MotorCycle World

Akha hill tribe women in northern Laos dress in faded shades of black cloth. Color exists only in their decorative accouterments. Old coins add a bit of glinting highlight to their costumes.

The Akha are a proud people. It’s thought they may have originated in Mongolia about 1500 years ago. Today most Akha hill tribes live in southern China or in northern Thailand or in two provinces of nearby northern Laos. Today their culture is on decline. Many Akha women don’t wear their traditional dress everyday and virtually no Akha men don traditional attire. Influence from the West arrived and males were the first to acquiesce. Today many Akha men clutch mobile phones. Fake leather jackets imported from nearby China are now the rage for Akha men. Perhaps they want to look hip.

Like many travelers to northern Laos, I trekked up a steep mountain to visit one of the more remote Akha villages. As guest of honor I was invited to sleep in the village chief’s hut. As with many hill tribes in Laos, UNICEF had helped these villagers install a water pipe from the nearest small river, which provided my trekking team with what turned out to be a bone-chilling, very public bath about thirty minutes before nightfall. Our seven-hour trek to the mountaintop had been steep, strenuous and sweaty. Climbing mountains at midday in these locales can be hot and exhausting. The climate in Laos is generally moderate but in the mountains the winter nights resemble those of the North Pole. It’s funny how icy water can be excruciatingly painful and refreshing at the same time. The Akha are modest, so each member of our party only stripped down to underwear for the goose-bump-inducing, fully-exposed frigid shower in the middle of the village that evening. Surely it was the shortest bath of my life. Shivering in wet underwear under the curious eyes of several Akha women wasn’t pleasant. But our bodies warmed up soon thereafter with ample samples of lao-lao–the home brewed, highly spirited local alcoholic concoction distilled from rice–that flowed freely later that night.

In recent years the socialist Lao government has virtually eliminated the production of opium, which in the past had become the staple method of sustenance for many in the Akha economic landscape. Today they plant corn and, of course, rice. I didn’t see any drug addicts. These days lao-lao seems to keep the men happy enough I discovered while having a meal with the village leader. It was a feast of numerous Akha delicacies that spiced up generous helpings of sticky rice. One bowl was filled with a tasty red sauce that would tempt just about anyone’s taste buds. I learned after downing a big helping that I had swallowed fresh pig blood curry. The village leader kept graciously filling our cups with lao-lao. Getting a bit tipsy at least minimized the trauma of having indulged in their pig blood culinary delight.

Evenings in Akha villages aren’t quiet. Roosters crowed. Pigs grunted. Dogs barked and the night was filled with the occasional whimper of a baby. But babies didn’t seem to cry very much there; maybe because they weren’t spoiled. The evening sky was crystal clear at the top of that mountain. I lifted my eyes. Galaxies beyond infinity were visible. Every square centimeter of the universe seemed to be inundated with stars.

Akha hill tribes have developed interesting cultural mores. At age sixteen Akha lads are encouraged by their elders to build bamboo “love shacks” at the village periphery where they can freely court young ladies of mutual interest. It’s a sign of great fortune if the young girl gets pregnant prior to marriage, which always ensues shortly thereafter. Not surprisingly, there are no sex crimes in Akha societies. After marriage, however, men and women don’t sleep in the same room together. But they do make conjugal visits to the other side of the partition whenever either has the whim. After babies finish their suckling, the boys sleep with their father and the girls with their mother. Naturally, this could make for awkward conjugal rendezvous in the middle of the night. No problem. The parents meet somewhere in the middle in the dark. Note, however, that the house spirits become extremely disturbed when the proper locale has been altered so the next morning those spirits are appeased with the sacrifice of a chicken, which is later served as a family meal. The Akha eat lots of chicken.

Akha women possess a rather regal presence yet most of them can’t read or write. Their sublime, innocent eyes captured every aspect of me.

Wikipedia describes their culture: “The Akha put a particularly heavy emphasis on genealogy–they are taught their family history at a very early age and their culture has a strong focus on honoring ancestors and their parents, though they dispute that this represents a form of ancestor worship. A better description of the Akha religion would be animism. They believe in a world filled with spirits (both good and bad) that have a definite physical impact on their everyday lives. They believe in a natural cycle of balance that, if disrupted, can result in illness and hardship or even death.”

