Asia

Asia is the largest and most populous of the Earth's continents. It is traditionally defined as part of the landmass of Africa-Eurasia lying east of the Suez Canal, east of the Ural Mountains, and southeast of the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian and Black Seas. About 60% of the world's human population lives in Asia, of whom only 2% live in the northern and interior half (Siberia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Xinjiang, Tibet, Qinghai, western Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan); the other 98% live in the remaining half.

Continents are concepts of human geography (i.e., landscapes and landforms as interpreted by humans), not of geology or physical geography, and definitions may vary. The concept of the three continents of the Old World goes back to classical antiquity with the etymology of the word also having roots in the ancient Near and Middle East. The demarcation between Asia and Africa is the Isthmus of Suez and the Red Sea. The boundary between Asia and Europe is commonly believed to run via the Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmara, the Bosporus, through the Black Sea, the Caucasus Mountains, the Caspian Sea, the Ural River to its source, and the Ural Mountains to the Kara Sea near Kara, Russia.

The history of Asia can be seen as the distinct histories of several peripheral coastal regions, East Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, linked by the interior mass of the Central Asian steppe.

The coastal periphery was home to some of the world's earliest known civilizations, with each of the three regions developing early civilizations around fertile river valleys. The civilizations in Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and the Yangtze shared many similarities and likely exchanged technologies and ideas such as mathematics and the wheel. Other notions such as that of writing likely developed individually in each area. Cities, states and empires developed in these lowlands.

The steppe region had long been inhabited by mounted nomads, and from the central steppes they could reach all areas of Asia. The earliest known such central expansion out of the steppe is that of the Indo-Europeans, who spread their languages into the Middle East, India, and in the Tocharians to the borders of China. The northern part of Asia, covering much of Siberia, was inaccessible to the steppe nomads, due to the dense forests and the tundra. These areas were very sparsely populated.

The centre and periphery were kept separate by mountains and deserts. The Caucasus, Himalaya, Karakum Desert and Gobi Desert formed barriers that the steppe horsemen could only cross with difficulty. While technologically and culturally, the urban city dwellers were more advanced, they could do little militarily to defend against the mounted hordes of the steppe. However, the lowlands did not have enough open grasslands to support a large horsebound force. Thus the nomads who conquered states in China, India, and the Middle East were soon forced to adapt to the local societies.

Area: 44,614,000 km²

Population: 3,667,774,066

Languages of Asia: Bengali, Burmese, Chinese, Farsi, Dari, Tajik, Filipino, Tagalog, Gujarati, Hindi, Hmong, Indonesian, Japanese, Javanese, Kazakh & Turkmen, Khmer (Cambodian), Korean, Laotian, Malay, Malayalam, Pali, Pashto, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Tibetan, Urdu and Vietnamese.

Major Religions in Asia: Brahmanism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Zorastrianism, Mohammedanism, Judaism and Christianity.

Currencies:Afghani, Bahraini Dinar, Taka, Ngultrum, Brunei Dollar, Riel, Renminbi, Hong Kong Dollar, Macanese Pataca, New Taiwan Dollar, Indian Rupee, Rupiah, Iranian Rial, Iraqi Dinar, Sheqel, Yen, Jordanian Dinar, Tenge, North Korean Won, South Korean Won, Kuwaiti Dinar, Kyrgyzstani Som, Kip, Lebanese Pound, Ringgit, Rufiyah, Tugrik, Kyat, Nepalese Rupee, Omani Rial, Pakistani Rupee, Sheqel, Philippine Peso, Qatari Riyal, Russian Ruble, Saudi Riyal, Singapore Dollar, Sri Lankan Rupee, Syrian Pound, Tajikistani Somoni, Baht, Manat, United Arab Emirates dirham, Uzbekistani Som, Dong and Yemeni Rial.

