Traditional Tibetan sport

Traditional Tibetan sport

Using stones to hit cattle horns, the traditional sport game was held on the 7th day of Tibetan New Year in Tohlung Dechen village. Each village sent 10 players to have three rounds of competitions. Every player will have three times to hit the horns in each round. This game is to celebrate the New Year and to pray for the favorable weather. The young Tibetans of Tohlung Dechen are having the fun game of using stones to hit cattle horns. A young Tibetan is ready to throw the stone.

Traditional Sports

 

Hailing for the Games

Performance by ethnic groups

(BEIJING, August 7) -- Some 160 ethnic workers at Chinese Ethnic Culture Park participated in a rich and colorful folk sports activity Monday morning in response to Beijing Olympic organizers�� call for a nationwide body-building campaign to await the upcoming Games.

The activity was part of the theme park��s initiatives, showcasing the traditional sports of China��s 56 ethnic groups, to mark the two-year countdown to the opening of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Another team of senior citizens, age 60 to 72, from a neighboring community also brought up some rhythmic sportive dances on the site. They have learnt three sets of dances the culture park has been constantly promoting amongst local residents and ethnical schools.

"We hope these dances will be integrated into the body-building campaign, so the folk sports activities will take on more sense of the times and vitality." said the park director Li Guosheng, who even hoped that the dances will someday be practiced through the staging of the Olympics in the country.

In addition to the shows, folks of some nine ethnic groups, including Tibetan, Zhuang, Jingpo, Va, Miao, Naxi, Bai, Mongol and Tujia, also offered pieces of traditional amusement to express their greetings and longings for the 2008 Olympics.

Jingpo people's tradtional play "Bamboo Jump"


Va people's traditional play "Flying Pep-top"


Naxi people's traditional play "Flying Feather"


Mongolian traditional play "Throwing Diabolo"


Folk dancers perform rhythmic sportive dances


Tibetan traditional play "Wooden Drum Draw"


Tibetan traditional play "Elephant Push-and-pull"


Zhuang people's traditional game "board shoes walking"


A folk dancer takes the lead in the rhythmic dances


Bai people's traditional play "pushing the hoop"

Tibetan Traditional Sports:pick up Hada.Photo by Gan Zhanglin

Ethnic Cultures

Ethnic Cultures and Tourism Festival in Xinjiang

Two riders compete in the "Girl's chase" game during the opening ceremony of the Ethnic Cultures and Tourism Festival in Huocheng County, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 6, 2007. Traditional sports in ethnic minority groups Kazakh and Uygur, such as catching the goat, camel race, donkey race, and girls' chase, were performed during the festival amid local government's efforts to develop the tourism. (newsphoto) Two riders compete in a camel race during the opening ceremony of the Ethnic Cultures and Tourism Festival in Huocheng County, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 6, 2007. Traditional sports in ethnic minority groups Kazakh and Uygur, such as catching the goat, camel race, donkey race, and girls' chase, were performed during the festival amid local government's efforts to develop the tourism. (newsphoto) Riders compete in the "Catching the goat" game during the opening ceremony of the Ethnic Cultures and Tourism Festival in Huocheng County, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 6, 2007. Traditional sports in ethnic minority groups Kazakh and Uygur, such as catching the goat, camel race, donkey race, and girls' chase, were performed during the festival amid local government's efforts to develop the tourism. (newsphoto) People watch the chicken fighting during the opening ceremony of the Ethnic Cultures and Tourism Festival in Huocheng County, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 6, 2007. Traditional sports in ethnic minority groups Kazakh and Uygur, such as catching the goat, camel race, donkey race, and girls' chase, were performed during the festival amid local government's efforts to develop the tourism. (newsphoto) Two players compete in a traditional pulling game during the opening ceremony of the Ethnic Cultures and Tourism Festival in Huocheng County, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 6, 2007. Traditional sports in ethnic minority groups Kazakh and Uygur, such as catching the goat, camel race, donkey race, and girls' chase, were performed during the festival amid local government's efforts to develop the tourism. (newsphoto)

Islamic Quotes Of Wisdom

When the world pushes you to your knees, You are in the perfect position to pray.