Why is it that many of us in the West have yet to discover such things?

I celebrate the Akha.

But all has not been rosy in their past. They consider having twins or triplets as an extreme imbalance that will beget much ill fortune. Until recently the village shaman and participating elders would terminate those children’s lives within twenty-four hours of birth. Such practice is now illegal and can bring lengthy prison sentences. However, these offspring are not tolerated in the village even today and NGOs from foreign countries quickly help find them foster homes. The parents must leave the village for a few months until they have cleansed themselves of impurity.

There is no written Akha language. Only Lao is taught to young Akha kids in Laotian schools these days and one day soon the world will say goodbye to their culture.

I try not to pass judgment and I’m so appreciative I experienced their world while it still exists.

Copyright © Glen Allison ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Author Bio: Visual artist Glen Allison is a travel photographer and writer embarked on a nonstop, 10-year odyssey to photograph extraordinary destinations. Visit his website for stock photos, fine art prints and Photoshop actions. See photos from this trip, “Akha Hill Tribes.” Read more about his vagabond life.

March San Diego Weather

San Diego weather in March is a little more rainy than the summer months, and slightly cooler. However the weather is still better than most of the US, and indeed most of the world. The city’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and southern latitude makes San Diego a great weather city.

The highest recorded temperature for San Diego California for the past 70 years in March was 93 degrees Fahrenheit, registered on March 26, 1988, while the typical high temperature is 66. The lowest documented temperature for San Diego for the past 70 years in March was 38 most recently registered on March 9, 1922, and the mean daily low in the month is 54.

United States NWS historical weather data records that on March 11, 1922, the high temperature did not exceed 52 degrees Fahrenheit, the lowest high measured in San Diego in the past 70 years. NWS weather data additionally shows that on March 19, 1978, the lowest recorded temperature on that day did not drop below 64 degrees, the highest low measured in San Diego in the last 70 years.

According to the National Weather Service, the high temperature in San Diego in March on the first day of the month averages 65 degrees and the high on the last day of the month averages 67 degrees. The low measured temperature in San Diego on March First averages 51 degrees and the low on the last day of the month averages 53 degrees.

San Diego typically receives an average of 2.26 inches of precipitation during the month. The most precipitation recorded on a single day in March was 2.11 inches on March 7, 1952.

April San Diego Weather

April weather in San Diego is a little warmer and a little drier than March, and April is a good time to visit this tourist city. The days are normally warm and dry, and the nights are rarly cool and never cold.

The hottest April day in San Diego for the past 70 years was 98 degrees Fahrenheit, registered on April 7, 1989, and the regular high is 69. The coldest day reported in San Diego in April for the past 70 years was 41 measured on April 14, 1945, while the mean low daily temperature during the month is 56.

US National Weather Service weather data records that on April 3, 1933, the high temperature did not exceed 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the lowest high measured in San Diego in the past 70 years. NWS weather data additionally shows that on April 25, 1992, the lowest recorded temperature on that day did not drop below 66 degrees, the highest low measured in San Diego in the last 70 years.

Weather Service historical data shows that the average daily high temperature in San Diego on April First is 67 degrees Fahrenheit and the average high on the last day of April is 67 degrees. The average recorded low temperature in San Diego on April First is 53 degrees Fahrenheit and the average high on the last day of April is 56 degrees.

San Diego usually receives an average of 0.75 inches of rain during the month. On April 5, 1926 San Diego received 3.23 inches of rain, the most rain measured in a single day in April.

Author Bio: Storm Daly is a weather reporter who covers March San Diego Weather and April San Diego Weather.

There’s something primal about the annual rush to find the best Caribbean places for summer vacations. It’s kind of like the Wildebeest migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara in Africa, with thousands upon thousands stampeding towards the same thing – water. In this case, it is thousands upon thousands of vacationers stampeding towards brilliant sun, soft white sand & turquoise blue waters.

