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Amazing Travel Fact Brazil

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Brazil:

Did you know that there is a desert where each year amazing blue lagoons appear from about January to June? Filled with clear warm water, the lagoons look spectacular. Come October, winds whip through and the pools disappear without any trace, only to reemerge the following season.
 
Amazing, right?
 
Do you know where we need to travel in order to see these lagoons?
 
Every year, the sand dunes at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil collect rainwater from about January to June. And come July, these dunes become temporary pools full of clear, warm water.
 
Until about September, these pop-up pools become a unique seasonal attraction. It’s almost as if nature made pop-up pools of clear, warm water for visitors. The water has been recorded up to 87 degrees Fahrenheit, providing a relaxing experience for anyone who made the voyage.
 

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Amazing Travel Fact Argentina

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Argentina:

Some interesting facts about Argentina!
 
It was in 1928 in the city of Buenos Aires, when a group of taxi drivers made a fixed route announcing it with a sign and allowing more than one passenger to board for value 5 times cheaper than what a taxi would have cost, giving birth to the famous collective bus!

These cute little buses do not function anymore in the city, you see them only at Museums or car show where fanatics gather once a year to appreciate these jewels of our past among other great vintage cars.
 
We use these beautiful vintage buses as a way to incorporate culture and history facts into our tours or special transfers. It’s a great way to surprise guests so they can experience a little bit of the flair of old times. Also can be part of a decor plan, like in this picture!
 
 

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Amazing Travel Fact Serbia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Serbia:

Did you know that there is a river which is called “One Year River”? It got its nickname because it is only 365 meters long, same as the number of days in a year.
 
Do you know where we need to travel in order to visit One Year River?
 
On the right bank of the Drina, in Perucac, Serbia, 13 km upstream from Bajina Basta, there is the river which people gave a new name – Godina (in English A year). Why? Because it is exactly 365 meters long. It seems that the river Drina jealously kept this beauty to itself. Until now, at least, since it started to attract more tourists every year.
 
Vrelo River originates from a strong karst spring of Perucac at the altitude of 234 meters at the foothill of mountain Tara. The water from Vrelo originates from precipitation accumulated on the spacious plateau of Tara. On average, the spring pours out 330 liters of water each second. The average temperature of the water is about 10 degrees.
 
 

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Amazing Travel Fact Japan

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts, Where in the world.

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Japan:

Do you know what Christmas tradition was sparked in Japan by the advertising slogan “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!”

Back in 1974, the American fast-food restaurant KFC released a festive marketing campaign in Japan. The seemingly simple slogan “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” (Kentucky for Christmas!) spawned a national tradition that still thrives to this day.
 
Although Christmas is not even a national holiday in Japan, families from all over the country head to their local KFC for a special Christmas Eve meal. 
 

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Amazing Travel Fact Hong Kong

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Hong Kong:

Did you know that public transport is called Ding Ding in this city?
 
Amazing right?
 
Serving Hong Kong for 113 years, HK Tramways (“Tramways”) is true to its heritage while remaining young, cheerful and energetic in heart.
 
Hong Kong Tramways (HKT) is a 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) narrow-gauge tram system in Hong Kong. Owned and operated by RATP Dev Transdev Asia, the tramway runs on Hong Kong Island between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan, with a branch circulating through Happy Valley.
 
Hong Kong’s tram system is one of the earliest forms of public transport in the metropolis, having opened in 1904 under British rule. It has used electric trams since its inauguration, and has never used horse or steam power. It owns the world’s largest operational double-decker tram fleet, and is a very rare example of a tram system that uses them exclusively. In addition to being used by commuters, the system is popular with tourists, and is one of the most environmentally friendly ways of travelling in the city.
 
Hong Kong people informally call the tramway the “Ding Ding” in reference to the double-bell ring used by the trams to warn pedestrians of their approach.
 

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Amazing Travel Fact Cambodia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Cambodia:

Did you know that there is a country, which has the world’s largest religious building which is one of the wonders of the world? It is even on their flag, which makes it the only flag in the world featuring a building.
 
Amazing, right?
 
Do you know to which country we need to travel in order to see it?
 
It is indeed Cambodia.
 
Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious building and considered one of the wonders of the world. In 1992 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
 
Originally built at the beginning of the 12th century as a Hindu temple, it was converted into a Buddhist temple near the end of the 12th century. It’s a classic example of Khmer architecture, has become a national symbol of Cambodia and even appears on the country’s flag. Even though it was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, once it became a Buddhist temple it also played a part in converting Cambodia into a Buddhist country.
 
Today Angkor Wat is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world, as well as a major tourist attraction!
 
 

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Amazing Travel Fact Bali

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Bali:

What is Gamelan Music and where does it originate from?
 
Across Indonesia, but particularly on the islands of Java and Bali, gamelan is the most popular form of traditional music.
 
A gamelan ensemble consists of a variety of metal percussion instruments, usually made of bronze or brass, including xylophones, drums, and gongs. It may also feature bamboo flutes, wooden stringed instruments, and vocalists, but the focus is on the percussion.
 
The name “gamelan” comes from gamel, a Javanese word for a type of hammer used by a blacksmith. Gamelan instruments are often made of metal, and many are played with hammer-shaped mallets, as well.
 
Although metal instruments are expensive to make, compared with those of wood or bamboo, they will not mould or deteriorate in Indonesia’s hot, steamy climate.
 
Scholars suggest that this may be one of the reasons that gamelan developed, with its signature metallic sound.
 
 

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Amazing Travel Fact Armenia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Armenia:

Do you know what a khachar is?

A khachkar, also known as an Armenian cross-stone is a carved, memorial stele bearing a cross, and often with additional motifs such as rosettes, interlaces, and botanical motifs.
 
Khachkars are characteristic of Medieval Christian Armenian art.
 
Armenian art of Khachkars is transmitted from generation to generation and continuously recreated to satisfy the artist’s creativity.
 
Wherever you go, thousands of khachkars pervade the conscience of the world’s first Christian nation, providing a rare glimpse into the art of spiritual expression.
 
Since 2010, khachkars, their symbolism and craftsmanship are inscribed in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
 

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Amazing Travel Fact Zimbabwe

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Zimbabwe:

On which African river is the mighty Victoria Falls?

The mighty Zambezi River – the fourth-longest river in Africa, the longest east-flowing river in Africa and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean from Africa.
 
For about 500 kilometres it serves as the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe thundering over the Victoria Falls and through the narrow, steadily deepening Batoka Gorge, providing a fantastic playground for white-water rafting, kayaking, river boarding and jet boating.
 
Its unique value is that it is less developed than other rivers regarding human settlement and many areas along its banks have even been granted protected status. The Lower Zambezi National Park flanks the river on the Zambian side and Mana Pools National Park on the Zimbabwean side. This whole area of the Zambezi supports one of Africa’s most important wilderness areas as it provides sustenance to a diverse array of game, birdlife and fish species.
 
Hippo, Nile crocodiles and monitor lizards, are commonly found along many of the calm stretches of the river. Species of bird, like heron, pelican, egret and African fish eagle are found in large numbers here. The riverine woodlands then support many large animals, such as buffalo, zebra, giraffe, elephant. 
 

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Amazing Travel Facts Mali

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Mali:

Where is this mysterious building?
 
Great Mosque of Djenné, Mali
 
As one of the wonders of Africa, and one of the most unique religious buildings in the world, the Great Mosque of Djenné, in present-day Mali, is also the greatest achievement of Sudano-Sahelian architecture.
 
It is also the largest mud-built structure in the world.
 
Djenné was founded between 800 and 1250 C.E., and it flourished as a great center of commerce, learning, and Islam, which had been practiced from the beginning of the 13th century.
 
Soon thereafter, the Great Mosque became one of the most important buildings in town primarily because it became a political symbol for local residents and for colonial powers like the French who took control of Mali in 1892.
 
Over the centuries, the Great Mosque has become the epicenter of the religious and cultural life of Mali, and the community of Djenné. It is also the site of a unique annual festival called the Crepissage de la Grand Mosquée (Plastering of the Great Mosque).
 

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Amazing Travel Fact Namibia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Namibia:

Did you know that that the oldest desert in the world has been dry for at least 55 million years?
 
Amazing, right?
 
Do you know where we need to travel to in order to visit this desert?
 
it is indeed Namibia.
 
The Namib has been dry for at least 55 million years, and possibly as many as 80 million. While it may not be the world’s largest desert, it is almost certainly the oldest. Parts of the Namib rival South America’s Atacama Desert as the driest place on Earth. Some parts average just 2mm/0.08in of rain a year.
 

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Amazing Travel Fact Morocco

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Morocco:

Do you know where a good foam on your tea remains a habit from long ago?
 
It is believed that if sand blows into your tea it will be caught in the foam and from there it can be flicked off and you can enjoy a sand free cup of tea.
 
Interesting right – I wonder if the same applies to coffee?
 
It’s in Morocco. This is such an interesting tradition that has remained even though most of the time tea is enjoyed without the risk of desert sand blowing into it.
 

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Amazing Travel Fact Mauritius

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Mauritius:

Did you know there’s a small area of sand dunes comprising sand of seven distinct colours.
 
Amazing right?
 
Mauritius – Nature has her own ways of piquing our curiosity and Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth is one of those surreal things that will make yours run wild. With its 600 million years of history, Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth is one spectacular Geo Park destination!
 
One of Mauritius’ most iconic attractions, the island’s original and premier geopark provides a unique experience for geology enthusiasts, nature lovers and those who simply want to understand more about this rare and impressive phenomenon.
 
Our 8.5-hectare park is the place to visit in Mauritius for an immersive experience blending geology, education and conservation with wonder and discovery in order to connect to the island’s fascinating natural heritage. Mauritius is part of the fascinating story of continental drifts and collisions, volcanic eruptions and other breathtaking events that led to the formation of tropical reefs and oceans, lagoons, mountain ranges and basalt cliffs. Weathered by hot and humid conditions, basalt formed from outpourings of lava that occurred during the intermediate period from 3 to 1.7 million years ago turned into gullied clay.
 
This profound and ultimate decomposition has left on-site iron and aluminium oxides. The ferric oxide has coloured the sands with shades ranging from red to brown while the aluminium oxide has produced shades ranging from blue to violet-blue.
 
The consistent separation of the different strips of coloured sand may be explained by the fact that iron and aluminium particles have a natural repelling effect on one another. The swirling patterns of the dunes have been carved out by rain over thousands of years.
 

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Amazing Travel Fact Kenya

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Kenya:

Did you know that the oldest safari lodge in the world is built on stilts and is extra famous because Queen Elizabeth II visited it in 1952 as a princess and left as a queen?
 
Amazing, isn’t it?
 
Do you know where we need to travel to in order to stay at this lodge?
 
Founded in 1932, Treetops is Kenya’s oldest safari lodge, and Princess Elizabeth was in residence here when she was told of the death of her father, King George VI, prompting her ascendency to the throne. “For the first time in the history of the world,” wrote big-game hunter Jim Corbett in the Treetops logbook, “a young girl climbed into the tree as a princess and climbed down as a queen.”
 
 

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Amazing Travel Fact India

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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India:

 
Did you know that there is a palace right in the middle of lake? It looks like it has one floor, but actually it has 4 more secret floors hidden under the water, which are just as beautiful.
 
Amazing, right?
 
Do you know where we need to travel in order to see this palace?
 

It is indeed the Jal Mahal. 

 
Jal Mahal is a large dimension palace designed using architectural and painting patterns of the Indian culture, as it was a few centuries ago. It is situated right in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, which is surrounded by the Aravalli hills range. The symmetrical building seems to have one floor and its reflection in the water gives visitors a spectacular view, especially in the night time. But there’s more to it.
 
The Jal Mahal palace has another 4 secret floors hidden under the water, and they are just as beautiful as the visible part of this architectural wonder.
 
However, this happened in time, as it was initially built as an establishment for those who used to hunt in the area – particularly the Raja of that time. During those days, the area was only a depression and the water level was rarely increasing, usually when it rained for several days in a row.
 
During the 18h century, the king of Amer – which is nowadays the historical region of Jaipur nearby the lake – decided to build a dam between the two surrounding hills to prevent any flood. It was then that the castle was partially covered in water. Nowadays, visitors can get to the palace using boats especially designed to match the appearance of the building. On the roof, there are various plants, including a few fully grown trees that can be seen from the shore.
 
From the well preserved hand paintings that fill every hall and room to the stairs and the beautifully designed terrace on the roof, the Jal Mahal palace is definitely one of the greatest Indian creations that remained well preserved until the present day.
 
 

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Amazing Travel Fact Alaska

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Alaska:

Did you know that there is a building in the world, that houses a whole town? The building has a post office, general store, police station, laundromat, pool, hospital and mayor’s office.
 
Amazing, right?
 
It has become a tourist attraction.
 
Do you know where we need to travel to in order to see this building? As the building is not that pretty, I included one of the country instead.
 
If you’re the ultimate homebody—Whittier, Alaska may be your dream destination.
 
Whittier started out in the mid-1950’s as a military outpost. In recent decades, civilians have begun to trickle into a former army barracks at the heart of the town called Begich Towers. Begich Towers is currently home to 75% of Whittier’s 300 permanent residents. Begich Towers serves as a cozy condominium which features a post office, general store, police station, laundromat, hospital, mayor’s office, and a heated indoor pool. Whittier’s school is connected to Begich Towers by an underground tunnel, so young residents never have to brave harsh wind and snow on their way to the classroom. Begich Towers also features a small bed and breakfast so that visitors can experience Whitter’s warm sense of community.
 