Governments: n/a

Afghanistan - Kabul

Armenia - Yerevan

Azerbaijan - Baku

Bahrain - Manama

Bangladesh - Dhaka

Bhutan - Thimphu

British Indian Ocean Territory (overseas territory of the United Kingdom)

Brunei - Bandar Seri Begawan

Cambodia - Phnom Penh

China, People's Republic of - Beijing

China, Republic of (commonly known as Taiwan) - Taipei

Christmas Island (overseas territory of Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands (overseas territory of Australia)

Cyprus - Nicosia

Georgia - Tbilisi

Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China)

India - New Delhi

Indonesia - Jakarta

Iran - Tehran

Iraq - Baghdad

Israel - Jerusalem

Japan - Tokyo

Jordan - Amman

Kazakhstan - Astana

Korea, Democratic People's Republic of (commonly known as North Korea) - Pyongyang

Korea, Republic of (commonly known as South Korea) - Seoul

Kuwait - Kuwait City

Kyrgyzstan - Bishkek

Laos - Vientiane

Lebanon - Beirut

Macau (Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China)

Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur (seat of government at Putrajaya)

Maldives - Malé

Mongolia - Ulaanbaatar

Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) - Pyinmana (recently moved from Yangon)

Nepal - Kathmandu

Oman - Muscat

Pakistan - Islamabad

Palestine (collectively the territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip)

Philippines - Manila

Qatar - Doha

Saudi Arabia - Riyadh

Singapore - Singapore (city-state)

Sri Lanka - Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (seat of government at Colombo)

Syria - Damascus

The British Indian Ocean Territory is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, south of India, about one-half the way from Africa to Indonesia.

Established as a territory of the UK in 1965, a number of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) islands were transferred to the Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago. The largest and most southerly of the islands, Diego Garcia, contains a joint UK-US naval support facility. All of the remaining islands are uninhabited. Former agricultural workers, earlier residents in the islands, were relocated primarily to Mauritius but also to the Seychelles, between 1967 and 1973. In 2000, a British High Court ruling invalidated the local immigration order that had excluded them from the archipelago, but upheld the special military status of Diego Garcia.

Central Asia consists of the seven countries, all of which are landlocked. Five are Soviet Union republics:

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan

Tajikistan

Turkmenistan

Uzbekistan

Of these Uzbekistan should be highest on your to do list. It has impressive sights in Bukhara and Samarkand. Kyrgyzstan is great for trekking.

The other two countries are Afghanistan and Mongolia.

The Middle East is the cradle of civilization. The people who lived in the valley of the Tigris and Eufrates and in the Levant were the first to use the alphabet.

The most visited countries in the region are probably Turkey with its palaces and mosques in Istanbul and its beaches on the Mediterranean and Agean coast and Israel with its good tourist infrastructure, the city of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea.

Jordan, Syria and Lebanon are easy to visit as well. They are compact countries with lots of sights on a small surface and a friendly population.

The countries of the Persian Gulf are somewhat less visited. Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrein, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have all benefited from the oil boom. Their societies are still pretty conservative though.

Yemen is located at the southern tip of the Arabian peninsula. The country is extremely beautiful; travel can be a bit tough, however.

Iran has started to open up and is rapidly becoming one of the most interesting destinations in the regions. Isfahan, Tabriz and Shiraz are all very old cities with beautiful old centers.

Iraq is hard to get to and due to the political climate you should ask yourself twice if you really want to. It does have many interesting historical sights, however.

North-East Asia is many different and contrasting things. The region is dominated by two giants: The economic superpower Japan and the more and more influential world power of China. While the countries of North-East Asia now show some diversity, their cultures all draw from the Chinese. Traditional scripts of the Korean and Japanese languages are, in fact, borrowed from Chinese. The further West you travel, the lesser the influence of the Chinese is seen, with the Mongolians and the ethnic minorities in China, whose languages are more like those of Central Asia and the Indian sub-continent.

Japan has kept an interesting mix between old traditions and new customs. Some people avoid Japan, assuming it is not interesting enough. The only reason we can imagine for not going there, is the high cost of living (and travel). But if your budget permits you should not give this extraordinary place a miss. Most people enter Japan by taking a plane to Tokyo or Osaka.

Rather inexpensive is a visit to China. You've got to see what this country has to offer. Among the long list of highlights are, for example, the Forbidden City in Beijing, the stone warriors of Xian, the mountains of Guilin and the interesting ethnic mix of Yunnan Province. Something completely different is the commercial centre of China, Shanghai. It is hardly necessary to mention that Tibet is a great place to visit, too (especially in March). Visitors should be aware of the difficult political situation there. Do, however, consider, that China is a vast country, and a lot of ground has to be covered.

