Poutine vs. Paneer: The Great India-Canada Clash”
             Mounties vs. Maharajas:
             The Battle of Diplomatic Politeness”

In an increasingly interconnected world, diplomatic tensions between nations can have tragic consequences. Such a situation unfolded tragically when a Canadian national lost his life amid a dispute between Canada and India. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of peaceful resolution and international cooperation. The roots of this dispute can be traced back to a complex web of political, economic, and cultural factors. At the heart of it lies the competing interests of two nations, each grappling with their own challenges and aspirations. Such conflicts are not uncommon in the global arena, but they should never result in the loss of innocent lives.

Both countries share a significant history, marked by immigration, trade, and cultural exchange. This incident, however, highlights the need for both countries to reevaluate their diplomatic strategies and commit to resolving disputes through peaceful means. Dialogue, mutual understanding, and compromise should be the cornerstone of their approach. The tragic loss of a Canadian national should serve as a catalyst for both nations to come together and seek solutions that prioritize human lives above all else. This includes a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident, holding those responsible accountable, and taking measures to prevent such incidents in the future.Additionally, it is imperative for the international community to play a role in mediating disputes between nations. Conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts should be strengthened to prevent further casualties in similar situations. The loss of a Canadian national amid the Canada-India dispute is a somber reminder of the consequences of unresolved conflicts. It is high time for both nations to set aside their differences and seek peaceful, diplomatic solutions to their issues. The international community must also stand united in promoting dialogue and preventing such tragic incidents from happening again in the future. Only through cooperation and understanding can we ensure a safer world for all citizens, regardless of their nationality.Experienced politicians  suggest that historical trade relations and the presence of a large Indian diaspora in Canada have traditionally shaped India-Canada ties. However, these relations have deteriorated in recent years due to claims from India that Canada has fostered sympathy toward a Sikh separatist movement, and counter-claims from Canada accusing Indian officials of interfering in its domestic politics.

 

 

The Khalistan separatist movement is a Sikh separatist movement that seeks to establish a sovereign state called Khalistan in the Punjab region. The movement originated after India’s independence and subsequent partition along religious lines in 1947. It gained momentum in the late 1980s when an armed insurgency emerged among Sikhs demanding a separate homeland. The campaign was led by Jarnail Singh Bhindra Wale, a charismatic Sikh fundamentalist, who orchestrated violent attacks against Sikh political opponents and Hindu civilians in the name of establishing Khalistan. The Khalistan movement has been a subject of complex, evolving, and deeply emotional debates. Supporters of the movement point to historical events such as the Sikh Empire of the early 1800s as evidence that autonomous Sikh rule is possible5. However, critics argue that the movement poses a threat to India’s unity and integrity.The growing tensions between Canada and India have been attributed to various factors. One of the recent incidents that has strained bilateral ties is the alleged involvement of Indian government agents in the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia1. This development has further exacerbated the situation, as India is already displeased with Canada’s perceived inaction against Sikh protesters who advocate for an independent homeland. In response, Canadian authorities have announced the expulsion of a “key Indian diplomat,” who is reportedly the head of India’s foreign intelligence agency in Canada.Trudeau’s charge was followed up by an official announcement from foreign minister Melanie Joly that Canada had expelled a senior Indian diplomat.Joly’s office said that the expelled Indian diplomat is Pavan Kumar Rai, identified by them as the head of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s foreign intelligence agency, in Canada. A 1997 batch Indian Police Service officer, he was posted to Ottawa as minister (eco, coordination, community affairs) in the Indian high commission.On the other hand  tit-for-tat move, India has expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, hours after Ottawa expelled a top Indian official as tensions escalate between the two countries over the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar earlier this year.

It is pertinent to note that Canada is home to a significant number of people of Indian origin, with approximately 1.4 million individuals identifying as Sikhs The Sikh community in Canada has been a subject of concern for India, which has accused Sikh hardliners among the Indian diaspora of attempting to revive the Khalistan separatist movement1. Tensions between the two countries have also been fueled by incidents such as a parade float depicting the 1984 assassination of then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. Instead of bringing the issue cool, certain Indian Journalists are trying to pour petrol on the issue. For example, one Indian journalist says if USA can kill Osamas bin Laden in Pakistani soil,why they are crying for killing Nijjer. Another so called professor of Delhi university suggests dropping nuclear bomb in Ottawa while an old retired  civil servant claims that Canadian Prime Minster was carrying drugs in his Aeroplan. 

 

FAKE PROPAGANDA  AND BIASED REPORTING.

When journalists are found to have created or spread fake news, they should be held accountable by their employers, professional organizations, and the public. Accountability measures can include retractions, corrections, and, in severe cases, dismissal.Fake news and biased reporting are harmful to society and the integrity of journalism.  When journalists are found to have created or spread fake news, they should be held accountable by their employers, professional organizations, and the public. Accountability measures can include retractions, corrections, and, in severe cases, dismissal. Ethical reporting to maintain the public’s trust and provide reliable information to their audiences is must.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tensions escalate between Canada and India over killing of outspoken Sikh leader.

Canada has accused India of being linked to the murder of a Sikh leader on Canadian soil, fuelling a significant rift between the two countries. Who was the man, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, at the centre of those tensions? Hardeep Singh Nijjar was born in the district of Jalandhar in the North Indian state of Punjab. As a young man in 1997, he moved to Canada, where he married, had two sons and worked as a plumber. Settled in the province of British Columbia, he also made a name for himself as a vocal advocate for the creation of Khalistan – a separate homeland for Sikhs, who are a religious minority that makes up 2% of India’s population. He had been labelled a terrorist by India, accused of, among other activities, being the “mastermind” behind the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), a banned militant group in the country.

 

National security coordinator of USA says Canadian allegation are very serious. We urge India to co-operate in investigation with Canada. US ambassador to India said such allegations can troubled to any one but with active criminal investigation. He further said that killing of NIJJER in Canadian soil must be investigated. It is important to note that 5 Eyes has already provided necessary data to Canada carrying solid proofs of killing Canadian on its soil by Indian Agencies including RAW. Still, it is time to close this chapter if Indian Prime Minister Mr. Modi accept this blunder and hand over the culprits to Canadian authorities. 

Even before the announcement of this incident by Canadian Prime Minister, such rumors were heired during BRICS summit held on 15th of August,2023 in South Africa.It seems clear that Mode’s government is fully involved in Nijjer’s assassination.

Five eyes is an intelligence alliance comprising on Australia, United Kingdom, Unites States, Canada and New Zealand. It is said that authentic information about Nijjer’s assassination was provided by five eyes responsible officials and now there is no doubt that Modi’s Government planned this murder. 

In conclusion, this tragic incident should prompt all nations to reevaluate their diplomatic strategies and prioritize the safety and security of their citizens above all else. It is through collaboration, understanding, and peaceful dialogue that we can work towards a world where conflicts are resolved without unnecessary loss of life, and nations can coexist in harmony.

DISCLAIMER:- All the text produced above has been gathered through interviews,Social media,News paper and magazines etc and the author does not stand responsible for any wrong information.

 

 

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SCHENGEN VISA…….UNLOCKING EUROPE….Exploring Schengen countries on a single Visa”

   Exploring Schengen countries on a single Visa”

 

Introduction

The Schengen Area is  very important zone in Europe, comprising on more then 26 nations that have terminated passport and other types of border restrictions at their mutual borders. Among these countries is Luxembourg, a small yet enchanting nation known for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. If you’re planning to visit Luxembourg or any other  Schengen  country, understanding the Schengen Visa is essential. In this blog, I will tell you into the wonders of Luxembourg & its small town named Schengen and provide comprehensive information about the Schengen Visa process. But let me tell you that prior to launch Schengen visa,European Union was formed  which mean united Europe.After 2nd world war few intellectuals felt the necessity of European Union.Prominent persons to take this initiative  were JEAN MONNET, KONRAD ADENAUER,LOUIS WEISS,ALCIDE DE GASPERI,ROBERT SCHUMAN, SIMON VEIL,JOSEPH BECH, MARGA KLOMPE,WINSTON CHURCHILL,HELMUT KOHL FRANCOIS MITTERAND, JOHAN WILLEM BEYEN,URSULA HIRSCHMANN,PAUL-HENRI SPAAK,MELINA MERCOURI,WALTER HALLSTEIN,ALTIERO SPINELL,NILDE LOTTI,NICOLE FONTAINE,SICCO MANSHOLT & ANNA LINDH.Non of them is alive now but they all either fought in battle fields during world war or they were holding very important positions in France,Germany,Italy or Holland and Sweden. No doubt they were EU pioneers.

 

 Discovering Luxembourg

 Geography and Culture
Luxembourg is a landlocked country nestled between Belgium, France, and Germany. Despite its small size, Luxembourg boasts breathtaking natural beauty, including rolling hills, dense forests, and charming villages. The country has a diverse culture, influenced by its neighbors, resulting in a fusion of languages, cuisine, and traditions.

Historical Highlights
Delve into Luxembourg’s fascinating history, from ancient Roman settlements to medieval castles and modern-day achievements. Discover iconic landmarks like the Grand Ducal Palace, the Bock Casemates, and the picturesque town of Vianden.

 Luxembourg City – A European Gem
Explore Luxembourg City, the capital and heart of the country. Walk along the cobbled streets of the Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage site), admire the modern architecture of the European Quarter, and relax in the beautiful parks and gardens.

Nature and Recreation
Nature enthusiasts will find solace in Luxembourg’s verdant landscapes. Discover the Mullerthal Region, also known as “Little Switzerland,” with its stunning rock formations and hiking trails. Embrace the tranquility of the Moselle Valley, famous for its vineyards and wineries.

 

 

 

 

 The Schengen Agreement

History and Purpose
Learn about the inception of the Schengen Agreement in 1985 and its primary goal of creating a border less zone for the free movement of people within member countries.

Schengen Area Countries
Get acquainted with the 26 European nations that form the Schengen Area and understand the significance of their cooperation in visa policies and border control.

Countries included in Schengen Area

The countries which are included in the Schengen Agreement are listed below. You can get the visa from any consulate among them* and travel across all the countries here freely and without restriction, provided you’ve got the right type of visa.
Austria Belgium Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland
France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy
Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands
Norway Poland Portugal Slovakia Slovenia Spain
Sweden Switzerland

 

 

Benefits and Challenges
Explore the benefits that the Schengen Area offers, such as enhanced travel and tourism, seamless business opportunities, and closer cultural ties. Discuss the challenges related to security, immigration, and managing external borders.

Schengen Visa Application Process

 Types of Schengen Visas
Understand the different types of Schengen Visas based on the purpose of travel, such as Tourist Visa, Business Visa, and Medical Visa & family visit Visa.

 Application Requirements
Learn about the essential documents and eligibility criteria necessary to apply for a Schengen Visa, including passport validity, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and financial means.Your passport must be valid for more than six months….Travel Health Insurance is mandatory…Accommodation/Hotel booking….Last six months Bank statement and Return Ticket….Visa application form dully filled and signed by the applicant.

 Applying for a Schengen Visa
Follow a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Schengen Visa, from filling out the application form to booking appointments at the appropriate consulate or embassy.

 Tips for a Successful Application
Discover useful tips to increase your chances of obtaining a Schengen Visa, including the importance of accurate information and thorough preparation & fee payment which is approximately 60 Euro.

 

Finishing touch.

To cut short, Luxembourg is a captivating destination within the Schengen Area, offering a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Traveling to this enchanting country and other Schengen countries is made easier through the Schengen Visa, facilitating seamless movement across borders. By understanding the visa application process and meeting the necessary requirements, you can embark on an unforgettable journey through the diverse landscapes and cultural wonders of Luxembourg and beyond in the Schengen Area.

To get correct and authentic information,the author of this blog applied for Schengen visa and after successfully obtaining,he traveled to Luxembourg and then from Luxembourg to Belgium,Germany ,Holland,Italy and many more schengen countries.

“In conclusion, let’s embrace the beauty of this informative blog and carry its wisdom into our lives, making every day a journey of growth and fulfillment.”

“I hope this blog post has left you with a sense of optimism and excitement for what lies ahead. Stay curious, stay adventurous!”

“If you enjoyed this read, don’t forget to comment below to stay updated with future posts and exclusive content.”

“As we part ways here, remember that knowledge is power, and applying what we’ve learned about Schengen visa and Luxemburg can lead to positive change in our lives and the world around us.”

“Thank you for investing your time in this blog. Wishing you success and joy as you embark on your own adventures  Until next time!”

 

BONN…..EXPLORING THE RHINE RIVER.

 

 

 

     IT RUNS THROUGH BASEL,BONN,COLOGNE & DUISBURG.

 

Bonn, a historic city located in western Germany, is a blend of tradition and modernity, boasting a rich heritage that stretches back over two millennia. Situated along the banks of the Rhine River, Bonn serves as the federal city of Germany, having been the capital of the country till 1990, after World War II. Its historical significance is further highlighted by being the birthplace of one of the most influential composers in the world, Ludwig van Beethoven.

Bonn’s picturesque landscape, featuring stunning river fronts and lush green parks, creates a soothing atmosphere that invites both locals and tourists to leisurely strolls and recreational activities. The city’s well-preserved architecture, showcasing Baroque styles, adds to its timeless charm. The iconic Beethoven House, now a museum dedicated to the life and works of the musical genius, is a must-visit for music lovers.

Beyond its historical landmarks, Bonn has evolved into a modern cultural and economic hub. It has several prestigious universities, research institutions, and international organizations, fostering a vibrant academic and diplomatic community. This blend of academia, innovation, and diplomacy contributes to the city’s cosmopolitan ambiance.

The Ahr is an offshoot tributary of the Rhine, where the water drifts lazily through picturesque German countryside. The best time of year to visit, in my opinion, is during the summer, when you’ll be able to sample the region’s fine wines at a number of different wine festivals. But any time from spring to fall, when the weather is temperate, is lovely for hiking, biking, or just relaxing on the riverbank with a picnic.
Bonn’s central market square is one of the oldest, most important parts of the city, and nowhere is that more evident than in the architecture. The old rathaus, or city hall, can be found here.

Bonn is a beautiful city with several things to see but in case you are thinking to relax,then take a walk along the bank of river Rhine.The Rhine flows through much of Germany and small portion in Luxembourg.It is one of the major  tourists communication.City of Bonn is honored in planning a beautiful walk along the entire river.It is very pleasant to travel on foot  or bike.To me it is a heaven of peace and nature as there are many tourists and industrial vessels but this river is the heart of city.Making long story short there are many places in Bonn to see like Drachenburg castle,Beethoven hall, Cherry blossom avenue, the museum mile,Poppelsdorf palace,Ahr valley,market square and much much more.

 

Before I sign off, I want to express my gratitude for your support. Your readership fuels my passion for writing a Ryinend sharing valuable content.”As I wrap up this blog post, I hope my words have sparked inspiration and left you with a newfound perspective on Bonn and river Rhine.

“Titan’s Tears: The Tragic Tale of Expedition

 

“Silent Sorrows: The Fatal Journey of Titan’s Forsaken.

 

In the early morning hours of April 15, 1912, the RMS Titanic, the grandest ship of its time, met its tragic fate in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. The sinking of the Titanic claimed the lives of over 1,500 people, leaving a lasting impact on the collective memory of the event. However, amidst the stories of those who perished, there were also those who narrowly missed boarding the ill-fated ship.To me spending a lot of money just to see one hundred and eleven year old wreckage of Titanic is just unwise action taken by very intellectual billionaire.to visit the wreck of the Titanic  which sank in the North Atlantic  in 1912 after hitting an iceberg. The dive, which would have taken the travelers to a depth of 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) began on the morning of June 18, 2023 and was expected to last eight hours. After about an hour and a half of descent, the Titan lost contact with the surface vessel MV Polar Prince. Search and rescue operations included air and sea support from the United States, Canada, and France. The Titan, operated by the U.S.-based company OceanGate Expeditions, had been missing since it lost contact with its surface support ship on 15th June 2023 morning about an hour, 45 minutes into what should have been a two-hour dive to the world’s most famous shipwreck.five men aboard the Titan, including the company’s founder and chief executive officer, Stockton Rush, who was piloting the Titan   The four others were British billionaire and explorer Hamish Harding, 58; Pakistani-born businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his 19-year-old son, Suleman, both British citizens; and French oceanographer and renowned Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, who had visited the wreck many times.These five person were real explorers and had a spirit of adventure and passion for discovery in deep sea. My heart (author zaka ) is with these 5 souls and all the member of their families at this tragic time.

 

                                                                                                            Google courtsey

 

“Abyss of Regret: Remembering the Fallen Heroes of Titan“...Five passengers aboard the titan were presumed dead after official determined the submersible experiences a catastrophic  implosion.

Dawood and his family left their London residence and went to Canada for a month. Shahzada, with a “lifelong passion for science and discovery, booked himself and his 19-year-old son Suleman tickets for Father’s Day weekend to cruise the Titanic submarine.Dawood was the vice chairman of Engro, a Pakistani energy investment company, and the Dawood Hercules Corp., an investment and holdings firm. He had expertise in mergers and acquisitions in companies across industries, such as textiles, fertilizers, foods and energy.Shahzada was married to Christine Dawood, who works as a coach and psychologist. Christine, originally from Germany, holds two MSc qualifications in Occupational and Business Psychology and Consulting and Coaching for Change.It is pertinent to mention here  that  Christine  left her engineering career after surviving a near-fatal plane crash in 2019, which profoundly impacted her perspective on life.His son Suleman  19 year  studying  of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland also died in this expedition.In 2012, Dawood was recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Dawood addressed the United Nations in 2020 on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.Dawood family belong to Me mom Community which is considered Business tycon in Pakistan.During Covid-19 Dawood group donated One Billion Pak Rupees to Imran Khan in Corona fund.

five men aboard the Titan, including the company’s founder and chief executive officer, Stockton Rush, who was piloting the    The four others were British billionaire and explorer Hamish Harding, 58; Pakistani-born businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his 19-year-old son, Suleman, both British citizens; and French oceanographer and renowned Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, who had visited the wreck dozens of times.Authorities have said the Titanic-touring submersible that went missing on Sunday suffered a “catastrophic implosion,” killing all five people on board while descending to explore the wreckage of the famous ship.

 

  “The Mourning Skies of Titan: A Heartbreaking Saga of Exploration Gone Wrong”

 

 

 

 

SEARCH.

 

According to Cpt.Jamie Frederick of the first coast Guard  ,It is very complex search , and the unified team is working around the clock,He added that an underwater robot had started searching in the vicinity of the Titanic and that there was a push to get salvage equipment to the scene in case the sub is found.Moreover Three C-17 transport planes from the U.S. military have been used to move commercial submersible and support equipment from Buffalo, New York, to St. John’s, Newfoundland, to aid in the search.The search for missing Titan submersible captured the world wide reports from ” mysterious  banging noises to estimate of how much Oxygen may have been left in the under water Vessel.

SECOND OPINION.

“OK, let’s think about it: the weird-ass submarine goes to the Titanic and goes missing with a submarine full of billionaires,” one person said in a video posted June 22 on Instagram. “They’re alive. They never got on that ship. There’s no shot that all those billionaires just coincidentally were on the same ship. Let’s look into their financials. Let’s look into their legal dealings. Has nobody watched a movie? This is gonna be a massive scandal — fraud. They’re escaping something, they’ve done something terrible — they’re billionaires so obviously they’ve done something terrible. And this ‘submarine’ never happened. They faked their own deaths.” Titan submersible passengers had to sign a waiver that mentioned death several time.Sine catastrophic presumed  implosion  of the Titan submersible .It has been pointed out that the Ocean gate passengers  were required  to sign a waiver acknowledging  that they could die.

 

MY PRAYER FOR ALL THE FIVE VICTIMS.

Dear Heavenly God, we humbly come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up the victims of the tragic events on Titan. May Your comforting presence surround them and their families, providing strength and solace. Grant healing to the injured, peace to the departed, and resilience to the affected community.

 

 

“Ultimate travel guide to DUOMO CITY…..ITALIA

Nestled in the heart of a picturesque region, Duomo City stands as a testament to human creativity and ingenuity. With its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, this city has become a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world.

Click here for bath & bed

 

The crown jewel of the city, the Duomo di Duomo, is an architectural masterpiece that captures the essence of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its intricately carved façade, towering spires, and exquisite stained glass windows create an ethereal atmosphere. Venture inside to witness the grandeur of the nave, adorned with frescoes and sculptures that depict the city’s history and religious devotion.

 

Adjacent to the Duomo, Piazza della Libertà is a bustling square teeming with life. Here, locals and tourists converge to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, enjoy outdoor cafes, and indulge in delectable Italian cuisine. The square is also home to the grand Palazzo della Città, an elegant municipal building that showcases the city’s administrative heritage.

 

Love your cat…please visit

 

Delve into Duomo City’s past by visiting the Museo Storico, a treasure trove of artifacts and artworks. The museum showcases a wide range of exhibits, including ancient relics, archaeological finds, and masterpieces by renowned artists. From classical sculptures to Renaissance paintings, each artifact unveils a piece of Duomo City’s rich cultural tapestry.

 

 

 

For those seeking a blend of shopping and architectural marvels, a visit to La Galleria is a must. This stunning glass-domed shopping arcade is lined with high-end boutiques, exquisite cafes, and enchanting mosaics. Stroll through its elegant corridors, marvel at the intricate ironwork, and indulge in a spot of retail therapy.

 

 

 

 

 

the Duomo, also called Florence Cathedral or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Roman Catholic church in Florence, Italy. When it was consecrated in 1436, it was the world’s largest church, having capacity to accommodate 30,000 worshippers. Among the building’s wonderful features are its stained-glass windows; its beautiful  green, red, and white marble facade; its collection of paintings and statuary by Renaissance masters; and particularly  its dome designed in 1420-36. To enter the cathedral, visitors must be properly dressed. The visitors to the cathedral are required to remove their shoes, sunglasses, and cap or hat prior to entering and must avoid wearing low-cut tops, short or skirts.The Duomo of Florence, Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral or Florence Cathedral is the episcopal seat of the archdiocese of the city of Florence. It is one of the best & wonderful masterpieces of Gothic art and the first Italian Renaissance.

The closest train station is Milano Cadorna, just a 20-minute walk. From Cadorna, you can also take the M1 to Duomo, which will drop you right in the main square. If you’re arriving in Milano Centrale, you can hop on the metro to the Duomo, which runs every 5 minutes.

 

Whether you want to grab a quick bite, enjoy a well-deserved aperitivo or treat yourself to some of Milan’s famous shopping, the city has it all. Thanks to its central location, the area near the Duomo is packed with fine restaurants, classic Italian trattorie, cocktail bars and high-end ateliers

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                  Duomo City is an enchanting destination that enthralls visitors with its architectural wonders and cultural heritage. From the awe-inspiring Duomo to the vibrant Piazza della Libertà and the captivating Museo Storico, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences. So, whether you are an art aficionado, a history buff, or simply a traveler in search of beauty, Duomo City beckons   you to immerse yourself in its timeless charm and create memories that will last a lifetime.lets continue to explore and discover new ideas,new destinations because knowledge is an endless journey.

 

 

 

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“Family-friendly adventure holidays in ROTTERDAM

 

Luckily first week of April,2023 was a long week end,(Easter)so we decided to spend these 3 days to visit ROTTERDAM.We drove via  E19 and it took 3 hours and 40 minutes to reach our destination.Rotterdam is a city that really has it all. This vibrant metropolis in the west of the Netherlands is known for its stunning modern architecture, busy port and thriving arts and culture scene. But Rotterdam is also a city with a rich history, stretching back centuries, and there are many fascinating sights and attractions that offer a glimpse into the city’s past..One of the most iconic landmarks in Rotterdam is the Erasmus Bridge, which spans the Nieuwe Maas River and gives amazing panoramic views of the city. This modern-day suspension bridge is a testomony to Rotterdam’s dedication to innovation and progress, and it is a must-see for everyone travelling the city.Rotterdam Harbour: As one of the largest ports in the world, Rotterdam’s harbour is definitely worth visiting. You can take a boat tour to see the massive ships and containers up close, or simply stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the views.Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen: This art museum features an impressive collection of works by Dutch and European artists, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.Today, Rotterdam is home to a diverse population of over 600,000 people, and is known for its modern architecture, bustling port, and thriving arts and cultural scene.

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Another must-visit attraction in Rotterdam is the Markthal, a colorful indoor market that’s home to over 100 food stalls, shops, and restaurants. The Markthal is housed in a striking arch-shaped building that’s covered in a massive mural by Dutch artist Arno Coenen, and it’s a great place to sample some of the delicious local cuisine.For those interested in history, Rotterdam also has a number of museums and historic sites worth exploring. The Maritime Museum offers a fascinating look at the city’s seafaring history, while the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen features an impressive collection of art from Dutch and European masters. The old harbor district of Delfshaven is also worth a visit, with its charming canals and historic buildings.

 

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                                                                                                                   The Markthal

Rotterdam Harbour: As one of the largest ports in the world, Rotterdam’s harbour is definitely worth visiting. You can take a boat tour to see the massive ships and containers up close, or simply stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the views.Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen: This art museum features an impressive collection of works by Dutch and European artists, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.Today, Rotterdam is home to a diverse population of over 600,000 people, and is known for its modern architecture, bustling port, and thriving arts and cultural scene.

But perhaps the most unique and iconic feature of Rotterdam is its architecture. The city is home to a number of innovative and eye-catching buildings, including the famous Cube Houses, designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom. These tilted cube-shaped homes are a true architectural marvel, and they’re a great example of Rotterdam’s commitment to creativity and innovation.Overall, Rotterdam is a city that offers something for everyone, from history buffs and art lovers to foodies and architecture enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s past, sampling its delicious cuisine, or simply admiring its stunning skyline, Rotterdam is a city that’s sure to leave a lasting imp

                                                                                                                        Cube Houses

Rotterdam Harbour: As one of the largest ports in the world, Rotterdam’s harbour is definitely worth visiting. You can take a boat tour to see the massive ships and containers up close, or simply stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the views.Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen: This art museum features an impressive collection of works by Dutch and European artists, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.Today, Rotterdam is home to a diverse population of over 600,000 people, and is known for its modern architecture, bustling port, and thriving arts and cultural scene.

