family vacations, family vacation

family vacations ezine family vacations directory - family vacation ideas travel tips reviews - Family Travel Files .com Search Family Travel Files family vacations, family vacation reviews, ideas, travel articles, news, deals and specials Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Family Travel Ezine Vacation Reviews News Articles & more Family Travel News Family Vacations Ideas and Options Vacations On File Family Events Field Trips Vacation Reviews Vacation Advice Teen Takes Vacation Deals Site Map Free Newsletter Trip Planner Vacation Reviews Ideas Options Deals USA Vacations World Vacation Guide Canada Vacations Mexico Vacations Central America South America Caribbean Vacations Europe United Kingdom Australia Vacations New Zealand Asia & Pacific Rim Tennessee: Pigeon Forge for the Holidays. Imagine crisp invigorating mountain air; enjoy as lightly slower pace; shopping options that never end; entertainment created to inspire the soul and cause plenty of laughter think Pigeon Forge for the holidays. Prepared to celebrate, the area twinkles with thousands of lights and hundreds of ways to engage in the fun. Dollywood offers the magic of Christmas with enchanting lights and inspirational music. Do absolutely nothing or do everything, getting away with the kids will make all of the difference. More Virginia: Virginia Beach, Holiday Lights 2005. Leaping dolphins, Santa, and half a million bulbs light up Virginia Beach's Boardwalk for the holiday season. The same time each year Virginia Beach allows motorists to drive the Boardwalk and experience a fantasia of holiday lights wrapped with music of the season. More Florida: Fort Myers, Give the Gift of Sail Power. Few experiences in life are more rewarding than sailing or power boating with friends and family. Doing it well is a combination of learning a new skill and feeling safe and confident at all times. A gift of sail or power training is a perfect choice for the adventurer or dreamer on ones holiday gift list this year. Gift certificates in $100 increments can be purchased as a deposit for any course or clinic offered by Offshore Sailing School and its Power Cruise School. Ontario: Toronto, Trips To Middle-Earth Now Available. J.R.R. Tolkiens book trilogy has sold in excess of 200 million copies. The award winning three-film adaptation broke box office records. Now, The Lord of the Rings world premiere arrives on stage in Toronto February 2, 2006. After two years in the making the cast has been set and rehearsals are underway. Brent Carver will convey Gandalf with the support of a diversely talented staff. The 36-week show run of The Lord of the Rings is the most ambitious theatrical production ever staged in Toronto. Awesome in concept, the show promises to deliver an exceptional theatre experience. Massachusetts: Cambridge, Be Treated Like a Jedi Knight. Its neither a long time ago nor in a galaxy far, far away May the force be with you as you experience the Museum of Sciences outstanding exhibit which highlights numerous parallels between technologies in the Star Wars films and real-world technology. Encounter new technologies and witness first-hand intriguing similarities between how scientists and filmmakers think while you discover high level guest service and thoughtful amenities at the Hotel Marlowe, a AAA Four-Diamond hotel located along the banks of Charles River overlooking Boston. Cruises: NCL, Cruising Hawai`i, Freestyle with the Kids. Norwegian Cruise Line's "Freestyle Cruising" provides guests with a rich menu of choices making it easy to create the perfect family cruise experience. Diverse ages, eating habits and sleeping cycles meld easily when official schedules are not part of the cruise vacation itinerary. NCLs Hawaii Freestyle Cruising is ideal for those who desire variety, flexibility, and the freedom to choose how they cruise Hawai`i. More Florida: Key West and Lower Keys, Taking the Kids. A vacation in the Florida Keys can be almost magical. The Overseas Highway (a.k.a. U.S. Route 1) is an extraordinary rolling field trip. Distance is measured by mile markers, the closer to Key West the smaller the number. Cross the Seven-mile Bridge and you will be in the Lower Keys. From Big Pine and Grassy Key all the way to Key West there are dozens of opportunities for mini adventures and plenty of stuff for building one-of-a-kind memories. More Jamaica: Montego Bay, Taking the Kids. A mountainous island of captivating beauty, Jamaica is an emerald in the Caribbean Sea. Known for natural beauty inland and awesome beaches along the sea, enchanting music and great coffee, the island is a friendly easy paced retreat where visitors are invited to test the Dont worry, be happy. island philosophy. More Snow Places: Cross Country Skiing the Ultimate Field Trip. For Devon McCarney and her mom cross country skiing has always been part of their winter vacation fun. Now almost eight winters old she is seasoned and gives beginners three times her age advice. According to information released by the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) North American travel patterns are changing. Vacations are closer to home and emphasize family. Curacao: Willemstad, Swimming with the Dolphins. When a dolphin