The Effects of Technology on Teens

The Effects of Technology on Teens Modern day technological advancements are constantly seen throughout every aspect of life. Cell phones, portable Internet availability, laptop computers, iPods, mp3 players of every brand, and many other devices, are everywhere. They seem to possess unending possible detriments, but, along with such issues, technology also has positive impacts on today’s youth. In some situations, the Internet and iPod prevent sociability, though in others they may be the cause of increased social activity.Overall, modern technology has the capability to bring people together as well as enhance the social abilities of the today’s youth; however, if used without discretion, can also create a less interactive generation, frequently depending on technology for satisfaction. The immense capabilities of the Internet today are astonishing, and offer many positive opportunities for teens. Primarily, the Internet makes sharing information fast and simple, desp ite factors that in other cases would prohibit such simple distribution.According to Jean-Francois Coget in Source C, â€Å"With the Internet, information can be transmitted and received with ease at any time of the day to and from any number of friends. † It is possible to send videos, pictures, papers, projects, and a quantity of other things with the click of a button. The transfer can happen in seconds. The amazing capability of modern day Internet simplifies teenage life, by providing a way to convey knowledge. Another way in which Internet proves positive is by providing a way to keep in touch with friends and family worldwide, or just across town.Whether it’s a friend that switched schools and is never around, or a family member in London, the Internet makes it possible to email, instant message, and even video chat. Such qualities of Internet communication bring people together with more frequent contact, boosting sociability and relationships. In addition, the Internet also has the capability to, â€Å"foster openness, self-confidence, and a greater sense of ease, and comfort in dealing with others† (Source C).Since it is not obligatory to reveal physical appearance or social status over the Internet, it grants an opportunity to be a completely new person, who is entirely open and confident. Internet chats, even with mere acquaintances, can supply a chance for socially challenged teens to experience a form of social interaction, in order to create a sense of composure. Modern day Internet advancements not only offer an easier way to share information, but also contribute to sociability by providing a way to communicate with distant friends and family, as well as giving socially challenged teenagers an opportunity for interaction.Likewise, another modern day technology, the iPod, may also have a positive effect on some teenagers, by presenting a different view of the world as well as uniting individuals through musical taste. In th e eyes of Kelly Doyle-Mace, in Source D, â€Å"music deepens the experience of walking through the world, rather than detracting from it. † There are millions of songs out there, one to match every possible mood. Sometimes, turning on just the right song can be motivational and provide a completely new outlook on a certain circumstance.In addition, lyrics are often relatable to personal life and can be significant or simply encouraging. Another way in which iPods and personal musical taste is a positive effect on teens is by uniting people of different backgrounds and diversities through their music choice. Lisa and Johnny Rocket, hosts of â€Å"iPod DJ nights,† describe that one night a month they invite guests to bring their iPods to a London bar. Where they can play whatever songs they choose (Source D). â€Å"Even more diverse than the music are the members†¦ the iPod acts to bring people together,† Lisa explains (Source D).These gatherings prove that a s diverse as music can be, it is also unifying. The multitudes of people attending these parties, from every race background and belief, are united through their assorted music taste. IPods have the potential to positively affect today’s youth by matching any and every mood with music, resulting in a deeper walk through life, as well as bringing people together by means of musical interest. The alternative argument is that the Internet can be a significantly negative influence on teenagers, if overused. Constant Internet use detracts time that could be spent with friends and family.Hours wasted away typing useless messages is detrimental to personal relationships with the ones who really matter. It was discovered through a study in Pittsburgh that people who use the Internet most often are â€Å"spending less time talking with their families†¦keeping up with fewer friends† (Source B). It is of no use to spend so much time talking to people over the Internet, when one could just as easily walk down the stairs and spend time with family, or go to see friends instead. According to Source F, Internet users participate in approximately 244. minutes per day spent with friends and family, while non-Internet users spend on average 381. 6 minutes per day with friends and family. Modern day Internet opportunities are decreasing physical interaction and essential quality time. The Pittsburgh study also determined that such teens are â€Å"feeling more lonely and depressed† (Source B). Even though teenagers are simply using the Internet for â€Å"interpersonal communication,† it is causing reliance on brightly lit screens and keyboards, instead of sincere personal interactions with close friends and family members (Source B).Investing too much on Internet chats will inevitably produce a sense of deprivation, and a resulting sense of loneliness from a lack of real relationships and personal contact. Obsessive or constant use of the Internet as a social tool deprives teens from necessary relationships that are crucial to life, especially throughout high school and college, which will ultimately result in a damaging sense of loneliness and depression. Similarly, iPods, much like the Internet, become a negative influence on teenagers, when in constant use.According to a university student’s study of iPods, â€Å"the main appeal of the iPod is that it preoccupies you so you are no longer obligated to interact with the uncontrollable factors of everyday life† (Source E). IPods provide an easy escape from having to interact with strangers in a public situation; because, in just about any situation, pressing play can zone everything out. This portable instant entertainment takes away opportunities to meet new people, or just admire the surroundings and environment of a new place.Although it is a solution to boredom, there are other, more advantageous, solutions such as social interaction. Such disregard to disc overing new people and new places leads to isolation. The obvious signal iPods send out is â€Å"don’t bother trying to talk to me† (Source E). Headphones constantly blasting music often prevent conversations that could prove to be much more worthwhile. The need to continuously be surrounded by one’s own familiar environment results in countless missed opportunities for meeting new people or experiencing â€Å"natural sights and ounds† (Source E). The Internet and iPod affect today’s youth in positive ways; however, when not used in moderation, can become negative influences. Modern technologies are positive by providing simple communication, unifying diversities, and deepening the experiences of the world through music. Those same technological advancements can become highly addictive, and like all addictions, have negative consequences. Teens who are constantly engaged in using technologies become so addicted that they spend less time with loved ones, and feel lonely and depressed.Technological addiction is leading to a more isolated generation, overly dependent on technology. Modern technological advances, particularly the Internet and iPod, have many positive effects on today’s youth, yet if overused can lead to addiction, which consequently produces negative influences and over obsession. Although technology can be profitable, it must be used in moderation, as not to damage the social ability of today’s youth.

