tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80299284950689689632024-03-13T13:45:08.295-05:001000 Amazing PlacesNatalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.comBlogger284125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-43554633020786609962016-05-21T18:47:00.002-05:002016-05-21T19:23:43.354-05:00#626 Kransberg Castle, Usingen, Hesse, Germany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiksYk9PyRw/V0DvP_sE20I/AAAAAAABhwc/bQQFAdGQIzgBCZFJzp0awo8jLdCiQOXmACLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B20.08.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LiksYk9PyRw/V0DvP_sE20I/AAAAAAABhwc/bQQFAdGQIzgBCZFJzp0awo8jLdCiQOXmACLcB/s320/2016-05-21%2B20.08.31.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_I1ElG6Qu0/V0DvhmyK5VI/AAAAAAABhxk/rkURvcj-4cEQLfYB4MsTOHha98DiScW8ACLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B22.01.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_I1ElG6Qu0/V0DvhmyK5VI/AAAAAAABhxk/rkURvcj-4cEQLfYB4MsTOHha98DiScW8ACLcB/s320/2016-05-21%2B22.01.15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoH0LVKtrpg/V0DvPq4VnnI/AAAAAAABhwY/4WzeNRs2HuoeFYyVqKxV8umaA2_pD4oXwCLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B20.08.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoH0LVKtrpg/V0DvPq4VnnI/AAAAAAABhwY/4WzeNRs2HuoeFYyVqKxV8umaA2_pD4oXwCLcB/s320/2016-05-21%2B20.08.36.jpg" width="320" /></a>In an unusual <a href="http://www.internations.org/">InterNations</a> social event, Schloss Kransberg was opened up for an evening gathering. I thought it would just be a nice event at one of the many <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_castles_in_Hesse">castles of Hessen</a>, but little did I know that it would be at one of the few Fuhrer Headquarters that had recently been bought by a Turkish investor to use as a hotel and function complex.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This room was discovered only recently during the renovations and a wall was cut into the stone to access it.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDNevAG_WGE/V0DvUnpFmWI/AAAAAAABhww/OMSNuyZ0OZIcD6Y47IHGBoIgyZmYIZzWgCLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B21.16.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDNevAG_WGE/V0DvUnpFmWI/AAAAAAABhww/OMSNuyZ0OZIcD6Y47IHGBoIgyZmYIZzWgCLcB/s320/2016-05-21%2B21.16.36.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGSKlvOmPvc/V0DvWlVWlvI/AAAAAAABhw4/-3LjdbY0uKQ9EJwBhmWIpYgCwwY2UbGCACLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B21.16.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGSKlvOmPvc/V0DvWlVWlvI/AAAAAAABhw4/-3LjdbY0uKQ9EJwBhmWIpYgCwwY2UbGCACLcB/s320/2016-05-21%2B21.16.50.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0tTI4ChZji4/V0DvXC3ELUI/AAAAAAABhw8/xU5bxpZzaMQyP5dpGR4yo4b63EIXt7xgACLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B21.29.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0tTI4ChZji4/V0DvXC3ELUI/AAAAAAABhw8/xU5bxpZzaMQyP5dpGR4yo4b63EIXt7xgACLcB/s320/2016-05-21%2B21.29.40.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UilMJGoWBmk/V0DvZ5UGXnI/AAAAAAABhxE/CSQk3sN_nsAuJP-nhyazLj6IVK3JszteQCLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B21.37.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UilMJGoWBmk/V0DvZ5UGXnI/AAAAAAABhxE/CSQk3sN_nsAuJP-nhyazLj6IVK3JszteQCLcB/s320/2016-05-21%2B21.37.49.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9wthMe6ZBY/V0DvZ76-p2I/AAAAAAABhxI/SnVCAKUvwcUqsfFXd1w70vDeRqK4gPA1wCLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B21.38.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9wthMe6ZBY/V0DvZ76-p2I/AAAAAAABhxI/SnVCAKUvwcUqsfFXd1w70vDeRqK4gPA1wCLcB/s320/2016-05-21%2B21.38.46.jpg" width="320" /></a>First begun around 1170 it has circulated through numerous owners throughout the centuries, all of whom have added their personal architectural style and design according to their needs. From the noble families of Falkenstein, Koenigstein, Eppstein, Stolbery, Darmstadt, Mainz, and the Duchy of Nassau to being a society events location under the 1926 owner Emma von Scheiltlein until it was seized by the Nazi military for use as (among other things) the airforce headquarters under Hermann Goering from 1944, to being an interrogation center of high ranking intellectuals and scientists for "Operation Dustbin" after the war. Fifty bunks were in the bunker, apparently, and the metal bars are still on the interrogation room windows. A US military spy base (used for missions into East Germany), before being handed over to the German then Hesse governments, then later it was the home of an IT Entrepreneur and used as a business park.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rooms used for high ranking discussion during WW2.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7X0lDZJnW3g/V0DvWfd8DYI/AAAAAAABhw0/EiiCCMGBwfkxwS1PJrsfrOWXVWQOhEmdQCLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B21.29.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7X0lDZJnW3g/V0DvWfd8DYI/AAAAAAABhw0/EiiCCMGBwfkxwS1PJrsfrOWXVWQOhEmdQCLcB/s320/2016-05-21%2B21.29.08.jpg" width="320" /></a>Named for Kranichsberg (Crane Mountain)It has seen illustrious visitors from the likes of Michael Jackson (as his European office), Elvis Presley (who someone on my visit mentioned performed here during his military service though I have no verification of that), the German intellectuals and scientists held for interrogation after World War II which included Werner von Braun (designer of the V-2 rocket), Ferdinand Porche, and Albert Speer (German minister for armaments, and ironically, the designer of the WW2 military complex itself ), among others, likely Eisenhower, Goering, Himmler and of course, Hitler (delivering his 1945 New Year's speech from the Pressehaus here), who didn't seem particularly impressed with it as a military headquarters. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdee6ghiZSM/V0DvcZplH8I/AAAAAAABhxM/NJNQmuc9euUq9RYFTG5xCvMjpgxtAEregCLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B21.40.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdee6ghiZSM/V0DvcZplH8I/AAAAAAABhxM/NJNQmuc9euUq9RYFTG5xCvMjpgxtAEregCLcB/s320/2016-05-21%2B21.40.49.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T5MSOzyfxio/V0Dvcg-V1_I/AAAAAAABhxQ/u8l7ukCuzAMfL3bt3S-7ze7r5BsApKpCgCLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B21.49.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T5MSOzyfxio/V0Dvcg-V1_I/AAAAAAABhxQ/u8l7ukCuzAMfL3bt3S-7ze7r5BsApKpCgCLcB/s320/2016-05-21%2B21.49.51.jpg" width="240" /></a>The architecture is quite a hodge-podge of eras with the stables being turned into a night club while we were there. Goering's office was empty in 2012 (see <a href="http://www.pension-sprachschule.de/camp-king-oberursel/a-visit-to-schloss-kransberg/">here</a>) but has now been filled with antiques. Someone murmured on my visit that the renovations in the three years since purchase have already surpassed 4 million euro. The Officer's Club, a beautiful arched medieval hall with grand fireplace is now a banquet room. Apparently only the the outer walls and the central towers are of the original 900 year old construction. Some walls are gothic and others almost modern. Several of the other guests and I wandered through the partially finished hotel where beds were covered with candlesticks and other antiquities and walls were propped with paintings or spread with tapestries. They've created a pretty authentic feeling ambiance!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A view of the foundations of the castle from the road below.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJydtfm8PoY/V0DvfvPAhII/AAAAAAABhxg/BeWSbol9VYYDH0t5gShFGcaS5bjFwvkrACLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B21.50.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vJydtfm8PoY/V0DvfvPAhII/AAAAAAABhxg/BeWSbol9VYYDH0t5gShFGcaS5bjFwvkrACLcB/s320/2016-05-21%2B21.50.46.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Entrance to the unfinished tunnel to the town below.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qceb8LswQc/V0Dvco6nmzI/AAAAAAABhxU/URlxND_68ykvHErwVjqZixOxU9LdYFswQCLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B21.50.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qceb8LswQc/V0Dvco6nmzI/AAAAAAABhxU/URlxND_68ykvHErwVjqZixOxU9LdYFswQCLcB/s320/2016-05-21%2B21.50.01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMo7-lpcdGk/V0DvfXisJLI/AAAAAAABhxc/_Sy3LX1BsB8K3h1mdjkHb7AUuGl6PrKLgCLcB/s1600/2016-05-21%2B21.50.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMo7-lpcdGk/V0DvfXisJLI/AAAAAAABhxc/_Sy3LX1BsB8K3h1mdjkHb7AUuGl6PrKLgCLcB/s200/2016-05-21%2B21.50.22.jpg" width="150" /></a>What I didn't realise when I was there, was the extensive size of the Alderhost (the underground bunker system built during World War II) -- I saw just a few rooms and the start of the escape tunnel, but the entire hillside was a dedicated shelter, confidentially built and a pretty well-kept secret. The complex was hidden by a collection of seven cottages over a large bomb shelter, (Haus 1, no more luxurious, was of course the Fuhrer's). It was fascinating to see how the giant square structure with 3 feet deep concrete walls was just plonked down in the middle of what would have been the castle courtyard (between a medieval castle extension right next door) and a charming chapel on the hillside.<br />
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Photo borrowed from <a href="http://www.bkffm.siemavisuart.de/orte/adlerhorst.html">http://www.bkffm.siemavisuart.de/orte/adlerhorst.html</a></div>
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The website of the current castle's event center is <a href="http://www.schlosskransberg.com/">www.schlosskransberg.com</a><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%BChrer_Headquarters">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%BChrer_Headquarters</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kransberg_Castle">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kransberg_Castle</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pension-sprachschule.de/camp-king-oberursel/a-visit-to-schloss-kransberg/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.pension-sprachschule.de/camp-king-oberursel/a-visit-to-schloss-kransberg/</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adlerhorst"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adlerhorst</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bkffm.siemavisuart.de/orte/adlerhorst.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.bkffm.siemavisuart.de/orte/adlerhorst.html</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bkffm.siemavisuart.de/orte/kransberg.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.bkffm.siemavisuart.de/orte/kransberg.html</span></a></div>
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Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-22068406101445252482015-01-28T07:49:00.000-05:002015-11-28T08:52:22.519-05:00#642 Paramaribo, Suriname<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StIa4rcy6c0/VWGJWLC7AKI/AAAAAAAAxLU/4F0nNrgRC8I/s1600/2015-01-02%2B17.35.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-StIa4rcy6c0/VWGJWLC7AKI/AAAAAAAAxLU/4F0nNrgRC8I/s640/2015-01-02%2B17.35.42.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OYHGLzaPFEA/VWGJNgN8CjI/AAAAAAAAxLM/JkkFLeY9-ks/s1600/2015-01-02%2B17.33.45-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OYHGLzaPFEA/VWGJNgN8CjI/AAAAAAAAxLM/JkkFLeY9-ks/s320/2015-01-02%2B17.33.45-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CprjmBVfqXc/VWGJXFaAEFI/AAAAAAAAxLc/aDdGPwFRDKg/s1600/2015-01-02%2B17.47.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>The charming riverside city of Paramaribo may be the capital of the small South American country of Suriname, but it has the feel of a small town with friendly citizens, quaint restaurants and a cute harbour. Farms are a short drive from the city centre and you can be in the wild tropical jungles of the national parks on the outskirts within a couple of hours. Of the three Guianas, it's capital is probably the safest and most dynamic, with a bizarre European feel of Amsterdam meets the Amazon, and it is famed for the diversity of its inhabitants, including Creoles, Hindustanis, Maroons, Javanese, Indigenous, Chinese, Europeans, Lebanese Brazilians, Guyanese and Jews despite it's relatively small population of just under 250,000 inhabitants.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MphKULIYmNE/VWGKWJCplEI/AAAAAAAAxME/0cgmI55_ZZI/s1600/2015-01-04%2B15.32.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MphKULIYmNE/VWGKWJCplEI/AAAAAAAAxME/0cgmI55_ZZI/s320/2015-01-04%2B15.32.15.jpg" width="240" /></a>Known locally as 'Parbo', it is located approximately 15 kilometres inland from the Atlantic Ocean on the Suriname River, and it's riverside main street is still adorned with the historic old settlement homes, recognised by UNESCO for its connection to the Dutch colonial settlement from the 17th and 18th centuries and laid out in a grid pattern from 1683, although much was destroyed in a fire in 1821.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTsBBOj9loA/VWGJysV_g8I/AAAAAAAAxLs/kmH1t9xoTkQ/s1600/2015-01-04%2B13.57.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TTsBBOj9loA/VWGJysV_g8I/AAAAAAAAxLs/kmH1t9xoTkQ/s320/2015-01-04%2B13.57.53.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-874o3eoP_eU/VWGL5z4HvUI/AAAAAAAAxNk/DAzL4wRbifU/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-874o3eoP_eU/VWGL5z4HvUI/AAAAAAAAxNk/DAzL4wRbifU/s320/IMG_0617.JPG" width="320" /></a>The homes are all in timber with elaborate decorated balconies, some in various states of repair. The best ones along the 'Waterkant' riverside road catch the afternoon sun which makes their white paint sparkle. There is even one of the oldest synagogues in the western hemisphere dating back to 1685.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CprjmBVfqXc/VWGJXFaAEFI/AAAAAAAAxLc/aDdGPwFRDKg/s1600/2015-01-02%2B17.47.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CprjmBVfqXc/VWGJXFaAEFI/AAAAAAAAxLc/aDdGPwFRDKg/s320/2015-01-02%2B17.47.23.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just off Independence Square are the Presidential Palace and Ministry of Finance building. Independence Square also hosts early morning 'whistling bird' competitions.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vVwlO2cwk4U/VWGKEDTHlbI/AAAAAAAAxL0/trJEGLfLUMc/s1600/2015-01-04%2B14.31.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vVwlO2cwk4U/VWGKEDTHlbI/AAAAAAAAxL0/trJEGLfLUMc/s320/2015-01-04%2B14.31.59.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Palmentuin (Palmtree Garden) in the middle of downtown <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Paramaribo </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">near the Parliamentary palace is a charming oasis of calm amidst traffic noises and bustle.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_eJ2IZC6OZk/VWGLDyyiyYI/AAAAAAAAxMs/ZZIO9xLaujM/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_eJ2IZC6OZk/VWGLDyyiyYI/AAAAAAAAxMs/ZZIO9xLaujM/s320/IMG_0585.JPG" width="320" /></a><u>Fort Zeelandia</u><br />
Originally a wooden structure built by the French in 1640 near an indigenous village and from 1651called Fort Willoughby by the British until it was captured by Abraham Crijnssen in February 1667 and renamed. The 17th century era star-shaped fort built to protect the Dutch East India Company's interests in what was then Dutch Guiana. It has been well restored and holds a small collection of historical buildings on the riverside near the Waterkant and home to one of the main museums in Paramaribo, the Stichting Surinaams Museum.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lalDKqDQTb4/VWGLa2huZSI/AAAAAAAAxM8/O_DvZKfo_fo/s1600/IMG_0600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lalDKqDQTb4/VWGLa2huZSI/AAAAAAAAxM8/O_DvZKfo_fo/s320/IMG_0600.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnBimAYkyys/VWGLRA5G_II/AAAAAAAAxM0/_N3eBYadrdU/s1600/IMG_0596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnBimAYkyys/VWGLRA5G_II/AAAAAAAAxM0/_N3eBYadrdU/s320/IMG_0596.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>The Harbour</u><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ-UOVd1lxI/VWGLp_JAcPI/AAAAAAAAxNM/n398mLPq3z0/s1600/IMG_0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ-UOVd1lxI/VWGLp_JAcPI/AAAAAAAAxNM/n398mLPq3z0/s320/IMG_0606.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox-735rW1T0/VWGLgt1J6GI/AAAAAAAAxNE/cLhG8LZfo1s/s1600/IMG_0603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ox-735rW1T0/VWGLgt1J6GI/AAAAAAAAxNE/cLhG8LZfo1s/s320/IMG_0603.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Small fishing boats line the riverside of the Waterkant, along with ferries and small canoe-like boats that cross to the plantations and settlements on the other side of the Suriname River.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaIG_-UjjXQ/VWGLzQbFtPI/AAAAAAAAxNU/Eo6tzPYpNXo/s1600/IMG_0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xaIG_-UjjXQ/VWGLzQbFtPI/AAAAAAAAxNU/Eo6tzPYpNXo/s320/IMG_0613.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The modern centre of Paramaribo in a tropical afternoon storm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QkfFHRjP7s/VWGL5L8eQ1I/AAAAAAAAxNc/cRIA79-I4Go/s1600/2015-01-04%2B18.30.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9QkfFHRjP7s/VWGL5L8eQ1I/AAAAAAAAxNc/cRIA79-I4Go/s640/2015-01-04%2B18.30.08.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunsets over the Suriname River are pretty spectacular.</td></tr>
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Sources:<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramaribo">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramaribo</a><br />
<a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/940">http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/940</a><br />
<a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Paramaribo">http://wikitravel.org/en/Paramaribo</a><br />
<a href="http://www.britannica.com/place/Paramaribo">http://www.britannica.com/place/Paramaribo</a><br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Zeelandia_(Paramaribo)">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Zeelandia_(Paramaribo)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/the-guianas/suriname/paramaribo/sights/museums-galleries/fort-zeelandia">http://www.lonelyplanet.com/the-guianas/suriname/paramaribo/sights/museums-galleries/fort-zeelandia</a><br />
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Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-59679791112078035032014-12-30T21:04:00.000-05:002015-01-01T21:05:04.551-05:00#643 Saint George's, Bermuda<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIr4yiKAtS4/VF-vJ9vyXsI/AAAAAAAAWn4/2uAty6al1hY/s1600/IMG_2209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIr4yiKAtS4/VF-vJ9vyXsI/AAAAAAAAWn4/2uAty6al1hY/s1600/IMG_2209.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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St. George's Town was first settled in 1612, the first permanent British settlement on the islands of Bermuda and its capital until 1815. Some claim it is the oldest continually inhabited English city in the New World. Originally called New London, it was a stopping place for the ships of the Virginia company on their way to Jamestown and other settlements.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_nKoy7qkLI/VF-unPkqrrI/AAAAAAAAWmg/SdU9dTLqanw/s1600/IMG_2173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_nKoy7qkLI/VF-unPkqrrI/AAAAAAAAWmg/SdU9dTLqanw/s1600/IMG_2173.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ordnance Island is connected to St. George's by a short causeway, and much of the waterfront is reclaimed land.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h1v7GjS3Xjk/VF-uk2ku2HI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/Xa2bRvfcRyI/s1600/IMG_2183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h1v7GjS3Xjk/VF-uk2ku2HI/AAAAAAAAWmQ/Xa2bRvfcRyI/s1600/IMG_2183.JPG" height="213" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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With quaint names and narrow alleys, the town is fun to visit, and prettily decorated in a traditional style, with the typical Bermudian water-collecting roofs on display.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGj2dHxIuTs/VF-usw9nPaI/AAAAAAAAWmo/hFSJn_tLobk/s1600/IMG_2185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGj2dHxIuTs/VF-usw9nPaI/AAAAAAAAWmo/hFSJn_tLobk/s1600/IMG_2185.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePt-NkeVRc8/VF-uzWl_K-I/AAAAAAAAWnA/x2tw7eS3Ja8/s1600/IMG_2188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePt-NkeVRc8/VF-uzWl_K-I/AAAAAAAAWnA/x2tw7eS3Ja8/s1600/IMG_2188.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_k0hEwtI2Kc/VF-u6bCMOZI/AAAAAAAAWnI/zhNilR1cDMY/s1600/IMG_2191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_k0hEwtI2Kc/VF-u6bCMOZI/AAAAAAAAWnI/zhNilR1cDMY/s1600/IMG_2191.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KeGmKU39QtQ/VF-u7EbJ1lI/AAAAAAAAWnQ/lzXi8OvsMvk/s1600/IMG_2192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KeGmKU39QtQ/VF-u7EbJ1lI/AAAAAAAAWnQ/lzXi8OvsMvk/s1600/IMG_2192.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4B2zOfOvJUg/VF-u80Z1fvI/AAAAAAAAWnY/p0PCTubEoF4/s1600/IMG_2194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4B2zOfOvJUg/VF-u80Z1fvI/AAAAAAAAWnY/p0PCTubEoF4/s1600/IMG_2194.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main town square, King's Square, is bounded by the 1782 Town Hall to the east, the Bermuda National Trust Museum to the north-west, and Ordnance Island.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6Fy5ZrTk3M/VF-vFIgT93I/AAAAAAAAWno/kvN8cdpYQ7o/s1600/IMG_2197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6Fy5ZrTk3M/VF-vFIgT93I/AAAAAAAAWno/kvN8cdpYQ7o/s1600/IMG_2197.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The location of hangings, Ordnance Islands guns signify its past, but is now used as a cruise ship terminal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vskeXwj5m1Q/VF-vCnSIbqI/AAAAAAAAWng/CdzX_jVUYas/s1600/IMG_2198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vskeXwj5m1Q/VF-vCnSIbqI/AAAAAAAAWng/CdzX_jVUYas/s1600/IMG_2198.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A replica of the <i>Deliverance</i>, one of two boats built by survivors of the 1609 shipwreck <i>Sea Venture</i> that was stranded (deliberately sent onto the reef) on Bermuda on their way to Jamestown, VA, and led to the first settlers of the islands.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gYawMMfaJM/VF-vGA7mZXI/AAAAAAAAWnw/QZEZCHql978/s1600/IMG_2199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gYawMMfaJM/VF-vGA7mZXI/AAAAAAAAWnw/QZEZCHql978/s1600/IMG_2199.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>Other historic landmark sites to see in the town include the first stone building, the 1620 State House, the Old Rectory, St, Peter's Church, the Tucker House, and the Mitchell House (housing the St. George's Historical Society Museum, and the Featherbed Alley Printshop Museum), along with the oldest structure on the island, the L-shaped Bridge House. Along with its fortifications, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EkiXR680v3U/VF-vTFjhRUI/AAAAAAAAWoQ/VSZFbJ94x30/s1600/IMG_2226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EkiXR680v3U/VF-vTFjhRUI/AAAAAAAAWoQ/VSZFbJ94x30/s1600/IMG_2226.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYKafZlzPNw/VF-vbZkJQ_I/AAAAAAAAWoc/KN2NikeHZVU/s1600/IMG_2234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYKafZlzPNw/VF-vbZkJQ_I/AAAAAAAAWoc/KN2NikeHZVU/s1600/IMG_2234.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The unfinished church is above and behind the town on a hill. Construction began in 1874 after the town's main church, St. Peter's was damaged in a storm. The local populace was divided, however as to whether to repair the old church or construct a new one, so it was never finished. In 1926 a bad storm significantly damaged what was there. It is closed to the public for safety reasons, but you can peek through a window like me!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSI9P0e3g5w/VF-vbJq58OI/AAAAAAAAWoY/Q48eF-B2t54/s1600/IMG_2262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSI9P0e3g5w/VF-vbJq58OI/AAAAAAAAWoY/Q48eF-B2t54/s1600/IMG_2262.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJNd_XJi7mk/VF-vbuL_BYI/AAAAAAAAWok/46hkrNoeUxc/s1600/IMG_2263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tJNd_XJi7mk/VF-vbuL_BYI/AAAAAAAAWok/46hkrNoeUxc/s1600/IMG_2263.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda2_000027.htm">http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda2_000027.htm</a></span><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._George's,_Bermuda"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._George's,_Bermuda</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda2_000028.htm"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda2_000028.htm</span></a><br />
