#monolithic dome house

[wausaupilot]

Wausau Plan Commission overturns zoning administrator's decision, allows dome house to move forward

Damakant Jayshi Plans for a monolith dome house in Wausau are moving forward after the Plan Commission on Tuesday overturned the city zoning administrator’s decision to disallow its construction. The petitioner appealed the ruling after Wausau Chief Inspector and Zoning Administrator William Hebert said the exterior design of the home did not meet existing standards. Neighbors within 100 feet…

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Would you buy Pensacola, Florida’s monolithic dome home for $1.3M? 

I’m surprised that the kitchen is so small, it’s more like a summer rental.

Decorated in a better way, it could look more dynamic. 

I hate to get picky, but for $1.3M, I expect them to at least make a clean paint line.

This is a nice space in the loft.

The main bd. and bath.

The tile is attractive.

The 2 bds. come to an oddly small angle.

The property does, however, have a nice waterfront location.

https://www.orlandoweekly.com/orlando/monolithic-dome-home-in-pensacola-hits-market-for-13-million/Slideshow/32971210/32971219

[nightmarefuele]

@huntershowl //starter from the Ren.

||

The thing represents their blindness. It’s a transport shuttle with all its parts ungreased, all dead. They’re stunted to an old age by the remnant vistas of their power as though it still is what only was, at one prior time, advancement.

The shuttle’s present dwellers—like limbs of a breathing weapon—know steeper powers.

They don’t fear us.

That one, crawling into the recondite film of the Shadow, is Vermis; passerby, or patron, fingering into such ant-bitten places as to turn out the innermost of wounds. There are several corners here in the belly of the shuttle, which now glides over a wall like a colosseum’s cracked ring around an outfit of unlit craters—the preferential truth beneath any great rule. She keeps to one whilst bleeding over all the others, scrawling her vapors over the porthole whereon her neuranium exoskull hooks.

They don’t know us.

This muck their ship courts, well, it’s no wonder. Before long, however, the droid valet—whose likeness is man enough that he gives his unimportance away, overstrung in the spine where he pilots at deck’s fore, perhaps a serf or experiment but altogether useless to the Ren—takes them down from the murk of the stratos. The shuttle folds like an insect into a wet handhold. Into sight, they sink.

A shadow unspools from its crouch and becomes a monolith across two strides. It hangs over the half-droid’s back, and gazes out into the Dusk’s bleak quick.

A child’s eyes might see nothing. The night might have scooped out the world from beneath them, replaced it with something breathing and sick. But the monolith—Kylo, the body, the one they have already begun to call, simply, Ren—has witnessed such nothings as to lay the black beneath them naked.

“What is it?” Vermis wonders, materializing there, her voice like a hangnail throbbing.

And Ren, like the low, skulking crackle of dry bone, “An ocean.”

Within the void clutch, a mount, whose age could be any or none. Ren holds there, the city and life already forgotten as solidity drags underway, with his formless, glistening eye like a mouth roused to open.

Then, as their course shifts, “And this?”

Inorganic death, sprawling for miles across a shipyard. Those of oblique, hostile fingers slouched along a sandbed, perhaps the fortuitous shrine of some humanoid ship; or white, milky ovoids like shapeless spiders’ eggs, clusters under clusters of energy staring out from the side of a hill; and here—approaching—the formless dance of light from sources unseeable, steepling toward the great house like a thousand airborne coelenterate.

The pilot catches himself between answers. He, unlike the Ren, has never witnessed anything.

But he does now—Vermis leans around the controls, small, boneless thing that she appears to be, and settles her pin eyes deep.

“Enough.”

The eyes leap to Ren like floating red germs.

“They will show us.”

|||

The attendant ogles them as though they are the lucky ones.

To see inside the invisible, then, is even among their own such a privilege–and the deeper their small company wades, a dark blur encroaching on the periphery of a monument, a dome, the further the cipher appears to coil. The smell, too, emits a facade; a feat of nature, a sweet place for the sun, to enshroud what dust and depth crawl underneath.

Vermis thinks the attendant should feel lucky to keep his eyes hereafter.

Instead, once upon the iris’ vault, he halts; he holds to his silence like a celibate; he puts his back to his master’s vaulting door, and waits.

[lullabyes22-blog]

Snippet - Forward but Never Forget/XOXO - Night Watch

In conclusion, your honor, they both are terrible.

tw: discussions on police, policing, militia and the aftermath of war.

Forward, but Never Forget/XOXO

Snippet:

"Your entire institution is predicated on prejudice. On a system of checks and balances that is, frankly, broken. And if I may so say, utterly..." He lets the word roll off his tongue like a profanity. "Piltovan."

Her eyelids flicker. "I beg your pardon."

"I am not speaking ill, Councilor. Merely stating facts. You can't wave a wand and restructure a system built on grinding one-quarter of its population into the dirt."

"We are attempting to rectify—"

"You are merely patching a leaky roof. The rest of the house remains dilapidated." He gestures toward the Skylight Commercia: a dome of glass, the emerald sky a luminous curvature overhead. "Worse, it's built on burial grounds. A tomb of Zaunite bones."

Medarda considers him from beneath veiled lashes. "You paint a bleak picture."

"Zaun was forged on fatalism." Silco's tone is wry. "We know how to make do."

"With blackguards?"

"That's a false equivalency."

"Is it? I've heard they can be quite... ruthless."

Silco smiles, a cold sliver of teeth that says, Ah ah ah.

"Blackguards and Enforcers have nothing in common. Yours are centralized, and the officers have scant contact with the public. They hide behind masks. Their salaries are too high; their privileges too many. They don't answer to those they protect. They answer only to the Council. Small wonder they've piss-poor local knowledge." Crooking a finger, he traces the Enforcers' rigid formation: two ranks, four soldiers per line. "Look at yours. They have no idea how to interact with Zaun's populace. They see a child, and they move her by force. They see a lone woman, and they harass her. They see a pair of punks, and they think, Here’s a meat-shield." 

He gestures at his blackguards, an idle fan of fingers that runs parallel to the splayed smoothness of their trajectory. "Mine know how to keep a low profile. How to read a situation. How to deal with a problem without creating ten more. That's because they belong to the very neighborhoods they patrol. They know the city's rhythms intimately, and the informality fosters trust among Zaunites. They're also disseminated by zone, and answerable to the underbosses, who in turn report to the head of War and Treasury. It means no single authority has a stranglehold on their loyalty. Their stake is the city." 

"How... democratic."

"Democracy is a pipe dream. Hierarchies will always exist, no matter the system. It's Topside’s leftovers that I would have replaced."

"With a wartime militia?"

"Don't feign naïve. The post-conflict period is always the most volatile. A highly mobile security force that isn't stymied by long chains of command is necessary to deal with the chaos. Else foreign infiltration will take hold, and freedom fall to the wayside." His tone downshifts from censure to caveat. "I trust you don't need reminding." 

Medarda's features flicker with a muted challenge: I hear the hypocrisy and will raise you double. 

"I do not," she says. "But independent militia can easily become tools of extensive repression."

