tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21356236815770754992024-02-08T02:17:20.268+03:00Travels - Musics - Movies - Sports - News BlogMusic - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-9165301803690620882009-09-25T19:12:00.002+04:002009-09-25T19:13:29.787+04:00Travel to America - NewYork<p>Shimmering from the desert haze of Nevada like a latter-day El Dorado, <b>Las Vegas</b> is the most dynamic, spectacular city on earth. At the start of the twentieth century, it didn't even exist; at the start of the twenty-first, it's home to well over one million people, with enough newcomers arriving to need a new school every month.</p><p>Las Vegas is not like other cities. No city in history has so explicitly valued the needs of visitors above those of its own population. All its growth has been fueled by tourism, but the tourists haven't spoiled the "real" city; there is no real city. Las Vegas doesn't have fascinating little-known neighborhoods, and it's not a place where visitors can go off the beaten track to have more authentic experiences. Instead, the whole thing is completely self-referential; the reason Las Vegas boasts the vast majority of the world's largest hotels is that around thirty-seven million tourists each year come to see the hotels themselves.</p>Each of these monsters is much more than a mere hotel, and more too than the casino that invariably lies at its core. They're extraordinary places, self-contained fantasylands of high camp and genuine excitement that can stretch as much as a mile from end to end. Each holds its own flamboyant permutation of showrooms and swimming pools, luxurious guest quarters and restaurants, high-tech rides and attractions.<p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <div class="omg-photo"> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3188/2892662652_daf635981b.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <a class="omg-next" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a> </div> <cite></cite><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/a/p/i/bcst/yp/travelchannel/8708/84917042.jpg" alt="Play Video" title="Play Video" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3188/2892662652_daf635981b.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3065/2768308423_d5d4f95cde.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /><br /> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3179/2672875350_a665a8c7fc.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm3.hv-static.flickr.com/2093/2243767166_388f6a48f5.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/62/160246916_511a501004.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /><br /></div><p>The casinos want you to gamble, and they'll do almost anything to lure you in; thus the huge moving walkways that pluck you from the Strip sidewalk, almost against your will, and sweep you into places like <i>Caesars Palace</i>. Once you're inside, on the other hand, the last thing they want is for you to leave. Whatever you came in for, you won't be able to do it without crisscrossing the casino floor innumerable times; as for finding your way out, that can be virtually impossible. The action keeps going day and night, and in this windowless – and clock-free – environment you rapidly lose track of which is which.</p><p><i>"Little emphasis is placed on the gambling clubs No cheap and easily parodied slogans have been adopted to publicize Las Vegas, no attempt has been made to introduce pseudo-romantic architectural themes or to give artificial glamour or gaiety."</i><br />– WPA Guidebook to Nevada, 1940</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3178/2891863667_696dd22796.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3072/2892662640_f05e58f01c.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3172/2757566070_0b43efe337.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3205/2757566082_92c05499a8.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> </div> <p>Las Vegas never dares to rest on its laurels, so the basic concept of the Strip casino has been endlessly refined since the Western-themed resorts and ranches of the 1940s. In the 1950s and 1960s, when most visitors arrived by <b>car</b>, the casinos presented themselves as lush tropical oases at the end of the long desert drive. Once <b>air</b> travel took over, Las Vegas opted for Disneyesque fantasy, a process that started in the late 1960s with <i>Caesars Palace</i> and culminated with <i>Excalibur</i> and <i> Luxor</i> in the early 1990s.</p><p>These days, after six decades of capitalism run riot, the Strip is locked into a hyperactive craving for thrills and glamour. First-time visitors tend to expect Las Vegas to be a repository of <b>kitsch</b>, but the casino owners are far too canny to be sentimental about the old days. Yes, there are a few Elvis impersonators around, but what characterizes the city far more is its endless quest for <b>novelty</b>. Long before they lose their sparkle, yesterday's showpieces are blasted into rubble, to make way for ever more extravagant replacements. The Disney model has now been discarded in favor of more adult themes, and Las Vegas demands nothing less than entire <b>cities</b>. Replicas of New York, Paris, Monte Carlo and Venice now jostle for space on the Strip.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3475/3389391750_c003cbc0c9.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/59/160256890_23f912c525.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div><br /></div> <p>The <b>customer</b> is king in Las Vegas. What the visitor wants, the city provides. If you come in search of the cheapest destination in America, you'll enjoy paying rock-bottom rates for accommodation and hunting out the best buffet bargains. If it's style and opulence you're after, by contrast, you can dine in the finest restaurants, shop in the most chic stores, and watch world-class entertainment; it'll cost you, but not as much as it would anywhere else. The same guidelines apply to <b> gambling</b>. The Strip giants cater to those who want sophisticated high-roller heavens, where tuxedoed James Bond lookalikes toss insouciant bankrolls onto the roulette tables. Others prefer their casinos to be sinful and seedy, inhabited by hard-bitten heavy-smoking low-lifes; there is no shortage of that type of joint either, especially downtown.</p><p>On the face of it, the city is supremely democratic. However you may be dressed, however affluent or otherwise you may appear, you'll be welcomed in its stores, restaurants, and above all its casinos. The one thing you almost certainly won't get, however, is the <b>last laugh</b>; all that seductive deference comes at a price. It would be nice to imagine that perhaps half of your fellow visitors are skilful gamblers, raking in the profits at the tables, while the other half are losing, but the bottom line is that almost nobody's winning. In the words of Steve Wynn, who built <i>Bellagio</i> and the <i>Mirage</i>, "The only way to make money in a casino is to own one"; according to the latest figures, 85 percent of visitors gamble, and they lose an average of $665 each. On top of that, most swiftly come to see that virtually any other activity works out cheaper than gambling, so end up spending their money on all sorts of other things as well. What's so clever about Las Vegas is that it makes absolutely certain that you have such a good time that you don't mind losing a bit of money along the way; that's why they don't even call it "gambling" anymore, but "gaming."</p><p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/76/223911172_0fa73eaff6.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm2.hv-static.flickr.com/1255/1293482206_6e62595dcb.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /><br /><a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/47/141894258_88b5aae939.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div><p>Finally, while Las Vegas has certainly cleaned up its act since the early days of Mob domination, there's little truth in the notion that it's become a <b>family</b> destination. In fact, for kids, it's doesn't begin to compare to somewhere like Orlando. Several casinos have added theme parks or fun rides to fill those odd nongambling moments, but only ten percent of visitors bring children, and the crowds that cluster around the exploding volcanoes and pirate battles along the Strip remain almost exclusively adult.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#OmgPhoid=39">(from yahoo travel)</a><br /></p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-5524596072731750092009-09-25T19:09:00.001+04:002009-09-25T19:09:52.579+04:00Travel to America - SanFrancisco<p><b>SAN FRANCISCO</b> proper occupies just 48 hilly square miles at the tip of a slender peninsula, almost perfectly centered along the California coast. Arguably the most beautiful, certainly the most liberal city in the US, it remains true to itself: a funky, individualistic, surprisingly small city whose people pride themselves on being the cultured counterparts to their cousins in LA – the last bastion of civilization on the lunatic fringe of America. It's a compact and approachable place, where downtown streets rise on impossible gradients to reveal stunning views of the city, the bay and beyond, and blanket fogs roll in unexpectedly to envelop the city in mist. This is not the California of mono-tonous blue skies and slothful warmth – the temperatures rarely exceed the seventies, and even during summer can drop much lower.</p><p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <div class="omg-photo"> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm2.hv-static.flickr.com/1070/1353447809_120e6c565b.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /></div><br /><br /></div> <a class="omg-next" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a> </div> <cite></cite><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/a/p/i/bcst/yp/travelchannel/8708/88118055.jpg" alt="Play Video" title="Play Video" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"> Palace of Fine Art II<br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/87/375621095_dafe4b34eb.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"> Golden Gate<br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/75/219321543_809db9a550.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 4.5px;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/57/226682473_87d34eb239.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"> Palace of Fine Art II<br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/25/375621091_8401c8c1df.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0.5px;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/78/195865413_41dc22f5d5.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div> </div> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 1.5px;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/92/223500560_96b6805795.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /><br /><a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm3.hv-static.flickr.com/2421/3598021446_5a419c133a.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div> </div><p>The original inhabitants of this area, the <b>Ohlone Indians</b>, were all but wiped out within a few years of the establishment in 1776 of the <b>Mission Dolores</b>, the sixth in the chain of Spanish Catholic missions that ran the length of California. Two years after the Americans replaced the Mexicans in 1846, the discovery of gold in the Sierra foothills precipitated the rip-roaring <b>Gold Rush</b>. Within a year fifty thousand pioneers had traveled west, and east from China, turning San Francisco from a muddy village and wasteland of sand dunes into a thriving supply center and transit town. By the time the <b> transcontinental railroad</b> was completed in 1869, San Francisco was a lawless, rowdy boomtown of bordellos and drinking dens, something the moneyed elite – who hit it big on the much more dependable silver Comstock Load – worked hard to mend, constructing wide boulevards, parks, a cable car system and elaborate Victorian redwood mansions.</p><p>In the midst of the city's golden age, however, a massive <b>earthquake</b>, followed by three days of fire, wiped out most of the town in 1906. Rebuilding began immediately, resulting in a city more magnificent than before; in the decades that followed, writers like Dashiell Hammett and Jack London lived and worked here. Many of the city's landmarks, including Coit Tower and both the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, were built in the 1920s and 1930s. By World War II San Francisco had been eclipsed by Los Angeles as the main west coast city, but it achieved a new cultural eminence with the emergence of the Beats in the Fifties and the hippies in the Sixties, when the fusion of music, protest, rebellion and, of course, drugs that characterized 1967's "Summer of Love" took over the Haight-Ashbury district.</p><p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/55/115329266_ce9e5df8ff.jpg" class="" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/57/229070588_f9d2d9da33.jpg" class="" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/53/144687204_4249b3d72c.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3008/2952699355_2363f4d93c.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /><br /><a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/100/279794131_4b5a681770.jpg" class="" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div> <p>In a conservative America, San Francisco's reputation as a liberal oasis continues to grow, attracting waves of resettlers from all over the US. It is estimated that over half the city's population originates from somewhere else. It is a city in a constant state of evolution, fast gentrifying itself into one of the most high-end towns on earth – thanks, in part, to the disposable incomes pumped into its coffers from its sizeable singles and gay contingents. Gay capital of the world, San Francisco has also been the scene of the dot.com revolution's rise and fall. The resultant wealth at one time made housing prices skyrocket – often at the expense of the city's middle and lower classes – but the closure of hundreds of start-up IT companies has brought real-estate prices back down to (almost) reasonable levels. Despite the city's current economic ebbs and flows, your impression of the city likely won't be altered – it remains one of the most proudly distinct places to be found anywhere.</p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-1446027133135782302009-09-22T03:15:00.002+04:002009-09-23T22:37:17.523+04:00Most Beautiful places of the world - 1<p>Nature reveals its beauty in various forms; deserts, mountains, cliffs, forests, caves, valleys, rocks, islands, waterfalls, springs, oceans and others. Hope you enjoy this tour of beautiful places that take us into a different world – the world of mother nature.</p> <p>In fact, we had done an article on <a href="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/ten-of-the-most-beautiful-places-of-the-world/">Ten of the most beautiful places in the world</a> a few days earlier; however, based on the response of our visitors showing interest in other places, we felt there is a lot missing and decided to bring more beauty your way.</p> <p><strong>Amazon Rainforest – Amazon Basin, South America</strong></p> <p><strong><img class="image" title="Amazon Basin" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/amazon_basin.jpg" alt="Amazon Basin" height="450" width="578" /></strong></p> <p><strong><br /></strong></p> <p>Amazon rainforest is the thickest rainforest that spans over a billion acres and encompasses areas in Brazil (60%), Peru (13%), Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Bolivia, French Guiana and Suriname. The concentration of wildlife is very high and new species or subspecies of existing species continues to be discovered almost all the time. The majestic beauty and timelessness of this awe-inspiring tropical rainforest is indescribable in words and should be experienced.</p> <p><strong>Sognafjord (Sogne Fjord) – Norway</strong></p> <p><strong><br /></strong></p> <p><strong><img class="image" title="Naeroyfjord Narrowest Fjord" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/naeroyfjord_-_narrowest_fjord.jpg" alt="Naeroyfjord Narrowest Fjord" height="450" width="578" /></strong></p> <p><strong><br /></strong></p> <p>The second longest fjord (an inset of the sea between steep slopes) in the world and the largest in Norway, the magnificence of this has to be experienced for the magnitude to be understood. Reaching to more than 1,300 meters below sea level and above 2,000 meters above sea level, the sparkling water, the beautiful cliff faces and the picturesque villages make this a must visit place for nature lovers.<span id="more-213"></span></p> <p><strong>The Himalayas – Asia</strong></p> <p><strong><img class="image" title="Mount Everest" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/mount_everest.jpg" alt="Mount Everest" height="450" width="578" /></strong></p> <p><strong><br /></strong></p> <p><strong><img class="image" title="Mount Everest" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/mt_everest_copy.jpg" alt="Mount Everest" height="450" width="578" /></strong></p> <p><strong><br /></strong></p> <p>This spectacle of awesome dimensions …the 3000 kilometer long towering mountain range with tiers of rock, ranges upon ranges, sky scraping peaks and canyons, is the planet’s highest mountain system and includes the world’s highest peaks; Mount Everest and K2. It stretches through Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan. This is where earth meets the sky!</p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-38583191235625243652009-09-21T15:14:00.003+04:002009-09-23T22:38:23.880+04:00Tallest Buildings in the World<p style="text-align: left;">Today we’ll speak about the tallest buildings in the world based on statistics prepared by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://architecture.about.com/library/bltall.htm">About Architecture</a> team. The buildings from today are really “buildings” not the towers and not just some other tall structures. These are visited daily by thousands of people and not only to look at the scenery. Lots of people work in numerous offices doing their daily job and don’t even pay attention to the magnificent view from above. But for me, all these building are “WOW”! I mean how can one calculate and build a structure that is so high? That’s amazing and that’s so thrilling.