TTIMES WORLD: Today's News Report

Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Washington, DC, USA


Name
 

Island Paradise Untouched by Clutters
Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla

Image/Video

Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla

The tiny Caribbean island of Anguilla is shockingly gorgeous from coast to coast, but Rendezvous Bay and its stunning beach is easily the island's greatest asset. This bay, which is made up of a nearly empty white sand beach, boasts clear turquoise waters and a mountain backdrop with spectacular views of nearby St. Maarten in the distance.

Yellow Stone is Beautiful
Wyoming USA

Image/Video

Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming

The world's first national park is brimming with marvels to behold, from waterfalls to jagged peaks as well as half of the world's hydrothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful. Visitors come here in droves year-round to scope out the wildlife as well, which include buffalo (Yellowstone is home to America's largest herd), grizzly bears, wolves, elk and more.

Victoria Falls Top's Travel Destination
Places to Visit in Zambia

Image/Video

Places to Visit in Zambia | Top 10 Travel Destinations – Vacation in Africa

A landlocked country in southern Africa, Zambia is emerging as a premier travel destination for its stunning, unspoiled landscapes and friendly atmosphere. Some of the best places to visit in Zambia include the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, as well as an array of national parks, landmarks and attractions. From beautiful Kafue National Park to historic sites like Shiwa Ngandu, Zambia offers a diverse range of travel opportunities to complete a vacation in Africa.

Places to visit in Zambia-Africa-Victoria Falls

Places to visit in Zambia | 1. Victoria Falls

No list of places to visit in Zambia is complete without Victoria Falls. This jaw-dropping waterfall on the Zambezi River is located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. It reaches a height of 355 feet, but its width is perhaps even more impressive, at over a mile long. Though not the tallest or widest waterfall in the world, it is considered to be the world’s biggest sheet of falling water based on combined dimensions. The mist rising from the falls can be seen as far as 30 miles away. There is a range of activities available at Victoria Falls, from relaxed sightseeing on foot to heart-pounding, adrenaline-inducing experiences like white water rafting and bungee jumping. The closest urban center to the waterfall on the Zambia side is the city of Livingstone.

Places to visit in Zambia-Africa-Livingstone Museum

Places to visit in Zambia | 2. Livingstone

While Victoria Falls may be the main attraction in the area, it is worth spending some time in Livingstone as well. The city was established in 1905 and named after missionary and explorer David Livingstone. It has a number of museums where you can learn a bit about local history and prehistory. The most notable among them is the Livingstone Museum, which is both the largest and oldest museum in the country. Other popular activities include walking city tours and shopping at the local markets. Livingstone is the jumping-off point not only to visit Victoria Falls but for a variety of adventure sports as well. It has become somewhat of a backpacker mecca, and it has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.Places to visit in Zambia-Africa-South Luangwa National Park

Places to visit in Zambia | 3. South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa National Park is the most famous safari destination and one of the best places to visit in Zambia, as it boasts among the highest concentrations of wildlife in all of Africa. It slopes down from the high mountains and into the valley of the Luangwa River, which serves as a home to crocodiles and hippos. The park is also one of the very best places to see herds of elephants, giraffes, and buffalo. The ideal time to visit South Luangwa National Park is during the dry season when the area’s wildlife flock to the banks of the river. This also provides a great chance to see predators such as lions and leopards in action! Make sure you sign up for a walking safari, which originated here in the 1950s.Places to visit in Zambia-Africa-Lower Zambezi National Park

Places to visit in Zambia | 4. Lower Zambezi National Park

Situated along a lower section of the Zambezi River, Lower Zambezi National Park was once the president’s private game reserve. It was declared a national park in 1983, making it the youngest national park in the country. The main draw of the park is its remote location and pristine wilderness. The park encompasses a variety of terrain, including grassland, forest, and floodplain, which supports a fantastic variety of wildlife. You can hop on a safari to see the elephants, zebras, buffaloes, and lions, or go boating and fishing on the Zambezi River. It’s easy to spend several days exploring the park. The most common way to access Lower Zambezi National Park is to fly in from the capital city of Lusaka.

