Switzerland, Transport in Switzerland, Weather in Switzerland, Travel Guides, Guidebooks, Advice, Travel Information, Tips, Climate, History, Work, Volunteering, Attractions, Entertainment, Shopping, TripsSwitzerland Small, mountainous and wealthy, with a population of just 7.5 million, Switzerland is renowned for its enviable quality of life in a country that ticks along like clockwork. Its products are sought after the world over, from its delicious cheese and chocolate to luxurious watches whose timekeeping is as sharp as a Swiss Army Knife, another popular export from this sophisticated Alpine nation.

Switzerland’s famed political neutrality, financial power and isolated location, ring-fenced by breathtaking mountains, have enabled it to play a safe but central role in European affairs. The conveniently central location in the middle of Europe has also made Switzerland a favourite meeting place for conventions and international conferences – Geneva, for instance, is home to the United Nations.

Switzerland is not only a place for professionals, though. As a stylish tourist destination it offers such top ski resorts as Zermatt, Verbier and celebrity-studded St Moritz, while the white peaks of mountains set against blue skies make a wonderful backdrop for summertime hiking. The ancient capital of Berne provides superb opportunities for sightseeing, shopping and traditional folk entertainment while the largest city, Zürich leads the way in arts, design and nightlife, from opera and world-class theatre to stylish bars and nightclubs.

Switzerland’s unique political model is based on consensus-building, and, considering that the country consists of several culturally different groups speaking different languages (Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansch), its peaceful domestic situation is admirable. And while the Swiss in practice have been neutral in foreign affairs for several centuries, they are increasingly willing to get more involved in world affairs and deploy the skills in democracy and diplomacy they have developed domestically on the international stage. Switzerland finally joined the United Nations in 2002, and signed the Schengen treaty in 2005, showing their support for the European Union.

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Install Indian Rupee symbol or font on your computer

Step 1: Open this official link to download the Rupees font http://blog.foradian.com/rupee-font-version-20.

Step2: After download Rupee font, install rupees font in your system fonts.

Step3: Open notepad and select Rupee Foradian font from the font list.

Step4: Type special character from your keyboard `.

Note: This symbol is exact before 1 number from your keyboard on left side.

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July 15th, 2010

Traditional Pubs

A public house, informally known as a pub, is a drinking establishment licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises in countries and regions of British influence. Although the terms often have different connotations, there is little definitive difference between pubs, bars, inns, taverns and lounges where alcohol is served commercially. A pub that offers lodging may be called an inn or (more recently) hotel in the UK, India, and Australia. Today, many pubs in the UK, Canada and Australia with the word “inn” or “hotel” in their name no longer offer accommodation, or in some cases have never done so.

Some pubs bear the name of “hotel” because they are in countries where stringent anti-drinking laws were once in force. In Scotland until 1976, and in Wales until 2003, only hotels could serve alcohol on Sundays.

There are approximately 53,500 public houses in the United Kingdom. In many places, especially in villages, a pub can be the focal point of the community, so there is concern that more pubs are closing down than new ones opening.

The history of pubs can be traced back to Roman taverns, through the Saxon alehouse, to the development of the modern tied house system – a period of huge growth in the number of drinking establishments.

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July 12th, 2010

Arts & Crafts

Arts and crafts comprise a whole host of activities and hobbies that are related to making things with one’s hands and skill. These can be sub-divided into handicrafts or “traditional crafts” (doing things the old way) and “the rest”. Some crafts have been practiced for centuries, while others are modern inventions, or popularizations of crafts which were originally practiced in a very small geographic area..

Most crafts require a combination of skill, speed, and patience, but they can also be learnt on a more basic level by virtually anyone. Many community centers and schools run evening or day classes and workshops offering to teach basic craft skills in a short period of time. Many of these crafts become extremely popular for brief periods of time (a few months, or a few years), spreading rapidly among the crafting population as everyone emulates the first examples, and then their popularity wanes until a later resurgence.

