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Basilicata - Italy Matera has gained international fame for its ancient town, the "Sassi di Matera" (meaning "stones of Matera"). The Sassi originate from a prehistoric (troglodyte) settlement, and are suspected to be some of the first human settlements in Italy. The Sassi are houses dug into the calcareous rock itself, which is characteristic of Basilicata and Apulia. Many of these "houses" are really only caverns, and the streets in some parts of the Sassi often are located on the rooftops of other houses. The ancient town grew in height on one slope of the ravine created by a river that is now a small stream. The ravine is known locally as "la Gravina". In the 1950s, the government of Italy forcefully relocated most of the population of the Sassi to areas of the developing modern city. However, people continued to live in the Sassi, and according to the English Fodor's guide: “ Matera is the only place in the world where people can boast to be still living in the same houses of their ancestors of 9,000 years ago. ” Until the late 1980s this was considered an area of poverty, since these houses were, and in most areas still are, mostly unlivable. Current local administration, however, has become more tourism-oriented, and has promoted the re-generation of the Sassi with the aid of the European Union, the government, UNESCO, and Hollywood. Today there are many thriving businesses, pubs, and hotels. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matera

Mölle by the sea, Höganäs, Skåne, Sweden

Mölle by the sea, originally uploaded by Håkan Dahlström.

Mölle is a locality situated in Höganäs Municipality, Skåne County, Sweden with 725 inhabitants in 2005.
It is best known for its scenic harbour and its location adjacent to the Kullaberg Nature Reserve. Its harbour, situated on the Kattegat Strait, provides services for marine fishing, watersports outings and tour excursions along the coast, especially the rocky shore of Kullaberg to the north. Fodor characterizes Mölle as "a small town set in spectacular isolation on the dramatic headland of the Kulla Peninsula".
As a historic seaside resort, Mölle has hosted numerous technical and professional conferences such as: the Swedish Network of European Economists, Joint Swedish-Russian International Workshop on Information Theory; and the Royal Society (United Kingdom) of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Hypnotic Iceberg

Hypnotic Iceberg, originally uploaded by Marc Shandro.

Another view of the same iceberg I posted a while ago showing more of the surrounding context in Lake Argentina in Los Glaciares National Park. This iceberg is about 4m (12ft) high above the water.

Sahara Wondrland

 "A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler

Crete from Space, Aegean Sea, Greece

The Aegean and Libyan Seas in the eastern Mediterranean are split by the island of Crete, which is seen in prominence in this Envisat image.

The image is a collation of three separate passes by the European Space Agency’s Envisat satellite on 11 December 2010, 10 January and 11 March 2011. Each pass was assigned a separate colour – red, green and then blue – and the changes in colour reveal changes in the surface between the three passes.

At the top of the image is the southern portion of the Cyclades island group, including the islands of Milos, Ios, Anafi and Santorini.

Source: European Space Agency

Source: Planetsave (http://s.tt/13AvM)

Foggy sunrise in Dubai, UAE

Foggy sunrise in Dubai #1, originally uploaded by momentaryawe.com.

Dubai has a rich collection of buildings and structures of various architectural styles. Many modern interpretations of Islamic architecture can be found here, due to a boom in construction and architectural innovation in the Arab World in general, and in Dubai in particular, supported not only by top Arab or international architectural and engineering design firms such as Al Hashemi and Aedas, but also by top firms of New York and Chicago.[96] As a result of this boom, modern Islamic – and world – architecture has literally been taken to new levels in skyscraper building design and technology. Dubai now boasts more completed or topped-out skyscrapers higher than 2/3 km, 1/3 km, or 1/4 km than any other city. A culmination point was reached in 2010 with the completion of the Burj Khalifa (Khalifa Tower), now by far the world's tallest building at 828 m (2,717 ft). The Burj Khalifa's design is derived from the patterning systems embodied in Islamic architecture, with the triple-lobed footprint of the building based on an abstracted version of the desert flower hymenocallis which is native to the Dubai region. The completion of the Khalifa Tower, following the construction boom that began in the 1980s, accelerated in the 1990s, and took on a rapid pace of construction unparalled in modern human history during the decade of the 2000s, leaving Dubai with the world's tallest skyline as of 4 January 2010

Midnight Sun @ #Iceland

Midnight Sun: A natural phenomenon occurring in the summer months north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle where the sun never fully sets and remains visible 24 hours a day. This short time lapse film was shot during the Icelandic Midnight Sun in June of 2011. For 17 days I travelled solo around the entire island shooting almost 24 hours, sleeping in the car, and eating whenever I had the time. During my days shooting this film I shot 38,000 images, travelled some 2900 miles, and saw some of the most amazing, beautiful, and indescribable landscapes on the planet. Iceland is absolutely one of the most beautiful and unusual places you could ever imagine. Especially during the Midnight Sun when the quality of light hitting the landscape is very unusual, and very spectacular. Iceland is a landscape photographers paradise and playground, and should be number 1 on every photographers must visit list. Iceland during the Midnight Sun is in sort of a permanent state of sunset. The sun never full sets and travels horizontally across the horizon throughout the night, as can be seen in the opening shot and at the :51 second mark in the video. During the Arctic summer, sunset was at midnight and sunrise was at 3am. The Arctic summer sun provided 24 hours a day of light, with as much as 6 hours daily of "Golden light". Once the sun had set it wouldn't even get dark enough for the stars to come out, and they don't start to reappear until August.  "A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler

Hopper Gilgit Pakistan

Rush Lake 4694m.., originally uploaded by M Atif Saeed.

Rush Lake 4694m..

The Hunza-Nagar Valley, the Hunza-Nagar District, is the seventh district of Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan. The district comprises Hunza and Nagar. Sikandarabad is the administrative center of this district. Before the announcement of new district, Hunza-Nagar was part of district Gilgit.

How to Stay Healthy When Traveling

Nothing ruins a holiday more than getting sick. While some illnesses are largely unpreventable, being aware of the risks and taking a few precautions before you go can make all the difference. Here are a few basic tips for staying healthy on the road.

Photo by: Gustey.com

Before you go

Research your destination. Are you traveling to a yellow fever zone? Is there a high risk of an infectious disease? Will you be at risk of altitude sickness? The best source of information on traveler’s health is the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. If you are still not sure, visit your local doctor. Make sure you do your research several weeks before your leave date as you may require a course of vaccinations. Also, if you’ve been putting off that trip to the dentist, now may be a good time to go!

Packing

A basic first-aid kit is a must. Essentials include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, iodine/antiseptic cream, painkillers, insect repellent, sun cream and any prescription drugs you may be using. You may also want to consider bandages, water purifying tablets, anti-malarials, anti-diarrheal, vitamins and oral hydration sachets. The more health risks your destination and activities pose, the bigger your first aid kit should be!

On the Road

Get lots of rest!

Before you freak out, cancel your plane ticket and refuse to leave the house, take heart, there are a few easy ways of staying healthy while you’re away.

• Plan your itinerary to give yourself time to adjust to a new place and recover from jet lag. This particularly applies if you are traveling to a high altitude!
• Be aware of how a change in climate may affect your particular health condition and plan accordingly
• Make sure you have enough of your own prescription medication to last your trip and pack it in your hand luggage. Keep it in its original packaging to avoid delays at the airport
• Pack as lightly as possible and be careful when lifting your luggage
• Be aware of the dangers of the sun – take a hat and high-factor sun cream
• Stay hydrated. If local water poses a risk, drink bottled water and don’t have drinks with ice
• Trust your instinct when eating at stalls or restaurants – if they look dodgy they probably are.  It may be prudent to avoid meat and rice if eating at dodgy restaurant is unavoidable!
• Strengthen your immune system: eat healthily, get enough sleep and exercise
• Clean cuts well
• Wash your hands when possible
• Avoid mosquito prone areas if you can. Cover up, use repellent and a mosquito net when sleeping
• If bitten by an animal, wash wound well with soap and water and seek medical advice immediately.
• Take a rain jacket
• Practice safe sex
• Get health insurance!

Hope these tips help you stay safe and healthy on your next trip!

- Emma McMahon

via: http://travelblog.viator.com/how-to-stay-healthy-when-traveling/?aid=tweet2  

"Ποταμοῖς τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἐμβαίνομέν τε καὶ οὐκ ἐμβαίνομεν, εἶμέν τε καὶ οὐκ εἶμεν.""We both step and do not step in the same rivers. We are and are not."Heraclitus the Riddler

Prague, Czech Republic

Dear Praha by Edgar Barany

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Situated in the north-west of the country on the Vltava river, the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million. The city has a temperate oceanic climate with warm summers and chilly winters.

Prague has been a political, cultural and economic centre of Europe and particularly central Europe during its 1,100 year existence. For centuries, during theGothic and Renaissance eras, Prague was the permanent seat of two Holy Roman Emperors and thus was also the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Later it was an important city in the Habsburg Monarchy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and after World War I became the capital of Czechoslovakia. The city played major roles in theProtestant Reformation, the Thirty Years' War, and in 20th-century history, during both World Wars and the post-war Communist era.

Prague is home to a number of famous cultural attractions, many of which survived the violence and destruction of twentieth century Europe. Main attractions include the following: Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter, the Lennon Wall, and Petřín hill. Since 1992, the extensive historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCOlist of World Heritage Sites.

Prague boasts more than ten major museums, along with countless theatres, galleries, cinemas, and other historical exhibits. Also, Prague is home to a wide range of public and private schools, including the famous Charles University. Its rich history makes it a popular tourist destination, and the city receives more than 4.1 million international visitors annually, as of 2009. Prague is classified as a global city.

more via Wikipedia

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -- Lao Tzu Copyright © Demetrios the Traveler

Colmar, Alsace, France

Jewelry Box in Alsace - Colmar, France, originally uploaded by Batikart.

Colmar is the third largest city in Alsace and a Jewelry box. You can see a lot of colorful very well-preserved half-timbered houses. Here "La petite Venise" with the Lauch river.

