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In Cheung Chau, an island of Hong Kong, every year a festival is held very original: the Festival of the buns. Everything about the festival is part of its history: a dark age in which it was believed that the island was cursed. To cope with the curse, the inhabitants made several sacrifices and rituals and scaring the demons and ghosts.

In the memory of these rituals comes this event today has become one of the most important of all China. Discover an unusual event full of color and pastries.

In late May of each year, residents of Cheung Chau and many curious passengers in the streets of the city to enjoy this event so special.

The festival is held on the island of the same name, which historically was the hideout of dozens of pirates. The islanders, when asked, mentioning two origins for the festival: a report that is to placate the ghosts of the victims of pirates, while others say the festival commemorating the survival plague 200 years ago in the domains of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), when Cheung Chau was devastated by a storm. This disaster was followed by a great plague that took the lives of many. Believing that the island was cursed, people began to practice ceremonies and sacrifices to appease the wrath of the gods. The festival is of extraordinary dimensions and coincides with the birthday of Buddha. For all this, it is a unique event of its kind and an ideal opportunity for travelers to discover the essence of Chinese traditions and beliefs more remote.

In celebration, which lasts seven days, you can see rituals, dances, taste traditional local dishes, listen to Chinese songs and have fun. At this time also loves to Pak Tai, the Taoist god of the Sea, with a ritual procession in a march to the music of gongs and drums, all accompanied by adults and children dressed in many colors.

During the first three days, the entire island becomes a vegetarian. Even fast-food outlets offer meat: the menu changes drastically for veggie burgers and even hot dogs vegetarians.

Cheung Chau is a community that depends almost entirely on the sea for their life, since fishing is the main activity. In addition, motorized boats are prohibited on the island. This means that the port is filled with small boats bobbing peacefully ancient oriental style … It is an ideal place to relax and also to celebrate.

The towers of buns
No doubt the main attraction of this festival is climbing so-called “towers of buns.” These are huge bamboo structures, filled with sweet pastries like fruit hanging from tall trees. The towers of buns are located in front of Pak Tai Temple, the god who is devoted to the festival, built in 1783.

There are several temples in Hong Kong that honor to this god, who according to legend, the prince of evil began to heaven. Of greater importance to the residents of Cheung Chau is however its role as an advocate before the pirates who had released a series of attacks against the island. According to the myths, the attacks ceased once the temple was built.

The towers are built with bamboo to a height of 18 meters and then are filled with sweet buns. Since all the buns are blessed, once people climbed the tower to get their buns, but in 1978 one of these towers collapsed causing hundreds of injuries, so that until recently was banned climbing. However from 2005 onwards were established some very strict rules and this activity was glad that both the people was restored.

Furthermore, if the festival has even more flavor, buns are distributed to those attending the festival for free after the closing ceremony. Of course you can also buy these cakes in local bakeries.

The climb to the towers of buns
It is a strange and fascinating tradition: the sound of the gong competition starts, where the twelve participating climbers must climb the tower of cakes and breads to collect as many as possible, the higher are the rolls are worth more points. Now: they have only three minutes to get there. For added security, now the tower is now metal and the contestants wear a harness.

Win the challenge the climber to collect more points. How do they do? Some say it is easier to collect as many buns as possible, while others prefer those that are higher than are those with the highest score … Competition is not just an amazing show to win the game is quite an honor. Tradition determines that the family belongs to which contestant will be very lucky during that year, as it will with the blessing of the god Pak Tai.

Other gods
The festival not only dedicated to Pak Tai. The second of the deities who participated in this event is the highly revered Goddess Hau, who is the protector of the seas, fishermen and their boats. This goddess is worshiped to provide warnings of impending storms and save the lives of fishermen, as many of the islanders live from fishing.

Two gods complete the heavenly altar involved in the great celebration: Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy, and Hsing-the terrifying god of the south, who with his beard hideous face of horror to all his opponents.

You can see in different parts of the city temples and festivals dedicated to these gods, you can always enjoy free.

Aerial Dance
The week’s festivities culminate with spectacular processions in which smaller clothes and walk the streets dressed as mythological figures, held aloft by hidden bars that give the appearance of floating above the heads of the crowd.

This is how you will see a “flyover” of small figures dancing in the air. Parents consider it a great honor that their children are part of the parade, so usually the preparation of the costumes is time and dedication of each family.

A company of musicians accompanying the procession fascinating, beating gongs and drums to scare the ghosts of old pirates and their victims. The pilgrimage is led by a spectacular image of Pak Tai, who directs the imaginary battle against the spirits.

The trek puts you in direct contact with nature, walking paths through the mountains, next to a river or in the middle of a forest. It’s a long ride but fun. So before you get ready for the long walk, find out what to wear, what level of difficulty of your route and some safety measures to be quiet and go off to adventure.

The trekking is a long walk in a natural setting, usually away from civilization. The idea of trekking is to reach those places that can only be reached by foot, horseback or bicycle, and is a great effort is rewarded with a goal: a waterfall, an amazing panoramic view, a hidden lake. The sole purpose is to know that place the end of the trail.

Trekking is an activity that emerged from the mountain. The mountaineers, who climbed the Himalayas and peaks of great difficulty, must first reach the mountain base where they spent many days walking studying what the best way to go. The route up the mountain was a journey in itself and not all were able to go up, or were in a state to do so. Thus was born as a separate activity.

Although it usually takes more than one day, you can go hiking for a few hours. The difficulty varies depending on terrain. You can do trekking combined with other activities like horseback riding, biking or rappelling. The trekking is quite enough, but with its rules. Learn everything you need to know before trekking:

Difficulties
Most of the time the trek is done through trails, roads and valleys. Although the paths may be blurred, the most important challenge is the location of the path but the human effort required to reach the end of the road. In trekking there are 4 levels of difficulty and all walks properly marked to indicate what level correspond:

* Difficulty No. 1
Son walks free of small and large steep slopes. The paths are well defined and the end of the road tends to be a lookout. No experience is needed to make this trip. They are short and easy hike on good trails and a low altitude, with an appropriate infrastructure for walkers and good signage.

* Difficulty No. 2
It is an adventure, a little longer with some challenges in the road. The trail difficulty is still low, but may be at higher altitude (5,500 meters above sea level). The route has an infrastructure and appropriate signs. The highest mountains are already closely.

* Difficulty No. 3
It is a walk with a more ambitious path and steep, more than 5,500 meters. The road is seen in some sections can be blurred and difficult to follow the trail that at times crosses rivers and crosses or other difficulties. Mountaineering experience is required.

* Difficulty No. 4
It is a very difficult trek, where they are sometimes combined with hiking and climbing at altitudes higher than 5000 m and no infrastructure.
On High Mountain environment is, in uninhabited areas. You must have experience in mountaineering rope and appropriate equipment.

Who can trek
The type of people who can practice trekking varies with the level of difficulty of the trail. In a Level 1 trekking do not require fitness, but walkers must provide several hours of hiking with some uphill sections. Not recommended primarily for people with respiratory or heart problems and pregnant women.

Trekking Level 2 is required some physical training. Being a long journey that can last several days, the walker must have resistance. For trekking Level 3 and 4 is important to have previous experience and be in good physical condition.

A weighty matter
Note that the duration of the activity, you must carry a team for the night, feed, take shelter and water. When preparing the pack keep in mind that will bear the burden for hours. That’s why your team should be light. Take only the essentials.

The team
When hiking is only a few hours at a difficulty level 1, the computer is essentially a bottle of water, shelter (according to season and location) and refreshments. However, as we progress in difficulty, we will need more items. A hiking backpack is essentially complete 10 things you can not miss:

1. Food and water to withstand the days that the trip, providing extra precaution.
2. Mostly comfortable clothes, a raincoat and overcoat.
3. Flashlight or lantern.
4. First aid kit.
5. Fuel and elements to start a fire.
6. Matches.
7. Knife or knife.
8. Sunglasses and sunscreen.
9. Compass or GPS.
10. Updated the road map

Security
Many of the safety rules for hiking are based on having a little common sense. However, it is good to remember to avoid problems or accidents:

* Do not start any tour if you’re not sure you support the level of difficulty.
* Bring the right equipment. Even when they are in a difficult way, do not forget to bring water and a snack.
Alerts the rangers * for the difficulty of the path requires.
* Find out about dangerous animals in the area.
* Calculate the travel time, taking into account that the round trip may have a different duration depending on the slope of the trail.
* If the trek lasting several days and you can access natural water purifier is to avoid carrying extra weight during the entire trip.
* If this is your first time on a difficult trek, be sure to get an experienced guide.
* When the path is not well marked, turns your GPS or compass and map. Do not trust your intuition: is it safe.

