Rattanakiri - Cambodia Eco-ourism

I. Background

Province Capital: 636 km. north - east of Phnom Penh
Area: 11,052 Square kilometers
Population: 94243 people (ethnic minority) represent 75.77% of the total.
Religion: Buddhism and Animism.
Accessibility: by land, car from Phnom Penh/Kratie/Steung Treng to Rattanakiri.
Major occupations: farming
Major products: gemstones & agriculture
Major industries: farming & tourism

II. Introduction

Ratanakiri became a province of Kingdom of Cambodia in 1960 under King Norodom Sihanouk's reign. Banlung is the capital city of Ratanakiri, situated in the highland, along the National Road N^o19 from Ou porng Moan to the Vietnam border about 200 km. ( Ou´ porng Moan-Banlung is about 120km, Banlung-Vietnam 80k.m)

Ratanakiri is situated on the north - east plateau , 636 Km from Phnom Penh. It is bordering Vietnam on the east, Laos PDR on the North, Steung Treng on the West and Mondul Kiri on the South. There are two rivers crossing the province ( Sre Pork and Sresan River )

A sparsely populated province, it is renowned for its unique natural beauty and wealth of natural resources. The physical and environmental characteristic of the province forms an impressive range including undulating hills and mountains, a level plateau, watershed lowlands, crater lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Forest cover varies from area to area, from the dense impenetrable forest in the northern reaches, which are still rich in wildlife, to the drier and sparser forest, found in the southwest. Similarly, the soil types present range from rich volcanic soil to the sandy soil found near rivers.Thus Ratanakiri province offers wonderful opportunities for Eco-tourism in Cambodia. 

III. Recommended Itinerary

Day 1:welcome guest at Ratanakliri airport and transfer to Hotel, city tour, Phnom Eisey Patamak, have a swin at Yeak Loam Lake, visit culture center, overnight.

Day 2:Visit Ceal Rumplan ( stone field ), continue to Veun Sai district, take a trip along the Sre San river stop at Kachoun village, visit Tumpoun village, return journey through Ou'lalay, visit Kavet minority Chinese village, Banphang village, get the cotton yarn wrish tied and get water spray from elderly villages, visit Norng Kabat forest, turn back to Banlung, overnight.

Day 3:take a trip to Andoung Meas (Golden wells ) district, continue by boat to Taing Se commune along Sre San river, visit Charay hill tribe, visit gem mines and digging wells at Bar Kaev, on the way back, visit rubber plantation, coffee orchard, return to Banlung overnight.

Day 4:( Jan - May ) Transfer to Lumphat district, take a bath at Sre Pork river, visit Lao village, visit Cashew farm coffee orchard at Ou'cheng, Kachanh and Katieng Waterfalls, return to Banlung.

Day 5:Take a trip to Ou'Seanlair Waterwall, visit gem mines and digging wells, visit Tumpuon village and return to Banlung, overnight.

Day 6:Shopping handicrafts, fly back to Phnom Penh.

IV. Economic Potentiality

Ratanakiri is scarcely populated, and it is also true that the capital city does not have an adequate market, but if we can conclude that Ratanakiri abundantly possesses a variety of natural resources, they could then satisfactorily served as important elements to develop the national economy. Underground and on land resources are gold, mine, gem stone, granite, onyx, fertile red soil, water sources ( home of wild animals ), luxury and quality wood and above all, the beautiful weather with fresh and pure air, and yearly rain.

V . Transportation

By air :Now is not available.

By land : (636 km)from Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham - Kracheh (Overnight ), continue to Rattanakkiri by car. From Phnom Penh to Steung Treng by boat in raining season (Overnight) , continue to Ratanakiri by plane or car.

The popular kinds of transportation in banlung ( Ratanakiri ) are car, motorbike, elephants riding, boat or trekking.

VI. Population and ethnic Minorities Ratanakiri Province number 94,243.
The minorities represent 75.77 % of it.

1. Population: - 17,212 Families - 94,243 Habitants - Female: 47,847 ( 50.8%) - Male: 46,396 (49.2%) - 5.5 Persons / family 1.1. Disabled persons: - 1,087 persons - Female: 570 persons - Male: 517 persons 1.2. Density: - 8.6 Persons / k.m2 - 1.5 Families / k.m2  2. Ethnic MinoritiesThere are 8 different hill tribes ethnic groups:   1. Tumpoun 24.13% 2. Kreung 18.89% 3. Kavet 2.65% 4. Kachok 2.65% 5. Charay 19.47% 6. Prou 7.54% 7. Phnong 0.24% 8. Lun 0.20% 9. Total 75.77%

Minority traditional house Minority Woman They like to live in the jungles, hills, mountains in small separated villages where they make their living through traditional ways of cultivation ( shifting agriculture), hunting and collecting fruits, must from the forest. They believe in spirits, derived from their animism beliefs.

