WatPho :Temple of the Reclining Buddha

The principal Buddha image is “Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn” in a gesture of seated Buddha on a three tiered pedestal called Phra Pang Smardhi (Lord Buddha in the posture of conoentration), and some ashes of King Rama I are kept under the pedestal. The mural paintings in the hall depict Mahosatha Pandita (The Great Bachelor of Mithila City), The heavens, and Phra Etadagga a disciple. On the middle tier there are two images of the Original Disciples, while the eight effigies of the Holy Priests stand on the lowest pedestal. Inside panels of the windows are decorated with lacquer work of the seals of these monastery dignitaries (in the reign of king Rama III).

The 2 nd Buddhist architecture is called Phra Uposatha, (the main chapel or Bot or the Assembly Hall – a hall used for performing the monastic ritual). For Buddhists, the main chapel is the heart of the monastery, as without a main chapel, it would be a monk center and not a monastery.

10 Most Amazing Temples in the World

Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched precariously on the edge of a 3,000-feet-high cliff in Paro Valley , is one of the holiest places in Bhutan



Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai, Thailand is unlike any Buddhist temples in the world.



Prambanan is a Hindu temple in Central Java , Indonesia . The temple was built in 850 CE, and is composed of 8 main shrines and 250 surrounding smaller ones



No one knows exactly when the Shwedagon Paya [wiki] (or Pagoda) in Myanmar was built - legend has it that it is 2,500 years old though archaeologists estimate that it was built between the 6th and 10th century.



Temple of Heaven is a Taoist temple in Beijing, the capital of China . The temple was constructed in 14th century by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty



Chion-in Temple [wiki] was built in 1234 CE to honor the founder of Jodo ( Pure Land ) Buddhism, a priest named Honen, who fasted to death in the very spot.



In the 19th century, Dutch occupiers of Indonesia found a massive ancient ruin deep in the jungles of Java. What they discovered was the complex of Borobudur , a gigantic structure built with nearly 2 million cubic feet (55,000 m?) of stones. The temple has nearly 2,700 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.



The Harmandir Sahib (meaning The Abode of God) or simply the Golden Temple [wiki] in Punjab , India is the most sacred shrine of Sikhism.



The Temple of Srirangam (Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple [wiki]), in the Indian city of Tiruchirapalli (or Trichy), is the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world (Ankor Wat is the largest of all temple, but it is currently non-functioning as a temple - see below).



Last but definitely not least is the largest temple in history and the inspiration to countless novels and action movies of Hollywood : Ankor Wat.

welcome to france

Where to visit in France for a Holiday - Seine-Maritime by: Glynis Shaw

The Seine-Maritime (department number 76) is located in the region of Haute-Normandie and has an estimated population of 1,245,457 (approximate in 2004). The department was originally known as Seine-Inférieure (Lower Seine) until 1955 when it changed to its current name Seine-Maritime (Coastal-Seine) because Inférieure was regarded as derogatory by the inhabitants of the department.

The capital of the department is the city of Rouen, with the coastal towns of Dieppe and Le Hâvre also featuring within the immediate area.

The landscape of the department is typically coastal as you would expect with historic ruins and Norman castles dotting the landscape. Along the coastline is stunning cliff scenery and half-timbered villages.

In addition to the gastronomy offerings you would expect in Normandy, namely the cider, fish, meat and cheeses other delectable delights specific of the department include Bénédictine liqueur and apple sugars from Rouen.

Why you should visit Seine-Maritime for your next holiday in France If you enjoy sightseeing and places with an interesting historic past then you need go no further than Seine-Maritime. Teamed with its magnificent beaches, divine gastronomy and its close proximity to the UK, this department is a perfect destination for a long holiday or short break.

The department enjoys a similar climate to the UK but its location means it is slightly milder year round. As with England, summers are warm with temperatures in the mid 20C and in the height of the season, temperatures can reach into the 30's.

