Sunday 30 October 2011

Yangon Welcomes You

Finally, the recent tourism ban in Yangon is lifted, and now the number of tourists is increasing each month. Now, many tour companies are also starting to cover Burma, as the country began opening its doors to the world again. The city is also called Rangoon, which is the capital city of the country, and a gateway to all the contiguous regions, and country. Many come to this city to experience a distinctive cultural experience. Many travellers are awe struck by the city’s diversity, charm, and slow paced life. As the city once again welcome tourists, the opportunity to explore this mysterious and beautiful place can contribute to the economic health of the city. There are already insurmountable reviews written about this wonderful city, and these reviews help prospect vacationers to take a glimpse of what to expect in this city. The Guardian and USA Today have already included the city as one of the most exciting travel destinations in Asia.

Yangon is relatively a cool place due to the presence of lush trees, and gardens, which earned its title Garden City of the East. It is clean and green, so you can stroll all day in a cool breeze. When you are in the city, hanging out in tea shops on the side of the streets and learning to prepare betel nut, is a real cultural immersion. Get a chance to cook and taste the local cuisine. The Yangon cuisine is much similar to the Thai cuisine because they share the same culinary culture. A mix of Chinese, Indian, and European influences, along with their local flair, produced a unique taste.

Sightseeing in around the city promises numerous wonderful discoveries and getting around on foot is the best way to do it. Taxis are inexpensive but always check the local tourism website for the latest travel tips. As a reminder, the best place to visit the city is from June to September. Please see the next segment for the best places to see in the city.

The Shwedagon Paya is an architectural masterpiece unique to the region. The pagoda is a jaw dropping sight. When the sun hits the structure, it’s golden surface glistens, and it is an amazing sight. It is the most sacred pagoda in the land and every Buddhist monk dreams of coming to the shrine at least once. The government imposed a fee of 5 dollars per person.

The Chaukhtatgyi Paya features a large reclining Buddha inside the pagoda. The people come to the paya to pray to the Buddha. You can also find astrologers, palm readers, and fortune tellers if you want to have fun in knowing your future. The Buddha is about 2 and half storeys high, and it is an imposing sight. There is no entrance fee required here.

The National Museum features a rich collection of the country’s affluent past. Here, you will see the most magnificent finery of ivory chairs, jewelleries, gold, and other earthly wealth never before seen in other museums, in the world. The museum has art galleries, fossil remains, and natural history quarters. Admission fee is 5 dollars.

The city has beautiful beaches, markets, gardens, villages, squares, and monuments to visit. Restaurants and street stalls offer reasonably priced food to keep your energy up all day. Hotels and inns starts at 20 dollars per night, which is one of the cheapest hotel rates in Asia. In Yangon, a truly unique cultural immersion awaits you, come.

The Magical and Exotic Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is turning out to be one of Asia’s most beautiful cities. Indeed, the city is a colorful and exciting vacation spot. The vibrant city life, exotic food, beautiful sceneries, magnificent palaces, and temples, all contribute to a unique holiday experience. The city is modern metropolis, with a unique blend of old and new. It is a melting pot of cultures, educational, and commercial hub. It is the seat of power and capital city of Cambodia. Cambodians are known for their legendary hospitality, which is why a lot of people choose to come here.

Everyday scenes consist of numerous motorbikes, peddlers, cafés, rickshaws, food stalls, elephants, monks, and busy market places. Night or day, it is a photographer’s paradise. Situated along the banks of Mekong River, locals and tourists can enjoy the famous river, and its commercial activities. It is home to the world’s largest catfish. A truly exotic city, that never fails to amaze foreigners with its magic. The city is named after Wat Phnom, the capital’s highest elevated area, and Penh after the Lady who built the city.

Once called as the Pearl of Asia by the French Indochina, Phnom Penh’s charm temporarily and abruptly upset by the upheaval, not so long ago. The turmoil did not last, and the city regained its former glory, and now, Phnom Penh has a plethora of things to do, as well as places to visit. Here, are some of the best places to see and things to do:

Visit the Royal Palace and notice the traditional Khmer style roof. The rich and opulent palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens, high walls, guards, and guard houses. It is one of the most beautiful structures to see in the city, located on the banks of the Mekong River. Very near to the palace is the Silver Pagoda. The pagoda used about 5 tons of silver as a floor covering. The Soldiers Monument is a fascinating place. The monument was built during the 1970’s to commemorate Cambodia’s Independence.

