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The Top 10 Sky Bars

Monday, May 11th, 2009

From the inception of civilization, man has always aspired to go up near the clouds through his elevating handiworks. The modern sky bars that we see towering over some of the major cities of the world are an evidence to man’s love for heights. These not only serve as stunning structures kissing the skies but also attract visitors with a sweeping view of the surrounding urban stretch. Here is a list of the top ten sky bars of the world for all who have a crave for dizzying heights:

1. State Tower Sky Bar, Bangkok (63 floors)

View of the Shangri La and the Chao Praya River from open air restaurant, Sirocco at the Bangkok State Tower

Photo from Ian T Edwards

The Dome at State Tower looks gorgeous because of its heady height and stunning color effects from where you could catch a breath-taking view of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok. You would love to dine in the famous Sirocco restaurant situated on this tower simply because of the splendid city view coupled with the Mediterranean food it offers.

Sirocco Roof Bar Restaurant

Photo from UK Ryan

Photo from Rizon Parein

2. Traders Hotel Sky Bar in Kuala Lumpur (33 floors)

Petronas Twin Towers view from 33F

Photo from Tomorrow Bystander

Simply because of its location in the magnificent Sky Bar of Kuala Lumpur, the Traders Hotel enjoys a magical rapport with lovers of intoxicating cosmopolitan views and chilled drinks. From this unique rooftop lounge, you can enjoy a superb view of the glowing Petronas while listening to some soothing music.

Sky bar, Traders Hotel, KL

Photo from James and Esther

The Sky Bar in Kuala Lumpur with a view of Petronas

Photo from Stuck in Customs

3. Tokyo New York Sky Bar (52 floors)

Bar from the film “Lost in Translation”

Photo from j.d.ripper

This skybar featuring in the movie ‘Lost in Translation’ is made from ebony, walnut and black leather. Here you can enjoy an assortment of live jazz music and cocktails like brandies an cognac while looking around the panoramic view of glittering Shinjuku. You can also order a range of sophisticated Japanese dishes.

Tokyo Park Hyatt – 52nd Floor Night View

Photo from jackson.chu

Tokyo Park Hyatt Hotel of Lost in Translation fame

Photo from pokpok313

4. Sydney Blu Horizon Sky Bar (36 floors)

The view from Blu Horizon Sky Bar / Photo from Kama82

Located in the Shangri-La hotel above The Rocks, this sky bar enjoys a close proximity to the famous structures of the city like Harbor Bridge, Opera House and Circular Quay. In addition, you can get a full view of the Darling Harbor while enjoying a pampering treatment by LaClinica beauty therapists or some urban cocktail delicacy.

Blu Horizon Sky Bar / Photo from downunderendeavours

5. New York Salon de Ning Sky Bar (23 floors)

Salon de Ning courtesy The Peninsula Hotel / Photo from eater_ny

This Midtown sky bar is marked by its lovely outdoor terraces where you could relax while surveying Fifth Avenue, the Museum of Modern Art’s Sculpture Garden and Central Park. You could also turn indoors to explore the beautiful samples of Chinese art. The décor of the lounge has a blend of eastern and Western trends that you will find fascinating.

6. Hong Kong Azure Restaurant Slash Sky Bar (30 floors)

View from Azure Sky Bar / Photo from specialfx

More than the drinks, what draws tourists here is the prospect of looking down at the city lights from such a dizzying height. However, if you want your drinks all the same, you can discover separate modes for relaxation in the 29^th and 30^th floors and feel the vibrant spirit of the city in the soft jazz played in the background.

Photo from anotherview

7. Los Angeles Sky Bar

Los Angeles – Mondrian Skybar / Photo from Jess & Jason

Located in West Hollywood’s Mondrian hotel, this skybar is known for offering splendid sunset views of the Pacific. Normally the hot spot for the assembling of the movie stars, this deluxe sky bar lounge promises to leave you starry-eyed. But the external view consisting of the glittering Los Angeles nightlife and the clouds is no less captivating.

Sky bar – Mondrian / Photo from hellomartin

8. Berlin TV Tower Sky Bar (368 meters)

Bar at the observation deck of Berlin TV Tower (203,78 m high above ground) / Photo from Vlastula

This TV tower located in Alexanderplatz built by the East German government is reportedly the tallest structure in the entire Berlin. Its shiny steel sphere just under the antenna of the tower is the most eye-catching aspect of the tower and you can take a close look from 203 meters above ground. To make matters grander, the government lends out the tower for fancy weddings.

Berlin TV Tower viewing platform
/ Photo from balinx

The Fernsehturm (“television tower”) in the city centre of Berlin; from the top of the Berlin Dom. / Photo from Marco Bellucci

9. Dubai Vu’s Sky Bar (51 floors)

$Dubai from Vu\'s Bar at the Emirates Tower$

Dubai from Vu’s Sky Bar at the Emirates Tower / Photo from

Direct 2 Brain – The Ultimate Post Production
3D Animation & VFX Made in Italy

This bar is raised at a grand height of 1,024ft at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, where you can enjoy a wholesome menu along with the most select range of cocktail lists. You can actually look around a sweeping view of the Dubai skyline along with the Arabian Gulf and feel the world at your feet.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers Vu sky bar / Photo from bumblefreakcalifornia

Emirates Towers / Photo from elvis_payne

10. Sky Bar, Virginia Beach, Virginia (21 floors)

The Skybar on top of the Hilton Hotel in Virginia Beach, VA / Photo from jordanwinders

Posed above the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, this waterfront rooftop bar seems to float in the air. You can have fantastic time looking out the shorelines of Virginia stretching towards the north and south and the Atlantic horizon in the east. You have a full scope to indulge in a splurge of the finest cocktails, menu, wine and beer.