If Allah brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Twakkul: Make Du'a, Do your best, And leave the rest to Allah.

Whoever follows patience, Success will follow him.

Suffering is a gift. In it is hidden mercy.

Better to avoid the person altogether than to try to heal from the damage it causes.

Cease to sin, Because you will not meet Allah with anything as valuable as few sins.

Reflect on the work of art and you mat attain to the artist.

The only lasting beauty is the beauty of the heart.

The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.

To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person.

If a gem falls into sand, It still remains valuable.
If dust ascends to heaven, It still remains valueless.

God places the heaviest burden on those who can carry it's weight.

Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what a man does with what happens to him.

Beware of this world, For it is sweet and tempting.

Action is the biggest measurement of knowledge.

Do not ask, "Where is God?"
Rather ask, "Where am I?"

The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment.

Learn the wisdom of compramise, For it is better to bend a little than to break.

Gratitute to God should be as regular as your heartbeat.

Be with Allah.
You will find Allah with you.

Learn silence as you have learned speach. 
Speach will guide you and silence will protect you.

Worry about Allah and what he wants you to do and He will take care of your worries. [InshaAllah]

Leon City

The Castile & Leon City

What is it ? Where is it?

Salamanca is in the central area of Spain, 212 kilometres from the capital, Madrid. Universal, magnificent, wise, young and golden: this city is an inland destination well worth discovering for many reasons.Salamanca is part of the Spanish region known as “Castilla y León” (Castile and Leon). Despite being a medium-size city (with around 170.000 inhabitants), Salamanca is famous in the world for its culture and for its student atmosphere. In fact, the University of Salamanca is said to be the third oldest university in Europe, founded in 1218.

Located in the western part of Spain, right besides the border with Portugal, Salamanca is in the inner part of the country, 200 kilometers west of Madrid, which made it difficult to reach for tourists. Thanks to the recently renewed airport of Valladolid, which offers flights with Ryanair and Air France, now Salamanca is an accessible destination, only at a one-hour drive from Valladolid.

Tourism is probably the most outstanding industry of the city, thanks to its historical heritage and to the charm of the city itself, since Salamanca can be considered one of the most beautiful Spanish cities. It is also in Salamanca, where the purest Spanish (or “Castellano”) is spoken, which makes the city a popular destination for students wanting to learn Spanish.

Weather conditions in Salamanca are quite extreme, with cold winter, hot summers and few rain.In its gastronomy pork meat is the star, the cured hams produced in Guijuelo, a village in the Southern part of Salamanca, are among the most famous Spanish delicatessen.

Salamanca has been declared World Heritage City by the Unesco, and in 2002, it was chosen as European City of Culture, together with Bruges in Belgium. Dance, music and art filled the streets of the city, and remain still today. You will surely enjoy your visit to Salamanca.Salamanca is one of Spain's great tourist attractions. With its many old and historic buildings, including some particularly fine examples of Plateresque architecture, which here reached its highest point, the whole town has been declared a national monument and listed by UNESCO as part of the world's cultural heritage. In the clear light of the Meseta the old town, all built of golden-yellow stone from Villamayor, is of overwhelming effect. The best view of the town is from the Ávila road on the left bank of the Río Tormes. The narrow streets around the University and the Plaza Mayor, crowded with students, still preserve something of the atmosphere of the old university of Salamanca.

History

The city of Salamanca, or “Helmantika”, was founded in the 4th century BC by the Celts and Romanized short after. It constituted an important link of communications of the Ruta de la Plata, the Roman “Road of the Silver” which crossed the Peninsula from North to South. Helmantika was later called Salmantica and finally, since the 13th century, the city got its present name, Salamanca.

In the 8th century, during the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula, the city was conquered by Musa Ibh Nusair, and Muslim culture took over Christianity. Salamanca, the Roman Salmantica, was captured by Hannibal in 217 B.C. and by the Moors in the eighth century A.D. During the long wars between Christians and Moors the town was almost completely destroyed, and only recovered some measure of importance around 1100, in the reign of Alfonso VI of Castile.



