Belgium Beautyfull Places

Brussels is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s must-see destinations. With its central location in the heart of Europe, Brussels is easily accessible by air or high-speed rail from neighboring countries. It is an international metropolis – a mosaic of languages, cultures, and traditions – and the home of the European Union, NATO and hundreds of international organizations, English is widely spoken, making it a great place for even a novice French-speaker to get by without an issue.

             ALSO The Beauty holder Belgium
Don’t let Belgium’s relatively small size fool you — this country probably has more to do per square mile than most other places on earth. And best of all for the traveler, it’s a comparatively easy place to get around and English is widely spoken.
The country is divided into two ethnic regions, Dutch-speaking Flanders to the north and French-speaking Wallonia to the south. Dividing them is an imaginary east-west line that bisects the country at Brussels, which is claimed by both. Although this is a major political conundrum for the Belgians, for the traveler it’s inconsequential.
Forget the politics and focus instead on the cornucopia of culture, historic places and beautiful towns and cities you’ll find everywhere. Visit Brussels, the self-proclaimed “Capital of Europe” that is the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. Surely wander around the magnificent Grande Place, but also see such great museums as the Magritte, dedicated to Belgium’s famous surrealist painter. Cruise the canals of popular Bruges and Ghent, but also be sure to visit such treasures as Liege, Spa (luring spa-goers since the 14^th century) and historic Bastogne, made famous by the Battle of the Bulge in WWII.
As highly regarded as the masterpieces in its museums is Belgium’s well-deserved reputation for superb food and drink. This year, in fact, is the Year of Gastronomy in Brussels and Wallonia, although you’ll certainly eat well wherever you go. If you’re up north in Flanders in August, you can get a Taste of Antwerp at Belgium’s largest culinary festival.
Just remember that “If It’s Tuesday This Must Be Belgium” was a comedic spoof of American travelers, not a suggested itinerary for the rest of us. Here are the top places in Belgium as listed by the Belgian Tourist Office and the Tourist Office for Flanders, Belgium.
       

Brussels

Brussels is a classic European city with small town charm and cosmopolitan attractions. Among the most celebrated attractions are the Grand Place, Europe’s most beautiful medieval square lined with guild houses. Originally built in the 13^th century, the square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every other year for two days (it will occur be in 2012) the Grand’Place is decked out in an amazing flower carpet, made up of 1 million begonias.
Just a short walk from the Grand Place is the Mannekin Pis, a small bronze statue of a little boy relieving himself. The statue, a great example of Belgium’s quirky sense of humor, is often given costumes to mark various occasions, anniversaries or events.

Antwerp

Known for its vibrant nightlife, its funky bars and restaurants and numerous festivals, Belgians see Antwerp as the “capital of cool.” The Antwerp Fashion Academy produced a group of avant-garde designers who made a big splash on the fashion scene in the 1980′s and became known as “The Antwerp Six”. Nowadays, the academy continues to churn out new, hot talent.
If shopping is not your thing, discover the compact center of Antwerp, which juxtaposes beautiful medieval buildings with modern architectural landmarks. Antwerp is also an art-loving city with which the name Rubens is eternally linked. More than 400 years after the birth of this brilliant painter, it is still possible to see the extent to which Rubens left his mark on the city. Funky nightlife, historical buildings, and the biggest diamond center in the world, Antwerp offers something for everybody.

Bruges

The historic center of Bruges is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is teeming with places of interest. With the city center closed off to cars, all the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city can be easily explored on foot, by boat along quiet canals, or by horse-drawn carriage on cobblestoned streets. Although Bruges is a small city, it is filled to the brim with architectural and artistic treasures, folklore, chocolate shops, lace boutiques and fine restaurants. Two popular places in the city are The Beguinages (on the UNESCO World Heritage list, it is the home of the nuns of the order of Saint Benedict) and the Halve Maan Brewery, a family-owned brewery and creator of the famous ‘Brugse Zot’ beer. Two economical was to visit the city are by using the discount Bruges City Card and by touring the countryside outside the city by bicycle.

Ghent

If you ask a Belgian where they like to travel within their own country, many will tell you about the friendly city of Ghent. With most of the town center closed to cars, they will probably also tell you that Belgium’s third largest city is best explored on two wheels or by boat along the elegant canals.
Ghent is an unassuming, un-touristy city filled with university students, linger-as-long-as-you-like cafes, well-priced restaurants and vibrant energy. It’s a city with great mustard, Stropke beer (which is Flemish for noose), and the ten-day Ghent Celebrations held every year in July where the inhabitants go all out with theater performances, concerts, singing, dancing, and drinking.
Under the watchful eye of Gravensteen Castle or Castle of the Counts, the city boasts an Opera House, 18 museums, 100 churches and over 400 historical buildings. The most visited site in Ghent is the famous and beautiful polyptych, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painted by the brothers Jan and Hubert van Eyck in 1432.

Liege

Liege, the largest French-speaking city in Belgium after Brussels, is a historical city situated along the Meuse River. In the fall of 2009, the city welcomed the opening of a stunning, new train station, which brings visitors to Liege from Brussels in 1 hour, Maastrict, Holland in 20 mins and Paris in 2 hours. Designed by the world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, it’s a prime example of Liege’s modern transformations.
Dating back to Charlemagne, Liege is a treasure trove of historical sites and celebrated collections. Sitting on the Meuse River is the Grand Curtius, home to the prestigious archaeology, decorative arts, religious and Mosan art museums, a glass museum as well as the famous weaponry museum. Travel back in time as you walk the Coteaux, a winding path of steps and courtyards leading up to the citadel of Liege with an incredible view. Just outside the city, visitors have easy access to the Blegny mines and the Henri Chapelle American Military cemetery, the largest in Belgium. The city will host the opening leg of the Tour de France this summer!

photo: Belgian Tourist Office

 

Spa

Less than an hour from Liege is the city of Spa, a picturesque Belgian town often referred to as the “Pearl of the Ardennes,” nestled in a wooded valley surrounded by rolling hills and countless rivers and springs. Having given its name to all spas, visitors from across Europe have traveled to Spa for its healing hot spring water treatments since the 14^th century. For some travelers a trip to Spa must include a visit to the relaxing Thermes de Spa for any one of the many modern spa treatments.
Spa became a resort town in the 18^th century because of its hot spring waters and is still home to the world first casino, built in 1763 to cater to visitors. Today, it hosts one of the most important and fun annual music festivals in Belgium’s French-speaking region, The Francopholies. Formula 1 racing fans may be familiar with Spa because it is home to the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack, the most scenic in the circuit, and host of the Grand Prix each year at the end of August.

photo: Archibald Ballantine

 

Namur

Namur, the capital of Belgium’s French-speaking region, sits along the Meuse River and is just 1-hour by car or train from Brussels. This impressive fortified town is surrounded by one of Europe’s largest ancient citadels, first built during the 3^rd and 4^th centuries, and later reconstructed during the 13^th and 14^th centuries. For shopaholics the city is popular for its many fabulous boutique shops.
Just outside of Namur, the towns of Dinant and Wepion offer a wonderful day trip to visitors with an explorer’s spirit. During the summer months, Wepion produces rich and flavorful strawberries and strawberry stands from local farmers line the streets selling the fresh fruit. Further down the road, is the city of Dinant, sandwiched between the Meuse River and its citadel, originally built in 1051. You can spend a day visiting the waterfalls of the Grotto of Dinant or the Sanctuary of Beauraing, then grab a table at one of the local café while taking in the views of the sparkling Meuse River.

photo: Belgian Tourist Office

 

Bastogne

In this town close to the Luxembourg border, thousands of American soldiers died fighting in WWII during the Battle of the Bulge. Their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of locals and they take it upon themselves to remember the sacrifice those soldiers made for them and their town. On the Grand Place of Bastogne, there’s a Sherman Tank from the 11th US Armored Division.
Just outside town, is the Mardasson Memorial, built to honor the memory of the 76,890 American soldiers killed, wounded or missing in the battle from the 48 states, plus the then-territories of Alaska and Hawaii. Also located just outside Bastogne is the Wood of Peace. The 4,000 trees in the woods, planted for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, were dedicated to the American veterans who fought in the Ardennes, Belgian combatants and all the civilians and soldiers who died in the winter of 1944-45. Every veteran who returned to Bastogne in 1994 chose a tree, which will always bear his name. The Wood of Peace design, only visible from above, is laid out in the image of the UNICEF emblem: a mother and child, symbol of human tenderness.

Photo: Belgian Tourist Office

 

Mons

Located just 1 hour from Brussels, Mons is a city rich in history and tradition. The town hall building on the Grand Place of Mons, constructed between 1458 and 1477, has a Belfry, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Van Gogh also spent some time near Mons before moving on to Provence. His house, an authentic and preserved environment, now houses a permanent exhibition of reproductions and an audio-visual show in various languages, including English.
The most important event of the year, however, is the Ducasse de Mons or the Doudou, dating back to 1349 and the Fraternity of Saint George. Each June, the city of Mons is filled with visitors who come to witness the reenactment of Saint George slaying the Dragon. As the dragon swings its tail at the crowd, spectators try to grab the tail and pull out its hair and ribbons, both of which bring good luck. This popular festival is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. In 2015 Mons will be the European Capital of Culture.

photo: Tourist Office for Flanders, Belgium

See in Istanbul

See in Istanbul

 

Topkapi Palace is the symbol and the center of the Ottoman Empire. Overlooking Istanbul Bogazici (Bosphorus) and the Marmara sea, stands this amazing building that was the great palace of the Ottoman Sultans. The palace is a collection of buildings arranged around a series of courtyards and has incredible collections of jewels, China, pieces of Ottoman and Islamic artwork.

Asian side is mostly a residential area. There is not much of historic interest except the Asian side of Bosphorus. It is nicer to live there since it is quieter compared to European side.

  TOPAKAPI

SAINT SOPHIE

Saint Sophie, built by Constantin the Great, also known as the church of the Divine Wisdom was designed to show the strength and wealth of the Roman emperors. Once it was the greatest Christian church in the world.

DOLMABAHCE PALACE

Dolmabahce Palace was built as a second residence to the Sultan Abdulmecid mid 19th century. The palace commands a nice view right on the Bosphorus and its gardens are very pretty, especially in spring and summer. The founder of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk has died in this palace on November 10, 1938 at 9.05 AM.

Neelam Valley AK

The Vally of Lover Neelam who natural beauty: 

Snow, Peaks, waterfalls, forests much more neelam Valley

Neelam Valley (Urdu: وادیِ نیلم‎) is located in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir Region. Neelam valley is a 144 km long bow-shaped deeply forested region in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Neelum Valley is situated at the North & North-East of Muzaffarabad, running parallel to Kaghan Valley. The two valleys are only separated by snow-covered peaks, some over 4000m above sea level. Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views, towering hills on both sides of the noisy Neelum river, lush green forests, enchanting streams and attractive surroundings make the valley a dream come true.

Mirpur Azad Kashmir

Mirpur Azad Kashmir

The Most Caring and polite heart Mirpuree People

 

Mirpur is the capital and largest city of Mirpur district and one of the largest cities in the part of the state of Jammu Kashmir administered by Pakistan. Area: 1,010 km²
Weather: 15°C, Wind NE at 64 km/h, 72% Humidity

District Mirpur:


 District Mirpur is located at the extreme south of the state and is linked with Pakistan and the district of Azad Kashmir through several routes. District Mirpur comprises partly plain and partly hilly areas. Its hot climate and other geographical conditions closely resemble to those of Jhelum and GUJRAT the adjoining districts of Pakistan. The people of this area are basically agriculturists. During the last four decades a large number of people from this district have gone abroad, especially to United Kingdom for earning their livelihood. As such, they are today the major foreign exchange earning resource for Pakistan.


