ofthisandthat Travel |
1. The Alhambra Palace - Granada, Spain 2. The Taj Mahal 3. The Pyramids 4. The Great Wall of China 5. Angkor Wat, Cambodia 6. Michelangelo's David, Florence 7. The Eiffel Tower 8. Grand Canal / Venice 9. Roman Ruins and the Vatican 10. Isfahan, Iran |
| Top Ten Must-see Places |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Ten most stupid travel questions:
1. Are there any lakes in the Lake District?
2. In what month is the May Day celebration?
3. What is the entry fee for Brighton?
4. What is the cost of a room at the Taj Mahal?
5. Why did they build so many ruined abbeys and castles in Britain?
6. Are the Niagara Falls in Niagara?
7. Can I wear high heels in India?
8. I hate curry. Can I still go to India?
9. A tourist at the Grand Canyon ---- Is this man-made?
10. Can I buy cow's milk in Australia?
__________________________________________________________________________
Top 10 Must-see ENDANGERED Cultural Treasures
- Fenestrelle Fortress, Italy
- Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
- Chan Chan, Peru
- The Hill of Tara, Ireland
- The City of Hasankeyf, Turkey
- Xumishan Grottoes, China
- Historic Route 66, USA
- Dampier Rock Art Complex, Australia
- Visoki Decani Monastery, Kosovo
- Jaisalmer Fort, India --- foundations endangered
Hasankeyf, Turkey --- perhaps one of the oldest continuously inhabited human
settlements spanning 10,000 years
Custom Search
Copyright © 2010 ofthisandthat.org.
All rights reserved.
All rights reserved.
| Questions and Comments backfire@ofthisandthat.org |
Interesting things to do in the major cities:
Chicago
New York
San Francisco
Chicago
New York
San Francisco
World's Best Waterfalls
- Iguazu Falls, Brazil and Argentina
- Niagara Falls, Canada and US
- Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Great National Parks of the U.S. West
- Yellowstone
- Grand Canyon -- try the new transparent Skywalk!
- Yosemite
Romantic castle for two --- the world's smallest
Check out Doyden Castle near Port Isaac in Cornwall
Off the beaten track in Japan --- LINK HERE
The picnic-plus-music festivals have started ...
For opera lovers Glyndebourne in the UK (near Lewes, East Sussex)
celebrates 75 years. Champagne and supper in the grounds before the music
inside.
(May 21 to August 29). LINK HERE
Less formal, the Ravinia festival (25 miles north of Chicago)
is the summer home of the Chicago Symphony. LINK HERE
In Swansea, Wales ---
a spectacular modern museum exploring Britain's vast industrial and maritime
heritage via cutting-edge, interactive technology. LINK HERE
Check out Doyden Castle near Port Isaac in Cornwall
Off the beaten track in Japan --- LINK HERE
The picnic-plus-music festivals have started ...
For opera lovers Glyndebourne in the UK (near Lewes, East Sussex)
celebrates 75 years. Champagne and supper in the grounds before the music
inside.
(May 21 to August 29). LINK HERE
Less formal, the Ravinia festival (25 miles north of Chicago)
is the summer home of the Chicago Symphony. LINK HERE
In Swansea, Wales ---
a spectacular modern museum exploring Britain's vast industrial and maritime
heritage via cutting-edge, interactive technology. LINK HERE
SRI LANKA --- The weather is still dry in the east and central to northern areas, it is low
season, and the war is over. Overall, not a bad time to visit the historic sites which happen to
be located in these parts.
City of Kandy with the lake in the foreground
Kandy from the Sinhala word kande, meaning "hill" is about 1600 feet (488 meters) above sea
level. The last capital of the Sinhala kings, it is the center of traditional Sri Lankan Culture and
favored by travelers from all over the world. The sacred tooth of Lord Buddha is preserved
here in it's own temple "Dalada Maligawa" ( The temple of the Tooth ).
Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya represent the magnificent relics of Sri Lanka's
golden age
Isurumuniya Temple circa 300 B.C. - Anuradhapura
Cut from a single granite wall, the statues of Lord Buddha, at Gal Vihara (rock shrine), in
Polonnaruwa, rank among the finest in Sri Lanka. The statues date from the 12th century A.D.
Gal Vihara at Polonnaruwa
Text: Siri Ekanayake
Photo: Udeni Alwis
The Rock Fortress Sigiriya rising some 600 feet above the scrub jungle plain.
season, and the war is over. Overall, not a bad time to visit the historic sites which happen to
be located in these parts.
City of Kandy with the lake in the foreground
Kandy from the Sinhala word kande, meaning "hill" is about 1600 feet (488 meters) above sea
level. The last capital of the Sinhala kings, it is the center of traditional Sri Lankan Culture and
favored by travelers from all over the world. The sacred tooth of Lord Buddha is preserved
here in it's own temple "Dalada Maligawa" ( The temple of the Tooth ).
Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya represent the magnificent relics of Sri Lanka's
golden age
Isurumuniya Temple circa 300 B.C. - Anuradhapura
Cut from a single granite wall, the statues of Lord Buddha, at Gal Vihara (rock shrine), in
Polonnaruwa, rank among the finest in Sri Lanka. The statues date from the 12th century A.D.
Gal Vihara at Polonnaruwa
Text: Siri Ekanayake
Photo: Udeni Alwis
The Rock Fortress Sigiriya rising some 600 feet above the scrub jungle plain.
With the Summer Solstice approaching it's a good time to visit Stockholm. The days are
long and there is plenty to see and enjoy. Stockholm is a series of islands with the sea in and
around.
One can visit the usual tourist attractions including the world's only restored 17th century
ship, the Vasa.
The most fun is to live in two interesting Youth Hostels, an old ship (af Chapman) and a
remodeled prison (Langholmen)
af Chapman (above)
Prison door at Langholmen
A most beautiful sculpture garden (Carl Millesgarden) is in the outskirts and a must see.
long and there is plenty to see and enjoy. Stockholm is a series of islands with the sea in and
around.
One can visit the usual tourist attractions including the world's only restored 17th century
ship, the Vasa.
The most fun is to live in two interesting Youth Hostels, an old ship (af Chapman) and a
remodeled prison (Langholmen)
af Chapman (above)
Prison door at Langholmen
A most beautiful sculpture garden (Carl Millesgarden) is in the outskirts and a must see.
Hurtigruten (express route) but now a cruise along Norway's jagged coastline is often claimed
to be the most scenic trip in the world. Now is the time to enjoy it.
to be the most scenic trip in the world. Now is the time to enjoy it.
As winter approaches Costa Rica beckons with warmth and friendly hospitality. Many choices
catering to different tastes at http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/ecoturismo.asp
catering to different tastes at http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/ecoturismo.asp
Karuizawa
Beautiful walks, quiet, peaceful, relaxing and just an hour by fast train from Tokyo, Karuizawa is
free therapy for mind and body. The nature walks are protected areas. One can enjoy Kyoto
and Tokyo, then take a few days off here for a recharge before the long trip home.
http://www.town.karuizawa.nagano.jp/html/English/contents/sightseeing/touristguide/index.html
Shiraito Falls
Beautiful walks, quiet, peaceful, relaxing and just an hour by fast train from Tokyo, Karuizawa is
free therapy for mind and body. The nature walks are protected areas. One can enjoy Kyoto
and Tokyo, then take a few days off here for a recharge before the long trip home.
http://www.town.karuizawa.nagano.jp/html/English/contents/sightseeing/touristguide/index.html
Shiraito Falls
Southern England: Yes, believe it or not, there is a summer in England -- it's been
warmer too in recent years. For the curious, there is a calendar of events that
highlight summertime in London and the South.
* The Chelsea Flower Show
* The Derby at Epsom Downs, Surrey
* Royal Ascot at Ascot, Berkshire made famous by Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady"
* Wimbledon - the outer courts can yield the best photos of the superstars.
* Henley Royal Regatta on the Thames at Henley for those who like rowing, the
outdoors, and a party.
* Hampton Court Flower Show reputed to be the world's largest held at the old palace.
* FA Cup for Soccer fans
* Cartier International Day - The Coronation Cup - for polo fans. The Argentinians may
or may not win the soccer World Cup but they are frequent winners here.
* Goodwood horse racing.
* Cowes Week for sailing enthusiasts.
* Glyndebourne for opera afficionados.
* The Proms at Albert Hall especially the last night.
* London offers plenty for those with time left over including an unusual history of
shipbuilding on board the light cruiser HMS Belfast moored on the South Bank.
There is Greenwich, Cutty Sark, etc. further down the river but the tourist guides
give ample information on popular sites.
warmer too in recent years. For the curious, there is a calendar of events that
highlight summertime in London and the South.
* The Chelsea Flower Show
* The Derby at Epsom Downs, Surrey
* Royal Ascot at Ascot, Berkshire made famous by Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady"
* Wimbledon - the outer courts can yield the best photos of the superstars.
* Henley Royal Regatta on the Thames at Henley for those who like rowing, the
outdoors, and a party.
* Hampton Court Flower Show reputed to be the world's largest held at the old palace.
* FA Cup for Soccer fans
* Cartier International Day - The Coronation Cup - for polo fans. The Argentinians may
or may not win the soccer World Cup but they are frequent winners here.
* Goodwood horse racing.
* Cowes Week for sailing enthusiasts.
* Glyndebourne for opera afficionados.
* The Proms at Albert Hall especially the last night.
* London offers plenty for those with time left over including an unusual history of
shipbuilding on board the light cruiser HMS Belfast moored on the South Bank.
There is Greenwich, Cutty Sark, etc. further down the river but the tourist guides
give ample information on popular sites.
AFTER THE GREAT WALL AND THE FORBIDDEN CITY
Before the cold weather sets in, there is still time for a scenic relaxing trip. The
Chengku railway is famous for a picturesque mountainous route. The trip from Emei
to Kunming takes 18 hours. The train takes its time (and so can the adventurous
tourist who desires to make stops along the way) as it winds its way through
breathtaking scenery including the beautiful Dadu river.
Mt. Emei is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; tea plantations line the slopes at the base
of the mountain which appears to rise above a spectral mist. Walks and hikes along
paths at the base, sampling tea, and traditional food as a house guest cap the
experience.
The last interesting stop, Kunming at 1900 m. above sea level feels cold. Its Shilin
stone "forest" caused by wind erosion is unusual; rocks as high as 15 ft. and about 3
ft across at the base rise like trees in a forest; hence the name. The rising rock
faces along the edge of the town still have lived-in homes built into them. There is a
market catering also to tourists including a Chinese seal maker who will happily
oblige with a translation of your name in Chinese and have a seal carved and ready
in quick order.
Before the cold weather sets in, there is still time for a scenic relaxing trip. The
Chengku railway is famous for a picturesque mountainous route. The trip from Emei
to Kunming takes 18 hours. The train takes its time (and so can the adventurous
tourist who desires to make stops along the way) as it winds its way through
breathtaking scenery including the beautiful Dadu river.
Mt. Emei is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; tea plantations line the slopes at the base
of the mountain which appears to rise above a spectral mist. Walks and hikes along
paths at the base, sampling tea, and traditional food as a house guest cap the
experience.
The last interesting stop, Kunming at 1900 m. above sea level feels cold. Its Shilin
stone "forest" caused by wind erosion is unusual; rocks as high as 15 ft. and about 3
ft across at the base rise like trees in a forest; hence the name. The rising rock
faces along the edge of the town still have lived-in homes built into them. There is a
market catering also to tourists including a Chinese seal maker who will happily
oblige with a translation of your name in Chinese and have a seal carved and ready
in quick order.
The Socotra Archipelago in the Indian Ocean is part of Yemen. Separated from the African
plate forty million years ago, it is noted for its unique flora and fauna.
To go one must fly to Aden or Sanaa and connect to Socotra.
Jelenia Gora - an unusual city in Karkonosze!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUccmf6m128
Karkonosze
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcwjZpkOxY8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUccmf6m128
Karkonosze
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcwjZpkOxY8