Duke World

Spruce Creek Private Airport | Where Everybody Owns an Airplane

2014-07-08T11:05:00.001-07:00

Spruce Creek Private Airport | Where Everybody Owns an Airplane

Spruce Creek is the world’s largest fly-in community, which also are called airparks. Spruce Creek Airport is a private airport located in south of the central business district of Daytona Beach, in Volusia County, Florida, United States. It was originally constructed during World War II as an outlying field (OLF) to nearby Naval Air Station DeLand and NAS Daytona Beach. OLF Spruce Creek originally had four paved 4,000 foot runways and was abandoned by the U.S. Navy in 1946.

Spruce Creek Airport operates exclusively to service the residents of the Spruce Creek Community, a gated enclave and residential airpark development, which surrounds the airport on all sides with over 5,000 residents, 1,300 homes and 700 hangars, a championship golf course, country club, and 24-hour patrolling security. Fly-In residents enjoy sole access to the airport's one remaining operational runway directly from their homes. In addition to all the airplanes and golf cars, you'll see Lamborghinis, Corvettes, motorcycles of every description and even a Porsche GT2. First image credit oceanprops

Image credit oceanprops

The Spruce Creek Airport covers an area of 1,350 acres (550 ha) which contains one asphalt paved runway (5/23) measuring 4,000 x 176 ft . For a 12-month period the airport had 25,000 general aviation aircraft operations, an average of 68 per day. There are 438 aircraft based at this airport: 67% single-engine, 31% multi-engine, 1% jet and 1% helicopter.

Image credit oceanprops

An aerial view of Spruce Creek is pictured. Spruce Creek is the largest fly-in community in the U.S., locating in North Florida. Image credit oceanprops

Image credit 7fl6

Wall of Tears | Mount Waialeale, Kauai, Hawaii

2014-07-01T20:46:00.001-07:00

Wall of Tears | Mount Waialeale, Kauai, Hawaii

Mount Waialeale — The volcano shield and the second highest point on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. The Hawaiian language Waialeale means "dimpling water" or "sloping water." Top of the volcano is one of the wettest point on Earth, since 1912 there falls each year 11 500 millimeters, and in 1982 then dropped record rainfall 17300 millimeters. When the rain water flows down the mountain height of 1569 meters, its form a countless streams. Part of the mountain Waialeale called "Wall of Tears" because on the edges of tropical green mountains, waterfalls flowing down so much that it creates a feeling that the mountain is crying.

Image credit Miguel Vieira

Mountain Waialeale is a volcanic crater and the second highest point on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Kauai is the oldest island of the Hawaiian Islands. Waialeale vertex located in the heart of the island array, presenting a mute testimony to serious birth. Mount Waialeale complicated for hiking climbing. The mountain slopes are nearly vertical, and the ground is covered by trees and plants, with a dense undergrowth of ferns. Yet here there are several hiking trails. But to actually see the Wall of Tears, will have to use a helicopter, and even then require considerable amount of luck to look at it - on this site very often thick clouds.

Image credit Steve Jurvetson

There are several reasons for such a large amount of precipitation on Waialeale. Primarily, Kauai is the northernmost of the main Hawaiian Islands, so it undergoes greater influence fronts bringing rain in winter. Secondly, the shape of round and conical Waialeale, whereby all available mountainsides winds bringing moisture. The third reason is that the top of the mountain is located just on the trade winds of the atmosphere (1829 meters) above which the clouds brought by the trade winds, can not climb. Finally, the steep slopes of the mountains are the reason that the air quickly rises to a great height (910 meters) at a relatively short distance (800 meters) and thus most of the rain falls in one place.

Image credit marshall_garlington

Top of the mountain quite deserted, despite all the water it receives. One reason for this is that a very small number of species of plants and trees can cope with the amount of rainfall. And also, because the top of the mountain most days of the year draw clouds to the earth's surface comes very little sunlight, which would help to grow the trees. However, fungi and lichens thrive here.

Image credit Steve Jurvetson

The most popular destination on the island of Maui is Honokohau Falls. The water here falls from a height of more than 100 meters and all its power falls into the cavity, then to continue its run. Honokohau Falls fame ensured shooting the film "Jurassic Park", which took place in these places. Waterfall, caught in one of the scenes of the film, was able to interest many viewers with its amazing beauty.

Over time, the continuous flow of water has spawned a number of remarkable phenomenon like gorge in Vaimea - Hawaiian "Little Grand Canyon." Spillway Vaialeale also fills a maze of streams running into the plain through numerous waterfalls and eventually forming the only navigable rivers in Hawaii: Vaimea, Vailua, Makaveli and Hanapepe.

Image credit RobAlvarado9

Image credit Jerry Ting

Image credit Michael Caro

Image credit Jill Beckwith

Image credit Susan

Image credit Brad Herman

Ships Graveyard in the Desert of Moynaq, Uzbekistan

2014-07-01T20:43:00.001-07:00

Ships Graveyard in the Desert of Moynaq, Uzbekistan

Moynaq ship Graveyard — Mo‘ynoq also spelled as Muynak and Moynaq, is a city in northern Karakalpakstan in western Uzbekistan. Formerly a sea port, now home to only a few thousand residents at most, Mo‘ynoq's population has been declining precipitously since the 1980s due to the recession of the Aral Sea. 30 years ago Moynaq was one of two biggest Soviet fishing harbours at the Aral Sea. The Aral Sea has been steadily decreasing since the 1960s, as the waters of the two rivers feeding it, the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, were aimed at irrigating agricultural areas. Formerly one of the four largest lakes in the world with an area of 68,000 km2 or 26,300 sq mi, the Aral Sea has been steadily shrinking since in 1960s after the rivers that fed it were diverted by Soviet irrigation projects. In 2007, it had declined to 10% of its original size, splitting into four lakes – the North Aral Sea, the eastern and western basins of the once far larger South Aral Sea, and one smaller lake between the North and South Aral Seas.However, in 2009, the southeastern lake had disappeared and the southwestern lake had retreated to a thin strip at the extreme west of the former southern sea. The maximum depth of the North Aral Sea is 42 meter or 138 ft in 2008.

