Travel all the world

The 10 best places to live in the U.S.

2011-08-08T02:39:00.000-07:00

Photo: LoneStarMike/Wikimedia
Austin, Texas, is famous for its music scene, and its economy benefits from the many technology firms that call it home. That blend of economic opportunity and cultural attraction helped put it on RelocateAmerica’s annual Top 10 list of best places to live. Each year, the company reviews information about local housing markets and economies, cultural and recreational opportunities, and safety, plus collects feedback from city leaders and residents, to come up with a Top 100 list of the best places to live in the country. Its Top 10 list reflects the best of the bunch. RelocateAmerica, based in Brighton, Mich., helps people who are moving find resources to make their move easier.

Photo: Grguy2011/Wikimedia
Grand Rapids, Mich., made RelocateAmerica’s Top 10 list for its solid schools and strong economy, especially when compared with the rest of the state. “It’s got the best of everything in a smaller large city,” said Steve Nickerson, president of RelocateAmerica.

Photo: Jesse Varner/Wikimedia
Boulder is a stable community at the foot of the Rocky Mountains — and a city that is well-loved by its residents, said Steve Nickerson, president of RelocateAmerica. In addition to its picturesque scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation, the city offers a variety of cultural attractions, according to RelocateAmerica. Pictured here is the Flatirons rock formation near Boulder.

Photo: Justin Doub/Wikimedia
The employment picture in Raleigh, N.C., helped land it a spot on RelocateAmerica’s Top 10 list of best places to live. It’s the largest city in the “Triangle,” an area that includes Research Triangle Park, known for work in the biotechnology, telecommunications and computing fields, according to RelocateAmerica. Pictured here is the J.S. Dorton Arena.

Photo: Dallasborn&bred/Wikimedia
Dallas scored high on RelocateAmerica’s list of Top 10 cities partly due to its business growth, said Steve Nickerson, the company’s president. Plus, people who live and work there tend to have a strong passion for the city. Pictured here is the downtown Dallas arts district with the reflecting pool of the Winspear Opera House in the foreground and the I.M. Pei designed Meyerson Symphony Center immediately behind.

Photo: CantoV/Wikimedia
Greenville, S.C., is another one of those “smaller big cities,” said Steve Nickerson, RelocateAmerica’s president. Companies including BMW, Michelin, GE Energy and Lockheed Martin have a presence in the region, and Greenville’s downtown is also a draw, thanks in part to recent improvements to the city park, Nickerson said. Pictured here are the falls in downtown Greenville.

Photo: Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Riverwalk in Augusta, Ga. The city’s low cost of living, affordable housing, many cultural opportunities and mild climate make it popular with retirees. Plus, the area has seen a lot of business growth, according to RelocateAmerica.

Swimmers float along the Boise River about a mile from downtown Boise, Idaho. Boise made RelocateAmerica’s Top 10 list of best places to live due to its stable economy — the city experienced dramatic growth over the past two decades — and many recreation opportunities.

Photo: Mongo/Wikipedia
The skyline of downtown Omaha, Neb., at night. Job growth, particularly in the industrial sector, helped put Omaha on RelocateAmerica’s Top 10 list of best cities to live. The city on the western bank of the Missouri River has been an agricultural and transportation center since the late 1850s.

Photo: Soonerfever/Wikipedia
Bricktown Canal water taxis in Oklahoma City. Job growth was also a factor in Oklahoma City’s inclusion on the Top 10 list of best places to live. In addition to downtown business development, the city has experienced a renovation of convention, cultural and educational sites, according to RelocateAmerica.

Las Vegas wedding

2011-02-12T03:43:00.001-08:00

Alpha Resort Tomamus Ice Hotel

2011-02-10T03:25:00.001-08:00

On the island of Hokkaido, in the ski resort opened a unique volumes ice hotel, which is part of a complex of ice with a bar and an ice chapel.

Built from the ice hotel Alpha Resort Tomamus Ice Hotel includes only one double room, located under the ice dome.

To spend the night stands to stock up considerable frost - tables, chairs and even a bed in the room is made of blocks of ice, and the temperature can drop to -25 º C.

For visitors of Ice Hotel recommended to "hibernate" in a thick sleeping bags.

To emphasize the unusual beauty of the cold edge of the resort volumes, Japanese engineers and scientists was developing the idea of an ice hotel, where all thought out in every detail over 9 years.

Employees of the Ice Hotel are very concerned about the hotel, the thickness of the wall which is 15 cm, they are constantly spray snow on the icy wall of the hotel, so that direct sunlight does not hurt them.

The hotel will remain open until February 15.

Photo: Kim Kyung-Hoon / Reuters

India - Holi Festival of Color

2010-03-07T16:10:00.000-08:00

Photos: AP / Sucheta Das, Manish Swarup, Biswaranjan Rout

Danxia landform

2009-12-09T00:28:00.000-08:00

This unique geological phenomenon, known as a Danxia landform, can be seen in several places in China. This example is located in Zhangye, Gansu Province. The color is a result of millions of years of accumulated red sandstone and other sediments that have dried and oxidized.

Festival of the Winds in Sydney, Australia.

2009-09-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

Festival of the winds is one of the most popular event in Sydney. Hundreds of kites of all different colours, shapes and sizes dominate the skyline creating a magical spectacle. 31 th annual Festival of the Winds - an event which attracts kite enthusiasts from around the world took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Sunday, September 13. Scavenged all the winds of Sydney's beach provides ideal conditions for kite flying. The festival was attended by both beginners and the real experts from the Australian Society of kites. Many participants of the festival ran designed his own kites.