Being now part of mainland China Hong Kong and Macau are still great places to visit. Hong Kong is still an economic power centre in North-East Asia. Just an hour away by jetfoil is Macau, the oldest former European settlement in the East and a relaxing contrast to busy Hong Kong

Taiwan is situated about 160 kilometers off the southeastern coast of the Chinese mainland. Taiwan's relationship with mainland China has been complicated for many decades. The same is true for he economic strong South Korea and the rather isolated North Korea. There are hardly any accurate information on traveling available in North Korea. In recent months the ice between the hostile brothers is melting slowly.

Last but not least the exotic homeland of Jingis Khan, Mongolia, should not be forgotten.

North-East Asia is waiting for you to explore it. Just go!

South Asia is one of the most richly rewarding regions of the world to visit. South Asia consists of four or five countries, depending on the perspective of the reader: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and last but not least Bhutan. Its scenery is amongst the most varied and exciting anywhere, its history and culture are just not packaged and brought out on show for the tourist, but lived. Allow a lot of time if you are planning to travel the region.

Southeast Asia is comprised of 11 member countries which are Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

A region of many similarities as well as distinct differences, Southeast Asia travel undoubtedly offers some of the most exciting travel destinations. A wide range of activities and unique sights can all be had in this part of Asia .

Popular attractions in the region include the forgotten city of Angkor wat, the majestic Grand Palace in Bangkok , the limestone cliffs of Halong bay, the Night Safari in Singapore , and Malaysia ’s Petronas Towers .

For beach holidays, great destinations to go to are Boracay, Phuket, Bali and Koh Samui.

Asian cuisine is a term for the various cuisines of South, East and Southeast Asia and for fusion dishes based on combining them. It does not usually include Pacific cuisine, also called Polynesian cuisine, or the cuisines of central and western Asia and Middle Eastern cuisine. In the United Kingdom, it also refers to the cuisine of South Asia (such as Indian cuisine), but this use of the term is not common in the United States, mirroring the geographical differences in the use of the term Asian in general.

The use of an umbrella term "Asian cuisine" disguises the immense variation in the cuisines of the countries and ethnic groups in Asia, ranging from the hot curried dishes of South-East Asia to the intricate and more delicately spiced dishes of Japan. Rice is a staple in all of these countries except for northern China.

1/1: Day to meditate for peace throughout the world.

12/31 to 1/4: Zoroastrian celebration of Divine Spirit Vohu Manah (Good Intent), creator and protector of animals. Vohu Manah is one of seven male and female divine emanations of Deity Ahura Mazda. (a/k/a Maidhyairya, Mid-Winter)

1/1 to 1/6: Shogatsu/Shinto New Year's Festival--The Kami (Nature Spirits) of the four directions are honored, and prayers for happiness, good health, and prosperity are made. a/k/a Shihohai, Genshisai, Shinnen-enkai.

1/4: Day ethnic discrimination was outlawed world-wide (1969); day to mourn all manifestations of racism.

1/5: Birthday of Guru Gobind Rai Singh Sahib, tenth Sikh guru (1666). He believed that only those who love find Deity, and exhorted Sikhs to show compassion for humanity.

1/7: Koshogatsu--Shinto rite honoring Goddess Izanami, partner of God Izanagi. They created Nature and the Kami. Shinto try to live in harmony with the cosmic forces of the Kami.

1/15: Seljin-no-hi/Coming of Age Day--Shinto festival honoring 20-year-old men and women.

1/20: World Religions Day--Day to contemplate all religions as different paths to the one universal Deity of many names and aspects.

1/31: Birthday of Guru Har Rai Sahib, seventh Sikh guru.

2/1 to 2/28: Ethnic Equality Month--Time to honor all peoples and their positive traditions; time to meditate on the equality of all peoples, on the respect due to them, and on God-Goddess manifesting as African, Asian, Oceanic, Middle Eastern, European, Hispanic, and Native American.