Moynaq ship Graveyard, Image credit Mr Hicks46

The shrinking of the Aral Sea has been called "one of the planet's worst environmental disasters". The region's once-prosperous fishing industry has been essentially destroyed, bringing unemployment and economic hardship. The Aral Sea region is also heavily polluted, with consequent serious public health problems. The retreat of the sea has reportedly also caused local climate change, with summers becoming hotter and drier, and winters colder and longer.

The Aral Sea in 1989 (left) and 2008 (right) Image credit Wikipedia

The Aral Sea, Timeline of shrinking Image credit Wikipedia

Mo‘ynaq, Graveyard of Ships in the Desert. Image credit Globespotter

In an ongoing effort in Kazakhstan to save and replenish the North Aral Sea, a dam project was completed in 2005; in 2008, the water level in this lake had risen by 12 m or 39 ft compared to 2003. Salinity has dropped, and fish are again found in sufficient numbers for some fishing to be viable. The Aral Seawatershed encompasses Uzbekistan and parts of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Image credit Tom McShane

Today Mo‘ynoq's major "tourist attractions" are the armada of rusting hulks that once made up the proud fishing fleet during the Soviet era, and a one-room museum devoted to Mo‘ynoq's heritage as a center of the fishing industry. Poisonous dust storms kicked up by strong winds across the dried and polluted seabed give rise to a multitude of chronic and acute illnesses among the few residents who have chosen to remain, most of them ethnic Karakalpaks, and weather unmoderated by the sea now buffets the town with hotter-than-normal summers and colder-than-normal winters.

Image credit Tom McShane

Image credit magellano

Image credit Tim Motz

Image credit Globespotter

Image credit upyernoz

Image credit louisfabries

Image credit Tom McShane

Image credit Denial Sefer

The former fishing port on the Aral Sea. The sea is now over 180 km away. Image credit Owen Jacob

Aral Lake and the Ship Graveyard of Moynaq. Image credit Gilad Rom

Image credit nigelh88

Namib Desert, Where the Desert meets the Ocean Southern Africa

2014-07-01T20:27:00.001-07:00

Namib Desert, Where the Desert meets the Ocean

The Namib is a coastal desert in southern Africa. The name Namib is of Nama origin and means "vast place". According to the broadest definition, the Namib stretches for more than 2,000 kilometres or 1,200 mi along the Atlantic coasts of Angola. Namib is well known for the world's oldest desert and has been in existence for some 43 million years, remaining unchanged in its present form for the last 2 million years. The most widespread and dominant type of desert sand dune are linear dunes, with crescent shaped dunes common along the coast and clusters of star dunes, such as the towering horseshoe of dunes at Sossusvlei, found in the eastern reaches of the sand sea. Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert is the one attraction that should not be missed while you are in Namibia; the dunes are amazing and even though this is a popular tourist destination it is still easy to gain a sense of solitude while climbing one of the dunes or walking to Dead or Hidden Vlei. The Namib Desertsection of the Namib-Naukluft Park also includes the Swakop and Kuiseb River Canyons.

Image credit golfinggoods

The most spectacular is its unique feature that offers exceptional images. Indeed, this desert without end extending to the Atlantic Ocean to offer us a unique contrast. Again, we can thank Mother Nature for the gift of several hundred kilometers along the coast Namibian. If you want to enjoy it with your own eyes adventurers, go to Swakop, a town at the beginning of the desert, where several companies offer helicopter flights to admire this beautiful encounter between desert and ocean.

Image credit Tony Faria

Namibian Express - desert meets sea — The Namibian Express travels through a beautiful part of Africa. It passes through the amazing landscapes of Namibia from the apricot coloured dunes of the Namib desert to the rough Atlantic coast line. As the lights of civilisation are left behind, spectacular sunsets give way to silent darkness under a blanket of stars, followed by a wonderful sunrise. On board you can enjoy the highest comfort, safety and first-class service with the company of a maximum of 48 guests. The interesting modern interior of the train was designed in colours and motifs of the country. Photos: Lernidee Erlebnisreisen GmbH. Image credit Simon Pielow

Image credit Ross Hildrew

Namib desert reaching the infamous Skeleton Coast. Taken from a small 4 seater aircraft at sunset. Image credit Image credit biddlecombe

Image credit Martina Hafner

Gorgeous Swakopmund is one of the best beaches in Africa for adventure seekers. There’s a large area of the coastal plain of the Namib Desert given over to purpose built low-rise resorts where there’s actually quite a Germanic feel. There’s plenty to see in the architecture of the town, but more importantly there’s a ton of things to do. Sporty types will love this place. Image and text credit SWAKOPMUND, NAMIBIA

Image credit emos540

Korea’s Kompsat-2 satellite captured this image over the sand seas of the Namib Desert on 7 January 2012. The blue and white area is the dry river bed of the Tsauchab. Black dots of vegetation are concentrated close to the river’s main route, while salt deposits appear bright white. Running through the river valley, a road connects Sossusvlei to the Sesriem settlement. At the road’s 45th kilometre, seen at the lower-central part of the image, a white path shoots off and ends at a circular parking area at the base of a dune. This is Dune 45, a popular tourist stop on the way to and from Sossusvlei. In this image, there appears to be some shadow on the western side. From this we can deduce that the image was acquired during the late morning. ESA supports Kompsat as a Third Party Mission, meaning it uses its ground infrastructure and expertise to acquire, process and distribute data to users. Image and text credit Esa