Whittier is relatively close to Anchorage, Alaska—but it is still difficult to access. Whittier is only accessible by boat, and a single drive through tunnel which periodically alternates directions. The drive through tunnel closes every night at 10:30 pm. Whittier residents who ventured to Anchorage for an evening of fun, and missed the 10:30 tunnel cut off time have been known to spend the night in their car. Most Whittier residents love the tiny town’s remote status. Whittier is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and home to majestic animals such as reindeer who live in a small enclosure just outside of Begich Towers, and humpback whales who frolic in the pristine waters of Prince William Sound.
 
 

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Amazing Travel Fact England

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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England:

Did you know that the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world was built in the 11th century? A major tourist attraction today, the castle has over 1,000 rooms, more than 300 fireplaces and 78 bathrooms. It even has a palace steward who measures the place settings with a ruler before each major meal.
 
Amazing, right?
 
Do you know where we need to travel in order to visit this castle?…
 
Windsor Castle was originally built by William the Conqueror, who reigned from 1066 until his death in 1087. His original wooden castle stood on the site of the present Round Tower (“A”). The castle formed part of his defensive ring of castles surrounding London, the site chosen in part because of its easily defendable position.
 
A Royal home and fortress for over 900 years, Windsor Castle, the largest occupied castle in the world, remains a working palace today. The Queen uses the Castle both as a private home, where she usually spends the weekend, and as an official Royal residence at which she undertakes certain formal duties from Investitures to State Visits.
 
Every year The Queen takes up official residence in Windsor Castle for a month over Easter (March-April), known as Easter Court. During that time The Queen hosts occasional ‘dine and sleeps’ events for guests, including politicians and public figures and presides over Investiture ceremonies at Windsor Castle throughout the year.
 
Windsor Castle is open to the public, so we can rush over there and see for ourselves.
 

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Where in the World France

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world, Amazing Facts.

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France:

Is this actually a house?
 
Yes its the Palais Bulles (“Bubble Palace”), Théoule-sur-Mer, near Cannes
 
IN A CREATIVE INDUSTRY, YOU have to be surrounded by environments that inspire you constantly. Resting on rocky cliffs above the Mediterranean, fashion designer Pierre Cardin’s bubble house is the perfect eccentric home to inspire his avant garde work.
 
25 years ago, Cardin was hunting for a summer home that would fit his style; both chic and space-age. In Cannes, he found a partially constructed home that caught his fancy. Designed by architect Antti Lovag, an equally legendary man in his field, the bubble house was being built for a French businessman, who died midway through construction. After the death of the first owner, Cardin swooped in and completed the work.
 
Domed inside and out, the curved structure resembles a bunch of space-age grapes, or a series of submarine pods. Combined with the bright blue skies above Cannes and the intermittent palm tree, the house loses its abstract appearance and gives way to unadulterated high fashion and the lifestyles of the upper class.
 
Although the luscious pale-blue of the pool looks too appealing to pass up a trip to Cannes, don’t book your ticket quite yet. The bubble house was famous for hosting events and festivals, but the host is a few months from 90 years old and parties at the bubble house were as exclusive as Cardin’s clothing lines.
 
 

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Where in the World Netherlands

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world, Amazing Facts.

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The Netherlands:

Is this actually a bridge? Where in the world could it be?
 
Its Mozesbrug (Moses Bridge), Halsteren, Netherlands
 
Invisible bridge parts the waters, invoking biblical images and preserving the ominous feel of an ancient moat.
 
The bridge, made completely out of waterproof wood, lies like a trench and disappears into the landscape, but from the vantage point of above or either end, the bridge parts the waters, reminiscent of the prophet it named after.
 
In the case that you are lacking the faith to walk down into and under the water line, the RO&AD architects who designed the bridge assure that flooding would not be an issue.
 
The height of the water is controlled by adjustable dams at both sides of the moat, ensuring that when the water rises, it reaches the dams before the bridge, which also includes a pump just in case the dams overflow.
 
 

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Amazing Travel Fact Cyprus

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Amazing Facts.

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Cyprus:

Did you know that there is a beautiful island called “The Island of Love”? It’s known as the birthplace of Aphrodite in Greek mythology. Swimming around her rock is believed to secure an eternal love.
 
Amazing, right?
 
Do you know which island this is?
 
It is indeed Cyprus.
 
Cyprus is the third biggest island in the Mediterranean. It’s known as the birthplace of Aphrodite in Greek mythology. Swimming around her rock is believed to secure an eternal love.
 
It’s also the site of a ship wreck. Cypriot legend claims Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was born and rose from the foam (“afros,” in Greek) near a rock off what’s now Aphrodite’s Beach.
 
Waves breaking over the rock create pillars of foam that islanders say look just like the goddess herself.