The Great Wall is impressive wherever you see it. It has been renovated at Badaling and there are many solicitors on the wall and at the shops and restaurants at the main gate to visit. Don't let yourself be taken by the people though, do bargain for an item if you want to buy it, or you'll pay 4 times the price, even if it is just to purchase an ice cream cone, or a bottle of water.
This is an ancient city within a modern city. It is totally a different atmosphere when you cross the Gates. It takes you a few hundred years in the past.
In ancient times, tensions existed between Aegina and Athens, and rich historical facts including many sea battles dating BC are etched in the land.
This little island, 83 square km, is now known for its pistachios, fish, olives and most of all a retreat for many Greeks.
On a clear day one can see this island from the Acropolis in Athens, it is situated only 20miles from the mainland.
Saint Nektarios, the protector saint of Aegina, helped built this monastery 1904 – 1910 on the ruins of a previous Byzantine monastery. It was at that time dedicated to Agia Triada
Saint Nektarios lived here for 13yrs and after his death at 9 November 1920 he was buried at the precinct of the church.
The monastery that is dedicated in him and his holy relic are looked after in the monastery.
This Orthodox cathedral, still under construction, is one of the largest in Greece
Situated on the hill behind the Monastery of Aghios Nektarios. Here locals took refuge from pirates and invasions for more than ten centuries.
Dating back between the 13th and 17th century this part of the island's history is mostly gone, except for the ruin of the medieval forteress on top and about 30 of the small churches scattered here and there on the hill.
Many churches are of different architecture and are home to incredible frescoes.
The canals of Suzhou are watered by the Yangtze River delta.
The city is crisscrossed by an urban canal network, which is connected with China's Grand Canal.
Many narrow canals are still lined with traditional dwellings and filled by small cargo boats.
You can view the canals from the bridges, but the only way to fully appreciate them is on a boat.
More than Forty different stone bridges in a variety of styles cross the canals.
It is said that some of the rocks pulled out to build the canals and the Grand Canal were used to build parts of the Great Wall.
There are manythings to see in this square, but especially the amount of people here. Including solicitors, beggars, tourists and locals. Museums surround the area, and also some monuments.
Pan Men Scenic Area is home to Chinese history dating back 2,500 years. The city gate is the most completely preserved part of the ruins of the ancient city of Suzhou.
It was built the first year of the reign of He Lu, King of Wu.
The Wumen Gate Bridge and the Auspicious Light Pagoda can be seen from the top of the gate bridge.
This Children's Palace is situated in the "Marble House" on West Yuyan Rd. It was buiilt between 1918-1931 while Song Qingling founded the Children's Palace here in 1953. The building has marble lined hallways, wide curving staircases, ornate fireplaces, even grand chandeliers and French windows.
The Children's Palace is an afterschool program for gifted children. Any children can attend if they can pass an aptitude test and pay the minimum tuition. The sold art at the 'school's shop helps to pay tuitions for children.
Kids from 5 to 15 yrs old, learn to sing, dance, paint, draw, etc.. And they can also learn about science, technology and even computer science.
The New and the Old mixed together makes a nice package. Shanghai is divided in many different sections. It is a mix of a Europeen influence, a very modern side, the old city for a total of an exciting yet relaxing commercial center.
Situated in the old part of Shanghai, the Yu Yuan Bazaar and Gardens were built in 1559.
They include many shops, restaurants, teahouses, ponds, koy fish, curved eaves and many other treasures.
The Hutong, literally means narrow streets in Mangolian. It is actually century old residential areas where the officials and well to do resided. The 'stubs' above the main entry, which is always situated at the southeastern corner, indicates the status of the owners.
In China, only this Hutong remains, the other have been destroyed by natural disasters or the past wars.
Beijing is now protecting the Hutong as a world's heritage. Some are owned by families while other's are state owned. The siheyuan (the abode) consists of a courtyard surrounded by a number of rooms and finally by tall walls which results in the narrow streets.
A few generations can live together in a home, resulting in a strong community and family orientation
This Temple was completed during the Ming dynasty for the Emperor to pray and make sacrifices at the winter solstice. This temple was off limits to the 'common' people, while today it is a well attended park and area by locals and tourists alike.
It is a large area with many trees more than 600 years old.
Here many people are attracted to the area to dance, practice some tai chi, sing, play games or musical instruments.
Originally there were many sacrifices offered to the gods, in food and animals. The ceremonies are detailed in one of the Museum.
A historic walk through the Garrison is a great way to spend a day. From Historical buildings to old and modern museum, the Capital of New Brunswick is a beautiful place
The People of Beijing are wonderful. Polite, graceful and beautiful, we were delighted to experience their environment if only for a short period of time.
This is a collection of portraits in all different aspect of the Beijing population.
...The anticipated 2008 Olympics have a great impact on China and especially Beijing. Everyone is talking about it. One can purchase the Olympic dolls almost anywhere and other 2008 Olympic paraphernalia.
...Chinese are getting prepared for this huge event by renovating the city, therefore Beijing is under major construction.
...The architecs have freedom to build impressive and original buildings. The whole is mixed up with the old and the ancient.
...Here are pictures of modern building mixing with the old of the mundane life in Beijing.
It was built as an imperial garden by the Emperor Quianlong to celebrate his mother's birthday in 1750. It is built on an area of over 290 hectares which 3/4 of the area are covered by the water of the Kinning Lake. It has been rebuilt many times due to the destruction by different wars. It is open to the public since 1924 and protected by UNESCO since 1998.
The Summer Palace is home to the Kinning Lake, East Palace Gate, Hall of Benevolence and Longevity,Hall of Dispelling Clouds, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Hall of the Sea of Wisdom
Garden of Harmonious Interests,Suzhou Market Street,BackLake
Seventeen-Arch Bridge, Bronze Ox,Marble Boat, The Island
Long Gallery, Longevity Hill,Hall of Jade Billows, Garden of Virtue and Harmony,Hall of Joyful Longevity and more.
Hope you'll enjoy this collection of pictures
The Beijing Zoo was formely called the "Garden of Ten Thousand Animals by the Founder, the Emperor Guan Xiu from the Qing Dynasty in 1906.
It has most of the Chinese species which amounts to more than 5000 mammals, not including the numerous birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians.
The Zoo is still under construction, and hopefully in the near future this 86 hectares of land and 8.6 hectares of water will
accomodate more comfortably the bigger animals which seem to be in too small enclosures.
The Capitolio was built with the Washington D.C. USA's Capitol in mind. It was once the home of the Government, but is now home to only the Ministry of Science, Environment and Technology.
The Dome which is almost 92 m (300ft) high, stands higher than the Washington's Capitol. From the inside the Dome which stands close to 62m high, is the coats of arms of Cuba's provinces.
In the main entrance stands the Statue of the Republic which stands 17m high, weights 49tons and is also the 3rd largest indoor statue in the world.
The Salon de los Pasos Perdidos is a sumptuous hall with great marble and unusual acoustics.
Havana architecture has an array of influence. From Neo-Classical, Baroque, Colonial, Art Deco and many more styles. They all blend together in a wonderful harmony. Cuba is forever under restoration and many parts are protected by Unesco.
Kensington Water Gardens are situated in Kensington, Prince-Edward-Island Canada.
Before entering the Gardens, one must learn the history of the original owner of the large Tudor House.
The owner was some kind of extravagant scientist who experimented with plants. You'll visit the different laboratories, also there's the King Arthur's Camelot and the medieval streets of London UK.
Outside you'll discover many fountains, flowerbeds, great reproductions and more.
The whole attraction is served with a sense of humor. One will find an assortement of oddities in display and funny signs on the walls.
King's Castle Provincial Park doesn't have any castles, but there are plenty of Fairy tales kept alive in this park, for young and old.
From the Cinderella Punkin to the 3 little bears, one has all the ingredients for a wonderful day.
There's a narrow beach, picnic tables, a camping site nearby and a place for watersports.
Cavendish is the amusement city of Prince Edward Island. There are many camping sites, Golf courses, Theme parks, museums, beaches.. etc. Here one can visit the Anne of Green Gable historical Theme Park, The Wax World of the Stars Museum, or just take a walk on the beautiful beach.
Here are some pictures of Rainbow Valley Amusement park and Ripley's Believe it or not Museum.
This historical theme park is situated by Kensington, Prince Edward Island, Canada. It is situated on 45 acres, one acre more interesting than the other. There are over 30 Replicas of buildings throughout the UK, amid a garden well tended. Although the 'lake' was full of thick algue when we visited.
Woodleigh was built by Ernest Johnstone, who served in WWI. He was based in the UK. He was so impressed by the architecture that when he returned to Canada. He decided to build mini-replicas to preserve his memories.
It was in the 4th century BC that the Celtics made their home in the Bad Durrnberg region. They remained in this area until the Roman Age and this area was colonised since then by the current population.
All the different people who inhabited the area were attracted by the Salt mine which began in 600BC. The State of Salzburg was born from the European Salt trade.
Salt is important for humans. It purifies, cleanses, and as per many legends have spiritual powers. Salt is a symbol of life and is as important today as it was many centuries ago. The discovery of salt has drastically changed the human's way of life as it was used for trading and much sought-for as a food preservative.
Here are some pictures of the Salt mine itself and the 'historic' Celtic village.
Salzburg's Churches & St. Peter's Cemetary and Catacombs
Built along the Salzach River, Salzburg is home to more than 20 Churches. The history of the city is well etched within the walls of the different Buildings. From St Peter's Monastary, Cemetary & Catacombs dating from the early 13th century to the Dom which was rebuilt and extended after many disasters throughout history since year 774 when it was first consecrated, to many many more.
Hope you'll enjoy these pictures rich in the basic history of Salzburg's Churches.
Nymphenburg Palace & Park and Munich Botanical Garden
Nymphenburg Palace & Park and the Botanical Gardens, are situated on the West side of Munich. The Palace was build in the middle 17th century and has had numerous additions and renovations since.
The Palace is host to great Rococo and Baroque architecture. The park and its garden is full of interesting buildings, canals, statues and fountains, all set up in a little forest.
The Botanical gardens are appended to Nymphenburg. They have Glasshouses, an Arboretum, and flowers galore.
These are a few black and white pictures of the town of Hallein. This town is set in a valley amid the Alps. There are many shops, cheaper stuff than in Salzburg, and cafes.
Prince Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau built this Palace and Garten in 1606 for his mistress Salome Alt.
When the Prince passed away, the new Archbishop remodeled it, and so did the next Archbishop too.
Although the palace was badly damaged by a fire in the early 19th century, there is still the original Marble Hall and impressive angel staircase to see.
The garden is filled with georgeous statues, fountains, flowers and trees. One can visit small turtles in the small biodome, stroll through the rose Garden, have a laugh in the Dwarf Garden, or simply relax by one of the many fountains.
The Fortress was built 900 yrs ago, and has never been invaded. It sits amid the city, about 100 meters high above on the Monchsberg. From the Hohensalzburg one not only admires the different eras of the many Archbishops who made their marks during their different reigns, but also the spectacular views of the Alps and surrounding towns.
Hope you enjoy this photo album of the Fortress and its amazing views.
Hellbrunn was a summer palace, built in the 17th century. It was open to all for visits. Archbishops came here to amuse himself and his entourage with his trick fountains.
The Royal Way brought pleasant surprises with its water fountains, grottos and little mechanical statues, all water propulsed.
Hellbrunn was then home to many exotic animals, including an 8 footed horse and very large fish. It also hosted exotic plants in its grand garden.
The Salzburg Zoo is actually part of the Hellbrunn Palace and Park area.
Do plan about 3 hours to visit the Zoo. It is organized in 4 areas, The Heart of Africa, Europe and Asia, The Americas and Australia.
Here you'll be able to see Rhinos, brown bears, Wolves, Emus, and many more different animals.
In this photo collection, there is only about 10 percent of the animals living here.
Historic Nassau Bahamas`Winner of the photo album contest of the month Feb 2005
Historic Nassau takes you from Bay St, along Parliament St and Duke St. Bay St is fillled with Shops and restaurants for the tourists arriving by cruise ship. Parliament St are for Governement buildings and the other streets are rich with cultural and religious edifices. Deeper into Nassau's (not in this slideshow) center is what they call "Over the hill". There you'd find where the descendants of the former slaves build their colorful abodes. Over the hill, is the actual center of the Bahamian-African culture.
The major public buildings of 'HIstoric' Nassau can be visited on foot. There's Parliament Square which is home to the statue of a Young queen Victoria, and to the House of Assembly. There's also Nassau's Public Library and Museum, which was originaly the city jail (1797). Fort Fincastle (1793) and the Queen's stairs is a must, with its 60m high Tower and great view of Downtown Nassau.
