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<title>wonders</title>
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<description>New posts about wonders</description>
<item>
<title>Seven Wonders of the Medieval World</title>
<link>http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Adventure-Travel/Seven-Wonders-of-the-Medieval-World.338633</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<h3>Colosseum of Rome</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/10/448635_0.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image%3aColosseum_in_Rome,_Italy_-_April_2007.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/10/448635_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wtlphotos/704344507/" target="_blank">Image source</a></p>
<p>This large and amazing structure is the most recognizable of Rome's Classical buildings. It was originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre. The construction of the Colosseum took ten years, which is pretty fast for a beautiful structure in the center of Rome. At the time, the Colosseum was used for animal hunts, execution, gladiator games, reenactments of famous battles, mock sea battles, and dramas based on the Classical Mythology. With 50,000 seats available for many to watch and enjoy, there is a pretty good chance that the events are interesting at the time. After time, the Colosseum was prevented to be used as entertainment during the early medieval era. However, it was later reused for certain purposes, such as workshops, housing, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian Shrine. The Colosseum had endured earthquakes and stone robbers in the 21st century, but it still stands marvelously in Rome. The Colosseum today is now Rome's most popular tourist attraction, with one million visiting the structure annually.</p>
<h3>Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/10/83_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/10/6745parcville1463_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="file:///K:/67_45_parcville_1463.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="file:///K:/67_45_parcville_1463.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.voix-nomades.com/photo-image-1463_1-view-blog.html" target="_blank">Image source</a></p>
<p>The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are basically a 2,000 year burial site made and carved out of bedrock. This site is located in Alexandria, which was the capital city of ancient Egypt. The catacombs were founded by Alexander the Great in 322 B.C. and were used in the 2nd and 4th centuries. The site was rediscovered when a donkey walked over the area and fell when the crevasse opened in the ground. Inside the burial site, there are chambers and tombs that hold hundreds of corpses, and a staircase that leads to the banquet hall to celebrate the dead, which was mainly used for family and friends. The art in the catacombs are a mix of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian iconography. Today, the site is open to the public and many come here for the architecture and design, and there is still some archeological excavation going on. The visit to the catacombs can be to the land of the dead.</p>
<h3>Great Wall of China</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/10/448635_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/watchsmart/511699887/" target="_blank">Image source</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/10/448635_3.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image%3aChemin_de_ronde_muraille_long.JPG" target="_blank">Image source</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/10/448635_4.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedronet/2638783905/" target="_blank">Image source</a></p>
<p>This wall is located in China, stretching from Shanhaiguan in the east to Lop Nur to the west. It is the largest man-made structure in the world, and the only structure that can be seen from outer space. The Chinese took about 2,000 years to complete the wall, including all the sections from different dynasties. The Wall was used to protect northern china from the Mongolians and other invaders, to house troops and supplies, and to exchange information.</p>
<p>Millions were forced to build the wall, in which many died in the process, while others were buried within the Wall. In 1970, the Wall has opened to the public, and now, some sections of the Wall have fallen, while other parts are being taken for roads and homes. Since the exact dimensions of the Wall are unknown, which some say 3,000 to 4,500 miles; researchers began to measure the exact dimensions in 2007, and will finish the project in four years. Walking at least one section of the Wall should be necessary to everyone in their visit to China. There is no doubt that time would be wasted in going there, because the Great Wall of China is a powerful symbol to the Chinese culture.</p>
<h3>Stonehenge</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/10/448635_5.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/garethwiscombe/1071477228/" target="_blank">Image source</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/10/448635_6.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image%3aS7300095.JPG" target="_blank">Image source</a></p>
<p>As Great Britain's greatest symbol for mystery, power and endurance, the Stonehenge still stands and puzzles archeologists because the purpose of the Stonehenge is uncertain. Many archeologists believe that the Stonehenge was used for human sacrifices; yet, others believe that it was used for an observatory to predict the position of the moon and sun, and to determine the seasons. The stone monument was built at around 3,100 B.C., with each multi-stone carried from far away. At least 500 men, with the help of ropes, have brought the stones on raft, carried them on water, and dragged them on rollers. Today, the Stonehenge is a popular tourist attraction, even though about half of the monument survives because unfortunately over the years, people have taken pieces of the stones to build roads and for souvenirs. Let us hope that the archeologists can soon find out the Stonehenge's purpose and solve one of the greatest mysteries on earth.</p>
<h3>Leaning Tower of Pisa</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/10/448635_7.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image%3aLeaning_tower_of_pisa_2.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/10/448635_8.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/irenetong/243426908/" target="_blank">Image source</a></p>
<p>The Leaning Tower of Pisa, or Torre Pendente Di Pisa in Italian, is located in Pisa, Italy. The construction began in 1173 and the leaning began to become noticeable by the third story. The tower was meant to be a bell tower for the Cathedral of Pisa, not a leaning tower that scares people into thinking that it might tumble down and collapse any second. The tower leans because of the construction on soft soil, financial problems, and a lack of experience in the architects. The government closed the tower to the public in 1990 because of safety concerns and set out a restoration campaign. In eleven years, the campaign restored the building, prevented it from falling, and at the same time, preserved its famous appearance. Since the campaign was successful, the tower was reopened to the public in 2001.</p>
<h3>Porcelain Tower of Nanjing</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/10/448635_9.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url%3flp=en_ko%26trurl=http://www.all-in-travel.com/%26fr=blogrd" target="_blank">Image source</a></p>
<p>Located in Nanjing, China on the Yangtze River, the Porcelain Tower of Nanjing is also called the Temple of Gratitude by the people of China. It is also known as as the Porcelain Pagoda of the Grand Bao'en Temple. The tower is made out of porcelain bricks that shine in the sun. The tower is nine stories high, with a total height of 250 feet. During construction, the size of each story must decrease after every level because if all the stories were the same size, the tower would collapse. The tower was planned to have thirteen stories, but a bolt of lightning struck in 1801 and knocked off the last three stories and it was almost destroyed completely during the Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864).</p>
<h3>Hagia Sophia (Church of Saint Sophia)</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/10/448635_10.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/access/2875519020/" target="_blank">Image source</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/10/448635_11.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image%3aAya_sofya.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></p>
<p>The most important and amazing Byzantine architecture in Istanbul were the churches. The most remarkable church of all the Byzantine churches is the Hagia Sophia, which means the Church of Holy Wisdom of God. Built between 532 and 537, the Church consists of acres of mosaics, marble pillars, and gold. The church was raided in 1204 by the Crusaders, but it still continued to serve as a church until 1453 when Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks. By then, the Church was turned into a mosque for about 500 years and became a model for other Ottoman mosques. The faces of the original mosaics were plastered over because of Islamic religion. In 1934, the Turkish government removed all religious aspects and turned the building into a museum. Today, the Hagia Sophia is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.</p>
<p>If you want to check out the 7 Wonders of the Natural World, feel free to <a href="http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Seven-Beautiful-Natural-Wonder" target="_blank">Click Here</a>.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trifter.com%2FPractical-Travel%2FAdventure-Travel%2FSeven-Wonders-of-the-Medieval-World.338633"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trifter.com%2FPractical-Travel%2FAdventure-Travel%2FSeven-Wonders-of-the-Medieval-World.338633" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 03:59:28 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Seven Greatest Wonders of the World and Their Fascinating Stories</title>
<link>http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Adventure-Travel/The-Seven-Greatest-Wonders-of-the-Medieval-World.131395</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>When I look at these beautiful man made structures from around the world, the size, details, creativity, perseverance of humans always reminds me of what people can achieve when they work together (well, the workers didn't like the conditions much when they were working on these structures, but you know what I mean!).   Together as one, look what our ancestors from around the world achieved from their blood, sweat and tears and all without the aid of technology that we have today.</p>
 
<h3>Stonehenge</h3>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_0.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>Located at the English county of Wiltshire.</p>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>The mystery of Stonehenge still remains unanswered as historians are still searching for answers, why was it built?  What purpose did it serve?  How did our ancestors lift such heavy stones (some of them weighting up to 50 tonnes each!) in it's position?</p>
 
<h3>Colosseum</h3>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>Located in the city centre of Rome, Italy.</p>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_3.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>The Colosseum was used to host gladiatorial shows as well as a variety of other events.  Sometimes execution took place in the form of drama, where the hero (the condemned person) was killed in a gruesome manner for example being mauled by beasts or burned to death.</p>
 
<h3>Taj Mahal</h3>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_4.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>Agra, India.</p>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_5.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>Tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal</p>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_6.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>Jali screens surrounding the cenotaphs, it is inlaid with semiprecious stones on the surface.</p>
 
<p>A love story between a king and his queen.  There is a story that is inspired by Rabindranath Tagore's description  of the tomb as "one tear-drop&amp;hellip; upon the cheek of time" where once a year, during the rainy season, a single drop of water falls on the cenotaph.</p>
 
<h3>The Great Wall of China</h3>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_7.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>It has been estimated that between 2 to 3 million Chinese died as part of the project of building this defensive wall.</p>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_8.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>The watch towers were important as communication was passed from one tower to another in times of impending attack.</p>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_9.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>Someone claimed it was "the only man made structure that is visible to the naked eye from the moon." Do you know where to look?  This photo is taken from the Space Shuttle in April 1994.</p>
 
<h3>The Porcelain Tower of Nanjing</h3>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_10.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>It is also known as a "Temple of Gratitude".  A beautiful octagonal tower laid with white porcelain bricks was designed by the Chinese Emperor Yongle.  The suns rays would be reflected in the day, and at night as many as 140 lanterns were hung on the tower to illuminate it.</p>
 
<p>It was destroyed during 1856 by the Taiping, to prevent the hostile fraction to use the tower as an observation post.  The ruins have lain forgotten until recently, as some works are being carried out to try to rebuilt this landmark.</p>
 
<h3>Hagia Sophia</h3>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_11.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>Located in Istanbul, Turkey.</p>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_12.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>It was first a patriarchal basilica, then a mosque and now a museum.</p>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_13.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>Fountain (Şadirvan) for ritual ablutions</p>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_14.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>The mihrab located in the apse where the altar used to stand, pointing towards Mecca</p>
 
<h3>The Leaning Tower of Pisa</h3>
 
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/30/171738_15.jpg" alt="" /></p>
 
<p>It is a free standing bell tower of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa.  Due to poorly laid foundation and loose substrate, the tower is tilting in the southeast direction.</p>
 
<p>On February 27, 1964 a team of historians, mathematicians and engineers came together to try to stabilize the tower.   In May 2008, engineers have announced that the Tower has stopped moving for the first time in history!</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trifter.com%2FPractical-Travel%2FAdventure-Travel%2FThe-Seven-Greatest-Wonders-of-the-Medieval-World.131395"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trifter.com%2FPractical-Travel%2FAdventure-Travel%2FThe-Seven-Greatest-Wonders-of-the-Medieval-World.131395" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2008 06:44:39 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>The Philippines: Eight Spectacular Places to Visit </title>
<link>http://www.trifter.com/Asia-&amp;-Pacific/Philippines/Tourism-in-the-Philippines.126034</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>For those who love traveling, Philippines would be the best place to visit. There are many tourist destinations found within the boundaries of this country, may it be natural or man-made structures. What is unique with this country is that it is divided into islands or what we call an archipelago, there are so many beaches that we could visit. Tourists of different countries who have already gone to the Philippines choose to go back because not only do they enjoy the sites, but they also liked the attitudes of the people there. Below are the examples of the places you could visit:</p>
<ol>
<li>
<h3>Boracay</h3>
<img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/18/164545_0.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /> This place is famous for its white sand beach, and also for the coral reefs and the sea creatures. Last Year, Yahoo announced that Boracay Beach is the most popular beach all over the world and the 7th best beach among beaches. When I went there I was surprised that it is even better than those pictures I have. </li>
<li>
<h3>Bohol</h3>
<img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/18/164545_1.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /> Bohol is found In the Central Visayas Region. This place is famous for its Chocolate Hills. The smallest primate is also found here. </li>
<li>
<h3>Cebu</h3>
<img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/18/164545_2.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /> I can tell you that this place is beautiful because this is where I live. The beaches, hotels, malls are all amazing. </li>
<li>
<h3>Zamboanga</h3>
<img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/18/164545_3.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /> Zamboanga is a corrupted word for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tausug_language" target="_blank">Bahasa Sug</a> jambangan, which means garden. This is considered to be the 6th largest island of the Philippines. The most visited place here is the Santa Cruz Island for it pink Coral Sand. </li>
<li>
<h3>Ilo-ilo</h3>
<img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/18/164545_4.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /> Ilo-Ilo is formerly known as the Queen City of the South because of the big profits that this profit gain. This Province is famous for the old style Churches. This is the place where our famous national hero Jose Rizal bought his hat. </li>
<li>
<h3>Guimaras</h3>
<img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/18/164545_5.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /> This place is just northwest of Ilo-Ilo. This is one the greatest rival of Boracay for its beaches also have white sand. </li>
<li>
<h3>Palawan</h3>
<img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/18/164545_6.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /> Palawan is considered to be the &amp;ldquo;last frontier&amp;rdquo; of the Philippines. This place has UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site, and these are the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tubbataha_Reef_National_Marine_Park" target="_blank">Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Princesa_Subterranean_River_National_Park" target="_blank">Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park</a>. </li>
<li>
<h3>Davao</h3>
<img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/trifter/2008/05/18/164545_7.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /> Davao is from the word &amp;ldquo;daba-daba&amp;rdquo; which means fire. Five of the major fishing sites are found here in Davao. This place is also famous for its durian fruits.</li>
</ol>
<p>Biyahe tayo sa Pilipinas!</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trifter.com%2FAsia-%26amp%3B-Pacific%2FPhilippines%2FTourism-in-the-Philippines.126034"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trifter.com%2FAsia-%26amp%3B-Pacific%2FPhilippines%2FTourism-in-the-Philippines.126034" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 18 May 2008 04:38:42 PST</pubDate></item>
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