VII. Climate 

Ratanakiri Province has a climate like the other areas in the country, there are 3 seasons :

- Rainy season:June - October
- Cool season:November- February
- Hot season:    March- May: Temperature: from 20^o-32^oc

VIII. Tourist Attractions

1.Yeak Loam Lake
Yeak Loam Lake is situated 5 km. south - east of Banlung. The Yeak Loam lake (volcanic crater) is the most beautiful lake of Ratanakiri formed by a volcanic eruption almost 4,000 years ago with 50 m. deep, 800 m. diameter and a walking path around the lake of 2,500 m. Two hundred meters of the track is a quaint wooden building housing tribal handicraft, the Crafts Museum.

2. Eisey Patamak MountainAt the top of Phnom Svay is the statue of a reclining Buddha, situated 2.5 km. Awesome and peaceful, it has lain undisturbed throughout the years. Cast your eye outwards to glimpse Laos in the north and Vietnam in the east, and enjoy the spellbinding serenity of the surrounding countryside.

3. Kachang Waterfall
Kachang Waterfall is situated 6km. north - west of Banlung. This Waterfall is located in the Kontung stream and flows into the Sre Pok River. The height of it is 12 m. and the water flows and falls throughout the year. A beautiful or magnificent landscape and huge amounts of fresh mist surround the waterfall. The visitors can take a bath and sit to look at the waterfall and other natural scenic beauties. or the visitors can also go around to view other natural sights on foot or take an elephants ride.

4. Katieng Waterfall
Katieng Waterfall is situated 7 km. north - west of Banlung. It is also located in the Koutung Stream, below the Kachang Waterfall, 3 km. The height of it is 10m. and the water flows and falls throughout the year. The visitors can see a beautiful natural landscape and take a break to take pictures of the birds and then continue to the waterfall.

5. Ou'Sean Lair WaterfallOu'Sean Lair Waterfall is situated 26 km, South of Banlung. This Waterfall has 4 floors and the height of each floor is 4 m. The water flows throughout the year. Around the Waterfall are beautiful natural landscapes and the visitors can go take a bath if they wish.

6. Ou'Sensranoh WaterfallOu'Sensranoh Waterfall is situated 9 km. south of Banlung. The height of it is 18m. and the water flows and falls all the time. The visitors can go there rest and enjoy the fresh air, or to se the forest and listen to the birds ' cries.

7. Cha Ung Waterfall
Cha Ung Waterfall is situated 8 km. west of Banlung and it flows throughout the year. The source of water creating this Waterfall flowed from Eisey Patamak Mountain ( Svay Mountain ) . Below this Waterfall is a big hole, visitors can stand or sit to watch the waterfall from behind, and inhale he cool fresh air stemming from it .

8. Veal Rum Plan (stone field )Veal rum Plan (stone field ) is situated 14 km. North of Banlung. Stones cover the surface of this place and a dense around it. The visitors can go there and discover its beautiful attraction

9. Virachay National ParkVirachay National Park is situated 45 km. north of Banlung. With a total land area of 332,500 ha. It has varieties of plants and trees in the forest and many different kinds of animals and birds.

10. Lumphat Wildlife SanctuaryLumphat Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 37km. south of Banlung. With a total land area of 250,000 ha. there are special kinds of animals and birds like tigers, elephants, red-headed vultures.

11. Ou'Chaloy
Ou'Chaloy is located in the Sre Pok river It is situated 34km. south - west of Banlung. The tourist recreation in Ou'Chaloy is only during the dry season.

12. Norng Kabat ForestNorng Kabat Forest is situated 23 km. north of Banlung. This place has a pond. the visitors can go there to see the animals and birds which comes to at the pond .Beside this the tourists can go visit the ethnic villages, ethnic culture (tradition belief, festival, dancing, music),

IX. Shopping
A shopping spree starts at the Banlung market. Shopping bargains can be found on intricate stone, wood carvings, gem stones and other varieties of goods, many brought in by tribes like baskets, crossbows, gourds (water containers), bracelets, necklaces, cloth pipe from the outskirts of town make for an interesting and very colorful morning stroll.

