Destinations

Bhutan - Kingdom of Happiness

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Sights of Rio - Escadaria Selaron

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Escadaria Selaron

Tucked away between the hill top of Santa Teresa and a side street of Lapa is a crazy and colorful stairway covered with red, green and yellow tiles. The Selaron Steps are the work of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selaron who came to Rio in 1983 and started work on the stairs in 1990.

The stairway has 215 steps measuring 125 metres, covered with 2000 majolica tiles collected in urban areas of Rio and from over 60 countries around the world.

Amongst the tiles, are red-coloured unique pieces which according to Selaron were a tribute to the Brazilian people. Some 300-odd tiles were hand painted by him depicting a pregnant African woman which he said was a ‘Personal problem from my past’.

The Selaron Steps are a must visit when in Rio. We were holidaying in Rio in the month of August in 2017

For more images of Rio please visit my website Pravine Chester Photography

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Zaanse Schans and it's Windmills

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On the outskirts of Amsterdam is this very interesting village of Zaanse Schans. With some planning and research, I skipped taking a guided tour to this charming village and managed to bus down to this village of windmills.

The Windmills of Zaanse Schans

Dating to the 18^th and early 19^th century, Zaanse Schans has a collection of historic windmills and houses and is a major tourist attraction. These wooden windmills are built in the typically Dutch wooden architecture and have been relocated here in bits and pieces from all over Holland since 1961

Some of the windmills of Zaanse Schans are still functioning and for a fee one can take a tour of the windmill from inside and get an opportunity to climb to the upper level to get a great view of the surrounding landscape.

The beautiful village

Zaanse Schans is a very popular tourist destination and hordes of visitors descend on the village when the weather is good. One can easily spend 3 to 4 hours here admiring the windmills, the surrounding landscape and lake and shopping at the many souvenir shops. Nearly a million visitors come here in a year. The best time to visit the village is in the summer months when it is clear.

Whereas, entrance to the village is free of charge, a fee is charged to visit the museums and to go inside the windmills.

The mill in one of the windmills

To see my portfolio of photographs please do visit my website Pravine Chester Photography

Amsterdam - the city of Canals

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Amsterdam, the city of canals is the largest city of Netherlands. It is truly a biker’s city, although pedaling along the labyrinthine streets can get a little chaotic. Stick to walking and you won’t be disappointed. The gentle canals make a perfect backdrop for exploring the Jordaan and Rembrandtplein Square. Pop into the Red Light District if you must—if only so you can say you’ve been there. It is also a city of museums most notable of them being the Rijksmuseum that boasts a sensational collection of works. The Anne Frank House is one of the most moving experiences a traveller can have, and the Van Gogh Museum is another must visit.

Some sights of Amsterdam -
The Royal Palace, Amsterdam
Built in 1665 during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17^th Century , the Royal Palace dominates the Dam Square in the center of the town. This was originally conceived as the Town Hall of Amsterdam and when built was the largest and most expensive town hall in entire Europe. It was only in 1808 when Napoleon’s brother crowned himself King of The Netherlands that the Palace transformed itself into a Royal Residence. Currently, the Royal Family of Netherlands uses the palace only for official ceremonies.

Prinsengracht
Amsterdam is a city with over 150 kms of canals and 1500 bridges over them Prinsengracht is one of the 3 main canals and is the most popular with a number of historical buildings on its banks most of which were built during the Dutch Golden Age. This 17^th century canal ring area is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Waag
The Waag was one of the medieval gates of Amsterdam known as St Anthony’s Gate. This is a 15^th century building on Nieuwmarkt square in Amsterdam. The ground floor is now a café and restaurant.

Rijksmuseum
This is a museum with some outstanding works of art. Amongst others, there is a great collection of Rembrandt, Steen, Vermeer and Van Gogh. I took the the audio guide ( costs 5 Euros) which is a perfect way to understand the artists and the story behind the paintings .

