Tuesday, March 4, 2014

SAUDI ARABIA


AL MASJID AL NABAWI

One of the most important symbols of the Islamic religion of Saudi Arabia, Al Masjid Al Nabawi located in Madina is considered to be the world’s second holiest mosque. Al Masjid Al Nabawi at Saudi Arabia in Asia was built by the prophet himself, and raised up to its present stature, by later Islamic rulers.


 Al-Masjid al-Nabawī (Arabic: المسجد النبوي‎), often called the Prophet's Mosque, is a mosque built by the Islamic Prophet Muhammad situated in the city of Medina. It is the second holiest site in Islam (the first being the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca). It was the second mosque built in history and is now one of the largest mosques in the world. After an expansion during the reign of al-Walid I, it also now incorporates the site of the final resting place of Muhammad and early Muslim leaders Abu Bakr and Umar.

The site was originally adjacent to Muhammad's house; he settled there after his Hijra (emigration) to Medina in 622. He shared in the heavy work of construction. The original mosque was an open-air building. The basic plan of the building has been adopted in the building of other mosques throughout the world.

The mosque also served as a community center, a court, and a religious school. There was a raised platform for the people who taught the Quran. Subsequent Islamic rulers greatly expanded and decorated it. In 1909, it became the first place in the Arabian Peninsula to be provided with electrical lights. The mosque is under the control of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

One of the most notable features of the site is the Green Dome in the south-east corner of the mosque,originally Aisha's house, where the tomb of Muhammad is located. In 1279 AD, a wooden cupola was built over the tomb which was later rebuilt and renovated multiple times in late 15th century and once in 1817. The dome was first painted green in 1837, and later became known as the Green Dome.
The mosque is located in what was traditionally the center of Medina, with many hotels and old markets nearby. It is a major pilgrimage site. Many pilgrims who perform the Hajj go on to Medina to visit the mosque and the Prophet. The mosque is open for service 24/7, all year round.

Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah holds a distinguished place in the hearts of all Muslims. It was the first capitol in Islam and from it; Islamic propagation was launched as well as the conquests to open the lands of the earth to Islam. At the heart of the city is the second of The Two Holy Mosques, The Prophet's Mosque, and the final resting place of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). The Prophet’s Mosque has been a distinguished symbol in the history of Islam and that of its legislation. Allah, the Almighty, commanded His Messenger (Peace be upon him) to establish his mosque in the location he precisely demarcated.



The mosque also served as a community center, a court, and a religious school. There was a raised platform for the people who taught the Quran. Subsequent Islamic rulers greatly expanded and decorated it. In 1909, it became the first place in the Arabian Peninsula to be provided with electrical lights.[3] The mosque is under the control of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

One of the most notable features of the site is the Green Dome in the south-east corner of the mosque,originally Aisha's house, where the tomb of Muhammad is located. In 1279 AD, a wooden cupola was built over the tomb which was later rebuilt and renovated multiple times in late 15th century and once in 1817. The dome was first painted green in 1837, and later became known as the Green Dome.



The mosque is located in what was traditionally the center of Medina, with many hotels and old markets nearby. It is a major pilgrimage site. Many pilgrims who perform the Hajj go on to Medina to visit the mosque and the Prophet. The mosque is open for service 24/7, all year round.

 The original mosque was built by Prophet Mohammed and his companions next to the house where he settled after his journey to Medina in 622 CE. The original mosque was an open-air building (covered by palm fronds) with a raised platform for the reading of the Quran. It was a rectangular enclosure of 30 m × 35 m (98 ft × 115 ft) at a height of 2 m (6 ft 7 in) wall which was built with palm trunks and mud walls. It was accessed through three doors: Bab Rahmah (Door of Mercy) to the south, Bab Jibril (Door of Gabriel) to the west and Bab al-Nisa' (Door of the Women) to the east.[citation needed]The basic plan of the building has since been adopted in the building of most mosques throughout the world.

The mosque remained like that during the caliphate of Abu Bakr until the caliphate of 'Umar bin al-Khattab, who enlarged the area of the mosque to 3575 m2 and built more wooden columns.
During the time of Uthman ibn Affan an arcade of stone and plaster was added to the mosque and the columns were remolded and built of stone.

