Orchids, A Perennial Herb

Orchids

Orchidaceae, commonly referred to as the Orchid family.The family also includes Vanilla (the genus of the vanilla plant), Orchis (type genus) and many commonly cultivated plants such as Phalaenopsis and Cattleya.



The name comes from the Greek "órkhis", literally meaning "testicle", because its root has a similar shape.Orchidaceae are cosmopolitan, occurring in almost every habitat apart from deserts and glaciers. The great majority are to be found in the tropics, mostly Asia, South America and Central America.

The main component for the sowing of orchids in artificial conditions is the agar agar. The substance is put together with some type of carbohydrate (actually, some kind of glucose) which provides qualitative organic feed. Such substance may be banana, pineapple, peach or even tomato puree or coconut milk. 


After the cooking of the agar agar (it has to be cooked in sterile conditions) the mix is poured into test tubes or jars where the substance begins to jelly. The seeds have to be put in the dish above boiling water, in the steam because that secures sterile conditions. The test tubes are put diagonally after that.

One orchid genus, Vanilla, is commercially important, used as a flavouring.The underground tubers of terrestrial orchids (mainly Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid)) are ground to a powder and used for cooking, such as in the hot beverage salep or in the Turkish ice-cream (Dondurma - salepli dondurma).


It has been claimed that the name salep comes from the Arabic expression ḥasyu al-tha`lab, "fox testicles", however, it appears more likely that the Turkish name salep comes directly from the Arabic name saḥlab‎. 


The similarity in appearance to testes naturally accounts for salep being considered an aphrodisiac.Orchids, like tulips, have become a major market throughout the world. Buyers now bid hundreds of dollars on new hybrids or improved ones. Because of their apparent ease in hybridization, they are now becoming one of the most popular cut-flowers on the market.

Vanilla comes from the green seed pod of a celadon-colored orchid.

 

 

Beautiful Abayas

Beautiful Abayas

" Almighty Allah says: And say to the believing women that they should lower  their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, their brothers, or their brother's sons, or their sisters' sons, ..."[ Surah Al-Nur:30]

A very common question about hijaab is ‘does it restrict the movement and participation of women in society?’ A reply to this is that it certainly does not. Dressing modestly is intended to facilitate the participation of women in society by actually removing a major obstacle in their way and that is the misuse and exploitation of their beauty and sexuality.

Feelings

Feelings

Sometimes the toughest thing about feelings is sharing them with others. Sharing your feelings helps you when your feelings are good and when they aren't so good. Sharing also helps you to get closer to people you care about and who care about you. When people talk about feelings, they sometimes use the word "emotions."

Focusing on Your Feelings

You can't tell your friends what's inside your backpack if you don't know what's in there yourself. Feelings are the same way. Before you can share them with anyone, you have to figure out what feelings you have.

Making a list of your feelings can help. You can do this in your head or by writing it out on a piece of paper or even by drawing pictures. Is something bothering you? Does it make you sad or angry? Do you feel this emotion only once in a while or do you feel it a lot of the time?

Why Talk About Your Feelings?

The way a person feels inside is important. It can be really hard not to tell anyone that you're feeling sad, worried, or upset. Then, it's just you and these bad feelings. If you keep feelings locked inside, it can even make you feel sick!

But if you talk with someone who cares for you, like your mom or dad, you will almost always start to feel better. Now you're not all alone with your problems or worries. It doesn't mean your problems and worries disappear magically, but at least someone else knows what's bothering you and can help you find solutions.

Your mom and dad want to know if you have problems because they love you and they want to know what's happening in your life. But what if a kid doesn't want to talk with mom or dad? Then find another trusted adult, like a relative or a counselor at school. Maybe this person can help you talk with your mom and dad about your problem or concern.

How to Talk About Your Feelings

Once you know who you can talk with, you'll want to pick a time and place to talk. Does it need to be private, or can you talk with your brother and sister in the room? If you think you'll have trouble saying what's on your mind, write it down on a piece of paper. If the person doesn't understand what you mean right away, try explaining it a different way or give an example of what's concerning you. Is there something you think could be done to make things better? If so, say it.

Some kids - just like some adults - are more private than others. That means some people will feel more shy about sharing their feelings. A kid doesn't have to share every feeling he or she has, but it is important to share feelings when a kid needs help. You don't have to solve every problem on your own. Sometimes you need help. And if you do, talking about your feelings can be the first step toward getting it.

A Dress A day

A Dress A day

~ delicate but strong ~

I am a woman, I can wear pretty things, step lightly and portray the stereo-typical delicate woman….but I am strong..as are most women, some of us keep this side under wraps, fear of being labeled or thought less of. Quite silly really, but this mentality still exists, we are to be all things to all people without losing our femininity ….I say strength IS feminine….why must it always be covered in frills and lace? Well it is just a dream...a mere dream to wear these dresses^_^

The dress is described as "Monarch Butterfly silk taffeta corset and ball skirt, trimmed with ostrich feathers and Swarovski crystals; $25,000." Wow!!!