Architecture students conduct tours for visitors, as an awareness campaign against the eradication most architectural structures in the city, to make way for housing projects. The tours can be carried out by car, bus, or by foot. The Central market is a good place for sightseeing and shopping. You can purchase electronics, textile, shoes, souvenirs, and even gold. The market features an art deco ziggurat, which is a sight to behold. Phnom Penh has many markets, Wats or temples to visit.

You can head to the Koki Beach for a relaxing respite. You need to ride a bus to get there, if you are staying in the downtown area. Visitors are encouraged to bring pack lunches to avoid paying too much for the food bought from the stalls. Visit the nearby villages to see how the Kramas or traditional bandanas are made.

Courageous travelers, visiting the shooting range is a great place to visit. You can get hands-on experience, firing an M16 or AK 47. Price is about 30 dollars per clip. If white sand and pristine island is what you seek, then hire a boat to go to Koh Dach. You can catch a ferry boat for a cheaper option. The island is full of artisans that make arts and crafts of incredible workmanship. Always bring your negotiating skills to play when buying things and paying for fares. These are so many attractions and surprises waiting for in Phnom Penh.

Manama – The Jewel of the Middle East

Manama is now growing in popularity as the next-best vacation spot in the world. Each year, thousands of tourists flock to this magnificent city to enjoy its warm welcome, weather, and rich cultural experience. The bustling city is a mixture of the old and new cultures. Once a territory of Persia and Portugal, the city, more than ever, enjoy an economic boom due to the lucrative oil industry. Aside from oil, which is a singular industry in the country, the modern metropolis opens its doors to the hospitality industry. This innovation paved the way to a growing tourist industry, to cater to people seeking exciting escapades. Today, more strides are undertaken so that the locals can enjoy the comforts of modern living, while soaking in the diverse attractions, in the city.

The city of Manama is now a shopping Mecca. It is now home to modern shopping malls, and markets to buy everything you desire. The Bahrain City Centre offers world class entertainment, and gastronomic delights. It is also home to the most popular international brands of clothing, car, footwear, jewelry, food chains restaurants, and electronic devices. Its vast food court overflows with the most delicious local, and international cuisine. Other malls and shopping centres feature Arabic style themes, so that the tourists can feel the cultural vibe. Decadent and elaborately decorated doors, windows, and interiors exude opulence. Tourists can buy souvenirs to bring home or as gifts. Never miss visiting the city Souq to buy leather, gold, spices, pearls, and carpets. The capital city is also and expatriate’s paradise. Nightlife is lively, world-class and alcoholic beverages are not banned for tourists, and expatriates.

The vacation is not complete without engaging other equally exciting activities. Complete the holiday with horseback riding. Explore the rich sceneries with your partner or family. Riding instructions are also available to assist you. If you love horses as much as the Arabs do, you can watch horseracing at Al Sakhir. Pearl diving is one of the most exciting things to do in the city. You can get your own oyster and find your prize. The hands-on pearl hunting is a memorable experience. See the many species of migratory birds such as ospreys, flamingos, and ospreys. There are plenty of things to do; beach combing, sunbathing, parasailing, boating, and engage in beach ball sports. The sunset in Manama is an awesome sight to behold as well as the city skyline, and night lights.

Getting around the city is very easy and economical. Taxis are inexpensive, and some of the drivers can converse in English language, so communication is not a problem. Bring a map, or pictures of tourist spots you want to go to and show it to the taxi driver if there is a language barrier. Hotels and restaurants are everywhere, and they are reasonably priced. Explore the city night and day, and you will always find something new. Chat with the locals and take lots of pictures while you are at it. The city is a treasure trove of wonders, scenic spots, and bustling commercial centers. Crimes are rare in the city but always bear in mind safety precautions. Manama is exciting, wonderfully breathtaking, and it is waiting for you.

A Visit to Mallorca Island

Along the Mediterranean Sea lies Mallorca Island, the most popular and hippest tourist destination in Europe. Its capital city Palma and its surrounding towns include incredibly beautiful scenic spots, and landmarks. The island has so many scenic spots that spending a week there is not enough, to see all of them. Celebrities chose to live here, artists, and musicians draw inspirations from this enchanting island. The island is famous for its pristine beaches too. Some of the island beaches remain pristine, while another beach resort is a popular for its vibrant nightlife. It is an interesting mixture of tranquil and lively island life. To entice you further, let us see some of the most wonderful things to see and do while you are on the Island.

If you have a knack for old buildings and homes, then visit the Old Palma. See some of the grandest homes with elaborate patios, and courtyards. This part of the old city was established during the 16th to 18th century. The Island tourism department has guided tours to walk you through this magnificent place and see what it is like to live many centuries ago.

There are two major fiestas in Mallorca Island. Every January 19th join in the fiesta of Revetlla de Sant Sebastia, which is the patron saint of the Island. Join in the parade, street dancing, and bonfires while listening to the pulsating drums, and bands. If you choose to come in February, get a chance to see and join the Carnival, where people dance in the streets, with their fancy and colorful outfits.

Trekking on the countryside of Mallorca Island is a great way to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the island. Puerto Pollensa is accessible by bus, and from there, you can start hiking. If you ever get thirst or hungry, grab a hearty snack on the beach and cold drinks. It is a great place to think and breathe fresh air. There is a surprise to every turn, and get a chance to see the town, square, and port.

If you love art and history, head to the galleries and museums in Palma City. Discover the island’s rich and diverse cultures, and contemporary arts in these locations. The best place to start is the contemporary Art Museum, then go to the Mallorca Museum. A visit to the Es Baluard to see some of the paintings by popular European masters like Picasso, Barcelo, and Cezanne.

Eating out and nightlife is unique in the Island. There you will sample the local cuisine along the streets of Avinguada D’antoni Maura and Passeig Des Born. After the sumptuous meal, visit the nightclubs, for drinks, and dancing. The people of Mallorca are receptive to foreigners, so you can make a few friends while having a great time in the island’s best clubs; The Tito’s and Pacha.

If you like water sports, then Palma is the best place to visit. If you come in the summer, the island’s coastlines provide a perfect weather for all sorts of water sports including sailing, parasailing, skiing, wind surfing, and diving. Sun, sand, fun, dining, peace, and vibrant night life are the promise of this absolutely beautiful vacation spot. Don’t miss the opportunity to give yourself a break. For your next vacation, think of Mallorca Island.

Exciting and Beautiful Bandung

Bandungis a prime example of tourist destination that is unspoiled and away from crass commercialism. This is the capital city of West Java Province, which is the third largest city in Indonesia. It is famous for its European architectural structures, volcanoes, scenic spots, parks, plantations, and hot spring. Tourists from all over the world travel to this cool and utterly beautiful place.

This city is not as popular as other holiday destination, but it boasts numerous attractions that can rival many vacation spots in the world. It is safe, pristine, and economical place to visit. The city is an educational hub, plus home to textile and research institutes, nuclear studies, and a radio station. Despite the growing economy of the city, it still retains its charm, which stems from its colonial past. In the 1800s, the city became a Dutch colony established by the Dutch East Company.

Bandungis also famous for its title the City of Flowers. The healthy mountain air and lush vegetation are ideal places for a vacation. Numerous trees filter the air, which is relatively cooler than any city in Indonesia. The city also features numerous vibrant tourist attractions:

The waterfall park is a great place for picnics and sight seeing. During the Japanese occupation, many caves are used as storage for weapons, living quarters, and supply storage. Many tourists can see these caves, thanks to preservation efforts involved. Today, many restaurants and hotels, are sprouting on the higher levels of the park because of the breathtaking view below.

Have you ever seen a fossil of a Java Man? It is also known as the upright ape man, and you can see when you go to the Bandung Geologi Museum. Aside from the famous fossil, you can also see other fossils like the T-Rex.

Going around the city presents an opportunity to see some colonial buildings. The buildings are reminders of the past colonial masters that occupied the city for a long time.

If you want to dine and drink with style, then head to the Kampung Daun. This village-like setting features popular Javanese delicacies. The guests eat at the table but without chairs. The view of the crater, the sound of the stream, and cool air is the best part of the eating experience. Sample the traditional dishes sold on street stalls. They are very cheap and tasty.

Get ready to shop until you drop at the city’s shopping centres where you can purchase jeans, bags, shoes, shirts, traditional outfits at rock bottom prices.