Places to visit in Zambia-Africa-Shiwa Ngandu Manor House

Places to visit in Zambia | 5. Shiwa Ngandu Manor House

Shiwa Ngandu is one of the most unique places to visit in the Northern Province of Zambia. It is an English-style country estate with a gorgeous manor in the north of the country. The land was purchased by a young British officer named Stewart Gore-Browne in 1914 when he was struck by the natural beauty of the area, and the grand house was completed in 1932. Visitors can book a stay at the manor and enjoy a range of activities while in Shiwa Ngandu, including hiking, boating, fishing, and visits to archaeological sites. You can even take a horse safari from the estate. Shiwa Ngandu has its own airstrip and is accessible via charter flights from LusakaNdola, and Mfuwe Airport in South Luangwa National Park.

Places to visit in Zambia-Africa-Kafue National Park

Places to visit in Zambia | 6. Kafue National Park

Kafue National Park is not only the largest national park in the country, but it is the second-biggest park in all of Africa. It covers an area of over 8,600 square miles in central Zambia. To put it in perspective, this is roughly equal in size to the State of Massachusetts in the United States. Rivers and floodplains sustain herds of antelopes, puku, red lechwe, blue wildebeests, and zebras. This provides ample hunting opportunities for the lions that also live inside the park. In the Kafue River – the namesake of the park – there are hippos as well as some of the most massive crocodiles in southern Africa. Kafue National Park was established in 1924 and is accessible by road from both Lusaka and Livingstone.

Places to visit in Zambia-Africa-Lake Kashiba

Places to visit in Zambia | 7. Lake Kashiba

Lake Kashiba is one of Zambia’s best hidden gems. It is often referred to as a “sunken lake” because the surface level of the water is 30 feet below the floor of the surrounding forest. Another interesting feature of the lake is that, though the surface area is quite small at only 8.6 acres, it has a depth of 330 feet around the sides. The depth of the center of the lake is unknown, which has given rise to legends of a monster. However, the bluish-green water is very welcoming, and the lake is a popular spot for activities like fishing and swimming. Lake Kashiba is about a 40-minute drive from the town of Mpongwe in Copperbelt Province, in the north of the country.

Places to visit in Zambia-Africa-Lake Kariba

Places to visit in Zambia | 8. Lake Kariba

Lake Kariba may not be as deep as Lake Kashiba, but it holds the distinction of being the largest man-made reservoir in the world. It was filled between 1958 and 1963 and created by the construction of the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River, which flooded the Kariba Gorge. The lake spans over 139 miles along the border with Zimbabwe, and, in some places, it even reaches up to 25 miles in width. Looking out over the water can feel like you are looking out over the ocean, a rarity in landlocked Zambia. Houseboating is a very popular activity on Lake Kariba, and you are likely to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and all manner of birds as you drift along.

Places to visit in Zambia-Africa-Blue Lagoon National Park

Places to visit in Zambia | 9. Blue Lagoon National Park

Blue Lagoon National Park is one of the most accessible parks in Zambia, as it is located only 75 miles by road from Lusaka. Not only is it easy to get to, but it is absolutely worth the visit. This relatively undiscovered park was established in 1976, but it was closed to the public by the Ministry of Defense and became a haven for poachers. It reopened in 2003, thanks to successful rehabilitation efforts. Nowadays, Blue Lagoon National Park welcomes visitors and is a stunning place to spend the day, as it is still mainly untouched by development. The best time to come is during the wet season when the vast floodplains fill with water and attract thousands of birds and mammals.

Places to visit in Zambia-Africa-Lusaka

Places to visit in Zambia | 10. Lusaka

Located in the south of the country, Lusaka is the capital city of Zambia. It also is the largest city in the country, with a population of about 2 million people. It provides air links to many of Zambia’s major attractions and sits at the junction of all of the major roadways. Though it doesn’t have many museums or cultural landmarks, Lusaka is known for its restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. You can also get a taste of authentic daily life by visiting some of the hustling and bustling markets. Lusaka is serviced by the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the main point of entry for tourists. Set aside some time to explore the city when you land or before you depart.

