Merry Christmas

Christmas Day is Dec. 25, when it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem as the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. After the Easter Resurrection is the most important holiday of the year the church.
Once incorporated these elements, the Church added later in the Middle Ages birth and carols with their customs. Around this time the banquet were the climax of the celebrations. All this took an abrupt end in Britain when, in 1552, the Puritans banned Christmas. Although Christmas returned to England in 1660 with Charles II, the rituals disappeared until Victorian times.


Some traditions are kept like:
The Dinner of Christmas, consists of a banquet to midnight, of honor of Christ's birth
The Christmas mangers, Mangers or the Christmas Birth consist of the representation of Jesus' birth, by means of a model of Bethlehem and his environment, of the fact that the principal figures are the stable ones where Jesus was born, the Sacred Family, the animals and the shepherds
The Christmas carols songs or allusive singings to Christ's birth or to the Sacred Family. Some of them ace Night of Peace have versions in several languages with same or different name.
Today, Christmas is a time of great commercial activity and exchange of gifts, meetings and lunches Families. In the West celebrated the Mass of the rooster in churches and cathedrals. In Latin America, rooted in Catholic tradition, especially the celebrated Christmas Eve (December 24) with a family dinner to be prepared for a variety of dishes, desserts and traditional beverages. It is also customary to attend the Mass and celebrating the megrim with rockets and fireworks.

Independence of Cuenca

Cuenca was founded in November 3 of 1820. Every year people celebrate this festivity with diferentes events.

It is one of the most important festivity in the city. There are many activities during four days. The parade is realized in November 3, in this event attending the principal autorities of the city and the country as the president, mayor and others important people

The young people enjoy this date. Usually they go to parties every days during the festivity. Also they go to the fairs and the play land park with their friends and sometimes go with their families.

There are many fairs as tipical food, exhibitions of paintings, concerts. In november 3 in the night people go to principal neighborhoods to

Some people organize In the principal neighborhoods shows with different singers, where you can dancing and meet interesting people. So If you like dancing in the night and you are friendly you can going to visit Cuenca in its festivity.

Valentine's Day in USA

Valentine's Day is an extremely popular festival in United States of America. People in US observe a holiday on this day to honor St Valentine and to express love to dear ones.

Valentine's Day dinner and dance parties are organized all over the country to celebrate the occasion. Many couples hold private celebrations in homes or restaurants

Handmade valentines created by cutting hearts out of colored paper, show that a lot of thought was put into making them personal.

A good idea plan to this special day is to go with more then just the flowers and candy plus but you add a romantic dinner with wine. Something about a candle light dinner with that special someone

You coan eat a deliciuos food like:"Hearty" Finger Foods, Couscous Hearts, Sweethearts, Love-ly Apple and Apricot Cakes, etc.

BEST WEDDING

THE BEST MARRIAGE

Two people know when is between them and sympathize bring a very interesting friendship and the best of this is to know you more to get to formalize a relationship, then you know these are well and good moments together spend take a decision of get married; before marriage they seek to organize all the church hired the club, the bride takes care of the arrangements and especially the wedding dress, the moment that everything is prepared in the church when the ceremony that priest celebrant mass., and is beautiful to listen to the songs all the time is a forget the ceremony comes after the feast that is what is most enjoy all peoples at this time becomes the toast of the dance raft and everything else separate class of the bride gives the remains to married the following is what most exciting. Finally the bride and groom will honeymoon at different places in the world and passed very well

Chinese New Year!!!

Chinese New Year, known in China as Spring Festival , is the most important of the traditional Chinese holiday. It is sometimes called the Lunar New Year, especially by people outside China. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese Calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival . Chinese New Year's Eve is known as Chúxī, It literally means "Year-pass Eve".

Celebrated in areas with large populations of ethnic Chinese, Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had influence on the new year celebrations of its geographic neighbours, as well as cultures with whom the Chinese have had extensive interaction. These include Taiwanese, Koreans, Mongolians, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Vietnamese, and formerly the Japanese before 1873. In Singapore, Indonesia, Malasya, the Philipines, Thailand, and other countries with significant Chinese populations, Chinese New Year is also celebrated, largely by overseas Chinese, and has, to varying degrees, become part of the traditional culture of these countries. In Canada, although Chinese New Year is not an official holiday, many ethnic Chinese hold large celebrations and Canada Post issues New Year's themed stamps in domestic and international rates.

