Orlando vacation homes are

Florida Vacation Rentals - Orlando Villas and Condos by Owner Search Properties Late Availability Contact Vacation Articles Owners-Join Us Buy A Home Links About Us Florida Villas Gulf Coast villa, private pool near golf course Special offer price of 350 per week ****ONLY 450/$790 PER WK***OUTSTANDING VALUE*** More Information... Email Address: Password: Windsor Hills Emerald Island Resort Lake Berkley Windsor Palms Resort Crescent Lakes Calabay Parc Formosa Gardens Hampton Lakes Indian Creek Rolling Hills Terra Verde Welcome to Florida Villas Vacation Rentals in the Sunshine State Florida is now the premier vacation destination in North America. Why stay in a cramped hotel room when you can spend your vacation in a luxury rental home. Florida vacation rentals are the best way to enjoy your vacation time with your family and friends. Vacation rentals by owner are often better value than a typical hotel room yet offers all the conveniences of your own home. Please browse the luxury homes and villas we have on offer. Choose your vacation property from some of the finest Florida vacation homes. Search for Florida Vacation Homes Send a General Enquiry Email? If you do not have the time to search through our listings you may send a general enquiry. If any owner has availability they will reply to you directly. Panhandle Central / Disney Gulf Coast Florida Keys Atlantic Coast The sunshine state boasts a wonderful climate, miles of gorgeous coastline, vibrant cities and every kind of activity you can imagine from golf courses to museums to shopping malls. Orlando is the theme park capital of the world and is best known for its major attractions - Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom; Universal’s Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. With thousands of restaurants and shops to choose from it is no wonder that Orlando is regarded as the vacation capital of the world. Most of the Orlando vacation homes are based in Kissimmee , which is extremely close to all the main theme parks. We have some of the best equipped Orlando villas on some of the most desirable communities, which include Windsor Palms Resort, Windsor Hills, Emerald Island, Southern Dunes and the recently added Reunion Resort. By staying in an Orlando vacation rental you can be assured of comfort space and privacy. Rent your Orlando vacation home today direct from the owner. Because of the climate, Florida also calls numerous visitors to the pristine beaches that line the peninsula, from the eastern coast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to the western beaches and panhandle areas that line the Gulf of Mexico. The Florida gulf coast prides itself on having the warmest coastline in Florida and comprises a succession of picturesque towns like Naples, Sarasota, Fort Myers and Clearwater Beach. Why not rent a charming Gulf Coast vacation home today! The Florida Keys is a necklace of islands where eccentricity and congeniality reigns and none so than some of the more famous small towns that grace this Florida paradise like Key West, Key Largo, Islamorada and Duck Key to name but a few. A spectacular 220-mile coral reef and a cultural heritage that fuses Floridian, Spanish and Caribbean, explains why the atmosphere of the Florida Keys is laid back. Pensacola is a popular hot spot for vacationers in the Florida Panhandle , a charming blend of ‘old south’ and the Caribbean. More than 200 miles of Gulf waters and sugar white sand beaches intersected with well known towns like Panama City Beach, Cape San Blas and Seagrove Beach have brought visitors from all over the world. Daytona Beach on the Atlantic coast is the famous ‘birthplace of speed’ and is forever linked with speedway and motor sport and over 23 miles of hard packed sand on the Atlantic coast. From Amelia Island in the north right down to Key Biscayne there are so many popular vacation spots to choose from on the Florida Atlantic Coast . Cocoa Beach, Hutchinson Island, Melbourne Beach and New Smyrna Beach are just some of the exciting vacation rental hot spots. Are you new to renting a vacation home? We have put some information together in this article Orlando Vacation Rentals Hints and Tips which is relevant to all Florida vacation homes. In this article Orlando Vacation Rental Far Better Than a Hotel Room we explain what advantages there are staing in a vacation rental home over a hotel room. In Orlando Vacation Homes Saving Money read on how much money you can save by staing in an Orlando / Florida villa. Vacation Articles Wet `n Wild Orlando Florida (1) Wet `n Wild is located at 6200 International Drive Orlando, Fl 32819. Themed Dining In Orlando Florida (2) Orlando also has the best themed dining around youll be spoiled for choice!!! Themed Dining In Orlando Florida (1) Orlando has an abundance of restaurants including all-you-can-eat buffets, character dining Privacy Policy Disclaimer Florida Vacation Rentals Sitemap Reunion Resort

