Blue Colors of Greece

The islands of Santorini represent the biggest pearl of the Aegean Sea which is famous for its blue dome churches, aridity and mule rides. Every year they attract millions of tourists from different parts of the world.

Santorini lacks a mooring facility to accomodate an ocean liner that's why small water-boats are widely used.

As soon as a water-boat reaches the harbour one can land by the speedy funicular, climbing the long stairs of 588 wide steps or riding a mule. If you are not eager to wait in an endless line of people  under the hot flaming sun or, say, are not on real friendly terms with horses or their relatives including donkeys, the only choice being left is climbing the mentioned stairs hoping to reach the top faster than those who preferred queueing to walking.

By the way, mule rides won't give you the feeling of safety if you are scared of height. The narrower is the road, the lesser you will trust the animals. But if you are a thrillseeker or an experienced rider you'll definitely enjoy.

The Place Where Winter Is Still Ruling

Spring has come always everywhere: sakura, tulips, narcissi are blooming here and there, but still there are some places where winter is still ruling. This winter fairy tale is in Japan and it's called Toyama.

There are two stations in Toyama: one is for international trains, another one is for internal ones, but they are located not far from each other anyway.
One route you may go by different means of transport and pay about 6 thousand yens per one, it's worth it, honestly.

On the photo above the worker of the station is ...singing!

This route destination was Tateyama and it took 50 minutes, but seeing cute villages and landscapes you don't notice time passing by...

Changing for cable means.

You may touch some handles...

Going 500 meters

At the station

Nearby is the highest waterfall in Japan. Its height is 350m. Besides, on the way, we may meet a very old tree... Meanwhile the snow cover is only growing.

1500m high and we are in Murodo...

Maybe you've seen so much snow ever?

This year the snow is 2 meters higher than in the previous one. The highest paek of the snow wall is 17 meters that is written on the sign. The merry guy on the left is a local worker.

More tourists coming.

At the height of 2390 m it is snowing and strong wind is blowing. Weight of one m3 of snow is 500 kg.

Roads are being cleened.

The weather doesn't prevent people from eating.

Soba after all

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Switzerland

Switzerland is known as The Land of the Alps, and rightfully so. Bordered by France, Germany, Italy and Austria, Switzerland offers the most breathtaking views of the panoramic Alps. Though small, it is also one of the richest countries in the world, which is why there is no wonder many tourists dream of a Swiss vacation.

There are plenty of Switzerland tourist attractions, but I have compiled for you the top 10 tourist attractions in Switzerland. I hope you will like it. If I have miss out some so please share it in comment section. Thanks

The Chillon Castle

Located on the shore of Lake Geneva, the Chillon Castle is one of the most famous castles in Switzerland. It also has three courtyards and four great halls which offer magnificent views of the lake beyond.

Zermatt

Although there are many beautiful ski resorts in Switzerland, Zermatt stands out as one of the top Switzerland tourist attractions because it is located at the foot of famous peak of the Swiss Alps. 

Geneva Jet D’eau

This fountain in the heart of one of Switzerland’s major cities is one of the tallest fountains in the world, projecting water up to 140 meters high. Built in 1891, it is also considered one of the symbols of the city of Geneva.

Swiss National Park

It is one of the Switzerland tourist attractions worth seeing. It is also Switzerland’s only national park, covering almost half the area of the entire country. It is a sanctuary for various wildlife such as elks, marmots and eagles, as well.

Swiss Transport Museum

Located in Lucerne, the Swiss Transport Museum is home to an exhibit of locomotives, ships, aircraft, automobile and other modes of transport and communication. You’re sure to enjoy the Planetarium and the IMAX theatre, too.

Schilthorn and Piz Gloria.

The Schilthorn is a mountain in the Swiss Alps. The Piz Gloria is a revolving restaurant on the top of this mountain that was the location for the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” 

The Tropical Alps

Believe it or not, you will find palm trees here! Ticino is very close to Italy, and offers glaciers as well as palm trees. The culture is rich and diverse in this area, and is little known to those who don’t live in Switzerland.

Appenzellerland

This is the land home to Heidi. Here you will find all sorts of walking trails and the largest Nordic fitness park in Switzerland. Cow shows are popular, and the locals enjoy dressing up in traditional costumes. 

Zurich

You can’t forget about the 2000 year old town rich in history. This is the city of Switzerland is full with trendy cafes, international boutiques, and the hustle and bustle of modern life. 
Aletsch glacier

This is the longest and most breathtaking glacier in the Alps at 23 km long. It is the easiest to access, and is the sight of the first UNESCO World Heritage site. This glacier is found in the western-southern part of Switzerland in the Aletsch region.

Harbour Birthday In Hamburg

Hafengeburtstag 2011 - birthday of the harbour in Hamburg begins and finishes with a huge parade when all the means that can float are rushing to the port.

First of all, a little bit of historical background:

On the 7th of May emperor Friedrich I Rotbar gives Hamburg considerable trading privileges and lets it take customs taxes for the goods transported via the Elbe. This fact played its big role in the development of the Hamburg port and now this day is celebrated in Hamburg as birthday of the port.

Participants started to arrive from the very morning.  

When the mess reached it highest peak the first ships started to the port.

The parade was opened by a Military Fregate in the company of numerous tallships.

The smaller ships followed it.

Ship-museum Cap San Diego, sailing only once a year.

Where else can you see such an abundance of ships?

Ju-52 belonging to Lufthansa advertising Rimowa that started from the airbus airport.

Luckily, this one wasn't bombing...

The last was the funny American ship that carries tourists along the Elbe.

Russian bark "Sedov" that probably doesn't disdain to smuggle either... 

And the smoking ship of some old century probably hiding from the environmental service.

Dawn At Mintos Hut

Dawn somewhere in the middle of African mountains may become once in a lifetime pleasure...

May Agitation In Berlin

On the eve of demonstrations of the disaffected workers Berlin was decorated with agitation posters. The demonstrations themselves are quite serious here: with water-cannons and tear gas.

Obidos - The Majestic City of Portugal

Obidos is a Portugal city on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is located 100 km north from Lisbon. The name is originated from the Latin word oppidum that means "fortress", "citadel". The city was founded by Celts and later invaded by the Romans, Visigoths and Moors. Only in the XII century the city came back to the possession of Portugal. Almost 100 years later, in 1282, king Dinis presented the city to his wife on their wedding day. It was a start of a wonderful and romantic tradition: till the XIX century Obidos was a part of marriage portion of all Portuguese queens. Today the city is called "the city of weddings": each year here come just-married couples for their honeymoons. Obidos is very pleasant for walks: paved streets, whitewashed walls of the houses, balconies with blossoming bougainvilleas and geraniums. Besides here is a preserved grand ancient castle.

There is a fortress towering over the settlement. From here the staircase is going up the city wall where one can enjoy wonderful city views. The fortress was rebuilt after being won back from the Moors in 1148.

Obidos is one of the brightest examples of medieval Portuguese fortresses. Like in ancient times, the entry to the city goes through the southern gates of the Virgin Mary decorated with Dutch tiles of the XVIII century.

In July - from 7th to 11th, then from 14th to 18th and finally from 21st to 25th - for 5 days and nights the city emerges in the Middle ages: all citizens and guests of the city wear medieval dresses, listen to medieval music, dance and play medieval performances. At the entry to the city money are changed to medieval one - or you won't be able to buy anything.

Here the annual chocolate festival takes place.

Sweet liquor Ginja is awesome! It is made from the fruit of the same name that grows in this area. Tastes like cherry. It's usually sold in small chocolate wine glasses that should be eaten after drinking the liquor. One glass costs 1 euro.