tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69505322901143926882024-02-09T00:22:17.954+05:30Travel EncyclopediaThe Ultimate Travel GuideAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-3772259219598562172013-05-29T19:44:00.001+05:302013-05-29T19:49:39.925+05:30What to See in Africa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Africa is rich in flora and fauna, wildlife safaris and
natural and man-made wonders. Don’t miss to see the following places of
attraction when in Africa:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/08/enchanting-eight-highest-waterfalls-of.html" target="_blank">Enchanting Eight Highest Waterfalls of Africa</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #f9fcff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Waterfalls, aren’t they beautiful to look at? Imagine a scene of water gushing down to land at full speed…wow. Have you tried throwing stones in the water or leaving paper boats on them? I definitely have enjoyed making paper boats and leaving them on water. Here is a list of 8 highest waterfalls of Africa. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #f9fcff; color: #5b6b7e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #f9fcff; color: #5b6b7e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/08/enchanting-eight-highest-waterfalls-of.html" target="_blank">Read more...</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/08/best-and-must-see-top-tourist.html" target="_blank">Top 5 Tourist Attractions of Mauritius</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9fcff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Mauritius is definitely one of the popular travel destinations among travelers. Mauritius is a small island situated off the southeast coast of Africa. Mauritius is divided into five zones, namely, Northern Touristic Zone, East, South East, West, and the Interior. Mauritius is famous for its sandy white beaches, coral reefs, stunning scenery and warm climate. I present you with some of the best and must see tourist attractions in Mauritius Island.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/08/best-and-must-see-top-tourist.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read more...</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/11/top-10-man-made-wonders-or-landmarks-of.html" target="_blank">Top 10 Man-Made Wonders of Egypt</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: #f9fcff; line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/10/seven-wonders-of-colombia.html" style="outline: none; text-decoration: none;">Seven Wonders of the World</a></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: #f9fcff; line-height: 20px;"> is something that all of us are aware of; there are several man-made wonders all around the world and these are prominent landmarks of a particular country. Say for example, when we say France the first thing that comes to our mind is the Eiffel Tower. This holds true for any country like the United States of America, United Kingdom, India, Italy, etc. Every country has some unique landmarks; here are the top 10 man-made landmarks of Egypt listed in alphabetical order</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/11/top-10-man-made-wonders-or-landmarks-of.html" target="_blank">Read more...</a></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-72105756298139165042012-12-12T11:33:00.000+05:302012-12-12T11:33:57.313+05:30Best Places to Celebrate Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Holiday season has started yet again, first
comes Christmas followed by New Year; Christmas is nearing and I am sure many
of you would be wondering where to go this year to celebrate Christmas. How
about giving some choices to you to choose from? Isn’t that a great idea?
Yes…my choices of 7 best places to celebrate Christmas this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">1. New
York city, United States of America<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ImDzFUchIy0/UMgYNJegceI/AAAAAAAABDw/pUtcLNUQK5w/s1600/704px-Xmastreenewyork06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ImDzFUchIy0/UMgYNJegceI/AAAAAAAABDw/pUtcLNUQK5w/s640/704px-Xmastreenewyork06.jpg" title="Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, New York" width="586" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Xmastreenewyork06.jpg" target="_blank">Courtesy:Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
How about visiting a place where the
Christmas tree is put every year for the past 79 years? Yes…Rockefeller Center
puts up a large Christmas tree every year and this tradition is followed since
1933. The tree is generally 69 to 100 feet tall and the lighting is broadcasted
nationwide on NBC. Rockefeller Center holds the record for erecting the tallest
Christmas tree by erecting a 100 feet tall Christmas tree in the year 1999. “The
Nutcracker” ballet is one that you must not miss when visiting New York for
Christmas. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">2. Paris,
France <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r4g_6Wgf7lo/UMgZoeTuYnI/AAAAAAAABEE/sH-immZMkTI/s1600/640px-ChampsElysee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r4g_6Wgf7lo/UMgZoeTuYnI/AAAAAAAABEE/sH-immZMkTI/s640/640px-ChampsElysee.jpg" title="Champs Elysees during Christams" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night view of Champs-Elysees during Christmas<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/ChampsElysee.jpg/640px-ChampsElysee.jpg" target="_blank">Courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
How can one forget a city that is dubbed as
“City of Lights” when it comes to Christmas? What city am I referring to? Of
course, it is Paris, France. During the beginning of the Christmas season, do
not miss to visit Champs-Elysees; this is one of the most important places
where Christmas lights are lit in the presence of hundreds of people and the
French President. Try going for an ice skating below Eiffel Tower to catch up
the spirit of Christmas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">3. Zurich,
Switzerland<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2tmhQ4v8TC4/UMgazCzpajI/AAAAAAAABEM/06eLMUeoqKs/s1600/singing_christmas_tree_2010_016+Kopie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2tmhQ4v8TC4/UMgazCzpajI/AAAAAAAABEM/06eLMUeoqKs/s640/singing_christmas_tree_2010_016+Kopie.jpg" title="Zurich, Switzerland" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singing Christmas tree, Zurich, Swtizerland<br /><br /><a href="http://singingchristmastree.ch/" target="_blank">Courtesy:Singingchristmastree</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Is Switzerland famous only for chocolates
and snow-clad mountains? Nah…they are famous for Christmas celebrations too.
Zurich is the best place for Christmas markets and to witness the “Singing
Christmas Tree.” The best place for <a href="http://www.zuerich.com/en/weihnachtsmaerkte.html?f1=ztxmas1&zeitraum=365#title">Christmas
market</a> is at the SBB railway station as it is not subject to the closing
hour laws. Visit Wiehnachtsmart and enjoy the “<a href="http://singingchristmastree.ch/fuehrungen.html">Singing Christmas Tree</a>.”
It is here where small children sing Christmas carols. You can also be a part
of guided Christmas tours. There is a special tour called “Guided tour with the
night watchman” where you can understand a lot about Christmas as well have a
slice of backed tirggel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">4. London,
United Kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wrvg2pPDrsc/UMgcTsBIlGI/AAAAAAAABEU/Tq2TvfaD4ug/s1600/640px-Regent_Street_Christmas_Lights_-_Dec_2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="438" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wrvg2pPDrsc/UMgcTsBIlGI/AAAAAAAABEU/Tq2TvfaD4ug/s640/640px-Regent_Street_Christmas_Lights_-_Dec_2006.jpg" title="Regent Street Christmas Lights, London, UK" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lights glowing in Regent Street, London, United Kingdom for Christmas<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Regent_Street_Christmas_Lights_-_Dec_2006.jpg/640px-Regent_Street_Christmas_Lights_-_Dec_2006.jpg" target="_blank">Courtesy:Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
London is a very popular tourist attraction
almost all through the year; how can one forget London during Christmas? If you
are literally in love with Christmas lights, there is no better place than London
to view it. You don’t have to shell out money to see these Christmas lights;
just walk through Oxford Street, Bond Street, Regent Street or Trafalgar Square
to witness the beautifully decorated <a href="http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/christmas-lights-london-feature-roundup-4219.html">Christmas
lights</a>. If you feel like playing in the ice during Christmas, you can
always visit the <a href="http://www.visitlondon.com/tag/christmas-2012">ice
skating rinks</a> Hyde Park or Somerset House.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">5. Melbourne,
Australia <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1KvVBTBwFY/UMgdak-YFVI/AAAAAAAABEc/hjNmgj1AvoY/s1600/melbourne-best-christmas-events.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="394" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1KvVBTBwFY/UMgdak-YFVI/AAAAAAAABEc/hjNmgj1AvoY/s640/melbourne-best-christmas-events.jpg" title="Melbourne, Australia during Christmas" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas tree decorations in Melbourne, Australia<br /><br /><a href="http://media.au.timeout.com/contentFiles/image/around-town/melbourne-best-christmas-events.jpg" target="_blank">Courtesy:Timeout</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It’s summer in <a href="http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/whatson/christmas/Pages/Christmas.aspx">Australia
during Christmas</a> and will definitely offer a different Christmas from the way
it is celebrated where Christmas is celebrated during winter or in other words White
Christmas. Melbourne is the best place to witness giant Christmas decorations,
carols at the Myer Music Bowl, Christmas celebrations at Scots’ church, visiting
Santa at the Christmas Square, etc. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Merry Christmas!</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-12623800686382887842012-10-29T15:07:00.000+05:302012-10-29T15:07:40.898+05:3010 Famous Inclined Towers or Leaning Towers around the World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Leaning Towers, also called as “Inclined
Towers” are towers that are intentionally built to lean or incline over an
angle. When talking about leaning towers, the first tower that comes to our mind
is the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa or Torre di Pisa, Italy. The fact is
that this leaning tower was not intentionally built to lean. Presenting below
are some of the famous inclined towers around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">10. Leaning
Temple of Huma, Orissa, India<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuOtwRr3uYA/UI5NyT4dnkI/AAAAAAAABC0/2IKVZ51SiPU/s1600/Huma_SBP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LuOtwRr3uYA/UI5NyT4dnkI/AAAAAAAABC0/2IKVZ51SiPU/s640/Huma_SBP.jpg" title="Leaning Temple of Huma, India" width="550" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaning Temple of Huma, the only leaning temple in the world</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Want to see the only leaning temple in the
world? If yes, come and visit the Leaning Temple of Huma dedicated to Lord
Shiva in India in the state of Orissa, now, called as Odisha. It is not sure whether this temple was
constructed this way on purpose or is a fault with the design. If you visit
this temple, you can notice that it is the edifice that is leaning and not the
pinnacle of the temple. It is believed that this temple was built by Emperor
Anangabhima Deva-III, but later either rebuilt or renovated by King Baliar
Singh. Plan a visit to this temple during March if you wish to see the annual
fair, which will be held to commemorate Shivrathri, a famous Hindu festival.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">9.
Leaning Tower of Nevyansk, Nevyansk, Russia<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qdmDXVruVKQ/UI5NMsQJjlI/AAAAAAAABCs/sR4gSkfuKv0/s1600/Leaning+Tower+of+Nevyansk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qdmDXVruVKQ/UI5NMsQJjlI/AAAAAAAABCs/sR4gSkfuKv0/s640/Leaning+Tower+of+Nevyansk.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaning Tower of Nevyansk, Russia<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/%D0%9D%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%8C%D1%8F%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%B1%D0%B0%D1%88%D0%BD%D1%8F3.jpg/402px-%D0%9D%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%8C%D1%8F%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%B1%D0%B0%D1%88%D0%BD%D1%8F3.jpg" target="_blank">Courtesy: Wikimedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leaning Tower of Nevyansk is believed to be
built in the 18<sup>th</sup> century (anywhere between 1725 and 1732); however,
information on when this leaning tower was constructed is not known. It is a
189 feet tall tower with a right angle inclination of 7 feet 3 inches from the
top of the tower. As the answer to the question of when it was built is a
mystery so is the purpose of the tower. There are many debates on the purpose
of the tower, which includes a watchtower, bell tower, prison, laboratory, etc.
It is a popular belief that the inclination towards to southwest is to
symbolize the birth of Demidov. Even though much of the information about the
tower is not known, it is the first tower in the world with cast iron cupola.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">8. Sharps
Island Light, Tilghman Island, Maryland<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-gmMsV3m5g/UI5MT-fgSjI/AAAAAAAABCk/8DycyJA-Bd4/s1600/SHARPS_ISLAND_LIGHT_1_72_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="402" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-gmMsV3m5g/UI5MT-fgSjI/AAAAAAAABCk/8DycyJA-Bd4/s640/SHARPS_ISLAND_LIGHT_1_72_500.jpg" title="Sharps Island Light, Maryland" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharps Island lighthouse, endangered lighthouse in Maryland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sharps Island lighthouse is the third
lighthouse in Maryland and was built using cast iron. The lighthouse is 35 feet
tall and leans at an angle of 15 degrees. This was automated in the year 1938
and was later deactivated in 2010. This is one of the picturesque lighthouses
as well as poorly maintained. Sharps Island lighthouse got a place for itself
in the National Register of Historic Places in July 1982 and is one of the
endangered lighthouses.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">7. Leaning
Tower of Niles, Touhy Avenue, Illinois<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-Dk6hjNPoE/UI5L0i-vIUI/AAAAAAAABCc/IaYvTQTQ3gM/s1600/768px-Leaning_Tower_of_Niles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-Dk6hjNPoE/UI5L0i-vIUI/AAAAAAAABCc/IaYvTQTQ3gM/s640/768px-Leaning_Tower_of_Niles.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaning Tower of Niles, an exact replica of Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you trying to visit Paris to see the
Leaning Tower of Pisa, but unable to do so; how about seeing a replica of it?
Yes…Leaning Tower of Niles is a replica of Leaning Tower of Pisa and ½ the size
of it. The original idea of constructing this tower was to store water for
outdoor swimming pools. This was constructed by industrialist Robert Ilg. He
built it as a part of Recreation Park for his employees. This tower now holds 4
fountains and a swimming pool of 30 feet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">6. Olympic
Stadium, Montreal, Quebec, Canada<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iP1NUxuquU0/UI5LYBYnmnI/AAAAAAAABCU/EOh7CeY4evI/s1600/Montreal_-_QC_-_Olymiastadion1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iP1NUxuquU0/UI5LYBYnmnI/AAAAAAAABCU/EOh7CeY4evI/s640/Montreal_-_QC_-_Olymiastadion1.jpg" title="Olympic Stadium, Canada" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olympic Stadium, Canada's highest seating capacity stadium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a doughnut shaped multi-purpose stadium
built to host the 1976 Summer Olympics in Canada; it is nicknamed as the “Big O”
due to its shape. This has a record of being the stadium with highest seating
capacity in Canada. It was used as football and baseball stadium for some time,
but now mainly used to conduct special events. This is the tallest inclined
tower in the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">5. Gate
of Europe, Madrid, Spain <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-_D0LsOD-8/UI5JyJjnA2I/AAAAAAAABCM/2vpq4v-e8co/s1600/717px-Obelisco_calatrava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-_D0LsOD-8/UI5JyJjnA2I/AAAAAAAABCM/2vpq4v-e8co/s640/717px-Obelisco_calatrava.jpg" title="Gate of Europe, Spain" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gate of Europe, the world's first inclined skyscraper and Spain's second tallest twin tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gate of Europe is the first inclined
skyscraper in the world and the second tallest twin towers in Spain. Each of
these buildings is 115 meter tall and is inclined at an angle of 15 degrees. Both
these towers have a rooftop helicopter pad. These were designed by American
architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">4.
Tiger Hill Pagoda, Suzhou City, China<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vabLwen6bLM/UI5I_zl88dI/AAAAAAAABCE/Y8qTZTvM5Cc/s1600/Tower+Hill+Pagoda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vabLwen6bLM/UI5I_zl88dI/AAAAAAAABCE/Y8qTZTvM5Cc/s640/Tower+Hill+Pagoda.jpg" title="Leaning Tower of China" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger Hill Pagoda nicknamed the "Leaning Tower of China"<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/16/Yunyansi_Pagoda_1.jpg/576px-Yunyansi_Pagoda_1.jpg" target="_blank">Courtesy: Wikimedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Tiger Hill Pagoda is a Chinese pagoda
situated in the Suzhou city of China. It is popularly known as the “Leaning
Tower of China” and was built during the “Five Dynasties” period. The pagoda is
154 feet tall with an inclination of roughly 3 degrees; this inclination is due
to the fact that the foundation of the pagoda is half rock and half soil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">3.
Leaning Tower of Suurhusen, Suurhusen, Germany<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ak_LFxfp5k4/UI5IZO88hQI/AAAAAAAABB8/ywWHrZfrMR4/s1600/Leaning+Tower+of+Suurhusen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="472" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ak_LFxfp5k4/UI5IZO88hQI/AAAAAAAABB8/ywWHrZfrMR4/s640/Leaning+Tower+of+Suurhusen.jpg" title="Leaning Tower of Suurhusen, Germany" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaning Tower of Suurhusen, the world's most tilted tower unintentionally tilted, Germany<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/Suurhusen_Church%2C_East_Frisia%2C_Germany._Pic_05.jpg/640px-Suurhusen_Church%2C_East_Frisia%2C_Germany._Pic_05.jpg" target="_blank">Courtesy: Wikimedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to the Guinness World Records,
Leaning Tower of Suurhusen holds the record of the most tilted tower in the
world till 2010; however, it is still the world’s most tilted tower that was
unintentionally tilted. The tower inclines at an angle of 5.194 degrees, which
is 1.22 degrees more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy. This is a British
Gothic church built in the Middle Ages in a marshy land; the church tilted when
the water in the marshy land dried in the 19<sup>th</sup> century.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">2.
Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi, UAE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J99I97KcGMU/UI5Hd2UZNII/AAAAAAAABB0/WvteCWkio_M/s1600/Capital_Gate_Abu_Dhabi_001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J99I97KcGMU/UI5Hd2UZNII/AAAAAAAABB0/WvteCWkio_M/s640/Capital_Gate_Abu_Dhabi_001.JPG" title="Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi, UAE" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi - the world's furthest leaning man-made tower<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Capital_Gate_Abu_Dhabi_001.JPG/512px-Capital_Gate_Abu_Dhabi_001.JPG" target="_blank">Courtesy: Wikimedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Capital Gate claims the record of “World’s
furthest leaning man-made tower” from Guinness World Records and leans at an
angle of 18 degrees westwards. The building is currently owned by Abu Dhabi
National Exhibitions Company. This is the first building in Middle East to
diagrid technology; diagrid technology absorbs and channels the force created
by wind as well seismic pressure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">1. Leaning Tower of Wanaka, Wanaka, New Zealand<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLfk6ZAuaG8/UI5Gc6IBvvI/AAAAAAAABBs/6WSKXPnWZcw/s1600/Leaning+tower+of+wanaka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLfk6ZAuaG8/UI5Gc6IBvvI/AAAAAAAABBs/6WSKXPnWZcw/s640/Leaning+tower+of+wanaka.jpg" title="Leaning Tower of Wanaka, Puzzling World, New Zealand" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaning Tower of Wanaka in Puzzling World, New Zealand<br /><br />Courtesy: <a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6239/6214994894_ee12b704cf_z.jpg" target="_blank">Flickr</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Puzzling World is one of the famous tourist
attractions in Wanaka, New Zealand. When started in 1973, it just had a maze;
however, this is a place full of optical illusions, puzzles that visitors can solve,
hologram hall, tilted house, and much more. The Leaning Tower of Wanaka was
made to tilt at an angle of 53 degrees by pulling the building out of ground
and balancing on one corner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">You will be amazed to look at these amazing
leaning towers or inclined towers in the world!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-24034292409111711152012-08-07T11:13:00.001+05:302012-08-07T11:13:16.293+05:3010 Must Visit Attractions in Shanghai<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Shanghai is the largest as well as the most
developed city in China and has a population of close to 23 million. Shanghai
is located at the mouth of Yangtze River and is a major financial center of
China. This city has lots of visitor attractions as it has lots of historical
landmarks. Shanghai is nicknamed as “showpiece” of China. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">City
God Temple<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TcVDzebNtVM/UCCcDPDpX9I/AAAAAAAAA_c/1jvNdX2x6dM/s1600/640px-20090510_Shanghai_City_God_Temple_6514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TcVDzebNtVM/UCCcDPDpX9I/AAAAAAAAA_c/1jvNdX2x6dM/s640/640px-20090510_Shanghai_City_God_Temple_6514.jpg" title="City God Temple or Chenghuang Miao, Shanghai, China" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the altars of the City God Temple, Shanghai<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/20090510_Shanghai_City_God_Temple_6514.jpg/640px-20090510_Shanghai_City_God_Temple_6514.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
City God Temple also called as “Chenghuang
Miao” is not only a huge temple complex, but also a place where you will find
lots of shops selling almost every traditional product of China. This temple
was constructed to dedicate for Jinshan or the “Gold Mountain.” The temple has
three main deities called Huo Gang (a famous Han dynasty emperor), Qin Yubo
(who served in Yuan Dynasty) and Chen Huacheng (a Qing Dynasty general). The
famous Yuyuan Garden of Shanghai is connected with the City God Temple.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Jade
Buddha Temple<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSBDRctqnzY/UCCdfrsDZVI/AAAAAAAAA_k/G2LgcTOGVyY/s1600/640px-Yu_Fo_Si_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSBDRctqnzY/UCCdfrsDZVI/AAAAAAAAA_k/G2LgcTOGVyY/s640/640px-Yu_Fo_Si_sign.jpg" title="Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front view of Jade Buddha Temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Jade Buddha Temple, one can know from the
name that it is a Buddhist temple was founded in 1882 and has 2 jade Buddha
statues; one statue is a sitting Buddha and the other one is a reclining Buddha
(a smaller statue). Reclining Buddha statue represents the death of Buddha. The
temple contains the following:</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Chamber of Heavenly Kings – contains
statues of Wei Tuo, Bodhisattva, Maitreya and the Four Heavenly Kings. </li>
<li>Grand Hall or Great Hall – contains 3
Golden Buddhas, 18 unique golden arhats, Gods of Twenty Heavens and Guanyin and
Shen Cai with their 53 teachers. </li>
<li>Jade Buddha Chamber, public restaurants and
a Buddhist library.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Jing’an
Temple<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4G8NtbCBP0/UCCfC5KKLMI/AAAAAAAAA_s/K9s6y4awUrM/s1600/640px-0371_Shanghai_Jing'an_Temple_20090627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="432" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4G8NtbCBP0/UCCfC5KKLMI/AAAAAAAAA_s/K9s6y4awUrM/s640/640px-0371_Shanghai_Jing'an_Temple_20090627.jpg" title="Jing'an Temple means Temple of Peace and Tranquility" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front view of Jing'an Temple<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/0371_Shanghai_Jing%27an_Temple_20090627.jpg/640px-0371_Shanghai_Jing%27an_Temple_20090627.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Jing’an Temple is yet again a Buddhist
temple built in 247 AD. Jing’an means “Temple of Peace and Tranquility;” one
can surely experience this when visiting this famous Buddhist temple. The
temple was originally built beside Suzhou Creek; it was later moved to West
Nanjing Road (the current site). This temple has three main halls, jade Buddha
Hall with a jade Buddha statue, Abbot’s Chambers, a copper bell of Ming
Dynasty, etc. This temple is opened for visitors between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm
daily except on Buddhist holidays; an entrance fee is to be paid to visit the
temple.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Longhua
Temple<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPoS7y_lDNA/UCCg3BMEycI/AAAAAAAAA_0/pWDAuU-WA4Q/s1600/640px-LonghuaTemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPoS7y_lDNA/UCCg3BMEycI/AAAAAAAAA_0/pWDAuU-WA4Q/s640/640px-LonghuaTemple.jpg" title="Longhua Temple, Shanghai" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Longhua Temple, finest architectural example of Song Dynasty<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/LonghuaTemple.jpg/640px-LonghuaTemple.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Longhua Temple is one of the finest
architectural examples of Song dynasty and is dedicated to Maitreya Buddha. It
is one of the city’s largest ancient temple complexes, which was constructed in
242 AD; there are various stories around the construction of the building.
There are various buildings inside the temple, which includes:</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Maitreya Hall with Maitreya Buddha statue</li>
<li>Heavenly King Hall with Four Heavenly Kings
statues</li>
<li>Grand Hall with historical Buddha statue</li>
<li>Three Stages Hall housing Amitabha Buddha,
Buddhistava, and Mahasthamaprapta</li>
<li>Abbot’s Hall</li>
<li>Bell Tower</li>
<li>Drum Tower</li>
<li>Library consists of works of Buddha, his
sutras, the ceremonial instruments, and various artifacts and antiques.</li>
</ul>
<b style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">Jin
Mao Tower</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4eKBy5W_uA0/UCCiG0tyu9I/AAAAAAAAA_8/zeO8l02SKGA/s1600/Shaghai_Jin_Mao.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4eKBy5W_uA0/UCCiG0tyu9I/AAAAAAAAA_8/zeO8l02SKGA/s640/Shaghai_Jin_Mao.JPG" title="Jin Mao Tower, 88-storey skyscraper in Shanghai, China" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jin Mao Tower, the fifth tallest building in the world by roof height</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Jin Mao Tower is an 88-storey skyscraper in
Shanghai city, China and is the worlds’ fifth tallest building by roof height.