Salamanca's international reputation was established, however, by its University, founded by Alfonso IX of León, which vied with the universities of Bologna, Paris and Oxford and transmitted Arab science and learning to the rest of Europe. In the 16th century the University had more than 7,000 students. The establishment of a bishopric in Valladolid (1593), which had previously been within the diocese of Salamanca, and the expulsion of the Moriscos in 1610, led to the decline of Salamanca, from which it has recovered only in recent times. During the occupation of Spain by French troops during the Napoleonic wars Salamanca was frequently a French base. In 1811 British troops defeated a French army in the Arapiles valley, to the south of the town, and thus initiated Napoleon's withdrawal from the Iberian peninsula.

Salamanca was also a key city during the Spanish Civil War. All the documents obtained by the national troops during the occupation of the country where concentrated in Salamanca, creating a famous archive of documents of the Spanish war.
With the establishment of democracy and the arrival of monarchy in Spain, the prestige of the city and its University flourished again. Salamanca has become a cosmopolitan city and is continuously growing in culture and heritage, as shows its recognition by UNESCO as World Heritage Site, and its recent designation as European Capital of Culture, in the year 2002.

Why Salamanca?

There are several reasons to visit any place but whats so unique about the place Salamanca.For travel lovers these reason may not be necessary but for those who would like to visit a worthy place here are the reasons..

Vibe

Salamanca, which boasts a dignified and even regal air due to its marvelous architecture and prestigious historical background, also throbs with the youthful vibrance of the university crowd. This interesting juxtaposition of old and new, of tradition and innovation, and of past and future yields an infectious, one-of-a-kind vibe unique to Salamanca.

Night Beauty

Salamanca is famous for its nightlife. The city's diverse national and international student population keeps Salamanca, which would probably otherwise be a laid-back and sleepy city, alive and buzzing with music, laughter, and energy until the wee hours of the morning.

Salamanca's nightlife is unusual, and, above all, very lively. There is nothing like going in search of the next bar to continue the party, walking through the streets of the old town with its stunning illuminated monuments, listening, in the background, to the cheery music of the tuna (groups of students who have been going out to sing old university songs in their traditional dress for centuries). The presence of so many students mean that there is nightlife almost every day of the week. You will also find a wide variety of options for your enjoyment: in the many pubs, bars and nightclubs you can dance to all kinds of music, hear concerts, see films, play cards, or simply have a drink in pleasant surroundings.

History

Having changed hands repeatedly over the course of its lengthy history, Salamanca got its start as a fort defending the founding Celtic tribes' territory and has since seen epochs of great prestige, of debilitating declines, and of everything in between- it's much like a history book telling the tale of Spain itself.

University

Founded in 1218 by King Alfonso VI, the University of Salamanca's doors have since opened to welcome such famous figures as Miguel de Cervantes, Christopher Columbus, Ignatius Loyola, Hernán Cortés, and Miguel de Unamuno- some as students, some as lecturers, and some as university vice-chancillors. Once considered amongst the world's "four leading lights," the university was nose-to-nose with the universities of Oxford, Paris, and Bologna.

Style & Architecture

With everything from Romanesque churches to colossal Baroque plazas, Salamanca is a whole chest of glimmering architectural treasures. In fact, due to their construction from local sandstone, over the years the buildings have acquired a soft golden glow for which the city has garnered the nickname "the golden city."

Plaza Mayor

Fittingly known as Salamanca's "living room," locals and visitors gravitate to the city's grandiose Plaza Mayor, considered to be the most elegant of Spain's main city squares- that's saying a lot, considering practically every Spanish city and town boasts their own Plaza Mayor!

Cuisines

Due to its geography, in terms of food the Salamanca province is almost entirely self-reliant. Cool, mountainous highlands yield some of Spain's best meats and cheeses while expanses of pastures and fields provide a great variety of fresh vegetables and fruits.

