tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26047469548499192052023-06-20T22:00:08.771-07:00The World Through My Eyes !My best photos from around the world !Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.comBlogger228125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-16498961816139679862014-03-15T05:44:00.001-07:002014-03-15T05:44:04.798-07:00Amritsar, India - Golden Temple<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/13165655405/" title="Amritsar, India - Golden Temple"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2016/13165655405_2fffe34dd0.jpg" alt="Amritsar, India - Golden Temple by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/13165655405/">Amritsar, India - Golden Temple</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>The name of the city derives from the name of the pool around the Golden Temple (aka Harmandir Sahib) and means "holy pool of nectar". It is the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion, and they are rightfully very proud of the city and their very beautiful and unique Gurdwara (place of worship).<br /><br />The Golden Temple was initiated by Guru Ramdaas Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru, and completed in 1601 by his successor Guru Arjan Dev Ji. It is now a major pilgrimage and tourism center.<br /><br />The Golden Temple is the main attraction in the city, and the most important religious place to the Sikhs. It's a stunning complex, and always full of thousands of pilgrims from all over India, excited to be at a place that they usually only see on television. The excitement to be here is infectious, and many people will be more than happy to tell you all about their religion and customs, and show you around the temple itself. Cover your head, remove your shoes and wander around one of the most amazing places in India. The complex is open almost 24 hours (from 6AM until 2AM) and is worth visiting twice: once during the day, once at night, when it's beautifully lit up.<br /><br />As you arrive near the complex, you will more likely than not be accosted by hawkers trying to sell you bandannas to cover your head. It's not a bad souvenir for Rs.10, but there's also a big barrel of free ones to choose from at the entrance itself. Deposit your shoes at the subterranean building to the left of the entrance, wash your feet at the entrance and head in.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-60950977836042753062013-12-31T10:19:00.001-08:002013-12-31T10:19:22.620-08:00Vienna, Austria - Happy New Year !<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/11672034954/" title="Vienna, Austria - Happy New Year !"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/11672034954_442c0c327f.jpg" alt="Vienna, Austria - Happy New Year ! by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/11672034954/">Vienna, Austria - Happy New Year !</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Happy New Year !!!</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-37764844527137279612013-12-26T10:48:00.001-08:002013-12-26T10:48:41.375-08:00Vienna, Austria - Rathausplatz Christmas Market<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/11569465515/" title="Vienna, Austria - Rathausplatz Christmas Market"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/11569465515_8cdbd332a1.jpg" alt="Vienna, Austria - Rathausplatz Christmas Market by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/11569465515/">Vienna, Austria - Rathausplatz Christmas Market</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>If you are lucky enough to go to Vienna in November or December, you must browse through the traditional Christmas markets that are located all throughout the city. There are many, but among them are the Schönbrunn (next to the famous palace), and, above all, located in the Town Hall Square, the very center of the city (getting there is easy, both metro and tram). many different items are on sale at this market, though it is devoted mainly to Christmas decorations and to candy. Toys, books, textiles and glass are some other products that you can find (on the web you can find a list). To combat the winter cold, it's best to try a typical Punsch (without alcohol) or Glühwein (although I admit that to me either I came to like too much), and go with some sweet. It's a good place to get lost in the city, especially for the evening, when all of the stalls are open and there is an especially fun atmosphere.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-69624176389735548362013-10-19T07:00:00.001-07:002013-10-19T07:00:58.078-07:00Dead Sea, Jordan<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/10362027103/" title="Dead Sea, Jordan"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5488/10362027103_728755f950.jpg" alt="Dead Sea, Jordan by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/10362027103/">Dead Sea, Jordan</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>The Dead Sea, also called the Salt Sea, is a salt lake bordering Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west. Its surface and shores are 423 metres below sea level,Earth's lowest elevation on land. The Dead Sea is 377 m deep, the deepest hypersaline lake in the world. With 33.7% salinity, it is also one of the world's saltiest bodies of water, though Lake Assal (Djibouti), Garabogazköl and some hypersaline lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica have reported higher salinities. It is 9.6 times as salty as the ocean. This salinity makes for a harsh environment in which animals cannot flourish, hence its name. The Dead Sea is 55 kilometres long and 18 kilometres wide at its widest point. It lies in the Jordan Rift Valley, and its main tributary is the Jordan River.