comes alongside, swim with it and try to make eye contact. They will swim with you, the trainer seemed insistent as she gave us the instructions. I discovered that was not as easy to do as it sounded. The Curacao Sea Aquarium conducts a variety of encounters with sea life. I chose the Dolphin Swim. Moving awkwardly to the entry platform, my fins feeling enormous, I listened obediently to the dolphin trainer instruct us on how to interact with the dolphins. Our group was small and we were paired in twos for the adventure. The manmade lagoon looked safe enough with no chance of waves distracting from the experience. U SA: Tutankhamun Treasures Bring Ancient Egypt to Life. Make plans to take the kids and go. It will be the field trip of the decade. Ft. Lauderdale, Chicago and Philadelphia will host the Boy King between now and 007. Where else can you see firsthand the regal artifacts dating from 1550 B.C. and hear more about the mysteries surrounding the boy-king. U SA:Ride the Rails, Celebrate the Holidays -- East of the Mississippi. Storybook travel is pure fun and during the winter months traditional Santa Trains, make enjoying Christmas even better. At many stations the family holiday tradition has a new twist provided by the heart warming film version of Chris Van Allsburgs book, The Polar Express. Featured below you will find our favorite train excursions for families. From pretend journeys to the North Pole in winter and bunny trains in the spring to mystery nights, spooky tales and pizza runs, taking a train with the kids is more fun than ever. All aboard! USA: Ride the Rails, Celebrate the Holidays -- West of the Mississippi. During the winter months traditional Santa Trains, make enjoying Christmas memorable. At many stations the family holiday tradition has a new twist provided by the heart warming film version of Chris Van Allsburgs book, The Polar Express. Featured below you will find our favorite train excursions for families. From pretend journeys to the North Pole in winter and bunny trains in the spring to mystery nights, spooky tales and pizza runs, it is the season to ride the rails. See you at the station. U SA: Ski 14 New England Mountains for One Low Price. As the snow begins to fly Go Ski Card - New England is ready. The timely, easy to use card features completely unrestricted skiing and riding at a choice of 14 mountains located throughout Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Even better news for families, there are no blackout dates. Deal Log: Family Vacation Bargains. We have identified places and experiences with a high value/low cost ratio. The short list is updated weekly. You will find our growing list resorts and hotels in the Cheap Sleeps folder. Advice: Reducing the Hyper Part of the Holidays. The holidays often become more stressful than intended. For adults as well as children of all ages days are filled with events, on top of normal schedules. The result is stress and exhaustion even before the turkey and the pumpkin pie. SnowPlaces: Snow Fun 101. Everyone needs to enjoy more and stress less. Interview a seven-yearold and you will get the drift. The old ideas have been reinvented by the current generation. The fun factor has not been diminished. Home 1998-2005 Travel Communications Inc. privacy statement webmaster link to us about us Advertise Pressroom Contact Family Vacation Directory USA 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 family Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Virginia Beach Washington Washington D. C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Family Travel Files Ezine Family Adventure Vacations Family Beach Vacations Cheap Sleeps Family Cruises Family Vacations Mountains Theme Parks Links Use of Travel Communications, Inc. , websites constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use Best viewed using IE 6.0 or higher Revised12/09/05

Cheap travel advice from

Cheap Travel Guide - Forums - For Accommodation - Hotel -Resorts - Cruise - Destination - Discount Airfare - Tavel Agency - SearchDirectory For World Travel Information Menu > Home Search Hotel | SearchTravel Site | Travel Forums | Add / Modify Hotel | Add/ Modify Travel Site | Tell A Friend New Page 1 FEATURED HOTEL Mt. Baker Lodging, Inc. (accommodations) We offer private vacation rentals in the mountain villages of Glacier and Maple Falls. Many properties include private hot tubs, saunas, pool tables, and other amenities. Call Us Today! FEATURED HOTEL Explorers Inn Melbourne CBD location, opposite Crown Casino, Convention & Exhibition Centres, Melbourne Aquarium, Telstra Dome & Spencer Street Station. Visit Travel Journal for Cheaptravel information. Cheap travel advice from the backpacker who has backpacked for 8 years through 72 countries! Learn tips and advice for: Cheap Travel Europe - Cheap Travel Asia - Cheap Travel Africa - Links to cheap hostels and hotels - Read "real cheap travel tips" for dozens cities, towns and villages - Signup to the ongoing newsletter "Advice on Cheap Travel" Discover The World, An Independent Travel Directory TravelProfessor.com is the largest travel guide for accommodation, hotels, tours, resorts, golf, cruise, travel agency, adventure, airline service, car rentals, attractions, ...... plus much more. Enter