Travel, Work, Life...!

Most Impressive Roads On The Planet

Q. AB. — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 17:13:31 +0000

In Economics it is said that better roads show the strong economy of a country. While I am not here to discuss Economics for me a beautiful road attracts heart and eyes and there is no economics in that. Below here are the world’s most impressive road’s pictures and I assure that really attracts the eyes and heart.

Watch these most spectacular roads which really seems roads from heaven.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Timgad, Algeria

Italy

Illinois, United States

Zion National Park, Utah, United States

Dades Gorge, Morocco

Meadowlands, New Jersey, United States

Greenwich Township, Berks County

Highway 98, Arizona, United States

Las Canadas del Teide, Spain

Himalaya Highway

Route 40, Argentina

Beaver, Utah, United States

Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, United States

Utah, United States

Pacific Coast Highway, California, United States

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, United State

Lapaz to Coroico, Bolivia

Southern Bolivia

Camino a Urubamba, Cusco, Peru

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The Seven Natural Wonders of the World: The Great Barrier Reef

anney — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:25:30 +0000

The Great Barrier Reef is located along the northeastern coast of Australia. It Spans more than 2000 km. The Great Barrier Reef is a home to thousands of species of plants and animals.

The Australian Government has designated this Reef as Marine Park. This Reef runs parallel to the Queensland coast.

The biological diversity of the reef can come in the imagination of very few people.

First we must have to realize the fact that the 2000 km long reef runs predominantly in the North-South direction, therefore it spans a wide range of climates.

In the northern islands rain, forests and mountains are predominant, while the southern islands are mainly comprises of Coral Cay.

The area has great value due to its environment. Apart from this a variety of activities including scuba diving, snorkeling, water sports, and bird watching are offered by this area to the visitors.

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Six Most Beautiful Marshlands of China

anney — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:11:36 +0000

Here in this article we are presenting you the six most beautiful Marshlands of China.

Rogye Marshland

Rogye Marshland is situated in the eastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is 3,400 meters to 3,600 meters above sea level, lies what is acclaimed by international wetland protection experts. According to them it is the world’s largest, most primitive and best preserved wetland on plateau, without any human devastation Rogye.

Bayanbulak

The Bayanbulak Grassland which is situated in the Uldus Basin of Tianshan Mountains in the northwest of Hejing County. It is the second largest grassland in China. It is largest habitat for whooper swans in the world. In this area there is no clear distinction between the four seasons. It is of some 100,000 hectares, 2,300 to 3,100 meters above sea level.

Sanjiang (Three Rivers) Plain

It is the lowest plain in eastern Heilongjiang province, most concentrated and widely scattered marshlands in China are held by the Sanjiang (Three Rivers) Plain. The plain of Sanjiang came into being because of the alluvion of the rivers of Songhua, Heilong and Wusuli.

Yellow River Delta

In modern times The Yellow River Delta includes part of the Binzhou area and almost the whole of Dongying City in Shandong Province. Having a great momentum, mud and sand is carried by the Yellow River along its way, and before emptying into the Bohai Sea it charges recklessly against its banks, leaving behind it a newly created land which is the world’s youngest wetland ecosystem.

Zhalong

Zhalong Natural Reserve is situated at the lower reaches of Wuyu’er River of Songnen Plain. The total area of this reserve is of 210,000 ha. The largest region of China where rare water birds mostly large ones like cranes, are found is Zhalong.

Liaohe River Delta Marshland

An area of nearly 600,000 hectares is covered by it. The Liaohe River Delta Marshland includes Panjin and Yingkou Cities in Liaoning Province, where there has been set up the Shuangtai Hekou Nature Reserve. For migratory birds this is a key habitat and a way station on their East Asia-Australia route.

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The Bridge On The Mountain Aiguille Du Midi (3.842 m)

Noor — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:04:15 +0000

Have you ever seen any bridge on mountain, especially a rocky mountain where you can’t even imagine that there could be any bridge on any such place. Here I am showing you the bridge on the mountain Aiguille du midi.

Looking at the picture below, one cannot even imagine that a bridge can be built at such a place with such high and sharp mountains, but nothing is impossible.

Unable to locate the bridge? Take a look at the next picture.

All covered in snow, it must have been a nightmare to build this bridge.

And walking on this bridge will not be as easy too as the height at which it is built can give you creeps. But howsoever, it is one of the most amazing bridges of the world and the idea of its creation is extremely imaginative.

