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Kuching Orchid GardenGardens in Kuching, Malaysia Go through the gates and be transported to a world of orchids. There are over 60,000 orchids here, comprising 120 species and hybrids of orchid. The setting is perfect as the garden sits on the edge of a river with a view to Kuching across the way. A wonderful little sampan ride gets you to the front entrance. Most of the collections are of Borneo species consisting of epiphytic and terrestrial orchids, planted in the open, shaded and semi-shaded areas. Among the famous Borneo Orchids are the Lady’s Slipper (Paphiopedilum Sanderianum), Caelogyne Pandurata, a unique green and black-flowered orchid, the Bulbophyllum Beccari, a species which release a rotten smell, Vanda Dearej, a fragrant flower and the Phalaenopsis Violacea or commonly known as Orchid Normah, which was declared the state flower of Sarawak on Aug 28, 1983. (that orchid is the tiny little single orchid with the huge leaves). Entrance to the park is free.
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Review by Photo by Donna Dawson |
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Akodessewa Fetish MarketMarkets in Lomé, Togo Black magic and voodoo still wield power over people in this region and certainly have some pull to visitors as well… This is voodoo Tescos, anything magical or associated to the ingredients you would need for a spell can be purchased: this includes the skulls (and heads with the skin still on) of lizards, snakes, owls, monkeys and cats which are ground up and rubbed on you, and larger bones carved into protective statuettes. Lots of this stuff is herbal or medicinal, its not all bones and pelts, but be prepared to leave with some random ritual craft items to bring you luck gris gris or heal your pains or what have you - the sales pitch can be hard to refuse…
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Review by Photo by flickr user Julius! |
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Kamchatka PeninsulaVolcanoes in Far Eastern Russia, Russia ‘Land of Fire and Ice’, the Kamchatka Peninsula is one of Russia’s most spectacular natural beauties. It’s also less well known than some of Russia’s other large scale natural wonders. Rising between the Pacific ocean and the deep gulf of the Sea of Okhotsk, this narrow strip of land has the world’s highest concentration of volcanoes - more than 160, of which 29 are active, and volcanic phenomena like geysers, earthquakes and tsunamis. Added to this natural drama is the climate which can offer surprises, unexpectedly snowing in summer, so be prepared for four seasons in one day as well as the earth to rumble. A beautiful setting to hike, trek or fish in (you don’t need a permit yet), the vastness of the spaces makes this perfect heliskiing and cross country skiing territory - it’s remote and everything is BIG. And you can top off your day with a dip in one of the thermal springs.
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Review by Photo by flickr user guano |
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The Golden Temple of AmritsarSacred Spaces in Amritsar, India Located in northwestern India, in the city of Amritsar, the Golden Temple is the most sacred place of the religion of Sikhism. Originally a small lake in the midst of a quiet forest, the site has been a meditation retreat for wandering sages since deep antiquity. Amritsar, originally the name of the lake, means ‘pool of ambrosial nectar’ and refers to a drink of the gods, a rare and magical substance that catalyzes euphoric states of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. An underground spring feeds the sacred lake and throughout the day and night pilgrims immerse themselves in the water, a symbolic cleansing of the soul rather than an actual bathing of the body. Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh religion deeply loved the holy lake and after his death, his disciples continued to venerate the site. The Golden Temple, called Hari Mandir (meaning ‘Temple of God’) was constructed during the leadership of Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, between 1581 and 1606. From the early 1600s to the mid 1700s the Sikh Gurus were constantly involved in defending both their religion and their temple against Muslim armies. On numerous occasions the temple was damaged but each time was rebuilt more beautifully by the Sikhs. The temple's architecture draws on both Hindu and Muslim artistic styles, yet represents a unique co-evolution of the two. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), Hari Mandir was richly ornamented with marble sculptures, golden gilding, and large quantities of precious stones. Beginning early in the morning and lasting until long past sunset, musicians within the Golden Temple chant hymns to the accompaniment of flutes, drums and stringed instruments. Echoing across the serene lake, this enchantingly beautiful music induces a delicate yet powerful state of trance in the pilgrims strolling leisurely around the marble concourse encircling the pool and temple.
Photos: Golden Temple, Amritsar, India (horizontal) Golden Temple, Amritsar, India (vertical) Pilgrims at Golden Temple, Amritsar, India
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Review by Photo by Mandeep Sidhu |
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Route 66: Chicago to CaliforniaRoad Trips in US West Coast, United States Known as the ‘Mother Road’ and ‘Main St, USA’, Route 66 is a drive through American history, the ultimate ghost-town wonder drive. Originally a commerce route for rural villages and officially decommissioned in 1985 in favour of Interstate 40, the dilapidated and at times inaccessible road is a nostalgic and enigmatic piece of American folklore. From East to West is customary, passing through derelict and working motels, petrol stations and diners; from Normal, Illinois’ famous Steak n’ Shake Diner, through Missouri, Kansas, the sandy plains of Oklahoma, which houses the Route 66 Museum, northern Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and finally, the light at the end of the tunnel in California’s Santa Monica Boulevard and Ocean Avenue.
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Review by Photo by flickr user TheFriendlyFiend |
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About usStuck at your desk? Gazing out at those grey skies and imagining you are somewhere else? I want to go here is all about inspiring you to do something different - about encouraging you to check out a new experience or destination. It's simple - we post something new every day. If you like the look of it, send it to a couple of friends. If not, wait and see what tomorrow brings. And if it gets past the fantasy stage, we'll soon have links to research the experience further, but you can also send us an email, and we'll tell you where to look or book next. |