Argentina Travel


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Argentina Travel and Tours and Hiking in Argentina Patagonia Tours and Iguazu Falls Trekking Argentina ... Mouse over the tabs at right for more options Argentina's economic unrest long since calmed, the time is right to visit Argentina while your money goes farther than ever and the hordes of tourists stay away due to exaggerated news reports. Over 350 glaciers and mountains covered in ice provide a spectacular backdrop for trekking in El Chalten. Strap on crampons and hike on 15 mile long, 15,000 year old Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate (surprisingly easy even for the timid!). There are a wide variety of activities in the beautiful Lakes District for active and leisure travelers alike. Buenos Aires is a very European city overflowing with culture, and Tierra del Fuego is the undiscovered jewel of South America that tourism has not yet altered. Get there while its still unknown. The estancias of Patagonia produce a large portion of the world's wool. Itineraries Argentine Odyssey The Best of Argentina: Valdes Peninusula, Tierra del Fuego, Los Glaciares National Park 9 nights ~ from $1635 Calchaqui Valley & Iruya: Self-drive & Trekking Exploring Northwestern Argentina: Iruya, Salta, Quilmes and Tucuman 10 nights ~ from $1409 Hidden Argentina Off the beaten path: San Juan, La Rioja, Catamarca, Tafi del Valle, Cafayate, and Salta 10 nights ~ from $1762 Patagonia Ice Trail Trekking in Tierra del Fuego and Los Glaciares National Park 11 nights ~ from $2050 Aconcagua Climb Summit the tallest mountain in the Americas 20 nights ~ from $3397 Chile & Argentina Highlights 4 nights Hosteria Grey, Los Glaciares National Park, Buenos Aires 10 nights ~ from $2506 Argentina Andes Climb Aconcagua, Mendoza 6 nights ~ from $2730 Road to the Clouds Tour the Puna Highlands, Great Salt Beds and explore Pre-Colombian ruins 8 nights ~ from $1235 The Big Three See Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Santiago in luxurious style 17 nights ~ from $4546 Argentina Flavor 3 nights each: Alvear Palace, Las Hayas Resort, Los Notros Lodge, Llao Llao Hotel and Resort 12 nights ~ from $3500 Buenos Aires Special 7 nights in Buenos Aires with 4 Half Day Tours, Hydrofoil tickets to Colonia, and Tango Dinner Show 7 nights ~ from $793 Iguazu Falls : Located on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay is one of nature's grand spectacles, Iguazu Falls. Over 275 separate waterfalls plummet over 200 feet for over two and a half miles. Wear a raincoat and hat for protection from the constant mist that forms an arched rainbow. Catwalks and lookouts offer a close look at the thundering falls or look down into Devil's Throat from an airplane overflight. For the daring, take a boat ride close to the falls and make sure to bring plenty of film as photographic opportunities abound. Lakes District : Charming in a European fashion, all the creature comforts are here among the hilly avenues and quaint buildings. Chocolate-making is a tradition in the town of Bariloche, and almost no visitor leaves without a sample. The charming Edelweiss Hotel or the famous Hotel Llao-Llao will graciously accommodate your desires. For one of the best day trips in all of South America, arrive or depart to Chile here by a series of Lake Crossings. Patagonia : Los Glaciares National Park is your destination for hiking in Patagonia and the best viewing of wildlife, birds and glaciers in Patagonia. We'll accommodate you at the very comfortable Los Notros or Kau Yatun as your base for guided excursions of surrounding tundra, mountains, and glaciers. For the more adventurous, our Patagonia trekking is not to be missed. Explore the interior of a glacier, get an up-close view of the towering ice walls, or travel to the Fitzroy area as a trekking base to the famous towering pinnacles of Cerro Terro and Fitzroy. Birdwatchers look out for the Andean condor, Magellanic woodpecker, red backed hawk Austral parakeets, and the rare choique or lesser rhea just to name a few. Tierra del Fuego : Capital of Tierra del Fuego, the path to the White Continent, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. Cruise with a naturalist guide on the Beagle Channel, including Seals Island where you may witness petrels, cormorants and sea lions at close quarters. Marvel at the impressive scenery of snowcapped peaks, rivers, waterfalls and dense woods in Tierra del Fuego National Park. Keep your eyes out for a variety of wildlife, including the Andean condor. Ushuaia serves as our embankment point for cruises to Antarctica. We can also arrange tours to Salta and the Northwest of Argentina, the Marshlands and rolling plains for Estancia stays. Contact a consultant for customized itineraries to Argentina. Build Your Own Itinerary We can also customize an itinerary that is right for you at no additional cost. Please let us know your specific request. For a customized itinerary please call 1.800.999.0558.