Painting by Rembrandt at the Museum

The museum is large and spread out making it possible to enjoy the paintings without getting cramped . You can easily cover the museum at your own pace and if you get tired, there is ample seating where you can rest and listen to the detailed audio commentary. At least 3 to 4 hours are needed for a visit
An easy way to reach the museum is to take the tram (No 5) from the Centraal station or the Dam Square if that is closer which takes about 15 to 20 minutes and drops you just minutes away from the museum. Close by is the Van Gogh museum which is also certainly worth a visit.There is a nice café as well as a shop to pick up souvenirs as you exit from the museum.
Basilica of Saint Nicholas
This 125-year-old church is a major Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam. The architecture is Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance

Nieuwe Kerk
This is a 15th-century church in Amsterdam, located on Dam Square, next to the Royal Palace

Another interesting building is the Centraal Station in Amsterdam. This station handles over 2,50,000 people every day. The station was opened in 1889 and is a Gothic/renaisance buidling.

Centraal Station of Amsterdam

If you are a first time visitor to Amsterdam, it is a good idea to stay near the Centraal Station as this is convenient and easy for transportation. All tours take off from Damrak - the road in front of the station. We found the Park Plaza Victoria Hotel in front of the station to be comfortable and convenient.

Antwerp and its Beauty

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We arrive in Antwerp at the beautiful Central Station , one of the world’s most impressive railway stations. Just in front of the station was our hotel, the Radisson Blu – another interesting building.

Antwerp, the second largest city of Belgium is one of Europe’s most important cities and home to the famous superstar artist Pieter Rubens. Antwerp is a splendid city with numerous architectural highlights that date from the 16^th and 17^th century. It is also the diamond centre of the world. We spend the next few days monument-hopping, drinking Belgium beer and enjoying Rubens’ paintings in the impressive cathedral.

ANTWERP CENTRALL STATION

One of the main landmarks of Antwerp is its railway station. Dubbed the ‘Railway Cathedral’ , it is one of the world’s most impressive railway stations.

The station was completed in 1905 and replaced an earlier wooden one.

The main building has a huge dome over the main waiting hall and the platforms are covered by a huge iron and glass vaulted ceiling.

In 2009 the magazine Newsweek judged Antwerpen-Centraal the world's fourth greatest train station. In 2014 the British-American magazine Mashable awarded Antwerpen-Centraal the first place for the most beautiful railway stations of the world.

The rich interior of the station is lavishly decorated with more than twenty different kinds of marble and stone. The main hall and the railway cafeteria can match the interiors of many palaces. Not a single square meter either inside or outside the building is not decorated.

CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY IN ANTWERP

This historic cathedral that dominates the city of Antwerp was built between 1352 and 1521 and is listed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

This is a masterpiece of Gothic Architecture and is the largest church in Benelux. The 123 mtrs tall spire is the tallest in the city. Forty seven bells hang in the tower

Antwerp Cathedral's interior is an impressive sight, with sweeping Gothic lines and soaring vaults, all in gleaming white. It has an amazing collection of wood carved items – largest of which are the monumental choir stalls.

A major attraction for visitors to the Antwerp Cathedral are the four masterpieces by Rubens - the ‘Descent from the Cross (1632) being the most notable .

ANTWERP CITY HALL

The city hall in Antwerp is one of the most important tourist destinations in Antwerp. Built in 1561, the facade is richly decorated with statues, ornaments and coat of arms.
Throughout most of the year, the main façade of the city hall is decorated with 87 flags. The central flags on the bottom row represent Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, Europe and the United Nations. The other flags represent countries that are member of the European Union and nations that have a consulate in Antwerp.

The Grote Market and Brabo Fountain

Antwerps main square is the Grote Markt . This compact square is pedestrianized and surrounded by beautiful Guild houses . The centerpiece of the square is a large fountain built in 1887. The statue represents the legend according to which , a giant Antigoon demanded a high toll for each ship that wanted to enter the city. If the ship's crew did not want to pay the toll, their hands were cut off. The hero Brabo fought the giant, cut its hand and head and threw the hand in the river.

The fountain's statue depicts Brabo throwing the giant's hand in the river Scheldt and symbolizes the free passage through the river.

Het Steen

The oldest building in Antwerp is a medieval fortress made of stone. This 800 year old fortress was built around the year 1200. It was named Steen ( the Dutch word Steen means stone) as this was the first large building constructed in stone. What remains today is just 1/6^th of the original castle along with the imposing entrance gate. An inclined ramp leads to a small inner courtyard.

At the entrance bridge to the castle is a statue of a giant and two humans. It depicts the giant Lange Wapper who used to terrorise the inhabitants of the city in medieval times.

To see my portfolio of photographs please do visit my website Pravine Chester Photography

Tanzanian Experience

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From the time we first visited Africa in 2013, we knew we had to visit this amazing continent again so this year we headed towards Tanzania with the spectacular Serengeti and its bountiful wildlife being our main destination. In preparation I got myself a new Nikon full frame camera and a 600 mm telephoto lens to capture both animals and small birds on my camera.

Tanzania is one wonderful package of wildlife, fascinating cultures, smiling and friendly people, beaches and of course Kilimanjaro – the highest peak on the African continent as well as the tallest freestanding mountain in the world.

Our visit started with the city of Dar es Salaam , Tanzania’s largest and richest city. This multicultural city is located along a natural harbor on the Indian Ocean and besides Africans, is home to Arabic and South Asian communities and British and German expats. Its diversity in culture is reflected in the different cuisines and restaurants that exist in the city. We move on from here to Mwanza , Tanzania’s second-largest city. Known for it’s strong Indian influence, the city is set on the shore of Lake Victoria. This is also the starting or finishing point for safaris through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

From Mwanza we embark on our 7-day safari covering the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Arusha national Park and finally Arusha from where we return to Dar and back home. We drove over a 1200 kms in a land cruiser through the savannah and bush of East Africa in our search of wildlife in their natural habitat.

Sunset in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam

After a long 9 hour flight from Delhi via Doha , we land in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest and richest city and the largest city in eastern Africa by population. Known simply as Dar, the city’s name literally means ‘the residence of peace. Even though the city is not a tourist destination, it get’s its importance as the main arrival and departure point for tourists visiting Zanzibar and the famous wildlife parks of Serengeti for safaris. Dar es Salaam is located on a natural harbor on the Eastern coast of Africa.

Kivukoni Fish Market

One of the places that one must visit is the Kivukoni Fish Market in downtown Dar. There is an auction every morning at 7.00 AM of the fresh catch that is bought in boats. Unfortunately missed this as I reached at 9.30, but there still was still plenty of action there. The place is dirty and the stench of fish fills the air with both traders and customers bargaining for the best price.

The place is an interesting melt of culture and business. Since the market is on the waterfront, one can see colorful boats unloading fish. The market has all types of fish that the locals come to buy. The place is great for photography though my guide advised me not to – I still managed some great shots.

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Azania Front Lutheran Church

One of the best-known landmarks and tourist attractions of Dar is this Lutheran church located in the city center and close to the ocean facing the harbor. This Bavarian style church was built in 1898 by German Missionaries.

Visited in June 2015

Bandhavgarh National Park

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One of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild is the Bandhavgarh National Park. This was declared a national park in 1968 and has an area of 105 sq kms. Reaching the park is easy – it is a four-hour drive from Jabalpur, which is the nearest point if you are arriving by air.

Tiger Emerging from the Forest

The park is open from mid October to mid June. Safaris need to be booked in advance either directly or through the hotel one is staying in – and there are plenty of resorts and hotels around Bandhavgarh to take care of everything. Limited numbers of vehicles are allowed into the park at fixed times and fixed routes – 6.00 to 10.30 in the morning and 2.30 to 5.30 in the evening. You cannot get out of the jeep once in the park.

The Tigress of Rajbehera on the move

The park is most famous for it’s tigers, which very often can be very elusive. We were lucky to have 2 sightings of the majestic animals. Other animals in plenty are the Sāmbhar deer, spotted deer, langurs and baboons. Leopards too can be seen at times. The park has a variety of birds that can be spotted. When we visited in November, it was lush green with some great scenery and landscapes. Sunrise in the morning is a treat to watch.

In the park is the famous 10^th century Bandhavgarh fort on a hilltop. Visitors are not allowed there but one can go to the man made caves lower on the hill. There is also a historic 10^th century statue of Lord Vishnu, which should not be missed.