Philosophy walker
Trekking is an experience that puts you in direct contact with nature. There is weakness and smallness of man before the imposing landscape. Only we can make these sites remain as they are. Care for the environment and follows the philosophy of LNT (Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace), who intends to take a conscious attitude while traveling, including keeping the waste to throw enabled sites and avoiding a fire in fire-prone areas.

Are you planning a vacation appropriate to go with your baby? There is good news: your family is young does not mean you stop traveling . For a baby not only great to have new experiences, it also helps them learn and be more flexible as they grow. Traveling is a break from the routine and the routine life of the parents that gives the whole family time for bonding and sharing new experiences.

The world is a big place and there is no reason that you cannot enjoy it. You have everything to achieve the perfect trip, but before you plan for it. Let us guide you in your best holiday 100% designed for your baby:

1. Destiny

Choose either the destination of your journey. You can travel to almost any destination with your child, but most parents will want to choose a safe and smooth.

2. Options for family

It is recommended to take account of the cruise, beach vacation, family resorts, and camps. The theme parks are just for children over 4 or 5 years. Also avoid the tourist areas with large crowds, the travel demand much chattering, lengthy stays and limited service hotels inn. You have to weigh the tranquility of staying in a hotel or resort familiar with special facilities for children that provide security. When booking, you have to confirm the availability of high chairs, cots and that sort of elements that will make your trip more enjoyable.

3. Take absolutely everything you and your baby need

Does your child’s favorite blanket is occupied so much space in your bag? Surely not, you should not resign bring those objects that your happiness. Do not assume that you will find everything that you could carry. If for example your baby reacts differently to different diapers, deal to bring sufficient for the whole trip. Not be exaggerated: there are things that do not really need, but you try your baby is objects that remind you feel at home to familiar surroundings.

4. Time to relax

Babies can succeed much over stimulated or when traveling. Try to plan flights or road trips longer and on a schedule that matches your sleep time. This allows you to relax normally. You also try to rest with him to spend quality time during the day.

5. Be flexible

You’re not at home; your son is not home, so some routines must conform. It helps to have a sense of continuity but need to relax a bit and go with the flow rather than having a planned trip by the minute. Planning for the unexpected will give you more peace of mind to enjoy your trip as you deserve. For example, try to arrive early to the airport to make arrangements with confidence and count on extra time for coffee, instead of running in a hurry to take the flight completely stressed.

6. Check what documents you should bring

In most countries it is mandatory that all children, even babies have their valid passport when traveling outside the country. But depending on the destination of your choice, you also need other papers.

7. The first few days it difficult to adapt

It will surely be one of the first, but the first trip of the child, so no wonder it costs a bit out of the daily routine of the family home. To help you bring your blanket or favorite toy. It is also helpful to establish a routine, like eating what you eat at home and even similar schedules. Try not to do many things, especially the first two or three days of the trip so that your baby can relax and get used to for many new things. Children are greatly reflected in their parents, so if you show you relaxed will be easier for them to enjoy.

8. Travel in low season

If you have the possibility, especially if you do not have school-age children, it is advisable to travel in low season. In high season the sites are crowded and it takes much longer to move, get a free restaurant and even relax amid the din of the crowd. In low season everything is quiet and you can keep your own pace.

9. Enjoy

The first vacation of your baby are truly unforgettable! Worry less and enjoy it more.

This city in southern France is located to the left of the Rhone. Founded by the digging, the city gained prominence when he formed part of the first Transalpine province of the Roman Empire. Today, nothing remains except this time the remains of a Roman forum.

The city also was the official residence of the Pope between the years 1309 and 1377. The Palais des Papes, built between 1335 and 1364 now forms part of the historic city center and is considered a World Heritage Site since 1995.

The Remparts, the city walls dating from the fourteenth century, are examples of the fortifications that surrounded the cities during the Middle Ages. The Hôtel de Ville or City Hall, is a relatively modern building, whose bell tower, like the walls are well preserved since the fourteenth century and is a monument worth visiting.

The famous Pont d’Avignon, known by the French song “Sur le pont d’Avignon”, are just four of the eighteen arches had before. However, other bridges decorate the city on the Rhone, as the bridge linking the city with Villeneuve-les-Avignon.

The Avignon Festival is a festival to be held since 1947. Usually held in July and brings together young actors and actresses that represent innovative and original plays. The art, dance and music also form an important part of the festival.

The Hôtel des Monnaies, the former Papal mint music school transformed into an architectural style also worth seeing. The Musée du Petit Palais, the small palace museum brings together many works of art from the Renaissance, many of them Italian. This museum was opened in 1976.