Rail Europe for the Student Traveler

Hitting the Rails

It has been a time-honoured tradition for the North American university grad to leave his sheltered nest and seek the unknown in a distant land.

Unfortunately, tradition also lends way to cliché.

The early twenties, book smart grad is filled with an ambition to add some life experience to his new set of professional letters. He sits in a dockside café eating hometown food with French provincial names as he writes into a leather-bound booklet some deep insights that he assumes are original. He dreams of having a torrid love affair with some local peasant girl but settles instead for swapping email addresses with some Canadians doing the exact same thing. As entertaining as this prospect seems, it was not my wish. I wanted to carve out my own adventure, and in Europe there is no better way than by train.

The European rail system has been for years second-to-none for accessibility, comfort, and, with Rail Europe, affordability. There are a variety of Rail Europe passes for different prices that can get you anywhere you wish in little time and from city center to city center. North Americans must purchase the Rail Europe tickets before departing Europe (you can't get them in Europe) and well in advance of their trip, and in certain countries the passes are valid on ferries and riverboats. The passes are easy to use and, if taken advantage of fully, are cheaper than most other forms of transportation. Best of all is that trains can get you to remote areas that you would otherwise miss. For the budget-minded the night excursions or hotel trains save you hotel rooms so that you awake the next day in a new country!

Copenhagen

I landed in Copenhagen and got immediately roped into the standard tourist sites — Tivoli Gardens , the Royal Palace, etc.

I saw an incredible exhibit of Danish design at the National Art (Kunst) Gallery, and I took a bike ride through an area called Christiania, an area started by a group of Danes in the 1960s looking for free love, free drugs, and free rent, and it hasn’t changed much since. I was here when I was thirteen years old, staying with a cousin. Since, the government has made an attempt to clean up Christiania by taking out most of the drugs but the general atmosphere remains. Old military buildings painted in bright colours are home to all sorts of the local free thinkers from vagrants to artists to very accomplished architects. The tour ended at the National Library, also called the “Diamond” because of it’s seemingly transparently beautiful aesthetics. It is a remarkable example of the old world class of an European city (half of the building is the original building of the National Library) and the clean lines and simple concepts of modern Danish design that act to seemingly tell a story with nothing but light.

Munich 

As wonderful of a city as Copenhagen is, the tourist route begins to lose its luster and the rails are calling me East. I've been to Germany before so I wasn’t interested in staying for too long, but the food and beer would be a shame to miss — yet another perk of train travel. Local trains can always be caught if you simply feel like ending up in a small town outside Munich, ordering a heaping lunch and a few giant steins of local brew and making your way out the same day. Needless to say, between Frankfurt and the Hungarian border I was full, comfortably brewed-up, and happy as the beautiful sites of central Europe flew by.

As can be expected, this type of life can take it’s toll on a person’s ability to remain conscious. By chance, when my body and mind were screaming for sleep, I happened upon a rather quiet train car. In fact, at one point a person was asked to keep the noise down behind me. I thought there was going to be some sort of movie starting that necessitated such silent attention until I realized that some of the train cars are specifically designated for the lazy kind of traveler that I felt like being. They are quiet cars and I will snore my praises of them for years to come.

Budapest

A city full of history, incredible architecture, and beautiful women. As you walk around the city you get a definite stench of the former socialist society coupled with an obvious existence of capitalist growth. The city sits on the banks of the Danube. The Pest side is where you would find a much more built-up city center with malls and shopping areas, not to mention the late night venues.  You can imagine my desire to visit the other side of the river.

The other side of the river is the Buda part of the city (are you picking up on the basis of the name yet?). A little quieter and lush, Buda contains some beautiful homes and sites. The Gelhert Hill, marked by a statue that can be reached by hiking paths, offers an incredible view of the city. I was lucky enough to meet a lovely local named Janka and I was invited to a dinner party. Hungarians are often seen as slightly less personable than some western European counterparts. This can be chalked up to a very dry sense of humour. I can attest, however, that this is not the case at all. After a great, home-cooked meal and a few cocktails in a quaint apartment in the hills filled with great people, including Zigga (who I knew for a few days and offered me a lift to the train station), and of course the beautiful Janka; I would say that kindness and generosity are staples in the social diet of Hungarians. They also have an uncanny ability to have a good time.

Again, some relaxation is in order after seeing so many sites.

Budapest is known universally for the natural hot springs. An afternoon in the Gelhert Hotel’s baths sets any aching muscle or mind at ease. For a small fee (about $6CND) a tense traveler sits in tepid water (lovingly referred to as soup broth by a Mexican friend named Sonny) until serious consideration must be given to the extent of relaxation that the human body can endure prior to total release of gastric control. If you’re slightly more comfortable with yourself and others around you there is also the warmer baths in the single sex areas where many of the locals are free to enjoy the baths without the hindrance of a bathing suit. Call me Canadian, but I think I can stand the cooler water!

Jump Onboard To . . .