Planes and cruise ships zero in on the Caribbean from all over the world, and drop off their cargo of eager sun worshippers at various islands and ports of call. With a massive list of beaches and destinations on islands dispersed across 30 countries, finding the right country, right island, right destination, beach and right beach resort on said island is a complex issue. There are many factors that need to be considered, so let’s consider them.

The most important thing is the reason for the visit. Granted, it’s a summer vacation trip, but there are many different types. For example, the best destination for a family with children would be in Nassau, in the Bahamas. There are some truly amazing and expansive family-friendly resorts here that are just as much fun as Disney World.

An adult vacation, on the other hand, calls for something slightly more sophisticated. This would mean choosing an island known just as much for its beaches as for the nightlife, dining, music and other urban pleasures. There are many possibilities here, including Aruba and St. Maarten which are famed for their casinos.

Jamaica offers not just beaches, coral reefs, jerk chicken, rum and reggae, but also mysterious rainforests shrouded with clouds. In fact, nature lovers who want to explore a rainforest may want to visit not only Jamaica, but also Belize and Dominica. Montego Bay in Jamaica is a famous summer vacation hotspot.

But let’s face it – the single most important thing that brings people to the Caribbean is the beach. There are very few other regions in the world where the tropical climate is so inviting, with nothing between the beach resorts and the turquoise blue waters except for the soft, white sand. Every single island offers many such beaches and luxurious beach resorts, but Anguilla has a whopping 33 public beaches.

These islands are also famed for their carnivals and festivals. Party and music lovers may want to choose the destination and date of visit based on each island’s event calendar. Antigua and the Grenadines have summer carnivals filled with costumes, parades, calypso music and parties. Montego Bay in Jamaica has a Reggae Sumfest while Dominica has a Dive Fest.

Obviously, there isn’t enough space or time here to talk about every island and the wealth of attractions, activities and natural beauty each one offers. Suffice it to say that the choice of the best Caribbean places for summer vacations depends on what each vacationer is looking for. Europeans may prefer Cuba, while Americans who can’t go to Cuba may seek comfort and familiarity in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. But don’t worry too much about the choice, because almost every visitor who comes here once keeps coming back every year and eventually gets to see all the islands.

Author Bio: Canadian travel agency offering the best last minute vacations deals. Offering inexpensive rates to the Dominican Republic Vacations Packages, Mexico, Cuba vacation Packages and many other destinations.

Are you interested in exploring the natural beauty and modern wonders of China? It is definitely an interesting and enriching country to go to for a worthwhile vacation. Just like in all other countries, you need to hold your own China tourist visa before you are allowed or given access to enter the gorgeous Asian treasure. An L visa is appropriately issued to any foreigner who comes to travel or visit friends and relatives based in China.

US citizens need valid US passports to apply for Chinese travel visas. The same applies to other nationalities: they need passports issued by their respective governments. For travelers who were born in China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan, the original and old Chinese passport or one copy of an old Chinese visa should be submitted along with the current passport from any country. There is also a need to disclose the Chinese name, written in Chinese characters on designated pages of the China visa application form.

For children born of Chinese parents in any country, there is a need to turn over a copy of birth certificate. For first time applications, their birth certificate should come along with a copy of either parent’s passport. Here are other guidelines on how to apply for a necessary China tourist visa.

Visa application process

Prepare to submit a valid passport, which should be valid for at least another six months with at least one blank page in it. You must download or obtain a China travel visa application form from online sources or from the Chinese embassy office or consulate. Fill it up and put passport photo attachments.

Once all required documents are ready, drop by the nearest China embassy or office of consulate general. You should personally come to the office to submit and apply for a China visa. If you could not come personally, you may entrust the application to a reliable agent, who would be willing to get through the entire application on your behalf. Normal Chinese visa processing is about four working days. However, your agent could do it in just a day through an express service, which logically calls for additional fees.

Reminders and warnings

China travel visas or L visas are valid for about 90 days to 180 days after the issuance date. That means you need to go to China and use your visa within that period, not later. After the specified validity date, the visa would expire and would be null and void. If you would travel to the country after the expiration of the L visa, there is a need to apply for a new one and get into the same application process.

Necessary fees should be paid in cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Personal checks may not be acceptable, especially if you are doing the transaction with the office of the Chinese embassy or consulate general. Agents who process Chinese visas may accept credit card payments.

Lastly, there may be a need to submit physical examinations, especially if required. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain a China tourist visa if the applicant is found to have a mental disorder, venereal disease, AIDS, leprosy, or other contagious viral and infectious diseases. It is always advisable to check out existing travel advisories to know new restrictions.

Author Bio: Seomul Evans is a senior SEO Services expert specializing in organic search engine optimization and copywriter for Oasis a processor of China Tourist Visa .

With the icy cold and nasty blowing snow, winter can be a dreary season. It is no surprise that many people will choose to escape the winter and fly to a hot and sun filled destination. With the global economy taking a turn for the worse in recent years, many travel destinations are now offering great deals to boost their tourism industry. Today, there are many cheap flights to these sun-soaked destinations so vacationers will get more ‘bang’ for their buck. If you are looking for a winter escape to a hot destination where you can have fun in the sun, below is a list of the most popular cheap winter destinations:

Mexico: In Mexico, you can go diving, bask on the beach, whale watch, play golf, enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine, and experience the wonderful culture. US airlines have even added more flights. Stay at fantastic resorts in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Playa del Carmen.

Dominican Republic: As the most popular tourist destination in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic includes such beautiful destinations as Casa de Campo, Punta Cana, and Puerto Plata. You will enjoy beautiful beaches, bird watching, hiking, diving, and many other fun activities.

Florida: As well as its beautiful beaches and warm waters, you can visit such popular cities as Orlando, Miami, and Tampa Bay. Theme parks include: Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Legoland Florida. It is easy to find discounts on flights and accommodations.

Cuba: The beaches, heritage, rich culture, and excellent diving, make Cuba popular with Canadians. There are a variety of flight selections such as: WestJet, Air Canada, Canjet, Sunwing Air Lines, and Air Transat. There are also terrific cruises that are a lot of fun.

Jamaica: The Island’s gorgeous beaches and magnificent climate makes it a great tourist destination. You can also get great discounts on flights to such places as Montego Bay, the tourist capital of Jamaica. Since Falmouth Port opened, Jamaica will soon be more accessible to passengers of cruise ships. Traveling to Jamaica for a cheap vacation will provide a wealth of memories.

Sometimes the winter can seem like it will never end which makes it the perfect time to take a vacation. Fortunately, there are very affordable vacations, even for travelers on a tight budget. Today it is much more affordable to travel to a sunny destination as there are many discount travel sites offering great deals on top hotels and resorts. Many places offer reduced prices and special incentives to maintain business during the off and shoulder seasons As a result, if you like it hot and sunny, check out the many travel deals online to escape the cold, snowy, and wet winter.

With so many vacation destinations options out there, you no longer have to sit around at home waiting for the cold dreary winter to end. Pick a hot spot, get up, and get packed because a cheap winter vacation may be just what you need to boost your spirits.

Author Bio: Find cheap flights and compare ticket prices online at Cheapflights, providing the best selection and availability of cheap travel deals and last minute travel deals.

In about one and a half years the 2012 Summer Olympics will be here. The games will open on the twenty-seventh of July, 2012 and run through the twelth of August. The games will be held in London, England and most of the plans have already been made.

The games will open with what is usually a breath taking openning ceromony. Besides the pagentry the walking in of most if not all of the athelethes is always special. This is where you see great atheletes acting more like star struck children. As they make their way into the stadium they are taking as many pictures as the crowd. As the games come to their end you have the opportunity to see the wonderful closing ceremony. Again the athelethes will be busy snapping photos to bring home, hugging new friends from different countries and simply enjoying themseleves and all that they have accomplished.

The Summer Olympics are truly based on speed. You have the opportunity to watch some of the greatest track and field stars the world has to offer. It is fairly easy to expect to see multiple world records set on the track and usually a few in the feild events. Of course you can not forget about all the swimmers, gymnastics, and even the water polo players. The list of events is all but mind boogleing. Take your time to find when the events that you wish to see will be on your television set so you can make plans to watch.