But perhaps the most unique and iconic feature of Rotterdam is its architecture. The city is home to a number of innovative and eye-catching buildings, including the famous Cube Houses, designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom. These tilted cube-shaped homes are a true architectural marvel, and they’re a great example of Rotterdam’s commitment to creativity and innovation.Overall, Rotterdam is a city that offers something for everyone, from history buffs and art lovers to foodies and architecture enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s past, sampling its delicious cuisine, or simply admiring its stunning skyline, Rotterdam is a city that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.The Rotterdam Zoo is one of the oldest and largest zoos in the Netherlands, and is home to over 5,000 animals representing more than 500 species.Euromast: This observation tower offers stunning panoramic views of Rotterdam and the surrounding area from a height of 185 meters. You can also enjoy a meal or drink at the tower’s restaurant and café.

Making long story short,Throughout its history, Rotterdam has played an important role as a trading center, thanks to its strategic location on the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Rotterdam was a major hub for the Dutch East India Company, which traded in spices, textiles, and other goods from Asia.During World War II, Rotterdam was heavily bombed and suffered significant damage, including the destruction of its historic city center. However, the city quickly rebuilt and has since become a major economic and cultural center in the Netherlands, as well as a key port and transportation hub in Europe

I encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.let’s keep the conversation going and learn from each other.As I wrap up this blog,I hope it has provided you with some valuable insights and inspiration.Thank you for reading and spreading this travel blog.

 

on face book 361536 people have seen this article till 28th may,2023.

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“Food and culinary delights of FARO….PORTUGAL
  

Join me on a journey to discover the world most breathtaking destinations.Let us go to FARO which is famous  for its beaches (there are 20) and nightlife.

In Luxembourg last week of February,2023  was a long week end and every one of us was keen to spend these vocations in a city having historic sites,natural landscape and fantastic beaches.Keeping in view that the air fare are very low these days,we took flight of Ryan Air and within 3 hours we landed at Al grave air port which is the third busiest air port in term of passenger traffic in Portugal.Faro is the  best-known most   famous  city in Portugal ’ ‘ s  deservedly aptly   famous named  Algarve region. There ’s   is  an archaeological museum and a  “Bishops’ “Bishop’s  Palace ,” “,  a Renaissance cathedral that was heavily bombed during  World WWII   War but   II, has   but since   later been  rebuilt. Nearby  in  Estoi  are is   a  Roman  ruins ruin , and  nearby  Albufeira ,   also was   nearby, once   is  a  formerly picturesque   quaint  fishing village  influenced with   by 8th-century   the Moorish   Moors in the 8th century influence . It ’ ‘ s  situated on   in  a  cliffside cliff   location,  and  has known   become famous  for its beaches (there are 20) and nightlife.

We visited city’s most famous church.Sé Catedral de Faro is a late 13th century Roman Catholic church. As one of Faro’s most culturally significant buildings, it’s easy to spot when exploring the old town. Step inside to discover gilded carvings and white stucco ceilings, as well as the great 17th-century Sé de Faro organ.We also visited most bizarre  chapel churches.Cidade VelhaCidade Velha, or Old Town in English, is where the historical centre of the city is located. Having its imperial walls  from the 9th century A.C. and the Moorish occupation, the access to Vila Adentro, another name used to refer to Cidade Velha, is through the medieval gates after the garden Jardim de Manuel Bivar.Here you can find  many hotels and hostels and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the city. Small but clean streets with the typical Portuguese sidewalk, classic regional houses and an abundance of restaurants create a charming environment.

You can visit most famous churches like Laalmodena Cathedral,Sé Catedral de Faro ,The Saint Lenho chapel houses the tomb of the church’s founding bishop, Capella Church   dos of  Ossos is part of  the  Igreja do Carmo, an 18th-century church in  center of  Faro.  ‘Macabre’ “Scary”   might is   just perhaps   the right word to describe the  chapel church , as its name directly translates to  ‘Chapel “Church  of Bones ’. “.   Spanning The   around  24   – square -metre   metres,  Capella dos Ossos is  well  worth a visit  thanks for   to  its  rather macabre   terrifying decor   ornaments –   – more   over than  1,200 bones and 1,000  skulls Carmelite   belonging to  monks ‘   of skulls   the Carmel Order  cover the entire site.

For about 2 euros, you can enter this sinister sanctuary. Visiting Igreja do Carmo itself is a more enjoyable option than the church. It has elegant wood carvings inside and a very picturesque exterior.Ria Formosa Natural Park  Tour around gorgeous  islets off the seacoast  Ria Formosa Natural Park is a collection of  islets, bars and lagoons just off the seacoast of Faro. Join a boat  stint to navigate through the aqueducts, where you can encounter  fantastic   catcalls  similar as flamingos and white egrets. The shallow and rich waters around Armona Island are excellent for snorkelling – seahorses  frequently flock around the seabed.

Winter is perhaps the quietest time, allowing you to calmly enjoy the city away from the crowds. The fact that it is low season also lowers the prices of hotels and most of the attractions, offering a relaxed holiday at modest prices while  Summer is certainly the most popular season for tourists who wish to visit Faro. The bright sun, lack of wind and a pleasant water temperature bring curious people from every corner of the world to the capital of the Algarve. During high season the city is buzzing with excitement, with various music shows to light up the nights. The bars and restaurants are open until late and the nightclubs only close at dawn.

The good news about FARO.

8 million Euro has been reserved to full fill a project which has to be carried out within next 10 years by SINES & ALGRAVO port administration to advance the  deconstructionism of portimao.The idea is that cruise ships reaching at the port can be able to  “TURN OFF THEIR MOTORS” and connect to renewable energy source,wind,solar or Hydrogen.

However,it is sad to mention here that there is need of metro bus which can link Olhao,Faro and Loule.To promote living in Faro,the authorities are planning to construct two new educational campus i.e one in Faro and the other in Portimao.Taking this opportunity I may point out that there is need for a cancer Hospital in Faro as at present moment all cancer patients are being shifted to cancer Hospital at Lisbon.

 

Residents of Faro are nowadays protesting against the situation of  Alagoa, which is under serious threat of being  destroyed to make way for a new commercial area. People are agitating outside head quarter of Regional development commission and environment authority. Residents say that they will not allow the destruction of the wetland because it will worsen the effects of climate change, followed by biodiversity, given that wetland is home of over 145 species of birds and 300 species of fauna and flora. Citizens also argue that building a commercial area on top of aquifer can put people at risk destroying a natural habitat in an urban center goes against the objectives sustainable development.

 

I encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.let’s keep the conversation going and learn from each other.As I wrap up this blog,I hope it has provided you with some valuable insights and inspiration.Thank you for reading and spreading this travel blog.In conclusion, lets continue to explore and discover new ideas,new destinations because knowledge is an endless journey.In conclusion, lets continue to explore and discover new ideas,new destinations because knowledge is an endless journey.

 

 

 

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UKRAINE WAR……twelve months on.

 

Recently US president Biden had a surprise visit to Ukraine and Poland where during his speech Biden call at Putin 10 times & said that Russia has underestimated iron will of America.He further said that there should be no doubt,support for Ukraine will not waver,NATO will not be divided and we will not tire./ While in Moscow Putin fully avoid Biden and said that Russia will do whatever is needed to win this war. War propaganda is at peak as Russian state media blame of  war on West as Germany and Poland are supplying Leopard tanks to Ukraine which can cause a further step forward towards nuclear war.  Russia is so furious that Putin has suspended nuclear pact with US.

 

According to UN more than 8000 civilian have been killed in Ukraine.14 million people are displaced. However Russia has denied it.Majority of the Ukraine civilian sought refuge in European countries especially in Poland, Germany and Czech Republic. The majority of refugees are women and children. Due to war robbed of childhood developing several mental illness. Scale of impact on children health effect the worst, approximately 7.8 million children are effected.700 attacks on health facilities and educational institutions has destroyed the infrastructures. It is very astonishing that a Polish city named Rzeszow is now double in population as most of Ukrainian Refugees took shelter there.An other issue is Russian living in Georgia are facing difficulties due to uncomfortable attitude of Georgian authorities

 

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         Russia will do whatever is needed to win the war.

 

      Russia had underestimated iron will of America.

Friends of Moscow demand urgent need of cease fire and peace talk,while USA insisting on supplying more weapon and wallet to Ukraine to continue war ignoring global impact of this war.while during a rally of fatherland day,the whole country support Russian special military operation in Ukraine  to bring back Ukraine to greater Russia,Putin said.
Ukrainian refugees are predominantly discovering protection in neighboring countries. Poland has granted safety to over 1.5 million Ukrainian refugees whilst different close by nations Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Moldova have every given security to tens of lots of Ukrainian refugees. Czech Republic is hosting the most refugees per capita in Europe, having granted safety to nearly 1/2 a million people. This war has caused Child poverty throughout Europe and Central Asia (ECA) has soared via 19 per cent, as Ukraine struggle and rising inflation pressure 4 million adolescents into poverty.

Nord stream pipeline was attacked and destroyed in last September.This pipe line was the sole source of gas supply to  Germany from Russia. Putin alleged Biden behind this explosion.Due to enmity between USA and Russia the war is becoming more dangerous as Russia has announced to quit itself from Nuclear pact.After one year of war,prices of BREAD gone high from 44% to 52% in Eastern European countries.Supply of wheat from Russia and Ukraine to middle east and Africa is sharply down.Even there is shortage of Chemical fertilizer and African farmers predict global shortage  of agricultural products. Ukraine  had stocked approximately  18 million tons of wheat in  SILOS before war which has been already shipped to other countries.Another issue is shortage of Gypsum fertliser and the farmers are facing hardships in growing various agricultural products.Conflict between Russia and Ukraine is becoming more tedious due to aggressive attitude of USA who has recently announced more sanctions against Russia and some individuals.The persevered hostilities in Ukraine is inflicting intense civilian damage and leaving hundreds of thousands barring get admission  to food, water and other imperative supplies. Innocent civilians have been cruelly caught up in the conflict,Continued violence throughout Ukraine is pushing the nation  into humanitarian disaster as hospitals run out of clinical resources and households lose get right of entry  to meals and different essentials.

 

 

Both nations (RUSSIA & UKRAINE) are either Orthodox or Catholic christian by religion and the christian rulers all over the world must realize christian are fighting against Christians,White people are fighting against white people,European are fighting against European Although I am not a Christian,however I dare to present below a few verses from Holy Bible with the hope that USA and its partner NATO will consider effective ways and methods to Cease fire and peace. I apologize in advance if below mentioned  Bible versus carries any mistake.

 

And Jesus answered and stated unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be no longer troubled: for all these matters ought to come to pass, however the give up is now not yet. ,So I will incite brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.  and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the opening of sorrows. Then shall they supply you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all countries for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.This includes real and rumored wars—tales of violence, catastrophe, unrest, or other scandalous news from far-away places.

 

Noticing huge supply of weapon and billion of dollar as financial help to Ukraine ,Russia can go to repeat history of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.Now there are voices of corruption  and mishandling of money being provided by NATO countries.The big powers must keep in mind that if Nuclear war starts,what will worst happen ?? Huge area of the planet can be lost or climate change,deadly sick oceans and electronic devises will be UN-usable,sun will be hidden behind clouds,lost of grain stock, rising meals prices, rising power prices, and tightening monetary conditions.OR MAY BE THE END OF THE WORLD.We must remember that behind every statistic and every headline, there are real people suffering from the effects of war. Let us approve to our leaders to prioritize their well-being and work towards a peaceful solution.The people of Ukraine deserve to live in peace and security.let us appeal to our leaders to work towards a lasting ceasefire and a path towards reconciliation.

To my way of thinking,it is the time finding the things what make both sides agree to stop fighting.Diplomacy will be more helpful to create peace atmosphere for cease fire.

 

 

 

The war in Ukraine has already caused too much pain and destruction.let us stand to gather and demand an end to the conflict so that the people of Ukraine  can re build their lives in peace.The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is a tragedy that must come to an end.let us call upon all parties involved to work towards a peaceful resolution and an end to the blood shed.It is time to end the violence and begin the process of healing and rebuilding in Ukraine.let us come togather to support the people of Ukraine in their pursuit of peace.The suffering and destruction caused by the war in Ukraine must end.

 

 

 

 

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Exploring local markets and street food scenes in CASABLANCA.

Few years back We traveled from Lahore (Pakistan) to Morocco.Our main purpose was to enjoy vocations in Casablanca.During this visit I had lot of things to write and many photos to display on my blog but unfortunately my wife died and I forgot to write any thing about our stay in Casablanca. Last November when Foot ball team of Morocco played their first match of FIFA cup in Qatar and defeated Brazil,then I got my memories back and decided to write a blog on Casablanca.

Casablanca, additionally recognized in Arabic as Dar al-Bayda.when Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah (c. 1710–1790) rebuilt the metropolis after its destruction inside the earthquake of 1755, it become renamed “ad-Dār al-Bayḍāʾ ”  The White residence), although in vernacular use it changed into pronounced “Dar al-Baiḍā” actually residence of the White, although in Moroccan Arabic vernacular it keeps the authentic feel of The White house.Casablanca has a hot-summer Mediterranean local weather (Köppen local weather classification Csa). The cool Canary Current off the Atlantic coast moderates temperature variation, which consequences in a local weather remarkably comparable to that of coastal Los Angeles, with comparable temperature ranges. The metropolis has an annual common of seventy two days with extensive precipitation, which quantities to 412 mm (16.2 in) per year. The very best and lowest temperatures ever recorded in the metropolis are 40.5 °C (104.9 °F) and −2.7 °C (27.1 °F), respectively. The easiest quantity of rainfall recorded in a single day is 178 mm (7.0 in) on 30 November 2010.

INFORMATION & FEATURES ABOUT CASABLANCA.

1- The historical “Excelsior” Café: one of the most vital cafes that used to be designed in 1916.

2- Al-Ajbas neighborhood: It is one of the foremost vacationer points of interest in the metropolis due to the fact of the architectural building, which is stimulated by means of the spirit of Arab, Islamic and European architecture.

3- Hassan II Mosque: The seventh biggest mosque in the world, with its Andalusian minaret at a peak of 210 meters, which is the best possible non secular constructing in the world.

4- Ain Diab Corniche: It stretches alongside the seashore and is a waterfront that consists of a collection of lovely pools, hotels, cafes and restaurants..

5- Mohammed V Street: which is characterised by way of constructions of French elegance, with a size of two km.

  1. Burj Dubai Casablanca Towers: It is an built-in complicated for business, shopping, tourism and entertainment, with a luxurious lodge and a complicated of residential apartments.
  2.  Morocco Mall: Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on an place of 250 thousand rectangular meters, with 350 retail outlets imparting merchandise of 600 worldwide brands, in addition to restaurants, leisure facilities, resting websites and vast inexperienced areas.
  3.  Arab League Garden: courting again to 1913, designed in the fashion of French gardens with an place of 30 hectares
  4.  The historical city: a historic region surrounded via a wall that has countless most important gates, the most well-known of which is the Marrakesh Gate, and it is one of the most well-known areas in tourism in Casablanca in spite of its historic age, as it consists of historic monuments represented via historic mosques and vintage homes The coast is one of the most well-known neighborhoods.

Bab Marrakesh is one of the most necessary symbols of tourism in Casablanca, one of the gates of the ancient metropolis and it is meant via most site visitors to Casablanca for the motive of purchasing or to study about the records of the ancient metropolis no matter its crumple due to the earthquake that struck the location in 1775

Top movies filmed in Morocco.

Casablanca.

Casablanca, Nest of Spies

Lawrence of Arabia

Gladiator

Babel

Sex and the City 2

Othello

The Man Who Knew Too Much

Marrakech Express

The Mummy

Black Hawk Down

American Sniper

Captain Phillips

Spies Like Us

Days of Glory

Of Gods and Me

Mission impossible and many more films were pictured in Morocco. Below are posters  of few movies filmed in Morocco.

Most people not only visit because of its world class attractions and stunning locations but also for its safety and security. Morocco is renowned for being one of the most peaceful destinations in Africa with a low crime rate.

 

 

Many distinctive film administrators have visited Morocco over the previous few years along with Ridley Scott, one of the most treasured and skilled administrators in the world who is famend for his fashionable important points and has most of his films shot in the Sahara Desert such as Black Hawk Down, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and Body of Lies.Most provinces of Morocco are regarded a best stage for film production. Casablanca is the shoot place for the famous film Babel and some other warm spot the place movies are produced is Ait Benhaddou. Some different films filmed right here consist of Jesus of Nazareth, The Sheltering Sky, Lawrence of Arabian and Kundun.Morocco is really worth your precious holiday time due to the fact it is a lovely  place that now not solely attracts heaps of lots of traffic yearly however additionally documentary and film makers.

MOROCCO  FOOD.

Morocco food is fueled by exchange of many nations and cultures on last several years. Moroccan cuisine is a mixture of Arabic,Andalussi,Berber and Mediterranean meal.The most commonly cooked Moroccan food dishes consist of lamb, followed by chicken, and are usually prepared the traditional way in a tagine. A tagine is a traditional round clay dish with a cone-shaped lid used to lock in heat and flavour, braising meat and vegetables until tender and super-fragrant. Along with meats, legumes such as lentils and chickpeas are also popular to add protein. Hearty vegetables like pumpkin, potatoes, and carrots are commonly added to tagines with the clever additions of olives for saltiness and fruits like currants and pomegranate seeds for sweetness.

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GLORY TO UKRAINE

Treat your friend as if he might become an enemy.

                                    Почему Путин напал на Украину……Why Putine attacked on Ukarine

   Какой главный спор между Россией и Украиной стал причиной вторжения России в Украину

   What is main dispute between Russian and Ukarain that caused Inavasion of Ukrain by Russia

The situation that developed a few months before the start of the special operation in Ukraine. Then, too, Western and Ukrainian speakers were pumping, and the Western and Ukrainian media, as if on cue, squealed: “Putin is about to attack Ukraine!” And only the Russian side had to constantly make excuses, they say, we are not going to attack anyone. But a special military operation still had to be started, with a preemptive strike, a day before the upcoming blitzkrieg of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the LDNR. And now everything seems to be developing according to a similar scenario, only in the role of Russia – Belarus, and in the role of Ukraine – Poland.

I have decided to conduct a special military operation.

 

Before invading, the Russian parliament accredited the navy action. Putin’s invasion has the full guide of the Russian public. … Just earlier than the invasion, there used to be some thing on the order of 2,000 violations of the ceasefire by way of the Ukraine in opposition to the Donbas.Putin recommended the neighbors “not to boost the situation.” However, for the time being, the Kremlin managed, if now not to reorient Ukraine in the direction of Russia, then at least to forestall its entire flip to the West. … Why Ukraine? Despite the Kremlin’s ongoing rhetoric about the “Nazi regime” in Kyiv, the principal motive for such shut interest to Ukraine lies no longer in the ideological component, however in the geopolitical role of the country. … Therefore, if Russia, for example, decides to assault neighboring Latvia or Estonia (both NATO members), then all thirty contributors of the North Atlantic Alliance are obliged to declare conflict on the aggressor. Russia topped the rating of international locations with the greatest variety of sanctions.”We won’t allow such a mistake a second time,” Vladimir Putin said. The problem is that on our own historical territories adjacent to us, a hostile “anti-Russia” was created, which was placed under complete external control, intensively settled by the armed forces of the NATO countries and pumped up with weapons. … And already on March 17, Biden announced that he would send another $1 billion worth of weapons to Ukraine. That is, indeed, the United States is ready to fight in Ukraine to the last Ukrainian.  Why didn’t the Ukrainian military hear Putin’s call? The fact is that the Ukrainian grouping of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the National Guard, concentrated near the borders of the DPR and LPR, was “charged” for a quick victory in the Donbass

                                                             CELEBRATION OF NEW YEAR IN MOSCOW

what the FSB intelligence reported to Putin before the start of the war, and why the Chekists are now “thirsty for the blood” of their colleagues from the fifth service … As a result, Putin, when deciding to invade Ukraine, relied mainly on the reports of his former colleagues, including “ big fifth service “of the FSB (it is so called to distinguish it from the fifth services within the smaller units of the FSB). … Secondly, because the Russian authorities have always looked at Ukraine as a province of their metropolis, and no one in the FSB really tried to understand what was really happening in the neighboring country. … It is important to understand what is in the minds of these people in order to understand how they could make such a disastrous decision to attack a once brotherly country.

On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of an operation to demilitarize Ukraine in response to the shelling of the recently recognized DPR and LPR by Moscow. Why did the Russian leadership take such a step, why does the West not want to get involved in the conflict, and how will the European security system be rebuilt? … “Isolation won’t scare Russia” Why did Moscow decide to launch an operation in the Donbass and how will it change European security? . Early on the morning of February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of a military operation to demilitarize Ukraine in response to shelling of the recently recognized Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.This is most unfortunate that support of NATO towards Ukraine has prolonged the war.After imposing sanctions against Russia,Putin is more furious and there are possibilities to use nuclear arsenal by Russia.On the other hand USA has recently announced another package of military assistance to Ukraine worth near about $.2 billion including latest air defense system and patriot Missile.Last week.

 

“According to the latest data, Russia has confirmed 3,392 Ukrainian prisoners, but as many as 15,000 people, including many civilians, have been reported missing in Ukraine,” Ukraine’s ombudswoman for the rights of prisoners of war and presidential adviser Alena Verbitskaya said Russian forces deliver massive strike on Ukrainian command centers, defense industry sites.Several targets were struck & it seems that The goal of massive strike has been achieved.

During last week of December, missile troops and artillery struck 73 Ukrainian artillery units at firing positions, manpower and military equipment in 86 areas. In the area of the settlement of Lebedin in the Sumy Region, a radar station of a Ukrainian S-300 anti-aircraft missile system was destroyed. In areas near the settlements of Vesyoloye and Chasov Yar in the Donetsk People’s Republic, positions were uncovered and two AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radars of US manufacture were obliterated.Approximately 97% population of Ukraine is Catholic christian but it seems strange that a jew is ruling the country.It is time to think what is behind the scene as why America is supportive to Jew leader.Due to energy crisis, price of food and gas has g0ne up and every family living in Germany or in Czech Republic or in Hungary or France are badly effected.It is high time for America to revise policy against Russia and Now when Putin has offered to sit with Zelnesky for negotiation to settle all important issues, such opportunity must be availed.The economies of Russia and Ukraine were deeply intertwined. … “But for some reason certain powers do not want to learn themselves.” … With the invasion of Ukraine, there is no one left who thinks Putin is merely acting like a standard post-Soviet Russian politician. … Viktor Medvedchuk, a close ally of Putin who was considered his point man in Ukraine, was placed under house arrest.on  6th Jan,2023 Putin declared ceasefire for three days for Orthodox Christians but Zelenseky dismissed this offer. I  the author of this post accept my weak knowledge about Catholic, Protestants and orthodox Christian but as per my information, one of the main cause of Ukraine war is establishment of Orthodox Church in Moscow. While Ukraine Wants complete independence from Moscow Orthodox Church. Moscow sometimes refer to itself as the third Rome because Moscow see themselves as the supreme sovereign of Christian orthodox nations because majority of orthodox Christians are living in East Europe and Greece and Istanbul.

In order to establish peace in this region, everyone needs to make efforts on his own. Peace cannot be achieved by the efforts of any one person. Everyone has to be ready for this. Peace is the only way through which we can make this world a better place. We can give a better world to the next generation through peace.In the end,my humble request to all concerned to come on dialogue  for solving the main issues and to create environment of peace. What Else is left to say ?

            Take care and keep on reading my blogs.Speak to you soon in my next blog.                                

 

 

 

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Grindelwald………mountain resorts in Switzerland

Last October it was long week end,so we decided to travel towards Switzerland’s famous mountain areas.It is a small town which is called “GRINDELWALD”. We planned to travel by car.

Driving distance is  523 km (325 mi) estimated cost of fuel is US$100–144,it took 6 hours and 30 minutes to reach destination from Luxembourg.Grindelwald is one of the most famous mountain motels in Switzerland. It’s well-known for its amazing surroundings of the mountains, a huge range of out of doors things to do in all seasons, and additionally shopping.The village of Grindelwald is placed in the Swiss Bernese Alps and is bordered through the north face of the Eiger and the Wetterhorn. Known regionally as ‘the bright Eiger village’, Grindelwald presents awesome views and lots of things to do to hold traffic happy.During the wintry weather months, Grindelwald buzzes with ski enthusiasts; you solely have to take a seem to be at a Grindelwald map to find out the extensive range of Grindelwald ski trails on offer.

As you’ll study in this blog, there are sufficient things  to do in Grindelwald to spend a week there. But, if you solely have a day or two, you won’t be disillusioned either.If you are heading to the Jungfrau location and are thinking about activities to do, Grindelwald in Switzerland is solely about half-an-hour from Interlaken by using educate and gives a lot of options.Whether you decide on to take section in some Grindelwald hiking, would like to take an adrenaline-fuelled trip via the summer time skies, choose to take a day out to the summit of the Jungfraujoch or would certainly love the hazard to loosen up at a spa, there is masses to do in this charming Swiss town.

 

Grindelwald has many delights to discover, and the Jungfraujoch tour is one of the best. It’s additionally one of the pinnacle motives that travelers go to Grindelwald.This super trip to the summit of the Jungfraujoch at 3,454 metres is one of Switzerland’s most famous day trips.Known as Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, the mountain top can be reached with the aid of teach from Grindelwald in round ninety minutes, or, as of December 2022, through cable automobile to Eiger Glacier station with a connecting teach to Jungfraujoch in round 30 minutes.Numerous Grindelwald matters to do watch for you at the summit which includes an ice palace, the Sphinx Observatory which gives awe-inspiring views of the Aletsch Glacier, retail outlets and restaurants, and snow things to do in summer.The Jungfraujoch can be visited 365 days of the year.Due to the reputation of this excursion, it is encouraged that you purchase your tickets in advance.

 

 

Grindelwald – Männlichen – Grindelwald offerings function from 9am to 5pm day by day (Closed till 25 May, 2022 and then from 24 October to sixteen December, 2022).

 

If you revel in hiking, Grindelwald will go well with you perfectly. There are several paths and trails appropriate for any degree of hiker, from novices to greater superior walkers. We’ve already cited the hike to Bachalpsee above but there are lots of different hikes to pick out from, as you can see on this Jungfrau Region trekking map.

THINGS TO DO IN WINDELWALD:

1.Swiss Alps

2.Louter Brannen water fall

3.Moennilchen romantic trail.

4 . Attitude ski.

5.Faulhorn

6.Gross schelolegg.

