Crowding, showing of Umrah season 2015

Hajj is the fifth piller of Islam. Hajj is compulsory for every Muslims once time in life.

To ensure a smooth worshiping experience for everyone at the Grand Mosque this Umrah season, the director of the Gates Administration at the mosque in Makkah, Abdullah Al-Tamih, urged pilgrims not to push and shove while entering and exiting the building for prayers.
''We usually face this serious problem during this season. Even though the mosque administration keeps 125 gates open to access all the floors of the Grand Mosque including its basement, we usually face overcrowding,'' Al-Tamih told Arab News regarding the beginning of the Umrah season.
The official added that 475 workers including female and temporary recruits work at the gates to welcome and assist the pilgrims. ''Digital sign boards have been placed at the gates to show whether there is any space inside; a green signal means there is space while the red signal is a warning to pilgrims that the mosque is full,'' he said.
As part of the third stage of the Grand Mosque's expansion, the Bab Ali has been reserved to bring in bodies for funeral prayers, while 17 gates have been equipped to welcome pilgrims with special needs.
Al-Tamih pointed out that other workers in his department also play a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of pilgrims. They make sure that worshippers engage in their prayers without experiencing any kind of crowding or bustle by directing the traffic in and out of the mosque, he said.
His team also prevents pilgrims from bringing food, drinks, suitcases and personal belongings into the mosque, which would inconvenience other worshipers.

Al-Tamih called on pilgrims to cooperate with the gate officials, while maintaining the cleanliness of the mosque.
As part of the activities during the Umrah season, Undersecretary at the General Administration for Guidance, Ibrahim Al-Barkati, told Arab News that his department organizes classes and records sermons and lectures for the pilgrims, as well as the issuance of fatwas. According to Al-Barkati, his department also oversees guidance activities inside and outside the mosque and supervises classes in various languages on the correct form of worship

London traveling Guide through King's Cross station

For visiting London, proximity to King’s Cross is the perfect location.  An intersection of six tube lines, including the Northern, Piccadilly, and Circle Lines, to name a few, can get you virtually anywhere from King’s Cross.  King’s Cross is also a train terminal, in the case that you are planning to visit the north of the UK.  But let’s not get off track and get back to seeing London via King’s Cross.  London, the cultural melting pot that it is, offers amazing and varied shops of anything you could desire.  Located near the major shopping zones of London, both commercial and artisan, King’s Cross is a convenient place for a shopping tour in London.  The city is also a magnet for great and creative minds, as is well known by all the thinkers, writers and artists who both came to and from London.  The wide range of museums and galleries reflects this intellectual breeding ground, and again, King’s Cross is a skip, hop and a jump away from many of these world-class museums.  Less conventional tours to start from King’s Cross could include a round of the city’s parks, exploring the wide web of the tube itself, or the nearby nightlife hotspots.  So, whether it’s shopping, rich culture, or any fun explorations that you’re after, King’s Cross will guide you there quickly and efficiently.  This paragraph is sponsored by Umrah 2015 from UK.

  For the shoppers!  Have an early and hearty breakfast (you will need the energy) and put yourself on the Northern Line, heading for Camden Town, where you will find open air markets selling art, crafts, clothes, accessories and much more.  It’s best to spend time here in the morning, as the area isn’t the safest at night.  After you’ve stocked up on original craft gifts at the market, head back to your hotel, drop them off, and back on the tube!  Via the Piccadilly Line, head towards Covent Garden, a famous indoor market, and the surrounding area, full of boutiques, shops, and nice cafes.  This picturesque market makes a nice lunch stop, with some cozy restaurants nearby.  Piccadilly Circus comes next: very commercialized, with many well-known brand stores.  Piccadilly is a fun place to return to at night, as the lights and pubs draw partiers to them like moths to the flame!  Head on to Knightsbridge to see the world famous Harrods’s Department store.  After this detour, it’s on to Oxford Circus to join the crowded throng admiring and buying the riches of Oxford Street, which is equivalent to New York’s Fifth Ave, a street of fancy department stores interspersed with chic shopping boutiques.  If your spending needs are still not satiated, check out other markets, such as Portobello, or just by walking through London, you will find hidden gems of stores throughout the city.  If, however, Oxford Street sums up the shopping day nicely for you, head back into the Oxford Circus tube, and the Victoria Line will conveniently take you right back to King’s Cross.

 For the culture seeker, you will start your day heading in the opposite direction of the shopper.  Head south on the Piccadilly Line to Russell Square, and just a few blocks south of the shady square is the British Museum.  After your explorations, you may also enjoy Covent Garden for its history and theater – check out the listings as they may draw you back in the evening.  Nearby is Trafalgar Square, home of the National Gallery.  From here, continue on to Green Park, and gasp at the size and beauty of Buckingham Palace.  Changing of the Guard takes place nearby, so check the season’s schedule if you are interested.  Slide down the Jubilee Line to Southward, and enjoy the neighboring Tate Modern and Globe Theatre.  Make your way back north of the river to Tower Hill, and explore London’s Tower.  Take the Circle line back to King’s Cross to conclude the cultural loop.  Click here to get information about Umrah visa 2015 and about Umrah hotel accommodation from UK.

 The adventurer who wants to learn the city by randomly coming across the interesting things may enjoy traveling from park to park, always great for people watching and discovering the wide variety of London’s inhabitants.  Regents, Hyde, Green, and St. James Parks are the main ones, each with distinctive personalities.  The Tube itself is extremely interesting, and it’s worth reading the entertaining advertisements of the tube, listen to some talented and not-so-talented musicians, pick out who the tourists are and who the natives are… the tube can be really enjoyable during your voyage.  Take advantage of being in this unique London sub world!  King’s Cross is also nearby to Leicester Square and Piccadilly, both popular nights out areas.  Or try traveling round Circle line and seeing how many pubs you can manage to stop at… after which, see if you manage to find your way back to King’s Cross on this concentric line!

  King’s Cross, recently made famous through Harry Potter’s platform 9 ¾, is more than a fictitious train platform.  It’s a station that literally will get you anywhere in London (and beyond) very conveniently.  If you’re visiting London to shop, to learn its culture, or just to explore it for face value, King’s Cross is the best starting and ending point.  You will get to where you need to go quickly, and at the end of the long day, you won’t have to wait long to be back at your London home, sweet home.

Wild Plants Backpackers Do you know?

Why learn about wild plants just to go backpacking? Of course it is interesting for some of us, but beyond that, a little knowledge of plants can save your life. This isn't just about the edible ones. Food is actually a low priority in most wilderness emergencies. However, there are many other important uses for the plants out there.

Useful Wild Plants

Cattails: The cattail is one of the most useful wild plants in the wilderness. Swampy or wet areas throughout the northern hemisphere have cattail plants, and once you identified them, you'll never forget them. While they have five edible parts, cattails are much more than food plants. Their long flat leaves have been used for centuries to make baskets and food-serving trays. You can weave them into mats for sleeping on, and even make crude clothing out of them.

The "fluff" of the cattail seed head that makes it one of the first wild plants you should learn about. The old fluffy seed heads often cling to the tops of the stalks year-round. Put a spark to these and it they can burst into flame. This can be a life-saver if you don't have matches. Stuff your jacket full of cattail fluff and you'll turn it into a winter coat, possibly saving you from the number one killer in the wilderness: hypothermia.Click here to get information about Islamic tour and about world tour from UK.

Some have also reported using cattail as an insect repellent. Just keep a smudgy fire going by burning the seed fluff. This may not be any more effective than any smoky fire would be, but it's so simple to collect and burn cattail fluff that it is worth remembering.

Yuccas: Sword-like leaves with sharply pointed ends make these easy plants to recognize. Few plants can be used so easily to make rope or twine. In the California desert I peeled yucca leaves into strips and braided them into a rope in a matter of thirty minutes. With two men pulling hard on either end, we couldn't break it. This is one of the better plants for making ropes as well as finer string (separate out the finest fibers).

Yucca can also provide needle and thread for emergency repairs. Cut the tip of a yucca leaf from the inside, an inch down and about halfway through. Bend it back, and you'll be able to peel some fibers out of the leaf, which stay attached to the "needle" or tip of the leaf. I've pulled out two-foot long strands of fibers this way, and sewn up clothing with them.

Milkweeds: Several parts are edible with proper preparation, and some people apply the white sap to warts to get rid of them. The really useful part of the milkweed, however, is the seed fluff. It is even more flammable than cattail fluff, so you can use it for starting fires from sparks.

It is a great insulater, too, even looking something like goose down. Fill bread bags with milkweed down and these "mittens" will keep your hands very warm. Insert your hands and tie the bags around your wrist or tuck it into your sleeves. This paragraph is sponsored by Umrah ticket 2015 from UK.

Some other useful wild plants? The bark the white birch tree burns better than paper, even when wet. Pop sap blisters on fir trees (young ones) and you can use the sap as an antiseptic dressing for small cuts. Smear the juice from crushed wild garlic and onion on yourself as an insect repellent. There are endless ways to use wild plants, so why not learn and practice a few?

20 benefit suggestion for budget travelers

1) When taking taxis from an airport to your hotel, travel in the more expensive airport taxis and ensure that the drivers have official identification. Never take a taxi waiting outside the airport grounds.

I know this sounds extreme, but it is by far better to be safe than sorry.

2) When traveling from your hotel to the airport, go with a taxi recommended by the hotel.

Again, taxi’s can be very dangerous. I can’t express that enough.

3) Try not to arrive in a new city or town late at night.

This can just go wrong in a number of ways. It is much easier getting checked in during the day time and security at night in certain areas is just horrendous.

4) Travel in a group if possible.

Since when is traveling in numbers not a good idea?

5) Learn the basics in the local language before you arrive. Don't expect that people will speak English.

English is becoming more widely spoken these days, but you want to be sure. You should always check on these things before your arrival. This paragraph is sponsored by travel for Umrah from UK.

6) Keep your valuables hidden.

A money belt is great if it is an option that you willing to look into. There are many different styles of money belt. One of the most popular is an “over the shoulder” style wallet on a strap that you were underneath your top. This makes it very difficult for a thief to make off with your valuables.

7) Avoid going on your own to remote areas/ruins where tourist would be expected to go. Seek local advice or take a guide.

8) Read the guide books and talk with other tourists to find out which areas are best avoided.

9) When leaving discos late at night take a taxi home no matter how close your hostel is. Outside most discos you'll find a street vendor selling cigarettes. Usually these people know all the taxi drivers and can recommend a safe one.

10) When arriving in a new town, keep to your original plan and stay in the hostel that you have decided on. Don't let the taxi driver persuade you that your hostel is fully booked and that he knows a cheaper and better one. He'll be working on commission and the hostel probably won't be in a safe part of town.

11) Even better, when arriving lane/train in a new city, try to reserve your hotel in advance, preferably with a hotel that has an airport/station collection service.

12) Don't wear expensive looking jewelry.

13) On public transport have your day pack close to you at all times, preferably with the straps around your legs or padlocked to the luggage rack. On buses your backpack will normally go outside, either on top of the roof or in the external luggage compartments. On long distance buses ask for a receipt for your bags. On short rides just keep a careful eye out each time the bus stops to off-load bags. In the event of having your bags stolen stay with the bus - you will probably require a declaration from the bus company accepting responsibility for the loss in order to claim any money from your insurance company.  Click here to get information about save holy journey from UK in your lowest budget.

14) Leave your valuables in your hotel safe when making day trips or longer tours. Obtain a receipt not just for your money belt/wallet etc. but for its contents, with each item listed.

15) If you have to leave your passport and credits cards together, place the credit card in a sealed envelope and sign your name across the flap. This way when you return you will know that nothing has been tampered with.

16) If planning on going to market areas, crowded streets, fiestas etc. don't go with all your valuables. Leave them in the hotel. If you’re planning on buying something expensive keep your money safely in a money belt. Try to be discreet when opening it! To protect small change in your pockets you can stuff a handkerchief in after.

17) If the pavements are really crowded, especially in market areas, walk in the road.

18) If you suspect someone is following you, stop and stare them in the eye until they go. If you really get a bad feeling about a place, go with your first instincts and leave. Bag slashing is rare nowadays but for added safety you can wear your day pack on your chest.

19) If it's on your back try to walk without stopping. If you need to stop, sway your pack gently from side to side so that you can feel if anyone is tampering with it. Go to Umrah package page and find information about your packages which you want.

20) When putting your bag down on the floor, to take a photo or just to sit in a cafe, remember to put your foot through the strap. Not only will it be impossible to snatch, you also won't forget it! This is the most common type of theft - tourists forgetting bags in cafes and on returning to ask if anyone has seen it, you've guessed it, it's gone.

European capital of culture

The European Capital of Culture changes on an annual basis. Each country in the EU takes its turn having the European Capital of Culture (ECC) within its boundaries.

The nation is fixed on a rotational basis, but there is great competition between the cities and regions of the nominated country for the honor of being nominated as ECC. The decision is made three years ahead, to allow time for preparation.

The reason every city wants to be nominated is because there it will receive millions of euro of national and EU investment. The nominated ECC region will also receive millions of euro from the 500,000 extra visitors during its years European Capital of Culture.

Cities are invited to put forward their proposals and reasons why they should be chosen. The national government makes the decision as to which city deserves the title most, though the decision is partly based on which city can benefit most from the financial investment. This paragraph is sponsored by Umrah packages 2014 from UK and similar site http://www.mcb-vac.co.uk/

In 2005 Cork in Ireland was the European City of Culture. Roads were improved; a sewage system installed and hundreds of thousands of extra visitors flocked to Cork to spend their money. They were treated to musical, theatrical and folk extravaganzas throughout the year.

In 2006 Parts in Greece has been chosen as the European City of Culture. Parts are about 90 miles west of Athens. Flights, car hire and accommodation are readily available, just search online, or ask your travel agent.

In 2007 Sibiu-Hermannstadt in Romania has been chosen for the European Capital of Culture. Hermannstadt is the German name for Sibiu. The city is the largest centre of German culture in Romania. Located in the Transylvanian forests of legend Sibiu is fast becoming the centre of Romania’s developing tourism industry.

The European Capital of Culture in 2008 is Liverpool in England. Liverpool is a historic city whose wealth is based on its port. The port of Liverpool still exists, but is less important now. Liverpool is famous as the home of the Beatles, but has some stunning architecture. The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral is unusual outside, but absolutely mind blowing inside. You will find it half a mile uphill, behind Lime Street Station, the main railway station.

Liverpool has an excellent public transport system and friendly taxi drivers. Liverpudlians are famous for their wit and quick repartee. The airport is small, but the city is easily reached from its rival Manchester airport, too

Amazing tour in France: Paris and Nice

For a holiday you will always treasure, be sure to visit France. With so much to offer within one country, France hosts the most tourists than any other country in the world. From romantic, cultural Paris to the heights of the snow capped French Alps to the southern sizzling beaches. France hotels can add to the splendor of your trip with an amazing selection that can be found with ease on the internet.

Paris: fashion capital of Europe

Surrounded by style and romance you just cant help fall in love with Paris. Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, street café’s and fashion boulevards, a boat trip on the River Seine there is so much to see and experience.

Transport: how to get there and around:

The main airport which greets most visitors to Paris is Charles de Gaulle. Paris can also be reached with ease by train from surrounding countries and many destinations within France. If traveling from the UK the ferry is also an option. This paragraph is sponsored by airline Umrah ticket 2014 from London.

Getting around Paris is best on foot, it’s a great place for walking and sightseeing. If your not feeling so energetic there is a metro system.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Paris.

Weather

Paris is fortunate to be situated in a basin so has little rain compared with the rest of the country. Generally the weather in the capital is temperate.

Attractions & Events

Parisians love to celebrate, here are just a few events you should look out for.

* The glamorous Paris Fashion Week showcases the latest designer spring collections in March.

*Bastille Day is a special day for the whole country. The French National Day is celebrated in Paris with style on the 14th July with parades, parties and fireworks. 

*The International Photo Fair is also worth a visit and takes place in November.

Nice: treasure of the Côte d’Azur

Nice has a special ambiance and charm that attracts a great number of visitors to walk through its old cobblestone streets. Nice offers history, culture as well as the modern delights of shopping and night life. Add to this the long stretch of beach and you have a great holiday combination. This paragraph is sponsored by air travel to Umrah from UK.

The temperature in Nice makes the pebble beach a great spot to relax. The waters are warm, clear and inviting and are just a pebbles throw away from neighboring St Tropez and Cannes.

Transport: how to get there and around:

Traveling around France is easy using the impressive, fast rail system. You can get to Nice by train and bus or if traveling from further a field, the International Airport is just 6 km’s from town.  Ferries are also an option, they run to Corsica.

Getting around Nice is easy on foot, it is pleasant to walk around and explore the sights.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of Nice hotels

Weather

Summertime in Nice can be scorching up to 40 C. Typical climate however can be described as Mild, averaging 15 C. Winter is also mild with lowest temperatures being around 5 C. This paragraph is sponsored by Umrah guide tour from London.

Attractions & Events

*Nice holds an annual carnival during the latter half of February. The lavish street parades end with a fabulous fireworks show.

*During June, the city hold religious processions and prayers for patron saints St John and St Peter.  

*July is for music lovers as the worlds finest Jazz players meet in the city for the Nice Jazz Festival.