Paris

A city where the standard tourist fare is still pretty good. With only two days to spend here, the decision was made to plan on seeing nothing but the Eiffel Towerand spend the rest of the time just walking around. But the tower we did in style; a few baguettes, a few bottles of wine (each), and some cheese that, back home would fetch a king’s ransom, but here cost us next to nothing. The Tower by day is awash with tourists and heavily armed guards. At night it is a different story. It is comforting to see that the local people enjoy their culture as much as visitors do. Just before sunset the lawns leading up to the Tower are occupied by locals sporting an arsenal of treats very similar to our own. Within hours, the lot of us, including a native New Yorker named Heather, who I met on a train in the French countryside, were surrounded by people playing soccer, having hen parties, and generally getting nothing short of pissed. It is the modern-day La Bohemé. It is wild. It is classy. It is good.

Amsterdam

We were scheduled for three days. Looking back, we seemed to have spent a week just on that first night. An early morning train from Paris turned out to be one of the most comfortable yet. Again, Rail Europe saved us loads of worry. I did pay a few Euros for a reserved, upgraded seat, which meant I was able to close my eyes as the northern countryside of France whizzed by and not worry about any mid-trip seat changes. A short wake up in Brussels to show tickets is the only memory before rolling into the central Amsterdam station.

After checking into our hostel I went out to find food. I ended up with dinner on an outdoor patio with both a younger local man and a rather elderly, ex-pat Englishman, and we speak about places to go in town. Apparently, the consensus is clear: young and old alike suggest trying my hand at the local bars.

In a city with foreign signs and more canals that Venice, landmarks are few and far between. I am suddenly in the middle of the red light district. I recall thinking: “That’s a lot of red lights . . . hey, that one’s got her own theme music . . . ", and, “What kind of weirdo would bring his kids here?” I passed by a very entertaining barker trying to drum up business for a sex show.

On my last legs and full of baked goods I found the hostel and retired to a basement room to relax and play guitar. I am suddenly joined by two lovely American girls who, it turns out have two of the most soulful voices I have ever had the pleasure of hearing live. Their names are Heather and Nina and between the three of us we begin to attract a crowd. consisting of other tourists and some locals, one of whom had been a professional busker and is convinced to jam a little and explain some of the local laws. In general, laws in Amsterdam are very similar to most Western countries (with the obvious exception of legalized marijuana and prostitution), but are simply a little more relaxed . . . I wonder why? The hostel is called the Flying Pig and is a definite must stay for students when in the Dam.

I’m not about to suggest that what I’ve shown here is a first. It has probably been done before. Nor would I suggest that that it is an extreme case of European travel experience, but a multi-country adventure which can be accomplished quite nicely with Rail Europe. In fact, due to the large amount of real estate covered I’ve only touched the surface of the experiential possibilities with the use of a Rail Europe Pass. In a time where information transfer and faster, cheaper travel is at our fingertips, it is good to be reminded of how far away we can still get just by hopping on a train.

The Flying Pig Hostel is found at www.europefamoushostels.com and the soul singers of the Amsterdam hostel can be found at www.ninajosette.com.

Hotel Trains

These are trains which offer even more service and comfort than regular night-trains; as if you were traveling in a hotel. These trains include:

• Artesia de Nuit (France, Italy)
• Berlin Night Express (Sweden, Germany)
• CityNightLine (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
• DB Nachtzug (Germany, Denmark)
• Hotel Train Lusitania (Spain, Portugal)
• Elipsos (Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland)

Rail Europe offers you the opportunity to buy directly from the source at www.raileurope.com  You can now order all Rail Europe Passes online.

Online Travel Statistics

The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) released their annual Travelers’ Use of the Internet study in December 2003. The study shows an increase in the number of people using the internet to research and book travel.



TIA found that 30% of the adult U.S. population (63.8 million) consult the web for travel information. These travelers spend (on average) $300 more on travel, and nearly 40% had an annual household income above $75,000.




Online travelers surf to two or more travel websites, spending an average of 37 minutes. They research and compare prices, check schedules and book trips. The number of people actually booking online increased by 8% over 2002 and grew to 42.2 million people in 2003. Within this group of online travelers, 32 million people made travel arrangements exclusively through the internet (a figure expected to grow according to the TIA).



10 million travelers responded to email campaigns, causing the TIA to believe that email campaigns are stimulating unplanned travel.

TIA stated that the top 10 travel websites are:

• Expedia
• Travelocity
• Orbitz
• Yahoo Travel
• Cheap Tickets
• Hot Wire
• VIPfares
• Priceline.com
• ITN.net
• TravelNow.com

If your business supplies lodging, real estate, shopping, recreation, dining, events or tourist related specialty services, it may be wise to place advertisements with these websites. If you are not making full use of the internet for your marketing campaigns you are missing 30% of your potential market.




As online travelers’ habits become more sophisticated you will find them expecting to find and book everything from one location.

International Adventure Travel Ideas

International adventure travel: Safaris, balloon tours, swimming with dolphins, bicycling down volcanos, trekking in the Himalayas, Walmart on Christmas Eve - the list is almost endless. This will not be a comprehensive listing of all the adventure opportunities out there. Instead, here is just enough to whet your appetite.

My Own International Adventure Travel

Long before hitchhiking across the country at sixteen-years-old, I had a taste for adventure. At fourteen, a friend and I bicycled 300 miles in a few days during one summer. At seventeen, I went international with my adventuring, hitchhiking from Michigan to half-way across Mexico. Over forty now, I no longer put out my thumb - not very often, anyhow - but I still love to travel.

