The four holy places of Buddhism and History of Buddha

The other day I was with a Thai friend and I was explaining That HAD I recently made ​​a  trip to India to visit some of  the holy places of Buddhism  .  I remembered That I was eleven o'clock one of them,  Sarnath .  Aof My friend sent me I HAD to paper made ​​with His own talking photos of Those places.  That paper has inspired this article.

The Four Holy Places of Buddhism  found in India and  Nepal  even though Buddhism is a minority religion in Both countries country, where 80% of the population is Hindu.  These places are visited every year by Thousands of Buddhist pilgrims, Both branch  Mahayana  (eg Tibet) and  Theravada  (eg Thailand).

These holy places are Associated With the life of  Siddhartha Gautama  , the Indian prince born in Nepal, who attained enlightenment and created this religious and spiritual path called  Buddhism  .

1)  Lumbini  : The town That was born  Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

It is Believed That the Indian prince  Siddhartha Gautama  was born in Lumbini in a palace, a town of Nepal  , more than 2500 years ago.  At birth, astrologers Predicted That He would devote His life to spirituality, so His father put him in the palace and surrounded himself with comforts and young people.  The king did everything I Could Prevent the prince to human Knew Suffering.

One day, When the prince left the palace was 29.  Although His father HAD ordered the streets to preparing for departure, an older man crossed the road and so Siddhartha was first Known as old age, sickness and death.

2)  Bodh Gaya  : The place where Buddha Became enlightened

After seeing The Suffering, Siddhartha left the palace and Began an ascetic life devoted to spirituality.  Supporter of various religious schools was made ​​and perfected His Teachings.  've tried to reach enlightenment based forgo any desire. Stopped eating and went alone to meditate.  So I acerca was to die fainting while taking a bath in a river.  It made ​​him wonder if I was really doing the above and DECIDED to take a middle path, without great pleasures and extreme deprivation.

Then,  Siddhartha sat under the Bodhi tree in a village called Bodh Gaya With the determination not to get up until you find  the truth  , the answer to Suffering.  After 49 days of meditation, at the age of 35,  I have attained enlightenment  and leave behind The Suffering and the wheel of reincarnation in Which they 'think we're all caught up (samsara).

3)  Sarnath  : where Buddha gave His first sermon

After illuminate and Reflect on Whether I Should Explain how I HAD done it or not, Siddhartha, now the Buddha  gave His first sermon at Sarnath City  (beside Varansi).  I visited the city a few years ago.  In it there is a huge stupa (  Dhamek Stupa  ) built to replace one 500 AD That was built in 250 BC

4)  Kushinagar  : Where Buddha died

At age 80, the Buddha Announced That I would soon leave His earthly body. Shortly after I Suffered food poisoning and Became seriously ill.  died in a forest near Kushinagar  surrounded by His followers.  Buddhism And so was born  .

There is a famous novel inspired by This  time  , it is called  Siddartha  and is Hermann Hesse  .

source:http://www.mundo-nomada.com/articulos/los-cuatro-lugares-sagrados-del-budismo-y-la-historia-de-buda

The best places of my trip in India

India  is a country That is not lost and can hardly be Described in words.   Not even in  pictures  .   Necessary It is for him to travel, live and feel in person to get an idea. It is a country That changes people.   It is not cliché, it's true.   Affects travlers I think it might get you poverty to see it, dignified and positive Manner Which the Indians faced with THIS religiosity and every second that passes there.

If you really want to travel to India   must have a predisposition to the adventure  since, as we kinda os, public transport is not very comfortable and are very well organized but, yes, come to almost everywhere.   My advice is that you 'only' go so long as you can Because the country is huge, and slow transport Especially since the body and head need some time to adjust to India.   In my case I think I started to adapt to the country last 2-3 weeks of being there.  I stayed 4 months and went from south to north  , traveling mainly by bus and   train  .   In the northern states, Ladakh and Cashmir ALSO Traveled by hitchhiking.   On the map below you can see the route.

