The Colossus of Rhodes

It is sometimes called "Modern Colossus," but more often called the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty is somewhat like Colossus. Both were built as a celebration of freedom. Originally, Colossus stood over 2,000 years ago at the Islands of Rhodes. It is located off of the southwestern tip is Asia Minor, where the Agean Sea meets the Mediterranean Sea. The capitol city, Rhodes, was built in 408 B.C.In 357 B.C the island which was conquered by Mausolus of Halicarnassus (one of the other seven wonders) fell to the Persians in 340 B.C. and was finally captured by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C.The Statue of Liberty, which is the same size as Colossus, weighs 225 tons! Colossus weighed a little more. Inside the statue were several stone columns, which acted as the main supports.In the 7th century (A.D.) the Arabs conquered Rhodes and broke up Colossus, and sold it as scrap metal. It took 900 camels to take away the statue. It was a sad ending for what was a majestic work of art.When Alexander died at an early age people could not decide who would reign. Three people: Ptolemy, Seleucus, and Antigous divided the kingdom between themselves. Antigous sent his son Semetrious to capture and punish Rhodes. The war was very long and painful. The city was protected by a strong wall. The attackers were forced to use siege towers and try to climb over it. Diameters had a second tower built. The second tower stood 150 feet high and 70 feet square at the base. It carried water tanks that were used to fight fires. The tower was mounted on iron wheels, and could be rolled. When Demetrious attacked the city, defenders stopped the machine by flooding a ditch outside the wall and moving the heavy machine in the mud. To celebrate their freedom, the Rhodians built a giant statue of their patriot God Helious. Colossus was a Latin word, meaning any statue that is larger than life size.They spelled it "Colossos" but then changed it to "Colossus." Colossus was built in 304 B.C. and it took twelve years to build it. The statue was 110 feet high and stood on the pedestal. Colossus was posed in a traditional Greek manner: nude, wearing a spiky crown, with his eyes shaded from the bright sun with his right hand while holding a cloak over his left hand. Colossus stood shining in the sun for 56 years. Sadly, an earthquake hit Rhodes, and the statue collapsed. Huge pieces lay in the harbor for a long time. An Egyptian king decided to pay for reconstruction, but the people of Rhodes refused. They had feared that somehow, they had offended Helious who had used the earthquake to tear it down. Out of all of the wonders, Colossus was the one that stood the least amount of time. It stood for only 56 years, but in brief time won fame throughout the entire civilized world.

The Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis was one of Seven of the Wonders of the ancient world. It was so big that it took 120 years to make the temple. It's hard to believe but it was one of the largest temples built in the ancient times. The temple was built in 550 B.C. It's foundation measured at 377 by 40 feet. It stood in the Greek city of Aphasias, on the west coast which we all know as Turkey. The whole temple was entirely marble except for its tile covered wooden roof. It was built as a dedication to the Greek Goddess Artemis. The architects who made this temple were known as Chersiphron and his son Metagenes. This temple didn't last long. In 550 B.C. King Cruesus of Lydia conquered Ephesus and other Greek cites of Asia Minor. During the fight, the temple was destroyed. Another temple was built in place of the first one.Then a man named Croesus Ephesian wanted to have his name in history. He managed to do exactly this by burning the temple to ashes. The citizens of Ephesus were so appalled that they said anyone who spoke of Herostratus would be put to death. The temple also held many works of art. Four bronze statues of Amazon women are held in the Temple of Artemis. The length of this temple was 425 feet and the width was 225 feet. It has a sum of 127 columns, 60 feet in height that supported the roof. Today the site of this temple is a marshy field. A single column has been erected to remind visitors that there once stood a Wonder of the Ancient World.

The Temple of Zeus

The Olympic Games were made in honor of the God Zeus. They were held in the shrine to Zeus located near the west edge of Greece in a city called Peloponnesus. The statue was simple at first, but as the games became more popular everyone could tell that they would need a new, larger temple that was worthy to the king of the Gods. Between 470 B.C. and 460 B.C. a new temple was started. The maker was Libon of Elis and the masterpiece he created, The Temple of Zeus, was finished in 456 B.C. It was built on a raised rectangular platform. The sides were supported by 13 large columns and six on each end. Though the temple was considered great, many thought that it wasn't good enough for the King of Gods. Inside they placed a statue of Zeus, created of ivory and gold over wooden frame. The statue was 22 feet by 40 feet tall. Zeus, placed on a throne, almost touched the ceiling.None but a few pieces of the statue remain today. They are on display at a museum.So with everything that I have talked about, the magnificence of the temple was so great it became a landmark, therefore making it so magnificent that it became what it is known to us as one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.

