Bora Bora Island

Paradise on the earth Bora Bora island, located about 2,600 miles south of Hawaii

Bora Bora is an island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean. The island, located about 230 km northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef

Bora Bora, located about 2,600 miles south of Hawaii, is known for its breathtakingly beautiful turquoise lagoons and tangerine sunsets. It’s one of the most beautiful islands on the planet and its blue lagoon is said to be stunning. Moreover, the marine life in the seas is so rich that it’s incomparable to any aquarium.

The fact that there’s countess number of fun things to do at Bora Bora shouldn’t come as a surprise (Snorkeling, sailing, gliding boats, you name it). However, there are a couple of places at Bora Bora that are essential to be paid visits to by tourists. One of them being Matira Beach whose clear waters would stun anyone. It’s an unspoiled public beach that is shallow to the reef. Another place that’s worth a couple of hours of staring is Povai Bay.

Most of the attractions at this island are centered on activities that are aquatic but there are some things to see elsewhere as well. Tourists could even get a feel of history by visiting Taharuu Murae, which played a role during World War II. An interesting fact about Bora Bora is that its name means “the romantic island”. This clearly indicates the loveliness of the island and the reason as to why so many lovers choose to go on vacations there.

Triumphal Arch of Orange

Triumphal Arch of Orange – The oldest surviving triple-arched Roman triumphal arch , France

The oldest surviving triple-arched Roman triumphal arch is the Arch of Orange. Originally constructed between 10 and 27 AD, during the reign of the first Roman emperor, Augustus, the arch commemorated the Gallic Wars. The arch was dedicated to Tiberius in 27 AD, in commemoration of his victories.

A triumphal arch is an ancient Roman architectural structure consisting of two columns, connected from above by an archway. Arches were placed over roads or walkways. The Arch of Orange is situated along vie Agrippa, and once made up part of the city’s defensive walls during the Middle Ages. Arches were constructed to commemorate important events including military achievements, like conquering a new city. A Roman triumph was a public ceremony or religious rite, granted by the Senate, celebrating military achievements, especially to applaud the military commander.

The Triumphal Arch of Orange features three arches – a larger center arch with a narrower and shorter arch on either side of the main arch. This atypical style was later used in Rome’s Arch of Constantine and Arch of Septimus Severus. The facades of the Arch of Orange are decorated with Corinthian columns, and embellished with reliefs depicting scenes of battle. Military themes portrayed include a Roman battle against the Germanics and Gauls, and a shield of Leggio II (the Second Legion) Augusta is also represented. The northern facade once held a bronze inscription, but this was lost at some point in history and historians have yet to decipher what it once said. Restoration work was taken on the arch in the 1850s.

Reims Cathedral

Notre-Dame de Reims (Our Lady of Reims) – The cathedral of Reims, France

Notre-Dame de Reims (Our Lady of Reims), is the cathedral of Reims, France. The seat of the town’s Archdiocese, and for a time a place of coronation of French kings, Reims Cathedral is a remarkable work of Gothic architecture and art. Visitors can climb the Cathedral’s towers to take in the artistic masterpiece from above for better views of the sculptures, gilding details, and architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage site includes the Palais of Tau and the Abbey of Saint Remi.

Before the current cathedral was built, a Carolingian basilica once stood on the grounds, though it burnt to the ground in a fire around 1210. That church was likely constructed over the ruins from ancient Roman baths.

The cathedral was reconstructed and drastically expanded during the 13th century,in order to better accommodate large crowds who attended royal coronations. A 1233 revolt over taxation and legal issues set the cathedral’s construction back a few years, resuming in 1236 after troubles were resolved with mediation through the King and the Pope. Construction continued in various phases over the cathedral, even into the 14th century.

The cathedral was designed in the classical Gothic style architecture, featuring a façade decorated with many intricate sculptural details. The statues on the façade include local bishops, prophets, apostles, and Jesus, and a scene of Crowning of the Virgin. The scene of the Visitation includes the figure of Elizabeth.

Inside, the cathedral was adorned with tapestries, including a special one representing the life of Mary. This and other works of art, are housed in the Palace of Tau, along with the treasury with rare and unique objects, like Sainte Ampoule, the holy flask. The traditional Gothic style is lightened using structural changes, such as more wall openings and more natural light, which shines through the detailed stained glass, created by Marc Chagall.

The neighboring abbey features a 9th century nave, containing the remains of Archbishop St. Remi, who died in 533. Reims was once an important Christian city, home to many important archbishops including Remi, the most famous of them who was known for the baptism of Clovis.

Admission charges are 7.50 € for adults. Minors and people within the 18-25 age group are freely admitted.

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel), Paris , France

The Eiffel Tower (La Tour Eiffel) is one of the most iconic structures in the world, visited by over 7 million people annually, making it the most visited paid attraction. Constructed for the 1889 World’s Fair and over 80 stories tall, at 320 meters (1,050 feet) high.

Visitors can take the stairs and elevator up to the three levels of observation decks and restaurants in the tower for great views of Paris. The two restaurants in the tower are Le 58 Tour Eiffel and Le Jules Verne. The Eiffel Tower is a world famous landmark that can be seen from all around Paris.