This tower boasts of having Shanghai Grand Hyatt Hotel (occupies floors from 53
to 87) as its occupant. Jin Mao Tower is a must visit place if you are looking
for good restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping malls. The entire 88 floors are
divided into 16 segments where each of these segments is 1/8 shorter than the
16-storey base. Chinese consider number 8 as lucky as it symbolizes prosperity;
this building too revolves around this number.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Oriental
Pearl Tower<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZG_SwN-ytg/UCCjADh5wNI/AAAAAAAABAE/89MfHs53RFw/s1600/Shanghai_oriental_pearl_tower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZG_SwN-ytg/UCCjADh5wNI/AAAAAAAABAE/89MfHs53RFw/s640/Shanghai_oriental_pearl_tower.JPG" title="Oriental Pearl Tower" width="406" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oriental Pearl Tower, AAAAA (5A) scenic area by China National Tourism Administration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Oriental Pearl Tower is a TV tower and one
among the significant landmarks of Shanghai, China. This once holds the record
of being the tallest tower in China. According to China National Tourism
Administration, this area is classified as AAAAA (5A) scenic area; this is the
highest rating given by the tourism administration. This rating is given based
on various criteria including the site’s importance, transportation available,
cleanliness, sanitation, etc. The tower contains 11 big and small towers and a
total of 15 observation levels. The sightseeing floor is at 263 meters. This
tower has a revolving restaurant. It is believed that the tower was designed
based on a verse of a poem called Pipa Song from the Tang dynasty; however, the
designer has said that he didn’t have this song in mind when he decided the
design of the tower.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">The
Bund<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHCMxAvVLE8/UCCjz9xOY2I/AAAAAAAABAM/w6uQLEYQHE8/s1600/1280px-The_Bund,_Shanghai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="136" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VHCMxAvVLE8/UCCjz9xOY2I/AAAAAAAABAM/w6uQLEYQHE8/s640/1280px-The_Bund,_Shanghai.jpg" title="The Bund, well-known visitor attractions in Shanghai, China" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bund, at night, a place to see various architectural styles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Bund is one of the most well-known visitor
attractions of Shanghai, China; it is a waterfront area and the height of the
buildings is restricted here. This is one of the must see places in Shanghai if
you are interested in visiting historical buildings. There is a total of 52
buildings in “The Bund” and these boasts of various architectural styles like
Gothic, Renaissance, Art Deco, Romanesque, Baroque, etc. One can find lots of
banks and financial institutions along “The Bund.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Wen
Miao<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TilaUQ_WIM/UCCk5-KhqnI/AAAAAAAABAU/mShIX4h2ecg/s1600/640px-Confucius_Temple_of_Shanghai2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TilaUQ_WIM/UCCk5-KhqnI/AAAAAAAABAU/mShIX4h2ecg/s640/640px-Confucius_Temple_of_Shanghai2.jpg" title="Wen Miao, Shanghai Confucian Temple" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wen Miao, Shanghai Confucian Temple<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Confucius_Temple_of_Shanghai2.jpg/640px-Confucius_Temple_of_Shanghai2.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Wen Miao is a Shanghai Confucian Temple,
built to pay homage to Confucius. Wen Miao Lu was once a fishing village and it
is believed that the temple was first founded by Yuan dynasty; it is also said
that the temple went so many renovations. There is a market outside the temple;
this is opened every Sunday morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Yuyuan
Garden<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4t-2ngP7xvI/UCCqYypLLII/AAAAAAAABBM/9tWyaDY1UZ4/s1600/640px-Shanghai_yuyuan_gardensJPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4t-2ngP7xvI/UCCqYypLLII/AAAAAAAABBM/9tWyaDY1UZ4/s640/640px-Shanghai_yuyuan_gardensJPG.jpg" title="Yuyuan Gardens, Shanghai, China" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuyuan Gardens mean "Garden of Happiness" or "Garden of Peace"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yuyuan Garden is also called as the Yu
Garden, meaning “Garden of Happiness” or “Garden of Peace.” It is a Chinese
garden with a centerpiece made of exquisite Jade Rock. This is considered to be
the largest garden of its era (Ming Dynasty) in Shanghai. It is a 5-acre garden
and is divided into six areas; each of these areas is separated by a dragon
wall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Zhujiajiao
Water Town<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I12SYl7A-cI/UCCqEtdoJ-I/AAAAAAAABBE/tIUzvu0QCLI/s1600/640px-Zhujiajiao-02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I12SYl7A-cI/UCCqEtdoJ-I/AAAAAAAABBE/tIUzvu0QCLI/s640/640px-Zhujiajiao-02.JPG" title="Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zhujiajiao Water Town, a must visit place in Shanghai to witness ancient buildings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Zhujiajiao is a small water town with a
population of roughly 60,000 people and is believed to be 1,700 years old. One
can witness the ancient buildings along the river banks of the city. As the
name suggests, it is a water town and therefore, the transportation is through
boats. One can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine in this water town. This
consists of various bridges, Kezhi garden and Yuanjin Buddhist temple. You can
also shop till you drop at Zhujiajiao Water Town.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-11225204051988538682012-07-31T11:26:00.000+05:302012-07-31T11:26:13.602+05:305 Must See Monuments and Memorials in Paris<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Paris, the capital and the largest city in
France is home for nearly 3,500 historical monuments and four UNESCO World
Heritage Sites. Here are some of monuments and memorials in Paris that you must
not miss when visiting Paris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Arc
de Triomphe<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BCyUFntGfI0/UBdwdYmrqiI/AAAAAAAAA-c/RbCH45P7J4I/s1600/768px-Arc_De_Triomphe_2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BCyUFntGfI0/UBdwdYmrqiI/AAAAAAAAA-c/RbCH45P7J4I/s640/768px-Arc_De_Triomphe_2004.jpg" title="Arc de Triomphe, Paris" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arc de Triomphe with the French Flag (Best example for Neoclassical architecture)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Arc de Triomphe is a 164 feet high monument
and one among Paris’s most famous monuments. This monument is one of the finest
examples of Neoclassical architecture style. The commissioning of Arc de
Triomphe began in 1806; however, the entire construction was completed only in
1836 as the construction was halted for various reasons. The masterminds behind
this famous monument are Jean Chalgrin, Louis-Etienne Hericart de Thury. Arc de
Triomphe holds a lot of sculptures, reliefs, details about some of the great
battles, etc. With the help of a lift, visitors can reach the top of the
monument and can get a panoramic view of the Paris city (one has to climb the
last 46 steps).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Cleopatra’s
Needle<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uI59ITCHsUg/UBdxctayXjI/AAAAAAAAA-k/gRT3IX9lQsA/s1600/Luxor_Temple_Obelisk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uI59ITCHsUg/UBdxctayXjI/AAAAAAAAA-k/gRT3IX9lQsA/s640/Luxor_Temple_Obelisk.JPG" title="Cleopatra's Needle a.k.a. Luxor Obelisk" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleopatra's Needle or Luxor Obelisk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Cleopatra’s Needle is an ancient Egyptian
obelisk and is re-erected in three cities, namely, London, Paris and New York.
If you think this has any connection with Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, it is not
so. They were already more than thousand years old when Queen Cleopatra was
alive. Cleopatra’s Needle at Paris once served as the entrance to the <a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/11/top-10-man-made-wonders-or-landmarks-of.html">Luxor
Temple</a>. Cleopatra’s Needle is also sometimes referred as “Luxor Obelisk.” It
is 23 meters high and is made of red granite. The total weight of the obelisk
is believed to be 250 tonnes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Flame
of Liberty<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd5N4pjT7VU/UBdx3yf8VPI/AAAAAAAAA-s/Ezra29FIp8s/s1600/Flame_of_Liberty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd5N4pjT7VU/UBdx3yf8VPI/AAAAAAAAA-s/Ezra29FIp8s/s640/Flame_of_Liberty.jpg" title="Flame of Liberty, Paris" width="484" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flame of Liberty, above the tunnel of Pont de l'Alma where Princess Diana died in an accident</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
One can notice a torch with flame in the
hands of Statue of Liberty, one of the wonders of the world at the New York City;
Flame of Liberty is a gold leaf covered replica of the flame in the torch. This
monument is 3.5 meters high and is located in the 8<sup>th</sup>
arrondissement. International Herald Tribune offered this to represent the
celebration of 100 years (completed in 1987) of publishing an English language
newspaper in Paris in 1989. This also served as a token of friendship when the
restoration work in the Statue of Liberty took place. This is one of the major
tourist attractions for Diana followers after she died in an accident in a
tunnel beneath Pont de l’Alma.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">July
Column<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SctrpRZVua4/UBdyh0EE_YI/AAAAAAAAA-0/Alk5CB17oDk/s1600/640px-Colonne_de_Juillet_base.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SctrpRZVua4/UBdyh0EE_YI/AAAAAAAAA-0/Alk5CB17oDk/s640/640px-Colonne_de_Juillet_base.JPG" title="Colonne de Juillet or July Column, Paris" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colonne de Juillet with the three glorious (Trois Glorieuses) dates of July</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
July Column (Colonne de Juillet) is yet
another famous monument in Paris that commemorates “Trois Glorieuses” or the “Three
Glorious” days in the month of July during the Revolution of 1830 when the “July
Monarchy” of Louis-Philippe commenced with the fall of Charles X of France. this
project actually started to commemorate the “Fall of the Bastille” in the year
1792; however, the project did not get past the foundation laying stage. It is
154 feet high and weighs 74,000 kilograms.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Pantheon,
Paris<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S9_kdzoQMG8/UBdzNqHQteI/AAAAAAAAA-8/E1ZChHlpcc8/s1600/640px-Panth%C3%A9ondeParis5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S9_kdzoQMG8/UBdzNqHQteI/AAAAAAAAA-8/E1ZChHlpcc8/s640/640px-Panth%C3%A9ondeParis5.jpg" title="Pantheon de Paris" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pantheon de Paris, a church converted as a mausoleum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When said Paris, can anyone forget
Pantheon? Yes, Pantheon (located in the 5<sup>th</sup> arrondissement) is one
of the must see mausoleum in Paris; this was initially built as a church that
was dedicated to St. Genevieve and for her relics. This is yet another best
example for Neoclassical architecture styles. The masterminds behind this
famous mausoleum are architects Jacques-Germain Soufflot and Jean-Baptiste
Rondelet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-78829169395124235572012-07-28T15:07:00.000+05:302012-07-28T15:07:05.893+05:305 Eye-catching Churches in Paris<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Paris is a city with rich cultural heritage
and is home for some of the beautiful churches in the world. These eye-catching
churches have a history of their own and are a part of the history of Paris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Saint-Eustache
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
1<sup>st</sup> arrondissement<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-UZ1yY_cO4/UBOnrAbyTvI/AAAAAAAAA80/4-orgxZG_gQ/s1600/3897ParigiStEustache.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-UZ1yY_cO4/UBOnrAbyTvI/AAAAAAAAA80/4-orgxZG_gQ/s640/3897ParigiStEustache.JPG" title="Saint-Eustache, Paris" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint-Eustache, it has the largest pipe in France</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">The current church building was constructed
between 1532 and 1632, which is one century. Saint-Eustache was a Roman general
in the 2</span><sup style="background-color: white;">nd</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> century AD who was burned alive with his family members
for converting to Christianity; the church got its name on his remembrance. This
church is one of the wonderful examples of Gothic structure with Renaissance
detail. There is a Keith Haring sculpture in the chapel of the church to
remember the epidemic AIDS death happened in the year 1980. Saint-Eustache
church has the largest pipe in France with nearly 8,000 pipes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Notre
Dame de Paris<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
4<sup>th</sup> arrondissement<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hnuWo2lXvrQ/UBOpPvJhGnI/AAAAAAAAA88/9sgO3Nu3-lY/s1600/768px-Notre-Dame-Paris-eastside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hnuWo2lXvrQ/UBOpPvJhGnI/AAAAAAAAA88/9sgO3Nu3-lY/s640/768px-Notre-Dame-Paris-eastside.jpg" title="Notre Dame de Paris, Paris" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back view of the famous Notre Dame de Paris with flying buttress and gargoyles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Notre Dame de Paris is also known by
various names like Notre Dame Cathedral or Notre Dame, which means Our Lady of
Paris. This is yet another beautiful example of French Gothic architecture;
however, majority of the religious imagery was damaged or destroyed during
French Revolution. When renovation took place the church was returned to the
Gothic architecture. This church holds the cathedra or the official chair of
the Archbishop of Paris. This church holds the record of first few buildings in
the world that used flying buttress or arched exterior supports; it is a
historic monument in France.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Sacré-Coeur<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
18<sup>th</sup> arrondissement<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WU-1bR7GowI/UBOuGUddIgI/AAAAAAAAA9U/RHhPvi6xJXY/s1600/768px-Le_sacre_coeur_(paris_-_france).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WU-1bR7GowI/UBOuGUddIgI/AAAAAAAAA9U/RHhPvi6xJXY/s640/768px-Le_sacre_coeur_(paris_-_france).jpg" title="Sacre-Coeur, Paris" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacre-Coeur, situated at the highest point in the city called Montmartre<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ad/Le_sacre_coeur_%28paris_-_france%29.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Sacré-Coeur Basilica is popularly known as
the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris and is one of the finest examples of
Romano-Byzantine architecture style. The construction took nearly 3 decades to
complete (1875 – 1914). This is a very popular landmark in Paris as it is
situated in the highest point of the city called Montmartre. There is a garden
and a fountain in this basilica. To get a panoramic view of the city, just go
to the top of the dome. The main reason why this basilica looks white even
after weathering and pollution is due to the fact that travertine stone is used
in its construction; travertine oozes calcite and this helps the basilica to remain
white constantly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Saint-<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" name="OLE_LINK2"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688" name="OLE_LINK1">Séverin</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
5<sup>th</sup> arrondissement<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q4shTLRCUM/UBOuw3f3JsI/AAAAAAAAA9c/Ls4wWnQCdkw/s1600/640px-Paris-St-Severin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q4shTLRCUM/UBOuw3f3JsI/AAAAAAAAA9c/Ls4wWnQCdkw/s640/640px-Paris-St-Severin.JPG" title="Saint-Severin, Paris" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint-Severin, the oldest church on the Left Bank of River Seine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Saint-</span><span style="background-color: white;">Séverin is the oldest church on the Left Bank, which is the southern bank
of River Seine; it is a Roman Catholic Church. The existing structure was built
on Gothic architecture with lateral aisles during the 13</span><sup style="background-color: white;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> century.
This church too has flying buttress similar to Notre Dame de Paris and
gargoyles on the exterior. The bells of the church are believed to be the
oldest in Paris.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Sainte-Chapelle<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
4<sup>th</sup> arrondissement<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svgLD9Ueqd0/UBOxt0-6N3I/AAAAAAAAA98/nFUogbSwbeE/s1600/640px-Ste_Chapelle_Basse_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="414" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svgLD9Ueqd0/UBOxt0-6N3I/AAAAAAAAA98/nFUogbSwbeE/s640/640px-Ste_Chapelle_Basse_s.jpg" title="Sainte-Chapelle, Paris" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sainte-Chapelle, famous for stained-glass collections. (This is the ceiling of the lower part)<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/89/Ste_Chapelle_Basse_s.jpg/640px-Ste_Chapelle_Basse_s.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">This is believed to be the only surviving
building of “The Direct Capetian Dynasty” or “The House of France.” La
Sainte-Chapelle is considered as one of the chief achievements of Gothic
architecture during Rayonnant period. Majority of the church was damaged during
French revolution; however, it was restored in 19</span><sup style="background-color: white;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> century and holds
the largest or the most extensive in-situ 13</span><sup style="background-color: white;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> century stained-glass
collections.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-36778206119775351482012-07-27T15:12:00.000+05:302012-07-27T15:12:15.887+05:307 Splendid Parks in Paris<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Paris is a great city in France with so
many interesting, beautiful and worth visiting places like parks, gardens,
monuments, canyons, fountains, etc. Paris is known as “City of Lights” and also
as “Capital of Fashion.” Paris is divided into 20 districts; these districts
are called “arrondissement.” Each and every arrondissement has its own tourist
attractions; here is a sneak preview of some of the brilliant looking parks in
Paris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Name
of the Park: Parc de Belleville<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
20<sup>th</sup> arrondissement<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7Rk1TBQ3Og/UBJhy-2pBeI/AAAAAAAAA8c/FmW0yhUyhlg/s1600/640px-Parc_de_Belleville_Paris_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7Rk1TBQ3Og/UBJhy-2pBeI/AAAAAAAAA8c/FmW0yhUyhlg/s640/640px-Parc_de_Belleville_Paris_01.jpg" title="Parc de Belleville, 20th arrondissement" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parc de Belleville, the highest park in Paris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.paris-walking-tours.com/parcdebelleville.html" style="background-color: white;">Parc de
Belleville</a><span style="background-color: white;"> is the highest park in Paris as it is situated at a height of
108 meters on the Belleville hills; architect Francois Debulois and landscaper
Paul Brichet are the masterminds behind the idea of this park. This is the best
place to get the panoramic view of the city.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What
it offers to visitors?</span></b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white;">The longest
fountain in Paris (100m long)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Wooden
playground for kids</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">More than 1000
varieties of trees and shrubs</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Open-air theatre</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Ping-Pong tables</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Maison de l’Air
– a museum that teaches visitors about pollution and how important fresh air is</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Display of
annual flowers</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">Opening
Hours <sup>*</sup></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Park is open throughout the year; however,
the opening and closing time changes according to the weather. Closing time
varies from as early as 5:30 p.m. to as late as 9:30 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Weekdays – Opens at 8 a.m., weekends –
opens at 9 a.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Closing
Hours<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">November 16 to January: closes at 5:30 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">February, November 1 to 15: closes at 6:00
p.m. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">March: closes at 7:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">October: closes at 8:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">September: closes at 8:30 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">April 15 to May 15: closes at 9:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">May 16 to August 31: closes at 9:30 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Entrance
Fee:</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> <b><sup>*</sup></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Adults – 2 Euros<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Persons aged 7 and 25 – 1 Euro<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Children under 7 years of age – Free<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Name
of the park: Parc des Buttes Chaumont<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
19<sup>th</sup> arrondissement<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3Z66WSn41E/UBJhWUbauuI/AAAAAAAAA8U/8SpQKNp6pCk/s1600/640px-Parc_Buttes_Chaumont_Paris_France_Spring_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3Z66WSn41E/UBJhWUbauuI/AAAAAAAAA8U/8SpQKNp6pCk/s640/640px-Parc_Buttes_Chaumont_Paris_France_Spring_2007.jpg" title="Parc des Buttes Chaumont, 19th arrondissement" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parc des Buttes Chaumont, third largest park in Paris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://en.parisinfo.com/museum-monuments/1285/buttes-chaumont-parc-des-?1" style="background-color: white;">Parc
des Buttes Chaumont</a><span style="background-color: white;"> is the third largest park in Paris and is a public
garden. This park was a gypsum and limestone quarry, which was later converted
to a park. This park is the brainchild of engineer Jean-Charles Alphand,
horticulturist Jean-Pierre Barillet-Deschamps and architect Gabriel Davioud. The
park has 5 large gates and 7 smaller gates.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What
it offers to visitors?</span></b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Cliffs, bridges
(63 m long suspension bridge called the suicide bridge), man-made streams</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Grotto with a
20m high waterfall</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Playgrounds for
children, outdoor terrace, roller rink</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">English and
Chinese gardens</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Belvedere of
Sybil</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Exotic trees</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Restaurants,
theatres, and Waffle Stands</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">Opening
Hours</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The park is opened all through the year; it
opens at 7 a.m. regardless of the season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Closing
Hours<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">November through March: 9:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">April through October: 11:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Entrance
Fee <sup>*</sup><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There is no entrance fee; however, to
access the island by boat, fee has to be paid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Name
of the park: Parc de la Villette<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
19<sup>th</sup> arrondissement </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OBzp1gQ3VHE/UBJSU-Aa73I/AAAAAAAAA78/FGBAvcMsLYU/s1600/640px-Paris_r_(31).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OBzp1gQ3VHE/UBJSU-Aa73I/AAAAAAAAA78/FGBAvcMsLYU/s1600/640px-Paris_r_(31).JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Parc de la Villette, designed by architect
Bernard Tschumi is one of the largest parks in Paris. Bernard Tschumi actually
won a design competition for the park; however, many other architects have
played a major role in the construction of concert halls, museums, theatres,
etc. It is estimated that nearly 10 million people visit Parc de la Villette in
a year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What
it offers to visitors?</span></b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Cite des
Sciences et de l’Industrie, Europe’s largest science museum</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Cite de la
musique</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">6,300 seat
capacity concert arena called “Le Zenith” (the largest concert arena in Paris)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Playgrounds for
children</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">35 architecture
follies</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Bamboo garden
and themed gardens include the garden of equilibria, the garden of islands, the
shadows of the gardens, garden of childhood fears, etc.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">One has to buy tickets for the shows and
workshops held at Parc de la Villette, which can be done either by visiting
their website or calling them up over the phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Name
of the park: Parc Andre Citroen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
XVe Arrondissement<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dsCiCP0hgk/UBJOvzLRfMI/AAAAAAAAA7k/5nNFD_FbLgM/s1600/Promenade_dans_le_parc_andre_citroen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dsCiCP0hgk/UBJOvzLRfMI/AAAAAAAAA7k/5nNFD_FbLgM/s640/Promenade_dans_le_parc_andre_citroen.jpg" title="Parc Andre Citroen" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Th walkway at the Parc Andre Citroen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Parc Andre Citroen was named after the
founder of the company called Citroen automobile manufacturing plant, Andre
Citroen as this public park was built on the site where the automobile
manufacturing plant was earlier. It is a 14 hectare public park that was
designed by architects Patrick Berger, Jean-Paul Viguier and Jean-Francois
Jodry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What
it offers to visitors?</span></b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Six serial
gardens where each garden is associated with a planet, a metal, a sense, a day
in a week, and a state of water</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Garden in
Movement, the wild grasses in the garden move or respond to the difference in
the speed of wind velocity</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">A moored gas
balloon that offers picturesque view of various historical places of Paris like
River Seine, Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, Champ de Mars, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Fountains and
greenhouses</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Play area for
children in the white and black garden</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">Opening
Hours <sup>*</sup></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">May through September: 9:00 a.m. on all
days<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Closing
Hours <sup>*</sup><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">May through September 8:30 p.m. on all days<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Entrance
Fee <sup>*</sup><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The entry to the park is free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Name
of the park: Parc Montsouris<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
14<sup>th</sup> arrondissement <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnvmhLl9NIc/UBJM-fDir4I/AAAAAAAAA7c/XIWsymNZVAw/s1600/640px-Parc_Montsouris_-_Paris.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dnvmhLl9NIc/UBJM-fDir4I/AAAAAAAAA7c/XIWsymNZVAw/s640/640px-Parc_Montsouris_-_Paris.JPG" title="Parc Montsouris, 14th arrondissement" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parc Montsouris, a public park ordained by Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Parc Montsouris is a 15 hectares public park
ordained by Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann. This park resembles an English
garden, which is quite popular genre during 19</span><sup style="background-color: white;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> century.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What
it offers to visitors?</span></b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white;">A water reservoir
on the northeast side of the park offers an entrance to the famous Paris
catacombs</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Wonderful flora
and fauna</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Bronze and
marble sculptures</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Children
playgrounds and ping-pong tables</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Snack and
refreshment centers</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Opening
Hours<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">May through August: 8:00 a.m. on weekdays
and 9:00 a.m. on weekends<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Closing
Hours<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">May through August: 9:30 p.m. on all days
including weekends<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Entrance
fee<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">They do no charge anything as an entrance
fee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Name
of the park: Parc de Bercy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
14<sup>th</sup> arrondissement<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azEgOQvh1HI/UBJLxVSarKI/AAAAAAAAA7U/XCWSX4eQ10c/s1600/640px-Les_Prairies_de_Bercy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azEgOQvh1HI/UBJLxVSarKI/AAAAAAAAA7U/XCWSX4eQ10c/s640/640px-Les_Prairies_de_Bercy1.jpg" title="Parc de Bercy, 14th arrondissement" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parc de Bercy, a park that contains a cluster three connected gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Parc de Bercy is a 14 hectare area park and
one of the important parks in Paris; it is a set or cluster of three connected
gardens designed by various well-known architects like Bernard Huet,
Jean-Pierre Feugas, Philippe Raguin, etc.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What
it offers to visitors?</span></b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Three gardens
called Romantic Garden, Flowerbeds and Meadows</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Playgrounds,
pony rides, ping-pong, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Eateries and
water points</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">Opening
Hours</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">May through August: 8:00 a.m. on weekdays
and 9:00 a.m. on weekends<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Closing
Hours<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">May through August: 9:30 p.m. on all days
including weekends<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Entrance
fee<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">They do no charge anything as an entrance
fee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Name
of the park: Parc Monceau<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
8<sup>th</sup> arrondissement<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmFfhSP90WE/UBJLDa-BjMI/AAAAAAAAA7M/1_eWwMkepI8/s1600/640px-Monceau_Statue_Centrale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmFfhSP90WE/UBJLDa-BjMI/AAAAAAAAA7M/1_eWwMkepI8/s640/640px-Monceau_Statue_Centrale.jpg" title="Parc Monceau, 8th arrondissement, Paris" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parc Monceau, an English style park in Paris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Parc Monceau is a 8.2 hectares public park
and was designed by Louis Carrogis Carmontelle, a famous writer and painter. It
is an English style park with informal layout and curved walkways.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">What
it offers to visitors?</span></b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Playgrounds for
children, swings and small carousel</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Eateries and
water points</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Exotic trees and
birds</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">Opening
Hours</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">May through August: 7:00 a.m. on all days
including weekends<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Closing
Hours<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">May through August: 10:00 p.m. on all days
including weekends<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Entrance
fee<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">They do no charge anything as an entrance
fee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Make sure you visit these parks, which are
an important tourist destination in Paris when planning a visit to Paris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-53142170698548776802012-07-19T19:46:00.001+05:302012-07-19T19:46:28.285+05:3010 Best Low-Cost Airlines in the World - 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">You are planning to visit various tourist
destinations in one go and is thinking what to do as flight costs would make a
hole in your pocket; don’t worry, a recent survey by “<a href="http://www.worldairlineawards.com/Awards_2012/lowcost2012.htm">The World
Airline Awards</a>” give you the details about the best low-cost airlines in
the world. Once you know which airline is the best when it comes to low-cost,
you can peacefully travel around the world without burning a hole in your
pocket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpsZddGAKP0/UAgWh0nB-uI/AAAAAAAAA60/SRsU5XIS7GQ/s1600/640px-Airbus_A330_AirAsia_X_9M-XXA_Taipei_November_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rpsZddGAKP0/UAgWh0nB-uI/AAAAAAAAA60/SRsU5XIS7GQ/s640/640px-Airbus_A330_AirAsia_X_9M-XXA_Taipei_November_2011.jpg" title="AirAsia" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Best Low-Cost Airline of the year 2012<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/Airbus_A330_AirAsia_X_9M-XXA_Taipei_November_2011.jpg/640px-Airbus_A330_AirAsia_X_9M-XXA_Taipei_November_2011.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">World Airline Awards has conducted a survey
in 160 countries to decide the world’s best low-cost airlines. This award was
declared at Farnborough International Airshow held in England. The survey was
taken from millions of air travelers (close to 18 million travelers) over a period
of one year (June 2011 to July 2012).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Majority of the Asian airlines dominated
this list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">AirAsia once again emerges as the world’s best
low-cost airline. They have retained this position for the fourth consecutive
year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Jetstar Airways moved one spot down from
its last year rankings to finish at 3<sup>rd</sup> spot and Virgin America
claimed the 2<sup>nd</sup> spot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">World’s Best Low-Cost Airlines – 2012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">10. <a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2012/01/unique-and-unusual-hotels-around-world.html" target="_blank">Indigo Airlines</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">9. Azul Airlines<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">8. Southwest Airlines<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">7. Jetstar Asia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">6. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6950532290114392688#editor/target=post;postID=4275022447331171990;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=6;src=postname" target="_blank">WestJet</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">5. easyJet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">4. AirAsiaX<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">3. Jetstar Airways<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">2. Virgin America<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">1. AirAsia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Enjoy your air travel and visit your favorite travel destination!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-64644453567683659192012-07-09T11:44:00.001+05:302012-07-09T11:44:09.097+05:307 Beautiful Canyons around the World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Canyons are also called as gorges; these
are formed due to long time erosions of rivers. One can spot canyons in dry or
parched areas as physical weathering conditions play a major role in the
formation of canyons. The canyon walls are in general formed of resistant
granite or sandstone. When talking about canyons one can never forget the
“Grand Canyon” in Arizona; however, we are going to take a look at equally
beautiful canyons around the world other than Grand Canyon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">7. Matka
Canyon, Skopje, Macedonia<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEpuJODkGLc/T_p2VaD9DUI/AAAAAAAAA6c/W70A0wXp_hE/s1600/640px-Lake_Matka_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEpuJODkGLc/T_p2VaD9DUI/AAAAAAAAA6c/W70A0wXp_hE/s640/640px-Lake_Matka_2.jpg" title="Matka Canyon, Macedonia" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matka Canyon, popular tourist destination in Macedonia<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/Lake_Matka_2.jpg/640px-Lake_Matka_2.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Matka (means womb) Canyon is one of the
most popular tourist destinations in Macedonia. It is a home for 10 caves and
the length of the caves vary between 20 meters to 176 meters. According to
New7Wonders of Nature project, Vrelo Cave in Matka is one among the top 77
natural sites. There are lots of monasteries in Matka Canyon. One can spot lots
of butterflies and bats at Matka Canyon; it is home for nearly 77 endemic butterfly
species. This is one of the best spots for alpine hiking, kayaking, fishing and
swimming; the best season is between April and November.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">6.
Kings Canyon, Northern Territory, Australia<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DKQAvsTumw/T_p1yP-eErI/AAAAAAAAA6U/dFPV29MrpaY/s1600/640px-Kingscanyongorge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DKQAvsTumw/T_p1yP-eErI/AAAAAAAAA6U/dFPV29MrpaY/s640/640px-Kingscanyongorge.jpg" title="Kings Canyon, popular tourist destination for hikers" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kings Canyon, Australia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Kings Canyon forms a part of Watarrka
National Park in Australia and is a popular tourist destination for adventurous
hikers or travelers. This is also a best place to watch rare and beautiful
looking birds like Spinifex pigeon, black-breasted buzzard, dusky grasswren,
etc. There are two walks in Kings Canyon; one walk takes you to the bottom of
the canyon and the other to the top of the canyon. It is at the top walk that
one finds “Heartbreak hill” that offers spectacular and scenic views of the entire
landscape, a permanent waterhole, and sandstone domes; remember this is too
steep and hence called the “Heartbreak Hill” or “Heart attack Hill.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">5. Charyn
Canyon, Almaty, Kazakhstan </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6pENspa608/T_p1NaMYmHI/AAAAAAAAA6M/V1UcOwHQ6xw/s1600/IMG_7431-Sharyn_canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6pENspa608/T_p1NaMYmHI/AAAAAAAAA6M/V1UcOwHQ6xw/s640/IMG_7431-Sharyn_canyon.jpg" title="Charyn Canyon a.k.a. Valley of Castles, Almaty, Kazakhstan" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charyn Canyon, best place to watch unusually shaped rock formations<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/IMG_7431-Sharyn_canyon.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Charyn Canyon is located in Charyn River
and is a part of Charyn National Park in Kazakshtan. This is the best place to
watch unusual and oddly shaped rock formations; this is the reason why one part
of it is also called as “Valley of Castles.” It resembles “Grand Canyon” in
many ways even though it is much smaller in size; it is nicknamed “the little
brother of Grand Canyon.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">4.
Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga, South Africa<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFBJiCyHzoY/T_p0sfbSHUI/AAAAAAAAA6E/c-rGPc2huho/s1600/640px-Blkyde_River_Canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFBJiCyHzoY/T_p0sfbSHUI/AAAAAAAAA6E/c-rGPc2huho/s640/640px-Blkyde_River_Canyon.jpg" title="Blyde River Canyon, World's largest green canyon" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blyde River Canyon, Second largest canyon in Africa<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/Blkyde_River_Canyon.jpg/640px-Blkyde_River_Canyon.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Blyde (means happy or glad) River Canyon is
believed to be the world’s largest green canyon as one can witness lush green
scenery everywhere around the canyon and Africa’s second largest canyon. Due to
the lush subtropical foliage, it is home for many species of birds, antelopes
and fishes. Some of the bird species include the beautiful Narina Trogon, Bald
Ibis, Green Twinspot, Wood Owl, Jackal Buzzard, etc. This is a most sought
tourist spot or attraction in Mpumalanga.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">3.
Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Peru<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VpE_-trvo0g/T_pgdV6N9lI/AAAAAAAAA5s/IdOsT4d6Ypw/s1600/640px-Colca_Canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VpE_-trvo0g/T_pgdV6N9lI/AAAAAAAAA5s/IdOsT4d6Ypw/s640/640px-Colca_Canyon.jpg" title="Colcan Canyon, third popular tourist destination in Peru" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colca Canyon during winter<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Colca_Canyon.jpg/640px-Colca_Canyon.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Colca Canyon is believed to be the deepest
canyon in the world and is the third most popular tourist destination in Peru. To
watch the near threatened Andean Condor species, one must go to Cruz del
Condor, which is nearly 3,960 feet below the canyon’s rim. One can also watch
lots of other bird species like Giant Colibri, Andean goose, vicuna, etc. There
are lots of other things one can do at Colca Canyon other than bird watching;
this includes taking a dip in the hot springs, hiking, trekking, mountaineering,
visiting archeological sites, etc.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">2.
Fish River Canyon, Namibia, Africa<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6qsbFvmZ6Io/T_pfSms9FUI/AAAAAAAAA5k/q9nLAFqQIrE/s1600/640px-Bottom_of_Fish_River_Canyon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6qsbFvmZ6Io/T_pfSms9FUI/AAAAAAAAA5k/q9nLAFqQIrE/s640/640px-Bottom_of_Fish_River_Canyon.JPG" title="Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world and the largest in Africa" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish River Canyon during early morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Fish River Canyon is the world’s second
largest and the largest in Africa. This is one of the most sought after tourist
attraction in Namibia. This is one of the best mountaineering spots, but the
sad part is that hikers have to sleep outdoors during their trekking. The best
time for hiking is between May and mid-September as hiking is prohibited in the
summer season owing to very high temperatures.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">1.Yarlung
Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Tibet, China<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSCUPJghs4c/T_peflelbFI/AAAAAAAAA5c/O8BULpob-KQ/s1600/Yaruzampbo-Grand-Canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="422" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xSCUPJghs4c/T_peflelbFI/AAAAAAAAA5c/O8BULpob-KQ/s640/Yaruzampbo-Grand-Canyon.jpg" title="Yarlung Tsanpo Grand Canyon, Tibet, China" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, the deepest and the largest canyon in the world<br /><br /><a href="http://www.toptibettravel.com/uploadfile/file/Yaruzampbo-Grand-Canyon.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is considered
the deepest and the largest canyon in the world. Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon
is place for unique plants, bird species and is home for King Cobra. Some of the
unique species include Ice Mouse, Ice Flea, etc. This boasts of rich biological
resources, spectacular scenery and a popular eco-tourism spot. It is a best
spot for whitewater kayaking.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-7298939810617370612012-07-03T13:34:00.004+05:302012-07-03T13:34:47.042+05:30Architectural Wonders – 5 Splendid Step Pyramids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I always awe at the sight of old buildings
for the way they have been constructed without using any modern machinery or
equipment; have you? One such architectural wonder is the “Brihadeeswarar
Temple” or “Big Temple” in India that does not cast a shadow on the ground.
There are so many such architectural wonders and one among them is the
<a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2012/06/architectural-wonders-7-magnificent.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pyramids</a>. Step pyramids are large structures and are made of several layers of
stone. Here are some of the fabulous and impressive step pyramids just for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">5. Pyramid
of Djoser, Memphis, Egypt<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5S-4cKyO8ss/T_KmzPJ4iVI/AAAAAAAAA5E/GMH9cI1-Sxo/s1600/640px-Pyramid_of_Djoser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5S-4cKyO8ss/T_KmzPJ4iVI/AAAAAAAAA5E/GMH9cI1-Sxo/s640/640px-Pyramid_of_Djoser.jpg" title="Pyramid of Djoser, first step pyramid in Egypt" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyramid of Djoser, first step pyramid in Egypt<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/Pyramid_of_Djoser.jpg/640px-Pyramid_of_Djoser.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesty</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Pyramid of Djoser is the first step pyramid
built in Egypt by the architect Imhotep during 27</span><sup style="background-color: white;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> century BC. It
has six mastabs, meaning flat roof rectangular surfaces that are built on top
of one another. It is made of white polished limestone. The total height of the
pyramid is 62 meters. The complex is surrounded by 10.5 meters high Tura
limestone walls. Pyramid of Djoser has six steps and the entire structure was
built in two stages.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">4.
Pyramid of the Moon, Teotihuacan, Mexico<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uth5UVl8UIE/T_KmFJ2V5fI/AAAAAAAAA48/wDiCGgpSN6I/s1600/640px-Piramide_de_la_Luna_072006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="368" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uth5UVl8UIE/T_KmFJ2V5fI/AAAAAAAAA48/wDiCGgpSN6I/s640/640px-Piramide_de_la_Luna_072006.jpg" title="Pyramid of the Moon, the second largest pyramid in Teotihuacan" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyramid of the Moon, Mexico </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">This is the second largest <a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2012/06/architectural-wonders-7-magnificent.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pyramid </a>in Teotihuacan
and was believed to be constructed between 200 and 450 AD. There is a platform
on top of the pyramid; this is where the ceremonies are conducted for the Great
Goddess of Teotihuacan. She is the goddess of water, fertility, earth and
creation. To the opposite of this platform, one can find Plaza of the Moon;
this contains the central altar and the bodies are positioned to form a cross
known as the “Teotihuacan Cross.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">3.
Borobudur, Magelang, Indonesia<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6fZ2-uOTcP4/T_KltK8Q3MI/AAAAAAAAA40/mmBEaZrPS00/s1600/640px-Borobudur-Nothwest-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6fZ2-uOTcP4/T_KltK8Q3MI/AAAAAAAAA40/mmBEaZrPS00/s640/640px-Borobudur-Nothwest-view.jpg" title="Borobudur, a Mahayana Buddhist monument" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borobudur, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/Borobudur-Nothwest-view.jpg/640px-Borobudur-Nothwest-view.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">This is a 9</span><sup style="background-color: white;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> century Mahayana
Buddhist monument with six square platforms that are topped by three circular
platforms. This is decorated with 2,672 relief panels (a sculpture created
using relief panels gives an impression that the sculpture is raised above the
background) and 504 Buddha statues. Borobudur was constructed during Sailendra
Dynasty during the 9</span><sup style="background-color: white;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> century. Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Indonesia.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">2.
Ziggurat of Ur, Dhi Qar Province, Iraq <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_m6K6SmEIkw/T_Kknd2L6OI/AAAAAAAAA4s/I1eqYk3uZeg/s1600/640px-Ziggarat_of_Ur_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_m6K6SmEIkw/T_Kknd2L6OI/AAAAAAAAA4s/I1eqYk3uZeg/s640/640px-Ziggarat_of_Ur_001.jpg" title="Great Ziggurat of Ur, Iraq" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ziggurat of Ur (house whose foundation creates terror)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Ziggurat of Ur, also called as the Great
Ziggurat of Ur means “house whose foundation creates terror” and was built
during 21</span><sup style="background-color: white;">st</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> century BC (Early Bronze Age). This was later restored
by King Nabonidus as the ziggurat crumbled during 6</span><sup style="background-color: white;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> century BC. This
is a gigantic step pyramid and is 100 feet high and 210 feet in length.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">1. El
Castillo, Chichen Itza, Yucatan</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITo7dFtk8ZU/T_Kj6s6NAYI/AAAAAAAAA4k/jxGKPFHsXmI/s1600/640px-ChichenItzaEquinox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITo7dFtk8ZU/T_Kj6s6NAYI/AAAAAAAAA4k/jxGKPFHsXmI/s640/640px-ChichenItzaEquinox.jpg" title="El Castillo, a.k.a. The Temple of Kukulkan, Yucatan" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous equinox at El Castillo, Yucatan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Castillo means “castle” in Spanish; this is
also called as the “Temple of Kukulkan” and was built somewhere between 9</span><sup style="background-color: white;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white;">
and 12</span><sup style="background-color: white;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> centuries CE. This temple was built for the God Kukulkan;
he is the Yucatec Maya Feathered Serpent deity. There are a series of square
terraces on all four sides of the temple; each side has 91 steps when all these
steps added with the top step, the total is 365. During spring and autumn
equinoxes, sun rays fall on the northwest corner of the pyramid; this casts a triangular
shadow and it is believed that an illusion of the feathered serpent crawling is
formed. National Institute of Anthropology and History is maintaining this site
recently.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-57881049032925191702012-06-29T12:22:00.000+05:302012-06-29T12:22:13.833+05:30Architectural Wonders – 7 Magnificent Modern Day Pyramids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Pyramid is any structure that resembles the
geometrical pyramid shape, which is triangular in the outer and converging to
one single point at the top. When talking about pyramids the first thing that
comes to our minds are the Great Pyramids of Giza; almost all of us associate
pyramids with Egyptians. Does this mean you can find pyramids only in Egypt?
There are modern day pyramids, which are also famous tourist attractions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Louvre
Pyramid, Paris, France<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGe2kE6nIU4/T-1PYMtd5-I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/2LiwBVGu6-M/s1600/640px-Paris_July_2011-27a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGe2kE6nIU4/T-1PYMtd5-I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/2LiwBVGu6-M/s640/640px-Paris_July_2011-27a.jpg" title="View of Louvre Pyramid at day, Pyramid, France" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louvre Pyramid, made of glass at day.<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/Paris_July_2011-27a.jpg/640px-Paris_July_2011-27a.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Louvre Pyramid is situated in the main
courtyard of Louvre Museum, Paris. It is made of large glass and metal and is
enclosed by three small pyramids. One has to enter the Louvre Pyramid to go to
the Louvre Palace; in other words, Louvre Pyramid is the main entrance for
Louvre Palace. This is one of the major tourist attractions in Paris, France;
this was designed by the architect I. M. Pei. This architectural wonder
consists of glass segments of which 603 are rhombus-shaped and 70 are
triangular shaped.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Palace
of Peace and Reconciliation, Astana, Kazakhstan </span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5p8q9_Oj8E/T-1OsVYusXI/AAAAAAAAA4I/t5yQqaMMKdc/s1600/Astanapyramid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L5p8q9_Oj8E/T-1OsVYusXI/AAAAAAAAA4I/t5yQqaMMKdc/s640/Astanapyramid.jpg" title="Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Astana, Kazakhstan" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palace of Peace and Recognition<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/Astanapyramid.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, also
called as the Pyramid of Peace of Accord was mainly constructed to host the
Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. The height of the
building is 62 meters and was designed by British architects Fosters and
Partners. The design consists of five storeys of triangles and each triangle
measures 12 meter on a side. The lower three storeys of triangles are made of
pale granite and the upper or the remaining two storeys of triangles are made
of glazed apex.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Walter
Pyramid, Long Beach, California<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQvMLdd4XwU/T-1Mzh_H2NI/AAAAAAAAA4A/7R44uQDvKCA/s1600/640px-Walter_Pyramid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQvMLdd4XwU/T-1Mzh_H2NI/AAAAAAAAA4A/7R44uQDvKCA/s640/640px-Walter_Pyramid.jpg" title="Walter Pyramid, a.k.a. Long Beach Pyramid, Long Beach, California" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walter Pyramid, a multi-purpose stadium.<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Walter_Pyramid.jpg/640px-Walter_Pyramid.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Walter Pyramid was formerly called as the
“Long Beach Pyramid”; this is a multi-purpose stadium with a seating capacity
of 5,000. Walter Pyramid was opened in the year 1994 and was designed by
architect Don Gibbs. The entire structure is made of sheets of dark blue
corrugated aluminum. One of the unique features of Walter Pyramid is that it is
a mathematically true pyramid as the perimeter of each side measure exactly 105
meter. The name of the pyramid was changed to Walter from Long Beach due to the
fact that Dr. Mike and Arline Walter donated $2.1 million for the university.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Pyramid
Arena, Memphis, Tennessee<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyPMwM7J67k/T-1L0IQWlYI/AAAAAAAAA34/2ovZnznCuXw/s1600/635px-Memphis_Pyramid_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="482" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyPMwM7J67k/T-1L0IQWlYI/AAAAAAAAA34/2ovZnznCuXw/s640/635px-Memphis_Pyramid_HDR.jpg" title="Pyramid Arena, Memphis, Tennessee" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyramid Arena, world's seventh largest pyramid.<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/51/Memphis_Pyramid_HDR.jpg/635px-Memphis_Pyramid_HDR.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Pyramid Arena, the seventh largest pyramid
in the world and was originally constructed as an arena that can accommodate
nearly 20,000 people. As the design largely resembles with the pyramids in the
Egypt, this was formerly called as the “Great American Pyramid.” There was a
statue in front of the pyramid, which was then moved inside the campus was
created from the mold of the actual statue in Egypt. It is believed that no
major sports event took place in this arena since 2004 and is currently being converted
to </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_Pro_Shops" style="background-color: white;">Brass Pro Shops</a><span style="background-color: white;">
(they are a privately held retailer who holds a large collection of outdoor
gears specifically for hunting, fishing, etc.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Transamerica
Pyramid, San Francisco, California<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fN8afV6Xxw/T-1K2BZYTbI/AAAAAAAAA3w/xRJOAuNViK4/s1600/576px-SF_Transamerica_top_CA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fN8afV6Xxw/T-1K2BZYTbI/AAAAAAAAA3w/xRJOAuNViK4/s640/576px-SF_Transamerica_top_CA.jpg" title="Top of the Transamerica Pyramid, San Francisco, California" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Transamerica Pyramid, one of the world's five tallest buildings<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7c/SF_Transamerica_top_CA.jpg/576px-SF_Transamerica_top_CA.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Transamerica Pyramid was one of the five
world’s tallest buildings when the construction took place and is still the
tallest skyscraper in San Francisco. This was originally the headquarters for
Transamerica Corporation and was designed by the architect William Pereira.
When designing, the designers took major care to ensure the building withstands
earthquake; visitors are allowed only till the first floor of the building.
