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Kevin will testify that when I am forced to get out a needle and thread it’s best to stay away from me until I’ve finished. Sewing and I don’t make a good combination so much so that Kevin will fix his own buttons rather than risk asking me.
A portrait that Mr. Kunye would probably prefer to the "molt" shot I also posted. The average life expectancy for an African penguin in human care is 20-30 years. I can also testify that the penguins at Lehigh Valley Zoo are happy!
This is the time for what can be said. Here
is its country. Speak and testify.
----Rainer Maria Rilke
It is the Distinguished Company at the Bijou Planks!
Today we see Clara Barton. An educator and humanitarian, Clarissa “Clara” Harlowe Barton helped distribute needed supplies to the Union Army during the Civil War and later founded the disaster relief organization, the American Red Cross.
Born on December 25, 1821 in Oxford, Massachusetts, Barton was the youngest of Stephen and Sarah Barton’s five children. Her father was a prosperous farmer. As a teenager, Barton helped care for her seriously ill brother David—her first experience as a nurse.
Barton’s family directed their painfully shy daughter to become a teacher. She began teaching at age 18, founded a school for workers’ children at her brother’s mill when she was 24, and after moving to Bordentown, New Jersey, established the first free school there in 1852.
In 1854 she was hired as a recording clerk at the US Patent Office in Washington, DC, the first woman appointed to such a post.
When the Civil War began in 1861, Barton quit her job and made it her mission to bring supplies to Union soldiers in need—among them, men of the 6th Massachusetts Infantry. This started a life-long career of aiding people in times of conflict and disaster. In 1862, she received official permission to transport supplies to battlefields and was at every major battle in Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, where she also tended to the wounded and became known as the “angel of the battlefield.” She was officially named head nurse for one of General Benjamin Butler’s units in 1864, even though she had no formal medical training. She joined Frances Gage in helping to prepare slaves for their lives in freedom. After the war, Barton helped locate missing soldiers, mark thousands of graves, and testified in Congress about her wartime experiences.
In 1869, Barton traveled through Europe to regain her health. While in Switzerland, she learned about the International Red Cross, established in Geneva in 1864. Returning to the US, Barton built support for the creation of an American society of the Red Cross by writing pamphlets, lecturing, and meeting with President Rutherford B. Hayes. On May 21, 1881, the American Association of the Red Cross was formed; Barton was elected president in June. In 1882, the US joined the International Red Cross.
Barton remained with the Red Cross until 1904, attending national and international meetings, aiding with disasters, helping the homeless and poor, and writing about her life and the Red Cross. In 1904, she established the National First Aid Association of America, an organization that emphasized emergency preparedness and developed first aid kits.
Clara Barton, a distinguished individual!
__________________________
A year of the shows and performers of the Bijou Planks Theater.
The Uffizi houses a series of priceless artworks mainly from the Medici collections.
The artworks attract visitors from all over the world.
This fragment testifies to a moment of the beginning of a visit by guests from the land of rising sun.
Florence played a central role in oriental studies' in Italy (the IV International Congress of Orientalists was held in Palazzo Medici Riccardi in 1878).
Taken for the Saturday Self Challenge 'Travel"
The coastal path around the southern part of St Mary's crosses the tip of the islands runway and is controlled by a traffic light to warn pedestrians of incoming and outgoing flights.
The islands transport links to the mainland are quite vulnerable. The Skybus flights as shown here are one of three commercial methods of getting to the island. This plane is an Islander and is actually now used for freight. They also operate Twin Otters which carry 15 passengers. There is a helicopter service but the cost is prohibitive for many. Both services can be badly effected by fog. A passenger ship The Scillonian 111 operates from April until the end of October. Many users will testify to the fact that it can be very uncomfortable in rough seas.
Saint Michael's Church (Dutch: Sint-Michielskerk) is a Roman Catholic church in Ghent, Belgium built in a late Gothic style. It is known for its rich interior decoration.
History
Documents from 1105 testify to the existence on the site of a chapel dedicated to St. Michael which was subordinate to another parish. The building was twice destroyed by fire early in the twelfth century and rebuilt. From 1147 it was recognized as an independent parochial church.
Construction of the current late Gothic church was probably commenced in 1440, and took place in two phases, separated by a long interval. During the first phase, in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the western part of the building was built, including the tower, the three-aisled nave and transept. This was completed in 1528. The construction of the western tower continued and by 1566 two levels of the tower were completed. Then, due to religious conflicts, not only did construction stop, but looting and destruction took place. Part of the church was destroyed in 1578 by Calvinists and in 1579 the old choir was demolished.
Reconstruction of the church only started in 1623. The early Gothic choir was replaced by a choir in Brabantine Gothic. Local architect Lieven Cruyl made a design for the unfinished western tower in 1662. The design provided for a spire of 134-metre-high in Brabantine Gothic style but was never realised. As a result of these delays and cost concerns, the tower was in the end never completed. Only in 1828 was a flat roof built over the unfinished tower.
The sacristy in the north-east was constructed in Baroque style in 1650-1651.
Description
The exterior of the sober late Gothic church is entirely constructed with sandstone from Brussels and Ledian sandstone. The church has a rich Neo-Gothic interior, including an altar and a pulpit in that style. There are various 18th century statues, including a Saint Livinus by Laurent Delvaux, a wooden St. Sebastian by J. Franciscus Allaert, eight marble statues of saints and a copy of Michelangelo's Madonna of Bruges by Rombaut Pauwels.
The church contains many Baroque paintings, including Christ Dying on the Cross by Anthony van Dyck, the Resurrection of Lazarus by Otto Venius and paintings by Gaspar de Crayer, Philippe de Champaigne, Karel van Mander, Jan Boeckhorst, Antoon van den Heuvel, Theodoor van Thulden and others.
There are confessionals from various style periods including a Baroque confessional from the early 17th century by François Cruyt with statues sculpted by Michiel van der Voort the Elder.
Organ
The organ dates back to an instrument that was built in 1817 by the organ builder De Volder. The style of the front is fully made in gothic revival. In 1951 the instrument was remodeled and expanded by the organ builder Anneessens. The organ has 47 stops on three manuals and a pedal.
Church Treasure
There are numerous silver and gold artifacts in the silver collection. An important item is the relic of St Dorothea, in silver. Very famous is the relic of the sacred "Doorn" brought to the church by Mary, Queen of Scots, and a relic of the true Cross a gift of the Archduke Albrecht and Isabella in 1619.
(Wikipedia)
Die Kirche Sankt Michael in Gent (niederländisch Sint-Michielskerk, französisch Église Saint-Michel) ist ein katholischer Kirchenbau aus dem 15. und 16. Jahrhundert.
Geschichte
Die ursprünglich bescheidene Kapelle brannte zu Beginn des 12. Jahrhunderts nieder. Ein größerer Neubau wurde ab etwa 1440 durch die heutige Kirche ersetzt. Der heutige Bau entstand in zwei Phasen mit einer langen Unterbrechung. Während der ersten Phase im 15. und 16. Jahrhundert wurde der westliche Teil gebaut, also das dreischiffige Langhaus und das Querschiff, das 1530 fertiggestellt wurde, sowie der Glockenturm, der 1566, dem Jahr des reformatorischen Bildersturms in den burgundischen Niederlanden bis zur zweiten Etage gediehen war. Während der anschließenden Zweiten und Dritten Hugenottenkriegs wurden die Arbeiten dann unterbrochen. 1579, zur Zeit der calvinistischen Herrschaft wurde die Kirche geplündert und beschädigt, der Chor zerstört.
Von 1623 bis 1659, unter der Herrschaft von Isabella Clara Eugenia von Spanien, Albrecht VII. von Habsburg und ihren Nachfolgern wurden Chor und Kapellenkranz wiederhergestellt, die Fertigstellung des Glockenturms aus finanziellen Gründen aufgegeben. Die Pläne des Architekten Lieven Cruyl aus dem Jahr 1662, der einen Turm im Stil der Brabantischen Gotik wie bei der Kathedrale von Antwerpen vorsah, wurde nicht weiterverfolgt, so dass der Turm heute noch wie abgeschnitten aussieht.
Ausstattung
Im Inneren befinden sich Altar und Kanzel im neugotischen Stil, Beichtstühle im Stil des Barock, des Rokoko und des Neoklassizismus, mehrere Statuen aus dem 18. Jahrhundert und zahlreiche Gemälde aus dem Barock, darunter ein Sterbender Christus von Anthonis van Dyck sowie Werke von Gaspar de Crayer, Philippe de Champaigne und Johann Bockhorst.
Orgel
Die Orgel geht zurück auf ein Instrument, das 1817 von dem Orgelbauer De Volder erbaut wurde. 1951 wurde das Instrument durch den Orgelbauer Anneessens umgebaut und erweitert. Die Orgel hat 47 Register auf drei Manualen und Pedal.
(Wikipedia)
The POWER HOUR with jaggy naughton - "Testify!" (Episode #22 - JULY.02.15 - 9pmEST)
"They say in Heaven...love comes first" :)
- Thursday | 02 July 2015
- 9pm Eastern (8pm Central - 7pm Mountain - 6pm Pacific/SLT)
- TWO WAYS TO LISTEN + BE A PART OF IT!
~ www.rainbowradio.fm (Click the player button in the upper right corner!)
~ s1.wohooo.net:8913/ (Plug this stream into your SL club/land stream!)
Join us on the Facebook event page or the chatbox on the Rainbow Radio FM website for interactive chat and shenanigans during the show!
Gimme a shout on Facebook or Twitter and join my mailing list @ www.jaggernaughton.com!
Sponsored by RBento (NEW STORE LANDMARK. maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Murdock%20Heights/59/68/27)
Pose: Our Nights by RBento
Commentary.
Is that isolated Scots Pine calling to his mates on the small island in Loch a´ Mhuillidh? - “Stay, don’t leave me.”
Once, the lower slopes were smothered by this noble, native tree.
Then climate-change, deer, sheep and mankind cleared that immense Caledonian Forest.
Only individuals and small island-clumps,
as here, and on the islands in Loch Morar and Loch Maree
testify to the true Highland flora and fauna.
Alas, the comparatively dull, regimented, pines and spruce dominate for purely commercial reasons.
Yet, where the Scottish icon remains, it gives the landscape
a dignity, a presence, a charisma, a superb tone and texture that bare hills cannot sustain.
I yearn for the day that this tree, once again, skirts this glorious, mountainous, water-filled land.
Not a mere tree, an archetypal symbol of Scotland.
----------------------------- JESUS ✝️ SAVES-------------------------------
SALVATION THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST - ALONE!
12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
❤️❤️ IT'S ALL JESUS AND NONE OF OURSELVES! ❤️❤️
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the SALVATION of everyone WHO BELIEVES: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM GOD IS REVEALED, a righteousness that is by FAITH FROM FIRST TO LAST, just as it is written: "THE RIGHTEOUS WILL LIVE BY FAITH." (Romans 1:16-17)
16 KNOW that a man is NOT justified by observing the law, but by FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be JUSTIFIED BY FAITH in CHRIST and NOT by observing the law, BECAUSE BY OBSERVING THE LAW NO ONE WILL BE JUSTIFIED. (Galatians 2:16)
1. Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2. BY THIS GOSPEL YOU ARE SAVED, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
3. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4. that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5. and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8. and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
9. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11. Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed. (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)
7. Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9. I am the gate; whoever enters through me WILL BE SAVED. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10. The thief comes only to STEAL and KILL and DESTROY; I have come that they may have LIFE, and have it to the FULL. (John 10:7-10)
1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
5 Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: "The man who does these things will live by them." 6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 "or 'Who will descend into the deep?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:1-13)
Jesus came to bring spiritual LIFE to the spiritually dead and set the captives FREE! FREE from RELIGION, ERROR and outright LIES, so WE might serve THE LIVING GOD! In SPIRIT and in TRUTH!
So you'll KNOW, and not think you're to bad for God to love. The Christian LIFE isn't about how good WE are, because NONE of us are! It's about how GOOD JESUS IS! Because JESUS LOVES US, so much he died in our place and took the punishment for all of our sins on himself. The wages of sin is DEATH, and Jesus took the death WE so richly deserved for us and died in our place. The good news is, there's no more punishment for sin left. WE, you and I were all born forgive as a result of the crucifixion of God himself on the cross that took away the sins of the whole world. All we have to do is believe it, and put your Faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. That my friends is REAL UNCONDITIONAL LOVE! YOU ARE LOVED. ❤️ ✝️ ❤️
For the best Biblical teaching in the last 2 centuries! Please listen to and down load these FREE audio files that were created with YOU in mind. It's ALL FREE, if you like it, please share it with others. ❤️
archive.org/details/PeopleToPeopleByBobGeorgeFREE-ARCHIVE...
CLICK ON THE LETTER "L" TO ENLARGE.
My THANK'S to all Flickr friends who fave and/or commented on my photos, I very much appreciate it! ❤️
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Christian Movie | God Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life | "The Mystery of Godliness: The Sequel"
www.holyspiritspeaks.org/videos/the-mystery-of-godliness-...
Introduction
Lin Bo'en is an old preacher who has believed in the Lord for many decades. Since accepting Almighty God, Christ of the last days, he was convicted, excluded, and expelled from the religious community by the pastors and elders, the antichrist forces. But even though Lin Bo'en was attacked, convicted, and framed, he did not shrink back in fear. Rather, his faith became more resolute than ever, and this led him to finally understand that the pastors and elders of the religious world were faking a virtuous appearance. At the same time, he came to know that only Christ is the truth, the way, and the life, and only Christ can save and purify and perfect man. Because of this, he was resolved to follow Christ, bear witness for Christ, and do his utmost to pursue the truth, to seek to transform his disposition so that he could become a true witness for God. Once the Chinese Communist Party discovered that Lin Bo'en was released from prison and had not changed, that he had not renounced his faith in the slightest bit and even believed in the Eastern Lightning, that he went everywhere to testify that the Lord Jesus has come again and that He is Almighty God, the CCP listed him as wanted and went everywhere to arrest him. Lin Bo'en was forced to leave his family, and in each place he testified to Almighty God's Work in the last days, he was able to lead a lot of sincere, good-natured believers to God's side. This video gives an account of Lin Bo'en's true story of spreading the gospel and testifying for God
Recommended for You ：God's words
Image Source: The Church of Almighty God
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Before I get into the title of this picture, if you have a minute, please listen to a phone call to Officer Fanone, while he testifying at the Jan 6th hearings. It gives you great insight of what is really happening in America.
Here are a few link to it: www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/07/28/michael-f...
www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-fanone-dc-police-officer-vul...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/d-c-officer-michael-fan...
www.tmz.com/2021/07/28/michael-fanone-voicemail-hate-fill...
Now ask yourself; how did that man get his cell phone number? Really, just think a minute. This brave officer put his life on the line to defend our Nations Capitol and our Incompetent Law makers against a riot, an insurgence. He’s being called during a hearing, threatened, told he and all his colleges should have been KILLED!