More recently, my international adventure travel took me to Ecuador. While there I climbed to the furthest point from the center of the Earth. Everest is highest above sea level, but due to the Earth's bulge at the equator, the peak of Mount Chimborazo, at 20,600 feet, is farther from from the center of our planet. The top is all snow, ice, and glaciers.


My guide didn't speak English, and thought I was a mountaineer. I had once used an ice axe and crampons to go forty feet up a sledding hill, in Michigan. The rest of the story is on the website, but you can get information and a guide by talking to almost any hotel manager in Riobamba, Ecuador.

Go On A Jungle Book Safari

In southern Nepal, In the Royal Chitwan National Park, you can see tigers, leopards, rhinos, and sloth-bears. And where better to see them from than the back of a large elephant? The tours are lead by naturalists and park rangers. Stay in the comfortable Safari Lodge and take daily tours into the jungle.

Take A Mongolian Horseback Trek

Travel with one of the great nomadic and horse-based cultures of the world. The trips take you beyond tourist routes, and you can customize your trek to fit your schedule and budget. These tours are run from an office in Mongolia, and they provides experienced guides that are multi-lingual.

Go Rock Climbing In Rio

Want an outdoor adventure and city nightlife? Try a rock climbing tour in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. You'll find routes for all skill levels in the Sugar Loaf, Urca, Corcovado and Pedra da Gavea mountains. Tours include bilingual instructors, equipment rentals, and transportation, and start at under $100 per person.

Swim With Dolphins In The Croatian Sea

Escape from the cold this winter, to the Cres-Lošinj group of islands, which is known for it's mild climate. Mali Lošinj on the island of Lošinj is known for its health resort, but recently, the area is becoming famous for the bottle-nosed dolphins that have made their homes in the clear and clean waters of the Cres-Lošinj group of islands. Mingle with them by boat or in your swimsuit.


Climb Mount Kinabalu

Mt. Kinabalu (4101m) is the king of the Borneo sub-continent. It rises 3000 feet higher than other mountains in the area; far above the jungle. It attracts international climbers of all skill levels, who scramble, climb and trek in its unique jungle-alpine enviroment. Kinabalu is in a world heritage site that boasts a wide variety of plants and animals. Experienced guides will take you trekking, or take you to the top.


About the Author
Travel Tips @ Buyme.co.in

Gullible's Travels

A journey by a web-footed gull through a sea of sharks.

Definitions:

Gull - a dupe, a fool; vulnerable to deceive; to trick; to defraud.

Shark - voracious marine fish; swindler; rapacious fellow; an expert. Shark-skin - stiff, smooth-finished!

As a gull with newly acquired webbed feet, I set out to test them on new waters. My new webbed feet allowed me to surf on waves I had never seen before, soaring high with excitement and sometimes being overwhelmed by the shear size of the waves. The waters I am discovering are vast and diverse, stretching out in all directions, some hot, some cold and some luke warm.


Diverse are also the fish in these waters. Some small and tasty but not big enough to satisfy my hunger. Others are big and juicy offering more than enough to feed on, but rather difficult to get my teeth into. This needs perseverance and a tough stance, refusing to let go. The longer I hold on the more I can bite off, and eventually the easier it will be to share with others and help them get their teeth into this big fish.

There are however, I am discovering, dangers in these waters. Surfing the seas with webbed feet attracts some other fish who are hungry to dig their greedy teeth into my flesh, and eat up everything I have. These are sharks! Stiff, smooth looking creatures, who lurk in the waves, just below the surface, out of clear view, just visible enough to be mistaken for a big meaty fish ready for feasting on.

But watch out! You other young gulls with your new webbed feet. These sharks are out to get you! They will lure you into a corner and snap at you grabbing all they can get, and leave you squirming in the foam helpless and lost and robbed!

The sharks will use any means possible to draw you towards them. Some wave fancy banners, rather similar to those banners pointing to where the good etable fish are. Still other sharks will attract you with dummy fish, which look like the real thing. But beware! Such fish are never so easy to catch and these false offers are just too easy to be true. They are traps. Try to grab one and the shark will have you.

Yes! The World Wide Web of Surfing is a dangerous place. It is an INTERwoven NETwork of goodies and dangers. I have learned to be cautious while SURFing these waters, not to be so gullible, and watch out for the many SHARKS.

Here are a few tips for young gulls.

1. Test the waters before you plunge in.

2. Never believe what you are told without first checking it out.

3. Ask some of the bigger gulls, who have evolved with experience to become dolphins. They will tell you who are the sharks to avoid.

4. A sure sign of a shark: “Come to me and I will give you plenty - immediately!” Stay clear of such ones.

5. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

On The Road With Your Dog - Travel Tips

A lot of dogs like go on adventures, which makes travel attractive for them. This is their natural hunting instincts making them want to meet new people and explore new places. However, it may pose as a problem since taking a dog along during your travels may be inconvenient. Quite a few people are frightened of dogs and the mess that dogs make while you're traveling can be very troublesome. It should also be noted that many lodgings and transportation services don't cater to pets such as dogs and cats.

Having your pet watched over by a professional pet handler may be needed to take care of your dog during the trip. You also have the option of having your pet stay with a managed kennel. When checking around for a place for your dog to live while you're away, make sure it is comfortable and clean. The dogs staying there should also look content and well-taken care of. A few of these dog kennels allow for you to provide your dog's own sleeping blanket, toy and his favorite foods for while you're away. Make sure, though, that your dog has had its immunization since it is a regular requirement for your dog's stay in such places.