Top 20 most expensive cities in the world

2009-08-15T22:21:00.000-07:00

20 place - Dubai, UAE (52 - position in the ranking of 2008)

19 place - Helsinki, Finland (21)

18 place - Rome, Italy (16)

17 place - Tel-Aviv, Israel (14)

16 Place - London, United Kingdom (3)

15 place - Caracas, Venezuela (89)

14 place - Oslo, Norway (4)

13 place - Paris, France (12)

12 place - Shanghai, China (24)

11 place - Milan, Italy (10)

10 place - Singapore (13)

9 place - Beijing, China (20)

8 place - New York, United States (22)

7 place - Copenhagen, Denmark (7)

6 place - Zurich, Switzerland (9)

5 place - Hong Kong (6)

4 place - Geneva, Switzerland (8)

3 place - Moscow, Russia (1)

2 place - Osaka, Japan (11)

1 place - Tokyo, Japan (2)

The best places of the world

2009-01-21T17:53:00.000-08:00

France, Champagne (Aube), Troyes, Place Alexandre Israel.

Spain, Valencia, Principe Felipe Science Museum and reflection in pool.

Spain, Mallorca.

Portugal, Lisbon, Barrio Alto, Carmo Church.

Castelo do Almourol reflected in Tagus River.

Red Sea.

Brazil, Costa Verde.

Waterfront, Colonia, Uruguay.

Austria, Vienna, Schloss Belvedere reflected in pond.

Prague, Old Town Square, View from Old Town Hall Tower.

Cote d'Azur.

France, Burgundy-Cote D'Or, Dijon, Rue Musette

Etosha National Park - Namibia

2008-11-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

Namibia's premier Game Park

Etosha National Park is one of Southern Africa's finest and most important Game Reserves.

Etosha Game park was declared a National Park in 1907 and covering an area of 22 270 square km, it is home to 114 mammal species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish. The Etosha Park is one of the first places on any itinerary designed for a holiday in Namibia.

Etosha, meaning "Great White Place", is dominated by a massive mineral pan. The pan is part of the Kalahari Basin, the floor of which was formed around 1000 million years ago. The Etosha Pan covers around 25% of the National Park. The pan was originally a lake fed by the Kunene River. However the course of the river changed thousands of years ago and the lake dried up. The pan now is a large dusty depression of salt and dusty clay which fills only if the rains are heavy and even then only holds water for a short time. This temporary water in the Etosha Pan attracts thousands of wading birds including impressive flocks of flamingos. The perennial springs along the edges of the Etosha Pan draw large concentrations of wildlife and birds.

A San legend about the formation of the Etosha Pan tells of how a village was raided and everyone but the women slaughtered. One woman was so upset about the death of her family she cried until her tears formed a massive lake. When the lake dried up nothing was left apart from a huge white pan.

The game viewing in Etosha National Park is excellent, the best time being from May to September - the cooler months in Namibia. Visitors to Etosha Game Reserve can expect to see many buck species, elephant, giraffe, rhino and lions. More fortunate visitors will see leopard and cheetah. There is a network of roads linking the three campsites and subsidiary roads lead to various waterholes.

When it was originally proclaimed at the turn of the century the Etosha Park consisted of an area of 100,000 square kilometres. This was the largest reserve on earth but in the 1960's political pressure resulted in the Park being reduced to its current size.

Traditionally visitors to Etosha have had a choice of three rest camps - Namutoni, Halali and Okaukuejo - that are operated by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Each camp has tourist facilities such as a restaurant, a shop (selling only basic goods), a motor garage for fuel and basic repairs, and a swimming pool, as well as various grades of accommodation and camping facilities. September 2008 heralded the opening of Onkoshi Camp a brand new lodge inside Etosha - this is the first development inside the park in several decades and looks set to offer an environmentally friendly luxury experience

Non-resident visitors to Etosha, i.e. those residing at one of the many private lodges and hotels around Etosha, can stop off at these camps for rest, recreation, and refueling. All three camps have floodlit waterholes, two of which provide excellent night game viewing. Rhino and elephant are often seen at the waterhole at Okaukuejo, while the newer waterhole at Halali is fast attracting more wildlife. However, Namutoni waterhole is disappointing, probably because there are so many other waterholes in the vicinity.

Because the quality of accommodation and service is higher at the private establishments, which can be found outside the Etosha PArk, visitors often choose to stay in them rather than within the camps. Many of these establishments offer private game drives, either in their own game reserves or in Etosha Park itself.

The main entrance to the park is called the "Andersson Gate" situated near Okaukuejo in the south. The eastern entrance is called the "Von Lindequist Gate" and is near Namutoni. The new "Nehale lya Mpingana Gate" gate, (King Nehale Gate) was opened at the beginning of 2003 in the north-east.

Visitors should note that the park is only open from sunrise to sunset. Outside of these hours, visitors either have to be in one of the camps, or completely outside the park - or sleep in their cars, surrounded by sharp-toothed prowlers and the sounds of bush at night!

Unlike many other African game reserves, Etosha does not have its own guided safaris. For those wanting a guided experience the options are either staying at one of the private lodges around the park which offer daily game drives, joining a scheduled guided safari to Etosha (usually starting in Windhoek), or custom making a private guided safari through the park.

Photo: Picture-Alliance

Subway in Korea

2008-08-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

The photos show the subway in Korea. It look very comfortable and nice.

Walt Disney Parks

2008-04-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

Colorful places in the Netherlands

2008-02-27T03:41:00.000-08:00

The Yellow Street in Schiedam, Netherlands.
The city of Schiedam is one of the poorest city in the Netherlands. This Yellow Street is supposed to become the new entrance to the city centre. In anticipation to this fact, Schiedam now has its Yellow Brick Road, which -according to the legend- leads to glory and fortune.

The blue street in Rotterdam.
Long road painted blue. The idea is that is a river instead of the not road and some cars there drowned.

The blue building in Rotterdam
This unusual building is named Beukelsblue and his location in Beukelsdijk 21- 39. The building is derelict and will eventually be demolished, but for now painted in blue.

Source: Florentijn Hofman

Amazing carnaval Rio 2008

2008-02-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

February 2, in the city of Rio de Janeiro has launched a traditional carnival. Rio de Janeiro is among the biggest cities in South America and the most popular of cultural celebrations is the Carnaval.

