UTA Flight 772 broke up over the Sahara Desert near the towns of Bilma and Tenere in Niger. All 155 passengers and 15 crew members died. Lying in the middle of the Sahara, it is one of the least accessible memorial in the world. The memorial consist of a life-sized silhouette of the aircraft created using dark stones set into the sand. The silhouette lies inside a circle more than 200ft in diameter....
The cliffs of Latrabjarg, in Iceland, marks the westernmost part of Europe. These cliffs are home to millions of birds, including puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills. It is Europe’s largest bird cliff at 14km long and up to 440m high. Latrabjarg is famous for how close one can get to watch the birds. Safe from foxes, the birds are fearless, and provide stunning photographic opportunities from close range. Their main breeding period is from May to July....
Each spring, this desert like area comes alive with millions of bright orange poppy flowers. This area is now protected and called the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. Until the early 1970’s sheep grazed the buttes, but park management has excluded sheep. The park service also excludes sheep and cattle from grazing the hillsides. Poppies arent the only wildflower growing in Antelope valley. Also see:Namaqualands Miraculous Spring Flowers Sources:California State Parks,Wikipedia
The entire village stands on slits in the middle of the lake. This made the lagoon a safe territory for other tribes. Ganvie also has a floating market where the ladies of the village display their wares. The town has one complete patch of land, which is the site of the village school. Most of the people rely on fishing and tourism for their income. Fisherman trap and breed fish using underwater fences made from bamboo and nets....
But Shanty Town is possibly one of the most tasteless and insensitive themed resort ever created. American political satirist Stephen Colbert has called it poverty porn. But according to its owner, Shanty Town was simply filling a gap in the market. This is the only Shanty Town in the world equipped with under-floor heating and wireless internet access! Accommodates up to 52 guests. Our Shantys are completely safe and child friendly....
The highly anticipated new terminal at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, Guangdong, China, opened last week. Rainwater is collected and recycled in toilets and used to water indoor plants. Other interesting features include 116 white tree-shaped air conditioners that blend in with the terminal’s interior design. Construction of the terminal is reported to have cost 8.5 billion yuan (roughly $1.4 billion). Photo credits: Studio Fuksas
At the craters center, the ground rises slightly. Here grows some surprisingly large trees that draw moisture from the craters water reserves that remain after summer rains. These rocks now take the form of rusted balls of iron-shale that occur in the vicinity. These balls can weigh as much as 250 kilograms apiece. The locals refer to the crater as Gandimalal and it is prominent in art from the region....
The Seal and Luanda can be seen near Toscanini and the Atlantic Pride lies near Torra Bay. This fog and the constant, heavy surf on the beaches account for the many shipwrecks that occurred here. The unique ecosystem has given life to the most unusual plants. Photo credit Thick morning fog on the beach. The fog is responsible for many shipwrecks.Photo credit Source:Namibian.org,Wikipedia
It was built at the pinnacle of a rocky plateau very close to Matheran. The fort can be approached via a chillingly steep climb. The steps leading up to the fort were cut into the rock of the hill. There are no safety rails on the edge and no ropes on the wall to grab on to. The hardest part is the descent, especially if you have vertigo.
Ancient Indian traders who went to countries of South East Asia sailed from the seaport of Mahabalipuram. Today’s Mahabalipuram is purely a tourist town and one of the major attractions around Chennai. Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also see:10 Famous Balancing Rocks Around the World
From a distance, the monastery looks like a giant honeycomb. Phuktal Gompa was founded in the early 12th century by Gangsem Sherap Sampo, a disciple of Gelug founderTsongkhapa. Frescoes and ceiling decorate the old chapel and are popular with tourists. Phuktal Gompa is one of the few Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh that can be reached only on foot. A days or twos walk will lead you to Phugtal via two small villages - Chatang and Purne....
You cook a turkey, what, once a year? Bake time: Two hours. (And don’t worry: My standards are high, and this turkey is fantastic.) Photo courtesy Cook’s Illustrated/Joe Keller. Case in point: This incredible two-hour turkey. The skin is crisp, the bird is juicy, and the flavor is phenomenal. (I wasn’t even sure I liked turkey all that much before this bird.) Resist the temptation to tent the roasted turkey with foil while it rests on the carving board....
The Tree of Life orShajarat-al-Hayatin Bahrain is a remarkable tree. There is no apparent source of water and other vegetation for miles around. The mystery of the survival of the tree has made it a legend. Photo credit The mystery status of the Tree of Life in Bahrain is somewhat exaggerated. Not too far from the tree are seen ponds with water. Closer inspection of the area shows other trees nearby....
