Beautifully Dangerous City

Sana'a is the capital of Yemen and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world (approximately 2,500 years).  It is now a World Heritage Site and many of it's older buildings are being protected.  Some buildings are more than 1,400 years old.  The city is surrounded by an anciet wall.  It is located on the Arabian Pennisula and is also one of the highest capital cities in the world standing at 7,500 feet.  It is also Yemen's most heavily populated city at just under 2,000,000 people.   The city has over 100 mosques, 12 bath houses and 6,500 houses that resemble ancient skyscrapers.  These multiple story buildings have unique architecture and design.   They are often decorated with geometric patterns around windows and doors, as well as beautiful stained glass.  Although located in the desert,  Yemen's has a comfortable year round temperature ranging averages in the 70s and 80s. Unemployment is estimated at 25% and poverty is significant.  A majority of the inhabitants of Sana'a are Muslim, however populations of Christians, Jewish and other religions are practiced in the city as well.  It looks like a lovely cultural vacation destination,  however do to political concerns,  traveling to Yemen is not recommended at this time.  At least not to Americans.

Garbage River

Citarum is located in West Java and is the longest river in all of Indonesia.  Forty miles east of Jakarta, this river, over 186 miles long winds across the island of Java. It is a vital resource for the people of West Java, as it is used to support agriculture, water supply, fishery, industry, sewerage, electricity etc.  Unregulated growth of industry in the area allowed for increasing abuse of the river.  Water quality deteriorates dramatically just outside of factories,  where evacuation pipes spew out toxic cocktails turning the river black and cloudy.  Elsewhere, masses of floating trash create a film of junk over the surfaces of the river.  Human waste collects in unsanitaryy pools along the shore, cultivating disease.  In some areas,  waste completely conceals the river.  And if not for the occasional boat navigating through the garbage, it would be difficult to discern the water below. About five million people live in the basin of the river. More than 2000 industries contaminate the river with mercury, lead, arsenic and other toxins.  In 2008, funding (via loan from the Asian Development Bank) to the amount of $500,000 US dollars  was provided to clean up the river. The Asian Development Bank who funded the project apparently to the Citarum River as  the direst river in the world.  In 2011,  river revitalization began.  The expected cost is 4 billion dollars over a 15 year period with a focus on a 111 mile stretch.  Progress has been slow but steady.

 

 

Tunnel of Love

The Tunnel of Love is located within the town of Kleven, Ukraine.  You will also find  Railroad Station located nearby.   The Tunnel of Love is a  lush tunnel of bright green foliage enclosing train tracks .  This stretch of private railroad is about 1.85 miles or 3 kilometers in length.  The railway is surrounded by trees giving it an almost enchanted appearance. Apparently this section of railway attracts more lovers, tourists and photographers than trains.  Legend has it that couples who visit the tunnel will be granted a single wish, provided their intentions are sincere.  Online sources report the tracks are often strolled along by lovers and the train can be ridden for amusement.

 

 

Stratosphere

The Stratosphere Tower, Hotel and Casino are located in Las Vegas,  Nevada on Las Vegas Boulevard.   It is just North of the main Las Vegas strip.  The Stratosphere Tower is a major attraction in Las Vegas.   It is a whopping  1,149 feet tall.  It is the tallest independent observation tower in the United States.   The hotel and casino are located in a separate building next to the tower.
During construction the tower caught fire in early 1993.  Fortunately, no one was injured but the fire greatly delayed the completion of the project.  It eventually opened on April 30, 1996.  Shortly after opening,  the Stratosphere had difficulties financially and filed for bankruptcy.  Eventually the Stratosphere did well and decided to place rides on top of the the tower.  In 2001, a bungee jumping experience opened for thrill seekers.  Today there are several thrill rides.  The Big Shot is the highest thrill ride in the world.  The rides X-Scream and Insanity are truly heart stopping!

 

 

 

Desert Skiing

In 2005, a nearly 80,000 sf  indoor ski area had been constructed.  It is located within the Mall of the Emirates (Dubai). The ski area has 5 slopes, the world's largest indoor black run, a quad lift and a tow lift. Skiers and snowboarders are both welcome. The park also has a large snow play area where one can taboggan or ride a sled.  One can also enjoy an icy body slide, giant snowballs and an ice cave.  It is the permanent home to many penguins who come out to play throughout the day with guests.  Private penguin encounters can be booked in advance body slide, giant snowballs and an ice cave.  Dubai has an average daily temperature of 96 degrees in July,  but don't let that stop you from having a great day in the snow.  An all day pass costs about $75.oo for adults and about $65.00 for kids.  Many things needed or skiing can be purchased at their shop.  You can also find ski rentals if needed.  Definitely a cool place :).

The Deadly BURP

Looks can be deceiving!  The deadly Lake Nyos in Cameroon, African is a deep lake near an inactive volcano.  Magma lies below the lake and leaks carbon dioxide into the water, converting it to cardbon acid.  Nyos is one of three known lakes found to be potentially dangerous in this way.  On August 21 1986, probably as a result of a mud slide, the lake emitted a massive amount of carbon dioxide into the air.  the lake burped and then exploded with a frothy spray in to the air.  A white cloud engulfed the area asphyxiating and killing over 1,700 people and their livestock within a 15 1/2 mile radius.  Those who survived were unconscious for up to 36 hours.  In 2001, degassing tubes have been placed at the bottom of the lake allowing carbon dioxide to safely and gradually escape from the lake.  The lake continues to be a threat as it's natural wall is weakening.  Another mudslide could give way allowing water to head downstream risking the lives of those in local villages.  Not a place to put on your bucket list. 

 

 

 

Cruising

The Wampoa Ship is a  361 feet long boat shaped modernshopping mall in the middle of Hong Kong.  The ship is approximately the same size of a typical cruise ship.   The structure was completed in 1996 and is a major tourist attraction.  The ship has over 300 restaurants and shops.

 

 

 

 

Freeze Please!

One of the most unique ponds/ lakes in the world are found in none other but Antarctica.   It can be found in the west end of the Wright Valley (South Fork), Victoria Land. The Dead Sea is known for it's high salinity, however Don Juan puts the Dead Sea to shame.  Don Juan has the highest salinity in the world.  The lake is 18 times higher in salt content that typical lakes.  The lake was discovered in 1961.  What makes this lake so amazing is it's inability to freeze regardless of common 30 degrees below temperature.

 

 

Pink Sand Beach

Head off to Harbor Island (Eleuthera, Bahamas) and you will find one of the best beaches in the world.  And it's PINK!  Three miles of pure pink beach created here by tiny microscopic pieces of a shelled animal known as the Foraminifera.  This animal as a reddish pink colored shell.  These little animals live under the coral reefs on the sea floor, beneath rocks and in  caves.  The shells end up on shore after they are broken free by waves or predators, making pink sand. Foraminifera are some of the most abundant single cell creators in the sea.

 

 

 

"Swimming?" China

 

Chinese refer to the pools as a "boiling dumpling" do to the extreme overcrowding.  Limited facilities make pools packed and swimming a challenge.  The cost of running a pool is not profitable for many local governments.  Swimming is considered a symbol of strength in China, however everyday citizens have little access to public swimming pools.  Most Chinese pools are a place to cool off more than a place to enjoy a healthy swim.  During the heat of the day, public pools pack with people and their colorful floats.  Fortunately,  public pools are on the rise. The new Dead Sea Pool in Yao Stink China can accommodate 230,000 swimmers at one time...WOW.