Photos: ©Reuters, AP, AFP, DPA

The fire festival "Up-Helly-Aa"

2008-02-04T08:36:00.000-08:00

"Up-Helly-Aa" is a very impressive spectacle, a celebration of Shetland history, and a triumphant demonstration of the islanders' skills and spirit. This northern Mardi Gras lasts just one day (and night) and held on the last Tuesday in January. Only men can take an active part in the celebrations "Up-Helly-Aa". The first celebration was in 1878.

Lerwick, Scotland. (Photo: AFP)

Sancheoneo Ice Festival in Korea

2008-01-14T23:39:00.000-08:00

People drop lines in holes on a frozen river at a trout fishing festivity in Hwacheon, about 20 km (12 miles) south of the demilitarised zone separating two Koreas, northeast of Seoul. The trout fishing event was part of the annual ice festival, which attracted more than 1,000,000 people and lasts for three weeks in January.

(Xinhua Photo)

U2 build the highest skyscraper in Ireland

2007-12-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

Start of construction is planned for the year 2008, while in 2011 skyscraper will be completed. Investing in the U2 Tower amount to 140 million pounds sterling (about 290 million dollars).

Berlin Festival of Lights

2007-10-19T18:08:00.001-07:00

Berlin Festival of Lights - bigger and even more fascinating than last year, Berlin Festival of Lights illuminates Berlins famous sights, places and buildings.

Photo: DPA, DDP, AP, Reuters, Getty Images

Photos: 2007 Oktoberfest

2007-10-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

Photo: Uwe Lein / AP; Volker Dornberger / DPA; Diether Endlicher / AP; Matthias Schrader / DPA; Timm Schamberger / DDP; Karl-Josef Hildenbrand / DPA.

Photos: 2007 Oktoberfest

2007-10-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Photos: Dubai

2007-09-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

Burning Man Festival

2007-09-04T02:52:00.000-07:00

Photo: AP

At Black Rock Desert in the State of Nevada completed holiday arts and extreme expressions - festival called Burning Man Festival.

Vatu Vara island for $75 000 000

2007-08-03T11:43:00.001-07:00

The Most Beautiful & Expensive Private Island in the World

The magnificent island of Vatu Vara is often referred to as “Hat Island” because of it’s unusual shape. The island is reputed by many to be the most beautiful in . It’s unique topography with limestone cliffs covered in dense tropical jungle and the flat summit is like a cross between Bora Bora and “The Lost World” of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. From the top of it jungle-clad 1,030 foot peak, to the bottom of it’s aquamarine lagoon this is 100% pure tropical paradise. All the cinematic clichés about tropical islands are here for real; and to continue the theme you even get Mel Gibson as a neighbour. He owns Mago island just 32 kilometres to the east.
The volcanic and limestone island is nearly 2 miles in diameter at its base. It’s 305 meter summit, the highest in Lau, is a massive truncated pyramid bounded on all sides by almost perpendicular cliffs up to 200 feet in height. The crest of the pyramid is some 40 acres in extent, and is generally flat, although pitted with holes and depressions from 6-30 feet deep, some of them filled with water. At it’s base there is in most places a wide belt of gently sloping land, standing not more that 25 feet (7.5m) above sea level, and forming the brim of the hat suggesting the island’s profile. On the northern and eastern edges of the island the sea breaks against the limestone cliffs, which are deeply undercut; but elsewhere the island is circled by a broad fringing reef, which, off the western coast swings sharply away from the shore to enclose the lagoon. The precipitous sides of the central mass are scored by three shallow terraces, marking pauses in the uplift of the island; but these are not readily observed, being smothered under the dense vegetation that clothes the whole towering structure.
It’s unmistakable shape, and it’s massive peak like that of a vast stone hat, dominates the surrounding skyline and is recognizable over a radius of thirty-five miles (56km) from nearby islands such as Kaibu, Yacata, and Vanua Mbalavu. The limestone cliffs souring above the beaches, lending an aura of majesty that few islands in the in possess. The closest island in appearance is Monu Riki island in the Mamanucas which was the location for Tom Hank’s in “Cast Away”; but Vatu Vara dwarfs Monu Riki by comparison.
It is hard resist hyperbole when describing the island, but the exquisite and cinematic topography of Vatu Vara has even attracted numerous geologists over the years. It is a former atoll, specifically called a “Guyot”. This is an extinct volcano that has become overgrown by coral reefs to form an atoll. The flat top was once at sea level, which is why the summit is flat. The topography of the island is more reminiscent of Krabi in , Langkawi in or the Aru Islands in Irian Jaya.
The island is surrounded by several beaches, nestled amidst the towering limestone cliffs, and shaded by graceful coconut palms, where one can lie on the sand as fine and white as castor sugar and gaze out at the sunsets over the massive lagoon which envelops the island in a turquoise embrace.
From the beach the lagoon shimmers enticingly with a brilliance of light and color unsurpassed. Put your head under the shimmering waters of the lagoon and the real magic begins. Beneath the sun-gilded waters tinged in turquoise lies a submerged landscape of untouched magic and awesome beauty. More than 400 varieties of fantastic fish glint like ornaments of gold in the iridescent waters of the sheltered lagoons, providing hours of enchantment for snorkelers and scuba divers alike. As you lie languorously in the embrace of the ocean, your only company will be a myriad of queer and familiar fish, the occasional curious turtle, and always the company of swift and graceful birds.

Vatu Vara is located 60 kilometres South West of Vanua Balavu, 20 kilometres south of Kaibu at Lat: 17° 26'00 S Long: 179° 31'00 W. The name Vatu Vara is pronounced with an accent on the final a.

Forest fire

2007-07-10T02:38:00.001-07:00

July 8, 2007 © AP / The Salt Lake Tribune / Chris Detrick
Fillmore, Utah.

July 6, 2007 © AP / East Oregonian / E.J. HarrisHarris

Fire at Arlington (Arlington), Oregon.