Concrete and steel rebar are used for the construction of the base and the
entire façade of the building is covered with crushed quartz. The cap at the
top of the building is made of aluminum and is illuminated from within so as to
matchup with the night appearance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Moody
Gardens, Galveston, Texas<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOnfcEMiLHo/T-1JxIzlRLI/AAAAAAAAA3o/ZBoBB2euoVs/s1600/634px-The_Aquarium_at_Moody_Gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="484" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NOnfcEMiLHo/T-1JxIzlRLI/AAAAAAAAA3o/ZBoBB2euoVs/s640/634px-The_Aquarium_at_Moody_Gardens.jpg" title="The Aquarium Pyramid at Moody Gardens, Texas" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aquarium Pyramid at the Moody Gardens, one among the largest aquariums in the world.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Moody Gardens is funded and operated by
Moody Foundation and is a major tourist attraction in Texas; this complex has
zoo, beach, water slides, gardens, cinemas, restaurants, etc. This features
three pyramid attractions; they are:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a. Aquarium Pyramid – one of the world’s largest aquariums with more than 8,000 species of fishes, invertebrates, reptiles, mammals, and plants; the color of the pyramid is blue and is 12 stories high.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
b. Rainforest Pyramid – features rainforests from various countries across Asia, Africa and America and is 10 stories high. Visit this place to see exotic collections of rare plants, plus otters, Saki monkeys, Chinese Alligators, etc.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
c. Discovery Pyramid – is deep pink colored and features motion simulator and traveling exhibits. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-US">Muttart
Conservatory, Edmonton, Alberta</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqyVYVOnRCs/T-1JGjTRlwI/AAAAAAAAA3g/Dr4ToVkzrq8/s1600/640px-Muttart_Conservatories_Edmonton_Alberta_Canada_01A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="346" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqyVYVOnRCs/T-1JGjTRlwI/AAAAAAAAA3g/Dr4ToVkzrq8/s640/640px-Muttart_Conservatories_Edmonton_Alberta_Canada_01A.jpg" title="Muttart Conservatory, a botanical garden comprising of four pyramids" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muttart Conservatory, a botanical garden with four pyramid structures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Muttart Conservatory, a botanical garden
comprises of four pyramid structures made of glass where three pyramids
showcases plants from various climatic conditions like arid, temperate,
tropical, etc. and the fourth one is designed with a theme that will change all
through the year (one can witness a lot of ornamental flowering plants in the fourth
pyramid). There are two large and two small pyramids; the area of larger ones
is 660 sq. m. and the smaller ones are 410 sq. m. Visit Muttart Conservatory to
witness plants from all over the world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-2278788228866568032012-06-21T07:48:00.000+05:302012-06-21T07:48:56.774+05:3010 Must See World Famous Towers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">A tower is in general a tall structure that
can either stand alone or be a part of a large structure. The oldest tower
known is a circular stone tower constructed in 8000 BC. There are lots of world
famous towers; find a short list of 10 famous and must see towers of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">10.
Himalayan Towers, Tibet<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCdrjLGQm94/T-KD7Cf2H_I/AAAAAAAAA3M/54z6V5qCmKg/s1600/F1.medium.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="472" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCdrjLGQm94/T-KD7Cf2H_I/AAAAAAAAA3M/54z6V5qCmKg/s640/F1.medium.gif" title="Himalayan Towers, Tibet" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Himalayan Towers, the stone star-shaped towers, Tibet<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/328/5979/685/F1.medium.gif" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Himalayan Towers is also referred as “Stone
star-shaped tower.” These are a series of stone towers where the major part of
the tower is located in Kham with minor parts in various cities like
Changthang, Miniak, Kongpo and Gyalrong. It is believed that this tower is very
old and may have been built anywhere between 500 and 1800 years ago. The star
shape was constructed to strengthen the towers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">9.
Shukhov Tower, Moscow<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90pSQShdCFU/T-KC9sHi85I/AAAAAAAAA3E/JJ1z2MirQzU/s1600/576px-Shukhov_Tower_photo_by_Sergei_Arsenyev_2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90pSQShdCFU/T-KC9sHi85I/AAAAAAAAA3E/JJ1z2MirQzU/s640/576px-Shukhov_Tower_photo_by_Sergei_Arsenyev_2006.JPG" title="Shukhov Tower, Moscow" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shukhov Tower, the first hyperboloid structure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Shukhov Tower is a radio tower in Moscow;
it is also called as the Shabolovka Tower. This is a free-standing structure
designed by Vladimir Shukhov. It is 160 meter high and is built of steel. Shukhov
Tower was built during the Russian Civil War. This tower has a hyperboloid
structure and features in the list of Endangered Buildings of UNESCO World
Heritage Sites.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">8.
Zizkov Television Tower, Prague<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ4UUtgEDwA/T-GYBeY4EWI/AAAAAAAAA2w/ew_iRcf6_kY/s1600/Zizkov_tower(fill_wiev).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZ4UUtgEDwA/T-GYBeY4EWI/AAAAAAAAA2w/ew_iRcf6_kY/s640/Zizkov_tower(fill_wiev).jpg" title="Zizkov Television Tower, Prague" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zizkov Tower, an example of high-tech architecture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">An example of high-tech architecture, this
tower was designed by the architect Vaclav Aulicky and the construction took
place between 1985 and 1992. This tower dominates the skyline of Prague. This
tower has a nickname called “Baikonur” due to its rock shape. It is sad to say,
but the truth is that the Czechs have voted this tower as “the second ugliest
building in the world.” despite this fact of ugliest building, the management
of the tower is trying to woo visitors by showing the technological
innovations.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">7.
El Faro Towers, Argentina</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lsPSEO0_Yjw/T-GXLIG6e5I/AAAAAAAAA2o/VvJ750ycy1Q/s1600/El_Faro_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lsPSEO0_Yjw/T-GXLIG6e5I/AAAAAAAAA2o/VvJ750ycy1Q/s640/El_Faro_06.jpg" title="El Faro Towers, Argentina" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Faro Towers, the two, twin interconnected towers<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/El_Faro_06.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">El Faro Towers was designed by the
architect Torres El Faro; these are two, twin interconnected towers. The total
height of the tower is 160 meter and has 160 apartments. These have a gym,
sauna, spa, outdoor pool, underground parking for both the occupants and the
guests. Initially, it was decided to construct a 170 meter high tower, but
later was reduced to 160 meter. There are aerial bridges connecting these two
towers at 4 levels; the construction of the first tower got over in 2003 and
the second tower in 2005.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">6.
Sky Tower, New Zealand<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eo23uV6Dkv8/T-GWV1juV6I/AAAAAAAAA2g/LozpyiwpncM/s1600/535px-Sky_Tower_Collage_Auckland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eo23uV6Dkv8/T-GWV1juV6I/AAAAAAAAA2g/LozpyiwpncM/s640/535px-Sky_Tower_Collage_Auckland.jpg" title="Sky Tower, New Zealand at night" width="570" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/Sky_Tower_Collage_Auckland.jpg/250px-Sky_Tower_Collage_Auckland.jpg" target="_blank">Image Courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Sky Tower, designed by Craig Craig Moller
Ltd. is an observation and telecommunications tower. It is 328 meters tall and
the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere. It is believed
that on an average around 50,000 visitors visit this iconic tower of New Zealand every year. There is a feature called “Skyjump” in the observation deck for
jumpers; they are controlled by guide-cable-control to prevent collision of
jumpers with the tower. Due to the extensive illumination, various projects were
promoted by displaying various light colors from Sky Tower.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">5.
Big Ben, United Kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1771rfrhEA/T-F2cN5_bLI/AAAAAAAAA2M/aCH9KYJ00Ng/s1600/Clock.tower.from.westminster.br.arp.750pix_(squared).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A popular tourist destination in UK" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1771rfrhEA/T-F2cN5_bLI/AAAAAAAAA2M/aCH9KYJ00Ng/s640/Clock.tower.from.westminster.br.arp.750pix_(squared).jpg" title="Big Ben, United Kingdom" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Ben, world's largest four-faced chiming clock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Big Ben, the most popular landmark and a
tourist attraction of United Kingdom is a clock tower and is the world’s largest
four-faced chiming clock. The construction of Big Ben was completed in the year
1859; the year 2009 marked the 150</span><sup style="background-color: white;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> year of this iconic structure. The
tower is 96.3 meters high, where the bottom 61 meter of the structure is
constructed using brickwork and the remaining tower is made of cast iron. Due
to various changes in the ground conditions, Big Ben has started to tilt a
little to the north-west and sometimes oscillates between east and west. It is
a good idea to visit this iconic structure before any severe damage is done.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">4.
CN Tower, Canada<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MvkJqRm5rI/T-F1uehZM2I/AAAAAAAAA2E/E3F7IecDzp8/s1600/573px-Toronto_-_ON_-_CN_Tower9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MvkJqRm5rI/T-F1uehZM2I/AAAAAAAAA2E/E3F7IecDzp8/s1600/573px-Toronto_-_ON_-_CN_Tower9.jpg" title="CN Tower, Canada" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CN Tower, the largest free-standing structure in the world</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">CN Tower was the world’s largest
free-standing structure before the construction of Burj Khalifa and attracts
nearly 2 million international visitors every year. CN refers to “Canadian
National,” which is the railway company of Canada that built this free-standing
structure in the year 1976. CN Tower is one of the modern Seven Wonders of the
World. The lighting scheme of the tower is changed to celebrate major events;
incandescent lights were used to light the tower earlier, but not anymore. It
has the famous 360 revolving restaurant.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">3.
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdn_kK1FqQg/T-FzutTqVpI/AAAAAAAAA18/XctnQDIiKrE/s1600/576px-Tower_of_Pisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdn_kK1FqQg/T-FzutTqVpI/AAAAAAAAA18/XctnQDIiKrE/s640/576px-Tower_of_Pisa.jpg" title="Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy, a free-standing bell tower<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Tower_of_Pisa.jpg/576px-Tower_of_Pisa.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Leaning Tower of Pisa a free-standing bell
tower of a cathedral; it is a very popular tourist attraction and a landmark of
Italy. The total height of the tower from the low side is 56.70 meter and from
the ground is 55.86 meter. It is tough to believe that the entire construction
of the tower took in phased manner and the time frame taken to complete the
construction was 177 years. There is a speculation about the architect behind
this powerful landmark; therefore, not sure on whose idea it is.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">2.
Eiffel Tower, France<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLt6jkKBS1A/T-FwQN_TEDI/AAAAAAAAA1o/otn_GGrKKWA/s1600/Eiffel+Tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLt6jkKBS1A/T-FwQN_TEDI/AAAAAAAAA1o/otn_GGrKKWA/s640/Eiffel+Tower.jpg" title="Eiffel Tower, France" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower, the tallest building in Paris and a popular tourist destination</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Eiffel Tower is the tallest building in Paris
and a famous tourist place; this was constructed in the year 1889 as an arch at
the entrance of the 1889 World’s Fair. The architect of the Eiffel Tower is
Gustave Eiffel and therefore named as Eiffel Tower in his remembrance. The total
height of the tower is 320 meters. If the broadcast antennas are not included,
this is the second tallest structure in France. There are totally three levels
in the tower and tickets are sold to visit the first and second levels; one can
also have tasty food in these levels as there are lots of restaurants. Each
year, Eiffel Tower receives close to million visitors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">1. Petronas
Tower, Malaysia<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4pz3V_BaSw/T-FuGc5K6TI/AAAAAAAAA1g/Z8i9h-HAo8s/s1600/575px-Petronas_Twin_Tower_KLCC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4pz3V_BaSw/T-FuGc5K6TI/AAAAAAAAA1g/Z8i9h-HAo8s/s1600/575px-Petronas_Twin_Tower_KLCC.JPG" title="Petronas Towers at night, Malaysia" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petronas Towers, Malaysia, the tallest twin building ever built</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Can anybody forget or leave Petronas Towers
when talking about world’s famous towers? Petronas Tower, also called as the
Petronas Twin Towers is the tallest twin building ever built; it was designed by
the architect Cesar Phil and Deejay Cerico with consultations from J.C. Guinto
and Dominic Minick Saibo. This tower has 88 floors; it was the second tower
that was completed first. Tower 1 is exclusively for Petronas and their subsidiaries;
however, Tower 2 has a lot of offices for many giant companies like Huawei
Technologies, TCS, HCL, Accenture, Bloomberg, etc.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-62116744863744620892012-05-29T14:28:00.000+05:302012-05-29T14:28:27.785+05:30Top 5 World’s Fastest Roller Coasters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Roller coasters, aren’t they the first
thing we look forward to ride when visiting an amusement park or a theme park? Do
you feel a lump in your throat when these roller coasters drop vertically from
a great height? Even though for many the height of the roller coasters makes
them dizzy, the popularity of roller coasters haven’t diminished; take a look
at the fastest roller coasters in the world and make sure you visit them during
your holiday. Majority of these fastest roller coasters are in the USA;
however, some are in Asian countries too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">5. Name:
Tower of Terror II <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
Dreamworld Amusement Park, Coomera, Queensland, Australia<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Speed:
100 miles per hour<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKRVtl_8q-A/T8SI8P1x85I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/Pl_wi3vMOJ8/s1600/578px-Tower_of_Terror_Dreamworld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKRVtl_8q-A/T8SI8P1x85I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/Pl_wi3vMOJ8/s1600/578px-Tower_of_Terror_Dreamworld.jpg" title="Tower of Terror II, Dreamworld Amusement Park" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tower of Terror II, the fourth tallest and fastest roller coaster with a speed of 100 mph</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This was considered the fastest and the
tallest roller coaster when it was constructed in the year 1997. This roller
coaster was called Tower of Terror II after its modification and launch in September
2010. Tower of Terror II holds other records like fourth tallest and fastest roller
coaster and third tallest roller coaster drops. It reaches the maximum speed of
100 mph in just 7 seconds and has a maximum G Force of 4.5. A total of 14
passengers can be seated in one single vehicle; this passenger vehicle is
called the “Escape pod.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">5.
Name: Superman: Escape from Krypton<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California, USA<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Speed:
100 miles per hour<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHH50ZssCMc/T8SJgiErsII/AAAAAAAAA0g/E8z-TFMcmVU/s1600/Six_Flags_Magic_Mountain_Superman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHH50ZssCMc/T8SJgiErsII/AAAAAAAAA0g/E8z-TFMcmVU/s640/Six_Flags_Magic_Mountain_Superman.jpg" title="Superman: Escape from Krypton, Six Flags Magic Mountain" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Superman: Escape from Krypton, the world's fifth tallest and faster roller coaster<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/Six_Flags_Magic_Mountain_Superman.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This roller coaster shares the 5<sup>th</sup>
spot with Tower of Terror II in terms of speed. This was opened in the year
1977 and is very similar to the Tower of Terror II. This was originally called
the Superman: The Escape and after redevelopment called the Superman: Escape
from Krypton. This roller coaster was closed almost all through later half of
2010 and was opened only on March 2011. This too reaches the maximum speed in
about 7 seconds and the maximum G Force is 4.9. For about roughly 6.5 seconds, riders
of this roller coaster feel weightless and are believed to be one of the loudest
roller coaster rides. The other record this roller coaster holds is that it is
the world’s fifth fastest and tallest roller coaster.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">4. Name:
Dodonpa<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Speed:
107 miles per hour<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-No_vKg13OBs/T8SL58tqpAI/AAAAAAAAA00/HbGOiVsYnWM/s1600/dodonpa9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-No_vKg13OBs/T8SL58tqpAI/AAAAAAAAA00/HbGOiVsYnWM/s1600/dodonpa9.jpg" title="Dodonpa, Fuji-Q Higland Amusement Park" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodonpa Roller Coaster, world's scariest roller coaster<br /><br /><a href="http://www.themeparkreview.com/japan2004/dodonpa9.jpg" target="_blank">Image source: themeparkreview</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This roller coaster made its debut with two
records; one being the faster roller coaster and second is the fastest
acceleration of just 1.8 seconds to reach the maximum speed of 107 miles per
hour. This is considered to be one of the scariest roller coasters in the world.
The maximum G Force is 4.3. Drum beats are put through the entire session of
boarding to landing where the riders can hear three consecutive drum beats
called Do-don-pa. There is a false start feature that gives riders a feel of
failed launch and this is followed by the surprise accidental launch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">3. Name:
Top Thrill Dragster<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, USA<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Speed:
120 miles per hour<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wto7cxt5C3Y/T8SMzcRNA2I/AAAAAAAAA08/4TKmXdHTRjM/s1600/587px-TTD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wto7cxt5C3Y/T8SMzcRNA2I/AAAAAAAAA08/4TKmXdHTRjM/s1600/587px-TTD.jpg" title="Top Thrill Dragster, Cedar Point, USA" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster; the tagline is "Race for the Sky"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The tagline of this roller coaster is “Race
for the Sky” and it surely gives this experience to its riders. This is the
second tallest roller coaster in the world. It reaches the maximum speed at 3.8
seconds. When debuted, it holds the records for tallest, fastest, and steepest
roller coaster. The theme of the Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster is Top Fuel
Drag Racing motor sport. There are a total of 6 trains with 5 cars and each
train can accommodate 20 riders. The speed of the launch is controlled by a
computer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">2. Name:
Kingda Ka<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
Six Flages Great Adventure, Jackson Township, New Jersey, USA<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Speed:
128 miles per hour<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHnJ4WOhork/T8SN8VV8C-I/AAAAAAAAA1E/i1sDwlF0tBM/s1600/640px-Kingda_Ka_(Full_Layout).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHnJ4WOhork/T8SN8VV8C-I/AAAAAAAAA1E/i1sDwlF0tBM/s640/640px-Kingda_Ka_(Full_Layout).JPG" title="Kingda Ka, Six Flags Great Adventure" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kingda Ka, the tallest roller coaster in the world<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/37/Kingda_Ka_%28Full_Layout%29.JPG/640px-Kingda_Ka_%28Full_Layout%29.JPG" target="_blank">Image courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It was the fastest roller coaster until November
2010 and is still the world’s tallest roller coaster. The maximum speed of 128
mph is reached within 3.5 seconds. It made its debut in the year 2005. This roller
coaster suffered various setbacks and was closed at various points of time in
the years 2005 and 2009. There was damage in 2011 shortly before the Hurricane
Irene and was re-opened on April 2012. The theme of Kingda Ka is a mythical
tiger. There are four trains with 5 cars and each train can take a maximum of
18 riders at a time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">1. Name:
Formula Rossa<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Location:
Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Speed:
150 miles per hour<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPk4yjULrcY/T8SO_jhmHKI/AAAAAAAAA1M/5aB6QWDFPRI/s1600/800px-Formula_Rossa_coaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPk4yjULrcY/T8SO_jhmHKI/AAAAAAAAA1M/5aB6QWDFPRI/s640/800px-Formula_Rossa_coaster.jpg" title="Formula Rossa, Ferrari World" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world inspired by Italian racetrack Autodromo Nazionale Monza<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Formula_Rossa_coaster.jpg/800px-Formula_Rossa_coaster.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Formula Rossa is currently the world’s
fastest roller coaster and reaches the maximum speed of 150 miles per hour
within 4.9 seconds; the maximum G Force is 4.8. The shape of the track was
designed or inspired by the legendary Italian racetrack called Autodromo
Nazionale Monza. As it rides very fast, the riders in the front row are
requested to wear protective glasses to avoid insects or any airborne particles
entering their eyes. There are 2 trains with 4 cars with a maximum seating capacity
of 16 riders per train.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-42750224473311719902012-05-28T23:13:00.000+05:302012-05-28T23:13:09.128+05:30Australia: 10 Major Tourist Attractions in Sydney<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Sydney is not only a big city in Australia,
but also a great place for scenic views, nightlife, aquariums, parks, and much
more. It was found that in the year 2008, Sydney received close to 2.7 visitors
from all over the world. When talking about Australia or Sydney, the first
point of visitor attraction that comes to our mind is the Sydney Opera House. It
is definitely one of the major attractions, but there are other tourist
attractions too. Discover some of the major points of tourist attractions in
Sydney here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Sydney
Harbour Bridge<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zLJVkQ1CoQw/T8O4bYGGoyI/AAAAAAAAA0E/qhPVNtM0gIs/s1600/799px-Sydney_Harbour_Bridge_night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="144" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zLJVkQ1CoQw/T8O4bYGGoyI/AAAAAAAAA0E/qhPVNtM0gIs/s640/799px-Sydney_Harbour_Bridge_night.jpg" title="Sydney Harbour Bridge" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic view of Sydney Harbour Bridge from the north shore of Kirribillli<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Sydney_Harbour_Bridge_night.jpg/799px-Sydney_Harbour_Bridge_night.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/12/best-places-to-celebrate-new-year-eve.html">Sydney
harbour</a> is one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours and the
Sydney Harbour Bridge carries almost all modes of transportation between Sydney
Central Business District and the North Shore; it is a steel bridge. Sydney Harbour
Bridge holds a Guinness World Record for the widest long-span bridge in the
world. One of the major tourist attractions of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is the
south-east pylon; one can access this through a pedestrian walkway. It is a
major tourist attraction almost all through the year, but it is at its best
during the <a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/12/best-places-to-celebrate-new-year-eve.html">New
Year Eve</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Sydney
Opera House<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygkUUvzkX_E/T8O34SdPiBI/AAAAAAAAAz8/Xvh_WIMGVqM/s1600/640px-SydneyOpera_House.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygkUUvzkX_E/T8O34SdPiBI/AAAAAAAAAz8/Xvh_WIMGVqM/s640/640px-SydneyOpera_House.JPG" title="Sydney Opera House" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Sydney Opera House at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When talking about Australia can anyone
forget the famous Opera House? Sydney Opera House is the one of the most
distinctive buildings of the 20<sup>th</sup> century that was conceived by a
Danish Architect named Jorn Ultzon. This building entered the list of UNESCO
World Heritage Sites in the year 2007. There are multiple performing avenues in
this building and is a chief tourist attraction in Sydney. One can find a lot
of recording studios, cafes, retail outlets, restaurants, and much more in this
distinguishing building.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Royal
Botanical Gardens<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yC3_bvrt68/T8O3c2siqLI/AAAAAAAAAz0/F8SeBqRFCtY/s1600/640px-RoyalBotanicGardensSydney01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yC3_bvrt68/T8O3c2siqLI/AAAAAAAAAz0/F8SeBqRFCtY/s640/640px-RoyalBotanicGardensSydney01.jpg" title="Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pond at the Royal Botanical Gardens<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7b/RoyalBotanicGardensSydney01.jpg/640px-RoyalBotanicGardensSydney01.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy: wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The total area of the Royal Botanical
gardens is 30 hectares and is the most central of the three botanical gardens
present in Sydney and maintained by the trust of “The Domain.” It is situated
east of Sydney Opera House. If you wish to see fruitbats and grey-headed flying
foxes, the best place to visit is the Royal Botanical Gardens; however, for the
past couple of years, huge recorded sounds are played to drive away the fruitbats
as they destroy the trees in the garden. The garden is opened on all days
throughout the year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Luna
Park<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQcM8gRAkgA/T8O20IXKYmI/AAAAAAAAAzs/niPpyXIzlrk/s1600/640px-Luna_Park-Sydney-Australia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQcM8gRAkgA/T8O20IXKYmI/AAAAAAAAAzs/niPpyXIzlrk/s640/640px-Luna_Park-Sydney-Australia.JPG" title="The face at Lunar Park" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The current face at the entrance of Luna Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luna Park is an amusement park located at
Milsons Point, the northern shore of Sydney Harbour. This amusement park was
opened in the year 1935, which was then opened to the public only for nine
months a year; however, after 1972, this park is opened all year-round. This park
was closed often for repair works and renovations, but is now functional till
date from 2004. This amusement park holds a place in the New South Wales State
Heritage Register. The main point of attraction is the Luna Park’s face; it is
30 feet wide. There are a list of rides like Rotor, Flying Saucer, Tango Train,
Wild Mouse, and Tumblebug to name a few. There are also separate rides for kids
like Whirly Wheel, U-Drive, etc.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Sydney
Tower<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2E0L0gLNstw/T8O2OSM2wlI/AAAAAAAAAzk/9qA4M-RQDEg/s1600/Centre_Point_Tower_In_Sydney_Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2E0L0gLNstw/T8O2OSM2wlI/AAAAAAAAAzk/9qA4M-RQDEg/s640/Centre_Point_Tower_In_Sydney_Edit.jpg" title="Sydney Tower or AMP Tower or Centrepoint" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sydney Tower, tallest free standing structure in Sydney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sydney Tower is the tallest free-standing
structure in Sydney and the second tallest in Australia; it is called by
various names such as Sydney Tower Eye, AMP Tower, Centrepoint, etc. This is