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">With every new tall building we are getting closer to the sky…and say in several hundreds years the Earth from the space will look like tangle with threads <img src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /> </p> <h1>Taipei 101 Tower in Taiwan.</h1> <p style="text-align: left;">Built in 2004, 101 stories, height 509 meters.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Taipei 101 Tower is currently the world’s tallest building – if you count its massive 60-foot spire. Its design borrows heavily from Chinese culture. Both the building’s interior and exterior incorporate the Chinese pagoda form and the shape of bamboo flowers.</p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dans180/sets/371883/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1033" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/taipei3.jpg" alt="taipei3" height="557" width="800" /></a></p> <h1>Shanghai World Financial Center, China</h1> <p style="text-align: left;">Built in 2008, 101 stories, 492 meters.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">The Shanghai World Financial Centre is a soaring glass skyscraper with a distinctive opening at the top. The ground floor of Shanghai World Financial Centre is a shopping mall and an elevator lobby with gyrating kaleidoscopes on the ceiling. On the upper floors are offices, conference rooms, hotel rooms, and observation decks.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/phantagom/2787970351/sizes/o/"><br /></a></p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/decadavide/544379171/sizes/o/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1043" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/shang6.jpg" alt="shang6" height="535" width="800" /></a></p><h1>Petronas Towers 1 & 2, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia</h1> <p style="text-align: left;">Built in 1998, 88 stores, 452 meters.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Traditional Islamic design inspired the floor plans for two Petronas towers in Kuala Lumur, Malaysia. Each floor of the 88-story towers is shaped like an 8-pointed star. At the 42nd floor, a flexible bridge connects the two Petronas Towers.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yushimoto_02/1373082753/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1048" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/petronas1.jpg" alt="petronas1" height="600" width="800" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ehsank/2185120398/sizes/o/"><br /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flydime/2258161604/sizes/o/"><br /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flydime/2442259193/sizes/o/"><br /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chanc/3040719290/sizes/o/"><br /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23123892@N06/2493995635/sizes/l/"><br /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-39121044260871144932009-09-21T12:01:00.002+04:002009-09-21T12:04:00.769+04:00A trip to Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach<div class="journal_entry"> <p>On weekends I was on dinner with friends in a restaurant means it can be said that we were on get together. In the restaurant we meet with our college friend who also came for dinner and he was alone so he joined our company. Recently he came here to celebrate holidays on beach and told us about trip. By hearing one of our friend feel jealous and after going that guy told us this holidays we celebrate on beach. He said and all of us like these thoughts.<br /></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3883061931_1ce5cbfa7a.jpg" id="mainImg" alt="birding" title="birding" /></div><p>Then all of us decided to celebrate beach holidays. Early next morning we went for a travel agent for knowing about packages to celebrate holidays on beach because we make our membership through that travel agent in travel industry. They showed us so many packages but we choose to go for Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach because it was more beneficial to us. We have group membership in travel industry which provides us <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.anylodging.com/">hotel deals</a> for enjoying holidays. We get these offers only in holidays, weekends, festivals, events, or any other special occasion. But the decision of us we like to go there or not. By taking this package we wait for sometime to start this trip and at last that day has been reached to us for leaving home town to Myrtle Beach . We leave our home town in the month of 17<sup>th</sup> may 2008 at 10:00 AM and fly by American airlines at 12:45 PM .</p> <p> Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular and major destination in united states of South Carolina . We know about this by visiting this city but a very little familiar about beaches before going there. By air we get this city within 11 hrs because it takes two stops. by leaving airport we take a beautiful behold of this city, take taxi for check in our myrtle beach hotels for which choosing was very difficult from the list of <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.anylodging.com/us/sc/myrtle-beach-hotels">hotels in myrtle beach</a> in all rages. We take a comfortable stay at this hotel with all modern facilities and get continue with our trip.</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3883061939_a9f4899e5d.jpg" id="mainImg" alt="sunrise" title="sunrise" /></div><p><br /></p> <p>First day, we went on beach for which we came here. At beach we enjoy all beach activities. But an important thing we miss on beach because of our laziness that sunrise but sunset we see it which was very interesting. But location of our hotel closer to beach we see it with a very little view. Full we enjoy at beach and lying in sand was interesting. Nearer to beach broadways we enjoy nightlife where a lot of eating shops, bars, and theater were there.</p> <p>Second day, we went to Ripley ’s Aquarium which was very large. Here we see animal exhibits and shows which were very nice. Barefoot landing was another major attraction in this city for enjoying live entertainment in night. In this area we also saw a blue movie and for eating so many eateries were there.</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2595/3883061961_d061c116ee.jpg" id="mainImg" alt="virginia beach gathering" title="virginia beach gathering" /></div><p>Third day we spent at state park and travel around this area. This park was a nature loving place with a lot of water activities and speedway was another area where we saw car racing that’s was an event organizes weekly.</p> <p>Fourth day we went to brookgreen garden and brant’s fishing adventure for enjoying fishing and water sports.<br /></p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/3883833386_d0b7653c9f.jpg" id="mainImg" alt="myrtle beach3" title="myrtle beach3" /></div><p>Fifth day, we see sunrise at beach and leave this city at noon by taking lunch to Virginia Beach by taxi.</p> <div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3883061933_a02c454a08.jpg" id="mainImg" alt="camping" title="camping" /></div><p>At least within seven hours we get Virginia Beach city in United States of Virginia. In way we take only two or three stops. While continue driving we get this city. We get this at night 08:00 pm. In this city the first option was that we should go to our booked <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.anylodging.com/us/va/virginia-beach-hotels">cheap hotels in virginia beach</a> which we choose from a list of hotels and showed us images and facilities. After taking a little refreshment we came outside for taking juice and fruits and then came back to our hotel for enjoying this city.</p> <p>First day, in this city we see only sights of this city. This day we see aquarium, science center, and wildfowl heritage museum. All these attractions were very interesting. To see aquarium we take a nature trail.</p> <p>Second day, we went to convention center and ocean breeze water park where special events, fests, trade shows, water slides, and water shows can be seen. At these places we also enjoy water activities and this day we also enjoy nightlife of this city at these places which was so interesting.</p> <p>Third day we spent for activities. This day we went to state parks and wildlife refugee where we found a lot of adventures like golfing, surfing, walking, and birding where we saw songbirds, shorebirds, butterflies and more. This day we can enjoy all activities because rests were day activities and after sunset they were not enjoyable.</p> <p>Fourth day, we go for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, dolphin, swimming, boating, and whale watching which give an interactive view of this city.</p> <p>Fifth day, we also went to see birding one time more because it was an interesting place to see all types of birds. This day we find something different like whale swimming, waterfowl, and first lading state park which were most visited park in this area. This park was interesting place to enjoy hiking, trails, ocean beach and more.</p> <p>Sixth day we collect all our memorize moments and up to time of noon we leave this city for our hometown.</p> <p>While traveling to hometown all of us make fun of each other to remember all moments and promise for next holidays to make a get together. All of us enjoyed very much these destinations.</p><p><a href="http://travel.yahoo.com/trip-journal-2082151-beach_destinations_myrtle_and_virginia_brings_happ;_ylt=AgUHB4u5oGs4w5VIVp_y13aCSaN4">(from yahoo)</a><br /></p> </div>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-9199441448562717682009-09-21T07:55:00.005+04:002009-09-21T08:11:36.546+04:00Travel to America - San DiegoSan Diego, CA<br /><br />Relatively free from smog and byzantine freeways, SAN DIEGO, set around a gracefully curving bay, represents the acceptable face of southern California. The second biggest city in California may be affluent and conservative, but it's also easygoing and far from smug. Although it was the site of the first mission in California, the city only really took off with the arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad in the 1880s, and in terms of trade and significance it has long been in the shadow of Los Angeles. However, during World War II the US Navy made San Diego its Pacific Command Center, and the military continues to dominate the local economy, along with tourism.<br /><br /><a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501888-san_diego_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=AixWWZl9E1m0ideg.Nw9ULpAFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3263/3238779887_fc12e5ee8d.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /></div><a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501888-san_diego_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=AixWWZl9E1m0ideg.Nw9ULpAFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3530/3238779893_5a1cd99c6a.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div><br /><br /> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501888-san_diego_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=AixWWZl9E1m0ideg.Nw9ULpAFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/31/51965784_d09825ac2a.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 65px;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3644/3599305060_642f655a4d.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501888-san_diego_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=AixWWZl9E1m0ideg.Nw9ULpAFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/138/412080462_b6f6ce2076.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501888-san_diego_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=AixWWZl9E1m0ideg.Nw9ULpAFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/60/155941178_b748990a67.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501888-san_diego_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=AixWWZl9E1m0ideg.Nw9ULpAFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3556/3517379197_bb990ea767.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501888-san_diego_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=AixWWZl9E1m0ideg.Nw9ULpAFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/43/83671288_2961e612f1.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501888-san_diego_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=AixWWZl9E1m0ideg.Nw9ULpAFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 24.5px;" src="http://farm3.hv-static.flickr.com/2461/3690264115_bfbed0f471.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div> <br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2135623681577075499">(from yahoo)</a>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-39072539879581584552009-09-11T13:36:00.007+04:002009-09-21T00:24:06.000+04:00Travel to one of the most beautiful mountain in the world<h1>The Swiss Alps and Switzerland.<br /></h1> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-683_3.jpg" alt="" title="St. Moritz. Switzerland. By ianlord" /> <p>St. Moritz. Switzerland. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianlordy/" target="_blank">ianlord</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <p>The Alps, the greatest mountain system in Europe, is stretching from Austria in the east, through Switzerland, to France in the west. This spectacular range, with its sharp peaks always covered with snow, is a stunning travel and sport destination in both summer and winter. </p> <p>A big portion of this rocky cake belongs to Switzerland, one of the richest countries in the world, with a unique blend of cultures and people speaking four languages (Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansh).</p> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-684_3.jpg" alt="" title="St. Moritz. By ForsterFoto" /> <p>St. Moritz. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/forsterfoto/" target="_blank">ForsterFoto</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <p>The place that can hardly escape attention in the Swiss Alps is St. Moritz, one of the world's oldest mountain resorts. The town, backdropped by the magnificent alpine walls, lies at the foot of a crystal-clear lake and enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-685_3.jpg" alt="" title="Swiss Alps. By Mikael Miettinen" /> <p> St. Gotthard Pass. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikaelmiettinen/" target="_blank">mikael miettinen</a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikaelmiettinen/" target="_blank"><br /> <br /></a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-686_3.jpg" alt="" title="Swiss Alps peaks. By Robert Thomson" /> <p>The Swiss Alps in all their glory. Anzere. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14degrees/" target="_blank">Robert Thomson</a> </p> </div> <p> </p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-67406510423788683762009-09-10T19:58:00.000+04:002009-09-10T19:59:38.056+04:0015 Most beautiful islands and beaches-part4<h2>Binningup Beach, Western Australia</h2> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1829" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/binni1.jpg" alt="binni1" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/88695429@N00/148451458/sizes/l/">Ormsbyka69 on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1830" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/binni2.jpg" alt="binni2" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23484300@N07/2257839718/sizes/l/">Wuppies on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1831" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/binni3.jpg" alt="binni3" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigwelshjon/433048524/sizes/o/">JonathanDevlin on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1832" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/binni4.jpg" alt="binni4" height="602" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gramarye/2476258606/sizes/o/">Gramarye on Flickr</a></p> <h2>Blue Bay Beach, Kiwengwa – Zanzibar</h2> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1833" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/blue_bay1.jpg" alt="blue_bay1" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/callumscott2/273730373/sizes/o/">Callumscott2 on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1834" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/blue_bay2.jpg" alt="blue_bay2" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jules1651/401172890/sizes/l/">Jules1651 on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1835" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/blue_bay3.jpg" alt="blue_bay3" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emeryjl/494274284/sizes/l/"> Emeryjl on Flickr</a></p> <h2>Clifton Beach, Tasmania</h2> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1839" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/clifton1.jpg" alt="clifton1" height="451" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jayjay04/248217299/sizes/o/">Jayjay04 on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1840" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/clifton2.jpg" alt="clifton2" height="451" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jayjay04/248219658/sizes/o/">Jayjay04 on Flickr</a></p> <a href="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/15-most-beautiful-islands-and-beaches-photostream/#more-1795">(from Dir Journal Info Blog)</a>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-15927338337488583042009-09-10T19:57:00.002+04:002009-09-25T19:04:28.359+04:00Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-14274108751479621242009-09-10T19:55:00.000+04:002009-09-10T19:56:46.226+04:0015 Most beautiful islands and beaches-part2<span style="font-weight: bold;">Aruba, Netherlands</span> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1812" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/aruba1.jpg" alt="aruba1" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18587671@N07/1894758561/sizes/o/">AGMaynard