Hotels in Zambia-Africa-places to visit-Wild Dogs Lodge

Sydney Australia CityALight
Where Beautiful Simple Music Meets Rich Bible Messages

Image/Video

Get To Know CityAlight 


SHARE

For the past few years I’ve been enjoying the music of CityAlight both on a personal and congregational level (as we’ve added several of their songs to our worship services). They have just released a new album and, to mark the occasion, I asked them (Richard Thompson and Jonny Robinson) a few questions. I’ve interspersed their new songs throughout the interview so you can give them a listen. The album is available now wherever good music is sold or streamed.

Who or what is CityAlight? What can you tell me about the band and the church behind it?

CityAlight is a music ministry from a church in Castle Hill, Sydney, called St. Paul’s Castle Hill. The vision of CityAlight is to write songs with biblically rich lyrics and simple melodies for the Christian church to sing. We’re very pleased to admit there’s nothing particularly groundbreaking in what we do. There’s nothing especially new or unique or fashionable. We’re not on the forefront of anything and don’t pretend to be. (It’s probably better to be three hundred years out of date than three…)

Most churches around the world aren’t large. Some figures tell us that the average number in Australia is about 70. That means these are churches without large music teams or complicated sound equipment. These are churches with one guitar, or no guitar, one organ, one trombone, two singers – something like that. And we want to partner with those faithful congregations. Our vision is to resource them with simple songs. There is nothing on earth like the sound of a church singing, big or small, ancient or modern, skilled or not. The sound of a church singing has preceded almost every great revival in church history. The church is God’s witness and representative on earth. And is there any wonder that a tremendous power comes about when the representative voice of God in the earth is singing?

We have been writing songs together for about five years. The band isn’t fixed. It’s made up of whoever is available when the request comes in! We really see ourselves as a local church, first of all writing for our people, and also praying that God might take these songs out to any of His churches that might be helped by them.

I don’t think most people associate Anglicanism and modern worship. How does your Anglicanism factor into your songwriting?

This will inevitably be an over-simplification, but the Diocese of Sydney, of which we are a part, is an evangelical form of global Anglicanism with a commitment to the authority of Scripture, a personal relationship with Jesus, and a focus on mission, sharing the gospel both home and abroad.

To the question, yes, it’s fair to say, quite broadly, that the Anglican church has a very different relationship to modern worship than the Pentecostal church, for example. In large part this stems from the Anglican church’s long history of supporting choral and traditional music, an engagement that’s run over hundreds of years, and it can’t (and probably shouldn’t) be shaken off immediately. There’s a great beauty in those styles of music and we lose something when they get left behind. But on the whole Anglican churches in Sydney no longer reflect that sort of worship even if our reputation hasn’t yet caught up. On the average Sunday you’ll see the minister in a suit or a shirt and tie (occasionally shorts and a t-shirt in the Australian summers), the words of modern congregational songs projected onto a screen, a band with drums and guitars up front, and you’ll rarely see a prayer book.

In saying this, though, it does not mean we suddenly have a deep or familiar relationship with modern worship if by that you have in mind songs with a vaguely pop/soft rock sound and a verse/chorus/bridge structure. The Sydney Diocese is immensely careful to protect the truth of the gospel in its preaching and teaching. It values clarity of expression and faithfulness to Scripture. And that very often admirable caution has extended to music in the Diocese, too. We haven’t seen the easy acceptance of every hit congregational song going around or every development in musical style or the implementation of each technological advance because, roughly speaking, the church has aimed to ensure at every point that it won’t be compromising on something, a first principle. Attention to detail in these matters has kept the priorities as priorities, but it also results in a denomination making much slower progress in its implementation of and proficiency with modern music. This is intended to be a statement of fact, and individuals can decide where the balance ought to be.