UNITED STATES


LAS VEGAS, NEVADA


Las Vegas is the largest city in the state of Nevada. This is commonly referred to as entertainment capital of the world. The city has great casino hotels and creates a fantasy like atmosphere. Las Vegas is a great travel destination for honeymooners and travel addicts. Las Vegas is a city that is like no other place on earth. Whether you fly-in or drive, you will eventually descend into a flat valley and encounter what appears to be a mirage: a large city in the heart of a vast desert, where almost two-million residents have gathered to watch the evolution of one of the world’s true fantasy-vacation destinations.

Top 6 of must-see attractions in Las Vegas which are Insanity the Ride, Fremont Street Experience, Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, Atomic Testing Museum, Old Las Vegas Mormon State Historic Park, and Exhibits. Las Vegas attractions offer something for everyone. Attractions in Las Vegas include theme parks, roller coasters, museums, national parks, and more. Learn more about Las Vegas' top attractions and purchase tickets. Check out our pages devoted to free attractions, thrill rides, recreation, kids activities and museums and galleries.

Insanity the Ride







 Extending 68 feet over the edge of the 1,149-foot Stratosphere tower, Insanity - The Ride  spins passengers at up to three Gs. While sitting in your escape proof seat, you'll be lifted up at a thrilling, 70-degree angle -- all while reaching speeds up to 40 mph. With views of the Las Vegas Strip more than 900 feet below, this ride combines both a physical and psychological rush.

Depending on the time of day (and if it's bright and sunny), you can actually see the shadow of the Stratosphere Tower below. And since the ride is programmable with various ride options, passengers with an insane amount of spontaneity can experience a different kind of ride each time.



Atomic Testing Museum



The National Atomic Testing Museum, the first museum of its kind in the nation. An invaluable resource, the museum provides multiple viewpoints on the work conducted at the Nevada Test Site and its impact on the nation. The 8,000 square foot permanent exhibit hall includes artifacts on loan from personal collections, the Smithsonian Institution, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory and pieces of the Berlin wall and World Trade Centers. Designed to be a highly interactive experience, the exhibits include touch screens, motion-sensitive plasma TV presentations, audio interviews with former workers from the test site, and various other multi-media components.

















 Old Las Vegas Mormon State Historic Par


 The fort was called Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort. They successfully farmed the area by diverting water from the creek. Today, the park includes a remnant of the original adobe fort, which contains interpretive displays. The Visitor Center contains exhibits on the history of the site, as well as historic artifacts. Historic interpretation is and will remain the focus of the park. The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort is located in downtown Las Vegas, at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Washington Avenue. The Park and Visitor Center are open from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, year round.





In June of 1855, William Bringhurst and 29 fellow Mormon missionaries from Utah arrived at this site and built a 150-foot square adobe fort, the first permanent structure erected in the valley. The Mormon outpost, complete with a post office, served as a way station for travelers. The creek provided irrigation for fields and orchards. Lead was later discovered in the mountains to the southwest, and the mission was expanded to include mining and smelting, but the effort proved unsuccessful.

After less than two years, the Mormon effort was abandoned after dissension arose between two of the local leaders, adding to the discouragement of many in the group. In 1865, Octavius D. Gass bought the site and developed a large-scale ranch that included a small store and blacksmith shop to serve travelers and nearby mining communities.






Take time to walk the paths and enjoy the feeling of a time in the not-too-distant past when, from this lonely outpost, the desert stretched away to the distant mountains. For many years, efforts have been underway to preserve this site, which has historical significance in southern Nevada.

Under the Nevada Division of State Parks and other interested historical groups, the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort has been restored to an historical appearance. One structure is original, while others have been reconstructed using the best archeological and historical information available.


AUSTRALIA


SYDNEY




Sydney is the oldest and largest cosmopolitan city in Australia. It is brimming with culture, history, cuisine, and art. The city is also home to the world-famous Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House. For an enriching trip to the city, make sure that you check out the picturesque landmarks and impressive architectural structures in the CBD area. You will find numerous places to visit and activities to do while in Sydney.
Sydney is the economic powerhouse of Australia. The place is full of sun-drenched natural attractions, delicious and daring restaurants, dizzy skyscrapers, friendly folk and wonderful shopping, so most of the travel addicts want to visit the place. You can take a trip to Sydney at any time of the year.



