Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam's name derives from Amstelredamme, indicative of the city's origin: a dam in the river Amstel. 

Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most vibrant ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age, a result of its innovative developments in trade. 

During that time, the city was the world leader for finance and diamonds. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city grew rapidly, and numerous neighborhoods and suburbs were created and built. The 17th-century canals of Amsterdam (in Dutch: 'grachtengordel'), located in the heart of Amsterdam, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2010.

12 Apostles, Victoria, Australia

The apostles were formed through erosion due to the extreme weather conditions from the Southern Ocean over time eroded the soft limestone forming caves in the cliffs, eventually they became arches. These arches then collapsed and left rock stacks up to 45 metres in height. This was commonly identified as the Sow and Piglets until 1922 (Muttonbird Island, near Loch Ard Gorge, was the Sow, and the smaller rock stacks were the Piglets); after which it was renamed to The Apostles for tourism purposes. 

The rocks  eventually became known as the Twelve Apostles, despite only ever having nine stacks. In 2002, the Port Campbell Professional Fishermens Association unsuccessfully attempted to block the creation of a proposed marine national park at the Twelve Apostles location, but were satisfied with the later Victorian Government decision not to allow seismic exploration at the same site by Benaris Energy; believing it would be harmful to marine life.

The stacks are susceptible to further erosion from the waves. On 3 July 2005, a 50 metre tall stack collapsed, leaving only eight remaining. On 25 September 2009, it was thought that another of the stacks fell, but this was actually one of the smaller stacks of the Three Sisters formation. The rate of erosion at the base of the limestone pillars is approximately 2 cm per year. Due to wave action eroding the cliff face existing headlands are expected to become new limestone stacks in the future.

Falling Waterfalls in Richland Creek Arkansas, Ozark Mountain Region, USA

Richland Creek is a classic Ozark stream with classic surroundings. Its uppermost tributaries drain off to the east from Arkansas State Highway 7 the state's first Scenic Byway and a road labelled among the country's 10 picturesque drives. Dropping 1,400 feet along the way, these waters eventually merge with those of the Buffalo National River at Woolum an access point for floaters which also features a primitive camping site

In this 30-mile road trip, the creek works its way through some of the most rugged country to be found in this state. For much of its length, the stream is somewhat inaccessible to all but those brave enough to put on their walking boots. Because of this remoteness and isolation, quiet ramblers may be able to sneak up un announced on  all sorts of wildlife such as mink, beaver, turkey, deer, and maybe a black bear. To top it off, Richland Creek itself supplies some of the best smallmouth bass and panfish habitat in this part of the country.

Zlatni, Croatia

Zlatni Rat also known as the (Golden Cape) is a narrow white pebble beach on a promontory near Bol, situated 2 km west of Bol harbour, on the southern coast of the island of Brac, Croatia. The shape of the beach changes with the differing tides, currents and wind, veering out into the sea 634 m in length. A reliable afternoon westerly wind known as a maestral together with clear and moderately cool water make the beach popular with windsurfers.

Sunflowers, Argentina

This breath taking picture highlights the beauty, displays the vibrant, strong sunflower as a recognized worldwide status symbol. Sunflowers are also an important source of food. Sunflower oil is a valued and healthy vegetable oil and sunflower seeds are enjoyed as a healthy, tasty snack and nutritious ingredient to numerous foods.

Sunflower is an important agricultural crop choice for US producers in the northern plains of the Dakotas to the panhandle of Texas through to Argentina.

Saint Lucia, Caribbean

 

St Lucia is a green, fertile, tropical, island with volcanic peaks, a rain forest and banana plantations, as well as some superb beaches, St Lucia is widely regarded as one of the prettiest Caribbean islands and is a popular choice for a wedding or honeymoon. Quite apart from the dramatic landscape and lush vegetation, in our experience the people of St Lucia are particularly welcoming and friendly.

Norway

Northern Lights, mostly occur at high latitudes. Northern Scandinavia and northern Finland are the best places to witness this enthralling phenomenon. In Northern Norway, the northern lights appear nearly every day. In the south of Norway it occurs only occasionally. 

The Northern Lights are created high in the atmosphere and it's not necessary to go on an excursion or guided tour to see the lights. Darkness and clear sky are a must so weak lights have to be eliminated. Winter darkness (polar night in December-January) allows nearly 24 hour observation. In the middle of the summer the lights can not be seen because of midnight sun or 24 hour daylight.

Sydney, Australia

 

Other places to visit include New South Wales and other breath taking scenery are plentiful if you journeys from Sydney. Why not drive the Pacific Coast Touring Route north to Brisbane past the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and bohemian Byron Bay. Or head south to Melbourne via Jervis bay and take in its pure white beaches.