Tags: hotel bar, hotel bars, lounge bar, modern sky bars, night clubs, night life, roof bars, sky bar, sky bars, skybar, top sky bars
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The Enigmatic Statues and Script of Rapa Nui, Easter Islands, Pacific

Friday, April 10th, 2009

Tongariki / Photo from Leonardo Tumonis

Posed amid the bare and forlorn Easter Islands of the southeastern Pacific is the small Polynesian isle of Rapa Nui, enfolding depths of yet unfathomed mystery. The hundreds of gaunt stone statues scattered over this island are overwhelming instances of the technological height touched by the Rapa Nui people. Ever since their discovery in a momentous Easter Sunday in 1722 by Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen, speculations have been rife about the ancient Neolithic civilization that could have prevailed in Rapa Nui for millenniums.

The stone artifacts left behind by this mysterious civilization surpass any Polynesian culture in their skill and perfection. Combined with this, are the various scraps of Rapa Nui writings in the Rongorongo script that has remained beyond all efforts of decipherment. These written patches are expected to contain accounts of the origin, language, art, culture and religious beliefs of the Rapa Nui people. It is widely guessed that these prehistoric people derived their means of sustenance from the natural and marine resources of Rapa Nui.

Just Another (Easter) Day / Photo from Kenny Maths

The possible causes for the decline and extinction of the well-flourished Rapa Nui civilization have encouraged several theories and suggestions by experts. While Jared Diamond attributed the obliteration of the Rapa Nui civilization to the rampant destruction of the forest by the inhabitants and the complete wiping out of life and livestock, the Rapa Nui folklores suggest violent civil wars and population crash. The environmental factor responsible for the crumbling of the civilization has been used ever since as an example of what may happen to planet Earth if timely precaution is not taken.

KAP on Tongariki – Easter island / Photo from Pierre Lesage

On the foreground is a petroglyph of the Bird Man, Maké Maké. On the background is Motu, as tiny island from witch candidates were supposed to bring back (by swimming) an egg to become the Bird Man of the year. / Photo from Pablo escogrif

However, no speculations about the contemporary relevance of the fate of Rapa Nui solve the mystery of its gigantic anthropomorphic statues. Modern archeologists connect their existence to the socio-cultural habits of the people. They opine that the Rapa Nui people were the singular inhabitants of the remote Easter Island. Roggeveen wrote down in his notes that the Rapa Nui people were a mixture of dark and fair-skinned tribes with distinct dressing habits. The heavily tattooed people wearing shiny discs in their earlobes probably worshipped these stone statues or performed religious ceremonies before them.

Moais de Rapa Nui / Photo from Daniel Fajardo Cabello

A view of the nine leftmost moai at Ahu Tongariki on Easter Island / Photo from Kenny Maths

Famous explorer Thor Heyerdahl found an interesting resemblance between these statues and those found in Bolivian stone monuments. What he found intimidating about these statues (of 200 cubic feet volume each) was the way these could have been positioned throughout Rapa Nui from the quarry. He also found some enormous stone ‘hats’ equal to the weight of two elephants and wondered by what technology could these be lifted to the heads of the statues. The mystery intensified because he found no high point (leave alone metallic cranes!) in the vicinity.

Chile – Easter Island, Rano Raraku / Photo from vtveen

Inspired by the points raised by Heyerdahl, several experiments were conducted to prove that the statues could be shifted by rocking and rolling their bases. However, this seemed a faulty suggestion since such violent movements would have damaged the base of the statues severely. Years after their discovery, in 1728 some Dutch sketches were made showing natives in the act of erecting a statue. If you view the sketches closely, you can see some of the people manipulating the base while others are engaged in dragging it.

Jumping for Joy / Photo from scorbette37

Another set of experiments were done by American Geologist Charles Love who placed a pair of logs under the base of a replica of the Rapa Nui statue and moved it successfully. The effect created by the moving statue remarkably matched the fabled accounts of the Rapa Nui villagers of the statues moving to their positions. Charles Love’s experiments were cultivated subsequently by archaeologist Jo Anne Van Tilburg of UCLA to show through computer projections that the statues needed to be placed horizontally on a wooden track for moving them out.

Photo from jim_rowley01930

Moai on Rano Raraku—the quarry where most of the statues on Easter Island were carved / Photo from Brad Stabler

However, the specific purpose of so many huge statues throughout Rapa Nui has continued to puzzle adventurers and visitors of the Easter Islands. Some trace signs of mystery in the directions the statues face and have coined the enigmatic name the ‘Eyeless Watcher’ for these. Unless experts learn to interpret the pictorial glyphs of the Rongorongo script, maybe Rapa Nui will remain veiled in mystery forever.

Ahu Tongariki from the Rano Rarku quarry / Photo from Niquinho

Tags: Easter Islands, Moai, Rapa Nui, stone artifacts, Tongariki
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The 10 Best Diving Places of the World

Saturday, March 28th, 2009

The allure of the sparkling oceans is a call that many cannot resist because of their love for marine beauty and adventure. If you belong to that gang, splashing around the romantic beaches and islands of the world should be one of the most wonderful ways to have fun. The excitement of water sports redoubles if you are visiting some of the topmost diving destinations of the world. If you are a diving freak and raring to go places, you should not miss these real interesting facts about the best diving places of the world.

1. The Bahamas, Western Atlantic

Touf with Sharks / Photo from therocketscientist

A group shot, complete with a grouper / Photo from active2gether

The Bahamas are an archipelago consisting of 700 islands extending over 100,000 square miles of the Western Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by its formation through the sinking of a plateau resulting in the shallow seas you find in the shore area. The average depth of the sea is of 20 feet except where a deep underwater trench called ‘The Tongue of the Ocean’ cuts through the submerged plateau.