"If you fear the rise of a fascist regime," Silco says, "that is because you lack a basic understanding of how the Fissures work. Zaun isn't a grid of building blocks. It is a patchwork quilt. One piece is not interchangeable with the next. The districts each have different social, spatial and economic profiles. The locals have strong ties with their neighbors. And a fierce antagonism to top-down authority. Here, everyone is connected. An information network that spans every inch of the city. You can't subdue it with violence. We'd rise up again. If a monolith arose in our midst, we'd tear it down. We're fond of monsters. But we’ve no use for kings." Rueful, he shakes his head. "I'd be a fool to crown myself one."

Medarda stares at him. It's as if, out of a morass of misconstrual and treachery, she's glimpsing the first silhouette of truth. Her eyes, green and gold, show glimpses of a woman—a girl?—who is struggling to surface.

"So what is the end-game?" she asks.

"Mine—or Zaun's?"

"Both." She backtracks, clarifying. "What is your plan for the blackguards? They are wartime militia. Zaun is at peace. Surely you intend to disperse them."

Silco's scarred lip pulls upward. "Put a lid on the pot and it'll boil over, hm?"

"Will you let the fires burn?"

"I'll let the fires die first, Councilor. Once the situation is stable, we'll reassess." He stops, contemplative. "You know, in my younger days, we had a Night Watch. It was a volunteer initiative. Groups of men and women who patrolled the streets, keeping vigilant for troublemakers."

"They were disbanded for brutality. Councilor Hoskel told me—" 

"Oh, I can well imagine what he told you." He mimics the gruff-voiced, toadying bluster. "’Bunch of cutthroats themselves. Who'd they be looking to catch? Each other?’"

The curve of Medarda's lips compresses with laughter. In all ways, the caricature is devilishly on-point. 

"Something to that effect," she says. "I was inclined to dismiss it."

"You'd be wise to. The Night Watch weren't disbanded for brutality. They split for their own safety. The moment the Wardens caught wind, they branded them as a gang.  Enforcers were deployed in droves. It became too dangerous to stay in operation."

"What happened to them?"

"Some were arrested and sent to Stillwater. Others died fighting back." He shrugs. "All were labeled criminals."

"Why do you bring it up?"

"Because I believe we can revive it. The Night Watch was an experiment. But a promising one. They knew the neighborhoods and understood the terrain. Best of all, they understood the people. They had the same history; the same heritage. They knew the difference between a threat and a rowdy drunk. Under their aegis, it was safe for children to play in the streets. Safe for young women to walk alone. They weren't an occupying force. They were locals helping locals." 

"How is that different from the Firelights?"

[thoughtsafterdark]

Hospitals and Airports are the closest modernity can come to reaching the Divine

Have you noticed how some places seem immune to time and social conventions. Like airports, those monoliths of now. Harsh lights burning and souls criss-crossing, tongues melting together into a writhing throng of humanity, a steaming cesspit of consciousness. Steeped in camaraderie yet drenched in isolation. The electric blue arrivals sign glares with neon brightness at 3am, a beacon that signals the end of the road.

Here comes a family of 4 on their way home, crossing through automatic doors into the balmy drizzle of a British night, carrying their loot of straw hats and cheap pendants, tan lines and peeling red lobster skin. A girl no older than 5 limps after her parents and older brother. She lugs her bright pink unicorn behind her and hugs the hood of lilac pyjamas close, rubs the sleep out of her eyes whilst her mother shouts at her to hurry. Soon she’ll tuck herself into bed, in the attic of their ordinary red brick London row house, and she’ll watch the sun peak over the trees in the back garden for the first time in her life. It will become a core memory she will think fondly back on for years to come.

By the first class lounge they hurried past, a man in an impeccable suit (Sheep’s wool, the finest money can buy. The grey colour of the Thames on an early morning) paces back and forth restlessly, briefcase in hand, phone in another. Gold amber eyes like a hawk, close cropped black hair and neatly trimmed beard, square pocket matching the deep tan of his shoes (authentic leather). He is barking orders to someone in Arabic, closing deals, building empires. A bloodied napkin he used to stop a nosebleed earlier falls out of his pocket and winks up at the scaffolding exposed ceiling, high and arching like the dome of a cathedral. He’ll make the sale, then visit the airport bathroom again before hailing a cab to the closest 5 star. In the morning, the maid who took the job to send money to her ailing mother in the Philippines will find his cold stiff body and scream. She’ll call the police and be taken in for questioning. She never signed up for this.

At the hospital coffee shop – two streets and half a lifetime away - a 4th year med students sips on a cortado like her life depends on it. Caffeine surges through her veins, bracing her for the day ahead. Unbelievable how exhausting trying to take up as little space as possible can be. She hates the spiel, it’s the same every time. A new dawn, a new face, a new team. The introductions, the smiling, the grovelling, the headache. She’s 5ft flat with bright orange hair, aspirations for Neurosurgery and a bright pink notebook, so why would they take her seriously.

It’s 8:30, and she’s scheduled for 9am clinic, so she has time for a hurried breakfast today. (Eating any earlier makes her gag). Small mercies. The off-red stained scrubs she nicked from the theatre changing rooms cling to her like a second skin preparing to moult. She squirms in them, the comfort undeniable. They make her feel like she belongs. They make her feel like an imposter.

Her table – she comes here so often; she thinks of it as hers - sits right by large windows overlooking the main entrance and staircase. She sees it all from here, her quiet unassuming throne. The doctors and nurses, physios and pharmacists. Rushing rushing, running, stressing. Wishing, hoping, waiting, waiting, waiting. For the shift to end, for the time for bed. For this rotation to change, for the exam to pass. We’ll go on that holiday next month, next year. When money isn’t tight, when things are more settled.  Before they know it they’ve wished their lives away.

Their patients understand, all too well and all too late. The same father with the IV drip and the metal stand comes down here every morning to see his daughters. They run up to him, he holds them close and beams. But his grip is getting weaker, smile is getting thinner. He doesn’t answer when they ask when he’s coming home. It’s funny what we can’t hear when we’re too busy wearing stethoscopes. Next month she (I) will be stationed on the Psych ward. We’ll have to do it all again, but maybe they’ll hear me this time. Maybe it’ll get easier.

Between them all and among them, if you squint and unfocus your eyes during one of those ungodly hours at the Starbacks across from Boots and WHSmith, leaning against a grey white pillar you might see him.

He is the spectre that haunts airport lounges and waiting rooms alike, the handsome stranger with the black snapback and the beats headphones and the khaki shorts. The one who lives out of a rucksack and wears a travel pillow like a crown. With the kind eyes and crows feet, and honey chestnut curls. He is that boy from your high school everyone liked, with a kind word for everyone; the one with a charmers smile and the charisma to bullshit his way through anything. The one who – when pressed for future plans, would laugh and shake his head, looking down bashfully. “I just want to travel for now, see where it takes me. I want to see the world”, he’d say, eyes twinkling with the possibilities. On someone else, the words would likely merit a telling off, they’d be seen as the paper thin excuse to fuck around and get high. But he seemed so genuine, and his teeth were such a dazzling shade of brilliant white when he smiled, even the strictest careers advisers couldn’t resist.

