Egypt has a lot to offer for tourists from its natural beauty to its man-made structures. In having a tour in Egypt however, one should consider many things when it comes to manners or etiquettes. Many Egyptians are Muslims and they religiously abide in rules and standards of conduct.
The very first thing you will need to know is the dress code in Egypt. Except for the pool areas and beaches, you cannot go out, for girls, exposing your knees and thighs to the public.
Since Egyptians are generally conservative, do not engage in public display of affection such as kissing and embracing. Do not come too close with the members of the opposite sex but don't inch away when they happened to stand close to you.
In Egypt, they don't use their left hands in eating, shaking hands or handing things.
The palm facing the person means warding away evil spirits; therefore it can be very offensive to them.
When invited to their home, bring some sweets for a present. Don't bring wine unless you are sure that somebody in the family drinks. Muslims don't often drink wine or any alcoholic drinks. Remove your shoes before entering a house and don't sit in the chair cross-legged.
Never give your hosts flowers. These gifts are only for weddings, funerals and for sick people. Small gadgets like compasses are really good gifts since Muslims will need them in indicating the direction to Mecca when doing their prayers.
Do not refuse the drinks offered to you although you have no intention in drinking them, that will be very impolite. Also ask for second helpings when eating to compliment the host for the food.
Gift-giving, as a sign of friendship, is a way to make your relationship with people better. It can be done formally with business partners or relatives and casually with acquaintances. In giving and receiving gifts in China, there are few things that you really have to bear in mind to avoid misinterpretation of intentions.
First, you should know that Chinese people love the color red and the number eight (8). On the other hand, you couldn't just choose the color white unless somebody just died. Also, don't pick clocks for gifts. It may imply your wishing ill for that person.
Another no-no in gift-giving in China is any of the sharp objects such as scissors or knives- no matter how fancy they look like. This means cutting the friendship you have with another person.
One bad-luck thing in China is the number four (4). If you want to give them a set of objects, those items should not come in fours. They are very superstitious about the number 4 that they even refuse to have fourth floors in their buildings.
When handing the gifts, present them with two arms. Also, receive any gift given to you with both hands.
In China, they don't usually open gifts in front of the one who gave them right after receiving the gift. It may be considered as an odd over-excitement (or greed). Also try refusing a gift before accepting it. Accepting gifts right away may also look greedy to them.
As China becomes more open to tourists and international businesses, it becomes more convenient to travel and stay there, whether for some official or simply recreational purposes. It's easy to survive and get along with people in China since most of the Western customs are just similar to their culture. But, there are just some variations in culture that a tourist should know in order to cope well with the Chinese culture.
There are practices that sprouted from their beliefs and are therefore important to be respectfully observed. There are also things unique to the Chinese culture that are not necessarily strictly followed but will help you a lot to get along with people very well.
Always remember these impolite gestures so that you don't them in China.
a. Pointing with your finger (use your whole hand in pointing directions instead)
b. Snapping your fingers
c. whistling
d. kissing or hugging when greeting people ,unless you are very close to the person (shake hands instead)
e. using only one hand when receiving gifts or business cards, use both hands instead so that you are not mistaken to be rude and impolite
f. keeping away the card immediately after receiving it, take some moments to read the card instead to show interest in the card and the person.
Thailand is indeed a beautiful place. The people are friendly and the cost of living is very affordable. You can definitely go around and suit yourself with the variety of amusement and services they offer. But don't forget that Thailand has some strict social rules that everybody should respect. To help you enjoy as much as possible without getting yourself into trouble, here are some helpful reminders about Thailand's social rules.
1. The first thing that you have to bear in mind is taking off your shoes when entering a temple or a house.
2. Never point things or direction with your feet. This is very rude and impolite. You may get into a fight just by giving your hands some rest and using your feet instead.
3. Never touch somebody else's head. This is also a sign of disrespect or belittling the person.
4. Respect the people's religion. Do not laugh, not even smile, when you see people doing some unusual religious gestures. You may not know which is religious sometimes so you'd better watch out.
5. Don't talk about the Royal family, especially the king. Thais revere their king so much that will be very offended when you comment on him. Don't even joke about him nor speak anything about him. You may say something that will upset them.
