Let's Travel Amazing Places!

Chinese Ship Crashes Tubbataha

2013-04-13T03:20:00.000-07:00

a Chinese-flagged fishing vessel reportedly ran aground late Monday evening (April 8) along the northern part of the the Tubbataha Reef, UNESCO World Heritage Site (Image: worldmaritimenews)

Just a few days after the US Navy and the salvaging crew of the former USS Guardian has completed salvaging operations off the coast of Tubbataha, another vessel, a Chinese fishing ship this time, has run aground the Tubbataha Reef.

Undeniably, this latest sad incident has caused further damage to the reef. Reports say that the Chinese fishermen have offered money to the arresting rangers to set them free. However, authorities have brought them to the city of Puerto Prinsesa for legal action. They have charged them with illegal fishing and bribery.

I hope that this is the last time a ship will run aground the Tubbataha Reef. The Philippine government needs to make all efforts to ensure protection to its territory.

Image credit:
http://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/81254/the-philippines-chinese-fishing-vessel-runs-aground-on-tubbataha-reef/

USS Guardian at the Tubbataha

2013-04-02T02:45:00.000-07:00

A section of Guardian's hull being removed by the US Navy contracted crane vessel M/V Jascon 25 on 26 March 2013 Image Credit: Wikipedia

Last January 17, 2013, the US Navy ship USS Guardian has grounded at the Tubbataha Reef National Park destroying more than 2,000 square meters of the reef. The US Navy has blamed the grounding on a faulty map and has relieved four of the officers on board Lt. Cmdr. Mark A. Rice, his executive officer and navigator Lt. Daniel Tyler, the ship’s assistant navigator and the officer of the deck.

Salvaging operation has started on January 29. Bad weather and high waves has delayed the operation but it has proceeded and on March 30, the salvaging crew has concluded its operation. They have cut up the ship into three sections and have lifted them part by part using a crane vessel M/V Jascon 25, which the US Navy has contracted for the job.

According to the survey, which the World Wide Fund for Nature–Philippines and the Tubbataha Management Office has done, the damage area is at 2,345.67 square meters. The US government has agreed to pay a fine of $600 per square meter under Philippine law, which would total to around US$1.4M.

The Tubbataha Reef Damaged

2013-01-27T02:01:00.000-08:00

Last May 2009, I have written about one of the best diving spot in the world that you can see in the Philippines- The Tubbataha Reef. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (http://letstravelamazingplaces.blogspot.com/2009/05/tubbataha-reef.html)

It is sad that a couple of weeks ago, a US warship, minesweeper USS Guardian has entered the Tubbataha waters and has crashed ashore destroying a big portion of the reef.

As of post time, the warship remains ashore endangering further the adjacent parts of the reef.

According to news reports, salvaging work has gone underway. The warship’s oil has been extracted in preparation for the US Navy’s plan to lift the warship up from the water.

I join the call for the US government to pay for the damage their warship has done on the Tubbataha Reef. Underground photos and videos has shown the extent of the damage underground. The color of the corals has turned white which means that they have died. The reef might take many years before it could recover from the damage done. The US government must help save the Tubbataha Reef.

Image credit: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/photos/the-tubbataha-reef-damage-slideshow/diver-investigates-damage-corals-tubbataha-reef-off-palawan-photo-082719927.html

Temple of the Dioscuri

2011-11-15T00:18:00.000-08:00

In Greek mythology Castor and Pollux are twin brothers born of Leda, Queen of Sparta. Castor, the mortal son of the King Tyndareus of Sparta and Pollux, the divine son of Zeus. They are brothers of Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra. Castor and Pollux are called the Dioscuri.

According to the legend, in an ambush, Castor was wounded from a spear. To save his life, Pollux, gave half of his immortality to his twin brother and they became the two brightest stars in the constellation Gemini.

A temple at the Valle dei Templi in Agrigernto was dedicated to the Dioscuri, Temple of the Dioscuri or the Temple of Castor and Pollux. This Temple, however, was a reconstruction from the rubble of other ancient temples during the 1800’s.

