University of Hawaii - UH Mānoa

UH Mānoa is a top public research university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and known for its diversity and excellence in academics, athletics, and community involvement in Hawaii.

UH Mānoa offers more than 200 degree programs through 19 colleges and schools. Programs in the departments of oceanography, astronomy, international business, Pacific Islands and Asian area studies, earth science, marine biology, and library and information science are ranked among nation's best. The Asia and Pacific collections in Hamilton Library are among the many academic and other resources that make UH Mānoa a destination of choice for students, faculty, and researchers from around the world.

The program that attracts me is the School of Travel Industry Management. The School of Travel Industry Management (TIM) is recognized as a leading educational institution in hospitality, tourism, and transportation management. TIM pioneered the concept of integrating all aspects of the travel industry under a single discipline. Built on a foundation of management science, TIM also draws on a broad range of disciplines to provide high-quality education at the undergraduate and graduate levels to current and future professionals.

The visitor industry in Hawaiʻi provides TIM students many opportunities to gain experience in the field and to study applications of theory to practical business situations. TIM works closely with local, national, and international business organizations, as well as with various government and private professional organizations.

In addition to Hawaii's travel industry environment, students benefit from a curriculum that has an international perspective with special emphasis in the Asia-Pacific region. The global importance of tourism and the increasingly interdependent nature of economic and political systems require a fundamental and multidisciplinary understanding of international issues.
TIM's distinctive curriculum and outstanding faculty, the success and importance of tourism as the leading industry in Hawaiʻi, and the international focus of the programs provide students a
unique educational environment and experience.

Honolulu- The capital of Hawaii

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii. Although Honolulu refers to the urban area on the southeastern shore of the island of Oahu, the city and the county are consolidated, known as the City and County of Honolulu, and the city and county are designated as the entire island. The City and County of Honolulu is the only incorporate city in Hawaii, as all other local government entities are administered at the county level. The population was 371,657 in 2000, while the population of the City and County was 909,863, known as the 57th-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Honolulu is also the most populous state capital relative to state population. In the Hawaiian language, Honolulu means "sheltered bay" or "place of shelter"


Symbols of Honolulu





Bird : Nene, also known as the Hawaiian Goose (Branta sandwicensis)








Dance: Hula
























Fish: Humuhumunukunukuapua`a, also known as the rectangular trigger fish or Hawaiian trigger fish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus)










Flower: Pua Aloalo, or Ma`o-hau-hele (Hibiscus brackenridgei)















Gem: Black Coral









































Individual Sport: Surfing

Insect: Pulelehua, also known as the Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea)

Island Colors:
Hawai'i- The official color is Red.
Maui- The official color is Pink.
O'ahu- The official color is Golden Yellow.
Kaua'i- The official color is Purple.
Moloka'i- The official color is Green.
Lana'i- The official color is Orange.
Ni'ihau- The official color is White.
Kaho'olawe- The official color is Gray.

Language: Hawaiian

Mammal: Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi)

Marine Mammal: Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

Plant: Kalo (Colocasia esculenta), Hawaiian word for taro

Popular Name: The Aloha State

Song: Hawai`i Pono`i

Team Sport: Outrigger Canoe Paddling

Tree: Kukui Tree (Aleurites Moluccana)

Hawaii History

“The Aloha State” became the 50th state in 1959, but the history of Hawaii goes back centuries earlier. Roughly 1,500 years ago, Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands first set foot on Hawaii's Big Island. With only the stars to guide them, they miraculously sailed over 2000 miles in canoes to migrate to the Islands.






500 years later, settlers from Tahiti arrived, bringing their beliefs in gods and demi-gods and instituting a strict social hierarchy based on a kapu (taboo) system. Hawaiian culture flourished over the centuries, giving rise to the art of the hula and the sport of surfing, but land division conflicts between ruling chieftains were common.




In 1778, Captain James Cook, landed on Kauai at Waimea Bay. Naming the archipelago the "Sandwich Islands" in honor of the Earl of Sandwich, Cook opened the doors to the west. Cook was killed only a year later in Kealakekua Bay on Hawaii's Big Island.








In 1791, North Kohala born Kamehameha united the warring factions of Hawaii’s Big Island and went on to unify all of the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810. In 1819, less than a year after King Kamehameha's death, his son, Liholiho, abolished the ancient kapu system.








In 1820, the first Protestant missionaries arrived on Hawaii’s Big Island filling the void left after the end of the kapu system. Hawaii became a port for seamen, traders and whalers. The whaling industry boom flourished in Lahaina Harbor in Maui. Throughout these years of growth, western disease took a heavy toll on the Native Hawaiian population.



Western influence continued to grow and in 1893, American Colonists who controlled much of Hawaii's economy overthrew the Hawaiian Kingdom in a peaceful, yet still controversial coup. In 1898, Hawaii became a territory of the United States.

A Honolulu resident holds a newspaper celebrating Hawaii Statehood. (AP images)






In the 20th century, sugar and pineapple plantations fueled Hawaii's economy bringing an influx of Japanese, Chinese, Filipino and Portuguese immigrants. Lanai, under the leadership of James Dole, became known as the “Pineapple Island,” after becoming the world’s leading exporter of pineapple. This mix of immigrant ethnicities is what makes Hawaii’s population so diverse today.






On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Oahu. Four years later, on September 2, 1945, Japan signed its unconditional surrender on the USS Battleship Missouri, which still rests in Pearl Harbor today. In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th State of the United States. Today, Hawaii is a global gathering place for visitors to share in the spirit of aloha. Beyond the sun and surf of the islands, we urge you to discover the rich cultural history of Hawaii to add even more depth to your visit.

Natural Wonder of Hawaii

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, is a United States National Park located in the U.S. State of Hawaiʻi on the island of Hawaiʻi. It displays the results of hundreds of thousands of years of volcanism, migration, and evolution—processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct Ancient Hawaiian culture.

Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the most massive, offer scientists insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and visitors' views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.

In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1980 and a World Heritage Site in 1987.

The park includes 505.3 square miles of land. Over half of the park is designated the Hawaii Volcanoes Wilderness area and provides unusual hiking and camping opportunities.

The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the Earth's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa at 13,677 feet . Climates range from lush tropical rain forests, to the arid and barren Kaʻū Desert. Active eruptive sites include the main caldera of Kīlauea and a more active but remote vent called Puʻu ʻŌʻō.

The main entrance to the park is from the Hawaii Belt Road. The Chain of Craters Road, as the name implies, leads past several craters from historic eruptions to the coast. It used to continue to another entrance to the park near the town of Kalapana, but that portion is now covered by a lava flow.

The main Visitor Center, located just within the park entrance includes displays and information about the features of the park. The nearby Volcano Art Center houses historical displays and an art gallery.

The Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, located a few miles west on Crater Rim Drive, features more exhibits and a close view of the Kīlauea's active vent Halemaʻumaʻu. The museum is named after scientist Thomas Jaggar, who was the first director of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, which adjoins the museum.

The observatory itself is operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and is not open to the public. Bookstores are located in the main visitor's center and the Jaggar Museum.The Kilauea Military Camp provides accommodations for U.S. military personnel.

As of 2008 the superintendent was Cindy Orlando.Volunteer groups also sponsor events in the park.

Geography of Hawaii

The Hawaiian archipelago is a string of islands and reefs, 3,300 kilometers long, that forms a broad arc in the mid-Pacific. An archipelago refers to a chain or cluster of islands that is formed tectonically. The archipelago begins in the east with the island of Hawaii and ends almost at the international date line with a small speck in the ocean called Kure Atoll. Only the easternmost 650 kilometers of the state contains islands of any size, as well as almost all of the state's population. It is this portion that is usually considered as the actual "Hawaii."

The eight main islands of Hawaii--Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe--contain more than 99 percent of the state's land area and all but a handful of its people. The island of Hawaii, at 8,150 square kilometers, comprises nearly two-thirds of the state's total area, and it is often referred to as simply the Big Island. The smallest of the eight, Kahoolawe, is 125 square kilometers and is uninhabited.

Tropical Climate of Hawaii

The latitude of Honolulu, about 21 18 N , is the same as Calcutta and Mexico City. As a result, there is little change in the length of daylight or the angle of incidence of the sun's rays from one season to another. This factor and the state's maritime position, means that there is little seasonal variation in temperature. It is variations in precipitation that mark the major changes in season on the islands.

During the summer, Hawaii is under the persistent influence of northeast trade winds, which approach the islands over cool waters located to the northeast and create characteristic Hawaiian weather--breezy, sunny with some clouds, warm but not hot.

In winter, these trade winds disappear, sometimes for weeks, allowing "invasions" of storms from the north and northwest. Honolulu has received as much as 43 centimeters of rain in a single 24-hour period. Hawaiian weather stations have also recorded 28 centimeters in an hour and 100 centimeters in a day, both of which rank near world records.


Facts of Hawaii

Population (1994): 1,178,000 (40th in size)
State size: 6,471 square miles (47th in size)
State Capital: Honolulu (name is Hawaiian for "Sheltered Bay")
Major cities: Hilo, Honolulu, Kailua, Pearl City
Admission to union: The 50th State
Date entered the union: August 21, 1959
Origin of state name: From the native word "Hawakiki", which means "homeland".
Nicknames: The Aloha State
Bordering states: Hawaii is an island surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.
State bird: Hawaiian Goose
State flower: Red Hibiscus
State tree: Kukui (Candlenut Tree)
Motto: The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness

Tourist attraction of Chile

Main Attractions: Unexplored wilderness, volcanic mountains, national parks, beaches, etc.

