Amazing Buildings Swallowed by the Desert
The desert is one of the best landscapes for finding ancient buildings. The arid climate lends itself to preservation, and there is little danger of serious decay or damage from flooding. At the same time, the sand is an ever-shifting geographic feature that can swallow whole towns both quickly (as in a violent sandstorm) or slowly (as it shifts over time). The elements of one of the world’s harshest climates can wreak havoc on anything man-made, even while providing the perfect climate for it to be preserved.
Mosque Minaret, Egypt
This 1100 year old mosque was discovered near the town of Al Burullus along Egypt’s Mediterranean coastline. Archaeologists discovered in only recently, and speculate that there could be an entire town buried beneath the sand. The minaret is believed to be 30 meters tall, but only the very tip is showing above the sand.
Arouane
The outpost of Arouane is located halfway between the legendary city of Timbuktu and the salt mines. Though the salt caravan’s travel infrequently these days, the town is still inhabited. However, the ever-shifting sands mean that the buildings are almost always partially buried.
Armenian Ruins
This ruined building in Ani, Turkey is part of the remnants of the country’s once strong Armenian population. Persecution and genocide caused many Armenians to move elsewhere (as far away as Los Angeles). Meanwhile, ruins like these dot the arid countryside.
American Ghost Towns
The Berlin Ghost Town in Nevada is a reminder of the late 19th century gold rush. Located at the base of the Shoshone Mountains, the buildings were not covered by sand. Some still stand eerily intact amid the thriving desert shrubs. A mill and a hotel are the two largest remaining buildings in Berlin.
Meroe, Sudan
The pyramids at Meroe show the influence of the ancient Egyptian empire. A Nubian kingdom once had its capitol at Meroe. Pyramids and a city were built more than 2300 years ago. The city is now Sudan’s largest archaeological site, with the tombs almost completely unearthed but other parts of the city still hidden under the ever-shifting sands.
Telouet, Morocco
Telouet was inhabited until 50 years ago. Located high in the Atlas Mountains, it housed rulers who were loyal to the French colonial administration in Morocco. Because of this fact, and because slaves were used to serve the ruling family, little care has been taken to preserve these buildings which are being eroded by time and the harsh winds of the high desert.
Sahel
The Sahel is the Sahara’s little sister. Located just below the Sahara, it is mostly characterized by semi-arid grasslands. Parts of the Sahel have fallen victim to desertification, with the sand from the Sahara literally blowing into the grasslands.
Namibian Ghost Town
The town of Kolmanskop was built when diamond fever hit Namibia in the early 1900s. The town was quickly constructed a few miles inland from a major port. A mere 10 years after the first inhabitants moved in, people started leaving as diamond prices fell during World War I. By World War II, the town was completely deserted and the sand dunes started to reclaim the land.
Sandstorms
Though sandstorms would probably never be fierce enough to swallow a huge city like Dubai, they can temporarily cause problems by creating low visibility and coating everything with a layer of dust.
Dune-covered Church
This church in northern Denmark was covered by a sand dune in the late 17oos. In its final days as a working church, parishioners actually had to dig their way in. The tower, the only part that is still visible, is in remarkably good shape and has become an easily recognizable landmark. This is also a good example of why shifting sands are not merely found in the desert.
10 Breathtaking Viewing Platforms around the World
If you suffer from vertigo, these are ten destinations you should pass.
Dachstein Sky Walk (Austria)
Nicknamed the “balcony of the alps,” the Dachstein Sky Walk is formally enthroned at 2,700 m above sea-level, high up on the 250 m vertical rock face of the Hunerkogel. A 360 degree panorama allows the visitor a view of Slovenia in the south to the Czech Republic in the north. The Sky Walk is distinctly higher than the platforms of the Niagara Falls or even the one at the Iguazu waterfalls in Brazil. (Source)
Aurland Lookout (Norway)
Architects Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen were commissioned to design a scenic rest-stop 2′000ft above Aurland fjord in Norway and came up with this beauty wining the first prize in Norwegian tourist routes competition. The outermost end of the horizontal platform – which curves to form the structure’s support – is closed off by a sheet of glass, offering an incredible view towards the ground for all those with the guts to make the trip to the end.
Grand Canyon Skywalk (Arizona – USA)
This horseshoe-shaped pant-filler hangs approximately 4000ft above the floor and extends 65ft beyond the edge of the Grand Canyon. The Horseshoe shaped skywalk is constructed of glass walls 4 inches thick and visitors must don special scratch-proof socks as they partake in the view. The work is a true engineering feat that can hold up to 70 tons (roughly 14 African Elephants) and withstands winds of 100mph.
Suspended platform at Iguazu Falls (Brazil and Argentina)
While the falls themselves are magnificent, their setting in a huge subtropical nature reserve makes visiting even more enjoyable.
To fully appreciate their size and splendor it’s worthwhile viewing the falls from the skywalk. The viewing platform is so close you are instantly drenched by spray and deafened by the roar of water plunging over an 80 metre cliff.
Auckland’s Sky Tower (New Zealand)
Auckland’s 328m Sky Tower is the southern hemisphere’s tallest structure. It took 2000 tonnes of reinforcing steel, 660 tonnes of structural steel and 15,000 cubic metres of concrete to erect it. It can withstand 200km/h winds, earthquakes up to eight on the Richter scale and on a clear day, visibility is around 82km. The highest indoor point is Sky Deck, which has seamless glass giving unimpeded 360? views.
Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk (Australia)
This walk opened recently after five months of construction. Located at Knights Hill up high on the escarpment near Robertson in the Southern Highlands, the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk allows visitors to walk among the rainforest canopy 25 metres above the ground on a steel platform. The 500m elevated walkway features cantilever arms that take visitors to the edge of the escarpment and offer inspiring views of the coastline from Kiama through to Shellharbour.
Landscape Promontory (Switzerland)
The landscape promontory is a suspended viewing platform designed by Paolo Burgi as part of the Cardada project, a revitalization of the Cardada mountain that is expected to finish in 2010. The passageway is made of steel and titanium leads to the lookout platform with a view of Lago Maggiore. The landscape panorama is not the only thing that visitors are meant to appreciate. Symbols in the paving with accompanying texts in the railing provide references to history and literature.
Infinity Room at House on the Rock (Wisconsin – USA)
The House on the Rock, originally opened in 1959, is a complex of architecturally unique rooms, streets, gardens and shops designed by Alex Jordan, Jr. It is located in Spring Green, Wisconsin and is a regional tourist attraction. The Infinity Room at the House extends several hundred feet over the valley, without supports underneath, and is lined with over 3000 handmade windows.
Il binocolo (Italy)
Within the gardens of Trauttmansdorff castle in Italy you’ll find this charming steel platform poking out through the trees, its name (meaning ‘the binoculars’) coming from the shape of the platform’s small roof and the view of the surrounding landscape. Designed by architect Matteo Thun.
Top of Tyrol (Austria)
Top of Tyrol by Astearchitecture is a viewing platform located 3,000 m above sea level at the Stubai Glacier in Tyrol, Austria. Weathering steel was used in the construction of this structure to account for the extreme weather conditions so you can stand 9 metres away from the mountain with a perfect view of Stubai glacier.
20 Best Electric Guitarists in the World
Devin Townsend
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The 15 Most Beautiful Flowers In The World
Canna
Cannas not only feature pretty blossoms, but also beautiful leaves (often likened to that of the banana plant) that come in a variety of stunning colors. Popularized in Victorian times, Cannas are popular garden flowers.
Cherry Blossom
The unofficial flower of Japan, the spectacular display of blossoms that arrive in the spring are celebrated by festivals both in Japan and the U.S. The most popular colors are white and pink. They are beautiful while on the trees and remain a stunning sight even after carpeting the ground.
Colorado Columbine
Growing high in the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Columbine is a welcome reward for the enterprising climbers of Colorado’s 14,000-foot high mountains. Picking one in the wild carries a fine ($5-$50 depending on the Ranger who catches you)!
Hydrangea
Magical snowball puffs in fall: gorgeous. The clusters of star-shaped blossoms, often found in delicate pastel hues, embody innocence. They are popular in wedding bouquets and as garden flowers.
Lily of the Valley
A delicate and fragrant sign of spring, the Lily of the Valley has inspired a number of legends. One such Christian legend explains that the tears that Mary shed at the cross turned to Lilies of the Valley, prompting the flower to sometimes be referred to as “Our Lady’s Tears.” Another legend tells of Lilies of the Valley springing from the blood of St. George during his battle with the dragon.
Calla Lily
While visually stunning and elegant, this beautiful flower is actually a member the poisonous species, Zantedeschia. All parts of the plant are highly toxic, with the capability to kill livestock and children if ingested.
Black Eyed Susan
The black eyed susan, a cheerful wildflower, is a perennial that serves as a beautiful back drop in any garden. The contrast of the bright gold yellow petals and dark middle makes it any easy one to spot and recognize. This official drink of the Preakness stakes horse race is named after this flower, consisting of 2 parts Bourbon whiskey, 1 part citrus vodka, 3 parts sweet & sour mix, one part orange juice and garnished with orange and a cocktail cherry.
Bleeding Heart
These whimsical, almost fairy-like blossoms are a traditional favorite in shady gardens. The flowers are either red, pink or white and appear in April-June.
Blue Bells
In spring, many European woods are covered by dense carpets of this flower; these are commonly referred to as “bluebell woods”. It is thought that they were named by the romantic poets of the 19th century, who felt they symbolized solitude and regret.
Lantana
These delicate flowers, with their pink and yellow petals, are butterfly magnets. The bush can grow to be quite large and the color of the petals change as the plant ages. Beware – Lantana is considered a weed by many that is quite difficult to get rid of.
Rose
Roses are one of the most romantic and wonderfully scented of flowers. The giving of roses is steeped in tradition and cultural meaning, from the yellow rose of friendship to the deep red rose of true love.
Oriental Poppy
This perennial poppy has a delicate and striking color. After flowering in the spring, their foliage dies back entirely, only to grow new leaves once again with the autumn rains. The Oriental Poppy is the flower of The Wizard of Oz.
Mussaenda erythrophylla (Ashanti Blood, Red Flag Bush, Tropical Dogwood)
These plants are native to the Old World tropics, from West Africa through the Indian sub-continent, Southeast Asia and into southern China. The beautiful red and yellow petals are a real showstopper. A favorite of not only of gardeners, but also butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.
Begonia
The first Begonia was introduced into England in 1777. Now one of the most popular flowers grown in the United States, Begonias are prized for their flowers as well as their leaves. This versatile plant can be grown either inside or out.
Ixora
Ixora flowers, also commonly called West Indian Jasmine, are often used in Hindu worship, as well as in Indian folk medicine. This plant has traditionally been associated with enhanced sexuality and the re-kindling of passion. Who wouldn’t want that as a gift!
Dendrobium
Dendrobium is a large genus of tropical orchids that include over a thousand species. The sprays of flowers are so delicate and yet so perfectly formed, they appear magical.