It consists of four columns with big stone bricks filed above them. Experts calculate the age of the original temple on which the reconstruction has been done to be middle of 500 BC.

Image courtesy of:
en.wikipedia.org

The Tomb of Theron in Agrigento Sicily

2011-11-04T00:02:00.000-07:00

Tomb of Theron

Agrigento is not only a host to ancient temples but also to a tomb of one of the greatest men in the history of Sicily, Theron, the Greek Tyrant of the town Acragas.

In 480 BC, he led the war against the Carthaginians and occupied Himera with his ally Gelo of Gela. He controlled Greek Sicily together with his allies, Syracuse and Selinunte until his death in 473 BC.

His son, Thrasydaeus succeeded him but because of his wicked conduct, he became unpopular to his people. He went to war against Hiero, son of Syracuse and was eventually defeated. He managed to escape to Greece but was later taken in captivity and was killed in public.

The “Tomb of Theron” is located near to Porta Aurea in Agrigento.

Image above courtesy of:
en.wikipedia.org

Temple of the Olympian Zeus, Agrigento

2011-10-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

Ruins of the Temple of the Olympian Zeus

One of the important ruin site in Agrigento is the Temple of the Olympian Zeus. According to historians, it is supposed to be the largest doric temple to be ever constructed during that time however, the construction has not been completed.

Historians believe that it was supposed to be constructed to celebrate the triumph at the Battle of Himera but because of further attempts by the Carthaginians to recapture the city, the construction could not continue particularly the roof part. Until an earthquake brought the temple down.

Model of the Temple of the Olympian Zeus

Then during the 18th century, people quarried the ruin site to obtain construction materials for the development of the towns in Agrigento.

Presently, only a few tumbled pillars and rock blocks have survived.

Images: en.wikipedia.org

Temple of Heracles

2011-10-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

Temple of Heracles, Agrigento Sicily (wikipedia)

Another interesting archaeological treasure of Agrigento, Sicily is the Temple of Heracles. Historians believe that this has been one of the first temple that Theron, the Greek tyrant of the town of Acragas in Sicily, has built around 480BC before the Battle of Himera.

The Battle of Himera happened in 480BC when the Greek forces of Gelon, King of Syracuse, and Theron, defeated the Carthaginian forces of Hamilcar the Magonid, which ended Carthage’s dominion over Sicily. Historians say that the Temple of Heracles have been completed decades after that momentous war.

The temple is in honor of Heracles, the half-man, half-god hero in the Greek mythology. According to the myth, he is the son of Zeus and has an unmatched power and strength. He has become the epitome of masculinity and courage. In Roman mythology, he is known as Hercules.

It must be enthralling to see the ruins of a temple that has passed more than a thousand years. It is like bringing into the future a tiny glimpse of the engineering and architecture of an ancient civilization.

Il Tempio Della Concordia, Sicily

2011-09-24T00:52:00.001-07:00

This photo of Temple of Concord is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Another important archaeological site in Agrigento, Sicily is the Il Tempio Della Concordia or Temple of Concord. Concordia in ancient Roman religion is the goddess of agreement, understanding, and marital harmony. This temple presumably is dedicated to the honor of this goddess.

I am quite fascinated with archaelogical sites. Ancient civilizations amaze me but photographs, no matter how good they are taken, can never equal the excitement of being in those sites in person. I’ve never been to any but with this virtual travel, I hope to satisfy even just a fraction of my curiosity.

As I try to research for the Temple of Concord, the intenet pages bring me to a Temple of Concord located at the Roman Forum in Rome. I am a bit confused with two temples of Concord.

In this post I will blog about the one in the Valley of Temples in Agrigento, Sicily. The Temple of Concord is the most well preserved archaoelogical site in the world and is one of the most famous structure that bear ancient Greek civilization that still exists in our time.