2/3: Setsuban-Sai/Turn of the Seasons Festival--Shinto rite in which good fortune is invoked by throwing beans into the home and evil is exorcised by throwing beans out the door. The Kami of the four directions are also honored (a/k/a Bean-Throwing Festiva).

2/4: Vigil for peace, religious tolerance, and equal rights for all in Sri Lanka.

2/12 to 2/15: Hsih Nien/Suhl/Tet--Chinese and East Asian Lunar New Year (Year 4700 - Year of the Horse).

2/17: Toshigoi--Shinto rite honoring the Kami and offering prayers for a bountiful rice harvest. The Kami are manifestations of Kuni-Tokotachi-no-Kami, the one universal, primordial and eternal, immanent and transcendent Deity (a/k/a Kinensai).

2/19: Day the President ordered the internment of loyal Japanese Americans during World War II (1942); day to mourn Asian victims of internment and exclusion (past and present), make peace, and celebrate empowerment of Asian Americans.

3/1: Day the production and use of landmines was outlawed world-wide (1999); day to mourn their victims.

3/1 to 3/31: Gender Equality Month--Time to honor both genders; time to meditate on the equality of women and men, on the respect due to both women and men, and on Goddess-God manifesting as woman and man.

3/3: Girls' Festival--Shinto festival honoring girls (a/k/a Hina Matsuri, Doll Festival).

3/5: Day commemorating the birth of Taoist Lao-Tzu (570? BCE). Taoists live simply, respect life, and recognize the equality of all.

3/14: Sikh New Year (Nanakshahi Era 534 begins). Accession of Guru Har Rai Sahib, seventh Sikh guru, commemorated.

3/16 to 3/20: Zoroastrian celebration of Divine Spirit Spenta Mainyu (Holy Spirit), creator and protector of humans.

3/19: Death of Guru Hargobind Sahib, sixth Sikh guru, commemorated.

3/20 to 3/28: Navapad Oli--Jain period of fasting; recitation of holy scripture; meditation on the principles of right knowledge, right faith, right conduct, and right penance; and reverence for Arihantas (conquerors of passions), Siddhas (liberated souls), Acharyas (spiritual leaders), Upadhyayas (spiritual teachers), and Sadhus (renouncers).

3/21: Naw Ruz--Zoroastrian New Year and celebration of Divine Spirit Asha Vahishta (Righteousness), creator and protector of fire.

3/21: Taoist festival honoring the Shen (Deities) of Water, East, and Spring; prayers are made for growth. Taoists seek enlightenment and live in harmony with Nature.

3/21: Shunki-Korei-Sai--Shinto rite honoring ancestral spirits.

3/26: Day commemorating the birth of Zoroastrian Prophet Zarathustra (628 BCE).

3/26: Day production and use of biological weapons was outlawed world-wide (1975); day to mourn their victims.

3/31: Vigil to mourn China's annexation of Tibet (1959) and the killings, torture, and religious persecution of Tibetan Buddhists.

4/7: World Health Day--Day to pray for healing of all those chronically and seriously ill; day to advocate for adequate health care for all.

4/8: Hana Matsuri/Shinto flower Festival--Shinto rite honoring the Kami of Flowers.

4/14: Day the Sikh Khalsa was created (1699). Men and women initiated into the Khalsa seek harmony with the divine through introspection and service to the dispossessed. Both men and women are initiated equally.

4/16: Death of Guru Angad Dev Sahib, second Sikh guru, commemorated; accession of Guru Amar Das Sahib, third Sikh guru, commemorated.

4/16: Death of Guru Har Krishan Sahib, eighth Sikh guru, commemorated; accession of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, ninth Sikh guru, commemorated.

4/17: Day Cambodia fell to the Khmer Rouge, who caused the deaths of more than a million civilians (1975); vigil for true peace, justice, and respect for the human rights of all in Asia.

4/18: Birthday of Guru Angad Dev Sahib, second Sikh guru, commemorated; birthday of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, ninth Sikh guru, commemorated.

4/22: Earth Day--Day to honor the Earth and to meditate on Deity manifesting as Mother Earth.

4/22: Day the world's nations guaranteed asylum to those persecuted in their homelands on account of their ethnicity, religion, or political opinion (1954).