Check out Australia’s other cities and get ideas for the rest of your Australian holiday by searching online. Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road and Australia’s Red Centre are all possibilities on a relaxing holiday from Sydney.

 

Tulips/Windmill, Holland

 

Every March the sandy patches of fields turn into this dramatic landscape, like something from the Wizard Of Oz, truly fantastic. While there are a few different bulb-growing regions in the Netherlands, the most well-known area lies between the towns of Haarlem in the province of Noord-Holland (North Holland) and Sassenheim, just north of Leiden, in the province of Zuid-Holland (South Holland). This area includes the small village of Lisse, roughly 30 miles southwest of Amsterdam, home to the Keukenhof Gardens. Depending on which kind of transportation you choose, the trip takes less than an hour from Amsterdam, one way.

 

Lake Garda, Italy

This post is dedicated to all of you who have liked my facebook page on Lake Garda. The resort is situated in the north of Italy, between Milan and Venice. The Lake spans across provinces such as Verona, Brescia and Trento. You can access the lake from the north via the Brenner Pass and from the south via the A4 autostrade. 

Located at the northernly end of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda is one of the lake’s most visited holiday destinations. The stunning little town has a fantastic harbour and a no vehicle zoned 'old town', dominated by the 13th Century clock tower, 'Torre Apponale'. 

Towns and villages of beauty are located along the shore line but the lake’s southern shores are where the population reside. This section is the broadest section of the lake, and a base for all examples of watersports.

Sirmione is a must see at the southern section of the lake. This is located on a four kilometre long promontory jutting into the lake, Sirmione is over shadowed by Scaligeri Castle. Built in the 13th Century, it has an expected moat to serve as a protector from invaders to the villages, the castle sets a formidable sight.

Paris, France.

You can't imagine Paris without first considering it's signature landmark the Eiffel Tower. First constructed in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, it stands at 320m at that time the worlds largest construction only to be ousted out by the Chrysler building 40 years later.

Other must see attractions are The Musee Du Louvre where you can see famous paintings such as the Mona Lisa and another 35,000 paintings and objects if you have the time but some say it would take 9 months to see everything. You can also see MichelAngelo the Dying Slave, Raphael and Bottecelli at this magnificent venue.

I remember as a boy visiting the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur and thinking wow even at the age of 11, work started in 1876 but it wasn't consecrated until 1919. It has one of Paris's most astonishing panoramic views if you can climb it's 234 steps to the basilica dome, up to 30km on a very clear day.

Others places to visit in Paris are the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris which boasts 14 million visitors every year and is a masterpiece of french gothic art.

Ice Hotel, Sweden.  An ice hotel is completely made out of snow, you will see amazing sculptures made out of ice in various wonderful shapes and sizes. Some of the many locations for such hotels cater for all different types of travellers, those who like novelties and unusual environments.

The main entrance hall will contain many sculptures with the wow factor, food and drinks are at a plenty catering for all your needs. All the ice hotels are re built each year because of the seasonal temperature changes after winter. Compacted show is used to build the walls, fixtures and fittings and the time taken depends on the sub-zero temperatures.

The hotel is entirely made up of snow and blocks of ice taken from the Torne River, you will find that the glasses provided are also made of ice blocks. To give you some idea of the work involved, the hotel boasts 10,000 tons of ice and 30,000 tons of snow which is harvested in March and kept nearby. The ice is used to construct the bar area and sculptures inside and out.  

Guests At the acclaimed Ice Hotel can take their pick from the 50 rooms that are constructed every year, examples of the accommodation are Snow Rooms to Art Suites. The location has plenty of breath taking ice sculptures and  subtle lighting. Walking through its reindeer-skin clad doors you'll face an amazing ice pillared hallway.

Santorini, Greece. This is truly a wonderful and angelic place located in Greece and the Aegean sea, the picture says a thousand words and you can't help but be amazed at such beauty. The white houses and terraces boast panoramic sea views and beautiful sunsets, what a back drop for a romantic holiday or even a wedding. This place has history and stories of lost civilisations discovered in the volcanic ash.

The best way to approach Santorini is by sea, when you arrive through the midnight blue sea of the caldera you suddenly set eyes on the white buildings as if they have had a light dusting of snow.  The lava cliffs are a prominent part of the landscape and are covered in volcanic rock forming a lip over the village, breath taking scenery adorn the whole area.

 

I have produced this page on my blog because of the interest I have with the island but also what others have said about it. I want people to enjoy the experiences of others and if I can bring a little happiness to some then my daughter who helps me with this site have accomplished what we set out to do.