He lives in those moments, the liminal fabric between worlds that’s so hard to put your finger on. Blink and you’ll miss him in the old alleys of Rome, the spark of his cigarette lighter blending amongst the city lights.

You’ll find him among the most remote hiking trails of the Peloponnese, laughing with local shepherds and German tourists alike, sitting on jutting rocky cliffs and admiring the blue Mediterranean below. If you really pay attention, you’ll see his staff isn’t like the others. Something suspiciously like a pair of snake slithers up and down. You could swear you heard them whispering just now, but when you look again it’s just a wooden stick.

He is the patron of us wanderers and travellers, those of us with movement in our blood and restlessness in our hearts. The ones who beget the will of changing winds and shifting tides. The ones who can’t allow themselves to sit still, lest the dust settle and the coffee get cold. The mortifying ordeal of being seen and known. Or the ones that carry a hearth with them, in the bottom of a suitcase, in the heart of a trailer. The ones who move and weave through the Earth not because they are running but because they are coming home. He dances and jokes with the kids amongst campfires, always welcome, always a pleasure. And if he helps them pick the odd lock, swearing solemnly to secrecy, who are we to judge.

His bronze skin smells of cinnamon and nutmeg, vanilla and cedar and a thousand other spices. He reeks of incense and market stalls, moles and freckles tell the story of trading routes and old silk roads, of cotton shawls from Alexandria and silk from Pekking. His fingers and eyes twinkle with the good-natured mischief of petty thieves and sleight-of-hand magicians, tricksters and circus performers. He picks apples from behind ears, presents jewel necklaces to his lovers.

She sees him now, amongst the patients. He helps an old lady up the steps, pulls a balloon out of his back pocket to the delight of a sick child. She locks eyes with him and they nod at one another She has been seen now, and known. Perhaps she’ll find him again one day, if either stop running.

[galzydraw]

Here you can find the most important areas as in the original undertale. As well as some more locations made by me that will be part of the story.

undertale:

(Ruins,Snowdin, Waterfall, Hotland)

Promised!Tale: Human City. located in the center of the island where the castle of the empress toriel is also positioned.

Monolith (The barrier). A large rectangular structure created by Toriel to prevent corruption from advancing in the Error!Sans event by creating a giant dome around the island. Whoever comes out of the dome will have his internal code corrupted and eliminated.

Amusement park the Mettaton! ENTER NOW AND HAVE FUN IN MY FANTASTIC WORLD! And take all my products sweetie!!!!

floating island. Tamara's House

Art By: @ganzdraw

[thetruearchmagos]

I've always felt that, as far as the works of its 'Big Organisations' go, the United Commonwealth prefers a very megastructure-like architectural style. Massive, towering monoliths of concrete and glass, visible symbols of the state power that spans the Worlds.

You'd see the most of this on the island of Sudpulau in the Weslich Empire, which houses the vast majority of the Commonwealth central government's apparatus. Organisations like Parliament, the Commission, the Bank of the Commonwealth, and the Admiralty building.

Like these, but with slightly fewer domes and statues. (Especially the one on the right.)

Or this, but scaled to be as tall as the Washington monument.

Also, tagging @theprissythumbelina in case you wanna know what the capital of the Commonwealth looks like in the 'current era'.

[all-alone--more-or-less]

Smegtober Day 1: Earth Promts made by @a-literal-toaster-wtf

Word count: 795

A/N: Little late for the party but if I focus hard enough I might manage to get at least some stuff out lmao Based on the audio book(s)

Lister rummaged through one of the many hills of trash that surrounded his house. After a few minutes he pulled out a green, fully intact bottle.

Quietly he walked over to another mountain, this one was facing the sunset, he had sat on top of it to observe the sun set almost daily now. Before sitting down on one of the couches the Roaches had gathered for him, he stacked the bottle atop a growing mountain of bottles.

All of them were differently colored, the sunlight shimmered through them and dipped the valley in a beautiful mosaic of refracted light.

He sighed as he looked down onto the empty field that he had cleared, there was a lot of work to do still but he was making progress.

With a longing stare he looked at the bottles, each represented a day, it was his best bet of remembering how long he had been on Earth now.

Trying to not get stuck in thoughts again he sat down on the couch and leaned back, watching the lowering sun graze the mountains and valleys that stretched before him.

A roach skittered next to him, he recognized it as Jerard, it sat down next to him with a quiet chirp. He absentmindedly pet the gigantic animal as his eyes focused on the bottle pile.

They had promised to be back as fast as they could, and he trusted they would, but the pile counted well over three months now, nearing four.

He sighed and wiped his face with his sleeve. What if they had decided they were better off without him? In all fairness he was the most useless member of the team, never doing much of anything besides getting drunk and complaining.

Absentmindedly his leg started to bounce, an old nervous habit he had picked up from Rimmer.

It was crazy and he hated the thought but he missed Rimmer, missed the bickering and the insults. He missed sleeping in the same room as him, missed the crew. He wished he had been a bit better of a friend than he clearly was. Now doubt of them returning and guilt filled the quiet moments.

He vowed again that he would be productive and helpful if- *when* they came to pick him up. But until then he had to make do with the roaches and trash, that was all he had.

Quietly he  snickered, what a fitting place to end up in wasn’t it? With no friends and surrounded by nothing but roaches and trash. His wish of returning to earth finally fulfilled millions of years later than he had hoped for.

The entire reason why he even joined the Dwarf was to get where he was now, and now he wished he could walk through the endless corridors of the Dwarf again, wished he could sit in the observation dome and quietly ponder what Earth was like.

He missed the blissful ignorance, back on Red Dwarf he could hope, no matter how stupid the hope truly was, that Earth was the green and blue planet he had left behind. That it still had the horses and sheep he hoped to own, even when Kryten told him that that was beyond unrealistic he could dream of weird mutated horses, evolved sheep, and sunsets on the top of Fijis mountains.

Back then he hadn't cared if earth was engulfed by water, if he eventually got to go home just to come back to England being a few meters under water, Fiji no longer on the map and half of Europe engulfed by the ocean.

But now he knew. He knew Earth was used as a garbage dump, now he knew that Earth was nothing but endless seas of trash. He wondered if there were still oceans of water or if they had evaporated under the sun as well.

Maybe one day he could venture out with the roaches to see if they had turned into skeleton ridden valleys or if they still shimmered and wavered under the sky like unmoving monoliths.

He sighed, again saddened by how humanity had deserted their home planet. Of course people had been saying that for all his life, that humanity would destroy earth and then flee, but he had never considered how gut wrenching it was until now.

With a quiet grunt he pulled his legs to his torso and stared up at the sky. He had noticed how beautiful the skies were now that smog and light pollution were concepts of the past. He understood why old civilisations worshipped the night sky.

But he could never appreciate the beauty of these galaxies, his brain always telling him that distantly he could see a red ship weave between the endless stars, without him.

