Sep

Trip to Bali

snaptra on September 20, 2014

this extraordinary island of truly special , how charming people with their artistic approach to life where Hinduism being spiritual compass to life guidance, in tropical paradise presents unique mix of relaxing atmosphere and mood . Despite over 3 million people domiciling the island , calm environment prevails . With all possibilities for true dynamic sportive and adventure type of activities one can find solace and peace on that island . Bali Island , already since early days of 1^st century AD , called “ Bali dwipa” has highest in the world concentration of temples , shrines and religious structures . “ It is true Island of a Thousand Puras (Temples)” or the “Island of the Gods”, where shrines and temples to Brahma, the creator , Vishnu, the preserver and Shiva, the destroyer , are evident all over the Island.

In these revered places celebration and worshiping of Hinduism often in unique way through animism concept takes place . Hinduisms , here in Bali , merges many concepts of daily living into big picture of cosmic order which Balinese believe in . Banyan trees respected and used as the natural form of shrine or temple , colourfully adorned in special colourful wraps ,kind of sarongs , provide with its canopy , shade from the tropical sun and also spiritual shelter for worshipers. On this island settled by Austronesian people from around 2000 BC , the religion of Hinduism was introduced already by around 500 BC . This religion and unique geographical position of the Island where power of mother nature is evident in many way through the Ocean being giver of food , provider of amazing sounds of waves poncing on the shores of the coast line altered in the past by the tremors and eruptions of volcanos which in their dormant form present many aspects for understanding the spirituality of the nature ,allows Balinese people see their position here on this Island as the part of spiritual Universe . Phenomena where all physical aspects of the environment have spirit and interact with one another . In Hinduism of Balinese people , Agama Hindu Dharma the spiritual concepts of fusion of Indian Shivaite and Buddhist tradition make them truly honest , gentle and peaceful people . Visitors are welcome here with true character of equatorial world of Lesser Sunda Islands which beside Island of Lembongan also consist Island of Lombok , easily reachable from Bali .

Bali is true delight to visit . Welcome smiling faces of Balinese people dressed in pretty batik material cloth . Men wearing white UDENG head gear and women in Kebaya and Batik sarongs is visual delight . Colours of the nature with turquoise waters of the sea , blue of sky , green of the rice and black and white checked material wrapping the Banyan trees provides variety of unforgettable memories . The religious and associated festivities like offerings of gifts to the Gods are special experiences . Often performed by the sea on the beach . Here different worlds meet . Under the colourful umbrellas with frilly tassels shimmering in wind, carried with pride on the woven palm leaves trays , rich offerings containing earthly foods , flowers and sometimes birds and animals , sometimes even cigarettes, are presented to the Gods of the sea . The umbrella in Bali is not just only to protect from Sun it is symbol of protective power of GOD which throws the divine shadow on everything in the Universe . At the same time when the offerings are given on the beach in the ceremonial fashion , on these beaches tourists seek relaxation , abilities to enjoy sport activities and also pay due respect to the nature by looking after their bodies while swimming , sunbaking or enjoying Balinese massages . Beaches in Bali are temples of spirituality and also hedonism . Psychedelic colours of boats on golden sand awaiting launch on turquoise waters for the fishing , huge kites with vibrating sounds on blue sky is truly mesmerizing impression . It is pure joy to be here in Bali and pay respect to bodily , mental and spiritual needs .

Bali provides tourists with comfortable , wonderfully designed and decorated with artistic flavour places of accommodation . Spa resorts , villas , hotels are well appointed and positioned at major places of attractions . Beaches , Seminyak , Kuta ,Legian , Sanur , interior villages like Ubud or neighbouring Islands with Nusa Lembongan being forty minutes fast boat ride , provide wide range of fun and variety of relaxation and joy of life , while holidaying in Bali . The gentle Balinese massages are beside wide range of joys while holidaying in Bali, very welcome activities. After sports , shopping and enjoyment of delightful food , relaxing massage is truly enjoyable and unwinds the body and mind .

