Archive for May 6th, 2008

Geishas are one of the symbols of Japanese tradition. However, Geisha art only became well known worldwide after the Second World War. Some Geishas even became very famous and were admired as much as film stars nowadays. Nevertheless the Geisha life still remains a secret. Geishas seem to live in their own world which has its own principles and the Japanese give much respect to this. Though a Geisha is not prohibited from telling the outside world about her life, it seems to be an unspoken rule that a Geisha, after her retirement, will never tell anyone about her past and keep her life a secret until the day of her death.

Many people have a misconception that Geishas are prostitutes. This is completely wrong. The word “Geisha” is the combination of two parts: in Japanese, “Gei” means art, performance and “Sha” means a person. Therefore Geisha means a person who performs Japanese traditional arts. They are real artists who can play different kinds of musical instruments, sing and dance, perform the tea ceremony, arrange flowers, chant poems and especially be an expert in wearing traditional kimonos. Geishas also have very good conversation skills and many even can speak English in order to entertain foreign guests.

Geishas live in houses called okiyas. The leader of each okiya is called Okami, who used to be a Geisha. She has the duty of taking care of Geishas and trainees, doing the accounting work and getting connections with the teahouses where Geishas work or do their internship. Young girls who want to become Geishas are sent to a special school where they can learn essential skills. All living and studying expenses of these prospective Geishas are noted carefully by the Okami and they have to be paid back when the girls become professional Geishas. The training is very harsh and often takes about six years. After that, the trainee Geisha is called Maiko and will go with a head Geisha to teahouses to get familiar with the customers. A Maiko later has to choose whether she wishes to become a professional Geisha or not, because a Geisha cannot get married at any time of her life.

Nowadays there are still Geishas entertaining at hotels and restaurants in Japan. However, fewer and fewer girls want to become Geishas now due to the rigorous and time-consuming training. That’s a pity because Geishas are not only talented entertainers but also have been considered an important part of Japanese culture, to the outside world.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to japan-guided.com/ Japan


The Denver Zoo is an extremely popular attraction for both the residents and for the visitors of Denver, Colorado. There is almost no better way to spend a sunny day in Denver than by going to the zoo. Keep reading this article to learn what makes the Denver Zoo such a popular attraction and to learn why you should go for a visit.

The Denver Zoo is home to over 4000 animals and over 750 different species of animals. It is home to many rare and endangered animals such as the Komodo Dragon, the Western Lowland Gorilla and endangered cheetahs. The animals are divided in different exhibits which successfully attempt to recreate their natural environment. For example, there is the Predator Ridge exhibit which attempts to recreate the African savannah. There you will find such African predators as lions, and hyenas in a realistic environment. Another exhibit at the zoo is the Bear Mountain. This exhibit is notorious for its use of simulated rockwork made from concrete.

Built in 1918 it was the first such type of exhibit in any zoo in the United States. That’s not the only first at the Denver Zoo though. The zoo is also home to the country’s first natural gas powered train which you can ride on for a ticket price of only $1. This really just scratches the surface of what is available at the Denver Zoo. There is much much more waiting for you when you go for a visit and I am sure you will not regret your decision to go.

If you would like to visit the Denver Zoo you can find it at 2300 Steele Street in Denver, Colorado. Before you visit you should get current hours, check on special events and get current ticket prices by calling the information line at 303-376-4800.

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Southeast Vacations Guide

The region in Southeast of U.S. is among a favorite for people who fantasize being surrounded by water. Since the location is fairly near to equator weather in these parts of U.S. is warm. Also large water bodies influence to make the climate moderate. Due to this there are very few frozen beaches in Southeast; most of seaside is operational all year round. Southeast is emerging fast as an ideal holiday destination for enthusiastic tourists. All states in southeast are magnificent attractions on their own and together they present excellent opportunities for an exciting vacation.

Alabama offers variety prospects ranging from white beaches near the Gulf Coast to highest mountains that are picture perfect and in compliance with ones imagination. Its beaches are spread to about 32 miles and both business opportunities and fun activities are abundantly found here. The Huntsville Botanical Garden is a must visit for the place of the area consisting of dramatic collection of flowers and pasture covered lavishly with grasses. There is also a gleaming pool and a garden having aquatic perpetual exhibits all year round. Alabama Music Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to achievers in music from all fields of music relating to Alabama. Casino lovers can find enough opportunities for their recreation in this city.

Florida is an ultimate destination of family or a romantic vacation. It offers best in both spheres, the lavish outlay by resorts and hotels, eye catching beaches and world class golf courses everything is an exotic treat for vacationers. Florida portrays prospects for mountain escapes of varied choices consisting of camping, hiking, amazing natural wonders and vast parks spread to many acres of land. A special attraction of Florida is the Fort Lauderdale or the Hollywood International Airport that makes Hollywood easily accessible. The beaches here are perfect for family and children as they offer fabulous attractions for all.

Georgia is a state with rich cultural heritage relating to literature and music. Even amazing landmarks from past are a bonanza of the place. Both mountains and seasides present splendid views and excellent tourism possibilities. This city offers glimpses of stylish southern culture and a feel of modern times consecutively. There are admirable dining options and presentable downtown views that can entertain a traveler who would just pass through its streets. Local galleries exhibit traveling art and official art collections. There is a masterpiece for everything in the state whether it is nature, entertainment, shopping, history or sports.

Virginia is rightly called a city for lovers. It is located at southern most part of Middle Atlantic States. It is roughly triangular in shape and has numerous must visit national parks each known for its unique characteristics. Virginia is a city with diversity and offers something for everyone. Its enriched historical background is an added attraction for the place. Among many tourist spots of the area is the famous Colonial Williamsburg history museum. The museum exhibits political and cultural world of 1700s and enjoys a status of largest living-history museum in America. Virginia is also the best place to visit during festivals as all events are celebrated with great zeal and zest here.

Mansi aggarwal writes about southeast vacations. Learn more at southeastvacationspots.com southeastvacationspots.com


Airlie Beach Australia

Airlie Beach is situated on the magnificent Whitsundays coastline, Queensland. The small town of Airlie Beach is the ideal location to stay in order to experience what the entire Whitsunday region has to offer. Being the focal point of activity on the mainland and the gateway to The Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a holiday in paradise.

A view above Airlie Beach, looking towards the Whitsundays Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. With Airlie Beach being positioned on a picturesque peninsula that reaches out into the Whitsunday waters, the town is an ideal base for a huge array of holiday enjoyment on the mainland, islands and in the surrounding Whitsunday waters. Popular activities in the Airlie Beach area include Sailing the islands, day trips to the reef, scenic flights over Whitehaven Beach, skydiving, snorkelling, Crocodile Safaris, and that’s just to name a few!

Airlie Beach is not only a perfect holiday destination due to its vast array of activities, but also accommodates many of the essential services for travellers to the region. There are a variety of dining options, ranging from fast foods outlets to superior restaurants and entertainment is easy to find as there are a number of bars, pubs and clubs all located within close proximity of each other. Also, in and around Airlie Beach there is a huge amount of accommodation to suit every budget. Places range from stylish resort hotels overlooking the crystal clear Whitsunday waters, to family caravan parks and backpacker lodgings.

Other facilities in the town of Airlie Beach include a selection of interesting shops and boutiques, banks, information services, a stinger-free swimming lagoon and boardwalks through landscaped parklands.

Whether you’re seeking adventure and action or relaxation and comfort, Airlie Beach is the perfect holiday destination for you. All the makings of an unforgettable holiday are at Airlie Beach, so it would be a shame to never experience the magic at least once in your life.

Article by Simon Shearer,