Easter Island, Chile

Mysterious Moai  Statues of the Easter Island , Chile

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui is an isolated piece of land with ever-rising tourism. Although Easter Island is isolated, yet a culture that flourished there shaped artistic monuments and the residents today are trying to maintain their culture as well as manage the potential risks that come with tourism.

There are several itineraries available for touring (both privately and in small groups) that would include accommodations on Easter Island as well as the airfare from a particular city.

Easter Island, which is located west of the Chilean coastline, is not only known for being the most isolated place on Earth, but also for its giant statues. Tourists generally indulge in daily outings to caves and monuments as well as become acquainted with the natives and their culture.

The marvelous walls made of stone at Ahu Vinapu are a must see. Judging by the architecture of these walls, it’s a common belief that the early inhabitants had arrived from South America. Apart from Ahu Vinapu, Rano Raraku, and Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum are totally worth a couple of hours as well. This anthropological museum is a large room containing information and historical artifacts regarding the early inhabitants.

Tourists should also look to explore the area by adding some adventure such as hiking up the Orongo volcano and deep diving. The divers would be able to enjoy the clear visibility as good as any other place in the world.

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is an arched dam in the Colorado River’s Black Canyon. Constructed from concrete during the Great Depression in the 1930s, the dam is considered an engineering marvel, though many lives were lost during its construction. The builders had to overcome many challenges to make the dam possible. The dam was built to control water flow to prevent floods, and also to generate hydroelectric power. The dam is also known as Boulder Dam, but was originally named for President Herbert Hoover, who was president during the early construction of the dam.

Visitors to the Hoover Dam are often amazed at its size and power. Tours are available for the power plant and also to go into the dam.

Cleopatra’s Needle, UK

The Cleopatra’s Needle at London, England

Cleopatra’s Needle in London is a granite obelisk, which is all of 68 feet and weighs 180 tons. This obelisk originally dates back to 1500 B.C. and was built for Tuthmose III. The Hieroglyphics praising Tuthmose and honoring his third Sed festival can be found on the obelisk along with engraved inscriptions by Ramessses II which was added much later to commemorate his hard earned victories.

This mammoth granite obelisk was presented to the people of Great Britain in the year 1819 as an acknowledgement of Nelson’s victory over the marauding French armada, at the infamous battle of Nile in the year 1798. Apart from the obelisk, a portrait of Queen Victoria and other Victorian era artifacts are also found.

However, it took almost 60 long years to actually bring this mammoth obelisk to Britain. No British government was gallant enough to overcome the obstacles of shipment of this obelisk from far away Egypt to Britain. Not only was the shipment of the obelisk a daunting task, it also involved enormous expenses. Had it not been for the generosity of Mr. Erasmus Wilson who dished out a staggering £10,000 to bear the expenses of shipment, this marvelous granite obelisk would have probably remained buried in the sands of Alexandria until the end of time.

During World War I, Cleopatra’s needle suffered a minor damage, courtesy the air raids. A portion of the plinth and one of the sphinxes, which bore the brunt of the attack, is clearly visible.

Today, Cleopatra’s Needle, London is an integral part of London’s tourist landmark.