<a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/983"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/983</span></a></div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-90921218453241770462014-12-28T18:56:00.000-05:002015-01-01T21:07:38.664-05:00#644 Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland, UK<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unvGVTuonrY/VHpsSRB3E5I/AAAAAAAAW2o/z3hA6rgmboM/s1600/IMG_9470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unvGVTuonrY/VHpsSRB3E5I/AAAAAAAAW2o/z3hA6rgmboM/s1600/IMG_9470.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPOFJMpuBLA/VHpreO7-O0I/AAAAAAAAW0k/DK0qh0iXNBM/s1600/2014-07-14%2B15.37.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPOFJMpuBLA/VHpreO7-O0I/AAAAAAAAW0k/DK0qh0iXNBM/s1600/2014-07-14%2B15.37.37.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>It is easy to see what this magnificent natural formation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has inspired and sustained legends and while there are similar formations (like Fingal's Cave on Scottish isle Staffa on the other side of the sea), it is unique. At most 12 meters high and around 28 meters thick in the widest places, they were formed during a volcanic eruption during the Paleogene period 50-60 million years ago as the lava cooled near the limestone forming a similar structure to dried, cracked mud. However, the stones just form part of a 3800 square kilometer area including the surrounding 100m cliffs, which form the largest remaining lava plateau in Europe.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhDGJ0M_bSA/VHprdn2Se-I/AAAAAAAAW0g/6uL34Dm3qOg/s1600/2014-07-14%2B15.37.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhDGJ0M_bSA/VHprdn2Se-I/AAAAAAAAW0g/6uL34Dm3qOg/s1600/2014-07-14%2B15.37.33.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bhDGJ0M_bSA/VHprdn2Se-I/AAAAAAAAW0g/6uL34Dm3qOg/s1600/2014-07-14%2B15.37.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>Part of the Antrim peninsula in Northern Ireland, people have been visiting as tourists since the 1693 'discovery' by the Royal Society. It was a popular feature on The Grand Tour as well, popularized by Miss Susana Drury's paintings.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XqDATZNLKmQ/VKXli10CVjI/AAAAAAAAYtU/KL2C_Qjfeig/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XqDATZNLKmQ/VKXli10CVjI/AAAAAAAAYtU/KL2C_Qjfeig/s1600/Capture.PNG" height="320" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An aerial photo from the http://www.giantscausewayofficialguide.com/ website.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QKADsVLV5wQ/VHprmnStW5I/AAAAAAAAW04/cxOi8uB-tQQ/s1600/IMG_9384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QKADsVLV5wQ/VHprmnStW5I/AAAAAAAAW04/cxOi8uB-tQQ/s1600/IMG_9384.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The coastline is dotted with similar coves,all part of the same formation, although not all have the unique columns!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnhnZrDEy7Y/VHprvsDPKXI/AAAAAAAAW1Q/B6YpibGz1fo/s1600/IMG_9405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnhnZrDEy7Y/VHprvsDPKXI/AAAAAAAAW1Q/B6YpibGz1fo/s1600/IMG_9405.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nxPjCmj4Q8/VHprpUEe2cI/AAAAAAAAW1A/gSNt94OhKFQ/s1600/IMG_9386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4nxPjCmj4Q8/VHprpUEe2cI/AAAAAAAAW1A/gSNt94OhKFQ/s1600/IMG_9386.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Known as <i style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: left;">Clochán an Aifir</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: left;"> </span>or<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: left;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: left;">Clochán na bhFomhórach </i>in Irish, it's name comes from the legend of Fionn mac Cumhaill, who built the causeway when he was challenged to a fight by Scottish giant Benandonner. Benandonner was tricked when he discovered when Fionn's wife Oonagh pretended he was a baby. From the size of the Fionn </div>
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'baby' and speculation as to the size of the father, Benandonner fled to Scotland in fright, destroying the causeway behind him. so that Fionn couldn't follow.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seen from above.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YwDRwVSBuuU/VHprwUeXrKI/AAAAAAAAW1Y/MO9_7uGo3So/s1600/IMG_9414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YwDRwVSBuuU/VHprwUeXrKI/AAAAAAAAW1Y/MO9_7uGo3So/s1600/IMG_9414.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately, a rainy day when wen went!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfC_E-yLgpM/VHpr3bNZDsI/AAAAAAAAW1o/NtirUxOMKgY/s1600/IMG_9421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfC_E-yLgpM/VHpr3bNZDsI/AAAAAAAAW1o/NtirUxOMKgY/s1600/IMG_9421.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9TNx7u4gXk/VHpr_HvG5qI/AAAAAAAAW18/RyDU8-yxdcA/s1600/IMG_9430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9TNx7u4gXk/VHpr_HvG5qI/AAAAAAAAW18/RyDU8-yxdcA/s1600/IMG_9430.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stepping stones as perfectly fit together as in a jigsaw puzzle. There are supposed to be around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, most of six sides (hexagonal), but a few with more or less.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1es2pmnEers/VHpr-hEbZYI/AAAAAAAAW14/D4d38F2yP2k/s1600/IMG_9433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1es2pmnEers/VHpr-hEbZYI/AAAAAAAAW14/D4d38F2yP2k/s1600/IMG_9433.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rowCKVv3lI0/VHpsF7udY6I/AAAAAAAAW2I/9rXyh_4-qC4/s1600/IMG_9443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rowCKVv3lI0/VHpsF7udY6I/AAAAAAAAW2I/9rXyh_4-qC4/s1600/IMG_9443.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9cQJOGaX1Y/VHpsHz4VBjI/AAAAAAAAW2Q/CfdY4ULsxw4/s1600/IMG_9448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9cQJOGaX1Y/VHpsHz4VBjI/AAAAAAAAW2Q/CfdY4ULsxw4/s1600/IMG_9448.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVOQjnmMK4w/VHpsINeki2I/AAAAAAAAW2U/CUfMAG8s_6g/s1600/IMG_9453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVOQjnmMK4w/VHpsINeki2I/AAAAAAAAW2U/CUfMAG8s_6g/s1600/IMG_9453.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nt3yrSS5eOE/VHpsPpTsnCI/AAAAAAAAW2g/rMkDG68W9qc/s1600/IMG_9458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nt3yrSS5eOE/VHpsPpTsnCI/AAAAAAAAW2g/rMkDG68W9qc/s1600/IMG_9458.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2yqA68Eu-A/VHpsSwzAeaI/AAAAAAAAW2w/YZtUC0tCGzE/s1600/IMG_9467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2yqA68Eu-A/VHpsSwzAeaI/AAAAAAAAW2w/YZtUC0tCGzE/s1600/IMG_9467.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-re7OB490rhs/VHpsbDgavLI/AAAAAAAAW24/QY1iJGyR4Rw/s1600/IMG_9473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-re7OB490rhs/VHpsbDgavLI/AAAAAAAAW24/QY1iJGyR4Rw/s1600/IMG_9473.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycRnAUXGXXY/VHpr0Vp1hAI/AAAAAAAAW1g/wCJ_2W8FV4E/s1600/IMG_9420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ycRnAUXGXXY/VHpr0Vp1hAI/AAAAAAAAW1g/wCJ_2W8FV4E/s1600/IMG_9420.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s7nc17k55UE/VHpsbk177oI/AAAAAAAAW28/S3JUdERqIOQ/s1600/IMG_9474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s7nc17k55UE/VHpsbk177oI/AAAAAAAAW28/S3JUdERqIOQ/s1600/IMG_9474.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The narrow gap between the causeway and the mainland. Other features at the site include a 'Giant's Boot' and an 'organ' (stacks).</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant's_Causeway">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant's_Causeway</a></span><br />
<a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/369"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/369</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.giantscausewayofficialguide.com/">http://www.giantscausewayofficialguide.com/</a></span><br />
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Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-44008402260820129932014-11-29T18:32:00.000-05:002014-11-29T18:34:57.645-05:00#645 Milford Sound, New Zealand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxjY-VSgXqk/VHpFon9qwdI/AAAAAAAAWzA/-svdhBb_vz4/s1600/IMG_8682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxjY-VSgXqk/VHpFon9qwdI/AAAAAAAAWzA/-svdhBb_vz4/s1600/IMG_8682.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H200JXBaFtw/VHpF0zvNEnI/AAAAAAAAWzY/mWiZ2NTWWMY/s1600/IMG_8709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H200JXBaFtw/VHpF0zvNEnI/AAAAAAAAWzY/mWiZ2NTWWMY/s1600/IMG_8709.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>The most famous view of Milford Sound, shown above, is of the steep-sided Mitre Peak (1962m, and actually five closely grouped peaks) sitting imposingly in the middle of the sound. However, this is only one view -- each direction is afforded spectacular views of snow-capped steep mountains, waterfalls, and deep green tanin-filled waterfall-fed ocean. It's impossible to see the open water of the Tasman Sea around the 16km of curves (and other mountains like the Elephant and the Lion), and the flat, calm waters bely its connection to the rough and windy western coast. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-322GNs9g3lo/VHpF1XD5B8I/AAAAAAAAWzc/E9QCdXHLOs4/s1600/IMG_8711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-322GNs9g3lo/VHpF1XD5B8I/AAAAAAAAWzc/E9QCdXHLOs4/s1600/IMG_8711.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>The town of Milford (population 120) lies on a small area of marshy land at the head of the sound where the Cleddau, Tutoko and Arthur Rivers empty into the sea -- there is nowhere else the town really could be and it is one of the few sounds that has land suitable for a settlement. It includes an airstrip from which frequent scenic flights depart, a cruise terminal and jetty, and an old THC Hotel, but not really much else. Similar to Doubtful Sound (<a href="http://1000amazingplaces.blogspot.com/2014/01/729-doubtful-sound-fjordland-new-zealand.html">#729</a>), its less famous neighbor, and the other 12 sounds, it is part of the Fjordland National Park and Te Waipounamu, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, it is the only sound in the park with road access for tourists. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhBc6dp4WJY/VHpF-mkOgfI/AAAAAAAAWz8/XAkxUixUld0/s1600/IMG_8787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhBc6dp4WJY/VHpF-mkOgfI/AAAAAAAAWz8/XAkxUixUld0/s1600/IMG_8787.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.planetware.com/i/map/NZ/milford-sound-map.jpg" height="400" style="cursor: move; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="334" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.planetware.com</td></tr>
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For years, Milford Sound was only accessible by sea or by foot, until the famous 1.2km Homer Tunnel was opened in 1954 (it was begun in 1935) under the Darran mountain range. Milford is still very inaccessible, with the one road going in that's often snowed under in winter. It's 2 hours (121km) to the nearest town, Te Anau.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9HeKPM3MvGA/VHpFe0ilgUI/AAAAAAAAWyo/JPZWskKANBI/s1600/IMG_8676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9HeKPM3MvGA/VHpFe0ilgUI/AAAAAAAAWyo/JPZWskKANBI/s1600/IMG_8676.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The wettest place in New Zealand, snow remains even in summer.</td></tr>
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While the Maori have used the MacKinnon Pass (found in 1888 and made part of the Milford Track) to access the sounds to collect pounamu (greenstone) for around 1000 years, and called it Piopiotahi after the place of mourning of the "first" now extinct Piopio bird and the legend of Maui's death trying to win immortality for mankind, it wasn't until John Grono landed in 1812 that it was named Milford Sound after Milford Haven in Wales. Rudyard Kipling apparently called it the 8th wonder of the world!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYCQ0GRv42c/VHpGDvawSwI/AAAAAAAAW0I/--ukU_KqeWo/s1600/IMG_8879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LYCQ0GRv42c/VHpGDvawSwI/AAAAAAAAW0I/--ukU_KqeWo/s1600/IMG_8879.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1FVK-UsRbW8/VHpE80X2xlI/AAAAAAAAWxg/UsZfvJ2sCnM/s1600/IMG_8540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1FVK-UsRbW8/VHpE80X2xlI/AAAAAAAAWxg/UsZfvJ2sCnM/s1600/IMG_8540.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eglinton Flats, along with the Te Anau Downs are the beginning of a road journey into Milford.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2OYFG3vtXBc/VHpE8zwnAQI/AAAAAAAAWxk/KlRD-SQMjK8/s1600/IMG_8550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2OYFG3vtXBc/VHpE8zwnAQI/AAAAAAAAWxk/KlRD-SQMjK8/s1600/IMG_8550.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuZBy_4JIgM/VHpFH7NgJgI/AAAAAAAAWx8/p-3_AaAE5uo/s1600/IMG_8564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuZBy_4JIgM/VHpFH7NgJgI/AAAAAAAAWx8/p-3_AaAE5uo/s1600/IMG_8564.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrWRmcBOAhE/VHpE-4NTE5I/AAAAAAAAWxw/K8AlxHQBygU/s1600/IMG_8560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mrWRmcBOAhE/VHpE-4NTE5I/AAAAAAAAWxw/K8AlxHQBygU/s1600/IMG_8560.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gleddau River</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jVgenU7kZF8/VHpFIMxZH3I/AAAAAAAAWyA/lTKLNWqjP40/s1600/IMG_8579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jVgenU7kZF8/VHpFIMxZH3I/AAAAAAAAWyA/lTKLNWqjP40/s1600/IMG_8579.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CEEcid-ccKY/VHpFHppJ5iI/AAAAAAAAWx4/c4NBGBktGe8/s1600/IMG_8584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CEEcid-ccKY/VHpFHppJ5iI/AAAAAAAAWx4/c4NBGBktGe8/s1600/IMG_8584.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-verRX_yo8O8/VHpFUr0S6tI/AAAAAAAAWyU/Kzc4ArOkVEU/s1600/IMG_8608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-verRX_yo8O8/VHpFUr0S6tI/AAAAAAAAWyU/Kzc4ArOkVEU/s1600/IMG_8608.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BV-DMwd0hzY/VHpFUdOBeLI/AAAAAAAAWyQ/HLa95nqF2xM/s1600/IMG_8603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BV-DMwd0hzY/VHpFUdOBeLI/AAAAAAAAWyQ/HLa95nqF2xM/s1600/IMG_8603.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The landscape right outside the Homer Tunnel - Keas love it here!</td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zhu6fwBYfmw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eDaafIh4F6g/VHpFfF6ypFI/AAAAAAAAWys/ovqKQoXiFe0/s1600/IMG_8624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eDaafIh4F6g/VHpFfF6ypFI/AAAAAAAAWys/ovqKQoXiFe0/s1600/IMG_8624.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nx1-B1Y8lNE/VHpFf2KUJvI/AAAAAAAAWy4/0dOJPjtK--k/s1600/IMG_8630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nx1-B1Y8lNE/VHpFf2KUJvI/AAAAAAAAWy4/0dOJPjtK--k/s1600/IMG_8630.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chasm is halfway between Milford and the Homer Tunnel and gives an idea of the quantity of rainfall and the force of the water carving the valleys (although the sound itself was formed by a glacier during the last ice age.</td></tr>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kcm_JLgtCig/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/kcm_JLgtCig?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/kcm_JLgtCig?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pilp3Za1ukg/VHpFqmgZPuI/AAAAAAAAWzQ/uCiuTR4iVVA/s1600/IMG_8693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pilp3Za1ukg/VHpFqmgZPuI/AAAAAAAAWzQ/uCiuTR4iVVA/s1600/IMG_8693.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dJLgUq6_78/VHpFqLXCSfI/AAAAAAAAWzI/iSy-jNLPiM0/s1600/IMG_8706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3dJLgUq6_78/VHpFqLXCSfI/AAAAAAAAWzI/iSy-jNLPiM0/s1600/IMG_8706.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river marshes around Milford afford excellent bird watching!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1R8u4Kmhr90/VHpF-TH5TxI/AAAAAAAAWz4/g2uGWM8bzjE/s1600/IMG_8845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1R8u4Kmhr90/VHpF-TH5TxI/AAAAAAAAWz4/g2uGWM8bzjE/s1600/IMG_8845.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting in line for the single-lane Homer Tunnel on the <br />
Milford Side, while keas pester tourists and land on cars. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-knZruOFxS18/VHpF9sWqJoI/AAAAAAAAWzw/lI3TdpTG0PI/s1600/IMG_8861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-knZruOFxS18/VHpF9sWqJoI/AAAAAAAAWzw/lI3TdpTG0PI/s1600/IMG_8861.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WkKQ-JUA2VY/VHpGEPaBv-I/AAAAAAAAW0M/ms8B7W3UT40/s1600/IMG_8877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WkKQ-JUA2VY/VHpGEPaBv-I/AAAAAAAAW0M/ms8B7W3UT40/s1600/IMG_8877.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.piopiotahi.co.nz/piopiotahi/photo-stops">http://www.piopiotahi.co.nz/piopiotahi/photo-stops</a></div>
<a href="http://www.milford-sound.co.nz/">http://www.milford-sound.co.nz/</a><br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milford_Sound">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milford_Sound</a><br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homer_Tunnel">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homer_Tunnel</a></div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-27350444478332920632014-11-09T16:29:00.001-05:002014-11-09T16:30:46.328-05:00#646 Big Sur, California, USA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gEn54lU-as/VF_MfyvMVlI/AAAAAAAAWuU/X3gqnAVJIu8/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gEn54lU-as/VF_MfyvMVlI/AAAAAAAAWuU/X3gqnAVJIu8/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7iaveNUE2Kk/VF_Mdoq3LzI/AAAAAAAAWuM/Txiy2P6vGWs/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7iaveNUE2Kk/VF_Mdoq3LzI/AAAAAAAAWuM/Txiy2P6vGWs/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e8nk_3c-gyw/VF_MURls_sI/AAAAAAAAWt4/ZLZYb8nYITc/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e8nk_3c-gyw/VF_MURls_sI/AAAAAAAAWt4/ZLZYb8nYITc/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>Number one on <a href="http://twistedsifter.com/2013/03/roads-to-drive-before-you-die/">roads to see before you die</a>, I can agree that it is a spectacular drive! This "most adored" of California's highways, took 18 years to build (as part of the Depression Era's New Deal), and most of its residents didn't get electricity until the 1950s. The Spanish bypassed it for being too rugged (they called it "el pais grande del sur" or the big country of the south, and until the road was built in the 1930s, it was one of the most remote parts of California. Aside for the famed 85km stretch of winding Highway 1 - which is NOT a freeway so take time -- there's a castle, sea lions, birds, redwood forests and many beautiful beaches and trails to see and walk.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47u1C55b2s8/VF_MUJp3uvI/AAAAAAAAWtw/8WLtZvV9WIM/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47u1C55b2s8/VF_MUJp3uvI/AAAAAAAAWtw/8WLtZvV9WIM/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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From the Monterey Peninsula and Carmel in the north to San Simeon in San Luis Obispo County in the south, the road follows the Santa Lucia Mountains as they rise sharply from the sea (Big Sur's Cone Peak is the largest coastal mountain in the contiguous United States at 1571m).</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tIMtlhOvqPY/VF_NYaND-XI/AAAAAAAAWvs/b3L88qLt4dM/s1600/IMG_9999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tIMtlhOvqPY/VF_NYaND-XI/AAAAAAAAWvs/b3L88qLt4dM/s1600/IMG_9999.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hearst Castle</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
The history of the area starts with the Native American Ohlone, Esselen and Salinan tribes, who left few artifacts aside from obsidian and flint arrowheads. The Spaniards sailed past in 1542, but chose to settle further inland where several Catholic Missions can be found. It was part of Mexico after their independence from Spain in 1821, but was ceded to the United States after the Mexican-American War in 1848. The 1862 Homestead Act brought hardy settlers who were granted plots of 160 acres, and many of the region's names date from this era and these families. The Gold Rush era saw the cutting down of many redwoods and the establishment of various landings and camps (as there were no reliable roads), but most of these have disappeared today. In 1894 the <i>SS Los Angeles</i> ran aground near Point Sur light station, but its inaccessibility encouraged politicians to propose a road.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHfNDMWlupw/VF_MT7-J2_I/AAAAAAAAWts/kG8uiUs7jzo/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHfNDMWlupw/VF_MT7-J2_I/AAAAAAAAWts/kG8uiUs7jzo/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>The road was approved in 1919 and construction began with convict labor from San Quentin Prison. The route included 33 bridges (Bixby Bridge is the largest) which became part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Originally Route 56 when it was finished in 1937, it was re-designated Highway 1 in 1939.It was the first State Scenic Highway (in 1965) and also holds the title of All American Road. </div>
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Relative isolation in the mid 20th Century brought artists and hippies, from Jack Kerouac to Henry Miller and Hunter S Thompson. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton also filmed <i>The Sandpiper</i> in the area, and bands from the Beach Boys to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers have eulogized the area in songs.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJGvqxeANAQ/VF_MpfsNqrI/AAAAAAAAWus/QJ46gNrKBY0/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJGvqxeANAQ/VF_MpfsNqrI/AAAAAAAAWus/QJ46gNrKBY0/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gS2wcG2dnFQ/VF_MxUjTYxI/AAAAAAAAWu0/a9CgSFExg6Q/s1600/IMG_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gS2wcG2dnFQ/VF_MxUjTYxI/AAAAAAAAWu0/a9CgSFExg6Q/s1600/IMG_0113.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Los Padres National Forest is a unique ecosystem in the middle of the otherwise quite barren area.</div>
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The road is sometimes closed due to landslides and the seasonal California fog is a frequent visitor.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7fwNuImoH3w/VF_NQpfkZ0I/AAAAAAAAWvc/3p0gm5QKqyM/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7fwNuImoH3w/VF_NQpfkZ0I/AAAAAAAAWvc/3p0gm5QKqyM/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most famous view of Big Sur is this view of Bixby Bridge, built in 1932.</td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/syM4gBuQX2o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/">http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/</a></span><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Sur"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Sur</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g240329-Big_Sur_California-Vacations.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g240329-Big_Sur_California-Vacations.html</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/David-Landsel/california-big-sur-driving-the-coast_b_5095299.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/David-Landsel/california-big-sur-driving-the-coast_b_5095299.html</span></a><br />
<a href="http://twistedsifter.com/2013/03/roads-to-drive-before-you-die/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://twistedsifter.com/2013/03/roads-to-drive-before-you-die/</span></a></div>
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Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-40158180890102234212014-11-09T15:09:00.002-05:002014-11-09T15:15:55.484-05:00#647 Arab Fund Building, Kuwait<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlrg2Faw5AE/VF_AyKLdyrI/AAAAAAAAWo8/Qwvr9u74jpU/s1600/Arab%2BFund%2BBuilding%2B002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlrg2Faw5AE/VF_AyKLdyrI/AAAAAAAAWo8/Qwvr9u74jpU/s1600/Arab%2BFund%2BBuilding%2B002.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ba_Z8OwiP74/VF_AyFutobI/AAAAAAAAWo4/LOxLHscVC-k/s1600/Arab%2BFund%2BBuilding%2B003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ba_Z8OwiP74/VF_AyFutobI/AAAAAAAAWo4/LOxLHscVC-k/s1600/Arab%2BFund%2BBuilding%2B003.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ayzos3fNsbo/VF_Azhg34MI/AAAAAAAAWpQ/GaAIOm0ww1M/s1600/Arab%2BFund%2BBuilding%2B006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ayzos3fNsbo/VF_Azhg34MI/AAAAAAAAWpQ/GaAIOm0ww1M/s1600/Arab%2BFund%2BBuilding%2B006.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-879ZCoNjrE8/VF_AzM9hpMI/AAAAAAAAWpM/iZ43VRIN9dk/s1600/Arab%2BFund%2BBuilding%2B005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-879ZCoNjrE8/VF_AzM9hpMI/AAAAAAAAWpM/iZ43VRIN9dk/s1600/Arab%2BFund%2BBuilding%2B005.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) is a Kuwait-based finance group established by the Arab League in 1972. Their headquarters are in Kuwait City, and although they aren't a traditional tourist site, by appointment, you can request a tour of the magnificent facilities. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haygA_oxlRU/VF_Azp6MHwI/AAAAAAAAWpY/-wOx7EGjV4s/s1600/Arab%2BFund%2BBuilding%2B007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-haygA_oxlRU/VF_Azp6MHwI/AAAAAAAAWpY/-wOx7EGjV4s/s1600/Arab%2BFund%2BBuilding%2B007.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gj5fxIUg-U/VF_Ax6tMlaI/AAAAAAAAWpA/FjMSvlOP6S4/s1600/Arab%2BFund%2BBuilding%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gj5fxIUg-U/VF_Ax6tMlaI/AAAAAAAAWpA/FjMSvlOP6S4/s1600/Arab%2BFund%2BBuilding%2B001.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Built along Arab design principles and incorporating specific decorative elements from across the Arab world, it is peaceful, airy and beautiful. It includes a large central atrium (8 floors high!) with wooden latticed windows leading into meeting rooms and other quiet alcoves. Craftsmanship from many countries was incorporated in the beautiful tile zellij, lush carpets, delicate stained class compositions, and fine wood carving. Enormous intricate chandeliers are hung in all areas and the brass doorknobs impress!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Sources: <span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/kuwait/kuwait-city/sights/architecture/arab-fund-building">http://www.lonelyplanet.com/kuwait/kuwait-city/sights/architecture/arab-fund-building</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_Fund_for_Economic_and_Social_Development">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_Fund_for_Economic_and_Social_Development</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.arabfund.org/"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">http://www.arabfund.org/</span></a></div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-60064302103191217622014-10-25T23:51:00.000-05:002014-10-25T23:51:22.129-05:00#648 Sans Souci, Ramiers, and Citadelle, Milot, Haiti<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rultGCznloA/VExLETTywVI/AAAAAAAAWjE/rRPbKPQZyPE/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rultGCznloA/VExLETTywVI/AAAAAAAAWjE/rRPbKPQZyPE/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaqfYHAFl9I/VExLC1jZxbI/AAAAAAAAWi8/x3LdRz6ku4c/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaqfYHAFl9I/VExLC1jZxbI/AAAAAAAAWi8/x3LdRz6ku4c/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lEvSJWATiJc/VExLCFjPrVI/AAAAAAAAWi0/f7gBSJqKN70/s1600/IMG_3663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lEvSJWATiJc/VExLCFjPrVI/AAAAAAAAWi0/f7gBSJqKN70/s1600/IMG_3663.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>The history lesson for today's post is about Haiti. You may already know that Haiti had one of the first successful slave rebellions under Toussant Louverture which led to independence for Haiti from France by 1800, but what you may not know is that after their first president Dessalines, the country split in two, and the north, called alternatively, the Kingdom of Haiti or the State of Haiti (the south was the Republic of Haiti), was ruled by the self-titled Roi (King) Henri Christophe. Despite his system of forced labor, unpopularity at the time and his eventual suicide in 1820, he is adored throughout Haiti today for the impressive monuments that he left behind: his enormous palace and system of buildings Sans Souci, the formidable Citadelle high atop 910m Pic La Ferriere (Bonnet a L'Eveque Mountain), and the system of fortresses to support it on the southern side, the Ramiers. Each could easily have been a post of its own, but because they all owe their existence to his drive and ingenuity, they are together in one post. In a symbol of Haitians' inferiority complex, they marvel that one of them was able to create such a feat of engineering and power and are incredibly proud of it, and indeed, it is a very impressive set of complexes.<br />
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<b>Sans Souci Palace or "Carefree Palace"</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFkRlSiNipw/VExLvBHVDII/AAAAAAAAWjU/qFMGilWwBtE/s1600/IMG_3725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CFkRlSiNipw/VExLvBHVDII/AAAAAAAAWjU/qFMGilWwBtE/s1600/IMG_3725.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IlPXvcAzrwI/VExLq89ZxyI/AAAAAAAAWjM/jORa575lF2k/s1600/IMG_3706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IlPXvcAzrwI/VExLq89ZxyI/AAAAAAAAWjM/jORa575lF2k/s1600/IMG_3706.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a>The palace, built between 1810 and 1813 where Christophe (who was actually from Grenada, not Haiti) installed his wife Marie-Louise and family, was constructed at the same time as the citadelle, although completed before Christophe's death unlike the citadelle which had elements still to be constructed and further plans in the works. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IN-h_Chiayk/VExL31mPqTI/AAAAAAAAWjc/l1TWMBiLL0g/s1600/IMG_3689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IN-h_Chiayk/VExL31mPqTI/AAAAAAAAWjc/l1TWMBiLL0g/s1600/IMG_3689.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>This view shows the hospital, school, swimming pool and fountain. The complex was more than just a place to live but an entire administrative complex spread over 8 hectares, where Christophe hosted opulent feasts and dances. It also included a printing shop, garment factory, distillery, medical faculty, chapel and military barracks. In one of the second floor rooms in the middle of the palace, Roi Henry Christophe shot himself with a silver bullet in 1820. The palace was ransacked and the majority of the family moved to Italy, where there had already been a strong connection if the marble statue above is to be believed. They continued to be an influential family in Haiti, and his grandson Pierre Nord Alexis became president of Haiti from 1902-1908 and his great-great-great-great-grandaughter Michele Bennett was first lady of 'Baby Doc', Jean-Claude Duvalier.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Or6oaZuhzFg/VExMTvNdvKI/AAAAAAAAWjo/UQ1PCfrz7Ko/s1600/IMG_3761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Or6oaZuhzFg/VExMTvNdvKI/AAAAAAAAWjo/UQ1PCfrz7Ko/s1600/IMG_3761.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>The Citadelle</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EBu0tRfkDO4/VExMrFqMrGI/AAAAAAAAWj4/0jejs3OJfeM/s1600/IMG_3785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EBu0tRfkDO4/VExMrFqMrGI/AAAAAAAAWj4/0jejs3OJfeM/s1600/IMG_3785.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original aqueduct to remove excess<br />water from the fortress. It was damaged<br />and many parts of the roof covering<br />collapsed in the 1842 earthquake.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKRjNkVERv8/VExMfVkFF3I/AAAAAAAAWjw/lbBQ9tRmUp8/s1600/IMG_3796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UKRjNkVERv8/VExMfVkFF3I/AAAAAAAAWjw/lbBQ9tRmUp8/s1600/IMG_3796.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>Able to be seen from all sides around from many kilometers away (such as Cap-Haitien 17km north, or even Cuba on a clear day), the citadelle is an impressive structure, but walking up to it along a steep cobbled path (2 and a half km in the hot sun!) it becomes even more spectacular. It is situated above the village of Milot, and it offers 360 degree panoramas of any invading armies, so aside from being built to show the abilities of blacks, Dessalines ordered his general, Christophe, build it because he feared a French reinvasion, which had happened in 1802 when Touisant was sent to France to die in prison, though it was short-lived. This is also why Christophe's palace was so far inland, in order to be well away from the strong British and French naval boats. 20,000 workers slogged for 15 years (from 1805) to built it, with unknown lost lives, and even then it wasn't finished.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bohMdQVMCHU/VExN5MbqpMI/AAAAAAAAWkc/SUL8odbGWpM/s1600/IMG_3816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bohMdQVMCHU/VExN5MbqpMI/AAAAAAAAWkc/SUL8odbGWpM/s1600/IMG_3816.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6FtznubL5Hc/VExNOHcXA7I/AAAAAAAAWkE/S2fjcsaDS7Y/s1600/IMG_3812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6FtznubL5Hc/VExNOHcXA7I/AAAAAAAAWkE/S2fjcsaDS7Y/s1600/IMG_3812.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>Aside from being the biggest fortress in the Americas, the citadelle holds the worlds best collection of 19th century armory, and none of it was ever used in war as no land invasion ever occurred. There are cannon gifts from England and Spain with decorative motifs and emblems, not to mention fish shaped handles. This was in spite of the mockery many felt towards the creation of the kingdom and various nobility and peerage within it.<br />
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Other amazing facts:<br />
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<li>the walls rise 130 feet (40m) from the mountain top</li>
<li>the whole complex covers 108,000 square feet (10,000 square meters)</li>
<li>the structure uses no cement, but a mortar mixture of quicklime, molasses, cow hooves, and the blood of cows and goats</li>
<li>cisterns and storehouses could store enough food and water for 5000 defenders for upt to a year</li>
<li>the fortress had palace quarters for the king and his family if needed</li>
<li>other features included dungeons, jails, bathing quarters, and a bakery</li>
<li>the citadel appears like the prow of a ship jutting out from the mountainside.</li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5caEUFu0os/VExO8geBhBI/AAAAAAAAWlE/MZUXDbtIsgc/s1600/IMG_3932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5caEUFu0os/VExO8geBhBI/AAAAAAAAWlE/MZUXDbtIsgc/s1600/IMG_3932.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5zO4Yml8k0/VExNRuWtZGI/AAAAAAAAWkU/5FqM-tlajFo/s1600/IMG_3813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5zO4Yml8k0/VExNRuWtZGI/AAAAAAAAWkU/5FqM-tlajFo/s1600/IMG_3813.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>The king's brother's tomb is in the fortress, after he died in a gunpowder accident in 1818 and the king's body is also somewhere in the inner courtyards of the citadelle after his loyal followers covered his body in quicklime and secretly buried the body after his suicide.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRBxeIRjUCg/VExOHoprgpI/AAAAAAAAWkk/vuiM4c2X8Wg/s1600/IMG_3867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRBxeIRjUCg/VExOHoprgpI/AAAAAAAAWkk/vuiM4c2X8Wg/s1600/IMG_3867.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5zKynBnUcs/VExOncX6czI/AAAAAAAAWk0/WJmXAqL5gvE/s1600/IMG_3899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5zKynBnUcs/VExOncX6czI/AAAAAAAAWk0/WJmXAqL5gvE/s1600/IMG_3899.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds8I5VD8XKg/VExPnIh42aI/AAAAAAAAWlU/oLegfoAGG70/s1600/IMG_3968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds8I5VD8XKg/VExPnIh42aI/AAAAAAAAWlU/oLegfoAGG70/s1600/IMG_3968.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwHDLKPpdJ4/VExPoSjoSwI/AAAAAAAAWlc/WtnpwE-8lBs/s1600/IMG_3988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwHDLKPpdJ4/VExPoSjoSwI/AAAAAAAAWlc/WtnpwE-8lBs/s1600/IMG_3988.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fT8vBvpT5bY/VExP-tsVQmI/AAAAAAAAWlk/0zT8Su9Hm3U/s1600/IMG_3993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fT8vBvpT5bY/VExP-tsVQmI/AAAAAAAAWlk/0zT8Su9Hm3U/s1600/IMG_3993.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ks-2Ck3jiVI/VExQC7Z4kQI/AAAAAAAAWls/IiwXYzeQ8Ic/s1600/IMG_4006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ks-2Ck3jiVI/VExQC7Z4kQI/AAAAAAAAWls/IiwXYzeQ8Ic/s1600/IMG_4006.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_oUfspzReg/VExOH3OSB7I/AAAAAAAAWko/i-zvyM5fZMs/s1600/IMG_3855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_oUfspzReg/VExOH3OSB7I/AAAAAAAAWko/i-zvyM5fZMs/s1600/IMG_3855.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Ramiers</b></div>
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Although quite hard to discern in the image above, there are a series of 4 fortresses and the Queen's palace that line the hillside to the south of the Citadelle. Above the town of Dondon (which apparently was the Taino capital before the Europeans arrived, due to the 25+ caves they could live in), they are flattened pyramids with drawbridges and served as protection from a land-based army coming from the south. </div>
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Note - Christophe built up to 9 palaces, 15 chateaux, forts, summer homes (on the 20 plantations he owned), so these three complexes are only a small part of his megalomania!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources: Footprint <u>Caribbean Islands</u>, 15th Edition , 2004</span><br />
<a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/180"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/180</span></a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Christophe"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Christophe</span></a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Haiti"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Haiti</span></a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sans-Souci_Palace"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sans-Souci_Palace</span></a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citadelle_Laferri%C3%A8re"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citadelle_Laferri%C3%A8re</span></a></div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-18005982355216707222014-10-24T21:25:00.002-05:002014-10-24T22:11:55.410-05:00#649 Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pS9jiouZPk0/VEnjDRdq3FI/AAAAAAAAWeg/qWCcALfPLLs/s1600/IMG_2958.JPG" height="400" style="color: #0000ee;" width="266" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YapDe4TkIzE/VEnmpXsEXsI/AAAAAAAAWg0/On-nPXMIFYE/s1600/IMG_3051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YapDe4TkIzE/VEnmpXsEXsI/AAAAAAAAWg0/On-nPXMIFYE/s1600/IMG_3051.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3z9tsRZjp_Y/VEnmDbHM8aI/AAAAAAAAWgk/EZ-yb5BOCMg/s1600/IMG_3038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3z9tsRZjp_Y/VEnmDbHM8aI/AAAAAAAAWgk/EZ-yb5BOCMg/s1600/IMG_3038.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>The only 15th century European city in the Americas, Santo Domingo, is amazing in that its layout and much of its architecture remain almost exactly as they were created. Above you can see the most modern pedestrianized street (El Conde) which holds most of the taller and newer buildings, while on the right is the Iglesia de de Altagracia, which sits next to monastery ruins left to the ages.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qf_qr_7oLSU/VEnkuxBm-oI/AAAAAAAAWfw/8YZh2zdxO0Q/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qf_qr_7oLSU/VEnkuxBm-oI/AAAAAAAAWfw/8YZh2zdxO0Q/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWpp_wfblOE/VEnmW-Mf97I/AAAAAAAAWgs/iZ5GRPDtTsE/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kWpp_wfblOE/VEnmW-Mf97I/AAAAAAAAWgs/iZ5GRPDtTsE/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CrU7t3N_uo/VEnljczxlVI/AAAAAAAAWgM/i087fgofteM/s1600/IMG_3019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CrU7t3N_uo/VEnljczxlVI/AAAAAAAAWgM/i087fgofteM/s1600/IMG_3019.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyP2RCSpl6U/VEnl95LmfsI/AAAAAAAAWgc/V2panRF1ads/s1600/IMG_3035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyP2RCSpl6U/VEnl95LmfsI/AAAAAAAAWgc/V2panRF1ads/s1600/IMG_3035.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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Many modern homes are one story, some with art deco remodeling, most with criss-crossing power lines, and all with ornate gates or doors.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N688gwX9BHI/VEnkJlSpdAI/AAAAAAAAWfQ/e1HUQac6M8k/s1600/IMG_2989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N688gwX9BHI/VEnkJlSpdAI/AAAAAAAAWfQ/e1HUQac6M8k/s1600/IMG_2989.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px;">Torre de Homenaje inside the Fortaleza Ozama</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tJfwojPa9lI/VEnm83fiiRI/AAAAAAAAWhE/y7kt5yCFTRE/s1600/IMG_3072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tJfwojPa9lI/VEnm83fiiRI/AAAAAAAAWhE/y7kt5yCFTRE/s1600/IMG_3072.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a>From the Fortaleza Ozama (a.k.a Fortaleza de Santo Domingo) with its tall Torre de Homenaje in the middle of the southeast corner of the city, to the charming cobbled street of Las Damas peeking into the fort, where rich colonial women would promenade on nice evenings and with Christopher Columbus' house at one end (the Alcazar de Colon), to the quaint colonial houses with pretty courtyards and balconies, slowly being restored into restaurants and boutique hotels, I think my favorite thing was still the fact that it is a current, active city and not a museum. Men and women sit on the benches in the park and gossip or play dominoes. Children still play on the streets, and it is still very much owned by the people.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGvElpm084k/VEnkSLBvURI/AAAAAAAAWfc/d69JFVyfm6Y/s1600/IMG_2997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGvElpm084k/VEnkSLBvURI/AAAAAAAAWfc/d69JFVyfm6Y/s1600/IMG_2997.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaPnWoAr5x4/VEnmtMnnSJI/AAAAAAAAWg8/P2LaQcdy2Ro/s1600/IMG_3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaPnWoAr5x4/VEnmtMnnSJI/AAAAAAAAWg8/P2LaQcdy2Ro/s1600/IMG_3057.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>Founded in 1498 by Bartholomew Columbus (although this was actually on the east bank of the Ozama River and Governor Nicolas de Ovando moved it to its current location on the west bank in 1502), it was the first to be laid out on a grid plan, which was just one of many firsts. It also saw the first cathedral (St Mary of the Incarnation), the first monastery (St Francois), the first university (St Tomas Aquinas), the first hospital (Nicholas de Bari), the first fortified city, and of course, the first headquarters of Spanish power, from where many of the New World conquistadors set out. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parque Colon with the Cathedral behind. This statue of Columbus is controversial and politically incorrect, partially due to the Taino woman grasping at his feet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While I was there, huge amounts of reconstruction were going on. Roads were closed all over the Zona Colonial.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQW6_1ze3cU/VEnj4-bbJKI/AAAAAAAAWfI/inCHNAlhaKg/s1600/IMG_2970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQW6_1ze3cU/VEnj4-bbJKI/AAAAAAAAWfI/inCHNAlhaKg/s1600/IMG_2970.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4m8jJF46hfw/VEnjrJL06OI/AAAAAAAAWe4/Mej29VIAcP8/s1600/IMG_2965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4m8jJF46hfw/VEnjrJL06OI/AAAAAAAAWe4/Mej29VIAcP8/s1600/IMG_2965.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The former Jesuit monastery and church, Convento de San Ignacio de Loyola, which since 1958 has been the National Pantheon, holding the tombs of the country's presidents, heroes and a tomb intended for Trujillo. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QjhAMcOu0t4/VEnj0L114mI/AAAAAAAAWfA/-gLSMki0uLg/s1600/IMG_2973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QjhAMcOu0t4/VEnj0L114mI/AAAAAAAAWfA/-gLSMki0uLg/s1600/IMG_2973.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q76GW5MvhkY/VEnpQzlh_VI/AAAAAAAAWik/ih2d_4l0cGg/s1600/IMG_3291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q76GW5MvhkY/VEnpQzlh_VI/AAAAAAAAWik/ih2d_4l0cGg/s1600/IMG_3291.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museo de Las Casas Reales, a reconstructed early 16th Century building which was in colonial days the Palace of the Governors and Captains-General, the Audiencia Real (Supreme Court made up of three judges designed to check the power of the governor) and Chancery of the Indies. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up and down Calle Hostos</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful ruins of the Fuerte de San Francisco.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx2hM8F163k/VEno9AMVxII/AAAAAAAAWiM/7lnF_2uRz6g/s1600/IMG_3190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx2hM8F163k/VEno9AMVxII/AAAAAAAAWiM/7lnF_2uRz6g/s1600/IMG_3190.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48ndUGQzvuA/VEnpFlGgK0I/AAAAAAAAWic/e-_y9qEnN7U/s1600/IMG_3193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48ndUGQzvuA/VEnpFlGgK0I/AAAAAAAAWic/e-_y9qEnN7U/s1600/IMG_3193.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catedral Basilica Menor de Santa Maria</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7ayY8xn21Q/VEnojlW5L0I/AAAAAAAAWiE/1m-mchwxW7U/s1600/IMG_3187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L7ayY8xn21Q/VEnojlW5L0I/AAAAAAAAWiE/1m-mchwxW7U/s1600/IMG_3187.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZonqG7QZNz4/VEnogCAl1ZI/AAAAAAAAWh8/YBV8MKsolLI/s1600/IMG_3169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZonqG7QZNz4/VEnogCAl1ZI/AAAAAAAAWh8/YBV8MKsolLI/s1600/IMG_3169.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The city walls have been lowered so a modern road can pass through, but I love that they've ensured no one will forget by leaving the remnants of history as cobblestones. In a similar way, the old wall has been surrounded by modern apartment blocks, and cunning staircases traverse it. </td></tr>
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As mentioned by UNESCO: "<i>The Colonial City of Santo Domingo, surrounded by its walls, has preserved, almost unaltered, the extension of its territory, its grid layout and most of its architectural monumental structures. Apart from rare but dramatic exceptions, it has retained its traditional scale, the width of the streets, the plots and heights of the buildings. Throughout its historical development, its has incorporated architecture of the various eras with their forms, styles, materials and construction methods that have enriched the knowledge and interpretation of its economic, social and cultural development as a living historical center.</i>"<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: </span><a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/526" style="font-size: x-small;">http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/526</a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Footprint Caribbean Islands, 15th Edition, 2004</span></div>
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Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-59792582424325755072014-09-20T00:12:00.000-05:002014-10-24T00:16:36.517-05:00#650 Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos Islands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j0CRWSAtKHE/VDNgz4fwzlI/AAAAAAAAV5Y/Gv6GK1wp9Ak/s1600/2014-09-17%2B18.41.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j0CRWSAtKHE/VDNgz4fwzlI/AAAAAAAAV5Y/Gv6GK1wp9Ak/s1600/2014-09-17%2B18.41.13.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6wNlVHU9AU/VDNg0sRXZuI/AAAAAAAAV5g/Se1dU19Ezug/s1600/2014-09-17%2B08.29.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6wNlVHU9AU/VDNg0sRXZuI/AAAAAAAAV5g/Se1dU19Ezug/s1600/2014-09-17%2B08.29.10.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>The 11 or so kilometers of soft white sand that make up Grace Bay's beach are reported to be one of the best beaches in the Caribbean - in fact in 2011 and 2012, TripAdvisor users voted it the best beach destination in the world. If one was counting large resorts (30+), the presence of such a variety of places to stay would certainly convince you: from the Seven Stars, to Grace Bay Club, Club Med, the Somerset, the Venetian, Windsong, the Alexandria, the Sands or the all-inclusive Beaches, this is the destination for the island of Providenciales, plus there are also many smaller resorts and private residences.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uViP7HjPtuY/VDNg03F8VtI/AAAAAAAAV5k/5RmmQkFRAzk/s1600/2014-09-17%2B08.29.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uViP7HjPtuY/VDNg03F8VtI/AAAAAAAAV5k/5RmmQkFRAzk/s1600/2014-09-17%2B08.29.44.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Trying to capture its loveliness is difficult as every image seems similar - it's just so perfect. What is it that makes it great? The reef prevents any large waves so it is calm and safe -- surf lovers can look elsewhere on the island. The waters are a perfect, beautiful turquoise and blue, apparently from the purity of the white sand (which is so fine it acts like a glue on your feet!). There is world-class diving on the wall of the surrounding reef -- it is part of the third-largest barrier reef system in the world. Perhaps its so great because it seems no one has heard of it?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3SNbR7r56o/VDNg2kXD96I/AAAAAAAAV5w/J-jqqwgX3s4/s1600/2014-09-20%2B15.15.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3SNbR7r56o/VDNg2kXD96I/AAAAAAAAV5w/J-jqqwgX3s4/s1600/2014-09-20%2B15.15.00.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtKbv2y-2-4/VDNg4xWrR0I/AAAAAAAAV54/ZWkD1f1T7J8/s1600/2014-09-20%2B15.15.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtKbv2y-2-4/VDNg4xWrR0I/AAAAAAAAV54/ZWkD1f1T7J8/s1600/2014-09-20%2B15.15.08.jpg" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>It got its start when Club Med built an exclusive hotel in 1984, and as it was a deserted beach until then, it was idyllic (only nearby Turtle Cove had begun to be developed). </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMqOxgUSPw0/VDNg5IkYDJI/AAAAAAAAV58/RzK92MDSwxg/s1600/2014-09-20%2B18.42.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMqOxgUSPw0/VDNg5IkYDJI/AAAAAAAAV58/RzK92MDSwxg/s1600/2014-09-20%2B18.42.54.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1VxHE4c5YqE/VDNg7ZWZSoI/AAAAAAAAV6I/2g3RFCZGtzg/s1600/2014-09-20%2B18.43.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1VxHE4c5YqE/VDNg7ZWZSoI/AAAAAAAAV6I/2g3RFCZGtzg/s1600/2014-09-20%2B18.43.26.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Note: The Turks and Caicos Islands are part of the British West Indies, a territory of Britain.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: TripAdvisor's #1 Turks and Caicos attraction: <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147399-d148331-Reviews-Grace_Bay-Providenciales_Turks_and_Caicos.html">http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147399-d148331-Reviews-Grace_Bay-Providenciales_Turks_and_Caicos.html</a></span></div>
<a href="http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/04/05/tripadvisor-names-top-beach-destinations/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://news.travel.aol.com/2011/04/05/tripadvisor-names-top-beach-destinations/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.gracebay.com/">http://www.gracebay.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.traveller.com.au/secrets-out-where-to-find-the-worlds-best-beach-1z9f4">http://www.traveller.com.au/secrets-out-where-to-find-the-worlds-best-beach-1z9f4</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.visittci.com/providenciales/about"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.visittci.com/providenciales/about</span></a></div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-44397254298816248772014-09-08T22:43:00.000-05:002014-10-23T23:39:04.561-05:00#651 Trinidad, Cuba<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prrj_I60lNY/VCeZTHYAO2I/AAAAAAAAOUc/i0ayVNiyE6c/s1600/IMG_0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prrj_I60lNY/VCeZTHYAO2I/AAAAAAAAOUc/i0ayVNiyE6c/s1600/IMG_0599.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ4JTNNDHJ0/VCeaCXcAuII/AAAAAAAAOUo/P0qLpxxL8a4/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ4JTNNDHJ0/VCeaCXcAuII/AAAAAAAAOUo/P0qLpxxL8a4/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2X44z4lCQjc/VCeWcxgee_I/AAAAAAAAOTs/_UvBLEervm4/s1600/2014-04-14%2B18.28.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2X44z4lCQjc/VCeWcxgee_I/AAAAAAAAOTs/_UvBLEervm4/s1600/2014-04-14%2B18.28.31.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Sitting on the steps next to the Iglesia de Santisima Trinidad, which wind their way up to the Casa de la Musica, listening to the beautiful jazzy music and watching couples dancing in the muggy night, drinking Havana Rum: this is a romantic memory of Cuba. Trinidad is the postcard image of this proud country, and its old city evokes the feeling that it is in its prime. The architecture is simply spectacular: The buildings are immaculate, beautifully painted in pastel colors and restored with polished wooden doors, wrought iron grills, and the cobblestones see very little traffic to disrupt the history.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6u9WvCGAC4/VCeXRjyENTI/AAAAAAAAOT8/7uMKeGmblf8/s1600/IMG_0555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D6u9WvCGAC4/VCeXRjyENTI/AAAAAAAAOT8/7uMKeGmblf8/s1600/IMG_0555.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>Founded by Diego Velazquez de Cuellar in 1514, its full name is Villa de la Santisima Trinidad. However, its beauty was founded on the rich sugar valleys surrounding it, and it is one of the best preserved cities of the era in the Caribbean, with elaborate 18th and 19th century palaces in mixed styles layered over the Spanish colonial plazas and gardens (none of which are square). Nowadays, it's a tobacco processing area, although it would be easy to believe that tourism keeps it alive. Since 1988, along with the nearby Valle de los Ingenios ("Valley of the Sugar Mills", which produced the sugar that made it wealthy), it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_KzghrZe58/VCeaFhcm6fI/AAAAAAAAOUw/VfGUqY1MaFg/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_KzghrZe58/VCeaFhcm6fI/AAAAAAAAOUw/VfGUqY1MaFg/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WhUDK1PU4gA/VCeY66CGAhI/AAAAAAAAOUU/yW_aL2fIaU0/s1600/IMG_0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WhUDK1PU4gA/VCeY66CGAhI/AAAAAAAAOUU/yW_aL2fIaU0/s1600/IMG_0577.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>Beautiful waterfalls are nearby in the Sierra del Escambray, 15 minutes away across salt-flats, white-sand Ancon Beach is spectacular, and the wealth of snorkeling in Casilda Bay lures still others (see a list of <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/americas/travel-tips-and-articles/top-10-things-to-do-in-trinidad-cuba">10 popular choices for visitors</a>). Did you know there's even a cave discotheque and another in the ruins of a church?<br />
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Most stay in colonial Casas Particulares (homestays), where time seems to have stopped pre-Independence. Despite the busloads of tourists, Trinidad has retained its peaceful tranquility, and a climb to the top of the Convento de San Francisco de Asis, with its pretty circular windows and its beautiful breezes shows a view of pastel blends and a gentle continuation of life much as it has gone on for centuries or at least decades.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZOSxm4v3_4/VCebRyw4YII/AAAAAAAAOVE/vpeWsuD1RUo/s1600/IMG_0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZOSxm4v3_4/VCebRyw4YII/AAAAAAAAOVE/vpeWsuD1RUo/s1600/IMG_0626.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_7-R11Zzjw/VCebaPIHWpI/AAAAAAAAOVM/V_EwRrieO3g/s1600/IMG_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_7-R11Zzjw/VCebaPIHWpI/AAAAAAAAOVM/V_EwRrieO3g/s1600/IMG_0632.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u2DD010SNyE/VCecgXsamjI/AAAAAAAAOVg/5hS3g36ZWus/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u2DD010SNyE/VCecgXsamjI/AAAAAAAAOVg/5hS3g36ZWus/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKXp2ybJOMU/VCedglxVnwI/AAAAAAAAOWA/bnHj85a7D5U/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKXp2ybJOMU/VCedglxVnwI/AAAAAAAAOWA/bnHj85a7D5U/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinidad,_Cuba">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinidad,_Cuba</a></span></div>
<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/cuba/central-cuba/trinidad"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.lonelyplanet.com/cuba/central-cuba/trinidad</span></a><br />
<a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Trinidad_(Cuba)"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://wikitravel.org/en/Trinidad_(Cuba)</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Tourism-g285731-Trinidad_Sancti_Spiritus_Province_Cuba-Vacations.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Tourism-g285731-Trinidad_Sancti_Spiritus_Province_Cuba-Vacations.html</span></a><br />
<a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/460"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/460</span></a></div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-79433656806457223322014-08-30T15:53:00.000-05:002014-09-12T00:00:41.336-05:00#652 Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1GmaDgycrA/VBIGbFcplmI/AAAAAAAAOIY/meLWAMrhuaA/s1600/IMG_2038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--1GmaDgycrA/VBIGbFcplmI/AAAAAAAAOIY/meLWAMrhuaA/s1600/IMG_2038.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txQaKR6HWDc/VBICl8eB0iI/AAAAAAAAOG4/iH_hKTY9s6M/s1600/IMG_1975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txQaKR6HWDc/VBICl8eB0iI/AAAAAAAAOG4/iH_hKTY9s6M/s1600/IMG_1975.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>The most visited tourist site in Bermuda, mainly because it is the entry point for most tourists to Bermuda (i.e. the docks for cruise ships) are the Royal Navy Dockyards. Savvy enough to embrace these visitors, the dockyards maintains a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Royal-Naval-Dockyard-Bermuda/264447005016">Facebook page</a>, a webcam, a youtube video (see below), as well as several websites introducing tourists to the shops, artists workshops, activities, restaurants and other options.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fICpO71JT4w/VBICq4NYR8I/AAAAAAAAOHA/f9CrVc7nHR4/s1600/IMG_1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fICpO71JT4w/VBICq4NYR8I/AAAAAAAAOHA/f9CrVc7nHR4/s1600/IMG_1976.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruins of barracks</td></tr>
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The fort (HMD Bermuda) was controlled by Britain until 1995 (although they had limited operations from 1951 when the area was known as HMS Malabar), and constituted its main Atlantic base from the time of American Independence through to the Cold War. Slaves and convicts constructed the large complex, and around 2000 died in the process. It was used as a base for ships attacking Washington, DC during the War of 1812, and was a crucial base during the World Wars</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3-UTJ8QPoo/VBICxoHNnVI/AAAAAAAAOHI/8fZrSUB5CUg/s1600/IMG_1979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3-UTJ8QPoo/VBICxoHNnVI/AAAAAAAAOHI/8fZrSUB5CUg/s1600/IMG_1979.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uY-NQkDuXv8/VBIEQCI_CtI/AAAAAAAAOH0/sa16DfMlOwc/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uY-NQkDuXv8/VBIEQCI_CtI/AAAAAAAAOH0/sa16DfMlOwc/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>The Keep, at the far end of the area, is now the National Museum of Bermuda, and the big building on top of the hill, the restored Commissioner's House, dominates the area.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DnZt_1RTIaA/VBJ6xcouAvI/AAAAAAAAOQU/BqixtjbQyi4/s1600/IMG_2112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DnZt_1RTIaA/VBJ6xcouAvI/AAAAAAAAOQU/BqixtjbQyi4/s1600/IMG_2112.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbaZeFbbHoA/VBJ5sJuTrLI/AAAAAAAAOQI/Pt8xYrHjjt4/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbaZeFbbHoA/VBJ5sJuTrLI/AAAAAAAAOQI/Pt8xYrHjjt4/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gE7HpatLhWA/VBII-0QYw1I/AAAAAAAAOJU/-p_8Li0p3Vo/s1600/IMG_2108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gE7HpatLhWA/VBII-0QYw1I/AAAAAAAAOJU/-p_8Li0p3Vo/s1600/IMG_2108.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a>The dockyards are no longer used by the Royal Navy, but they continue to be used in boat construction and repair, while the rest of the area is dedicated to tourism. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_vphup7Vr0/VBIDkqqLhqI/AAAAAAAAOHU/feYbSz6pYZA/s1600/IMG_1983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_vphup7Vr0/VBIDkqqLhqI/AAAAAAAAOHU/feYbSz6pYZA/s1600/IMG_1983.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVFUqnNy9RU/VBIDmgTN72I/AAAAAAAAOHc/xMMrEPMpogY/s1600/IMG_1990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVFUqnNy9RU/VBIDmgTN72I/AAAAAAAAOHc/xMMrEPMpogY/s1600/IMG_1990.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yUmCP1IvhE/VBIEPHhiT0I/AAAAAAAAOHs/hZew6b_mVik/s1600/IMG_2027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yUmCP1IvhE/VBIEPHhiT0I/AAAAAAAAOHs/hZew6b_mVik/s1600/IMG_2027.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen's Exhibition Hall used to be the storage area for gunpowder and weaponry, and the heavy crates have left clear lines on the floors!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-boLVN1lVVFk/VBIEvb8HTYI/AAAAAAAAOIM/7gC26rChrCo/s1600/IMG_2029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-boLVN1lVVFk/VBIEvb8HTYI/AAAAAAAAOIM/7gC26rChrCo/s1600/IMG_2029.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolphin Quest is an area you can swim with dolphins (for upwards of $500 or so). <br />I am not happy about these dolphins being held captive here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MHfQIiLVXQ/VBIDnuqlq2I/AAAAAAAAOHk/a5GQamCmfrs/s1600/IMG_1995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6MHfQIiLVXQ/VBIDnuqlq2I/AAAAAAAAOHk/a5GQamCmfrs/s1600/IMG_1995.