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Elegant Church Architecture Throughout The World

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 De Nieuwe Kerk A 15th-Century Catholic Church In Amsterdam Netherlands 

This very ornate Gothic Church was consecrated in 1409. It was located on Dam Square, next to the magnificent Royal Palace. It was of the highest Catholic Order and  devoted to Our Lady.

 St.Peter’s Church With Unique Brabantine Medieval Architecture In Leuven Belgium 

Saint Peter’s is located in Leuven, Belgium in the cit’s main market square, grote Markt. It is directly accross from the Town Hall in the square. It was built in a Brabantine Gothic Architecture. Saint Peter’s has a low bell tower that was never finished.

Chapel Of The Angels At The Shepherds Field Near Bethlehem Israel

Chapel of the Angels is built on the traditional place where an angel announced the birth of the Savior to some shepherds who were keeping their sheep in the open fields near Bethlehem.  One might notice the simple dome shape of the roof of the church. This is seen throughout the Middle East in buildings of faith in general.

The Church Of The Annunciation in Nazareth Israel

The Church Of The Annunciation in Nazareth is at the traditional site of the place where the Annunciation by an Angel to Mary is believed to have happened. The Church Of The Annunciation also has the dome shape, though it is a slightly more elaborate styling.

The Cathedral Of  Sé de Lisboa In Lisbon Portugal

Sé de Lisboa was commissioned in 1147 by Afonso I, the fist King of Portugal. Sé de Lisboa is the oldest church in Lisbon and is dedicated to Santa Maria. It is the most important church in the city of Lisbon.

Church Of San Isidro In The Zuni Mountains Of New Mexico

This simple adobe mission from the 19th century is a good representation of Spanish architecture of the time in New Mexico. Located in the Zuni Mountains of West-Central New Mexico, the Church of San Isidro is beautiful with it’s simple style of the day.

 Mong Kok Christian Center In Hong Kong

Mong Kok Christian Center is busy preaching the good news in Hong Kong. Another example of simple beauty, this time in the Asian world.

All over the world the good news is shared in churches, homes, or wherever people may gather. The message is the same, only the languages and culture may differ. These are just a few of the churches we saw among the many buildings throughout our travels.  These show how the culture of an area influences the architecture, as well as the time in history the building was built. As you travel through different countries, you will see many buildings of different faiths. It is always interesting to see and admire the architecture of an area.

 

 

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The Unique And The Unusual Tastes of Asia

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Bamboo Charcoal Noodles A Unique Taste In Taiwan

These black noodles are black due to the charcoal of the bamboo. Known to have over 400 different minerals, they are believed to have hundreds of health benefits. Bamboo Charcoal that is activated is thought to draw impurities from the skin and help with severe acne.

 Dried Cuttlefish Snacks At The Coastal Markets In Keelung Taiwan 

The Cuttlefish is dried and shredded for snacks. Squid is also is often substituted in making dried fish snacks.

 Blue Mackerel Sautéed In Spicy Vinegar, A Good Taste Of Taiwan

While it may seem unusual to use a spicy vinegar to saute Blue Mackerel, but it is really is a delicious way of cooking fish. There are several ways of cooking this specialty, but all use vinegar, garlic , and usually lime.

The Rich Food Culture Of The Hakka Aborigines In Northern Taiwan 

The tastes of the Hakka are unique and very different but delicious. The Aborigines have centuries of experience in this unique but tasty style of cooking.

 

 Hot, Healthy And Spicy BBQ  Ell Is A Favorite In Taiwan and Japan

While Ell seems too strange to some, to others it is better than a good cut of beef.

Tea And Buddha’s Hand Citron Is  A Perfect Way To Start The Day

Buddha’s Hand is like a the perfect citron. It’s sweet lemon blossom aroma fills the air. This is a breakfast to remember!

 “Taiwan’s Black Fungus Mushroom” ~ Perfect With Your Morning Eggs!

Thought to have  many health benefits from preventing cancer to losing weight, this is added to everything. Who can help but love a mushroom with all these health benefits.

Sometimes The Important Thing Is Just To Get The Perfect Grasshopper

Grasshoppers on a stick are a delight in Taiwan and throughout the Asian world of food! Are you ready for a snack.

Throughout the world eating habits change. Some delicacies are just different, but they are not bad. So as you travel through the world, take a chance and taste and see what each region has to offer. Today is the day to reach out and embrace the unknown, to try something you have never tried. This is the day for an Asian food adventure.

 

 

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Explore Traveler Photo Tour: Exploring The Uniqueness Of Japan

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 Natto Fermented Soybeans And Umeboshi Pickled Fruits Are Tasty Health Foods In Japan 

Natto is an extremely good protein food, as it has gone through a ridged fermentation process. Nato appears to be very good at preventing bone loss in post menopausal women. It is high in vitamin K2. It is also desired for it’s health benefits to the skin.

Ume is a fruit that is often thought to be a plum, but it is closer to apricots really. Umeboshi are like pickles that are sweet and salty. There is also one recipe that is sweet due to its use of honey. They are extremely good!

 The Many Wild And Unusual Flavors Of  The Kit Kat Bar In Japan 

There are more than 200 different kinds of Kit Kat Bars in Japan. If you can think of a flavor, then it is probably there. Some that come to mind are Baked Potato, Matcha-Green Tea, Blueberry Cheese Cake and Strawberry Cheese cake. What is your favorite Kit Kat?

Arriving At The Maihama Station At Disney Land From Tokyo Metro.

 The Magic Kingdom Monorail At The Disney Resort In Japan 

 The Magic Of Disney In Tokyo Japan 

 Peaceful Beauty Of Chivoda In Central Tokyo Japan 

Chivoda, also called Chivoda City,  is a ward in the central part of the city of Tokyo that is made up of the Imperial Palace and surrounding area. It is a very peaceful area with green spaces and a small pond.

 The Unique Experience Of The Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo Japan 

The Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest wholesale fish and seafood market worldwide. It is also the largest wholesale food market worldwide. There is also a retail section adjacent to the wholesale market. If you want to observe the wholesale market, there are limited time slots and only a few people can enter each morning. Check the market website for details.

 “One Fishcake Please” At The Tsukiji Fish Market Retail Section In Tokyo Japan 

Shopping At The Tsukiji Retail Market (築地市場) In Tokyo Japan 

 Barrels Of Sake Made From Fermented Rice And Wrapped In Straw At The Meiji Jingu Shrine

Small Japanese shrines are supplied by local sake companies, but Meiji Jingu Shrine is a major shrine and thus receives donations form every sake company in the country. What a beautiful display of Sake outside containers!

Japanese  Shrine Maiden at Meiji Jingu Shrine  

 Japanese Black Pines At Kokyo Gaien National Gardens In The Heart Of Tokyo 

This magnificent garden must be passed through to reach the Imperial Palace. It is amazing to walk the many paths, viewing all the many spectacular Black Pine Trees in the park. There are more than 2,000 of these pines in this National Garden.

 The Tokyo Imperial Palace Is The Main Residence Of The Emperor And Empress Of Japan  

Tours of the Palace Gardens are offered Tuesday through Saturday. The Inner gardens are not open to the public except 2 days a year. The interior is not open to the public.

 A Fairy-tale Barbie Bridal In Japan 

One of the most popular theme weddings in Japan is Barbie. Every girl dreams  to have a Barbie themed wedding. Bridal shops all over the city have dresses and decorations for a beautiful Barbie styled wedding.

As our adventure in Japan comes to a close, we reflect on what we have seen. The extreme sense of peace as you walk through all the shrines and gardens lingers with you. Japan is a country that is both ancient and modern. No matter where you go, the two touch seamlessly.

 

 

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ExploreTraveler Presents: Exploring Jordan Via Photo Tour and Guide

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Photo of the Day ~ The Ancient Nabataean City Of Petra

From time to we like to group allot of articles on a single subject, and present them as a small guide. The title under the picture is a link to another post with additional information. Most of the photo’s within this guide are from an area centered around Petra, and the deserts that surround this site. We hope you enjoy this small tour from our own eyes, and just maybe we inspire you to go there for yourself.

In Southwest Jordan you will find an amazing desert, colorful, extremely hot, with rugged mountains and deep canyons. Amid all this natural beauty you will find the city of Petra, built during the time of the Nabataean Kingdom between 100 B.C. to 106 A.D. For years Petra was a major trading center and capital city of the empire of the Nabataean people. Then for centuries it lay in ruin, empty, and forgotten. The city was lost for centuries. Now this beautiful hidden city is a UNESCO World Heritage Center.

Photo of the Day ~ The Bedouin culture of Petra

The Nabataeans occupied Petra till the close of the Roman Empire. The Al B’doul tribe  is said to be among those descended from the Nabataeans, who built the city of Petra.  This Bedouin tribe, the Al B’doul, lived in Petra for more than 170 years. They built their lives among the tombs and caves, feeling a close attachment to the city. Some of the members of the tribe were relocated to a city built just for them near-by. Others in this tribe still lives in the ancient valley, clinging to traditional Bedouin life.

Photo of the Day ~ Crossing the Red Sea in Aqaba, Jordan

To visit the Red Sea at Aqaba, Jordan is a compelling inner drive. Many pass Aqaba by, but here you will find water that is calm and crystal clear. It seems like you can see forever. The Red Sea is a thriving sea with a large variety of amazing marine life. This is a world class snorkeling site. If you enjoy marine life, spend a few hours snorkeling at the Red Sea,  Jordan’s only beach.

Photo of the Day ~ Exploring the desert valley of Wadi Rum

Embark on the adventure of a life time exploring the Valley Of The Moon. At times you can rightfully ask if you are still on planet earth. As you wander through this brutal but astonishing desert, you will see desert colors in the deep oranges. It looks like a freshly painted canvas, painted as only a master artist can do. Put on your sun hat, wrap your head  in a scarf, grab plenty of water,  and let’s explore this amazing and dramatic desert.

Photo of the Day ~ Timeless Splendor in the desert of Wadi Rum

These camels are valuable members of the Royal Desert Forces. The  Bedouins saddle up their camels on a regular basis to reach those areas of the desert that are too remote for trucks and 4 X 4’s to patrol. The camels are also often paraded around for tourists to enjoy. Anyone in the area that has a female camel that needs to be bred, may bring them by the Patrol Headquarters. This is a free service provided by the Royal Desert Forces for residents.

Photo of the Day ~ The Amazing Ruins Of The Greco-Roman City Of Gerasa

At Jerash the first thing you note is the condition of the ruins. What a marvelous site. The city of Gerasa was also called Antioch and is found in the North of Jordan.  This magnificent site shows the quality of the city. It is indeed the best of the Roman ruins we have seen outside of Italy.  You will find the ancient city among green hills and valleys filled with olive, plum, fig, and other fruit trees.

Wadi Rum….Timeless Splendor

Wadi Rum Desert landscapes, where the deep red rocks seem to protrude seamlessly into the dark blue sky. It is a land of fascinating landscapes and timeless treasures. Known as the Valley of the Moon, this amazing valley is cut into the beautiful red sandstone and granite. Timeless splendor, level headed people, and amazing shades of Autumn greet you on your desert exploration.

Photo of the Day ~ Beautiful Jordanian Sunset

Photo of the Day ~ The Lost City Of Petra In Jordan

Deep in the rugged pink sandstone hills, surrounding one of the harshest deserts in the world, you will find one of the Jewels of the ancient world. Welcome to Jordan and the unique city of Petra.

Photo of the Day ~ Adventuring Into The Wadi Rum Desert Of Jordan

This astonishing Red Desert is surrounded by amazing red sandstone mountains and made complete with amazing canyons. Walking through the desert you will see nothing until you come upon a tent of friendly Bedouins inviting you to join them for tea.

Deserts Comes To Life With Tea

The Deserts springs to life, as tea is served. Have you ever considered exploring some of the hottest deserts in the world? How about taking a break and having tea under a goat haired tent in the desert? Have you ever thought that it would be refreshing and make you cooler?

The Secret Mysteries Of The Ancient City Of Petra ~ Part One

This is the magnificent entrance into the city of Petra, where history, ancient stories, folklore, and archaeology all come together in an ancient city, clothed in mystery. The entrance, designed by nature, is narrow and provided security and safety for an ancient people. You have just traveled through the awe-inspiring Valley Of Moses, looking at the amazing mountains of rose, red, and white sandstone, beholding the shadows of the mountains across the desert and then you come to the gateway of this mysterious city, the narrow and magnificent siq. If you look at the photo above, you will see just how enormously tall this entrance is, as both humans and animals appear to be quite small at it’s base.

The Secret Mysteries Of The Ancient City Of Petra ~ Part 2

The sandstone hills hold mysteries over 2000 years old. Mysteries of the fortress built by the Nabatacans.  It seemed like nothing could ever touch it. The shadows of the towering ziq envelope you as you make your way through this mile long winding path and into the city. The first thing you see is the facade of the Treasury. The Treasury was most likely a temple built to the many gods of this enormous civilization. But if you let your eyes feast to either side of this first building, with all it’s grandeur, you will see the many carved quarters and caves that are intricately carved into these amazing sandstone cliffs.

The Secret Mysteries Of The Ancient City Of Petra ~ Part 3

The spectacular amphitheater in Petra is amazing in it size, seating between 6,000-8,000 people. Can you imagine the excitement of the crowd as they watched events in this massive amphitheater? The amphitheater was built previous to the time of the Roman occupation of Petra. This very unique theater was carved into the sandstone rocks.

The Secret Mysteries Of The Ancient City Of Petra ~ Part 4

Magnificent Boulders and cliffs of tinted sandstone greet you as you come near to the city. If you take time to look at the layers of reds, browns, oranges, and yellows of the rocks, cliffs,columns and the tombs themselves, you will be amazed. Because of the uniqueness of the sandstone cliffs that they are carved from, there are no two tombs or facades exactly the same.

The Secret Mysteries Of The Ancient City Of Petra ~ Conclusion

As our five part Petra adventure comes to a close, we take time to look at the upper levels of the Al-Khazneh or The Treasury. Here the mysteries of the lost city grow as we wonder just what this magnificent building carved out of the sandstone cliffs was used for. Most seem to favor that it was some type of a temple for the many gods of Petra after the many invaders of Rome took control, but there is also the theory that in the beginning it was an elaborate tomb.

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A Winter Wonderland In Northern Maine USA

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 A Snow Filled Winter In The Baskahegan Valley In Northern Maine  

The early pioneer families that settled in this beautiful valley would farm in the summer months, saving produce for the long winter months. During the winter months, the men took to  the forest and logging was their passion. One of the favorite trees for this endeavor was the Pumpkin Pines, which were easy to haul since they were close to the streams and other waterways. Old diaries talk about the stumps being so large that a team of Oxen could stand on the stump. At one time, Northern Maine was the logging capital of the world.

With the easy supply of lumber, you will see many beautiful mansions in Northern Maine. Take a winter tour in a horse driven buggy and see all the beautiful houses as they lay buried in the white stuff.  Just outside of the towns are resorts with skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter sports. Take time to enjoy winter like never before.

 Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge In Maine Is One Of The Northernmost National Wildlife Refuges On The Atlantic  Seaboard

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge has activities year around. There are year around Moose Tours, where you are guaranteed to see a moose, fishing tours, ice fishing trips, hunting in the different seasons, hiking, climbing, wildlife viewing and photography. As the ponds ice over, there is ice skating, as well as near by resorts with a full range of winter activities. If you have never been in an area where you could enjoy winter to the max, you are in for many surprises.

This is a main refuge for migrating birds of all kinds. Here, they are able to feed and nest in a protected area. During different times of the year, you will see birds of prey, waterfowl,song birds and many others. If you enjoy bird watching, this is an excellent place for a bird adventure.

 The Elegant Patterns Of Ice Crystals Are A Growing Masterpiece On Glass  

Can you imagine waking up and looking out the window and seeing ice crystal masterpieces that formed on the window over night? What a delight to see the creative talent of nature. If you have never seen this, you are in for a surprise.

 Fried Haddock  Fish Sandwich Is A Year Around Favorite In Maine 

In Maine, fish sandwiches made from fresh fried Haddock is a favorite. Most eateries in the area serve this state favorite. If you have never tried one, then this is the time to order a fish sandwich made of freshly prepared Haddock. Spring, summer, fall, and winter, this is a must try when you come to Maine.

All the different seasons bring their own delightful activities in Maine. But if you want to enjoy a short winter visit, you can not find a better place than Maine.

 

 

 

 

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Photo Tour Of Jerusalem In Israel

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The Holy City Of Jerusalem In Israel

There is no other city more Holy than Jerusalem. It is considered Holy to the world’s three largest religions, Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The Ancient City is side by side the modern city of Jerusalem. What a privilege to walk her ancient cobblestone streets.

Israel Is A Land Of Ancient Ruins And Ancient Secrets 

No matter where you go, the ancient ruins are everywhere. As the digs increase throughout the region, ancient history comes to life.

Olives, Grape Leaves And Peppers In A Traditional Open Air Marketplace Or Shuk In Jerusalem

The open markets are filled with delightful fresh foods, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and juices. The traditional market places, and cobblestone alleys, have been there for centuries. The deserts are green and blooming, filled with dates, figs, and other fruit trees. All these make their way into the ancient markets of the Old City.

Herbs, Rose, Mint, And Hibiscus, A Few Of The Choices For A Warm Cup Of Tea In Israel

Frankincense, Myrrh And Other Treasures In Old City Of Jerusalem

 Fresh-Squeezed Pomegranate And Orange Juice In The Old City Of Jerusalem  

 Western wall plaza in Old City Jerusalem Israel

The partial remains of the ancient walls of the walled city are everywhere, as are the gates going out from the city. The Eastern Gate remains sealed until the day that the Messiah returns to Jerusalem  through this gate.  On the other side of the gate is a Muslim Cemetery.

 The Eastern Gate Facing The Mount Of Olives In The Old Walled City Of  Jerusalem

The Wailing Wall Is A Place Of Prayer In The Old City Of Jerusalem

Heartfelt Prayers At The Kotel Also Called The “Wailing Wall” In Old City Jerusalem

Mount Zion ~ The City Of David

The Dome Of The Rock On The Temple Mount In The Old City Of  Jerusalem

These are a few of the marvelous scenes from the city of Jerusalem. An ancient city where you can walk in the footsteps of the prophets of old.  This is a land where the ancient is cherished and remembered, while the modern is also important. Many scientific and medical discoveries come out of Israel.

 

 

 

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Rosarito Beach In Baja California Mexico Beckons To Beach Lovers Everywhere

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Horses, Warm Weather, And A Perfect Surf At Rosarito Beach In Baja California Mexico 

Rosarito is a quaint town with many luxury resorts, elegant hotels, and many first class recreational vehicle parks. This has been a mecca for short tourist get-a-ways from San Diego, California USA, being less than 30 miles away. There is also the towm of Medio Camino just south of Rosarito Beach and Baja Malibu to the north of Rosarito. This area has amazing beaches, with sandy beaches just perfect for horseback riding and a strong surf perfect for catching that next wave.

Surfing The Internet In Style At Rosarito Beach In Baja California Mexico 

Almost anything can be seen south of the border. Horseback riding is a major sight in Baja California, so much so, it seems some people have real skills. This young man was trotting down the sandy beach surfing the internet. Now that takes skill!

 Endless excitement at Rosarito Beach In Baja California Mexico

The town of Rosarito is a quaint  tourist town that Americans flock to by the thousands. With it’s outstanding beaches, and first class resorts at reasonable rates, it is a magnate for the retired. People on medicare, can hop back into the US for medical care and return home to paradise. All this helps in making tourists from north of the border content and comfortable.

 Romantic Shores Of Rosarito Beach In Baja California Mexico 

Rosarito beaches are beautiful any time of the day. The sunsets over the ocean are spectacular. Couples walk hand in hand down the beach. Romance is in the air.

Another fun place to visit is the Rosarito Underwater Park which is located just offshore.  The park features an artificial reef with the remains of a former Navy ship near by. The wreck is a magnet for divers of all levels. 

Hidden Gems That Make You Fall In Love With The City In Baja California Mexico  

The food in the area is extremely good and the only issue is the large portions. There are many restaurants at the resorts and then there are food trucks painted brightly so as to be easily seen. Mexicans love color and this is just one of the examples of the many colors. Food at the food trucks is extremely delicious, and of course the prices are reasonable.

Shopping For Bargains Is Always Fun In Baja California Mexico

An example of two Mexican women visiting in the sun in front of a market. The Mexicans are very friendly, though you may expect that as the culture as a whole really likes visiting and showing friendship. Notice the beautiful use of color

Sweet Music Of A Man And His Violin In Baja California Mexico

The Mexicans love music, and it is not uncommon for skilled players to be playing for those who enjoy listening.