The Balancing Idol Rock of Brimham Moor | North Yorkshire, England

2014-06-29T12:20:00.001-07:00

The Balancing Idol Rock of Brimham Moor | North Yorkshire, England

Brimhem Moore, an area of 20 hectares, in North Yorkshire, England, situated some interesting rock formations, created tens of thousands of years of erosion, but the most impressive of these is the Idol Rock - 200-ton monolith, balancing on a small pyramid-shaped base. Rock idol, height 4.5 meters, looks like she is about to fall, but in fact it is quite stable. Giant stone formation is estimated to having a weight of 200 tons, is teetering on the basis of his little longer than anyone remembers, denying the laws of physics, and forcing visitors Brimhem Moore, scratching their heads in wonder. This unique landmark, also known as Druids Idol and Desk Druids "Druid's Writing Desk", held in a small stone girth of 30 centimeters. Photos stone walk on the internet for years, and many believe that this is just the result of work in Photoshop, but the idol of Brimhema actually exists and is an example of the talent of Mother Nature.

Image credit Alan Taylor

All Brimhem Moore is considered one of the strangest places in the entire UK. During the Victorian era dozens of strange looking stones made people assume that this site was created by the Druids, and only in the 20th century, people have finally realized that it was the result of erosion over 18,000 years. "If Brimhem could carry the plain of Salisbury "Salisbury Plain", then Stonehenge would have looked poor and miserable miniature" - someone said about this magical place.

Image credit Ben O'Hara

Image credit floato

Image credit Alan

Balance of Nature — ‘Idol Rock’ at Brimham Rocks in Nidderdale This colossus is balanced precariously and seemingly impossibley, on a small piece of rock, for reasons known only to Mother Nature herself. If we could ask her she might say ‘it’s because I can’. Image credit Heather

Image credit Lance Garrard

Image credit Jim Moran

Image credit Nicole

Image credit mondobongo

Image credit Tom Blackwell

Stars of Brazil 2014 by Rudi Gundersen

2014-06-29T12:12:00.001-07:00

Stars of Brazil 2014 by Rudi Gundersen

FIFA World Cup is in full swing, and illustrators around the world continue to devote more and more on their art-work. Illustrator Rudi Gunderson, settled in Bodø, Norway, Rudi has several different styles, but he's especially passionate about drawing caricatures, portraits and sports illustrations. Rudi's latest collection is labelled as 'Stars of Brazil' and captures top players from selected countries sporting fan-esque face paint in their nation's colors ahead of the World Cup in Brazil this summer. Each player is dropped onto a club crest to create a unique gallery of alternative World Cup portraits. All Photos © Behance.net

Neymar

Honda

Hazard

Dempsey

Lahm

Falcao

Casillas

Chicharito

Gerrard

Eto'o

Cahill

Yaya Toure

Modric

Ronaldo

Van Persie

Pirlo

Vidal

Messi

Batu Caves | The Temple of Cave Malaysia

2014-06-27T20:43:00.001-07:00

Batu Caves | The Temple of Cave

Batu Caves, Gombak, Malaysia. The limestone hills located just 13 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur. Its name from the Sungai Batu or Batu River, which flows past the hill, and Batu Caves is also the name of the nearby village. Batu Caves is a series of Caves and Caves Temples in the Gombak District. The main attraction is the large statue of Hindu God at the entrance with 272 concrete steep. The history says the limestone forming Batu Caves to be around 400 millions years old. Some of the cave entrance were used as shelters by indigenous Temuan people "A tribe of Orang Asli". The caves became famous only after the limestone hills were recorded by colonial authorities including Daly and Syers as well as American Naturalist, William Hornaday in 1878. The Batu Caves was pomoted as a place of worship by K. Thamboosamy Pillai, an Indian Trader, He dedicate a temple to Lord Murugan within the caves. In 1890, Pillai, who also founded Mahamariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur, installed the statue of Sri Murugan Swami in the what is today known as the Temple of Cave. Since 1892, The Thaipusam Festival in the Tamil month of Thai which comes in last of January/beginning of February, has been celebrated here. In 2006, a 140 feet tall concrete statue of Lord Murugan Statue was added at the foot of the stairs, the tallest statue of Hindu deity in Malaysia and second tallest statue of Hindu deity in the world. The Caves is also known as Cathedral Cave because it houses several Hindu shrines beneath its high vaulted ceiling.

Image by Flickr User Mike Blank

Image by Flickr User Achilli Family | Journeys

Image by Flickr User Chester Lim

The Gallery of the main Temple cave at the top of the stairs is 300 feet high and 1200 feet long. Image by Flickr User Nomadic Samuel

Image by Flickr User Chris

Image by Flickr User Rishi Shirao

Image by Flickr User M Abdul

Image by Flickr User Tien Le

Image by Flickr User Bitt-n .com

Magnificent Waterfall Gullfoss, Iceland

2014-06-26T02:01:00.001-07:00

Magnificent Waterfall Gullfoss, Iceland

Gullfoss is a waterfall located in the canyon of Hvítá river in southwest Iceland, Its stands on the edge of the mountain range, from roaring water falls down the rapid river Hvita. River "White" is a fitting name because on the surface of a violent white foam stream is formed, but the water seems that sky-blue, the transparent gray. Gullfoss means "golden waterfall", although no one knows exactly why its called. Perhaps the reason is that we can not remain indifferent. In sunny weather, rainbow over the waterfall can be seen several kilometers away. Waterfall is completely unique in both form and structure. It is formed of three separate levels and two stages. The height of the upper cascade of 11 meters, and the lower - 21 meters. At a time when the water level reaches its maximum, the water rushing at about 130 cubic meters per second and produces incredible noise. Wet Trail, which runs from the bottom to the top level of the waterfall, leads through a cloud of mist. Falls perfectly visible from the highway. From the top of the waterfall Gullfoss can see blue ice glacier Langjokull and big mountain pass Kjolur. Previously there have been many attempts to build on the site of the waterfall Gullfoss hydroelectric plant, which would lead to the destruction of the waterfall.

Image credit Martina

During the first half of the 20th century and some years into the late 20th century, there was much speculation about using Gullfoss to generate electricity. During this period, the waterfall was rented indirectly by its owners, Tómas Tómasson and Halldór Halldórsson, to foreign investors. However, the investors' attempts were unsuccessful, partly due to lack of money. The waterfall was later sold to the state of Iceland. Even after it was sold, there were plans to utilize Hvítá, which would have changed the waterfall forever. This was not done, and now the waterfall is protected. Sigríður Tómasdóttir, the daughter of Tómas Tómasson was determined to preserve the waterfall's condition and even threatened to throw herself into the waterfall. Although it is widely believed, the very popular story that Sigríður did save the waterfall from use is not true. A stone memorial to Sigriður, located above the falls, depicts her profile. Together with Þingvellir and the geysers of Haukadalur, Gullfoss forms the Golden Circle, a popular day tour for tourists in Iceland. [Source — Wikipedia]

Image credit Michelle Rousell

Image credit Peter Collins

Image credit Christian

Image credit Andrew Hills

Image credit Rob

Image credit harishVp

Image credit JasonParis

Image credit Scott Ableman

Feather Art by Chris Maynard

2014-06-24T10:43:00.001-07:00

Feather Art by Chris Maynard

Chris Maynard's, the artist and biologist is interested in bird feathers and tries to make an artistic rendition. Feather designs by Chris Maynard capture the elegance and simplicity of nature in Featherfolio's new, creative art form. Each feather design used as a real feathers natural shed from common and exotic birds to capture the beauty and grace of these exceptional creatures. He said "In my work I try to capture a a feeling of a bird and give meaning in the simplest way, often in a silhouette. this is in part because my medium does not allow for a lot of detail. Feather appear to us as endearingly delicate, but they are actually, like my work quite tough." Chris also make an art in Shadow boxes.

Animal Eyes Photography by Suren Manvelyan

2014-06-24T10:41:00.001-07:00

Animal Eyes Photography by Suren Manvelyan

The famous photographer Suren Manvelyan and he is in famous in macro photography. Suren born in 1976, he strarted photography in the age of sixteen and became as professional photographer in 2006. Suren's photography publish in many magazines and newspapers in Armenia and Worldwide. The popular series of close-ups of "Animal Eyes" and "Your Beautiful Eyes" have had millions of views on Web. Published by National Geographic, Yahoo! Die Zeit, The Sun, Daily Mail etc etc. In 2001 Suren received his PhD in Theoretical Physics from the Yerevan State University, where his research focused on Quantum Chaos. He also got the President Award from Republic of Armenia next year for his research work in the field of Quantum Technologies. Suren also love to plays musical instruments like guitar, cello, piano, block flute and lyre.

Cow

Lark

Lemur Catta

Blue-yellow macaw parrot

Flying possum

Discus fish

Blue crayfish

Tiger python (albino)

Horse

Lama

Rabbit

Husky dog

Fennec fox

Hippo

Macaca rezus

Camel

Chinchilla

Long-eared owl

Basiliscus lizard

Anolis lizard

Turnip Rock | Port Austin, Michigan USA

2014-06-24T10:38:00.001-07:00

Turnip Rock | Port Austin, Michigan

Turnip Rock is located at the shores of Lake Huron, Michigan, USA. This beautiful rock is formed in a tiny tidal island. The name called Turnip Rock form it's tunip-like shape. The resemblance to Turnip is especially reinforce due to the tree on the of the rock surface. Turnip Rock was eroded by waves erosion over thousands of years, giving it the unique shape. The private property around the Turnip Rock, so the only way to get the rock by boats or kayaks etc, but in winter time most of the lake is frozen.

Image by Flickr User David Frey

Image by Flickr User Rob Sims

Image by Flickr User Kathy Winkler

Image by Flickr User Derek A Young

Image by Flickr Teeddy

Guoliang Tunnel | China

2014-06-22T21:35:00.001-07:00

Guoliang Tunnel | China

Guoliang Tunnel in Henan Povince-China was no exception, because Chinesepeople are always different in scale ofarchitectural project. The Guoliang village is located in a mountainous area of Taihang Mountains which is situated in Huisxian, Xinxiang, Henan Henan Province of China. These photos of the road are often misidentified as photo of the " Road of Death" in Bolivia. Any way but its look more dangerous with our last post Combe Laval Road | France.

Before the Tunnel was constructed, access to the nearby village of Guoliang was restricted to a difficult path carved into the mountainside. The village is surrounded by towering mountains cut of from outside civilization. In 1972 a group of villager led by Shen Mingxin made plans to carve a road into the side of the Mountain. Thirteen strong village workers began the project, The team of village works are not an engineer but the set about carving a roadway inch by inch, using their hand made tools and several died during construction. The tunnel is 1.2 kilometers long, five meters tall and 4 meters wide. The tunnel is attraction for international tourists.

Image By Flickr User Sjonnie van der Kist

Image By Flickr User Sjonnie van der Kist

Image By Flickr User Sjonnie van der Kist

Image By Flickr User Shlittlecat

Image By Flickr User Wyz 0wyz

Image By China.Org.Cn

Sankeien Garden in Yokohama, Japan

2014-06-22T21:33:00.001-07:00

Sankeien Garden in Yokohama, Japan

Sankei Garden is a traditional Japanese-style garden in Yokohama, Japan. The garden is popular for its cherry blossoms, ume blossoms,and the changing leaves in autumn. Sankeien Garden was biult by Tomitaro Hara in 1902-1908, know by the pseudonym Sankei Hara, who was a silk trader. Almost all of its buildings ar historically significatn structures bouth by Hara himself in location all over the country, among them Tokyo, Kyoto, Kamakura, Gifu Prefecture, and Wakayama Prefecture. Ten properties have ben declared important cultural property, and rest of three are Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan designated by the city of Yokahama. In World War II some properties are damaged badly, In 1953 the garden was donated to City of Yokohama, which entrusted it to the Sankeien Hoshokai Foundation. The garden was restored almost to it pre-war condition in fiver years. The total surface of the garden is 175 thousand square meters and features ponds, streams, and undulating paths designed bye Sankei Hara, and many historical buildings such as Tomyo-ji former three-story Pagoda, originally constructed in Kyoto in 1457 and relocated in 1914 ad tge Former Yanohar House, originally the private residence of the Yahohara Family.

Image by Flickr User Nikon Eyes

Image by Flickr User Saxy Guy

Image by Flickr User Nikon Eyes

Image by Flickr User Saxy Guy

Image by Flickr User Nikon Eyes

Image by Flicker User Indalecio Carbonell Pascual

Image by Flickr User Nikon Eyes

Image by Flickr User Murasaki-Sama

Image by Flickr User Kana_Hata

Image by Flickr User Speedrug

SEA Aquarium, The World's Largest Aquarium | Sentosa, Singapore

2014-06-22T21:29:00.001-07:00

SEA Aquarium, The World's Largest Aquarium | Sentosa, Singapore

Sentosa, The island of Singapore, is the largest ocean aquarium modernity with a name SEA Aquarium. Included in this giant aquarium park complex "Marine life", which was opened to the public in November 2012. Which has ten zones of residence, is forty five million liters of sea water contains about one hundred thousand differentmarine mammals from 800 species. Particularly impressive tourist central aquarium, which the area of the open ocean with the world's largest panoramic review panel, while its width is equal to thirty-six meters, and height - eight meters. Such gigantic dimensions create the illusion of the tourists stay at the bottom of the sea. The S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark at Singapore's Resorts World Sentosa, visitors have the opportunity to see the unique marine life, such as bottle-nose dolphins, of which there are twenty-four individuals, the Japanese spider crab, bronze hammers, fish and many other rare inhabitants of the depths.

Image credit ijassingapore

Initially, the administration planned ocean aquarium place here even whale sharks, but this idea subsequently canceled, as it is very difficult to keep in captivity. Travelers from around the world park "Marine life" enjoy all sorts of attractions: six kinds of water slides, hydro-magnetic rocket, "River Adventure", having a length of more than six hundred meters. Also in the park is located fourteen thematic scenes that narrate the life of tropical jungle, there are even artificial caves.www.rwsentosa.com

Image credit Max Tan

Image credit smuconlaw

Image credit xsnowdog

Image credit munhow kok

Image credit Leong Han Tai

Giant Bookshelf of Kansas City Library USA

2014-06-21T21:56:00.001-07:00

Giant Bookshelf of Kansas City Library USA

One of the most unusual and fascinating example of modern architecture can be seen in Kansas City USA, and it is not just another skyscraper not billionaire villa but a facade garage Public Library Central Branch. We are just talking about the exterior of this Library, coz of its very extraordinary looks. The wall parking has been designed so as to be similar to the number of giant books lined up a shelf. Book spines, the size of which is about 22 feet high and 9 feet wide, made by Mylar (the material of which make advertising sings boards.) On the "Shelf" features 22 book volume, A unique structure that is a pleasure even for those who do not like to read books and dont like BOOKS. It is impossible to pass by without stopping to admire the unusual architectural solution. Approximately $50 million was spent on the project.

The library its was opened over 100 year ago (in 1873) and it was located somewhere else. Its change its address several times and in 2006 the library was build the garage behind the " books" in response to need for additional downtown Parking. With such an extraordinary design, the creators were intended to attract new readers to the library walls, fans of literature, as well as tourists on the streets. The building became incredibly popular, which adorn the world famous authors and their works. Today its is a modern library in the arsenal which 2.5 million books and more than 2.4 million customers per year, which pleases the eye with resident and visitors alike. It is also worth mentioning that its unique design inspired may residents remember what library and its values. Public Library Kansas City has ten branches, but the main is the largest and has the special looks.

First Image by Flickr User Glenn Preisler

Image by Flickr User Conrad and Peter

Image by Flickr User fotoseletras

Image by Flickr User Yuxuan Wang

Image by Flickr User Paul Vincent

Image by Flickr User jkozik

Image by Flickr User Caleb Zahnd

Image by Flickr User Conrad and Peter

High Line Park, New York

2014-06-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

High Line Park, New York

High Line Park, Special Park in New York, based on disused railway line in 1.6 kilometers, situated at height of ten meters. The park is named West Side Line and stretches along the lower west side of Manhattan. In 1980 the last train passed along this line was operated by Conrail, extending with three carloads of frozen turkeys. Almost two decades, the area remained abandoned until local architectural enthusiasts David Joshua and Robert Hammond appealed to the public to discuss the future of the High Line. Withing a few months, these town New Yorkers founded the Friends Foundation High Line to raise money and transform an abandoned rail line into unique oasis for pedestrians. Since opening in 2009, the High Line has become the second most visited cultural site in New York, attracting about four million visitors a year. The park has become so poplar that other cities followed suit and began to implement the same project in London, Chicago, Philadelphia and Rotterdam.

First the High Line was opened to movement of trains in 1934. The branches connect directly with factories and warehouses, allowing trains to be delivered directly to buildings milk, meat and other products and manufactured goods. This line was convenient as transportation and unloading of cargo could be carried out without interfering with the movement on the streets of New York. With the development of civilization, the release of large trucks, increasing the motorway in the 50s of the last century w a message lost its former significance for the state that was the result of the closure of the High Line. Gradually bran ch overgrown trees, shrubs and wild grasses and looked like a ugly relic in the city. Finally in 2009 it was transformed into on of the most attractive and innovative public spaces in New York. Black steel columns supporting the High Line one, now hold above the ground 10 meters green park. Among the many attraction the city park planting and various sculptures, as it offer a beautiful view of the Hudson River and the City. The territory of the High Line extends from the street Geynsvort Street northbound to 30 Street. then turns west park to the Javits convention center and the Hudson Yards to 34th Street. The timing of this Green Zone is 7 AM to 10 PM every day. (First Image by Flick user David Berkowitz)

Several cities also have plans to renovate some railroad infrastructure into parks land. It cost substantially less to redevelop and abandoned urban rail line into a linear park that to demolish it. James Corner, one of its designers Said, "The High Line is not easily replaceable in other cities," observing that building a "cool park" requires a framework" of neighborhoods around it in order to succeed.

Image by Flick user Dan Nguyen

Image by Flick user David Berkowitz

Image by Flick user Ken Bergman

Image by Flick user Joseph

Image by Flick user Maurice Williams

Image by Flick user InSapphoWeTrust

Image by Flick user Luci

Image by Flick user David Berkowitz

Image by Flick user Travis Estell

Image by Flick user Karen Blumberg

Image by Flick user Willem van Bergen

Image by Flick user AudreyH

Image by Flick user Teri Tynes

Image by Flick user Clinton Mah

Rock Cave Restaurant | Cova d'en Xoroi

2014-06-21T21:40:00.001-07:00

Rock Cave Restaurant | Cova d'en Xoroi

One of the most popular destinations on the island of Menorca — cave Cova d'en Xoroi, Which is located in the town of Cala'n Porter, inside the cliffs towering above the sea. Touched by history and always washed by the sea, this is a cave dug in mythology, full of corners waiting to be discovered. The place developed as a restaurant and bar, visitors can have an aperitif at any time of day and night, in an unparalleled natural sitting, decorate by quality of services. Cova d'en Xoroi is an observation spot of staggering view, where one can contemplate the sunrise, sunset, moon and stars. The selection of best cocktails, impeccable service and ambient music providing an optimal atmosphere, the restaurant ensure a great visitor's experience. The dance club is available in weekend.

Image by Flickr User Max Corradi 64

Image by Flickr User R Flickr6

Image by Flickr User Luca Taboni

Image by Flickr User www.elrefugiodelaplaya.eu

Image by Flickr User lunyme

Image by Flickr User Scott Crombie

Image by Flickr User John Thurm

Image by Flickr User R Flickr6

Image by Flickr User charlie trius

Image by Flickr User MontanNito

Carmelit funicular | Haifa, Israel

2014-06-20T20:56:00.001-07:00

Carmelit funicular | Haifa, Israel

The Carmelit is an underground funicular railway in Haifa, Israel and the oldest underground railway system in the Middle East, Israel called Metro "Carmelit", because of Haifa is built on the top of Mount Carmel. The construction strarted in 1956 and ended in 1959, the Carmelit was closed in 1986 after showing the signs of aging and reopened in September 1992 after extensive renovations. The Carmelit is one of the smallest subway systems in the world and the system with 6 stations along a single track, 1.8 Kilometer line. The system's rolling stock consists of just 4 cars making up two 2-car trains. It takes no more than 8 minutes to ride the entire line.

Carmelit funicular is not smallest subway system in the world, because Istanbul "Tenel" already built in 1875, as a length of on 573 meters. but the Istanbul Metro, thought is part of the urban public transport and is not functioning independently. Haifa subway is a closed system, not related to other types of public transport, and mor esteeply up the hill at an angle up to 18 degrees (in some areas), and besides completely automated. Frist Image by Flickr UserRodrigo Balan Uriartt

Image by Flickr User Chris Yunker

Notable is that, it is only extremely short line 1803 meters, but also the fact that the height difference between the first and last station is reaches 268 meters, in other words, with every meter traveled you climb almost 7 centimeters. Composition moves through cables, only one line, and leaving in the compositions (of the same two total) only at one point on one of six intermediate stations. Metro laid in the rock to a depth of 30 meters and is held under the residential areas of the city.

Image by Flickr User Felix Tchvertkin

Image by Flickr User Jacob_ D

Image by Flickr User Osmar Valdebenito

Image by Flickr User dn & wp

Image by Flickr User Gil Eilam

Image by Flickr User David King

The antique train cemetery In Uyuni, Bolivia

2014-06-20T20:53:00.001-07:00

The antique train cemetery In Uyuni, Bolivia

Uyuni is a city in the southwest of Bolivia. It primarily serves as a gateway for tourists visiting the world's largest salt flats, the nearby Uyuni salt flat, the named called Lake Salar de Uyuni. The antique train cemetery is also one of the major tourist attractions of the area. It is located 3 km outside Uyuni and is connected to it by the old train tracks. The town served in the past as a distribution hub for the trains carrying minerals on their way to the Pacific Ocean ports. The train lines were built by British engineers who arrived near the end of the 19th century and formed a sizable community in Uyuni. The engineers were invited by British-sponsored Antofagasta and Bolivia Railway Companies, which is now Ferrocarril de Antofagasta a Bolivia. The rail construction started in 1888 and ended in 1892. The trains were mostly used by the mining companies. In the 1940s, the mining industry collapsed, partly due to the mineral depletion. Many trains were abandoned thereby producing the train cemetery. There are talks to build a museum out of the cemetery.

Image credit BORIS G

Image credit Giulia Mancini

Image credit BORIS G

Image credit stephenk1977

Image credit Bharat

Image credit Jimmy Harris

Image credit Giulia Mancini

Image credit Pierre Lesage

Sanxiantai Dragon Bridge | The Footbridge of Three Immortals

2014-06-20T20:51:00.001-07:00

Sanxiantai Dragon Bridge | The Footbridge of Three Immortals

Sanxiantai is a small island on the east coast of Taiwan, of Chenggong Township, Taitung County. Strange rock formations are everywhere, including three huge rocks that by legend are the three immortal saints Lyu-Dongbin, Li-Tieguai and He-Xiangu. Sanxiantai literally means "Three Saints Island" and can only be reached by crossing an eight-arch bridge designed to look like waves. The weather was horrible when we visited Sanxiantai, but thankfully, the sun peeked a little and blessed us with its rays, enough for some light to illuminate the waters of this majestic sight. Little Ups & Downs, where this Eight Arches Bridge takes you over the ocean to a small island. It's quite the view, even with the unwelcoming rain.

Image credit ChristenJ

The Three Saints had taken their rest they left three footprints. These are the three massive rocks dominate the small uninhabited island. The island was once connected by a neck of land to the rest of Taiwan but over the millennia this wore away. The striking arched bridge that connects the island to the mainland is not, however, as old as you might think. It was built in 1987 – before that anyone without a boat wishing to visit the island had to wait till low tide and wade over. The bridge’s eight arches, gently undulating, capture the rhythm of a Chinese dragon as it traverses the space between land and island. It is known locally as The Eight Leaped Bridge. It is reminiscent of the architecture of ancient Chinese temples, indicating that this is a place which should be revered by those who visit.

Image credit jshyun

The bridge and island are locally very famous and many tourists come to take in the views and enjoy the pristine natural surroundings. However, situated in the relatively isolate county of Taitung (which has a population of little more than a quarter of a million), the place is never overwhelmed with visitors. Although Taiwan’s twenty two million people are predominantly Han Chinese the area around Sansiantai is home to good sized communities of two aboriginal peoples known as the Amis and the Yami but with others from the remaining 12 happily mingling in as well.

Image credit jshyun

Image credit Taiwan Adventures

Image credit Alexander Synaptic

Image credit Bong Bajo

Image credit Alexander Synaptic

Image credit Taiwan Adventures

Image credit Kovis Lo

Wazuka Green Tea Farms, Japan

2014-06-20T02:29:00.001-07:00

Wazuka Green Tea Farms, Japan

Wazuka is a town located in Soraku District, Kyoto prefecture, Japan. Surrounded by mountains and crossed by a river, it is not only a place of picturesque scenery, but is also renowned as a premium region for producing Japanese green tea. Wazuka is home to roughly 300 tea growing families. The area was selected in the Kamakura period (1192 – 1333) for tea production and has enjoyed an 800-year history as one of the main production areas of Ujicha. Today, while Ujicha comprises only 3% of the tea produced in Japan, it enjoys royal status as one of the most highly prized and respected teas in the country. Also a considerable crop of rice is produced among other agricultural products.

Tea garden in Wazuka, Kyoto. Image credit Ryoichi Matoba

Wazuka's band of top tea farmers known as the Yukichaken and the local community are in cooperation with NICE one of the major volunteer program companies and hold together the biggest annual work camp at the end of August lasting 2 weeks. The program is open to about 12 foreigners per year and an equal number of Japanese work campers.

Image credit Ryoichi Matoba

Image credit mi-yu

Image credit Aaron Armstrong

Image credit bolivares

Image credit Aaron Armstrong

Huacachina Desert Oasis, Peru

2014-06-20T02:27:00.001-07:00

Huacachina Desert Oasis, Peru

Huacachina is a village in the Ica Region, in southwestern Peru. It is located in the Ica Province, near the city of Ica in the Ica District. Huacachina is built around a small natural lake in the desert. Called the "oasis of America," it serves as a resort for local families from the nearby city of Ica, and increasingly as an attraction for tourists drawn by the sports of sandboarding and taking dune buggy rides on sand dunes that stretch several hundred feet high. Huacachina has a population of 115 in 1999. The oasis features on the back of the 50 Nuevo Sol note. Legend holds that the lagoon was created when a beautiful native princess was apprehended at her bath by a young hunter. She fled, leaving the pool of water she had been bathing in to become the lagoon. The folds of her mantle, streaming behind her as she ran, became the surrounding sand dunes. And the woman herself is rumored to still live in the oasis as a mermaid.

Image credit Özgür

Currently, private landowners near the oasis have installed wells, in order to access the groundwater. This has had the effect of drastically reducing the level of water in the oasis. To compensate for this water loss, and preserve the oasis as an aesthetically pleasing destination for tourists, the city began a process of artificially pumping water into the oasis. More at Huacachina.

Huachachina, tucked in between sand dunes, flourished in the 1940s and 1950s as a getaway for the Peruvian elite and regained a certain prominence through tourism promotion campaigns in the 1990s. Today it is a backpacker’s paradise and a top destination for sandboarding and dunebuggy rides, but the lagoon’s own water supply needs to be constantly supplemented from other sources. A local legend has it that the lagoon was created when an inquisitive young hunter disturbed a beautiful princess while she was bathing. She fled, leaving the pool of water behind which became the lagoon.

Image credit elrentaplats

Image credit Özgür

Image credit Rebeca

Image credit elrentaplats

Image credit Stephanie Cavelli

Image credit Eefje74

Image credit johnlynskey

Image credit Özgür

Image credit Laura Fletcher

Image credit Nuno S

Image credit Carly Lyddiard

Niagara Falls of India | Chitrakoot Falls, Chhattisgarh

2014-06-20T02:25:00.001-07:00

Niagara Falls of India | Chitrakoot Falls, Chhattisgarh

Chitrakoot Falls are located 48kms west of Jagdalpur in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. This waterfall is considered the Niagara Falls of India and is the broadest waterfall in the nation. Chitrakoot falls are located in the middle of Vindhya ranges. The waterfall is formed by the Indravati River in Chattisgarh region which is a tributary of Narmada. Chitrakoot waterfall is the largest waterfall in India. The height of the falls is 100 feet.The breadth of the waterfall varies as the water level in the river changes drastically. During monsoon the waterfall turns wild and violent. Chitrakoot waterfall is best seen during and after the monsoon, between July and October.

Image credit Roopesh Kohad

The water color changes from season to season. In monsoon because of silt it turns a little brown in shade whereas in summer it’s white and clear. The shape of the waterfall is like a horse-shoe. Tourists can stay here at the government owned resorts or at the camps near the banks of river. There are also various resorts and lodges available on the Jagdalpur-Chitrakoot Road which are nice and comfortable for the visitors to stay. The chitrakoot is also a religious Hindu Pilgrimage center. Thousands of pilgrims come here for Hari darshan and pay their homage to the God Hari. Who ever comes to Chitrakoot makes sure to visit Chitrakoot Waterfall at least once. [Text source — Chitrakoot.info]

Image credit MANOJ DEWANGAN

Image credit Roopesh Kohad

Image credit MANOJ DEWANGAN

Image credit Avinash Tiwari

Image credit Arindam Sharma

Image credit anag_jn

Grass Roofs in Norway

2014-06-18T20:55:00.001-07:00

Grass Roofs in Norway

Is this the way of going Go Green? I dont think so, First I think this is natural, but the Norwegians traditional type of green roof covered with sod on top of several layers of birch bark on gently sloping wooden roof boards and this roof called sod roof or turf roof. The late 19th century, it was the most common roof on rural log houses in large parts of Norway. Its distribution roughly corresponds to the distribution of the log building technique in the vernacular architecture of Finland and the Scandinavian peninsula. The load of approximately 250 kg per m² of a sod roof is an advantage because it helps to compress the logs and make the walls more draught-proof. In winter the total load may well increase to 400 or 500 kg per m² because of snow. Sod is also a reasonably efficient insulator in a cold climate. The birch bark underneath ensures that the roof will be waterproof and long-lasting.

Image credit scenery-wallpapers

The term ‘sod roof’ is somewhat misleading, as the active, water-tight element of the roof is birch bark. The main purpose of the sod is to hold the birch bark in place. The roof might just as well have been called a "birch bark roof", but its grassy outward appearance is the reason for its name in Scandinavian languages: Norwegian and Swedish torvtak, Icelandic torfþak.

A sod roof is well suited to a barter economy because the materials are ubiquitous and cost nothing, although the work is labour-intensive. But a household would usually have a lot of manpower, and neighbours would usually be invited to take part in the roofing party, similar to a barn raising in the United States. The Norwegian term dugnad denotes an established custom in rural communities, where large undertakings were accomplished with help from neighbours. [Text source wikipedia]

Image credit KatesDad

Image credit Eileen Sandá

Image credit rariflora

Image credit anastasia_voyageuse

Image credit Christel Franken

Image credit jackie weisberg

Image credit Peter Eliassen

Image credit LucienTj

Image credit Corsachris

Image credit Dec Kehoe

Image credit Ignacio husqvjonsered

Image credit rodney sutton

Image credit KaShun Cheung

Brusio Spiral Viaduct, Switzerland

2014-06-18T20:52:00.001-07:00

Brusio Spiral Viaduct, Switzerland

The Brusio spiral viaduct is a single-track nine-arched stone spiral railway viaduct. A signature structure of the World Heritage-listed Bernina railway, it is located near Brusio, in the Canton of Graubünden, Switzerland, and was built to limit the railway's gradient at that location within its specified maximum of 7%. The Brusio spiral viaduct forms part of the Bernina Railway section between Brusio and Campascio. It is just south of Brusio, and approximately 54 kilometres (34 mi) from St. Moritz. The viaduct was opened on 1 July 1908, upon the opening of the Tirano–Poschiavo section of the Bernina Railway.

Image credit wikipedia

A spiral viaduct was required immediately south of Brusio to limit the railway's grade to the required maximum of 7%, so the train would not slip on the way up, or be uncontrollable on the way down. Geological factors prevented the boring of the spiral tunnel that had originally been planned. Engineers therefore decided to construct on the valley floor a 360 degree curve with a 50 to 70 m (160 to 230 ft) radius, and the viaduct forms part of that curve. In 1943, the whole of the Bernina Railway was taken over by the Rhaetian Railway, which still owns and uses the spiral viaduct today.

Image credit Manuel Buetti

Image credit Hans-Rudolf Stoll

Image credit mostlybytrain

Image credit Courtney

Image credit Carron Brown

Image credit Tim Boric

Image credit trained_4_life

Image credit Geoff Cooke