Thursday 30 December 2010

Great pyramids of Giza, Cairo


Giza
is a city in Egypt, located on the west bank of the Nile. It is the third largest city in the country after the Cairo and Alexandria, the metropolis that borders directly with Cairo, the administrative center of Giza.

great-pyramids-of-giza_www.wonders-world.com_800

Giza is one of the best known tourist destinations. Near the town are some of the most startling and most impressive monuments of ancient Egyptian civilization: the great pyramids of Egyptian pharaohs Cheops, and Hefren Mikerin, Great Sphinx of Giza, and many other pyramids, temples and museums.

great-pyramids-of-giza_www.wonders-world.com_802

Millions of tourists visit Egypt to see the only survived of the Seven Wonders of the world. Pyramids got recognized by the World Tourist organization, a kind of Oscars for the tourism industry.

great-pyramids-of-giza_www.wonders-world.com_804

Each year millions of tourists arrive in Cairo to see the one of the Seven Wonders of the WorldGreat pyramid and the pyramids and Hefren Mikerin located in the plateau of Giza.

It is believed that these pyramids were built before more than 4,5 thousand years and served on the Egyptian tombs pharaohs. And until now, however, researchers disagree on their exact age and purpose. In the scientific world is constantly emerge and new hypotheses the manner in which they were built massive pyramids.

great-pyramids-of-giza_www.wonders-world.com_801

The pyramids are one of the most imposing buildings survived until today. In ancient times, are a marvel size and now wonder of their age. With its 481 feet (146.59 meters) the Great Pyramid was the tallest building in the world until the 19th century. Moreover, only one of the Seven Wonders of the world that we can still see with his eyes. Indeed, when the Great Pyramid is only 449 feet high (137 meters), because it is losing some of its peak. The initial length of the side of the pyramid was 754 feet (230.33 meters) and is now 745 feet (227 meters). Ploshttta based is 13 acres, ie 568.500 square feet (52,843 sq m). According to official estimates the Great pyramid of Giza was built of stone blocks 2.300.000 with an average weight of 2,5 pt This means that the pyramid weighs approximately 5.750.000 tons! In the construction will block more light than 2 tons, and the worst blocks weigh 70 tons. Almost the entire exterior of polished limestone is removed by the Arabs before 600g to be used in the construction of mosques and other buildings in cities. This gives a rough pyramids, tiered look. The only original entrance is on the north side and 16 meters high. Only inside the pyramid of Cheops is also burial chambers and four wells . The two shafts, starting from the burial chamber of Pharaoh were found in the 1610g, and those beginning in the chamber of the queen – in 1872.

great-pyramids-of-giza_www.wonders-world.com_805

Historians are not quite firm, but assumes that the pyramid of Cheops was completed in BC 2589g. But its construction continued 20d. Soon made excavations of settlement and cemetery of this period in the vicinity of the pyramids and inscriptions found in them, clearly show that people who built the pyramids were not slaves, but artisans and peasants. Most of the stone blocks that were needed to build the pyramids were logging directly from the plateau. This is saving the hard work of transporting the blocks from other quarries along the Nile. To build the pyramids were needed 40.000 people. We have to note that the Egyptians did not know then wheel and all work is done without any machinery.

Great pyramids of Giza are tombs of the pharaohs of the fourth dynasty Hefra (gr-Hefren), Khufu (Cheops-town) and Menkaura (gr-Mikerin). Smaller pyramids were designed for the wives of the pharaohs. These facts are confirmed by the history of Herodotus, who visited the Giza 450d in BC. and found in the burial chamber of Cheops pyramid inscriptions.