Adolf Hitler And Joseph Stalin - 1314 Words

Throughout World War II there were two dictators who stand out, Hitler and Stalin. Hitler was a dictator in Germany and brought death too many people who he did not considered pure blood. Stalin was a Soviet Union dictator, who killed many peasants. Stalin and Hitler’s history is different from each other. At one point history make them alike. Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin were different men, from different countries, enemies that had the same goal, and become powerful leaders of their country Adolf Hitler was born in Austria in 1889. He had an interest in fine arts and tried to get into the Academy of Fine Arts, but was rejected, and became homeless. As a result, he didn’t have an informal life. Hitler was in the German army for four years, and got rewarded for bravery. In addition, he became the leader of the National Socialism German Workers party that later was called the Nazi. He was anti-Marxist in addition to Stalin’s party. Hitler however, was charged of treason for trying to seize power by violence, and was sent to jail. During his time in jail, he wrote a book according to, Holocaust History, Hitler wrote â€Å"second Bible in Nazi Germany†. After Hitler got out of jail, he wanted to restore Germany’s power. After Hitler spent time in jail, he got out with one thing in his mind, above all, make Germany a better place, Even if it meant to take the life of others. Most of his public speaking were his thoughts on the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War one.Show MoreRelatedAdolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin1033 Words   |  5 PagesAdolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin are two of the most sadistic dictators of the past century. They both reigned terror in Europe during World War II. Fueled by rage and anger, Hitler and Stalin rose to power and exploited their beliefs throughout Germany and Russia. Stalin turned Russia into a Communist country while Hitler was turning Germany against Jews. The leadership of these dictators brought death and fear to many who opposed them. Hitler and Stalin both shared deprived childhoods, vicious fathersRead MoreAdolf Hitler And Joseph Stalin1872 Words   |  8 Pagesmen are Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin. Both of these guys are known as evil men who rose from humble beginnings to forever infamy for their misuse and practical terror in power usage. Adolf Hitler is a well known name. Often used to represent the personification of evil, this man with the swastika has more to him than meets the eye. As a child, Adolf Hitler was not in the poorest of conditions, but started very humbly and his childhood is arguable a derivative of his evil. Adolf Hitler was an illegitimateRead MoreThe Battle Of Adolf Hitler And Joseph Stalin1917 Words   |  8 PagesStalingrad. The German sixth Army, fourth Panzer Division, and its supporting allies had been attacking Soviet forces in and around Stalingrad since August 1942. Many historians think Adolf Hitler viewed a win in Stalingrad as a political and symbolic defeat of the Soviets. During a meeting with Joseph Stalin in September 1942, Generals Vasilevsky, and Zhukov noted that the German sixth Army and the fourth Panzer Division flanks were thin and poorly equipped. The Generals came up with a pincerRead MoreThe Strengths And Weaknesses Of Joseph Stalin And Adolf Hitler Essay1855 Words à ‚  |  8 Pagesthis paper is to explain the strengths and weaknesses of Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler with regards to their respective leadership styles and their interaction with their subordinates. I will analyze each leader’s qualities and then compare them to one another as I close out this document. This paper will rely extensively on knowledge gained through reading of two sources of documentation. The first document from Seweryn Bialer called â€Å"Stalin and His Generals† and the second document is from AlbertRead MoreComparing The Way Of Adolf Hitler, A Fascist Dictator, And Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin1629 Words   |  7 PagesTo analyze the differences in the way Adolf Hitler, a fascist dictator, and Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin, a communist dictator, controlled their countries and made political decisions, we have to learn what Fascism and Communism are. We must also look at how Hitler and Stalin came to power, as well as how they controlled their governm ent. Starting with Fascism, it is basically when the state is the supreme power. Nothing gives orders above the state, and the state gives all orders. It is a strongRead More Comparing Dictators Adolf Hitler versus Benito Mussolini versus Joseph Stalin1660 Words   |  7 PagesThis essay will compare the three leaders who are famous for their dictatorship and totalitarianism during the 30s decade-Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Joseph Stalin. Totalitarianism is when a government gains absolute and total control over the country, including the freedom of thought and will as well as the citizen?s lifestyle, no other political parties are allowed and has the concept where the country is most important. The difference and similarity between their ideology, usage of propagandaRead MoreComparing Adolf Stalin And Adolf Hitler And Hitler843 Words   |  4 PagesAdolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin are 2 notoriously known people in world history. Both Stalin and Hitler are known for the great number of deaths they have caused. Although both men have totally different reasons on why they killed so many people their ways of leadership are somewhat alike. Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin both use propaganda as a technique to get people to support them. Using propaganda shows the public what they want to hear and see, even if it’s not true they use this method to trickRead MoreEssay on A Comparison of Hitler and Stalin1126 Words   |  5 PagesA Comparison of Hitler and Stalin Angelica Calvillo HIS 306: Twentieth-Century Europe April 26, 2010 Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany and Joseph Stalin’s Soviet Union are two controversial regimes. Hitler and Stalin were both Dictators of the countries they ruled. When Hitler and Stalin are compared, we can clearly see that each one of them were cold blooded killers. They are both responsible for an absurd amount of innocent deaths. Hitler is believed to be responsible for killing at leastRead MorePolitical Ideologies During The Twentieth Century1310 Words   |  6 PagesDuring the period leading up to World War II, there were two men who were on opposing sides; the men were Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin. These men were each triumphant in their rise to power in their countries and they were very comparable in the ways that they succeeded. Their success was mostly attributed to their new ideas and their politics. As well, Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, two of the greatest dictators in world history demonstrated differences in ideology and the way they rise to powerRead More Postion Paper: Who Was More Carzed Stalin Or Hitler1586 Words   |  7 PagesCrazed: Stalin or Hitler? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The obviously more crazed man was Joseph Stalin. Stalin was more crazed because over his time and rule, he killed millions upon millions more people that Hitler. Joseph Stalin is also more crazed because he did not kill other people he was racist against, but simply because he wanted to kill. The book Hitler and Stalin: Parallel Lives, states quot; Adolf Hitlers actions can not even be compared to the monstrous actions of Joseph Stalinquot;

Nathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown - 1186 Words

In â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hawthorne uses anticipation and mystery to grab the attention of the reader. From the start of the story to the ending, Hawthorne leaves the reader asking the question â€Å"What does all of the witchcraft and double-sides lives of the characters have to do with anything? What do they mean?† The reader cannot look at â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† as just any suspense short story, but they also have the see the different forms of symbolism. Hawthorne shows the reader that having a strong faith is the greatest asset of any man or woman, but when faith is compromised, the effects can be devastating. It can cause someone to be filled with doubt toward the world. Before Brown enters the forest, he has a strong sense of faith, even as he is making his journey to the black mass. Hawthorne uses Brown’s wife’s name, Faith, as a symbol of his own faith throughout the story. Brown’s faith can be seen th rough his description of Faith: â€Å"And Faith, as the wife was aptly named, thrust her own pretty head into the street, letting the wind play with the pink ribbons of her cap†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Hawthorne, 619-620). In this quote, Hawthorne suggests she is innocent and pure, as is Brown’s faith. The reassuring replies Brown gives his wife suggest that his faith cannot be broken: Amen! cried Goodman Brown. ‘Say thy prayers, dear Faith, and go to bed at dusk, and no harm will come to thee (Hawthorne, 620). Goodman Brown sets off on his journey with a strong willShow MoreRelatedNathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown1543 Words   |  7 PagesIn Nathaniel Hawthorne s short story of Young Goodman Brown, the author uses symbolism and allegories in order to showcase the Puritan faith as well as man s conflict between good and evil. This analysis will break down the techniques that the author uses to critique the puritan society and to show the difference between how people appear to be in society and the true colors that they are hidden inside of them. There has been a lot of great authors in our time, but none more interesting thanRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown1065 Words   |  5 PagesWhen it comes to the topic of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Young Goodman Brown, most of us will readily agree that duplicity is a major theme in the piece, or the idea of different versions of reality. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of whether Hawthorne is implying that man is inherently evil. Whereas some are convinced that Young Goodman Brown was good until tainted by the Devil, others maintain that he was evil from the beginning and was completely aware of the evil heRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown905 Words   |  4 PagesThough Nathaniel Hawthorne is an author of many great works, his short story â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† still stays relevant because it has themes and subjects that are relatable in today s world. In the story â€Å"Young Goodman Brown,† Good man Brown leaves his wife Faith, to go into the woods near Salem to have a meeting with the devil. Appearance vs. reality is shown in â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† through the plot, the character of Goody Cloyse, and the symbol of the maple staff. The characterRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown1312 Words   |  6 PagesWithin Nathaniel Hawthorne s short story Young Goodman Brown (p.317), Young Goodman Brown travels through a dark and mysterious forest late at night. Ignoring the pleas of his pure wife Faith, he ventures deep into the woods with many dangers around him, only to emerge in the morning a changed man with bewildered views on his own Puritan life and the Puritan community around him. At the cause for this change in mindset, the dream of an old man symbolizing the devil appears, showing him the communityRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown Essay1274 Words   |  6 PagesIn Nathaniel Hawthorne’s â€Å"Young Goodman Brown,† the devil says, â€Å"Evil is the nature of mankind† (â€Å"Young† 627). Since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit and attempted to hide conceal their sin from God, humans have tried to hide their sin from others. Although ever yone sin is human nature, everyone has a different reaction to sin. While some acknowledge sin, others ignore it. In Hawthorne’s other short story, â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil,† Father Hooper wears a black veil to represent the sin heRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown Essay1449 Words   |  6 Pages â€Å"Young Goodman Brown† is a short story that is filled with symbols and mystery. Nathaniel Hawthorne provides plenty forms of symbolism for readers to digest. Hawthorne displays strong faith as the greatest virtue for a man or woman, and when the faith is compromised, one can be filled with skepticism and uncertainty towards the rest of the world. The story begins as a conventional allegory, creating the expectation that the characters will be able to consistently display the abstractions they symbolizeRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown1695 Words   |  7 Pagesstory, Young Goodman Brown, by Nathaniel Hawthorne is set in Puritan New England. Hawthorne uses symbolism, description, scenery, and Goodman’s journey to illustrate and symbolize the battle of good versus evil. In the first scene, we see how Young Goodman Brown leaves his wife, Faith, to start on his â€Å"evil† journey through the woods. Though Faith asks him to stay with her, he chooses to continue on even though he knows the evilness lies ahead. As the story continues, we see how Hawthorne uses FaithRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown1492 Words   |  6 PagesIn Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story of Young Goodman Brown, the author uses symbolism and allegories in order to showcase the Puritan faith as well as man’s conflict between good and evil. This analysis will breakdown the techniques that the author uses to critique the puritan society, and to show the difference between how people appear to be in society and the true colors that they are hidden inside of them. There has been a lot of great authors in our time, but none more interesting than NathanielRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown2532 Words   |  11 PagesNathaniel Hawthorne’s short story, â€Å"Young Goodman Brown,† demonstrates how Goodman Brown leaves his wife, Faith, to do an errand within the woods with a man that is believed to be the devil. During the time period in which this took place, the 1620’s, many of the people from the village were practicing Puritanism. Puritanism is an intense practice of religion retrieved from Protestants, only removing its Catholic influence. When Goodman Brown entered the woods to meet the devil, he soon turned intoRead MoreNathaniel Hawthorne s Young Goodman Brown894 Words   |  4 Pagesread. In â€Å"Young Goodman Brown†, I found several romanticism characteristics to be in this story. One being, the emphasis on feelings and emotions. Nathaniel Hawthorne writes, â€Å"The cry of grief, rage, and terror was yet piercing through the night, when the unhappy husband held his breath for a response.† The cry of anguish and pain are very applicable to the protagonist idea in this story. Brown also expresses feeling when he doesn t want to leave his wife Faith, but he feels that it s his role to

Descriptive Essay - Original Writing - 974 Words

I was used to moving round, having a mother who liked to travel more than making roots was something I had gotten used to. Still, I had never gotten used to the loneliness of an empty house when she was out exploring, or the feeling of leaving behind someone who could have meant something to me. Our most recent move was Oregon. It was pretty, and I didn’t mind it, but it was much different than Florida. Not only was it opposite sides of the country, it felt as if it were opposite worlds. In Florida, we owned a small, yellow beach house that was nestled right on the ocean. When it rained too much and the ocean flooded, the water would come up under our home. There was nothing I loved more than running down the steps of our screen porch†¦show more content†¦Trees were always in sight here, almost the same way that the ocean was always in sight there. Currently, I’m sitting at a pond just down the road from our cozy little shack we are calling home. The sun was se tting, which caused the still water to look bright red, pink, and slightly blue. The frogs were chirping, and the little yellow butts of fireflies were starting to emerge. The air was cold, and the trees were thick this time of year. I knew that in a blink of an eye, the pond would be frozen, and the mossy, green ground would be covered in snow and ice. I’d barely seen snow, but I was excited. Our first day in the state there was a small snowstorm. I’d ignored my room, which fashioned a soft gray, and a wall of windows. It was already dark in there, but the rest of the home was well lit from the sun. I ran out the back door, lie in the grass and let each of the little ice crystals land on me. I wished it would snow now; I could use a change of scenery. My phone vibrated again, the gold toned metal flashing awake and showing me I had another message. It was an email, rather, one that I had been waiting for. College was just around the corner, and I’d applied to m any colleges. The one I had wanted to get into most had just sent me a letter. I was too scared whether to open it, or to continue to anxiously fiddle with the brown-yellow grass, and watch as the clouds gathered around the tops of the pine trees. If I got into the school, that would

Eassyon Socilatization Essay Sample free essay sample

The term civilization is used in a assortment of contexts in our mundane lives. and is defined as the objects created by a society every bit good as the ways of thought. moving and acting in a society. As a sociology pupil it is of import to understand assorted elements of civilization. In the undermentioned narrative. there is a assortment of elements of civilization. Think about how the stuff and immaterial civilization presents itself within the narrative about Sarah. â€Å"Taking a interruption from analyzing about midnight. Sarah decided to drive to acquire java in her trade name new exchangeable Mercedes. On her manner to the java store. while looking down to read an incoming text. she ran a stop mark on a vicinity street and was pulled over by the constabulary. In a thick Southern speech pattern. the officer asked her for her driver’s licence and insurance confirmation. As she was passing both to the officer. We will write a custom essay sample on Eassyon Socilatization Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page she realized she was have oning her spring interruption jersey with the words. â€Å"I Survived Spring Break 2012. † Nervously. she blurted out. â€Å"Officer. I am a college pupil. and I have been analyzing. and I have non been imbibing. and I am merely traveling to acquire java. † After having a ticket from the constabulary officer she noticed her badge. which stated. â€Å"Protect and Serve. † Her defeat rapidly dissipated as she realized that the constabulary officer was transporting out her responsibility to keep public safety and her actions could hold caused a serious accident. Contemplating the night’s event. she drove 10 stat mis under the velocity limit the remainder of the manner to the java store. † Write an essay that will foreground your apprehension of stuff and immaterial civilization. Clearly define stuff and immaterial civilization. Following. place the elements of civilization in the narrative. Your response should include an analysis of both the stuff and immaterial civilization within the narrative.