<br /><br />The Dead Sea has attracted visitors from around the Mediterranean basin for thousands of years. Biblically, it was a place of refuge for King David. It was one of the world's first health resorts (for Herod the Great), and it has been the supplier of a wide variety of products, from balms for Egyptian mummification to potash for fertilizers. People also use the salt and the minerals from the Dead Sea to create cosmetics and herbal sachets.<br /><br />The Dead Sea seawater has a density of 1.240 kg/L, which makes swimming similar to floating.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-88198478413820502142013-10-14T11:55:00.001-07:002013-10-14T11:55:43.444-07:00Petra, Jordan - Al Khazneh ("The Treasury")<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/10273848604/" title="Petra, Jordan - Al Khazneh ("The Treasury")"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/10273848604_58754ce847.jpg" alt="Petra, Jordan - Al Khazneh ("The Treasury") by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/10273848604/">Petra, Jordan - Al Khazneh ("The Treasury")</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Al Khazneh ("The Treasury") is one of the most elaborate temples in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. As with most of the other buildings in this ancient town, including the Monastery (Arabic: Ad Deir), this structure was carved out of a sandstone rock face. It has classical Greek-influenced architecture, and it is a popular tourist attraction. Al Khazneh was originally built as a mausoleum and crypt at the beginning of the 1st Century AD during the reign of Aretas IV Philopatris. Its Arabic name Treasury derives from one legend that bandits or pirates hid their loot in a stone urn high on the second level. Significant damage from bullets can be seen on the urn. Local lore attributes this to Bedouins, who are said to have shot at the urn in hopes of breaking it open and spilling out the "treasure"—but the decorative urn is in fact solid sandstone). Another is that it functioned as a treasury of the Egyptian Pharaoh at the time of Moses.<br /><br />Many of the building's architectural details have eroded away during the two thousand years since it was carved and sculpted from the cliff. The sculptures are thought to be those of various mythological figures associated with the afterlife. On top are figures of four eagles that would carry away the souls. The figures on the upper level are dancing Amazons with double-axes. The entrance is flanked by statues of the twins Castor and Pollux who lived partly on Olympus and partly in the underworld.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-41116288226463714522013-09-30T12:51:00.001-07:002013-09-30T12:51:11.987-07:00Petra, Jordan - Al Khazneh ("The Treasury")<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/10025369214/" title="Petra, Jordan - Al Khazneh ("The Treasury")"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/10025369214_acbeb15ab7.jpg" alt="Petra, Jordan - Al Khazneh ("The Treasury") by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/10025369214/">Petra, Jordan - Al Khazneh ("The Treasury")</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Al Khazneh ("The Treasury") is one of the most elaborate temples in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. As with most of the other buildings in this ancient town, including the Monastery (Ad Deir), this structure was carved out of a sandstone rock face. It has classical Greek-influenced architecture, and it is a popular tourist attraction.<br /><br />Al Khazneh was originally built as a mausoleum and crypt at the beginning of the 1st Century AD during the reign of Aretas IV Philopatris. Its Arabic name Treasury derives from one legend that bandits or pirates hid their loot in a stone urn high on the second level. Significant damage from bullets can be seen on the urn. Local lore attributes this to Bedouins, who are said to have shot at the urn in hopes of breaking it open and spilling out the "treasure"—but the decorative urn is in fact solid sandstone). Another is that it functioned as a treasury of the Egyptian Pharaoh at the time of Moses.<br /><br />Many of the building's architectural details have eroded away during the two thousand years since it was carved and sculpted from the cliff. The sculptures are thought to be those of various mythological figures associated with the afterlife. On top are figures of four eagles that would carry away the souls. The figures on the upper level are dancing Amazons with double-axes. The entrance is flanked by statues of the twins Castor and Pollux who lived partly on Olympus and partly in the underworld.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-52913346045407593962013-09-28T04:51:00.001-07:002013-09-28T04:51:06.907-07:00Madaba, Jordan - King Hussein Mosque<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9979786094/" title="Madaba, Jordan - King Hussein Mosque"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5467/9979786094_2c97d65c98.jpg" alt="Madaba, Jordan - King Hussein Mosque by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9979786094/">Madaba, Jordan - King Hussein Mosque</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Madaba is the capital city of Madaba Governorate in central Jordan, which has a population of about 60,000. It is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, especially a large Byzantine-era mosaic map of The Holy Land. Madaba is located 30 kilometres south-west of the capital Amman.The first mosaics were discovered purely by chance during the building of the new permanent dwellings using squared-up stones from the old monuments.