Location & Truely Spanish

Situated in western Spain's community of Castilla-León, Salamanca is just over two hours from the ultra-cosmopolitan bustle of Madrid, one hour from neighboring Portugal, and otherwise surrounded by a wealth of nearby cities and villages.

Salamanca and its urban neighbor Valladolid compose the select zone of Spain in which the "purest Spanish" is said to be spoken. For this very reason, Salamanca has highly developed and successful language programs.



 

Museums

Spain's cultural capitals, has a fascinating mix of museums. Celebrating everything from the life and times of Spain's prolific writer Miguel de Unamuno to displays of bullfighting paraphernalia, art nouveau and antique automobiles, Salamanca's museums are sure to quench the thirst of the culturally curious.

Description about the attractions

A centre of learning. This is the university city par excellence: Salamanca University was the first to be founded in Spain and is also one of the oldest in Europe. In its heyday it was one of the most highly regarded European universities. For this reason it has been attended by some of the greatest Spanish thinkers, artists and writers.

City of the Spanish language. This city saw the production of the first Grammar of the Castilian Language in the 15th century, which became a fundamental instrument for its expansion throughout the world. It is also a favourite destination amongst foreign students wanting to learn Spanish. As you would expect, Salamanca is one of the most important stages on the Route of the Spanish Language.




Crossroads. The Vía de la Plata, the old Roman route that links the north and south of Spain, passes through Salamanca. It is a good base to explore interesting towns and villages nearby, that are also on the path of this ancient road, such as Guijuelo and Béjar.

Béjar offers plenty of tourist services and monuments worth a visit, since it has been an important city also in the past. In a visit to Béjar, you cannot miss its “Palacio Ducal” (the palace of the dukes of the city), the remains of the stone walls built by the Arabs which once surrounded the city, and of course, the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain dating from 1711.




From here you may continue your tour of the southern mountains of Salamanca, visiting the picturesque village of Candelario, and the ski resort of Sierra de Béjar - la Covatilla, only some 10 kilometres from the city of Béjar

La Sierra de Francia is another mountain area close to Sierra de Béjar. Here you will also discover astonishing landscapes and typical villages such as "La Alberca" and Miranda del Castañar with its 15th-century fortress. Traditions, fiestas and local folklore have been kept in these villages as is shown in their buildings, their "fiestas" and their typical garments.

On the North West corner of the province of Salamanca you will find the area known as Arribes de Duero. These "arribes" are, in fact, the steep slopes at both sides of the river Duero. Following the water course towards Portugal you can enjoy the amazing views over the riverside, the beautiful waterfalls such as "el Pozo de los Humos" and dykes like the one of "la Almendra".




Meeting point. Its humanist tradition, the open character of the local people, its cultural concerns, the wealth of its heritage... These are just a few reasons why Salamanca was European City of Culture in 2002.

Youthful spirit. Salamanca has a wealth of history, but it is also modern, fun and dynamic. The student population takes care of giving life and atmosphere to this city 24 hours a day.

The golden city. You should experience Salamanca by day and by night, but above all at dusk. This is when the sun gives a golden hue to the material used in the construction of Salamanca's monuments: Villamayor stone.

Top Rated Attractions Are

• Plaza Mayor
• University of Salamanca
• University-Main Front
• Cielo de Salamanca
• Convento de San Esteban
• Convento de las Duenas - Cloister
• House of the Scallop-Shells (Casa de las Conchas
• New Cathedral (Catedral Nueva)
• Old Cathedral (Catedral Vieja)
• Old Cathedral - Cloister (Catedral Vieja Claustro)
• Patio de las Escuelas

Plaza Mayor

The central feature of Salamanca is the Plaza Mayor, a regular square (actually trapezoid in shape) of arcaded three-story buildings in uniform architectural style which was begun in 1729 to the design of Alberto de Churriguera and completed in 1755. In its unity of conception and execution it is one of the most magnificent squares in Spain, a splendid setting for ceremonial occasions, in which bullfights were still being held in the 19th century. With its many cafes and bars under the arcades, it is a lively scene in the evening.

Salamanca's Plaza Mayor is known as the city's "living room" for a reason. Here you'll find an eclectic mix of students, tourists, and locals who can't help but stroll through the beguiling Baroque beauty of the city's main square. The area, since the plaza's contruction in the early 18th century, has been the hub of Salamanca life for centuries- with tons to do and see, don't be surprised to find yourself gravitating here over and over!

University of Salamanca

From the Clerecía it is a short distance southeast along Calle Libreros to the once world-famed University of Salamanca. Among those who taught here were the humanist Fray Luis de León (1527-91), the mystic John of the Cross (Juan de la Cruz, 1542-91) and the philosopher Miguel de Unamuno (1864-1936), who also became Rector of the University. Cervantes was a student here. The Copernican system was recognized at Salamanca University at a time when this was still a grave heresy.

The university has stunning architecture in the form a splendid façade that contains an array of historical figures including Catholic monarchs and frogs!Once the core of Salamanca's religious life, the source of Salamanca's prestige, the seat of Spain's academic glory, and the inspiration for Salamanca's distinction as one of the world's "four leading lights," the Salamanca University quarter continues to live up to its lofty historical and cultural reputation. From funky museums to unparalleled architectural marvels, you'll quickly see why Salamanca has garnered the nickname "ciudad dorada," or golden city.


 

University - Main Front

The original building (1415-33) was relatively plain; then in 1534 it was given its present facade with its lavish profusion of Plateresque ornament - the unsurpassed masterpiece of that style in Spain. Above the two doorways are three registers of finely carved panels separated by pilasters.



At first floor level, in the center of the facade, is a medallion with likenesses of the Catholic Monarchs; above this is the coat of arms of Charles V, flanked by the double-headed imperial eagle and the eagle of St John; and above this again is the Pope, surrounded by cardinals, with figures of Venus, Priam and Bacchus to the right and Hercules, Juno and Jupiter to the left. On the right-hand pilaster in the first register, above a skull, can be seen a frog, regarded by students as a bringer of good luck.

Cielo de Salamanca

The Sala Calderón de la Barca has decorative elements from the old University Library, including particularly the fine ceiling painting by Fernando Gallego (ca. 1480) known as the "Cielo de Salamanca", which illustrates the state of knowledge of astronomy in the late fifth Ccntury. Some of the painting has been lost, but it is still possible to see the signs of the Zodiac, a number of constellations and the four winds.

Convento de San Esteban

A little way upstream from Puente Romano is the Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), from the southwestern end of which radiate the roads to Ávila, Plasencia and Ciudad Rodrigo. From the near end of the bridge the Avenida de los Reyes leads to the Dominican monastery of San Esteban, with a church built between 1524 and 1610, its facade covered with a riot of Plateresque decoration. It has a gilded high altar of 1693 by José de Churriguera, one of the sculptor's greatest works, and three side altars by pupils of his. To the left of the high altar is the tomb of the Duke of Alba, governor of the Spanish Netherlands. On the west wall, above the raised choir, can be seen a large fresco by Antonio Palomino, "The Triumph of the Church" (1705).

House of the Scallop-Shells

From Plaza Corillo the Rúa Mayor runs southwest to a small square, at the corner of which, on the right, is the Casa de las Conchas, built in 1514. This was the town mansion of Talavera Maldonado, a knight of the Order of Santiago, who decorated the facade of his house lavishly with the scallop-shells associated with St James, which create changing patterns of light and shade according to the position of the sun. Note also the finely wrought window grilles. Visitors are shown round the house, which has a very handsome two-story courtyard and a staircase well with a beautiful coffered ceiling.

New Cathedral

A narrow street runs round the University buildings to the New Cathedral of Salamanca, the tower of which can be seen from the Patio de las Escuelas. Begun by Juan Gil de Hontañón in 1513, this imposing building was not completed until 1733, and thus shows a mingling of Late Gothic, Plateresque and Baroque features.