Some of the beaches renown already for sometime , provide surfing and waves for fun while new section of Bali Seminyak , not long ago small village now provides facilities for sophisticated fun while staying at extraordinarily elegant hotels and Spa Resorts and also boutique Villas . “ Tony’s Villas “ presents choice of very quiet spacious , in leafy environment , villa stay in Seminyak . On other hand Sanur beach on other hand is the part of Bali where long walks , bike rides are presenting variety of relaxations while staying here at well appointed hotels . Here all sort of water sports are available . Snorkelling , paragliding , Para-surfing and swimming in warm waters of the ocean .” Mercure Resort “ is well positioned for these joys of holiday and is presenting to the guests beside great accommodation , huge gardens presenting tranquillity for these who wish to relax after busy night life of Bali . From Sanur also fast boats of “ Scoot “ Company depart to Nusa Lembongan . Here on Lembongan Island water sports , walks and exploration of the island provide opportunities to limitless fun . For some who seek calm and quiet atmosphere Island of Lembongan presents also peaceful holiday at pleasantly appointed Villas and Spa Resorts . One of great places with views on the Mt. Agung volcano on Bali and eco style villas is “ Naturalle Villas” on Lembongan .

Some daily excursions into the interior of Bali are available and provide chance to visit Balinese villages and see the Balinese working on picturesque rice terraces . Ubud is one of very popular town to call while in Bali . Boutique hotels , markets , monkeys forest and opportunities to visit eco- farms where Balinese coffee is planted are available to the visitors. Beside this Ubud is the place to make short visits to the terrace rice fields which some of provide opportunity to stay at Villa pleasantly situated by the rice fields and riches of rural life style of Bali . From Ubud the Lake Batur with great vistas on Mt . Batur and Mt . Agun which is 3100 m. High is also place worth a visit . While touring eastern part of Bali interior , very special and enriching experience is visit to Tirta Empul Temple . This spiritual complex and Temple was built in 962 A.D. during the Warmadewa dynasty . Here many people do special pilgrimage to cleanse their spirit and mind while submerging in holy waters of the Temple spring. From here one can see modern villa on the hill. Which was built for President Sukarno’s visit in 1954. Now this elegant , overlooking Temple villa is used to provide accommodation for important guests.

Bali is definitely place to consider as the destination to visit . Many international airlines fly to Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, often called Denpasar International Airport, being positioned only 13 km south of Denpasar , where one can start the Bali experience . Garuda Indonesia , Singapore Airlines , AirAsia , Jetstar fly directly to Denpasar while some who present services to neighbouring countries have also special deals . One of these carriers is LOT Polish Airlines .

Terima kasih- Thanks for reading and exploring Bali on the website and Selamat dating – Welcome to Bali .

WMIG Bali September 2014

Websites to visit to plan the travel to Bali :

Transport :

Airlines:

– http://www.lot.com/gb/en/?gclid=CLCBrZLo7MACFUtwvAodE5wApQ – LOT Polish Airlines

– http://www.singaporeair.com – Singapore Airlines

– http://www.jetstar.com – Jetstar Airlines

– https://www.garuda-indonesia.com – Garuda Indonesia Airlines

http://www.airasia.com/au/en/home.page?cid=eab308axiaa&gclid=CPfftovp7MACFU1wvAodNXIAZw – AirAsia Airlines

Sea Inter-islands transport

http://www.scootcruise.com – Scoot boats Sanur – Bali to Nusa Lembongan – Island

Accommodation:

http://www.balitonys.com/ – Tony’s Villas Seminyak Bali

http://www.naturalevillas.com/ – Naturale Villas – Nusa Lembongan – Island off Bali

http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-5474-mercure-resort-sanur/index.shtml- Mercure Resort Sanur Bali

About Bali :

http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/73/bali- official Indonesia Tourism website about Bali,

