Around the Globe

See why Switzerland is the Country where Splendor seems to be Endless

2018-03-13T17:49:00.004-07:00

Switzerland, a country of unique natural beauty is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Birthplace of winter tourism, Switzerland appears to be a very harmonious blend of hallucinatory landscapes, alpine traditions and glamor areas. This picturesque region, is on the bucket list of every enthusiast travel . Why? Because it offers unsuspected options for all tourists. For those who love to admire landscapes, the country is a real paradise. Those adventurous will find great adventures, the photographs will appreciate it a lot, and for chocolate lovers, will be the sweetest travel destination in the world!
Most people who visit Switzerland come here for its fairytale landscapes but it has much more to offer though. Let`s step into the heart of this amazing country through the following photos and see why splendor seems to be endless here.

Amazing Matterhorn view at Gornergrat, Zermatt, Switzerland

Wintertime in Baden, Switzerland

Beautiful view of Zurich and Limmat river, Switzerland

Bern city covered with fresh snow

Lovely Chateau d’Ouchy, Lausanne, Switzerland

Fairytale Chillon Castle at Geneva lake in Switzerland

Greatly Cityscape of Lucerne, Switzerland

15 Best Lakes in Maine

2018-03-07T15:19:00.001-08:00

Maine is the USA’s easternmost state, as well as being the least populated state in the country. It is a diverse state, with the Atlantic Ocean on the north and east and the Appalachian mountains running along the entire northwest of the state. It is home to Machias Seal Island, North Rock and Old Sow, which is the Western Hemisphere’s largest tidal whirlpool.

It is not surprising that Maine has been nicknamed ‘Vacationland’, what with its rocky coastline, dense forests, rolling mountains and picturesque waterways. Let’s not forget about the state’s superb seafood, lovely cities and numerous sites. It is a haven for tourists from all walks of life hailing from all parts of the world.

In addition to its mountains, coastline, forests and cities, Maine is also home to over 6,000 lakes and ponds! They are scattered all over the state, from the high mountains to the lowland coast and everything in between. If you ever visit Maine, be sure to check out one of the 15 best lakes in Maine.

1. Jordan Pond; Hancock County

Source: Arlene Treiber Waller / shutterstock

Although it is not the largest, Jordan Pond is one of the most spectacular bodies of water in the entire state! The 75 hectare pond is located in the Acadia National Park and boasts a 5.8 kilometre shoreline.

It skirted by the Penobscot Mountain, creating some beautiful scenery. This is the deepest lake in Maine, at 46 metres, home to a plethora of flora and fauna.

Jordan Pond cannot be accessed, but can be admired while hiking along the trail that encircles it. There is also a famous house along its shoreline (Jordan House) that serves lunch and dinner, as well as tea.

2. Moosehead Lake; Northwest Piscataquis

Maine’s largest lake, Moosehead Lake also happens to be the largest mountain lake in the entire eastern part of the country. The 30,534 hectare lake is home to over 80 islands, while Mount Kineo rises for 200 metres up from the lake.

The lake was named for the large moose population in the area, where moose outnumber people by 3 to 1. As well, the lake resembles that of the shape of antlers if looking at it from a bird’s eye view.

The lake features over 640 kilometres of shoreline that is lined with towns and parks. There are a plethora of accommodation options ranging from private cabins to camping grounds, with year-round activities being offered.

3. Flagstaff Lake; Somerset & Franklin Counties

This 8,200 hectare lake is bordered by the Bigelow Mountain Range, making it not only beautiful but also popular amongst outdoor lovers. This includes hikers, as part of the Appalachian Trail sits along its 235 kilometre shoreline.

Flagstaff Lake is home to six boat launches, numerous campsites and vacation cabins. It is also part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a historic 1,190 kilometre water trail that runs through Quebec, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and Maine.

It is a shallow lake that is great for salmon and trout fishing, as well as kayaking and canoeing. The Long Falls Dam sits at the easternmost point of the lake, which when built enlarged it and turned it into a reservoir.

4. Sebago Lake; Cumberland County

Maine’s second largest lake, Sebago Lake sits near the south tip of the state and features 169 kilometres of shoreline. The lake is home to Frye Island; a seasonal island with many waterfront properties.

The 12,348 hectare lake is a popular tourist destination thanks to its beauty and its recreational activities. Sailing, swimming, camping and fishing are just a few of the things offered at the lake.

Sebago Lake State Park is located along the north shore of the lake and offers some fantastic camping. The park also boasts two beaches, a boat ramp and a hiking trail.

5. Rangeley Lake; Franklin County

Rangeley Lake is one six lakes in Maine’s Rangeley Lakes region. The 2,550 hectare lake is fed by several streams, with water flowing out at the northwest corner and eventually ending up in the Atlantic Ocean.

Rangeley Lake State Park sits along the south shoreline of the lake, offering fishing, swimming, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and bird watching. The park also has numerous camping sites, motorhome sites, a playground and a picnic area.

There are a number of resorts and inns sitting along the lake, as well as the Mingo Springs Golf Course. Rangeley Lake has also been designated a water landing zone for seaplanes.

6. Mooselookmeguntic Lake; Franklin County

This 6,600 hectare lake sits just to the west of Rangeley Lake and just a few kilometres away from the famous Appalachian Trail. It is the fourth largest lake in the state and sits at an elevation of 447 metres above sea level.

Mooselookmeguntic Lake features a shoreline that is more than 90 kilometres and is dotted with vacation rental properties. It is a popular tourist destination, especially amongst anglers that want to catch salmon, trout, perch and shiner.

The lake is named after the Abnaki word meaning ‘moose feeding place’. An interesting fact about its name is that it is the third longest name in the country!

7. Cobbosseecontee Lake; Kennebec County

Cobbosseecontee Lake is a stunning lake that is known for its coves, inlets and islands. It also happens to be home to Ladies Delight Light, which is the only active inland waters lighthouse in all of Maine.

At 2,243 hectare, Cobbosseecontee Lake is the largest lake in the Winthrop Lakes Region. It is known across the country as one of the best lakes for bass fishing, with some of the country’s largest largemouth bass being caught here.

Tourists that wish to stay the night will find a number of camping grounds sitting along the lake’s 100 kilometre shoreline. Those that want a little bit more comfort can opt to stay in a lakefront cabin, cottage or house.

8. Webb Lake; Franklin County

Webb Lake is not a large lake, but it is magnificently beautiful, what with the backdrop of Mount Blue as well as other peaks. The 868 hectare lake is a popular spot for outdoor lovers.

The Mount Blue State Park is the lake’s main draw, which is a recreation area that sits along the western shoreline of the lake. Here, visitors can go camping, hiking, water-skiing, horseback riding and swimming.

Those that don’t wish to stay the night are able to use the park’s day use area, which includes a boat launch. The park also happens to be open all year, with cross-country skiing, ATVing and snowmobiling being offered in the winter months.

9. East Grand Lake; Washington & Aroostook Counties

East Grand Lake sits between Maine and the Canadian province of New Brunswick and is part of the Chiputneticook chain of lakes. The 6,442 hectare lake stretches across two counties along its eastern border.

East Grand Lake is famous for its fantastic fishing thanks to its landlocked salmon, yellow and white perch, lake trout, smallmouth bass and American eel. Its 126 kilometres shoreline is dotted with sandy beaches and rocky reefs.

There are a number of places to stay the night on the Maine side of the lake. These include cabins, vacation homes and camping grounds.

10. Millinocket Lake; Piscataquis County

This 1,100 hectare lake is located in central Maine just north of Mt Katahdin. This gives it a spectacular backdrop, which is a big draw for tourists.

In addition to being picturesque, Millinocket Lake is also a good spot for fishing, with fallfish, landlocked salmon, brook trout, yellow perch and white sucker all being in abundance. There is also numerous other fish species that call the lake home.

Millinocket Lake is actually split into two lakes, with the smaller Little Millinocket Lake at the west end and the larger main lake to the east. The lakes are mainly surrounded by forest with very little development, although it is always possible to find somewhere to pitch a tent.

11. Nahmakanta Lake; Piscataquis County

Sitting at an elevation of 197 metres above sea level, Nahmakanta Lake is a serene lake that is surrounded by mountains and the North Maine Woods. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the state and a haven for nature lovers.

Canoeing, swimming, fishing and kayaking are all offered at the lake. Tourists that would prefer land based activities can go hiking, wildlife viewing or bird watching.

Almost all of the lake’s shoreline is completely unspoilt apart from one lodge that has been open since 1872! This is the best place to access the lake and to enjoy the surrounding area.

12. Trickey Pond; Cumberland County

This small lake sits just north of the much larger Sebago Lake. Trickey Lake is known for its clarity, as the entire depth can always be seen.

There are two places to access the lake; one at the north end and one at the south. There are also three camping grounds along the east side of the lake.

Trickey Pond visitors can enjoy a plethora of water sports, including windsurfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, swimming, kayaking and canoeing. The pond is home to a wide range of fish species, making it a popular fishing destination.

13. Megunticook Lake; Knox County

The largest lake in the county, Megunticook Lake is an extremely stunning lake thanks to the towering cliffs rising along the east side of it. It also helps that is sits at the bottom of the Camden Hills.

One of the best spots along the lake’s shoreline is the Barrett’s Cove Beach. Here, tourists can go swimming, picnicking, boating and sunbathing.

Besides the Camden Hills State Park, there are two additional access points to the lake. There are also places to go camping and hiking.

14. China Lake; Kennebec County

The 1,594 hectare lake is located just northeast of Maine’s capital city of Augusta. The lake is known for its irregular shape that is lined with cottages and year-round residences.

China Lake has two public boat launches; one at the north end of the lake and one near the western basin. This means that tourists can easily come to the lake to go fishing for chain pickerel, largemouth bass, white perch and sunfish, amongst others.

The lake features several beaches, camping grounds and hiking trails. The lake is also fun in the winter, offering snowmobiling along its surrounding trails.

15. Webber Pond; Kennebec County

This 499 hectare lake sits in the town of Vassalboro just north of the state capital. It is a man-made lake that is a popular summer attraction for both town residents and tourists.

The town operates a public boat ramp to give access to Webber Pond. This makes it easy to go fishing for small and largemouth bass, white and yellow perch, crappie and brown trout.

The Green Valley Park is located on the east shoreline of the lake, which is home to the Green Valley Campground. The park hosts an annual fishing tournament, as well as operating year-round camping sites.

10 Largest Temples in the World

2018-02-21T22:38:00.001-08:00

Although roughly defined as a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities not all religions use the word temple. In the Western Christian tradition temple is rarely used for example so these churches and cathedrals will be excluded. In contrast, in the Eastern Christian tradition the word temple is used very frequently.

Second what measure of size to use? According to the Guinness World Record the Akshardham Temple is the largest Hindu temple in the world but this is disputed by at least 3 other temples in India which are all claimed to be the largest temple. These temples are often part of a larger complex which makes it even less clear. In this list I’ll focus on the main temple (if any) to determine which is the largest temple in the word.

10. Baalbek

Baalbek, also called Heliopolis, is a spectacular archaeological site in northeastern Lebanon. From the 1st century BC and over a period of two centuries, the Romans built three temples here: Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus. Created to be the largest temple in the Roman empire, the temple of Jupiter was lined by 54 massive granite columns. Only 6 of these titanic columns remain standing but even they are incredibly impressive. The best preserved temple at the site is the Temple of Bacchus built in 150 AD. The temple is 69 meters long and 36 meters wide. Its walls are adorned by 42 Corinthian columns, 19 of which remain upright in position standing 19 meters (62 feet) high.

9. Temple of Christ the Saviour

One of the most imposing and controversial buildings in Moscow, the resurrected Temple of Christ the Saviour has had a short but turbulent history. It was originally commissioned after the defeat of Napoleon, but construction did not begin until 1839. In 1931 it was blown to pieces by orders of Stalin to make way for a proposed Palace of the Soviets, which was never built. In 1990, the Russian Orthodox Church received permission to rebuilt the cathedral. Completed in 2000, the new cathedral is loosely based on the original design, but constructed with modern building materials. At a height of 105 meters (344 feet) it is the tallest Orthodox church in the world.

8. Temple of Saint Sava

The Temple of Saint Sava in Belgrade is the largest Orthodox church building in the world. It is dedicated to the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church. The construction of the church began in 1985 and was mostly completed by 2004. The internal decorations are still not finished. In English, it is usually called a cathedral because of its size and importance but it is not the seat of a bishop and therefore technically not a cathedral. In Serbian it is called a hram (temple). The church is 91 meters (299 feet) long from and 81 meters (266 feet) wide. It is 70 meters (230 feet) tall, with the main gold-plated cross on top of the dome extends the church for 12 more meters (39 feet). It has a surface area of 3,500 m2 on the ground floor.

7. Tikal (Temple IV)

Tikal was the largest Mayan city between ca. 200 to 900 AD with an estimated population between 100,000 and 200,000 inhabitants. Tikal contains 6 very large step pyramids. The largest, Temple-pyramid IV, is some 72 meters (230 feet) high and was finished around 720 AD. Temple IV is the largest temple built anywhere in the Maya region, and as it currently stands is the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas although the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan may originally have been taller, as may have been one of the jungle covered pyramids at El Mirador.

6. Jetavanaramaya

Located in the city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, the Jetavanaramaya is the largest stupa in the world if measured by volume. The temple was built by king Mahasena in the 3rd century AD and took 15 years to complete. Approximately 93.3 million baked bricks were used in the construction. With a height of 122 meters (400 feet), Jetavanaramaya was the third tallest structure in the world behind the pyramids of Giza at the time of its completion. The diameter of the dome itself is approximately 95 meters (312 feet).

5. Sri Ranganathaswamy

Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a reclining form of Lord Vishnu), the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam is an important shrine that receives millions of visitors and pilgrims every year. With an area of 156 acres (6,31,000 m²), the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the largest temples in the world. In fact, the temple can be easily termed as the largest functioning Hindu temple complex in the world. The oldest structure of the temple dates back to the 10th century. There are 21 gopurams (tower), among which the Rajagopuram is the biggest temple in South India. It is 73 meters (240 feet) in height, and dates from the 17th century, although it was only completed in 1987.

4. Akshardham Temple

Completed in 2005 by the spiritual organization BAPS, no expense has been spared in decorating the Akshardham temple. The building was inspired and moderated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the current head of Swaminarayan Hinduism. The central monument is 43 meters (141 feet) high, 96 meters (316 feet) wide, and 110 meters (370 feet) long, and is covered top to bottom with carved details of flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities. It is constructed entirely from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, and has no support from steel or concrete.

3. Borobudur

Located on the Indonesian island of Java, 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Yogyakarta, the Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. The temple was built over a period of some 75 years in the 8th and 9th centuries by the kingdom of Sailendra, out of an estimated 2 million blocks of stone. The Borobodur can be divided into three groups: base, body, and top, which resembles the three major division of a human body. The base is a 123×123 meters (403.5×403.5 feet) square in size and 4 meters (13 feet) high of walls. The total surface area is approximately 2,500 m2. The body is composed of 5 square platforms each with diminishing heights. The top is a monumental stupa with a main dome at the center . The dome has a height of 35 meters (115 feet) from the ground level.

2. Karnak (Great Hypostyle Hall)

Although badly ruined, few sites in Egypt are more impressive than Karnak. It is the largest ancient temple complex in the world, and represents the combined achievement of many generations of Egyptian builders. Karnak actually consists of several temples. One of most famous structures of Karnak is the Hypostyle Hall, a hall area of 5,000 m2 (50,000 sq ft). The 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows supported a roof that has now fallen. At a height of 24 meters (80 feet) the 2 middle rows are higher than the others.

1. Angkor Wat Temple

Angkor Wat (”City Temple”) is a vast temple complex in Cambodia featuring the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century AD. These include the famous Angkor Wat temple, the largest temple in the world. The Angkor temple stands on a raised terrace above the rest of the city. It is made of three rectangular galleries rising to a central tower, each level higher than the last. The outer gallery of the Angkor Wat temple measures 187 x 215 meters (614 x 705 feet). After this, the next two galleries are connected to each other. On the second level, it measures 100 x 115 meters (328 x 377 feet). The inner gallery is a 60 x 60 meter (197 x 197 feet) square area. The tower above the central shrine rises 65 meters (213 feet) above the ground.

15 Most Charming Small Towns In England

2018-02-21T22:38:00.000-08:00

England is known the world over for looking like a Christmas card or something from The Hobbit. And it’s not a false image: you just have to look past the large towns and cities of the country to discover it. These are England’s small towns and villages.

You’ll find them neatly tucked away, on rugged cliffs, in rolling green hills, near forests, on moorland, with beaches, by rivers, and despite the weather you’ll find warmth – even if there’s no one around there is something about the quintessential English town that is friendly and homely. Seeing a picturesque row of cottages is like getting a cosy hug from the countryside. Steeped in sometimes ancient history, and packed with sometimes ancient pubs, here is a rundown of the most charming small towns in England.

15. Southwold

Situated within Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Southwold is a lovely English seaside town comprising village greens, pebble-clad cottages and sandy beaches. Its 190-meter (620-foot) pier (built 1900) is a fantastic example of what the heyday of English seaside entertainment looked like; unlike others, thanks to the introduction of retro-style coin machine games, the English seaside holiday of yesteryear is alive and well on Southwold Pier. Like most English towns it’s not without history: 6 18-pound cannons line the cliff, used during a battle against the Dutch in 1672. And George Orwell lived here during his thirties, when he wrote Burmese Days.

14. Bakewell

Stone buildings straight out of a storybook populate this northern town with a name that’s known by most in association with its most famous product: Bakewell pudding, a pastry casing with a bottom layer of jam and a frangipane filling. Aside from food, and like many in England, the town is very old, dating from Anglo-Saxon times – the Grade I listed Bakewell Parish Church was founded in 920 AD. Located in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales, the surrounding area is filled with well-trod hiking trails.

13. Berwick-upon-Tweed

The most fought-over town in European history: it changed hands 14 times from England to Scotland between 1174 and 1482. Eventually England prevailed – though interestingly the local dialect shares similarities with Scots, and its football team is the only English side to play in the Scottish League. Nowadays Berwick-upon-Tweed is much-visited for its highly visible history: medieval town walls, Elizabethan ramparts, 13th century castle ruins, its 17th century ‘Old Bridge’, town hall, Britain’s earliest army barracks, England’s northernmost hotel, amongst others. Now that’s a lot of history.

12. Whitby

The earliest recorded permanent settlement dates back to 656 when a monastery was founded by King Oswy of Northumbria. The iconic ruins of the 14th century Whitby Abbey now stand in its place. It majorly inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, partly set here, drawing tourists and goths alike – the Whitby Goth Festival is held in the town twice-yearly. And as you look out to sea from these gothic stones of East Cliff you can think about fellow travellers like Captain James Cook and arctic explorer William Scoresby, who once called this historic fishing port home.

11. Rye

Ancient Rye is all cobbled streets and tumbledown rows of houses by the sea. Originally part of the Cinque Ports Confederation, five strategic towns important for trade and military purposes in medieval times, today Rye is practically a living museum. Rye Castle, popularly known as Ypres Tower, was built in 1249 by Henry III to protect against frequent raids by the French; even older, the Norman-era St. Mary’s Church looks over the town. Rye is also just a few minutes away from one of England’s most famous beaches, Camber Sands, a two-mile-long playground for kitesurfers and beachlovers.

10. Tintagel

This Cornish town is world renowned for being the (alleged) location of King Arthur’s stronghold: Tintagel Castle. The castle ruins are a destination in themselves, set just outside town on a craggy collection of typically Cornish cliffs; wandering around this cinematic landscape with the legend – or history? – of King Arthur in mind is simply dreamy. Back up the hill in town is a famous fudge shop, the Old Post Office – an exquisite 14th century building, and more Cornish pasties, fish & chips shops and pubs than you would think necessary in such a tiny town.

9. Lynton and Lynmouth

It’s two-for-one here with Lynton looking down on the harbour village of Lynmouth. Set in dramatic Exmoor, nearby is the Valley of the Rocks, a twisting landscape of ancient geology, and Glen Lyn Gorge, a magical slice of nature which is like walking through a fantasy novel. The two are linked by Lynmouth Cliff Railway, a water-powered funicular opened in 1890, which is a fun way to get your fill of the rugged North Devon coastline below.

8. Shaftesbury

This Dorset town is a definite charmer. One of its streets, Gold Hill, was featured in the iconic “Boy on Bike” TV advert directed by Ridley Scott for Hovis (a brand of bread in the UK) and you can see why: the steep, cobbled street is lined with rustic cottages on a backdrop of lush English countryside. It has been dubbed “one of the most romantic sights in England.” Adjacent to this picturesque street are the ruins of Shaftesbury Abbey, built in 888 AD by King Alfred.

7. Upper and Lower Slaughter

The name has nothing to do with killing! Slohtre is Old English for “muddy place” – though nothing is further from the truth today. These tiny twin towns are the epitome of pastoral, chocolate-box Cotswolds beauty. A walk along the River Eye that links the two is a stroll through idyllic riverside scenes, and goes past a 14th century building aptly named The Old Mill.

6. St Ives

Narrow lanes, fresh seafood, pubs galore, Cornish pasties and cream tea all add up to make this town on the north Cornwall coast a must-visit destination. When you’re not wandering around with an ice cream or sitting on one of the town’s two beaches, you might want to check out the Tate St Ives, a comprehensive art gallery. Art plays a huge part in St Ives, and everyone from casual visitor to art buff will take an interest in the selection of art on sale in the town’s varied art galleries, ranging from the whole interiors of old churches to rooms in centuries-old, wood-beam houses.

5. Castle Combe

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has a lot to answer for when it comes to beautiful English towns to match. Castle Combe is one of them. Claiming to be “the prettiest English town,” the rest of the world has listened: various movies and TV series have been filmed here, including Steven Spielberg’s War Horse and Downton Abbey. Historical as ever, the imposing 15th century St Andrew’s Church reflects the former prosperity of the Cotswolds’ textile industry. There’s even some historical five-star accommodation: the 14th century Manor House Hotel.

4. Lavenham

Medieval buildings lean higgledy-piggledy in Lavenham like something from another time. In the 15th and 16th centuries the town was famous for its wool, and one of the richest settlements in Britain because of it, but fell into decline with cheaper exports from Europe. Now it’s like walking through a fairytale: hundreds of half-timbered buildings spell out the past, with a contemporary infusion of eateries and places to stay. You can even sip tea in the Tudor tea-room at the Lavenham Guildhall, one of the finest examples of Lavenham’s heyday.

3. Beer

Yes, in Devon there is a town called Beer – unfortunately it’s named after Old English word bearu, meaning grove. Nevertheless there’s a disproportionate amount of pubs in this seaside town, all serving excellent local ales as well as the local speciality of crab. Steeped in tales of smuggling, the meandering hike down Hooken Cliffs to the west of town is great for imagining yourself as a smuggler of old. Just out of town are the 2,000-year-old Beer Quarry Caves, famous for its ‘beer stone’ – fine-textured limestone that was used in Westminster Abbey, amongst other places. Sitting on Beer’s pebble beach looking out to sea with an ice cream after a pub lunch is a fine example of English summer holidays.

2. Hawkshead

Carefully preserved Hawkshead was once home to William Wordsworth, who described it in his poem The Prelude. Beatrix Potter also lived here. Her former residence now open to the public – a great opportunity to feel snug inside a real English cottage. Hawkshead is a tourist mecca not only for its whitewashed cottages, old pubs and cobbled streets, but also for its location: the Lake District. A beautiful English town famous for its lakes, fells and forests, hiking in English countryside is supremely idyllic here.

1. Bibury

Quintessential English towns means bucolic scenes of tiny cottages in rolling green hills. That is the essence of Bibury. Arlington Row, a particularly picturesque section of protected houses in the town, features on the inside cover of all UK passports. Strolling around Bibury and falling in love with the place is the main past-time here, a centre for countryside walks and tearooms. Located in the Cotswolds, a region renowned for quaint towns and lovely countryside, it doesn’t get more charming than this quiet slice of pastoral England.

10 Amazing Hindu Temples

2018-02-21T14:59:00.001-08:00

Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions, and has over 900 million followers worldwide. Though most of the Hindus live in India there are substantial numbers present in Nepal, Bangladesh and Indonesia.
Temple construction in India started nearly 2000 years ago and marked the transition of Hinduism from the Vedic religion. The architecture of Hindu temples has evolved ever since resulting in a great variety of styles. They are usually dedicated to one primary Hindu deity and feature a murti (sacred image) of the deity. Although it is not mandatory for a Hindu to visit a Hindu temple regularly, they play a vital role in Hindu society and culture.

10. Tanah Lot

Situated on a large rock, Tanah Lot is one of the most famous Hindu temples in Bali, and probably the most photographed. The Tanah Lot temple has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of 7 sea temples, each within eyesight of the next, to form a chain along the south-western coast of Bali.

9. Kanchipuram Temples

The City of 1000 Temples, Kanchipuram is one of the oldest cities in South India, and known for its ancient Hindu temples and silk sarees. The city contains several big temples like the Varadharaja Perumal Temple for Lord Vishnu and the Ekambaranatha Temple which is one of the five forms of abodes of Lord Siva.

8. Brihadeeswarar Temple

The Brihadishwara Temple, located in Thanjavur, India, was built by the Chola king Rajaraja I in the 11th century. The world’s first complete granite temple, Brihadishwara is a brilliant example of the Dravidian style of temple architecture. The temple tower is 66 meters (216 feet) high making it one of the tallest temples in the world.

7. Khajuraho

The village of Khajuraho is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. It’s numerous Hindu and Jain temples are famous for their erotic sculpture. The temples were built over a span of 200 years, from 950 to 1150. A few of the temples are dedicated to the Jain pantheon and the rest to Hindu deities, to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, and various Devi forms.

6. Banteay Srei

Although officially part of the Angkor Wat complex, Banteay Srei lies 25 km (15 miles) north-east of the main group of temples, enough to list it separately here. The Hindu temple was completed in 967 AD and is built largely of red sandstone, a medium that lends itself to the elaborate decorative wall carvings which are still clearly visible today. Banteay Srei is the only major temple at Angkor not built for a king, instead it was constructed by one of king Rajendravarman’s counselors, Yajnyavahara.

5. Sri Ranganathaswamy

Dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a reclining form of Lord Vishnu), the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, India is an important shrine that receives millions of visitors and pilgrims every year. With an area of 156 acres (6,31,000 m²), the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the largest religious complexes in the world. The oldest structure of the temple dates back to the 10th century.

4. Virupaksha Temple

The Virupaksha Temple in the city of Hampi in India started out as a small shrine and grew into a large complex under the Vijayanagara rulers. It is believed that this temple has been functioning uninterruptedly ever since the small shrine was built in the 7th century AD which makes it one of the oldest functioning Hindu temples in India. The largest entrance tower of the temple is 50 meters high.

3. Prambanan

Prambanan is the largest and most beautiful Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. Located about 18 km east of Yogyakarta, it is somewhat overshadowed by the even more awe-inspiring Borobudur situated just next door. The two sites are quite different in style though, with Prambanan being a collection of tall and pointed Hindu temples, instead of the single large Buddhist stupa of Borobudur.
Prambanan has three main temples dedicated to Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva and was built around 850AD by the Mataram Kingdom, rulers of central Java.

2. Meenakshi Amman Temple

The Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most important Indian Hindu temples, located in the holy city of Madurai. The temple is dedicated to Sundareswar (form of Lord Shiva) and Meenakshi (form of Goddess Parvati). The complex houses 14 magnificent towers including two golden Gopurams for the main deities, that are elaborately sculptured and painted.

The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned for the last couple of millennia, though the present structure was built in the early 17th century.

1. Angkor Wat

Angkor is a vast temple complex in Cambodia featuring the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century AD. These include the famous Angkor Wat temple, the world’s largest single religious monument, and the Bayon temple (at Angkor Thom) with its multitude of massive stone faces. During it’s long history Angkor went through many changes in religion converting between Hinduism to Buddhism several times.

10 Top Tourist Attractions in London

2018-02-21T14:59:00.000-08:00

Yes, London. You know: fish, chips, cup ‘o tea, bad food, worse weather, Mary Poppins… London! (movie quote) Noisy, vibrant and multicultural, London is one of the largest cities in the world with a population of 8 million people. It is a leading global city of culture, fashion, finance, politics and trade and remains one of the most visited city by international tourists in the world. The city contains many famous landmarks and getting around is easy. The famous London Underground, also known as the Tube, is one of the most extensive subway networks in the world. An overview of the top tourist attractions in London.

10. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a large, mainly Gothic, church located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the United Kingdom and is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English and, later, British monarchs. Most of the present building dates from 1245 to 1272 when Henry III decided to rebuild an old abbey in the Gothic style. The building was later significantly expanded: the Chapel of Henry VII was added between 1503 and 1512, while the two West Front Towers date from 1745.

9. Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster (more widely known as the Houses of Parliament) is the seat of Parliament in the United Kingdom. The present building largely dates from the 19th century when it was rebuilt following a fire in a splendid example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture. The House of Commons (elected Members of Parliament) is located to the north of the building and is decorated with green leather upholstery, and the House of Lords is located to the south and decorated with red leather upholstery.

8. St. Paul's Cathedral

Built in the 17th century, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most famous and most recognizable sights. The Cathedral was heroically saved by firefighters when it was bombed during the Second World War. Its impressive dome was inspired by St Peter’s Basilica in Rome and rises 118 meters (365 ft) to the cross at its summit. It was the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1962, and its dome is also among the highest in the world.

7. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a large city square commemorating Lord Horatio Nelson’s victory against Napoleon’s navy at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The central monument within the square is a single tall column on which the figure of Nelson stands gazing over London. His monument is surrounded by four colossal lions and a series of large fountains. Much more than just an open plaza, Trafalgar Square is one of the most famous city squares in the world and has become a social and political location for tourists and Londoners alike.

6. Tower of London

Now home to the British Crown Jewels, the Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078. It served as a prison from 1100 to the mid twentieth century. This has led to the phrase “sent to the Tower”, meaning imprisoned. Famous prisoners include Sir Thomas More, King Henry VI, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard (wives of King Henry VIII) and Rudolph Hess. Today the Tower of London is one of the most popular London tourist attractions.

5. London Eye

Situated on the banks of the River Thames, the London Eye is an enormous, 135 meter (443 ft) high observation wheel carrying 32 exterior glass-walled capsules. It offers fantastic views over central London. The wheel does not usually stop to take on passengers as the rotation rate is slow enough to allow passengers to walk on and off the moving capsules at ground level. It is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, visited by over 3.5 million people annually.

4. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the main residence of Queen Elizabeth II although it is owned by the British state and is not the monarch’s personal property. The Forecourt of Buckingham Palace is used for Changing of the Guard, a major ceremony and tourist attraction. Between May and July the guard changes each morning and on alternate days the rest of the year. Since 1993, the palace’s state rooms have been open to the public during August and September.

3. British Museum

Established in 1753, the British Museum in London is a museum of human history and culture. Its collections, which number more than seven million objects, are amongst the largest and most comprehensive in the world and originate from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present. Objects include the Rosetta Stone, the key to the deciphering of hieroglyphs, and the largest collection of mummies outside of Egypt.

2. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, which gives it its name and has become an iconic symbol of London. Construction started in 1886 and took eight years to build. The bridge consists of two towers which are tied together at the upper level by means of two horizontal walkways which are designed to withstand the forces of the suspended sections of the bridge.

1. Big Ben

The 150 year old Big Ben Clock Tower is one of the top tourist attractions in London. The name Big Ben actually refers not to the clock tower itself, but to the 13 ton bell housed within the tower and takes its name from the man who first ordered the bell, Sir Benjamin Hall. The present-day Big Ben bell was constructed in 1858 after a first bell of 16 tons cracked irreparably two years prior. The clock has become a popular attraction and has appeared in many films. In the movie Mars Attacks! for example the Big Ben is destroyed by a UFO attack.

5 Most Beautiful Castles in Japan

2018-02-21T00:54:00.000-08:00

Castles in Japan may not fit the Western concept of an ancient citadel, but although they look completely different than castles in Europe, they were built for much the same reasons. They began to appear in the Land of the Rising Sun during the 15th century when the country was dissolving into warring states. Later, they were built as places of governance and as homes for feudal lords, or daimyo. At one time, there were as many as five thousand castles in Japan; today, there are around 100, with only a dozen that have survived from the feudal era. These structures of wood and stone offer visitors a rare glimpse of Japan’s feudal past.

5. Hirosaki Castle

A hilltop castle in northern Japan, Hirosaki Castle is known for its five original turreted gates, fortified moats and sprawling grounds. Completed in 1611, the original five-story donjon was destroyed by fire in 1627. A three-story watchtower was then re-structured to serve as the primary keep. The surrounding grounds, gates and moats draw even more attention than the keep, and offering visitors a relaxing, garden setting. Planted with more than 2,500 cherry trees, the grounds play host to one of Japan’s largest cherry blossom festivals each spring.

4. Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle offers visitors a real insight into how Japan’s castle complexes looked during their heyday. The original gardens, gates and guard houses have been as carefully preserved as the main keep. The Hikone complex contains structures and materials gathered from other castles in the country. After 20 years of construction, the hilltop castle was completed in 1622. The castle remained under control of the Ii daimyo feudal lords until 1868. The nearby Hikone Castle Museum displays Ii dynasty treasures, including armor and musical instruments.

3. Matsue Castle

The only castle remaining in the San’in Region on the southwest coast of Japan’s main island, Matsue Castle is unique it that it never saw military action, although it was constructed in a defensive, watchtower style. Built in 1611, the hilltop fortress was completed after the last great feudal war. Most of the castle complex was dismantled in 1875, and only the main keep and the ishigaki, or stone walls, are extant. During the 1950s, reconstruction of the fortress began. The castle’s nickname, “The Black Tower,” reflects the keep’s striking ebony color. Visitors can tour the keep and the grounds, and there are boat tours offered around the outer moat as well.

2. Matsumoto Castle

Located in a mountainous region to the northwest of Tokyo, Matsumoto Castle is set on a structure of stone surrounded by a large moat. Constructed in 1590, the multi-storied castle is trimmed in black, earning the fortress its nickname: Crow Castle. The castle’s main keep, or donjon, is the oldest in Japan and offers sweeping views of the Hijiri Kōgen mountains. Although Matsumoto is a hirajiro, a flatland castle, it was built for fortification. There are openings to fire arrows or drop stones on invaders throughout the keep.

1. Himeji Castle

Considered the most impressive of extant feudal-era castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is located west of Kōbe, the capital of the Hyōgo Prefecture. The fortress is commonly called the White Heron Castle because the castle’s white-plastered towers resemble a snowy egret in flight. Built in 1601 on the site of an earlier castle, the hilltop castle consists of 83 structures centered on the Tenshu-gun, a complex of keeps and connecting buildings. The primary keep is a six-story structure that’s visible from nearly any location in Himeji City. The castle has been featured in several films, including the James Bond adventure film “You Only Live Twice” and “The Last Samurai,” starring Tom Cruise.

10 Important Wetlands in the World

2018-02-19T04:24:00.000-08:00

Wetlands are found in almost every region of the world and are considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems. They provide habitat for a great number of water and land species. They are also an important environment to many migratory bird species. Types of wetlands include swamps, bogs, marshes and estuaries. An overview of some the most important wetlands in the world.

10. Camargue

The Camargue encompasses the Rhone River delta in the southeast of France. Approximately a third of the Camargue is either lakes or marshland. It is one of the best places in Europe for bird watching. Its brine ponds provide one of the few European habitats for the greater flamingo. It is also famous for the Camargue Bull and the Camargue Horse.

9. Wasur National Park

flickr/Standel

Wasur National Park is a massive wetland region in the Indonesian province of Papua, on the island of New Guinea. Dubbed the Serengeti of Papua owing to its incredible biodiversity, Wasur National Park maintains a large number of rare animals and birds. The best place for spotting wildlife in Wasur National Park is Rawa Biru Lake, which is part of the wetlands. There are many water fowl species and migrant birds here along with cassowaries and wallabies. Unfortunately the park natural flooded grassland systems are threatened by the invasion of alien species such as water hyacinth and mimosa pigra.

8. iSimangaliso Wetland Park

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park (previously known as Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park), is one of the most diverse region in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. iSimangaliso is well known for its extensive wetlands, sand dunes, beaches and coral reefs. Animals occurring on the park include elephants, leopard, black and white rhino, buffalo, and in the ocean, whales, dolphins, and marine turtles.

7. Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is the region in southern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea. It is a very rich and lush area, covered with rice fields, that produces about half of the total of Vietnam’s agricultural output. Subsequently, life in the Mekong Delta revolves much around the river, and all the villages are often accessible by river rather than by road.

6. Kakadu Wetlands

Kakadu National Park is a diverse park about half the size of Switzerland located in the Northern Territory of Australia. The park’s wetlands provide one of the best wildlife viewing opportunities. The freshwater and saltwater crocodiles sleep on the banks of the many rivers and billabongs for most of the day but can also be seen floating or swimming in the water. One of Kakadu’s best known landmarks is the Yellow Water billabong. Located near the small settlement of Cooinda, Yellow Water is home to crocodiles, wild horses, buffalo and other wildlife. The billabong, which floods to join other waterways during the tropical season, also attracts millions of migratory birds each year.

5. Kerala backwaters

The Kerala backwaters are a chain of lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast in the Kerala state in southern India. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers. The backwaters are home to many unique species of aquatic life including crabs, frogs and mudskippers, water birds and animals such as otters and turtles. Today, houseboat tourism is the most popular activity in backwaters, with several large Kettuvallams (traditional rice boats, now converted into floating hotels)ply the waterways.

4. Everglades

Located in the state of Florida, The Everglades are a vast, shallow, slow moving river of grass that extends from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay. During the dry season it dries up except for the deeper places. The region is home to over twenty different kinds of birds and hundreds of other species. Many pets have escaped or been released into the Everglades from the surrounding urban areas. Native to southern Asia, the Burmese python is now competing with the American Alligator, the largest reptile in North America, for the top of the food chain. In 2009 agents removed more than 1,200 Burmese pythons from the Everglades National Park.

3. Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the world’s great inland waterways. It is formed where the Okavango River empties onto a basin in the Kalahari Desert, where most of the water is lost to evaporation and transpiration instead of draining into the sea. The Okavango delta is famous for its wide variety of wildlife. Species include elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, crocodile, lion, cheetah, rhinoceros and zebra. The majority of the estimated 200,000 large mammals in and around the delta are not year round residents. They leave with the summer rains and make their way back as winter approaches.

2. Sundarbans

The Sundarbans is the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world spreading across Bangladesh and West Bengal in India. The name Sundarban can be literally translated as “beautiful jungle” in the Bengali language. Several predators dwell in the labyrinth of channels, branches and roots that make up the region including about 500 Bengal tigers. Unlike in other habitats, here tigers live and swim among the mangrove islands, where they hunt prey such as the Chital deer and Wild boar. The tigers do also regularly attack and kill humans who venture into the forest. Some of the reptiles are predators too, including two species of crocodile, the Saltwater Crocodile and Mugger crocodile.

1. Pantanal

The Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland of any kind, lying mostly in Western Brazil but extending into Bolivia and Paraguay as well. Famous for its wildlife, it is one of Brazil’s major tourist draw. Unlike many other biologically intense areas, in the Pantanal you are virtually guaranteed to actually see the wildlife. Capybara and the Yacare Caiman are present in the millions. Other mammals such as the endangered Giant River Otter are slightly harder to spot, but still much easier than in the Amazon. The Pantanal is also the best place in all of the Americas to spot a Jaguar in the wild, given the relatively small amount of thick rain forest cover.

10 Famous Underground Caves in the World

2018-02-17T04:36:00.000-08:00

Caves have been explored throughout history. In prehistory they were used for shelter, burial, or as religious sites. Today researches study caves because they can reveal details of past climatic conditions. Cavers explore them for the enjoyment of the activity or for physical exercise. For the less adventurous, a number of the most beautiful underground caves have been converted into show caves, where artificial lighting, floors, and other aids allow the casual tourist to experience the cave with minimal inconvenience.

10. Eisriesenwelt Cave

The Eisriesenwelt (German for “World of the Ice Giants”) is largest ice cave in the world, extending more than 42km (26 miles). The cave is inside the Hochkogel mountain in the Tennengebirge section of the Alps in Austria. Eisriesenwelt was formed by a river, which eroded passageways into the mountain. The ice formations in the cave were formed by thawing snow which drained into the cave and froze during winter.

9. Reed Flute Cave

Reed Flute Cave known as “the Palace of Natural Arts” is located in the northwest of Guilin in southern China. According to a legend, Reed Flute Cave got its name because people believed that the reed by the cave’s mouth could be made into flutes. The limestone cave offers a majestic fairyland of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, stone curtains, birds, plants and animals in fantastic shapes and colors.

8. Cave of the Crystals

The Cave of the Crystals was discovered in 2000 by miners excavating a new tunnel for the Naica Mine in northern Mexico. The main chamber contains some of the largest natural crystals ever found in any of the underground caves around the world. The cave’s largest crystal found to date is 11 meters (36 feet) in length, 4 meters (13 feet) in diameter and 55 tons in weight. The crystals became so large because of the extremely hot temperatures inside the cave, reaching a steamy 58 degrees Celsius (136 degrees Fahrenheit), that allowed microscopic crystals to form and grow. The result is an underground cave that Superman fans have been looking for.

7. Puerto Princesa Underground River

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is located in a jungle covered mountain range on the northern coast of the island of Palawan in the Philippines. Until the 2007 discovery of an underground river in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the Puerto Princesa Underground River was reputed to be the world’s longest underground river and is still the longest navigable underground river. The underground river is 8.2 kilometer (5 miles) long that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying into the South China Sea.

6. Waitomo Caves

The Waitomo Caves are one of New Zealand’s top tourist attractions, located just outside the main Waitomo township. The underground caves are home to the famous Waitomo glowworms, tiny creatures that radiate their luminescent light. These glowworms are found exclusively in New Zealand and around the size of an average mosquito. Formed over 30 million years ago, Waitomo Glowworm Caves have majestic and ornate cave decorations, deep limestone shaft known as the Tomo and the equally magnificent Cathedral cavern known for its superb acoustics.

5. Majlis al Jinn Cave

Majlis al Jinn is one of the largest underground caves in the world located in a remote area of the Selma Plateau in Oman. Majlis al Jinn is a single cave chamber measuring about 310 meters by 225 meters (1,017 by 738 feet), with a domed ceiling 120 meters (393 feet) high. The deepest part of the cave is 178 meters (584 feet) below the top. To put the size in perspective: 12 Boeing 747 jumbo planes would fit inside the cave chamber. The cave is only for experienced climbers although there are some plans to develop Majlis al Jinn into a more easily accessible tourist cave.

4. Skocjan Caves

The Skocjan cave system includes the highest cave hall in Europe, a massive underground gorge, waterfalls and a bridge over the gorge that looks like something out of The Lord of the Rings. The caves have beautiful stalactite and stalagmite structures. The Škocjan Caves are the creation of the sinking Reka River. The river remains on the surface for the first part but suddenly disappears underground, where it continues its way through the caves. The water appears on the surface again after flowing underground for 34 km (21 miles) not far from the Adriatic coast.

3. Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns is a National Park located near Carlsbad, New Mexico. Carlsbad Caverns includes the Big Room, a natural limestone cave chamber which measures 1,219 by 190 meters (4,000 by 625 feet), and 107 meters (350 feet) high at the highest point. It is the seventh largest cave chamber in the world. The caverns are decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and an incredible variety of other formations that can be seen by several easily accessible trails.

2. Jeita Grotto

The Jeita Grotto consists of two separate but interconnected karstic limestone caves: the upper grotto and the lower grotto. The upper gallery houses the world’s largest stalactite – a mineral deposit that hangs from the ceiling of a limestone cave The lower gallery which has an overall length of 6,200 meters (20,300 feet) is located 60 meters (200 feet) below the upper gallery. It is traversed by a smooth underwater river and a lake.

1. Mulu Caves

The Mulu Caves are located in the Gunung Mulu National Park in Borneo and are one of the top tourist attractions in Malaysia. The park encompasses incredible caves and karst formations in a mountainous equatorial rainforest setting. The Sarawak chamber found in one of the underground caves measures 700 by 396 meters (2,300 feet by, 1,300 feet) and at least 70 meters (230 feet) high and is the largest cave chamber in the world. It has been said that the chamber is so big that it could accommodate about 40 Boeing 747s, without overlapping their wings. The enormous colony of Wrinkle-lipped bats in the nearby Deer Cave exit almost every evening in search of food in a spectacular exodus.

14 Largest Monoliths in the World

2018-02-17T00:34:00.000-08:00

What exactly is a monolith? Anyone who has seen the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey will probably have the image of an advanced machine built by aliens to encourage humankind to progress with technological development. Actually, the word monolith comes from the Greek word “monolithos”, derived from mono (“one” or “single”) and lithos (“stone”). In the context of this top 10 list it refers to a geological feature such as a mountain, consisting of a single massive stone or rock.

A problem with finding the largest monolith is that the term “monolith” is somewhat ambiguous. Geologists therefore often prefer the terms monadnock or inselberg (literally “island mountain”) to describe an isolated hill or a lone mountain that rises above the surrounding area. Most monoliths in this top 10 are inselbergs, although not every inselberg is a monolith. For example, Mount Augustus in western Australia is often called a monolith but it is actually a monocline, an exposed piece of rock belonging to a layer beneath. In other words a monocline is not a single piece of rock although the distinction isn’t always clear.

Another problem is that many rocks and mountains are called the largest monolith in the world but these claims are rarely backed up by geological information and may be based upon a single dimension such as height or circumference. Furthermore, height may be measured above sea level or the surrounding ground.

In any case, here is a list of some of the largest, biggest and most interesting monoliths on the planet.

14. Bukit Kelam

Located near the city of Sintang in West Kalimantan, Bukit Kelam (or Black Rock) is the largest rock in Indonesia. Several folklores exist about its creation. One tells of an ugly monster that wanted to marry the lovely Princess Dara Juanti. But the Princess’ protector cursed the monster and it fell over and died, turning into a huge rock. The monolith is about 900 meters (3,000 feet) high.

13. Stone Mountain

The top of Stone Mountain rises 251 meters (825 feet) above the surrounding area and provides a beautiful view of Atlanta. The bas-relief on the mountain’s north face is the biggest in the world. It features a sculpture called the Confederate Memorial Carving of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee and General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson.

12. Stawamus Chief

Towering 702 meters (2,300 feet) above Squamish is the Stawamus Chief. Known locally as the Chief, this massive cliff face is one of North America’s largest granite monoliths. All of the Chief’s three main summits are accessible via the maintained backside hiking trails. The peaks offers breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the town below.

11. El Penon de Guatape

Once worshiped by the Tahamies Indians, the Piedra de Penol or El Peñon de Guatape is a massive stone rising over 200 meters (650 feet) out of the flat ground of Guatape, Colombia. The rock, which is almost entirely smooth, has one long crack, the one that the first climbers used in ascending it. In the crack was later wedged a 649-step masonry staircase, the only way to get to the top.

10. Pena de Bernal

Peña de Bernal (“Bernal Peak”) is Mexico’s largest monolith located in San Sebastian Bernal, a small town in the state of Queretaro. The rock rises 350 meters (1148 feet) above the town and was formed some 100 million years ago during the Jurassic period when it was at least three times higher than today.

9. Rock of Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom on the southern coast of Spain at the entrance to the Mediterranean sea. The 426 meters (1,396 feet) high limestone monolith is the home of 27,800 Gibraltarians and 250 Barbary macaques, the only wild primates in Europe. In Greek mythology Gibraltar was one of the Pillars of Hercules which marked the edge of the Mediterranean and the known world.

8. El Capitan

One of the most famous sights in Yosemite National Park, the granite monolith El Capitan rises almost 910 meter (3,000 foot) vertically from Yosemite Valey. It is is a favorite challenge among expert rock climbers. In 1958, Warren J. Harding, Wayne Merry and George Whitmore were the first to climb the Nose of El Capitan using ropes, pitons and expansion bolts.

7. Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine is a national park in the Extreme South region of Patagonian Chile and features mountains, lakes and glaciers. The centerpiece of the park are the three Towers of Paine; spectacular granite monoliths shaped by the forces of glacial ice. The highest peak is about 2,500 meters (8200 feet).

6. Ben Amera

Mauritania’s best kept secret, the Ben Amera lies hidden in the desert waiting to be discovered by mass tourism. According to some sources it is the second largest monolith in the world after Uluru. Ben Amera is located 5km from Tmeimichat, a small village on the route of the desert train between Nouadhibou and Zouerate.

5. Devils Tower

Rising 386 meters (1,267 feet) above the surrounding terrain, Devils Tower is the core of an ancient volcano exposed from erosion. It is located in the Black Hills in Crook County, northeastern Wyoming and was declared a United States National Monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. The mountain became world famous in 1977 when it was chosen as the location of the alien-human rendezvous point in Steven Spielberg’s Oscar winning science fiction film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

4. Sigiriya

Sigiriya is a spectacular 370 meter (1214 foot) high ‘Lion rock’ fortress overlooking the green jungle surroundings. It is one of Sri Lanka’s major tourist attractions. The Sigiriya rock is a hardened magma plug from an extinct and long-eroded volcano, similar to Devils Tower. From about the 5h century BC it was used as a rock-shelter mountain monastery and later turned into a rock fortress by King Kasyapa.

3. Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain (Portuguese: Pao de Acucar) is one of the most commonly recognized and sought after tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro. Situated on a peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean, the mountain rises 396 meters (1,299 feet) above sea-level. A cable car brings visitors to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain where spectacular views of Copacabana and other beaches can be admired.

2. Zuma Rock

Nigeria’s answer to Australia’s Uluru, Zuma Rock lies north of Nigeria’s capital Abuja and is easily observed by driving the main road from Abuja to Kaduna. Although only one-third as wide as Uluru, Zuma Rock is more than twice as high, rising an impressive 725 meters (2378 feet) above its surroundings. According to some observers a person’s face can be recognized in the white part at the center of the rock.

1. Uluru/Ayers Rock

Uluru (or Ayers Rock) is one of Australia’s most recognizable natural icons, located 335 km (208 miles) south west of the nearest large town, Alice Springs. It is the largest monolith in the world. The world-renowned sandstone formation stands 348 meter (1,142 foot) high and measures 9.4 km (5.8 miles) in circumference. The rock undergoes dramatic color changes with its normally terracotta hue gradually changing to blue or violet at sunset to flaming red in the mornings as the sunrises behind it.

11 Fascinating Impact Craters on Earth

2018-02-15T02:23:00.000-08:00

Impact craters are formed when a meteoroid, asteroid or comet crashes into a planet or a moon. All the inner bodies in our solar system have been heavily bombarded by meteoroids throughout their history. This bombardment is clearly visible on the surfaces of the Moon, Mars and Mercury for example. On the Earth, however impact craters are continually erased by erosion or transformed by tectonics over time.

Still, almost 170 terrestrial impact craters have been identified on our planet. These range in diameter from a few tens of meters up to about 300 km (186 miles), and they range in age from recent times to more than two billion years. The impact craters featured on this list are relatively small and young making them easier to spot. An example of a large and old impact crater is the Chicxulub crater with a diameter of 180 kilometers (110 miles). The impact that formed this famous crater is thought to have been responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs, about 65 million years ago.

11. Roter Kamm Crater

Located in the Namib Desert, Namibia, the Roter Kamm crater is about 2.5 km (1.6 miles) in diameter and is 130 meters (400 feet) deep. It was created by a meteor with a size of a large vehicle about 3.7 million years ago. The crater is clearly visible, but its floor is covered by sand deposits at least 100 meters (300 feet) thick. Combined with the orangey-red color of the Namib Desert the crater gives the impression of a Martian surface rather than that of our own planet.

10. Kaali Crater

The Kaali Crater was created by a meteorite that reached the earth somewhere between the 4th and 8th century BC. At an altitude of about 5-10 km, the meteorite broke into pieces and fell to the Earth in fragments. The largest crater is about 110 meters wide and 22 meters deep. Within a 1 kilometer radius of the main crater lie 8 smaller craters that were created during this bombardment. The entire forest of the Estonian island of Saaremaa most likely burned down as a result of the impact. The crater is part of many Estonian myths and stories. It is even possible that Saaremaa was the legendary Thule island, whereas the name “Thule” could have been connected to the Finnish word tule (“of fire”).

9. Tenoumer Crater

Nearly a perfect circle, the Tenoumer Crater is 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles) wide, and sports a rim 100 meters (330 feet) high. The crater is located in the western Sahara Desert, Mauritania. Modern geologists long debated what caused this crater, some of them favoring a volcano. But closer examination of the structure revealed that the crater’s hardened “lava” was actually rock that had melted from a meteorite impact. This impact occurred roughly between 10,000 and 30,000 years ago.

8. Lonar Crater Lake

The Lonar Lake in Maharashtra, was formed about 50,000 years ago when a meteorite hit the surface. The saltwater lake that evolved in the resulting basaltic rock formation has a mean diameter of 1.2 kilometers (3,900 feet) and is about 137 meters (449 feet) below the crater rim. Numerous temples surround the lake, most of which are in ruins, except for a temple of Daityasudan, at the center of the Lonar town, which was built in honor of Vishnu’s victory over the giant Lonasur. The crater itself is a fun trek and the surrounding vegetation is a treat for birdwatchers.

7. Monturaqui Crater

The Monturaqui Crater is located south of the Salar de Atacama in Chile. The present dimensions of the crater are approximately 460 meter (1,509 feet) in diameter by 34 meter (100 feet) deep. The impact probably occurred about a million years ago. Because of the extreme arid conditions of the area the crater is still clearly visible. By its size and morphology, the Monturaqui crater presents many similarities with the Bonneville crater on Mars explored by the Spirit rover in 2004. Both craters are shallow, the size of the blocks ejected near the crater rim are similar, and both were formed in a volcanic environment.

6. Gosses Bluff Crater

Located near the center of Australia, the Gosses Bluff crater is thought to have been formed by the impact of an asteroid or comet approximately 142 million years ago. The eroded crater is 6 km (4 miles) across, but at the time of impact it would have been around 22 km (14 miles) in diameter. The site is known as Tnorala to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, and is a sacred place.

5. Tswaing Crater

The Tswaing Crater was created by a chondrite or stony meteorite, some 30 to 50 meter in diameter, that hit the earth about 220,000 years ago. In the center of the crater is a small lake which is filled by a spring and rainwater. Stone tools from the stone age show that the crater was regularly visited by people in order to hunt and collect salt. European settlers named the region Zoutpan (Salt Pan) while the local Tswana tribes call the region Tswaing which means “Place of Salt”.

4. Pingualuit Crater

The Pingualuit Crater was created about 1.4 million years ago by a meteorite impact that had the force of 8500 Hiroshima-sized atomic bombs. The 3.44 km (2.14 miles) diameter crater rises 160 meters (520 feet) above the surrounding tundra and is 400 meter (1,300 feet) deep. The lake at the bottom of the crater has a depth of 270 meter (890 feet) and contains some of the purest water in the world. The lake has no inlets or apparent outlets, so the water accumulates from rain and snow and is only lost through evaporation. The crater was discovered in 1943, by a US Air Force plane on a meteorological flight. Pingualuit means “where the land rises” in the local Inuit language.

3. Amguid Crater

A relatively young crater, the Amguid Crater is the result of a meteor impact about 100,000 years ago. It is located in a remote area in southwestern Algeria. The perfectly circular meteorite impact crater is 450 meter (1476 feet) in diameter and 30 meter (100 feet) deep. The top of the rim is covered by blocks of sandstones that are several meters in diameter. The center of the crater is flat, and is filled by compacted eolian silts.

2. Wolfe Creek Crater

The Wolfe Creek Crater in Australia was formed by a meteorite that crashed into the earth 300,000 years ago. The 50,000 had a mass of about 50,000 tons and left a crater of about 875 meters (2870 feet) in diameter. The crater that was left was probably about 120 meters deep. Over the next 300,000 years the wind gradually filled it with sand and today the crater floor is 60 meters (200 feet) below the rim, which rises 25 meters above the surrounding flat desert land. Small numbers of iron meteorites have been found in the vicinity of the crater. The crater was discovered during an aerial survey in 1947 although the Aboriginal people have known the crater for thousands of years.

1. Barringer Crater

Barringer Crater is the best known and best preserved impact crater on Earth. The crater is named after Daniel Barringer who was first to suggest that it was produced by a meteorite impact. The crater is still privately owned by his family and is also simply known as Meteor Crater or Arizona Crater. Measuring about 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) in diameter and 170 meters (570 feet) deep, with a rim 45 meter higher on average than the surrounding plain, the crater lies near Flagstaff, Arizona. The Barringer Crater was formed about 40,000 years ago by the impact of an iron meteorite, some 50 meters(54 yards) across and weighing several hundred thousand tons. Recent research suggests that the meteor struck at a speed of 12.8 kilometers per second (28,600 mph).

14 Most Charming Small Towns in New Zealand

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New Zealand, an island country on the Pacific Ocean, is believed by most as an adventure junkies paradise. Every attraction and activity in this beautiful land seems to urge travelers to get out more. Caving, skydiving, bungee jumping, skiing, hiking – name it and you shall have it. Blessed with invigorating natural beauty, New Zealand prides itself in being a traveler’s favorite. Aside from all this brilliance there are also a handful of extremely charismatic small towns in New Zealand that are a must-visit.

14. Oamaru

The self-proclaimed ‘Steampunk capital of New Zealand’, Oamaru is recognized for its Victorian architecture, laid back atmosphere, offbeat art culture, and of course, penguins. Most visitors come to appreciate the penguin colonies but stay a bit longer and you will come to admire the artsy vibe, the many boutique stores, and the all-encompassing steampunk scene. Also, the final stop on the Alps to Ocean Cycleway, you can take a day trip to a part of the historic track or challenge yourself to the full 4-6 days ride. Spot the extremely rare yellow-eyed penguins at Bushy Beach or spot the little blue ones around the harbor district.

13. Taihape

For the common man, Taihape is the “Gumboot capital of New Zealand”, however, this simple town is easily a mecca for adrenaline junkies and horticultural enthusiasts. If you are a keen gardener (or not), pay a visit to one of the four classic gardens in the area – Kiri Kiri, Rongoiti, Titoki, and Waltoka. For something a bit (or a lot) more adventurous, try white-water rafting, abseiling, jet boating, and horse riding. And, while you are here, do stop for a selfie with the enormous gumboot!

12. Wanaka

A picturesque lakeside town on New Zealand’s unspoiled, rugged South Island, Wanaka is named after the namesake river and offers views of snow capped mountain peaks as a backdrop. At its doorstep is the awe-inspiring Mount Aspiring National Park which is home to several waterfalls, glaciers, and majestic peaks – the place has also been featured in The Lord of the Rings. A couple of ski resorts are nestled near the park and just outside the town is the famous sculpture gallery and outdoor maze, the Puzzling World. Fishing, cruising, and kayaking are common sports here.

11. Gore

Once popular as the “Chicago of the South,” Gore is somewhat of a dark horse. A dreamland for the lovers of art, nature, second-hand shopping, and country music, the town was once a hotbed for illegal whiskey production – visit the Hokonui Moonshine Museum to get a crash course on the history of the business and how it came to an end. Host to the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards, this simplistic town is glued to its country music culture. Go fishing for brown trout at the Mataura River or drive a short distance to Mandeville to enjoy a ride on a restored Tiger Moth and gape at the plane’s eye view of the countryside that spreads beneath you.

10. Raglan

Often called New Zealand’s surfing haven, the coastal town of Raglan is located a few kilometers from Hamilton, the fourth largest city in the country. However, if you are not big on the sport, the little community is also home to a beautifully weathered surrounding that offers you hiking opportunities to the peak of the mighty Bridal Veil falls or traversing a bit further to the Te Toto Gorge that houses the historic Maori Gardens’ ruins. Enjoy the cool vibe and take in the friendly atmosphere dotted with warm hearted residents, eclectic bars and cafes, and plenty of stunning sunsets by the beach.

9. Whakatane

dreamstime/© Craig Levers

A true gem in the gorgeous Bay of Plenty, one of the most picturesque locations on New Zealand’s North Island, Whakatane prides itself in being the “Sunshine capital.” In fact, it has won that title four times to prove its authenticity. Explore the Mataatua Wharenui to find about the Maori meeting house that is almost 130 years old and perhaps also the Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi, an impressive museum dedicated to the Maori and European settlement. Visit the Wairere Falls and the famous partially-damaged Muriwai’s Cave. Spend a day at Ōhope Beach, reportedly one of the best in the country.

8. Bluff

dreamstime/© Perseo8888
Almost on the very southern edge of New Zealand, Bluff, once known as Campbelltown, is where you’ll find the world-renowned Bluff oysters. Regarded as the gateway to the nearby Stewart island, this little town was one of the earliest to have been inhabited by the Europeans and is the oldest continually occupied European settlement in the country. Don’t miss a visit to the Bluff Maritime Museum and of course, a walk along the world class tracks of Bluff Hill to admire the fascinating flora and fauna that surrounds you.

7. Akaroa

Perched on the bay of the same name, Akaroa is an appealing town with a historic French and English population nestled in the heart of a primeval volcano. Come here for the history and architecture and stay for the range of activities that the town has to offer such as 4WD tour to mainland New Zealand’s largest penguin habitation, sea kayaking, sailing, cycling, and of course, the chance to spot the hector dolphins. There are also several walking tracks around the area if you’d like to explore the gorgeous hills.

6. Picton

On the doorstep of New Zealand’s wine producing gem of Marlborough, Picton is truly a town for budding wine connoisseurs. But, that’s not all. In fact, the range of activities that this small town offers almost pushes you to name it Epicton! Go on a multi-day hike on the Queen Charlotte track or enjoy stunning views of Marlborough Sounds from Victoria Domain. Wreck Dive into the waters at Marlborough Sounds or for something light-hearted, enjoy kayaking, a mail boat cruise, or simple swim with the dolphins.

5. Russell

Once known as Kororāreka, the town of Russell was the first European settlement and port in the country. When here, go on a kayak tour around the Bay of Islands, explore the historical structures and wonderful galleries, visit Pompallier Mission, the only remaining structure of the French Catholic mission headquarters and the only one of its kind in Australasia. Pay your homage at the Christ Church, the oldest surviving church in the country. For something more exciting, go fishing, sailing, dolphin spotting, or cycle the truly magnificent Twin Coast Cycle Trail.

4. Kaikoura

A picture-perfect coastal town situated a few hours north of Christchurch, Kaikoura is famous among visitors for its marine mammals, eco-friendly lifestyle, and its landscape that brings the country’s stunning coastline shoulder to shoulder with its jagged mountains. Renowned for its fishing opportunities, the town is filled with activities to keep you occupied. Spot dolphins, whales, and other exotic marine species on a cruise or join them with a wetsuit and scuba dive amidst some of the best reefs in New Zealand, or simply take a walking tour around this spectacular town.

3. Hokitika

Located within proximity of the namesake river, Hokitika gained popularity in the 1860s as a gold mining town. Today, it sits extremely close to many natural wonders of South Island such as the Arthur’s Pass National Park and the Franz Josef Glacier. While exploring the area, you must visit the Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve and enjoy white-water kayaking in the area. Walk the 20-meter-high steel platform to stroll around the West Coast Rainforest treetops and breathe out your worries as you watch a breath-taking sunset at Sunset Point. There are also opportunities to go water skiing and fishing at Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve.

2. Mangawhai

Though only a hundred kilometers from Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city, Mangawhai seems like an entire world away from the hustle and bustle of such a huge urban area. When visiting this town, enjoy surfing at the Pacific beaches or cherish a pleasant swimming and kayaking experience through its tranquil harbor which is fringed by sand dunes. Additionally, these sand dunes are your perfect chance to admire the range of exceptional tree and bird species found in the area. And, you must experience the great Mangawhai Walkways.

1. Queenstown

Nicknamed as the “adventure capital of New Zealand,” Queenstown sits on the banks of the pristine Lake Wakatipu, South Island. Being on the edge of the waters gives the town an advantage of playing host to numerous activities – soothing boat cruises, power-packed jet boating, hiking, walking, bungee-jumping, skydiving, white-water rafting, and just about anything! Undeniably, one of the most splendid towns in New Zealand, Queenstown is quaint and relaxed yet vibrant and buzzy come evening. The town streets are dotted with fine-dining restaurants and cafes and the town calendar is filled with cultural events throughout the year, including the colossal Queenstown Winter Festival.

20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in New York City - The 2018 Guide

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One of the greatest cities in the world, New York is always a whirlwind of activity, with famous sites at every turn and never enough time to see them all. Some people come here to enjoy the Broadway shows; others come specifically to shop; and many come simply to see the sights: the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, historic neighborhoods, and numerous world famous museums. New additions in recent years, like the High Line and One World Observatory, offer unique perspectives of the city. Any time of year and any time of day there are an endless array of things to see and do in New York.

1. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty was France's gift to America. Built in 1886, it remains a famous world symbol of freedom and one of the greatest American icons. It is one of the world's largest statues, standing just under 152 feet tall from the base to the torch, and weighing approximately 450,000 pounds.

You can see the statue from land, with particularly good views from Battery Park, on the southern tip of Manhattan. However, to truly appreciate the Statue of Liberty, it's best to take a short boat trip to Liberty Island and see it up close. You can walk around the base, enter the pedestal, or, with advance reservations, go right up to the crown.

2. Central Park

A walk, peddle, or carriage ride through the crisscrossing pathways of Central Park is a must-do on anyone's New York City itinerary. In winter, you can even lace up your skates and glide across Wollman Rink. This huge park in the city center, a half-mile wide and 2.5 miles long, is one of the things that makes New York such a beautiful and livable city. Besides being a great place to experience a little nature, Central Park has many attractions within its borders, including the Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, the Central Park Zoo, and the Lake.

3. Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Rockefeller Center is a vast entertainment and shopping complex in the middle of Manhattan, and home to NBC-TV and radio, and other media. The centerpiece of the complex is the 70-storey 30 Rockefeller Plaza, an Art Deco skyscraper that offers awesome views over Manhattan from the famous Top of the Rock Observation Deck. The "deck" includes three floors, located on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. Indoor and outdoor viewing spaces offer spectacular views by day or night. Skating on the outdoor skating rink at the base of the tower is one of the most popular things to do in winter. After Thanksgiving, a huge Christmas tree is erected in front of the rink, lighting up the complex for the holiday season. In front of the International Building is a famous bronze sculpture of Atlas.

4. Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, as it is commonly known, was founded in 1870, and is one of the most famous museums in the United States. The permanent collection of The Met contains more than two million works of art, spanning a period of 5,000 years. Although the museum has three sites, the centerpiece is The Met Fifth Avenue. Highlights of the collection include American decorative arts, arms and armor, costumes, Egyptian art, musical instruments, photographs, and much more. Exhibitions bring some of the world's most famous works to the public.

The Met Cloisters, located in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan, is another extremely popular New York museum. This branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, housed in an outstanding structure, built around medieval cloisters, chapels, and halls, focuses on the medieval art and architecture of Europe.

Address: 1000 5th Avenue, New York, New York

5. Broadway and the Theater District

Attending a Broadway show is one of the highlights of a visit to New York City. Considered the pinnacle of American theater, this is the place to see the latest shows and the long-running classics. Broadway usually refers simply to Broadway theater, which encompasses a large number of theater venues in the Theater District and along the street of Broadway. For the most popular shows, tickets should be purchased well in advance.

Shubert Alley is a famous pedestrian-only alley in the Theater District and home to two well-known playhouses: the Shubert on 221 West 44th Street and the Booth at 22 West 45th Street. Historically, aspiring actors would frequent Shubert Alley looking for opportunities to perform in a play sponsored by theater baron, Sam S. Shubert. A Chorus Line played at The Shubert for a record 6,137 shows. The musical Oklahoma debuted in 1941 at the St. James playhouse just down the street. Other legendary places include Sardi's restaurant, where many famous actors met, and the Music Box Theater, where Irving Berlin staged The Music Box Revue in 1921.

6. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of New York's most famous landmark buildings. The 381-meter-tall, 102-storey building was the tallest in the world until the 1 World Trade Center tower rose higher, 41 years later. Topped with a mooring mast for airships, the Empire State Building immediately became a landmark and a symbol for NYC when it opened in 1931.

There are actually two observatories atop the Empire State Building, but both offer astounding views. On clear days, you can see up to 80 miles, looking into the neighboring states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The 86th Floor Observatory (1,050 feet) is the city's highest open-air observation deck, and what most people are expecting to find when they go up the Empire State Building. If it feels familiar, it's because this area has been featured in countless movies and TV shows. Reached by high-speed, automatic elevators, it has both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the building. Views are incredible. The Top Deck on the 102nd Floor stands 1,250 feet above the bustling streets below. While you are 16 storeys higher, the viewing area here is enclosed.

The line to go up the Empire State Building is almost always long, and during peak times, it can be ridiculous, making the whole experience more frustrating than it needs to be. It's well worth buying the Empire State Building Ticket - Observatory and Optional Skip the Line Ticket that lets you bypass the lines. This is a flexible ticket, good for up to a year, so if the weather is bad, you can save the ticket and use it another day.

7. 9/11 Memorial and Museum

The World Trade Center's twin 110-storey towers once dominated the Manhattan skyline, but were destroyed by suicide-piloted jetliners on September 11, 2001, with a tragic loss of life. Where the two towers of the World Trade Center once stood, now stand two square reflecting pools, each one acre in size. Known as the National September 11 Memorial, the area is a tribute to the almost 3,000 people killed as a result of attacks on September 11, 2001 and also the six people killed in the earlier World Trade Center bombing in February, 1993.

Surrounded by trees and grass, the pools are recessed, with water cascading over the sides and flowing into a seemingly bottomless square. These are the largest manmade waterfalls in North America. Around the pools are bronze panels with the names of all those who were killed in the attacks.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located in an awesome, curving glass building, between the two pools. It features moving displays that include artifacts, photos, and videos, presenting the story of 9/11, as well as the aftermath and impacts. The building is constructed around the remnants of the World Trade Center and incorporates the old structures within the extraordinary new museum building.

The memorial and the museum are located on the south side of One World Trade Centre, on Greenwich Street. Also worth seeing in this area, on the opposite side of Greenwich Street, is the eye-catching Westfield World Trade Center, which contains Oculus Plaza. You can't miss this building with its white fins and spaceship-like appearance. This is a public building with shops and high-end stores, but it's worth popping in for a quick look at the architecture.

8. High Line

An exciting new attraction in New York City, the High Line is a former rail line that has been transformed into an urban walking trail above the city streets. This linear public park has been planted with a variety of plants and trees, many of which are native species, and lined with glass railings in most areas, giving it a natural feel, while still offering outstanding views of the city. This oasis on Manhattan's West Side runs from Gansevoort Street at the south end (just south of West 13th Street) to West 34th Street at the north end, running parallel to 10th Ave most of the way. You can access it at various points along the route, some of which offer stair access only, and others with elevator access.

Although the High Line is only about two to three stories above street level, the views of the city's architecture and the lookouts over the streets offer a whole new perspective. Along the route are art installations, benches, and near the south end is a sitting area with bleacher-style seating and a glass wall looking out onto the city. The trail is heavily used, and on weekends it can be extremely busy, but without the surrounding traffic, it's still a peaceful retreat.

The south section runs through the Meatpacking District, where you'll find all kinds of trendy restaurants and fine dining. The southernmost access point is adjacent to the Whitney Museum of American Art, which is also worth a visit. If you hop off the High Line at the 16th Street access (elevator access), it's just a short stroll to the popular Chelsea Market, located in a former Nabisco factory, where you'll find restaurants and unique shops.

9. Times Square

Lined with huge, brilliantly lit billboards and screens, Times Square is a place best visited in the evening, but still exciting at any time of day. This is the location of New York's New Year's Eve Celebrations and the famous "ball drop" at midnight, when the square and surrounding streets are filled with people. Times Square is busy and perpetually crowded but has its own unique appeal. Bleachers set up at one end are a great place to take a break and appreciate the scene.

Formerly Longacre Square, Times Square was named in 1904 after the New York Times tower. The newspaper first posted current headlines along its moving sign, the first of its kind in the world, in 1928.

Address: Broadway and 7th Avenue, New York, New York

10. Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge, with its Gothic-shaped arches and suspension cables, is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and has inspired generations of poets, songwriters, and painters. This historic bridge, spanning the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn, was completed in 1883 and was the world's first steel suspension bridge. You can see it from many of the ferries, or the east side of Manhattan, but the best way to experience this icon is to take an hour and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

A wood plank walkway, only open to pedestrians and cyclists, runs above the lanes of traffic. If you are not up for walking the whole distance, at least go as far as the first pillar, where there is a viewing platform, and you can see one of the granite towers up close. From the bridge are beautiful views over Manhattan, the East River, and beyond to the Statue of Liberty. Biking over the bridge is another option, but pedestrian traffic is often very heavy, and cycling can be slow and challenging on busy days. Be aware that the access to the bridge begins well back from the water's edge.

11. Fifth Avenue

One of the most famous shopping streets in America, Fifth Avenue is New York's premier shopping area, where many top designers have their flagship stores. Cartier, Tiffany, Bergdorf-Goodman, the famous Apple Store Fifth Avenue, and of course Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as many others line this posh avenue. Even non-shoppers can enjoy a walk along Fifth Avenue. The best area runs from approximately the south end of Central Park to the New York Public Library, or more specifically, between 60th Street and 40th Street.

12. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal, often called Grand Central Station, is a fantastic Beaux Arts building, and it's definitely worth popping in to take a look at this famous landmark. The building first opened in 1913 as a terminal for the subway and train stations. Outside, the 42nd Street colonnaded faces and the statuary on top are some of the key highlights. Inside, you can't miss the Grand Staircase, where you can stop to gaze out over the concourse. The beautifully restored ceiling here shows a celestial scene. You'll also find an extensive selection of retail shops and restaurants inside.

13. One World Observatory

At the top of the newly constructed One World Trade Center building, One World Observatory is an observation deck offering outstanding views from floors 100, 101, and 102, 1,776 feet above the city. The elevator to the top is part of the attraction. As you ascend, the surrounding panels show New York as it transformed over the years, from a rural landscape to the metropolis you see today.

This glass building, which can be seen from all over the city, is a unique structure on the Manhattan skyline, with angles that give it a very distinct appearance. If you stand near the base and look straight up, the tower appears pyramidal.

Address: One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton Street, New York, New York

14. The Frick Collection

For ambience, the Frick Collection tops the list when it comes to New York City museums. Housed in an early 1900s mansion, the building and the original collection were donated by Henry Clay Frick, who had the mansion built to display his art collection. The artwork, which includes a mix of paintings, porcelain, and furniture, is beautifully laid out in sixteen galleries. On display are works by Monet, Rembrandt, Bellini, El Greco, and many other famous artists. The collections are not laid out according to period, artist, or country, but in a more random fashion for enjoyment. Rooms surround a beautiful covered Garden Court, with tropical plants and a central pond.
Address: 1 East 70th Street, New York, New York

15. New York Public Library

The New York Public Library's main branch was designed by architects, Carrere & Hastings, in the Beaux Arts style. The library, with its impressive rooms, is a prominent city attraction that has been featured in many movies and TV shows over the years. Although colloquially known as the main branch, the proper name is actually the Stephen A. Schwarzman building. It opened in 1911 to immediate acclaim. An enormous library, the Main Reading Room alone stretches two city blocks, and the Periodicals Room holds 10,000 current magazines. The collection at this location is vast, to say the least.

Location: Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, New York

16. Wall Street

Stretching for eight city blocks from Broadway to South Street is the world famous Wall Street. This street and the surrounding area are home to some of the most important exchanges in the world, including the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ, and the New York Mercantile Exchange. Also located nearby are the impressive Trinity Church and Federal Hall. Look for the bronze statue of Charging Bull at Bowling Green, on Broadway. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Financial District and a popular photo opportunity for visitors.

17. Radio City Music Hall

Lying in the shadow of Rockefeller Center is Radio City Music Hall, a famous entertainment venue and a designated city landmark. This 1932 Art Deco theater offers musical extravaganzas and films and is the home of the dance company, The Rockettes. The building was built and financed by the Rockefellers during the 1930s and contained the largest indoor theater in the world at the time. Today, the venue frequently hosts major events, including the Grammy Awards and Tony Awards. Its prominent marquee is hard to miss as it curves around the building and stretches down the block.

Address: 1260 6th Avenue, New York, New York

18. St Patrick's Cathedral

St. Patrick's Cathedral is one of New York's finest examples of Gothic Revival, with its massive bronze doors, white marble facade, 330-foot spires, the Great Organ, rose window, bronze baldachin, 2,400 seating capacity, and the statue of Pieta at the side of the Lady Chapel. With millions of visitors annually, the cathedral is a major destination for believers and tourists alike. The building was erected in 1879 and has been carefully restored and maintained throughout its existence, including a $200-million renovation that was completed in 2016.

Location: 5th Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets, New York, New York

19. Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall opened in 1891 as New York's first great concert hall. Musicians from Tchaikovsky, who conducted on opening night, to Leonard Bernstein and The Beatles have filled the hall. It is said to have some of the best acoustics in the world. While the best way to enjoy the hall is to take in a performance, one of the best ways to learn about it is on a guided tour. The tour offers a comprehensive look at the hall, insight into the construction, and discusses some of the artists who have taken to the stage. Tours end at the Rose Museum.

Address: 881 7th Ave, New York, New York

20. Bryant Park

Bryant Park was a seedy area known for crime and a hangout for undesirables until 1989, when the city reclaimed it and turned it into a beautiful urban oasis. The grounds feature monuments and gardens, and "Le Carrousel," a popular carousel. A games area makes available chess boards, checkers, and backgammon boards for a small fee. Locals have embraced this park, and today, it's a pleasure to walk through. If you don't want to play a game, it is still interesting to watch others playing, or you can simply relax and enjoy a summer's day. It's located adjacent to the New York Public Library.

Location: Between W 40th Street and W 42nd Street, at 6th Ave, New York, New York

10 Most Important Rivers in the World

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Rivers have been very useful to men in all parts of the world since prehistoric times. They provide a source of drinking water, for obtaining food, to fertilize lands and way to transport goods from place to place. Rivers also provide an important habitat for wildlife. They play an essential role in the ecology of rainforest and wetlands. A list of the most important rivers in the world.

10. Sepik River

The Sepik River is the longest river on the island of New Guinea. The river originates in the Victor Emanuel Range in the central highlands of Papua New Guinea. For most of the Sepik’s length the river winds in serpentine fashion, like the Amazon River, to the Bismarck Sea. Unlike many other large rivers, the Sepik has no delta whatsoever, but flows straight into the sea. The river’s total length is 1,126 kilometers (700 miles). There are no settlements of great size along the Sepik River. The isolation of the river’s small tribal groups has given rise to one of the most original and extensive artistic traditions. It is one of the last remaining undisturbed environments in the world.

9. Mississippi River

About 2,320 miles (3,730 km) long, the Mississippi River is the largest river system in the United States and North America. The river originates at Lake Itasca, and empties below New Orleans in the Gulf of Mexico. Along with its major tributary, the Missouri River, the river drains all or parts of 31 U.S. states.

The famous Steamboats entered trade in the 1820s. Cotton, timber and food were transported down the river. After the arrival of the railroads in the 1880s steamboat traffic diminished although they remained a feature until the 1920s. A few steamboats, such as the Delta Queen, have e survived as icons.

8. Volga River

The Volga is the longest river in Europe and one of Russia’s most important rivers. Out of the 20 largest cities of Russia, 11, including its capital Moscow, are situated in the Volga’s drainage basin. It originates at an elevation of only 225 meter (740 feet) in the Valday Hills northwest of Moscow and discharges 3,645 km further (2,266 miles) into the Caspian Sea. The Volga is of great importance to inland shipping and transport in Russia even though the river freezes for most of its length for three months each year.

7. Zambezi

The 3,540 km- (2,200 mile-) long Zambezi river is the fourth-longest river in Africa. The river rises in a black wetland in north-western Zambia and flows through Angola, along the borders of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia again, and Zimbabwe, to Mozambique, where it empties into the Indian Ocean. The Zambezi’s most spectacular feature is the beautiful Victoria Falls.

The river supports large populations of many animals. Hippopotamuses are abundant along most of the calm stretches of the river, and many crocodiles are also present. The Zambezi also supports several hundred species of fish including large species. The bull shark for example has been found far inland. It is an aggressive shark which has been responsible for several attacks on humans.

6. Mekong River

The Mekong river is the 12th longest river in the world with an estimated length of 4,350 km (2,703 miles),. From the Tibetan Plateau this river runs through China’s Yunnan province, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The river is difficult to navigate due to the extreme seasonal variations in flow and the presence of rapids and waterfalls. The Mekong basin is one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world which is only surpassed by the Amazon. Since the building of the first Chinese dam however, many species have become endangered including the Mekong dolphin and manatee.

5. Ganges

The 2,510 km (1,560 miles) Ganges originates in the western Himalayas in India, and drains into the Sunderbans delta in the Bay of Bengal. It has long been considered a holy river by Hindus and worshiped as the goddess Ganga in Hinduism. It has also been important historically: many former provincial or imperial capitals have been located on its banks.

Situated on the banks of Ganges, Varanasi is considered by some to be the holiest city in Hinduism. Hindus scatter ashes of loved ones in the river and some believe life is incomplete without taking a bath in the Ganges at least once. Because the Ganges is such an important river it has been declared India’s National River.

4. Danube

The Danube is one of the most important rivers in Europe and the continent’s second longest river after the Volga. The river was one of the long standing frontiers of the Roman Empire and today forms a part of the borders of 10 European countries. It originates in the Black Forest in Germany and flows eastwards for a distance of some 2850 km (1771 miles), passing through 4 capitals, before emptying into the Black Sea. Since the completion of the German Rhine–Main–Danube Canal in 1992, the river has been part of a trans-European waterway from the black sea all the way to Rotterdam on the North Sea.

3. Yangtze River

One of the most important rivers in the world, the Yangtze River is the longest river in China, and the third-longest in the world. The river is about 6300 km long (3915 miles) and originates in a glacier lying on the eastern part of the Tibetan plateau. It passes through the spectacular Yangtze Gorges, which are noted for their natural beauty, and flows into the East China Sea. One of the dams on the river, the Three Gorges Dam, is the largest hydro-electric power station in the world.

The river is one of the world’s busiest waterways. Traffic includes commercial traffic transporting bulk goods such as coal as well as manufactured goods and passengers. River cruises several days long, especially through the beautiful and scenic Three Gorges area, are also popular.

2. Nile

flickr/Michael Gwyther-Jones
The Nile is the longest river in the world, stretching north for 6,650 km (4,132 miles) from East Africa to the Mediterranean. The Nile has two major tributaries, the White Nile and Blue Nile. The White Nile rises in the Great Lakes region of central Africa while the Blue Nile starts at Lake Tana in Ethiopia.

The river provided a crucial role in the development of the Egyptian civilization. Silt deposits from the Nile makes the surrounding land extremely fertile because the river overflows its banks annually and the Egyptians were able to cultivate wheat and other crops. The Nile was also an important part of the ancient Egyptian spiritual life. The god named Hapy was the deification of the annual floods, and both he and the pharaoh were thought to control the flooding of the Nile.

1. Amazon River

At approximately 6,400 km (4,000 miles) the Amazon River is the second longest river in the world, just slightly shorter than the Nile although reputable sources disagree as to the exact length of the two rivers. What is certain is that the Amazon is the largest river in the world by volume, with a total river flow that accounts for approximately one-fifth of the world’s total. The Amazon and its tributaries flow through Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Amazon has over 3,000 recognized species of fish and new species are still being discovered. Along with the Orinoco River, it is one of the main habitats of the Amazon River Dolphin, the largest species of river dolphin, which can grow to lengths of up to 2.6 meters (8.5 feet). The bull shark has been reported 4,000 km (2,500 mi) up the Amazon River at Iquitos in Peru. Another dangerous fish in the Amazon is the notorious piranha which congregates in large schools, though only a few species are known to attack humans.

10 Must See Places in Iceland

2018-02-11T18:00:00.000-08:00

The location of Iceland at the famous edge of the arctic circle and its setting at one of the most active volcano spots makes the tourism industry even popular than it was ever before. It is currently one of the most impressive places of Europe. Let’s find out what are the must visit places in Iceland that you must check.

BLUE LAGOON

This geothermal spa offers one of the most relaxing bathing experiences than you can ever have elsewhere. Once can simply not visit Iceland without taking a dip in the waters of Blue Lagoon and relaxing themselves at the spa. You will definitely need this after a full day of hiking.

GLACIER LAGOON

One does not simply get a chance to visit a lake filled with glaciers and large icebergs just floating around. The Glacier Lagoon is your place to be no matter what time of the year it is. During the summers you can come here and take a boat tour around the lagoon, you might as well get lucky to see the seals swimming in the water too.

LANDMANNALAUGAR

Pack your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure. If you are a hiking enthusiast then this is your place to be. Spend a full day hiking at this breathtaking attraction that gives you a chance to see the colors of landscape in real as if they were from a painting.

GOLDEN CIRCLE

For those who are short on time, the Golden Circle trip is a must do for them to capture the natural Iceland beauty. It is one of the most popular tourist routes.

GEYSERS

Lots of thermal pools, underground springs and geysers can be found due to the volcanic activities underneath the surface that makes it pretty exciting for the tourists to experience a powerful hot stream shooting from the ground.

GJAIN

Gjain is no doubt one of the most beautiful places in Iceland; it is in fact a hidden Iceland gem. Once you arrive at this beauty you will feel as if it were a fairytale. Definitely a place for picnic after a tiring day of exploring Iceland.

SOUTH COAST

South coast is your place to be if you are looking for an unforgettable trip in Iceland. The waterfalls and the black sandy beaches will keep you in constant awe throughout the trip. Make sure you have carried lots of snacks and rain gear because you never know when a storm will arrive.

REYKJAVIK

Head over to Reykjavik, a capital city of Iceland for a one day trip to learn more about the place. One shouldn’t go back home without planning an itinerary in this small city.

GULLFOSS WATERFALL

No wonder Iceland is all about water that makes it a petty exciting place to visit. The Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the most popular attractions of the country. There are no rails just natural surroundings around the waterfall.

SKAFTAFELL

This area is among those places that have some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Skaftafell is surrounded by mountains, glaciers and rivers. You are going to love this place especially if you are here on a hike as you get to explore this beauty.

16 Most Charming Towns in Europe

2018-02-09T19:08:00.000-08:00

From the Norwegian fjords to Italy's island of Sardinia, certain towns have an almost indefinable charm that enchants tourists and beckons them to linger. Along with attractions, these towns have real character, a sense of place, and a welcoming feel that is irresistible. Some of these charming towns you'll have heard of, but some are hidden secrets that few foreign travelers have discovered. Although the towns themselves are the attraction, each of these offers plenty of things to do for tourists.

1. Esslingen, Germany

One of southwest Germany's many half-timbered towns, Esslingen secured its position as a major trading center by building two bridges over the Neckar River, making it an obvious crossing point for medieval traders. More than 200 timber-framed buildings from the 13th to 16th centuries lie in Esslingen's Old Town, lining its scenic canals and surrounding the market square. These form a magical backdrop for Germany's most atmospheric Christmas market, when 200 tradesmen gather, dressed in medieval costumes, to sell authentic crafts from the Middle Ages: pewterware, blown glass, wool, wrought iron, wood carving, and leather work are traded amid entertainment by period minstrels and jugglers. But visit in any season to stroll its narrow streets, admire historic churches, and sample its many bakeries.

2. Lucca, Italy

Despite being home to some of Tuscany's most fabulous medieval churches, as well as towers, and priceless art treasures, Lucca's biggest attraction to tourists is that it's just fun to be here. Yes, the carved and inlaid marble of San Michele in Foro's façade is breathtaking, as are the works of art in the cathedral, and it's fun to climb the soaring Guinigi Tower for a bird's-eye view. But where else will you find a garden with trees at the top of a Medieval tower, or a peaceful shaded promenade atop the walls that surround the town? Claim a café table inside the oval piazza and ponder the lemon-yellow buildings that were constructed out of the walls of a Roman arena that stood there. You enter the piazza through tunnels that once admitted spectators. If the whole town seems like a set for a Puccini opera, it's no wonder - Lucca was his hometown.

3. Marvão, Portugal

One of the several castellated hill towns that have long kept a watchful eye over Portugal's border with Spain, Marvão is the most dramatic and one of the best preserved. The entire village, which sits atop a steep escarpment, is enclosed by walls and entered through a single gate. The castle, whose origins date back to the Moorish occupation, sits at the pinnacle, overlooking a parish church and narrow streets of low, whitewashed houses. Walk the well-preserved ramparts for far-reaching views and to appreciate Marvão's lonely position at the frontier. The area's history goes back long before the castle - in the valley below are the excavated remains of a Roman town.

4. Stein am Rhein, Switzerland

The combination of well-kept half-timbered buildings and the colorful frescoes painted on their facades makes the main street of Stein am Rhein look almost like a stage set for Hansel and Gretel. But along with being among the most beautiful villages in Europe, it's a real town, and the medieval architecture is original. More timber-frame buildings rim the Rhine, on whose banks the town stretches so picturesquely. For an overview - literally, as it sits high above the town - visit Hohenklingen Castle, built in 1225 and now a museum of local history. Another museum is in the former Benedictine abbey, founded in the 11th century, but the entire town is pure eye candy.

5. Ålesund, Norway

When a devastating fire consumed the entire port town of Ålesund in 1904, the tragedy was redeemed by the combination of an economic depression and a new exciting artistic and architectural movement that was sweeping across Europe. So Ålesund offered work to the newest - and unemployed - architects fresh from their studies. The result is Europe's only entirely Art Nouveau town, filled not with the excessive flourishes of late Art Nouveau, but graceful Nordic interpretations of the early movement. The setting on two islands at the end of a mountain-ringed fjord perfects the scene, and adds an away-from-it-all geniality. Locals stop to point out some whimsical detail you might have missed, and in the waterside restaurants, chefs work wonders with the seafood from native waters. The excellent museum explores the history, art, and architecture, and gives a look inside an Art Nouveau house.

6. Najac, France

Small and out of the way in the Midi-Pyrénées region of southern France, Najac lines a single street atop a long ridge of rocks that ends at a 13th-century château. Part of a chain of these royal bastions along the Aveyron valley, this one once held Knights Templars in its dungeon after the order was outlawed in 1307. Churches and chapels from the 13th and 14th centuries; a fortified gate; the arcaded 15th-century Place du Barry; and the beautiful Fontaine des Consuls, a fountain dating to 1344, are the highlights. But you will want to walk the entire length of Narjac and tour the secret passages of the castle.

7. Winchester, England

The unspoiled cathedral town of Winchester rings with history. It was the capital of England from Anglo-Saxon times until the 13th century and the seat of Alfred the Great. You can see his tomb in the 11th-century Winchester Cathedral, where William the Conqueror was crowned. The cathedral is filled with architectural and artistic highlights - late-Gothic fan vaulting, the magnificent 11th-century wrought iron Pilgrim's Gate, 12th- and 13th-century wall paintings, and 16th-century murals in the Lady Chapel. There are ruins of the royal castle, the bishop's palace, and the gardens of an abbey founded by King Alfred's queen, but take time to savor the town itself, stopping in the tearooms and shops and following the River Itchen past ancient buildings and quiet gardens.

8. Volterra, Italy

It's hard to choose between Tuscany's medieval hilltop towns, and most tourists plan to visit more than one. But Volterra is not visited as often as San Gimignano and some of the others, so it's a better place to savor local life and see its several attractions without lines. Along with the atmospheric old stone streets and companionable little squares, you'll find the whole range of Tuscan sights - significant Etruscan and Roman remains; 12th- and 13th-century medieval tower houses; Renaissance art; and a 19th-century palace resplendent in carved alabaster, the local artisan specialty. It's easy to see why it's invariably listed as one of the best old towns in Europe.

9. Honfleur, France

The bustle of boats in its fishing harbor and the random mix of stone, half-timbered, and pastel stucco house fronts just add to the happy-go-lucky air of this Normandy seaport. Samuel de Champlain sailed from here to explore the New World, and the Musée de la Marine delves into the port's long seafaring and shipbuilding history. The art museum shows 200 works by Impressionist Eugène Boudin and his contemporaries Monet, Courbet, Millet, and others. Stop in to admire the ceiling of the Late Gothic Church of Sainte-Catherine, built by local shipwrights, then linger for ice cream and enjoy the scene.

10. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Although it's really a city, Český Krumlov's beautifully preserved Old Town is a village of its own, cosseted inside its walls and caught in the curve of the Vltava River. Almost hidden beneath the steeply gabled roofs is a maze of narrow stone-paved streets surrounding the 13th-century castle. Like the town itself, this medieval complex shows styles from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. The entire center has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting the castle, the Church of St. Vitus, and the Minorite Monastery, stroll through the old streets, and view the town from the river, on a boat ride.

11. Sintra, Portugal

A short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is not a quaint little Portuguese village. Instead, there's a fairy-tale charm, a sense that you've stepped out of the real world and into a castle, palace, or garden, where elves might pop out of a camellia blossom or nymphs swim in the fountains. Castles and palaces seem to be everywhere, one more fantastic than the next, and all set in lush tropical gardens that spill down the steep hillsides. Five are open to tour, ranging from a genuine medieval fortress and two royal palaces (one a multicolored and turreted Victorian confection) to an extravagant Moorish folly and a faux Knights Templar fantasy. You can't help being swept up in its almost make-believe spirit and charmed by its glorious gardens.

12. Wismar, Germany

This historic Baltic seaport, once part of the powerful Hanseatic League of trading cities, retains so much of its medieval center and harbor that it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well preserved Hansa architecture. A stroll through its winding streets reveals half-timbered houses; characteristic stair-step gabled facades; the fascinating medieval Church of the Holy Ghost; and a pair of mammoth brick churches - the 36-meter-tall nave of St. Nicholas, built in 1381, is among the tallest of these Gothic giants found along Germany's north coast. Wismar's harbor looks much as it did in Hansa times, and you can see it from a cruise on the single-masted sailing ship Wissemara, a replica of a traditional Hansa kogge. In good weather, join locals for lunch at the port, where fishing boats sell fischbrötchen - crusty rolls filled with marinated herring, smoked shrimp, lox, or smoked salmon.

13. Laguardia, Spain

Rising above the Rioja, south of Bilbao, Laguardia sits at the top of a hill, its tightly packed stone buildings enclosed by massive stone walls. During its tumultuous medieval past, the rock beneath it was carved into a maze of tunnels for shelter and escape routes when the town was under attack. Today, some of these tunnels house shops and cozy cafes beneath the medieval buildings that line the narrow stone streets. You can climb the route followed by medieval pilgrims on the Way of St. James, from the Romanesque church of San Juan Bautista up to the crest of the village and the church of Santa María de los Reyes. Look just inside to see the painted stone carvings of the magnificent original portal, one of the finest Gothic portals in Spain. Follow the walls around the church for views of the valley below and the Sierra de Cantabria mountain range behind it.

14. Bosa, Sardinia

Bosa rises from a line of pastel houses along the palm-lined riverbank, through a tangle of medieval lanes and passageways to the 12th-century Malaspina Castle high above. The narrow main street is lined by noble palazzi, now housing shops, galleries, and a museum. Do climb through the warren of little streets, stairs, and tiny squares for a feel of this remote town a millennia ago, and marvel at the unusual 14th-century frescoes in the castle's chapel. For breathtaking views, follow the coast north from Bosa to Alghero, a larger but equally captivating town that hints at its Spanish past. This western coast of Sardinia is light years away from the glitz of the better-known Costa Smeralda.

15. Locronan, France

The medieval stone town of Locronan sits between two peninsulas in Brittany's west Finistère, close to some of the most beautiful Atlantic beaches. Medieval buildings mix with 18th-century manor houses, and the town is the scene of a traditional Breton pilgrimage festival known as the Grande Troménie pardon, held every six years. The nearby Chapelle Sainte-Anne-la-Palud is an important pilgrimage site, where the faithful venerate a statue of Saint Anne. The village of Locronan has shops and studios showing the works of local artisans, and the area is known for its excellent seafood, especially the mussels.

16. Annaberg-Buchholz

More than any other, Annaberg-Buchholz is Germany's Christmas town. Set in the steep slopes of the Ore Mountains - the country's center for woodcarving - Annaberg-Buchholz and its surrounding communities are responsible for most of the wooden Christmas decorations associated with the holidays. From tiny pink-cheeked wooden angels to scowling nutcrackers to tabletop carousels that twirl from the heat of a single candle, if you find them at a German Christmas market it's a good bet they came from here. But Annaberg-Buchholz and its woodcarving traditions are not just about Christmas. Its churches are alive with magnificent carved altars, pulpits, paneling, ceilings, and lifelike statues, and shop windows are filled with woodcarvers' art. Hidden in a deep vale below the compact town center is a medieval hammer mill, its giant wooden gears still powered by a meandering brook.

15 Best Things to Do in Bamberg (Germany)

2018-02-09T18:47:00.001-08:00

The World Heritage City of Bamberg is in Upper Franconia resting on seven hills. And if that sounds Roman, this seat of episcopal power is still called the “Rome of Franconia”, You’ll certainly get that impression on Domplatz, where the cathedral and its four towers are awe-inspiring and flanked by the solemn Medieval and Baroque palaces for Bamberg’s mighty Prince Bishops.

You could lose a day or more under the spell of this place buried in artefacts at the museums in the old courts or gazing at the view of Bamberg’s lower quarters from the Baroque rose garden on a terrace.

Down there, cross the River Regnitz you’ll be in the Inselstadt (Island City), which was Bamberg’s secular merchant settlement. To have a say in city affairs the merchants built themselves a town hall, right in the middle of the river and coated with frescoes in the 18th century.

Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Bamberg:

1. Bamberg Cathedral

Founded by Holy Roman Emperor Henry II in the early 11th century, Bamberg Cathedral has extraordinary Medieval architecture and priceless works of art.

Outside you’ll see that the cathedral has four towers, and that symmetry continues below where there’s a choir at each end, the eastern one Romanesque, and the western Gothic.

A must-see is the tomb of Henry II and his wife Kunigunde, carved from Franconian limestone across 14 years by the Renaissance master Tilman Riemenschneider.

Close by, atop a column is another staggering work of art, the Bamberger Reiter (Bamberg Horseman). By its astounding level of naturalism you would never believe that this sculpture is from the first decades of the 13th century.

There’s much more to discover, from the carvings on the three main portals, to two crypts, the marble tomb of Pope Clement II, the beautiful stalls in the western choir and the profusion of altars.

2. Alte Hofhaltung

This Renaissance complex comprises the residential and commercial building’s of Bamberg’s Medieval episcopal court.

The Alte Hofhaltung originated at the beginning of the 11th century when the diocese was founded and there are still vestiges of those first palaces and chapels in the inner courtyard.

Here, along with a host of smaller buildings, a Late Gothic timber-framed gallery lines the eastern corner.

To reach this space from the Cathedral Square you have to pass through the 16th-century Prachtportal (Magnificent Portal), on which there’s a relief of Mary in front of an image of the cathedral.

At her right arm is Holy Roman Emperor Henry II, who founded the Bamberg Diocese in 1007.

3. Historisches Museum

The history and culture of this World Heritage City is uncovered at the museum inside the Alte Hofhaltung.

The Gemäldegalerie (painting gallery) for instance has 100 works by masters like Brueghel and Lucas Cranach the Elder, and the 19th-century landscape artist Otto Modersohn.

There are also insights into bourgeois life in Bamberg in the 19th century, calling on portraits, furniture, textiles, jewellery, musical instruments and home appliances.

You can also go back a bit further to understand Bamberg’s complicated relationship with the Regnitz River, which wreaked havoc with flooding.

Since 2015 there has also been an acclaimed permanent exhibition about Bamberg’s Jewish community.

4. Altes Rathaus

Whether it’s true or not, there’s a fun back-story to Bamberg’s fabulous, fresco-covered old town hall: In the 14th century the Bishop of Bamberg refused to allocate land to the city’s residents for a town hall, so they decided to build it on stakes in the River Regnitz, at the boundary between the episcopal and merchant city.

The first reference to the town hall is from 1387, and the building was given a Baroque update in the middle of the 18th century.

That was when its famous frescoes were painted, and you have to try to spot where a sculpted cherub’s leg pokes out of the mural in 3D. Inside you can view the splendid Rococo Hall and the Ludwig Collection of fine porcelain.

5. Neue Residenz

In 1602 Bamberg’s prince bishops moved from the Alte Hofhaltung to a sumptuous new palace on the other side of the cathedral square where they would stay until secularisation in 1803. The Neue Residenz is the largest palace in the city and has two original Renaissance wings and then Baroque extensions built a century later.

There are more than 40 state rooms to tour, including the marvellous central Imperial Hall (Kaiser Saal), embellished by allegorical frescoes and chandeliers.

The palace is also a branch gallery for the Bavarian State Painting Collection, and among its most prestigious works is Hans Baldung Grien’s Die Sintflut (The Flood).

6. Rosengarten

Behind the Neue Residenz is the palace’s spellbinding rose garden.

This started out as a Renaissance garden, but took on in its present Baroque form in the 1730s.

The Rosengarten’s regimented flowerbeds are planted with 4,600 roses and hemmed by low, closely clipped hedges.

There are statues throughout, and the garden’s straight paths meet at a fountain ringed with benches and lime trees.

Clipped lime trees also form the garden’s boundary, and from the balustrade to the north you can linger over vistas of the merchant city.

7. Diocesan Museum

In the diocesan chapterhouse, also on the Cathedral Square is a museum based on the lavish and fascinating collections of Bamberg’s cathedral treasury.

Many of the holdings were lost to secularisation, but the museum has enough riches to shed light on the wealth and power of Bamberg’s diocese.

The textiles and vestments are especially impressive, including the regalia worn by Holy Roman Emperor Henry II and Kunigunde, as well as the 11th-century Pope Clement II. The Guntertuch meanwhile is an 11th-century silk tapestry depicting the triumphal return of a Byzantine emperor from a successful campaign.

There are also portable altars, drinking vessels, candlesticks, a silver image of Mary for processions and a small army of Baroque and Gothic statues.

8. Altenburg

The highest hill in the city has been fortified since the 12th century, and at that time it was used as a refuge for Bamberg’s citizens during battles and raids.

But in the mid-13th century the Bishops of Bamberg acquired the property and it became their residence before it was damaged during the Second Margrave War in 1553. After that the Altenburg was a prison until it was restored by a friend of writer E. T. A. Hoffmann in the early 19th century.

Hoffmann was fond of Altenburg and was a regular guest in one of the towers on the wall.

The 13th-century keep is the main vestige of the Bishops’ residence, and has a 33-metre tower for awesome views of the seven hills of Bamberg and the episcopal city.

Near the top is an iron frame, a former beacon for sending signals to Giechburg castle, 20 kilometres to the east.

9. Obere Pfarre

This High Gothic church was founded in the 14th century and has a lot of architecture and fittings from that time, as well as a Late Gothic choir and Baroque decoration in the nave.

Outside, step around to the northern Brautportal “Bridal Portal”, which is a kind of open vestibule with carvings of the fable of the wise and foolish virgins on the jambs and the Coronation of Mary depicted in the tympanum.

The square tower on the southwest side of the church may look like it doesn’t quite belong, and was actually built as a city watchtower and then annexed by the church.

The imposing high altar from the 1710s, almost rises to the chancel ceiling, and embedded in the mass of sculpture and marble-effect columns is a carving of Mary and Child from 1250. Also look for the painting of the Assumption of Mary by Tintoretto in the right aisle.

10. Klein Venedig

Just after the Altes Rathaus you can go for an amble on the left bank of the River Regnitz.

On this side of the river you can pause to appreciate Bamberg’s old fisherman’s quarter.

Known as Klein Venedig (Little Venice), there’s a line of rickety half-timbered dwellings dating to the 17th century.

The scene is all the prettier as the mishmash of houses are reflected in the river and seem to jostle for position on the waterfront.

At the eastern end is the Altes Schalchthaus (Old Slaughterhouse), partially built over the water and with a sculpture of a cow above its portal.

This little neighbourhood is an apt setting for the traditional water jousts during Bamberg’s Sanderkwa folk festival.

11. Michaelsberg Abbey

Cresting one of the seven hills, you can spot the towers of this former Benedictine monastery from across Bamberg.

Michaelsberg Abbey was established in 1015 and was rebuilt in the following century by Bishop Otto.

The Romanesque architecture from that phase is still the basis of the abbey church, even after a fire at the start of the 17th century.

In the crypt, Otto’s tomb is the thing you have to see at the abbey.

This was produced in the 1430s and has abundant carvings on its sides showing, among others, Mary, St Stephen, John the Baptist and the Archangel Michael over a gilded background.

Otto’s image is on the plate at the top, and there’s a little passage through the tomb that you have to stoop to get through, believed to heal people’s back pains.

When this post was written in 2017, the abbey was closed for renovations.

12. Bamberger Kreuzweg

In the historic Sandgebiet is the oldest Way of the Cross in Germany.

The Bamberger Kreuzweg is made up of nine stations (from an original 14) from the Church of St. Elisabeth to the Church of St. Getreu.

It was all drawn up at the beginning of the 16th century by a knight who had business relations with the Michaelsberg Abbey.

Each station has a relief with a scene from the passion: They show Jesus taking the cross on his shoulders, meeting his mother, being helped by Simon of Cyrene, meeting the crying women, falling under the weight of the cross, dying, being mourned by Mary and then being laid in his grave.

13. E. T. A. Hoffmanns House

The influential Romantic author, E. T. A. Hoffmann lived at this narrow house on what is now Schillerplatz for just under five years from 1808 to 1813. The museum here now tries to convey the spirit of his writing and his personality with imaginative installations: The fairytale, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is represented by a card theatre model, and there’s a loge with decoration that ties in with Hoffmann’s most famous opera, Undine.

The museum has a “magic garden” in the courtyard, which is a reference to his story, the Golden Pot and is peppered with famous quotes and motifs from his work.

There’s also an interactive music cabinet playing modern recordings of his musical works, while Hoffmann’s lodgings on the second floor are decorated as they would have been when he lived here.

14. Rauchbier (Smoke Beer)

Bamberg has its own style of beer that harks back to before the industrial age.

Just as it was hundreds of years ago, the malt for the beer is roasted over a beech wood fire instead of being dried an oven.

The smoke from this fire imparts a distinct flavour when the beer is brewed.

And since fire was the only way quick way of drying malt until fairly recently, Rauchbier must have a similar taste to all beer from before the 19th century.

The big Rauchbier labels in Bamberg are Schlenkerla and Spezial, two of seven breweries in the city.

Both brands pour their famous beverages, sometimes described as “liquid bacon”, at their own brewpubs.

15. Sandkerwa

Bamberg’s oldest quarter, the Sandgebiet puts on one of Bavaria’s largest folk festivals, drawing 300,000 people to the city in mid-August.

The Sandkerwa’s roots go back to a Medieval celebration for the Church of St. Elisabeth.

People pack the narrow old town streets near the river, which are lined with beer stalls, and pile into beer gardens like the one beside the Schenkerla tavern.

One tradition that dates from the 15th century is the Fischerstechen (water jousting), held on the Regnitz in Klein Venedig.

Here members of the old boatmen and fishermen’s guild try to topple each other from row boats using blunted lances.

10 Most Stunning Temples in Thailand

2018-02-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

If you’re into learning about world religions, you’ll hit the jackpot in Thailand. The country is filled with magnificent Buddhist temples, some dating back centuries, others much, much younger. The temples in Thailand are made of wood, stone and even recycled beer bottles, yet they all offer a sense of peace to all who visit. If you’re lucky enough to visit when a service is taking place, count yourself very fortunate, indeed.

10. Sanctuary of Truth

The Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya gives new meaning to the world “impressive.” Intricate carving cover every inch of the wood structure, which is filled with traditional Buddhist and Hindu decorations. It is a newer temple, a work in progress; it began in 1981 and is scheduled to be completed in 2050. Its aim is to honor the traditional ancient values of earth, knowledge and Eastern philosophy by teaching about human responsibility, thought, cycle of life, and life’s relationship with the universe.

9. Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang is one of the most sacred temples in Thailand, home to a strand of Buddha’s hair. It also is considered one of the best examples of Lanna architecture. The 13th century temple has a conical spire, or stupa, that is more than 400 meters (125 feet) high. While other temples have been modernized, this temple has been restored to its original form.

8. Temple of a Million Bottles

The Temple of a Million Bottles (Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew) isn’t your usual Buddhist temple; indeed, it is one of the more unique temples in you’ll find in Thailand. The complex incorporates about 1.5 million recycled glass bottles in its design; glass bottles are even used in the toilets. Mainly green Heineken and brown Chang bottles are used; bottle caps are used to create mosaics. The complex has about 20 buildings, including prayer rooms and a water tower.

7. Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) may be misnamed because the only thing in common the Buddha has with emerald is the color green. The 66-centimeters (26-inch) high Buddha, instead, is made of jasper or jade. Still, it occupies the place of honor in this temple on the Grand Palace grounds. The Buddha, clad in gold, is believed to date back to the 15th century. It was moved to various temples around Thailand for a few centuries, ending up in Bangkok in 1784.

6. Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai

Wat Mahathat, located in northern Thailand’s Sukhothai Historical Park, is an ancient temple that is considered the park’s most important and impressive temple. Some 168 sculptings of Buddhist disciples with hands clasped decorate the base of the main stupa, which was built to contain relics belonging to Buddha. This is fitting as the name translates as “temple of the Great Relic.” A large sitting Buddha can be found at Orientation Hall, while a huge standing Buddha is nearby.

5. Wat Arun

Wat Arun is known as the Temple of Dawn but it might just as easily be known as the Temple of Magnificence. This temple, rising above the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, is nothing short of spectacular when it’s lit up against the night sky. One of Thailand’s landmarks, the temple is just as stunning when lit up by the morning sun. The Khmer style tower, covered with colorful porcelain, glistens in the sun. Surrounding buildings are covered in seashells and more porcelain.

4. Wat Chaiwatthanaram

Wat Chaiwatthanaram is an impressive temple complex in Ayutthaya, an ancient capital of Thailand. Built to honor a king’s mother, the temple is the most visited site in Ayutthaya. Wat Chaiwatthanaram is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, but the scenic river is no competition for the temple. The layout of the 17th century temple subscribes to the traditional Buddhist view of the world, with temples corresponding to mountains, continents, seas and human habitat.

3. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the must-sees when you’re visiting Chiang Mai. One of the most sacred temples in northern Thailand, the temple’s name is frequently shorted to Doi Suthep, although this is actually the name of the mountain it’s sitting on. The temple, about 15 km (10 miles) from Chiang Mai, is a working Buddhist monastery that was built in the 14th century. The top of the temple is decorated with a golden spire, surrounded by shrines and murals. A replica of the Emerald Buddha is on display.