Though, if you really insist on your pet's company when traveling, here are a few tips:

- A clean bill of health from your veterinarian. Your vet should also be able to provide you a certificate for this.

- Buy a sturdy dog carrier. This is a must since you'd rather not lose your pet en route to your destination. A few airlines have dog carriers available for sale though they can be quite expensive. Also, remember that some airlines prefer having your pet in the compartment for luggage . If you really can't part with your beloved, get a reservation from an airline that allows pets to remain with you during the flight.



- Dogs need good ventilation to keep them cool. Try to get air-conditioned cars when traveling cross-country. This is also true if you are traveling in trains.

- Don't let your dog hang his head out the window while the car is moving. It may be tempting to let your pet play around, but the risks of falling out or getting hit are still there.

- Leaving your dog inside the car or under the sun is risky. Heat stroke is a serious danger to your pet and can even be fatal.

- Never leave your dog unattended, especially when he is in his carrier. He may get stolen or kidnapped. This also goes for when he's wandering around. Sometimes, pets can be too adventurous and may end up in trouble, or worse, getting you in trouble.

- Fast pulse, rapid panting, red eyes and gums, excessive slobbering, feverish temperature or vomiting, means that your dog needs to see a vet quickly. Have cool towels placed on your dog and get to the closest pet clinic as soon as possible.

- Some countries have specific rules about pet travel. Try to familiarize yourself with them and try to follow them to avoid legal troubles later.

- A certificate for rabies vaccination and a notarized local language certificate from the closest embassy or consulate is sometimes required, so get one just in case. Better safe than sorry.

- In preparing for a long trip on the road, ready identification for your pet. A collar with the dog's name, your name and a handy contact number can save you from a lot of trouble.

- First-aid kits for your dog can be easily fixed up. Remember that some emergencies are special to dogs. A flea or tick powder is a good addition to this.

- Have a ready supply of your pet's favorite doggy treats during the trip. Make sure to bring more than enough to last the entire trip to be safe.


- Pack the essentials: clean water, dishes, favorite dog toys, leash, brush, plastic bags and towels, anything than can help your dog stay happy during the trip. - A dog should be given the chance to answer the call of nature every two to three hours so it won't make any embarrassing messes.

Hopefully, these tips can help you have a better time with travelling with your dog. Bon voyage!

About the author:
Travel TIPS

Sachin Tendulkar First-ODI-Runs 1990

Sachin First ODI Runs - 1990, with Kapil Dev. He is just 16 year old .. awesome cricket.

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Survival Instinct: how to find water in african desert

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Bottled Water : STOP! Don’t Drink The Water!!

I had my eyes pried wide open tonight!  While searching for something to watch, I came across a documentary called Tapped.  The description was enough to make me want to at least start watching it and give it a chance.  Through the process of watching the documentary and doing a little more research, I am convinced that I’m done with my water bottle addiction.  Until now, like so many others, I’ve thought it safer and healthier to drink bottled water, particularly Arrowhead.  Of course when I was in a pinch I would grab a Dasani or Aquafina, but not anymore.


Take a look at just these few bits of information and then watch the documentary for yourself, do some homework and then tell me why anyone should ever buy another bottle of water again:

• The average price mark up for a bottle of water is 1900%
• After all processing, bottling and shipping costs, your water costs the manufacturer $.06 – $.09 on average.
• The plastic your water bottle is made of leaks cancer causing chemicals each passing day that it’s stored in the bottle and the amount leaked increases if the bottle is exposed to heat at any point in time (during shipping, in the store’s warehouse, in your trunk)
• Municipal water (tap water) is tested upwards of 300 times a day for contaminates and biological hazards (bacteria), and that is reported to government offices daily and typically posted on the internet for you to review. Bottled water companies are not required to report to anyone, not even the FDA, and typically only test their water once a week or once a month depending on the company.
• Most of your bottled water is simply filtered tap water from the local municipal source.  The filtration process is not as good as you can do at home.  Nestle, Coca-Cola, Pepsi and others are taking your groundwater away from you during times of drought when you are being placed under tight restrictions and financial fines, then selling that water back to you for a ridiculous profit, all while polluting your body and mother earth during the manufacturing of the bottles and bottling of that water.
• More than 50% of water bottles never make it to a recycling center.  That means that billions of non-biodegradable water bottles are making it to landfills, lakes, rivers, streams, etc. each year!

This is only the beginning.  The documentary is available on Netflix on Demand (which means you can watch it on your computer, Wii, Xbox, etc.), but I guarantee you that I will be purchasing a copy so I can show it to others that I care about to help spread the word.  It’s time to make a change.  No more bottled water.  It’s bad for us and it’s bad for our environment and it’s costing us more than a necessity should.  Water is a necessity of life, not a commodity.  Don’t let them fool you.

Indonesia Crop Circle Causing Debates

Indonesia has become the home of the most recent crop circle in the world.   The crop circle is only the second ever to have appeared in Indonesia, created in a rice paddy in Sleman, Yogyakarta.  The design consists of several precise geometric shapes and patterns with a size of approximately 60 by 70 meters, or 197 by 230 feet.  The crop circle has already attracted over 1,200 people to the scene and many thousands of others are expected to travel from all parts of the globe to witness it for themselves after it was reported in the early morning hours, local time, on Sunday the 23rd.


