About Ramadan

About Ramadan:

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.


During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.


Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm) literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.


During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.

Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.


Benefits from Ramadan


1. It strengthens one's ties with Allah and trains the soul to observe duties of devotion in accordance with the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh).


2. It enforces patience and determination in the Muslim individual.


3. It promotes the principle of sincerity by keeping the Muslim away from arrogance and showing off, since it is an act between the individual and his Creator.


4. It promotes good character, particularly truthfulness and trust-worthiness.


5. It encourages the Muslim to do away with bad habits and change his/her circumstances for the better.


6. It enhances generosity, hospitality, and spending on charitable causes.


7. It reinforces feelings of unity and brotherhood among Muslims.


8. It instills orderliness and close observance of the value of time.


9. It serves as an opportunity for children to perform acts of obedience and to practice Islamic acts of worship.


10. It offers a chance to balance one's attention to both physical and spiritual needs.


Assalaamu'alaykum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh -


May God's peace and blessings be upon you

Wishing you a very blessed and prosperous Happy Ramadan. May Allah (God) bring happiness, peace, reward, and joy to all of you and your families and to all of humanity. We hope that this sacred month is a source of blessing and happiness and that all good works are accepted.

Your global eTurboNews team
by Juergen Thomas Steinmetz, publisher

Guest Blogger-Meredith McCleary-Insight into Ethiopia

Ethiopia is best described as a vast land of contrast, beauty, and extremes. The images and scenes of the people, in many cases, are highly distorted. The country is not barren, dusty or a land with starving people.
Several years ago I toured the historical Northern route, with my group viewing the splendid, carved, rock-hewn churches, ceremonies ,the many obelisks and the fascinating stories of their origin. Also we learned of the passage and return to the homeland of Ethiopia. We visited UNESCO sites, castles, ancients churches and ruins with many tales of the building of a dynasty. It was my great pleasure to sail on Lake Tana and the Blue Nile. It is there I became aware of the developing tourist market for the southern portion of Ethiopia. The Rift Valley lakes and masses of bird and marine life, as well as wildlife in the National Parks bordering Kenya.
This is the portion of Africa often portrayed through elaborate photography of colorful people, customs, and practices in expedition and nature magazines.
I recently had the opportunity to return and visit the Omo Valley Region with its popular ethnic treasures, and the place where 50% of the ethnic groups reside. We started from Addis Ababa, and descended via comfortable 4X4 wheel vehicle with a skilled driver and professional English –speaking guide into the region. Along the way we passed through small towns and stopped to visit along the highway villages, meeting people, families and visiting the homes belonging to the Konso people, with their beautiful and most effective terracing agricultural practices and elaborate farms; the Mursi people with their barbarian lifestyle (it is as if time has stood still for hundreds of years). True preservation of the culture! We were then on to visit and shop at the Markets with the colorful Hammer people (body painting and ceremonies) and then to the Karo people (similar to the Hammer people with the body painting, but with adornments from brass, cattle hides and skins, beads or shells.) Many are semi-nomadic. The men and boys work the cattle and farms, the women maintain the homes, fields, and children. Everyone has a job or task to perform (from the time they can walk). This world of Ethiopia is in general a world where African traditions are genuine and demonstrated in the daily traditions of folk music, dress, rituals, and way of life. I have observed many of the traditional practices by African descendents from rural USA and the Americas; through West, East and sections of South and Southern Africa. Whether in Jamaica, Brazil, Aboriginal country of Australia, the Tiwi Islands, some things have survived the long journey from “the Motherland”. In additional to the tremendous cultural beauty, the landscape of the Rift Valley and Omo Valley region is a nature lover’s paradise, off the beaten path. The beautiful Lakes, from blood red to clear waters, hold a mystique and mystery that I must return to explore. The area boasts of some of the largest crocodiles in the world, and numerous Hippos (whom I heard but time did not permit me to witness this aspect on my journey, that is for the next visit).
Accommodations at the Wenney Eco-lodge were comfortable, clean and ecologically minded, (although hot water). I had the opportunity to stay in the bungalow occupied by the President of the Ethiopia – I liked it too! This lodge was hand built by the owner for the purpose of sustainable tourism – using local resources and people . Great stop on the shores of Lake Langano, reportedly bilharzias-free, allowing swimming. There are excellent opportunities for forest exploration, which I would like to do soon.

