An Escape From the Ordinary
… various business endeavors, that we forget to make time for ourselves. It s so important to allot time for yourself, where your worries are non-existent, friends surround you, and good times are abound. While a lot of effort goes into planning, and preparing financially in regard to cruises, the end result is unmatched satisfaction and relaxation. There are many different reasons as to why people embark on these cruises. Some are overdue for a vacation. Some enjoy the cool ocean breezes that are available each night and day on the deck. Others enjoy the all inclusive aspect of luxury…
Yungang Grottoes
The Yungang Grottoes, ancient Buddhist temples located near the city of Datong in the Shanxi province of China, are excellent examples of rock-cut architecture. They are also one of the three most famous cave clusters or ancient scriptural sites of China, the other two being Longmen and Mogao.
The grottoes lie in the valley of the Shi Li river at the base of the Wuzhou Shan mountains, and contain stone carvings from the 5th and 6th centuries. In all there are 252 grottoes and 53 caves lining a distance of one kilometer, which have more than 51,000 Buddha statues and statuettes.
The caves have been divided into three parts on the basis of their cultural and relic definitions. The eastern part of the caves are dominated by Pagodas while the western caves are much smaller in size with score of niches. The caves that lie in the center of these two have front and back chambers separated by hundreds of Buddha statues. The walls of these caves have been embossed with ancient Chinese motifs.
The construction on the Yungang Grottoes was started in 450 AD and they are a relic of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Not only did the sculptures absorb the essence of Indian gandhara Buddhist art, it also drew inspiration from the social norms of the time and combined the two in perfect harmony.
It was during the rein of an emperor by the name of Xiao Wen that a monk named Tanyao took up the task of constructing the Yungang Grottoes. Cave number six is the largest one at the site with a height of 20 meters. It contains a 15 meter high column decorated with Buddha statues and carvings. Surrounding the pillar on all four sides are 33 panels depicting the life story of Sakyamuni.
Most of the caves in the grottoes have been numbered, making it easier to remember them than a lot of tedious names.
Caves that derserve a special mention in the Yungang Grottoes are the ones numbered 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. This cluster of five caves is called the Tan Yao Caves. They are very similar to each other in style but are definitely not identical. They all contain statues of five emperors by the names of Taizu, Taizong, Shizu, Gaozong, and Gaozu, expressing the theme that Buddha was the sole emperor.
While the statue in cave 20 is martial and stately, the one in 19 is thought to be very handsome and elegant. The one in 18 is considered to be the most dignified and yet the most lifelike.
The underlying similarity in all the five figures start with the thick lips, go on to big noses and slanted eyes and end with broad shoulders. These depict the ethnic and religious perceptions of the time that the statues were constructed.
The Yungang Grottoes are famous for their ability to graphically tell stories of past glory and culture to the hundreds of touirsts who throng here everyday.
The Yungang Grottoes were made a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2001.
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An Affordable Vacation in a Beachfront Hotel on Ambergris Caye Belize
Want to go to Ambergris Caye, and not wanting to spend too much money, then check out Belizean Shores Resort, which is beachfront and affordable An affordable vacation on Ambergris Caye, with rates varying between USD105 to USD180 per night double occupancy sounds about right, but what do you get for your money…
A Mexico Vacation - As You Wish!
What is it that you want out of your Mexican vacation? Are you looking to relax? To learn about ancient cultures? To party? To have such an action-packed vacation that you ll need a couple days to recoup when you return home? Whatever it is, it s guaranteed that you ll be able to enjoy your ideal Mexican vacation if you choose to vacation on Mexico s Pacific coast! Where should I go when I visit Mexico s Pacific coast? you say. Glad you asked! The Mexican Pacific coast has so many great locations. There s Mazatl n, Cabo San Lucas, Puerta Vallarta, Ixtapa and, of course, Acapulco! All of the locations have beautiful beaches and you re bound to find great umbrella drinks at all those places too but there s so much more to each of these Mexican vacation destinations. Here s a look at just some of the things you might consider doing: Cabo San Lucas New resorts keep popping up in Cabo San Lucas but the town still maintains it s old world charm. Those looking for fine dining, boating and clear, calm waters for taking a dip in the ocean or boating will love Cabo San Lucas. This area of Mexico s Pacific coast is a well-kept secret so it s not overcrowded with tourists yet. It s a great place to visit and if you re thinking about a Mexican vacation rental, Cabo San Lucas is a prime location. For a Mexican vacation more heavily trafficked by tourists though, head towards San Jose el Cabo. You ll find plenty of resorts and much more tourist action. Mazatl n If you decide you want a Mexican vacation that s out of the ordinary, Mazatl n is the perfect place to visit. Mazatl n has premium golf courses and some of the best ecotourism attractions on Mexico s Pacific coast. Plus, if you ve ever wanted to give fishing a try “and have the odds in your favor of being successful in catching something “Mazatl n is where you want to be; the city is situated right where the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific Ocean connect so it s a natural basin where Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, Marlin, Swordfish, and more are plentiful. Ixtapa What s unique about Ixtapa is that it s a Mexican vacation that will make you feel like you ve actually gotten away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are luxurious hotels where you ll have everything you need at your fingertips and can be pampered to the hilt but there are also cozy inns that are designed to make you feel like you re comfortably tucked away in paradise. It s a slower pace than some of the other popular Mexican vacation rental locations. Very serene. You can, of course, enjoy the beach but there is also great golfing, excellent gourmet dining, and some of the best diving on the Mexican Riviera. The nearby fishing village of Zihuatanejo and the low-key beaches of Troncones are great places to visit if you decide to explore beyond the city limits of Ixtapa. Acapulco In a way, there are two Acapulcos. There is a lively side and a tranquil side of the popular Mexican vacation destination. The tranquil part of the city happens inside the walls of the resorts. The beaches are beautiful, parasailing and banana boat rides are a blast, and the shows and events (which most resorts put on for their guests) are highly entertaining. You could spend your entire Mexican vacation at your resort and have a wonderful time but on the days you re in the mood for a taste of urban Mexico, just venture outside of the resort. That city moves! Restaurants, discos, and duty-free shops line the streets and are in walking distance; a little dinero for a cab ride will get you to and from a number of wild adventure tours. There s certainly no shortage of things to do in Acapulco. As you can see, there s plenty of fun in the sun to be had no matter where you go on Mexico s Pacific coast. So, have you decided where you want to go yet? If not, don t worry. Just plan four trips! Each of the locations above has great resorts for which you can find great vacation packages but you should also consider checking into Mexican vacation rentals in the different areas. A number of the Mexico vacation rental companies offer exceptional deals year round “even during the peak seasons when other places are increasing rates by 25% or more. By Karen Lovendahl, Premier Beach Vacations
Wake Up to Sea, Sand and Surf. Discover http://www.premierbeachvacations.com and deluxe vacations at gorgeous luxury resorts worldwide. Beautiful 1-bdrm Condo Suites - Only $999 per week, 2-bdrm (sleeps 6-8) Just $1,399. You ll cherish this vacation for a lifetime. Call Us Toll Free 1 866 736-3390.
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