What to see in the Seine-Maritime:

Rouen

Rouen is brimming with monuments, medieval streets and churches. The city is particularly famed for the Place du Vieux Marché, where Joan of Arc was martyred. The town's gothic cathedral was a favourite of Claude Monet and he famously painted the cathedral's facade at almost every moment of the day.

One of these priceless pieces of art is on show today at the Musée des Beaux Arts.

The main routes through the city may be less picturesque but they do keep traffic away from the prettier, medieval pedestrianised centre.

Places of particular interest include:
The Rue Gros Horloge with its big clock.
St Ouen is in some people's opinion more impressive than the cathedral as its interior is often empty leaving the sun to cast colored images from the stained glass across its flagstone floor.
Place St Marc on Sunday mornings is the setting for the giant flea market with the majority of the shops open until lunchtime.
The Rive Gauche near the Eglise St Sever hosts a bric-a-brac market on Thursday mornings.

Dieppe

The major cross-Channel port is the main feature of this seaside town but Dieppe has in some ways benefited from the arrival of the tunnel. The seafront has been given a face-lift and the streets are now lined with welcoming cafés and restaurants.

The château-musée is situated high on the hill top and boasts panoramic views across the long pebble beach which is host to an annual kite festival. Dieppe continues to be a bustling port and a large Saturday market draws big crowds from the villages around.

Le Havre

Le Hâvre is still a major western ferry port and dominates the mouth of the Seine. The port is a popular choice for holiday makers who would rather spend longer on the crossing than the drive.

Places to visit include:
Eglise St Joseph
Musée Malraux (also known as the Musée des Beaux Arts) houses a fine collection of canvasses by the Impressionists, who painted extensively in Normandy.
Caudebec-en-Caux and Lillebonne

These lovely towns offer several attractions, some still undiscovered to a certain degree. These include the abbey at St Wandrille near Caudebec-en-Caux where the monks sing the Gregorian chant every day, the surprisingly well preserved Roman amphitheatre in the centre of Lillebonne, and the gorgeous cheese from Neufchâtel-en-Bray whose heart-shaped form dates from the Hundred Years' War.

Etretat

Etretat is located along the Alabaster Coast (Côte d'Albâtre) and is famous for its chalk cliffs and needles which were popular subjects by the Impressionists. The town is looking a little weathered but is still worth visiting for its breath-taking scenery and selection of restaurants.

Fécamp

The town is known for its infamous Bénédictine liqueur and guided tours in the palace in the centre of town offers visitors a chance to sample this tipple. Fishing boats still land their catches at Fécamp, guaranteeing fresh seafood in the harbour-front restaurants.

Gournay en Bray

A small town, Gournay en Bray has a lovely little romanesque church.

Le Tréport

Le Tréport is located in the north east of the Seine-Maritime and was popular as a beach resort with Parisians in the late 19th century thanks to a rail link. Surrounded by white cliffs, the quayside houses many hotels and restaurants that enjoy views of the fishing boats and yachts.

Saint Valéry en Caux

St Valéry en Caux is situated west of Dieppe. The towns centre and marina was entirely rebuilt after WWII and the nearby nuclear power station has brought prosperity. A little further west of the town, little rock pools can be found, which are always popular with kiddies of all ages.

Yvetot

The capital of Pays de Caux, Yvetot, is an important market town completely rebuilt after WWII. The Wednesday and Saturday markets take over the central streets and it's still possible to hear the ancient dialect Cauchois being spoken. The circular pink church dating from the 1950s may seem an eyesore from outside but the stained glass inside almost makes up for it.

How to get there

Holiday accommodation in the Seine Maritime is easily accessible.

By Air

Skysouth are the only direct airline and they fly six times a week direct from Shoreham (ESH) to Caen (CFR). Prices start at around £70 for a single trip.

By Car

Driving would be the common mode of transport to get to the department as Seine-Maritime is just a quick hop across the channel to either Le Hâvre or Dieppe, both conveniently located within the department.