Here are more attraction in sydney;



 


 



                     Sydney Opera House


The Opera House is home to 1600 performances each year including ballet, opera, theatre, dance, music, comedy, kids shows, talks and more.
This summer, Sydney opera house is celebrating summer at the house with the best line up of shows, fun activities and unmissable entertainment. don't miss the spellbinding show, the illusionists, the biggest, boldest and most spectacular magic show ever to be staged on earth. Spend a day at the World Heritage site and you will be amazed at the life, culture and activity bursting from beneath the sails. Hop on one of the daily tours and discover the stories, history and magic of the building plus see the extraordinary interiors surrounding some of the most magnificent theatres and venues.



The Sydney Opera House is one of the most distinctive and famous 20th century buildings, and one of the most famous performing arts venues in the world. Situated on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, with parkland to its south and close to the equally famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, the building and its surroundings form an iconic Australian image. It was included in the Olympic Torch route in 2000 to the Olympic stadium. It was the backdrop of some events for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, including the triathlon—which began at the Opera House—and the yachting events on Sydney Harbour. The dramatic exteriors have not been matched with technically superior interiors, and the Opera House's reputation as a music venue has suffered as a result.







                                                            

   Sydney Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the main crossing of Sydney Harbour carrying rail, vehicular, and pedestrian traffic between the Sydney central business district (CBD) and the North Shore. The dramatic water vista of the bridge together with the nearby Sydney Opera House is an iconic image of both Sydney and Australia. The South-east pylon for many years operated as lookout and tourist attraction, containing a number of telescopes and antiquated arcade games which operated on pennies, long after that currency had gone out of operation. The pylon has recently been renovated and returned to its tourist function.






Bridge Climb
Since 1998, BridgeClimb has made it possible for tourists to climb the southern half of the bridge. Tours run throughout the day, from dawn to dusk and are only cancelled for electrical storms or high wind. Night climbs are also available. Groups of climbers are provided with protective clothing appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions and are given an orientation before climbing. During the climb, attendees are secured to the bridge by a wire lifeline. Each climb begins on the eastern side of the bridge and ascends to the top. At the summit, the group crosses to the western side of the arch for the descent. Each climb is a three-and-a-half-hour experience.









                                                                
    Luna Park Sydney

Luna Park Sydney (originally Luna Park Milsons Point, also known as Sydney's Luna Park) is an amusement park located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Luna Park is located at Milsons Point, on the northern shore of Sydney Harbour.

The park was constructed at the foot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge during 1935, and ran for nine-month seasons until 1972, when it was opened year-round. Luna Park was closed in mid-1979, immediately following the Ghost Train fire, which killed six children and one adult. Most of the park was demolished, and a new amusement park was constructed; this originally operated under the name of Harbourside Amusement Park before resuming the Luna Park name. The park was closed again in 1988 as an independent engineering inspection determined that several rides needed urgent repair. The owners failed to repair and reopen the park before a New South Wales government deadline, and ownership was passed to a new body. Reopening in 1995, Luna Park closed again after thirteen months because of the Big Dipper rollercoaster: noise pollution complaints from residents on the clifftop above the park caused the ride's operating hours to be heavily restricted, and the resultant drop in attendance made the park unprofitable. After another redevelopment, Luna Park reopened in 2004 and has continued operating since.





PARIS


EIFFEL TOWER


Eiffel tower is the symbol of Paris and likely the most recognizable landmark of the city. It was built by Gustave Eiffel for the world exhibition of 1889 and it was never meant to be a permanent addition to the city’s skyline. Initially the artists and writers of Paris expressed their strong disapproval in regards to the tower but later generations commended it.
Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair, held to commemorate the centennial of the Revolution, the Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) was the world's tallest structure at 1,050 feet (320 m) until Manhattan's Chrysler Building was completed.

Just southeast of the Eiffel Tower is a grassy expanse that was once the site of the world's first balloon flights and is now used by teens as a skateboarding arena and by activists stating their views on the current state of France.
Initially opposed by Paris' artistic and literary elite, the Eiffel Tower was almost torn down in 1909. The tower's salvation came when it proved an ideal platform for the antennas needed for the new science of radiotelegraphy.








Constructed between 1887 and 1889, including the 24m antenna, the Eiffel Tower is 324m high and weighs 7,300 tons, which made it the worlds tallest structure until 1930 when it was beaten by New York City's Chrysler Building.

The tower can sway 6 to 7cm in the wind and due to the thermal expansion of the metal on the side facing the sun, depending upon the ambient temperature, the top of the tower may shift away from the sun by up to 18cm.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris is re-painted every 7 years and it takes around 6 tons of paint to complete it, just to stop this monument from rusting.