Old Cathedral

Immediately adjoining the south side of the New Cathedral is the Romanesque Old Cathedral of Santa María de la Sede, which is entered from the south aisle of the New Cathedral. It is difficult to get a general view of both cathedrals; the best view of the exterior of the Old Cathedral, however, is from the Patio Chico, which is reached from a doorway in the south aisle of the New Cathedral. The Old Cathedral, one of the most splendid buildings of its period in Spain, was begun about 1100 and was probably ompleted before 1200.

Old Cathedral - Cloister

The 12th century Cloister was badly damaged in the 1755 earthquake and rebuilt from 1785 onwards, so that little Romanesque work is left. Among Romanesque features that survive are the Mudéjar-style Capilla de Talavera, with sculpture by Alonso Berruguete and the tomb of the founder (owner of the Casa de las Conchas), and the 14th century Capilla de Santa Bárbara, in which candidates for the doctorate spent the night before their final examination and appeared before their examiners.

Patio de las Escuelas

Opposite the front of the University is the Patio de las Escuelas, in the center of which can be seen a monument to Fray Luis de León (1869). Around it are buildings in pure Plateresque style, giving it a very characteristic atmosphere of its own.

Apart from these the streets and other small area has lot more to see.Branching off the busy street Gran Vía is the area composing east Salamanca, situated- not surprisingly- east of the University and Plaza Mayor quarters.

If there's one thing Salamanca isn't lacking it's religious architecture, and in east Salamanca you have it all. Along with a fascinating display of various styles of architecture you'll also find a wealth of other cultural and historical sites just waiting to be discovered!





There are several museums each displaying the unique collections of art and culture of Salamanca.Museums such as Museum of Art Nouveau & Art Deco,Salamanca Museum - Museum of Fine Arts,Centro Internacional de Arte,University Museum , House-Museum of Unamuno, Bullfight Museum, Cathedral Museum and many more. Every museum features several attractive and artistic collection of olden days involving lamps,bronze statues, furnitures,jewelry, sculptures, paintings, alterpieces, and even some archaeological finds, a brand new temporary exhibition each month in the museums. Several such delightful and artistic sculptures and arts can be seen here and i hope nobody should miss the chance!!

From the early Christian structures of the Romanesque architecture down the line to the the wildly adorned Churrigeresque style, Salamanca's wide range of architecture spans the history of Christian architecture. No matter where you walk in this city of shimmering sandstone, the "golden city" of Salamanca is full of architectural treasures waiting to be discovered. The architectures involves





Gothic Architecture
Plateresque Architecture
Churrigueresque Architecture

Salamanca's parks and gardens are ideal to relax and enjoy the best of nature in the heart of the city. The famous Calixto y Melibea Garden is one of the most evocative: it is linked with the work La Celestina, and its plants and fruit trees will transport you to the scene of this famous classical Spanish comedy. The Los Jesuitas, La Alamedilla and San Francisco parks are other green areas ideal for a pleasant stroll.Other activities involve skiing, golf playing and hiking.

The historic centre is one of the most attractive shopping areas in Salamanca. In this university city par excellence, as souvenirs you can buy crafts, fashion, gourmet foods and, of course, books.




You can find some of Salamanca's most characteristic wares in more than 4,000 establishments spread around the city. Whatever you are looking for, you will find a host of items to give as presents, to keep as souvenirs, or to enjoy on your return home. You just have to choose from the many ideas to be found in the city's shops, street markets and shopping centres.

Salamanca is a medium size city which offers both the advantages of a big capital, with plenty of leisure facilities, and a small city. Lively and calm at the same time.

In its ancient buildings or strolling through its street you will find the peace of a city with a rich past, and even feel like walking in city of the Middle Ages. Salamanca is also a bustling city with lively cafés, terraces and discos, nightlife is in fact one of the main appeals of the city.

Most of the city centre is pedestrianised inviting tourists to walk and discover the heart of the city without the noise of traffic. In the centre you will find museums, theatres, cinemas, shops, and good restaurants, where meat is usually the star
.

Traditional Spanish Clothing