The Biggest waterfall in the world "Niagara

For years Niagara Falls has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States and Canada. Visitors from abroad and North America cannot seem to shake their desire to visit this dramatic aquatic spectacle. But why exactly? The falls are not particularly convenient to any major U.S. city (apologies to Buffalo), which means visitors to the US will need at least two days to fit in a visit to Niagara. Furthermore besides the actual falls themselves, there is little in the way of cultural or natural points of interest in the area. That is unless you consider a visit to 'Ripley's Believe it or Not' to be a cultural experience. Finally, the climate in the Niagara region is rather daunting for much of the year. The area gets a lot of precipitation throughout the year and winter is definitely rugged in that region.

The short answer to why Niagara Falls has such a following is good PR. People from far and wide have heard of Niagara Falls. I recently asked a friend from Taiwan if she had heard of Niagara Falls before moving to the states. "Of course!", she replied, "we learned about Niagara Falls in grade school." She went on to explain that most people who grew up in Asia consider Niagara Falls to be one of the most important sites to see in the U.S. Its reputation is also strong throughout Europe and India. The thought of missing Niagara Falls is akin to missing the Great Wall or the Taj Majal on a visit to China or India respectively.

The real key to Niagara Fall's enduring lure, however, may be simply that it does not disappoint. The falls themselves have an undeniable dramatic beauty. Furthermore, the ever popular Maid of the Mist boat ride that takes tourists directly into the falls is truly thrilling. Beyond that, the town of Niagara Falls, Ontario has a certain dilapidated charm. As you stroll along Queen Victoria Park facing the falls on the Canadian side, you cannot help but get a sense of what it must have been like to visit in more innocent times; before we were jaded by extreme vacations and adventure tours. To think of someone actually climbing into a barrel and heading over the falls in 1901 (actually done for the first time by a 63 year old school teacher) still captures the imagination.

To get more insight into what impression Niagara Falls makes, I interviewed 40 people who had visited the Falls in the past several years. The survey, taken from a semi-randomly selected sample, is patently unscientific. However, the results are interesting nonetheless. (A few words about the sample: most respondents were not born in the US but were living here, the age range was from young adults to retirees, most had begun their trip in either New York City or Boston, and most had gone to the Falls on a bus tour.)

Here is a summary of the feedback:

Was it worth visiting?
A resounding yes. Most respondents acknowledged that the eight hour trip from New York City was long, but surprisingly few seemed to mind. Several people expressed how much they enjoyed seeing the countryside and getting a sense of the "real" United States. Those who included a visit to Niagara Falls as part of a tour of Canada were the least likely to complain about the distance. Only one respondent expressed regret that he made the trip. He said he just did not find the falls themselves that impressive and did not think it was worth the long bus trip.

Most recommended attractions?
Hands down the Maid of the Mist boat tour was suggested as the must-do activity. Several people also pointed out that this was the best way to view the falls for those who were not able to go to the Canadian side because of visa re-entry issues. The Cave of the Winds tour, which takes you by elevator to the bottom of the falls, got high marks for those who preferred not to take a boat ride. The helicopter tour also got raves, but only one person in the survey took a helicopter tour. The nighttime illumination of the falls got mixed reviews, with some calling it "stunning", while others found it "tacky". Several people who traveled with children also recommended exploring the town of Niagara Falls, Ontario. It offers typically touristy attractions that are sure to please kids.

How long should you stay?
Almost everyone answered either one or two days. A few people thought only a few hours were sufficient to see the sights, and no one suggested staying more than two days.

When should you go?
This is a little hard to decipher. Not surprisingly most people visited Niagara Falls in the summer. The few who did go in the winter said they were impressed by the falls surrounded by ice, but expressed regret that they could not go on the Maid of the Mist (it stops running in October). In short, it seems like you should not go to Niagara in the winter unless you are prepared for the cold. A few also recommended going in the fall to enjoy the foliage in Upstate New York along the way.

Bottom Line: Most people sampled in this informal survey thought Niagara Falls was a great weekend getaway and a good place to take visitors from abroad. If possible, include a stop in Niagara Falls on a visit to Toronto for a great long weekend trip from New York or Boston. Chances are you will not be disappointed in a trip to Niagara Falls if you go when you are prepared for the weather, do not stay more than two days, and do not have high expectations of the attractions outside of those related to the falls. Read More..

Bunaken The Snorkling Spot In North Sulawesi..

The total area of the Bunaken National Marine Park is 89 065 ha and includes the five islands of Bunaken, Siladen, Manado Tua, Montehage and Nain, as well as parts of the coastal area of North Sulawesi mainland. There are more than 40 dive sites around the islands and along Manado Bay.

Bunaken
Vertical walls, reef sharks, turtles, Pygmy sea horses and many surprises!
The eastern side of Bunaken Island offers superb wall diving and excellent snorkelling. The vertical wall has many cracks and small caves and is covered with soft and hard corals, gorgonians and huge sponges. Fishes are so abundant that it is impossible to list all the species found here.

Some examples are: barracudas, triggerfishes, parrotfishes, surgeonfishes, unicornfishes, wrasses, drummers, butterflyfishes, trumpetfish, trevallys, groupers, snappers, sweetlips, angelfishes, needlefishes and batfishes. Possible encounters include turtles, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks bumphead parrotfish, napoleon wrasse, eagle rays and blue-spotted stingrays The shallows are unbelievably colourful and full of life. Excellent spot for night dives, too
What has been said about diving on the east side of Bunaken (Timur):

"This is truly breathtaking, an incredible dive any time of day; but dived early morning or late afternoon, when the light begins to die and the fish start feeding in earnest, Timur is the diving equivalent of a religious experience. ...
There is more variety on this site, given the right conditions, than I have seen anywhere else in Indonesia. If it's in the fish guidebook, it's on this reef - and it would truly take a whole book to recite the species spotted on even a single dive.
Whatever you do and however you dive it, don't miss this spot. If you could do only one dive in North Sulawesi, this would have to be it."
(The dive sites of Indonesia, Guy Buckles, 1995)

The southern side of the island has beautiful coral slopes in a deep calm bay, as well as vertical winding walls with stronger currents. This side of the island has a high diversity of fishes, corals and sponges, and good spots for snorkelling.
There are huge schools of fusiliers, pyramid butterflyfishes, bannerfishes and damselfishes. Other species you might bump into are reef sharks, napoleon wrasses, hawksbill and green turtles, great barracudas, eagle rays, snappers, scorpionfishes and leaf fishes. Invertebrates include a variety of differently shaped hard corals, black corals, gorgonians, giant barrel sponges, nudibranchs and giant clams.

The dive sites on the western and northern sides of Bunaken are vertical walls abundant with reef fishes, sharks, lobsters, whip corals and giant gorgonians with tiny Pygmy sea horses. You might also see large emperors, red snappers, groupers, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, giant trevally, turtles and barracudas. Even manta rays, mola mola, hammerhead sharks and whalesharks have been seen around Bunaken. Read More..

The Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, the so called “Lost City of the Incas”, has become a classic “see before you die” sight since it was rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. It is an unforgettable place – a set of excellently preserved Inca ruins perched on top of a mountain in the middle of the Peruvian Andes.

Machu Picchu is visited by almost a million people every year, and though the site is accessible by bus from the local town of Aguas Calientes, many people choose to trek the Inca Trail to get there. If Machu Picchu is one of the most famous historical sights in the world, the classic Inca Trail is one of the most famous treks; a four-day walk following an ancient Inca roadway and passing through a number of other Inca ruins before your first mesmerising glimpse of Machu Picchu from the ‘Gateway of the Sun’.

Sound exciting? It can be the trip of a lifetime, but if you are considering the trek to Machu Picchu, here are four things to be aware of…

Book ahead

In recent years, the Peruvian government has imposed tight restrictions on Inca trail treks in an attempt to lessen damage and erosion of the route and ease overcrowding. Only five hundred people (including porters and guides) are allowed to begin the trail each day, and you are required to book a permit to walk there. This means you typically need to book a place several months in advance, especially if you intend to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in peak season (between June and August.)

Get in shape

While it is only a four-day trek, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is quite physically demanding, with high altitude passes and long days of hard walking. You don’t need to be a hugely experienced trekker to walk the Inca Trail, but some trekking experience and a decent general level of fitness are recommended.