Chinese New Year is observed as a public holiday in a number of countries and territories where a sizable Chinese population resides. Since Chinese New Year falls on different dates on the Gregorian calendar every year on different days of the week, some of these governments opt to shift working days in order to accommodate a longer public holiday. Also like many other countries in the world, a statutory holiday is added on the following work day when the New Year falls on a weekend.
It is also important to understand that informal celebrations, which may span a period of several weeks before and after the official holidays, are the time when many businesses operate in 'holiday mode', and generally aren't the time for making decisions or business negotiations.

Costa Rica -

Christmas Costa Rica

Costa Rica, as with many other countries around the world, has it's own unique and special way to celebrate Christmas. As the last days of November past by, the weather start to change, it becomes colder, clearer and windy.

As the wind starts to blow harder and the days start to get colder, the people begin the decoration of their houses. The Capital celebration led by the City of San Jose has just had the Festival de la Luz to officially start the holiday season. All the trees can be decorated but Ticos preferred the cypress trees in their decorations. The cypress scent, the lights, the balls and other decoration hanging in the tree is almost found in every place you go. The most important Christmas tree in Costa Rica is the tree of the Children's National Hospital. The tree represents hope for the coming year and thankfulness for all we receive. This tree has been at the Hospital for decades and it gives a light of hope to all those kids inside.

Portal with Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the tree wise men
The Portal is made of mosses and grass and figurines representing the birth of Jesus in the manger. Costa Ricans commonly add extra embellishments like dolls, little farm animals, tiny toys, fruits and berries, and lights.
Besides the tree, another important decoration is the Portal. The Portal is the representation of the birth of Jesus, with the figures of Mary, Joseph, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar (the three wise men), the ox and the mule. The most important figure is the Baby Jesus; this is set on the manger the 25th. The day that the Christmas presents are opened.

In Costa Rica Santa Claus doesn't bring the Christmas gifts to the kids, those are brought by Baby Jesus the night before Christmas called la "Noche Buena" while they were sleeping. At the same as the Baby Jesus appears at the portal the gift appears under the tree the 25th in the morning. That day all the people that live in the same house get together around the tree and pray, thanking Baby Jesus for the good year that has passed, followed by the opening of the gifts. You can find all over the country different kind of Portals that goes from Spatial Portals, Crystal Portals, Painted Portals, Light Portal and the traditional portal. There are two important Portals in San Jose. The first one is the one at the National Theater that is made on real scale, full of detailed and made by Costarican artist. The second one is a lights portal that is hanged in the Costa Rica National Bank building, this can be viewed from a number of locations in San Jose.

Another important date to remember is the 24th evening dinner, when all the families get together and make a special dinner.

The secret of the "tamal" is the Salsa Lizano. This famous spici sauce is also the secret of the popular Gallo Pinto.
The menu usually is based on pork leg and "tamales". The "tamal" base is corn, corn have been cultivated in America by the Indians before the arrival of the Spaniards. The tamal is made of corn flour dough stuffed with potatoes, vegetables and pork or chicken, all covered by plantain leaves and then boiled. Making "tamales" is also a tradition that involves the participation of all family members. This is a slow and laborious process taught by Grandmothers and mothers to granddaughters and daughters.

Also the 25th in the night, the religious families in Costa Rica go to the midnight mass called "La Misa del Gallo.

The local municipality of San Jose also organizes a lot of activities for the holiday season. Some of them are the "Tope" that have been celebrated since colonial times. There's a lot of "Topes" but the "Tope" of San Jose is the most famous in the country.
Rider at the "Tope"
Riders from across the country come to the city to show off their best animals and costumes. It's a very friendly competition. Some people train their horses during the year only for this special occasion. Recently there have been introduced another elements such as horse-drawn carriages and the famous hand-painted oxcarts. This parade takes place at the Paseo Colon and The Second Avenue.