[intheshadowofwar]

28 May 2023

On Parade

Anzac Parade 28 May 2023

If there’s one thing every capital city needs, it’s a big ceremonial thoroughfare. Washington has the National Mall, London has the Mall, Paris has the Champs Elysees, and even humble Canberra has Anzac Parade. In times of less construction, one could stand on the steps of the War Memorial and have an unobstructed view of the long avenue, and then, across Lake Burley Griffin, to both the Old and New Parliament Houses.

It’s perhaps odd to consider that nearly none of this was intentional. Anzac Parade was part of Walter Burley Griffin’s plan for Canberra, which I’ll link to here - Griffin, it seemed, really liked his big avenues, and you can see most of the modern Canberra roads there. Looking at drawings by Marion Mahony Griffin, which are in Nicholas Brown’s History of Canberra, there doesn’t really seem to be anything in the spot where the memorial is, and a bizarre domed building that looks like a cross between the US Capitol and the Angkor Wat stands on Capital Hill. Even Old Parliament House was only intended to be temporary. Of course, the First World War intervened, and thus the War Memorial came to sit where it does now at the base of Mount Ainslie, while the permanent parliament house was not constructed until the 1980s, and certainly looks like the product of its decade.

Just as Anzac came to exist, so did Anzac Parade. Like much of Burley Griffin’s plan, it took until later to come into fruition - it was opened in 1965. Over time, it came to be lined with individual war memorials to specific services, battles or wars. They run the gauntlet from the traditional statuary of the Army Memorial to the modern, cubical Peacekeepers Memorial; from the traditional heroic imagery of the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial to the sombre, ambiguous concrete monoliths that form the Vietnam War Memorial.

My uncle has been in town recently, so I took him up and down Anzac Parade to look at the array of memorials. It was a good opportunity to reorientate myself with them - and it’s a fairly good walk besides.

We started on the left side of the road (facing towards Mount Ainslie.) At the start of Anzac Parade there are two giant basket handles on either side of the road, forming the Australia-New Zealand Memorial. It’s perhaps fitting that we start with the oft-forgotten ‘NZ’ part of ANZAC; a healthy reminder that Gallipoli and the Western Front are just as important in Wellington as they are here. Moving along, one passes the Boer War Memorial. This is a very recent addition indeed - it was well into the 21st century before the South African War had its memorial in the national capital. Past that is the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial.

I’m going to go a little deeper into this one, as there’s not much scope for the discussion of the Palestine campaign anywhere else. The Desert Mounted Corps, initially the Desert Column, operated in the Sinai Desert, Palestine and Syria between December 1916 and the end of the war, fighting against the Ottoman Empire. Initially the force was commanded by General Chetwode, but in mid-1917 General Harry Chauvel took command, the first Australian to command a corps. (Lawrence of Arabia, apparently, was not a big fan of him.) The Corps consisted of three divisions - two ANZAC and one British. An additional British division and an Indian brigade were added in mid-1918, and I believe there were detachments of French Colonial troops, although I can’t seem to confirm this right now. I tell you this because you would not know from looking at the memorial, which is entirely an Australian and New Zealand affair. Grumbling about the omitting of nationalities aside, a big reason the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial is of particular interest is because it’s actually a replica. The original was erected at Port Said in Egypt after the war, but during the Suez Crisis, it was targeted and destroyed by Egyptian nationalists as a symbol of the British Empire. The destruction of statutory, despite what some might say, is by no means a 21st century phenomenon.

Moving along, one passes the grey, funereal Vietnam Memorial, which asks visitors to walk inside it, and in which the names of the dead are gathered on a ring above. Then you pass the Korean War Memorial, with its army, navy and air force figures surrounded by tall steel poles that look like rain, and after that the comparatively conventional memorial to the army. At the end of Anzac Parade, nestled into the corner, is the Hellenic Memorial, which commemorates the battles of Greece and Crete during the Second World War. It’s built to resemble an amphitheatre, with a pillar marked with the Greek Orthodox cross and pair of steel beams in the middle. A map of the Aegean, almost stained glass in appearance, is made from tiles on the floor.

Perhaps entertainingly if one knows the history of Greco-Turkish relations, it’s positioned directly across the road from the Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Memorial. There probably aren’t many western democracies, with the obvious exception of Germany, that have memorials to the enemy in their capital - still less to an autocratic dictator. Yet Ataturk holds a key position in Anzac mythology. As a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Ottoman Army, he played a role in the defence of Gallipoli against the British and Anzac forces. After the war, he became a key figure in the Turkish nationalist movement, and eventually the President. I have to be very careful what I say here, as I have to load and edit this in Turkey where it is illegal to defame Ataturk, so I’ll focus my discussion on the inscription on the memorial.

It’s a long one, and it’s a little hard to see on my photograph, so I’ll just type it out.

Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives … you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours … you, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway counties, wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom, and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well.

Beautiful sentiment, right? The only problem is that Ataturk almost certainly didn’t say them. I’ll link to an excellent article on the subject at Honest History (and honestly, I’d recommend that website for a lot of things) but the basic gist of the problem is that knows when he said it, or if he dictated it to someone else, or if it was a letter, or really anything else about the providence of the quote, and it really seems to have started being kicked around in the 1980s. There is no evidence prior to 1953 of the speech (or letter, or dictation, or lavatory graffiti) existing.

So why, when we know he probably say it, is it still there? I think it’s because it’s comforting. It’s a little bit of myth making that serves to make the past a little more bearable. To imagine your father or grandfather lying in the bosom of a friendly nation is palatable. To imagine him buried in an enemy country, whose soldiers killed him, is less so.

Traveling back down Anzac Parade, one next passes the memorial to the Royal Australian Navy Memorial, a mishmash of flesh and steel shapes which includes a fountain. Beyond that is the ‘shower curtain’ - the derogatory name a veteran nurse gave to the Nurse’s Memorial. This is the most vertical of the memorials on Anzac Parade - a blue glass structure that visitors can walk into, listing the names of conflicts and postings of the nursing service and displaying images of nurses throughout Australian military history. It is worth pointing out that this is a memorial specifically to nurses in the Australian service, not Australian nurses - nurses who died in the British service are not commemorated either here or on the Roll of Honour. I know you’re getting sick of links by now, but here’s one to a video on that subject.

We then pass the Royal Australian Air Force Memorial, which I’ve never been a particular fan of - it just seems a bit dull to me, if I’m completely honest. Past that is the great tan monument to the Rats of Tobruk - the men of the 9th (and one brigade of the 7th) Division who defended Tobruk from the Nazi Afrika Korps in 1941. (I am going to get into so much trouble for calling Rommel’s Afrika Korps ‘Nazi,’ which is of course precisely why I did so.) Finally, one passes the impenetrably abstract Peacekeepers Memorial, before reaching the other side of the New Zealand Memorial.

This walk took us about an hour, and on the way home, we decided to try to find the Air Crash Memorial in the Pialligo Forest. The key word was ‘try,’ because it turns out there’s no road access and it’s a 3.2km walk to reach it. As we’d already been walking, we decided to call it a day. The air crash in question was the Canberra Air Disaster - a Lockheed Hudson crashed on approach to Canberra airport on the 13th of August 1940, killing three members of the cabinet and Chief of the General Staff General Sir Brudenell White. This is another name we’ll probably come back to. Suffice it to say, it was a major body blow to Robert Menzies’ first government and probably contributed to its fall the following year (although Menzies buggering off to London for several months to pester Churchill probably didn’t help either.)

All in all, it was a good day. I don’t know when I’ll write again, though I’m hoping soon - otherwise I shall see you in two weeks, as there’s a few thoughts I might want to get onto paper while I’m in Sydney.

[sofia-the-traveller]

Mumbai’s Hidden Gems: Offbeat Places to Explore in June

Mumbai, a city known for its vibrant lifestyle and bustling streets, transforms into a lush green haven during the monsoon season in June. While the famous tourist spots attract many visitors, numerous hidden gems are waiting to be explored. Here’s a guide to some offbeat places in Mumbai that you can discover in June, along with a recommendation for a luxurious stay at The Empresa Hotel, the best hotel in Andheri West.

Nestled in the heart of Mumbai, The Empresa Hotel is the perfect base for your explorations. Known for its modern amenities and exceptional service, this hotel in Mumbai offers a comfortable and stylish stay. Located near Versova Beach, it provides easy access to both the serene coastline and the city’s hidden treasures.

Banganga Tank

One of Mumbai’s oldest and most serene locations, Banganga Tank is a historic water tank surrounded by temples and traditional houses. This sacred spot offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Walking around the tank, you’ll find a blend of history and spirituality, with residents going about their daily rituals.

Gilbert Hill

A lesser-known natural wonder, Gilbert Hill is a 200-foot monolithic rock formation made of black basalt. It offers a panoramic view of the city, especially stunning during the monsoon when the surrounding greenery is in full bloom. Climbing up the steps to the top, you’ll find a small temple and an unparalleled view of the cityscape.

Sewri Fort and Mangroves

For those interested in history and nature, Sewri Fort and the nearby mangroves are a must-visit. The fort, built by the British in the 17th century, offers a glimpse into Mumbai’s colonial past. During the monsoon, the mangroves are lush and vibrant, attracting a variety of bird species, including flamingos.

Global Vipassana Pagoda

Located on the outskirts of Mumbai, the Global Vipassana Pagoda is a massive meditation dome dedicated to Buddha. This architectural marvel is a place of tranquility and spiritual learning. Visitors can meditate in the serene environment and learn about the teachings of Buddha.

Worli Village and Sea Face

Worli Village, an old fishing village, provides a stark contrast to the urban landscape of Mumbai. Walking through its narrow lanes, you can witness the simple lifestyle of the Koli fishermen. Just nearby is the Worli Sea Face, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, especially dramatic during the monsoon high tide.

Kanheri Caves

Situated in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Kanheri Caves are a series of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves. These caves date back to the 1st century BCE and feature intricate carvings and stupas. The lush greenery of the national park during June makes the visit even more enchanting.

Chota Kashmir

Located in Aarey Colony, Chota Kashmir is a picturesque garden and boating lake that resembles the landscapes of Kashmir. This hidden gem offers a serene escape with its beautiful gardens and a tranquil lake, perfect for a leisurely boat ride amidst the monsoon rains.

Celebrate at The Empresa Hotel

After a day of exploring Mumbai’s hidden gems, return to the comfort of The Empresa Hotel. Known as the best hotel in Andheri West, it provides luxurious accommodations and top-notch amenities. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply unwinding, The Empresa Hotel offers a stylish and comfortable retreat. Enjoy exquisite dining options, relax in the spa, or take a dip in the pool to rejuvenate yourself.

Choosing to stay with The Empresa Hotel ensures you experience the best of Mumbai’s hospitality. Its strategic location near Versova Beach provides easy access to both the serene coastline and the city’s hidden treasures, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking to explore the offbeat side of Mumbai.

In conclusion, June is a magical time to explore Mumbai’s hidden gems. From the historic Banganga Tank and Gilbert Hill to the tranquil Global Vipassana Pagoda and Kanheri Caves, there’s much to discover beyond the usual tourist spots. Enhance your explorations by staying at The Empresa Hotel, the best hotel in Andheri West, and enjoy a luxurious and convenient base for your adventures. So pack your raincoat, embrace the monsoon charm, and uncover the offbeat wonders of Mumbai this June!

[jettraveler]

Title: Discovering Down Under: A Journey Through Australia's Diverse Landscapes and Culture

Introduction: Welcome to the land Down Under, where vast expanses of outback meet bustling urban centers, and ancient Indigenous traditions blend with modern multiculturalism. Australia's diverse landscapes, from the iconic Sydney Opera House to the rugged beauty of the Outback, offer travelers a wealth of experiences to explore. Join me as we embark on an adventure through this vast and vibrant continent, uncovering the hidden gems and iconic landmarks that make Australia a destination like no other.

Day 1-3: Sydney - Harbor City Charm Our journey begins in the glittering harbor city of Sydney, where we'll marvel at the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House and climb the historic Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic views of the city skyline. We'll stroll along the sandy shores of Bondi Beach, surf the waves at Manly Beach, and explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Darling Harbour and The Rocks. A visit to Taronga Zoo offers a chance to encounter native Australian wildlife up close, from cuddly koalas to bounding kangaroos.

Day 4-6: Melbourne - Cultural Capital Next, we'll venture south to the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne, renowned for its thriving arts scene, eclectic laneway cafes, and vibrant street art. We'll wander through the colorful stalls of Queen Victoria Market, sample artisanal coffee in trendy Fitzroy, and explore the cultural precinct of Federation Square. A day trip along the Great Ocean Road offers breathtaking coastal vistas, with stops at the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the lush rainforests of the Otway Ranges.

Day 7-9: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Red Centre Majesty Leaving the urban bustle behind, we'll journey to the heart of Australia's Red Centre, where the towering monolith of Uluru rises from the desert sands. We'll witness the sacred sunrise and sunset over Uluru, learning about its cultural significance to the Anangu people who have called this land home for thousands of years. Nearby, the domed rock formations of Kata Tjuta offer a striking contrast to the flat desert landscape, with hiking trails that wind through ancient gorges and hidden waterholes.

Day 10-12: Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef - Underwater Wonderland Our next destination takes us to the tropical paradise of Cairns, gateway to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. We'll embark on a snorkeling or diving adventure to explore the vibrant coral gardens and kaleidoscopic marine life that thrive beneath the crystal-clear waters. Back on land, we'll explore the lush rainforests of the Daintree and Kuranda, home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species, including the elusive cassowary and ancient ferns.

Day 13-15: Tasmania - Wilderness and Wonder Our final stop brings us to the island state of Tasmania, where pristine wilderness and rugged coastline await. We'll hike through the ancient forests of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, cruise along the breathtaking coastline of Freycinet National Park, and sample fresh Tasmanian produce at local markets and vineyards. A visit to the historic penal colony of Port Arthur offers a glimpse into Australia's convict past, with haunting ruins set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.

