Tagged With "Heritage"
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Re: The Beautiful Pools and Geysers of Yellowstone National Park
Hi PHeymont, Andre and DrFumblefinger, Just back from a winter break and glad to see many of you also like the brilliant colors associated with the geysers, pools and hot springs in Yellowstone! As of how the mesmerizing colors are formed, I know no more than my friend DrFumblefinger (thanks Karl for the explanation). I only know that was those incredible heat-loving thermophiles that somehow survived and produced those amazing nature wonders.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day September 9, 2013: Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
I like the idea! We'll put the idea out there as bait for our members. Anyone want to write about the origin of their country (or some countries that interest them), especially from a modern travelers perspective?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day. September 14, 2013: Stromatolites, Shark Bay, Australia
Geologists are our friends.
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Re: Good news, bad news on UNESCO's world heritage
I enjoy traveling to UNESCO sites because most of them are very interesting destinations. I even know of some travelers whose goal it is to see "every" UNESCO listing. Good luck to them! I really think UNESCO is doing it's job by identifying important places and encouraging their conservation. I shudder at the thought of a global UNESCO police swooping in to "defend" these sites. It's up to the countries that govern them to do so. Some do a great job; others don't. Some citizens care, others...
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Re: Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, France
Another walk down memory lane. I visited Fontevraud after a long walk from chateau to chateau that ended in Chinon and stayed in the recently opened hotel within the abbey. I knew about it from a personal association but don't believe it's generally well-known and maybe, in part, what makes it as lovely a place to spend some time as it is. Thanks, DrF.
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Re: San Juan's El Morro: Layers of Stone, Layers of History (Where Gumbo Was, #84)
Fascinating history. Stunning photos. Thanks.
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Re: San Juan's El Morro: Layers of Stone, Layers of History (Where Gumbo Was, #84)
A missing bit: El Morro and the historic site as a whole is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but while I included that in the Tags and Collections for the blog, I forgot to mention it in the text! My apologies...
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Re: San Antonio’s Historic Missions Receive UNESCO World Heritage Status
That is truly excellent news! Thanks for sharing it, Marilyn. I love these old missions and I'm glad more USA sites are finally being recognized. Seems the UNESCO committee views North America as it's "Orphan continent".
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Re: San Antonio’s Historic Missions Receive UNESCO World Heritage Status
I haven't visited these places since I was a kid but remember how cool I thought they were. I need to get back there soon....
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Re: Italian village celebrates its Scottish ancestors
So many small towns have fascinating stories like this one. Who would have guessed there was a Scottish village in Italia?
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Re: Have your World Heritage and eat it, too!
Similar to the status of Champagne. I've tasted some excellent California Champagne. But to be sold here in Europe it has to be from that designated region of France. Same with Palma Ham.
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Re: Most of China's Wall in danger: Can it be saved?
I'm not sure it's even a good idea to rebuild the entire thing, but certainly significant sections should be restored and preserved. I think most of us agree this great human site should survive.
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Re: Most of China's Wall in danger: Can it be saved?
This is old news. Very old. Villages in proximity to the wall have been built from it's bricks for eons and the parts that people love to visit and pretend are historical are nothing of the kind, but completely newly built and Disney-fied versions for the tourists, foreign & domestic. The Chinese government, in its (lack of) wisdom has no more interest in cultural preservation than it does in playing fair in any area of endeavor. History and its artifacts are tools having no value beyond...
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Re: Quebec — A Walled European Fortress In America
This is spectacular. A good example of one of those places that is just sitting there, not really getting a lot of attention from US travelers.
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Re: Quebec — A Walled European Fortress In America
Thanks for the note, Chatterbot2. Yes, Quebec is relatively under-touristed, especially when compared to Europe. If you want to visit a 400 year old European stype fortress, don't want to fly across the Atlantic, want to go to place where French is the dominant language, want great food and friendly folks, then Quebec City should be at the top of your travel list.
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Re: Quebec — A Walled European Fortress In America
The Quebecois were very amused at my attempts to speak French. It is always great to see people laugh.
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Re: Quebec — A Walled European Fortress In America
They may laugh, Chatterbot2, but I can tell you with absolute certainty that your fumbling attempts to speak their language melted their hearts. You were a valued guest, if not one of them, after trying.
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Re: Quebec — A Walled European Fortress In America
Monsieur, vous êtes très gentil de le dire. I do try to make a stab at the local language wherever I travel. Around the world, people are amazingly patient with my mangling of their language. It does create good entertainment. Almost always, my puzzled efforts put people at ease. They are instantly willing to help "the poor confused thing".
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Re: Verona: More than Romeo & Juliet
There are places in Verona in which you can still see the Roman cart wheel ruts cut into the paving stones. We found that evocative and fascinating. Seeing physical evidence while on vacation from ages past gives the expression "time trip" new meaning.
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Re: Verona: More than Romeo & Juliet
True...Verona is one of those cities where you can feel past and present in the same moment. It's a bit like the Allen Ginsberg quote that reflects my fascination with Paris: "You can't escape the past in Paris, and yet what's so wonderful about it is that the past and present intermingle so intangibly that it doesn't seem to burden."
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Re: Verona: More than Romeo & Juliet
For garden lovers, one of the best-preserved renaissance gardens in Italy, the Giardini Giusti: http://www.zainoo.com/en/italy...rona/giardini-giusti
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 2). Dambulla
This is a remarkable place but the radiantly smiling kids make even the Golden Buddha look a little shabby. Great pics.
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Re: Verona: More than Romeo & Juliet
Verona was definitely a highlight of our 2012 pilgrimage to the "old country." The city was modern and old at the same time. People watching in the Piazza Bra was like having a peak into the living room of the Veronese. It seems like a place on a secondary travel network: like a place to go after you've seen the "big 3." This trip was a return after not stopping here since 1982 and we were very pleased. The sites were interesting, the people were friendly, and the gelato was first-rate.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 10, 2013: Zhangjiajie National Park, China
The intensity of those colors is astonishing...even in pictures! Thank you!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 26, 2013: Zhangjiajie National Park, China
I haven't seen Avatar (yes, some of us haven't!) but the switchbacked road and the arch at the head of the stairs made me think of another movie: Shangri-la...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 26, 2013: Zhangjiajie National Park, China
What a beautiful and magical place! It is like something out of a storybook or film, isn't it? Thanks for sharing this destination with us.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 26, 2013: Zhangjiajie National Park, China
Avatar was one of my favorite movies! Now I've another reason to go to China (besides the awesome food!)
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 26, 2013: Zhangjiajie National Park, China
Wow! I must go.My favorite Picture of the Day yet!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 26, 2013: Zhangjiajie National Park, China
Glad you guys liked the pictures. Indeed, this place impressed us a great deal. Like Karl said it’s like something unreal. Stay tuned, in part II, I will show you what underneath those mountain pinnacles.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 26, 2013: Zhangjiajie National Park, China
Like ! the picture of the hairpin turns. That is my kind of road. The picture of Heaven's Gate is very special. thank you
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 8) Hill Country
This is the chapter I've been waiting for, DrF. I 'm a lover of all things tea, which includes stays in tea growing places. I've made pilgrimages to the hill countries of various parts of India, China and Malaysia and now I believe "Ceylon" must be the next target. Many thanks for the fine introduction.
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 8) Hill Country
Thanks, PortMoresby! There's lots of interesting places to stay in the Hill Country, some in tea plantations themselves. My favorite place here was the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya. A bit of historic elegance. Where else can you find a "cigar room" (where men gather to smoke) and a "billiards room" anymore?
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 9) Horton Plains
It is hard to absorb all of this information. This truly is a land like no other. Thanks for telling us about Sri Lanka.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 10, 2013: Zhangjiajie National Park, China
Oh my, I had no idea that this existed. Makes me happy to have eyes. Thank you.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 10, 2013: Zhangjiajie National Park, China
Thanks Paul and Louie for your comments. Glad you enjoyed the pictures. Yes, my family did have jaw cramping for a while after visiting that place
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 10, 2013: Zhangjiajie National Park, China
That place reminds me of Carlsbad caves in New Mexico. It's beautiful! I like how the guy in the bottom right (white shirt) gives you an idea of how big it is. Wonder which one is bigger? Carlsbad or this one?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 10, 2013: Zhangjiajie National Park, China
Thanks Theo for your comment. That was exactly the intention to include a person in the picture Have not been in Carlsbad caves yet, perhaps should be added to the next destination list. The mountain pinnacles in Zhangjiajie stretch mils and mils, kind like Yellowstone. I was told the underneath cave system is the same. However, only a small fraction is explored and even smaller ones are currently open for visitors.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 24, 2013: Madonna and Child, Chartes Cathedral, France
Merry Christmas to you all
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 24, 2013: Madonna and Child, Chartes Cathedral, France
Thanks, Dr.Y. Same to you and your lovely family!
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Re: Gustave Eiffel: Iron Man of Paris
This is the English version of the Eiffel Tower. Its in Blackpool 30 miles north of my home in Liverpool. I can see it on a clear day. Built around the same time as Eiffel and an amazing structure. I do love the observation platform where you can walk on a glass floor !
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Re: A Walk through Florida's Everglades: Big Cypress Bend boardwalk at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Looks like a great place for a walk and a learn! You might just be putting Florida on my map...
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Re: A Walk through Florida's Everglades: Big Cypress Bend boardwalk at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
What a great walk.I really enjoy the boardwalks that are all over Florida.Really let's you get on top of some interesting things that you don't want to walk through.
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Re: La Dolce Vita (Part 6) Murano and Burano
Dr. Fumblefinger, Nice slideshow with great pics. We were in Venice in 2012 for 6 or 7 days and made an excursion to Burano as a day trip. The first thing we noticed was that tourism has reached the tiny island. There was a new docking station for the vaporetti and all sorts of kiosks selling the usual stuff. The first time we were there was in 2008 and it was a sleepy island that time seemed to forget. In fact, we came across four elderly ladies sitting on a bench gabbing and knitting. I...
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Re: La Dolce Vita (Part 6) Murano and Burano
Great memories, rbciao! I'd like to head back to Burano some day, maybe spend 2-3 days there, just kicking back and enjoying the ambiance. We were there in May and it was not at all heavily touristed at that time, though certainly the shops were there to lighten the load of your Euro heavy wallet! Their lace was truly beautiful and my wife just couldn't resist!
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Re: La Dolce Vita (Part 6) Murano and Burano
I would like to also stay on Burano if I could find a place with air conditioning.
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Re: The Big Island of Hawaii (Part 1). Volcanoes Park
Great pictures, and great memories. This was our favorite part of Hawaii...especially the "end of the road" where the park highway suddenly comes to an end against a pile of lava from a few years ago. It's a big tourist attraction, yes, but it seemed much less so than many other places on the islands.
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Re: The Big Island of Hawaii (Part 1). Volcanoes Park
Thanks for the comment, PHeymont. It's a great destination partially because the tourist industry can't control it. The volcano will do what it wants and as the flow of lava over the road reminds us, we have little power to stop it.
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Re: New York Harbor: A visit to Lady Liberty!
I still remember passing her at 5.30am as we cruised into New York...she is beautiful, majestic and one giant world landmark!
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Re: New York Harbor: A visit to Lady Liberty!
It's good to see Liberty made a full recovery after Hurricane Sandy....
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Re: New York Harbor: A visit to Lady Liberty!
Thank you for reminding us of that memorable Marilyn Monroe scene! Yes, Lady Liberty is doing well. Full recovery.