Read more about Rattanakiri Province

Khmer Wedding in Cambodia

In Khmer wedding, it has a lot of ceremonies held in chronological orders. They show the historical roots related to the Buddha’s period which existed ages ago. According to a book “Khmer Wedding Rules” of Oknha Nov, it puts that in ancient Khmer wedding laws, people perform a song describing God Vesandor Borom Pothisat arranging the marriage between his children – Chealy and Kroesna. And some other songs are about the marriage arrangement of God Ream and Seda. Oknha Nov wrote that the current wedding preparations are arranged according to the rules drawn up by King Preah Chey Chesda Thebdey.

According to the king’s book, it puts that all ceremonies in Khmer wedding are related to mythical stories such as a story "Som Sla Kanseng". It is told that there were two men who went to feed their buffalos in the field would like to make friends with each other and wanted to be relative by marriage with each other because one had a son and the other had a daughter. In order to prove their words, they ask for betel nuts packed in krama from each other to show their promise that their children would marry to each other.

Another story is “the three betel flowers”. It describes that there were four men who had different skills – swimming, shooting, fortune telling, and magic. After completing their study, they returned home. Along the way back near a stream, the fortune teller said that day they were going to meet a girl and become their wife. Then a big bird swooped down on a girl, Khemry, who was having a bath. Right away the shooting man took his bow and shot the bird down back to the stream.

The swimmer then swam to bring her to the ground but she was just dead. After that the magic man helped her be alive again. All four men felt in love with the lad, so they were judged by the Buddha that she would become a wife of someone who swam to help her because he was able to touch her body first. And the fortune teller, magic man, and shooting man would become the father, mother, and brother respectively. Since then in all weddings, the bride and the groom must have three betel flowers in order to show gratitude towards their parents and brothers/sisters.

Setting-the-date ceremony and the groom holding the scarf are told that Prince Thaong was married to Princess Tevtey, a daughter of the sea dragon king. After setting the date already, Tevtey had to bring him to her father at dragon world, so the sea dragon’s daughter asked the prince to hold her scarf in order to dive into the dragon world. In the meanwhile, the dragon king commanded his man to kill the prince at the gate in order to test the prince’s ability. But the daughter had known this; hence, she disguised herself as the prince by changing her skirt and it was put on the prince instead so that the killer was not able to kill the prince. That is why in the current Khmer wedding it was seen that there is clothes change between the groom and the bride, and the groom holding the bride’s scarf in to the room, accompanied by “Phat Cheay and Neang Neak” songs, etc.

The ceremony called “Chey Haong Sousdey Haong Men Haong” in wedding ceremony performed until now is followed by an ancient story recorded in “the rules of wedding” book. It describes that Once upon a time there were two brothers – Chey and Sousdey. At that time, there was no king to continue after the previous king had died in Cambodia, so the officials in the palace relied on the holy elephant and horse to find a man to be their king. Then the animals approached the brothers’ house. Consequently, they knew that one of the brothers was the suitable man to be crowned. Chey became the king and Sousdey became his assistant at the same time. When crowned, the people whooped to bless the king. They said “Chey Haong Sousdey Haong Men Haong” simultaneously. The blessing is adapted to use in the wedding until now.

"Bongvil Popil" ceremony in the Khmer wedding is also written in “collective Khmer legends” book, volume 9. According to the legend, it is told that once upon a time, there was a man named Chey Sorya who had completed the magic training already from Eyso God, so he asked the God for a sacred relic as a blessing tool for the weddings of human being. Then the God gave the man a replica of his penis and a replica of his wife’s vagina as the blessing tools to spread their reputation in the world. Eyso God took diamond sand from the universe to make a gold banyan leaf representing his wife’s vagina and took a diamond rock from Himalaya Mountain to make a candle representing his penis and supposed them to be “two blessings”. He then told the man to take the candle wrapped in the banyan leaf to circle three times around grooms and brides in order to inhale the smoke making them powerful. The “Popil” ceremony is believed to bring harmony and joyfulness for the new couples making them successful in all challenges. Since Khmer people firmly and sincerely believe in “Popil”, it is performed not only in wedding ceremony but also in other ceremonies such as housewarming, birthday, etc.

"Holding a Sword" tradition in the wedding progress is also told that once upon a time there was a high ranking knight in Peareansey Palace, who fell in love with a daughter of the villager and deposit a piece of gold as a dowry and promised to marry in three months’ time. Three years had gone, so she was married to her neighbor villager but on the wedding day, the knight appeared and took out his sword and killed the man who was the groom. Then the chief clergyman had prayed to dismiss all bad things at the place. The clergyman had analyzed on the power of the sword. That is why people use a sword in the wedding when the bride and the groom are in pair for blessing.