Attached to the "Tope" there's a lot more of activities like the Carnival and the "Festival de La Luz". The carnival joins dancing and musical groups from all the country. Groups are prized for the best costumes, the best dancers and the best orchestra. The "Festival de la Luz" is a Light Festival, and takes place in the same streets but at night. Floats with colorful lights and decorative design run all over the two main streets at San Jose. At the end the fireworks light the sky of the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose.
Finally the most popular activity of the holiday season is "Zapote" that is a town in San Jose. In "Zapote" there's a special area designated to make an improvised amusement park with amusement games and a lot of "chinamos" that are improvised stands that sell all kind of food. To this fair come people from all across the country and all kind of social status.

"Toros a la Tica"

But definitely the most anticipated activity is the "Zapote Bullfights" or "Toros a la Tica" synonymous with the season's festivities in Costa Rica. The Costarican Bullfight is very different because the bulls are never harmed, or killed. The most famous cattle ranches provide the bulls free. Also the bullfighters are normal people that get into the arena without any professional preparation. It's amazing that only a few actually get hurt by the bulls. This activity is a headache for the red cross that voluntarily offers it's service in the arena.

The bulls are never harmed in the Tico version of the bullfights. The most popular phase of the Tico bullfight is the run when dozens of young men race into the ring en masse with the intention of frightening the bull and provoking it to attack. Although the bull is never harmed, occasionally one of the men is gored. The whole thing is a performance designed to release adrenaline, relieving the frustrations of the past year.

The Holiday Season ends in January sixth, the day the three wise men arrived and see Jesus for the first time. That day all the neighbors get together and make a special prayer for the Baby Jesus. This pray is based on the rosary and the Christmas carols. Of course after the prayer, there's coffee with "Tamales", "Rompope", "Aguadulce" and all kind of typical pastries and drinks.

Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival. Traditionally, it is a time to give thanks for the harvest and express gratitude in general. It is a holiday celebrated primarily in Canada and the United States. Thanksgiving is now primarily identified as a secular holiday after religious holiday.
The traditional "first Thanksgiving" is venerated as having occurred at the site of Plymouth Plantation, in 1621.

Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. Thanksgiving dinner is held on this day, usually as a gathering of family members and friends. Thanksgiving is a day when people almost all the time eat turkey.

THE WEDDING PARTY


The best wedding party that went was to my uncle. He came from Spain to get married by the church, when they had three children.
The whole family helps with the preparations since the coming, because he came few days before the wedding. Their children took the rings
At the wedding was all family get together, was very nice danced, drank, fun all night and all staying in a recorded video. It`s very fun.
The following day we did a meal at my grandmother's house for farewell to the bride and groom. They was went the honeymoon to Galapagos by one week.

Hanami!!!!

JAPAN

Hanami is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers, "flower" in this case almost always meaning cherry blossoms, or ume blossoms.

From late March to early May, sakura bloom all over Japan. The blossom forecast, sakurazensen (cherry blossom front) is announced each year by the weather bureau, and is watched carefully by those planning hanami as the blossoms only last a week or two.

In modern-day Japan, hanami mostly consists of having an outdoor party beneath the sakura during daytime or at night. Hanami at night is called yozakura (lit. "night sakura"). In many places such as Ueno Park temporary paper lanterns are hung for the purpose of yozakura.

july 4th!!!!! Liberty Day in EE-UU

The Best Day in United States!!!

Independence Day , in the United States an annual holiday commemorating the formal adoption by the Continental Congres of the Declaraation of Independence on July 4, 1776,in Philadelphia. Although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August,the Fourth of July holiday has been accepted as the official anniversary of United States independence and is celebrated in all states and territories of the U.S. The holiday was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776, at which time the Declaration of Independence was read aloud, city bells rang, and bands played. It was not declared a legal holiday , however, until1941. The Fourth is traditionally celebrated publicly with parades and pageants, patriotic speeches, and organized firing of guns and cannons and displays of fireworks; early in the 20th century public concern for a safe and sane holiday resulted in restrictions on general use of fireworks. Family picnics and outings are a feature of private Fourth of July celebrations.

Halloween

The term Halloween is shortened from All Hallows' Even (both "even" and "eve" are abbreviations of "evening," but "Halloween" gets its "n" from "even") as it is the eve of "All Hallows' Day", which is now also known as all Saints' Day.

Believing that the head was the most powerful part of the body, containing the spirit and the knowledge, the Celts used the "head" of the vegetable to frighten off any supertitions.

Unmarried women were frequently told that if they sat in a darkened room and gazed into a mirror on Halloween night, the face of their future husband would appear in the mirror. However, if they were destined to die before marriage, a skull would appear.

Because the holiday comes in the wake of the annual apple harvest, candy apples are a common Halloween treat made by rolling whole apples in a sticky sugar syrup, sometimes followed by rolling them in nuts.

CARNAVAL.... RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio de Janeiro, the marvelous city, dramatically set between rainforest clad cliffs and the sea is always awash with joyful existence. Locals love Rio calling it "cidade maravilhosa" and referring to themselves as Cariocas for being part of what is undoubtedly the world's most beautiful city setting. One of the world's densest cities, it never sleeps and it is easy to get around day or night. Cariocas are friendly folks who always have time for the sensual pleasures of good living and the rhythm of samba.

Two of the world's most famous beaches, Ipanema and Copacabana, anchor Rio's 45 miles of white sand beaches. All visitors from the international jet set to the budget traveler eventually must experience the urban beach and cafe culture of Rio which sets the soulful pace for Rio's many vigorous personalities and their lusty love of life. Expect the unexpected in this nearly five hundred year old City but be spontaneous if you wish to experience the festival of song, color and joy around you. Primeval splendor encourages a youthful approach to city living where colors are richer, people are beautiful and tomorrow's just another day. Rio de Janeiro considers itself the art and cultural center of the continent . Away from the beaches and intense night life you will find much art by contemporary artists in galleries and museums, excellent shopping particularly for jewelry, plentiful hotels in all price ranges and a huge variety of restaurants. Hotel tours will take you to the breathtaking views at the top of the 396 meter Pão de Acúcar, or Sugarloaf, as well as the Tijuca rainforest, yet adventurous visitors can find plentiful urban cultural adventures in this special city with 7 million native hosts. Wander, wonder, feel the rhythms of joy which must be renewed with the gods once a year. The River of January City lives for its February eruption of exultation in the present known as Carnaval.

The best wedding party ever!!

The best wedding party was celebrated on december 30th.

Before of warried the boyfriend gave to his girlfriend a ring engasjement and besides the boyfriend had to sporred the hand of his girlfriend to the mother because it is the custom in Ecuador.

The grooms before carry give the cards to their invited, they received a party of single farewell by part of their family and best friends.

After of this party the grooms married by the church. The girlfriend used a black dress and the boyfrind used a black egne.

Then, when they forlated received a serenat by part of their hus and too a car by part of the bryllup gudfar.

Then, they had a party in a reception very elegant with all their hus and friends and during the party the grooms danced and drunk with all their friends.

Finally They receive a free reception for that they can go to their honeymoon to CanCun!!

The "FASNACHT"

The fastnacht is a typical festivity in Switzerland, swiss people celebrate it like a fest in Carnival.
Everybody wears funny customs of typical swiss clothes, people walk in a parade playing drums and some others wind instruments.

The most famous parade in Switzerland takes place in Basel because it is the biggest one in that country.

Other city to enjoy the festival is Luzern, it is a very touristic city, the most strange thing is that they begin the parade at 5 a.m.

Children wear customs of animal or other famous cartoons like Sponge Bob, Lazy Town, or Pink panther.

I lived in Zug, there the fest begins in the afternoon until 6 o’clock.

Young people also enjoy that festivity, they got dressed like in Halloween and make party all the night with the music like in the parade.

AIRPLANE

Wilbur and Orville Wright invented the airplane, which they patented as a "flying machine." Learn about other aviation related innovations including the history of seaplanes, flight suits, anti-gravity suits, ejection seats, airports and different airlines.

For me this is the best inventor because after than people can flys to many places around the word in a few hours.

BEFORE

AFTER

LAGO TITICACA

Lake Titicaca is a lake located on the border of Bolivia and Peru. It sits 3,812 m (12,500 ft) above sea level making it the highest commercially navigable lake in the world. By volume of water it is also the largest lake in South America.

I wanna be in the lake Titicaca some day of my life, I think that is a very beautifull place and sould be a very good experience to go ther.