One of the most beautiful and scenic destinations in South America is Chile. Located on the long and narrow western stretch of the continent, Chile is known for its beaches, glaciers and volcanic mountains. With nature in its best and most diverse forms, Chile is the ideal destination for all those who love to be intrigued by the wilderness and mystical places. The capital city of Chile is Santiago, which offers its tourists some of the best places to see and numerous tourist attractions. The topography of Chile is such that on one hand it has one of the driest places in the form of Atacama Desert and in the southernmost area, it has the coldest glaciers. This diversity of nature is something that should not be missed.

Bountiful Beaches
Chile’s long coastline makes it ideal for beach lovers to explore. Chile has many good beaches that let you surf, swim and also relax in the warm sun. Apart from that, there are many resorts and hotels on the coast itself, which means if you book well in advance, you can easily get a room with a beach view. Some of the beaches worth visiting are Vina del Mar (Chile’s premier beach resort), Renaca (Chile’s most extensive beach) and Concon (popular for surfing and delicious local food). The beaches are frequented by both locals and visitors and definitely must not be missed if you are planning to go to Chile.

Santiago - Capital City
The capital city of Chile, Santiago offers tourists a number of attractions. It is bordered by the Andes ranges in the east where you can go skiing. The place exudes a certain European flavor when you visit the main city. The architecture is primarily chic neoclassical, you can expect to see modern high-rise apartments as well as an elaborate underground Metro rail system. The city also has a number of restaurants and bars, hotels and clubs, historical museums, etc. There is something for everyone, be it an adventurous soul or an avid explorer.

Parque Nacional Puyehue
This is Chile’s most popular national park and it is situated in the Lake District, which is approximately 700 kilometers south of Santiago. This place is spectacular as it has two volcanic mountains, out of which one erupted and covered a substantial part of this forest in volcanic dust and debris. One can also find hot springs and geysers, waterfalls and a rich bird life over here. It is one of those places where you can be one with nature and explore natural beauty till it completely mesmerizes you. There are numerous nature trails to follow, stunning lakes to explore and even ski resorts!

Easter Islands
One of the major attractions of Chile is Easter Islands. The place is well-known for the colossal rocks that are carved to resemble huge human faces and are placed strategically across each other. The greatest attraction factor here is the fact that no one knows who carved these boulders and how did the monoliths come into existence. This one mystery intrigues people who come from some of the farthest corners of the world to view the mysterious boulders and the lovely scenery that surrounds.

Culture of Chile

Language in Chile

Spanish is the official language of Chile. There are also quite a few indigenous languages such as Mapudungun that spoken between the Itata and Tolten rivers and Aymara that spoken in the mountains of the north.


Chilean Culture and Society

Religion
. Most Chileans are Roman Catholics. The religion has played a large role in defining social and political life.

. Religious instruction in public schools is almost exclusively Roman Catholic. Abortion is actually illegal due to the influence of the Church.

. Divorce was illegal until 2004.

. Most national holidays are religious in nature.

. Chileans of more mature generations still celebrate their saint's day as much as they do their own birthday.


The Role of the Family


. The family occupies a central role in Chilean life.

. Extended families are very close and will frequently congregate for major occasions and celebrations.

. Family and business are intertwined to the extent that nepotism is seen as a positive concept.

. Many small firms will be 100% family run.



Class Structure

. Chilean history has had a large influence on modern day class lines.

. Today's wealthiest class are more or less the same land owning families of before.

. A middle class has developed of late and now accounts for nearly a half of the population.

Classes are fluid and it is possible to move either upwards or downwards depending on your salary.


Etiquette and Customs in Chile

Meeting & Greeting

. Men will usually shake hands.

. Women generally pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder.

. These are always accompanied by the appropriate greeting for the time of day - "buenos dias" (good morning), "buenas tardes" (good afternoon) or "buenas noches"(good evening).

. Between friends and family things will relax and become more unreserved - men may embrace and energetically pat each other on the back whilst women will kiss once on the right cheek.

. Always let your Chilean counterpart progress to this stage of formality.

. Like many South Americans, Chileans use both their maternal and paternal surnames. The father's surname is listed first and is the one used in conversation.

. If you know of any titles always try to use them. . If no title exists then simply use "Senor" (male) or "Senora" (female) followed by the surname.

. When addressing older people with whom you have a personal relationship, who may be referred to as "don" (male) or "dona" (female) with their first name.

. First names are used between close friends - wait until invited to move to a first name basis.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Gifts are usually given for birthdays and Christmas. Some general etiquette guidelines include:

. If invited to a Chilean's home, take sweets/chocolates or wine for the hostess.

. Send flowers in advance.

. Do not give yellow roses as they indicate contempt.

. Do not give purple or black flowers as they symbolize death.

. Do not give scissors or knives as they indicate you want to sever the relationship.

. For a young girl's 15th birthday, a gift of gold jewellery is the norm.

. Gifts are opened when received.



Dining Etiquette


. Dining etiquette can be quite formal in Chile.

. As a general rule, observe and follow if ever unsure.

. Here are some basic dining etiquette guidelines:

- When sitting wait to be shown to your place.

- Women sit before men.

- The hostess invites people to eat.

- Keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table.

- Always use utensils to eat.

- Avoid speaking with eating utensils in your hands.

- It is considered polite to finish everything on your plate.

- Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink.

- The host makes the first toast.

- The most common toast is "Salud!"

- When you lift your glass, look at the person being toasted.

- Pour wine with the right hand only.

For my opinion, the culture of Chile has a lot of similarity with my own culture. We has to always pay attention when social with people from different culture to avoid misunderstanding.

Flag of Chile

The national flag of Chile is also known as the Lone Star. It consists of two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red and a blue square the same height as the white band in the canton, which bears a white five-pointed star in the center. It was adopted on October 18, 1817.

The star represents a guide to progress and honor; blue symbolizes the sky and the Pacific Ocean, white is for the snow-covered Andes, and red stands for the blood spilled to achieve independence.

According to the epic poem La Araucana, the colors were derived from those from the flag flown by the Mapuche during the Arauco War. "Flag Day" is held each year on the ninth of July to commemorate the 77 soldiers who died in the 1882 Battle of La Concepción.

Geography of Chile

Geography

Chile is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It located at the south of Peru and southeast of Bolivia. The Pacific coastline of Chile is 6,435 kilometres. Chilean territory includes the Pacific islands of Juan Fernández, Salas y Gómez, Desventuradas, and Easter Island.

The shape of Chile is a distinctive, multi-colored ribbon of land 4,300 kilometres (2,700 mi) long and on average 175 kilometres (109 mi) wide.

Climate

Chile's climate varies, from the world's driest desert-the Atacama-in the north, through a Mediterranean climate in the center, to a rainy temperate climate in the south. The northern desert contains great mineral wealth. The small central area dominates in terms of population and agricultural resources, and it is the cultural and political center that was expanded in the late 19th century. Southern Chile is rich in forests and grazing lands and it features a string of volcanoes and lakes. The southern coast is a labyrinth of fjords, inlets, canals, twisting peninsulas, and islands.

Population

The population of Chile was estimated at 15,153,797 in July of 2000 with an annual growth rate of 1.7 percent. According to the Population Reference Bureau, with a projected annual population growth rate of 1.29 percent, the population is expected to reach 19.55 million by the year 2025 and 22.21 million by 2050.

Ethnicity groups

The Chilean population is estimated at nearly 95% White and Mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian); 3% Amerindian (indigenous people of pre-Columian era); and 2% other. Mixtures between the conquering Spaniards, largely Andalusians and Basques, and the Mapuches produced the principal Chilean racial type. An indigenous population of perhaps as many as 600,000 pure Mapuches live mainly in Temuco and in the forest region south of the Bío-Bío River. Remnants of other small tribal groups are found in isolated oases within the northern desert or live a nomadic existence on the archipelagos and islands of the extreme southern coast. A small minority of Germans and their descendants live in the Valdivia-Puerto Montt area.

Environmental issue of Taiwan

Earthquakes and typhoons are the two major natural hazards in Taiwan, on September 21, 1999, an earthquake happened in the center of Taiwan. There were more than 2000 people died in this inccident. Also, intensive rain that caused by typhoon along with mudslides often created disaster.

Current environmental issues included air pollution, water pollution from industrial waste, contamination of drinking water supplies, and trade in endangered species. Eventhough containing sulfate aerosol emissions from petroleum is becoming stringent, acid rain remains to be a threat to the health of the residents and the forests. Scholars in Taiwan point out that more than half of its acid rain is actually brought by monsoon rains from mainland China. In 2009, a major rarthquake strikes Taiwan, follow the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1goBfBLeH_g to watch a short clip about it.

Stereotypes of Taiwan

People create steroetypes when they do not completely understand or know much about a particular issue.

Some of Taiwanese stereotypes are:
1. Taiwan has many pretty women.
It's because actresses in Taiwanese dramas are pretty. This makes people think all Taiwanese women are pretty.

2. Stinky Tofu and Pig Blood Cake make people sick.
Stinky tofu and pig blood cake are famous snacks in Taiwan. Most of the tourists can't accept the smell of the stinky tofu. They also think pig blood cake is a strange food and most of them are not brave enough to try the cake.

3. Claustrophobia is common among Taiwanese
Taiwan is an island and most poeple live in the city. Therefore, it gives an impression that they have higher risk of getting claustrophobia then people from any other country.

4. Taiwanese people don't like China because it's a communistic country.
This happended when Taiwan wished to gain its independence since 1949.

Food in Taiwan

Taiwan has many veriaty of food, food in Taiwan also has many influence from mainland China. China provinces like Hunan, Jiangzhe, Hong Kong, and Sichuan cooking style can be found in many places of Taiwan. In additional, Taiwan street food is famous for touarist,these foods include Bubble Milk Tea, fried stinky tofu, oyster pancakes, fried meatball, sugarcane juice, fish ball soup, Dumpling and water fried Dumpling, pork blood rice cakes, and rice and noodle dishes.





Bubble Milk Tea is non-alcoholic and non-carbonated. The tea is sweet and has less sugar than a typical soft drink. There are many variety of flavors which depending on the tea house or bubble milk tea stand . The drink is usually a mix of tea, milk, sugar, and giant black tapioca balls. The drink must always be shaken and not stirred, the "bubble" refers to the foam created by shaking the freshly brewed tea with ice .

Stinky tofu is a form of fermanted tofu that has a strong odor. Stinky tofu can be eaten cold, steamed, stewed, or most commonly, fried. It is often eaten by dipping chili sauce. The color varies from the golden fried to the black typical stinky tofu.
From a distance, the odor of stinky tofu is said to resemble that of rotten garbage or manure, even by its enthusiasts. In some instances the taste has even been compared to rotten meat. In spite of stinky tofu's smell, most say the flavor is surprisingly mild. It is said the more it smells, the 'better' its flavor.

Oyster pancake consists of an omelette with a filling primarily composed of small oysters. Starch like typically potato starch is mixed into the egg batter, and giving a thicer consistency. Pork lard is often used to fry the omelette. Depending on regional variation, a savory sauce may then be poured on top of the omelette for added taste. Spicy or chili sauce mixed with lime juice is often added to provide an intense taste. Shrimp can sometimes be substituted in place of oysters; in this case, it will be called shrimp omelette.

Pork blood rice cake, is made of pork blood and sticky rice. It is one of the food materials in the Taiwanese hot pot, but the most popular way are - steamed for a snack.Taking it out of wooded case, street vendors would cover Pig's blood cake witha layer of peanut powder and spread some cilantro. The aroma of the chewy rice cake makes everyone's mouth water. Customers can dip it in different chili sauce.

San Mao -- The Famous writer in Taiwan

San Mao was the famous writer in Taiwan. She was born in Chongqing, Southwest China on March 26, 1943. In 1948, San Mao moved with her parents to Taiwan and enrollen in 1st Grade.

There were many restrictions in Taiwan's school, therefore, San Mao hoped to grow up as soon as possible. In the meantime, she found an interest in literary masterpieces. Also, she was exposed to world-famous literary works such as The Count of Monte Cristo, Don Quixote de la Mancha, and Gone with the Wind working by famous Chinese writers like Lu Xun, Ba Jin, Lao She, and Yu Dafu.

When she was 19, San Mao published her first work in Taiwan. Then, she enrolled in the philosophy department of the Chinese Culture University in Taiwan. In her 20s,San Mao moved to Madrid, Spain and enrolled in the University of Madrid. After finish study in Madrid, San Mao moved to Germany and studied German language for 16 hours a day. In nine months period, she was managed to teach German language.

In 1976, San Mao pnblished her fictionalized-antobiographical titled The Stories of the Sahara.

In 1991, San Mao died in a hospital in Taipei at the age of 48 by hanging herself.

Palces to visit in Taiwan

Taipei is Taiwan capital, it is the economic, political, and cultural center of Taiwan. The most famous building in Taipei is Taipei 101, also known as the Taipei Financial Center. This building had a grand opening in Jan 2005. Taipei 101 is 508 meters high and was the tallest landmark skyscraper in the world.





In addition, there are still many attraction on the city outskirt, a smaller city like Tamsui or Danshui has it own historical attractions that are appealing to many people. Tamsui is located near the outlet of the Tamsui (Danshui) River into the Taiwan Strait. Tamsui Old Stree and waterfront is one of the Tamsui city attraction. It located side by side of the Tamsui River as a pedestrian shopping zone. Tamsui Old Street provides many restaurant, arcades, and stores that sell traditional handicrafts.

The religion of Buddhism

Sidhartha Gutama is the founder of Buddhism, he came from accient India. Sidhartha was born in 624BC in Lumbini, he was a royal prince in his early life. When he was 29 years old, he left the palace and followed a spiritual life of meditation in the forest. After six years of meditation, he achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, India. Then, Sidhartha was known as "Buddha" which means "awaken one" or "the enlightened one."

Buddhism is a religion and philosophy compassing of a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings of Buddha. In addition, there are five fundamental concepts in Buddhism.The five concepts are training rules in order to live a better life in which one is happy, without worries, and can meditate well:

1. Refrain from killing other forms of life and have a non-violence towards sentient life forms, or ahimsā

2. Refrain from stealing from other

3. Refrain from sensual pleasure and sexual misconduct

4. Refrain from lying and speaking the truth always

5. Refrain from drinking alcohol and taking drugs because it leads to ones loss of mindfulness

Also, Buddha realized that karma which is the law of cause and effect govern people's lives. Karma refers to those actions of body, speech, and mind that cause a consequence or result . Additionally, Buddhist also believe in Rebirth, in which known as a process of human go through a cycle of lifetimes as one of many possible forms of life.

Each rebirth takes place within one of the five realms according to Theravadins, or six according to other schools. These are further subdivion into 31 forms of existence:

1. Naraka beings: those who live in one of many Narakas (Hells).

2. Preta: beings share some space with humans, but they are invisible to most people; an important being in this is the hungry ghost.

3. Animals: they share space with humans, but are considered another type of life

4. Human beings : are form of the realms of rebirth in which acheives Nirvana is possible

5. Asuras: is translated as lower deities, demons, titans, antigods; they are not recognized by Theravāda (Mahavihara) tradition as a separate realm

6. Devas including Brahmas: they are translated as gods, deities, spirits, angels, or left untranslated higher beings.

Wesak Day

Wesak is the holiest day in Buddhism, it is an annual holiday observed traditionally practicing by Buddhists in South Asian and South East Asian countries like Nepal, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Indonesia and India. Wesak Day is celebrate on the 15th day (full moon) of the 4th Lunar Month.On this day, Buddhist celebrate the birth, the Enlightenment, and the death of the Buddha. The celebration begins much before dawn when Buddhists gather in Buddhist temples for worship. The celebration is done with prayers, chants, offerings and giving alms. The Buddhist eat a vegetarian diet prior to the festival in order to cleanse and purify themselves. Some of the temple even organize a procession with some well decorated float for the purpose of sending blessing to all the people around the area.

Languages of Taiwan

Mandarin has been the official language of Taiwan since the late 1940s. However, there are many different ethnic groups in Taiwan which are still using their own language on a daily basis. For example, Hokkien, usually known as Taiwanese is spoken by Hoklo and many other people. On the other hand, Hakka people speak the Hakka language. Also, the Formosan languages are the native languages of the aboriginal tribes of Taiwan.

The Language Introduction

In China, people use Hanyupinyin to learn Mandarin. Unlike China, Taiwanese use Zhuyin Fuhao that is known as "Symbols for Annotating Sounds" to learn Mandarin. The Zhuyin Fuhao is the national phonetic system in Taiwan. The system is very useful for people to learn, read, and write in Mandarin.

Bopomofo (ㄅㄆㄇㄈ) is the first four letters of this Chinese phonemic alphabet (bo po mo fo) of the national phonetic system. This system uses 37 special symbols to represent the Mandarin sounds: 21 consonants and 16 vowels. Each symbol represents a group of sounds without much ambiguity. The phonenic symbol is a pronunciation guide for each Chinese character and an index system in dictionary. Students learn Mandarin by using ruby characters annotation provided next to the Chinese characters, from times to times, the annotation is reduced until remaining the character itself. Therefore, students can learn the new characters by using this method.


Useful Expression for Tourist

Yes = shr 是

No = bu shr 不是

Thank you = shie shie 謝謝

Thank you very much = fei chang gan shie / hen gan shie 非常感謝 / 很感謝

You're welcome = bu yung shie 不客氣

Please = ching 請

Excuse me = duei bu chi 對不起

Hello = ni hau 你好

Goodbye = tzai jian 再見

Good morning = tzau an 早安

Good afternoon = wu an 午安

Good evening = wan shang hau 晚上好

Good night = wan an 晚安

Do you speak ... = ni huei jiang ... ma? 你會講...嗎？

English = ying yu 英語

I = wo 我

We = wo men 我們

You (singular, familiar) = ni 你

You (singular, formal) = nin 您

You (plural) = ni men 你們

He/She = ta 他 / 她

They = ta men 他們

Where is the bath room? = shi shou jian tzai na li? 洗手間在哪裡?

How are you? = ni hau ma? 你好嗎？

Bread = mian bau 麵包

Coffee = ka fei 咖啡

Tea = cha 茶

Juice = guo jr 果汁

Water = shuei 水

Beer = pi jiou 啤酒

Wine = jiou 紅酒

Meat = rou 肉

Beef = niou rou 牛肉

Pork = ju rou 豬肉

Fish = yu 魚

Vegetable = shu tsai 蔬菜

Fruit = shuei guo 水果

Salad = sha la 沙拉

Dessert = dian shin 點心


Chinese Characters Pinyin Comparative Table (click to enlarge image)

Flag of Taiwan

Taiwan Flag is red with a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white sun with 12 triangular rays.

The Three Principles of the People are represent on the Taiwan flag, blue representing democracy, red representing nationalism, and white representing people's livehood.

Taiwan geography

Taiwan is located in eastern Asia. The islands are bordering with the East China Sea, the Philippine Sea, the South China Sea, and the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan is north of the Philippines and of the southeastern coast of China. It is slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined.

Taiwan has marine tropical climate. From January through March, the northern area of Taiwan has a rainy season. However, from June through September, the whole country experiences hot, humid weather. On the other hand, during the winter months, the middle and southern area of Taiwan do not have an extended monsoon season. Typhoons and earthquakes are common natural hazards in the country.

