UNESCO World Heritage Sites In China

UNESCO held their 36th Session of the Committee in Saint Petersburg, Russia, from 24 June - 6 July 2012. Typically, these sessions are held annually to assess new nominations. At this session, two more sites in China were confirmed to have met the strict criteria and were inscribed upon the World Heritage List. These two sites were Chengjiang Fossil Site and the Site of Xanadu. This brings the total number of sites in China to 43.

Of these, 30 have been selected as Cultural Sites, 9 as Natural ones and the remaining 4 as a mix of the two types. No sites in China are listed as 'In Danger'.

Cultural Listings

China's unique culture means that sites here attract strong worldwide interest. Many of the sites inscribed on the World Heritage List in the early days were already household names.

Using their more familiar names:

• The Forbidden City;
• the Terracotta Warriors;
• Mogao Grottoes; and
• the Great Wall of China.

The list now also includes lesser known sites but still ones that qualify as of "outstanding universal value". Most of these cultural sites to date back to the imperial era though not all of these relate to Han culture. A good number belong to other ethnic minority groups.

Most of the sites in this group have an architectural interest, though many can also be classed as religious. Interestingly, two of the more recent inscriptions (Kaiping Diaolou and Hakka Tulou) are defensive structures dating back to periods of internal strife when whole clans relocated to avoid war and/or famine.

Natural Listings

The natural sites in China are a mix of scenic spots and wildlife ones, now including extinct wildlife in the form of fossils (see Chengjiang above). Of course, Giant Pandas feature in the list with three of the main sanctuaries in Sichuan being inscribed as one site in 2006.

Mixed Listings

The 4 mixed sites in China are all mountains. This is not a coincidence. Remote mountain retreats have played an important part in both Daoism and Buddhism in China and these sites all represent outstanding scenic areas with a range of temple structures in harmony with their surroundings. Such areas are a delight for all visitors and especially so for photographers.

The Future

The World Heritage List continues to grow and, since there is a wealth of unique places in this fascinating land, UNESCO is sure to include more sites in China in the future. The recent listing of Chengjiang in Yunnan Province is interesting as this is the first fossil site in China to be recognised. There are a many other world-class fossil sites in China and surely some of these will be amongst the next nominations.

Hotels in Tirupati, Mysore and Shimla - Making Your Stay Comfortable

Tirupati is a very sacred place for Hindus and millions devotees from all over the world flock to seek blessings of Lord Venkateshwara, the reigning deity of the seven hills of Tirumala. Since the temple is crowded all through the year, finding accommodation here becomes very difficult, unless you reserve your stay well in advance. This stands true despite the fact that there are numerous government and private Tirupati hotels which have been established for the benefit of the devotees.

More than five thousand Tirupati hotels inns, cottages and choultries have been provided here. Public amenity complexes are a special feature in Tirupati. Here, you can avail dormitory like accommodation with secure locker facility. While there are luxury hotels in Tirupati, you also have a wide range of medium to budget class hotels which provide excellent and cost effective accommodation facility. Deluxe hotels here offer suit rooms for lesser than INR1000 along with all other facilities such as shopping arcade, swimming pool, restaurants and safe deposit lockers. Non vegetarian food and alcohol is not allowed in Tirupati hotels which are located on the hills near the temple.

While Tirupati is the religious abode, Mysore is the royal center. While camping out at Mysore hotels, you can visit the grand Mysore Palace, Brindavan gardens, Chamundi betta, Mysore zoo and Philomena Church. Mysore hotels give you comfortable accommodation within your budget range. Also, you have a wide range of accommodation options to choose from, ranging from 5 star luxuries to clean budget hotels. You also find heritage Mysore hotels. Several resorts and hotels in Mysore provide special ayurvedic treatment packages which are very rejuvenating and refreshing.

Another thing to experience in Mysore is its rich cuisine. Typically served on freshly cut banana leaves, the traditional spread consists of a variety of dishes. Coconut is generously used in the food along with tamarind and chilies. The cuisine is a mix of Karnataka and Kerala cuisines. Mysore pak, the famous sweet cake, is a legacy of this place. Besides traditional fare, there are numerous hotels which offer multi-cuisine foods.