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casemates Barracks with the fortified wall behind, which separates the dockyards area from the rest of Bermuda.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WWammmWGdg/VBIES3HmSXI/AAAAAAAAOH8/XWTNT7F7jOk/s1600/IMG_2028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WWammmWGdg/VBIES3HmSXI/AAAAAAAAOH8/XWTNT7F7jOk/s1600/IMG_2028.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xEZwqfuwGrU/VBIGg6ttf1I/AAAAAAAAOIo/aXdGAEtGW9k/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xEZwqfuwGrU/VBIGg6ttf1I/AAAAAAAAOIo/aXdGAEtGW9k/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Nj-AzgWuIM/VBIGdXU70iI/AAAAAAAAOIg/yZB0Nix0PCQ/s1600/IMG_2043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Nj-AzgWuIM/VBIGdXU70iI/AAAAAAAAOIg/yZB0Nix0PCQ/s1600/IMG_2043.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">6 foot guns are rusting away along the parapets. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDYAM6kr5Jo/VBIHH_BEw7I/AAAAAAAAOI4/c7_E5zszGMk/s1600/IMG_2059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sDYAM6kr5Jo/VBIHH_BEw7I/AAAAAAAAOI4/c7_E5zszGMk/s1600/IMG_2059.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graham Foster's very impressive Hall of History Mural which includes all small images showing all of Burmuda's centuries old history is inside the Commissioner's House.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9a3pwKOjUDw/VBIG6pyIWaI/AAAAAAAAOIw/_GUaSw6M71I/s1600/IMG_2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9a3pwKOjUDw/VBIG6pyIWaI/AAAAAAAAOIw/_GUaSw6M71I/s1600/IMG_2086.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>I wondered why the Commissioner's House wasn't more of an obvious target. It rises high above the rest of the Fort area and the views, while spectacular, can only mean that they must have been attacked and aimed for! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ol7_Z9HfrM4/VBIHIdR9O0I/AAAAAAAAOI8/SPfqSUQKEVI/s1600/IMG_2088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ol7_Z9HfrM4/VBIHIdR9O0I/AAAAAAAAOI8/SPfqSUQKEVI/s1600/IMG_2088.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Commissioner's House looking back towards the dockyards, the (empty) cruise wharves (Heritage Wharf and King's Wharf). The barracks at the far end were connected to the keep by a high wall. In front is the Queen's Exhibition Building (armory).</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajBIPBnHnPg/VBII5fUjuCI/AAAAAAAAOJM/MomhXO9xSTw/s1600/IMG_2099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ajBIPBnHnPg/VBII5fUjuCI/AAAAAAAAOJM/MomhXO9xSTw/s1600/IMG_2099.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clocktower Mall - the old storehouse.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwMgL6Lt6Nw/VBJ6yv4PpMI/AAAAAAAAOQc/gy4IhakOsng/s1600/IMG_2110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kwMgL6Lt6Nw/VBJ6yv4PpMI/AAAAAAAAOQc/gy4IhakOsng/s1600/IMG_2110.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Check out Bermuda Tourism's youtube video of Dockyard: </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/eP6d9wNbZno?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.thewestend.bm/">http://www.thewestend.bm/</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Naval_Dockyard,_Bermuda"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Naval_Dockyard,_Bermuda</span></a></div>
<a href="http://www.bermuda4u.com/maps/royal-naval-dockyard/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.bermuda4u.com/maps/royal-naval-dockyard/</span></a></div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-51271373372442090982014-08-19T15:55:00.000-05:002014-09-11T23:20:57.564-05:00#653 Zion National Park, Utah, USA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R5yRqHiWH-c/VBISjovhi4I/AAAAAAAAOMo/mvTLfhgAvsU/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R5yRqHiWH-c/VBISjovhi4I/AAAAAAAAOMo/mvTLfhgAvsU/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnfuoUbpk-A/VBIQX1GDcII/AAAAAAAAOLc/jdMlPiew1YY/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnfuoUbpk-A/VBIQX1GDcII/AAAAAAAAOLc/jdMlPiew1YY/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdlGIsggAIo/VBIQjigbF3I/AAAAAAAAOLk/kA7Cd-VROJU/s1600/IMG_1173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdlGIsggAIo/VBIQjigbF3I/AAAAAAAAOLk/kA7Cd-VROJU/s1600/IMG_1173.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Zion National Park just before and after the gates.</td></tr>
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Before I went to Zion National Park, a friend told me to try and accomplish two things: the Narrows and Angel's Landing. These are truly amazing, but only a tiny part of this small and spectacular National Park. The north fork of the Virgin River carves the beautiful Navajo sandstone into Zion Canyon, a 24km long and 800m deep. Going from 2600m down to 1100m in elevation, the landscape changes from a cool mountain climate to the red deserts leading off into Nevada, representing one of the steepest stream gradients in the US. It incorporates the three diverse geographic areas of the Colorado Plateaus, the Great Basin and the Mojave Desert.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q17IUA4BGB0/VBIO25uWtFI/AAAAAAAAOJ0/VFscVdgHSdA/s1600/2014-08-15%2B13.15.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q17IUA4BGB0/VBIO25uWtFI/AAAAAAAAOJ0/VFscVdgHSdA/s1600/2014-08-15%2B13.15.22.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk0IrhgIwVg/VBIO1zI45qI/AAAAAAAAOJs/P42gqeqI9tY/s1600/2014-08-15%2B13.01.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk0IrhgIwVg/VBIO1zI45qI/AAAAAAAAOJs/P42gqeqI9tY/s1600/2014-08-15%2B13.01.18.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Walking up 'the Narrows' involves going as far into the park and up Zion Canyon as possible, and hiking to the end of the trail, known as the Temple of Sinawava (the Coyote God of the Paiute tribe), then continuing the trail in the river as it winds through a narrow canyon which gets smaller and smaller. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eppBl1gYpCI/VBIPMhfqSqI/AAAAAAAAOKU/Fevnh7dMRNA/s1600/2014-08-15%2B13.55.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eppBl1gYpCI/VBIPMhfqSqI/AAAAAAAAOKU/Fevnh7dMRNA/s1600/2014-08-15%2B13.55.24.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EO-WSSd2oWo/VBIPLtnJHqI/AAAAAAAAOKM/VV72N0ac--o/s1600/2014-08-15%2B13.35.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EO-WSSd2oWo/VBIPLtnJHqI/AAAAAAAAOKM/VV72N0ac--o/s1600/2014-08-15%2B13.35.46.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Small slots of side streams cut through the spectacular rock and eventually the river splits, about 2 hours walking up river. Around 2000m high and as wide as 20m in some places, the canyon narrows to a 1m squeeze in the side streams, so as you can imagine flash flooding is a serious risk.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXGWfUKfpJc/VBIPbvbLeYI/AAAAAAAAOKc/0eeoR0LzpSk/s1600/2014-08-15%2B13.57.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXGWfUKfpJc/VBIPbvbLeYI/AAAAAAAAOKc/0eeoR0LzpSk/s1600/2014-08-15%2B13.57.31.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hnKRxXpR_RA/VBIPeTBTIZI/AAAAAAAAOKs/tp3bRS1rSpU/s1600/2014-08-15%2B14.23.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hnKRxXpR_RA/VBIPeTBTIZI/AAAAAAAAOKs/tp3bRS1rSpU/s1600/2014-08-15%2B14.23.43.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JniuFrQIwxI/VBIPc9RwMLI/AAAAAAAAOKk/OwbpvQLIEG4/s1600/2014-08-15%2B14.25.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JniuFrQIwxI/VBIPc9RwMLI/AAAAAAAAOKk/OwbpvQLIEG4/s1600/2014-08-15%2B14.25.57.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yzy3rJP0_U/VBIPvQyE-iI/AAAAAAAAOK0/-IRTrZBApP4/s1600/2014-08-15%2B14.35.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yzy3rJP0_U/VBIPvQyE-iI/AAAAAAAAOK0/-IRTrZBApP4/s1600/2014-08-15%2B14.35.13.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQj-F74t9ls/VBIRi5flXUI/AAAAAAAAOL4/ddQWzmqJx9k/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQj-F74t9ls/VBIRi5flXUI/AAAAAAAAOL4/ddQWzmqJx9k/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I_s2H9_hugg/VBIPxn7J2JI/AAAAAAAAOK8/mXIRdFLPwAc/s1600/2014-08-15%2B15.15.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I_s2H9_hugg/VBIPxn7J2JI/AAAAAAAAOK8/mXIRdFLPwAc/s1600/2014-08-15%2B15.15.44.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>It's a popular hiking spot, and by midday there are many people going both into and coming out of the canyon. The slippery rocks make it hard to walk but the water and canyon are cooler than the heat of the main canyon.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywNjcUTCYIo/VBIRmHs4qaI/AAAAAAAAOMA/FX5EBmHdqBk/s1600/IMG_1204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywNjcUTCYIo/VBIRmHs4qaI/AAAAAAAAOMA/FX5EBmHdqBk/s1600/IMG_1204.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gd1SDxCoEKc/VBIR2CRJKqI/AAAAAAAAOMI/9jXscKiMzZA/s1600/IMG_1215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gd1SDxCoEKc/VBIR2CRJKqI/AAAAAAAAOMI/9jXscKiMzZA/s1600/IMG_1215.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TPIKSMwxyrA/VBISDIjHGqI/AAAAAAAAOMQ/mAX1ZHkJk-g/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TPIKSMwxyrA/VBISDIjHGqI/AAAAAAAAOMQ/mAX1ZHkJk-g/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gVvIiozrPv0/VBIPyVhinhI/AAAAAAAAOLE/qYYCTVn7wWM/s1600/2014-08-15%2B15.53.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gVvIiozrPv0/VBIPyVhinhI/AAAAAAAAOLE/qYYCTVn7wWM/s1600/2014-08-15%2B15.53.53.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJiro5fsI_8/VBIWD8XsN4I/AAAAAAAAOOc/4K111BWkRLg/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJiro5fsI_8/VBIWD8XsN4I/AAAAAAAAOOc/4K111BWkRLg/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>The area was settled by small family groups of Basketmaker Anasazi, the Parowan Fremont and other Native Americans from around 8000 years ago. Later they were joined by the Paiute and Ute. Spanish padres Silvestre Velez de Escalante and Francisco Atanasio Dominguez passed close by in 1776, and Jedidiah Smith explored some of the area for the American Fur Company. Mormons arrived and settled in the 1850s. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ncpNDbPj4C0/VBIRWMdSrNI/AAAAAAAAOLw/QvGUQ1TSokk/s1600/IMG_1181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ncpNDbPj4C0/VBIRWMdSrNI/AAAAAAAAOLw/QvGUQ1TSokk/s1600/IMG_1181.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Big Bend near the top of the park</td></tr>
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Originally, it was going to be called the Mukuntuweap National Monument when it was established in 1909, but the acting director felt that an unpronouncable (Indian or Spanish) name would deter visitors from coming. The northern section of the park, called Kolob, which has a separate entrance, was originally a separate monument, but they became one park in 1956.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0IB3HNZ_wW0/VBISw1OI4jI/AAAAAAAAOMw/By0MfKxQ8cE/s1600/IMG_1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0IB3HNZ_wW0/VBISw1OI4jI/AAAAAAAAOMw/By0MfKxQ8cE/s1600/IMG_1278.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bHfdnRTCqE/VBIQELUQ0JI/AAAAAAAAOLM/xtlIdx_aQ1c/s1600/2014-08-15%2B16.45.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bHfdnRTCqE/VBIQELUQ0JI/AAAAAAAAOLM/xtlIdx_aQ1c/s1600/2014-08-15%2B16.45.02.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Walking up to Angel's Landing is not easy, but has one of the most spectacular views in the park -- all the way down the valley, and it also has one of the most exciting trails. The end is a scramble up rocks with sheer cliffs on either side and only a small metal wire to hold onto, but before that there are Walter's Wiggles which weave the trail up the inside of a narrow canyon half way up the mountain (he was the visionary who created the trail back in the 1920s).<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ncUrq-sLF30/VBIS7nivO_I/AAAAAAAAOM4/XoymdcOk9-A/s1600/IMG_1281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ncUrq-sLF30/VBIS7nivO_I/AAAAAAAAOM4/XoymdcOk9-A/s1600/IMG_1281.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnn63ZzUiXg/VBIQVT0LfUI/AAAAAAAAOLU/ObmdUMwHumg/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnn63ZzUiXg/VBIQVT0LfUI/AAAAAAAAOLU/ObmdUMwHumg/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PEEn00H7Cc/VBISMQNCygI/AAAAAAAAOMY/x7Lfsqq35aI/s1600/IMG_1255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PEEn00H7Cc/VBISMQNCygI/AAAAAAAAOMY/x7Lfsqq35aI/s1600/IMG_1255.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ugHIbLsZVs/VBIS9m1IGMI/AAAAAAAAONA/ngPlKqWO_mQ/s1600/IMG_1306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ugHIbLsZVs/VBIS9m1IGMI/AAAAAAAAONA/ngPlKqWO_mQ/s1600/IMG_1306.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCxXyySVwe8/VBITKF1OdAI/AAAAAAAAONI/eX-FKL7vdBQ/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCxXyySVwe8/VBITKF1OdAI/AAAAAAAAONI/eX-FKL7vdBQ/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDaoLyi6vpM/VBITrMXg4FI/AAAAAAAAONQ/f96WQIqebvc/s1600/IMG_1428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wDaoLyi6vpM/VBITrMXg4FI/AAAAAAAAONQ/f96WQIqebvc/s1600/IMG_1428.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0l0aP1xR1Io/VBIT1eAQgUI/AAAAAAAAONg/PM0nDNWdJbc/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0l0aP1xR1Io/VBIT1eAQgUI/AAAAAAAAONg/PM0nDNWdJbc/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldHn6RZRX-w/VBITyESOXZI/AAAAAAAAONY/hMYbPVOdH4Q/s1600/IMG_1431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldHn6RZRX-w/VBITyESOXZI/AAAAAAAAONY/hMYbPVOdH4Q/s1600/IMG_1431.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ydOzLOVdjkg/VBIUZIn3CpI/AAAAAAAAONw/o9RVa0Tmt0E/s1600/IMG_1443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ydOzLOVdjkg/VBIUZIn3CpI/AAAAAAAAONw/o9RVa0Tmt0E/s1600/IMG_1443.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VgkxU6BkbsU/VBIUUl-T6BI/AAAAAAAAONo/gcMQQJxwTnI/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VgkxU6BkbsU/VBIUUl-T6BI/AAAAAAAAONo/gcMQQJxwTnI/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnn63ZzUiXg/VBIQVT0LfUI/AAAAAAAAOLU/ObmdUMwHumg/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>The main part of the park is only accessible by the shuttle bus in peak season (in winter, cars can drive all the way in), but the main Zion-Mount Carmel Utah highway (Route 9) also goes through the park, with amazing views and an awesome tunnel (finished in 1930) cut into the side of the cliff with little view holes spread throughout.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zu71HdjrMg/VBIUaXLdQPI/AAAAAAAAON4/k5w1wl_dbPI/s1600/IMG_1441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zu71HdjrMg/VBIUaXLdQPI/AAAAAAAAON4/k5w1wl_dbPI/s1600/IMG_1441.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6CldBRXLNA/VBIU2bbJl7I/AAAAAAAAOOQ/J1C7XrwWBZU/s1600/IMG_1455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6CldBRXLNA/VBIU2bbJl7I/AAAAAAAAOOQ/J1C7XrwWBZU/s1600/IMG_1455.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel entrance</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xh-8_Ihx6Uc/VBIWMgwik_I/AAAAAAAAOOk/xI0-CioEPbQ/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xh-8_Ihx6Uc/VBIWMgwik_I/AAAAAAAAOOk/xI0-CioEPbQ/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7VcgzC4dIk/VBIUx6i6YAI/AAAAAAAAOOA/w2PbatPuqL0/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7VcgzC4dIk/VBIUx6i6YAI/AAAAAAAAOOA/w2PbatPuqL0/s1600/IMG_1457.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSLHtWCLBiI/VBIUz_TKaoI/AAAAAAAAOOI/fSkCnOlTQbg/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSLHtWCLBiI/VBIUz_TKaoI/AAAAAAAAOOI/fSkCnOlTQbg/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biggest natural arch in the park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1wZi-OVEnI/VBIWQYqdKvI/AAAAAAAAOOs/UxC9DwWWXLc/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1wZi-OVEnI/VBIWQYqdKvI/AAAAAAAAOOs/UxC9DwWWXLc/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4vrO7oisIo/VBIWzEvPihI/AAAAAAAAOO8/KEmGQ-_V36Y/s1600/IMG_1480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4vrO7oisIo/VBIWzEvPihI/AAAAAAAAOO8/KEmGQ-_V36Y/s1600/IMG_1480.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The canyon overlook trail is a short walk from the top of the tunnel.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WzE2wsL-LsA/VBIXG3X2ZGI/AAAAAAAAOPE/RDh1EOnWKWU/s1600/IMG_1490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WzE2wsL-LsA/VBIXG3X2ZGI/AAAAAAAAOPE/RDh1EOnWKWU/s1600/IMG_1490.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQKZCaMUtDw/VBIXgIYm2xI/AAAAAAAAOPM/uZ67U0Ob0Ww/s1600/IMG_1491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQKZCaMUtDw/VBIXgIYm2xI/AAAAAAAAOPM/uZ67U0Ob0Ww/s1600/IMG_1491.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p08b4BjAHXU/VBIXrSYooFI/AAAAAAAAOPc/5uK5CDaCjiw/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p08b4BjAHXU/VBIXrSYooFI/AAAAAAAAOPc/5uK5CDaCjiw/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checkerboard Mesa</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWQcshpKkoo/VBIXiqTxFTI/AAAAAAAAOPU/0HOeYwdrD-s/s1600/IMG_1492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWQcshpKkoo/VBIXiqTxFTI/AAAAAAAAOPU/0HOeYwdrD-s/s1600/IMG_1492.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Other trails that I didn't have time to do included the Weeping Rock, Taylor Creek, Kolob Arch, the Subway, the Emerald Pools, Mineral Gulch, Pine Creek Waterfall, the West Rim Trail, Wildcat Trail and many more! I guess I'll just have to go back!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm">http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm</a></span><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zion_National_Park"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zion_National_Park</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion.htm"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.utah.com/nationalparks/zion.htm</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.zionnationalpark.com/">http://www.zionnationalpark.com/</a></span><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zion_%E2%80%93_Mount_Carmel_Highway"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zion_%E2%80%93_Mount_Carmel_Highway</span></a></div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-50985233525595958642014-07-04T14:07:00.000-05:002014-09-11T14:56:18.651-05:00#654 Dublin, Ireland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80pFa6wCqtM/U7ZnbTi0jFI/AAAAAAAAMdA/Vk6i5liRaBY/s1600/SANY2056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80pFa6wCqtM/U7ZnbTi0jFI/AAAAAAAAMdA/Vk6i5liRaBY/s1600/SANY2056.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spire of Dublin, officially known as the<br />
"Monument of Light".</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Xz_bxQOMAg/U7ZnKd5pqkI/AAAAAAAAMck/zQHsScO7H1g/s1600/SANY2047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Xz_bxQOMAg/U7ZnKd5pqkI/AAAAAAAAMck/zQHsScO7H1g/s1600/SANY2047.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Walkable, pretty, clean, modern, connected, historic -- fantastic! Big enough to be interesting and have more than one downtown area, but small enough to get around easily and to know it intimately.<br />
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It has an amazing university (Trinity College, part of the University of Dublin), a busy main avenue (O'Connell Street), along with the pedestrianized-for-shopping Henry and Grafton Streets, Liffey riverside wanders, the Temple Bar touristy/nightlife area, shows like Riverdance, Dublin Castle and live music that rivals anywhere.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fB-G3okQpVA/U7ZnOPNu40I/AAAAAAAAMc0/jIezGUK3o54/s1600/SANY2048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fB-G3okQpVA/U7ZnOPNu40I/AAAAAAAAMc0/jIezGUK3o54/s1600/SANY2048.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R06p-WjjF8s/U7ZnMikLGYI/AAAAAAAAMcs/MBltD7m9KZw/s1600/SANY2049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R06p-WjjF8s/U7ZnMikLGYI/AAAAAAAAMcs/MBltD7m9KZw/s1600/SANY2049.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uS6y4V1L7w4/U7ZpeiU-aII/AAAAAAAAMe4/5cutrZPBS4o/s1600/SANY2259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uS6y4V1L7w4/U7ZpeiU-aII/AAAAAAAAMe4/5cutrZPBS4o/s1600/SANY2259.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love the story of Ha'penny Bridge, a small pedestrian-only bridge in the middle of Dublin where the owner charged a ha'penny to cross between 1819 and 1919 as an alternative to ferry crossings.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinity College - home of the famous Book of Kells, a circa 800 A.D. illuminated manuscript.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YI1rfNsMjpk/U7ZnpNMosyI/AAAAAAAAMdQ/fF9JKv0TFIA/s1600/SANY2073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YI1rfNsMjpk/U7ZnpNMosyI/AAAAAAAAMdQ/fF9JKv0TFIA/s1600/SANY2073.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UclkjBg_qo/U7Znup_U7pI/AAAAAAAAMdY/lwUSeVmWdcg/s1600/SANY2168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UclkjBg_qo/U7Znup_U7pI/AAAAAAAAMdY/lwUSeVmWdcg/s1600/SANY2168.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art market around St. Stephen's Green</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5aJ3z_Wn2g/U7ZoMbs6maI/AAAAAAAAMds/rsfY3s7NAiU/s1600/SANY2186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5aJ3z_Wn2g/U7ZoMbs6maI/AAAAAAAAMds/rsfY3s7NAiU/s1600/SANY2186.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrX3Dokh528/U7ZoLxj1DcI/AAAAAAAAMdo/G1NcGPWboUQ/s1600/SANY2194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrX3Dokh528/U7ZoLxj1DcI/AAAAAAAAMdo/G1NcGPWboUQ/s1600/SANY2194.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
