[英语课]

Ejina Populus, Inner Mongolia

Ejina-Banner locates at the west of Inner Mongolia. The Populus Euphratica Forest there is one of the three Populus Euphratica Forests in the world. The scene is amazing. From midddle September to middle October is the best time to visit.

This is a wonderful species, its growth is always closely linked Phoenix with blood; This is a variable species, green in spring and summer,yellow in late autumn and red in winter; This is a strong tree, living three thousand years, three thousand years standing after the death, immortal down three thousand years!


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[英语课]

I Love You Wall in Paris

I love you Wall in Paris, 311 languages to say I Love You.
I Love You Wall is located in a small park, Butte Montmartre, the north of Paris. Through the Abaisaisi square you can find it. The wall is written the same words -- "I love you" with 311 languages and dialects of the handwriting.


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[MSL]

311 languages!  That's impressive! 

[英语课]

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is located in the bank of the Danube. Here the Danube leaves Central mountains, into the great plains of Hungary.  It is the most quiet capital of the world: war, sunshine through the window smashes on the face every morning, all the previous trip worry disappears at the moment.

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is one of the largest metropolitan centers in the area with a population of nearly 2 million people. It is a 2000-year-old settlement bisected by the majestic Danube River. It is an incredibly scenic city with the river winding through it, crowned by her glorious bridges. The architecture is a turn-of-the-century medley of Baroque, Art Nouveau and Neo-Renaissance. Buda, the old and historic part of the city lies on the west bank; Pest, the pulsing downtown area on the east. The city has dozens of baths and healing spas; a thriving cultural life accented by music; hundreds of first class restaurants, gambling casinos and jazz clubs.


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[MSL]

 Some of my relatives visited it long time ago (I mean Hungary). They said this country was good.

[英语课]

The White Cliffs of Dover

The white cliffs at Beachy Head in East Sussex, England, are made of chalk formed during the Cretaceous period from the bodies of numerous tiny shell-producing marine organisms. It is 5 kilometers long, growing up with a speed of 0.015 mm per year of continuous deposition for more than 1600 years. Overlooking to the distance on the cliff 500 feet high, will you feel at the end of the world?


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[英语课]

Managaha Island

Managaha Island - the pearl of Saipan, is a small island located in Lagoon, the west side of Central off the coast of Saipan. In Chamorro language, Mana-gaha refers to the meaning of the pearl. Indeed, from Saipan's highest place- Mt.Tapotchau, 500 meters high, overlook to the north, the island looks very much like a green pearl out of sea, as a green glass sea castle, surrounded by the soft white sandy beach and pure clear water.


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[Alexa]

Park Güell
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_G%C3%BCell

[英语课]

Mono Lake, California

Mono Lake, located in eastern California, is the second largest lake in California. Mono Lake is near Yosemite National Park, close to the Sierra Nevada, about 60 square miles. Because it is remote, few people know it. It is one of the oldest lakes in North America and there is no exit of the lake. Because of evaporation and therefore a lot of salt left, the salinity is more than twice the average seawater, known as the Dead Sea in California.


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[英语课]

Treehotel in Sweden

This mirror-like reflection hotel reflects the surrounding environment, within the hotel has 144 square feet large and contains a double bed, one table with two chairs and a bathroom. The design concept of eco-tourism in the tree hotel does not let the local Harrah environment have been a little impact so that guests feel that they are also part of the ecological environment.


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[MSL]

About Tbilisi

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One of the most beautiful sunsets I have witnessed recently was in the city of Tbilisi . The breeze wafted across us as we watched the sun set on a warm balmy evening whilst we were dining in a restaurant situated on a cliff . Below we could see the  Mtkvari river as it passed us having meandered through the city. We were in the heart of Tbilissi – the capital of Georgia,  a country famous for vineyards, folk dancing, banquets and sulfur baths. Infact the name Tbilisi is derived from the ancient Georgian word ‘Tbili’ meaning warm. Numerous sulphuric hot springs that dot the city give it its name!

Through the centuries Georgias famous hospitality and warmth has withstood attacks from numerous invaders – from the Mongols and Persians to the Ottoman Turks. The Georgians maintained their culture and identity even though their country was incorporated into both the Russian empire and the Soviet Union. Say the word “Russia” today and the Georgians do not smile, they have fought for their independence valiantly. We were told by our hosts that ‘after various attempts (some of them violent)  Georgia got independence  as recently as 1990’. Inspite of its violent history, Georgia as a nation has held  on to its unique cultural traditions.  Today Tbilisi its capital is a beautiful city bustling with restaurants, clubs, shops and galleries.