The debates now are of course it’s origins.  So let’s review a few facts:

• According to Fox News, residents of the area reported seeing what they thought to be a tornado the evening before over the area where the crop circle was discovered.
• The Jakarta Globe says that according to Thomas Djamaluddin, chief of astronomy research at Indonesia’s space agency, no investigation will be done on the crop circle simply because they ‘believe’ that there was human intervention with the crop circle and that no scientific or paranormal cause would be found anyway.  Therefore, any trace evidence of radioactivity or electromagnetic activity won’t be discovered if it is in fact there.
• According to the Jakarta Post and TempoInteraktif.com, Nur Agustinus, co-founder of Indonesian UFO Enthusiasts Community (IUFOEC), the group has not yet found a meaning of the crop circle yet, however, they do believe it to be the work of extraterrestrials.  Additionally, in an earlier article the Jakarta Post says that an anonymous statement was published on StudentMagz.com and Kompas.com stating that seven unnamed students from UGM enrolled at the Faculty of Mathematics and Science created the crop circle themselves to showcase the student’s design and mathematic skills.

• Asia One, a part of  Asian News Networks, says that local police and military agencies are in fact looking into the event and believe it to be the result of either a UFO or a natural phenomena.  They say that the Indonesian Air Force Chief Marshall, Imam Sufaat, instructed his staff to use helicopters to take aerial photographs of the crop circle and quote him as saying, “If we examine the photographs, we will possibly see if the patterns were in fact created with powers beyond human knowledge”.
• The International Business Times and other similar websites are discussing the event because the crowds are becoming so overwhelming for the small hamlet that the police have had to tape it off and farmers in the area are charging visitors and tourists making their way to the crop circle entrance fees onto their land to see it, making more money in a couple of days than they do all year from farming.
• Another Indonesian news source, Kompas, says that several villagers who live very close to the site are now confessing that they heard what they thought might be helicopters flying around and landing in the area.  Two of them said they assumed they were military helicopters on a training flight and ignored the sounds.
• Other smaller and more independent news sources are reporting all sorts of people either taking credit or even accusing the local farmers of creating the crop circle themselves to profit from the ticket sales they’re now making money on.

• So what does this all mean and why is it such a big deal?   Let’s break it down a little more.  Residents apparently saw something, they claim was a tornado, but either way, several witnesses saw something happening in the area.  The weather was not conducive for a tornado so that can be crossed off the list, but they still saw something in the area.  Other people that were also very close to the area say they heard helicopters.  Was this the sound of what the other villagers saw or was it in fact military personnel attempting to locate a UFO?  Or was it something entirely different?
• The fact that so  many people are claiming the work as their own tells me something as well.  More than likely, none of them did it.  These are people simply trying to get attention and win their 15 minutes of fame.  Mainly because they’ve come forward too soon.  If this truly was a hoax, the hoaxers would have waited a little longer before letting the news out and the anonymous students claiming their work, in my opinion and others who seem to share my thoughts, is more than likely a disinformation campaign to simply calm the nerves of those who may be frightened by the prospect of a UFO event in the area.  Additionally, for those who know about rice paddies and their construction, etc., the possibility of any human, specifically a group of humans, would not have been able to achieve a feat like this because it was created on water and there were no other traces of boats having gone out to the area, specifically any other broken plants or other tell tell signs.

• No matter what, something spectacular has happened.  The debate about the origin of crop circles still rages.  While some circles have been in fact hoaxed, others have never been claimed which leaves many to speculate that it wasn’t a hoax or the person or people involved would have wanted to take some sort of credit for their hard work at some point or another.  Additionally, many crop circles do in fact emit electromagnetic and/or radioactive energies where there was none before and have been known to create physical symptoms in people investigating or visiting the crop circles including ringing in the ears, dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, and other peculiar signs of abnormal energy at the site.

So what do you think?  The latest ‘whodunnit’ has begun.  We’d love to hear what you have to say!

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21 Fun Ways to Celebrate Christmas

1. Get your friends together to string popcorn and cranberries while watching animated kids' classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.


2. Get your youth group to create a living nativity scene one night a week in front of your church.

3. For a few laughs and a lot of fun, get together with friends to look at each other's family photos from past Christmases.

4. Form a kazoo band and go caroling—no singing allowed!

5. Pile the family in the car and drive around your town looking at Christmas lights.

6. Drop anonymous notes on your teachers' desks thanking them for sharing their gift of teaching with you. You may want to include a message about the greatest gift of all, Jesus!

7. Make your own creative wrapping paper using butcher paper and festive stamps.

8. Make a nativity scene from snow; if you live near a sunny beach, sand-sculpt the nativity scene.

9. Check with your local animal shelter and see if you and your friends can help give the animals their baths. Bring red and green ribbon to give them bows when you're done.

10. Go to your church one evening when no one else is there. Bring a single candle to light and sit in the silence, enjoying the peace of the season. (Be sure you've cleared this with somebody on the church staff.)


11. Grab your siblings for a fun day of shopping for your parents. After you've purchased the gifts, find a good place to sit and watch people. Try and guess who they're shopping for and what they bought.

