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With a history of over 1,000 years, thangkas are one of the most well-known Tibetan art forms. The influence of Nepalese art is obvious in their early development, and later the ornate style of traditional Chinese paintings became very influential. Used by traveling monks and ordinary people as a tool for communicating with the gods, it is highly admired not only for its practical function but also its unique beauty and craftsmanship. Shoppers in Beijing have a unique opportunity to check out some exquisite thangkas the amazing shops in the city. So get on board with a Beijing China tour!

Much like a scroll painting, thangkas can be easily rolled up for storage and unrolled for display. Travelers and monks like to carry a thangka when they travel to other places because it is very lightweight. Home-dwelling Tibetans also like to use thangkas in their homes because they are beautiful and can be easily be put on a wall.

Serving as an object for worship and meditation, thangkas often have images that depict prominent figures of Buddism, like the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and other gods. These figures, along with the depictions of their life stories that usually appear in the background, are intended to educate, enlighten, or enhance the contemplative experience of the people who study them.

The profound symbolism of a finely made thangka may have thousands of bits of information contained in the color, clothing, and positions of the figures that enable a Buddhist to learn the teachings of Buddhism by examining the overall image. A commonly item you’ll see is the Wheel of Life, a form of the universe in Buddhism.

When used by monks traveling from place to place, thangkas can serve as an excellent educational tool. Tibetan monks who carry thangkas have been traveling to remote regions and teaching Buddhism for hundreds of years. As a tradition, monks living in monasteries display their precious thangkas to the public during ceremonies or festivals.

Making a thangka is an extremely difficult process. To make one thangka, a trained painter will use a variety of techniques and paints to create pictures on a cotton canvas or a piece of silk. All of the details are to be correctly painted and must conform to a set standard. The standard is very strict because even a small mistake can distort the original meaning of the message. To do this, a painter needs to have excellent painting skills and a deep understanding of both Buddhism and Tibetan culture. One of the characteristics of authentic thangkas is that they use paints made of natural minerals.

Thangkas are divided into two major types: “Bris-Tang” and “Go-Tang.” The differences between these two are the materials used and the methods of manufacture.

“Bris-Tang”: Thangkas that are painted are called “Bris-Tang.” The five specific types belonging to this category are: Multi-Colored, Gold Background, Vermilion Background, Black Background, and Block Printing “Bris-Tang.”

“Go-Tang”: “Go-Tang” thangkas are thangkas that are embroidered or made of silk. There are also five specific types in this category: Embroidery, Applique, Glued Applique, Hand-Woven, and Block Printing “Go-Tang.”

There is a strict rule concerning the use of colors on thangka. Different colors are used to denote different themes or different characters. Red is often the main color for thangkas depicting the life stories of the Buddha. Black is mostly used to depict gods whose main duty is subjugating evils. Blue is employed when the emphasis is on joyous events. Green is used to represent activity. And white symbolizes peace and compassion.

When in Beijing, check out the beautiful, authentic thangkas in many of the city’s shops. For shoppers unfamiliar with the local business, it’s best to find a Beijing tour guide to help with the shopping.

If you have not been to Malaysia, or at least, have not toured around the beautiful spots in this country, then most likely you have missed out on the national parks of Sarawak. Located on the eastern side, Sarawak is considered the largest state, and is situated along the northwest coast of Borneo.

From lush vegetation which serves as sanctuary for endangered species, to magnificent landscapes and natural architecture, to diverse and colourful land and sea creatures, to areas for recreation and relaxation, Sarawak national parks has something for every tourist or nature lover.

Cave systems are a feast for the eyes because of its natural and prehistoric architecture and landscape. The Gunung Mulu National Park is famous for its large limestone cave systems. This park also houses other different cave systems which hold several records for being the largest cave passage in the form of the Deer Cave, the longest cave in Southeast Asia in the form of the Clearwater Cave and the worlds largest natural chamber in the form the Sarawak Chamber.

Moreover, you will find in Gunung Mulu the longest cave in this side of the Asian region which is the Clearwater Cave, as well as the cave with the largest passage, the Deer Cave. In Gunung Mulu National Park, you will be treated to breathtaking sites with sparkling streams, rainforest and a rich wildlife.

Colourful and lush forests house several rare and endangered species and are a treat for environmentalists and animal lovers alike. The Bako National Park and the Talang Satang National Park are both known for its abundant wildlife and prolific forests which are a pleasure for environmental and animal photographers or even for simple observers.

