<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Central Asia Blog</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:57:42 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2</generator>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
			<item>
		<title>Thailand Property &#124; Property In Phuket &#124; Property Phuke</title>
		<link>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/thailand-property-property-in-phuket-property-phuke/</link>
		<comments>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/thailand-property-property-in-phuket-property-phuke/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:57:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Stewards</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business & Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phuket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Property]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/?p=61</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Kingdom of Thailand is a constitutional monarchy and is unique among Southeast Asian nations whose traditions are rooted in centuries of freedom. It is highly regarded as a cost effective and geographically ideal regional base for international employees working all around Asia. Beautiful mountains, dense forests and mile after mile of white sandy beaches and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Kingdom of Thailand is a constitutional monarchy and is unique among Southeast Asian nations whose traditions are rooted in centuries of freedom. It is highly regarded as a cost effective and geographically ideal regional base for international employees working all around Asia. Beautiful mountains, dense forests and mile after mile of white sandy beaches and turquoise seas lapping at the shore, a tropical climate draw visitors back each year. Thailand has good schools, an efficient health care system, world class infrastructure and facilities which make it a very attractive retirement destination, Retirees and others looking to invest in thailand property are keeping the south-east Asian country of Thailand top for second homes.</p>
<p>The Thailand property market has moved with recent economic and political conditions to provide worthwhile opportunities for shrewd investors. The key drivers behind the thailand property market are economic growth and increase in tourism (Thailand is considered as one of the most popular Asian tourist destination for phuket hotel resorts, phuket islands, phuket villas, private islands) will result into further thailand property development. With annual capital growth of between ten and 15 per cent, the market offers profitable investment opportunities and is subsequently seeing an influx of buyers looking for attractive property in phuket investment opportunities. Swift economic growth underpins this property boom and is likely to have an accumulative effect as property growth leads to increased tourism. According to international property analysts, Thailand&#8217;s property outlook remains healthy, especially within the residential and the office building sectors.</p>
<p>The average price of a medium–sized thailand homes is under USD $40,000. Since property prices are now at an opportunistic low, discerning real estate companies phuket, are taking advantage of the low prices, particularly now, in times of global economic crisis and temporary political unrest in Thailand. </p>
<p>They will sit back and observe the value of their properties increase gradually over time and enjoy the fruit. The country has attracted the interest of developers in real estate phuket, airlines and holidaymakers and that those looking to purchase homes abroad should also consider the location. There is ample scope for buyers looking for different types of thailand homes and investment opportunities. People are looking for investment, for holiday homes, people looking to use a property for a couple of months’ for work; it&#8217;s a whole mixture for all sorts of market. Most popular areas to invest in include </p>
<p>Bangkok, Koh Samui and Phuket.</p>
<p>These destinations offer some of the world&#8217;s most luxurious properties. New flights to Phuket and Koh Samui are providing alternatives for property investors considering making a purchase in Thailand. The property market in Bangkok has a large unsold inventory of condos that offer very low prices, adding that demand for these properties is likely to increase when investors discover the selection of cheap investment opportunities that are available. property in phuket development is expanding to four small nearby islands because of the demand .The government in Thailand has unveiled a new financial aid package that could benefit helping homeowners and property investors in the country as it is not immune from current economic crisis. Increased political stability will help its popularity further and stave off competition from other Asian countries. </p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/thailand-property-property-in-phuket-property-phuke/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Uzbekistan &#8211; The Ancient Heart of Central Asia</title>
		<link>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/uzbekistan-the-ancient-heart-of-central-asia/</link>
		<comments>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/uzbekistan-the-ancient-heart-of-central-asia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:46:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Fred Peters</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Society & Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cultural Achievements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Modern Architecture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uzbekistan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/uzbekistan-the-ancient-heart-of-central-asia/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Uzbekistan is home to some of the oldest cities in the world. As it is situated between two rivers, the Amu-Darya and the Sir-Darya, it was considered as the crossroads of the famed Silk Road, a lucrative trading route that ran through the center of Uzbekistan. The area has always been a haven for culture [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Uzbekistan is home to some of the oldest cities in the world. As it is situated between two rivers, the Amu-Darya and the Sir-Darya, it was considered as the crossroads of the famed Silk Road, a lucrative trading route that ran through the center of Uzbekistan. The area has always been a haven for culture and for religion. In fact, Zoroastrianism, which predates Christianity and Islam, began in what is now called Uzbekistan, and this religion is still practiced worldwide.</p>
