Nature Photos

Lanzarote’s Volcanoes Explored

admin — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:25:16 +0000

The Canary Islands have been a hotspot for tourists of all kinds for years thanks to the wonderful weather, beautiful beaches and friendly atmosphere. Another great reason to visit the area is to explore the spectacular volcanoes on Lanzarote.

Lanzarote was created 22 million years ago from volcanic lava and just like the other islands in the Canaries its shape and landscape have been affected by millions of years of volcanic activity. This has given large parts of the island some incredible land and rock formations, unlike anything else on Earth. Parts of the island look like something you’d expect to find on the Moon or Mars.

The guardian of the island is called “Our Lady of the Volcanoes”, which further evidences how important the volcanoes have always been to the culture and history of Lanzarote. This guide by cheapflights takes a look at the best places to explore volcanic sites on the island.

Cueva de Los Verdes

This amazing underground tunnel formation, created from lava flowing from the Corona Volcano, is one of the largest and most impressive volcanic caves anywhere in the world. The formation is incredible to explore, as the walls are covered with vividly coloured rock created from the extreme temperatures that formed the walls of the tunnel. You need to arrange a tour to visit this cave. Each tour lasts around an hour and you will often find the crowds are a little quieter in the afternoons, particularly in peak summer time.

The Timanfaya National Park

Known as the Land of Volcanoes, this national park is made entirely from giant waves of solidified lava that run all the way down to the coast. This is perhaps the most awe-inspiring sight on the island, as you can see the sheer scale of the eruptions and their effects. Visitors to the park ought to head to Montana Rajad for its fantastic view. This spot is perfect for photographers as it gives a breathtaking panoramic view of the park. To explore the interior areas you will need to book a local tour at the visitor’s centre. The centres are well worth a visit anyway, as they have a great deal of information about the area.

Parque Natural de Los Volcanes

Surrounding the Timanfaya National Park is Parque Natural de Los Volcanes, a site formed mostly from eruptions in the 1700s and 1800s. Much of the interest in this area comes from the rocks and minerals that were forced to the surface during these blasts. The area has a number of strange craters and mineral deposits that were formed during the huge explosions that are really interesting to wander around. This is another area that is free to explore and the site is home to many of the island’s rarest and most interesting birds.

The best way to explore Lanzarote is to just get out there and do it yourself. Much of the national park land can be explored free of charge and the visitor’s centres can quickly arrange tours to anywhere special that you fancy seeing in more detail. Most sites run multiple tours daily so there is no excuse to miss out on any of the interesting and often breathtaking sites.

Three Classes of Consumers Qualify for Imprelis Settlement

admin — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:22:55 +0000

Three classes of consumers may qualify for benefits from the Imprelis Tree Damage settlement. Imprelis tree damage settlement began when users of the herbicide found that it was damaging and killing many plants, especially trees. The class action lawsuit is providing money and other forms of compensation to consumers who fell victim to the harmful substance. DuPont, the manufacturer of Imprelis, suspended the sale of Imprelis since reports of damaged and dying trees.

Imprelis was used by three classes that were broken down with specifications by the Settlement Counsel of the Classes. Each class will receive some type of benefit such as tree replacement, refunds, and other ways to be compensated. Class 1 consists of property owners. This affects those whose property was directly affected by Imprelis. Adjacent property owners must report as soon as possible. Tree removal, replacement, and care will be given to repair damage. Class 2 consists of lawn care professionals; these customers can receive reimbursement for time and money spent using Imprelis as well as refunds for any unused weed-killer. Class 3 is made up of golf courses and other self-applicators. Benefits include the ones in Class 1 and reimbursement up to $2,000. Refunds for any unused Imprelis can be done. For more information, visit the website at www.TreeDamageSettlement.com.

