The Brandenburg Gate In Berlin
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Brandenburg Gate is not a triumph arch, like many people think, but it was built as a passage to the “New Berlin”. Located in the heart of Berlin, it is the most representative symbol of the German capital. Specifically located in Paris Square, the end of the popular avenue Unter den Linden, marking the beginning of the large Tiergarten park and the boulevard Straße des 17. Juni.
The Brandenburg Gate was designed by the architect “Carl Gotthard Langhans”. It is 26m high, 65.5 m wide and 11m long. This monument is reminiscent of the Propylaea Acrópilis in Athens. It has five entrances, of which the central is the widest, leaving two smaller doors. The areas of interior and exterior steps are covered with reliefs representing Hercules, Mars and the goddess Minerva. In 1867, seventy nine years after it was built, two gates were placed higher on both sides.
The monument is crowned with a quadriga sculpture measuring 5 meters in height. It represents the goddess of Victory mounted on a cart pulled by four horses, which are looking in direction to the city of Berlin.
In 1806, after the Battle of Jena, the chariot was brought to Paris by Napoleon to be displayed as a trophy of war. Before that happened, Napoleon was overthrown. After the siege, General Von Pfuel, commander of one of the areas of the city, recovered the statue for Berlin in 1814. That statue was restored and a cross of iron was added.
During the Second World War, the monument suffered more serious damage and the chariot was destroyed almost completely. In 1956 the city council agreed to the reconstruction despite the arguments about the divided city. Despite these problems, they worked together and rebuilt the monument again.
With the construction of the Wall in 1961, Brandenburg Gate stayed in no man’s land, there was no access to it from either east or west. Only a few soldiers and guests from the GDR had access to that monument.
After reunification in 1991, the chariot was dismantled and restored. Between January 2001 and October 2002, the Gate underwent a complete restoration. Brandenburg Gate was uncovered on 3rd October 2002 and from that moment, it has been the most representative monument of the German capital.
University of Alaska Museum of the North – Fairbanks
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Experience the University of Alaska Museum of the North in Fairbanks. You have heard of the Alaska Pipeline but did you know that it is run above ground to keep the warm oil from keep from harming the frozen ground? At the museum you will be able to see a 1/3 scale model of the pipeline and get to understand the huge undertaking this engineering wonder required.
The marine mammals are displayed in the museum for you to get to understand better. There are polar bears, seals, walrus, and bowhead whales with stories to help you understand the importance these mammals are to the world.
See some of the clothing worn by the different clans and how the decorations of these, made with beads and buttons, are different from one to the other. You will also see how the animals provided many of the necessary items for the people to survive along with products from the forests made into household utensils.
The Great White Shark (Carcharodon Carcharias): Is It Nearing Extinction?
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“They come up with the energy of an express train and they hurl themselves right out of the water”.
It’s late in the afternoon. The water is dark and an especially large amount of plankton reduces the underwater visibility to a minimum. Some time ago it occurred to me that with such poor underwater visibility I could probably forget about the object of my visit, to take underwater photos of the Great White Shark.
Like many previous occasions, I am sitting at the boat’s stern between the two 80 HP outboard engines, the camera levelled. Through the viewfinder I am watching the neoprene seal-dummy which our little boat is pulling behind it on a fishing line. I support my arms on my knees, to ease my tense muscles. In the past I have often had to remain in this position from the early afternoon until sunset, through heavy swell, rain and storms, just to take the picture of my dreams – a breaching white shark, leaping for prey. Until now, all my efforts have been in vain.
Dyer Island is located six nautical miles off the coast of Gansbaai (170 kilometres south-east of Cape Town), on the opposite side of which is the small island known as Geyser Rock which is home to an estimated 60,000 South African Fur Seals (Arctocephalus pusillus). As long as the seals stay ashore, they are safe. But when they leave for the open sea to catch fish, they have to negotiate a dangerous shark-infested channel between the islands called “shark alley” which, not surprisingly, is reputed to the best place in the world to watch white sharks.
The sharks patrol mercilessly here, and there is no way to escape them. The seals run the same gauntlet when they return to the island, and those swimming alone, and very young seals swimming close to the surface, face the greatest threat.