<br /><br />The new inhabitants of Madaba, made conscious of the importance of the mosaics by their priests, made sure that they took care of and preserved all the mosaics that came to light.<br /><br />The northern part of the city turned out to be the area containing the greatest concentration of mosaic monuments. During the Byzantine-Umayyad period, this northern area, crossed by a colonnaded Roman road, saw the building of the Church of the Map, the Hippolytus Mansion, the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Church of Prophet Elijah with its crypt, the Church of the Holy Martyrs (Al-Khadir), the Burnt Palace and the Church of the Sunna' family.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-58916706483511704502013-09-25T06:02:00.001-07:002013-09-25T06:02:08.292-07:00Petra, Jordan - Ad Deir ("The Monastery")<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9932886563/" title="Petra, Jordan - Ad Deir ("The Monastery")"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/9932886563_8273d42674.jpg" alt="Petra, Jordan - Ad Deir ("The Monastery") by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9932886563/">Petra, Jordan - Ad Deir ("The Monastery")</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Petra is a historical and archaeological city in the southern Jordanian governorate of Ma'an, that is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. Another name for Petra is the Rose City due to the color of the stone out of which it is carved.<br /><br />Established possibly as early as 312 BCE as the capital city of the Nabataeans, it is a symbol of Jordan, as well as its most-visited tourist attraction. Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.<br />The site remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when it was introduced by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. It was described as "a rose-red city half as old as time" in a Newdigate Prize-winning poem by John William Burgon. UNESCO has described it as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage".<br /><br />Ad Deir ("The Monastery") is a monumental building carved out of rock in the ancient Jordanian city of Petra. Built by the Nabataeans in the 1st century and measuring 50 metres wide by approximately 45 meters high, architecturally the Monastery is an example of the Nabatean Classical style. It is the second most visited building in Petra after Al Khazneh.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-78696601547099498582013-09-08T04:35:00.001-07:002013-09-08T04:35:13.053-07:00Prague, Czech Republic - Old Town Plaza<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9697565175/" title="Prague, Czech Republic - Old Town Plaza"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2859/9697565175_12e52e3347.jpg" alt="Prague, Czech Republic - Old Town Plaza by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9697565175/">Prague, Czech Republic - Old Town Plaza</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Old Town is a medieval settlement of Prague, Czech Republic. It was separated from the outside by a semi-circular moat and wall, connected to the Vltava at both of its ends. The moat is now covered up by the streets Revolučni, Na Příkopě, and Národni—which remain the official boundary of the cadastral district of Old Town. It is now in Praha 1.<br /><br />Soon after the city was expanded in the 14th century by Charles IV with the founding of the New Town, the moat and wall were dismantled.<br /><br />Notable places in the Old Town include the Old New Synagogue, Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock. Across the river Vltava connected by the Charles Bridge is Malá Strana. Josefov is located in the northwest corner of Old Town heading towards the Vltava.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-84357911188807929482013-09-01T04:33:00.001-07:002013-09-01T04:33:42.319-07:00Prague, Czech Republic - Prague Castle<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9641959963/" title="Prague, Czech Republic - Prague Castle"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/9641959963_8c83e372dc.jpg" alt="Prague, Czech Republic - Prague Castle by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9641959963/">Prague, Czech Republic - Prague Castle</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Prague Castle is a castle in Prague where the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have had their offices. The Bohemian Crown Jewels are kept within a hidden room inside it.<br /><br />The Guinness Book of Records lists Prague Castle as the largest ancient castle in the world. It occupies an area of almost 70 000 m², at about 570 metres in length and an average of about 130 metres wide. The castle buildings represent virtually every architectural style of the last millennium. The Prague Castle includes Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, Romanesque Basilica of St. George, a monastery and several palaces, gardens and defense towers. Most of the castle areas are open to tourists.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-29450663507744311212013-08-24T09:42:00.001-07:002013-08-24T09:42:19.863-07:00Prague, Czech Republic - Prague Castle<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9584855298/" title="Prague, Czech Republic - Prague Castle"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/9584855298_7877586530.jpg" alt="Prague, Czech Republic - Prague Castle by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9584855298/">Prague, Czech Republic - Prague Castle</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Prague Castle is a castle in Prague where the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have had their offices. The Bohemian Crown Jewels are kept within a hidden room inside it.<br /><br />The Guinness Book of Records lists Prague Castle as the largest ancient castle in the world. It occupies an area of almost 70 000 m², at about 570 metres in length and an average of about 130 metres wide. <br /><br />The castle buildings represent virtually every architectural style of the last millennium. The Prague Castle includes Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, Romanesque Basilica of St. George, a monastery and several palaces, gardens and defense towers. Most of the castle areas are open to tourists.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-60094554876455598242013-08-18T07:59:00.001-07:002013-08-18T07:59:52.311-07:00Prague, Czech Republic - Charles Bridge<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9536436149/" title="Prague, Czech Republic - Charles Bridge"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/9536436149_f28ea4d17b.jpg" alt="Prague, Czech Republic - Charles Bridge by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9536436149/">Prague, Czech Republic - Charles Bridge</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>The Charles Bridge is a famous historic bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of the 15th century. The bridge replaced the old Judith Bridge built 1158-1172 that had been badly damaged by a flood in 1342. This new bridge was originally called the Stone Bridge or the Prague Bridge but has been the "Charles Bridge" since 1870. As the only means of crossing the river Vltava until 1841, the Charles Bridge was the most important connection between Prague Castle and the city's Old Town and adjacent areas. This "solid-land" connection made Prague important as a trade route between Eastern and Western Europe.<br /><br />The bridge is 621 m long and nearly 10 m wide, resting on 16 arches shielded by ice guards. It is protected by three bridge towers, two of them on the Lesser Quarter side and the third one on the Old Town side. The Old Town bridge tower is often considered to be one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style, originally erected around 1700 but now all replaced by replicas.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-74244677473865372622013-07-14T12:29:00.001-07:002013-07-14T12:29:24.257-07:00Torres Del Paine, Chile<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9287282026/" title="Torres Del Paine, Chile"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/9287282026_33ea5cac78.jpg" alt="Torres Del Paine, Chile by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9287282026/">Torres Del Paine, Chile</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Torres del Paine is a national park in the Extreme South region of Patagonian Chile. It is located in the southern tiers of the Andes and features mountains, lakes and glaciers.<br />The Torres del Paine (Spanish for "Towers of Paine" and "Paine" is the old indigenos name for the colour blue), three immense rock towers give the park its name.<br />Other attractions include the Cuernos del Paine (Spanish for "Horns of Paine" -- horn-like mountain tops), Grey Glacier, Lago Grey, Lago Pehoe, Lago Nordenskjöld and Lago Sarmiento. Jutting out some 2800m above the Patagonian steppe, the Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine) are spectacular granite pillars that dominate the landscape of what may be South America's finest national park. These breathtaking spires are flanked by the summit of Paine Grande (3050m) and the sharp tusks of black sedimentary peaks known as Los Cuernos (The Horns; 2200m to 2600m). Yes, these are the famous Patagonian mountains that you see on posters and book covers all over the world.<br /><br />But the park is not just mountains. Trails meander through emerald forests, alongside and over roaring rivers, past radiant blue glaciers, azure lakes and up to jaw-dropping lookouts. You can hike into the vast openness of the steppe, heading to less-visited lakes and glaciers, all the while keeping an eye on the looming peaks. That is when the weather is clear. Unpredictable at best, weather systems can sheath the peaks in veils of clouds that hold for hours, if not days. Even then, the park has its allure - but it is always wise to plan a few extra days to make sure that your trip isn't torpedoed by a spot of bad weather.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-53941834874769876082013-06-18T14:51:00.001-07:002013-06-18T14:51:53.867-07:00El Calafate, Argentina - Perito Moreno Glacier<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9080520224/" title="El Calafate, Argentina - Perito Moreno Glacier"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/9080520224_4aa0bdd37d.jpg" alt="El Calafate, Argentina - Perito Moreno Glacier by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9080520224/">El Calafate, Argentina - Perito Moreno Glacier</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>The Perito Moreno Glacier is a glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park in south west Santa Cruz province, Argentina. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Argentine Patagonia.<br />The 250 km2 ice formation, and 30 km in length, is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes system shared with Chile. This icefield is the world's third largest reserve of fresh water.<br /><br />The Perito Moreno glacier, located 78 kilometres from El Calafate, was named after the explorer Francisco Moreno, a pioneer who studied the region in the 19th century and played a major role in defending the territory of Argentina in the conflict surrounding the international border dispute with Chile. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that is growing. The reason remains debated by glaciologists.The terminus of the Perito Moreno Glacier is 5 kilometres wide, with an average height of 74 m above the surface of the water of Lake Argentino, in Argentina. It has a total ice depth of 170 metres. Pressures from the weight of the ice slowly pushes the glacier over the southern arm of "Lago Argentino" damming the section and separating it from the rest of the lake. With no outlet, the water-level on the "Brazo Rico" side of the lake can rise by as much as 30 meters above the level of the main body of Lake Argentina. Periodically, the pressure produced by the height of the dammed water breaks through the ice barrier causing a spectacular rupture, sending a massive outpouring of water from the Brazo Rico section to the main body of Lake Argentina. Due to its size and accessibility, Perito Moreno is one of the major tourist attractions in southern Patagonia. It is less than two hours by bus from El Calafate, and many tour companies run daily visits. A large visitor centre at the site features a walking circuit which allows visitors to view the southern flank and the east facing edge of the glacier.<br /><br />In recent years, trekking tours on the ice have gained popularity. The two standard tours are a "mini-trekking" option, consisting of a short walk of about an hour and a half, and a "big ice" version, which is usually about five hours. Tour companies generally provide crampons to customers.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-18943031300307119532013-06-15T03:58:00.001-07:002013-06-15T03:58:57.986-07:00Cabrera, Dominican Republic - Playa Grande Beach<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9047234767/" title="Cabrera, Dominican Republic - Playa Grande Beach"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/9047234767_d5b3217420.jpg" alt="Cabrera, Dominican Republic - Playa Grande Beach by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/9047234767/">Cabrera, Dominican Republic - Playa Grande Beach</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Cabrera is considered one of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic. Located facing the Atlantic, Cabrera has one of the most beautiful beaches, rivers, exotic vegetation and many natural attractions. A National Park reserve is located in El Breton, a small section of Cabrera called Cabo Frances Viejo. The most attractive beach in the area is Playa Grande (Big Beach), cited by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Other local beaches include Playa Precioso, El Diamante (Diamond Beach), Playa La Entrada, El Caleton de Dario (Orchid Bay Beach), El Caleton del Medio, and El Caleton Chiquito.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-65512210897010903252013-06-09T02:31:00.001-07:002013-06-09T02:31:54.534-07:00Ushuaia, Argentina - Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8993713835/" title="Ushuaia, Argentina - Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/8993713835_0cc2fe7690.jpg" alt="Ushuaia, Argentina - Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8993713835/">Ushuaia, Argentina - Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse (the French name "Les Éclaireurs" means "the Enlighteners") is a slightly conically shaped lighthouse standing on the northeastern-most islet of the five or more Les Eclaireurs islets, which it takes its name from, 5 Nautical mile east of Ushuaia in the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego, southern Argentina.<br /><br /> The brick-built tower is 10 metres high and 3 metres wide at the base, with its windowless wall painted red-white-red and topped by a black lantern housing and gallery. Only a door pointing to the west provides access to the building. The light is 22.5 metres above sealevel emitting white flashes every ten seconds with a range of 7.5 nautical miles (13.9 km). The lighthouse, still in operation, is remote-controlled, automated, uninhabited, and not open to the public, guarding the sea entrance to Ushuaia. Electricity is supplied by solar-panels. On December 23, 1920 the lighthouse was put into service - today probably the most photographed lighthouse in South America.<br /><br />It is a popular tourist attraction, reached on short boat tours from Ushuaia. It is known to the Argentines as the Lighthouse at the End of the World (Faro del fin del mundo), although that name is misleading. The lighthouse is often confused with the San Juan de Salvamento lighthouse on the east coast of the remote Isla de los Estados, made famous by Jules Verne in the novel The Lighthouse at the End of the World, which is actually much further east.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-42270651230366966262013-06-02T03:13:00.001-07:002013-06-02T03:13:55.018-07:00Paris, France - Sout Africa Season Lights Up Eiffel Tower<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8922498504/" title="Paris, France - Sout Africa Season Lights Up Eiffel Tower"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/8922498504_40134f509e.jpg" alt="Paris, France - Sout Africa Season Lights Up Eiffel Tower by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8922498504/">Paris, France - Sout Africa Season Lights Up Eiffel Tower</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>THE EIFFEL Tower in Paris has had a Mzansi make-over – it has been lit up in the colours of our flag – to launch The South African Season in France. The tower will stay lit in the South African flag colours for a week, and will then be re-lit in the same way in the week leading up to Nelson Mandela’s birthday.<br /><br />Alongside Nelson Mandela Day and the Nelson Mandela Exhibition, SA Season organisers will promote the 67 minutes of activism programme to encourage the French to spend time helping those less fortunate than themselves.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-5825213620230899392013-05-24T15:53:00.001-07:002013-05-24T15:53:25.883-07:00Chile, Torres Del Paine - Lake Grey<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8818864316/" title="Chile, Torres Del Paine - Lake Grey"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/8818864316_dc0784a3ec.jpg" alt="Chile, Torres Del Paine - Lake Grey by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8818864316/">Chile, Torres Del Paine - Lake Grey</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Grey lake is a beautiful show of nature for visitors from around the world. Its waters –recovered by sediments in the surface-, and the Paine Mountain behind it, turn it into a postcard worthy picture.<br />It has more than 500 meters of depth, surrounded by incredible rocky attractions. It was born from the Southern Patagonia Ice Field, and it is the birhtplace of huge icebergs detachment from Grey Glacier.<br /><br />Its gray waters are ideal to practice kayak and canoe, among other entertaining activities you can do around the place.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-27834563119117374622013-05-19T08:11:00.001-07:002013-05-19T08:11:04.029-07:00Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Bavaro Beach<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8754442410/" title="Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Bavaro Beach"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5467/8754442410_f8f355e518.jpg" alt="Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Bavaro Beach by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8754442410/">Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Bavaro Beach</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Bávaro is a touristic area in Punta Cana, located in La Altagracia province, the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic. Bavaro was developed together with the resort area and tourist region of Punta Cana, as a town for resort workers. As hotels started to rise along the east coast, north from Punta Cana, Bavaro itself became a center of services.<br /><br />The area of Punta Cana is best known for its beaches and balnearios, which face both the Caribbean and Atlantic, and it has been a popular tourist destination since the 1970s. The weather is fairly consistent all year, with an average temperature of 30 °C (86 °F). The hot and humid season lasts from May to October, and during the day temperatures might reach 35 °C (95 °F). From November to March, temperatures during the evening are around 20 °C (68 °F). Very little rain falls around the area, primarily because of the mostly flat landscape, a combination of savanna and mountains.<br /><br />Punta Cana, part of the newly Punta Cana-Bavaro county, is considered the major resort area in the Dominican Republic with 28,000 hotel rooms.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-86280378653622443772013-05-13T11:15:00.001-07:002013-05-13T11:15:22.028-07:00Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Bavaro Beach<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8736233324/" title="Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Bavaro Beach"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/8736233324_44ae4d65e9.jpg" alt="Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Bavaro Beach by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8736233324/">Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Bavaro Beach</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Bávaro is a touristic area in Punta Cana, located in La Altagracia province, the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic. Bavaro was developed together with the resort area and tourist region of Punta Cana, as a town for resort workers. As hotels started to rise along the east coast, north from Punta Cana, Bavaro itself became a center of services.<br /><br />The area of Punta Cana is best known for its beaches and balnearios, which face both the Caribbean and Atlantic, and it has been a popular tourist destination since the 1970s. The weather is fairly consistent all year, with an average temperature of 30 °C (86 °F). The hot and humid season lasts from May to October, and during the day temperatures might reach 35 °C (95 °F). From November to March, temperatures during the evening are around 20 °C (68 °F). Very little rain falls around the area, primarily because of the mostly flat landscape, a combination of savanna and mountains.