After the a long walk and shopping, sooth your tired body by basking in the hot water springs. The city has seven of them, and each one bears unique characteristics. It is a fun-filled experience for the whole family.

Never miss the opportunity to see the Kawah Puti or white crater and the Java volcano. Take a walk on the outer edge of the crater and for a snack, you can boil eggs in the hot springs just along the edge of the volcano. Hiring a guide is highly recommended.

There are so many things to do, place to see, and eat in this unique city. The life here is slow and relaxed. It is a perfect vacation spot for your honeymoon, family vacation, or for a lone-wanderer. Discover Bandung for yourself; the magic, mystery, and legendary warmth of the people.

Friday 28 October 2011

The Benefits of Raw Jiuce

If a healthy body with full of energy is what you seek, then consider making raw juice out of vegetables and fruits. The raw juice contains fiber, phytochemicals, and micronutrients that stabilize the immune system. It also helps boost the metabolic parameters that influence high energy levels. Fiber helps control HDL or bad cholesterol and enhances proper bowel movement. Fiber may prevent or alleviate diabetes, colon cancer, and atherosclerosis.

Juicing is beneficial to those who do not have time to cook nutritious meals. People who have physically and mentally demanding jobs should consider juicing to take advantage of the health benefits. Raw juice is for everyone; men, women, and children. Taking in needed nutrients is essential to have a healthy and active life. Juicing is simple; with a juicer, process tomatoes, carrots, apples, celery, or any fruits and vegetables you like. Raw juice is the ultimate alternative to food supplements and energy drinks. It is easy to make and affordable too.

What is FIBROMYLGIA

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic disorder characterized by severe body pain and fatigue. The pain originates from tender points in muscles, tendons and other soft tissues, and radiates throughout the body, and lasts for several months or years.

Among the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia:

- Depression
- Numbness
- Memory problems
- Sleep disorder
- Muscle stiffness
- Headaches
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Fibromyalgia derives its meaning from Latin words “fibro,” fibrous tissue, “my,” muscles, and “algia,” pain.

Fibromyalgia symptoms are often mistakenly associated with other conditions such as arthritis (disease of the joints), making diagnosis difficult. But unlike arthritis, fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation or damage to muscles, joints and soft tissues.

The definition of fibromyalgia as a complex disorder was only done recently, though it is not a recent discovery. Clinical features of fibromyalgia have appeared in medical journals in the 17th century. In 1987, the American Medical Association (AMA) recognized the existence of fibromyalgia as “an illness and a potential cause of disability.”

Causes and Risk factors

The causes of fibromyalgia remain unknown. Some scientists theorize it as the result of abnormal body responses to stress, particularly increased sensitivity to pain. The theory purports people with fibromyalgia may have genes that make them react rather intensely to stimuli that most people would hardly regard as painful. And researchers have identified genes that typically pertain to fibromyalgia patients.

Fibromyalgia affects 1 in 20 persons around the world in all ages, and 6 million people in the United States alone. A large percentage of sufferers are women (ages 20 to 50) than men, though the illness has been diagnosed in children and the elderly.

Events or illness such physical stress or injury, emotional stress, impaired immune system, weather changes, are factors that may trigger spontaneous flare up of the disorder.

Also at risk are people with certain rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and spinal arthritis.

Prognosis

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and long-term condition, and there is no known cure. Fibromyalgia symptoms may be mild or severe. People with fibromyalgia may appear “normal” at home or at work, but live in constant pain and exhaustion, and frustrating physical limitations.

Yet fibromyalgia is not a degenerative disease, meaning it will not damage the soft-tissues in your body such as muscles, joints and tendons. For some people, symptoms have stabilized and conditions have seen improvement over the years.

Diagnosis

In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology launched the Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia. 1) History of pain. Widespread pain must have occurred in the last 3 months. When pain affects all of the 4 quadrants of the body, such as pain in the left side and right side of the body, pain above and below the waist, it considered widespread. Additionally, axial skeletal pain must be present.
2) Pain in 11 of the 18 tender points. On digital palpitation, 4 kilograms of force is applied directly on tender points, and the patient must say there was ‘pain’ in every palpitation. The prevalence of a secondary disorder condition does not exclude Fibromyalgia diagnosis.