Welcome to the Dark Side of America. The world of Gang Stalkers, Community Mobbers in America. This is the daily life of a Targeted Individual, in the United States. You can be Targeted for many things. You could anger a neighbor. You could tactfully address shortcomings in the workplace. You could be a far better worker than others. You could anger someone in an RV Park, or out Boondocking. You could be an Official Whistle Blower or an Unofficial one. You could be criminal, or on parole. In today's America; you fart loud enough to piss someone off and you could be Targeted.
This Mobbing, Targeting Culture has been going on for DECADES. Those of us in the Whistleblower and Targeting Community; have gone around in circles trying to get someone to listen, to believe the TRUTH. As I stated in my last post “Telling the Truth”. We’ve used our chain of commands, we have pleaded with our Elected Officials, we’ve pleaded with Law Enforcement, even the most corrupt Law Enforcement Agency in American History; the FBI. They have know about America’s Mobbing Culture, Gang Stalking, Community Mobbing and Direct Energy Weapons (Yes, I said Direct Energy Weapons), for DECADES! Its been called the "Havana Syndrom" . You may have seen current news; on CIA and Government officials being hit with Direct Energy Weapons. They have had hundreds of complaints from Government employees. The CIA is supposedly looking into it. We in the Whistleblower, Targeted Community have been addressing these same ATTACKS FOR DECADES. AGAIN, to the FBI, our ELECTED OFFICIALS and LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. YET, MANY OF US RECEIVE THEM DAILY! WE ARE AMERICAN CITIZENS, ON AMERICA SIOL! But, as you saw from the Jan 6th Hearings, anything is possible.
I myself have gone through all channels, even the FBI Office in Fresno, CA. It’s an office that participates in this type of harassment and devastation. The type of DEVASTATION that DESTROYS the lives of AMERICAN CITIZENS. I know its a bold statement, but it’s TRUE! Do I think all Law Enforcement Officers are corrupt? Of course not. But, many in power are.
Let me just give you an average day of a Targeted Individual, in America.
I’m woke about an hour before I want to get up. Someone is extremely revving the engine, of an over sized pick-up truck. I can’t get back to sleep. I’m exhausted , some jerk was revving an ATV right in front of our Motorhome, just I went to bed. It went on for quit some time. I’m lucky to have a few hours sleep. I make a pot of coffee and get ready for my day. I take my dog out to use the bathroom. As I do; people start riding and driving by on bikes, motorcycles, ATVs or big trucks. I’m out Boondocking on Public land, in the middle of nowhere, miles from anyone. But give them a day or two and they show up. Poor Koda is trying to poo and he’s being bombarded with noise and people. I’m used to it and he’s starting to. I just tell him its good training. He receives this treatment each and every time I take him out. This started in Gand Junction, Colorado; soon after I adopted him.
When Koda was being harassed in an RV Park, in Grand Junction; I called their police office. A Sergeant came out, looked at some of the evidence I had. He took my information, told me if it continued; to take video (which I already had), and call him. Not only did it continue; it intensified and they started using young children and Toddlers. I called the Police office repeatedly. I left a voicemail for the Sergeant; informing him that I had more video and that these people were using children to harass Koda. No one followed-up. I was trying to use the Grand Junction VA Hospital. It was so Toxic and Dis-functional, I left and ended up near Phoenix. I tried Prescott, but it was a shit show too.
This type of harassment continued in Arizona, throughout the winter. Once the temperature started rising, I headed back to Colorado. This time I would try the Eastern Slope. You can see and what happened North of Durango, in my previous post “Telling the Truth”. Once I got off that mountain, we ended up at the Boulder County Fair Grounds. They had what they call a camping area, for RVs. I stayed there for two weeks trying find a VA facility where, I could receive some follow-up care. During those two weeks; the Longmont Humane Society Shelter, used young adults and their stray animals to Mob, Stalk and Harass Koda and I. One day, they even had a Police Officer set in her vehicle at the stables and watch. These people were setting up left and right as I try and walk daily. I walked up to her vehicle after being chased down by a young man, asked her if she saw it. She said no, (she was setting right their in her vehicle), I informed her of Shelter Staff and Volunteers, harassing Koda each and every time I took him out. Once I informed her of this, she left. Seriously, they would be waiting for Koda to come out each and every day, so they could Mob, Stalk, Bait and Harass us. Now, here in the Wilderness of Wyoming, and it continues.
We go inside and all quiets down. I make breakfast and as set down to eat; more of the same shows up. This time its parents with little kids in their laps, American fags flying from their Side-by-Sides.
Then a helicopter flies directly over us, just a few hundred feet. This is not just for breakfast, but for every meal, everyday of my life. Not the helicopter every meal, but the noise campaigns. The helicopter started back up here in Wyoming, and has buzzed me at both camps I’ve stayed at so far, in the area.
The make-a-meal idiots (I call them), started when I was working and living in Yosemite National Park. People, mostly my coworkers, would walk pass my door or a window to my residence and put on this loud, extreme, fake cough. This happened at every meal, every day. If I ate at work, one of the concessionaires or a picnic area; I’d get the same treatment. I’ve had people walk behind me, do this so intensely; I’d get spit on my neck. Some would do in in face.
This is called BAITING; in hopes you will act out and be recorded doing so.
This didn’t stop until the Pandemic hit and people were being charged for it. It recently picked back up here in Wyoming, when I go into town to do laundry, do some shopping.
I’ve had breakfast, so I get ready to go into town for VA Lab work, and pick up parts for my frig and Motorhome. As I do; the ATVs start buzzing by, some even slowing down right in front of the Motorhome, then revving engines and speeding off. This is another intense Noise Campaign, hoping I get flustered, lose my train of thought and forget something.
I’m on a small highway heading to town. I pull up to a stop sign and I am blocked and mobbed from all sides by big trucks, some with American flags. I pull off the side of the road and wait for the Billy-Bobs to leave. I get to town, pull into a parking lot to have my blood drawn for lab work. This is a VA Mobile Clinic. I take Koda over to a grassy area to use the bathroom. As I do, a man drives by, giving us an evil stare down. He pulls beside the Mobil Clinic and parks. I’m 20 minutes early, so Koda and I take our time. The guy sets in his SUV, until we walk towards the clinic. He then gets out of his vehicle, wearing a red hat (these perps use certain colors as stimuli and recognition). He rushes ahead of us and stalls the guy at the door steps, and starts asking him questions; keeping us from going in. I call these skits. We go inside the clinic, the guy has me set down. Koda lays at my left side and he starts getting agitated, its not normal. He keeps looking at the door to his left and I asked the man if there was someone in there. He said yes, there’s someone in there with a couple small dogs. Koda stayed where he was, but didn’t like it to well.
We leave and head to the UPS Store. I’m headed down a 4 lane street, in the left lane. People keep pulling in front of me from the right lane, coming to a stop, to make a left turn. This happens 3 times within 4 blocks. I am left waiting behind them, as they wait for car after car, coming from the other way. I get to the UPS Store and I guy pulls out and blocks the entrance. As he finally leaves, a car coming from the other direction turns in quickly. There’s only one parking spot, so I take it. I pull beside a woman setting in her SUV. She waits until I start to get Koda out, then rushes ahead of me. Not only her, but the other woman that pulled in just ahead of me.
Koda and I go in, stand in line and wait. There are people working two registers as we stand in line. A guy to our left grabs a big sheet of paper (I’m talking 2 feet by maybe 3 feet). He start flipping it into the air, then rolls it up as loudly as he can. Koda is waiting calmly at my side. The guy then walks over closer to Koda, with a new sheet of paper, gives him the stare-down, starts doing the same with that sheet. It was just another skit, trying to get Koda worked up. Now, I’m next to be waited on. One of the register staff leaves, so I’m left waiting again. Another person comes to that register. As I step up to it, my phone starts ringing. Its the Social Security Administration. I just received the same recorded call from them an hour ago. I try to shut the ringer off, but my phone is not responding, its a new S21. It continues to ring and I wait until it finishes and goes to voicemail. I told young guy, I had a package from Amazon to pickup. He looks around forever and says he can’t find it. I said; it shows it was delivered today. He then fumbles around for a while longer and pulls it from a bin that was in front of him the whole time. I pay the $5 holding fee they charge and left the store. As soon as we stepped out the door, we were blocked by a woman. We get in the car, start to back up and the woman parked beside of us backs up causing me to stop. I waited, she then pulls forward into the same spot. She’s thinking I’m going back in because I have one item missing, that I don’t know of yet.
We head to a fast food restaurant to get lunch. I place a simple menu order; a number 1, plus 4 piece Chicken Nuggets for Koda. They get my order wrong. We pull over to a parking lot next door to eat our lunch. As we start to eat; big pickup trucks start pulling in, revving their motors, (one a diesel, filling the air with thick dark smoke). A woman pulls up behind us, lights a cigarette, hangs it out the window, upwind.
We leave and head to Walmart. I get the same road stalling tactics. We pull into the parking lot, I’m getting Koda out of the car and a woman right in front of us, lights a cigarette, upwind. A big truck backs right up to us, stops, intentually filling the air with exhaust. He then speeds off, leaving more exhaust.
We head into the store. As we walk through the first door, an employee grabs a shopping cart, uses it making a big circle and blocks us. He then starts touching a large black object in his ear. A lot of times the cart blocking is done in the parking lot, with a large string of carts. They will us them to block me as I come and go. I’ve recorded this over and over; employees using a large string of carts to block me as I come in, or leave. After the employee puts the cart away; he rushes ahead of us, so he can be seen touching the black object, in his ear again, as we pass. It could have been an ear bud, who knows, but this is done for psychological effect, wanting me to think I’m being recorded (which I am 24/7). Three people rush from the right with shopping carts, as I get ready to enter the store area. They stop right in front of me; blocking me completely from entering the store. The same employee watching my reaction the whole time.
We go to the electronics section to get ink for my printer. There’s a woman there standing in front of the ink cartridges. She walks back and forth, as Koda lay at my feet. That’s what he’s trained to do, when I stand in an are for a while. I find the cartridge I need, but its extremity expensive. I see a printer on sale for around the same price, so I bought it with an extra cartridge. That cartridge was a lot cheaper than the one for my current printer. While I looking at cartridges and the printers, there was a guy a distance away watching. I grab the items I want, and head to the register. The guy that was hanging out behind me; rushes to the register ahead of me and starts asking questions. This is another stall campaign. Just like I received at the UPS store. There were two employees at the registers, but one walks away as I approach. This is store after store, gas stations, restaurants, you name it; there is no shortage of Americans willing to hate, stalk, bait and harass. This is done in hopes I act out so it can be recorded. It also gives other perps time to set up; for more types of baiting and harassment. I pay for my items in electronics and go to leave the store. As I walk down a mail aisle; the woman that was waiting by the printer ink; waits in a side aisle to push her cart out in front of us. As she does, a guy watching us (Koda & I), has phone in hand texting. He gives me a dirty stare-down as I turn around and look at the woman, once she passes. I look right at him and said “Never mind me Sir, I’m just documenting me being harassed in Walmart”. That turned his face to red. As I leave the store, people are stepping from aisles, phones in hand texting. This skit is overacted by many; striving for their daily dose of sociopathic needs. As I exit the store; I’m block by another person with a shopping cart, cutting across in front of us. We leave and head back to camp. As we do, we get the same; people pull in front of us, then stop to make a left or right turn. This continued to happen until we get to the freeway.
Once at camp (we are boondocking in a National Forest), we go in, I open the package and one item is missing. Its the gas control unit for my Motorhome refrigerator. The part that I really needed. I ordered the part through Amazon, along with an exterior light fixture. I selected the deliver in same package, same day option. The UPS Store I use for pick-up charges $5 per package, for pick-up. I don’t have a mail box there. The day I ordered the parts, I contacted Amazon Customer Service, to make sure they would arrive in one package. My last order, I selected the same option, but it came in two package and cost me $10 to pick them up. When I spoke to Customer Service, the young man took forever, but did tell me the packages would be delivered the same day, in the same package. They didn’t. I called Amazon, to find out where my part was. It took me several dropped calls and a couple messages saying the call back option is temporary unavailable. It took me forever to get to Customer Service Rep, then a while to speak a manager. I told what happened and she told me the part was delivered, but not in one package, bla, bla, bla.
I get Koda in the car, to head back to town to get my parts. Just as we get ready to pull out, a bunch of kids show up on motorcycles, followed by their dad (I’m guessing Dad), as I pull out of camp, they stop in the middle of the road, right in front of me. Really, they come to a complete stop, 4 of them stretched out, blocking me completely from passing. I finally get around them and the older man yells Fuck You! I had another young guy on a motorcycles the night before; yell the same thing as he spun off pulling wheelies, in front of our Motorhome. I’m a bit pissed, having to go back into town; and I’m mobbed and blocked by motorcycles. This is how these guys operate, they push your buttons 24/7, 365, hoping you will break. There are many that do; and that’s why we have so much WORKPLACE VIOLENCE. I don’t condone it, but it’s been documented by many in the Psychology Community. Just check out some Workplace Mobbing, Harassment in the Workplace books.
We get back to the UPS Store and another woman rushes in in front of us. We go in and there’s only one person at the registers. Then the same you guy who gave me the last package comes out. I told him I had another package, he walks over to a bin as if he knew where it was, pulled it and gave it to me.
It was right where he looked the last time, the Amazon Prime Package stuck out like a sore thumb.
He wanted to charge me another $5. I said, I had to drive anther 50 miles (round trip), to come back and get this package and your going to charge me another $5. He pauses for a moment, then says “Its Free”. I thanked him and we left.
When we get on the National Forest Road, the first cattle grate we came to; has a couple in a Side-by-Side (Its the larger ATVs), rushing to the cattle grate. I slowed down, they did too, I waited, then they stopped just before the gate, so I crossed. After getting pass them, I come across the same guy the had the kids with Motorcycles. This is miles from my camp. He’s stopped in the road, kids too, working on his motorcycle. This time they only took half the road, but here comes a big 5th wheel to take up the other half passing them. After recording this Stupidfest, I proceed to camp. I come up to another cattle grate, and there’s an SUV rushing towards it, causing me to stop. I wait for them to pass, then head back to camp.
Once back at camp; I start to replace the part on the frig, which has outside access. As I do; the motorcycles, trucks and ATVs show up. They’re revving their engines, making so mush noise; it’s hard to even think. I need to get the part in before the storm hits. It didn’t take to long to get it in, and frig is running like new. I’m as happy as a lark, but it’s short lived. I take Koda out because he has to Poo. As he does his pre-poo routine; motorcycles show up again, right in front of the Motorhome. They’re pulling wheelies, revving engines. This is done each time I take Koda out, if we go out for a hike, play fetch, any time he’s out. They know if they harass and get Koda worked up; it harassed me. They are relentless. If we stay at a pay campground or RV park, we get the same treatment with Big Trucks and Harlies, many with American Flags waving in the air.
Koda takes his poo, gives the motorcycles his WTF look, then comes walking over to me. Koda has a lot of facial expressions, many times hilarious. He’s extremely intelligent. He comes up and nudges me when he wants something. It’s come to a point where I ask him “what do you want? show me, show me”. He will walk over to his leash, box of biscuits, his food bowl, toys and nudge then with his nose. He will also bring me a toy, jump in the passenger seat of our Motorhome, when I ask him (he loves riding up high watching everything). Once he reaches what he wants, he nudges it with his nose. He does it to me often too.
We go in and I make dinner. Just as I set down to eat; here comes the noise campaign, that’s what it is, just like the Military performs. I should know, I went through intense POW training in the Army. I was assigned to The US Joint Serves Special Operations Command, quite the mouth-full. I did live RECONS, received a butt load of medals for it. Not to brag, but to let you know where I’m coming from. I know how not to be seen, gather the information, retain and report it. I’ve even had dinner with Generals. Its "DISGRACEFUL"; I can gather secret information in other countries, be awarded medals for it in the Military, but I tell the Truth in America and thousand crawl out from their rocks, to discredit me. That’s not an exaggeration; IT’S THE TRUTH IN AMERICA.
I said above an average day for a Target; this is actually a very light day. If I told you everything, you probably wouldn’t believe most of it, or be in a state of shock. I want to get this posted, so I’m going to give you a quick insight on what will happen as I get ready for bed. The noise campaign starts back up. This is to build my anxiety up, to a point you can’t go to sleep. I’ll toss and turn for hours, then be woken by much of the same, hours before I want to wake-up.
There are thousands of documented Whistleblowers receiving this kind of harassment, mobbing and life destruction. There have been thousands of us reporting this harassment, mobbing, staking and attacks from Direct Energy Weapons; to the FBI. We have been reporting it for DECADES. Where have they been? Maybe, the same place they were at during the Jan 6th Riots and Insurgence.
Imagine telling your family this. You try and tell your family, you show them some evidence; audio, pictures, videos. They are still in disbelief, this is America, this can’t happen here. IT DOES, EVERY DAY!
Is this the America you want your child to grow up in? Where trying to do the right thing, tell the TRUTH; destroys there life. They become a Target, are watched 24/7 (even in the privacy of their home), Stalked, Mobbed, Baited, Harassed, attacked with Direct Energy Weapons, their personal property tampered with, destroyed or stolen. This is what is happening to United States Citizens, on American Soil, everyday. Again, the FBI is fully aware of it but does nothing. No one is held accountable, so it continues day after day, year after year, across State Lines. These people are your neighbors, your coworkers, some; you think of as friends, some even a family member. These are the types of people storming our Capital. They are not going to stop. They may change their tactics but they will continue, until they are held accountable. There is a lot more I haven’t mentioned, like; the Street Theater and Gas Lighting. I’m a bit drained and I will cover those at a different time.
If you still don’t believe me; please listen to the message left on Officer Fanone’s voice mail again.
I have the evidence to prove everything I’ve written, but who do I give it to? It seems no one with authority wants it, or cares. If you know someone that truely cares and WILL DO SOMETHING; please send them my way.
Now that I’ve posted this, I’ll be waiting for the Storm of Retaliation, Hate, Harassment, Mobbing, Stalking, Baiting, Belittling, Defaming and Direct Energy Attacks. It will not detour me from continually exposing the TRUTH in AMERICA.
My name is Rick Pineiro. If you want to know the TRUTH, just ask me.
I have Hundreds, maybe Thousands. I call the FBI to inform them of Domestic Terrorism (I have definitive proof), and they hang up on me. I was told to contact Local Law Enforcement; if you’ve read through my post, you know how that goes. They all have excuses; its just a big circle of Plausible Deniability. I want to repeat this before I go into the description: I inform the FBI of Domestic Terrorism and I’m abruptly hung up on me. And, we wonder how Jan 6th could have happened; when the FBI was fully aware of the Threat. Now, do you know what I mean, about Selective Policing in America.
The picture you see, is one of the many people that Stalk, Bait and Harass; my Service Dog and I.
We moved camp today. While I was packing up at the last camp; we received a Convoy of Hate before we pulled out. One man went as far as putting on a Red Jump Suit, stands up on his motorcycle as he passed. This was because Koda was up front, looking out the window, as I loaded the car on it’s dolly.
Now, here at our new camp, many, many miles from our last camp; we are here a few minutes and Karen comes walking from a Fire Lane, to watch. It is the same woman in this picture, but she didn’t have the dog, or backpack. She came up to a fork, that could be seen from our camp. I was setting up the solar panels, Koda was tied to the front side of the Motorhome. She stood at the fork, doing something to cause Koda to growl. When I came around front she stopped. I have it on Video.
Hours later, I was playing fetch with Koda, he was having to much fun: the same woman drags this poor old dog, up the Fire Lane. She does this, so it and she could be seen by Koda. This was just an act to get him excited (he loves to play with other dogs). She literally pulled and yelled at the dog she had; the poor thing could not keep up. Take a good look at it. I have pictures of it all. She was in a hurry to spread her hate. These people could care less about a dog, or their own children it seems. They use children often to harass Targets.
This is a prime Example of people involved in Domestic Terrorism. You Can call it Gang Stalking, Community Stalking, Community Policing; it is Actually Domestic Terrorism. These people spread nothing but Fear, Hate, Intimidation, Mobbing and Terror. They even teach children to do so. Once we were set up; it didn’t take long for the same people that Stormed pass our camp, show up here. One man in a Red Jeep, pulled up on a hill a couple hundred yards behind us and Watched us. . It was just another attempt of Intimidation. It didn’t work….
Direct Energy Weapons are used during this Stalking, Mobbing, Baiting and Hating. Not every time, but they are used. I know its a bold statement, but its the TRUTH. Many Government Employees, along with CIA Agents have reported being Attacked by these Weapons (Havana Syndrome). For years our Government turned its back on them. Now the CIA is supposed to be investigating it. We know how that will go. And, the FBI, apparently doesn’t want to hear about it. BUT, they are doing nothing for the Average American Citizen.
I could care less what others think of my statements. I have TWO thing on my side; TRUTH and HISTORY. History does expose the truth, and one day I’ll be vindicated. If someone you know, is a victim of this type of Domestic Terrorism; please give them the benefit of doubt. Don’t turn your back on them; like our Local/Federal Law Enforcement and Government. “Disgusting”, is and understatement.
I’m not against Law Enforcement, I am against Selective Policing and Cover-up….
As I post this on Flickr, an ATV stops with rows of bright lights, in front of our Motorhome.
You still have trouble believing, read this: www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&s...
Thanks for visiting our photostream
Wikipedia: Berlin Modernism Housing Estates consists of six subsidized housing estates (Siedlungen) that testify to innovative housing policies from 1910 to 1933, especially during the Weimar Republic, when the city of Berlin was particularly progressive socially, politically and culturally. The properties are outstanding examples of the building reform movement that contributed to improving housing and living conditions for people with low incomes through novel approaches to town planning, architecture and garden design. The estates also provide exceptional examples of new urban and architectural typologies, featuring fresh design solutions, as well as technical and aesthetic innovations. Bruno Taut, Martin Wagner and Walter Gropius were among the leading architects of these projects which exercised considerable influence on the development of housing around the world.
Siedlungen der Berliner Moderne ist eine zusammenfassende Bezeichnung für sechs im Juli 2008 von der UNESCO in die Liste des Welterbes aufgenommene Wohnsiedlungen in verschiedenen Stadtteilen und ehemaligen VorortenBerlins. Diese wurden zwischen 1913 und 1934 von Architekten der Klassischen Moderne im Stil des Neuen Bauens entworfen und errichtet. Die Siedlungen in den heutigen Ortsteilen Bohnsdorf, Britz, Charlottenburg-Nord,Prenzlauer Berg, Reinickendorf und Wedding wurden stilbildend für den Sozialen Wohnungsbau in der durch Wohnungsnot geprägten Zeit nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg. Mit ihren klaren und neuen Formen sowie dem sozialen Anspruch wurden die Siedlungen bestimmend für die Architektur und den Städtebau des 20. Jahrhunderts. Verantwortlich für die Planung der Siedlungen waren vor allem Bruno Taut und Martin Wagner, es beteiligten sich aber auch andere Architekten wie Hans Scharoun oder Walter Gropius an den Projekten. Die älteste der Siedlungen der Berliner Moderne ist die von Taut entworfene Gartenstadt Falkenberg, erst Anfang der 1930er Jahre wurden die im Stil der Neuen Sachlichkeit errichtete Weiße Stadt und die Großsiedlung Siemensstadt vollendet.
Five years ago! I had to testify in court that morning, and yes, many other attendees were gobsmacked, as it was the first time they had seen me outside the shooting range. Neither the judge nor the lawyers cared about my appearance. Of course, I was thirsty and terribly snacky afterward, so joined several like-minded folks to assuage those needs. Edmonton City Centre, now Manulife Place!
Il y a cinq ans, j'ai dû témoigner devant le tribunal ce matin-là, et de nombreux autres participants étaient abasourdis, car c'était la première fois qu'ils me voyaient en dehors du champ de tir. Ni le juge ni les avocats ne se souciaient de mon apparence. Bien sûr, j'avais soif et terriblement faim par la suite, alors j'ai rejoint plusieurs personnes partageant les mêmes idées pour apaiser ces besoins. Centre-ville d'Edmonton!
Please, read my profile, leave a comment - or visit my website!
Faving lots of my images without a comment? I'll block you.
SVP, commenter ou lire mon profil , ou visiter mon page sur Web!
Je bloque les membres qui mettent beaucoup de mes photos en favori. Merci de laisser un commentaire!
Footsteps of the Holy Spirit | God's Word "Only Those Who Know God and His Work Can Satisfy God"
www.holyspiritspeaks.org/videos/god-word-satisfy-god-2/
Footsteps of the Holy Spirit | God's Word "Only Those Who Know God and His Work Can Satisfy God"
Almighty God says, "Knowing the work of God is no simple matter: You should have standards and an objective in your pursuit, you should know how to seek the true way, and how to measure whether or not it is the true way, and whether or not it is the work of God. What is the most basic principle in seeking the true way? You have to look at whether or not there is the work of the Holy Spirit, whether or not these words are the expression of the truth, who is testified to, and what it can bring you. Distinguishing between the true way and the false way requires several aspects of basic knowledge, the most fundamental of which is to tell whether or not there is the work of the Holy Spirit."
Eastern Lightning, The Church of Almighty God was created because of the appearance and work of Almighty God, the second coming of the Lord Jesus, Christ of the last days. It is made up of all those who accept Almighty God's work in the last days and are conquered and saved by His words. It was entirely founded by Almighty God personally and is led by Him as the Shepherd. It was definitely not created by a person. Christ is the truth, the way, and the life. God's sheep hear God's voice. As long as you read the words of Almighty God, you will see God has appeared.
Terms of Use en.godfootsteps.org/disclaimer.html
Castilleja latifolia—Seaside paintbrush. Spotty, but sometimes locally abundant, distribution in coastal sand dunes from about Aptos in Santa Cruz County to a few miles south of Post Ranch in Monterey County. Threatened by sand mining in some locations. The type locality is in San Francisco, where it is not longer found. The plant is hemiparasitic, that is, it obtains nourishment from a host plant but also photosynthesizes . Grindelia stricta var. platyphylla serves as the host plant for this planting, as it often does in the wild. The fact that it thrives and blooms nearly year around in our garden testifies to the skill of Michael Uhler, the gardener who maintains it. Photographed at Regional Parks Botanic Garden located in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley, CA .
Dear friend, here are 5 things you should know:
1. Like it or not, we are ALL sinners: As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” (Romans 3:10-12 NLT)
2. The punishment for sin is death: When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. (Romans 5:12 NLT)
3. Jesus is our only hope: But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8 NLT) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NLT)
4. SALVATION is by GRACE through FAITH in JESUS: God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT)
5. Accept Jesus and receive eternal life: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NLT) But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NLT) And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. (1 John 5:11-12 NLT)
Read the Bible for yourself. Allow the Lord to speak to you through his Word. YOUR ETERNITY IS AT STAKE!
Sincerely,
Someone who cares about you
All the colors of the rainbow, All the voices of the wind
Every dream that reaches out That reaches, out to find where love begins
Every word of every story, Every star in every sky
Every corner of creation lives to testify
For as long as I shall live I will testify to love
I'll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough
With every breath I take I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live I will testify to love
From the mountains to the valleys, From the rivers to the sea
Every hand that reaches out, Every hand that reaches out to offer peace
Every simple act of mercy, Every step to kingdom come
All the hope in every heart will speak what love has done
Wynonna Judd
Hoje eu passei o dia cantarolando essa canção, que esta entre uma das canções que mais gosto... aproveito para compartilhar com os amigos e desejar para todas as Pessoas de Boa Vontade uma excelente semana, repleta de saude, paz, alegria e prosperidade.
Todas as fotos estão abertas, pois ja foram publicadas anteriormente, inclusive a principal que tambem é uma re - postagem.
Foto: Davi - Pedras do Arpoador - Ipanema - Rio de Janeiro - Brazil
According to Law 9.610/98, it is prohibited the partial or total commercial reproduction without the previous written authorization of the author (article 29). ® All rights are reserved.
Conforme a Lei 9.610/98, é proibida a reprodução total e parcial ou divulgação comercial ou não sem a autorização prévia e expressa do autor (artigo 29). ® Todos os direitos reservados.
Designed to be a first defense Anti-Aircraft battery, the Torhüter (Goal Keeper) is designed to climb mountains and create a line of defense along mountain tops with other Torhüter units.
A couple telling their stories of why they are no longer religious ,but have decided to follow Jesus Christ instead and be baptised this day in the river.
Auburn River Retreat & Campground.
Auburn, Ontario
Canada
A ruined chapel testifies to the former resort of Bad Boll.
The Wutachschlucht (The spectacular “Wutach Gorge” is a section of the Gorge Trail) is a popular hiking trail in southern Black Forest, Germany. It is a nature reserve and conservation area known as the Grand-Canyon of the Black Forest. The hike means to run often over narrow trails, to climb up steep tracks or ladders sometimes and to run over rought and smooth. The trail is of amazing nature, very interesting, impressive and sometimes breathtaking and is not recommended with ice and snow.
© 2012 Ursula Sander - All rights reserved.
Teatime for an Antesaka girl in Masianaka village, East Coast district of Vangaindrano, Atsimo-Atsinanana Region, Madagascar.
The Antesaka, "those who come from Sakalava", also known as Tesaka, or Tesaki, are an ethnic group of Madagascar traditionally concentrated along the south-eastern coast.
They have mixed African, Arab and Malayo-Indonesian ancestry, like the western coastal Sakalava people of Madagascar from whom the clan derives.
They traditionally have strong marriage taboos and complex funeral rites. The Antesaka typically cultivate coffee, bananas and rice, and those along the coast engage in fishing.
Madagascar’s population is primarily related not to African peoples but rather to those of Indonesia.
The Malagasy peoples, moreover, do not consider themselves to be Africans.
The Malagasy population represents more than 22 million inhabitants divided into 18 main ethnic groups whose territory corresponds to former kingdoms.
All offer a very rich culture, each of which is characterized by: hairstyle, dress, dialect (language variant of Madagascar), housing, art, folklore, culinary specialty, religion, however, there are common markers such as rice, the zebu, the report to the ancestors, who testify in favor of human and homogeneous groups.
Prehistory and antiquity
The Polcevera bronze tablet, evidence of the Roman and pre-Roman past of Genoa.
The city cemetery, dating from the 6th and 5th centuries BC, testifies to the occupation of the site by the Greeks, but the fine harbor probably saw use much earlier, perhaps by the Etruscans. The ancient Ligurian city was known as Stalia (Σταλìα), so referred to by Artemidorus Ephesius and Pomponius Mela (this toponym is possibly preserved in the name of Staglieno, some 3 km (2 mi) from the coast). Ligurian Stalia was overshadowed by the powerful Marseille and Vada Sabatia, near modern Savona. Stalia had an alliance with Rome through a foedus aequum ("equal pact") in the course of the Second Punic War (218-201 BC). The Carthaginians accordingly destroyed it in 209 BC. The town was rebuilt and, after the Carthaginian Wars ended in 146 BC. it received municipal rights. The original castrum thenceforth expanded towards the current areas of Santa Maria di Castello and the San Lorenzo promontory. Trades included skins, wood, and honey. Goods were shipped to the mainland, up to major cities like Tortona and Piacenza.
The city's current name derives from the Latin word meaning "knee" (genu; plural, genua), from its geographical position at the centre of the Ligurian coastal arch, thus akin to the name of Geneva.[10] The Latin name, oppidum Genua, is recorded by Pliny the Elder (Nat. Hist. 3.48) as part of the Augustean Regio IX Liguria.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire the Ostrogoths occupied Genoa. After the Gothic War, the Byzantines made it the seat of their vicar. When the Lombards invaded Italy in 568, the Bishop of Milan fled and held his seat in Genoa.[11] Pope Gregory the Great was closely connected to these bishops in exile, for example involving himself the election of Deusdedit.[12] The Lombards, under King Rothari, finally captured Genoa and other Ligurian cities in about 643.[13] In 773 the Lombard Kingdom was annexed by the Frankish Empire; the first Carolingian count of Genoa was Ademarus, who was given the title praefectus civitatis Genuensis. Ademarus died in Corsica while fighting against the Saracens. In this period the Roman walls, destroyed by the Lombards, were rebuilt and extended.
For the following several centuries, Genoa was little more than a small centre, slowly building its merchant fleet which was to become the leading commercial carrier of the Mediterranean Sea. The town was thoroughly sacked and burned in 934-35 by Muslim North African pirates and likely abandoned for a few years.[14] In the 10th century the city, now part of the Marca Januensis ("Genoese March") was under the Obertenghi family, whose first member was Obertus I. Genoa became one of the first cities in Italy to have some citizenship rights granted by local feudatories
P902-14 is stopped for the holy at Dante, VA on November 17, 2017.
© Eric T. Hendrickson 2017 All Rights Reserved
Dear friend, here are 5 things you should know:
1. Like it or not, we are ALL sinners: As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” (Romans 3:10-12 NLT)
2. The punishment for sin is death: When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. (Romans 5:12 NLT)
3. Jesus is our only hope: But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8 NLT) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NLT)
4. SALVATION is by GRACE through FAITH in JESUS: God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT)
5. Accept Jesus and receive eternal life: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NLT) But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NLT) And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. (1 John 5:11-12 NLT)
Read the Bible for yourself. Allow the Lord to speak to you through his Word. YOUR ETERNITY IS AT STAKE!
Sincerely,
Someone who cares about you
Came across these two "spreading the word" on the edge of the lively market in Hyson Green, Nottingham. They were very fashionably dressed and used microphones attached to their collars. The woman was very pleasant and we chatted at some length, with her giving me advice on how I could use my sketches to make money (!). Researching afterwards, I discovered they are members of the "Winners' Chapel" - an interesting evangelical organization ... It was a beautiful morning with my new sketching kit ...
SOLWOC (see profile)
In episode of The Chosen, Simon Peter and Centurion Gaius repair a cistern. Simon quotes Jerimiah 2: 13.
My people are guilty of two evils:
They have abandoned Me, the spring of living waters;
And instead, they have settled for dead and stagnant water
from cracked, leaky cisterns of their own making.
Israel relied on cisterns for their water supply. The area received no more that 20 inches of water each year. Therefore, the tribes gathered rains for future use. Although useful for survival, cistern waters risked becoming polluted. Likewise, mankind has corrupted the gifts of creation. The Eternal proclaimed I am the One who delivered you into this land of abundance
to enjoy its fruits and many good things. (Jerimiah 2: 7).
In Hosea 6, the Eternal speaks of mankind’s infidelity and fickle nature. “Your loyalty to Me is like fog in the morning,
like dew that evaporates at sunrise.
5 This is why I cut them with the words of the prophets
and destroyed them with the words of My mouth.
My judgment went forth like the light of the rising sun.
6 For I want not animal sacrifices, but mercy.
I don’t want burnt offerings; I want people to know Me as God!”
Whether 3000 years ago or today, man takes Go’s guidance lightly. With a flippant attitude, people have sinned, asked for forgiveness, then returned to comfortable sin. Since the industrial revolution, man has exploited the Earth for his own financial benefit. The radical changes in climate – drought and floods - testify to the damage man inflicted. We speak of reform, but find it politically and economically unpalatable. The people of Ephraim did what they wanted, then errantly expected sacrifices to make amends, allowing them to turn back to living a life far from Eternal truths.
I lived a similar life, seeking a passing relationship with God. Yet my seeds were thrown among the rocks, taking temporary root, only to have me trample upon those seed. I heard the word and received it immediately with joy and enthusiasm; but without deep roots, doubt, and a search for acceptance in a party world caused seed to wither, and likely brought lasting health consequences.
However, the grace of God has pulled me through, so that I may cultivate an attitude of repentance, and that new crops can grow among living waters. Jesus said “If you believe in Me … rivers of living water will flow from within you.” (John 7:38)
Dear friend, here are 5 things you should know:
1. Like it or not, we are ALL sinners: As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” (Romans 3:10-12 NLT)
2. The punishment for sin is death: When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. (Romans 5:12 NLT)
3. Jesus is our only hope: But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8 NLT) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NLT)
4. SALVATION is by GRACE through FAITH in JESUS: God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT)
5. Accept Jesus and receive eternal life: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NLT) But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NLT) And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. (1 John 5:11-12 NLT)
Read the Bible for yourself. Allow the Lord to speak to you through his Word. YOUR ETERNITY IS AT STAKE!
Sincerely,
Someone who cares about you
*NOTE: Thank you so much to those of you who follow my posts. I wanted to let you know that I have not renewed my pro account, but I have started a second Flickr account instead. My original account, Humble Christ Follower 1, is now only going to focus on photos taken throughout North and Central Florida. Humble Christ Follower 2 (www.flickr.com/photos/198359916@N03/albums), my new account, is where I will now post photos taken outside of Florida, primarily focusing on Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
BIBLICAL CONTEXT: Psalm 121:1-8 NLT
(from biblegateway.com)
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
1 I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!
3 He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.
5 The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
6 The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.
7 The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 MORE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
1. Like it or not, we are ALL sinners: As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” (Romans 3:10-12 NLT)
2. The punishment for sin is death: When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. (Romans 5:12 NLT)
3. Jesus is our only hope: But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8 NLT) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NLT)
4. SALVATION is by GRACE through FAITH in JESUS: God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT)
5. Accept Jesus and receive eternal life: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NLT) But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NLT) And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. (1 John 5:11-12 NLT)
Read the Bible for yourself. Allow the Lord to speak to you through his Word. YOUR ETERNITY IS AT STAKE!
Note the telegraph poles who testify of the very ancient date of this pic.
Not also the ancient car, a 203 Peugeot, parked on the road.
------- "Attempt to reconstitute" ...
"Strenuous crossing of the plain of Ben Guerir in heavy sun ... I have before me, a black and white photo. Jacques (my borther), stopped his 203 convertible along a dry stone wall bordering the narrow and straight road heading to the horizon. Telegraph poles punctuate the vanishing line of the landscape, in the foreground the carcass of a hilly car, posed comically astride the stones, I had asked my brother to stop to take this photo car accidents fascinated me ... "
* * *
Extrait de l'ouvreage "Tentative de reconstitution du Paris-Dakar 1955" …
"Traversée éprouvante de la plaine de Ben Guerir, en plein cagnard … J’ai sous les yeux, une photo noir et blanc. Jacques a arrêté sa 203 décapotable le long d’un muret en pierres sèches bordant l’étroite et rectiligne route jusqu’à l’horizon. Des poteaux télégraphiques ponctuent la ligne de fuite du paysage. A premier plan, la carcasse d’une voiture accidentée, posée comiquement à cheval sur les pierres. J’avais demandé à mon frère de s’arrêter pour prendre cette photo. Les accidents de voiture me fascinaient …"
Disponible chez BoD Editions. 246 pages. 14,99€
www.bod.fr/librairie/tentative-de-reconstitution-dun-pari...
A big sincere thanks for these 4,000,000 views !
This is not a feat, but we are all sensitive to your gestures, comments, criticisms and favorites, which testify that you are not indifferent to certain photographs.
Thank you for your photographic friendships and see you soon on Flickr !
Un grand merci sincère pour ces 4.000.000 de vues !
Ce n'est pas un exploit, mais nous sommes tous sensibles à vos gestes, commentaires, critiques et favoris, qui témoignent que vous n'êtes pas indifférents à certaines photographies.
Merci de votre amitié photographique et à bientôt sur Flickr !
Un grande sincero ringraziamento per questi 4.000.000 di visualizzazioni !
Non è un'impresa, ma siamo tutti sensibili ai tuoi gesti, commenti, critiche e preferiti, che testimoniano che non sei indifferente a certe fotografie.
Grazie per le tue amicizie fotografiche e ci vediamo presto su Flickr !
¡Un gran agradecimiento sincero por estos 4,000,000 de visitas !
Esto no es una hazaña, pero todos somos sensibles a sus gestos, comentarios, críticas y favoritos, que atestiguan que no es indiferente a ciertas fotografías.
¡Gracias por tu amistad fotográfica y nos vemos pronto en Flickr !
The closer to the Eastern Gate, the deeper the ruts of the stone road, eloquently testifying to the centuries-old and arduous life of the city. Products from neighboring villages, firewood, and all kinds of goods were brought here through the Eastern Gate on carts with huge wheels. There was a market in the square outside the gate, where two paths led - from the north and from the south. The eastern defensive wall encloses the entire city. Its total length is 128 m, at the southern and northern cliffs it has corner towers, and in the middle there is a gate tower. The wall was built by the Karaites between 1396 and 1433, but was subsequently rebuilt several times. Thus, the southern curtain was dismantled and moved 5 m forward, and a semicircular tower of clearly decorative character was erected at the southern flank. In the upper part of the gate tower there is a round embrasure for the cannon. The northern curtain - from the tower to the cliff - is completed with a parapet, in which loopholes are made. Preserved double-leafed wooden gate, from the outside upholstered with strips of wrought iron.
www.valkamch.com/Create/PageEn/BakhchysaraiEn
Чем ближе к Восточным воротам, тем глубже колеи каменной дороги, красноречиво свидетельствуя о многовековой и многотрудной жизни города. Через Восточные ворота на арбах с огромными колесами привозили сюда продукты из соседних деревень, дрова, всевозможные товары. На площади за воротами был рынок, куда вели два пути — с севера и с юга. Восточная оборонительная стена замыкает весь город. Общая ее протяженность — 128 м, у южного и северного обрывов она имеет угловые башни, а в середине — надвратную башню. Стена построена караимами между 1396 и 1433 гг., но впоследствии неоднократно перестраивалась. Так, южная куртина была разобрана и перенесена на 5 м вперед, а у южного фланга была возведена полукруглая башня явно декоративного характера. В верхней части надвратной башни проделана круглая амбразура для пушки. Северная куртина — от башни до обрыва — завершена бруствером, в котором проделаны бойницы. Сохранились двустворчатые деревянные ворота, снаружи обитые полосами кованого железа.
www.valkamch.com/Russia-Gl/%D0%93%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swat_District
Swat (pronounced [ˈsʋaːt̪], Pashto: سوات) is a valley and an administrative district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, located close to the Afghan-Pakistan border. It is the upper valley of the Swat River, which rises in the Hindu Kush range. The capital of Swat is Saidu Sharif, but the main town in the Swat valley is Mingora.[1] It was a princely state (see Swat (princely state)) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until it was dissolved in 1969. The valley is almost entirely populated by ethnic Gujjar and Pashtuns (Afghans). The language spoken in the valley is Pashto/Pakhto and Gojri. With high mountains, green meadows, and clear lakes, it is a place of great natural beauty and is popular with tourists as "the Switzerland of the region".
History
Swat has been inhabited for over two thousand years. The first inhabitants were settled in well-planned towns. In 327 BC, Alexander the Great fought his way to odegram and Barikot and stormed their battlements. In Greek accounts these towns have been identified as Ora and Bazira. Around the 2nd century BC, the area was occupied by Buddhists, who were attracted by the peace and serenity of the land. There are many remains that testify to their skills as sculptors and architects. In the beginning of the 8th century AD, Gabari Royal Tajik tribe advanced through Laghman, ningarhar, Dir and invaded Swat, defeating the Buddhists and the Hindus. This war was headed by Sultan Pakhal Gabari and later on by Sultan Behram Gabari Rulers of Kuner Pich and cousin of Rulers of Balkh and Kashmir. Later some Dilazak encrouched tha area and settled among Gabaris, who in turn were ousted by the Yusufzais which was backed by Mughal Badshah Zahiruddin Muhammad Baber, considered the super power in 1519 and 1520. The historical paradox was that the Yusufzais were ousted from Kabul by Mirza Ullegh beg, the uncle of Baber, and killed 600 malak of Yusufzai; the Gabaris helped Yousofzais refugees with a warm welcome and settled them in Bajour Dir and Swat regions. The Yousofzais forgot the generosity of Gabaris and encrouched upon the Gabari state with the plotted help of Zahiruddin Muhammad babar. They Demolished the Gabar-Kot (fortress) in bajour in 1519 and further advanced to the swat and compelled the last Gabari King Sultan Awais Gabari to flee to Upper Dir where he established his rule in,Chitral wakhan,Badakhshan and other upper Oxus. The originator of the present family of Swat was the Muslim saint Abdul Ghafoor, the Akhund of Swat, a Safi Momand of Hazara district, from where he went to Buner territory. He was a pious man and the people respected him so greatly that they called him Akhund Sahib.[2]
During the mid-19th century, Muslim tribes were fighting against each other for the possession of Swat Valley. On the intervention of the honourable Akhund Sahib, the killing was stopped, and such was his influence that the chiefs of all tribes unanimously made him the ruler of the valley. Akhund Sahib administrated the valley according to Muslim laws. Peace and tranquility prevailed, and agriculture and trade flourished in the territory. Akhund Sahib had two sons by his wife, who belonged to Nikpi Khel(نیک پی خیل).
After the death of Akhund Sahib, the tribal chiefs again started fighting and killing, which continued for years. Eventually the tribal chiefs agreed to give the control of the valley into the hands of the honourable Gul Shahzada Abdul Wadood, the son of Mian Gul Abdul Khaliq, son of Akhund Sahib. The wife of Mian Abdul Wadood was the daughter of Honorable Mirza Afzal-ul-Mulk, the ruler of Chitral. The British by trick put Chitral under the suzerainty of Kashmir. The Chitral ruler gave two horses every year to the Rajia of Kashmir, and the Raja provided Chitral with grain and sugar, etc. Swat thus went under protection of the British.
During the rule of Mian Gul Muhammad, Abdul Haq Jehanzeb, the son of Mian Abdul Wadood Khatana, the state acceded to Pakistan in 1947. The present prince, Muhammad Aurzngzeb Khan, son of Jahanzeb, married the daughter of Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan in 1955. Thus by intermarriages with the other castes, the family became a branch of the imperial Gujjars i.e., the Royal family of Swat valley which belongs to the Gujjar family which laid down the foundation of Swat kingdom. Jahanzeb started a Degree College at Saidu Sahrif, the capital of the State, and four High Schools at Mingora, Chakesar, Matta and Dagar. Fourteen middle schools, twenty-eight lower middle schools, and fifty-six primary schools were established. A girls high school and high class religious schools were established at Saidu Sharif. At all the schools, the poor students were granted scholarships. The state was an exemplary state during British rule. They also have a firm stand in politics of Pakistan. The current Prince Aurangzeb Khan was also Governor of Baluchistan.
Buddhist heritage of Swat
Although it is generally accepted that Tantric Buddhism first developed in Swat under King Indrabhuti, there is an old and well-known scholarly dispute as to whether Uddiyana was in the Swat valley, Orissa or some other place. Padmasambhava (flourished eighth century AD), also called Guru Rimpoche, Tibetan Slob-dpon (teacher), or Padma ‘byung-gnas (lotus born) legendary Indian Buddhist mystic who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Tibet and is credited with establishing the first buddhist monastery there.According to tradition, Padmasambhava was native to Udyana (now Swat in Pakistan).[3] Padmasambhava was the son of Indrabhuti, king of Swat in the early eighth century AD. One of the original Siddhas, Indrabhuti flourished in the early eighth century AD and was the king of Uddiyana in the Kabul valley. His son Padmasambhava is revered as the second Buddha in Tibet. Indrabhuti's sister, Lakshminkaradevi, was also an accomplished siddha of the 9th century AD.[4] Ancient Gandhara, the valley of Pekhawar, with the adjacent hilly regions of Swat and Buner, Dir and Bajaur was one of the earliest centers of Buddhist religion and culture following the reign of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, in the third century BC. The name Gandhara first occurs in the Rigveda which is usually identified with the region[5]
Buddha heritage in the Swat Valley
The Swat museum has acquired footprints of the Buddha, which were originally placed for devotion in the sacred Swat valley. When the Buddha ascended, relics (personal items, body parts, ashes etc.) were distributed to seven kings, who built stupas over them for veneration.
The Harmarajika stupa (Taxila) and Butkarha (Swat) stupa at Jamal Garha were among the earliest Gandhara stupas. These were erected on the orders of King Ashoka and contained the genuine relics of the historic Buddha.[citation needed]
The Gandhara school is credited with the first representations of the Buddha in human form, rather symbolically as the wheel of the law, the tree, etc.[citation needed]
As Buddhist art developed and spread outside Gandhara, Gandharan styles were imitated. In China the Gandhara style was imitated in bronze images, with gradual changes in the features of these images over the passage of time. Swat, the land of romance and beauty, is celebrated throughout the Buddhist world as the holy land of Buddhist learning and piety. Swat was a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims. Buddhist tradition holds that Buddha himself came to Swat during his incarnation as Gautama Buddha and preached to the people here.
It is said[by whom?] that the Swat valley was filled with fourteen hundred imposing and beautiful stupas and monasteries, which housed as many as 6,000 gold images of the Buddhist pantheon for worship and education. Archaeologists now know of more than 400 Buddhist sites covering an area of 160 km2 in Swat valley alone. Among the important excavations of Buddhist sites in Swat an important one is Butkarha-I, containing original relics of the Buddha. A stone statue of Buddha, is still there in the village Ghalegay.[citation needed] There is also a big stupa in Mohallah Singardar Ghalegay
Hindu Shahi Rulers and Sanskrit
Swat was ruled by the Hindu Shahi dynasty who have built an extensive array of temples and other architectural buildings now in ruins. Sanskrit may have been the lingua franca of the Swatis.[
Hindu Shahi rulers built fortresses to guard and tax the commerce through this area. Their ruins can be seen in the hills of Swat: at Malakand pass at Swat’s southern entrance
Advent of Islam by Mahmud of Ghazni
At the end of the Mauryan period (324-185 BC) Buddhism spread in the whole Swat valley, which became a very famous center of Buddhist religion.[8]
After a Buddhist phase the Hindu religion reasserted itself, so that at the time of the Muslim conquest (1000 AD) the population was solidly Hindu.[8]
In 1023 Mahmood of Ghazni attacked Swat and crushed the last Buddhist King, Raja Gira in battle. The invasion of Mahmood of Ghazni is of special importance because of the introduction of Islam as well as changing the Chronology.
Arrival Of Yousafzais
The first Muslim arrivals in Swat were Pakhtun Dilazak tribes from south-east Afghanistan. These were later ousted by Swati Pakhtuns, who were succeeded in the sixteenth century by Yusufzai Pakhtuns. Both groups of Pakhtuns came from the Kandahar and Kabul valley
Geography
The valley of Swat is situated in the north of N.W.F.P, 35° North Latitude and 72° and 30° East Longitude, and is enclosed by the sky-high mountains.
Chitral and Gilgit are situated in the north, Dir in the west, and Mardan in the south, while Indus separates it from Hazara in the east. Physical Features: Swat can be divided into two physical regions:
Mountainous Ranges.
Plains.
Mountainous Ranges
As mentioned above, Swat is lying in the lap of Mountainous Ranges, which are the offshoots of Hindukush, so the larger part of Swat is covered with high mountains and hills, the crests of which is hidden by everlasting snow. Though these gigantic Ranges run irregularly: some to the west while the others to the east, but the general direction is North-South. These ranges enclose small but very enchanting valleys.
Eastern Ranges: In Kohistan-e-Swat the chief knot of eastern ranges is Mankial. Its northern branches separate Kohistan-e-Swat from Abasin Kohistan. These ranges form a barrier between Gilgit and Swat, and between Chitral and Swat. The southern extension of Mankial ranges reaches proper Swat. There they join Shangla ranges. Shangla ranges separate proper Swat from Shangla Par area (Shangla Par district). In Shangla district, there are Karora Ranges, which separate Puran from Kanra and Ghurband. The continuation of Shangla ranges joins Dwasaray. On the one hand Dwasaray separates lower Swat from Puran, on the other, it set aside the Buner from Puran. Now the general Direction of the ranges turns westward. Here it is called Elum. Elum Ranges is a big wall between the proper Swat and Buner. The Elum ranges at last join mountains of Malakand.
The Western Ranges: Western ranges start from the mountain and hills of Gabral, Kohistan-e-Swat. It joins the hills of Kundal (Utror). There these ranges meet Daral Ranges. These ranges form a border with Dir district. They run west ward and are named according to the locality. For example Lalko ranges Manrai and Chaprai etc. at last they join the hills of Adenzee and Shamozee. Manrai ranges send off some off shoots southward. They the hills separate Arnoyay valley from the widest valley of Nekpikheil valley.
Plains
Actually the valley of Swat starts from the foothill of Malakand but we are concerned with portion from Landakay to Gabral (Gulabad), the area within the administrative boundaries of Swat. The length of the valley from Landakay to Gabral is 91 miles. Two narrow strips of plains run along the banks of Swat River from Landakay to Madyan. Beyond Madyan in Kohistan-e-Swat, the plan is too little to be mentioned. So for as the width concerns, it is not similar, it varies from place to place. We can say that the average width is 5 miles. The widest portion of the valley is between Barikot and khwaza khela. The widest view point and the charming sight where a major portion of the valley is seen is at Gulibagh on main road, which leads to Madyan. There are some subsidiary valleys, which help to increase the width of the main valley. These subsidiary valleys are called "Daras". A Dara a narrow passage between mountains, and sometimes, the upper course of a river is also called Dara. If we imagine the main valley as a stem of a tree the subsidiary valleys form its branches. Swat River and its tributaries drain Swat. There fore, the whole valley is the outcome of running water. This flowing water cuts the upper courses deeply, and flows the load of washed away materials. As the gradient is greater in the upper course so the erosion is on large scale, particularly in the summer rains, when all the rivers are in flood. The big boulders and stones are rolled, which causes more destruction in the upper courses. When the loaded water reaches to the areas of low gradient, the heavier materials are deposited. The deposition takes place according to the slope, generally, we observe, that the upper course is made up of big boulders, the middle course is of relatively small stones, pebbles, and debris, while the lower course is made of fine clay. Anyhow, the whole plain of Swat valley is strewn by the running water, and is made up of fine alluvial soil.
Demographics
The population at the 1981 Census was 715,938, which had risen to 1,257,602 at the next Census in 1998. The main language of the area is Pakhto. The people of Swat are mainly Pakhtuns,(Afghans) Yusufzais, Akhund Khel Miangan (Syed), Chitralis, Kohistan is, Gurjar (Gujar or Gurjar is the major tribe of the district; its people are divided in different clans like Khatana, Bajarh, Chichi, Ahir, Chuhan, Pamra, Gangal etc. are the main subtribe of the Gurjar family of Swat), Akhund khel Yousafzai, Nooristani, and Awans. Most probably they are originated from the same tribe that roamed around the great trans-Himalayan mountain ranges thousands of years before, and now remained in some isolated pockets of the Himalayan mountain ranges.[citation needed]
The Dardic people of the Kalam region in northern Swat are known as Kohistan is and speak the Torwali and Kalami languages. There are also some Khowar speakers in the Kalam region. This is because before Kalam came under the rule of Swat, it was a regional tributary to Chitral. The Kalamis paid a tribute of mountain ponies to the Mehtar of Chitral every year.
Tourist attractions
Marghazar
Marghazar 16 km away from Saidu Sharif is famous for its “Sufed Mahal” the white marble palace of the former Wali (Ruler) of Swat.
Malam Jabba
Malam Jabba (also Maalam Jabba, Urdu: مالم جبہ) is a Hill Station in the Karakoram mountain range nearly 40 km from Saidu Sharif in Swat Valley, Peshawar, Pakistan. It is 314 km from Islamabad and 51 km from Saidu Sharif Airport.Malam Jabba is home to the largest ski resort in Pakistan. The Malam Jabba Ski Resort, owned by the Pakistani Tourism Development Corporation, had a ski slope of about 800m with the highest point of the slope 2804 m (9200 ft) above sea level. Malam Jabba Ski Resort was the joint effort of the Pakistan government with its Austrian counterpart. The resort was equipped with modern facilities including roller/ice-skating rinks, chair lifts, skiing platforms, telephones and snow clearing equipment.
Swat Museum
Swat Museum is on the east side of the street, halfway between Mingora and Saidu. Japanese aid has given a facelift to its seven galleries which now contain an excellent collection of Gandhara sculptures taken from some of the Buddhist sites in Swat, rearranged and labelled to illustrate the Buddha's life story. Terracotta figurines and utensils, beads, precious stones, coins, weapons and various metal objects illustrate daily life in Gandhara. The ethnographic section displays the finest examples of local embroidery, carved wood and tribal jewellery. For the last three years the museum is occupied by Pakistan army and it is not known when they would be leaving it.
Miandam
Miandam is a small summer resort ten kilometres (six miles) up a steep side valley and 56 kilometers (35 mi) from Saidu Sharif, making it an hour's drive. The metaled road passes small villages stacked up the hillside, the roofs of one row of houses forming the street for the row of houses above. Tiny terraced fields march up the hillside right to the top. Miandam is a good place for walkers. Paths follow the stream, past houses with behives set into the walls and good-luck charms whitewashed around the doors. In the graveyards are carved wooden grave posts with floral designs, like those used by Buddhists 1,000 years ago.
Madyan
By the time you reach this small town at 1320 m and about 60 km from Mingora, the mountains have closed in and the valley is almost snug. Here one senses why Swat is so popular among the tourists. There are a lot of embroidered shawls in the Bazars of Madyan.At 1,321 metres (4,335 feet) above sea level,but it is a larger town and has many hotels in all price ranges and some good tourist shopping. Antique and modern shawls, traditional embroidery, tribal jewellery, carved wood and antique or reproduced coins are sold along the main street. This is the last Swati village, offering interesting two-and three-day walks up to the mountain villages... ask in the bazaar in Muambar Khan's shop for a guide. North of Madyan is Swat Kohistan where walking is not recommended without an armed guard. The central mosque at Madyan has carved wooden pillars with elegant scroll capitals, and its mud-plastered west wall is covered with relief designs in floral motifs. Both bespeak the Swati's love of decoration.[10]
Behrain
A quarter of an hour past Madyan, the road squeezes through Behrain. Tourists stop to shop or have a look around for beautiful carved wood chairs and tables and other handicrafts. Behrainis are a mix of Pashtuns and Kohistanis. Behrain is ten kilometres north of Madyan and only slightly higher, at about 1,400 metres (4,500 feet). It is another popular riverside tourist resort, with bazaars worth exploring for their handicrafts. Some of the houses have carved wooden doors, pillars and balconies. These show a remarkable variety of decorative motifs, including floral scrolls and bands of ornamental diaper patterns almost identical to those seen on Buddhist shrines and quite different from the usual Muslim designs.
Kalam
2070 m high and 100 km from Mingora, it was the centre of an independent state in the 19th century. It was later taken by Chitral then given to Swat after partition.Kalam, 29 kilometres (18 mi) from Bahrain and about 2,000 metres (6,800 feet) above sea level, the valley opens out, providing rooms for a small but fertile plateau above the river. In Kalam the Ushu and Utrot rivers join to form the Swat river. Here, the metalled road ends and shingle road leads to the Ushu and Utrot valleys. From Matiltan one gets a breath-taking view of the snow-capped Mount Falaksir 5918 metres (19,415 ft.), and another unnamed peak 6096 metres (20,000 ft.) high.
Usho
Usho 3 km from Kalam Valley and 117 km from Saidu Sharif
Utror
Utror 16 km from Kalam Valley and 120 km from Saidu Sharif. Utror valley is situated between 35° 20′ to 35° 48′ N latitudes and 72° 12′ and 72° 32′ E longitudes. The population of Utror is 6888 and the area of the valley is about 47400 hectares. Utror valley is surrounded by Gabral and Bhan valleys on the east, upper Dir district on the west, Kalam valley on the south and Gabral valley on the north. It is 15 km from Kalam, the centre of Swat Kohistan. The altitude of the valley at Utror proper is 2300 meters and reaches to 2900 meters at Kandol Lake.
Ghabral
Gabral valley lies between 35° 20′ to 35° 48′ N latitudes and 72° 12′ and 72° 32′ E longitudes over an area of about 38733 hectares. The population of Gabral is 3238. The valley is surrounded by Chitral District in the north, Utror valley in the south and south west, upper Dir district in the west and Bhan and Mahodand valleys in the east. It is 5 km distant from Utror proper and 20 km from Kalam. The altitude of the valley ranges from 2580 metres at Baila to 5160 metres at Karkaray Lake top.In Utror and Gabral, 44 medicinal plants are collected during the months of May, June, July and August. Only 14 of them are traded to National and International markets while the rest are used locally. A survey by Pakistan Forest Institute concludes that 75 crude herbal drugs are extensively exported and more than 200 are locally traded in Pakistan. Indigenous people, who have no training in sustainable harvesting, post-harvesting care and storing of medicinal plants, collect 85 percent of these crude herbs from the wild.
Kundol Lake, Swat valley
Mahudan
Mahodand valley, which lies in the North of Kalam, is famous not only among nature lovers, and escapists but also the exotic trout fish hunters. The valley can be accessed through an un-metalled road from Kalam in a four by four (4x4) vehicle. The road is bumpy and tricky but the surrounding landscapes engrosses you so severely that you wish for more and expect to discover new panoramas. The small hamlets that are scattered in the mountains and the bellowing smoke that spirals into the sky from the houses are some, which lives in the memory forever. Swat River, which is born here, is shackled by the tall mountains, which has turned its water into a roaring monster trying to release itself from its fetters, but there are some places where the river is calm and silent without showing any sign of rebellion.
Pari (Khapiro) lake
Pari Lake is one of the lakes in Swat region which is located at a very high altitude in the foot of the tallest peak in the range with a considerable depth. The name Pari or Khapiro is given to the lake due to the widespread belief that the lake is the abode of fairies where they live and bathe in the cool, pure and clear water of the lake. It is located to North-east of Utror valley and can be accessed only by trekking. Trekking to the lake needs endurance and love for nature as the trail is exasperating as well as dangerous therefore, utmost care should be taken while trekking on the narrow bends and turns leading to the lake. The lake is accessible from both Izmis and Kundal lakes. Two ascending tracks lead to this lake from Kundal and Izmis lakes taking almost five hours to reach this roof top of Swat. The trail is very steep from both sides but the surrounding beauty and eye-cooling green pastures and exotic flowers not only boost the trekker’s stamina but compel him to explore further.
Kundol Lake
The pastoral valley of Swat has abundance of precious resorts of nature where one can find solace and respite from the never-ending struggle of life. Kundal or Kandolo Lake is one such place here upon which the Maestro of nature has spent extra time and effort to paint. Kundal Lake is situated in the north of Utror valley. One can easily access it from Kalam via Utror from where a link road ends in a green valley called Ladu in the foothills of the lake. You can either hike to Ladu from Utror or take a four-wheeler to ease and minimize your journey. It consumes almost two hours to reach the beautiful valley of Ladu. For the adventurous kind, a walk in the romantic valley will unravel several new mysteries. The people who take temporary residency over here during summer plow the open land and harvest potatoes and turnips, which are famous all over the country for its exotic taste. There is also a small hut in Ladu where you can take tea and get something for eating. From Ladu it takes almost four hours to reach the lake. Some locals can guide you and even take your luggage if properly paid. The mountains around this small valley are covered with tall cedar and pine trees and meandered by different streams and torrents. The people are friendly and provide you guidance if required.
Bashigram Lake
Bashigram Lake is situated to the east of Bashigram valley near Madyan. The road to this valley is partly metaled and can be plied by a four by four or any ordinary vehicle. It takes almost forty to fifty minutes to reach this picturesque valley inhibited by simple and hospitable folk. From here, trekking of four to five hours, depending on professionalism and enthusiasm of the trekkers lands you in the realm of a serene and enchanting lake of Bashigram.
Spin Khwar (White Stream) Lake
Spin Khwar is a beautiful lake hidden in the lap of mountains towards the north of Kundal Lake and east of Utror valley. The name Spin Khwar has a clear significance as a small white stream in the east flows down to the lake from the surrounding mountains and is a major source of water for the lake. The lake is accessible through two tracks, one from Kundal and the other from Ladu valley. The track from Ladu is comparatively easy to walk and less tiring while the track from Kundal is not only difficult but alarmingly dangerous although it is short and links Kundal and Spin Khwar. Its steepness and dangerous bends needs an experienced trekker and unending physical strength. The grazers in the area have built small huts and a mosque where one can stay but a personal tent is more recommendable as these huts are in a poor condition due to lack of maintenance.
Daral Lake
Daral lake is situated to the northeast of Sidgai Lake and can be accessed through Saidgai after two three hours rigorous trekking. The trail to Daral is full of fun and amusement because it runs over sky touching heights of the mountains provides spectacular sights and panoramas for the beauty hungry eyes of nature lovers. A close look towards the south will reveal the long and winding sellouts of river Swat in the horizon.After walking and trekking for about two and a half hours on bare and naked mountains, the trail start descending towards the East where Daral Lake is located.
Administration
The region has gone through considerable changes over the last few years since the dissolution of the princely state in 1969. Members of the former Royal family have since on occasion been elected to represent the area in the Provincial Assembly and National Assembly.
Provincial & national politics
The region elects two male members of the National Assembly of Pakistan (MNAs), one female MNA, seven male members of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (MPAs)[11] and two female MPAs. In the 2002 National and Provincial elections, the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, an alliance of religious political parties, won all the seats amidst a wave of anti-Americanism that spread after the United States' invasion of Afghanistan.
Wild Life: In early days when the shrubs and bushes covered slopes and foothill areas,hares, porcupine, fox, jackal, wolf, pigs, and hyenas were in large number. Now the need for fuels decreased the scrubs and trees, so these animals have decreased considerably. In the forests,monkeys are often found. Among the birds: hawks, eagles, falcons are found in the high mountains, while pheasants, partridges, hoopoes, larks, sparrows, quails, doves, swallows, starlings, nightingales, crows, kites, vultures, owls, bates are the common birds.
Bees: The bees were kept in Swat commonly, and the pure honey of was famous all over the country. But now the moveable beehives have affected the Swat locally reared bees greatly. Now, the local good honey is found in remote areas only, while the honey of moveable hives is available everywhere in low prices.
Fisheries: There is a large fishery in Madyan. In this fishery the trout fish are being reared. In Kohistan-e-Swat there are some private fisheries too. In Buner the fish were being reared in Barandu, Dagar. Moreover the Swat River serves as a permanent fishery throughout the year while the tributaries of it are used for fishing only in spring season.
Mineral Resources: Mines' production plays an important role in the economy of a country, particularly in the regions where they exist, because, the local people get the opportunities to labor in, and earn their livelihood. But the Swati mines have no importance for the local people in this respect. It is necessary, however, to mention what they are, and where do they exist. Swat is rich in mineral wealth, but the discovered commodities are a few. Among them, the china clay stands first; others are marble stone, and emerald.
China Clay: The china clay exists at “Kathyar” in Nekpikheil (on the road that leads to Shahderai at a distance of 15 miles from Mingora). This is the largest mine, having the finest quality, of China clay in Pakistan. The clay is mined here, and is transported to Shaidu in Nawshehra (which is at a distance of around 100 miles from Swat). It is not so advantageous for the local people, because they have no opportunity to work in the complex.
Soap Clay: The mine of soap clay has been discovered recently between Alpurai and Kanra on the side of Gilgit Road (Shahrah-e-Resham). It is spread in a vast area.
Marbles: The marbles are dug near Charbagh, Murghuzar, and Barikot in the proper valley of Swat, and in Buner, it is mined in Thor Warsak, Bampokha, and Sawawai. Moreover, there is a great expectation of iron ores, which will be discovered in near future.
Emerald: The finest quality of emerald is produced in Swat. Its Color and transparency is unique. It is the best in world. It is exported to the international markets: There is an export potential of 500 million dollars in this sector, provided it is excavated and cut as per international standards. Before the absorption of Swat in Pakistan, the emeralds of Swat were better in quality, and greater in quantity. But since then it is said that the quantity of production is little, and the quality devalued.
Industries:
Handicrafts: The handicrafts of Swat are very famous. When a tourist visits Swat, he accumulates bundles of these articles as gifts for his friends. All of the crafts prepared here are interesting, especially, the following are very charming.
Woolen Blankets: These blankets are known as "Sharai". They are prepared of wool obtained from the local sheep. The weight of a medium size blanket is four kilos. This is the best source of defense from the severity of winter. It is woven in Dewlai, Kala Kalay, Salampur, Puran, and Ghurband. These villages prepare the items on commercial scale.
Shawl: Shawl is a younger brother of Sharai, as it is also a woolen sheet, but light in weight. Sometimes, cotton is also mixed in its texture. It is beautifully fringed, and is commonly used by ladies. The tourists like it too much. Shawls are prepared in Salampur and Dewlai "Jolabad" on commercial bases.
Rugs: The next important thing, made of local fleece with laborious work, is rug. This is prepared in the villages by pressing wool with the help of water spray. After preparation, it is beautified with the usage of various colors. Rugs are the traditional carpets of shepherds, but now are used everywhere.
Embroidery: The embroidery of Swat is very famous, and is liked everywhere in Pakistan, as well as by the out-comers. This art is an indoor hobby of the ladies in Swat. Particularly in Nekpikheil, this is so common that very younger girls might also be seen having needlework in their hands. There are three types of embroidery:
Panrae or Panhey: Panrey or Panrhey is the old fashion of shoes, still used by the old persons in Swat. They are made in Swat with the simply tanned leather. The cobblers have great skill in the formation of ladies shoes with golden lace work. Similarly, the sandals with golden lace work are also made. The cobblers of Shahderai had great skill in this field. It is now archaic.
Shkor: A Shkor is a pot in which chapatis (plate bread used in India and Pakistan) are kept. The ordinary Shkors are prepared everywhere in Swat, but a special design is made in Puran and Chagharzee (These Shkors are high-based pots made of wheat stalks with laborious art, not easily available in bazaar).
Furniture: Furniture of various styles is made in the district. The cots, tables, chairs, dressing tables, cradles of more advanced types, etc. are furnished in Mingora, and in nearly all large villages.
you are testifying one of the most beautiful spiders in the world. This is Dolomedes plantarius female. It belongs to the same family of Pisaura mirabilis - Pisauridae.
There is no crop. 2:1 magnification.
"i'm in awe! / 我撼人 / estou encantado"
Continuation from here
So ... the case was as I had expected. A few scuffs, lots of patina, nothing a bit of saddle soap and soft leather grease wouldn't fix.
But the camera. I expected a beat-up piece of junk. I didn't much care. I wanted the leather case and had already planned to sell on the camera to someone with a showcase collection.
But that is not what this camera is. Not at all. Some paint is gone, true. She's 85 years old, after all. But I've seen worse than this. Far worse.
So I open up the camera back, bracing for the worst. Surely the shutter, notoriously unreliable in pre-war Contaxes and especially in the first version of the Contax (1932-36), which is what I was holding in my hands, must look like some train wreck - a mashed jumble of bits and pieces.
Not at all. It looked fine.
Next test: hold it to your nose and sniff. If there is mould or must, you will smell it. Nothing.
But would it work? Therein lies the rub. Zeiss Ikon is good at making cameras that still look great externally, while all the inner workings have been worn down to junk. Just think of the Contarex ... 'nuff said,
Gingerly, I wound the shutter. That's the big knob on the front. They moved that to the top, where it belongs, with the Contax II. The mechanism offered just enough resistance to the touch to remind me that I was operating an exquisitely engineered jewel of a camera here. Not the slightest grinding.
(Thanks, previous owner, whoever you are, for not putting her away for 30 years with the shutter cocked. That's much appreciated!)
Then, I had to consult literature. it wasn't at all obvious to me how to set the exposure time. I hadn't expected ever to be operating a Contax. I do own a Contax IIa, but with that, everything is perfectly self-evident. Not so with this mystery lady.
So ... that knob not only winds the shutter, it also selects one of four groups of exposure times, and then, within each of these groups, one of three or four times that make up each group.
I decided to stay well clear of the fast times in the "Sports" group and all the slow ones. In the end, I set it to 100 and decided to leave it there. I certainly didn't want to push my luck.
Then - the big moment. I had cocked the shutter and selected the time, now would see whether the shutter actually fired.
Again the slight resistance and soft yielding that comes with massive over-engineering and unstinting dedication to quality.
Click.
A muted testimony to clockwork precision that tells the photographer that yet another picture has been committed to silver halide. A click that says: If this picture isn't good, don't blame me. Blame yourself.
As the back was still off, I had seen the shutter whir open, then close. It sure sounded and looked like 1/100 s. While I was at it, I tried 1/50 and 1/25 and they looked and felt distinctly slower.
So ... I loaded a film, which also worked with supreme ease and precision (Messrs Leitz & Cie, are you paying attention?) and closed the back. The shutter click with the back closed was a joy to hear. You only just hear it. Because you should. But no more than that.
In the meantime, I have shot the first roll of film and sent it in for developing. So I can testify to the fact that the rewind mechanism works just as smoothly as the film advance.
The focusing patch is clearly visible and yellowing. Focusing is accurate.
The collapsible Tessar could be pulled out and locked in one smooth, fluid movement. The aperture ring offered just enough resistance to ensure that it would not be knocked out of position. After 85 years .. unbelievable.
But you can see that not all is perfect ... there is quite some haze in the lens. Haze comes from lubricant that has evaporated off mechanisms inside the lens, mostly the blades of the diaphragm, and then deposited itself on the glass. I will have to see what to do about that. If there is that much haze, it is sure to affect image quality.
Then, more reading.
The serial number is V 89085 (made in 1933 or 1934).
Mine does not have a pimple in front of the focusing wheel. It has a through front plate. It has a fastest time of 1/1000. It has slow speeds. It has a 3/8" tripod mount support. The ranging window is outside of the viewfinder window (Zeiss Ikon introduced a true rangefinder only with the Contax II, but that was still 22 years before the first Leica featured one). It has infinity lock. So it should be at least the fourth iteration of the Contax design.
I have read estimates that there are only about 100 working Contax I cameras in the world. Can that be true (and how would they know)? Anyway, however few there may be, it seems I own one now ... quite unexpectedly.
Well, I won't know that for sure until I've seen the negs.
Shot with:
Canon EOS600D
Leica Bellows R (16860)
Leica 100mm f/4 Macro Elmar-R, bellows version (11230)
Jesus Calms the Storm
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
[Matthew 8:23-27 NIV]
5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
1. Like it or not, we are ALL sinners: As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” (Romans 3:10-12 NLT)
2. The punishment for sin is death: When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. (Romans 5:12 NLT)
3. Jesus is our only hope: But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8 NLT) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NLT)
4. SALVATION is by GRACE through FAITH in JESUS: God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT)
5. Accept Jesus and receive eternal life: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NLT) But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NLT) And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. (1 John 5:11-12 NLT)
Read the Bible for yourself. Allow the Lord to speak to you through his Word. YOUR ETERNITY IS AT STAKE!