There are three levels in all.  At the south towers base a ticket booth sells tickets to use the stairs, which begin at that location and the first and second levels are accessible by both stairs and lifts.  


 But the third level summit is only accessible by lift.  On the first platform, the stairs continue up from the east tower.

Taking the steps is not for the feint hearted, as the actual count of stairs includes 9 steps to the ticket booth at the base of the Eiffel Tower, 328 steps to the first level, 340 steps to the second level, and 18 steps to the lift platform on the second level.  And when exiting the lift at the third level, there are another 15 more steps to ascend to the upper observation platform.  Whether you think this a good idea or not, the actual step count is printed periodically on the side of the stairs to give you an indication of your progress!!!  But for the majority of the climb, it does allow you an unhindered view of the area directly beneath and around the tower bar a few brief times when the stairway is enclosed.



People were also shocked at the daring shape, questioning Gustave Eiffel wondering if he really was a good engineer, but being that he and his engineers were renowned bridge builders, he came back with comments stating that it was based on mathematical calculations utilising wind resistance.

Although most people have the idea that the Eiffel Tower can be seen from almost anywhere in Paris, this is actually not the case, due to restrictions in place that limit the height of most buildings to only a few stores so there are only a few of the taller buildings that get a clear view of the tower.





                                                        
view from the sky of Eiffel Tower


view at night

PAKISTAN


NEELUM VALLEY, AZAD KASHMIR

Natural beauty is unmatched. Pakistan have world most beautiful places for visit, specially at its best in northern areas of Pakistan and Kashmir region. This part of the country is famous all around the world because of sky high mountains, lush green valleys, mighty rivers, beautiful lakes, and amazing wildlife. The Pradise on Earth ‘Neelum Valley’ Mini Switzerland ‘Swat Valley’ and Mountain Kingdom ‘Hunza valley’ are the major tourist attractions in Pakistan. All these places are real natural beauty of the world. Here a list of top 10 Best Natural Places to Visit in Pakistan. The naturally beautiful places of Pakistan, you will not found these beautiful places all over the world.

Attractions in Neelam Valley:



                                                     Picture of Kutton Resort Neelum Valley







                                                                   Kutton Waterfall







                                                                            Neelum River


Neelam Valley is a 144 km long bow-shaped valley in Azad Kashmir Region. The Valley is situated at the North & North-East of Muzaffarabad (The Capital of Azad Kashmir). Running through the Lesser Himalaya, the Neelam River valley has excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views, towering hills on both sides of the noisy Neelum river, lush green forests, enchanting streams and attractive surroundings make the valley a dream come true.


Neelum valley is one of most attractive place for tourists due to its famous lush greenery, springs, streams,lakes and hilly and slopy mountains. Some of its famous places like Athmuqam, Kutton Jagran, Karen, Neelum, Ratti Galli, Baboon, Noori top, Sharda, Sharda Fort, Sharda University (The Oldest University of Sub-Continent) Kel, Surgon, Halmet, Taobut and many more.


 The 200 km long valley boasts of lush green mountains, beautiful glacial streams, a roaring blue river and fruit trees. All this beauty is enhanced further by the local wooden huts built in traditional manner, terraced fields, fresh and crisp mountain air, friendly hospitable people and above all an absolute lack of urban lifestyle.

The tour of the scenic and beautiful valley was arranged by a local friend and in the entire trip we only stayed in one hotel and the rest of days were spent in houses of my friend's many relatives who were spread throughout the valley.

HAWAII


HAWAII VACATION 

Hawaii is one of the youngest geological formations in the world and the youngest state of the union. But perhaps Hawaii's most unique feature is it’s aloha spirit: the warmth of Hawaii's people that wonderfully complements the Islands' perfect temperatures. . The beautiful Hawaii islands offer you to see world famous beaches closely; offer you peace and calmness somewhere off the beaten path.

During winter season, Hawaii is fully packed with tourists. When you visit Hawaii, don’t forget to enjoy the activities like: Seeing Molten lava flow at Kilauea volcano, hiking through Waipio Valley, visiting the largest Hawaiian religious temple Puukohola Heiau and playing in the snow atop Mauna Kea.







                                                                    
Molten lava at Kilauea volcano




                                           Hiking through Waipio Valley








                                                          Hawaiian religious temple Puukohola Heiau












                         Snow a top Mauna Kea.