“When the temple was turned into a church the entrance was moved to the rear, and the rear wall of the cella had to be destroyed. The spaces between the columns were closed, while 12 arched openings were created in the cella, in order to obtain a structure with one nave and two aisles. The pagan altar was destroyed and sacristies were carved out in the eastern corners. The sepultures visible inside and outside the temple date to the High Middle Age”(en.wikipedia.org).

If ever I can go to Sicily, I will never miss this UNESCO Heritage Site.

“Valley of Temples” in Agrigento, Sicily

2011-09-16T00:05:00.000-07:00

Agrigento is a city in the southern coast of the island of Sicily in Italy and the capital of the province with the same name. It is one of the most popular sites in Sicily as it is where we can see the “Valley of Temples”, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. This archaeological site is one of the main attractions of Sicily.

Temple of Juno Lacinia c/o Wikipedia

In the Valley of Temples, we can see ruins of several temples that flaunt the rich architecture of ancient Greece as Greeks have started to settle in Sicily around 750 BC. One of the first shrines to have risen in Agrigento is the “Temple of Hera” or also called the “Temple of Juno Lacinia”, which has been erected in 450 BC. It measures “38.15 x 16.90 m: it is in Doric style, peripteros with 6 x 13 columns, preceded by a pronaos and opisthodomos. The basement has four steps” (wikipedia).

Although at the present ruins, 30 columns remain standing but only sixteen have beams. Visiting the “Valley of Temples” in Agrigento, Sicily is definitely a spectacular experience.

Sicily: the Historic Island in the Mediterranean

2011-09-08T00:08:00.000-07:00

One of the most famous place in Italy is the island of Sicily and one of the most important city or province in the history of Europe as it basically divides the Mediterranean into two sides: the East and the West.

Sicily has a very rich history, which dates back as far as 1,500 BC. It is a very unusual island having rich archaeology, scenery, structures, beaches, art and even folklore. The island has been a Greek colony where Saint Paul has preached. It has become a Roman province, a Norman kingdom and an Arab emirate and that would explain how diverse is the culture of its people.

Panoramic view of Palermo, capital city of Sicily from Monte Pellegrino

This is one great island that anyone would definitely enjoy visiting. With the rich prints of history on its soil and beaches, any visitor would never get bored going around.

The Pantheon of Rome, Italy

2011-08-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

I have read about the Pantheon in a book by Dan Brown, Angels and Demons. It is where the first cardinal is supposed to be killed by the terrorist. The unfolding events in the story have aroused my interest about how the Pantheon looks like.

The Pantheon’s dome is said to be the largest un-reinforced concrete dome in the world. It has been used as a Roman Catholic Church since the 7^th century dedicated to St Mary and the Martyrs although originally, it has been built by Marcus Agrippa as a temple for the gods of ancient Rome then later rebuilt by Hadrian in 126 AD.

Inside the Dome

Raphael's Bust above his tomb

I have learned from the Dan Brown book that Raphael, the renowned painter has been buried inside the Pantheon. Although, I do not know which details from the book are true and accurate. Anyways, it is just for fun in reading.

The Pantheon must be an amazing place to see because of its age and historical value. How I wish I can tour that place too someday!

The Vatican Museums

2011-08-05T00:07:00.000-07:00

One of the most famous tourist destinations in Rome, Italy are the Vatican Museums. On record, the Vatican Museums receive more than 4 million visitors a year. For me, one of the remarkable sections of the museums is the spiral staircase. I have not been there but I am amazed as I see it in photographs.

“The Vatican Museums trace their origin to one marble sculpture, purchased 500 years ago. The sculpture of Laocoön, the priest who, according to Greek mythology, tried to convince the people of ancient Troy not to accept the Greeks' "gift" of a hollow horse, was discovered 14 January 1506, in a vineyard near the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Pope Julius II sent Giuliano da Sangallo and Michelangelo Buonarroti, who were working at the Vatican, to examine the discovery. On their recommendation, the pope immediately purchased the sculpture from the vineyard owner. The pope put the sculpture of Laocoön and his sons in the grips of a sea serpent on public display at the Vatican exactly one month after its discovery”. (wikipedia)

This is one place that I want to see for real. The collection of artifacts and sculptures arouse my imagination and interest. Unfortunately, going there physically is something I cannot do but at least through this virtual journey, I can say at least, I have been there.

