Sapporo Snow Festival: Amazing display of snow statues and ice sculptures in Japan
Wednesday
Sapporo Snow Festival
Sapporo Snow Festival: Amazing display of snow statues and ice sculptures in Japan
Anastenaria Firewalking Ceremony
Anastenaria Firewalking Ceremony: Centuries old walking on hot coals tradition in Greece
World Championship Cockroach Races
World Championship Cockroach Races: Annual contest in Australia for the creepy-crawlies
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras: A riotously colourful street party Down Under
Up-Helly-Aa
Up-Helly-Aa: a series of festivals held on the Shetland Isles to mark the end of the yule season; features the torching of a Viking gallery
New Year's Eve party on Brazil's Copacabana Beach
Reveillon Rio: New Year's Eve party on Brazil's Copacabana Beach.
Nobel Prize Ceremonies
Nobel Prize Ceremonies: The world's leading scientists, doctors, writers honoured for their work in Stockholm
Venice Biennale
Venice Biennale: One of the world's greatest art festivals, held every two years
Antony Gormley, sculptor:
"The first time I went to the Biennale was in 1982 and I thought it was great; there is no doubt it is one of the best events in the world. It has become a model for a lot of other biennales who do similar things. On the whole, biennales are an incredible visual feast for artists and spectators, giving them the opportunity to work and converse and see their work in an international context. They also mean the punter just has to travel to one place to see what is happening. And thanks to the likes of Venice, it is not surprising that everywhere from Sharjah [in the United Arab Emirates] to Istanbul and Sydney. Nowadays, you get certain artists who can only seen at biennales; they become like rock musicians that only play at festivals."
World Bog Snorkelling Championships
World Bog Snorkelling Championships: local and international competitors race through a peat bog in Wales
Championship founder and former local champion Sheelagh Tompkins:
"It's a very quirky thing to do and it's a good conversation starter to say you have been in the bog. It is a bizarre experience when you are snorkelling your way through and you are wondering how on earth it is that you ended up there. It is dark and you cannot see and that is scary and you bump into the sides a lot. It is popular, and you can see that from the large number of international competitors we have had over the years. We have a lot of people coming back time after time who are very competitive about it."
The Western Wall, Jerusalem
Yom Kippur at the Western Wall: Jewish prayers at the ancient monument in Jerusalem
Set your watch to 'Old Faithful' at Yellowstone, Wyoming
The world's first national park, having been inaugurated in 1872, the park is the focal point of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest intact ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere. Its local occupancy includes Gray Wolves, Bison, Grizzly Bears, & almost 60 other mammals. One of the more popular settings to make this assemblage, Yellowstone has been an American family road trip tradition since the invention of the automobile with at least two million visitors to the park every year. One of the park's true highlights is the geyser 'Old Faithful', one eruption can shoot 8,000 gallons of boiling water 180 feet into the air.
Go swimming in the world's deepest lake, Lake Baikal, Russia
Located in Siberia, Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world with its depths sinking over one mile below the surface. One-fifth of the world's freshwater is housed in this lake. Lake Baikal is also the world's oldest lake and its isolated location has led to some unusual freshwater fauna, leading to its being known as the ‘Galapagos of Russia'. The lake is also a great place for swimming, but be warned, Siberian summers are not known for their longevity. The most popular way to access the lake is the Trans-Siberian Railway which makes a scenic loop around the lake.
Lake Baikal is currently under threat from local lumber and fossil fuel industries. But there is something you can do about it. The Great Baikal Trail is an international volunteer-driven non-profit organization promoting sustainable development of Lake Baikal through low-impact ecotourism. Currently they're building a network of hiking trails around the lake in an effort to supply more revenue to the region through earth-friendly tourism. And like any non-profit group they always need donations and volunteers. Visit their website to find out ways you can help.
http://www.greatbaikaltrail.org/index_en.html
Lake Baikal is currently under threat from local lumber and fossil fuel industries. But there is something you can do about it. The Great Baikal Trail is an international volunteer-driven non-profit organization promoting sustainable development of Lake Baikal through low-impact ecotourism. Currently they're building a network of hiking trails around the lake in an effort to supply more revenue to the region through earth-friendly tourism. And like any non-profit group they always need donations and volunteers. Visit their website to find out ways you can help.
http://www.greatbaikaltrail.org/index_en.html
Get married in Las Vegas, Nevada
It's something everyone has done at least once, okay maybe not but Britney Spears did it once & that has to mean something. No wait, it doesn't, & that's exactly the point. A marriage in Las Vegas is meant to be cheap & frivolous, that's the fun part! Unfortunately the city no longer issues marriage licences 24 hours a day, but there are still plenty of other hours in the day to get a licence & get hitched at a chapel with the Elvis package.
Witness the sights, smells, & sounds of Marrakech in Morocco
A beautiful city built in true Saadian style, one could say Marrakech is the most beautiful city in all of North Africa. Marrakech's focal point is the Jemaa El-Fna square. It's a large open space in the day, filled with fruit stands selling cheap orange juice, & everything else from snake charmers to story tellers. At nite however the area transforms with dozens upon dozens of food stalls being set up offering seating & all kinds of food dishes. The rest of the city has an understated beauty, the smell of spices, & bazaars selling everything you could ever want. Towards the southern end of the medina is Palace el-Badi, which was reputed to be one of the most beautiful palaces in the world when it was first constructed in the 16th century. If you'd like more information on travelling in Morocco take a look at my Moroccan Travelogue.
See the polar bears strut their stuff in Churchill, Manitoba
In the far north of Canada, on the western shores of the Hudson Bay lies the world’s largest Polar bear denning area. Visitors to the region take tundra buggies over the frozen ice for the chance to view polar bears in their natural habitat. Many mothers, some with young cubs, can often be seen in close proximity to the vehicles. In addition to the polar bears, Churchill is one of Canada’s best place to observe the Northern Lights.
Fall is the time to visit as it’s when the bears are returning to the ice after the summer, and it’s also the best time to observe the lights. VIA Rail (Canada’s national rail line) provides train service to Churchill from Winnipeg on a regular basis.
Polar bears around the world currently face enormous threats to their habitats. These threats come from a variety of sources not limited to but including climate change. Now whether you believe in climate change as a man made event, or even at all. There is no denying that polar bears are a species on the brink.
There are dozens of organizations working to protect the species and its habitat. The WWF comes to mind as one who uses a multi-faceted approach to conservation and is surely working tirelessly to achieve some protection for the polar bear. They also organize eco-tours to Churchill.
To find out ways you can help, please visit the following website: http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/polarbear/polarbear.html
Fall is the time to visit as it’s when the bears are returning to the ice after the summer, and it’s also the best time to observe the lights. VIA Rail (Canada’s national rail line) provides train service to Churchill from Winnipeg on a regular basis.
Polar bears around the world currently face enormous threats to their habitats. These threats come from a variety of sources not limited to but including climate change. Now whether you believe in climate change as a man made event, or even at all. There is no denying that polar bears are a species on the brink.
There are dozens of organizations working to protect the species and its habitat. The WWF comes to mind as one who uses a multi-faceted approach to conservation and is surely working tirelessly to achieve some protection for the polar bear. They also organize eco-tours to Churchill.
To find out ways you can help, please visit the following website: http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/polarbear/polarbear.html
Visit the 8th continent, Madagascar
Often referred to as the "eighth continent" in reference to the island's break from Africa sometime around 160 million years ago. It's long absence from a continental body has allowed an entirely unique set of animal and plant life to develop. Madagascar is now home to one of the world's more diverse eco-systems, housing 5% of the world's animal species.
The primary attractions are the tropical rainforests that litter the island, and the unspoiled beaches lining the coast. The best way to experience the island is to stay at one of the many eco-lodges.
The easiest way to reach Madagascar by flight is from either South Africa or France. The island was once a French colony and as such there are regular flights from Paris to its capital of Antananarivo. Despite being an island nation, Madagascar does not maintain regular passenger sea links with neighbouring nations.
