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| Cartogram of World Heritage viewsoftheworld.net |
Yours truly is back from the Candidate Forum with Day One of the Democratic National Committee Convention. As an antidote to the muck and mire of political conventions and a House of Cards mini-binge watch, yours truly is going to celebrate the newly inscribed World Heritage Sites. Hazel Plush of The Telegraph is our guide for this journey. The World Heritage Site's annual list is not just a list of really cool places to visit, it is but it also a celebration of who we are and what we are about. It celebrates our cultural and architectural achievements. It reminds us that there is beauty in the world. Ms. Plush writes, "...the roll-call includes historical significance, legacy and common heritage..." Blogger will spotlight a selection of World Heritage Sites and you can go to the United Nations Economic, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (whc.unesco.org). Shall we begin?
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| Hubei Shennongjia Natural Reserve, China hubei.chinadaily.com.cn |
The first stop on our around the world journey is Hubei, China-the Hubei Shennongjia Natural Reserve. Spectacular. The Natural Reserve boasts some of the country's largest ancient forest and some of the most sought-after wildlife in the province. The dense jungles are a major source for botanical research and haven for endangered animals.
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| Archipiélago de Revillagigedo, México m-x.com.mx |
The next stop on our world tour is a remote archipelago in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The Archipiélago de Revillagigedo is part of an underwater mountain range. The archipelago consists of four mountain ranges: Clarión, San Benedicto, Socorro, and Roca Patida. These islands are main nesting and breeding grounds for thousands of sea bird. Imagine kayaking around the archipelago. It would an amazing adventure.
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| Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay, Sudan tripadvisor.co.uk |
We go to the Sudan for one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay is a gorgeous coral atoll, 25 kilometers off the coast of Sudan. This marine national park is a magnet for "...intrepid divers, with glassy and wildlife-rich waters." Blogger is tempted to dive in Dungonab Bay, a "...marine hotspot, brimming with dugongs, manta rays, turtles, sharks, and colourful coral." Sharks? Alright, maybe the sharks might give yours truly pause to think.
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| The Ahwar of Southern Iraq iflscience.com |
The Ahwar of Southern Iraq
The country of Iraq seems to be in the news, a lot and not for good reasons. Therefore, to see The Ahwar of Southern Iraq make the World Heritage list. The Ahwar is composed of seven sites: three archaeological areas (Uruk, Ur, and Tell Eridu) and four marshlands in southern Iraq. The marshlands were nearly destroy by the Hussein regime but thanks to a massive restoration projects, the original flora and fauna was reintroduced. The Ahwar is thought to be the site of the biblical "Garden of Eden."
This just in from the Candidate Forum: former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton becomes the first American woman to win a major party nomination for the President of the United States. Wow, unbelievable. Blogger is overwhelmed by this moment in history. After all a woman's place is in the House, the Senate, and the White House. Congratulations Madame Secretary. Back to our tour.
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| Unité d'habitation LeCorbusier Marseille, France fondationlecorbusier.fr |
Architects and architecture aficionados, around the world, rejoiced at the inscription of the work of Charles-Édouard Jeannette-Gris-Le Corbusier. Le Corbusier is a giant among architects. His work has influenced many architects and designers around the world. Hazel Plush writes, "His collective architecture in Argentina, Belgium, France, Germany, India, Japan and Switzerland has been recognised as a whole..." This was, by Blogger's estimation, a tough choice because also placed into nomination was the work of another architectural giant, Frank Lloyd Wright. Blogger supposes that one architectural giant inscribed on World Heritage Sites list at a time.
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| Antigua Naval Dockyard Antigua and Barbuda antiguahistory.net |
We head out to the Caribbean for next stop on our world tour of Heritage Sites. The beautiful island of Antigua is home to His Majesty's Antigua naval Yard in English Harbor. What a a beautiful natural harbor it is. The British Navy built the dockyard while the Europeans superpower battled for control of the archipelago.
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| Singhik closet view of Mt. Khangchendzonga Khangchendzonga, Sikkim, India placeforvacations.com |
Spectacular. Imagine taking a vacation in the Khangchendzonga National Park. This sprawling national park is comprised of valleys, lakes, glaciers, ancient forests, and the most amazing mountain ranges. One of those breathtaking mountains is the world's third highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga, a sacred place for the local Sikh population.
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| The Persian Qanat, Iran ifpnews.com |
The Persian Qanat, Iran
Water is a precious commodity around the world. This fact is especially true in Iran, where it is one of the nation's most precious commodities. However, Iran is mostly desert and thanks to underground irrigation, farms and towns help keep them alive. The subterranean tunnels-qantas-keep the water moving often for kilometers, allowing for more sustainable and equatable water distribution.
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| Nan Madol, Micronesia en.wikipedia.org |
Nan Madol, Micronesia
We travel to the South Pacific for our next World Heritage Site. Micronesia, a collection of 99 artificial islets off the southeast coast of Pohnpei were built between the 13th and 16th centuries as a ceremonial site for the Saudeleur dynasty. On these enchanted islands, you can explore ancient stone castles, tombs, and temples built from basalt and coral. Blogger fancies climbing one of those basalt and coral structures.
These are just some of the stunning contributors to world culture. You can see more and past entries at UNESCO's website whc.unesco.org. While you are there, you can read how each of the sites are selected and many other fascinating articles about world heritage. When you are planning your next vacation, make sure to include one of these lovely places on your itinerary. You will not be disappointed.
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