#western mongolia tours

[mansipatel5]

Everything You Need to Know About Choosing Turkey Travel Packages

In the regional Turkish language, Turkey is often referred to as Türkiye. It is primarily found in Western Asia, in the Anatolian peninsula. Since one leg is connected to Europe and the other to Asia, it is also referred to as a bridge between the two continents. The Black Sea, Marmara Sea, Aegean Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea border the nation on three sides. It is the homeland of Turks who long ago migrated from Mongolia's interior. Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, and Syria are all within modern Turkey's borders.

When it comes to the area, the Turkish race initially settled in western modern Turkey, where they went on to reside under the name Selcuk Beylics. The Osmanoullar community was established in the region where Bursa was the capital, some 4-5 hours' drive from Istanbul today, as a result of the separation of Selçuk Beylics into several groups over time. They transferred the capital from Bursa to Istanbul in later years. They lived through the golden eras when their borders stretched across tremendous periods. They eventually reached a point of stagnation and dissolution and handed the historical reins over to the Modern Turkish Republic.

Understanding Your Travel Style and Preferences

Understanding your travel tastes and style is the first step in selecting Turkey Holiday Packages. Think about the following:

Who are you as a traveller? Are you a daring backpacker or a pampered traveller seeking a more relaxing experience?

What do you find interesting? Do you favour outdoor pursuits like hiking and environmental exploration or are you more interested in history and culture?

What is your spending plan? What are your financial limits for a tour package?

What kind of transportation do you prefer? Would you like to take the bus, the train, or the aeroplane?

What kind of lodging do you prefer? Do you feel at ease staying in hostels or hotels, or do you like private lodging?

You can focus on tour packages that are suited to your needs by focusing on those that fit your travel interests and style.

Researching and Comparing Tour Options

Researching and contrasting tour choices is the next stage after you have a firm grasp of your travel interests and style. Here are a few pieces of advice:

Make use of reliable travel websites: Check out Turkey Holiday Packages from credible online sources as they offer testimonials and rankings from tourists who have taken the tours.

Visit the websites of the trip operators: The majority of tour operators have their websites where you may obtain details about the tours they provide, including itineraries, costs, and lodging choices.

Read Reviews: You may learn a lot about the tour's quality, the degree of customer care, and the entire experience from reviews written by other tourists.

Compare costs before choosing one product over another. Take into account the tour's overall worth and what is included in the cost. Some Turkey Travel Packages From India may appear more expensive, but they provide greater value for the money since they provide more activities or better accommodations.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Turkey Tour Package

There are numerous important factors to keep in mind when contrasting Turkey Travel Packages From India.

1. Itinerary: Finding a tour package that includes the locations and activities you are interested in is a good idea. Take into account the tour's duration and speed. Will you feel rushed or that you'll have plenty of time to visit each place?

2. Inclusions: Make sure you are aware of the tour package's inclusions. Does it include lodging, travel, meals, and entertainment? Do you need to budget for any additional fees or expenses?

3. Tour size: The magnitude of the excursion should be taken into consideration. Which do you prefer—a smaller, more private one or a bigger, more communal one?

4. Tour guide: Your trip can be greatly improved by a skilled and amiable tour guide. Make sure you check the tour guide's licence and read customer feedback.

Finding Turkey Travel Packages From India that allow you flexibility in terms of the schedule and activities is important. You will then have the option to go exploring on your own or to forego participating in activities that bore you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1: Are private tours or group tours preferable for seeing Turkey?

A: That depends on what you desire. Private Turkey holiday packages from mumbai can be customised to your unique interests and demands, while group tours are typically less expensive and provide a social experience.

Q 2.Is travelling to Turkey safe?

A: Travellers can feel secure visiting Turkey. But you should always proceed with caution and pay attention to your surroundings.

Q3. When is the ideal time to travel to Turkey?

A: The months of April to May and September to November are ideal for travelling to Turkey because of the nice weather and reduced tourist traffic.

Q 4: Is a visa required to enter Turkey?

A: The majority of visitors do require visas to enter Turkey. You have two options for applying for a visa: online or at the airport.

Conclusion

Your travel interests, money, and style must all be carefully considered before selecting the ideal Turkey holiday packages from mumbai. You may choose wisely and have an unforgettable trip to Turkey by doing your homework, comparing your alternatives, and considering crucial factors like itinerary, inclusions, tour size, tour guide, and flexibility.

To make your tour the most suitable for you, don't forget to read reviews, ask questions, and don't be scared to customise it. Considering all there is to see and do in Turkey, picking the appropriate vacation package might be crucial. You won't regret it, so go ahead and reserve your ideal Turkey vacation package today!