Bahamas – Stuart Cove’s shark feeding / Photo from remainingoceansart

A warm ocean current influences this islands and is responsible for the vivid marine life particularly the extensive coral reefs. You can have endless scopes of adventure in the longest cave and cavern network found on the Grand Bahama Island.

A complete vacation package is very advantageous for you can get diving, accommodation and transportation facilities. There are separate charters for snorkeling, exploring the caves and wrecks and plunging into the Blue Holes. You must not miss the Biminis, Abacos, Eleuthera, Cat Island, San Salvador and Inagua if you want to make the most of your diving vacation in the Bahamas.

2. Papua New Guinea, Bismarck Sea

Nakajima Kate / Photo from Murray Cornish

The coastlines of Papua New Guinea are marked by rugged mountainous terrain that is difficult to cross. Papua New Guinea stands at the confluence of three seas namely the Bismarck Sea, the Solomon Sea and the Coral Sea and hence a rich site for marine flora and fauna.

Pez Escorpion / Photo from Squalo Divers

Triggerfish / Photo from Boogies with Fish

You can get both live-aboard and land-based diving facilities in these islands that you can take up to explore the marine life and World War II wrecks found in the Bismarck Sea. Chartering the neighboring area in local boats leaving from Alotau is also a great way to explore the place. However, if you are bent on a diving spree, you must visit Kimbe Bay, Madang, Rabaul and Kavieng to have an unforgettable diving experience.

3. Galapagos Islands

Whale Shark / Photo from PedroAlberto98

Galapagos Islands archipelago is a real paradise for scuba divers because of its wide array of gorgeous marine life and challenging geographical conditions. You must take the advice of the dive shops to know which areas for diving should suit your level best and get the right diving gears for the varying temperatures. You must know how to tackle the marine creatures, currents, shape and depth of the dive spots to enjoy the experience.

Green Turtle. Chelonia mydas. / Photo from hsacdirk

Wolf island / Photo from hsacdirk

The Pacific water of Galapagos is clear as a glass and as such, there is nothing to impede your vision of the colored fish through 15 to 25 meters depth. In some places, you can find bright rich waters due to the presence of green algae phytoplankton. Most of the islands of the Galapagos group are suitable for drift diving, night diving and deep diving.

If you like, you can take up the offers of dive trips, day trips and shore diving classes.

4. Rangiroa, Polynesia

Rangirora – Green Lagoon / Photo from JulienNarboux

The vast coastline of Rangiroa will tell you that it counts among the largest atolls of the world and definitely the biggest one of the Tahiti Islands. Its intricate network of islets and coral rings are the home to various species of sea animals. Rangiroa consists of two different dive locations located near the lagoon Paio motu, namely Ava Toru and Tiputa pass. Both these spots offer fantastic glimpses of marine wealth of French Polynesia.

Under the sun / Photo from Autopsea

The average temperature of the seawaters remains around 70 F in winter and 80 F in summer, and hence Rangiroa is a year-round diving destination. You can take a dive for 45 minutes at a stretch in the clear underwater region. The maximum depth is around 80 feet and you must take a boat dive to look at the dolphins, sharks, manta rays and jack fish floating around.

5. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Cenote – Yucatan, Mexico / Photo from okinal

Photo from macrisbruse

Riviera Mayo or the Mayan Riviera is located beside the Highway 400 running parallel along the Caribbean coastline of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The reef formations of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System along the coasts attract tourists and divers alike. The best way to explore this underground river network is to dive through sinkhole collapses. You can see the wonderful natural phenomenon in the formation of the carbonate caves due to the commingling of fresh and saline waters.

Cavern diving in the Chac Mool cenote in Quintana Roo. / Photo from brad77

In fact, Riviera Maya contains the two longest underwater cave systems in the world called Sac Actun and Ox Bel Ha. These offer rare sights to divers like fresh water creatures swimming atop the saline water floods. If you are a novice in diving, go for snorkeling in the reefs of Playa del Carmen and Tulum. More seasoned divers can enjoy the incomparable experience of cave diving in the sinkholes of Dos Ojos. You can access a range of diving facilities including live-aboard between every resort.

6. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Queensland, Australia / Photo from !snednas!

Consisting of more than 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system sprawling over 2,600 kilometers in Coral Sea. This World Heritage Site is the home to several wonderful species of marine creatures and hence, divers are rewarded by the sight of an astounding bio-diversity. You could also enjoy staying at its live-aboard as a tourist or a scuba diver.

Heart of a Giant Clam / Photo from Kälaino’ono’o

While you take the plunge into warm seawaters, you can catch sight of over 400 coral species and other endangered species of sea animals. You must do the necessary paperwork, planning and preparations before undertaking a diving expedition here.

7. Little Cayman, British West Indies

Grand Cayman 9ft Bronze Mermaid / Photo from Sam Cathey

The Little Cayman Islands is a UK dependency situated in the Caribbean Sea just to the south of Cuba. This is an abode for rare species of birds as well as aquatic animals. If you choose Little Cayman Islands as a diving destination, you must make your visit between June and August when the water temperature remains favorable and the calm sea permits maximum visibility. The north part of the island containing a protected marine park is best for diving. You could sail here in boats though anchoring is forbidden.

Silversides Spawning / Photo from courtneyplatt

If you are looking ahead to wall dives, come to the Bloody Bay Wall on the northwestern side of the islands. You can go down to more than 3000 feet underwater and observe the undisturbed oceanic world up to a distance of 100 feet. Jackson’s Bay is another hot diving spot in Little Cayman Islands from where you can wade off to the Big Blue. While exploring the underwater crevices and tunnels, you can encounter a Gray Reef Shark over the wall, Nurse Shark, Sting Rays, Eagle Rays and Turtles adding to the fun of diving.

8. Bonaire

Farewell Bonaire / Photo from Kälaino’ono’o

The geographical location of Bonaire is perfect for the flourish of aquatic flora and fauns. Its perfectly calm waters and natural shelter from trade winds encourages the growth of corals and makes a beautiful location for family vacations. As a diver, you will enjoy exploring its marine parks full of the vivid richness of the Caribbean waters. The spot has been preserved as a virgin diving locale and its crystal clear waters with a visibility up to 150 feet offer a toast to underwater photographers.

Turtle / Photo from edpdiver

9. Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands

Marshall Islands / Photo from Povilas Redko

Situated amid the Micronesian Islands of the Pacific Ocean, Bikini Atoll is counted as a part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. This group of 36 islands is located midway between Australia and Honolulu and one of the best spots for divers to view shipwrecks. Among the most famous wrecks are the former warships like USS Saratoga and the Japanese Nagato. Bikini Atoll has also remained an experimental ground for nuclear tests conducted around the 1950s.

Nagato Battleship / Photo from rjdiver

USS Saratoga Aircraft / Photo from rjdiver

Today Bikini Atoll and lagoon is one of the prospective sites for diving, fishing and other water sports. Though this island is barely inhabited because of the radiation pollution, it is an abode for an amazing variety of fishes. It recently came into the limelight as a diving destination and only a handful of divers have been venturing forth because of the extravagant $5,000 charged for a weeklong diving holiday.

10. British Columbia, Canada

Orca / Photo from pranjal2008

British Columbia is the most amazing diving destination of North America, thanks to its extraordinary variety of sea-life. As a diver, you will be rewarded by the sight of prawns, Dungeness crabs, Orca whales, sea lions, large octopuses, lingcod or any other creature belonging to the 5,000 species of invertebrates or 400 species of colored fish. Its coastline is protected keeping the divers’ safety in mind.

Orca Breeching / Photo from christinamcraft

Although British Columbia is characterized by some of the strongest currents of the world, its mild mid-40 degree water will perfectly suit long diving expeditions. You can start by testing the slack tides near the underwater rock walls and gradually go into deeper waters. As you swim round the myriad straits surrounding Vancouver Island, you can see the beauty of the colorful algae that add to the beauty of the marine world.

Tags: dive, diving, Diving Places, scuba divers, the best diving places of the world
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Tsaparang and the Lost Kingdom of Tibet

Sunday, March 8th, 2009

Tsaparang / Photo from iserentantp

Tsaparang, the ancient capital of the Guge kingdom holds a special significance for the lovers of history. Situated in the Garuda Valley of Western Tibet’s Ngari Province, this lost kingdom [Vid] extended between modern Ladakh border and the upper Sutlej River. It lies approximately 26 kilometers west of the Thöling monastery, 278 kilometers west of Ali and in close proximity of the sacred Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. What is eye-catching about Tsaparang is the large fort built on a 500-600 feet high pyramidal rock.

Photo from sitahana

Photo from www.tibetreis.com

If you observe this rock closely, you can detect the presence of labyrinthine caves and tunnels dug onto it. It is speculated that in ancient times, there were two public temples the Lhakhang Karpo (White Chapel) and the Lhakhang Marpo (Red Chapel) accessed by the commoners inhabiting a village near its base. There are a set of serpentine tunnel staircases leading to the monks’ quarters and the royal quarters with increasing height with the summer palace poised at the top.

Photo from www.tibetreis.com

Historical accounts say that after the assassination of the anti-Buddhist Tibetan king Langdharma in the 9^th century, one of his two sons named Namde Wosung had established Tsaparang as the Guge capital. Other accounts claim that Guge came into prominence when Langdharma’s grandson Nyima Gon fled to Western Tibet and subsequently distributed his kingdom among his descendents by the names of Maryul (modern Ladakh), Purang and Guge. Soon Guge acquired a powerful position by 10th century CE when it started controlling the India-Tibet trade route.

Guge Landscape / Photo from superboggly

Tsaparang along with Tholing came into existence with the reintroduction of Buddhism in Western Tibet by King Yeshe O in the 11^th century. The power and prosperity of the Guge Kingdom was felt far and wide and was visited by the missionaries Manuel Marques and Antonio de Andrade in 1624. The church that you find at the foot of the Tsaparang citadel was built by them. With missionary activities rising in subsequent times, Tsaparang was captured by the Muslim besiegers sent by the Ladakh king. Although they defaced Guge Empire, some of the most captivating frescos of Tsaparang have remained intact.

Photo from www.tibetreis.com

What puzzles modern tourists and researchers of Guge, is why this once lively empire, inhabiting at least by 10,000 people has left behind no descendents at all. Could the 1650’s Ladakhi invasion followed by that of the Red Guards of the Chinese Cultural Revolution have completely wiped out the tunnel residents of the Tsaparang dwellings? Today you can visit Tsaparang as a Tibetan tourist spot and come across an excess of interesting facts and clues about Tsaparang that the pages of history do not provide.

Photo from www.tibetreis.com

The average buildings of the conical rock over which the ruined citadel of Tsaparang is situated, are carved out of rocks and mud brick. The chapels along the winding path to Tsaparang have stood against the ravages of time and stand out distinctly from the surrounding ruins. The Guge temples containing a wealth of statues were destroyed indiscriminately by the Chinese Red Guards in 1967. Thankfully, just before that in 1948, the German Buddhist monk Lama Govinda and his wife had visited Tsaparang and photographed the temples in their untouched glory.

Photo from himmies757

Photo from mckaymc

Along with the Red and White Temples, the smaller temple called Dorje Jigje Lhakhang in Tsaparang and the Tibetan Buddhist Rinchen Zangpo in Tholing are remarkable for their intricate geometric hand-painted patterns. All the three holy abodes are bedecked with a range of natural and imaginary deities that look beautiful despite the notorious vandalism. The 14,000 feet climb to the fortress on top calls for real fortitude, but when you actually go through it and explore the handiworks of the ancient Guge artists with a flashlight, the hard work seems to pay.

