Travel & Tourism: 2013

Thursday 4 April 2013

✣ Sydney Opera House ≍ Australia ✣

The Sydney Opera House is situated in Sydney, Australia. the opera house was made a part of the UNESCO, World heritage site In 2007 and is said to be the the world's most distinct 20th century buildings. It is also considered one of the most famous performing art centres in the world.

The Sydney Opera House is designed by renowned Danish Architect Jorn Utzon and constructed and constructed under some controversy. it also received the Pritzker prize in the year 2003.it was opened in October 1973. the Australian Opera's production of War and peace by Prokefiev was it's first performance.

The opera house cover 1.8 hectares of land. it is 183 metres tall and about 120 metres wide at the widest point. it is supported on 580 concrete piers sunk up to 25 metres below sea level.

In Sydney Opera House has five theatres, five rehearsal studios, four restaurants, six bars and numerous souvenir shops. the Opera house's roof is constructed of 1,056,000 glazed white granite tiles.

Its five theatres are the Concert hall (with a seating capacity of 2679), opera theatre (1547 seats), drama theatre (544 seats), and studio theatre (364 seats)

In Sydney Opera House you enjoy a free tour of the opera house. learn about the rich history of the building's unique architectural elements. get a behind the scenes look at daily life in the opera house.

Another attraction in Sydney is the Vivid Sydney. A festival of Light, music and idea. The festival is fall on mid of year in Australia. color the city with creativity and inspiration, Vivid Sydney highlights include the hugely popular immersible light installations and projections.

(Vivid Sydney)

Performance from local and international musicians at Vivid Live at Sydney Opera House and the Vivid idea exchange featuring public talks and debates from leading global creative thinkers.

Retrieved from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Opera_House

http://www.manlybeachhouse.com.au/blog/sydney-opera-house/12

http://www.mapsofworld.com/travel-destinations/sydney-opera-house.html

Sunday 31 March 2013

❊ Zifeng Tower ≈ Nanjing, China ❊

Zifang Tower is also known as
Greenland Centre-Zifang Tower or Greenland Square Zifang Tower and completed in year 2009 in Nanjing China. This Building is the 8th tallest building in the world which reached the height at 450-meters (89 floors).

The 89-story building comprises retail and office space in the lower section, and restourent, a hotel, and a public observatory near the top. The building's shape was inspired by Nanjing's triangular form, while the observation tower provides an all around view of the surrounding city.

(Zifeng Tower in Triangular form)

A public observation deck on the 72nd floor, near the top of the building offers views of the maximizing views of the mountains, lake and historic Nanjing buildings.There is a shopping centre spreading through floors 1-6 specialized for luxury goods. the 6 star intercontinental Hotel spread through 20 floor, from 49 until 71.

The building is business and financial centre and that we xan see on the floor 10-41 which are all offices. There are 2 observation decks in the building, lobby on the 45-46 floor, and deck on the 72 floor.

The floor under that international hotel there is a coffee bar, with beautiful view over the city. on the top floor of the building there are chinese restaurants and western restaurants. the last floor is reserved for nightclubs and also and outdoor swimming pool and garden are located on the roof of the tower's podium.

At night, the spire and tower atria will be lit and glow as a beacon in the Nanjing Skyline, making the tower a radiant new landmark for the city.

Retrieved from :

http://www.complex.com/art-design/2012/11/the-worlds-25-tallest-buildings/zifeng-tower

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zifeng_Tower

ღ Tower Bridge ≍ London ღ

Tower Bridge has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 ans is on of the fitnest, most recognisable bridge in the world. it is the London Bridge you tend to see in movie and on advertising literature for London.

It is close to the Tower of London, from which it takes it's name. contrary to popular belief, the song "London Bridge is Falling Down" has nothing to do with Tower Bridge. They are completely different Bridge. It has become and Iconic symbol of London.

The Bridge consists of two towers tied together at the upper level by means of two horizontal walkways, designed to withstand the horizontal forces exerted by the suspended sections of the bridge on the landward sides of the tower.

The bridge is 800 feet (244 m) in length with two towers each 213 feet (61 m) hogh, built on piers. The central span of 200 feet between the tower is split into two equal bascules or leaves.the pedestrian walkways are 143 feet (44 m) above the river at high tide.

