Thursday, July 29, 2010

Machu Picchu

  1. How high is the city of Machu Picchu?
  2. How many structures can be found there?
  3. Did the Incas leave any written clues about them? Explain
  4. For how long did the Incas rule?
  5. What are some issues with the place where the Incas chose to build Machu Picchu?
  6. Where did the granite come from?
  7. What system did they use to prevent the terraces from colliding during rainy seasons?
  8. What was the name of the king that is believed to have ordered the construction of Machu Picchu?
  9. How was the process of mummifying the king at that time?
  10. Machu Picchu was one of the only Inca sites left intact, why?
  11. How did the builders move the stones around?
  12. What is the significance of the stone located at the highest point in the city?
  13. Where did they get food and water supplies from?
  14. Archeologists found skulls with holes on them, what was the purpose of the holes?
  15. Since there were no tools or machinery, how did they manage to build those smooth stone walls?
  1. The height of machu picchu is approximately 8,000 Ft.
  2. About 200 structures.
  3. No, at that time they did not have a written language.
  4. It was a short period of time, 100 years.
  5. It is located in the middle of two earthquake lines and a lot of rain.
  6. from the surrounding areas as there is a good amount on the top of the mountain where Machu Picchu was built.
  7. They made a pretty advanced irrigation systems all over the city, so the water drains to the earth.
  8. Pachacuti.
  9. They left him outside in the sun and at night they froze him until he dried out.
  10. Because the Spaniards did not find the city.
  11. They put logs under the stones to push them around.
  12. The name is Itihuatana and it points directly to the sun, some believe to be an astronomic calendar or clock.
  13. From a city nearby and the water came from a natural spring canalized into the city.
  14. When injured they opened a hole to let the the brain expand and let the fluids come out to prevent death.
  15. They carved the walls with small stones while they we already in place.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Bhutan


Bhutan used to be one of the most isolated countries in the world, but the urban areas have been increasingly modernized by international flights, mobile phone networks, internet, and cable television.
Their government takes great measures to prevent their culture, identity, and environment. Bhutan was elected the happiest country in Asia and the 8th-happiest in the world. The population is predominantly Buddhist and Hinduism being the second largest. The capital and largest city is Thimphu, Official language Dzongkha. Bhutan is a member of the UN and the SAARC.
The terrain is consisted most of mountains with some fertile valleys and savanna.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Stoning in Iran

I did not know about the stoning before I watched the movie. It certainly makes me sad and angry at the same time. Unfortunately these kind of things happen all the time and everywhere, people are killed for no reason or over something silly. Where I come from I have with my own eyes seen people get brutally beaten to death over a discussion. A friend of mine was murdered when he asked his money back from the guy he sold a CD player. He unbelievably died because of 69 dollars. Back to the point, the Iranian women are a good example of how unfair some people are, The women are treated differently and with no respect at all. the most intriguing part is that people do not seem to stop it. People spend time and money fighting each other, instead of fighting for their rights and to giving people descent lives. Look at these poor lady Soraya has done everything possible to please her family, worked hard, was beaten several times by her husband, and she was stoned for being a good person. Sometimes I feel that all of us do not deserve to be part of these land. People are so cruel, there is not a such violent and cold animal as humans are.
That is just my opinion again.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Marriage in Islam

Islam, unlike other religions is a strong advocate of marriage. There is no place for celibacy like, for example the Roman Catholic priests and nuns. The prophet (pbuh) has said "there is no celibacy in Islam.

Marriage is a religious duty and is consequently a moral safeguard as well as a social necessity. Islam does not equal celibacy with high "taqwa" / "Iman". The prophet has also said, "Marriage is my tradition who so ever keeps away there from is not from amongst me".

Marriage acts as an outlet for sexual needs and regulate it so one does not become a slave to his/ her desires.It is a social necessity because through marriage, families are established and the family is the fundamental unit of our society. Furthermore, marriage is the only legitimate or halal way to indulge in intimacy between a man and a woman.

Islam takes a middle of the road position to sexual relations , it neither condemns it like certain religions, nor does it allow it freely. Islam controls them and regulates their desires, whatever they may be so that they remain dignified.

To make the marriage legit.

1) consent of both parties.

2) " Mahr" a gift from the groom to his bride.

3) Witnesses- 2 male or female.

4) The marriage should be publicized, it should never be kept secret as it leads to suspicion and troubles within the community.


UAE - United Arab Emirates

UAE which has approximately the size of the US state Maine were formed when the states abu zaby, ajman, al fujayrah, ash shariqah, dubayy, and Umm al qaywayn merged to form the UAE. In 1972 they were joined by Ras al khaymah. Since then their GDP has grown enormously and so has the immigrants thanks to their oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy that drives the UAE'S economy. In 2009 , the UAE population was estimated at 6 million, in which under 20% are nationals or Emirates, The country's net migration rate is 22.98, THE WORLD'S HIGHEST!
Its capital is Abu Dhabi

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

The Alhambra



The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex constructed during the mid 14th century by the Moorish rulers of the Emirate of Granada in Al-Andalus, occupying a hilly terrace on the southeastern border of the city of Granada, now in Andalusia, Spain.
Once the residence of the Muslim rulers of Granada and their court, the site became a Christian palace. After being allowed ti fall into disrepair, the Alhambra was "rediscovered" in the 19th century. It is now one of Spain's major tourist attractions and exhibits the country's most famous Islamic architecture. Together with Christian 16th-century and later interventions in buildings and gardens.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Formentera

Formentera is the smallest and southernmost island of the llles Pitiuses. It is located 6km south of Ibiza in the Mediterranean sea.
The island was reachable by ship only from Ibiza, making it the quieter of the two islands but recently regular lines from the Spanish mainland have increased the amount of tourism. Formentera is known for its many pristine beaches. The island is flat and sandy with magnificent, unspoiled beaches. There are a few places where the land rises and has spectacular cliffs to the sea. It is perfect for cycling, walking, snorkeling, and sailing. Best time to visit the island is from June to August which is the peak season. The Island is full of natural beauty and jaw breaking views, these are only a few shores of it.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

The Climate and Geography

Spain is located in southwestern Europe and compromises 84 percent of the Iberian peninsula. It's total are is 504,782 sq km about 194,897 sq mi of which 499,542 sq km is land and 5,240 is water. The Atlantic coast is 710 km long. Spain and Morocco are separated by only13 km at their narrowest extents. It's highest points are Teide (Canary Islands) at 3,718 m (12,198 ft) and Mulhacen (Iberian Peninsula) at 3,477 m (11,407 ft).











The climate in Spain is extremely diverse.Peninsular Spain experiences three major climatic types: Continental(orange),Mediterranean(yellow), and Oceanic(green).


  • Continental climate is characterized by wide diurnal and seasonal variations in temperature and by low, irregular rainfall with high rates of evaporation that leave the land arid. Annual rainfall generally 300 to 640 mm.
  • The Oceanic climate, often called green Spain, from the Pyrenees to the northwest region, characterized by relatively mild winters, warm but not hot summers, and generally abundant rainfall at 1,000 mm.
  • The Mediterranean climate extends from the Andalusian Plain along the southern and eastern coasts up to the Pyrenees, on the seaward side of the mountain ranges that parallel the coast. Total rainfall in this region is concentrated mostly in late autumn-winter and spring periods.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Juan Carlos I


Juan Carlos I born 5 January 1938 is the reigning King of Spain. On November 1975, two days after the death of dictator Francisco Franco, Juan Carlos was designated king according to the law of succession promulgated by Franco. King Juan Carlos successfully oversaw the transition of Spain from dictatorship to parliamentary democracy. Juan Carlos married Sophia of Greece and Denmark in 1962. The couple has three children and eight grandchildren.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Why Spain












I have an interest in going to Spain in the near future. So I will be studying about it for the next month and posting h to everyone what I have learned. My plan is to study all that I can about Spain, since I do not know anything about it other than Spanish as the official language. I will add some pictures of it for now. It is one of my favorite places to visit.








Spain

The history of Spain

I will post today a few list of the main historical events in Spain after the 14th century. You will also notice that I posted two versions, the objective and the subjective written in red bold.

The kingdom of Spain was created in 1492.

Christopher Columbus initiated his voyage in 1492.
During the 15th,16th,and 17th centuries Spain was the most important colonial power in the world.
During 1702 to 1714 Bourbon dynasty accedes to Spanish throne in the war of Spanish Succession.
Spaniards rise against Napoleon's forces and it ends in French defeat.
Spain lost Cuba and Philippines during the Spanish American War.
Spanish king was forced to renounce in 1931 and Spain became a republic.
1936 to 1939 Spanish civil war conflicts end with General Frasco's victory and dictatorship was established.
In 1975 Franco Died, the democrat Juan Carlos then was proclaimed King.
Spain joined NATO in 1982, becoming a member of a mainstream European orgarnization.
Spain joined the European Union in 1986.
In 1992 Spain hosted the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
1999 Spain exchanged the Peseta for the new Euro currency.
On march 2004, a number of terrorist bombs exploded on busy commuter trains in Madrid
In 2005 Became the first country in the world to give full marriage and adoption rights to homosexual couples.

The astonishing kingdom of awesome Spain was created in 1492

The great Christopher Columbus initiated his Grand voyage in 1492

During the 15th,16th,and 17th harsh centuries tough Spain was the most important colonial power in the entire world

During 1702 to 1714 Noble Bourbon dynasty accedes to Spanish throne in the war of Spanish Succession

The rebellious Spaniards rise against Weak Napoleon's forces and it ends in French defeat

Frustrated Spain lost the Coveted Cuba and the Wanted Philippines during the Tedious Spanish American War

The not too Smart Spanish king was immediately forced to renounce in 1931 and Bright Spain became a Sharp republic

1936 to 1939 The sad Spanish civil war conflicts end with Clever General Frasco's victory and unfortunately dictatorship was established

In 1975 Hated Franco Died, the democrat Juan Carlos then was proclaimed The best King

Spain joined the clever NATO in 1982, becoming a sagacious member of a mainstream European orgarnization

Spain joined the mighty European Union in 1986

In 1992 the Substantial Spain hosted the 1992 wonderful Barcelona Olympics

1999 Spain exchanged the meaningless Peseta for the powerful Euro currency

On march 2004, a number of sadly terrorist bombs exploded on inoffensive busy commuter trains in shaken Madrid

In 2005 Became the first courageous country in the unfair world to give full marriage and adoption rights to happy homosexual couples