Photo from ddefranza

With Tsaparang high on the right cliff / Photo from ddefranza

Tags: Guge, history, Lost Kingdom, Mysteries, Tibet, Tsaparang
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Sacsayhuamán – The Best-Kept Secret of the Incas

Wednesday, February 25th, 2009

Sacsayhuamán, Sacred Valley / Photo from samuelgraphics

Sacsayhuamán, alternatively called Saksaq Waman, is an ancient Inca ruin at an altitude of 3,701 meters. It is a walled complex laden with mystery near the old city of Cusco, Peru. The immense fortress was built by huge stone blocks weighing upto 300 tons, but nobody knows how these stones were cut, moved and put into place. The construction method of the builders of these megalithic walls is still a mystery, as you cannot fit a single piece of paper between most of the stones. The precise construction work, along with artistically bent corners of the limestone blocks and varied shapes of the walls are the chief factors behind the relic’s continued presence till date.

Cusco City View / Photo from Andrew Oliver

The longest of the three Sacsayhuamán walls is about 400 meters long and 6 meters tall. About 6,000 cubic meters volume of stone had gone into the construction work. The limestone blocks that went into the construction of the wall weighed up to 300 tons. The transportation of the stone blocks at that age is really interesting. Some of the bigger ones had to be transported more than 50 miles across rugged mountainous terrains. The Incas did not use wheeled vehicles like chariots at that time. There is difference of opinion among chroniclers about the identity of the chief architect behind Sacsayhuaman.

Inca walls / Photo from dachalan

“A good example of Inca stonework at Sacsayhuamán, Peru. They cut and hauled huge stones to make walls like this, and fit them together — without mortar! — so tightly that you coudn’t get a knife-tip or a piece of paper between them. Solid enough to have survived tremendous earthquakes.” / Photo from Now and Here

Photo from dibopics

Another interesting construction is the Muyuqmarca or Muyucmarka, which is a small Inca ruin consisting of 3 concentric circular walls, all connected with radial walls located within the Sacsayhuamán archaeological site.

Cusco Sacsayaman Round Tower / Photo from Rufous y Anunciada

Sacsayhuamán. Peru / Photo from Fábio Hasegawa

The Spanish, who invaded the region, extracted a large quantity of rock from the walls of Sacsayhuamán walls to build churches in Cuzco region. For this reason, the walls are perfect up to a certain height and then suddenly missing beyond that point. The relic is famous for extensive underground crisscrossing passages called Chincanas. These Chincanas also connect the fortress with other parts of the Inca remnants. Mystery continues to be unfolded at Sacsayhuamán. In 2008, a temple was discovered in the premises. The temple dates back to sometime between 900 and 1200 AD.

Photo from vcastelo

Photo from Paseos

The mysteries around the construction of Sacsayhuamán have boosted its claim to fame. The fortress, which could contain about 5000 people, still has an impressive size and can raise the eyebrows of some of the most renowned architects of today’s age. Some of the stone blocks are really huge and as large as a medium-sized truck! Most importantly, they are still in their designated place even today! Some of the bigger blocks weigh over 50 tons and are still tightly stuck together like bits of puzzles. At times, you cannot but remain wonderstruck at how the biggest block, weighing over 120 tons, was moved to the site with precision at that age? What tools did the Incas had in their possession for cutting these gigantic blocks that precisely fitted together?

Photo from bks22

Photo from Edwort

The Spanish invaders considered themselves superior in military technology than the Incas. They were shocked at the Incas’ achievement. Some Spanish chroniclers have degraded the Incas in their chronicles and have written that the fortress had been built by evil spirits and demons. Some people even today believe that the structure was not constructed by the Incas. They believe that extraterrestrials could have arrived in our planet and built the Sacsayhuaman fortress. Alternatively, they might have taught the Incas how to build it.

Ruins of Sacsayhuamán, a grand ceremonial and shaman burial site near Cusco. This entrance is double walled, which in Inca architecture always leads to a temple / Photo from ramtyns

Stones in Saqsaywaman / Photo from jonathan_simon

However, the specialists after a simple analysis of the structure and style of construction have come to the conclusion that the Sacsayhuamán fortress was indeed a construction work of the Incas. The estimated workforce behind the fortress was around 20,000 – 30,000 men and the approximate time of construction was about 60 years.

Inca festival / Photo from chillghetti

Inca ruins at Saqsaywaman, Cuzco, Peru / Photo from dachalan

Tags: construction, Cusco, fortress, Inca, mystery, Peru, ruins, Sacsayhuaman, Saksaq Waman, Secret of the Incas
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Ha Long Bay – The Majesty of an Island Destination in its Full Splendor

Friday, February 20th, 2009

Earth Delight / Photo from fesign

For those of you craving for an island vacation, Ha Long Bay in North Vietnam would prove to be a veritable paradise. This group of islets in the Quang Ninh province is known for its marvelous ‘natural wonder’ and has been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage site. What is most noticeable about Ha Long Bay is its exceptional seascape that changes colors rapidly under the clear sky of a warm summer night. This group of 1969 islets having a coastline of 120 km extends over an area of 1553 square kilometers and it is thronged by the Cát Bà Island to its southwest, China to its north and the Gulf of Tonkin to its southeast.

View of Ha Long Bay from cave / Photo from Palinka

Photo from yhshangkuan

Evening, Ha Long Bay / Photo from Flickmor

You must have seen this wondrous group of islands as the backdrop of the breathtaking chase scene of the 1997 James Bond movie ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’. Vietnamese legend has a remarkable tale about the formation of these limestone karsts isles. It is said that the islands came into existence when a family of dragons was sent by the gods to help the Vietnamese to protect themselves against the Chinese foray and they spat gems and jewels. This chain of islands hence gave rise to a defensive wall and became the nesting place of the dragons. The dragon babies spread out to the neighboring areas of Bái Tử Long Island and Bạch Long Vỹ Island.