Epilogue: As our journey through Australia comes to an end, we're left with memories of stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality that will stay with us long after we've returned home. But as we bid farewell to the land Down Under, we're reminded that the spirit of adventure lives on, beckoning us to explore new horizons and create new memories. Until then, G'day Australia, and may your beauty and charm continue to inspire travelers for generations to come.........read More

[southindiatourstravels]

13 Days Karnataka TamilNadu And Kerala Tour Package

+91-74181-33135 / tourstravelssouthindia@gmail.com

13 Days Karnataka TamilNadu And Kerala Tour Package

DAY 1 : Arrival in the Garden City: Bangalore

Upon arrival at Bangalore (Bengaluru) International Airport, you will be provided with assistance for your transfer to the hotel. In the evening, embark on the Bangalore Garden City Tour, which includes visits to Lal Bagh Gardens, Bull Temple, and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace. Following the tour, you will have the opportunity to rest and relax at the hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay in Bangalore.

DAY 2 : Exploring Shravanabelagola and Heading to Hassan

Commence your Shravanabelagola Jain Temple Tour following breakfast. Embark on a journey to Shravanabelagola, a renowned Jain pilgrimage destination. This site has gained worldwide recognition due to the presence of a colossal 17-meter high monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara, situated atop the Vindhyagiri hills. Following your visit to this remarkable site, proceed with your drive towards Hassan. Enjoy an overnight stay in Hassan.

DAY 3 : Exploring Hassan's Marvels and Journey to Mysore

This day presents an opportunity to indulge in the Hassan Sculptural Tour. Following breakfast, embark on a journey to Halebid to explore the Hoysaleshwara Temple, an 11th-century architectural marvel. Subsequently, proceed to Belur to visit the Chennakesava Temple, also dating back to the same period and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. These two sites are of utmost significance in the realm of archaeology, offering a breathtaking display of sculptural artistry. Following the visit, continue the journey to the renowned silk city of Mysore. In the evening, should you have leisure time, take a stroll to the Devarajah Market, where a plethora of captivating flowers, colorful powders, vegetables, spices, incense oils, and well-arranged fruit markets housed in old buildings await. Overnight accommodation will be provided in Mysore.

DAY 4 : Mysore's Rich Heritage

On this day, one has the opportunity to partake in the Mysore Heritage Tour, which entails a full day of sightseeing in the city of Mysore (Mysuru), renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The morning itinerary includes a visit to the Mysore Maharaja Palace, an Indo-Saracenic architectural marvel adorned with domes, turrets, arches, and colonnades. This palace houses a plethora of exquisite art, carvings, and paintings from all over the world. Following this, a brief drive to Chamundi Hills is scheduled to visit the renowned Chamundeshwari temple and the Bull temple. In the afternoon, a drive to Srirangapatna, a historic site that was once the capital city of the great Muslim warrior Tipu Sultan, is planned. The main attractions here include the Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna, Tipu's summer palace, and Gumbaz. Another night's stay in Mysore is included in the itinerary.

DAY 5 : Mysore to Ooty - A Journey through Nature

In the morning, embark on a journey to Ooty, famously known as "the queen of blue mountains". Along the way, indulge in an exhilarating adventure tour. As you traverse through the forests of Bandipur and Mudhumalai, you will have the opportunity to witness various wildlife species, such as elephants, deer, and peacocks, among others, in their natural habitat. Proceed with your drive towards Ooty and unwind in the comfort of your hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay in Ooty.

DAY 6 : Ooty - Exploring the Hill Station

After you conclude your breakfast, commence your Hill Station Tour in Ooty. Explore the renowned Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Ooty Lake, and Tea Plantations. Additionally, extend your stay in Ooty for one more night.

DAY 7 : Ooty to Munnar with a Stop in Coonoor

Following breakfast, proceed to Munnar by means of a stopover for a Coonoor City Tour. During this tour, visit the renowned Sim's Park located in Coonoor. Upon arrival in Munnar, check-in to the hotel and take some time to unwind. Enjoy an overnight stay in Munnar.

DAY 8 : Explore the Enchanting Munnar

Today presents an opportune moment for you to embark on a Hill Station Tour in Munnar. This picturesque destination boasts breathtaking landscapes, replete with natural tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, verdant mountains, and charming villages nestled amidst sloping terrain. We recommend a visit to the renowned Eravikulam National Park and Mattupetty Dam, both of which offer unparalleled natural beauty. Additionally, a leisurely stroll through the spice markets is sure to delight the senses. Conclude your day with another night's stay in Munnar.

DAY 9 : Explore the Charms of Thekkady

In the morning, it is recommended that you embark on a journey to Thekkady, also known as Periyar and Kumily. Later in the afternoon, commence your spice plantation tour. During this excursion, you will have the opportunity to visit the Spice Garden and witness the cultivation of various spices such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, vanilla, rubber, cloves, curry leaves, and a variety of flowers. You may also indulge in some leisurely activities such as ayurvedic massage, traditional martial art "Kalaripayattu", and nature walks (trekking) in the reserve as part of the Kerala Traditional Tour. An overnight stay in Thekkady is highly recommended.

DAY 10 : Alleppey Houseboat Delight

Today presents an opportunity for you to indulge in the Alleppey House Boat Tour. Following breakfast, proceed to Alleppey (Alappuzha), renowned for its backwaters. Upon arrival, check-in to the houseboat and relish a delectable lunch while cruising along the Vembanad Lake for approximately five hours. In the evening, the boat will dock near a village where you will enjoy dinner on board. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay on the houseboat, with air conditioning operational between 8:30 PM and 06:00 AM. Your stay will be in Alleppey.

DAY 11 : Exploring the Cultural Melting Pot of Cochin

In the morning, following breakfast, guests will proceed with the check-out process from the houseboat and embark on a journey to Fort Cochin, a destination renowned for its amalgamation of Portuguese, Dutch, and British cultural influences. In the afternoon, the exploration of Cochin City will commence, beginning with a visit to the 16th-century Jewish Synagogue and the Mattancherry Palace, also recognized as the Dutch Palace. A leisurely stroll through Jew Town will also be included in the itinerary. The overnight accommodation will be provided in Cochin.

DAY 12 : Immersing in Cochin's Charm

This day is designated for you to partake in the Cochin City Tour. Firstly, you will have the opportunity to visit the Chinese fishing nets and fish markets. In close proximity to this location, you will also have the chance to visit St. Francis Church, where you can witness the tomb of the renowned Portuguese sailor Vasco da Gama, followed by a visit to the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, a Catholic church, and the Dutch cemetery. In the evening, you will have the privilege of attending the traditional dance show of Kerala, known as "Kathakali". You will then conclude the day with another night's stay in Cochin.

DAY 13 : Journey Home with Cherished Memories

On this day, your tour with Sweet Memories will come to a conclusion. You will be transported from Cochin International Airport, Cochin in accordance with your flight schedule for your return journey home.