<p>Quite a bit of technology existed early in civilization, and the people of Uzbekistan were involved in building and improving irrigation systems, weaving silk, maintaining an armory, growing and cultivation cotton and various types of grain, grapes, and other fruits. Those who had knowledge of these cultural achievements were held in high regard.</p>
<p>Uzbekistan is once again a popular destination for travelers to Central Asia. There are so many interesting places to go and things to see that you may have a difficult time choosing what attractions to visit. Uzbekistan travel is a lot like stepping into another world. Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, presents an awesome mix of ancient and modern architecture: from centuries old Zangiota mausoleum and Khast Imam ensemble to Tashkent metro, the magnificent underground artwork in itself, and the TV Tower, the tallest building in Central Asia.</p>
<p>Samarkand has the Afrasiab Museum, which is filled with archeological items that were found during the time between the 4th and the 13th centuries, A.C. Bukhara has many mosques and mausoleums to check out, such as the Magoki-Attari, the Kalyan, and the Djami mosques and the Samanids, the Chashma-Ayub mausoleums. Khiva is unique in that the entire town was declared as a &#8220;historical monument of world significance&#8221; by UNESCO. Every building and attraction in this town has been preserved in the style that was in use when the town was established 2500 years ago. Khiva can boast of having more minarets in all of Asia.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/uzbekistan-the-ancient-heart-of-central-asia/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Interior Design Schools in Georgia</title>
		<link>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/interior-design-schools-in-georgia/</link>
		<comments>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/interior-design-schools-in-georgia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 07:24:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Georgia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Interior Design]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/interior-design-schools-in-georgia/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Interior design schools gradually began to see a rise in the number of applicants a few years ago as worldwide TV channels began to pay more attention to homes and the way in which they were designed and decorated. Consumer culture actually had a massive impact on this trend, but nobody expected the explosion in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Interior design schools gradually began to see a rise in the number of applicants a few years ago as worldwide TV channels began to pay more attention to homes and the way in which they were designed and decorated. Consumer culture actually had a massive impact on this trend, but nobody expected the explosion in popularity that was to occur in the last two or three years. More companies are employing designers, public services and private facilities, while homeowners are employing experts rather than giving in to the call of DIY. As such, there are career options for designers out there but before you can start looking into that, you need to look into the best design programs in Georgia to attend instead!</p>
<p>Design programs are predominantly associated with northern cities, such as New York and Boston, as a result of the coverage they have received in the press and on various websites in recent years. However, that is not to say that southern states do not have their fair share of top schools. In fact, those in the southern states are often just as good as those in the north. With expansive schedules and fantastic classes that encompass all aspects of such practice, the best interior design schools in Georgia have given many successful designers the education they need to forge an illustrious career.</p>
<p>Georgia&#8217;s design schools are mainly located in Atlanta, the state capital. However, there are some of note elsewhere in the state. The information outlined below will give you a little information about the best interior design schools and courses available to you there so you will be able to begin your research on your options with a firm foundation. American InterContinental University in Buckhead &#8211; The interior design programs at this particular school are of a more basic nature than those elsewhere but can give you a firm foundation to build on. The practical basic skills are taught in a hands on way so you are able to build your confidence and your portfolio at the same time. They offer courses in drafting, materials, color, lighting, building systems, detailing, residential design and commercial design, amongst others.</p>
<p>Bauder College in Atlanta &#8211; A career based school, this is amongst the best interior design schools in Georgia because all classes are designed around the premise that to learn you have to be taught the theory and put it into practice. With day and evening classes available, the flexible program is ideal for those working as well as full time students. The Art Institute Of Atlanta &#8211; The ultimate in hands on degree courses can give you the best possible start in your interior design career and this is here to find it. The curriculum is honed to perfection and has been praised for its success rates so you can have absolute peace of mind if you enroll in this particular institution. Westwood College in Atlanta is perhaps the best interior design school for a comprehensive degree program. In addition to the usual basic design principles, drawing and drafting elements, there are also classes on safety, interior construction, space planning and computer aided design amongst others.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/interior-design-schools-in-georgia/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Travel through Central Asia</title>
