Page not found – Countries and Learners https://www.estatelearning.com Tue, 26 Mar 2024 05:06:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.24 Geology of Afghanistan https://www.estatelearning.com/geology-of-afghanistan.html Tue, 26 Mar 2024 05:06:33 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=2104 Afghanistan’s geology is as diverse and complex as its political landscape, with a rich tapestry of geological features shaped by tectonic activity, erosion, and sedimentation over millions of years. From towering mountain ranges to vast desert plains, Afghanistan’s geological heritage tells a story of ancient seas, collisional tectonics, and ongoing geological processes.

Tectonic Setting:

According to programingplease, Afghanistan is situated at the crossroads of several major tectonic plates, making it highly prone to seismic activity and mountain-building processes. The collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate has played a pivotal role in shaping Afghanistan’s geology, leading to the formation of the Hindu Kush and Pamir mountain ranges.

Hindu Kush and Pamir Ranges:

The Hindu Kush and Pamir ranges, which traverse Afghanistan’s northeastern and eastern regions, respectively, are part of the larger Alpine-Himalayan mountain belt. These ranges are characterized by rugged peaks, deep valleys, and complex geological structures resulting from the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates.

The Hindu Kush range is renowned for its high peaks, including Mount Noshaq, the highest point in Afghanistan. The Pamir range, often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” is home to some of the world’s highest mountains, such as Mount Kongur and Mount Lenin.

Geological History:

Afghanistan’s geological history dates back millions of years, with evidence of ancient seas, volcanic activity, and tectonic movements preserved in its rock formations. During the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras, Afghanistan was submerged beneath shallow seas, resulting in the deposition of sedimentary rocks rich in marine fossils.

The collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, which began around 50 million years ago, initiated the uplift of the Himalayas and adjacent mountain ranges, including the Hindu Kush and Pamir ranges. This collisional tectonics continues to shape Afghanistan’s geology today, leading to seismic activity and the formation of new geological structures.

Sedimentary Basins:

Afghanistan is home to several sedimentary basins that have accumulated vast amounts of sediment over geological time. The Amu Darya Basin in the north, the Helmand Basin in the south, and the Afghan-Tajik Basin in the northeast are among the most prominent sedimentary basins in the country.

These basins contain valuable resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, which have attracted interest from both domestic and international investors. However, exploitation of these resources has been hampered by security concerns, political instability, and lack of infrastructure.

Mineral Resources:

Afghanistan is endowed with a wealth of mineral resources, ranging from precious metals and gemstones to industrial minerals and hydrocarbons. Some of the key mineral deposits found in Afghanistan include:

  1. Copper: The Aynak copper deposit, located in Logar Province, is one of the largest copper deposits in the world, with estimated reserves of over 11 million tons.
  2. Lithium: Afghanistan is believed to have significant lithium deposits, a critical component in batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
  3. Rare Earth Elements: The Khanneshin carbonatite deposit in Helmand Province is known to contain rare earth elements, which are essential for high-tech industries.
  4. Gold: Afghanistan has gold deposits in various regions, including Badakhshan Province in the northeast and Zarakshan gold belt in the central highlands.
  5. Coal: Afghanistan has substantial coal reserves, particularly in the northern and central regions, which have the potential to support domestic energy needs and industrial development.

Despite its vast mineral wealth, Afghanistan’s mining sector has been hampered by security concerns, lack of infrastructure, and governance challenges. Efforts to develop the sector and attract investment have been hindered by the country’s volatile political situation and ongoing conflict.

Water Resources:

Water resources play a crucial role in Afghanistan’s geology and geography, shaping its landscape and supporting its agricultural sector. The country’s major rivers, including the Amu Darya, Helmand, and Kabul rivers, originate from the Hindu Kush and Pamir mountain ranges, providing water for irrigation, hydropower generation, and domestic use.

The management of water resources is a significant challenge in Afghanistan, exacerbated by competing demands, inefficient irrigation practices, and climate change impacts. Sustainable water management is essential for addressing food security, energy production, and environmental conservation in the country.

Seismic Activity:

Afghanistan is prone to seismic activity due to its location along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian plates. The collisional tectonics in the region generate earthquakes of varying magnitudes, posing a significant risk to human life and infrastructure.

Some of the most devastating earthquakes in Afghanistan’s history include the 2002 Hindu Kush earthquake, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life, and the 2015 Hindu Kush earthquake, which triggered landslides and avalanches in remote mountainous areas.

Conclusion:

Afghanistan’s geology is a reflection of its tumultuous geological history, characterized by collisional tectonics, sedimentation, and ongoing geological processes. From its towering mountain ranges to its mineral-rich basins and fertile valleys, Afghanistan’s geological diversity holds significant economic, environmental, and cultural importance.

Despite the challenges posed by political instability, conflict, and natural hazards, Afghanistan’s geological resources offer immense potential for sustainable development and prosperity. However, realizing this potential will require effective governance, investment in infrastructure, and international cooperation to overcome the complex challenges facing the country’s geology and geology-based sectors.

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Albania and EU https://www.estatelearning.com/albania-and-eu.html Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:40:07 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=2101 Albania’s relationship with the European Union (EU) has been characterized by a complex interplay of aspirations, challenges, and opportunities. Since the collapse of communism in the early 1990s, Albania has embarked on a journey of political and economic transformation, with EU accession representing a central pillar of its foreign policy and national development agenda.

Historical Context: Albania’s European Integration Journey

According to politicsezine, Albania’s desire to integrate into the European community dates back to the early years of its transition to democracy in the 1990s. Following the collapse of the communist regime, Albania embarked on a path of political, economic, and social reform, seeking to overcome the legacy of isolationism and authoritarianism and embrace European values and standards.

In 1992, Albania signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU, marking the beginning of its formal relationship with the European bloc. The SAA provided a framework for cooperation and dialogue between Albania and the EU, focusing on areas such as trade, governance, and the rule of law.

Over the years, Albania has made significant strides in aligning its legislation, institutions, and policies with EU standards and norms. The country has implemented a series of reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance, promoting human rights, combating corruption, and improving the business climate, all with the goal of bringing Albania closer to EU accession.

Challenges and Obstacles: Addressing Reform Priorities

Despite progress in certain areas, Albania faces numerous challenges and obstacles on its path to EU accession, including political instability, corruption, weak institutions, and socio-economic disparities. The country’s transition to democracy has been marred by episodes of political polarization, electoral irregularities, and challenges to the rule of law, which have hindered the consolidation of democratic governance and the functioning of democratic institutions.

Corruption remains a pervasive issue in Albania, affecting all levels of society and undermining public trust in government institutions. Despite efforts to combat corruption through legislative reforms and institutional measures, progress has been slow, and corruption continues to pose a significant obstacle to Albania’s EU accession prospects.

Another key challenge facing Albania is the need to strengthen the independence, efficiency, and transparency of its judiciary. The judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding democratic principles, but it has been plagued by issues such as politicization, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive reforms to enhance judicial independence, improve access to justice, and combat judicial corruption.

Socio-economic disparities and regional inequalities represent another major challenge for Albania, as disparities in income, education, and infrastructure persist between urban and rural areas, as well as between the north and south of the country. Addressing these disparities requires targeted investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare programs, as well as efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development.

Progress and Achievements: Advancing Reform Agenda

Despite the challenges and obstacles it faces, Albania has made significant progress in advancing its reform agenda and aligning its legislation and institutions with EU standards and norms. The country has achieved notable successes in areas such as electoral reform, public administration reform, and anti-corruption efforts, demonstrating its commitment to democratic governance and the rule of law.

Albania’s efforts to combat organized crime and strengthen the rule of law have also yielded positive results, with the country making significant progress in areas such as law enforcement, judicial cooperation, and anti-money laundering measures. The establishment of specialized anti-corruption and organized crime structures, such as the Special Prosecution Office and the National Bureau of Investigation, has helped to enhance Albania’s capacity to investigate and prosecute complex criminal cases.

In the economic sphere, Albania has implemented a series of reforms aimed at promoting sustainable growth, enhancing competitiveness, and attracting foreign investment. The country has made significant progress in areas such as fiscal consolidation, financial sector reform, and infrastructure development, laying the groundwork for long-term economic stability and prosperity.

Albania’s efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions and promote human rights have also been recognized by the international community, with the European Commission noting positive developments in areas such as media freedom, judicial independence, and the protection of minority rights. These achievements reflect Albania’s commitment to European values and its determination to advance its EU accession agenda.

Prospects for EU Accession: Path Forward

Albania’s aspirations for EU accession remain a central priority for its government and people, reflecting a shared commitment to European integration and the values of democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Despite the challenges and obstacles it faces, Albania remains firmly committed to advancing its reform agenda and fulfilling the requirements for EU membership.

The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to the Western Balkans’ European perspective, recognizing the region’s strategic importance and its potential to contribute to European stability, security, and prosperity. In its Enlargement Strategy, the EU has outlined a set of criteria and conditions that candidate countries must meet to progress on their accession journey, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms in areas such as the rule of law, democracy, and the economy.

Albania’s progress toward EU accession will depend on its ability to address key reform priorities, strengthen democratic governance, and demonstrate tangible results in areas such as the fight against corruption, the independence of the judiciary, and the protection of fundamental rights. Continued support and assistance from the European Union and its member states will be crucial in helping Albania overcome its challenges and move closer to EU membership.

In conclusion, Albania’s path to European Union accession is a journey marked by challenges, progress, and prospects. Despite the obstacles it faces, Albania remains committed to advancing its reform agenda and fulfilling the requirements for EU membership, guided by a shared vision of European integration and the values of democracy, rule of law, and human rights. With determination, perseverance, and international support, Albania has the potential to realize its European aspirations and contribute to a more stable, prosperous, and united Europe.

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Anguilla Location on the Globe https://www.estatelearning.com/anguilla-location-on-the-globe.html Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:55:57 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=2100 Anguilla is a small island territory located in the Caribbean Sea, specifically within the Leeward Islands chain. It is situated in the eastern Caribbean, just east of the Virgin Islands and north of Saint Martin. Despite its small size, Anguilla boasts stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and a rich cultural heritage.

Geographically, Anguilla is positioned at approximately 18.2206° N latitude and 63.0686° W longitude. Its coordinates place it within the tropical zone, resulting in a warm climate with consistent temperatures throughout the year. The island covers an area of about 35 square miles (91 square kilometers), making it one of the smaller territories in the Caribbean.

According to Baglib, Anguilla is part of the Lesser Antilles, a chain of islands that stretches from the Virgin Islands in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south. The Lesser Antilles are divided into two groups: the Windward Islands to the south and the Leeward Islands to the north. Anguilla belongs to the latter group, along with islands such as Saint Martin, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Montserrat.

The island’s location within the Caribbean Sea makes it vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes, which are common during the Atlantic hurricane season, typically running from June to November. Despite this risk, Anguilla’s climate and environment make it an attractive destination for tourists seeking sun, sand, and relaxation.

From a historical perspective, Anguilla’s location has played a significant role in shaping its identity and development. The island’s indigenous inhabitants were the Arawak and Carib peoples, who lived on the island prior to the arrival of European explorers. In 1493, during his second voyage to the Americas, Christopher Columbus is believed to have sighted Anguilla, along with several other Caribbean islands. However, it wasn’t until the 17th century that European colonization began in earnest.

During this period, Anguilla was claimed by various European powers, including Spain, France, and England. The island’s strategic location made it a valuable asset for trade and military purposes. However, Anguilla’s history is characterized by a series of struggles for control between the European powers and local populations.

In the early 19th century, Anguilla became part of the British Empire and was administered as part of the colony of St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla. However, Anguillians resisted this arrangement, seeking greater autonomy and self-governance. In 1967, Anguilla declared itself an independent republic within the British Commonwealth, but this move was not recognized internationally. Instead, the island remained under British control until 1980 when it was granted separate status as a British Overseas Territory.

Today, Anguilla is a self-governing territory with its own government and legislature. Its political status allows it to maintain close ties with the United Kingdom while also retaining a degree of autonomy. The island’s economy relies heavily on tourism, with visitors drawn to its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant culture.

In addition to its natural beauty, Anguilla is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The island’s population is predominantly of African descent, with influences from European, indigenous, and other Caribbean cultures. This diverse heritage is reflected in Anguilla’s music, cuisine, art, and traditions.

One of the most notable aspects of Anguillian culture is its music, particularly the rhythmic sounds of calypso, reggae, and soca. Music plays a central role in Anguillian life, with festivals and celebrations often featuring live performances and dancing. The island is also home to talented musicians and artists who draw inspiration from its natural surroundings and cultural heritage.

Cuisine is another important aspect of Anguillian culture, blending African, European, and Caribbean flavors to create unique dishes. Seafood plays a prominent role in Anguillian cuisine, with fresh fish, lobster, and conch featuring prominently on menus. Local specialties include dishes such as grilled crayfish, coconut shrimp, and johnnycakes, a type of fried bread made from cornmeal.

In addition to its music and cuisine, Anguilla is known for its vibrant festivals and celebrations. One of the most popular events is the annual Anguilla Summer Festival, which takes place in August and features parades, concerts, and other cultural performances. The festival celebrates Anguilla’s heritage and showcases the talents of local musicians, dancers, and artisans.

In conclusion, Anguilla’s geographical location on the globe places it within the Caribbean Sea, in the Leeward Islands chain. Its coordinates of approximately 18.2206° N latitude and 63.0686° W longitude position it within the tropical zone, resulting in a warm climate year-round. Despite its small size, Anguilla boasts stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and a rich cultural heritage shaped by its history and diverse population. From its indigenous roots to its colonial past and modern-day status as a British Overseas Territory, Anguilla’s location has played a significant role in shaping its identity and development. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination known for its music, cuisine, festivals, and welcoming hospitality.

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Denmark as a Scandinavian Country https://www.estatelearning.com/denmark-as-a-scandinavian-country.html Mon, 18 Mar 2024 04:23:18 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=2099 Denmark, situated in Northern Europe, is widely recognized as one of the Scandinavian countries alongside Sweden and Norway. These nations share a common cultural heritage, historical ties, and geographic proximity, making them distinct within the European landscape. In this essay, we will explore Denmark’s identity as a Scandinavian country, examining its history, culture, society, economy, and international relations.

1. Historical Background:

According to insidewatch, Denmark’s history as a Scandinavian country is deeply intertwined with that of its neighbors, Sweden and Norway. The region has been inhabited for thousands of years, with early settlers leaving archaeological traces dating back to the Stone Age. During the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries), Scandinavian tribes, including the Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians, embarked on seafaring expeditions, raids, and trade ventures across Europe and beyond, leaving a lasting imprint on European history.

2. Cultural Heritage:

Denmark’s cultural heritage is rooted in its Viking past, with influences from Germanic folklore, Norse mythology, and Scandinavian traditions. Danish literature, art, music, and cuisine reflect the country’s rich cultural legacy, with notable contributions to Scandinavian culture and identity.

Danish design, characterized by simplicity, functionality, and elegance, has gained international acclaim, with iconic designs in furniture, architecture, and industrial products. Danish literature, with authors such as Hans Christian Andersen and Karen Blixen, has captivated audiences worldwide, while Danish cuisine, featuring dishes like smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) and æbleskiver (pancake balls), showcases the country’s culinary traditions.

3. Society and Values:

Denmark is known for its high standard of living, social welfare system, and emphasis on social equality and solidarity. The Danish welfare state provides comprehensive healthcare, education, and social services to all citizens, promoting social cohesion and well-being.

Danish society values egalitarianism, democracy, and individual freedom, with a strong commitment to human rights, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world, with high levels of trust, social capital, and quality of life.

4. Economy and Innovation:

Denmark’s economy is characterized by its openness, innovation, and competitiveness, with key sectors including renewable energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, and shipping. The country is a global leader in wind energy, with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Danish companies such as Novo Nordisk, Maersk, and Vestas are world-renowned for their contributions to innovation, research, and development. Denmark’s business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure make it an attractive destination for foreign investment and entrepreneurship.

5. Environmental Sustainability:

Denmark is committed to environmental sustainability and green growth, with ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and mitigating climate change. The country has made significant investments in wind power, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation, positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy innovation.

Denmark’s focus on sustainability extends beyond its borders through international cooperation, development aid, and climate diplomacy. The country plays an active role in global initiatives such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.

6. International Relations:

Denmark maintains close ties with its Scandinavian neighbors and plays an active role in regional cooperation through organizations such as the Nordic Council and the Nordic-Baltic Eight. The country also participates in European Union (EU) institutions and initiatives, while maintaining its own distinct national identity and sovereignty.

Denmark’s foreign policy priorities include promoting democracy, human rights, and stability in the Scandinavian region and beyond. The country is a staunch supporter of multilateralism, free trade, and international cooperation, advocating for peace, security, and development on the global stage.

7. Challenges and Opportunities:

Despite its many strengths, Denmark faces challenges such as aging demographics, labor market integration, and social integration of immigrants and refugees. The country must also navigate geopolitical uncertainties, technological disruptions, and global economic shifts in an increasingly interconnected world.

However, Denmark’s Scandinavian values of solidarity, innovation, and resilience provide a solid foundation for addressing these challenges and seizing opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity. By leveraging its strengths in education, innovation, and social cohesion, Denmark can continue to thrive as a Scandinavian country and make positive contributions to the global community.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Denmark’s identity as a Scandinavian country is shaped by its rich history, cultural heritage, societal values, and economic dynamism. As a member of the Scandinavian family, Denmark shares commonalities with its neighbors while maintaining its distinct national identity and character. With its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social welfare, Denmark stands as a model of Scandinavian excellence and serves as a beacon of progress and prosperity in Northern Europe and beyond.

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Geography of Clark County, Kentucky https://www.estatelearning.com/geography-of-clark-county-kentucky.html Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:11:07 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=2097 Clark County, located in the eastern part of the U.S. state of Kentucky, is a region known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and diverse geography. Encompassing an area of approximately 255 square miles, Clark County is situated in the heart of the Bluegrass region, renowned for its fertile soil, rolling hills, and horse farms. In this comprehensive overview, we’ll explore the geography, climate, rivers, lakes, and other significant features of Clark County. Check homethodology to learn more about the state of Kentucky.

Geography:

Clark County is located in the inner Bluegrass region of Kentucky, bordered by Fayette County to the west, Madison County to the south, Estill County to the southeast, Powell County to the northeast, and Montgomery County to the north. The county is characterized by its gently rolling hills, fertile farmland, and scenic countryside. The landscape is dotted with horse farms, historic estates, and quaint small towns, contributing to the region’s picturesque charm.

Climate:

The climate of Clark County is classified as humid subtropical, with four distinct seasons characterized by warm summers, cool winters, and moderate precipitation throughout the year. The region experiences mild weather patterns, with occasional extremes in temperature and weather events.

Summers in Clark County are typically warm and humid, with average high temperatures in the 80s°F to 90s°F range and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are cool, with average low temperatures in the 20s°F to 30s°F range and occasional snowfall. Spring and fall are transitional seasons, with mild temperatures and variable weather conditions.

Rivers:

Clark County is traversed by several rivers and streams that flow through its rolling hills and fertile valleys, providing habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation. These rivers and streams also play a vital role in the region’s agricultural industry, providing irrigation for crops and water for livestock. Some of the notable rivers in Clark County include:

  1. Kentucky River: The Kentucky River forms the northern boundary of Clark County, flowing from east to west before joining the Ohio River near the city of Carrollton. The river is an important waterway for transportation, recreation, and wildlife habitat.
  2. Red River: The Red River flows through the central part of Clark County, originating in Powell County and flowing southward before joining the Kentucky River near the town of Clay The river is popular for fishing, particularly for smallmouth bass, and offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
  3. Lulbegrud Creek: Lulbegrud Creek is a tributary of the Red River, flowing through the eastern part of Clark County before joining the main stem near the town of Winchester. The creek is known for its clear waters and provides opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Lakes:

While Clark County is primarily known for its rivers and streams, there are also several lakes and reservoirs scattered throughout the region. These lakes provide opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking, as well as habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. Some of the notable lakes in Clark County include:

  1. Clark County Lake: Clark County Lake is a man-made reservoir located in the western part of the county, near the town of Winchester. The lake is popular for fishing and offers boat ramps, fishing piers, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.
  2. Barker’s Millpond: Barker’s Millpond is a small lake located in the eastern part of Clark County, near the town of Winchester. The lake is popular for fishing and provides a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike.

Natural Features:

Clark County is home to several natural features, including forests, woodlands, and scenic overlooks, that showcase the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity. Some of the notable natural features in Clark County include:

  1. Red River Gorge: While not located directly within Clark County, the Red River Gorge is easily accessible from the county and offers opportunities to experience the beauty and diversity of the region’s natural landscapes. The gorge features towering sandstone cliffs, scenic overlooks, and numerous hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
  2. Daniel Boone National Forest: Portions of Daniel Boone National Forest extend into Clark County, protecting over 700,000 acres of forested land in eastern Kentucky. The forest offers opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, as well as scenic drives along the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway.

Agriculture:

Agriculture plays a vital role in the economy of Clark County, with the region being one of the leading producers of tobacco, corn, soybeans, and hay in Kentucky. The fertile soil, moderate climate, and abundant water supply from the Kentucky River make it ideal for farming and ranching. Agriculture also contributes to the county’s cultural heritage and identity, with many families having worked the land for generations.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Clark County, Kentucky, is a region of diverse geography, rich history, and natural beauty. From its rolling hills and fertile valleys to its meandering rivers and scenic lakes, the county offers a variety of landscapes and ecosystems to explore and enjoy. Whether you’re fishing along the Kentucky River, hiking through the Red River Gorge, or exploring the historic horse farms of the Bluegrass region, Clark County has something for everyone to experience and appreciate in the great outdoors.

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Geography of Carter County, Kentucky https://www.estatelearning.com/geography-of-carter-county-kentucky.html Thu, 14 Mar 2024 06:16:38 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=2096 Carter County, nestled in the eastern part of the state of Kentucky, is a region of scenic beauty, rugged terrain, and rich cultural heritage. From its rolling hills and dense forests to its winding rivers and serene lakes, Carter County offers a diverse array of geographical features to explore. In this comprehensive overview, we will delve into the geography, climate, rivers, lakes, and other notable aspects of Carter County, Kentucky. Check bittranslators to learn more about the state of Kentucky.

Geography:

Location: Carter County is located in the northeastern part of Kentucky, bordered by the Ohio River to the north, Lawrence County to the east, Elliott County to the south, and Rowan County to the west. It is part of the Appalachian Plateau region and lies within the Eastern Coal Field region of Kentucky.

Topography: The topography of Carter County is characterized by rolling hills, steep ridges, and narrow valleys. The county is situated within the Appalachian Mountains, which extend across much of eastern Kentucky and neighboring states.

Forests: Carter County is home to extensive forests, including hardwoods such as oak, hickory, and maple, as well as conifers such as pine and cedar. The forests provide habitat for diverse wildlife, recreational opportunities, and economic resources for timber production.

Cave Systems: Carter County is known for its extensive cave systems, which are formed by the dissolution of limestone bedrock over millions of years. The county’s caves are popular destinations for spelunkers, researchers, and outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Climate:

Temperate Climate: Carter County experiences a temperate climate, characterized by four distinct seasons, moderate precipitation, and occasional extremes in temperature.

Temperature: Average temperatures in Carter County range from 20°F to 85°F (-7°C to 29°C) throughout the year, with the coldest months occurring from December to February and the warmest months from June to August.

Precipitation: Carter County receives an average of 40 to 45 inches (1,015 to 1,140 mm) of precipitation annually, with rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. Snowfall is common in winter, with average snowfall ranging from 20 to 30 inches (510 to 760 mm) per year.

Severe Weather: Like much of the Appalachian region, Carter County is susceptible to severe weather events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and occasional winter storms. Severe weather can pose risks to residents and property, necessitating preparedness and safety measures.

Rivers and Lakes:

Ohio River: The Ohio River forms the northern border of Carter County, serving as a major transportation artery, recreational resource, and natural boundary. The river provides opportunities for boating, fishing, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities, as well as supporting diverse ecosystems along its banks.

Little Sandy River: The Little Sandy River is a major tributary of the Ohio River that flows through the heart of Carter County. The river provides important habitat for aquatic life, as well as opportunities for fishing, paddling, and scenic beauty along its banks.

Cave Run Lake: While not located directly within Carter County, Cave Run Lake is a popular recreational destination situated just to the west in neighboring Rowan County. The lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing, as well as serving as a water supply for nearby communities.

Historic Sites and Landmarks:

Carter Caves State Resort Park: Carter Caves State Resort Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and nature appreciation. The park features a network of caves, hiking trails, campgrounds, and recreational facilities, as well as interpretive programs and guided cave tours for visitors of all ages.

Grayson Lake State Park: Grayson Lake State Park is another popular recreational destination located in Carter County. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping, as well as picnicking areas and scenic overlooks.

Historic Downtown Grayson: The town of Grayson, the county seat of Carter County, boasts a charming historic downtown district with well-preserved buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can explore local shops, restaurants, and historic sites, as well as attend community events and festivals throughout the year.

Outdoor Recreation:

Hiking and Camping: Carter County offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and nature walks. The county is home to several parks, trails, and natural areas that provide scenic vistas, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures for visitors of all ages.

Fishing and Boating: With its proximity to the Ohio River, Little Sandy River, and Cave Run Lake, Carter County is an ideal destination for fishing and boating enthusiasts. The rivers and lakes offer abundant opportunities to catch a variety of freshwater fish, as well as opportunities for boating, kayaking, and canoeing.

Hunting and Wildlife Viewing: Carter County is a popular destination for hunting and wildlife viewing, with abundant populations of deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, and other game species. The county’s forests, wetlands, and river valleys provide excellent habitat for wildlife, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.

Conclusion:

Carter County, Kentucky, is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical heritage, and outdoor recreation opportunities. From its rolling hills and dense forests to its winding rivers and serene lakes, the county provides a diverse array of landscapes and attractions to explore. Whether you’re exploring the caves at Carter Caves State Resort Park, fishing along the banks of the Little Sandy River, or hiking through the forests of Grayson Lake State Park, Carter County has something for everyone to discover and enjoy.

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Geography of Clinton County, Kentucky https://www.estatelearning.com/geography-of-clinton-county-kentucky.html Wed, 13 Mar 2024 17:31:56 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=2095 Geography of Clinton County, Kentucky

Clinton County, situated in the south-central region of Kentucky, is a picturesque area known for its rolling hills, fertile farmland, and abundant waterways. Spanning approximately 206 square miles, the county offers a diverse landscape, rich in natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. This article will explore the geography, climate, rivers, lakes, and other notable features that define Clinton County. Check allunitconverters to learn more about the state of Kentucky.

Physical Features:

  • Rolling Hills: Clinton County is characterized by its rolling hills and valleys, typical of the Appalachian Plateau region of Kentucky. The landscape features gentle slopes, wooded ridges, and fertile valleys, providing scenic vistas and a variety of habitats for wildlife. The undulating terrain makes the county ideal for agriculture, with many farms and ranches dotting the countryside.
  • Forests and Woodlands: A significant portion of Clinton County is covered by forests and woodlands, consisting primarily of hardwood trees such as oak, hickory, and maple. These forests provide habitat for a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, squirrels, and songbirds. Hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing are popular activities in the county’s wooded areas, which are also valued for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
  • Waterways: Clinton County is intersected by several waterways, including rivers, creeks, and streams. The primary river in the county is the South Fork Cumberland River, which flows from east to west through the southern part of the county. The river and its tributaries provide habitat for fish, turtles, and other aquatic species and offer opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Additionally, numerous smaller creeks and streams crisscross the county, providing water for livestock, irrigation, and recreational activities.

Climate:

Clinton County experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by four distinct seasons, mild winters, and hot, humid summers.

  • Summer: Summers in Clinton County are typically hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often reaching into the 90s°F (32-37°C). Humidity levels can be high, especially during the peak of summer, making it feel even hotter. Thunderstorms are common during the summer months, bringing heavy rain, lightning, and occasional gusty winds. Despite the heat, summer is a busy time for outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, camping, and boating.
  • Fall: Fall in Clinton County is characterized by mild temperatures, cooler evenings, and colorful foliage. Daytime temperatures gradually decrease, with highs ranging from the 60s to the 70s°F (15-25°C). Fall is a popular time for outdoor recreation such as hiking, hunting, and leaf-peeping, as the countryside transforms into a tapestry of red, orange, and yellow hues.
  • Winter: Winters in Clinton County are relatively mild compared to other parts of the country, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from the 30s to the 40s°F (0-10°C). While snowfall is possible, it is usually light and sporadic, with most precipitation falling as rain. Cold snaps can occur, bringing freezing temperatures and occasional ice storms. Winter activities such as sledding, ice fishing, and hiking are popular in the county’s parks and recreational areas.
  • Spring: Spring in Clinton County is a transitional season marked by warming temperatures, blooming flowers, and increased rainfall. Daytime temperatures gradually rise, with highs ranging from the 50s to the 70s°F (10-25°C). Spring is a time of renewal and growth, with farmers planting crops, wildlife emerging from hibernation, and migratory birds returning to the region. Outdoor activities such as gardening, birdwatching, and nature walks are popular as the county comes alive with new life.

Rivers and Lakes:

  • South Fork Cumberland River: The South Fork Cumberland River is the primary river in Clinton County, flowing from east to west through the southern part of the county. The river originates in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky and joins the main stem of the Cumberland River near the town of Burkesville. The South Fork Cumberland River and its tributaries provide habitat for a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, and crappie, making it a popular destination for anglers of all skill levels.
  • Dale Hollow Lake: Dale Hollow Lake, located just south of Clinton County, is a large reservoir spanning the border between Kentucky and Tennessee. The lake covers approximately 27,000 acres and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Dale Hollow Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, scenic shoreline, and abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts from across the region.

Human Impact:

  • Agriculture: Agriculture is the backbone of Clinton County’s economy, with the majority of the land devoted to farming and ranching activities. The county’s fertile soil, moderate climate, and ample water supply make it ideal for growing a variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, tobacco, and hay. Livestock farming, including cattle, hogs, and poultry, is also prevalent in the county. Agriculture provides jobs, income, and revenue for the county, supporting businesses, families, and communities.
  • Tourism: Tourism is an important industry in Clinton County, driven by its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions. Visitors come from across the region and beyond to explore the county’s scenic landscapes, historic sites, and cultural heritage. Outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and boating are popular in the county’s parks, recreation areas, and waterways. Additionally, the county is home to several historic landmarks, museums, and events that showcase its rich history and heritage.
  • Conservation: Conservation efforts are underway in Clinton County to protect and preserve its natural resources for future generations. Organizations such as the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the Nature Conservancy, and local conservation groups work to conserve open space, protect wildlife habitat, and promote sustainable land use practices. Efforts are also underway to address environmental issues such as soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat fragmentation, with initiatives to restore wetlands, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife corridors.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Clinton County, Kentucky, offers a diverse mix of natural landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant communities. From its rolling hills and fertile valleys to its rivers and woodlands, the county boasts a rich tapestry of geography, climate, and culture. While facing challenges such as urbanization, environmental conservation, and economic development, Clinton County remains a resilient and vibrant community with a deep connection to its land and heritage. Through collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices, the county continues to balance economic growth with the protection of its natural resources, ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.

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Geography of Clarke County, Alabama https://www.estatelearning.com/geography-of-clarke-county-alabama.html Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:46:09 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=2093 Clarke County, Alabama, located in the southeastern United States, is characterized by a diverse geography that includes a mix of forests, rivers, lakes, and varying elevations. Understanding the geography of Clarke County involves exploring its climate, topography, water bodies, and other natural features that contribute to the region’s unique environment. Check ehuacom to learn more about the state of Alabama.

Climate: Clarke County experiences a humid subtropical climate, typical of the southern United States. Summers are hot and humid, with average high temperatures ranging from 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 35 degrees Celsius). Winters are mild, with average lows rarely dropping below freezing. The region receives a substantial amount of rainfall throughout the year, contributing to its lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems.

Topography: The topography of Clarke County is characterized by a mix of flatlands, rolling hills, and pockets of higher elevations. The county is part of the larger Gulf Coastal Plain, a region with relatively low relief compared to other parts of the United States. The landscape is shaped by the presence of rivers and their tributaries, which have carved out valleys and provided fertile soil for agriculture.

Rivers: Several major rivers flow through or alongside Clarke County, influencing its geography and supporting various ecosystems. The Alabama River, one of the major tributaries of the Mobile River, runs along the eastern border of the county. The Tombigbee River, another significant watercourse, flows to the west of Clarke County. These rivers not only contribute to the region’s beauty but also play a crucial role in transportation, commerce, and recreation.

Water Bodies: Clarke County is home to numerous lakes and ponds, contributing to its diverse aquatic environment. Some of the notable lakes include Coffeeville Lake, a reservoir created by the Coffeeville Lock and Dam on the Tombigbee River. This lake serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water supply. Bassett’s Creek Lake and Jackson Lake are also prominent water bodies within the county, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities.

Vegetation and Forests: The geography of Clarke County is adorned with a rich variety of flora, thanks to its favorable climate and abundant water sources. Lush forests cover significant portions of the county, featuring a mix of hardwoods and pines. Longleaf pine forests, in particular, are noteworthy and play a vital role in the local ecosystem. These forests support diverse wildlife and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the region.

Wildlife: The diverse geography of Clarke County provides habitats for a wide range of wildlife species. In the forests, one can find deer, wild turkey, and various small mammals. The rivers and lakes support a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and bream, making the area popular among anglers. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting both migratory and resident bird species, adding to the natural beauty of the region.

Economic Activities: The geography of Clarke County has influenced its economic activities throughout history. The fertile soil along river valleys supports agriculture, with crops like soybeans, cotton, and timber being significant contributors to the local economy. The rivers facilitate transportation and trade, connecting Clarke County to larger regional markets. Additionally, outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing, has become an important economic driver, attracting visitors who appreciate the county’s natural amenities.

Historical Significance: The geography of Clarke County has played a crucial role in its historical development. The rivers served as transportation routes for Native American communities long before European settlers arrived. The fertile land along the rivers attracted early settlers who established farms and plantations. Today, remnants of historical sites, including antebellum homes and Civil War-era structures, dot the landscape, providing a glimpse into Clarke County’s rich history.

Challenges and Conservation: While the natural geography of Clarke County is a source of pride, it also faces challenges related to environmental conservation. Balancing economic development with the preservation of natural resources is an ongoing concern. Efforts to protect water quality, preserve wildlife habitats, and sustainably manage forests are crucial for maintaining the ecological health of the region.

In conclusion, the geography of Clarke County, Alabama, is a dynamic tapestry of rivers, lakes, forests, and varying topography. The interplay of these natural elements has shaped the county’s climate, influenced its economic activities, and contributed to its historical and cultural identity. As Clarke County continues to evolve, a thoughtful approach to environmental stewardship is essential to ensure the continued well-being of its diverse ecosystems.

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Landmarks in United Arab Emirates https://www.estatelearning.com/landmarks-in-united-arab-emirates.html Sun, 10 Mar 2024 02:03:03 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=2089 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a nation of remarkable contrasts, where ancient traditions and modern aspirations coexist harmoniously. From futuristic skyscrapers and luxurious shopping malls to historic forts and cultural centers, the landmarks of the UAE paint a vivid picture of a nation that embraces both its rich heritage and its forward-looking ambitions. In this exploration, we will delve into some of the most significant landmarks in the United Arab Emirates, each contributing to the nation’s identity as a global hub of innovation, commerce, and culture.

Dubai – The City of Superlatives

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa, soaring at 828 meters, stands as the world’s tallest building and an iconic symbol of Dubai’s skyline. Designed by Adrian Smith of the architectural firm SOM, the Burj Khalifa is an engineering marvel, featuring a sleek design inspired by Islamic architecture. Visitors can ascend to the observation decks on the upper floors for breathtaking views of the city and beyond.

Dubai Mall

Adjacent to the Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations. With over 1,200 shops, an indoor ice rink, an aquarium, and numerous dining options, the Dubai Mall offers a sensory-rich experience. The mall’s centerpiece, the Dubai Fountain, is an expansive water and light show set against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa.

Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree, is a testament to Dubai’s ambition for innovative urban development. Home to luxurious resorts, residential complexes, and entertainment facilities, Palm Jumeirah has become an iconic symbol of opulence. The Atlantis, The Palm resort, with its distinctive architecture, is a prominent landmark on the palm-shaped island.

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina, a man-made canal city, exemplifies modern urban planning with its sleek skyscrapers, waterfront promenades, and luxury yachts. The Marina Walk, lined with cafes and shops, offers stunning views of the surrounding skyline. At its heart is the twisting Cayan Tower, an architectural marvel that adds to the area’s distinctive skyline.

Abu Dhabi – The Capital of the UAE

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, located in Abu Dhabi, is a breathtaking architectural masterpiece and a symbol of the country’s Islamic heritage. Named after the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the mosque features intricate white marble, domes, and minarets adorned with floral designs. The main prayer hall houses the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, adding to the mosque’s grandeur.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a cultural beacon that combines art, architecture, and history. Designed by Jean Nouvel, the museum features a vast silver dome that appears to float above the galleries. The museum’s collection spans civilizations and time periods, providing a cross-cultural journey through human creativity. The Louvre Abu Dhabi reflects the UAE’s commitment to promoting global cultural exchange.

Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan, also known as the Presidential Palace, is a testament to Arabian architecture and craftsmanship. Visitors can explore the palace’s stunning interiors, including the Great Hall and the Library of Qasr Al Watan. The palace serves as a venue for official state events and showcases the UAE’s governance and cultural heritage.

Sharjah – The Cultural Capital

Sharjah Arts Museum

The Sharjah Arts Museum is a cultural hub that celebrates the visual arts in the region. It houses a diverse collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, reflecting the rich heritage and contemporary expressions of the Middle East. The museum plays a pivotal role in fostering artistic dialogue and appreciation.

Al Noor Island

Al Noor Island, an urban oasis in Sharjah, combines nature, art, and architecture. The Butterfly House, with its tropical environment and diverse butterfly species, is a key attraction. The island’s design, featuring sculptures and interactive installations, creates a harmonious space for contemplation and creativity.

Ras Al Khaimah – Historical Gems

Dhayah Fort

Dhayah Fort, perched on a hilltop overlooking the town of Dhayah, is a historic fortress that played a strategic role in defending against British forces in the 19th century. The fort’s distinctive architecture and panoramic views make it a popular destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking scenic landscapes.

Jebel Jais

Jebel Jais, part of the Hajar Mountains, is the highest peak in the UAE, offering spectacular views and a cooler climate. The Jebel Jais Flight, a zipline experience, allows adventurers to soar through the mountains, providing an adrenaline-pumping perspective of the rugged terrain.

Al Ain – The Garden City

Al Jahili Fort

Al Jahili Fort, located in Al Ain, is a historic fortress that dates back to the late 19th century. Built to protect the city and its palm groves, the fort features impressive architecture and hosts exhibitions, including the captivating photography of Wilfred Thesiger. The surrounding gardens add to the fort’s allure.

Al Ain Oasis

According to baglib, The Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a sprawling palm oasis that reflects traditional agricultural practices. The ancient falaj irrigation system sustains the lush greenery, creating a serene environment. Visitors can explore the shaded pathways and learn about the importance of oasis culture in the region.

Fujairah – Coastal Charms

Al Bidya Mosque

Al Bidya Mosque, located in Fujairah, is the UAE’s oldest known mosque, dating back to the 15th century. The mosque’s simple yet elegant design includes a prayer hall, a mihrab, and a minaret. Al Bidya Mosque is a testament to the country’s rich Islamic heritage.

Fujairah Fort

Fujairah Fort, overlooking the city and the Indian Ocean, is a historic fortress that served as a defensive structure for the region. The fort’s strategic location provides panoramic views, and its architecture reflects the traditional construction methods of the time.

Ajman – Coastal Tranquility

Ajman Museum

Housed in the 18th-century Al Rashidiya Fort, the Ajman Museum provides insights into the emirate’s history and cultural heritage. The museum’s exhibits include artifacts, traditional Emirati crafts, and maritime history displays. The fort’s architecture and the surrounding gardens create a serene atmosphere.

Umm Al-Quwain – Historical Residences

Umm Al-Quwain Fort

Umm Al-Quwain Fort, situated on the coast, is a historic structure that served as a residence for the ruling family. The fort’s architecture includes coral stones and gypsum, showcasing traditional construction methods. Visitors can explore the fort’s rooms, towers, and courtyards.

Ajman – Coastal Tranquility

Ajman Museum

Housed in the 18th-century Al Rashidiya Fort, the Ajman Museum provides insights into the emirate’s history and cultural heritage. The museum’s exhibits include artifacts, traditional Emirati crafts, and maritime history displays. The fort’s architecture and the surrounding gardens create a serene atmosphere.

Conclusion

The landmarks of the United Arab Emirates encapsulate the nation’s dynamic spirit, from the ultramodern skyline of Dubai to the historic forts of Fujairah. These landmarks reflect the UAE’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while embracing innovation and progress.

As the UAE continues to shape its future on the global stage, these landmarks serve as beacons, guiding the way forward. Whether marveling at the Burj Khalifa’s heights, exploring the cultural treasures of Abu Dhabi, or embracing the tranquility of ancient forts, visitors to the UAE encounter a diverse tapestry of experiences that mirror the country’s multifaceted identity.

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Geography of Beaufort County, North Carolina https://www.estatelearning.com/geography-of-beaufort-county-north-carolina.html Tue, 05 Mar 2024 06:42:52 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=2088 Beaufort County, located in the eastern part of North Carolina, is a region with a rich tapestry of landscapes, including riverfront areas, wetlands, and agricultural plains. The county’s geography, shaped by its proximity to the Pamlico Sound and various water bodies, plays a significant role in its economic activities and cultural heritage. Understanding the geography of Beaufort County involves exploring its climate, water features, landforms, and the intersection of urban and rural environments.

Geography:

Topography and Landforms: According to Extrareference, Beaufort County exhibits a diverse topography that includes low-lying coastal plains, wetlands, and river valleys. The county is part of the Inner Banks region of North Carolina, characterized by its intricate network of rivers, sounds, and estuaries. The landscape is relatively flat, with elevations gradually rising from the coastline inland.

The Pamlico River, which borders the county to the south and west, is a defining geographic feature that influences the region’s hydrology and aesthetics.

Climate:

Beaufort County experiences a humid subtropical climate, typical of the southeastern United States. The climate is characterized by mild winters, warm summers, and a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound moderates temperature extremes.

Summer temperatures often reach the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures generally stay above freezing. The climate supports a variety of vegetation and contributes to the county’s lush, green landscapes.

Rivers and Waterways: Beaufort County is crisscrossed by an extensive network of rivers, sounds, and waterways, making water a central feature of its geography. The Pamlico River, which forms part of the county’s southern border, is a major river that flows into the Pamlico Sound. The Pungo River and the Pamlico Sound also contribute to the county’s water resources.

Numerous smaller rivers and creeks, including the Tar River and the Pocosin River, meander through the county, providing habitats for wildlife and supporting local ecosystems. These waterways also serve as conduits for transportation and recreational activities.

Lakes and Wetlands: While Beaufort County does not have large natural lakes, it is home to various wetlands, swamps, and estuarine areas. The Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, located in the county, encompasses a significant portion of these wetlands, providing critical habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife.

The interconnected network of wetlands and estuaries contributes to the county’s ecological diversity and resilience.

Flora and Fauna:

Beaufort County’s diverse ecosystems support a rich array of flora and fauna. The wetlands and estuarine areas provide habitat for a variety of bird species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds. The region is also home to fish species that thrive in brackish and freshwater environments.

Marshes and swamps contribute to the county’s ecological health, serving as breeding grounds for fish and providing natural flood control.

Agriculture:

Agriculture is a significant part of Beaufort County’s economy and geography. The fertile plains along the rivers and sounds support the cultivation of crops such as soybeans, corn, cotton, and peanuts. Additionally, the county is known for its seafood industry, with commercial fishing and aquaculture playing a crucial role.

Shrimp, oysters, and blue crabs are harvested from the local waters, contributing to the county’s economy and culinary traditions. The intersection of agriculture and coastal resources highlights the county’s economic diversity.

Urban and Rural Environments:

Beaufort County is characterized by a mix of urban and rural environments. Washington, the county seat, serves as an urban center with historical significance. It is situated along the Pamlico River and features a blend of historic architecture, cultural amenities, and waterfront areas.

The rural areas of the county consist of small towns, farmland, and natural landscapes. The balance between urban and rural environments reflects the county’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty while fostering economic development.

Waterfront Communities and Tourism:

The presence of water bodies, including the Pamlico River and the Pamlico Sound, has contributed to the development of waterfront communities in Beaufort County. These communities, such as Washington and Bath, attract residents and visitors with their picturesque waterfront settings, historical charm, and recreational opportunities.

The county’s waterfront areas are hubs for tourism, offering activities such as boating, fishing, and exploring historical sites. Tourism contributes to the local economy and showcases the natural and cultural attractions of the region.

Cultural and Historical Sites:

Beaufort County has a rich cultural and historical heritage, evident in its historic sites and landmarks. Bath, the oldest town in North Carolina, is known for its well-preserved historic district, including the Palmer-Marsh House and St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

The North Carolina Estuarium in Washington educates visitors about the local estuarine ecosystems and the importance of preserving coastal environments. Historic homes, museums, and festivals celebrate the county’s history and cultural diversity.

Transportation and Connectivity:

Beaufort County is accessible by a network of highways, including U.S. Route 17 and U.S. Route 264, facilitating travel within the county and connecting it to neighboring regions. The county’s waterways also play a role in transportation, with boat traffic serving as a historic and practical means of moving goods and people.

The Washington-Warren Field Airport provides general aviation services, while residents also have access to larger airports in nearby cities for air travel.

Conclusion:

Beaufort County, North Carolina, with its water-rich landscapes, agricultural plains, and historical significance, stands as a region shaped by its natural resources and cultural heritage. The Pamlico River, estuarine environments, and the balance between urban and rural spaces contribute to the county’s identity, offering a mix of economic activities, recreational opportunities, and historical charm. As residents and visitors explore the waterways, engage in cultural experiences, and appreciate the natural beauty, they become part of the dynamic tapestry that defines the unique geography and heritage of Beaufort County.

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Geography of Allamakee County, Iowa https://www.estatelearning.com/geography-of-allamakee-county-iowa.html Mon, 04 Mar 2024 04:16:41 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=2086 Geography of Allamakee County, Iowa

Allamakee County, located in the northeastern part of Iowa, is a region of stunning natural beauty, rugged bluffs, and fertile valleys. Encompassing approximately 640 square miles, the county is known for its scenic landscapes, winding rivers, pristine lakes, and rich agricultural land. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the intricate details of Allamakee County’s geography, including its climate, rivers, lakes, and notable landmarks.

Geographical Features:

According to ethnicityology, Allamakee County’s landscape is characterized by its diverse topography, which includes rolling hills, wooded valleys, and towering bluffs carved by ancient glaciers. The county is situated within the Driftless Area, a region of the Midwest that was left untouched by glaciation during the last Ice Age, resulting in its distinctive landscape of rugged hills and valleys.

The eastern part of Allamakee County is dominated by the bluffs and valleys of the Mississippi River Valley, which offers stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside. The western part of the county is characterized by fertile farmland and gently rolling hills, which provide habitat for diverse wildlife and support the county’s agricultural industry.

Climate:

Allamakee County experiences a humid continental climate, with four distinct seasons characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The region’s climate is influenced by its location in the interior of the North American continent, which results in significant temperature variations and precipitation patterns throughout the year.

Summer temperatures in Allamakee County can be warm, with highs averaging in the 80s°F (27-32°C), while winter temperatures are cold, with highs averaging in the 20s°F to 30s°F (-6 to -1°C) and lows often dropping below freezing. The county receives the majority of its precipitation during the spring and summer months, with occasional thunderstorms bringing heavy rainfall to the region.

Rivers and Waterways:

Allamakee County is intersected by several rivers and waterways that flow through its scenic landscapes, providing vital habitats for wildlife and offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and recreational activities. The Mississippi River, one of the county’s major waterways, forms its eastern border and serves as a natural boundary between Iowa and Wisconsin.

In addition to the Mississippi River, Allamakee County is home to several other notable rivers and streams, including the Upper Iowa River, the Yellow River, and the Turkey River. These waterways not only support local ecosystems but also play a vital role in agriculture, recreation, and the region’s economy.

Lakes and Reservoirs:

Allamakee County is dotted with numerous lakes and reservoirs, which offer scenic beauty and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Lake Meyer, located near Calmar, is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and picnicking, with its tranquil waters and scenic surroundings attracting outdoor enthusiasts from across the region.

In addition to Lake Meyer, Allamakee County is home to several other picturesque lakes and reservoirs, including Lake Onalaska and the Upper Iowa Lake. These water bodies provide serene settings for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and leisurely strolls along their shores, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the county’s natural beauty.