In 2010, Taiwan population was estimated at 23 million. The population of Han Chinese ethinicity is about 98%. Almost 86% residents are descendants of Chinese immigrants known as the "native Taiwanese." The majority of residents recognize standard Mandarin as the national language.

Food of Vatican City

Daily Food

Italian dishes is the major food style in Vatican City. Just like any other Italian, residents of Vatican City consider their food the best around the world. The well known daily foods in Vatican are pasta, panini sandwiches, and pizzas.

Pasta is general consume by Vatican, its have many way to prepare. Pasta in Vatican are serve with different sources like pesto, carbonara, or olive oil. Vegetable and seafood are always eaten together with pasta to form a balance meal.




Panini Sandwiches is a commom food in Vatican City. These sandwiches are make with Italian bread. The breads are stuff with mozzarella, tomatoes, prosciutto, fresh basil, roasted red peppers, and any ingrediant ones likes. The bread then brush with olive oil and press between the hot plates for crispy crust and hot filling. Sandwiches are cut into a giant triangle of white-bread sandwiches with the crust cut off before serve.



Pizzas are daily food in most of the European contry. The large and round pizzas in Vatican City are make by using the Italian method. Pizzas usually topped with tomatoes sauce, olive, cheese, mushroom, and any other ingredients based on ones favorite. Most of the pizzas are baked in the wood-burning oven to add a unique frangrant into the crust and filling.





Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions in Vatican City

On New Year Eve, residents of Vatican City will prepare the meal of Seven Fish. This dish included eels, conch, squid, and other seafood. Seven dishes need to be prepared for this celebration and its consist the meaning of good luck for the new year. Seven Fishes means the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church and the seven days of creation. On the other hand, seven is a number of perfection in Biblical numerology.



Also, lamb is always a traditional dish on the table for Easter celebration. Besides, Easter Pies are another festival food that filled with eggs, meat, cheese, and other possible ingredents.

Famous person in Vatican City -- Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II is the most famous pope around the world.
He was born on 18 May, 1920 in Wadowice, Poland.He was baptized as Karol Jozef Wojtyla. He had an unfortunate childhood, his mother died when he was eight years old. Two years later, he lost his elder brother as well. He was a goalie on a soccer team when he was a teenager.

He moved to Krokow with his father; then he learned 12 languages and participated as a playwright in many theatrical groups. His university closed in 1939 because Nazi Germans ocupied Poland. Therefore, he had to do a low income job for their living. In 1941, Karol's father left him, he became all alone.

After his father's death, he realized his calling for priesthood. Karol made the decision to study in the clandestine underground seminary that was run by the Archbishop of Krakow, Adam Stefan, Cardinal Sepieha.

Karol was sent to Rome to study theology at the Pontificial international Athenaeum Angelica as a priest in November 1946. In 1948, he returned to Poland after obtaining a licentiate and doctorate in sacred theology. His first job was to work as a priest in the village of Niegowic.

In the year of 1954, Karol gained another doctorate in philosophy. Then he published the comtemporary church issues in the Universal Weekly newspaper. In July 1958, Karol was nominated for ther position of bishop of Krakow and then became the youngest bishop in Poland.

After the death of Pope John Paul I, Cardinal Franz Konig the Archbishop of Vienna had suggested Karol as a compromise candidate. Then Karol won the election and became Pope John Paul II. In the history of Rome, he was the youngest Pope to be selected. Pope John Paul II had his Papal inauguration ceremony on October 1978.

Pope John Paul II died in April 2005 because of septic shock and a widespread form of infection. He was given medical treament by a team of doctors at his private residence before his death. He was cremated at St. Peter's Basilica.

In his priesthood, he had served as Pope and Sovereign of the Vatican City for 27years.

History of the Vatican City

Objective

1. The Popes have resided in the Vatican City since the return from Avignonin in 1377.
   



2. The Swiss Guard has served the Popes since the 1500s.
   



3. In 1667, Piazza di San Pietro (St Peter's Square) and the colonnade were designed and built by Bernini.
   



4. Between 1861 and 1929, the status of the Pope was referred to as the Roman Question.
   



5. Vatican City was established in 1929.
   



6. In 1930, the Vatican's railway Station was opened and is used for freight.
   



7. In 1969, the Vatican state eliminated capital punishment, which was in the legislation adopted in 1929 on the basis of Italian law.
   



8. The Palatine Guard and the Noble Guard were disbanded by Pope Paul VI in 1970.
   



9. A concordat altering the terms of church-state relations was signed in 1984.
   



10. The Vatican City State has been registered in the World Heritage since 1984.
    



11. On 3rd June, 1985 the Vatican and Italy authorise a new church-state known as a concordat.
    



12. At the end of 2005, the Guard had 134 members.
    



13. After the death of John Paul on 2nd April, 2005, German cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was entitled the new pope.
    