 

                        ”  I don’t know as much about this place as other people,so these are just my thoughts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Istanbul….is the new cool

 

A year ago, I ventured out to Turkey with a friend of mine. To ensure we could taste a touch of all that Turkey could offer, we remained in the country for about ten days. We were additionally joined by a decent family companion who had relocated to Turkey many years back. “Two weeks will not be sufficient to investigate Turkey,” she cautioned us. Yet, at any rate, the fourteen days gave us a feeling of all that Turkey is acclaimed for. We landed at Istanbul international airport early in the morning and went straight to the residence of our Turkish friend who had already arranged for our stay in a good and neat and clean location .Below is the picture of building where we stayed for almost 14 days.Empire based totally itself right here for centuries, battle struggle after war, struggle after battle. The name Istanbul was being utilized from the 10th century onwards. It gets its name from the Greek “eis ten polin” which means “around there.” In the 1930’s the Turkish Postal Service made a law legitimately declaring the sole name be Istanbul.Istanbul is one of the world’s amazing cities. There are so many notable motives why you ought to go to this city. Istanbul is old, relationship returned heaps of years, and with that, there are many historic locations to visit. Istanbul is gorgeous, with its assortment of mosques and their colourful tile work and dramatic architecture. Istanbul is charming; we met so many welcoming, pleasant humans here. And finally, Istanbul is domestic to the Hagia Sophia, an splendid architectural feat and one of the Wonders of the World.

 

Galata Tower

Istanbul, one of the more importantly appealing cities in the world, has got several historical buildings with comely architecture and stories. Galata Tower is one of those structures which draw travelers and tourists as it’s situated in a engaged zone interconnecting Karaköy, Eminönü, and Beyoğlu.Galata Tower is strategically located on top of a hill with an approximate altitude of 35 meters.The Galata Tower is mostly known throughout the world for “Hezerfan Ahmet Çelebi” who tried to fly across the Bosphorus with his wings composed of eagle feathers from the Galata Tower and succeeded in landing safely.

Haiga Sophia.

Hagia Sophia served as model for several of the great Turkish mosques of Constantinople.Considered as one of the world’s most prominent designs, Hagia Sophia is a social diamond. Worked as a Christian church, Hagia Sophia ultimately developed into a mosque, and afterward a gallery. Right now, the construction remains as a mosque once more; yet, vacationers are still allowed to enter and investigate it.

GRAND BAZAR.

 

Istanbul is inspiring because it has its own code of architecture, literature, poetry, music.

Consistent with its name, the Grand Bazaar is known as perhaps the biggest market on the planet. With this, it offers a wide assortment of products: under its rooftop, it covers more than 4,000 shops and invites practically a large portion of 1,000,000 clients every day! Implicit 1455, the Grand Bazaar is additionally probably the most established market; henceforth, it has become a recorded fortune of Turkey also.

 

GALTA BRIDGE.

 

Its unmistakable quality in postcards and works of expressions demonstrates that the Galata Bridge is one of the tourist spots Turkey is acclaimed for. Spreading over the Golden Horn, it makes a well known touring course for travelers in Istanbul. Just beneath it, bistros and cafés line up, permitting individuals to assemble in a quintessential Turkish way.Istanmbol carried different names during different ears.Up until the year 330 Istanbul was known as Byzantium, and then until 1453 Constantinople. Its current name of Istanbul only came into being on the 28th March 1930. Istanbul was the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, and later of the Ottoman Empire.List of its name is long as produced below;

Lygos

 Byzantium

 Augusta Antonina

 New Rome

 Constantinople

 Other Byzantine names

 Kostantiniyye

 Istanbul

 Stamboul

 Islambol

 

TURKISH TEA  AND COFFEE.

 

In Turkey, offering tea is a typical standard of behavior. Regardless of whether you visit a nearby home or drop by a trinket shop, hope to be introduced a glass of tea. Commonly, Turkish tea is served in a small glass, on a curious saucer with desserts like kurabiye (rolls) or Turkish joy.The Turks have a quite certain strategy for their espresso: They just use finely ground beans, heating up the combination on a cezve (little pot) until it froths. Sugar, whenever liked, is added while bubbling.

When the readiness is finished, the espresso is filled a kahve finjanı — a small porcelain cup the size of a coffee.In the Balkans and Turkey, a most loved sit back is drinking Turkish espresso followed by having your fortune told from the extra coffee beans in the cup. Turkish espresso readings fall in the class of Tasseography, the divination strategies for deciphering designs in tea leaves, coffee beans or wine residue. Turkish espresso readings are finished by proficient psychics or between companions who have some involvement in it yet it’s anything but custom to peruse your own cup. For instance, I grew up with my grandma offering readings to her companions and the expertise of Turkish espresso readings is passed down the ages.

At the point when a perusing is mentioned, the soothsayer will do the accompanying:Set up a solid, smooth Turkish espresso Serve the espresso in little cups with a strong white inside Ask the individual drinking the espresso to drink the espresso with expectation, which means to consider their inquiries they drink. In certain nations the individual will be needed to drink the espresso in a specific number of tastes, generally 1,3, 5 At the point when they are finished drinking, they will flip around the cup over on the saucer Then, at that point, request that they bring the topsy turvy cup and saucer and keeping in mind that contemplating their goal, whirl the cup and saucer multiple times clockwise or counterclockwise, extricating the silt inside.

 

EVIL EYE.

I always wear my evil eye necklace to ward off bad karma. I always wear one to protect me.

In Turkey’s way of life, the hostile stare is regularly worn as an appeal. Individuals who wear this, ordinarily as an arm band or a pendant, accept that the appeal avoids underhanded spirits and misfortune. You can track down the well-known hostile stare in a few trinket assortments as well, for example, key chains, divider adornments, even teacups! The history of the evil eye dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, followed by Assyrians and Phoenicians, Celts, the Hellenistic Era, Roman, Jewish through to the Bible, Europe, and the modern-day world.

 

 

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WORTH SEEING OLDEST CITIES.

 

When I published my first blog in Jan 2020, I had a plan to visit few countries of eastern Europe but unfortunately due to covid-19, I could not travel. Feeling necessary to provide Good, informative, and interesting blogs to my readers, I thought it proper to write a blog about ancient cities of the world which I had the opportunity to visit in the past. From 1996 to 2012. I traveled many times to the far east and stayed a few days in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Below is the detail of my visit to these cities as well as to some European and African cities.

 

NARA JAPAN…..To me, Old God sure was in a good mood when he made this place.

On my first visit to Nara, I genuinely couldn’t accept the obvious reality. Running uninhibitedly through the deepest sanctuary region was a huge number of tame deer. This region is called Nara Park and ought to be at the actual top of spots to visit in Nara. In Nara Prefecture, you get the extraordinary chance to dive into Japan’s generally old past. Nara was the main perpetual capital of the then still youthful Japanese realm. Some may state, it never got outperformed. Epic Buddhist sanctuaries and unpredictable Shinto sanctums endure the ages as a demonstration of its previous magnificence. Japan is known as perhaps the most seasoned country in Asia. It is a spot loaded with convention, and long periods of evading Westerners have kept their legacy rich. Nara, the most established city in the entirety of Japan, is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai locale. This city was additionally Japan’s capital somewhere in the range of 710 and 794. A snappy look at the Nara Map will reveal to you that there are several sanctuaries and hallowed places to visit.

                                                            LANTERN TEMPLE IN NARA

 

Chŏnju South Korea. ……I visited many places, Some of the quiet, Exotic and far away.

My business friend Mr.K.M.Song arrived at my hotel early in the morning and told me that we are going to visit Chonju,(one of the oldest city of south Korea.) It was a sunny day and I enjoyed traveling along with Mr. Song by road.

It is 21 miles east of the Yellow Sea and is encircled by steep slopes with sustained strongholds, Perhaps the oldest city in Korea. the city has numerous historical structures, including Korea’s biggest leftover neighborhood of customary houses (hanok). . It is connected by rail and thruway with Seoulnorth through Taejŏn (Daejeon) and with the port urban communities of Kunsan (Gunsan) and Yŏsu (Yeosu). The city is famous for paper processing and car parts production.The city is additionally the instructive focal point of the territory, being the site of Chungbuk National University, Cheongju University, Seowon University, and the Cheongju National University of Education. An authentic printing historical center remembers Korea’s initial improvement of printing by methods for versatile sort—of which a privately created treasure, an assortment of Buddhist lessons known as the Jikji  is a prominent model.

 

Lopburi, ThailandOver the course of my life, I’ve been to lots of places.

 

The “City of Monkeys” is around three hours drive from Bangkok. It is one of the most seasoned possessed urban areas in Thailand. Lopburi was one of the urban communities of the old Angkor Empire (presently Cambodia), and it turned into the second capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the sixth century A.D. Lopburi a previous capital and the second capital after Ayutthaya was set up in 1350. It was deserted subsequent to King Narai’s died in 1688, yet parts were re-established in 1856 by King Mongkut (King Rama IV) and in 1864 it was made the mid-year capital. Lopburi is known for the many crab-eating macaques that overwhelm the Old Town, particularly in the territory around Phra Prang Sam Yod and Phra Kaan Shrine. Lopburi is likewise known by different names, for example, Lavo, Luovo, and Lavapura. Isolated into old and new towns, visitors won’t be baffled as there are a lot of things to see. One feature of this antiquated city is the Phra Prang Sam Yot Temple or “Monkey Temple.” Heat can be a significant trouble, however visiting a wonderful illustration of Angkor or Khmer Empire design can be justified, despite any trouble

 

Beirut, Lebanon …… Better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times.

Unearthing’s during the 1990s uncovered proof of 5,000 years of progress, dating the city, which is presently Lebanon’s capital, to around 3,000 B.C., It is said that Beirut was home of the most noticeable graduate school in the Roman Empire before it was demolished in a tremor in A.D. 551. Byblos, a port city on the bank of the Mediterranean, has been persistently possessed since in any event 5,000 B.C. As per Ancient History Encyclopedia, papyrus was one of the city’s fundamental exchange things old occasions, and therefore, the Greeks took the name of the city as their promise for book – “biblos.”

Sidon, which signifies “fishery” in Greek, is a port city around 25 miles from Beirut. It was possessed as right on time as 4,000 B.C., Sidon was one of the principal spots to produce purple color, which was so costly and extraordinary that the shading purple got representative of sovereignty. It is perhaps the most established city on the planet, occupied over 5,000 years back. The primary chronicled notice of Beirut is found in the old Egyptian Tell el Amarna letters dating from the fifteenth century BC. The Beirut River flows towards north on the east corner of the city.All above mentioned information about Beirut was provided by Mr.Bassam *(Liaison officer in Lebanon during my one week stay there. )

 

 

 

Faiyum, Egypt ……..  Traveling is almost like talking with men of other centuries.

Truly speaking I had no plan to visit Egypt and I had not arranged any visa. My flight was from New York to Frankfurt to Cairo to Karachi. Landing at Cairo airport was very jumpy, uncomfortable, and rough. Anyway thanks to God we landed safely and came to know that during landing a tyre of the plane is burst. The Crew of the plane advised that all passengers should remain seated inside plane as the management of the airline is trying to arrange a transit visa for one day because it will take many hours to arrange a new tyer. To make a long story short, we got visas and rooms in a hotel, and thus during my one-day stay in Egypt, I availed myself the opportunity to visit Faiyum, which is only two hours & twenty minutes’ drive from Cairo.On old occasions, Faiyum was a huge desert garden in Egypt known for its fruitfulness and nearness to a part of the Nile River. People were living in the locale at some point before 7,200 B.C., and its first rural local area was set up around 5,200 B.C. The district in the long run got home to a few towns and urban areas and is most popular for the Faiyum Portraits, an assortment of mummy covers. Current Faiyum sits in the Faiyum Oasis. Important sites to visit are as below:

 

 

Hawara, archeological site 27 km (17 mi) from the city. Lahun Pyramids, 4 km (2 mi) outside the city. Qaitbay Mosque, in the city, and was worked by the spouse of the Mamluk Sultan Qaitbay. Channel Elrayan or Wadi Rayan, the biggest cascades in Egypt, around 50 km (31 mi) from the city. Aqueduct Al-Hitan or Valley of whales, a paleontological site in the Al Fayyum Governorate, exactly 150 km (93 mi) southwest of Cairo.

 

 

 

Susa, Iran …  To Travel is to Live.

 

The occasion was Asian games and the venue was Tehran. I was part of My country’s sports delegate but we lost our first match(it was knock-out base) and became free for few days till the return of the entire delegate. My colleague Mr. Dawood had some knowledge of the Persian spoken language and told me that some Iranian players had a lot of praise for Susa which is the oldest city of Iran. Considering it a golden opportunity, we planned to visit this oldest city of Iran. The manager of Empire hotel was very kind to arrange transport for us thus we manage to visit this city.  After driving almost 8 hours, we reached at Susa. rambling in the southwest of present-day Iran, Susa is one of the most seasoned at this point heavenly urban areas on the planet. No compelling reason to take off of town, the advanced desert garden of Shush spreads around the base of old Susa, whose relics possess the level beat focal slope. Susa is around 708 kilometers from Tehran.

The old city of Susa, which is currently called Shush, started as a little settlement in 7,000 B.C. furthermore, transformed into a metropolitan territory in 4,200 B.C., as per the Ancient History Encyclopedia. In 324 B.C., it was the site of the Susa Weddings, where Alexander the Great organized the marriage of in excess of 10,000 Macedonians and Persians trying to join the way of life. Susa is referenced in the Ketuvim of the Hebrew Bible by the name Shushan, Nehemiah likewise lived in Susa during the Babylonian imprisonment of the sixth century BCE while Esther became sovereign there, wedded to King Ahasuerus, and saved the Jews from the massacre. A burial chamber ventured to be that of Daniel is situated in the region, known as Shush-Daniel. Notwithstanding, a huge segment of the current design is really a lot later development dated to the late nineteenth century.

 

Cologne ……   The world is a book and those who don’t travel read only one page.

 

During my one-year stay in Germany, I tried to explore many cities of Germany. I have been to Koln, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Koblenz, Humburg, Bonn, Speyer, and trier. I also visited Wuppertal, Remscheid, Gummer Bach, and Denis burg.

I also worked in a metal factory for few weeks in Radevormwald where I met a German girl. Her name was Rose merry Taut. she was secretary of chief executive of said metal factory. Very nice very polite and good-looking women. Today, Cologne is Germany’s fourth biggest city and is generally known for its noteworthy Gothic basilica, Christmas markets and Karneval festivities. An early Roman settlement established the framework for the city Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium which was established in 50 AD. A few memorable locales demonstrate the veracity of these occasions and can be seen today. Other than the remaining parts of the old city dividers and lookouts across the city, features incorporate a very much safeguarded vaulted sewage framework and the Praetorium, the previous Roman Governor’s Palace. The Romano-Germanic Museum shows a huge range of uncovering finds, including pottery, coins, weaponry and the incredibly famous Dionysus mosaic remaining parts. It is pertinent to mention here that it took 632 years to complete Konner Dom. ( Nowadays, my friend Mr.Rana Khan lives in Koln and whenever I visit Germany I am always his un-paid guest)

 

BONN….    Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.

Bonn isn’t just the origin of Ludwig van Beethoven, but at the same time is the previous capital of Germany, also home to the German UN-seat and based on establishments that are over 2,000 years of age. Over hundreds of years, the 12 BC Roman settlement Castra Bonnensia developed to be a significant city along the river Rhine. You can see the pieces of hand-painted paintings and different displays at the Haus der Geschichte, while the lasting presentation at the LVR Landesmuseum grandstands a broad assortment of the curio from the locale.

 

Koblenz …… Adventures are the best way to learn

Directly at the intersection of Germany’s most sentimental waterway and the Moselle sits Koblenz. Troops under the order of Julius Caesar perceived the essential significance of the area and raised the garrison named Castellum apud Confluences in 9 BC. Some remaining parts are as yet noticeable today, however, in the over 2,000 years of its reality, Koblenz has offered to ascend to great sights from all ages. The St Kastor basilica, the Electoral Palace, and the Deutsches Eck landmark only a couple of notoriety But the supreme features are the streetcar ride up to Ehrenbreitstein stronghold and the all-encompassing perspectives over Koblenz that sit tight for you up top and the neo-Gothic Stolzenfels Castle.

 

Trier…    Travel is my therapy

 

Trier is usually named as Germany’s most established city, going back to the main century BC. Despite the fact that the city has an interesting history, various Roman sights, and is inside simple reach from significant centers, for example, Cologne and Frankfurt, it’s as yet fairly outside of what might be expected objective. Visiting the all-around safeguarded Porta Nigra, supreme bathhouses and the amphitheater here resembles making a stride back so as to the antiquated universe of the Roman Empire. The bathhouse represents an ancient beauty parlor, swimming pool, cafe, park, or plaza. It was a place where members of the community came to socialize, enjoy a day of pampering, rejuvenation, and experience some culture.

 

Speyer …… Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.

Speyer is exactly thirty minutes drive from Heidelberg and wows with millennia of history. In 10 BC Romans raised a military camp in what is presently Speyer’s downtown area and later called the settlement Noviomagus. In the Middle Ages, the city of Speyer (formerly Spira), Germany, was home to one of the most significant Jewish communities. during Roman Empire Discoveries from that time are shown at the Historical Museum of the Palatinate, however, the city’s most noticeable milestone is the supreme Cathedral, Jewish cemetery, and a lot of other historical monuments. You can also enjoy there a menu of popular dishes of Jewish/Israeli cuisine, such as hummus, falafel, cholent, and halva parfait. (Everything is prepared according to the Jewish food regulations (kosher).

                                                                          AN OLD HOUSE IN SPEYER.

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PRAGUE…… CITY OF HUNDRED SPIRES.

Prague,the capital of Czech Republic

 

Although it was our plan to visit Prague in last summer but due to covid-19 and few other issues, we had to postpone our program.Now after buying new BMW, we decided to travel to Prague in December holidays by road.According to our calculation if going by car, the driving distance between Luxembourg and Prague is 730.4 km. If you drive your car with an average speed of 110 kilometers/hour, travel time will be 06 hours 25 minutes. However we took almost 8 hours and 40 minutes to reach Prague. Our first stop was Rhine River & then Heidelberg, then Nuremberg. Our last stop was Plzen and then we were in Czech Republic.Prague is a legendary for castle, Baroque and gothic cathedral, medieval squares, dreamy bridges, night life spots and an energetic arts scene. It is notable for its centuries of history and cultural heritage. Wherever the medieval heart of Europe will be felt in its paving stone streets.

Located in the Mala Strana in the coronary heart of the city, the Infant Jesus of Prague (also recognized as the Child of Prague) is a Roman Catholic statue of Jesus Christ as an infant. Everyday thousands of believers pay a go to to this shrine to pray, bow and make needs hoping that they will come true. The statue itself is encased in an ornate gilded shrine and whilst the beginning of the discern is unknown, it has been dated lower back to the sixteenth Century.Prague, capital town of the Czech Republic, is bisected by using the Vltava River. Nicknamed “ the City of Hundred Spires,” it is recognized for its Old Town Square, the coronary heart of its historical core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic church buildings and the medieval Astronomical Clock .

 

The astronomical clock in Prague is also known as the Orlog.It shows the positions of Earth,Sun.Moon and Zodiac constellations.

Shopping from modern garments to charming souvenirs, Prague is one in all the simplest destination for shopaholics in Europe.If you are looking for the most recent trends, parizska street may be well-known searching district in Praha with designer boutiques.Prague is placed on the banks of the Vitorva river and what higher thanks to expertise this river side capital than to sweep through its most historic sights. Floating on a cruise on the Czech republic longest stream enable you to see the bridges and red roofed homes of Prague from distinct perspective. This way you won’t need to vie with the crowds permanently photos of the attractions too.

                                                                                          Restaurant with medieval them

                 Must visit

  • Astronomical Clock Tower (advance tickets →)
  • Clementinum.
  • Petrin Hill & Lookout Tower.
  • Old Town Bridge Tower & Lesser Town Bridge Tower.
  • Hotel U Prince Rooftop restaurant.
  • Vyšehrad.
  • Grounds of Prague Castle.
  • Letna beer gardens.

                                                                                                   Letna Beer garden.

 

 

People of the Czech Republic drink beer more than any other country. Beer garden called Letna beer garden is situated on the top of hill and you can view most of the city locations.In Letna beer garden you will find long wooden benches line on the eastern corner of the park.During business hours there is always huge rush and you have to share a table with other visitors mostly local young guys as well as foreign tourists.

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NORMANDI…..A FANTASTIC PLACE TO VISIT.

                                                                                           Courtesy of google.

During long week end in last November, few friends of mine planned to visit Normandy. We planned to travel from Luxembourg to Normandy By train which is almost six hour journey. We took train from Luxembourg to Le Havre via Paris Est, Magenta, Haussmann Saint-Lazare, Paris St Lazare, Le Havre, and Gares .Traveling for almost six hours we all were exhausted,so after having dinner we went to hotel rooms and had a sound sleep.With its stunning, wealthy records and multifarious scenery, Normandy has a great deal to provide travelers and different visitors. The French place has one of the country’s most famous vacationer sights, Mont Saint-Michel, as nicely as extraordinary castles, fantastic churches, and scenic historic cities like Rouen.So first of all we took a taxi for Mont Saint Michel which is located at the mouth of the Couesnon river.it’s a medieval village constructed on pinnacle of a big rock, which include an abbey constructed in the eighth century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is like you have traveled again in time. The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel and Notre-Dame Sous Terre Chapel are simply two of the must-see locations here. Food-wise, you’ll locate many crêperies – wheat flour and buckwheat pancakes eating places – as properly as the world-famous Omelet de la Mère Poulard – a restaurant reputed to serve the satisfactory omelet in the world, however additionally one of the most steeply-priced.


 

Normandy is a rural place properly recognized for its cheeses and apple cider. Head to Livarot to pattern 1 of the four famed cheeses produced in Normandy, known as Livarot. The three others are Camembert, Pont l’Evêque and Pavé d’Auge. Accompanied with the aid of a glass of candy and crisp apple cider, the nutty and fruity style of Livarot is sublime. The excellent vicinity to pattern Livarot is at the Fromagerie Graindorge. You’ll examine how this cheese is produced and have the opportunity to pattern and buy many nearby products. Accommodations wise, there may be a variety of inns in the metropolis of Lisieux, 15 km away from Livarot and incredibly livelier.

 

 

On June sixth 1944 the Normandy landings started out the integral hostilities to supply France and Europe from the Nazis. This historical navy operation – first of its sort at such a scale – has left many memorials, monuments, museums, and cemeteries that offers you the probability to study extra about this period. Many human beings come right here to pay tribute to these who sacrificed their life. From the extraordinarily transferring Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial close to Omaha Beach to the informative D-Day Museum in Arromanche, there are many web sites devoted to these tragic occasions alongside the Norman Coast.Taking a wider view, during the Battle of Normandy over 425,000 Allied and German troops were killed, wounded or went missing. This figure includes around 210,000 Allied casualties, with nearly 37,000 killed amongst the ground forces and a further 16,000 deaths amongst the Allied air forces.

                                                                               Containing more than 9300 graves,American cemetery,most visited place in Normandy.

Our trip to Normandy was very informative as lot of historic events came in to our knowledge.The very next day in the morning , we started our journey back to Luxembourg.Staying three days in Luxembourg,I took my flight for Pakistan where I had to attend a wedding ceremony.Also I  stayed one week with my elder daughter and grand kids.

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ITALY IS ITALY.

 

 

 

A person who has not visited Italy, must be suffering inferiority complex  not having seen what it is expected a man should see. Italian people add work and life on food and wine. To me, Italian people live their lives better than us. Italy is very older country and it is worth to note how they celebrate Dinner and lunch. I appreciate the simplicity, the culture, the history and seasonal ability of Italian cousin. In cooking still they follow their grandma traditions.

About Italian food is however something I can write a book about. It is amazing how with such  a few ingredients they make food that has amazing flavor. Give them some tomato, cheese and dough and they will make you the most delicious Pizza in this world. Give him mushroom, water and flour and he will make you the best Pasta you have ever taste. Italian people depends mostly on fresh, seasonal products and it is reflected in vegetable menu like Contorno” that always complements to protein entree in Italian meal. Majority of tourists rely on guide book but by asking the locals, one can find the best food place.With all the type of pasta and other dishes,pasta has grow to be a image of Italian life style.

Pasta making mama

After hours of exploring the city on foot, I decided to take the Trip Advisor recommendation for a late lunch and took the bus all way up the cliffs to have food at a restaurant namely “La Tagliata.” It was rightly placed on the top of the mountains, owned by a small Italian family – two guys and their mom. Its located on a terrace with gorgeous views, serves a 5 course meal in 30 euros – and that’s why you cannot get in without a reservation because it’s always packed. I did not have a booking but the owner was kind enough to give in to the smile I flashed at him and he set me up a table for one on the sun roof. I sat there in complete awe of the view down below me, as I lunched with the clouds floating right next to me. Home cooked food was served to me in 5 courses and I was struggling to finish the huge quantity despite it being delicious. But as the guy informed me “… and senora, for your next course, mama has made pasta with parmesano and herbs….” I lost track of what he said after “mama has made..” my heart melted and I murmured … “yes pls. bring what mama has made.” This was a dream come true for me. I was in an absolutely beautiful place, with stunning views, having Italian food that mama had cooked. I could visualize a chubby Italian mama kneading the dough and making me in that moment.homemade pasta filled with love and the amazing Italian flavors. I would have eaten whatever they served.

I was so full I couldn’t move by the time I finished the meal. I don’t think I ever have eaten that much. Thanking the family I walked out of the restaurant and decided to walk all the way down to the beach. But as the roman gods would have it, it started to rain cats and dogs. I ended up being drenched, waiting under a bus shelter waiting for the bus to take me down. In Italy making a fresh Pasta is not reserved for special occasions, it is a way of life. I feel olive oil runs through their veins as someone told me that the average Italian consumes near about 14 liters of olive oil every year. The trouble with eating Italian food is that after four or 5 days , you are hungry again. Italian people stroll in to work at 10.Lunch from 12 to 3 and leave work at 5 and this is the real living. Florence is wonderful as it seems to be like mixture of water and wine. Venice is like eating extra large box of chocolate.I noticed (this is my observation) certain thing Italian do like Pakistanis,( or you can say Pakistani do like Italian) For example  Italian people avoid to wear seat belt same as Pakistani do. Some of them throw litter out of the window of their car…same habit in Pakistanis. However there are certain more strange things I found in Italian…If you drive slow or do any mistake you’ll have a lot of Italian drivers honking and flashing their lights at you.Sorrento ,located in southern Italy is very famous spot for visitors and tourists.

 

The well-known Angel of Grief sculpture by means of William Wetmore Story (1894) is possibly the solely piece of cemetery artwork that has been replicated extra than forty times, adorning funerary monuments all over the world, and featured in different artwork varieties as well. It seems on various heavy steel and rock bands album covers, amongst which Evanescence EP by using Evanescence (1998), The Edges of Twilight by using the Canadian Rock band The Tea Party (1995), Embossed Dream in Four Acts by using the Greek heavy steel band Odes of Ecstasy (1998) and Once by using the Finnish symphonic metallic band Nightwish (2004).