This post was sponsored, but opinions are my own

Photos of Various Parts of Nature and Unusual Landscapes

Kity — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 10:06:09 +0000

These wonderful, workshops pictures of parts of nature and unusual landscapes are published with the kind permission of the author – photographer Alexey Ugalnikova . We ask you to support the website and share the link to the photos on social networks. Alex Ugalnikov: “I never thought that I would be keen photographer … Until the fourth degree was never camera, even dish soap film. When I became an adult at all, decided to buy a simple bar of soap and photographed landscapes fishing . A half a year, began to notice that photography spend much more time than the rest and fishing outdoors.’s when it began to study everything related to photography. addition to landscapes, like portrait photography. But most of these are experiments, the idea of which matures in me a long time. All people want art success and inspiration … and enjoy! “

Escape the Winter Blues

admin — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:13:55 +0000

Winter can be a depressing season. Grey days, plummeting temperatures and the long wait until spring can be a total drag. However, a really great aspect of winter is that it is really easy to escape it. Try the following and beat the winter blues.

Attribution: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31726799@N05/2970643412/

Mexico

The sunshine beckons when you find yourself defrosting the windscreen in the dark at 8am before work. When the thermal layers are pulled from the bottom of drawers and snow boots are discovered at the back of the cupboard. The promise of escaping the hardship of winter leads us to tropical climes such as Mexico. There is always a sun in the sky, never a hint of snow and always miles and miles of tropical beaches. Cancun is the destination of choice for thousand of sun seekers every year but a little further down the Caribbean coast and you will hit Tulum. It has been a hit with backpackers, nudists and hippies since the sixties but it has developed into a beautiful beach community with all mod cons. The beach is unspoilt and the stars at night are mind blowing – there is only generator electricity so the sky puts on a fantastic star display on most nights. This place will rid you of the winter blues.

Zermatt

Instead of running for the hills and the sun, why not embrace the winter and head somewhere where the snow is inviting rather than a nuisance. Ski holidays in Zermatt could provide you with that all important fun in the snow. Zermatt is located near the famous Matterhorn and is close to many other ski resorts of note. There are ski runs to thrill, runs for beginners, never mind the snowboarding. Après ski is always an important part of escaping the winter blues and Zermatt has everything a weary skier could wish for. Spas galore, amazing shops and there are some really cool bars. The restaurants are worth the journey, as are the luxury chalets on offer. Zermatt puts a great spin on escaping winter and turns it into a snowy holiday to remember.

Tenerife

The Canary Islands offer chilly travellers the chance to feel the sun on their face all year round. This has been big news for many freezing Europeans who head to the sunny islands in their drives. In order to escape the mainstay of the tourists, it is essential to get off the beaten track. Los Gigantes, in Tenerife can offer the best of both worlds. There is a thriving, traditional tourist aspect – bars and restaurants, as well as some traditional Hispanic entertainment. The area is naturally beautiful and there are many walks in the area that are open to the more active traveller. Do not forget the natural swimming pool which provides the perfect place to swim when the tide comes in. This volcanic island offers a diverse range of activities and really ensures that the winter is left far behind.

Attribution: http://www.flickr.com/photos/uncle-leo/1345443783/

Taking Cruises to the Extreme

admin — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 23:51:43 +0000

When it comes to cruise holidays, there has been something of a change over recent years. Traditionally, cruises were formal and stuffy – designed solely for wealthy retirees with bags of time and money on their hands. Many cruises still cater to this market, but other more modern cruise liners have been developed to appeal to a younger, and sometimes less affluent audience.

Among these liners, some have been decked out to the extreme in order to attract families and younger passengers. Take Royal Caribbean International for instance. This innovative company has become famous for its extreme stance on cruise facilities and its “why not?” approach – among them, passengers can take rock-climbing lessons, whizz along an 80-foot long zip wire, skim the waves on a surf simulator and enjoy a whole host of other activities.

