TRAVEL/ WOMEN SPECIAL.................. IT’S A WOMAN’S WORLD

 IT’S A WOMAN’S WORLD 

There’s a lot to celebrate for the woman in you. Take a vacation to some of the best destinations and rediscover the culture buff, adventure junkie, wellness lover, party-hopper and shopper in you

CULTURE VENTURE
TOP 3 CHOICES: Bhutan, Nepal, Vietnam “Do not tell me how educated you are. Tell me how much you have travelled.” — The Prophet Mohammed. This phrase is as apt today as it was 14 centuries ago. As the world is getting nearer and hopefully closer too, the boundaries are blurring. Apart from the beautiful locales, most travellers these days are intrigued with the way people in other countries live, the religion they follow, the values they swear by and more. Known as the Land Of Thunder Dragon, Bhutan gives the traveller a chance to visit ancient monasteries, temples, and picturesque landscape of Himalayan peaks. Even the Bhutanese architecture still distinctively traditional as they employ rammed earth and wattle and daub construction methods, stone masonry, and intricate woodwork around windows and roofs. Characteristic of the region is a type of castle fortress known as the dzong. Also the valleys or cities of Bhutan; Thimpu, Paro, Punakha, and Bumthang depict the cultural manifestation via Dzong, carnivals and more. Bhutan still carries on its historical background in a conscious manner.
    Folklore is an integral part of Nepalese society as well. Many Nepalese folktales are enacted through the medium of dance and music. Most houses in rural Nepal are made up of a tight bamboo framework and walls of a mud and cow-dung mix. These dwellings remain cool in summer and retain warmth in winter. A typical Nepalese meal is Dal bhat. Also one of their biggest food exports to the world are momos.
    It is said that the Vietnamese culture is one of the oldest in Southeast Asia. In Vietnamese culture, values come over family. Each clan has a patriarch, clan altar, and commemorations attended by the whole clan. Most inhabitants are related by blood. In the Western highlands, the tradition of many families in a clan residing in a longhouse is still popular. In the majority of rural Vietnam today, one can still see three or four generations living under one roof. Water puppetry, a split-bamboo screen obscures puppets which stand in water, and are manipulated using long poles hidden beneath the water, is a distinct Vietnamese art, which had its origins in the 10th century and is still very popular in the northwestern region of the country. Explore!
FOR THE SHOPPER AT HEART
TOP 3 CHOICES: Hong Kong, Paris, Turkey No vacation is complete without shopping. So why not pamper the little girl in you and go all out and plan a holiday based on what all you want to shop?
    Hong Kong’s Street Markets to name a few Stanley, Ladies’ Street Market, Kowloon City, Me & George, Lam Kee are a must-visit. From clothing, artwork, silk, handicrafts, fortune tellers, great street food, CDs, DVDs and bags you can find it all. For antiques, make sure you check out Hollywood Street, the antique capital of Hong Kong with shops as well as outside stalls and, if you do, run into the Man Mo Temple — a big Chinese temple stuffed with people leaving incense and prayers. South of Hollywood Road (So Ho), SO HO houses some of the coolest bars, boutiques, art galleries and shops. The street also sells bric-a-brac, lighting, baskets, furniture and accessories from household designers across the world.
    The most popular shopping street of Paris is Avenue des Champs Elysées followed by Le Marais, Ile St Louis and Ile de la Cité. The Lower Marais is concentrated around the Rue des Francs-Bourgeois is ideal for fashion, accessories, and beauty stores. While the Northern Marais, concentrated around the Rue de Bretagne is a hot spot of independent French designers. For the flea market lover, visit Marche aux Puces de Montreuil in the 20th district, the Marche aux Puces flea market de la Porte de Vanves near Montparnasse and the massive Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market, just outside Montmartre to the north. You might get authentic Euro antiques, classical furniture, art, jewellery and home decor.
    Istanbul has some of the best shopping markets Spice Bazaar, Inebolu, Sahaflar, Grand Bazaar to name a few. From the usual shopping do have a look at Ceramics, Carpets, Evil Eye, Brass and Copper items in Turkey. SHOPPING TIPS: It is best to shop in the morning when the salesmen have more time. Do not begin your shopping until the third or the fourth day of your visit. Explore the markets and then make the best buy.

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