		<link>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/travel-through-central-asia/</link>
		<comments>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/travel-through-central-asia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:47:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel & Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Central Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mountain Parks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Museum]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/travel-through-central-asia/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Three primary caravan routes ran through Tajikistan&#8217;s Tien-Shan and Pamir mountain ranges. Only around 7% of the land is arable, nearly all of in the fertile Fergana Valley in the north, which produces the major agricultural crop, cotton, which, along with aluminum, are country&#8217;s major exports. Tajikistan&#8217;s capital and largest city is Dushanbe, modern and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Three primary caravan routes ran through Tajikistan&#8217;s Tien-Shan and Pamir mountain ranges. Only around 7% of the land is arable, nearly all of in the fertile Fergana Valley in the north, which produces the major agricultural crop, cotton, which, along with aluminum, are country&#8217;s major exports. Tajikistan&#8217;s capital and largest city is Dushanbe, modern and European styled, with broad tree-lined boulevards and a spectacular backdrop of snow capped mountain peaks. The city features numerous squares and monuments commemorating the Persian influences of the past and its surroundings contain many recreational areas, mountain parks and gorges, one with a 100 foot waterfall. The National Museum of Archaeology contains the 1600 year old &#8216;Tajik Buddha,&#8217; now thought to be the largest statue of its kind in Central Asia.</p>
<p>The museum also houses displays of Zoroastrian and Buddhist artifacts. Khujand is the country&#8217;s second largest city and an ancient Silk Road trade center. Located at the entrance to the fertile Fergana Valley, Khujand is cited as the easternmost city established by Alexander the Great. As such, it has a rich history and many preserved architectural and cultural sites. It also happens to be a popular mountaineering center in a country where half the land lies higher than 9,000 feet above sea level and which has a number of peaks taller than 20,000 feet. Near to the border with Uzbekistan is Penjikent, which lay on the only route from the East to Samarkand and flourished from the 5th Century. Arabs destroyed the city in the 8th Century and the ruins were discovered in the last hundred years. </p>
<p>Today, the excavation site has been turned into a memorial reserve where tourists can visit a medieval citadel, palace, public buildings, dwellings and a necropolis. Midway between Penjikent and Dushanbe lies the emerald gem Iskander Kul (lake). The lake is at an elevation of 7,000 among the 4,000 plus peaks of the Fan mountains, which contain many other hiking, fishing or skiing spots for Dushanbe&#8217;s residents. To the east is the larger Kara Kul situated amongst high, barren highlands that, with their errie atmosphere and yak herds, are reminiscent of Tibet. The lake is often accessed from Kyrgyzstan, heading west from Osh.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/travel-through-central-asia/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Marriage Arrangement Tradition of Central Asia</title>
		<link>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/marriage-arrangement-tradition-of-central-asia/</link>
		<comments>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/marriage-arrangement-tradition-of-central-asia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:47:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gregg Hall</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Society & Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Central Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marriage Arrangement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Match Making]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/marriage-arrangement-tradition-of-central-asia/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In many Central Asian counties those who arrange the marriage visit homes of future bride on behalf of groom and his family and propose marriage. Future of young family depends on groom’s character, his parent’s and relative’s life experiences and the marriage arranger herself. By taking the responsibility of match making person has to know [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In many Central Asian counties those who arrange the marriage visit homes of future bride on behalf of groom and his family and propose marriage. Future of young family depends on groom’s character, his parent’s and relative’s life experiences and the marriage arranger herself. By taking the responsibility of match making person has to know everything about bride’s and groom’s families and as well as bride and groom themselves otherwise it is considered a big sin to arrange an unhappy marriage for both families. Those people must understand that well being and future of the young family is in their hands.</p>