Great pyramids of Giza, Cairo


Giza
is a city in Egypt, located on the west bank of the Nile. It is the third largest city in the country after the Cairo and Alexandria, the metropolis that borders directly with Cairo, the administrative center of Giza.

great-pyramids-of-giza_www.wonders-world.com_800

Giza is one of the best known tourist destinations. Near the town are some of the most startling and most impressive monuments of ancient Egyptian civilization: the great pyramids of Egyptian pharaohs Cheops, and Hefren Mikerin, Great Sphinx of Giza, and many other pyramids, temples and museums.

great-pyramids-of-giza_www.wonders-world.com_802

Millions of tourists visit Egypt to see the only survived of the Seven Wonders of the world. Pyramids got recognized by the World Tourist organization, a kind of Oscars for the tourism industry.

great-pyramids-of-giza_www.wonders-world.com_804

Each year millions of tourists arrive in Cairo to see the one of the Seven Wonders of the WorldGreat pyramid and the pyramids and Hefren Mikerin located in the plateau of Giza.

It is believed that these pyramids were built before more than 4,5 thousand years and served on the Egyptian tombs pharaohs. And until now, however, researchers disagree on their exact age and purpose. In the scientific world is constantly emerge and new hypotheses the manner in which they were built massive pyramids.

great-pyramids-of-giza_www.wonders-world.com_801

The pyramids are one of the most imposing buildings survived until today. In ancient times, are a marvel size and now wonder of their age. With its 481 feet (146.59 meters) the Great Pyramid was the tallest building in the world until the 19th century. Moreover, only one of the Seven Wonders of the world that we can still see with his eyes. Indeed, when the Great Pyramid is only 449 feet high (137 meters), because it is losing some of its peak. The initial length of the side of the pyramid was 754 feet (230.33 meters) and is now 745 feet (227 meters). Ploshttta based is 13 acres, ie 568.500 square feet (52,843 sq m). According to official estimates the Great pyramid of Giza was built of stone blocks 2.300.000 with an average weight of 2,5 pt This means that the pyramid weighs approximately 5.750.000 tons! In the construction will block more light than 2 tons, and the worst blocks weigh 70 tons. Almost the entire exterior of polished limestone is removed by the Arabs before 600g to be used in the construction of mosques and other buildings in cities. This gives a rough pyramids, tiered look. The only original entrance is on the north side and 16 meters high. Only inside the pyramid of Cheops is also burial chambers and four wells . The two shafts, starting from the burial chamber of Pharaoh were found in the 1610g, and those beginning in the chamber of the queen – in 1872.

great-pyramids-of-giza_www.wonders-world.com_805

Historians are not quite firm, but assumes that the pyramid of Cheops was completed in BC 2589g. But its construction continued 20d. Soon made excavations of settlement and cemetery of this period in the vicinity of the pyramids and inscriptions found in them, clearly show that people who built the pyramids were not slaves, but artisans and peasants. Most of the stone blocks that were needed to build the pyramids were logging directly from the plateau. This is saving the hard work of transporting the blocks from other quarries along the Nile. To build the pyramids were needed 40.000 people. We have to note that the Egyptians did not know then wheel and all work is done without any machinery.

Great pyramids of Giza are tombs of the pharaohs of the fourth dynasty Hefra (gr-Hefren), Khufu (Cheops-town) and Menkaura (gr-Mikerin). Smaller pyramids were designed for the wives of the pharaohs. These facts are confirmed by the history of Herodotus, who visited the Giza 450d in BC. and found in the burial chamber of Cheops pyramid inscriptions.

ExoticTourist Destinations in World

1.Dubai, United Arab Emirates

top 5 exotic tourist destination_www.wonders-world.com_04

















With its ultramodern skyline, it's easy to forget that Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, was once a small town of Bedouin traders. Now the old mixes with the new: At the Nad al Sheba racetrack, camels race by day; thoroughbreds at night. High fashion and electronic stores are as popular as the gold souk. A sampling of the 400-plus restaurants gives you a taste of Dubai's ethnic diversity. Come enjoy the beaches, golf, historic sites, nightlife and renowned tax-free shopping of Dubai

2.Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

top 5 exotic tourist destination_www.wonders-world.com_00

This Red Sea resort town on the tip of the Sinai peninsula offers world-class diving with spectacular reefs, magnificent drop-offs and shipwrecks waiting to be explored. Dive among the sharks (and barracudas and turtles and ...) at the aptly named Shark Reef or earn diving certification in the gentler waters of Na'ama Bay. Take a day trip to St. Catherine's Monastery, the reputed site of the biblical burning bush, or find yet more postcard-perfect waters at the Ras Mohammed National Park.