(Tower Bridge interior walkways)

Tower Bridge Exhibition and the tower walkways

In 1982 they were opened as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition, a display housed in the bridge's rein tower, the high level walkway sand the Victorian engine rooms. The exhibition charges an admission fee. it uses films, photos and interactive displays to explain why and how Tower Bridge was built.

Visitors can access the original steam engines that once powered the bridge bascules, housed in a building close to the south end of the bridge.

The bridge featured in publicity for the 2012 Summer Olympics being held in London. In June 2012 a set of Olympic rigs was suspended from the bridge to mark one month to go until the start of the games. the rings cost $259,817 to make, measured 25 by 11.5 meter and weighed 13 tonnes.

(Night view Tower Bridge)

Retrieved by:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Bridge

http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/london/attractions/tower.html

Keukenhof Gardens ≍ Natherland

(Keukenhof Flower Garden)

Keukenhof is the world's largest flower garden, located in Lisse, Netherlands, about 45 minutes outside of Amsterdam city center. That's the place to see spring blossom the park is unique, world famous, and has been one of the most popular destination in the Netherlands for sixty years now.

The park was once a hunting area, then jacqueline, countess of hainaut's herb garden, after her death is was passed over to wealthy merchants who hired landscapers to intensify the beauty of the area, currently the estate is owned by a Foundation.

Keukenhof Gardens covers 80 acres of more than 7 million blooming tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, fresia, hydrangea, gerbera, daffodils, roses and many more spring bulbs with 15 km of padestrian paths for visitors to fully discover the beauty of the park.

Each year the theme of Keukenhof is different, the theme of 2013 is "united Kingdom -land of great Gardens'.

keep reading to find out all you need to know about visiting keukenhof.

The best time to visit Keukenhof Gardens greatly depends on the weather. if you want to see tulips the best time is around mid- april. The garden are open from the last week in march to mid-may (including Sundays and local holidays).

Indoor Flower shows

Flower Garden present their flowers in unique arrangement as viewer vote on the most beatiful flower of the show. The location of the show are:

Oranje Nassau Pavilion - a different flower every week
willem Alexander Pavillion - tulips until 9 may and from 10-20 lilies
Beatrix Pavilion - Orchids

Rent a bike

You can not cycle inside Keukenhof park itself, but you can outside of the park on 4 different toutes from 5 km to 25 km long or the more advanced "Bulb Route" in 35 km long. You can rent a bike at the Main Entrance parking daily 9.30 am to 6 pm.

Go on a "Whisper boat" ride

A boat trip around the Keukenhof bulb fields and Dutch landscape. the duration is about 50 to 75 minutes.

Flower Parade

The annual Flower Parade starts on Saturday april 20, 2013 at 9.30 am and goes until 9 pm. the Parade covers 40 km from Noordwijk to Haaelem.

Retrieved from,

http://blog.edreams.com/guide-to-keukenhof-gardens/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keukenhof

http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-the-netherlands/

Golden Temple of Amirtsar ≍ India ツ

The Harmandir Sahib (or Harimandir) in Amritsar, Panjab, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. it also known as the Golden Temple, it was officially renamed Harmandir Sahid In march 2005.

The temple (orgurdwara) is a major Pilgrimage destination for Sikhs from all over the world as well as an increasingly popular tourist destination.

Hari Mandir (Divine Temple) at the center of the golden temple complex

The most famous and sacred part of the Golden Temple complex is the Hari Mandir ( Divine Temple) or Darbar Sahid (Court of the lord), which is the beautiful golden structure at the center of a large body of water. The Golden Temple of Amritsar is still fully alive with religious fervor and sacredness, and visitors are welcomed to join in the experience. Although the Building itself has great historical and architecture interest, it is the Golden Temple great spritual meaning for Silkh believers (and others) that is most to visitors.

Golden Temple is open to visitors, like all Sikh temples. the only restrictions are that visitors must not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke in the shrine.

(The interior of Golden Temple Mostly Sikhs Worship here)

Golden temple night view

Retrieved by:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmandir_Sahib

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/india/golden-temple-of-amritsar

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amritsar

✎ Milford Sound » New Zealand

Milford Sound is among the most famous tourist attraction in New Zealand. Lying at the most morthen and accessible ends of Fiorland national park, Milford sounds offer some of the world's most staggering coastal scenery with dramatic peaks and dark blue waters.

The area's frequent downpours only enhance this south Island beauty, sending numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

The beauty of this landscape draws thousand of visitors each day, with between 550000 and i million visitors in total per year.