Here are some of the places I liked in my little adventure Most for   democracy world's largest:

Kerala

The southern state of Kerala is the Most Famous in India.   It is on the west coast, plus miles and miles of tropical beaches, forests and full of animals.   Culturally Also it is very interesting Because here you will find Hindu temples, churches, mosques , synagogues and even in a state That Has the communist (he is full of communist flags everywhere).

With permission of treatments and massages   ayurvedic medicine   and   Khatakali dances   ,   The most famous is the experience of Kerala canoe ride on the backwaters  of Alappuzha or Kottayam.   The Backwaters are rivers, lakes and canals surrounded by greenery, in Which many people live.

Hampi

The small village of Hampi is The most popular destination in the State of Karnataka.   Formerly the town was the capital of the  Vijayanagar Empire  .   Retain Today still many of Their ruins are  Unesco World Heritage  .   The landscape around Hampi is brutal and the best way to know is by renting a bike and climbing some of the mountains.   I recommend the  Monkey Temple,  but forget to give bananas to the monkeys, I had to run away chased by a few.   My friends still be leaving on the ass.

The Vicente Ferrer Foundation (Anantapur)

As many of you know   the Vicente Ferrer Foundation  is an NGO working in the state of Andra Pradesh in India.   Specifically around the city of Anantapur, one of the driest and poorest areas around the country.   This NGO was founded by the Catalan Vincente Ferrer ( candidate for Nobel Peace Prize) in 1969.  has more than 155,000 members THROUGHOUT Spain That support and finance sustainable development projects  (agriculture, microcredit, water management, health and education).   It employs over 1800 people in various hospitals, schools and projects.

We visited the foundation without Knowing if they '' would let us be, and the experience was amazing.   We got a room, food and an Indian guide who spoke Castilian and Taught us several hospitals, schools and projects.   3 We had the best of days of the whole trip.   Impressive work done in India.   If you want to visit the NGO,  organize trips Themselves  .

Goa

Goa tourism is probably the state  's smallest country.   It is the perfect place if you are looking for beaches and partying.   In Addition To Its beaches, Goa is Famous for its markets and festivals trance hippies.   Goa is Normally sleep in a cabin on top of a palm tree in front of the beach, rent a bike to tour the state.

Varansi (or Benares)

One of the oldest cities in the world, Continuously inhabited for over 3000 years. It is one of the places required if you want to know the real India.   Varansi is a holy city in Hinduism as it passes by the Ganges River, That makes religion so permeates everything.   An Estimated 60,000 people every day bathe in the holy waters of the river and Greatly contaminated.   So a stroll through the  ghats  (stairs leading down to the river) is essential to know the city.

If you come up north of the Ghats will come to the crematory.   witness as There you can burn the dead in a ceremony That is Repeated every day for Thousands of years  .   After burning, the ashes thrown into the river but some families have enough Currently Necessary money to buy the wood, so do not be surprised if you see human remains, half burned, floating down the Ganges River.   This is the sort of thing to which one Takes a little getting used to in India.

Haridwar and Rishikesh

Haridwar is in the north, in the state of Uttarakhand.   Haridwar signfica the door to God and the Ganges River passes through it.   Although here it is clean.   This village is famous for  the Kumbh Mela festival  .   A festival held every 12 years and in 2003 brought` 70 million people together  .   So it's the largest in the world and probably the history festival.   The next will be held in 2016.

Rishikesh is near Hariwdar, so if traveling Through This area is a good notion to Both towns to visit.   Rishikesh is the yoga mecca  .   Since the Beatles came here to do yoga, the village has seen every year more and more foreigners came in search of inner peace.   Ganges The river passes through the village Also At this point and is very clean so it is highly recommended bathing in it.

Mc Leod Ganj (near Dharamsala)

When the Dalai Lama to flee Tibet in 1959 HAD came here and since then   has Mc Leod Ganj Become the Capital of Tibet into exile  .   Mc Leod is a small village atop a hill and surrounded by nature and mountains.   Here you will find free Tibetan culture and if you are lucky to Attend one of the conferences Given That the Dalai Lama from time to time.   Around the village are Also perfect for hiking.

