Archives for category: Peaceful Places

The small alpine destination of Geneva, Switzerland, is home to more world peace organizations that any other location on the planet. This metropolis is considered to be a global city, a financial center and the diplomatic hub of the world. It was the home of one of history's most important peace-keeping treaties, the Geneva Convention, which established the rights of prisoners and the rules of war. As such, this city may be an ideal destination for travelers who wish to learn more about society's past and advance the peace of the future.

Of the numerous peace-keeping organizations that are located in Geneva – a few of which include the International Federation and Committees of the Red Cross, Geneva Call and Mandat International – the most notable and significant may be the United Nations (UN). The UN, which also has headquarters in New York City, houses the Conference on Trade and Development, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Economic Commission for Europe at its Geneva complex. Many important meetings and decisions by world leaders are made in this location.

In addition to being the world's center for peace, Geneva is also a very beautiful city that is fantastic to explore. Travelers to the metropolis should take a few days to appreciate the natural beauty that is evident in this region of Switzerland and should consider engaging in a hike or stroll through the area while visiting.

A fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors is Charmonix, a world-famous village located within driving distance of Geneva. Travelers may enjoy meditating in this alpine destination and can even hike the gorgeous Mount Blanc, one of the premier natural wonders in the French Alps.

Many individuals have traveled the globe in search of their life's purpose, only to find that their adventures have yet to yield personally gratifying results. One of the best ways to make one's self whole is by working to help the less fortunate – an action that doesn't need to cease merely because one is traveling. Indeed volunteering abroad has become an increasingly popular vacation option for travelers in recent years, and those vacationers looking for a truly rewarding experience may want to spend their trip volunteering in India.

The world's seventh largest nation, India is a tremendously diverse and ornate land that combines many cultures, peoples and ways of life. Yet for all of its beauty and culture, much of the country remains impoverished and with poor access to water and healthcare.

By volunteering with health and agricultural organizations, travelers can make a lasting impact on many of these regions and help improve the standard of living for hundreds of people. This positive action can be a great catalyst for spiritual growth and grant an individual the peace that they have long sought.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota recently revealed that older people who live in tight-knit, friendly neighborhoods have a better chance of surviving a stroke than those who live in regions where people keep to themselves.

The team of scientists surveyed more than 5,700 senior citizens to conduct the study. They asked how often participants observed neighborly interactions, how hospitable they perceived those living close to them to be and how many they could identify by name.

The number of strokes that occurred did not seem to be different among residents of different neighborhoods, but the scientists found that the more social the neighborhood, the better the resident's chance of surviving.

"Social isolation is unhealthy on many levels, and there is a lot of literature showing that increased social support improves not just stroke, but many other health outcomes in seniors," said lead author Cari Jo Clark.

Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee recommends that all people view each other as citizens of one planet, thereby promoting peace on Earth.

Results of this study suggest that if that happens, people could benefit in many ways, including cardiovascular health.