This is the scenario we have attempted to reconstruct in this case, with the hope of luring a white shark to reveal itself to the camera. For hours I have been keeping my lens pointing at Koekie, the artificial neoprene seal bobbing along behind the boat. Suddenly, a huge and very heavy body is rocketing out of the water like a torpedo. It has “Koekie” in its mouth. Everything happens in a split second.
It’s a precise attack with a fatally perfect timing.
Every single square centimetre of this exquisite creature is vibrating energy. An unforgettable sight. The incredible dynamic of the leap is captured in the picture.
The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) has been around for at least 3.5 million years, but now it is acutely threatened by extinction. It remains to be seen whether the species is already “genetically extinct” – in other words there are so few individuals left that the survivors are genetically very similar to one another and are less likely to be able to withstand other insults that nature can throw at them. The number of sharks, of all kinds, caught every year is estimated at 100 million. Half of it is ‘bycatch’, which is thrown away. With this overfishing the shark population is irreparably damaged. Due to the decimation in their numbers, which has lasted for decades, and their low reproduction rate, the prospects for the great white shark do not look good.
I’d like to focus my efforts on helping the sharks because they are really under threat now. The increase in wealth of the Chinese people is of course great for them but conversely it’s not good news for the sharks because shark’s fin soup is a Chinese delicacy that is becoming more affordable as those people become richer. So there is a thriving and growing export trade of shark’s fins to the Far East. The worst thing is that the sharks are caught, their fins removed and they are thrown back into the sea alive to only die a terrible death. No animal should be subjected to that. So through my work I’m trying to draw attention to this to stop it. Otherwise in in few years some species could be extinct.
Refer to Dive with sharks for more information.
Family Safari Vacation To The Home Of The Gods.
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Families traveling with kids will find Amboseli national park a safari destination matched to no other, with less tourist traffic, breathtaking open spaces, easy access from Nairobi, the list is endless.
The park described by writers as ‘ a home for the Gods’ covers 150sq mile south of Nairobi and lies just at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895m. The park is currently on the cross roads with the government and the local communities both claiming ownership, with Kilimanjaro’s snow capped peaks dominating every aspect of this Park and form a stunning backdrop to the wildlife found here – elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, cheetah and a host of plains game and its breathtaking beauty, the trek is well worth the effort!
The area is home to the Masai people, tall, colorful, proud, nomadic warriors famous for their legendary prowess in battle and single handed acts of bravery in fights with wild animals. Perhaps, more than any other people they have learned to live in complete harmony with the wildlife which surrounds them, this knowledge they proudly shared to visitors and well worth the time. Kids will be allowed to get really close and explore the simple but fascinating homestades, adults will also enjoy the cultural aspect of the lifestyle.
Amboseli’s Oltukai lodge is one of the best spots in the world where children can watch elephants and study their fascinating wilderness behavior, This is where you will find the highest concentration of elephants than anywhere else in Africa, they can be seen spread well over the savannah woodland, just remember to ask your driver guide about how these clever mammals mourn and pay last respect to a dead member or how they cross their tiny young on a fast flowing river.
Quietly tucked away from view, The Kibo family Villa crouches undisturbed, an elegant three-bedroom log cabin built in stone and gum tree, in complete harmony with its surroundings. Own entrance, a lounge, a fully fitted kitchen and a barbecue area. Secluded by a copse of indigenous Acacia Tortilis trees and five acres of garden, Kibo Villa is peace and privacy made perfect. Two or three small families traveling together love the self-catering option, there is detailed attention to security issues and a resident nurse is available on call.
Kids will love the lavish private family buffet breakfast or dinner set out specially as a family package in wonderful secluded setting amongst the tortillas trees only a stones throw away from a family of resident elephants also having a feast of their own.
Selenkay conservation area lies east of Amboseli well off the beaten track, and never visited by tourist till now. Birdlife is prolific, especially birds of prey. The 6 tents Porini luxury camp caters for 12 guest at a time, the camp is in the lines of a traditional luxury family camp, comfortable family tent rooms, ensuite bathrooms, flush toilets, solar powered electric lighting and an amazing chef completes a safari family haven!