[mikepercy123]

Join us on an imagination journey to the bustling cosmopolitan hubs our descendants may one day call home among the stars. Here we envision soaring towers,global cultures, efficient transit and more in the cities of tomorrow. As humanity reaches outward to the stars, we stand at the dawn of a new era in our civilization. No longer confined to a single planet, we now build towering metropolises on distant worlds and create vibrant orbital communities above them. What shapes will our future cities take? What cultures will mix within their soaring towers? This collection envisions the cosmopolitan hubs our descendants may one day call home among the planets. As we take our first tentative steps into the galaxy, our imagination is the only limit to our growth as a spacefaring civilization. The cities of tomorrow will stand as the greatest monuments to the ages-old human impulse to explore, build, and create anew under every sky. Their foundations are already laid today in humankind's insatiable drive to reach for the stars. What vistas will you see when you gaze up at the future cities from the surface of a world humanity now calls home? #image_1401916281 { width: 100%; } Glacier Heights, Europa This glistening metropolis on Jupiter's moon Europa towers above the icy surface, its central spire reaching towards the distant sun. Curving habitats spiral around the core, sheltering residents from the cold vacuum. In the distance, icy peaks pierce the perpetual twilight, lit by the faint glow of the gas giant overhead. Here on Europa, humanity has found a frozen ocean world to call home. #image_911717023 { width: 100%; } New Singapore, Triton Docks stretched out like open arms embrace the Neptunian bay, guiding ships from across the outer planets into the soaring tower districts. Connected by slender bridges, the twin city cores gaze at one another above the waves, trading goods and cultures from a hundred worlds. A prosperous mixture of old and new, this shoreline settlement looks boldly outward to the stars. #image_1011400172 { width: 100%; } Skyhaven, Venus II Perched high above Venus II's heat and storms, this celestial city drifts on the upper winds. Suspended from mighty columns, waterfall parks cascade between buildings. In the glowing night, lights twinkle around the sweeping avenue encircling the central pinnacle. Beyond lies the expansive cloud deck, hiding a hellish surface far below. Here families live safely above it all, dreaming of the day when Venus too may become a haven. #image_1717287825 { width: 100%; } New Mont-Saint-Michel, Mars Inspired by old Earth, Gothic spires encircle this Martian city's towering center. Like the ancient isle monastery it is named for, sectors branch out in rings from the core. In the rust-hued sky, Phobos and Deimos orbit the Red Planet, bathed in earthlight. By day, red dunes stretch to the horizon outside its walls and domes. Here, terraformed Mars almost feels like home. #image_748482723 { width: 100%; } Nova Dubai, Titan Neon streams between monolithic towers standing watch over a methane canyon's glow. Layers of light defy the permanent night, as traffic flows along suspended ramps. The city's reach seems infinite, stopping only where peaks touch the sky. This is a metropolis pushing the limits of engineering and imagination. #image_1283963363 { width: 100%; } Zion, Gliese 581g Megaspires like clustered stalagmites house this young world's capital, organic architecture in harmony with the land. Woven between them, homes and gardens thrive under dappled forest light. People gather in the planispheres' glow, inhabitants of a rare life-bearing world. In this fledgling city, humanity steps into a new era among the stars. The Cities of Tomorrow: Reaching for the Stars As we venture forth to make homes among the stars, entire new worlds await us. What shapes will our cities take as we adapt to alien environments and build on the experience of centuries? Let us journey ahead in time and imagination to explore the possibilities.

Diverse Galactic Communities Towering structures inspired by terran styles like Gothic, Art Deco, and Neoclassical, but taken to spectacular new heights with space-age materials Global cultures blended and evolved into new hybrid forms as people from across Earth spread out and mingle among the stars Cityscapes combine ancient and modern, Eastern and Western influences in cosmopolitan galactic hubs Unique regional styles arise on colonies across the solar system and beyond Living in Harmony with Nature Cities engineered to thrive in harmony with local conditions, whether on Mars, ocean moons, or cloud cities aloft on Venus Sustainable systems using renewable energy, recycled resources, and zero-emission transportation Integrating green spaces, hydroponic agriculture, and abundant plant life into urban design Caring for environments altered by terraforming while respecting native ecologies Connecting a Solar Civilization Vast transit networks link settlements across planets and moons Space elevators, orbital rings, and magnetic launch rails move people between surface and space Ships from across the system dock at port cities as interplanetary trade thrives Telepresence and digital spaces link far-flung colonies and cultures Life in the Cities of Tomorrow Residents culturally diverse, featuring blended galactic identities and customs Pursuing commerce, education, creativity, spirituality, and discovery Raising families and building communities that reach for the stars Pioneering new forms of art, music, cuisine, fashion, and more Calling these cosmic metropolises home as humanity spreads throughout the galaxy A Bright Future Beckons As we stand today on the cusp of a new era of space exploration, the only limit to imagining tomorrow's cities is our vision and will to build them. By coming together in peace to reach for the stars, we can build thriving galactic communities and herald a bright future for generations to come. The foundations are already being laid - the rest awaits in the cities of tomorrow. This article was first published on AIO Spark: Future of Humanity - A Space World Concept

[holidayspackagesglh]

From Melbourne to the Great Barrier Reef: Your Dream Australia Tour

Australia, with its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife, is a dream destination for many travelers. From the cosmopolitan streets of Melbourne to the breathtaking wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, an Australia tour package promises an unforgettable experience. Let's dive into the details of this incredible journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Melbourne Magic: Your Gateway to Australia

Start your Australia tour package in style by exploring the dynamic city of Melbourne. Nestled on the southeastern coast, Melbourne is a melting pot of culture, art, and culinary delights. Begin your adventure by strolling through the iconic Federation Square, where modern architecture meets lively events. Indulge your taste buds with a visit to the Queen Victoria Market, where fresh produce and local treats await. Melbourne's eclectic neighborhoods, such as Fitzroy and St Kilda, offer a glimpse into the city's bohemian spirit. The active voice of this bustling city will set the tone for an exciting journey ahead.

Sydney Sojourn: A Symphony of Sights and Sounds

From Melbourne, hop over to the glittering city of Sydney, where the iconic Opera House and the Harbour Bridge will leave you in awe. An Australia tour package would be incomplete without a visit to these landmarks. Embrace the active lifestyle of Sydneysiders by taking a coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The bustling markets of The Rocks and the serene Royal Botanic Garden showcase the city's diversity. Sydney's vibrant energy will have you captivated from the moment you arrive.

Into the Heartland: Ayers Rock and the Red Centre

As you venture further into the heartland of Australia, a visit to Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru, is a must. The active voice of this ancient monolith speaks volumes about the rich Aboriginal culture. Witness the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset over Uluru, where the colors of the desert come alive in a breathtaking display. The surrounding Kata Tjuta, with its domed rock formations, adds another layer of intrigue to this mystical landscape. An Australia tour package truly comes alive in the Red Centre, where the land tells stories of ancient times.

Tropical Paradise: Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

No Australia tour package is complete without a visit to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Dive into the world's largest coral reef system, teeming with vibrant marine life and colorful coral formations. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef will leave you spellbound. Take a cruise to explore the outer reef, where the clear waters provide a window into the fascinating marine ecosystem. Cairns offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it a highlight of your Australian journey.