4/25: Day commemorating the birth of Mahavira Vardhamana Jnatrputra (599 BCE), founder of the Jain faith. Jainas practice harmlessness, simplicity, and charity to attain enlightenment and unity with Deity.

4/29: Day production and use of chemical weapons was outlawed world-wide (1997); day to mourn their victims.

4/30 to 5/4: Zoroastrian celebration of Divine Spirit Khshathra Vairya [Power], creator and protector of the Sky. Zoroastrians worship the one transcendent and immanent Deity Ahura Mazda, who is symbolized by a sacred fire.

5/2: National Day of Prayer--Day to pray for freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and separation of church and state throughout the world.

5/2: Birthday of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib, fifth Sikh guru, commemorated. Guru Arjan compiled the Adi Granth, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs and built Harimandir, the Holy Temple of the Sikhs, at Amritsar.

5/3: Taue Matsuri--Shinto rice-planting festival.

5/5: Boys' Festival--Shinto festival honoring boys.

5/15: Akshay Tritiya--Final day of Jain fast; day of Jain pilgrimage. Jainas who have undertaken fasts are rewarded with sugar cane juice. Jainas honor Arihantas (conquerors of passions), Siddhas (liberated souls), Acharyas (spiritual leaders), Upadhyayas (spiritual teachers), and Sadhus (renouncers).

5/23: Birthday of Guru Amar Das Sahib, third Sikh guru, commemorated.

6/4: Day to mourn the massacre of the peaceful, pro-democracy protesters in [Tiananmen Square, Beijing,] China (1989); vigil for democracy and respect for the human rights of all in China.

6/11: Accession of Guru Hargobind Sahib, sixth Sikh guru, commemorated.

6/15: Suijin Matsuri/Water Kami Festival--Shinto rite honoring the Kami of Water.

6/16: Death of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib, fifth Sikh guru, commemorated. Sikhs visit gurdwaras (temples), where the Adi Granth is read, hymns are sung, and a communal meal is shared.

6/21: Taoist festival honoring Shang-Ti/Heavenly Emperor, Father of Justice and Law, and manifestation of the Te (Virtuous Inner Power). Also celebrates the peak of the masculine Yang half of the year and the Shen of Fire, South, and Summer; prayers are made for strength and maturity, and offerings are made to the ancestors.

6/29 to 7/3: Zoroastrian celebration of Divine Spirit Haurvatat [Wholeness], creator and protector of water.

6/30: Oharai/Grand Purification Festival--Shinto rite exorcising evil from the world and purifying devotees from offenses committed.

7/1: Day the world's nations committed to stop proliferation of nuclear weapons (1968); vigil to protest the production and use of all nuclear weapons world-wide.

7/1: Day endangered species became internationally protected (1975); day to celebrate all the world's creatures.

7/5: Birthday of Guru Hargobind Sahib, sixth Sikh guru, commemorated.

7/7: Star Festival/Tanabata--Shinto rite honoring the Kami of the Stars.

7/23: Birthday of Guru Har Krishan Sahib, eighth Sikh guru, commemorated.

8/6: Day to mourn those harmed by the atomic bomb attacks on Japan (1945); day to advocate for world-wide prohibition of all weapons of mass destruction.

8/8: Vigil for democracy and respect for the human rights of all in Burma.

8/15: Kaza Matsuri/Wind Kami festival--Shinto rite honoring the Kami of Wind.

8/15: Day India was partitioned into India and Pakistan, and Kashmir joined India over Pakistan's objection (1947); vigil for true peace, justice, and religious tolerance for all in South Asia.

8/17: Vigil for peace, justice, religious tolerance, and respect for the human rights of all in Indonesia - now struggling against religious terrorism.

8/28: Opening of the Second World Parliament of Religions (1993), attended by members of all the world's religions. A Global Ethic was adopted that condemns hatred, aggression, oppression, and environmental abuses committed in the name of religion.

9/1: Day commemorating the first consecration of the Granth Sahib (Adi Granth) as holy scripture of the Sikhs in Harimandir, the Holy Temple, at Amritsar (1604). Sikhs celebrate by participating in religious processions and reading from the Adi Granth.

9/3: Day gender discrimination was outlawed world-wide (1981); day to mourn all manifestations of sexism.