When they try and trek the Inca Trail, far too many travellers fly straight in to Cusco from Lima and immediately start the trail. This can be a serious mistake, as Cusco itself is at over 3000m, and the trail itself goes even higher. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to acclimatise to the altitude. If you are flying straight into Cusco, it is a good idea to spend a little time at a lower altitude to give your body a chance to adjust, perhaps by taking a tour of the Sacred Valley before your Inca Trail trek.

Take the right equipment

Any reputable tour company will be able to provide you with a list of equipment, and some may even offer to rent equipment to you. As a bare minimum, you need some broken in hiking boots (trainers are not recommended!), several layers of warm clothing, a waterproof jacket or poncho, water bottle, good quality sleeping bag, and daytime trekking clothes. You may also want to take a pair of trekking poles – the stone staircases on the Inca Trail can be hard work on your knees!

Tip the porters

When you trek the Inca Trail, it is likely that most, if not all, of the camping and cooking equipment will be carried by local porters (pack animals are now banned from the trail). The treatment of the porters varies from company to company – some are well paid and well looked after, while others are definitely not. That’s another reason to go with a reputable company, who are committed to responsible tourism and have an established policies and practices regarding porter care.

Interact with your porter as much as possible (bringing some coca leaves as gifts is a good way to show your appreciation), and keep an eye on how the porters are treated – make a complaint after the trip if you feel that they have been hard done by.

Make sure that you bring some money to tip the porters at the end of your Inca Trail trek. The amount that you should tip varies with the quality of service, of course, but it is generally recommended that you bring between £25 - £35 in dollars or soles to cover the tips for your cook, guide and personal porter.

About the Author
Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who have run Inca Trail treks for many years. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

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Egypt and Jordan

7 Wonders of the World… You may not name all of them but probably you know that most of them were destroyed by earthquake, fire, or other causes since Herodotus formulated his list in mid 5th century BC. Today you may only see 2 monuments: the remains of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus in Turkey and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, the only one fully standing. Although Egypt has many to offer still thousands of tourists visit Egypt every year to see the Great Pyramid. In 2001 a corporation started an initiative to choose the New 7 Wonders of the World. The results were announced in 2007 and one more monument in the Middle East was selected as one of the new wonders: Petra in Jordan. Since then Jordan became a booming tourism destination. Although Egypt was not happy with the results still Petra’s selection increased the tourist flow to the region, and both Jordan and Egypt benefited from this traffic. The frequency and the short duration of the flights between these countries motivate North American travelers to visit both countries once they take the long flight to the Middle East. You’ll need at most 13 days to tour Egypt and Jordan; you can cover the major highlights and return home with mystical memories of the new and old wonders of the world.

It is suggested to begin with Cairo, the bustling city of North Africa. Don’t plan to begin touring on your arrival day, try to rest, recover from jet lag and keep your energy for the next day. Next morning why don’t you start with the famous Giza Pyramids? If you have booked a private tour in Egypt, probably you’ll meet your guide at your hotel and you’ll drive to Giza Plateau, located in the west bank of Nile, facing Cairo. Cheops, Chepren and Mycerinus are the three pyramids you will see in this plateau and their guardian Sphinx, the lion body human head mythical statue. If you are planning to enter the Great Pyramid you’ll need to arrive the gate early as the number of visitors is limited with 150. After Pyramids, visit the second highlight, the world famous Egyptian Museum. The museum that houses the largest Egyptian collection with more than 250.000 antiques extending over the past 5000 years. The famous Tut-Ankh-Amon collection is one of the most splendid parts of the museum. In the museum you may purchase additional ticket to visit the Mummy Room (cameras not allowed).

Your second day should begin early with a flight to Aswan or Luxor to join the Nile Cruise. You may not be really a “cruise type” but in Egypt, Nile cruise is the best way to visit Luxor, Aswan and other sights in between. If you begin from Aswan probably you’ll want to take the expensive excursion to Abu Simbel. It is a half day excursion but a must-see sight in Egypt. Flights to Abu Simbel fly early morning from Aswan and return by noon allowing ample time for cruise guests to board their ship. In Abu Simbel you’ll see the magnificent temples of Ramses II and Nefertiti.

Then you can join your Nile cruise ship where you’ll spend you next 5 days. Most cruise excursions will take you to Aswan Dam, to the Philae Temple and to a short sail by felluca’s, traditional sail boats to view the Agha Khan Mausoleum which is currently closed to visitors. On the way to Luxor ship will stop in Kom Ombo and Edfu. The Kom Ombo Temple was built in Ptolemaic Roman era for the worship of god Haroeris and Sobek, the crocodile god. Edfu Temple, located in the west bank of Nile, is dedicated to god Horus, the falcon god. This temple is the second largest temple after Karnak and its distinctive character comes from its huge structure that blends Greek and Pharaonic architecture. At the end of 3rd day on boat you will arrive Luxor, the greatest open air museum in the world.

Luxor tours begin with the Valley of Kings and Queens. Some of the most important tombs in the valley are the tombs of Tut-Ankh-Amon, Ramses III, Set I (Kings), and Nefertiti (Queen). Here you can also see the colossi of Memnon, Necropolis of Thebes and the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, established by the only woman who ruled Egypt. Three terraces of the temple are impressive. Then you’ll cross the river to the eastern bank of Nile to see the temple of Karnak and Luxor. Luxor temple was built for the worship of god Amon Ra. Karnak temples includes several temples and it begins with the spectacular avenue of Rams. Next morning you’ll disembark and may spend the day in Luxor to visit the Luxor museum or you can return Cairo via flight or train.

For a complete Cairo experience you must visit the Khan Khalili Bazaar, the most famous bazaar of Egypt built in 14th century. The market has a medieval atmosphere and is famous for its unusual, typically oriental souvenirs, and handmade crafts.

At the end of your 7 night in Egypt you’ve already covered the most important highlights. On 8th day you can stay in Cairo to visit Memphis and Sakkara or you can take a daily tour to Alexandria, second biggest city and the largest port of Egypt. The city was built by the order of Alexander the Great in 332 B.C and became the capital city of his reign in Egypt. Here you should visit the Pompay Pillar, Catacomb, Montazah Garden, National Museum and the Alexandria Library. You may stay a few more days in Cairo to visit the old Cairo, mosques, citadel etc. But if you have limited time I suggest you to take the early flight next day to Amman, Jordan.

Amman, the modern and ancient capital of Jordan, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the World. Although Amman is the first step to visit Petra, Dead Sea or Wadi Rum still it is advised to begin your journey from Amman where you can visit the ancient Citadel, the Archaeological Museum and the Roman Amphitheatre.

Next day you can drive along the King’s Highway, the ancient Silk Road, to Madaba that is famous with its Byzantine mosaics. In the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George you can see the earliest surviving original map of the Holy land in a mosaic floor dating to 560 A.D. Ten kilometres west of Madaba is the holly district of Mount Nebo, known as the site of the tomb of Moses. Here you can enjoy the spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, even the spires of the churches of Jerusalem. Leaving Mount Nebo behind you are heading to Dead Sea, to the lowest point on earth, and the world's richest source of mineral salts. It's called the Dead Sea because nothing lives in it. Its salt content is six times that of most oceans. Plants or fish can not survive in the salty water but humans can float in the Dead Sea which makes swimming here a truly unforgettable experience. After this unique experience you are ready to head to Petra, but before Petra you have to visit Kerak, the city famous with the12th century hilltop fortress including galleries, towers, chapels, and ramparts that vividly recall the age of the Crusaders. Arrive Petra and enjoy a deep sleep as you’ll need your energy for the Indiana Jones adventure of the next day.

Red Rose City Petra, built by the Nabeteans who settled Jordan 2000 years ago, impresses travelers from all over the world with its desert rock carved monumental tombs, palaces, temples and the treasury. You’ll need to hike the 1.2 km canyon to reach the magnificent treasury. At the end of the fissure passage widens and you catch a glimpse of the astonishing monument that dominates Petra, El Khazneh (The Treasury). The rock face in which it is carved is sheltered from winds and rain so the Khazneh is known as the best preserved of all the monuments. On the way back you can enjoy the horse ride for a complete Petra adventure.

It is the 12th day of your journey, knowing you are approaching the end, you may prefer to slow down little bit. If so, I’d suggest you to head to sunny Aqaba, the red sea resort area where you can enjoy the sunshine and sea on your last day. But before going to Aqaba, the last must-see is the Wadi Rum, also known as Valley of the Moon; tourists explore the area in 4 X 4 vehicles. The landscape of Wadi Rum, with its immensity, colour and awe-inspiring shapes, creates an almost supernatural atmosphere. It was the setting for the film Lawrence of Arabia as most of our guests would recall. Passing by the Bedouin tents you will drive south to Aqaba, the red sea resort area where you can lie on the beach, close your eyes and spend a few moments to memorize the unforgettable mystical experiences you had in 12 days. The next day your final journey will be to Amman to board your flight back home.

About the Author
Nil Aykut is the Marketing Manager of Anatolia Travels. Anatolia Travels offer private and escorted tours to Turkey, Greece Egypt , Jordan & Morocco. More information at http://www.anatoliatravels.com
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Roman Colosseum

The colosseum, also known as the Coliseum, is a large oval stadium located in the center of Rome. It is one of the largest structures ever built during the Roman Empire, and it is considered as one of the great achievement of Roman architecture.

It was constructed at around 70 AD spearheaded by the Roman emperor Vespasian. It was only completed during the reign of Emperor Titus. The Colosseum was generally used for public events such as gladiator matches. These matches are comprised of gladiators who fought against other gladiators, criminals or wild animals. Other events held at the colosseum included mock sea battles, executions and animal hunts. During the medieval era, the use of the colosseum for public events ceased. Instead, it served such uses as dwellings, workshops and fortresses.

The colosseum condition has worsened due to natural disasters such as earthquakes. There have also been reports of stone-robbers taking away bits and pieces of the structure. However, it is still one of the most highly recognizable symbols of Ancient Rome. It is also a very popular tourist attraction to this day.

Aside from the amphitheatre, which played host to the gladiator matches back in the day, there are other attractions in the surrounding area. One such attraction is the remains of the Ludus Magnus, which is also known as The Great Gladiatorial Training School. As implied from the name, it was used as a training ground for the gladiators. Most of the area has been restored, such as the triangular fountains located within.

Other nearby attractions include the Armamentarium, which was an armory used to store weapons and defenses, the Summum Choragium, which was used to store machinery, the Sanitarium, which was used as place to treat wounded gladiators and the Spolarium, which was used to dispose of the dead gladiators and their various equipment.

The Colosseum is used today for religious purposes. Some Roman Catholic ceremonies, such as those involving Pope John Paul II, were hosted there. There are crosses littered in various areas surrounding the arena. During Good Fridays, the Pope typically leads a procession called the Stations of the Cross.

The Colosseum walls have large amounts of flora. There have been more than 600 different flora species discovered there. Previous attempts to remove the flora, due to concerns regarding damage to the architecture, have largely been unsuccessful as much of the flora eventually returned.

Common sights near the surrounding area of the Colosseum are men garbed in the traditional costume of the ancient gladiators. There are plenty of souvenir shops along the way as people are usually milling about from a leisurely stroll.

Today, the Colosseum is a highly visible structure due to its inclusion in a variety of media forms. Some movies, such as Gladiator or Jumper, use the Colosseum as a site for some of its scenes. Computer technology was used to restore the Colosseum to an approximation of its original state. The term colosseum is used for other entertainment facilities such as theatres and halls.

About the Author
For accommodation in Rome please visit: RomeHotels.me.uk. For more options HotelRome.me.uk | Rome Hotels Read More..

Eiffel Tower, the heart of Paris

The tower was built a century after the French revolution in order to celebrate the centenary of this important historical milestone and the ideals of the French Revolution liberty, equality and fraternity. French history indicates that the tower was inaugurated on the 31st of march 1889 and opened to the public on May, 6th of the same year. However, it is the Eiffel tower that symbolizes Paris as a tourist destination in modern times. The construction of the tower had indeed met with a stiff resistance from the intellectuals as well as the regular Frenchman during its beginnings. A number of French leaders and citizens questioned the judgment of the people who had thought of the idea of the tower in the creation period, calling it an eyesore and a misuse of public finances and wealth. Of those protestors, the world renowned writer Guy de Maupassant is thought to have eaten at one specific restaurant everyday, as he claimed this restaurant was the only restaurant in Paris that spared him the painful sight of the tower! Eiffel Tower structure designed by A. G. Eiffel and erected in the Champ-de-Mars for the Paris exposition of 1889. The tower is 984 ft (300 m) high and consists of an iron framework supported on four masonry piers, from which rise four columns uniting to form one shaft. Three platforms at different heights (the intermediate platform just above the junction of the columns is 644 ft/196 m high) are reached by stairs and elevators. On the top of the tower are a meteorological station, a wireless station, and a television transmission antenna.
The French authorities in charge of maintaining the tower provide a useful website that can attest to be a blessing for travelers from other countries. The website gives accurate rates for sightseeing and also provides the history of the construction of the tower. Distinct rates exist for adults and children as well as exclusive concessions that are available for the disabled.

The Eiffel Tower was admired by Rousseau, Utrillo, Chagall, and Delaunay. It was almost dismantled in 1909 at the termination of its 20-year lease, but was saved because of its antenna - used for telegraphy at that time. Beginning in 1910 it became part of the International Time Service. French radio and French television have also made use of its stature. In the 1960s, it was the subject of a wonderful study by semiologist Roland Barthes.

Built to commemorate the science and engineering achievements of its age, soaring 300m / 984 ft. and weighing 7000 tons, the structure is made up of two visibly distinct parts - a base composed of a platform resting on four separate supports and, above this, a slender tower created as the bents taper upward, rising above a second platform to come together in a unified column.

Like the varying degree of passionate travelers of France, the rates for the elevators vary as one rises up the tower. The standard rates for adults for the first story are in the 40 euros while the 2nd floor can be assessed at a rate in the seventy euros for adults. The top level, which is a visual delight of Paris can be reached by elevator at a rate of about 100 euros. The tower is fully equipped with facilities that can help the disabled access to its height and share the beauty of the city of Paris. Lifts and turnstiles are easily available that can help people with reduced mobility access the tower. For a summary of a visit to the Eiffel tower make sure to stop at Altitude 95, the restaurant located on the first level of the Eiffel tower. Needless to say that France travel remains incomplete without touring this historical beauty. We wish you a visit that just soars with fun! Read More..

The History and Development of The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was enlisted in the World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 6,700 kilometers (4,163 miles ) from east to west of China. With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the sections of the great wall are now in ruins or even entirely disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance. The Great Wall of China is not a continuous wall but is a collection of short walls that often follow the crest of hills on the southern edge of the Mongolian plain. Overall, the wall extends about 1500 miles (2400 kilometers).

A first set of walls, designed to keep Mongol nomads out of China, were built of earth and stones in wood frames during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE). Some additions and modifications were made to these simple walls over the next millennium but the major construction of the "modern" walls began in the Ming Dynasty (1388-1644 CE). The Ming fortifications were established in new areas from the Qin walls. They were up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) high, 15 to 30 feet (4.6 to 9.1 meters) wide at the base, and from 9 to 12 feet (2.7 to 3.7 meters) wide at the top (wide enough for marching troops or wagons). At regular intervals, guard stations and watch towers were established.

Since the Great Wall was discontinuous, Mongol invaders had no trouble breaching the wall by going around it, so the wall proved unsuccessful and was eventually abandoned. Additionally, a policy of mollification during the subsequent Ch'ing Dynasty that sought to pacify the Mongol leaders through religious conversion also helped to limit the need for the wall.

Through Western contact with China from the 17th through 20th centuries, the legend of the Great Wall of China grew along with tourism to the wall. Restoration and rebuilding took place in the 20th century and in 1987 the Great Wall of China was made a World Heritage Site. Today, a portion of the Great Wall of China about 50 miles (80 km) from Beijing receives thousands of tourists each day.

Can You See The Great Wall of China from The Moon?

For some reason, some urban legends tend to get stated and never disappear. This legend even appears as a erroneous Trivial Pursuit question. The legend? Many are familiar with the claim that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from space or from the moon with the naked eye. This is simply not true.

The myth of being able to see the Great Wall from space originated in Richard Halliburton's 1938 (long before humans saw the earth from space) book Second Book of Marvels said that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from the moon.

From a low orbit of the earth, many artificial objects are visible on the earth, such as highways, ships in the sea, railroads, cities, fields of crops, and even some individual buildings. While at a low orbit, the Great Wall of China can certainly be seen from space but it is not unique in that regard.

However, when leaving the earth's orbit and acquiring an altitude of more than a few thousand miles, no man-made objects are visible at all. NASA says, "The Great Wall can barely be seen from the Shuttle, so it would not be possible to see it from the Moon with the naked eye." Thus, it'd be tough to spot the Great Wall of China or any other object from the moon. Furthermore, from the moon, even the continents are barely visible. Read More..

Tulamben the diving spot in Bali

Located in Karangasem region, exactly north side of Tirtagangga, this beach is known for its history and its beauty. Tulamben beach located at the eastern Bali is the famous diving site, where Liberty ship, a U.S. Cargo was torpedoed by Japanese sub-marine warship on 11 January 1942. She was beached on Tulamben when rescue attempts failed. In 1963, when Mount Agung erupted, the ships broke into two and was swept to her current position close to the shore of Tulamben. Now, the wreckage is becoming home of various fish and aquatic animals. According to Karl Muller in his book " Under Water Indonesia " there are around 400 species of reef fish and 100 species of pelagics visited the wreckage. The hull is encrusted with coral and the fish have become quite tame because of the large numbers of divers here. It is said that Tulamben is the most popular dive spot in Indonesia.

As one of the most renowned diving site in Indonesia, Tulamben offers diverse marine life and magnificent under water world. Dive courses for all levels are often conducted at Tulamben. With the panorama changing drastically to dry hills covered with scrub, Tulamben is a quiet beach and popular place for diving.

With the development of diving tour in Tulamben, small accommodations started to appear, even two big hotels such as Mimpi and Emerald have been established to serve the divers with more facilities. The barren area of Tulamben has been changed into garden or cultivated areas. Simple losmens and a couple of good, small hotels sit along the shady, grey sand beach. Boys with guitars roll off standards as entertainment in the evenings.

On to the Wreck

The wreck of the Liberty lies parallel to shore on a steep sand slope. Part of the superstructure is within snorkeling distance from the surface. The hulk is broken into large chunks, and there are lots of big holes in the hull, making it easy to explore the vessel's innards. Don't expect to find any interesting mementoes inside, however. Remember, this ship was stripped while still on the beach.
The treasures of Tulamben are swimming in and around the wreck: hundreds of species of fish in good numbers, most having become semi-tame and used to divers. We saw several fairly large a meter or so-specimens, but it is the huge numbers of medium-sized fish-30-80 centimeters-that make the wreck such an interesting dive. If you planned just one or two dives here, we guarantee you will regret not having more time. Unfortunately, not everything is perfect in Tulamben. When we dove there in late June, visibility was just 12-15 meters, and this seldom improves much. Expert underwater photographers and marine biologists, men like Rudie Kuiter, John E. Randall and Roger Steene, dive Tulamben over and over, coming up with great shots and even new species. Australian Rudie Kuiter, author of the definitive guide to Indonesian reef fishes, estimates that some 400 species of reef fishes live on the wreck, which is also visited by perhaps 100 species of pelagics. These are remarkable numbers for an area just 100 meters long.

On our dives we never saw any sharks or other really big fish at Tulamben. There were a few good sized tuna, bonito, several 80-centimeter plus emperors, and jacks, Napoleon wrasses pushing the meter mark, and one huge 80-centimeter scribbled filefish. On the sandy bottom next to the wreck, where I thought rays would abound, I saw only one small eagle ray, and a very large blue-spotted stingray. Both ducked for cover before I could say "Glenfiddich." We also saw a meter-long barracuda, but one of my dive partners, Wolfgang Bresigk of Baruna Water Sports, says a 1.5 meter barracuda regularly forages on the wreck. Another dive buddy, Wally Siagian, saw a huge oceanic sunfish (Mola mola) close to the wreck, four times in a one-week span. On one of these occasions, he saw this most unusual fish being cleaned by several singular bannerfish (Heniochus singularis). Off to one side of the wreck Wally took us to visit a colorful black-spotted moray eel
(Gymnothorax melanospilos), a beautifully marked animal with a yellow body and black markings. The eel lives at the base of a barrel sponge at about 40 meters.