July 8, 2007 © AP / The Newhall Signal / Will Davison
A patrol Agva Dulce (Agua Dulce), California.

July 7, 2007 © AP / Dan Steinberg

The road next to the Santa Clarita, California.

July 7, 2007 © AP / Dan Steinberg
LA firemen on a road near the Santa Clarita, California.

July 8, 2007 © AP / The Salt Lake Tribune / Chris Detrick

Burnt Forest Fire Milford Flat near Interstate 15 and Highway 80, Fillmore, Utah.

July 6, 2007 © AP / Bureau of Land Management / Sean Rothwell
Forest fires in Dryuvsi (Drewsey), Oregon.

July 8, 2007 © AP / The Salt Lake Tribune / Chris Detrick
Fire on Milford Flat Highway Interstate 15 and Interstate 80, Fillmore, Utah.

July 8, 2007 © AP / Joe Kafka
Hot Springs forest fire, North Dakota.

July 6, 2007 © AP / Santa Barbara Eliason News-Press/Mike

The CH-54 Skycrane helicopter is extinguishing a forest fire near Los Olivos, California.

July 6, 2007 © AP / Bureau of Land Management / Sean Rothwell
Burns, Oregon.

See more USA forest fires

7 wonders of the world. 07/07/07/

2007-07-05T23:36:00.000-07:00

The biggest global vote ever to have taken place. Millions of people have already voted for their favorite "wonder." Numerous milestones have already been reached on a journey across the Internet, television and the world's media. This journey will reach its pinnacle on July 7, 2007 - 07.07.07, when the world will discover which monuments have been named as the New 7 Wonders of the World.

The Taj Mahal (1630 A.D.) Agra, India
This immense mausoleum was built on the orders of Shah Jahan, the fifth Muslim Mogul emperor, to honor the memory of his beloved late wife. Built out of white marble and standing in formally laid-out walled gardens, the Taj Mahal is regarded as the most perfect jewel of Muslim art in India. The emperor was consequently jailed and, it is said, could then only see the Taj Mahal out of his small cell window.

Alhambra (12th century) Granada, Spain
Mohammed I, the first king of the Nasriden – a Moorish dynasty in Granada - converted a 9th-century castle into his private royal residence, and it is this which we now know as the Alhambra. The structure, which covers an area of 13 hectares, is renowned for its stunning frescoes and interior detail. The building is one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture in the world and is among Europe’s most-visited tourist attractions.

Angkor (12th century) Cambodia
Angkor is the most important monument of the south-east Asian Khmer Empire and the world’s largest sacred temple. Built during the reign of King Suryavaman, at the beginning of the 12th century, Angkor is noted for its intricate ornamentation and striking beauty. With its water moats, concentric walls and magnificent temple mountain in the center, Angkor Wat symbolizes the Hindu cosmos, with its oceans at the periphery and the Meru mountain at the center of its universe.

Christ Redeemer (1931) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This statue of Jesus stands some 38 meters tall, atop the Corcovado mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro. Designed by Brazilian Heitor da Silva Costa and created by French sculptor Paul Landowski, it is one of the world’s best-known monuments. The statue took five years to construct and was inaugurated on October 12, 1931. It has become a symbol of the city and of the warmth of the Brazilian people, who receive visitors with open arms.

The Hagia Sophia (532 - 537 A.D.) Istanbul, Turkey
The Hagia Sophia was erected during the reign of Emperor Justinian (532 - 537 A.D.), when the Byzantine Empire was at the height of its power and influence. The massive dome, which is the prominent architectural feature, has since often been used as a model for the design of Islamic mosques. Indeed, after the fall of Byzantium, the Hagia Sophia was converted into an Ottoman mosque. Today, the monument is a museum serving both Christians and Muslims.

Kiyomizu Temple (749 - 1855) Kyoto, Japan
Laid out in 794 A.D., the palaces and temples of Kyoto were the residences of Japan's emperors and shoguns for more than 1,000 years. The Japanese Emperor is enthroned at the Imperial Palace of Gosho. Among other significant works are the Higashi Nonganji and Nishi Hoganji temple complexes, the Kinkakuji Temple with its 'Golden Pavilion' and the Kiyomizu Temple, the temple of “clear waters.” The Kyoto sites have been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout history and are today among Asia's greatest cultural heritage sites.

The Kremlin and Red Square (1156 - 1850) Moscow, Russia
Built as a residence for Ivan I, the Kremlin was the official residence of the Czars until the 1917 Russian Revolution. Today, it still houses the President’s office. In front of the Kremlin is Red Square – an impressive and exuberant plaza which, for many people, is associated with the infamous May Day demonstrations. Rising from the square is St Basil's Cathedral, built in the 1550s to commemorate Ivan the Terrible's capture of the Mongol stronghold of Kazan.

Machu Picchu (1460-1470), Peru
In the 15th century, the Incan Emperor Pachacútec built a city in the clouds on the mountain known as Machu Picchu ("old mountain"). This extraordinary settlement lies halfway up the Andes Plateau, deep in the Amazon jungle and above the Urubamba River. It was probably abandoned by the Incas because of a smallpox outbreak and, after the Spanish defeated the Incan Empire, the city remained 'lost' for over three centuries. It was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Neuschwanstein Castle (1869 -1884) Schwangau, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle was built in a time when castles and fortresses were no longer strategically necessary. Instead, it was born of pure fantasy – a beautiful, romantic composition of towers and walls in the perfect setting of mountains and lakes. The combination of various architectural styles and intrinsic craftwork has inspired generations of adults and children alike.

Petra (9 B.C. - 40 A.D.), Jordan
On the edge of the Arabian Desert, Petra was the glittering capital of the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV (9 B.C. to 40 A.D.). Masters of water technology, the Nabataeans provided their city with great tunnel constructions and water chambers. A theater, modelled on Greek-Roman prototypes, had space for an audience of 4,000. Today, the Palace Tombs of Petra, with the 42-meter-high Hellenistic temple facade on the El-Deir Monastery, are impressive examples of Middle Eastern culture.