Modern research points to abnormalities in the body contributory to fibromyalgia
that form part of diagnostic tests:
- biochemical
- metabolic
- immunoregulatory

Treatment

Treatments:

1. Prescription medications
2. Proper Nutrition
3. Patient counseling
4. Physical rehabilitation and exercises
5. Lifestyle changes

Enjoying the Benefits of a Vegetable Based Diet

Having a healthy and active body is almost everyone’s dream and for good reasons. A healthy body means longer life, more time for personal enjoyment, and quality family time. While a lot of people frequently enjoy taking out dinners and eating in fast food joints, there are also many people who are aware of the health issues such habit may entail. To achieve an active and healthier body, cooking home cooked meals is one. But not just any home cooked food; there are so many ways to turn your ordinary meals into super foods that provide superior health benefits.

Vegetables and fruits Based diet

According to medical authorities; Korean, Japanese, and Mediterranean diets are by far the healthiest and tastiest in the world. A vegetable based diet simply means that there are more vegetables than meat in every meal. Meats and carbohydrates are served on limited portions. Koreans and Japanese, for example, also eat meat, but the vegetables are the star of the meal. The three aforementioned diets have less fat or oil in the food. The Mediterranean diet uses fat in the form of olive oil – the healthiest source of fat. Other sources of fat come from avocado, oils from flaxseed, grape seed, canola, and vegetable.

There are numerous scholarly studies confirm that vegetable based diet provides lasting and powerful health benefits. The source of protein largely come form beans, tofu, mushrooms, and lentils. The vegetable protein is by far the best source of dietary protein without the fat. Vegetables and fruits have healthful benefits such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Vegetables and fruits are an excellent source of fiber. There are two types of fiber; soluble and insoluble. Here, is the summary of health benefits of both types of fiber:

Soluble fiber combines with the fatty acid. It delays the sugar and carbohydrate absorption which prevents diabetes and from further progressing. It also decreases the level of cholesterol in the blood and regulates glucose, great for diabetic patients.

Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and makes bowel movement easier. It prevents colon cancer by regulating the acidity of the intestines. This is an important because cancers and polyps proliferate in acidic intestines. All in all, it is a detoxifier and broom for the colon.

Phytochemicals or essential nutrients in the vegetables and fruits are important elements for an efficient metabolic process. A good metabolic parameter helps get rid of excess fat in the body and provides ample energy production. A good example of a phytochemical is lycopene which helps to prevent cancers. Vitamins and minerals help boost the immune system and other essential bodily processes.

The best source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals are cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Carrots, jicama, potato skin, apple, oranges, berries, and zucchini also provide these essential elements.

Other sources of fiber:

• Nuts
• Oatmeal
• Herbs
• Whole wheat food products

Engaging a vegetable based diet can help you prevent the following:

• Obesity
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Atherosclerosis (shrinking and hardening of the arteries)
• Skin diseases
• Low Metabolicolic rate
• Stroke and Diabetes

Make healthful eating a habit

Many people think that cooking healthy foods involve complicated techniques. This is probably the main concern among some people that they tend to cringe when they think they have to cook their own food. There are thousands of cookbooks out there; including recipes you can find online that provides simple cooking methods. Stir frying, for example, is the best way to cook vegetables because they are quick and easy to learn. This cooking method also retains the food’s nutrients because they are exposed to heat very rapidly, just enough to cook through the vegetables. Everyone needs to cook and eat healthy and make it a habit. When you learn to cook your own food, you know what you put in it, and you get to enjoy them too.

Juicing – The art of Making Raw Juice

Another healthy way to supplement your diet with essential nutrients and fiber is to make raw juice. First, you need a juicer in order to extract the juices. Second, you need to choose the raw vegetables you like, including carrots, zucchini, tomato, apples, celery, and so on. Mixing the vegetables with the fruits depends on your taste. Try experimenting with other fruits and vegetable combinations to make your own recipe.

Today would be a great day to start

Starting healthful eating can give you full health benefits. Remember that the vegetable based diet is not a vegetarian diet, and you may also eat meat but sparingly to get the best effect. Start eating healthy as soon as possible. In a few weeks, you will discover a newly found energy, your skin, and hair will glow with health and you lose weight too. One last thing: complement your diet with regular exercise and drink ample amounts of water. So, start today and feel great tomorrow. What do you think?