Lacquer Painting Building on the workmanship of bodiless lacquerware, Fuzhou’s lacquer painting has developed into an art form in its own right. Although just over a decade old, it has already found great popularity. In lacquer painting the artist can depict a wide range of subjects and images such as human figures, flowers, birds, animals and landscapes. Screens and wall hangings are the major forms this art takes, and are often bought to decorate hotels, restaurants or villas.

In addition to the above, Fujian also produces paper umbrellas, lacquer thread carvings and paper-cuttings. Fujian’s varied and beautiful arts and crafts play an important role in the province’s cultural heritage, while also contributing greatly to the development of both foreign trade and tourism.

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July 8th, 2010

India

India, officially the Republic of India  is a country in South  Asia. It is the seventh-largest  country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with 1.18 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world.  Mainland India is bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the west, and the Bay of Bengal on the east; and it is bordered by Pakistan  to the west;  China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north; and Bangladesh and Burma to the east. India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, and the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, and its Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also in the vicinity of the Indonesian  island of Sumatra  in the Andaman Sea.  India has a coastline of 7,517 kilometres

Home to the Indus Valley Civilisation and a region of historic trade routes and vast empires, the Indian subcontinent was identified with its commercial and cultural wealth for much of its long history. Four major religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated here, while Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam arrived in the first millennium CE and shaped the region’s diverse culture. Gradually annexed by the British East India Company from the early eighteenth century and colonised by the United Kingdom from the mid-nineteenth century, India became an independent nation in 1947 after a struggle for independence that was marked by widespread non-violent resistance.

India is a federal constitutional republic consisting of 28 states and seven union territories with a parliamentary system of democracy. The Indian economy is the world’s eleventh largest economy  by nominal GDP and the fourth largest by purchasing power parity.  Since the introduction of market-based economic reforms in 1991, India has become one of the fastest growing major economies in the world. India is a nuclear weapons state and has the third-largest standing army in the world  while its military expenditure ranks tenth. India is considered to be a potential superpower, having a rapidly growing economy and growing political clout.  India is one of main troop-contributing countries to United Nations peacekeeping operations. It is a member state of the United Nations and members of Commonwealth of Nations, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, G4 nations, G15, G20, G8+5, Asia Cooperation Dialogue, the Colombo Plan, Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation and the Non-aligned movement, and is one of the BRIC Countries. A pluralistic, multilingual and multiethnic society, India is also home to a diversity of wildlife in a variety of protected habitats.

India is a mystical land that presents the traveller with a bamboozling array of unforgettable experiences. Hinduism, the prominent religion, is intimately woven into the fabric of everyday life, reflected in an extraordinary range of time-honoured traditions. Apart from its ancient spiritual framework, India’s vastness also challenges the imagination, being home to one sixth of the world’s population.

Its intoxicatingly rich history can be traced back to at least 2500BC when the first known civilisation settled along the Indus River. There was an influx of Mughals in the 1520s from Central Asia, who maintained effective control of the north until the mid-18th century. At the end of that century, as the Mughal Empire declined, the British took control of the whole subcontinent, and India was administered by a single alien power.

The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885, but made little progress on independence until Mahatma Gandhi began the policy of non-violent non-cooperation with the British. But the Congress itself was later split on the issue of Hindus and Muslims. The Muslims, under Mohammad Ali Jinnah, claimed a separate homeland and in August 1947 the independent states of India and Pakistan came into being. Since this time, India has been a democratic republic.

Such a rich history has spawned an incredible number of exquisite palaces, temples and monuments. The most frequently visited part of India is the Golden Triangle, comprised of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Meanwhile, the people-packed cities of Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta) have a bustling, colourful charm, while the holy city of Varanasi and the awe-inspiring temples of Tamil Nadu are rewarding places of pilgrimage. For those in search of tropical bliss, there are the palm-fringed beaches of Goa and Kerala. And for fresh air and serenity, India ripples with pristine mountains and hills, from the towering beauty of the mighty Himalayas to a bevy of beautiful pine forests, orchards and babbling streams.