By Train

Go by Eurostar from the UK to Calais and then take the TGV to Le Havre or Rouen.

welcome to bali

welcome to japan

Travel To Japan And Experience The Far East
By: Frank Johnson
If you’re determined to explore Asia but unsure which country to visit, you might want to set your sites on Far East Asia and travel to Japan. Here is some general but useful information that is good to know when you travel Japan. It will help you get a better understanding of Japan before your trip and allow you to experience Japan more comfortably.

About the Country
Japan consists of four main islands and several smaller ones. Together the islands take the shape of a sea horse and occupy an area of 377,435 square kms. Tokyo, the capital city, is very modern and bustling with activity, so when you travel to Japan, be ready for a few crowds. The landscape of Japan, away from the big cities, is mountainous with spectacular scenery; some of the mountains are volcanic. Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, and is known for its symmetrical slopes.

About the Climate
When you travel to Japan, it’s important to know the country’s seasons and when they occur during the year. The islands of Japan lie in the temperate and at the northeastern end of the monsoon area. The climate is generally mild, although it varies considerably from place to place when you travel Japan. Summer, which is warm and mild, begins around the middle of July following a rainy season that usually lasts for a month. Except in northern Japan the winter is mild with many sunny days. Spring and autumn are the best seasons of the year with balmy days and bright sunshine.

About the People
Before you depart to travel Japan, it’s a good idea to get a sense of the people and their culture. Japan is one of the most densely populated nations in the world, with some 330 persons per square kilometer (almost 860 persons per sq. mi.). The Japanese are a Mongoloid people, closely related to the major groups of East Asia. However, some evidence also exists of a mixture with Malayan and Caucasoid strains. About 750,000 Koreans and much smaller groups of Chinese and Caucasians reside in Japan.

Religious Beliefs
When you travel Japan, you will be exposed to a new world of religious and personal beliefs. Buddhism is important in Japan's religious life and has strongly influenced fine arts, social institutions, and philosophy. Most Japanese consider themselves members of one of the major Buddhist sects.

Shintoism is an indigenous religion founded on myths, legends, and ritual practices of the early Japanese. Neither Buddhism nor Shintoism is an exclusive religion. Most Japanese observe both Buddhist and Shinto rituals: the former for funerals and the latter for births, marriages, and other occasions. Confucianism, primarily an ethical system, profoundly influences Japanese thought as well.

About 1.3 million people in Japan are Christians, of whom 60% are Protestant and 40% Roman Catholic.

Japan is an exotic and beautiful travel destination that is worth traveling to. Now you can travel to Japan for less with the lowest discount airfare on cFares. The number one wholesale travel site for the shrewd international traveler.

For more information on traveling to Japan and other locations in Asia, visit
Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

welcome to travel worldwide of many styles on travel

Combine Travelling And Ecotourism: It Helps
By: Johnathan Bakers..
At the heart of any discussion about the environment and the preservation of natural resources, one must now ask why ecotourism is important. There may be several parts to the answer, not the least of which is that the combination of travelling and environmental issues creates awareness of some critical issues before us in the 21st century.

Opinions vary, but awareness may be the missing piece in a puzzle that bothers us and intrigues at the same time. Take for example, the formerly beautiful Delaware River. Over the course of decades, the damage to this stream became nearly irreversible. Some pointed to public apathy, while others stated that most people were simply not aware there was a problem.

Eventually the sad and dangerous condition of the river caused a great public outcry. At first, there was nothing to be done but prevent further pollution, because the damage had been done, so to speak. It became clear that the general public had not been aware of the severity of damage. No government or private agency had taken the lead in educating the populace.

At one time, the Delaware River was a clear, navigable stream filled with diverse aquatic life. Travelers made the banks of this river a holiday destination, where they could sit in the sun, try their hand at fishing or even swim in the clear waters. Boating was a common activity on the Delaware River, in the early years.