From our table we had a breathtaking view of  several churches built in the Greek orthodox style and the mountains of Georgia. It was a little dark inside the restaurant but the stage at the end was brightly lit up and  we soon witnessed several Georgian traditional folk dances. Beautifully dressed dancers in their traditional Georgian regional dress swayed to the accompaniment of live folk music , each dance lasting eight to ten minutes.

This was our first trip to Georgia and our group of 12 were seated on a long table which was almost groaning with the food laden on it . Large bowls of beautiful fresh fruit were surrounded by an assortment of atleast 10 different salads. If I remember correctly there must have been Assorted pickles (cherries, green tomatoes, pickles, peppers), Marinated mushrooms, Black Olives,Georgian salad, Greek Salad (with cheese and olives), Eggplant with walnut, Green Beans with walnut, Spinach with walnut, Cabbage rolls with walnut, a large variety of cheeses and delicious red caviar.

We were served Georgian wine and soon after whilst we were feasting on the several salads, the host of the evening got up to give a toast. He thanked us for being there  that evening and hoped that we would enjoy their hospitality and we all raised our glasses ! My husband the leader of our group also offered an appropriate toast on our behalf. Having arrived that day, hungry  and new to the Georgian banquet traditions we immediately wolfed down our salad with the local bread . We tasted everything, thinking that this was a remarkable meal where everything was laid upfront.  This was our first day in the country and we soon realised that what we were witnessing was no normal meal. We had not known that we were to witness the Georgian ceremonial dinner known as the ‘supra’ – a highly ritualized event  where rounds of standardized and improvised toasts alternated with the serving of warm dishes well into the early morning !

The first warm course was the traditional Khachapuri, which was like a pizza made out of dough, cheese and butter. This was accompanied by Red Beans in pots, similar to an Indian curry Rajma made out of kidney beans. Dolma (stuffed grape leaves),  Chakhokhbili (chicken in tomato sauce) , Chanakhi (lamb with vegetables, eggplant, potato, tomato) and roast chicken. Our Indian palates relished the  delicate sauces and sharp spices of the Georgian cuisine. We were also entertained by our local friends who willingly furnished us with snippets of information such as – “ The  Soviet dictator Joseph  Stalin was born in Georgia but he gave no support to Georgias attempts to win  national independence from the USSR ” or “ George Bush visited Georgia and had a sulphur bath and the nearby restaurant he visited is now named after him !”

This was followed by another toast. By this time our host and  toast master Mr Baker,  knew all our names and had something nice to say about each of us . The lovely wine and grape brandy that we were toasting with and all delicious food in our stomachs put us in great spirits ! We all swore total allegiance to Georgia and promised to foster close ties with the country. Luckily we had amongst us a fellow guest who was familiar with the customs and rituals of the ‘supra’ feast. He told us tactfully that it was not necessary that we eat all the food presented in front of us. To the contrary it was considered a mark of dishonour if the table appeared empty after a guest had eaten , as that signified there was not enough food on the table! That was an important snippet of information – what a relief  !

Another dance, more toasting this time on the popularity of Indian (Hindi) cinema and a special mention that all the pretty young Indian girls  present in our group looked like Hindi cinestars  and those not so young ( such as me ) vaguely resembled the Bollywood ( Bombay equivalent of Hollywood) heroines of yesteryear! It was interesting to observe that many of the senior  Georgians  loved Hindi cinema and the Indian culture. “We all love Raj Kapoor” they said. Raj Kapoor our beloved fair complexioned, blue eyed doyen  of hindi cinema, who had made several movies featuring Russian heroines in the 70’s .

More wine, more food , this time mushrooms with sour cream and mozzarella, Fried Trout, Fried potatoes with mushroom, Chicken shish-kebab and Lamb shish-kebab.

Finally our host rose up to give his final toast. He said ‘This time, this toast was going to be a toast with a difference” , he was going to “sing” the toast  to us. So the very charming and charismatic Mr Baker rose , walked up to the stage , took the mike and started singing Frank Sinatras

“Strangers in the night, exchanging glances, strangers in the night wondering what their chances ……doo be doo be doo….” . An old favourite with my husband, the song lured him on the stage as he joined our host Mr Baker. Their voices blended beautifully with each other. Everyone clapped and this was followed by much embracing and back slapping. To our relief no more food was served to us.