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Urban Wonders of the World: Amazing and Record-Setting City Roads and Streets

anney — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:15:38 +0000

It is the fact that everyone hates traffic, but how about trying to wind around 8 switchbacks in one city block? Or what if you imagine that you are crossing 12 lanes at a single intersection? Or how about thinking to park on a 38 degree incline? Here in this article I am telling you about the scariest, steepest, longest, widest, narrowest, most confusing and most crooked urban streets in the world that are rightly to be called as urban wonders of the world.

Lombard Street, San Francisco, United States

It is perhaps quite unsurprising to know that the so-called world’s most crooked road on a downhil angle is in San Francisco, United States. People are familiar to the Lombard Street for the one way section on Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, at this place the roadway has eight sharp turns. Most of the people must have heard about the crazy races down the road.

The Intersection of Swindon, England

The world’s most confusing intersection is located at Swindon, England. It is the extremely surprising fact that this intersection is functional and it is actually designed in order to reduce overall congestion. Despite of all the facts, certainly it is an urban wonder and highly confusing to those who are using it for the first time.

Street of Dunedin, New Zealand

Dunedin, New Zealand features the world’s steepest street. As with many other parts of Dunedin, and indeed New Zealand, streets were build out in a grid pattern having no consideration for the terrain, usually by planners in London. In the case of Dunedin the result was a dizzying incline.

9 de Julio Avenue, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina, features the world’s widest avenue. 9 de Julio Avenue is over 300 feet wide. It fills a gap of an entire block in the city grid. Hence it has an incredible width. It often requires a few minutes to cross the avenue at street level, as all intersections have traffic lights. Having normal walking speed, it normally takes two to three green lights for the pedestrians to cross its twelve lanes of traffic.

Parliament Street

Exeter, England features the world’s narrowest street. Parliament Street is a 50m long street in Exeter, England. It links the High Street to Waterbeer Lane and it has been constructed in the 14th century. Formerly its name was Small Lane and when Parliament was derided by the city council for passing the 1832 Reform Bill it was renamed as Parliament Street. At its widest the street is approximately 45″ and at its narrowest it is less than 25″.

The Ancient Road of Giza, Egypt

The oldest paved road in the world is located at Giza, Egypt. It was built over 4,600 years ago, an ancient basalt quarry is connected to a lake adjoining the Nile by this route. The basalt being the source of transportation was used in the construction of the great pyramids of Giza. It was anticipated by the Ancient Egyptians that the pyramids would be lasting forever, but even they might be surprised if they would have known that this road still exists.

Yonge Street, Toronto, Canada

Only a part of Yonge Street can be claimed by Toronto, Canada can. Yonge Street is the longest street in the world. Canadians were concerned to have a military access routes in case if they have any conflict with the United States. Its construction was begun in the late 1700’s and it was constructed in parts, by local farmers and convicted drunks. Today, in Toronto the Yonge Street is a hub of activity.

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"Cahaba” – The Flipping Towboat

mudassir — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:01:40 +0000

This is one of the unbelievable but real life incidents. I have put the references at the end of the each picture; as you are seeing. You should stay to see these snaps deeply. I got these pictures floating around on the internet and thought of adding references to them for you. But unluckily, I cannot give credit to the original publisher because I didn’t find that information. However, enjoy the story!

Listen! Never try this at home as this is a professional captain on the job.

The towboat is coming near to the bridge having barges (loaded with coal) on it.

This snap will give you good idea about the speed of the running river. Just at or near to flood stage

Oh Shit! the bridge didn’t give a way and the towboat is still at speed. Also the boat is forcing backward as hard as possible to keep it from colliding the bridge. Notice here, the tug has freed itself from the barges.

But failed against the flow.

Uh Oh! The flow is turning the boat around towards its one side.

The cook thinks there is something wrong going on.

The boss will be really crazy now!

Captain? Is the boat insured?

Uh…. Boss? You are not going to believe what we have done!

Getting low; see the flag still flying there.

Have a close look; the wheelhouse door and the door in the second deck are opening. At the bottom right hand side of the snap you can observe that the bridge guardrail is still drowning.

See water pouring out of the upper bridge deck.

Here the water is pouring out of the second deck doorway.

The picture is showing that the working deck is still underwater, but trying to rise up.

Its amazing! See the smoke is still coming out of the exhausts. It not dead!!!

See the prop wash on the back of the tug. The boat is powering up.

This incident took place in April 28, 1979 at the old Rooster Bridge at Demopolis, Alabama. ‘CAHABA’ was the boat.

Captain Jimmy Wilkerson dropped two out of total 4 barges through the east span of the Rooster Bridge. He planned of running them around through the lift span and catching them from below. Pilot Earl Barnhart was on the boat assisting the two crew members in taking off safety wires, winch wires, etc.