Photo from Saad S. Fayoumi

Halong Bay sunset / Photo from Iñaki Vinaixa

Photo from hbp_pix’

Such stories are lovely to hear but the actual tectonic origin of the Ha Long Bay is no less wonderful. Originally, at a submerged level during the Ordovician and Silurian periods, ha Long Bay came to the surface in the Carboniferous and Permian periods after epochs of marine regression and transgression. As a result of almost 500 years of ceaseless tectonic activities, Ha Long Bay has come to exhibit an interesting layer of thick pale grey strong limestone, finely granular in nature. Its karsts topography is estimated to have evolved over 20 million years and contain a series of interlacing inland lakes with submerged fengcong karst.

How many pigs can you get on a motorbike? / Photo from pompey_diver

$Guess who\'s watching his calories ;) Vietnam$

Guess who’s watching his calories Vietnam / Photo from random discoveries

Its location between E106°56′ to E107°37′ and N20°43′ to N21°09′ has given Ha Long Bay two predominating seasons. The summers are mostly warm and damp while the winters are cold and dry. The average temperature remains between 15°C- 25°C and the annual precipitation borders on 2000 mm and 2200 mm. Ha long Bay is inhabited by a population of 1600 people, belonging to the fishing community who live mostly on floating houses. Apart from fishing, marine aquaculture is another leading occupation of these people.

Photo from McAsteve

Photo from Asher Hung

When you go to Ha Long Bay as a tourist, you must not miss the caves dotting the limestone monolithic islands some of which are hollow. Among these, Hang Đầu Gỗ (Wooden stakes Cave) is the largest and the most remarkable cave. Look out for the gigantic stalactite and stalagmite formations within it. Your eyes would be soothed by the wondrous blue-green combination of the surrounding ocean and the isles jotting out of it. When you have an aerial view of these isles, some will appear similar to elephants, roofs and fighting cocks in their shape. You are sure to catch sight of the fenglin landscape because of its elevation of 50-100 m.

Photo from Jeff Maurone

Such rich natural ambience is enriched further by the wealth of flora and fauna that Ha Long Bay possesses. You will find about 477 magnoliales, 40 apes, 20 salt marsh flora, 12 pteris and 10 reptilian species inhabiting the islands. Enthusiasts over the world have noticed such amazing biodiversity, the result of which is the many awards that Ha Long Bay has received. Apart from the honors of being classified as a 1994 UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has been nominated for the World’s 7 Natural Wonders.

Cave in one of the islands of Ha Long Bay / Photo from Palinka

The natural beauty of Ha Long Bay has never ceased to attract tourists and nature lovers. The new shopping and dining facilities is a further addition to that direction. However, the increasing scope of tourism has diminished the sea grass beds, mangroves and the limestone formations within the caves. Added to that, the debris left by the tourists has endangered the terrestrial and marine ecosystem. Too much fishing has already started to take its toll on the fish population. If such reckless activities are not checked, chances are that you would not get to see the ethereal beauty of Ha Long Bay in the future.

This cave, formed over many an age, is huge. It felt like I was on a film set. / Photo from abhishakey

Photo from Roger OZ

A view of the sea / Photo from thegolzer

Dusk Over Halong Bay / Photo from hiddentravel

Tags: Ha Long Bay, natural wonder, North Vietnam, UNESCO World Heritage
Posted in Places We Dream About | View Comments

Cappadocia Valley And Its Hidden Geological Beauty

Sunday, February 15th, 2009

Cappadocia Ballooning – Valley of the Chimneys / Photo from Traces in the Sand

Cappadocia in Turkey is an underground fantasyland of fairy chimneys and churches. The astounding geological beauty of Cappadocia is a wonder-destination of Central Anatolia. It is an extensive island district, where nature and history mix-match most beautifully. This fantasyland has so much to offer ranging from ‘fairy chimneys’ and churches cut out of soft rock formations to some amazingly intricate systems of tunnels and underground cities. It is an exotic diversity found in the crucible of culture where East meets West!

Cappadocia – Goreme Village by Traces in the Sand. The amazing and bizarre village of Goreme, literally cut from the strange rock formations of Cappadocia. / Photo from Traces in the Sand

Nestled in the center of Anatolian peninsula, Cappadocia has become one of the most notable tourist destinations in Turkey. The uniqueness of the region was formed by the eruption of Mt. Erciyes and Mt. Hassan, some 60 million years ago that spread a thick layer of ash over the area. With time, this hardened into a soft porous stone known as tufa. Coincidentally, the erosion by rain and wind created valleys in the soft rock that left behind higher sections of interesting formations known as ‘fairy chimneys’.

Village in Cappadocia / Photo from C.T. Henry

Cappadocia boasts of several underground hidden cities and intricate tunnels that were mostly used by early Christians as hiding places. The inhabitants could hide thousands of people and animals within these complexes, which had wells, chimneys, stables and even tombs.

Goreme – Celestial Canopy / Photo from Traces in the Sand

The region was a Roman province and the refuge of persecuted Christians during the early days of the Roman Empire. For most of the Byzantine era, it remained relatively undeterred by the conflicts in the area, first with the Sassanid Empire and later against the Islamic expansion led by Arabs. Though the early Christians are credited with the building of this mysterious supercity but some historians believe that few parts date back to the end of the Ice Age – 9500 BC.

Church carved from rocks by early persecuted Christians / Photo from shapeshift

The people living here used heavy rolling stone doors to prevent invaders from entering. They dug deep wells for water, and constructed tall chimneys for ventilation. Surprisingly the inhabitants even curved highly structured churches, wine presses, oil storage, cooking-places out of the rock so that they could live for weeks underground until it was safe outside.