one of the major tourist attractions of Sydney and can be seen from various
vantage points across the city. The construction of the tower was over in the
year 1975; public access was given only in the year 1981. The shopping center was
connected to other areas of the tower in the year 2009; this is when the large
illuminated “Westfield” logo came into place. Four sections of the tower are
opened to public; this includes restaurants, observation deck, etc. The famous <a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/10/worlds-best-revolving-restaurants.html">360
revolving restaurant</a> is at Level 1, Sydney Tower Buffet and Level 2 and Sky
Venue, the highest event space in the entire southern hemisphere is at Level 3.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Taronga
Zoo<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ecowK81h0I/T8O1YbX_EII/AAAAAAAAAzc/csjVPrBZBP4/s1600/640px-Rusticbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ecowK81h0I/T8O1YbX_EII/AAAAAAAAAzc/csjVPrBZBP4/s640/640px-Rusticbridge.jpg" title="Rustic Bridge at Taronga Zoo" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rustic Bridge at Taronga Zoo, designed with reminiscent of Italian grottoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Taronga Zoo is yet another tourist
attraction situated in the shores of Sydney Harbour and was officially opened in
the year 1916. Taronga means “beautiful view” in the aboriginal word. This is
one of the largest zoos in the world with over 2,600 animals spread across an
area of 52 acres. The rustic bridge of the zoo was designed with reminiscent of
Italian grottoes. There is a taronga ferry wharf available for the tourists to
go around the zoo and is one of the preferred modes of transport.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Sydney
Aquarium<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eY2BaPZiAGc/T8OxU52UjYI/AAAAAAAAAzI/Ahd9EMCU96E/s1600/640px-Sharks_at_the_Sydney_aquarium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eY2BaPZiAGc/T8OxU52UjYI/AAAAAAAAAzI/Ahd9EMCU96E/s640/640px-Sharks_at_the_Sydney_aquarium.jpg" title="Sydney Aquarium" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharks at Sydney Aquarium<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/Sharks_at_the_Sydney_aquarium.jpg/640px-Sharks_at_the_Sydney_aquarium.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sydney Aquarium is opened to public and is
situated on the east side of Darling Harbour. This aquarium holds the largest
collection of aquatic species of Australia with nearly 6,000 fishes. How will
it be if sharks swim above your head? Does that sound terrifying? Don’t worry…this
aquarium has acrylic glass tunnels and this is where the sharks move; this
gives the visitors an impact of sharks moving above their head. Sydney Aquarium
also holds a miniature or a recreation of “The Great Barrier Reef.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Bondi
Beach<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQlAlkqGq9s/T8OwYzZKWdI/AAAAAAAAAzA/GRgtpcx8pHI/s1600/640px-Bondi_Beach_Sydney_Australia_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Water breaking over rocks or Place where a flight of nullas took place" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vQlAlkqGq9s/T8OwYzZKWdI/AAAAAAAAAzA/GRgtpcx8pHI/s640/640px-Bondi_Beach_Sydney_Australia_7.jpg" title="Bondi Beach" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic View of Bondi Beach<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/Bondi_Beach_Sydney_Australia_7.jpg/640px-Bondi_Beach_Sydney_Australia_7.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bondi Beach is a popular name in the area
and one of the main points of tourist attraction. In the aboriginal word, bondi
mean “water breaking over rocks” and according to the Australian Museum, bondi
mean “place where a flight of nullas took place.” This beach holds a place in
the Australian National Heritage List. Surfing is a major sport in this beach. Surf
Live Saving Australia has given a rating of 4 to the northern end and 7 to the
southern side in a scale of 1 to 10 where 1 mean safe and 10 mean hazardous.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Darling
Harbour</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpQVY43n5L4/T8ONFiXo4CI/AAAAAAAAAys/ADFrxL6Gaxo/s1600/1024px-Darling_habour_panoramic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="148" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpQVY43n5L4/T8ONFiXo4CI/AAAAAAAAAys/ADFrxL6Gaxo/s640/1024px-Darling_habour_panoramic.jpg" title="Darling Harbour" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic View of the Darling Harbour<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a4/Darling_habour_panoramic.jpg/1024px-Darling_habour_panoramic.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Darling harbour is situated very close to
Sydney city center and one of the largest recreational areas on the outskirts
of Sydney Central Business District. There are lots of tourist attractions near
Darling harbour; some of them include:</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Harbourside Shopping
Centre</li>
<li>Tumbalong Park</li>
<li>Powerhouse Museum</li>
<li>Sydney Aquarium</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Blue
Mountains</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EAuVHDZNg6A/T8OLo-_VUDI/AAAAAAAAAyk/zoxnE6ikOUU/s1600/640px-BlueMountains123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EAuVHDZNg6A/T8OLo-_VUDI/AAAAAAAAAyk/zoxnE6ikOUU/s1600/640px-BlueMountains123.jpg" title="The Blue Mountains, Sydney, Australia" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic view of the Blue Mountains with Three Sisters on the far left<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/BlueMountains123.jpg/640px-BlueMountains123.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The foot hills of these Blue Mountains
starts roughly around 50 km west of the state capital and extends towards the
west of Coxs River. At different elevations, one can experience different
climatic conditions; the weather ranges from subzero to 22 degrees centigrade. At
the higher ridges, major vegetation is eucalyptus plants and on the sheltered
gorges, one can witness rainforests. Blue Mountains became a part of UNESCO
World Heritage list on November 2000. What is there for tourists at Blue
Mountains? There are a number of tourist attractions like:</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>The Giant
Staircase; this provide natural walk along the valley and passes very close to Three
Sisters, the natural sandstone rock formation.</li>
<li>Limestone caves
called the Jenolan Caves.</li>
<li>Toy museum</li>
<li>Apple orchards
at Shipley Plateau.</li>
<li>The Zig Zag
Railway</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-67549245877417477942012-05-07T12:12:00.001+05:302012-05-07T12:12:54.453+05:3010 Beautiful and Stunning Sea-Stack Formations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">When talking about beautiful geological
landforms stacks definitely hold an important place. Stacks are formed due to a
variety of natural phenomena like wind, water and time; hydraulic actions
during erosion play a vital role in the formation of sea stacks. They have
steep and vertical columns of rock in the sea. These can be found very close to
the coast of the sea. Stacks are a popular destination of rock climbing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Ball’s
Pyramid, Lord Howe Island, Australia<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wKHXIw7u-k0/T6dks8EfGTI/AAAAAAAAAxI/Rn2nhPHNk_A/s1600/Ball's_Pyramid2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wKHXIw7u-k0/T6dks8EfGTI/AAAAAAAAAxI/Rn2nhPHNk_A/s640/Ball's_Pyramid2.jpg" title="Ball's Pyramind, Australia" width="568" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ball's Pyramid, erosional remains of shield volcano and a caldera.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ball’s Pyramid is in reality the erosional
remains of a shield volcano and a caldera; caldera is created when a land collapses due to volcanic eruption. It got its name as it was discovered
by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball in the year 1788; it was he who discovered
the Lord Howe Island around the same period. Ball’s Pyramid is 1,844 feet high
and therefore the world’s tallest volcanic stack.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Old
Man of Hoy, Orkney Islands, Scotland<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ft9DloFXyas/T6dmR8fzI5I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/j4QgoiWsB3U/s1600/512px-Old_man_of_hoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ft9DloFXyas/T6dmR8fzI5I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/j4QgoiWsB3U/s640/512px-Old_man_of_hoy.jpg" title="Old Man of Hoy, sandstone sea stack, Orkney Islands, Scotland" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Man of Hoy, A prominent landmark when ferrying from Thurso to Stromness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Old Man of Hoy is a 449 feet high red
sandstone sea stack in the Orkney Islands of Scotland. This is a prominent
landmark when ferrying from Thurso to Stromness. There were no indications of a
sea stack in the maps drawn between 1600 and 1750; this leads to the belief
that this was discovered 400 years back. This sea stack is in the verge of
collapsing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Old
Man of Stoer, Sutherland, Scotland<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mhlVQYCBtI/T6dm_Cd5WnI/AAAAAAAAAxY/JtZYbDs3wCI/s1600/640px-Old_man_of_stoer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mhlVQYCBtI/T6dm_Cd5WnI/AAAAAAAAAxY/JtZYbDs3wCI/s640/640px-Old_man_of_stoer.jpg" title="Old Man of Stoer, Sutherland, Scotland" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Man of Stoer, a famous climbing route in Scotland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Old Man of Stoer is a 197 feet high sea stack
close to the villages of Culkein and Stoer. Old Man of Stoer is famous for its
climbing route; however, it is believed that it is very tough to climb when the
weather is windy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Lange
Anna, Heligoland, Germany<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XiwIcqgYGoM/T6dnlQzLKYI/AAAAAAAAAxg/xTovlMh8Dnk/s1600/640px-Langeanna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XiwIcqgYGoM/T6dnlQzLKYI/AAAAAAAAAxg/xTovlMh8Dnk/s640/640px-Langeanna.jpg" title="Lange Anna or Long Anna or Tall Anna, Germany" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lange Anna, famous tourist attraction and a natural monument of Germany</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lange Anna is also called as Long Anna or
Tall Anna; it is 154 feet high sea stack in the North Sea island of Heligoland
in Germany. It is a point of tourist attraction in Germany; however, tourists
are not allowed to climb the rock. Lange Anna in many ways resemble Old Man of
Hoy sea stack of Scotland. Lange Anna was declared natural monument of Germany
in the year 1969.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">The
Twelve Apostles, Victoria, Australia<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxXbDGVngBY/T6doLf7H1xI/AAAAAAAAAxo/bU1oBwsk1h4/s1600/640px-The_Twelve_Apostles_Victoria_Australia_2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxXbDGVngBY/T6doLf7H1xI/AAAAAAAAAxo/bU1oBwsk1h4/s640/640px-The_Twelve_Apostles_Victoria_Australia_2006.JPG" title="The Twelve Apostles, Australia" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Twelve Apostles, a popular limestone sea stack tourist attraction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These are a group of Miocene limestone
rocks with a height of 147 feet; these are one of the most popular tourist
attractions in Australia. These were called as the Sow and Piglets until 1922;
it was changed to The Twelve Apostles for tourism purposes even though there
are only nine sea stacks. These rocks are in the verge of collapsing and
already one stack collapsed on July 2005. Helicopter tours are arranged for
tourists and are believed that nearly two million people visit this site.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Sugar
Loaf, Mackinac Island, Michigan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jAOUa5Yd8vM/T6dpAHL73_I/AAAAAAAAAxw/u6ufALUTEoY/s1600/640px-Mackinacsugarloaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Largest post-glacial erosion feature of this island" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jAOUa5Yd8vM/T6dpAHL73_I/AAAAAAAAAxw/u6ufALUTEoY/s640/640px-Mackinacsugarloaf.jpg" title="Sugar Loaf (Mackinac Islands)" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar Loaf, a place for ritual burials in the earlier periods and now a famous tourist attraction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Doesn’t the name sound yummy? Sugar Loaf is
a sea stack in the Mackinac Islands and is 75 feet high and is believed to be the
largest post-glacial erosion in the Straits of Mackinac. This consists of
resistant limestone rock consisting of various broken mineral fragments. Why is
it called Sugar Loaf? People who live near the frontier Great Lake loves maple
sugar, which is packed in cone-shaped baskets; as the rock resembles this shape,
the rock got its name as Sugar Loaf. In earlier periods, this area was used for
ritual burials.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Ko Tapu,
Phang Nga Bay, Thailand<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJnX1IB0OUk/T6dqhov1PkI/AAAAAAAAAx4/LjO3_rxYB38/s1600/640px-TH_Phang_Nga_-_James_Bond_Island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJnX1IB0OUk/T6dqhov1PkI/AAAAAAAAAx4/LjO3_rxYB38/s640/640px-TH_Phang_Nga_-_James_Bond_Island.jpg" title="Ko Tapu, limestone sea stack" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ko Tapu, became a popular tourist spot after featuring in a James Bond movie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One can witness the Ko Tapu sea stack in
the Khao Phing Kan or ko Khao Phing Kan Islands of Thailand. These islands are
popularly known as the James Bond islands after featuring in a James Bond
movie.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Ko Tapu is a 66 feet high limestone rock;
the diameter of this sea stack increases by 4 meters from 13 feet and by 8
meters from 26 feet. There is a local legend about Ko Tapu’s formation. It
explains that a fisherman once didn’t get any fishes even after numerous
attempts and got only one nail. It seems he kept throwing this nail and
catching it and finally cut the nail into two halves as he was very furious
that he was not able to catch a single fish. One half of this cut nail rooted
itself and became the Ko Tapu sea stack. There is also a scientific theory
explaining the formation of Ko Tapu which is the constant erosion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Hopewell
Rocks, New Brunswick, Canada<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lT9YvqMuNeE/T6drjwVJI1I/AAAAAAAAAyA/NA0C9OaJLTc/s1600/640px-142_-_On_the_Bottom_of_the_Atlantic_Ocean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Flower Pot Rocks or The Rocks" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lT9YvqMuNeE/T6drjwVJI1I/AAAAAAAAAyA/NA0C9OaJLTc/s640/640px-142_-_On_the_Bottom_of_the_Atlantic_Ocean.JPG" title="Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopewell Rocks, on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hopewell Rocks is known by various other
names like “The Flowerpot Rocks” or “The Rocks.” This is a sandstone rock. You can
find these sea stacks at the upper reaches of Bay of Fundy at Hopewell Cape. This
area experiences a heavy tidal range and therefore the base of these rock
formations get covered with water almost two times a day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Old Harry
Rocks, Dorset, England<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hskHgkctggg/T6dsq1aenrI/AAAAAAAAAyI/lhDwkHl8nqM/s1600/640px-Oldharryandwife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hskHgkctggg/T6dsq1aenrI/AAAAAAAAAyI/lhDwkHl8nqM/s640/640px-Oldharryandwife.jpg" title="Old Harry Rocks, Dorset, England" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Old Harry from the north Studland Bay<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Oldharryandwife.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These are a set of two chalk sea stacks;
chalk is a soft, porous and white sedimentary rock containing mineral calcite. One
can get a spectacular view of these rocks from the Dorset division of South
West Coastal Path. It is believed that earlier this was an arch formed due to
erosion and in the long run, the arch collapsed to form two rocks. A research
team headed by Dr. C.P. Buckle is trying to protect this rock as it is in the brink
of collapsing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">The Needles,
Isle of Wright, England<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_FIizl0SFY/T6duJr00PkI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/ILDf38dH8vI/s1600/The_Needles_from_the_Old_Battery_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1378227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_FIizl0SFY/T6duJr00PkI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/ILDf38dH8vI/s640/The_Needles_from_the_Old_Battery_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1378227.jpg" title="The Needles, Isle of Wright, England" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Needles, featured as a natural wonder of Southern England in a TV programme.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e6/The_Needles_from_the_Old_Battery_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1378227.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Needles too are chalk sea stacks
similar to the Old Harry Rocks; the only exception is that this is a set of
three sea stacks unlike the Old Harry Rocks which is a set of two sea stacks. At
the end of this sea stack is the lighthouse built in the year 1859. This was
featured as a natural wonder of Southern England in a TV programme. There is
small amusement park at the Needles Pleasure Park located at the top of the
cliff. This is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Isle of Wright
region.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-89508898561312752262012-04-20T14:32:00.000+05:302012-04-20T14:33:17.459+05:3010 Most Celebrated Domes of the World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">talking about architecture domes have a
significant place. Domes are structural elements of architecture and they
resemble a hollow upper half of a sphere. One can also call a dome as an arch
that is rotated around its central vertical axis. The tradition of constructing
multiple domes first started when church architecture started in Russia. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">There are various types of domes such as
onion domes, corbel domes, oval domes, parabolic domes, polygonal domes, umbrella
domes, and much more. Find out some of the most celebrated domes around the
world. This is just a list of 10 most celebrated domes from a very huge list of
domes. Domes are indeed one of the most famous tourist attractions in the
world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Pantheon,
Rome, Italy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZU_3bHPQZI/T5EUHBUnUXI/AAAAAAAAAv4/78qpwHiZobM/s1600/597px-Pantheon-panini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZU_3bHPQZI/T5EUHBUnUXI/AAAAAAAAAv4/78qpwHiZobM/s1600/597px-Pantheon-panini.jpg" title="Pantheon, Rome, Italy" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pantheon, Largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Greek language, Pantheon means “to every
god;” as the name suggests this was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa to all the
gods of Ancient Rome, which was later completed by Emperor Hadrian around 126
AD. Pantheon in Rome is one of the most preserved Roman buildings.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">This is a circular building with a granite
portico and large Corinthian columns. There is a vestibule that links the porch
and the rotunda (rotunda is any building that has a circular ground plan). Pantheon
has a concrete dome and was built close to 2,000 years ago; this is still the largest
unreinforced concrete dome in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Suleymaniye
Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c8e9L6XCQe0/T5EVR0-RuKI/AAAAAAAAAwA/PrD9a9_DyA0/s1600/547px-20101213_Suleymaniye_Mosque_Istanbul_inside_vertical_Panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c8e9L6XCQe0/T5EVR0-RuKI/AAAAAAAAAwA/PrD9a9_DyA0/s1600/547px-20101213_Suleymaniye_Mosque_Istanbul_inside_vertical_Panorama.jpg" title="Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suleymaniye Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/06/20101213_Suleymaniye_Mosque_Istanbul_inside_vertical_Panorama.jpg/547px-20101213_Suleymaniye_Mosque_Istanbul_inside_vertical_Panorama.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Suleymaniye Mosque is the second largest
mosque in Istanbul; it took nearly 8 years to complete the construction. This mosque
was built under the orders of Sultan Suleyman. This structure combines tall and
slender minarets with large domed buildings that are supported by half domes.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Suleymaniye Mosque was designed as a
kulliye, which means a complex where there are adjacent structures for both religious
and cultural needs. Initially, this complex had hospital, a primary school,
public bath, a roadside inn or a Caravanserai, Qur’an schools, school for
learning hadith, medical college, and a public kitchen. Even though many of
these structures are still in place, some of them have changed; the former
imaret has been changed to a well-known restaurant and the hospital to a
printing factory that is owned by the Turkish Army. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">St.
Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r71wUvVSGP4/T5EWmPFpzwI/AAAAAAAAAwI/zAwRuyCpHzY/s1600/576px-Sant_Vasily_cathedral_in_Moscow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r71wUvVSGP4/T5EWmPFpzwI/AAAAAAAAAwI/zAwRuyCpHzY/s1600/576px-Sant_Vasily_cathedral_in_Moscow.JPG" title="St. Basil's Cathedral or Trinity Church or Trinity Cathedral" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night view of "The Cathedral of the Protection of Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/40/Sant_Vasily_cathedral_in_Moscow.JPG/576px-Sant_Vasily_cathedral_in_Moscow.JPG" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
St. Basil’s Cathedral is the popular name
of “The Cathedral of the Protection of Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat;” this
is a Russian orthodox church. This was originally called the “Trinity Church”
or the “Trinity Cathedral.” There are a total of nine churches where the eight
churches surround the ninth church that is in the middle in a symmetrical floor
plan.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">St. Basil’s Cathedral was erected on the
Red Square of Moscow between the years 1555-61. The shape of the cathedral is a
flame out of a bonfire rising into the sky. Many mislabel this as the <a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2012/04/10-famous-defensive-walls-around-world.html">Kremlin</a>
due to its close proximity. This cathedral is famous for its onion domes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">St.
Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wNuaVbD2JoQ/T5EXpZu6NpI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/B_8FsboC5qM/s1600/640px-Vatican_Altar_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wNuaVbD2JoQ/T5EXpZu6NpI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/B_8FsboC5qM/s1600/640px-Vatican_Altar_2.jpg" title="St. Peter's Basilica or "Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano"" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Peter's Basilica, the largest dome in the world - Wide angle view of the altar inside<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Vatican_Altar_2.jpg/640px-Vatican_Altar_2.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The official name of St. Peter’s Basilica
in Italian is <b>“</b></span><b><span lang="IT" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">.”</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"> </span>This is Late Renaissance
church that is located within the Vatican City and is one of the holiest Catholic
sites. The construction of St. Peter’s Basilica started in the year 1506 and was
completed in the year 1626.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">The skyline of Rome is dominated by the
central dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. The total height of the dome is 136.57
meters from the floor of the basilica to the top of the external cross making
it the largest dome in the world. </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Harmandir
Sahib, Amritsar, India <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hcScVDocy0/T5EZ4UBpxLI/AAAAAAAAAwY/sfKMOywjpDY/s1600/615px-Golden-Temple-Jan-07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hcScVDocy0/T5EZ4UBpxLI/AAAAAAAAAwY/sfKMOywjpDY/s1600/615px-Golden-Temple-Jan-07.jpg" title="Harmandir Sahib or "Golden Temple", Amritsar, India" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harmandir Sahib<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Golden-Temple-Jan-07.jpg/615px-Golden-Temple-Jan-07.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The best-known or the popular name of
Harmandir Sahib is the “Golden Temple.” It is a Sikh gurudwara and the construction
began when Guru Ram Das (4<sup>th</sup> guru) was the guru; the construction
got completed during the period when the guru was Guru Arjan Dev (5<sup>th</sup>
guru).</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">It was during the 19<sup>th</sup> century,
the upper floors were covered by gold by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who took over Punjab
and protected it from outside attack. This is when Harmandir Sahib got its
present name, “Golden Temple.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Taj Mahal,
Agra, India<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ow2Pgk0W5lI/T5EiKilICdI/AAAAAAAAAwg/C-3a97zZD2U/s1600/639px-Agra-Taj-Mahal-Mausoleum-architecture-Apr-2008-04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ow2Pgk0W5lI/T5EiKilICdI/AAAAAAAAAwg/C-3a97zZD2U/s1600/639px-Agra-Taj-Mahal-Mausoleum-architecture-Apr-2008-04.JPG" title="Taj Mahal, UNESCO World Heritage Site" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taj Mahal, yellowish color during dusk. This monument is famous for its color changing properties as the day passes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e1/Agra-Taj-Mahal-Mausoleum-architecture-Apr-2008-04.JPG/639px-Agra-Taj-Mahal-Mausoleum-architecture-Apr-2008-04.JPG" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan, a Mughal
Emperor in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The entire structure was
constructed using white marble. Taj Mahal is considered as “<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">the jewel of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Muslim art<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of
the world's heritage.” Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
the year 1983.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">The shape
of the main dome is onion; therefore, one of the best examples of onion domes. The
height of the marble dome is 35 meters which is about the same length as the base;
the height of the dome is highlighted by a lotus design. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">St.
Paul’s Cathedral, London, England</span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CfcZidcwnwU/T5Ei2HiP9-I/AAAAAAAAAwo/bcq7tQGYNCk/s1600/640px-Dome_of_st_pauls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CfcZidcwnwU/T5Ei2HiP9-I/AAAAAAAAAwo/bcq7tQGYNCk/s1600/640px-Dome_of_st_pauls.jpg" title="St. Paul's Cathedral - the seat of Bishop of London" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Paul's Cathedral - looking up at the dome, first ever triple dome constructed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
St. Paul’s Cathedral is the seat of Bishop
of London; the present church was built during the late 17<sup>th</sup> century
when a rebuilding program took place after the “Great Fire of London.” This was
the tallest building in the London for close to 300 years with a total height
of 365 feet.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of
the world’s highest domes and the church is the second largest church building
in the United Kingdom; the first one being the Liverpool Cathedral. There are
totally three layers in the large crossing dome and is the first ever triple
dome constructed. There are 12 bells, 3 clocks, and one bourdon and a
communion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Ericsson
Globe, Stockholm, Sweden<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LqaLZ4tV3o/T5EjcTmEzDI/AAAAAAAAAww/VXEAjrlg5w4/s1600/640px-Globen_Stockholm_February_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LqaLZ4tV3o/T5EjcTmEzDI/AAAAAAAAAww/VXEAjrlg5w4/s1600/640px-Globen_Stockholm_February_2007.jpg" title="Ericsson Globe or "Stockholm Global Arena"" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ericsson Globe, the largest hemispherical building in the world and the world's largest scale model of Solar System<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/62/Globen_Stockholm_February_2007.jpg/640px-Globen_Stockholm_February_2007.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ericsson Globe was originally called as the
“Stockholm Global Arena” and is currently the world’s largest hemispherical building.