http://www.balitourismboard.org – official Bali website

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Aug

Wroclaw melting pot

snaptra on August 28, 2014

of history, culture and people city which in 2016 will be culture capital of Europe presents visitors with multitude of exiting impressions. This Piast , earliest Polish Kings dynasty , town represents very rich mosaic of Polish and European history . Name Wroclaw , being on the cross roads of Amber Route and commercial roads , tracks between Eastern and western parts of Europe on the northern part of the Carpathian Mountains , as historical annals say comes from Bohemian Duke Vratislav I. This town is example of powerful Piast Dynasty . The year of 990 when Duke Mieszko I of Poland conquered Silesia and Wroclaw was the start of importance . In Wroclaw soon after Mieszko I accepted Christianity , his son King Boleslaw I / Great / established here bishopric of Wroclaw . This amazing town is the symbol of Polish presence in this remarkable corner of Poland and dynamic region of Europe. Wroclaw like the Silesia was ruled in these early years of 2^nd millennium by Silesian Piast dynasty . Dynasty which was the foundation of Polish Kingdom . As an evidence of strong influences of Poland presence in Wroclaw through centuries one needs to bear in mind fact that in 1475, the first Polish language book , Wroclaw may2014 poland 175 printed and issued in Poland was in no other place but exactly in Wroclaw. This great city and surrounding area through its history reaches the very early days of European people movement . More than 3800 years ago, male, one can call traveller in these days most likely from Skåne area of today’s Sweden has made a journey all the way to the region of today’s Wroclaw . Yes , he walked all the way to this great area where Wroclaw is situated . Beside this brave fellow some other very special characters got to Wroclaw too . They always accompany the Wroclaw visitors during their tours of Wroclaw . The walking tour of splendid Wroclaw which will bring lots of great surprises . From time to time in most unbelievable places on Wroclaw streets , lanes ,squares basically all over small , smart looking , very cute gnomes appear on front of the visitors eyes . They provide special mood and spirit of adventure and discovery of Wroclaw with degree of charming fairytale flavour . Wroclaw being capital of Lower Silesia (Dolny Slask) is attractively placed on numerous islands , joined by chain of more than 100 bridges across Odra river. On the river ,between these islands small vessels provide attractive options of reaching many special places in Wroclaw and opportunity to view the town from different angle . From the boat one can see Ostrów Tumski -“Cathedral Island” with the steep towers of the St. John the Baptist Cathedral . Also “ Piasek “ , Mlynska “ , “Slodowa” Islands are in area of boat trips to present the ideas to the visitors on the history and development of the town . “ Piasek “ – sand so important in building the town , Mlyn” water mill, “ Slod”- ingredient to brew the beer are names of some of these islands where true commercial activities took place . Central point of Main Market Square provides truly colourful tapestry of interesting architectural styles . Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings house great restaurants , shops with souvenirs , museums , wine bars for tourists joy . Here on the cobble stones of the “ Rynek “ – Market Square one senses the riches of the German, Bohemian , Austrian and Polish history and culture . On the Square very attractively one can come across memorial of Aleksander Fredro famous Polish author and poet .On the Square many other surprises await .Here at “ Piwnica Swidnicka “ situated in the Town Hall building and claimed to be Europe oldest Restaurant , dating back to 1273 which provided culinary specialities to Frederyk Chopin, Julius Slovak and Johann Goethe, contemporary Polish cuisine specialities await . The multi cultural and multi denomination history of Wroclaw is clearly visible in many corners of town . Especially in the area of “Quarter of Four Denominations ” one feels the spirit of “ melting pot “ mood of this town . Here through hundred years of the Wroclaw history many people of central Europe conducted their businesses , interacted with each other in spirit of respect of variety of world views , cultures and religions citizens of the town represented. Beside the Market Square , Plac Solny “ Salt Market “ is placed . This square placed as the auxiliary square in trading and business during old days presents attractive style of buildings . Salt, such a important commodity and merchandise , nearly like the legal tender gave the name for the square and also was place where later the Stock Exchange was placed . The Old Stock Exchange building charmingly stimulates visitors minds about the riches and money which were once upon the time traded on the floors of this lovely edifice . In Wroclaw The Laboratory Theatre , Jerzy Grotowski experimental , world renown theatre presented to the world new concepts of theatrical expression . Wroclaw Opera and ballet theatre are of world class . Museums , Galleries await the guests to this truly attractive town . In Wroclaw mighty , cycloramic painting of “ Panorama Raclawicka “ illustrating the Battle of Raclawice, during the Kosciuszko Uprising mesmerizes viewers with its size , colours, dynamics and historical theme where Hero of Poland and USA Tadeusz Kosciuszko , leads troops into the battle against Russian Tsarist forces . Wroclaw with its exceptional quality as the town , cultural centre is a true must to visit . Beautiful railway station of Wroclaw can be reached by comfortable train services from all major towns in Poland and neighbouring Germany and Czech Republic. LOT Polish Airlines provides with its partners like Singapore Airlines air services to Wroclaw from Warsaw and other world destinations . VISIT WROCLAW – should be in travel plans for all who desire to experience top value destination .