Organisational Values case study on Poundland Essay Example

Organisational Values case study on Poundland Essay Theory Into Practice Project Organization Values Case Study On Poundland Table of content S. NO CONTENT PAGE NO Executive Summary 3 2. Introduction 4 3. A. ) Poundland 4. B. ) Organizational Values of Poundland C. ) Research Question 6. D. ) Research Aim 5 7 E. ) Research Objective 8. F. ) Research Method 9. G. ) What Follows 10. Literature Review 11. A. ) Organizational values 12. B. ) Importance of Organizational Values 13. C. ) Six Organizational values of Poundland 8 14. a. ) Customer First 15. b. ) Keep it simple 16. c. ) Treat every pound as your own 17. d. Recognition and celebration 9 18. e. Individual responsibility for team delivery 19. f. ) Respect each other Methodology 10 21. Result 11 Discussion 14 Conclusion Recommendation 16 24. Reference Bibliography 25. Appendix 17 Executive summary: The report reveals the organizational values importance in an organization. The role of these values in an organization is discussed. The aim and objective of the research is discusse d. The method to achieve the aim is also discussed in detail. Literature reviews were done to prove the importance of organizational values. Six organizational values of Poundland were discussed to prove the impact of rganizational values on individual and personal life . Sampling method is used in this research. Sample data from the colleague is collected from Poundland store and these data are processed. The survey result has been helpful in highlighting the importance of organisational values. The discussion was carried upon the result of the methodology, which was used to prove the necessity of organisational value in an organization. Appropriate recommendations have been given to implement these values in an organisation. Conclusion has been done to state the aim of the research as successfully completed to prove the need for the organisational value in an organisation. The main aim of this research is to evaluate the importance of organization value and why every organization is giving more importance to its organization value. Organization values are an important element in any organization. Before starting an organization, the company makes a clear organization values so the vision and mission of the company is carried forward without any deviation. We will write a custom essay sample on Organisational Values case study on Poundland specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Organisational Values case study on Poundland specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Organisational Values case study on Poundland specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In this report the organization values are critically analysed and the impact on the employee are also nalysed. The importances of organization values are explored and the impact of the values on the Business is analysed. For this case study POUNDLAND as an organization is been selected and its organization values are discussed in this report. Poundland has six organization values. This report will evaluate the values and impact on the employee and the result on the business. A. ) POUNDLAND: Poundland is Europes biggest single price discount retailer and winner of the 2011 Discount Retailer of the year. It has over 400 stores in the 13K, including Northern Ireland and sells quality top brands and own brand products for all for the single price point of El each, providing customers with amazing value every day. Serving over 4. 5 million customers every week, Poundland is an irresistible shopping experience where shoppers are guaranteed to find over 3000 quality products and over 1000 Top brands, across 17 shopping categories including food and drink, health and beauty, household, gardening, DIY, Pet, Stationery, books, DVDs and toys. With a growth strategy of at least 60 new stores every year, Poundland is again on track to create approximately 2000 new Jobs. B. Organization Values of Poundland: At Poundland, The Company expect every colleague to live the organization values, so it really important that every individual mean by them and know what they can do to show the company that they are up for the challenge. Poundland has six values they are Customers are our business, Keep it simple, Treat Every Pound as Your Own, Recognise and celebrate success, individual responsibility for team delivery and Respect each other. This values had a greater impact on every individual working in Poundland, this motivated in choosing this topic for the research. The real secret ehind the success of Poundland is this strategy of implementing the organizational value in an effective way. C. ) Research Question: This research is dealing with the organizational value and highlighting the importance of organizational values. The report will be fully focused on organizational values and the subject will be within the scope of organizational the business. This report will analyse the strategy of implementing the organizational values will affect the growth of the organization. Discuss the necessity of Organizational values in an organization and highlight the importance of Organizational values. D. ) Research Aim: Research aim is determine the need for organizational values in an organization. The research will also focus on the importance of organizational values and the impact it makes on organization. The aim is to project about organizational values and its importance in an organization. E. Research Objective: To critically evaluate academic and corporate literature in regarding with Organizational Values. To analyse the impact of Organizational Values in an organization and its importance. To examine the benefits that resulted on an organization by adopting Organizational Values. F. ) Research Method: Survey method is used in this research project. Six organizational values where used in the questioner and put across three store of Poundland. Data will be collected and processed and result will highlight the growth in the performance and moral disciplinary of individual in the organization. G. ) What Follows? : This research will continue with Literature review on Organization Values. This chapter will contain the proper definition of Organization values, followed by the importance of organization values. Then measuring Organization values will be discussed, followed by Methodology. The next chapter will follow with discussion to upport the Organizational value in an organization. The conclusion will be followed after the discussion. Literature review: Before moving into the literature review, we need to understand the term called Organizational values. Values are conceptualized as fundamental beliefs and unwritten standards that guide behaviour and Judgment across situation in an organization. Values are defined as fundamental beliefs and assumption that guide individual behaviour and Judgments across situation. Organizationally, values are indicative of the most defining characteristics of an institution. A. )Organizational Values: Organizational Values have long been consideration important to explaining action in and around organization. For instance, organization has been thought to reflect the values of their members, especially their founders and executives. The values must be followed by every individuals, the effective way to implement is that the top management must follow these value. So the values are carried from top to the lower level in an organization. So the action in and around the organization is focused and organization performance. So these values will come into action and the actions are the reflection of these values. These values must be priorities so that even the top management must follow these values in the organization. Organizational Values are a critical element of organizational culture and leadership, impacting both individual and organizational performance. Values have been associated with, for example Job satisfaction, organizational commitment, turnover, trust and performance. The role of organizational values clearly has a role to play in organization performance. This shows that these values can make an impact on the organization performance. This values also impact on the individual performance eading to organization result. These values have impact on Job satisfaction, if the employee is happy with the organization values and this will reflect on employee work environment. If the employee is comfortable with the organization process, then it will reflect in the employee performance. These values must mould the individual internally, so they all can contribute to the organization growth together. Many organizations emphasize promoting values such as openness, trust, autonomy, initiative etc. This can be seen in their mission, vision, and core values statements that they proudly display. The organization