The doors of Dublin!!! I could make an enormous collage for all the door photos I took, and the closeups of door knockers. The colors varied but the style didn't change enormously. They are just one of the charming architectural features seen while wandering the streets!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DBScCG1MqU/U7ZoqyhLOXI/AAAAAAAAMeI/F-Wcsimhd2k/s1600/SANY2213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DBScCG1MqU/U7ZoqyhLOXI/AAAAAAAAMeI/F-Wcsimhd2k/s1600/SANY2213.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry Street</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dublin Castle - dating from 1204 it was the seat of the British government in Ireland until 1922.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QL9K6-ir_hc/U7ZpHoZkoyI/AAAAAAAAMeg/VsA6dHcioVY/s1600/SANY2223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QL9K6-ir_hc/U7ZpHoZkoyI/AAAAAAAAMeg/VsA6dHcioVY/s1600/SANY2223.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtiI6g79G9s/U7ZpbYRasCI/AAAAAAAAMeo/bsCjRu3QKAY/s1600/SANY2224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtiI6g79G9s/U7ZpbYRasCI/AAAAAAAAMeo/bsCjRu3QKAY/s1600/SANY2224.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple Bar was not subject to Georgian reconstruction and thus retains much of its medieval character</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjREdZizcVE/U7ZpcrM4SLI/AAAAAAAAMew/fNhyN8FKEaA/s1600/SANY2226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjREdZizcVE/U7ZpcrM4SLI/AAAAAAAAMew/fNhyN8FKEaA/s1600/SANY2226.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38UctognGmk/U7ZpmKn4NFI/AAAAAAAAMfA/FoWBBsXi49E/s1600/SANY2323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38UctognGmk/U7ZpmKn4NFI/AAAAAAAAMfA/FoWBBsXi49E/s1600/SANY2323.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dublin only became Irelands premier city after the Norman Invasion, although it has been inhabited since prehistoric t<span style="font-family: inherit;">imes. Its name means 'Black Pool' (Dubhlinn), and in modern Irish it is known as <i style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span lang="ga" xml:lang="ga">Baile Átha Cliath, </span></i>which me</span>ans town of the hurdled ford. It was briefly Scandinavian, Viking, Norman, and of course, for much longer, British. Economic strengths have included transport and shipbuilding, the linen cloth industry and of course Guinness since 1759.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9luPH8SlQvY/U7Xay4Y9FLI/AAAAAAAAMag/efB9zcbekYQ/s1600/2014-07-02+12.19.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9luPH8SlQvY/U7Xay4Y9FLI/AAAAAAAAMag/efB9zcbekYQ/s1600/2014-07-02+12.19.01.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4rQ1q5AW-PI/U7XbOZzIk7I/AAAAAAAAMa4/mUgJCHuQn88/s1600/2014-07-02+12.49.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4rQ1q5AW-PI/U7XbOZzIk7I/AAAAAAAAMa4/mUgJCHuQn88/s1600/2014-07-02+12.49.09.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKKm-UOfjrU/U7XbTfOxHNI/AAAAAAAAMbA/T0cgJZ1e2Xk/s1600/2014-07-02+13.13.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKKm-UOfjrU/U7XbTfOxHNI/AAAAAAAAMbA/T0cgJZ1e2Xk/s1600/2014-07-02+13.13.40.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O'Connell Street has several large theatres and most of the bus routes end here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.espe2014.org/espe2014_data/images/Dublin-View.jpg" height="425" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.espe2014.org/espe2014_data/images/Dublin-View.jpg</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dublin">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dublin</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha%27penny_Bridge"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha%27penny_Bridge</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dublin.ie/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.dublin.ie/</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.visitdublin.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.visitdublin.com/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/dublin">http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/dublin</a> </span></div>
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Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-39385739296823204172014-07-01T18:04:00.000-05:002014-07-04T02:48:54.964-05:00#655 Amsterdam, The Netherlands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Z2CTTJdtIk/U7Hm-zuG5tI/AAAAAAAAMZY/EhfNljHmVC4/s1600/IMG_7009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Z2CTTJdtIk/U7Hm-zuG5tI/AAAAAAAAMZY/EhfNljHmVC4/s1600/IMG_7009.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HiTlKFU__O4/U7HmsEgaZUI/AAAAAAAAMZQ/2RYywniF0lg/s1600/IMG_7023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HiTlKFU__O4/U7HmsEgaZUI/AAAAAAAAMZQ/2RYywniF0lg/s1600/IMG_7023.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">Have spent the day in Amsterdam - what a great city! Historic and picturesque canals, but a living modern city at the same time. A plane full of bachelor party-goers, many shops filled with raunchy sex images and strong red light district contrasted with hundreds of toddler bicycle seats, children enjoying ice creams everywhere and child-friendliness and safety being the vibe.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTAHCX11fhI/U7Hm_EMiBsI/AAAAAAAAMZc/1l_N0U82Eus/s1600/IMG_7017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTAHCX11fhI/U7Hm_EMiBsI/AAAAAAAAMZc/1l_N0U82Eus/s1600/IMG_7017.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8n3ffB1aQ8/U7ZXALahZbI/AAAAAAAAMbQ/2b69SaOxqlg/s1600/2014-06-30+11.33.24+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8n3ffB1aQ8/U7ZXALahZbI/AAAAAAAAMbQ/2b69SaOxqlg/s1600/2014-06-30+11.33.24+-+Copy.jpg" height="135" width="200" /></a>One of my favorite thing were the buildings, or more precisely the very apparent age of the buildings - many tilting over! I love all of the crane hooks at the top of the buildings because so many were used as warehouses.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4RgvFOHrpS4/U7HnrvWPfuI/AAAAAAAAMZo/RHP-qWjRVSE/s1600/IMG_7026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4RgvFOHrpS4/U7HnrvWPfuI/AAAAAAAAMZo/RHP-qWjRVSE/s1600/IMG_7026.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've had a whole evening filled with glorious Dutch cheeses, and of course I had to try the Dutch Meatballs (Gehaktballen).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Other attractions include the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh museum, Anne France House, the Hermitage Museum, the Amsterdam Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and of course its infamous red-light district.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xixlaFsznrQ/U7HpNW5vlEI/AAAAAAAAMZ0/D_xBk7P_xco/s1600/IMG_7030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xixlaFsznrQ/U7HpNW5vlEI/AAAAAAAAMZ0/D_xBk7P_xco/s1600/IMG_7030.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
The Netherlands is known for their flowers, especially the tulips, and this flower market was full of bulbs and seeds for everything from azaleas to geraniums to dahlias. There are even special 'For the USA' packages.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkLD82Y86H8/U7HpNwATZqI/AAAAAAAAMZ4/hJUqsamXnck/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkLD82Y86H8/U7HpNwATZqI/AAAAAAAAMZ4/hJUqsamXnck/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><br />
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Don't forget the cannabis shops! It's even available in your corner shop.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Deriving its name from </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">Amstelredamme</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">, literally a dam of the river Amstel, it began as a fishing village in the 12th century, and reached a peak during the Dutch Golden Age (of trade) in the 17th Century, where it was a hub for diamonds and finance; in fact, it has the world's oldest stock exchange. The floods of 1170 and 1173 brought about the damming, but compared to other cities in the Netherlands like Nijmegen, Utrecht and Rotterdam, it is relatively younger, and its city rights were not granted until 1300.</span></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hVUeRA2ECI/U7HZ7EoOd0I/AAAAAAAAMYQ/huOoQSD43co/s1600/2014-06-30+11.33.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6hVUeRA2ECI/U7HZ7EoOd0I/AAAAAAAAMYQ/huOoQSD43co/s1600/2014-06-30+11.33.19.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>The canal district surrounding the old city is a UNESCO World Heritage monument, which was built to expand Amsterdam's port city at the end of the 16th Century, and involved moving the city's fortified walls (the Singelgracht), draining the swamps and building an intricate system of canals and filling the spaces with gabled houses and monuments. Contrary to expectation, it was not built from the centre outwards, but from west to east. The three canals residential canals known as the <i>Grachtengordel</i> can be translated as 'canal of the ruling lords' (<i>Herengracht</i>), 'emperor's canal' (<i>Keizersgracht</i>), and the 'prince's canal' (<i>Prinsengracht</i>). <i>Singel</i> is the oldest inner canal, but the collective name for all the canals is <i>Singelgracht</i>, which is also the name of the fourth and outermost canal. What a great way to meet the needs of defense, water management and transport all at once, and the city did not grow outside this structure/these borders for two centuries.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://whc.unesco.org/uploads/thumbs/site_1349_0002-594-0-20100730121627.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aerial view of the canal ring from <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1349">http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1349</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ncOP-vZV8zE/U7Hao7i2FrI/AAAAAAAAMZA/8Z42A3SU3xA/s1600/2014-06-30+16.51.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ncOP-vZV8zE/U7Hao7i2FrI/AAAAAAAAMZA/8Z42A3SU3xA/s1600/2014-06-30+16.51.15.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cL-hPY-qtAo/U7HZ85rxB3I/AAAAAAAAMYg/ZaP1LDWxTDQ/s1600/2014-06-30+11.29.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cL-hPY-qtAo/U7HZ85rxB3I/AAAAAAAAMYg/ZaP1LDWxTDQ/s1600/2014-06-30+11.29.08.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf_76lHep18/U7HacjyirlI/AAAAAAAAMYw/lv8GFwDRrzs/s1600/2014-06-30+12.15.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf_76lHep18/U7HacjyirlI/AAAAAAAAMYw/lv8GFwDRrzs/s1600/2014-06-30+12.15.49.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVFijdo135o/U7Haa4IbHBI/AAAAAAAAMYo/Tk3LcZ-jSB0/s1600/2014-06-30+12.15.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVFijdo135o/U7Haa4IbHBI/AAAAAAAAMYo/Tk3LcZ-jSB0/s1600/2014-06-30+12.15.55.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWEdhHGs0qs/U7Haez3AijI/AAAAAAAAMY4/4svst8j9HOc/s1600/2014-06-30+12.22.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWEdhHGs0qs/U7Haez3AijI/AAAAAAAAMY4/4svst8j9HOc/s1600/2014-06-30+12.22.51.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources: <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1349">http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1349</a></span><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam</span></a></div>
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On a 212m rocking cliff down the Danube River just out of Bratislava (<a href="http://1000amazingplaces.blogspot.com/2014/05/677-bratislava-slovakia.html">#677</a>) on the border with Austria is the Devin Castle, sitting high above the strategic joining of the Danube and Morava Rivers.</div>
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Settled since Neolithic times, and fortified since the Bronze Age, including by the Celts and the Romans, it was a place where trade could be controlled from. It was first written of in 864 when Louis the German beseiged Prince Rastislav. In the 13th Century the Hungarians built a castle here to protect their western frontier.</div>
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From 1301 to 1444 it was held variously by the Dukes of Austria, Charles I of Hungary, Margrave Jobst of Moravia, Sigismund of Hungary, and Duke Stibor of Stiboricz, Austrian knight Lessel Herring, Nicholas II Garay, King Frederick IV of Germany, and Ladislaus II Garay. </div>
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The Hapsburgs added a palace in the 15th Century, and from then it was held strong against the Ottoman army. Various families controlled the castle in latter centuries until Napoleon destroyed it in 1809.</div>
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Interesting fact: the earliest church north of the Danube can be found in the Roman ruins here. </div>
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Views from the 'Maiden Tower', a tiny watch tower separated from the main castle and balanced perilously on a small rock down the hill (not pictured) are the best in the whole castle, and of course, the legends of love-struck women locked in the tower leaping to their death abound!</div>
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Source: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dev%C3%ADn_Castle">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dev%C3%ADn_Castle</a> </div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-23732018850007332542014-05-24T22:28:00.000-05:002014-05-25T23:25:51.056-05:00#671 Old Cairo, Egypt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--NYO5EAqrOY/UTQO89ILvQI/AAAAAAAAGuM/W2Xu0xRteo4/s1600/IMG_5531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--NYO5EAqrOY/UTQO89ILvQI/AAAAAAAAGuM/W2Xu0xRteo4/s320/IMG_5531.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aU4MtEorc3s/UTQO2_Wuy5I/AAAAAAAAGt8/bolJwXVa0cs/s1600/IMG_5525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aU4MtEorc3s/UTQO2_Wuy5I/AAAAAAAAGt8/bolJwXVa0cs/s320/IMG_5525.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a>Of all the legendary old medinas in the Middle East, Cairo's is probably the original. Because of Egypt's central location and historical importance to Europeans, it's also likely that this was the one that was first encountered by many. The layers of civilization, from the Roman ruins of the Babylon Fortress, to some of the earliest Christian churches and Judaic synagogues, to mosques, madrasas, and hammams, with modern shops and markets being the most recent layer are interwoven and full of heritage. Founded in the 10th Century, reaching its peak in the 14th Century, it has long been the center of the Islamic and Arabic World. With no less than 600 registered historic monuments or buildings dating from the 7th to the 20th centuries, it has a wealth of urban examples from all eras such as the middle ages to the modern times.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eIUDh2oFryE/UTQO7hy-vWI/AAAAAAAAGuE/hDBbqwzUIOo/s1600/IMG_5530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eIUDh2oFryE/UTQO7hy-vWI/AAAAAAAAGuE/hDBbqwzUIOo/s320/IMG_5530.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a>Wandering an old Islamic city is probably one of my favorite things to do, and Cairo's old city did not disappoint. Starting with the busy tourist bazaar and ending up in random back streets with lights strung up, people's washing hanging up to dry, and cats sunning themselves on a chair, it is always exciting.</div>
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On the eastern banks of the Nile River <u>Caliph Omar</u> founded his enclosed city of <b>Al-Fustat</b> in 640 after the death of the Prophet Mohamed sent the Muslim armies conquering neighboring lands. The plain and severe mosque of the Prophet in Medina (Mosque of 'Amr ibn al-'As) was built. The later <u>Abbasids</u> preferred their suburb of <b>Al-Aksar</b> to the north, while partial independence with <u>Governor Ahmed Ibn-Tulun</u> (870) meant the development of <b>Al-Qatai</b> in the northeast, including the magnificent Mosque of Ibn-Tulun, although Abbasids destroyed much of the area when they returned. This was also a time when the Jewish population founded their Ben Ezra Synagogue (in 882). The <u>Fatimids</u> created the quarters of <b>Al-Qahira</b> and <b>Al-Azhar</b> from 969, and although their name and many towers, walls and gates survive, their two grand palaces do not. 1172 saw the arrival of Saladin of the <u>Ayubbids</u>, and the first Mameluke mosques.<br />
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While most Egyptians converted to Islam in the 12th Century, Cairo and Egypt have a 12-million-strong population of Coptic Christians (despite centuries of persecution from rulers and Crusaders), the oldest Christian denomination founded by Saint Mark the Apostle, and their base is Old Cairo.</div>
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In addition to this, there is the presence of the Greek Orthodox Church with the Church and Monastery of St. George, though the most famous church in Old Cairo is the Hanging Church, St. Virgin Mary's or 'the Staircase Church' (due to its 29 approaching steps) founded in 690, which is built over part of the walls of a Babylon Fortress gate.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Cairo">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Cairo</a></span><br />
<a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/89"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/89</span></a><br />
<a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Cairo/Old_Cairo"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://wikitravel.org/en/Cairo/Old_Cairo</span></a></div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-49459031834516891592014-05-23T20:56:00.000-05:002014-05-24T21:36:53.499-05:00#672 Tlos (Tlawa), Turkey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0TvCpKXk4A/U4FEWZ1tDWI/AAAAAAAAMHU/3WQMjEWM6FI/s1600/IMG_5062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P0TvCpKXk4A/U4FEWZ1tDWI/AAAAAAAAMHU/3WQMjEWM6FI/s1600/IMG_5062.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JzyY_-tUPBw/U4FAZaXDb0I/AAAAAAAAMFs/UVqI5nfGPz0/s1600/IMG_5085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JzyY_-tUPBw/U4FAZaXDb0I/AAAAAAAAMFs/UVqI5nfGPz0/s1600/IMG_5085.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8j0BHOW_RU/U4E_LA9W0gI/AAAAAAAAMFI/TLPy8M3xLV4/s1600/IMG_5056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8j0BHOW_RU/U4E_LA9W0gI/AAAAAAAAMFI/TLPy8M3xLV4/s1600/IMG_5056.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>High above the scenic Xanthos valley lies the religiously important Lycian city, Tlos, which was known to the Lycians as Tlawa. Around 4000 years of civilization have layered together, as the area was subsequently controlled by Romans, Byzantines, and Ottoman Turks, each of which left their layer of civilization (it is one of the few Lycian cities to have been continuously inhabited up to the 19th century). It was one of the six important Lycian cities, perhaps even the most important, and in mythology, it was the home of Bellerophon and his winged horse Pegasus. Despite the layers of civilization, it was <span style="text-align: center;">"rediscovered" by Charles Fellows in 1838, and the beautiful site was admired as appropriate of such an important city.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zbtZ2tjkn4/U4E_ZD8oUqI/AAAAAAAAMFY/QY4lrggoxdM/s1600/IMG_5060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zbtZ2tjkn4/U4E_ZD8oUqI/AAAAAAAAMFY/QY4lrggoxdM/s1600/IMG_5060.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>The most dominant feature is the acropolis and fortress, and the path leading up is dotted with Lycian sarcophagi and rock-cut tombs, such as the Tomb of Bellerophon, with an unfinished four-column facade with Bellerophon riding Pegasus (inside is a carving of a lion or a leopard). The fortress, most recently occupied by<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the Ottoman "Bloody Chief Ali" (<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 20.363636016845703px;">Kanlı Ağı Ali).</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8BGmcugXF8/U4FAJGl2zvI/AAAAAAAAMFk/R92F7xC_9rg/s1600/IMG_5068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p8BGmcugXF8/U4FAJGl2zvI/AAAAAAAAMFk/R92F7xC_9rg/s1600/IMG_5068.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>There are two baths, adjacent to each other, one of which has an apse with seven windows (known as Yedi Kapi or Seven Gates locally). They are approximately dated to 100-150 C.E. Part of a market hall with pretty arches is behind the Hippodrome. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JxjKAJIr-pQ/U4FBg3PTOkI/AAAAAAAAMGQ/VczcmkSPEKQ/s1600/IMG_5135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JxjKAJIr-pQ/U4FBg3PTOkI/AAAAAAAAMGQ/VczcmkSPEKQ/s1600/IMG_5135.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lycian sarcophagi tombs are giant coffins with carved lids.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PNq-cbfOL9U/U4FDL0Tsx5I/AAAAAAAAMG0/O5NvPBC5SVs/s1600/IMG_5148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PNq-cbfOL9U/U4FDL0Tsx5I/AAAAAAAAMG0/O5NvPBC5SVs/s1600/IMG_5148.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YROHPxZAgEQ/U4FD2t95u4I/AAAAAAAAMHE/EQw4TZHOB_E/s1600/IMG_5173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YROHPxZAgEQ/U4FD2t95u4I/AAAAAAAAMHE/EQw4TZHOB_E/s1600/IMG_5173.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4E6rqgRx9Ig/U4FEHKsKZnI/AAAAAAAAMHM/vvk3aG0_EX0/s1600/IMG_5186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4E6rqgRx9Ig/U4FEHKsKZnI/AAAAAAAAMHM/vvk3aG0_EX0/s1600/IMG_5186.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tynvWyN7RFA/U4FFA20ZpmI/AAAAAAAAMHc/1KORR-gc_84/s1600/IMG_5066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tynvWyN7RFA/U4FFA20ZpmI/AAAAAAAAMHc/1KORR-gc_84/s1600/IMG_5066.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman Stadium/Hippodrome seats -- its capacity was 2,500 people.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMpc0Him3gQ/U4FFL5mwf0I/AAAAAAAAMHk/GE8uVgs0z2M/s1600/IMG_5090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMpc0Him3gQ/U4FFL5mwf0I/AAAAAAAAMHk/GE8uVgs0z2M/s1600/IMG_5090.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the site with hippodrome in front and <br />
amphitheater at the back as seen from the top of the hill.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fylVtMf6kMk/U4FFfgB25wI/AAAAAAAAMHs/IIjslrEhToU/s1600/IMG_5091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fylVtMf6kMk/U4FFfgB25wI/AAAAAAAAMHs/IIjslrEhToU/s1600/IMG_5091.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>Much of the site was roped off for safety, including the Roman-era amphitheater with 34 rows of seats (seen here from afar) and the Byzantine church (see below), although the church could be closed for political reasons. A portion of the stage has many inscriptions and carvings. One records donations for construction of the theatre ranging from 3000 denarii by the priests of Dionysus and Cabiria to smaller donations of 100 denarii. Opramoas (a philanthropist) had one large donation, but theatre still took around 150 years to construct.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mXQY03Q9Rzk/U4FGPE8vJVI/AAAAAAAAMH0/7WW7caBKFZg/s1600/IMG_5105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mXQY03Q9Rzk/U4FGPE8vJVI/AAAAAAAAMH0/7WW7caBKFZg/s1600/IMG_5105.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmzbzW-EbC0/U4FGkhjsrLI/AAAAAAAAMIE/d4t3EzcY-k8/s1600/IMG_5126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xmzbzW-EbC0/U4FGkhjsrLI/AAAAAAAAMIE/d4t3EzcY-k8/s1600/IMG_5126.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2jPx8SktJA0/U4FGWYkLVAI/AAAAAAAAMH8/Hzw9O0SB64E/s1600/IMG_5118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2jPx8SktJA0/U4FGWYkLVAI/AAAAAAAAMH8/Hzw9O0SB64E/s1600/IMG_5118.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>Stone steps are faded and worn but still visible in the climb to the top of the hill. At right, you can see how a Lycian coffin lid has been repurposed as a building block by subsequent groups.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kCw2kaINTSI/U4FHMxkUrcI/AAAAAAAAMIM/pNKsOrPyxEY/s1600/IMG_5136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kCw2kaINTSI/U4FHMxkUrcI/AAAAAAAAMIM/pNKsOrPyxEY/s1600/IMG_5136.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9IP77mcJ5PY/U4FHW7J2epI/AAAAAAAAMIU/oBhMYO3i3Rc/s1600/IMG_5150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9IP77mcJ5PY/U4FHW7J2epI/AAAAAAAAMIU/oBhMYO3i3Rc/s1600/IMG_5150.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Byzantine church, which was roped off preventing entrance.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9l2TWBjf6U/U4FHeZfsXzI/AAAAAAAAMIc/MwQhXAd13hY/s1600/IMG_5175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9l2TWBjf6U/U4FHeZfsXzI/AAAAAAAAMIc/MwQhXAd13hY/s1600/IMG_5175.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Sources: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tlos">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tlos</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.lycianturkey.com/lycian_sites/tlos.htm"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">http://www.lycianturkey.com/lycian_sites/tlos.htm</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pbase.com/dosseman/tlos&page=all"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">http://www.pbase.com/dosseman/tlos&page=all</span></a></div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-43881638160535412232014-05-22T19:05:00.000-05:002014-05-24T19:23:51.492-05:00#673 Meda'in Saleh, Saudi Arabia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td><img height="480" src="http://www.utaot.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/4938269.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.utaot.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/4938269.jpeg">http://www.utaot.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/4938269.jpeg</a><br /><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.hereandthere.eu/blog/madain-saleh-the-alternative-to-petra/">http://www.hereandthere.eu/blog/madain-saleh-the-alternative-to-petra/</a></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><img height="300" src="http://www.alshitaiwitours.com/pimage/Madain_Saleh.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.alshitaiwitours.com/pimage/Madain_Saleh.jpg">http://www.alshitaiwitours.com/pimage/Madain_Saleh.jpg</a></td></tr>
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Somewhere I haven't been, but have wanted to visit ever since I first heard about it, Madain Saleh in Saudi Arabia is similar in structure to Petra (<a href="http://1000amazingplaces.blogspot.com/2013/02/873-petra-jordan.html">#873</a>) just across the border in neighboring Jordan (Petra is 500km northwest). Part of the Hijaz mountains, it is located near the modern city of Ula (Al-Ula), which is 400km northwest of Medina. Its mention in the Quran makes it a sacred spot, but not somewhere that Mohamed encouraged people to visit because it was a place where God's wrath had been demonstrated. The Quran places the settlement of the area after Noah but before Moses (3rd Millenium B.C. approximately).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.iqrasense.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/madain-saleh3.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.iqrasense.com/islamic-history/madain-saleh-cities-inhabited-by-the-people-of-thamud.html">http://www.iqrasense.com/islamic-history/madain-saleh-cities-inhabited-by-the-people-of-thamud.htm</a></td></tr>
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The name translates to the city of the prophet Saleh, and is also known as Al-Hijr ("rocky place") or Hegra. It belonged to a group of people from Thamud, and prophet Saleh was send to save them from their idolatrous ways, but they disobeyed even though Allah sent a sacred pregnant female camel which they slaughtered, and thus they were cursed and killed by an earthquake and lightning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="http://img.xcitefun.net/users/2010/12/220314,xcitefun-madain-saleh-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.xcitefun.net/users/2010/12/220314,xcitefun-madain-saleh-3.jpg"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">http://img.xcitefun.net/users/2010/12/220314,xcitefun-madain-saleh-3.jpg</span></a></td></tr>
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Western archaeologists believe the city's main constructions were built by the Nabataens, but Muslims believe they were significantly older than this. There is also evidence of Liyhanite and Roman settlement in the area, before and after the Nabataens, respectively. Some pre-Nabataen cave art exists on Athleb Mountain. The Romans annexed the Nabataen kingdom in 106 A.D. The Ottomans had a fort here to protect the Hajj route from 1744 to 1757, and later they built the Hejaz Railway through the area. Minimal archaeological projects have been undertaken, but recent pushes by the Saudi Arabian government for recognition of heritage and cultural items along with the UNESCO status from 2008, have helped to protect the area.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources: <a href="http://www.iqrasense.com/islamic-history/madain-saleh-cities-inhabited-by-the-people-of-thamud.html">http://www.iqrasense.com/islamic-history/madain-saleh-cities-inhabited-by-the-people-of-thamud.html</a></span><div>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mada'in_Saleh"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mada'in_Saleh</span></a></div>
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Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-73691954098516505242014-05-17T23:02:00.000-05:002014-05-18T22:45:21.161-05:00#674 Mawlawmyine (Moulmein), Myanmar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFShKvwf8m8/UzJLJKXin1I/AAAAAAAALMY/JYY9Sx5KRec/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFShKvwf8m8/UzJLJKXin1I/AAAAAAAALMY/JYY9Sx5KRec/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+006.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncMa4PcaBM8/UzJLJFdyLZI/AAAAAAAALMc/NuwL2CbjQxE/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncMa4PcaBM8/UzJLJFdyLZI/AAAAAAAALMc/NuwL2CbjQxE/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+007.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfLVS2Tu6Bc/UzJLXNXwdxI/AAAAAAAALM4/JDsoYQM391Y/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfLVS2Tu6Bc/UzJLXNXwdxI/AAAAAAAALM4/JDsoYQM391Y/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+010.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dn-7ITPg4o4/UzJLpzvC3sI/AAAAAAAALNc/0dDgwum2n5A/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dn-7ITPg4o4/UzJLpzvC3sI/AAAAAAAALNc/0dDgwum2n5A/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+045.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>I don't think anyone would ever describe Mawlawmyine as a majestic or beautiful city. It is steamy, rustic, provincial and yet very charming. Retaining a strong sense of its British colonial background with its crumbling Indian-style architecture, it has a large number of mosques and colored colonial homes.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z7hqjGscbV0/UzJLdfeUEBI/AAAAAAAALNE/R1pfW5XFjrI/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z7hqjGscbV0/UzJLdfeUEBI/AAAAAAAALNE/R1pfW5XFjrI/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+038.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf7tecjjvy0/UzJLVz6VBOI/AAAAAAAALMs/qPGriHp-a0w/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cf7tecjjvy0/UzJLVz6VBOI/AAAAAAAALMs/qPGriHp-a0w/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+028.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>45km from the mouth of the Than-lwin River, it gives an outward impression of being a bustling, busy port, but in reality its undeveloped, quaint, welcoming homeliness undermines its position as Myanmar's third largest city. A 2004 3km bridge (the longest in Myanmar) brought it closer to the north of the country, but it still retains an isolated feel.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njNIF6wpV-w/UzJLWdvM16I/AAAAAAAALMw/nWruo_8O4zg/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njNIF6wpV-w/UzJLWdvM16I/AAAAAAAALMw/nWruo_8O4zg/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+029.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>The tall and visible <b>Kyaikthanlan Paya</b> stupa caps the hill at the center of town, while the larger complex of <b>Mahamuni Paya</b> Mon-style is just one of five separate monasteries stringing along the north-south ridge, and the Buddhist rituals of giving alms in the early morning continue here much as they do in the rest of the country. Rudyard Kipling immortalized it in the opening lines of <i>Mandalay</i>, where "Burma girl... is setting... by the old Moulmein Pagoda, lookin' lazy at the sea" (even if its actually the river and not the sea!). The 100 year old<b> Seindon Mibaya Kyaung</b> was the monastery where King Mindon Min's queen Seindon took refuge after Myanmar's last monarch, King Thibaw Min, took power. The silver-and-gold-plated <b>Aung Theikdi Zedi</b>, the panoramic <b>U Khanti Paya</b>, the <b>U Zina Paya</b> (named for a monk who dreamed of finding gems on this spot, and built the pagoda with the proceeds) make up the rest of the line.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4Sw9O36cz4/UzJLlArQXtI/AAAAAAAALNM/Hv8stBk9GKM/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4Sw9O36cz4/UzJLlArQXtI/AAAAAAAALNM/Hv8stBk9GKM/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+043.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lIricPmhIFk/UzJLl6z4iII/AAAAAAAALNU/V719uZfLoj4/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lIricPmhIFk/UzJLl6z4iII/AAAAAAAALNU/V719uZfLoj4/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+044.jpg" height="150" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>George Orwell was stationed here in the 1920s during his time in the Indian Imperial Police, and it was the capital of British Burma from 1827 to 1852 (when it was a major teak port), although Yangon and Pathein now see greater port trade.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zFHdocqIUu0/UzJLuVrpp0I/AAAAAAAALNk/swOQArukhug/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zFHdocqIUu0/UzJLuVrpp0I/AAAAAAAALNk/swOQArukhug/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+048.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni9AdN8MJdA/UzJLxY-PC9I/AAAAAAAALNs/U7v5dFDFXLU/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni9AdN8MJdA/UzJLxY-PC9I/AAAAAAAALNs/U7v5dFDFXLU/s1600/03-11+Trip+to+Mawlawmyine+049.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The impressive turquoise <b>Kaladan Mosque </b>(below) was designed by Sunni Muslims in the style of those similar to Penang and Kuala Lumpur (<a href="http://1000amazingplaces.blogspot.com/2012/12/899-kuala-lumpur.html">#899</a>) and is partnered by the smaller blue Shiite <b>Moghul Shiah Mosque </b>(below), on the same side of the street. The <b>Soorti Sunnin Jamai Mosque </b>(above), however, takes the show because of its brilliant turquoise and white coloring. Rounding out the multicultural heritage are the Htyan Haw Chinese temple and the First Baptist Church (Judson Church). </div>
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Just off the coast is Shampoo Island (Gaungse Kyun), so called because of the Ava era annual royal hair-washing ceremony using water from a spring on this island. A boat out to the Shampoo and Bilu Kyun (Ogre Island) makes for a wonderful side trip because of the fascinating rubber band factory, the walking-stick craft shop, women making doormats out of coconuts, horse and carriage rides, not to mention the whitewashed/silver Sandawshin Paya. As always in Myanmar, however, the people were welcoming and genuine which made it special.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: Lonely Planet <u>Myanmar (Burma)</u> 9th Edition 2005</span></div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-82431633546040711462014-05-16T21:31:00.000-05:002014-05-18T22:51:30.395-05:00#675 Varadero, Cuba<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjocKbKZMM0/U3lrlq2WCUI/AAAAAAAAL8k/dh3rIZSfCUw/s1600/2014-04-09+12.09.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjocKbKZMM0/U3lrlq2WCUI/AAAAAAAAL8k/dh3rIZSfCUw/s1600/2014-04-09+12.09.10.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMUeOYVfjx0/U3lrsCvHRYI/AAAAAAAAL8s/j-Quxut6YbU/s1600/2014-04-07+15.37.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMUeOYVfjx0/U3lrsCvHRYI/AAAAAAAAL8s/j-Quxut6YbU/s1600/2014-04-07+15.37.41.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Many tourists who come to Cuba only see Varadero. They arrive on a charter flight directly from Canada, France, Mexico, or Britain to the local airport, and spend time only on this beach. But I suppose if I were to only come here, it's a pretty nice place to come to. The beach is 20 kilometers long and pristine with postcard pretty blue waters and idyllic white sands extending as far as the eye can see. The big hotels have taken over and are plentiful in choice, but locals and backpackers can still wander onto the beach in various spots and enjoy it for themselves.<br />
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Cuba's northernmost point, the 1.2km wide Hicacos peninsula, which lies between the Bay of Cardenas and the Straits of Florida, forms the largest resort in the Caribbean, and aside from sun-worshipping, visitors dive, kitesurf, shop, visit caves and party. Some even go into Havana or nearby Matanzas for the day while watching the representatives of Buena Vista Social Club by night, although these are very sanitized and far-from-reality Cuba. </div>
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First mentioned in 1555, it was used by the Spanish as a dry dock and for salt mines (from 1587 until 1961), but it didn't become a city until 1887. It was founded by 10 families from Cardenas who built their holiday homes here after gaining permission from the colonial government, but it remained an elitist resort for decades. The annual regatta was strong by 1910, and the first hotel was built around 5 years later. Tourism kept growing and various rich Americans built homes here in the 1930s, but these were appropriated by the Cuban government after the revolution in 1959. The 1960s was an era of development for national tourism with the building of the central park, Parque de las 8000 Taquillas, while the 1990s saw a boom in big hotel building. The center of Varadero is towards the bottom of the peninsula, and following are a few videos of the main avenue.<br />
For some of my time in Varadero, the winds picked up and you weren't allowed to swim. The kitesurfing took over, and it was amazing to watch!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PthwP1CjsQ8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/HcylK00JlN4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://i1.ytimg.com/vi/_B9jIsqS9_8/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/_B9jIsqS9_8?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/v/_B9jIsqS9_8?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3y21NRIqbco?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: Lonely Planet </span><u style="font-size: x-small;">Cuba</u><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> 7th Edition 2013</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varadero">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varadero</a></span></div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-14098432748363064242014-05-15T23:11:00.000-05:002014-05-18T15:32:49.851-05:00#676 Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque, Pakistan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ScwgOT2oMPw/U3F5e64J4fI/AAAAAAAAL3I/p_wJ4fv_kA8/s1600/IMG_6789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ScwgOT2oMPw/U3F5e64J4fI/AAAAAAAAL3I/p_wJ4fv_kA8/s1600/IMG_6789.JPG" height="213" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-LDYJhvdMM/U3F6QEFiDqI/AAAAAAAAL34/9tnM5rgfag8/s1600/IMG_6798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-LDYJhvdMM/U3F6QEFiDqI/AAAAAAAAL34/9tnM5rgfag8/s1600/IMG_6798.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a>Also known as Shahi Qila, and the citdel of Lahore, at 20 hectares in size, the Lahore Fort was built during the era of the Mughal Khan Akbar (1556-1605) and added to by various different subsequent rulers, although this was not its first incarnation -- it was "built, damaged, destroyed, rebuilt and restored" before this.</div>
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The fort itself holds a succession of stately palaces, halls and gardens built by the various Mughal emperors Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb, who were concurrently constructing similar majesties in Delhi and Agra in India.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_hEnWVpHe0/U3F7fW8sBdI/AAAAAAAAL5o/NkY78DrEu2k/s1600/IMG_6833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_hEnWVpHe0/U3F7fW8sBdI/AAAAAAAAL5o/NkY78DrEu2k/s1600/IMG_6833.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oUlN_rOzldE/U3F5G0FrzjI/AAAAAAAAL2o/rgGUjhgXdPo/s1600/IMG_6775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oUlN_rOzldE/U3F5G0FrzjI/AAAAAAAAL2o/rgGUjhgXdPo/s1600/IMG_6775.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>Various sites within the fort are famous, such as the<b> Alamgiri Gate</b> (see right) which faces the magnificent Badshahi Mosque (see sunset image above or small image inset) and was built by the Emperor Aurangzeb in 1674 as a private entrance to the royal quarters. The gate was large enough for elephants and royal passengers to pass through.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTlqQOVIJpA/U3F8Ck1gUFI/AAAAAAAAL6Y/havB4Q_MVAQ/s1600/IMG_6859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTlqQOVIJpA/U3F8Ck1gUFI/AAAAAAAAL6Y/havB4Q_MVAQ/s1600/IMG_6859.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>The Alamgiri gate is usually where most visitors enter as the <b>Masti Gate </b>(see left in the distance), also known as the Masjid or mosque Gate, built by Emperor Akbar has been closed for some time.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsprzuGQPYQ/U3F8tt5uXLI/AAAAAAAAL7I/d4yw-u3vpvQ/s1600/IMG_6890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsprzuGQPYQ/U3F8tt5uXLI/AAAAAAAAL7I/d4yw-u3vpvQ/s1600/IMG_6890.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a>There is also the <b>Shalimar Gardens</b> (see below, although the picture does not do them justice), the <b>Sheesh Mahal</b> (the Palace of Mirrors) was created by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631 for his empress, and had special panels to allow her to watch visitors without being seen. It has five cusped marble arches protecting an inner courtyard and has phenomenal mirror inlay.<br />
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The <b>Naulakha Pavilion</b> (left) is an unusual white marble building with a curved roof originally inlaid with precious stones built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631 as a summer house, which is such a beautiful building that the Pakistan embassy in Washington DC is modelled on it. It's name means nine lakh (900,000) and refers to the cost of the building which is inlaid with precious stones, or alternatively, the number of stones, either of which is impressive!<br />
The <b>Moti Masjid</b> (not pictured here), one of the pearl mosques and also built by Shah Jahan in 1644 was built as a mosque for the ladies of the royal family. Subsequently it was turned forcibly into a Sikh temple and later a state treasury.<br />
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The <b>Diwan-i-Aam </b>(left), the Hall of Public Audience, also by Shah Jahan in 1631 (a busy year!), and later added to by Akbar, was where the emperor met official visitors. Jehangir's sleeping quarters (<b>Khawabgarh-i-Jehangir</b>) is now a museum with Mughal antiquities.<br />