Fairy Chimney Hotel in Göreme / Photo from Curious Expeditions

Uçhisar / Photo from ex novo

Cappadocia has dozens of underground cities, but the most elaborate ones are at Kaymakli and Derinkuyu. One of the most fascinating areas is Goreme, which accommodates an open-air museum that stands visually striking with its ‘fairy chimney’ volcanic cones. Surprisingly over 30 of the best-preserved churches of Cappadocia can be seen here. Avanos is another pretty town on the Kizilirmak, where inhabitants make their living from the malleable river clay for years, shaping everything from pots and roofing tiles to statues and more.

The huge and sprawling Selime Rock Monastery was carved out the rock by Christian monks in the 13th century. A steep climb is the only way to access it. / Photo from Curious Expeditions

Kaymakli and Derinkuyu are known as Capadocia’s deepest and the most elaborate underground cities. Kaymakli was cut out of volcanic soft stone (tufa) as deep as 300 feet during the period covering sixth to the tenth centuries. The underground city of Derinkuyu is estimated to have twenty floors, out of which only eight can be visited today with an estimated capacity to bear 20,000 people.

Kaymaklı underground city / Photo from flurryofsmoke

Map of the underground city of Kaymakli, Cappadocia, Turkey. / Photo from ddminets

Soganli valley, Uchisar, Zelve, Urgup, witnesses some splendid scenery and age-old rock carved churches and chapels that are unique geographical, historical and cultural features. The pigeon valley between Goreme and Uchisar offers spectacular views of the natural cliffs and some fabricated caves, passing through few tunnels, carved within the rock. Nearly 35 multi-level complexes including the networks at Ozkonak, Derinkuyu and Kaymakli have not yet been fully explored.

Kaymakli underground city / Photo from Amm|t

These subterranean towns with carved out rock caves, pointed termite mounted looking structures has a supernatural feeling and it is almost magnificent in all directions. These cities were abandoned in late 14^th century.

Pigeon Valley / Photo from Panpan TW

Central Turkey. Pigeon valley / Photo from Nora Shalaby

The stunnig village of Uchishar at sunset / Photo from flurryofsmoke

The Past and the Present – Pigeon Valley / Photo from BurgundyMT

Selime Monastery Jutting Rock / Photo from Curious Expeditions

Tags: Cappadocia Valley, Christians, rock formations, travel, Turkey, underground cities
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Tiger’s Nest – The Legendary Buddhist Caves of Wonder at 10,200 feet

Friday, January 30th, 2009

Taktshang Goemba / Photo from balummelbappu

To an admirer of Buddhist architecture, the first thing that comes to mind is a pagoda or a Buddhist monastery. One such fascinating Buddhist wonder spots is the Taktshang Monastery in Bhutan that stands precariously at the edge of a cliff over 2,300 feet above the base of Paro valley. Built in 1692, this monastery is one of the most holy religious spots of Bhutan. The word ‘Taktshang’ translates to “Tigers Nest” and there is a curious legend behind how and why this series of thirteen hanging monasteries got such an interesting name.

Taktsang Monastery as it was before fire destroyed the roof / Photo from richard.mcmanus.

The legend behind the construction of the Taktshang Monastery dates back to the 8th century and relates to the real historical figure of Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava. He is revered as the second Buddha because of his major contribution in the spread of Buddhism from Tibet to Bhutan. Bequeathed with miraculous powers in the eyes of common devotees, Guru Rinpoche is said to have traveled from place to place in the company of tantric and dakini consorts, vanquishing demons.

Holy poses / Photo from ruchiro

Yeshe Tsogyal the former wife of an Emperor joined his group and willingly became a flying tigress to bear the guru to the cliff top of Bhutan where the Taktshang Monastery presently stands. One of the caves became the meditation spot for Guru Rinpoche who came out with his eight manifestations and later it was venerated as the holy spot for the monastery that thus derived its strange name.

Taktsang from the cafeteria / Photo from Hockadilly

The original construction of the Tigers Nest Monastery has an equally interesting tale behind it. It is said that notwithstanding the sheer cliff face where Guru Rinpoche decided to land, the air-borne dakinis bore building material on their backs to facilitate the construction process. It remained a place of worship for the people and stood sturdily through the fire damages of April 19, 1998. The Bhutan government took extensive steps to restore it in its original glory by referring back to ancient pictures and other testimonials. It took years of toil and perseverance until the renovation was completed in 2005.

$Tiger\'s Nest Monastery with the fire destroyed part$

Tiger’s Nest Monastery with the fire destroyed part / Photo from wufgaeng against censorship

Taktshang Monastery – Paro, Bhutan / Photo from ray_in_la

Today you can visit all the temples of the Taktshang Monastery standing at an altitude of 10,200 feet. However, prior to the ascending the slope on mule-back or foot, as a non-Bhutanese you require a special permit and a guide for the venture. Once you begin the trek, you can experience the close touch of nature in the woodland leading to the ascending slope with interspersing sound of a bell. However, if you are not used to walking for rough stretches on mountainous paths, you will do best to take a horse or a mule.

Taktshang / Photo from speedblade

Tying Prayer Flags on a small Shrine in Bhutan / Photo from Grete Howard

You have to be patient through your trek to catch the first glimpse of the much-coveted monastery, for you cannot see anything for the major part of the trek because of the interposing vegetation. Look out for the small prayer wheel as when you reach it, you can see what your eyes were thirsting for. When you reach up to the cafeteria viewpoint, the vision will get clearer and get provisions for ret and refreshment. From this point, you must ready yourself to climb a series of stone steps, cross a waterfall and accept the difference between what the monastery looked from a distance and what it really looks when you actually get there.

