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Thursday, October 31, 2024

Chiribiquete National Park – “The Jaguar Maloca” - Colombia

Wander through the heart of the Amazon rainforest, to Colombia’s largest national park: Chiribiquete. 
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a paradise for explorers and nature lovers.

Images of jaguars, snakes and other mythical creatures adorn the walls of ancient rock dwellings. 
These ‘malocas’, as the indigenous people call them, are silent witnesses to a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. 
Imagine yourself, surrounded by untouched nature, gazing at these prehistoric works of art. 

Discover the unique tepuis, table-shaped mountains that rise from the forest like islands. 
And don’t forget your camera, because the biodiversity is overwhelming! 
From colorful birds to exotic butterflies, there is always something new to discover.








Neuquén

Neuquén is one of the 23 provinces of Argentina, located in the center of the country. 
It is located in the northernmost part of Patagonia. 
The provincial capital is the city of Neuquén. 
The province borders Chile and the Andes to the west.








Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Chaîne des Puys - Tectonic fault line arena in Limagne - France

Discover the heart of France and travel through time in the Chaîne des Puys! 
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a geological wonder where the earth reveals its secrets.
Visit the Limagne fault line and see how the earth's crust tore and volcanoes were formed. 
Admire the conical volcanoes, deep ravines and green valleys. 
A walk through this extraordinary landscape is an unforgettable experience.








Madeira wine

Madeira or madera is a fortified, very long-lasting wine, originating from the island of Madeira. 
Originally, madeira was made from four types of grapes, each with its own taste characteristics, ranging from sweet to dry.








Sunday, October 27, 2024

Caliphate City Medina Azahara - Spain

Step back in time to the flourishing Caliphate of Córdoba and discover the mysterious ruins of Medina Azahara. 
Built in the 10th century, this once magnificent city was a symbol of power and splendor. 
Wander through the remains of palaces, mosques and gardens and be enchanted by the intricate mosaics and refined architecture. 
How could such an impressive city fall so abruptly? 
Come and discover for yourself and be amazed by the stories these stones tell.










Bushy-tailed opossum - Glironia venusta

The bushy-tailed opossum is a mammal in the Didelphidae family. 
The scientific name of the species was first validly published by Thomas in 1912. 
It is the only species in the genus Glironia. 
The species is found in the Amazon region of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.








Friday, October 25, 2024

Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains - South Africa

Want to see the world as it was billions of years ago? 
Then travel to the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains! 
This unique natural wonder in South Africa is a must-see for anyone fascinated by geology and the history of our planet. 

Witness the birth of the continents: 
Marvel at the ancient rocks that bear witness to the time when the first continents were formed. 
Search for fossils: 
Who knows, you might discover a fossil of one of the first life forms on Earth? 
Adventure in the wilderness: 
Get out there and enjoy the beautiful nature and fresh air.










Ice thickness and ice skating

The KNMI has investigated the ice thickness in Central Netherlands using computer calculations. 
An ice layer of more than 10 centimetres occurs in some winters for dozens of days. 

Record ice thickness 
In the winter of 1991, the ice was thicker than ten centimetres on eighteen days. 
In the very severe winter of 1963, it was even thicker on eighty days. 
That winter, the ice must have been more than forty centimetres thick. 

In the winter of 1996, the ice reached a thickness of 25 centimetres. 
That was 3 to 4 centimetres less than in the winter of 1979 and in the winters of 1985, 1986 and 1987. 
On 11 January 1997, at the end of the first frost period, the ice in De Bilt had grown to 32 centimetres.

This is the thickest layer of ice since the winter of 1963. 
Skating ice The carrying capacity of good ice is 4 to 5 centimetres for an adult man. 
A large crowd of people is safe with an ice thickness of 27 centimetres. 

Elfstedentocht 
Most Elfstedentocht (eleven out of fifteen) were held with ice thicknesses of more than 25 centimetres. 
In 1985, the tour was held on 17 centimetres of ice, in 1917 on only 15 centimetres. 
The thickest Elfsteden ice was in 1940, when it was over 41 centimetres.






Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Archaeological Border complex of Hedeby and the Danevirke - Germany

The archaeological site of Hedeby consists of the remains of an emporium – or trading town – containing traces of roads, buildings, cemeteries and a harbour dating back to the 1st and early 2nd millennia CE. 
It is enclosed by part of the Danevirke, a line of fortification crossing the Schleswig isthmus, which separates the Jutland Peninsula from the rest of the European mainland. 
Because of its unique situation between the Frankish Empire in the South and the Danish Kingdom in the North, Hedeby became a trading hub between continental Europe and Scandinavia and between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. 
Because of its rich and well preserved archaeological material, it has become a key site for the interpretation of economic, social and historical developments in Europe during the Viking age.








Hut tour Ortler Alps, Italy

Discover the Ortler Alps: A paradise for hikers 
Do you want to explore the Italian Alps in a unique way? 
Then a hut tour in the Ortler Alps is an absolute must. 
Hike through one of the largest nature parks in Europe and admire the impressive Ortler, the highest mountain in South Tyrol. 
Spend the night in characteristic mountain huts and taste Italian cuisine. 
This tour is an ideal combination of adventure and relaxation. 
Curious about the most beautiful places? 
Get inspired by these photos!








Monday, October 21, 2024

Ancient City of Qalhat - Oman

The property, which is located on the east coast of the Sultanate of Oman, includes the ancient city of Qalhat, surrounded by inner and outer walls, as well as areas beyond the ramparts where necropolises are located. 
The city developed as a major port on the east coast of Arabia between the 11th and 15th centuries CE, during the reign of the Hormuz princes. 
The Ancient City bears unique archaeological testimony to the trade links between the east coast of Arabia, East Africa, India, China and South-East Asia.