Mount Everest

Mount Everest is one of the tallest mountains in the world. It is part of the Himalayan Mountains. They were formed in the last few million years. After the supercontinent of Laurasia broke up millions of years ago, India moved slowly north towards Asia and then crashed into it. The seabed between the two plates (the earth's crust is divided into large areas of land called plates) was crumbled and pushed up on the northern rim of India to form mountains. These two plates of the earth's crust are still moving, so the Himalayas are being pushed up higher.The highest mountain on the planet, Mount Everest is growing two inches taller each year. Satellite technology says the mountain is currently 29,107 feet tall. First recognized as the highest peek in 1852, it got its western name ten years later in 1862. Mount Everest was named for Sir George Everest (1790-1866), a British surveyor. Surveyors don't agree on the height of Mount Everest. The British government in the 1800's thought the height was 29,002 feet. In 1954 the Indian government said it's 29,028 feet, but a widely used unofficial figure says it is 29,141 feet! Mount Everest sits on the border between Nepal and Tibet. People from the western hemisphere weren't allowed to climb Mount Everest until the early 1920's. The first known climb that made it to the top was made by a New Zealander named Edmund Hillary and a Napalese named Tenzing Norgay. They climbed the mountain in 1953. Since then Everest has been climbed by 400 people. Access is restricted by the Nepalese to prevent too much damage to the environment.Mount Everest is 97 degrees below freezing, talk about cold!

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is actually a series of smaller reefs. Reefs form under water and can be made of coral, sand, or rock. The top of the reef sits about two to three feet below sea level. Coral reefs are found in warm, shallow, clean water. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef of all, stretching an amazing 1,250 miles, or 2,000 kilometers, across the blue of the ocean. It forms a natural break water between the strong waves of the Pacific and the coast of Australia. It's location is in the Coral Sea, the area of the Pacific close to Australia's northeastern coast. The waters around it cover roughly 80,000 square miles, or 208,000 kilometers, an area slightly smaller than the state of Minnesota.Reefs may be found as deep as 250 feet below the surface. Corals that grow below 150 feet don't make very good reef builders.There are three different groups in which all reefs are classified. The first reef type is called a Fringing reef. This reef is formed as coral grows in the shallow waters along the shores of land. A barrier reef, such as the Great Barrier reef, grows some distance from the shore before coming close to the surface. A lagoon separates the barrier reef from the shore. An Atoll reef is a circular reef, usually with a lagoon in the center. The waves of the lagoon cover a submerged island. The reef grows in layers over the island.There are many islands on the Great Barrier reef made of coral sand that has piled up to make islands. Coral sand is formed when waves constantly wash over the dead coral, breaking it in to sand. These islands have been given the name Coral Cays. Most Coral Cays are impossible to reach by boat. They are hard to see, and the sharp coral can tear out the bottom of a boat. Ancient shipwrecks can still be found among the coral! Reefs as large as the Great Barrier Reef take thousands of years to develop. If you happen to visit a reef, any reef, be careful to not step on living coral. Most grow slowly, maybe less than two inches, or five centimeters a year. It would take years to replace it!About three hundred fifty types of coral live and grow on the Great Barrier Reef. All have different skeleton shapes. One kind of coral looks like deer antlers! It is called staghorn coral, and is one of the more common corals on the reef. It is also one of the fastest growers. It can grow up to 4 inches, or 10 centimeters, a year!Not only do the corals make up the reef itself, but they are home to many different creatures. Many types of fish depend on the coral to protect them.Hundreds of miles along the reef have not been explored, but of what has, the beauty is breath taking!

The Victoria Falls

One of the greatest waterfalls in the whole world lies on the Zimbezi River, which forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Some people think it is one of the most beautiful sights in the world! Upstream, the river flows through a wide valley. You could probably see Victoria Falls from 25 to 40 miles away, and see its spray rising 1,000 feet into the air from seven miles away! Long before you even see the waterfalls you can hear the roaring of the water! The native people call it "mosi-oa-tunya" which means "smoke that thunders." The falls were formed by a deep rift in the rock that lies directly across the path of the Zimbezi River. The rift was caused by movement of the earth about 150 million years ago. At the broadest point, the falls are 5,545 feet across. The height of the falls varies from 256 feet to about 354 feet in the center.
Victoria falls was discovered by David Livingstone in 1855. The falls were named in honor of Queen Victoria.
There is no wonder Victoria Falls is a Wonder of The Natural World!

Phnom Daon Penh also known as Wat Phnom

Located on a man-made hill, 27 meters high, from which the city takes his name. The pagoda was built for the first time by lady Penh in 1372 to house four Buddha statues said to have been deposited by the waters of the Mekong River. The present temple was build in 1926.

TOUL SLENG GENOCIDAL MUSEUM

When the Khmer Rouge came to power in 1975 they converted a non-descript high school on the fringe of downtown Phnom Penh into a detention and torture center known as Tuol Sleng, or S-21 (Security Prison 21). A genocide museum was established at Tuol Sleng after the 1979 Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia and today it appears precisely as it was left by the fleeing Khmer Rouge. The non-descript facade belies the horrors and trocities committed inside. Hundreds of photos of those tortured line the walls inside the old school. Most of the 17,000 people detained at Tuol Sleng were subsequently transported to Choeung Ek, a longan orchard 15 km outside Phnom Penh, slaughtered and buried in mass graves. Known to locals as the Killing Fields after the popular movie of the same name, Choeung Ek also serves as a memorial to those killed under Khmer Rouge rule.

Silver Pagoda

Formerly a wooden building, was build by King Sihanouk in 1962. The pagoda's steps are Italian marble, and inside, It¡¯s floor is comprised of more than 5,000 silver blocks which together weights nearly 6 tones. In the center of the pagoda is a magnificent 17th Buddha statue made of Baccarat crystal. In front is a 90 kg golden Buddha studded with 9,584 diamonds, dating from 1906.It was made from the jewelry or King Norodom.

Royal Palace

It was mainly built by the French in 1866 on the site of the old town. The entrance is on Samdech Sothearos Blvd via the Pavilion of Dancers. Opposite the entrance are the walls of the royal residence and the stable of the with elephant. The pagoda-style compound was built by the French, and since November 1991, has been home, once again, to Prince Norodom Sihanouk.The main building on the compound is the Throne Room which was built in 1917. It has a tiered roof and a 59 m tower, influenced by Angkor¡¯s Bayon Temple. It was used for coronations and others official occasions such as the reception of foreign ambassadors when they presented their official credentials.

National Museum

Built in 1917 in traditional Khmer architecture and inaugurated in 1920 by King Sisowat. It houses more than 5000 pre-Angkorian and Angkorian artefacts and it is the world best collections of Khmer archaeological, religious and artistic artefacts from the 4th to the 13th century.

Phnom Penh (Capital City)

Phnom Penh is the Capital of Cambodia was established in 1434 by King Ponhea yat. Phnom Penh is conveniently located on the bank where four rivers converge, Upper Mekong, Lower Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassak; a location known in Cambodia as Chatomuk or four faces. Covering an are of 290 square kilometers, Phnom Penh is the major Capital, economic, cultural, communication and tourism center for both domestic and international services, Modern development and planning have taken place since independence in 1953, with the addition of tree-lined avenues, gardens with fountains and several distinctive monuments reflecting the city's new found sense of freedom. Independence Monument was build in 1958 to commemorate independence from France 1956.

BOO SRA Waterfall

Locates at Pich Chinda District in 43-Kilometer distance from the provincial town by red soil road. Boo Sra is the most Beautiful waterfall in Modulkiri and shared into three stages: FIRST STAGE: The waterfall has 15-meter diameter and eight-meter to 12-meter height in rainy season and 10-15-meter height in dry season. SECOND STAGE: The waterfall has 23-meter diameter and 15-meter to 20-meter height in rainy season, and 20-meter diameter and 18-meter to 25-meter height in dry season. The second stage of waterfall has 150-meter distance from the first stage. THIRD STAGE: The waterfall has stronger speed than the second stage. This stage can not be reached because it locates in the thick forest, lacks of transporting mean and is dangerous due to having fierce-wild animals

STUNG TRENG

Stung Treng is situated in the northeastern part of Cambodia. It is located about 481 km from Phnom Penh City. Stung Treng covers an area of 11,092 square kilometers and the population is approximately 81,074.

KIRIROM

KIRIROM - (130 km from Phnom Penh)Explore this national park with his unique wildlife, pine trees originally imported from Japan and many beautiful waterfalls. Enjoy a swim in one of the small lakes with a picnic-lunch on side. In 1945 Kirirom was established as a holiday resort and tourist city.

RATTANAKIRI

RATTANAKIRI - (600 km from Phnom Penh)The capital of Ratanakiri province is Banlung. The tropical rainforests of Ratanakiri are abundant with opportunities in eco-tourism. Meet his unique hill tribes or swim at the foot of a pristine waterfall. There you can still find ethnic minorities living the same way as many hundred years ago. With its rainforest still intact Ratanakiri is home to some of the last wild elephants, tigers and other endangered species.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls can be accessed from both the American and Canadian side, but the best view facing the falls is completely from the Canadian side. When you take a trip to Niagara Falls, don’t forget to take a ride on the famous maid-of-the-mist boats. You won’t get the entire experience of Niagara Falls until you ride one of these boats.
It is the foundation for many interesting places to see and things to do. If you love beautiful landscapes, romantic getaways, family adventures and vibrant nightlife then Niagara Falls is the best place to visit.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is located on the western slopes of Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is one of the nation’s most famous national parks in US. Yosemite Valley is the most famous destination in Yosemite. Every year more than 4 million people come to visit Yosemite Valley. It is packed with restaurants, shops and campsites.
This has hundreds of miles of hiking trails. You will find a great variety of wildlife along with mule deer, black bears and various bird species. When you plan your vacation to Yosemite, you can enjoy various activities like hiking, skiing, camping, snowshoeing, horse riding and bicycling.

Petra

Petra, one of the seven wonders, is fabled rose red city and is a well known earliest Nabataean city in the south Jordan. If you have decided to travel to Jordan, then Petra is at the top of your priority list. The solid red stand stone buildings in Petra are unlike anything that you have ever seen before.
One full day is enough to see everything around Petra. This town offers you a wide variety of hotels to fit your budget.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is a Mayan word. Chichen Itza is one of the largest archeological cities of Mexico and one of the Seven wonders. It is the most visited tourist destination. Travelers like to visit Chichen Itza as a day trip. If you want to enjoy all the activities near by Chichen Itza, it takes 2-3 days stay.
Before entering into the Chichen Itza, you will come across an informative museum, clean rest rooms, a dining room, few vender stands and gift shops. You can visit the site at any time of the year.

The Taj Mahal, India

One of the seven wonders of the world, The Taj Mahal is located in Agra and was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The finest example of Mughal architecture, built by combining elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian and Islamic architectural styles. The Taj Mahal seems to change hues as the day progresses. It has a pinkish glow in the morning that turns to milky white in the evening. All these changes they say, are supposed to depict the different moods of a woman.

Sydney Opera House, Australia

Sydney Opera House, Australia
Sydney Opera House is a magnificent building, rightfully considered one of the wonders of the modern world. Located at a prominent location on a peninsula near Sydney’s harbor, it is reminiscent of a ship in full sail leaving harbor. The trail blazing design by Jorn Utzon with enormous shell-like roofs was well ahead of its time. The Opera House was completed in 1973 and still today truly represents the whole country.
The twilight enhanced imagery further adds to its resplendent profile elucidating the reason why this landmark structure turned into an instant icon worldwide.

The Great Wall, China

The Great Wall, China
Called the Wanli Changchen in modern Chinese, the Great Wall has become to symbolize China itself. It was built during the Ming Dynasty, and stretches over an unbelievable 6,700 km (4,160 miles). Along the Great Wall, a watchtower was built every hundred meters, serving as advance defensive posts to protect the qall. Smoke signals were used in the day and fires were lit at night to communicate with other military outposts along the wall.
The rare image not only displays amazing depth, but also illustrates the manner in which the wall hugs the terrain as it meanders it way across numerous province.

Wild Dunes Resort

Seagrove Villas, Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms, SC. This can be your place in paradise!

Hawaii vacation

Going for Hawaii vacation will make you feel very happy by the beauty and hospitality. They want to do the things that they would not do at home. 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.

Roman Colosseum

Roman Colosseum
What?The Colosseum is a large building made by the Roman Empire. It is an amphitheatre built in elliptical shape, which can seat more than 60.000 spectators.Where?It stands in Rome, the capital of Italy; at the East of the Roman Forum. Thousands of people travelled there in order to watch the gladiator battles, executions and many other acts that the Emperors made for the espectators.Who and How?It was built by the Emperor Vespasiano, and the construction started in the year 70 BC. Ten years later it was finished, by the Emperor Tito. Also, it was modified during the empire of Domiciano. The last games were celebrated in the VI Century.