Shimla is a place which is completely different from both Mysore and Tirupati. It is a lovely hill station and the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla has a very charming architecture which transports you to Europe. Since it was the summer capital of the British, several government buildings and other structures have been built according to European architecture. When you visit the place, you can book into one of the heritage Shimla hotels and enjoy the European ambiance of the place while drinking in the gorgeous mountain views.

Places which you can visit in Shimla are the Mall road, Shimla ridge, Shimla Glen, Viceregal lodge, Jakhu temple, Kinnaur, Tara Devi temple and so many other places. The natural scenic beauty here is the biggest attraction of all. Shimla hotels offer lovely views of the far away hills. You have Shimla hotels in all budget ranges and can choose one based on your convenience. Hotels here also provide tourist packages and arrange local transport.

5 Places to Visit in Greece

If you love ancient history and beautiful locations, then Greece is an ideal place to visit. This is because the country is rich in history, culture, cuisine, nature and beautiful, modern cities. You will not regret it if you visit the country. If you are planning a vacation in this country, then you should include the following five destinations to your itinerary. Visiting these places will definitely give you the experience of a lifetime.

The Acropolis

This is the most prominent, popular and esteemed tourist attraction in Greece. The Acropolis is the large rock outcropping found in Athens and this is where the ancient temple of Athena stood. At present, there are only ruins to mark this once great monument. If you have a taste for history, then this place should be included in your visit to the country.

Poseidon's Temple at Cape Sounion

Since you are in Athens, you might as well make a small side trip over to the nearby Cape Sounion. In this place resides Poseidon's Temple. These ruins that face the Aegean Sea will definitely transport you back to ancient times. You should plan your visit to time it with a great sunset. Watching the sun set in these ruins will be definitely breathtaking.

Santorini

The island of Santorini is the stuff of legends. It is also a very romantic place. In fact, many romantic movies have been made in the island. The beautiful white buildings, wonderful scenery and accommodating people just makes this island a great place to visit. Spending your anniversary in Santorini will definitely be an awesome experience.

Mycenae

If you are a big fan of historical wars, Mycenae will be an experience for you. This ancient fortress withstood many invading armies. In fact, most of the gold artifacts displayed in the National Archaeological Museum came from this fortress. It has huge walls, and a breathtaking gate. Walking around this fortress will definitely wear you out.

Crete

Lastly, the island of Crete is the best place to spend the last days of your Greek Vacation. Almost every good thing that Greece has to offer can be found in this island. You can visit the ancient Minoan palace in Knossos and then shop around in various little towns that dot the island. Getting lost in Crete is going to be fun. It does not matter if you love to relax on the beach or party in a nightclub. You'll find both of these on the island.

Something for Everyone in Sensuous St Lucia

At only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, what this small island lacks in size it more than makes up for in natural scenic beauty, a stunning landscape and a world of exciting adventures that puts St. Lucia in a league above all others.

On land, endless days can be spent through a dynamic range of activities and discovery. With the iconic Piton Mountains towering 2000 feet above, the rainforests of St. Lucia provide some of the best hiking and bird watching opportunities in the Caribbean. Parrots, giant ferns, wild orchids and brightly colored birds and butterflies flourish among the tropical plants. While you have your hiking boots on, challenge yourself for the trek to summit the Pitons where if you don't lose your breath on the trails, you certainly will from the views along the way and from the top. The rainforest also keeps its secrets such as the Errard Waterfall. Take a mountain bike tour through the rainforest then refresh and recharge with a swim in the pool at the base of the falls. For something a little more thrilling, head up to the treetops for an aerial view of the jungle while zip lining through the canopy.

Also in the area and worth a visit is a trip to Sulphur Springs featuring the world's only drive-in volcano. If hiking, biking, and flying from tree to tree aren't your thing and prefer to discover the outstanding scenery at an easier pace, St. Lucia doesn't disappoint with numerous jeep, ATV and horseback tours that still treat the senses to the vibrancy of the island without the physical exertion. If a relaxing day is in the cards yet you still want to be active, then perhaps a day of tennis or golf at one of the first class facilities on the island is in order. However you choose to occupy your days on land, the charm, beauty and splendor of St. Lucia will keep you wanting to dig deeper and discover more.

The waters around St. Lucia are the crystal clear calm waters highlighted in such films as "The Pirates of the Caribbean" and are perfect for sailing and kayaking. By day, sailing around the island is simply stunning whether it be on a party cruise, catamaran, or windsurfer. As the sun dips below the horizon, couples looking for romance should take in an evening cruise as the island takes on yet another type of magical beauty that can only be appreciated in the evening. The steep coastlines and coral reefs of the area make for excellent diving and snorkeling as the drop offs and calm waters are a haven for a bounty of marine life and dramatic wrecks. Further out off the coast, larger marine life can encountered through a leisurely whale watching tour with cocktails or for something a little more up close and personal, feel the strength of a barracuda or marlin as you board a charter for some deep sea fishing.

St. Lucia is an adventurer's paradise and a traveler's dream. It is a destination perfect for couples looking for romance, families looking to bond, and both nature and culture buffs. The culture of the island is as impressive and extensive as the entrancing topography. The days of the pirates are long gone but there are still forts, cannons and other landmarks dotting the country as a testament to the survival of this culturally and visually rich masterpiece.

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The Blanc

Like everything in life, perceptions rarely equate to reality. The incredible country of Haiti could not be a better example of this paradox. Beneath its rough and rugged exterior lies a unique and mysterious beauty. Despite the hardships the country has endured over the past few years, it still has a sense of simplicity and bliss. These two traits connect everyone into an incredible community of people even though much of the population lives without modern amenities like electricity and running water.

As a foreigner, known as "blanc" in the native Haitian Creole, I had the opportunity to peer into the lives of the natives for a few days. After the Earthquake in 2011, media around the world has portrayed Haiti as a "Hell on Earth." Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that I had some hesitation as the wheels of the airplane touched down on the landing strip. As I walked out of the exit terminal into a tunnel, I was greeted aggressively by a group of men trying to grab my bag and escort me to the vehicle waiting area. Like a football player, i weaved in and out of the barbarians. I finally saw the light of the end of the tunnel when I recognized Rachael standing next to two men. At last I did not feel alone in this unknown place. After a quick greeting, especially since the horde of men were still following me trying to grab my bags, we hopped into the van and zoomed off through the streets of Port-Au- Prince. I have never seen anything like this city in my life.

People crowded the streets to the point where cars and motorcycles were practically hitting them. The stench of gasoline, burning rubber, and sewage made it difficult to breath. The houses ranged from large homes to shacks. I even caught a passing glimpse of the infamous tent cities. Weaving through the streets, I realized something that would continue throughout the duration of the trip: everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) was staring at me like an alien. Foreigners, or "blancs", conjure up mixed feelings in many Haitians. Some people stared and smiled, realizing that we were here to help them. Others glared angrily thinking that we were here to make it rich at their expense of the natives like so many other outsiders before us.

Eventually the paved roads turned into gravel streets up a winding mountain. The van struggled to climb the steep incline and I sat fearful for most of the ride that the brakes would cut out and it would be the end of us. Luckily, no we arrived to the distant and small village of Lascahobas in less than 2 hours. As we maneuvered through the desolate streets, I saw my first real sight of poverty outside the United States. People were sitting in the shade of their porches of their shack-like homes everywhere, avoiding the crippling heat. Many women appeared to be impregnated and many of the children had potbellies, a sure sign malnutrition.

Obviously, work was scarce in the area and many people had little income. It's depressing seeing these sights because it seems as if hope is nonexistent. We finally arrived at the hotel, which seemed like a mecca to the surrounding community.

The next day we set off to the property that had the water well. As I arrived, I saw a pristine landscape with rolling hills and gorgeous plants. We walked down to the well, which essentially was just a PVC pipe in the ground. Off in the distance, some children were bathing in a murky stream, which probably had animal feces and other disgusting substances. Over the next few days, this would be transformed as the ground was uncovered and cement and other materials were used to prevent water from seeping into the hole around the well. By repairing the well, we hope to be able to develop a sustainable hub for the surrounding community.

Visiting the local schools also touched my heart. Despite the lack of amenities (which included everything from no running water and toilets to ragged and reused books), the faculty and students tried everything in their power to have a first-rate education. The kids even showed up to school pristine with spotless uniforms and combed hairs. School children in developed countries do not put in this kind of effort even with running water and electricity.