3.Ocho Rios, Jamaica

top 5 exotic tourist destination_www.wonders-world.com_03

"Ochi" offers the white sands and clear water expected of a Caribbean island, complete with waterfalls and rainforests. Climb the natural staircase of Dunn's River Falls, stroll the Coyaba River Gardens or take a driving tour under the lush canopy of Fern Gully. Swim with dolphins or ride horseback along plantations and beaches. Reggae fans should make the trip to Nine Mile, Bob Marley's birth and final resting place. Jazz aficionados should check out the annual Ocho Rios Jazz Festival in June.

4.Maldives

top 5 exotic tourist destination_www.wonders-world.com_01

A cluster of idyllic atolls in the Indian Ocean, about 200 of the Maldives' 1200 islets are inhabited. Another 100 are private resort islands. Turquoise lagoons, underwater coral gardens, swaying palm fronds and glorious white sand beaches are the big draws of this paradise perched on the Equator, 435 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. Maldivians are warm, friendly and hospitable. The population is predominantly Muslim; on the capital of Male and other inhabited islands, modest clothing is recommended for women

5.Phuket, Thailand

top 5 exotic tourist destination_www.wonders-world.com_02

Phuket offers a rainbow spectrum of spectacular vacation sights from blue lagoons and pink sunsets to orange-robed monks. Three wheeled-Tuk Tuks, taxis, buses and long tailed boats transport visitors between these marvels. Phuket's south coast offers its most popular beaches. The north is more tranquil. Koh Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay and Patong Beach are popular spots. Diving, snorkeling, wind surfing and sailing are just a few active options. Inland, forested hills, mountains and cliffs wait to be explored.

ExoticTourist Destinations in World

1.Dubai, United Arab Emirates

top 5 exotic tourist destination_www.wonders-world.com_04

















With its ultramodern skyline, it's easy to forget that Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, was once a small town of Bedouin traders. Now the old mixes with the new: At the Nad al Sheba racetrack, camels race by day; thoroughbreds at night. High fashion and electronic stores are as popular as the gold souk. A sampling of the 400-plus restaurants gives you a taste of Dubai's ethnic diversity. Come enjoy the beaches, golf, historic sites, nightlife and renowned tax-free shopping of Dubai

2.Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

top 5 exotic tourist destination_www.wonders-world.com_00

This Red Sea resort town on the tip of the Sinai peninsula offers world-class diving with spectacular reefs, magnificent drop-offs and shipwrecks waiting to be explored. Dive among the sharks (and barracudas and turtles and ...) at the aptly named Shark Reef or earn diving certification in the gentler waters of Na'ama Bay. Take a day trip to St. Catherine's Monastery, the reputed site of the biblical burning bush, or find yet more postcard-perfect waters at the Ras Mohammed National Park.

3.Ocho Rios, Jamaica

top 5 exotic tourist destination_www.wonders-world.com_03

"Ochi" offers the white sands and clear water expected of a Caribbean island, complete with waterfalls and rainforests. Climb the natural staircase of Dunn's River Falls, stroll the Coyaba River Gardens or take a driving tour under the lush canopy of Fern Gully. Swim with dolphins or ride horseback along plantations and beaches. Reggae fans should make the trip to Nine Mile, Bob Marley's birth and final resting place. Jazz aficionados should check out the annual Ocho Rios Jazz Festival in June.

