Thorny Devil Lizard Looks Scary

The thorny devil, also known as Thorny Lizard or the Moloch Horridus. It is best known for having an extremely spiky looking appearance. It is covered by hard sharp spines to dissuade predators by making it difficult to swallow. It lives only in Australia in the arid scrub and desert. It has a false head on its back that it use it when it feels threatened. It lowers its head between its front legs, and only the false head is visible.

Latin Binomial Name: Moloch Horridus
Type: Reptile
Diet: Omnivore
Size: 15-20cm (5.9-8in)
Weight:70-95g (2.5-3.4oz)
Top Speed: 60km/h (37mph)
Life Span: 12-20 years

Country Expedition to Jordan

Jordan has a lot of historical sites and geographical features ripe for discovering. It offers you places like Amman, Jerash, Um Quais, Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib, Wadi Numeira, Dana Nature Reserve, Wadi Musa, Petra. The Middle East kingdom of Jordan is bordered on the west by Israel and the Dead Sea, on the north by Syria, on the east by Iraq, and on the south by Saudi Arabia. Jordan is a safe country politically, mainly because it has a small population and little natural resources.

Official Name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Capital: Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan
Area: The area of Jordan is 89,556 sq km (34,578 sq mi)
Population: 6,407,085
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) of 1000 fils
Language: Arabic is the official language. English and French are also spoken
Religion: The great majority of the Jordanian people are Sunni Muslims

Devils Tower National Monument in Northeast Wyoming

Devils Tower was the first declared United States National Monument, established on September 24, 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt. A National Monument is a protected area that is quickly declared by the President of the United States without the approval of Congress. Devils Tower sits across the state line in northeast Wyoming. It is 867 feet from its base to the summit. It stands 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River and is 5,112 feet above sea level. It was formed by the intrusion of igneous material. Devils Tower National Monument is open year-round 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Admission is $10 per vehicle and $5 for bicycles and pedestrians for a seven day pass.

10 Best Amusement Parks in North America

Who said amusement parks were only for kids? Besides, don’t we all have a child in us? Ofcourse we do, so why not satisfy that primal desire and visit some of the top amusement parks in North America? I have something for the sci-fi lover as well as the thrill seeker, so buckle up because your heartbeat will surely rise.

So here some of the most best amusement parks in North America. So start packing now and get yourself thrilled by these amazing rides.

Busch Gardens, Florida

Who said that Florida is only nice on the Atlantic coast? Well, one reason why the Gulf has just as much to offer is Tampa Bay’s Busch Gardens; a beautiful and breathtaking amusement park.

Sea World, California

We may have a bias, but we strongly urge you to visit the Shark Encounter, and explore the world and kingdom of sharks. Yes, you will be protected in a viewing tube as you visit the wonders and animals that live in the depths of the seas.

Disneyland, California

This one may be more for the kids, but even adults can enjoy leaving this world to head off to Fantasyland or dream in Tomorrow land, before heading off to visit Mickey’s Toon town.

Sea World, Florida

If you were the kind of child who worried that a monster would creep up from beneath the bed and eat you in the middle of the night, have we got the ride for you: Kraken, hailed as the tallest, fastest, longest, and only floorless roller coaster in Orlando.

Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey

There is so much to say about Great Adventure in New Jersey’s swamps, but all you need to know is that you can tame tigers in the 350-acre Wild Safari or have your heart ripped out in the 230-foot tall Nitro. Pick your vice.

Universal Studios, California

Universal Studios has the impressive Terminator ride. This amusement park is perfect for the movie aficionado who is eager and interested in knowing how the epics were made, and how the classics came about.

Six Flags Magic Mountain, California

If you were one of the few people on earth that thought this amusement park did not already have enough roller coaster rides, you will be glad to learn that this park introduced three more: Goliath Jr., Déjà Vu and X.

Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio

Cedar Point bills itself as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, and we cannot exactly fault it. If you want to get the rush of a lifetime, visit the Power Tower, which blasts you 24 stories into the sky and rockets you toward Earth from 240 feet up.

Disney World, Florida

The granddaddy of all amusement parks, Disney World in Florida has the amazing Magic Kingdom as well as Epcot Center, which revitalized the famous park. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in MGM Studios will make your stay unforgettable.

Canada’s Wonderland, Ontario

While many people think that Canada is all about igloos and hockey, Canada’s Wonderland destroys that myth with its amazing water roller coasters. Near the city of Toronto, Wonderland offers almost 200 fun attractions.

10 Most Beautiful Castles in Europe

What do you think of when you hear dungeons and dragons, ghost and goblins or kings and queens? If you said castles, you are not alone sire. Some of these legendary ones are found in the Europe. Castles consist of a group of fortified buildings with thick walls and towers.. Today, monarchs still reside in some very popular ones, such as Windsor Castle. Others serve as tourist attractions and museums. The wealthy even have the luxury of residing in some majestic ones.
So here I have compiled some of the most beautiful castles in Europe. I hope you will like it.

Leeds Castle – Kent, England

Considering how patriotic and proud Englishmen are, this comes as no surprise, but Leeds is the self-proclaimed “loveliest castle in the world.” Visit this extraordinary castle just once and you will find yourself agreeing with the English about their claim.

Prague Castle – Prague, Czech Republic

The Prague Castle was a work in progress between the 9th and 18th centuries. The original fortress expanded steadily until it started to host governmental affairs. This is one castle tour that has international tourists in mind: the guided tour is offered in six languages.

Castelo de Sao Jorge – Lisbon, Portugal

If you are looking for a bird’s eye view of the Atlantic Ocean, Castelo de Sao Jorge is the place to go. The castle originally known as Lisbon Castle also offers a scenic view of the country’s capital.

El Alcazar – Segovia, Spain

El Alcazar is an impressive castle in that it rises in an almost surreal way near the heart of the city. The castle is steeped in history. El Alcazar is now easily the most picturesque area in Spain.

Neuschwanstein Castle – Munich, Germany

Do not tell anyone, but you will surely be astonished and amazed to know that Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle was “inspired” by the Neuschwanstein Castle.

Mont Saint-Michel – Normandy, France

Originally designed as an abbey for pilgrims, it has evolved throughout the years. The castle sits on a rocky area between Normandy and Brittany, overlooking the bay.

Lincoln Castle – Lincolnshire, England

Built at the beginning of the 11th century, Lincoln Castle served as home of the legendary William the Conqueror. Thereafter, starting in 1787, Lincoln Castle was a prison for the Lincolnshire area partially because its layout and build made it impossible for detainees to escape.

Chateau de Chambord – Loire Valley, France

Le Chateau de Chambord remains one of the jewels in Europe’s crown. Built back in 1547, a visit will leave you gawking at its 440 rooms, and a game of Hide and Seek will last forever.

Frankenstein Castle – Darmstadt, Germany

A certain Lord Konrad Dippel von Frankenstein once inhabited this legendary castle in the 16th century. Apparently, von Frankenstein traded in his soul for eternal life.

Glamis Castle – Glamis, Scotland

When I mentioned ghosts, I was referring to Glamis. Considered by many to be the most haunted castle in Scotland, rumor states that many were murdered here, including the legendary Duncan and King Malcolm II.

Enjoying the Belgian Coast

The coastal part of the northern Belgium is engulfed by the North Sea. In the city of Ostend boundless sandy beaches extend beyond the horizon.  

On the one hand, the strong wind can bother everyone. Due to it seagulls fail to fly straight and the beach sand is stuck in the lens of cameras and to the sugar of the Liege waffles invented in Belgium, by the way.

But on the other hand, it makes people seize the moment spent on the coast by getting softer and more dynamic pictures.

A mouth full of sand against the force of waves.

And if you are still able to stand you can get pictures of those who have been knocked down.

"Russian" Chinese Village

"Russian Village" is a Chinese - Russian park of national traditions that is situated in the western district of the Chinese city Heihe of Heilongjiang province, on the southern bank of the Amur river, opposite the Russian city Blagoveshchensk.

This fake village was created as the setting for the Chinese series "The DawnsHere Are Quiet"  shot over the same-name story of Boris Vasilyev.   The serial was made in the Amursky region of Russia and the neighboring city of China - Heihe. 

It should be noticed that the Chinese adore Soviet films and famous Chinese singers like to sing translated songs of the former USSR.

Director Mao Weining made his own version of the favourite Soviet film in China - "The Dawns Here Are Quiet" . When the film was over the enterprising Chinsese made a park where everyone can see himself the place of series shooting and enjoy walking in the tiny streets of "the Russian Village". 

By skillful Chinese hands there was built a village, Orthodox church.

Pile of birch logs in front of the house with a wooden chimney.

The birch fence, blue sky and sunflowers everywhere - that's the Chinese image of "Russian village". 

The park is rather popular among Chinese tourists. Maybe visitors may get quite a misrepresented impression about the mode of life during the WWII, but don't forget it's not a museum, but a park created from decor. So simply enjoy being here, in the fairy-tale village.

Chinese woman playing the psaltery flute

Pretty local guards

Some of the houses are real, others - imitation made of log pieces. The budget of the series made up 10 millions yuans, 1 million yuans was spent for the village construction. 

Construction of the village

Main parts in the serial were given to Russian actors. In fact, when Russian people see this film they admit it's hard to believe that it hasn't been made in Russia.

Funny, but Russian actors had to "work" with the Chinese director. They had to convince him that Russian villagers had never eaten with china spoons, and Germans had never drunk vodka straight from the bottle. They remember smiling: "According to the Chinese scenario Soviet soldiers had to fight in wushu style aganst the fascists..."