[teejeepshirtnewsblog]

Anouk tour 2024 shirt

Anouk tour 2024 shirt

The Mongols had already wrecked Eastern Europe prior to Kublai becoming the Great Khan, and most of the Anouk tour 2024 shirt north and east of the Black Sea were under the control of the Golden Horde. The Mongols had proven that they could not only take the castles of Europe, but also beat its armies soundly. That’s where the technically yes part comes in. Based on what we saw, the Mongols were entirely capable of defeating the western European powers and invade Europe. But the key thing is that as I mentioned, the lands to the north and east of the Black Sea were ruled by the Golden Horde. By the time Kublai became Great Khan, the Mongol Empire was functionally four different realms. There was obviously Mongolia and China, which were Kublai’s domains, but there was also the Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia, the aforementioned Golden Horde in eastern Russia, and the Ilkhanate in Persia. The three latter khanates nominally owed loyalty to Kublai, and indeed the Ilkhanate was originally founded and ruled by his brother Hulaagu, but the fact was that they were independent and did what they wanted. For the most part. This is where the logically no part comes in. Kublai came to power after a civil war with his younger brother Ariq Boke, and the war essentially solidified the independent nature of the other three Khanates. To sum up a long answer, yes the Mongols could have done it if they wanted to, but they didn’t because of their own political situation and the fact that Kublai was a sinophile who ended up adopting the Chinese culture and system because it suited his needs and ambition.

[westernaltai]

Journey Through the Heart of Mongolia: Exclusive Tour Packages and Altai Mountain Adventures

Nestled between vast steppes and towering mountains, Mongolia remains one of the last bastions of untouched wilderness and ancient nomadic culture on Earth. For the intrepid traveler, Mongolia offers a stark contrast to the familiar, a place where adventure is woven into the fabric of the landscape. Through a variety of Mongolia Tour Packages and the Mongolia Altai Mountain Tour, visitors have the unique opportunity to explore this rugged land in-depth, experiencing its natural wonders and the enduring traditions of its people.

Cultural Insights and Historical Explorations

The best Mongolia Tour Packages delve into the rich tapestry of Mongolian history and culture. Visitors can wander through the ruins of Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, or experience the spiritual tranquility of Buddhist monasteries that dot the landscape. These tours not only illuminate Mongolia’s glorious past but also bring travelers face-to-face with the vibrant cultural traditions that are still alive today. From witnessing the incredible skill of eagle hunters to participating in the daily lives of nomadic herders, these experiences provide a profound understanding of the enduring Mongolian way of life.

Introducing the Mongolia Altai Mountain Tour

For those drawn to the call of the mountains, the Mongolia Altai Mountain Tour offers an unforgettable adventure. The Altai Mountains, a majestic range stretching across the western part of Mongolia, are known for their rugged beauty and the diverse ecosystems they encompass. This tour is a dream come true for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers alike, offering breathtaking landscapes from glacial peaks to rich, verdant valleys teeming with wildlife.

Adventures in the Altai Mountains

The Mongolia Altai Mountain Tour is more than just a trek; it is an expedition into the heart of Mongolia’s wilderness. Participants get the chance to traverse remote paths, camp under the stars, and observe rare wildlife species in their natural habitats. The physical challenge of hiking through the Altai is rewarded with panoramic views and the serenity of untouched nature. This tour not only challenges the body but also enriches the soul, offering deep, reflective experiences amidst some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet.

Connecting with Mongolia's Landscape and Legacy

Both the Mongolia Tour Packages and the Mongolia Altai Mountain Tour offer gateways to understanding Mongolia’s complex tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. These tours provide a broad spectrum of experiences that highlight both the ancient traditions and the majestic landscapes of Mongolia. They invite travelers to not just see Mongolia but to engage with it, offering deeper insights and lasting memories.

Conclusion

Mongolia is a land of diversity and contrasts, where ancient traditions meet breathtaking landscapes. Whether it’s through the expansive Mongolia Tour Packages or the focused Mongolia Altai Mountain Tour, there are endless opportunities to explore and connect with this unique country. For those ready to embark on a journey of discovery, further details and booking information can be found at westernaltai.com, your guide to the wonders of Mongolia.

[paletalegear]

