Sunset over Barrow
Photo by: MarmotChaser, Creative Commons

Many praise globalization for ushering in many of the world’s new ideas. But with the birth of these new ideas, the old ones die away and eventually become a thing of the past. Even the people who used uphold to such ideas would forget them as well. Thankfully, that’s not the case with the city of Barrow.

The city of Barrow is the largest city in Alaska’s Northern Slope Borough. Barrow’s location situates it 330 miles north of the Arctic Circle by the Chukchi Sea coast, giving the area a cold climate that lasts even until the summer months. One of the most interesting things about Barrow is that approximately 60% of its more than 4,000 populace belong to the Eskimo tribe, called Inupiat Eskimo, who originally inhabited the area more than 1,000 years ago. The community was named Barrow in the 1800s by British Royal Navy men who found the area. Barrow is a modernized community and is recognized as a North Slope Borough economic hub, yet interestingly enough, their residents continue to rely on a subsistence lifestyle supported by fishing, hunting, and whaling for their community’s livelihood.

Like many of its neighboring Alaskan cities, Barrow residents exert a lot of effort in preserving their traditional culture not just for their future descendants but also for the benefit of curious tourists who visit Barrow. One of the most popular tourist attractions is the Inupiat Heritage Center where visitors can learn more about the traditional culture of North Slope inhabitants and even purchase some of the native arts and crafts like masks, fur mittens, baleen boats, carved ivory, etched baleen, and parkas. There are also numerous tours of the area where you can explore the Barrow wilderness and see firsthand the tundra and bird species residing in the area.

Art is innate within every individual. A kid would doodle everywhere whether on her mom’s bag, the kitchen table or her grandmother’s sofa bed. Sad but true, once she grows up, she forgets how to enjoy art instead keeps herself busy with expensive things the market offers. Many of us overlook and forget the importance of art which preserves the history of man. It is nostalgic and heart-warming whenever one visits a museum, because it contains history and stories. Each and every painting narrates its own story. Every sculpture is a written history. (more…)

Have you ever seen a crooked-necked giraffe? Yes you read it right, a crooked-necked giraffe. You can only find it at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Located thirty acres near the long stretch of beach in Santa Barbara California, it was formerly known as the Child Estate Zoo and has been ranked as one of United States’ best small zoos. Housing almost six hundred animals, it has been famous for its crooked-necked giraffe—an amazing natural phenomenon enjoyed by people of all ages. (more…)

Legion of Honor
Photo by: HarshLight, Creative Commons

If you’re going to visit San Francisco, California, you should not miss the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, commonly known as the Legion of Honor. It is a museum in the northwestern part of the Richmond neighborhood that has a magnificent view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Lincoln Park. This museum is an excellent place to visit if you want to be awed by ancient European art. The museum itself is considered a work of art because the architecture of the building is neoclassical and you will feel that you are in ancient Europe when you visit.

The Legion of Honor was originally constructed to house different French artworks, but since it was finished in 1924, artworks from all over the world were added to the collection. The museum is also a memorial to the WWI Californian soldiers.

The Palace has many collections on display to view. It has over 87,000 collections of sculptures, tapestries, paintings, and decorative arts. The museum also houses over 6,000 years of European and ancient art collections that include the works of famous artists like Picasso, Rodin, Fra Angelico, Nicolas Poussin, Claude Monet, Houdon, and Brueghel. The large ancient art collection of the museum makes it very famous and the museum never fails to amaze visitors everyday.

Aside from the collections, the museum also conducts educational discussions, lectures and musical performances. There are different events and activities that are available to make your visit a memorable one. You can also visit the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts and see the entire collection of Mr. Achenbach that illustrates the development of graphic arts.

San Francisco Famous Landmarks

Port of Anchorage Aerial View
Photo by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Creative Commons

Most of the major cities in Alaska started out as fishing and mining camps, but not the city of Anchorage. After the US government acquired Alaska from the Russian Empire, the administration started to work on modernizing the once barren lands of Alaska. The sudden rise in population, due to the Alaska Gold Rush and other industries establishing bases in the area, made modernization of the area a need. The Alaska Railroad was one of the government’s projects and Anchorage’s Ship Creek Landing was selected to be the main headquarters for the project. It didn’t take long for a “tent city” to rise up by the mouth of Ship Creek and along with this growth came the increase in population in the form of aspiring entrepreneurs.

The Anchorage of today is recognized as the largest city in the state of Alaska with more than 40% of the state’s total population residing in Anchorage. You would think that with a large percentage of Alaskan residents living in the area much of Anchorage’s natural wildlife would be taken down in favor of modernization, but surprisingly this isn’t the case with Anchorage.