The Pyramid at Chichén Itzá (before 800 A.D.) Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Chichén Itzá, the most famous Mayan temple city, served as the political and economic center of the Mayan civilization. Its various structures - the pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of Chac Mool, the Hall of the Thousand Pillars, and the Playing Field of the Prisoners – can still be seen today and are demonstrative of an extraordinary commitment to architectural space and composition. The pyramid itself was the last, and arguably the greatest, of all Mayan temples.

Statues of Easter Island (10th - 16th Century) Easter Island, Chile
Discovered on Easter Sunday, 1722 by Dutch explorer Jakob Roggeveen, this collection of 25 meter-high stone sculptures still puzzles historians and archaeologists as to its origins. It is believed that a society of Polynesian origin settled here in the 4th century and established a unique tradition of monumental sculpture. Between the 10th and 16th centuries, they erected the enormous stone figures, known as the Moai, which have long fascinated the entire world and endowed this island with a mythical atmosphere.

Stonehenge (3000 B.C. - 1600 B.C.) Amesbury, United Kingdom
Construction of Stonehenge took place between ca. 3000 and 1600 B.C. With each stone weighing around 50 tons, it is regarded as a truly amazing feat of engineering. Although it is not clear who built the monument, nor for what purpose, it has been speculated that it was either a temple dedicated to the worship of ancient earth deities, an astronomical observatory or a sacred burial site.

Sydney Opera House (1954 - 73) Sydney, Australia
When the Sydney Opera House was finished in 1973, this landmark building - in the true sense of the expression, - put the whole continent of Australia on the world map. This building does not imitate or reflect what we generally imagine an opera house might look like, indeed, it is a completely abstract interpretation. The ability to create abstract art only developed after the invention of photography in the late 19th century, when painters first began to experiment with an abstract, cubist interpretation of reality.

The Acropolis of Athens (450 - 330 B.C.) Athens, Greece
Built atop what is known as the “Sacred Rock” of Athens, the Acropolis was to radiate power and protection for its citizens. The temples of the Acropolis have become the some of most famous architectural landmarks of ancient and modern history. Today, the Parthenon in particular is an international symbol of Greek civilization. A graphic illustration of the temple also appears in the UNESCO logo, representing culture and education.

The Eiffel Tower (1887 - 89) Paris, France
The creation of Gustave Eiffel, this magnificent steel tower has come to serve as a symbol of Paris, as well as of France itself. The structure is not only a landmark that is recognized all over the world, but is perhaps the most popular architectural achievement in the Western world. It was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the Empire State Building was constructed. The tower is visited by six million people every year.

Timbuktu (12th century) Mali
In the 12th century, Timbuktu was at the crossroads of the four most important caravan paths supplying the Arab world, which then spanned from the Middle East all the way to Spain. The accumulation of wealth made it one of the wealthiest places on earth at the time. This allowed one of the first universities in the history of humankind to be established– the celebrated Islamic university called the Koranic Sankore, where 20,000 students studied law, medicine, rhetoric, etc. Today, it remains with us as a powerful myth and, in this way, resembles another Ancient Wonder, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

The Great Wall of China (220 B.C and 1368 - 1644 A.D.) China
The Great Wall of China was built to link existing fortifications into a united defense system and better keep invading Mongol tribes out of China. It is the largest man-made monument ever to have been built and it is disputed that it is the only one visible from space. Many thousands of people must have given their lives to build this colossal construction.

The Pyramids of Giza (2600 - 2500 B.C), Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza, the oldest and only Ancient Wonder still standing, are testimony to perfection in art and design, never subsequently achieved. They were built by planners and engineers purely to serve their earthy rulers - who were also their gods. Philosophy did not exist at this time, and creation was not subject to any questioning. The pyramids are the purest of constructions, built for eternity.

The Roman Colosseum (70 - 82 A.D.) Rome, Italy
This great amphitheater in the centre of Rome was built to give favors to successful legionnaires and to celebrate the glory of the Roman Empire. Its design concept still stands to this very day, and virtually every modern sports stadium some 2,000 years later still bears the irresistible imprint of the Colosseum's original design. Today, through films and history books, we are even more aware of the cruel fights and games that took place in this arena, all for the joy of the spectators.

The Statue of Liberty (1886) New York City, U.S.A.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift of the French government to the United States to honor the ideals of freedom and independence. It was a very early gesture of national generosity. This huge statue became a symbol of hope and freedom for many hundreds of millions of people who immigrated to the United States during the 20th century to find a new life of peace and prosperity.

new7wonders.com

The New 7 Wonders of the World - Official Declaration ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday, July 7, 2007 - 07.07.07

2007-06-30T04:03:00.001-07:00

The New 7 Wonders of the World will be announced during the Official Declaration ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday, July 7, 2007 - 07.07.07.

Show information
The event will take place at Portugal's largest venue, the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. The international event will start at 21:30 (9:30 p.m.) local time, ending at 23 (11 p.m.).
The international show, which will include award-presentation appearances by Hilary Swank, Ben Kingsley, Bipasha Basu, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neil Armstrong and Bertrand Piccard, and also will feature performances by Chaka Khan, Jennifer Lopez, Jose Carreras, Alessandro Safina, Joaquín Cortés, and Dulce Pontes, among others.

See related post about 7 wonders

Forest Fire in USA

2007-05-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

© NASA
Forest Fire in Florida and Georgia

© Damian Dovarganes / AP
South California

© Jon M. Fletcher / AP
Taylor, Florida

© Phil Sandlin / AP
Columbia County, Lake City, Florida

© Lexey Swall / Naples Daily News
Picayune Strand State Forest, Naples, Florida

© Kevork Djansezian / AP
Catalina island, California

© Mario Anzuoni / Reuters
Los Angeles firemen are saving Griffith Park

© Reed Saxon / AP
Griffith Park

© Damian Dovarganes / AP
Catalina island, California

Jakobshavns, Greenland

2007-05-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

Volcano at Reunion

2007-04-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

La Reunion is a small island wedged between Madagascar and Mauritius. It is one of twenty-six regions of France and President Jacques Chirac is the head of state. The volcano is about 530,000 years old and has erupted an estimated 170 times since the mid 17th century.
The red hot lava cut roads in half, damaged homes and created huge clouds of steam as it flowed into the Indian Ocean.
It is the third eruption of the Piton de la Fournaise or 'Mountain of the Furnace' this year alone.
About 50 teenagers were taken to hospital from three schools in Saint Joseph with respiratory problems caused by the volcano's sulpher fumes.
Researchers on the island are concerned the recent activity may be creating more cracks lower down the volcano, which will allow the molten lava to spread further.

Cool pics of neon nights in Tokyo

2007-03-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

With 35 million people in the metropolitan area, Tokyo can rightfully be called one of the world's great megacities. It is an endless expanse of buldings and overground highways and railroads, lit by the ever-present neon signs. History and the old has definitly had to take the backseat, with future pushing ahead at full speed. The size and density of Tokyo can be intimidating at first, but with patience and curiosity the many small treasures of the city reveal themselves.

75 years of Sydney Harbour Bridge

2007-03-21T17:29:00.001-07:00

The Sydney Harbour Bridge was completed in 1932 and at that time was truly an engineering achievement and triumph. Prior to this, people had to travel between the city center on the south side of the harbor and the residential on the north side by ferry or a circuitous 20km road route, which involved five bridge crossings.
The single-span arch bridge, colloquially known as the 'Coathanger', and the railway line took eight years to build, and used up to 1,400 workers with 16 killed in accidents during construction. The arch spans 503 meters and supports the weight of the bridge deck. Today, over 150,000 vehicles cross the bridge, about 15 times more than in 1932.
Recently, climbing this bridge has become one of Sydney's new pastimes and is proving a hit with thrill seekers. Thousands of people have taken up the BridgeClimb challenge. A guided climb is available either during daylight or night.

St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Dublin

2007-03-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in more than 20 countries around the world, but the biggest celebrations can obviously be found in Ireland. After a church mass to honor St. Patrick, the entire country celebrates this holiday. It took the city of Dublin 18 months to prepare for this year's five-day-long celebration, which will take place from March 15-19.

New 7 Wonders of the World

2007-03-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

new7wonders.com

Night-life Vienna. A View of the City after Sunset

2007-03-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the panorama of Vienna after the sun has set and experience the magnificently illuminated sights of Vienna.

At your feet – Vienna at night – see the splendid baroque cupolas of the Imperial Palace, neo-Gothic Vienna City Hall, the round Giant Ferris Wheel, the slim spires of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and many attractive apartment houses that were built during the past few years.
Vantage points for views over Vienna at night are not only the Giant Ferris Wheel, but also the Danube Tower with its revolving restaurants, or Kahlenberg in the north of the city. There are also restaurants and bars such as Cantino at the House of Music, the Sky Bar at Steffl Department Store or "Windows of Vienna."
A charming tip for the winter months: guided tours to the roof of the Museum of Natural History – they take place all year, but the view after sunset can only be enjoyed during the winter months.

India: Festival of Color

2007-03-10T03:42:00.000-08:00

Festival is known as the "Festival of Color" and is a celebration of Lord Krishna and God's Creations. The colorful festival of Holi, literally means 'burning', is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna and heralds the onset of spring season. Holi is the time when people from all castes and social strata come together forgetting all past differences and grievances.
Originally the festival was primarily for the Shudras who were otherwise not allowed to participate in festivals. This is specially significant in the rural areas where in many places, there still exists a clear demarcation between each caste and community.

The main ritual on this day centres around a bonfire ceremoniously kindled at the time of the rising moon. This suggests that the festival is also a celebration of the barley harvest. People start collecting fire - wood, cow-dung and rubbish around a central pole in their locality many days in advance. On Choti Holi, they come together to light the fire. Men and women circumambulate the fire singing and dancing. A pot of new barley seeds is buried under the pyre for roasting. These seeds are eaten after the fire is extinguished . Divinations for the coming harvest are cast by interpreting the direction of the flames or by the state of the seeds in the buried pot. People sometimes take embers from the fire to their homes to rekindle their own domestic fires. The ashes from the Holi fire are also believed to provide protection against diseases.

The next day is called 'Dhulendi' and it is during these celeberations that people throw colored powder or 'gulal' and colored water on each other using 'pichkaris' shouting 'bura na mano holi hai'. The origin of this custom can be found in the pranks of Krishna, who used to drench the village belles or "gopis" with water and play tricks on them. 'Thandai', a drink made with almonds and milk, and cannabis 'bhang' pakoras are extremely popular on this day. A typical sweet meat served on this day is 'gujhia' and 'kanji vadas' are a popular appetiser.

Holi at Mathura and Vrindavana is celebrated with great gusto for many days, as these were the places where Krishna spent most of his childhood. Each major temple celebrates Holi in a different day. People throng the temples to get drenched with colored water and consider it a blessing from the god. Of particular interest is the Holi festival in the village of Barsana, 42 km from Mathura. Radha belonged to Barsana while Krishna hailed from Nandagaon. On Holi, men from Nandagaon come to Barsana to celebrate Holi with the women here, who are ready to beat them with sticks instead of playing with 'gulal'. This is called "lathamar Holi". This is very similar to the "Dhulendi Holi" played in Haryana, where the "bhabhi" (sister-in-law) beats her "devar" (younger brother-in-law) with her sari rolled up into a rope. All this is done in good humor and in the evening the devar brings sweetmeats for his bhabhi.

Holi though is not very popular in South India, but a similar festival in the honor of the god of love Kama, takes place there at the same time. While there does not seem to be a direct link between the two rituals, literary sources suggest that both occasions are examples of an age-old tradition of celebrating the arrival of spring.

In Maharashtra and Gujarat, a grand procession of men soaked with colored water walk through the streets shouting 'Govinda alha re alha, zara matki sambhal brijbala''. This refers to Krishna's habit of stealing butter and milk stored in terracotta pots from people's homes. As a child, Krishna who was extremely fond of milk and milk products would prowl into any accessible house with his friends and steal pots of butter or break pots of milk. During Holi, a pot of buttermilk is hung high up in the street. Men forming a human staircase try to break this pot, and whoever succeeds is crowned the Holi king of the locality for that year.

In Bengal, Holi is called Dol Yatra, or the swing festival. Idols of Radha and Krishna are placed on swings and devotees take turns to swing them. Women dance around the swing and sing devotional songs, as men spray colored water at them. In Manipur too, Holi is extremely interesting. It is a six-day festival here, commencing on the full moon day of Phalguna. The traditional and centuries-old Yaosang festival of Manipur amalgamated with Holi in the18th century with the introduction of Vaishnavism. The entire theme of the festival is woven into the worship of Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, also known as Lord Gauranga.

Thabal Chongba, a popular Manipuri folk dance, is associated with this festival. The literal meaning of Thabal is 'moonlight' and Chongba means 'dance', thus 'dancing in the moonlight'. Traditionally conservative Manipuri parents did not allow their daughters to go out and meet any young men without their consent. Thabal Chongba therefore provided the only chance for girls to meet and talk to the boys. In earlier times, this dance was performed in the moonlight accompanied by folk songs. The only musical instrument used was a dholakor drum. It is performed in every locality on all the six days of the festival. Instead of a fire, a hut is built and then set ablaze. The next day, boys go in groups to play gulal with the girls. And in return for playing with them, the girls extract money from the boys.

Another significant feature of the festival in Manipur is the groups of devotees from different areas who gather at the Shree Govindaji Temple in Imphal. Dressed in the traditional white and yellow turbans, they sing songs in praise of Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, play gulal and dance in front of the temple. On Halangkar, the last day of the festival, hundreds of devotees gather at the temple as usual and march together towards the Vijay Govindaji Temple about 3 km west of Imphal where various cultural activities are performed. This brings to an end the Yaosang festival.

Total Lunar Eclipse

2007-03-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

in Israel

Two central solar and two lunar eclipses occur in 2007 as follows:

2007 Mar 03: Total Lunar Eclipse
2007 Mar 19: Partial Solar Eclipse
2007 Aug 28: Total Lunar Eclipse
2007 Sep 11: Partial Solar Eclipse

Predictions for the eclipses are summarized in Figures 1 through 4. World maps show the regions of visibility for each eclipse. The lunar eclipse diagrams also include the path of the Moon through Earth's shadows. Contact times for each principle phase are tabulated along with the magnitudes and geocentric coordinates of the Sun and Moon at greatest eclipse.
All times and dates used in this publication are in Universal Time or UT. This astronomically derived time system is colloquially referred to as Greenwich Mean Time or GMT.

Lausanne

Rome

Cologne

Rio

New York

in Moscow

Manicure contest in BeautyAsia 2007 show

2007-03-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

There is a competition for the most beautiful and unusual nail design, In Singapore. The contest will be conducted within the framework of BeautyAsia 2007.
Turnover of beauty market in Asia is about 39 000 000 $.

BeautyAsia 2007 returns to Singapore in February 2007 with another big gathering of leading manufacturers, suppliers and professionals in the beauty, spa, health and lifestyle industry.
Incorporating SpaAsia 2007 and HealthAsia 2007, it has become the industry’s most established event in the region. Into its 11th year, it attracts key industry players in the growing beauty, spa and health fields.
Launching in 2007 is NaturalAsia 2007. The exhibition is the place where manufacturers, suppliers and practitioners converge and conduct business. It is also the place where you can learn about the latest trends in natural products retailing, supplements regulations, and multi-country market and products forecasts through our comprehensive educational programme and to network.
In addition, a new showcase on fashion products and services will make its debut, BeautyAsia will be a convenient one-stop platform for industry professionals to source for the latest fashion items and related services, and to learn about new industry trends.
Catering to the needs of today’s affluent consumers, this comprehensive showcase presents exciting new products and services, innovative ideas and techniques, the latest trends and vast networking opportunities and business contacts.
As the definitive all-in-one beauty-and-wellness marketing platform, it is an event not to be missed! Contact us today for participation details.

Cuba inside out

2007-02-27T20:35:00.000-08:00

Visa and legal issues for Cuba
A tourist visa card (visada tarjeta del turista) is necessary for travellers from most nations. This visa, which is really little more than a piece of paper on which you list your vital statistics, costs between 15-25 CUC (or 15-25 Euro), depending on where purchased. It is usually valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days at any immigration office in Cuba - beyond this you would need a pretty good reason. Canadians are the exception, getting 90 days on arrival and can apply for a 90 day extension. Your passport needs to be valid at least six months past the end of your planned return.
Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda (28 days), Barbados (28 days), Belarus, Dominica, Grenada (60 days), Malaysia (90 days), Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines and Singapore who can stay 30 days without visa.
It is important to note that there is also a departure tax of CUC 25, to be paid in cash when departing Cuba.
On arrival you must already have a legal housing booking (hotel or casa particular) for at least three days. If you've written in the name of a good hotel on the tourist card, the officials should rarely ask for proof.
Cuban customs can be strict, though they sometimes go easy on tourists.

Festival Photos of Quebec Winter Carnival 2007

2007-02-26T18:04:00.000-08:00

The Quebec Winter Carnival - A Festival of Heritage and Family Fun

The most colourful part of the Carnival is the brightly lit night parades. Every year some half a million spectators bundle up and line the snowy streets of the city. The parades feature fantastic floats, marching bands and many clowns. Even though it was freezing cold - about six degrees below zero - the night that I watched the parade, I could not believe my eyes when a band of young ladies marched by dressed in kilts.