Commentary.
The crystal-clear spring water of these beautiful, small pools
testifies to the aquifer-effect of impermeable Gault Clay
forcing water to the surface, having soaked through the permeable Chalk, above.
The blues, greens and aquamarines of this yew-bound enclave
gives a silent mystique to this amazing place.
A legend suggests that the infamous, medieval, King John,
was once riding by whilst a Maiden was bathing.
Her “modesty” drove her to plunge deeper into the pool.
Alas, in those days very few people could swim and the poor girl drowned.
The legend adds that sometimes her terrified screams can still be heard.
Fortunately for me, the pools have always been, as their name suggests, perfectly silent and exquisitely beautiful!
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Revelation chapter 22 verse 20
NKJV
BIBLICAL CONTEXT: Romans 5:1-5 NLT
(from biblegateway.com)
1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace[a] with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
---------------------------------------------------------
5 MORE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
1. Like it or not, we are ALL sinners: As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” (Romans 3:10-12 NLT)
2. The punishment for sin is death: When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. (Romans 5:12 NLT)
3. Jesus is our only hope: But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8 NLT) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NLT)
4. SALVATION is by GRACE through FAITH in JESUS: God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT)
5. Accept Jesus and receive eternal life: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NLT) But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12 NLT) And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. (1 John 5:11-12 NLT)
Read the Bible for yourself. Allow the Lord to speak to you through his Word. YOUR ETERNITY IS AT STAKE!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swat_District
Swat (pronounced [ˈsʋaːt̪], Pashto: سوات) is a valley and an administrative district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, located close to the Afghan-Pakistan border. It is the upper valley of the Swat River, which rises in the Hindu Kush range. The capital of Swat is Saidu Sharif, but the main town in the Swat valley is Mingora.[1] It was a princely state (see Swat (princely state)) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until it was dissolved in 1969. The valley is almost entirely populated by ethnic Gujjar and Pashtuns (Afghans). The language spoken in the valley is Pashto/Pakhto and Gojri. With high mountains, green meadows, and clear lakes, it is a place of great natural beauty and is popular with tourists as "the Switzerland of the region".
History
Swat has been inhabited for over two thousand years. The first inhabitants were settled in well-planned towns. In 327 BC, Alexander the Great fought his way to odegram and Barikot and stormed their battlements. In Greek accounts these towns have been identified as Ora and Bazira. Around the 2nd century BC, the area was occupied by Buddhists, who were attracted by the peace and serenity of the land. There are many remains that testify to their skills as sculptors and architects. In the beginning of the 8th century AD, Gabari Royal Tajik tribe advanced through Laghman, ningarhar, Dir and invaded Swat, defeating the Buddhists and the Hindus. This war was headed by Sultan Pakhal Gabari and later on by Sultan Behram Gabari Rulers of Kuner Pich and cousin of Rulers of Balkh and Kashmir. Later some Dilazak encrouched tha area and settled among Gabaris, who in turn were ousted by the Yusufzais which was backed by Mughal Badshah Zahiruddin Muhammad Baber, considered the super power in 1519 and 1520. The historical paradox was that the Yusufzais were ousted from Kabul by Mirza Ullegh beg, the uncle of Baber, and killed 600 malak of Yusufzai; the Gabaris helped Yousofzais refugees with a warm welcome and settled them in Bajour Dir and Swat regions. The Yousofzais forgot the generosity of Gabaris and encrouched upon the Gabari state with the plotted help of Zahiruddin Muhammad babar. They Demolished the Gabar-Kot (fortress) in bajour in 1519 and further advanced to the swat and compelled the last Gabari King Sultan Awais Gabari to flee to Upper Dir where he established his rule in,Chitral wakhan,Badakhshan and other upper Oxus. The originator of the present family of Swat was the Muslim saint Abdul Ghafoor, the Akhund of Swat, a Safi Momand of Hazara district, from where he went to Buner territory. He was a pious man and the people respected him so greatly that they called him Akhund Sahib.[2]
During the mid-19th century, Muslim tribes were fighting against each other for the possession of Swat Valley. On the intervention of the honourable Akhund Sahib, the killing was stopped, and such was his influence that the chiefs of all tribes unanimously made him the ruler of the valley. Akhund Sahib administrated the valley according to Muslim laws. Peace and tranquility prevailed, and agriculture and trade flourished in the territory. Akhund Sahib had two sons by his wife, who belonged to Nikpi Khel(نیک پی خیل).
After the death of Akhund Sahib, the tribal chiefs again started fighting and killing, which continued for years. Eventually the tribal chiefs agreed to give the control of the valley into the hands of the honourable Gul Shahzada Abdul Wadood, the son of Mian Gul Abdul Khaliq, son of Akhund Sahib. The wife of Mian Abdul Wadood was the daughter of Honorable Mirza Afzal-ul-Mulk, the ruler of Chitral. The British by trick put Chitral under the suzerainty of Kashmir. The Chitral ruler gave two horses every year to the Rajia of Kashmir, and the Raja provided Chitral with grain and sugar, etc. Swat thus went under protection of the British.
During the rule of Mian Gul Muhammad, Abdul Haq Jehanzeb, the son of Mian Abdul Wadood Khatana, the state acceded to Pakistan in 1947. The present prince, Muhammad Aurzngzeb Khan, son of Jahanzeb, married the daughter of Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan in 1955. Thus by intermarriages with the other castes, the family became a branch of the imperial Gujjars i.e., the Royal family of Swat valley which belongs to the Gujjar family which laid down the foundation of Swat kingdom. Jahanzeb started a Degree College at Saidu Sahrif, the capital of the State, and four High Schools at Mingora, Chakesar, Matta and Dagar. Fourteen middle schools, twenty-eight lower middle schools, and fifty-six primary schools were established. A girls high school and high class religious schools were established at Saidu Sharif. At all the schools, the poor students were granted scholarships. The state was an exemplary state during British rule. They also have a firm stand in politics of Pakistan. The current Prince Aurangzeb Khan was also Governor of Baluchistan.
Buddhist heritage of Swat
Although it is generally accepted that Tantric Buddhism first developed in Swat under King Indrabhuti, there is an old and well-known scholarly dispute as to whether Uddiyana was in the Swat valley, Orissa or some other place. Padmasambhava (flourished eighth century AD), also called Guru Rimpoche, Tibetan Slob-dpon (teacher), or Padma ‘byung-gnas (lotus born) legendary Indian Buddhist mystic who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Tibet and is credited with establishing the first buddhist monastery there.According to tradition, Padmasambhava was native to Udyana (now Swat in Pakistan).[3] Padmasambhava was the son of Indrabhuti, king of Swat in the early eighth century AD. One of the original Siddhas, Indrabhuti flourished in the early eighth century AD and was the king of Uddiyana in the Kabul valley. His son Padmasambhava is revered as the second Buddha in Tibet. Indrabhuti's sister, Lakshminkaradevi, was also an accomplished siddha of the 9th century AD.[4] Ancient Gandhara, the valley of Pekhawar, with the adjacent hilly regions of Swat and Buner, Dir and Bajaur was one of the earliest centers of Buddhist religion and culture following the reign of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, in the third century BC. The name Gandhara first occurs in the Rigveda which is usually identified with the region[5]
Buddha heritage in the Swat Valley
The Swat museum has acquired footprints of the Buddha, which were originally placed for devotion in the sacred Swat valley. When the Buddha ascended, relics (personal items, body parts, ashes etc.) were distributed to seven kings, who built stupas over them for veneration.
The Harmarajika stupa (Taxila) and Butkarha (Swat) stupa at Jamal Garha were among the earliest Gandhara stupas. These were erected on the orders of King Ashoka and contained the genuine relics of the historic Buddha.[citation needed]
The Gandhara school is credited with the first representations of the Buddha in human form, rather symbolically as the wheel of the law, the tree, etc.[citation needed]
As Buddhist art developed and spread outside Gandhara, Gandharan styles were imitated. In China the Gandhara style was imitated in bronze images, with gradual changes in the features of these images over the passage of time. Swat, the land of romance and beauty, is celebrated throughout the Buddhist world as the holy land of Buddhist learning and piety. Swat was a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims. Buddhist tradition holds that Buddha himself came to Swat during his incarnation as Gautama Buddha and preached to the people here.
It is said[by whom?] that the Swat valley was filled with fourteen hundred imposing and beautiful stupas and monasteries, which housed as many as 6,000 gold images of the Buddhist pantheon for worship and education. Archaeologists now know of more than 400 Buddhist sites covering an area of 160 km2 in Swat valley alone. Among the important excavations of Buddhist sites in Swat an important one is Butkarha-I, containing original relics of the Buddha. A stone statue of Buddha, is still there in the village Ghalegay.[citation needed] There is also a big stupa in Mohallah Singardar Ghalegay
Hindu Shahi Rulers and Sanskrit
Swat was ruled by the Hindu Shahi dynasty who have built an extensive array of temples and other architectural buildings now in ruins. Sanskrit may have been the lingua franca of the Swatis.[
Hindu Shahi rulers built fortresses to guard and tax the commerce through this area. Their ruins can be seen in the hills of Swat: at Malakand pass at Swat’s southern entrance
Advent of Islam by Mahmud of Ghazni
At the end of the Mauryan period (324-185 BC) Buddhism spread in the whole Swat valley, which became a very famous center of Buddhist religion.[8]
After a Buddhist phase the Hindu religion reasserted itself, so that at the time of the Muslim conquest (1000 AD) the population was solidly Hindu.[8]
In 1023 Mahmood of Ghazni attacked Swat and crushed the last Buddhist King, Raja Gira in battle. The invasion of Mahmood of Ghazni is of special importance because of the introduction of Islam as well as changing the Chronology.
Arrival Of Yousafzais
The first Muslim arrivals in Swat were Pakhtun Dilazak tribes from south-east Afghanistan. These were later ousted by Swati Pakhtuns, who were succeeded in the sixteenth century by Yusufzai Pakhtuns. Both groups of Pakhtuns came from the Kandahar and Kabul valley
Geography
The valley of Swat is situated in the north of N.W.F.P, 35° North Latitude and 72° and 30° East Longitude, and is enclosed by the sky-high mountains.
Chitral and Gilgit are situated in the north, Dir in the west, and Mardan in the south, while Indus separates it from Hazara in the east. Physical Features: Swat can be divided into two physical regions:
Mountainous Ranges.
Plains.
Mountainous Ranges
As mentioned above, Swat is lying in the lap of Mountainous Ranges, which are the offshoots of Hindukush, so the larger part of Swat is covered with high mountains and hills, the crests of which is hidden by everlasting snow. Though these gigantic Ranges run irregularly: some to the west while the others to the east, but the general direction is North-South. These ranges enclose small but very enchanting valleys.
Eastern Ranges: In Kohistan-e-Swat the chief knot of eastern ranges is Mankial. Its northern branches separate Kohistan-e-Swat from Abasin Kohistan. These ranges form a barrier between Gilgit and Swat, and between Chitral and Swat. The southern extension of Mankial ranges reaches proper Swat. There they join Shangla ranges. Shangla ranges separate proper Swat from Shangla Par area (Shangla Par district). In Shangla district, there are Karora Ranges, which separate Puran from Kanra and Ghurband. The continuation of Shangla ranges joins Dwasaray. On the one hand Dwasaray separates lower Swat from Puran, on the other, it set aside the Buner from Puran. Now the general Direction of the ranges turns westward. Here it is called Elum. Elum Ranges is a big wall between the proper Swat and Buner. The Elum ranges at last join mountains of Malakand.
The Western Ranges: Western ranges start from the mountain and hills of Gabral, Kohistan-e-Swat. It joins the hills of Kundal (Utror). There these ranges meet Daral Ranges. These ranges form a border with Dir district. They run west ward and are named according to the locality. For example Lalko ranges Manrai and Chaprai etc. at last they join the hills of Adenzee and Shamozee. Manrai ranges send off some off shoots southward. They the hills separate Arnoyay valley from the widest valley of Nekpikheil valley.
Plains
Actually the valley of Swat starts from the foothill of Malakand but we are concerned with portion from Landakay to Gabral (Gulabad), the area within the administrative boundaries of Swat. The length of the valley from Landakay to Gabral is 91 miles. Two narrow strips of plains run along the banks of Swat River from Landakay to Madyan. Beyond Madyan in Kohistan-e-Swat, the plan is too little to be mentioned. So for as the width concerns, it is not similar, it varies from place to place. We can say that the average width is 5 miles. The widest portion of the valley is between Barikot and khwaza khela. The widest view point and the charming sight where a major portion of the valley is seen is at Gulibagh on main road, which leads to Madyan. There are some subsidiary valleys, which help to increase the width of the main valley. These subsidiary valleys are called "Daras". A Dara a narrow passage between mountains, and sometimes, the upper course of a river is also called Dara. If we imagine the main valley as a stem of a tree the subsidiary valleys form its branches. Swat River and its tributaries drain Swat. There fore, the whole valley is the outcome of running water. This flowing water cuts the upper courses deeply, and flows the load of washed away materials. As the gradient is greater in the upper course so the erosion is on large scale, particularly in the summer rains, when all the rivers are in flood. The big boulders and stones are rolled, which causes more destruction in the upper courses. When the loaded water reaches to the areas of low gradient, the heavier materials are deposited. The deposition takes place according to the slope, generally, we observe, that the upper course is made up of big boulders, the middle course is of relatively small stones, pebbles, and debris, while the lower course is made of fine clay. Anyhow, the whole plain of Swat valley is strewn by the running water, and is made up of fine alluvial soil.
Demographics
The population at the 1981 Census was 715,938, which had risen to 1,257,602 at the next Census in 1998. The main language of the area is Pakhto. The people of Swat are mainly Pakhtuns,(Afghans) Yusufzais, Akhund Khel Miangan (Syed), Chitralis, Kohistan is, Gurjar (Gujar or Gurjar is the major tribe of the district; its people are divided in different clans like Khatana, Bajarh, Chichi, Ahir, Chuhan, Pamra, Gangal etc. are the main subtribe of the Gurjar family of Swat), Akhund khel Yousafzai, Nooristani, and Awans. Most probably they are originated from the same tribe that roamed around the great trans-Himalayan mountain ranges thousands of years before, and now remained in some isolated pockets of the Himalayan mountain ranges.[citation needed]
The Dardic people of the Kalam region in northern Swat are known as Kohistan is and speak the Torwali and Kalami languages. There are also some Khowar speakers in the Kalam region. This is because before Kalam came under the rule of Swat, it was a regional tributary to Chitral. The Kalamis paid a tribute of mountain ponies to the Mehtar of Chitral every year.
Tourist attractions
Marghazar
Marghazar 16 km away from Saidu Sharif is famous for its “Sufed Mahal” the white marble palace of the former Wali (Ruler) of Swat.
Malam Jabba
Malam Jabba (also Maalam Jabba, Urdu: مالم جبہ) is a Hill Station in the Karakoram mountain range nearly 40 km from Saidu Sharif in Swat Valley, Peshawar, Pakistan. It is 314 km from Islamabad and 51 km from Saidu Sharif Airport.Malam Jabba is home to the largest ski resort in Pakistan. The Malam Jabba Ski Resort, owned by the Pakistani Tourism Development Corporation, had a ski slope of about 800m with the highest point of the slope 2804 m (9200 ft) above sea level. Malam Jabba Ski Resort was the joint effort of the Pakistan government with its Austrian counterpart. The resort was equipped with modern facilities including roller/ice-skating rinks, chair lifts, skiing platforms, telephones and snow clearing equipment.
Swat Museum
Swat Museum is on the east side of the street, halfway between Mingora and Saidu. Japanese aid has given a facelift to its seven galleries which now contain an excellent collection of Gandhara sculptures taken from some of the Buddhist sites in Swat, rearranged and labelled to illustrate the Buddha's life story. Terracotta figurines and utensils, beads, precious stones, coins, weapons and various metal objects illustrate daily life in Gandhara. The ethnographic section displays the finest examples of local embroidery, carved wood and tribal jewellery. For the last three years the museum is occupied by Pakistan army and it is not known when they would be leaving it.
Miandam
Miandam is a small summer resort ten kilometres (six miles) up a steep side valley and 56 kilometers (35 mi) from Saidu Sharif, making it an hour's drive. The metaled road passes small villages stacked up the hillside, the roofs of one row of houses forming the street for the row of houses above. Tiny terraced fields march up the hillside right to the top. Miandam is a good place for walkers. Paths follow the stream, past houses with behives set into the walls and good-luck charms whitewashed around the doors. In the graveyards are carved wooden grave posts with floral designs, like those used by Buddhists 1,000 years ago.
Madyan
By the time you reach this small town at 1320 m and about 60 km from Mingora, the mountains have closed in and the valley is almost snug. Here one senses why Swat is so popular among the tourists. There are a lot of embroidered shawls in the Bazars of Madyan.At 1,321 metres (4,335 feet) above sea level,but it is a larger town and has many hotels in all price ranges and some good tourist shopping. Antique and modern shawls, traditional embroidery, tribal jewellery, carved wood and antique or reproduced coins are sold along the main street. This is the last Swati village, offering interesting two-and three-day walks up to the mountain villages... ask in the bazaar in Muambar Khan's shop for a guide. North of Madyan is Swat Kohistan where walking is not recommended without an armed guard. The central mosque at Madyan has carved wooden pillars with elegant scroll capitals, and its mud-plastered west wall is covered with relief designs in floral motifs. Both bespeak the Swati's love of decoration.[10]
Behrain
A quarter of an hour past Madyan, the road squeezes through Behrain. Tourists stop to shop or have a look around for beautiful carved wood chairs and tables and other handicrafts. Behrainis are a mix of Pashtuns and Kohistanis. Behrain is ten kilometres north of Madyan and only slightly higher, at about 1,400 metres (4,500 feet). It is another popular riverside tourist resort, with bazaars worth exploring for their handicrafts. Some of the houses have carved wooden doors, pillars and balconies. These show a remarkable variety of decorative motifs, including floral scrolls and bands of ornamental diaper patterns almost identical to those seen on Buddhist shrines and quite different from the usual Muslim designs.
Kalam
2070 m high and 100 km from Mingora, it was the centre of an independent state in the 19th century. It was later taken by Chitral then given to Swat after partition.Kalam, 29 kilometres (18 mi) from Bahrain and about 2,000 metres (6,800 feet) above sea level, the valley opens out, providing rooms for a small but fertile plateau above the river. In Kalam the Ushu and Utrot rivers join to form the Swat river. Here, the metalled road ends and shingle road leads to the Ushu and Utrot valleys. From Matiltan one gets a breath-taking view of the snow-capped Mount Falaksir 5918 metres (19,415 ft.), and another unnamed peak 6096 metres (20,000 ft.) high.
Usho
Usho 3 km from Kalam Valley and 117 km from Saidu Sharif
Utror
Utror 16 km from Kalam Valley and 120 km from Saidu Sharif. Utror valley is situated between 35° 20′ to 35° 48′ N latitudes and 72° 12′ and 72° 32′ E longitudes. The population of Utror is 6888 and the area of the valley is about 47400 hectares. Utror valley is surrounded by Gabral and Bhan valleys on the east, upper Dir district on the west, Kalam valley on the south and Gabral valley on the north. It is 15 km from Kalam, the centre of Swat Kohistan. The altitude of the valley at Utror proper is 2300 meters and reaches to 2900 meters at Kandol Lake.
Ghabral
Gabral valley lies between 35° 20′ to 35° 48′ N latitudes and 72° 12′ and 72° 32′ E longitudes over an area of about 38733 hectares. The population of Gabral is 3238. The valley is surrounded by Chitral District in the north, Utror valley in the south and south west, upper Dir district in the west and Bhan and Mahodand valleys in the east. It is 5 km distant from Utror proper and 20 km from Kalam. The altitude of the valley ranges from 2580 metres at Baila to 5160 metres at Karkaray Lake top.In Utror and Gabral, 44 medicinal plants are collected during the months of May, June, July and August. Only 14 of them are traded to National and International markets while the rest are used locally. A survey by Pakistan Forest Institute concludes that 75 crude herbal drugs are extensively exported and more than 200 are locally traded in Pakistan. Indigenous people, who have no training in sustainable harvesting, post-harvesting care and storing of medicinal plants, collect 85 percent of these crude herbs from the wild.
Kundol Lake, Swat valley
Mahudan
Mahodand valley, which lies in the North of Kalam, is famous not only among nature lovers, and escapists but also the exotic trout fish hunters. The valley can be accessed through an un-metalled road from Kalam in a four by four (4x4) vehicle. The road is bumpy and tricky but the surrounding landscapes engrosses you so severely that you wish for more and expect to discover new panoramas. The small hamlets that are scattered in the mountains and the bellowing smoke that spirals into the sky from the houses are some, which lives in the memory forever. Swat River, which is born here, is shackled by the tall mountains, which has turned its water into a roaring monster trying to release itself from its fetters, but there are some places where the river is calm and silent without showing any sign of rebellion.
Pari (Khapiro) lake
Pari Lake is one of the lakes in Swat region which is located at a very high altitude in the foot of the tallest peak in the range with a considerable depth. The name Pari or Khapiro is given to the lake due to the widespread belief that the lake is the abode of fairies where they live and bathe in the cool, pure and clear water of the lake. It is located to North-east of Utror valley and can be accessed only by trekking. Trekking to the lake needs endurance and love for nature as the trail is exasperating as well as dangerous therefore, utmost care should be taken while trekking on the narrow bends and turns leading to the lake. The lake is accessible from both Izmis and Kundal lakes. Two ascending tracks lead to this lake from Kundal and Izmis lakes taking almost five hours to reach this roof top of Swat. The trail is very steep from both sides but the surrounding beauty and eye-cooling green pastures and exotic flowers not only boost the trekker’s stamina but compel him to explore further.
Kundol Lake
The pastoral valley of Swat has abundance of precious resorts of nature where one can find solace and respite from the never-ending struggle of life. Kundal or Kandolo Lake is one such place here upon which the Maestro of nature has spent extra time and effort to paint. Kundal Lake is situated in the north of Utror valley. One can easily access it from Kalam via Utror from where a link road ends in a green valley called Ladu in the foothills of the lake. You can either hike to Ladu from Utror or take a four-wheeler to ease and minimize your journey. It consumes almost two hours to reach the beautiful valley of Ladu. For the adventurous kind, a walk in the romantic valley will unravel several new mysteries. The people who take temporary residency over here during summer plow the open land and harvest potatoes and turnips, which are famous all over the country for its exotic taste. There is also a small hut in Ladu where you can take tea and get something for eating. From Ladu it takes almost four hours to reach the lake. Some locals can guide you and even take your luggage if properly paid. The mountains around this small valley are covered with tall cedar and pine trees and meandered by different streams and torrents. The people are friendly and provide you guidance if required.
Bashigram Lake
Bashigram Lake is situated to the east of Bashigram valley near Madyan. The road to this valley is partly metaled and can be plied by a four by four or any ordinary vehicle. It takes almost forty to fifty minutes to reach this picturesque valley inhibited by simple and hospitable folk. From here, trekking of four to five hours, depending on professionalism and enthusiasm of the trekkers lands you in the realm of a serene and enchanting lake of Bashigram.
Spin Khwar (White Stream) Lake
Spin Khwar is a beautiful lake hidden in the lap of mountains towards the north of Kundal Lake and east of Utror valley. The name Spin Khwar has a clear significance as a small white stream in the east flows down to the lake from the surrounding mountains and is a major source of water for the lake. The lake is accessible through two tracks, one from Kundal and the other from Ladu valley. The track from Ladu is comparatively easy to walk and less tiring while the track from Kundal is not only difficult but alarmingly dangerous although it is short and links Kundal and Spin Khwar. Its steepness and dangerous bends needs an experienced trekker and unending physical strength. The grazers in the area have built small huts and a mosque where one can stay but a personal tent is more recommendable as these huts are in a poor condition due to lack of maintenance.
Daral Lake
Daral lake is situated to the northeast of Sidgai Lake and can be accessed through Saidgai after two three hours rigorous trekking. The trail to Daral is full of fun and amusement because it runs over sky touching heights of the mountains provides spectacular sights and panoramas for the beauty hungry eyes of nature lovers. A close look towards the south will reveal the long and winding sellouts of river Swat in the horizon.After walking and trekking for about two and a half hours on bare and naked mountains, the trail start descending towards the East where Daral Lake is located.
Administration
The region has gone through considerable changes over the last few years since the dissolution of the princely state in 1969. Members of the former Royal family have since on occasion been elected to represent the area in the Provincial Assembly and National Assembly.
Provincial & national politics
The region elects two male members of the National Assembly of Pakistan (MNAs), one female MNA, seven male members of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (MPAs)[11] and two female MPAs. In the 2002 National and Provincial elections, the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, an alliance of religious political parties, won all the seats amidst a wave of anti-Americanism that spread after the United States' invasion of Afghanistan.
Wild Life: In early days when the shrubs and bushes covered slopes and foothill areas,hares, porcupine, fox, jackal, wolf, pigs, and hyenas were in large number. Now the need for fuels decreased the scrubs and trees, so these animals have decreased considerably. In the forests,monkeys are often found. Among the birds: hawks, eagles, falcons are found in the high mountains, while pheasants, partridges, hoopoes, larks, sparrows, quails, doves, swallows, starlings, nightingales, crows, kites, vultures, owls, bates are the common birds.
Bees: The bees were kept in Swat commonly, and the pure honey of was famous all over the country. But now the moveable beehives have affected the Swat locally reared bees greatly. Now, the local good honey is found in remote areas only, while the honey of moveable hives is available everywhere in low prices.
Fisheries: There is a large fishery in Madyan. In this fishery the trout fish are being reared. In Kohistan-e-Swat there are some private fisheries too. In Buner the fish were being reared in Barandu, Dagar. Moreover the Swat River serves as a permanent fishery throughout the year while the tributaries of it are used for fishing only in spring season.
Mineral Resources: Mines' production plays an important role in the economy of a country, particularly in the regions where they exist, because, the local people get the opportunities to labor in, and earn their livelihood. But the Swati mines have no importance for the local people in this respect. It is necessary, however, to mention what they are, and where do they exist. Swat is rich in mineral wealth, but the discovered commodities are a few. Among them, the china clay stands first; others are marble stone, and emerald.
China Clay: The china clay exists at “Kathyar” in Nekpikheil (on the road that leads to Shahderai at a distance of 15 miles from Mingora). This is the largest mine, having the finest quality, of China clay in Pakistan. The clay is mined here, and is transported to Shaidu in Nawshehra (which is at a distance of around 100 miles from Swat). It is not so advantageous for the local people, because they have no opportunity to work in the complex.
Soap Clay: The mine of soap clay has been discovered recently between Alpurai and Kanra on the side of Gilgit Road (Shahrah-e-Resham). It is spread in a vast area.
Marbles: The marbles are dug near Charbagh, Murghuzar, and Barikot in the proper valley of Swat, and in Buner, it is mined in Thor Warsak, Bampokha, and Sawawai. Moreover, there is a great expectation of iron ores, which will be discovered in near future.
Emerald: The finest quality of emerald is produced in Swat. Its Color and transparency is unique. It is the best in world. It is exported to the international markets: There is an export potential of 500 million dollars in this sector, provided it is excavated and cut as per international standards. Before the absorption of Swat in Pakistan, the emeralds of Swat were better in quality, and greater in quantity. But since then it is said that the quantity of production is little, and the quality devalued.
Industries:
Handicrafts: The handicrafts of Swat are very famous. When a tourist visits Swat, he accumulates bundles of these articles as gifts for his friends. All of the crafts prepared here are interesting, especially, the following are very charming.
Woolen Blankets: These blankets are known as "Sharai". They are prepared of wool obtained from the local sheep. The weight of a medium size blanket is four kilos. This is the best source of defense from the severity of winter. It is woven in Dewlai, Kala Kalay, Salampur, Puran, and Ghurband. These villages prepare the items on commercial scale.
Shawl: Shawl is a younger brother of Sharai, as it is also a woolen sheet, but light in weight. Sometimes, cotton is also mixed in its texture. It is beautifully fringed, and is commonly used by ladies. The tourists like it too much. Shawls are prepared in Salampur and Dewlai "Jolabad" on commercial bases.
Rugs: The next important thing, made of local fleece with laborious work, is rug. This is prepared in the villages by pressing wool with the help of water spray. After preparation, it is beautified with the usage of various colors. Rugs are the traditional carpets of shepherds, but now are used everywhere.
Embroidery: The embroidery of Swat is very famous, and is liked everywhere in Pakistan, as well as by the out-comers. This art is an indoor hobby of the ladies in Swat. Particularly in Nekpikheil, this is so common that very younger girls might also be seen having needlework in their hands. There are three types of embroidery:
Panrae or Panhey: Panrey or Panrhey is the old fashion of shoes, still used by the old persons in Swat. They are made in Swat with the simply tanned leather. The cobblers have great skill in the formation of ladies shoes with golden lace work. Similarly, the sandals with golden lace work are also made. The cobblers of Shahderai had great skill in this field. It is now archaic.
Shkor: A Shkor is a pot in which chapatis (plate bread used in India and Pakistan) are kept. The ordinary Shkors are prepared everywhere in Swat, but a special design is made in Puran and Chagharzee (These Shkors are high-based pots made of wheat stalks with laborious art, not easily available in bazaar).
Furniture: Furniture of various styles is made in the district. The cots, tables, chairs, dressing tables, cradles of more advanced types, etc. are furnished in Mingora, and in nearly all large villages.