Japan Travel International Travel

Metropolis - Tokyo Japan Travel: God speed JAPAN TODAY | METROPOLIS | CLASSIFIEDS | PERSONALS | JOBS Issue Index Original Features Features Mini Features Cultural Features Life in Japan Big in Japan Rant & Rave Cars & Bikes Health & Beauty Interiors Practical Jobfinder Money Talks Tokyo Tech Web Watch Food & Drink Food & Drink Restaurant Reviews Bar Reviews Word of Mouth Travel Travel Features Japan Travel International Travel Travelogue Style Art Artifacts Fashion Tokyo Talk In Store Buyline Music Japan Beat CD Reviews In Person Concerts Clubbing JAPAN TRAVEL Photos by Mary King The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine is the spiritual home of the Japanese nation. Mary King takes a pilgrimage. D own the ages various rumors and tales have circulated about the sacred mirror of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. It was once said that whoever laid eyes on the mirror would immediately be struck blind, a possible deterrent for would-be thieves. Others have claimed to have seen the mirror and reported that it is inscribed with ancient Hebrew lettering, reading “eheyeh asher eheyeh,” the name of the Judaic-Christian God written in Exodus 3:14 and meaning “I AM THAT I AM.” Heavenly abode Japan’s sacred mirror, one of three items of the Imperial Regalia, is kept in the Inner Shrine (Naiku) at Ise Grand Shrine, a sanctuary that many visitors to the Mie Prefecture city of Ise are astonished to discover they are not allowed to enter or even see. Ise Jingu, popularly known as “O-Ise-san,” or officially “Jingu,” holds the most honored position among the more than 100,000 Shinto shrines that are scattered throughout the breadth of Japan. The site of the nation’s most Holy of Holies, and boasting some of the world’s greatest architectural monuments, Jingu is also home to some of the simplest and most mysterious structures. Described as the “starting point for all journeys in Japan,” Ise is regarded as the spiritual home of the Japanese, a place to which most wish to make at least one pilgrimage to in their lives. In fact, more than six million pilgrims and worshipers come to Jingu each year, crossing the Uji Bridge spanning the sacred Isuzu River to symbolically leave behind the temporal world and enter a “pure world” of kami (gods and spirits) and the ancient mythology of the land. Odyssey Passing through the second huge torii at the end of Uji Bridge, a long gravel approach leads you through a natural cathedral of towering cryptomeria. Pilgrim and tourist alike are taken on a divine journey toward the Naiku and Geku, where Amaterasu and Toyouke (God of Abundant Food) are respectively worshipped. It is an unforgettable odyssey, one that spirits you back to the country’s earliest recorded “history” that tells of the “Age of Kami,” the creation of Japan and the origins of its people right through to the Imperial line and succeeding generations of emperors and empresses. The auxiliary shrines resemble ancient granaries The Geku (Outer Shrine) was dedicated to the grain deity Toyouke, possibly in a bid to bolster the new imperial cult that started, according to the myth, when Amaterasu sent her grandson, Ninigi no Mikoto, down to earth to rule. The Sun Goddess handed her grandson the mirror that had lured her out of her cave, along with Susano’s sword, and a curved jewel. The mirror (yata no kagami), along with the jewel and sword, remain the Three Imperial Regalia, symbols of divine authority, and to this day the emperor conducts rites to ensure a bountiful harvest as well as secret rituals in which he symbolically mates with the Sun Goddess. The high priestess of Ise, meanwhile, has traditionally been an Imperial princess, reflecting the nation’s early history of shamanesses, priestesses and ruling empresses. Having passed through large open grounds and crossed over a small bridge (hiyokebashi), you gradually move towards the more sacred area of the Naiku. To the right of the main pilgrimage path is located a font for the ablutions made by pilgrims prior to proceeding toward the main sanctuary grounds. Beyond the daiichi torii (first sacred gateway) are steps that lead to the Isuzu River, where since ancient times pilgrims have purified their body and mind by washing their hands in, and rinsing their mouths with, the waters of this sacred river. According to Shinto thought, one’s pure mind and body given by the kami must be ritually cleansed so as to return to a state of purity. Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined in the main sanctuary building, the Goshoden, of the inner sanctum of Naiku, in which the august mirror, her symbol or goshintai, is kept and worshipped. As they are considered most sacred, pilgrims or other visitors may see neither the mirror nor the main sanctuary. In fact, the only people allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, according to my guide, are members of the Imperial Family, although on one occasion, it is rumored, Queen Elizabeth was invited in. Restoration Except for the exalted mirror, all of Jingu’s other sacred shrines and objects must be reconstructed in synch with each 20-year Shikinen Sengyo cycle. The elaborate transference procession and ceremony involves the remaking of some 491 holy treasures, 1600 accessories and 125 kinds of sacred apparel that are then put in their proscribed places by the priests. Formerly used objects are kept in the nearby Jingu History Museum, which is open to the public. It is possible to find two absolutely identical Naiku and Geku standing side by side-one old, one new. In time the older one will be deconstructed and its wooden parts, now forever consecrated, recycled as repair pieces for other shrines around Japan. The newer one-once the transference of holy objects has been consummated-hence replaces the old as a locus of veneration. The shrines themselves are thought to resemble ancient granaries or storehouses and are built from Japanese cypress (hinoki) from the Kiso forestry preserves extending between the Gifu and Nagano Prefectures. Befitting the reverence accorded to these sanctified building blocks, death, loss of a limb, or imprisonment have, over the centuries, been the penalties for felling these jewels. A visit to the majestic Ise shrine allows one to understand why. Where to stay: Oaken, tel: 059-622-2589; Hinodekan, Tel: 059-628-2954; Saekikan, tel: 059-628-2017; Okubun, tel: 059-628-2231. Ise City Tourist Information, tel: 059-623-9655. TRAVELOGUE WORLD TRAVEL TRAVEL FEATURES JAPAN TRAVEL: SEPTEMBER 389: God speed The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine AUGUST 385: Hattoji Highland hamlet JULY 380: Nagasaki Remembrance of things past 378: Kawagoe From modern Tokyo to "Little Edo" 376: Tottori Tottori's stunning landscapes JUNE 375: Kyushu Bed and bath under the volcano 373: Ryogoku Land of the giants 372: Osaka Universal Studios Japan MAY 371: Osaka Amerika-mura: Osaka's funky town 369: Mie Mikimoto Pearl Island 368: Takarazuka Hyogo-ken's all women theater group APRIL 365: Kawasaki Kawasaki's annual fertility festival 364: Aomori A day on Fear Mountain MARCH 362: Nagano Chill out snowboarding 361: Asuka One foot in the grave FEBRUARY 356: Yamanashi Hakushu's hidden treasures 355: Waseda Tram Trip A streetcar named... 352/3: Aomori Jesus in Japan 351: Kumamoto Under the volcano in Kyushu 350: Sado Island Explore the forgotten charms of Shukunegi ISSUES 348- ISSUES 298- TOP

Vacation Package Florida Beach

Cheap Vacations, Weekend Getaways, Family Vacation Special Offers Tell A Friend -- - State of Residence - ALABAMA ALASKA ARIZONA ARKANSAS CALIFORNIA COLORADO CONNECTICUT DELAWARE FLORIDA GEORGIA HAWAII IDAHO ILLINOIS INDIANA IOWA KANSAS KENTUCKY LOUISIANA MAINE MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS MICHIGAN MINNESOTA MISSISSIPPI MISSOURI MONTANA NEBRASKA NEVADA NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW JERSEY NEW MEXICO NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA NORTH DAKOTA OHIO OKLAHOMA OREGON PENNSYLVANIA PUERTO RICO RHODE ISLAND SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH DAKOTA TENNESSEE TEXAS UTAH VERMONT VIRGINIA WASHINGTON WASHINGTON, D.C. WEST VIRGINIA WISCONSIN WYOMING Fairfield Getaways offers weekend getaways, family vacations, and travel packages that include hotel accommodations and extra goodies to top destinations. Book your package today. Special Offers Tell A Friend --| About Fairfield | FAQ | Affiliates | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy Florida Timeshare Las Vegas Family Vacations Myrtle Beach Vacation Package Florida Beach Vacations Las Vegas Package Deals Palm Springs Vacation Package Florida Golf Vacations Cheap Las Vegas Vacation Package myrtle beach family myrtle beach golf palm springs family palm springs golf Daytona Vacation Packages Fort Lauderdale Vacation Packages Disney World Vacation Packages Smoky Mountian Getaways Smoky Mountian Vacations Williamsburg Vacation Packages Williamsburg Virginia Vacations alexandria vacations alexandria va vacations durango ski vacations durango vacation packages nashville tn_vacation packages nashville vacation packages new_orleans louisiana vacations new orleans vacation packages berkshires vacation packages hancock_vacation_packages historic san antonio vacations lake tahoe vacation deals lake tahoe vacation packages romantic sedona getaways san antonio getaways sedona vacation packages kona hawaii vacation packages oahu vacation packages myrtle beach timeshare vacation branson timeshare

Disney Vacation

Florida Vacation Guide - Florida for Visitors Travel Planner - Florida Travel  You are here: About > Travel > Florida for Visitors Travel Florida for Visitors Essentials Events Calendar Photo Album Spring Break Guide Travel Planners What's Up this Month Articles & Resources A to Z Index Maps Beaches / Coasts Disneyworld Things to Do in FLA Daytona / East Coast Florida Keys Florida Panhandle Miami / South Florida Orlando / Central Florida Tampa / West Coast Discounts & Coupons Photos / Cams All About Florida Buyer's Guide Florida 2006 Calendars Florida Collegiate Fan Gifts Florida State Seminole Fan Gifts Tampa Bay Buccaneer Fan Gifts Top Disney Gifts Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Florida for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Florida for Visitors From Dawn Henthorn , Your Guide to Florida for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Best of Florida, 2005 While taking a look back at 2005, I've discovered some really good reasons to visit Florida. Besides the obvious — plenty of sunshine, beautiful beaches, spectacular sunsets, wonderful resorts, popular attractions and water everywhere — there are a few places that stand out as outstanding vacation choices. Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink Glide Into New Year One of the most fun tours I have ever taken was aboard a Segway HT. It was such an awesome experience to glide along St. Petersburg's beautiful waterfront and learn to maneuver the futuristic Segway Human Transporter. Previously located at The Pier , Gyroglides has recently teamed with the St. Petersburg Museum of History to offer a wider variety of tour opportunities. I can't think of a better way to start the new year than riding the future! Tuesday December 27, 2005 | permalink New Year's Eve Celebrations 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Happy New Year! Well, not quite, but it is time to make those New Year plans if you haven't already. If you'll be in Florida to ring in 2006, you'll want to try one of these celebrations: Florida New Year Celebrations New Year's Eve at Disney Monday December 26, 2005 | permalink Holiday Wishes Whether you are away on vacation, visiting relatives or home for the holidays; and , no matter what you celebrate — Christmas or Hanukkah — best wishes for a holiday full of memory-making moments. ~Dawn Sunday December 25, 2005 | permalink 'Twas the Night Before Christmas In Florida My apologies to Clement C. Moore. He's the guy that penned A Visit from St. Nicholas — more popularly known as The Night Before Christmas . In celebration of the holiday season, and just for fun, here are some paradies I found on the Internet that pay a homage to Florida... and the popularity of Moore's poem: 'Twas a Florida Christmas 'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town, No noses were frozen, no snow fluttered down... 'Twas the Night Before Hurricane Wilma Twas the night before Wilma, when all through the state Not a gas pump was pumping, Not a store open late... 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on the Internet 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the Net, There were hacker's a surfing. Nerds? Yeah, you bet... Merry Christmas to all... and to all a good night! Saturday December 24, 2005 | permalink Holiday Traditions One of our holiday traditions is to put together a jigsaw puzzle. We usually buy a 1,000-piece one with a holiday theme and set it up on a card table the week before Christmas. Just about any time of day the week before and after Christmas you will find one of us working on it. It is a nice diversion to all the hustle and bustle of the season and a nice way to gather the family together each evening. I enjoy working online jigsaw puzzles too, so I've put a few together that are certain to keep you entertained throughout the holidays. Florida Photo Jigsaw Puzzles Friday December 23, 2005 | permalink Going to Grandma's House? 'Tis the season for goin' to Grandma's house, and that may mean a road trip. We might sing "over the river and through the woods," but we are most likely to get to Grandma's house these days via a crowded interstate highway or an even more crowded airplane. AAA estimates that "more than 63 million of us will hit the skies, seas, and highways for the holiday. Approximately 51.54 million travelers (81 percent of all holiday travelers) expect to go by motor vehicle and of those, the greatest number of Christmas-New Years auto travelers will originate in the Southeast with 13.34 million. In a good news-bad news scenario, gasoline prices have been making a hasty retreat and are now averaging only $2.18 a gallon nationwide, down nearly 90 cents from the records set over Labor Day weekend, but still 31 cents higher than a year ago. If you want to check out the cheapest gas, both GasBuddy.com and GasPriceWatch.com depend on motorist to report gas prices, so you can find the cheapest gas in your neighborhood or wherever your travel takes you. If you're driving, check out my Florida Driving Guide where you'll find laws, rules of the road, gas saving tips and more! If you're flying, check out my Florida Air Travel Guide . Florida Maps Driving Distance Chart Whatever you do or wherever you go this holiday weekend, drive safely and sanely... and arrive alive! Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Christmas Lights Shining Bright... in your community! It isn't just the attractions that are decked out for the holidays. One of my favorite things to do (after everything else gets done) is to drive around and enjoy the lights displayed right in my own community. If you need a few suggestions, here are the ones that have made the news this year in Florida: In South Florida The Palm Beach Post is your guide to the best neighborhood displays of this holiday season. The Miami Herald reports that Davie's Town Hall is decked out in lights and more for the season. More Broward Showstoppers compliments of the Miami Herald . The Sun Herald asks, " Have you seen the lights " in these Southwestern Florida neighborhoods? In Central Florida Lights of Pinellas lists countywide events and light displays in St. Petersburg and all the beaches. The Ledger lists holiday lights in Lakeland, Winter Haven and Auburndale recommended by readers . Holiday lights brighten the Tampa Bay area from Hyde Park to Brandon and St. Petersburg/Clearwater to New Port Richey. In North Florida WCJB in Gainesville has only one suggestion — check out this house . And, finally... remember those attractions we talked about? Holiday lights really do brighten attactions . Monday December 19, 2005 | permalink Scenic Christmas Cruises For more than 30 years, cruising the canals of Punta Gorda has been a Christmas tradition for many families. The city's residents do a fantastic job decorating their backyards, seawalls, boats and docks with holiday lights and decorations and boats of all shapes and sizes cruise the canals during the evenings of December to enjoy the warm community spirit. Nightly now through December 31, King Fisher Fleet will offer Christmas Canal Cruises three times each evening — 6:00, 7:30 & 9:00 p.m. These one-hour cruises sell out quickly, so advance reservations are a must! Sunday December 18, 2005 | permalink Busch Gardens and SeaWorld Raise Ticket Prices Your wallet will need to be a little fatter the next time you visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or SeaWorld Orlando. The two parks will raise their gate admissions by $2.00 and $2.20 effective the first of the year. Busch Gardens tickets will rise from $55.95 to $57.95 for adults and $45.95 to $47.95 for children ages 3-9. SeaWorld one-day tickets will rise from $59.75 to $61.95 for adults. In an effort to make this bitter pill go down a little easier, the parks are offering a sweet deal — visitors may exchange their tickets for a pass allowing unlimited visits the next six consecutive days to the same park. Also, the parks are bringing back the Fun Card which allows Florida residents admission throughout the entire year for the price of a single-day admission. And, until December 25, grown-up Florida residents can " Be A Kid Again " with admission for only the price of a child's ticket. SeaWorld's sister park, Discovery Cove has also announced a price hike — from $259 to $279 a day with the new deal including snacks, beverage, breakfast and lunch. Other major theme parks have not announced changes in their admission prices for 2006. The last rate increase by Disney World and Universal Studios was effective January, 2005. Saturday December 17, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement Most Popular Florida Celebrates New Year Nude & Clothing-Optional Guide WDW Ticket Information Casino Cruises Ice Skating in Florida What's Hot Lion Country Safari Wide World of Sports Free Deals Ybor City Florida Day Trips Related Topics Theme Parks Travel with Kids Hotels / Resorts / Inns Budget Travel Senior Travel        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Lion Country Safari Wide World of Sports Free Deals Ybor City Florida Day Trips Headlines Best of Florida, 2005 While taking a look back at 2005, I've discovered some... Glide Into New Year One of the most fun tours I have ever taken... New Year's Eve Celebrations 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1...... Holiday Wishes Whether you are away on vacation, visiting relatives or home...

Travel Guide

Portugal Travel Guide Versão Portuguesa Tourist Information + Latest Travel News Where to Go + North Oporto • North • Centre Lisbon • Tagus Valley • Beiras • South Algarve • Alentejo • Islands Madeira • Azores • Where to Stay History Culture + Art • Architecture • Literature • Gastronomy Getting Around Shopping Sport & Leisure A-Z Factfile + Select Letter A B C D E F G H J L M N O P R T V MICE Traveller's Tips Win a Prize Image Bank WebCam Add to Favorites About Us Latest Travel News SEARCH FOR NEWS Combined Train and Rent-a-Car Ticket Available Travellers exploring the length and breadth of Portugal can let the train take some of the strain with a low-priced ticket combining car rental with a return rail trip to destinations all over the country. [+] Lisbon Travel Market in January Lisbon's annual travel market, the Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa (BTL), will take place from 18-22 January at the city's FIL fairground in the Parque das Naes. A popular attraction for visitors is the restaurant pavilion featuring local specialities and wines from every region of Portugal, including Madeira and the Azores. [+] Reid's to Close During Renovation Period The famous Reid's Palace in Funchal, Madeira, will be closed for important refurbishment work between 16 January and 13 April, 2006. [+] TAP to Test In-Flight Passenger Communications Passengers flying with TAP Air Portugal will be among the world's first to be able to switch on their mobile phones and make in-flight calls when OnAir's new air communication service is tested towards the end of next year. [+] TGV to Link Lisbon with Porto and Madrid Respective journey times from Lisbon to Porto and Madrid will take just 1 hour 15 minutes and 2 hours 45 minutes in the future, thanks to a new high-speed train service recently approved by the Portuguese government. [+] Europe's Largest Christmas Tree in Lisbon Visitors to the Portuguese capital over the forthcoming festive period literally cannot miss the 72-metre-high Christmas tree prominently located in the city's Praa do Comrcio. [+] More News Estoril and Sintra Golf Passport Available Pousada Winter Offer in the Algarve Vintage House Joins Relais & Chateaux New Year Festivities at the Bahia Palace in the Azores Gourmet Week at Choupana Hills 7-Night Cruises Along the Algarve Portugal Hotel Guide Distributed at the World Travel Market in London Lisbon Looks Back Useful Links + • Euro 2004 • Hotels in Portugal • Flight Information • Train travel in Portugal • Coach travel in Portugal • Lisbon Public Transport • Oporto Public Transport • Lisbon Metro • Lisbon Ferries • Maps of Portugal • Lisbon Zoo • Lisbon Tourism • Weather in Portugal • Wines of Portugal © 2004 Maisturismo Edições e Publicidade, S.A.

Central America Travel

Guatemala Central America - Travel Tourism Vacation Information  You are here: About > Travel > Mexico / Central America for Visitors > Guatemala > Guatemala Central America - Travel Tourism Vacation Information Travel Go Mexico Essentials Packing List for Travelers to Mexico Health Information Mexico / C. America Safety Considerations Travel Books Mexico and Central America Tourism Offices Mexico/ Central America Articles & Resources Mexico Mexico City Acapulco, Mexico Cancun Yucatan Baja Los Cabos Puerto Vallarta Other Places Photos of Mexico Belize, Central America Costa Rica El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Nicaragua Panama Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Mexico / Central America for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Mexico / Central America for Visitors Map image - Courtesy of CIA Stay up to date! Map image - Courtesy of CIA Email to a friend Print this page Explore More of Guatemala Guatemala Travel Links Guatemala Hotels Guatemala Travel Reservations Recent Discussions Travelling to Central/South America? Multi-Destination Flights Sport Fishing Charters Most Popular Mexican Music La Paz, Mexico Quinceanera Packing List Tijuana, Mexico What's Hot Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico Related Topics California for Visitors South America for Visitors Caribbean for Visitors Mexican Cuisine Guatemala, South America From Apply Now , Your Guide to Mexico / Central America for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Guatemala is the northernmost country in Central America. It borders on the Caribbean Sea, between Honduras and Belize, and also borders on the Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico. It has a territory of about 42,000 square miles (slightly smaller than Tennessee) and a population of about 13 million people, the majority of which are Mestizo (Amerindian or mixed Amerindian-Spanish). The official language is Spanish, but many indigenous languages are also spoken. The country enjoys a warm climate throughout the year, with an average temperature above 20 degrees C (75 degrees F). Guatemala is a small country, but it has much to offer visitors. It is a natural paradise offering some truly breathtaking scenery of mountains, lakes, volcanoes and flora and fauna. It has a number of very beautiful tropical volcanic beaches on the Pacific Ocean, and some large coral reefs on the Caribbean side. Guatemala ranks very high in biological diversity, and has numerous tropical low rainforests and mountain cloud forests. Guatemala also has some of the largest and most fascinating Mayan ruins found anywhere in Latin America, together with a friendly, Mayan population with their culture and traditions. Below are some popular venues in Guatemala for visitors: Antigua This beautiful 16th-century city was founded in the early 16th century by the Spaniards. Built 1,500 meters above sea-level in the highlands of Guatemala, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, but many of the original monuments are still preserved as ruins. Antigua has some of the most gorgeous Spanish-style colonial architecture found anywhere. Its cobblestone streets, built in the 16th century lead you past dozens of great restaurants, flowered courtyards, and the preserved ruins of numerous churches, monasteries and other structures. Antigua's natural setting is spectacular, with several majestic volcanoes surrounding the city on all sides. The Colonial Museum, located in a building which at one time housed the third university founded on the American continent, is well worth visiting for its vast collection of colonial art. Tikal Tikal, at one time the largest Mayan city in the world, is now a world famous site of Mayan ruins. The ancient Maya began constructing Tikal around 550 B.C., and for many centuries thereafter the city was an important religious, and political center. Today, the largest number of Mayan ruins in the world are to be found in Tikal. The ruins, extending over six square miles, include temples, pyramids, terraces, palaces, ceremonial platforms, plazas, steam baths, and other stone structures. It is estimated that only about 30% of the ruins have been excavated - the remaining 70% lie buried underground. Visitors can visit the Tikal site by taking a short flight from Guatemala City to the rain forest area where Tikal is located. Lake Atitlan Lake Atitlan, which is of volcanic origin, is located about 90 miles from Guatemala City, in the mountainous province of Solola, in the Guatemalan highlands. Aldous Huxley once called this lake "the most beautiful in the world", and many would agree with this statement. The lake is located about 5,000 feet above sea level, has a depth of over 1,500 feet and covers an area of about 50 square miles. It is the deepest lake in Central America. The water of the lake, usually crystal clear and a vivid blue, changes in color as the light varies. The lake is set against a dramatic backdrop of three spectacular 10,000-foot volcanoes - Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro. Lake Atitlan is a is a great venue for a wide variety of water sports, including swimming, diving, water skiing, hang gliding and boating. It is also a great place for fishing, as the lake is home to numerous species of edible fresh water fish. Along the shores of Lake Atitlan are a number of small Indian villages where the traditional Maya lifestyle is followed. Guatemala City Guatemala City is home to 25% of the country's population and is the capital of Guatemala. The city lies in a deep valley where the dormant Agua volcano dominates the horizon. With a population of about 3 million, it is the country's commercial, financial, and cultural center. It is a city where colonial architecture, sits side by side with modern skyscrapers and shopping malls. For visitors, there is much to see and do in Guatemala City. Worthwhile is a visit to the Zona Viva , the trendy and very modern center of Zona 10 , where numerous upscale restaurants, bars, and clubs stay open long into the night. Those interested in Spanish colonial architecture should visit Zona 1, the city's historic center. Visitors interested in handicraft will find a wide variety of authentic Guatemalan wood carvings, textiles, leather, ceramics, jewelry and basket work in the downtown Central Market. Also worth seeing is the National Palace and the Ixchell Museum.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Buying Real Estate in Mexico Puerto Vallarta Cozumel, Mexico Whale Watching Fishing In Mexico