Precarious / Photo from ray_in_la

What is remarkable about the Tigers Nest Monastery is the variation of the four temples that appear different from one another. One of these is fabled to be the famous spot for the three-month meditation of Guru Rinpoche and the birthplace of one of the leading lamas. You must rest sufficiently and save some energy for the journey back. If you had covered the monastery-wards journey on foot, the second half of it can get particularly fatiguing. Yet the charm of the Taktshang Monastery is such that you will want to come back repeatedly.

Takstang Lakhang / Photo from Grete Howard

Tiger’s Nest Monastery / Photo from Grete Howard

$Tiger\'s Nest Monastery, Bhutan$

Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan / Photo from Grete Howard

$Tiger\'s nest (Taktshang Goemba) monastery$

Tiger’s nest (Taktshang Goemba) monastery / Photo from Amit_C

Tags: Bhutan, Buddhist, Monastery, Taktshang Monastery, Tigers Nest
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Gateway To Hell – Námaskarð, Iceland

Sunday, January 18th, 2009

Photo from Völundur Jónsson

Iceland is filled with geographical wonders that are immensely. The wide, open horizons of this indigenous land draw its visitors with a sense of unspoiled freedom. You feel an undying quest to explore the topographical diversity of Iceland the moment you set foot on its soil. Námaskarð pass situated in the north of Lake Myvatn is one of the many such wonders you must visit.

Photo from hkvam

$I\'ve been to hell and back ...$

Photo from asmundur

Traversing Mt. Námafjall at an altitude of 410 m, this pass derives its name from the 19^th century sulfur recovery. The best way to reach it is by taking up the No. 1 Ring Road that passes between the Mývatn and Egilsstaðir. Alternately, you could also follow the serpentine routes from Reykjahlíð that lies 5 km away. Lake Mývatn, counted as the hottest resorts of Iceland, is a 45 minutes drive away from the nearest town. Once you reach Hinauffährt, you get a commanding view of the entire Mückensee and make out Jarðbaðshólar, the hissing volcanic crater that has the Jarðböðin lagoon behind it.

Photo from marcus5s

Photo from elfis gallery

At the foothills of this spectacular volcanic mountain is an expanse of hot springs called Hverarönd or Hverir that are known for their changing variety. You may also find a number of fumaroles, mud pools and mud pots that all seem to be boiling with relentless energy. The pass Námaskarð is strategically located at a short distance from the Krafla volcano system as well as other interesting geological spots like Búrfellshraun and the desert Mývatsöræfi. While visiting Námaskarð, you must not miss the Heißquellengebiet, lava formations of Dimmuborgir, pseudo craters of Skútustaðir and the historic waterfall Goðafoss by the road.

Photo from bishop72

Photo from **ANNE

However, Námaskarð earns its notoriety chiefly because of its sulphurous mud springs called solfataras and steam springs called fumaroles. Though you will scarcely find any pure water spring in this wonderful geothermal site of Iceland, the beauty of the colorful minerals defies all comparisons. The gigantic size of the mud craters is what makes you go ‘wow’ at the sight of them. You get parking, accommodation and dining facilities at Grýtubakki.

The other thing that is sure to strike you about Námaskarð is the sheer lack of vegetation. However, if you give a thought to the high temperature range, it does not appear an impossibility altogether. The constant emission of the fumes has made the ground utterly sterile and acidic, unfit to sustain any floras and faunas. You must bear in mind that the fumes can be harmful for humans as well.

Photo from oskarpall

Hence, better not forget to cover your nose or wear a mask while enjoying the hues of mineral deposits. You also must be careful about where you walk. Do not try to get over adventurous and cross the ropes that surround the pools. The ground beyond might crumble any moment and accidents do occur every now and then due to the erosive nature of the mud springs. There are no guards or guides to keep you off from the impending danger and so you must look after yourself.

$boiling bathtime by hkvam. The \"old\" blue lagoon of the north, Bjarnarflag. Now at and over boilingpoint. The signs do say Bathing not allowed and caution, even danger. Mývatn, N-Iceland$

Photo from hkvam

Photo from skarpi

It needs a visit to Námaskarð and Lake Mývatn to dispel the myth of icy coldness that people tend to associate with Iceland. In fact, Mývatn ranks fourth among the largest lakes of Iceland and remains the favorite haunt of various species of birds. The efflorescence of the sulphuric gases and hydrogen sulphide lets loose a riot of colors to flood the neighboring rhyolite rocks of this region. The view of the magnificent Lake Mývatn coupled with the turbulent bubbling and overhanging fog gives you a feeling that you have arrived at some extraterrestrial land or is it the gateway to hell!

Tags: Gateway To Hell, geographical wonders, Iceland, Námaskarð, volcanic, volcano
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Archive for the ‘Places We Dream About’ Category

1. State Tower Sky Bar, Bangkok (63 floors)

View of the Shangri La and the Chao Praya River from open air restaurant, Sirocco at the Bangkok State Tower

Sirocco Roof Bar Restaurant

2. Traders Hotel Sky Bar in Kuala Lumpur (33 floors)

Petronas Twin Towers view from 33F

Sky bar, Traders Hotel, KL

The Sky Bar in Kuala Lumpur with a view of Petronas

3. Tokyo New York Sky Bar (52 floors)

Bar from the film “Lost in Translation”

Tokyo Park Hyatt – 52nd Floor Night View

Tokyo Park Hyatt Hotel of Lost in Translation fame

4. Sydney Blu Horizon Sky Bar (36 floors)

5. New York Salon de Ning Sky Bar (23 floors)

6. Hong Kong Azure Restaurant Slash Sky Bar (30 floors)

7. Los Angeles Sky Bar

8. Berlin TV Tower Sky Bar (368 meters)

9. Dubai Vu’s Sky Bar (51 floors)

10. Sky Bar, Virginia Beach, Virginia (21 floors)