on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1813" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/aruba2.jpg" alt="aruba2" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wirralwater/3292918605/sizes/o/">Wirralwater on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1814" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/aruba3.jpg" alt="aruba3" height="532" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shanestroud/87777287/sizes/l/">Shane Stroud on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1815" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/aruba4.jpg" alt="aruba4" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18587671@N07/1895604576/sizes/l/"> AGMaynard on Flickr</a></p> <h2>Baros, Maldives</h2> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1816" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/baros1.jpg" alt="baros1" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashmieke/3597850362/sizes/l/">Ashmieke on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1817" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/baros2.jpg" alt="baros2" height="540" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nattu/1385100375/sizes/l/">Nattu on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1818" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/baros3.jpg" alt="baros3" height="532" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sallylondon/431191989/sizes/o/">Sallylondon on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1819" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/baros4.jpg" alt="baros4" height="534" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimbo2000/3408398681/sizes/l/">Kimbo2000 on Flickr</a></p> <h2>La Dique island, Anse Source D’Argent beach, Seychelles</h2> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1821" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/la1.jpg" alt="la1" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos//831050696/sizes/l/">Pbrun on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1822" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/la2.jpg" alt="la2" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pbrun/830169777/sizes/l/">Pbrun on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1823" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/la3.jpg" alt="la3" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27481786@N00/319561209/sizes/l/">Elsadegeus on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1824" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/la4.jpg" alt="la4" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27481786@N00/319561201/sizes/l/">Elsadegeus on Flickr</a></p> <h2>Bottom Bay Beach, Barbados</h2> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1825" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/beach1.jpg" alt="beach1" height="534" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26483034@N04/3069944421/sizes/l/">Maranguns on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1826" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/beach2.jpg" alt="beach2" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10671005@N06/1279650882/sizes/l/">JP in-Focus on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1827" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/beach3.jpg" alt="beach3" height="534" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonny_wood/582316235/sizes/l/">Jonny_wood on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1828" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/beach5.jpg" alt="beach5" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gregnlori/280246276/sizes/l/">Greg and Lori on Flickr</a></p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-65595249068225776192009-09-10T19:51:00.000+04:002009-09-10T19:54:47.656+04:0015 Most beautiful islands and beaches-part1<p>When I think of summer, I think of vocation <img src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /> and when I start dreaming of vocation I see beautiful sunny islands, with golden beaches, tanned bodies, warm ocean water and a cocktail with mint. This sounds so delicious! Being inspired with these dreams I decided to make a photostream of the most beautiful islands I could found. I didn’t use any comparison lists to choose the best of them, I have just found about 35 or so islands loved by tourists, reviewed about 10 photos of each of them and have chosen those those that reminded me of the island in my dreams.</p> <p>So if you’ve been on some other island that should be added to this list and have some “hot” photos let me know, and I’ll add it to our collection. So here we go!</p> <h2>Bora Bora, Polynesia</h2> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1804" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bora1.jpg" alt="bora1" height="400" width="600" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nyana/160768282/sizes/l/">Ireyon on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1805" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bora2.jpg" alt="bora2" height="532" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/totalisator/260583521/sizes/l/">Totalisator on Flickr</a></p> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1806" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bora3.jpg" alt="bora3" height="600" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/97657657@N00/2092792187/sizes/l/">Tensaibuta on Flickr</a><br /><span id="more-1795"></span><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1807" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bora4.jpg" alt="bora4" height="534" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48891219@N00/127888542/sizes/l/">H!ghTower on Flickr</a></p> <h2>Bermuda, Church Bay Beach</h2> <p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1809" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/church1.jpg" alt="church1" height="535" width="800" /><br />Credits: Photos by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonduncan/478099977/sizes/l/">Jason Duncan on Flickr</a></p><p><br /></p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonduncan/478099977/sizes/l/"></a><a href="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/15-most-beautiful-islands-and-beaches-photostream/#more-1795">(from Dir Journal Info BLog)</a><br /></p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-16291106600502986542009-09-09T12:04:00.000+04:002009-09-09T12:06:39.349+04:00Queen Of The Moutain<p>Summer is definitely changing to autumn here in Zürich. There is a crispness to the air in the morning, yet still a bright blue sky and people hanging out by the lake, trying to take in every last ray of sun. With this beautiful fall weather on its way, it seems like a perfect time to go for a hike in the mountains.</p> <p><a href="http://mykugelhopf.ch/2009/09/rigi-queen-of-the-mountains/"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/3899241845_84b8dd1dfe.jpg" alt="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" title="Rigi: Queen of the Mountains" width="263" height="350" /></a> <a title="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" href="http://mykugelhopf.ch/?attachment_id=3321"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2422/3900024338_6d6704ccae.jpg" alt="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" title="Rigi: Queen of the Mountains" width="263" height="350" /></a></p> <p>I had heard about <a href="http://www.rigi.ch/en/welcome.cfm">Rigi</a>, “the Queen of the Mountains,” known for its breathtaking panoramic views over the Alps. So Olivier and I set off, hiking boots on and picnic packed, of course. Only what was supposed to be a beautiful day with moderately cool weather, turned out to be a real scorcher! As we made our way past farms with grazing cows, fields of wild flowers, up and around winding dirt paths, jumping over mini streams and rocks, I slowly peeled off layer by layer of clothing. We made it to the summit in record time, whizzing past those yellow signs with arrows to follow. But that was probably because I was sprinting towards every patch of shade we saw! We passed plenty of fellow hikers on the way up, of all ages, some with hiking poles but all with bottles of water.</p> <p><a title="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" href="http://mykugelhopf.ch/?attachment_id=3323"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/3899239457_d8b26d3b0f.jpg" alt="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" title="Rigi: Queen of the Mountains" width="263" height="350" /></a> <a title="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" href="http://mykugelhopf.ch/?attachment_id=3324"><img style="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2492/3899239721_1a4053071b.jpg" alt="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" title="Rigi: Queen of the Mountains" width="263" height="350" /></a></p> <p>We took a train from Zürich to Küssnacht am Rigi (about an hour long and CHF 40 roundtrip), then a short ride on a local bus to Weggis. A cable car then took us up to a point where we could start the hike. You’ll see the summit far, far off in the distance, and it’s fun to think that within just a few hours, you’ll be standing at that very spot. Even more, once you return back to the bottom at that same spot, be sure to turn around and say, “wow, we did all that?!” It can be a bit strenuous at times, pretty steep paths and rugged terrain, but also plenty of easier, flat trails to follow and catch your breath. It’s a great day’s activity either from Zürich or from Lucerne, and you can go at any pace that works for you. We reached the end of the hike after climbing a total of 800m in altitude (about half a mile) in under 2 hours, where you are rewarded with restaurants and children’s playgrounds, plenty of benches to sit and relax, have your picnic and take in the views.</p> <p><a title="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" href="http://mykugelhopf.ch/?attachment_id=3330"><img style="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/3900023398_1221683eca.jpg" alt="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" title="Rigi: Queen of the Mountains" width="263" height="350" /></a> <a title="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" href="http://mykugelhopf.ch/?attachment_id=3325"><img style="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/3900023204_887087be79.jpg" alt="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" title="Rigi: Queen of the Mountains" width="263" height="350" /></a></p> <p>But that’s not quite the summit yet…</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" href="http://mykugelhopf.ch/?attachment_id=3331"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/3900023798_75bd8dfd6f.jpg" alt="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" title="Rigi: Queen of the Mountains" width="263" height="350" /></a></p> <p>Keep going up towards the antenna, where the real views are. The top of Rigi reaches 1798m (about 5900 feet) and divides the lakes of Lucerne and Zug. You’ll look out at the mountains that seem to be floating mid-air and you’ll gaze in awe at the vivid blue water below. There are numerous panels that indicate the names of the assorted mountains and lakes you’ll be looking out at. You’ll see people paragliding, or coming in off the train… There are so many ways to take advantage of Rigi, and all year round too. We may have to make another visit this winter, <em>with </em>all<em> </em>those extra layers and snow-shoes too!</p> <p><a title="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" href="http://mykugelhopf.ch/?attachment_id=3329"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3900024210_0c97c3d6af.jpg" alt="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" title="Rigi: Queen of the Mountains" width="263" height="350" /></a> <a title="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" href="http://mykugelhopf.ch/?attachment_id=3328"><img style="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/3900022968_d6ceeab28e.jpg" alt="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" title="Rigi: Queen of the Mountains" width="263" height="350" /></a></p> <p>And for sure another picnic! Wondering what was in our backpack? A fresh <em>Paillasse Rustico</em> baguette, my favorite from <a href="http://www.flughafebeck.ch/">Steiner</a> (they have a stand at Jelmoli and at the airport), cherry tomatoes, radishes with salted butter (using my technique of freezing it the night before we left), a few types of charcuterie, nectarines that ripened perfectly on our way up the mountain, strawberries and homemade chocolate chip cookies. That left room for a refreshing ice cream on our way back down before hitting the trails again. The Restaurant Bahnhöfli is worth a visit, if not just to walk inside and see the crazy ceiling covered in what seems like 100 cow bells of varying sizes. It’s quite a sight! And then off you go, the downhill hike always more fun than uphill!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" href="http://mykugelhopf.ch/?attachment_id=3332"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3900023650_d6d0a88b96.jpg" alt="Rigi Mountain, Switzerland" title="Rigi: Queen of the Mountains" width="500" height="375" /></a></p> <small><br /><a href="http://mykugelhopf.ch/">(from MyKugelhopf blog)</a><br /></small>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-88177421911746236532009-09-08T20:01:00.000+04:002009-09-08T20:02:15.732+04:0010 Most Scenic National Parks in the United States - Part2<h1>5. Denali National Park. Alaska.</h1> <p> </p> <p>Magnificent summit of Mount McKinley towering above the landscape is a landmark of the Denali National Park, Alaska. McKinley or Denali, which means "the great one" in the Athabaskan language, the highest mountain in the North America, is only one of many features that give the park its scenic beauty. </p> <p>Denali Park is wild, dramatic, and vast. It is home to grizzly and black bears, moose, gray wolfs, foxes and lynx. Savage tundra covered with ferns, grasses and mosses stretches through the park. Only 300 miles south of the Arctic Circle, the park's ecosystem is sub-arctic, with cold winters, so the best time to go is summer, when the days are long and temperatures are warmer.</p> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-825_3.jpg" alt="" title="Fall in Denali National Park. By Alaskan Dude" /> <p>Fall in Denali National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72213316@N00/" target="_blank">Alaskan Dude</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-826_3.jpg" alt="" title="Denali National Park. By heartonstick" /> <p>Denali National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/heartonastick/" target="_blank">heartonstick</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-827_3.jpg" alt="" title="Grizzly bear in Denali National Park. By Alaskan Dude" /> <p>Grizzly bear in Denali National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72213316@N00/" target="_blank">Alaskan Dude</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-846_3.jpg" alt="" title="Mount McKinley. By mefdada" /> <p>Mount McKinley. By<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67917568@N00/" target="_blank"> mefdada</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h1> 4. Yosemite National Park. California.</h1> <p> </p> <p>There must be a reason why over 3.5 million people a year visit the Yosemite National Park. It is the grandeur of the park that attracts crowds, tempting visitors with its spectacular cliffs and rocks, waterfalls, mountain streams, clear lakes, sequoia and oak groves and abundant wildlife. </p> <p>The park that was inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 contains five vegetation zones that are home to rare plants and diverse fauna: the black bear, mule deer, bobcats, marmots and chipmunks. </p> <p>The park is an all-year destination, but to avoid crowds it is better not to go during weekends and public holidays.</p> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-829_3.jpg" alt="" title="Yosemite National Park. By irene" /> <p>Yosemite National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/irenetong/" target="_blank">irene</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-830_3.jpg" alt="" title="Yosemite National Park. By ground.zero" /> <p>Yosemite National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/groundzero/" target="_blank">ground.zero</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-831_3.jpg" alt="" title="Yosemite National Park. By ground.zero" /> <p>Fall in Yosemite National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/groundzero/" target="_blank">ground.zero</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-832_3.jpg" alt="" title="Yosemite National Park by Francois Roche" /> <p>Yosemite National Park by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/francoisroche/" target="_blank">Francois Roche</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <h1>3. Zion National Park. Utah</h1> <p> </p> <p>The promenade of reddish and white colors captured in Navajo Sandstone formation constitutes the beauty of the Zion National Park, the first national park established in Utah (1909). Navajo's rocks form the Zion Canyon, the main feature of the park. The canyon is 15 miles (24km) long and it can be viewed from the bottom (in contrast to Grand Canyon). Crystal streams, amazing rock formations and diverse plants can be seen along a 6 mile long road that leads into the canyon.</p> <p>The Zion is home to a broad collection of plants, birds (289 species), mammals (such as the mule deer and mountain lions) as well as reptiles.</p> <p>It is also an all-year destination, but spring and fall is perfect for hiking and strolling around.