Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England - Travel Guide

Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England - Travel Guide

Europe

Stonehenge is an ancient monument sitting in Wiltshire, England, 8 miles north of Salisbury and 2 miles west of Amesbury. Stonehenge is probably the most important and the grandest prehistoric monument of the whole of Britain, if not the world. Its magnificent and unbelievable structure has made it as Wiltshire’s natural icon. Many theories are circulating the foundation and built of Stonehenge and up to this day, its function is still unknown and its construction methods remain a mystery.

The Stonehenge that is erected today is the product of the final stage of construction some 3500 years ago. The first stage, probably built in 3100 BC, was out of large earth stone that comprised of a ditch, bank, and the Aubrey holes of about one meter wide and deep, with steep sides and flat bottoms. It is believed to be constructed to serve as either a religious site or a burial place as excavations recovered cremated human bones in some of the stone filling.

The second stage is quite a long and challenging journey that must have started in 2150 BC. 82 gigantic bluestones from the Preseli mountains located in the south-west of Wales were delivered to the site. Each stone was approximately 4 tons, dragged on rollers and sledgers heading to Milford Haven, loaded into rafts, carried by the rivers of Avon and Frome, and dragged again to the land of Wiltshire—an exasperating journey that covered a distance of 240 miles.

The third stage saw the coming of the Sarsen stone, the largest weighing almost 50 tons. Just by the size of the stone, it cannot be determined how the henge was transported to the site. It is believed that the use of sledges and ropes was the only way to do it, with a labor force of 500 or so men to make it move. The Sarsen stones were arranged in an outer circle, and inside it were five trilithons that formed horseshoe pattern. 

The fourth and final stage took place immediately, starting from the horseshoe pattern and the circle that are both visible in the modern-day. The bluestones were erected to create an incomplete circle, while the Heel stones were positioned to serve as an entrance to the circle. This task, and all other actions that involved erecting the stones, was probably done with the help of pre-historic tools. But with the stones’ intimidating height and weight, how the ancient people did it remains to be an interesting mystery.

There are numerous speculations embracing the construction and existence of Stonehenge. Some speculated that the timing of the construction was in accordance to the Solar calendar, while some believed that the site was erected for burial purposes. It is believed to be a place for religious ceremonies and a venue for people who gather to worship, pray and perform tribal rituals. The reasons are still uncertain up to this day but one thing is absolutely true—Stonehenge is undeniably a breath-taking structure and no other structure in the world can replicate such magnificence.

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Pyramid of Giza, Egypt - Travel Guide

Pyramid of Giza, Egypt - Travel Guide

Egypt

The great Pyramid of Giza, also known by the names Pyramid of Khufu and Pyramid of Cheops, is a famous attraction in Egypt. Found 28km from outside Cairo, the pyramid was built over 3,000 years ago which highly speaks of its unexplainable durability. Behind the strong built is a magnificent structure with powerful size and unattainable beauty which made it to the prestigious list of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The only remaining ancient man-made structure in the prestigious list never fails to strike awe and admiration around the globe up to this day.

Pyramid of Khufu is the other name of the Pyramid of Giza because the pyramid is believed to be the tomb of Khufu, the Fourth Dynasty Egyptian pharaoh. The great pyramid made use of limestone that is believed to be 2.3 million blocks all in all and sourced from the nearby quarries. The largest granite stone is found in the ‘King’s Chamber has a weight of 25 to 80 tons. In constructing the pyramid, it is believed that 5.5 million tons of limestone, 8,000 tonss of Aswan-import granite, and 500,000 tons of mortar were used alongside a labor force of almost 20,000 workers. Due to its gigantic dimension and size, for the longest time now, there is still a debate on how the mere work of human hands can erect such a gigantic structure.

