The Water & Moon Festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of the navy of the great Khmer ruler Jayavarman VII, and a traditional rowing boat race is held at day in the Tonle Sap River, which falls into the Mekong River at the city. The Water & Moon Festival has been celebrated for many centuries in Cambodia. Rowing boats have always been a great tradition in Cambodia, especially from the times of the Khmer Empire, during the period of which, armies used to prepare for battle by practicing rowing. Not less than 150 dragon shaped rowing boats participate in the grand race, with 40 or even more rowers on each one.

With the exciting Khmer rowing boat competition set aside, the Water and Moon festival also features an amazingly bright float parade at night time in traditional boats known as Loy Pratip. When the time for this festival arrives, the local population and foreign tourists make sure they get a good spot along the river bank or around the majestic Royal Palace so as to be in the thick of things. On top of all the events, the astounding fireworks show adds to the already festive atmosphere which is comparable to what people of New Orleans see during the renowned Mardi Gras parade.

Another aspect of the Water and Moon Festival which holds special religious significance for the natives is ‘Sampeas Preah Khe’ or the Moon Salutation. The natives consider the full moon as a great prospect for a good harvest and as this festival is held to mark the full moon, the locals pay their tribute to the moon in this festival. Moreover, because of the fact that the festival is held at the start of the fresh fishing season and close to year end, many take this opportunity to pray for the prosperity of Cambodia in the coming year.

Despite all the colors and shades of the Cambodian culture exhibited in the Water and Moon Festival, the annual event also offers a unique and delicious food called ‘Ork Ambok’ which is a unique recipe designed for this very festival. If you are a rice fan, then Ork Ambok is going to blow your mind away as this famous Cambodian food includes either banana or coconut juice, on top of other fruit and vegetable juices with traditionally cooked rice. Water and Moon Festival continues for three days without any interruption and gives a deep insight into the Cambodian culture to international tourists while it also gives the locals three days of relentless joy and entertainment.

Watch Khmer movies and Khmer dubbed at www.KhmerAccess.com

Most banquet halls will have a wedding specialist on staff. Spend some time discussing your dreams and let the specialist guide you through the process. The wedding planner will help you determine the size of hall you need, and work out a menu. You will want to consider the size of dance floor, stage, and head table when deciding if the room will work for your affair.

A wedding coordinator at a banquet hall can recommend everything from flowers, limousine service, cakes, balloons, DJ, bands, photographers, videographers, invitations, matches, napkins, tux rentals and dresses.

Part of the planning at the hall will include choice of linens, chair covers, ceiling decorations, specialty lighting. The banquet hall will provide a podium and microphone. A color theme will be chosen and followed through to all your specified details. As well, the centerpieces and candelabra will be provided. Of course, catering is also part of the service offered at banquet halls. Many banquet hall service providers will offer a sampling to the bride and groom when they are making menu choices. Most banquet halls will offer many options, from casual cocktails and finger foods to formal sit-down multi-course dinners. Some offer printed menu cards at each table. Hors d’oeuvres served during the reception line are an option offered by most halls. Champagne for the toasts can be included in wedding packages at many halls, as well as late-night coffee and tea service. Some offer hot towels after the meal.

The banquet hall provides professional wait staff to ensure that the meal is served and cleared smoothly and with great care. The hall also provides china and silver so that the meal is presented most elegantly. The hall will provide coat check service, and bar set-up and attendants. They also provide ample parking to accommodate all your guests.

Some banquet halls have a wedding chapel on the premises. They will organize the music, flowers and seating in the chapel. Other halls provide a grand piano and experienced piano player to maintain an ambiance for your guests throughout the reception. Other banquet halls have a bridal suite attached which is a room with an ensuite bath in which the happy couple can rest, refresh, and find a few calm moments. Other banquet halls will provide airport shuttle service for out-of-town guests. Some banquet halls have gardens that provide beautiful backdrops for photos of the wedding party. Banquet halls attached to a hotel often offer rooms to the bride and groom, and wedding guests, at a discount.

