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Museum at Cartagena is a Visitors Delight
Posted by worldtravelerFor travelers who like a bit of culture on vacation, a Spanish holiday in Cartagena is worth considering. This port city in the province of Murcia is an eclectic mix of old and new. Evidence of its Carthaginian roots can be seen in some of its architecture, though its rule has long since passed.
In fact, the city has changed hands several times over the last few millenniums. As its name implies, it was founded by the Carthaginians. Specifically, it was General Hasdrubal the Fair who named the port “Qart Hadast,” or “New City.” He was lauded for his skill in obtaining the port in 230 B.C. However, Hasdrubal and the Carthaginians didn’t hold it for long. By 209 B.C. it had fallen into Roman control. Since then, it has been influenced by other cultures. Today Cartagena’s mix of cultural heritage makes it an attractive place for a Spanish holiday.
One noteworthy fact that visitors will not be able to miss: Cartagena is still surrounded by walls. It is a telltale sign that Cartagena was an important city. It is still home to a large naval station today. Forts stand throughout the city as a testimony to its place in Spanish history. Visitors who want to learn more about its naval heritage can visit the Museo Naval de Cartagena (Naval Museum). Though it’s housed in a modern building, its contents speak of eras past. Visitors will find a complete history of the navy’s activities in this port. Of special significance to locals is the room devoted to the life and career of Cartagena native Isaac Peral. A scientist and sailor, Peral invented the first submarine, which was launched in 1888. Peral’s contributions to the history of the navy are noted even outside the museum. A number of streets and other sites were named after Peral. Read the rest of this entry »
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Israel’s Ein Gedi National Park
Posted by worldtravelerIt’s a common knowledge that Israel plays a major role in both religion and history. For religion, it’s a fact that the founder of Christianism Jesus Christ was born in Nazareth in Israel. In the historical sense, Israel was the land of the Jews and they fought for it to the extent of engaging in war to protect it. It is also considered the “Holy Land” due to it’s strong emphasis in the bible. Despite it’s religious significance, Israel is abundant in flora and fauna that tourists around the world can marvel.
One of which is Ein Gedi National Park located in the caves of Qumran, near the Judean Desert and Dead Sea valley. Literally means Kid (young goat) Spring, this oasis is the biggest and most important as it supplies water in some parts of Israel. There you can find two rivers streams, the Nachal David and Nachal Arugot that is overflowing throughout the year. Together with other springs such as Shulamit and Ein Gedi, they can produce as much as three million cubic meters of water per year enough to supply a city all year round. Read the rest of this entry »
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Red Fort - Mughal Magnificience
Posted by worldtravelerDelhi, the ruling city of India ever since the Mogul era and the British Raj, has not lost its historical charm despite extreme urbanization and modernization in the city’s infrastructure. Amidst the malls, multiplexes and plush cultural centers are fragments of the city’s incredible past which have witnessed each moment that history books so passively speak of. The historical monuments still bear testimony to the rich and intriguing history of the country. The Red-Fort is one such fascinating example of the Mogul architecture which attracts the most tourists from India and abroad. The magnificent fort stands in Old Delhi and is surrounded by markets and alleys that exude incomparable old-world charm which leaves any visitor longing for more.
True to its name, the Red Fort was built of red bricks by Emperor Shahajahan (of the Taj Mahal fame) over a period of ten long years in the seventeenth century. Situated on the banks of the auspicious river Yamuna, the Fort spans an area of 2 kilometers and could qualify as a small city in itself. It is said that in times of glory, about 5000 people resided within the fort including the members of the royal family. A detailed survey of this majestic monument deserves a whole day in the vacation plan of any tourist visiting Delhi. Read the rest of this entry »
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Historical Sites in Peru
Posted by worldtravelerTasty pachamancas, alpaca ponchos and flashy folk dances are not the only lingering reminders of Peru’s fascinating past. The country also boasts a number of spectacular ruins that are sure to blow any history buff’s mind and dazzle every visitor passing through. The presence of the Incan culture can be seen all around its different regions, ranging from Machu Picchu in the Andean cloud forest to the ancient city of Caral near the central coast.
Machu Picchu is probably the most famous symbol of the Incan Empire and was built in the mid 15th century. Due to its secluded location it was forgotten for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham. RealTravlers Cass and Worth traveled to this marvel last February and were mesmerized by its beauty.
“With eyes still at half-mast we boarded the bus to see the sun rise behind a thick fog. For the first 30 or so minutes in the ruins, we had no idea which way to look through the fog. However, as the mist slowly parted, the timid rationing of the ruin’s appearance made its final unveiling all the more impressive. A deserving member of the 7 Ancient Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is not only a marvel of architectural greatness, but also an example of a deep admiration for the natural world. The stunning temples, citadels and terracing act only to deepen the beauty of the surrounding piercing peaks.” Read the rest of this entry »