If you love wildlife and are fond of nature, then a visit here is a must. Remember to book in advance and to go for at least 4 safaris to ensure a tiger sighting


Tigress on the dam crossing over

For more images of animals in Badhavgarh, please visit my website at

Pravine Chester's Photography

Bruges

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Bruges is a beautiful city in Belgium. It is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is located in the northwest of the country. The city has some beautiful houses lining the canals of the city.
This famous tourist spot is just an hour away form Antwerp or Brussels and there are a number of trains that you can catch to reach here.
Be sure to take a boat ride on the canals of the city to get great views of the town.

One of the Canals

July 2014

The Lions of Gir

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Besides Africa, the only place where lions exist is the Gir National Park in Gujarat in West India. This is the sole home of the Asiatic Lions and is a protected national park. Lioness on the lookout

Though there are no direct air connections to this place, it is easy to fly down to Rajkot from Mumbai and drive down to Sasan Gir ( approx. 160kms / 3.5 Hrs) . It is estimated that there are over 400 lions today in Gir.

Watchful Young Lion

The Lazy One (Top ) and Lioness on the Prowl ( Bottom)

The Gir forest is a deciduous scrub forest which is ideal as a habitat for the Asiatic Lions. It differs from the African Lion in having a smaller mane and a larger tail tuft. They are also smaller than the African Lion.

These photgraphs were taken on my visit to the Gir Forest in April 2014.

Please do visit my website of at Pravine Chester's Photo Portfolio

Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City

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The Reunification Palace is an important destination for all tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City. However, as a palace it is a disappointment. The original building was destroyed in 1962 by two rebel South Vietnamese Pilots in an assassination bid on the then President Diem who ordered the remaining building to be completely demolished and a new Palace to be built.

View of the Palace from the Front

There isn't much to see except rooms which you cannot enter but only see through the doors. An interesting place is the basement with its telecommunications centre, war room and the numerous tunnels leading to the bunkers. However unbearably hot and humid in there and if you are claustrophobic then best to avoid.

Two of the main rooms of the Palace

On the roof is displayed the helicopter which was used by the president. Two spots have been highlighted where another rebel of the South Vietnam army tried to bomb the palace.

The Helipad on the Roof and the 2 spots where bombs were dropped

The main attraction are the 2 tanks on the right as one enters the Palace grounds. These were the tanks that smashed through the gates when the North took over the South.

One of the Tanks that were used to Capture the Palace

The Reunification Palace in Saigon is an important destination to visit if you in the city. It gives one a perspective of the history and of Vietnam.

Please also visit my webiste Pravine Chester's Photography

Cathedral of Peter & Paul in St Petersburg

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If you are in St Petersburg, visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress is a must. Inside the Fortress, the most important structure is the Sts Peter and Paul cathedral.

View of the Cathedral

This is the oldest church in St Petersburg and was consecrated on June 29, 1733. The cathedral is closely linked to both the history of the city and to the Romanov dynasty and is home to the graves of nearly all the rulers of Russia since Peter the Great. It is located within the Peter & Paul Fortress on an island near the bank of the river Neva and built under the direction of Tsar Peter I .

The Main Pulpit of the Church

T One of the Beautiful Chandeliers in the church

View of the Cathedral from the front

Visited St Petersburg in August 2013

Eurasian Kingfisher

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Eurasian Kingfisher

This small Kingfisher , also known as the Common Kingfisher or River Kingfisher is widely distributed across Eurasia and North Africa. This sparrow sized bird has the typical short-tailed, large-headed kingfisher profile; it has blue upperparts, orange underparts and a long bill. It feeds mainly on fish, caught by diving, and has special visual adaptions to enable it to see prey under water. The glossy white eggs are laid in a nest at the end of a burrow in a riverbank. ( Ref Wikipidia )

Photographed at the Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur. January 2014

To see more of my photographs, please visit my website Pravine Chester's Photo Portfolio

Moscow - Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

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Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow

This is one of the most imposing and controversial building in Russia. This enormous and very expensive cathedral was consecrated in 1883 after the defeat of Napoleon. However it was singled out by the Soviet government for destruction and in 1931 was completely destroyed to make way for the proposed Palace of Soviets which was however never built. The project was replaced to become an open-air swimming pool – the largest in the world and kept at constant temperature of 27 degrees .

The huge Copper domes of the Cathedral that dominate the Moscow skyline

It was only after the fall of the Soviet Union that a decision was taken to resurrect the cathedral in a $ 360 million reconstruction project. The new cathedral was completed in 2000.

View of the Moskva River from the Pedestrian Bridge in the front of the Cathedral.

Visited and photographed in August 2013.

Moscow - Red Square

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The most important attraction to go to when visiting Moscow is the The Red Square. Steeped in history, this lively square in the centre of Moscow can be considered the heart and soul of Russia and leaves a visitor amazed at the beauty and architecture of the place. It is believed that the square acquired its current name in the 17th Century. It was however only in the early 20th century that Red Square became famous as the site for massive military parades to showcase to the world the might and power of the Soviet Union.

View of Red Square from opposite ends

One interesting fact is that the name 'Red Square' has nothing to do with communism or many of the red coloured buildings surrounding the square. It comes from the Russian word ' Krasnaya' meaning red or beautiful.

The most striking structure that one sees on coming to the red square is St Basil's Cathedral. St Basil's cathedral was built in 1552 and actually consists of 9 churches that were consecrated in memory of major events.

Picture above shows St Basil's Cathedral on the right and the Spasskaya Tower on the Left.

Another historical structure facing the Red Square is The Spasskaya Tower which is the main tower with a through passage on the eastern wall of the Kremlin . The Spasskaya Tower was built in 1491 by an Italian architect.

Spasskaya Tower

The red star atop the Spasskaya Tower was installed by the Soviets in 1935

In front of St Basil's Cathedral stands the famous statue of Minin and Pozharksky. The statue commemorates Prince Dmitry and the butcher Kuzam Minin who as leaders of the militia repelled the Polish invasion 0f 1612. The statue was earlier in the center of the red square but was moved as it interfered with Stalin's plans for massed military parades.

The Statue of Minin and Pozharsky

As one walks further down into Red Square and away from the cathedral on the Eastern side of the Red Square , you come across a grand cream coloured building on the right. This is Russia's most famous shopping mall - the state department store - GUM.

The famous GUM store on Red Square

Front View of the GUM shopping Mall

On the North side of the square is a small and charming church. This is the Kazan Cathedral which was built to commemorate the repulsion of Polish invaders in the 17th century. It was however demolished by the Soviet authorities in 1936. Work on restoring and rebuilding the cathedral was undertaken in 1990 which was completed in 3 years.

The Kazan Cathedral on the North of Red Square

At the far end North end of the Red Square is the State Historical Museum. Its exhibitions range from relics of prehistoric tribes that lived on the territory of present-day Russia, through priceless artworks acquired by members of the Romanov dynasty. The total number of objects in the museum's collection comes to millions.

State Historical Museum

When Lenin, who was known as the Father of the Revolution died, it was decided that his body would be preserved and kept in a special resting place and hence the Lenin Mausoleum was built . The embalmed body of Lenin is laid in the mausoleum and can be seen by visitors.

Lenin Mausoleum in Red Square

Needless to add, the Red Square in Moscow is an attraction that has to be visited by anyone going to Moscow. It leaves one in awe of the grandeur and beauty of the place.

Anita with Poline our guide in Moscow

A newly wed couple paying homage at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier behind Red Square

August 2013.

Istanbul - Basilica Cistern

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A fascinating place to visit when you are in Istanbul is the Basilica Cistern. This ancient cistern was built during the reign of Byzantine emperor Justinian in 1532. This is the largest of all cisterns in Istanbul.

This underground chamber is about 9800 sq mts in area with 336 marble columns holding the ceiling. As one descends down the 52 steps into the entrance of the cistern one is met with an eerie red glow reflected from the columns and water which is just a few feet deep and has koi fish in it.

The Medusa column bases located at the far end are not to be missed. These are two columns supported by upside down Medusa heads.

Another interesting column that you will not miss inside the cistern is the 'Teardrop column'. This is located in the centre of the cistern

The one hour that I spent inside the cistern was certainly a most interesting and educative one. Be sure to hire headphones with the taped running commentary to guide you through the cistern. There is a small fee to enter the cistern.
The Basilica Cistern is a close 150 metres from Hagia Sophia and equally close to the Blue Mosque.
Visited in August 2013

Moscow - St Basil's Cathedral

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One Landmark in Moscow that stands out for its beauty and grandeur is St Basil's Cathedral, better known as the Cathedral of St Vasily.