keywords or search code Search On : All Words Any Words Helpful Links Advertise Contact Us Visitor Report Add / Modify Hotel Add / Modify Travel Site Traveler Advisor Hotel Search Search By Updated Search By Country Search By Top Rated Travel Search Airline Adventure Apartment Attractions Cruise Diving Fishing Golf Hotel Lodging Resorts Restaurant Shopping Travel Agency Transport Our Newsletter To getmore Travel News! Add Your Listing New Page 1 Search for travel agent, cheap hotel, accommodation and destinations --- > TravelProfessor.com Looking for a cheap web hosting ? --- > HostProfessor.com Link to Us | VisitorReport | Advertisewith Us | Advertiser Login | Improve your traffic Hotel Login | Travel Site Login | Terms of Use | Feedback 2002 - 2005 Vinaplex Technology, All rights reserved

South America Travel

Brazil Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Brazil Brazil Which is wilder - the jungle or the people? At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Events Transport Money RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links More Places Check out our other destinations: Within Brazil Rio de Janeiro View Map Click here Feature Attraction Iguaçu Falls The stupendous roar of 275 different waterfalls crashing into the Rio Iguaçu means that even on the sleepiest, hottest afternoon, nature's relentless ... more For hundreds of years, Brazil has symbolised the great escape into a primordial, tropical paradise, igniting the Western imagination like no other South American country. From the mad passion of Carnaval to the immensity of the dark Amazon, it is a country of mythic proportions. Perhaps it's not quite the Eden of popular imagination, but it's still a land of staggering beauty. There are stretches of unexplored rainforest, islands with pristine tropical beaches, and endless rivers. And there are the people themselves, who delight the visitor with their energy and joy. Factoid O Rei Brazilians might not have a well known royal family, but they do have a king. Pelé is not just a legendary player who's won several 'player of the 20th century' awards: he's a clean-as-a-whistle symbol of hope. He was Brazil's first black government minister and has been knighted by the British queen; in his 22-year career he played 1363 games and scored 1282 goals. The teams he played in won 53 titles, including three World Cups. SPONSORED LINKS Enquire Accomodation Reviews Find Lonely Planet author reviewed places to stay * Required Fields Country * Please select Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada China Cuba Czech Republic Denmark Egypt England Estonia Finland France Germany Hungary Iceland India Ireland Israel & the Palestinian Territories Italy Japan Malaysia Mexico Morocco Netherlands New Zealand Poland Portugal Russia Scotland South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Taiwan Thailand Turkey USA United Arab Emirates Vietnam City * Please select Travel Services · Flights · Hostels · Hotels · Travel Insurance More Services › Disclaimer: We've tried to make theinformation on this web site as accurate as possible, but it isprovided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injuryor inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety,customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before youtravel. text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links

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Cheap vacations to London - discount hotel + air deals - TripAdvisor London vacation discounts and deals Sign in • Sign up Home > Canada > Ontario > London > SmartDeals > Vacation packages London tourism: Overview Hotels Flights Attractions Deals Forums Maps, etc. Discount hotels | Hotel + air deals | All travel offers Search (e.g., London hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) London London Overview London Hotels Flights to London London Deals Discount hotels Hotel + air deals All travel offers London Attractions London Forum London Maps London Discount Hotels London Vacation Packages e-mail this page to a friend London vacation packages Acapulco vacation packages Alaska vacation packages Amsterdam vacation packages Anaheim vacation packages Arizona vacation packages Aruba vacation packages Aspen vacation packages Atlanta vacation packages Atlantic City vacation packages Bahamas vacation packages Barbados vacation packages Belgium vacation packages Bermuda vacation packages Boston vacation packages Branson vacation packages Breckenridge vacation packages British Virgin Islands vacation packages Cabo San Lucas vacation packages California vacation packages Canada vacation packages Cancun vacation packages Caribbean vacation packages Colorado vacation packages Costa del Sol vacation packages Cozumel vacation packages Dallas vacation packages Daytona Beach vacation packages Dominican Republic vacation packages Florida vacation packages Florida Keys vacation packages Fort Lauderdale vacation packages France vacation packages Germany vacation packages Grand Canyon National Park vacation packages Greece vacation packages Grenada vacation packages Hawaii vacation packages Hilton Head vacation packages Ibiza vacation packages Ireland vacation packages Italy vacation packages Ixtapa vacation packages