If watching men and women run fast is not to your liking then you can tune into the swiming events. Again speed is the key with world class swimmers giving it their all to post the best time possible.

So, running and swimming fast does get your bells ringing no problem maybe volleyball is more to your liking. Here you get to see teams from most all countries battling it out in hopes of winning the gold medal. And if you really want to see great volleyball make sure to watch the two person Beach Volleyball action.

Maybe more action is what you have in mind. Have no fear action is coming your way. Find the boxing times so you can watch some of the best boxers in the world tangle it up with one anonther. Again only the best move on as all give it their best to reach the medal platform.

Now if suspense and fluid motion is more your cup of tea then by all means tune in for the gymnastics events. Here you get to see men and women competing for team and individual medals in not only the event apparattus but also the most coveted all around title.

No matter what events you perfer to see, the 2012 Summer Olympics will keep you spell bound. The games are only held once every four years so make sure to watch as much as you can. From the blazing speed of the one hundred meters foot race to the beauty of the medal presentation, sit back and enjoy.

Author Bio: A leader in the sports travel and tours industry offers superior 2012 Summer Games tickets and 2012 Summer Olympics packages.

The ethereal white palace seemed to float on the water’s surface. Shimmering twilight reflections gracefully danced across my mind and across the idyllic Lake Pichola. James Bond came here once . . . well, at least in the Hollywood movie “Octopussy” when it was filmed here in Udaipur so many years ago. This is only one of Rajasthan’s magical cities . . . one that few visitors will ever forget. When you sit at the lake’s edge and the approaching night sky slips into hues of mauve and deep blue, it’s easy to let yourself be transported to another time–one of painted elephants and maharajas and royal floating palaces and extravagance you might only have dreamed about.

A few days earlier I had left the wild Pushkar Fair with its 20,000 camels on display and its frenetic holy festivals and little blue boys dressed as the Hindu god Shiva. But Rajasthan offers even more titillating thrills.

When I visited Udaipur five years ago the floating palace only floated on dry sand. The water had disappeared in a drought and the magic had escaped with the evaporation. So I was ecstatic to find the lake full this time. Only a few months earlier it was barren but then the monsoons came and then me.

Sometimes it doesn’t take much to keep a travel photographer happy.

Naturally, one can indulge in the opulent surroundings of the Jag Niwas floating palace (now known as The Lake Palace Hotel) and experience palatially exuberant surroundings in probably India’s most romantic overnight stay . . . or longer, of course, if your maharaja whims and lifestyle and stash of cash enables you to partake. Or you can simply revel in the splendor by just having dinner there for a hundred dollars or so.

Both sides of the lake have dream views. While you are indulging in the thrill of your lake palace heaven, take a moment to turn around for the panoramic spectacle of Udaipur’s magnificent City Palace of night light reflecting behind you.

The next morning I was back to reality. My budget had been blown on the palatial island and the taste of fine wine had finally worn off. Now I wanted to shoot fine art photos in the mid-morning light and it didn’t take long for the color to find me. I spent a couple of hours at the City Palace wandering narrow passageways that connect the opulent palace rooms and royal courtyards in a labyrinthine maze of confusion. Directional signs kept me from getting lost. Once back outside I stopped by the nearby Jagdish Hindu temple. Its heavily carved walls featured images of Vishnu and Krishna and dancing nymphs.

After a few days Udaipur satiated my creative bent with its offerings and then I made my way to Jodhpur–India’s acclaimed “Blue City”–a moniker best explained by high angle views of crowded, crooked, maze-like alleyways in the old part of town. This cubic color wash of sprawling modular blue houses and shops and narrow confines breathtakingly unfolded before me as I leaned over the walls of the mighty Fort Meherangarh, whose ramparts soar from an impregnable, sheer-sided outcrop of stone high above the city.

The bustling main market next to the Sardar clock tower provided an endless array of photo opportunities where the color seemed to jump out and grab me. There were Muslim tie-dyers and puppet makers and spice dealers and textile merchants galore. So I lost myself in this photographer’s heaven for several hours.