Although not very interesting to see Gregory Arch it is very rich in history and is very important in the development of the city. (see the report on Nassau) And of course there are the many Churches who witnessed the ages.
Cable Beach is situated on the Northern Side of New Providence Island. You can get to downtown Nassau, only a few kilometers away. Cable Beach got its name in the 1960s when they set up telephones and electricity cables in that area.
This area is well known for being touristic. Most of the hotels, resorts and Casinos are here. And most important the beach is clean and the water crystal clear.
There are many activities available to the tourist. They include water surfing, boating, para sailing.. etc...
Ardastra Garden, Zoo & Conservation Centre. Nassau Bahamas
Since 1937, Ardastra Gardens has blossomed under The Jamican Botanist, Hedley Edwards. He was the one who imported the Flamingos from Inagua Bahamas, in the 1950's and trained them to march to his spoken commands.
The Zoo was developed by a local Bahamian in the early 1980's and it became a Conservation Center in the early 1990's.
Many of the animals living here are from the Bahamas, but also from around the world. The Iguanas, Bahamian Boa are highly endangered.
The garden is home to not only many assorted trees and plants, but to animals and insects.
When you visit this zoo and garden, you don't only see wildlife and plants, but also a part of your admission fee goes to preserve and breed these endangered species.
Along the Main one can walk the paths and feed the water fowls. There are many bridges crossing the main including the Eisermer Stag and the Holbeinsteg especially built for pedestrians.
The city is a great mix of old buildings and new technology all within a great international center.
A city is like a recipe, not all of them are the same even if it is called the same name. It's all in the details. The different herbs, the cooking time, the love and the patience.
For each town, city and village one will encounter, it is the details that makes it special.
We often integrates these items in the 'bigger pictures', but I decided to dedicate this album to the details that makes Oporto such a Great place to visit. Oporto's history is all there, the love, the hate, the heros and the influences throughout the ages.
I've always been intrigued by the different eating habits and food from around the world. Here are a few different views of the food available in Oporto, Portugal.
Oporto and Vila de Gaia complement each other with grace. Here is a collection of sceneries from both cities. They included fishermen in the setting sun, boats on the Rio Douro and different views of both cities.
I was in Berlin in June 2000. Only a few years after the Wall was taken down. The city was still under construction at that time. There was a vivid mixture of publicity ads scattered to and about, construction sites, modern and historical buildings. The whole promised a better future.
I'm anxious to return and see the finished product of all these bitter yet positive changes.
I only wish I had had a better camera with me at that time.
Hope you enjoy the mixture of the past, present and future of this wonderful city.
When I visited Potsdam, I was totally awed by the beauty of the Park Sans Souci. Even if some of the buildings were under renovations, it was still breathtaking.
It was definitely like walking in fairytale. It is no wonder why Voltaire stayed here. Also a miracle that it wasn't destroyed. This is one of the area that kept most of it's original buildings and richness for another era.
If ever you travel to Germany do tour Potsdam, you'll be glad you did.
This is a collection of pictures from the city of Saint John to the town of Gagetown.
The pictures takes us through the villages of Brown Flats , Oak Points, Hampstead and many others along the Saint John River.
In November 2002, my friend and I decided to make a quick trip to New York City as a bus tour of 5 hours and then return to Canada. Here are our impressions of The Big Apple USA.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico, is a paradise.
The sand is white, clean and fine, the water azure, and the people friendly.
What better way to show the island than showing its Southern swimmable beaches, and treacherous yet enchanting Northern beaches.
My first experience in Mexico. It is quite a difference between my usual Europeen trips, and Canadian home. Yet I enjoyed it a lot as this area is, thankfully not as Americanised as Cancun and other Mexican resort areas. Hope you enjoy this part of the Pacific.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover Quebec City. Its narrow streets and welcoming people made the experience the best. Read about all the things you can do in my article about Quebec City. Hope you enjoy the picture slide.
The Historical Acadian Village is situated a few minutes drive from Caraquet center. It is open from visitor during the summer season and people actually live part of their lives on site. They are living off the land as the Acadians, my ancestors, lived.
The village portraits the early middle 1700 to the early 1900. As visitors we are shown how to make wool and linen, flour, shingles, wooden shoes and many other basic things.
2004 celebrates 400 yrs of history. I tried to portrait the people, not just the scenery of my own history with this photo slide. I had a difficult time choosing only a few of the 650 pictures I took.
If you are around this summer, make sure to look up the many events that will take place throughout Canada.
Grand Manan Island is 1 1/2 hour ferry 'drive' from BlackHarbour New Brunswick. When you get to the island you'll first discern the cliffs of North Head to then surround the Swallowtail lighthouse to finally offload at Magg's Cove. This island of barely 2800 habitants is a feast to the senses. With a main road giving you glimpse of the Bay of Fundy with its fishermen boats. This postcard island is the place to visit if you want to see whales, puffin birds and hike scenic trails.
(picture on introduction: pier a low tide at Castalia)
A quick trip to Ottawa took us to the main tourist attractions. We were impressed by the details of the Canadian buildings.
This selections of pictures are only but of few of the many beautiful areas of Ottawa/Hull.
Included are the Parliement Building, Chateau Laurier and other.
Hope you'll enjoy my collection of May2004 photo of some of London's tourist area. On a whim I flew there and spent a day enjoying, again, this beautiful city.
Tourism New Brunswisk decided a few years ago to divide the province's road into scenic drives. Here are a collection of pictures from the Fundy Coastal Drive which is from St. Stephen to
Aulac.
The Bay of Fundy is one of the marine wonders of the world, with a twice daily tide that lets you walk on the ocean's bottom, to water as high as a four story building.With such a great tide, the water dug in the sand stones to result in what is called the Flower Pot rocks.
Also you'll find a multitude of Falls, Fishermen's village, small towns and cities.
Most of my time spent in France up to now has been in Paris and in the triangle in the Southern part called Auvergne..
Here`s a selection of my favorite pictures of that area...
Kate Bush sang `Oh England My Lionheart, I don`t want to go` a few years ago. Everytime I depart England I silently sing that song.
I`ve included pictures of London, Tonbridge, Leeds etc.. hope you enjoy them.. although at that time I didn`t have a great camera, so the pictures may not be of as good quality as I`d like them to be.
The Biodome, the Insectarium and the Botanical Garden
A whole day is required to visit those attractions.. although the olympic stadium isn`t in the photographs in details, it is also part of the area where you can visit the other 3 sites. From live insects to an assortment of butterflies, insect degustation, themed gardens and greenhouses, and a zoo under a roof at the biodome... hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I loved taking them and visiting these places...
Queensland Australia is a haven for anyone and everyone for numerous reasons; People are friendly. The beaches are blessed with golden sand and an azure ocean. The desert is as inviting as the beaches with its gem mines and aboriginal sites. Fields of sheeps, sunflowers and cottons is as beautiful under the sun as under a cloudy sky. Large butterflies, a multitude of wild birds and an assortment of 'roos' are for all to enjoy. Not to forget the thick rainforest and mountain range closer to the coast.
Situated in St Andrews by-the-sea, the garden has over 2000 different shrubs and trees and plants. A few hours should be planned for this activity as there is a large area to cover. On the grounds are several ponds, a dutch windmill, a cafe and gift shop and a great variety of plants. Attracted by all the different goodies, butterflies, birds and insects have made the garden their home.
I especially enjoyed the Perennials, the Rose garden and the Herb gardens while listening to Tchaikovsky on hidden intercoms. Benches and fountains are scattered a little bit everywhere to make your visit the best.
The children are sure to enjoy `the Children Garden` where a play house built in 1894 was donated by the O`Neill family. Nearby is a Touch and Feel garden where children can play. Also Daisy, Dusty and Dolly the goats and the ducks will surely amuse all with their antics. And not to forget a energetic cat roaming the gardens which will make everyone laugh.
Saint John was established in 1785, as being a gift of land (reward from the allegiance)from the British monarch.
Today one can walk "Prince William`s Ave`for a great experience in architecture. You`ll witness many arched doorways and columns.
There are still a few original gargoyles on the window sills.
Witness Georgian-style homes built by the first prosperous settlers. Most buildings are built in different bricks adding colors to downtown.
The King's Square (1847)is where the walkways are laid out like a Union Jack and close by there`s the Imperial Theater where Houdini once stopped.
You`ll also discover Trinity Church. The town clock was built in its steeple more than
200 ft up.
There is also so much more to discover as you`ll see in this slide...
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