Notable Landmarks:

Beyond its natural features, Allamakee County boasts several notable landmarks and attractions that showcase its rich history and cultural heritage. The Effigy Mounds National Monument, located near Harper’s Ferry, is home to a collection of ancient Native American burial mounds, which date back over 1,000 years and offer insights into the region’s prehistoric past.

Another iconic landmark in Allamakee County is the Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center, located in Lansing. The center offers exhibits, educational programs, and guided tours that highlight the unique geology, ecology, and cultural heritage of the Driftless Area, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about the region’s natural history and conservation efforts.

In conclusion, Allamakee County, Iowa, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural heritage. From its rugged bluffs and scenic rivers to its historic landmarks and cultural attractions, the county’s geography reflects the timeless allure of the Driftless Area. Whether exploring its pristine wilderness areas, fishing in its crystal-clear lakes, or discovering its ancient history, Allamakee County invites visitors to experience the beauty and wonder of Iowa’s northeastern corner.

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Bay of Islands, New Zealand https://www.estatelearning.com/bay-of-islands-new-zealand.html Fri, 10 Feb 2023 07:23:48 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1748 The Bay of Islands, or the Bay of Islands, is a subtropical microregion in northern New Zealand. This is a real paradise for yachtsmen, divers, beach lovers and active water recreation just half an hour from Auckland. It got its name because of the 144 small islands scattered between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. The resort also includes the towns of Opua, Peihia, Kerikeri and Russell, famous for the fact that James Cook is considered the first European to set foot on its land. The Bay of Islands managed to preserve its originality, and today people come here, among other things, to get acquainted with the culture of the natives – the Maori people. See CITYPOPULATIONREVIEW for weather information.

How to get to the Bay of Islands

In the towns of the Bay of Islands there are several helipads, a small airstrip in Kerikeri. Large liners land only in Auckland. Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand fly here from Moscow, 28 hours on the way, changing in Singapore. Tourist shuttles and regular buses run from Auckland Airport to the Bay of Islands (240 km) (you will need to change in Auckland itself). Travel time is 6-7 hours.

A more convenient option is to fly to Auckland and take a plane to Kerikeri. Every day Air New Zealand operates 3 flights there, the flight time is 50 minutes. The airport is located in the southwestern suburbs, and you can get to your destination from there by shuttle or taxi. A shuttle ride to Paihia costs 13-28 NZD, a taxi costs 79-100 NZD. You can buy a ticket at carrier’s website (in English).

Transport

Between the towns of the resort they move either by buses – regular or chartered, or by taxi. You can rent a car, for example, at Kerikeri Airport. But the vast majority of tourists buy package tours, the cost of which includes accommodation, entertainment and transfers. Parking in the towns is free, cars are parked along the streets and in large parking lots.

A taxi ride between neighboring cities costs 65-80 NZD, cars must be called in advance or taken at special parking lots.

Passenger-and-freight ferries run between the major islands. There are many bike rentals.

Bay of Islands Hotels

Despite the fact that the Bay of Islands looks like a paradise, rest here is affordable even for a mere mortal. Of course, when choosing budget options, you need to be prepared that you will have to live at a relative distance from the beaches. However, lodges for 85-131 NZD for two are popular with active tourists who only need a roof over their heads from housing. A place in the campsite will cost about the same price (the use of a barbecue, toilet and shower are included).

The most expensive options are rooms and bungalows with sea views in coastal hotel complexes in Russell. A night in a stunning hotel will cost 3,000 NZD for two with breakfast.

Well, most tourists choose not so luxurious, but very good in terms of price-quality ratio, 3-4 * hotels for 150-325 NZD within the city.

Beaches

The Bay of Islands and its surrounding areas are home to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches. All of them are sandy, with a wall of virgin forest and clear azure water. There are only three beach clusters directly in the bay itself – in Peihia, Oneroa and Oka. All of them are without sunbeds and umbrellas, but due to the proximity to the urban infrastructure, you do not notice these shortcomings. But on many beaches you can rent a boat or diving equipment.

The beaches of the city of Paihia are perhaps the most popular in the resort. This is a great place for swimming, sunbathing and picnics just around the corner from numerous cafes, shops and hotels. It is suitable for lovers of swimming, fishing and families with children – there is a large playground.

In the southern part of the city, Sullivan Beach seems to be hidden (GPS coordinates: −35.288128, 174.099719). This is a very quiet place for romantics, you can get here only on foot, bypassing the rocks.

Located in Russell Oneroa, or Long Beach, this beach is a favorite with both locals and tourists (Russell, Long Beach Road 32). Its long (about 1 km) golden strip is located in the eastern part of the town. Oneroa is just a 20-minute walk from the pier where ferries from Paihia arrive. The entry into the sea here is very shallow, so a significant part of the visitors are families with small children. After water procedures, you can sunbathe on the velvet sand (there are no sunbeds) and admire the nearest islands of Motuarohia and Motukauri.

Another top beach, Oke, is located 29 km from Russell, on Cape Brett (Rowity, Rowity Road, 147). It is especially beautiful at low tide and ideal for swimming and dolphin watching. Oke is a great place for a romantic sunset stroll.

Cuisine and restaurants of the Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands food has completely different formats. At expensive hotels, excellent restaurants with terraces and sea views are open. Of course, you will have to spend money there – not the most satisfying, but very beautiful dinner with a steak and New Zealand or Australian wine will cost 200-220 NZD. In the towns, coffee houses and simple cafes are common, which serve mostly freshly prepared fish. There, dinner costs about 100 NZD per person. Local fast food is also based on seafood. A typical dish is deep-fried smelt fish with potatoes. You take such a bag, a bottle of cold beer – and go to the beach!

Things to do

As already mentioned, almost all tourists here are package tourists. Vouchers can also be bought on the spot, for example, in Kerikeri. Everyone includes everything they want in the voucher: excursions to the islands, diving courses, participation in Maori rituals, helicopter rides, fishing, off-road trips.

Among the must-see places: a rock with a cave on Percy Island near Cape Brett. It is especially impressive when the boat accelerates and rushes through the natural grotto at maximum speed. Often a ship with tourists is accompanied by dolphins – there are a lot of them here.

Another “must-see” that will help you delve deeper into the culture of New Zealand is Waitangi. It was here that an agreement was concluded between Great Britain and the Maori tribes, which actually laid the foundation for the statehood of New Zealand. During the tour, guests are introduced to the history of the Bay of Islands Aboriginals and invited to participate in some of the rituals.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

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Konstantinovy ​​Lazne, Czech Republic https://www.estatelearning.com/konstantinovy-%e2%80%8b%e2%80%8blazne-czech-republic.html Fri, 03 Feb 2023 07:40:56 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1745 Konstantinovy ​​Lazne is a resort town in the Czech Republic, located 120 km from Prague and 60 km from Karlovy Vary at an altitude of 510 m above sea level. It is located in the famous resort triangle “Karlovy Vary – Marianske Lazne – Frantiskovy Lazne”. According to petwithsupplies, Konstantinovy ​​Lazne is one of the largest cities in Czech Republic.

Nature and a calm atmosphere help to relax and promote quality rest and treatment. Picturesque nature, complemented by cozy residential buildings and small pavilions with mineral springs, distinguishes Konstantinovy ​​Lazne from other Czech resorts. An obligatory point of the program for vacationers is a visit to one of the restaurants serving the incomparable herbal liqueur Konstantin.

How to get there

You can get to the resort either through Prague or through Karlovy Vary. Flights from Moscow to Prague and Karlovy Vary are carried out daily by Aeroflot and Czech Airlines, the flight time is a little less than 3 hours.

Further to Konstantinovy ​​Lazne can be reached by train or bus. By train, the journey takes 1.5–2 hours, the ticket price varies from 180 to 220 CZK, by bus – an hour and 130 CZK..

Treatment in Konstantinovy ​​Lazne

The spa town Lazne was founded in the 16th century next to the sulfur spring of the same name, where patients with ailments of the cardiovascular system, rheumatism and problems with the digestive system were successfully treated. In 1837, the resort Lazne was bought by Prince Konstantin von Lowenstein, after whom the health resort was later named. Gradually, the resort developed, new buildings were built, hotels and sanatoriums were opened.

In 1837, the resort Lazne was bought by Prince Konstantin von Lowenstein, after whom the health resort was later named.

Since 1955, the main specialization of Konstantinovy ​​Lazne is the diagnosis, treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system and recovery after treatment. It also successfully treats diseases of the musculoskeletal system and the respiratory system, metabolic disorders.

The healing methods used here are based primarily on the natural healing properties of mineral carbonic water, which is heated to +34 ° C and used for baths. Compared to other spas in the Czech Republic, the mineral water of Konstantinovy ​​Lazne has a unique composition with the highest content of carbon dioxide (3638.0 mg/l). The so-called dry carbon dioxide baths are also used here, and carbon dioxide is used for subcutaneous gas injections.

Entertainment and attractions

The surroundings of Konstantinovy ​​Lazne are excellent for walking tours used for the rehabilitation treatment of spa patients. More than 80 km of hiking trails lead to such historical monuments as the ruins of the castles Krasikov, Gutstein, Falkenstein.

The castle in Bezdruzhitsy, built in the Renaissance, is famous for its amazing murals. Its main attraction is the scene of the birth of Christ depicted on glass. We also recommend a walk to the castle in Matenin, the pearl of the Czech Baroque, the monasteries in Teplá and Kladruby, the Kladské peatlands nature reserve and other natural and historical monuments.

Strzybro is no less popular – part of the ancient city wall and a beautiful tower that have survived to this day. There is also a 13th-century Franciscan monastery, which houses a museum dedicated to the mining of lead and silver. In the vicinity of Stříbro, there are hiking trails with a tour of buildings related to mining.

Cultural events

Konstantinovy ​​Lazne hosts several annual events worthy of attention. In May, the solemn opening of the spa season takes place, during which healing springs are consecrated. In July, in the spa park, the “Symposium of stonemasons” is held, and in August – the convention of wood carvers.

Perhaps the resort’s most notable event is the Nordic Walking World Championship. This sport (or even recreation) began to gain popularity in the 1990s and every year attracts more and more people.

Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a football field, volleyball courts, tennis courts and mini golf. In summer you can rent mountain bikes and in winter you can play table tennis, curling or petanque. Mushroom pickers will also be happy – in the surrounding forests you can perfectly “hunt”.

Weather in Konstantinovy ​​Lazne

The climate in the area of ​​the resort Konstantinovy ​​Lazne is temperate: winters are warm and humid (average temperature from 0 to -5 °C), summers are warm (about +20 °C). Precipitation is 500–700 mm per year. In general, the natural and climatic conditions of the resort have a healing effect throughout the year, and the health resorts of Konstantinovy ​​Lazne work all year round.

Konstantinovy ​​Lazne, Czech Republic

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Living in Singapore https://www.estatelearning.com/living-in-singapore.html Fri, 30 Dec 2022 03:22:47 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1740 Singapore Hotels

The main advantage of Singapore hotels is a consistently high level of service. Here are the main world brands The Ritz Carlton, Kempinski, Swissotel, Raffles Hotels, JW Mariott, cozy boutique hotels, nice hostels and large-scale resort complexes. Since the entire infrastructure of the country is built with the expectation of public transport, it will not be difficult to get to any hotel.

There are also hotels with an unusual concept, for example, The Outpost Hotel on Sentosa will not accommodate children under 12 years old, the interiors of Hotel Clover The Arts are decorated with unique works of art, and The Vagabond Club, located in an old art deco building, has a unique collection of 1000 bottles of the finest whiskeys.

Note: according to allcitypopulation, the population of Singapore is 5.454 million (2021).

The most expensive establishments are located on Orchard Road, Raffles Place and in the Marina Bay area. Modern business hotels are located in the center, boutiques are located on Sentosa Island. Middle-class housing is easiest to find on the west coast of the Singapore River: prices there are affordable, conditions are decent, and the atmosphere is calm. Fans of non-stop entertainment can stay right in the Universal Studios park, where 6 hotels are open at once.

In Singapore, something is constantly being built, and the law prohibiting noise at night is only valid in residential areas. Choosing a hotel outside of their limits is the risk of being left without sleep for the entire vacation.

The cheapest hotels and hostels are in Chinatown, the railway station area and the Red Light District, but whether it is worth risking security for the sake of economy is a moot point. The average cost of a night in a clean and comfortable hostel is 20-50 SGD, rooms in a 2 * hotel – from 80 SGD, in 5 * – from 200-280 SGD per day.

The mains voltage in Singapore is 230V, adapters are required for three-prong sockets, they are issued free of charge in hotels.

Money

The currency of the country is the Singapore dollar (SGD), in 1 dollar 100 cents. Current exchange rate: 1 SGD = 41.52 RUB (1 USD = 1.39 SGD, 1 EUR = 1.46 SGD).

Currency in Singapore is changed at banks and official Licensed Money Changer exchangers located in hotels, shopping centers and at some metro stations. On weekdays, banks are open from 9:30 to 16:30, on Saturdays – until 13:00, Sunday is a day off. The opening hours of most exchange offices are 10:00–17:00, in some places the regime has been extended until 20:00. You can change money immediately upon arrival, in the arrivals area or at the baggage claim desk. The most favorable exchange rate is in Little India exchange offices. Russian rubles are not accepted for exchange, therefore it is better to take euros or dollars with you.

You need to be careful in a cafe: sometimes prices are excluding VAT (7%) and service charge (10%). For purchases over 100 SGD, VAT can be refunded by taking a refund receipt from the seller.

Tipping in Singapore is not accepted, but the most generous tourists still reward maids, administrators and porters 1-2 SGD for their efforts.

Bank cards are accepted everywhere, they can even pay for taxi fares, although in this case a commission of up to 15% is added to the standard fare. ATMs only dispense local currency (from 20 to 2000 SGD per transaction), many of them do not accept Russian credit cards, so it is better to always have cash in reserve with you.

How to avoid problems

Rules and prohibitions lie in wait for a relaxed traveler in Singapore at every step: be vigilant and carefully read the inscriptions on all prohibition signs. Gambling and chewing gum are prohibited in the country. For chewing it itself, a tourist will not be punished, but if he spit it out on the sidewalk past the trash can, the fine will be high. Garbage thrown on the street is subject to a fine of 300-1000 SGD, and for a second violation, they may well be put in jail. Garbage thrown on the street is subject to a fine of 300-1000 SGD, and for a second violation, they may well be put in jail. Smoking in closed public places, buses, elevators, cinemas, theaters, government agencies, restaurants and shops is prohibited, the fine is the same – 500-1000 SGD. You can pay 500 SGD for crossing the road in the wrong place, the same amount will be taken for eating on public transport or driving in a car without a seat belt.

The crime rate in the country is very low: you can literally leave things, documents and even money anywhere – they will not be stolen. When visiting temples and mosques, hands and feet must be covered with clothing. When entering Indian temples and mosques, it is supposed to take off your shoes, the same should be done when entering the houses and apartments of local residents. It is forbidden to take pictures and video camera images of the Buddha in Buddhist temples.

Tap water in Singapore is sanitized and drinkable.

As of Spring 2022, the wearing of masks in public places in Singapore is mandatory.

To better endure the heat, it is better to wear light cotton clothing. At the same time, do not forget about the air conditioning systems with which almost all shops and office buildings are stuffed here: a jumper with long sleeves will definitely not be superfluous.

Embassy of Russia in Singapore: Nassim Road, 51; tel.: (6) 235-18-34, 235-18-32, website.

Police: 999, Fire: 995, Ambulance: 995.

Living in Singapore

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Queenstown, New Zealand https://www.estatelearning.com/queenstown-new-zealand.html Fri, 23 Dec 2022 03:23:07 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1741 Queenstown is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand. It was here that the main scenes of the Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed, but tourists come here not only to look at the holes of the hobbits. Extreme lovers love Queenstown: there are excellent conditions for kayaking and jet boating and bungee jumping – it is especially beautiful to do this on a suspension bridge across the Kawarau Gorge.

Note: according to allcitypopulation, the population of New Zealand is 5.123 million (2021).

In winter, there are numerous resorts, and all year round – all 75 wineries in the region, where you can try the local Pinot Noir, which local winemakers are especially proud of.

Transportation

There is a bus service between New Zealand cities, however, the prices are expensive: a ticket from Wellington to Auckland will cost about 62-88 NZD. Ferries run regularly between the North and South Islands, travel time is from 2 to 3 hours. It is better to book tickets in advance. To rent a car, you will have to fork out 195 NZD per day (insurance included).

A city bus ride costs from 4.55 NZD. Taxis are widely available and cost 7-8 NZD per kilometer. The prices on the page are for October 2022.

On a note

Spirits in Queenstown are sold only in specialized Bottle Stores, but some restaurants allow you to bring your own spirits: their doors are marked with a BYO (Bring Your Own) sign.

Entertainment and attractions of Queenstown

In the Queenstown area are the three main bungee in New Zealand:

  • 43m Kawarau Bridge (23km to the northeast)
  • 47-meter Ledge on a mountain above the city, from where it is allowed to jump in any position (wonderful view of the city)
  • the highest in the country 134-meter Nevis-Higher, where they are thrown down in a special gondola

A scattering of unique natural attractions in Queenstown complements Kaikoura – a place where you can watch whales.

During the winter months, Remarkables Skifield is ready to host extreme sports enthusiasts. Another great place is Wanaka, a typical mountain village that offers its own slopes for skiers of all skill levels. You can get to Wanaka from Quenstuan in 1.5 hours. The approximate cost of a bus ticket is 20-25 USD. Nearby is the Snowpark NZ resort, where the entire ski elite comes in the summer.

To visit New Zealand and not visit the Maori tribes is unforgivable stupidity. Here you can not only stare at the unusual, but surprisingly hospitable indigenous people of these harsh lands, but also learn from them the art of applying combat makeup, the subtleties in search of a giant three-meter ostrich dinornis.

3 things to do in Queenstown

  1. Feel free to climb the Luge ride, which is an 800-meter concrete jump track for special three-wheeled karts descending from the mountain – “luge”.
  2. Organize a picnic near the Chard Farm Vineyard, the main treat of which will be delicious wine purchased in the neighboring cellars.
  3. Reach Skipper Canyon Maori Point (Maori Point), where, according to history, two Maori miners found gold in 1862. What should you dig – suddenly the gold diggers were inattentive!

Milford sound

Milford Sound is the place where The Lord of the Rings was filmed, landscapes of stunning beauty, rainforest of the Mesozoic era, ferns and horsetails in human growth. The secret of the flora and fauna of Milford Sound is in an amazing climate: on the one hand, snowfalls covering the mountains, on the other, warm waters that have nourished the forest for millions of years.

From the fjord of Milford Sound, the 54-kilometer Milford track begins: many waterfalls, lush vegetation, mountain peaks and kiwi birds under your feet are available.

You can get there either by plane with one landing (on the way one hour of summer). Or five hours by car on exciting roads with picturesque surroundings.

Fishing in Queenstown

If you were indifferent to fishing before visiting Queenstown, the local open spaces will certainly whet your appetite for fishing. Especially the coast is famous for fishing for trout at any time of the year. It’s not enough to cast a line, go on a cruise. Moreover, you should not aimlessly plow the expanses of the ocean, but set the goal of your trip to visit the abandoned Benedictine monasteries located at the very bottom of the craters of extinct volcanoes. Moreover, in one of these monasteries, New Zealand volcanologists created an extreme entertainment: descending into the very thickness of seething volcanic magma in a special capsule with powerful thermal insulation. There will be more joy than from catching an ordinary fish.

Queenstown, New Zealand

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Alaskan Way Viaduct and Cable Bridge, Washington https://www.estatelearning.com/alaskan-way-viaduct-and-cable-bridge-washington.html Fri, 16 Dec 2022 13:50:03 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1738 Alaskan Way Viaduct
Alaskan Way Viaduct
Spans Seattle
Lanes 2×3
Total length 3,450 + 1,220 meters
Main span ? meter
Bridge deck height ? meter
Opening 04-04-1953
Traffic intensity 71,000 mvt/day
Location Map

According to ablogtophone.com, the Alaskan Way Viaduct was a United States overpass located in the city of Seattle. The viaduct consisted of two parts of approximately 3,450 + 1,220 meters. State Route 99 ran over the viaduct. The viaduct near the center has been replaced by the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement tunnel.

Characteristics

The Alaskan Way Viaduct.

The Alaskan Way Viaduct actually consisted of two separate viaducts. The South Viaduct was located in the Seattle Harbor area and was approximately 1,220 meters long. There was a connection to the West Seattle Bridge. This part of the viaduct has 2×2 lanes. This is followed by an approximately 900 meter long section at ground level, after which the second, actual Alaskan Way Viaduct began.

The second part went first through the harbor area, and further north along the center of Seattle. The overpass separated Downtown Seattle from Puget Sound and had 2×3 lanes. Parts of the viaduct were double-decked. This viaduct was 3,450 meters long. The overpass had some connections to downtown Seattle. On the north side, the viaduct connected to the Battery Street Tunnel.

History

The demolition of the viaduct in 2019.

The Alaskan Way Viaduct was built in the early 1950’s as a quick route along Downtown Seattle. The viaduct opened to traffic on April 4, 1953. Shortly afterwards, the connecting Battery Street Tunnel also opened. The viaduct was originally only a bypass of the center, entrances and exits were constructed in the 1960s. In the early 1960s, Interstate 5 was built parallel to the Alaskan Way Viaduct, providing traffic on two north-south routes through Seattle. The viaduct was damaged during the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake.

The viaduct was in poor condition and could not withstand earthquakes. It also formed a visual barrier between downtown and the Seattle waterfront. That is why the viaduct was replaced by the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement tunnel between 2012 and 2019. This is a bore tunnel. The viaduct was last in use on January 11, 2019. The tunnel opened to traffic on February 4, 2019, after which the viaduct was demolished.

Traffic intensities

In 2012, 71,000 vehicles drove over the Alaskan Way Viaduct every day. More than half of the traffic had no origin or destination in downtown Seattle.

Cable Bridge

Cable BridgeEd Hendler Bridge
Spans Columbia River
Lanes 2×2
Total length 763 meters
Main span 229 meters
Bridge deck height 15 meters
Opening 09-1978
Traffic intensity 18,000 mvt/day
Location Map

The Cable Bridge, also known as the Ed Hendler Bridge is a cable- stayed bridge in the United States, located between Pasco and Kennewick in eastern Washington state. The bridge spans the Columbia River.

Characteristics

The Cable Bridge is 763 meters long and has no bridges. The main span is 229 meters. The bridge has two H-shaped pylons 72.9 meters high. The bridge deck is 24.3 meters wide and is 15 meters above the Columbia River. The bridge has 2×2 lanes but no emergency lanes. State Route 397 runs across the bridge between the towns of Pasco and Kennewick.

History

On October 21, 1922, the first bridge over the Columbia River, the Pasco–Kennewick Bridge, opened at this site. This was a cantilever truss bridge with a main span of 132 meters. It was the first bridge over the middle section of the Columbia River and replaced a ferry service. US 410 originally ran across the bridge, until this number was dropped in 1967. The bridge was originally a toll road until 1931, to recoup the construction costs. Washington State took over management of the bridge in 1931. In 1968, the bridge was sold for $1 to the towns of Pasco and Kennewick.

In the late 1960s, plans began to form for a new, wider bridge. A new design was chosen, the cable- stayed bridge. Although cable-stayed bridges had been used on a fairly large scale in Europe for about 15 to 20 years, the concept was new to the Americans. The bridge opened to traffic in September 1978 and was the first cable-stayed bridge in the United States. It was not until about 10 years later that cable-stayed bridges began to be used on a larger scale elsewhere in the country.

The old bridge from 1922 was demolished in 1990. The bridge is named after Ed Hendler, an insurance salesman and later mayor of Pasco, who died in 2001.

Traffic intensities

18,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day.

Cable Bridge, Washington

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Sports and Activities in Seychelles https://www.estatelearning.com/sports-and-activities-in-seychelles.html Fri, 09 Dec 2022 06:21:28 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1736 Diving in the Seychelles

To visit the Seychelles and never dive to the depths of the ocean is an unforgivable mistake. Diving here is great: visibility in crystal clear water reaches 30 m, temperatures are very comfortable for diving. But the main thing is that at the bottom of the Indian Ocean it is almost more beautiful than on its coast. From the abundance of curiosities, eyes widen: either one of the 900 species of fish will swim, then a snow-white shell will sparkle with a polished surface, or coral of an unprecedented color will pinch your heel. And a meeting with a turtle, a manta ray or a white shark will be remembered for a lifetime. See JIBIN123 for Seychelles customs regulations and visa requirements.

Ennerdale Rocks is the site of the wreck of an English oil tanker. Today it rests at a depth of 30 m, becoming home to barracudas, groupers, eels and other deep-sea inhabitants.