<br /><br />Punta Cana, part of the newly Punta Cana-Bavaro county, is considered the major resort area in the Dominican Republic with 28,000 hotel rooms.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-84683668684228714232013-04-30T14:17:00.001-07:002013-04-30T14:17:42.750-07:00Torres Del Paine, Chile<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8697206736/" title="Torres Del Paine, Chile"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8400/8697206736_a2f77d7b64.jpg" alt="Torres Del Paine, Chile by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8697206736/">Torres Del Paine, Chile</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Torres del Paine is a national park in the Extreme South region of Patagonian Chile. It is located in the southern tiers of the Andes and features mountains, lakes and glaciers.<br />The Torres del Paine (Spanish for "Towers of Paine" and "Paine" is the old indigenos name for the colour blue), three immense rock towers give the park its name.<br />Other attractions include the Cuernos del Paine (Spanish for "Horns of Paine" -- horn-like mountain tops), Grey Glacier, Lago Grey, Lago Pehoe, Lago Nordenskjöld and Lago Sarmiento. Jutting out some 2800m above the Patagonian steppe, the Torres del Paine (Towers of Paine) are spectacular granite pillars that dominate the landscape of what may be South America's finest national park (admission high/low season US$17/8.50). These breathtaking spires are flanked by the summit of Paine Grande (3050m) and the sharp tusks of black sedimentary peaks known as Los Cuernos (The Horns; 2200m to 2600m). Yes, these are the famous Patagonian mountains that you see on posters and book covers all over the world.<br /><br />But the park is not just mountains. Trails meander through emerald forests, alongside and over roaring rivers, past radiant blue glaciers, azure lakes and up to jaw-dropping lookouts. You can hike into the vast openness of the steppe, heading to less-visited lakes and glaciers, all the while keeping an eye on the looming peaks. That is when the weather is clear. Unpredictable at best, weather systems can sheath the peaks in veils of clouds that hold for hours, if not days. Even then, the park has its allure - but it is always wise to plan a few extra days to make sure that your trip isn't torpedoed by a spot of bad weather.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-43101536856082363312013-04-27T14:10:00.001-07:002013-04-27T14:10:30.209-07:00Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand - Maya Bay<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8686189061/" title="Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand - Maya Bay"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8686189061_b3cfb44423.jpg" alt="Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand - Maya Bay by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8686189061/">Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand - Maya Bay</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Maya Bay is a stunningly beautiful bay that's sheltered by 100-metre high cliffs on three sides. Inside the bay there are several beaches, most are small and some only exist at low tide. The main one is around 200 metres long with silky soft white sand, underwater colourful coral and exotic fish in exceptionally clear water; the whole bay is one big reef.<br /><br />Maya Bay has become the main tourist attraction of Phi Phi since The Beach was filmed here in 1999. It was always very popular before the film but now people around the world who haven't even heard of Phi Phi have certainly heard of Maya Bay.<br /><br />The bad news; as it's so beautiful and so well known many boats are required to ferry all the visitors in and out. On any given day at any time there will be 30 + speedboats and longtail boats on the beach, with large ferry boats carrying hundreds of snorkelers and sightseers moored in deeper water. Beautiful it is, secluded it isn't – thousands of people visit each day. Try to visit early in the morning or after 17:00 and you'll avoid the crowds.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-70355224600162554802013-04-19T14:14:00.001-07:002013-04-19T14:14:36.789-07:00Tokyo, Japan - Shibuya Crossing<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8664238452/" title="Tokyo, Japan - Shibuya Crossing"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8664238452_7c15044604.jpg" alt="Tokyo, Japan - Shibuya Crossing by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8664238452/">Tokyo, Japan - Shibuya Crossing</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Shibuya is one of the twenty-three city wards of Tokyo, but often refers to just the popular shopping and entertainment area found around Shibuya Station. In this regard, Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most colorful and busy districts, packed with shopping, dining and nightclubs serving swarms of visitors that come to the district everyday.<br /><br />Shibuya is a center for youth fashion and culture, and its streets are the birthplace to many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends. Over a dozen major department store branches can be found around the area catering to all types of shoppers. Most of the area's large department and fashion stores belong to either Tokyu or Seibu, two competing corporations.<br /><br />It would be a shame to come to Tokyo and not take a walk across the famous intersection outside Shibuya Station. On sunny afternoons or clear evenings, the surrounding area is packed with shoppers, students, young couples and commuters. When the lights turn red at this busy junction, they all turn red at the same time in every direction. Traffic stops completely and pedestrians surge into the intersection from all sides, like marbles spilling out of a box. You can observe this moment of organized chaos from the second-story window of the Starbucks in the Tsutaya building on the crossing's north side.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-28290601149643303792013-04-17T13:20:00.001-07:002013-04-17T13:20:54.713-07:00El Chalten, Argentina - Sunrise over Mount Fitz Roy<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8658013855/" title="El Chalten, Argentina - Sunrise over Mount Fitz Roy"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8658013855_b4b74e6943.jpg" alt="El Chalten, Argentina - Sunrise over Mount Fitz Roy by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8658013855/">El Chalten, Argentina - Sunrise over Mount Fitz Roy</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Mount Fitz Roy (3 359 m) is a mountain located near El Chaltén village, in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in Patagonia, on the border between Argentina and Chile. First climbed in 1952 by French alpinists Lionel Terray and Guido Magnone, it remains among the most technically challenging mountains on Earth for mountaineers. Monte Fitz Roy is the basis for the Patagonia clothing logo following Yvon Chouinard's ascent and subsequent film in 1968.<br /><br />The mountain has a reputation of being "ultimate", despite its average height (although being the highest peak in the Los Glaciares park, it is less than half the size of the Himalayan giants), because the sheer granite faces present long stretches of arduous technical climbing. In addition, the weather in the area is exceptionally inclement and treacherous. It also attracts many photographers thanks to its otherworldly shape.<br /><br />The area, while still fairly inaccessible, was even more isolated until the recent development of El Chaltén village and El Calafate international airport. The mountain climb, however, remains extremely difficult and is the preserve of very experienced climbers. Today, when a hundred people may reach the summit of Mount Everest in a single day, Monte Fitz Roy may only be successfully ascended once a year.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2604746954849919205.post-13105887933021402362013-04-09T11:54:00.001-07:002013-04-09T11:54:25.794-07:00El Calafate, Argentina - Ice Breaking @Perito Moreno Glacier<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8635680854/" title="El Calafate, Argentina - Ice Breaking @Perito Moreno Glacier"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8266/8635680854_c41f68cf07.jpg" alt="El Calafate, Argentina - Ice Breaking @Perito Moreno Glacier by GlobeTrotter 2000" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/8635680854/">El Calafate, Argentina - Ice Breaking @Perito Moreno Glacier</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/david_min/">GlobeTrotter 2000</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>The Perito Moreno Glacier is a glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park in south west Santa Cruz province, Argentina. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Argentine Patagonia. The 250 km2 ice formation, and 30 km in length, is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes system shared with Chile. This icefield is the world's third largest reserve of fresh water.<br /><br />The Perito Moreno glacier, located 78 kilometres from El Calafate, was named after the explorer Francisco Moreno, a pioneer who studied the region in the 19th century and played a major role in defending the territory of Argentina in the conflict surrounding the international border dispute with Chile. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that is growing. The reason remains debated by glaciologists.The terminus of the Perito Moreno Glacier is 5 kilometres wide, with an average height of 74 m above the surface of the water of Lake Argentino, in Argentina. It has a total ice depth of 170 metres.<br /><br />Pressures from the weight of the ice slowly pushes the glacier over the southern arm ("Brazo Rico") of "Lago Argentino" ("Lake Argentina") damming the section and separating it from the rest of the lake. With no outlet, the water-level on the "Brazo Rico" side of the lake can rise by as much as 30 meters above the level of the main body of Lake Argentina. Periodically, the pressure produced by the height of the dammed water breaks through the ice barrier causing a spectacular rupture, sending a massive outpouring of water from the Brazo Rico section to the main body of Lake Argentina.<br /><br />Due to its size and accessibility, Perito Moreno is one of the major tourist attractions in southern Patagonia. It is less than two hours by bus from El Calafate, and many tour companies run daily visits. A large visitor centre at the site features a walking circuit which allows visitors to view the southern flank and the east facing edge of the glacier.<br />In recent years, trekking tours on the ice have gained popularity. The two standard tours are a "mini-trekking" option, consisting of a short walk of about an hour and a half, and a "big ice" version, which is usually about five hours. Tour companies generally provide crampons to customers.</p>Globetrotter 2000http://www.blogger.com/profile/07934569962152829084noreply@blogger.com0