Charles Bridge Prague Czech Republic
On this graceful epochal edifice of the Bridge Tower, it was a pity to see the terrible repair work. Despite regal decorations, the refurbishing seemed more an overhaul that a careful restoration. Still, UNESCO rightly lumped the bridge with the Old Town Centre of Prague to inscribe it on its World Heritage Sites List in 1992. - Charles Bridge Prague Czech Republic - Travelure ©
UNESCO Heritage Site Ayutthaya Thailand
Ayutthaya today is a historical park. What remains of this former capital tells a tale of glory and gore. While there, spare a thought for the fact it is a site of mass murder, rape, and enslavement of Siamese people. - UNESCO Heritage Site Ayutthaya Thailand - Travelure ©
Kremlin Red Square Moscow Russia
I grew up in the 1960s and 70s. At the height of the cold war. Before Gorbachev was the leader of Russia. The two oft-heard terms in the news were the ‘Kremlin’ and the ‘White House’. These hallowed precincts would smack out statements that affected world politics and economy. - Kremlin Red Square Moscow Russia - Travelure ©
Royal Observatory Greenwich London
Let’s travel to that landmark where our planet comes full circle. And, East meets West. Beyond establishing the relative location of places on our planet, it provides the basis of relative time across the globe. I talk of the Prime Meridian. - Royal Observatory Greenwich London - Travelure ©
Old City of Jerusalem Israel
The narrow lanes lined with petty trade and souvenirs. Manned by folks as old as the place. Bustle and buzz of a beehive. Canopied shop fronts forcing dim bulbs to light up a bright day. And I was a character in French Orientalist Charles Theodore Frere’s ‘The Souk’. - Old City of Jerusalem Israel - Travelure ©
Historic Areas of Istanbul Turkey
Straddling two continents, and between two seas, Istanbul enjoys a unique position. A European and an Asian side. A natural strait - Bosphorus - separates the two. Earlier going by the names Byzantium and Constantinople, it is home to over 15 million people. - Historic Areas of Istanbul - Travelure ©
Gaziantep Turkey – A UNESCO Gastronomy Creative City
In one room, over a dozen traditional chefs were at work. They were creating sheets of white flour, thinner than muslin. The room had a haze of flour. The rolling pins were a yard and a half long. These sheets were being sheared off the pins in delicate layers. And all this, happening on a table over 25 feet long! - Gaziantep Turkey - A UNESCO Gastronomy Creative City - Travelure ©
Eiffel Tower Paris France
You are born a deer with a lifespan of a mere 20 years. Along the way, you turn into a tortoise with a lifespan of 130 years and counting. Pray, you can only be Eiffel Tower! - Eiffel Tower Paris France - Travelure ©
Galle Fort Galle Sri Lanka
A few metres inside the fort, I found myself on a crossroads. I realised I had to be my own guide. I spotted a lighthouse. Being a sea lover, I chose to go that way. - Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka - Travelure ©
Central Park New York City
It may now be a back-up water source, but it remains the crown jewel of the park’s expansive layout. Out of Central Park’s 315 hectares, it covers 43 hectares. Its perimeter is 2.5 kilometres. - Central Park New York City - Travelure ©
Temple of Heaven Beijing China
In the cool shade, I spotted a couple of sexagenarians. They were facing each other. Clasping each other’s arms, they moved in tandem. Their moves resembled part dance, part hand combat. A few seconds and I realised it was their morning workout - Tai Chi. - Temple of Heaven Beijing China - Travelure ©
Humayun Tomb New Delhi India
If Humayun Tomb were a man, he would be a 449-year old trendsetter. Affluent, disciplined, able-bodied, mature, suave, big-hearted, and attractive. Let us see why. - Humayun Tomb New Delhi India - Travelure ©
Simbel Wonder – Abu Simbel Egypt
In the 1960s, a team dismantled Abu Simbel into large stone blocks. Those blocks were then transported from their original location to a sandstone cliff - Simbel Wonder - Abu Simbel Egypt - Travelure ©
Notre-Dame Cathedral Paris France
Once on the roof, I figured why they called it Notre-Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris). It almost seems to be watching over the city of Paris. I also realised the gargoyles were ornamental decorations for rain spouts. - Notre-Dame Cathedral Paris France - Travelure ©
Chateau de Versailles Near Paris France
As we entered the palace, the first significant chamber we saw was the Royal Chapel. Corinthian columns, gold accents, and an intricate ceiling mural gave it grandeur... Château de Versailles Near Paris France - Travelure ©
Hohensalzburg Fortress Salzburg Austria
As I boarded an OBB train from Vienna, a few scenes from The Sound of Music replayed in my mind. The baroque city centre, the invincible-looking Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the meandering River Salzach. And of course, the cemetery crypt where von Trapps hid before their escape. - Hohensalzburg Fortress Salzburg Austria - Travelure ©
Sun Temple Konark Odisha India
The first structure that greeted me had hidden all that lay beyond. Two gigantic lions with exquisite carving flanked a wide stone stairway. As I climbed, I found what must have been a large hallway with massive pillars. This must be the performance area, I thought to myself... Sun Temple Konark Odisha India - Travelure ©
Ellora Caves Maharashtra India
It is one of the largest megalithic rock-cut Hindu temples in India. To excavate this temple, the artists removed 3 Million Cubic Feet of basalt. This rubble weighed a whopping 200,000 Tonnes. - Ellora Caves Maharashtra India - Travelure ©
Sydney Opera House Australia
Local authorities held a worldwide competition. They invited designs for National Opera House at Bennelong Point. The competition attracted over 200 entries. Swedish architect Jørn Utzon's winning entry broke the mould. It embraced an expressionist style to create a modern-day icon. - Sydney Opera House Australia - Travelure ©
The Underground M1 Budapest
'How do I get to Szechenyi Thermal Baths?'
'Take the M1.'
'And to Opera?'
'M1.'
'Hero's Park?'
You guessed it, 'M1.'
A post by Travelure ©
Ngorongoro Crater Arusha Region Tanzania
The sight took my breath away. Eight feet away, at my eye level, a lioness was enjoying the afternoon sun. She glanced at me, got bored, looked away, and stretched to catch a slumber... - Ngorongoro Crater Arusha Region Tanzania - Travelure ©
Windmills of Kinderdijk Netherlands
After a particularly devastating flood that killed thousands in 1421 CE, the survivors discovered a crying child in a crib that was kept afloat by a cat that had been jumping around the crib to keep the balance. This led to the christening of the village as Kinderdijk or Children’s Dyke... Windmills of Kinderdijk - Our Planet's Landmarks Series #18
Kumbh Mela India – World’s Largest Gathering
Kumbh conjures up an image of an ocean of humanity. Rightly so as an estimated 150 million people will visit Prayag for 2019 Ardh Kumbh. That is, one in every nine Indians. - Our Planet's Landmarks Series #17
Canals of Amsterdam Netherlands
Amsterdam is regarded as the Venice of the North. It is hardly surprising as the city has 165 canals. With a combined length of more than 100 km. Plus 90 islands. And, 1280 bridges! That is three times more bridges than Venice!
