Neuschwanstein Royal Castle is situated on one of the Alpine cliffs, in
350 kilometers from Füssen town, South Bavaria, Germany. The castle
built by Ludwig II is the most popular place of interest in Bavaria -
more than a million people visit it annually!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Birth of Indian Tea
The first tea was brought to India from China in the middle of the 19th
century. On the same occasion there was founded the first tea company to
trade with England, and by 1900 India had become one of the main tea
suppliers to the international market. Today India is the second world's tea producer after China, and Indian tea is characterized by its rich taste, but not as good as Chinese black tea.
Searching For the Whitest Sand
In the eastern coast of Australia are lots of various beaches. They are mostly similar to each other, but among them all there is quite a unique place named Jervis Bay...
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Anglo-Zanzibar War August 27, 1896
The Anglo-Zanzibar holds the distinction of being the shortest war in history, clocking in at 38 minutes.
When Khalid bin Barghash, the new Sultan of Zanzibar came to power in 1896, he wanted the country to be free from British control. One requirement by the British was for the new Sultan to seek permission for enthronement from a British consul. Barghash refused, which the British did not take lightly. They offered him a choice: leave the palace by his own free will or be removed forcefully.
Soviet-Japanese War August 9 – September 2, 1945
Unknown to many, the Soviet army played a large role in the surrender of Japan. Stalin had agreed to join the fighting in the Pacific theater once Germany was defeated. On August 8, the day before atomic bombing of Nagasaki, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan and took them by surprise by launching three separate invasions into Manchuria only twenty-four hours later. The Kwangtung Army that was defending the region was largely destroyed and was forced to surrender.
Aleutian Islands Campaign 1942 – 1943
The Aleutian Islands Campaign of World War II is a little known but important campaign, as it saw Alaska (a then territory of the United States) invaded by Japanese forces. The Aleutian Islands are a chain of islands off the southwestern coast of Alaska, part of the “arm” of islands that stretches into the Pacific Ocean.
Indian and European Front American Revolution – 1778 – 1783
Many would think the fighting in the American Revolution would take place, well, in America. However, the American Revolution was fought as far away as Europe and India, with France and Spain leading those fronts.
Sonderbund War November 3 – 29, 1847
Switzerland is often thought of as being a country that remains neutral and does not get involved in armed conflicts. In 1847 Switzerland found itself in a war with an unusual enemy: itself. Civil war broke out in November 1847 when several Catholic cantons (administrative divisions) formed the Sonderbund and broke off from the rest of the largely Protestant cantons to prevent the formation of a centralized government.
The fighting between the Swiss government and the rebelling cantons lasted only twenty-six days and ended with the surrender of the rebels. Throughout the month of fighting, only eighty-nine were killed. Several months later a new constitution was enacted, ending the independence of the cantons and transitioning Switzerland into a federal state.
Monday, October 15, 2012
First Barbary War 1801 – 1805
The First Barbary War was the first war fought between the United States and the Barbary States (modern Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya). Barbary pirates had been raiding ships along the African coast and in the Mediterranean, and taking the crews of the merchant vessels hostage to ransom back to their home country.
Third Punic War 149 BC – 146 BC
While none of the Punic Wars are well-known, the third war was of
particular importance for Rome. The Second Punic War is likely most
prominent. Even if you’ve never heard of the war itself, you’ve probably
heard the tale of Hannibal’s terrible idea of marching an army of
elephants through the Alps in an effort to take the Romans by surprise.
Quasi-War 1798 – 1800
Although France had played a major role in helping win the American Revolution, the United States and France soon found themselves as enemies in a naval war. Two key factors led to the Quasi-War. During this time France was at war with Great Britain during the War of the Second Coalition, and the United States had officially declared their neutrality. Despite this, the United States still traded with Great Britain; an act that in France’s eyes, broke their neutrality. Also during this time the French Revolution had occurred, resulting in France becoming a Republic. This caused the U.S. to stop debt repayments to France, as they claimed their debt was to be paid to the French monarchy, not to the French Republic.
War of Jenkins’ Ear 1739 – 1748
The War of Jenkins’ Ear was fought in the Caribbean and what is now Georgia and Florida between Great Britain and Spain. This conflict was part of the larger War of the Austrian Succession, a war which involved nearly every country in Europe. Its unusual name was born from a naval incident in the West Indies: Captain Robert Jenkins’ boat was boarded by Spanish forces. The Spanish captain accused the British vessel of piracy and as a result, cut off Captain Jenkins’ left ear.