Asia Travel Guide Countries
Asia Travel Guide : BootsnAll Travel Network Visit other BootsnAll sites: BootBlog | Bali | London | Australia | Written Road | Travel News Daily Home | Ask an Insider | Members Forum Plane Tickets | Youth Hostels | RTW Guide About Us | Advertising | Contact | RSS | Staff First Time Visitor? Home » Asia Asia Travel Guide Countries in Asia Central Asia - Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Tajikistan , ... more Indian Subcontinent - Bangladesh , Bhutan , India , ... more NE Asia - China , Japan , Mongolia , ... more SE Asia - Brunei , Cambodia , East Timor , ... more BootsnAll Newsletters Sign up for any of BootsnAll's community, regional or deals newsletters. Why should you sign-up? Featured Country : India India Travel Stories Platform 4 - Calcutta, India Embarking on a Holy Adventure - India Prisoner Cell Bloke Ashram - Kerela, India Birthday Boy - Rajasthan, India Unlikely Pilgrims in Pushkar - Pushkar, Rajasthan, India India Nutz And Bolts Mmmmmumbaai - Mumbai, India Mumbai Nutz and Bolts Delhi Nutz and Bolts Varanasi Nutz and Bolts Agra Nutz and Bolts India Things To See And Do Rishikesh, India: Yoga Capital of the World - Rishikesh, India Mumbai Safari - Mumbai (Bombay), Maharashtra, India Confluence of Natural Highs, Wild Cannabis, Bemusing Natural Charms - Kullu Manali, North India Dakshin Chitra, A slice of Old-style living - India Off a Hidden Canal Road in Orissa - Bhubhaneshwar, Orissa, India Chennai The Journey's End in India - Chennai, India Dusty Daze in Triplicane - Chennai, India Pancake Overload! - Chennai, India All Aboard the Tamil Nadu Express: Next Stop, Insanity (or, Split Down the Middle ) - Chennai, India Back to the Future on Triplicane High Road - Chennai, India Chennai Travel Stories The Journey's End in India - Chennai, India Dusty Daze in Triplicane - Chennai, India Pancake Overload! - Chennai, India All Aboard the Tamil Nadu Express: Next Stop, Insanity (or, Split Down the Middle ) - Chennai, India Back to the Future on Triplicane High Road - Chennai, India Discussions Recent Asia Travel Stories You Aren't What You Eat - Singapore Conor Grennan spends his time in Singapore looking at food that closely resembles squeaky dog toys. Sri Lanka - on a Corporate Budget - Sri Lanka Kathryn Millett gives tips on traveling to Sri Lanka. Hiding in Lushun - Lushun, Liaoning Province, China Hilary Miller unknowingly ends up in a place she's forbidden to go. Buddhist Temples and Grotesque Rocks: My Tour of China - China Christine Chan tours the country of her ancestry. Platform 4 - Calcutta, India His train is four hours late, the conductor thinks he's crazy and Darren Grivec is watching kids play cricket on the train lines. More Asia Travel Stories » Submit your own Asia story! Home | Email BootsnAll | Become a Member | Top of page Travel Guides, Stories, Information, and Newsletters Africa Travel | Asia Travel | Pacific Travel | Europe Travel | North America Travel | Central America Travel | South America Travel | Middle East Travel Odds'n'Ends | Travel Book Reviews | Insiders | Travel Blogs | Travel Newsletters Around the World Travel Around the World Tickets | Around the World Travel Guide | Cheap International Plane Tickets | Around the World Travel Tips Airport Parking Reservations Philadelphia Airport Parking | Newark Airport Parking | Oakland Airport Parking | San Diego Airport Parking | Phoenix Airport Parking BootsnAll World Adventure Travel Tanzania Safari | Viet Nam Tours | Thailand Tour | China Tours | New Zealand Adventure | Australia Tours Youth Hostels Europe Hostels | New York Hostels | Paris Hostels | London Hostels | Amsterdam Hostels Eurail Eurail Passes | Britrail Passes | Eurail Travel | Eurail Tips Book Tickets, Hostels, Hotels and more anywhere in the world Search for Hotels | Traveler's Toolkit | Plane Tickets | Rent Cars | Search Youth Hostels | Travel Insurance | Learn Languages | Backpacker Tours | Cheap Tickets | Cruise and Vacation Packages | Cheap Hotels | Cheap Vacation Rentals | World Music Downloads | Travel Bookstore BootsnAll Travel Community websites, blogs and About the Company Press Kit | Advertise with us | Internships | TripPlanner Affiliate Partners | Link to Us | Join Us! | Privacy policy | BootBlog | Bali Travel | Australia Travel | BootsnAll TravelBlogs | Travel Writer's Resource | Travel Gear Blog | Eurail Blog | London Blog | BootsnAll Travel: Australia | UK and Europe Travel | Travel News Daily | World Travel Watch BootsnAll in Other Languages Chercher des Auberges De Jeunesse | Ricercare gli Ostelli di Gioventù | Busque para Albergues Juveniles de Juventud | Suchen Sie Jugendherbergen Suchen Sie Hotels --