One of the greatest fascinations of India is the startling juxtaposition of old and new; centuries of history rubbing shoulders with the trappings of modern-day living, from slick Internet cafes and fancy fast-food eateries, to swanky bars and chichi boutiques.

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June 25th, 2010

Tips for Traveling

A well-planned vacation always means a happier, more enjoyable, more memorable and a safer trip. With a little bit of preparation and a relaxed attitude, fun and laughter is guaranteed. There are lots of things that can make your trip much easier and more pleasurable.

  • First of all, determine your budget and make sure the trip is actually in your budget. Plan where you’re going around to spend the money.
  • Making a list of everything you’re bringing will ensure that you won’t forget anything and checking it again before you come home will ensure you won’t leave anything behind.
  • Lay out everything you want to bring, and then put half of it away. Keep in mind the place’s climate you are touring for and pack your clothing accordingly.
  • Pack some snacks like granola bars, chocolates and chips etc to curb your hunger when the travel time will be long.
  • Manage all the document in an organized manner. Keep all of your important papers, such as your passport or license with you at all times.
  • Buy hotel sized toiletries and keep them in a plastic pouch of their own. It’s a good idea for a couple of reasons. One, if one of the bottles should mysteriously open, it will be contained and not spread all over your clothes. Second, you don’t have to unpack it when you get home. Just stash it away until the next trip.
  • Some at home should know about your whereabouts. Let someone at home know what your travel plans are and when you can be expected back.
  • If you’re traveling with kids, bring lots of travel games and extra batteries for electronic toys. Don’t forget necessary clothing and eatables to kids.
  • Before leaving home confirm all reservations whether hotel, transport etc. There’s nothing like getting to a hotel only to realize they mistakenly booked you for the following weekend.
  • Enjoy well planned tour.

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June 14th, 2010

Vietnam

Vietnam’s history is a history of war, colonization and rebellion. Occupied by China no less than four times, the Vietnamese managed to beat off the invaders just as often. Vietnam’s last emperors were the Nguy?n Dynasty, who ruled from their capital at Hue from 1802 to 1945, although France exploited the succession crisis after the fall of T? Ð?c to de facto colonize Vietnam after 1884.
After a brief Japanese occupation in World War II, the Communist Viet Minh under the leadership of H? Chí Minh continued the insurgency against the French, with the last Emperor Bao Dai abdicating in 1945 and a proclamation of independence following soon after.

The majority of French had left by 1945, but in 1946 they returned to continue the fight until their decisive defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. The Geneva Conference partitioned the country into two at 17th parallel, with a Communist-led North and Ngo Dinh Diem declaring himself President of the Republic of Vietnam in the South.

US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the Southern Vietnam government, escalating into the dispatch of 500,000 American troops in 1966 and what became known as the Vietnam War – although the Vietnamese refer to it as the American War. What was supposed to be a quick and decisive action soon degenerated into a quagmire, and US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, on April 30, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank drove into the South’s Presidential Palace in Ho Chi Minh City and the war ended. Over 55,000 Americans and an estimated 3 million Vietnamese were killed.

The American Vietnamese war was only one of many that the Vietnamese have fought, but it was the most brutal in its history. Over two thirds of the current population was born after 1975. American tourists will receive a particularly friendly welcome in Vietnam, as many young Vietnamese aspire to American culture.
Destinations

* Con Dao (Côn Ð?o) island

* Cu Chi (C? Chi), site of the Cu Chi Tunnels

* The DMZ

* Ha Long Bay (V?nh H? Long) – famous for its unearthly scenery

* Kontum – A relaxed little town providing access to a number of minority villages.

* Mui Ne (Mui Né) – beach resorts

* Phu Quoc (Phú Qu?c) – an island adjacent to the border with Cambodia

* Tay Ninh (Tây Ninh) – main temple of the Cao Ðài

* Tam Coc (Tam C?c) – In Ninh Binh province south to Hanoi with Ha Long-bay-like sceneries on rice paddies

* Vung Tau (Vung Tàu) – fishing town

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June 10th, 2010

Portugal

Though overshadowed by its more popular neighbour to the east, Portugal remains one of Europe’s unspoilt gems.
This land of traditional villages and vibrant cities has a countryside strewn with historical treasures and a wide assortment of natural and cultural wonders that offer a window into this once great seafaring nation.

