Great ratio

What our debt had now been, it’s not possible to say. Our clear revenues, non-public and public, that are the essential consideration, would most assuredly have diminished, and in an amazing ratio.

Be this, nevertheless, as it could, nobody can now rea sonly deny that, within the case of our persevering neutrality, Napoleon had been enabled so to substantiate his energy over the continent, as will need to have left at his disposition a adequate mass of pressure to cut back us, within the sequel, to the situation of a province, when a French normal, or proconsul, or titular sovereign, had unquestionably administered the then dependent authorities of those kingdoms little question in excellent consonance with the orders infrequently transmitted from the tent, courtroom, or bivouac of the imperial usurper.

Then it could have been seen that every one our pursuits, industrial and in any other case, have been solely to be seen of their relative subservience to these of France. Our cash would then assuredly have been thought-about in the identical mild through which the Romans regarded the ships and elephants of Carthage because the technique of a rebellious warfare. For this objective, due to this fact, if for no different, a rigorous system of impoverishment that’s to say, inside a sure restrict (for excessive poverty additionally breeds aura oily)—would have been resorted to towards us as an indispensable precautionary coverage.

PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT ALEXANDER NICHOLAS

With an identical type of plenitude, and nearly omnipotence, of authority, has the Czar simply invested some Muscovite Senator, as he’s termed, with the limitless authorities, by anticipation, of “ ALL THE PROVINCES which shall be occupied by his armies past the Danube /” the Principalities being included on this investiture.

Now, the second province past the Danube (Rumelia), being the very subsequent one to that now really occupied by the heads of the Russian columns, will allow the Senator to increase the wand of his excessive workplace over the waters of the Mediterranean. What number of extra past these two provinces tailor-made bulgaria tours are to be comprehended beneath the ample “ all,” it may be hazardous to conjecture ; however sure it’s that, no matter will be the moderation of the Czar, his armies can not cease there—they need to completely go on, or recede.

A lot acumen and ingenuity could presumably be exercised in defining the exact scope and which means of the language employed by the Russian courtroom and the assurances it has maybe conveyed of its guileless intentions ; bent it might be questioned whether or not the recondite expertise so displayed will reply any helpful finish. A celebrated and really ready politician, whose terse and epigrammatic sayings have been usually quoted, is reported to have described “phrases” as given to us, for the aim of disguising our u ideas.” The Prince of Benevento was a lot engaged in diplomacy; to the proceedings of which we could conjecture his sarcastic aphorism extra notably applies.

 

The nationwide mandates even inside hostile

THE SAME HYPOTHETICAL NARRATIVE CONTINUED

The spoliations above alluded to, as soon as entertained as an peculiar subject of debate, and a violent battle of opinion inevitably takes place;  the fears of those that possess, and the lust and cupidity of those that need to take action, might be fiercely arrayed towards one another; public credit score then receives a extreme shock; consoles fall at the very least as little as in 1797, and all of the branches of the general public service might be in arrears.

On the interval to which now we have arrived on this suppositional look into the longer term; these formidable constructions, at current to be seen floating in sure of our depot rivers and harbors, fastidiously housed in, in stately and full preparation for rapid battle, which it gladdens the guts of an Englishman to look on, for they’re related to deeds that should without end .solid a luster upon the title of his nation; these moveable fortresses which have so often contributed to the nationwide safety, and carried into impact the nationwide mandates even inside hostile ports and capitals, which as but represent the embattled chain of connation with our topic colonies and kingdoms, will now be found, by motive of the suspension of annual and mandatory repairs, to be scarcely seaworthy: filth, rust, rot, and corrosion could have already made havoc’ in each beam, plank, and stanchion belonging to them.

The arsenals and dockyards, too, so judiciously at current saved with each species of naval provision, could be then, it’s to be apprehended, discovered destitute of the provides and equipments requisite for a fantastic and sudden emergency: giant portions of those shops having been often bought, we might suppose, to the service provider service, with a purpose to meet if doable, by this obvious saving, the peculiar expenditure within the accounts of the Admiralty division.

These stupendous lots now reposing on their shadows.

WAR BETWEEN ENGLAND AND RUSSIA.