Our next stop was at Swaynes Hotel constructed in the Dorze , elephant style, currently the best in the region (HOT WATER). The most spectacular feature other than the design to me was the location; on a hill overlooking glorious views of Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. Here we visited the Dorze village known for its elephant motif built homes, dancing children, beautiful hand woven cotton scarves and Aki (a local home brew) served with bread, fresh honey from the comb and chili sauce. Whew! It was all HOT! My tight schedule again did not afford my cruise on the Lake.

We left for the lower valley and even hotter climate to Evangadi Lodge where we had access to visit several of the local tribes (Hammer,Karos and Mursi) and markets of the area. Unfortunately we were not able to witness a bull-jumping ceremony (marriage proposal) – but the markets were quite a treat.
A bit of caution. Every picture you snap may costs you 2 – 5 Birr. Thankfully, our guide was able to negotiate most of this for us. The markets are an opportunity to not only sell wares, and the harvest, but a social event for the three tribes to meet and interact, court and look for new spouse. It is quite a show of traditional dress, adornments, and “profiling”. It is also becoming known (to the locals) that the tourist are now coming for pictures, so there are the stagers – which I could easily identify. However, it was fun for all.

En route to a visit to the villages, located much off the beaten path, I saw some of the most interesting termite mound formations – having traveled most of Africa this was amazing to me (elephants, giraffes – almost works of art!).

Village life was much like most of rural Africa. Huts from mud and or cow dung, or bamboo shoots ,sticks, banana trees and leaves all with thatched roofs. Near town, the use of tin roofs was spotted on some of the mud huts. Various tribes have elaborate symbols identifying the front.
On the highway – cattle is King. The definition of “traffic jam" is herds of cattle and goats as they travel to and from water at river beds. There was never a dull moment during the trip.
The most challenging part of the experience was the “pit or bush stops” between towns Even this was better than some of the bathroom stops. Just like on safari, only few bushes!. Ladies get plenty of knee bending exercise (smile). Be Prepared!

The trip was everything I had anticipated and most of what I wish to see! It is for the adventurer and explorer traveler. A photographer’s paradise and a cultural enthusiast’s dream. A pure delight for one who has done it all and seekers of a new experience and cultural enlightening!

Please see my website www.ebonyheritagetravel for itinerary and pictures.

Travel Consultant
Ebony Heritage Travel
Master Kenya Authorized Travel Specialist
South African Fundi Destination Specialist
Botswana Specialist
Southern Africa Spa Specialist
www.ebonyheritagetravel.com
Direct Line 954-484-5773

The Art of Traveling

The Art of Traveling - by Sylvia Berman, President, Post Haste Travel


When you pack your bags to explore the beauties of your own country
or to travel around the world, consider these keys to a happy journey:

Travel Lightly – You are not traveling for people to see how you look.

Travel Expectantly – Every place you visit is like a surprise package to be opened. Untie the strings with an expectation of high adventure.

Travel Hopefully – “To travel hopefully”, wrote Robert Louis Stevenson, “is better than to arrive”.

Travel Humbly – Visit people and places with reverence and respect for their traditions and way of life.

Travel Courteously – Consideration for your fellow travelers and your hosts will smooth the way through any difficult days.

Travel Gratefully – Show appreciation for the many things that are being done by others for your enjoyment and comfort.

Travel with an Open Mind – Leave your prejudices at home.

Travel with Curiosity – It is not how far you go, but how deeply you go that mines the gold of experience.

Travel with Imagination – As the old Spanish proverb puts it: “ He who would bring home the wealth of the Indies must carry the wealth of the Indies with him.”

Travel Fearlessly – Banish worry and timidity; the world and its people belong to you, just as you belong to the world.

Travel Relaxed – Make up your mind to have a good time. Let go and enjoy.

Travel Patiently – It takes time to understand others, especially when there are barriers of language and custom; keep flexible and adaptable to all situations.

Travel with the Spirit of a World Citizen – You’ll discover that people are basically the same the world over. Be an ambassador of good will to all people. Put your best foot forward.

Tehnology Marketing University 2011

I am sitting in a class to learn how to be a better travel blogger. Andy Hayes and Trisha Miller are our instructors today...both avid bloggers. I should go home with lot's of homework and lessons on how to do this better. Here we go!
How many of you read blogs? How about my blog? Is this blog pertinent to you? Is it succesful for me? And what are the alternatives to blogging? How do we measure the succes of a blog? By the number of comments? By the number of phone calls or emails? Or by the ranking by Google?
I good thing is this blog is linked to our website, www.posthastetravel.com so I hope reading this will lead you to read our website content. I also post our quarterly newsletter on our website and link that to this blog, my Facebook pages, my Twitter accounts...do you go to that link and read the newsletter? Is a blog worth the time and effort?
I tend to post info on cruises, properties and specific trips that someone in our office had recently been on...including photos when possible. I hope this content is timely and accurate.
I have recently used guest bloggers. Colleagues that have been on a fabulous trip and have written a really comprehesive message that I couldn't possibly do. I think that for Post Haste Travel we should do that more often. You will get to know our advisors better by the vacations they take on their own or with groups. I will post cruises by our advisors that are Virtuoso Voyager Club Hosts to get their percpective...I will post the many experiences our Africa and Safari advisors and clients have...with pictures...and if you have any questions wbout any of this, it's important that you comment so I can know if I'm doing this right. So, I'm going back to listening to my instructors right now. Let me know what you think!

Guest blogger-Meredith McCleary-About Africa

West Africa and Beyond: A New Adventure

Africa is the second largest continent in the world. It consists of deserts, lush tropical rainforests, coastal and swampy regions, plenty of natural resources, and of course the routes of the Slave trade. All are intriguing and all in West Africa. Most of you who are Post Haste Travel or Ebony Heritage clients are most familiar with or have visited romantic and exotic places in South and Southern Africa, Grand Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, trekking for gorillas and primates in Uganda, or viewing the Pyramids while swaying in the breeze along the Nile.
At Post Haste we offer the opportunity to those who are looking for a new experience or adventure to visit some of the roads less traveled; to see and visit with new people and faces; to witness and appreciate their unique culture and customs, talents, artistic creations; feel the rhythm and sway to the beat, dance to the music, or just March to a Different Drummer. Belief me it can be an exhilarating experience and a breath of fresh air. The sights, sounds, and smells of the open-air markets exude a level of excitement for the ardent world’s traveler. The colorful costumes and attire leads the way to designer shoes and fashions fit for a King or Queen. Let us take a brief glimpse at West Africa and Beyond!
West Africa consists of approximately 16 countries. We have toured and marveled at a few – Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Some of you world cruisers have visited the shops on the recent addition of ports of call around the Horn or Western coast of Africa or Jet vacations to Morocco or Mali. Yes, these are all fabulous and I hope to return to all of them too! However, if you say, " I’ve been there, done that", then it’s time to try another part of Africa or see these sights through another pair of eyes – mine. The Djembe (Music), Kora (Music), the silk Kente cloth (Dress) of the Akan peoples of Ghana and the distinct Sudano-Sahelian architectural style (artist) seen in the many mosques of the region, are the primary symbolic icons of West African culture.
Ethiopia affords one the opportunity to take a journey and witness the spiritual influences of ancient religions, through an historic tour of the Northern area of the country. See the Architectural delights in rock hewn churches, and magnificent castles, and monuments with the fascinating historical perspectives of the various influences that have shaped this country. Trek, if you wish, in the mountains, and cruise on the Blue Nile, and follow the Nile across Africa. End your trip with a journey south (as I will do in May) to the Omo Valley region to meet the colorful tribes in their villages and experience the everyday life of markets, rituals and ceremonies. (If I am lucky I hope to get a boat ride to see the wildlife in this area). The same can be said for Uganda. Being a bit beyond my trekking years, (for Gorillas’) I did it for primates. A worthwhile visit was to explore the cultural and historical sites around Kampala, Jinja, and Entebbe. The museums and historical sites are amazing preserved and very good. Nothing could do better than my visit to the filming sites of the “Great King of Scotland’. For lovers of history the tour to visit and touch the Source of the Nile was overwhelming as I headed to spend time at Murchison Falls. Beyond the experience of cruising on this portion to the mouth of the Falls, the abundant display of wildlife in and on both sides of the River was spectacular. Being a lover of safari, my driver and I head out in the late afternoon for a short game drive at the Resort. I had just completed two weeks on safari in Kenya and what I saw equaled about the amount of my entire Kenyan trip! While in Kenya I took a three day road trip to Kisumu, and a day trip to nearby Kigelo - the hometown of the Kenya Obama, Sr. Family. The day was spent visiting schools, gravesites and meeting relatives of the original Obama Family – Yes, I did get a private seating with the paternal grandmother Sarah. As my pictures will show, she is a delight. My Aktion Club of Kiwanis sent signature caps for the schoolchildren. The soccer teams had just won a significant competition and we presented the hats to them. What a cheering they gave! That was their special trophy! Mama Sarah wanted her own and of course she got it. Memories are made of this.
No, it is not for everyone. Collector, musicians, music lovers, designers, historians, educators, artists, sportsman, nature lovers, sociologists, medical professional, and herbalist ,this is the trip for you!
We offer the opportunity for you visit another world; Senegal, Ghana, Gambia, Togo, Benin, Mali or Burkina Faso – to name a few. Our local, English speaking drivers, and ground operators will escort you on a journey of a lifetime. There are modest accommodations in all locations we will visit. Travel is usually via air-conditioned vehicles. The road systems are new to fairly good in most of the destinations. Food is good to excellent. Camps in the deserts are camps! Special festivals and celebrations are ongoing in West Africa, from Music in the desert in Mali (Jan) – to the Roots festival every other year in the Gambia.
These are the trips that are not measured by the breathes you take - but – the experiences that will take your breathe away.
You are invited to view pictures on the website: www.ebonyheritagetravel.com

Conversation with Lindsey-Lake Tahoe and Celebrate Africa

Lake Tahoe was great! I went with my son and his friends, so that was a little strange when I realized my son’s girlfriend is 30 years younger than me…His girlfriend, Renae is from Northern California, so we stayed with her parents the first night, then drove to South lake Tahoe the next morning and stayed at a Hyatt Vacation place where my brother has a timeshare. There was soooooo much snow! And I love cold weather. We spent that first day shopping and getting everyting ready for skiing on Monday. I used to ski everywhere every year for 20 years, but haven’t been in about 10 years. My first day on the mountain was a little tiring, but I did alright. Tuesday I had all kinds of problems staying up, and getting up when I fell, and it turned out that my right leg had just given out. I could keep that ski straight for anything! So I just took my skis off, and the ski patrol came and got me…laid me down in one of those toboggans, covered me up and went straight down the mountain….faster than I’d ever been before! I figured everyone thought they were bringing a dead body down the mountain! LOL!!!! I spent the next 2 days peacefully alone in the room , reading, napping, taking long walks…Friday we walked down to the Lake, and it was gorgeous. We had great weather the whole time, some snow, lot’s of sun. The others spent some time winning money at the casino and partying…but I got a good break. When we went back to California, I met some cowboy and went horseback riding Saturday morning. I’ve had horses all my life, but it’s been a while since I’d ridden. Great fun. My flight was a red eye out of Sacremento and I didn’t get back to Ft Laud. Until 10AM Sunday. Then I spent the next 3 weeks sick as a dog. I’m finally feeling better. We went to s LHW event Monday night to see the Last Lions, and I won an 8 day trip to South Africa! My mother is an Africa specialist, she’s been over 30 times, so I am going to extend my stay in South Africa and see some additional properties and do a little extra safaris…I’m thinking of going in June or July…it’s winter there and that will make me happy! We’ve been really busy, selling lots of cruises, Africa and Europe…how ‘bout you? We’re having a “Celebrate Africa” event next Wednesday night, with 12 suppliers, about 60 guests, and it’s being held at a facility that has an Africa themed room. I’ll post the photos so you can see. Glad you like Bora Bora…I’ve never been…yet, but we have quite a few specialists in the office. Let’s keep this conversation going…there’s so much to learn from each other! Talk to you soon.

Promote the Value of Travel Agents!

Promote the Value of Travel Agents! Read Mark Murphy's wonderful article on the purpose and committment of travel advisors. Their wisdom and knowledge is pricless...well not pricless...we do have to charge a fee for our services, but think of all the time and effort you save by using an expert!