projects their mission and vision statement and their values are given more priority. This values are introduce first to any individuals who are about to Join the organization. Every organization creates their own mission and vision statement and they give importance in implementing these core values in the organization. The success of the implementation depends on way the employees are treated. Since employees are the face of any organization, it depends on them to reflect these values. The core values of the organization is very critical, so the message must be properly design that it may enable a employee who orks in the organization to have a clear picture about the mission of the organization. These statements must be simple to understand and must be powerful. The values must be implemented although the organization, so its followed although the organization. It should be so powerful, so every individual must be follow to achieve the organization goal together as a team. In support to the recent literature review, organizations place more emphasis on community problem solving, neighbourhood disorder, local crime rate and fear of crime as they assess the performance of individual officers. The individual personal discipline is moulded by the impact of the organizational values. Since the individual spends most of his time at work, he is living with the organizational values which internally discipline him. The individual maintain these good values within the community where he shares his time. Some values may influence individuals day today activity. These values reflect on the individual to have a self discipline life. This will reflect on the community where lives and for the people around him. These may enable an individual from eliminating bad behaviour and following good values. This will help the individual to have smooth life in the organization. Since the action of the individuals action in and out are reflected by the organizational values. The organizational value plays a major role in an organization and it is a necessity that every organization must have its clear organizational value. The core values are important since without these values there will not be clarity in organization procedure. As the organizations grow by the period, the individual numbers will also grow in an organization. So if every individual takes their own decision because they ont have any guideline to take decision making. So its necessary to give a procedure organizational value, so all the individual inside the organization will bide with these values and contribute to the organizational growth. Organizational values serve many purposes. It sets the tone of the environment, bonds people together, facilitates work behaviour and achievement of shared goals. It also represent the ambitions that people hold for the organization as a living system because values define who and what each person has to offer as a human being to the overall enterprise. Organizational values have been shown to be critical variables in the decision by firms to adopt environmental initiatives. The first author says that the organizational value set the tone of the environment. The value thus has an influence around the individual making a healthy environment around him and binds people. The second author says that the values are critical element in making a decision to adopt environmental initiatives. Thus the values serve as an important environmental element to set a better place to work in the organization. Thus enabling work behaviour in a healthy manner and achieving the organizational oal together. Organizational commitment is a key construct in organizational psychology and has been defined as a psychological link between an employee and his organization that makes it less likely that the employee will voluntarily leave the organization. The researcher says that the individual have a bond with the organization, since the individual have been influenced by the values. This may result in, that the individual from moving out of the organization. Organizational values more supportive of balance also reported greater Joy in work, less Job stress, greater satisfaction with heir Jobs, careers and family, less intent to quit, fewer symptoms and higher levels of emotional well being. The researcher says that the values make a balance in work pressure and satisfaction. The value increases the greater Joy in work and simultaneously decreases the Job stress in the organization. Thus these result in that an individual finds it hard to leave the organization. The importances of the organizational values are discussed by the researcher. These values make a healthy environment in and around the individual in an organization. Thus result in the individual to have a bond between the employees in the rganization. The values discipline the individual to make a sensible environment to work and have a peace of mind. The values give a greater Job satisfaction and allowing the individual to have less stress at work. The individual have less intent to quit since he or she is enjoying the time they spend in the organization. The organizational values are detail discussed and the importances of values are highlighted. There are numerous values from different organization. For this research six values are discussed in this topic. Poundland has six values and these are discussed using literature. Customers Service: Based on service related literature, the authors indicate that empowerment, service training, and service rewards are positively related to Job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Empowerment is a key factor to enhance Job satisfaction and organizational commitment of contact employees, because thereby they obtain the flexibility to make on the spot decision. An effective training program also affects service providers Job environment satisfaction and also increase their organizational commitment. The researcher says that for better service, and customer satisfaction, mpowerment and service training are needed. It has been found that the qualities considered most important by organizational customers are competitiveness, reliability and adaptability. The supplier must demonstrate an ability to resolve the customers problem. The researcher points the importance of understanding the customer requirement to provide a better service and the adaptability to change to situation. IF the requirement is received an accurate solution can be given and this will increase the customer service. This will promote the brand name, fame and reputation of the organisation. Keep it simple: The organisation always wants it values to kept it simple, so it easy to understand and follow them. The values must be designed in such a way that the least individual will be eligible to follow it without any difficulty. This will result in individual performance and in the environment around him or her. So simplicity of the values is really important, that this can be implemented easily in any environment and effective result can be obtained. Treating organization as Your Own: Treating organisation wealth as your own wealth, this will result in proper maintenance of the organisation. If a loose happens to the organisation, if this value is influence on an individual, he or she will automatically find a solution for the problem and try to recover from the fall. So these make the environment to trust Recognise and celebrate success: Recognition is still an important management tool it is slightly different. Usually it is a non financial award given to employees selectively, in appreciation of a high level of behaviour or accomplishment that is not dependent on achievement against a given target. Recognition can be as simple as giving someone feedback on what they have done right. It is about acknowledging effort, commitment and learning, even if the outcomes were not as planned and it is also about, most importantly celebrating success. The researcher says that recognition is need in an organization; it need not be financial benefit, but to recognise the quality of work at right time. This may lead to individual better performance and making a healthy work environment. There is a widespread recognition that the dimensions of performance are broader than financial performance alone, that financial performance indicators measures and make visible only limited aspects of an organisations performance. The author tells that the financial performances have limitation and recognition have broader scope. Recognition must be done at the right time and the success must be celebrated. So this will boost the individual confidence and enabling him to improve his core competency in future. It is necessary that individual success to be celebrated in the organisation, giving him or her a appropriate recognition. Individual responsibility for team delivery: The value of an artificial system lies in its ability to maximize quality of life while minimizing restrictions on individual human freedoms. Each individual have their wn responsibility in the organisation. If they fulfil their responsibility, these internally reflect on their success in the organisation. Abiding with the responsibility is very important for any individual in an organisation. Respect each other: Respect is a thin concept we qualify for respect simply in virtue of our humanity. All who meet this minimal condition are entitled to an equal share of respect. One important difference between esteem and respect is that while esteem is clearly an important good, we are not entitled to it. We cannot demand it of others rather, it must be freely given if is to be genuine. Treat everyone in the organisation as yourself. Do to other what you want the other to do to you. This will make the environment to have a bond between people in the organisation. Respect denotes the belief that the self is valued as a member of the organisation, which can be communicated for instance by Just treatment. Researcher says that the treatment which is share in the environment must be highly respectable and given more Methodology: A convenience sample consisting of 50 sales assistance, across Poundland. This sales assistance contributes around 75 percentage of the employee in each store. The ample are taken in Area 34 in which the following stores are include, Deptford, Greenwich, Peckham, Lewisham, Eltham, Catford and Woolwich. These sales assistance Jobs are to provide customer service, shop floor filling and maintain the sales. They work in warehouse and shop floor equally. The questioner was constructed using 18 values; the questioner table was based on the value table constructed by . The questioner was classified into three major values such as organizational values, personal values and professional values. In organizational values the questioners contain six values which they follow in the organization uring their work. In Personal values the questioner was design to touch the value that impact on their day to day life. In Professional values key elemental values were listed in the table, this is done to prove the impact of the organizational value on the professional life. The collected data were then processed by the team supervisors in order to check the data from the organizational values. Then the corrected data were taken to the store manager to get the approval that the processed data were correct. In the whole process the individual identification was not revealed. The data related o the individual were collect except the personal information such as name was excluded. The feedback was asked to rated in rank the importance of each value on a 7- point Likert scale (1 = the least importance; 7 = the most importance). Figure 1: Values of three components Results: Sample Profile: The questioner was circulated to store in area 34 and the supervisor was given guidelines to how to carry out the questioner section. A week time was given to the colleague to complete the questioner and return back to the supervisor. The colleague was very cooperative and the questioner was returned successfully. The

Everything You Need to Know to Visit the Temples of Bagan

Everything You Need to Know to Visit the Temples of Bagan SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips For grandeur, size, and the feeling that you’re Indiana Jones, it’s hard to compete with the temples of Bagan in central Myanmar. This massive expanse of thousands of temples (estimates range from 2,000 to over 4,000) dot the landscape in various stages of dilapidation and restoration. Built by a series of kings between 1057 and 1287, Bagan is one of an increasingly rare breed: a world-class attraction that hasn’t yet been discovered by the masses. Bagan’s popularity is increasing, but much of the information about it has not kept pace, and that can make it difficult for travelers trying to plan a trip to this site. Bagan offers a range of unique experiences. While here you can: Watch the sunrise from the top of Shwesandaw Pagoda Cool off with a glass of fresh tamarind juice in a cafe overlooking the Irrawaddy River Discover gold-plated Buddha statues hidden in temple niches Survey the ruins of past kingdoms during a hot air balloon ride over the plains Follow winding dirt roads around bushes and through groves of palm trees to discover tiny temples that only get a few visitors a year This guide will walk you through each step you need to take to plan and carry out a trip to Bagan, from when to visit and how to get there to which temples to visit and what form of transportation to use. 5 Things to Figure Out Before You Leave The logistics of visiting Bagan can be somewhat challenging, so it's important to make sure you thoroughly understand what to expect before heading out. When to Visit One of the first things to decide on when planning your trip to Bagan is figuring out when you’d like to visit. The most popular time to visit Bagan is in the winter, from November through February, when it is both cooler and dry. The average temperature during this period is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 Celsius). This is when temperatures are coolest and there is little rain, but this is also when Bagan is most crowded. If you’d like to avoid the crowds or can’t make it to Bagan in the winter, it’s also possible to visit during other times of the year. The end of the dry season, from March to May, is when temperatures are hottest in Bagan. The average temperature during these months is about 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 Celsius), although the temperature can often get over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) in the middle of the day. Rainy season begins at the end of May and lasts through October. Temperatures are cooler during this period (about 78 degrees Fahrenheit/ 26 Celsius), but it will rain nearly every day. Take your personal preferences into account when choosing when to visit. Winter has the most enjoyable weather, but you’ll also have to deal with more crowds (although nothing close to those you’ll find at similar locations like Angkor Wat). If you think you can handle the high temperatures, the end of the dry season can be an ideal time to visit Bagan as you'll have many of the smaller temples to yourself. The short period between seasons can also get you the best of both worlds. I visited Bagan at the end of May, right at the beginning of the rainy season, and I was lucky to have no rain, cloudy skies which kept the temperature lower, and few other visitors at the temples, although this won’t always be the case. Whatever month you choose to visit Bagan, know that any time in the near future is a great time to go. Bagan’s popularity has been steadily increasing in the past few years, and, while it’s still a somewhat undiscovered place, that won’t last forever. So visit Bagan now before the rest of the world catches on. How Long to Stay The temples cover a huge area and take a while to get to, therefore I’d recommend spending at least two days, ideally three, in Bagan. Your first day can be spent visiting the major temples (described below), preferably with a guide, on your second day you can explore some of the smaller and more distant temples on your own, and your third day can be spent further exploring the area or returning to some of your favorite temples. Staying longer is always possible, and you could easily spend your entire trip exploring Bagan and still only see a fraction of what it has to offer. However, there isn't much else in the area besides temples, so if you get easily "templed-out", take that into account when planning your itinerary. How to Get to Myanmar Most foreign visitors to Myanmar will require a visa to enter the country. If you’re a citizen of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand (only if you’re entering via an international airport), or Vietnam, you don’t need a visa if your visit is less than 14 days. Most people who need a visa are eligible to apply for an eVisa (check the website to see if your country is one of those eligible for the eVisa). To apply for the eVisa, you’ll need your passport information, a recent color photo you can upload, and credit card details to pay the $50 fee. After your eVisa is approved, you’ll receive an eVisa approval letter which is valid for 90 days and which you must have with you when you arrive in Myanmar. If your approval letter is expired, you won’t be allowed to enter the country. Your eVisa allows you a single visit of up to 28 days in Myanmar, and eVisas can only be used by people entering via an international airport. Most people enter Myanmar at the country’s largest city, Yangon, but there are also two additional international airports in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. The eVisa is by far the most popular