<p>In ancient Central Asia the match makes couldn’t come into brides home to propose the marriage without informing the bride’s family. The match makes or sometimes mother of the groom came early in the morning when everyone was sleeping to the bride’s home and swept the floor near the entrance door to the bride’s home that would show the bride’s parents that there is a family who is interested in proposing marriage to their daughter. Next bride’s family would start to prepare for the visit of the match maker, by trying to find out from which family the groom is and learn more about the groom and his family. Parents of the bride did not agree to the marriage from first visit of the match makes even if they were in favor of it. First bride’s family had to show its’ pride and give an impressions of their daughter as hard to get bride, which would bring brides’ and her family’s status higher.</p>
<p>In present time the process of match making became easier in some parts of Central Asia, young women and men meet each other in their own and then ask their parents for permission to the marriage or their parents or immediate family members play the role of match makers. They tell each other about their families, relatives and other background information. A lot of attention is paid to how neighbors describe the bride or groom and references from school or work.</p>
<p>Bride and groom are allowed to have few dates before giving their final agreement for the engagement. Those dates are very important as they give young people an opportunity to find out more information about each other, such as their views on different aspects of life, their personalities and interests. Based on those dates they are able to make a better decision about the possibility of future marriage.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/marriage-arrangement-tradition-of-central-asia/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>History Of Asia</title>
		<link>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/history-of-asia/</link>
		<comments>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/history-of-asia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:56:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Society & Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia History]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/?p=55</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Asia has been in many wars and has a blood history. A little after 2500 BC one of the most ancient civilizations that we know was Asia. Asia is a continent that has been very important to the world. The first traces of civilization began in Mesopotamia, a part of Asia. This Civilization is known [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Asia has been in many wars and has a blood history. A little after 2500 BC one of the most ancient civilizations that we know was Asia. Asia is a continent that has been very important to the world. The first traces of civilization began in Mesopotamia, a part of Asia. This Civilization is known as Sumeria. Like some other civilization, Sumeria started as a separate city. They built great temples and strong army. This was headed by Sargon. After his death this civilization fell apart. Another interesting discovery was the China. The Chinese put a new way of life. They discovered lot of new things. The best example is the great wall of China. The only man made structure visible from space. Really those people are putting new examples in front of everyone. China is covering large area of Asia.</p>
<p>Asia was having tough time in 20th Century. We can not forget the great wars like Gulf War, World War II and Vietnam War. During world War II, there was great loss to Asia. Japan the part of Asia Continent suffered a lot in that War. They were bombing by US two times and the bad effects of that still can be seen. They had to pay a great amount that time. Like this Asia had many hidden facts about it. It is not possible to bind this whole thing in words. Asia being a big continent is always the centre of attraction. Many tourists come to visit many historical places in Asia. They explore on culture, literature and other aspects here. Really Asia is having many magical facts hidden.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/history-of-asia/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Cruise Travel Trip To Asia</title>
		<link>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/cruise-travel-trip-to-asia/</link>
		<comments>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/cruise-travel-trip-to-asia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:04:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ahrah Vikas</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel & Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cruise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trip]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/?p=52</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are many different cruise lines that offer trips to Asia, and all of them feature various itineraries to choose from. One of the specific cruise lines that offer cruise travel to Asia is Crystal Cruises. They feature cruises that last anywhere from 11 to 16 days, and include many exciting adventures in Asia. They [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are many different cruise lines that offer trips to Asia, and all of them feature various itineraries to choose from. One of the specific cruise lines that offer cruise travel to Asia is Crystal Cruises. They feature cruises that last anywhere from 11 to 16 days, and include many exciting adventures in Asia. They have four different excursion packages to choose from that include the Ancient Dynasties, Mysteries of Asia, Kingdoms of Jade &amp; Gold, and the Exotic Asian Odyssey. </p>
<p>The Ancient Dynasties cruise lasts for two full weeks and includes trips to Honk Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai, China, Taipei, Taiwan, Kagoshima, Japan, as well as offering an “Adventures In Beijing” land tour once the cruise has completed. The Mysteries of Asia excursion includes overnight stays in many cities including Nagasaki, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Osaka. Optional land tours are also available with this particular cruise package. The Kingdoms of Jade &amp; Gold will take the traveler from Hong Kong to Singapore with several stops included, and this adventure lasts for a total of eleven days. The Exotic Asian Odyssey goes to Thailand, Myanmar and India. It lasts for an extensive sixteen days and many land excursions are also available. </p>
