International Architecture and Design shows take place in Singapore : Raksit R. 5317872

Raksit R. 5317872

International Architecture and Design shows take place in Singapore

 

         Tueday, 11 September 2012 

Labels: Singapore

October looks set to be a busy month for the architecture and design communities. From 3 to 5 October, Singapore will play host to the World Architecture Festival (WAF) held for the first time in Asia. The 3-day event will take place at Marina Bay Sands, a widely acclaimed design by renowned architect Moshe Safdie and an architectural icon in its own right.

Considered by the professional architectural community as the world’s largest interactive global architectural trade event, WAF convenes some of the most internationally established and well-respected names in the industry as speakers and judges for the WAF awards. These include Chris Wilkinson and Jim Eyre of Wilkinson Eyre Architects, Andrew Grant of Grant Associates and Ivan Harbour of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners to name a few.

The 520 entries from 60 countries competing for the WAF awards were shortlisted based on architectural merit and also include 23 projects from Singapore such as the cooled conservatories at Gardens by the Bay, Oasia hotel and several private residences.

Larry Ng, Group Director (Architecture & Urban Design Excellence), Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore said, “We are excited to host the World Architectural Festival for the first time in Singapore. Beyond a well-planned city, architecture and urban design excellence is one of the key drivers to create a vibrant, liveable and distinctive city. We are encouraged by the partnerships between international architects and our local firms in various projects in Singapore and across the Asia, such as Gardens by the Bay and Raffles City Hangzhou.  The synergy and collaboration of such partnerships drive creative growth for the architectural industry as a whole. The conference sessions and events at WAF present key opportunities where such networks and partnerships are created and further strengthened“.

Adding to the event lineup is the inaugural 100% Design Singapore. Held from 10 to 12 October, it is the third global edition of one of Britain’s most influential contemporary interior shows. Unlike the first two global editions held in London and Shanghai, 100% Design Singapore is the first and only curated interior design exhibition in Southeast Asia. London-based Singaporean designer Voon Wong was selected to be the exhibition’s Highlights include 100% Materials, which showcases different materials used in interior design, 100% Futures, a platform for aspiring designers to showcase their prototypes and 100% X, a thematic segment featuring an installation by Italian furniture manufacturer Moroso.

Attracting high quality Meetings, Incentives, Convention and Exhibitions (MICE) events of international standing within strategic industry sectors such as design, media and infocomm technologies, biomedical and healthcare, banking and finance remains a key priority of the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau.

Stephanie Yong, Singapore Tourism Board Area Director, Northern & Western Europe commented: “We are delighted to host top-stature trade events such as the World Architecture Festival and 100% Design Singapore. In addition to complementing Singapore’s increasingly vibrant design and architecture industries, these events reinforce Singapore’s position as a design hub in the region and ideal partner to tap on the creative and business opportunities in Asia.”

“MICE forms an integral part of Singapore’s tourism landscape, with business travellers accounting for 24 per cent of total visitor arrivals. By leveraging strong knowledge networks within a dynamic business environment to co-develop strategic platforms for networking and sharing of valuable insights, this further strengthens capabilities within industries while providing delegates with enriching experiences.”

Noting its commitment and ambition to be a hub for architecture and design, WAF Programme Director Paul Finch chose Singapore over other regional cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Shanghai, adding that “Singapore is also a good place to do business.”

As a leading MICE destination within the region, Singapore provides event organizers and delegates with a vast spectrum of business and leisure offerings from which they can select to suit their specific needs. These include quality accommodation and dining options, shopping, and signature attractions within an accessible and user friendly city. With the recently opened Gardens by the Bay, the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore and upcoming developments like the world’s first River Safari, visitors can be assured of a meaningful and enriching experience during their stay.

source : http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/international-architecture-and-design-shows-take-place-in-singapore/

Two Tourist Attractions in Thailand’s Sukhothai Province win Pacific Asia Travel Association Thanya T. 5215097

Thanya T. 5215097

Two Tourist Attractions in Thailand’s Sukhothai Province win Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards 2012

 

         Friday, 20 April 2012 

Labels: Thailand

 

Bangkok, April 20, 2012 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today announced that two tourist attractions in Thailand’s Sukhothai province have won Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards 2012.  The first PATA Gold Award-winning project is the Organic Agriculture Project at Sukhothai Airport.  The project, which won in the Environment-Ecotourism category, reflects the TAT’s “Seven Greens” strategy of promoting the development of sustainable tourism.  The second PATA Gold Award-winning project is the Na Ton Chan Community, Ban Tuk, Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai, which won in the Heritage and Culture category.

