The Crook and Flail - Pharaoh symbols in Egypt

Although not many know what they represent, the crook and flail are today well known as symbols of Ancient Egypt Pharaohs. The amazing discovery to the tomb of Tutankhamen showed the world a spectacular golden sarcophagus portraying the young king holding the crook and flail in his hands.
The two items are set to symbolize the two functions of the king: he is a shepherd for its people  but he also uses the flail in order to maintain authority. Having the crook and flail together we see that the Pharaoh must care for the people and punish the wrongdoers.

Tutankhamen sarcophagus with the crook and flail 

Since Pharaohs were thought to be divine in nature it is natural that most gods of ancient Egypt are often shown with a crook and flail.

Egyptian gods, Osiris with the crook and flail

Philae temple, Egypt

Luxor temple entrance, Egypt

Places to visit in Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is indeed a world capital. With more than 13 million residents it's to date the largest metropolitan area in the world.
Filled with skyscrapers and shaken by intense earthquakes Tokyo is a city of contrasts: the cherry trees still blossom at the Imperial Palace Gardens and on the new town the stock exchange is one of the busiest in the world.
Although Tokyo is a huge city and it has a whole lot to offer here are a few things one should not miss when visiting this metropolis:

• Ryogoku Kokugikan, the main sumo arena of Tokyo, situated in the Sumida Ward, the old town area. The sumo tournaments are held each year in January, May and September but if you can't get tickets to such a tournament you can visit the sumo training grounds and see wrestles preparing for the fights.

Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena, Tokyo

• The Asakusa temples. Sensōji is the main attraction of this area, this is Tokyo's largest Buddhist temple. There are many gorgeous pieces of architecture and history to be seen here even though most of the buildings were destroyed and rebuilt through centuries by war and natural disasters. 

Sensōji temple, Tokyo, Japan

• The Imperial Palace, situated in Chiyoda. This is the center of the Tokyo and Japan itself. Although most of the buildings are closed to the general public even the East Gardens are worth visiting in order to escape the busy streets of Tokyo.

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo

Imperial Palace gardens in Tokyo

• The fish markets of Tsukiji.  The biggest fish and seafood market in the world, this stands as a symbol of amazing fish dishes served in Japan.

Tsukiji fish market, Tokyo, Japan

The Top Eight Dining Experiences in India

India bustles with a bevy of regional cuisines and local specialties, but some restaurants simply take the cake when it comes to providing an unforgettable experience. Here, we list our ten favorite places across the country to unwind with a beyond-sumptuous meal. Grab your Amex India credit card, and get ready to sample a world of incredible flavors.

1. Beach House at Taj Holiday Village
Helmed by internationally renowned chef Urbano de Rego, this adventurous Goa restaurant combines the best of both Goan and Portuguese cuisines into a fusion unlike any other. Settle in next to the unbelievable ocean views, and enjoy signature dishes like kingfish peri-peri and clam chops with mango sauce.

 The Taj Holiday Village in Goa

2. Khan Chacha
A New Delhi institution since 1968, this inexpensive lunch spot offers some of the country’s most delicious kathi rolls: char-grilled roti bread stuffed with paneer, mutton or chicken tikka. You’ll have to navigate the busting Khan Market to get here, but kathi this good is more than worth the effort.

On the streets of New Delhi, India

3. Lila Cafe
If you’re searching for the best place to indulge in a laid-back breakfast, cozy up to Goa’s Lila Cafe. This picturesque spot is perched on the serene Baga River, and the restaurant’s thatched roof and bamboo decor are the perfect complement to its freshly baked baguettes, buttery croissants and rich egg dishes.

4. Paradise Restaurant
No place does biryani like Hyderabad, and Paradise Restaurant elevates the dish to an almost spiritual experience. Founded in 1953, this food court-style restaurant offers both a taste of the iconic meal and a bustling look at Hyderabadi life. Enjoy your meal at a communal table, and chat with the locals about the city.

5. China House
Prefer something a little more luxurious? Head to Mumbai for its uber-modern China House. Known as a hot spot for the Bollywood VIP scene, this so-chic restaurant offers sophisticated cuisine, daring cocktails and several levels of luxe decor. Visit on the right night, and you might even be able to sneak a peek at the city’s hottest DJs spinning some popular tunes.

6. Bukhara
This Delhi restaurant might be a touch too tourist-centric for some, but give it a chance; despite its touristy leanings, Bukhara offers some of the area’s most incredible tandoor-grilled kebabs. Bring your Amex India credit card, pull up a chair, and settle in for the experience.

Inside the Bukhara restaurant, Delhi 

7. Oh! Calcutta
Situated in Kolkata’s Forum Mall, this award-winning spot is one of our favorite places for traditional Bengali food. Order the mango-studded aam ilish or citrusy gandharaj bhekti, and enjoy the relaxed-yet-elegant atmosphere. Sure, you’ll find branches of Oh! Calcutta in other major Indian cities, but this restaurant is substantially more luxurious than a typical chain.

