Thursday, May 28, 2015

Lost Control :(



 Palmyra, Syria is an oasis in the Syria Desert and was one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world.  The city has Graeco Roman and Persian influences and was established as a caravan oasis for travelers as part of the trade route in 2000 b.c. and abandoned in 1932 a.d.  During it's peak, the city had over 200,000 residents.  Many peoples have lived and occured Palmyra,  but today it is occupied by ISIS.  Three days ago, it was reported that ISIS killed over 400 women and children the modern area of Palmyra.  This I cannot understand :(.   I visited Palmyra 15 years ago and met young girls.  They must be women with their own children today,  did they survive?   I met one little girl with a big spirit and big dreams.  She should be grown today possibly with her own children.  I don't like to think about it :(.  Maybe the saddest chapter of Palymra. 
  WOW!!  this place must have been something!



Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Killer Race


 


Now this is a race! Located in the Sahara Desert, you'll find the annual Marathon de Sables.  It's known to be the most grueling race on Earth.   During the race you carry everything you will need (excluding your water and a tent).  The race is 156 miles and takes up to 6 days to complete in temperatures over 100 degree.  The race includes rought terrain such as dunes an desert mountains.  Looks amazing if you don't mind occasional sand storms.

 

Death Trail


Only in China ;).   Why not take a hike up Mt. Haushan Trail dubbed the most dangerous trail in the world.  Only 'caution' is required.. no special experience or equipment.  Many people head to the top of this mountain to visit it's Taoist monastery.    Not much to say about this but .. whaaaa?!
 




Mail by Mule!



Wonder what's at the bottom of the Grand Canyon?  The deeper you enter it's layers, the further in history you witness, until you hit bottom where you've find a living/ breathing community.  Supai Village, Arizona is located at teh base of Havasu Canyon on the South side of the Colorado River and it's not accessible by road.  It has a population of about 208 and is the capital of the Havasupai Reservation.  Supai Village is the ONLY place in the USA that mail is still carried in and out by mules.  It's consider the most remote town in the lower 48 states.   If you would like to visit, you'll need to arrange a helicopter, mule or take an 8 mile hike down the Havasupai Trail, as there are no cars.  And while you're there.. don't forget to visit Havasau Falls (worthy of it's own strange spots!)