After Jodhpur I journeyed to the far reaches of the Thar desert, close to the Pakistani border, where lies the quintessential desert fort town of Jaisalmer. Lawrence of Arabia couldn’t have dreamed how magically this golden-hued wonder rises from the sand at sunset. Camel caravans of ancient times converged in Jaisalmer and the city was endlessly besieged because of its strategic location as a life-line trade route. In 1298 the forces of Ala-ud-din Khalji laid a seven-year siege on the city that ended with the men of Jaisalmer riding out to their deaths and the women committing suicide behind them. But today the “Golden City” of Jaisalmer lives on.

The previous time I was here the fort’s ramparts were gloriously lit at night so this time I found a hotel with a rooftop restaurant that provided a different angle of view and, hopefully, a similar photo experience. But as nightfall approached it appeared that most of the lights had burned out over time. This would mean a lost photo opportunity. I sat for a while sipping my Kingfisher beer, one of India’s most popular brews. “More Thrilling Chilled,” the label had exclaimed fifteen years ago. I wondered why they have now dropped this phrase. The beer still provides an exciting kick, which no doubt was adding to the glee of my evening. Until the city replaces all the burned-out lights, which previously illuminated the fort walls, no other travel photographer can shoot a photo that challenges the one I took years ago. We photographers go ecstatic about such things.

Bright and early the next morning I found myself straddling a camel for a three-day trek across the desert.

Rajasthan always thrills me.

Copyright © Glen Allison ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Author Bio: Visual artist, Glen Allison, is a vagabond travel photographer and writer embarked on a nonstop, ten-year marathon odyssey to photograph the world’s most extraordinary destinations. See stunning fine art photos from this trip to Rajasthan, India, “Rajasthani Splendor.” http://www.GlenAllison.com

I persevered in my quest to conquer the slopes of Mount Kyaiktiyo in southern Myanmar. It wasn’t a mountain to be approached lightly. The devotion-charged Golden Rock at its pinnacle was the reward.

Most Burmese people pay homage to this wish-drenched balancing boulder–a miraculous pilgrimage site they must visit before they die. Legend has it that a dragon serpent princess found this rock at the bottom of the sea and with her supernatural powers she transported it to heaven. Many believe that touching this gigantic sacred stone allows wishes to be granted. Men struggle up the mountain just to apply more gold leaf to enhance the rock’s already magnificent gilded glow. But all is not fair. While women are free to ascend these sacred slopes, none of them can touch this breathtaking, stupa-graced wonder once they’ve arrived at the top. In a gesture of solidarity I, too, chose not to touch its shiny surface. Who made such rules? I bet the dragon princess is furious. I’ll find other ways to make my dreams come true.

Myanmar is filled with wonder. In Bagan more than a thousand magnificent stupas were built about the same time the Renaissance was happening in Europe. Sunlight brilliantly reflects from the shimmering golden spire of the much revered Ananda Temple, built in the year 1090 AD. There are about 997 other stupas nearby, but Ananda’s towering, and perfectly proportioned edifice, is the one that heralds the stylistic end of the early Bagan era. When I was there, a blast of rainbow celebrated the stupa’s existence.

Why have so many people never heard about this marvelous place?

The piece de resistance, however, surely must be the glitter of golden spires and shiny Buddhas that cast an ethereal glow over Myanmar’s most sacred pagoda, Shwedagon Phaya, which looms above the country’s commercial capital, Yangon, or Rangoon as it was known in a former existence.

Shwedagon can take your breath away.

Myanmar Buddhists dream of visiting here at least once in their lifetimes. No one, even tourists, ever forgets such a visit. It’s said there is more gold laced on Shwedagon’s surface than exists in the vaults of the Bank of England and perhaps even more than the mega tons stored at Fort Knox. Perhaps such overstatement is justified when setting the tone. This is an amazing place.

Long ago Rudyard Kipling waxed lyrical about this gold-swathed icon, “A golden mystery upheaved itself on the horizon–a beautiful winking wonder that blazed in the sun . . . ”

Allow me to put this explosion of glitter into perspective by describing just the top portion of the main spire which is clad in 13,153 plates of solid gold measuring one square foot each. The top-most vane of this tower is sliver-plated and studded with 1100 diamonds totaling 278 carats with 1383 other precious stones embedded nearby. At the very top of the vane is a golden sphere enveloped with 4351 diamonds, weighing 1800 carats. And at the very tip of this orb is a single 76-carat diamond perched more than a hundred meters above worshipers below. There’s a telescope off to one side for those wishing a closeup view of the jewels.

Shwedagon has existed for two and a half millennia. Perhaps myth makers of ancient times visited here for inspiration. Clustered around the mighty golden stupa of Shwedagon is an awesome array of temples and zedis and shrines and pavilions and gilded Buddha statues in altars that defy description. One’s imagination can fail in comparison to what exists here. Temple walls are adorned in an endless display of reflective glass mosaic tiles laced with azure-tinted grout that lured me into a fit of mind-boggling amazement.

Go there one day and you will understand. This place really exists. Kipling was not lost in a dream.

After Yangon I made my way up-country on “The Road to Mandalay.” Mr. Kipling wrote about this, too, in his book of the same name. Today, the city can be a bit scruffy around the edges but its magic can still be found. The royal palace reflects in shimmering sunset-lit waters and you can climb Mandalay Hill to see its commanding golden Buddha with outstretched arm.

The lotus is associated with Buddhism because its flower signifies the law of “Cause and Effect” or karma. The lotus has the rare quality of manifesting the blossom simultaneously with its seed. More symbolically, the magnificent lotus flower flourishes most when it rises from the muddiest of swamps. When we find ourselves trapped in such muck, Buddhism promises that our lives can still blossom.

Burmese enchantment envelopes the country despite staunch military repression of the people.

On Inle Lake in eastern Myanmar fishermen deftly balance on one foot at the tip of their small canoes while their other leg is wrapped around an oar with one end tucked under their arm. They pivot and row in a one-legged corkscrew fashion while their hands are left free to manage the net. With permission, I climbed aboard one of these tiny boats mid-lake for an insider’s view through the net. In the process I almost caused capsize. But the agile boatman executed perfect counterbalance to my photograph of his precarious stance.

Toward the end of my visit to Burma I found myself at the remote Buddhist pagoda of Yan Aung Nan Aung Hsu Taung Pyi. It’s a quiet place; I was the only one there. No crimson-robed monks were nearby. It was just me and the huge outdoor Buddha sitting there in a moment of ponder. I lingered for a while, then carefully folded my umbrella and put it away. The rain had finally departed, perhaps signaling it was time for me to bid farewell to this incredible land. Reluctantly I slipped back into my sandals and turned to leave. Then, off to one side I spotted a sacred pond whose waters appeared not to be clear.

I drew closer and found rain droplets dancing on lotus leaves that had defiantly risen from the muck.

Copyright © Glen Allison ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Author Bio: Visual artist, Glen Allison, is a vagabond travel photographer and writer embarked on a nonstop, ten-year marathon odyssey to photograph the world’s most extraordinary destinations in dramatic light. See his stunning fine art photos from this trip to Burma, in his original blog post, “Myanmar Magical Impressions.” http://www.GlenAllison.com

Most countries have introduced boating license systems to ensure people driving or skippering recreational vessels have a basic level of boating competency. These licensing requirements are designed to promote safety for both boaters and other water users. Licensing systems may be set and administered either by national or regional governments.

For example, in the USA and Australia licensing laws are written and managed by individual state governments. By comparison, in Canada the licensing regime is written and managed at the national level. The relevant administering authority is the national bureaucracy known as Transport Canada. The law is enforced by a mix of various federal and regional peace officers such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Ontario Provincial Police as well as various other regional police forces.

Most jurisdictions set threshold size limits for recreational vessels above which boat driver licensing is required. For example, in Queensland (QLD), Australia, a boat driver licensing is required to operate a recreational boat that is powered by a motor greater than 4.5 kilowatts (or 6 horsepower). Additionally, personal watercraft (PWC or jet ski) licensing is required to operate a personal watercraft. Licensing is not required to operate any other recreational vessels.

