The beaches in the Spanish city of Valencia close to capital, in the Northern region of the city are usually quite popular, especially with the visitors coming from the other parts of the country.  However the beaches in this city are the least affected by tourism, and retain the traditional customs that have not been influenced by foreign travelers from other countries in the world.  In Castellon, the city to the north, just bordering Valencia, the architecture is a mix of industrial buildings and warehouses, surrounded by the traditional buildings that are lining the mountains.  Every year this area attracts many young fans of music for their international music festival that includes the most famous bands and musicians performing today.

Further down the coast is the resort town of Benidorm.  While this is a favorite party spot and the playground of the rich and famous, this is a location that is filled with tourists, so be prepared.  Located here are also the locations of the parks of the region, the Aqualandia Water Center, the wildlife reserve, Terra Natura,  and the popular theme park, Terra Mitica.  If the rapid fire world of the parties and the nightlife of tourist spots are not one’s scene, there is a village with the combination of wide open spaces and nature hikes throughout the mountains, combined with luxury hotels.  Valencia, Spain offers up fun and excitement, but is far more off the beaten track than Benidorm.

The mountains are great place to escape the summer heat of the city, with many rivers, water falls and cool mountain breezes.  Surround the city are the open fields of the rice paddies, wherein grows on the ingredients of the recipes that the city of Valencia is well known for, the seafood paella.  Surrounding the plantations and located through the mountains, are various wildlife reserves that also offer solace and quiet walks through nature and the plants, the birds and the animals indigenous to the region.  All the regions have much to offer those vacationing in Spain, different things for many different personalities of world travels, but all uniquely Spain.

The live music on the island of Tenerife offers to music lovers and performers a scene that is distinct and found no where else throughout Europe.  Many of the bars and the luxury hotels Tenerife visitors spend their nights in will have live music scheduled every day of the week.  Many of the live performers of the cabaret shows are extremely talented and are becoming more popular shows for the locals, as well as those traveling.  Many well known artists perform on the island such as HollieBourne , Eddie Hastings and Charlie Hodge.  Many local performers make a living singing the covers of these artists, with Neil Diamond a favorite of many musicians on the island.

Many of the bars on the south side of the island, present performers who sing along to pre-recorded tracks, and although they have quite a following many musicians and those who love and appreciated live singers accompanied by live musicians the northern side of the island offers much more.  A few full rock bands though, have been playing out in the south recently, such as Soundchaser.  Few of the band perform their own tunes though, most are cover bands playing the popular hits of rockers such as Dire Straits, AC/DC and Santana.  A wider variety of clubs have been opening recently that offer everything from reggae music to funk and jazz.  One of the better clubs in the southern part of the island is Las Galletas, which does hire only live bands and is a great place to have some food, watch the sunset and listen to the music.  Another popular spot isVai Moana , which not only has a stage, but houses a variety of artworks, murals on the walls and a large aquarium.  This is such a great venue that many of the northern bands will travel south in order to perform here.

As stated, the northern side of the island is the best place to be for jam sessions and live shows.  Many festivals happen in this area as well, such as the Tenerife Wind Festival.  In its 7th year, this festival occurs every July and has a line-up that includes more than fifty bands and artists.  Along with the performances, there are many classes and seminars offered, as well as the promotion of the protection of theenvironment and ecological issues.  One of the larger venues that schedules the more famous international acts is the Tenerife Auditorium.  Past shows include Van Morrison, Jethro Tull and Chick Corea.  In all, Tenerife offers a diverse selection of styles and shows and is a wonderful vacation spot for music lovers throughout the world.

Sitting in the Mediterranean Sea between the coasts of North Africa and Spain are the Balearic Islands of Formentera, Ibiza, Menorca, and Mallorca.  Although similar, the histories of the islands are as varied as is the individual personalities that have developed over the years.  The maritime traditions throughout the islands and the farming history have resulted in some of the most delicious dishes and cuisine in all of Spain.  From the olive and almond tree orchards, to the cheeses, and the meat dishes created with the various species of foul and livestock such as the Balearic hog.  The chefs and the locals on the islands take advantages of all the resources on the islands, and those found in the sea.  These locations and all that is offered from the natural world has been influenced through the years by the many settlers coming from other parts of the world, such as France, Great Britain, Rome, Greece and Arabia.  All the cultures have left their individual marks on the now famous cuisine prepared on all the islands.

The most famous item that was first created in the Balearics, was not of Spanish chefs but of the French.  A general of one of the French armies was not fond of the local fare and ordered that a sauce be made for him using just eggs and oil.  What was created was first called Mahon Sauce but is now known throughout the world as mayonnaise, a condiment found not only in the restaurants of the Ibiza resorts and the luxury Mallorca hotels, but throughout the many restaurants in all countries.  The almond and the blossoms of the almond trees are a staple ingredient in the cooking of the traditional recipes on the islands.  The blossoms are dried and are used to spice various appetizers, and dishes.  The shrimp caught in Mallorca and the lobsters found of the coast of Menorca are two of the seafood items that separate the islands and are coveted throughout the Mediterranean.  All of the seafood prepared on the islands is notable, and is one of the best locations in the world for Paella, chili made with lobster and all variety of sausages and spiced and herbed meat dishes.  This is just one of the aspects that have led to the popularity of the islands.

There are two museums in the Rajasthan state of India, Udaipur, that attract art lovers from around the world.  Those traveling to the city in search of the experiencing the many aspects of Indian culture, heritage and history that is found illustrated through the artwork in these museums stay in one of the many Udaipur five star hotels.  One of the museums is quite famous throughout the country of India, and is becoming internationally recognized is the Bhartiya Lok Kala.  This museum contains some of the most brilliant works of the folk artists of Rajasthan.  The items are a rare and interesting collection of everything from puppets and dolls, masks and clothing, instruments, paintings, and sculpture.

The location is perfect, set in the city near the Chetak Circle.  This region of the city is known for the rich culture and the incredible works of art produced here.  Many from around the world cherish this area.  Due to this, the Museum began an institute to further ensure the production and the support of the local artists.  Along with the displays, there are regular musical and theatrical performances, as well as puppet shows.  The collection housed here is more than forty five years in the making.  This is one museum that should be on the schedule of all those visiting the city, and the history of the culture of the region is so vastly recognized and displayed.

The City Palace Museum is another favorite.  There is housed within the walls, one of the most remarkable collections of ancient works, sculptures, antique furniture, and books of a time long since past.  This is more so an historical museum filled with artifacts.  The gate of the museum is titled in honor of the Lord Ganesha.  Through the courtyard one will find a section of the museum that houses the ancient pieces of armor, gear meant for protection of the soldiers as well as swords, trumpets used by the armies as well as drums and other instruments.  There is quite a collections of portraits and murals, as well as coins, and Khurram’s Turban, the turban of an emperor well known and popular throughout India.  The museum is divided into various pavilions, each one with its own theme.  This too, is the perfect location for those wishing to trace a bit of the history of the cities of India.

India is second country in the world as far being the most populated.  More than one billion people live in the country and there is not one single culture, but many with the cultural and societal continuities that hold the people together.  For the world of politics and the business world, English is the spoken language, however officially, fourteen languages are recognized.  Unofficially throughout the country there are twenty-four, with more changes in the regions, more dialects.  This diversity is one of the aspects of the country that draws tourist year round and has them booking their reservations in the luxury hotels Rajasthan state offers.

There are six major ethnic groups living in the cities, there are festivals occurring year round for the seven different main religions, and countless other smaller religions, and a large number of holidays, which makes anytime of year the perfect time to visit.  Of the celebrations, the ones that are partaken in for religious purposes, and with spiritual meaning, are some of the most wondrous sights and experiences for those traveling from other parts of the world.  Regardless of which religion on practices in India, the religion is the central part of one’s life.  Close to eighty percent of Indian populations practice Hinduism.  Other religions that make up the spiritual map of India include Jainism, Christianity, Buddhism and Islam.

There is really no other place in the world quite like this country.  The creativity of the various religions and cultures has lead to some of the finest of artworks.  Every characteristic of the cities seem to be exaggerated, in the way that just seeing photos or film footage, the colors appear brighter, more vivid in the country more than others.  This country is also geographically stunning, borders by the Himalayan Mountain range and by the Bay of Bengal,  this Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea.  Just as the people of the country are diverse, so to is the terrain, another draw for travelers wishing tremendous outdoor experiences and adventures.  There is so much to this country to enjoy.

Festivals occur throughout the year in the country of India.  Tourists and locals alike participate in the events, many traveling to the cities for extending periods of time and staying in the Rajasthan luxury hotels,  in order to experience as much as possible.  Many of the festivals are colorful events such as the Elephanta Festival or festivals honoring Lord Ganesh.  Some however are quiet and celebrated without ceremony, and without pomp and circumstance.  Such is the Jain festival of Mahavira Jayanti. This is celebrated each year, on the birthday of the founder of the Jain religion, Vardhmana Mahavira.

Another festival that surrounds the founder is that of Deep Diwali.  This is the celebration of the liberation from the cycle of life and the cycle of death obtained by Mahavira.  This is a festival of the lights, similar to the festival celebrated by the Hindus ten day previous each year, the Diwali Festival.  For that Jains, the lights are a symbol of the illumination of the world that occurred during his liberation.  Most find that the best place to view the events is near the city of Junagadh, on Mount Girnar. The third festival of the Jain religion occurs only each fifteen years.  This is a ceremony of anointment center around the sculpture of Gomateshwara, and is located in Karnataka at Shravana Belgola.  The statue is cleaned during this time, using traditional substances that are considered precious.  There are sixteen such substances used including gold, rare gems, silver, saffron, milk and ghee.

The Jains practice rituals throughout the year as well, daily rituals that involve the saying of the prayer universal to all those practitioners of the religion, bowing and repeating the Navkar Mantra.  Many of the temples throughout the city contain various images and the Jains usually attend each day in order to worship those images.  The elaborate rituals involve songs, music and the offerings of objects of symbolic significance.  However, not all Jains practice the worship of objects nor attend temples.  These groups regard the temples, the structures, the sculptures, and the offerings to those as unnecessary.  The public festivals are spectacular, yet calm and peaceful and are a beautiful look into one of the cultures in the country of India.

One aspect of the culture in India that one notices immediately when traveling and staying in the Mumbai hotels, walking around the city and interacting with the people, is that many of the religions in the country are based on the concept of non-violence and anti-cruel living.  One such group that follows these ideas in an extremely rigid manner are the Jains.  Jainism was a religion that was developing during the same time as Buddhism was, more than two thousand years ago.  One belief the Jains hold is the all humans are entirely responsible for their own actions, and that every living thing, human, plants and animals have a soul that will continue on throughout eternity.  All aspects of the religion dictate that practitioners and followers act and think and live with this in mind in a respectful manner to all forms of life, the knowledge that the nature of all things is spiritual.  God is viewed as that of pureness of the souls of all living creatures.  They believe that God is within, not without, not an all knowing creator or being of supremacy, but each and all of us.  The Jains are consistent in their beliefs to the extent that all viewpoints are considered, all perspectives are valid.

The Jains are compassionate, to all forms of life, those that are human, and those that are not.  This is the central driving force behind the prayers, the rituals, and daily ways of being.  Killing of humans is always considered abhorrent and unimaginable.  There is not ever a reason that is valid, no reason that is justifiable.  This is the one religion that requires all those practicing, to be a vegetarian.  The Hindus and the Buddhists have been influenced by this aspect of Jainism and most practice this now days as well.  Many of the shelters for animals are run by people of this culture throughout the country.  Many veterinary hospitals as well, are run by the Jains.  Most are vegans, as some of the dairy industries use practices that while the animals are not killed, they are often times guilty of cruel methods.  Some sects even go to the extent of not eating any vegetables that are roots, such as potatoes, onions and garlic.  As the root of the plant is the is what gives life to the plants.  Many of those most devout, will not drink, eat or travel once the sun sets.

In Mumbai/Bombay, hotel accommodations are varied, and it is easy to find hotels that will fit into any budget.  Many travel to to Mumbai each year to experience the diversity of the culture, the food of the different regions, the traditions, the crafts and festivals.  One of the cultures living within the city is the population of Indians that follow the Jain religion.  The philosophy was originally taken from the Ancient texts and teaching of India, the Tirthankaras.  This is one of the influential religions in the modern society of India today, even as there are one of the smaller groups in the country.  Many people in other countries have become members of this group, such as the countries throughout Western Europe, the Far East, Africa and the United States.

Jainism was established during the same time that Buddha was alive and teaching, by a man known as Mahavira.  This title is translated to mean ‘great hero’ in English.  He was older than Buddha, and both have similarities in there beliefs and philosophical ideas.  For instance, both men did not respect the caste systems and the barriers it has placed on the people in the country for thousands of years.  The sacred nature of the Vedas is also something that both question.

And both men renounced their royal upbringing and all the material aspects of this world.  For more than two thousand years the Jains have influenced many of India’s spheres in society, such as the political, the religious, the economic and the ethical aspect of culture.  The stress is put on the independent spiritual connection to the world, and that all of life is equal important.  Much as in Buddhism ideology, all emphasis is place on the practice of non-violence and and of self control over the worldly passions and desired in order to find the true nature of one’s soul.  Scholarship and education is an important tradition, and those in this culture are among the most educated members of the country’s population.  The oldest libraries in India are the Jain’s.  This is just one of the many interesting cultures and aspects of the societies of India.

The oldest range of mountains in India is the Aravalli Mountain Range.  Many of those traveling in the country spend some time in the Palace hotel India offers, in order to take full advantage of the trails and the hikes throughout mountains.  This is a section of the outdoors that is a paradise, filled with the beauty that has been attracting travelers and hikers from around the world for many years.  All in this one range one will hike through jungles that are dense and rich with wildlife, lakes, and areas of open meadows.  The range is three hundred miles, stretching from the North to the Sought, in the Western region of the state of Rajasthan.

When one progresses North along the trails the terrain becomes rocky and more isolated.  Ancient folds in the mountains were created during years of erosion.  One while find action and adventure in these mountains, and is well known for the variety of the topography adding to the experience, much in the same way as the diversity of the terrain found in the Grand Canyon of the United States.  As one hikes down through the desert, one experiences the changes and how in one turn of a corner, the scenery will go from brown rocks and gravel to crystal blue water and vines climbing up the Canyon walls.

Mount Abu is located within the range, as well as the temples of the Jain religious sect in Ranakpuri.  There is also a sanctuary for wild life, and the dense jungle trees and plants provide a habitat that supports many species of animals and birds.  There are some areas that have been affected by deforestation, but for the most part the range has been well protected and preserved.  The erosion continues and has resulted in the levels being disturbed enough to affect the rivers, sending them in different directions over time.  Many of the groves or forest located throughout are now protected areas such as Dev Bani, Dev Ouranya, and Askankar Bani.  These are sacred locations, and the mountains themselves are respected by the humans, for the history and the influence they have added to that history of the relationship between the human world and the world of nature.

When one visits the city of New York for the first time it can be an overwhelming experience.  There is so much to do, so much to see.  One of the busiest and most bustling areas of the city is Times Square.  This is one area that truly never sleeps, for no matter what time of day or night, the streets are packed with people.  Many chose to stay in this section for just that reason, and there are many famous and top New York hotels to pick from.  Prices range and there are many luxury accomodations, as well as smaller less expensive options.  Staying in this area is for those travelers that want to experience the full excitement of Manhattan, as there are many restaurants, including the famous, and delicious, Ray’s Pizza. There are trendy bars and the nightlife, well, it goes on all night and continues through to the wee hours of the morning.

Central Park, is of course a huge draw for tourists, for reasons exactly opposite the reasons Times Square is.  Located right in the center of Manhattan this is one of New York’s most important and most loved landmarks.  The residents of the city love this park as well, this is a place that one can really escape the busy city streets and get lost in the forest.  Many run through the pathways, or bike and rollerblade.  One of the traditons of New Yorkers has become the watching, every spring, of the descendants of Pale Male hatching.  Pale Male is a hawk who has made his nest in the ledges of a 5th Avenue apartment for years, and is responsible for siring the many hawks living in Central Park today.  The park spans seven hundred and sixty eight acres, and the plan for the park was conceived in 1853.  The design is that of Calvert Vaux and Fredric Law, the two who won the design competion during that same year.