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Exploring Washington DC

In a city like Washington DC with only about 200 years’ history behind it, there is nothing ancient by way of tourist attraction, excepting, of course, the antiques in museums. But the city can boast of a number of monuments, memorials and statues built in honor of its departed leaders whose ideals and sacrifices have influenced the nation’s ethos and molded its history.

 

Early pioneers like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, as well as contemporary leaders like J.F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, have left their footprints in the sands of time. It was interesting to visit the memorials of these champions of freedom and democracy.

The Washington Monument is a 555-feet tall cenotaph which was started in 1848, but completed only after 40 years. At the time of its completion, this marble edifice was the tallest structure in the world.

Those days only very hardy youngsters could climb the 897 steps to the top. But after the installation of an elevator, going up the Washington Monument for the breathtaking view has become a fancy for every visitor to the capital of America.

Arlington National Cemetery is a sentimental shrine for Americans like Rajghat for Indians; a place of homage for visitors. Across river Potomac lies the 500 acre landscaped burial ground and final resting place for 200,000 American soldiers. Row upon row of white head-stones extend as far as the eyes can see.

In the same cemetery rest leaders like President J.F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, William Taft, Justice Wendell Holmes, astronaut Vigil Grissome, boxer Joe Louis and Pierre L Enfant, the man who planned the city of Washington. J.F. Kennedy’s grave is a somber granite platform with a low wall bearing quotations from his speeches. An eternal flame burns here. There is a tomb of the unknown soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the country. The inscription on the tomb is very touching: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”

The highest military honor, the 21 gun salute is enacted here day and night. A soldier paces 21 steps and then stops, and turns towards the tomb. He waits there 21 seconds, and then paces back.

In the West Potomac Park stands the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, spectacular and simple, with a 19 foot statue of the third President of America. Dedicated in 1943, the classical dome and the colonnade are modeled after the pantheon of Rome.

The walls of this memorial are filled with quotes from the Declaration of Independence. One of the inscriptions says: “I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”

The Lincoln Memorial is described as a favorite meditation spot and the Mecca of the oppressed. There was, however, nothing there in my opinion that could offer solace to the oppressed.

It has the classic look of a Greek temple. A 19-foot marble statue of Abraham Lincoln overlooks the Reflecting Pool. The wall surrounding the statue is inscribed with Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg speech.

“In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the nation, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever,” says the dedication on the Memorial.

The Iwo Jima Memorial is a tribute to the American Marines, the well known crack troubleshooters in the army, who have died for the country. This 78-feet statue is the biggest cast- bronze statue in the world.

Created by Felix W. de Weldon, copying a famous photograph by Joseph Rosenthal, it shows the 5 marines and the sailor who raised USA’s flag on Mt Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima during World War II.

On the western side of the Capitol, is a white marble monument depicting America, grief-stricken over the sailors lost at sea, weeping on the shoulders of history. Called the Peace Monument, the symbolic ambience of this monument is haunting.

Among the more recent memorials is the JFK Centre for Performing Arts. The beautiful building on 17 acres of land overlooking the Potomac comprises the 1200-seat Eisenhower Theatre for staging dramas; the 2,750/ seat concert halt for the National Symphony Orchestra and a 2,300 seat Opera House for presenting operas and ballets. A terrace theatre named “Intimate” for staging concerts and plays is a gift from Japan.

“Sheer Madness,” a hit comedy, running here for years together continues to be very popular and seems set to run on indefinitely. The hilarious whodunit lets the audience play armchair detectives by spotting clues, questioning suspects and solving the murder!

The American Film Institute presents outstanding films here throughout the year. This independent, self- supporting centre depends on ticket sales and private donations for its maintenance. Its roof terrace provides a fine view of the Capitol as well as the Potomac.

Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial is a modern V-shaped wall of polished black granite. The concept behind its novel design adapted by a 21 year old Yale student Maya Lin, is to show the memorial as thought-provoking, contemplative and harmonizing with the surroundings and to have space enough to contain the names of 58,183 people who have either died or remained missing in the Vietnam War.

