The Unique Solomon Islands(a uniquely, beautiful environment, wild and untamed)

The Solomon Islands is a double chain of islands located 1860 kilometres to the north east of Australia. Shaped by earthquakes and volcanic activity thousands of years ago, the 922 individual islands, of which 350 are uninhabited, are divided into nine provinces.
The six main islands of Choiseul, Santa Isabel, Guadalcanal, Malatia, Makira and New Georgia make up most of the 28,000 square kilometre land mass. Hundreds of smaller islands and atolls are scattered throughout the group.
The Solomon Islands are a uniquely, beautiful environment, wild and untamed. The landscape is mountainous with 80% of the islands covered in dense rainforest.
Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, there are several active volcanoes and numerous uplifted atolls and coral islands.

The nation is largely untouched by tourism. Most of the population live in small villages and follow traditional cultures and lifestyles with hunting, fishing, carvings, handcrafts and subsistence farming being their main activities. The Solomon Islanders are a friendly, warm and generous people who make visitors to their Islands feel most welcome.
During World War II the Solomons became the key turning point in the desperate struggle by the allied forces to repel the Japanese advancement in the South Pacific. Most of the heavy fighting was concentrated in the Guadalcanal area with one of the fiercest encounters in naval history taking place on 13th November 1942. The “Battle of Guadalcanal” extracted heavy losses on both sides. Hundreds of ships and aircraft litter the ocean floor, providing divers with a wide range of wrecks to explore. The machines and relics of destruction now form spectacular, artificial reefs that attract masses of fish and an incredible variety of coral life.
Note: All wrecks in the Solomons are National Heritage and the pilfering of these wrecks is not permitted.

Kamani Sinite Nature Park(the marvelous Nature Park )

In the Balkans, above the town of Sliven, over an area of 7094.1 hectares is situated the marvelous Nature Park Sinite kamani (Blue Stones) – bluish-grey to violet rock cliffs mounting to more than 1000 meters above the sea level – the peaks Big and Small Chitalka, Kutelka, Bulgarka (the highest peak in the East Balkans – 1181 m) covered with beech forests, the lake in Karandila, the rock phenomena Kuminite (Chimneys), Kuklite (Dolls), Rakavichkata (Glove) – marvels which only the nature can create.



The Nature Park Sinite Kamani is famous for its nature landmarks. “Halkata” (the Ring) – the arc-shaped stone garland, possessing, according to the legends, magic force – is one of the symbols of the town of Sliven. The forms that the nature has sculptured in the cave Zmeevi dupki (Dragon’s holes) – Zmejat (the Dragon), Orelat (the Eagle) and Vladishkija tron (the Bishop’s throne) are amazing. The ancient beech forest in the vicinity of the Kushbunar spring in the region of Karandila is quite picturesque.

The specific climate and lay conditions of the nature park determine the great diversity of flora and fauna. The plant species are more than 1000, about 900 of which are representative of high species. 27 of the high species are registered in the Red Book of Bulgaria, the endemic species are 48 and the tertiary relict species are 2. The invertebrate animals are represented by 235 species – eight species of fish, nine species of amphibians, nineteen species of reptiles, 165 species of birds and 34 species of mammals. The lay is of typical mountain type – steep and ravine slopes and at sea level between 290 and 1181 meters above the sea level. The north and northwest winds, the wind called “bora”, famous also as “the wind of the town of Sliven” and the night breeze are typical for the region. Through the park flow many rivers and their beds form numerous shoots, pools and waterfalls.

The Jade Buddha Temple (a good place to go whether you are a Buddhist or not)