</p> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-833_3.jpg" alt="" title="Zion National Park. By Wolfgang Staudt" /> <p>Zion National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wolfgangstaudt/" target="_blank">Wolfgang Staudt</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-834_3.jpg" alt="" title="Eroded rock formation along Mount Carmel Highway. Zion National Park. By vteen" /> <p>Eroded rock formation along Mount Carmel Highway. Zion National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vtveen/" target="_blank">vteen</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-835_3.jpg" alt="" title="Zion National Park. By Alaskan Dude" /> <p>Zion National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72213316@N00/" target="_blank">Alaskan Dude</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-836_3.jpg" alt="" title="Zion National Park. By ReneS" /> <p>Zion National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rene-germany/" target="_blank">ReneS</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h1>2. Glacier National Park. Montana.</h1> <p> </p> <p>Glacier National Park is often called the "Crown of the Continent Ecosystem" or "Backbone of the World". It is an intact land of lakes and mountains where hundreds of plants and animal species have their kingdom.</p> <p>In 1932 Glacier Park and the neighboring Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada were declared the first International Peace Park. The parks cooperate in research and wildlife management. </p> <p>The park has several hundred lakes, of which only 131 have been named, and two hundred waterfalls. The site is covered with 1,132 plant species from amazing trees to wildflowers. The park is also home to the grizzly bear and the Canadian lynx - the world's threatened species.</p> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-837_3.jpg" alt="" title="Glacier National Park. By stuck in customs" /> <p>Glacier National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuckincustoms/" target="_blank">stuck in customs</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-838_3.jpg" alt="" title="Lake MacDonald, Glacier National Park. By Plassphoto" /> <p>Lake MacDonald, Glacier National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/plassphoto/" target="_blank">Plassphoto</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-839_3.jpg" alt="" title="Glacier National Park. By JP Shooter" /> <p>Glacier National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpshooter/" target="_blank">JP Shooter</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-840_3.jpg" alt="" title="Glacier National Park. By backpackphotography" /> <p>Glacier National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/backpackphotography/" target="_blank">backpackphotography</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h1>1. Yellowstone National Park. Wyoming. Montana. Idaho</h1> <p> </p> <p>People have been fascinated by the exceptional beauty and unique natural phenomena of Yellowstone National Park for centuries. In 1872 it became the world's first national park, and since then it has been attracting thousands of visitors each year (which strongly worries environmentalists). </p> <p>Among distinctive features of the park are hot springs and around 300 geysers. The park houses the world's largest active geyser - Steamboat Geyser that is able to throw water more than 300 feet (90 m) into the air. </p> <p>What's more, Yellowstone Park is a land of mountains ranges, lakes, waterfalls, deep canyons, wild forests and abundant wildlife. Among most prominent representatives of the park's fauna are the endangered gray wolf, lynx, and grizzly bears as well as the bison, elk, moose, mule deer and many many others...</p> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-841_3.jpg" alt="" title="Upper section of Lower Falls, Yellowstone National Park. By Savannah Grandfather" /> <p>Upper section of Lower Falls, Yellowstone National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/savannahgrandfather/" target="_blank">Savannah Grandfather</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-842_3.jpg" alt="" title="Grand Prismatic Spring , the largest hot spring in Yellowstone" /> <p>Grand Prismatic Spring , the largest hot spring in Yellowstone. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/72213316@N00/" target="_blank">Alaskan Dude</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-843_3.jpg" alt="" title="Clepsydra Geyser in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. " /> <p>Clepsydra Geyser in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zaniac/" target="_blank">Zaniac</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-844_3.jpg" alt="" title="Elk. Yellowstone National Park. By NDomer73" /> <p>Elk. Yellowstone National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ndomer73/" target="_blank">NDomer73</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-845_3.jpg" alt="" title="Bisons. Yellowstone National Park. By jmenard48" /> <p>Bisons. Yellowstone National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmenard48/" target="_blank">jmenard48</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <p>They're like the Taj Mahal of India or the Eiffel Tower of France. When in the US, you simply feel compelled to visit one of those. Adore their wildlife and marvel at their beauty to your heart's content, but respect their rules and appreciate their uniqueness because the chances are slim that nature will produce such stunning beauty once again.</p> <p> </p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-10705913479169083792009-09-08T19:54:00.002+04:002009-09-08T20:00:28.917+04:0010 Most Scenic National Parks in the United States - Part1<h1>10. Death Valley National Park.<br /></h1><h1>California, Nevada. </h1> <p> </p> <p>Death Valley National Park is the hottest and the driest spot in the United States. It is a place where the record-breaking temperature of 134 °F (56.7 °C) hit on 10 July 1913. It was the hottest day ever reported in the country. Moreover, it is also the lowest place in North America - 282 feet (86 m) below sea level (at Badwater). </p> <p>Rock formations, salt pans, desert and "skeletonized" ranges (mountains with very little soil on them) are the main features of the park's dramatic landscape.</p> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-805_3.jpg" alt="" title="Zabriskie Point, Death Valley. By km6xo " /> <p>Zabriskie Point, Death Valley. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jshappell/" target="_blank">km6xo</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-806_3.jpg" alt="" title="Death Valley. By purpletwinkie" /> <p>Death Valley. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/purpletwinkie/" target="_blank">purpletwinkie</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption aligncenter" style="width: 417px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-807_3.jpg" alt="Full Moon in Death Valley. By Picture taking fool" title="Full Moon in Death Valley. By Picture taking fool" /> </div><p>Full Moon in Death Valley. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/picture_taking__fool/" target="_blank">Picture taking fool</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-808_3.jpg" alt="" title="Death Valley. By mismisimos" /> <p>Death Valley. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mismisimos/" target="_blank">mismisimos</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-815_3.jpg" alt="" title="Ubehebe Crater, Death Valley. By captspaulding " /> <p>Ubehebe Crater, Death Valley. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/captspaulding/" target="_blank">captspaulding </a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h1>9. Kenai Fjords National Park. Alaska. </h1> <p> </p> <p>Kenai Fjord National Park is the smallest national park in Alaska covering an area of 2,833 square kilometers, but it is home to one of the largest ice fields in the United States - Harding Icefield. The park's beauty consists in a vibrant blend of glaciers, bays and coves, fjords, and abundant marine wildlife. The park is home to such animals as black bears, moose, humpback and orca whales as well as northern sea lions and sea otters.</p> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-809_3.jpg" alt="" title="Bialik Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. By Dan Hershman" /> <p>Bialik Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hershman/" target="_blank">Dan Hershman</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-810_3.jpg" alt="" title="Humpbak Whale, Kenai Fjords. ByJust B Cuz" /> <p>Humpback Whale, Kenai Fjords. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/justbcuz/">Just B Cuz</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-811_3.jpg" alt="" title="Kenai Fjords National Park. By Asane" /> <p>Kenai Fjords National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/_asane_/" target="_blank">Asane</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-816_3.jpg" alt="" title="Kenai Fjords. By the queen of subtle" /> <p>Kenai Fjords. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/queen_of_subtle/" target="_blank">the queen of subtle</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h1>8. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.<br /></h1><h1>Hawaii. </h1> <p> </p> <p>Key personalities of the stunning landscape of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are Kilauea and Mauna Loa, the world's most active volcanoes. Mauna Loa (Long Mountain) is the largest shield volcano - 18,000 cubic miles (75,000 km3) - in terms of area covered on Earth. It measures 13,679 feet (4,169 m), while Kilauea is four times smaller and it has precisely 4,091 ft (1,247 m). </p> <p>A blend of lava remnants, volcanic ash, black sand mixed with tropical lush rain forest and exotic beaches are the park's main characteristics. </p> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-812_3.jpg" alt="" title="Hanauma Bay. Hawaii. By sethladd" /> <p>Hanauma Bay. Hawaii. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sethladd/">sethladd</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-813_3.jpg" alt="" title="Mauna Loa. Hawaii. By prawnpie " /> <p>Mauna Loa. Hawaii. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/prawnpie/" target="_blank">prawnpie </a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-814_3.jpg" alt="" title="Kilauea's lava flowing onto the black sand beach" /> <p>Kilauea's lava flowing onto the black sand beach. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/area53/" target="_blank">Hawaiian Sea</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <h1>7. Arches National Park. Utah. </h1> <p> </p> <p>The uniqueness of the Arches National Park's landscape is undeniable. The park is home to around 2,000 natural sandstone arches that form amazing rock sculptures of many different shapes and sizes. It is the largest concentration on natural arches in the United States.<br />Among highlights of the park is Balanced Rock - the big rock on top is the size of three school buses!</p> <p>The best time to visit the Arches is spring, when the temperatures are moderate and the wildflowers cover the landscape.</p> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-817_3.jpg" alt="" title="Red sandstone formations of Arches National Park. By vteen" /> <p>Red sandstone formations of Arches National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vtveen/" target="_blank">vteen</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-818_3.jpg" alt="" title="Arches National Park. By Creativity + Timothy K Hamilton" /> <p>Balanced Rock. Arches National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bestrated1/">Creativity + Timothy K Hamilton</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-819_3.jpg" alt="" title="Three Gossips in Arches National Park. By StefanB" /> <p>Three Gossips in Arches National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stefanb/" target="_blank">StefanB</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-820_3.jpg" alt="" title="Arches National Park. By itspaulkelly" /> <p>Arches National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/itspaulkelly/" target="_blank">itspaulkelly</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h1>6. Virgin Islands National<br /></h1><h1>Park. St. John.<br /></h1> <p> </p> <p>Virgin Islands National Park, a little paradise on Earth, is almost completely surrounded by the turquoise waters of the ocean and amazing coral reefs. The park has 14,689 acres (59 sq km) and it takes up around 60% of the Saint John island.</p> <p>The white sand beaches, crystal waters and exotic plants make the park an excellent destination for hiking, diving, snorkelling, or just strolling around and relaxing. </p> <p>The park also features ruins of sugar plantations that emerged on the island in mid-18th century.</p> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-821_3.jpg" alt="" title="Trunk Bay. Virgin Islands National Park. By 50%ChanceofRain" /> <p>Trunk Bay. Virgin Islands National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiftypercentchanceofrain/" target="_blank">50%ChanceofRain</a> </p> </div> <p> </p> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-822_3.jpg" alt="" title="The Bananaquit is the official bird of Virgin Islands. By DEQ" /> <p>The Bananaquit is the official bird of Virgin Islands. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/deq_tjq/" target="_blank">DEQ</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption alignnone" style="width: 616px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-823_3.jpg" alt="" title="Trunk Bay. By AlexDodd" /> <p>Trunk Bay. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexdoddphotography/" target="_blank">AlexDodd</a> </p> </div> <div class="imgCaption aligncenter" style="width: 466px;"><img src="http://img.opentravel.com/blogs/travel-blog-magazine-824_3.jpg" alt="Pelican. Virgin Islands National Park. By DEQ" title="Pelican. Virgin Islands National Park. By DEQ" /> <p>Pelican. Virgin Islands National Park. By <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/deq_tjq/" target="_blank">DEQ</a></p><p><a href="http://opentravel.com/blogs/10-most-scenic-national-parks-in-the-united-states/">(from Open Travel)</a><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/deq_tjq/" target="_blank"><br /></a> </p> </div> <p> </p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-27688646859375607642009-09-08T19:33:00.003+04:002009-09-08T19:39:12.392+04:00Travel To America - San Francisco<p><b>SAN FRANCISCO</b> proper occupies just 48 hilly square miles at the tip of a slender peninsula, almost perfectly centered along the California coast. Arguably the most beautiful, certainly the most liberal city in the US, it remains true to itself: a funky, individualistic, surprisingly small city whose people pride themselves on being the cultured counterparts to their cousins in LA – the last bastion of civilization on the lunatic fringe of America. It's a compact and approachable place, where downtown streets rise on impossible gradients to reveal stunning views of the city, the bay and beyond, and blanket fogs roll in unexpectedly to envelop the city in mist. This is not the California of mono-tonous blue skies and slothful warmth – the temperatures rarely exceed the seventies, and even during summer can drop much lower.</p><p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <div class="omg-photo"> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm2.hv-static.flickr.com/1070/1353447809_120e6c565b.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /></div><br /><br /></div> <a class="omg-next" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a> </div> <cite><a href="http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=Agv5D_UQm40ohfJFXE4sOudBFmoL/SIG=11qacghtt/**http%3A//www.flickr.com/photos/87889801@N00/1353447809/" target="_blank"></a></cite><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/a/p/i/bcst/yp/travelchannel/8708/88118055.jpg" alt="Play Video" title="Play Video" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"> Palace of Fine Art II<br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/87/375621095_dafe4b34eb.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"> Golden Gate<br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/75/219321543_809db9a550.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 4.5px;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/57/226682473_87d34eb239.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"> Palace of Fine Art II<br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/25/375621091_8401c8c1df.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0.5px;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/78/195865413_41dc22f5d5.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div> </div> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 1.5px;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/92/223500560_96b6805795.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /><br /><a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm3.hv-static.flickr.com/2421/3598021446_5a419c133a.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div> </div><p>The original inhabitants of this area, the <b>Ohlone Indians</b>, were all but wiped out within a few years of the establishment in 1776 of the <b>Mission Dolores</b>, the sixth in the chain of Spanish Catholic missions that ran the length of California. Two years after the Americans replaced the Mexicans in 1846, the discovery of gold in the Sierra foothills precipitated the rip-roaring <b>Gold Rush</b>. Within a year fifty thousand pioneers had traveled west, and east from China, turning San Francisco from a muddy village and wasteland of sand dunes into a thriving supply center and transit town. By the time the <b> transcontinental railroad</b> was completed in 1869, San Francisco was a lawless, rowdy boomtown of bordellos and drinking dens, something the moneyed elite – who hit it big on the much more dependable silver Comstock Load – worked hard to mend, constructing wide boulevards, parks, a cable car system and elaborate Victorian redwood mansions.</p><p>In the midst of the city's golden age, however, a massive <b>earthquake</b>, followed by three days of fire, wiped out most of the town in 1906. Rebuilding began immediately, resulting in a city more magnificent than before; in the decades that followed, writers like Dashiell Hammett and Jack London lived and worked here. Many of the city's landmarks, including Coit Tower and both the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, were built in the 1920s and 1930s. By World War II San Francisco had been eclipsed by Los Angeles as the main west coast city, but it achieved a new cultural eminence with the emergence of the Beats in the Fifties and the hippies in the Sixties, when the fusion of music, protest, rebellion and, of course, drugs that characterized 1967's "Summer of Love" took over the Haight-Ashbury district.