A classic of Fellini Couture, this gown is another masterpiece.

Oriental Carpets

Oriental Carpets

I just love Persian Rugs . It's so, so beautiful. As you can see in the examples below, odd shaped rugs come in all shapes and sizes. Due to their rarity, they are almost always made of very fine Kurkwool and silk.

There is a certain alchemy in an encounter with a Hand Knotted Carpet. The magic is even more potent when the carpet is complemented with lustrous furniture and colourful walls. These collection is perfect for adding contrast, Depth, mystery, intrigue.

 
   Gorgeous and contemporary, the collection yet promises an aura of timeless mystique through the use of oriental designs, both oriental themselves steeped in the fables of time past. 

Egypt,The Jewel of the Nile

Cairo, Egypt

The largest city in Egypt, which also happens to be the capital city, is Cairo. It has the largest population of any city in Africa, and because of its historical significance, it has become a very important tourist destination for travelers from around the world. Visitors will find many wonderful Cairo attractions to see while they are in Cairo.

Cairo is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, and Cairo Vacations are a great way to see everything it has to offer. From ancient history to Nile Cruises, Cairo has it all.It was wonderful to sit down in the sailboat and enjoy the Nile.  It had a cool quiet to it, even though it’s located in the middle of crazy, busy, 20+ million people/third-largest-city-in-the-world Cairo!

 Cairo's Bread

made of wheat flour and water.so good and easily to digest and is eaten in replace of rice.

Millions of people visit the country of Egypt. They go to enjoy the amazing scenery, historical sights, museums, excellent cuisine and remarkable culture. Most make a point of visiting the city of Cairo, which is home to the Egyptian Museum and near the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx among other top attractions.

The city itself is the largest in the country and is a fascinating place to explore. This is the reason so many people plan a vacation in Cairo or ensure that a lengthy visit to the city is included in their Egypt vacation packages.

Most vacations in Cairo will include visits to the plains of Giza, but also several popular areas within the city itself. The main attraction is the Egyptian Museum, home to many of the most well-known mummies and treasures, including that of Tutankhamun and the “cache” of royal mummies discovered by tomb robbers in the 1800s.

 

Alexandria,Egypt

 

Alexandria - The Pearl of the Mediterranean. Second largest city in Egypt,has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern, its ambiance and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country although it is only 225 km. from Cairo. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C., Alexandria became the capital of the Greco-Roman Egypt, its status as a beacon of culture is symbolized by the Pharos, the legendry lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World.

The setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Alexandria was also the center of culture and learning in the ancient world. But ancient Alexandria declined and when Napoleon landed he found a sparsely populated fishing village.

Blessed with a mild, pleasant climate and a string of exquisite beaches, Alexandria is a place to catch a fresh summer breeze. 

Mersa Matruh

Mersa Matruh is a Mediterranean seaport in Egypt. It is 240 km (149 miles) west of Alexandria and 222 km from Sallum, on the main highway from the Nile Delta to the Libyan border. Another highway leads south from the town, toward the Western Desert and the oases of Siwa and Bahariya. During Ancient Egyptian times and during the reign of Alexander The Great, the city was known as Amunia. In Ptolemaic and Byzantine times it was known as as Paraitonion (Παραιτόνιον), and in Roman times, as Paraetonium.

Marsa Matruh is a main Egyptian tourist city, and serves as a getaway resort for Europeans and Cairenes eager to flee the capital in the sweltering summer months. It is served by Mersa Matruh Airport. The city is known for its white soft sands and calm transparent waters; the bay is protected from the high seas by a series of rocks forming a natural breakwater, with a small opening to allow light vessels in.

It started as a small fishing town during Ancient Egyptian times and Alexander The Great and was named "Amunia". And there are ruins of a temple of Rameses II (1200 B.C.). Then, Mersa Matruh became known as Paraitonion in Ptolemaic era. Yet, when Roman occupation came to Egypt the town became an important harbor for trade and sending goods and crops to Rome. It was named Paraetonium at that time. During World War II, the British Army's Baggush Box was located to the east. During this period, Marsa Matruh was the terminus for a single-track railwayEl Alamein. which passed through.

Sharm El Sheikh

Along the southern end of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula is the town of Sharm El Sheikh. It is now known as thriving tourist hotspot with some of the world’s most well known hotel and restaurant chains, as well as world class scuba diving, nightlife, shopping and beaches. Interestingly, only thirty years ago it was a blank spot of desert sand alongside the sparkling Red Sea, but after an early 1980s peace agreement between Israel and Egypt the area quickly developed into its modern appearance.

Tourists of all kinds come to the area; divers, families, city dwellers, world travelers, retirees and many others, and the region’s businesses reflect that multinational patronage. Nowhere is that more clear than in the restaurants of Sharm El Sheikh, which include everything from the McDonald’s hamburger restaurant chain to five star gourmet establishments at the area’s exclusive resorts.