Primus And Coheed Cambria Summer 2024 Us Tour Shirt

Primus And Coheed Cambria Summer 2024 Us Tour Shirt

The Mongols had already wrecked Eastern Europe prior to Kublai becoming the Great Khan, and most of the Primus And Coheed Cambria Summer 2024 Us Tour Shirt north and east of the Black Sea were under the control of the Golden Horde. The Mongols had proven that they could not only take the castles of Europe, but also beat its armies soundly. That’s where the technically yes part comes in. Based on what we saw, the Mongols were entirely capable of defeating the western European powers and invade Europe. But the key thing is that as I mentioned, the lands to the north and east of the Black Sea were ruled by the Golden Horde. By the time Kublai became Great Khan, the Mongol Empire was functionally four different realms. There was obviously Mongolia and China, which were Kublai’s domains, but there was also the Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia, the aforementioned Golden Horde in eastern Russia, and the Ilkhanate in Persia. The three latter khanates nominally owed loyalty to Kublai, and indeed the Ilkhanate was originally founded and ruled by his brother Hulaagu, but the fact was that they were independent and did what they wanted. For the most part. This is where the logically no part comes in. Kublai came to power after a civil war with his younger brother Ariq Boke, and the war essentially solidified the independent nature of the other three Khanates. To sum up a long answer, yes the Mongols could have done it if they wanted to, but they didn’t because of their own political situation and the fact that Kublai was a sinophile who ended up adopting the Chinese culture and system because it suited his needs and ambition.

[peakwealth]

In Bazaaristan

(This text accompanies the preceding audio post but does not cover the journey by train.)

Early globalization along the Silk Road. (Undated photograph)

Some years ago The Economist magazine ran a cover story with the title THE DEATH OF DISTANCE. The world had embraced global communications, planes and containers connected every big city on earth, everything had shrunk and everyone was on the move. Distance was a thing of the past.

I was somehow reminded of this as I stood, recently, on the edge of the Kzlkum desert, watching tour buses unload groups of ageing Italian and French sightseers. (1)

The Kzlkum desert isn't exactly next door, it is an empty corner of a pretty remote area of a pretty distant country, Uzbekistan. It is part of the infinity of Central Asia, thousands of kilometres of steppe and desert, the final geographical disconnect between the old Ottoman, Persian and Arab worlds and Asia proper: the Indian subcontinent, China and beyond. By the time you reach any of the 'stans', Europe has receded far, far beyond the horizon.

Not the Costa del Sol. October 2023

Yet there they were, the tour coaches and taxis bumping around the desert tracks, bringing excursionists enthralled by the the fantasy of, yes, the Silk Road.

The death of distance? Yes and no. It did not quite work out the way The Economist imagined it. Globalization came to be a dirty word in politics, at least in those countries where people felt they had not benefited from limitless free trade and mobility. It was perceived as a threat to national identity, it became part of the arsenal of right wing politics.

But on the edge of the Kzlkum desert, I had to admit, distance didn't seem to matter. Post-pandemic tourism had conquered all. The magic of the Silk Road had pulled Central Asia into focus and turned the turquoise cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, with their elegant tiled minarets and madrasas into generic tourist bazaars.

Their names rolled off the tongue like magic. They were on the bucket lists of millions of eager visitors anxious to see Khiva before they died.(2)

Inside Khiva's walled city: shopping for souvenirs, silly hats and of course, silk scarves. October 2023

Little or no effort has been made to segregate or protect the heritage sites from the opportunities of commerce. A bazaari atmosphere prevails in the historic quarters.

Traders, warriors and emissaries from ancient cultures have crossed paths here, from Greece, Byzantium, Mesopotamia, Russia, Persia, Mongolia, China. For all the unimaginable hardships of desert and distance, they somehow exchanged language, religion, food, astronomy, rituals, warfare, agriculture. Look around today's Uzbekistan and you can retrace this cross-fertilization between East and West. It endures despite the rapid and often careless economic development (like the car culture, western junk food, etc.).

For now overseas tourism doesn't amount to much in Uzbekistan's overall economy but the numbers are clearly rising. As the visitors navigate the imaginary Silk Road in comfort, Marco Polo and Alexander the Great must be spinning in their graves.

________________________

(1) Kzl, which means red, often spelled kyzyl or kizil, is a fun word because it has consonants only.

(2) If that wasn't enough, some travellers come this far to behold the dried out shores of the defunct Aral sea with their own eyes.

[thxnews]

Heappey's Diplomatic Triumph: Central Asia Strengthened

  Kazakhstan: Forging Partnerships and Peacekeeping Efforts

Minister Heappey Meets with Key Officials In a significant diplomatic mission, the UK's Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, embarked on a visit to Central Asia this week, actively engaging in high-level talks aimed at enhancing security and defense collaboration. Throughout his journey, he traversed Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia, where he held meetings with defense leaders and military chiefs, with a resolute aim to strengthen international partnerships. In Kazakhstan on Tuesday, Minister Heappey held substantive discussions with prominent officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko, Deputy Defence Minister Lieutenant General Sultan Burkutbayevich Kamaletdinov, and members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Security of the Mazhilis of Parliament. Importantly, the focal point of their talks centered on exploring avenues for future cooperation, especially in the realm of peacekeeping missions. Additionally, Minister Heappey commended Kazakhstan for its support of the sanctions imposed on Russia in response to the conflict in Ukraine. For over two decades, the United Kingdom has actively contributed to the development of Kazakhstan's Peace Operations Centre (KAZCENT). Notably, this collaborative effort has significantly bolstered Kazakh deployments in peace support operations, such as UN missions in countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Lebanon, and Western Sahara. Crucially, the foundation of these efforts lies in the provision of military English language training by the UK.  

