Deadhorse Alaska

Deadhorse Alaska

Deadhorse is a small, remote community in the far north of Alaska, which exists primarily as a base for oil workers and has more recently become a popular tourist spot. Famous for its extreme conditions, Deadhorse has featured in several recent TV shows, one of which showcased the truckers who drive through Dalton Highway – a dangerous and grueling job over rough terrain and frozen lakes, battling avalanches and whiteouts.

Visitors come to Deadhorse to experience a unique lifestyle and to view the arctic wildlife, like grizzly and polar bears, arctic foxes, caribou, arctic squirrels and hares, and a variety of waterfowl. Tour buses take tourists to check out the highway, communities, and the vast, harsh wilderness of Alaska.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island – Famous Ancient Federal Prison in California, United States

Best known for its infamous federal prison and for its ancient lighthouse and fort – one of the earliest built on the West Coast of the US – Alcatraz Island has always captivated the imagination of its visitors. 1.25 miles across the water from San Francisco, The Rock stands tall – a typifying one of the harshest and most notorious pens of the world.

Alcatraz Island is spread over 22 acres and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Guided tours of the prison are favorites. Nighttime tours heighten the mystique of the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary which had earned the reputation of being the ‘escape-proof prison.’
Before Alcatraz Island was turned into the site of the military and federal prisons, it was occupied for over a year and half by the Aboriginal Indians participating in a wave of Native protests starting in 1969. The Alcatraz Island is currently a national recreation area and a National Historic Landmark managed by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Some of the main landmarks on Alcatraz Island include the Main Cell house, Lighthouse, the Parade Grounds, Building 64, and New Industries and Model Industries Buildings.

Alcatraz Island is not all creepy horror stories. Those who give their imaginations a break will find interesting natural formations such as rock pools and some beautiful birds such as the black-crowned night herons and western gulls, and reptiles such as the California slender salamanders in their natural habitats.

The Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace – The residential abode of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh

The Buckingham Palace was built way back in 1702 and the palace also served as the residence of Queen Charlotte. Ever since its inception, the palace has undergone renovations a number of times but the original architectural grandeur has remained intact.

Today, Buckingham Palace is the residential abode of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Not only this, the palace also serves as the administrative headquarters of the British monarchy. The palace also serves as the venue where Her Majesty meets and entertains guests.The 45-minute change of guards ceremony at the Buckingham Palace is witnessed by thousands of locals and tourists each year.

As far as art and paintings are concerned, the Buckingham Palace in London has one of the world’s richest collections of art work. These are displayed in the State Rooms and great works of art from legends like Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Poussin and Claude can be seen at the palace.

The grandiose State Dining Room located to the west of the palace is a room worth visiting where many distinguished persons have dined in the past with Her Majesty.

There is also the Music Room where guests are introduced to the Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. The Music Room was the place where The Prince of Wales, The Princess Royal, The Duke of York and Prince William were christened.

The regal and grandiose Drawing Room and the marvelous Bow Room are worth visiting. The Bow Room was built for King George IV to serve as a library but it never materialized.