“Winning these two gold awards is tremendous recognition of the TAT’s focus on encouraging more environmentally-responsible tourism and the development of community-based tourism that allows visitors to experience Thai culture up close while providing direct benefits to communities in Thailand,” said TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni.

Judged by a panel of tourism experts, the PATA Gold Awards set industry standards for excellence and innovation.  The winners will receive their awards in a ceremony at the PATA Annual Meeting, which this year will take place in Putrajaya, Malaysia from April 20-23, 2012.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a non-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region. This year, PATA is proud to celebrate 60 dynamic years of developing responsible tourism.  In partnership with private and public sector members, PATA enhances the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within the region.  The Association provides leadership and counsel on an individual and collective basis to over 80 government, state and city tourism bodies; nearly 50 international airlines, airports and cruise lines and many hundreds of travel industry companies across the Asia Pacific region and beyond.

source: http://tatnews.org/index.php/news-releases/news-releases-2012/64-two-tourist-attractions-in-thailand-s-sukhothai-province-win-pacific-asia-travel-association-pata-gold-awards-2012.html

Wachirapat M. 5312568

Good things come in small packages

Discover the uniqueness of Chalerm Rattanakosin National Park in Kanchanaburi

• Published: 6/09/2012 at 02:06 AM
• Newspaper section: Life

Covering less than 60km2, Chalerm Rattanakosin National Park in Kanchanaburi province is one of the Kingdom's tiniest. Yet, this is a case where the term "small is beautiful" is obviously an understatement. Small can be awesome.

No other national park offers such a unique nature trail. Imagine a trip that begins with an exciting walk through a dark and winding natural tunnel with a shallow stream running through it, then continues along a 2.5km forest path that goes up the steep mountain to another cave, which is completely different from the first one. It's an adventurous journey that is eye-opening, magnificent and mysterious.

From the start, despite the fact that there are no written instructions, every visitor entering Tham Than Lot Noi, the cave that makes up the first section of the park's amazing trail, knows instinctively that he or she, big shots and nobodies alike, are compelled to lower themselves before following the emerging creek upstream into a realm of darkness.

The only dry part of the cave entrance, which serves as the exit for the water, is chest high from the ground to the top. Unless you crouch and carefully inch your way in, those sharp rocks pointing down from the low ceiling will definitely gash your head.

It's a short crawl though. The next moment, as you have passed that awkward entrance point, you'll be able to stand upright again, greeted by a world that just a few steps further is completely off-limits to sunlight. Without the electric lights positioned at strategic corners, the cave would have been pitch black.

The illumination is barely enough for you to see the path, some of the stalactites and stalagmites and other features of the cave, including countless piles of huge rocks _ many of them two or three times the size of a restaurant refrigerator _ that have fallen off the cave ceiling. Nobody knows how often rocks break off from above. But gravity and erosion are known to do their jobs 24/7 so that rock falls can happen again at any moment. Just be alert and hope that you do not happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Most of the tunnel is hidden in deep shadow. In the dark, apart from the sound of the running stream, you are likely to also hear the croaks of chong khrong (the Asian giant toad) and, of course, the "chitchat" of numerous bats hanging on the roof of the cave with their heads down.

Thanks to good ventilation and the continually flowing stream that washes away the guano, the air within Tham Than Lot Noi is not as foul as in other caves inhabited by colonies of bats.

With lots of available prey, snakes come to hunt in this cave. But don't worry; you are not likely to catch sight of them. These slithering creatures are not keen to mess with humans. I've been to this cave almost 10 times and so far have spotted only two snakes. Bring a flashlight and watch your step though.

The tunnel of Tham Than Lot Noi is about 300m long, ending with another opening that is larger than the entrance. After having spent time in the dark, one can't help feeling delighted to be able to see sunlight again.

Take your time to enjoy the sight of the lush forest in the sunshine and fill your lungs with fresh air. But make sure you steer clear of the mouth of the cave to avoid having your skull cracked by falling rocks.