Tradition on Khmer Wedding Season

Wedding ceremony is very meaningful for each of individual’s life who follows their tradition and the laws of the country. That is why this ceremony is carefully dealt with concerning to choosing the date which is believed to bring luck and harmony for the people’s lives and starting a new families. Some families do not allow their children to marry in the rain season and some delay it for two years after the engagement ceremony because of the fortune telling.

According to Mr. Nhean Phoeun, a researcher and publisher of Khmer tradition of national and international festival committee, he said that Khmer tradition allows people to marry only in a period of six months in a year but not the other six. Wedding can be carried out only in the 30-day months. Those six months could be in early May, July, October, January, and March. But for engagement ceremony and matching the natural chemistry between son and daughter, they could be performed in any month.

He continued that for the above months, there are only 7 days of each month that are good days. According to the Khmer tradition, they should not perform on their birthday, religious day, lunar or and solar eclipse, and during Khmer new years.

Actually, the reason people do not get married in the rain season is that there are a lot of rains that make it difficult for the wedding reception, procession, and other ceremonies. It is also difficult for the guests travelling to wedding party and it is when farmers are busy with their fields.

"Passion" - How to Have This in Your Business?

The key to success in running your business is your passion. That is true; passion is like an engine that drives your innovative brain to produce business ideas, your skills to be improved, and your business into profit.

The question is how we can have this kind of engine,

To do what you love to do. So, in other words is to turn your passion into your business.

Here, some tips on how you can turn your passion into your business.

Find your true passion

Passion is about where your curiosity, willingness to learn, and everything that make you passionate are ignited. Even if your days are full, you still want to create a spare time live with passion.

Brainstorming on how to pursue your passion

After you know your real passion, it is easier to think about any business ideas from your passion. For example, your passion is writing articles, you can become a freelance writer for magazines, a writer for an online blog, a tutor on how to write a good document, and you can sell articles with various topics online. The ideas are unlimited, more business ideas you get, more options that you can choose which one is more suitable for you.

Search a partner or community

Having a partner with the same passion may keep your passion on fire. At least you should search a community that have same interests as you. Passion is like fire that needs fuel to survive, as passion needs an environment, your community will support your passion to survive.

Implement your passion into real business

Some people try to earn money from their passion but still treat it as a hobby,

A business needs objectives, business plans, and full time attention. Although it's started from a passion or hobby, you have to transform it into a business. So run it with a professional structure and process.

Get feedback

The first time when you start your business, it's common to make mistakes. Sometimes you may think that your ideas will work, yet at the time you may not realize there are other factors you cannot see which may cause your business to take a slower path.

Getting feedback from your friends or family is a good way to get ideas and support. Feedback can teach you to improve your business performance as well. Don't be afraid to move when this happens, as making mistakes if all part of the process

As long as passion is your driving force, there will always be energy to push through.

Take the time to develop a business plan that feels authentic, and then develop a clear plan of implementation.

When you understand that the foundation of business is to share value with someone else, you come full circle with a heart-centered spiritual practice.

Reeny brings together the strengths of Higher Purpose Guidance Open Heart Coaching Heart of Business Mentor to guide intuitive sensitive women find their voice and embrace a soul aligned path to financial empowerment.

Her blogs, includes inspirational articles to guide you into the change you want to be.

You can have access to over 10 templates tools and meditations to use to realize change for yourself as you continue to live your life on purpose http://www.passionandpossibilities.com/gifts

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8857079

A Strong Woman Knows

Our world is made up of many strong women. Everyone has their own definition of strength and what it entails, but I assure you, everyone has someone they know that can be put on this list. A strong woman could be you, your mother, aunt, cousin, wife, girlfriend, teacher, or the cashier at the department store.

When you look at a woman, the things that you don't see are just as important, if not more important, than the things that you do see. What you see is almost the end result of time, effort, loss, pain and hope, among other things. The reason that I say almost the end is because with each day, every moment of that day, we are still growing, learning, reaching and resolving a new dream or dilemma.

A strong woman doesn't need you to break through barriers to reach her soul. Her soul is right there and you will see it when you look into her eyes. She knows the many types of love and has felt the sting of loss. She doesn't depend on others but knows when to ask for help. If she has made a mistake, she learns from it and is responsible enough to own it. A strong woman knows how to treat people, whom to keep close and whom to keep at bay.

"A strong woman is a woman determined to do something others are determined not be done."~ Marge Piercy

I use to think that some women I knew where weak. That is how I defined people, two categories, weak and strong. I had a few strong women in my life; thick skinned, tough, determined, yet very loving. Their laughter rings in my ears today. I can tell you that I have learned a lot about life from them. Have you learned valuable life lessons from other women? Has it changed your life?