To the Québécois, Carnaval is more than an annual celebration. It’s a state of mind, a place where for ten days every February, they glorify winter. It's a place where people's imaginations take over, where adults can feel like kids again. For the Québécois, winter is a time for rejoicing and what better way to do that than to join them in celebrating Carnaval.

Great photos from the Ivrea Carnival 2007 and Orange Fight

2007-02-24T12:32:00.000-08:00

ITALY Ivrea Carnival, Piedmont - another colourful carnival, but with a different ending as the whole town partakes in a monstrous orange fight.

The most ancient Carnival in the world is a unique event that takes place in the Medieval town of Ivrea, near Turin in Piedmont. During Carnival, Ivrea is illuminated with lights and colours and the air is saturated with intense penetrating perfumes of oranges. It is a festivity of ancient origins (end of 12th century) which recalls, among other things, the rebellion of Ivrea against the Ranieri tyranny, symbolized by the famous Battle of the Oranges.

The Carnival of Ivrea is the only Carnival in the world which has a real plot and tells a story in which the protagonists are not carnival characters, but ideal figures, the symbols of anarchic values and actors of ancient events.

Even if the original core of the legend has been gradually adapted over the years to the requirements of the various periods, there remain two main trends of events which make up the plot. The first goes back to the Middle Ages, when Federico Barbarossa installed the tyrant Raineri di Biandrate as lord of the town. For a long time the violence and abuse of power exasperated the people, who in 1194 rose up and destroyed the tyrant’s castle, the symbol of oppression. The same fate was reserved to another despot in 1266, the Marquis Gugliemo of Monferrato.

Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival

2007-02-23T16:56:00.000-08:00

Officially, the festival starts from January 5th and lasts one month. However often the exhibitions open earlier and last longer, weather permitting. Ice sculpture decoration ranges from the modern technology of lasers to traditional ice lanterns. There are ice lantern park touring activities held in many parks in the city. Winter activities in the festival include Yabuli alpine skiing, winter-swimming in Songhua River, and the ice-lantern exhibition in Zhaolin Garden. Snow carving and ice and snow recreations are world famous.
The Harbin festival is one of the world's four largest ice and snow festivals, along with Japan's Sapporo Snow Festival, Canada's Quebec City Winter Carnival, and Norway's Ski Festival.

Morning Glory Pool

2007-02-22T15:03:00.000-08:00

The Morning Glory Pool is only 1.4 miles from the Old Faithful Visitors Center by way of a partial boardwalk partial paved path. Along the way you will pass many of Yellowstone's notable geysers like Grotto Geyser and Castle Geyser. Morning Glory Pool is a hot spring and was named in the 1880's for its sapphire color which was similar to the color of the morning glory flower. Since the time the pool was named, the pool has been polluted by visitors who littered rocks, coins, and other objects into the pool. Some seemed to think it was a natural version of a wishing well. Each of these objects have took part in blocking the path of the vent which gives the pool its heat. The lack of direct heat from the vent dropped its temperature from nearly 200 degrees Fahrenheit (100 Celsius) at the surface to a colder 140-120 degrees (65-50 Celsius). This drop changed kinds of bacteria living near the surface from Archaea which grows only in water 170 degrees Fahrenheit (75 Celsius) or more to others. The colder bacteria comes in many different colors like: Cyanobacteria (163 F or 73 C) yellow Fungi and Algae (140 F or 60 C) yellow/green Protozoa (133 F 66 C) Orange Mosses (122 F or 50 C) Brown.

The 72 th Lemon Festival, Menton France

2007-02-18T16:30:00.000-08:00

Further eastwards along the coast near the Italian border, but still only 30 minutes from Nice airport, is the normally sedate and rather aristocratic Menton. For a century they have been offering an assault on the senses with 130 tonnes of oranges and lemons transformed into carnival floats.
It's an amazing spectacle. But what do they do with all afterwards? Well, there's a lot of fruit juice in town, but you can go on an excursion to jam-makers (enquire at the tourist office), and patisseries all over town sell the famous tarte du citron mentonnais.
Take a trip to the citrus groves - where the scent of the flowers still in blossom is overwhelming. Wonderful!
Menton's Fête du Citron is 70 years old this year, so it promises to be something special, with nearly half a million people descending on the town. There are huge citrus sculptures are on show in the Boivès Gardens. This year's theme is Alice in Wonderland.
Staff in the modern Hotel Riva by the sea will be wearing traditional mentonnais costumes and there's a special citrus menu (Send them an e-mail; rooms cost from £60), but for a taste of La Belle Epoque try the sumptuous Aiglon Hotel and restaurant (send an e-mail), an old villa with lemon groves and bougainvillea gardens. Special festival weekend packages on request.
You can reach Menton easily from Nice on the coastal train.

The Carnival of Venice 2007

2007-02-17T16:03:00.000-08:00

The Carnival of Venice is the most important and magnificent of Venetian celebrations, a much appreciated cocktail of tradition, spectacle, history and transgression set in a unique city, a festival that attracts thousands of people each year to the city from around the world.

The 2007 Carnival edition is dedicated to Carlo Goldoni. The year 2007 is the three-hundred year anniversary of the birth of Venice's most famous and most representative playwright. The 2007 Carnival will be a popular and all-embracing one. It will be a mosaic of arts, made up of numerous pieces, with various and entertaining themes: live music, comedy, acrobats, dancing, costume parades with competitions for the most beautiful masks.

Rio Carnival

2007-02-03T19:31:00.000-08:00

The Carnival is a national holiday in Brazil, from Friday night to the following Wednesday noon. Most Brazilians continue the holiday until the following Monday, a total of 10 days. While many Rio habitants leave the city for quiet places, many tourists (including Brazilians) arrive Rio to participate in the Carnival celebrations.

Top 10 Best Cities

2006-03-13T12:41:00.000-08:00