way to get the visa needed to enter Myanmar, but there is also a paper visa and a visa on arrival. For people in the United States, information on the paper visa, as well as the form you need to fill out and submit, can be found on the Myanmar Embassy’s website. The paper visa will also grant you a single visit of up to 28 days, and you’ll need to attach proof of your plane tickets, hotel reservations, or confirmation from your tour leader. Visas on arrival are rare to get, and they also require additional documents, such as proof of your itinerary. More information about them can be found on the government of Myanmar’s website. Money Matters The kyat is the currency used in Myanmar, and one USD is worth approximately 75 kyats. You can get kyats at an ATM or by exchanging money at a bank or exchange center. If you are exchanging US dollars, make sure the bills are in as pristine condition as possible, as many places won't take them if they have any wrinkles or tears. It's best to get kyats before you arrive in Bagan, as ATMs and official exchange centers are rare outside of the main cities. Some places will accept US dollars in place of kyats, and many of the larger hotels accept major credit cards. How to Get to Bagan After you arrive in Myanmar, there are several ways to get to Bagan. If you’re traveling with a tour, these details will already be worked out for you, but if you’re traveling independently, you’ll have to figure out how to get to Bagan on your own. Flying The fastest way to get to Bagan is to fly. The Bagan airport is called Nyaung U, and there are flights from both Yangon (80 minutes) and Mandalay (30 minutes). (Nyuang U is only a domestic airport, so there are no international flights there.) Flying domestically in Myanmar used to be difficult because there was no way to purchase tickets online. Recently, however, most airlines have adopted e-ticketing. Flights are still limited, so tickets should be purchased at least several weeks, and ideally a few months, in advance. The airlines offering flights to Bagan are Asian Wings Airways, Golden Myanmar Airlines, Mann Yadanarpon Airlines, and Myanmar National Airlines. Roundtrip flights from Yangon start at about $215, and from Mandalay at about $150. Bus The cheapest way to get to Bagan is traveling by bus. Overnight buses from Yangon leave around 6pm-8pm and arrive very early in the morning, usually around 3am. (Hotels are well accustomed to this, and many will let you check in when you arrive, provided your room is vacant.) Bus rides from Mandalay take five to seven hours and travel during the day. There’s variation in the quality of different bus lines, with the higher-end companies, like JJ Express or Bagan Minn Thar Express, offering reclining and quite spacious seats. Most hotels can help you purchase bus tickets, or you can buy them from the ticket office directly. Tickets from Mandalay cost about 10,000 kyats ($9), and tickets from Yangon start at about 15,000 kyats ($13), with higher-end companies costing a bit more. Train Traveling by train is slower than more expensive than going via bus, but if you enjoy train journeys, you may be interested in taking a train to Bagan. From Yangon, trains leave around 4pm and arrive the next morning at about 10am. Trains from Mandalay run during the day and take about 7 hours, although delays of up to several hours are often reported. Trains in Myanmar are often old and have only basic amenities, although most will have a restaurant car available. Train tickets need to be bought at the station. A ticket for a sleeper-car from Yangon will cost about $50, while tickets from Mandalay are about $7-$10. Boat The only way to enter Bagan via boat is if you’re coming from Mandalay. The journey can take between 8 hours and two days, depending on whether you’re on a government-run â€Å"slow boat† or a faster boat that makes fewer stops and doesn’t overnight. Boats stop in either Nyang U or Old Bagan. The ferry service is shut down from April through June due to low water levels. Ticket prices can vary widely depending on which boat you take, but prices are generally between $15 and $40. What to Expect Once You Arrive in Bagan Once you arrive in Bagan you've made it through the hard part, but there are still some decisions to be made. Arriving in Bagan Both the Nyuang U Airport and the train station are located 2-4 miles southeast of town, depending on which part you’re going to. The jetty is about half a mile from Nyuang U market (the boat may also stop in Old Bagan), and buses will drop you off along Nyuang U’s main road, a few miles from town. No matter how or when you arrive, there will be transportation options to get you to your accommodation. However, if you arrive very early on an overnight bus, your options may be limited to tuk-tuks as opposed to taxis. When you arrive in Bagan, you’ll have to pay the Bagan Archaeological Zone fee (25,000 kyats or $20). If you arrive via boat or plane, you’ll pay this fee at the port or airport. If you arrive by bus or train, there are checkpoints where your driver will stop and you’ll pay the fee (these checkpoints are manned around the clock, so even if you arrive at 3am, you’ll still have to pay). After you pay the fee, you’ll be issued a small card you may be asked to show your hotel when you check in. The card is valid for one week, but people working at the temples rarely ask for it, so you likely won’t have to buy another card if you stay longer than a week. Where to Stay While not very populous, Bagan covers a significant area (the Bagan Archaeological Zone on its own is 26 square miles), and there are several different towns you can stay in. Be aware that hotel prices drop significantly during the off-season if you look for deals online. Nyuang U Most people stay in Nyuang U because it is the largest town in the area and offers the most amenities. Nyuang U is also where most of the transportation links are, and, even if you don’t stay here, you’ll likely pass through on your way in or out of Bagan. If you’re traveling on a budget, Nyuang U has the widest selection of hostels and budget hotels in the area, with some rooms as cheap as $20 a night. It also has the greatest selection of restaurants. Nyuang U has a few minor temples within its boundaries, but it's two miles away from the edge of the main temple area. Old Bagan Old Bagan is located next to the Irrawaddy River, just a short walk to the main temple zone (however, a bike or other form of transportation is recommended to reach more distant temples). Because this is the closest you can stay to the temples, accommodation is most expensive here. There are some high-end hotels that cost several hundred dollars a night, but it is possible to find a room for under $100 or even less if you visit in the off-season. There are restaurants here but, in general, Old Bagan is the quietest area to stay in. New Bagan New Bagan strikes a good balance between the other two areas. It’s between Old Bagan and Nyuang U in terms of both price and distance to the temples, so if you’re trying to balance your budget and travel time to the temples, New Bagan might be a good option for you. Which Temples to Visit One of the most unique and memorable aspects of Bagan is wandering through a maze of hundreds of small and forgotten temples with no one else in sight. At least part of your trip should involve just heading out and seeing what you find, but there are also certain temples everyone who visits Bagan should see, and I’ve described each of them below. These temples are generally the biggest, most beautiful, and most religiously significant in all of Bagan. Ananda Temple One of the most important of several thousand temples of Bagan, the Ananda Temple is definitely a must-see. It was built over 900 years ago by King Kyanzittha and today is an important Buddhist pilgrimage spot. Ananda is also one of the best-preserved temples in Bagan, and beyond the entrance are numerous Buddha statues and a courtyard with traditional glazed tiles. This is one of the most popular temples to visit, so there will often be crowds and vendors selling goods during peak times. Dhammayangyi Temple Dhammayangyi draws visitors because it’s the largest temple in Bagan and is visible across most of the temple zone. It’s imposing exterior matches a grim history. Dhammayangyi is said to have been built in the 12th century as an attempt at atonement by King Narathu, who was known for murdering multiple members of his family. It doesn’t seem to have changed his personality much though, for the king also allegedly chopped off an arm of any worker who didn’t meet his strict construction standards for Dhammayangyi. Gory history aside, this is one of the best-preserved temples in Bagan and has many original paintings and mortar decorations. Gawdawpalin Temple Also known as the â€Å"temple of forgiveness†, Gawdawpalin was built in the 12th century by King