 

 

 

 

 

It is their belief that  cold air hit can cause sudden death so they never go out with wet hair. They are very religious to some extent, for instance , in the car when driving by a religious spot, you’ll see them make the sign of the cross (head, chest, shoulder, shoulder) . It always comes back to food. When a friend stops by for coffee in the afternoon, invariably after a nice “hello” and “how are you doing,” they will ask you what you had for lunch. You will seldom see an Italian walking down the street with a cup of coffee. They are very strict not to eat sandwich or such anything while driving. Like so many aspects of Italian dining, coffee is taken essentially black,  without  sugar—with an attention to every element, including the quality of the beans, the grind, and the presentation.Some of the best views you can find in Italy are in its grave yards In coastal cities, these are mostly placed on hilltops overlooking the ocean, with beautiful  garden paths and lush flora. But even those underground—and a bit creepy—are worth a special visit .In spite of my best efforts I could  learn only a few Italian words such as: Buongiorno – good morning, Come va – how are you? Ti amo – I love you

 

 

 

 

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Seoul…. Over crowded city of south Korea.

                                             BIG BABY…..PLASTIC SURGERY…..LOVE MOTELS…..MEN LOVE MAKEUP.

 

In 1996  I visited south Korea for the first time and then I had the opportunity to visit this country many times. Almost sun was near to set when our plane landed at Incheon air port which consistently held top position amongst best air ports of the world. It had excellent passenger terminals, very attractive shopping facilities and food options across multiple levels. It took almost one hour to get clearance from immigration desk. . As I had not booked my hotel in advance, so I went straight to tourism counter for assistance to get some good hotel at reasonable charges, where a young pretty Korean women was busy in dealing with other passengers. After waiting for more than half an hour, it was now my turn to reach to this lady who was very polite but very weak in spoken English. Upon asking regarding  availability of  room in any good hotels, she referred two hotels having some rooms available, one is Clover Tourism hotel and the other is Hotel Hawaii, charges of both hotels are the same i.e. $.150/- per night. Upon my request she managed to book a room in Clover tourism hotel, It took 20 minutes to reach there by taxi. After completing reception counter formalities,  attendant  took me to my room which had flooring beds.Main purpose of my this  visit was to participate in International trade fair which was scheduled to open next morning, so after having dinner I went to bed and it took few moments to reach me in deep sleep having  wonderful dreams of lot of visitors at my stall. Although During my participation in this trade fair I met many Korean business men. but names of two persons are worth mentioning, One of them was Mrs. Kim and the other was Mr.Song,Chang Suk. They both became my valued buyer later. On the closing day  of trade fair Mr. Song invited me for a dinner. He, very proudly told me that he was going to arrange a special dish. When I insisted to know the name of that special dish..He said  ” Gaegogi”….. I whispered  Gaegogi ? what is this,I asked. It is most energetic  dish which is made with DOG MEAT. For me it was a shocking information that Korean eat dog meat but later on I came to know that in China’s annual YULIN festival in which thousands of dogs and cats are killed and eaten.Mr.Song told me that there are more than 14000 dog meat farms nation wise and approximately 2 million dogs are butchered every year. I asked for some other Korean dish as I do not and cannot eat dog meat. He told me that I can take ” KIMCHI” . He further told me that Baechu’ Kimchi is the most popular dish which is made of rinse cabbage leaves with ginger, green onion, red pepper and garlic. However I preferred to take Kkakdugi- which is cubed reddish kimchi.

 

During and after the meal Mr. Song told me many things about his country that were really very interesting and fascinating for me. According to him,south Korean are extremely superstitious people. They believe that there are many things in the universe telling us what is correct and what is wrong. Most people clearly live through out their lives believing in these superstitious , For example people believe that number 4 is a symbol of bad luck…..writing any body’s name in red color is meant for death. Korean people generally avoid to sleep with fan on in bed room as they believe this could kill someone ,that is the reason automatic shut off on fan are seen in the market. They also believe  that whistling during night is call for ghosts and spirits. They believe that  gifting shoes to some one might cause them to run away from you .Another astonishing fact……Babies are considered to be one year old at birth.

My next two visits to Korea were just to see the entire country and some business doings. Now Mrs. Kim was with me and was kind enough to take me to several worth seeing spots,like  Changdeokgung palace, Itaewon,Gyeongju,Buckchon Hanok Village and Busan. She provided  lot of information about this wonderful country .We went  to Changdeokgung Royal Palace.Its construction was started in the year 1405 and completed in 1412.During Japanese invasion this palace was burnt and was re-constructed in 1609.

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Than we went to Itaewon, which is known as “WESTERN TOWN”.It is fantastic locale and fascination for travelers and guests. . It is a business area of Seoul situated near Yongsan Garrison of USA forces in Korea.This is outsiders inviting area notable for Restaurants, International cuisine,shops,clubs and bars that intrigue to outsiders. This region is phenomenal for a few and awful for other people. It is an accommodating environment and well worth go to. Seoul is stacked with a few areas and milestones, which incorporate Gyeongbok-guk, Changdeok-gung, Deoksu-gung, Olympic Park, Namsan Park, Yeouido Park, Jongmyo Shrine and Seoul Tower.In Itaewon,there was a Pakistani restaurant named Mughal Pakistani café.

After that we went to BUSAN. Significant ocean port of Korea is Busan which offers a powerful blend of superb mountains, tropical sea shores and old Buddhist sanctuaries, making it one of the greatest enamoring spots to visit in South Korea. What’s extra, the city has a marvelous film celebration notwithstanding delectably crisp fish. To appreciate top notch perspectives on various Korean town, climb your way up to the summit of Jangan Mountain.Following day she took me to ” ISLAND OF GOD” individuals call it right now. This is Jeju island. which is one of the most sentimental spot and best area for Honeymoon. It has lavish green view, magma tubes and awesome sea shores.Love Hotels are famous in South Korea. They include modest, themed rooms with incredible embellishments where a couple can connect for a nigh.

South Korean men love cosmetics, and spend near about 900 million dollars every year for utilization of cosmetic products. Roughly over 20 percent of the male population of Korea use cosmetics for their makeup daily. . BB cream foundation is the product of choice, but facial cleansers, anti-ageing moisturizes, and eye creams are also extremely popular. There are even TV shows dedicated to the subject. It is not so much about fashion as it is business. Korean job market is very competitive & doing makeup is all part of the game. These guys want to make up for giving good impressions in their job interviews by hiding their blemishes and looking like VIPs. It looks like in Korea, makeup really does make the man.

South Korea is the biggest market for plastic medical procedure per capita on the planet. It is assessed between 1/5 and 1/3 of the ladies in Seoul have gone under plastic medical procedure for in any event once in her life. City of Gangnam has more than 525 cosmetic surgery centre alone. Mrs. Kim told me that person who do not marry is called “BIG BABY”.Korean parents  spend in excess of 21 percent of their salary on training and instructive administrations in an offer to support their kids’ learning.

 

Majority of Korean people are in love  with shopping that is the reason  greatest shopping centers are there. A few restaurants, bars and bistros stay open till 11.30 pm. Taking a gander at the tops of houses are bended at the closures giving the presence of a grin. One of the largest departmental store is located in Busan.It is called Shinsegae. This is probably ironic since South Korea has one of the fastest Internet connections in the world, faster than that in the US. Yet, it is the only country that doesn’t provide driving or walking directions on Google Maps. Interestingly, it is also something that North Korea has but South Korea doesn’t. The North Korean leader is not known in good words. In fact, according to the law, it’s illegal to sympathize with North Korean leader and the North Korean regime. Doing so could even land you in jail.

N Seoul Tower. …

Explore the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village. …

National Museum of Korea. …

Lotte World Tower. …

Visit the DMZ. …

Gyeongbokgung Palace. …

Seoul Museum of Art. …

Blue House.

it was the last day of my trip to KOREA after been to JEJU and Busan, I  had a relaxing final day going to the jagalchi fish market . The underground shopping is good experience as I had bought a lot of chocolate and candy for WARDA & HYRA (my two very sweet daughters)

 

 

 

 

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JORDAN……lowest point of dry land in the world.

Jordan is an Arab Muslim nation located on the east bank of Jordan River. Our journey began from its capital city, Amman. Located on seven hills, Amman is a beautiful and peaceful city with good infrastructure and friendly people. We spent one day exploring the capital, from the historic Amman Citadel, the Roman Temple of Hercules, the Roman Amphitheatre (still in a good condition), the downtown area to the King Abdullah I Mosque, Amman offers a lot to see and explore. The good thing about these places is they are not located far from each other. Downtown market of Amman is a good place to shop their local cultural goods where ‘Bargain is a MUST’. Shopping malls are expensive, seriously no kidding, unless you get some good deal/sale.

 

Petra…. this word and this place have amazed me since my childhood days. I still remember the book “Wonders of the world and their secrets”, since my early teenage days; don’t remember how many times I read it. ‘Petra’ was one of the chapters in that book. I used to wonder how it was built, who used to live there and will I ever be able to see this amazing wonder of the world.I was over the moon when in August  my husband told me that he’s planning a trip to Jordan in December holidays. It was a feeling of joy and excitement that finally I will get to see one of my desired places. So our hunt for good deals regarding air tickets, hotels, tour guides etc. began. Our Jordan trip consisted of seven days. Seven days of exploring history of Amman, Umm Qays, Jerash, Mount Nebo, Petra, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea.

Our second day was spent exploring Umm Qays and Jerash ruins. Both these places are located few hours’ drive from Amman.Umm Qais or Umm Qays is a site just off the Syrian border in North Jordan and of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Gadara. The city is mentioned in the New Testament as the site where Jesus cast out demons and sent them into pigs, who then ran into the sea (Matthew 8:23-34). Umm Qays boasts impressive remains of colonnaded street, a theatre, a mausoleum and a Byzantine church. One can also sweep views over the north Jordan valley, Syria, Israel held Golan Heights and the sea of Galilee.

Jerash:

In ancient times, Jerash was known by ‘Gerasa’. Truly admiring ‘Jerash’, stands out among the crowd. A great place to wonder and wander, Jerash is also described as “Pompeii of the East”, as a series of earthquakes buried it for a thousand years under the sand. The ruins are extensive and you can see a huge city was There once.Jerash reveals paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hill top temples, theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by tower and There’s a very colourful market just outside the city ruins with a variety of cultural items and souvenirs. If you are interested in buying, it’s THE place to buy as this market offers the best price as compared to the rest of Jordan.After exploring Amman and the nearby places, we headed towards Petra by road. On our way, we stopped at Mount Nebo.Mount Nebo sits 10 kilometres North West from Madaba. It is the mountain considered to be where Moses saw the Promised Land before he died. On a clear day, you can spot the historic cities of Jericho and even Jerusalem from Mt. Nebo.

Petra:

“One of the wonders of the world”

‘A Rose-Red city—half as old as time’.

We reached the town by sunset, and I couldn’t wait for the morning when I will be in front of the wonder, admiring it. So with the sunrise, we became Indiana Jones (hahaha) and headed towards the magnificent ruins of Petra. It’s a good walk of about 30 minutes through Al Siq canyon which leads you to Petra’s most elaborate ruin “Al Khazneh” (The Treasury).

I will not go into the historical details; we all know and can Google it of course.
Standing in front of ‘Al Khazneh’ was like a dream come true for me. Ah! Petra! Here I am finally, awestruck and totally mesmerized by its beauty that how skilfully the structures here were carved out of sandstone cliffs. Petra contains tombs, temples and an Amphitheatre carved into pink.sandstone cliffs. Another magnificent, iconic monument of Petra is ‘The Monastery’, also known as ‘Ad-Deir’. It’s really a tiresome walk through the cascading, steep path on the cliffs to reach ‘The Monastery’. By its name it’s clearly understandable that it was used for religious purposes. I really felt like Indiana Jones standing in front of ‘The Monastery’, with a false hope of finding some treasure. You can also find some ancient Roman ruins inside Petra. It takes a full day to explore Petra, so one should start the day early.Just a few minutes’ drive from Petra, there is ‘Little Petra’ as well. The ruins are not that extensive like Petra, but not a bad option to stop for 10 to 15 minutes to have a look at them.

Wadi Rum:

‘The Valley of the Moon’.

Wadi Rum is a vast wilderness, timeless place where the weather and winds have carved the sandstone and granite rocks with magical exquisitism. Wadi Rum is best known for its connections with the British officer T.E. Lawrence who passed through it during the Arab Freedom Movement of 1917-18. Some famous films have also been shot here, like, Transformers 2, the last days on Mars, The Martian.

Our last stop was at Dead sea resort. Visiting and taking a dip in Dead Sea is a must when in Jordan. Bordering Israel, the West Bank and Jordan, it’s the lowest point on Earth. Its hyper saline water makes floating easy. Since it was very cold, I couldn’t make myself go and enjoy a dip in Dead Sea, but somehow out of sheer excitement, my husband managed to take a dip in the salty waters with the Dead Sea’s healing mud all over his body.

 

The statue of Hazrat Loot’s wife & punished people.

As per locals: When Qaum Loot were destroyed by Almighty Allah and their city made upside down (at now under Dead sea), Hazrat Loot was told by Almighty that he or his accomplishes must not look back to what’s happening behind to unbelievers/their disobedient Qaum. The Loot’s wife, however, in defiance to Almighty’s command looked back and was turned into a statue, which is even intact today on top of the mountain on the shores of Dead sea.So our seven day trip to Jordan came to an end with beautiful memories of the friendly Jordanian people and the marvellous way they have preserved the history.

 

*Winters in Jordan are really cold, yes, I mean it. Try to visit during Autumn or Spring time.*Don’t forget to buy Dead sea minerals/mud packs. It’s a good gift for family and friends.
*Explore Petra at daytime; don’t waste money on buying tickets for ‘Petra by night’ show. Trust me, it’s not worth it.
*At Wadi Rum you can enjoy four wheeler drive and can also book your stay at the luxury camps.

 

 

 

 

 

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SWITZERLAND……Schweiz, Suisse, Svizzera, Svizra….THROUGH 5 SENSES

 

 

 

It’s time to fly back home. I am going through the same rush and chaos that I went through when I was leaving Pakistan to come to Switzerland. Cleaning up my room, paying bills, closing accounts, sending my luggage freight, packing my stuff and last minute shopping. It’s no different right now as I finish my assignment at the Nestle HQ in Vevey and head back to Nestle Lahore office. What a year it has been. I have done a fair share of traveling but this was my first time in Europe. This was not just a vacation. It was about living in Europe. I was pulled out of the life I was so used to and put in a small town an hour away from Geneva with no family or friends. When you live on a different continent it’s funny how all of your five senses are exposed to things completely unfamiliar to you.  This note is an account of some of what my five senses encountered in Europe and specifically Switzerland.

                                                                                         Comparison of Swiss and Pakistani village

Switzerland through the 5 senses.

Hearing

More than 60% of Switzerland speaks German, 20% French, 10% Italian and the rest is a mix of all other languages. Most people understand English and speak bits of it, but it’s amazing how on the day I landed here, within an hour, on my way from Geneva to Vevey, I heard atleast 5 different languages being spoken around me. As soon as I traveled out of Switzerland, within an hour the language around me would change from French to Portuguese, Italian, Dutch or the various dialects of German. Yes, There is a German-german and then there is a Swiss-german.English was spoken and understood in most cities but with some difficulty. In these few months, I have heard English being spoken in countless accents. The French bring in their nasal sounds and the rolling of the ‘Rrrrs’ and the ‘oohs’ and the ‘aahs’. It feels as if the English they speak is a dessert, the way it flows out of their lips is exactly how sweet caramel cream melts on your tongue. Italians and Greek speak it with a lot of passion and emphasis on every word. The hand gestures of course are a treat to watch. Australians and Scandinavians speak it like it is their mother tongue. Effortlessly. South Asians can’t help but give away hints of their own native accents. The British and American marvel how well the rest of the nationalities speaks a language that they thought was native only to them. Whether I was at work or outside, at any given time, I could hear multiple languages being spoken all around me and it all sounded like complete gibberish. French was the only foreign language that sounded a wee bit familiar owing to the 2 years I spent studying it in Lahore. It enabled me to read signs, product labels, make reservations, ask for directions, read menus and differentiate between pork and chicken.

Sight

Chalets, Chimneys, the Alps, Lakes are a sight of every single day. At first you marvel at it and with time you start getting used to it. So much so, that the city-scape back home starts to seem dull and without character. The rumors, however, are true. Switzerland really is heaven on earth. People who say they have seen Switzerland because they’ve been to Geneva or Zurich have no idea what they’re talking about. The real Switzerland is Appenzell, Gruyere, Zermatt, Verbier and the countless villages, towns by the lakes and valleys amidst the Alps. These are few of the most serene places on earth. The grass is the greenest green I have ever seen. The sky is the bluest blue. The clouds are the whitest white and the soft breeze is the freshest fresh. I took several walks and countless trails up and down the hills around Vevey, Montreaux, Gruyere, Zermatt and Interlaken. The one thing that I will never forget is the peaceful quiet that exists on these trails. It ranges from peaceful silence to overwhelming views. Up in the Alps the only sight you see and the only sound you hear is the rustling of the pine trees with the wind. With an occasional cowbell in the distance. Time stops up there and nothing else matters. There’s just you and breathtaking landscape God has created.Winter is magical. Switzerland transforms from a fresh, lush green field with pine trees to a pure white magical land. Everything gets covered under the clean white cover of snow. The hills that looked friendly and welcoming in summer becomes cold and scary in winter. The pine trees look as if they’ve put on new clothes for an all-dressed-in-white party. The lake changes color too. It turns grey under the grey sky and looks exactly like a clear mirror.

 

Taste

Cheese, Wine and Bread are staples. Mulled wine (hot, almost boiling) wine in winters is popular. The food mostly in Switzerland is either boiled, steamed or grilled. Beef is always rare

and chewy. Bread is always cold, untoasted and hard. Meals are almost always bland with no spices, to a Pakistanis dismay. I longed for some spice in my food – bits of zeera in my rice, garam masala in my minced meat and tarka in my lentils, a warm toast of bread,  but it is nearly impossible to find it. Swiss food is awful. Swiss cheese, however, is another story altogether. It is the best in the world. Raclettes and Fondues are eaten as a complete meal at dinner. It’s basically a pot full of melted cheese with cold bread and boiled potatoes. Yes. That’s it. Just a pot of melted cheese for dinner. I can’t really blame the waitress at Les Trois Sifflets (a popular fondue place in Vevey) when she was completely shocked when I ordered a beef steak with the cheese fondue. She thought I wouldn’t be able to finish all of it. She obviously didn’t know I am Punjabi and we don’t eat just bowls of melted cheese for dinner in my part of the world. Surely that is only meant to be an appetizer.

To satisfy my craving for Pakistani food, sometimes I frequented Indian restaurants that were my closest bet. To my disappointment they were all overpriced (well, everything in Switzerland is overpriced), and nothing close to the real Indian/Pakistani cuisine. Obvious tourist traps. I found some solace in shaan masalas, desi spices and Indian ready to eat meals from a small Indian shop. That tiny shop on Avenue Nestle saved me from all the bland Swiss food and I eventually learnt to cook my own meals at home.

Italian food, however, is something I can write a book about. It’s amazing how with such minimal ingredients they make food that has amazing flavor. Give an Italian some dough, cheese and tomato and he will make you the most delicious pizza in the world. Give him flour, water and mushrooms and he will make you the best pasta you have ever taste.  A friend very rightly said to me, “Congratulations. You have screwed up your taste buds forever. Pasta and pizza will never be the same for you again.” She was right.

 

Smell

Every morning I would dutifully wake upend look out the window to see what the weather was like, check the weather forecast on my phone for the rest of the day and then decide accordingly if I need to carry an umbrella with me or not. Yes, one tends to start their day like this living amidst the unpredictable European weather, especially when one has to walk  everyday.

As I would take my daily 15 minute walk from my apartment to the Nestle HQ on Avenue Nestle – yes, there is a street named after Nestle in Vevey – I would smell the freshly baked breads, croissants and the freshly brewed coffee. It was the most delicious scent to breathe in during that walk. I have smelled coffee in cafes in Pakistan – but the soft delicious fragrance on that road coming from the roadside bakeries and cafes was something else. I knew I was eating too many french desserts, Italian tiramisus and Swiss sweets – so I would carefully avoid visiting the patisserie. One day I decided to give in to the temptation and give the corner baker’s shop a visit. I walked in and saw a display of atleast 15 different breads and croissants, and a french woman who was not as warm as the goodies in her shop.“Oui, mademoiselle?” she seemed impatient as she caught me breathing in the scent of her shop.

The goodies tasted as good as they smelled. From that day on I made it a point to stop by and indulge every now and then. I soon discovered several areas across Europe that had distinct scents dominating the air. The scent of tulips dominated The Netherlands. In Netherlands I discovered that not all tulips have a scent. As beautiful as they look they have a very faint “green” smell, which comes mostly from their leaves. The flowers that do smell great are Lavenders. When I visited Grasse – the perfume capital of the world – and the beautiful lavender fields that surround the entire Provence region – I fell in love with the newly discovered fragrance. Travel deeper into the cities of Nice and Cannes and the Saturday markets in these towns sell the most tempting assortment of goods made from fresh lavender harvest. Lavender soaps, candles and even honey. I felt that they were expensive tourist traps but now as I pack for home, I regret not buying some. Luckily I did bring back some perfumed soaps, candles and bags from Fragonard – the biggest perfumeries in the town of Grasse.

 

Touch

Europe can be as clean as a whistle and as dirty as a gandanaala. I was shocked to see how dirty the Paris subways were. I carefully avoided leaning against the walls or sitting on the stairs in fear of catching infections. On the other hand Switzerland is picture perfect clean. It is like a picture out of a storybook. In my own country I would dare not use public toilets, stay carefully away from seats and benches in public places, feel uncomfortable sitting on a taxi seat that has stains on it – one the contrary never did I ever see any sign of dirt or stain anywhere in this country. It’s so clean you can eat off the floor.  Another friend who had lived here before me told me how bread would go bad in a day if left outside as opposed to the bread back home that stays put for almost a week.  He was right. As I was being driven back home after my last dinner in Vevey with friends, another friend remarked about how fake Switzerland was. It was so perfect that it didn’t even seem real after a while. “Our countries are not perfect like this. The rest of the world is not perfect like this.”  It left me wondering how it is possible that one part of this world is so flawless while others so imperfect. It is something I will probably never understand.

These few months in this small quiet town by Lake Geneva have changed me profoundly. For the better, I hope. Amongst the many things I have learnt about myself, one thing I know for sure-  I am coming back here again one day.

( This blog was originally drafted by my younger daughter HYRA who had the opportunity to stay in Switzerland for few months .)

 

 

 

 

 

LITTLE SWITZERLAND…..LUXEMBOURG

                                                                   Mercy Killing” and “Assisted suicide” and Schengen .

It was first week of August, 2018,When I travelled for Luxembourg.  Mine was first ever visit to this tiny country. I flew from Karachi to Munich where I Had to change flight for my final destination by Lux air line. When I reached at Munich air port, I had only 50 minutes left to check in for next flight but there was a long queue in front of immigration desk and for a moment I felt I cannot catch the flight. Then suddenly I left the queue and ran to immigration desk.I narrated my short time problem to Immigration officer who was kind enough to allow me to over pass the queue and he took only 5 minutes to check my documents and allowed me to leave. After that I ran to air line counter for boarding card and then I went for Security checking. After putting  my hand bag which was without any lock, at scanner belt, I stood stand before full body scanner  ( perhaps it is called  alternate-wavelength image) When scanning was completed, I rushed to scanner belt to take my hand bag .I was astonished  to see that my hand back was open and my Camera, My new Jacket(which I had brought for final approval of my buyer)my USB,my health insurance cover note and copy of my return ticket were missing. I asked the lady who was on duty at scanning belt as who has opened and taken my above mentioned goods but she refused to understand English. Then I contacted another German officer who was supervisor on security but he advised to lodge written complaint  with complaint office which was located  at the end of Munich air port. As the time was very short and I had only few minutes left for check in, I left the idea of lodging complaint and ran to the gate for check in. I was the last person to check in for lux air line. I stayed in Luxembourg for only 3-4 days and then by a shared car I went to  Koln(Germany) to attend IAW trade fair. The remaining 6 days I remained in Koln (Germany) with a business friend who was very kind to take me to several worth seeing places. So in the first visit I had no idea about Luxembourg.

 

In september,2019 , I along with my wife again went to Luxembourg  but now we planned to travel  from Lahore to Brussels  by Ettehad air line. At about 8.00AM our plane landed at Brussels air port where my younger daughter and her husband received us and from Belgium we travelled to Luxembourg by road. We stayed 10 days in Luxembourg  and in Paris. My this visit was very relaxing  and informative, so I thought it proper to write a blog on Luxembourg. . But before I get to the details of that, this note is for us all who know little about this tiny country. A lot of people assume it’s a city in Germany. Nope. Read on. Here  upon a time. Luxembourg lies nestled amongst  three countries – France,Belgium and Germany .below is one cool spot , it’s called Drai Lanner Eck (3 country corner) – were  Belgium ,Luxembourg  and Germany nestle together. I can start with my appreciation and awe of the beauty of “open borders” of the EU but that’s a post for another day. Luxembourg is one the smallest sovereign states in Europe. The country’s name is Luxembourg and the capital is also called Luxembourg City. It is not a city in Germany – but yes it was under Germany’s rule, once .

                                                                                                           courtesy of google.