It is the national indoor arena of Sweden. The total volume of Ericsson Globe
is 605,000 cubic meters. This indoor arena has another feather in its cap; it
represents the Sun of the Sweden Solar System and is the largest scale model of
Solar System in the world.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">How it got its name as the Ericsson Globe? The
naming rights of the building was officially acquired by Ericsson in the year
2009 and therefore became to be known as the “Ericsson Globe.” In the year
2010, a funicular railway was opened outside this indoor arena; each of these 2
gondolas can accommodate 16 people. This will take them to a height of 130
meters from where they get a unobstructed virtual view of entire Stockholm; one
cannot see such an arrangement anywhere in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Global
Pagoda, Mumbai, India<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqy0NAiAX88/T5EkQWWQfHI/AAAAAAAAAw4/oMnsdwxjiS8/s1600/623px-Global_Vipassana_Pagoda_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqy0NAiAX88/T5EkQWWQfHI/AAAAAAAAAw4/oMnsdwxjiS8/s1600/623px-Global_Vipassana_Pagoda_1.jpg" title="Global Pagoda or Global Vipassana Pagoda, Mumbai, India" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Global Pagoda, the world's largest stone dome and the largest structure in the world that contains relics of Buddha<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Global_Vipassana_Pagoda_1.jpg/623px-Global_Vipassana_Pagoda_1.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Global Pagoda or the Global Vipassana
Pagoda is one of the notable monuments of Mumbai and was inaugurated in the year
2009. This Pagoda was built in gratitude to Buddha and his teachings. The pagoda’s
shape was copied from the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">This pagoda holds the world record for the
largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars; the height of the dome
is 29 meters. There are three sub-domes and each of these domes was constructed
at different periods. Global Pagoda has one more crown; it is the largest
structure in the world that contains relics of Buddha. The construction of the
Global Pagoda is still on as they wish to incorporate a museum that will depict
both the life as well as the teachings of the Great Gautama Buddha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">The Eden
Project, Cornwall, United Kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHhZPv1534Y/T5ElZ5F9j0I/AAAAAAAAAxA/kEqLoqUxVJ8/s1600/640px-Eden_project.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHhZPv1534Y/T5ElZ5F9j0I/AAAAAAAAAxA/kEqLoqUxVJ8/s1600/640px-Eden_project.JPG" title="Eden Project, tourist attraction of Cornwall, United Kingdom" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eden Project, a modern botanical garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eden Project at Cornwall, United Kingdom is
famous for its largest greenhouse in the world; it contains almost all plants
of the world. There are two huge enclosures with adjoining domes. These domes
consist of hundreds and thousands of hexagonal and pentagonal inflated plastic
cells; these are supported by steel frames.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">This is one of the major tourist
attractions of Cornwall. One can witness planted landscapes and vegetable
gardens. This site is also famous for a giant bee and a towering robot made from
old electrical appliances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-17913618322255713712012-04-16T14:27:00.000+05:302012-04-16T14:27:30.606+05:305 Record Holding Caves of the World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">In the early days, primitive people used
caves as place of dwellings; they used them for various other purposes like
burial or sites for religious practices. These caves are formed due to various
geological processes like water erosion, pressure, atmospheric influences,
digging, etc. Here is a list of six of the record holding caves of the world;
this includes greatest total length, deepest, largest passage and much more…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US">Greatest Total Length Cave - Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, USA<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhvX3Wx3r6k/T4vPZ9RZfNI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/1LQXbpOnfWg/s1600/682px-Mammoth_Cave_Mammoth_Dome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhvX3Wx3r6k/T4vPZ9RZfNI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/1LQXbpOnfWg/s1600/682px-Mammoth_Cave_Mammoth_Dome.jpg" title="Mammoth Cave, UNESCO World Heritage Site" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mammoth Cave, the greatest total length cave in the world<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/Mammoth_Cave_Mammoth_Dome.jpg/682px-Mammoth_Cave_Mammoth_Dome.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The total length of Mammoth Cave is 628
kilometers and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Mammoth Cave is
inside the Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, USA; the total area of the
park is 52,830 acres. This cave system is very stable as they are made of
limestone strata that are capped by sandstone. The national park was
established mainly to preserve this cave system, Mammoth Cave. One can witness
the endangered Kentucky cave shrimp, an eyeless shrimp at Mammoth Cave.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US">Longest Surveyed Underwater Cave – Sistema Ox Bel Ha, Quintana Roo,
Mexico<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qCiXkv20rw/T4vah0sNZLI/AAAAAAAAAvY/wH2VfN0SAWk/s1600/Sistema+Ox+Bel+Ha+cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qCiXkv20rw/T4vah0sNZLI/AAAAAAAAAvY/wH2VfN0SAWk/s640/Sistema+Ox+Bel+Ha+cave.jpg" title="Sistem Ox Bel Ha Cave or "Three Paths of Water"" width="502" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sistema Ox Bel Ha cave, longest surveyed underwater cave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://cavingnews.com/20110330-mexican-sistema-ox-bel-ha-reclaims-title-as-longest-underwater-cave-system">Ox
Bel Ha</a> means “Three Paths of Water” in the Mayan language. In the last week
of March 2011, Sistema Naranjal was connected to <a href="http://www.mexicocavediving.com/historyofourproject.html">Sistema Ox Bel</a>
Ha to make it the longest surveyed underwater cave; before this connection, it
was Sistema Sac Actun that was the longest surveyed underwater cave system. The
total length of Ox Bel Ha is 233.43 km.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US">Deepest Known Cave - Krubera Cave, Abkhazia, Georgia<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNa3Z55L9aY/T4vb5vgGtLI/AAAAAAAAAvg/iBLP_1HOExQ/s1600/science-extreme-caves-krubera-cave_47785_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNa3Z55L9aY/T4vb5vgGtLI/AAAAAAAAAvg/iBLP_1HOExQ/s1600/science-extreme-caves-krubera-cave_47785_600x450.jpg" title="Krubera Cave or Voronya Cave or Voronja Cave" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krubera Cave or Voronya Cave, meaning "Crows' Cave"<br /><br /><a href="http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/477/cache/science-extreme-caves-krubera-cave_47785_600x450.jpg" target="_blank">Image source: nationalgeographic</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Krubera Cave, also known as Voronya Cave or
Voronja Cave is believed to be the deepest known cave; it was measured from the
highest entrance to the lowest point of the cave. This cave is close to 2,000
meters deep. In Russian, Voronya Cave means Crows’ Cave; it was called so as
one can see a large number of crows nesting at the entrance pit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US">Deepest Vertical Shaft or Vertical Drop Cave – Vrtoglavica Cave,
Slovenia, Italy <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkTafMg1FZc/T4vdDy61lRI/AAAAAAAAAvo/XRdAZb_oXpk/s1600/Vrtoglavica+Cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkTafMg1FZc/T4vdDy61lRI/AAAAAAAAAvo/XRdAZb_oXpk/s1600/Vrtoglavica+Cave.jpg" title="Vrtoglavica Cave inside Kanin Mountains" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vrtoglavica Cave, the deepest vertical shaft cave.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dumage.com/img/nature/the-most-famous-caves-in-the-world/the-most-famous-caves-in-the-world03.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.caverbob.com/pit.htm">Vrtoglavica
Cave</a> is located inside a mountain called Kanin Mountain; this mountain lies
in the Slovenian part of the Julian Alps. What is a vertical shaft? A vertical
shaft is a place in the cave where the caver has to abseil, meaning, he/she has
to descend using controls like a rope. The total depth of the cave is 603 m. Vrtoglavica
means vertigo; there are no documented proofs to know why the cave was called
the Vrtoglavica cave.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US">Largest Passage – Son Doong Cave, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VSC-MlNmC-I/T4veJCo4MJI/AAAAAAAAAvw/QC66bHBk71I/s1600/largest-vietnam-cave_9969_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VSC-MlNmC-I/T4veJCo4MJI/AAAAAAAAAvw/QC66bHBk71I/s1600/largest-vietnam-cave_9969_600x450.jpg" title="Son Doong Cave or the Mountain River Cave" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hang Son Doong Cave, the largest passage cave famous for fast-flowing underground river<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dumage.com/img/nature/the-most-famous-caves-in-the-world/the-most-famous-caves-in-the-world03.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">In Vietnamese language, Hang Son Doong mean
“Mountain River Cave”; this is a cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in the
Quang Binh Province of Vietnam. This cave is famous for its largest fast-flowing
underground river. It was in the year 1991 this cave was found by a local man
named Ho-Khanh; earlier to its discovery, people were afraid to cross the cave due
to the whistling sound or noise made by the underground river.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-524476877664984642012-04-05T13:02:00.000+05:302012-04-05T13:02:54.433+05:3010 Famous Defensive Walls around the World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Defensive Walls is a fortification and are
constructed to protect a city or settlement from invaders. These defensive
walls are also termed either as city walls or town walls. When said defensive
walls or city walls the first wall that comes to our mind is “The Great Wall of
China.” Are there other famous city walls? If yes, where are these defensive
walls?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">10.
York City Walls, England, United Kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fk2IO79SDz8/T30z-UyBQAI/AAAAAAAAAuA/jnb8VTjLLqw/s1600/768px-Wall_Micklegate_2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fk2IO79SDz8/T30z-UyBQAI/AAAAAAAAAuA/jnb8VTjLLqw/s640/768px-Wall_Micklegate_2004.jpg" title="Wall Walk, York City Walls, England" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wall walk at York City Walls, England</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
York City walls are in the city of English
city of York and this place is known for its city walls right from the times of
Romans. York City Walls are also referred to as Bar Walls or Roman Walls. York
city in England has more miles of intact walls than any other city in England.
It was the Romans who first defensive city walls in York city; this was
followed by Danes. It was the Danes who restored the walls built by Romans.
York City walls are a scheduled ancient monument and a Grade 1 listed building.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">9. Hadrian’s
Wall, England-Scotland border<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ANKWpJwhwns/T300uE4Aa6I/AAAAAAAAAuI/ZOjHexL4a-w/s1600/736px-Hadrians_Wall_from_Housesteads1_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ANKWpJwhwns/T300uE4Aa6I/AAAAAAAAAuI/ZOjHexL4a-w/s640/736px-Hadrians_Wall_from_Housesteads1_crop.jpg" title="Hadrian's Wall, Master piece of Roman Britian" width="613" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hadrian's Wall, England-Scotland Border is a UNESCO World Heritage Site </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Hadrian’s Wall is yet another masterpiece
of Roman Britain; it was called as Hadrian’s Wall as this city wall was
constructed during the rule of Emperor Hadrian. It is believed that many of the
gates through the wall have served as customs posts, but not much of evidence
is found. Hadrian’s Walls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This wall is 120 m
long, which is 80 Roman miles. It is believed that this wall was built to
safeguard the empire and was imposed by divine instruction.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">8.
Roman Walls of Lugo, Galicia, Spain<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXCw0N8KR9o/T301Yykk73I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/dIqNlDXVJTk/s1600/440px-Porta.SanPedro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXCw0N8KR9o/T301Yykk73I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/dIqNlDXVJTk/s1600/440px-Porta.SanPedro.jpg" title="One of the five original Roman Gates, Roman Walls of Lugo" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An original Roman Gate among the five, Roman Walls of Lugo, Spain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Roman Walls of Lugo was constructed in the
3<sup>rd</sup> century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Majority of the
wall is still intact and this wall is at the historic center of Lugo in Spain.
Roman walls of Lugo is stated as “the finest example of
late Roman fortifications in western Europe.” The length of the walls
is 2,120 meters and is 4.2 m wide. There were initially 5 gates, which then
became ten as the population of the city increased.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">7.
Chester city walls, England, United Kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJbZLyzu1Ks/T31Dq9vrtGI/AAAAAAAAAuY/FSpb-sD32_s/s1600/Chester's_City_Walls_-_Bridgegate_to_Eastgate_%5E2_-_geograph.org.uk_-_372176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJbZLyzu1Ks/T31Dq9vrtGI/AAAAAAAAAuY/FSpb-sD32_s/s1600/Chester's_City_Walls_-_Bridgegate_to_Eastgate_%5E2_-_geograph.org.uk_-_372176.jpg" title="South section of Chester City Walls facing River Dee" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chester City Walls made of sandstone in England<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/99/Chester%27s_City_Walls_-_Bridgegate_to_Eastgate_%5E2_-_geograph.org.uk_-_372176.jpg" target="_blank">Image via Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Romans started the construction of Chester
city walls to protect Chester city in Cheshire, England between 70 and 80 AD. In
100 AD, the wall was reconstructed using sandstone, but the sad part is that
the construction didn’t get over for nearly 100 years. It was very difficult to
maintain the city walls and therefore, was converted into a major tourist
attraction. Many of the medieval structures like Bonewaldesthorne’s Tower,
Pemberton’s Parlour, Morgan’s Mount, Phoenix Tower, Barnaby’s Tower, etc., have
been incorporated in this major tourist attraction.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">6.
Moscow Kremlin Wall, Moscow, Russia<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tL1vCesQL_M/T31E4vhgd4I/AAAAAAAAAug/ZdN7XCML3xU/s1600/640px-Kremlevskaya_Naberezhnaja_Moscow.hires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tL1vCesQL_M/T31E4vhgd4I/AAAAAAAAAug/ZdN7XCML3xU/s1600/640px-Kremlevskaya_Naberezhnaja_Moscow.hires.jpg" title="Moscow Kremlin Wall, a symbolic construction in Russian History" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moscow Kremlin Wall by the side of Moskva River, Moscow<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Kremlevskaya_Naberezhnaja_Moscow.hires.jpg/640px-Kremlevskaya_Naberezhnaja_Moscow.hires.jpg" target="_blank">Image via wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kremlin wall is considered as one of the
symbolic constructions in the history of Russia; this wall was constructed to
protect the city of Moscow Kremlin. During the course of time, Russian borders
expanded and the canons placed in the wall were removed. The outer perimeter of
the Kremlin wall is close to 2200 meters and therefore would look like a loose
triangle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">5.
Kano City Wall, Kano, Nigeria<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtNv8zQmiSg/T31GinYa2DI/AAAAAAAAAuo/B0o72GY7i3s/s1600/_Kano_city_700498923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtNv8zQmiSg/T31GinYa2DI/AAAAAAAAAuo/B0o72GY7i3s/s1600/_Kano_city_700498923.jpg" title="Kano City Wall, a site submitted to UNESCO World Heritage Site" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kano City Walls, the most impressive monument in West Africa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/t5171.html">Kano City walls</a> is
believed to be “the most impressive monument in West Africa.” Majority of the
portions of the wall is damaged; this site is submitted to UNESCO World
Heritage Site to be a part of it. It is said that the best part of the Kano
city wall is the western section. People in Nigeria believe this wall has to be
restored.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">4.
Walls of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ExydDLImbc/T31HDbcdcFI/AAAAAAAAAuw/gcVcU7HdNvo/s1600/640px-Forteresse_de_Dubrovnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ExydDLImbc/T31HDbcdcFI/AAAAAAAAAuw/gcVcU7HdNvo/s1600/640px-Forteresse_de_Dubrovnik.jpg" title="Walls of Dubrovnik and the Mincenta Tower" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walls of Dubrovnik along with Mincenta Tower<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Forteresse_de_Dubrovnik.jpg/640px-Forteresse_de_Dubrovnik.jpg" target="_blank">Image via wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Walls of Dubrovnik are one of the UNESCO
World Heritage Sites. These defensive walls are considered as great
fortification during the Middle Ages as any hostile army was unable to breach
the wall and get inside; this stone wall was constructed to protect the people
of Dubrovnik city.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">3. Fortifications
of Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aDBbhgZVSxk/T31H3WWH5fI/AAAAAAAAAu4/5z5JYDOQi2I/s1600/640px-Xi'an_-_City_wall_-_011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aDBbhgZVSxk/T31H3WWH5fI/AAAAAAAAAu4/5z5JYDOQi2I/s1600/640px-Xi'an_-_City_wall_-_011.jpg" title="City Wall in Xi'an, China" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fortifications of Xi'an, oldest and best preserved city walls in China<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Xi%27an_-_City_wall_-_011.jpg/640px-Xi%27an_-_City_wall_-_011.jpg" target="_blank">Image via Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
These are definitely one among the best
preserved and oldest <a href="http://heritage-key.com/site/xian-city-wall">Chinese
city walls</a>. These walls were constructed in the year 194 BCE; however, the
existing walls were constructed during the rule of Ming Dynasty in 1370. The base
layer of the fortifications of Xi’an was done by earth, quick lime and
glutinous rice extract.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">2. Visby
Rigmur, Gotland, Sweden<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oNSo9dnJQa8/T31I3RVuC-I/AAAAAAAAAvA/elvJDp9HCi4/s1600/640px-Visby_ringmur_vid_%C3%96stergravar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oNSo9dnJQa8/T31I3RVuC-I/AAAAAAAAAvA/elvJDp9HCi4/s1600/640px-Visby_ringmur_vid_%C3%96stergravar.jpg" title="East Side of Visby Rigmur" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visby Rigmur or City Walls of Visby, part of World Heritage City 731.<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Visby_ringmur_vid_%C3%96stergravar.jpg/640px-Visby_ringmur_vid_%C3%96stergravar.jpg" target="_blank">Image via Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This wall is 11 feet high and was constructed
in two phases; Rigmur means ringwall in Sweden. Visby Rigmur or the City walls
of Visby was constructed during the Medieval period; the oldest defensive tower
is called the “Powder Tower.” This wall is part of <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/731%7CUNESCO">World Heritage City 731</a>. During
the time of construction, there were 29 towers; however, currently there are
only 27 towers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">1. Intramuros
Walls, Manila, Philippines<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fC2IB7rfKKc/T31Jt547d6I/AAAAAAAAAvI/U7mvBD1SHYg/s1600/intramuros+Walls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fC2IB7rfKKc/T31Jt547d6I/AAAAAAAAAvI/U7mvBD1SHYg/s1600/intramuros+Walls.jpg" title="Intramuros Walls, Manila" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intramuros Walls mean "within the walls" in Latin<br /><br /><a href="http://www.manila.gov.ph/Images/intramuros3.jpg" target="_blank">Image via manila.gov</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Intramuros in Latin means “within the walls”
and the seat of the government during the Spanish Colonial Period were the
Intramuros Walls. This wall was identified as “On the Verge” of irreparable
loss and destruction by the Global Heritage Fund.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Make sure to see these famous walls when
you visit these spectacular places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-18770618826322232492012-01-13T11:34:00.000+05:302012-01-22T09:37:19.690+05:30Renowned Rock-Cut Temples of South India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">India is known for its cultural heritage and most importantly famous for temples. There are lots of cave temples in India. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_rock-cut_architecture" target="_blank">Rock-cut architecture</a> is a practice where either buildings or structures are carved in caves. Here is a sneak preview of some of the famous rock-cut temples of South India.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #990000;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Undavalli Caves, Andhra Pradesh</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0aFVyO6o76I/Tw_ItEs6yRI/AAAAAAAAAt4/n0AhyxnKUms/s1600/768px-AnantaEntranceTo3Floor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0aFVyO6o76I/Tw_ItEs6yRI/AAAAAAAAAt4/n0AhyxnKUms/s640/768px-AnantaEntranceTo3Floor.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the entrace to the 3rd floor of Anananthapadmaswamy temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">Undavalli Caves boasts of ancient viswakarmastapathis and is an excellent example for rock-cut temples in India. This cave is a finest example of Gupta architecture. This cave is carved out of sandstone.There is a large statue of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture; this statue is made from single block of granite. Apart from a big statue of Lord Vishnu, there are lots of statues for the Lords Brahma and Shiva. It is a treat to watch the beautifully carved sculptures in these caves. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #990000;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Aihole, North Karnataka</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eh-58f--tns/Tw_IUlw_HWI/AAAAAAAAAtw/U0vi5YS6jR4/s1600/800px-Ravana_phadi_cave_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eh-58f--tns/Tw_IUlw_HWI/AAAAAAAAAtw/U0vi5YS6jR4/s640/800px-Ravana_phadi_cave_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ravana Phadi Cave at Aihole, Karnataka</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">Aihole is a temple complex and a popular tourist attraction in North Karnataka; it is believed that this may be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is definitely hard to believe that this temple was built 1400 years ago. Aihole is the best example for Badami Chalukya architecture; this type of architecture have three basic features in them, namely, pillared verandah, columned hall, a sanctum cut out deep into rock. There are lots of temples in Aihole and these are subdivided into two categories; Kontigudi group and Galaganatha group. Some of the temples in these groups include Lad Khan temple, Durga temple, Suryanarayana temple, Triyambakeshvara temple, Huchimali temple, Ravana Phadi cave, etc.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #990000;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="http://cs-test.ias.ac.in/cs/Downloads/article_43492.pdf" target="_blank">Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple</a>, Karnataka</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3U6VIQbruE/Tw_G5lKpNRI/AAAAAAAAAto/EIpErUqwV3c/s1600/Gavi+Gangadhareshwara+Temple.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="493" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3U6VIQbruE/Tw_G5lKpNRI/AAAAAAAAAto/EIpErUqwV3c/s640/Gavi+Gangadhareshwara+Temple.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Disc and its shadow at Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><a href="http://www.wondermondo.com/Countries/As/India/Karnataka/GaviGangadareshwara.htm" target="_blank">Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple</a> is yet another excellent of Indian rock-cut architecture. The main deity of this temple is Shiva; this temple is a protected monument under the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments, and Archeological Sites and Remains Act 1961. What is so special about this temple? Every year on Makar Sankaranthi (a festival of harvest in India) day, sun rays will fall directly on the deity of Shiva inside the cave for one hour. Isn’t it amazing to know the knowledge of our ancestors when there was no Internet or very less developments in Science? </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Kottukal Cave Temple, Kerala</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLzOH1j58o0/Tw6Ppj2jANI/AAAAAAAAAtg/2DpO13_2cKI/s1600/800px-Kottukal_cave_templeDSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gLzOH1j58o0/Tw6Ppj2jANI/AAAAAAAAAtg/2DpO13_2cKI/s640/800px-Kottukal_cave_templeDSC_0015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kottukal Cave temple<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/Kottukal_cave_templeDSC_0015.JPG/800px-Kottukal_cave_templeDSC_0015.JPG" target="_blank">Image courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">It is believed that this rock-cut temple in Kerala was built between 6th and 7th century AD when Nedila Paranthaka Nedumchadayan was ruling Chadayamangalam. Lord Shiva and Ganesha are the primary deities of this rock-cut temple. It is said that incarnations of Lord Shiva brought this huge rock to this place and the smaller rock called the “chummaadu paara” supports the bigger rock. The daily rituals are taken care by the Travancore Devaswom Board. This is one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala especially due to the calmness and serenity of the place. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29xrvidyR8k/Tw6PSL9BKLI/AAAAAAAAAtY/Ojop8Hju0RU/s1600/799px-Mamallaratham.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29xrvidyR8k/Tw6PSL9BKLI/AAAAAAAAAtY/Ojop8Hju0RU/s640/799px-Mamallaratham.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancha Rathas of Mahabalipuram<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b5/Mamallaratham.JPG/799px-Mamallaratham.JPG" target="_blank">Image courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">When visiting Tamil Nadu, one of the must visit rock-cut architectures or cave temples would be Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cave temple was built between the 7th and 9th centuries AD by Pallavas. The monuments in Mahabalipuram boast of the Dravidian architecture. Some of the notable structures include Thirukadalmallai, a temple of Lord Vishnu; Varaha Cave temple, Pancha Rathas, and the Descent of the Ganges.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #990000;">6.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thirunandhikkara Cave Temple, Tamil Nadu</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SigH_2Os0qg/Tw6OtpyWYOI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/9rGWhNO0MfM/s1600/Thirunanthikarai_RockCut_Temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SigH_2Os0qg/Tw6OtpyWYOI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/9rGWhNO0MfM/s1600/Thirunanthikarai_RockCut_Temple.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thirunandhikkara cave temple, Kanyakumari<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hi9hGqgxTXo/TEQW2ZHwt9I/AAAAAAAAABU/YdDVVZxmC_E/s1600/Thirunanthikarai_RockCut_Temple.jpg" target="_blank">Image courtesy: krishnasepages</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">This is another great example of rock-cut architecture; this was built between the 7th and 8th centuries AD by the Pallavas. This cave temple is part of the <a href="http://www.wondermondo.com/Countries/As/India/TamilNadu/Thirunanthikkarai.htm" target="_blank">Thirunandhikkara temple </a>of Kanyakumari District. It is believed that it was first the Jains who made this cave temple in the 7th century CE, which was later taken by Hindus.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">It is not necessary that one has to go on a religious pilgrimage tour to visit these cave temples; these rock-cut temples are indeed a tourist attraction in itself. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-46568015220511981032012-01-06T12:13:00.000+05:302012-01-06T12:13:21.130+05:30Unique and Unusual Hotels around the World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">Hotels, are all of them just buildings? Nah…there
are some unique hotels around the world; they range from hotels on trees,
prison converted into a hotel, hotels in cave, hotels made of salt, etc. Let us
have a look at some of these unique hotels around the world.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #990000;">Library Hotel, New York City</span></span></b><span style="color: #073763;"> </span></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8erORXKR-k/TwaToDCElvI/AAAAAAAAAso/0fbTDPQ1EXo/s1600/PoetryGardenLibraryHotelNYC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8erORXKR-k/TwaToDCElvI/AAAAAAAAAso/0fbTDPQ1EXo/s1600/PoetryGardenLibraryHotelNYC.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Poetry and Garden themed bookmarks lounge, Library Hotel<br /><br />Courtesy: Library Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://www.libraryhotel.com/index.cfm">Library Hotel</a> in New York City
is one of its kinds when it comes to luxury boutique hotels. There are ten
floors in the hotel and the unique feature of this hotel is that each floor is
assigned a category based on Dewey Decimal System; Dewey Decimal System is a
proprietary system used for library classification. Each of these categories
has a subcategory too. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">Third floor is categorized as Social
Sciences with subcategories called Law, Money, World Culture, Economics,
Political Science, and Communication, Fourth floor is categorized as Language
with subcategories called Ancient Language, Middle Eastern Language, Asian
Language, Germanic Language, Romance Language, and Slavic Language. Similarly
each and every floor has a unique classification; Fifth floor is Math and
Sciences, Sixth floor is Technology, Seventh floor is Arts, Eight floor is
Literature, Ninth floor is History, Tenth floor is General Knowledge, Eleventh
floor is Philosophy and Twelfth floor is Religion. You get a set of books as
complement when you stay in this hotel apart from other complimentary
amenities. How nice it would be to read a book in a cozy and comfy bed with a
cup of hot coffee?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #990000;">Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas</span><span style="color: #073763;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjICHP9buPA/TwaUeyjb-2I/AAAAAAAAAsw/VqteHQzAguU/s1600/960px-Luxor_Hotel_Las_Vegas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjICHP9buPA/TwaUeyjb-2I/AAAAAAAAAsw/VqteHQzAguU/s640/960px-Luxor_Hotel_Las_Vegas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pyramid shaped Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas Strip<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Luxor_Hotel_Las_Vegas.jpg/960px-Luxor_Hotel_Las_Vegas.jpg">Image courtesy: wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.luxor.com/hotel/">Luxor
Hotel</a><span style="color: #073763;"> in Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada is a unique and unusual hotel
because it is shaped in the form of a pyramid. This hotel contains 4,400 rooms
and this includes 442 suites. Luxor Hotel is the third largest hotel in the
world and second largest hotel in Las Vegas. The main portion of the hotel is a
30-story pyramid, 820,000 cu. meters atrium, and a 34 meter tall obelisk. The guest
rooms are situated on the outer walls; they can be reached using inclinators
which are available in the inner surface.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">Indulge yourself in the spas or have a
great splash in the swimming pool or shop in the 29 retail stores. Now you too
can say that you have stayed in the pyramid and played in it even though you
have not visited the pyramids in the Egypt; how nice…</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #990000;">Treetops Hotel, Kenya</span><span style="color: #073763;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QCrqrmEKLW0/TwaVGm4Z_3I/AAAAAAAAAs4/ollv8EvM6fk/s1600/Treetops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QCrqrmEKLW0/TwaVGm4Z_3I/AAAAAAAAAs4/ollv8EvM6fk/s640/Treetops.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treetops Hotel (No see, No Pay policy hotel in Kenya)<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/Treetops.jpg">Image courtesy: wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="color: #073763;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="color: #073763;">Treetops Hotel is in Kenya at 1,965 meters
above sea level on the Aberdare Range. This hotel was first opened as a </span><a href="http://www.aberdarenationalpark.net/hotel.html">treehouse</a><span style="color: #073763;"> on the tree
tops of Aberdare National Park to help visitors get better view of the wildlife
of the park. Treetops Hotel currently has 50 rooms. This hotel gained
popularity when Queen Elizabeth II accede the throne after her father’s death.