The most-visited attraction in the Sate of Hawaii is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with around 3 million visitors per year. This must-see park encompasses the summit of the world's most active volcano, Kilauea, and the world's most massive volcano, Mauna Loa. The park offers unique hiking and camping opportunities. Start at the Kilauea Visitor Center to receive the latest information on trails, range-led activities, road conditions, and safety precautions.

 If you are only visiting for the day explore views of dramatic volcanic landscapes via Crater Rim Drive, an 11-mile road that surround the summit caldera with many scenic stops and short walks. You can also drive down the Chain of Craters Road to explore the East Rift and coastal area where the lava flowed into the ocean in 2003, and, depending on the always-changing volcanic activity, you may be able to view active lava flow. Must-do's are: all the scenic stops on Crater Rim Drive, Kilauea Visitor Center, and eat at the Volcano House.


 

EGYPT


PYRAMIDS





Pyramids and wonderful temples are the great things to enjoy in Egypt. Travel to Egypt offers you the nature and desert treks, fishing, golfing, scuba diving and birding groups. You can choose the places like Sinai coasts or red sea to relax.

Winter is the best season to go for a vacation to Egypt. March-May and September-November is the best time to enjoy the warm days of Egypt.

The Pyramids of Giza, the major tourist sight in the immediate surroundings of Cairo, are commandingly situated on the northeast margin of the Plateau of the Western (Libyan) Desert. They are the largest and most imposing of the six groups of pyramids set along the edge of the desert over a distance of some 25mi/40km. They are approached by the Road to the Pyramids (Shari el-Haram), which runs southwest from the Cairo suburb of Giza, increasingly flanked in recent years by high-rise buildings and blocks of flats.



The Pyramids of Giza, built by rulers of the fourth Dynasty (c. 2600-c. 2500), rank among the oldest surviving structures erected by man. In Greek and Roman times they were marveled at as the first of the Seven Wonders of the World, and they still exert a powerful fascination, both as an extraordinary technical achievement and as a demonstration of the power of the Pharaohs, who could marshal tens of thousands of subjects and slaves to construct these colossal monuments. 

The question of the relationship between the size of a pyramid and the ruler for whom it was built is still unsettled; it seems probable, however, that the size depended on the Pharaoh's personal inclination, power and economic resources.


The shape of Egyptian pyramids is thought to represent the primordial mound from which the Egyptians believed the earth was created. The shape of a pyramid is thought to be representative of the descending rays of the sun, and most pyramids were faced with polished, highly reflective white limestone, in order to give them a brilliant appearance when viewed from a distance. Pyramids were often also named in ways that referred to solar luminescence. For example, the formal name of the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur The Southern Shining Pyramid, and that of Senwosret at el-Lahun was Senwosret is Shining.

The Egyptians believed the dark area of the night sky around which the stars appear to revolve was the physical gateway into the heavens. One of the narrow shafts that extends from the main burial chamber through the entire body of the Great Pyramid points directly towards the center of this part of the sky. This suggests the pyramid may have been designed to serve as a means to magically launch the deceased pharaoh's soul directly into the abode of the gods.



Things to do; 

Camel Rides

Avoid succumbing to the temptation of taking a camel ride around the Pyramids, if you can, the practice is noisy, smelly and overrated. Basically, there are many better places in Egypt to take a camel ride, if you must. Things are a little better run than they used to be, and the practice of taking tourists out into the desert and refusing to return unless "tipped" is rather rare now. 

Horse riding 
Go horse riding in the desert to experience both the spirit of the Egyptian horses and the true majesty of the Pyramids seen from outside the 'circus ring' wall. Be careful of touts, however; it's best to ride from one of the better quality stables, like FB Stables. Ride in the shadow of the Great Pyramids or further afield on a half day trip to Saqqara or Abu Sir or camp out over night with a barbecue and fire. You can also watch the Sound and Light show from FB's rooftop terrace! If you do ride with a tout (they will encourage you to do this if the area is closed for entry for example) they will make out that you will have a great view of the pyramids (which you won't), they will then charge you a fortune, ride at high speed through the streets without a helmet (or any regard for safety), they will then demand a tip as you ride back and try to take you to a 'museum' which is actually a shop (where you will be pressured to buy stuff).

See the sunrise

The first sun beams colouring the Pyramids from the terrace on the third floor of a cafe or from the roof terrace of the hostel situated near the second western entrance and ticket-office.