Because they own the company and have kept a small operation, they are able to barter their work. My gregarious mother quickly learns her clients occupations and, if possible, proposes a trade of resources. My parents have traded their labor and jewelry for granite countertops, a pool, a surround sound system and, most importantly, travel opportunities. 

Esther Mooring has been my entire familys favorite client, for she has sent us on trips from Canada to Germany to Costa Rica. Esther is an IBM employee who has backlogged extensive rewards with American Airlines, which she gladly trades for her choice of jewelry. My parents have taken full advantage of their strong relationship with Esther and used the benefits to give my sister and I an international perspective on life.Travel is increasingly popular, as the outlets increase. Universities offer extensive study abroad opportunities. The WWOOF organization sends participants all over the globe to work on organic farms. Many nonprofit opportunities need volunteers for humanitarian projects. Even impoverished places such as India and regions of Africa boast jewels of architecture and nature, attracting thousands of visitors yearly. There is an increasing worldwide awareness of politics, natural marvels and humanitarian needs. 

However, while the opportunities for travel are expanding, the obstacles to travel remain for many people. Money and time are the most common obstacles presented in conversation about travel.While those reasons are valid, I truly believe that the benefits of travel outweigh the obstacles. Money and time ought to be eagerly exchanged for a glimpse of the vibrant world we inhabit. 

The world is a collage of color, including dark and light swathes. There is great sadness and great joy in the world, patches of war torn country and expanses of breathtaking scenery and culture. Traveling and experiencing this variety fills the soul with a compassion and humility that is impossible if we are so concerned with our money and time, we cant exchange it for something greater. 

Money and time are neutral commodities, in and of themselves. It is what we do with them that is either good or bad. Travel is a good investment of both. Dont let acquiring them be an obstacle either.Money can be earned while you travel, or you can save up for a trip. There are also cheap ways to travel. As for time, you choose what you do with your time.A www.granitetrade.net concept that would double as a quick charge station for gadgets. You choose to work or to sit at home or to travel.Are you still hesitating about where to buy Shun Stone Granite Slabs? There are obligations that cannot be shirked obviously, but if you can, take your family with you. 

My parents began traveling with us when we were very young. Though we might not have fully appreciated the trip when we took it, now that we are older, we realize what we have learned, as well as the marvels we have seen. A man I respect very much once cautioned, Never do anything out of fear. Never limit yourself to a bland box of your own creation. Never keep your head to your desk and your hand on your pocketbook or schedule. You were created for more than that. 

Chitral district consists of 20% of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwas total area and its potential is backed by reserves of granite, gemstones, and metals worth an estimated Rs177 billion, he says in an exclusive interview, his eyes animated. And this is not all. Yes, Chitral has many problems but I am an optimist.These Shun Stone Building Materials can, apparently, operate entirely off the grid. I am also aware of the huge enormous hydro power, tourism and mineral potential of a district that boasts one of the highest literacy rates in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. 

Iftikharuddin, the only MNA elected on a ticket of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) C former president Pervez Musharrafs party C has carried this dream with him for a while.He has painstakingly prepared documents that illustrate his regions superior mineral wealth, geographical advantage and energy capability. According to these documents, the reservoirs of marble and granite C 45 billion metric tons C are alone worth $500 to $1,000 billion. The K-P government has planned to establish a marble city in Chitral, for which funds have been allocated in the 2013-2014 budget. 

Development of the Chitral cluster can create 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for the youth, says Iftikharuddin confidently. The government can earn Rs15 billion through granite reserves and Rs30 billion through marble reserves. Because of the marble city, 20 factories may be established, with each earning Rs600 million annually.However, according to him, the criminal negligence of political leaders has kept the region from its true potential. With his plans, documents and extensive study, he hopes to remedy just that. 

Pakistan is separated from Tajikistan by a 5-10km narrow strip, through Wahkhan. The documents illustrate that if Pakistan negotiates with Afghanistan to find out a passage into Tajikistan, Chitrals geo-strategic position can be greatly enhanced from a trade point of view. Tajikistan is a potential market for Pakistani goods, while Pakistan is a potential buyer of cheap raw materials and minerals from Tajikistan. 

Furthermore, if Pakistan allows India to trade with Tajikistan through the Broghal pass, it would render the area into a transit economy. It is a long standing dream of Pakistanis to earn transit money, he explains. The good news is that Tajikistan has already developed its bordering areas by building roads and bridges. 

He adds that Afghanistan is also establishing its silk road with China.If we manage to build a road to access to Afghanistans silk route running through the Wahkhan strip, we can have another alternate route available for China and Afghanistan. This will further strengthen not only trade relations with Tajikistan, Afghanistan and China, but also open a new chapter in Pak-China military relations, he says. 

Furthermore, Afghanistans province Badakhshan, which lies in close proximity to Chitral, has enormous coal reserves. Because it is isolated due to its terrain and remoteness, a 10 km road, costing Rs2.5 billion, is already being built from Mastuj to Broghal to connect Badakhshan with Chitral.