Later in 1984, a bronze sculpture of 3 young servicemen, depicting the strength and the vulnerability of those who served in Vietnam, was added here. Martin Luther King Memorial is a library with 27 branches. It provides exhibition halls, free programs and automated indexes. Special collections of books for the blind and the physically handicapped are also found there.

It is said that the biggest business in Washington DC is the Federal Government itself; and its 2 important wings are Defence and Diplomacy. Diplomacy is described as sugar coated intrigue. In this high-profile international capital, it is practiced in all its finesse and cunning.

The dramatis personae in this drama on the world stage are the 2,200 diplomats representing 170 countries and their counterparts in the State Department, each one plotting, conspiring, and spying on the other with consummate skill and shrewdness.

In this crowd, there are very small and relatively unheard-of countries like Birkina Faso, Belize and Djibouti.

Located in Foggy Bottoms, once a desolate marsh, the State Department has the JFK Centre, George Washington University and the Watergate Complex in its neighborhood. It has 7 (elegantly furnished) diplomatic reception rooms. Visitors may have to return home after satisfying themselves by seeing the desk at which Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence!

Most of the embassies are clustered in Kaloram and Massachusetts Avenue. The Russian and Chinese embassies are a little detached and away from each other.

If the Indian Chancery situated on 2017, Massachusetts Avenue does not find a high place on the diplomatic roll- call, it is at least tops for the sheer magnificence of its appearance. Indeed, Massachusetts Avenue with its long line of embassy buildings on both sides, with flags and plaques of the countries, looks like a United Nations Zone. Washington is also the Headquarters of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.


Places to see in Washington DC

Pentagon and FBI in Washington DC

Two US Government establishments which everyone must have heard of are the Pentagon and the FBI. The Pentagon is so called because of its shape (with 5 angles and 5 sides). It is the office of the Secretary of Defense, and the headquarters of the army, navy and air-force as well as the coast guards.

This is the world’s largest office building housing 23,000 employees in a 3.7 million square-foot area; its corridors measure 1.5miles. Visitors are allowed here only on Mondays and Fridays. And reservations have to be made 10 days in advance.

The FBI building is named after its famous chief J. Edgar Hoover. It was established in 1908 for solving the country’s interstate crimes and for counter-intelligence.

The visiting crowd comprises mostly children who go round seeing the weapons used by legendary gangsters with a glint of hero worship in their eyes.

They learn how keen investigators, with as little evidence as a single strand of hair, had been able to book a criminal. They also see photographs of the most wanted fugitives.

It is ironical that in a country where guns are freely available and a sort of gun-culture prevails, the FBI gives the children a live demonstration on how to use the most sophisticated weapons in its armory.

It may be paradoxical, if not just stupid, that the world’s most sophisticated crime fighting outfit with its vast computer room and huge laboratories is catching children young for training in crime. No wonder, children go home and start practicing on their weapons and eventually graduate as sharp shooters. Every third person in America allegedly owns a gun. Even middle school boys come to school with guns in their pockets.

Twenty four policemen were shot dead in one city alone in one year. Even though the crime rate has risen to alarming heights, proposals for introducing stricter gun-control laws are opposed. Obviously, a gun-lobby is working overtime to make a fast buck by promoting gun-culture.

The Supreme Court of the country is located close to the Capitol, on its eastern side. “Equal Justice Under Law” is inscribed on the main entrance of the Court building.

The court room can be visited only when the court is not sitting. However, one can view a short film showing the Supreme Court in session and listen to courtroom lectures also.

America has 4,400 museums and 29,500 libraries, big and small. It is neither possible nor necessary for a visitor like me to see all of them.

National Museum in Washington DC

But in the American National Museum of History there is a section which exhibits curious and interesting items like the first Star-Spangled Banner, The First Lady’s inaugural gown, Ford’s original modelTcar, George Washington’s Revolutionary War tent, Thomas Jefferson’s writing lap-desk, Benjamin Franklin’s printing press, Joe Louis’s boxing gloves, Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone, Samuel Morse’s telegraph equipment and so on.