Colmar, die drittgrösste Stadt im Elsass, zeigt sich mit bunt bemalten, sehr gut erhaltenen Fachwerkhäusern von seiner besten Seite. Hier seht ihr das Schmuckkästchen, das Viertel Klein Venedig, am Fluss Lauch.

Colmar (French: Colmar, Alsatian: Colmer, German: Colmar, between 1940-1945 under Nazi rule: Kolmar) is a commune in the Haut-Rhin department in Alsace in north-eastern France. It is the capital of the department. Colmar is also the seat of the highest jurisdiction in Alsace, the appellate court. It is situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and considers itself to be the "Capital of Alsatian Wine" (capitale des vins d'Alsace). In 2006, the city of Colmar had a population of 65,713 and the metropolitan area of Colmar had a population of 120,367. Colmar is the center of the arrondissement of Colmar, which has 144,700 inhabitants in 2006.
Colmar is the home town of the painter and engraver Martin Schongauer and the sculptor Frédéric Bartholdi, who designed the Statue of Liberty. The city is renowned for its well preserved old town, its numerous architectural landmarks and its museums, among which the Unterlinden Museum.
Colmar was founded in the 9th century. This was the location where Charles the Fat held a diet in 884. Colmar was granted the status of a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire in 1226. During the Thirty Years' War, the city was taken by the armies of Sweden in 1632, who held it for two years. The city was conquered by France under Louis XIV in 1697.
In 1679 (Treaties of Nijmegen) Colmar was ceded to France. With the rest of Alsace, Colmar was annexed by the newly formed German Empire in 1871 as a result of the Franco-Prussian War. It returned to France after World War I, was annexed by Nazi Germany in 1940, and then reverted to French control after the battle of the "Colmar Pocket" in 1945.
The Colmar Treasure, hidden during the Black Death, was discovered here in 1863.

Colmar is 64 kilometres (40 mi) south-southwest of Strasbourg, on the Lauch River, directly to the east of the Vosges Mountains. It is connected to the Rhine by a canal.

Mostly spared by the destructions of the French Revolution and the wars of 1870-1871, 1914-1918 and 1939-1945, the cityscape of old-town Colmar is homogenous and renowned among tourists. The area crossed by canals of the river Lauch, and which formerly served as the butcher's, tanner's and fishmonger's quarter, is now called "little Venice" (la Petite Venise). Colmar's cityscape (and neighbouring Riquewihr's) served for the design of the Japanese animated film Howl's Moving Castle. (Source: Wikipedia)

London UK

Keep, originally uploaded by Katarina 2353.

London is the largest urban area and the capital of England and the United Kingdom. An important settlement for two millennia, London's history goes back to its founding by the Romans. Since its settlement, London has been part of many important movements and phenomena throughout history, such as the English Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gothic Revival. The city's core, the ancient City of London, still retains its limited medieval boundaries; but since at least the 19th century the name "London" has also referred to the whole metropolis which has developed around it. Today the bulk of this conurbation forms the London region of England and the Greater London administrative area, with its own elected mayor and assembly.

London is one of the world's leading business, financial, and cultural centres, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts all contribute to its status as a major global city. London boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church; the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and its popularity has increased over the years due to economic growth.

London's diverse population draws from a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, and over 300 languages are spoken within the city. As of 2006, it has an official population of 7,512,400 within the boundaries of Greater London and is the most populous municipality in the European Union. As of 2001, the Greater London Urban Area has a population of 8,278,251 and the metropolitan area is estimated to have a total population of between 12 and 14 million. London will be hosting the 2012 Summer Olympics.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London

Norwegian Woods

Norwegian Woods, originally uploaded by Ole C. Salomonsen.

Amazing conditions currently from the flow from the sun. Barely time to be home.

Just have to charge the batteries and head out again!

I crawled out on a narrow slippery rock to be able to shoot this. Low standpoint, as low as my tripod allwoed me.

The river was very very calm, I could look straight through the surface to the bottom when the lights lit it up in the complete darkness.

Abandoned Casino Constanta Romania

Abandoned Casino, originally uploaded by Bogdan Suditu.

Constanța (Romanian pronunciation: [konˈstant͡sa]; historical names: Tomis, Greek: Κωνστάντια, Konstantia, Bulgarian: Кюстенджа, Kyustendzha, Turkish: Köstence) is the oldest extant city inRomania, founded around 600 BC. The city is located in the Dobruja region of Romania, on the Black Sea coast. It is the capital of Constanța County and the largest city in the region.

The city of Constanța is one of the most important in Romania, one of four roughly equal-size cities which rank after Bucharest. The Constanța metropolitan area, founded in 2007, comprises 14 localities located at a maximum distance of 30 km (19 mi) from the city, and with 446,595 inhabitants it is the second largest metropolitan area in Romania, after Bucharest.

The Port of Constanța has an area of 39.26 km² (15.16 sq mi) and a length of about 30 km (19 mi). It is the largest port on the Black Sea, and one of the largest ports in Europe.