Finally our host sat down and informed us that as a special surprise for us the DJ for the evening  was going to play an Indian song that we would all enjoy. We waited  expectantly , confident that he would play a contemporary  movie song . We waited in pin drop silence waiting whilst the  DJ searched on  his laptop.  In the mean while another round of food – this time our dessert was served to us, ice cream and a special custard . Finally the DJ found the song he was searching for. The lights were dimmed, and we waited.

To our utter surprise we heard   the sounds of our Indian national anthem being played!  The DJ was not aware that the song he was playing  was the Indian  national anthem! “ Jana gana mana…..” He had only read the name of the artist “ A R Rehman” , the famous Indian music composer and artist who had recently shot to international fame when he  won an Oscar for the music he composed in the film ‘Slum Dog Millionaire’. Once  the  beautiful stylised version of the Indian national anthem started all the Indians in the restaurant  stood to attention. Gradually other diners followed suite and everyone stood up in respect. The DJ was totally bewildered , what he thought would be lively music to finish the party had actually turned out to be the Indian National anthem!  It was a joyous occasion and another reason for more vodka – the  final toast!  This time our generous host Mr Baker thanked us for our patience , acceptance of their hospitality, and understanding !

It was a special and wonderful evening in Tbilisi, a cherished memory we brought back to India with us !

http://www.laxmidhaul.com/blog/2011/08/strangers-in-the-night-exchanging-glances/

[英语课]

Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park, Sichuan

Holiday paradise - Hailuogou Glacier Hot Spring- watch snow mountain enjoying hot spring.

Located in Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park in Ganzi, Sichuan Province, Hailuogou Glacier Hot Spring is hidden within deep forest. The boiling spring water can reach the temperature of 93 C. The mineral water is both suitable for bathing and drinking. It has curative effect to a wide range of diseases. The thick forest around the springs is quite picturesque.


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[家教老师]

Kansas City Library, USA

The look is a huge bookcase shelf, while filled with hardcover world-famous books, from left to right an array of two dozen giant big books. This is just the library parking lot. The artist is really creative!


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[英语课]

Park Guell Barcelona

One of the most famous parks in Barcelona is of course the Park Guell, or Parc Güell in Catalan, located at the hill El Carmel in de district of Gracia in Barcelona.


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The Park Guell was built from 1900 to 1914 by the famous Antoni Gaudi originally for the industrialist Count Eusebi Güell, as a housing site with many villas and buildings with a wonderful architecture.

There are different entries, but if you start at the main entrance to the Park Güell Barcelona, you immediately see the colorful dragon or lizard statue designed by Gaudi at the stairs leading upstairs to a terrace. This is said to be the most photographed part of Barcelona! There is also a fountain with little fish in it.

If you follow the stairs you find the famous terrace in the Park Guell Barcelona, the main point of the park. From this terrace you have an amazing view over the city of Barcelona and the sea. Sometimes music is played on the terrace and you can enjoy dancing in the Park Guell.

But you can also enjoy the famous Barcelona weather during your Barcelona holidays! The whole terrace is designed beautifully with mosaics on all walls. Be sure to look at them when you are visiting the Park Güell in Barcelona!

There are also different ways and footpaths you should follow to see the statues supporting the terrace walls! There are designed like trees and really beautiful. Also the footpaths leading away from the terrace and more around the hill should not be missed if you truly want to experience the Park Guell!

There are many wonderful plants and trees at the sides of the paths, leading to little stairs and fountains, to a place with benches and tables for a picknick or to two other buildings which fit wonderful in the park. If you walk long enough, you can also reach the forest area, which is more wild but also beautiful to wander in.

To get best to the Park Güell Barcelona and experience an unforgettable stay during your Barcelona holidays, you can best use the metro. Take the green L3 and step out at Lesseps or the yellow L4 until Alfons X (which is actually located directly at another park, the Parc de les Aigües) and then head towards the park.

However, be prepared for a strenuous walk for about 20 minutes up the hill before you reach the Park Güell. However, I have a nice tip for you: If you take the L3 green line and step out at Vallcarca (near the Parc del Turó del Putget), and then head directly towards the Park Guell, you will find some escalators leading to a site entrance of the park. _{http://www.perfecttravelblog.com/2010/10/park_guell_barcelona.html}

Someone once said: Even Gaudí only designed Park Guell in his life, it's enough to let him go down in history. Because the time has certificate Park Guell is a legend created by Gaudi, a never old utopia.


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[SEO]

  I saw information about that park in some books and online. It's famous. I'm glad to read about it here.