From this point on it's a pretty long walk on the trail that continues to run alongside the course of the creek, crisscrossing it at a couple of points, through the dry evergreen forest blessed with a diversity of trees and plants, as well as small wildlife. The wilderness trail leads to a three-tier waterfall, Trai Trueng, about 1.5km away before going another kilometre further to Tham Than Lot Yai, aka the Big Cave.

Please note that the last 1km is the toughest part of the trail because 90% of it is very steep. But trust me, you'll find that the grandeur of the big cave, the brightest highlight of the trail, makes all your effort more than worthwhile.

Source : http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-feature/311061/good-things-come-in-small-packages

PHI PHI ISLANDS,PHUKET By Watcharapon C. 5510298

 Phi Phi Island is Thailand's island-superstar. It's been in the movies. It's the topic of conversation for travelers all over Thailand. For some, it's the only reason to touchdown in Phuket. Even with all the hype, it doesn't disappoint.

Phi Phi's beauty is a large chunk of the allure. The islands, when approached by boat, rise from the sea like a fortress. Sheer cliffs tower overhead, then give way to beach-fronted jungle. It's love at first sight.

The second part of the why-we-love-this-place story is attitude: few places on the planet are this laid-back. Of the two islands, one is completely free of human inhabitants (Phi Phi Leh), and the other is without roads (Phi Phi Don). There's no schedule, no hustle-and-bustle, no reason to be in a hurry.

As an added bonus, Phi Phi is affordable. Destinations this beautiful are often reserved for those that can pay dearly. That's not the case here; Phi Phi has something for every budget. You might be surprised – that perfect beachfront room costs less than you expect.    

Phi Phi consists of six small islands south of Phuket which overflow with fine sandy beaches that give way to soaring limestone cliffs to form spectacular scenery.

Add crystal-clear water, a refreshing lack of roads, plus a laid-back lifestyle, and it's easy to see why Phi Phi is one of southern Thailand's most popular destinations.

Long Beach

Facing southwest with stunning views out over Phi Phi Leh lies ever popular Long Beach. This beach has possibly the softest and finest white sand, on an island of fine soft sand. There's also excellent snorkeling.
Long Beach is both far enough from and close enough to the business of Tonsai Village to be a great place to stay, it's no more than a five-minute longtail boat ride from the centre of the action. You can walk to Tonsai Village in the daylight but the journey involves walking over rocks between beaches or up short jungle trails. Don't attempt it at night!
From November to April the water is flat and calm, in the May-to-October period the water can be a little rough and swimming can be difficult at low tide due to rocks and coral.Accommodation consists almost uniquely of bungalows, some of which belong to high-end and there are also many basic bungalows; all in all it's a very cosmopolitan place.

Phi Phi Island Activities

when you think about it, and extremely open-air sort of place. Just about the only form of activity that takes place behind closed doors is when your head hits the pillow.

So it’s no wonder that the area abounds in exciting things to do, both on and off the island, above and below sea level.

Here are some of the best activities available. 

Phi Phi diving trips

On offer is a wide selection of Phi Phi diving trips and PADI courses. Some trips start from Phuket, including overnight and day dive trips to Phi Phi or Hin Daeng.

When staying on the island local diving is sensational with a head-spinning variety of marine life living in the waters surrounding the island. Phi Phi has long been a well-known place to ‘do your PADI’ and local sites include Maya Bay, Wang Long, Palong Bay, Bida Noi and the ever-popular King Cruiser Wreck.

You can also take a liveaboard to more distant destinations including the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock. There are many dive shops to choose from in Tonsai Village.

Phi Phi's snorkelling

To the uninitiated, Phi Phi's snorkelling is like being on a fantasy planet. Even the experienced agree - it's good. Really good. With one of the world's most abundant coral reef systems, the locations and sights are both plentiful and astounding.
When the tide is right, places like Monkey Bay are just about as accessible as physics allows. The coral is just below the surface and brightly coloured fish dart here and there, inches from your mask. Hin Klang is in the middle of the sea, though it isn't nearly as deep as expected; you don't have to impersonate an island native on the hunt to enjoy the views - floating on the surface is fine. Phi Phi Leh has a few more snorkelling locations, as does Phi Phi Don, Bamboo Island, the list goes on.

                                                                                             

Reference : www.amazing-thailand.com/

Kanchanaburi,Thailand by Nadeet Hoque5348036

KANCHANABURI,THAILAND

Published: 32/08/2012 at 10:02 AM

Newspaper section: Life

Kanchanaburi is a town located in the west of Thailand and it is also the capital of the Kanchanaburi province. Kanchanaburi is located where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers meet into the Mae Klong river, the northern span of the riiver is a popular tourist spot. The location of Kanchanaburi is at the edge of a mountain range keeping it much cooler than the other provinces of central Thailand. The city has two major commercial districts: the downtown area consists of a grid of several streets with office buildings, shop fronts, and a shopping mall and the riverfront area is full of businesses which are mostly located further west along River Kwai Road. Once a year a carnival comes to town and itis set up near the area of the bridge . At night there is a small pyrotechnics display that re-enacts the wartime bombing of the bridge during the Japanese times.

Bridge over River Kwai:This is where the pyro technic re enactment of the wartime bombing is held every year,ones a year.It is a very good idea for tourist to go see this show.It is quit fascinating.

           There are also many other tourist attraction in Kanchanaburi,There is a memorial and two museums to show respect to the dead.In 2003 Thailand-Burma railway museum also opened along with the JEATH war museum dedicated to all the souls lost in the death railway during the Japanese times.

A military exhibit at the JEATH war museum, Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

By Mohammad Nadeet Hoque ID:5348036

Amazing Henan by Phimonpun T. 5512416

Amazing Henan

Zhengzhou, the tourist center of central China, is one of the eight ancient capitals of China and the capital city of Henan Province at present. Located at the east of the Songshan Mountain and at the south bank of the Yellow River, Zhengzhou has attracted numerous tourists from all over the world as the origin of Shaolin Kung fu, the native place of the Yellow Emperor or Huangdi and the marvelous shopping paradise. Being a famous city of rich culture and glorious history, with its booming economy, Zhengzhou is now an important modern open city of inland China, rising rapidly in business and trade. With her advantageous geographic position, it functions as an important bridge in the national economic development. 

Songshan Mountain, The central point of 'Five Highest in China',locates at Dengfeng City of He'Nan Province.Most tourist are surprised on the magnificent scenery and unusual historic geological features here, especially from the mountaintop.

For thousands of years, Songshan Mountain has been the centre of Chinese Buddhism, hosting the Shaolin  Temple at its south foot,which was the birthplace of Chinese Kungfu,and granted with No.1 temple on the earth by Li Shimin , a most famous emperor of Tang Dynasty. 

 



SongYueSi Pagoda The oldest brick pagoda. Sitting in mountains, 
SongYueSi pagoda is known as the most characteristic 
and the most charming pagoda in China.

The Global Yuntai Mountain Geological Park is located at the south foot of the Taihang Mountain in Xiuwu County of Jiaozuo. It mainly consists of the Yuntai Mountain Natural Scenic Area, Qinglong.

Mountain resort and other surrounding areas. The park is known for its massive gardening areas, overhanging high cliffs, flying waterfalls, secluded valleys and spring water.

Kaifeng，known as "the Capital of Seven Dynasties",   

is one of the Eight Ancient Capitals in China. With its 

long history and splendid culture, this ancient city is

 immersed in a dense cultural atmosphere. During the

 Northern Song Dynasty, the prime of Kaifeng, it especially enjoyed the reputation as one of the most prosperous capital cities in the world. 

Reference: http://en.hnta.cn/Htmls/About_Henan.shtml
                 www.czslyydd.com

Floral museum blossoms : Mallika C. 5317666

Floral museum blossoms

Published: 10/08/2012 at 08:02 AM

Newspaper section: Life

By: Panthita Phensawang

         The Museum of Floral Culture located in the Sriyan area of Bangkok's Dusit district, it occupies a two-storey colonial style mansion in the embrace of an expansive botanical garden.
          In the museum, there are objets d'art such as one labelled "The Secret Art of Shoka Floral Arrangement of Ikenobo" , it is an ancient Japanese scroll dating back to 1756. There are also rare photographs of floral culture sourced from the National Archives of Thailand and related photographs from various countries including India, China, Egypt, Greece, England and France. The highlight is a portrait of Their Majesties painted by ML Jirathorn Jiraprawat and presented as a gift to the museum.

                       "I would like to share my experience and joy with the world," Sakul said.

