Where in the World Abu Dhabi

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

blank

Abu Dhabi:

Did you know where there is a “Gold to Go” machine, which spits out 24-karat gold in 320 forms, from gold bars and coins to wearable jewellery in varying weights? 

After a single-day test run in a Frankfurt train station, the world’s first gold bar-dispensing ATM opened to much fanfare in the lobby of the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi in 2010.
 
Since its debut in the UAE, a small but mighty array of these counterintuitive little machines have cropped up around the world – arguably the most fitting of which can be found in the lobby of Las Vegas’ Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino.
 
Guarded by armoured guards, these glittering ATM spit out 24-karat gold in 320 different forms, from gold bars and coins to wearable jewellery, in varying weights. The customer simply has to operate a touch screen to make his selection, pay with cash or credit, and watch his booty pop out of the machine packaged in a sweet-looking black case.
 
 

Where in the World Greece

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

blank

Greece:

Where is this hilltop monastery?

Meteora, Greece
 
The site where the monasteries of Meteora, were built, is said to serve perfectly their purpose.

The monasteries stand on some huge natural sandstone pillars that were mould into their bizarre shape by the winds and the time. Up there, the monasteries seem to hover between earth and heaven, an illusion that makes monks and visitors feel close to the celestial world. These cone shaped pillars prove the artistic nature of Nature.

According to the 19th century geologist Alexander Philipson, they were created after huge amounts of material piled up in this area where a huge prehistoric river was flowing towards a vast lake which covered today’s Thessaly.

When the waters drained into the Aegean Sea and the valley of Thessaly was revealed, these rocks emerged and the millennia along with the extreme weather conditions formed them into their today’s shape.

The first evidence of ascetic life in Meteora dates back in the 10th century, when some hermit monks chose the caves and the hollows in the pillars’ walls to lead an ascetic and reclusive lifestyle. In 1160 A.D. the “Scete of Stagoi Dhoupianis” was found, which is considered to be the first attempt of an organized monastic community.

However, it needed more than two centuries for the first monastery to be built. In 1356, Athanasios Meteoritis, a monk from Aghion Oros, came to Meteora and built on the top of the largest cliff the “Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of Jesus” or “Great Meteoron”. From then on, these huge rocks were named after this exact monastery and took the name “Meteora”, which in Greek means: an object that levitates.

Travel to Greece

 

Where in the World Lebanon

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

blank

Lebanon:

Of which country is this city the capital?

Lebanon is located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea consisting of a narrow strip of territory and is one of the world’s smaller sovereign states. The capital is Beirut.
 
Though Lebanon, particularly its coastal region, was the site of some of the oldest human settlements in the world it was not until 1920 that the contemporary state came into being.
 
In that year France, which administered Lebanon as a League of Nations mandate, established the state of Greater Lebanon. Lebanon then became a republic in 1926 and achieved independence in 1943.
 
Lebanon shares many of the cultural characteristics of the Arab world, yet it has attributes that differentiate it from many of its Arab neighbours. Its rugged, mountainous terrain has served throughout history as an asylum for diverse religious and ethnic groups and for political dissidents.
 
Lebanon is one of the most densely populated countries in the Mediterranean area and has a high rate of literacy. Notwithstanding its meagre natural resources, Lebanon long managed to serve as a busy commercial and cultural centre for the Middle East.
 
 

Where in the World Panama

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

blank

Panama:

Which country does this flag belong to?

Panama
 
The flag of Panama was made by María de la Ossa de Amador and was officially adopted in 1925. The Panamanian flag day is celebrated on November 4, one day after Panamanian separation from Colombia, and is one of a series of holidays celebrated in November known as the Fiestas Patrias.
 
The first flag proposed in 1903 consisted of thirteen horizontal stripes of alternating red and yellow, with a blue canton containing two golden suns, joined by a narrow line to depict the oceans to be united by the Panama Canal. However, this was not accepted by the Panamanian leader, Manuel Amador Guerrero, whose family designed a new flag.
 
The stars and quarters are said to stand for the rival political parties, and the white is said to stand for the peace in which they operate. Blue was the colour of the Conservatives and red was the colour of the Liberals.
 
 

Amazing Travel Fact Panama

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

blank

Panama:

Did you know that there is a city, which is the only capital in the world with its own lush rain forest?
 
Amazing, right?
 
Do you know where we need to travel to in order to visit this beautiful spot?
 
Lots of cities have parks, many of which are absolutely amazing. The unique thing about Panama’s Parque Natural Metropolitano is that it’s the biggest wildife refuge and forest environment within city limits.
 