Manali

Manali is a town in northern India over 2000 meters above sea level.   This town  is famous for being the place where travlers Among you want to go smoke Xaras  (Indian hashish.)   And it is true That there are many people who go to that ( Especially you Israelis) but Manali is Also a good place from Which des excursions.   The forests around the town are beautiful and are Formed by giant trees with huge waterfalls.   Also There are several hot springs sites.   If you are interested you do climbing or May paragliding.

Leh

Leh is the capital city of the northernmost state of India, Ladahk.   Leh is situated at 3600 meters high  and can only be Reached by plane or by road from Manali to just open summers and reaching more than 5000 meters height.   A brutal, but highly recommended long way.

The city, like the entire state of Ladahk is Primarily Buddhist and looks more like Tibet than India.   Ladahk Lunar landscapes and mountains are impressive and make it one of the best sites you hiking.

Srinagar

Srinagar is the capital city of the famous Cashmir.  A Land that've spent decades Dealing with Pakistan and India.  Srinagar is a city with a huge lake in the middle, Filled With floating houses where you can stay  .  A highly recommended experience to spend a day walking around the lake boat observing life on it.

In this post I have used several photos from Flickr.   I'm in  Thailand  so I don 't have all the pictures I took on my trip to India.

Source: http://www.mundo-nomada.com/articulos/los-best-places-of-my-journey-in-india

The most interesting Greek islands to visit

There are many places in  Greece  That must be seen.  In this post we focus on  the Greek islands, 

the Cyclades, and the Ionian, an extremely pleasant way to enjoy beautiful beaches and Its STI history  .

BlueEyedA73

In the Ionian Sea

1 Zákinthos  , is  the third largest island  of the  Ionian Islands  .  It is framed in lush vegetation, you can visit many sea caves and picturesque harbors.

Dimitris Kilimi

Kefalonia Island 2:  is, like so many other places in  Greece  , an perfect destination spot for history lovers.  Is that in the northern part of the island,  the beach Ithaca, is said To have home the great hero Ulysses  (aka Odysseus).

3 Palaikastrika:  combines dreamy beaches Orthodox monasteries origin, a unique and compelling combo.  Also You can  visit this island  taking a cruise  .

4 Paxos:  . although it is the smallest of the Ionian Islands, its charm is not lost  In the gardens there are lands dedicated to the cultivation of olive trees and vineyards That delicious fruit wines out to detail to consider.

Photolupi

. 5  Antipaxos  : is perfect if you are looking for quiet Because In This island of five square kilometers live only a few hundred inhabitants.  La  Playa Vrika  is a recommended point of the island, You have to know.

6 Lefkada  ITS characterizes mountainous terrain in Which the hotel services (including rental houses are Counted) are spacious Promoting visits of tourists.

Cyclades Islands

There are many options to meet the unique beaches of the  Cyclades Islands  :

Santorini 7:  . many is for the best Greek island  It grew by volcanic action Formed a land of rugged mountains, is pristine, white sand, and as icing on the cake, In This landscape you can enjoy one of the  most beautiful sunsets in Europe .

. 8  Mykonos  :  the Most Renowned for its nightlife, but in Addition to its beauty naturally offers Cultural activities, Among Which The most prominent is the nearest island to Delos, one of the four major archaeological sites in  Greece  .

9 Paros  for its central location Became a crossing in almost all routes but not least deserves attention: the  capital city has  a lively rhythm That gets your port of choice STIs Among many  bars and restaurants  and then go ITS  cobbled streets  . shops with upscale  Also You can visit the  town of Naoussa  , Considered the new  Mykonos  .  The  beach  most charming island called  Kolympithres with huge boulders, fine sand and crystal waters.

10 Naxos  is  the  perfect Greek island for Those Who like to do  . water sports  Once you enter through the big door, "behave", find  the largest of the Cyclades islands  a unique experience: beautiful churches  ,  the Archaeological Museum, the beaches, all Favored returns to the destination.