In the western part of Shanghai, a very modern and flourishing city, there is a venerable and famous Buddhist temple, Jade Buddha Temple. As with most modern Chinese Buddhist temples, the current temple draws from both the Pure Land and Chan traditions of Mahayana Buddhism. It was founded in 1882 with two jade Buddha statues imported to Shanghai from Burma by sea. These were a sitting Buddha (1.95 metres tall, 3 tonnes), and a smaller reclining Buddha representing Buddha’s death. The temple was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Fortunately the jade Buddha statues were saved and a new temple was built on the present site in 1928. It was named the Jade Buddha Temple. The temple now also contains a much larger reclining Jade Buddha, donated from Singapore, and visitors may mistake this larger sculpture for the original, smaller piece.
At the time emperor Guang Xu in the Qing Dynasty (1875-1908) ruled China, Hui Gen, a Mount Putuo abbot went on a pilgrimage to Tibet via the two famous Chinese mountains Mount Wutai and Mount Emei. First he goes to Tibet and then he contiduen his jorney to Burma. By this time Mr. Chen Jun-Pu, an overseas Chinese resident in Burma, donated five Jade statues of Buddha to Hui Gen, who transported two of them back to Jiang-wan, Shanghai. Here Hui Gen had a temple built with collected from various sorces money, mostly of them donated, and died shortly thereafter. This temple was occupied during the 1911 uprising, and the statues were moved to Maigen Road.
An Abbot by the name of Ke Chen later had a new temple built on land donated by a Mr. Shen. The construction took ten years, and lasted from 1918-1928. Ke Chen also invited Reverend Di Xian from Tian Tai mountain to come and lecture on Buddhism in a magnificent ceremony. In 1956, a ceremony was held at the temple by the Shanghai Buddhist Association to celebrate the 2500th anniversary of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment. In 1966, during the cultural revolution, the monks made a living by selling handicrafts. Monk Zhizhi Xuan and others made a trip to Dunhuang via Xinjiang In 1985. Shortly after their return regular scripture lectures, meditation and other features of temple life were resumed.

The two precious jade Buddhist statues are not only rare cultural relics but also porcelain artworks. Both the Sitting Buddha and the Recumbent Buddha are carved with whole white jade. The sparkling and crystal-clear white jade gives the Buddhas the beauty of Jade Buddha in Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghaisanctity and make them more vivid. The Sitting Buddha is 190 centimeters high and encrusted by the agate and the emerald, portraying the Buddha at the moment of his meditation and enlightenment. The Recumbent Buddha is 96 centimeters long, lying on the right side with the right hand supporting the head and the left hand placing on the left leg, this shape is called the ‘lucky repose’. The sedate face shows the peaceful mood of Sakyamuni when he left this world. In the temple there is also another Recumbent Buddha which is four meters long and was brought from Singapore by the tenth abbot of the temple in 1989. Furthermore there are many other ancient paintings and Buddhist scriptures distributed in the different halls of the temple.
Although the history of the Jade Buddha Temple is not very long, the old-time and classical architectural style makes the temple unique and inimitable in this modern city. Devajara Hall, Mahavira Hall and the Jade Buddha Tower make up the main structure of the temple and at sides are the Kwan-yin Dian Hall, the Amitabha Dian Hall, the Zen Tang Hall, the Dining-Room and the Recumbent Buddha Hall.
Chamber of Four Heavenly Kings – The Chamber of Four Heavenly Kings contains the statues of Maitreya, Wei Tuo Bodhisattva and the Four Heavenly Kings, who represent favorable circumstance. The chamber is located on the southern-edge, or ‘front’ of the temple.
Grand Hall – Also called the Great Hall, this hall contains many statues.
* Three Golden Buddhas. The central sculpture is of Gautama Buddha, the left Amitabha and the right Bhaisajyaguru.
* Gods of the Twenty Heavens. The Gods of the Twenty Heavens, covered in gold, line the eastern and western sides of the Grand Hall.
* 18 Arhats. 18 unique golden Arhats stand in two groups of nine.
* Guanyin, Shen Cai and his 53 teachers. A large golden statue of Guanyin stands on at northern entrance to the Great Hall, with Shen Cai at her side and sculptures representing the 53 teachers of his life above.
Jade Buddha Chamber – The Jade Buddha Chamber is in the northern section of the temple, on the second floor. A fee of 10 yuan is charged to ascend to it. Some additional Buddhist sculptures are also viewable in the antechamber.
Public restaurant – The public restaurant is located on level two at the eastern edge of the temple and equipped with its own street entrance. Open daily, it serves a range of noodle dishes for five yuan per bowl, the most popular of which is ‘double mushroom noodles’ . Other dishes are served at moderate prices. Tickets are sold by color and this ticket is turned in inside the main eating room and your soup is then delivered to your table which you might share with others. Upstairs is a much more upscale restaurant at much higher prices.
Other – The temple also contains a private restaurant for the use of monks and temple volunteers, which is at the western edge of the temple complex. There is a visitor services office adjacent to the southern entrance, and a Buddhist library is also on the premises.
The Jade Buddha Temple is a good place to go whether you are a Buddhist or not, the peaceful and transcendent atmosphere adds a kind of richness to our busy modern society. Be aware that there is an admission fee of CNY 15, which is about $1.88, and it works from 8:30 to 17:00. Here is a Google Earth Placemark of the temple

and you can reach it by using following lines of Shanghay’s trasportation system.19, 14, 36, 54, 63, 68, 76, 105, 106, 112, 113, 138, 206, 223, 506, 516, 550, 563, 738, 768, 830, 837, 866, 922

The Great Barrier Reef (one of the Nature’s biggest wonders)

The Great Barrier Reef is my humble oppinion one of the Nature’s biggest wonders. It is the world’s largest coral reef system, composed of roughly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands, that stretch for 2,600 kilometres (1,616 mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in north-east Australia. A large part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is sometimes referred to as the largest single living organism in the world (In reality, it is made up of many millions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps). The living reef structure is believed to have begun growing about 18,000 years ago, but the oldest coral on the reef now is a species of Porites known as boulder coral, which is only about 1,000 years old and it grows about 1 centimetre per year.

The Great Barrier Reef is habited by 30 species of whales, dolphins, or porpoises including the Dwarf Minke Whale, Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin and the Humpback whale. There are also large populations of dugongs, six species of sea turtle come to the reef to breed – Green Sea Turtle, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Hawksbill turtle, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Flatback Turtle, and Olive Ridley. The air above the Reef has more than 200 species of birds (including 40 species of waterbirds). There are also records of 5000 species of mollusc, 14 species of sea snakes, more than 1500 species of fish (including the Clownfish, Red Bass, Red-Throat Emperor, and several species of Snapper and Coral Trout). The corals are about 400 species both hard corals and soft type. There are 15 species of seagrass near the Reef that attract the dugongs and sea turtles. 500 species of marine algae or seaweed live on the Reef. The irukandji jellyfish also lives on the Reef.

The womb of Mankind – lake Titikaka in Bolivia(one really amazing place to see)

The Incas called Cuzco “the navel of the world” and the lake Titikaka “The womb of Mankind” , lakeside dwellers of today regard themselves as the “oldest people in the world”.Lake Titikaka in Bolivia is one really amazing place to see. It covers approximately 9000 square km and like many things in Bolivia it takes another highest championship: it is the world’s highest navigable lake (12,500 feet) 3,820 meters, its depth was recently measured at 457 Mt. Lake Titikaka has long been known to be not only the largest but also the most sacred in the world. Many cultures and civilisations have risen near it.The Tiawanaku culture began its raise around the time of Christ and lasted over a millennium , extending far into Puno and Northern Chile. Tiawanaku ceremonial sites were constructed along the shores of Lake Titikaka, indicating that the lake was considered sacred at least 2,000 years ago. The Incas believed they originated from the lake Titikaka and that their bearded, white leader/deity Viracocha began his acts of creation on this island . Clearly lake Titikaka played a dominant role in Andean beliefs for over two millennia.
The best known of Titikaka island are Taquile and Uros, the floating islands made of bulrushes, on the Peruvian side of the lake and the islands of the Sun and of the Moon on the Bolivian side. Bulrushes (totora) grow in the low waters of the lake , they have always been of multiple use for the natives . The people from the Titikaka region weave this plant very well to make rafts which seem to be made of woven glob fibre; they cut swiftly through the waters of the great lake. Birds nests among the bulrushes , providing eggs for human consumption , the matted plants serve as a foundation to built bulrush houses on. The most important geographical features of Titikaka include the Copacabana peninsula which contains remains of cultures dating back to long before the Spanish influence in South America .
Bolivia as country is a premier adventure travel destination. It is the fifth-largest country in South America and one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world. The Altiplano, a high mountain plateau where Andean civilization first developed, lies between two ranges of the Andes mountains that tower over 23,000 feet. Visitors come to this region to experience the amazingly beautiful waters, landscapes, and cultures of Lake Titikaka. Bolivia’s terrain ranges from spectacular Andean peaks to dense Amazonian rain forests, such as the jungles of Madidi National Park, Noel Kempf Mercado National Park on the border with Brazil.
In Bolivia, with the largest indigenous population in the Americas, Andean culture is alive and strong. Visitors experience Bolivia’s great indigenous heritage and enjoy traditional native architecture, clothing, colorful markets, handcrafts, dances, music, and seeing the daily life of Aymara communities. In La Paz, campesina women in bowler hats and flared skirts sell their products in huge open air markets. In some regions, you are more likely to hear the indigenous Aymara language than Spanish. Being in Bolivia is like stepping back in time by many years.