St. Basils Cathedral

The building is shaped as a flame of a bonfire rising into the sky and contains 8 churches built around a central one. Also known as The Cathedral of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God upon the Moat, it was built in 1552 by Czar Ivan the Terrible. When built the cathedral was to epitomize the image of the Holy City of Jerusalem as a result of which, its nine churches which were consecrated in memory of major events of the Kazan campaign of Czar Ivan were built on a single foundation.

The cathedral is now a museum though one service a year is held on the day of Intercession in October. The church has been a part of the Kremlin and Red Square UNESCO Heritage Site since 1990.

With Anita in front of St Basil's Cathedral on our vacation in August 2013.

Eating out in Moscow - Cafe Margarita

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Musicians at Cafe Margarita

By the side of the picturesque Patriarch’s Prudy is an interesting café offering funky fare along with live gypsy and jazz music. This dark cosy single room café has been an attraction for both tourists and locals alike for the last 20 years .

Enjoying the Evening

This is a great place to come and listen to Russian classical and folk music played by trained musicians (both pros and students ). Though the food is basic and a bit overpriced, it really does not matter as most people come here to hear the musicians who play every night creating a wonderful atmosphere. There is a charge of 100R for the music.

Cafe Margaria

Visited Cafe Margarita in August 2013.

Sergiev Posad - Golden Ring Town

2013-08-20T21:35:00.000+05:30

Visitors to Moscow have to include a visit to The Golden Ring towns which are located in the Northeast of Moscow to get a feel of ancient Russia. These ancient towns ( eight in number ) played a significant role in the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church. These towns are among the most picturesque in Russia and prominently feature the onion shaped domes in their churches and monastries.

75 kms to the north of Moscow lies the town of Sergiev Posad - one of the Golden Ring Towns. Located in the city is the Holy Trinity Lavra ( Monastery of the Holy Trinity).

Cathedral of the Holy Trinity

Inside the monastery is the Trinity Cathedral which is the most important church on the site and where the remains of St Sergius lie. This is a white building with golden domes and was constructed in 1422.


The Holy Trinity Cathedral in the Monastery

Shrine over the Spring

On the right of the cathedral is the 'Shrine over the Spring' which was built when a spring of water sprang in the 17th century during repairs of the cathedral. The water is believed to have the power to heal the sick. The water comes out of a cross shaped fountain that is covered with a colourful canopy.

Shrine over the Spring

Cross from where the Holy Water Flows

The Gateway Church of the Nativity of St John the Baptist

The Church was constructed between 1693 – 1699 over one of the gates. It displays the characteristic features of "Stroganov buildings" in intricate details and free treatment of classical forms. The lower part is cut by a gate arch. On both sides of the arch are staircases leading to the upper part with the cube of the Church surrounded by a gallery.


Church of the Nativity of St John the Baptist

Fresco on the Gate

Unfortunately, we could not see and admire the Holy Trinity Larva in all its beauty as the monastery is undergoing renovations for the 700th anniversary of St Sergius which will be celebrated in 2014. Iconic structures like the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Bell Tower etc were wrapped under canopies for repair work.

An interesting Russian Orthodox Church near the town of Sergiev Posad

Domes of a Russian Orthodox Church

Getting there:

There are a number of options to visit Sergiev Posad from Moscow. There are trains every half hour from Yaroslavi Station and take about an hour and a half to reach. Trains start from 5 AM from Moscow and the last return train is at midnight. Buses leave every 15 minutes and take about 2 hours. Another option is to take a guided tour which of course is much more expensive.

St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile

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A prominent structure of the Royal Mile is St. Giles Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of
Edinburgh and is easily recognised by its unique crown steeple which is a prominent feature of the city skyline.

St Giles Cathedral

The present church dates from the late 14th century though the church wash founded in 1130
and has been one of Edinburgh’s religious focal points for almost 900 years.

The Spire atop St Giles Cathedral

The Entrance of St Giles Cathedral

Photographs in this post were taken during our vacation in Scotland in the summer of 2012

The Royal Mile of Edinburgh

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Torn Kirk Clock Tower

If you are a tourist visiting Edinburgh, the first place you should head towards is the Royal Mile. This slightly over a mile long road starts from the entrance of the Edinburgh Castle and ends at the gates of Holyrood Palacehouse.