Lively cities
Portugal’s lively capital, Lisbon, and its northern sibling, Porto, are magical places for the wanderer, with picturesque neighbourhoods, broad plazas and old-fashioned trams still rattling through the streets. Both cities have their share of enticing urban life, with eclectic restaurants, colourful boutiques, bohemian cafes and stylish nightclubs that make good use of the waterside setting. Smaller towns offer their own enchantment, with well-preserved medieval quarters that invite exploring in towns like Évora, Coimbra, Guimarães and Braga .

Scenic countryside
Outside the cities, travellers can enjoy Portugal’s warm sunny weather exploring centuries-old vineyards, visiting stone villages in the mountains or soaking up rays on the magnificent southern shoreline. Dramatic scenery lies all along the coast from windswept cliffs with edge-of-the-world views to wild dune-covered beaches.

More than just a static backdrop, the scenery sets the stage for outdoor adventure. Hiking, surfing, windsurfing, horse-riding, big game fishing, kayaking, diving, golfing and mountain biking are a few ways to spend a sun-drenched afternoon.

Portuguese culture
Those seeking a different slice of Portuguese culture can join in the revelry at a traditional festival, discover the melancholic music of fado (Portugal’s answer to the Blues), sample the great fruits of the sea or go port wine tasting.

Perhaps best of all, visitors can stay overnight in some beautiful settings, from converted medieval monasteries to sprawling manor houses, elegant beach resorts to urban townhouses set in the heart of a historic neighbourhood.

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June 4th, 2010

Malaysia

Malaysia, which celebrated 50 years of independence in 2007, is one of the rising stars of South-East Asian tourism, a nation looking to the future while cherishing the ways of the past. Centuries of trade combined with a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and tribal influence have created a mix of peoples and culture that make it a colourful and intriguing place to visit.

Malaysia, which celebrated 50 years of independence in 2007, is one of the rising stars of South-East Asian tourism, a nation looking to the future while cherishing the ways of the past. Centuries of trade combined with a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and tribal influence have created a mix of peoples and culture that make it a colourful and intriguing place to visit.

Tropical island resorts and endless white, sandy beaches offer a taste of paradise, while beneath warm coral seas, world-class dive sites await exploration. Orang-utans, the oldest rainforest in the world, city skyscrapers and majestic mosques and temples, plus a gorgeous coastline, are enough to tempt even the most jaded visitor. And if that were not enough, Malaysia’s culinary credentials are among Asia’s finest.

The British were relatively late arrivals to the region in the late 18th century, following Portuguese and later Dutch settlement, but they played a key role following the European wars of the 1790s and, in particular, the defeat of the Netherlands by France in 1795. The Federated Malay States were created in 1895, and remained under British colonial control until the Japanese invasion of 1942.

After Japanese defeat in 1945, the 11 states were once again incorporated as British Protectorates and, in 1948, became the Federation of Malaya. In 1963, the Federation of Malaya merged with Singapore and the former British colonies of Sarawak and Sabah, on north Borneo, to form modern Malaysia. Singapore seceded to become an independent state in its own right in 1965, leaving Malaysia in its present form.

Its convoluted history highlights why Malaysia is so ethnically and culturally diverse. Even better, the magnificent landscape is no less fascinating – dense jungles, soaring peaks and lush tropical rainforests harbour abundant and exotic flora and fauna.

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June 4th, 2010

Fishing

Fishing is the activity of catching fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping. The term fishing may be applied to catching other aquatic animals such as shellfish, cephalopods, crustaceans, and echinoderms. The term is not usually applied to catching aquatic mammals, such as whales, where the term whaling is more appropriate, or to farmed fish. In addition to providing food, modern fishing is also a recreational sport.