River’s flow was fast; Wilkerson underestimated it, and reached too close to the bridge. This powerful flow laid the CAHABA onto the bridge. When its lower port deck went covered with water, the vessel rotated, went through the span, and came to earlier position once it cleared. Captain Wilkerson took safety at the sticks; but, at one stage he was sitting on the starboard pilot house door frame, when the port front pilot house window broke up; the whole area was filled with water.

Al Democrat was a photographer. He was from Linden and photographed when the CAHABA blew for a draw at the Rooster Bridge. These images were published in the Linden newspaper following the day on incidents.

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HQ Wallpapers 1600Ã—1200 – Travel – Part 15

Most Dangerous Bridges in The World

anney — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:05:16 +0000

There are a variety of reasons due to which a bridge can be considered to be dangerous; these may be that it’s very old, narrow, too high up above the land, over a quick river or if the wooden “floor” goes missing.

The thing that makes them dangerous is the fact that in spite of the condition of the bridge, they must have to be used; as many a time, probably these pathways are the main or even the only way for the local people of a small village to have an access to the bigger city. Among all the bridges, the the hanging bridges are the most popular bridges among tourists. Let us take a look at some of them.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a bridge that is suspended by ropes. It is located near Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Through this bridge the mainland is linked to the tiny Carrick Island. The National trust own as well as maintain this site, this bridge spans twenty metres and it is thirty metres above the rocks below. Nowadays the bridge is mainly a tourist attraction. In 2007 227,000 visitors visit this site. Now, in late October or early November this bridge is taken down every year, it depends on weather conditions, and it again put up in March.

Inca Rope Bridge

Inca rope bridges were simple suspension bridges that were put over canyons and gorges in order to provide access for the Inca Empire. This type of bridges was suitable for use since the Inca people did not use wheeled transport. On this bridge traffic was limited to pedestrians and livestock. These bridges were extremely important part on the Inca road system and they create excellent example of Inca innovation in the field of engineering. Frequently used by Chasqui runners who used to deliver messages throughout the Inca Empire.

Hussaini – Borit Lake, Pakistan

Probably one of the most instantly and easily recognizable pictures that you can see in books and promotional pictures of Pakistan is of the several suspension bridges that are used to cross the rivers in and around Northern Pakistan. And when we talk about that, one of the more famous day treks around the region is known as the Two Bridges trek which as suggested by the name sees you crossing two bridges on a five hour trek in the area that surrounds Passu and other neighboring villages before ending at Borit Lake. Itself the trek is probably more of a pleasant walk rather than a strenuous effort but the beautiful scenery that we can see while walking on that bridge is some of the best I’ve seen so far.

The Yangtze River, or Chang Jiang Bridge

The Yangtze River, or Chang Jiang is the longest river in China as well as considered to be the longest river of Asia, and in the world it is the third longest, after the Amazon in South America and the Nile in Africa.

This river is about 6,385 km long (3915 mi) and it flows from its source in Qinghai Province, which is eastwards into the East China Sea at Shanghai.

The suspension bridge that you can see in the picture passes through this river and it serves as a path to cross the river on foot.

A Footbridge over the Kotmale Oya

The Kotmale Oya (or Kothmale Oya) is the name of a river in Sri Lanka. This river is a tributary of the the Mahaweli Ganga. The Kotmale begins as the Agra Oya, in the Horton Plains. The Nanu Oya flows into t as do the Dambagastalawa Oya, the Pundul Oya, and the Puna Oya. Shortly after passing through the town of Nawalapitiya the Kotmale flows into the Mahaweli Ganga. A footbridge is made over Kotmale Oya so that the people can cross the river.

The Bridge over the River Arun

The Arun River is the name of a river that flows through Nepal, Tibet, and China, becoming a tributary of the Ganges. The ancient boundary of Khambuwan and Limbuwan regions are demarcated by the Arun River. This river also has its importance in the folklore of Kiranti people of eastern Nepal. The bridge that you can see in the picture is suspended on the Arun River in order to cross the river.

Glen Nevis Wire Bridge

Glen Nevis is a scenic and popular glen in Lochaber, Highland, Scotland, having Fort William at its foot. On its southern part it is bordered by the Mamore range, and to the north side its border touches the highest mountains in the British Isles: Ben Nevis, Càrn Mor Dearg, Aonach Mòr, and Aonach Beag. Here you can find one of the three highest waterfalls in Scotland, Steall Falls. It is the place where the Allt Coire a’Mhail joins the Water of Nevis in the glen.

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Why You Must Visit San Pedro de Atacama

mudassir — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:30:04 +0000

San Pedro de Atacama is among the most visited location in all over Chile. It is surrounded by the Atacama Desert (the world’s driest region). Despite this fact, still there are many unique plants and creatures like flamingos, Llamas and Alpacas living here.