Photograph by Artlover’s

Photographer's Profile:

http://www.igougo.com/profile

Photo Originally Posted At:

http://photos.igougo.com/

I am not a Catholic but places where I can trace the history of the church attract me. Rome may not be the origin of Christianity but it has played an immense influence in the lives of the early saints and the early church.

Those who are interested to visit the Vatican Museums, here is a link to their official website. Just click the image below.

The two images at the top are courtesy of Wikipedia

Forum Romanum or The Roman Forum

2011-07-07T00:02:00.001-07:00

The Roman Forum is a major tourist destination in the city of Rome. It is a small, rectangular plaza encircled by the ruins of buildings from the ancient glory of the city. Romans used to call it Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum. It has been the center of Roman public life for centuries, where they hold triumphal processions and elections, a place for public speeches, criminal trials, and where gladiators measure each other’s strength. It is also a center for commerce.

This is the place where they erect statues and monuments to celebrate great Roman men. Scholars believe that this is the most famous meeting place in the history of the world.

Excavations and restorative efforts continue at the Roman Forum and continuously attract people around the world.

Images above courtesy of:

www.wikipedia.org

The Colosseum: The Flavian Amphitheater

2011-06-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Colosseum of the Flavian Amphitheater is one of the oldest structures still existing. It is a showcase of ancient Roman architecture and engineering. It sits at the center of Rome with a capacity of 50,000 people. Although, because of the ruin state of its interior, it is not used as a venue for large events but its exterior can be used as a backdrop.

The 9^th Emperor or Rome, Vespasian (Flavius) has ordered the construction the colosseum from the his generals’ share of the booty or treasures they have captured during the Great Jewish Revolt in 70 AD and has become a monument that celebrates Roman victory. Dio Cassius, a noted Roman consul and historian writing in Greek has said that 9,000 wild animals have been killed during the inauguration games in the colosseum. It has been a center of entertainment with battling gladiators, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of legendary battles and drama based on Roman mythology.

By the 6^th century, it has ceased to be an entertainment spot. A church has been erected into the edifice of the Colosseum and the arena has become a cemetery. By the 1200, during the European patricians, the Frangipani family, a powerful Roman patrician (family that holds political functions) has used the Colosseum as a fortified castle.

In 1349, the Colosseum has suffered great damage from an earthquake that has collapsed its southern wall into the ground. Most of the stones that have fallen have been used to build churches, palaces and hospitals. In 1749, Pope Benedict XIV has declared the colosseum sacred in memory of the Christian believers who have been martyred in the theater. However, there have been no evidence to back up the claim.

Today, the Colosseum or the Flavian Amphitheater is Rome’s most popular tourist attraction. Millions of tourists visit the old amphitheater every year. I surely wish to be one of those.

Images and info above courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colosseum

Rome: the Ancient City

2011-06-09T03:29:00.000-07:00

At a certain time in history, all roads have led to Rome, the capital of the mighty Roman Empire, the governing power in Western Europe for at least 700 years from 100 BC to 700 AD.

From 800 AD, it has become the seat of Papal States until 1870. In 1871, it has become the capital of the Kingdom of Italy until 1946 when the Italian people have adapted a republican constitution. Since then, it has become the capital of the Italian Republic or Italy.

Rome is the eleventh most-visited city in the world and the third most visited in the European Union. Undoubtedly, it is the most popular tourist attraction in Italy. UNESCO has listed its historic center as a World Heritage Site. The Vatican Museums and the Colosseum are among the world's fifty most visited tourist destinations. According to reports, the Vatican Museums receive four point two million tourists and the Colosseum receive four million tourists every year.

Rome’s rich archaeological and architectural treasures make it the most significant tourist destination in the world.