Diving near most of the islands is best from September to October and from April to May. Almost all dive sites are located 10-40 minutes from the coast. The most magical place to dive is Aldabra Island, protected by UNESCO. Sharks often circle near La Digue, flocks of colorful fish flicker near Mamel Island, tuna and musketeer fish are found on Tropheus Rocks. The average cost of a dive is 710-850 SCR including equipment, the training course will cost 5300-7100 SCR.

Surfing

The best places for surfing are the islands of Mahe and Praslin. In the northwest of Mahe is the Grand Anse beach, the most popular among the “boarders”: the waves there reach two meters in height. Other beaches in Mahe suitable for surfing are Beau Vallon and Anse Bougainville. In general, the sea near the beaches of the eastern part of the island is calmer than in the west with its unpredictable weather.

On the beach of Anse Lascar, on the island of Silhouette, you can conquer the wave both in winter and in summer.

The best surfing season on the west coasts is from November to April, as the waves can be dangerous during the summer months. The most popular surf spot in the region is Anse Lazio beach on Praslin. In the east, it is more comfortable to tame the board from May to September: at this time, southeast winds create an ideal relief of the water surface. Anse Goulette, Bel Ombre and Anse Intendance are fun for surfers of all skill levels, Beau Vallon and Carana Beach are suitable for beginners, while Anse Bougainville, Anse Royale, Barbaron and Misfit Bay are only for the most confident pros. The average cost of a surf lesson with an instructor is 1200-1500 SCR, board rental will cost from 500 SCR per day.

George and Georgina, a pair of old turtles living on Cousin Island, often stalk tourists to scratch their necks.

Fishing

Sophisticated fishermen speak of the Seychelles with a breath. Here you can catch tuna, barracuda, tiger shark and mako shark. But the most coveted trophy is the blue swordfish or blue marlin, whose weight can exceed 400 kg. It is better to go fishing early in the morning in order to have time to dig up a worm, that is, to get to deep-sea places where you first need to catch small fish: it is on it that real prey is lured. The best period for fishing is from October to April.

On the map of an avid Seychellois fisherman, the points near the islands of Mahe, Praslin, Frigate, Silhouette, Alphonse and Bird are marked in red. If desired, you can order an expedition to remote areas: for example, to the Farquhar or Cosmoledo atolls. You will have to get to your destination by boat, designed for several people and rented at least for half a day, at least for a day. Prices depend on the level of comfort of the vessel: speedboats are rented for 20,000-50,000 SCR per day, the price includes a full set of equipment. A three-hour boat trip with a fishing rod will cost 3500 SCR. Everything that is caught by overwork will be turned into gastronomic masterpieces in a restaurant on the shore or right on board: there is nowhere tastier and fresher.

Wedding in the Seychelles

A wedding abroad is becoming more and more popular among newlyweds – for this solemn ceremony, couples choose some paradise tropical island, and the Seychelles, with their virgin nature, is perhaps the most suitable place for a romantic marriage. Ceremonies in the Seychelles are held on any day, except weekends and holidays, in the presence of a registrar and in accordance with the laws of the country.

Shopping

Large shopping centers and shops can only be found on Mahe. On the rest of the islands there are only small shops with polite owners. Shops are open from 8:00 to 17:00, on Saturdays – until 17:30. Some points, especially those owned by Indians, are open until late in the evening.

As a gift, you can buy a walnut “coco de mer” of a peculiar shape, liquor from it or models of sailboats made by local craftsmen. The assortment also includes the entire standard souvenir set in the form of T-shirts, hats, pareos and shells. The shops in the capital sell interesting pearl jewelry, and art galleries show paintings by local artists. Prices for souvenirs are higher here than in other countries, and bargaining is not welcome. In general, shopping on the islands is minimal – mainly souvenirs, coconuts and tans are brought from the Seychelles.

Coco de mer grows on Praslin Island, where it is best to buy it – the choice is wider, and prices are lower. Cost – from 200 USD, be sure to pay attention to the presence of an excise stamp. In general, all exported “natural” souvenirs must obtain permission. As a rule, it is issued if there is evidence of their acquisition in an official way – that is, a check.

Diving in the Seychelles

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Central States https://www.estatelearning.com/central-states.html Thu, 01 Dec 2022 15:16:12 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1730 A holiday Central States of America is characterized by the versatile landscapes. This varies from vast flat prairies in the east to the first slopes and peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the west. Combined with beautiful lakes and vibrant cities, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas form a large green heart that likes to be explored. Discover the wealth of the Central States!

Natural areas in Central States

According to growtheology, Minnesota calls itself “the state of 10,000 lakes.” And with more than 14,000 lakes, we can call that a justified nickname. A legacy from a distant past when the state, which borders Canada, was largely covered by glaciers. A real paradise for outdoor adventurers, because you will also find numerous green swamps, rivers and streams and rocky outcrops.

Lake Itasca is one of those lakes that is definitely worth a visit during your Central States vacation. If only because the Mississippi River originates from this lake. The lake is located in the beautiful Itasca State Park.

Sporty Duluth

A visit to Duluth to the north should not be missed on a Minnesota vacation. It is the gateway to the beautiful nature that the state has to offer. In the summer, rent a kayak and explore the large lake that borders the town. In the winter months you can enjoy the view of the beautiful, high snowy mountains on foot or by bike. In Duluth you will find a network of more than 150 kilometers of bike paths on which you can easily cross the entire city. That Duluth is a sporting paradise is also evident from the fact that the city has raised no fewer than 150 Olympic athletes.

Voyageurs National Park

Even further north is Voyageurs National Park. This park is located on the border of the Americas and Canada, making it rightly the heart of the North American continent. In the park you will find many beautiful and extensive lakes, which are a paradise especially for fishermen. It’s no surprise that fishing is the number 1 national sport in Minnesota. This part of Minnesota is a great place to visit in the summer months, as winter temperatures don’t rise above freezing for long periods of time. Therefore, go on holiday in the Central States during the summer months and go fishing in Minnesota for a day.

Chippewa National Forest

More centrally in Minnesota you will find overwhelming natural areas such as Chippewa National Forest that you should definitely visit during your Central States vacation. A National Forest that spans Itasca, Cass and Beltrami counties. The area includes great forests, lakes and an overwhelming splendor of flora and fauna. Chippewa National Forest is a recreation area with three large and many smaller lakes. Sailing, swimming, fishing and canoeing, you can do it all in this great area. In winter, snowmobile drivers and skiers find their entertainment here.
At Cass Lake are breeding grounds of the White-headed Sea Eagle (American Bald Eagle), the heraldic animal of the US. The abundance of fish and the tall trees provide an ideal habitat for these rare birds. They can be recognized by the white head and their impressive wingspan of two meters.

Detroit Lakes

Detroit Lakes was founded in 1871 by Colonel George Johnston and grew rapidly thanks to the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Nowadays the city is a wonderful base for action and entertainment in nature. On or near the water, in one of the beautiful forests in the area; Detroit Lakes offers it all. From a bike or hike to a marathon, but culture enthusiasts will also get their money’s worth here. The many cultural festivals provide a pleasant atmosphere in the city.

Best places in Central States

During your Central States holiday, not only nature will overwhelm you. The Central States has many atmospheric pictures full of culture, cosiness and history.

Little Falls

Little Falls is a charming and cozy town on the banks of the Mississippi River. Aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh grew up here and you are reminded of this in several ways. During your holiday you can relax in Lindbergh State Park or visit the house in which Lindbergh grew up. The Minnesota Fishing Museum is also located here. Just above Little Falls you can visit Camp Ripley with the Minnesota Military Museum. Also impressive is a visit to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery where the veterans are honored.

DesMoines

Des Moines is the capital of Iowa, the state below Minnesota. The city is located in the heart of the Corn Belt, a large agricultural area where a lot of corn and grain is grown. The city’s name is probably derived from the French Rivière des Moines, which literally means ‘Monks River’. Des Moines is therefore located at the confluence of the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers.
In the city you will find more than 50 parks where there is plenty to do. Rent a boat and cruise Gray’s Lake Park or walk the pier. Jester Park offers camping, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, hiking, hunting and picnicking. You almost forget you are in the city.

Wichita

A versatile and very attractive city that is really worth a visit during your Central States holiday. That’s how you can describe Wichita. Kansas’s largest city offers everything. From culture, museums and natural beauty to cozy restaurants and cafes in the ‘Old Town’. But the large Sedgwick County Zoo is also well worth a visit! Also nice is the Old Cowntown Museum where you can get acquainted with daily life in an old ‘cow town’ in 1870. Historic buildings and actors revive old times.

Springfield

Springfield is a Missouri green city with more than 90 parks, including the Nathanael Greene Close Memorial Park, the neat Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, and the Springfield Botanical Gardens. You can enjoy walking in all these parks and gardens. Springfield is also credited as the birthplace of U.S. Route 66 because the name Route 66 was first suggested in this city in 1926. In the city, it is therefore mainly about Route 66. It has won many awards in recent years for the safest city and most popular city for young people to live in.

St Louis

St. Louis is a city with a French touch. Not surprising since the French colonized several states of America in the sixteenth century, including Missouri. The characteristic houses and the Lafayette City Park are reminders of that time and influence. Many small shops are located in the old wooden buildings. The most iconic building and absolute eye-catcher in St. Louis is the Gateway Arch. This monumental arch from 1947 is 192 meters wide and 192 meters high. This makes it an attraction not to be missed. The Gateway Arch symbolizes the expansion of American settlers westward. The monument is not just a statue. With a special elevator in the arch you go to the top. From there you have a beautiful view over the vast beautiful city.

Oklahoma City

In addition to being Oklahoma’s largest city, Oklahoma City is also the state’s political, cultural, and economic powerhouse. This makes the city a lively and particularly attractive destination during your Central States holiday. Oklahoma is also graced by many parks. In addition, Oklahoma has various neighborhoods, all of which are characterized by something special. This way you can go on a discovery tour through the Adventure District, the Arts District and Bricktown.
A nice place to relax is Lake Hefner, a large lake surrounded by beautiful parks. In the summer it is a perfect place for sailing, picnicking or fishing. You can also enjoy walking and cycling and delicious food in the various restaurants along the waterfront.

Twin Cities

Minneapolis, together with the neighboring capital and sister city of Saint Paul, forms the Twin Cities. More than half of the state’s residents live in these cities. In Minneapolis, as a culture lover, you can indulge yourself with a visit to the Minneapolis Museum of Arts where you can see paintings by Van Gogh. And in the modern cube-shaped Walker Art Center you will mainly find contemporary art.

Mall of America

But maybe Minneapolis is on your wish list on your vacation through the Central States for a completely different reason. With more than 520 stores, the Mall of America is a mecca for shopaholics and one of the largest shopping centers in the country. Even rollercoasters circle through this mega mall. The Mall of America has been the city’s most visited attraction for many years.

Saint Paul

You will find sister city Saint Paul right next to Minnepolis. With the Cathedral of Saint Paul as the biggest attraction. This cathedral is inspired by Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Saint Paul is also the birthplace of writer F. Scott Fitzgerald on Laurel Avenue. Take a city walk along the Saint Paul of the author of the Great Gatsby. You walk past the different houses where the writer lived, his old school and the Saint Paul Hotel where he could regularly be found.

Natural areas holiday Central States

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Transportation in Singapore https://www.estatelearning.com/transportation-in-singapore.html Fri, 25 Nov 2022 08:36:33 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1728 Singapore’s transport system is organized with Asian care. The city-state has a metro (underground and light), buses, minibuses, sea ferries, a cable car, a monorail and a taxi. Check liuxers for customs and traditions of Singapore.

Underground

The metro connects all areas of Singapore, it is clean, comfortable, with air conditioning in the cars and at the stations. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) underground system consists of 6 lines and 130 stations, it is complemented by the light metro LRT (Light Rapid Transit) of two lines and 40-odd stations. The trip will cost from 0.59 to 2.17 SGD depending on the distance and direction, tickets are sold at the airport and stations. Children under 4 travel free of charge.

For frequent travel, it is advantageous to buy an EZ-Link card: it entitles you to an unlimited number of trips and costs 10 SGD for a day, 16 SGD for two days and 20 SGD for three. You can also use Mastercard and Visa contactless bank cards to pay for public transport in Singapore. Additional fees may apply to bank cards issued abroad.

Buses

The entire territory of the island is covered by a network of bus routes. When paying with a card, you must not forget to reattach it to the reader located at the end of the cabin when leaving. You can also pay in cash, but they don’t give change here, so it’s better to stock up on change in advance. Travel in buses without air conditioning – around 1 SGD, in air-conditioned – a little more. Routes work time is 5:30–0:00.

Monorail and cable car

Singapore and Sentosa Island are connected by the Sentosa Express monorail and cable car. The first runs from 7:00 to 0:00 and delivers to the destination in 8 minutes. The price of a day ticket is 4 SGD, a nice bonus is an impressive view of the harbor. However, the most impressive landscapes open to the eye from the cable car booths that start at Sentosa from Mount Faber. The cost of this pleasure is from 33 SGD.

Taxi

Taxis can be ordered by phone, found at the parking lots that are available at most shopping centers, hotels and attractions, or hailed right on the street. All cars are equipped with meters, drivers speak English. Upon request, a receipt will be issued showing all additional fees. Landing costs 3-5 SGD, each kilometer – from 0.50 SGD, depending on the time of day and the chosen route.

An option for fans of the exotic is rickshaw rides, rushing through the streets of Chinatown and the old center. But be prepared: you will have to bargain before landing.

Bike

And you can do without cycle rickshaws by renting a two-wheeled friend from one of the many operators – fortunately, Singapore can boast of a well-developed network of bike paths. Rent will cost from 8 SGD per hour plus a returnable deposit of 50 SGD, it is issued in numerous specialized kiosks or through mobile applications.

Tourist buses and boats

To see the main Singaporean beauties, you can ride a special tourist bus – they run on three routes and cost from 21 SGD. The option is no worse – go on a 40-minute river cruise on a pleasure boat along the embankments of Clark Key and Bot Key for 25 SGD.

Tourist cards

Singapore Tourist Pass cards of various types are designed specifically for smart travelers: they can help you save money on getting around the city and on many tourist pleasures. The cost of the card is from 10 SGD (plus a returnable deposit of 10 SGD), the validity period is from one to three days. They are sold at travel agencies and TransitLink ticket offices located at metro stations.

The Singapore Tourist Pass entitles you to unlimited travel on any public transport, while the Plus Card also gives you free access to some attractions. All the details are at website (in English)

Car rental in Singapore

Renting a car in Singapore for a short vacation trip is not a good idea. First, it’s expensive: at least SGD 110 per day for a standard model, SGD 170 for a minivan, SGD 260 for an SUV or premium class. Secondly, troublesome: left-hand traffic and very intense, serious fines for traffic violations. Thirdly, the public transport system is well developed, so there will be no problems with moving around the city. But if you really want to try yourself as a Singapore driver – welcome to the offices of Sixt, Avis and other rental companies located at the airport and throughout the city. To rent, you will need a passport, credit card and international driver’s license, driving experience from one year, age from 21 years.

To save money, you can rent a car for a week: many car rental companies provide discounts for long-term use. The best option for infrequent movements is to rent a car with a driver (from 40 SGD per hour). The cost of gasoline – from 2.5 SGD per 1 liter.

Traffic jams in Singapore are a common phenomenon, there are many parking lots, but almost all of them are paid. You can pay for parking in advance by buying a special ticket in the newsstand with a face value of 0.50-2 SGD and placing it under the windshield. Parking lots near shopping and business centers and many attractions are equipped with vending machines that accept cash and plastic cards. The cost of parking depends on the area: in the center – from 1 SGD for half an hour, on the outskirts – half the price.

Transportation in Singapore

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Chloraka, Cyprus https://www.estatelearning.com/chloraka-cyprus.html Fri, 18 Nov 2022 15:33:46 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1726 Chloraka stretched along the Mediterranean coast from Paphos to the famous Coral Bay. This is a typical resort village that cannot boast of an abundance of attractions (more precisely, there are practically none here), but this does not prevent it from being considered a great place to relax, especially for families.

Chloraka is located in a rather high valley, 50 m above sea level, thanks to which, from almost any point in it, a beautiful view of the endless water surface opens up. This place, like all villages near Paphos, is full of opposites. Old and modern buildings, Cypriot and international restaurants, interweaving of Greek, European and Middle Eastern cultures. People come here to relax in silence, which is broken only by the sound of the waves, the swaying of tablecloths on the tables of coastal taverns and the clinking of coffee cups.

How to get to Chloraka

According to Wholevehicles, Chloraka is located 20 km north of Paphos airport, where Es Seven flies from Domodedovo every day. At the airport, take bus number 612 and get to the Kato Paphos bus station (30 minutes). There, transfer to bus number 615 – after 20 minutes it will arrive in Chloraki. A detailed schedule is available at carrier website. A taxi from Paphos airport will cost 25-35 EUR (if ordered in advance), although you can negotiate on the spot for 15-25 EUR. The prices on the page are for October 2021.

You can also get to Chloraka through Larnaca, however, it will take a very long time to get there. At the airport, you need to take a bus to Paphos Airport (1.5 hours), then follow the instructions described. A taxi ride will cost 80-120 EUR.

Transportation

Chloraka has a developed transport infrastructure – the village is served by buses of several operators, plying between Paphos and the nearest settlements. So getting to the right point is not difficult.

There are many parking lots in the city, most of which are free. There are several bike rentals, and you can also rent them at some hotels.

A taxi ride within the city limits costs about 12 EUR.

Chloraka Hotels

There are several large hotel complexes in Chloraka, a few smaller hotels, many apartments and villas for companies. Most guests prefer the first option, but it is usually booked through travel agencies. A double room with breakfast in a four-star hotel on the coast in this case will cost 177 EUR per day. But independent travelers prefer 3 * hotels. For the most part, they are located near the sea and offer rooms for 90-150 EUR per day.

Even in Chloraka, apartments are popular, and if the company is large, then entire villas. Renting apartments in the central part of the city (500 m from the sea) will cost 40-150 EUR per day. You can rent a cottage for eight for 250-300 EUR per night.

The beaches of Chloraka

Despite the resort status, there are few beaches in Chloraka. The coast here is rocky for almost its entire length, and the few hotels located near the coast sow the territory adjacent to the sea with grass. The sun loungers are actually on the lawn, after which a stone slab of natural origin begins, descending into the sea. And in hotels located in the depths of the village, you can relax by the pools.

The pebbly beach of St. George is located in the northern part of the village (GPS coordinates: 34.804280, 32.393794). This is the only place in Chloraka where you can more or less relax with children – the entry into the water is smooth, and there is a breakwater a few tens of meters away. Sunbeds are free, from entertainment – only a small bar. The rest of the coast is actually wild, without bars, sun loungers and umbrellas.

Cuisine and restaurants

Almost all eateries in the city are taverns with traditional Greek cuisine with an abundance of fish dishes. The most popular: fried shrimp in saganaki cheese sauce with potatoes and vegetables, grilled sea bass or sea bream, fish meze – a set of seafood appetizers. In addition to fish, you should try homemade sausages with coriander, stifado (beef in wine sauce with onions), lundza (smoked pork tenderloin) and, of course, kleftiko (baked lamb meat).

Dinner for one will cost an average of 25 EUR without alcohol. In addition to Greek, there are also Indian, Thai and Italian establishments in Chloraka. Fast food is represented by souvlak and snack bars, where you can have a bite of “gyros” or burgers for 5-10 EUR.

Sights in Chloraka

Chloraki is a beautiful village, but there are very few architectural sights here. Basically, these are churches, most of which were built in our time. But there are also a couple of old temples.

The church of Panagia Criseleous (GPS coordinates: 34.799444, 32.408889) dates from the 13th century. This is the oldest temple of the village, located in the center of Chloraka.

Built in the Byzantine style, the temple is famous for its unique icon depicting the baptism of Christ.

Literally 50 meters from Panagia Criseleousa stands the Church of Panagia Chrysomatusa (GPS coordinates: 34.799410, 32.408720). It was built in 1924 and reconstructed after the earthquake in 1959. The temple is especially revered by women who ask the local icon of the Virgin Mary to solve their health problems. In order for the requests to be heard, you need to remove the red ribbon behind one of the icons and hang in its place the same one bought in the church shop.

Chloraka, Cyprus

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Things to Do in Durbuy, Belgium https://www.estatelearning.com/things-to-do-in-durbuy-belgium.html Fri, 11 Nov 2022 06:40:04 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1724 According to EQUZHOU, the town of Durbuy is located in the heart of the Ardennes on the river Ourthe. The town is said to be the smallest town in the world. This is not correct because this honor goes to the Croatian town of Hum where only thirty people live. Durbuy, however, has long been the smallest city in Belgium, but since the municipal reorganization this is no longer the case. This does not make Durbuy any less beautiful or picturesque. It is a beautiful small town with a beautiful compact historic center. Partly due to the beautiful center, the many cozy restaurants and the various outdoor options, Durbuy has grown into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Ardennes in recent decades. Various activities are organized in Durbuy throughout the year to attract tourists to the city. The Christmas market and the ice skating rink in December are very popular.

Top 10 things to do in Durbuy

#1. Wéris
A few kilometers from Durbuy, in the municipality of the same name, lies the village of Wéris. This beautiful little village is known for its Menhirs. The village is one of the most beautiful villages in Belgium and is therefore on the list of Les Plus Beaux Villages de Wallonie. In the village and in the immediate vicinity of the village there are several megaliths and dolmen. These giant stones have been put away here for unknown reasons. There is a small megalith museum in the village. From the village you can take a walk along the various megaliths and dolmen.

#2. Parc des Topiaires
The Parc des Topiaires has a unique collection of shaped boxwood shrubs and trees. During a walk through the park you will encounter all kinds of different boxwood plants, from squirrels to elephants and from waving old people to playing children. You can’t think of it that crazy or you’ll come across it here. In total there are more than two hundred and fifty different figures on the ten hectare site. The park is open daily and can be visited for a fee. The park has limited opening times in the winter. It is also possible to take a guided tour.

#3. Bomal
Bomal is a small village in the municipality of Durbuy, about five kilometers from Durbuy. Bomal is located where the Ainse meets the Ourthe. The village is mainly known in the region for the large bustling market that is organized here every Sunday. This busy market is very popular with the locals, especially in the summer months, but also with the tourists who stay near the village. During market days there is a major traffic jam in and around the village with visitors wanting to get in or out of the town.

#4. Tourist train
Like any self-respecting tourist destination in the Netherlands or Belgium, there is also a tourist train in Durbuy. The train takes you through the small but beautiful historic center of Durbuy. In addition, the train travels back and forth between the various sights of Durbuy such as the Parc des Topiaires and the microbrewery Marckoff. A train journey with the tourist train costs a few euros. You can also buy a combination ticket, which in some cases is cheaper.

#5. The labyrinth of Barvaux
The labyrinth of Barvaux is one of the most popular sights near Durbuy. The labyrinth was created on an eleven-hectare maize field with a total of about ten kilometers of walking path. During your walk through the labyrinth you will meet actors who make a visit to the labyrinth even more fun and exciting. Large parts of the labyrinth are reconstructed every year. This is often done with a current theme, which means that a visit can also be great fun for the little ones. The labyrinth of Barvaux is open from the beginning of July to the end of September.

#6. Ourthe
The Ourthe arises after the Eastern Ourthe and Western Ourthe merge into the Ourthe. The Western Ourthe rises at the Belgian town of Libramont and the eastern at the town of Ourthe. Durbuy is located on the Basse-Ourthe, this is the part of the river that is formed after the Nisramont reservoir. Near Durbuy, the Ambléve and the Vesder join the Ourthe before flowing into the Meuse near Liège. The Ourthe is one of the most popular rivers in the Ardennes for kayaking. There are therefore several kayak and canoe rental companies near Durbuy. In the summer months it is often not possible to navigate the river due to the low water level.

#7. Historic center
The small but beautiful historic center of Durbuy has perhaps the greatest attraction for the tourists staying in the vicinity of the city. In addition to some unique shops, you will find some cozy cafes and very good restaurants. The old cobbled narrow streets only add to the cozy feeling of the town. Everything in the center of Durbuy breathes the old cozy atmosphere of days long gone. Just outside the old center of Durbuy is a large parking lot from where you can easily walk to the center.

#8. Mountain biking
Several mountain bike tours can be ridden from Durbuy in different lengths and different levels of difficulty. The different MTB routes are indicated by the international MTB sign, a triangle with two circles underneath. The different routes all have their own color. A map is available at the local office du tourisme showing the different routes and the difficulty of the route. Those who do not have their own mountain bike can rent a mountain bike from one of the companies near Durbuy. However, it is wise to book these in advance to avoid disappointment.

