Ice Magic (Werfen, Austria)

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The Eisriesenwelt (World of the Ice Giant) is a wintry wonderland of naturally produced dazzling ice formations. Hidden in the Austrian Alps south of Salzburg, thawing ice drips into a labyrinthine cave and re-freezes into beautiful formations. Evocative names like the Ice Organ, Odin’s Hall and the Frozen Falls offers a glimpse of the remarkable ice patterns nature sculpts through the cave’s corridors.

The journey to the Werfen ice caves provides part of the experience. A fifteen minute walk from the bus stop leads through alpine forests and glorious mountain panoramas, past the imposing Hohenwerfen Castle and to a small hut. From here, a short cable car ride climbs a vertical rock wall of 500 metres. From the top of the cable car, a steadily ascending fifteen minute walk along Pincer Path leads ominously to a small rounded dark archway punched into the mountain side.

The guide greets the small party handing out instructions and small Davy Lamps to help find your path through the chambers. Ice already paints the walls and crunches underfoot. Through the first room and the group is met by a huge 20 metre high sheet of ice extends across the cave. The guide lights small strips of magnesium which shoots a sharp shot of bright light illuminating the magic of the cave for a few seconds before the light expires and the dull glow of the lamps and guide’s torch offer a more chilly feeling.

A narrow passage called Hymir’s Hall is named after the ice giant in the Norse sagas with the main formation being a huge overhanging presence called Hymir’s Castle. Carefully stepping between the castle and the Ice Chapel, the remarkable ice trees appear through the gloom. Sparkling on lighting of the magnesium strips, the trunks have tiny horizontal ice branches caused by the ever present cave winds that blow the water droplets into these patterns.

With more Norse inspiration, Odin’s Hall has a ceiling sprinkled in ice crystals like the starriest of dark nights while the deep bluish-green Castle of the Gods glistens against the rust-red cave walls. Through further immense caverns, the gleaming Ice Palace is the point to return having travelled 800 metres into the cave. On the path out, the staggering Mork Glacier has a polished eight metre wall smoothed by the wind and with elegant blue and white stripes sprinkled with brown cave dust. Occasional releases of magnesium strips illuminate the wonderful caverns into a fairy wonderland.

Accessible ice caves are relatively rare requiring elevations between 1400 and 2000 metres above sea level and suitable winters and summers. Eisriesenwelt, at Werfen, is the world’s largest ice cave and is a dream-like travel wonder in the Austrian Alps, making for a rewarding half-day visit among the majestic alpine vistas.

Note: Photography is not permitted in the caves but I found some secretive shots taken by Tania Ho, PsychoScheiko and Johan Lindgren.

Serenity and Savagery (New Delhi, India)

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In a quiet suburb of India's capital, New Delhi, lies a modest bungalow. It was the home of India first woman prime minister, Indira Gandhi and documents her life through photos, personal possessions and the furnishings of the various rooms. Starkly among the exhibits are the blood-stained sari where Gandhi was slain by her Sikh bodyguards in her own yard, walking to an interview with Peter Ustinov. Tragically, in another display are the shredded clothing of her son, Rajiv Gandhi who became Prime Minister on his mother's death before also being assassinated some seven years later.

I couldn't help but be struck by the balanced appreciation of their lives, the modesty of the house and the limited political commentary on the killings. The surrounding gardens are truly serene with an elegant lotus pond emanating peace and tranquility.

A pathway in the garden marks the spot where Indira Gandhi lost her life - the path lined with a colonnade of trees. There is always something tragic in such events, but I think that Indira Gandhi could be proud of the peaceful memorial and the numbers of people, both Indian and foreign, there to try to learn a little more of someone who helped shape India's history.

Note: Photography in the house was not permitted.

Other India Posts
Mahatma Gandhi's Memorial (New Delhi)
It's All in the Stars (Jantar Mantar, Jaipur)
A Royal Facade (Palace of the Winds, Jaipur)
A Monument to Love (Taj Mahal)
From Dead Duck to Bird Heaven (Bharatpur)

Photo of the Week: Children Playing Statue (Chicago, USA)

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This expressive statue sits in a park just outide Chicago's popular Navy Pier. To me with its subtle colours, the statue has a timeless feeling, representing the thousands of kids that have played in the park over the decades.

When travelling, I love to see the various local statues that dress the parks, city centres and gathering places. The variety of these sculptures in any town represent an aspect of the culture and spirit of that place. Do you have a favourite statue or sculpture in your home city?

Cote D’Azur - Life of Luxury

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For decades Cote D'Azur in the French Riviera has been synonymous with luxury, beauty, decadence and fame. Everyone from oil sheiks to Hollywood's latest starlets have graced its coasts. Pristine blue water and glimmering white sand has enchanted holiday makers from around the world who want to experience one of the most truly beautiful places on earth.

The South of France is a beautiful spot rich with history and perfect panoramas. If you are a photographer be sure to bring your camera, for there will be endless possibilities for the perfect shot. Stroll its streets to see a Japanese garden, the International Museum of Perfume or the lovely Cathedrale de Monaco. Take a long lunch at one of the famed restaurants like La Jarreriere or Le Relais de Coches where chefs tantalize your palate with every bite. Bringing children with you? They are sure to love Antibesland, Marineland and Parc Phoenix.

Although a popular tourist destination, Cote D'Azur has maintained its standard of elegance from carefully manicured lawns to clean streets. For those to whom it's available, villa life is the best way to enjoy a holiday here. Luxury villas provide a comfortable seclusion from other visitors while still being easily accessible to the beaches and small towns that surround them.

After a long day swimming and lounging on the beach, these villas can either become the prelude to or a party within themselves. Their cool tiled floors and open balconies are the perfect place to entertain family and friends. For those who want to mingle with the local folk and other holiday makers there is a lively nightlife scene where everyone is dressed to impress. Whether you are honeymooning, visiting with friends or looking for romance there is a villa to match the occasion and mood of your party.

Perhaps you want to escape from the world and stay primarily at your villa; lounging on its sunlit balcony, ordering exquisite meals to your door or receiving a massage, you can be assured that no one will disturb your peace and privacy. There is an entire staff waiting on hand to assist you with all of your vacationing needs. If you are staying for a week or a month, in the South of France, your every desire will be met and exceeded in the secluded world that is Cote D'Azur.

Further information for visitors to the region can be found at the Office du Tourisme et des Congrès de Nice Côte d'Azur.

Photo Credits: Sunset, Menton, Port Cros, wine

Drinks Around the World: Mojito (North America)

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At the start of every month, Travel Wonders describes a drink of the month discovered on his travels. Popular in Cuba and parts of Central America, the mojito had become a standard drink of the USA and Mexico.

It is simply made by softly mushing a handful of spearmint leaves (maybe those left over from your Moroccan mint tea?) with sugar cane juice (or sugar) and lime juice. Tip this into a glass, add ice and a measure of white rum (the Mexicans use tequila instead). Top up with soda water and your mojito is ready to enjoy. Garnishes seem to vary from a stick of sugar cane to more mint leaves and a wedge of lime.

The mix of mint and lime makes the mojito an extremely refreshing drink on a hot day while the sweetness offsets the potency of the rum.

As the northern hemisphere moves into spring, make an effort to enjoy a tangy and refreshing mojito.

Previous Drinks Around the World include Mint Tea from Morocco, Coca Tea from Peru, Austria's herby Almdudler, a French Vin Chaud, Bloody Caesar from Canada, a Pisco Sour from South America, Singapore Sling, Belgium's Chimay Beer, Scotland's smoky Talisker Scotch Whisky and the Czech Republic's Becherovka.