Another reason for the popularity is the “No See, No Pay” policy; this means
the guests are not charged if they are not able to see any big game.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">It is the best hotel to watch wildlife if
you can adhere to certain strict rules of them; these stringent rules are:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">It is
just an overnight destination; therefore only an overnight luggage will be
allowed.</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">There is
a low level decibel restriction as the animals are very sensitive to
sounds; guests are banned from wearing hard-soled footwear.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #073763;">Watch the wildlife from these treetops and
am sure this safari will be a memorable one.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #990000;">Langholmen Hotel, Stockholm</span><span style="color: #073763;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHt6S4oqSxA/TwaV71wByEI/AAAAAAAAAtA/ERXrAdP4aq0/s1600/Langholmen+Hotel.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHt6S4oqSxA/TwaV71wByEI/AAAAAAAAAtA/ERXrAdP4aq0/s1600/Langholmen+Hotel.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Langholmen Hotel (A prison with 500 cells converted to a hotel in Stockholm)<br /><br />Image courtesy: Langholmen Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #073763;">Langholmen Hotel was once a prison with 500
cells, but now converted to a hotel. This hotel was once the biggest prison in
Sweden before being converted as a hotel. There is a museum too in this hotel.
This hotel boasts of a beach, jogging circuits and promenade trails. The hotel
rooms are termed as cells and they say that you get your own key to your cell.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #990000;">Palacio de Sal, Salar de Uyuni</span><span style="color: #073763;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jl2qTS_dJq0/TwaXkzBQH6I/AAAAAAAAAtI/vaxoBNhoAmk/s1600/Salt-Hotel10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jl2qTS_dJq0/TwaXkzBQH6I/AAAAAAAAAtI/vaxoBNhoAmk/s1600/Salt-Hotel10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palacio de Sal (Hotel made completely of salt in Salar de Uyuni)<br /><br /><a href="http://wickedreport.com/15-bedrooms-amazing-salt-hotel-in-bolivia/">Image courtesy: wickedreport</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #073763;">How about visiting and staying in a hotel
that is completely made of salt? It is just not the walls or ceilings that are
made of salt, but even chairs, tables, cots, decorations are made of salt. Palacio
de Sal is termed the largest salt flat in the world. There are totally 16 rooms
in this salt hotel resembling an igloo. Relax and rejuvenate yourself in the
dry sauna or steam room. Do not forget to take a dip in the saltwater pool or
the whirlpool bath. Staying in a hotel completely made of salt will definitely
be a very unique experience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #073763;">Enjoy your stay in these unique as well as
unusual hotels! Hope the cost doesn’t put a hole in your pocket!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-64952974833022472132012-01-04T12:09:00.000+05:302012-01-04T12:09:23.331+05:30Lovely Lowland Castles around the World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Castles, when we say this we all knew about
castles that are built on hilltops; how about knowing castles that are built on
lowlands or valleys? Are you thinking whether such castles really exist? Yes…here
is some of the lovely lowland or plain castles around the world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Lowland castles are castles that are built
or situated on lowlands, valleys or plain. These lowland castles are also
called as “Plain Castles.” There are so many lowland castles around the world;
Germany holds a record of having 34% of lowland castles or plain castles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Caerlaverock Castle, Scotland</span></b> </li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2lyo0shOr_w/TwPzjtjNETI/AAAAAAAAAsg/IhDJsq8WjKo/s1600/Caerlaverock_Castle_from_the_air_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2lyo0shOr_w/TwPzjtjNETI/AAAAAAAAAsg/IhDJsq8WjKo/s1600/Caerlaverock_Castle_from_the_air_1.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caerlaverock Castle, Scotland (Category A listed building and a triangular shaped castle)<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Caerlaverock_Castle_from_the_air_1.jpeg">Image courtesy: wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_047&PropName=Caerlaverock%20Castle">Caerlaverock
Castle</a> belongs to the category called water castle as it uses water as a
defensive obstacle. This is a Category A listed building in Scotland. One of
the unique features of this plain castle is that it is a triangular shaped
castle; this itself a very unique feature among British castles. There are
three lengths of defensive curtain wall and their three angles are linked by
higher corner towers. The north tower has an impressive twin-towered gatehouse.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Castle Stalker, Scotland</span></b> </li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UEhyg07yDZ4/TwPymsuz0XI/AAAAAAAAAsU/K87bCsY2to4/s1600/Castle_Stalker_-_geograph.org.uk_-_204092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UEhyg07yDZ4/TwPymsuz0XI/AAAAAAAAAsU/K87bCsY2to4/s1600/Castle_Stalker_-_geograph.org.uk_-_204092.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castle Stalker, Scotland (The best-preserved surviving medieval tower house)<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/Castle_Stalker_-_geograph.org.uk_-_204092.jpg">Image courtesy: wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B699722.pdf">Castle Stalker</a> belongs to the
category called island castles; a variation of water castle. These island
castles in general will not have moats or shield wells as they are normally
separated from the shore by a minimum of two water bodies. Castle stalker is a
four-storey tower house and is considered one of the iconic romantic images of
Scotland. This is one of the best-preserved surviving medieval tower houses in
Western Scotland.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Château de Sully-sur-Loire, France<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zoIBfUQ-CEE/TwPxuwHPZ7I/AAAAAAAAAsI/eqr1DM79W70/s1600/864px-Chateau_Sully_sur_Loire5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zoIBfUQ-CEE/TwPxuwHPZ7I/AAAAAAAAAsI/eqr1DM79W70/s1600/864px-Chateau_Sully_sur_Loire5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire, France (Classic example of medieval fortress, Monument Historique in France)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span><a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.coeur-de-france.com/sully.html&ei=V-UDT4WkOI6HrAeW0vnpDw&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=16&ved=0CJsBEO4BMA8&prev=/search%3Fq%3DCh%25C3%25A2teau%2Bde%2BSully-sur-Loire%26num%3D100%26hl%3Den%25">Château
de Sully-sur-Loire</a> belongs to water castle category; this wonderful castle
has been converted to a palatial seigniorial (seigneur means a feudal lord in
French) residence. This castle is a classic example of medieval fortress with
its high towers and deep moats. French Ministry of Culture has declared this Château
de Sully-sur-Loire Castle as monument historique, which is a National Heritage
Site of France.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Warwick Castle, England</span></b> </li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sYV2mEjX3do/TwPw9qC_IYI/AAAAAAAAAr8/vGB0GM5sG60/s1600/800px-Warwick_Castle_-mist_23o2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sYV2mEjX3do/TwPw9qC_IYI/AAAAAAAAAr8/vGB0GM5sG60/s1600/800px-Warwick_Castle_-mist_23o2007.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warwick Castle, England (A best example of river castle)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Warwick Castle belongs to river castle category;
a river castle is one that is erected on a river bank. These <a href="http://www.warwick-castle.co.uk/">river castles</a> are surrounded by moats
that are filled by water from the river in which the castle is erected. This castle
is erected on the River Avon in the county town of Warwickshire; it has a
sandstone bluff also known as the sandstone cliff. Some of the attractions
include a bird show called the “Flight of the Eagles,” archery displays, a live
actor performance similar to London Dungeon called the “The Castle Dungeon;”
this list of attractions doesn’t end here.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Malbork Castle, Poland</span></b> </li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECNmU6UknBI/TwPwMxuo4mI/AAAAAAAAArw/qiXIJUAL61Y/s1600/800px-Zamek_w_malborku_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECNmU6UknBI/TwPwMxuo4mI/AAAAAAAAArw/qiXIJUAL61Y/s1600/800px-Zamek_w_malborku_01.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castle of Malbork, Poland (World's largest castle by area)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Malbork Castle is the largest castle in the
world in terms of area and is one of the finest examples of medieval fortress;
this was also the largest brick castle in the world when completed in the year
1406. There are various subdivisions as well as multiple layers of defensive
walls in Malbork Castle. There are three castles, namely, the High, Middle and
Lower Castles and these are separated by several moats and dry towers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Visit these plain castles or lowland
castles if you are planning to visit any of these countries; these castles boasts
of the excellent architecture of the past and a must visit tourist attraction.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-69759592881633457422011-12-28T19:22:00.000+05:302012-12-10T19:49:42.534+05:30Best Places to Celebrate New Year Eve<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #20124d;">New Year is fast
approaching and all of us are eager to welcome the New Year with open hands. When
a New Year arrives things that come to our mind would include New Year
resolutions, celebrations, and finally the fireworks. What are the best places
to celebrate this New Year Eve? </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;"> <b>
</b></span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Times Square, New York City:</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #20124d;">Times Square is
a place that is always buzzing up with energy and if it is going to be New
Year, more power and energy comes into foray. Have you watched the ball drop on
the television last New Year? Ball dropping is a New Year tradition being followed
since 1904; a must watch celebration. This ball is made of Waterford Crystal;
this ball is descends 23 meters a minute and will rest at the bottom of the pole
at midnight. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2CLI-Y3tTR8/TvsRx9LnAiI/AAAAAAAAAqc/wwZuI2dA-38/s1600/800px-Times_Square_ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2CLI-Y3tTR8/TvsRx9LnAiI/AAAAAAAAAqc/wwZuI2dA-38/s640/800px-Times_Square_ball.jpg" width="628" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">The Waterford Crystal at Times Square</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Times_Square_ball.jpg/800px-Times_Square_ball.jpg">Image courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #20124d;">Are you a party
animal and wish to party the whole night? Clubs in and around Times Square
would be opened for night parties and you can really have a blast. Make
yourself available on the New Year Day to watch the ball dropping and party all
night.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;">
</span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tokyo, Japan:</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #20124d;">Do you wish to
celebrate New Year a few days earlier and extending the celebrations even after
New Year? If yes, Tokyo would be the perfect or best place to celebrate New
Year for you. The actual New Year celebrations start on the 29<sup>th</sup> of
December and ends on the 4<sup>th</sup> of January. Majority of the tourist
spots may have been closed down during this period, but places like restaurants
and pubs would be crowded with people. How about watching fireworks? It will be
a spectacular event. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MRUmnYLQqIU/TvsT4GWFRYI/AAAAAAAAAqo/AfMp8DONxHA/s1600/Kadomatsu_M1181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MRUmnYLQqIU/TvsT4GWFRYI/AAAAAAAAAqo/AfMp8DONxHA/s640/Kadomatsu_M1181.jpg" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kadomatsu, the traditional decoration for the New Year holiday in Japan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #20124d;">Japanese have a
New Year tradition where the gongs in the Buddhist temples would strike 108 times
at the stroke of midnight; watch it. You can eat their traditional noodles
called the Toshikoshi Soba or even visit “The Imperial Palace.” This palace is
opened for public just for 2 days in a year, which is 1<sup>st</sup> and 2<sup>nd</sup>
of January.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000;">London, United Kingdom: </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #20124d;">Are you keen on
watching fabulous fireworks? If yes, London is the best place to celebrate this
New Year. A recent statistics says that nearly a million of people gathered
near London Eye last year to watch the spectacular fireworks. How about you
being one among millions this year to watch the brilliant fireworks? This year
(2012) you can watch the <a href="http://www.london.gov.uk/nye/faq">fireworks
in London from viewing areas</a> on both the North and South banks of the river
between Waterloo and Lambeth bridges. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8l1pCBg049M/TvsUjzaqhWI/AAAAAAAAAq0/Z0oAQ4A4zEo/s1600/800px-LondonTrafSQNYE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8l1pCBg049M/TvsUjzaqhWI/AAAAAAAAAq0/Z0oAQ4A4zEo/s1600/800px-LondonTrafSQNYE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trafalgar Square at London<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/LondonTrafSQNYE.jpg/800px-LondonTrafSQNYE.jpg">Image source: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #20124d;">If you feel the
place would be too crowded, you can watch the fireworks display at London Eye
or at the big screens kept in Trafalgar Square. Pubs and clubs are opened
almost all through the night on New Year just for party lovers. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span lang="EN-US">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sydney, Australia:</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q85FeNCDzU/TvsXN_fhDkI/AAAAAAAAArA/2bxXWMPeDq4/s1600/Sydney_New_Year%2527s_Eve_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Q85FeNCDzU/TvsXN_fhDkI/AAAAAAAAArA/2bxXWMPeDq4/s1600/Sydney_New_Year%2527s_Eve_2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Year at Sydney, Australia<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/Sydney_New_Year%27s_Eve_2.jpg">Image courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #20124d;">To be one of the
first in the world to ring in the New Year, go to <a href="http://www.sydneynewyearseve.com/">Sydney</a>. Here, one can get a spectacular view of the fireworks accompanied by wonderful music banging all over the Sidney
Harbour Bridge; this is the magnificent center piece of beautiful Sydney Harbour. More
than a million people gather around Sydney Harbour for Midnight Fireworks,
countdown and party. There are plenty of vantage points around the harbour, but
probably best views of fireworks and all the New Year’s action are from one of
the boats in the harbour. What can be better than to party on a boat at New Year’s
Eve wearing shorts and flip flops? Don't forget to book your place on board in
advance! Don’t miss to watch the <b>“Harbour
of Light parade”</b> that will be held before the midnight fireworks.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span lang="EN-US">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Scotland, United Kingdom</span></b></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #20124d;">Do you wish to
celebrate the New Year in a place that has several customs and a world famous
street party? If yes, head to Scotland. They celebrate the New Year as
Hogmanay. One of the most widespread traditions followed in Scotland is “First-footing;”
a person who crosses the threshold of being a friend or neighbor comes to your
house with lots of gifts such as coal, whiskey, salt, shortbread, and a black
bun. This symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the entire year. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BnyGgGbS3V8/TvsYEnnk_MI/AAAAAAAAArM/FbUi-HHARBA/s1600/800px-Hogmanay_Party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BnyGgGbS3V8/TvsYEnnk_MI/AAAAAAAAArM/FbUi-HHARBA/s1600/800px-Hogmanay_Party.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrations at Edinburg for Hogomanay, the New Year in Scotland<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Hogmanay_Party.jpg/800px-Hogmanay_Party.jpg">Image courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="color: #20124d;">Edinburg is the Scottish
capital and this holds the world’s most famous New Year celebrations called the
street party held at Princes Street. At the stroke of midnight, cannon is fired
and this is followed by fireworks. The celebrations in general start on December
28</span><sup style="color: #20124d;">th</sup><span style="color: #20124d;"> and goes on till January 2</span><sup style="color: #20124d;">nd</sup><span style="color: #20124d;">. </span><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">
</span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gisborne, New Zealand</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4zdVVp6-nBQ/Tvsb-Z7z-II/AAAAAAAAArY/jN1WxbBSbVk/s1600/sky+tower%252C+auckland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="433" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4zdVVp6-nBQ/Tvsb-Z7z-II/AAAAAAAAArY/jN1WxbBSbVk/s640/sky+tower%252C+auckland.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks at Sky Tower, Auckland, New Zealand<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/photos/nyrsm/nwyr14.jpg">Image courtesy: sacbee</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #20124d;">Gisborne is
496.3 km west of International Date Line and therefore, this is the first city
to see the beginning of the New Year. Visit Gisborne and be the first person to
celebrate the dawn of the New Year. It is really a treat to the eye to watch
those beautiful street carnivals and fireworks. Visit the Sky Tower, one of the
tallest freestanding structures in the Southern Hemisphere for the spectacular
fireworks.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span lang="EN-US">7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b></span><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Marina Bay Area, Singapore</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #20124d;">Be one among the
nearly 250,000 people who watch the impressive New Year celebrations at the
Marina Bay Area in Singapore; this starts at the Marina Bay Area and extends to
Esplanade Promenade, Esplanade Bridge, Benjamin Sheares Bridge, Merlion Park,
and the Padang. You can also hop on to “The Singapore Flyer” which is the world’s
tallest ferry wheel to watch the spectacular New Year celebrations. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2m8MnGuO25c/Tvsd3cxpyKI/AAAAAAAAArk/DpelMbMEzhI/s1600/Singapore_1551977i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2m8MnGuO25c/Tvsd3cxpyKI/AAAAAAAAArk/DpelMbMEzhI/s1600/Singapore_1551977i.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skyline of Singapore on New Year<br />
<br />
<a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01551/Singapore_1551977i.jpg">Image courtesy: Telegraph</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #20124d;">Visit any of
these places and enjoy the New Year celebrations. If you are like me who wishes
to stay home with family and friends for the New Year, cook a delicious meal
and enjoy sharing it with your near and dear. Isn’t this the best New Year
celebration?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-16289859979514164592011-12-15T13:56:00.001+05:302011-12-19T09:43:47.566+05:30Tourist Attractions: 10 Notable Natural Arches around the World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Nature never ceases to amaze me. If we have
a close look at the nature, we surely can learn a lot from it. All of us must
have seen huge flyovers and bridges all over our country, but how about knowing
some of the natural arches around the world. Natural arches, what are they? A
natural geological rock formation that has an opening below is termed as a
natural arch; many of these natural arches serve as a narrow bridge. Take a
look at these 10 notable natural arches around the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Azure Window, Gozo, Malta<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dCTzHoJaCTs/TumrWi6Y2eI/AAAAAAAAApI/RBIdrjQGpPI/s1600/640px-Azur_Window_Gozo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dCTzHoJaCTs/TumrWi6Y2eI/AAAAAAAAApI/RBIdrjQGpPI/s1600/640px-Azur_Window_Gozo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Azure Window, Gozo Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Azure Window is a famous natural arch in a
Gozo island. This natural arch looks like a table. This famous landmark of
Malta is situated near two other famous landmarks of Malta; the Inland Sea and
Dwejra Bay. This is a very popular site for scuba diving. The height of this
natural arch is 22.54 m. It is believed that this arch will very soon disappear
as the disintegrated rocks are falling one after the other. If you are planning
to visit Malta, do not forget to visit this soon-to-disappear natural wonder of
the world. This natural arch will be renamed as Arch Pinnacle once the entire
form disintegrates.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, Mexico<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ntLkSm74uSo/Tumr7mrN7fI/AAAAAAAAApQ/ze5dw54nWRw/s1600/Cabo_San_Lucas_Rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ntLkSm74uSo/Tumr7mrN7fI/AAAAAAAAApQ/ze5dw54nWRw/s1600/Cabo_San_Lucas_Rocks.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (A natural arch made of granite rock)<br />
<br />
Image via <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Cabo_San_Lucas_Rocks.jpg">wikimedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The arch is actually called as El Arco by
the local people of Cabo San Lucas; this arch lies in a place where the Pacific
Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. This is a 200 foot high granite rock; it is
believed that this natural arch was formed due to strong ocean currents. This
place is famous for sea lions. El Arco is a perfect tourist or travel
destination if you are an adventure traveller who is always ready with a
backpack.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Durdle Door, Dorset, England<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_XnNl9zWcng/TumtkrKx9TI/AAAAAAAAApY/E3aMmxIybgU/s1600/Durdle_door_dorset_england_arp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_XnNl9zWcng/TumtkrKx9TI/AAAAAAAAApY/E3aMmxIybgU/s640/Durdle_door_dorset_england_arp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Durdle Door, A natural limestone arch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a privately owned natural limestone
arch; it is open for public even though a privately owned property of the
Welds. Why is it called Durdle? There was an old word in English called “thirl”
meaning bore or drill and this is how Durdle Door got its name. This natural
arch is found on the Jurassic coast near Lulworth. This natural limestone arch
has been cut by the sea through the almost vertical Purbeck Caps and the top of
the Portland Freestone. It is definitely one of the most impressive natural
arches.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Percé Rock, Quebec, Canada <o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPGE_NZuYLA/Tumu8d5E9ZI/AAAAAAAAApg/yUDfClX1cjo/s1600/640px-RocherPerc%25C3%25A91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPGE_NZuYLA/Tumu8d5E9ZI/AAAAAAAAApg/yUDfClX1cjo/s1600/640px-RocherPerc%25C3%25A91.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perce Rock or the Pierced Rock, Major attraction of Gaspesie region<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/RocherPerc%C3%A91.jpg/640px-RocherPerc%C3%A91.jpg">Image courtesey: Wikimedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Percé Rock is a French word meaning pierced
rock. This natural arch is called by other names such as le rocher percé,
Pierced Rock, and Split Rock. When you see this rock from a distance it will
look like a ship under sail, wow. Percé Rock is one among the longest natural
arches in the world and a major attraction of the Gaspesie region. The park
where Percé Rock is situated is the second largest migratory bird sanctuary and
one can witness lots of northern gannets here. This is one of the best places
to watch blue whale, humpback whale, razorbills, and kittiwakes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Pont d’Arc, France<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRHsHnIYUyU/Tut04bFVvrI/AAAAAAAAApo/BqPa717irDM/s1600/640px-Ard%25C3%25A8che_Pont_dArc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRHsHnIYUyU/Tut04bFVvrI/AAAAAAAAApo/BqPa717irDM/s1600/640px-Ard%25C3%25A8che_Pont_dArc.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pont d'Arc, France.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pont means bridge in French; Pont d’Arc is a
natural arch carved out by Ardéche River. This is situated near a small town
called Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. If you are thinking of canoeing or kayaking in France,
Pont d’Arc is the best place. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions
in France. You can also find lots of caves near Pont d’Arc, of which one of the
famous caves with cave paintings is Chauvet Cave.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="6" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Pravčická brána, Czech Republic<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydlI61moIrA/Tut19H3xfnI/AAAAAAAAApw/nK_PiOVmAO8/s1600/640px-Brama_Pravcicka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydlI61moIrA/Tut19H3xfnI/AAAAAAAAApw/nK_PiOVmAO8/s1600/640px-Brama_Pravcicka.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pravacicka brana, natural sandstone arch in Europe<br /><br /><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brama_Pravcicka.jpg">Image courtesy: wikimedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.pbrana.cz/en/">Pravčická