#9. Golf
There are two golf clubs near Durbuy and there is a mini golf course in the town itself. There is also a mini golf course in Barvaux. The most famous golf club near Durbuy is located just outside the municipality, the Five Nations Golf Club. This golf course is considered one of the most beautiful in Belgium and is one of the fifty most beautiful courses in the world. There are eighteen different and challenging holes. The other golf club, the Bleu Green, is located within the municipal boundaries of Durbuy. There are also eighteen different holes here. The miniature golf courses of Durbuy and Barvaux are open all year round.

#10. Microbrewery Marckoff
The microbrewery Marckoff is located in Durbuy. This beer has been brewed here since the sixteenth century. Although the beer has been away from the city for several centuries, the old tradition has been picked up again since 1989 and beer is brewed in Durbuy. It is a microbrewery, which means that the beer is only brewed in limited editions and that the sale is mainly made to the local catering industry and to the visitors of the brewery. The Marckoff beer has a beautiful somewhat cloudy amber color and has a fruity but slightly bitter taste. The beer has an alcohol percentage of 6.5 percent.

Durbuy, Belgium

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Landmarks of Madrid, Spain https://www.estatelearning.com/landmarks-of-madrid-spain.html Fri, 04 Nov 2022 05:15:48 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1722 According to CANCERMATTERS, the capital, Madrid, which is centrally located in Spain, is one of the largest cities in Europe with about six million inhabitants in the metropolis of Madrid. Madrid is the economic, political and business heart of Spain. The importance of the city is noticeable in the enormous traffic chaos that is noticeable in the center of the city and on the access roads. You will also notice that life in Madrid is faster with a more businesslike slant. The long history of Madrid has ensured that the city has numerous attractions that make it attractive for tourists to come to Madrid for a weekend or a few days.

We can reassure those who are afraid of ending up in a very busy city where you get a bit lost. Madrid is big and grand in some respects, but in many places very atmospheric and even so relaxed that you often have the feeling that you are in a medium-sized city instead of a metropolis where millions of people live.

TIP: the Madrid Pass

With the Madrid Pass you have a package of the essentials in Madrid in your hands. For example, you will be picked up at the airport by a private transfer, you will receive skip-the-line tickets for the Prado Museum, you can participate in the Real Madrid Stadium Tour via skip-the-line tickets and you can use the hop for 24 hours -on-hop-off buses in Madrid. You will receive a 20% discount on other tickets and excursions. The Madrid Pass can only be purchased online. You will receive the vouchers via email.

Top 10 sights of Madrid

#1. The Royal Palace
Palacio Real is the royal palace of Madrid. This working palace of the King of Spain has no less than 3418 rooms and is the largest royal palace in Europe after Versailles in France. The palace still retains a lot of splendor from previous centuries. Several chandeliers decorate the different rooms in this palace. Feel free to take an hour or two to discover the royal palace and don’t forget to also pay a visit to the Museum of Weapons, which is located in a separate building within the grounds of the palace.

#2. Museo del Prado
This wonderful museum is one of the largest and most famous art museums in the world. The museum offers more than 5000 drawings, 1000 coins and medals, 700 sculptures, 8600 paintings and 2000 other art forms. Various names of greats in art pass by, such as El Greco, Bartolome Esteban Murillo, Rembrandt, Jheronimus Bosch, Peter Paul Rubens, Velázquez, Titian and Joachim Patinir.

#3. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
This museum is very important for modern and contemporary art in Spain. In short, it is referred to as ‘Museo Reina Sofía’. Together with Museo del Prado and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, the museum forms the so-called golden triangle, near the boulevard Paseo del Prado. The masterpiece of this museum is without a doubt “Guernica” by Pablo Picasso from 1937. The museum has a very large collection of art by various artists.

#4. Real Madrid stadium
The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of the legendary football club Real Madrid, is definitely worth a visit during your stay in Madrid, especially if you like football. Many top football players have played in the Bernabeu Stadium, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy, David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane. During a stadium tour you can see the inside of the station and also visit the Real Madrid Museum. Buying tickets online in advance is recommended because of the crowds that often prevail at the cash registers.

#5. Retiro Park
It is good to stay in this very large city park ‘Parque del Buen Retiro’ in Madrid. Madrilenians make frequent use of this incredibly beautiful Retiro Park. In the weekends, everything is organized for young and old. It is also possible to rent a boat and see everything from the water. There are 130 trees, planted in memory of the victims of the Madrid attacks.

#6. Puerta de Alcalá
This monument is probably the most famous in Madrid. The gatehouse was built in neo-classical style and served as a replacement for a much smaller gatehouse. After the city wall was demolished in 1869, the gate had no further function and the current square was created ‘Plaza de la Independencia’ (Square of Independence).

#7. Almudena Cathedral
This Almudena Cathedral was built in 1883. Although a Gothic architectural style was first chosen, this was later changed to the neoclassical style. This choice was made to better match the royal palace. The inside of this cathedral is definitely worth a visit.

#8. Flea market El Rastro
Every Sunday there is a very large market in the El Rastro district, spread over many winding streets. The main street of this market mainly sells clothes. But if you occasionally turn off in a side street, you will find more special goods there. Think of art, antiques, books, furniture and crafts. If you start at Plaza Mayor and continue down the road to Puerta de Toledo, you have the right direction for this cozy but busy market. Along the way there are plenty of bars and terraces to enjoy a nice drink with a tapa.

#9. Templo de Debod
An Egyptian temple in the heart of Spain? That is possible, because the Egyptians donated the Temple of Debod to Madrid last century after the Spaniards helped them save important archaeological treasures during a massive flood. The Templo de Debod was demolished in Egypt and rebuilt on the west side of Madrid. You can visit the temple for free.

#10. Plaza Mayor
This quite large, impressive and lively square is often used by street performers to show off their talents. Around the square you will find various shops behind the pillars of the buildings. Knights and bullfights used to take place here. Major events are now regularly held. The enormous surface and shape of the square make Plaza Mayor an ideal place for all kinds of performances, parties and events.

Madrid, Spain

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US 61, 63, 65 and 69 in Minnesota https://www.estatelearning.com/us-61-63-65-and-69-in-minnesota.html Sun, 30 Oct 2022 04:58:01 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1719 US 61 in Minnesota
US 61
Begin La Crescent
End Wyoming
Length 165 mi
Length 265 km
Route
Wisconsin

La Crescent

Dakota

Winona

Goodview

Minnesota City

Minnesika

Kellogg

You can

Lake City

Red Wing

Hastings

Hastings Bridge

Cottage Grove

St. Paul Park

Newport

St. Paul

White Baer Lake

Forest Lake

Wyoming

According to Iamaccepted, US 61 is a US Highway in the US state of Minnesota. The road follows the Mississippi River Valley from the Wisconsin border at La Crescent to St. Paul, then runs to I-35 at Wyoming. US 61 is 165 miles long in Minnesota.

Travel directions

At La Crescent, US 61 in Wisconsin crosses the Mississippi River, then heads north on the west bank before continuing on Interstate 90 for a little while to Dakota. From Dakota, US 61 follows the Mississippi a short distance to Hastings. The main places in this area are Winona, Lake City and Red Wing. In Hastings, the Mississippi River is crossed via the Hastings Bridge and the east bank road runs through the urban area of ​​the Twin Cities to St. Paul. Between Cottage Grove and Interstate 494, the road is a 2×2 lane freeway. After that the road is a 2×2 divided highway until Interstate 94 in St. Paul.

The route is double-numbered in St. Paul for a short part with I-94 and then runs north through St. Paul and the northern suburbs as an urban arterial. This section is initially a wide two-lane road, but has 2×2 lanes in the northern suburbs and has a cloverleaf cloverleaf with State Route 36. Further north, it crosses Interstate 694, after which the road gradually exits the built-up area of ​​the Twin Cities. The road runs through Forest Lake and ends in the town of Wyoming on Interstate 35.

History

US 61 through Hastings, with the Hastings Bridge over the Mississippi River.

US 61 in Minnesota was one of the original US Highways of 1926. Parts of the route were still unpaved, since 1940 the entire US 61 has been asphalted. In the 1960s and 1970s, parts of the route in southeastern Minnesota were widened to a 2×2 divided highway. In 2007, the route through the suburb Cottage Grove to I-494 was converted to a freeway.

Hastings Bridge

In 1951, the Hastings High Bridge opened over the Mississippi at Hastings. This two-lane bridge was a bottleneck and in poor condition. A replacement was originally planned for after 2019, but the collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis has accelerated the replacement between 2010 and 2013. The bridge formally opened to traffic on November 22, 2013.

US 63 in Minnesota

US 63
Begin Spring Valley
End Red Wing
Length 92 mi
Length 148 km
Route
Iowa

Spring Valley

Stewartville

Rochester

Lake City

Red Wing

Red Wing Bridge

Wisconsin

US 63 is a US Highway in the US state of Minnesota. The road forms a north-south route through the southeastern part of the state, from the Iowa border through Rochester to the Wisconsin border. US 63 is 148 kilometers long in Minnesota.

Travel directions

US 63 traverses southeastern Minnesota from south to north. It is a relatively secondary route compared to the other US Highways in this area, especially compared to US 52. The route passes through one larger city, Rochester. South of Rochester, one also crosses Interstate 94. US 63 is mostly single-lane except near Rochester and runs mostly through flat prairie land, which is bisected north of Rochester by some shallow side valleys of the Mississippi River valley. At Red Wing, one crosses the Mississippi River via the Red Wing Bridge, also the border with Wisconsin.

History

US 63 was created in 1926 but at the time ran no further north than Des Moines. In 1934, the route was extended north to Ashland, Wisconsin, also crossing southeastern Minnesota. The road had already been completely paved in the mid-1930s. The Eisenhower Bridge over the Mississippi River at Red Wing opened to traffic in November 1960.

In 2020-2021, the connection of US 63 to I-90 south of Rochester will be reconstructed.

US 65 in Minnesota

US 65
Begin Gordonsville
End Albert Lea
Length 14 mi
Length 23 km
Route
Iowa

Glenville

Albert Lea

US 65 is a US Highway in the US state of Minnesota. The road forms a short route in the south of the state and is 23 kilometers long.

Travel directions

US 65 in Iowa comes from Mason City and crosses the Minnesota border at the hamlet of Gordonsville. The road heads northwest parallel to a railway to the town of Albert Lea and is a single carriageway. At Albert Lea there is a connection with Interstate 35, after which the road is a 2×2 urban arterial until the center of Albert Lea and ends there.

History

The original US 65 created in 1926 ended in St. Paul. In 1980, US 65 was shortened to Albert Lea, with the completion of Interstate 35 between Albert Lea and St. Paul. The route has not been substantially modified in Minnesota since then.

US 69 in Minnesota

US 69
Get started emmons
End Albert Lea
Length 12 mi
Length 19 km
Route
Iowa

Emmons

Twin Lakes

Albert Lea

According to ACRONYMMONSTER, US 69 is a US Highway in the US state of Minnesota. The road forms a short north-south route in the south of the state and is 19 kilometers long.

Travel directions

US 69 in Iowa comes from Forest City and heads northeast to Albert Lea in Minnesota. The road crosses the flat prairies and finally ends in the town of Albert Lea on State Route 13, not far from the terminus of US 65.

History

US 69 was created in 1926. In Minnesota it was always a minor road, US 69 originally ended at US 16 in Albert Lea, but it was later renumbered as State Route 13. Albert Lea is not a large town, but has interregional fame as a junction between two Interstate Highways and two US Highways.

US 69 in Minnesota

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US 136 and 20 in Nebraska https://www.estatelearning.com/us-136-and-20-in-nebraska.html Fri, 28 Oct 2022 18:19:54 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1716 US 136 in Nebraska
US 136
Begin Edison
End Brownville
Length 240 mi
Length 386 km
Route
Edison

Alma

Franklin

Red Cloud

Hebron

Fairbury

Beatrice

Tecumseh

Auburn

Missouri

According to existingcountries, US 136 is a US Highway in the US state of Nebraska. The road forms an east-west route in the south of the state and runs from US 6/US 34 in Edison parallel to the Kansas border through Beatrice to the Iowa border. The route is 386 kilometers long.

Travel directions

North of the village of Edison, US 136 begins at the intersection with US 6 which is [[double-numbered with US 34. The roads come from McCook and head towards Grand Island and Lincoln. The road then follows the Republican River, first southeast, later east. At the village of Alma you cross the US 183. The road here has long straights and more or less follows the grid pattern that occurs in this part of the state. At the village of Red Cloud you cross US 281. The road then continues its route east, through the flat to rolling areas with endless agricultural fields. At the village of Hebron one crosses the US 81, the major 2×2 highway from Salina in Kansas to York and Columbus in the north. You then pass through Fairbury, after which the road jumps slightly north to Beatrice, a regional town where you cross the US 77. The road then continues a little further north, further from the Kansas border, and then reaches Auburn, a village where one intersects US 75, the road from Topeka to Omaha. Not far after that, the road crosses the Missouri River, which also marks the border with the state of Missouri. US 136 in Missouri then continues towards Maryville.

History

US 136 was added to the network in 1951, but it ran no further west than St. Joseph at the time. In 1960, the route to US6/34 at Edison was extended as an east-west route through southern Nebraska. The US 136 has a minor passing interest. A little further south in Kansas, US 36 parallels.

Traffic intensities

Because the US 136 does not fulfill a through function, the road is very quiet, with usually no more than 600 vehicles per day between the villages. To the east the road is a bit busier, up to 2,000 vehicles at Beatrice, but the road actually remains very quiet.

US 20 in Nebraska

US 20
Get started Harrison
End South Sioux City
Length 428 mi
Length 689 km
Route
Wyoming

Chadron

Gordon

Valentine

bassett

Atkinson

O’Neill

Randolph

South Sioux City

Iowa

According to Anycountyprivateschools, US 20 is a US Highway in the US state of Nebraska. The road forms an east-west route through the north of the state and is 689 kilometers long.

Travel directions

US 20 on the border between Wyoming and Nebraska.

US 20 in Sioux County.

The road begins west of the village of Harrison on the Wyoming border . US 20 in Wyoming comes from Casper. The road runs here at an altitude of about 1500 meters through the completely treeless High Plains. One then passes through the desolate plains and low hills of western Nebraska. After about 90 kilometers you reach the village of Chadron, where you cross US 385, the road from Sydney in the south to Rapid City in South Dakota. You then pass through a very remote area, where the villages are tens of kilometers apart. The nearest parallel road to the south is 100 kilometers south. Agriculture hardly takes place here and the landscape consists of treeless rolling hills. The border with South Dakotais only about 6 kilometers to the north here.

The Bryan Bridge over the Niobrara River at Valentine.

After about 220 kilometers you reach the next somewhat larger town, Valentine. Here you cross US 83, the road from North Platte to Pierre, the capital of South Dakota. The road then bends slightly to the southeast, and US 183 from Winner merges at Long Pine. This double numbering doesn’t last long, and US 183 soon turns south toward Holdrege in the south of the state. In this area, agriculture is slowly starting to occur, mainly with circular irrigation. After about 80 kilometers you reach O’Neill, where you cross US 281, the road from Aberdeen in South Dakota to Grand Island in the south.

A little further on, US 275 exits toward Norfolk and Omaha. US 20 will then enter an area that is more habitable and that large-scale agriculture occurs. The distances are still quite large here, but you do pass through more villages. At the village of McLean, one crosses US 81, the road from Yankton in South Dakota to Norfolk and Columbus in the south. However, there are still not many trees here, and you pass through endless agricultural fields. One then reaches the valley of the Missouri River, meanwhile one has descended about 1,200 meters over the last 600 kilometers. The US 20 even becomes a highway and passes by South Sioux City, where the US 77crosses the road from Fremont and the capital Lincoln to Sioux City. Also, US 75 merges from Omaha and both roads cross the Missouri River, also the border with Iowa. US 20 in Iowa then continues towards Fort Dodge.

History

US 20 was created in 1926. The route has not changed significantly in Nebraska since then. The route traverses the very sparsely populated northern Nebraska. However, there are no highways in the area, so through east-west traffic on US 20 is a must. In 1932, the Bryan Bridge over the Niobrara River at Valentine opened to traffic. This has been called the ‘most beautiful bridge in Nebraska’. The dual numbering with I-129 at Sioux City opened to traffic on November 22, 1976.

Traffic intensities

US 20 is a very quiet road due to its remote nature, especially in the western part of the state. On most routes there are between 500 and 2,000 vehicles per day. The bridge over the Missouri is the busiest point with 20,000 vehicles.

US 20 in Nebraska

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Hawaii Culture and Sports https://www.estatelearning.com/hawaii-culture-and-sports.html Fri, 28 Oct 2022 03:57:23 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1710 Culture

The original population is now a minority on the islands (5.9% of the population considers themselves wholly or partly Hawaiian). Some of the old Hawaiian customs that have been adopted by the tourist industry are the luau (big party), the hula, which has been slightly modified for the tourists, and the lei (flower wreath). In addition, there has been a revival of the traditional hula since 1970, with great attention being paid to traditional practices.

According to watchtutorials, Hawaiian music is known for its ukulele and slack-key guitar. Hawaii is also known for the aloha shirt (and other clothing with colorful floral motifs). Hawaiian cuisine is strongly influenced by the different groups of immigrants (eg from China, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Polynesia and Portugal).

Hawaii has ranches and cowboys. These Hawaiian cowboys are called Paniolos. This came about when King Kamehameha I was given a number of cattle as gifts from British explorer George Vancouver in 1793. By the time Kamehameha III came to power, cattle numbers had grown enormously and had become a problem. He had cowboys from the mainland come for advice and the first ranches were set up under his regime.

The Polynesian territories, including the Hawaiian Islands, have traditionally had a different attitude toward LGBT or third-gender people. Here the Māhūs (literally in the middle) took a religious place in the community. After all, they had been changed by the gods. As a result, LGBT people, transgenders and other groups are more accepted than in large parts of the US.

Language

Hawaiian belongs to the Malayo -Polynesian languages ​​and has only twelve letters, including eight consonants, making the language very recognizable very quickly. Writing did not exist before the arrival of missionaries, and was developed by them between 1820 and 1826. Before that, Hawaiian history was passed on through legends, often through song and dance (hula).

In the period from 1830 to 1950, the use of Hawaiian as a first language declined sharply. Now only a few residents speak Hawaiian as their mother tongue and English is mainly spoken. However, the language gained more interest in the 1950s. Since 1978, it has been one of the two official languages ​​of the state of Hawaii and the public schools teach in the Hawaiian language. There are also schools, such as the Kamehameha Schools, which are only open to children who are (partly; at least 1/16) descended from the original inhabitants and where there is a strong emphasis on the Hawaiian language and culture.

In addition to Hawaiian and English, Hawaiian pidgin is in vogue, a simplified hybrid of Hawaiian and English. This is technically not a pidgin dialect, but it originated from several older pidgins.

Hawaiian Mythology & Religion

De tempel Pu’ukoholā Heiau op het eiland Hawaï.

Hawaiian religion and mythology have their roots in the nature religion as practiced in other parts of Polynesia. The religion is polyteistic and animistic, with the spirits also living on in the wind and waves.

The Hawaiian pantheon has many gods. In addition, each family had its own patron saints or gods, the Aumakua. The main gods (the big four) are:

  • Kāne the god of creation and life
  • Kū of struggle, land and masculinity. Human sacrifices were made for Kū
  • Lono of Fertility, Agriculture, Rain, Music and Peace
  • Kanaloa of the sea, the underworld and the magic. He is often depicted as an octopus and is the equivalent of the devil.

There are many lower gods of which Pele the goddess of, among other things, the volcanoes is the best known. A Hawaiian temple is called a Heiau and consisted of a stone platform, often surrounded by a wall or sometimes a sculpture gallery. An important example is the Puʻukoholā Heiau. A luakini was a temple for animal and human sacrifice.

There are several versions of the creation story. The Hawaiian Islands were created either by the gods Wākea and Papahānaumoku or by the legendary person Māui, of whom many stories exist. Another story tells of the birth of Hawaii from the egg of a large bird.

According to mythology, the Hawaiians have a common ancestor, Haloa, who had divine parents. Another legend tells of Taaroa. He is said to have made the first man Araca out of red soil and breathed life into it through his nose. He made the first woman from the bones of the man and named her Ivi.

The legend about Hawaiiloa is about the discoverer of Hawaii. Under his leadership, the first humans would have reached the islands. Another well-known legend is that of the Menehune, a dwarf people who lived on the islands before the first humans arrived. The Menehune were driven inland where they still live in secret. Sometimes they build temples or fish ponds.

Ancient Hawaiian society had a caste system consisting of three castes held together by a complex system of rituals. This system, called Kapu, governed every detail of life and had many taboos. It was even forbidden to touch the shadow of an Aliʻi (member of the highest caste). The Kumulipo is a sung poem in which the highest caste is associated with the gods.

Hawaiian culture and religion was suppressed in the 1800s, but a revival occurred in the late 1800s and 1970s that continues to this day.

Sports

Duke Kahanamoku in 1920, gave the sport of surfing worldwide fame. Won Olympic gold in both 1912 and 1920 as a swimmer and was a film actor.

Hawaii is best known for surfing. There is disagreement as to whether this sport originated in Hawaii or another Polynesian archipelago. In Hawaii it had a religious function with only the members of the royal family with the largest surfboards allowed to play. In the early 20th century, Duke Kahanamoku gave the sport of surfing worldwide fame. The Banzai Pipeline is a well-known surf spot on the North Shore of Oahu that hosts major competitions.

Rowing in an outrigger canoe is also an important tradition that is kept alive because the first Hawaiians came by canoe from the Marquesas Islands, about 2,000 kilometers to the south.

There is also paddle surfing and paddleboarding, including a 32-mile race from Molokai to Oahu In Kailua-Kona the Ironman Hawaii triathlon takes place every year.

Hawaii Culture

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US 1 and 11 in New York https://www.estatelearning.com/us-1-and-11-in-new-york.html Thu, 27 Oct 2022 15:33:32 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1714 US 1 in New York
US 1
Get started New York
End Port Chester
Length 22 mi
Length 35 km
Route
New Jersey

New York

New Rochelle

Port Chester

Connecticut

According to watchtutorials, US 1 is a US Highway in the US state of New York. The road runs through the south of the state, through the New York City metropolitan area. The route is 35 kilometers long.

Travel directions

US 1 joins Interstate 95 and US 9 via the George Washington Bridge onto Manhattan Island. The US 1 is therefore a highway here. The US 9 already exits on Manhattan in the form of Broadway, the US 1 and I-95 are still double-numbered as far as The Bronx. At Webster Avenue, US 1 exits and heads north through The Bronx. At Fordham Road, US 1 turns east, crossing the Bronx River Parkway. Then US 1 turns northeast again via Boston Road. It then leaves New York City and enters the suburb of Pelham Manor. One crosses the Hutchinson River Parkway here, and just after I-95. The road runs through the center of New Rochelle, a larger suburb, parallel to the coast of the Long Island Sound. The US 1 here is called the Boston Post Road, a historic road. It passes through the suburbs of Mamaroneck and Rye, then again crosses I-95 and Interstate 287, the city’s northern ring road. In Port Chester one crosses the border with Connecticut, after which the US 1 in Connecticut continues along the coast.

History

According to CITYPOPULATIONREVIEW, US 1 follows the Boston Post Road, a historic colonial-era route that was designed in 1673 to carry mail. In 1800, the Westchester Turnpike built US 1 onto a straighter route, which US 1 still follows today. It was a toll road at the time. In the mid-1800s, the road became toll-free, like most turnpikes of the era. The road was first numbered NY-1 in 1924. In 1926 the US Highway system was designed. US 1 then ran from Jersey City through Manhattan. In 1928 the Holland Tunnel opened, and then US 1 went through that tunnel. The George Washington Bridge was built in the 1930sfurther north, and US 1 along with US 9 was routed over that bridge. In 1977 the song was moved to Webster Avenue in the Bronx.

Traffic intensities

US 1 runs on the George Washington Bridge together with I-95 and US 9 and together transport 297,000 vehicles per day. The highway section through the Bronx carries 157,000 vehicles per day. This is of course less on the secondary road network, with about 20,000 vehicles per day, except via the Pelham Parkway where 50,000 vehicles drive. The US 1 has no ongoing importance or character, and the intensities are relatively low at 10,000 to 20,000.

US 11 in New York

US 11
Get started Corbettsville
End Rouses Point
Length 326 mi
Length 525 km
Route
Pennsylvania

Binghamton

Cortland

Syracuse

Pulaski

watertown

Canton

Potsdam

Malone

Champlain

Rouses Point

US 11 is a US Highway in the US state of New York. The road forms a north-south route, and later an east-west route in the center and north of the state. The road enters the state at Riverside and then runs through Binghamton and Syracuse to Rouses Point on the Canadian border. Between the Pennsylvania border and Watertown, the road parallels Interstate 81 for a short distance. After Watertown, the road curves around the Adirondack Mountains. The route is 525 kilometers long.

