guest post by Sanctuary Retreats
The Three Gorges area is one of the most impressive sites to visit in China. Formed by the Yangtze River it is, as the name suggests, split into three connecting gorges.
Qutang Gorge
From east to west, Qutang Gorge measures five miles in total, running from Baidicheng all the way too the town of Daixi. The gorge is flanked by huge vertical cliffs, some thrusting thousands of meters into the air, the Yangtze River in between only a few dozens of meters wide forming a narrow gate way. With swash and rumble, the surging Yangtze River pours swiftly into the gateway. Looking up towards the tops of towering mountains along the gorge edge, only a narrow strip of clouds and sky can be seen by those on travelling on a luxury cruise down the river. Qutang Gorge is outstanding for its sheer scale and magnificence.
Wu Gorge
Wu Gorge (Witches Gorge) extends 28 miles from the mouth of Daning River in the west to Guandukou of Badong in the east. The Wu Gorge is scattered with impressive peaks and lush surrounding mountains ranges. Its deep calm waters twist and turn their way down its length, allowing for those on China cruises to relax and soak in the surroundings. The twelve peaks of Wushan Mountain all rise up to meet the blue sky above. The mountains are formed of various fascinating shapes and among them is the breath taking Peak of Goddess. It raises high into the heavens, and towers over the Yangtze River. A protruding rock of the Peak has the shape of slim girl clad in a fine dress and often shrouded in clouds and mist.
Xiling Gorge
Xiling Gorge measures 41 miles from Xiangxikou to Nanjinguan. Before the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, it was known for being the most dangerous of the three gorges to travel through. The whole Gorge area is covered with high mountains, gullies, shoals and reefs of various sizes. The best known shoal, Qing Shoal is formed by a collapsed craggy cliff. The gorge also comprises of many smaller gorges and never fail to provide fantastic and inspiring views for onlookers. Favourites include Kongling Gorge and Shadow Play Gorge.
Cruising down these gorges is an experience to treasure, as the natural sites afforded are surely one of the most unique on the planet.
Photo Credits: bridge, Qutang, Wu, Xiling
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Three Gorges Cruise (China)
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The Alcazar of Seville (Spain) - A Historical Survivor
guest post (and photography) from Sandra Vallaure, editor of Seville Traveller, a website providing useful information on Seville for independent travellers
Seville is the most beautiful city in Spain. Actually, Spaniards often compare it to a woman and always define it as elegant, majestic and gorgeous.
Additionally, it was one of the first Spanish cities founded by the Romans. As you can imagine, History has left its trace in Seville. As a result, the city is a combination of impressive monuments and narrow streets where you can wander as long as your feet permit it.
Among all the monuments Seville has, one stands out: the Alcazar.
The Alcazar is, together with the Cathedral and its bell tower, the Giralda, one of the main symbols of the city.
A little bit of history
The area was initially occupied by the Romans and of the first Christian basilicas was built there. However, it not until the Arab occupation (844-1248) that the Alcazar was built, or at least part of it. When the Arabs finally conquered the city, they decided to create a structure for the governor that would be both a palace and a fortress. In fact, the Spanish word alcazar comes from the Arab al qsar that means palace, castle or fortress.
The Alcazar had the usual Arab architecture, and it was full of beautiful patios surrounded by thin columns supporting horseshoe arches. With the arrival and reconquest of the Christians leaded by King Ferdinand III, the Alcazar became the Royal Palace. From there on, the following kings ordered to perform alterations to adequate the complex to their needs and added further pavilions and structures.
Consequently, the Alcazar evolved into a unique place where you can find -and will actually see if you happen to visit it, a melting pot of Arab, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque styles.
The Alcazar has been inhabited by most of the main kings and queens of Spanish history: Ferdinand III himself, the Catholic Monarchs, Charles V and many more. Even today, the King Juan Carlos I occupies the Alcazar when he is in Seville.
Don't miss...
I particularly recommend to pay attention to the Ambassador's Hall (Salón de los Embajadores) located inside Don Pedro's palace, also known as Palacio Mudéjar. Every little detail has been taken care of and the ceramics are absolutely spectacular.
Moreover, spend some time at the Maidens' Courtyard (Patio de las Doncellas). It has been recently restored and it is one of the finest examples of an Arab patio that can be found in Seville and, I dare to say, Spain.
Finally, don't miss the gardens. They are magnificent. In truth there is not only one big garden but multiple small ones, every one with a different style and plants. There is even a labyrinth!
The smell of the orange trees, spread everywhere and the sound of the water flowing at the various fountains will charm you. I believe that one of the highlights of the Alcazar is to seat for a while and relax while observing all this nature surrounding you.
The Alcazar is an architectural masterpiece that explains on itself a large period of the history of Spain and Seville. On top of it, it is one of the finest examples of the Arab style of the 10th century. Sometimes how, after earthquakes, wars and fires, it has managed to survive.
So why not going to Seville during your next holiday? You will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the nicest European climates while devoting your time to discover wonders like the Alcazar.
Are you planning to visit the Alcazar? Have you done so already? Share with us your experience in the comments below!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Largest Church in the World?
Where is the biggest church in the world?
St. Peters in the Vatican seems a likely guess. Maybe somewhere else in Italy? Milan? Venice? Spain and Portugal have some huge cathedrals. Maybe Canterbury, seat of the head of the Church of England. There are some big churches in Mexico and South America with their strong Catholic populations. The cathedrals in New York and Washington DC are gigantic too.