By contrast, in New South Wales (NSW), Australia adopts a speed criterion rather than a size criterion. In NSW, boat driver licensing (so-called general licensing) is required to operate any vessel at ten knots or more, except for jet skis. Special licensing is required to drive a jet ski at any speed. To obtain general licensing, persons must be aged 16 years or more; alternative licensing arrangements exist for persons aged from 12 to 16 years. To obtain initial PWC licensing, the general licensing must be obtained first.

Many countries or jurisdictions issue various categories of recreational boat driver licenses depending on the type of vessel or some other criteria. For example, in QLD the categories are a recreational marine driver, a recreational ship master and a recreational speed boat driver license.

It is important to draw a distinction between boat driver licensing regimes and certification regimes. Licenses can be revoked or suspended and they generally (although not always) have a definite expiry date. By contrast, boat driver certifications cannot be revoked or suspended and do not have an expiry date. Recreational boat driver regulatory schemes operating in most nations are licensing schemes.

However, the system operating in Canada is a certification system. Recreational boaters in Canada are issued with a pleasure craft operator card (PCOC). This card cannot be revoked or suspended and it does not have an expiry date. The PCOC is known as a competency card.

Fortunately, within a federal system such as the USA and Australia, boating licenses issued by one state are recognized by other states. As a result, a boater that has been issued with a license in, say, California is generally able to operate the stipulated class of vessel in other US states. This general principle also applies in Australia where a license issued in one state is also recognized in another state.

Author Bio: Fishing is a wonderful past-time and makes for a relaxing holiday. Canada laws now require all pleasure craft operators to take a boating course online. The process is short and after you are issued with a pleasure craft operator card.

For those who have decided to visit Europe in June, July or August, invariably the most important question for them is: “What are the best places in Europe for summer vacations?” It’s a very good, if not challenging question. The reason of course is that there are so many extraordinary possibilities. Europe is rich with history, scenery, art, architecture, and well, just fun. Let’s take a quick tour of a few places that are sure to captivate the new visitor to Europe.

Before discussing any stopping off point, one of the biggest mistakes that you can make when planning a trip to Europe is trying to take in too many countries. This strategy has the potential of causing you to suffer from overload. Instead of fully appreciating the moment, in let’s say Holland, you just might find yourself fretting about the travel arrangements, as well as other things, you need to tend to for tomorrow’s destination. A good rule of thumb is to remind yourself that this will not be your one and only visit to Europe.

With the above caveat out of the way, let’s take a look at Rome. For anyone who has studied the Roman Empire or has even heard of it will not be disappointed in what Rome offers. While there, be sure to see the Catacombs, the Parthenon, and, of course, the Coliseum. You will feel as though you have been transported back in time. Don’t forget to find a trattoria afterwards for an antipasto and pasta dish.

London is a city of many virtues. It offers a multitude of activities and places to visit. For theatre lovers, be sure to frequent the West End of town to take in the latest productions. The changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is a testament to long held military and royal English tradition. Military buffs will want to be sure to visit the Imperial War Museum.

Salzburg Austria is the home of Mozart. It is also home to some of the most spectacular Alpen scenery you will ever experience. The Old Town section of the city has been designated as a World Heritage Site since 1996, further testament to the city’s beauty. After seeing Mozart’s birthplace and the Salzburg Cathedral, be sure to try the Wiener Schnitzel vom Schwein or Wiener Schnitzel.

The “City of Lights” draws millions of people every year, especially for the more romantically inclined. Paris, with its outdoor cafes and eminently charming Champs-Elysees, seems to bring out the warmth in everyone. Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe are not to be missed.

The Franz Josef Strauss airport serves the capital city of Bayern (Bavaria.) Munich is a city whose motto is “Munich Loves You.” You can imagine then just how this city treats its visitors. It is place for everyone and home of the world famous Oktoberfest. Students and young travelers will feel right at home visiting one of several night spots, or mingling with students attending its many universities. Everyone will want to be sure to see the Deutsches Museum, among the world’s oldest science museums.

This has hardly been an exhaustive list of places to see in Europe. But that’s what makes this continent one of the most sought after vacation destinations. There are countless possibilities for nearly everyone.

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