</p><p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /> </div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/55/115329266_ce9e5df8ff.jpg" class="" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/57/229070588_f9d2d9da33.jpg" class="" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/53/144687204_4249b3d72c.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3008/2952699355_2363f4d93c.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /><br /><a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501889-san_francisco_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNBBFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/100/279794131_4b5a681770.jpg" class="" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div> <p>In a conservative America, San Francisco's reputation as a liberal oasis continues to grow, attracting waves of resettlers from all over the US. It is estimated that over half the city's population originates from somewhere else. It is a city in a constant state of evolution, fast gentrifying itself into one of the most high-end towns on earth – thanks, in part, to the disposable incomes pumped into its coffers from its sizeable singles and gay contingents. Gay capital of the world, San Francisco has also been the scene of the dot.com revolution's rise and fall. The resultant wealth at one time made housing prices skyrocket – often at the expense of the city's middle and lower classes – but the closure of hundreds of start-up IT companies has brought real-estate prices back down to (almost) reasonable levels. Despite the city's current economic ebbs and flows, your impression of the city likely won't be altered – it remains one of the most proudly distinct places to be found anywhere.</p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-27099901459916942542009-09-08T19:22:00.003+04:002009-09-08T19:32:00.271+04:00Travel To America - New York<p>The most beguiling city in the world, New York is an adrenaline-charged, history-laden place that holds immense romantic appeal for visitors. Wandering the streets here, you'll cut between buildings that are icons to the modern age – and whether gazing at the flickering lights of the midtown skyscrapers as you speed across the Queensboro bridge, experiencing the 4am half-life downtown, or just wasting the morning on the Staten Island ferry, you really would have to be made of stone not to be moved by it all. There's no place quite like it.</p><p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/65/184522609_9781c92d92.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/121/290668019_4b0502e407.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/49/162440831_3bdf2ec31d.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"> TimeSquare</div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/142/395377586_1283d8a8f3.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div> <p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/90/248653681_359c23eac5.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <p>While the events of September 11, 2001, which demolished the World Trade Center, shook New York to its core, the populace responded resiliently under the composed aegis of then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Until the attacks, many New Yorkers loved to hate Giuliani, partly because they saw him as committed to making their city too much like everyone else's. To some extent he succeeded, and during the late Nineties New York seemed cleaner, safer, and more liveable, as the city took on a truly international allure and shook off the more notorious aspects to its reputation. However, the maverick quality of New York and its people still shines as brightly as it ever did. Even in the aftermath of the World Trade Center's collapse, New York remains a unique and fascinating city – and one you'll want to return to again and again.</p><p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;" class="pages">LowerManhattan<br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/129/395379718_f65cb4f942.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><div><div class="omg-photo-nav"><div class="pages"><br /><br /><a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/79/235002812_1ecbcb8a9d.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3310/3243220716_2e7b089101.jpg" class="" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3649/3421971935_bc957c3263.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/44/184522611_399bab0f85.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/21/90251348_9a76e3b2f4.jpg" class="" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /> </div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/123/395377591_2758c8b4b4.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/39/87870151_90f659c934.jpg" class="" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/129/360950194_a3b7bb54ca.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div><br /></div></div> <p><br /></p><p>You could spend weeks in New York and still barely scratch the surface, but there are some key attractions – and some pleasures – that you won't want to miss. There are the different <b>ethnic neighborhoods</b>, like lower Manhattan's Chinatown and the traditionally Jewish Lower East Side (not so much anymore); and the more artsy concentrations of SoHo, TriBeCa, and the East and West Villages. Of course, there is the celebrated <b> architecture</b> of corporate Manhattan, with the skyscrapers in downtown and midtown forming the most indelible images. There are the <b>museums</b>, not just the Metropolitan and MoMA, but countless other smaller collections that afford weeks of happy wandering. In between sights, you can <b>eat</b> just about anything, at any time, cooked in any style; you can <b>drink</b> in any kind of company; and sit through any number of obscure <b> movies</b>. The more established arts – <b>dance, theater, music</b> – are superbly catered for; and New York's <b> clubs</b> are as varied and exciting as you might expect. And for the avid consumer, the choice of <b>shops</b> is vast, almost numbingly exhaustive in this heartland of the great capitalist dream.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501980-new_york_city_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCcFmoL#OmgPhoid=31">(from yahoo travel)</a><br /></p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-38722661605373185252009-09-08T19:09:00.004+04:002009-09-08T19:21:34.931+04:00Travel To America - Las Vegas<p>Shimmering from the desert haze of Nevada like a latter-day El Dorado, <b>Las Vegas</b> is the most dynamic, spectacular city on earth. At the start of the twentieth century, it didn't even exist; at the start of the twenty-first, it's home to well over one million people, with enough newcomers arriving to need a new school every month.</p><p>Las Vegas is not like other cities. No city in history has so explicitly valued the needs of visitors above those of its own population. All its growth has been fueled by tourism, but the tourists haven't spoiled the "real" city; there is no real city. Las Vegas doesn't have fascinating little-known neighborhoods, and it's not a place where visitors can go off the beaten track to have more authentic experiences. Instead, the whole thing is completely self-referential; the reason Las Vegas boasts the vast majority of the world's largest hotels is that around thirty-seven million tourists each year come to see the hotels themselves.</p><hr /> The telephone area code for all phone numbers in the text, unless otherwise indicated, is 702. <hr /><br /><br /><p>Each of these monsters is much more than a mere hotel, and more too than the casino that invariably lies at its core. They're extraordinary places, self-contained fantasylands of high camp and genuine excitement that can stretch as much as a mile from end to end. Each holds its own flamboyant permutation of showrooms and swimming pools, luxurious guest quarters and restaurants, high-tech rides and attractions.</p><p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <div class="omg-photo"> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3188/2892662652_daf635981b.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <a class="omg-next" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a> </div> <cite><a href="http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=ArqSil.M5bFOOor03KcaPHmPFmoL/SIG=11q0no3ge/**http%3A//www.flickr.com/photos/30872614@N07/2892662652/" target="_blank"></a></cite><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://l.yimg.com/a/p/i/bcst/yp/travelchannel/8708/84917042.jpg" alt="Play Video" title="Play Video" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3188/2892662652_daf635981b.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3065/2768308423_d5d4f95cde.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /><br /> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3179/2672875350_a665a8c7fc.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm3.hv-static.flickr.com/2093/2243767166_388f6a48f5.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/62/160246916_511a501004.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /><br /></div><p>The casinos want you to gamble, and they'll do almost anything to lure you in; thus the huge moving walkways that pluck you from the Strip sidewalk, almost against your will, and sweep you into places like <i>Caesars Palace</i>. Once you're inside, on the other hand, the last thing they want is for you to leave. Whatever you came in for, you won't be able to do it without crisscrossing the casino floor innumerable times; as for finding your way out, that can be virtually impossible. The action keeps going day and night, and in this windowless – and clock-free – environment you rapidly lose track of which is which.</p><p><i>"Little emphasis is placed on the gambling clubs No cheap and easily parodied slogans have been adopted to publicize Las Vegas, no attempt has been made to introduce pseudo-romantic architectural themes or to give artificial glamour or gaiety."</i><br />– WPA Guidebook to Nevada, 1940</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3178/2891863667_696dd22796.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3072/2892662640_f05e58f01c.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3172/2757566070_0b43efe337.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3205/2757566082_92c05499a8.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> </div> <p>Las Vegas never dares to rest on its laurels, so the basic concept of the Strip casino has been endlessly refined since the Western-themed resorts and ranches of the 1940s. In the 1950s and 1960s, when most visitors arrived by <b>car</b>, the casinos presented themselves as lush tropical oases at the end of the long desert drive. Once <b>air</b> travel took over, Las Vegas opted for Disneyesque fantasy, a process that started in the late 1960s with <i>Caesars Palace</i> and culminated with <i>Excalibur</i> and <i> Luxor</i> in the early 1990s.</p><p>These days, after six decades of capitalism run riot, the Strip is locked into a hyperactive craving for thrills and glamour. First-time visitors tend to expect Las Vegas to be a repository of <b>kitsch</b>, but the casino owners are far too canny to be sentimental about the old days. Yes, there are a few Elvis impersonators around, but what characterizes the city far more is its endless quest for <b>novelty</b>. Long before they lose their sparkle, yesterday's showpieces are blasted into rubble, to make way for ever more extravagant replacements. The Disney model has now been discarded in favor of more adult themes, and Las Vegas demands nothing less than entire <b>cities</b>. Replicas of New York, Paris, Monte Carlo and Venice now jostle for space on the Strip.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm4.hv-static.flickr.com/3475/3389391750_c003cbc0c9.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/59/160256890_23f912c525.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div><br /></div> <p>The <b>customer</b> is king in Las Vegas. What the visitor wants, the city provides. If you come in search of the cheapest destination in America, you'll enjoy paying rock-bottom rates for accommodation and hunting out the best buffet bargains. If it's style and opulence you're after, by contrast, you can dine in the finest restaurants, shop in the most chic stores, and watch world-class entertainment; it'll cost you, but not as much as it would anywhere else. The same guidelines apply to <b> gambling</b>. The Strip giants cater to those who want sophisticated high-roller heavens, where tuxedoed James Bond lookalikes toss insouciant bankrolls onto the roulette tables. Others prefer their casinos to be sinful and seedy, inhabited by hard-bitten heavy-smoking low-lifes; there is no shortage of that type of joint either, especially downtown.</p><p>On the face of it, the city is supremely democratic. However you may be dressed, however affluent or otherwise you may appear, you'll be welcomed in its stores, restaurants, and above all its casinos. The one thing you almost certainly won't get, however, is the <b>last laugh</b>; all that seductive deference comes at a price. It would be nice to imagine that perhaps half of your fellow visitors are skilful gamblers, raking in the profits at the tables, while the other half are losing, but the bottom line is that almost nobody's winning. In the words of Steve Wynn, who built <i>Bellagio</i> and the <i>Mirage</i>, "The only way to make money in a casino is to own one"; according to the latest figures, 85 percent of visitors gamble, and they lose an average of $665 each. On top of that, most swiftly come to see that virtually any other activity works out cheaper than gambling, so end up spending their money on all sorts of other things as well. What's so clever about Las Vegas is that it makes absolutely certain that you have such a good time that you don't mind losing a bit of money along the way; that's why they don't even call it "gambling" anymore, but "gaming."</p><p> </p><div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/76/223911172_0fa73eaff6.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /><br /><br /> <div class="omg-photo-nav"> <div class="pages"><br /></div> </div> <a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm2.hv-static.flickr.com/1255/1293482206_6e62595dcb.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /><br /><a class="omg-prev" href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#"><em></em></a><div><img style="opacity: 1; margin-top: 0pt;" src="http://farm1.hv-static.flickr.com/47/141894258_88b5aae939.jpg" class="landscape" alt="" id="gallery_img_container" /></div> <br /></div><p>Finally, while Las Vegas has certainly cleaned up its act since the early days of Mob domination, there's little truth in the notion that it's become a <b>family</b> destination. In fact, for kids, it's doesn't begin to compare to somewhere like Orlando. Several casinos have added theme parks or fun rides to fill those odd nongambling moments, but only ten percent of visitors bring children, and the crowds that cluster around the exploding volcanoes and pirate battles along the Strip remain almost exclusively adult.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501967-las_vegas_vacations-i-action-pictures;_ylt=Avh3353YrgurLC5Io6bSNNCPFmoL#OmgPhoid=39">(from yahoo travel)</a><br /></p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-54542906908084536272009-09-07T15:19:00.002+04:002009-09-07T15:22:48.241+04:00The world's best restaurants<span class="tthdr"><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;" class="photo"><img src="http://www.orange.co.uk/images/editorial/elbulli_cadaques_may06_350.jpg" class="img" alt="El Bulli/Cadaques" width="350" height="250" /> </div> <p class="ttbdy">No.1: El Bulli, Spain</p> Accolade upon accolade has been heaped on this foodie haven on the Costa Brava. This is the fourth year in a row that Spanish chef Ferran Adrià’s innovative cooking has scooped the top spot. You’ll have to be dedicated if you want to eat there: 2009 is fully booked, so check the website in December to find out how to grab a table in 2010 – and how to get to the out-of-the-way location.<br /><br /> <strong>What’s on the menu:</strong> You’ll pay around £145 for the tasting menu and there’s a long procession of dishes, some of which you’re given instructions on how to eat. They include coils of olive oil which dissolve in the mouth, and “Parmesan air” sprinkled with dried fruit.<br /><br /><strong>Post-restaurant:</strong> The restaurant is near Roses, a holiday resort, and from here you can head out to beaches and coves, as well as checking out the local Salvador Dali connection.<br /><br /><strong>Get there:</strong> Compare prices on <a href="http://orange.sidestep.com/s/search/air?l1=LON&l2=GRO&do=y"><strong>flights to Girona</strong></a>, the nearest airport at 75km away. From there, hire a car to get to Roses. See the <a href="http://www.elbulli.com/" target="_blank"><strong>El Bulli website</strong></a>.<br /><br /><br /> <span class="tthdr"><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;" class="photo"><img src="http://www.orange.co.uk/images/editorial/duck_henley_may06_350.jpg" class="img" alt="The Fat Duck/Henley" width="350" height="250" /> </div> <p class="ttbdy">No.2: The Fat Duck, UK</p> “Culinary alchemist” Heston Blumenthal has been working his magic in his kitchen in the Berkshire village of Bray since 1995. His innovative food combinations, including the likes of snails and porridge, have won him numerous accolades, including three Michelin stars.<br /><br /> <strong>What’s on the menu:</strong> The £130 tasting menu includes dishes such as roast foie gras “benzaldehyde”, with almond fluid gel, cherry and chamomile; pine sherbet fountain; and nitro-scrambled egg and bacon ice cream.<br /><br /><strong>Post-restaurant:</strong> The picture-postcard village of Bray is also home to another Michelin star winner, The Waterside Inn. Windsor is only a few miles away so stop off to explore the grand castle.