At St. Paul’s, with CityAlight, we’re immensely grateful for the legacy of the Anglican church, their fidelity to Scripture, their commitment to clarity in preaching and teaching, their desire to reach unbelievers with the gospel, and their insistence on a personal relationship with Jesus. The mission of CityAlight is to write simple melodies with biblically rich lyrics and it doesn’t take much maneuvering to see how closely those values align with those of the Diocese. In being part of the Anglican Church, and particularly in a denomination informed by the principles of the Reformation, we’re honoured to join in with a very long history of people trying to serve God with the best of their music and teaching and writing and witnessing. We just see ourselves as getting in line and continuing on.

India's Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations That Represent the Country's Rich Heritage
Culture and Natural Beauty of India

Image/Video
India's Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations 

By Debopriya Ghosh


India is one of the most popular destinations for tourism in entire Asia. It is known for its significant monuments and sanctuaries. buildings, etc. They also have historical places in india. It is known as the motherland of various religions across the world .‘Unity in Diversity’ is the main aim of this country. Along with different religions, it has many beautiful places which trap the attention of visitors. The tourism industry of India employs a wide range of people. Tourism helps India in generating foreign exchange.
The top 10 travel destinations of India are:- 
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the seven wonders of the world. It was built by a Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in remembrance of his wife Mumtaz. The Taj Mahal is built with different types of marble and it has a rhythmic combination of convex and concave light. The arches and domes of the Taj Mahal make it more attractive and aesthetic. 
 


Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal is in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is built with pink and red sandstone. It is famous because it is the tallest building in the world which has no foundation.  It has 953 windows on the outside wall. It allows the breeze to flow throughout the place and makes it cool.

Manali
Manali is a gift of the Himalayas to the world.it is a high-altitude Himalayan resort town located in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is known because of its excellent climate which has snow-capped mountains. The temperature there is cool and tourists visit there to escape from the extremely hot temperature of the world. 

Golden Temple
The Golden Temple in Amritsar is one of Sikhism's most sacred sites. Covered with gold inside and out, it sits in a sacred pond and has intricately designed doorways. Thousands of devotees visit daily to walk around the glistening central shrine and pool. 
 
Lotus Temple
This unique architecture in Delhi resembles a blooming lotus flower. Its white marble petals encircle a peaceful reflection pool. Free guided tours introduce all faiths to the Baha'i religion. The space echoes with the tranquil sound of running water.
 
Goa
Goa is a well-known city for its beaches and is known as the fun capital. Calangute, the longest beach in North Goa offers some aqua sports and shacks for tourists. It has a blend of Portuguese culture. It is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in India.
 
Varanasi
Varanasi, which is also known as the spiritual heart of India is located on the left bank of the holy river, Ganges. It offers to watch the heart-warming Aarti ceremony, Varanasi is one of the mystical places to visit in India.
place to visit in India.

Elephant Cave
Elephant Cave located in Maharashtra is known for its collection of rocks which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.  Inside the T-shaped, we can find remains of linga, which symbolises Lord Shiva. There are huge high reliefs in the main cave and this cave has been constructed by King Krishnaraja.

Mysore Palace
Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace is located in Mysore, Karnataka.  It dominates the skyline of Mysore. It took 15 years to build this palace. It claims to be the second most visited tourist spot in India.

Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar located in Delhi Is famous because it is the tallest masonry tower in India. An iron pillar in the courtyard is unique and aesthetic as it has not been rusted for more than 2,000 years. It is the first-ever mosque built in India.

Ways You Can Help Protect Your Vision
Practical Eye Protection Tips

Image/Video
Nine ways you can help protect your vision

Get regular comprehensive dilated eye exams.
Know your family’s eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with an eye disease or condition, since some are hereditary.
Eat right to protect your sight: In particular, eat plenty of dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens, and fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, albacore tuna, trout, and halibut.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home, such as painting, yard work, and home repairs.
Quit smoking or never start.
Wear sunglasses that block 99 percent-100 percent of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
Wash your hands before taking out your contacts and cleanse your contact lenses properly to avoid infection.
Practice workplace eye safety.

Copyright © 2021 TTimes. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited