Dreams and Destinations Travel

08/14/2024

07/28/2024

Voronya Cave, the closest point to the center of the Earth.

Voronya Cave, also known as Krubera Cave, is the deepest cave in the world.
The cave, Krubera-Voronya, is considered the “Everest of Caves”. The total length of the cave passages reaches 13,232 m, the depth is -2,197 m. It is located in Abkhazia (Georgia) near the Black Sea.
The elevation difference between the cave entrance and its deepest explored point is 2,197 ± 20 meters (7,208 ± 66 feet). It became the deepest known cave in the world in 2001, when the expedition of the Ukrainian Speleological Association reached a depth of 1,710 m (5,610 feet), which surpassed the depth of the previously known deepest cave, Lamprechtsofen, in the Austrian Alps, by 80 meters (260 feet).
In 2004, for the first time in the history of speleology, the expedition of the Ukrainian Speleological Association reached a depth of over 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) and explored the cave up to -2,080 m (-6,824 feet).
The Ortobalagan Valley extends along the Berchil'sky anticliminal ridge, which descends gently northwestward. The entrances to the caves are lined along the anticlinial ridge, but the caves are controlled by longitudinal, transversal and oblique faults and include complex winding patterns in the plant view, remaining largely within and near the ridge area anti-clinical.
Caves are predominantly a combination of shallow wells and steep snake passages, although in some places they cut seemingly ancient fossil passages at different levels.

07/22/2024

Luxurious bathing culture in ancient Rome
The Baths of Caracalla in Rome are one of the most spectacular public baths in ancient Rome. Feel how the ancients relaxed and enjoyed life here.
-Historical background of the Baths of Caracalla
The Baths of Caracalla were built in 216 AD by the Roman Emperor Caracalla. It is not only a bathing place, but also a social and entertainment center. The ancient Romans would bathe, exercise, read, socialize, and even conduct business activities here.
-Spectacular architecture
When you enter the Baths of Caracalla, the first thing that catches your eye is the huge architectural ruins. Although many parts no longer exist after thousands of years of wind and rain, you can still feel the grandeur of the year. The baths are divided into cold water pools, warm water pools, and hot water pools, each of which is spacious and exquisite. In addition, there are gyms and reading rooms for people to exercise.
-Exquisite mosaic floors
The floors of the baths are covered with a large number of mosaics, with exquisite patterns and colorful colors, showing the superb skills of ancient Roman craftsmen. These mosaics are not only beautiful, but also a vivid display of ancient Roman culture. Today, many of the original mosaics are still well preserved, which is amazing.
- Fusion of modern culture
Interestingly, the Baths of Caracalla is not only a monument, but also used for modern cultural activities. Every summer, operas and concerts are held here, adding new vitality to this ancient building. If you come to Rome in summer, don't miss a performance in such a historical scene.
Tips:
1. Visiting time: The Baths of Caracalla are usually open from 9 am to 7 pm every day (last admission is 6 pm), but the specific time may change, so it is recommended to check in advance.
2. Tickets: Adult ticket price is 8 euros, and there are discounted fares for EU students and seniors.
3. Transportation: You can take the subway line B and get off at Circo Massimo Station, and walk about 10 minutes to arrive.
4. Notes: It is recommended to bring sunscreen and a hat when visiting in summer, and dress warmer in winter.
The Baths of Caracalla are not only a witness to Roman history, but also a reflection of the wisdom and lifestyle of the ancient Romans. Walking here, you can deeply feel the luxury and greatness of ancient Rome.

07/22/2024

Eltz Castle, nestled in the hills above the Moselle River in Germany, is a prime example of medieval architecture and history.
Built in the 12th century, it has been meticulously preserved, remaining in the hands of the same family for over 850 years.
The castle features a stunning blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, with its fairy-tale turrets and half-timbered structures. Inside, visitors can explore rooms filled with original furnishings, historical artifacts, and intricate artwork, providing a glimpse into the lives of its noble inhabitants.
Surrounded by lush forests and offering picturesque views, Eltz Castle remains a must-visit for history enthusiasts and tourists alike...

07/15/2024

This is Malaga, Spain, where the women who live there crocheted and put together this shadow-giving miracle for the shops and cafes below.

07/12/2024

Karakoram Highway connecting Pakistan to China
Known as the "Friendship Road" by the Chinese, this highway connects Pakistan to China through the Karacorum ridge. Cross the Khunjerab Pass at an altitude of 4,964 meters (second highest in the world).
Its construction was given in 1959 and it was completed after 27 years of construction. Karakoram is an incredible feat of engineering, stretching 1300 kilometers across three mountain ranges in the Himalayas and Hindukush.