Much like most of the pyramids, the Pyramid of Giza has three chambers inside it. The entry way to the pyramid is found on the north, a typical feature of all pyramids. The entrance is elevated at 17 meters above the ground. The King’s Chamber is entirely covered with granite. The King’s Chamber is not intended to be seen, but there are signs indicating that the chamber is left undone. The only object seen in the King's Chamber is a rough, unpolished sarcophagus--a rectangular granite. The other chambers are called The Queen’s chamber and the Grand Gallery. The Pyramid of Giza is surrounded by a series of small pyramids and other buildings. The south side of the complex is called The Queens’ Pyramids where the tomb of Queen Hetepheres I, sister-wife of Sneferu and mother of Khufu is located, however, the carefully-sealed coffin was discovered empty. 

No wonder the thought of aliens as the builders of the pyramid never dies up to this modern day—that is because it is really hard to believe how the men of the ancient times, in the lack of construction machineries and modern equipment, could have built the Pyramid of Giza. The sheer grandness of the pyramid is something that certainly takes the breath away. There are probably no words to describe the feeling of being in the grounds of the world’s grandest work of man.

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National Mall & Memorial Parks, Washington, D.C., USA - Travel Guide

National Mall & Memorial Parks, Washington, D.C., USA - Travel Guide

North America

The National Mall is the in the heart of Washington City, a structure not hard to miss because of its captivating feature. Sitting just two miles south of the White House, the National Mall and Memorial Parks entices millions of people not only of its relaxing atmosphere—this is a park that is an administrative unit of the National Park Service home to national monuments, museums and memorials.

The astonishing sights of the line-up of structures definitely pleases the eyes of tourists, but it must not be forgotten that the monuments, memorials and museums found in the National Mall & Memorial Parks serve as a tribute to American history. The place is where history begun as headquarters found here belong to three agencies of the government. Inaugural events make the astonishing park bustling and alive, but take note that political protests and other civic movements are held here. 

The National Mall is designed in a way that gives convenience to its admirers. The people coming from the Metro have an easy access to the area through the Smithsonian station in the blue-orange line, which drops visitors to the right where the roster of museums is. The bike-share service is found in almost all corner of the city and this is a good option as well when going to the park. Park-goers also have the choice to take the bus or taxi when going there, but the occasional traffic can be a hassle.

The park is a huge open space and people gather there to appreciate the beautiful sights, to exercise outdoors or to simply relax the mind. From photo shoot sessions to family’s recreational activity, the park has a lot to offer to everyone. One can infuse knowledge through Smitshonian, a group of museums and a knowledge center established in 1846 and has been administering by the American government. There are nineteen museums and galleries under Smithsonian, as well as the National Zoological Park.

Many people find pigeon-feeding a relaxing activity in the park. This beautiful section in the country’s capital is where people prefer to jog or brisk walk in the morning and in the afternoon. Families found an open-space for their picnic and other weekend activities that make them close together. The park serves as a gathering place where people let go of their worries and soothe the mind in the surrounds of a magnificent backdrop of memorials, museums and monuments.

Because there are a lot of walking required in sight-seeing the attractions of the park, it is best to wear a pair of comfortable shoes when going there. Pet owners will be glad to know that their furry friends are welcome in the park’s grounds. While in the park, cleanliness and order must be observed and rules such as no smoking and drinking within the park’s premises must be obeyed.

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Great smoky mountain national park, Tennessee, USA

Great smoky mountain national park, Tennessee, USA

North America

Ridge upon ridge of seemingly endless stretch of virgin forest sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Known in the world as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this most-visited American park houses the beauty of the ancient mountains, diverse wildlife and southern Appalachian mountain culture. With a stunning scene of nature and a full line of outdoor activities to enjoy, Great Smoky Mountain National Park attracts a huge number of visitors all throughout the year.

Being a United States National Park, an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site validates the reason why Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of the world’s treasures. The park comprises of almost 95% of unspoilt forests where 100 native trees and over a thousand of flowering plants found their sanctuary. It is also a home to over a hundred of bird species, almost 50 kinds of native fish, reptiles and amphibians. Its high elevation paves the way to a pleasant weather which is ideal when exploring and sight-seeing this most-popular park of America.

