The tar are Central Asian style with the additional side strings, but just like Iranian tar have the skin head, 3 pairs of main strings of metal and waisted body carved from wood. These tar are shaped very much like Iranian tar from last century, with the curves of the upper skin being more wide and rounded than those of the last 50 years. These are the most robust tar we have been able to offer; they even have a neck reinforcement rod for added strength. They vary quite a bit in ornamentation, with some being austerely plain in the manner of Iranian tar, and others having inlaid patterns more in the Uzbeki and Azerbaijani style.

Several countries use the tar as one of the most important art instruments, including Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Tajikistan, and of course Iran; even the Herat region of Afghanistan had the chartar, although it was much rarer than the dutar and rebab and tambur. For many years it’s been difficult to get instruments from this part of the world, and we are fortunate to have a supply of these once rare items from a part of the world that is too little known, particularly its rich musical heritage. For centuries this was the Silk road, the caravan trail from the Middle East to China, and along with silk, spices, jewels, precious metals, etc., musical instruments were carried from place to place.

Many cities along the Silk road, like Samarkand and Bukhara, were known for their great musical cultures, often mixing musical elements from different regions into a rich fusion. Political upheavals of the last century and geographic isolation have kept Central Asia from the mainstream of the world music revival, but things are changing now as the treasures of this part of the world become better known.

Most tea circles are run by a local chapter of an established tea school. Classes may be held at community centres, dedicated tea schools, or at private homes. Tea schools often have widely varied groups that all study in the same school but at different times. For example, there may be a women’s group, a group for older or younger students, and so on.

Students normally pay a monthly fee which covers tuition and the use of the school’s (or teacher’s) bowls and other equipment, the tea itself, and the sweets that students serve and eat at every class. Students must provide their own fukusa, fan, paper, and kobukusa, as well as their own wallet in which to place these items. Traditionally students also provided their own kimono and related accessories, though western clothing is very common today. On the other hand, if the teacher is in the higher rank of tradition, especially an iemoto, wearing kimono is still considered essential, especially for women. In some cases, advanced students may be given permission to wear the school’s mark in place of the usual family crests on formal montsuki kimono.

New students typically begin by observing more advanced students as they practice. New students are normally taught mostly by more advanced students; the most advanced students are taught exclusively by the teacher. The first things new students learn are how to correctly open and close sliding doors, how to walk on tatami, how to enter and exit the tea room, how to bow and to whom and when to do so, how to wash, store and care for the various equipment, how to fold the fukusa, how to ritually clean tea equipment, and how to wash and fold chakin. As they master these essential steps, students are also taught how to behave as a guest at tea ceremonies: the correct words to say, how to handle bowls, how to drink tea and eat sweets, how to use paper and sweet-picks, and myriad other details.

As they master the basics, students will be instructed on how to prepare the powdered tea for use, how to fill the tea caddy, and finally, how to measure the tea and water and whisk it to the proper consistency. Once these basic steps have been mastered, students begin to practice the simplest ceremonies, typically beginning with O-bon temae (see above). Only when the first ceremony has been mastered will students move on. Study is through observation and hands on practice; students do not often take notes, and some schools discourage the practice of note-taking.

As they master each ceremony, some schools and teachers present students with certificates at a formal ceremony. According to the school, this certificate may warrant that the student has mastered a given ceremony, or may give the student permission to study a given ceremony. Acquiring such certificates is often very costly; the student typically must not only pay for the preparation of the certificate itself and for participating in the ceremony during which it is bestowed, but is also expected to thank the teacher by presenting him or her with a gift of money. The cost of acquiring certificates increases as the student’s level increases.

Typically, each class ends with the whole group being given brief instruction by the main teacher, usually concerning the contents of the tokonoma (the scroll alcove, which typically features a hanging scroll (usually with calligraphy), a flower arrangement, and occasionally other objects as well) and the sweets that have been served that day. Related topics include incense and kimono, or comments on seasonal variations in equipment or ceremony.

The Asia cruise takes you to the opulence of Singapore & Hong Kong, definitely worth a look. The jungle temple in Thailand, the Konark temple of India, or the peaceful eyes of Buddha in Vietnam, redefine faith and religion of the believers and non-believers alike. The graceful dance forms of India, the Japanese tea ceremony or the Chinese theatre, all have enormous cultural significance that are part and parcel of the region’s tradition. You become a mute spectator of such enormous cultural and traditional fervor entwined in every walk of life, so similar to each other yet very distinct in its own right.

The Asia cruise cruises along the Malaysian, Vietnamese and the Thai seas. Splurge yourselves with pretty gifts from the fabulous shopping arcades of Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong. Be a part of a unique shopping experience with unbelievable discounts and promotional offers. Come to the Indian Hollywood, Bollywood, know what wholesome entertain can be by watching a Hindi film.

Let your Asia cruise be a medium to explore the enchanting cultures and original landscapes with their own unique fervor and flavor. You can go on a Far East & south pacific cruise, a South East Asia cruise or an Asia & Middle East cruise. Every cruise has its own tale to tell its own mystery to unfold.

After you have chosen the Asia cruise, you can expect quiet elegance and no over the top gimmicks. You can do your own thing at you own pace as if you are on a private villa. If you like to mind your own business you can jog a while, swim a leisurely lap or read a nice novel. You can take part in some activity join exercise classes get a soothing massage or enjoy a sauna. Some cruises even offer helicopter sightseeing, whitewater rafting, and nature walks etc. You can find spas, health clubs and even wedding chapels at your cruise ship. Special children play areas or centers are found with lots of games and entertainment. The cruise people often invite guest speaker to share their anecdotes mostly about the region you are sailing giving you interesting insights. Most of the cruises provide excellent service, every guest gets personalized attention. The dedicated and observant staff looks after you well. You can find any information you require from the staff like where to find souvenirs, where to shop of local handicrafts or where to find nice restaurants.

The Asia cruises have special entertainment areas that offer real entertainment from special theme events, hilarious comedies, and melodious musicals to exquisite dance performances that leave you spell bound.

And spellbound and mesmerized you will be when your Asia cruise journey ends. Surely and truly, you will be a transformed person if you take all the experiences to your heart.