The elephant is largest land mammal on earth today and is Africa’s King of beasts. There are two species of African Elephant i.e. African savanna elephant, (Loxodonta africana) and the African forest elephant(Africana cyclotis).

The male weighs about 5000-6000 kg (5-6)tonnes, has height of 9.10 feet to 11 feet (3-3.3 m). Females normally weigh 3000-3500 kg(3-3.5 tonnes), grows to a height of 8.4 feet (2.5 meters).

The African Elephants have a concave curves on their back and both male and females have large tusks which start appearing at the age of about two years and continue growing throughout their lives. The tusks are used for peeling bark off trees, digging and sometimes as a weapon from other enemies by punching or thrusting it to them. The trunk is also used for drinking and water bathing.

Elephants have strong smelling senses and can locate water by just smelling above the ground above, have 2 teats between forelegs. Elephants generally have bad eyesight owing to their small eyes. They huge ears, measuring up to 6.5 x 5 feet (2 x 1.5 meters).Their big are also used to control body temperatures by flapping to cool the blood circulating through the large vessels in the ears.

Their feet have four toes on front feet and three on rear feet. The skin is naked with scattered bristles and sensory hairs with either gray or brown colors. Its skin is up to 2.5 cm in thickness in some areas.

Elephants have deep family bonds and live in tight social units. These families are led by an older matriarch and mostly with three or four of her offspring and their young ones. The males leave their family units at between the ages of 12-15 and may lead adult lives on their own.

Candles and religion have gone hand in hand for centuries. Even after the invention of light bulb, churches around the world still light candles for the services. Candles have for centuries been used to mark special occasions and Advent is no different.

In fact, Advent is so connected with candles that the Advent wreath has 4 candles and some have a fifth candle in the center. Each candle has a special meaning and each one needs to be lit on a certain day.

Advent is known as the season when the King is coming. For this reason, purple has been the traditional color that is used for the Advent wreath since purple is considered the color of royalty. On an interesting note, purple was chosen as a royal color simply because the dye was one of the most expensive dies available.

But back to the Advent wreath, which has 3 purple candles and one rose colored candle. Each candle represents a countdown to the coming of the King and it also has a symbolic meaning. The first purple candle means Hope. The second purple candle means Love. The third candle that you light is the rose colored candle and it means Joy. And finally, the fourth candle and third purple one means peace. The candle that rests in the center of the Advent wreath should be white and it represents Christmas Day. The fifth candle is completely optional.

When you use your Advent wreath, you will light a purple candle on the first Sunday of Advent, the second Sunday of Advent you will light two purple candles; the one you already lit the week before and the second one. The third Sunday of Advent, you will light the two previous candles as well as the rose candle, and on the fourth Sunday, you will light all the candles except the white one. The candle in the center represents Christmas so you don’t light it until Christmas Day.

Enjoy Myrtle Beach is designed by a local. I know what families want when they plan their vacation. As of 2007, nearly 14 million visitors return to the Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand area of South Carolina year after year. Our 60 miles of beautiful coast, stretching from Little River to Georgetown, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the US, and has been voted Best Family Beach several times. The top reasons people love Myrtle Beach are, of course, the beach and golfing. The third reason is shopping, followed by dining in our fine restaurants. The Grand Strand is well-known for its fresh seafood, but you will find something for everyone: Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and even restaurants specializing in vegetarian menus. Miniature golf courses are popular for the entire family and it’s difficult to drive down any main street without passing one. Other family activities include Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing. The Grand Strand offers a wide area to explore. Choose Things to Do, find the restaurants locals love, pick a place to stay.

Of course Istanbul! With the strait of Bosporus in between, it’s itself divided by the Golden Horn (Halic) into the Old City to the south, and Beyoglu and other modern districts to the north. Istanbul throughout the year offers many events and entertainments to its visitors and citizens. Of course, if you’ve got limited time, the Old City is where you should go first as it features all the main sights of the city.

Here we would like to mention some of the most important for which is worthy to get a flight ticket right now and go!

In April the International Istanbul Film Festival features events and projections in many cinemas in Beyoglu. Almost 200 films running in competitive and no-competitive sections from fiction to documentary or animations will animate Istanbul and your nights!

In May and June if you happen to be around, don’t miss the exciting International Theatre Festival at its 16th edition organized by the istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts. Different venues will host international artists and various sections dedicated to French theatre also. Tickets can be easily purchased at the internet website Biletix. It is important to notice that tickets purchased on-line can be obtained upon presentation of the credit card at the venue at least two hours before the performance begins. Also, in order to avoid queues on the performance night it is advisable that customers get your tickets from one of the BILETIX retail outlets at least one day before the performance. Upon request, tickets can be delivered to address at the expenses of the addressee. You can also see the official website: iksv_org.

In the same period between May and June the Fujifilm World Music Days and the International Istanbul Puppet Festival are organized. This one in particular for 8 days at various venues hosts many famous national and international puppeteers from literally everywhere. Past editions saw puppeteers from Germany, Austria, Brazil, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Russia and Taiwan!

If you wish to combine entertainment, culture and a relaxing holiday on the Turkey’s splendid beaches, June is the perfect period away from the touristy season!! The International Istanbul Music Festival and the International Bosphorus Festival kick off in June. The three-day H2000 Festival is also held in June. If music is irresistible then Turkey summer season doesn’t have to be missed!!

The world renowned International Istanbul Jazz Festival is held every July attracting hundreds of renowned performing artists and musicians from all over the world! So the Efes Pilsen Blues Festival with a story of 10 years now, the intercultural Akbank International Jazz Festival and not least he Yapi Kredi Art Festival, featuring Rock and Roll, pop to classic music and jazz spread throughout the year!