Embraced by nature’s stunning wonders, outdoor activities become even more fun in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Appalachian Trails is just one of its many hiking trails and the hike to the Clingmans Dome, the highest point of the park and the whole of Tennessee also adds to the adventure. From that highest peak, enjoy the scenery from the Morton Overlook, a point where the captivating view of the sunset can be seen. The streams that flow all throughout the park are gateway to many water-fun activities. And while the Chimney Tops is a popular hiking destination, the Mount LeConte provides numerous points to see the magnificent beauty that surrounds the Great Smoky Mountains.

After all the nature-tripping is done, visitors slow things down in Cades Cove, a valley surrounded by scenic mountain views and also a popular destination in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here is where one can witness exotic animals such as bears, raccoon, skunk, coyote and ground hog enjoy their natural playground. Because of its rich history as proofed by the ancient homesteads and buildings that still erect in the place, Cades Cove Historic District has become a part of the National Register of Historic Places. 

Whether it be for the cool mist of the waterfalls or the splashes of the streams, hiking on its trails or camping under its stars, being one with the wildlife or appreciating history, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has it all. With the park’s abundance of nature’s gifts, the adventure to this famous American park creates memories hard to forget.

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Everland, Kyonggi-Do, South Korea - Travel Guide

Everland, Kyonggi-Do, South Korea - Travel Guide

Asia

Everland Resort, found in Kyonggi-Do in South Korea, is the country’s largest theme park that attracts over 6 million of visitors every year. With an impressive number of visitors it generates, it has become a major contributor in South Korea’s tourism since it opened in 1976. Operated by Samsung Everland, a subsidiary of Samsung Group, Everland excites park-goers through its facilities, rides and attractions that are equally distributed in its five distinct zones: Zoo-Tapia, Global Fair, Magic Land, American Adventure, and European Adventure.

Everland boasts of signature rides that conform to the adventurous people. There are 40 stomach-flipping rides, including the famed Dragon Coaster, two circuit powered roller coaster and the world-known T-Express, the country’s steepest, fastest and longest roller coaster. And if the family wants to ride together, there is the Herky & Timmy's Racing Coaster, a roller coaster that is built for the whole family. 

Everland is probably the first in the world bring out an excellent idea of a safari experience as a major theme park attraction. Visitors can get up-close and personal with rare animals such as giraffes, elephants and ostriches-- something that adds delight to the whole family. To those who love speed, there is a racing track called Everland Speedway, an attraction that gives an opportunity to non-racers to feel how it is like to actually race.

Visitors of Everland are fortunate, as they are also in for the Caribbean Bay experience. Caribbean Bay is the country’s largest water park. Similar to Everland, Caribbean Bay is also divided to five zones: Wild River, Sea Wave, Fortress, Aquatic Center and Bay Slide. All the five zones are dedicated to bringing out fun and thrill through water slides, tube rides, streaming pools, artificial waves, indoor wave pools, saunas and spas. The hot spring in this outstanding water park is available all-year round and with its numerous water facilities, Caribbean Bay has become a favorite family destination.

Those who appreciate the gifts of nature also love touring this particular attraction of the park—the Everland gardens. The gardens are perfectly landscaped, neatly designed and creatively styled to make the beauty of every blooming flower standout. The stunning gardens of the Everland have been a fixed feature since the Rose Festival in 1985.

Hungry tummies are served by the dining areas found in all the zones of the theme park, such as Burger Café Europe in the European Adventure Zone, Town’s Market Restaurant in Magic Land, and Café Jungle Camp in Zoo-Tapia. Just like the restaurants, shops are also all over the place. These establishments are where visitors go to not just to satisfy their need for retail therapy, it is where they go to when they need to tone down the thrill and excitement of the Everland adventure.

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