2. Temple of the Reclining Buddha

With more than 1,000 images, Bangkok’s Temple of the Reclining Buddha hosts the largest collection of Buddhas in Thailand, including a reclining Buddha that is 45 meters (150 feet) long. Built on an island close to the Grand Palace, the temple complex is considered the best of the best royal temples. Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, and is considered the birthplace of Thai massage. An early center for public education, walls are decorated with inscriptions on various subjects.

1. White Temple

The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is a gorgeous gingerbread creation that is one of the newest temples in Thailand, being built in 1997. Reminiscent of a fairy tale castle covered with snow, it might be the ogre’s home since statuary has a ferocious look. A highlight of this privately owned temple is the bridge of the “cycle of rebirth,” under which outstretched hands reach to the sky. Across the bridge is the Gate of Heaven where two creatures decide the fate of the dead.

Ancient Ephesus in Turkey

2018-02-06T23:07:00.000-08:00

One of the most important tourist attractions in Turkey is the archeological site of Ephesus. The city was once a hub for the Mediterranean, a mixing pot of culture and diversity and a true example of a classical metropolis. With so many architectural structures now uncovered, Ephesus is a must-see destination for culture lovers and archeology enthusiasts alike.

Ephesus was declared a Roman settlement in 133 BC, although it did not reach its peak until some 200 years later. At one point, when the city was the capital of Roman Asia Minor, Ephesus housed more than 250,000 permanent residents. Religious scholars even believe that St.Paul lived in Ephesus, fostering Christianity among many other religions. With the decline of the harbor of Ephesus, and the sacking of the city by Germanic Goths in the third century, Ephesus began its decline.

For roughly 1,500 years, Ephesus was all but forgotten. The remnants of this incredible classical city were hidden from the world until the 1860s, when an international team of archeologists began unearthing the ruins. Today, less than 20 percent of Ephesus has been excavated, but it is still one of the largest accessible archeological sites in the world, and over a million visitors come each year to explore it all in person.

Without question, the most famous structure in Ephesus is the Temple of Artemis. Also called the Temple of Diana, this is a piece of Greek architecture that was once known as one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. The temple was once the largest on the planet, showcasing just how important the city of Ephesus was. Unfortunately, the temple itself was largely destroyed around the fifth century, but it is still possible to tour the ruins.

flickr/Gary R. Caldwell
Some of the most recently excavated attractions in Ephesus, and certainly some of the most popular, are the Terraced Houses. These were the homes of the richest residents of Ephesus in approximately the first century, and they were built in a modern Roman style. Remarkably, some of the homes had hot and cold baths, marble floors and even heating systems. On the walls, you can spot unusual artwork, mosaics and even love poems scrawled by hand.

No trip to Ephesus would be complete without seeing the famed Library of Celsus. Built in 123 AD, the library was once of the largest libraries in the ancient world, coming in third after the libraries of Alexandria and Pergamum. The library has been restored, making it easier to see its two-story design, its columns and its capitals. Be sure to admire the four statues that represent the four virtues. While these are now replica statues, and not the originals, you can still see Sophia, representing wisdom, Episteme, representing knowledge, Ennoia, representing thought, and Arete, representing goodness.

In order to see as many of the incredible landmarks that are found in Ephesus, you’ll need to spend some time on Curetes Way. This is the main road that runs through Ephesus, and many of the buildings on either side once served as shops and homes for the countless residents living in the city. Be sure to admire the ground as you stroll along Curetes Way, because the marble surfaces were intentionally marred to prevent slickness when it rained. Some of the marble blocks underfoot are inscribed with Green names, which proved that the work had been done and therefore needed to be paid for. Depressions on either side of the road are where lamps would have been placed to illuminated the thoroughfare by night.

Just two miles from Ephesus is the town of Selçuk, where many visitors choose to spend time before or after exploring the ruins of Ephesus. In the center of Selçuk, you might want to stop and admire the Roman aqueduct that once supplied water to the city, or you could learn a little more about the archeology of the region by exploring the collections at the Museum of Ephesus. You can also browse at the market or pick up double knot carpets, the most popular souvenir from the area.

9 Best Beach Resorts in Santa Barbara

2018-02-06T22:55:00.000-08:00

In a magnificent setting between the mountains and the sea in Southern California, Santa Barbara has been a popular beach holiday destination since the late 1800s. Its warm sunshine and picturesque coast lured famous guests such as the Rockefellers and du Ponts, who came to be pampered at the palatial Potter Hotel on the waterfront at the turn of the 20th century. Today, the legendary hotel no longer stands, but visitors still come to bask at Santa Barbara's glamorous beach resorts, from the upscale enclave of Montecito in the south to the rugged ocean bluffs of Goleta in the north.

Most of the beach resorts cluster along Cabrillo Boulevard, right near downtown Santa Barbara. Stearns Wharf sits center stage here, with palm-lined beaches stretching in either direction, and the fabulous shops, galleries, and restaurants of State Street and the Funk Zone are a short stroll away. Popular things to do along Santa Barbara's beaches include surfing, sunbathing, paddleboarding, and swimming, and you can also bike or stroll along the beachfront bike path. Whether you're looking for high-end hospitality or an affordable home-away-from-home, Santa Barbara's best beach resorts offer easy access to the city's top tourist attractions as well as plenty of kid-friendly adventures.

1. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara

Overlooking beautiful Butterfly Beach, in the posh neighborhood of Montecito, this romantic Spanish Colonial-style Four Seasons property is the queen of Santa Barbara beach resorts. Sophisticated old-world charm is the tone here, and this elegant Grand Dame has a star-studded guest list and spectacular setting. Beach views beckon from across the narrow road in front of the resort, and the Santa Ynez Mountains ripple behind, framed by palm-lined gardens with vibrant sprays of bougainvillea.

Address: 1260 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara, California

2. Bacara Resort & Spa

Perched atop an ocean bluff, about 13 miles from downtown Santa Barbara, Bacara Resort & Spa is Santa Barbara's only true oceanfront resort. Technically, it's in the city of Goleta in Santa Barbara County, but it's only a five-minute drive from the Santa Barbara airport. Bacara is an excellent choice for golfers as well as beach lovers, as it lies adjacent to Sandpiper Golf Club.

Evoking the feel of a Spanish village, this sprawling resort spans 72 oceanfront acres, punctuated by palms, splashing fountains, and three saline infinity pools. The Spanish-Colonial-style guest rooms and suites occupy one-, two-, and three-story white-washed villas and feature plush amenities, such as four-poster beds cloaked in Frette linens; private patios or balconies with garden, mountain, or sea views; deep tubs; and marble showers. Some suites add fireplaces that you can cozy up to in the winter. Dining is also a highlight at the resort's main restaurant, Angel Oak, with steak, seafood, and locally sourced produce.

Address: 8301 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, California

3. Santa Barbara Inn

In a superb location on the Santa Barbara waterfront, a short stroll from Stearns Wharf, the family-owned, boutique Santa Barbara Inn offers excellent value and warm, friendly service. Domes and towers cap the elegant Spanish-style buildings, and guests enjoy spectacular views across Cabrillo Boulevard to East Beach. Staying here also puts you within walking distance of attractions like the Santa Barbara Zoo, State Street, and Funk Zone restaurants.

Adorned in tropical decor, with a subtle Asian twist, all the recently renovated guest rooms are bright and spacious. They feature plush pillowtop beds and balconies with ocean or mountain views. The large bathrooms come with double vanities and heated floors, and the suites add Jacuzzi tubs and four-poster beds. Splashing out on the oceanview rooms is highly recommended. Adding to the excellent value, a continental breakfast is included in the room rates. It's served in the indoor/outdoor oceanview Convivo restaurant, which also serves lunch and dinner from a coastal-Italian-inspired menu spiced with Middle Eastern accents.

If you don't feel like hopping across the street to East Beach, with its broad stretch of sand and volleyball nets, you can relax by the heated oceanview pool and hot tub, enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace, or tone at the fully equipped fitness center. Two children stay free in their parent's room as long as no other bedding is needed.

Address: 901 E. Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, California

4. Harbor View Inn

Santa Barbara locations don't get better than this. The boutique Harbor View Inn sits in the heart of the Santa Barbara waterfront district. Stearns Wharf is directly across the street, with soft sand beaches stretching in either direction, and the hotel borders the start of State Street, the city's main drag. This intersection can be a little busy, but that's because the city's top tourist areas are only steps away.

All the cozy guest rooms and suites come with balconies or patios, and the ocean view rooms are definitely the pick of the bunch. Apart from the convenient location, standout features include the attentive staff and serene Spa Beaumontia, with a menu of soothing treatments. You can also relax by the palm-lined heated pool or take a dip in the Jacuzzi. Dining options include Mediterranean-inspired Eladio's, and you can also grab a snack at the pool bar and gourmet coffee shop. If these options don't satisfy your cravings, State Street and Funk Zone restaurants are right on the doorstep.

Address: 28 W. Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, California

5. Hotel Milo

Directly opposite West Beach, less than a ten-minute walk to Stearns Wharf, Hotel Milo looks like a Mediterranean villa, with its potted flowers, date palms, and decorative wrought-iron accents. The hotel is named for the legendary Milo Potter, who established Santa Barbara's famous Potter Hotel on this very site in 1903.

The crisp, beachy guest rooms, some with ocean views, occupy two-story Spanish-style buildings. Terry robes and L'Occitane bath products are a little touch of luxury, and Dutch-inspired beach cruiser bikes are free for guests to borrow. When you're not cruising all the sites, you can sunbathe by the sparkling freeform pool, and work out at the fitness center. Rates include continental breakfast, but valet parking on the resort's grounds comes at an extra fee. Pet owners will be pleased to know that pooches are welcome here. The lush strip of lawn adjacent to the hotel is a popular hangout for pets and people alike, and the colonnade of date palms here once graced the entrance to the legendary Potter Hotel.

Address: 202 W. Cabrillo Boulevard Santa Barbara, California

6. The Fess Parker - A DoubleTree by Hilton Resort

Set amid 24 acres of palm-studded lawns, The Fess Parker is a landmark hotel along Santa Barbara's popular beachfront area. This mission-style property lies in a fantastic location across Cabrillo Boulevard from East Beach. From here, you can walk to Stearns Wharf, the Funk Zone, and the shops and restaurants of State Street downtown. This is also a great family resort. It's a short walk to the Santa Barbara Zoo, and you can rent bikes with the kids and head across the street to the popular beachfront bike path. Warm chocolate chip cookies welcome you at check-in.

Spread out across the property, the large guest rooms and suites feature ocean, garden, or mountain views. All have private balconies or patios, and some suites come with whirlpool tubs. Dining options include Rodney's Grill, with steaks and locally sourced seafood, as well as more casual eateries. Guests also love the Olympic-sized swimming pool and Jacuzzi, fitness center, tennis court, and spa. As with most Santa Barbara hotels, pets are welcome.

Address: 633 East Cabrillo Boulevard,Santa Barbara, California

7. Harbor House Inn

In a relatively quiet neighborhood, this affordable little Mediterranean-style inn lies about a block back from West Beach and, although it's not directly on the waterfront, it deserves a special mention for its warm hospitality and good-value studios with fully equipped kitchens. This is an excellent option for extended stays, giving you a little more room and the freedom to prepare your own meals. Welcome breakfast baskets filled with fresh-baked banana bread and other goodies set a warm tone at check-in for guests who are staying more than one night, and the use of cruiser bikes and beach gear is available free of charge. The individually decorated guest rooms are all bright, cheery, and spotlessly clean. They feature comfortable beds with high-quality linens, coffee-makers, smart TVs with access to Netflix, and free Wi-Fi, and most come with well-equipped kitchens. In your spare time, you can relax and mingle in the outdoor courtyard or hop on one of the hotel's bikes and explore the picturesque beachfront. Limited parking is available on-site for free.

Address: 104 Bath Street, Santa Barbara, California

8. West Beach Inn

This unassuming mid-range hotel sits in a lovely location, opposite West Beach and the Santa Barbara Harbor, about a ten-minute stroll away from Stearns Wharf and State Street. Strung along a three-story motel-style building, the rooms here are large and clean, with in-room coffee facilities and comfortable beds. All have two chairs and a small table on the patios or shared balconies, so you can relax outside and enjoy the sea views.

When you're not exploring all the nearby waterfront attractions, you can bask by the heated outdoor pool and soak in the Jacuzzi. Plenty of restaurants lie within walking distance, and the rates here include continental breakfast; parking; Wi-Fi; and even a turndown service with mints, something that you'd expect from a high-end hotel. The one and two-bedroom suites are great for families.

Address: 306 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, California

9. BEST WESTERN Beachside Inn

Opposite the Santa Barbara harbor, near West Beach, Best Western Beachside Inn offers dependable value, friendly service, and a fantastic location. You can walk to Stearns Wharf and lower State Street in about 12 minutes. The 60 guest rooms occupy two levels of a motel-style building and offer views of the ocean or the park across the side street. Pleasing touches are the coffee and hot chocolate in the lobby and freshly folded towels on the pool lounges. Continental breakfast is included in the rates, and one of Santa Barbara's best fine-dining restaurants, Toma, is just next door. Note that the hotel is currently undergoing renovations that are due for completion by July, 2017.

Address: 336 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, California

10 Breathtaking Views You Need In Your Life, No Passport Required

2018-02-05T19:54:00.000-08:00

America, with its varied vistas and vastly different landscapes, is a melting pot of gorgeous Instagrammable moments. Here are 10 of our favorites.

1. Toroweap Overlook, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Standing 3,000 feet above the Colorado River, Toroweap Overlook in the Grand Canyon National Park can be accessed by rough, unpaved roads far from the closest city. The difficult trek is worth it, as the majestic overlook is the only viewpoint in the park where the Colorado River can be seen vertically from above.

2. One World Observatory, New York, NY

Standing a symbolic 1,776 feet above the former site of the twin towers, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. A visit to the complex’s top 100-102 floors, dedicated to viewing experiences, allows for somber reflection as well as unbeatable panoramic views of the city. Visits are by timed tickets, and you can even get a refund if the climate is too cloudy or inclement to see clearly.

3. Mount Rainier, Washington

The highest peak in Washington and the Cascade Mountain Range is a sight not to be missed. If a selfie in front of the mountain is your thing, then snap that photo fast, as Mount Rainier (with an elevation of 14,411 feet) is an active volcano that last erupted in 1895 and is poised to erupt again. Climbing to the mountaintop vantage points can take up to 10 days, but if you’re not up for that much of a hike, take Stevens Canyon Road with its easy-access Inspiration Point, with lots of parking and great views of the mountain. Down Steven Canyon Road, you can find Reflection Lakes – the mountain is doubled in its crystal clear waters.

4. Mount Rushmore National Monument, South Dakota

Carved in granite by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers, this example of human creativity and determination features 60-foot-tall depictions of four American presidents gazing across the Black Hills of South Dakota. Although the monument has many vantages, Iron Mountain Road is one where you can drive your car through a series of tunnels designed to take you to a great viewing point.

5. View from the Pacific Coast Highway, California

Start your California dreamin’ while driving along the California Coast Highway. Whether crossing the Bixby Bridge with a view of the Pacific, or feeling the wind lash your face as you journey at the edge of the coastline in Big Sur, the Pacific Coast Highway offers breathtaking views — but keep your eyes on the road! The Lost Coast Highway is one of the best sections: Drive off Highway 101, following State Route 211 for 23 miles to the coast. For surfers, this is paradise, with waves you’ll want to dive right into.

6. Opaekaa Falls in Kauai, Hawaii

There are several majestic and breathtaking waterfalls in Kauai, and Opaekaa Falls is one of the more accessible ones. Surrounded by lush greenery and a scenic stream, Opaekaa Falls sits on the eastern side of Kauai and offers a magnificent example of nature’s beauty.

7. Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska

Walking through a glacier would give anyone bragging rights. The hike there is not for everyone (the gear is heavy and the elevation high), but paddling tours are also available. Stepping into the glacier’s caves, where ice and rock merge with crystal blue waters meandering through, is like being on another planet.

8. Glacier Point, Yosemite, CA

At 3,214 feet above Half Dome Village on the floor of Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point is accessible by car and should not be missed. Go at sunrise to take in the majestic vastness of the mountains, as it’s a popular spot for tourists once the sun comes up.

9. Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming

On the Snake River, there is an area called Oxbow Bend that opens up to a view of one of the most photographed images of the American wilderness: Mount Moran, reflected in the Snake River. Comprising 310,000 acres of gorgeous landscape, the Grand Tetons in northeast Wyoming feature 200 miles of trails for hiking and skiing.

10. Arches National Park, Utah

There are over 2,000 sandstone arches to see and enjoy in this park in eastern Utah, 5 miles north of Moab on US 191. The park has been shot in numerous Hollywood films because of its stunning natural beauty. A visit to Arches National Park or a stay in one of its 50 available campgrounds might remind you of film classics “Thelma and Louise” or “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” — and that would be because these films were made right here. The Park is one of Utah’s “Mighty Five” National Parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce and Zion.

18 Best Places To Visit In Greece

2018-02-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

Greece has always been among the most visited places in Europe and the first choice of many people for the ideal vacation, and this does not come as a surprise, regarding the many touristic attractions of this country. Known for its kind people, delicious cuisine, strong religious beliefs and rich history, this country seems to have been blessed by the ancient Greek gods with a wonderful variety of landscapes, all mending perfectly together to create an unforgettable sight. From history to heritage, from beautiful mountain to sunny beaches, from traditional cuisine to religious beliefs, from rich nightlife to cultural experiences, Greece seems to have a little something to make everyone feel like they are visiting a little corner of heaven. If you plan to visit this wonderful place, here is a list with the top 18 best places to visit when in Greece:

1. Athens

Athens is most definitely a must for every person that wants to see Greece and really understand what this country is all about. Athens is a very important historical site for it is here where the democracy was born and also the cradle of modern civilization. Besides the rich history of this wonderful city, and its many archeological sites, the views are unforgettable. The city is more than 3000 years old, and all the old and the modern elements seem to fit perfectly together.

2. Santorini Island

One of the most famous destinations for the tourists that visit the Greek Islands is definitely Santorini. With some of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever witness, great wine, Venetian castles, and pretty little houses just at the top of the cliff that make you believe like they will fall over in the blink of an eye, this island is one of the best places to visit.

3. Myrtos Beach

For the ones who is in love with the beaches, you just have to visit the Myrtos Beach. It has been voted to be the most beautiful beach in Greece many years in a row. And it is no wonder, for the Myrtos beach looks like it has been made real from an ideal painting. White sand, crystal clear water with shades of blue and turquoise that blend together perfectly make the beach look heavenly, and if that is not enough, right behind it you can see gorgeous steep mountains that complete this perfect scenery.