Luxembourg is also the world’s only Grand Duchy. Duchy is a state that is governed by a Duke. The dude’s name is Henri and Duchies can also have prime ministers – that dude’s name is Xavier Bettel. He is openly gay – the world’s 3rd openly gay Prime minister. Same-sex marriage is also legal in  this country. Luxembourg is as big as Lahore and Islamabad combined. The country’s population is 5,76,000, it is so less I don’t even know what to compare it with. I presume that a single residential area in Lahore or Karachi (like DHA, for example) probably has a higher population than this country. Just to put things into context, the population of the entire city of Karachi is 24 million and that of Lahore is 10 million. Pakistan’s population is 200 million. So yes. Only 500,000 people live in Luxembourg.Of these few people, the biggest chunk lives in Luxembourg City – that’s where the civilization is. More than 50% of these people are expats like my daughter and son in law. Primarily Catholics but all religions exist. The country itself is a secular state and I also remember reading somewhere that it is illegal for the government to collect statistics on religious beliefs or practices because – well – they don’t care. Just be a good person. Follow the law and you’re good to go. Fun fact: people who live here are called “Luxembourgers”. Yeah. Burgers. There’s also a place called “Little Switzerland” in Luxembourg – that, trust me, looks nothing like Switzerland. Luxembourgers find a lot of pride and joy in boasting about this “little switzerland” of theirs and all the “lovely parks” the city has. It’s amusing. Switzerland is prettier. HOWEVER. Luxembourg is richer. The weather is not so perfect. It’s grey, gloomy, rainy and cold. Gets warmer in the summer but also brings a lot of pollen allergies with it. Half of Luxembourg is covered in forests . – So if you have pollen allergies – well – keep your inhaler with you in summer. This country was ruled by multiple states in the past. Germans, Dutch, French. All of this mayhem has contributed to the “borrowed” culture this country has from its mommy-countries. Languages, Food, Culture is largely influenced by the neighboring countries. . It’s also very common for people to live in a bordering country but work in Luxembourg. Someone told me  that during a work-week . Why do people do that? Well – open borders! All hail to the EU. Its population triples due to daily inflow from bordering countries.Someone told me  that during a work-week . Why do people do that? Well – open borders! All hail to the EU. Its population triples due to daily inflow from bordering countries.

Luxembourg is also the world’s only Grand Duchy. Duchy is a state that is governed by a Duke. The dude’s name is Henri and Duchies can also have prime ministers – that dude’s name is Xavier Bettel. He is openly gay – the world’s 3rd openly gay Prime minister. Same-sex marriage is also legal in  this country. Luxembourg is as big as Lahore and Islamabad combined. The country’s population is 5,76,000, it is so less I don’t even know what to compare it with. I presume that a single residential area in Lahore or Karachi (like DHA, for example) probably has a higher population than this country. Just to put things into context, the population of the entire city of Karachi is 24 million and that of Lahore is 10 million. Pakistan’s population is 200 million. So yes. Only 500,000 people live in Luxembourg.

Of these few people, the biggest chunk lives in Luxembourg City – that’s where the civilization is. More than 50% of these people are expats like my daughter and son in law. Primarily Catholics but all religions exist. The country itself is a secular state and I also remember reading somewhere that it is illegal for the government to collect statistics on religious beliefs or practices because – well – they don’t care. Just be a good person. Follow the law and you’re good to go. Fun fact: people who live here are called “Luxembourgers”. Yeah. Burgers. There’s also a place called “Little Switzerland” in Luxembourg – that, trust me, looks nothing like Switzerland. Luxembourgers find a lot of pride and joy in boasting about this “little switzerland” of theirs and all the “lovely parks” the city has. It’s amusing. Switzerland is prettier. HOWEVER. Luxembourg is richer. The weather is not so perfect. It’s grey, gloomy, rainy and cold. Gets warmer in the summer but also brings a lot of pollen allergies with it. Half of Luxembourg is covered in forests . – So if you have pollen allergies – well – keep your inhaler with you in summer. This country was ruled by multiple states in the past. Germans, Dutch, French. All of this mayhem has contributed to the “borrowed” culture this country has from its mommy-countries. Languages, Food, Culture is largely influenced by the neighboring countries. . It’s also very common for people to live in a bordering country but work in Luxembourg.

There are 17km of underground tunnels under Luxembourg City. So the story goes that there were two very important roman towns – during the roman civilization – one in France and the other in Germany – I think it was Metz and Trier – and there was this road between these towns called the “Spanish road”. Now why would the road between Germany and France be called Spanish road – I don’t know. Anyway, so this roman emperor dude thought, hey, this is such a long never ending road – I need to build a place where I can rest and eat and pee. And change horses (As the Luxembourgish tell the tale) – so this dude made this huge fortress / wall and that laid the foundations of Luxembourg City. This fortress is a fascinating place to visit and is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Luxembourg is the seat of the European court of Justice – the highest juridical authority in the EU. This court has 28 judges – one per EU country. The main job of this very important body is ensuring that the every EU law is interpreted and applied in the same way in all EU countries – and also ensuring that all countries follow it. Well there are 28 countries – each with its own language and infrastructure, so that’s a tough job even though I make it sound pretty simple. This court also fixes disputes between EU countries. The golden towers below are where the European Court of Justice is housed. The annual budget these towers regulations, disputes for EU. It all happens in there. use is 290 million GBP. Laws, Almost opposite these golden towers are two silver towers – which is the European Parliament. All the translators and interpreters of EU sit here (more than 1000 translators) and every European document is translated in there. These buildings house other departments of the EU parliament as well. The main job of the European parliament is to pass EU laws, decide on international agreements, democratic scrutiny of all other EU institutions, develop the EU budget and discuss monetary policies. Legend has it that the golden towers are built just to be a wee bit higher than the EU parliament towers to signify that Justice is above everything else. Walk by the parking areas around these two buildings and you will see the world’s most expensive cars parked here.

 

HEAVEN ON EARTH…….VEVEY SWITZERLAND.

 

Tired of covid-19 limitations, finally we intended to head out from Luxembourg to Vevey (Switzerland) to go through week end there. With a car in Vevey, Switzerland, you will have all of western Europe inside your grip . A portion of Vevey’s distinguished occupants and guests incorporate the Nestlé Corporation, Charlie and Oona Chaplin, who are covered close by, Anita Brookner and Henry James. The exhibition halls are fabulous, the Old Town is all around saved and flawless, and the eateries are amazing.

The most self-evident and possibly most significant medical advantage of voyaging is pressure decrease. Heading out can remove you from our day by day schedule and into new environmental factors and encounters and this can reset your body and brain. .  Travel opens your heart, expands your psyche, and fills your existence with stories to tell.  In the wake of going for over 6 hours by car, we arrived at city Lausanne and took lodging Best Western hotel  It is near Vevey where Nestle settle are. Lake Geneva and alps were freezing and hazy. There is Food gallery called Almentarium.

Travel is the lone thing you purchase that makes you more extravagant.

Directly on the lake we took a train that goes to a peak called ROCHER DE NAYE.There are ski slants and in winter come  there to ski. Somewhere far off you can see Mont Blanc,tallest mountain in Europe and other swiss alps. Individuals don’t go on outings, trips take individuals. The Swiss town’s wine celebration is however loved as it seems to be uncommon yet, from a Chaplin gallery to boat visits and chocolate paradise, an excursion need not be grape-related. Vevey (French articulation: [vəvɛ] About this soundpronunciation) is a town in Switzerland in the canton of Vaud, on the north shore of Lake Geneva, close to Lausanne. The German name Vivis is not, at this point generally utilized.

Vevey is a Swiss town on Lake Geneva. On the promenade, marked by a giant fork protruding from the lake, is the nutrition museum Alimentarium, with culinary objects and workshops. A Charlie Chaplin statue is nearby. This one-time Vevey resident is also celebrated at Chaplin’s World, on his former country estate. The Musée Jenisch is dedicated to art on paper.We descended via train again from the mountain and afterward went to see a friend who lives in Vevey.he made cheddar fondue for us.A pot liquefied cheddar with slice of bread or potatoes is Swiss forte.

With the sun setting down we headed back home in Luxembourg. If you have enjoyed my posts, I would be very grateful if you‘d help it spread by e mailing to a friend or sharing it in twitter or face book.

Beirut is a City of Baffling Contradictions

                                                                                                                 BEIRUT

 

A few year back I received a telephone call from the office of Pakistan Football federation, Secretary general of PFF  was on  line who informed  that my name has been finalized to head the National football  team contingent. Pakistan national football team  was placed in group 3 of Fifa world cup Asian qualifying round league  matches to be played  between Pakistan, Lebanon, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The venue of first round matches  was Beirut while return matches amongst these 4 teams were scheduled to be played later on  at Bangkok. Next morning I travelled to Lahore for a meeting with the officials of (PFF)Pakistan Football federation. The secretary general of PFF introduced me with  team officials. Amongst other   Mr. John ( a British national) had to accompany the  team of 18 players  as national coach with an assistant coach, one doctor, one journalist and me as Chef de Mission. As per schedule we flew from Karachi on 11th may in the  morning. It was a sunny day and for the first time I was travelling in business class…Really more comfortable  and respectable place to travel. When you fly business class you know that it is not going to be cheap, but that is no problem at all because flying in that class means that you are going to get great service, great food, great drinks and also great comfort.

 

After  a long journey  we landed at Beirut air port by evening. A  Few officials of Lebanon Football federation were there to receive us. The host had arranged one coaster bus to  carry players to hotel while for me there was a chuffer driven Mercedes  car. Within less than an  hour we reached SUN RISE hotel where we had to stay for next few days.  The hotel’s modern, elegant and fashionable rooms come with a warm bathtub and a panoramic sea view. In addition to a personal lavatory which has a bathe and hairdryer, further in-room services include a direct dial telephone, satellite/cable TV and Internet access, as nicely as a minibar and a double or king-size bed. Air conditioning and heating units, a security credit score box and a balcony or terrace were similarly popular features.  This hotel enjoys a quiet location next to Casino Du Liban and is 5 minutes’ drive from Jounieh city centre and the beach.

 

Beirut is a unique location where you can discover a nightclub subsequent to a mosque, a bombed-out constructing subsequent to a Chanel boutique, a place where Christianity and Islam sit down together facet through side and share a bowl of hummus. I was lost in thinking of discrimination amongst economy and business class passenger, suddenly someone knocked my door….A  smart young boy standing outside room introduced himself as Bassam za,za.He told me that he will remain with my team as a liaison officer to maintain relationship and facilitate communication and coordinate activities . After having breakfast , We both went to Pakistani Embassy in which I had to record of our arrival. After spending hardly 25 mins there, we deliberate to go to Beirut city. First of all Mr.Bassam took me to al-shatila refugees camp. According to Mr. Bassam The PLO moved its number one base of operations to Beirut within the early 1970s, after Black September in Jordan. The presence of Palestinian forces was one of the main motives that brought about a Christian-Muslim war in Lebanon in 1975–1976 which ended with the occupation of Lebanon by using peace-maintaining forces from numerous Arab countries along with Syria. Bassam  Palestinians inside the Sabra and Shatila camps.

The Israeli Army invaded southern Lebanon with the aid of land, sea and air in an attack aimed toward destroying the primary navy bases of the Palestine Liberation Organization. He in addition informed me that More than 250 Israeli tanks and armored carriers, as well as hundreds of infantrymen, rolled past the remark posts of the United Nations peacekeeping troops in southern Lebanon and fanned out throughout the frontierThe Lebanese guerrilla group Hezbollah surprised Israel with a bold day light assault across the bordertold me that the Phalangist militia killed hundreds of,leading to fighting in which two Israeli soldiers were arrested and at least eight killed.

GAY BARS IN BERUIT.

 

As homosexuality is still illegal in Lebanon, locations are careful no longer to market it themselves as being openly “gay bars“, preferring “homosexual friendly” instead, so as to prevent having any troubles with the police. These are the primary gay pleasant bars in Beirut which might be thriving in spite of the anti-gay laws:

Mr. Bassam informed me, Back in 1965, it wasn’t hard to make Beirut look good. Lebanon’s capital turned into a playground for the jet set, visited by film stars and millionaires alike, counting Brigitte Bardot and Peter O’Toole as everyday visitors. The Beirut harbor become host to the Queen Elizabeth II cruise deliver and the U.S. Sixth Fleet could anchor and ship its sailors ashore for a week of riotous leave. It became now not the form of town whose safety ranges you’d expect to discover being debated in today’s online tour forums. As I had no in addition temperament to listen unhappy occasions of war, I determined to head again to my room. That night  I couldn’t sleep.

                                                                               Palestinian Refugees camp in Beirut.

 

GEOGRAPHIC SETTING AND ENVIRONMENT   

        

Situated on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Lebanon has a place of 4,015 rectangular miles (10,400 rectangular kilometers), about three-fourths the dimensions of the state of Connecticut. The Lebanon Mountains are rugged. East of the Lebanon Mountains is the Bekaa Valley, an extremely fertile flatland. At the eastern flank of the Bekaa stands Mount Hermon, straddling the border with Syria. Lebanon consists of few rivers, and its harbors are broadly speaking shallow and small, with polluted coastal waters. Lebanon has an incredibly numerous climate. Less than 30% of Lebanon’s total vicinity can support crop production. Expansion of cultivated areas is limited via the arid and rugged nature of the land.

FOOD…

Lebanese cuisine is a Levantine style of cooking that includes an abundance of general grains, fruits, vegetables, starches, glowing fish and seafood; animal fat are ate up sparingly. Poultry is eaten extra often than pink meat, and when crimson meat is eaten, it is commonly lamb on the coast, and goat meat in the hilly regions. It moreover includes copious quantities of garlic and olive oil, frequently pro through lemon juice. Well seemed savoury dishes encompass baba ghanouj, a dip made of char-roasted eggplant,falafel,small deep fried patties made of notably spiced ground chickpeas,fava beans,or a combination of the two;ghanouj,a dip of char-grilled eggplant;falafel,small fried patties made  and shawarma, a sandwich with marinated meat skewered and cooked on big rods. An essential thing of many Lebanese meals is hummus, a dip or unfold fabricated from blended chickpeas, sesame tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, generally eaten with pita bread. A properly recognized dessert is baklava, which is made from layered filo pastry stuffed with nuts and steeped in date syrup or honey. Some cakes are especially prepared on extraordinary occasions: the meghli, for instance, is served to rejoice a new infant infant in the family. Lebanon’s National Dish is asking your name, tempting you to crunch into its crazy scrumptious fried exterior to let the ones sautéed pine nuts and highly spiced minced meat waken up your tongue. Yum! Make them at home. Kibbeh consists of a dough manufactured from meat, bulgur (cracked wheat), onions and mint leaves, fashioned into soccer shaped croquettes, and stuffed with more meat, onions, pine nuts and Middle Eastern spices. They are then deep fried to perfection so they’re crisp on the out of doors and gentle inside.

At about 10.00PM I reached back in hotel, very tired and exhausted. Now it was time to start packing back of my luggage as we had to take our flight early in the morning. That night again I could not sleep..I was thinking about my elder daughter WARDA whose engagement with a Pak Navy officer was yet to decide. Making long story short, trip to Lebanon was a wonderful experience…I was able to talk to Palestinian refugees, Syrian soldiers, people from Christian community and various officials of Lebanon Football federation who had  hosted a dinner in our honor at final day of matches.  What’s superb about Lebanon is the multiculturalism that thrives in this sort of geographically limited country. In Lebanon, you may dive into the eastern tradition with its exciting traditions and precise customs in one place, after which head to a different region and enjoy a Euro-American manner of life. To cut short I might dare to say : The Beirut that I am leaving has retained all those wonderful characteristics that so impressed me after I first encountered this stunning country; a talented, cosmopolitan, and energetic human beings; a active and loose media;  appreciate for diversity; and deep democratic traditions. From North to South, snickering, conversations, espresso, all bistros are the gathering purpose of Lebanese holding back to talk about governmental issues. All discussions depend on that, no other nation on the planet are included that much with legislative issues: All Lebanese smarty pants, and each one’s conclusion is the best.

 

 

                                I dedicate this blog to Albanian Muslims who saved lives of several hundred Jews during 2nd world war.

 

SAMI…..WHITE INDIANS OF SCANDINEVIA.

A  year before the discovery of covid-19, I was in Frankfurt in connection with HEIM TEXTILE MESSE a well-known international trade fair of Germany. My display  stall was on 2nd floor where the majority of participants was Chinese or Indian and Pakistani business community. On the last day, a business friend of mine invited me to accompany him in his journey to Sweden where he had to visit his sister. Thus I had the opportunity to visit Sweden where I stayed 3 days only. In Stockholm I met a young boy name was Adolphe. He introduced himself as SAMI.He was student of Husbandry education. Just to spend few moment together we went to a  nearby coffee shop. He was very keen to know about Pakistan and Islam. He told me several things about Sami tribe. After reaching back to Pakistan I had in my mind to write a blog about Sami tribe but due to sudden death of my wife, writing this blog delayed for 3-4 years. Any way now I am going to produce all about Sami in this blog with the hope that my strong memory keep all information in my mind that Mr. Adolphe  discussed with me.

Sami people used to live in the northern phase of Norway, Sweden,finland and Russia..Sami estimated population is 93000. Their common occupation is reindeer Herding. They are also referred  as Gakti. The Sami human beings do no longer remain at the identical vicinity round the year During trip Sami herders will camp in a tent referred to as Lavvo. The land of Sami is rich in mineral and this is the bone of contention among Sweden authorities and Sami People. Worth mentioning is Kallak mine of iron ore.Negotiation between Swedish authorities and a British mining enterprise are going on and the British company will get Licence for mining in Kallak iron mine.An expected 80,000 Sami stay withinside the northern lands of Sweden, Finland, Norway and Russia, wherein reindeer herding has been the cornerstone in their tradition and livelihood. The indigenous Sami are antagonistic the mine and that they have backing from environmental agencies and climate-alternate activist Greta Thunberg.It is said   an open pit mine could generate massive quantities of dirt containing heavy metals, and the deposit of poisonous waste in ponds could effect the surroundings and water sources.

British company is of the opinion that the future stipulations for mining and reindeer husbandry to coexist at Kallak (Gallok) are possible,” including training should be discovered from neighborhood Sami and the many examples throughout Sweden the place coexistence is a reality.

the UN joined the Sami in resisting the mine, highlighting the poisonous dirt the mine will produce and calling on the authorities to seek advice from with the Sami. “We name on Sweden to assemble future good-faith members of the family with Indigenous peoples at the country wide level, primarily based on cognizance of their cultural heritage and common livelihoods,” UN officers wrote in a statement. “A choice no longer to approve the Gállok venture can exhibit a watershed shift from previous injustices.” United Nations human rights specialists  has  advised Sweden now not to award a license for an iron-ore mine in the Gallok region, home land of the local Sami people, announcing the open-pit mine would endanger the covered ecosystem and reindeer migration.

                                                                                          Kallak (Gallok) iron ore mine

 

The Sami, and different activists, have protested the Kallak (Gállok in the Sami language) mine due to the fact British mining company first commenced exploring mining things to do in 2006. Kallak, which would be positioned in Jokkmokk municipality in Lapland Province, may want to produce thousands of tens of millions of lots of iron ore developing dirt that ought to pollute the air and water in the region, in addition to infrastructure that the Sami say will disrupt their reindeer herding. The enterprise has stated the mine will create heaps of jobs in the region.

The choice comes as Sweden is in the midst of a country wide reckoning over its therapy of the Sami. In 2020, Sweden installed an unbiased fact fee to find out about previous abuse towards the Sami,

During my discussion I felt as Mr.Adlophe is not satisfied with Swedish authority and wish to stay with his family.He was really a nice guy who  promised to Visit Pakistan after completion of his education.I offered him all kind of assistance and offered to stay with me, whenever he comes to Pakistan. My conclusion is Sami people are like Red Indiand or Vikings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reindeer are so important to the Sámi way of life, that many people go to a special university to learn how to care for their animals.With a culture that remains strong, some 20,000 Sami live in Sweden.Reindeer in Sweden are semi-domesticated and live in the northern forests and mountains.Aili Keskitalo is the current head of the Sami Parliament, a position she has held since 2017.

RIVER OF JANUARY………..RIO DE JANAIRO

We spent five days in Sao Pauloa  and now its was time to go back but suddenly one  of  our colleague  suggested  to  visit another city of Brazil called river of January or Rio de Janeiro.Proposal was  good and we all agreed to visit this city.Distance between Sao Paulo and Rio is 358.8 km. This distance is equal to 222.95 miles, and 193.61 nautical miles.   Rio de Janeiro , or truly Rio, actually River of January, is the second-most populous city in Brazil and the sixth-most populous in  Americas. Rio de Janeiro is the capital of the country of the identical name, Brazil’s third-most populous state, after São Paulo and Minas Gerais. Rio de Janeiro, in full Cidade de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, by name Rio, city and port, capital of the estado (state) of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is located on the Atlantic Ocean, in the southeastern phase of the tropical region of South America, and is broadly identified as one of the world’s most stunning and fascinating city centers. Although Rio de Janeiro continues to be the preeminent icon of Brazil in the eyes of many in the world, in fact its location, architecture, inhabitants, and life-style make it fantastically special when in contrast with different Brazilian cities, mainly the country’s capital of Brasilia or the plenty large town of São Paulo. The former is a  smaller town relationship lower back solely to the 1960s, whilst the latter is a huge, sprawling industrial and manufacturing center with none of Rio’s magnificent herbal splendor or charming charm. Rio de Janeiro is properly regarded for the splendor of its seashores and of its peaks, ridges, and hills—all partly blanketed through tropical forests. The town is a center of enjoyment for Brazilian and overseas tourists, and humans carrying bathing fits can be considered taking walks in the streets and alongside the seashores or traveling on the city’s buses.

 

Although the region’s local weather is typically tropical, hot, and humid, the local weather of Greater Rio is strongly affected via its topography, its proximity to the ocean, and the form of the Southern Cone of South America. Along the coast, the breeze, blowing alternately onshore and offshore, modifies the temperature. We think it’s really worth taking a smash from the seashore to stuff your face with all the tasty, tropical delicacies that Rio has to offer. The meals in Rio is delicious, so you surely won’t be disappointed.

 

                                                                                                             RIO FOOD.

Quick, fresh, and healthful are the characteristics of meals in Rio. At least, some of the time. Much of the exceptional meals round the town is discovered on the streets in both cell stalls or nook snack bars and vary from the final post-workout snack to a deep-fried bundle of naughtiness. Yet everybody deserves a deal with sometimes, mainly one chosen from the following ingredients that divulge a actual style of Rio de Janeiro.

 

 

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LAND OF DRIZZLE …..Terra da goroa……BRAZIL.

Our friend Johanna and Gus finally decided to get married on 25th of July 2022.They planned to celebrate wedding ceremony in Sao Paulo (Brazil) as parents of Gus are residing there. Upon their invitation, we decided to attend marriage ceremony and visit Brazil for the first time in our life. We flew from Luxembourg to Frankfurt where we had to stay as transit passenger for 2 hours but unfortunately due to thunder storm, our flight was delayed for more than 8 hours and next day we flew for Sao Paulo by Lufthansa airline. Wedding ceremony was very graceful and we had the opportunity to meet their parents.

São Paulo is identified as a state, and as a city. Those born in the town of São Paulo are called as “Paulistanos.” Those born in the kingdom of São Paulo but, no longer in its capital, are referred to as “Paulistas.” To illustrate, there are three “Paulistanos” soccer groups in the first division of the countrywide league: Portuguesa, São Paulo and Corinthians, which is the solely billionaire soccer

membership in Brazil. Accordingly, there are two “Paulistas” soccer groups in Brazil’s Serie A: Ponte Preta and Santos FC.From Chinese to Congolese, Portuguese to Palestinian, the listing is endless. Of course, being the biggest town in the country, São Paulo additionally attracts Brazil’s satisfactory chefs, who have all opened eating places in the metropolis, serving the best meals the country has to provide.

     You will often hear from Brazilian people saying “ It is the best in Brazil” The food, the dancing, the women, the beaches and the football.

 

JAPANESES COMMUNITY.

São Paulo is additionally home to the large population of Japanese humans backyard of Asia. Japanese immigration to Brazil began in the early 1900s and nowadays the community’s population is believed to be round 1.5 million. The Japanese Liberdade local is presently one of the most famous traveller spots in the city. This neighborhood has its personal newspaper and many road names and storefront banners are written in Japanese. Moreover they have a good time all the fundamental festivities, such as Moti Tsuki, Toyo Matsuri and Tanabata Matsuri. In addition to a very large Japanese population, the town is additionally home to several Italian, Lebanese, Korean and Bolivian communities.Having the greatest Italian neighborhood in the country, the town has greater than 6,000 pizzerias that produce greater than 1,000,000 pizzas per day or 720 per minute, with revenues of round R$4 billion per year. Pizza is one the preferred ingredients of any Paulista.

THE LARGEST HELICOPTER  FLEET.

The city of São Paulo has the greatest helicopter fleet in the world with 210 heliports in the metropolis the place about 1,300 air crafts land and go away daily. Every 5 minutes, at least four helicopters land or take off from one of the city’s many tall buildings.

GAY PRIDE.

The city has the biggest overtly homosexual neighborhood in Latin America, and each 12 months hosts what is viewed to be the greatest Gay Pride Parade in the continent. during last few years, greater than two million people attended the event. There are many hotels, bars, golf equipment and church buildings catering to the community. In 2012, the São Paulo State authorities created the Museu da Diversidade (Diversity Museum) to retain the cultural heritage of the LGBT neighborhood in Brazil.

GLUE OF THE NATION.

Football is the glue that holds the Brazilian nation together. The indisputable advantage of football over other sports is the simplicity of the basic rules that allow any approach to understanding the game. As in all countries of the world football training in Brazil is fast approaching. Yet it converted to another religion after official Catholicism more than anywhere else.The most popular teams are the teams with the most fans in Brazil and the three teams with the most wins. They are: Flamenco Corinthians and São Paulo. Flamengo has the most fans in the world with 32.6 million fans. It is the most popular team in Rio de Janeiro having won six Brazilian national titles and one Intercontinental Cup. It is one of only three teams in history to have never been relegated or relegated from the Brazilian Serie A. The other team is Corinthians with 23 million supporters. The team from Sao Paulo has won the Brazilian National Championship four times and the Club World Cup once. Last is Sao Paulo with 15.3 million supporters. It is the third most successful club in Brazilian football and one of the most successful since Serie A was founded in 1971. Sao Paulo has won the Brazilian national championship six times and has won three world titles: two Intercontinental Cups and one FIFA World Cup.

The City is massive, historic, high-class, and very international. As a result, Sao Paulo is home to some of the fantastic museums, restaurants, streets,. However   level of drug addiction is very high and it looks like a poor and criminal state.

HOME LESS POPULATION & MOTELS.

Motels, specifically if they are cheap, are famous amongst homeless families. They are safer than the streets and they furnish a respectable quantity of space. They are additionally pretty affordable. However, they can be uncomfortable to stay in due to the fact of terrible prerequisites and lack of maintenance. Leaking roofs, tight spaces, and unhygienic kitchens are simply a few examples of the troubles a household can anticipate to face. More importantly, when the cash runs out, the household is compelled to go returned on the street.They also  sleep in Parks, footpath ,Abounded building.

 

Metropolitan area, which includes 38 smaller cities around the capital, the population is almost 19,000,000 inhabitants. In Brazil, 81.3% of the population lives in urban areas even though the amazon rain forest covers up to 57% of the total area of Southern hemisphere’s largest country.Language is biggest problem here majority of population don’t understand or speak English. Condition of road is worst,poverty  is main  reason of high crime rate.While traveling to Brazil tourists are advised to take care of their belongings.

 

If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing it on Twitter or Facebook. Thank you!

 

 

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LISSE…..CITY OF TULIP FIELDS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to wars of Charles the bold and 80  years’ war, population of Lisse was suffering  From poverty as their main lively hood was based on agriculture and harvesting of Peat. In middle age Lisse was a very small town and had only 50 homes. Now, people of Lisse and their country, NETHERLANDS  are the world’s biggest exporters and grower of Tulips.Tulips came to Europe from Ottoman Empire.Today, Lisse is famous for its beautiful flower fields and flower bulbs that are exported around the world.Lisse is one of the Dutch towns that grew on top of an old beach dike and has a long history. Keukenhof Park is spread on an area of 79 acres of land & as per an estimate 70 million flowers bulbs are planted every year.Beside Tulip,Keukenhof also produces other kind of flowers such as daffodils,lilies,Roses and hyacinths.

 

 

From Luxembourg city,it is 4  hours drive and a distance of 409 kilometers.There are some great stops  on the way such as    Brussels, Antwerp, Rotterdam, The Hague, Dinant, Leuven, Tilburg, Delft, Namur, and Mechelen and top places to visit like Escher in Het Paleis and Mauritshuis.In Lisse other place of  interest   are HuysDever, a castle tower from 14th century,Museum De Zwarte Tulp (Black Tulip  museum}  exhibiting the history of the Dutch bulb-growing region.  According to my information more than 14 million tourists mostly from Europe,USA and China come  to RISSE to see the beauty  of Tulip in castle Keukenhof.Unfortunately nowadays tourists  from China and other many countries are not allowed to visit this most romantic  place  due  to covid-19. If you wish to visit this beautiful and romantic place ,easy to reach as a day trip from Amsterdam  or Harlem. Keukenhof is a celebration of colour and all things floral-related. Entry ticket for Keukenhof will cost Euro 16per person available online.  Tulips are one of the first few plants to bloom in the spring—when temperatures are just beginning to upward jab and snow nevertheless sometimes falls.A flower can’t blossom except sunshine, and man can’t stay except love.” Flowers heal me. Tulips make me happy.A flower cannot blossom barring sunshine, and man cannot remain besides love.”

                                                                                                            A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE

STOP WAR IN UKRAIN.

President Vladimir Putin announced incorporation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia into Russia after referendums. According to President Vladimir Putin Russia has “four new regions”, calling the residents of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia areas “our residents forever”. This is the will of tens of millions of people. Soon after  the referendum, Several hundreds of Russians mobilized for military service in Ukraine have been sent home after being deemed unfit for duty.

The referendums have been condemned by various leaders, consisting of United States President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, and  bodies such as NATO, the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).It looks strange that in spite of  the  fact USA and European uni0n countries has great relationship with India , even then India was hesitant to vote against Russia and remained abstain in the UN  security council meeting.  Armenia, Angola, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burundi, China, Congo, Cuba, Central African Republic, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea,  Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Mali, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nicaragua, Pakistan, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Senegal, South Africa, Tajikistan, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Vietnam, Zimbabwe were the  countries that voted against the resolution . That resolution didn’t pass because permanent member Russia vetoed it.In the mean time Russia bans 963 Americans consisting of Biden, Harris, Zuckerberg. But no longer Trump.In my previous blog  titled ” BATTLE  OF  TWO  COUSIN” I had shown fear of using nuclear weapons.Now Putin, in  chilling message  has said  that In my personal  opinion,drastic measures need to be taken, proper up to  martial law regulation in the border areas and the use of low-yield nuclear weapons.Russia has more than 2000  such weapons. How significantly need to we take President Vladimir Putin’s tackle to the Russian Federal Assembly, the place he boasted about radical breakthroughs with Russia’s new nuclear weapons? Are these in basic terms the rantings of a deluded leader? Putin, however, asserted that ‘everything I’ve stated nowadays is no longer a bluff … it is now not a bluff, consider me.’Putin has said he was forced to launch the military operation in Ukraine because his security concerns over NATO’s eastward expansion were not addressed.

Keeping aside Ukraine crises,there are other important issues amongst various Nato member countries . For Example  Germany stays enormously structured on Russian gasoline and its industry’s grant chains are susceptible to a scarcity of gasoline and excessive strength prices. The reliance on Russia is exacerbated due to the fact Germany receives all of its fuel by using pipelines and it does not have any working terminals to import liquified herbal gas. If Russian resources have been reduce off, the country’s six main monetary lookup institutes have warned that fuel would have to be rationed through late winter causing its economic system to spiral into a deep recession.tensions between Turkey and Greece flaring up right now.Turkey and Greece have overlapping claims to areas of gas-rich waters in the Eastern Mediterranean.while exploration by turkey  is still going on and itcreate more tension amongst these two countries.An other issue is between Spain & Portugal. Spain accused of storing water from Iberian rivers. The environmental affiliation Zero warned that Spain is drying up Portuguese worldwide rivers, with the Douro being the most affected, and defended the want to outline ecological water flows successful of making sure the conservation of ecosystems. it is stated that “the relatively low water reserves available in the reservoirs in Spain indicate that by the end of the water year (September) the volumes to be discharged into Portugal will not be higher than the lowest flows .

 

Further more,recently held elections in Italy can also create problem in European Union and Nato as  a clear victory for a coalition that consists of two far-right forces, together with the Fratelli d’Italia celebration of Giorgia Meloni, a once-marginal parent who vows to shield “traditional” social values, shut off pathways to undocumented immigrants and push returned towards the “obscure bureaucrats” of Brussels.

 

To my way of thinking, Meloni’s upward push ought to flip an epochal event in European politics taking Italy towards illiberal block like Poland and Hungary. Brothers of Italy chief Giorgia Meloni has claimed victory in a conventional election that looks set to install her as Italy’s first woman Prime minister,most far-right authorities since the fascist era of Benito Mussolini.after the election result,Meloni said” It’s a victory I favor to devote to absolutely everyone who is no longer with us and desired this night time of satisfaction for many and a night time of redemption.”Rulers of majority of European nation are very intelligent and well experienced but I wonder why they have not done sufficient home work & efforts to  end Ukraine war. Experience shows that over time warrants suffer from fatigue and there are signs that some member states feel the time has come to loosen up and test whether some kind of ‘ living together ’ with Russia is possible.It is proper time to show some leniency in so called sanctions imposed  by USA and European union.My humble request to all concerned, please come forward to slow down sanctions and try to normalize relationship with Russia.None of you can win the war.Earth is the playground of our children and their children. We cannot allow it to be the playground of the nuclear arms of the evil forces.We can be of many nations, but the earth is our land. We can be of many races, but we are just one clan.Only the brave people can bring peace to the world, not by practicing war but by practicing non violence.

 

  The Conflict Isn’t Over Yet……..MY  CONCLUSION……MY REQUEST TO BIDEN TO RE-CONSIDER ITS POLICY

Due to energy crisis, price of food and gas has g0ne up and every family living in Germany or in Czech Republic or in Hungary are badly effected. I predict general public in Europe can go in agitation in coming weeks.There is un-rest all over the Europe.One of my friend living in Germany told me that concerned authorities in Germany has advised German people to take warm water bath once in a week. this is first step to save energy.On the other hand Russian Leader PUTIN  is very seriously considering use of Nuclear arsenal  against Ukraine in coming days.Taking this opportunity, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei  of IRAN  said in a televised address, adding that the root cause of the crisis was the “mafia regime” of the U.S.In order to establish peace in this world, everyone needs to make efforts on his own. Peace cannot be achieved by the efforts of any one person. Everyone has to be ready for this. Peace is the only way through which we can make this world a better place. We can give a better world to the next generation through peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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FASCINATING THINGS & NOTIONS ABOUT SUPERTITIOUS.

 

Since last many  years I had the opportunity to visit many countries. Where ever I went, who ever had a chance to verbalize with me, I always endeavored to ken their faith and credences.From my own country to India, Afghanistan,Iran,UAE,Egypt,Luxembourge,Belgium,France,germany,Hong Kong, China, Thailand,Korea,Japan and many more countries, I met several people and had a chance to discuss about their faith upon superstitious verbally expressions The number 13, ebony felines, breaking mirrors, or on foot underneath ladders, can additionally all be stuff you —superstitious.Even in case you don’t bear in mind your self a specially superstitious person, you possibly verbally express “bless you” when a person sneezes, simply in case the satan should decide to glom their soul—as our predecessors thought viable in the course of a sneeze.On top of this, some airlines together with Air France and Lufthansa, do no longer have a 13th row. Lufthansa additionally has no 17th row—because in nations like Italy and Brazil—the typical hapless number is 17 and not 13.Carrying charms, sporting positive apparel, visiting places cognate to congruous fortune, preferring particular colorings and the utilization of concrete numbers are all elements of superstition. And albeit these deportments and forms of kineticism can appear nugatory, for a few people, they can conventionally affect picks made in the genuine world .In this blog, I am going to discuss inordinately fascinating things and notions & saying about superstitious.

Superstitious.. . “Dark feline simply crossed my way damn it something terrible will occur!”

COMMENTS:  The feline ought to be totally dark, let me explain that. Poor people feline is possibly following a mouse, not thinking about you and here numerous people simply go odd reasoning ‘something terrible will happen now’.

Superstitious.. “A crow is cawing like insane – Guests are coming.

COMMENTS.  Alright how about we guess the crow realizes that somebody is coming and starts cawing to tell you that you need to clean your home, wash your face and shroud all the humiliating stuff. Crow is extremely great. In any case, I guess it has no clue. Right

Supertitious.  Drink milk after eating fish-welcome  skin infection.

COMMENTS. This one is abnormal and has been taken care of to us *Pun intended* so often that we don’t generally have the foggiest idea what it feels like to have warm

Superstitious.. “Palms bothersome wealth is coming your direction”

COMMENTS:  Recall when you had a bothersome palm and out of nowhere the entirety of your companions began arranging what they will do with your cash? At whatever point your palm and let me be explicit, the correct palm is irritated expect some cash flying your direction.

Superstitious.. Sit under a tree after its dim be controlled by a jin.

COMMENTS.  As a matter of first importance, you are a jin in the event that you are sitting under a tree nowadays, right fellas? I mean it’s cold outside the present moment and evening is extremely dim on the grounds that our administration chosen to favor us with power outages, I mean who might sit under a tree?

Superstitious.. . Left Eye jerking – Something terrible will occur

COMMENTS.  The jerk is one more awful sign, it implies your general surroundings is scheming something against you. Experimentally, a jerking eye can be one indication of stress, particularly when it is identified with vision issues, for example, eye strain. Be that as it may, such as tingling if the jerking is determined please go to a specialist.

Superstitious. You sniffle When someone is pondering you.

Comments.  This essentially doesn’t have any significant bearing on the off chance that you have influenza or cold, however in the event that you don’t. It is absolutely appropriate. The enjoyment part is think about who must consider you….May be corona virus…God forbid me.

Superstitious.. it is awful success to go away your chopsticks caught upright in a bowl of rice.

COMMENTS. This is due to the fact in Korea, as in many Asian cultures, incense sticks are positioned in bowls in a comparable manner to honor deceased ancestors; so, sticking your chopsticks in a rice bowl in this way is reminiscent of death, and concept to convey misfortune.

Superstitious.. The wide variety 4 is notion to be unfortunate in Korea and china but 8 ??

COMMENTS. . This superstition has its foundation in China, the place the phrase for “four” is comparable in sound to the phrase for “death.” This is additionally the case for the quantity 4 (사) in the Korean language’s Sino-Korean wide variety system, which is based totally on Chinese. Accordingly, many public constructions and elevators in South Korea will sincerely have an “F” ground rather of a fourth, with no “4” in sight.  Eight, on the different hand, is a fortunate number, concept to deliver.

Superstitious.. Don’t put a replicate in the front of a door

COMMENTS. Mirrors are the basis for a variety of superstitions all round the globe. While Europeans and North Americans take care now not to spoil mirrors, Koreans keep away from placing them without delay in the front of a door, as this will deflect exact good fortune from entering.

Superstitious.. If you put your pillow to the north, you will die earl

COMMENTS. There are many speculation to show a motive for this superstition. Maybe cats can feel the moisture in the air, or cats do not like to have their whiskers wet, so it takes care of its face when there is a lot of humidity in the air. Nobody is aware of why scientifically, however this is very famous amongst the Japanese.

 

Superstitious.. garments clutched the proprietor’s soul much in the afterlife

COMMENTS. . In this manner on the off chance that you keep your clothing outside around evening time, the garments would call dead spirits and become frequented. This is not, at this point a notable superstition any longer.

Superstitious.. catfish can detect tremors much sooner than human instruments can.

COMMENTS. and there are a few researchers who attempted to demonstrate it utilizing present day strategies. In any case, it’s not affirmed at this point however many anticipate the aftereffect of reality.

Superstitious.. snakes are extremely sacrosanct creatures

COMMENTS.. If you place skin of snake in your wallet, it is  accepted to bring more fortune into one’s life.

Superstitious..  Nine is the Number for Suffering

COMMENTS.. In emergency clinics, the ninth floor is frequently skipped on the grounds that the number is articulated as “ku,” which is likewise the sound for misery.

Superstitious.. Seeing a Spider in the Morning is Lucky

COMMENTS….. Despite the fact that the Japanese culture recommends that seeing a bug in the first part of the day is fortunate, it is unfortunate to see a bug around evening time.

Superstitious.. Hiccupping 100 Times Brings Death

 

COMMENTS….. It is accepted that 100 continuous hiccups will bring about the demise of the person.

Superstitious.. The Thunder God Eats Belly Buttons.

COMMENTS… In Japan, it is prescribed to conceal tummy catches during a thunder storm. Something else, the divine force of thunder will eat it.

Superstitious.. you need to toss salt on yourself.

COMMENTS… Salt sort of scrubs things. At the point when a companion is with you, you toss salt on one another, or on yourself on the off chance that you are separated from everyone else.

Superstitious.. buildings in Japan don’t have fourth or ninth floors.

COMMENTS…. . Japanese Buddhists praise a child’s seventh day of life, the Shichifukujin are the Seven Gods of Luck, and Japanese individuals observe Tanabata, (the Evening of the Seventh) each mid year on July seventh.

Superstitious…. Be cautious how you stand when you take group picture.

COMMENTS…. As indicated by Japanese superstitions, the individual or relative in the center will kick the bucket before the other two individuals

Superstitious…. Flying creature (and other creature) Droppings

COMMENTS… Droppings Are Lucky One of the quirkier Japanese superstitions, this yucky event is really fortunate.

 

Superstitious.. Toss your shoe noticeable all around.

COMMENTS… . On the off chance that it arrives on the sole, the climate will be decent. On the off chance that it arrives on its side, it will be a shady day. At last if your shoe lands topsy,it will rain.

Superstitious..       Undesirable visitors

COMMENTS…  In the event that you have a guest in your home that has exceeded their welcome, Brazilian superstition says that putting a floor brush behind the entryway will make them leave.

Superstitious..       Elephant trimming

COMMENTS…..   Keep a trimming in your home of an elephant with its trunk not yet decided. It as far as anyone knows brings money related karma.

Superstitious..      Entryways…

Comments……   If you go into a house, make sure to leave through a comparative portal as you walked around. Going out through a substitute gateway plainly brings hardship.

Superstitious..     Mango and milk

COMMENTS….   Eating mango by then drinking milk will execute you.

Superstitious..    Clearing feet

COMMENTS…..   In case someone clears your feet with a sweeper, you will obviously have disaster and not ever wed.

Superstitious..       Butterflies

COMMENTS….  In case the essential butterfly you find in a year is white, you’re in karma—it’s a sign of a time of great karma.

 

Superstitious..    Chinese Superstitions with Colors

COMMENTS…..       The shading white is known as one of the unluckiest Chinese hues since it is related with grieving and misfortune. You will periodically observe Chinese individuals sporting white to memorial services.  The shading green can likewise be viewed as unfortunate as it is connected with treachery. A man wearing a green cap is said to have an unfaithful spouse.  The shading dark is viewed as unfortunate too given its relationship to the dimness and mystery. The word ‘mafia’ means ‘dark society’ in Chinese.   It does not beat the shading red in China.It is the shade of banner and it speaks to satisfaction.     In Chinese culture, the hues white  and dark  are both related with grieving and misfortune, and are thusly viewed as unfortunate

 

Superstitious..       Owls are accepted to be a terrible sign.

COMMENTS…   They may be the image of insight or even a stylish embellishment for individuals in the West, however Arabs sure don’t share those perspectives! Owls are accepted to be a terrible sign and in the event that it hoots, your setback is much more prominent.

Superstitious..            Other fortunate numbers

COMMENTS……              Just as eight, Chinese superstitions state that the numbers 88, 18, 13 and 168 are likewise fortunate. So these numbers are likewise all around looked for after in the lodging market. The number 8 is the most fortunate Chinese number since it seems like the word for “riches”. 88 is considered especially fortunate in light of the fact that it symbolized the “twofold satisfaction” character

 

Superstitious..       Totes

COMMENTS….    This is one of the most renowned and expansive superstitions in Brazil: if you leave your pack on the floor, you will lose money. It is remarkable to see someone leaving their sack on the floor, getting a kick out of the chance to leave it on their laps, on a table, or swinging from the seat.

Superstitious..       Cutlery.

COMMENTS…..    Be wary when you drop cutlery during dinner. Dropping an edge on the floor infers a fight will happen—anyway this can be avoided by making a cross on the floor with a comparable sharp edge. Dropping a fork suggests a man will appear at your home, however in case you drop a spoon, envision that a female visitor should pound at your door.

 

Superstitious..         Did you have a terrible dream  ?

COMMENTS…….    Offer the alert and edify someone with respect to your awful dream or you chance it turning out true to form. In case it’s a fair dream, in any case, keep that in—it won’t work out something different.

Superstitious..           Newly born child.

COMMENTS…   Make an effort not to permit anyone to acknowledge or contact your newborn child to an outrageous. Doing so can berate the kid with “Mal de Ojo”, or the Evil Eye. It can make a newborn child cry fiercely, develop a fever, or progressively awful.

Superstitious..            Abstain from trimming a child’s hair

COMMENTS…       Abstain from trimming a child’s hair too soon. Do as such before they walk can and they’ll take more time to ace the expertise. Trim their hair before their first birthday celebration and they may never figure out how to talk.

Superstitious..            Are your ears ringing or humming?

COMMENTS….       Somebody may be discussing you. On the off chance that it influences your correct ear, don’t stress—the discussion is acceptable. The left ear implies the discussion is terrible, so stay quiet. It’s said to make the speaker chomp theirs and can avoid their negative considerations.

Superstitious..            Ready to celebrate the New Year?

COMMENTS….          Eat 12 grapes before 12 PM on January 31 and you’ll see a year of bliss.

Superstitious..     Birthdays in Argentina commence at midnight the time concerning or now not a 2nd before.

COMMENTS….  . If you genuinely fancy your Argentine friend, don’t thou call want to them a colorful birthday earlier than the clock strikes midnight.

Superstitious..      If thou see  nine cows of a move together with a grey bull next in imitation of the door

COMMENTS…. , you are between luck, because ye choice stand granted one wish.

Superstitious..      Saying “Tvi Tvi” to a buddy

COMMENTS…  In Norway people believe it brings  excellent luck.

Superstitious..      Do not Knit Sweater.

COMMENTS…. Norwegian female need to not knit a sweater for her boyfriend, due to the fact then she intention depart her.

Superstitious..      taking walks beneath a stairs.

COMMENTS….   Swedish people believe you will face 3 weeks of incorrect luck.

Superstitious..      Murder of Spider.

COMMENTS…… Finland people believe that brings deteriorative luck…

Superstitious..      Putting 7 distinctive sorts of flora.

COMMENTS….Finish people believe if you put 7 different kind of flower under the pillow of St John’s night, it brings strong good.

Superstitious..      Throw broken dishes over your friends.

 

COMMENTS… Danish people agree with Throwing broken dishes over your friends’ portal brings helpful good fortune while hoisting the Danish flag at night time brings imperfect luck…

Superstitious..      Meeting dark haired guys.

COMMENTS…..   In Holland,  humans consider permanency toughness Meeting dark haired guys on New Year’s day heralds good success whilst lending powder brings incorrect luck…

Superstitious..      Eating raw garlic.

COMMENTS…  In Austria people trust as permanency  longevity Eating raw clove garlic mixed above with yogurt brings good success (yuk!) while telling desires before ingesting regarding water brings bad luck…

Superstitious..      Figure  13 and 17

COMMENTS…..Italian people believe . Encountering the quantity 13 is considered fortunate whilst encountering the variety 17 is viewed as a faulty omen…

Superstitious..    Throwing a shoes.

COMMENTS…..  Czech  people believes Throwing a shoe upon thine shoulder brings luck but pouring beer of an improbable mug brings imperfect luck…

Superstitious..    Throwing water.

COMMENTS…. Salvakian people say Throwing waters in conformity with women (on unique occasions!) brings good  fortune while slaughter spiders brings bad luck…

Superstitious..    A hen shitting

COMMENTS…… …….. A hen shitting over you  brings excellent good fortune whilst shaking fingers via a commencement brings faulty good fortune .

Superstitious..    Eating Fish

COMMENTS…..In Latvia people believe Eating fish about New Year’s Eve brings luck whilst inserting gloves concerning a desk brings misfortune…

Superstitious..    Do not walk backward.

COMMENTS….In case of walking backward, people in Portugal believe that  it teaches the satan the course you’re walking.

 

Superstitious..    Touching the purple pompom.

COMMENTS…  Touching the purple pompom on a sailor’s beret brings success while placing tommy upside under concerning the table heralds imperfect luck…’

Superstitious..       seeing bugs can be somewhat dreadful.

COMMENTS….  Truly, seeing bugs can be somewhat dreadful. In any case, don’t be apprehensive in the event that you locate a bug wandering around the house. Middle Easterners accept that it is an indication that visitors are coming and, being as emergency clinic as we may be, who wouldn’t invite that?

Superstitious..       Pick which venture to enter with carefully

COMMENTS….   ! It is accepted that entering another home with the correct foot brings good karma and favors the new premises, though washrooms ought to be entered utilizing the left foot or, in all likelihood awful things will transpire.

 

 

And now last superstitious..very interesting and very true….It was first week of December,2019,very cold and foggy day, MY mali (Gardner) was planting  rose plants in front lawn and was continuously coughing..I advised him to take some medicine but he denied. He sat near me on a chair having a glass of water in hand waiting for something to happen. After waiting for more than 10 minutes I heard voice of a bird. In local language it is called TITIRI (In English you can call it  Red watted Lapwig.The moment this bird started voicing  pee-wit-wit-wit, My Gardner drunk glass of water .After drinking glass of water, he remained busy in  planting roses for more than 3 hours but without cough. According to him it is a tested formula that if you have cough, wait for sounding this bird and when it started  voicing pee-wit-wit, you should drink water immediately and cough will be gone..Yes off course it happened  in my presence but even then I do not believe in such superstitious.

TITIRI—- RED WATTLED LOP WIG.

Last Superticious  at my home.  Camel bones can protect from black magic.

COMMENTS.. 3 year ago,I had built a new house and was packing to shift there when my wife who is well educated and remained in teaching career for many year, advised me that prior to shift to new house,you must burry 2 leg bones of camel in front and back yard one each. According to her thus we can make ourselves safe from Black magic. Moreover it can save our wooden doors from destroying by insects……. and I…..did it

The main purpose of this blog is just to entertain my readers during these worst days of CORONA virus…..STAY AT HOME……KEEP DISTANCE…..GOD BLESS ALL OF US.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CITY WHERE THE WIND BLOWS……..BAKU

 

We flew from Bahrain airport at about 9.40AM through Gulf air and reached Baku at 3.00PM.From air port we  went straight to  qafqaz  Tufondong resort hotel.We stayed there for next 5 days & enjoyed our vocations, visited different  worth  seeing places in Azerbaijan. Some of  information about this  wonderful  and  peaceful and neat & clean city are mentioned below.folk etymology explains the name Baku  derived out of the Persian Bādkube , meaning “city the place always air blows”, appropriate to ordinary winds blowing of Baku. However, the word Bādkube used to be invented solely between the 16th and seventeenth century, because Baku was built at least before the 5th century AD. Azerbaijan is certain regarding the 7th modern-day independent Turkic states. 95% concerning its population are Muslims, 85% are Shia Muslims then 15% Sunni Muslims. Baku a  port city on the Caspian Sea which is capital of Azerbaijan and a main center for oil production. Wealthy residents chose to settle in the city center  of BAKU where oil extraction and refinery are forbidden. The area came to be known as Black City because of the black smoke and soot coming from the factories and oil refineries.

 

                                                                                                            AFURDZHL  WATER  FALL, BAKU

 

Sitting of the Azizbeyov location regarding the metropolis over Baku, Abs heron National Park spans 783 hectares regarding protected bank or is the consummate location in conformity with arrive after witness the gorgeous vegetation and fauna about Azerbaijan. The country wide advantage has a whole forces about regional flora and fauna certain so gazelles, birds, jackals, badgers, then Caspian seals.Many visitors  to Azerbaijan may not know that the nation has the biggest number of mud volcanoes on the planet. 350 to be accurate! One of the most mind-blowing known is Garasu Volcano, that has been known to heave mud north of 1,000 meters very high. The volcanoes are caused when gases under the earth develop and drive the mud high out of sight as a delivery. The main mud volcanoes are said to have emitted in Azerbaijan a long time back, and guests to Garasu frequently say that it seems to be the outer layer of the moon!