Some accounts say Captain Jenkins presented his severed ear as he delivered his story to the House of Commons. Regardless if this was actual true, the boarding action by the Spanish was enough to be an act of war. The War of Jenkins’ Ear proved to be a fruitless effort, as there were no territorial changes in the Americas for either Britain or Spain once the main war in Europe had come to an end.
Northern Crusades 1147 – Roughly 1290
Many are familiar with the Crusades in which Christian forces clashed with Muslim forces in an effort to regain access to Christian holy sites around Jerusalem. However at the same time Crusades were underway in the Holy Land, the Northern Crusades were occurring in Scandinavia. In these Crusades, the goal was to eliminate the various pagan groups and their followers.
The Northern Crusades began with the Wendish Crusade in 1147. The Kingdoms of Denmark and Sweden, the Teutonic Order, and the Livonian Brothers of the Sword (the latter two being religious military orders) invaded what is now northeast Germany in an effort to subdue the region’s pagan peoples. Following this military success, Pope Celestine III officially called for a crusade against the pagans in 1195. The Northern Crusades lasted into the late 1200s and resulted in the military conquest of north Germany and the Baltic States and the spread of Christianity to these lands.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Petra By Night
Back again we are in wonderful Petra. But today we'll tell you about a night show that is reguarly held in Petra.
The most famous construction of Petra - the treasure house that meets all tourists who come out of the kilometer-long canyon leading from the entry to the ancient city ...
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Mount Everest
Sure, it’s predictable, but it’s on the list for a reason. Most kids have daydreamed at one time or another about being “the one who climbed Everest” and made it to the top in a spectacular snowstorm. The view can’t be beaten, and everyone will look at you with fresh respect when they hear that you made it. That is, if you don’t join the trail of frozen bodies up to even the first overnight base camp. While you’re not likely to die from military conflict, that won’t make you feel better as you quickly (or, more likely, slowly) freeze to death.
Pakistan - Who likes outdoor trekking will enjoy the scenery
Gorgeous mountains? Check! Rush Peak will offer you unprecedented views
of the second-highest mountain in the world, K2. You can go back in time
in the villages of Baltistan, and anyone who likes outdoor trekking
will enjoy the scenery. You might not enjoy the presence of multiple
terrorist groups, tribal clashes, and suicide bombings as much, though.
With political instability that makes violence against Westerners quite
likely, you’ll probably die from a bomb attack or talking about religion
the wrong way.
The natural attractions to Zimbabwe
Big game parks, wildlife reserves and forest preservation, and the
famous Victoria Falls are some of the natural attractions to Zimbabwe.
The problem is the political climate that can flare up at any time,
leaving you stranded in a foreign country that has openly talked about
how much it dislikes tourists. You might die from the extremely
dangerous driving habits of the taxis – and you thought New York City
was bad! – or discussing politics, or even from stepping on an
unexploded land mine.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach in Koh Phangan, Thailand
Haad Rin Beach is located in Koh Phangan, and has earned its reputation as the hot spot for hedonistic nightlife in Thailand, due to the fact that a party is held every time there’s a full moon. It is rumored that the Full Moon Party tradition started with a local throwing a farewell party for his Australian friend.
Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, China
The Chinese New Year is a lively affair where millions fill the streets to celebrate peace and happiness. It generally starts with a banquet which includes significant dishes, for instance prawns represents liveliness and happiness, whilst traditionally red clothing is also worn as this is intended to warn off any evil spirits.
In Hong Kong a spectacular fireworks display lights up the evening sky, and for New Years Day there are floats and traditional performers complimented by music and dragon dancers. Victoria Harbor, with its world-famous skyline, lends itself to the ideal backdrop for experiencing this oriental event which is steeped in heritage and a must-see!
The Festival of Light in Amritsar, Punjab, India
The Festival of Light, Diwali to the indigenous people, marks the commencement of the New Year for Hindus. This five day festival celebrates good over evil, light over dark. Each day of the festival brings its own meaning. The third day is where the ‘Festival of Light’ title has emerged as lamps and candles are lit, and fireworks are set off. Traditionally gifts are exchanged between the nearest and dearest.
The Burning Man Festival in Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA
The Burning Man is an annual event which places emphasis on community, creativity and self-reliance. The community turn up and create ‘Black Rock City’ which lasts for one week, after that the ‘citizens’ are proud to depart without a trace.
The community welcome all newcomers with open arms. Their ethos believes that the more active the participant is the more they will gain from the event.
The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain
Known to the locals as The Festival of San Fermin, due to the location. This internationally recognised event has grown massively since its believed origins back in the 13th century, and now attracts tens of thousands who wish to run with the bulls.
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