Upset over the rule of Spain from afar, on May 25, 1810 the citizens of Buenos Aires, Argentina deposed the Viceroy Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros in the Revolucion de Mayo and took control of the government for themselves. On Libertad Street, 98 years later to the day, a symbol of the people’s independence opened with what is said to be a very memorable performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida. And now, 102 years from when it first opened, and 200 years since the May Revolution, the Teatro Colon - the famous Argentine opera house - is set to reopen after nearly four years of renovation. The classical style of opera, translated as “work” or “labor” in Italian, is enjoyed throughout the world and in many different ...
Stepping out of the London Underground at Westminster, you may be caught off guard by the sheer size of Big Ben as it immediately confronts you. Although it may seem child’s play to take a photo of such a looming stationary subject as one of the world's largest clocks, it actually involves some photographic tact and maneuvering. Neighbouring the former Palace of Westminster, which was destroyed in 1834, Big Ben was included as part of the new Westminster rebuilt in 1844. Big Ben first rang out over London on May 31, 1859, but the bells cracked just two months later. Rotated and replaced with a lighter hammer, this is the bell we hear today. The name “Big Ben Clock Tower” is really more of a ...
The Monarch butterfly migration “is one of the most significant biological events on this planet,” according to University of Kansas biology professor Chip Taylor. It is an awe-inspiring sight to see thousands, if not millions, of Monarch butterflies come to roost in the Oyamel forests of Mexico and the trees of Southern California. The Monarch butterfly migration route takes these insects thousands of miles from the north, some coming from as far away as Canada, making this migration a beautiful wonder, and one that no other butterfly takes part in. Each winter, as the temperatures drop in the north, the Monarch butterflies migrate south to the warmer climates of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. No bad for an insect that weighs less than a gram. ...
It seems like every time a movie, television show, or news report wants to set a scene in Moscow, the filming takes place in front of St. Basil's Cathedral. Most tourists only get a snapshot or two in front of the cathedral's colorful onion domes, but you really shouldn't miss out on a tour of the interior of St. Basil's Cathedral. Located in Red Square, next to the Kremlin, the iconic St. Basil's Cathedral is definitely one of the top five sightseeing attractions in Moscow. It is located in the very center of the Garden Ring, a circular avenue that runs around the center of Moscow. The cathedral, nicknamed the "Stone Flower", was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible, who wanted to memorialize every victory of ...
One of the great pleasures of visiting many European cities in winter is the captivating effect that snow has on their classic architecture, creating a virtual winter wonderland. Estonia's capital Tallinn may not be as world famous as Vienna or Prague, but it's probably one of the best places on the whole continent to experience Europe as it was in medieval times. Old Town Tallinn is so well preserved that it has UNESCO World Heritage Site status - picture a close-knit network of winding cobbled streets with iron street lamps, Gothic spires of grandiose churches and half-hidden courtyards sheltering beautiful gabled houses. Look out for Tallinn's Town Hall, the only one in northern Europe dating from the Gothic era that still remains standing, dating back ...
Long ago, in 1274 B.C., there was a great battle in present day Syria for control of the trade routes through the area. As many as 6,000 chariots, more than any other battle in history, and 70,000 men clashed for control, and an untold number were lost. Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II claimed he won a great victory over the Hittite empire, but the true outcome of the battle is uncertain as Kadesh never actually fell. Still though, upon his return, Ramesses commissioned a great temple be built to commemorate what he considered his victory. What is left of that temple sits on what is now known as Lake Nasser; it is called Abu Simbel. A legend tells that over 2,000 years later a local boy ...
Predicting an exceptional day of diving in Palau is not hard to do. Early risers are met with soaring sunrise views over turquoise waters, none better than those of the Rose Garden Resort. When the staff say, "enjoy the million dollar view", they aren't exaggerating. The resort's convenient mountainside perch makes every morning picture perfect. Ulong Channel and Reef may not be known to the outside world as Palau's best dive site, but if you ask the staff of veteran dive shop Fish 'n Fins, it's the crowd favourite. Diving Ulong Reef makes you feel like an underwater explorer on assignment from National Geographic, caught in the middle of feeding frenzy. Here you can find some amazing bait ball action. Sharks and napoleon wrasse patrol ...
Palau is a divers dream, with its fringing coral reefs and burgeoning marine life it's hard to beat. In a time where our oceans are being devastated beyond belief, Palau has managed to maintain some sanctity, and in 2009 with the help of pioneering dive shop Fish'n Fins, declared its waters a Shark Sanctuary. Thanks to this, people who make the trek to Palau can enjoy an increasingly rare treat - sharks and other large fish that have been overfished in other areas of the world. Although you can see sharks on almost any dive here, perhaps the best place to spot these and other large pelagics is diving Blue Corner. Blue Corner is Palau's most famous dive site, and is continually in the running ...
Expecting the unexpected is half the fun of being a diver, but when you snorkel Palau's Jellyfish Lake—all assumptions are off limits. This natural marine lake is a magnet for divers and snorkellers alike thanks to its curious populous of harmless jellyfish. Getting to your destination is part of the fun when diving in Palau, and carving your way through remote uninhabited islands on one of Fish n' Fins 225 HP speed boats is definitely not a hardship. The trail to Jellyfish Lake, however, may be just that. The rope-lined trail is a steep 15 minute climb for most. Be sure to take the opportunity to catch your breath by reading the informational signs about Jellyfish Lake on your way up. Everyday, a pulsating mob ...
There are a dwindling number of locations left in the world where you can still dive with sharks in consistent abundance. Palau is one of them. Behind a 70-mile-long barrier reef, Palau's sheltered lagoons hold a shark mating hot spot. Each year during the peak of grey reef shark mating season, leading dive shop Fish 'n Fins holds Shark Week, an educational diving event. Though the thought of sharks may conjure up false images of a blood thirsty man eater, for those familiar with Palau diving, sharks are a reminder of how important and fragile our oceans are. Although you wouldn't guess it from looking at Palau's waters, it's estimated that over 100 million sharks are killed each year for their fins, and it's projects ...