    

Shaki Khan Palace is some regarding the captivating structures on Medieval epoch Azerbaijan. It is located in Shaki city on Azerbaijan. Though this is known as a Palace, within reality that was a summer season dwelling regarding Shaki Khanate. The house was once part on the large executive complex placed within the Shaki Fortress. Along the palace, once in that place had been mean dazzling structures, certain as iciness palace, residential constructions of Khans’ family, establishment then army barracks among the complex. Unfortunately, with the passage of time, almost over the constructions demolished. Now, alongside with the pond and thousands years historical trees, Shaki Khans Palace is the only other structure beyond the complex.The first  Christian sanctuary in Caucasus was constructed in  Kish village in Shaki region.. Kish is very  old town in present day Azerbaijan.Some individuals are of the assessment that the congregation in kish remains on the  same  place where St. Elisha established his own Church. The sanctuary of St. Elisha in Kish is most often visited landmark tracing all the way back to the Caucasian Albanian time.Anything you could ever want, you will undoubtedly track down it on Nizami Street. This is one of the most renowned shopping roads in Baku, a hip and clamoring pedestrianized road with a rich assortment of shops, including little outlets, keepsake stores and stores. The fundamental shopping region starts at Fountain Square, and it is a focal point for garments, particularly in the very good quality shops. This area of the city is likewise remarkable for its costly and slick eateries and lodgings. Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan is renowned for a few touring spots, for example, Flame Towers, Old city or ghetto of Baku, Baku Boulevard, Shrivanshahs Palace, Bibi Heybat Mosque, National Museum of History, Fountain Square,Maiden tower  and Nizami street and more.Every person who visits  Baku  does   come to Nizami  street, Baku.

Cold Hands, Warm Heart” is a Christmas market coordinated in Baku, Azerbaijan for a foundation by Nargiz Fund consistently. The market is situated in the downtown area – Fountain Square. It is feasible to track down the range of items here, like dinner, toys, books, home items and so forth. Moreover, those guests partake in a lovely view and the soul of the occasion with embellishments and the music.

 

Gabala is one of the most gorgeous urban areas in Azerbaijan. It has numerous attractions, either verifiable or normal places that are attractions  for tourists. Individuals pick this locale to visit due to its many touring amazing open doors. Gabala is an extraordinary spot for its old designer from history as well as for the normal scene. Contrasted with past this locale has changed a ton, and presently it even has new framework which remembers skiing resort for the mountains as well as the carnival.

 

    THANKS A MILLION FOR VIEWING & COMMENTS.

 

 

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LISBON………CAPITAL OF PORTUGAL

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is one of Europe’s most appealing urban communities. Set on the banks of the River Tagus, this lively Atlantic port is dispersed over a progression of slopes that uplift its wonderful waterfront area. We had only one-week vocations, so it was decided to visit Lisbon where we never been before. Luckily, we got two air ticket of Easy jet. After travelling for three hours we landed at Lisbon airport. From airport we went straight to Hotel HF urban Fenix and had a very comfortable  sleep that night.

One of the world’s most established urban City

Lisbon’s greatest intrigue lies in its differing neighborhoods, or bairros. Among the most famous of these regions is Belém, supported for its illustrious royal residences, gardens and noteworthy landmarks and tourist spots, for example, the Jeronimos Monastery, one of Portugal’s most visited locales. The city’s most established area is Alfama, an old Moorish quarter, unmistakable for its labyrinth of cobblestone avenues, rural engineering, St. George’s Castle and fado eateries and bars.

 

Chiado is the social center

with galleries, theaters and show lobbies. Highlighting glass and steel structures, business foundations and club, Parque das Nações is the most present day area, while Bairro Alto is the diversion zone, humming with various bars, discos and dance club. You can visit here the oldest Book shop namely Bertrand Chiado.This book shop was established in  year 1732.Lisbon offers a decent system of open transportation with transports and metro, yet the most energizing approach to encounter the city is by taking one of the vintage cable cars, for example, the notable Tram 28, which twists along memorable quarters, nurseries and fundamental attractions. Due to its old and  very narrow road, tourist can avoid driving here.Public transport goes every where in the city while Taxi and (uber) are safe and inexpensive.Portugal is a ravishing nation to investigate and substantially more than stopper items, flawless ocean and yummy port that it has gotten well known for. It’s one nation that just appears to move me back on numerous occasions with shed heaps of notable urban communities, stunning National Parks and enough bacalhau to fulfill even the hungriest of bellies. Something I love most about Portugal is the manner by which novel every one of the spots feels. You can truly travel 30 minutes up the street and feel like you’re in an entirely unexpected nation; it truly is uncommon. Comprised of different neighborhoods, Lisbon has an entire cluster of eye-getting places you won’t have any desire to miss.You can visit Caza das villas Loreto, this is the oldest shop of candles in the world.

Lisbon Food

One of the most popular dish here in Lisbon is BACALHAU a bras which is easily available in many restaurants. In case you are interested to eat Octopus with grilled potatoes than try Palvo a Lagaroiro.This dish also available on the menu card of many restaurants.

 

 

In Lisbon you can visit following worth seeing places:-

Vas code gama mounoment… … Celebrating the accomplishments of travelers during the structure of Portugal’s realm is the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries Monument). It speaks to a boat’s front highlighting in excess of 30 sculptures of verifiable figures who had a major impact in Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. These incorporate King Alfonso V, Vasco da Gama, Pedro Alvares Cabral and Ferdinand Magellan, with Henry the Navigator being the most noticeable.

The Santa Justa Lift is an elevator in Lisbon and is the fastest way to get from the Baixa neighbourhood to the Bairro Alto district.

I was surprised to know that the prices of real estate in Portugal are very low as compared to France, Germany and Luxembourg. For example  One room apartment is Luxembourg will cost you

Minimum Euro 400000/- while in Lisbon it can cost you Euro 100000/- or even Euro 90000/-I consulted a real estate agent who offered me one room apartment facing sea at the cost of

Euro 110000/-..Really very attractive price. Food in Lisbon also less expensive as compared to  Luxemburg,Germany,Belgium and France.

SANTA MARIA MAIORS.

district of Lisbon, Portugal. The archaic community was demolished during the grouping of the 1755 Lisbon quake, and the annihilated Gothic Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Portuguese: Igreja do Carmo) on the southern veneer of the religious circle is the principle hint of the incredible tremor still noticeable in Carmo Convent ruins……. Carmo cloister ruins… … .The Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Portuguese: Convento da Ordem do Carmo) is a previous Catholic religious circle situated in the common ward of the old city.

Livrarior Bertrand

Livraria Bertrand is the most seasoned working book shop on the planet, established in 1732 in Lisbon, Portugal. The first book shop in Lisbon’s Chiado neighborhood was announced by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most seasoned, working book shop on the planet in 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

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LOVE IN THE AIR

 

 

Although our national bird is CHUKAR ( Alectoris chukur) and Shaheen Falcon is the symbolic icon of Pakistan Air force but here the purpose of writing this blog is to tell my readers about  behavior and living of many birds all over the world. It was early 2016 when I started constructing my house. It is big and large housing society & at that time had few constructed houses and a lot of trees. Behind my house there were Sugarcane, Wheat, Rice and maize fields, so I got an opportunity to see and study living and behavior of various species of birds like barn owls, tree babblers, Common Myna, wood packer, green bee eater, Crows, Yellow Weber, Black drongo , Dove ,Bulbul .common house sparrow oyster catcher ,Teeter. long tailed tits, and many more.

                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                  Barn Owls

nest and roost in cavities, abandoned barns and other buildings, and dense trees. At night, Barn Owls hunt by flying low, back and forth over open habitats, checking out small rodents primarily by sound. Barn Owls require large areas of open land over which to hunt. this will either be marsh, grasslands, or mixed agricultural fields. For nesting and roosting, they like quiet cavities, either in trees or man-made structures like barns or silos., barn owls tend to divorce only when breeding isn’t going well—for example, if there are only a few eggs laid or now not many surviving chicks. When a pair is making a lot of babies, the birds continue to be quite loyal—and that chick-making relationship only gets higher with time due to the fact the two mate more often, doubtlessly maximizing the size of the household long-term.Barn owls are productive parents, often laying two broods per 12 months with up to eleven (an average of six) eggs per bro.But if  they don’t have many babies, both accomplice may choose to are looking for a new mate. Females have a tendency to go away the nest after divorce, even though some would possibly be pushed out as an alternative than choosing to go. What is regarded is that younger males are greater possibly to divorce than older ones are. When choosing partner, male barn owls prefer ladies with more  and large black spots on the pointers of their feathers, even though why precisely that’s regarded better is unknown.

 

                                                                                                               

       Black Drongo    

The Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) is a little Asian passerine feathered creature of the drongo family Dicruridae. It is a typical inhabitant raiser in quite a bit of tropical southern Asia from southwest Iran through India and Pakistan east to southern China and Indonesia. It is an entirely dark fledgling with an unmistakable forked tail and measures 28 cm (11 in) long. Benefiting from bugs, it is regular in open rural territories and light woodland all through its range, roosting obviously on an uncovered roost or along force or phone lines. The species is known for its forceful conduct towards a lot bigger winged animals, for example, crows, never dithering to plunge bomb any flying creatures of prey that attacks its domain. This conduct gains it the casual name of King Crow. Littler feathered creatures regularly home in the very much protected region of a settling Black Drongo. Recently viewed as a subspecies (Dicrurus adsimilis macrocercus) of the African Fork-followed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis), it is presently perceived as a full animal categories.About birds…Black Drongo are socially monogamous birds.

 

      common myna 

The common myna is promptly recognized by the earthy colored body, dark hooded head and the exposed yellow fix behind the eye. The bill and legs are brilliant yellow. There is a white fix on the external primaries and the wing lining on the underside is white. The genders are comparable and winged animals are normally found two by two. The calls incorporate croaks, screeches, twitters, snaps, whistles and ‘snarls’, and the winged creature regularly cushions its plumes and sways its head in singing. The normal myna shrieks alerts to its mate or different winged animals in instances of predators in vicinity or when it is going to take off flying. Common mynas are famous as confine flying creatures for their singing and “talking” capacities. Prior to resting in mutual perches, mynas vocalize as one, which is known as “common clamor. .The pair never mate in open space rather they hide themselves before doing sexual activities. Common Myna mate for life.

        green bee-eater     

The green bee-eater may be a tiny bee-eater bird that lives in components of Asia and Africa. it’s a small exquisite bird that has bright emerald inexperienced body covering. it’s a slender black stripe called a ‘gorget’ on its throat, and a black ‘mask’ running through its crimson eyes. Its 2 central, narrow, long black tail streamers also are distinctive, and are solely gift in mature birds. Male and feminine birds look an equivalent. Their breeding time starts in March. They often make a tunnel in a sandy bank. Their tunnel can be five feet long. The eggs are glossy white. Egg incubation time is fifteen days.

WOODPECKER     

 

 

The red-headed woodpecker is a little woodpecker around 7-9 crawls long with a wingspan of 14-17 inches. It has a red head, neck and upper bosom. It has a white lower chest and stomach, dark wings with a white fix on the back and a dark tail. It has a long, solid, sharp bill and bruised eyes. Guys and females resemble the other the same. Its eats creepy crawlies, bugs, nuts, seeds, berries etc.The red-headed woodpecker is omnivorous. It eats creepy crawlies, bugs, worms, nuts, seeds, berries, products of the soil little well evolved creatures. It might likewise eat fowl eggs, youngsters, and mice. The red-headed woodpecker doesn’t penetrate into trees to unearth creepy crawlies as frequently as different woodpeckers. Rather, it roosts on a tree limb or fence post and trusts that flying prey will pass by, or it scavenges on the ground for nourishment. Woodpecker pair mate for life. It is a homogeneous bird.

 

 Quail   

Quail, Small pear-shaped game bird. Breeds in taller grassland and grain fields in east to central Asia and winters in similar habitat in Africa, southern Europe, and South Asia. Rarely seen, and most frequently detected by male’s emphatic whistled “wet-my-lips!” song, which may tend in the dark . When flushed, explodes from underfoot and flies off strongly with whirring wing beats and short glides. Plumage cryptic and streaky brown with pale eyebrow; male has black throat stripe. Very almost like Japanese Quail, whose male features a much darker face; females, immature birds, and domestic types (kept as captive for eggs and may escape) are probably not safely separable within the field. Meat is very delicious and people love to catch quails during wheat harvesting time.

                                                                                                                           Hoopoes 

 

Hoopoes are very beautiful and colorful birds with black beak. These birds are available all over Asia and Africa. Hoopoe eat earth worms and insects and get feed on the ground. They are territorial birds and male Hoopoe usually publicize the ownership of the territory. Male Hoopoe fight with rival male. They make their nests in a hole of a tree or in walls with very narrow entry point. Female Hoopoe alone incubate eggs for more than 15 days while during incubation period male feed the female. This bird has an oil gland that can produce smelling secretion foul. Hoopoes are monogamous and female never cheat.

ABOUT SINGING, DIVORCE & PROSTITUTION AMONGST BIRDS.

In the spring, a youngster’s extravagant softly goes to musings of affection,” the saying goes. The equivalent might be said of winged creatures. That is on the grounds that spring is when most flying creatures go to family commitments—they mate, manufacture homes, lay eggs and raise youthful. For what reason do winged animals sing such a great amount during this time, however?  Singing is a significant piece of the rearing cycle, which starts when transitory male fowls arrive at their settling  ground.They for the most part show up before the female winged creatures, giving every male time to set up a settling an area and guard it against different guys of similar species. Singing is a type of correspondence that fortifies this proprietorship—declaring through flying creature tunes that “this is my region.”like humans, they routinely provide parental care and are socially monogamous. And like us, birds divorce. But instead of the complicated emotions that drive our own behavior, birds are presumably motivated by powerful biological forces to divorce. The key to understanding divorce in birds is in understanding their reproductive behavior and the urge to maximize individual lifetime reproductive success, i.e., the total number of young that are successfully fledged over a lifetime. According to the report about the study published by BBC News Online, some female penguins sneak around on their partners. These birds have sex with unattached males and take a pebble from the male’s nest after having sex.We’ve all heard it countless times: Certain species of bird’s mate for life, including geese, swans, cranes, and eagles. It’s a true statement, for the most part, but it’s only part of the story. Lots of monogamous bird species cheat, and some “divorce”—but at rates much lower than humans. To my way of thinking monogamous are not necessarily faithful partners, but thy care for each other and for the young of their nests. Cheating, or “extra-pair copulation” also occurs, but rarely, among birds of sexually monogamous, mated-for-life species.We’ve all heard it countless times: Certain species of bird’s mate for life, including geese, swans, cranes, and eagles. It’s a true statement, for the most part, but it’s only part of the story. Lots of

 

Coming  Valentine’s Day, take inspiration from some of the great bird species that mate for life.

Black Vultures stick together. Bald Eagle mate for life unless one of the two dies.Laysan Albatrosses, which don’t breed until they’re eight or nine years old, are monogamous. Mute Swan pairs stay together for life. However, divorce does occur in less than 3 percent of mates that breed successfully and 9 percent that don’t.Whooping Cranes—which are monogamous and mate for life.Atlantic Puffins stick with their partners for good, returning to the same burrow each season, sharing egg-incubating and parenting duties.

CONCLUSION.

For every 100 marriages in Iceland, there are 31 divorces; in Belgium, the divorce rate is almost 60 percent; and for every two marriages in the United States, another one falls apart [source: CDC, NationMaster.com]. Perhaps humans could learn a thing or two from the birds on this one: More than 90 percent of all birds are monogamous, meaning they maintain an essentially exclusive relationship, or pair bond, with just one member of the opposite sex.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A MEDIVAL TOWN OF BELGIUM.

 

 

The year was 1979 when I made my first visit to Germany. I was 26  with smart young physique looking person having attractive black & brown eyes (sorry for the self-praise) but it is dam truth as many ladies including my wife had the same opinion. In summer 1980, Me and my friend Mr. Rana Khan (who still lives in Germany) planned to visit Belgium. At that time European Union was not in existence and it was very difficult to get Belgium Visa. However, with the help of a belgique lady we got the visa and visited Brussels and Antwerp. After that I been to Germany many times but never thought to visit Belgium again. Even in August last year I along with my wife landed at Brussels airport but without staying there we went to Luxembourg and then to France.

I had a plan in my mind to visit Belgium in 2020 but due to corona virus, it was not possible to travel abroad and this year I will remain at home. From January 2020 till today I am at home spending much of my time sitting before computer in learning Coral Draw and now I am able to create logo designs.On 4th July,2020, a few countries of European Union lifted lock down. Taking this opportunity my younger daughter & her husband (Both live in Europe) drove toward Belgium by their Mercedes car.Their 2-day stay was in BRUGES city of Belgium. Upon return they provided me few pictures and material for writing my next blog. So, this blog is about Bruges to whom some people say city of Castles while many call it Haunted City. It is also called city of canals. Situated in northwestern Belgium, Bruges is one of Europe’s most very much protected medieval towns, flaunting an old-world appeal and sentimental climate. When a significant community for Flemish workmanship and materials, Bruges today is most popular for its delightful waterways.Situated in northwestern Belgium, Bruges is one of Europe’s most very much protected medieval towns, flaunting an old-world appeal and sentimental climate. When a significant community for Flemish workmanship and materials, Bruges today is most popular for its delightful waterways.

Bruges might be the biggest city in the West Flanders territory; however, it is still little enough to investigate by strolling. The primary fascination in Bruges is the postcard-flawless Old Town. Encircled by pleasant channels and medieval dividers, the architecturally significant area is abounding in wonderful old engineering including Romanesque and Gothic holy places like the Church of Our Lady that houses a Michelangelo design, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which professes to have a vial of blood from Jesus Christ. The Church of Our Lady with its 122-meter block steeple, overwhelms the horizon of the city. It is actually the ‘high spot’ of the stonemason’s craft in medieval Bruges. It took two centuries (thirteenth fifteenth) to fabricate the congregation. Among the numerous workmanship treasures is a delightful Carrara marble Madonna and Child design by Michelangelo.The city’s most acclaimed milestone is the Markt Square tower. Guests can climb this thirteenth century ringer tower to appreciate stupendous perspectives on the city. Different destinations not to miss incorporate the fantastic Gruuthuse Mansion, and the great Saint John’s Hospital, which was worked in 1188. Must-do exercises in Bruges incorporate visiting the historical centers, which display the city’s way of life, customs and fine arts by popular Flemish specialists. Walks around cobblestone boulevards offer many shops selling flavorful chocolates, Belgian brew and conventional lacework. Picturesque waterway travels are promptly accessible, while horse-drawn carriage rides present sentimental encounters.Belgium is one shocking nation to investigate! Let’s face it, for a generally little nation, it sneaks up suddenly with all the exquisite towns and urban areas in Belgium to visit. From the perpetual waffle houses in Brussels to the delightful waterways of Bruges, there are urban areas in Belgium that will suit each guest’s preferences, I’m certain. Bruges is a dazzling capital city of West Flanders, concealed in northwest Belgium. Once here, make a point to visit in the focal piazza region called the Markt. It’s the thumping heart of Bruges with heaps of little shops and eateries to visit – that being stated, they’re  FrieFries (frites in French or frieten in Flemish) are to some degree the national dish of Belgium.

BELGIUM FOOD

Moules-frites, in French, Mosselen-Friet, in Flemish, or mussels with fries, is an exemplary Belgian dish you can discover at pretty much any bistro or brasserie in Brussels. It’s one of the nourishments to eat in Belgium. The most widely recognized way mussels are served in Belgium is steamed in white wine, in large dark mussel pots. Notwithstanding wine, moules marinières additionally contain shallots, parsley, and spread. Other cooking strategies incorporate cream, lager, or even mustard sauce.You’ll never hear a Belgian call them “french fries”, not in any event, when talking in English. There’s a great deal of discussion around who developed seared potatoes, yet I guarantee you – Belgians culminated them. When you eat fries in Belgium, they’ll never taste as great anyplace else’s.

 

Meatballs are a Belgian top choice, on the two sides of the language partition, and are generally a blend of hamburger and pork. In Flanders, balletjes or “balls” are frequently served covered in pureed tomatoes, or, now and again, Frikadellen-style; seared in spread with Belgian cherry sauce.

1.More than 50 castles are in Bruges.

2.Belgium invented fries not American.

3.You can see the Burges High way from the moon.

4.There are more than 80 bridges in Burges.

5.There are countless myths and legends.

Before concluding this informative article, my Humbel request to European nations,

Please leave double edge diplomacy- Some time back you were making law against wearing HIJAB covering face by Muslim women and now you are making Law to wear face masks Mandatory.

In the end, a request to my readers, on a scale from 0-10 give your opinion about this post has provided you entertaining information

 

 

 

 

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The Magical Amalfi

     

         so much to say about The Amalfi Coast in Italy. Here is an account of an unforgettable 5 days spent on the gorgeous Southern coast of Italy.

The amazing terrace of pastel and white houses dot the majestic cliffs of Positano on the southern coast of Italy – better known to the world as the Amalfi coast. 40.6 degrees North and 14.4 degrees East, this part of Italy is home to the most breathtaking views of the sea, cliffs and sunsets.

The amazing terrace of pastel and white houses dot the majestic cliffs of Positano on the southern coast of Italy – better known to the world as the Amalfi coast. 40.6 degrees North and 14.4 degrees East, this part of Italy is home to the most breathtaking views of the sea, cliffs and sunsets.Amalfi coast will always remain very close to my heart. The coast is dotted with many small towns and fishing villages. Pebbled beaches emerge from under the royal blue Mediterranean Sea and tower up into dramatic rocky cliffs high up in the soft blue sky. Since the time of the ancient Roman Empire, villages with narrow streets have been carved into the high-rise cliffs. These narrow streets are cobblestoned and are sprinkled with high end boutiques selling designer wear, small cafes, bars and restaurants serving some of the best cuisines of the world. However, after checking into my hostel, I headed straight to the receptionist to ask her where I could interact with the locals and have a cozy, authentic Italian dinner.

Travelling to the Amalfi coast had turned out to be more expensive than I had expected but I did not have an ounce of regret. This was a trip worth every cent. After months of doing my research on the internet about how to explore the region, I had finally decided to stay in Sorrento and travel to the neighboring towns and islands from there. Sorrento has affordable accommodations and is the most well connected to the rest of the Amalfi coast through buses and ferries. Since the closest airport is in Naples – Sorrento is also conveniently located 1 hour away from Naples by a local train.I took a seat where I had a clear view of the Bay of Naples, the stretch of the sea and the volcano standing tall amidst the golden light dancing around it. I ordered some fresh mussels with homemade spaghetti. Oh my. What a climax it created in my mouth when it touched my tongue. That’s the thing about Italian food. It doesn’t just touch your taste buds; it touches your soul and it touches it the very second you take it in your mouth. I closed my eyes and let out a soft mumble taking in that fraction of a second, that one moment of my life where I was in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I was in Italy.I took in and cherished every single bit of my food and by the time I was finished, I was sated as ever. The sun had set, the golden light had disappeared, and it was dark. I could no longer see into the dark stretch of the sea nor the towering Vesuvius, only the city of Naples on the opposite side of the shore under the mountain, now glittering and sparkling in the night.

Positano was no different. Actually no. It was different. It was even more breathtaking. Positano is more elegant, more alluring. And more crowded as well. Driving from Sorrento to Positano with high mountains on one side and the stretch of blue sparkly sea on the other side, is a feast for the eyes. As one moves towards the town, Positano peaks at you from behind the huge hills, and then the pastel-colored houses appear. One top of the other, stacked on terraces carved on the cliffs. The town is walkable and driving around is not recommended. It is a town to be seen, felt, and heard on foot. Narrow streets, expensive boutiques, vintage shops selling vanilla-colored clothes and ceramics so beautiful that you will not find them anywhere else in the world.The next day spent on the Isle of Capri was no disappointment as well. Capri has been the holiday destination of the rich and wealthy from times of the Roman Empire, when cruel roman emperors like Tiberius vacationed on the island in their private villas. Capri, a volcanic island, chic, exotic and tourist stricken. With the vistas getting more dramatic as you go higher up the island, you come across the typical medieval cobblestone streets and narrow stairways carved out of rock with spectacular villas on both sides. The island is divided into two villages – Capri and AnaCapri. Capri is bigger, more touristy and crowded with a lot of high-end brand shops. AnaCapri is the smaller, slightly quieter part of the island with a lot of souvenir shops, friendly locals and the famous Villa San Michele.

 

I’m not going to write much about Villa San Michele but if you want to read more about it this link http://villasanmichele.eu/en/ will be helpful.  I can write a separate chapter on the Villa, its history and what it feels like to be there, but I will be doing immense injustice to the place. I will however say one thing. If you ever go to the Amalfi coast, please go Capri. When you go to Capri, please go and visit the Villa San Michele. When you decide to go to the villa, go alone. Experience that places alone in silence. Read about it first and then sit on its terrace next to the Sphynx, stare out at what lies right in front of you. Hear, smell and look at everything that surrounds you. Only then will you feel what I felt and you will come back unable to describe it in words. Only then will you long to go back there like I do. could not afford to stay in a 5-star hotel for 5 nights, hence I chose a hostel dorm which I would share with 5 other person – two Americans, a Russian, German and a Polish woman. Some were alone on a holiday like me, one getting over a divorce and the other looking for an Italian girlfriend. I only came to my dorm at nights to sleep and barely had a conversation with any of them except for a few exchanges of pleasantries.

My hostel was located halfway up the cliff and the receptionist suggested me to go to the beach at the foot of the cliff to a small fishing village for authentic Italian food and some fresh catch of the day (I am referring to fish, and not Italian women). I walked the narrow streets and stairs carved from rocks and reached a pebbled beach just as the sun was setting. Wow. I was speechless and felt a strange calm at the same time. Yes, the sky was blue, and the water was blue, but it was also a soft, yet piercing golden. The crashing waves made music on the pebbled shore. The beach was dotted with some boats and the dockyard had many small restaurants that had just opened service for the night. A few small medieval houses. Fishermen lived here. They sailed into the Mediterranean Sea during the day, caught fish and ran their own restaurants on the beach in the evenings – serving a combination of their fresh catch with the amazing Italian gourmet creations. The seating in all restaurants was outdoors and I chose the one which was the most crowded.

When you’re travelling around the Amalfi coast, the one thing that you immediately notice is that the Mt. Vesuvius is always in view. Whether you’re in Sorrento, Positano, Capri or standing anywhere on the Bay of Naples, Mt. Vesuvius always stands majestically right in front of you – a big triangular structure with a blown-up top. The foot of Mt. Vesuvius is always dotted with the sparkly city of Naples and the top of this volcano is always covered with clouds. The clouds are never completely white. No matter what time of the day it is, the clouds are always a combination of white, golden and purple. The volcano stays. Stands. Majestic. Big. Stares back at you in the lazy days and evenings, reminding you of the havoc it created in Pompeii centuries ago.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE

 

 

 

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ROCK SALT……POLICE MAN OF TASTE………FOOTBALLS FOR FIFA CUP QATAR.