Uzbekistan: Regional Security and Historic Commemoration

Minister Engages in Security Talks and Pays Tribute Continuing his journey, Minister Heappey arrived in Uzbekistan on Wednesday. There, he engaged in regional security discussions with the Minister of Defence, Lieutenant General Bakhodir Kurbanov, and met with the Commander of the National Guard, General Rustam Jo’rayev. Additionally, he paid his respects at Victory Park in Tashkent by laying a wreath in honor of the Uzbek soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War Two.  

Mongolia: Historic Visit and Peacekeeping Partnership

Minister Marks 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations Minister Heappey's tour concluded in Mongolia, marking a historic visit as the first British defense minister to the country. During his visit, he met with Defence Minister Gürsediin Saikhanbayar to discuss cooperation in the realm of peacekeeping missions. The relationship between the UK and Mongolia holds special significance, with their soldiers having served together in Afghanistan and as peacekeepers in South Sudan. Notably, 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the UK becoming the first Western nation to establish diplomatic relations with Mongolia.  

Minister Heappey's Statement

In a statement, Minister for the Armed Forces, Rt Hon James Heappey MP, underscored the importance of these visits, explicitly aligning them with the strategic approach outlined in the recent Defence Command Paper. Furthermore, he emphasized the overarching objective of building strategic international partnerships across Asia in the interest of security and prosperity. Minister Heappey expressed his satisfaction with the productive discussions held with defense ministers and military leaders in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia. He highlighted the groundwork laid for future cooperation, particularly in the field of peacekeeping operations.  

Commitment to Strengthening Central Asian Engagement

Reiterating the United Kingdom's commitment, as explicitly outlined in the Integrated Review Refresh 2023, Minister Heappey emphatically emphasized the country's steadfast dedication to bolstering its engagement with Central Asian nations and Mongolia. Furthermore, this commitment aims to bolster their prosperity, enhance security, and fortify their resistance to Russian interference, all in alignment with the UK's broader international strategic goals.   Sources: THX News, Ministry of Defence & The Rt Hon James Heappey MP. Read the full article

[givingcheap]

Forget the ‘fake’ BBQ. These are the dishes every Mongolia visitor needs to try, according to locals

Mongolian cuisine can best be summed up by a local proverb: “Give a man a knife, fire and some stones, and he has a kitchen.”

Home to one of the world’s most famous nomadic cultures, Mongolia’s food reflects the nation’s resourcefulness and its deep-rooted relationship with nature.

It’s also a cuisine that is highly misunderstood, thanks to the many deceptive, so-called “Mongolian barbecue” restaurants in cities around the world.

“They’re all fake,” says Javkha Ara. “Very different from the original Mongolian foods.”

A filmmaker and a self-proclaimed “mad foodie” from the northern city of Darkhan, Ara founded Artger (combining the words art and ger, which means yurt) in 2016 after he realized how little information about his country was available online.

Artger’s YouTube channel, which has amassed more than 510,000 subscribers and millions of views, focuses on Mongolian cuisine and culture. The channel’s English-language shows offer a glimpse into different facets of Mongolia, such as families preparing breakfast in a yurt, two friends enjoying some barbecue in the countryside, or Mongolian wrestlers chowing down on hundreds of dumplings.

Javkha Ara (center), a Mongolian filmmaker, launched his own English-language YouTube channel on Mongolian food and culture in 2016.Javkhlantugs Ragchaasuren (Javkha Ara)

“Mongolian food is like a secret to the Western world,” says Ara. “It’s unique because many Mongolian foods rise from our nomadic culture.

“People just assume we’re crazy meat-eaters. It’s partly true – but also a little wrong. Mongols eat meat in winter because the winters are harsh. But when summertime comes, we eat dairy products like milk, and we have many wild greens. It’s balancing.”

Munkhtsetseg Nasanbat, head chef at the Three Camel Lodge, a luxury ger camp in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, offers similar sentiments, noting that the country’s varied terrain has a big influence on taste.

“Mongolian cuisine is diverse, encompassing not only meat but also a wide range of dairy products, berries, fruits and meat products from various regions,” she says.

“The taste of dairy products and meat can differ significantly between provinces, influenced by the type of grass that livestock graze on. For instance, meat from the Gobi region has a distinct taste with hints of wild garlic, while meat from the steppe areas is known for its rich wild onion flavor.”

These nuances are important as many Mongolian dishes contain just three basic elements: meat, wheat and salt. Spices and sauces don’t play a big part. This might give the impression that Mongolian food is a monotonous affair, but these simple ingredients can produce a wide range of flavors thanks to the varied cooking techniques used in different regions of Mongolia.

“If you take a grand tour around Mongolia, you’ll see the north uses more smoking techniques as it is better to keep food for longer in cold weather, but there are many more boiled dishes in the south,” says Batsuuri Gantulga, sales manager and itinerary designer for Goyo Travel, a tour operator based in Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar.

“Much of our meat comes from the countryside. They’re grass-fed in the countryside and not from the factory. So different regions may use different meat available near them.”

For example, there are more camels in the south, while reindeer are primarily found in the north.

“You will find smoked fish dishes in the north as well,” adds Gantulga.

Appetite whetted? Here are 10 Mongolian dishes that will offer a well-rounded taste of the nation’s cuisine when you visit, according to the locals.

[irvinenewshq]

Serbia set to considerably align itself with EU visa coverage

Serbia might find yourself cancelling extra visa free regimes with nations to additional stem migration in direction of the European Union. The Western Balkan nation had final week ended visa exemptions with Tunisia and Burundi, following threats that its personal visa-free journey to the EU can be scrapped. On Monday (24 October), its embassy to the EU mentioned that Serbia “would considerably align itself with EU visa coverage till the tip of the 12 months.” Though not explicitly acknowledged, the remark suggests others apart from Tunisia and Burundi may be on Belgrade’s chopping block. Nationalities from some 20 nations are nonetheless capable of journey to Serbia with no visa, together with Russians and Belarusians, that are themselves excluded from the EU’s visa-free system. However statistics suggests a spike within the variety of Cuban (339 vs. 36), Indian (4,469 vs. 557) and Turkish (6,186 vs. 1,652) arrivals to Serbia, posing questions on whether or not Belgrade will subsequent impose visas on them. Though the overwhelming majority of individuals utilizing the Western Balkans route to succeed in the EU stay Syrians and Afghans, the EU says it had additionally registered a major improve of irregular border crossings by nationals from Turkey, Tunisia, India and Cuba. Final 12 months, Turkey, Tunisia, India, Cuba and Burundi represented solely 2.5 p.c of irregular border crossings on the Western Balkan Route. This jumped to twenty p.c up to now this 12 months. An inside doc from the Czech EU presidency, out earlier this month, additionally says member states north of the Western Balkan area have since seen an “improve within the variety of asylum seekers by residents of nations that are visa-exempt in Serbia.” Additional afield, Belgium, as an illustration, reported an increase in Cuban and Burundian asylum seekers. The stress comes amid stories of unlawful pushbacks within the Western Balkans. A brand new report out by Border Violence Monitoring Community (BVMN), a rights watchdog, registered a rise of violence towards folks on the shared land border between Serbia and Hungary. “This month, the BVMN noticed a rise within the variety of pushbacks -and their stage of violence- perpetrated by Hungarian authorities on the Serbian-Hungarian border, which presently constitutes the busiest route within the area,” notes the report. Accidents embrace fractures, dislocations, and laceration in keeping with stories of bodily assaults utilizing boots, batons, belts, rubber bullets, and electrical shocks, it says. Von der Leyen in Balkan tour Serbia’s remark additionally comes forward of a Western Balkan go to this week by European Fee president Von der Leyen. Von der Leyen is about to go to Skopje on Wednesday, adopted by Pristina and Tirana on Thursday after which Sarajevo and Belgrade on Friday. These visits align with earlier bulletins by Von der Leyen to incorporate the Western Balkans in an EU joint gasoline procurement. Requested if Von der Leyen additionally intends to debate migration whereas in Belgrade, her chief spokesperson Eric Mamer gave a large response. “The message on the whole phrases is that the EU has solidarity with the nations with the areas,” he informed reporters, citing investments and Russia’s battle in Ukraine. “So I’m positive that there will likely be a number of subjects of debate,” he added. Serbia’s visa free checklist now consists of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, China, Cuba, Guinea Bissau, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Suriname, and Turkey. Originally published at Irvine News HQ

[wemichalsmith]

The best Mongolia travel agency will help you plan your trip to wherever you go. The deals offered by the agency will help you enjoy your vacation to an amazing place with confidence.

[discoveraltaimongolia-blog]

Planning a trip may sound easier, but it is actually easier said than done. Planning a trip requires a lot of organized efforts. Without appropriate planning, you may miss out on the real beauties of Mongolia. The travel agencies come to help here. They can help in planning you the best trips and include all the main highlights of the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park in your package. For the best travel experience in Mongolia, visit at our site.

[altaiexpeditions-blog]

Mongolian adventure tours : Find the best Mongolian adventure tours with Altai Expeditions. Altai Expeditions is the best adventure company in Mongolia. Here is some best adventure activity like Trekking. Book now and save with altaiexpeditions!

[gbatta]

Week 5: Jumping Down the Rabbit Hole

Demonstrate to us what kind of research you have done so far?

Ted Talks

Book, Mushroom Essences:Vibrational Healing from the Kingdom Fungi

Online Research

Continued research this week:

Beatrix Potter, “she bridged real life and fantasy by transmuting the animals and plants she observed in nature into whimsical characters and stories, and mushrooms have long symbolized this very transmutation, perhaps most prominently in Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland, which first captured the popular imagination the year Potter was born.”

Takashi Murakami: https://www.thebroad.org/art/takashi-murakami

Popular drug cultures & historical concerns

Traditional Japanese paintings with Western influences

Salvador Dali, Impressions of Upper Mongolia

https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/blog/virtual-tour-mushrooms

In Europe, mushrooms were objects of horror & disgust, connected to witchcraft, poison and decay.

In the 19th century, as mushrooms drew rookie botanists and artists in to show what they were capable of, their reputation began to change for the better.

Today, mushrooms inspire art & design

The first recorded instance of ingesting magic mushrooms from a cave painting in sub-Saharan Africa

Ritualistic use in ancient Siberia, Africa, & Spain

The Mesoamerica

Divination, private healing, & rituals in Mayan & Aztec cultures

Scientific Side:

Research to fight depression & addiction

Designer & Artist Side:

Exploring the aesthetic, scientific, & cultural possibilities of these mysterious beings

Fungi may change the way we think about the world

The future:

Contributes to medicine & biotechnology as well as new ways of fighting against pollution & waste

Symbolizes resilience and a new way of life

Large mycelium ceiling pendant, Sebastian Cox & Ninela Ivanova

What kind of take-aways and questions have you identified or stood out for you?

Why are Eastern countries more willing to accept mushrooms and the stigma around them?

How does the stigma around mushrooms vary from country to country?

Is witchcraft as bad as they make it sound?

Why is witchcraft viewed in a similar light to mushrooms?

What is witchcraft? What does modern witchcraft look like?

Who are people that you want to talk to about this issue? Who is active in your area? (designers, artists, activists, psychologists, scientists, et cetera)

Reaching out to the Sonoma Mushroom & Fungi Club, interview?

Reaching out to Otis instructor about how mushrooms impact spirituality

[dojae-huh]

1 - With america, I'm still not sure they will let kpop become mainstream in their own country Or even let it be a popular genre. Lets see america fall for something else other than BTS, I remember wonder girls, boa and Bi (rain) being popular enough for the Hollywood actors to talk abt them in late 2000 and early 2010s but the hype died before they could make a real dent. America is very racist when it comes to music and only let's a genre get hyped for a small period of time.

2 - look at the way Latin music and artists were treated in early 2000s and are treated now in America. Their fanbase hasnt died down but they are never on the charts now or get the hype anymore. This is why I was saying western market is very fickle and sm has always wanted to break markets that buy everything for a long time. They womt stop their idols from being pushed in america but idols like exo who didnt feel comfortable, werent forced to go on to America as much as NCT.

3 - SEA fans would not only have been loyal fans of kpop but most SM idols. Suju is the biggest example of an idol group doing well even when they're so much older now. China still is in love with gd and exo... so yes I do think that sm wont dislike having idols working in America but for them as a company asia and asia Pacific are more important than america market, they dont even think Europe was important before the nct 127 tour.

4 - Russia, middleeast and south asian markets are also being experimented with. Suju was one of the first boybands ever to perform in Saudi Arabia and last few years UAE has become a favourite spot for videos of SM idols and also a place where theyve performed more times than theyve ever done before. So I still think asia is the focus for sm...

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Of course Asia is more important, it’s only natural. However, SM does everything to be high on Billboard, so don’t understimate its interest. 

Shakira and J Lo are still doing very well. Check the yearly concert yearnings. Mainstream - no, but it’s enough to make a certain amount of teens and young adults interested, they’ll spread it further. Kpop is not played on radio/TV in Russia, but there are hundred thousands of fans, who make their own communities on social media. 

SM’s end goal is to sell the technology of training/performance/promotion. The faces can be white. The music is written by international plethora of writers anyway, it has new quality (the mix of genres), but not a local “alien” sound.  

And look at the countries where songs trend. A group might never give a concert in a certain country, but will be able to sell digital albums. Everyone has a phone now. Most with the internet. TV or the radio don’t matter as much.  

Side note, but I’ve remembered Mongolia. A big country with a small population. Teens copy everything Korean, and their pop-groups are also a copy of k-pop. Hm, I see they have improved.

[fuzz-zine]

Review: “THE HUMORLESS LADIES OF BORDER CONTROL: Touring the Punk Underground from Belgrade to Ulaanbaatar” by Franz Nicolay.