9/3 to 9/10: Paryusana Jain festival of recitation of holy scripture, fasting, self-discipline, introspection, and reserve. Jainas grant forgiveness to others, ask forgiveness of others for harm done, whether knowingly or unknowingly, during the past year, and make vows to avoid causing future harm. The festival ends with a communal meal.

9/12 to 9/16: Zoroastrian celebration of Divine Spirit Spenta Armaiti (Devotion), creator and protector of Earth.

9/16: Death of Guru Amar Das Sahib, third Sikh guru, commemorated; accession and death of Guru Ram Das Sodhi Sahib, fourth Sikh guru, commemorated; accession of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib, fifth Sikh guru, commemorated.

9/18: Accession of Guru Angad Dev Sahib, second Sikh guru, commemorated.

9/21: International Day of Peace--Day to demonstrate for peace with justice throughout the world.

9/22: Death of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib, first Sikh guru, commemorated. Guru Nanak rejected caste and believed in the equality of all people.

9/23: Taoist festival honoring the Shen of Winds, West, and Autumn; thanksgiving is made for the harvest. Taoists believe the unity of Yin (Eternal Feminine) and Yang (Eternal Masculine) make up the psyche-matter-energy of the eternal all-encompassing Ch'i.

9/23: Shuki-Korei-Sai--Shinto rite honoring ancestral spirits.

9/28: Birthday of Confucius (K'ung Fu-Tzu) (551 BCE). He taught that societal harmony could be realized when individuals acted with loving care for family, concern for friends and neighbors, benevolence to strangers, and respect for all.

10/9: Birthday of Guru Ram Das Sodhi Sahib, fourth Sikh guru, commemorated.

10/12 to 10/16: Zoroastrian celebration of Divine Spirit Ameretat [Immortality], creator and protector of vegetation.

10/13 to 10/21: Navapad Oli--Jain period of fasting; recitation of holy scripture; meditation on the principles of right knowledge, right faith, right conduct, and right penance; and reverence for Arihantas (conquerors of passions), Siddhas (liberated souls), Acharyas (spiritual leaders), Upadhyayas (spiritual teachers), and Sadhus (renouncers).

10/17: Shukaku Matsuri--Shinto rite offering thanks and first fruits of the rice harvest to the Kami.

10/18: Day the Clean Water Act was enacted (1972); day to give thanks for the water we drink.

10/20: Day the Granth Sahib (Adi Granth), the holy scripture of the Sikhs, was recognized as eternal guru (1708). Sikhs believe the infinite and formless Deity should be sought within one's self. Sikhs visit gurdwaras (temples), where the Adi Granth is read, hymns are sung, and a communal meal is shared.

10/20: Death of Guru Har Rai Sahib, seventh Sikh guru, commemorated; accession of Guru Har Krishan Sahib, eighth Sikh guru, commemorated.

10/21: Death of Guru Gobind Rai Singh Sahib, tenth Sikh guru, commemorated.

11/1: World Community Day--Day for celebrating the unity behind diversity and remembering we are all one people - all children of the one universal Deity of many names and aspects.

11/4: Day commemorating the death of Mahavira Vardhamana Jnatrputra (527 BCE), founder of the Jain faith.

11/8: Jnan Panchami Day that Jainas celebrate knowledge, education, and holy books with recitations, meditation, and worship.

11/19: Day commemorating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib (1469), founder of the Sikh faith. Sikhs believe the infinite and formless Deity should be sought within one's self; they attempt to merge the human spirit with the Divine Spirit by reciting Akal Purakh, one of Deity's sacred names.

11/21: Fast for an Abundant World Harvest--Day to fast and commit to action to help prevent deaths from malnourishment world-wide.

11/24: Death of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, ninth Sikh guru, commemorated; accession of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, tenth Sikh guru, commemorated. Sikhs visit gurdwaras (temples), where the Adi Granth is read, hymns are sung, and a communal meal is shared.

11/28: Thanksgiving Day--Day to give thanks for the abundance of our land and for our food, clothes, shelter, and health.

12/1: World AIDS Day--Day to pray for healing of all those suffering with AIDS and HIV.