<br /><br /><strong>Get there:</strong> From London Paddington, take the 40-50 minute train ride to Maidenhead and then a five-minute taxi ride. Alternatively, get <a href="http://search.orange.co.uk/all?from=&to=bray&q=&brand=ouk&tab=local&p=searchbox&pt=home_local&section=directions&localsection=local+directions&x=25&y=10"><strong>driving directions to Bray</strong></a>. See the <a href="http://www.fatduck.co.uk/" target="_blank"><strong>Fat Duck website</strong></a>.<br /><br /><span class="tthdr"><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;" class="photo"><img src="http://www.orange.co.uk/images/editorial/noma_29apr08_Maden_350.jpg" class="img" alt="Noma (C) Maden" width="350" height="250" /> </div> <p class="ttbdy">No.3: Noma, Denmark</p> <p class="txbdy">This Copenhagen restaurant has shot up seven places from last year. Head chef and owner Rene Redzepi’s approach is to source Nordic ingredients and serve them with a twist.<br /><br /><strong>What’s on the menu</strong>: A three-course lunch menu costs around £89, and includes dishes such as fresh duck egg from Gotland and wild watercress; skate and vegetable stems; and baby rhubarb and beetroot juice.<br /><br /><strong>Post-restaurant</strong>: Noma is located in the Christianshavn area of Copenhagen, at the edge of the quay – a lovely place for a stroll. The area also has a number of cool pubs for chilling out in.<br /><br /><strong>Get there:</strong> Compare prices on <a href="http://orange.sidestep.com/s/search/air?l1=LON&l2=CPH&do=y"><strong>flights to Copenhagen</strong></a> and see the <a href="http://www.noma.dk/" target="_blank"><strong>Noma website</strong></a>. <br /><br /></p><span class="tthdr"><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;" class="photo"><img src="http://www.orange.co.uk/images/editorial/mug_beachsanseb_apr07_350.jpg" class="img" alt="Mugaritz restaurant" width="350" height="250" /> </div> <p class="ttbdy">No.4: Mugaritz, Spain</p> San Sebastian has become Spain’s gastronomic capital and molecular gastronomy is on the menu courtesy of Andoni Aduriz, who served his apprenticeship at El Bulli.<br /><br /> <strong>What’s on the menu:</strong> Don’t miss the foie gras – Aduriz has studied the stuff for two years. His weird and wonderful creations include chocolate cake with chocolate bubbles, and dishes that incorporate the flavours of local flowers and herbs. Expect to pay around £89.<br /><br /><strong>Post-restaurant:</strong> Book a surf course – but not just after your massive tasting menu! Or take a walking tour around the city.<br /><br /><strong>Get there:</strong> The restaurant is in a village 30 minutes outside San Sebastian. Compare prices on <a href="http://orange.sidestep.com/s/search/air?l1=LON&l2=EAS&do=y"><strong>flights</strong></a> and see the <a href="http://www.mugaritz.com/" target="_blank"><strong>website</strong></a>. <br /><br /><span class="tthdr"><br /></span> <div style="text-align: center;" class="photo"><img src="http://www.orange.co.uk/images/editorial/can-roca-210409.jpg" class="img" alt="El Celler de Can Roca, Spain" width="350" height="250" /> </div> <p class="ttbdy">No 5: El Celler de Can Roca, Spain</p> The Rocas (Joan “the savoury mind”, Josep “the liquid mind” and Jordi “the sweet mind”) are the folk behind this chic restaurant that aims to “delineate a scenario where emotions and sensations excite and fill the palate”. Er, quite. But their approach has won them a legion of fans and they’re making the Costa Brava a foodie Mecca, along with El Bulli. <br /><br /> <strong>What’s on the menu?</strong> Dishes might include pigeon bonbon with Bristol Cream; or kid belly with goat’s milk parmentier. Around £84 will get you the menu degustacion.<br /><br /><strong>Post-restaurant:</strong> Don’t miss the impressive Baroque cathedral, and be sure to take a stroll around the old Jewish Quarter with its maze of streets.<br /><br /><strong>Get there:</strong> Compare prices on <a href="http://orange.sidestep.com/s/search/air?l1=LON&l2=GRO&do=y"><strong>flights to Girona</strong></a> and see the restaurant <a href="http://www.cellercanroca.com/" target="_blank"><strong>website</strong></a>.<br /><br />(from <a href="http://www.orange.co.uk/travel/holidayideas">http://www.orange.co.uk/travel/holidayideas</a>)Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-89316843917346312872009-09-07T14:31:00.002+04:002009-09-07T14:55:10.581+04:00Top SeaFood Restaurant in the world<div id="hidefrompromo" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; font-size: 10px; float: left; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);"><img alt="" src="http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/_SS1Boathouse.jpg" width="301" height="200" /><br />Bountiful seafood in a beautiful setting at The Boathouse Inn </div><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/telaviv/D38862.html">Mul Yam</a> – Tel Aviv, Israel <br />The seafood here is the freshest and most exotic in Israel, jetted in from all over the world, expertly prepared, and served in a comfortable setting.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.phuket.com/boathouse">The Boathouse Inn</a> – Phuket, Thailand <br />Phuket has the most amazing seafood including giant lobsters and shrimps that look like lobsters. So legendary is the Thai and Western cuisine at the Boathouse, that the inn where it resides offers popular holiday packages for visitors who wish to come and take lessons from its chef. A large bar and separate dining area sport nautical touches and through huge picture windows diners can watch the sun set over the watery horizon. Cuisine combines the best of East and West and chefs use only the finest ingredients. If you're in the mood for the works, the Phuket lobster is one of the most expensive dishes on the menu, but is worth every baht. The Boathouse also has an excellent selection of international wines --750 labels (of a stock of 6,500 bottles) and has received the only Wine Spectator BEST OF Award of Excellence in Thailand since 2006. And if that doesn't tickle your taste buds, there are now five <a target="_blank" href="http://www.momtriphuket.com/">Mom Tri restaurants</a> in Phuket which serve similar fine cuisine.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.chefmavro.com/">Chef Mavro</a> – O’ahu, Hawaii<br />George Mavrothalassitis, who took two hotel restaurants to the top of the ranks before founding this James Beard Award-winning dinner house, admits he's "crazy." Crazy because of the care he takes to draw out the truest and most concentrated flavors, to track down the freshest fish, to create one-of-a-kind wine pairings that might strike others as mad. But for this passionate Provençal transplant, there's no other way. The menu changes quarterly, every dish (including dessert) matched with a select wine. Fresh flowers, wood floors and contemporary island art decorate the serene interior. Reservations are essential. </p><div class="floatright" style="margin: 10pt 0pt 10px 10px; font-size: 10px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); text-align: right;"><img alt="" src="http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/_SS_Scallops_-_C_Restaurant.jpg" width="300" height="200" /><br />Succulent scallops at C </div><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.satyricon.com.br/">Satyricon</a> – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil<br />Some of the best seafood in Rio can be found at this eclectic Italian seafood restaurant, which has impressed the likes of Madonna and Sting. The pargo (fish baked in a thick layer of rock salt) is a specialty, and the sushi and sashimi are well loved.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.crestaurant.com/">C</a> – Vancouver, Canada <br />At C (yes, "C" is the name of the restaurant), the creativity of the chef, the quality of the ingredients, and the freshness of the fish all combine to make this contemporary restaurant overlooking False Creek the best place in Vancouver for innovative seafood.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.quinziegabrieli.it/">Quinzi & Gabrieli</a> – Rome, Italy <br />In the heart of ancient Rome, Quinzi & Gabrieli serves the city's finest and freshest seafood from a restored and elegant building dating from the 1400s. The fish is simply cooked and presented, and it's heavenly. Expect everything from deep-sea shrimp to sea urchins and octopus.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.grand-vefour.com/">Le Grand Véfour</a> – Paris, France <br />Amid the arcades of the Palais Royal, this has been a dining spot since the reign of Louis XV, attracting such notables as Colette, Victor Hugo, and the forever-loyal Jean Cocteau. Jean Taittinger, of the champagne family, runs it today, and his kitchen brings originality to French classics -- everything from pigeon in the style of Rainier of Monaco to French-roasted sole and sea scallops in velvety pumpkin sauce. Bon appétit! </p><div class="floatleft" style="margin: 10pt 10pt 10px 10px; font-size: 10px; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);"><img alt="" src="http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/_SS_Le_Grand_Vefour.jpg" width="307" height="200" /><br />Luxurious decor at Le Grand Véfour</div><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.vox.is/">Vox</a> at the Hilton Nordica – Reykjavik, Iceland<br />Vox specializes in recreating comforting Icelandic flavors with 21st-century preparations -- a piece of foie gras covered in celery foam, for instance, ends up seriously reminiscent of traditional Icelandic lamb-and-vegetable soup. Fried tempura vegetables and a soy-based sauce provide a gentle counterpoint to a salmon filet, and arctic char is surrounded by a mild foam that makes the fish look a little like a life raft adrift on Icelandic seas.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://r.gnavi.co.jp/fl/en/k124100/">Ryotei Kagetsu</a> – Osaka, Japan<br />Although expensive, a kaiseki feast, consisting of dish after dish of artfully displayed delectables, may well be the most beautiful and memorable meal you'll ever have. Splurge at least once on the most expensive kaiseki meal you can afford, and you'll feel like royalty. Kaiseki is the epitome of delicately and exquisitely arranged food, the ultimate in aesthetic appeal. It's also among the most expensive meals you'll ever find. A kaiseki dinner can cost ¥25,000 ($238) or more per person; some restaurants, however, do offer more affordable mini-kaiseki courses. In addition, the better ryokan (Japanese inns) serve kaiseki, a reason for their high cost. Kaiseki, which is not a specific dish but rather a complete meal, is expensive because much time and skill are involved in preparing each of the many dishes, with the ingredients cooked to preserve natural flavors. Even the plates are chosen with great care to enhance the color, texture, and shape of each piece of food. Kaiseki cuisine, both in selection of food and presentation, is based on the four seasons. The kaiseki gourmet can tell what time of year it is just by looking at a meal. A kaiseki meal is usually a lengthy affair, with various dishes appearing in set order. First come the appetizer, clear broth, and one uncooked dish. These are followed by boiled, broiled, fried, steamed, heated, and vinegared dishes, which are finally followed by another soup, rice, pickled vegetables, and fruit. Although meals vary greatly depending on what's fresh; common dishes include some type of sashimi, tempura, cooked seasonal fish, and an array of bite-size pieces of vegetables.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.eccobistro.com/">e'cco bistro</a> – Brisbane, Queensland, Australia <br />Simple food, elegantly done, has won this small but elegant bistro a stack of awards, and you'll see why when dining here. Not least among its titles is Australia's top restaurant award, the Remy Martin Cognac/Gourmet Traveller Restaurant of the Year. Booking ahead is essential. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://shop.legalseafoods.com/images/images/SeaFoodFeast.jpg" src="http://shop.legalseafoods.com/images/images/SeaFoodFeast.jpg" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 369px; height: 364px;" alt="http://www.exploreturkey.com/images/turkish_cuisine_sea_food_5.jpg" src="http://www.exploreturkey.com/images/turkish_cuisine_sea_food_5.jpg" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.timeinc.net/recipes/i/recipes/ck/04/10/seafood-soup-ck-701139-l.jpg" src="http://img.timeinc.net/recipes/i/recipes/ck/04/10/seafood-soup-ck-701139-l.jpg" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://z.about.com/d/gouk/1/0/d/0/-/-/SEAFOOD1.jpg" src="http://z.about.com/d/gouk/1/0/d/0/-/-/SEAFOOD1.jpg" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-49734148233818275312009-09-07T14:20:00.001+04:002009-09-07T14:28:17.475+04:00Top 10 Beaches of the worldOnline magazine <a target="_blank" href="http://www.askmen.com/fine_living/top_10/34_top_10.html">askmen.com</a> has come up with its top ten list of the world’s best beaches – outside the United States. <p>The elite beach accolades went to blissful locations loved by celebrities and discerning tourists alike, situated in destinations such as the Caribbean, Vietnam, Turkey, Australia and Spain.</p> <p><strong>10. China Beach, Danang, Vietnam</strong></p> <p>This idyllic 20-mile stretch of beach near the coastal city of Da Nang has plenty of negative history but nowadays the views are gorgeous and the facilities excellent. In fact the American soldiers airlifted here for R&R wouldn’t recognise the place.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="lightbox[pics6682]" target="_blank" href="http://www.paradissa.com/vietnam/vietnam-beach-vacations/danang-china-beach-vacation_en.html"><img src="http://www.britannica.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/china-beach1.jpg" alt="china-beach1.jpg" class="imageframe imgalignleft" width="595" height="265" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>China Beach, Vietnam (Credit: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.paradissa.com/vietnam/vietnam-beach-vacations/danang-china-beach-vacation_en.html">Paradissa.com</a>)</em></p> <p><strong>9. Nikki Beach, Marbella, Spain</strong></p> <p>Nikki Beach can be found in the chic Spanish resort of Marbella, one of the leading locations for jet-set living in Spain, and this luxury beach club brand is renowned as “the sexiest place on earth”.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.marbellas.com/sections/web/category/Leisure/number/2116/index2.asp"><img src="http://www.britannica.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/marbella.jpg" alt="marbella.jpg" class="imageframe imgalignleft" width="500" height="332" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Nikki Beach, Marbella, Spain (Credit: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.marbellas.com/sections/web/category/Leisure/number/2116/index2.asp">Marbellas.com</a>)</em></p> <p>Sun worshippers can soak up the Mediterranean sunshine on the Balinese sun beds while foodies tuck into the very best of beachside dining - all played out against a utopian backdrop of swaying palms, alcoves of teepees and exotic bamboo beds.</p> <p><strong>8. Akyarlar Beach, Bodrum, Turkey</strong></p> <p>Forbes magazine has called Akyarlar beach on the Bodrum peninsular one of the most luxurious beaches in the world with white powdery sand and great windsurfing.</p> <p>It’s a 45-minute flight from Istanbul to Turkey’s Aegean coast and Bodrum’s nightlife is legendary.</p> <p><strong>7. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.travelbite.co.uk/news/south-and-central-america/brazil/bahia-brazils-beach-haven-$448801.htm">Bahia Beach</a>, Trancoso, Brazil</strong></p> <p>The area of Bahia on Brazil’s east coast is one of the best places to head to enjoy miles and miles of the country’s beautiful coastline, with its lush rainforest backdrop.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.discoverbrazil.com/resorts-hotels/"><img src="http://www.britannica.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/brazil.jpg" alt="homeimage30" style="width: 526px; height: 338px;" class="imageframe imgalignleft" width="526" height="338" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Bahia Beach, Trancoso, Brazil (Credit: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.discoverbrazil.com/resorts-hotels/">Discoverbrazil.com</a>)</em></p> <p>The beaches here are long, broad and lined with coconut trees. The beach slopes gently into the water, making it ideal for swimming and family holidays. The barracas huts that serve food and drinks day and night are an attractive feature of Brazilian beaches.</p> <p><strong>6. Castelo Beach, Albufeira, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.travelbite.co.uk/destinations/guides/intro/portugal-$445712.htm">Portugal</a></strong></p> <p>For those looking for a quiet beach holiday in Portugal’s popular Algarve, Castelo Beach is perfect. Just a little bit isolated and made up of a series of small cove beaches, Castelo is also well known for its amazing rock formations.</p> <p>The ruined castle on the headland gives the beach its name and has been converted into a restaurant. There are stunning coastal walks and a number of lovely hotels and villa accommodation. The Algarve resort town of Albufiera is eight kilometres away for nightlife and shopping.</p> <p><strong>5. Bondi Beach, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.travelbite.co.uk/destinations/city-guide/guides/intro/sydney-$447266$450133.htm">Sydney</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.travelbite.co.uk/destinations/guides/intro/australia-$450133.htm">Australia</a></strong></p> <p>Bondi has to be one of the world’s most famous beaches, with its Australian surfing culture and upmarket shopping and hotel choices.</p> <p>The great sandy beach has grown into a modern and trendy coastal resort with plenty of cafes and restaurants so you can watch the world go by on the promenade.</p> <p><strong>4. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gracebay.com/">Grace Bay Beach</a>, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos</strong></p> <p>Clear blue water, white sand beaches and perfect sunny skies – everything you dream of in a beach holiday. The Islands of Turks and Caicos are in the North Atlantic Ocean and askmen.com describes Grace Bay as like the Caribbean but without the obnoxious tourists.