The remarkable thing is that with all these thoughts we aren't even on the correct continent. The largest church in the world is the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Notre Dame de la Paix) in Yamoussoukro in the troubled and impoverished west African country of Ivory Coast (or Cote D'Ivoire). 
The brainchild of an enthusiastic (or is that, eccentric?) Ivory Coast president (now passed away), Yamoussoukro Basilica was constructed in the late 1980s consuming up to 25 percent of the nation's annual budget for several years. Modelled on St. Peter’s with its huge courtyard and opened by the Pope in 1990 after much debate, this incredible complex can be seen for miles around. Yamoussoukro was only a small village (population under 200) before the president of the time decreed his town of birth as the new capital. The surrounding grand multi-lane boulevards is reminiscent of Paris but almost completely without traffic or activity. The capital has since returned to the largest city of Abidjan.
The dome on the basilica is massive (larger than St. Peters) but the most striking is the mass of stained glass. One noteworthy image shows Jesus Christ with the president and the chief architect.
About the only other building of any scale is the old Presidential Palace. Today it is the burial site for the former president. It isn't open to the public but visitors can walk around the perimeter of the palace to see the human guards along with a number of crocodiles. These get fed every afternoon in quite a flamboyant show. It was reassuring that they were well fed as the fencing appeared to be little more than a few random strands of wire, unlikely to restrain any crocodile with hunger pangs.
Attending a church service in the basilica is an uplifting experience. Primarily in French, though also in some of the local tribal dialects, the service I attended went for over two hours. The attendance wasn’t huge but the lack of numbers was made up by the superb evangelical singing and the fantastic colour in the outfits of the African women, which went a long way to complementing the dazzling stained glass lit in the intense morning sunshine.
Photo credit: Stained glass
Monday, April 18, 2011
Photo of the Week: The Curiosity Shop (Jenolan Caves, Australia)
At 380 million years, Jenolan Caves are thought to be the oldest visited caves in the world. Around two hours drive west of Sydney, ten caves are open to the public. This photo shows the mesmerising beauty of the Orient Cave visited recently with my close and treasured friend Kath. The cave features three exceptionally featured rooms evocatively called the Indian, Egyptian and Persian Cambers. The formation is appropriately called The Curiosity Shop and includes helictites that are the strange formations that grow in all directions defying gravity (and scientific explanation).
Friday, April 15, 2011
The Best of The Algarve Restaurants (Portugal)
guest post by Amy Baker of MyDestinationInfo.com
One things for sure, when deciding where to go on holiday there are a few important factors to consider: Where will you stay? What will you do? And most importantly for you food lovers, what will you eat? The Algarve, Portugal is well known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Europe and has carved itself a reputation for having some wonderful restaurants.
The seemingly endless number of Algarve restaurants are known for serving up the freshest seafood, the tastiest sardines and the most succulent traditional Algarvian stews. Here is a run-down of some of the regions best spots.
When you think of The Algarve you instantly picture long stretches of sand and crystal clear waters and it is understandable that you wouldn't want to venture far from the shore to enjoy your food. Canico inside the Prainha complex in Alvor is one of the most interesting of the beachside restaurants. Just arriving is an experience as it can only be reached via an elevator which descends down into the cliff from which the restaurant is carved. Every table offers views of a secluded cove making it a perfect spot to watch the sun go down. Windsurf in the quaint fishing village of Alvor is another great spot to try for beachside dining.
If you are happy to spend a little extra to treat yourself then look no further than Vila Joya, the regions only two Michelin star restaurant. Head chef, Dieter Koschina, uses the freshest fish combined with French haute cuisine to ensure his guests enjoy the ultimate dining experience. Another high class affair is the Casa Bitoque in Gaia. This spot is great if you're after a romantic spot to woo someone special. Be sure to sample some of their mouth-watering desserts.
The first thing that springs to mind when you think of The Algarve is sardines and it would be criminal to visit and not sample some for yourself. Follow the locals and head to Portimao. The first thing that will hit you upon arrival at the quay with be the smell of barbequed fish and the calls of the fisherman peddling their catch. If you weren't hungry before you arrived, we guarantee that your mouth will be watering in no time. These restaurants are similar in price and have near identical menus so it will be a case of choosing wherever you can find a table, especially in peak season. The sardines will be grilled right before your eyes and served up with fresh bread, new potatoes and salad. Our top tip? Don't be afraid to eat with your hands like the locals do...we're sure it makes them taste better!
Adega Vila Lisa is a rural restaurant located near to Lagos and Portimao, and has earned itself quite the reputation for serving up wonderful traditional dishes and is constantly listed as one of the best restaurants in Portugal. The signature dish is Pernie de Pork which is slow roasted in a woodfire oven. Make sure that you book in advance and be sure to get detailed directions as it is tucked away and not easily identifiable as a restaurant - that's what gives it its charm.
It's clear that if good food and good wine are something that you look for when planning your holiday then the Algarve is for you. You will be so spoilt for choice when it comes to breakfast, lunch and dinner that you may do little else but eat, but what’s the harm in that? You're on holiday!
For more information on The Algarve’s restaurants head to My Destination Algarve.
Photo Credits: sardines, Canico, Vila Joya,sardines, Adega Vila Lisa