 As it adjoins the industrial cities of Pakistan, the Government of Azad Kashmir has successfully endeavored to develop it as an industrial place and promote private investment for establishing Textile, vegetable ghee, garments, scooters, cosmetics and many other industries.   







Mirpur:

 Mirpur, the district headquarter is situated at an elevation of 459 meters A.S.L It is linked with the main Peshawar- Karachi Grand Trunk Road at Dina, a small town about 15 kilometers short of Jhelum city.

The construction of Mangla Dam converted the old Mirpur town in to a big artificial lake and effected a population of about 50,000. But it paved the way for existing new Mirpur town situated on the bank of Mangla Lake. The city is well planned and buildings are mostly of modern design. Mirpur has developed into an industrial city very rapidly. All the basic amenities of life are available in Mirpur. All these aspects have converted this place into an attractive tourist spot. Mangla has special attraction for the tourists coming on short visits because of its proximity to Jhelum, Lahore and Rawalpindi/ Islamabad.

Azad Kashmir Map

Azad Kashmir Map

Azad Kashmir

Map OF AK

Azad Kashmir

The Most Beautifully and Challenging Vally on Azad Kashmir

Azad Jammu and Kashmir or, for short, Azad Kashmir is the southernmost political entity within the Pakistani-controlled part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Area 13,300 km²

Some Views:OF AK

The Vally of Forests
Azad Jammu & Kashmir is very rich in natural beauty. Its snow-covered peaks, dense forests, winding rivers, turbulent foaming streams, wheat-scented valleys, velvet green plateaus and climate varying from arctic to tropical, all join together to make it an excellent tourist attraction. Valleys like Neelum, Jhelum, Leepa, Rawalakot, Banjosa, Samahni & Baghser unfold delight full scenic beauty and provide a feast of pleasure to a discerning tourist's eyes.

Azad Jammu & Kashmir is a fascinating land of people, languages & culture. The texture of present population is composed of races claiming their descent from Semitic, Mongoloid, Aryans, Persians, Turks & Arabs. The people of districts Kotli, Mirpur & Bhimber are sturdy, simple, truthful and deeply attached to their land. The culture of this area resembles to that of the adjoining area of Punjab. The people of districts Poonch, Bagh & Sudhanoti are adventure loving and there are numerous anecdotes of their matchless valor as well as inspiring sacrifices for freedom, while Muzaffarabad & Neelum district has its own distinctive culture. The people of the state are intelligent ingenious, hardworking & dynamic.

 

Bermuda Triangle

 

The Bermuda Triangle is a region in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean in which ships, planes, The triangle doesn't exist according to the US Navy and the name is not recognized by the US Board on Geographic Names.For decades, the Atlantic Ocean’s fabled Bermuda Triangle has captured the human imagination with unexplained disappearances of ships, planes, and people.

 Some speculate that unknown and mysterious forces account for the unexplained disappearances, such as extraterrestrials capturing humans for study; the influence of the lost continent of Atlantis. Environmental considerations could explain many, if not most, of the disappearances. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard contend that there are no supernatural explanations for disasters at sea. The ocean has always been a mysterious place to humans, and when foul weather or poor navigation is involved, it can be a very deadly place.  This is true all over the world.

 

 

American Love Tourisum

Amrican Love Tourism 

At first glance, the zobee Traveler 50 Most Visited Attractions List confirms several tourist industry truisms: A) Americans love to travel, but they prefer to stick within their own borders. B) Wherever Mickey Mouse goes, he conquers. C) Paris is the unofficial cultural theme park of the world. And D) Niagara Falls isn’t just for lovers anymore.