SATA FE ISLAND

This island is located in Ecuador- Galapagos; this area is one of the most protected from all over the world for its biodiversity in wildlife, this place is so beatifull and the weather is spectacular

One of the most prominent destinations for lovers of scuba diving, which has a lagoon ideal for snorkeling with sea lions.

Roman coliseum

The work initiated by Nerón was continued by his(her,your) successors: Vespasiano (Coliseum), Titus, Domiciano (renovation of Vesta's temples, August and Minerva, of the Stadium, the Odeón, in Pantheon, etc.). The work of the latter emperor was continued by Trajano (Forum and Thermal baths), Adriano (bridge Elio, temples of Martian and of Venus, Mausoleum, etc.), Septimio Severo, Caracalla (Thermal baths). In times of Majencio the basilica was constructed homónima, and of Constantino, his(her,your) successor, they preserve the Arch of the Victory, the Thermal baths Constantinas and the Elenianas.


It is a beautiful structure that already alone ruins stay but the major one remains for you of the coliseum


Blunt it is a very beautiful city that has the art throughout besides big architects, painters, artists, sculptors, is a city in order that they all visit her.

Lake

This landscape is very nice in this place the people have fun and spend most of their holidays or their weekends together and the people special and family

The people in this place have fun and have good moments together at people important and special

The water this place is crystal and fresh

ISLA

This place be an ideal to enjoy a side of your partner is a place to enjoy and pass well..

Would be very nice to stay close to the place to enjoy everything and every one of the wonders of nature...

this place has an impressive view...

THE BEST PLACE TO VISIT

SALT CATHEDRAL

This amazing place is located in Zipaquirá, a city of Colombia, is a church built in a great stone. It's a sanctuary in honor to "Via Crucis".

It place is incredible because the salt deposits in Zipaquirá were formed 250 million years ago.

it was built in 1950, and It is 120 mts. long. In adittion is 22 mts. high. It is considerated the first Colombia's wonder.

The name "Salt Cathedral" is mostly to attract tourists while a functioning church that receives as many as 3,000 visitors on Sundays

At the bottom of the cathedral you can see a great wood's rear. It is iluminated. In the ceiling is a shadow, it means Cristh in the rear.

Visit this beautiful place costs since 1000 until 30000 pesos, but the pleasure is unforgetable.

NATIONAL CAJAS PARK

NATIONAL CAJAS

The cajas is The park of boxes is a very nice place that you it must visit.It has a few only plants in his specie the distance to come to the long park but in this course small animals are seen.

Cajas National Park had with over 250 lakes is located 29 km west of Cuenca.

This national park became very famous since the appearance of the Virgin (Virgen del Cajas). Many people like to go there to ask for miracles and pray.

Approximately 125 species of birds have been found here. Among them, we can mention: The Condor, the Violet-tailed Metaltail, sword-billed, shining sunbeam, sparkling violet-ear and the veridean metal-tail. In the lakes, you can also find Andean gulls, yellow-billed pintails and the speckled teal. Additionally, this is an easily accessible plateau and high elevation forest park and is also the main source of drinking water in Cuenca.

Atacames - Esmeraldas

ATACAMES - ECUADOR

Atacames is located at the coast of the Pacific 38 km south from the city of Esmeraldas and 350 km north of the capital of Ecuador, Quito.

Atacames always offers the potential of an all day and night party. The small beach resort town of Atacames is immensely popular for visitors and is ideal on weekends and holidays.

As we would be there in mid-week, and only for a couple of days, it would surely be a nice quiet place to relax.

Atacames beach, has a very popular nightlife, same is perfect place to rest on a peaceful beach. Foreigners tend to visit April to October, when things are quieter.

Atacames has an ample hotel infrastructure. Along the beachfront are the main restaurants, boasting the region's best traditional dishes. Next to the beach, bars offer typical beverages made from water and coconut. There is also a market walkway offering handicrafts, personal accessories, and objects made of coral.

Atacames is a party town. At busy times of year, particularly for the rainy season holidays, the town heaves with revelers going to the early hours.
Tucked away and hidden to the south of Atacames, some fourteen kilometers from the nearest village, lies ecolodge Playa Escondida. A departure from the often wild party life of Atacames, this ecological reserve of 100 hectares that boasts a safe, private, pristine beach offers a relaxing alternative for families and travelers.