Panama City is the only national capital city containing a rainforest within city boundaries. Panama City’s rainforest is the second largest in the Western Hemisphere.
 

Where in the World Ecuador

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

blank

Ecuador:

Where does the famous Panama Hat originate from?
 
Despite their name, Panama hats have never been made in Panama. They originated in Ecuador where they are made to this day. Historically, throughout Central and South America, people referred to Panama hats as “Jipijapa,” “Toquilla,” or “Montecristi” hats (the latter two phrases are still in use today).
 
Their designation as Panama hats originated in the 1850s, when Ecuadorian hat makers emigrated to Panama, where they were able to achieve much greater trade volumes.
 
The name “Panama hat” was further reinforced by President Theodore Roosevelt’s trip to oversee the construction of the Panama Canal. Roosevelt used his natural ability to drum up publicity by posing for a series of photos at the Panama Canal construction site in 1906.
 

Where in the World Colombia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

blank

Colombia:

Where is this beautifully coloured street?
 
Its in Salento, Colombia
 
It’s known for its coffee estates and verdant scenery.
 
East is Cocora Valley where lofty wax palm trees, a national symbol, are home to rare parrots. The town is a gateway to the snow-capped peaks of Los Nevados National Natural Park, to the northeast. In Salento, Calle Real has colorful buildings and craft shops. El Mirador is a viewpoint just northeast of town.
 
Tourists love Salento for its “back in the day” original charm and the peacefulness that seems to come with it. This relaxed vibe is not often found in Colombia and therefore Colombians love to visit Salento as tourists themselves!
 
Salento is a really colorful town with many of the historic buildings painted in bright colors. Salento is gorgeous and makes for some great photo opportunities.
 
The main drag is Calle Real, which is full of artesanías (local craft stalls) and restaurants. At the end of the street are stairs leading up to Alto de la Cruz, a hill topped with a cross. From here you’ll see the verdant Valle de Cocora and the mountains that surround it. If the skies are clear (usually only early in the morning), you can spot the snowcapped tops of the volcanoes on the horizon.
 
 

Amazing Travel Fact Colombia

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

blank

Colombia:

Did you know that there is is a valley that is home to the world’s tallest palm trees? They grow as tall as 200 feet. You have to go through a cloud forest in order to get there.

Amazing, right?
 
Do you know where we need to travel to in order to see these very tall trees?
 
It is indeed in Colombia.
 
High in the Colombian Andes in Los Nevados National Natural Park, you’ll find the Valle de Cocora, a valley that’s home to the world’s tallest palm trees. These towering trees—called wax palms—grow as tall as 200 feet, and are sheltered in a protected range.
 
To get to Valle de Cocora, you must first embark on a six-mile hike. From the small outpost of Cocora, you’ll find a loop trail that leads into a cloud forest, where rain falls almost every day.
 
Colombia, unsurprisingly, is considered one of the world’s 17 “megadiverse” countries—nations that harbor the majority of the Earth’s species.
 
 

Where in the World Chile

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

blank

Chile:

Where is this huge hand?

“Mano del Desierto” sculpture: A monumental work by Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal is located in the vast Atacama Desert of northern Chile.
 
The larger-than-life hand towers an impressive 36 feet (11 meters). It’s taller than an NFL goal post and nearly as high as a yellow school bus is long. The nearest city of Antofagasta, still some 46-odd miles away, lays claim to the imposing structure.
 
Chilean sculptor Mario Irarrázabal was asked by the townspeople to create a monument for the vast region of Atacama. And so he created the “Hand of the Desert,” protruding starkly from the sand and reaching for the brilliant blue sky.
 
The meanings of the monument are unknown. Some say it is meant to be a reminder that humans should be humbled by nature and the elements. Others are convinced it is a display of humans rising against the odds.
 
 

Where in the World Argentina

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

blank

Argentina:

Where is this amazing white desert?

In Argentina!
 
The Salinas Grandes is located in the north of Argentina and it takes the province of Salta and Jujuy. It’s a 212-square-kilometer-long of the 3rd biggest salt flat in South America and the 1st of Argentina.
 
It is a spectacular space of kilometers and kilometers of salt that dye white a soil that used to be reddish-brown. The salty flakes that remained on the floor – and still crystallize – are the result of the evaporation of groundwater from a volcano that erupted billions of years ago. And it is an incredible landscape that is worth traveling to see.
 
It can be visited all year round alongside National Route 52, between the towns of Purmamarca and Susques, in Jujuy, super easy access from Salta.
 
Walking on the Salinas Grandes is a sensory overwhelming experience, the silence there seems to be eternal. Hours can be spent contemplating this desert of whiteness.
 
Travel to Argentina
 

Where in the World Kazakhstan

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

blank

Kazakhstan:

Where this beautiful tower situated?

Astana, Kazakhstan

The Kazakh word “bayterek” translates literally to mean “tall poplar,” as in the tree.

That’s what makes Bayterek Tower such a fitting name for a national monument steeped in symbolism and meaning, connecting the old world to the modern in a celebration of progress.
 
Located in Astana, Kazakhstan, every element of Bayterek Tower was designed with the intention of imparting meaning to visitors and citizens alike, right down to the height of the tower, which stands 97 meters tall to represent 1997, the year in which Astana was named the capital of Kazakhstan.
 

Amazing Travel Fact Japan

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

blank

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. 
 

Where in the World Hong Kong

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

blank

Hong Kong:

Is this just an optical illusion?
 
Located at the Tai Hang region of the Hong Kong Island, Lai Tak Tsuen estate is one of the first public housing developments in Hong Kong, offering more than 2000 apartments.
 
The surrounding is among the best of all public rental buildings – sitting on the slop of the hill, you can get the view of the Victorian Harbor.
 
The unique bicylindrical design of Lai Kit Lau and Tak Chuen Lau is also the first and only design ever employed in a public housing project.
 
Lai Tak Tsuen estate was named after the former Hong Kong Government officer Michael Wrigh.
 
The open space of the bicylindrical structure allows natural light to fall into the inner structure of the building, reducing energy consumption. The geometrical beauty of the shadow created by the layer of rings (circle structure of each level) can be compared to a giant modernistic sculptures. 
 

Where in the World Cambodia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

blank

Cambodia:

Did you know that King Louis XIV of France established the world’s first ballet school in 1661?
 
In fact, one of the distinctive features of ballet technique – the turnout, was introduced by the King because he loved to show off the shiny buckles on his shoes when he performed his own dances.
 
But did you know that in 2020, we have a King who is a professionally trained ballet dancer?
 
Amazing right?
 
Do you know of which country he is the king?
 
King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia.
 
King Sihamoni was born to love the arts. His father, the late and much-revered Norodom Sihanouk, produced 50 films during his lifetime, wrote more than 48 musical compositions and was a great advocate of traditional Khmer arts.
 
Born in 1953, Sihamoni was sent to Prague, then Czechoslovakia, at nine years old by his father. At the age of 16, he starred in Sihanouk’s film, The Little Prince. While the civil war ravaged the country in the 1970s, the prince remained in Czechoslovakia, where he went on to study at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (AMU), specialising in classical dance, music and theatre. He graduated in 1975.
 
Inspired by his film-making father, Sihamoni left Prague after his graduation, moving to North Korea to study cinematography in the capital, Pyongyang. Two years later, Sihamoni relocated to France to teach ballet, where he worked as a professor of classical dance and formed his own dance troupe, Ballet Deva.
 
He choreographed some of their performances and made two films with a dance theme.
 
He went on to live in Paris for almost two decades, becoming president of the Khmer Dance Association. In 1993, he was appointed Cambodia’s delegate to UNESCO in Paris.
 
In 2004, Sihamoni’s father abdicated for the second and final time. Sihamoni stepped into his shoes, many say reluctantly.
 
Sihanouk died in Beijing on October 15, 2012, at the age of 89.
 
Little remains known about the current king, who keeps his cards close to his chest. However, the information out there paints a picture of a humble and cultured man.
 
 

Where in the World Azerbaijan

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world, Whats cooking.

blank

Azerbaijan:

Did you know that there is a country where the tea tray gives a good indication of how the matchmaking is progressing? If there is no sugar in the tea, more negotiating needs to be done. If it is sweet, then the wedding will take place.
 
Amazing, right?
 
Tea in Azerbaijan is served freshly brewed, hot and strong. It typically has a bright colour and is served in crystal or any other glasses or cups. Azerbaijanis often use traditional armudu (pear-shaped) glass.
 
Tea is served continuously when there are guests or when there is an interesting conversation. For Azerbaijanis tea is associated with warmth, hospitality. tradition says that one should not allow the guest to leave the house without at least one cup of tea.
 
Tea in Azerbaijan is also served during matchmaking. After the negotiations by matchmakers are complete, the maid will bring out tea. If the tea is served without sugar, that is a sign that the chances for marriage agreement are very low; conversely, if tea is served with sugar, it means that there will be a wedding.
 
Azerbaijanis say about tea “Çay nədir, say nədir” which can be translated as “when you drink tea, the cup count doesn’t matter” and means that tea is something almost “sacred” in Azerbaijan.
 
 

Where in the World Armenia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

blank

Armenia:

Do you know where the oldest winery in the world can be found?

In the Areni region, Armen
 
If making the oldest known leather shoe wasn’t enough, a prehistoric people in what’s now Armenia also built the world’s oldest known winery…
 
“This is the earliest, most reliable evidence of wine production,” said archaeologist Gregory Areshian of the University of California, Los Angeles.
 
“For the first time, we have a complete archaeological picture of wine production dating back 6,100 years,” he said.
 
To test whether the vat and jars in the Armenian cave had held wine, the team chemically analysed pottery shards—which had been radiocarbon-dated to between 4100 B.C. and 4000 B.C.—for tell-tale residues.
 
 

Where in the World Zimbabwe

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

blank

Zimbabwe:

Where is this amazing sky walk based?

Looks scary doesn’t it?

The Sky Walk is situated in the beautiful Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe.

The Sky Walk is truly unique, a first for Zimbabwe and the world. The 2 suspension bridges are designed to look like vines above the falls allowing for the first time a full panoramic view of the Mutarazi Falls and its surroundings.
 
The Sky Walk consists of two bridges – the one 30m that take you over the lip of the Falls and the other 90m that is above the entire Falls.
 
If you ever dreamed of walking in midair then this is for you. Activity takes roughly 10 minutes.
 
 

Where in the World Ghana

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

blank

Ghana:

Where is this interesting monument?
 
In Accra, Ghana…..
 
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum and memorial park is located in downtown Accra, the capital of Ghana. It is dedicated to the prominent Ghanaian leader Kwame Nkrumah. The memorial complex was dedicated in 1992, and is situated on the site of the former British colonial polo grounds in Accra.
 
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & mausoleum, designed by Don Arthur, houses the bodies of Kwame Nkrumah and his wife Fathia Nkrumah. The building is meant to represent an upside down sword, which in Akan culture is a symbol of peace.
 

Where in the World Tunisia

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

blank

Tunisia:

How fascinating that people still live like this.

But where is this?

The cave village of Matmâta in Tunisia.
 
Matmâta and other desert settlements in Tunisia have wonderful underground homes built to avoid the intense heat and strong desert winds. The homes are made by digging a large pit some 7m (23ft) deep and 10m (33ft) wide and then, around the sides of the pit, tunnelling in a few meters before cutting artificial caves.
 
Matmâta, and a handful of similar towns across Tunisia, is situated on a shelf of sandstone that is soft enough to excavate with hand tools, but sturdy enough to provide homes for centuries.
 
The homes are grouped around a central courtyard and connected to other courtyards with more rooms forming an underground labyrinth.
 
The interior of the cave homes (left) are painted with lime wash to capture as much bright desert light from the courtyard as possible.
 

Where in the World Zanzibar

Written by Gill Dewar on . Posted in Where in the world.

blank

Zanzibar:

This almost doesn’t look real does it?

Located on Pemba Island in Zanzibar, The Manta Resort has a remarkable jewel in its crown of luxury, an underwater sea room.
 
Anchored in an ocean floor anomaly we call the blue hole, the floating underwater room tops almost anything. Encapsulated within a turquoise blue bubble, watching shoals of reef fish swim by – sometimes in three or four layers of different species, this is a truly heart-stopping, yet awakening, experience. The floating structure, Swedish engineered, provides three levels, above the water clad in local hardwood is a lounge, bathroom below a stargazing, sun tanning bed. Each one worthy of its own story.
 
It’s part of an ingenious floating structure. There are three levels. The landing deck is where the boat drops you off and the location of the lounge and bathroom. The top floor has daybeds and shades for relaxing in the day and watching the stars at night – they say you can see the Milky Way and the planets due to the lack of light pollution.
 
Below sea level is the submariner room, a bedroom bubble where fish glide past your window. There are even fish that have made their homes around the structure; out here you won’t be visited by other guests but by three bat fish and a trumpet fish called Nick. The room is located in a “blue hole” in the middle of a living coral reef so it is the perfect place for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts and also people who just really like The Little Mermaid.
 
 

blank


Private Facebook group
for the travel industry

Travel Talks Platform Group


5.8k members

Travel Talks Platform for the travel industry

Follow the travel news – Traveltalksplatform is the number 1 news site to stay updated on amazing travel facts, the latest news, events, incentive ideas, MICE news, job opportunities and shows.

Specially composed for the travel industry, you will find the latest travel facts at your fingertips.

Submit



Subscribe

Stay updated about the latest travel news worldwide

blank

The latest airline news, hotel news, cruise news and MICE news in your inbox:
Stay updated about
the latest travel news worldwide

 

 

Copyright © 2021 e-motions international

disclaimer:

We assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.