Liza Lambert

Taj Mahal among the Seven Wonders of the World is a tomb constructed on the southern edge of the River Yamuna in Agra, India. It was made by the Mughal king Shah Jahan in the loving remembrance of his spouse Mumtaz Mahal whose actual given name was Arjumand banu beagum. She passed away while giving birth to a child in Bhuranpur on 1631 A.D. They married each other in 1612 A.D and the structure was intended to be constructed in 1632 A.D. numerous men from different parts of the world like India, Persia, Central Asia, and even outside the continent. More than 20,000 people were working day after day to finish the intricate mausoleum at the cost of approximately 40,000,000 rupees. One of the most beautiful and costly tombs of the world has fond place among the seven wonders of the world and people from all corners of the world come here to visit this memorable complex.

Islamic structural design, in its best form, is personified by the Mughal monarch Shahjahan's Taj Mahal. In this direction the work started in 1634 and it took almost 22 years to complete this memorable structure. The Taj is surrounded by gardens along with the springs and decorative trees. The last resting place of Mumtaz Mahal is sheathed in white marble that is ornamented with unblemished carvings and different design of flowers and inscription cut from valuable gems. Just under the dome in a faintly lighted hall lie the ruins of Shahjahan and dearly loved wife, queen Mumtaz Mahal, striking a chord to the world of their never-ending love. It relaxes on a stage of red sandstone. At every corner of the raised area rests a lean prayer tower. Every tower is nearly 135 feet tall. The structure is 186 square feet. Preaching from the Muslim sacred manuscript, Quran, beautify the exterior. Constructed in attractive vicinity, the Taj Mahal is one of the most striking architectural workings on the earth. Undoubtedly, The Taj Mahal positions in the midst of the most ideal constructions in the world, impeccably in proportion, constructed completely out of marble. Planned to be a tribute of the reminiscence of Shahjahan's adored wife, in actuality it is his endowment to the complete human race.

The tomb Taj Mahal has succeeded in attaining tremendous admiration almost from the time of the creation. The attractiveness not only is in its parts but also in the exquisiteness that is felt when seen from every position near the complex. The marble exterior reflects incessantly sunlight throughout the daytime. All the possessions of the monarch were used into the creation of this complex which ultimately finds a place among the Seven Wonders of the World.

It's once again a time of the year, when you can holler, howl and scream 'Holi Hai' with full social sanction. Holi the high-decimal festival of India is all set to roll in on March 1st, 2010, a festival known to bring out not just the best, but the brat-best out of Indians, who uninhibitedly go around showcasing their wilder side. Yes, for a change you'll be permitted to play those mischievous pranks on your friends and relatives and for that matter on your worst enemies as well.

So get going, fill up your water guns to the brim and go on a wild shooting spree, this Holi. Who knows, some of your worst enemies will be waiting to join hands with you.

But beware, your light-hearted banter may not go down well with one and all and some mean murmurings may puncture your enthusiasm. But you carry on confidently with your tomfoolery and bring smile on the faces of one and all.

Besides the joy, and joviality, Holi also marks the onset of spring. Holi falls on the full moon, i.e. in the month of Phalgun, which covers the period between end of February and the beginning of March.

History of Holi

Originally, the festival celebrated the season of good harvests, however, over the years, Holi came to be symbolically associated with a legend from a Hindu Mythology. The legend has it that a demon king Hiranyakashipu in order to kill his pious son Prahlada made a request to his sister Holika to sit with the boy in a blazing pyre. Holika, apparently had received a boon, whereby, she could emerge from the fire unscathed. However, prince Prahlada devotion's to Lord Vishnu saved him from the blazing fire, while his aunt was reduced to ashes. Holi commemorates the victory of good over evil and huge bonfires are lit on the street corners on eve of Holi as a symbolic gesture.

Tradition of Holi Celebrations in India

The fun-filled, energetic festival also speaks of the perpetual love of Krishna and Radha. As a result, the festival is celebrated over a period of; hold your breadth, 16 days in Vrindavan and Mathura. Here it is known as Lathmaar Holi.

Haryanvi women, especially the bhabhis get public sanction to beat their devars and take a bittersweet revenge for all the pranks they have played on them on Dulandi Holi.

Heard of Holi being celebrated with the breaking of the pot? Interestingly, in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, men form huge human pyramid and the one on the top breaks the pot hung high on the streets. Women on the other hand add to the exuberance by singing folk songs and throwing buckets of water on the participants.

For Sikhs, Holi is an opportunity to showcase their physical and military prowess.

However, Bengal celebrates Holi in the most respectable manner. At Vishwa Bharti University, Holi is celebrated as 'Basant Utsav' or 'Spring Festival'.

Well, different states, cities and villages in India have their own unique style of celebrating Holi. However, the spirit of Holi acts as glue for different regions. It's a unique festival that kindles the feeling of love and brotherhood amongst friends and enemies alike.

The Travel Industry has long since provided a way to help Americans Travel more safely. Again, this is an ancient old method of travel. Even the wagon trains traveling west were not exempt from this method.

Group Travel

Agencies are looking for Travel Addicts; I mean Coordinators all the time. I guess you are wondering why a Travel Agency would be looking for Travel Coordinators? Most people would say that would be the job of a Travel Agent. Wrong! Most Travel Agents do not travel that often. They are busy booking travel for their clients. They loose money every time they leave their office or computer. Its the Travel Coordinators that travel often.

Travel addicts are the people who arrange their life to accommodate last minute travel. Travel addicts usually will pay the rent or mortgage, however the 401K or any savings or investment of any kind is subject to finance travel at any given time.

A Group Travel Coordinator would have the following attributes: commitment, loves travel, likes people, have confidence in marketing themselves and their travel destination, can give attention to detail, love to coordinate, and can use common sense, then you qualify to Travel FREE.

This opportunity works out best when you start out as a hobby and turn it into a part-time job then a full-time business. It is not necessary to re-invent the wheel - do what others have done before you. I know one retired man who started out selling an exotic travel party in the Caribbean each year. Word of mouth took over, because people really enjoyed themselves, and now he does not have to work a 9 to 5 job. The commission from booking 300 to 500 people a year into a 5 star resort on the islands each year, pays off BIG.

I suppose you are wondering how a Travel Coordinator just starting out travels FREE? Easy, when you book 6 people or 15 people or what ever number the Travel whole seller sets; one person goes FREE.

Example: Say you have 9 people that want to go to China. You have a mark-up of 15% on the wholesale price, plus you get one free hotel and air if 6 people sign-up. Your mother and father, sister and cousin, your girlfriend and her husband want to go and the lady at the church wants to go. And when another lady at the church found out from the Pastor that Mrs. J was going, so she decided to go. (Your husband said if he wants to see China he will go to Chinatown!) So you now have 8 people, 9 counting yourself. You get one free travel pass and you can decided to lower your package price at the last minute because you did not need the extra 15% mark-up, or you can keep it for any emergency during the trip or you can use it to market your next trip. It's up to you!