Disney Vacation Deals: Compare
disney vacation deal usedir.dynu.net disney vacation deal online disney vacation deal Top List Orlando Vacation Homes from $180/night Why stay in a hotel? Vacation Villas of Orlando offer luxury vacation rentals in the Disney area. Vacation rental homes are an Excellent value for families going to Orlando! site: http://www.vacationvillasoforlando.com Orlando Vacations Looking for Orlando vacations ? Visit our free Top 10 Orlando Websites Directory site: http://www.crossdots.com Summer Bay Resort - Orlando Summer Bay Resort is a 400-acre, Key West themed resort, and is situated on a 64-acre lake that is spring fed. Near Disney Worlld. Stay in a condo for the price of a hotel room. site: http://www.condoexpress.com/summer_bay.htm Disney Vacation Deals: Compare Prices Compare prices from over 40,000 stores. At BizRate.com, find deals, consumer reviews, and store ratings to save money. site: http://www.bizrate.com/ Motels in Florida Book your Florida hotel online - we have a great choice of select motels and hotels throughout the State of Florida. site: http://www.motelsinflorida.com Disney Vacation Deal: Earn 2nd Income in Travel Make $1,000 per Vacation Package at Home as a Vacation & Travel Specialist for Coastal. No experience necessary, just free information without hassles or commitments. site: http://www.pay-check-from-home.com Going 2 Orlando Vacation Homes/Condos Vacation rental Homes and Condos located 7-10 minutes to the DisneyWorld Entrance in Kissimmee Florida site: http://www.going2orlando.com Disney World Orlando Vacations - Save 50% Disney World Orlando Family Vacation Packages with tickets from $99. 2 Disney World Park Tickets for $25. Top Disney World area hotels from $19. Book online or call our travel specialists for assistance. site: http://www.discountthemeparkvacations.com Unique Florida Homes Lists Orlando vacation homes and villas with private pools. Includes actual photos of vacation rentals and a location map in relation to the Disney World. site: uniquefloridaorlando.com All Star Vacation Homes - Florida Vacation Rentals Vacation home management company offers vacation rental homes, condos, and town homes that are located less than four miles from Walt Disney World. site: allstarvacationhomes.com Exclusive Florida Homes, Vacation Homes in Orlando, Florida Agency specializes in short-term vacation homes for rent in the Disney area of Orlando, Florida. site: exclusivefloridahomes.com Exclusive Florida Homes - Derek Sunderland Orlando real estate agent specializes in residential and vacation homes for sale, including investment homes in the Disney World area. site: exclusivefloridahomesales.com Disney Vacation Deal At Shopping.com! 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Includes actual photos of vacation rentals and a location map in relation to the Disney World. site: http://www.uniquefloridaorlando.com/ Exclusive Florida Homes, Vacation Homes in Orlando, Florida Agency specializes in short-term vacation homes for rent in the Disney area of Orlando, Florida. site: http://www.exclusivefloridahomes.com/ All Star Vacation Homes - Florida Vacation Rentals Vacation home management company offers vacation rental homes, condos, and town homes that are located less than four miles from Walt Disney World. site: http://www.allstarvacationhomes.com/ Airfare Bargains At SmarterTravel.com Find travel deals and objective travel deals news at SmarterTravel.com. We don't sell tickets, so we give you objective information on where to get the best deals on travel. site: http://www.SmarterLiving.com Disney Vacation Deal Products- Lowest Prices At DealTime! Save time & money every time you shop online: DealTime is a free comparison-shopping service that helps you find the Web's best prices on links to everything from computers & electronics to jewelry, toys & more. site: http://www.dealtime.com/ Disney Discount Vacation Deals Looking to find the hottest deals on accommodations for Disney trips? Click now and let 4DiscountTravel.com book your vacation itinerary at the best possible special rates. site: http://www.4discounttravel.com Not satisfied with your results? 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Europe Travel by month
Europe Travel Guide Europe Travel Guide 'I want to travel in Europe... I'm only going to a graveyard, but it's a most precious graveyard' Dostoevski Europe Travel by month | Why Travel to Europe? | Europe Map | European Walking Tours Kumuka WORLDWIDE offer 24 different itineraries throughout Europe covering the major European cities. Tours range from an eleven day 'Escapade' to a forty three day 'Bonanza'! Kumuka Worldwide: visit their website | see their European Adventures | request a free brochure Europe Travel Guide Austria Travel Guide - best May-Sept, worst Jan, Feb, see also Vienna Belgium Travel Guide - best May-Sept, worst Jan, Feb, see also Brussels Czech Republic Travel Guide - best Apr-June, Sept, worst July, Aug, see also Prague Denmark - best May-Sept, worst Jan, Feb; see Copenhagen Finland Travel Guide - best June-Sept, worst Jan, Feb; see also Helsinki France Travel Guide - best April-July, Sept, worst Jan, Feb, August; see also Paris Germany Travel Guide - best May -Oct, worst Jan, Feb. see also Berlin | Heidelberg Greece Travel Guide - best March-June, Sept, Oct. Worst Nov-March; see also Athens Hungary Travel Guide - best May-Oct, worst Nov-Feb; see also Budapest Iceland Travel Guide - best June-Aug, worst Jan, Feb; see also Reykjavik Ireland Travel Guide - best May-Sept, worst Nov- Feb; see also Dublin Italy Travel Guide - best March-Sept, worst Dec- Feb. See also Florence | Rome | Venice Netherlands - best April-Oct, worst Jan, Feb; see also Amsterdam Norway Travel Guide - best May-Sept, worst Nov-Feb; see also Oslo Portugal Travel Guide - best April-Sept, worst Nov-Feb; see also Lisbon Russia Travel Guide * - best May-Sept, worst winter; see also St.Petersburg | Moscow Spain Travel Guide - best April-June, Sept, Oct. Worst Aug, Dec- Feb; see also Barcelona | Madrid | Seville Sweden - best May-Sept, worst Jan, Feb; see also Stockholm Switzerland - best June-Sept for summer and Dec-March for snow activities. UK Travel Guide - best Apr-Sept, worst Nov-Feb; see also Edinburgh | London Turkey Travel Guide* - best April-Nov, worst Dec-Feb; see also Istanbul * These countries are partly in Europe! Photo:Venice Carnival, Italy Travel to which best Europe cities in these months: January February March April May June July August September October November December So what has Europe Travel got to offer you? Architecture: This crammed and chaotic part of the world has a stunning variety of architectural styles, both public buildings and private. From Paris' Eiffel Tower to the cramped but characterful canalside housing of Amsterdam, from Barcelona's melting Sagrada Familia to Venice's decaying palazzos, and from London's Houses of Parliament to Vienna's backstreets, the area has the greatest concentration of sensational old buildings in the world. And don't forget some amazing post-modern architecture too, ranging from Bilbao's wacky Guggenheim museum to Berlin's crystal Reichstag. Walkabout: most Euro city centres are compact, reasonably well preserved and have developed car-free or car-limited pedestrian areas that make travelling around the city centres a pleasure. And then there's Venice... History: 2,000 years of brutal, fascinating history lurks behind the civilized facades of most Euro cities. World changing civilizations like ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Napoleonic France, Victorian England, Turkey's Ottoman Empire, Spain's conquistadors and Germany's Third Reich rose and fell in Europe - and the scars are still visible. Culture: The cultural heritage on show in every Euro city is staggering. Among the world beating museums and galleries are St Petersburg's Hermitage, Paris' Louvre, London's British Museum, Madrid's Prado, Istanbul's Topkapi palace, and Rome's Vatican. In most cases the building housing these treasures are treasures themselves. Cuisine: European cuisine has also given the world some everlasting icons. Taste the original pizza in Italy, caviar in Russia, roast beef in Britain, coffee in Vienna, croissants in France, sausage in Germany. Then go and have a Macdonald's if you must... Style: Style and fashion are a dynamic part of everyday life in much of the Euro zone too. From London's punk to Paris' haut couture to Italian leather to Scandinavian minimalism, the creative process is constantly being pushed to the limit. Shopping in the right places in Euro cities will yield styles ranging from wild and wacky avant garde to perfect classical, though prices often require deep pockets. Festivals: Europe's cities also offer a rich crop of strange and wonderful festivals, like the Bull Running in Pamplona [Spain], the masked Carnival in Venice [Italy], Edinburgh's [Scotland] huge and crazy International Festival, Salzburg's [Austria] prestigious music Festival and... Escape: Finally, when you're tired of the cities, there's plenty of travel interest in the countryside: castles and palaces and ancient ruins and mountains and lakes and sports of every description to refresh you before you go back to the cities. 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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