(www.saharasamay.com).- The Taj Mahal, an epitome of love of a husband for his wife, appears set to figure among the new Seven Wonders of the World, with polling across the globe placing it among the top seven contenders, Sahara Samay sources said.
It is noteworthy that people from around the world are voting to choose the new seven wonders, and the Taj is ranked among the top seven of 21 monuments on the basis of votes cast as of January 31.
The 17th century monument of love, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, made it to the grand finale of the multimedia competition. There were 77 monuments in the fray, and this was brought down to 21 in the final phase of the New7Wonders campaign.
(www.24dash.com).- Stonehenge could still take the prestigious title of one of the New 7 Wonders of the World - if people continue voting for the historic monument.
Stonehenge is one of the 21 finalists in the race to elect the New 7 Wonders.
People are being urged to take part in this worldwide event - and votes can be placed right up until 6 July 2007 - the night before the winners are announced.
The New7Wonders World Tour visited Stonehenge in October on its global tour of the finalists.
A high-tech airship soared around the monument and to celebrate its candidacy, around 50 robed druids performed a ceremony in and around the stone circle.
New7Wonders founder Bernard Weber also presented the official certificate of candidacy to Stonehenge Director, Peter Carson.
(www.canada.com).- A tour of Peru has been organized for parents who want their children to experience the traditional values of Inca spirituality as well as visiting world-famous destinations. The Peruvian native culture has a deep respect for Pachamama (Mother Earth), and earth-based spiritual traditions will be emphasized as tour members participate in Andean ceremonies at Machu Picchu, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and other sacred places.
This 10-day tour for children and their families, "The Heart of the Pachamama," from July 11 to 20, is offered by Sacred Earth Journeys of Vancouver. There is an optional extension, July 20 to 23, which visits Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, and ancient sites nearby.
Tour leader Jorge Luis Delgado is the author of Andean Awakening: An Inca Guide to Mystical Peru. He is also the father of three children.
(www.upstagemagazine.com).- Adventure is something that makes your eyes light up to think of it, and warms your heart to remember it. Too many people think of adventure as something for "someday." Almost everyone dreams of adventure, but those dreams seem to require more time and money than everyday life allows. And yet dreams of adventure can come true more easily than you might think. What's required is a change of attitude and a commitment to finding adventure wherever you can.
"Live your life like an adventure, not an existence," recommends adventurer and author Jay Toberman. "Adventure is simply the thrill of the unknown." In his book, Don't Quit Your Day Job! Adventures for the Working Stiff, Toberman says, "You don't need to encounter mishaps to make the trip exciting. Just being there, anywhere different, is the adventure."
(www.hamiltonspectator.com).- Last summer's heat is a distant memory, and spring seems a long way off. If you're pining for some winter sunshine, here are some of the best destinations to visit.
Are we still sun-worshipping lemmings?
Yes. Even though the sun has moved from friend to foe over the past 20 years, the idea of a shade-filled holiday doesn't really appeal. Despite the growth of "green" tourism in countries such as Spain and Italy, it's still the sun-drenched beach that decorates the cover of holiday brochures.
Maybe we don't spend quite so much time barbecuing ourselves, and expect a lot more seaside activities (kitesurfing, paragliding, banana-boating, jet skiing, snorkelling, etc.) but they're not the same under a grey sky.