View of the pedestrian only area of the Royal Mile

Scotsman playing his bagpipes

The Royal mile is an eclectic mix of tourists, shops, restaurants, pubs and historic monuments and is probably one of the most famous streets in the world. This historic heart of the city is full of fascinating links to the history of Scotland which is very visible as one walks down this beautiful cobbled street.

This most famous thoroughfare which goes through the old city is made up of the streets of Castle Esplanade, Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate and Abbey Strand.

A series of narrow alleys connect to the street from the north and south. Castle hill from where the Royal Mile originates was once an active volcano which subsequently solidified into a volcanic plug that is now the castle rock on which sits the Edinburgh castle. It is believed that people have lived on castle rock for over 7000 years and the castle area has been a hill fort for over 2000 years.

The Royal Mile is bustling with life and it can easily take you more than a few days to really enjoy all that it offers. Sights like this Scotsman in his kilts playing his bagpipes can be seen on the streets. Be sure to explore the side streets and alleys - you will be pleasantly surprised by interesting small shops, cafes and tea rooms.

A walk down the royal mile will take you past some of the most popular tourist venues in this region. Some of these are

1. Edinburgh Castle

2. Scotch Whiskey Heritage Centre

3. St Giles Cathedral

4. Mary King's Close

5. Scottish Parliament

6. Palace of Holyrood


St Giles Cathedral

Anita enjoying a bite and chilled beer at one of the many eating places on the mile

My photographs are available as framed prints, posters, canvas prints etc. Please click on the image below to go directly to my art shop.

Niagara Falls

2012-04-02T12:49:00.001+05:30

For generations, the majestic Niagara Falls have evoked a sense of awe and admiration. This major tourist attraction offers spectacular scenery's, throbbing night life and miles of hiking opportunities. This is certainly a vacation destination that everyone can enjoy. The Niagara Falls are best viewed from the city of Ontario in Canada. The closest airports to the Falls are Toronto in Canada and Buffalo in the US. As we were travelling from New York city, we flew in to Buffalo and travelled by road ( a short 2 hour drive ) to Ontario. If possible, choose a hotel which offers rooms with a view of the the falls . Stayed at the Marriott which has some spectacular views of both American as well as the Canadian Horseshoe Falls

The Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian Side

The Niagara falls are actually 3 falls – the main Canadian Horseshoe Falls falling on the Canadian side and the adjacent American Falls falling on the American side along with the comparatively smaller Bridal Veils Falls .

View of the Horseshoe Falls

The Horseshoe Falls (right) and American Falls (left)

The Niagara Falls are believed to have been formed when glaciers receded at the end of the last ice age about 10,000 years ago resulting in the formation of the Great Lakes. The water from these lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. The Niagara Falls are very wide with more than 6 million cubic feet of water falling over the crest every minute The Falls form the highest flow rate on any waterfall in the world and has a vertical drop of 165 feet. Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America. The width of the Horseshoe Falls is about 790 mtrs while the smaller American Falls is 320 mtrs wide. The Falls are located on the Niagara River draining Lake Erie into Lake Ontario.

Another Views of the Falls

Rainbow over the Horseshoe Falls

These pictures were taken from our room which overlooked the Falls. Sunrise is a sight to be

experienced.

Sunrise at Niagara

Table Rock Welcome Centre

Ontario Skyline as seen from the Niagara Parks

The action at the Niagara Falls starts from the Table Rock welcome centre from where you get an awesome view of the majestic falls. This is the heart of the Niagara Parks where over 8 million visitors come during the year and experience the thundering water flowing over the brink of the Horseshoe falls. Be sure to experience 'Niagara Fury' - a show replicating the creation of the Niagara Falls. This is a show that will immerse you in a 4D style experience where standing on a large platform that will sway and roll, you will experience water that will spray down and snow fall all around. This is Niagara's fury.

The Table Rock Centre has a well stocked food court with Tim Horton's, Niagara Pizza Co., Ah-So Sushi, Burger Town and other favourite options for a light meal or beverage. The centre also has shops offering Canadian gifts and souvenirs. Be sure to pick yours from here.