The town is present close to many other beautiful locations having significance for their archaeological, geographic and tourist point of views. Going there you should also go to see the tourist attractions here; some of the popular places are Pukara (prehispanic fortress) Quitor, Tulor village (more than 3,000 years old), the Tatio geysers, the Atacama salt lakes, Moon Valley and also the strikingly beautiful Inca towns of Toconao, Peine, Socaire, Talabre and Caspana.

This area is also known for discoveries of many mummies, called as the Mummies of Atacama.

The dryness of this desert area, plus the isolation and the saltiness of the soil are few major reasons causing the natural mummification of these dead bodies.

While reaching the center of this desert you will find the huge salt lake known as Salar de Atacama. It is having the honor to be the world’s 3rd largest salt flat and is known for inhabiting pretty pink flamingos.

Though there is a presence of water in this lake but, you should remember that this would be toxic to human body for having excessive salt ratio.

Some of the highest volcanoes present in the South America also come in this region as well as Atacama area is a land of wonderful volcanic hot springs with falls and pools. El Tatio Geysers are present above more than 4000-meters height from the sea level and are worth seeing at dawn. You can even enjoy dipping your feet in these thermal pools of Puritama.

Valle De La Luna, Moon Valley, is a place tourist should never miss. You will come across breathtaking scenery all over the desert area and also lots of beautiful canyons, caves and sand dunes. You will never forget the sunsets of the Moon Valley. Tourists love to do “sand board” down the dunes.

Hope you will visit San Pedro de Atacama when ever you go to Chile. It is an enchanting experience and will remain in memories for a whole life.

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Remotest Island On Our Planet

mudassir — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:15:26 +0000

What land would you suggest for an exile punishment of a person who ruined your country?

Definitely as far-off as could be possible on our planet! As it is not possible to send him into space but the location should be the remotest, inhabited island on our planet.

You may name many distant places, but all of them will be uninhabited, mostly barren and boring. But the life in this island is established in a very British way, so it would become difficult for punished man to mess it up so easily, one hopes.

Tristan da Cunha - the loneliest place on Planet

Do you know, what was the first step British took after sending Napoleon to St. Helena? Yes, they knew that the French will attempt to rescue him; therefore they annexed the closest chain of islands to keep them from doing so.

After all, who wouldn’t cross just 2430-km over rough and uncongenial seas with a mission to take back the Emperor himself? Yes, you got it, these islands of Tristan Da Cunha closest neighboring landmass of the island of St. Helena are just 2430-km aside.

The island is too small to be indicated on maps that’s why cartographers do not put it on their maps. As it is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean between African and South American continent, this particular location of this volcanic outcropping land honored it for being the remotest inhabited island on our earth and this comparison doesn’t exclude Antarctica and the North Pole.

One of the islands in this island group is said to be “Inaccessible”. As this family lives with the motto: “Our faith is our strength”

Capital: Edinburgh of the Seven Seas
Language: English.
Population: not more than 300 people.
Religions: Christianity – Anglican & Roman Catholic
Currency: Pound Sterling – GBP

Tristan Da Cunha is a homeland of 270 people cut off from rest of the world. Their economy is based on fishing. The weather is sub-tropical but it gets little bit variation in its temperature in different seasons.

If there were more cultivable land then it would have become a pleasant place to live but the only plain land is there at the northwestern portion of the island. The whole rest is comprised of mountains and rocks.

The archipelago is comprised of huge volcanic formations which erupted out of the South Atlantic Ocean approximately one million years ago. This group of islands is located closely adjacent to the crater of the very active volcano!

Almost fifty years ago, in 1961 a cone near this town, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, started erupting. It was sign of danger; entire community was evacuated to England. Two years later, a research was made and it was felt that damage was not severe, so the residents were asked to go back their homeland.

People living there face the full wrath of Atlantic storms many times in history: once the heavy blows of wind having speed of almost 190-km/h were so thrusting that they drove the grazing cattle from the fields into the sea. It is awesome to look out of window seeing deplorably mooing bovines sailing past and going in the waves.

Refreshment – away from all maddening crowds

Islands of Refreshment, this name today we know was given by a self-proclaimed ruler Jonathan Lambert. He called them with this name in 1811.
Lambert announced himself sovereign and sole possessor of these groups of islands. However, he ruled for a short time, as he drowned deep while enjoying fishing just one year after this declaration.

And the “refreshments” are here – Genuine Tristan Lobster Tails – these are the tastiest in the world!