14. As of 31 December, 2005, except from the Pope , 557 people has Vatican citizenship, while there were 246 residents in the state did not have its citizenship.
    



15. In 2007, the Vatican become the first Carbon neutral state by reducing their carbon footprint with the creation of a forest in Hungary.
    

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Subjective

1. The Popes have finally resided in the historical Vatican City since the last return from Avignon in 1377.



2. The loyal Swiss Guard has served the Popes since the 1500s.
   



3. In 1667, the famous Piazza di San Pietro (St Peter's Square) and the spetacular colonnade were perfectly designed and built by Bernini.
   



4. Between 1861 and 1929, the social status of the Pope was strictly referred to as the Roman Question.
   



5. Vatican City was well established on 1929 and becoming a independent state with it own government.



6. In 1930, the Vatican's convenient railway Station was grandly opened 1930 and is mostly used for freight purposes.
   



7. In 1969, the Vatican state eliminated the cruel capital punishment, which was in the legislation previously adopted in 1929 on the basis of Italian law.
   



8. The Palatine Guard and the Noble Guard were totally disbanded by Pope Paul VI in 1970.
   



9. A revised concordat altering the terms of church-state relations was eventually signed in 1984.
   



10. The Vatican City State has been proudly registered in the World Heritage since 1984 because of it historical building and culture.
    



11. On 3rd June 1985 the Vatican and Italy altogether authorised a new church-state known as a concordat.



12. In 2007, the Vatican become the first Carbon neutral state by reducing their carbon footprint with the great and smart creation of a forest in Hungary.
    



13. At the end of 2005, the faithful Swiss Guard had 134 members to perform their duty in Vatican City.



14. After the tragedy death of John Paul on 2nd April 2005 , German cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was lastly entitled the new pope.



15. As of 31 December 2005, except from the Pope, only about 557 people has persistant Vatican citizenship, while there were 246 residents in the state relavantly did not have its citizenship.

Attractions in Vatican City

The Vatican Garden



The Vatican City is only the about 0.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC . However, it has its own natural attraction just like other countries. The natural attraction of the Vatican City is The Vatican Gardens which is known as an urban garden and park. The gardens were established during the Renaissance era. This garden covers more than half of the Vatican territory in the South and Northeast.The gardens cover most of the Vatican Hill which are about 57 acres. It was decorated with fountains and sculptures. On the other hand, the garden also consists of a wide variety of flora and the area is considered a biotope.



The Vatican Museum

The Vatican Museum is one of the famous attractions in Vatican City and also one of the greatest museums in the world. The museum was found by Pope Julius II in the 16th century. The museum exhibits a great amount of masterpieces of painting, sculpture and other works of art built up by the Roman Catholic Church many centuries ago.

The Vatican Museum consists of a group of museum sites that have different collections. Visitors are advised to visit their favorite sites before they run out of time.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the popes found the first museum which is known as The classical Greco-Roman statuary.

The Sistine Chapel displays a unique ensemble pictorial art of the Renaissance.

Clement XIV created the Pio-Clementine Museum in 1785, the Gallery of the Candelabra was created as a continuation of the Pio-Clementine Museum.

Pope George XVI created another three museums in 19th century; the Etruscan Museum, the Egyptian Museum, and the Tapestry Gallery.

In 1973, the Carriage Museum which contains the 19th century carriages and vintage motorcars belonging to popes and cardinals was opened.


Useful information for visitor:

• The Vatican Museum is open on weekdays from 8.45am to 1.45pm. Every last Sunday of each month, the museum is open for free admission. The entrance ends an hour before closing time.



• Headphones are available at the Sistine Chapel and the Rapheal Rooms.



• A self service restaurant is open during visiting hours.



• Only visitors with proper attire are allowed to access the Museums.

Climate and geography

Geography

Vatican city is located in Rome, Italy. Vatican City sits on a low hill and has walled teritories with 0.44 KM2 with the population around 1,000. The nature of the estate is urban and no space of the land is reserved for agriculture or other natural resources. Therefore, a lot of urban development like buildings are used about 50% of the total area, while the Vatican Garden is one of the areas that is reserved for open space. The country contains no natural resources and no known natural hazards.

Climate

Vatican City has a mediterranean climate which has warm to hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Vatican receives mild, rainy winters from September to mid-May; from May to August, it has hot and dry summer. Thus, in my opinion, the best time to visit Vatican City is during the summer time.

Vatican City - The smallest country in the world

The reason that I created this blog is to do research on one of the European countries for English class. Unfortunately, most of the countries that I wanted to study were taken by my classmates. However, I was still able to find a country which was left out.

I chose the Vatican City as the country for this semester's assignment. Vatican City is known as the smallest country in the world, therefore, I think it will be a very intersting country to study.

I do not know much about the country, so I hope to discover the culture, people and information about this country through this assignment. Last but not least, I wish all of you enjoy discovering Vatican City from this blog.