6. Thai culture is very conservative. Don't wear provocative clothes and keep your flesh private no matter how the weather becomes. You may wear less conservative clothes in the beaches where rules and expectations are so much less and free.
7. Don't raise your voice and always be calm. Thais don't normally go mad and shout when they're upset. As much as possible, keep your anger to yourself and try to talk things out smoothly.
When you familiarize yourself with these rules, you may keep them and enjoy your vacation.
Thailand is a good place to go for a vacation because it doesn't only offer excellent beaches and beautiful nature for sight-seeing but it is also one of the safest places to roam around. The culture and beliefs of the people make them less likely to do crime and a tourist can expect good treatment from strangers.
When you want to go to the countryside for more adventure, you may use their main means of transportation- buses. There are a lot of buses traveling everyday and they come in three classes. There are comfortable air conditioned buses, the middle class and the hard-seat buses that make a lot of stops along the way. Always pick the first class buses since the two dollars you will save will surely be not worth it. Anyway, bus fare in Thailand are really cheap.
To get around the country, you may use the train for some leisure trip. There are also good sleeper units for an overnight trip. The train stops only in some major destinations but the railroad leads you to different places with really cool and awesome views. You may also rent a car or a motorbike.
When it comes to eating and drinking, it will be safe to have your own bottle of water. Always try to look around before deciding to eat in a certain place. Hygiene and sanitation are very inconsistent in different areas. Also carry some insect repellant or sprays. There are malaria-carrying bugs in some area of the country.
Even the Mighty Honda are feeling the pinch. They have announced from immediate effect that they are pulling out of F1. The Brackley-based squad will be put up for sale with immediate effect and that if no buyer is found by March then the team will be closed.
The car giant’s F1 exit will throw the immediate futures of its near 700-strong workforce, including British driver Jenson Button and former Ferrari mastermind Brawn, into doubt should Honda fail to find a new owner for the team it took full control of in September 2005.
Honda’s withdrawal appears to confirm the manufacturer squad is the first Formula 1 victim of the global financial downturn, while other outfits have also been mooted as possibly having financial concerns.
The Japanese firm recently cut its road car production in both Japan and Europe, including a 50-day shutdown at its Swindon plant early next year, and its US sales last month fell 32%.
Japan is one of the countries you would want to visit for a vacation because of its many contribution in technology, good discipline among citizens, impressive infrastructures and beautiful views to visit. Before going to Japan, a traveler should just take note of some reminders to avoid troubles and make much of the trip.
First, consider learning some survival Nihongo, Japan's official language, such as:
"Ohayo" for "good morning"
"Konnichiwa" for "good afternoon"
"Konbanwa" for" good evening"
"Sayonara" for "good bye"
"Hajimemashite Dozo Yoroshiku" for "How are you and please to meet you"
Second, take some gift items with you. Gifts are given much importance in Japanese culture. These are signs of friendship and politeness. When giving gifts, make sure that presents are wrapped very well in special wraps. Don't give surprise gifts. It will be more polite to inform your hosts, friends or business partners that you will be giving them presents in advance.
When you go out to eat, never pour your own wine or drinks by yourself. In Japanese culture, the person nearest to you will be the one to pour your drinks in your glass and you do the same to him/her.
When you are invited to a home, this means that you are considered as a close friend already. Always remember to bring presents with you. And most importantly, leave your shoes outside the house and wear the slippers provided by the hosts.
Lastly, do not open the door of a taxi by yourself. They have automatic controls to open the door for you.
Me and the family have made it to 3 TRF's thus far. This year our 3rd visit, my kids and my neices and nephew dressed up. It was the first time. Me and my wife were putting together the costumes till we left San Antonio and my wife was sewing finishing touches all the way to the Fair. All the costumes were made from scratch. Most of the credit goes to my wife for sewing the costumes (she didn't trust me with a needle). She stayed up lated for 2 weeks to get the kids ready for the fair. I had the easy job of coming up with costume ideas and getting weapons and accesories made and together. I think the kids looked great and I know they had a good time being a part of the Fair. They are all for dresing up again next year.
When you travel, it is a must that you prepare everything that you need to do and the things you have to bring.
First, list everything you need to do. Determine your purpose in going and list them by priorities. Then make a checklist on the things you will have to take with you.
Take enough money with you. Bring also a big allowance in case of emergency. When you're going to a different country, always have the country's currency in your pocket.
Don't forget your important papers and documents like several IDs, passport, medical documents, driver's license and ATM and credit cards.
Make an itinerary and leave it to someone in-charge or to your family so that will be easily tracked down in emergency cases.
Being in an airplane means mixing up with different people, and often, with people from different cultures. It will be good for you to know some basic airplane etiquettes to be able to deal with the general public well.
First, remember not to ever infringe other people's rights. If there is a line, fall in the line and let those who stand before you go first. Do not invade space that that is not rightfully yours, like you seatmate's space. Keep your arms from too much moving and waving around. When you're reading newspapers and magazines, do not extend the papers on the other person.
Second, do not cause any pollution, be it noise, air or pollution. Never spoke in the airplane nor in any other public places. Do not talk with other people if you think they are not interested in listening to you. You will readily feel it if people don't want to talk to you. And also, don't talk to loud once you have somebody to talk to. Don't throw things in the air like pillows and papers.
Some of us were talking and we don't know everyone by their real names, so if you play bunco online could you somewhere in your site, put the name or names you use when you play so we can put your face to your online name.
Thursday, December 4, 2008, 11:18 PM MST [General]
well we have finally moved. still here in greeley but alot closer to work for both of us. we moved in here the end of sept. it is a much smaller place but we are adjusting well. my oldest has his room in the basement just like any good teenager. he loves it. my youngest likes his new room. he doesn't have so much of a problem sleeping in there so that is good. i am still knitting like a mad woman. putting off finishing a sweater (my first) for a friend of mines kid so i have all kinds of other stuff started. we call it startitis in the knitting world. making a "goth" santa hat from the anticraft book for my oldest son. it is fun to make. anyway. better go for now. if i don't write before yule, may all your yules be merry and bright
The very first tip you should remember is keep busy. Trick your body into thinking that there is no motion happening under you. Keep your eyes straight ahead and enjoy the view of the road. Amuse yourself with anything you spot outside the car or have fun doing some activities inside the car such as answering activity books or simply talking with someone.
Sit in the front seat or at least avoid being in the rear seat. The farther you are from the back, the more motion could you feel.
Get some fresh air. If possible, get rid of everything smelly in the car. Nobody should be smoking in the car or in any means transportation. You may want to open the windows from time to time to have a fresher air then just close it when you feel better.
Take naps. Eat something to make your stomach more stable and rest. Sometimes, forgetting that you're having motion sickness is really the most helpful way to get rid of it and sleeping is just one of the best ways to forget.
Take motion sickness drugs an hour or few minutes before you go.
So I'm a big fan of dance music. This includes trance, house, euro, and techno. Yes, there are different genres of dance music, and each one is different. It drives dance music fans nuts when you say it's all "techno". That's like saying Hip-Hop and R&B are the same. Each genre is different if you pay close attention to each style... there are different melodies, rhythms, and beats.
Anyways, my favorite DJ in the world is Armin Van Buuren from the Netherlands. This Dutch DJ was ranked #1 in the prestigious DJ Mag Top 100 DJ poll for two years in a row (www.djmag.com) and has sold out shows, arenas, and clubs with his performances all over the world. Armin is a phenomenal trance DJ with a ton of huge hits and mixes along with a poular radio show listened to by over 20 million people every Thursday. I know that hip-hop, rock, and pop dominate the mainstream airwaves of America, but dance music is rising and gaining popularity rapidly. It's mainstream on the radio in many countries, and more and more dance songs are hitting the radios here in the U.S. However, only recently has quality dance music started hitting the airwaves and radio shows.
So obviously I am a HUGE fan of dance music! I wanted to share a recent music video release by Armin that was made for his second hit single "In & Out of Love" from his latest album release "Imagine". I love the gorgeous Sharon Den Adel who sings the amazing vocals in this beautiful dance song. I'd like for everyone to at least watch this trance video and see how much trance and dance music in general has evolved over the years. The "glowstick, raves, and drugs" era associated with dance music has faded away, and now dance music, especially trance, is the "main drug" for its listeners.