At Amboseli locally trained masai naturalist or walking guides will get Kids out in the mornings in a small group of say 8 kids for an adventurous nature exploration. This walking trips to the nearby sites in most cases will include lessons on the masai hunting techniques, catching and naming butterflies, treasure hunts, tree planting, hide and seek in animal camouflaged clothing and an interesting Q and A session answering every question they’ ve ever had on wildlife and tribesmen.
The young rangers club is available to 10 – 15 year olds, could be a temporally or annual membership with letters, post cards and birthday cards sent to members all over the world from deep down wild Africa! For more information visit african adventure tours
Fort Scott Vacation, Kansas – Beautiful Pleasures, Historic Treasures
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Between 1842 and 1853, Fort Scott was established and garrisoned by the United States Army. As part of a line of forts stretching from Minnesota to Louisiana, Fort Scott was one link in a chain of fortifications to protect the Permanent Indian Frontier. Fort Scott was also located on the Frontier Military Road built in 1836-1845 connecting Fort Leavenworth with Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. The Army abandoned the fort in 1853 and the buildings were purchased by local settlers at auction.
Between1854 and 1861 the citizens of Fort Scott experienced the violence resulting from the clash between free-state abolitionists and pro-slavery advocates. The era described as Bleeding Kansas described the murder, arson and mayhem committed by both sides during the fight to determine whether Kansas would be admitted into the Union as a free or slave state.
Despite admission as a free state in 1861 the violence of the Bleeding Kansas period continued throughout the Civil War. Fort Scott was re-established as the Union Army district headquarters which included the first African-American unit for the Union entering service in 1863.
After the Civil War, Fort Scott became one of the largest cities in eastern Kansas rivaling Kansas City several times as the largest railroad center west of the Mississippi. Fort Scott later became home to three brick factories-some of which were used to pave the Indianapolis Speedway and in construction of the Panama Canal along with many of the streets and buildings of Fort Scott. Agriculture, small industry and insurance have also played a large part in the development of Fort Scott.
The Fort was restored in 1978 and was designated a National Historic Site. It remains the centerpiece of our historic downtown where we have just completed a $2 million Streetscape Project which added period street lights and park benches to our shaded sidewalks.
Interesting Fort Scott tourism places to visit include:
- 1873 Old Congregational Church
- Fort Scott National Historic Site
- Narrated Trolley Tours
- 1862 U.S. National Cemetery
Also in the area – Kansas vacation getaways:
Marais des Cygnes Massacre Site and Wildlife Refuge
Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site
Kansas Rocks Recreational Area
Bourbon State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
Eastern Kansas vacation is nationally known for its Fort Scott National Historic Site and its National Cemetery. But, the community that was built around a frontier military fort well over 160 years ago is a thriving community rich in historic heritage, unique shopping opportunities, industry, culture, education and outdoor recreation. Recognized for its small town hospitality, Fort Scott and its residents are even the proud owners of three World Records!
Grand Tourist Attractions To Visit In Fort William, Scotland
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Ever since Inverness became a city Fort William has been the largest town in the Highlands. The town of Fort William is an immensely popular vacation destination with many people arriving to climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. In the article that follows I discuss a small number of different visitor attractions well worth a visit if you are visiting Fort William.
The Thought Invoking West Highland Museum
Founded in 1922 was the West Highland Museum in Fort William. A group of people from Lochaber wanted to create a museum, about life in the Highlands, for the people of the Highlands. The present building was purchased in 1926 from the British Linen Bank, and is located in Cameron Square, just off the Hight Street. Small but fascinating is how some people describe the museum. The exhibits in the museum present a fascinating insight into life in the West Highlands over the years. People from all walks of life are represented, through the superb collections of photograph’s, artefact’s and picture’s
The Splendid Old Inverlochy Castle
In fort William there are two Inverlochy Castle’s, the Old Inverlochy Castle and the new Victorian, chateau-style Inverlochy Castle, built in nearby Torlundy (which is now a luxury hotel). The Old castle was rumoured to of been built around 1270-1280, by John “the Black” Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and Lochaber, and chief of the Clan Comyn. Although the castle is in ruins, the layout hasn’t changed much since it was built. Lord Abinger carried out enhancements and alterations to the house, in preparation of a visit by Queen Victoria. Old Inverlochy Castle is still an important part of English and Scottish history, due to the role it played during the Civil Wars of the 1640’s.
The Fascinating Jacobite Steam Train
A trip on the Jacobite Steam Train, is an awe inspiring way to explore the magnificent scenery of the Highlands. The Fort William to the Mallaig journey takes one on a magical journey through the glens. One of the most riveting elements of the journey is traveling over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which the majority of people will recognize because of the fact that it was used in the movies of the exploits of Harry Potter and his friends. The 84 mile excursion takes you past Loch Nevis, Loch Morar and Ben Nevis, with a break in Glenfinnan before arriving in Mallaig. There is about an hour and half in which to discover Mallaig, before the return journey, back to Fort William. This journey has frequently been described as, one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World.
Things To Do On Holiday In Ireland
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Ireland is becoming hugely popular with families looking to stay in holiday cottages and farmhouses rentals. Families come to Ireland for the world famous Guinness and the Irish people are renowned for their friendliness.
Many tourists return to Ireland year after year and use these holiday homes as a base to explore Ireland and are enchanted by some of the coastal villages and rolling hills. The Emerald Isle, Dublin, Cork and Belfast are just a few of the popular locations families come to and stay in one of the many holiday homes.
Dublin is an extremely popular capital city; tourists come here on vacation or for long weekend breaks. Many couples come here on a romantic break and choose to say in a holiday cottage or self catering apartment which is available to rent direct from the holiday home owner. Cork is another popular holiday home destination, families return to Cork year after year to stay in one of its charming country cottages.
When visiting Belfast, you must also visit Donegall Square and see City Hall. Ulster Museum has remnants from the Armada shipwreck, the Early Ireland Gallery and Irish antiquities. There is an Irish collection of about 20,000 volumes in the Linen Hall Library. Tourist can stay in large country farm house or beautiful holiday cottage and sample some of the local pubs. Crown Liquor Saloon is the most popular pub in Belfast.
There are several musical programs in the Grand Opera House. There are tropical plants like banana, sugar and coffee in the Palm House. There is a high walkway in the Tropical Ravine. The architecture of the Queen’s University is well worth a glance. Beautiful mosaics can be seen in St. Anne’s Cathedral, an Anglican church.
There are pubs, entertainment venues, galleries and restaurants in the Golden Mile. Several murals are painted on buildings in Culturlann Macadam O’Fiaich. Murals also exist in the Fernhill house. These are regarding the Protestants who live in the Shankill district. There are forty endangered species in the Belfast Zoo. The Belfast Castle offers a comprehensive view of the city.
Another reason why families come to Ireland is the golf. Ireland is home to more than four hundred golf courses. Players of any skill level can adjust themselves to these. These courses offer scenery, challenge, design and a unique location. In Ireland, golfing is the biggest single sport holiday enticement.
This island is a paradise for keen fishermen. The coastline extends over 3,000 miles. The riverbank is 7,000 miles. In the countryside, there are hundreds of bogs and lakes. Fishing is popular due to low levels of pollution and moderate climate. There is a high yearly rainfall to maintain the levels of the streams, rivers, lakes and inland bogs. You can find sea trout, lake or brown, there are also fresh water fish and pike. The marine environment in Ireland is warmed by the Atlantic drift. So, it supports warm and cold water species. For sea fishing, there are more than eighty species of salt water fish. For coarse fishing, there are tench, eel, perch, rudd, roach, bream and pike. For game fishing, there are sea trout, trout and salmon. The fishermen can stay in a country cottage or farmhouse whilst on vacation in Ireland.
Visit Montmartre While In Paris
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Montmartre, located on one of the hills of Paris, is the 18th arrondissement of the city, and a very popular spot for tourists. Most people think that this is the highest part of Paris, and while not true, it does give you an exquisite view over the city.
Montmartre used to be a Bohemian hangout and many famous artists like Dalí, Picasso and Van Gogh used to have studios there. It was the centre of artistic life in Paris but, as becomes clear from one of Charles Aznavour’s most famous songs, it is not what it used to be anymore. The studios and famous bars like Le Chat noir are gone but still, some parts are very nice to visit as a tourist. Place de Tetre is one of these parts. It is a small square which is filled with painters and sketchers who will try to sit you down and draw your portrait. you will also find several nice, affordable restaurants aroubd this square.
After dinner it is time to go up to the Sacré Coeur, a distinctive white church that was built on top of the hill in memory of those killed during the German-French war. You can go inside the church which has stunning decor inside, with its 48 metre high clock tower. But no matter how beautiful the building is on its own, for me it was the outside that still makes me want to return to this place; the stairs of the Sacré Coeur.
The stairs are located in front of the church and gives you an impressive view over Paris, both during the day and when it gets dark. As long as the weather is not too bad you can sit down on the stairs and enjoy the local groups playing live music there. It is usually quite busy in the evening but it is worth trying to find a spot to sit down, especially because often, there are people walking around selling cans of beer and soda for half the price you would pay in a restaurant.
The place might be best known by the younger generation but that does not mean that people who do not belong to this group anymore cannot enjoy it. The music played is for all ages and you never get too old for a drink, music and an incredible view.
Blanchard Springs Caverns – Mountain View, Arkansas
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Under the ground is a wonderland of beauty just waiting for you to discover it at the Blanchard Springs Cavern. This beauty is in the form of flowstones and stalagmites along with hollow soda straws created by the single droplets of water flowing over the limestone for thousands, if not millions, of years.
There is even a stream running through part of the caverns bringing with it the carving ability to make the caverns even larger than they are today.
With three different tours available you will be able to choose the one that best suits your physical ability and your desires. Making this an Arkansas vacation stop that you will be able to tell your family and friends about for years to come.
Vacations In Scotland And Three Captivating Places To Visit In Inverness
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The Highland city of Inverness, Scotland is found in some of the finest countryside in the United Kingdom of Great Britain. In and around Inverness are a number of important historic sites, frequently these witnessed a large amount of violence and human suffering. Obviously Inverness has a amazing selection of visitor attractions (and the number is continually increasing). In the following paragraphs I introduce 3 tourist attractions in Inverness, Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, Beauly Priory and Inverness Castle:
Beauly Priory
It was in the 13th century that Valliscaulian Monks first set up a community at Beauly Priory. Unfortunately no-one has the evidence to say the accurate date of foundation but it is roughly sometime in the year 1230. At that time Sir John Bisset, whose lands were almagamated with the Fraser’s of Lovat, was the patron and landowner of Beauly. Sir John Bisset, together with the French monks, are those who named Beauly, coming from, ‘beau lieu’, the French for ‘beautiful place’. Unfortunately, Beauly Priory became deserted after the Scottish Reformation of 1582 and the stone was used in the building of other local structures. In 1913 the priory ruins were passed into state hands and it is now cared for by Historic Scotland.
Inverness Castle
There have been many structures on the site of Inverness Castle through the centuries, evidence shows that the site had a structure there as far back as 1057. King Robert I almost destroyed the very first Inverness Castle. Today’s castle was constructed and designed by William Burn in 1836. The bold castle, constructed of red sandstone, sits high on a cliff gazing down across the River Ness and the cathedral on the opposite side. King James I of Scotland conducted parliament at Inverness Castle in 1427, and called all the Northern Chieftains to attend. Shockingly 3 of these chieftains were later killed for their support of an independent monarchy.
Inverness Museum & Art Gallery
Located in the Center of Inverness is the newly renovated Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which is well worth a visit especially if the weather is wet and windy. Inside the museum visitors can enjoy Scottish History and find out how the Highlands are associated with the rest of the world. It is also possible to find out about the people of the Highlands, their traditions and culture. There are many different collections featuring, archaeology, wildlife, crafts, fine arts, textiles and costumes.
If you are thinking about a vacation in the UK this year and you hope in Scotland, you may wish to consider spending some time staying in Inverness. Finding Inverness hotel accommodation online is relatively easy as many establishments have their own web site. Hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts are always superb and the Highlands are very well know for unrivalled hospitality, so you can be certain of have a wonderful time.
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