Nonetheless, the traditional braveness of the nation, undiminished by one jot, would arouse itself. The trammels of well-meaning arithmeticians who might have too lengthy unconsciously imposed their partial and restricted views upon the nation, below the garb of science, the gadgets of the retailers and producers related with the Levant, the Baltic, and the Western Archipelago; and the deprecations of the shortsighted and nervous fund holder  might be disregarded or damaged via. The implicit, in brief, of temporizing with a fantastic hazard will at size be revealed, and one other course unanimously resolved on.

 

In the future a contemporary gang

And Aksionov wrote no extra petitions; gave up all hope, and solely prayed to God.

Aksionov was condemned to be flogged and despatched to the mines. So he was flogged with a knout, and when the injuries made by the knout had been healed, he was pushed to Siberia with different convicts.

For twenty-six years Aksionov lived as a convict in Siberia. His hair turned white as snow, and his beard grew lengthy, skinny, and grey. All his mirth went; he stooped; he walked slowly, spoke little, and by no means laughed, however he usually prayed.

Sufficient jail

In jail Aksionov discovered to make boots, and earned a little bit cash, with which he purchased The Lives of the Saints. He learn this ebook when there was gentle sufficient within the jail; and on Sundays within the prison- church he learn the teachings and sang within the choir; for his voice was nonetheless good.

The jail authorities appreciated Aksionov for his meekness, and his fellow-prisoners revered him: they known as him “Grandfather,” and “The Saint.” After they wished to petition the jail authorities about something, they all the time made Aksionov their spokesman, and when there have been quarrels among the many prisoners they got here to him to place issues proper, and to evaluate the matter.

No information reached Aksionov from his dwelling, and he didn’t even know if his spouse and kids had been nonetheless alive.

One day a fresh gang of convicts got here to the jail. Within the night the outdated prisoners collected spherical the brand new ones and requested them what cities or villages they got here from, and what they had been sentenced for. Among the many relaxation Aksionov sat down close to the newcomers, and listened with downcast air to what was stated.

One of many new convicts, a tall, sturdy man of sixty, with a closely- cropped grey beard, was telling the others what he had been arrested for.

“Nicely, mates,” he stated, “I solely took a horse that was tied to a sledge, and I used to be arrested and accused of stealing. I stated I had solely taken it to get dwelling faster, and had then let it go; moreover, the motive force was a private good friend of mine.

So I stated, ssss’ssssIt` all proper.ssss’ssss ssss’ssssNo,ssss’ssss stated they, ssss’ssssyou stole it.ssss’ssss However how or the place I stole it they may not say. I as soon as actually did one thing incorrect, and ought by rights to have come right here way back, however that point I used to be not discovered. Now I’ve been despatched right here for nothing in any respect. … Eh, but it surely` lies Issss’ssssm telling you; Issss’ssssve been to Siberia earlier than, however I didn’t keep lengthy.”

Adequate in themselves to make you a gentleman

There is no such thing as a higher take a look at of a person’s declare to be thought-about a gentleman.” than a scrutiny of his conduct in cash transactions. A person could possess rank and trend, and, by an assumed frankness of character, deceive the multitude; however the second his purse is invaded, if he be not of the true caste, he’ll show essentially the most contemptible meanness, he’ll make the most of the liberal  evade, by each depressing subterfuge, the claims of these he dares not oppress, and unblushingly defy these unlucky individuals whose poverty is prone to stop the due assertion of their rights. Such a person could possess station in society  he could also be an “elegant”  he could also be a prince however, if he not trustworthy  he’s not a gentleman.

By no means for a second is remorse the lack of an acquaintance with individuals who could have proven by their conduct, that they have been devoid of that prime feeling which the attribute of true gentility, or who could have behaved in direction of you in a sinister, low-minded method; for, depend on it, that, with such folks, you’re by no means protected  by no means safe that they might not, at any second when their supposed pursuits immediate them, “throw you over” with out the slightest regret, or reference to any pleasant feeling they might beforehand have professed for you. Moderately congratulate your self that so insecurely based an acquaintance is over.

The “ cloven foot” as soon as proven, keep away from them as you’ll the Satan  paying no consideration to any specious, insincere explanations they might make; but watch out to again out so quietly as to not afford them any grounds for maligning you, which the meanly- minded will infallibly do, in hopes to clear themselves within the eyes of the world.