Narapatisithu. Legend has it that the king committed a terrible crime that caused him to go blind. After completing the temple and praying for forgiveness, his sight was miraculously restored. This isn’t the most unique or interesting temple to see, but it’s an excellent example of how temples were built in the late Bagan period. Shwesandaw Pagoda This white-washed colored pagoda isn’t the most stunning building in the area, but it’s one of the most popular places to watch sunrise and sunset. Climbing to the highest level gives sweeping views of the plains dotted with temples. At dawn and dusk Shwesandaw can be extremely crowded, but it’s quite empty during other times, and the views are still some of the best you’ll get anywhere in Bagan. Shwezigon Pagoda Located in Nyuang U, glittery, golden Shwezigon makes a nice contrast to all of the brick you’ve likely been seeing in Old Bagan. The temple includes four shrines, each housing a bronze Buddha, as well as 37 nat, or pre-Buddhist religious figurines. Thatbyinnyu Pagoda The tallest temple in Bagan, Thatbyinnyu is located near the Ananda Temple. The temple is primarily white, with its spires tipped with gold. Unfortunately, past earthquakes have made the upper stories of the building unstable, so visitors are not allowed to climb it. Touring Bagan With a Guide It’s possible to either wander Bagan on your own or hire a guide for a day or half-day tour. There are several types of guided tours. Horse-Cart A guided horse cart tour is the most traditional and cheapest way to tour Bagan. Your guide will be a local, and you’ll sit in the back of a cart with a cover on top so you’re protected from sun and rain. Your driver will know where all of the main temples are as well as places to stop for snacks and drinks, but their job is mostly transporting you from one place to another as opposed to explaining the sites. Once you hop out of the cart to explore the temples you’ll be on your own. Prices can vary widely depending on the season and competition, but expect to pay around 25,000 kyats ($21) for a full-day tour and slightly less for a half-day tour. There are also sometimes rickshaws available for tours, but they're much less common. Taxi You can also tour Bagan in a taxi. This will be similar to the horse cart tour, but with increased comfort and cost, and you’ll likely get to see more of Bagan because you can travel faster. Most hotels will be able to hire taxis for you, and you can also enquire at Nyaung U airport. Taxi tour prices can vary widely (always confirm the price with the driver before you start), but expect to pay about twice as much as a horse cart tour. Balloon Rides For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience (besides just visiting Bagan itself), it’s possible to take a hot air balloon over the temples. You’ll take off early in the morning so you can see sunrise from the air, then circle around the main temples of Bagan. Balloon tours are only available from October to April and cost about $350-$400 per person. The price typically includes pickup and drop-off, breakfast, and a champagne toast. There are several companies that offer these tours including Balloons Over Bagan, Bagan Balloon, Oriental Ballooning, and Golden Eagle Ballooning. Book your tickets before you arrive as the trips can sell out in advance. Getting Around on Your Own It’s also possible to explore Bagan individually. Walking is, of course, possible, and can be useful for nearby temples, but Bagan’s size and regular high temperatures mean you’ll probably want to have some form of transportation to more comfortably reach distant sites. Almost every hotel rents bikes for as little as $2 a day. Bikes are a cheap and easy way to get around, but if it’s very hot you may wear yourself out pedaling all day. Also, the ground can get very loose and sandy around the smaller temples, which can be difficult to pedal through. When renting a bike, always try it out first before paying for it. Bike quality can vary widely, and you don’t want to get stuck with a wobbly frame or a flat tire. Another option is getting around on an electronic bike or e-bike, which is a bike that runs on electric power or can be pedaled. These are more expensive, but you travel faster and don’t have to pedal very much. If your own hotel isn’t renting e-bikes, they’ll be able to direct you to a place that does. Again, test the e-bike out before you pay for it, and make sure it’s fully charged. Should You Get a Guide? There are several options for guided tours in Bagan, but do you even need one? As I mentioned above, most tours, excluding some higher-end ones, won’t give you much information about the Bagan temples themselves; instead, they’re primarily a way to get around. This may make you think that a tour isn’t very useful. However, Bagan is a huge site with just a few signs pointing the way to the most important temples. Many temples are found on winding, unmarked dirt roads making it almost impossible to easily find all the temples you want to see on your own, even if you have a map. While in Bagan, I met multiple tourists who had decided not to hire a guide to keep costs down, but many left Bagan disappointed because they were unable to find some of the most important and popular temples on their own. I’d highly recommend hiring a guide for your first day in Bagan and asking them to take you to each of the main temples. This way you’ll ensure that you see each of Bagan’s main sights. You can spend the following day/days exploring the other temples on your own and perhaps return to some of your favorites. Tips for Visiting Bagan Finally, there are a few tips you should keep in mind in order to keep your trip to Bagan as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Tip 1: Make Use of the Early Morning Bagan is hot all year round, so take advantage of the morning hours right after dawn when Bagan is cooler and less crowded. During sunrise, there will generally be crowds around popular spots like Shwesandaw Pagoda, but at least one morning you should get off the beaten trail and visit some of the lesser-known temples. You’ll likely have them all to yourself. Tip 2: Dress Appropriately Most of Myanmar is devoutly Buddhist, and the temples of Bagan are some of their most important religious sites. As such, visitors are expected to be respectful and dress appropriately. Everyone, especially women, should make sure their pants/skirt/dress reaches past their knees, and covering your shoulders is a good idea too. Those who don’t meet the dress code will be denied entry into the larger temples (most smaller temples have no one to check what you’re wearing). You must be barefoot when entering the temples, so wear flip-flops or sandals so you're not spending a lot of time messing with socks and shoelaces. Walking barefoot on hot tiles can get uncomfortable in the middle of the day, which is another reason to get up early. Tip 3: Be Respectful Again, the Bagan temples are culturally and religiously significant to the people of Myanmar, so don’t treat them like they’re just an Instagram background. In February 2016, the Myanmar government banned the climbing of all but five of the Bagan temples. The five temples exempt from the ban are Shwesandaw (discussed above), Pyathard Gyi, North Gunni, South Gunni and Thitsaw Wati. This ban was instituted because of â€Å"inappropriate activity† by tourists, including sleeping in the temples, entering restricted areas, dancing in the temples, and causing damage to the stonework. You don’t need to be frozen and silent when you’re in the temples, but don’t be rowdy either and don’t try to access restricted areas (many of these are unstable due to age and earthquake damage, and building collapses are not uncommon). Tip 4: Do Some Exploring My last and most important piece of advice is to do some old-school exploring of Bagan. Bagan is one of the only archaeological wonders of the world where you’re pretty much given free reign around the site. There are literally thousands of temples to explore, but most tour groups will only visit a handful of the biggest and most famous ones. Grab a bike and just pedal in the direction of anything that looks interesting. I spent several days getting lost in mazes of hundreds of smaller temples, and, in addition to the temples, I came across local goat herders and their flocks, Burmese children walking home from school, and a tiny cemetery a villager brought me to. If you’re worried about not knowing how to find your way back to civilization, bring a map with you. You’ll regularly come across Burmese people, and even if they don’t speak English, if you point to town on your map, they’ll be able to send you in the right direction. Recently, I’ve seen more and more people complaining about crowds in Bagan, but on my recent trip I found it easy to escape the masses by stepping onto any of the smaller dirt roads and seeing where it took me.