Graeme Churchard

11 Syros:  there is much to do on this  island  , Besides Knowing Its beautiful beaches, you should visit ITS capital Ermoupoli, STI port, Hill San Jorge, ITS stately buildings, walks are essential.

12 Ios: Ios is the best Known  beach paradise  and has bars for lunch and spend the day.

Meet  Greece  Countless touring the islands with charms That Go beyond the nature is a way of approaching the Latin heart.

Source: http://viajes.101lugaresincreibles.com/2011/08/las-islands-Greek-ms-interesting-to-visitar/

Tips for a trip to Paris, France

Tips for a trip to Paris, France 

aris is the dream of every traveler, to Which is the destination, Those who are regulars to travel, They have consistently present since it is one of [...]

Paris  is the dream of every traveler, to Which is the destination, Those who are regulars to travel, They have consistently present since it is one of the most beautiful cities not only in Europe but Also the world. In case you are lucky to travel to Paris, the range of options of activities to do in the capital city of France would be extremely varied and safely, it is very unlikely as Time Permits do all the things you want. recreation and excursions Beyond That can be Carried out at the time Most emblematic of visiting the city of Gallic country is Necessary to Consider some tips That will Enhance your stay in France.  

Tips  to make the trip to Paris :

Which Despite The journey to the destination is made ​​is very Advisable to read many before attending the consulate, in this Case French in your country can give you very useful when you 'tips' and current' go to visit Paris Parisians are Known with a reputation for unfriendly, but very helpful is why it is Necessary To have At least a minimal notion of language and key words like Please, thank you, yes, no, how do I get? etc. How much?,

-. Once you have arrived in France Should be handled with caution The Seine River divide the "City of Lights" in half, take the river as a guide is very practical Usually. Taxis are the best way to move Within the metropolis itself, Paris has one of the largest networks of underground and better Functioning of all Europe, with map in hand and a little sense of direction will be very easy reach of the monument or point to Which the city you want to Attend.

- Paris it has Thousands of destinations to go and dozens of resorts That are captivating, each by a different feature, so UNLESS you travel with a month's vacation is very Difficult to perform everything from there rescues That detailed With With with previously planned trips and visits to different foci of interest Travel is one of the best postures That can be performed. Visit the Eiffel Tower on the first day is useful Because if one day you can not perform other hiking the favorite spot of the city, the same functionality exists in England That runs deeper is Big Ben or Italy with the Colosseum .     

- While the Palace of Versailles , the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe . Are The Most Significant monuments of the city It is highly recommended to get the museum pass and Monuments to do in each row and Also museum to save a few euros in the end tally of Expenditures.     

Visa and currency in Paris

- Anyone wishing to enter France and not a national of the country can not Because owners visa is needed to enter the country, a requirement That is Also Sought in countries country country country like the United States or Cuba . Make this process a long time in advance is quite desirable.   

- The Euros are the currency That is handled in France for Belonging to the European Community . 1 (A) Euro . Amounts to USD 1.33 (USD) and $ 5.79 (pesos) Currency exchange can be done at the airport or at any bank in the city.  

Source: http://www.teleaire.com/consejos to-make-a-trip-to-paris-francia/

The 25 essential must-see places Part six

The 25 essential must-see places

The mixture of civilizations, cultures and empires has given Turkey a burst only by its natural beauty rich history.Considered the largest museum outside world, the country has turquoise beaches, waterfalls, forests, unique rock formations and cities with lots to see.

City Aizinoi Ktahya and deposit (in central Anatolia)
Further west, the bustling Kthaya is famous for its production of colorful tiles and as a starting point to go 60 km.southwesterly one of the best preserved temples of Anatolia: the great temple of Zeus, the site of Aizinoi (near the farming village of avdarhisar).
shown, the great temple of Zeus, located 60 kilometers southwest of Kthaya.

Other Sites and monuments of interest:

In the center of Anatolia

Ruins of Gordion 
A former Phrygian capital where Alexander the Great cut the famous espadazo a Gordian knot, can be reached from the village of Yassihyk. Among the burial mounds that surround the tomb of Midas the Phrygian king, probably the oldest wooden structure in the world. Lies Cappadocia, cradle of the first inhabitants of Anatolia located between Aksaray, Nigde, Nevsehir and Kayseri, this unique area is the result of volcanic eruptions extraas eroded by centuries and pierced by the hand of man. Among the incredible landscape formations are the remains of prehistoric villages, abandoned fortresses, Byzantine churches carved inside the peaks shaped " fairy chimneys ", and dozens of disturbing underground villas carved into the stone between the seventh and twelfth centuries. As part of this unique landscape, Tuz Goal is the largest salt lake in the world's largest. Konia City The Iconium Roman is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Turkey, capital of the Seljuks in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries place of origin of the Whirling Dervishes, which highlights the grave of Mevlana Sufi mystic founder of the order, and the great mosque of Aladdin (XIII century).



Source: http://viajar.elperiodico.com/turquia/lugar6.htm

The 25 essential must-see places Part Five

The 25 essential must-see places

The mixture of civilizations, cultures and empires has given Turkey a burst only by its natural beauty rich history.Considered the largest museum outside world, the country has turquoise beaches, waterfalls, forests, unique rock formations and cities with lots to see.

Nature and monuments around Trabzon (in the Black Sea region)
Almost everyone who comes to this city the largest port on the east coast do to see the medieval church of St. Sophia, now converted into Museum (Aya Sofya Mzesi), or to move from there to one of the pearls of these lands. Sumela Monastery, Greek Orthodox complex clinging to the top of a cliff impossible
Pictured Hagia Sophia in Trabzon.

Other Sites and monuments of interest:

In the Black Sea region

Peoples Uzun Gly Ayder
In the region of the Kakar mountains east of Trabzon, are these two idyllic villages: the first by a lake and wooded hills, and the second on the side of a valley between peaks snow and waterfalls.

In southeastern Anatolia

Diyarbakir (Amida old)
Six kilometers of basalt walls with four gates and 80 towers enclose a historic personality with one of the most important commercial areas in the Middle Ages, labyrinthine alleys riddled with mosques, among which Ulu Cami, a church (seventh century) converted to Islam in the eleventh century by one of the first Seljuk sultans.

In the center of Anatolia

Ankara
are two basic places to visit in this city, capital of the country since 1923: the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, with pieces chosen from the majority of sites in the country; and Anit Kabir Mausoleum, erected in honor of Mustafa Kemal, the leader of the independence of the modern Republic of Turkey, known as Atatürk (" Father of the Turks ").

Source: http://viajar.elperiodico.com/turquia/lugar5.htm

The 25 essential must-see places Part four

The 25 essential must-see places

The mixture of civilizations, cultures and empires has given Turkey a burst only by its natural beauty rich history.Considered the largest museum outside world, the country has turquoise beaches, waterfalls, forests, unique rock formations and cities with lots to see.

Mount Ararat (in eastern Anatolia)
approximately 6 km Dogubayazit corner in the border with Armenia and Iran, the palace complex of Ishak Pasa is (XVIII century), regarded as one of the most beautiful in Turkey, and the north, the snowy peaks of the mythical and mystical Ararat, the highest mountain in the country with its 5165 meters, where Noah's Ark settled after the Flood, according to the Old Testament .
shown, the complex of Ishak Pasa palaciefo , dating from the eighteenth century and is located 6 kilómetos Dogubeyazit in the corner border with Armenia and Iran.

Other Sites and monuments of interest:

In eastern Anatolia

In Van province
on the northern shore Backed by a pair of towering peaks, Lake Van (Van Gl), the country's largest, appears as an oasis of freshness after the rough spots that precede it. Perched on top of one of its islands pequeas, Akdamar church three miles from the southern shore and connected by ferries is a wonderland of Armenian architecture, while on the east bank, stands the castle Van (Van Kalesi), which crowns the city of the same name, also known as Castle Tushpa, name of the city that flourished at his feet for three thousand years. Reservoir Ani 45 kilometers east of the city of Kars, beside the border with Armenia, the mysterious ruins of Ani are among a sea of undulating pastures. Key on the old Silk Road Point was destroyed largely by an earthquake in the early fourteenth century, although still standing several religious buildings and strength. Ciudad Erzurum More than 2,000 meters and surrounded by hard steppe, the former Theodosiopolis proudly displays some of the finest examples of Seljuk architecture, the first Turkish state that ruled Anatolia between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries, especially in the main artery.




Source: http://viajar.elperiodico.com/turquia/lugar4.htm

The 25 essential must-see places part three

The 25 essential must-see places

The mixture of civilizations, cultures and empires has given Turkey a historical riches slo explosion comparable to its natural beauty. Considered the museum Largest outdoor world, the country has turquoise beaches, waterfalls, forests, rock formations and Nicaraguan cities with lots to see.

Antalya and its coast (on the coast mediterrnea)
East of Antalya, Alanya combines the attractiveness of its historical center especially the magnificent fortress with over twenty kilometers of beaches fringed by soft five-star hotels.
shown, the coast of Alanya.

Other Sites and monuments of interest:

In southeastern Anatolia

Belkis-Zeugma Ruins
Perhaps even more famous than the remains of the ancient citadel of Zeugma, founded by one of the generals of Alexander the Great and later important enclave of Silk Road, are renowned baklavas city Gazi Antep Antep or, 50 kms. ruins), a puff pastry with honey and pistachios category of " perishable monument . " Harran and Lake Balikligl in URFA (ancient Edessa) are Nicas in Turkey houses the hive population n of Harran, built with adobe on a design that dates back to the third century BC Nearby, Urfa, " City of the Prophets "for being the birthplace of Abraham and Job, has a sacred lake (Balikligl) where, before two beautiful mosques that enter the water, free swimming carp fishing anyone considered untouchable. Mardin The old Marida, built on a hill overlooking the plain mesopotmica, is starting to become a tourist destination due to its popular stone architecture without roofs, a chaotic bazaar and a collection of old buildings among which the castle, a couple of madrassas islmicos several temples and Christian, and a splendid post office housed in old caravanserai.

Source: http://viajar.elperiodico.com/turquia/lugar3.htm

The 25 essential must-see places Part Two

The 25 essential must-see places

The mixture of civilizations, cultures and empires has given Turkey a burst only by its natural beauty rich history.Considered the largest museum outside world, the country has turquoise beaches, waterfalls, forests, unique rock formations and cities with lots to see.

Nature and ruins around Antalya (on the Mediterranean coast)
emphasize the ancient Myra (or Mira) which is accessed from Demre Kale with its Lycian tombs carved into the rock and Greco-Roman theater; it relates to St. Nicholas of Myra as the real Santa Claus; the romantic city Lycian ruins of Phaselis (or Tekirova Phaselis or), expanded along three creeks suggestive; Roman amphitheater in Aspendos (Belkis), the best preserved of Antiquity; and the beautiful waterfalls in the High DDEN Lara Plaji, at its mouth on the Mediterranean.
Pictured Roman theater in Aspendos.

Other Sites and monuments of interest:

On the Mediterranean coast

Antalya City
Gateway to the so-called Turkish Riviera, Antalya surprised by the charm of its restored old Roman port and marina and the preservation of the old neighborhood, Kaleiçi where old Ottoman houses are mixed with Roman ruins.Pozo St. Paul in Tarsus (Tarsi) Founded by the Argonauts according to Strabo and birthplace of the apostle Paul, Tarsus still remains of the supposed holy house that are made ​​visible to the visitor under slabs of glass and its miraculous well of the garden (Senpol Kuyusu), which they say has healing properties mígicas. Antakya City In ancient Antioch found the fabulous Archaeological Museum, which exhibits a splendid collection of Roman mosaics and Byzantine, and is regarded as " the first cathedral in the world ", the Grotto of St. Peter, carved into the hillside Staurin (de la Cruz) and declared Holy Place by the Vatican in 1983.


Source: http://viajar.elperiodico.com/turquia/lugar2.htm