People who find themselves acutely aware of getting behaved in a contemptible method in direction of you, &re ever on the look-out for any trifling indiscretion in your half, in hopes to justify themselves, and, if unable to succeed, will invent motives for you, slightly than not extract some splendid balm to heal the deepest sting that rankles within the human thoughts  the consciousness of getting performed a base and despicable half, and the conviction of getting their conduct analyzed by a sharp-witted world.

We’ve got however one commentary to make on dancing in America. It’s, that gents ought to dance on their toes, slightly than on their heels, or with the foot fairly flat. The need of “springiness” in so elastic a recreation as dancing, is ungraceful, and subsequently inelegant. In trendy dancing, a swish motion of the individual is infinitely to be most well-liked to the “hop to all events; however water strangers, or individuals with whom you’re solely imperfectly acquainted, each deviation from established customized is a slight, because it tends to indicate how little their society is appreciated; and can (in the event that they possess a grain of spirit) be resented accordingly.

Though these remarks won’t be ample in themselves to make you a gentleman, but they may allow you to keep away from any obvious impropriety, and do a lot to render you simple and assured in society.

skip-and-jump” precision ‘dancing colleges. With intimate buddies, you could dispense with ceremony as a lot as could also be deemed fascinating.

Gentility is neither in start, method, nor trend  however within the MIND. A excessive sense of honor  a willpower by no means to take a imply benefit of one other  an adherence to reality, delicacy, and politeness in direction of these with. Whom you might have dealings are the important and distinguishing traits of a gentleman.

 

 

 

Turkish and Persian carpets

Seeing we were so much interested in the panorama, our hosts suggested our going on the roof of the Hospital Building where we could see it without any obstruction. As we passed through the drawing room our hostess pointed out to us the genuine Turkish and Persian carpets she had been lucky enough to purchase through the uncle of one of the pupils who had a shop in the Bazaar. She considered them as a real bargain and she proudly told us the price she had paid.

Of course we did not say anything, but my conscience was only set at rest after I found, through skillful investigation, that the pupil whose uncle had a shop in the Bazaar was an Armenian “and one of the cleverest little fellows we have.” Our hostess showed us also, hidden in a corner near the door and patiently awaiting the eventual return of its owners to America where it could be shown to friends from Michigan or Wisconsin as exhibit A of a quaint collection of Turkish antiques, a brass bracero, another bargain purchased from the Armenian uncle of the clever little pupil.

It seemed that this man through his good services to our hosts had been recommended by them to many of their friends and had furnished to several of them similar bargains. No wonder that the family of the little boy prodigy could afford to send him to Robert College.

Principles of American neo mediaeval

We climbed the stairs of the building and stopped on our way in the hospital room, a perfectly equipped place with all the comforts devised by modern science and kept immaculately clean. And as we climbed one more flight we reached the door of the roof, a spacious flat place with an indented parapet built according to the best principles of American neo mediaeval suburban architecture. Here we had the view, and words fail me to depict its gorgeousness. Imagine if you can a limitless horizon extending far into the transparent azure of a limpid Eastern sky, deep into the snow-covered mountains of Anatolia, which are, however, so far away that they almost seem at this distance to be below your level.

All around in the country are little bouquets of trees which, with each slender minaret, represent the location of a small village. Nearer, but still on the Asiatic shores, are the green hills of the Bosporus with their summer residences and their uninterrupted line of homes by the water, while below are the green hills of the European shore. With the blue water in between and the blue sky overhead, the picture is unforgettable. We admired it in silence while our hosts told us of their little country house in America, near a little pond whose waters are as blue as the waters of the Bosporus.

 

Society of Modem Art

Another pupil of Veshin, and a member of the Society of Modem Art, is Nicola Petroff, one of the best Bulgarian watercolour painters. He has studied nature very closely, and generally succeeds in rendering the essential parts of his subject by simple yet suggestive means. His pictures are of village streets, clusters of trees, huts reflected in water, the banks of the Danube in the neighbourhood of Widdin, some village fountain with a girl drawing water, country lanes—all distinguished by the same delicate and sure touch.

While Mihoff and Petroff are nearly always successful in adapting their methods to the subjects treated, Peter

Morozoff, another graduate of the Sofia School of Painting (pupil of Markvitchka), stands as an example of the difficulties which often beset an artist in his endeavours to ma terialise his conceptions. In his earlier productions, which were exhibited in 1905, Morozoff appears as a symbolist to whom nature and her various manifestations are but a reflection of the artist’s moods and aspirations. His most daring attempt in this line is the picture “The Nymphs’ Hidingplace,” in which, as also in some of his other compositions, Morozoff betrays the temperament of a poet rather than that of a plastic artist. The difficulties inherent to the form of art which first attracted Morozoff were, in his case, further enhanced by a conventional and not always sure technique. The moderate success which attended these early efforts soon decided Morozoff to abandon his symbolical conceptions of nature and to return to ordinary natural scenery—a revolution the more to be approved as many of his pictures betrayed an insufficient acquaintance with natural forms. In his recent landscapes nature, in the various seasons of the year, autumn by preference, appears pervaded by a symbolical meaning which gives her a character of unity. It must, however, be admitted that Morozoff does not always succeed in catching the essential elements of the scenery, neither is he free from a weakness for cheap effects. But if this detracts from the artistic merit of his pictures, it has proved an easy way of winning public approval and securing a profitable market for them. A stay of some months in Paris seems to have opened to Morozoff new vistas, and he has now taken to portraiture with the same enthusiasm which distinguished his former undertakings.

Among the remaining landscape painters—graduates of the Sofia School of Painting—Marin Georgieff is a pupil of Markvitchka, whose conventional style he seems to have contracted He has met with considerable success in his pictures of church ruins, ancient fortifications, interiors of old underground churches, and his copies of ancient Bulgarian frescoes. Christo Kabaktchieff, who has never been outside Bulgaria, belongs to the school of neoimpressionists, and sees nothing but colour in nature.

Land scape painters

Of the land scape painters who have studied abroad, Hara lampy Kieff paints chiefly grand scenery, and Kazandjieff fields and peasants. The youngest member of this class is Alexander Montafoff, who is also the most promising. Montafoff rarely indulges in bright and cheerful subjects, his pictures in most cases proceeding from a melancholy inspiration. In his work he has been influenced in turn by Bdcklin, Graf von Kalkreuth, Max Liebermann, and Segantini. These foreign influences, however, do not in the least detract from the merits of his landscapes. They were of passing character, and with his return to Bulgaria his artistic individuality has shaken them off, so that in his pictures which figured at the second Southern Slav Art Exhibition he appears as an independent artist, both as regards subject and technique.

 

Beginning of the Christian era India

Social Structure

We can present a rough picture of the social structure that developed in this period. Society was dominated by princes and priests. The princes claimed the status of brahmanas or kshatriyas though many of them were local tribal chiefs promoted to the second varna through benefactions made to the priests. The priests invented respectable family trees for these chiefs and traced their descent from age old solar and lunar dynasties, This process enabled the new rulers to acquire legitimacy in the eyes of the people.

The priests were mainly brahmanas, though the Jaina and Buddhist monks should also be placed in this category. In this phase priests gained in influence and authority because of land grants. Below the princes and priests came the peasantry, which was divided into numerous peasant castes. Possibly most of them were called sutras in the brahmamcal system. If the peasant and artisan castes failed to produce and render services and payments, it was looked upon as a departure from the established dharma or norm

Such a situation was described as the age of Kali. It was the duty of the king to put an end to such a state pf affairs and restore peace and order which worked in favor of chiefs and priests. The title dhamamaharaja therefore is adopted by the Vakataka, Pallava, Kadamba and Western Ganga kings. The real founder of the Pallava power, Simhavarman, is credited with coming to the rescue of dharma when it was beset with the evil attributes typical of the Kahyuga, Apparently it refers to his suppression of the Kalabhras who upset the existing social order

India’s Cultural Contacts with the Asian Countries

Medieval lawgivers and commentators ordained that a person should not cross the seas. This would imply that India shunned all relations with the outside world. But this is not so, for India maintained contacts with its Asian neighbors since Harappan times. Indian traders went to the cities of Mesopotamia, where their seals belonging to the period between 2400 B.C. and 1700 B.C have been found.

From the beginning of the Christian era India maintained commercial contacts with China, Southeast Asia, West Asia and the Roman Empire. We have seen how the Indian land routes were connected with the Chinese Silk Route. We have also dwelt on India’s commercial intercourse with the eastern part of the Roman Empire. In addition to this India sent its missionaries, conquerors and traders to the neighboring countries where they founded settlements.

Into this, the tempered clay is dumped and the surplus normally smoothed off with the side of the hand. The mound is then lifted and the brick left to dry in the sun. It is this concluding process, which sets a geographical limit to countries in which mud bricks can be used, since cloudless skies and hot sunshine are indispensable to their manufacture. In almost all countries of the Near East such conditions are favorable during at least a part of the year, and up to comparatively recent times, kiln baked bricks have consequently been considered a luxury.

It is for this reason that today, in those countries, a proper understanding of the nature and uses of this material, particularly in Iraq, has become as indispensable to a twentieth century excavator as it was to the architects of antiquity. In neighboring countries where stone is available, a wall may have stone foundations or even be built up to a height of several feet in stone before the brick begins. In Anatolia particularly, the structure above this may be a framework of wooden beams, forming panels, which are filled with mud brick. In all cases the wall is finished inside and out with a plastering of mud and straw. Outside at least, this has to be renewed every year.

The Austrian bank of the Danube

Whilst the Turks were ravaging the neighbour  ing Xahias, all who could effect their escape had fled to Poretsch. Here, under an incompetent Woiwode of Mladen’s appointing, a more able commander, Iladschi Nicola, had, inconsequence of the general danger, obtained the authority.

His exertions, however, proved equally unavailing. He erected a redoubt on the lower point of the island : but the Turks effected a landing between the town and the fort; and as soon as they made their appearance, the people, who had become accustomed to flight, again fled. In vessels and boats  nay, even on planks or by swimming they sought to escape the vengeance of the enemy, and to find safety on the Austrian bank of the Danube. Iladschi Nicola was taken prisoner and beheaded; and the Turks advanced without opposition as far as Smederewo.

These great results on the Danube were followed by others on the Morawa. The Grand Vizier, Churschid Pacha, was still less disposed now, than during the campaign of 1810, to lose time at Deligrade, which was bravely defended by AVuiza; he, therefore, left a part of his army behind for the siege of this fortress, and proceeded with the remainder down the right bank of the Mo rawa.

Mladen, who was little of a warrior, and now felt himself far too weak to encounter the large Turkish force, did not even attempt resistance. The Grand Vizier was consequently able to proceed along the river without molestation ; and at Petka he formed a junction with the troops of the Capitan Pacha. The united army took up its position close by the mouths of the Morawa, opposite the Servians, who were on the other side of the river; and the Turks were reinforced by vessels of war : the largest that had ever been seen on the Morawa.

Of the three great divisions of the country, the Servians had now entirely lost the one beyond the Morawa. The second division also, which lay on the further side of the Ivolubara, was also nearly lost. Knes Sima did not offer any resistance to the passage of the Turks over the Drina, though all the YVoiwodes were anxious to give them battle ; and when they encamped before Leschnitza, he made no effort for its defence.

TIilosch of Pozerje had unfortunately been killed two }rcars before, by a robber, whom he was in pursuit of; and he was succeeded by his brother, who, by no means equalled him in talent. To this brother, Leschnitza was now entrusted ; and he was foolish enough to allow himself to be persuaded by the bishop of Swornik, who accompanied the Turkish force, that no harm should occur to him or his people, and he accordingly surrendered.

Thus, the Turks, with little trouble, regained possession of Kulin’s scimitar. They conducted their prisoners, under an armed escort, through Bosnia, and at length to Constantinople: whence none of them ever returned.

Antonie Bogitsehewitsch was no longer alive, to defend Losnitza, as he had formerly done. Peter Molcr, who had taken his place, did not, it is true, sutler himself to be duped by the bishop’s assurances ; bnt he did not venture to defend the place; and was content to effect his own escape.

In like manner Knes Sima allowed the Turks to advance, without coming to any regular engagement. Kven when they attacked the fortress of liawanj, which was defended by the valiant AVoi  wodes Stojan Tschupitsch, ]\1 iloscli Obrenowitscli, and 1’rota Xenadowitsch  he remained inactive in his camp: paralysed by an unaccountable insensibility : he sent neither ammunition, (of which those chiefs soon felt the want,) nor troops, whose aid they greatly needed: were it only to procure a brief repose after the fatigues to Avhich they had been subjected, and their protracted loss of sleep.