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My favorite part of the fort, however, was the <b>Hathi Paer</b> (Elephant Path) heading down to the <b>Shah Burj Gate</b>. A wide set of shallow steps suitable, of course, for elephants, even though it is in disrepair, the impressiveness of how it must have been in its heyday was clear. See several images of this part of the fort below.<br />
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The whole fort area was protected by the British India Department of Archaeology from 1927, it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUuuBKeNJRw/U3F6YhCKIuI/AAAAAAAAL4I/oh3j6UrJlBU/s1600/IMG_6800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUuuBKeNJRw/U3F6YhCKIuI/AAAAAAAAL4I/oh3j6UrJlBU/s1600/IMG_6800.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6GXrYPuwso/U3F6R7gvt-I/AAAAAAAAL4A/_WdS7DzgfTs/s1600/IMG_6799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6GXrYPuwso/U3F6R7gvt-I/AAAAAAAAL4A/_WdS7DzgfTs/s1600/IMG_6799.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><b>Badshahi Mosque</b> lies just across from the fort and was completed by Aurangzeb in 1674 as the Mughal's last great architectural accomplishment. It is one of the world's oldest mosques, and is impressive regardless of its age! Huge gates, four minarets, three marble domes, and an enormous 100,000 capacity courtyard, all in magnificent red sandstone!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUOzIEkkqu4/U3F6lRsDxvI/AAAAAAAAL4Y/z8F83jvvw2Y/s1600/IMG_6802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUOzIEkkqu4/U3F6lRsDxvI/AAAAAAAAL4Y/z8F83jvvw2Y/s1600/IMG_6802.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>Rooms above the entrance gate are said to hold hairs of the Prophet Mohamed and other relics, while the courtyard holds the Tomb of Allama Mohammed Iqbal (a poet philosopher who first postulated the idea of an independent Pakistan in the 1930s).</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Fort">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Fort</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheesh_Mahal_Lahore">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheesh_Mahal_Lahore</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Lonely Planet <u>Pakistan and the Karakoram Highway</u> 7th Edition 2008</span></div>
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Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-45709381279089780362014-05-10T18:45:00.000-05:002014-05-11T19:23:34.289-05:00#677 Bratislava, Slovakia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvw_ara9jag/U2sDVMyMCPI/AAAAAAAAL1Y/p0nXhydY05Q/s1600/IMG_1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvw_ara9jag/U2sDVMyMCPI/AAAAAAAAL1Y/p0nXhydY05Q/s1600/IMG_1352.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">I think it has to be one of my favorite capitals and cities in Europe. I like big cities, but I also really like small cities, and that's what Bratislava is. It was a relatively minor provincial city (although the capital of the Communist Slovak Republic) for the past 50 years until the breakup of the USSR), and after that it rocketed to fame as the new country's capital city. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What did I love most? -- I think aside from the beautiful uber-clean pedestrianized streets of the center with their pretty painted colors my favorite thing of all was all the statues - they are everywhere, and then there are also street performers pretending to be the famous statues! If that's not enough there are also multiple fountains around town as well (Ganymede's Fountain built in 1888, Roland's Fountain built in 1572, etc, etc). The most famous statues are The Peeper (coming out of a manhole on Panska), The Frenchman (leaning on a park bench on Hlavne nam), and The Photographer (guarding a corner on Laurinska).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-momOgyb71kk/U2sCMA_Qn7I/AAAAAAAAL0g/dzl0QoodC1o/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-momOgyb71kk/U2sCMA_Qn7I/AAAAAAAAL0g/dzl0QoodC1o/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKRCpUTLzVg/U2sCbED3D2I/AAAAAAAAL0o/YLwV44ngUVQ/s1600/IMG_1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nKRCpUTLzVg/U2sCbED3D2I/AAAAAAAAL0o/YLwV44ngUVQ/s1600/IMG_1344.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nr5KrEV-TXM/U2sCp-N_4II/AAAAAAAAL04/qRE68ox6KF4/s1600/IMG_1345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nr5KrEV-TXM/U2sCp-N_4II/AAAAAAAAL04/qRE68ox6KF4/s1600/IMG_1345.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not all statues are made of metal!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7iRRSADaq0/U2sDhTi9-8I/AAAAAAAAL1o/eKiLGpN7vxc/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7iRRSADaq0/U2sDhTi9-8I/AAAAAAAAL1o/eKiLGpN7vxc/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44RP2r4-rx0/U2sDwk0wnGI/AAAAAAAAL1w/SRX_wgZ_OPI/s1600/IMG_1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-44RP2r4-rx0/U2sDwk0wnGI/AAAAAAAAL1w/SRX_wgZ_OPI/s1600/IMG_1363.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7iFI3NQg2K4/U2sD2MnGTtI/AAAAAAAAL18/QfGlWWc3f1o/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7iFI3NQg2K4/U2sD2MnGTtI/AAAAAAAAL18/QfGlWWc3f1o/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Street performers mimicking the city's famous statues!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjNa2eQMvDM/U2sD1yyftSI/AAAAAAAAL14/HuDE38RJ6Y0/s1600/IMG_1367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjNa2eQMvDM/U2sD1yyftSI/AAAAAAAAL14/HuDE38RJ6Y0/s1600/IMG_1367.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What is there to see? I think you shouldn't miss the massive square brick of a castle on the top of the hill, if not for the castle itself but for the great views over the river and the old town. It was a Roman frontier post from the 1st to the 5th Centuries, and the seat of the Hungarian royalty until it burnt down in 1811. The Historical Museum is inside (including an Ice Hockey Hall of Fame) as well as a Museum of Folk Music.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66J8Lb6pvcQ/U2r-hU4EDkI/AAAAAAAALxk/7zK1czZamv8/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66J8Lb6pvcQ/U2r-hU4EDkI/AAAAAAAALxk/7zK1czZamv8/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Slovakia's multiple changes throughout history echo through its capital, from imperial grandeur (it was the capital of Hungary from 1541 to 1830 while the Ottomans controlled Buda), suburban housing projects (of its communist days), multiple Roma, to its current EU pizzazz.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RpWnzeU6U9Y/U2sAyl28zZI/AAAAAAAALzo/qP9Dlm65vLA/s1600/IMG_1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RpWnzeU6U9Y/U2sAyl28zZI/AAAAAAAALzo/qP9Dlm65vLA/s1600/IMG_1278.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGoCob957IY/U2sBNXiiwWI/AAAAAAAALzw/xTZRRrBDvBw/s1600/IMG_1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGoCob957IY/U2sBNXiiwWI/AAAAAAAALzw/xTZRRrBDvBw/s1600/IMG_1279.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vgfag-IAi3A/U2sBZQGuh3I/AAAAAAAAL0A/aCHw9IH7Gas/s1600/IMG_1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vgfag-IAi3A/U2sBZQGuh3I/AAAAAAAAL0A/aCHw9IH7Gas/s1600/IMG_1280.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIxVzzzuChY/U2sBVVq8G-I/AAAAAAAALz4/uOTkNDOBplI/s1600/IMG_1281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIxVzzzuChY/U2sBVVq8G-I/AAAAAAAALz4/uOTkNDOBplI/s1600/IMG_1281.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UiwpSF0-dM/U2sBx5alwNI/AAAAAAAAL0I/sZnmMUorbkI/s1600/IMG_1284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UiwpSF0-dM/U2sBx5alwNI/AAAAAAAAL0I/sZnmMUorbkI/s1600/IMG_1284.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVhUa3Ceu1c/U2r-wgKWnRI/AAAAAAAALx4/3t2xo-gnrxE/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVhUa3Ceu1c/U2r-wgKWnRI/AAAAAAAALx4/3t2xo-gnrxE/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSyUfgAnjMQ/U2r-0bwqwZI/AAAAAAAALyA/eTAckK4951k/s1600/IMG_1243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QSyUfgAnjMQ/U2r-0bwqwZI/AAAAAAAALyA/eTAckK4951k/s1600/IMG_1243.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">What is its history? Although a Roman outpost first, the city itself was founded in 907 AD, and it was quite substantial by the 12th Century with commerce developing in the 14th and 15th Centuries. Renaissance monarch Matthias Corvinus of Hungary founded a university here in 1467 (the Academia Istropolitana), and because it was Hungary's capital, so also saw 11 Hungarian kings and 7 queens crowned. Maria Theresa of Austria built many baroque palaces, and it only became part of Czechoslovakia after 1918.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVfSPE4GP0g/U2r-hrfoPfI/AAAAAAAALxg/PIMrHk4Ib4E/s1600/IMG_1240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVfSPE4GP0g/U2r-hrfoPfI/AAAAAAAALxg/PIMrHk4Ib4E/s1600/IMG_1240.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lonely Planet claims new arrivals on a wet day will be faced with a grey, imposing, one-dimensional city, and that the old city is meagre, but I claim otherwise. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3IeW8B3TMw/U2r-2a6r_TI/AAAAAAAALyI/SnCGpv6wejQ/s1600/IMG_1244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3IeW8B3TMw/U2r-2a6r_TI/AAAAAAAALyI/SnCGpv6wejQ/s1600/IMG_1244.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They did say however that Bratislava is a "youthful city, bursting with big ideas and fresh optimism" which I do agree with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Only an hour away from Vienna (<a href="http://1000amazingplaces.blogspot.com/2012/11/911-vienna-austria.html">#911</a>) down the Danube, it is just as much in the heart of Europe, but on it's Eastern heart instead of it's Western heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Si5bmOBv2wU/U2sAoI139dI/AAAAAAAALzY/SoRGdigEKvU/s1600/IMG_1266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Si5bmOBv2wU/U2sAoI139dI/AAAAAAAALzY/SoRGdigEKvU/s1600/IMG_1266.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwvut8wcPz0/U2sAvG3RLMI/AAAAAAAALzg/epIJjy8E5cg/s1600/IMG_1275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwvut8wcPz0/U2sAvG3RLMI/AAAAAAAALzg/epIJjy8E5cg/s1600/IMG_1275.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HY3PvYq9ORo/U2sB7Gxq-SI/AAAAAAAAL0Q/OvncV6ilYXA/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HY3PvYq9ORo/U2sB7Gxq-SI/AAAAAAAAL0Q/OvncV6ilYXA/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8P_j9pvwlAE/U2sB8HQXvzI/AAAAAAAAL0Y/bllzZwqIbEw/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8P_j9pvwlAE/U2sB8HQXvzI/AAAAAAAAL0Y/bllzZwqIbEw/s1600/IMG_1290.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCrmO64wBQI/U2sCbUTUC6I/AAAAAAAAL0s/M9ZfvCWG1g0/s1600/IMG_1343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCrmO64wBQI/U2sCbUTUC6I/AAAAAAAAL0s/M9ZfvCWG1g0/s1600/IMG_1343.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WbVtkGUg19U/U2sC2Bj209I/AAAAAAAAL1A/v1SkgY-LzuA/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WbVtkGUg19U/U2sC2Bj209I/AAAAAAAAL1A/v1SkgY-LzuA/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MEyYuheJ-68/U2sC2cPPguI/AAAAAAAAL1E/eLncFmlS4qQ/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MEyYuheJ-68/U2sC2cPPguI/AAAAAAAAL1E/eLncFmlS4qQ/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKJxgKNhk7g/U2sDemYnzBI/AAAAAAAAL1g/L-4t3RgT-W4/s1600/IMG_1358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKJxgKNhk7g/U2sDemYnzBI/AAAAAAAAL1g/L-4t3RgT-W4/s1600/IMG_1358.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The unique Michael's Tower looks over Bratislava from Zamocnicka alley.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Source: Lonely Planet <u>Eastern Europe</u> 8th Edition 2005</span></div>
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Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-9554226945330912452014-05-07T22:35:00.001-05:002014-05-07T22:38:23.925-05:00#678 Arrowtown, New Zealand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_FXbvh_RE8/UzJVLRoukXI/AAAAAAAALTU/cCERpVueWW8/s1600/IMG_7758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k_FXbvh_RE8/UzJVLRoukXI/AAAAAAAALTU/cCERpVueWW8/s1600/IMG_7758.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.arrowtownautumnfestival.org.nz/images/uploads/events/arrowtown-lg.jpg" height="133" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.arrowtownautumnfestival.co.nz </td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mdbC2mGZ2QE/UzJU6HpkV1I/AAAAAAAALTE/XIlA158TWMc/s1600/IMG_7803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mdbC2mGZ2QE/UzJU6HpkV1I/AAAAAAAALTE/XIlA158TWMc/s1600/IMG_7803.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>When I think of yellow and autumn leaves, no matter where I am in the world one of the first things I think of is Arrowtown, New Zealand, a small town near where I grew up in Queenstown (<a href="http://1000amazingplaces.blogspot.com/2012/04/998-queenstown-new-zealand.html">#998</a>) which had an Autumn Festival every year and was always splashed in brilliant color by the leaves. But there's more than that.<br />
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I also love the history. A gold-mining center (similar to <a href="http://1000amazingplaces.blogspot.com/2014/01/731-skippers-queenstown-new-zealand.html">Skipper's #731</a> and <a href="http://1000amazingplaces.blogspot.com/2014/03/696-cardrona-pub-new-zealand.html">Cardrona #696</a>, both in the area) from the early 1860s until the gold rush moved to the West Coast (after which many Chinese miners arrived), and the lines of pretty trees were planted in 1867. It really only has one main street, Buckingham Street, a single lane, one way road, nowadays full of cars parked, and it is flanked by (mostly replaced) old stores and cottages dating from this time. The one story buildings and old stone constructions are wild west and very timely. At its highest it had 7000 people, but it dropped as low as 200 in the 1960s; now it maintains around 2100 permanent residents.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xplAoF_9TKk/UzJVahliyQI/AAAAAAAALTc/JpRTqug-PO8/s1600/IMG_7806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xplAoF_9TKk/UzJVahliyQI/AAAAAAAALTc/JpRTqug-PO8/s1600/IMG_7806.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
What about the nature? Queenstown has lots to offer, of course, but at the foot of the Crown Range Mountains (where parapenters regularly jump off), very close to Coronet Peak ski field and Millbrook and Sir Michael Hill's Golf Courses, and the gateway where the Arrow River meets the Wakatipu Basin and 4WD tracks lead up to the old gold mining center of Macetown, plus multiple cycling and biking trails nearby, it has its own share of fun.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y01Pabe0yBc/UzJVD7cinGI/AAAAAAAALTM/YcTtzV8s-KE/s1600/IMG_7805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>Don't forget to have an icecream while shopping on Buckingham Street - it's a tradition!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Buckingham Street, 1905" src="http://connect.foxyms.co.nz/files/atown/resources/hero/history.jpg" height="249" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Buckingham Steet from www.arrowtown.com</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y01Pabe0yBc/UzJVD7cinGI/AAAAAAAALTM/YcTtzV8s-KE/s1600/IMG_7805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y01Pabe0yBc/UzJVD7cinGI/AAAAAAAALTM/YcTtzV8s-KE/s1600/IMG_7805.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.arrowtown.com/">http://www.arrowtown.com/</a> This site has a great Buckingham Street panorama.</span><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrowtown"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrowtown</span></a></div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029928495068968963.post-31105850936695227612014-05-04T22:42:00.002-05:002014-05-25T23:35:25.414-05:00#679 Shakhrisabz, Uzbekistan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u26q6FqLvpU/U2anlcfJPpI/AAAAAAAALuE/AjFc5yYOU8w/s1600/ruins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u26q6FqLvpU/U2anlcfJPpI/AAAAAAAALuE/AjFc5yYOU8w/s1600/ruins.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ak-Saray Palace Gateway - 50m high</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfb290zwNdE/U2anksrtrZI/AAAAAAAALt8/gduICthvgHs/s1600/shak+ri+sabz+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jfb290zwNdE/U2anksrtrZI/AAAAAAAALt8/gduICthvgHs/s1600/shak+ri+sabz+closeup.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEX9-ZlSmEg/U2anm3KBxvI/AAAAAAAALuM/ZBuFFFl-Q00/s1600/shak+ri+sabz+grass+on+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEX9-ZlSmEg/U2anm3KBxvI/AAAAAAAALuM/ZBuFFFl-Q00/s1600/shak+ri+sabz+grass+on+top.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a>2000 feet high over the Takhtakaracha Pass south of Samarqand (<a href="http://1000amazingplaces.blogspot.com/2012/06/978-samarqand-uzbekistan.html">#978</a>) in Kashka-Darya province lies an unassuming Uzbek town that was hometown of one of history's most famous central Asian rulers: Timur the lame, a.k.a. Tamerlane (born 1336). Known as Kesh at the time, Timur gave the town its currently name, christening it 'Green Town' in Tajik. The beautiful constructions (or ruins of them) were all built by Timur or his grandson, Ulugbek. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zNjv7YP-ZQ0/U2ano2xZxII/AAAAAAAALuY/omW2G9vl0rw/s1600/shak+ri+sabz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zNjv7YP-ZQ0/U2ano2xZxII/AAAAAAAALuY/omW2G9vl0rw/s1600/shak+ri+sabz.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E8WK1yIfiXE/U2ang_aXrUI/AAAAAAAALt0/qCPNKfnfgWY/s1600/Sharisabz+vertical+ruins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E8WK1yIfiXE/U2ang_aXrUI/AAAAAAAALt0/qCPNKfnfgWY/s1600/Sharisabz+vertical+ruins.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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The Ak-Saray Palace just north of the center of town was Timur's summer palace, dubbed the 'White Palace'. Actually, very little is left, but what can be seen is magnificent: the 50m high <i>pishtak</i> (gateway) remains and is covered with fine unrestored zellij mosaic tiles. It is crumbling (although I saw it in 1997, so it may have been more restored by this point) and surrounded by the modern town. Probably the most ambitious project of his reign and taking around 24 years to construct using 'imported' Khorezm artisans, this majesty of constructions can be best appreciated with a climb up the 116 steps of one side of the collapsed arch.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCw6BrOB6oM/U2aoo1w2dEI/AAAAAAAALuo/zRUkIWCHq14/s1600/uzbekistan+106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCw6BrOB6oM/U2aoo1w2dEI/AAAAAAAALuo/zRUkIWCHq14/s1600/uzbekistan+106.jpg" height="270" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cA8HohaZS0E/U2aosLFatiI/AAAAAAAALu0/fNYeJluJUpA/s1600/uzbekistan+108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cA8HohaZS0E/U2aosLFatiI/AAAAAAAALu0/fNYeJluJUpA/s1600/uzbekistan+108.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-58-nvzrGDLQ/U2aorx2r-6I/AAAAAAAALuw/rIyddd7j6mg/s1600/uzbekistan+112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-58-nvzrGDLQ/U2aorx2r-6I/AAAAAAAALuw/rIyddd7j6mg/s1600/uzbekistan+112.jpg" height="320" width="196" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cB1l3Erg_4/U2aoukM6UJI/AAAAAAAALvA/kZn3GPPQgnE/s1600/uzbekistan+113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cB1l3Erg_4/U2aoukM6UJI/AAAAAAAALvA/kZn3GPPQgnE/s1600/uzbekistan+113.jpg" height="320" width="195" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AT9T6eYaZoY/U2ao2NLVdBI/AAAAAAAALvM/viTkbjCWLQg/s1600/uzbekistan+118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AT9T6eYaZoY/U2ao2NLVdBI/AAAAAAAALvM/viTkbjCWLQg/s1600/uzbekistan+118.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6yimfPZ9Hk/U2ao3aTAoKI/AAAAAAAALvY/vMKnMB3tzOo/s1600/uzbekistan+120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6yimfPZ9Hk/U2ao3aTAoKI/AAAAAAAALvY/vMKnMB3tzOo/s1600/uzbekistan+120.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLjZclMcnfk/U2ao9e-2hII/AAAAAAAALvg/oKXTmhSkTKg/s1600/uzbekistan+121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vLjZclMcnfk/U2ao9e-2hII/AAAAAAAALvg/oKXTmhSkTKg/s1600/uzbekistan+121.jpg" height="320" width="195" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJw1kYxYWTo/U2apDTzVyeI/AAAAAAAALv8/5yXlJO4BU64/s1600/uzbekistan+126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJw1kYxYWTo/U2apDTzVyeI/AAAAAAAALv8/5yXlJO4BU64/s1600/uzbekistan+126.jpg" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="215" /></a></div>
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Nearby are the brilliant blue domed Ko-Gumbaz Mosque built by Ulugbek in honor of his father and Timur's son Shah Rukh, the Mausoleum of Shiekh Shamseddin Kulyal completed in 1374 (spiritual tutor for Timur and his father Amir Taragay) and the Gumbazi Seyidan -- Dome of the Seyyids, completed in 1438 by Ulugbek as a mausoleum for his own descendants. The Khazrati-Imam complex lies further east and holds the remnants of a 3500m mausoleum finished by Timur in 1392, of which the most important remnant is the crumbling Tomb of Jehangir, Timur's eldest and favorite son who died at 22, who is joined by another son Umar Sheikh. The others are buried with Timur at Guri Amir in Samarqand, although the back alley holding the Crypt of Timur (discovered in 1963) hold two unidentified corpses.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLHb6RO1oQM/U2apCuTxs6I/AAAAAAAALv4/JbvzVl4_d3w/s1600/me+sharisabz+tomb+(turq+dome)+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLHb6RO1oQM/U2apCuTxs6I/AAAAAAAALv4/JbvzVl4_d3w/s1600/me+sharisabz+tomb+(turq+dome)+-+Copy.jpg" height="640" width="626" /></a></div>
This hidden gem is a beautiful study in Persian architecture's majesty, and being hidden away up a mountain makes it that much more rewarding. Apologies that pictures are not the best -- I was there in 1997!<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: Lonely Planet <u>Central Asia</u> 4th Edition 2007</span></div>
Natalya Marquandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346107423803478723noreply@blogger.com0