A strong woman may not tell you what exactly she has gone through or where she draws her inner strength from, that is up to you to figure out or she will tell you if she wants you to know. Her loving soul has not been hardened by life, but has been made softer and more sentimental with time.

What makes a strong woman? To me, you can take the same situation and give it to two women, one of those women will not only exceed your expectation with the outcome of that situation, but walk away unscathed by it, and the other woman will be unable to deal with the situation. A strong woman knows her strengths and weaknesses, how to love and be loved, she knows how to let her voice be heard without all the drama, she knows how to hold her head up high during the most trying times, she knows how to be courteous despite not wanting to be, she knows how to distance herself from the unkind, and how to love beyond measure.

A strong woman has many layers, that is why they are referred to as thick skinned. Those layers know heartache and struggles. They know how to extend love to everyone they know. Their gift is their strength. They give their energy to you and your goal should be to give it back. Stand up and acknowledge her, as she demands respect. She doesn't depend on a relationship or anyone to define who she is, but knows that it is a huge bonus to have one. It takes a strong man to love a strong woman. A strong man will walk side by side with a strong woman. A strong man knows that he does not define the relationship, that it is an equal bond made of both. A strong man will emphasize her strengths and offer her support during her moments of weakness.

This is one of my favorite quotes.

"I, with a deeper instinct, choose a man who compels my strength, who makes enormous demands on me, who does not doubt my courage or my toughness, who does not believe me naive or innocent, who has the courage to treat me like a woman."~ Anais Nin

I salute all of the strong women in our society and to those who haven't yet discovered their own strengths.

My name is Tami Principe. I wanted to help other people so I created my website http://www.WomensRecreation.com. In short, I am a Motivational Speaker, Author, Blogger, Radio Talk Show Host, and a Breast Cancer Survivor. I believe that our struggles are temporary, and important lessons can be learned from them. I am the author of 4 books, "Walk in Peace," & "My Soulful Journey," & "The Wishing Well," and "The Green Rabbit."
My radio show is http://www.BlogTalkRadio.com/womensrecreation,feel free to listen to the archives.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8832683

Top 5 world cultural heritage voted by CNN

Ruins of Angkor the greatest legacy of the Khmer Empire, well-known for Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. After Siamese destroyed the capital of the Khmer empire in the 15th century, the kings of the Khmer returned to Phnom Penh which makes people forget the shrine of Angkor. Jungle covered the entire sanctuary. In 1860, Herri Mouhot, a French explorer, discovered the ruins of Angkor and it became the most important ruins in Cambodia.

Acropolis Citadel, in Greek means "the defense of Athena", have a height of 150 m above sea level. Here, people can admire the traces of glorious period of Ancient Greek Civilization as Propylaia port, Erechtheion temple, Temple of Nike, Parthenon. Many buildings and sculptures made from marble and Doric architectural style. It was also known as Cecropia, the name of the first king of Athens.

Bagan is an ancient city of Mandalay region of Myanmar. From the 9th century to the 13th century, it was the capital of Pagan, the first kingdom unified the regions creating Myanmar today. From the mid-11th century to the 13th century, the period of transition from Mahayana Buddhism to Theravada Buddhism, more than 4,000 temples and pagodas have sprung up here, marking the beginning of a new tradition of Buddhism in the country this. 2,200 temples and pagodas still exist until now.

Galapagos archipelago is located on the south of Pacific, about 1000km from coast of Ecuador to the west. It is a geological hot spot, where the crust is due to active lava below... Many islands in the archipelago are still born by the volcanic eruption. Wildlife here evolved independently from other parts of the world that the islands became a model of the study of the ideal evolutionary for scientists. Since 1959, the Ecuadorian government declared the islands Galapagos becomes a national natural conservation area. However, due to the expansion of the residents on the island, many rare species here are facing extinction risk.

Goreme National Park of Turkey, this is the only place where people still see the remnants of Byzantine art in the post-iconoclastic. The Christian came to Goreme and built the underground city to escape the pursuit of the Roman army. Houses, the villages inside caves, underground town is what remains of people living in the 4th century, in 1985, UNESCO Goreme National Park is the world's cultural heritage.

Top 20 Things To Do In New York City

New York City, the city that never sleeps, the very core of the American Dream, is a very nice place to visit if you are searching for a one of a kind experience. This city is the definition of multiculturalism, tolerance and modernism, all blends together perfectly. Whatever you are looking for; you can find it in New York for sure. Here is a list with the top 20 things to do when visiting New York City:

1. Statue of Liberty

There is no way you can visit New York City without seeing the "Liberty Enlightening the World", the well-know symbol of New York, the symbol of freedom which is why it must be at the top of the things to do in New York City. You can get to it by ferries and learn more about it from a tour guide. You are even allowed to take a picture of it.

