Galapagos Islands

The enchanted Galapagos Islands are said to be one of the most peaceful and unique places on earth. Tourists find it very peaceful and enchanting to explore these wondrous islands. The island chain was formed by many underwater volcanic eruptions over a long period of time. The Galapagos Islands are situated on the equator and have a total population of 40,000 people. The islands are located in South America and the official language spoken there is Spanish. In fact, Galapagos is a Spanish word that means saddle.

The islands are located in the Pacific Ocean and are almost one thousand kilometers away from South America. There are 19 islands surrounded by numerous marine reserves. The location is also known as “the living museum” because of how it showcases evolution. Due to active volcanic eruptions and extreme isolation on the islands, new kinds of animal life evolved. For example, one can see evidence of the evolution of giant tortoises and the land iguana. Both of which are documented in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Even though the islands are located on the equator, water currents bring cold water to the islands, leading frequent rains all throughout the year. During the period from June to November the average temperature on the islands is 22 degrees Celsius. The temperature rises up to 2 more degrees from December to May with no winds but heavy rainfall. Some of the most visited islands are named Bartholomew, Culpepper, Hood, Narborough and Charles.

Fjords of Norway

Norway is a land of divine beauty that brings one closer to nature. It offers plenty for visitors to do including skiing and hiking. Norway has always been known for its scenic beauty highlighted by fjords, mountains and glaciers.

Fjords are defined as a very thin, long, and narrow bay in a valley made by the glaciers. Visiting the fjords of Norway is considered to be a great outing for tourists and locals alike. The best time to visit this place is from May through September.

Bergen, which was once the capital of Norway, is located between seven mountains that are called the Gateway of Fjords. Norway is very rich in its flora and has a storied historical past that attracts tourists from all across the globe.

Visitors come from many places to feel the thrill of traveling alongside cliffs as they pass by the fjords. The largest and most famous fjord in Norway is called the Sognefjord. It is 1,200 meters deep and 200 kilometers long. While visiting, one can see fresh waters, clear skies and bright vegetation.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the four basilicas that Rome has. It is officially known as Basilica di San Pietro in Vatican and it is located in the Vatican City, Italy. This basilica is where St. Peter was buried. Since then, many popes have been buried in the basilica as well. St. Peter was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and later became the Bishop of Rome. The church in the basilica has been standing in this site since the 4th Century. Because of its uniqueness, artistic beauty and historical association, St. Peter’s Basilica attracts many visitors and pilgrims.

St. Peter played a great role in establishing the Catholic Church. Peter was in the ministry for thirty years, after which he took a tour of the Rome. He was later executed in 64 A.D. when he was crucified upside down, as per his request, in what is now called St. Peter’s Square.

St. Peter’s Basilica is considered to be one of the holiest & the largest of all the Catholic Churches in Christendom. The main building is very impressive and stands 138 meters tall. Its passage is about 218 meter long. The interior artwork consists of the Pieta by Michelangelo, Papal Altar by Bernini and the Monument to the Stuarts by Canova.

Egyptian Museum in Cairo

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is located in Cairo, Egypt. It is considered to be a national treasure. The design of the grand museum was a consequence of an international competition. This competition was held by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The architecture of the museum is very complex and it offers visitors a visually pleasing scene. The museum provides an enchanting cultural and educational experience.

The aim of the museum is to represent and display the diversity and heritage of Egypt. The museum creates a great experience for tourists by helping them connect history to the present. The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities has one of the best artifact collections in the world.

The ground floor gives a vivid history of Ancient Egypt. Every month a new artifact or piece of art is featured for visitors to view. The museum also has very important items that are more than five thousand years old. In the far end of the museum, one can find material from the “heretic” pharaoh, also known as Akhenaten (Amenhotep IV). Tourists who have a genuine interests in learning about the Egypt culture must not miss this site.

Borobudur Temple in Magelang

Borobudur, located in Magelang of Central Java, Indonesia, is said to be the greatest Buddhist stupa. A stupa is a mound that is filled with Buddhist relics. Borobudur was built before 800 A.D. It is known for its decorations, statues, exceptional up keeping and conservation. It is one of the world’s most complex buildings.

The Borobudur stupa is very large and rests on a hill. The sculptures inside represent a solar model of the universe. One can walk through five kilometers of open corridors. Visitors start their journey from the base of the temple and move to the third and highest level where there are 72 statues of the Buddha and a large monument. The walkway leads to a small downhill area and through six square and circular terraces. The stupa is adorned with 2,676 panels and 504 Buddha statues. Borobudur is not only a shrine, but also dedication to Buddha.

The Borobudur site is now owned by the United Nations Educations, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the government of the Indonesia. Some signs suggest that this site was abandoned in the 14th century. This is one of the most visited sites in Indonesia. One of the main reasons why many of visitors come to this place is to see the giant sculpture of Buddha.