4.Maldives

top 5 exotic tourist destination_www.wonders-world.com_01

A cluster of idyllic atolls in the Indian Ocean, about 200 of the Maldives' 1200 islets are inhabited. Another 100 are private resort islands. Turquoise lagoons, underwater coral gardens, swaying palm fronds and glorious white sand beaches are the big draws of this paradise perched on the Equator, 435 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. Maldivians are warm, friendly and hospitable. The population is predominantly Muslim; on the capital of Male and other inhabited islands, modest clothing is recommended for women

5.Phuket, Thailand

top 5 exotic tourist destination_www.wonders-world.com_02

Phuket offers a rainbow spectrum of spectacular vacation sights from blue lagoons and pink sunsets to orange-robed monks. Three wheeled-Tuk Tuks, taxis, buses and long tailed boats transport visitors between these marvels. Phuket's south coast offers its most popular beaches. The north is more tranquil. Koh Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay and Patong Beach are popular spots. Diving, snorkeling, wind surfing and sailing are just a few active options. Inland, forested hills, mountains and cliffs wait to be explored.

Monday 27 December 2010

Amazing Treehouses from Around the World

1 Temple of the Blue Moon

Temple of the Blue Moon

Pete Nelson is a rare triple threat: a writer, photographer and a treehouse builder. Nelson is also an architect and contractor, as well as a family man, and he has spearheaded a growing treehouse revival that inspires the kid in all of us. Nelson's latest book, New Treehouses of the World, takes us on a fantastical voyage through secret hideouts and dream forts, from Long Island to Thailand and many places in between.

Nelson, who designs and builds the playful structures through his Seattle-based company TreeHouse Workshop, Inc., believes they help children and adults alike reconnect with nature, as well as enjoy family time. Nelson encourages us to "let go of earthbound encumbrances and be free." Continue to see some of the world's most freeing spaces.

2 Temple of the Blue Moon

Temple of the Blue Moon

On a primordial patch of forest in Fall City, Washington sits Nelson's Northwest Treehouse School, a place for people to come learn about nature, construction and--naturally---the art of building treehouses. A main lodge can accommodate 40 people for classes, and there are several treehouses with comfortable guest lodgings.

3 Beach Rock Treehouse

Beach Rock Treehouse

Perched high in the forest of Okinawa is a unique creation by master Japanese treehouse builder Taka, author of Treedom: The Road to Freedom. The "Plexiglass portal to the universe" is an attraction at the rustic Beach Rock resort, a popular stopover for young Japanese backpackers and those who want to get away from the ordinary for a while. The treehouse was built in 2005, and weathered a typhoon the following season.

4 Free Spirit Spheres

Free Spirit Spheres

Looking like something from Avatar or Star Wars, the Free Spirit Spheres in British Columbia are designed to be "treehouses for adults." Handmade from local wood, they are envisioned for meditation, photography, canopy research or wildlife watching, and can be finished with plumbing, electricity and insulation. Some are available for rental, and DIY kits are offered.

5 All Hands on Deck

All Hands on Deck

Treehouse building is often a collaborative process. In addition to ensuring safety, well executed designs minimize impact on the surrounding environment.

6 Driftwood Inn Treehouse

Driftwood Inn Treehouse

Nelson built this gorgeous treehouse in a ravine near a remote channel of Puget Sound. The client wanted a place for his young sons to host sleepover parties, and to get closer to nature. The boys dubbed it the Driftwood Inn.

7 Driftwood Egg Treehouse

Driftwood Egg Treehouse

Another unique Taka creation is the Driftwood Egg Treehouse, which he created for a Nescafe commercial on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. The small perch was constructed from driftwood sourced from the region.

8 Secret Garden Treehouse

Secret Garden Treehouse

The aptly named Secret Garden Treehouse in Seattle was commissioned by a young music industry star who wanted a quiet retreat.

9 Trillium Treehouse

Trillium Treehouse

Started during a five-day workshop at the Northwest Treehouse School, this ambitious project features a virtual wall of glass. Perched in a giant western red cedar, the 200 square feet of space are meant for a queen-size bed, electric toilet, a closet, reading area and even a small kitchen.

10 Finca Bellavista Treehouse

Finca Bellavista Treehouse

A pair of expats in Costa Rica, Matt and Erica Hogan, are developing a 30-lot eco-village in paradise. Finca Bellavista, as the small community is called, will have a microhydro plant on a gurgling stream, solar panels, a recycling center and a common garden. Transportation is by foot, or ziplines, and visitors and residents will bunk in the trees.

11 Lantern House

Lantern House

One of Nelson's collaborators, Roderick Romero, specializes in unique treehouse designs made from salvaged and reclaimed materials. Romero once built a treehouse in Italy for the rock star Sting. His Lantern house is balanced between three eucalyptus trees in Santa Monica, California.

12 Pat and Lori's Treehouse

Pat and Lori's Treehouse

Working with a client who has an affinity for bridges, Nelson built this unique structure in Western Washington. The span was installed by Sahale Bridge Builders of Seattle.

13 Horace Cathedral

Horace Cathedral

The inspiration for this sprawling treehouse cathedral came in a flash from the heavens 18 years ago, to Horace Burgess of Crossville, Tennessee. Burgess has worked on the structure ever since, using wood reclaimed from five different barns. When church isn't in session, the spacious interior serves as a basketball court.

Man-Made Wonders of the US

Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge

Where: East River, Park Row, Manhattan to Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY
In the early 1800s, the residents of Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan discussed the idea of a bridge to link the 2 cities together -- allowing people and goods to easily cross the East River. After multiple attempts to get something underway, John Roebling, a bridge designer, proposed a suspension bridge in 1855. Believe it or not, he actually designed the bridge hoping that it would be perceived as a great work of art one day. The proposal was approved 2 years later and work began on Jan. 3, 1870. Roebling had since passed away, so his son, Washington, took over as chief engineer of the project with help from his wife, Emily. Even before it opened in 1883, the bridge was seen as a symbol of greatness in New York, but folks across America were also mesmerized by the size and ingenuity of the project. Today, the bridge is a National Historic Landmark and still has the 44th longest main span among the world's suspension bridges.


Empire State Building

empire-state-building_www.wonders-world.com_801

Where: 350 5th Avenue, New York, NY
Built during the Depression, the Empire State Building is a work of determination and pride both in New York and U.S. history. It all started when the Chrysler Corporation and General Motors were in competition to build the tallest building. Architect William Lamb was chosen to design the building and construction began in March 1930. By October that same year, 88 floors were finished with just 14 left to go. Workers were able to maintain this speedy construction pace since the posts, beams and windows were made in factories and then brought in by train to be put up on site. During the time the building was built, there was much talk among New Yorkers and Americans across the country about the incredible speed at which the building was being constructed, as well as weekly updates and stories about the men who built it. The Empire State Building is also a National Historic Landmark.


Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

Where: Located on US Highway 101 in San Francisco, CA
Millions of visitors each year flock to San Francisco for warmer weather, unique attractions and to see the Golden Gate Bridge. It was Joseph Strauss who submitted final plans for the bridge in 1930. The 6 counties involved with the bridge approved the $35 million project, and on Jan. 5, 1933, construction began. Just a few short years later, in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge welcomed its first visitor. To everyone's surprise, it opened ahead of schedule and under budget. Since then, the bridge has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, such as the first non-building structure to receive the "Distinguished Building Award" from the Society of American Registered Architects. The bridge can also be found on a commemorative stamp unveiled in 1998 by the United States Postal Service.


