WFP begins aid airlift to Mogadishu

The UN's World Food Programme (WFP) has begun to airlift emergency food supplies to famine-struck Somalia.

The first flight, with 10 tonnes of nutritional supplements for children, has landed in the capital Mogadishu, an African Union official told the BBC.
Millions in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa face dire food shortages in the worst regional drought for decades.
The Islamist al-Shabab militia, which controls much of Somalia, has banned the WFP from its areas.
The delivery was to have begun on Tuesday but was delayed from leaving Kenya by bureaucratic hurdles.
Challiss McDonough, a spokeswoman for the WFP, said the 10 tonnes of Plumpy'nut, a peanut-based paste high in protein and energy, would be enough to treat 3,500 malnourished children for one month.
Given the demand for food aid in Somalia, the delivery is just a drop in the ocean, says the BBC's East Africa correspondent Will Ross, in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Plumpy'nut was flown from France to Kenya on Monday.
More flights were planned for the coming weeks, Associated Press news agency quoted Ms McDonough as saying.
After criticisms that wealthy Arab states were not doing enough to help with the crisis, Saudi Arabia has pledged $50m (£30m) to the WFP to buy food for Somalis, the UN agency has said.
It follows an announcement from the European Union that it would donate $40m on top of the $61m it had already given the drought-hit region of East Africa this year.

Beautiful Spain

Spain is a beautiful and diverse country located in the southwest of Europe. It shares the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal, Gibraltar and Andorra. To the Northeast it borders with France and the tiny principality of Andorra. To the West its limits are defined by the Balearic Islands located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. Its Southern most territories are the picturesque Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla located in the North of Africa. This is why travelling to Spain is likely to be a enriching experience since tourism in the country offers a wide variety of destinations, activities and landscapes.
Spain is a country of large geographical and cultural diversity, often a surprise for tourists who are expecting to find a country mostly known for beach tourism. Travel to Spain and you will find everything, from lush meadows, green valleys, hills and snowy mountains in the Northern regions to almost desert zones in the South. Its beaches are also famous and worth visiting, small and charming creeks in the North and wide white sand beaches on the South and Western parts of the country, without forgetting the exotic black sand beaches of the volcanic Canary Islands.
Every year millions of tourists decide to travel to Spain, the country has been one of the most important tourist destinations of the last decades becoming the third most popular travel destination in Europe.
One of the better known cities is Madrid, capital city of Spain. Due to its central location, in the heart of Spain it has excellent communications with the rest of the provinces and is seat to the Spanish government and to the Royal Palace where the kings of Spain usually dwell. The city features distinctly winding streets, all of which seem to be heading either up or down and gather in the central square in the centre of the city.
Barcelona is probably one of the favourite destinations for tourists, a worldwide known city whose name recalls the awesome art of the architect Gaudi, the celebration of the 1992 Olympic games, and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of its streets. Tourism in the city offers also the possibility of enjoying its beaches and water sports.

Humble Administrator's Garden

The Humble Administrator's Garden, or the Zhuozheng Yuan, is one of the four great Chinese gardens. With 51,950 square meters area, it is the largest garden in Suzhou and generally considered as the finest garden in southern China. In 1997, the Humble Administrator's Garden, along with other classical gardens in Suzhou, was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History

The garden's site was initially the residence and garden of Lu Guimeng, a Tang Dynasty scholar. Later in the Yuan Dynasty it became monastery garden for the Dahong Temple. In 1513 CE, Wang Xiancheng an Imperial Envoy and poet of the Ming Dynasty appropriated the temple. In 1510, he retired to his native home of Suzhou after a long persecution by the East Imperial Secret Service, and began work on the garden.

This garden, meant to express his fine taste, was designed in collaboration with the renowned artist, Suzhou native, and friend, Wen Zhengming. It was as large as today's garden, with numerous trees and pavilions. The garden was named after a verse by Pan Yue's Idler's Prose, "I enjoy a carefree life by planting trees and building my own house...I irrigate my garden and grow vegetables for me to eat...such a life suits a retired official like me well." This verse symbolized Wang's desire to retire from politics and adopt a hermits life in the manner of Tao Yuanming. It took 16 years until 1526 to complete. Wen Zhenming wrote an essay Notes of Wang's Humble Administrator's Garden, and painted Landscapes of the Humble Administrator's Garden in 1533 to commemorate the garden.

Cao Xueqin lived at the garden during his teenage years. It is believed much of the garden in his novel Dream of the Red Chamber was inspired by the scenery of the Humble Administrators Garden, in particular the grotto at the entrance.

Trip to Shigatse China

If you Travel to Tibet, Shigatse is not missed. Shigatse is located in the middle of the Himalayas, 4,000 meters above sea level, terrain rich. Connected to the border of Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim three countries, its summer is rainfall and winter is cold and dry.