To get it out of the way right now: the word PUNK means different things to different people, while I personally wouldn’t consider Nicolay’s musical ouvre to be PUNK, the ethic behind this book certainly is. Moving on.

I can’t recommend this book to US punx enough right now. Nicolay covers a couple of his tours to eastern Europe and central Asia, solo tours and ones he undertook with his wife, so there isn’t one central narrative story. This book is rather a collection of observations about areas of the world that aren’t often ‘toured’ in the traditional sense. Nicolay is playing gigs in places like Ufa (Russia) Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia)  and Sofia (Bulgaria) throughout this book (and there’s a handy map in the first few pages to help westerners get oriented if need be) which was enough in and of itself to peak my interest. In the US we hear next to nothing about what’s going on outside of North America and Western Europe, generally, and music specifically falls into that broader problem in unique ways. I think technology has a lot to do with it, as do implicit biases (the spectre of the Cold War looms ever over these amber waves of blood soaked grain). The bottom line is, Russia and the US are more similar than ever, and if we want to move forward through the problems we’re having right now we can learn a lot from these aged and young punks living in the former Eastern Bloc.

For those already in the DIY music scene, the logistics of booking shows in these areas of the world look pretty much the same as they do anywhere else. Nicolay doesn’t spend much time discussing the actual ins and outs of shows intentionally, the shit is repetitive and anyone who has toured even for a week knows the basics. He’s in touch with some people he knows, who have put him in touch with people they know, etc. In some scenarios he had to book shows through message boards. He takes trains for the majority of his journey in Russia and Mongolia, taking in the countryside so few people outside these regions ever see at all. The similarities are striking, every city has a ‘red circle’, an old soviet monument (perhaps its been repurposed), shoddily constructed apartment and office buildings (crumbling, in some cases), poor infrastructure, diseased natural spaces (burned out forests, polluted waterfronts), rampant corruption, and extreme nihilism. Sound familiar?

Nicolay speaks a lot about this former Eastern Bloc brand of nihilism, pointing out that oftentimes extreme leftist views age into extreme nationalist views in this area of the world, a place where so many have been denied their own cultural heritage. There are some people still booking gigs, promoting shows, operating illegal punk squats and infoshops, but by and large the people attending the shows were far more concerned with drunken escapism than with affecting societal change. (Sound familiar?)

The book is not without some hope, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges like famine, war, and drought the people who live in Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Poland, Hungary, et al find ways to cheer themselves. Nicolay points out repeatedly the old Austro-Hungarian pastel village style that is still present in many of the Balkan and Eastern European countries. They still get up, go to work, get on the radio, go to shows, protest corruption, and try to make it work together. They aren’t reliant on their governments or community ‘leaders’ at all in a lot of these places, the corruption is so bad that no one can afford to deal with politicians period. If anything, this book proves that there is no excuse to give up. We have to keep working together to keep this thing afloat. And by this thing, I mean Earth and all of us in it. PUNK is the metaphor, the message. What we do with it is up to us.

[maritimesilkroad3]

Exploring the Silk Road

21st Century Maritime Silk Road

The actual Silk Road is one associated with China's most popular tourist destinations. There are actually already heaps of travel agents as well as tour companies offering excursions in 2010. So where is it and also why is it so popular?

21st Century Maritime Silk Road

Traditionally the actual Silk Road extends via Xian in central China and taiwan to either the Middle Far east or Europe. In fact there are several routes, some to Moscow in the north and those straight into India and Pakistan in the south. The same as travellers in the time regarding Marco Polo - the particular thirteenth century - typically the ancient trade routes remain although the type of goods available and the method of transport get changed. The reason why the Cotton Road starts/ends in Xian is that it was the ancient investment of China and dimensions trade routes, in many cases across the Yangtze and Yellow Estuaries and rivers, were already established for you to distribute goods within Cina.

Nowadays, many tourists start off their Silk Road trip in Beijing. The Poderoso City, the Great Wall involving China the many places connected with historic interest will make the 3-5 day stay useful. Add to it a little store shopping and time to experience n . Chinese cuisine and you are positioned for your Silk Road encounter.

Getting there. Most intercontinental airlines fly into Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. You will find a lesser choice of flights to help and from western Tiongkok and most of these are structured out of the capital of Xinjiang Province, Urumqi.

China offers rail connections north in order to Mongolia, Hong Kong, Tibet along with west to Moscow. To the even more adventurous there are multiple track links into Vietnam.

Instructor access from/to Pakistan is offered along the Karakorum Highway, in addition to November though April, introduced closed. Delays and distress can be part of this path so be prepared. Travel throughout Pakistan needs serious thought. We spent 12 great days travelling there at the end of 2007 but with the climb of the Taliban the risk intended for westerners has increased dramatically.

Integralinis are required for all access take into account China and I recommend that all these be obtained well in advance.