brána</a> is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Europe and one of the
most beautiful rock formations in Bohemian Switzerland; it is a natural
monument of Czech Republic. This is a very narrow natural arch. There are
several divergent paths and stairs that lead to the observation platforms; from
here one can enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding area.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="7" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Shipton’s Arch, Xinjiang, China<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4uzsH5IqQM/Tut3AxIqz-I/AAAAAAAAAp4/Zce2X58XCLQ/s1600/800px-Shiptonsarch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4uzsH5IqQM/Tut3AxIqz-I/AAAAAAAAAp4/Zce2X58XCLQ/s1600/800px-Shiptonsarch1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shipton's arch, tallest natural arch in the world.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shiptonsarch1.jpg">Image source: wikimedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Shipton’s arch is probably the tallest natural
arch in the world. Shipton’s arch is also called as Tushuk Tash in the local
language, which mean “Heavenly Gate” and is a conglomerate natural arch. Eric
Shipton, a British mountaineer was the first person to report about this arch
and hence called the Shipton’s arch. According to the National Geographic team,
the height of this natural arch is 1200 feet, which is as high as the Empire
State Building in the USA. This arch was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records
for some time, but later dropped it as they were not able to locate the exact
location of the arch. It was in the year 2000, a team from National Geographic re-found
this arch and made an excellent documentary about it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="8" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">The Green Bridge of Wales, Pembrokeshire, United
Kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWCr4MtpLzw/Tut4JN2rjGI/AAAAAAAAAqA/s5hIDznChC8/s1600/The_Green_Bridge_of_Wales_-_geograph.org.uk_-_208731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWCr4MtpLzw/Tut4JN2rjGI/AAAAAAAAAqA/s5hIDznChC8/s1600/The_Green_Bridge_of_Wales_-_geograph.org.uk_-_208731.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Green Bridge of Wales, Limestone arch, Pembrokshire.<br /><br /><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Green_Bridge_of_Wales_-_geograph.org.uk_-_208731.jpg">Image courtesy: Wikimedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Green Bridge of Wales is a spectacular
natural arch in the coast of Pembrokeshire. This natural arch was formed by the
erosion of the sea or in other words, marine erosion. This is a limestone arch
and is considered one of the biggest natural arches in the world. It is believed
that due to coastal erosion, this natural arch may collapse in the long run. It
has a rugged picturesque and the views are amazing. It is a place for many
caves and natural formations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="9" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">The Eye of Burroo Rock, United Kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjKpddzA0o8/Tut4zEay02I/AAAAAAAAAqI/dsK40QjlheY/s1600/Burroo_or_Burrow%252C_with_The_Eye%252C_natural_arch_clearly_visible_-_geograph.org.uk_-_771553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jjKpddzA0o8/Tut4zEay02I/AAAAAAAAAqI/dsK40QjlheY/s1600/Burroo_or_Burrow%252C_with_The_Eye%252C_natural_arch_clearly_visible_-_geograph.org.uk_-_771553.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eye of Burroo Rock, largest natural arch, island of Burroo<br /><br /><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Burroo_or_Burrow,_with_The_Eye,_natural_arch_clearly_visible_-_geograph.org.uk_-_771553.jpg">Image courtesy: wikimedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Eye of Burroo Rock is the largest
natural arch in the small island of Burroo. It is called the Eye of Burroo as
one can notice a large hole in the Burroo when they are miles away; this large
hole is what is termed as “The Eye.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="10" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Aloba Arch, Chad<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zbiGDCOyWeg/Tut6RNuadmI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/StEM5CBIxik/s1600/aloba-arch-aloba-mountains-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="533" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zbiGDCOyWeg/Tut6RNuadmI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/StEM5CBIxik/s640/aloba-arch-aloba-mountains-1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aloba Arch, longest natural arch outside the US, Ennedi Range<br /><br /><a href="http://www.naturalarches.org/span_files/ALG292.jpg">Image courtesy: Naturalarches</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aloba Arch is considered the longest
natural arch outside the United States spanning an area of 250 feet. This natural
arch is made of sandstone and is located in the Ennedi Range; this range is
located within the Sahara Desert. This arch is 394 feet tall and is one among
the tallest natural arches of the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">These natural arches are definitely a must
visit tourist attraction. Take a break from the regular routine and visit these
breathtaking natural arches around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-32554464994163572492011-11-02T14:06:00.000+05:302011-11-02T14:06:55.463+05:30Top 10 Man-made Wonders or Landmarks of Egypt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/10/seven-wonders-of-colombia.html">Seven
Wonders of the World</a></span></b><span lang="EN-US"> is something that all of
us are aware of; there are several man-made wonders all around the world and
these are prominent landmarks of a particular country. Say for example, when we
say France the first thing that comes to our mind is the Eiffel Tower. This
holds true for any country like the United States of America, United Kingdom,
India, Italy, etc. Every country has some unique landmarks; here are the top 10
man-made landmarks of Egypt listed in alphabetical order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Abu Simbel, Aswan<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2YTwP6dTL4/TrDmqiCz_2I/AAAAAAAAAnM/FeiwdTQ4vYs/s1600/Abu_Simbel_Interior_temple_in_Sun_rays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2YTwP6dTL4/TrDmqiCz_2I/AAAAAAAAAnM/FeiwdTQ4vYs/s640/Abu_Simbel_Interior_temple_in_Sun_rays.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statues illuminating when the sun rays is penetrating the sanctuary, Abu Simbel Temple, Egypt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Abu Simbel or Abu Simbel temples refer to
two huge rock temples, namely, <a href="http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Story.aspx?sid=1200">The Temple of Re-Harakhte
and Nefertari’s Temple of Hathor</a>; these are located on the western bank of
Lake Nasser. The entire complex of the temples is part of the UNESCO World
Heritage Sites and is known as the Nubian Monuments. These are the most
magnificent monuments in the world. This is one of the top tourist attractions
of Egypt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">These temples were originally constructed
in the year 1244 BCE to commemorate the victory at the “Battle of Kadesh”; this
was then relocated to an artificial hill made from a domed structure in 1964
when the Aswan Dam was constructed. The entire relocation process took nearly 4
years. It is still possible to see where the blocks where cut. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The axis of the Great Temple or The Temple
of Re-Harakhte is positioned in a manner that on October 21 and February 21, the
rays of the sun would penetrate the sanctuary to illuminate all the statues
except one, which is Ptah, the god in connection with the underworld.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Cairo Citadel, Cairo<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZjX5oKq1O0/TrDnV_L_NlI/AAAAAAAAAnU/7gT0kxPCxDw/s1600/Cairo_Citadel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZjX5oKq1O0/TrDnV_L_NlI/AAAAAAAAAnU/7gT0kxPCxDw/s640/Cairo_Citadel2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cairo Citadel, Egypt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=2">Cairo Citadel</a>,
also known as Saladin Citadel or Mohamed Ali Citadel is a medieval Islamic
fortification. This was once believed to be a site that provided excellent
views of the city, but now a historic site with museums and mosques.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Lieutenant of Ayyubid ruler Salah al-Din
between 1176 and 1183 CE built this citadel; this was the royal residence
earlier for many of the rulers of Egypt. The citadel contains various museums
like Al-Gawhara Palace museum, Carriage Museum, National Military Museum and
the Police Museum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Some of the mosques present in the Cairo
Citadel are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Mosque of
Muhammad Ali (therefore sometimes called the Mohamed Ali Citadel) <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Ottoman
Mosque<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Al-Nasir
Muhammad Qala’un Mosque<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Mosque of
Suleyman Pasha<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Egyptian Museum, Cairo<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4bal8vJpUg/TrDoLFNBgJI/AAAAAAAAAnc/46xA-Cjip5Y/s1600/800px-Tuthankhamun_Egyptian_Museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4bal8vJpUg/TrDoLFNBgJI/AAAAAAAAAnc/46xA-Cjip5Y/s640/800px-Tuthankhamun_Egyptian_Museum.jpg" width="442" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous burial mask of Tuthankamen made of solid 11 Kg gold at the Egyptian Museum, Cairo<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/Tuthankhamun_Egyptian_Museum.jpg/800px-Tuthankhamun_Egyptian_Museum.jpg">Image source: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Egyptian Museum, also called the Museum of
Egyptian Antiquities has nearly 120,000 items in display and is definitely a
famous man-made wonder of Egypt. One can know a lot about Egyptian history from
these Egyptian antiquities. The museum has two floors; ground floor consists of
papyrus and coins collection and the first floor consists of the artifacts. The
coins are made of gold, silver and bronze and the artifacts include a lot of
large than life statues, tables, coffins, pharaohs, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Giza Necropolis, Giza<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlPVDS7_aMI/TrDpfameWtI/AAAAAAAAAnk/_ipNsBd87wM/s1600/PyramidsofGiza_at_night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlPVDS7_aMI/TrDpfameWtI/AAAAAAAAAnk/_ipNsBd87wM/s640/PyramidsofGiza_at_night.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pyramids of Giza Complex or the Great Pyramids at night, Giza Necropolis, Giza<br /><br /><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PyramidsofGiza_at_night.jpg">Image source: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we say Egypt the first thing that
comes up in our minds are definitely the pyramids; how can we leave the Giza
Pyramids? Giza Necropolis is indeed one of the man-made wonders of Egypt and is
a worth visiting travel destination. It is one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage
Sites and also one among the <a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/10/seven-wonders-of-colombia.html">Seven
Wonders</a> of the World.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There are three pyramid complexes and these
are collectively called as the Great Pyramids; they are Khufu’s pyramid
complex, Khafre’s pyramid complex and Menkaure’s pyramid complex. Apart from
these three pyramid complexes, there are The Sphinx and the Tomb of Queen
Khentkaues I. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IijzJVT9DGc/TrDrOVzMCvI/AAAAAAAAAns/b4XKyo9N4fg/s1600/800px-Karnakpanorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IijzJVT9DGc/TrDrOVzMCvI/AAAAAAAAAns/b4XKyo9N4fg/s640/800px-Karnakpanorama.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A panoramic view of the great hall at Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Karnak Temple Complex is often referred as Karnak;
from the name, many think it is a temple. Karnak Temple Complex contains not
just temples, but also chapels, pylons, Great Temple of Amun, and a huge
structure that was begun by Pharaoh Ramses II.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This is the largest ancient religious site
in the world and the second most visited historical site in Egypt. There are
four main parts; however, the largest part called the Precinct of Amun-Re is the
only one open for the general public. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="6" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Luxor Temple, Luxor<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-io4EAMHjteA/TrDsOtqe3mI/AAAAAAAAAn0/z76Bst2NN9s/s1600/800px-LuxorTemple1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-io4EAMHjteA/TrDsOtqe3mI/AAAAAAAAAn0/z76Bst2NN9s/s640/800px-LuxorTemple1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of Luxor Temple at night displaying the central corridor and the four colossi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is the large ancient Egyptian temple
complex. In the Egyptian language, it meant “ipet resyt” and this means “the
southern sanctuary.” <a href="http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/luxortemple.htm">Southern
Sanctuary</a> refers to the holy of the holies that is present in the southern
end of the temple. This was dedicated to Amun, Mut and Chons. There are chapels
built by Tuthmosis III and Alexander at the rear part of the temple.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="7" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Cairo<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TLiWODOXWpA/TrDtK6wYv0I/AAAAAAAAAn8/Rkh3xJ-54yI/s1600/800px-Minaret_of_the_Ibn_Tulun_mosque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TLiWODOXWpA/TrDtK6wYv0I/AAAAAAAAAn8/Rkh3xJ-54yI/s640/800px-Minaret_of_the_Ibn_Tulun_mosque.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The minaret of Ibn Tulun Mosque, Cairo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mosque of Ibn Tulun is one of the oldest
and largest mosques (in terms of the area of land) in Cairo. This mosque is
atop a small hill called Gebel Yashkur. The style of the mosque is Samarran
style which is very common with the constructions of Abbassid. One can witness
one covered wall on all the four sides of the mosque with the largest being in
the direction to Mecca. All the homes built near the mosque were demolished
except for two oldest and best-preserved homes. Gayer-Anderson Museum is open
to public; this was actually two separate houses called “house of the Cretan
woman” that was later joined by a bridge constructed in the third floor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="8" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Nubian Monuments of Philae, Aswan<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxXbF61oAjE/TrDurqkRl2I/AAAAAAAAAoE/qZ9r5002f0M/s1600/800px-Isis_temple_Philae1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxXbF61oAjE/TrDurqkRl2I/AAAAAAAAAoE/qZ9r5002f0M/s640/800px-Isis_temple_Philae1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isis Temple, Philae, Egypt<br /><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/07/Isis_temple_Philae1.JPG/800px-Isis_temple_Philae1.JPG">Image source: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Philae, a small island in the Nile River
and the Nubian Monuments of Philae are a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The
most important thing of the island is its architecture, especially lots of
ancient monuments; one of the most ancient monuments is the remains of the
Temple Isis.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="9" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Mount Sinai<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CuH7wYUy-zo/TrDvoOYMMsI/AAAAAAAAAoM/s31PkVR6U-Q/s1600/800px-St_CatherinesPanorama.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CuH7wYUy-zo/TrDvoOYMMsI/AAAAAAAAAoM/s31PkVR6U-Q/s640/800px-St_CatherinesPanorama.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A panoramic view of St. Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saint Catherine’s Monastery is yet again a <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/954">UNESCO World Heritage Site of Egypt</a>;
according to the reports from UNESCO, this is believed to be one of the world’s
oldest working monasteries. The entire area where the monastery is now is a sacred
place for people of three religions, namely, Christianity, Islam and Judaism.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The official name of the Saint Catherine’s
Monastery is <b>“The Sacred and Imperial
Monastery of the God-Trodden Mount of Sinai.”</b> It is believed that the relics
of Saint Catherine of Alexandria were transported miraculously by three angels.
There is a library in the monastery and this is the world’s second largest
library that consists of early codices and manuscripts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="10" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US">Saqqara <o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-APgMRSgj52Q/TrDwwVR_mpI/AAAAAAAAAoU/9cLRNkz4NPY/s1600/800px-Djoser_Stepped_Pyramid_of_Saqqara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-APgMRSgj52Q/TrDwwVR_mpI/AAAAAAAAAoU/9cLRNkz4NPY/s640/800px-Djoser_Stepped_Pyramid_of_Saqqara.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step pyramid of Djoser, Saqqara, Egypt<br /><br /><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Djoser_Stepped_Pyramid_of_Saqqara.jpg">Image source: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.ancient-egypt.org/index.html">Saqqara</a> is a spacious and
vast burial ground that is designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wondering
why a burial ground is a man-made landmark and a heritage site? This site
consists the world famous Step Pyramid of Djoser and numerous other pyramids
and mastabas. It is said that when the sky is clear one can witness the Step
Pyramid of Djoser from the following places that are far from Saqqara:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Gaza (17
Km North)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Dashur (10
Km South)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Cairo (40
Km)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">When visiting Egypt, do not forget to pay a
visit to these man-made wonders of Egypt. These are the popular landmarks of
Egypt and I am sure you will love these places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6950532290114392688.post-53603182660526927622011-10-20T17:31:00.000+05:302011-10-20T17:31:36.094+05:30World’s Best Revolving Restaurants<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
How about relishing the food as well taking a panoramic view
of the beautiful and gorgeous looking city? Is it possible to sit at one place,
eat as well enjoy the view of the city? Yes…this is where revolving restaurants
come into place. You can enjoy the beautiful looking city by sipping a cup of
coffee or munching your favorite sandwich. There are more than 60 revolving
restaurants around the world; here is a small collection of some of the world’s
best revolving restaurants. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>360 Restaurant, CN Tower, Toronto<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hT_5OQYzoSY/Tp-ib7w4f3I/AAAAAAAAAmc/NRcu8F0thic/s1600/201109-w-revolving-restaurants-cn-tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="538" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hT_5OQYzoSY/Tp-ib7w4f3I/AAAAAAAAAmc/NRcu8F0thic/s640/201109-w-revolving-restaurants-cn-tower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">360 Restaurant, CN Tower, Toronto<br />
<br />
Image courtesy: <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-top-revolving-restaurants">travelandleisure</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">How about a magnificent view of the city at a height of more
than 351 meters? Sounds great…if yes, 360 restaurant at CN Tower, Toronto is a
must-see revolving restaurant. This restaurant promises elevation as
complimentary with every main course that you order…how is that? One another
significant feature of this revolving restaurant is the world’s highest wine
cellar; this was created to resemble an underground wine cellar. 360
Restaurant, CN Tower has received an award for the “Most Romantic restaurant”
in the WHERE Magazine Reader’s Poll; do not forget to take your spouse to this
restaurant if you are a romantic couple.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Alto Tower Restaurant, Black Mountain Tower, Canberra<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhrqhUN31og/Tp-jFZ6lxAI/AAAAAAAAAmk/kcSUd0Km7f0/s1600/450px-Telstra_Tower_front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhrqhUN31og/Tp-jFZ6lxAI/AAAAAAAAAmk/kcSUd0Km7f0/s640/450px-Telstra_Tower_front.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alto Tower Restaurant, Canberra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Alto Tower Restaurant is the only revolving restaurant in Canberra;
this rotates 360 degrees in nearly 85 minutes and gives viewers a breathtaking
experience accompanied by excellent food. The best time to dine at Alto Tower Restaurant
is during the sunset; viewers are sure of getting a stunning view of Canberra.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant, Harbour Centre, Vancouver<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28uuUMpw4y4/Tp-kWNdBwUI/AAAAAAAAAms/roIq15SganI/s1600/top+of+vancouver+restaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28uuUMpw4y4/Tp-kWNdBwUI/AAAAAAAAAms/roIq15SganI/s640/top+of+vancouver+restaurant.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant, Harbour Centre, Vancouver<br />
<br />
Image courtesy: <a href="http://www.topofvancouver.com/images/pic4.jpg">topofvancouver</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Top of <a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/08/best-canadian-skiing-resorts_23.html">Vancouver
Revolving Restaurant</a> aims at not only giving you a fine dining experience,
but also out of the ordinary view of the city. It takes nearly 60 minutes or 1
hour to complete one revolution. The windows are angled in such a way that you
will get a scenic view of the city, its mountains and oceans. Glass skylift elevators
are an added attraction; one can get an excellent view of the city when going
in this elevator too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant, Prima Tower, Singapore<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVocBgTZPhA/TqAJZIrCzFI/AAAAAAAAAm0/mRTFY14RrRY/s1600/800px-Prima_revolving_rest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vVocBgTZPhA/TqAJZIrCzFI/AAAAAAAAAm0/mRTFY14RrRY/s640/800px-Prima_revolving_rest.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining Area of Prima Tower Revovling Restaurant<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Prima_revolving_rest.JPG">Courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Prima Tower Revolving Restaurant is one of the longest
established restaurant in Singapore (established in the year 1977) atop grain
silo. You will be able to get a clear view of the entire Singapore city and the
Sentosa Island Resort. This revolving restaurant is led by Hong Kong Master
Chef Chan; do not forget to relish Peking duck, the signature dish of the
restaurant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="5" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Drehrestaurant Allalin, Saas-Fee, Switzerland<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7GhY1A7JDts/TqALvJRlXEI/AAAAAAAAAm8/Q1kFKe8Vu9c/s1600/Drehrestaurant+Allalin+-+Switzerland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7GhY1A7JDts/TqALvJRlXEI/AAAAAAAAAm8/Q1kFKe8Vu9c/s640/Drehrestaurant+Allalin+-+Switzerland.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrangement of tables and the outside view from Drehrestaurant Allalin, Switzerland<br /><br /><a href="http://www.drehrestaurant-allalin.ch/drehrestaurant/bilder/bilderinnen/IM000087.JPG">Courtesy: Drehrestaurant Allalin</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is the world’s highest revolving restaurant atop a
glacier that is 11,000 ft above sea level. You are sure to get an excellent
view of the <a href="http://www.travelencyclopedia.info/2011/09/adventure-travel-fantastic-five.html">Alps</a>
from the highest revolving restaurant in the world, Drehrestaurant Allalin,
Switzerland. They offer special power breakfast at sunrise at 3,500 m above sea
level every Thursday during the months July and August.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="6" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>SkyCity, Space Needle, Seattle<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDa6dcYAt7U/TqANGx5TvvI/AAAAAAAAAnE/BZYzKBJ-TGA/s1600/800px-Sky_city_2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vDa6dcYAt7U/TqANGx5TvvI/AAAAAAAAAnE/BZYzKBJ-TGA/s640/800px-Sky_city_2006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside view of SkyCity, Eye of the Needle, Seattle<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sky_city_2006.jpg">Courtesy: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
SkyCity was initially named “Eye of the Needle” and feature
a 14-foot deep carousel-dining floor. It takes nearly 45 minutes for 1
revolution. This is the best place to enjoy dazzling and radiant waters of
Puget Sound, skyscrapers of the city, Cascade Mountains, and much more,
totally, the most excellent place to get the picturesque view of the Seattle
city.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enjoy your food along with the panoramic views of the city
in these revolving restaurants!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314847531138425561noreply@blogger.com0