Must Haves for the Perfect Summer Roadtrip

Author: Jeremy Johnson

For the perfect summer road trip, there are a few must-haves.

Things To Do

First is entertainment. Music, movies, and books for the whole family. You've got to have music to keep you grooving all the way there. Make sure your selection is varied enough to last the whole way and to satisfy your every mood. Bring some sing along music if you're traveling with kids, make sure it's something you can stand to listen to again and again and again.

Along that same line, you've got to have the portable DVD player if kids are in the car. (Head phones for each kid are not essential, but really, really nice!) And don't forget books on tape, or CD, which is what I recommend. They are a great way to entertain the whole family and perhaps interject a moment of classic literature.

Be Prepared

Next, remember the emergency supplies. A map is a must have as you may come across road construction, a natural disaster (mud slide, forest fire, etc) that will send you out of your way. You can waste hours if you miss that turn after the detour! Also, a good emergency travel kit with food, water, flashlight, and a well stocked first aid kit for anything unexpected.

Don't forget to have your engine fluids checked and make sure you have wiper fluid, a spare tire, and anything special your car might need. A cell phone is a no-brainer, and antibacterial wipes are always handy.

Food

Snacks are a natural part of a road trip. My family is partial to Red Vines and Peanut M and Ms. We always carry water and make a point to refill the snack bin along the way. If you're traveling during extreme weather (hot or cold) or into remote areas, carry some extra food and water, there have been enough stories in the news about stranded travelers, that you'd be silly not to.

Memories

A road trip forces you to spend time with the other people in the car. Make that time special and happy by being prepared and making the effort to connect to each other (that means turn the electronics off from time to time). Don't forget your camera. So often in our hurry to get there, we forget the adventure along the way. Stop at the view points, take a side trip to ah historic landmark, have fun along the way and record it in pictures.

Bakrid Festival in Kerala

Author: Dev Sri

All over Kerala, the Muslim community celebrates Bakrid, the great celebration. It usually falls on the tenth day of Lunar year.

The celebration is conducted in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim who was willing to kill his only son Ismail by the command of God. When he was about to kill his son, God send a goat inside of killing him. As a remembrance of this act Muslims sacrifices a goat or Bakr (Urdu).

As per the Islamic belief, Ibrahim took his son to Mount Mina to perform this act. God was testing his faith and found Ibrahim to be trust worthy. Since the incident took place in Mount Mina near Mecca, a lot of people from Kerala flock to this place known for Haj Pilgrimage. All over Kerala on this day, is echoed with the declaration of Muslims- Allahu Akbar that means God is Great. All Muslims rise up in the morning with a great festive mood and reciting the same. They celebrate their day in the morning by gathering in the mosques where the Imam recites prayers and gives talks on how to go on with the commandments of God and lead a holy life like Ibrahim.

In all Muslim homes of Kerala, people celebrate the fete with great enthusiasm preparing mouth-watering meals, offerings greetings, paying visits to the dear and near ones, engage themselves in dancing and singing and more. Promoting brotherhood and affection to the fellow people and thereby showing the gratitude towards God that is what all Muslim celebrations bring about.