          Famed artist Sakul Intakul has at last fulfilled his long-cherished dream of opening a floral museum, the first of its kind in Thailand. "The museum represents a lifetime of my commitment to flower culture _ from floral works and photographs of beautiful blossoms, to plants sourced from across the globe."

source : http://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/travel-feature/306969/floral-museum-blossoms

The Caves of Dunhuang. By :Mengyuan Yang, 5215253

Caves of the Singing Sands

Buddhist Art from the Silk Road

Wednesday September 12 2012 

By Dunhuangwang

 DUNHUANG

The oasis town of Dunhuang lay at a crucial junction of the Silk Road, that ancient braid of caravan trails stretching for more than 7,000 kilometers from China to the Mediterranean, which served as a highway not just for merchandise, but also for ideas - religious, cultural and artistic. By the 4th century AD, the Silk Road had brought Dunhuang both commercial prosperity and a growing Buddhist community. Some 25 kilometers to its south-east, at the edge of the Mingsha Shan or Dunes of the Singing Sands, lay a river bed bordered by a long cliff.



THE CAVE TEMPLES

The Mogao cave temples near the town of Dunhuang, at the edge of the Gobi desert in north-west China, are filled with one of the most extensive and exquisite collections of Buddhist paintings and sculptures in the world. Every surface of the walls and ceilings is covered with painted clay stucco, some 45,000 square metres in all: graceful acrobats of the sky scatter flowers and garlands, while dancers and musicians celebrate the beauties of the Buddhist Pure Lands; row upon row of miniature images of the Buddha, subtly varied in colouring or dress, adorn virtually every cave, and give the site its popular name of the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas. The Dunhuang caves remain one of the most perfectly preserved of the world's great religious sanctuaries.

According to Tang Dynasty records, a monk had witnessed onsite a vision of thousand Buddhas under showers of golden rays. Thus inspired, he started the caves construction work that spanned ten dynasties. Mogao Caves are commonly known as the Caves of a Thousand Buddhas.

Buddhist art has its origins in India. Mogao sculptors improvised where the rock surface did not work well under their chisels. They placed clay statues in front of the cave walls, carved relief murals as backdrops, and painted the sidewalls and ceilings with art decors. The largest statue is 34.5 meters (113 feet) high and the smallest a mere 2 centimeters (0.79inches) high.

The traveler will note traces of Indian Buddhist art in the earlier works. More recent works depict all walks of life and activities in a local setting. You will relive the daily routines and special events as captured by the artists while you are exploring the 750 caves. There are also ups and downs in the artistic quality over the centuries, depending on the fortunes of Buddhism with available art patronage. Artists in each dynasty painted with their distinctive palette. The visitor can tell the works in the Tang Dynasty from those in the Song Dynasty. 

Architecture

Many of the early caves followed the central column style of cave construction seen in places such as Ajanta Caves in India. The central column represent the stupa round which worshippers may circumambulate and gain blessings. Others are hall caves influenced by traditional Chinese and Buddhist temple architecture. These caves may have a truncated pyramidal ceiling sometimes painted to resemble a tent, or they may have a flat or gabled ceiling that imitates traditional buildings. Some of the caves used for meditation are adaptation of the Indian Vihara (monastery) caves and contain side-chambers just large enough for one person to sit in.

Many of the caves originally had wooden fore temples, but most had been destroyed with only five remaining, and the two earliest of those are rare examples of surviving Song dynasty wooden architecture.

Murals

Early murals showed a strong Indian and Central Asian influence in the painting techniques used, the composition and style of the paintings as well as costumes worn by the figures. A distinct Dunhuang style however began to emerge during Northern Wei Dynasty. Motifs of Chinese, Central Asian and Indian origin may be found in a single cave, and Chinese elements increased during the Western Wei period.The murals on the caves spanned a long period of history, from the 5th to the 14th century. The murals are extensive, covering an area of 490,000 square feet (45,000 m²). They are valued for the scale and richness of content as well as their artistry. The murals are largely of Buddhist theme, some however are of traditional mythical themes and portraits of patrons. These murals document the changing styles of Buddhist art in China for nearly a thousand years. The artistry of the murals reached its apogee during the Tang period, and the quality of the art work dropped after the tenth century.