<p>While cruising through the open sea you can enjoy the many amenities offered aboard the cruise ship. The ship can accommodate 940 guests, and features a full service fitness facility, a Jacuzzi and two swimming pools, a Caesar’s Palace casino, a teak Promenade Deck, and a wide variety of live entertainment and exquisite cuisine. On any given night, or during the day for that matter, the entertainment choices seem virtually endless. On board entertainment choices include Broadway style shows, classical musicians, jugglers, ventriloquists, comedians, live jazz in the piano bar, dancing in a choice of lounges, a movie theater which features new and recently released motion pictures, as well as offering lectures on such topics as golf, gambling, health &amp; fitness and so much more. </p>
<p>Some cruises that travel to Asia also have stops in Hawaii, and these will allow you to enjoy island life for a day before setting off on the Pacific Ocean as you head towards Hong Kong. While many cruises that offer a stop over in Hong Kong have predetermined land excursions that all passengers must participate in, other cruises allow passengers to plan their own day trips while in Hong Kong. If your cruise affords you this worthwhile opportunity, one of the things that you must see is Victoria Peak. Victoria Peak is in essence a mountain that features magnificent restaurants, wonderful shopping, and the most gorgeous views in all of Hong Kong. The top of Victoria Peak can be reached by taking the Peak Tram, which will afford you the opportunity to see all that the Peak has to offer as you make your way to the top. </p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/cruise-travel-trip-to-asia/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ways To Choose An Asian Destination</title>
		<link>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/ways-to-choose-an-asian-destination/</link>
		<comments>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/ways-to-choose-an-asian-destination/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:21:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ayla</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel & Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Destination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trip]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/?p=50</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Choosing a destination point in Asia for your next vacation. You should begin from where?
There are really so many options. Exclude those countries that are at war or have a high level of violence associated with them at the moment. Then, break down the possibilities according to what interests you most. Is it religion, cuisine, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Choosing a destination point in Asia for your next vacation. You should begin from where?</p>
<p>There are really so many options. Exclude those countries that are at war or have a high level of violence associated with them at the moment. Then, break down the possibilities according to what interests you most. Is it religion, cuisine, architecture, art, crafts, natural phenomenon, history, a particular event, or even a particular animal? Choose a category or come up with your own and then consider further breaking down the chosen category.</p>
<p>Building On An Idea</p>
<p>For instance, an interest in the religions found in Asia could center around Hinduism and a trip focused on visiting the various areas where Hinduism is concentrated. Building on this idea add the category of architecture. Now you can locate and visit the Hindu temples in the regions you have identified. Further add the crafts that are associated with the Hindu religion and you now have something to collect on your trip.</p>
<p>Lets try another one. Start with cuisine. Maybe you love hot, spicy food. What makes food hot and spicy? What if your whole trip centered around chili? Discover which country has the kind of spicy food you love best and not only eat your way through the trip but visit the farms and people where these chili&#8217;s are grown and harvested. Build this trip further by learning about the history of the plant and discover whether there are particular tribes, a person or a location connected to the cuisine and worth adding to your trip.</p>
<p>Triggering The Travel Bug</p>
<p>In taking the first steps to plan a trip, you may stumble upon a new idea or path to follow. If a topic tugs at your interest, read up on it and see where it takes you.</p>
<p>Another way to choose an Asian destination is to plan a trip based on a favorite region. Even a trip like this can be overwhelming to plan due to the vast landscape of Asia. Each country, each city, each street corner is filled with something worth traveling to see.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/ways-to-choose-an-asian-destination/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Afghanistan Education</title>
		<link>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/afghanistan-education/</link>
		<comments>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/afghanistan-education/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:18:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Crystal</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Afghanistan Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Afghanistan Schools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education Sector]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/?p=47</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To achieve constant progress, Afghanistan has tried to overcome various problems and has successfully emerged up in many situations. Take its Education sector for instance. Plight of education in Afghanistan had seldom been fine, until King Zahir Shah came and took serious actions. King Zahir Shah (early to mid 20th Century) built primary schools for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>To achieve constant progress, Afghanistan has tried to overcome various problems and has successfully emerged up in many situations. Take its Education sector for instance. Plight of education in Afghanistan had seldom been fine, until King Zahir Shah came and took serious actions. King Zahir Shah (early to mid 20th Century) built primary schools for students under the age of 12, along with strengthening the secondary school system and increasing the number of national universities in Kabul. This move was a first step towards laying a stronger foundation for education. Though a large part of population still remained illiterate, it was a bold move nevertheless.</p>
<p>Then in the mid 1980s the country had around 800 primary schools, 300 general secondary schools and about 6500 students in Kabul University. Such low figures are due to the widespread destruction that took place, which also eliminated up to 80 percent of the schools and colleges. Resultant, a large portion of Afghanistan generation grew up without any formal schooling. The year 1996 once again marked a setback for Afghanistan education sector. The then Taliban regime most ferociously banned the education for females in Afghanistan and evolved mosque schools (madrassa) for primary and secondary education.</p>
<p>The 21st century has marked a shining phase in the Afghanistan Education. From a “no-education-for-girls”, the scenario shifted to “separate-education-for-girls”. In 2003, the girls and women shed off their camouflage and enrolled themselves in schools and colleges. Though they shared separate facilities, but they were given the right to study nonetheless. The transition is subtle, but sure. </p>
<p>Few of the named Universities of Afghanistan that have carved a niche in their education sector are as follows: Kabul University, American University of Afghanistan, National Military Academy of Afghanistan, Kabul Institute of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Kabul, University of Pedagogy. These estimable universities constitute a major chunk of illustrious scholars, and are gaining popularity with each passing day. Kabul University in itself presently holds 10,000 students, out of which 2000 are females. An educated mind is also an enlightened one. Hope the improvement in the Afghanistan education sector also paves the way for stronger community base.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/afghanistan-education/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Central Asia Travel Destinations: Uzbekistan</title>
		<link>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/central-asia-travel-destinations-uzbekistan/</link>
		<comments>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/central-asia-travel-destinations-uzbekistan/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 14 Feb 2009 04:02:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>DeAdam</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel & Tourism]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/?p=44</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today, Uzbekistan preserves this heritage while striving to bring its largely rural, historically nomadic populations better lives in a post-Soviet world. Slightly larger in area than California and with a population of 26 million, Uzbekistan contains more than half of Central Asia&#8217;s people.
Known as the &#8217;sunny republic,&#8217; Uzbekistan is arid with annual rainfall between only [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today, Uzbekistan preserves this heritage while striving to bring its largely rural, historically nomadic populations better lives in a post-Soviet world. Slightly larger in area than California and with a population of 26 million, Uzbekistan contains more than half of Central Asia&#8217;s people.</p>
<p>Known as the &#8217;sunny republic,&#8217; Uzbekistan is arid with annual rainfall between only 4 and 8 inches. But its heavily irrigated river valleys make it the second largest cotton exporter in the world. It also contains important mineral resources and is a world leader in gold production.</p>
<p>Historically, Uzbekistan is exceedingly rich, making it a truly great tourist destination. More than 4,000 historic sites dot the country, and thus its stature as the pearl of the ancient Silk Road. Civilization was already ancient here when Alexander the Great conquered the region in the 4th Century BC. Up until the discovery of ocean routes to India and China, Uzbekistan lay at the crossroads of communication between East and West and was the center of trade and exchange of ideas.</p>
<p>The conqueror Tamerlane (1336-1405) was born near present day Shahrisabz and created an empire that extended throughout Central Asia to Turkey and south to the Ganges. Tamerlane was also a patron of the arts and transformed Samarkand into a magnificent capital for his empire. Importing artisans from conquered territories, He and later rulers commissioned majestic buildings many of which still stand.</p>
<p>Central among them is the Registan, which was the heart of the city. Madrasahs or Muslim religious academies face three sides of the square, giving, one built by Tamerlane&#8217;s grandson who also built an observatory which he used to advance the science of astronomy during his reign.</p>
<p>Another legendary city is Bukhara, lying to the west. Another oases for Silk Road caravans, Bukhara became one of the great learning centers in the Muslim world and spawned the mystical Sufi sect of Islam. The city today still contains 350 mosques and supports more than 100 religious academies. With narrow streets, many parks and gardens, numerous historical sites and lively bazaars, a visit to this ancient city will satisfy a diverse range of interests. Travel here and you are sure to find something that resonates with your spirit.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.centralasiacentral.info/blog/central-asia-travel-destinations-uzbekistan/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
