Images Dated 31st August 2007

Swayambhunath temple in Kathmandu

Swayambhunath temple in Kathmandu.Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in the north-west parts of the temple.For the Buddhist Newars in whose mythological history and origin myth as well as day-to-day religious practice, Swayambhunath occupies a central position, it is probably the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites. For Tibetans and followers of Tibetan Buddhism, it is second only to Boudhanath.The Swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi period. A Tibetan monastery, museum and library are more recent additions. The stupa has Buddha's eyes and eyebrows painted on. Between them, the number one (in Devanagari script) is painted in the fashion of a nose. There are also shops, restaurants and hostels. The site has two access points: a long stairway with 365 steps, leading directly to the main platform of the temple, which is from the top of the hill to the east; and a car road around the hill from the south leading to the southwest entrance.Much of Swayambhunath's iconography comes from the Vajrayana tradition of Newar Buddhism. However, the complex is also an important site for Buddhists of many schools, and is also revered by Hindus

© AmaiaArozena&GotzonIraola

Tourists sit on a terrace during the annual Belgian beer weekend at the Grand?Place

Tourists sit on a terrace during the annual Belgian beer weekend at the Grand?Place in Brussels August 31, 2007. More than 30 Belgian breweries present a selection of their best brews. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir (BELGIUM) - GM1DWAZCXGAA

Dave Clarke (Kawasaki) 2007 Ultra Lightweight Manx Grand Prix

Manxman Dave Clarke (Kawasaki) at Kirk Michael: 2007 Ultra Lightweight Manx Grand Prix

2007 Ultra Lightweight Manx Grand Prix, Dave Clarke, Kawasaki