In modern times Madagascar has faced its largest threat, deforestation. More than eighty-percent of the nation's original forests are gone, and every year another one-percent disappear. Madagascar is one of the most threatened eco-systems in the world, however there is hope. Currently more money pours into Madagascar for conservation efforts than any other African nation.
One non-profit organization working in Madagascar is Azafady. They work with disadvantaged communities to improve living standards and promote positive coexistence with the the local environment.
Please take a look at their website: http://www.madagascar.co.uk/
The primary attractions are the tropical rainforests that litter the island, and the unspoiled beaches lining the coast. The best way to experience the island is to stay at one of the many eco-lodges.
The easiest way to reach Madagascar by flight is from either South Africa or France. The island was once a French colony and as such there are regular flights from Paris to its capital of Antananarivo. Despite being an island nation, Madagascar does not maintain regular passenger sea links with neighbouring nations.
In modern times Madagascar has faced its largest threat, deforestation. More than eighty-percent of the nation's original forests are gone, and every year another one-percent disappear. Madagascar is one of the most threatened eco-systems in the world, however there is hope. Currently more money pours into Madagascar for conservation efforts than any other African nation.
One non-profit organization working in Madagascar is Azafady. They work with disadvantaged communities to improve living standards and promote positive coexistence with the the local environment.
Please take a look at their website: http://www.madagascar.co.uk/
Go to a coffee shop in Amsterdam, Holland
There aren't many places in the world where one can legally use marijuana let alone order it at specialized cafes, Amsterdam is the one place. Home to the world's most lenient drug laws, & lenient laws on just about everything else, Amsterdam is also one of the world's most beautiful cities.
Watch a volcano erupt on the Big Island in Hawaii
It's not everyday that someone gets to safely observe a volcano erupt, & Mount Kilauea offers the best chance to do so, having been in a continuous state of eruption since 1983. Part of a series of volcanoes on the big island that have over time formed the island in its entirety. The volcano today is a large part of the island's tourism industry, with their being everything from helicopter tours to walking trails up to its crust.
See the ice fields before they melt in Greenland
With global warming breathing down our necks it's time to start thinking ahead, so act quickly as this may be your one chance to see the ice sheet before they're gone. Two miles thick & broad enough to blanket an area the size of Mexico, Greenland's ice fields shape the world weather. Snow that fell a quarter of a million years ago is still preserved, if the ice sheet melts as its predicted to do in the future sea levels could rise as much as 21 feet. One of the best ways to see the ice fields of Greenland is to take a helicopter tour from the more temperate coast.
Walk through the Valley of the Kings at Luxor, Egypt
The Valley of the Kings is famous for its burial chambers of ancient Egyptian kings, including the most famous of them all King Tutankhamun (AKA King Tut). The layout of the place is more or less how its name implies, it's a valley with dozens of underground walkways branching off to the burial chambers. Once inside one of the chambers you can expect a long narrow corridor accompanied by a low ceiling leading down into the centre where there's an expanse of space & generally the king's sarcophagus. It's a unique experience to say the least, walking down a dimly lit path, the walls covered in hieroglyphics. Some of the chambers even had built in booby traps such as large drop-offs on the pathway. If you'd like more information on travelling in Egypt take a look at my Egyptian Travelogue.
Touch the Pyramids at Giza, Egypt
It's obvious that the pyramids at Giza would make this list. The last surviving ancient wonder they continue to amaze today over 6000 years after their construction. Built as burial chambers for Egyptian kings, they dominate the horizon & serve as a unique setting for a sunset camel ride or anything of the sort. If you'd like more information on travelling in Egypt take a look at my Egyptian Travelogue.
Contemplate evolution in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Located over 600 miles west of the South American continent this small island chain is one of the world's most beautiful & unique destinations. Sporting a diverse & un-encroached wildlife the Galapagos Islands were the setting in which geologist Charles Darwin found himself immersed when he developed his theory of evolution. He had noticed that the plant & animal life of the islands were unique from any other he had seen, & that they seem adapted to the local environment. Home to Green Sea Turtles, Sea Lions, & the iconic Galapagos Land Iguana. Tourism to the islands is quite difficult however, with an annual imposed cap of 60,000 visitors. The majority of whom come by cruise ship from Ecuador. It's not cheap, but if you have the resources, it's worth it.
See the apes before they go extinct in the Congo
A volatile nation distraught with civil war may not seem too high on your list of places to visit, but the Congo does have a few things going for it, namely it's being home to the world's largest population of Lowland Gorillas, & is one of only three countries to house the captivating Mountain Gorilla. However with only an estimated 750 left in existence you'd be wise to visit soon. If only the country could manage to make its civil war a little less bothersome.
See the pandas in their natural habitat in Sichuan, China
In the over populated ever expanding country of China, Sichuan is one of the few wildlife refuges. Stamping ground to over 80% of the world's Giant Pandas, it is also the botanically richest site of any temperate region in the world. At the moment the site is still a little hard to get to, it's located near the city of Chengdu, but future development plans are in the works to make it tourist friendly while retaining its ecologically sound state. River rafting, rock-climbing and bungee-jumping are all things in the lineup.
See humanity at its worst at the Killing Fields in Cambodia
A long time ago (the 1970's) an entire country's population was terrorized by starvations, work camps, & mass executions while the world stood idly by. The Khmer Rouge regime ruled Cambodia for a short time in the 1970's, & their attempts at forming a Communist peasant farming society resulted in the deaths of 25% of the nation's population, & turned Phnom Penh into a literal ghost town. Things are much changed since then but the solemnity of the killing fields remains the same. A shady piece of land on the outskirts of Phnom Penh where so many countless thousands found their end. Not much is left there today, but a visit to the site might change your perspective on the inherent good of humanity.
Get lost in the Amazon
The world's largest rainforest, the Amazon has the world's highest diversity of birds & freshwater fish., it spans the borders of eight countries, & one third of the world's animal species call it their home. However despite its beauty & necessity to this planet's environmental security, logging persists at an almost unchecked rate. The Amazon has lost an area the size of Greece over the last five years alone. Yet another of earth's longstanding pillars made fragile by the hand of man. This only makes environmentally friendly tourism to the region even more imperative. People need to understand that the quick buck from deforestation doesn't compare to the long term viability of sustainable tourism. One of the more popular ways of touring in the Amazon is to take boats down the Amazon River, & even luxury cruise liners make the trip up the river to Manaus.
Put on your safari hat in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Botswana is nourished and well preserved by mother nature. Boasting one of the world's most sound & protective environmental policy. Botswana has geared itself to the upmarket eco-tourist in an effort to reduce impact on the wildlife, but bring much needed financial resources to the nation. The Okavango Delta region in the north of the country is particularly well known for its animal diversity with big names such as, Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, Giraffes, & every other possible African animal you could imagine. There's nothing quite like staying in a luxurious 5-star lodge surrounded by the planet's most beautiful wildlife.
Visit the frozen continent of Antarctica
This is the least explored place on earth, & with good reason, it's hard to get to! It is however definitely worth it. Icebergs protrude on the landscape & penguins dot the scenery in colonies larger than your hometown. The most common way to get to Antarctica is to take a cruise from the nearby countries of Argentina or Chile. There are several different types of cruise, one could take the large luxury cruise liner, however most of these don't offer the ability for their passengers to actually go onto the continent's shore. The other type is an expedition cruise, these are for the more adventurous (and the more splurging) at heart, with many of these ships offering the ability to camp overnite on the frozen continent. There is also a somewhat new ability to fly charter planes to the continent's interior.
Explore the Sahara Desert
While the ravages of civil war have taken Algeria off most people's travel itineraries, there are still considerable reasons to visit. One of the best location's to visit in the nation is the Tassili n'Ajjer National Park in the southeast of the country. The park is home to a mountain range whose sandstone composition has resulted in some of the world's more stunning rock formations. Several eco-tourism operators offer trips through the Algerian interior & it's worth going on an organized tour if coming to the country.
Go dog sledding
"The Last Frontier", Alaska is 650,000 square miles of isolated tranquility. While having a sparse human population, Alaska has a vivid wildlife residency, with everything from Kodiak Bears to Bald Eagles & a beautiful landscape to boot. If you're looking for a truly unique experience try taking a dogsledding adventure through the wilderness. It'll provide you with ample opportunities to get in touch with your "inner self", & probably provide you with an Aurora Borealis sighting or two as well. May companies offer trips ranging from anywhere between a few hours to a week.
Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot: The dresses, the millinery, at one of the British social scene's most glamorous occasions
Geordie Greig, editor of Tatler:
"It can be a great experience to go to Ascot. But sometimes I think it would not be top of my list of things to do. I would rather go surfing in Bali or see kangaroos breed in Australia or many of the wonders of the world, say, than go see a lot of people in top hats. While it is fun, I'm not sure it should be on the list; is it seeing the pyramids at dawn? I don't think so. It is not in the do or die bracket"
Cannabis Cup
Cannabis Cup: A five-day "harvest festival" in Amsterdam
Marijuana activist and editor of High Times, Steven Hager:
"I started the festival 21 years ago to establish a worldwide standard for quality of cannabis and it is held every Thanksgiving [fourth Thursday of November], and basically growers and breeders come to compete for the prize of the best harvest. If many other plants have harvest festivals then why shouldn't cannabis? Cannabis is on of the most revered plants on the planet despite the propaganda and campaign of persecution against it. And now we have an opportunity for people to get together and celebrate the plant and select the finest flower for the year. Do we have fun? Sure, there's a lot of pot smoking going on."
The World's Best Locations For Wildlife
Below is a compilation of some of the world's best locations to view wildlife in their natural habitats. Granted some of the locations are remote & difficult to get to, but that serenity is the reason they're here in the first place. These locations aren't ranked based on their multitude of wildlife, but more on the uniqueness of the experience they offer.
10. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States
The world's first national park, having been inaugurated in 1872, the park is the focal point of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest intact ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere. Its local occupancy includes Gray Wolves, Bison, Grizzly Bears, & almost 60 other mammals. One of the more popular settings to make this assemblage, Yellowstone has been an American family road trip tradition since the invention of the automobile with at least two million visitors to the park every year. Things weren't always so rosy though, such as the park's initiative in the early 20th century to control the local wolf population which resulted in their near extinction from the ecosystem & their subsequent addition to the endangered species list. That said the park has the best wildlife viewing on the United States mainland.
9. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
In the far north of Canada, on the Hudson's western shores lies the world's largest Polar Bear denning area. Visitors to the region take tundra buggies over the frozen ice for the chance to view polar bears in their natural habitat, many mothers with young cubs, usually seen in close proximity to the vehicles. To top all that off Churchill is one of Canada's best place to observe the Northern Lights. Fall is the time to visit, as its when the bears are returning to the ice after the summer, it's also the best time to observe the lights. VIA Rail, Canada's national rail line offers trains to Churchill from Winnipeg on a regular basis.
8. Sichuan, China
In the over populated ever expanding country of China, Sichuan is one of the few wildlife refuges. Stamping ground to over 80% of the world's Giant Pandas, it is also the botanically richest site of any temperate region in the world. At the moment the site is still a little hard to get to, but future development plans are in the works to make it tourist friendly while retaining its ecologically sound state. River rafting, rock-climbing and bungee-jumping are all things in the lineup.
7. Madagascar
Often referred to as the "eighth continent" in reference to the island's break from Africa sometime around 160 million years ago. Madagascar is now home to one of the world's more diverse eco-systems, housing 100% of the world's lemurs. It's long absence from a continental body has allowed an entirely unique set of animal & plant life to develop, making it definitely worth a visit. Tropical rainforests litter the island, & unspoiled beaches dot the coast, the easiest way to reach Madagascar is by flight from either South Africa or France. Seeing as the island was a French colony, there are regular flights from Paris to its capital of Antananarivo.
6. Antarctica
By far the most remote destination to make the cut, Antarctica is deserving if only because there is no place this untouched by the hand of man. One doesn't generally think of Antarctica as bustling with wildlife, but it's home to virtually the entire world's population of penguins, & a fair share of seals as well. One island alone (Macquarie Island) is home to three million Royal Penguins. There are dozens of cruises to Antarctica every season (Southern Hemisphere summer), with most offering opportunities to go on land & view the wildlife up close.
5. Democratic Republic of Congo
A volatile nation distraught with civil war may not seem too high on your list of places to visit, but the Congo does have a few things going for it, namely it's being home to the world's largest population of Lowland Gorillas, & is one of only three countries to house the captivating Mountain Gorilla. However with only an estimated 750 left in existence you'd be wise to visit soon. If only they could manage to make their civil war a little less bothersome.
4. Alaska, United States
"The Last Frontier", Alaska is 650,000 square miles of isolated tranquility. While having a sparse human population, Alaska has a vivid wildlife residency, with everything from Kodiak Bears to Bald Eagles & a beautiful landscape to boot. If you're looking for a truly unique experience try taking a dogsledding adventure through the wilderness. It'll provide you with ample opportunities to get in touch with your "inner self", & probably provide you with an Aurora Borealis sighting or two as well.
3. Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
The Amazon has the world's highest diversity of birds & freshwater fish., it spans the borders of eight countries, & one third of the world's animal species call it their home. However despite its beauty & necessity to this planet's environmental security, logging persists at an almost unchecked rate. The Amazon has lost an area the size of Greece over the last five years alone. Yet another of earth's longstanding pillars made fragile by the hand of man. This only makes environmentally friendly tourism to the region even more imperative. People need to understand that the quick buck from deforestation doesn't compare to the long term viability of sustainable tourism.
2. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Located over 600 miles west of the South American continent this small island chain is one of the world's most beautiful & unique destinations. Sporting a diverse & un-encroached wildlife the Galapagos Islands were the setting in which geologist Charles Darwin found himself immersed when he developed his theory of evolution. He had noticed that the plant & animal life of the islands were unique from any other he had seen, & that they seem adapted to the local environment. Home to Green Sea Turtles, Sea Lions, & the iconic Galapagos Land Iguana. Tourism to the islands is quite difficult however, with an annual imposed cap of 60,000 visitors. The majority of whom come by cruise ship from Ecuador. It's not cheap, but if you have the resources, it's worth it.
1. Botswana
Botswana is nourished and well preserved by mother nature. Boasting one of the world's most sound & protective environmental policy. Botswana has geared itself to the upmarket eco-tourist in an effort to reduce impact on the wildlife, but bring much needed financial resources to the nation. The Okavango Delta region in particular is renowned for its animal diversity with big names such as, Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, Giraffes, & every other possible African animal you could imagine. There's nothing quite like staying in a luxurious 5-star lodge surrounded by the planet's most beautiful wildlife.
10. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States
The world's first national park, having been inaugurated in 1872, the park is the focal point of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest intact ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere. Its local occupancy includes Gray Wolves, Bison, Grizzly Bears, & almost 60 other mammals. One of the more popular settings to make this assemblage, Yellowstone has been an American family road trip tradition since the invention of the automobile with at least two million visitors to the park every year. Things weren't always so rosy though, such as the park's initiative in the early 20th century to control the local wolf population which resulted in their near extinction from the ecosystem & their subsequent addition to the endangered species list. That said the park has the best wildlife viewing on the United States mainland.
9. Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
In the far north of Canada, on the Hudson's western shores lies the world's largest Polar Bear denning area. Visitors to the region take tundra buggies over the frozen ice for the chance to view polar bears in their natural habitat, many mothers with young cubs, usually seen in close proximity to the vehicles. To top all that off Churchill is one of Canada's best place to observe the Northern Lights. Fall is the time to visit, as its when the bears are returning to the ice after the summer, it's also the best time to observe the lights. VIA Rail, Canada's national rail line offers trains to Churchill from Winnipeg on a regular basis.
8. Sichuan, China
In the over populated ever expanding country of China, Sichuan is one of the few wildlife refuges. Stamping ground to over 80% of the world's Giant Pandas, it is also the botanically richest site of any temperate region in the world. At the moment the site is still a little hard to get to, but future development plans are in the works to make it tourist friendly while retaining its ecologically sound state. River rafting, rock-climbing and bungee-jumping are all things in the lineup.