Overall, my trip to Haiti showed me hope for the future. Even though many people live without the comforts of the developed world, they still try to make the most of their situation. I will be sure to be back again in the future; this time I hope to be less of a "Blanc."

Planning a Big Night Out? Car Service Can Make the Evening a Hit

When you're planning a big night out on the town, the last thing you'll want to worry about is transportation. Hiring a professional limo or car service to pick you up and drop you off can take all of the stress out of the evening and ensure that you and your party have a great time.

Play It Safe

When you've made plans for a big night out and you'll be having a few drinks, you don't want to take the chance of getting behind the wheel. Whether you're celebrating a new job or just having a romantic date with your significant other, hiring a car service is a great way to ensure that you don't put yourself or your passengers in danger after a night on the town. If you hire a car service to chauffeur you around for the evening, you can have as much fun as you want to without having to worry about driving home at the end of the night. You can feel free to dance the night away and leave the responsibility of driving to a professional.

Get Rid of Stress

Driving can be a stressful activity, and it's even more so when you have big plans for the night. A lot of your attention may be focused on choosing the right outfit or ensuring that your reservations are in order. If you have to worry about driving, navigating, and parking, this can make your evening quite a bit more anxious than it needs to be. Hiring a town car service is a great way to make some of this stress go away. When you know that you can count on your limo or town car service to handle all of the driving and deal with the traffic, you can focus on all of the other elements of your special occasion. It will make things a lot more relaxing for you and your entire party.

Ride in Style

A big night out on the town is something that only comes around once in a while, so why not splurge a little and get a stylish ride. Hiring a limousine service is a great way to ensure your safety and make your evening extra special. No matter whether youre celebrating your retirement or attending a bachelor party, a limousine service can add a hint of class to your event. When you engage a limo service for the night, you wont have to worry about finding parking at your destination or dealing with traffic. All you'll need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride with your guests, and you'll look great while doing it.

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Arty Holidays in Europe

Do you judge a city by its art scene? Admit it. It's an amazing way to assess a city's cool factor. But don't judge a book by its cover. You'll often find the artiest cities are the ones you'd least expect to be. Look beyond their generic city centres and well known art galleries to discover some of the best underground art scenes in the world.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Slovenia's capital city is small and cosy. Its architectural beauty is complemented greatly by Ljubljanica river flowing through the city centre, and the city's location in a deep green valley.

The attractions any guide book will tell you to visit are Ljubljana Castle, Tivoli Park, the Slovene Ethnographic Museum, and the National Gallery. But a mere 10 minute walk outside the city centre you'll find Metelkova, an artist's dream, officially called an "autonomous cultural centre". Nestled in the old army barracks you'll find artists' studios, bars, cultural offices, and galleries. Nearby is the MSUM Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova. Keen artists can apply for residencies.

In the city centre, visit Bi-Ko-Fe bar and cafe to get talking to some of the city's hippest residents.

Riga, Latvia

The Baltics have always boasted a lively art scene, that's only been encouraged by the hard-hitting economic crisis as people have been forced to be creative to make a living. Riga is now the epitome of cool. Various of its old industrial quarters have undergone major changes to become centres of art and culture.

The first of these areas was the old port of Andrejsala now home to an artists' hostel, three museums, and events space. Another is Spikeri, a series of old warehouses near the city's central market. These are now a hive of activity boasting one of the city's top restaurants, Kitchen, a concert hall, a doll museum, and KIM museum of contemporary art.

Other cultural quarters are Miera Street Republic (Miera Ielas Republika) with cafes, vintage and lifestyle shops galore, Tabakas Fabrika, an old tobacco factory, and VEF, an old factory just a short tram ride away from the city centre.

Bristol, UK

Most people have heard of Banksy and Massive Attack but how many of you know they hail from Bristol? The city has long been associated with an underground scene with a particular focus on trip hop, graffiti art, and drum and bass. Nowadays, the scene lives on.

Montpelier is a lively area to the city's north where famished art lovers can visit the numerous organic and vegetarian eateries lining Picton Street. The area gathers many creative minds.

The city's old Tobacco Factory is also well worth a visit. It's now been transformed into a creative working space complete with its own animation and performing arts schools and a theatre.

Book a stay at a hotel in Bristol city because you'll need more than a day to explore all there is to see and do here.