This music is fantastic for my drive to class, work, at the gym, at the clubs, or just for me to close my eyes and let trance mesmerize me. I just want to introduce or open up the eyes of people who aren't familiar with QUALITY dance music (not they cheesy, suger-coated eurodance music). So check it out, and look up Armin's other popular hits, mixes, and videos. You can also tune in to Armin's weekly radio show called "A State of Trance" from 1-3 PM on Thursdays at www.di.fm (internet radio, click on the Trance channel). It's a free show where he plays nonstop a 2 hour mix of the latest in trance songs by various DJs. I swear this show puts me into a groove like no other every Thursday afternoon and gets me pumped for the upcoming weekend! Armin also has free "A State of Trance" podcasts on iTunes that covers the highlights of each show (podcasts are shorter, only 20-30 min long).
And yes, I know that anyone can put together a bunch of songs by various artists and play it. But it takes alot of talent and skill to put "a bunch of songs" into an arrangement that takes you through the emotions and into a journey where you can zone out and feel like you are on a tropical beach and then take you to the middle of the dancefloor of a hot, lively dance club. Very few DJs are talented enough to do this. Armin is one of them.
So give it a shot and check out this beautiful song & video, and please let me know what you think!!
DJ Armin Van Buuren feat. Sharon Den Adel - "In & Out of Love"
Such inordinate and low desires, Such poor, such bare, such lewd, such mean attempts, Such barren pleasures, rude society, As thou art match'd withal, and grafted to!
A month has passed since the election, and the far right continues in a state of denial. They keep saying that the GOP can't abandon "traditional values," but needs to push them even in a stronger tone. Candidates for the RNC post don't seem to see reality either. All the current candidates (Michael Steele, Katon Dawson, Saul Anuzis and Chip Saltsman) are pandering to the far-right element of the party. It's not surprising, that element is the one that controls the Republican Party and the conservative movement, thus, in order to have a chance at winning, they need to gain support among the rigid ideologues.
Social fundamentalists, along with the other wings of the far right, keep thinking that they can win elections dividing society and pandering to the "base." They keep talking about the success of the marriage amendments in Florida, Arizona and, especially, California. Well, let's analyze how big these victories were.
-Florida presented the biggest margin in favor of traditional marriage: 24% (62% to 38%).
-Arizona, which had rejected an amendment to the state constitution in 2006, passed it this time by 12 points (56% to 44%).
-And California, where "gay marriage" had been legalized in May by the State Supreme Court, passed the amendment by 4 points (52% to 48%).
What Tony Perkins and others don't want to see is the fact that younger voters -the future of the American electorate- soundly rejected the amendment in California by 22 points (61% to 39%), and where split in Arizona and Florida (rejecting it in AZ and passing it in FL).
What about the other amendments pushed by the social far right? Well, we are not hearing much about them because they were soundly rejected by voters.
-In South Dakota, not precisely the land of liberalism, an amendment to ban abortion (except in the cases of rape, incest and when the mother's life is in danger) was rejected by voters by 10 points (55% to 45%) for the second time. Moreover, voters 18 to 29 rejected the amendment by 20 points (60% to 40%).
-In Colorado, an amendment to define life as beginning at the moment of fertilization was rejected by 46 points (73% to 27%). The opposition was equal among all group ages (3/4 of voters).
Finally, on stem cell research, Michiganders voted in favor of an amendment to allow embryonic stem cell research by 6 points (young voters supported it by 20 points).
Therefore, more than talking about triumph, the social far right should start to look at the numbers of where people stand on these issues and, particularly, where young voters stand. By continuing with the approach of divisive politics, the far right is guaranteeing a smaller and increasingly isolated Republican Party.
It's time for moderate conservatives to take the party and conservatism back.
BTW, I write this as a proud pro-lifer, but one that doesn't want to use division as a political tactic.
Next time one of you whines about Vince Russo's booking of TNA , I want you to rewatch the overbooked garbage that was the end of this match. Russo wasn't in the WWE at the time that POS ending was booked.