Travel directions

US 11 at Syracuse.

Central New York

US 11 in Pennsylvania enters the state at Riverside on the east bank of the Susquehanna River, right next to Interstate 81. The area is hilly and semi-wooded. Just before the city of Binghamton there is a connection with Interstate 86. One then reaches the city of Binghamton, which has almost 50,000 inhabitants, but has an agglomeration of more than a quarter of a million. One intersects here with State Route 7, which forms a short highway to Interstate 88. One then crosses the Chenango River near downtown Binghamton and US 11 continues north and crosses I-86 again.

The road then runs a short distance north from I-81, intersecting it occasionally. The area is hilly, but not so wooded anymore. There are small villages on the route, but a slightly larger town is Cortland. The town has almost 20,000 inhabitants and is a regional center. US 11 runs through downtown Cortland. The village of Lafayette crosses US 20, an east-west axis from Buffalo to Albany. Not far after this one reaches the urban area of ​​Syracuse. The road runs through the center, where there are high-rise buildings. Then one crosses the Interstate 690. The road in Syracuse is largely a 2×2 divided highway. The road goes over theNew York State Thruway, which is formed here by Interstate 90. Then you cross State Route 481, a highway that leads to Oswego on Lake Ontario in the northwest. Not far after that, people leave the urban area again.

Northern New York

In Brewerton, one crosses the westernmost tip of Oneida Lake and US 11 continues north, parallel to Interstate 81.. You pass through small villages and the area becomes more densely wooded again. From time to time one crosses state routes, which form the underlying road network of the state. Large parts of US 11 are straight as an arrow. At Mannsville one crosses I-81 for the last time, although it continues to run parallel to it for about 30 kilometers. The area here is mainly sloping, the mountains are more to the east. One then reaches the city of Watertown, which has almost 30,000 inhabitants. The road runs through the old town center and then leaves the I-81 section. The road veers northeast, past Fort Drum, a major U.S. Army training ground. To the south and east are the hills and low mountains of the Adirondack Mountains. You then pass through the larger villages of Canton and Potsdam.Canada. After Malone you pass through an area with many wind turbines. At Champlain one crosses Interstate 87. The US 9 is also crossed here. At Rouses Point, US 2 terminates at US 11. It is also just a mile from the border with Vermont. US 11 also crosses the Canadian border at Rouses Point. Route 223 in Québec then continues to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

History

US 11 was created in 1926. The New York state route has not been modified since, but Interstate 81 was built in New York between 1956 and 1968, parallel to US 11, between the Pennsylvania border and Watertown. From Watertown to Champlain, US 11 is a crucial link, especially because there are no alternative highways in Upstate New York.

US 11 in New York

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Interstate 80 in Ohio https://www.estatelearning.com/interstate-80-in-ohio.html Wed, 26 Oct 2022 12:16:24 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1712  

I-80
Get started columbia
End youngstown
Length 237 mi
Length 382 km
Route
Indiana

2 Northwest Township

13 Bryan

25 Archbold

34 Wauseon

39 Delta

52 Swanton

59 → Detroit / Cincinnati

64 → Toledo / Cincinnati

71 → Toledo / Detroit

81 Elmore

91 Fremont

110 Sandusky

118 Sandusky

135 Vermilion

140 Amherst

142 → Cleveland

145 Lorain

151 → Cleveland

152 North Ridgeville

161 → Columbus / Cleveland

173 → Akron / Cleveland

180 Akron

187 → Cleveland

193 Ravenna

209 Warren

215 Lordstown

218 → Pittsburgh

223 Austintown

224 → Youngstown

226 McDonald

227 Girard

228 → Ashtabula

229 Churchill

234 Hubbard

Pennsylvania

According to Act-test-centers, Interstate 80 or I -80 is an Interstate Highway in the north of the US state of Ohio. The highway connects Indiana with the cities of Toledo, Cleveland, and Youngstown, continuing into Pennsylvania. Most of it is part of the Ohio Turnpike, a toll highway, and the road is double-numbered with Interstate 90 for a considerable distance, roughly between the Indiana and Cleveland border. The route in Ohio is 382 kilometers long. The Ohio Turnpike is also known as the James W. Shocknessy Turnpike, named after the chairman of the Ohio Turnpike Commission in 1949.

Travel directions

I-80/90 near Sandusky.

The Ohio Turnpike & I-80/90.

I-80 crosses the Cuyahoga Valley south of Cleveland.

Western Ohio & Toledo

Interstate 80 in Indiana comes from the Chicago area and forms the Ohio Turnpike in western Ohio, a toll road through the north of the state. I-80 is double numbered here with Interstate 90. The highway has 2×2 lanes here and leads through flat countryside with little forest. Here, US 20 runs parallel to I-80/90. It then follows a 90-mile stretch to the city of Toledo, the largest city in northwestern Ohio. Although I-80/90 passes through the urban area of ​​Toledo, it barely opens it, there is only one exit to Maumee and the interchange with Interstate 475is missing. One does cross the Maumee River here. From Maumee, I-80/90 also has 2×3 lanes. On the east side of Perrysburg it follows an interchange with Interstate 75. Then you leave the urban area of ​​Toledo.

Then follows a 130-kilometer stretch across the countryside to the Cleveland area. I-80/90 has continuous 2×3 lanes here and runs just south of Lake Erie. East of the Toledo region, there is another interchange with Interstate 280. It also passes at a somewhat greater distance from the small towns of Fremont and Sandusky. State Route 2 runs parallel to the Ohio Turnpike as a toll-free highway.

Eastern Ohio & Cleveland

Amherst is Cleveland ‘s first suburb along the Ohio Turnpike. Interstate 90 branches off at the suburb of Elyria, which runs right through Cleveland. I-80 continues east, through the south of the Cleveland area. I-80 follows the Ohio Turnpike here and is also a toll road along Cleveland, which has 2×3 lanes continuously. The southern side of the Cleveland area crosses several highways, including Interstate 71, Interstate 77 and Interstate 271, although no interchange is possible with the latter. Via a valley viaduct one crosses the valley of the Cuyahoga River. At Streetsboro, the Interstate 480. follows, before leaving the urbanized area around Cleveland.

This is followed by a more than 50 kilometers long route over the countryside, which has more afforestation here, but remains fairly flat. The Ohio Turnpike also has 2×3 lanes here. Just before the town of Youngstown, I-80 exits from the Ohio Turnpike at the interchange with Interstate 76. I-80 then forms the northern bypass of the industrial town of Youngstown and has 2×3 lanes here as well. In Youngstown one crosses Interstate 680. East of Youngstown, I-80 has 2×2 lanes, but soon after the border with the state of Pennsylvania follows . Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania then continues to New York City.

History

According to liuxers, I-80’s predecessor was US 20 west of Cleveland and US 422 between Cleveland and Youngstown. In the Cleveland area, the Ohio Turnpike has been constructed outside the existing US Highway corridors, well south of the city.

The Ohio Turnpike was constructed between 1949 and 1955, and the highway was completed before the major Interstate Highway system began. Construction of the 388-mile Ohio Turnpike cost $326 million at the time. It was the largest construction project in Ohio state history, employing more than 10,000 employees.

The first section was opened on December 1, 1954, a 35-kilometer stretch near Youngstown and Warren. On October 1, 1955, the rest of the route to Indiana was opened. The part along the north side of Youngstown took a little longer. In 1967, a short stretch on the Pennsylvania border opened. The largest part was opened around 1970-1971.

In the Cleveland area, I-80 originally ran separately from the Ohio Turnpike, over what is today Interstate 480. This was also numbered as I-80N for some time, as there were plans in the 1950’s for a second east-west freeway south of the Ohio Turnpike to be numbered I-80. This planned route went further south along Medina, but was never built.

In 1998, a switch was made from a numerical exit designation to an exit designation based on the mileage values. The numerical system was completely replaced in September 2002.

Widening Toledo – Youngstown

In 1995 the complete widening of the Ohio Turnpike between Toledo and Youngstown was started. At the time, the widening was planned to be completed in 5 years, until 2000. At the time, the cost was estimated at $460 million. This had to be financed by an abrupt increase in tolls, but this plan was very unpopular, after which it was decided to gradually increase the tolls. This meant that the widening could not be completed in 2000. By 1997, 100 miles of the Ohio Turnpike had been widened to 2×3 lanes, and it was estimated that the project could be completed in 2004. The widening was also largely completed in 2004, but the last few sections took much longer than planned. In 2007, the section between I-75 and I-280 at Toledo was widened to 2×3 lanes. Finally, on November 17, 2014, the final 2×3 lane section between Maumee and Perrysburg, on the south side of Toledo, opened. This completed the original plan. Between June 2015 and September 2018, 5 miles of I-80 in Youngstown were widened to 2×3 lanes between I-680 and Belmont Avenue.

Opening history

From Unpleasant Length Date
Indiana state line Exit 219 352 km 01-10-1955
Exit 234 Hubbard Pennsylvania state line 5 km circa 1967
Exit 223 Austintown Exit 224 2 km about 1969
Exit 219 Exit 223 Austintown 6 km about 1971
Exit 224 Exit 234 Hubbard 16 km about 1971

Lane Configuration

The point where I-76 from Akron merges into I-80 toward New York City.

From Unpleasant Lanes length
Exit 0 Indiana state line Exit 59 Maumee 2×2 95 km
Exit 59 Maumee Exit 229 Youngstown 2×3 273 km
Exit 229 Youngstown Exit 237 Pennsylvania state line 2×2 13 km

Toll

The highway has a closed toll system, people take a ticket when entering, and have to pay when driving off the highway, based on the distance traveled.

The concessionaire has never made much effort to implement an electronic toll system, because there is hardly any commuter traffic on the Toll Road. In December 2006, the implementation of such a system was started, which was fully operational in 2009.

Interstate 80 in Ohio

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Slovakia Geography and Economy https://www.estatelearning.com/slovakia-geography-and-economy.html Fri, 26 Aug 2022 11:04:35 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1685 In January 1993, Slovakia gained complete independence after a thousand years, only to face even greater problems than within Czechoslovakia. Also, its advantageous geographical location would be significantly strengthened, especially in connection with the calming of the situation in the Balkans and in the republics of the former USSR.

Natural conditions

More than half of Slovakia’s area is occupied by mountains. All mountain ranges belong to the Carpathian system of the Alpine-Himalayan mountain system. The Carpathians stretch in a large arc from Bratislava (Malé Karpaty) along the borders with the Czech Republic (Bílé Karpaty, Javorníky) and Poland to the border with Ukraine. To the east, the sedimentary Slovak Beskydy Mountains are enclosed by the granite High Tatras with distinctive glacial modeling.

To the south of them stretch another crystalline mountain range of the Low Tatras and the Slovak Red Mountains, surrounded by bizarre ranges of mountains built by limestone and dolomite and even more in the south by volcanic rocks. Between them lie mostly low-lying basins. The Slovak karst near the border with Hungary represents the largest karst area in Central Europe. From the vast Pannonian Plain in Hungary, the fertile Danubian Plain extends to the land of western Slovakia. In the east, its outcrop is the Východoslovak lowland in the Tisza river basin. The whole area is rich in mineral springs. The vast majority of Slovakia is drained by tributaries of the Danube (the Váh is the longest) into the Black Sea.

According to ALLCITYCODES, the climate in Slovakia is under the stronger influence of continentality than in the Czech Republic. Summers are on average warmer and winters colder, although the maximum range of absolute temperatures is even slightly lower. Altitude and ruggedness of the terrain are strongly applied. The highest temperatures (July average is higher than 20°C) and the lowest precipitation are between 1200-2000 mm (in the Tatras).

Economy

The more vulnerable Slovak economy has made the situation even more complicated with the division of Czechoslovakia and has fewer resources than before to solve serious problems.

Agriculture, which has half of the country’s surface at its disposal (a third is arable land), employs 11% of the workforce. Crop production, which is significantly concentrated in the Danubian or East Slovak Lowlands, mainly grows cereals (wheat, barley, corn), as well as sugarcane and potatoes. The production of vegetables (cabbage, tomatoes and peppers) and wine is significant, less fruit and tobacco.

Pig and cattle breeding is an important animal production, and sheep breeding has resumed. Very important is the extraction of wood from the forests, which cover the largest part of the country after Finland and Sweden.

The disadvantage is the lack of fuel. Only a limited amount of low-quality brown coal and lignite is mined. Oil, natural gas and some electricity must be imported. Half of the electricity production is provided by the older Jaslovské Bohunice nuclear power plant. This is also why Slovakia is clinging to the completion of the Gabčíkovo waterworks. Iron, copper, zinc and mercury ores are mined in small quantities. More significant is the mining of limestone and magnesite.

Thanks to post-war industrialization, the most important industry is iron metallurgy, concentrated in Košice. The largest consumer of steel was the vast arms industry, which undergoes a complex conversion process, but also the production of trucks and other heavy equipment. A large aluminum plant and non-ferrous metallurgy plants are in operation. The electrotechnical industry (production of televisions, washing machines and refrigerators), which worked for the Czechoslovak market, has problems. Petrochemistry in Bratislava and the subsequent production of artificial fertilizers, fibers and tires are very important. The production of cement, cellulose and paper is also significant. The production of clothing and footwear has a slightly better position.

Traffic is concentrated in the Danube Corridor and in the valley of large rivers. The Čierna nad Tisou-Ostrava railway line serves the international transport of raw materials. Bratislava is an important railway and road junction with a port and an airport. Tourism does not bring the expected income.

Slovakia Geography

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Top Sights in Milan, Italy https://www.estatelearning.com/top-sights-in-milan-italy.html Thu, 18 Aug 2022 17:50:12 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1673 You should definitely plan a few days for your sightseeing tour of Milan, because there is really a lot to see! The following highlights are part of the must-do programme:

Milan Cathedral

The landmark

According to WEDDINGINFASHION, Milan Cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world and you should definitely see the huge cathedral from the inside.

Milan Cathedral has around 3400 statues and 164 windows.

One of the highlights of the cathedral is also the all-round accessible roof terrace: here you can walk between the stone columns and statues of the cathedral, with a great view of the city.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

The Royal Shopping Arcade

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is the oldest shopping arcade in Italy and is also called “Milan’s living room”.

Gilded stucco, mosaics, chic designer shops and cafés line the passage that connects Cathedral Square to Teatro alla Scala.

A walk through the historic building, named after the then King of Italy, is a must in Milan!

Navigli

Shop along the canal and sip cocktails

The Navigli are two canals and the associated harbor basin in the center of Milan, where there are a number of bars, restaurants and boutiques .

The two watercourses are called Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese and are the hotspots in Milan for an aperitivo in the early evening.

You can also shop here during the day, especially when the second-hand market Fiera di Sinigaglia takes place on Saturdays.

Sforzesco Castle

A castle in the middle of the city

The Castello Sforzesco Castle is great for a stroll through Milan. The interiors house a number of museums and temporary exhibitions and the inner courtyards are freely accessible .

Admission to the museums costs a total of only 5 euros.

Right behind the castle is the huge city park Parco Sempione with lakes, meadows and lots of shady spots.

Bosco Verticale

The Vertical Forest

The unique twin towers are Milan’s flagship project when it comes to environmental protection . Two towers around 100 meters high, whose outer facades are planted with thousands of bushes and trees.

The aim of the project is to improve the air quality of the city, to create new habitats for animals and to counteract the spread of the metropolis into the surrounding area.

The Bosco Verticale is not far from the main train station.

Quadrilatero della Moda

The Fashion Square

Four streets that meet here and form a square: hence the term Quadrilatero . If you want to shop for Gucci, Hermés & Co. in Milan , then you have to go to the fashion square.

The most famous of the four streets is Via Monte Napoleone. Along with 5th Avenue in New York , it is considered one of the most expensive streets in the world .

7 facts about Milan

  1. Rome may be Italy’s capital, but Milan is Italy’s tech and financial capital .
  2. Milan is international: over 20% of the residents come from other countries.
  3. Milan has three airports: Bergamo, Malpensa and Linate. The most convenient way to fly to Malpensa is from Germany .
  4. Milan Fashion Week takes place 4 times a year: in January, July, February and September.
  5. The Milan Cathedral took 400 years to build.
  6. Milan has the most developed tram network in Europe with a total of 17 tram lines. The historic tram line 1 is particularly worth seeing .
  7. Milan has been Spanish, French and Austrian before!

The most beautiful museums in Milan

Of course, Milan also has a lot of interesting museums for every taste. Don’t miss the following collections:

Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci

The largest science museum in Italy

Milan houses the largest number of Leonardo da Vinci artworks and models anywhere.

In this museum you will not only find his works, but also exciting exhibits from all areas of science : chemistry, physics, biology and even robotics.

The absolute highlight of the museum is an original submarine, which can also be viewed from the inside.

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

Paintings, Objects & Manuscripts

The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is an art museum with paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and other artefacts from the 14th century to the 20th century.

Paintings by, for example, Caravaggio, da Vinci and Botticelli are on display here. The library integrated in the museum is particularly famous , where you can see original hand drawings by Leonardo da Vinci.

Pinacoteca di Brera

One of the most important art museums in Italy

The Pinacoteca di Brera is probably the most famous museum in Milan and one of the most important art museums in Italy.

Everything revolves around art from the 14th to the 20th century. The works exhibited here come not only from the usual Italian artists, but also from Picasso, Rubens or Van Dyck.

Shopping in Milan

Milan is the fashion metropolis par excellence. A little shopping should definitely be on your agenda.

You don’t necessarily have to blow your travel budget with expensive designer fashion, because there are boutiques for every budget in Milan.

The following streets and neighborhoods are perfect for shopping:

Corso Ticinese – Second hand boutiques and record shops. The shopping mile is Milan’s best address for alternative shopping. Here you will find vintage jewellers, independent fashion labels and delicious restaurants.

Via Monte Napoleone – haute couture. Only luxury boutiques are lined up here. The street belongs to the Quadrilatero della Moda, the so-called fashion square.

Corso Buenos Aires – the big fashion chains. The street is one of the longest shopping streets in Europe, with over 350 stores such as H&M, Zara, Mango & Co.

Fiera di Sinigaglia – flea market with over 100 stalls. The market is one of the oldest in Milan and takes place every Saturday along the Naviglio Grande canal.

Via Brera – artists’ studios and literary cafés. The Brera district has always been the hotspot for refined craftsmanship in Milan.

Sforzesco Castle

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California – the Golden State https://www.estatelearning.com/california-the-golden-state.html Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:19:09 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1667 California, which is nicknamed the “Golden State” (Golden State), is the third largest of the federal states in terms of area and is therefore roughly twice the size of Great Britain.

California is bigger than Germany and Switzerland combined. The state owes its nickname to its sunny climate and the time of the “gold rush”. In terms of population, California is the most populous state in the United States. Every eighth American lives here. Every third resident is of Spanish-speaking descent, just under 12% of the population have Asian ancestors. The proportion of whites has dropped to 47%. The largest cities are Los Angeles (around 3.7 million), San Diego(over 1.3 million), San Jose (around 950,000), San Francisco (over 800,000) and Fresno (around 500,000).

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The landscape is diverse and offers something of almost everyone: beaches, mountains, rugged coasts, deserts, forests and vineyards. Here you can find the highest mountain in the USA outside of Alaska (Mount Whitney, over 4,400 m high) and also the lowest point (Death Valley, 86 m below sea level).

The country’s climatic and geographical advantages make it one of the most popular residential and tourist areas in the USA. The landscape is diverse: beaches on the Pacific Ocean, mountain ranges of the Sierra Nevada and sand dunes in the Valley of Death. Even the constant danger of earthquakes through the San Andreas Fissure, which stretches over 900 km from Mexico to northern San Francisco, is not a deterrent.

But California is not just a vacationer’s paradise; the state is threatened by water shortages, forest fires and financial difficulties. The budget deficit reached a record high of around 38 billion dollars in 2002. The liberalization of the electricity market is considered to have failed and the end of the high-tech boom is in sight. The world’s fifth largest economy in its own right has poor credit ratings among the 50 states.

The governor is head of administration and is directly elected by the people. He has no policy authority, but still has considerable influence. He can veto parliamentary decisions and convene special sessions of MPs. He has extensive control over the finances and is the master of around 140,000 civil servants. According to Article 5 of the Constitution, the governor exercises the right of grace (although there are hardly any controversial executions in California any more).

Recommended reading : GEO Special No. 1 February / March 2006 “California & Las Vegas ” reports on the Golden State and Sin City, including hotel recommendations and a travel service section of over 20 pages.

Earthquake

From a seismographic point of view, a “big” earthquake must be expected at any time (the big one); numerous smaller earthquakes are “common”. The earthquake danger in the state of California is many times greater than that in other states in the country. See also one Article in the world. The US Geological Survey has a map for California online that includes an earthquake forecast for the next 24 hours. Typically, most areas in California have a 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000 chance of an earthquake. But in certain areas the risk increases to 1: 1,000 for an earthquake to occur.

Climate and Weather

The climate is generally mild, with warm summers and cool winters. The extent of California covers 100 degrees of latitude and the climatic differences are correspondingly large. “It never rains in California” is just a hit phrase, the reality is different.

South of the city of Santa Barbara, the cliché applies to the greatest possible extent: blue skies, sun, searing heat. The winds cool on the coast, the further you go into the hinterland, the more oppressive it becomes. North from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, the weather is more capricious. It’s not that hot anymore, the water is cooler and in summer there are more clouds in the sky during the day.

San Francisco itself has weather peculiarities due to its location. The summer months are not hot because the famous fog covers the city like a haze and hinders the sun’s rays. The Golden Gate Bridge can usually only be seen from noon, sometimes not at all. Many hotels therefore do not have air conditioning in the rooms. The best time to travel to San Francisco is from late August to mid-October.

North of San Francisco, the summers are noticeably cooler and wetter. Gray skies and clouds can last for several days in a row. For the area south of San Francisco, the months of April / May and September / October are considered the best travel times. On the coast there is changeable, fresh weather, in the inland it is pleasantly warm. The main season with a corresponding rush is from mid-June to mid-September.

Alcohol and smoking

Alcohol is available for purchase throughout the state. Alcohol is prohibited under the age of 21. Smoking is prohibited in public buildings and means of transport; otherwise, this is often different from region to region. Tobacco products can only be bought from the age of 18.

Taxes

The state sales tax is 7.25%, local surcharges can be up to 2.50%. Status: 06/06/2012

Traffic rules

The minimum age to drive is 18 years, for locals with special training 16 years. There is a blood alcohol limit of 0.8 when driving a car. If you suspect driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), a blood test is mandatory.

Seat belts must be worn by all occupants. For children under 4 years of age or weighing less than 40 lbs. a certified child seat is required. Children under 6 years of age or weighing less than 60 lbs. Must be secured in a special safety seat (safety seat or booster seat). Motorcyclists must wear a helmet. Helmets are also compulsory for cyclists under the age of 18.

Turning right in spite of the red traffic light is generally allowed (right on red). Accidents are to be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles if people have been injured or the property damage is more than $ 500.

California - the Golden State

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Attractions in the Kennedy Space Center, Florida https://www.estatelearning.com/attractions-in-the-kennedy-space-center-florida.html Fri, 05 Aug 2022 12:31:26 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1665 Would you like to walk in the footsteps of the astronauts during your trip in the state of Florida and experience the place where the mission to the moon began? Then the NASA visitor center is the perfect place for it. We have put together the sights for you here that you should definitely not miss on a day trip to the spaceport. For example, the area can be perfectly integrated into a round trip if you are already in the corner and visiting the city of Orlando, for example.

Heroes & Legends

The countdown to the launch of the first rockets inspired a nation to reach for the stars. Discover what it means to be a hero in the Heroes & Legends room. The US Astronaut Hall of Fame® presented by Boeing® tells the stories of NASA’s space pioneers. You can stroll through the Rocket Garden here and appreciate the technology that ultimately brought the astronauts to the moon. In the Rocket Garden there is an open-air exhibition with discarded space rockets. These are historical rockets from different generations that allow an excellent introduction to the history of space travel here in the open air.

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Apollo / Saturn V Center: Race To The Moon

There are moments in American history that will remain unforgettable. One of them is the Apollo moon mission, which moves into the center of the action in this section. The Apollo / Saturn V Center pays homage to the people and machines who made the incredible possible and achieved something with the moon missions that mankind never dared to dream of. Here you can visit the gigantic Saturn V moon rocket, among other things. It’s the biggest rocket that ever flew. In addition, there are interactive and appealing exhibits from the Apollo era and a simulated control center allows you to experience what mankind felt when astronauts in their space suits landed on the moon for the first time during a moon mission with the moon rocket.