Almost all tourist going to sound also take one of the boat tours which usually last one to two hours. the place is more attractive and impress tourist heart.Departing from the Milford sound's visitors centre.

There is also the option of extended overnight cruises on Milford Sound. Tramping, Canoeing and some other water sports are also possible. There only limited accommodation at the sound, and only a very small percentage of tourist stay more than the day.

In rainy and stormy days tourist can admire the play of the wind with the numerous waterfalls in Milford sound. The winding mountain road, while of high standards, is very prone to avalanches and closures during the winter half of the year

(Milford sound waterfall)

Besides, got many more thing to do and to experience in Milford Sound. such,

Milford Sound Scenic Cruises

Scenic Cruise Vessels have purpose- built observation lounges and large decks and comfortable lounges while enjoying variety of delicious lunch option- from and Indian Thali to buffet, freshly
prepared on board by chef.

Milford Sound Nature Cruises

Enjoy an in depth exploration of Milford Sound's natural wonder with our specialist nature guide on a leisurely and extended cruise.

Milford Sound Small Boat Cruises

An intimate experience of iconic Milford sound on small bout cruise.

Milford Mariner Overnight Cruises

Spent the night on board a traditionally designed vessel with private cabins and en suites for the ultimate Milford Sound experience.

Milford Wanderer Overnight Cruises

A laid-back overnight experience in specular Milford Sound with twin-share cabins and shared bathrooms facilities

Milford Sound Fly-Over

Experience one of the world's most stunning alpine flights with our convenient fly-over option

Milford Sound 1-day Sea Kayaking

The awe-inspiring sights of Milford Sound from sea level on an intimate, small group guided kayaking trip

Retrieved by:

https://www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/destinations/milford-sound/

http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-new-zealand/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milford_Sound

Seoraksan National Park ≍ South Korea ✌

As Korea's most popular national park, it was designed the 5th national park in Korea 1970 and chosen as a nature preservation area on November 5, 1965 also, internationally recognized for it's rare species. Seoark-san gets a tremendous number of Visitors to see the leaves turn color every autmn.

(Temples in Seoraksan park)

The total are of Seroksan park is 398,539 km. Seoraksan's craggy peaks shrouded in mist. The park contains several temples, including Baekdam-sa.

The inner part of the Taebaek Mountain range is named inner seorak. The othe Majorareas are outer Seorak-san and South Seorak. All three areas are divided by Dacheong-Bong, the main peak of Seoark-san. Baekdamsa is located inside Naeseorak (inner seorak), the temple has been destroyed several times and rebuilt, even changing location and names. there is never stone bridge over Bokman Gyegok leading to the entrance of this humble, understated temple.

Of its on site treasures, the most impressive is the wooden Amitayus Buddha, which was made in1748, and is considered one of best status of the 18th century.

The Taebeak mountain chain is often condsidered the backbone of the Korea peninsula.

(Be careful not to step on ice in Winter because they can get really slippery, it is safer to hold railings, just in case)

(Breathtaking view)

Retrieved by:

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/seoraksannationalpark/A41417.html#ixzz2OSa9MVkF

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/seoraksannationalpark/A41417.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoraksan_National_Park

Kanawa Island ≈ Indonesia ☺

Kanawa is a small is a small beautiful tropical island, fully surrounded by white sandy beaches and coral reefs. It is located at the border of Komodo National Park, just one hour flight away from Bali.

Kanawa is a the perfect destination for relaxing, snorkeling, diving and exploring the park.

Kanawa is a beautiful tropical island of about 28 hectares. it consists of two main white and sand beaches and one small, hidden sand cove, at the center of the island a hill guarantees astonishing 360 degrees views all over Komodo National Park, offering one of the world's most spectular sunsets.

In the Kanawa Bungalow resort the special foods has a starfish Cafe that serves Italian, continental and Indonesia dishes. the pizza is delicious. most dishes are below $5.

The best period to visit is from April to December as the rainy season is from January to March. the water around the island is very calm as the coral reefs protect the island from strong waves.

Activities that tourist can see or do in the Kanawa island:

Walking

The scenery is beautiful. a walk around the island takes about 40 minutes - 1 hour. The beaches are white and water is crystal clear. there is also a hill in the middle of the island and from there you can have gorgeous views of sunrise and sunset.