Thursday, February 14, 2013

Tallinn, Estonia - Christmas Tree

The small and enchanting cobbled streets of Tallinn are brought to life during the winter period with a light dusting of snow on rooftops and pavements.

On the north-eastern edge of the Baltic Sea, Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe, and as such the old town area is included in Unesco's world heritage list. The aura of the 14th and 15th centuries survives intact in Tallinn's old town, through its jumble of medieval walls and turrets, needling spires and winding cobbled streets. The city can be easily explored on foot, which is the best way to see the historic old town and absorb the atmosphere and bright activity of its bustling squares.

Like other Baltic capitals, Tallinn's main square is the center of celebrations for New Year's Eve. Private parties, concerts, and balls are hosted by restaurants, hotels, clubs, and other venues to ring in the new year. If you plan to stick out the evening in Tallinn's squares, dress warmly - the Estonian capital is cold in December!

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Siem Reap - Monk at Angkor

Dating from the 12th century, Bayon Temple is the spectacular central temple of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. The complex is located just to the north of the famous Angkor Wat.

Angkor Thom was built as a square, the sides of which run exactly north to south and east to west. Standing in the exact center of the walled city, Bayon Temple represents the intersection of heaven and earth.

Bayon is known for its huge stone faces of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, with one facing outward and keeping watch at each compass point. The curious smiling image, thought by many to be a portrait of Jayavarman himself, has been dubbed by some the "Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia." There are 51 smaller towers surrounding Bayon, each with four faces of its own.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Kompong Thom, Cambodia - Little Girl @Dailylife

Kompong Thom is the capital of Kampong Thom Province in Cambodia. It's situated about half-way between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and thus most travellers will only rush through on their transfer between these two major attractions.
Nevertheless it is a pleasant and relaxed place and a good starting point for exploring the countryside and the temples of Sambor Prei Kuk.

There is an interesting fruit bat roost in the grounds of the old governors residence (a nice colonial era building). This is behind the market on the first road off the river. If the gate to the old governors building is open, you may be in luck, the house itself is sometimes left unlocked. All of the original furnishings are missing, but some of the bathroom fixtures remain and the house itself gives off a haunted vibe.
The grasslands and rice-fields surrounding Kompong Thom of an extreme importance for wildlife conservation. These areas hold the largest global population of the endangered Bustard the Bengal Florican as well as occasional large waterbirds from the Tonle Sap floodplain (Adjutants, Pelican, Painted Stork). Other species include large numbers of wintering palearctic passerines (including Dusky Warbler, Yellow-breasted Bunting, Siberian Rubythroat) and the globally vulnerable Manchurian Reed Warbler. In March large numbers of Oriental Plover pass through the area making this possibly the best area in the world to see this species.
The areas also offer a glimpse of everyday life in the Cambodian countryside with many fishermen, ox-carts and small scale farmers. The best way to visit the grasslands is by en-listing the help of a moto-dop driver from in-front of the Arunras guesthouse. A number of these know the area (around Rolous village about 5km towards Phnom Penh) and speak English.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Bank of China, Central Hong Kong

The Bank of China Tower is one of the most recognized skyscrapers in Central, Hong Kong. It houses the headquarters for the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited.

If Hong Kong is a city of jade during the day, it becomes a luminous pearl with a sea of lights twinkling in the streets after dark. Where is the best place to enjoy the multi-colorful night scene that encompasses Hong Kong and Victoria Harbor? Victoria Peak is a good location to view its night scene. Being 554 meters above sea level, Victoria Peak is the highest point within Hong Kong and occupies the western part of the island.

Viewing Hong Kong at night is a must! The panoramic vista is one of the most beautiful night scenes in the world so a visit to the Lion Pavilion on the peak is a must. Standing upon the pavilion and overlooking the Victoria Harbor and the Kowloon Peninsula, a spectacular night view will unfold in front of your eyes. The Victoria Harbor is one of the world's busiest harbors and has a constant ebb and flow of shipping all year round. With row upon row of skyscrapers stand prominently on the Central District which is Hong Kong's financial and economic hub. The most spectacular are the Bank of China Tower and the Central Plaza. The Bank of China Tower, with 72 stories soars skyward and is designed by an American-born Chinese architect Ieoh Ming Pei; with the bamboo-shaped outlook of the tower symbolizing that the Bank of China aspires to get better and better.