07/06/2024

Ronda is a city in the province of Malaga, Andalusia, located on the top of the mountain and on a deep gorge. This gorge (El Tajo) separates the new city from around the 15th century from its old town, which dates back to the rule of the Arabs. Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge spanning the gorge, has an observation deck offering views. The Old Town's Plaza de Toros, a legendary 18th-century bullring, is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks…

Spain…🇪🇸

06/16/2024

This pink crystal chandelier is the largest in the world and hangs in Dolmabahce palace in Instanbul, Turkey. The chandelier was assumed to be a gift from Queen Victoria, however in 2006 the receipt was found showing it was paid for in full. It has 750 lamps and weighs 4.5 tonnes. Dolmabahçe has the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world.

06/14/2024

A little Friday humor...Have a great weekend everyone!

06/03/2024

Hotel Danieli, Venice, Italy

05/07/2024

I need a maycation...
I may come back,
and I may not.

03/26/2024

You start dying slowly ;
if you do not travel,
if you do not read,
If you do not listen to the sounds of life,
If you do not appreciate yourself.
You start dying slowly :
When you kill your self-esteem,
When you do not let others help you.
You start dying slowly ;
If you become a slave of your habits,
Walking everyday on the same paths…
If you do not change your routine,
If you do not wear different colours
Or you do not speak to those you don’t know.
You start dying slowly :
If you avoid to feel passion
And their turbulent emotions;
Those which make your eyes glisten
And your heart beat fast.
You start dying slowly :
If you do not risk what is safe for the uncertain
If you do not go after a dream
If you do not allow yourself
At least once in your lifetime
To run away from sensible advice
Don't let yourself die slowly
Do not forget to be happy!
~ Pablo Neruda♡
Chilean poet who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971
Via Rumi

03/26/2024

Dining in lavender fields (Tuscany)

03/26/2024

Temple of the Moon; one of Machu Picchu's best-kept secrets. Located on backside of Machu Picchu, explorers must descend approximately 1000 stone stairs to find this stunning precision mortarless white granite temple built into this mountainous cave.

Is Machi Picchu on your Bucket List...??

03/13/2024

Venice Simplon Orient Express

03/01/2024

"Buchette del vino", or wine windows, are a peculiar feature of Florence 🇮🇹

They are foot-high, dome-shaped holes in the thick, stone palazzi of the Renaissance city that six centuries ago were used to sell wine in a fiasco (glass bottle) without having to open a shop and avoid paying taxes.

These wine windows also posed a useful anti-contagion way to sell wine during the epidemic of 1630-1633. At that time, the bubonic plague hit Florence hard, killing 12% of the city's population.
..Make sure to try this next time you are in Florence!

03/01/2024

Ruyi Bridge, China

02/29/2024

Casperia is a medieval city to be visited on foot in the Rieti province of Italy.

02/28/2024

Lugo in Spain is the only city in the world to be surrounded by completely intact Roman walls, which reach a height of 10 to 15 metres along a 2,117-metre circuit ringed with 71 towers.
The walk along the top is continuous around the circuit and features ten gates.
The 3rd century Roman walls, the only one of its kind in the world, are protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

02/28/2024

The Aventine Keyhole is a keyhole at the Villa del Priorato di Malta, in Rome, which was granted extraterritorial status by Italy in 1869. When you peek through the keyhole, you actually have 3 countries in your line of sight: Malta, Italy and the Vatican City.

More: https://thetravelbible.com/museum-of-artifacts/

02/15/2024

In England, you may come across "wavy" brick walls. Interestingly, the design uses fewer bricks than a straight wall. A straight wall that is just one brick thick is not strong enough to stand alone and can be easily toppled, so they generally have a thickness of at least two or more layers of bricks, and are also reinforced at regular intervals with buttresses. But a wavy "one-brick" wall stands just fine on its own due to the arch support provided by its shape, which combines both wall and buttress. Such a structure is called a "crinkle crankle wall" "the Old English version of "zig zag."

02/03/2024

Banff public swimming pool.
Swimming is a sport for life, from participation to athlete development and opportunities for the whole family to be involved together. The Banff Swimming Pool is a 5 Lane 25 meter pool.

01/12/2024

A little Friday humor...

12/27/2023

The Shambles, York England in the early hours of this morning. The best preserved medieval street in Europe

12/07/2023

Gate entry onto Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy