Showing posts with label World Mix Post. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Mix Post. Show all posts
Halong Bay, Vietnam
The winged serpent, sent by the Jade Emperor, dropped from paradise into the ocean, and showered a thousand pearls from its mouth. From these falling pearls, the 1,600 shaggy limestone piles of Halong Bay developed, a colossal shape of cluttered karst post intended to shield Vietnam from trespassers in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Most guests to Vietnam cruise past the rough outcrops - some taking off 100m high - on vessel travels, however a month ago Vietnam's first tourism seaplane propelled, flying guests over the Unesco world legacy site and giving them dynamite winged serpent eye sees.
The transcending outcrops of Halong Bay, which signifies 'where the winged serpent dives to the ocean', overshadowed the delight vessels on their overnight travels and from the air the forested rocks now looked like overgrown irregularities and knocks - the venturing stones of a mammoth, thudded on an emerald green lake.
Assigned an Unesco world legacy site 20 years prior this year, the cove is one of Vietnam's most well known vacation spots. It is just as of late however, that few journey vessels have wandered advance east into the Gulf of Tonkin, to the external rough flanks of Bai Tu Long.
A Unique 80 Meter Pink Buddhist Temple
A Unique 80 Meter Pink Buddhist Temple With a 17 Story Green Dragon Wrapped Around the Exterior
by Lori Dorn
In the Samphran district of Thailand sits one of the country’s most spectacular Buddhist temples.
Wat Samphran is a towering pink masterpiece scaling in at 80 meters high — an homage to the number of years Buddha lived
by Lori Dorn
In the Samphran district of Thailand sits one of the country’s most spectacular Buddhist temples.
Wat Samphran is a towering pink masterpiece scaling in at 80 meters high — an homage to the number of years Buddha lived
Atlantis of the East - CITY OF SCHICHENG, CHINA
A maze of white temples, memorial arches, paved roads, and houses... hidden 130 feet underwater: this is China's real-life Atlantis.
The so-called Lion City, tucked in a lake between the Five Lion Mountain, was once Shi Cheng - the centre of politics and economics in the eastern province of Zhejiang.
But in 1959, the Chinese government decided a new hydroelectric power station was required - so built a man-made lake.
The so-called Lion City, tucked in a lake between the Five Lion Mountain, was once Shi Cheng - the centre of politics and economics in the eastern province of Zhejiang.
But in 1959, the Chinese government decided a new hydroelectric power station was required - so built a man-made lake.
Unlike the mythical Atlantis, Shicheng – which means Lion City in Mandarin – was purposely flooded in 1959 to make way for the Xin’an Dam and its adjoining hydroelectric station. Nearly 300,000 people were relocated for the project, some of whom had families that had lived in the city for centuries.
The city was “rediscovered” in 2001 when the Chinese government organised an expedition to see what might remain of the lost metropolis. Interest and exploration increased further in 2011, when the Chinese National Geography published some never-before-seen photographs and illustrations hypothesising what the small city, which measured about half a square kilometre, might have looked like in its heyday.
Expeditions and underwater photographs have revealed that the city had five entrance gates, as opposed to the traditional four – with two western-facing gates as well as gates in the other cardinal directions. The city’s wide streets also have 265 archways, featuring preserved stonework of lions, dragons, phoenixes and historical inscriptions, some of which date back as far as 1777; the city walls are believed to date back to the 16th Century.
Despite being underwater, Shicheng has remained well preserved; the water actually protects it from wind, rain and sun erosion. Today, advanced divers can get up close to the ruins with dive operators such as Big Blue and Zi Ao Diving Club, which run regular dives between April and November. Since the ruins have yet to be fully mapped, the dive is still considered “Exploratory” and is limited to divers with deep water, night and buoyancy experience.
The Alcazar (Castles) of Spain: The Alcazar Castle of Segovia
An Alcazar (castle) is a Spanish word deriving from the Arabic 'alquasar', meaning fortress or palace.
Spain has some truly magnificent examples of castle architecture - however, true alcazars are something a little different. Alcazars tend to be inspired by Moorish architecture, and were often built upon the remnants of 13th century Moorish fortresses.
These Alcazars originated from the time when Spain was occupied by Moors from North Africa - the period from around 711-1492.
There are some extremely famous examples of Alcazar castle in Spain. The Alcazar of Segovia is undoubtedly the most famous alcazar castle, as the fairytale turrets allegedly inspired the design of Disney themepark castles.
In addition, the Alcazar of Seville is one of Seville's most noted tourist attractions. The alcazar is a beautiful, extensive complex, and a part-time residence of the Spanish royal family.
The Alcazar of Cordoba is less well-known but no less beautiful than the others. The alcazar was a home to the Spanish Inquisition, and was a favourite residence of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.
- The fantasy alcazar of Segovia, a fairytale Spanish castle
Apparently, the castle was the inspiration behind Cinderella's Castle in Walt Disney World: whether or not this urban legend is true, the Alcazar is undeniably breathtaking.
However, although it's a 'real' castle, those picture-postcard perfect spires and turrets are something of a modern fantasy.
In 1862, a tremendous fire burned away much of the roof and existing turrets, and so they were rebuilt and remodelled by some Romantic architects. Taking inspiration from some of the Romantic castles being constructed in Germany at the time, they rather exaggerated the fairytale aspect!
On visiting the castle, you'll be able to wander through nine, decorated period rooms, including a chapel and an armoury.
The most impressive of all chambers is the Sala de Las Pinas, where hundreds of ornate golden shields, shaped rather like pine-cones, hang evocatively from the ceiling.
This beautiful carving was completed in 1452, and is a lovely example of ornate Moorish design influencing Spanish castle architecture.
If you're spending a day in Segovia (probably as a day-trip from Madrid), don't forget to see the Cathedral and 782m Roman Aqueduct before you leave. The entire town is a real little treat for heritage lovers.
Read the full article at:
The Alcazar (Castles) of Spain: The Alcazar of Cordoba
An Alcazar (castle) is a Spanish word deriving from the Arabic 'al quasar', meaning fortress or palace.Spain has some truly magnificent examples of castle architecture - however, true alcazars are something a little different. Alcazars tend to be inspired by Moorish architecture, and were often built upon the remnants of 13th century Moorish fortresses.
These Alcazars originated from the time when Spain was occupied by Moors from North Africa - the period from around 711-1492.
There are some extremely famous examples of Alcazar castle in Spain. The Alcazar of Segovia is undoubtedly the most famous alcazar castle, as the fairytale turrets allegedly inspired the design of Disney themepark castles.
In addition, the Alcazar of Seville is one of Seville's most noted tourist attractions. The alcazar is a beautiful, extensive complex, and a part-time residence of the Spanish royal family.
The Alcazar of Cordoba is less well-known but no less beautiful than the others. The alcazar was a home to the Spanish Inquisition, and was a favourite residence of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.
The Alcazar of Cordoba: once home to the Spanish Inquisition
Tourists often overlook Alcazar of Cordoba. That’s because it’s somewhat eclipsed by the big-name tourist attraction in Cordoba – the mighty Mesquita.
The Mesquita is staggering building – a Moorish mosque converted into a Christian cathedral, and quite unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else in the world.
Although the Alcazar castle isn’t in the same league as its nearby rival, and isn’t quite as magic as its siblings in Seville or Segovia, it’s certainly worth a visit – particularly for its outstanding gardens.
The foundations for the Cordoba Alcazar were laid in Roman times – but it was the Moors who made the fortress the site it is today. In the 12th and 13th centuries, they dramatically enlarged the old fortress, adding the beautiful Caliph baths and adorning so many of the rooms with beautiful tile-work and plastering.
Tourists often overlook Alcazar of Cordoba. That’s because it’s somewhat eclipsed by the big-name tourist attraction in Cordoba – the mighty Mesquita.
The Mesquita is staggering building – a Moorish mosque converted into a Christian cathedral, and quite unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else in the world.
Although the Alcazar castle isn’t in the same league as its nearby rival, and isn’t quite as magic as its siblings in Seville or Segovia, it’s certainly worth a visit – particularly for its outstanding gardens.
The foundations for the Cordoba Alcazar were laid in Roman times – but it was the Moors who made the fortress the site it is today. In the 12th and 13th centuries, they dramatically enlarged the old fortress, adding the beautiful Caliph baths and adorning so many of the rooms with beautiful tile-work and plastering.
Other kings and members of the Spanish nobility lived in the Alcazar castle over the years, and the castle was a site of fervent plotting, while the Spanish Christian monarchs tried to figure out a way to recapture Granada – the last stronghold of the Moors. In 1492, they finally succeeded – and expelled the Muslims from the country.
The military success served to stir Spain’s religious fervour. In Cordoba, from 1482, the Christian monarchs began the proceedings of ‘inquisition’ – to try, detain, torture and sentence people who they felt could compromise the Catholic faith.
The ‘inquisition’ extended to Muslims, Jews and also Protestants, and was used to consolidate the Catholic orthodoxy in Spain. The Alcazar of Cordoba was one of the first sites of the Inquisition – and its vaults, tunnels and cells were strengthened to take in so many prisoners.
Disappointingly, and somewhat amusingly, some of the most beautiful features of the alcazar have been removed over time – two huge waterwheels in the gardens were removed in c15th, as Queen Isabella complained that they kept her awake!
However, the modern-day gardens are more than worth a visit – they’re ornate, beautifully pruned, and full of cooling water features. You can also climb two towers – Torre de los Leones and Torre del Homenaje – to get a birds-eye perspective of the wonderful site.
The building is an Historical Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It doubles as a museum and a place for public and private events (concerts, weddings ...).
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