12/1: Suijin-Matsuri/Water Kami Festival--Shinto rite honoring the Kami of Water.

12/10: Day the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted, and fundamental rights were recognized world-wide (1948).

12/17: Day the Clean Air Act was enacted (1963); day to give thanks for the air we breathe.

12/22: Taoist festival honoring Wang-Mu/Empress Mother, Mother of Compassion and Wisdom, and manifestation of the Tao (Cosmic Power of Creation and Destruction). Also celebrates the peak of the feminine Yin half of the year and the Shen of Earth, North, and Winter; prayers are made for rest and renewal, and offerings are made to the Cosmos.

12/22: Tohji-Taisai--Shinto rite honoring Sun Goddess Amaterasu. Storm God Susano-o angered Her, and She withdrew into a cave until enticed out with music and dance.

12/26: Day commemorating the death of Zoroastrian Prophet Zarathustra (551 BCE). Zoroastrians worship by making offerings to a sacred fire.

12/31: Oharai/Grand Purification Festival--Shinto rite exorcising evil from the world and purifying devotees from offenses committed.

JOURNEY ALONG A SILKEN THREAD: Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan (19 days/18 nights)

DAY 1: ARRIVE HONG KONG Upon arrival in Hong Kong, check into a hotel for a four night stay. After resting up, set out on a dinner cruise along a traditional Chinese Junk. The Hong Kong skyline is the unforgettable backdrop to your dinner cruises.

DAY 2: HONG KONG Visit Victoria Peak for breathtaking views of the city, and exploration of the Peak's atmospheric shaded gardens. Explore Stanley Market, and the nearby Tin Hua Temple, one of the oldest in Hong Kong. Also take a sampan ride in the large fishing village of Aberdeen. There will also be time to explore the trendy mid-levels district with its many antique shops and boutiques. Spend the afternoon exploring the treasures of Kowloon. Hong Kong's Museum of art boasts a staggering array of fine calligraphy, and drawings illustrating the 18th and 19th century history of Hong Kong. The hall of Chinese Antiquities has a particularly fine selection of Han dynasty ceramics. Visit Bird Street, Jade Market, the Taoist Temple of Wong Tai Sin, and the open air food market. Hong Kong hosts a plethora of festivals throughout the year, ranging from traditional Chinese ceremonies for the New Year, and honoring deities, to the annual Food Festival, and Asian Arts Festival. You may be in town for one of these many events.

DAY 3: HONG KONG: MACAU EXCURSION This morning travel by jetfoil to the old Portuguese colony of Macau. The combined Portuguese Christian and Chinese heritage of Macau make a unique experience for the visitor, particularly in the annual festival calendar, where Easter, Christian Feast days, and Chinese New Year are all marked by public processions and festivities. Macau has many well-preserved Portuguese buildings, including the Pousada De Sao Tiago, Government House, and the buildings along the Praia Grande. Visit Kum Yam Temple, then head up Penha Hill for a magnificent view of the city. Macau's cemeteries bear witness to the many who traveled east in search of fame and fortune: some attained their dreams, others were not so fortunate. Other sites include the Facade of St. Paul's Cathedral, Camoes Museum, and the Church of Saint Dominic. You may like to have lunch along the Rua De Felicidade: this "Street of Happiness" was once seething with brothels and opium dens, and is now a respectable series of restaurants. Return to Hong Kong this afternoon. (L)

DAY 4: HONG KONG: LANTAU ISLAND Spend the day touring Lantau Island, whose wild, rugged interior is a world away from the images of hustle and bustle associated with Hong Kong. Lantau is particularly famed for its monasteries, and the village of Tai O. The Po Lin monastery houses the largest Buddha statue in southeast Asia, and its vegetarian food is also famed. Other monasteries have also grown amidst the wilds of the island, funded by Hong Kong's historical wealth. The village of Tai O was once a center of trade, and its old streets and shrines offer a window into China's history, and traditional aesthetic. (L)

DAY 5: HONG KONG - TAIPEI Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Taipei, the alluring capital of Taiwan. Taipei is famous for its exceptional museums, housing some of the world's greatest collections of Chinese art. Spend a night in Taipei. This afternoon, visit the National Museum - without a doubt, the highlight of Taipei. The Museum is one of the world's greatest. Its collection was previously housed in Beijing's Forbidden City, and move to Formosa by Chiang Kai Shek in 1949. Its exhibits cover all of China's history, back to 3000 BC. With over 700,000 pieces in its collection, only 1% are on display at any one time. Exhibits are rotated every three months. Porcelain, jade, paintings, calligraphy, wood and bronze statues all document the incredible aesthetic and historical wealth of the country.

DAY 6: TAIPEI - TAROKO GORGE Travel to the Taroko Gorge, one of the most beautiful areas of Taiwan. This deep gorge, carved out by the Liwu River, is a land of marble cliffs, and thundering waterfalls. Small temples and rest houses have been built amidst the surrounding forest, as monks and mystics sought inspiration in this wondrous landscape. Tour the area this afternoon. This is a classic landscape that has inspired Chinese painters and poets for centuries. The Yantzkou cliff face is teeming with swallows, who weave in and out of their nests, soaring above the deep gorge. Overnight at the Grand Formosa hotel, set in the heart of the park. (B,L)

DAY 7: TAROKO GORGE - TAIPEI After a morning at your leisure, return to Taipei, where you will spend the night.

DAY 8: TAIPEI - TOKYO Transfer to the airport for your flight to Tokyo. Upon arrival at Narita Airport, check into the hotel for a three-night stay.

DAY 9: TOKYO This morning's tour begins with a visit to Imperial Palace before continuing to the heart of traditional Shitamachi and Tokyo's oldest temple--Asakusa Kannon Temple. Also visit the Meiji shrine and its surrounding forest set in trendy Harajuku. The tour concludes in Ginza. The afternoon is at your leisure. We highly recommend the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, founded in the 1930's by Soetsu Yanage, one of Japan's foremost philosophers and critics. He realized that the 'mingei' or folk art of his country was rapidly disappearing and founded the museum dedicated to the intrinsic beauty of objects made for daily use.

DAY 10: TOKYO Spend today at your leisure. You may like to explore the city's museums, or markets.

DAY 11: TOKYO - KURASHIKI Take the bullet train Kurashiki. Upon arrival in Kurashiki, self-transfer by taxi to your hotel or ryokan* for a two night stay. Known as 'Warehouse Village' the town was originally an important center of the rice trade. It escaped war damage and consequently has many existing granaries and buildings dating from the Edo-period. The town is easily navigated on foot. Daily breakfast and dinner is included with the deluxe ryokan option.

DAY 12: KURASHIKI Today explore the city at your leisure. You may like to visit the Folk Art Museum and the shops along Ivy Square. Nearby attractions include the Imbe pottery village and Okayama City.

DAY 13: KURASHIKI - KANAZAWA Today self-transfer to the train to Kanazawa. Kanazawa, located on the Sea of Japan, is a wonderful blend of tradition and modernity. Daily breakfast and dinner is included with the deluxe ryokan option.

DAY 14: KANAZAWA Explore Kanazawa. Highlights include the festive morning market, the Nagamachi samurai district, and the treasured Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three most important gardens in Japan.

DAY 15: TOKYO -KYOTO Take the bullet train to Kyoto, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a four night stay. The afternoon is at leisure.

DAY 16: KYOTO Visit Nijo-jo Castle with its famous squeaking "nightingale" floors and beautiful surrounding gardens. It continues to the exquisite Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion; and the old Imperial Palace. After lunch, visit the Heian Shrine; Sanjusangen-do Temple and its 1001 Buddhist statues; and Kiyomizu-dera Temple which offers panoramic views of the city from its hillside veranda. Take time to shop for handicrafts and traditional sweets on the busy streets approaching the temple.

DAY 17: KYOTO: MIHO MUSEUM Arrive in Shiga prefecture to visit the new, world acclaimed Miho Museum, designed by I. M. Pei. Lunch is available at the museum's organic café. Also visit the nearby boutiques selling the finest regional pottery. Return to Kyoto this afternoon. (L)

DAY 18: KYOTO Enjoy Kyoto at your leisure.

DAY 19: KYOTO - OSAKA; INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE Transfer to Osaka for your international departure.

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