Spending a few months backpacking around this popular destination in South East Asia will be a rewarding, developmental and intensely fun experience. Getting closer to such an inspiring culture, so intrinsically alien from Western ways, is a prospect relished by many a young explorer with a fresh taste of the travel bug and is seen by many as an important rite of passage to accomplish as a break from and gap after many years of rigid education. But to make the most of this momentous travelling experience there are a few guidelines worth adhering to in order to ensure your personal safety and peace of mind throughout the trip.
As one of the world's most popular destinations for backpackers, Thailand might well be high on your list of potential travelling locations. If so, be sure to take your time in planning. Political and social situations are in constant flux and in a nation relatively new to the tourist industry this could cause you some trouble. Get good travel insurance and make responsible plans using advice from experts in travel agents where possible, and then you can get into the fun of choosing your locations!
Situated in the central plains of Thailand, Kanchanaburi owes most of its fame to the pivotal role it played in the Second World War. The most photographed feature of the town is, of course, the instantly recognisable view of the Bridge Over the River Kwai, made famous by the David Lean film of 1957. However, this small town is now a popular destination for many travellers of Thailand for an ever expanding number of reasons which make Kanchanaburi an entirely unique travel experience.
Whether you decide to go backpacking for a new travelling experience or in order to get closer to the heart of a different kind of society; whether you choose your destination for its impressive heritage of architectural monuments, such as the Grand Palace in Bangkok, for the plethora of beach related activities such diving off Ko Tao; for its kudos as a travel spot or for its fascinating cultural history, there is no denying that Thailand has the best of all worlds ? something which will no doubt allow its current tourist industry to continue to flourish for many years to come.
While Europe's shining knights spent their lives slaying dragons, the Chinese sought after and worshiped Eastern dragons as the most benevolent, wise, and generous of all creatures. Indeed, to be called "dragon face" was a great honor, and it was believed that emperors received counsel and aid from dragons in times of need. A few emperors even proudly claimed to be direct descendants of dragons. Pairings between humans and dragons were thought possible, since dragons were capable of changing their shape and size to assume whatever form they desired.
Unlike the fierce western dragons who hoarded treasure and demanded virtuous young women as sacrifices, the dragons of Chinese legend showed tenderness toward humans, and even acted in their behalf many times, sometimes at great cost. This is seen in one of the oldest legends about the Four Dragons. According to this legend, China once had no rivers. The people were dependent on the gods to send rain for their crops. One year the ruler of the gods, Yu-Huang-Shang-Ti, or the Jade Emperor, did not send rain in due season. As the crops began to wither and die, the people turned to the heavens for help.
In the Eastern Sea lived four dragons which heard the cries of starvation, and were moved with compassion. Eagerly they left their comfortable underwater home and sought out the mighty Jade Emperor. In behalf of the starving people below, the dragons pleaded with the emperor to send rain and save the crops. But the emperor was not pleased with the dragons and he refused their request. Ten days passed, and still no rain fell. The people were so hungry they were eating bark, grass roots, and white clay. Undeterred by the cruel and selfish emperor, the dragons devised a plan to create a rainstorm and thus save the villagers. Rushing to their home in the Eastern Sea, they scooped up the water and sprayed it into the sky. The water fell like raindrops over the crops, and the hopeful people leaped with joy.
But when the sea god told the Jade Emperor what the dragons had done, the emperor grew very angry. How dare the dragons rebel against his word! He was in charge of all the affairs of heaven, earth, and sea, and did not like his authority to be questioned. The dragons were arrested and taken to the heavenly palace. Then the Jade Emperor ordered the mountain god to separate the four dragons in different corners of the country and imprison each under a mountain.
The four dragons were unrepentant, and as the mountains were pressed upon them they thought of yet a new way they could help the people. So each dragon transformed itself into a river, winding out of its mountain prison back to the people and their crops. The black dragon in the far north became the Heilongjian, the yellow dragon and the long dragon in central China became the Huanghe and the Changjiang (Yangtze), and the pearl dragon in the south became the Zhu. And this, according to legend, is how the four great rivers in China were formed.
As in the ancient telling of the four dragons, water and rain were often associated with Eastern dragons. It was believed at one time that dragons existed in every storm and pool of water. Although they sometimes caused severe rains that destroyed houses, uprooted trees, and flooded inhabitants, the Chinese never regarded the dragon as malevolent. Because of the prevalent belief in yin and yang, it was accepted that to reap the benefit of the storm, one had to survive the horror of it. In this way Eastern dragons were seen as the givers of life while at the same time the cause of great death and destruction.
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Ray5 Wilson5 has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel Insurance, Insurance. Ray Wilson is author of this article on . Find more information about. Ray5 Wilson5's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
Francesca Black has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family, Home Security and Entertainment Guide. Francesca Black has long been interested in the history of dragon and lore and. Francesca Black's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.