According to FAO statistics, the total number of fishermen and fish farmers is estimated to be 38 million. Fisheries and aquaculture provide direct and indirect employment to over 500 million people. In 2005, the worldwide per capita consumption of fish captured from wild fisheries was 14.4 kilograms, with an additional 7.4 kilograms harvested from fish farms.

History of fishing Fishing is an ancient practice that dates back at least to the Paleolithic period which began about 40,000 years ago. Isotopic analysis of the skeletal remains of Tianyuan man, a 40,000 year old modern human from eastern Asia, has shown that he regularly consumed freshwater fish. Archaeology features such as shell middens, discarded fish bones and cave paintings show that sea foods were important for survival and consumed in significant quantities. During this period, most people lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle and were, of necessity, constantly on the move. However, where there are early examples of permanent settlements (though not necessarily permanently occupied) such as those at Lepenski Vir, they are almost always associated with fishing as a major source of food.

Egyptians bringing in fish, and splitting for salting.

The ancient river Nile was full of fish; fresh and dried fish were a staple food for much of the population. The Egyptians had implements and methods for fishing and these are illustrated in tomb scenes, drawings, and papyrus documents. Some representations hint at fishing being pursued as a pastime. In India, the Pandyas, a classical Dravidian Tamil kingdom, were known for the pearl fishery as early as the 1st century BC. Their seaport Tuticorin was known for deep sea pearl fishing. The paravas, a Tamil caste centred in Tuticorin, developed a rich community because of their pearl trade, navigation knowledge and fisheries. Fishing scenes are rarely represented in ancient Greek culture, a reflection of the low social status of fishing. However, Oppian of Corycus, a Greek author wrote a major treatise on sea fishing, the Halieulica or Halieutika, composed between 177 and 180. This is the earliest such work to have survived to the modern day. Pictorial evidence of Roman fishing comes from mosaics. The Greco-Roman sea god Neptune is depicted as wielding a fishing trident. The Moche people of ancient Peru depicted fisherman in their ceramics.

Techniques
There are many fishing techniques or methods for catching fish. The term can also be applied to methods for catching other aquatic animals such as molluscs (shellfish, squid, octopus) and edible marine invertebrates.

Fishing techniques include hand gathering, spearfishing, netting, angling and trapping. Recreational, commercial and artisanal fishers use different techniques, and also, sometimes, the same techniques. Recreational fishers fish for pleasure or sport, while commercial fishers fish for profit. Artisanal fishers use traditional, low-tech methods, for survival in third-world countries, and as a cultural heritage in other countries. Mostly, recreational fishers use angling methods and commercial fishers use netting methods.

There is an intricate link between various fishing techniques and knowledge about the fish and their behaviour including migration, foraging and habitat. The effective use of fishing techniques often depends on this additional knowledge

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May 14th, 2010

Swargarohini

Swargorhini derives it names from the Legends associated with that it peaks forms the path to heaven that was followed by Pandavas, Draupadi  & their Dog.According to Legends its believed that is only way one can go to heaven with human body itself.

SwargarohiniSwargarohini is a mountain  massif  in the Bandarpunch Range of the Garhwal Himalaya. It lies in the Uttarkashi District of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, west of the Gangotri group of peaks. It comprises four separate peaks; Swargarohini I is the main peak, and is the subject of this article. While not particularly high by Himalayan standards, and not the highest in the Bandarpunch range, Swargarohini I is notable for its dramatic local relief. For example, its north face drops 2,000 metres (6,560 ft) in less than 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) of horizontal distance, and its south face achieves the same drop in less than 3 kilometres (1.9 mi). This makes it a steep and challenging climb. Swargarohini I has two summits, east and west. The east summit is given an elevation of 6,247 m (20,495 ft), slightly lower than the west summit. However the first ascensionists of the west summit claim that that summit is the higher of the two.This snow-clad peak along is the source of the Tons River and along with the Bandarpunch massif it acts as a divider between the Yamuna and the Bhagirathi Rivers

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