A common motif in many caves is the tiers of numerous Buddha figures known as the "Thousand Buddhas", after which this and other "Thousand Buddhas Caves" are so named. These small Buddhas were drawn using stencils so that identical figures may be replicated. Flying apsaras, or celestial beings may be depicted in the ceiling or above the Buddhas, and figures of donors may be shown along the bottom of the walls. The paintings often depict jataka tales which are stories of the life of Buddha, or avadana which are parables of the doctrine of karma. Bodhisattvas started appearing during the Northern Zhou period, with Avalokitesvara (Guanyin), which was originally male but acquired female characteristics later, the most popular. Most caves show Mahayana and Sravakayana (Theravada or Hinayana) influences, although Mahayana Buddhism became the dominant form during the Sui Dyansty. An innovation of the Sui-Tang period is the visual representation of the sutra - Mahayana Buddhist teachings transformed into large complete and detailed narrative paintings.One of the central features of Tang art in Mogao is the representation of the paradise of the Pure Land, indicating the increasing popularity of this school of Mahayana Buddhism in the Tang era. The iconography of Tantric Buddhism, such as the eleven-headed or thousand-armed Avalokitesvara, also started to appear in Mogao wall paintings during the Tang period – it became popular during the Tibetan occupation of Dunhuang and the subsequent periods, especially during the Yuan dynasty.

While Buddhist art is stylistically distinct from secular art, the style of paintings in the caves often reflects that of the contemporaneous secular paintings, especially those depicting secular scenes. Figures of the donors are generally depicted in the contemporary style, and may include secular events associated with them, for example scenes depicted for General Zhang Yichao, who ruled over Dunhuang in a quasi-autonomous manner during the Late Tang period, include a commemoration of his victory over the Tibetans in 848. The portraits of donors increased in size during the period ruled by the Cao family who succeeded the Zhang family. The Caos formed alliances with the Uyghurs and the Kingdom of Khotan and their portraits are featured prominently in some of the caves.

Many of the figures have turned dark due to oxidation of the lead-based pigments from exposure to air and light. Many early figures in the murals in Dunhuang also used painting techniques originated from India where shading was applied to achieve a 3-dimensional or chiaroscuro effect. However, the darkening of the paint used in shading over time resulted in heavy outlines which is not what the painters had originally intended. This shading technique is unique to Dunhuang as such shading on human faces was generally not done in Chinese paintings until much later when there were influences from European paintings. Another difference from traditional Chinese painting is the presence of figures that are semi-nude, occasionally fully nude, as figures are generally fully clothed in Chinese paintings. Many of the murals had been repaired or plastered over and repainted over the centuries, and older murals may be seen where sections of later paintings had been removed.

Edited By :Mengyuan yang  ID:5215253

reference：http://www.friendsofdunhuang.org/eternal-dunhuang.php?lang=ch

The Kingdom of Spain : Raksit R. 5317872

Reino de España: The Kingdom of Spain
 Wednesday 29 August 2012

Credit: Ramessos/Wikimedia Commons (PD)

The following timeline will help you in understanding the history of Spain, its rulers and The Kingdom.

• Pre-Roman Era: Spain was initially inhabited by Iberians and Celts (groups of tribal societies). Artifacts of these settlements are found in the Altamira cave, in the form of paintings. The Carthaginians later invaded these settlements and started trading colonies.

• Roman Empire: The Roman Empire captured the Carthaginian trading colonies roughly around 210 BC to 205 BC. Christianity was introduced in Spain during this era. Most of Spain's present religion, language and law originate from this period. Agricultural production was started under the Roman rule, markets were introduced and export of goods was initiated. Later, the Roman Empire was overthrown by the Gothic tribes.

• Muslim Rule: Spain faced Muslim domination after they defeated the Gothic tribes and took over their establishments. The Muslim period lasted for more than 700 years.

• Fall of Muslim rule and discovery of foreign lands: After losing most of their territory, the Muslims were finally defeated in 1492 by Isabel and Ferdinand. The couple then united the whole country under one crown. The same year Christopher Columbus discovered America.

• The Golden age: This Era was called the Golden age mainly due to the gold and silver brought in from the newly discovered continents. Under the Spanish emperor Charles I., the Spanish, German, and Austrian kingdoms were united. However, this splendid period of the Spanish history lasted only for 50 years; wars and internal conflicts undermining Spanish influence.