But the list also contains several surprises. Since the Taj Mahal—our fiftieth and final attraction—receives 2.4 million visitors a year, several popular favorites like the the Prado (2 million), the Uffizi (1.6 million), Angkor (1.5 million) and Stonehenge (850,000) didn’t make the cut. And while Western audiences may not be familiar with names like Everland and Lotte World, these South Korean mega-parks managed to rank 16th and 22nd on our list, respectively.
Not surprisingly, the French are out in force. How to account for the preponderance of attractions in Paris? According to the latest statistics report from the World Tourism Organization, France receives more foreign tourists per year than any other country -- some 76 million in 2005. Spain followed with 55 million, the United States with 50 million and China with 47 million. Italy rounded out the top five with 37 million (with the U.K. not far behind).
And given that we chose to include domestic tourism statistics, why wouldn’t India, China and the developing world have more attractions on the list?
The three primary factors appear to be relative GDP (recall that significant majorities of the populations of China and India remain at subsistence level), the vast travel distances involved within those countries, and the lack of reliable visitor statistics. We were nevertheless surprised to learn that the Taj Mahal receives only 2.4 million visitors a year, given India’s population of over a billion. And while the Great Wall made the top 10, we couldn’t find any other Chinese domestic attraction that drew similar crowds. Expect that to change in the years ahead.

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Forget the notion that Pittsburgh is a gritty, steel industry town. The city has reinvented itself with a vibrant arts scene, cool outdoor spaces and unique festivals. In fact, National Geographic Traveler magazine rated it among the top must-see places in the world for 2012. Our favorite spots include the Andy Warhol Museum (the artist was born here), Phipps Conservatory and a ride on a historical funicular called the Monongahela Incline. And while the city's most noteworthy contribution to the culinary world has been to slap French fries atop supersized salads, Pittsburgh is becoming a foodie town, with upscale restaurants in the downtown Strip District and a wealth of ethnic eateries sprinkled around town.

Chan Chan, Peru

Chan Chan, Peru

If Machu Picchu -- one of the most famous archeological sites in the world -- had remained undiscovered, people would still flock to Peru to see another site, Chan Chan. Unfortunately, it continues to be overshadowed by the famed Lost City of the Incas. Estimated to have once housed 30,000 people of the Chimor civilization from A.D. 850 until 1470, the massive adobe city sits on 12 square miles along the Peruvian coast near the city of Trujillo, and is the largest pre-Columbian city in South America. Intricate carvings of birds, turtles and fish adorn the walls of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is threatened by erosion. So it's not only underrated, but it's also slowly disappearing.

Zambia

Zambia

The southern African republic of Zambia tends to attracts tourists because of Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world. Travelers then move on to other African countries -- Tanzania to the north, for example -- to go on safari. But Zambia is a worthy safari destination in and of itself, and without the crowds that gravitate to other, better-known wildlife-viewing spots. Reserves comprise more than half of the country, with the primal forests of the Luangwa Valley and floodplains of Kafue National Park popular for wildlife viewing. Kafue, in fact, has some of the greatest diversity of animals of all national parks in Africa, with cheetahs, wildebeests, wild dogs and other species. And a bonus: Unlike in many other African countries, walking safaris are permitted here.

Armenia

Armenia

Wedged between Turkey and Azerbaijan, Armenia is so far off the beaten path of Western travelers that it's seldom visited. In fact, the only tourists who tend to go are those making pilgrimages to commemorate the republic's tragic 20th-century history (civil war, famine, brutal state-sponsored genocide). Yet as an emerging democracy, Armenia has blossomed. The city of Yerevan possesses Mediterranean finesse -- with pretty plazas, hopping cafes and fashionistas strolling down the main boulevards. Elsewhere in the country, burgeoning businesses and a thriving arts scene contrast nicely with ancient monasteries and churches, villages speckled with gingerbread houses and cave dwellings near gorges.