Shigatse is one of the world's highest cities with beautiful high plateau scenery. It is also a hot spot for Chinese tourism. The average elevation here is in a range of 3840 meters - 4464 meters, which endows cool and even cold weather to the area. Its long history gives this city a strong cultural heritage, especially in respect of Buddhism. The approximately 600 year-old majestic Tashilhunpo Monastery has a magnificent architectural style with a golden roof and resplendent buildings. Nowadays, Shigatse is an important Tibetan communication hub and an air of modernization pervades the area. As the leading tour operator in China, we kindly offer Shigatse tour packages for you to see the best of Shigatse. If none of the listed tours can meet your needs, welcome to contact us for customized tours to Shigatse.

Duke University Summary

Duke University is a private institution that was founded in 1838. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,578, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 8,709 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Duke University's ranking in the 2011 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 9. Its tuition and fees are $40,472 (2010-11).

Durham, N.C., which surrounds Duke’s campus, offers a variety of activities including shopping, dining, and entertainment. Its "Bull City" nickname comes from the Blackwell Tobacco Company’s Bull Durham Tobacco. Students at Duke are required to live on campus for their first three years, and freshmen live together on the East Campus. The Duke Blue Devils maintain a fierce rivalry with the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill Tar Heels and are best known for their outstanding men’s basketball program, one of the top five winningest college basketball programs in the country. Approximately 30 percent of the student body is affiliated with Greek life, which encompasses more than 30 fraternities and sororities.

Durham, N.C., which surrounds Duke’s campus, offers a variety of activities including shopping, dining, and entertainment. Its "Bull City" nickname comes from the Blackwell Tobacco Company’s Bull Durham Tobacco. Students at Duke are required to live on campus for their first three years, and freshmen live together on the East Campus. The Duke Blue Devils maintain a fierce rivalry with the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill Tar Heels and are best known for their outstanding men’s basketball program, one of the top five winningest college basketball programs in the country. Approximately 30 percent of the student body is affiliated with Greek life, which encompasses more than 30 fraternities and sororities.

Duke University is divided into 10 schools and colleges, many of which serve both undergraduate and graduate students. Its graduate programs include the highly ranked Fuqua School of Business, Pratt School of Engineering, School of Law, School of Medicine, Sanford School of Public Policy, and School of Nursing. Duke also offers graduate programs through its well-respected Divinity School and Nicholas School of the Environment. Duke’s most esteemed undergraduate scholarship, the Robertson Scholars Program, provides approximately 18 students from each class with a monetary reward and the opportunity to study for a semester at UNC-Chapel Hill. Notable alumni include Melinda Gates, co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; NBA player Carlos Boozer; and U.S. Congressman and two-time presidential candidate Ron Paul.

Relax in Hangzhou

Hangzhou, a beautiful land full of legends. There are historical story, fairy tale, making the natural scenery and colorful culture blend well. Hangzhou Travel, the legendary journey.

Relax and unwind in this idyllic Oriental Capital of Leisure, do what the locals do, do nothing 。Stroll on the lakeside of the legendary West Lake, or cruise around the enchanting lake on a dragon boat.
 

Beijing Supreme Tours

Beijing is a city through wind and rain,there are many historical figures, with the Chinese rapid development, Beijing has become a modern metropolis, but in any case where changes can not fade the history of culture. 
 
If you would like to travel in Beijing and have no idea how to find out, which the most famous attractions are and how to get there, then you have found the right place. Beijing Impression has large variety of Beijing tour package to offer you. We offer tour packages as simple as half day tour, Beijing Daily Tour, to specific purpose tour such as great wall tour, museum tour, golf tour and many other theme tours. We have the confident to ensure a pleasant Beijing vacation for you and your family.

Traditional Chinese Tour

In a visit to China tour of the city of Lijiang, a picturesque city of Guilin, or the visit of the Huangshan mountain, you can find and buy the beautiful  thing like Chinese painting around here. You will also find very interesting and fascinating to paint with soft brushes. If you are a lover of Chinese art, do not forget to take back some of these paintings home.

Chinese painting is also known as traditional Chinese painting. As the name suggests, the traditional Chinese painting with Chinese painting tools in accordance with Chinese aesthetic standard is painted. Chinese painting has developed a unique style.

Renovation of Jokhang Monastery Completed

The State Council has earmarked around 570 million yuan to renovate altogether 22 major cultural relics in Tibet during the 11th Five-year Period.

The renovation project for Jokhang Monastery of Lhasa, capital city of southwestern China's Tibet Autonomous Region has finished 95 percent of its overall work and is expected to be fully completed by end of this year, according to Lhasa's Cultural Heritage Bureau.

The 22 cultural relics include the state-level Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Monastery, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery of Lhasa, and the Guandi Temple and the former office of representatives of the People's Central Government in Tibet at regional level.

The maintenance project for the Ramoche Monastery and the former office for representatives of the Central Government in Tibet is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Renovation of Jokhang Monastery 95% Completed

The State Council has earmarked around 570 million yuan to renovate altogether 22 major cultural relics in Tibet during the 11th Five-year Period.

