Throughout Amsterdam's history, ships have shaped the face of the city. In the first few centuries they were mainly small fishing vessels and barges, later they made way for the larger merchant ships and Men o' War, but now it is mainly the houseboats which give the waters of Amsterdam their distinguishing look. There are about 2,400 in the canals and in the waters around the capital. Living on water of course has its charms and also gives a feeling of freedom, but that isn’t the most important reason for all the houseboats. Other reasons also attributed to the popularity of living on water. In the Fifties this lifestyle became popular because of the shortage of affordable houses on the main land. In those days, many skippers sold their barges to acquire larger and more modern vessels, or because the inland waterways could no longer guarantee them a living. Amsterdammers in search of dwellings were able to buy these rejects cheaply and with a little work, they could be turned into attractive homes.

The hundreds of houseboats in Amsterdam’s canals are remarkable for their diversity. No two boats are alike. One can see sturdy Rhine barges that have retained their character next to more adventurously shaped vessels painted in many colors. Sometimes the houseboat is barely recognizable as a boat; a complete bungalow of wood or brick has risen on a flat barge. Freedom on the water, it may seem, but the local authorities do have regulations on houseboats, for instance they must be fireproof.

Houseboats don’t just house people. On the Singel near the Round Lutheran Church, a catboat has been moored for years. A team of enthusiastic volunteers takes care of nearly a hundred stray cats.

There are almost 2500 houseboats, accommodating 6000 people, moored along the canals of Amsterdam. An average boat in the older parts of Amsterdam is pretty expensive and it includes the rights to the spot. The owners have to pay tax, as well as fees for garbage service and connections to gas, electricity and water. It might seem romantic to live on a boat, but it can get cold and damp in winter if there is no central heating, and maintenance bills are high.

Boat on Water studio is house boat which is rented out to tourist. This charming floating house is a wonderful opportunity to sample living on the water in true Amsterdam style. It is located on a quiet canal near Leidseplein, in the old city center. The interior is modern and elegant, and sports a full kitchen and bathroom. Outside there is a nice terrace with lots of plants, a good place to eat, drink and relax while one watch the boats pass by - it’s quite an unforgettable experience.

Boat Prins Hendrik is a beautiful, spacious houseboat, with kitchen, living room and bathroom with shower and toilet. Television and internet connection are available. The boat has a sun roof, and on demand a private parking place is available. The boat has two bedrooms with a double bed each, and there is an extra double sofa bed. It is located near the Centraal Station in the center of the city.

It is not only adventurous but also fun to live on houseboat, even if for two days.

About the Author

Rahul viz recommends that you visit http://www.bookings.nl/city/nl/amsterdam.html?aid=305255 for more information on Living on Water in the City on Water.

Anyone visiting Malaysia for the first time would not cease to be amazed by the number of festivals and events that are happening the whole year around. Malaysia, with its mix of ethnic races which include Malays, descendants of the Bugis and Javanese, Chinese, Indian and others, features a colourful potpourri of cultural traditions. Many of these traditions are expressed through the festivals that take place the whole year round!

Major festivals of Malaysia include

* Hari Raya Aidilfitri

After a month of fasting during the month of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the first day of Syawal which is the tenth month of the Muslim calendar with joyous enthusiasm. This is a major festival for Muslims and they usher in the day with prayers in mosques and remembering their departed loved ones. It is also the time for family reunion when members of the family from different parts of the country get together. The festival mood is with joyous enthusiasm. Special festival dishes are served for festivals and friends during "open house". The festival mood is reflected is brightly decorated homes, government and commercial buildings. Homes are also lit with all lamps at the entrance in keeping with a long established tradition.

* Chinese New Year

This is the most important festival of the Chinese community and it lasts for a full two weeks! It begins with a reunion dinner which is traditional for every member of the family to attend. Chinese New Year is the time when spirits are appeared and offerings are made to Gods. It is a boisterous festival with the clang of cymbals accompanying lion dances and the thunder of fire crackles filling the air. Guests are entertained to a variety of sumptuous food and drinks and the unmarried youngsters are given Ang Pows - gifts of money enclosed in little red packets. Major hotels and shopping complexes celebrate the occasion by holding lion dances and special Chinese programmers to entertain their clients.

* Deepavali

This is a Hindu festival of light. Homes of Hindus are lit with little lights to signify the victory over darkness for the Hindus believe that this is the day when the forces of good overcame the forces of evil. Deepavali is a major festival of the Hindus and on the eve prayers are held both at home and in the temples.Hindus take a traditional oil bath in the early hours of the morning on Deepavali day and after prayers entertain their friends and guests to "open house.

* Christmas

The birth of Christ is celebrated by Christians in Malaysia in the true traditional style. Most Christians homes are decorated with festoon and coloured lights and the Christmas tree is a must! Young Christians go carolling days before Christmas day to usher in the Yuletide spirit. Churches hold midnight masses on the eve of Christmas. The festival is celebrated on a national scale in Malaysia and Christians hold "open house" to entertain their friends and colleagues.

* Thaiponggol

In Malaysia, Thaiponggol is a harvest festival celebrated out of season because it is fixed in the Hindu calendar. Tamils celebrate this festival around the second week of January. While it is still dark, farmers rise and cook some of the newly harvested grain. Ponggol is the presentation of the cooked harvested grain to the sun at dawn.

However, for urban families, this ritual has been adapted to their own living conditions. Here the family rises, bathes and gets dressed before dawn. This is done without the use of any form of light. When everyone is ready, wearing their best clothes, they assemble around a display of fruits and flowers. Only then are lamps lit.

* National Water Festival

Water resource plays an important role in the socio-cultural and economic development of the Malaysian society. Apart from functioning as a communication system, an economic, resource and determinant of early settlement pattern of the Malaysian society, it had also been a place where families carried out their recreational activities in the past. Therefore, water resource in whatever form should be protected, valued and utilized to the maximum.

The fun gets merrier with the drinking of the inevitable tapai which is an alcoholic drink made from rice wine. Apart from these, there are also organised agriculture shows, buffalo races, cultural performances and traditional games as part and parcel of the festive celebrations.

* Gawai Dayak

The Gawai Dayak festival is celebrated by the Dayaks of Sarawak who live in longhouses. Being one of the major festivals of the community, it is celebrated on a grand scale and lasts for a week. The Gawai Dayak festival marks the transitional period between the season of rice harvesting and the new planting season. Hence, it is a reason of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and also a time to rest from work before the new planting season. The sound of boisterous laughter, convivial talk, drinking, dancing and merry-making will echo relentlessly all through the days of this exotic and colourful festival.

* Penang International Dragon Boat Festival

The Penang's first Dragon Boat Race was held in 1956 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Municipality of George Town. 10 years later the race was revived as part of the Pesta Pulau Pinang. The Pesta races was originally confined to participation from the local teams such as teams from Government Department, associations and commercial establishments. However, in 1979, the boat festival became an international tourism carnival with 2 participation from overseas, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival has participating teams all over the world include Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Macau, Thailand, Japan, Britain, West Germany, USA and others.

* Nine Emperor Gods Festival

The Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods falls on the ninth day of the ninth moon in the Chinese lunar calendar. Devotees flock to the temples throughout the country for this religious festival. The Nine Emperor Gods are part of a spirit-medium cult known locally as ‘Jieu Hwang Yeh’. These Nine Deities are believed to dwell in the stars in heaven under the reign of ‘Thien Hou’ - the Queen of Heaven.

A carnival-like atmosphere pervades the temple throughout the nine-day festival. During this period of time, the constant tinkling of a prayer bell and chants from the temple priests are heard. Most devotees stay at the temple, take vegetarian meals and recite continuous chanting of prayer. A procession to send the Nine Emperor Gods home then takes place to complete the rites of this religious festival.

More information about Festival in Malaysia just go to http://malaysia.tourism-asia.net/malaysia-festivals.html

About the Author

Alix Sunggin is webmaster of Business Health Articles (http://www.businesshealtharticles.com) and Malaysia Travel Agent (http://www.malaysiatravelagent.com.my)