London Vacation

London rentals - Villas International: over 25000 worldwide vacation rentals Please note: The properties below are only a small sample - the "tip of the iceberg" - of what we can offer in this area. So please contact us if you need more choices. London rentals $ simple/budget $$ comfortable/mid-range $$$ very comfortable/expensive $$$$ super-luxury/very expensive Belgravia Marylebone Bloomsbury Mayfair Chelsea North West London Docklands Pimlico Kensington Westminster Knightsbridge Belgravia Belgravia Private Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Clivenden Apartment Belgravia 4 $2,150 Bloomsbury Bedford Apartments Comfortable, well-equipped apartments in the heart of literary Bloomsbury. Within walking distance of museums, West End theaters, Covent Garden. An excellent value! Sleeps up to 6 Tavistock Apartments A wide selection of very affordable apartments in London's Bloomsbury district, within easy reach of sights such as the Tower of London, St Pauls Cathedral, and the West End. Sleeps up to 6 Chelsea Chelsea Apartments Attractive apartments offering a high level of service and an excellent location in fashionable Chelsea; with convenient access to all of London's attractions, from the Houses of Parliament to the famous theatres of the West End. Sleeps up to 4 Sloane Avenue Apartments Affordable apartments in fashionable Chelsea, where you will find many of London's trend-setting boutiques and restaurants; with easy access to all of the city's best-known attractions. Sleeps up to 2-4 Chelsea Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Elm Park Chelsea 6 $3,250 Markham House Chelsea 5 $3,190 Embankment Apartment Chelsea 4 $1,540 Sloane Apartment Chelsea 4 $1,590 Cranmer House Chelsea 3 $2,950 Lower Sloane Apartment Chelsea 2 $1,425 Docklands The Wharf Apartments & Townhouses Waterfront apartments, most with river views, in full-service residence in London's up and coming Docklands area; 5 miles from West End, with shuttle access to central London. An exciting, alternative way to get to know a historic Cockney district and the contemporary London scene. Sleeps up to 2-8 Docklands Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) South Quay Apartment Wapping / Docklands 3 $775 Kensington Church Street Apartments Modern, full-service apartments in Kensington, around the corner from Hyde Park; convenient to the museums of Kensington, and the theatres and shops of London's West End. Sleeps up to 5 Collingham Apartments Attractive apartments in fashionable Kensington - within walking distance of some of London's best museums, parks, shops, and restaurants, and with easy access to the West End. Sleeps up to 6 Cromwell Apartments Pleasant apartments in a convenient Kensington location, not far from Kensington Gardens and just a short bus or Underground ride to all the sights of central London. Sleeps up to 2-4 Gloucester Road Apartments Attractively decorated apartments in a leafy area of South Kensington-an easy walk from museums, restaurants, shopping, and more. A very good value for money. Sleeps up to 4-6 Old Brompton Apartment Spacious, comfortable apartments in a modern South Kensington residence. Excellent services and amenities, plus a central location close to Chelsea and Knightsbridge. Highly recommended. Sleeps up to 4-6 Queensgate Apartments Full-service, elegant apartments in leafy South Kensington, a choice location for families as well as single travelers. Easy access to fine museums and many famous sights. Kensington Private Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Queensdale House Holland Park-North Kensington 8 $1,790 Gunterstone House West Kensington 6 $1,790 Portobello House Notting Hill-West Kensington 6 $1,790 Onslow Apartment South Kensington 4 $2,090 Sinclair Apartments West Kensington 4 $1,690 Courtfield Apartment South Kensington 4 $1,690 Knightsbridge Montpelier Apartments Attractive apartments in an outstanding Knightsbridge location -- just around the corner from Harrods; walking distance to Hyde Park, Kensington museums, and many other sights. Sleeps up to 4 Knightsbridge Private Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Beaufort Apartment Knightsbridge 4 $1,675 Cadogan Apartment Knightsbridge 4 $2,280 Hans Apartment Knightsbridge 2 $775 Thurloe Apartment Knightsbridge 2 $1,145 Walton Apartment Knightsbridge 2 $1,095 Lennox Apartments Knightsbridge 2 $1,860 Scotch Shop Knightsbridge 2 $2,040 