4. Meteora

Meteora, or as translated from the Greek language “suspended in the air”, will leave you speechless. Here you will be able to oversee the surroundings and a few villages from the cliffs that are over 1200 feet high. Also the visit to some of the monasteries that have been built right at the top of the cliffs by the monks in the 14th to 16th century will make your trip there a unique experience.

5. Delphi

Delphi, considered by the ancient Greeks the center of the earth, is full of history and ancient stories about its making which makes it one of the great places to visit. Here you can find more about the god Apollo, and how the people used to come here for prayer, sacrifices and other rituals and you can also visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, Altar of the Chians and more.

6. Zagori

For those of you who love nature and sports, one of your top places to see must be Zagori. Here you will be amazed by the wonderful work of nature. You will find forests, high mountains, and wild rivers, all beautiful and ready for you to discover them.

7. Mount Athos

Amongst some of the most beautiful and most sacred places in Greece, lies Mount Athos where you will find monasteries, and many other religious buildings, most of them dating from the 18th century. But beware, the entrance is controlled by the monks, and only men have access on the peninsula.

8. Thessaloniki

Amongst the cities in Greece you must visit, there is Thessaloniki, the second largest city of Greece, and also the cultural capital. Here you can visit the museums and the old historic centre, and you can also explore the Hellenic nightlife.

9. Crete

You must definitely add Crete to your Greece travel itinerary. Here, the locals have managed to perfectly mend together the modern with the ancient, to preserve the old building, habits and traditions, and also build new ones without destroying the old one. Everything you look for is right here: beaches, mountains, crowds, quiet places and more.

10. Rhodes Island

Another one of the great places to visit in Greece is Rhodes Island. This will be a great destination for the romantics and the history lovers. The Old Town of Rhodes Island is full of ancient history and amongst the most well preserved in Europe. As for the romantics there are a lot of quiet beaches and relaxing resorts all over the island.

11. Chania

From the top best places to visit you cannot miss Chania if you love wine. Here you can have a complete wine-tasting experience. You can learn about the history of wine making in Greece, taste sample and even see how it is made.

12. Mount Olympus

Obviously the famous Olympus, the home of the ancient gods, could not miss from the list. The highest mountain in Greece, Olympus is great for those who want to see wonderful sights and for those who want to hike.

13. Mystras

You must visit this place if you love history and breath taking landscapes. Here you can visit one of the most important historical buildings in Greece, admire its architecture and learn about its history.

14. Patmos

A must visit for the ultimate religious experience. This island shelters the monastery of Saint John the Divine, and it is also famous for its beautiful landscapes.

15. Epidaurus Theater

For those of you who like history and architecture, the Epidaurus Theater is the place to visit. This masterpiece dates back in the fourth century and it is still very well preserved, considered to be a masterpiece of the Greek architecture.

16. Melissani Cave

Something you do not see or experience every day, the Melissani Cave is a wonder of nature. You can visit the cave by riding a gondola from the outside where the most clear and beautiful water is surrounded by monumental walls and then go inside through a small passage.

17. Taverna Christos

A trip is not a complete cultural experience if you do not get acquainted with the local cuisine, right? And when it comes to cuisine, the Greeks are world-known for their delicious and healthy foods. If you want to experience the real deal, one of the best places to visit is the Taverna Christos. Here you will be able to eat some of the best traditional dishes while relaxing on the picturesque tavern.

18. Hydra

The perfect place to sit back and relax, enjoy the simple life and take a break from the everyday traffic, pollution and crowds. Here there are no vehicles; the transportation is made with horses. You can observe the peaceful life, talk with the kind locals and learn more about the maritime culture. This visit will make you see a different way of living and is by far one of the great places to visit in Greece.

10 Best Tours in Berlin, Germany

2018-02-03T18:21:00.000-08:00

Even with reminders of the city’s harsh past all around, Berlin has still emerged as diamond. Whether you’re interested in the history and architecture of the past or the street art and creativity of the present, Berlin has countless tours for you. To make sure you get the highest quality experiences, check out our list of the best tours in Berlin below.

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Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour Ticket

While most hop-on hop-off tours only offer audio commentary, you’ll get exciting live commentary with this hop-on hop-off tour in Berlin. To get a comprehensive look at the greatest attractions in the city, this tops the list of the best tours in Berlin. Tours start every day at 9:30am and one ticket allows you 7+ hours of hop-on hop-off time, meaning you’ll have ample time to pass all of the sights then decide which ones you want to explore more later. Having a friendly and lively tour guide makes this experience that much better as you get a glimpse of sights like Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie. There’s no better way to get an introduction to this city than the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.

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75-Minute Trabi Safari

Take exploring Berlin into your own hands by squeezing into the official car of East Germany and driving past popular Berlin sights like the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Cathedral and the Berlin Wall with live radio commentary in your car. You’ll never forget this one-of-a-kind tour, especially since you get a Trabi driver’s license souvenir at the end of your tour. Is there anything better than getting to know Berlin while zipping around in a legendary Trabant?

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Berlin Tempelhof Airport Tour

Who would want to take a tour of an airport, you ask? Well, Berlin Tempelhof isn’t just any airport. Packed with history and unique architecture, any history buff will absolutely love this tour. Travel through 100 years of European history and learn why Tempelhof was so important before, during, and after the Nazi regime. This spectacular building had major impacts on everything from international aviation to the Cold War. With this exclusive Berlin Tempelhof Airport Tour you’ll get access to previously undiscovered areas of this protected monument! Though there are a lot of stairs to climb, you won’t think twice about them as the interesting things and facts you’ll experience will make each step worth it.

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Discover Berlin Walking Tour

Discover Berlin is the ultimate walking tour and by the end of it, there will be no question in your mind as to why it’s one of the best tours in Berlin. This four-hour walking tour guides you through the best of Berlin and its history. From visiting Museum Island to standing over the place where Adolf Hitler committed suicide, nothing is left out on this tour. The knowledgeable tour guide will bring Berlin’s history to life with stories from the city’s origin in medieval times to 21st-century Berlin! Not only will the tour be educational, but also comical as the guides are hilarious! They add the perfect amount of humor needed when learning about history. Whether this is your first walking tour or your 100th, it’s sure to be one of your favorites.

Berlin Day City Bike Tour

If you want to get out and get active while seeing the city, then cycle your way around Berlin on this five-hour bike tour. Visit the Berlin Wall and the site of the Nazis’ infamous book-burning. Stand on the death strip under a watchtower, soak up amazing scenery as you cross through Tiergarten Park, and enjoy a lovely lunch at a nice beer garden. Covering about six miles of the best that Berlin has to offer, with commentary about the city’s troubled history and fantastic future, this tour is a must for every traveler. If you’re short on time, but still want to see as much of Berlin as possible, then look no further than the Berlin Day City Bike Tour.

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Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Dome Tour

Enjoy views for days on the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Dome Tour. Witness some of the best views in the city as you head up to the glass dome atop the Reichstag building. Once on the roof you’ll not only get a view of the Brandenburg Gate, but also a great perspective of the TV Tower, City West, and more. As you discover the highlights of the city’s Parliamentary Quarter, and admire some of Berlin’s best sights from above while getting a get a glimpse of Berlin’s colorful past, you’ll know you chose one of the best tours in Berlin.

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Third Reich Berlin Tour

Learn all there is to know about the rise and fall of Nazi Germany on the Third Reich Berlin Tour. Travel back to the darkest days of WWII and hear about all the behind-the-scenes details of the Nazis, Gestapo, and the SS during the regime. This four-hour walking tour starts in West Berlin and takes you all the way to the path of the Soviet attack near the final battlefield of the Reichstag. You’ll see a ton of sights in between, from the Cross of Coventry to the ruins of Himmler’s SS and Gestapo HQs. The riveting commentary will have you engaged and entertained throughout the tour. Led by an expert guide, any and everything you could want to know about the Nazi regime will be answered on the Third Reich Berlin Tour.

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Potsdam: Sanssouci Palace Guided Tour from Berlin

Make sure you have your camera ready as you get to know the best of this former royal city on this tour to Potsdam. Explore the city where Frederick the Great once resided, and prepare to be amazed at the palace of Sanssouci and all the amazing sights it has to offer. It boasts gorgeous gardens, the majestic New Palace, and even a Chinese teahouse that guarantee to impress. Grandeur and history combine to make this a perfect tour for your time in Berlin.

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Berlin Street Art and Graffiti Tour and Workshop

Join Berlin’s artistic community with this street art tour and workshop. Meet real local artists and learn the ins and outs of street art in Berlin. Not only will you learn the origins of this underground phenomenon, but you’ll get insider knowledge of the unwritten rules among writers and artists. Travel through the backstreets of the city to get a glimpse of some of the latest and greatest graffiti Berlin has to offer. After admiring Berlin’s best urban art, it’s time to try your hand in this fantastic art form and become a street artist as you decorate the walls of an abandoned factory complex with your masterpiece and leave your mark on Berlin. To solidify this as one of the best tours in Berlin, you’ll even create a piece of street art you can take home.

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1-Hour Berlin City Tour by Boat

This is your chance to see Berlin from the water. Cruise down the River Spree from Friedrichstraße to Nikolaiviertel all while being entertained. The open-top boat makes this an ideal tour for capturing amazing pictures as you pass by everything from the House of World Cultures to Bellevue Palace. Perfect for guests of all ages, you don’t want to miss this fun tour during your time in Berlin.

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Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tour from Berlin

Auschwitz may be the most famous, but Sachsenhauser was the one that set the standard for all the concentration camps that followed. This half-day tour will begin with a charming train ride through the northern suburbs to the prison camp. The terrible history will come alive as your guide leads you through many parts of the camp including the Jewish barracks, the gallows, and a killing center. Learn about the tragedies that were happening inside of the Gestapo prison while the world’s eyes were distracted by the 1936 Olympic Games. Though such a somber and humbling site, your guide is sure to provide you with an interesting and excellent experience.

With so much to do in this great city, the best tours in Berlin are sure to give you the most for your time.

roadaffair

9 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Sioux Falls, SD

2018-02-03T18:01:00.002-08:00

Sitting on the eastern border of South Dakota, and serving as the largest city in the state, Sioux Falls provides big-city attractions with a small-town feel. From the city's namesake at Falls Park, where thousands of gallons of water cascade over Sioux Quartzite every second, to the SculptureWalk spread throughout the downtown shopping district, Sioux Falls delivers on both natural and modern tourist attractions. Whether it's learning something new at the Washington Pavilion or hiking the trails at the Big Sioux Recreation Area, Sioux Falls can easily provide the entertainment; you just have to provide the time to explore.

1. Falls Park

Serving as the namesake and number one attraction of Sioux Falls, the triple waterfall at Falls Park has been a centerpiece here since the city's inception in 1856. Much like the fast-moving water of the Big Sioux River that creates this impressive natural display, Falls Park receives a steady flow of visitors throughout the year to appreciate the manicured space. While the summer months tend to draw the biggest crowds, during the colder months, this city-owned attraction transforms into a true winter wonderland worth exploring.

Besides admiring the steadfast movement of water up close, other popular things to see here include the remains of the historic Queen Bee Mill and a visitor information center with an attached five-story observation tower. To refuel at Falls Park, the Overlook Cafe serves lunch, dinner, and live music on Friday nights. The 19-mile Big Sioux River and Recreation Greenway also stretches in both directions from Falls Park, allowing this namesake attraction to be just a pitstop on a full day of adventure in Sioux Falls.

Address: 131 E. Falls Park Drive, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

2. Good Earth State Park at Blood Run

Located 10 miles southeast of downtown Sioux Falls, Good Earth State Park is part of the larger Blood Run National Landmark, with one of the oldest sites of human occupancy in the country. Well before any state parks were ever established, Blood Run served as an important gathering space and trading center for many local tribes and indigenous cultures. Today, Good Earth State Park ranks as one of the best state parks in South Dakota and pays homage to this culturally rich area through native prairie systems and engaging cultural content about the native community. Attractions include six miles of scenic hiking trails and an 11,000-square-foot visitor center brimming with information about the Oneota traditional people. A visit here provides a fascinating look into a time well before our own.

Address: 26924 480th Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

3. Washington Pavilion of Arts & Science

Serving as the hub of science, art, and culture for the region, the Washington Pavilion provides key cultural opportunities for Sioux Falls residents and visitors. Featuring two performing arts centers, where Broadway shows, live concerts, and an array of recitals are always on the line-up, the Washington Pavilion is also home to the Wells Fargo CineDome, which sets the stage for an excellent movie-watching experience.

Visitors to the Washington Pavilion can also admire the exhibits on display in the Visual Arts Center, which contains seven different galleries dedicated to local, national, and international artists. Perhaps the most engaging of all the attractions at the Washington Pavilion, however, is the lofty three-story Kirby Science Discovery Center, which harnesses the power of imagination and hands-on displays to create a fun place for every member of the family to enjoy.

Address: 301 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

4. SculptureWalk Sioux Falls

Consisting of more than 50 new sculptures each year, spread throughout downtown Sioux Falls, SculptureWalk adds another touch of fun while you explore the shops, restaurants, and hotels in the heart of the city. Whether you seek out as many sculptures as you can, or a certain work of art happens to catch your eye as you're making your way down the sidewalk, everyone is encouraged to cast a vote for their favorite each year. During any downtown sculpture tour, a recommended place to stop is the original Minervas restaurant for fine eats.

Address: 300 S Phillips Ave L104, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

5. Big Sioux Recreation Area

Located 10 miles east of Sioux Falls and found on the banks of the Big Sioux River, the Big Sioux Recreation Area exemplifies the rolling prairie landscape and woodlands found in the region. Popular activities to enjoy at the Big Sioux Recreation Area include accessing the Big Sioux River, navigating the dense five miles of woodland trails, and playing a round on the 18-hole disc golf course that meanders throughout the prairie. With so many recreational options, as well as 50 campsites and three cabins, Big Sioux Recreation Area is a top contender for one of the best campgrounds in South Dakota.

Address: 410 W Park Street, Brandon, South Dakota

6. Butterfly House & Aquarium

Located in Sertoma City Park on the southwest side of Sioux Falls, the Butterfly House & Aquarium provides a hands-on experience with nature through an abundance of butterflies and variety of marine life. Operating as a nonprofit organization, the Butterfly House & Aquarium strives to nurture opportunities for learning, healing, and celebrating nature, and through exhibits like the Butterfly House or the Shark and Stingray Touch Pool, they seem to reach their goal. In addition to simply stopping by to see the exhibits, visitors to the Butterfly House & Aquarium are encouraged to partake in weekly classes and events for all ages, ranging from young explorer camps to tai chi and yoga sessions in the gardens.

Address: 4320 S Oxbow Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

7. Old Courthouse Museum

Housed in a 19th-century courthouse building, the Old Courthouse Museum contains three stories of permanent and rotating exhibits, all of which help paint a brighter picture of the history of the region. Admission is free, although donations are accepted, and with the larger-than-life murals on the wall and numerous historical artifacts, the Old Courthouse Museum makes it easy to remember the past. For some live-action history, visitors to the Old Courthouse Museum can take part in any one of the many community events hosted by the museum, including concert series, Halloween parties, and Victorian tea lectures and servings.

Address: 200 W 6th Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

8. Cathedral of Saint Joseph

Towering above the skyline of Sioux Falls, the Cathedral of Saint Joseph stands proudly as a century-old, eye-catching attraction. Throughout the last 100 years, it has contributed to the surrounding neighborhood and community, and after a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2011, restoring it back to its original grandeur, it has attracted visitors from around the world. Self-guided and guided tours are available at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph throughout the week, and anyone can attend Mass during the scheduled times. Regardless of the reason you go, whether it be spiritual or architecturally inquisitive, the magnificence of the Cathedral of Saint Joseph will meet you at the front door.

Address: 523 N Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

9. Great Plains Zoo

Encompassing 45 acres, the Great Plains Zoo offers up-close views of more than 1,000 animals, ranging from snow monkeys to Amur tigers and eastern black rhinos. As well as the many animals to see here, other popular things to do include chatting with the zoo keepers, catching a ride on the Sanford Carrousel, and visiting the exhibits at the Delbridge Museum of Natural History. The Great Plains Zoo is open year-round, with different activities to do each season, providing a lifetime of learning at this nationally recognized zoo and educational space.

Address: 805 S Kiwanis Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

planetware

10 Breathtaking USA Cities You Must Visit in 2018

2018-02-03T16:07:00.000-08:00

America is a supreme place to visit. Vivid energy, beautiful sites, all kinds of people. It is really a place which has a cultural cocktail, ranging from different people to different places. From the dramatic movie capital to historic sites and all over delicious food, you can be a part of the modern American dream by travelling in the country. But which places to go?
Here are the top 10 cities to visit while you are in the amazing country that is called the United States of America:

1. New York City tops the list of everyone who visits America. It is also one of the top locations to be visited around the globe. From the famous Times Square (recommended to visit during the night) to Central Park and museums, it is a city that never sleeps and never ceases to amaze.

2. Austin is the capital of Texas and is quite famous for its music scene and nightlife. Known for its acclaimed music festivals, this city has a lot to offer; great music, diverse people and a great road trip time.

3. Los Angeles is deemed as the city of dreams, for its obvious connection to Hollywood. This city is purely magical and has a lot to offer. The Hollywood star walk of fame and Venice beach are some places to mention. Great food, great energy, a lot of creativity and many celebrity sightings is what best describes this city.

4. San Diego in California is also a very popular spot. Its beaches are among the top ranked in the country and they are a lot of fun. From meeting new people to relaxing the sand, it is a day well spent. Its parks are also very beautiful; one can truly appreciate the natural beauty of the city. It also a bird park to visit.

5. Las Vegas makes for a crazy city, which is dramatic, rich and dark. From high end shopping to walking through casinos, you really feel like one of the high rollers even if you are visiting for fun. There are fun tours to enjoy. You can also enjoy live residency shows from Celine Dion and Britney Spears if you are lucky to get the tickets.

6. Honolulu is the total opposite of Vegas; it is calm, peaceful and natural with white beaches, nice breezes and joyful sunsets. Visit this city for pure relaxation.

7. San Antonio is a very beautiful family place. From friendly people to good street activities. San Antonio Zoo and the SeaWorld are great attractions.

8. New Orleans may seem like just another city, but in reality is the most diverse city. With great architecture, jazz music, brilliant food and spirituality, NewOrleans feels like a sweet street city with an American spin.

9. Chicago is a fun city to visit. Excellent sights, activities and food are what sums up this place. Take a tour around and stop by to have Chicago’s famous deep fold and layered pizzas.

10. Orlando has many offerings to its visitors. Many of the Disney theme parks for starters, then you have Universal studios and many other adventures. Visit Orlando is you want memorable times and great amusement.