The Saturn V rocket is the type of rocket that once took people into space. You can walk under the giant Saturn V launcher here on the Florida site and experience how big this colossus really is and empathize with how much power it takes to bring spaceships and more into space. Because the rocket is 18 meters high and 111 meters long, higher than the Statue of Liberty. The rocket in the exhibition on the Florida site is not a replica, but one of the three remaining Saturn V rockets in the USA. The guided tour of the rocket is only available during the Kennedy Space Center bus tour.

And if you want, you can even touch real moon rocks behind a glass pane in the building. This is only a comparatively small piece of moon rock, but nonetheless it is a great opportunity to touch the moon once in a lifetime thanks to the original moon rock. The Apollo 11 landing capsule is also on display here.

Relive the moon landing in the Lunar Theater

Millions of people held their breath when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped on the moon for the first time in human history in the late 1960s. In the Lunar Theater you can see on the screen and feel how people fared when the following words were spoken from the surface of the moon when the moon landed: “Houston, Tranquility Base her… the Eagle is landed”.

With the help of 3D cinema elements, original NASA footage and other recordings, you can use the Lunar theater empathize with the events of that historic day in July 1969. This moon landing day was also the day on which Neil Armstrong said the legendary words: ” That’s one small step for a man… one… giant leap for mankind ” (This is a small step for man… a… giant leap for mankind) spoke. The performance lasts ten minutes.

NASA’S SPACE SHUTTLE PROGRAM

The space shuttle is a spaceship like no other and is one of the great achievements in space travel. It is a space shuttle that took off like a rocket into the sky and landed like a glider and transported astronauts into space and back again for thirty years. One of the best known is probably the Discovery. In this area, this American icon takes center stage. You can tour the Space Shuttle Atlantis®, learn more about the shuttle missions that secured the future of the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. It’s an interactive area where you can learn how to dock and land the shuttle with the help of simulators. An absolute highlight is that Shuttle Launch Experience®, where you can feel in detail what forces act on the body when a space shuttle starts. A real experience!

The entrance to the home of the space shuttle Atlantis can hardly be missed and the space shuttle itself offers an unforgettable experience. Because the interesting exhibition of the space shuttle is designed in such a way that Atlantis is shown in a form as it was seen by the astronauts while flying in space. It is one of three space shuttles on display in the United States.

NASA Now + Next

The Apollo mission is long history and the moon is no longer unknown after several moon landings. But everything that is outside of our earth is far from being explored. In the NASA Now + Next area, the current and future missions of NASA are in the foreground and you can get an insight into the science of the current missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and the upcoming missions for exploring space.

Space films give unforgettable insights

Do you love IMAX cinemas? Then you will certainly get your money’s worth in the Kennedy Space Center. Because here are the only adjacent IMAX cinemas in the world. The screens are five stories high and a visit to the space films is already included in the entrance fee.

One of these space films is “Journey to Space 3D”, which shows NASA’s plans for the future and also takes a look back. Other space films are “A Beautiful Planet 3D”, in which you can see the earth from the perspective of an astronaut in the IMAX cinema. Or you can do at ” Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted “A trip to Mars.

In the Mission Zone Nasa Now + Next you will also have the opportunity to see the spacecraft with which the astronauts are setting off into space.

Attention : The IMAX cinema is currently being renovated. “Journey to Mars” is therefore currently not shown in the IMAX cinema, but on the area behind the Space Shuttle Atlantis®. The film lasts about an hour. It is best to see the program when you arrive for the exact times.

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour

In the Mission Zone Behind the Gates, visitors can enter the areas of the Kennedy Space Center that are closed to visitors in an air-conditioned coach. This is where space travel is located, the place where America took off to the moon, and the place where NASA plans to send astronauts into space. During the guided bus tour you can view exclusive areas such as the 39B launch complex, the control center, one or the other launch pad for space flights or the vehicle assembly building from close up and you will learn more about NASA and space exploration from experts during the bus tour.

Among other things, you can see the memorial for the crew of Apollo 1, which once burned in its capsule on the launch pad. The Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) is absolutely impressive. With a height of 160 meters, the Vehicle Assembly Building is one of the largest halls in the world and the place where the Saturn V moon rocket was assembled. Unfortunately, you cannot take a look inside the building in which the Saturn rockets for the space missions were assembled vertically. The Shuttle Landing Facility, which serves as the runway for the US space shuttle, is located approximately 3.2 kilometers northwest of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).

Fly with an astronaut

With ” Fly with an astronaut ”You can tour NASA’s Kennedy Space Center with an experienced astronaut as a guide. On this activity, you are part of a small group and with an experienced space explorer at your side, you can tour the birthplace of the American space program, the Space Shuttle Atlantis® and many other achievements. The Shuttle Launch Experience® offers an interactive flight experience. The program also includes the bus tour and a private lunch with the astronaut and their small group. A great autographed photo from your astronaut guide included.

Tip: It is best to plan your day trip to the Kennedy Space Center with the Kennedy Space Center Official Guide App so as not to miss any exciting attractions.

Attractions in the Kennedy Space Center

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Jakarta and Pezheng, Indonesia https://www.estatelearning.com/jakarta-and-pezheng-indonesia.html Thu, 28 Jul 2022 17:22:00 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1663 JAKARTA

Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Jakarta is located on the northwestern coast of the island of Java, at the confluence of the Chilivung River into the Java Sea. Administratively, Jakarta, together with the suburbs, forms a special unit – Greater Jakarta.

According to THEMAKEUPEXPLORER, Jakarta is the capital of the fourth largest nation in the world. More than 10 million people live in it. It is one of the dirtiest cities in the world. Dirty, noisy, exhausting, poor and suffocating city. Disillusioned with the resettlement policy, people flock to Jakarta and build entire neighborhoods of corrugated iron sheets in places unsuitable for habitation. Nevertheless, the city exudes some kind of charm, a charm of contrasts: excessive wealth coexists with completely miserable poverty, modern skyscrapers and porters straining at hard work in the port of Sundakelapa, sewage mud and regal luxury of hotels.

Despite the oppressive heat and erratic traffic, the city still boasts good museums, famous residential areas, interesting examples of majestic colonial architecture, as well as many excellent shops, antique shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. In the southern part of Jakarta, there is the famous zoo – Ragunan, where representatives of the rarest species of animals and birds live: the famous Komodo dragon, tapir, wild bull Banteng and birds of paradise striking with the brightness of their plumage.

Many attractions can be visited near the city. Bogor is located 1.5 hours from Jakarta – a place, due to the mild climate, chosen during the colonization by high-ranking Dutch for villas and country residences. Here are the luxurious Sukarno Palace and the world’s largest outdoor botanical garden. Bandung is located 3 hours drive from Jakarta at an altitude of 700 m above sea level and is surrounded by the spiky peaks of the Sunda highlands. Bandung was once a Dutch university town with wide boulevards and elegant houses, called “Javanese Paris”. Now it is a city with a population of 1.5 million, the center of licensed textile production. The mountain peaks around Bandung are accessible to tourists. Volcano Tangkuban Perahu (reverse boat) lies 32 km north of the city. A specially built road leads to the crater itself. Here, at the sharp-pointed edge of the crater, clubs of sulfurous gases mix with cold mountain fog.

PEZENG

The three main temples of Pezheng (Pejeng) are located at a distance of several hundred meters from each other along the Bedulu – Tampaksiring highway. Pura Penataran Sasih is considered a particularly sacred temple because it is here that the so-called Pezheng Moon (hence the other name – “Moon Temple”) is located. In fact, the moon is a large bronze gong, shaped like an hourglass and suspended so high in its special tower that the patterns on its surface are almost indistinguishable. The gong dates back to about the third century BC. e. (Balinese Bronze Age) and is considered the largest ever cast by man (length 2 meters).

Its green patina is engraved with funny heart-shaped faces with huge round eyes. Legend has it that the gong used to be a wheel from a chariot on which the moon rode across the sky. The wheel shone as brightly as the moon itself, and when it fell from the sky, stuck in the branches of a tree in Pezhenga, a local thief who noticed it was so enraged by this revealing light that he tried to extinguish it “naturally”. The wheel exploded, killing the thief, and fell to the ground. Since then, the Balinese began to revere the Pezheng Moon as a sacred object. Pura Pusering Jagat or “Temple of the Center of the World” stands a hundred meters south of the Temple of the Moon. Its most interesting detail is a huge (one meter high) vessel for sacred water, decorated with intricate carvings (14th century). The meticulously carved relief on its walls illustrates the Hindu myth “The Stirring of the Milky Sea”,Another two hundred meters further south is the temple of Pura Kebo Edan (“Temple of the Raging Bull”), whose main interest is a massive phallus belonging to a huge stone man known as the Pezheng Giant. According to local residents, in fact, the giant has not one, but six “male virtues”. In addition to the one on display, four are hidden inside the statue, and the fifth fell off during a wild dance. The main treasure trove of this historically remarkable region, the Museum Purbakala State Archaeological Museum consists of four small pavilions that house an eclectic array of items found in Pezheng. The most interesting exhibit is stone sarcophagi (3rd century BC).

Pezheng, Indonesia

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania https://www.estatelearning.com/philadelphia-pennsylvania.html Fri, 22 Jul 2022 10:05:49 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1661 Over the years the city has grown enormously in all directions, except to the east, where there is the natural limit given by the main river, gradually covering the entire area of ​​the peninsula between the two rivers, moving towards north in the Wissahickon basin, a left tributary of the Schuylkill (Germantown, Chestnut Hill, etc.), and to the north-east (Frankford, etc.), moving, to the west, beyond the Schuylkill River (West Philadelphia). By law of 1854 the various corporated districts which had been created gradually with the progress of demographic development, starting in 1762, were abolished and the borders of Philadelphia were brought to the borders of the county, incorporating numerous centers, such as Frankford, Germantown, Manayunk, Bridesburg, etc. In this way the city increased dramatically in population, as the comparative figures of the 1850 and 1860 censuses attest.

According to A2zcamerablog, the topographical structure of the metropolis is not uniform, but varies according to the position with respect to the course of the waterways and the morphology of the soil, which is a bit rough especially in the north-western section of the county (Wissahickon basin Creek), where it exceeds 100 m. The uniformity of the master plan in the central part of the metropolis is today interrupted by large diagonals, among which we will remember Lancaster Avenue, Ridge Avenue, the great Roosevelt Boulevard and finally the Parkway, recently opened, a magnificent artery, which, starting from City Hall leads to Fairmount Park on the banks of the Schuylkill river: with these diagonals we try to remedy the traffic problem, which has become disturbing in recent years.

Numerous bridges cross the Schuylkill River, some of which are for railway communications and can be opened. Among the most important we will mention the Penrose Ferry Bridge, 1.6 km away. from the Schuylkill outlet in Delaware; the Passyunk Avenue Bridge, 4.9 km. from the mouth; Gray’s Ferry Bridge, 7.8 km. from the outlet; the South Street Bridge, 6 miles away. from Delaware. Alongside these are three swing bridges for the Pennsylvania and Baltimore and Ohio Railways lines. All the other bridges, including the very important one on which Market Street passes, are fixed and all have a height above the maximum water level of more than 6 meters, thus allowing the underpass to boats of modest size. On the Delaware, on the other hand, given the breadth of the river and the needs of great navigation, until a few years ago there was only the Pennsylvania Railroad bridge, about 1600 meters upstream of Petty Island. In the year 1926, the largest suspension bridge in the world was opened to traffic, linking Philadelphia with Camden. The work, begun in 1922, cost the sum of over 37 million dollars. The distance between the two support towers is 525 meters.

The city is very rich in parks and gardens, which are 140 in all, covering an area of ​​over 28 sq km. The largest and most famous is Fairmount Park, located on both sides of the Schuylkill (over 14 sq km), now linked to City Hall by the Parkway. The park began in June 1812: it contains numerous buildings of historical importance and some buildings from the 1876 Exposition, and is very rich in streets and avenues adorned with statues. Other parks are Pennypack Park, Cobb’s Creek, League Island on the island of the same name, Roosevelt Boulevard, etc. The Fairmount Park Commission has Fairmount Park and 22 other smaller parks under its jurisdiction.

Monument and art collections. – Philadelphia is full of public buildings of artistic and historical importance, such as the City Hall, a huge marble and granite building executed in 1874 in the style of the French Renaissance by John McArthur Junior, the public library, the Independence Hall, built between 1732 and 1735, rebuilt in 1897, where the congress met during the revolution and on 4 July 1776 proclaimed national independence, the Carpenters Hall, seat of the first colonial congress in 1774, the commercial museum, the Masonic temple, in Norman style, erected between 1868 and 1873.

Among the main commemorative monuments that adorn its squares are the statues of Stephen Girard, of Generals Reynolds and McClellan, of Benjamin Franklin, work of John J. Boyle (1900), and of George Washington, work of JA Bailly (1869).

Art teaching is given in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania School of Industrial Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, to which is attached a gallery containing, along with many others, works by Bouguereau (Orestes chased by the Erinyes), J.-J. Le Febure (Psyche), Ribera (cid), Courbert (Oak), Fortuny (The city palace in Grenade), Cabanel (Birth of Venus), Sargent (portraits of John W. Fielde and his wife), Rodin (Reclining figure).

The University Museum has a fine collection of objects excavated in Crete on the initiative of the university, Etruscan antiquities, especially from the necropolises of Narce and Vulci, and Cypriots, Greek vases, Roman sculptures, coins and medals. The Pennsylvania Museum is adorned with a beautiful female portrait by Parmigianino and a Tiepolo (Christ who heals the paralytic). The Johnson Museum is one of the most important in America for Italian painting, which is represented by a Madonna and Child with Saints by Bernardo Daddi, a Madonna and Child by Pietro Lorenzetti, four Saints by Masolino, a portrait of Lorenzo Lorenzano and four sacred compositions by Botticelli, from a ‘ Adoration of the Shepherds by Signorelli, from a Pietà by Carlo Crivelli, from a portrait of a man by Antonello da Messina, from a Madonna by Giovanni Bellini, to remember only the major ones. (For the Johnson Museum, see B. Berenson’s catalog, Philadelphia 1913).

Of great value and almost exclusively dedicated to Italian painting is also the collection by Joseph E. Widener, in which I am a David by Andrea del Castagno, a self-portrait by Lorenzo di Credi, a female portrait by Neroccio, the stupendous Judithby Andrea Mantegna, the Orpheus by Giovanni Bellini, the famous “Madonna of the Cowper house” by Raphael, the portrait of Bianca Maria Sforza by Ambrogio De Predis.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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What to See in Jalal-Abad and Karakol (Kyrgyzstan) https://www.estatelearning.com/what-to-see-in-jalal-abad-and-karakol-kyrgyzstan.html Fri, 15 Jul 2022 03:24:02 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1658 Jalal-Abad (Kyrgyzstan)

The city of Jalal-Abad is the administrative center of the Jalal-Abad region and the third largest city in Kyrgyzstan. Tourists are attracted by a variety of mineral springs and therapeutic mud. According to legend, there was a source of Chashma-Ayub (“Job’s source”), which was visited by the prophet Ayub (biblical Job). Many of the sources are known from the II century. BC. and are considered sacred. At a distance of 5 km from the city there is a resort complex “Jalal-Abad”.

In the Jalal-Abad region on the southwestern slopes of the Fergana and Chatkal ridges of South Kyrgyzstan within 800-2100 m above sea level are located the world’s largest massifs of walnut-fruit forests. In these forests, there are up to 130 species of trees and shrubs, including walnuts, pistachios, almonds, pears, apple trees, cherry plums, and currants. The forests are multi-layered, with a variety of shrub undergrowth. The productivity of walnut forests is quite high. There are individual trees that yield up to 200-400 kg of nuts per year. The age of these old-timer trees exceeds 800 years, and their height reaches 30 m with a trunk diameter of up to 2 m.

The most famous recreation area is called “Arstanbap (Arslanbob)” and is located 70 km from the city of Jalal-Abad at the foot of Weber Peak in the Babash-Ata ridge. Here you can see the small and large waterfalls, 35 and 80 m high respectively. On the opposite side of the Babash-Ata massif, in the valley of the Chon-Kerei River, a small but very beautiful lake Kutman-Kol comfortably hid in the frame of a juniper forest. On the north-eastern side of the Isfandzhailau ridge, located next to the Babash-Ata ridge, at an altitude of 1900 m, there is Lake Kara-Suu, where fishing is very popular.

Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve, located in the spurs of the Chatkal Tien Shan Range in the Jalal-Abad region. It was organized in 1959 to protect the walnut-fruit forests. The lower boundary of the reserve passes at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level, the highest point is 4247 m (Mount Mustor). The largest of the lakes (507 hectares) and the most famous is Sary-Chelek. More than 1000 species of plants grow in the reserve, up to a height of 2100 m forests of walnut and apple trees predominate. At an altitude of 2100-3000 m there is a subalpine belt, including fir and spruce forests, higher – forb-cereal meadows. Some areas of walnut-fruit forests are a kind of geobotanical museums, they combine tree species typical of Siberia and different places of the Tien Shan. There are many waterfowl on the lakes in spring and autumn.

Mausoleum Shah-Fazil, which is located in the Jalal-Abad region near the village of Safid-Buland, has no analogues in the architecture of the Karakhanid period among the monuments of the 11th century, of which very few have survived. Its interior is especially unique, covered with carved ganch from floor to ceiling. Mount Archa-Mazar, towering nearby, is a Muslim shrine for the entire Ferghana Valley, the spiritual value of the people.

Karakol (Kyrgyzstan)

According to THEDRESSEXPLORER, Karakol is the administrative center of the Issyk-Kul region. The city is located at the mouth of the Karakol River in the eastern part of the Issyk-Kul depression, at the foot of the Terskey Ala-Too at an altitude of 1770 m above sea level. The city is located just 13 km from the coast of Issyk-Kul Lake. Karakol is connected with the capitalby a good quality highway 403 km long.

The sights of Karakol include a memorial complex-museum with the grave of the Russian traveler and explorer of Central Asia N.M. Przhevalsky and a monument located 12 km from the city, on the high shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. It is worth visiting the city park with unique alleys of Tien Shan firs, founded by a military doctor and an active public figure N.M. Barsov in 1895. In Karakol, a Dungan mosque built of wood in 1912 and a wooden Orthodox church of the last quarter of the 19th century have survived to this day. Karakol is famous for one of the largest bazaars in the country and many souvenir shops and shops.

Many mountain routes along the Central Tien Shan start from this city, and an alp camp operates in the upper reaches of the Karakol River in summer. From Karakol you can go to many of the most beautiful gorges on the northern slope of the Terskey Ala-Too ridge: Altyn-Arashan, Dzhety-Oguz, Jergalan, Ak-Suu, Chon-Kyzyl-Suu, Kereg-Tash and others. In almost every place there are springs of warm mineral waters that are good for health. Along the valley of the Karakol River, you can climb to the glacial lake Ala-Kol. Ski base “Karakol” is located 7 km from the city of Karakol in the forest zone at an altitude of 2300 m. More than 20 km of trails with a length of 400 m to 3.5 km are prepared for skiing here. The highest point of skiing is 3040m, the height difference is 800m.

Karakol (Kyrgyzstan)

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Major Cities in Alberta (Canada) https://www.estatelearning.com/major-cities-in-alberta-canada.html Fri, 08 Jul 2022 05:38:02 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1653 Banff, Alberta (Canada)

According to SUNGLASSESWILL, the city of Banff is located on the southwestern border of the province of Alberta, 126 km northwest of Calgary. It is the starting point for a trip to Banff National Park – one of the most famous national parks in the Rocky Mountains and one of the most famous national parks on the planet. This is the first national park in Canada and the third oldest in the world, it was founded in 1885. The area of the park is 6641 sq. km. Wolves, mountain goats, grizzly bears, elk deer and other large animals live on its territory. More than 260 species of birds nest in the park, which makes it possible to arrange ornithological tours, which are most interesting in spring.

Extensive glaciers stretch along the border with Jasper National Park . Also in the park there are hot springs with water temperature up to +40 degrees. They include sulfates, bicarbonates, calcium, magnesium and sodium. On the territory of the park in 1888, on the basis of hot springs, a whole hotel with spa centers was created. Among other things, in Banff National Parkyou can go diving. Lake Minnewanka is suitable for this. It is located at an altitude of 1450 m above sea level. The lake has a length of about 18 km and a depth of up to 100 m. At the beginning of the 20th century, the dam was destroyed here, which led to the sinking of part of the village, flooded buildings and are the main objects for divers to explore. In winter, ice diving is possible on the lake. In 1895, the Natural History Museum was opened in Banff Park with more than 5,000 exhibits. It tells everything about the history of the country and the mainland as a whole. Dozens of campsites are equipped for living in the park. Banff Ski Area in Banff National Parkone of the most popular in the country. It includes several ski resorts: Mount Norcay, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Nakiska and Canmore Nordic Center. The height of the tracks here ranges from 1635 m to 2730 m. In total, 250 tracks are laid here, of which: 22% for beginners, 43% of moderate difficulty and 35% for professionals. There are over 30 lifts. The resort infrastructure includes about 60 shops, 64 restaurants, 33 bars, children’s centers, tour desks, skating rinks, sports centers, spa centers, museums, ski schools, rentals of ski and snowboard equipment, dog teams, snowmobiles and much more. In the resort of Gora Norkay, the elevation difference is 503 m. It has 33 slopes, the longest of which is 1167 m long, and 5 lifts. Sunshine Village Resortis the highest Canadian ski resort, the highest point of its slopes is located at an altitude of 2730 m. The elevation difference within the resort is 1070 m. The resort will be of particular interest to professionals, as it has a huge number of “black” slopes. In total, 92 tracks are laid here, the longest is 8 km, there are 12 lifts. The Lake Louise resort has the largest ski area in terms of area – 17 square meters. km. The elevation difference within the resort is 991 m. There are 113 slopes (the longest one is 8 km) and 10 lifts. The Nakiska Resort was established in 1988 to host the Winter Olympics. The elevation difference here is 735 m. 28 routes have been laid (the longest is 3.2 km), 5 lifts are operating. Banff Ski Areais known for its heliskiing opportunities, when skiers are delivered to the virgin snow fields by helicopters. Jasper National Park is adjacent to Banff National Park to the north.

Jasper, Alberta (Canada)

The city of Jasper is located in the Rocky Mountains about 360 km southwest of Edmonton. It is the administrative center of the largest national park in the Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park. The park was founded in 1907 and now covers an area of 10,878 sq. km. Glaciers, mountains, river valleys and alpine meadows stretch on its territory. This is one of the largest areas in southern Canada., which has been preserved in its original form, and one of the few where numerous predators live, such as grizzly bears, mountain lions, Canadian lynxes, wolves and wolverines. In addition, moose, wapiti deer, bighorns, mountain goats, black-tailed deer, rare caribou, beavers, tree porcupines, muskrats, red squirrels and large flying squirrels are protected in the park. Of the plants in the park, the most interesting is Douglas fir, which, in the presence of a slope of the trunk, itself grows wood on one side of the tree, leveling the balance.

The highest mountain in the province, Mount Columbia, is located in the park.(3747 m); a vast area of karst formations – the Malin Valley, where the largest lake in the Rocky Mountains is located, 22 km long and up to 100 m deep, which has glacial nutrition; sand dunes around Jasper Lake and the picturesque Athabasca Falls, 23 m high; the territory of the park also passes the northern border of the distribution of Douglas fir and the watershed between the rivers belonging to the three oceans, which are the local glaciers that feed these rivers. Jasper

National Park is home to North America’s most popular and most accessible glacier, the Athabasca Glacier. Its age exceeds 10 thousand years, and the area is more than 200 square meters. km. The Athabasca Glacier is gradually melting, which is why it is moving, so tourists are forbidden to travel on it without a guide. Also in the park Jasper is home to numerous hot springs. One of them – Miette – has a water temperature of about +54 degrees. The waters of the springs are rich in calcium, sulfates and sulfides. On the basis of the springs, entire pools were opened, where already purified and slightly cooled water is supplied.

You can see all the sights of Jasper National Park by going on a trip along hiking trails, the total length of which is about 1200 km. Campsites and even hotels are equipped for living in the park . Jasper National Park is home to the popular ski resort of Marmot Basin.. The highest point of the resort is located at an altitude of 2601 m, the height difference is 914 m. The resort has 84 slopes, the longest of which has a length of 5633 m, and 9 lifts. Marmot Basin also offers snowboarding opportunities. Jasper National Park is adjacent to Banff National Park to the south.

