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.