Cheval Apartment Knightsbridge 2 $1,380 Pont Apartment Knightsbridge 2 $1,390 Marylebone York Street Apartments Simple, affordable apartments north of Oxford Street-a good central base and a very good value for money. Easy access via Underground or bus to museums, West End theatres, and more. Sleeps up to 2-6 Mayfair Cumberland Apartments & Mews Houses - Marble Arch A group of apartments and a few mews houses adjacent to Mayfair and Hyde Park -- a very central location and an excellent value. Convenient to theatres, restaurants, and many other attractions. Sleeps up to 6 Curzon Apartments The perfect London location: luxurious Mayfair apartments, within walking distance of nearly all the city's sights, including the Houses of Parliament, St James Park, and the theatre and shopping districts. Sleeps up to 8 Mayfair Mews Apartments One- and two-bedroom apartments in the heart of exclusive Mayfair, within walking distance of Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, shoping and theatres. Spacious, handsomely furnished, and very well equipped - all have washer and dryer - the Mayfair Mews Apartments are an exceptional London value. Sleeps up to 5 Park Lane Residence A luxury, full-service residence in London's most exclusive residential area. Spacious, apartments, many with city views, just steps from Hyde Park and London's best theatres and restaurants. Sleeps up to 2-8 Mayfair Private Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Adams Apartment Mayfair 4 $2,040 North West London Regent's Apartments A wide selection of private apartments in northwest London, between Hampstead and St. John's Wood -- one of the city's most attractive and sought-after residential districts. An excellent value! Sleeps up to 4 North West London Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Green Lanes Apartment North London 5 $970 Cumberland Apartment Regent's Park 4 $1,195 Pimlico Pimlico Private Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Pimlico Apartments Pimlico 6 $825 - $1,325 Moreton Apartment Pimlico 5 $1,150 Warwick Apartment Pimlico 4 $1,790 Westminster Westminster Private Apartments A selection of high quality privately owned apartments in the best neighborhoods in London -- all with easy access to the city center. An excellent value! an introduction to the area and the properties *off-peak prices available upon request name location sleeps weekly prices (peak*) Greycoat Apartment Westminster 5 $2,120 Albany Apartments Westminster 2 $1,060 home | europe | caribbean | asia | central america | australasia | north america/mexico | south america | africa introduction | about us | search | more information | reservations | why us | owners | travel agents | deals & promotions | literature | related sites

Switzerland Travel Tourism Locarno

Switzerland Travel Tourism Locarno Swiss - Condominium Switzerland Travel Tourism Locarno Swiss Property Owners Join us VRBO ® is Vacation Rentals by Owner ® Home Europe Switzerland Locarno Edit Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #10346 'Palazzo Varesi' - Premier Apartment in the Heart of Locarno Location: Locarno, Switzerland, Europe (1.5 hours from Milan Airport, 2.5 hours from Zurich) Accommodations: Condominium - 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s) - 1 Bath - (Sleeps 4-6) Central park, 100m from Palazzo Varesi - Locarno, Ticino, Switzerland - Travel & Tourism in Switzerland - Highlight of the Swiss Riviera! "Palazzo Varesi" is a premier vacation/holiday apartment, ideally situated in the Heart of beautiful Locarno! This recently-renovated (1998/2000), fifth floor, corner apartment (with lift) is located just one block from the Lake Maggiore waterfront, and has two balconies with magnificent views over the lake and surrounding mountains. The apartment has two bedrooms (one with king-size bed), large living room, and a new fully-equipped kitchen. One private, covered parking place is included. "Palazzo Varesi" is only a three minute walk to the Piazza Grande and Old Town. Within a ten minute walk, one can reach the main boat dock, train station, public beach and pool, Teatro, Casino, tennis courts, and funicular (cable-car) station. The Locarno area is one of exceptional natural beauty, combining a subtropical Mediterranean climate with snow-capped Alpine peaks. Locarno itself is the highlight of the 'Swiss Riviera,' blending the best of Swiss and Italian cultures; it is lively but not over-bearing, cultured yet relaxed. Locarno is the ideal base from which to explore Switzerland and northern Italy. Many guests rent for three weeks or more (at a discount), making numerous side trips -- Lucerne, Zurich, Zermatt, Lugano, Milan, Verona, Lake Como, and Venice are all within a few hours drive. The property is professionally managed by the European agency 'Lago Reisen.' It has earned a "3-star" rating from the Locarno Tourist Office. A 'House Book' in the apartment contains much information on local shops, restaurants, services, and sights. References are available upon request. ADDITIONAL RENTAL INFORMATION: * Rates are per night, per apartment, for 2 PERSONS (small added charge for additional people), and based on 5 NIGHTS OR MORE. * MINIMUM STAY: 3 nights (additional charge of 15% for 3 or 4 nights). * Children ages 2 and under are free. * Rates include ALL UTILITIES, LINENS, and TOWELS. * ADDITIONAL end cleaning fee of 50 Sfr. * Deposit of 25% required at time of reservation. * Refundable security deposit of 100 Sfr required. * No smoking (except balcony), and no pets please. * DISCOUNT of 20% for stays of 21 days or more, and 30% for 8 weeks or more. * Cell phone available for additional fee: 50 Sfr + 100 Sfr deposit (user also pays call charges). Living room, with view over balcony to the lake - Locarno, Ticino, Switzerland - Travel & Tourism in Switzerland - Highlight of the Swiss Riviera! Amenities: Cable TV, Stereo, CD Player, Full Kitchen, Refrigerator, Cooking Utensils provided, Linens provided, Washer & Dryer, Covered Parking, Elevator/Lift, Cell phone (extra charge). Activities (on site or nearby): Hiking, Biking, Golf, Tennis, Miniature Golf, Fishing, Shopping, Restaurants, Live Theater, Cinemas, Museums, Sightseeing, Swimming, Boating, Sailing, Water-skiing, Parasailing, Downhill Skiing, Cross Country Skiing. Rates (in Swiss Francs): Personal Currency Assistant ™ May 1 - Sep 30, 2005 .. Sfr 140/night; Sfr 980/week.Oct 1, 2005 - Apr 30, 2006 .. Sfr 105/night; Sfr 735/week.May 1 - Sep 30, 2006 .. Sfr 140/night; Sfr 980/week.Oct 1 - Dec 31, 2006 .. Sfr 105/night; Sfr 735/week..See "Additional Rental Information" above for more details.Cancel: Refund deposit, less 10% of rent, if > 30 days. Forfeit deposit < 30 days.For rentals during Locarno Film Festival (early August), add 20%.Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice. View from main balcony - Locarno, Ticino, Switzerland - Travel & Tourism in Switzerland - Highlight of the Swiss Riviera! Links to more information: Click Here to see All My Rental Listings Note: Each property is individually owned or managed. Dates available:  Year Round Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates. Phone: (734) 420-7932 (Michigan, USA) or +49 2286 20930 (Germany) Please say: "I saw your listing #10346 on VRBO" Home Europe Switzerland Locarno Edit Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #10346 There have been 24763 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset on November 28, 2003 This listing was first published here on September 10, 2001. Switzerland Travel Tourism Locarno Swiss Date last modified - December 16, 2005 VRBO® is Vacation Rentals by Owner® - The largest and most popular vacation rental site. Specializing in BY OWNER vacation rentals, homes, condos, cabins, villas and apartments ALSO privately owned properties offered thru rental agencies and management companies. To report any problems with this site contact webmaster@vrbo.com URL: http://www.vrbo.com/10346 ©1995-2005 by VRBO International LLC - all rights reserved

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travel germany Related Links travel south america travel canada air travel low cost travel insurance travel spain travel asia travel mexico travel france travel reservation travel switzerland Here are the some of the best resources for travel germany travel germany I love travelling. After a hard year of programming , i love to go out for 2 months and just relax. traveling to any place ,but it needs to be sunny. If there is no sun,i won`t go!However traveling has been become more populair these days because its affordable right now. But still i need to code many lines to travel a lot! Efficient Business Travel In Germany ... smart- WebCrawler Web Search Home Page Official home of the WebCrawler metasearch engine. WebCrawler makes searching more of the Web easier by returning the best results from these leading engines. Web | Images | Audio | Video | News | Yellow ... Germany travel and tourism with maps All http://uk.travel.yahoo.com/ www.divetravel-germany.com Dive Cologne Germany Koln airport Rhine Hotel Hotels Dusseldorf Germany ... ... Köln fair Messe Dom cathedral pictures Schlosshotel Bonn castle train transport bus Germany Vacations, Germany Germany Vacations: Virtuoso Germany Travel Consultants: Recommended by Conde Nast Traveler ... Germany Luxury Vacations, Germany Cruises, and Germany Hotels Guide Germany Vacation Guide: Romantic ... Germany U.S. Department of State Enter Keywords in field and click Go International Travel Home Passports Home Visas Home Children & Family Home News and Updates Laws, Regulation ... ->> Search another category Or Submit Your Link here credit cards offers credit card debt | online credit card

Asia Travel || Myanmar

HOTELS RESORTS TRAVEL LEISURE TOURS MYANMAR Myanmar Country and Travel Information Map of Myanmar Nationalities of Myanmar || Historical and Cultural Heritage || Arts and Crafts Highlights on Scenic Beauty || Special events IN GENERAL Myanmar is one of the largest country in South East Asia, stretching over 2,000 km from North to South. It is twice the size of Vietnam, over a quarter larger than Thailand, and Myanmar is bigger than England and France combined. Ethnically diverse, Myanmar is a nation of many races - some 130 ethnic groups make up its population of nearly 45 million. The majority of Myanmar's people are Bamars (from which the British coined the name Burma), but the Shan, Kachin, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine and others are also prominent throughout the country. Myanmar's climate is tropical: during the cool season from late November through February, temperatures are pleasantly mild ranging from 21C to 28 C; the hot season from March to April can see the mercury reach as high as 45 C; and during the months of the rainy season, from May to October short rainstorms are frequent in the late afternoons. The Nationalities of Myanmar Myanmar's ethnically diverse population is a result of three major migrations from Tibet and Central Asia, the cradle of humanity. The people of Myanmar are descendants of three main branches: The Mon-Khmer, the Tibeto-Burman, and the Thai-Chinese. The Kaya, Mon, Wa, La, Palaung, Pale, Yao, Riang, Padaung, Ylnbaw, Zayein, and others originated from the Mon-Khmer group, while the Shan, Kayin and Taungthu, etc., find their roots in the Thai-Chinese community. The Bamar, Chin, Kachin, Lolo, Rahkine, Kadu, Hpon, Maru, Lashi, Rawang, Azi, Nung, Daru, Yaw, Mro, Inthat, Naga, Gauri, Lisu, Lahu, among others, evolved from the Tibeto-Burman group. Historical and Cultural Heritage Kuthodaw Pagoda, in Mandalay, which houses the entire Buddhist scriptures carved onto 729 marble slabs is "The world's largest book". Built by King Mindon, it is indeed a rare and splendid sight. Myanmar's unique historical and cultural heritage dates back over 5,000 years. Evidence confirming the existence of stone age people has been found throughout the country. Early Myanmars were said to be Mons, and the first politically important inhabitants were the Pyu who date back to the early period of the Christian era. It was Bagan, however, which was founded in the 11th century, that gave rise to the dominant culture and civilization in Myanmar's history. Arts and Crafts of Myanmar Myanmar is an enchanting country with a rich history in arts and crafts. Mandalay, the ancient capital and the glory of Myanmar Kings, represents the largest repository of Myanmar arts and crafts. Visitors can observe carvers of ivory, wood and stone, in addition to makers fo gold leaf, silk weavers, silversmiths and bronze-casters, as they ply their respective trades according to the time-honored traditions of their forefathers. The pagodas, religious monuments, and major Buddhist sculptures seen all over Myanmar are authentic examples of the rich tradition of Bagan arts andcrafts and of prior eras of craftmanship so evident throughout Myanmar's history. Highlights on Scenic Beauty Myanmar is blessed with natural scenic beauty making for landscapes that are incredibly picturesque. The country's great lakes, snowcapped mountains and unspoiled beaches are undoubtedly some of the most stunning, idyllic, and mystical places to be found anywhere on earth. Myanmar's physical beauty is enhanced by the spectacular pagodas and temples that can be found all over the country. These venues for contemplation and prayer radiate the obvious spirituality of the people. Special Events Around The Year Myanmar is popularly known as The Land of Festivals because of the countless religious and cultural festivals that take place all ycar round. Some are nation-wide festivities while others are popular solely around the city of Yangon or in the District Areas. JANUARY On January 4th, Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar is celebrated across the country. Countless parades and fairs mark this important day and everyone joins in the festivities. The Myanmar Traditional Equestrian Festival or Myin-Khin-Thabin is a national festival which is held annually in Yangon In ancient times, this festival provided the Myanmar Kings with