It has always been suggested that at dawn or dusk is the best time to come to the Bako National Park to be able to view the flora and fauna in its most vivid form and colour. For marine life enthusiasts, you will surely love to come over and over again at the Talang Satang National Park because of its magnificent aquatic landscape and vast marine turtle preservation.

In the Talang Satang National Park lies a vast and colourful marine life and scenery that can be attributed to the strategic location of the Sarawak province. The vibrant background of the sea coupled with copious and diverse aquatic creatures is surely a feast for the eyes of any marine life fanatic, diver, underwater photographer, or artist.

For those with a more active lifestyle and who enjoy recreational sports such as trekking, hiking, rafting or trailing, or for those who would just want to chill from their fast-paced, busy urban lives, the Lambir Hills and Similajau National Parks are very well suited these types of people or tourists.

Both are accessible from the provincial capital which makes these spots popular. Scenic views from waterfalls, to rapids, to clear beaches and adventurous trails await tourists who are into either an active outdoor lifestyle or who just wish to lay back and enjoy a relaxing vacation.

Take a break now from work or school, or from your busy lifestyle in the city, and come over to Sarawak, Malaysia to experience all these gifts from nature, all these only in Malaysia.

A luxury cruise vacation can really enrich your life. Not only will you be traveling with like-minded people who love cruising, you will develop great, lasting friendships among your many cruising companions.

When you cruise you can sail to fabulous ports of call anywhere that cruise ships visit. Not only are there mega cruise ships which everyone is familiar with, there are a number of sizes and types of ships. The medium, and especially the smaller size cruise ships can navigate further up inland waterways to historic cities and famous landmarks where larger ships cannot go.

The larger cruise ships generally have one or possibly two organized shore excursions at each port of call. If there are two sightseeing shore excursions scheduled the same day, one may happen early in the morning and the second one in the afternoon. Most shore excursions at take place in the morning normally get back to the ship in time for the people to dine on a fantastic lunch buffet.

Occasionally, on a second excursion, you may arrive back at your cruise ship late in the afternoon or early evening. This could possibly make you a bit late for dinner if you’ve been scheduled for the first sitting.

It is also your prerogative to explore the city, town, or island attractions and landmarks on your own. Please remember that it is your responsibility to get back on time or your cruise ship could sail without you. However, if you choose to book a shore excursion with the cruise ship, they will not sail until everyone is back on board.

Take full advantage of the time you have in port by using it wisely. Some vacationers decide to disembark and go it alone by hiring a car and driver to take them to see and explore the sights. Usually taxi drivers charge by the carload and not per person so if you want to save some money you can split the cost with a few other fellow passengers. If you leave early in the morning you may be able to get back in time to enjoy the lunch buffet.

When you cruise you should bring a detailed guide book that covers each of the destinations you know that you will be visiting. Even if the weather is inclement for your shore excursion, always take your camera as the weather can improve very quickly.

And don’t judge a port by the dock and its surrounding area. It is usually a freighter loading and unloading area and the major warehouse and industrial district of a city or town. You may have to travel out of the port area and into the city or town to really see the unique tourist attractions and historical sites as well as experience the local culture.

What is the difference between a river cruise and a barge tour?

Although they have similarities, there are major differences between these two types of sightseeing tours. Firstly, the ships that sail the rivers can accommodate approximately up to one hundred and eighty people, while barges usually only can accommodate five to twenty-five people. The second big difference is that the river cruises can visit a number of countries and cities in a week, while barges travel on man-made canals from town to town moving at a much slower, walking pace, and can only cover approximately fifty miles in a week. Thirdly, river cruise ships have a restaurant, lounge, and entertainment, while barges are essentially first-class, floating hotels, and have a dining room and lounge as well as a sun deck. The most popular river cruises and barging tours are located in Europe.

What is a luxury cruise tour package?

A cruise tour land package is similar to a cruise that stops for half-day or full day shore excursions but gives you the best of both a luxury cruise and a land holiday combined in one. The main differences between the two is the land part of your vacation includes transportation by train or motor coach travel to a quality hotel accommodation at your inland destination. You will be accompanied by an expert tour guide for the land segment of your itinerary. These combo packages are generally longer, lasting from approximately ten days to three weeks or even a month or more. On most cruise land tours you can decide to take the land part of your holiday either before or after your cruise.

Besides Europe, you can book a cruise tour for South America, Australia, Asia and the United States. Alaska is one of the most popular cruise tour destinations in the world.

If you would like to enjoy the best of both worlds – an incredible dream cruise holiday and a land tour adventure – a luxury cruise tour is the ultimate vacation experience.

With the increased availability to travel to Europe and South America, vacations and travel to these regions of the globe is not as exotic as it once was. Super highways and commuter flights throughout the United States and North America have eased travel and made vacationing in these areas seem dull as well. To visit a locale that is still considered exotic and adventurous, one might try the continent of Asia.

Asia offers a new world of travel and adventure. The myriad of cultures throughout the continent allow travelers the ability to return to the region on multiple vacations without seeing the same thing over and over again. The countries of Asia provide access to some of the world’s largest cities, tallest mountains, and a wide variety of traditions, people and religions.

Some travelers may be out for the lights and business of the city. Hong Kong, China; Bangkok, Thailand; and Tokyo, Japan all offer the familiar look of a large city, but in a completely different manner. Exotic foods mixed with bright city lights will offer an urban adventure to travelers wanting to vacation with all the comforts of large hotels.

Travelers that want something more off the beaten path can find what they want in Asia as well. The Himalayan Mountains of Nepal, India, and Tibet offer some of the most challenging rock climbing adventures known to man. Adventures from a couple of days to weeks can be arranged with personal guides to traverse the dangerous cliffs. Some adventure goers choose to brave the rivers of the region via kayaks. Lessons are even available to those who want to improve their skills.

One must be prepared for not only the difference in cultures, but also the difference in climates. Depending on which region the vacationer chooses, they should research the possible effects of increased humidity levels for destinations such as Thailand and Indonesia, or they need to prepare for the reduced oxygen levels available in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas.

Whether an Asian vacation takes one to the big city or the rural regions, safety and courtesy is always advised to be observed. Read guide books, take a class, or meet people from the region you are going to visit in order to gain better perspective. When you prepare for a vacation overseas, you should do so with care. Another way to prepare for a vacation overseas, is to find a few documentaries, foreign films, and other media that will give you a glimpse into the lives of those you will be visiting. Immersing yourself into the culture before taking a vacation is a way to maintain your excitement. As you learn more about the culture, you should take note of the differences and similarities of cultures so you will be able to get along with people you meet along the way.

Hong Kong is the city that has lots to offer, and is very promising in so many different regards. The city can be considered for a wonderful and enjoyable visit at different times during the year. Hong Kong is the city that gets many visitors from all around the world especially from Asian countries, and these visitors and tourists keep pouring in throughout the year. The hustle and bustle of the visitors keep the city even more alive than it really is.

Anybody who plans a visit to Hong Kong must make sure that they have all the information related to the weather conditions, and all the other safety measures that anyone needs to take against the weather. Despite the fact that tourism continues for the entire year, there are a few months that are particularly good for visiting Hong Kong.

The months that are considered to be the best for visiting the city are from October to December and January too. At these times of the year, the climate is very pleasurable and there are lesser rains with no fear of gales that might threaten to destroy one’s excitement. In these months of the year, the scene and sights are a must see, and are particularly pleasurable and attractive with the flowers blossomed and multi-coloured sceneries all over.

The best time for anyone to visit the city in fact depends on what they want to see the most there. There are countless people who think that both spring and autumn is a perfect time to go to Hong Kong. Whether you wish to go in spring or autumn, you can the entire time plan a visit after gathering all the essential information.

Although you can go to Hong Kong at anytime you like, you’ll be able to enjoy discounts and free offers if you make a visit in the peak season. In the off-season, there are also many hotels that offer discounts to increase their customer ship.

Another ideal time to plan a trip to Hong Kong is near Christmas and New Year. At this time, the ambience of the whole city is happy and you would be able to relax and have a lot of enjoyment. This is the perfect time to shop since all the malls and shops are fully stocked with the greatest and most modern products.

If you desire to see firecrackers, red envelopes, and dragon dances all along together with all the conventional celebrations, you must go to Honk Kong in February when the Lunar year starts and there are celebrations everywhere.

Though, all seasons are ideal for going to Hong Kong, you must avoid going there in the summers. Because the city has a sultry climate, the summers are extremely hot and moist. If you have a plan to visit Hong Kong at a time that is jam-packed with tourists and visitors, then you should make sure to have flight reservations as well as to arrange your accommodation earlier. This would keep you away from having difficulties whilst making a visit to a city that is full of lights and is almost at all times bustling with people.