• Napoleon Rule: After the French Revolution, Napoleon defeated the Spanish army and ruled the empire from 1808 to 1815. After Spain regained its empire, internal conflicts and economical recession led to the loss of many Spanish colonies in America.

• Civil war: The increasing conflicts between the Republican Government and the Nationalist opposition led to the Spanish Civil War which lasted from 1936 to 1939. The Nationalists, led by General Franco succeeded against the Republicans.

Arte Espanol: Art of and in Spain

The paintings and sculptures in Spain are famous all over the world. Some of the Spanish artists and sculptors have left their mark in the field of art. Artist like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali are among the most innovative artists in the world. With famous masterpieces such as his Guernica painting, Picasso's work along with those of other famous Spanish painters are highly regarded and valued by important art galleries around the world. Names of renowned Spanish sculptors include Mariano Benlliure, Vasco de la Zarza, Juan Bautista Monegro and Alonso Berruguete. Spain has more than 800 museums and important collectors' items, specially in Barcelona and Madrid. And, over the years, there has been a tremendous explosion in the number of art galleries in the country, especially those related to contemporary art.

Architecture

As a result of its invasions and geographical diversity, the architecture of Spain has had a great influence from other cultures. Some of the major influences on the architecture of Spain are from the Greeks, Romans, Muslims, North Africans and Phoenicians.

The Romans have left some of the most outstanding architecture in Spain. The Muslim dynasty and the Christian kingdoms have resulted in the diversity of style of architecture in southern Spain. An example of this is Cordova, a city in Andalusia, southern Spain. Spain also saw the growth of Renaissance architecture. Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias, Burgos Cathedral, Santiago de Compostela, Works of Antoni Gaudí, Historic City of Toledo are some of the places that are known for their beautiful architecture. Spain has 44 World Heritage Sites as recognized by UNESCO.

Cuisine

Spanish cuisine is a heavenly mixture of chicken, mixed vegetable and meats, along with fish and many different spices. Relatively, this cuisine is non-spicy. Spanish food offers some of the most mouth-watering and delicious dishes ever to be set on a dinner table.

Some of the more popular Spanish dishes include Paella, which is a rice dish that features a variety of ingredients. Also famous, are the mariscos or shellfish, and the potajes and pimientos rellenos. Hot chocolate and churros is a very popular dessert throughout the country. Spain is also famous for its aromatic wines; the drinking age in the country is 18. Other alcoholic beverages are Sangria, Cava and authentic Spanish beer. Spanish people are very fond of food, and a famous saying in Spanish goes - 'Barriga llena, corazón contento!' that translates to 'A full belly and a happy heart!'.

By Natasha Bantwal

Sourse : http://www.buzzle.com/articles/spain-culture.html

Thanya T. 5215097 Introducing Bali

Thanya T. 5215097

Introducing Bali

 

         Wednesday, 29 March 2012 

Labels: Indonesia

 

Bali may be small in size – you can drive around the entire coast in one long day – but its prominence as a destination is huge, and rightfully so. Ask travellers what Bali means to them and you’ll get as many answers as there are flowers on a frangipani tree. Virescent rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf, enchanting temple ceremonies, mesmerising dance performances and ribbons of beaches are just some of the images people cherish.

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Small obviously doesn’t mean limited. The manic whirl of Kuta segues into the luxury of Seminyak. The artistic swirl of Ubud is a counterpoint to misty treks amid the volcanoes. Mellow beach towns like Amed, Lovina and Pemuteran can be found right round the coast and just offshore is the laid-back idyll of Nusa Lembongan.

As you stumble upon the exquisite little offerings left all over the island that materialise as if by magic, you’ll see that the tiny tapestry of colours and textures is a metaphor for Bali itself.

And those are just some of the more obvious qualities. A visit to Bali means that you are in the most visitor-friendly island of Indonesia. There are pleasures of the body, whether a massage on the beach or a hedonistic interlude in a sybaritic spa. Shopping that will put ‘extra bag’ at the top of your list. Food and drink ranging from the freshest local cuisine bursting with the flavours of the markets to food from around the globe, often prepared by chefs and served in restaurants that are world class. From a cold Bintang at sunset to an epic night clubbing in Kuta, your social whirl is limited only by your own fortitude.

source:http://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/bali