Other operators such as P&O Cruises are also beginning to push the boundaries and appeal to new audiences. Some of the larger vessels in the P&O fleet boast fantastic facilities for all ages, from kids’ clubs and teen discos for youngsters to sports courts and spa treatments, not to mention a fabulous range of evening entertainment.

Other ships in the fleet such as P&O Adonia are smaller and a little more traditional. Although these might suit the older crowd, they are still committed to opening up the concept of cruising with a wide range of activities and facilities. This particular vessel has no less than eight bars, some of which boast panoramic views, a whole range of restaurants, a library, shops, a photographic gallery, a spa, gym and golf nets.

Whatever you’re into and whatever type of things you like to do on holiday, with so much choice you’re bound to find something that’s right up your street. It’s just a matter of finding your favourite which, given the sheer amount of choice, could be significantly easier said than done…

Top Ten Animals to See in the Wild

admin — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 21:17:03 +0000

Planning on a safari holiday this year? Like the nature-loving, animal-cuddlers that we are, we decided to provide you with some information about the most amazing creatures on the planet. If you haven’t seen these wonderful animals yet, you’re missing out!

Big Cat

You wouldn’t call one of these massive felines ‘Tibbles.’ Tigers are the third largest land carnivore in the world. At 700 lbs, we wouldn’t advise giving this kitty a stroke. For a ferocious beast, they are highly endangered due to illegal hunting and loss of habitat through rainforest felling.

Speedy Creature

Although cheetahs are extremely quick, the Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal in the world. Mid-dive, this bird of prey can reach mammoth speeds of more than 240 miles per hour. It’d give your car a run for its money!

Ferocious Fish

Deep in South America, you can find the infamous piranha. Favourite fish of bond villains and other evil-doers, piranhas are known for their insatiable love of meat. With their nasty teeth, they can really take a chunk out of unsuspecting tourists.

Largest Land Carnivore

For a big guy, The Polar Bear isn’t heavily territorial, so you could potential escape with your life (unless…maybe, you looked delicious). These white, fluffy beasts largely live off a diet of seals and the Inuit refer to them as ‘nanook.’ The polar bear is a threatened species, with its natural habitat succumbing to global warming.

The Biggest Snake

If you’ve watched enough scary snake movies, you’ll be well-acquainted with the Anaconda. These snakes can weigh-in at 500 lbs!

The Most Venomous Animal

When most people think of poisonous creatures, their mind usually wanders towards snakes, not jellyfish! But the Sea Wasp really does pack a sting – one that could kill up to 60 adults. Although people have survived a deadly encounter with this jellyfish, the sheer level of venom in the Sea Wasp makes it a force to be reckoned with.

Largest Invertebrate

The colossal squid seems to have been the inspiration for The Kraken. This humungous invertebrate lives at steep depths, so little is actually known about it, but what it does have is the hugest (an frankly most unsettling) eyes you’ve ever seen.

Biggest Creature On The Planet

You guessed it; the blue whale is the largest living animal in the world. This sea bus weighs 376,990 lbs and can measure more than 90 feet in length. For something so ridiculously huge, it’s amazing that the blue whale lives off a diet of widdle krill!

Deadliest Fish

Cue the heavy string music; the Great White shark is the deadliest predator in the seven seas. With an amazingly complex array of sensory organs, these guys are experts at tracking. Not only this but their streamlined bodies make them exceptionally speedy, so don’t expect to out-swim these vicious animals. Punching them in the nose may temporarily disorientate a shark (if you miraculously manage this), but if you’re stranded in the ocean, when this big fish comes-to, you’ll be in big trouble.

This guest post has been composed and contributed on behalf of Knowsley Safari Park. Discover this great day out in the North West of England!

Typical Cruise ports of call in the Canary Islands

admin — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:47:11 +0000

The Canary Islands are some of the most visited short-haul holiday destinations in Europe and with their pleasant climate, buzzing beach resorts and hidden cultural treasures, it is easy to see why the cruise ships also come to call here. From the lush vegetation of La Palma to the surreal volcanic scenes of Lanzarote, this island group counts diversity as one of its chief charms. Take your pick of day excursions, from high-thrill activities to serene sightseeing to get the best out of your Canarian cruise.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

A major player in the archipelago because of its size and reputation, Tenerife has plenty to offer the thousands of cruising holidaymakers who make port in the capital Santa Cruz. It is perfectly possible to see the majestic inland landscape of the Teide National Park in a day or hike through the Ezperanza forest. Cultural options include the towns of La Laguna or Puerto de la Cruz in the north and if you fancy something really different, there are whale-watching tours near the cliffs at Los Gigantes.

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

The busy port city of Las Palmas will greet you as you step off the boat in Gran Canaria; the old district of Vegueta is worth a wander here. Head south to Puerto Mogan for an unsual submarine adventure or to stretch out on the sands of Maspalomas Beach. Explore the rich landscape further by touring the vast Bandama Crater with its must-see viewpoint. For more tranquil excursion ideas, try one of the quietly traditional villages such as Teror with its picturesque church and vernacular architecture.

Arrecife, Lanzarote

Arrecife is a cultured town, home to museums and galleries as well as the harbour, but for a slice of real Lanzarote, it is best to see the astonishing rock formations of the interior in Timanfaya National Park. Explore the caves at Los Verdes to see vast underground lava tunnels that stretch for miles. If you are more inclined to watersports, try the Costa Teguise for a quick spot of wind-surfing or even a relaxing game of golf.

Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura

Although it is the second largest island, Fuerteventura is lesser-known than its neighbours and certainly merits a closer look. Disembark at Puerto del Rosario and travel north to experience some of the best snorkelling lagoons in these parts. Oasis Park Zoo is a favourite with younger visitors and nature-lovers will want to take in the varied landscape from the dunes of Corralejo in the north to the mountainous inner regions near Betancuria.

Santa Cruz de La Palma

The charming cobbled streets of Santa Cruz de La Palma might encourage you to spend your on-shore time here, among the age-old fortresses, Italian-style plazas and tempting bakeries. For those who venture further, this compact island is home to the active peak of Volcan de Tenguia, only an hour away which you can combine with browsing the traditonal island pottery at El Molino. Try Las Nieves, a village of hillside citrus groves, or the floral walks in the UNESCO reserve at northern Los Tilos.

So whether you are seeking natural wonders, authentic Spanish towns or fun amongst the waves, the Canary Islands have the full package. Drifting from port to port here really does give a remarkable overview of these unique volcanic lands and with the sun ever-shining, cruises in the region will continue to be a favourite for some time.

Places to go rafting in Banff, Canada

admin — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:23:55 +0000

A Mecca for travellers from across the globe, Banff National Park, in the Canadian Rockies, Alberta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most sublime unspoiled wildernesses offering once in a lifetime experiences in one of earth’s most stunning locations.

White water rafters, young and old, from the first-timer to the expert, come in their thousands to Banff to sample incredible rapids in the most exceptional environment and with numerous options on offer there really is something to suit everyone.

Spanning over 6,000 square kilommetres, Banff National Park was the first of its kind established in Canada and has something to offer all visitors all year round. Seasoned rafters and newcomers alike are drawn here for the world-famous Kicking Horse River and there are a variety of operators providing all manner of white water experiences to choose from in the season which spans the summer months of May through to September.

Something For Everyone

Banff Whitewater Rafting company offers rafting half-day or day-trips and multi-day tours, suitable for family groups or individual thrill-seekers with a choice of gentle sightseeing trips along the Kananaskis River or speed sprints on the rapids of the Kicking Horse River. During the summer trips depart daily from Banff and Lake Louise, all supervised by experienced rafting guides. Their new fleet of rafts have been designed to the highest specification to provide a safe and authentic experience. The company will also recommend a place to stay as a base for your Canadian Rockies white water experience.

Kootenay River Runners are another provider offering white water rafting on the Kicking Horse River or gentler rafting, suitable for families including children as young as five, on the Kootenay River near Radium Hot Springs. Kootenay is the company which introduced rafting in the Rockies in 1976 and with such a pedigree is proud to offer the ultimate in white water adventures.

Another veteran of the rapids with 26 years of experience and 120,000 past customers is Hydra River Guides. Hydra offers multi-level options from the Mild White Water excursion to Class 4+ intense rapids and everything in between. Packages available also include options to incorporate other activities such as ziplining, horseback riding or ATVing.

Celebrity Choice

Established 20 year ago, Wild Water has played host to sportsmen and women, Hollywood celebrities, members of the Royal Family, Government Leaders, singers, golfers and thousands upon thousands of families, couples, singles and groups of every age (8+) and ability. Wild Water offers gentle lake or river rafting to extreme white water rapids with daily excursions from mid-May to mid-September.

Canadian Rockies Rafting is another operator which offers four distinctly different trips with something to suit all ages and abilities ranging from leisurely scenic floats on the calm but magnificent Bow River, an ideal way to experience the true majesty of the Rockies, to a whole day of exhilarating white water rafting on the challenging and raging Kicking Horse.

Mild To Wild And Everything In Between

Claiming to be the family rafting company, Chinook Rafting offers the white water rafting experience of a lifetime all under the expert supervision of experienced river guides. With experience spanning

25 years, Chinook has trips from ‘mild to wild’ with something to suit every level of adventure seeker, using modern equipment and adhering to industry leading safety standards.

Whatever your choice of providers, your Banff white water experience is guaranteed to be an unforgettable one and something which you will be talking about fondly for many years to come.

This article was contributed by cheapflights – helping you get to the world’s most beautiful destinations for less.

Top Four Most Picturesque Cruise Destinations

admin — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:39:41 +0000

A cruise is an excellent way to make a holiday seem much longer. Spending time relaxing on a luxurious cruise ship is a holiday in itself, where holidaymakers can treat themselves to a host of on-deck amenities, so there is no time to feel bored. Along with going on short excursions to explore deserted islands or spending a few days in bustling coastal cities, there is so much to experience on any cruise. With so many cruise deals available, they can be a surprisingly economical way of taking a holiday.

Another main attraction of a cruise is the astounding beauty of many of the destinations, and here are four of the most spectacular:

Caribbean

One of the most popular cruise destinations, the Caribbean is world-famous for its astonishingly clear blue seas, sandy islands and tropical temperatures. A dynamic place with friendly locals, delicious food and unspoilt beaches, it is greatly favored by all ages due to the grand scale and diversity of the islands. The beauty of the white sand beaches must be seen to be believed, and there is never a shortage of stunning scenery to discover, from some of the world’s largest barrier reefs to uninhabited islands covered in palm trees. The sheer size of the region means that there are many reasons to visit again and again, and never experience the same thing twice.

Norway

Offering holidaymakers a change to explore glacial valleys, breathtaking fjords and a unique culture, a cruise around Norway’s coast is an experience that can never be forgotten. Crystal clear waters and unusual coral reefs are some of the amazing sights to be seen in the land of the midnight sun, and if the cruise is at the right time of year, there may be an opportunity to see the elusive and mysterious northern lights. With more than 1190 fjords, there will never be a shortage of spectacular views in Norway.

Mediterranean

Whether wandering around the ancient architecture found on the Greek islands or enjoying a cocktail on the Spanish coast, there are an endless number of things to do during a Mediterranean cruise. Taking a dip in the cool waters is a welcome break from the warm, humid temperatures that make this area so popular with tourists. An area indelibly touched by the hand of history; there is plenty to see, including museums, monuments and ancient villages and towns that are seemingly untouched by the modern world. In contrast, there are also numerous shopping centers, seafront restaurants and bustling markets that sell the freshest of food and the most unique keepsakes. A Mediterranean cruise is a perfect family holiday due to the warm weather, beautiful scenery and diverse activities to enjoy.

Alaska

A more unusual destination, Alaska is gaining popularity as a cruise destination. It is an astonishingly beautiful land filled with unspoilt scenic wonders due to its remote location. Travel under and around glaciers, see wildlife that lives nowhere else in the world and discover a wide variety of landscapes, from deep valleys carved by the last ice age to huge mountain ranges populated by expansive, untouched forests. This is the perfect location to see one of the last pristine areas of natural wilderness. Choosing Alaska as a destination is also a perfect change from the usual hot, humid, sunny cruises.

Organizing your next camping trip

admin — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:42:47 +0000

Camping is a great way to have a fun vacation on a budget. It provides a chance to experience the great outdoors first hand and teach children or grandchildren about nature. With a little bit of preparation, even first-time campers will have a smooth and fun trip.

Sounds like a plan

Great camping experiences demand a little more than just turning up at the chosen site with a tent. Advance planning will ensure any snags are anticipated and solutions easily carried out. Researching the destination is a useful first step – consider what time of year the trip will take place and what the weather will be like, how close the nearest stores are and whether drinking water is readily available or if it will need to be transported. Next, factor in the ages and interests of camping companions – if this is a family trip, plan enough entertaining activities to keep the kids interested.

Pitching that tent

If in doubt, practice! Even with the help of what looks like a relatively straightforward instruction manual, putting up a tent for the first time can be a little like erecting an old fashioned deck chair – way more complicated than it looks. Take the time when still at home to read and understand the principles and, even better, have a test run in the back yard. As the tent will provide campers with primary protection from the elements, it is vital that it is correctly assembled in a suitably sheltered position on the campsite.

Lighting the fire

That wonderful, easily constructed open campfire seen in movies may be picturesque, but in real life, someone will need to make sure that all fires built at the campsite comply with basic safety standards. Campers also need to be vigilant to ensure that fires are looked after and properly extinguished. Always check if wood gathering is permitted when in a park or national forest – if not, bring plenty from home. Camping does mean transporting a lot of equipment and personal belongings, so it might be worth looking into car rental deals, especially if a lot of individuals need to be transported to the campsite as well.

Al fresco dining

Assuming the tent has been pitched and there’s a good fire ready for cooking, it’s important to remember basic hygiene rules when setting up an outdoor kitchen and preparing food. Encourage all campers preparing food to wash hands, keep raw ingredients in separate containers and prepare them on separate surfaces. Above all, make sure food is thoroughly cooked before serving. Remember to also clean up and dispose of debris properly when the meal is finished.

Staying safe

Accidents will happen, so even the most careful campers need to be able to deal with minor cuts and bruises, though in the event of specific allergy outbreaks and medical conditions, individuals may need special provision. A basic first aid kit containing band aids, antiseptic lotion and insect repellent will deal with most issues, but make sure to bring along extra medical items if it is advised that camping partners may need them.

If individuals simply take some time to organize before they go, they will enjoy a trouble-free camping trip.

The Beautiful Kiev

admin — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 20:53:11 +0000

Castles, beaches, running around chesnuts. These may not sound like your typical vacation attractions, but in Kiev, the atypical may be just what the doctor ordered. Whether youʼre in the mood for activity or just want to sit back and let the entertainment come to you, Kiev has you covered.

Letʼs start with the plethora of historical attractions that you can check out on any given day. From the over nine centuries old Saint Sophia Cathedral, to the Lavra Caves Monastery, historic and religious sites in Kiev are in abundance. These are not just some boring buildings with placards of history to check off on your rubric. The Lavra Caves, for instance, were built by monks in 1051, and carry with them the weight of true spiritual adherence through the centuries.

Have an inkling to check out some great classical music? Check out the National Opera House of Ukraine. Whether its the ﬂuid classical compositions of Brahms, or a modern take on the orchestral, the Opera House is “lovely, a work of art” that has brought crowds together for years to celebrate in the joy of music. The National Philharmonic of the Ukraine is another musical heavyweight with something for every classical music lover in your life.

What about museums? Just name what youʼre looking for! The Mykola Syadristy Miniatures Museum is certainly greater in stature that its inclusions of small artistic gems. The Great Patriotic War Museum is an intimate, in-depth and powerful look at World War II like youʼve never seen it before. The Pirogovo Open-Air Museum is a “Ukrainian paradise”, where the serene walk amidst its heavenly outdoor space is just a fraction of what youʼre in for.

The best part of Kiev attractions is that you may not need a particular destination at all. Modern life on Kiev streets is an attraction in and of itself. Check out Kreshchatyk Street, where every moment is different, from its diverse and colorful denizens, to the plethora of attractions that come from every which way, often spontaneously. Kiev ﬂats in the area oversee this adventurous city life and allow you to join the rapture.

Perusing Kievʼs dynamic streets also gives tourists and citizens alike the ability to explore some of Kievʼs unique, world-renowned architecture. Thereʼs the House with Chimeras, a design the likes of which cannot be witnessed anywhere else. The Rodina Mat (Motherland) sculpture is both iconoclastic and a perfect foreground to Kievʼs beautiful blue skies.

Watch the hurried footsteps of future leaders and current leading thinkers at the National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv. See the power of ﬂight, both past and present, at the State Aviation Museum. Savor in a delight of all the senses at the Grishko Central Botanical Garden. Get an apartment in Kiev and enjoy all of the above!

Anytime you think youʼve exhausted the options of attractions and sources of entertainment in Kiev, youʼve only just begun. So begin the right way, by setting your feet in Kiev today.

In the Realm of Spring Beauty

Kity — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:25:47 +0000

Spring is one of the four temperate seasons, the transition time between winter and summer. Spring and “springtime” refer to the season, and also to ideas of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. The specific definition of the exact timing of “spring” varies according to local climate, cultures and customs. At the spring equinox, days are close to 12 hours long with day length increasing as the season progresses.

Amazing Half-Moon Lake

Kity — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 08:40:36 +0000

At a distance of about 6 kilometers from the outskirts of the city of Dunhuang in western China, is Lake Crescent, incredible, amazing beautiful oasis in the Gobi Desert. Known in Chinese as Yueyaquan, unusual lake, in form resembling a crescent moon, is not only one of the major tourist attractions in the region, but also one of the most important shrines in Buddhism. Today we offer you a selection of photographs depicting one of the precious gems of the desert – Crescent Lake and the surrounding oasis.

City Lights On Sydney Vivid Festival Is Here

admin — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 22:06:11 +0000

This 25 May to 11 June, Vivid Sydney Festival 2012 is back for a fourth annual spectacle of lights, international music and forward-thinking ideas. You can be part of the 500,000 Sydneysiders and visitors to see it for yourself.

Over 60 light installations, over 100 creative industry events, and visual impressions that scan the whole of the city skyline and reﬂect along the Sydney Harbour are just the beginnings of this exciting celebration of the Southern Hemisphere. Artists from France, Poland, Scotland, Hong Kong, USA, Brazil, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia bring works of low-energy light art in interactive displays. Local and international musicians bring a soundtrack to the imagery, as leading creative global thinkers host public debates and talks to elevate your artistic sensibilities as well as your awareness.

This year, a special recognition of the original inhabitants of the Sydney basin will be on full display through groundbreaking works of 3D digital mapping. All across the Sydney skyline, projections will fall upon iconic buildings, expressing visual impressions of the six seasons of the Indigenous calendar.

So whether its the “Lighting of the Sails” or the lighting of the iconic Sydney Opera House, Vivid Sydney Festival 2012 is an event you do not want to miss.