Tomatillos On The Vine In Baja California Mexico   

Tomatillos make up a positive appearance in most gardens. Tomatillas are often called the Mexican Tomato. They are a bright green when ripe and are covered by a husk. They are usually used in making salsa.

Unique And Beautiful Architecture In Baja California Mexico

This Spanish styling is everywhere in Baja, with it’s arches, courtyards, and red tiled roofs. This is the local style for all levels of housing. High rises and modern architecture are now seen, but there are plenty of small homes to larger ones done in the Spanish styling. Especially in Baja, with it’s magical appearance, these homes make up the norm.

If you are looking for a quick vacation to a tourist wonderland, that is near the border, then Baja California is your perfect answer. The shopping is spectacular and there are bargains galore, the food is amazing, and there is a strong dollar to peso relationship, which is good for Americans.

 

 

 

 

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Beautiful Birds From Around The World

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Do you have any fish? Hungry Pelicans in Oceanside, California USA 

Found in many warmer areas, the Pelican has very few predators. Due to their massive size, there are few animals or birds that are willing to mess with them.  Their fishing skills are exquisite.  These elegant fisherman are amazing to watch in action. If there is fish to be found, they will find them. This fellow was tightening up his belt, due to a fish shortage in California.

 Brandt’s Cormorants nesting on the steep ocean cliffs of Florence, Oregon USA 

Each summer many seabirds come to the Central Oregon Coast to nest.  The beautiful Brandt’s Cormorant are one of the visitors that comes to breed in the massive cliffs and on the many off shore islands. The presence of so many Sea Lions signals that there is plenty of fish in the sea.

 The Majestic Great Blue Heron Of North and Central America

The Great Blue Heron lives In the wetlands throughout North and Central America. You will see them cruising the ocean shores with majestic wing movements. Their style of flight is slow, deliberate, and majestic. When looking around for dinner, this heron stands completely still, absolutely motionless.

 

  The brightly colored world of  The Australian  Lorikeets Is Fascinating

These spectacular are small to medium size parrots with a tongue that feels like a scrub brush. They feed entirely on the nectar of beautiful flowers found in the coastal and wooded rainforests of Australia.  Like all parrots, they have a beautiful voice as they call out to each other.

 Yuen Po Bird Garden keeps with the traditional culture of songbird keeping in Hong Kong 

These  beautiful small to medium song birds are not wild, like the others shown here. However they are found in the tropical forests of Hong Kong. Keeping song birds is a big part of Chinese culture, especially among the older generation. This bird garden is beautiful and the birds are taken in their cages  out daily for a walk, much like we would take a dog for a daily walk.

Beautiful Peacock Found In The Balboa Park In  San Diego, California USA

Only the the males are really called peacocks. They are striking with deep colors and a long tail. The females are referred  to as hens and lack the amazing color tones.

 “It’s A Gull’s Life For Me!” Relaxing Herring Gull In Eastern Maine

Throughout the coastal areas of much of the world, the sea side is full of gulls. This fella has made himself king of the Sea.

Throughout your travels you are almost certain to see beautiful and unique birds to where you are. Just another way to enjoy nature wherever you are.

 

 

 

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Animal Photo Tour From Around The World

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 Komodo Dragon On Remote Tiomon Island Malaysia

Some of the most exciting things that the Exploretraveler Team does as we travel the world allows us to connect with nature.  We take jungle treks, mountain hikes, river tours, climb trails, and scale ruins. In the midst of everything, we often see unique shots of the animal kingdom.

Did you ever think about real dragons living on earth?  This Malaysian dragon can weigh up to 200 pounds. They are carnivores and are also considered cannibals. As much as a tenth of their diet can be the eating of other Komodo Dragon’s eggs. They eat wild pigs, deer, and other wild animals of the jungle. They are even able to take down an adult Water Buffalo.

 Hungry Monkeys In Singapore

This big guy looks like he is so very hungry in Singapore. Hang on to your lunch or you may make an unwilling donation.

 Formosan Rock Monkey Also Known As The Taiwanese Macaque  

Meet the Taiwanese Formosan Rock Monkey, who are also known as the Formosan Rock Macaque and Taiwanese Macaque. These cute fellas live in the jungles in the western mountain regions of Taiwan. They are the only living monkey native to Taiwan and are usually found between 300 and 12,000 feet. They prefer the jungle forest with it’s mixed hardwoods, mixed grasslands, and bamboo.  This enables them to eat to their heart content.

 Taiwan’s Formosan Rock Macaque Are The Only Monkey Native To Taiwan  

 Hang In There Baby! Formosan Rock Monkey Macaque In Taiwan  

These guys were so fun to watch, but hang on to your camera. The bigger the camera, the bigger the fascination, so if you want to keep it, hang on to it tight.

 This big guy is enjoy his banana!

 The Philippine Sailfin Crested Lizard living Only In The Philippines 

Another one of the interesting animals of the jungle. This one is found only in the Philippines. The Sailfin Crested Lizard is an excellent swimmer. He is so cute when he uses his flat toes to run across the water. Just another amazing wonder in the jungles of Asia.

 Alaskan Red Fox Wants To Play In Cantwell Alaska “Do I Get Out Of The Car?” 

This is the most common fox in Alaska and the largest of the fox family. They like to eat small animals, but also eat fruits and other vegetation. They like to live in family groups, where only one mated pair breeds at a time, with the rest of the clan helping with the babysitting.

 Watch Your Step, The Philippine Sail-fin Dragon Lizard Could Be Above Your Head!

 The Splendor Of Wild Elk Grazing In The Backroads Of Washington USA 

The Moose Struggling  To Find Food During Winter In Alaska

The moose plow through the snow and ice looking for twigs and small tender branches. By the last half of winter this can be hard to find and by spring they are quite hungry and waiting for those first tender shoots.

 Petite Kirk’s dik-dik Antelope  in Eastern South Africa   

The Dik-Dik is the common name for four different species of Antelope and six sub-species in Eastern South Africa. They only weigh from 6 to 13 pounds and are 12 to 15 inches tall. They have a life span in the wild of about 10 years.  You can not miss those eyes, as they stare straight at you. So adorable, but yet they are so wild.

Where are you going next? Everywhere has their own adorable animals that live in the mountains, the jungle, the Savannah, the plains, and they are just waiting for you to take their picture.

 

 

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San Diego California And Her Treasures Of The Sea

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Beautiful Sea Urchins From Grey Tones To Pink

San Diego is the southern most city before crossing the border into Mexico. She and the most northern towns on the Mexican side of the border, are blessed with one of the greatest “Treasures of the Sea,” the Sea Urchin.  This small window of the Pacific, is one of the few places in the world, where you can see the Pink or the Purple Sea Urchin.

The Pink Sea Urchin Is One Of The Most Majestic In The World

The showy pink Sea Urchin is totally magnificent. From the world over, adventurers come just to see the longest living creature on planet Earth. The Pink Sea Urchin can live to be over 200 years old. Then there are those who come to taste it’s spectacular row.

Getting Ready To Take That First Taste

While in many countries this is a delicacy that is well loved, there are many who come to get that first taste. Every year adventures come to San Diego just to taste and see. Will you too, be one who comes? This young man waited in line just to get his first taste of this amazing creature of the deep.

A Vendor Displaying This Beautiful Treasure Of The Sea. 

The vendor is scrapping the inside, which is custard like, so that you can see the actual inside of this magnificent creature.

Creamy On The Inside And Tasty Like Custard

This is a creature so fine, with a taste like nothing else. The closet description would be like custard. Yet, there no words for this amazing opportunity to taste and see.

Will You Come To See This Magnificent Creature Of The Deep? 

Home Of The Freshest Fish And The Spectacular Pink Sea Urchin

The Tuna Harbor Dockside Market is the best fish market in San Diego. Here you will see the freshest fish, and many unique treasures of the deep. It is open every Saturday morning at 8:30 am, however, the line begins to form by 7:30 am.  For up to date information consult their website at:http://thdocksidemarket.com/new/

If you are an adventurer in seek of an adventure, consider a visit to see the longest living creature on earth, and while you are at the market, taste and see how delicious it is.

 

 

 

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“Helping bring the world together one friend at a time. So travel

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 © 2018 ExploreTraveler. All Rights Reserved