Singapore

Singapore

More than 11 million visitors go to Singapore annually, but very few of them are Americans (unless they're on a cruise ship and making a day-long port call). That's a pity, because Singapore stands out as a cultural, commercial and culinary gem in the heart of Asia. The shopping is the best in Southeast Asia. Food takes on the influences of a half-dozen or more ethnicities (Chinese, Indian, Malay and more). The botanical garden is among the top in the world. And we have to admit, we like how immaculate it is too -- there's no graffiti or litter, public transportation is impeccably on time and crime is non-existent.

Oman

Oman

The Middle Eastern sultanate of Oman for a long time has had a reputation as an isolated desert locale that held little appeal for even the most rugged independent traveler. But a recently built network of paved roads and well-maintained mountain tracks has made the Arabian peninsula nation more accessible. Ruins and castles dot the landscape, and cities are colorful with markets and souqs. At heart Oman is a nature lover's destination that includes the Grand Canyon-like Jebel Akhdar Mountains, Wahiba Sands Desert and beaches that are nesting sites for green turtles.

Istanbul's Lucky Commuters Enjoy The Bosphorus By Ferry

A little after eight o'clock in the morning, crowds of young professionals and older men in knit hats bundle down the docks at the edge of Istanbul's Kadıköy district and watch similar herds of busy gulls swirling across the Bosphorus, obscuring the panoramic view of the Byzantine city walls and the Hagia Sophia. Istanbulis don't queue, but they don't jostle either. When the gates finally open, they board the commuter ferries with amiable efficiency, holding their briefcases to their chests and casually minding the expanding and contracting gap between hull and dock.
Deckhands stand by to help everyone aboard. Only a few elderly tourists reach for their rope-hardened hands. The trip from Asia to Europe is, despite the staggering views on offer, a routine commute for the thousands of locals who live in eastern Istanbul's patchwork of bohemian and bourgeois neighborhoods and work in Sultanahmet, the city's arrhythmatic Ottoman heart, or Beyoğlu, the more student-dominated peninsula just to the north.
There is a casual familiarity among the passengers. Boats are unlike subways in much the same way cocktail bars are unlike food courts. People talk about their families and admire each other's leather coats.
If commutes are the ellipses bookending the workday, then this literal sail to Byzantium is lowercase and bold, casual and striking. This is how Istanbul's hungry young capitalists get to work and, with the economy booming, there is a palpable feeling of nervous purposefulness on board. Turkey has been through enough rough waters that Istanbul's current fortune -- especially when contrasted with European chaos -- can seem delicate. The professionals on board are all invested in their city's modernity and relevance.

America (United states US)

    

US MY LOVE

 

 Best Places in America

 

The US most touching my heart places

American Samoa

 Did you know that a US passport can get you to an isolated South Pacific paradise without even leaving US territory? From the US mainland, American Samoa is a longer trek than Hawaii, but the distance rewards the visitor with some of the most stunning, untouched beauty of the Pacific and a national park that even the most ardent park system fans won’t have checked off their list yet. From the US, flights run from Honolulu to Pago Pago on lovely Tutuila, with waterfalls, fishing villages and spectacular beaches nearby. But press on with a quick flight on Inter Island Air to the tiny nearby Manuʻa Islands of Taʻu and Ofu, with shining, palm-fringed white sand beaches flanked by shark-tooth-shaped mountains. The best time to visit is Flag Day, April 17, when there are activities galore. This may be US territory, but it’s some of the purest Polynesia you’ll find anywhere.

  Eastern Sierra, California

This year, hop past Yosemite – just beyond lies the secret California dream: the Eastern Sierra, the overlooked flank of the Sierra Nevada range, with other-worldly natural attractions and surprises (Basque culture?), not to mention far fewer visitors. Just follow the scenic US Route 395 as it connects wonders like the Travertine hot spring in Bridgeport, the Gold Rush ghost town of Bodie, Mono Lake’s bizarre calcified tufa towers, or the surreal Devils Postpile National Monument’s 60-foot curtain of basalt columns made from rivers .