7. Madagascar
Often referred to as the "eighth continent" in reference to the island's break from Africa sometime around 160 million years ago. Madagascar is now home to one of the world's more diverse eco-systems, housing 100% of the world's lemurs. It's long absence from a continental body has allowed an entirely unique set of animal & plant life to develop, making it definitely worth a visit. Tropical rainforests litter the island, & unspoiled beaches dot the coast, the easiest way to reach Madagascar is by flight from either South Africa or France. Seeing as the island was a French colony, there are regular flights from Paris to its capital of Antananarivo.
6. Antarctica
By far the most remote destination to make the cut, Antarctica is deserving if only because there is no place this untouched by the hand of man. One doesn't generally think of Antarctica as bustling with wildlife, but it's home to virtually the entire world's population of penguins, & a fair share of seals as well. One island alone (Macquarie Island) is home to three million Royal Penguins. There are dozens of cruises to Antarctica every season (Southern Hemisphere summer), with most offering opportunities to go on land & view the wildlife up close.
5. Democratic Republic of Congo
A volatile nation distraught with civil war may not seem too high on your list of places to visit, but the Congo does have a few things going for it, namely it's being home to the world's largest population of Lowland Gorillas, & is one of only three countries to house the captivating Mountain Gorilla. However with only an estimated 750 left in existence you'd be wise to visit soon. If only they could manage to make their civil war a little less bothersome.
4. Alaska, United States
"The Last Frontier", Alaska is 650,000 square miles of isolated tranquility. While having a sparse human population, Alaska has a vivid wildlife residency, with everything from Kodiak Bears to Bald Eagles & a beautiful landscape to boot. If you're looking for a truly unique experience try taking a dogsledding adventure through the wilderness. It'll provide you with ample opportunities to get in touch with your "inner self", & probably provide you with an Aurora Borealis sighting or two as well.
3. Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
The Amazon has the world's highest diversity of birds & freshwater fish., it spans the borders of eight countries, & one third of the world's animal species call it their home. However despite its beauty & necessity to this planet's environmental security, logging persists at an almost unchecked rate. The Amazon has lost an area the size of Greece over the last five years alone. Yet another of earth's longstanding pillars made fragile by the hand of man. This only makes environmentally friendly tourism to the region even more imperative. People need to understand that the quick buck from deforestation doesn't compare to the long term viability of sustainable tourism.
2. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Located over 600 miles west of the South American continent this small island chain is one of the world's most beautiful & unique destinations. Sporting a diverse & un-encroached wildlife the Galapagos Islands were the setting in which geologist Charles Darwin found himself immersed when he developed his theory of evolution. He had noticed that the plant & animal life of the islands were unique from any other he had seen, & that they seem adapted to the local environment. Home to Green Sea Turtles, Sea Lions, & the iconic Galapagos Land Iguana. Tourism to the islands is quite difficult however, with an annual imposed cap of 60,000 visitors. The majority of whom come by cruise ship from Ecuador. It's not cheap, but if you have the resources, it's worth it.
1. Botswana
Botswana is nourished and well preserved by mother nature. Boasting one of the world's most sound & protective environmental policy. Botswana has geared itself to the upmarket eco-tourist in an effort to reduce impact on the wildlife, but bring much needed financial resources to the nation. The Okavango Delta region in particular is renowned for its animal diversity with big names such as, Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, Giraffes, & every other possible African animal you could imagine. There's nothing quite like staying in a luxurious 5-star lodge surrounded by the planet's most beautiful wildlife.
Dakar Rally
Dakar Rally: Thrilling car race from Paris to Senegal across the desert
Charley Boorman, actor and star of The Long Way Round with Ewan McGregor who competed in the rally in 2006:
"I think the rally is vital experience and incredibly important as it is one of the ultimate races in the world. I think it is also the toughest race in the world. It takes 15 days of you driving 800 km a day which is pretty hard. It is not just the fact that it is a physical race because there is a lot of mental strain as well. Before you ever start you have got to get your team together as well as sponsorship. We live in such a nanny state these days, so to go off and push your boundaries to the limit is really healthy. By pushing pushing yourself almost to breaking point you see what you can achieve in life if you want something enough. It?s not just a race it is a test against yourself. At the time it?s not much fun. But what you get out afterwards is so much more. Even though I didn't finish [he had to retire after becoming injured] there was still a huge amount of achievement involved."
Spectacular Waterfalls of the World
1. Angel Falls, Venezuela
Salto Del Ángel, better known to English speakers as Angel Falls, is considered the highest in the world at 979 meters.
2. Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
This picturesque 60m plunge has appeared on the likes of The Amazing Race. Hikers get a kick out of the trail that leads behind the falls.
3. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Victoria forms the “largest sheet of falling water in the world.” Its extent is so great that it helps to have a view from the air (below).
4. Bridalveil Fall, USA
One of the most photogenic falls in California’s Yosemite National Park, and that’s saying a lot.
5. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana
Though neither the tallest nor the widest, Kaieteur’s combination of height and volume makes it one of the world’s most powerful falls.
6. Takakkaw Falls, Canada
Takakkaw is one of the star attractions of British Columbia’s Yoho National Park.
7. Tad Fane, Laos
Twin chutes of water plummet into a jungle gorge just beyond the balconies of the Tad Fane resort.
8. Niagara Falls, USA/Canada
Niagara needs no introduction, but just like Victoria, its true scope can only be appreciated from the air (below).
9. Barron Falls, Australia
Only a trickle for much of the year, the Barron Falls roar after a hearty rainy-season downpour.
10. Queulat Glacier waterfall, Chile
Sensitive environmentalists, avert your eyes. This one might as well be taken straight from a climate change poster.
11. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
There are 275 separate falls along this 2.7km stretch of the Iguazu River. Yeah, they’re awesome. Check out the panorama (below).
12. Yinlianzhuitan waterfall, China
Though not as large as the nearby Huangguoshu waterfall, Yinlianzhuitan makes the list for one reason: this sweet pic.
Salto Del Ángel, better known to English speakers as Angel Falls, is considered the highest in the world at 979 meters.
2. Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
This picturesque 60m plunge has appeared on the likes of The Amazing Race. Hikers get a kick out of the trail that leads behind the falls.
3. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Victoria forms the “largest sheet of falling water in the world.” Its extent is so great that it helps to have a view from the air (below).
4. Bridalveil Fall, USA
One of the most photogenic falls in California’s Yosemite National Park, and that’s saying a lot.
5. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana
Though neither the tallest nor the widest, Kaieteur’s combination of height and volume makes it one of the world’s most powerful falls.
6. Takakkaw Falls, Canada
Takakkaw is one of the star attractions of British Columbia’s Yoho National Park.
7. Tad Fane, Laos
Twin chutes of water plummet into a jungle gorge just beyond the balconies of the Tad Fane resort.
8. Niagara Falls, USA/Canada
Niagara needs no introduction, but just like Victoria, its true scope can only be appreciated from the air (below).
9. Barron Falls, Australia
Only a trickle for much of the year, the Barron Falls roar after a hearty rainy-season downpour.
10. Queulat Glacier waterfall, Chile
Sensitive environmentalists, avert your eyes. This one might as well be taken straight from a climate change poster.
11. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
There are 275 separate falls along this 2.7km stretch of the Iguazu River. Yeah, they’re awesome. Check out the panorama (below).
12. Yinlianzhuitan waterfall, China
Though not as large as the nearby Huangguoshu waterfall, Yinlianzhuitan makes the list for one reason: this sweet pic.
The World's Best Ski Resorts
10. Aspen, Colorado, Western United States
Want to ski with the rich and famous? If yes, then Aspen is the place to be. Aspen is known for its steeps and its four mountains that are not linked. This Colorado ski resort accommodates all by featuring excellent terrain for all skier levels.
Filled with steeps and bumps, Aspen Mountain has fantastic groomed intermediate runs as well. The mountain is also a great choice for experts, who can access hundreds of acres of terrain off the backside of the mountain. As the resort-of-choice for the "better off," Aspen has a tendency to get slightly expensive.