Hoover Dam

hoover-dam-directions

Where: The dam is located 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas on US Highway 93 at the Nevada-Arizona border.
It took over 60 years from the time Maj. John Wesley Powell began to conduct geological studies of the Colorado River in 1869, to the concrete being poured in 1933, for Hoover Dam to be materialized. During this time the 7 basin states had to go through lengthy negotiations on how the water would be distributed, and of course, there were bidding wars on what construction company would get the job. In the end, a group called Six Companies was awarded the contract -- the winning bid was over $48 million. Despite the long years of bids, planning, site inspections and more, it took just five years to complete the mammoth structure. Today, the dam is a testament to the dedication of the country's ability to construct such a structure, especially during the years of the Depression. Hoover Dam is also a National Historic Landmark.


Mount Rushmore

mount-rushmore

Where: The Black Hills of South Dakota, along Highway 244
The location of Mount Rushmore was once property of the Sioux, including an area called the Black Hills. But once gold was discovered there, prospectors soon displaced the Sioux and began building mining camps. In 1885, an American businessman named Charles Rushmore paid a visit to the Black Hills to check on some titles to properties for a mining company. It was a few years later, after winning over the hearts of the miners and prospectors, that the mountain was named in his honor. So how did those faces end up on the rock? Historian Doane Robinson, in 1923, started the process that later turned into the Mount Harney Bill, allowing a monument to be carved. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum arrived two years later to begin the carving. The monument was officially completed on Oct. 31, 1941. Today, Mount Rushmore sees over 2.6 million visitors per year.


Seattle Space Needle

Space_Needle_Downtown_and_Mt_Rainier-Seattle
Where: 219 4th Avenue N, Seattle, WA

Designed for the 1962 World's Fair by Edward E. Carlson, this 605-foot-tall structure was to represent the future but quickly became a symbol for the city of Seattle. The structure is designed to withstand winds of 200 miles per hour, but earth tremors and storms have caused the structure to sway occasionally and close for a day or two. Today, the Space Needle is getting a face-lift as the city of Seattle begins to revitalize the entire centerpiece, including the observation deck, restaurant and surrounding grounds.


Washington Monument

washington-monument-address

Where: 15th Street, SW, Washington, DC
It doesn't matter what part of the world people come from, one sight of this obelisk design and they know they're in America. Similar to other memorials such as the Taj Mahal or the Great Pyramids, the Washington Monument is a celebration of 1 person's life or legacy -- in this case, the life of America's first president, George Washington. Architect Robert Mills won a contest to design the sculpture. It was intended to be the centerpiece of the capital city, symbolizing each state of the Union. Work on the monument began in 1843, and was completed in 1884. It is 555 feet tall and contains over 36,000 blocks.

The Crazy House Hotel in Vietnam


Featuring a truly unique design, Hang Nga’s Tree House Hotel is, without a doubt, one of the most bizarre buildings in the world. Located in Da Lang, Vietnam, Hang Nga’s Tree House Hotel, better known as Crazy House, features giant tree trunks and branches that try to trick you into believing this is an actual tree house. In reality, it’s built from conventional construction materials. But there’s nothing conventional about the architectural principles used by Hang Nga, the woman behind Vietnam’s Crazy House.

Daughter of a former president of Vietnam, Hang Nga was confronted with almost no restrictions at all, when she decided to build her wacky hotel. The Vietnamese government simply looked the other way and allowed her to let loose her imagination, without considering rules and regulations. And you can witness the end result in the photos below.

The interior of Hang Nga’s hotel is just as unusual as the outside. It’s filled with unexpected twists and turns, narrow hallways, bizarre rooms and dotted with strangely shaped windows. This is probably why Crazy House is more successful as a tourist attraction, than a hotel. Hang Nga, who lives in her “masterpiece”, tries to convince people to stay at least a night, but most prefer to take some photos and look for a more conventional hotel.

Crazy-House-VietnamCrazy-House-Vietnam3 Crazy-House-Vietnam4 Crazy-House-Vietnam5 Crazy-House-Vietnam8 Crazy-House-Vietnam9 Crazy-House-Vietnam10