For seventeen harassing days, the Woi wodes defended the entrenchment; during which time they affirm that they suffered such privations as had never before been endured in a fortress. At length they abandoned the place to the enemy; who now advanced against Schabaz, where Ivnes Sima was encamped.

THE LAND TENUR

I have endeavored in the foregoing chapters to explain the general course of events which preceded the conversion of Bulgaria into an independent State. I have now to deal with its present position.

The population of the country nowadays is, in round numbers, three and a half millions. Notwithstanding the large exodus of the Moslem Bulgarians, and the great mortality among infants, due to the absence of midwives, to bad sanitary arrangements, and to the fact of the mothers going back to work in the fields almost immediately after their confinement, the population increases annually by about two hundred thousand.

The peasants, as a rule, marry soon after they come of age. Large families are very common, and a household in which there are only four or five children is the exception. The material Bulgaria private tours conditions of life have improved greatly—and notably amidst the poorer classes—since the declaration of independence; and if the present rate of increase continues, it is calculated that the population will be doubled in the course of the next decade.

Chiefly Macedonians

Of the existing population five-sevenths, or two and a half millions, are engaged in agricultural pursuits, and the overwhelming majority are small landed proprietors. The proportion of labourers, who work for wages on other men’s lands, is extremely limited. At harvest time, a certain number of foreigners, chiefly Macedonians, come into Bulgaria to seek employment; and the poorer peasant farmers of the country, when their own crops are gathered in, are ready to work for wages on the lands of their wealthier neighbours.

But it may safely be asserted that, throughout the rural districts, there is no important section of the community depending for its means of livelihood on any other source of income than the produce of its own lands. There is as yet no cadastre in Bulgaria, though one is shortly to be undertaken. Nor is there, so far, any very satisfactory system of agricultural statistics. It is not, therefore, easy to say what are the average holdings of the present proprietors.

According to the estimate of residents well acquainted with the country, the average is about six acres, taken all round, though in many instances the holdings are very small, only amounting to a single acre or even less. According to the law, which is still mainly based upon the old Turkish legislation, the father of a family has only a qualified liberty of testamentary disposal. If he has only one child, he is obliged to leave that child not less than one-half his property; if he has two or more children, he can only alienate one-third; and, in default of children, his other relatives, including his parents, if still living at the time of his death, have a legal claim to a certain share in his estate.

Of course, this system tends to promote the indefinite subdivision of landed property, though, in the case of very small farms, this tendency is modified by voluntary arrangements between the different heirs to the property, in virtue of which one of them is allowed to keep the farm for himself in consideration of his buying out the other claimants, either by paying cash down, or by assigning them a charge on the profits of the farm.

There are obvious disadvantages to the State in this continued multiplication of small farms; and there has been some talk of legislation, with the view of checking the further subdivision of estates. The passion, however, for owning land, and the preference for agricultural labour, are so universal amidst the people, that, no matter what legislation may attempt, Bulgaria, for many generations to come, will remain a land of small proprietors.

US-Cuban relations

We’ve already witnessed a thawing of US-Cuban relations in the last few years, culminating in President’s Obama’s historic visit to Cuba and the easing of the 50-year embargo which left the country crippled in every way. Raul Castro, Fidel’s brother and the man in charge as of 2008, has shown to be more than willing to defrost relations and open his country to international trade and even more tourism.

The passing of Fidel, who one would imagine was still unwavering in his anti-US stance to his dying breath (‘hasta la Victoria siempre!’ may well have been his last words) may have led to an ever-increased easing of relations. Yet there now seems to be an obstacle in the way.

US President-elect Trump has only recently threatened to undo all that Obama and Raul Castro have managed to achieve in recent years. For Cubans, at the very least, this would be disastrous. But as with everything which has been recently uttered by the US President-elect, guess we’ll just have to wait and see just how much of that is hot air and how much of it concrete plans.

Tourists currently visiting Cuba have the invaluable opportunity of living through a chapter of world history, on what would have otherwise been simply a ‘splendid vacation’. A few are melancholic, no doubt, as a quiet and subdued Havana was likely not what they had in mind when they planned their Cuba vacation.

The island has been plunged into 9 days of national mourning, which will culminate in a state funeral of unprecedented proportions. For the meantime, museums have shut their doors, live music and alcohol have been banned and the entire island is infinitely less fiesta-like than it would normally be. Cubans don’t feel like partying right now and are adamant that showing respect for their leader take precedence over everything else.

As the first commercial flights from the US are due to arrive next week, Cuba is seeing an even bigger spike in tourist numbers.

The high season is very much here. Some will have no-doubt purposely booked last-minute trips to Cuba in order to witness the masses of people and tributes to Castro, who is due to be buried on December 9th.

Curiously enough, there will also be plane-loads more who will come to tour Cuba before the second Castro, Raul, also passes. Western tourists have always had this fascination with Cuba, the forbidden land, and the urgency to experience it before it changes – and trust that it will – will no doubt be a catalyst for a surge in visiting numbers.

We suspect that tourism will continue to drive Cuba’s economy forward. Despite the current downturn of the festive feel, which we assume will be merely temporary, life in Cuba will go on. Far too many people depend on the tourist dollar to let even the death of Fidel Castro get in the way. So far, there has been a 15% increase in tourist numbers in 2016, compared to 2015, and we suspect Cubans would be more than eager to ride the tourist wave forward.

They say history is a lucid and efficient judge of character, but when it comes to Fidel Castro I say that the only ones with any right to judge are Cubans. We may speculate how they might really feel right now, but fact is no-one but Cubans will know, or even truly understand, what this event means.

Yet one thing we can safely assume is that optimism will be the prevailing feeling in Cuba by Christmas, because optimism and opportunism are two characteristics which have defined Cubans the most, over the last half a century. Optimism that their country will go on, and eventually flourish and that it will, finally, come out of the isolating bubble it has lived in for far too long. The people of Cuba certainly deserve nothing short of an extraordinary future, with Fidel Castro an ever present but eventually distant memory.

How to make fireworks

An Indian was teaching others how to make fireworks, when a wise man said to him, “This is not a fit play for you who inhabit a house made of reeds.”

Until you are persuaded that the discourse is strictly proper, speak not; and whatever you know will not obtain a favorable answer, ask not.

Complained to the magistrate

A little man being struck with a pain in his eyes went to a farrier, desiring him to apply a remedy. The farrier applying to his eyes what he was used to administer to quadrupeds, the man became blind; upon which he complained to the magistrate. The magistrate said, “Get away; there is no plea for the damages; for if this fellow had not been an ass, he would not have applied to the farrier.”

The application of this story is, that whosoever employs an inexperienced person on a weighty matter, besides suffering repentance, will, in the opinion of the wise, be considered of a weak understanding. The wise man, of enlightened mind, entrusts not an important business to one of mean abilities. The mat-maker, although a weaver, yet is not employed in the silk manufactory.

Lost a worthy son

A certain great man having lost a worthy son, they asked, what inscription should be put upon his grave-stone? The father replied, “The verses of the Koran are too sacred and holy to be written on such a place as this, exposed to be effaced by the trampling of men’s feet and to be defiled by dogs. If there is a necessity of writing something, the following lines will be sufficient: ‘0 the season when verdure bedecked the garden, then how blithe was my heart! Wait, my friend, until the return of spring, when you will behold grass growing out of my clay.’ ”

Arselan and Aghoash

A holy man passing by a rich man, who having bound a slave hand and feet was punishing him, said, “ 0 my son, God has made subject to thee a human creature like thyself, and has given thee the superiority over him, for which return thanks to God, and do not suffer such violence to be committed. It will not be proper that tomorrow in the Resurrection, this slave should be better than thyself, and that thou shoulders suffer shame.

Be not angry beyond measure with your slave; oppress him not; neither distress his feelings. Thou hast bought him for ten dimers, but after all thou didst not create him. To what length wilt thou carry this pride, insolence, and rage? Thou hast a master greater than thyself. 0 thou who hast for thy slaves Arselan and Aghoash, forget not thy superior lord. There is a tradition of the Prophet having said, ‘That the greatest mortification at the Day of Judgment will be when the pious slave is carried to paradise, and the wicked master condemned to hell.’ Upon the slaves, whose services you can command, exercise not boundless severity nor capriciousness, for it will be disgraceful, in the day of recknoning, to see the slave at liberty and the master in chains.”

 

Underwear & Don’t leave home without them!