Recently, Rome has beaten London in becoming the world’s fourth most important center for fashion. Milan remains on top along with Paris and New York. Fashion houses and jewellery chains, such as Bulgari, Fendi, Laura Biagiotti and Brioni (fashion), are in Rome.

When visiting Italy, you must not miss the ancient city of Rome.

Image above courtesy of:

http://www.eventservices-rome.com/

The Pizza City: Naples Italy

2011-05-16T21:35:00.001-07:00

Naples is one of the oldest cities in the world and the largest in Europe. The Greeks have founded it in the 8^th and 9^th century BC. Naples sits at the west coast of Italy by the Gulf of Naples near the famous Mount Vesuvius. It has a wealth of history, culture, art and architecture that go back 2,800 years in Italy’s rich history. UNESCO has listed the city as one of the World Heritage Sites.

It boasts of about 448 historical churches, which has made Naples one of the most Catholic cities in the world. There are fascinating monuments and structures that bear ancient architecture including castles and fountains. If you want to walk down history lane, walking down the streets of Naples would be a remarkable experience.

Naples is also a home to the best tasting real Italian pasta and pizza, which has remained unaltered after so many years. In fact, a Julia Roberts’ film has featured a famous pizzeria in Naples, which has attracted many tourists who have seen the movie.

Your visit to Naples can never be complete without indulging in the best tasting pizza in the world.

Images above courtesy of:

http://qe2palmjumeirah.com/

http://old.portpromotions.com/

You Tube User: johnnikkol

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

2011-04-06T03:49:00.000-07:00

One of the most famous structures in the world is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It stands around 183 feet on the low side and around 186 feet on the high side. It has seven levels with a bell chamber at the top.

It has been a popular tourist destination in Italy. In fact, UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. Many make funny poses at side of the tower as photographers capture with their cameras their incredible positions as if they are pushing it back up. It could have been an amusing experience.

I can say that the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a clear example of an error in construction. The tower has started in 1173. However, after the construction of the second level by 1178, it has begun to sink because the foundation has been weak. It has been only 3 meters on wobbly layer of soil. That has halted the construction for about a hundred years.

In 1272, a new architect has resumed construction. He added upper levels but to correct the tilt, he built levels that are higher on one side, which have made the tower curve. However, due to war, the construction stopped in 1284.

Construction has continued again. The seventh level has been finished in 1319 and the bell chamber has been added in 1372. It has 7 bells at the top, which correspond to the seven notes in the major scale.

In 1964, the government of Italy has asked the help of multinational experts to prevent the tower from falling since the tilt has been increasing as time goes by without removing the tilt because if its historical and tourism value. Initially, they have applied lead counterweights on the high side of the tower. In 1990, Italian authorities has closed the tower to the public and the bells have been removed to ease some weight on the tower in order to implement the necessary repair according to a two-decade study of multinational experts. Finally, in 2001, the tower has been declared stable after removing 38 cubic meters of soil from beneath the high side of the tower.

It’s amazing that such a structure with a faulty foundation has received great historical significance instead of structural condemnation. I guess, that’s one reason that has made the Leaning Tower of Pisa truly incredible.

Image Above Courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaning_Tower_of_Pisa

Derweze: The Door to Hell?

2011-03-22T02:19:00.000-07:00

Derweze: The Door to Hell (view at night)

I have encountered a very peculiar place in Central Asia. I don’t know if it's possible to visit the place or if they welcome tourists in that area. It's what they call “The Door to hell”. It seems hair-raising to hear but that’s how they call it.

It's in Derweze, a village in Turkmenistan which is located at the middle of Karakum Desert where we can see the Balkan Mountain Range where archaeologists have dug human remains that date back to the Stone Age.

Anyways, it seems that Derweze village and the Karakum Desert is rich with natural gas deposits. In 1971, geologists have drilled a cave in the area to mine natural gas deposits but in the process, the land beneath the spot have collapsed causing a huge hole that measures to about 230 feet in diameter. Geologists have feared that poisonous gas might escape from the hole so they have decided to burn the fuel thinking that the fire would use up all the gas deposit from the hole in a matter of days. Unfortunately, 40 years have gone and still the fire has not stopped from burning. Thus, people have called it "The Door to Hell".

It's like a fiery furnace that never stops. I’m not sure how the people from the locality have been affected by the seeming eternal fire from the ground. It must be very scary to be in that place and perhaps burning gas emits toxic substances that are detrimental to people’s health.

However, it is an interesting place to see. It could be an amazing experience.

Image Above Courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/

Christ the Redeemer Statue: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2011-03-09T22:34:00.000-08:00

Today is Ash Wednesday, a religious event Roman Catholics celebrate. It is the first day of the 40 day season of lent, which celebrates the life and passion of Christ.

One of the biggest icons of Catholicism in our generation perhaps is the “Christ the Redeemer” statue, which has been built on the peak of the Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca Forest national park in Brazil. It is considered as the second largest Art Deco structure in the world. In 2007, it has been named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

A Brazilian Catholic priest, Pedro Maria Boss introduced the concept of building a statue on top of the Corcovado Mountain to Brazil’s Imperial Princess Isabel in the 1850’s but she did not give much attention to it until the imperial monarchy lost its governmental authority when Brazil became a Republic in 1889. Then in 1921, the Catholic Circle of Rio proposed again the construction of a structure on top of Corcovado Mountain and they initiated a fund-raising activity for the construction. In 1922, the construction of the statue began until 1931. The cost was estimated at US$250,000 at that time.

The statue stands at 130 feet tall, 98 feet wide, with a 31 feet pedestal. From there, you can have a picturesque view of the city of Rio de Janeiro below the mountain. They say that the statue of Christ with outstretched hands symbolize Christianity and peace.

It is a perfect place for Catholics who want to visit places where they can have both an ambiance of spirituality and majestic scenery.

Image Above Courtesy Of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_the_Redeemer_%28statue%29

Castel Sant’Angelo: from a Mausoleum, to a Fortress, a Castle, a Death Prison to a Tourist Museum

2011-02-18T04:37:00.000-08:00

One of the finest and fascinating structures in Italy is the Castel Sant’Angelo. It is a tall cylindrical structure that stands in the city of Rome near Tiber River, the third longest river in Italy. I must admit that I’ve seen it only in pictures but the elegance of its architecture is undeniable.

In around 137 AD, the Roman Emperor Hadrian built Castel Sant’Angelo as a mausoleum for himself and his family. One year after his death, around 138 AD, his ashes were placed there together with those of his wife and son. Afterward, the remains of the Roman emperors that followed were also laid there of which the last on record was Roman Emperor Lucius Septimius Bassianus.

The Castel also felt the atrocities of war. Emperor Flavius Augustus Honorius turned Castel Sant’Angelo into a military fortress against the invading Visigoth army but in 401 AD, Rome fell into the hands of Alaric I, the Visigoth’s king. They ransacked vital buildings including the Castel Sant’Angelo and scattering the urns and ashes in the tombs.

Later on, the popes turned the structure into a castle. It became a papal fortress, residence and a prison. In 1277, Pope Nicholas III built a fortified passage, which connected Vatican City to Castel Sant’Angelo. It served as a secret passage for Popes who are in danger. One of the most marked events in the history of Rome was the mutiny of Charles V’s (Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire) troops in 1527. The gallantry of the Pope’s Swiss guards was renowned when they fought even though they were greatly outnumbered. Out of the 189 on duty, 147 were killed on the steps of St. Peter’s Bassilica and only 42 survived. Yet they were successful in defending Pope Clement VII. They escaped through the secret passage into the Castel.

Yet as a prison, its courtyards were witnesses to executions by decapitation and the heads of the condemned hung for days along the bridge as a cruel warning. One of those who were imprisoned in the Castel was Giordano Bruno, an Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, mathematician and astronomer, who was an advocate of the infinity of the universe. He was considered as a heretic and was burned at the stake during the Roman inquisition.