Jasper, Alberta (Canada)

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Ourense, Galicia (Spain) https://www.estatelearning.com/ourense-galicia-spain.html Fri, 01 Jul 2022 03:35:16 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1649 According to SMARTERCOMPUTING, the city of Ourense is the capital of the province of the same name in Galicia. It is located on the banks of the Minho River. Ourense was founded by the Romans about 2000 years ago. The stone bridge thrown over the Minho River, which is now a symbol of the city, reminds of those distant times. Naturally, the original Roman bridge, built during the reign of Gaius Julius Caesar, has not survived to this day. The current bridge was rebuilt in the 13th-17th centuries; only a few stones at its base have survived from the Roman construction. Old city Ourense centered around the 12th and 13th century Cathedral of San Martinho. Here you will see the Portal of Glory of the 13th century, modeled on the portal of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the 16th century altarpiece by Cornelles de Holanda, the 16th century chapel of Santa Cristo by Juan de Herrera, which houses the crucifix of the 14th century, the clock tower, which was attached in the 16th century, and the Gothic cloister, which houses the cathedral museum. The main city square Plaza Mayor, framed by arcades, adjoins the Cathedral. Here rises the 19th century City Hall building, whose facade is topped with balconies, coats of arms and clocks. Nearby is the Bishop’s Palace of the 12th century, which now houses the Archaeological Museum. The museum presents finds from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages and an art gallery. Around the Plaza Mayor is park of thermal springs Las Burgasdiscovered by the Romans. The fountains and baths of the park were built in the 17th-19th centuries. The water temperature of the springs reaches +67 degrees. Also in Ourense, it is worth looking at the 16th century Oca Valladares Palace, on whose facade you can see the coats of arms of noble Galician families, the 18th century Santa Maria Madre church, which was built on the site of an older 11th century temple, the 14th century San Francisco Monastery, whose cloister with 63 arches is considered one of the most beautiful in Galicia, and the Church of Santa Eufemia (17th-18th century).

In the vicinity of Ourense, along the banks of the Miño River, there are several baths replenished with water from hot springs. Most of them are open to the public 24 hours a day and there is no charge for bathing. You can experience the healing power of the local waters by going to one of the spa resorts surrounding Ourense. There are about ten of them in the province. Diseases of the cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory and nervous systems, kidneys and skin diseases are treated here. In the treatment, local bicarbonate-sodium and sulfate-sodium waters are used, with a high content of fluorine, lithium and radon.

At the western border of the province of Ourense, along the banks of the Miño River, lies the Ribero wine region, which produces some of the finest Spanish dry white wines. The center of the region is the city of Ribadavia. (Ribadavia). Every year in late April-early May, one of the most colorful wine festivals in Galicia is held here. Since the Middle Ages, the Jewish community, one of the largest in Galicia, has been producing wine in these parts. In the 15th century, most of the Jews who did not want to accept Christianity were expelled. However, the Jewish Quarter, which is one of the main attractions of the city, has been perfectly preserved in Ribadavia to this day. He concentrated at Magdalena Square. There are many ancient churches in the vicinity of the Jewish Quarter, among which the pre-Romanesque church of San Gines de Francelos of the 9th century, the Romanesque church of Santiago and the Gothic monastery of Santo Domingo stand out. 13th century. Also interesting in Ribadavia are the half-ruined Sarmiento fortress of the 15th century and the Ethnographic Museum, which tells about the culture and main crafts of the province of Ourense. In the vicinity of Ribadavia there are many “bodegas” (wineries) where you can taste the world-famous wine and get acquainted with the process of its production. Within the Ribeo wine region is the city of Carballino (O Carballino), where, in addition to the “bodegas”, the monumental temple of Veracruz is interesting, which is a mixture of Byzantine, pre-Romanesque, Romanesque and Gothic styles, and numerous thermal springs, on the basis of which spa centers are open.

Another attraction of the province of Ourense is the city of Allaris. (Allariz), which is located just south of the city of Ourense on the banks of the Arnoia River. The city is like a vast park where ancient churches and palaces are surrounded by oaks and chestnuts. In Allaris, it is worth seeing the Romanesque churches of Santiago, Santo Estebo, San Pedro and Santa Marina (12th-13th century), the monastery of Santa Clara (13th century) and the Villanova (15th century) and Freira (18th century) bridges, which thrown across the river Arnoia.

In the southwestern part of the province of Ourense, on the border with Portugal, on an area of 209 sq. km stretches Baia Lima Sierra do Jures Natural Park (Baixa Limia-Serra do Xures nature reserve). The park is interesting because two natural zones meet here: the zone of mixed and broad-leaved forests and the Mediterranean zone. Hiking trails are laid in the park, which can be overcome on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Here you will see mountain landscapes, dense forests, rivers and waterfalls.

In the heart of the province of Ourense stretches the Central mountain range. Here is the Natural Park of Invernadeiro (O Invernadeiro nature reserve), which is famous for its numerous waterfalls. In order to go on a trip to the park, you must obtain permission. Nearby, surrounded by dense forests, is the only ski resort in Galicia – Manzaneda.

In the northeast of the province of Ourense, on the border with the province of León , the Sierra da Encina da Lastra nature reserve is of interest. The Encina da Lastra mountain range is composed of limestone rocks and dotted with dozens of caves, where some of the largest colonies of bats in Spain settle. In addition, the park is home to many birds of prey.

The border between the provinces of Ourense and Lugo runs along the river Sil. The power of the waters of the Sil River has formed here a 200-kilometer canyon, whose walls reach a height of 500 m. Tourists are offered excursion trips on catamarans along some sections of the canyon, during which one can appreciate the scale of this unique natural object. In addition to the picturesque landscapes, these places are known for dozens of medieval monasteries, for which this area received the name Ribeira Sacra (“Sacred River”). You can get to the monasteries along hiking trails and narrow country roads passing through dense forests. The most popular among tourists is the largest monastery of the San Esteban region (now it houses a chic hotel) and the monastery of Santa Cristina with the observation deck Balcones de Madrid (both monasteries are located near the village of Nogueira de Ramuin); the convent of Santa Maria in Montederramo, where a school is now open; the oldest chapel of Galicia, San Pedro de Rocas in Tarreirijo, carved directly into the rock; convent of Las Madres Bernardas; as well as the ruins of the monasteries of San Payo de Abelada and Junqueira de Espadanedo. In addition, be sure to visit the medieval town of Monforte de Lemos, where a 10th century monastery, an ancient Roman bridge and several churches have been preserved. It is worth noting that Ribeira Sacra is famous not only for its nature and religious architecture, but also for its vineyards. This is the only wine region in Galicia that specializes in the production of red wines.

Ourense, Galicia (Spain)

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Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia (Russia) https://www.estatelearning.com/petrozavodsk-republic-of-karelia-russia.html Fri, 24 Jun 2022 12:51:34 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1647 According to SHOE-WIKI, Petrozavodsk is the capital of the Republic of Karelia and the administrative center of the Prionezhsky district of the republic. It is located on the shore of the Petrozavodsk Bay of Lake Onega and stretches along the shore for 22 km.

Even on the maps of the late 16th century, the settlement of Onegoburg was marked on the site of the modern city. The year of foundation of Petrozavodsk is considered to be 1703, when Peter I ordered to establish an iron-making cannon-casting plant here. The plant was named Petrovsky. It produced guns, shells, firearms and edged weapons, as well as ship equipment. Gradually, a working settlement was formed around the plant – Petrovskaya Sloboda. After the end of the Northern War, the Petrovsky plant was closed. However, already at the end of the 18th century during the war with Turkey a new Alexander cannon factory was built here. It was a large plant, considered one of the best defense enterprises of the state. In 1777, the settlement received the status of a county town called Petrozavodsk, in 1784 Petrozavodsk became a provincial town. In the 19th century, a steamship connection was established between Petrozavodsk and Saint Petersburg, and in the early 20th century, a railway was built from here to Murmansk. Petrozavodsk was badly damaged during the Great Patriotic War, when it was occupied by the Finns. On the territory of the city, 7 Finnish concentration camps were created, where many civilians were imprisoned and shot. Since 2007, the city has been officially called the Petrozavodsk City District.

One of the main attractions of Petrozavodskaya is the oldest square in the city – Lenin Square (end of the 18th century). Before the revolution, it was called Round, and after – the name of October 25th. It received its current name in 1960. The ensemble of the square is made in the spirit of early classicism and is the only architectural monument of the 18th century in the city. In 1873, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Alexander Plant, a monument to Peter I was erected on the Round Square.. Currently, it is located on the city embankment near the river station, and since 1933 a granite monument to V.I. Lenin. On the square there are administrative buildings – former government offices, the governor’s residence and two outbuildings. Today, these buildings house the Karelian State Museum of Local Lore. The museum was founded in 1871. This is one of the oldest museums in the northwestern part of Russia., which tells about the nature and history of the region, as well as the culture of the peoples inhabiting it – Russians, Karelians and Veps. Its expositions exhibit archaeological finds, rock petroglyphs that characterize the primitive spiritual culture, and objects on the flora and fauna of the region. In addition, here you can see the interpretation of the epic folk poem of the Karelians “Kalevala” and the interior of the front hall of the governor’s house of the mid-19th century.

The department of nature of the museum is located near Lenin Square on Frunze Street. The Karelian State Museum of Local Lore has two branches – the Marcial Waters Museum and the Sheltozero Vepsian Ethnographic Museum. In 1969, on Lenin Square was built memorial complex “Eternal Flame and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”. He united the graves of soldiers from the time of the White Finn intervention of the early 20th century and the defense of Petrozavodsk in 1941.

Next to Lenin Square is the Governor’s Garden. At the entrance to the park, there is an exposition of items related to the history of mining in Karelia, and tools produced at the Aleksandrovsky plant. In the center of the park there is a monument to Gavriil Romanovich Derzhavin. This famous Russian poet became the first Governor of Olonets. The height of the monument is 4.5 m, it consists of a granite pedestal and a sculpture of Derzhavin dressed in full dress uniform.

In architectural terms , Kirov Square is interesting.. Before the revolution, the square was called Sobornaya, as there were several cathedrals that were destroyed during the Soviet era. After the revolution, it was called Freedom Square and Republic Square. In 1936, a monument to S.M. Kirov, after which it received its modern name. On the northern side of the square stands the building of the former men’s gymnasium (1789) and women’s gymnasium (1858), as well as the City Administration House. Now the men’s gymnasium houses the Museum of Fine Arts of the Republic of Karelia. It was opened in 1960 to preserve the artistic heritage of the region. The expositions of the museum were formed on the basis of objects of the local history museum and donated works of art from the State Russian Museum, the State Tretyakov Gallery and the State Hermitage. Today, ancient Russian painting, Russian art of the 18th-19th centuries, works by artists of Karelia, objects of folk art of the republic and Western European art are exhibited here. Of particular value are the collections of iconography, folk art, a collection of works by Karelian artists, especially works of art based on the Kalevala epic. On the south side of the square in 1895, a two-story building was built, where the mining school was located. Today it is occupied by the exhibition center of the Kizhi Museum.. There are several more visitor centers of the museum-reserve in the city. All of them are designed to work with tourists outside the main exposition area of the Kizhi Museum-Reserve. The main excursion routes of the city pass between the exhibition centers of the museum. In addition, the National Theater and the House of Culture are located on the square.

Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia (Russia)

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Culture of Tanzania https://www.estatelearning.com/culture-of-tanzania.html Fri, 17 Jun 2022 01:56:22 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1643 NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS, CULTURE

Each tribal or religious group, of which there are many in Tanzania, has its own customs and traditions regarding the consumption of food. In some tribes, women are not allowed to eat chicken eggs or meat. In some tribes, the father-in-law or father-in-law is forbidden to eat at the same table with the daughter-in-law. In other tribes, men are not allowed to enter the kitchen. In Muslim families, men and women eat separately. Hospitality here is one of the foundations of etiquette. The hostess and the head of the family usually meet guests at the doorstep. The whole family usually gathers to say goodbye and they accompany the guest with the whole family right up to the car door. It is customary to say goodbye to the owners of “Asante sana” (“thank you very much for the hospitality”). Accepted small souvenirs to family members. In Islamic families, increased attention to the hostess is not welcome, but in families of African origin, this will be the best compliment to the house. It is also customary to praise the children (but you should not touch them, especially the head, without the permission of the parents), the house and the wealth of the owner. It’s a good idea to find out their social status in a tribe or community before visiting a local family, and build your conversation around that. In Islamic families, women usually gather separately from men, at their own table, but when communicating with foreigners, this tradition can be ignored, but only by agreement with the owner of the house. Greeting etiquette is very important. The type of greeting depends on the status of the person and his age. A common greeting among Swahili tribes among well-known people is “Hujambo, khabari gani” (“How are you?”, “What’s the news?”) or simply “Jumbo!”.

A group of people are greeted with the word “hatujambo”. According to SECURITYPOLOGY, the word “shikamu” is used to greet respected people. Young children are taught to greet their elders by kissing their hands or kneeling before them. Friends who meet after a long separation usually shake hands and kiss each other on both cheeks. In communicating with foreigners, they often use a handshake and the traditional English “hello”. In Tanzania, as in many other regions of Africa, the right hand is considered “clean” and the left hand is considered “dirty”. Therefore, the right hand is used for eating or for exchanging gifts. The polite way to receive a gift is to first touch the gift with the right hand, and then the right hand of the giver. Behavior at the table is also determined by many norms. Usually a traditional meal is held on mats on the floor, food is placed on low tables. But in many continental families, the meal is held in a European way – at the table. You can take food from a common plate with your hands and put it on your own plate, or you can eat from a common dish. The main thing is to ensure that food crumbs do not fall into a common dish and onto other people’s plates. In Zanzibar, it is customary to give guests fresh clove shoots to flavor the mouth before eating.

The sequence of dishes is traditional for East African countries – soup is served first, and then appetizers and hot dishes. Lunch ends with coffee and sweets. Light snacks and greens are usually on the table for the entire lunch. Rice, cassava and other side dishes are eaten with the hands, pinching three fingers of the right hand (hands should be washed before and after eating and dried with a towel that is passed around the table). Meat and fish can also be taken with the hands, but in many homes European cutlery is always on the table, which can be used along with the hands. Bread and flat cakes are usually broken by hand and used as a spoon. The soles of the feet should not be directed in any direction, usually they are tucked under themselves or sit in Turkish. It is not customary to eat while standing or walking. You can not bypass the worshipers in front. Shoes should be removed when entering mosques and houses. The general style of life of Tanzanians can be characterized by two phrases – “hakuna matata” (“no problem”) and “field-field” (“calmly”, “slowly”). These phrases can describe the attitude of Tanzanians to everything around them. Service in a restaurant or travel agency is extremely slow. If a Tanzanian said “one second”, it could mean 15 minutes, and half an hour. At the same time, local residents smile radiantly at all attempts to hurry them up and continue to act at a leisurely pace. It is useless to somehow influence this, you just need to put up with it and try to live in this rhythm yourself. Adult women are often called by the name of their first child, which sometimes introduces some confusion into communication. For example, after the birth of a boy named Juma or a girl named Christina, their mother will be called Mama-Juma or Mama-Kristina. Men take marriage very seriously. After the wedding, the young man will have to behave like some kind of ancestor, chosen by him at the time of marriage as a role model. Ancestors are “consulted” in difficult times, they are honored and never discussed either in the family or with strangers. So don’t be surprised if a completely modern man, when solving some problem, suddenly declares “this is what my ancestors told me” or “I will consult with my ancestors.” For the same reason, a discussion of the genealogy of the family can also be started only with the consent of the owner.

HOLIDAYS

  • January 1 – New Year
  • January 12 – Zanzibar Revolution Day
  • April 26 – Tanganyika and Zanzibar Unification Day
  • April-May – Easter and Easter Monday
  • May 1 – International Labor Day
  • June 7 – Industrial Day
  • August 8 – Day of peasants
  • December 9 – Independence Day
  • December 25 – Christmas
  • December 26 – Christmas time

According to the Muslim lunar calendar, Eid al-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Hadha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, on the 40th day after Ramadan), Laylat al-Miraj are celebrated at different times (Ascension Day of the Prophet Mohammed), Milad an Nabi (Mowlid, the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed), Muslim New Year (Hijri) and the holy month of Ramadan.

Culture of Tanzania

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Nairobi, Kenya https://www.estatelearning.com/nairobi-kenya.html Thu, 09 Jun 2022 17:27:38 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1641 According to RCTOYSADVICE, Nairobi is an energetic, cosmopolitan and restless city, with a modern and prosperous center and impeccable service. The rapid growth of the population of Kenya, along with increased immigration, led to the fact that by the year 2000, about 3.5 million inhabitants lived in Nairobi. The city is located at an altitude of 1870 m above sea level and at a distance of 500 km from the coast of the Indian Ocean.

The name Nairobi comes from the Maasai encare nyarobe, which means “sweet water”. Many centuries ago, there was a lake in this place, in which the Maasai took water for themselves and their livestock. Literally 100 years ago it was a small village. The life of the city began after railway builders settled here in 1896, and the railway was built. The population of the city steadily increased, and by 1907 Nairobi had become such a big city that it was decided to move the capital of British East Africa from Mombasa to Nairobi. The city’s location was so ideal for trade that the city continued to grow at an even faster rate. Nairobi is currently the largest city in East Africa. The central part of Nairobi is a triangle with an area of ​​about 5 square meters. km. Bounded on the west by the Uhuru Highway (a Swahili word meaning not only “freedom” but also “courage that despises death”), a railway from the south, and the Nairobi River flowing from north to east. This part of the city is home to government buildings, offices, banks, hotels, shops, casinos and cinemas. Due to the altitude at which the city is located, differences in day and night temperatures are very noticeable in Nairobi. In the hottest period from September to April, the average daily temperature is +24, and at night about + 13 degrees. From May to August in the afternoon +21. and at night +11. The main rainy season starts in March and ends at the end of May. During this period, as a rule, it rains at night, while daytime precipitation is not frequent. However, once every few years there are showers lasting up to a week, which, however, is rather an exception to the rule. Light rain is also possible in November. Although even during the rainy season, the sun appears daily for several hours.

EXCURSIONS IN NAIROBI

National Museum of Kenya. The museum has an excellent collection of historical, cultural and natural values. The prehistoric section of the museum exhibits unique exhibits from archaeological excavations. The museum also has an excellent collection of butterflies and birds native to Kenya. By the way, many of Russia’s migratory birds winter in Kenya.

Snake farm. Located opposite the National Museum. Not only all kinds of snakes are represented here, but also crocodiles and turtles. The most dangerous of them are in glass terrariums, and the rest are in cages.

National Archives. An excursion to the archive is much more interesting than it might seem. The building where the National Archives is located was originally the Bank of India building and is located on My Avenue, opposite the Hilton Hotel. The archive contains collections of art and crafts, photographs and thousands of documents that tell about the history of Kenya.

Karen Blixen Museum and Giraffe Center. The museum is located in the home of Karen Blixen, who spent many years in Kenya studying giraffes and also organized the country’s first giraffe center, which shelters the world’s tallest babies without parents. After a tour of the house, a tea party with giraffes is organized for tourists. Based on the autobiographical novel Out of Africa by Karen Blixen, a magnificent feature film was made, which was shown on Russian television several years ago.

LAKE NAIVASHA

Lake Naivasha is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. It is located just an hour and a half from Nairobi. A huge and very picturesque lake can bewitch anyone. Along the shores of the lake is the national park of the same name, a habitat for numerous animals.

GREAT RIFT VALLEY

The Great Rift Valley (or Great African Rift) is one of the most impressive places on Earth. It stretches over 6000 km from the Dead Sea in Jordan to Mozambique. In Kenya, the Great Rift Valley begins near Tukan Lake in the north, runs through the center of the country, and continues into Tanzania, crossing the border at Tanzanian Lake Natron. In some places, the width of the valley reaches 65 km, and the depth is 600-900 m. There are currently 30 active or semi-active volcanoes on the territory of the valley, as well as countless mineral soda springs, which, bursting out due to poor drainage, form soda lakes on the surface. The algae and crustaceans that live in these lakes are excellent food for flamingos, which are a real pleasure to watch. Great Rift Valley – ecosystem, which has remained unchanged for many centuries. The valley contains two of the most famous paleontological sites in Africa: Koobi Fora on the eastern shore of Lake Turkana and Olduvai Gorge within Tanzania. It is impossible to form your opinion about Kenya without visiting the Great Rift Valley.

Nairobi, Kenya

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Georgia Economy and History https://www.estatelearning.com/georgia-economy-and-history.html Fri, 03 Jun 2022 14:10:50 +0000 https://www.estatelearning.com/?p=1629 Former Soviet Socialist Republic of Transcaucasia, Georgia has been an independent republic since 1991 (Republic of Georgia); in March 1992 it did not join the Community of States born from the dissolution of the USSR. Covering an area of ​​69,700 km 2, Georgia counted, as of January 1, 1990, a population of 5,456,000 residents (of which 70.1% Georgians, 9.1% Armenians, 6.3% Russians, 5.7% Azerbaijanis, 3% Ossetians, 1.9% Greeks, 1.8% % Abkhazians and 1% Ukrainians, according to the 1989 census). The capital, Tbilisi, counted 1,260,000 residents in 1989. Other cities, with population as of 1989: Kutaisi (235,000 residents), Rustavi (159,000 residents), Batumi (136,000 residents), Sukhumi (121,000 residents) and Chinvali (34,000 residents). These last three centers are the capitals, respectively, of two former autonomous republics (Agiaristan and Abkhazia) and of a former autonomous province (South Ossetia) of the USSR, whose territories are an integral part of Georgia.

According to PRINTERHALL, agriculture (cultivated area: 4.6 million ha in 1986, of which 389,000 irrigated) still occupies an important position in the economy of Georgia, renowned above all for tropical and subtropical crops: citrus fruits (439,000 t in 1988, equal to 98% of the entire Soviet production at that date), cultivated in the plain, once marshy and now reclaimed, of the Colchis and on the hilly slopes overlooking the Black Sea; tea (501,700 t in 1990, 95% of Soviet production), whose plantations cover vast tracts of the same foothills; grapes (631,400 t). Tobacco is the most important industrial crop. The intensification of mining activities (1.3 million t of manganese and 1.4 million t of coal were extracted in 1990,

Heavy industry emerged in 1950 with the creation of the Rustavi steel plant, specializing in the production of steel pipes (499,000 tons of pipes in 1990) for the Baku oil complex in Azerbaijan. The availability of abundant electricity of hydraulic origin represents another important factor of industrialization (production of ferroalloys in Zestafoni near Čjatura). The picture of the main industrial activities is completed by the presence of chemical industries (130,000 t of fertilizers and 32,300 t of synthetic fibers) in Batumi, Tbilisi and Rustavi, by mechanical construction industries (in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi and Poti), by industries textiles, food and wood (the latter fueled by the presence of massive forest resources).

The main communication axis of the Georgia is the railway line that runs along the Black Sea coast from Tuapse to Sukhumi, points to the mainland in the direction of Tbilisi and continues to Baku on the Caspian Sea. The overall development of the railway network is 1570 km; the road network has 35,100 km of asphalted roads (1990).

History. – On April 9, 1991 the Supreme Soviet of the Georgia declared the independence of the country and the detachment from the USSR. The referendum held on 31 March was thus implemented, as opposed to the one promoted by the Soviet central government for the maintenance of the Union (17 March). Pushes for independence had emerged in the last months of 1988, here as elsewhere, as a result of the political mobilization induced by Gorbachev’s perestroika, a mobilization that soon took on a nationalistic color. The massive demonstrations of April 1989 were violently repressed by the security forces and 16 demonstrators were killed. At the same time, leadership was asserting itself by Z. Gamsakhurdia, a member of the opposition since the 1970s. On April 14, 1991, Gamsakhurdia was appointed by the Georgian Supreme Soviet as president of the Georgia, until the direct presidential elections, which took place on May 26, and which confirmed him in office with an overwhelming majority. Despite the broad consensus aroused by the economic and political liberalization program, the antidemocratic methods of the new president and the repression of all forms of dissent favored the emergence of strong opposition which was expressed in the autumn of 1991 in large street demonstrations. The absolute insensitivity of Gamsakhurdia to any request precipitated the situation and between December 1991 and January 1992 there were armed clashes with more than a hundred dead. On January 6, Gamsakhurdia left Georgia and was replaced by a military council which gradually regained control of the situation. In March, the Military Council transferred its powers to a Council of State chaired by E. Shevardnadze, former Foreign Minister of the USSR and a leading figure in the perestroika. Serious problems aroused the autonomist claims of the Abkhazians and Ossetians. With these, after the choice for independence and accession to the Russian Federation (referendum of January 1992), an armed conflict began which ended with the agreements (March-June) between El’zin and Shevardnadze. On the other hand, in Abkhazia, despite the mediation of the Russian president (early September 1992), the situation remained critical.

Georgia Country Economy

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