Jamaica vacation packages Kauai vacation packages Key West vacation packages Lake Placid vacation packages Lake Tahoe vacation packages Las Vegas vacation packages London vacation packages Los Angeles vacation packages Los Cabos vacation packages Maui vacation packages Mazatlan vacation packages Melbourne vacation packages Mexico vacation packages Miami vacation packages Montreal vacation packages Myrtle Beach vacation packages Nashville vacation packages Nassau vacation packages New York vacation packages New York City vacation packages Niagara Falls vacation packages Nova Scotia vacation packages Oahu vacation packages Orlando vacation packages Paris vacation packages Park City vacation packages Philadelphia vacation packages Phoenix vacation packages Pigeon Forge vacation packages Puerto Rico vacation packages Puerto Vallarta vacation packages Punta Cana vacation packages Quebec City vacation packages Reno vacation packages Rome vacation packages Salt Lake City vacation packages San Antonio vacation packages San Diego vacation packages San Francisco vacation packages Santa Fe vacation packages Scotland vacation packages Seattle vacation packages Spain vacation packages St. Croix vacation packages St. Lucia vacation packages St. Maarten/St. Martin vacation packages St. Thomas vacation packages Sydney vacation packages Texas vacation packages Toronto vacation packages Tucson vacation packages U.S. Virgin Islands vacation packages Vail vacation packages Virginia Beach vacation packages Washington DC vacation packages Whistler vacation packages Read more London tourism Hotel + air deals to London * Featured specials - December 28, 2005 London : Save on hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! London : Buy Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 Hotels (12) B&Bs / Inns (0) Other lodging (0) Sorted by popularity hotel name Quality Suites , London Popularity index: #1 in London based on 9 sources Quality Suites : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Quality Suites : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Delta London Armouries , London Popularity index: #3 in London based on 15 sources Delta London Armouries : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Delta London Armouries : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre , London Popularity index: #4 in London based on 3 sources Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Best Western Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Travelodge London South , London Popularity index: #6 in London based on 5 sources Travelodge London South : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Travelodge London South : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Ramada Inn London , London Popularity index: #7 in London based on 7 sources Ramada Inn London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Ramada Inn London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Hilton London Ontario , London Popularity index: #8 in London based on 7 sources Hilton London Ontario : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Hilton London Ontario : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Comfort Inn , London Popularity index: #9 in London based on 6 sources Comfort Inn : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Comfort Inn : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Howard Johnson Hotel London , London Popularity index: #13 in London based on 7 sources Howard Johnson Hotel London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Howard Johnson Hotel London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Four Points by Sheraton London , London Popularity index: #16 in London based on 2 sources Four Points by Sheraton London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Four Points by Sheraton London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Days Inn London , London Popularity index: #17 in London based on 4 sources Days Inn London : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Days Inn London : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Pages: 1 2 Read more about London travel! TripAdvisor SmartDeals are the best deals on the best hotels in London. Visit our SmartDeals page. TripAdvisor's Tourism page has the web's best articles on London travel . Our London hotels page presents hotels ranked by popularity - read traveler reviews and guidebooks. Looking for things to do in London? Try our Attractions page! Visit our London forum page to ask questions and get advice about London travel. TripAdvisor forums let you ask questions and get advice - post in our London forum . Our Maps, etc. page has maps and other travel information. Visit our London discount hotels page for great savings on London hotels, including TripAdvisor SmartDeals. Book a flight to London on our Flights page. To view all the specials, vacation packages, and other travel offers we've found, visit our All travel offers page. About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor lists cheap air + hotel deals to London, Ontario. Recommendations for hotels, resorts, inns, vacations, travel packages, travel guides and lots more! 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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