But, as the saying goes, that was yesterday, and yesterday is gone. Fifty years ago, hundreds looked to the Delaware River for a brief respite from everyday life. Sadly, this is no longer the case. Pollution in incredible amounts has killed the animal life, destroyed vegetation and eliminated the once-thriving tourism activity surrounding the stream. In turn, the local economy suffered as well.

Unfortunately, the damage didn't stop at the Delaware River's banks. Pollutants from the larger stream travelled to small tributaries, destroying much of the plant and animal life there as well. While this is just one example of the negative effects of pollution, it is a great example of how lack of awareness leads to irreversible situations.With this in mind, we must ask why ecotourism is important. The simple answer is that this new way of looking at travel and tourism can be the vehicle for public awareness. Those who experience some of the most beautiful places in the world, places that have unmatched natural resources and cultures, can pass the word along about preserving these treasures. I would suggest visiting benidorm as the weather and scenery is beautiful. Ecotourism is much more than a trend within the tourism industry. It is also a key to maintaining our planet as a place to live and enjoy.

From this basis, the larger population can be informed about the importance of conservation efforts. Without this awareness it will be difficult, if not impossible, to put together an effective movement to preserve and protect our natural resources. In just a few short years, the ecotourism movement has already been key in keeping the environmental momentum alive and well. For many, taking part in this new field of ecotourism is not a matter of leisure and enjoyment alone. It is also a commitment to the global society and to the natural world.
At the heart of any discussion about the environment and the preservation of natural resources, one must now ask why ecotourism is important. There may be several parts to the answer, not the least of which is that the combination of travelling and environmental issues creates awareness of some critical issues before us in the 21st century.

Opinions vary, but awareness may be the missing piece in a puzzle that bothers us and intrigues at the same time. Take for example, the formerly beautiful Delaware River. Over the course of decades, the damage to this stream became nearly irreversible. Some pointed to public apathy, while others stated that most people were simply not aware there was a problem.

Eventually the sad and dangerous condition of the river caused a great public outcry. At first, there was nothing to be done but prevent further pollution, because the damage had been done, so to speak. It became clear that the general public had not been aware of the severity of damage. No government or private agency had taken the lead in educating the populace.

At one time, the Delaware River was a clear, navigable stream filled with diverse aquatic life. Travelers made the banks of this river a holiday destination, where they could sit in the sun, try their hand at fishing or even swim in the clear waters. Boating was a common activity on the Delaware River, in the early years.

But, as the saying goes, that was yesterday, and yesterday is gone. Fifty years ago, hundreds looked to the Delaware River for a brief respite from everyday life. Sadly, this is no longer the case. Pollution in incredible amounts has killed the animal life, destroyed vegetation and eliminated the once-thriving tourism activity surrounding the stream. In turn, the local economy suffered as well.

Unfortunately, the damage didn't stop at the Delaware River's banks. Pollutants from the larger stream travelled to small tributaries, destroying much of the plant and animal life there as well. While this is just one example of the negative effects of pollution, it is a great example of how lack of awareness leads to irreversible situations.With this in mind, we must ask why ecotourism is important. The simple answer is that this new way of looking at travel and tourism can be the vehicle for public awareness. Those who experience some of the most beautiful places in the world, places that have unmatched natural resources and cultures, can pass the word along about preserving these treasures. I would suggest visiting benidorm as the weather and scenery is beautiful. Ecotourism is much more than a trend within the tourism industry. It is also a key to maintaining our planet as a place to live and enjoy.

From this basis, the larger population can be informed about the importance of conservation efforts. Without this awareness it will be difficult, if not impossible, to put together an effective movement to preserve and protect our natural resources. In just a few short years, the ecotourism movement has already been key in keeping the environmental momentum alive and well. For many, taking part in this new field of ecotourism is not a matter of leisure and enjoyment alone. It is also a commitment to the global society and to the natural world.
Article Source: http://www.travelarticlesexpress.com
Johnathan Bakers repeatedly produces papers on issues dealing with temperature in benidorm today. His writings on weather in benidorm can be found on his website .