According to legend, Castel Sant’Angelo got its name when in 590 AD, Archangel Michael was said to have appeared on top of the Castel sheathing his sword, which they interpreted as a sign that would end the plague that hit the city. Previously, Rome suffered terribly from a catastrophic flood of the Tiber in 589, followed by an epidemic in 590.

Image Courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castel_Sant%27Angelo

Trout Lake in Costa Rica

2011-02-14T03:37:00.000-08:00

I’ve been trying to find some romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day. I’ve seen a few but this one has captured my interest and roused my imagination. It’s the Trout Lake in Vara Blanca, Costa Rica.

Trout Lake

Rainbow Trout

It’s a fresh water lake where guests can fish. Every month, they fill the lake with rainbow trout. They provide fishing rods and you can have your catch cooked in any way you want either for lunch or dinner. Just thinking of having such a Valentine getaway is already thrilling to me. You can even order a cocktail while casting a line. It’s cool! You can have a refreshing swim in the lake and enjoy a dip into their two Jacuzzis.

Trout Lake

The Trout Lake is a part of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. It’s a privately owned and managed ecological attraction in Vara Blanca, Costa Rica. It boasts of a 120-feet waterfall, a wildlife sanctuary with about 100 species of crawling and flying animals, a butterfly observatory where you can see 25 different species of butterflies numbering to about 4,000 flying creatures, and a hiking trail. It would be a breathtaking experience for a couple, definitely.

120-feet La Paz Waterfall

For more information about Trout Lake, try to check out their site. I’ve provided a link below.

Image courtesy of:

http://www.waterfallgardens.com/index.php

The Gondolas of Venice

2011-02-09T01:10:00.000-08:00

It’s Valentine’s Day in a few days. It is a special day for lovers and it is not unusual for them to look for a romantic getaway to celebrate the special occasion.

If I can afford it, I would love to take a gondola ride with my girlfriend around Venice but unfortunately I don’t have one and I can’t afford it.

A gondola ride around the Great Canal in Venice Italy would be a delightful experience. I remember when I’m in pre-school; our music teacher has taught us a song about the gondolas in Venice and the dashing gondoliers although I can hardly remember the song now. Since then, I’ve been so interested about the romance that the gondolas of Venice promise. I can say it is one of my romantic fantasies.

According to an article, a 40-minute gondola ride around the Great Canal in Venice would range to about €80 plus another €40 for a 20-minute extension. So roughly, an hour ride would cost €120. I guess, it’s all worth it!

Images courtesy of the following:

(check out the sites for additional information about Venice and the Gondolas)

http://www.visit-venice-italy.com/gondola-venice-italy.htm

http://www.excellent-romantic-vacations.com/romantic-venice-italy.html

Taj Mahal: India’s Pride and Legacy

2011-02-04T03:47:00.000-08:00

One of the most visited I guess of the wonderful and amazing structures in the world is the Taj Mahal in India particularly in the western region of Uttar Pradish, in the city of Agra near river Yamuna.

Taj Mahal is a mausoleum that remains to be one of the great wonders of the world. In fact, it is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The Persian Architect Ustād 'Īsā, has designed the monument for king Shah Jahan who has built the enthralling structure in 22 years, from 1630 to 1653 utilizing 20,000 workers, masons and jewelers.

The Tāj Mahal’s is actually a complex with many structures but the most prominent is the Dome, measuring 60 feet wide and 80 feet tall. Under the dome is the tomb of Mumtāz Mahal and later on, Shah Jahān's tomb has been built right next to hers after his death.

However, the thing that has struck me is the inspiration for its creation. King Shah Jahan has built it for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal who has died. Her memory has been so precious to the king that 22,000 men worked for it in hard labor and not withstanding using such a great amount of treasure and 22 years to complete it. It is an expression of an eternal love. It has been 380 long years since its ground breaking but the love that has brought it up remains and refreshes the hearts of those who come to see it.

Indeed, it is a masterpiece of love and devotion by a wealthy Mughal king to his beloved wife.