Night Dive on the Wreck

Daytime dives are extraordinary on the wreck, but a night dive, especially around full moon, will be among the most memorable dives you will make.
As we walked along the beach to the entry point, three local fishing outriggers sailed silently by in the moonlight. We waded out, took our bearings, and headed toward the wreck. As we approached the ship, we extinguished our lights. The large hulk loomed above us, a massive ghostly presence with the bright moon a distant pinpoint of light. We kept our lights off for a bit. Each fin-stroke stirred up a twinkling trail of bioluminescence. Peering into the dark hold of the wreck, we saw a magical lights. These were the curious flashlight fishes (Anomalops), each possessed of a bioluminescent organ beneath its eye.
Many sections of the wreck provide the overhangs preferred by the large, bright orange polyps of Tubastraea and Dendrophyllia. These corals are best appreciated at night. At night one can also see crinoids crawling about in search of a new holdfast, or perhaps even swimming, their feathery legs opening and closing in the manner of a octopus. Sometimes when we trained our lights on the wreck, hundreds of red shrimp eyes stared back.Here again, however, the fish are the real stars of the show. We saw a couple of unconcerned common lionfish, and a stunning spotfin lionfish. A large red parrotfish slept, secure in its mucous cocoon, under a shallow overhang. We approached a big map puffer, and several groggy unicornfish.
The most interesting fish we came upon was an absolutely huge barred filefish (Cantherhines dumerili). I spotted the big fella at least 10 meters above me, sleeping under a large lacy plate of coral growing horizontally from the wreck.
My computer screamed its warning just as I Made for this animal, but 1 paid it no heed. My subject was sleeping in a tilted position. After a few shots, I pushed him a bit to correct his posture. He didn't particularly appreciate this, but obliged me anyway. I moved him into the open water. A few more shots, and he had had enough, charging straight for me. We photographers really are a pain. Read More..

Tanah Lot Temple..

From the village of Marga, the trip west returns to the main route leading to Tabanan. At the crossroads of Kediri, a side-road branches to the sea, ending on a green hill which slopes down to the beach and to the remarkable temple of Tanah Lot, suspended on a huge rock offshore. Set apart from the land by a stone basin, the rock has been carved by incoming tides. Tanah Lot, with its solitary black towers and tufts of foliage spilling over the cliffs, recalls the delicacy of a Chinese painting. If hearsay is to be believed, there dwells inside one of the shrines at Tanah Lot a huge snake, discreetly left undisturbed by the Balinese.

Although a small sanctuary, Tanah Lot is linked to a series of sea temples on the south coast of Bali: Pura Sakenan, Pura Ulu Watu, Pura Rambut Siwi and Pura Peti tenget. All these temples are related to the principal mountain sanctuaries: Besakih at Gunung Agung, Pura Batur at Batur and Plura Luhur at Mt. Batukau. The upland temples venerate deities associated with mountains and mountain lakes, while the sea temples include homage to the guardian spirits of the sea within their ritual. These main temples are often listed with the sad-kahyangan the six holy "national" temples, which exact tribute from all Balinese. The chronicles attribute the temple at Tanah Lot to the 16th century priest Nirartha.

During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bringing gifts, invited him to stay at their hut. Nirartha refused, saying he preferred to spend the night on the little island. That evening he spoke to the fishing folk and advised them to build a shrine on the rock, for he felt it to be a holy and fitting place to worship God. The villagers kept their promise. The beaches of Tanah Lot are ideal for relaxing, especially in the late afternoons, when the temple on the rock dissolves into a striking silhouette against the evening sky.Target out of the landscape by tides, wind and rain, the high off shore sentinel rock of Tanah Lot. Supports a picturesque see temple, which cans small here ached by a scramble over the wet rocks.

This Temple was built in the 15th century by the priest, Pedanda Bahu Rawuh or Danghyang Nirartha from Majapahit Jawa. Near this Temple there are several small and big shrines, the biggest one is Pekendungan Temple. There is a spring considered sacred not far from this temple.
Tanah Lot is 13 km from Tabanan is Beraban village. When the tide is low people can walk to the temple. It looks like a floating one if the tide is high. There are many caves under the temple lived by the peaceful sea snakes, which has white and black colors.

It's located 16 kilometers west of International Airport Ngurah Rai, or a 20 minutes drive through Sunset Road. Coming in from Java Island through Gilimanuk, and arriving at the Kediri intersection, at the Wisnu Murthi statue, turn right. In front of the Kediri police Station, turn left, and keep following this smooth road. In less than 10 minutes you will be there. Admission is Rp 1,000.- per person.
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