Street in Calcutta, India

8. Southern Spice
No foodie trek through India is complete without a taste of traditional Tamil cuisine, and Southern Spice is the place to try it. Located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, this restaurant offers unforgettable specialties like the nandu koduku chettinadu crab dish and sambar and appam side plates. Budget a little extra time for this one; to get the full experience, you'll want to savor each dish over the span of an entire evening.

Portugal

Portugal holidays have so much to offer all types of holidaymaker. Whether you’re after a beach, an adventure holiday or city break, you will find a land full of history, character and glorious golden beaches. The clear blue skies and long stretches of shore go on for miles with little villages and well established resorts spreading out along the coast. There are many choices of accommodation from airy self-catering apartments to hotels and villas. Thomas Cook offer great deals on Portugal holidays, and you'll find many varied leisure activities on offer too, from hiking or horse riding in the mountains to paragliding and jet skiing, not to mention a whole host of other thrilling water sports.

Lisbon is a majestic city steeped in history with a past stemming back for over 3000 years. Home to a castle, a museum and a monastery, there’s so much fascinating history and heritage to discover here. Take in the charm and character as you wander around the cobbled streets, take advantage of the cheap goods on the markets or browse through designer boutiques. Enjoy the authentic Portuguese cuisine and wine in the Bairro Alto district, where you might also find a cervezeria, or beer hall, serving seafood and steaks alongside specialist beers.

Castelo Sao Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal

Rua Gloria tram, Lisbon

Madeira is a beautiful island off the coast of Portugal; it enjoys stunning scenery, fabulous weather and some lovely walks for those wanting something a little different from the touristy resorts on the main land. With beautiful botanical gardens to enjoy, be at one with nature and enjoy the natural beauty of Madeira.

Port of Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

The presidential gardens in Funchal, Madeira

Portugal holidays are renowned for the famous Algarve - probably the most popular region attracting holidaymakers for its family friendly resorts and soft sandy beaches, with its array of water sports and adventures. Albufeira on the southern tip of Portugal is a lively resort full of shops, bars and restaurants with gorgeous beaches and lots of water sports and beach side activities. Vilamoura is home to some of the best golf courses, attracting golfers for the stunning scenery and fresh sea food cuisine on offer at spots up and down the coast.

Beach in Algarve, Portugal 

Top Summer Dresses for a vacation in Spain

With the sun finally making an appearance, it’s a fact that we ladies need to get our wardrobes summer-ready. Whether you’re jetting off to an exotic holiday location, or you’re simply looking forward to some downtime at home, make sure you have the best summer dresses at the ready with this handy guide.

1. Maxi Dress
It’s been around for a while, but the maxi dress is not showing any signs of disappearing this summer. Perfect for long lunches in town or meandering through Mediterranean streets on holiday, the maxi dress is flattering to most figures and can be dressed up or down to suit.

2. Floral sun dress
They’re a must-have in the summer months, a little nod to childhood memories of whole summers spent playing in the woods and fields. There are lots of dreamy floral dresses on the market this season, in a range of lengths and cuts.

3. Jumpsuit
OK, we know it’s not strictly a dress, but jumpsuits are everywhere this season and they’re so gorgeous, we can’t refuse them a place on this list! Dress them up for a night out with a pair of wedges and vintage hair, dress them down with sneakers or sandals for a walk in the park. Love it!

4. Bodycon
Tight, tight, tight. These dresses are super flattering despite their constrictive nature and are the dress of choice if you are going somewhere and you want to dress to impress. Team with killer heels for maximum effect.

5. Skater
The skater dress, like these dresses from New Look, is fun and playful, working equally well in the daytime teamed with gladiator sandals and a lightweight wraparound cardigan or out at night with block heels and a statement necklace.

6. Aztec Print
Prints are still big news and the Aztec look, with its vibrant colours and asymmetric patterns, looks great on most wearers. With a bold, outlandish print, you can afford to be equally daring with your jewellery and shoes, so go to town and enjoy!

7. Crochet beach dresses
Pure Victoriana awaits you when you don one of these glorious creations. White is everywhere at the moment, thanks to Wimbledon and the wedding frenzy which ensues every summer. So pop on a little crochet dress over your bikini and head out for a picnic with your pals.

8. Cap sleeve dresses
If, like me, you’re not a big fan of your arms, cap sleeve dresses are the perfect solution. You can still wear all the dresses you love, you just have a little more coverage on those areas you don’t particularly like, namely your shoulders.

9. Vest dress
Easy to wear and easy to look after, having a couple of vest dresses in your wardrobe will make your summer styling problems melt away!

10. Jacquard dress
A fit and flare dress, don one of these babies and you will feel like you have just stepped out of a Brigitte Bardot film. Perfect for romantic walks and clandestine lunches.

Wearing a maxi dress in sunny Spain

Seaside vacation in a vest dress