There are many choices of venue for your wedding. When considering which banquet hall to choose, keep in mind your own personal tastes, which space feels comfortable to you, which options offered are important, and how it all fits your wedding budget. Renting a banquet hall will make your joyous occasion even more wonderful.

Planning a Toronto wedding requires a lot of effort and could be fairly stressful. From Toronto wedding photographer to Toronto wedding cakes, it is a lot for one person to handle. To have a stress-free wedding, hire a wedding planner!

When the Waltz stormed England in the early 1800?s, the suggestive dance ignited a storm of controversy. The Waltz was the first dance where the male actually held his female partner at close quarters and led her through what was considered to be a series of suggestive movements.

In a successful Waltz, the movements of each dancer compliment the other. The woman always mirrors the male?s leading steps. The male leads the woman through boldly romantic steps, which explains why the dance has become so popular with brides or couples who want to share a memorable dance.

Actually, the waltz has its roots in an Austrian-Bulgarian 17th century country folk dance. By the middle of the 18th century, the popular dance had spread throughout Europe. The country folk dance connection explains the upbeat tempo of the very movable Waltz. In Europe, the waltz music was greatly influenced by Johann Strauss in the 1800?s.

The waltz arrived in the U.S. circa 1830. American composers slowed the pace and encouraged longer gliding steps. This new style was named the Boston. Eventually the Boston?s popularity faded but was replaced by the American Style Waltz.

Ever since the English and Americans have branded their separate versions of the Slow Waltz. The English changes resulted in the International Slow Waltz just as the American Style Waltz became distinguished for the dance?s more theatrical movements.

The Viennese Waltz, the International Waltz and the American Style Waltz are all popular dances. Each Waltz has unique attributes. However, all Waltzes are progressive with long, flowing movements continuous turns and featuring the dancer?s rise and fall actions delivered in the a well-postured and perfectly framed position.

The American Waltz is performed to a slow tempo but features those theatrical solo spins and under arm movements. The more flamboyant the waltz, the more American the waltz is. The American Waltz tempo should be fluid and melodic.

The International Slow Waltz counters the American Waltz with long, flowing movements, which include many turns. The slow rhythm is distinguished by the dancer?s powerful movements all executed in perfect form.

The Viennese Waltz is fast by comparison. Johann Strauss is the most revered of Viennese Waltz composers. The music is characterized by orchestral sounds and very little use of percussion instruments. The movements are shorter and robust.

Whichever waltz you prefer, the position of the frame and the head are similar to all three varieties. This proper positioning allows for the close quarter movements and glorious intimacy unique to a properly performed waltz.

Human beings share an innate need to be loved. But we are not Helens of Troy, who can launch a thousand ships, nor are we Cleopatras, who can seduce men effortlessly. Instead, we are the Jane Eyres and the Eponines, who are waiting to be noticed. Here, then, is some bit of advice on how to get a guy to like you.

The important thing here is that you do not make a fool out of yourself in your attempt to get a guy to like you. Self-conservation. That is the key. So if you decide to risk putting your heart out there and showing your emotions, be sure to leave yourself with a little bit of pride.

They say that a relationship is not composed of two perfect people. Instead, it is composed of two imperfect people who fit with each other perfectly. The ideal guy for one person isnt the same as the ideal guy for another. Also, the ideal guy isnt always the perfect guy for you. Besides, it has been said that looking for perfect is a big, fat myth because perfect simply isnt out there.

Do not allow yourself to become a doormat. Being a doormat does not show deep devotion. Instead, it shows that you have lost yourself in the process of getting to know the man. Men usually trust women to understand them, accept them, and love them still even after they have done something very wrong. This is why they often tend to test their boundaries ” going home drunk, saying hurtful things, and flirting or even sleeping with other women.

Lastly, be confident. Men like women who have positive concepts of themselves. Do not let yourself feel ashamed or embarrassed around him. Be yourself. If hes worth it hell stick around for the highs and the lows.

Who ever said that it is difficult to turn a guy on? Guys are easy. Girls can simply wear drop-dead-gorgeous clothes, put on some make-up, and get a guy’s attention eventually. They can walk, talk, and act like they’re easy and immediately turn any guy on. For some of us, this may be hard to believe. How can guys be easy? Well, here’s a treat for all of you who are wondering - the secret on how to attract a man.

One man said that flirting was a great way for women to attract men. Men love it when women flirt with them. But how is flirting done?

Flirting is of a playful nature. You cannot be a serious flirt. Flirting involves humor, risk, and a display of interest. It is so much similar to when boys used to tease you in grade school and you tease them back. It indicates interest in the other person, even when that interest may not be requited. It involves making the other person feel special without expecting anything in return. Flirting, then, puts you at risk for rejection.

Flirting is not confined to the men you like. You can flirt with anyone, anywhere, and anytime. Soon, flirting will become natural to you and you will find it easy to strike up a conversation with people you do not really know.

Flirting does not guarantee attraction. Although flirting is usually effective with most men, every flirt must still ready herself for possible rejection. Remember, do not take rejection personally. When you flirt with someone, you offer him the possibility of connection. If he doesn’t want it, simply offer it to someone else.

On a closing note, I would like to add that flirting is immensely flattering. But then again, you know what they say, “Wherever there is a flatterer, there is also a fool.

I’ve always wanted to learn a new language and have really struggled to find a program that looks promising. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of research and have found that there are other options for learning how to speak Chinese.

The most obvious way the learn How To Speak Chinese is to enroll in a traditional class. This might be trickier because of the time constraints. It’s hard to set dedicate one or two hours a week to go to a class, but then on the other hand, one or two hours a week of practice and classes are not going to be enough to make you fluent.

These classes are only going to be as good as the teacher as well, so make sure you are picking a great teacher. The next solution to learning How To Speak Chinese is to find an online class that you can learn at your own pace. This can be helpful to those who do not have a regular schedule to attend classes. You can log on to the Internet and do your classes when time allows.

The big down side to this method is that there is limited or no interaction with other learners. As you know, learning a new language is very hard to do without any interaction with others to practice.

The most popular method to learn How To Speak Chinese is by purchasing a software program. These typically have headphones and has some type of interaction with them. These typically cost a few hundred dollars and you can learn at our own pace.

There are over one billion people that speak some form of Chinese on this planet. That makes Chinese the most popular language in the world. Since it’s so popular, Lin Ping has developed a program specifically designed to help you learn Chinese at your own pace and in your own way. Her program, Rocket Chinese, has a lot of people talking, but this is what you can really expect from it.

Rocket Chinese is centered on five main categories. Those five categories are interactive audio lessons, illustrated grammar lessons, a software word building game, an audio learning game, and also a live support area that you can talk to Chinese teachers.

The biggest advantage of the Rocket Chinese method is the access to the live support. The people that are your resources are Chinese teachers and people that are native Chinese speakers. They really have a firm command of the Chinese language and can really help you understand the grammar and also the intonations that are often difficult to master. So anytime you have any questions, you are free to ask the support group.

Another big plus to this program is that all the lessons and software are entirely electronic, so you can download the program as soon as you pay and start your learning. There is no need to wait four to six weeks for a software package to arrive in the mail. They also offer a full money back guarantee if you are not pleased with the item.

As with everything, there is also a draw back. The only draw back is that this program covers a lot of material. The interactive audio lessons are covered in thirty one sessions, as well as the illustrated grammar lessons. Any time you learn any new language, you will need to be able to make a time and money commitment to this.

After all is said and done, the Rocket Chinese course has very good elements to it and is highly recommended.

If you’re planning a boat wedding, you want everything arranged down to the last detail. That means one of the first determinations is what time of day to get married. Most people avoid the early morning for a boat wedding, since the sea air tends to be cool. Although you can find a spectacular sunrise for the backdrop, many people who want to have the sky in a multicolored hue behind their boat wedding will opt for a sunset as the background.

Another consideration is bright, midday sun and its effect on your clothes, hair, cake, and guests. Overhead light and heat that is too bright causes clothing, hair and guest to wilt uncomfortably, unless you have a large boat and an indoor ceremony.

So for an outdoor boat ceremony, midday may not work. Of course, Toronto weddings and cruises on Lake Ontario don’t have some of the same considerations about heat, since the temperature is milder than some tropical locations.

The couple can then be more flexible about the time of day that they plan their wedding. The couple will also want to consider the direction of the sunlight and what effect it will have on photographs and the comfort of the guests.

For example, while you’ll want plenty of light, you don’t want light originating behind the photo subjects, or the people in every photo will have shadows on their faces. Additionally, you won’t want all of your guests staring into the sun as they are attempting to view your wedding ceremony.

You should consider the angle of the sun and the hours of daylight in the area where you are having your wedding cruise so that you can plan for the best sunlight scenario.

If your wedding is on one of the Toronto cruises on Ontario Lake, then you’ll have different considerations than someone using a tropical cruise charter.

Late afternoon remains a very popular time of day for a boat wedding. The sun is still shining brightly, but is not directly overhead. With a little pre-planning, you can locate the ceremony on the boat where it will be beautifully lit and still conducive to easy viewing and photographs.

If your wedding and subsequent reception or social gathering extends into the evening on the boat, or if you opt for a night wedding, then be sure to bring a wrap or shawl of some kind. You may want to suggest such a covering to your guests as well.

The night breezes on a boat an also be quite chilly, and you don’t want to be shivering through your ceremony or reception. Likewise, you’ll want your guests to be comfortable as well. Again, this is mostly a consideration if your wedding is on the deck of the ship, not if you are in a large stateroom or lounge protected from the elements.

Planning ahead will enable you to choose just the right time of day for your boat wedding.

Your wedding is supposed to be one of the most important and special days of your entire life. Generally, weddings are highly anticipated and planned months or even years in advance. Much care is taken to ensure that every single detail is just right. From the decorations and flowers, to the music, wedding vows, food and cake - every bride wants everything to be perfect. There are many time-honored traditions that are generally observed (or at least considered) in the wedding planning process. Some of these are very important, (such as the exchanging of vows and wedding bands) and others are more lighthearted - such as the tossing of the bride’s bouquet. Whether you are superstitious or not, some of the more lighthearted wedding traditions may appeal to you. Below is a brief overview of some of the most commonly known wedding superstitions.

The Weather There are conflicting superstitions from different parts of the world regarding the weather on your wedding day. Some say that a rainy wedding day is actually good luck. Others claim that rain on your wedding day signifies that you will shed many tears throughout your married life. A sunny day symbolizes warmth and happiness in marriage.

The Decorations Candles are used as decorations in many weddings. Lit candles that go out are rumored to signify that evil spirits are close. Flowers are also very commonly used in weddings. It is customary for the groom to wear a flower from the bridal bouquet in his coat’s button-hole. This dates back to Medieval times, when a knight would wear his Lady’s colours as a declaration of his devotion. Flowers have different meanings, and it is good luck to choose flowers that have special symbolism for the bride and groom.

The Dress A white wedding gown is said to symbolize chastity or virginity. In some cultures this superstition holds true. However, another theory is that in the old days, white cloth was very expensive. Bleaching the cloth to white cost a lot of money, and therefore white signified the very best. Back then, the whiter the bride’s dress - the more wealthy the bride’s family was. Another superstition related to the actual wedding dress involves death! It is said that if the bride’s wedding gown rips the day before the wedding, the marriage will end in death.

The Flower Girl Ever wonder why so many rose petals are strewn about by the flower girl? Not only is it cute, but it is setting the bride and groom up for a long and happy family life. The rose petals symbolize the bride and groom’s chances at having babies. The more rose petals - the more babies!

The Cake In many cultures, the tradition is to save the uppermost, smallest layer of the toronto wedding cakes rather than serve it at the wedding. The cake is then wrapped in plastic wrap and paper towels in order to conserve it well, and it is then frozen. The wedding cake is left in the freezer until the happy couple’s first anniversary, when it is defrosted and enjoyed. The superstition says that eating the wedding cake on the first anniversary will bring back all the joy and magic of the wedding day.

Right After the Wedding When the bride and groom exit the church after their wedding ceremony, it is customary for all the guests to toss handfuls of rice at them. This is another way of ensuring a long and fertile family life. The more grains of rice thrown, the more babies the couple will have. The noise made by the tin cans that are attached to the couple’s auto is intended to scare away evil spirits.

The Island of Zanzibar is world famous for romantic vacations. The archipelago is however an equally important East African destination for cultural tours. Dr Livingstone’s house, the Arab fort, the old stone town streets, the house of wonders, and the people’s palace are some of the top cultural travel areas in Zanzibar.

The archipelago and its people have their own unique history and culture, influenced by the traders and invaders over the centuries; from the Portuguese, Omani Arabs to English. The result of this fusion of different ethnic groups has resulted in interesting cultural events such as Sauti za Busara, Zanzibar International Film Festival and Mwaka Kogwa ” the celebration of the Persian New Year.

Sauti za Busara, Swahili for sounds of wisdom, is East Africa’s premier music and cultural festival showcasing the best Swahili speaking world has to offer. The event that is held every February in Stone Town’s Old Fort sees the historical town becoming a beehive of activity. Sauti za Busara hosts bongo flava (a popular music genre in East Africa) stars, ngoma dancers, taarab orchestras and drumming troupes.

The festival is very popular with the local population and is one of the annual highlights in Zanzibar’s new approach to market itself as a leading global cultural tourism destination. As well as bringing international visitors to the islands, the event provides artists from the Swahili-speaking world with a rare opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, learn from each other and create. The sixth edition of Sauti za Busara was held on 12-17 February 2009 and the event drew artists from many parts of the world including West Africa, Europe and Australia.

Every July, Zanzibar hosts one of East Africa’s largest cultural events going by the name Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF). ZIFF presents an exciting and varied program of international film and videos, music, dance, drama and art exhibitions. In 2007, ZIFF celebrated its 10th anniversary.

As ZIFF gains international fame, the attending crowd gets larger with every passing year. ZIFF provides an unrivaled opportunity for promoting and preserving cultural understanding across the dhow countries of India, Oman and Tanzania.

The other major cultural event, the Persian new year celebrations, takes place in the last week of July in the Makunduchi village. Many rituals and fun mark this colorful event during which men hold mock fights with banana stems. The mock fights symbolize the sorting out of any disputes from the previous years. At that time, women put on their best dresses, and compose love songs, and songs about life and family.

The traditional burning of a hut is the most symbolic event and the highlight of Mwaka Kogwa. It marks the end of one year, and the start of a new one. It is also believed to purge evil from the land and protect the village from fire throughout the year. After that, the villagers party, sing, dance to African drums and other music instruments till dawn. They also extend hospitality to all people in the knowledge that any local who does not entertain a guest will receive bad luck.

As a result of the mentioned cultural events, Zanzibar Island has gained international fame as a center for African culture. Visitors to Zanzibar can get there by sea and by air. Some of the international airlines that operate scheduled flights to Zanzibar include Ethiopian Airlines, KLM (in partnership with Kenya Airways), Gulf Air, and Air Mauritius. Scheduled and domestic flights from Dar es Salaam are also available. From Dar es Salaam, visitors can also take a short boat trip to Zanzibar.