Info and Images courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal

Panoramic View of Taj Mahal courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agra#T.C4.81j_Mahal

Bran Castle of Transylvania

2010-11-01T01:33:00.000-07:00

Bran Castle

Whenever the legendary principality, Transylvania is mentioned, inevitably the first thing that comes to mind is Count Dracula. Perhaps, one of the most interesting attractions in Brasov is the Bran Castle. It is a stone citadel, which the Saxons has built by a decree of Louie I of Hungary in 1377 as a defense fortification against the Ottomans.

Many connect the castle to the legendary vampire Count Dracula as they would say that it is Dracula’s Castle. Although, according to experts, there is no indication that the creator of the legendary vampire story has known about this castle. The only connection that they see is that the prince of Wallachia, Vlad III, or most commonly known as Vlad Tepes or Vlad Dracul has used the castle as his headquarters for his assaults into Transylvania against the Ottoman Empire.

Vlad Tepes

Bram Strokers’ Dracula is said to have been inspired by the story of Vlad Tepes. Of course, it is not because he is a vampire, but because of his cruelty against his enemies particularly the Ottoman Empire. Perhaps, many have considered him “blood thirsty” because of his ruthless killings.

Execution by Impalement

He is famous for torturing and killing his enemies through impalement, a form of execution during the middle ages. It is piercing a person’s body with a long stake or pole with a rounded end. Commonly, it is through the area between the genitals and the anus going up then out of the body through the lower part of the neck and rests below the chin to prevent the body from sliding down the pole when it is raised from the ground. It is a way of inflicting a long and painful death.

Anyways, the Bran Castle is now a museum that exhibits the art and furniture of Queen Marie. It aims to preserve the historical and cultural value of the castle. Tourist can see the castle with a guided tour.

Images and Info:

Wikipedia

The Principality of Transylvania

2010-10-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

Brasov, Transylvania

As a child, I have been terrified by the story of the lord of the vampires- Count Dracula. It’s funny because while I want to watch Dracula films, my eyes are close most of the time. However, as a Sesame Street kid, I also remember Count Dracula teaching us to count from 1 to 10. Ha-ha...

In my younger years, I’ve always thought that Transylvania is just a mythical place until I’ve heard that it’s actually a region in central Romania. I guess, if anybody would pay Romania a visit, it’s impossible not to visit Transylvania.

Lake in Carpathians

Transylvania is said to be the heart of the kingdom of Dacia, which ruled the region from 82 BC until the Roman Empire conquered the territory in 106 AD. By 271 AD, the Romans started to withdraw from the region and several tribes gained power and influence over it successively. Toward the end of 900 AD, the Hungarians took control of the region and became an administrative division of the kingdom of Hungary by 1003 AD up to 1526.

In 1526, the Ottoman Empire defeated the Hungarians in the Battle of Mohacs, which divided the kingdom of Hungary between the Ottoman Empire and Habsburg (Austrian) Monarchy. In 1571, Transylvania was declared an independent principality. While enjoying relative autonomy, the region was under the suzerainty of the Ottoman Empire.

Transylvania landscape

However, the Ottomans lost the region to the Habsburgs in 1683 after the battle of Vienna. The Habsburgs began to establish its rule over the region and in 1711; the Hungarian princes that governed the region were replaced by Habsburg Imperial governors.

Some say that this mixture of influences from the Muslim Ottomans and the Catholic Habsburgs including perhaps the Calvinist Hungarian princes’ influence might have caused considerable effect on Romanian culture, which made them eccentric in the eyes of Victorians (British). This perception might have influenced Bram Stroker’s novel, Dracula, which was first published in 1897, but of course I’m not writing that as a matter of fact.

Transylvania is a great place to visit especially for its fascinating landscape and scenery.

For information about traveling to Transylvania, you may visit:

http://www.traveltoromania.co.uk/transylvania/

http://www.outdoorholiday.com/mountain/Hiking_Carpathian_Mountains.php

Photos: "Brasov" and "landscape" from traveltoromania.co.uk;
"lake in Carpathians" from outdoorholiday.com

Info: wikipedia, the free encyclopedia