Today this island is having a convenience store, a radio station which broadcasts the World Service 4 days each week, a little restaurant, a video-shop and a swimming-pool.

Tristan has been linked to the rest of the world by a telephone and a fax provided in the Administrator’s office. It is also visited by the RMS St. Helena once in the year as you might know that it is the world’s only mail ship.

The ship brings lot of other stuff also besides simply carrying mail. This includes canned food, videos, books, magazines and medical items. If you are the occasional visitor you can also board this ship.

Nobody knows the term of “Unemployment” here on Tristan. Each boy and girl is guaranteed to receive job on leaving school; if positions are not vacant they are specially created for them.

Recently, girls are getting keener to continue their education (especially at St. Helena) and young girls are forming more superior intellectual elite on this island as compared to males.

Here comes another native of these lands: yellow-nosed albatross chick

You know this character very well – Northern rock-hopper penguin. You loved it in an animated movie “Surf’s Up” some years ago. More than 90% of its world population lives here on Tristan.

Here is one more place for an intrepid explorer of “abandoned & haunted places” like you.

- Abandoned and grounded oil rig!

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Most Extreme Places in the World

Q. AB. — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:26:25 +0000

It is the fact that planet Earth is one of most beautiful planet in universe with large diversity of Nature. There are thousands of place on earth where we can see nature on its full extent. Beautiful green and snowy mountains, deserts, blue oceans different type of animals, birds, beautiful plants and so many species. No one can hold his tongue from appreciating the beauty and wonders of Nature. Though about Nature so much can be written but here below are the fascinating extremes of Earth, which makes mind hypnotized.

The World’s Largest Rock Formation

Ayers Rock is the world’s largest rock formation it’s also known as Uluru. That sandstone massive pillar is located in Australia with height of 1,142 ft. and almost 9.4km in basal circumference. The beauty of Ayers Rock is that it changes its colors from morning till sun set. Changing of its colors is because of the sunlight that strikes it at different hours of the day.

The World’s Most Active Volcano

The World’s current most active volcano is Kilauea that is 90% made of lava. This volcano is located in Hawaii.

The World’s Lowest Lake

The Dead Sea is the world’s lowest lake. It’s located between Israel and Jordan. Its density of water is high than all oceans in world contain highest level of salts in it. The amazing thing about Dead Sea is that if you swim in that you wont drown. That’s because of the high water density. There is no fish or any other sea species in it, that’s why its called Dead Sea because no life exists in it. Its 1,240 ft deep, 1,385 feet below sea level, 67 kilometers long and 18 kilometers wide in the Jordan Rift Valley. It is considered as world’s saltiest bodies of water.

The World’s Largest Coral Reef

The world’s largest coral reef system is the Great Barrier Reef that is composed of more than 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands. That coral reef is stretched almost 26,00 square kilometers over an area about 344,400 square kilometers in the Coral Sea, Australia. The reef is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1981.

The World’s Largest Cave Passage

Deer Cave is largest cave passage in world, located in Borneo. Several caves that are found in Mulu National Park includes this also. It’s almost 90 kilometers long and over 90 meters high and wide.

The World’s Longest River

The world’s longest river is Nile River, having history of thousands of years it flows through nine countries. The White Nile starts from Lake Victoria, Uganda and flowing journey through Sudan and Egypt. The Blue Nile starts from Lake Tana, Ethiopia and flows through Zaire, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi. The Nile river flowing distance in east Africa is 5,584 km and it discharges an average of 65 million liters water in a second.

The World’s Highest Peak

The world’s highest peak is Mount Everest it’s called Everest in honor of Sir George Everest, its also called Sagamatha. Its height is 29,035 ft (8,850 m) above sea level; some people believe that it rises 4mm every year. Mount Everest is situated on the border between Sagamatha Zone, Nepal, Tibet and China.

The World’s Highest Water Falls

Angel Falls in Venezuela is the highest waterfall at 3,212 ft (879 m), with a clear drop of 2,647 ft (807 m). Water falling from such height gives a wonderful cloudy sight.

The World’s Hottest Place

The world’s largest desert is Sahara desert scattered on 9 million square kilometers covers most of North Africa. Sahara desert is the Earth’s hottest place where temperature frequently reaches 55-degree centigrade. The highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 57.8 degree centigrade and that was recorded at Sahara desert in 1922.

The World’s Coldest Place

The world’s fifth largest continent area wise is Antarctica and on average of sea level height it’s the highest of all continents. Its area is almost 14.0 million square meters, 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice. It is driest, windiest and coldest continent its almost impossible for human to live there. The coldest temperature on Earth was minus 89.2 degree centigrade recorded at Antarctica continent.