The renovation project for Jokhang Monastery of Lhasa, capital city of southwestern China's Tibet Autonomous Region has finished 95 percent of its overall work and is expected to be fully completed by end of this year, according to Lhasa's Cultural Heritage Bureau.
 
The 22 cultural relics include the state-level Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Monastery, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery of Lhasa, and the Guandi Temple and the former office of representatives of the People's Central Government in Tibet at regional level.

The maintenance project for the Ramoche Monastery and the former office for representatives of the Central Government in Tibet is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Being in Harry Potter's gang isn't child's play any more

They may be heading back to Hogwarts again, but Harry Potter and his friends look to be outgrowing their schooldays.

Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the boy wizard, lined up with his co-star Emma Watson for launch of the fifth film in series.

But the cheeky grins and childish looks of seven years ago, when they were first cast for the roles, have been magicked away. In their place are the smiles of those on the brink of adulthood.

However, the pair will need all their knowledge and experience to deal with the challenges of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, based on the book by JK Rowling.

Not only will Harry and Hermoine Granger, played by Miss Watson, face terrifying battles in the £75million film, but Harry will also experience his first proper kiss.

Radcliffe, 17, who has left school and recently stripped off to play a deranged teenager in the play Equus, admitted at the launch that the latest film was his "most challenging Potter role yet".The way they were: Rupert , Emma and Daniel in the first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone.

Some of the previous films have been rated PG, for Parental Guidance, which means unaccompanied children may watch.But the latest is a 12A, meaning anyone under 12 needs an adult's permission to watch.

Roof Of The World Tibet

Tibet is the birthplace of many Asian rivers, and a unique climate, history and culture,it be influenced by Buddhism stronger, if you like mystery, Buddhism and the things about religion, you must go to Tibet, ti is a good choose.

Lhasa, the historic capital of Tibet, situated on the north bank of the Kyi-chu River. Not only its World Cultural Heritage-Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Norbulinka in Lhasa, but also its people have a distinct identity. Tibetan people's language, diet, dress and way of life are unique.

The mysterious land of Tibet is an experience like no other. Trek through the cardinal palace as well as isolated small mountain villages, explore temples and monasteries, and encounter friendly people of exotic cultures, all of this offer a fascinating glimpse of traditional religious life, all the while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Czech Cork-Clad House Draws Crowds to Wine-Making Town

A bricklayer in the Czech Republic’s picturesque South Moravian wine-making region is drawing legions of tourists curious to see the elaborate cork-decorated facade of his house.
"It has taken 180,000 wine corks in total - halved, quartered," Miroslav Svoboda from Mutenice, a small town about 230 kilometres (145 miles) southeast of the Czech capital Prague, told AFP.

At first glance the house tucked among similar buildings on a hillside above the town seems as inconspicuous as the rest, but a closer look reveals the skilfully-made triangular and circular cork and pebble ornaments that adorn three sides of the house.

"On the fourth side in the yard, I’ve been working on a cork heart for three years now," said the 53-year-old Svoboda.Svoboda, a passionate drinker of red wine, got the corks from a local vintner - "a sponsor who wants to remain unknown" - to give himself a unique present for his 50th birthday after two years of busy work.He is proud to have relied solely on his imagination to create the ornaments laid in tile glue, and he claims he was the only one to have done the work.

But Ludmila divulged "we cut the corks with vineyard scissors together."The house has become a tourist attraction for visitors from the region as well as abroad who sign their names in an improvised guest book, which "includes one environment minister," Svoboda said.

"The first reaction was incredulous, uncomprehending. Now it’s back to normal," added the bricklayer, before pausing for a few seconds to try to recall his motivation for the painstaking work."I haven’t figured that out yet," he chortled.

Yangshuo City View

Yangshuo, Guangxi is located in the beautiful, he is located in the south, humid climate throughout the year, close to Lijiang, a scenic landscape like the first choice of tourists.






Wandering through the picturesque Lijiang Ancient Town, the UNESCO world cultural heritage, you will be strongly admired by the natural beauty and ethnic diversity. And the remarkable natural view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain will definitely get you away from city noises.

Barcelona View

Barcelona contains both the authentically historic and the wildly bizarre. From the tree-lined Las Ramblas to the narrow alleys of Barri Gòtic; from the beachside nightclubs to the city's dozens of sacred churches and cathedrals, this city by the sea seems to attract all types: the family, the adventurer, the couple, the backpacker, the culture lover -- and more -- with an almost overwhelming variety of things to do. You could stay for a few days, but chances are you'll need a whole week to explore.

In Barcelona, even the beach is bustling, but it's really the cosmopolitan city that gets all the attention. Much of the activity revolves around Las Ramblas, a series of narrow streets and alleys packed with restaurants, nightclubs and a vibrant pedestrian market. But you should also take an Antoni Gaudí tour -- he’s the Catalan responsible for sites like the Parc Güell, Casa Batlló and Sagrada Familia. And it would also be absurd to miss out on the eclectic shopping scene and the region’s exquisite food and wine. Do you see why we suggest a week vacation?