UN Secretary-General's Message Calling for Observance of the Olympic Truce

The Olympic Games celebrate the human spirit. They bring together athletes from myriad backgrounds, all cultures and every nationality in a common endeavor to excel -- to run faster, reach further, and aim higher.

But the true excellence of the Games rests in their ability to unite humanity around universal aspirations: equality, fair play, sportsmanship, tolerance and, above all, peace.

These values represent the driving force of the Olympic Movement, which employs the potential of sports to promote a culture of peace, prosperity and human dignity. These same ideals underpin the United Nations Charter and its aspirations to promote human welfare, safeguard human rights and enhance global understanding and cooperation. Taken together, the Olympic Movement and the United Nations constitute a gold medal team in the race to advance humanity’s most cherished ideals.

The most visible and immediate manifestation of teamwork between the UN and the Olympic Movement is the Olympic Truce, which calls for a worldwide cessation of all hostilities for the duration of the Games.

Though limited in duration, this Truce has unlimited potential. It can provide a pause in which to reconsider the heavy cost of war; an opening to initiate a dialogue, and a window to provide relief for suffering populations. It can demonstrate to the world that peace is possible in even the most seemingly intractable situations if we truly work towards it.

But the Olympic Truce is only meaningful in its observance. I join the International Olympic Committee and the United Nations General Assembly in calling on all those who are at war to observe this Truce. Let them lay down their weapons, if only temporarily, so that humanity can lay claim to gold even before the Games begin.

Source: http://www.tivarati.com/tag/olympic/

China Travel Guide

It has been said that China is not a country. It’s really a different world, one possessing origins of the oriental civilizations.

China is considered to be the third largest country in the world with reference to area and population. This country of dragon occupies Central and East Asia. It is bound by many countries: Mongolia, Russia and Kazakhstan to the north, North Korea, to the east, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, India, Bhutan and Nepal to the south as well as India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to the west. China’s territory consists of mountains in the west, semi-desert in the north, fertile plains in the northeast, and a basin way down in the farthest east as well as the south with the Yangtze River running through it.

Since China is comparable to a continent, first-time travelers had better spot their itinerary to the outstandingly attractive tourist sites so as to see landmarks identifying the symbols of the country. For tourists visiting for the very first time, these sites in China are a must see, like seeing the Eiffel Tower or La Champs-Elysees when in France. It is also recommended that you shouldn’t miss these cosmopolitans: Beijing, the China’s capital city, Shanghai, the Paris of China and Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province where you can see the Great Wall and the recently discovered Army Terracotta Warriors. Also, if you want to, you can include Hong Kong and Macau in your trip so as to have a customary shopping spree after a long quest for exotic experiences.

Generally, most travelers from the other hemisphere would find no difficulty in appreciating the completely different atmosphere in this country. One, especially the health-minded, might even find him/herself too easy to adopt this way of commuting. Isn’t it appealing to cycling around while indulging in the authentically awesome oriental ambience?

However, visitors are not bound to climb the Great Wall or marvel at the extravagant structures only. Plenty of adventurous recreational activities also exist. Up north, the highlands are superb for hiking while camel rides through the desserts of the inner land are also worth trying. Horse riding allows you to immerse into nature as does cycling. You can also opt to ice-skate and ski in the winter, even explore caves in the southwest provinces or follow the footsteps of Marco Polo on the Silk Road at Xi’an.

Also worthwhile is taking note that China is creating new avenues for tourism. The China National Tourism Administration has set up a new series of tours based on different themes that will take visitors to the very indigenous essences of China. Folk Arts are being focused on with the Culinary Kingdom in 2003, Catch the Lifestyle in 2004, and Visit China in 2005. There has never been a time like now that you are being given an opportunity to dismantle your doubts that have long cast over on this mystic land.

You can see sample trips from China Best Deals and Asia Best Deals.

Luang Prabang, Laos

The royal capital of Laos until the 1975 revolution, this World Heritage site remains a charming curiosity of ancient temples and French colonial architecture.

Second City

When Fa Ngum founded the Lan Xang kingdom in 1353, he named his capital Muang Sawa. Later, when he received a Sri Lankan Buddha image (Phra Bang) from the Khmers, he renamed the capital Luang Phrabang. Vientiane became the new capital in 1545. Now, as Laos’ second biggest city, Luang Phrabang remains a sleepy town still awaiting modernity. The ethnic mix is Laos, Mien, Hmong and various other Thai tribes. The architecture is assorted, with northern Laos temples and French colonial buildings standing among humbler private dwellings: mountains surround the area, giving an isolated feel.

Palace Museum

For the city’s history, try the French colonial-era Royal Palace Museum by the Mekong River. Built in 1904, it was a residence of King Sisavong Vang. He died in 1959, leaving it to Crown Prince Sisavang Vatthana. Following his exile during the 1975 revolution, the palace became a museum. It contains a 38-cm solid gold Buddha image from the 1st century, carved elephant tusks and other unusual Buddha statues.

Temple Finery

Interesting temples: The classic Wat Xieng Thong (1560) is the city’s finest temple. It features some unique Buddha effigies and a beautiful tree of life mosaic. Stunning gold relief adorns the doors of Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham (1797). Wat Wisunalat (1513) is Luang Phrabang’s oldest, continually used temple. Burned by Chinese Ho bandits in 1887, it was rebuilt in 1898.The main stupa of Wat That Luang (1818) holds the ashes of King Sisavang Vong. Local lore dates the site to the 3rd century BC.

River Attractions

Outside Luang Phrabang: Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong River are a 25-km boat ride away and contain hundreds of Buddha statues. 29 km south of the city are Kuang Si Falls, where water cascades from several tiers into the green pools below. This is a public recreation area.

See more about Luang Prabang photos.