That’s how Lake Titikaka looks from space. Here is Google Earth Placemark for Lake Ttitikaka in Bolivia.
Quick Facts for Lake Titikaka:
Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,810m) above sea level; the highest navigable lake in the world, lying between Peru and Bolivia
Area: covers 3,205 square miles (8,301 square kilometers)
Length: 120 miles running northwest to southeast
Widest point: 50 miles
Avg. depth: 328 ft.
Fishes: being an alpine lake only two species are native to the lake—killfish (Orestias) and catfish (Trichomycterus); trout were introduced in the 1950s.
Other species: Large frog (Telmatobius) up to 1 ft. long
Other facts: -Fed by 25 rivers
-May tide as much 16ft.
-Forty-one islands

Sodwana Bay Lodge(naturally vegetated dunes which shelter the golden beaches of the lush interior)

Sodwana Bay Lodge and Hotel Resort is placed in the heart of Maputaland on the western shore of Lake Shazibe, South Africa, bordered by the world’s highest naturally vegetated dunes which shelter the golden beaches of the lush interior. The area is surrounded by fertile swamps and sand forests with rare and protected animal and plant species, as well as wide lakes and extensive river estuaries which are full of life.

The careful design of the lodge has been done in order to match the rustic, Eco-orientated nature of the Kwa Zulu Natal region. There is a full range of dive courses offered and is run by the fully-equipped PADI 5 star IDC scuba centre. There are over 1200 different tropical marine fish to be seen in the many coral reefs at the mecca, Sodwana Bay Lodge. Magnum Fishing Charters are also on site for that deep sea fishing experience. Low Risk Malaria region Cell phone reception available.

Diving Facilities: Sodwana Bay Lodge Scuba Centre provides a range of diving activities from introductory dives through to Instructor courses. While diving packages only include dives to Two Mile Reef, other dive sites are visited regularly for a small additional fee. Diving conditions are generally best earlier in the day.

Please note that dive packages do not include any dive equipment. Dive equipment is available for hire on request and should be pre-booked directly with the Dive Shop. Dive certification cards must be produced on arrival. It is strongly recommended that a refresher course is done if it is six months or longer since your last dive. The refresher courser should be pre-booked with the Dive shop.

Toro Yaka Bush Lodge(nature lovers to experience wildlife )

Toro Yaka, which means ‘My Dream‘ in Northern Sotho, is one-of-a-kind lodge situated in the unforgettably pristine Bushveld of Balule, a 30 000 hectare nature conservancy in the Greater Kruger National Park area, South Africa. Set apart from others by its seclusion, intimacy and privacy, Toro Yaka allows nature lovers to experience wildlife at close proximity during their vacation. The lodge has been designed for true bush elegance, and combines personal service and closeness to nature.

The six air-conditioned, private en-suite double rooms ensure tranquillity and comfort at all times. The cuisine is a fusion of European and traditional African, prepared mostly outdoors over an open fire. Animals can be viewed at the water hole from the swimming pool deck, and there is an abundance of bird life in and around the lodge. Bush activities are accompanied by a professional field guide.

