. The basic elements of Russian church design emerged fairly early, around the eleventh century. The plan is generally that of a Greek cross (all four arms are equal), and the walls are high and relatively free of openings. Sharply-sloped roofs (tent roofs) and a multitude of domes cover the structure. The characteristic onion dome first appeared in Novgorod on the Cathedral of Sancta Sophia, in the eleventh century. On the interior, the primary feature is the iconostasis, an altar screen on which the church’s icons are mounted in a hierarchical fashion.The centers of medieval church architecture followed the shifting dominance of old Russia’s cities–from Kiev to Novgorod and Pskov, and, from the end of the 15th century, Moscow. 
re are plenty of places to visit that are within easy striking distance of a comfy hotel, a river cruise boat, or even a major city. This page provides only a brief glimpse of the possibilities that now exist.
to outsiders for decades, the rivers and mountains of Russia are still abundant with game. The country has begun to experience problems with illegal hunting and fishing expeditions in protected areas. However, there are many reputable companies that lead expeditions to the country’s legislated game preserves. Particularly in the Far East, opportunities for salmon fishing and bear hunting are unmatched anywhere else on earth.
beauty and charm though to be explored during a Switzerland Tour; still some degree of familiarity has to be attained to experience the zenith of enjoyment. In the whole of Western Europe, which is thronged by the travellers during the vacations, Switzerland attracts the maximum tourists every year.There are very few places that can equal the cleanliness and orderliness prevalent in Switzerland.something about Switzerland…
joined together for the common purpose of protecting their borders. Switzerland is one of the oldest democracies in the world.Switzerland is an amalgamation of four cultures: French, Italian, Swiss-German and Romansh. On the basis of Geography, Switzerland can be divided into three seperate zones, each running in an east-west direction. In the north near France are the hilly and forested Jura; The central areas of Switzerland is a plateau region with forest areas, agricultural farmland, cities and lakes; and the south is covered entirely by the high Alps mountain system.
time to visit Switzerland.Though the highest peaks of the Alps receive a high snowfall the year-round (it’s rare July-September, however), yet Switzerland has a cool and cozy climate throughout the year. The best seasons looking to the weather conditions are Spring, summer and autumn. 
concoction of Gruyère and Vacherin cheese which is melted and mixed with a little garlic, flour, kirsch and white wine, Other cheese delicacies are Emmental and Tête de Moine. Papet vaudoir is yet another swiss delicacy made from leeks and potatoes. Pork sausages or salami is very popular in Switzerland and comes in a variety of swiss recipes including Beinwurst, Engadinerwurst, Kalbsleberwurst (calf’s liver pâté), Knackerli, Landjäger and Leberwurst (pâté). Swiss delicacies such as Rösti made from shredded fried potatoes and Fondue Bourguignonne made from cubed meat with various sauces should not be missed.
Mombasa has a long, rich history dating back over 1500 years when it started as a trading port. The Portugese explorer, Vasco Da Gama, landed here in 1498 and established a Portugese colony at the coast. Arabs from Oman later took over the city, leaving their mark on the region. Mombasa has a vibrant Swahili culture. There are a range of hotels to the north and south of Mombasa, known as the North and South coast respectively.Mombasa has a long, rich history dating back over 1500 years when it started as a trading port.The Portugese explorer, Vasco Da Gama, landed here in 1498 and established a Portugese colony at the coast. Arabs from Oman later took over the city, leaving their mark on the region.Mombasa has a vibrant Swahili culture. There are a range of hotels to the north and south of Mombasa, known as the North and South coast respectively.
that displays various artifacts from the era where Mombasa served as a transit point for the slave trade and commodities. Its interior comprises of torture rooms and prison cells where slaves were kept in captivity before being traded. Weapons such as canons, which were used to defend the fort from invading foreigners as well as rioting locals, can be seen both inside and outside of the fort.
Mamba Village is a very renowned tourist attraction in Mombasa. It combines crocodile farming, conservation, and ecosystem friendly quarry. Other activities within the Mamba Village are camel riding, horse riding and a unique "a la carte" restaurant specialized in game meat e.g. Croco-meat, Ostrich, Zebra, among other delicacies. 
large variety of animals. A walk around the trail is the ideal way to look at the various animals found within. The trail was a result of an unusual attempt to rehabilitate a giant quarry. There is a large number of bird species, several hippos, crocodiles, antelopes and giant tortoise.
were built to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth to the town in 1952, lying directly on the path from the port to the town. Ivory was considered to be an exquisite commodity during the time, and in essence the tusks were meant to embrace the Queen and the British Empire into the town and within its social structure.