12. Make hot cocoa for your grandma or grandpa. Ask them about Christmases past and their favorite traditions.

13. Try a holiday recipe from a different culture, like Mexican wedding cookies or Norwegian lefse.

14. Make a mixed tape of familiar Christmas carols sung by famous musical artists and have a contest to see who can guess who's singing; award the tape to one who gets the most correct.

15. Read the Christmas story (Matthew 1 and Luke 2:1-20) several times before Christmas; write down some new insights God gives you as you read.

16. Offer free babysitting for a busy mom in your church while she goes shopping.

17. Give out candy canes at school with a little note that explains where this tradition came from—to represent the staff of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ; the red is his blood; the white is the purity of Christ. (Get the whole story at www.daily-blessings.com/ch4p.htm.)

18. Turn off all the lights and read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by candlelight.

19. Get your youth group to clean your pastor's or youth pastor's house while they relax with their favorite Christmas CD.

20. Volunteer to be a Salvation Army bell ringer. Give candy to young children who drop money in the bucket.

21. Keep a journal of all your favorite Christmas memories from this year so you can thank God for each one and remember them next Christmas!

Rajasthan Music and Dance

There is dancing, singing, drama, devotional music and puppet shows and other community festivities which transform the hardworking Rajasthani into a fun-loving and carefree individual. Each region has its own folk entertainment, the dance styles differ as do the songs. Interestingly enough, even the musical instruments are different.

Of considerable significance are the devotional songs and the communities who render these songs. Professional performers like the Bhaats, Dholis, Mirasis, Nats, Bhopas and Bhands are omnipresent across the state. They are patronised by the villagers who participate actively in the shows put up by these travelling entertainers. Some of the better known forms of entertainment are:

Ghoomar Dance :

This is basically a community dance for women and performed on. auspicious occasions. Derived from the word ghoomna, pirouette, this is a very simple dance where the ladies move gently, gracefully in circles.

Gait Ghoomar :

This is one of the many dance-forms of the Bhil tribal. Performed during Holi festival, this is among a few performances where both men and women dance together.

Kalbeliya : 

This most sensuous dance performed by the Kalbeliya (Snake-charmar`s community). The sapera dancers wear long, black skirts embroidered with silver ribbons. As they spin in a circle, their body sways acrobatically, so that it is impossible to believe that they are made of anything other than rubber. As the beat increases in tempo, the pace increases to such a pitch that it leaves the viewer as exhausted as the dance.

Gair :

Another Holi dance but performed only by men. This becomes Dandia Gair in Jodhpur and Geendad in Shekhawati.

Charee Dance :

This is popular in the Kisherigarh region and involves dancing with a chari, or pot, on one’s head. A lighted lamp is then placed on the pot.

Kachhi Ghodi :

This is a dance performed on dummy horses. Men in elaborate costumes ride the equally well decorated dummy horses. Holding naked swords, these dancers move rhythmically to the beating of drums and fifes. A singer narrates the exploits of the Bavaria bandits of Shekhawati.

Fire Dance :

The Jasnathis of Bikaner and Chum are renowned for their tantric powers and this dance is in keeping with their lifestyle. A large ground is prepared with live wood and charcoal where the Jasnathi men and boys jump on to the fire to the accompaniment of drum beats. The music gradually rises in tempo and reaches a crescendo, the dancers seem to be in a trance like state.

Drum Dance :

This is a professional dance-form from Jalore. Five men with huge drums round their necks, some with huge cymbals accompany a dancer who holds a naked sword in his mouth and performs vigorously by twirling three painted sticks.

Teerah Taali :

The Kamad community of Pokhran and Deedwana perform this dance in honour of theft deity, Baba Ramdeo. A rather unusual performance where the men play a four-stringed instrument called a chau-tara and the women sit with dozens of manjeeras, or cymbals, tied on all over their bodies and strike them with the ones they hold in their hands. Sometimes, the women also hold a sword between their teeth or place pots with lighted lamps on their heads.

Kathputli :

Puppet plays based on popular legends are performed by skilled puppeteers. Displaying his skill in making the puppets’ act and dance, the puppeteer is accompanied by a woman, usually his wife, who plays the dholak, or drum and sings the ballad.

Pabuji Ki Phach :

A 14th century folk hero, Pabuji is revered by the Bhopa community. The phad, or scroll, which is about 10 metres long, highlights the life and heroic deed of Pabuji. The Bhopas are invited by villagers to perform in their areas during times of sickness and misfortune. The ballad is sung by the Bhopa as he plays the Ravan-hattha and he is joined by his wife who holds a lamp and illuminates the relevant portions at appropriate points.

Maand :

Rajasthan’s most sophisticated style of folk music and has come a long way from the time it was only sung in royal courts, in praise of the Rajput rulers.

Professional singers still sing the haunting ballads of Moomal Mahendra, Dhola-Maru and other legendary lovers and heroes.

Pakhawaj: 

Pakhwaj is an Indian Percussion instrument is known as the mother of North Indian style drumsthe universally famous drum Tabla was born fromPakhawaj. There is a very interesting story that goes with it. That the famous musician of his era, Amir Khusro was once giving a performance on Pakhawaj and while at it, the pakhawaj broke in two pieces.

Hecontinued to play with the broekn pieces, and to his own surprise it worked and this is how the new instrument called Tabla was born. According to another folklore Iit is believed that Lord Ganesha uses this instrument.

The pakhawaj is known by many names, like the mardal, pakuaj, pakhvaj and mardala. Pakhawaj is an Ancient percussion instrument shaped like a barrel, that greatly resembles the mridangam.

Kamayacha :

The Kamaycha has a big, circular resonator which produces a deep booming sound. It is used exclusively by the Manganiyars in the Jaisalmer-Barmer region. So deeply is the sense of tune and rhythm in the mind and ear of the folk musicians, that they need nothing more than intuition and a highly trained ear to tune their instruments.

Nagara :

The Nagara is a conical drum played with the Surnai and Nafeeri (the two sticks). It forms part of the orchestra for the folk operas by providing rhythm.Nagada are an Indian Percussion Instrument which resemble the kettle drums of the old naubat. Naubat is the traditional ensemble of nine instruments.

These Nagada are around 1 to 2 feet in diameter, and played with sticks. This 2-headed goatskin drum, nagada has a handle and it comes with a curved beater. This stick or beater helps to gently strike it on the drum to create the sound.In the modern times this instrument has generally been used as an accompaniement to shehnai. Nagada is a percussion instrument that resembles the'Dhol',which is also an Indian Percussion Instrument.Nagada is known by many names. For example, Nakkara, Nagada, Dugdugi etc. According to B. Chaitanyadeva, Nagada is a changed form of the ancient Dundubhi. Nagada has been inspired from Dundubhi. In Himachal Pradesh in Northern India also, Nagada's similar version can be found: Here its upper side is covered with leather of goat or goat skin. Nagada is slightly smaller in size than the 'Nobat'instruments. The percussion instrument 'Nagada' is played with it with a stick or piece of wood tp produce the produced.

Khanjari: Small sized frame drum struck with hands found in northern villages and may have jingles.

Dhol :

The twin faced drum is a must for any celebration in Rajasthan. Created in wood, this instrument gives a new soul to music and dance with its resonance and beat.

The twin faced drum is a must for any celebration in Rajasthan. Created in wood, this instrument gives a new soul to music

and dance with its resonance and beat.

Rawanhatta :

Ravanhatthais a royal string instrument older than the Sarangi. Minstrels themselves played it in older days. It has string with ghunghroos tied to the rod, which rubs over the string giving captivating taal (rhythm) to the song being played.

Rawanhathha Probably the earliest instrument played with a bow, and this humble instrument could well be the precursor of the violin. It has two main strings and a variable number of supporting strings, with a belly of half coconut shell and a body of bamboo. The bow has ghungroos (bells) attached to it. The music is staccato and accompanied by the syncopated singing of the Bhopa and the Bhopan.The Jogis of Abu Road area use a smaller version of the Rawanhathha which has its two main strings tuned to the 'Sa' of the Indian octave and a third of steel to 'Pa'. The Langas use the Sindhi sarangi. It is made up of four main wires, seven jharas and seventeen tarafs. Others members of the family are the Gujratan, Jogia and Dhani sarangis. The Surinda, favourite of the Manganiyars, is a small sarangi. The Chikara, used by the Meos and Jogis of Mewat is a replica of the Sarangi.

 

(sarod)

(Santoor:Made out of seasoned Tun Wood with Ply top. With sticks, tuning key and hard case)

Sarangi:Seasoned Tun Wood model decorated. Comes with a bow

(Jogia Sarangi)

(Saraswati Veena)

Morchang : 

The morchang resembles a jew's-harp. The plaintive, melancholic twang of the morchang adds a desolate dimension to the songs of the Manganiyars

Shehnai : 

A slender instrument used particularly at the time of weddings, is sahnai. A double-beating reed instrument consisting of a single piece wooden tube with a opening and a metal mouthpiece, it is played as an accompaniment to nagara.

Ektaara :

The Ektaara is single string instrument, but it is mounted on the belly of a gourd attached to a body made of bamboo. The Galaleng Jogis of Dungarpur and Banswara have twin gourded Kendru appears akin to the ancient Kinnari Veena, and it has often been called the Keengri in Rajasthan literature. The Chautara, also called the Tandoora or Nissan, is also a popular five stringed drone and beat instrument used as an accompaniment to devotional music and for the Terathali dance

Algoza :

The Algoza, common in the Tonk-Ajmer areas, is like two flutes played together. The Kathodis use the Pawri, a flute of bamboo held vertically. The Bhils use a short flute in some of their dances. Ceremonial music is provided by Nafeeri and Surnai, both rudimentrary forms of the shehnai .Then there is the Poongi of the snake charmers and its adaptation by the Langas called the Murla. Both have two tubes, one for the notes and the other for the drone.

The enchanting music for song is provided by the Algoza. An instrument belonging to the regions Tonk, Ajmer consisting of bamboo flutes played together. 

Satara :

It is a vertical flute with a single long hollow tube, into which the player whistles, at the same time gurgling a song in his throat or actually singing intermittently. The effect is haunting.

The Satara of the Langa tribe has one long flute producing music most evocative of the desert. It is a vertical flute with a single long hollow tube, intowhich the player whistles, at thesame time gurgling a song in his throat or actually singing.

Poongi : The snake charmers use it. It has two tubes, one for the notes and the other for the drone.

Ghanti :

The Ghanti or the Ghanta are commonly used and the ghungroo(ankle bells) form an integral part of music. The Bhopas of Bherunji wear large ghungroos around their waists and sway their bodies to provide a rhythm. The war dance of the Godwad area, the Ramjhol, is performed to the rhythm of the large ankle bells. Then there are the Manjeeras which are made of brass in the shape of hemispherical metal cups struck against each other.

Matka and Algoza :

Matkas and the Ghada and pair of huge earthenware pots, their mouths covered with membrane. One player plays each Matkas, and the Bhopas use it to accompany their singing 

Sarangi :

The Sarangi is the most important instrument in the folk music of Rajasthan. Probably the ancestor of violin, this instrument has two main stringsand a variable number of supporting strings, with abelly of half a coconut shell and a body of bamboo. The Sarangi serves as an echo of the singer.

And accompanying the Sarangi is the Dholak. it is a two-sided drum like structure made of wood with membranes covering the hollow structure with adds rhythm to the soul-stirring music.

Folk music and Dances of Rajasthan

The people of Rajasthan live life to the hilt. After hard work in the harsh desert sun and the rocky terrain whenever they take time off they let themselves go in gay abandon. There is dancing, singing, drama, devotional music and puppet shows and other community festivities which transform the hardworking Rajasthani into a fun-loving and carefree individual. Each region has its own folk entertainment, the dance styles differ as do the songs. Interestingly enough, even the musical instruments are different.


Of considerable significance are the devotional songs and the communities who render these songs. Professional performers like the Bhaats, Dholis, Mirasis, Nats, Bhopas and Bhands are omnipresent across the state. They are patronised by the villagers who participate actively in the shows put up by these travelling entertainers. Some of the better known forms of entertainment are:

Ghoomar Dance: This is basically a community dance for women and performed on. auspicious occasions. Derived from the word ghoomna, piroutte, this is a very simple dance where the ladies move gently, gracefully in circles.

Gait Ghoomar: This is one of the many dance-forms of the Bhil tribals. Performed during Holi festival, this is among a few performances where both men and women dance together.

Gait: Another Holi dance but performed only by men. This becomes Dandia Gair in Jodhpur and Geendad in Shekhawati.

Chart Dance: This is popular in the Kisherigarh region and involves dancing with a chari, or pot, on ones head. A lighted lamp is then placed on the pot.

Kachhi Ghodi: This is a dance performed on dummy horses. Men in elaborate costumes ride the equally well decorated dummy horses. Holding naked swords, these dancers move rhythmically to the beating of drums and fifes. A singer narrates the exploits of the Bavaria bandits of Shekhawati.

Fire Dance: The Jasnathis of Bikaner and Chum are renowned for their tantric powers and this dance is in keeping with their lifestyle. A large ground is prepared with live wood and charcoal where the Jasnathi men and boys jump on to the fire to the accompaniment of drum beats. The music gradually rises in tempo and reaches a crescendo, the dancers seem to be in a trance like state. Drum Dance: This is a professional dance-form from Jalore. Five men with huge drums round their necks, some with huge cymbals accompany a dancer who holds a naked sword in his mouth and performs vigorously by twirling three painted sticks.

Teerah Taali: The Kamad community of Pokhran and Deedwana perform this dance in honour of theft deity, Baba Ramdeo. A rather unusual performance where the men play a four-stringed instrument called a chau-tara and the women sit with dozens of manjeeras, or cymbals, tied on all over their bodies and strike them with the ones they hold in their hands. Sometimes, the women also hold a sword between their teeth or place pots with lighted lamps on their heads.

Kathputli: Puppet plays based on popular legends are performed by skilled puppeteers. Displaying his skill in making the puppets act and dance, the puppeteer is accompanied by a woman, usually his wife, who plays the dholak, or drum and sings the ballad.

Pabuji Ki Phach: A 14th century folk hero, Pabuji is revered by the Bhopa community. The phad, or scroll, which is about 10 metres long, highlights the life and heroic deed of Pabuji. The Bhopas are invited by villagers to perform in their areas during times of sickness and misfortune. The ballad is sung by the Bhopa as he plays the Ravan-hattha and he is joined by his wife who holds a lamp and illuminates the relevant portions at appropriate points.


Maand: Rajasthans most sophisticated style of folk music and has come a long way from the time it was only sung in royal courts, in praise of the Rajput rulers.

Professional singers still sing the haunting ballads of Moomal Mahendra, Dhola-Maru and other legendary lovers and heroes.

List of singers and performers also includes the Mirasis and Jogis of Mewat, Manganiyars and Langas, Kanjars, Banjaras and Dholies. Performances like the Kuchamani Khayal, Maach, Tamasha, Rammat, Nautanki and Raasleela are no less popular. The musical instruments of Rajasthan are simple but quite unusual. Handcrafted by the musicians themselves they are rather unique and include instruments like the Morchang, Naad, Sarangi, Kamayacha, Rawanhattha, Algoza, Khartal, Poongi, Bankia and Da There are dozens of other instruments which are exclusive to Rajasthan only.


It is a rather difficult task to list all the different types of music, dance and entertainment that can be found in Rajasthan. The range is mind-boggling.

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