2. The American Museum of Natural History

If you are a fan of history or you just want to get a glimpse at the old artifacts, dinosaur skeletons and many other interesting objects, you must visit this museum. It is one of the most visited and admired museums in the world and you can find a wide variety of plants, artifacts, humans, and many more interesting things.

3. Central Park

Everyone has heard of Central Park, and even saw it in a few movies, but there is more to it than the fame. It is one of the most beautiful places in New York, and the biggest park in the Manhattan area, so it is a must on the "things to do in NYC" list. You can rest here while visiting the surroundings and stop to admire the beauty of it. It has a lake, a garden, a boathouse and many other wonderful attractions.

4. Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center

This place must not be crossed of your "things to do in NYC." Here you can visit a lot of shops and restaurants, but the most interesting attractions is the Observation Deck located at the top of the Rockefeller Center you can see the city from above, all of it from a 360 degrees angle, and is open until late so you can visit by day or night, as you wish.

5. The Neue Galerie

This is one of the most amazing places in New York City. The first thing you notice is the architecture, which is an amazing work of art. Inside the gallery you can admire works of art from the German and Austrian expressionist artists, such as Paul Klee.

6. Café Sabarsky

There are a lot of great places to have your coffee in NYC, one more special than the other, and Café Sabarsky is the best. Located just in The Neue Galerie, this is really something else. Here you can have all kinds of tea, coffee, cocktail, Viennese dishes, pastries and many other delicious delights.

7. Metropolitan Museum of Art

Among the top ten largest museums in the world, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, must be on your "things to do in New York City" list. Here you will be able to admire more than two million objects and artifacts from all the areas of the world of all times. There is nothing you would want to find out about and not see it here.

8. Staten Island Ferry

A trip with the ferry is impossible to miss; you get the chance to see the harbor while taking a ride, take picture and admire the surroundings.

9. Broadway

Who hasn't heard of the famous Broadway? Broadway is one of the top NYC attractions, and it is no wonder, with so many things to see and do here. You can go shopping, stop for a coffee in the New York style, or go to one of the world famous theaters. And do not forget to attend at least one musical on Broadway.

10. Yankee Stadium

The Yankee Stadium is a must see for the sports fans all over the world. It is also a wonderful architectural piece and full of history as well. Many of the world greatest teams have played here, such as the Yankees and The Mets, and it is also a place where great events took place and history has been written.

11. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Amongst the top attractions in New York you can't miss this museum. There are a lot of museums you can visit all around New York but one of the most special ones is the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. Here you will be able to see a lot of expositions like restored aircraft, submarines, and space shuttles.

12. The World Trade Center

The World Trade Center, or Ground Zero, has always been amongst the top attractions in NYC, and its popularity has increased after the tragedy that took place on 9/11. People from all over the world make sure to stop here to pay their respects for the ones, who died here, and to try and understand what really happened.

13. Brooklyn Bridge

We have seen it in many movies and Hollywood productions, but more than a cliché, the Brooklyn Bridge is a historical landmark, with a rich history. It has been a symbol of hope, and a grand architectural opera, and since its opening to this very day it is considered to be an icon of New York City. You can visit it and walk by car, by bicycle, or even on your own feet, while noticing the beautiful sights.

14. The Chrysler Building

The tallest brick building in the world, and one of the most impressing of the many skyscrapers of New York City, the Chrysler Building is definitely worth visiting, to admire the wonderful architecture and beauty of it.

15. Coney Island

A residential neighborhood in Brooklyn and a must not omit to put on the things to see in New York list. Here you can visit one of the amusement parks, or relax at the seaside resort. This is a beautiful and relaxing place, where you can have all kinds of activities for the complete family.

16. Times Square

Time Square is one of the world's most visited tourist's attractions of all time and one of the top things to do in New York. Times Square is a very important place for the pop culture lovers, and here you will be able to find all kinds of shops, stores, coffee shops, and really see what New York is all about.

17. Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Just because New York City is famous for never sleeping and partying hard, it does not mean there are no religious people around here. If you want a religious experience then you must visit the Saint Patrick cathedral. A wonderful work of art that reminds you of what catholic churches are all about, this cathedral will make you live an otherworldly experience and it cannot miss from you "things to do "list.

18. Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art is one of the greatest museums in New York, always adding new works of art, which is why it is considered to be one of the top influences in the modern art world. Here you can admire paintings, designs, books, films, and many more.

19. Explore the nightlife

New York is famous is famous for its nightlife.So if you have some spare time during your stay here, you can go to clubs and find places to party with different themes.

20. Try the local cuisine

New York is known for its cultural variety, and their cuisine is no exception to that which is why one of the top things to do is: taste the local food. You will be able to find dishes from all over the world, as well as some special dishes. And when it comes to food here you will be able to find sophisticated locals, local diners, taverns with street food and more, you just have to explore it.

The city that never sleeps has a little something for everyone, and you never run out of things to do in NYC. And if you like it that much, you can even move in here. Make sure you don't forget to see all of these amazing places on the top 20 things to do in New York City.

To know more about attractions in New York including Broadway, Times Square and Wall Street, visit http://www.ultimateplaces.net

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8843567

Great Places to Eat in Washington, DC

Being the diverse town that it is, Washington D.C has acquired the reputation of having amazing food quality and a large variety of restaurants to cater to all tastes and budgets. Here are some unforgettable places to eat in Washington D.C:

If you want to taste amazing Turkish food, Le divan on Wisconsin Avenue will definitely satisfy your palate and curiosity by presenting you with many diverse dishes that are simple, clean, yet bursting with Mediterranean flavor. I highly recommend their kebabs, hummus and grape leaves, cigar boreks filled with cheese, and their Turkish version of pizza. This restaurant is medium priced and delivers top class service.

If you want to scarf down the best cheeseburgers in D.C, the place to go is Five Guys. It is located a little further down on Wisconsin Avenue, around the Georgetown area. It is very laid-back and the burgers are made from real, natural beef and they are absolutely delicious. They are so scrumptious and have become so popular that Five Guys has opened up many other restaurants all over the metropolitan area. The pricing is cheap and the atmosphere very genial. You need to try a Five Guys Burger if you're in D.C. It is quickly becoming an area institution, especially amongst the college crowd.

Further down in Georgetown and off of M St. is located the best Afghan kebab place you have ever been to, Moby Dick's. The venue is tiny only fitting a few tables, but the taste of the meat is out of this world and is spiced to perfection. There are different types of Kebabs; ground beef, lamb and chicken served with amazing aromatic rice that really fills you up. The pricing is cheap, the quantity of food generous and the taste to die for. This great place is quickly increasing in popularity and becoming a chain so there are also others like it around the city; in Dupont Circle and Bethesda among other places so you can get your Moby Dick fix wherever it strikes you.

If you love Indian food, then you must dine at Heritage India on Wisconsin Avenue, the food is authentic and delicious; whether it's their Nan, Samosas or Matter Paneer, you can be sure to leave here content and planning your next visit. It is not uncommon to encounter the Clintons there having dinner as it is one of their favorite places. This restaurant delivers great service, wonderful food and is also reasonably priced.

t is often forgotten that Washington D.C was considered part of the South, so you can count on getting the best chili dog experience you've ever had ever here; a favorite place of many local celebrities. Ben's chili Bowl on quaint U Street is both a historic landmark and a restaurant where the chili recipe hasn't changed for decades and has still retained all of its flavor. The restaurant itself and its decor will transport you back to 1958 which is when the restaurant was created. You can see on the walls pictures of all the famous celebrities and former presidents that have been here. There is always a line of people waiting to get their chili with a hot dog or on its own, burgers and other delicious fare but the thing you must try before leaving are their incredible chili cheese fries. You will never forget the chili you have here and you will undoubtedly come back if you're ever in D.C. It is just the kind of place that is able to engorge you with such pleasurable feelings of being full beyond capacity but oh so satisfied.

This is but a mere sampling of some good restaurants in Washington D.C. There are many more amazing restaurants to discover in D.C. featuring foods from all over the world that are sure to deliver a remarkable culinary experience you will never forget.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=F_Rosa_BelkadiArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8852435

History of Bayon Temple in Cambodia

The Bayon temple was constructed in the late 12th century ( in year 1181-1220 ) by  king Jayavarman VII. Bayon is a second important monumental temple in the area after Angkor Wat. Bayon also was considering as the last stone temple ever built in the period of the Khmer empire. That’s mean, when the Khmers had finished the Bayon temple, the Khmers in the Angkor period were not able to build any more stone temples. Because the country began to decline. 
 
Bayon located exactly in the center of Angkor Thom, which 1.50km away from each monumental gate. Before restoration done by French, you could not see its temple structure at all. Because the jungle took over densely. But in 1916 they had cleared the forest away from its building, and then they began to restore until the war broken in Cambodia in 1970. 
 
Bayon has a meaning in Khmer the Magic. They designed with 49 towers and in each tower decorated with the four faces of the compassionate Bodhisattva Avalokesvara with a combination of king Jayavarman VII's face as well. 
 
The 54 towers of Bayon and Angkor Thom are represented to 54 days of the lunar calendar of the two circle of moon. In addition, as 54 are considering as a lucky number link to the astrological concept, then king Jayavarman VII had arranged the territory of the Khmer Empire with 54 provinces. Thus, Bayon temple was also a replica of the Khmer Empire territory. 

 When French began to work in this temple, they thought Bayon was a Hindu temple dedicated to Brahma (The Creator) in the 9th century. They judged to the Brahma because according to the four faces on each tower and they judged for 9^thcentury because the temple looked too old as they did not realize yet about Rolous Group temples. 
 
But in 1933 when the excavation work began at the central tower, then made them very  surprised and understand that Bayon was a Buddhist temple not a Hindu temple and built in late of 12th century only not in 9^th century. The excavation about 14m deep at the center chamber of Bayon were done, they found a big broken Buddha and Sanskrit inscription, it clarify about the temple’s function , temple’s symbolizing , date and the reign of temple builder. French had repaired this statue in 1935 by the request of king Monivong they decided not put this magnificent Buddha statue in the original spot of the Bayon, but they moved to Vihear Prampi Loveng, which located along an avenue to the Victory Gate of Angkor Thom.  
 
Buddha-Mahathana. Besides, they found Buddha-King statue in the central tower, French also found an image of Lokesvara. This was the another proof to make French scholars know exactly that the Bayon was a Buddhist temple in Mahayana sect. Lokesvara image, which they just found at a pediment of the second level, later on French decided to open the stone floor from the third level in order to make the visitors are able to see Lokesvara image easily from the third level. So that the visitors don't need to go down to see the image.
 
According to a Chinese ambassador Chou Ta kuon, who living in city of Angkor Thom for one year in 1295.1296 had mentioned in his recording which still existed today about Bayon, he called Bayon Temple as a "Golden Tower" because at that time at the tip of its central tower was gilded.
 
An addition, he also mentioned about there were dozens Buddha statues in gold in some chambers of Bayon as well. For the base of central tower of Bayon has designed with round shape. This concept was symbolized of the "Wheel of Life"  in the Buddhist beliefs. On the base of Bayon's central sanctuary had also arranged with 16 chambers. The 16 chambers of Bayon are significant of the 16 spokes of Wheel of Life of Buddhism. 
 
Originally, in each chamber of the central tower of Bayon temple installed statues which mixture religion between Buddhism, Hinduism, Personal Cult and the image of the Animism altogether. This concept was a sign to prove that King Jayavaraman VII has a great toleration to all people who believed in every religion. By the way, The main tower of Bayon decorated with 8 faces of the compassion Lokesvara, but now most of these stone faces on the main tower have been damaged by Vandalism in about 14th Century.
 
The minor towers of Bayon decorated with four faces only, and their sizes are not identical. As we have seen, some of them designed taller and bigger scale and some are smaller and shorter scale. The reason for that they built these tower to represent to the provinces in the Kingdom and for the concept of the tower are bigger and smaller due to the size of each province.
 
As those minor towers of Bayon were represented to the provinces of Khmer empire under the reign of king Jayavarman VII, that is why in each shrine of those tower were installed a Buddha statue which brought from each province where its tower standing for. Thus, Bayon was a most spiritual temple of king Jayavarman VII, because this temple combined spiritual powers from the sacred Buddha statues which coming from different part of the Kingdom. 
 

The outer galleries of Bayon have a measure of 140m from north to south and 160m from east to west. All around these galleries there are very remarkable bas-reliefs which depicting the daily life of the common people, the royalty, the dignitary and the sea trade of Chinese merchants with Cambodia, and to record the war history with Chams when they invaded Angkor in 1177-1181 so on. 
 
But at the inner galleries of the second level of Bayon comprises its bas-reliefs which depicting traditional ceremony in the royal palaces, the excursion of pilgrims, Khmer legends, the practice in daily life of  hermits, Hindu and Buddhist mythologies so on. 
 
Most of the visitors like Bayon temple more than other temples in the Angkor area. Because Bayon's layout and plans designed more complicity, then causing the visitors have a feeling of more mysterious and fantastic. Especially, when the visitors are at the second level and the third level of the temple. Because those level structures  are complicated with its corridors inter connected, then created very gloomy and secret rooms, then the spiritual smiling faces of Lokesvara in every where you go, you turn at the third level. 
 
The faces that steer at you from the Bayon towers symbolize of the four sublime states of Buddhism include Charity , Compassion, Sympathy and Equanimity to any one in the universal.