dian tourism and West Bengal tourism benefits significantly from the vast number of Indian and international tourists that visits Darjeeling every year. The town is also the capital of the Darjeeling district which is the northernmost district of West Bengal bordering Nepal. The town offers fantastic vacations in summer as well as winter. The view of the Himalayas, particularly the magnificent view of the Kanchenjungha is one of the major attractions of Darjeeling.The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the toy train,has become the symbol of Darjeeling.
the handicrafts museum. Kalimpong, Takdah, Mirik, Lava, Lolegaon and Sandakphu are some of the important tourist spots near Darjeeling. A tour of Darjeeling offers wonderful opportunities for shopping and many adventure activities.Darjeeling, known as the queen of the Himalayas is situated in the Northern Part of the Indian state of West Bengal. The city is located in the Siwalik Range of the lesser Himalayas and is famous for its tea industry. The city is also famous for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways which is one among the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are a large number of tourist destinations in Darjeeling making this place a wonderful holidaying experience. To the east, a dull orange sun emerged painting the sky with brilliant strokes of magenta, gold, orange and fuchsia. The snow capped Everest, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Jannu and other peaks slowly emerge from slumber to start a new day. The sun worshippers gasp at the magnificent sight. As the fog lifts in the slowly penetrating sun, the town gradually comes alive. Amidst brewing of tea, the sing-song Gorkhali which is the local dialect, rises and falls like music.
splendid of the sunrise over Kanchanjunga. Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak is clearly visible from the Tiger Hill. Another important place to visit in the city is the Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park. These parks are located about 10 km from the town and have developed into wonderful picnic spot.The place has a scenic beauty and one can walk down to the Darjeeling Mall from here . Other important places in the city include the Ava Art Gallery, Mall, Batasia loop, Lloyd Botanical Garden, Nightingale park, Darjeeling-Rangit Valley Passenger Cable Car popularly called the ropeway, observatory hills, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the monasteries to name a few. One can also visit places around Darjeeling like Kalimpong, Kurseong, and Mirik.
fortress, on a flat mountain shelf, overhanging the rushing torrent of the Ravi, it is the centre of a valley rich in ancient remains. In the centre of the town there is a spacious playgroung called the Chowgan, a grassy maidan, about 805 metres in length and 73 metres wide, where people gather for a social, political or religous meetings or a sports event. Chamba became the capital only in the 8th century and at the instance of Chamba, daughter of Rajesh Sahil Verma, who selected the present site and had it removed from Bharmour, 70 km away, also giving the new capital her name. Regular buses link Chamba with Dalhousie and Pathankot. Chamba is 56 km (via Banikhet), on the right bank of the Ravi at an altitude of 915 metres (3,000 ft) from Dalhousie and 122 km from Pathankot. There is also a 30 km long-foot path from Dalhousie to Chamba via Khajjiar which passes through thick deodar forests. Chamba lies in the bosom of the Himalayas. The mountains nature of Chamba made it difficult for the occasional conquerors to establish their supremacy over the local rulers and people. There was, therefore, no interference in the social and religous structure of the people. Chamba has preserved the anchent cultural heritage and civilization. The conservative character of the people haas tended to perpetuate the existing social customs and conditions.Still, there are old tribes i.e. 
Chamba’s hills and mountains, rivers, lakes, springs and streams, green meadows and forests are of matchless charm. Among the most interesting objects in Chamba are a number of richly carved ancient temples which closely resemble those in Rajasthan. The most striking of these are the six temples lying in a row near the palace. Three of these are dedicated to Vishnu and the remaining to Siva. All the shrines have shikharas or spires which distinguish them from other hill temples that are usually pent-roofed. Some of the temples date back to the tenth century. The richly carved Laxmi Narayan temple is the oldest one. Chamba is the starting point for many of the treks into the 73 interior of the hills. A road branches off from here to Kashmir via Bhaderwah, and another to Pangi valley over the Sach Pass. The jungles around Dalhousie and Chamba abound in wild life. In the higher regions near the snow line are to be found, snow leopard, ibex and marmot. At th lower elevations brown bear; musk deer, leopards and wild pigs are seen. Pheasants, partridges and wild fowl are found in all parts of the valley.
Grazalema Natural Park has the highest rainfall (an annual average of over2,000 litres per square metre)in the Iberian Peninsula and is the most important western massif of the Subbetica range. Heavy rainfall and limestone terrain have created a limestone landscape rich in slopes, grottoes, caves and winding gorges.