</p> <p>Luxury hotels and villas with top spas and fine restaurants complete the package on this beautiful, uncrowded beach.</p> <p><strong>3. Las Minitas Beach, Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic</strong></p> <p>The pristine La Minitas Beach in the Dominican Republic is only a ten-minute shuttle bus ride away from Casa de Campo resort and is filled with bars and restaurants.</p> <p>There are plenty of water sports opportunities with kayaks, windsurfing and paddleboats, and you can even have a massage right on the beach.</p> <p><strong>2. Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas</strong></p> <p>Renowned for its pink sand beaches, this is the best beach area in the Bahamas. The famous three-mile pink sand beach is the place to go for natural beauty and water that is perfect for swimming year round.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.pinksandsresort.com/"><img src="http://www.britannica.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/pink-sand-beaches.jpg" alt="pink-sand-beaches.jpg" style="width: 555px; height: 347px;" class="imageframe imgalignleft" width="555" height="347" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas </em>(Credit: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pinksandsresort.com/">Pinksandsresort.com</a>)</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> After a day on the beach swimming and snorkelling, watch the sunset from the deck of one of the bayside restaurants.</p> <p align="left"><strong>1. Plage de Pampellone, Saint Tropez, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.travelbite.co.uk/destinations/guides/intro/france-$445463.htm">France</a></strong></p> <p>Decadent and trendy, Saint Tropez is one of the most famous beach spots in the world and the Plage de Pampellone is the best beach in Saint Tropez.</p> <p>This historic nude beach is in a magnificent location and with busy and energetic cafes and sun worshippers on the white-sand shoreline, this is the place for a glamorous South of France beach holiday.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2009/07/top-ten-beaches-in-the-world/">(from Britannica Blog)</a><br /></p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-49662738661219602222009-09-06T20:49:00.002+04:002009-09-06T20:52:52.445+04:00Top Highest Moutains in the world<p><img class="image" title="highest-mountains" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/highest-mountains.jpg" alt="highest-mountains" height="555" width="578" /></p> <p>The greatness of nature has no bounds. From the smallest grain of sand to the highest mountains, each has a sense of meaning and destination. Scientists say that mountains were created as a result of the shifts of the earth’s crust, but I believe that there is some force that knows what it’s doing and has some plan for all of us. I envy people who got a chance to see the magnificent beauty of these mountains (the world’s tallest) with their own eyes, but I want to thank every photographer whose photo we are showcasing today for giving us a chance to visit the places they’ve been and see the wondrous sights they’ve seen.</p> <p>The Himalayas are among the youngest mountain ranges on the planet (about 50 million years old), and they are the home of the world’s highest peaks. In Nepali, “himal” means “snow-covered mountain” which in a single word beautifully describes what a traveler sees. The mountain range stretches across six countries: India, Bhutan, China, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Pakistan. No matter which of those countries you travel to, you’re sure to be charmed by the Himalayas forever.</p> <p>The Himalayas have served as a natural barrier between different cultures for ages, and at the same time they have had a tremendous impact on South Asian teachings and beliefs. Many Himalayan peaks are sacred in both Hinduism and Buddhism and there are many folk tales about these graceful mountains that are passed on from fathers to sons.</p> <h2>1. Everest</h2> <p>Everest is the highest mountain in the world. It was named after George Everest, a geographer who studied India in the 19th century. The mountain is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet, and its height is 29,035.44 feet (8,850 meters) which is like 17 Taipei Towers! Everest is the sacred dream of all the mountain climbers. Every year despite all the dangers and high costs, hundreds of people try conquering the mountain.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosskevin756/2189159823/sizes/l/">Photo by rosskevin756</a><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2104" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/everest1.jpg" alt="everest1" height="402" width="600" /></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22399560@N00/2091651703/sizes/l/">Photo by craigkass</a><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2105" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/everest2.jpg" alt="everest2" height="600" width="800" /><span id="more-2098"></span></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oriol_gascon/2375312688/sizes/l/">Photo by Oriol Gascón</a><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2106" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/everest3.jpg" alt="everest3" height="1067" width="800" /></p> <h2>2. K2</h2> <p>K2 peak, located on the territory of Pakistan, is 28,169 feet (8,611 meters) high and is the second highest mountain in the world. People also call it the “Savage Mountain” since the ascent is very difficult. The death statistics are terrifying — for every four people who have reached the summit, one has died trying.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/asierlh/295720211/sizes/l/">Photo by Aitor Las Hayas</a><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2107" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/k2-1.jpg" alt="k2-1" height="600" width="800" /></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ilyasansari/2113140814/sizes/o/">Photo by Ilyasansri</a><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2108" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/k2-2.jpg" alt="k2-2" height="515" width="800" /></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14050488@N06/2275566046/sizes/o/">Photo by Hamid Omar</a><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2109" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/k2-3.jpg" alt="k2-3" height="600" width="800" /></p> <h2>3. Kangchenjunga</h2> <p>In the Nepali language “Kangchenjunga” means “The Five Treasures of Snows.” That is because the mountain has five peaks which are believed to represent the 5 repositories of God — gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy books. Elevation of the highest peak is 28,169 feet (8,586 meters).</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wim-yedema/62148309/sizes/l/">Photo by Wim Yedema</a><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2110" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/kang1.jpg" alt="kang1" height="600" width="800" /></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/theabbott/3083594428/sizes/l/">Photo by timabbott</a><br /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2111" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/kang2.jpg" alt="kang2" height="535" width="800" /><a href="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/highest-mountains-in-the-world/#more-2098">(from Dir Joujnal info blog)</a></p><p><br /></p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-61658337682321443952009-09-06T20:05:00.001+04:002009-09-06T20:07:08.663+04:00Ten of the most beautiful places of the world- Part3<p><strong>The Pyramids, Egypt</strong></p> <p>The Egyptian pyramids are massive monuments with a square base and four triangular sides rising up to a point. There was a lot of curiosity associated with the pyramids as to their formation, whether it was natural.</p> <p><img class="image" title="Egypt" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/egypt.jpg" alt="Egypt" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Egyptian Pyramids" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/egyptian_pyramids_in_giza_egyp.jpg" alt="Egyptian Pyramids" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Pyramids of Egypt" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/pyramids_of_egypt.jpg" alt="Pyramids of Egypt" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="sphinx_and_pyramids" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/sphinx_and_pyramids.jpg" alt="sphinx_and_pyramids" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p>However, the Egyptians started constructing them after 2700 B.C. and were built as tombs for the Pharaohs. The most well-known and the largest pyramids of Egypt are the Pyramids at Giza which are said to be the largest ever built, and the Great Pyramid at Giza took 23 years to complete for about a work force of 30,000. About 118 pyramids have been identified and are very popular with people from all over the world.</p> <p><strong>Petra, Jordan</strong></p> <p>Described by the UNESCO as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage, Petra is an archeological site on the slope of Mount Hor. It is one of the new wonders of the world and is famous for its rock cut architecture.</p> <p><img class="image" title="Petra" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/petra.jpg" alt="Petra" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Petra" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/petra_1.jpg" alt="Petra" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Petra Attraction" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/petra_attraction.jpg" alt="Petra Attraction" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Ed Deir Petra" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/ed_deir_petra.jpg" alt="Ed Deir Petra" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p>This site was kept hidden till 1812 when it was discovered by a Swiss explorer. It was said to have been prepared by God for the Jewish people. Petra once flourished under the Roman empire but a rapid decline began with the Arabian trade being taken elsewhere. Then an earthquake caused a lot of destruction. Tourists throng the place to get a glimpse of the ruins of this beautiful city.</p> <p><strong>Great Wall of China, China</strong></p> <p>One of the seven wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China is a man-made structure that was constructed over two thousand years ago and took about 100 years to complete. The vastness of this project brings to light the immense capabilities of man.</p> <p><img class="image" title="Great Wall of China" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/great_wall_of_china.jpg" alt="Great Wall of China" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Great Wall of China" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/great_wall_of_china_1.jpg" alt="Great Wall of China" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Great Wall of China" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/great_wall_of_china_4.jpg" alt="Great Wall of China" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p>The constructions started in the 5th Century B.C. It is actually many walls put together and stretches over 4,000 miles and was constructed to protect the Chinese Empire from the Xiongnu people in the north. The wall was initially built of stone, grass, earth and wood, but bricks were used once the production started. It is believed that about 2-3 million Chinese died as part of this project.</p> <p><strong>The Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina-Brazil Border<br /></strong></p> <p>Heralded as the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, the Iguazu Waterfalls are a true wonder of nature. They are located at the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. While the Argentinean side allows visitors to walk right around the water or explore the National Park; the Brazilian side is known for its panoramic views and splendor.</p> <p><img class="image" title="The Iguazu Waterfalls" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/iguazu_falls_11.jpg" alt="The Iguazu Waterfalls" height="550" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="The Iguazu Waterfalls" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/iguazu_falls_2.jpg" alt="The Iguazu Waterfalls" height="550" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="The Iguazu Waterfalls" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/iguazu_falls_3.jpg" alt="The Iguazu Waterfalls" height="550" width="578" /></p> <p>First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, upon seeing these falls is claimed to have exclaimed “poor Niagara.” The area of the falls provides ample opportunities for rock climbing as well as water sports. Iguazu has the distinction of having the greatest annual flow when compared to any other falls in the world.</p> <p>With all these and many more beautiful places that exist in our world, we are lost for choice and the only way to decide on the places to visit is to follow the heart. While some may love the tranquility of water, others may bury themselves deep in the architectural miracles or the serenity of a small town.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/ten-of-the-most-beautiful-places-of-the-world/">(from Dir Journal Info Blog)</a><br /></p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-48024218712977720242009-09-06T19:56:00.001+04:002009-09-06T19:58:22.343+04:00Ten of the most beautiful places of the world- Part2<p><strong>Taj Mahal, India</strong></p> <p>The Taj Mahal in India is one of the wonders of the world and is one of the most beautiful mausoleums constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Located in Agra, white marble is used in the creation of this symbol of love and is considered to be the pinnacle of the famous Mughal architecture.</p> <p><img class="image" title="Taj Mahal" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/taj_mahal_1.jpg" alt="Taj Mahal" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Taj Mahal" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/taj_mahal_2.jpg" alt="Taj Mahal" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Taj Mahal" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/taj_mahal_3.jpg" alt="Taj Mahal" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p>Story goes that the emperor was grief stricken when he lost his beloved third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took several thousands of craftsmen, artisans and about twenty years to construct it. The masons, stonecutters, carvers, inlayers, calligraphers, painters and others were brought from the entire empire as well as from Iran and Central Asia. Semi-precious stones were used for inlay ornamentation. It later became the mausoleum of Shah Jahan too. This is a huge tourist attraction with one to two million tourists visiting it every year.</p> <p><strong>Canadian Rockies, Canada</strong></p> <p>The majestic Canadian Rockies are the Canadian segment of the North American Rocky mountains. They are a visitor’s wonderland and the playground for western Canada. They are older than the American Rockies and are formed from over thrusting.</p> <p><img class="image" title="Canadian Rockies" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/canadian_rockies.jpg" alt="Canadian Rockies" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Canadian Rockies to Moraine Lake" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/canadian_rockies_to_moraine_lake.jpg" alt="Canadian Rockies to Moraine Lake" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Glacier at Canadian Rockies" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/galacier_at_canadian_rockies.jpg" alt="Glacier at Canadian Rockies" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p>The Canadian Rockies house five national parks, out of which four of them along with other provincial parks form a combination of a single UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of beautiful mountain landscapes, lakes, canyons, waterfalls, glaciers, peaks, limestone caves as well as fossils. Mount Robson is the highest peak of the Canadian Rockies and climbing it is considered a challenge. These beautiful mountains are a haven for hikers and walkers alike.</p> <p><strong>Machu Picchu, Peru</strong></p> <p>Machu Picchu in Peru, which means ‘Old Peak,” is one of the most enigmatic ancient sites in the world. According to legend, Machu Picchu was a long time ago considered to be a sacred place. The credit for the creation of the extraordinary city goes to the Inca people who have erected many stone structures and turned the place into an art form.</p> <p><strong><img class="image" title="Machu Picchu" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/machu_picchu_1.jpg" alt="Machu Picchu" height="500" width="578" /><br /></strong></p> <p><img class="image" title="Machu Picchu" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/machu_picchu_2.jpg" alt="Machu Picchu" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-160" title="Machu Picchu" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/machu_picchu_3.jpg" alt="Machu Picchu" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p>Two thousand feet above the Urubamba river, these ruins consist of baths, temples, palaces and about 150 houses, all very well preserved. These gray granite structures, some of which weigh more than 50 tons are so perfectly sculpted that they are nothing less than architectural genius. They were rediscovered by a Yale archaeologist in 1911. The ethereal beauty, the workmanship and history of the place attracts millions of tourists each year.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/ten-of-the-most-beautiful-places-of-the-world/">(from Dir Journal Info Blog)</a><br /></p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-66290571081078250262009-09-06T19:52:00.001+04:002009-09-06T19:55:00.286+04:00Ten of the most beautiful places of the world- Part1<p>We live in a world blessed with sights that are beautiful beyond words. Every human being dreams of and possesses a desire to visit those places in their lifetime. Living in modern cities with high-rise buildings, we tend to miss out on what mother-nature has to offer and some of the man-made structures par excellence.