9. Cortina, Italy
Cortina matches any resort in the Alps and served as the host of the Olympic games in 1956. Similar to Zermatt in Switzerland, life revolves around a trafficless street. One of the world's first ski resorts, Cortina is also Italy's most stylish.
8. Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Eastern Canada
French Canadian joie de vivre meets North American service standards. Tremblant, Eastern Canada's best-known resort, has been given a facelift thanks to a $1 billion investment.
Open since 1939, Tremblant was the first resort to open in Canada and the second in North America. What makes Tremblant even more special is that it is an hour away from Montreal. An alternative would be Mont-Sainte-Anne, which is a nicer mountain and a short trip away from Quebec City, perhaps North America's most historic city as the gateway into the "New World."
7. Stowe, Vermont, Eastern United States
One of the most renowned and picturesque ski resorts on the map, Stowe offers traditional New England charm and the biggest vertical drop in the area. Stowe's two ski areas are Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.
The latter actually backs onto Smugglers' Notch's terrain. As a result, Stowe is amongst a handful of American resort that has a lift-link to another resort. Stowe offers over 90 shops and 60 restaurants to make sure that visitors do not trek too far away.
6. Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France
Host of the world's first Winter Olympic games in 1924, Chamonix ranks among the elite of contenders for the title of "world's most famous ski resort." Located at the foot of Mont-Blanc, it's the highest peak in the Alps and the second highest in Europe (top elevation 4,810 m/15,771 ft).
Chamonix Mont-Blanc holds bragging rights both for its lift-served vertical drop of 9209 feet and for having one of the world's longest runs (Vallée Blanche), at 13.7 miles.
5. Banff/Lake Louise, Alberta, Western Canada
Located in the heart of Canada's Banff National Park, Lake Louise ranks as one of the most scenic mountain resorts in North America, if not the entire world. Banff/Lake Louise has three different ski areas (Mount Norquay/Mystic Ridge, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise) that are roughly 30 miles apart.
4. Vail, Colorado, Western United States
Legendary Vail markets itself as "America's favorite resort" and deserves to be ranked amongst the world's top five all-around ski resorts. As the largest single ski area in the United States, Vail offers roughly 5,300 acres of skiable, terrain.
Let's not forget the fastest high-speed detachable quads on one mountain. Vail offers much more with several art galleries, museums, ballooning, dog sledding, ice skating, hockey, snowmobiling, and much more.
3. Zermatt, Switzerland
While neighboring Gstaad is one of the world's top resorts with its three five-star hotels and St. Moritz is more popular, most rank Zermatt as Switzerland's top resort. A remarkably peaceful getaway, the village is peaceful thanks to its car-free environment. Amazingly picturesque, Zermatt holds the world's second biggest lift-served vertical drop and receives huge snowfalls thanks to its altitude.
2. Kitzbuhel, Austria
While St. Anton holds the crown of "Europe's liveliest ski resort," and Innsbruck is home to one of Europe's liveliest and most beautiful cities, Kitzbuhel is considered the "Pearl of the Alps" and is the most famous holiday resort in the Austrian Tyrol. This 700-year-old village offers visitors the charm of an alpine village. Skiing began in the winter of 1892.
1. Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia
These two towering mountains provide the best skiing in North America, with the biggest vertical drop. It's funny what a difference 30 years and $600 million can make. Yet there was not much there but a mountain for courageous hikers.
Whistler's charming village offers everything snowboarders and skiers crave; cafes, international stores and over 100 restaurants that cater to all tastes including Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, and Thai cuisine.
Food is key after partaking in the activities that really make Whistler legendary. Whistler quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the strongest contenders for the much-disputed title of "world's greatest ski resort." Over the past decade, Whistler was consistently voted "Best North American Ski Resort" by North Americans & the Japanese repeatedly rank it as their favorite international destination.
The World's Best Festivals
10. All-Star Fiesta, Cancun, Mexico
This interesting event is admittedly more flash than substance if booty and booze is what you're after, especially when you consider that the most popular events at this playa's paradise are fashion shows, record-releases and celebrity basketball. Over 10,000 sun-seeking people attend the 5-day hip-hop haven to see the stars from North of the Border.
9. Fantasy Fest, Key West, USA (October 20-29)
This ten-day free-for-all makes the rest seem pretty innocent in terms of nudity, frivolous titillation, costume parades, and drunken debauchery. The rhythm is definitely going to get to you, as rum pours onto the streets 24 hours a day. The climax hits on the last day of celebrations with a costumed parade along historic Duval Street. Southern Silliness meets Eyes Wide Shut as impersonators donning masks and dressing up in outrageous garb let all inhibitions go. Body-painting, freak shows and toga parties have led to this year's theme: "Circus & Sideshows" which will not disappoint even the most outrageous.
8. Las Fallas, Valencia, Spain (March 12-19)
You like fire? Well, the locals of Valencia sure do, as 500,000 people cram the city to watch huge puppets get torched and burn in flames. Prices range from $14 to $200, but book at least 3 months in advance as pyromaniacs from around the world visit the city for this "hot" event.
7. The Fetish & Fantasy Ball, Las Vegas (October 28)
Over 5,000 people will attend this year's costume party that will sprawl over 12 bars, showcasing a massive beer garden and an even larger 24-hour casino. Even without the F&F event, Las Vegas is always the place to visit for a good ol' time.
6. Munich Beerfest, Germany (September 16 - October 2)
By far the most celebrated and duplicated drink-fest we know of, the annual beer-fest starts midday as Munich's mayor pulls the first pint after a huge parade through the city's streets. The local breweries fight for bragging rights by showcasing their massive arsenal. The Hofbrauhaus attracts the rowdiest masses and the hottest party. Make sure you get there by 10:30am, since waiters only serve those seated (oh, the place is usually packed by 11am). Before you know it, you are reminiscing with your long-lost (or unknown) friend Hans and extolling the virtues of boozing, German-style.
5. Henley-on-Todd Regatta, Alice Springs, Australia (October 7-8)
To overcome the challenge of holding a boat race in a dry riverbed, the residents of Alice Springs made a hole in the bottom of the boat, stood inside, lifted the vehicle to thigh-level (similar to women raising their skirts... hmm...) and ran to the finish line. Aided by industrious quantities of cold beer to fuel the crew and crowd alike, the event has grown to attract international teams. If you or your seven friends need any more convincing, keep in mind that American winter is Australian summer.
4. Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Louisiana
Spicy food, great blues, nonexistent drinking laws, and $2 drinks served 24 hours a day sounds pretty good to any partier. The climax, you guessed it: Mardi Gras, also known as the "International Show Your Boobies" event where you trade in beads for breasts.
3. Carnival, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio boasts some of the world's nicest beaches and finest ladies. Carnival week is second-to-none when it comes to partying. Some would even argue that their laws encourage boozing. Any way you look at it, like Mecca, every able-bodied male must make a trip to Rio at one point or another in his life.
2. Love Parade, Germany (July)
We may be biased since we have a liking for techno beats, but ever since the Berlin Wall came down, the streets of Berlin host the largest outdoor rave where 1.4 million horny and sweaty teens visit the city, and the police do not interfere. A valuable piece of advice; reserve if you are coming from abroad as you'll find a full house... or neighborhood!
1. Nudes-A-Poppin' Pageant, Ponderosa Sun Club, Indiana (July 16 & August 20)
Whether you are a nudist or an eager beaver, the Ponderosa Sun Club is the place to be. A "clothing optional" resort, the website even reminds travelers that "no clothes are tolerated at the pool." The only other thing that is not tolerated is a camera. Besides that, however, anything goes at the Annual Nudes-A-Poppin' Pageant where the likes of Jenna Jameson and Ron Jeremy spice it up.
This interesting event is admittedly more flash than substance if booty and booze is what you're after, especially when you consider that the most popular events at this playa's paradise are fashion shows, record-releases and celebrity basketball. Over 10,000 sun-seeking people attend the 5-day hip-hop haven to see the stars from North of the Border.
9. Fantasy Fest, Key West, USA (October 20-29)
This ten-day free-for-all makes the rest seem pretty innocent in terms of nudity, frivolous titillation, costume parades, and drunken debauchery. The rhythm is definitely going to get to you, as rum pours onto the streets 24 hours a day. The climax hits on the last day of celebrations with a costumed parade along historic Duval Street. Southern Silliness meets Eyes Wide Shut as impersonators donning masks and dressing up in outrageous garb let all inhibitions go. Body-painting, freak shows and toga parties have led to this year's theme: "Circus & Sideshows" which will not disappoint even the most outrageous.
8. Las Fallas, Valencia, Spain (March 12-19)
You like fire? Well, the locals of Valencia sure do, as 500,000 people cram the city to watch huge puppets get torched and burn in flames. Prices range from $14 to $200, but book at least 3 months in advance as pyromaniacs from around the world visit the city for this "hot" event.
7. The Fetish & Fantasy Ball, Las Vegas (October 28)
Over 5,000 people will attend this year's costume party that will sprawl over 12 bars, showcasing a massive beer garden and an even larger 24-hour casino. Even without the F&F event, Las Vegas is always the place to visit for a good ol' time.
6. Munich Beerfest, Germany (September 16 - October 2)
By far the most celebrated and duplicated drink-fest we know of, the annual beer-fest starts midday as Munich's mayor pulls the first pint after a huge parade through the city's streets. The local breweries fight for bragging rights by showcasing their massive arsenal. The Hofbrauhaus attracts the rowdiest masses and the hottest party. Make sure you get there by 10:30am, since waiters only serve those seated (oh, the place is usually packed by 11am). Before you know it, you are reminiscing with your long-lost (or unknown) friend Hans and extolling the virtues of boozing, German-style.
5. Henley-on-Todd Regatta, Alice Springs, Australia (October 7-8)
To overcome the challenge of holding a boat race in a dry riverbed, the residents of Alice Springs made a hole in the bottom of the boat, stood inside, lifted the vehicle to thigh-level (similar to women raising their skirts... hmm...) and ran to the finish line. Aided by industrious quantities of cold beer to fuel the crew and crowd alike, the event has grown to attract international teams. If you or your seven friends need any more convincing, keep in mind that American winter is Australian summer.
4. Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Louisiana
Spicy food, great blues, nonexistent drinking laws, and $2 drinks served 24 hours a day sounds pretty good to any partier. The climax, you guessed it: Mardi Gras, also known as the "International Show Your Boobies" event where you trade in beads for breasts.
3. Carnival, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio boasts some of the world's nicest beaches and finest ladies. Carnival week is second-to-none when it comes to partying. Some would even argue that their laws encourage boozing. Any way you look at it, like Mecca, every able-bodied male must make a trip to Rio at one point or another in his life.
2. Love Parade, Germany (July)
We may be biased since we have a liking for techno beats, but ever since the Berlin Wall came down, the streets of Berlin host the largest outdoor rave where 1.4 million horny and sweaty teens visit the city, and the police do not interfere. A valuable piece of advice; reserve if you are coming from abroad as you'll find a full house... or neighborhood!
1. Nudes-A-Poppin' Pageant, Ponderosa Sun Club, Indiana (July 16 & August 20)
Whether you are a nudist or an eager beaver, the Ponderosa Sun Club is the place to be. A "clothing optional" resort, the website even reminds travelers that "no clothes are tolerated at the pool." The only other thing that is not tolerated is a camera. Besides that, however, anything goes at the Annual Nudes-A-Poppin' Pageant where the likes of Jenna Jameson and Ron Jeremy spice it up.
Take a hot-air balloon ride
The first manned hot-air balloon, made from paper and silk, took to the skies over Paris in 1783 under the direction of Pilatre de Rozier and the Marquis D'Arlandes on a 500 metre high, 22 minute flight. Ballooning has come a long way since then with technological developments allowing much longer flights for an increasing number of people around the world.
>ACCOMPLISHED April 2009
In April 2009, I have experience the thrill of 'floating with the wind' on a Sunrise Balloon Flight over Melbourne, Australia (by Global Ballooning)
A sunrise hot air balloon flight over Melbourne is a truly remarkable experience. There are few major cities in the world that can be traversed by hot air balloon and there certainly is no better way to take in Australia's second largest city.
In the early morning light our balloon drifted by the array of parks and gardens that make Melbourne the world's most liveable city. As the city comes to life you look down onto some of the cities iconic sporting venues like the MCG, Melbourne Park and Albert Park racetrack.
Treat yourself to a health spa
In today's fast moving world it is more important than ever to take care of ourselves, both mind and body. Treating yourself to a visit to a health spa and indulging in the many treatments on offer is not only relaxing, but healthy too. Take a mud bath for instance, rich in minerals, it is used to detoxify the body and ease the painful symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis.
There are health spas all over the world to choose from. Exhilarating and rejuvenating, a visit to a health spa will make you feel half as old and twice as energetic.
There are health spas all over the world to choose from. Exhilarating and rejuvenating, a visit to a health spa will make you feel half as old and twice as energetic.
Go to a concert
The idea of going to a concert may conjure up images of either screaming teenagers or heavy metal enthusiasts swinging their long hair about. This isn't always the case, as there are many older generation performers from the 1960's, 70's and 80's who are household names, still performing and touring the country. In addition, there are a lots of talented young singers and musicians from every genre you could possibly imagine, playing all over the country, it's just a case of finding out when they are playing near to you.
I would certainly love to go to [...] concert.
I would certainly love to go to [...] concert.
Go outside and lie on the grass
This is a quick one that you can do right now. The reason for doing this isn't to assess the condition of your lawn, but to appreciate nature and take in the beauty of the simple things in life. We walk along the same paths each day in a little bubble, failing to notice the simple beauty around us. Go and lie back and feel the grass, look closely at a daisy, or look up and take in the magnitude of the sky. Don't rush yourself, stay there for as long as you like, who cares (?) you're not breaking the law!
However, I had something different than my front lawn on my mind... I imagined myself lying on {...} grass.
However, I had something different than my front lawn on my mind... I imagined myself lying on {...} grass.
The Best Places To Watch The Sunrise
Mt. Sinai, Egypt
To catch the sunrise on Mt. Sinai, travelers first climb a rocky trail from 2:30 to 5am, alongside Bedouin tribesmen and their camels. Then they sit and wait for the dawn’s rays to pierce the darkness and illuminate a jagged, lunar-like landscape.
The sensation of being on Mt. Sinai as the sun appears in the morning sky is impossible to forget. Even if you’re not religious, you can envision Moses having a divine experience here.
After trekking back downhill, stop at St. Catherine’s Monastery to see a direct descendant of the Bible’s burning bush.
Ganges River, Varanasi, India
Varanasi is believed to be one of the oldest continually inhabited city in the world, with a past that stretches back 3,000 years.
Trudge its narrow, dirty streets in the predawn hours before emerging atop one of the ghats that line the sacred Ganges River to the sight of a vibrant sunrise and Hindu pilgrims bathing and praying at the water’s edge.
Alternatively, take in the scene from a rowboat that ferries visitors up and down the river.
Haleakala Volcano, Maui, Hawaii
On the island of Maui, you can drive from sea level up to 10,000 feet in about two hours and end your journey near the peak of Haleakala. More than a million people make this journey annually, many of them in the predawn hours so they can watch the sun rise over Haleakala National Park.
Once it does, you can hike into Haleakala Crater. Or, hop a van up to the peak and mountain bike back down.
The Seven Wonders of The Modern World
1. The Empire State Building, New York City
Construction of the Empire State Building began in March of 1930 on the site of the old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel at 350 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street. It was completed 14 months later in May, 1931. Designed by the architectural firm of Shreve, Lamb, & Harmon Associates, the Empire State Building. With height of 1,472 feet (448 meters) to top of antennae and 1,250 feet (391 meters) to 102nd floor observatoryat, this was the tallest building in the world until the completion of the first tower of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan in 1972.
2. The Itaipu Dam, Paraná River
The Itaipú hydroelectric power plant is the largest development of its kind in operation in the world. Built from 1975 to 1991, in a binational development on the Paraná River, Itaipú represents the efforts and accomplishments of two neighboring countries, Brazil and Paraguay. The power plant's 18 generating units add up to a total production capacity of 12,600 MW (megawatts) and a reliable output of 75 million MWh a year. Itaipú's energy production has broken several records over the recent years, after the last generating unit was commissioned in 1991. The generation of 77.212.396 MWh a year in 1995 will again be surpassed in 1996, and the new record will be around the 80 million MWh a year mark.
3. The CN Tower, Toronto
It is fitting that television, the technological wonder that profoundly changed life in the 20th century, spurred the building of the era's tallest freestanding structure. In the late 1960's, Toronto's soaring skyline began to play havoc with signals from conventional transmission towers. Signals bouncing off the city's skyscrapers produced a number of problems, including the annoying phenomenon of "ghosting" on television sets. Weaker signals competed with stronger ones, giving viewers the effects of watching two programs at once. To improve the situation, Canadian National Railways, or CN, proposed building a transmission tower that would stand head and shoulders - and then some - above Toronto's tallest buildings.
A Toronto firm prepared the initial design, enlisting the aid of engineering experts the world over. Their original plan showed three towers linked by structural bridges. Gradually the design evolved into a single 1,815.5-foot-tall tower comprised of three hollow "legs." Foundation work began in 1973. Giant backhoes excavated more than 62,000 tons of earth and shale to a depth of 50 feet from a along the shore of Lake Ontario in Toronto harbour. Next, prestressed concrete and reinforced steel were arranged in a Y-shaped pattern 22 feet thick. Each hollow leg of the Y would carry its fair share of the tower's 130,000-ton burden.
4. The Panama Canal, Panama
Among the great peaceful endeavors of mankind that have contributed significantly to progress in the world, the construction of the Canal stands as an awe-inspiring achievement. The unparalled engineering triumph was made possible by an international work force under the leadership of American visionaries, who made the centuries-old dream of uniting the two great oceans a reality. In 1534, Charles I of Spain ordered the first survey of a proposed canal route through the Isthmus of Panama. More than three centuries passed before the first construction was started. The French labored 20 years, beginning in 1880, but disease and financial problems defeated them.
In 1903, Panama and the United States signed a treaty by which the United States undertook to construct an inter-oceanic ship canal across the Isthmus of Panama. The following year, the United States purchased from the French Canal Company its rights and properties for $40 million and began construction. The monumental project was completed in ten years at a cost of about $387 million (7,192,727,272 in today's money).. Since 1903 the United States has invested about $3 billion in the Canal enterprise, approximately two-thirds of which has been recovered. The building of the Panama Canal involved three main problems -- engineering, sanitation, and organization. Its successful completion was due principally to the engineering and administrative skills of such men as John F. Stevens and Col. George W. Goethals, and to the solution of extensive health problems by Col. William C. Gorgas. The engineering problems involved digging through the Continental Divide; constructing the largest earth dam ever built up to that time; designing and building the most massive canal locks ever envisioned; constructing the largest gates ever swung; and solving environmental problems of enormous proportions.
5. The Channel Tunnel, The English Channel
For centuries, the English Channel separating Great Britain from the rest of Europe has served as a near impregnable barrier to would-be invaders, protecting England’s sovereignty while keeping the nation culturally and socially distinct from its neighbors. The $15 billion Channel Tunnel (informally called the "Chunnel"), which began operations in 1994, provides the first land link between England and continental Europe. The Chunnel is 31 miles long; 23 miles of this distance is underwater. At present, it consists of three interconnected tubes; one rail tunnel in each direction and a service tube. For facts about the Chunnel, a diagrams, and information about traveling Europe by rail, see the Eurostar page. Obviously, the only way to experience the Chunnel is to take a train through it, so you’ll have to find some other activities to fill your time in two of the most culturally and historically rich nations in the world.
6. The North Sea Protection Works, Netherlands
For many, the image out of the Dutch fight against the North Sea rests in the figure of a young boy valiantly saving his town by using a finger to plug a hole in the dike. But this familiar hero is a fictional one, a creation of American author Mary Mapes Dodge in her book, Hans Brinker. In reality, heroism falls on all the Dutch, who for more than a millenium have been wresting precious agricultural lands from the sea and fighting to hold on to them. Their greatest achievement-a colossal fun in the dike-if the vast and one dress project known as that Netherlands North Sea protection works. Because much of the Netherlands lies below sea level, normal tides would daily inundate about half the country if previous generations of industrious Dutch had not raised dikes and dams. Severe storms often cause tidal waters to crash into the dikes and inundate rivers and estuaries. Although all of the coastal areas are threatened, two particularly vulnerable ones are the large tidal inlet formerly known as the Zuider Zee and the delta created by the Rhine and Meuse rivers in the southwestern corner of the country.
Dutch engineers purse propose that the Zuider Zee be dammed and drained in the 19th century, but the government was reluctant to tackle such an immense project. Then, in 1916, a furious storm hit the northern provinces. The difficulties of wartime agricultural production were compounded, and the way was paved for the damming of the Zuider Zee.The dam enclosing the Zuider Zee was built in two sections using traditional materials. Beginning in 1923, workers laid boulder clay in parallel layers and filled the space in between with sand, stones, and handmade, mattresses fashioned from brushwood. To curtail erosion, larger mattresses ballasted with chains and stones were sunk in the estuaries channels. Dredges, cranes, tugboats, and barges were engaged in the erection of the main dam, 300 feet wide at sea level and 25 feet high at the level of its causeway. As the tide turned on the final day of construction, fill tumbled into the dam's last gap, transforming the inlet into a freshwater lake, renamed the Ijsselmeer. The finished dam contains sluices for draining excess water and locks for maintaining shipping.
After the damming came the draining. In all, more than a half million acres of polders, or reclaimed farmland, emerged from the bottom of the former Zuider Zee. Young Dutch farmers clamoring for the right to settle the new polder lands, because farms on new, unobstructed land were far more suitable for modern, mechanized farming methods than traditional farms in older areas.In 1953, the "storm of the century" howled across the North Sea and into the Netherlands, testing the strength of the Zuider Zee enclosure. It held, with damage to the causeway heavy in places. The country's unprotected southwestern provinces felt the full brunt of the storm, with water surging over seawalls and up the delta's wide waterways. More than 1,800 people lost their lives, and livestock numbering in the hundreds of thousands perished. The country then realized that the long-intended plan to safeguard the southwestern delta, the Delta Plan or Delta Project, must be mobilized.
The plan would undergo a many incarnations. The last one involved a damming four estuaries in the middle of the delta while leaving open channels to Rotterdam in the north and Antwerp, Belgium, in the south. A two-mile-long surge barrier in the Oosterschelde estuaries was the most complex and sophisticated piece of the project.Originally, the Oosterschelde was to be a closed barrier. But lobbying by fishermen and conservationists resulted in the switch to a movable barrier. To facilitate construction, engineers fashioned islands on three sandbars in the estuaries and constructed work harbors, material yards, and work sites there. A dam connected two of the islands, effectively creating three channels in the estuaries, each to receive a section of the surge barrier.
The movable barrier consists of 65 concrete piers weighing 18,000 tons apiece. The piers support 300- to 500-ton steel gates and their hydraulic machinery, as well as a roadway above and load-bearing beams below. Constructed on the work islands, the piers and their mechanisms had to be lifted into precise positions in the estuary. But the type of equipment needed for such gargantuan and specialized tasks did not exist anywhere in the world; it had to be invented. The Oosterschelde barrier also honored traditional methods. As part of the measures taken to stabilize the sea floor, mattresses were laid under each pier to prevent erosion. They were not the hand-built weaving of trees and brush used to close the Zuider Zee, however. Instead, they were high-tech sandwiches of sand and gravel between space-age fabric covers. The Oosterschelde project finished in 1986. Since then, the Dutch have taken additional measures, including the completion in 1997 of the barrier that protects the port of Rotterdam. "In terms of magnitude," an American trade journal wrote, the North Sea project "approaches of the Great Wall of China. In terms of complexity and technical sophistication, it approaches the lunar shot. It is unique, expensive, and quite unlike any other civil engineering project to be found on this planet."
7. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge links San Francisco with Marin County in absolute splendor. The bridge is one of the architectural marvels of the Twentieth Century and a testament to human strife, as it was constructed during the years of the Great Depression. For years, the Golden Gate Bridge held the title as the longest suspension bridge in the world. Before its completion in 1937, the bridge was considered impossible to build, due to persistently foggy weather, 60-mile-per-hour winds, and strong ocean currents, which whipped through a deep canyon below. In fact, the bridge is commonly known as the "Bridge that couldn't be built." Despite these unforgiving natural elements, the bridge was constructed in a little more than four years. The total cost was $35 million (447,227,000 in today's money). The total length of the bridge spans 1.2 miles. Eleven men lost their lives during the construction of the bridge.
Even today, the massive spans of the bridge are often shrouded in fog. The bridge sways 27 feet to withstand winds of up to 100 miles per hour. International Orange was the color chosen for the bridge because it blended well with the bridge's natural surroundings. The two great cables extending from the bridge contain 80,000 miles of steel wire, which is enough to circle the equator three times. The concrete poured to cement the bridge into the stormy waters below could have also been used to pave a five-foot wide sidewalk from New York to San Francisco. Because of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is one of the premier skyline cities in the nation. It was a triumphant day in the history of the city when the bridge was completed on May 27, 1937. Over 200,000 people celebrated the grand opening of the Golden Gate Bridge by walking its length. The following day, a dedication ceremony was held to officially christen what would become the architectural trademark of the city. The regular flow of vehicular traffic began the next day.
Efforts to begin the construction on the bridge began as early as 1928. The process would entail the efforts of six counties in Northern California. In 1928, the counties formed a Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District. In 1930, the voters appropriated a $35 million bond issue to finance the building of the bridge. For many years following, Joseph Baerman Strauss, a distinguished engineer, dreamed of raising a span across the Golden Gate. It was in response to his vision that people first started saying that the bridge could not be built. But, amazingly enough, Strauss held fast to his vision, and a span was eventually raised across the Golden Gate Bridge. The actual work on the bridge began on January 5, 1933. It was completed four-and-one-half years later. The result astounded the fiercest of Strauss's critics. To this day, the bridge is admired for its magnitude and beauty.
The bridge is nothing short of a powerful force meant to combat nature. The often mighty winds from the Pacific Ocean are sustained by a mid span swing of 27 feet. The two towers of the bridge rise an impressive 746 feet, which is 191 feet taller than the Washington Monument. The pier of the bridge is only 1,215 feet from the shore, the distance between the two towers that support the cables, which in turn, support the floor of the bridge is 4,200 feet. These two cables are the largest bridge cables ever made at a little over 361 feet in diameter.
Today, pedestrians and bicyclists are still allowed to cross the bridge on pathways with breathtaking views of the city, Alcatraz, and the Marin Headlands. The bridge toll for vehicles is $3 when entering San Francisco. The first exit of the Marin side of the bridge is Visa Point, which provides a magnificent view of the San Francisco skyline. But, the best way to view the bridge is to walk across. This usually takes about an hour.
The Best Places To Watch The Sunset
10. Jimbaran Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Many Balinese beaches see lovely sunsets, but Jimbaran is unique because of the dozens of seafood shacks that line the sands and only open for dinner.
Each restaurant has chests of ice filled with freshly caught fish, from snapper and grouper to prawns and crabs. Once diners make a selection, the fish are cleaned, grilled, and served at a seaside table.
As you eat, you can sink your toes into the sand, listen to the waves, and watch as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean. Afterwards, relax with a drink as the beach glows with the light of hundreds of candles, lit by the restaurants.
9. Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles
There's nothing quite like watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier. Imagine the setting,,, waves crashing along the shore, a seal lies on the beach after a long day, a roller coaster, & ferris wheel light up the pier, people are playing miniature golf, skee ball machines make loud noises, & some Asian guy is singing karaoke,,,, all of that coupled with a sun setting into the beautiful Pacific, well you can't find all of that anywhere else.
8. Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Everything is beautiful at this beach let alone the sunset. After a long day of doing absolutely nothing in the hot sun, a person can come here to relax, sit at a beachside cafe & watch the day turn into nite. Now if only you could figure out how to get back to your hotel in the dark without being mugged : (
7. The Maldives, Indian Ocean
Now I realize many of you don't realize where the Maldives are, or what they are. Well I'll tell you, The Maldives is an island nation in the middle of the Indian Ocean famous for its untouched beaches, & serene beauty. While the possibility of ever coming here may be a little beyond most people both in imagination and in budget. The sunsets are amazing.
6. Cape Town, South Africa
Often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town sits at the southwestern edge of Africa, backed by the flat-topped 3,500ft peak of Table Mountain.
For an extraordinary sunset experience, book a ride with one of the local boat companies that offer late-afternoon cruises. You’ll ply the waters near the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, gaze back at the majestic Table, and perhaps sip a glass of wine as the sun dips below the horizon.
There isn't an experience like watching the sun set on Christmas Eve as you sit on the strand looking at Table Mount in the distance, & reflect upon the long day you spent on the beautiful beach.
5. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Well it's a big canyon, in the middle of a huge desert, which is completely isolated hence the word deserted being a derivative of desert. And when the sun sets here, well the colours are truly amazing.
4. Phnom Bakheng temple, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phnom Bakheng is a Buddhist temple built in the late 9th century on a hillside outside what is now Siem Reap. Visitors to the Angkor Archaeological Park are enticed to the temple ruins for its sunset views.
The top of Bakheng is accessible via a steep staircase, and from there you can look down on the sacred site of Angkor Wat and out across the forested expanse of northern Cambodia as the sun sets in a splash of color.
3. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania works too, as the wildebeest visit both during their annual migration from July to October. Regardless of the country, the scenery is fabulous and you can combine sunset viewing with a safari experience.
Imagine spending late afternoon on a game drive, watching elephants, giraffes, gazelles, lions, and wildebeest, and then topping off the day with a deep orange sunset.
2. Taj Mahal, India
I don't know if anyone reading this has ever seen a picture of the sun setting just beyond the Taj Mahal, but if they have then they surely understand why it takes such a high spot. There aren't many places in the world to see such a sight as a sunset like this.
1. Oia, Santorini, Greece
Every day, in late afternoon, travelers make their way to the western edge of the Greek island of Santorini.
There, in the small town of Oia, amidst whitewashed homes perched on the edge of a caldera, they stand along the road and sit with legs dangling from walls, waiting for the sun to disappear beneath the waves of the Aegean Sea.
The intense light of the Aegean produces a particularly dramatic sunset. So dramatic, in fact, that the tourist crowd invariably breaks out in applause.
Watch the sun set and rise
I am not suggesting to watch the sun set and rise in the same sitting, waiting for hours in the cold and dark isn't fun in anybody's book.
At least once in your life however, you must take time out to watch the sunset. A reflective event drawing to a close a day never to be repeated. The last day of somebody's life and the first day of another's. For me, it is also important to be in the right place to watch sunset.
A sunrise is a different matter altogether. Hear the birds singing, feel the crisp morning air, and appreciate the fact that you have another day to spend as you wish on this beautiful earth. For maximum effect, someplace peaceful and secluded would be ideal. Watching the sun set or rise over the rooftops of a city just isn't the same.
Climb a mountain
To stand at the base of a mountain and to look up and not be able to see the summit is awesome. Feeling the cold, the tiredness and the breathlessness at a great height and then feeling the joy of knowing you have conquered the mountain as many past climbers have done is indescribable, not to mention the spectacular views. Whether it is a mountain or a very big hill you have climbed, the feeling of achievement and freedom is the same.
Mt Everest may be out of my reach, but there are many more smaller mountains that I can walk up as opposed to climb up. My list includes:
- Mount Kilimanjaro
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