Driving around Train travel is famous in China although it is equipped with an extensive coach network. Naturally you could fly but that might really defeat the main intent behind visiting China - in order to meet the people. Train travel is usually reliable, fast and affordable. "Soft" sleeping compartments because of four or on a few routes for two persons are offered or if you want to join often the locals try the "hard" class, but unless you need treatment on a tight budget, it's not encouraged. You will need assistance buying the railroad tickets as few stop staff speak English. The particular timetables and options might be complex. Ask a travel company with China experience to help you.

Many companies offer tours over the Silk Road. Most of these work with a combination of coach and also. International companies include DISTANCE, Peregrine, World Expeditions, Vacation Indo-China. You can find these applying Google. Some tours will include a lour leader and guideline. Standards of accommodation in addition to comfort are reflected from the pricing.

Another option is to work with a guide through Chinese firms like Xinjiang Silk Path Adventures in Urumqi. Community guides can be provided with a per day basis or all round for a tour, at inexpensive prices. Tour guides are required to always be licensed in China.

When is it best to Go China is a huge country covering eight timezones. Its climate varies noticeably. Summers can be hot as well as sticky and the winters really cold so the best several weeks are in Spring and Fall months. Consult a good guide reserve for the temperatures that you can knowledge at the time of your planned vacation so that you can dress appropriately.

Egypt Road Highlights To get the best of a Silk Road quest it should not be rushed. Let a minimum of 14 days in addition to just about any stay in Beijing. If you are such as Uzbekistan add another eight days:

The major attractions are generally:

o Xian the Clay Army and other historic web sites o The Labrang Monastery in Xiahe, in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous region to The Fort and Wonderful Wall of China Adult ed at Jiayuguan o Dunhuang for riding the two humped Bactrian camels in the great sand dunes. Nearby are definitely the Buddhist Mogao Caves fixed into a desert backdrop from the Flaming mountains. o Urumqi has an excellent Xinjiang Comarcal Museum. Two hours apart is the spectacular lake section of China, the Beautiful Lake. Here you'll find Kazakh people living in yurts and also grazing their herds associated with horses, sheep and goats. If you have the time, stay right away and experience the food and food of the locals. o Turpan is famous for its grapes, along with nearby are the ancient urban centers of Gaochang and Jiaohe, the Bezeklik thousand Juggernaut Tombs and the underground normal water systems called karez in which link Turpan to much essential snow melt from the far away Tian Shan mountains. a Kashgar, a trade option city for thousands of years. Visit the outdated city before it's destroyed and attend the famous On the animal market which though dusty is a great spectacle. e Those with extra time may find the actual southern Silk Road remanso towns of Yarkand in addition to Khotan of interest. This area is much less visited but does have several interesting side trips which includes camel safaris and journeys into the Taklamakan desert. This kind of predominantly Uyghur area provides much of interest for those that are seeking something a little different. i A short train journey or maybe flight will take you across the european Chinese border and then up on Tashkent the capital of Uzbekistan. Here the real gems in the Silk Road are to be within the ancient cities regarding Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Coach travel in Uzbekistan is comfortable and reasonably priced, although the rail line western world offers an alternative.

If you are looking for a getaway with a difference and you are a small adventurous, then travelling the particular Silk Road should be on the side your list. It is harmless and affordable. And it is any hugely rewarding experience. Sure, it will have its challenges but you may be asking yourself what a story you can tell if you get home, not to mention your excellent digital photographs of the best parts of this scenic journey.

[burlveneer-music]

The HU - The Gereg - throat-singing Mongolian metal; playing TLA in Philly Nov. 13

The HU is a band from Mongolia that blends heavy metal and traditional Mongolian throat singing. The band’s name The HU, is the Mongolian root word for human being.  They call their style “Hunnu Rock”…inspired by the Hunnu, an ancient Mongolian empire, known as The Huns in western culture. Some of the band’s lyrics include old Mongolian war cries and poetry.  

Founded in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia by their producer Dashka, along with the members Gala, Jaya, Temka, and Enkush. The HU combines Rock Music with traditional Mongolian instrumentation like the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), Tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), Tumur Khuur (jaw harp), guttural throating singing and the bombastic bass and drums of rock.  All four members have earned Bachelor’s or higher degrees in music and have several years of touring experience throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim.  

Since the formation of the band, they’ve been working on their first album, The Gereg.  The word Gereg was used as the first Diplomatic “Passport” by the Mongol empire during the time of Genghis Khan. The album contains nine songs including viral hits “Yuve Yuve Yu” and “Wolf Totem”, and was released on September 13, 2019 via Eleven Seven Music.

Gala / Lead Throat Singer and Morin Khuur Enkush / Lead Morin Khuur and Throat Singer Jaya / Jaw Harp, Tsuur, Flute, and Throat Singer Temka / Tovshuur