The Olifants River, which flow all year-round through Balule, is home to crocodiles and hippos. This is also an area of great scenic splendour, with the northern Drakensberg mountain range being visible from most points. The lodge is only an hour’s drive from two of the main gates to the Kruger National Park. Other attractions in the area include a wildlife rehabilitation centre, a cheetah project, and the Hans Merensky golf club.

 

Camp Moremi( a true sense of the African wilderness)

Camp Moremi brings true meaning to the word “safari” in the Xaxanaka area of the Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana. An elegant, elevated thatch and timber structure serves as the main building comprising a main sitting area, wildlife reference library, dining room, and cocktail bar inviting a true sense of the African wilderness. Other facilities include a secluded swimming pool with sun deck and thatched boma where brunch and high tea are served.

Camp Moremi accommodates just 22 guests in African-style safari tents, each individually sited on a raised teak platform with private adjacent facilities and viewing deck, most offering unsurpassed views of the Xakanaxa Lagoon.

Game drives in open 4×4 vehicles, both in the morning and late afternoons, offer frequent sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah as well as wild dog. Alternatively, guest can explore the Xaxanaka Lagoon and surrounding Okavango channels by motorboat.

 

 

Shinde Camp(an intimate camp located teems with animal and birdlife)

Shinde Camp is situated in a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta, Botswana. Shinde is an intimate camp located on the edge of Shinde Lagoon, which simply teems with animal and birdlife. The camp’s unique main area comprises a multi-tiered dining room and lounge set under canvas amongst the shade of ebony and mangosteen trees to complement the atmosphere of this original safari camp.

Shinde comprises eight twin-bedded classic safari tents, each with an en-suite bathroom, hot and cold running water, and flush toilet. Accommodation is generally twin share on comfortable three quarter-size beds, however double accommodation is available on request. Every possible comfort has been catered for, from generated electricity and a private viewing deck through to a handy flashlight. Each tent is strategically positioned to offer splendid views, whether across the Okavango Delta’s mysterious waterways or open grasslands.

 

Shinde offers a diverse range of activities, courtesy of its location which affords both water and land activities year round. Motorboats or mokoro provide a chance to experience the incredible bird, plant and reptile species found in the aquatic habitat of the Okavango Delta. Game drives are conducted by a personal guide in comfortable, specially designed game drive vehicles. For the more adventurous, guided walks are also available, while-fly fishing enthusiasts will enjoy fishing for a variety of species such as tilapia and tigerfish.

 

 

Tanda Tula Camp(an incredible African wildlife experience)

Tanda Tula Safari Camp is sitted right in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa and forms a part of the Greater Kruger National Park.

This is one of South Africa’s most luxurious tented bushveld camps. Tanda Tula offers guests an unforgettable experience in game viewing, warm hospitality and award-winning cuisine. Consisting of 12 luxurious tents, Tanda Tula Safari Camp exudes elegance and combines comfort and style with African roots. The open plan lodge, which is completely unfenced, merges luxury with the natural environment.

Tanda Tula Safari Camp is sanctuary to Africa’s Big Five, with traversing over more than 20,000 ha of wilderness and undisturbed biodiversity. As there are no fences between the Timbavati and Kruger National Park, game are able to roam freely between the two, offering guests an incredible African wildlife experience.

Highly skilled ranger and tracker teams guide guests in the early mornings and evenings, in open Land Rovers or on foot. Tanda Tula Safari Camp is also proud to be the first in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve to offer a unique, Overnight Walking Safari experience.

Tanda Tula is the oldest safari camp in the Timbavati. Steeped in history, its routes go back many generations linking conservation and the Shangaan culture, and the joy is sharing it with the world. The Timbavati is also home to the very rare white lions.

Sense of Pizza(a new generation restaurant )

Located in Pudong, Shanghai, MATTO is a new generation restaurant offering Italian cuisine specializing in wood-fire oven Neapolitan style pizzas. Meaning “crazy” or “wild” in Italian, the restaurant is the latest dining concept and has already received the honor of Shanghai’s Best Pizza in the 2012 Food & Drink Awards. If you find yourself in Shanghai, this it the perfect spot to enjoy traditional Italian cuisine.

At MATTO diners could relax, enjoy an authentic taste of Italy and also be wowed and entertained by their interior surroundings. Designed by Pure Creative International founder Darryl Goveas, the interior is a great combination between industrial and raw materials, tailor-made fixtures as well as geometric and organic shapes. The open kitchen ensures that patrons to Matto have a sensory and entertaining experience, feasting on the interior design as well as the delicious cuisine.

Matto is certified so this is probably about as authentic a product as you can get in Shanghai. The menu features 18 different pies quality Pasta, Pizza & Grill items in an environment which is casual yet tasteful, creative, dynamic, fun, vibrant and injected from a casual venue. All are prepared with an emphasis on fresh, imported ingredients. Photos by: www.yatzer.com

Constance Moofushi Resort( one of the best diving spots in the world)

Situated on the South Ari Atoll, Maldives, Constance Moofushi Resort is an exclusive five-star resort surrounded by sandy white shores and crystal-clear lagoons. Located only a 25-minute seaplane ride from Male International Airport the resort is a member of prestigious hotel chain Constance and offers the highest standards of services and excellent atmosphere. Featuring uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, Constance Moofushi Resort is considered as one of the best diving spots in the world.

Here you can choose to stay at on of the elegant 110 land and water villas and enjoy luxury beachfront relaxation. All Beach and Water Villas at Constance Moofushi Resort are air-conditioned and feature designer furniture and private sun decks. Villa’s facilities include: and complimentary Wi-Fi connection, an iPod dock, LCD TV, CD & DVD, mini bar, safe, and tea/coffee making facilities.

This Constance resort features a beautiful infinity pool, pampering spa boasting relaxing body massage and a yoga pavilion, two international restaurants and three bars serving refreshing cocktails accompanied by fresh ocean breeze. Sports activities include: beach volleyball, pedal boats, windsurfing, kayak and snorkelling excursion, sunset cruise with a traditional Dhoni, dolphin search, traditional night fishing, and of course – diving (PADI).

Tunnel of Love(one of the most beautiful tunnel in world)

Located in Kleven, not far from the Ukrainian regional center Rivne, this beautiful train tunnel of trees is considered as one of the most beautiful tunnel in world. Named as “Tunnel of Love” by local people, the tunnel is actually a three kilometer section of private railway that serves a fiberboard factory near the town of Klevan. It runs around three times a day delivering wood to the factory. Naturally covered by green trees and makes a tunnel, it is sure to transport the viewer into a world of fantasy.

During the warm months of the year the trees planted next to each other form a fairy green tunnel along one kilometer long section of the railway. The Tunnel of Love is the main attraction in the area and is very popular among lovers who like to make a wish and kiss there. It is believed that if the love is sincere their wish will come true. Everybody who visits the plays says that this is the most beautiful in Ukraine. Visiting this place will be something you will always gladly remember. It is just the type of place that can bring your emotions to the surface, so that you can feel the love of not only your partner, but of everybody visiting the place.

Lido di Venezia(a beach resort since the 19th century)

The Lido has been famous as a beach resort since the 19th century. Today it is fascinating to see the elegant Art Nouveau and Moorish-style vilals and hotels, the tree-lined avenues and the impressive former premises of the Municipal Casino, the Palazzo del Cinema and the Excelsior Hotel overlooking the beach. At the Hotel Des Bains, Luchino Visconti filmed his celebrated Death in Venice. 

Once fortified and used for military purposes, and theatre of the War of Chioggia between the Genoese and the Venetians /14thC/, the Lido was and still remains the setting for one of the most important of the traditional feasts of the Serenissima; for it is here that the ceremony of the Marriage of the Sea takes place, with a large Venetian crowd in attendance.  The Lido was also where the most illustrious guests were received by the Seigniory. The Church of San Nicolo di Lido is evidence of this past: founded in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 17the century, it has Corinthian columns and capitals. Recently has been opened the Planetarium, one of the most interesting and important of Italy. The Fort of Sant’Andrea is interesting too: built in the 156th C on the plan by Michele Sanmicheli it is perhaps best admired from a vantage point near San Nicolo.