the opportunity to demonstrate their military might, but today its main purpose is for the perpetuation of Myanmar patriotism. It is a fantastic occasion and tourists are warmly welcomed to participate in the many celebrations. FEBRUARY Traditionally, this is the month of the Harvest Festival when people rejoice in the feast of Htamane. No one should miss this opportunity to sample a delicious Myanmar delicacy consisting of glutinour rice freckle with coconut, sesamum seeds, peanuts, ginger, and oil, which is specially prepared for the feast. The Thingyan festival don't wear your Sunday best! The anniversary of the Union Day falls on February 12. Representatives and cultural troupes of the seven States and seven Divisions of the Union of Myanmar dressed in colourful, traditional costumes gather at venues across the country. Traditional entertainment highlights the beauty of the different ethnic groups found within the Union. MARCH March is the most colorful month of the year as Pagoda Festivals arc in full swing. The Shwedagon Pagoda Festival is held on the day of the full moon of Tabaung and is one of the month s biggest events. During this festival, visitors can get a feel for the spirituality of the people of Myanmar by participating in events at temple fairs or by observing the rituals of the holiday. APRIL Thingyan or the Water Festival is held throughout the country for three days in the month of April. It simultaneously marks the end of the old year and beginning of the new. Young people gather together to sing and dance, and to playfully throw water on each other. Throughout the Thingyan Carnivals decorative floats and water throwing pandals are seen everywhere in both towns and cities alike. If you are not afraid of getting wet, this high spirited festival is one that you won't want to miss! MAY The Kason Festival of watering the Sacred Banyan Tree symbolises the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. It is an important Buddhist holiday and many processions are held at temple grounds throughout the country. JUNE AND JULY The onset of monsoon season makes June and July relatively quiet months in Myanmar. There are, however, various smaller Buddhist festivals to be enjoyed. AUGUST Taungpyone Nat or Spirit Festival is a popular five day festival held in Taungpyone near Mandalay. According to tradition, Nats are spirits that must be appeased or they will wreak havoc in people's lives. The two Nat Brothers honoured during Taungpyone Nat belong to the 37 well-known Myanmar Nats. The story of the two Nat Brothers originated during the rule of King Anawrahta, when it was the duty of every person in the kingdom to contribute a brick and a handful of sand for the construction of a Pagoda. The brothers failed to contribute their share and orders came from the King for them to be mildly punished. Unfortunately, the Nat Brothers were accidentally killed. The King was remorseful and built a big Nat (spirit) shrine by the side of the Pagoda honoring the two brothers. The homage-paying festival is now held annually to appease the spirits as it is believed that the Nat Brothers can fulfill your wishes, protect you from ill-fate and danger, and bring good luck, prosperity and progress. SEPTEMBER The famous Phaung-Daw-Oo Pagoda Festival is held at Inle Lake once a year. The procession of the Inle leg-rowers in full pageantry and ceremonial splendour is a sight not to be missed by anyone visiting Myanmar. OCTOBER & NOVEMBER The opening ceremony of Visit Myanmar Year 1 1996 will be kicked off on a grand scale. The celebration will be a gloriously festive occasion. The Thadingyut or Light Festival, which ends the Buddhist I Lent, is also one of the most prominent festivals of the year. Another celebration of light is the Tazaungdine festival held in November. Pagodas, houses, buildings, parks, and monuments arc all illuminated and there are various kinds of activities for everyone to enjoy. The other important festival outside Yangon is the exotic Elephant Dance held in Kyaukse, a small town not far from Mandalay. A huge elephant figure is made from bamboo and paper Men take their places inside the figure and dance around the town to the accompaniment of Dobat and Drums. The elephant dancers circle three times at the foot of the hill to pay homage to the Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda. It is a dance that requires precise rhythm and timing in order for the elephant dancers to maintain unity inside the elephant figure. DECEMBER The traditional Boat Regatta Festival is held at Kandawgyi Lake to remind the younger generations of the glory, sovereignty, patriotism and national spirit of Myanmar. Asia Travel || Myanmar Page || Top