Many years ago when I was in school, I read that the oceans  covers 70% of our earth. Nowadays The oceans are being degraded with nuclear waste, Industrial waste and from chemical run-off. Every year there are major news of one or two fractured oil tanker causing catastrophe. Moreover enhancement of mercury level in oceans limit us to take less sea salt. Presently sea salt does not have the same positive impact on our health because most of the sea salt under goes man-made refining to get it to packaged commodity stage. Many salt producing  firms dry their salt in huge kiln with temperature reaching  above 1100 degree which changes the salt chemical structure which is in turn affects human and animal body. Simple fact is our modern oceans have grown increasingly polluted, making “PURE” sea salt elusive.

Whenever you’ve got any possibility to go to Pakistan, Khewra salt mines and Warshaw salt mines are worth to see. From Lahore air port, it is hardly 2-3 hour force via motor way. It may be very unusual that those reserves were found when ALEXANDER THE GREAT crossed JEHLUM and MIANWALI place during his Indian campaign. The mine was observed neither through Alexander nor through his allies, but via his navy horses whilst were found licking the stones. Another amazing issue, this rock salt is very low in cost compared to its freight fees up to Karachi port. Himalayan rock salt is a great source of iron, potassium and magnesium- vital nutrients for maintaining your horses health. 100% natural mineral salt mined from the ancient Himalayan mountains (the purest form of salt available). The best quality rose pink color salt is a result of the high mineral content of iron, potassium and magnesium, all vital for maintaining good health. Safe for all wildlife, including horses, cows, buffalo, camels, sheep, Goats, Pet, white tail deer, elk, caribou, and Zoo & Wild animals. Plan to visit Pakistan and after viewing salt mines do not miss to visit KARAKORAM HIGH WAY….This is about 1300 kilometer long roads which connect Pakistan to China. Due to its high elevation and difficult condition in which it was constructed, it is often referred as the 8th wonder of the world. It starts from Hasan Abdal in the Punjab province of Pakistan  to Xinjiang Uyghur Region of China. K2 also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori, at 8,611 meters (28,251 ft) above sea level, is the second highest mountain in the world, after Mount Everest at 8,848 meters (29,029 ft). It is located on the China–Pakistan border between Baltistan in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan, and the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Xinjiang, China. K2 is the highest point of the Karakoram range and the highest point in both Pakistan and Xinjiang.

 

 

Pakistan is home to 108 peaks above 7,000 meters and probably as many peaks above 6,000 m. Today some countries are building largest shopping malls, tallest towers and what not. They destroy nature and produce ugly structures which do nothing but hurt our earth . Can they build mountains like K2 can they bring about a river as mighty and as legendary as river Indus.

Pakistan is full of friendly folks, flora and fauna. Nature smiles here and sun pays its first homage here in Pakistan. This is a country where 50% footballs of entire world need  are manufactured. This is a country where NANGA PARBAT 9th highest peak of the world is keen to welcome you. Yes it is Pakistan where Tope Mankiala  is the Buddhist site where, according to a legend, Lord Buddha had fed seven hungry tiger cubs with his body parts.  Rock salt is the best Himalayan salt suitable  for animal lick.Nowadays Fifa world cup is in full swing in QATAR.Although Pakistani Football team is not there but Football made in Pakistan are in the play field.

Salt Lamps

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Weekend Top

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ROCK SALT……POLICE MAN OF TASTE………FOOTBALLS FOR FIFA CUP QATAR.

Many years ago when I was in school, I read that the oceans  covers 70% of our earth. Nowadays The oceans are being degraded with nuclear waste, Industrial waste and from chemical run-off. Every year there are major news of one or two fractured oil tanker causing catastrophe. Moreover enhancement of mercury level in oceans limit us to take less sea salt. Presently sea salt does not have the same positive impact on our health because most of the sea salt under goes man-made refining to get it to packaged commodity stage. Many salt producing  firms dry their salt in huge kiln with temperature reaching  above 1100 degree which changes the salt chemical structure which is in turn affects human and animal body. Simple fact is our modern oceans have grown increasingly polluted, making “PURE” sea salt elusive.

Whenever you’ve got any possibility to go to Pakistan, Khewra salt mines and Warshaw salt mines are worth to see. From Lahore air port, it is hardly 2-3 hour force via motor way. It may be very unusual that those reserves were found when ALEXANDER THE GREAT crossed JEHLUM and MIANWALI place during his Indian campaign. The mine was observed neither through Alexander nor through his allies, but via his navy horses whilst were found licking the stones. Another amazing issue, this rock salt is very low in cost compared to its freight fees up to Karachi port. Himalayan rock salt is a great source of iron, potassium and magnesium- vital nutrients for maintaining your horses health. 100% natural mineral salt mined from the ancient Himalayan mountains (the purest form of salt available). The best quality rose pink color salt is a result of the high mineral content of iron, potassium and magnesium, all vital for maintaining good health. Safe for all wildlife, including horses, cows, buffalo, camels, sheep, Goats, Pet, white tail deer, elk, caribou, and Zoo & Wild animals. Plan to visit Pakistan and after viewing salt mines do not miss to visit KARAKORAM HIGH WAY….This is about 1300 kilometer long roads which connect Pakistan to China. Due to its high elevation and difficult condition in which it was constructed, it is often referred as the 8th wonder of the world. It starts from Hasan Abdal in the Punjab province of Pakistan  to Xinjiang Uyghur Region of China. K2 also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori, at 8,611 meters (28,251 ft) above sea level, is the second highest mountain in the world, after Mount Everest at 8,848 meters (29,029 ft). It is located on the China–Pakistan border between Baltistan in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan, and the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Xinjiang, China. K2 is the highest point of the Karakoram range and the highest point in both Pakistan and Xinjiang.

 

 

Pakistan is home to 108 peaks above 7,000 meters and probably as many peaks above 6,000 m. Today some countries are building largest shopping malls, tallest towers and what not. They destroy nature and produce ugly structures which do nothing but hurt our earth . Can they build mountains like K2 can they bring about a river as mighty and as legendary as river Indus.

Pakistan is full of friendly folks, flora and fauna. Nature smiles here and sun pays its first homage here in Pakistan. This is a country where 50% footballs of entire world need  are manufactured. This is a country where NANGA PARBAT 9th highest peak of the world is keen to welcome you. Yes it is Pakistan where Tope Mankiala  is the Buddhist site where, according to a legend, Lord Buddha had fed seven hungry tiger cubs with his body parts.  Rock salt is the best Himalayan salt suitable  for animal lick.Nowadays Fifa world cup is in full swing in QATAR.Although Pakistani Football team is not there but Football made in Pakistan are in the play field.

Salt Lamps

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The Magical Amalfi

     

         so much to say about The Amalfi Coast in Italy. Here is an account of an unforgettable 5 days spent on the gorgeous Southern coast of Italy.

The amazing terrace of pastel and white houses dot the majestic cliffs of Positano on the southern coast of Italy – better known to the world as the Amalfi coast. 40.6 degrees North and 14.4 degrees East, this part of Italy is home to the most breathtaking views of the sea, cliffs and sunsets.

The amazing terrace of pastel and white houses dot the majestic cliffs of Positano on the southern coast of Italy – better known to the world as the Amalfi coast. 40.6 degrees North and 14.4 degrees East, this part of Italy is home to the most breathtaking views of the sea, cliffs and sunsets.Amalfi coast will always remain very close to my heart. The coast is dotted with many small towns and fishing villages. Pebbled beaches emerge from under the royal blue Mediterranean Sea and tower up into dramatic rocky cliffs high up in the soft blue sky. Since the time of the ancient Roman Empire, villages with narrow streets have been carved into the high-rise cliffs. These narrow streets are cobblestoned and are sprinkled with high end boutiques selling designer wear, small cafes, bars and restaurants serving some of the best cuisines of the world. However, after checking into my hostel, I headed straight to the receptionist to ask her where I could interact with the locals and have a cozy, authentic Italian dinner.

Travelling to the Amalfi coast had turned out to be more expensive than I had expected but I did not have an ounce of regret. This was a trip worth every cent. After months of doing my research on the internet about how to explore the region, I had finally decided to stay in Sorrento and travel to the neighboring towns and islands from there. Sorrento has affordable accommodations and is the most well connected to the rest of the Amalfi coast through buses and ferries. Since the closest airport is in Naples – Sorrento is also conveniently located 1 hour away from Naples by a local train.I took a seat where I had a clear view of the Bay of Naples, the stretch of the sea and the volcano standing tall amidst the golden light dancing around it. I ordered some fresh mussels with homemade spaghetti. Oh my. What a climax it created in my mouth when it touched my tongue. That’s the thing about Italian food. It doesn’t just touch your taste buds; it touches your soul and it touches it the very second you take it in your mouth. I closed my eyes and let out a soft mumble taking in that fraction of a second, that one moment of my life where I was in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I was in Italy.I took in and cherished every single bit of my food and by the time I was finished, I was sated as ever. The sun had set, the golden light had disappeared, and it was dark. I could no longer see into the dark stretch of the sea nor the towering Vesuvius, only the city of Naples on the opposite side of the shore under the mountain, now glittering and sparkling in the night.

Positano was no different. Actually no. It was different. It was even more breathtaking. Positano is more elegant, more alluring. And more crowded as well. Driving from Sorrento to Positano with high mountains on one side and the stretch of blue sparkly sea on the other side, is a feast for the eyes. As one moves towards the town, Positano peaks at you from behind the huge hills, and then the pastel-colored houses appear. One top of the other, stacked on terraces carved on the cliffs. The town is walkable and driving around is not recommended. It is a town to be seen, felt, and heard on foot. Narrow streets, expensive boutiques, vintage shops selling vanilla-colored clothes and ceramics so beautiful that you will not find them anywhere else in the world.The next day spent on the Isle of Capri was no disappointment as well. Capri has been the holiday destination of the rich and wealthy from times of the Roman Empire, when cruel roman emperors like Tiberius vacationed on the island in their private villas. Capri, a volcanic island, chic, exotic and tourist stricken. With the vistas getting more dramatic as you go higher up the island, you come across the typical medieval cobblestone streets and narrow stairways carved out of rock with spectacular villas on both sides. The island is divided into two villages – Capri and AnaCapri. Capri is bigger, more touristy and crowded with a lot of high-end brand shops. AnaCapri is the smaller, slightly quieter part of the island with a lot of souvenir shops, friendly locals and the famous Villa San Michele.

 

I’m not going to write much about Villa San Michele but if you want to read more about it this link http://villasanmichele.eu/en/ will be helpful.  I can write a separate chapter on the Villa, its history and what it feels like to be there, but I will be doing immense injustice to the place. I will however say one thing. If you ever go to the Amalfi coast, please go Capri. When you go to Capri, please go and visit the Villa San Michele. When you decide to go to the villa, go alone. Experience that places alone in silence. Read about it first and then sit on its terrace next to the Sphynx, stare out at what lies right in front of you. Hear, smell and look at everything that surrounds you. Only then will you feel what I felt and you will come back unable to describe it in words. Only then will you long to go back there like I do. could not afford to stay in a 5-star hotel for 5 nights, hence I chose a hostel dorm which I would share with 5 other person – two Americans, a Russian, German and a Polish woman. Some were alone on a holiday like me, one getting over a divorce and the other looking for an Italian girlfriend. I only came to my dorm at nights to sleep and barely had a conversation with any of them except for a few exchanges of pleasantries.

My hostel was located halfway up the cliff and the receptionist suggested me to go to the beach at the foot of the cliff to a small fishing village for authentic Italian food and some fresh catch of the day (I am referring to fish, and not Italian women). I walked the narrow streets and stairs carved from rocks and reached a pebbled beach just as the sun was setting. Wow. I was speechless and felt a strange calm at the same time. Yes, the sky was blue, and the water was blue, but it was also a soft, yet piercing golden. The crashing waves made music on the pebbled shore. The beach was dotted with some boats and the dockyard had many small restaurants that had just opened service for the night. A few small medieval houses. Fishermen lived here. They sailed into the Mediterranean Sea during the day, caught fish and ran their own restaurants on the beach in the evenings – serving a combination of their fresh catch with the amazing Italian gourmet creations. The seating in all restaurants was outdoors and I chose the one which was the most crowded.

When you’re travelling around the Amalfi coast, the one thing that you immediately notice is that the Mt. Vesuvius is always in view. Whether you’re in Sorrento, Positano, Capri or standing anywhere on the Bay of Naples, Mt. Vesuvius always stands majestically right in front of you – a big triangular structure with a blown-up top. The foot of Mt. Vesuvius is always dotted with the sparkly city of Naples and the top of this volcano is always covered with clouds. The clouds are never completely white. No matter what time of the day it is, the clouds are always a combination of white, golden and purple. The volcano stays. Stands. Majestic. Big. Stares back at you in the lazy days and evenings, reminding you of the havoc it created in Pompeii centuries ago.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                A PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE

 

 

 

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A MEDIVAL TOWN OF BELGIUM.

 

 

The year was 1979 when I made my first visit to Germany. I was 26  with smart young physique looking person having attractive black & brown eyes (sorry for the self-praise) but it is dam truth as many ladies including my wife had the same opinion. In summer 1980, Me and my friend Mr. Rana Khan (who still lives in Germany) planned to visit Belgium. At that time European Union was not in existence and it was very difficult to get Belgium Visa. However, with the help of a belgique lady we got the visa and visited Brussels and Antwerp. After that I been to Germany many times but never thought to visit Belgium again. Even in August last year I along with my wife landed at Brussels airport but without staying there we went to Luxembourg and then to France.

I had a plan in my mind to visit Belgium in 2020 but due to corona virus, it was not possible to travel abroad and this year I will remain at home. From January 2020 till today I am at home spending much of my time sitting before computer in learning Coral Draw and now I am able to create logo designs.On 4th July,2020, a few countries of European Union lifted lock down. Taking this opportunity my younger daughter & her husband (Both live in Europe) drove toward Belgium by their Mercedes car.Their 2-day stay was in BRUGES city of Belgium. Upon return they provided me few pictures and material for writing my next blog. So, this blog is about Bruges to whom some people say city of Castles while many call it Haunted City. It is also called city of canals. Situated in northwestern Belgium, Bruges is one of Europe’s most very much protected medieval towns, flaunting an old-world appeal and sentimental climate. When a significant community for Flemish workmanship and materials, Bruges today is most popular for its delightful waterways.Situated in northwestern Belgium, Bruges is one of Europe’s most very much protected medieval towns, flaunting an old-world appeal and sentimental climate. When a significant community for Flemish workmanship and materials, Bruges today is most popular for its delightful waterways.

Bruges might be the biggest city in the West Flanders territory; however, it is still little enough to investigate by strolling. The primary fascination in Bruges is the postcard-flawless Old Town. Encircled by pleasant channels and medieval dividers, the architecturally significant area is abounding in wonderful old engineering including Romanesque and Gothic holy places like the Church of Our Lady that houses a Michelangelo design, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which professes to have a vial of blood from Jesus Christ. The Church of Our Lady with its 122-meter block steeple, overwhelms the horizon of the city. It is actually the ‘high spot’ of the stonemason’s craft in medieval Bruges. It took two centuries (thirteenth fifteenth) to fabricate the congregation. Among the numerous workmanship treasures is a delightful Carrara marble Madonna and Child design by Michelangelo.The city’s most acclaimed milestone is the Markt Square tower. Guests can climb this thirteenth century ringer tower to appreciate stupendous perspectives on the city. Different destinations not to miss incorporate the fantastic Gruuthuse Mansion, and the great Saint John’s Hospital, which was worked in 1188. Must-do exercises in Bruges incorporate visiting the historical centers, which display the city’s way of life, customs and fine arts by popular Flemish specialists. Walks around cobblestone boulevards offer many shops selling flavorful chocolates, Belgian brew and conventional lacework. Picturesque waterway travels are promptly accessible, while horse-drawn carriage rides present sentimental encounters.Belgium is one shocking nation to investigate! Let’s face it, for a generally little nation, it sneaks up suddenly with all the exquisite towns and urban areas in Belgium to visit. From the perpetual waffle houses in Brussels to the delightful waterways of Bruges, there are urban areas in Belgium that will suit each guest’s preferences, I’m certain. Bruges is a dazzling capital city of West Flanders, concealed in northwest Belgium. Once here, make a point to visit in the focal piazza region called the Markt. It’s the thumping heart of Bruges with heaps of little shops and eateries to visit – that being stated, they’re  FrieFries (frites in French or frieten in Flemish) are to some degree the national dish of Belgium.

BELGIUM FOOD

Moules-frites, in French, Mosselen-Friet, in Flemish, or mussels with fries, is an exemplary Belgian dish you can discover at pretty much any bistro or brasserie in Brussels. It’s one of the nourishments to eat in Belgium. The most widely recognized way mussels are served in Belgium is steamed in white wine, in large dark mussel pots. Notwithstanding wine, moules marinières additionally contain shallots, parsley, and spread. Other cooking strategies incorporate cream, lager, or even mustard sauce.You’ll never hear a Belgian call them “french fries”, not in any event, when talking in English. There’s a great deal of discussion around who developed seared potatoes, yet I guarantee you – Belgians culminated them. When you eat fries in Belgium, they’ll never taste as great anyplace else’s.

 

Meatballs are a Belgian top choice, on the two sides of the language partition, and are generally a blend of hamburger and pork. In Flanders, balletjes or “balls” are frequently served covered in pureed tomatoes, or, now and again, Frikadellen-style; seared in spread with Belgian cherry sauce.

1.More than 50 castles are in Bruges.

2.Belgium invented fries not American.

3.You can see the Burges High way from the moon.

4.There are more than 80 bridges in Burges.

5.There are countless myths and legends.

Before concluding this informative article, my Humbel request to European nations,

Please leave double edge diplomacy- Some time back you were making law against wearing HIJAB covering face by Muslim women and now you are making Law to wear face masks Mandatory.

In the end, a request to my readers, on a scale from 0-10 give your opinion about this post has provided you entertaining information

 

 

 

 

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LOVE IN THE AIR

 

 

Although our national bird is CHUKAR ( Alectoris chukur) and Shaheen Falcon is the symbolic icon of Pakistan Air force but here the purpose of writing this blog is to tell my readers about  behavior and living of many birds all over the world. It was early 2016 when I started constructing my house. It is big and large housing society & at that time had few constructed houses and a lot of trees. Behind my house there were Sugarcane, Wheat, Rice and maize fields, so I got an opportunity to see and study living and behavior of various species of birds like barn owls, tree babblers, Common Myna, wood packer, green bee eater, Crows, Yellow Weber, Black drongo , Dove ,Bulbul .common house sparrow oyster catcher ,Teeter. long tailed tits, and many more.

                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                  Barn Owls

nest and roost in cavities, abandoned barns and other buildings, and dense trees. At night, Barn Owls hunt by flying low, back and forth over open habitats, checking out small rodents primarily by sound. Barn Owls require large areas of open land over which to hunt. this will either be marsh, grasslands, or mixed agricultural fields. For nesting and roosting, they like quiet cavities, either in trees or man-made structures like barns or silos., barn owls tend to divorce only when breeding isn’t going well—for example, if there are only a few eggs laid or now not many surviving chicks. When a pair is making a lot of babies, the birds continue to be quite loyal—and that chick-making relationship only gets higher with time due to the fact the two mate more often, doubtlessly maximizing the size of the household long-term.Barn owls are productive parents, often laying two broods per 12 months with up to eleven (an average of six) eggs per bro.But if  they don’t have many babies, both accomplice may choose to are looking for a new mate. Females have a tendency to go away the nest after divorce, even though some would possibly be pushed out as an alternative than choosing to go. What is regarded is that younger males are greater possibly to divorce than older ones are. When choosing partner, male barn owls prefer ladies with more  and large black spots on the pointers of their feathers, even though why precisely that’s regarded better is unknown.

 

                                                                                                               

       Black Drongo    

The Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) is a little Asian passerine feathered creature of the drongo family Dicruridae. It is a typical inhabitant raiser in quite a bit of tropical southern Asia from southwest Iran through India and Pakistan east to southern China and Indonesia. It is an entirely dark fledgling with an unmistakable forked tail and measures 28 cm (11 in) long. Benefiting from bugs, it is regular in open rural territories and light woodland all through its range, roosting obviously on an uncovered roost or along force or phone lines. The species is known for its forceful conduct towards a lot bigger winged animals, for example, crows, never dithering to plunge bomb any flying creatures of prey that attacks its domain. This conduct gains it the casual name of King Crow. Littler feathered creatures regularly home in the very much protected region of a settling Black Drongo. Recently viewed as a subspecies (Dicrurus adsimilis macrocercus) of the African Fork-followed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis), it is presently perceived as a full animal categories.About birds…Black Drongo are socially monogamous birds.

 

      common myna 

The common myna is promptly recognized by the earthy colored body, dark hooded head and the exposed yellow fix behind the eye. The bill and legs are brilliant yellow. There is a white fix on the external primaries and the wing lining on the underside is white. The genders are comparable and winged animals are normally found two by two. The calls incorporate croaks, screeches, twitters, snaps, whistles and ‘snarls’, and the winged creature regularly cushions its plumes and sways its head in singing. The normal myna shrieks alerts to its mate or different winged animals in instances of predators in vicinity or when it is going to take off flying. Common mynas are famous as confine flying creatures for their singing and “talking” capacities. Prior to resting in mutual perches, mynas vocalize as one, which is known as “common clamor. .The pair never mate in open space rather they hide themselves before doing sexual activities. Common Myna mate for life.

        green bee-eater     

The green bee-eater may be a tiny bee-eater bird that lives in components of Asia and Africa. it’s a small exquisite bird that has bright emerald inexperienced body covering. it’s a slender black stripe called a ‘gorget’ on its throat, and a black ‘mask’ running through its crimson eyes. Its 2 central, narrow, long black tail streamers also are distinctive, and are solely gift in mature birds. Male and feminine birds look an equivalent. Their breeding time starts in March. They often make a tunnel in a sandy bank. Their tunnel can be five feet long. The eggs are glossy white. Egg incubation time is fifteen days.

WOODPECKER     

 

 

The red-headed woodpecker is a little woodpecker around 7-9 crawls long with a wingspan of 14-17 inches. It has a red head, neck and upper bosom. It has a white lower chest and stomach, dark wings with a white fix on the back and a dark tail. It has a long, solid, sharp bill and bruised eyes. Guys and females resemble the other the same. Its eats creepy crawlies, bugs, nuts, seeds, berries etc.The red-headed woodpecker is omnivorous. It eats creepy crawlies, bugs, worms, nuts, seeds, berries, products of the soil little well evolved creatures. It might likewise eat fowl eggs, youngsters, and mice. The red-headed woodpecker doesn’t penetrate into trees to unearth creepy crawlies as frequently as different woodpeckers. Rather, it roosts on a tree limb or fence post and trusts that flying prey will pass by, or it scavenges on the ground for nourishment. Woodpecker pair mate for life. It is a homogeneous bird.

 

 Quail   

Quail, Small pear-shaped game bird. Breeds in taller grassland and grain fields in east to central Asia and winters in similar habitat in Africa, southern Europe, and South Asia. Rarely seen, and most frequently detected by male’s emphatic whistled “wet-my-lips!” song, which may tend in the dark . When flushed, explodes from underfoot and flies off strongly with whirring wing beats and short glides. Plumage cryptic and streaky brown with pale eyebrow; male has black throat stripe. Very almost like Japanese Quail, whose male features a much darker face; females, immature birds, and domestic types (kept as captive for eggs and may escape) are probably not safely separable within the field. Meat is very delicious and people love to catch quails during wheat harvesting time.

                                                                                                                           Hoopoes 

 

Hoopoes are very beautiful and colorful birds with black beak. These birds are available all over Asia and Africa. Hoopoe eat earth worms and insects and get feed on the ground. They are territorial birds and male Hoopoe usually publicize the ownership of the territory. Male Hoopoe fight with rival male. They make their nests in a hole of a tree or in walls with very narrow entry point. Female Hoopoe alone incubate eggs for more than 15 days while during incubation period male feed the female. This bird has an oil gland that can produce smelling secretion foul. Hoopoes are monogamous and female never cheat.

ABOUT SINGING, DIVORCE & PROSTITUTION AMONGST BIRDS.

In the spring, a youngster’s extravagant softly goes to musings of affection,” the saying goes. The equivalent might be said of winged creatures. That is on the grounds that spring is when most flying creatures go to family commitments—they mate, manufacture homes, lay eggs and raise youthful. For what reason do winged animals sing such a great amount during this time, however?  Singing is a significant piece of the rearing cycle, which starts when transitory male fowls arrive at their settling  ground.They for the most part show up before the female winged creatures, giving every male time to set up a settling an area and guard it against different guys of similar species. Singing is a type of correspondence that fortifies this proprietorship—declaring through flying creature tunes that “this is my region.”like humans, they routinely provide parental care and are socially monogamous. And like us, birds divorce. But instead of the complicated emotions that drive our own behavior, birds are presumably motivated by powerful biological forces to divorce. The key to understanding divorce in birds is in understanding their reproductive behavior and the urge to maximize individual lifetime reproductive success, i.e., the total number of young that are successfully fledged over a lifetime. According to the report about the study published by BBC News Online, some female penguins sneak around on their partners. These birds have sex with unattached males and take a pebble from the male’s nest after having sex.We’ve all heard it countless times: Certain species of bird’s mate for life, including geese, swans, cranes, and eagles. It’s a true statement, for the most part, but it’s only part of the story. Lots of monogamous bird species cheat, and some “divorce”—but at rates much lower than humans. To my way of thinking monogamous are not necessarily faithful partners, but thy care for each other and for the young of their nests. Cheating, or “extra-pair copulation” also occurs, but rarely, among birds of sexually monogamous, mated-for-life species.We’ve all heard it countless times: Certain species of bird’s mate for life, including geese, swans, cranes, and eagles. It’s a true statement, for the most part, but it’s only part of the story. Lots of

 

Coming  Valentine’s Day, take inspiration from some of the great bird species that mate for life.

Black Vultures stick together. Bald Eagle mate for life unless one of the two dies.Laysan Albatrosses, which don’t breed until they’re eight or nine years old, are monogamous. Mute Swan pairs stay together for life. However, divorce does occur in less than 3 percent of mates that breed successfully and 9 percent that don’t.Whooping Cranes—which are monogamous and mate for life.Atlantic Puffins stick with their partners for good, returning to the same burrow each season, sharing egg-incubating and parenting duties.

CONCLUSION.

For every 100 marriages in Iceland, there are 31 divorces; in Belgium, the divorce rate is almost 60 percent; and for every two marriages in the United States, another one falls apart [source: CDC, NationMaster.com]. Perhaps humans could learn a thing or two from the birds on this one: More than 90 percent of all birds are monogamous, meaning they maintain an essentially exclusive relationship, or pair bond, with just one member of the opposite sex.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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