</p> <p>Look at these places and you will see beauty that fills the eye and warms the heart. It is not only inappropriate to just pick a few places from the huge expanse of the world but also humanly impossible.</p> <p>They say that ‘beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder,’ and there are perhaps other places that have touched your heart. For this reason, we do not claim that these places we are bringing to you are the best, but they are certainly among the most beautiful places of the world.</p> <p><strong>The Grand Canyon, United States</strong></p> <p><img class="image" title="The Grand Canyon" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/grand_canyon_1.jpg" alt="The Grand Canyon" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="The Grand Canyon" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/grand_canyon_2.jpg" alt="The Grand Canyon" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p>A steep gorge by the Colorado River, Arizona in United States, this has the most enjoyable scenery. It is 277 miles in length, 4 to 18 miles in width and about a mile in depth. Scientists are of the opinion that the canyon has been created by the Colorado River over a six million year period.</p> <p><img class="image" title="The Grand Canyon" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/grand_canyon_3.jpg" alt="The Grand Canyon" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Grand Canyon Overlook" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/grand_canyon_overlook.jpg" alt="Grand Canyon Overlook" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="canyon_viewpoint" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/canyon_viewpoint.jpg" alt="canyon_viewpoint" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p>Native Americans built settlements in the caves within the canyon before the emigration of Europeans. It was also considered to be a site of pilgrimage by the Pueblo people. The first recorded visit to the Grand Canyon by the Europeans was in 1869. Although, it is not the deepest canyon in the world, it is known for its extremely huge size and beautifully intricate landscape. The Grand Canyon National Park is said to be one of the first National Parks in the United States and attracts more than five million visitors a year. Weather conditions in the Grand Canyon vary a great deal between seasons as well as elevation. While winter snow is experienced by the higher elevated forested rims, the inner gorge has a desert temperature because of the low elevation.<span id="more-147"></span></p> <p><strong>The Great Barrier Reef, Australia</strong></p> <p>One of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef off the east coast of Australia is the world’s largest coral reef. It has the distinction of being placed in the World Heritage as well as the National Heritage lists.</p> <p><img class="image" title="Great Barrier Reef" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/great_barrier_reef_1.jpg" alt="Great Barrier Reef" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Great Barrier Reef" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/great_barrier_reef_2.jpg" alt="Great Barrier Reef" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Great Barrier Reef" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/great_barrier_reef.jpg" alt="Great Barrier Reef" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p>With more than 600 islands and coral cays, the reef covers more than 300,000 sq. km. Corals make up the several reefs and cays and are responsible for a huge variety of sea life in the reef; including green turtles, several varieties of whales and dolphins, dugong, about 4000 types of mollusk, 1500 different species of fish as well as a beautiful colored bird life with 200 species. The Great Reef Marine Park is a huge tourist attraction with more than a couple of million tourists visiting the area each year. Sporting includes activities such as reef sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling amongst several others.</p> <p><strong>Cape Town, South Africa</strong></p> <p>Aptly called “heaven on earth,” this beautiful town at the tip of the African continent, with small roads surrounded by huge mountains, makes a person feel small; showing how marvelous and dominating nature can actually be.</p> <p><img class="image" title="Cape Town at Night" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cape_town_night.jpg" alt="Cape Town at Night" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Cape Town" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cape_town.jpg" alt="Cape Town" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p><img class="image" title="Cape Town" src="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/cape_town_1.jpg" alt="Cape Town" height="500" width="578" /></p> <p>The Cape Dutch style buildings depict the architectural heritage of the place. Beauty abounds in the black clouds that seem to pay homage to Table Mountain at all times. Cape Point, Signal Hill, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Robben Island, Rhodes Memorial and the beaches are some of the famous tourist attractions. Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town is famous for its natural floral kingdom as well as its harbor. This town is one of the most popular tourist attractions of South Africa, with its wine tasting day trips, whale watching and dolphin watching.</p><p><a href="http://www.dirjournal.com/info/ten-of-the-most-beautiful-places-of-the-world/">(from Dir Journal Info Blog)</a><br /></p><p><br /></p>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2135623681577075499.post-79773887487257953052009-09-05T22:11:00.000+04:002009-09-05T22:13:30.215+04:00Top 10 Travel Wonders of South America<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. <a href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/01/galapagos-islands.html">Galapagos Islands</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/01/galapagos-islands.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdX_l0AW2yGLdQQwKwjWkLEuKIPXvwf1so7J6lIy28q3kuEQjwwonyKldAvSI5UDVXFEIMcrFUj6IonbV-l5rPyErC5jY5EjImTZzfAIAVtxBsFC9qLKeeMrQwVKF_6_t801YUtKZd-RM/s320/galapagos_islands.jpg" alt="Top 10 Travel Wonders of South America" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174440093267591010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Galapagos Islands: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Galapagos Islands are an isolated cluster of 19 volcanic islands of varying sizes in the Pacific Ocean located around the equator. It is a territory of Ecuador and located about 600 miles off from it. Galapagos Archipelago (a scattered group of islands cut off from mainland) is well known for its bio diversity and Charles Darwin; the renowned scientist stayed there to do his researches on biological evolution.<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. <a href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2007/12/machu-picchu.html">Machu Picchu</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2007/12/machu-picchu.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZr3I2M3X4GWAlbFFr5djpP3aG9MuX-yKfr4PP4rY_98gMpFO3pu3ZaN0sVMkplexEfZeXEIOjVeUzIgiPNBxB3A4O264QG_604KN61llP2I-Au1-ELOp4ixu5B0e3zgfDgs5ZEjsf2p8/s320/machu_picchu.jpg" alt="Top 10 Travel Wonders of South America" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174441042455363442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Machu Picchu: one of the <a href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/03/top-10-travel-wonders-of-south-america.html">top ten travel wonders of south america</a><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Machu Picchu (means old peak in the local language) is the most amazing remnants of the Inca Empire and great civilization that engulfed the whole of <st1:place>South America</st1:place>. It is located in the Eastern Slope of the <st1:place><st1:placename>Andes</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place> overlooking the Urubamba River-Valley about 70 kilometer north-west of the Peruvian town <st1:place>Cusco</st1:place>.<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. <a href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2007/11/iguazu-falls.html">Iguazu Falls</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2007/11/iguazu-falls.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ov3GomZMKDM7vMZuex982xT97Il03WfeOYuzKsmz4xQTqNv8eWUp3p8O7DEoHTepPFsV5H7hk7R4GfZXSwlbPd1dyf5EQxHfRd89K7bbbrbN2KswzRNGVw0O-CTZmX6_Xs_pMl3_XB4/s320/iguazu-falls-argentina.jpg" alt="Top 10 Travel Wonders of South America" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174441819844444034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Iguazu Falls: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These torrential falls about 275 of them within a distance of 2.7 km some of them about 82 meters in height, the deafening sounds of all combined, all closely accessible has such an impact that anyone who has a heart gets overwhelmed. ‘Iguazu has a daily beauty in it which makes <st1:place>Niagara</st1:place> ugly!’ it made Eleanor Roosevelt who remarked with a sigh “poor <st1:place>Niagara</st1:place>” comparing Iguazu with <st1:place>Niagara</st1:place> of her native land.<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. <a href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/02/amazon-river.html">Amazon River</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/02/amazon-river.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnf3f7IGWkjJ9S_4sXni1Rbc2sj2ekcF1JkADHGCEQrb4gjd1jGqeBE07UvWFX3ktoK_BJjGY9jBWGmRnCGOoEzL6sGF_7SmBI4U-qGK6Eo5dM8ITK4TlMDOiedKZdtN_7Cg90xB4cp2w/s320/amazon_river.jpg" alt="Top 10 Travel Wonders of South America" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174442674542935954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Amazon River: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">By the total volume of water delivered per second Amazon is the god of all rivers; it is the life-blood of <st1:country-region><st1:place>Brazil</st1:place></st1:country-region> as <st1:place>Nile</st1:place> is to <st1:place>Africa</st1:place>. The Nile of Egypt is historically accepted as longer than Amazon. Recent study conducted by scientists taking Nevado Mismi as the source proved that Amazon is 6259 to 6800 km long; that means that Amazon must be about 110 km longer than <st1:place>Nile</st1:place>.<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. <a href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/01/easter-island-statues.html">Easter Island Statues</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/01/easter-island-statues.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkveXv_yO5JEPkFU7LShPLhjSDSgOdOoK6TreMEY7sHVGTZFGrv9CMg5NUHZqL3po2OAHRBLJcWUNiAma2PPf42erwAKSOCnmqDucvySHBboa250clCd4uJjDTClq6Q6gZmz5GRCc8mls/s320/Easter-Island-Statues-Moai-Esmeralda.jpg" alt="Top 10 Travel Wonders of South America" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174443258658488226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Easter Island statues: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><st1:place>Easter Island</st1:place> is not just fascinating but it is undoubtedly the most intriguing place in the World. This little island dotted with gigantic and weird looking human statues; is in the <st1:place>Oceania</st1:place> (the groups of islands around <st1:country-region><st1:place>Australia</st1:place></st1:country-region>) in the <st1:place>South Pacific Ocean</st1:place>. The <st1:place>Easter Island</st1:place> is the most isolated place with human inhabitation as the nearest inhabited places are (<st1:place>Tahiti</st1:place> or <st1:country-region><st1:place>Chile</st1:place></st1:country-region>) at least two thousand miles away!<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. <a href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2007/11/harbor-of-rio-de-janeiro.html">Harbour of Rio De Janeiro</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2007/11/harbor-of-rio-de-janeiro.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG13j11iwF1NGoJuSHiK3UVAwvfuvjglkdMMoirhNwvAOLHay6kf0a-zH-lVi4aZdGaCpiVjLIh2NDi66gYN-EbeeormkNftNXHhSgv0foDBEVcjjvcfA-Kkz1puZwYPgodHUO7_TCLhk/s320/harbour-rio-de-janiero.jpg" alt="Top 10 Travel Wonders of South America" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174443795529400242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Harbor of Rio de Janeiro: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When the <st1:place><st1:placetype>Harbor</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename>Rio de Janeiro</st1:placename></st1:place> itself is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, The Statue of Christ the Redeemer, the 38 meter giant of a statue that stands upon the <st1:place><st1:placename>Corcovado</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place> - which it self is 710 meters high- also is one of the Seven Manmade Wonders of the World! A World Wonder itself is rare but one such overseeing another World Wonder is rarer still.<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. <a href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/02/rio-carnival.html">Carnival in Rio</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/02/rio-carnival.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTpwz2MAPEbZFUl-Fz5p_a0wXAK99XA09UL6t43ThecV_O3ZT37iGehOFWJ30Bv7ybp5BAsPvKinQn7J8lsnZRtpbnQQZFHq4pKKJTVNlG4xNsChRQwA1JgLsjbkXQbDcUr7opNPvJlU/s320/carnival-rio.jpg" alt="Top 10 Travel Wonders of South America" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174444706062467010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Carnival in Rio: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america<br /><br /></span></div>There are many carnivals observed in Brazil as well as all over the world; of which the most noted one is undoubtedly that held in Rio de Janeiro; the Capital of Brazil; Rio Carnival is also acclaimed as the greatest cultural event in the world. Though commercialized to the extreme; it still retains much of the spontaneity of the care-free people who live around <st1:place>Rio</st1:place>.<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. <a href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/01/angel-falls.html">Angel Falls</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/01/angel-falls.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrijHoQ9HqW_behj4h77yjS7Fkr2P1yHKovYK24Aa_5WN_zeQx8jPARQ8Tj46zjYSuo-38dVxpNDv0J5TcaQgbvJGTcKFFc_MX8nZIPtwUWaX6JiDfJ95GUpQNClRKywu0HCGLPtOeWU/s320/Angel_falls.jpg" alt="Top 10 Travel Wonders of South America" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174445590825730002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Angel Falls: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If the height and ferocity of a waterfall is taken as its greatness, undoubtedly Angel Falls of Venezuela is the greatest waterfall in the world. For a viewer who looks from the front; the falls may seem as it is poured directly from the heaven! Massive quantity of water plunging from a height of 979 meters (3212) feet is not a common sight that we can see elsewhere in the world!<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. <a href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/03/nazca-animal-figures.html">Nazca Animal Figures</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/03/nazca-animal-figures.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmf744MTlLizuaewI9oJH-4vfL5nhd5hJyVe46i7RdE6Vu56o3gBr5AyL4Bage2M7DERhH0EhcShcE04hr-uggTOYbzBBnJH_P1mIwd3J7hEjNUmLWx_DVSBMVVxZz0-tSvS0VEiNdUc/s320/Nazca-animal-figures-monkey.jpg" alt="Top 10 Travel Wonders of South America" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174446174941282274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Nazca animal figures: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">These Nazca Lines are very large sketches made on earth’s surface by carving out the upper layer there by exposing the inner surface; they include humanoids, monkeys, birds, insects and even aliens! Straight lines, angles, triangles and rectangles, and all sorts of geometrical shapes. Potteries recovered from the area contains the prototypes of these figures hence it is presumed that the creators had observed these figures from the sky!</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. <a href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/03/torres-del-paine-national-park.html">Torres del Paine</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/03/torres-del-paine-national-park.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60Nzk3y0F8pIIqK42TSKy3gWudDTt1orAdrc7iXDqg0_qWvkONXxtkJwVbmFS8FexwBVJXZ_76_sYY4YzPYc6PocD5V-PToS6bm05ccIanVmoupSGqFsnfFc4_ULxLNJiCnwFWgzPejU/s320/Torres-Del-Paine-National-Park.jpg" alt="Top 10 Travel Wonders of South America" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5174447656704999410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">Torres del paine National park: one of the top ten travel wonders of south america</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 100%;">Torres Del Paine National park is a UNESCO certified ‘World Biosphere Reserve’; which is also undoubtedly the most renowned, un-spoilt and remote places in the world. It is located 2500 km from Santiago; just 112 km northwest of Natales Chile. Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas remain as the nearest towns and act as stop-over spots for tourists to this national park.<br /><a href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/03/top-10-travel-wonders-of-south-america.html"><br />(from </a></span><a href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/03/top-10-travel-wonders-of-south-america.html">the Kerala Articles)</a><br /><h1 class="title"><a href="http://keralaarticles.blogspot.com/"><br /></a></h1>Music - Movies - Famous Actor - Famous Actresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08966995294905217221noreply@blogger.com3