Anita after a hectic day of sightseeing

Ontario is a true tourist spot and a very popular holiday destination. Accommodation options are many catering to the budget traveller as well as the well heeled ones. After a day of sightseeing, evenings can be enjoyable with a variety of dining choices and cuisines on offer. Night life too has much to offer - both for grown-ups as well as children. During the summer months, there is a spectacular fireworks display over the falls. Don't miss it if you are visiting in summer.

If you want to try your luck, visit the Casino Niagara with 1700 slot machines or the Fallsview Casino resort. For the die hard rock fan, there is the Hard Rock Club which has a dance floor with a view of the falls.

There is much to discover at Niagara Falls. You will enjoy this break.

2012-01-22T01:00:00.000+05:30

If you are visiting Prague, you will definitely be take a tour of the Tyn Church, the real name of which is Church of Our Lady before Tyn. The two spires of this powerful looking Gothic church (with a Baroque interior) dominate the skyline of Prague and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.

.The Tyn Church dominates the old city of Prague and has been the main church since the 14th century. If you look closely at the two spires, you will notice that they are asymmetrical, one being thicker than the other - something which is characteristic of the Gothic architecture of its time and is a representation of both the masculine and feminine sides of the world.

Some Highlights of the Tyn Church ( Source Wikipedia) :

The northern portal is a wonderful example of Gothic sculpture from the Parler workshop, with a relief depicting the Crucifixion. The main entrance is located on the church's western face, through a narrow passage between the houses in front of the church.
The early baroque altarpiece has paintings by Karel Škréta from around 1649.
The oldest pipe organ in Prague stands inside this church. The organ was built in 1673 by Heinrich Mundt and is one of the most representative 17th-century organs in Europe.
The great Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, who worked for Emperor Rudolph II, was buried in the church in 1601. His beautiful marble tomb slab is located inside.
The church appears in the start of the Revolution Films movie xXx

My Art for Sale

2012-01-20T21:22:00.000+05:30

My Photographs are available for sale as framed prints, canvas prints, greeting cards and much more at http://pravinechester.artistwebsites.com/. Please do visit the website and have a look.

Dinosaurs at the Smithsonian

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No visit to Washington DC can be complete without a visit to the various museums on the National Mall in the city and amongst these museums, the most interesting, informative and educative is the National Museum of Natural History.

The National Museum of Natural History is part of the Smithsonian Institution and houses a national collection of more than 125 million natural science specimens and cultural artefacts. Some of the most popular displays are the dinosaur skeletons, artefacts of early man, a live coral reef and many more. The Museum is a great place to learn about the natural world through specimens, collections and exhibits.

Tyrannosaurus Rex, 40 feet long and still fearsome after 65 million years

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a repository of the natural world. The world's natural and cultural wonders can be found in this preeminent museum. One can see the gigantic fossilized bones of creatures that roamed the earth as far back as 210 million years ago in The Dinosaur Hall

TheTriceratops ( Greek for 3 horned face) is the most distinctive dinosaur of its time - late cretaceous ( 70 million years ago).

A Stegosaurus, a plant eater of the late Jurassic Period - about 145 million years ago.

The Apotheosis of Washington

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Washington DC is a city with many classic sights and architectural wonders - particularly the numerous majestic buildings. The US Capitol is one of those majestic buildings that any tourist must visit. . At the heart of the building is the Rotunda - a circular hall of 96 ft diameter. At the center, a 180 foot above on the ceiling is a massive fresco - ' The apotheosis of George Washington'. This mural consists of a portrait of the first President of the United States rising to the heavens flanked by the figures of Liberty/Authority and Victory/Fame.

The Apotheosis was painted in the true fresco technique by Constantino Brumidi in 1865. Brumidi (1805-1880) was born and trained in Rome and had painted in the Vatican and Roman palaces before emigrating to the United States in 1852. A master of creating the illusion of three-dimensional forms and figures on flat walls, Brumidi painted frescoes and murals throughout the Capitol from 1855 until his death.

If you are tourist on a Trip to DC, remember to book a guided tour into the US Capitol . This can be done online at http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/

US Capitol, Washington DC.

May 2011