The National Building Museum is a privately funded institution highlighting America’s achievements in the field of construction. It was formerly a pension office from where military pensions were disbursed. Here, there are 8 Corinthian columns, the biggest in the world, medieval in appearance and colossal in size.

The National Academy of Sciences, the workplace of America’s scientists is just another shrine for a layman like me. Six window panels depict the progress of science from ancient times to the present. In the domed Great Hall, there is the Foucault Pendulum that proves that the earth spins on its axis. It is a wonderland beyond comprehension, leave alone description.

Downtown Washington is known as America’s main street. Some call it the Avenue of Presidents. Anyway, it is Washington’s business centre with big shops, hotels, offices, conference halls, both stylish and conventional.

George Town is a study in contrast. Here, the new exists with the old. As one drives along, the area appears like a Victorian countryside.

And then, the 21st century section of the city that almost never sleeps.

Its shopping centers are jammed with people day and night. Private clubs, jazz and blue bars and restaurants keep busy till the early hours of the day. Crammed with world class hotels, the place is one of the most prestigious addresses in Washington and the costliest real estate in the world. It has a magnificent isolation thanks to the Potomac in the south and west and a sense of parks and gardens at the north and the Rock Creek ravine in the east.

George Town University, founded here in 1789, is the oldest Catholic College in the USA and is known for its academic excellence and champion basket ball teams.

Places to eat, drink, dance in Washington DC

The north-west suburb, known as Uptown, has the Woodley Park and Connecticut Avenue, again packed with places to eat, drink, dance, listen to music, shop or just loiter.

The Woodley Mansion had once served as a summer White House for Presidents. Across the Taft Bridge, one can see a huge mural of the famous cine star and pin-up girl Marilyn Monroe.

On the same avenue, there is the University of District Columbia. Two very famous hotels, Sheraton- Washington and Omni Shoreman are also here.

Only a few minutes drive away from the bureaucratic bastions, visitors can enjoy sitting back and watching the little rippling waves of river Potomac. This modern section of the city was once steeped in squalor, poverty, noxious fumes and a brisk tobacco trade, wharves handling shipping, packet boats and ferries.

Today, with accessibility to the Potomac, it has become a military area. A Navy Museum was opened here in 1963. One can see submarines and submarine-launched missiles and other underwater weapons. In the Marine Barracks, there is an impressive evening parade.

Another most enjoyable pastime is a boat cruise on the Spirit of Washington by moonlight. The city has more than 800 churches and temples of various denominations, Islamic mosques and Jewish synagogues, Mormon temple and so on. One can also visit the Washington Post, the biggest newspaper in town and Express India, the smallest.


Tourist places in africa

TOURIST PLACES IN AFRICA

The famous Swahili saying “Hakuna Matata” pretty much sums it up when one needs to describe the continent of Africa. Africa is indeed the land of “hakuna matata” (no worries); from the people, their cultures, beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Everything screams “no worries”, making it the ideal place to let its sights and sounds soak away your worries as you while away your days during your much needed holiday.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Africa as a continent is a one-stop tourism shop for those of you that are passionate about forest and wildlife tourism. This continent offers something for each person’s preference. From the coastal beaches of Zanzibar in Tanzania to the savannah plains of the Mara in Kenya and the only forest haven left in the world for gorillas in Rwanda. One can follow the journey of the mighty River Nile, Africa’s largest river, as it begins its journey in Uganda and ends up in the land of the pharaohs, Egypt.

EAST AFRICA
East Africa is one of the major tourism hubs in Africa with over one million tourists visiting during each season because it provides the ideal combination of forest and wildlife tourism. One can begin their journey by the white sandy beaches of Lamu and Diani in Kenya and Zanzibar in Tanzania. So tranquil are the beaches that Hollywood celebrities like Naomi Campell, Bratt Pitt and Angelina Jolie sometimes spent their holidays in the exclusive hotels here. But there’s more to the beaches, the East African coast has a rich marine wildlife variety which make it ideal for snorkeling. And if you are an early riser, you can take a boat out to into the sea and swim with the dolphins at Kisite Mpunguti. For the athletic types, you can have a go at the various water sports including deep sea fishing at sea.

And if you are a forest lover, the mangrove forests border the sea and provide a variety of flora and fauna that will keep you clicking on your cameras as you try and memorize each plant species by its Latin name. One can even take a nature walk in the forests and learn about butterfly and bee farming projects within these forests.

Further inland are the savannah plains of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Mara and Tsavo Wildlife Parks in Kenya. These parks are home to the largest number of wildlife in Africa. The big five animals, that is, the lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, cheetah and leopard are found here. The eighth wonder of the world, “the wildebeest migration” takes place between the Mara and the Serengeti and is indeed a wonder to behold. Along the various lakes scattered in the Rift Valley in East Africa you will find beautiful and rare bird species like the flamingo.

Africa’s largest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro is found in Tanzania in East Africa. It is home to some of the rarest plant species and considered an easier mountain to climb than Mount Kenya. And if you are interested in learning about primates, then visit Uganda and Rwanda, the two major African countries that house the almost extinct mountain gorillas and other rare plant species in their forest reserves.

WEST AFRICA
In West Africa, forest reserves make up a good chunk of the tourism output making it an ideal spot for forest and wildlife tourism although beaches are also a big hit here. The tropical rainforests, which account for rainfall almost all year round in West Africa are home to various monkey and bird species. One can do a game drive or nature walk in the forests which are also host to a huge variety of wildlife and plant species.

West Africa is also deeply connected with the United States of America and the Caribbean because of the history of the slave trade that took place in the 1800s. As such there are museums dedicated to preserving that history as well as the rich cultures of those African nations and provide another way in which a tourist can while away their time when they are not in the beach or in the forests.

SOUTH AFRICA
Down south, there is more to offer than one tourist can take in as far as forest and wildlife tourism is concerned. The Sabie River is a must see with its lush forests and extensive birdlife. At the seaside is the legendary but beautiful Cape of Good Hope commonly known as Cape Town which is also home to the Table Mountain National Park. The park is known for its diverse flora and fauna with rugged cliffs and the signature table mountain top with steep slopes.
Up north is a two million hectare piece of land segregated for forest and wildlife tourism and conservation. The Kruger National Park is home to a diverse species of over 300 trees, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals.

NORTH AFRICA
Egypt is the first country that comes to anyone’s mind when talking about tourism. The land of the pharaohs hosts a rich architectural and cultural history. At one time, Egypt was the cradle of civilization; the first attempts at the putting together words and numbers were coined here. Ancient mythology and stories of great kings or pharaohs are hidden in the pyramids and sphinxes that dot the desert places in Egypt. Hollywood has even themed it’s best selling movies around this rich history. So a walk into history can best begin here. The River Nile offers an experience that sticks with you for your lifetime as you learn how this one source of water sustains the nation.
Egypt’s wildlife consists of a large number of animals that live in the desert as well as marine and river animals. The Manatee and Sand Boa are vulnerable and hunting them is strictly forbidden. You will commonly come across the camel, crocodile, Sand Boa, Palestinian Yellow Scorpion, sand cat, desert fox, hyrax, monkeys, hedgehog, jungle cat, genet, jackal and gazelle.

The Mediterranean Sea also offers another opportunity to learn more about different marine wildlife like dolphins, whales, dugong and seals as well as hang out by the beaches and sample their sumptuous cuisines.

GET YOUR TRAVEL BAGS OUT
Africa has something to offer for forest and wildlife tourism lovers. So dust off your travel bags, lay out that map and begin planning your dream holiday and be prepared to experience nature and wildlife like never before.

Endangered species include Flower’s gerbil, Arabian oryx, Flower’s shrew, four-toed jerboa, Nubian ibex and Slender-horned gazelle


Budhbihardarshan The holy Place Gaya

As I have explained in the title I will show You the touring places of Bihar.So,I will start with the historical city and international city of the World “Gaya”.Gaya is the 2nd Largest City of Bihar.It is so beauitful to watch,so it is known as “the heart of the Bihar” .It is situated in the Northern region of India.

In Gaya, i am explaining about Bodh-gaya where the lord Budhha have taken the enlightment under the Peepal tree which is still there.Bodhgaya is also the international so because there is alots of temples which were builts by the Foriegners.Bodhgaya is 10 Km far from Gaya Railway Station. To visit the Bodhgaya Follow these Steps:-
1. Reach to the Gaya Junction(station code GAYA).
2. From there you can take any means of transport like Auto-Rickshaw,Cycle-rickshaw.If you want to reserve any Four Wheelers(like Safari,Inova etc) then you can Contact on this No.9279974830 or you can mail to “[email protected]” with Mr. Anuj kumar.
Any one can travel the Gaya by Roadways,Airways and Railways.


Sea beaches in India

 

India is a country which is blessed by the nature with all its beautiful creations and for this reason it is a top listed tourist destination from all over the world. In

the north the Himalayan range offering the fantastic panoramic view and in the south the peninsular India is surrounded by the Arabian sea and the bay of Bengal, where

the blue hues of the sea and sky make friendship with the red cliffs and coconut palm trees. Here the land and sea together has created an amazing array of pristine

beaches along the cost line.Along the extensive 7,600 kms coastline of India there are beaches and beaches. Some well known and many undiscovered yet.

If you love sun, sand and sea then take a beach trip to India your visit to the beaches of India will definitely be worthwhile .India does have some incredibly scenic

beaches that offer everything from action to solitude, and of course parties. The best India beaches can be found here:

 
1. Varkala
Stunningly picturesque Varkala beach provides a relatively peaceful alternative to the now commercialized Kovalam. The setting of this beach is striking enough to take

your breath away, with a long winding stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea. A paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, bordered by

coconut palms, quaint shops, beach shacks, hotels, and guest houses. Nestled at the bottom of the cliff is a long stretch of sparkling beach, reached by steps leading

down from the cliff top

2. Gokarna

Gokarna is a small and remote holy town in northern Karnataka, with four of India’s most secluded and pristine beaches nestled nearby. It draws both pious pilgrims

and hedonistic holiday makers with equal enthusiasm. Go there to get a feel for what Goa was like in its heyday, although time is limited as developers are already seeing

the potential of this area.

3. Palolem

Enclosed by a thick forest of coconut palms in far south Goa, is arguably the state’s most beautiful beach. This mile long, shady, semi-circle shaped beach continues

to grow in popularity every year, and it’s become very lively with the diverse crowd that it attracts.

4. Baga

Baga Beach in north Goa may be touristy and busy but for those who like action, it’s one of the most happening beaches on the coast. Water sports, para sailing,

dolphin sightseeing trips, beach shacks, bars, clubs, and fine dining restaurants find them all there!

5. Marari

Perfect for those exploring the Kerala backwaters who feel like some time at the beach as well. This beach is relatively quiet and undeveloped. A big drawcard

there is the earth conscious Marari Beach Resort.

6. Mahabalipuram

Around one hour south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, is the pick of the beaches on the east coast. The town is full of interesting rock sculptures and temples, including

the windswept Shore Temple right on the water’s edge.

7. Marina

The second longest beach in the world lies on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu. The sandy shore is the largest crowd puller. You can enjoy your evening or morning walk with crispy sundal and murukku available at food stalls on the beach.

8. Pondicherry

These beaches have turquoise blue waters that are cool, refreshing and soothing. Its an ideal place to spend time in seclusion far from the hustle bustle of city life. Most of the beaches in Pondicherry have cafes, resorts, cottages, and bars, which add to the charm of the place. The beaches with the splashing waves are the perfect places to relax in Pondicherry.

9. Radha nagar

The serene beach in Andaman which is far away from the polluted cities and towns has a majestic spell that attracts tourists to its beauty. The beach is the favorite among all nature lovers who love to explore the nature of different places. Radhanagar Beach offers a wide range of fauna and flora for one to explore.

10. Puri

One of the most popular Orissa beaches that is thronged by the pilgrims all round the year. The shimmering sand, high rising waves and the unbroken sea bed of Puri lure national and international tourists.