Australia Tour Package Extravaganza: Customizing Your Dream Itinerary

Now that you've explored the diverse landscapes of Melbourne, Sydney, Ayers Rock, and Cairns, it's time to customize your Australia tour package to suit your preferences. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, Australia has something for everyone. Consult with travel experts to craft an itinerary that includes your desired activities, whether it's hot air ballooning over the Yarra Valley or exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest. The flexibility of an Australia tour package ensures that your dream journey becomes a reality.

Unforgettable Memories: Capturing the Essence of Down Under

As your Australia tour package comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you've gathered. From the vibrant cities to the natural wonders, Down Under has left an indelible mark on your travel story. Capture the essence of your journey through photographs and journal entries, allowing the vivid colors and sounds of Australia to linger in your mind. The active voice of your adventures will resonate with the spirit of this diverse and captivating continent.

In conclusion, an Australia tour package is more than just a vacation; it's a transformative journey through a land of contrasts and beauty. From the urban sophistication of Melbourne to the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, every moment is an opportunity to discover the magic of Down Under. So, pack your bags, embrace the active voice of exploration, and let Australia unveil its wonders as you embark on your dream tour.

Must Read: Iconic Landmarks, Unforgettable Memories: USA Tours for Indians

[the-firebird69]

That's the question of what is behind the Parthenon which is one of his ruling houses and it was his and he did rule from there for a short time and it is Zeus we're talking about and Hera ruled from there too but hers was across from his and it was moved and it was moved down the hill by you people you humans. And he was a kind and just ruler and it didn't last long before you ran in there to glad that yours and we had to evacuate before you got there but we did build it there on purpose and for you to do that and you guys ruled from there for many years and then you answered your woman and it is a sign that shows that and it has been forever ingrained in their memories house she was kicked down the hill and there's even a song and a few other things in America about it Jack and Jill. And he is actually taking a back from it ways and they're equal but in different ways and you're being mean and sometimes he has moments but really he does think that way a little. There are a few other things there is a giant mounted Hill underneath that underneath it is a huge dome very huge in diameter and it goes down about 5 to 10 miles it is hand cut stone and it's piled and it's not monolithic but it is above something directly above it just as our son says my brothers make a computer is directly below Epcot center and that's how they did it because they were ruling here after he was and I'm his father and his mother is here too and we are God and Goddess of Greece

One of our names is Athena and her husband is listed and they know what it is and they're not letting it out because of the man woman fight that's my wife's name

Kiju where a zapping people back then and many of these statues are actually people and you can tell because of what the material looks like if broken it's porous and it looks very odd and it's not shaped right and then some of it has bone in it and they scanned a lot of these and found some of them are people and we have Kaiju, and it is of Our own and you have seen it in movies and it's not his kraken although it's origins are near here Greece and he did it to honor us. It's very near here as a matter of fact it's in the Mediterranean that's where origins are and it's not where they were formed it's where the first parent is from and that is our monster it is a sea monster and you have seen it and yes it's name is well it's a leviathan and a big monster it looks like Raiju no. It does look like the monster and creature that Hera runs in the movie Aquaman and it is near there the lost city of Atlantis is near Athens and people call it that I mean it's buried by lava but really there's a cavern and it's below the volcano and she is in there and he's like jolene's name Belmonte and that's very close to what her name is and that is our empress and it is the monster who is controlled by Athena most often but they have mutated into her any times because of their job

God of Greece

And me yes I have there at the above and my name is Athena

Olympus we're very proud of our son and what he's done and we are proud of this place you did make a humongous mess he says that is for a very very good purpose and the mess is ours and on purpose and the history is deep and Rich and everywhere people are saying it these people are very huge and has said a lot and put a lot in writing a lot of it is why we're wrong and it's all over the world and they don't want to continue living with us at all and they say what they're doing is very huge and they feel they deserve it in some ways that don't want to die and that's reality and they're horrified by many of the statues that turn out to be humans assuming beans and horses and more it died when they were hit even real centaurs and people couldn't believe it they thought it was humans attached to them and they're not they're mutants and they can become fully human and they're strong as people they're very strong and there are some around

[noahlev]

GBL 2960 Blog Entry 10 - Jan, 12:  That’s Italian! Styles in architecture know no boundaries. Find and discuss 3 distinct elements or features of Nice’s built environment that are clearly influenced by Italian architecture. A clue, these influences can occur at various scales (details, formal composition, and spatial organization).

In previous blog posts, the connection between Italian architecture, specifically through ancient Roman influence, knows no bounds. The effects of Roman architecture have been adopted all over the world. For instance, most of the government buildings in Washington D.C. have some semblance of Roman style. After visiting the Pantheon in Rome, Thomas Jefferson was impressed with the city and style, thus we have the architecture in the White House, Capitol Building, Washington Monument, and the National Archives, which make use of columns, domes, rotundas, monoliths, etc. Furthermore, the style is copied all over Elon University, as nearly all of our academic buildings make use of white columns and triangular entablatures. Suffice to say that Italian architecture does not stay in one place. With this in mind, I was not surprised to see massive Italian and Roman influence when we visited Nice, France. As the city is in close contact with Italy and shares the culture of the Mediterranean, it’s no wonder that through years of trade and cultural diffusion, the impact of Italian architecture was not lost on Nice. One of the first examples I saw in Nice was the use of Roman arches in many areas of the city, especially on the coast. The arches resemble Roman aqueducts and serve not only an aesthetic function but allow pedestrian traffic to pass through. This is seen in the first picture. Another thing I noticed was that the promenade along the ocean in Nice, the Promenade des Anglais, resembled the walking path along the Arlo river in Florence Italy, while not exclusively similar, I felt that in general, the organization and structure of the coastal walkway were heavily influenced by the Italian approach to public space and walkable paths. They both had elements of triangulation along the sides of them, and they both serve as “Edges” as defined in Lynch. I noticed that people pretty much treated the two paths the same way, in both Nice and Florence. In Florence the path took on a recognizable direction, there were people along staring at the water and taking pictures and having defined edges. There were also tectonic elements all along the River as well as landmarks like the bridge. In Nice, there were tectonic elements in the “I Love Nice” sign and the blue chairs. People were also traveling in a defined path and taking pictures. Going further, the entire organization of the city resembled an ancient Roman city, with inner public squares, narrow winding streets, and a gradual outward flow to the coast which serves as the edge of the city. One more important feature I noticed in Nice which was clearly influenced by Italian architecture, was the widespread use of Roman-style columns and facades in the buildings. A great example of this was in the opera house, where you see an ornamental facade supported by Corinthian columns. Overall, I loved the city of Nice, it was a nice change from the fast-paced and historical richness of Italian cities, it is a smaller city with a coastal, relaxed atmosphere. Even so, the defining feature of Italian and Roman architecture is ever-present. It’s very interesting to see the diffusion of cultures across cities and I can’t wait to see what else I can find in other Mediterranean cities!