Earplugs– Especially if you’re a light sleeper – expedition ships can be noisy environments as interior walls are not all that soundproof

Cargo pants– Cargos and tracksuit pants are great options to be worn under your wet-weather gear. We find jeans a little too restrictive, although any pair of comfortable walking pants will do. Fight the urge to take stretchy pants, however, as you’ll want plenty of air pockets in all your layers to allow for better insulation

L/Sleeve tops– 3 x tops should do the trick on a two-week expedition cruise

Polar fleece zip-jacket– That divine warm layer between your long-sleeve top and your parka

Warm, slim-fitting parka– Considering you’ll have wet-weather outer layers, your parka need not be waterproof. It should be warm (lined) but not too bulky. You’ll be doing a lot of moving in and out of Zodiacs, so you need to be comfortable and not restricted a-la-Michelin man

Thin thermal pants and top– Warm undergarments are great as they take up little space but can add quite a few degrees of warmth

A tight-fitting beanie, scarf & gloves –Ideally, you should wear two pairs of gloves: a thin pair with which you can operate your camera and get things out of your day-pack, and an outer waterproof pair that’s thick and warm and will keep your hands dry if you accidentally end up face-palming the ice. It’s been known to happen. A woolly beanie is a godsend, and one with ear flaps particularly so, even if your outer jacket has a hoodie. A woolly scarf is invaluable to keep your neck warm.

Binoculars– Binoculars are fantastic to have when wildlife spotting from the ship’s viewing terraces. Although many wildlife encounters are up-close in Antarctica, some will not be. It pays to have a pair of binoculars even just to be the first to yell ‘thar she blows!”

Zip-lock bags– Small and medium-size to keep all your bits and bobs dry

Medication– Whatever your usual medication is, as well as Ibuprofen, Aspirin and sea-sickness tablets (just in case)

Pack a spare pair of sunglasses/reading glasses– Trust us on this: even if you’ve never sat on a pair of glasses in your entire life, chances you will do so in the one place on earth where you can’t get a replacement, are huge. It’s Murphy’s Law.  Play it safe and bring spares

Camera Equipment – Decided what to take? Now don’t forget to pack it!

Extra SD cards and batteries – Don’t hold back, the penguins and sea lions aren’t shy! You will be taking infinitely more photos than you may imagine, so always have spare cards and batteries in your daypack and make sure to recharge everything at night

Books, crossword puzzles, media device – There will always be plenty of time to chill out and unwind on Antarctica cruises so packing some light personal entertainment is a really good idea

Heavy-duty water bottle– One that doesn’t weigh a ton

Olympian Gods with

The Prophet Noah is not known when he lived before Christ but it is apparent that claimed to cover all over the earth this phe­nomenal flood catastrophe has become legendry particularly as a myth by the people inhabiting around the Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Anatolia and The Islands regions. Since the Greek society made this calamity legendary prior to monotheist religions, we can call Duekalion’s flood as “Noahs flood”.

God sent out six floods onto the earth. These are;

All of these floods are big or small. They all are cautionary signals sent to the deviate humankind. God forgave the human­kind each time; however, the humankind returned to his former lifestyle after every forgiving and did not learn his lesson.

God expects the order of earth he created to be enhanced by the mankind himself and to be worshipped. He does not want a deviant, immoral, liar mankind. When this is the case, he some­times slightly warns these degenerate men he does not want to see on earth.

Their Short and Typical Characteristics

Ancient men called every mountain they saw in Anatolia and Greece as “Mount Olympus”. Mount Olympus is the home of gods. They used to spend most of their time there. Gods lived here with their contrivances, loves and brutality.

Over twenty mountains in Anatolia have been named as Olympus while there is only one mountain in Greece that can be Mount Olympus. Mounts Erciyes, Hasan, Ararat, Süphan, Uludağ… Each of these was a kind of Mount Olympus and home of gods. The Olympian gods were happier in Anatolia. They used to travel from one mountain to another and enjoy their immor­tality while they had just one homeland in Greece. They used to watch the sunrise and sunset of the enchanting Anatolian sun. They were keeping an eye on Anatolian people and enjoying the votives submitted to them. Therefore, Anatolia has been the homeland of the Olympian gods. Since they spent most of their time in Anatolia, their love affairs, quarrels, weddings, races and festivals took place in locations within the boundaries of Anatolia. We see that the names of the places of incidents generally belong to Anatolia when we have a look on the affairs between immor­tals and the gods and goddesses.