Anchorage’s natural settings play an important role in their tourism industry. As one of the major cities, Anchorage is just like any urban center complete in modern amenities except it’s completely surrounded as well by the natural wilderness with the likes of mountains, valleys, glaciers, fjords, and even volcanoes decorating the backdrop.

Anchorage is especially alive during the winter with lights decorating the entire downtown. Some of the most popular winter events include the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and the Irondog Snowmobile Race. The summers in Anchorage are popular to visitors because of the cool maritime climate. Flowers are in full bloom during the summer season, hence Anchorage’s nickname “The City of Lights and Flowers.”

A birds eye-view of Phoenix
Photo by: laszlo-photo, Creative Commons

There’s more to Phoenix, Arizona aside from being a thriving modern city. As the capital and the largest city in the state of Arizona, it serves as the heart of the Central Arizona area and serves as the gateway to over 20 other communities that make up the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area fondly nicknamed by locals as the “Valley of the Sun”. 7 Fortune 1000 companies call Phoenix City home.

But the past also thrives here in Phoenix City, as evidenced by the number of museums, galleries and performing venues where the Southwestern and Native American influences of the area are greatly felt from the architecture of the building to the exhibits being showcased. Special mentions include the Heard Museum which has an impressive Native American art collection and the largest visual art destination in the Southwest, the Phoenix Art Museum. Downtown Phoenix is especially teeming with Phoenix art and history thanks to the growth experienced by the art scene there over the last decade.

Situated in the northeast side of the vast Sonoran Desert, Phoenix is reported to experience the hottest climate among all of the major cities in the United States. That however doesn’t seem to deter many of its residents (1.6 million people and counting as of 2009) nor the many tourists who especially enjoy going on outdoor excursions and recreation during the warm winters of Phoenix.

Tourism is particularly high during the month of November until April when weather conditions are especially conducive for outdoor activities from hiking, horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and many more in the various Phoenix parks. Golf is particularly popular in the area with over 200 golf courses spread out in the Phoenix desert canyons and luxurious resorts.

Be sure to check out all 33 landmarks in the Phoenix Points of Pride list which includes offbeat destinations like the Mystery Castle and other interesting natural landmarks among others.

Harbor in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Photo by: Eric Guinther, Creative Commons

One of the main reasons why people go on vacation is to escape. Another frequently cited reason is mere curiosity for what the “outside world” has to offer them. Adventurous people are usually the ones who proclaim that they go on vacations to explore beyond their comfort zones. These are the ones who do without the guide books and go with their instincts when it comes to scouring interesting locations during their short reprieve time from reality. This kind of lifestyle has its upsides and downsides, so unless you’re really game to roughing it out then you might as well seek the comforts of a luxury resort instead.

Now the beaches of Hawaii are famous all over for making its guests feel rest and relaxed with their combination of modern amenities set against a lush, tropical setting. Yet there are still a lot of undiscovered or lesser known beaches in the area that are worth checking out if only to experience a natural beach in its untouched state. Venturing to the western city of Kailua Kona’s Makalawena/Pu’u Ali’I Bay is one of those very rare areas that are rarely visited by the tourists who prefer the comforts of beaches with easier access points. It can take you 15 minutes to reach this area coming from the northern parking lot of Kona Coast State Park by foot. Your efforts will be rewarded by the sight of its beautiful shoreline with near-white sand.

Just because it’s one of the secluded beaches around doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do here. Just a few yards from the shore are large shallow-water coral reef that can be enjoyed by snorkelers. Aside from the thriving coral reef, there are sea arches and caves which you can explore as well. If you’re in the mood for an honest-to-goodness vacation then you’ve just found the perfect place for you.

Petrified Sea Gardens
Photo by: Daniel Case, Creative Commons

Being in New York is thrilling. Everywhere you turn, you find yourself trapped between sky scrapers, and gigantic shopping malls and stores. It could get tiring, though. Unknown to many first time visitors, New York also showcases a few serene tourist spots that could help you get away from all the buzzing in the streets. (more…)

Saratoga Springs Race Track Entrance
Photo by: UpstateNYer, Creative Commons

It is not unknown to many that horse racing is a sport that could easily get your blood pumping. Even if you do not know how to ride a horse, you could always just sit back and appreciate the thrill and the excitement that it could entice. There is something really sophisticated and posh about this sport. Even during the earlier decades, horseback-riding is one of the activities that have become central to the lives of Americans. Of course, it is not considered to be a mainstream sport. Nevertheless, there are still various ways through which you could immense yourself in this very engaging sport. Saratoga Spring’s National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is the place to go!

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is located in Saratoga Springs, New York. Founded in 1950 to commemorate and celebrate the greatness of horse racers, thorough breeders, and champion horses, the museum holds some of the greatest capture moments and memorabilia that make horse racing history in America an epic part of American history. Not only do they exhibit anything that is connected to horse racing history, but they also showcase a number of great riders. Each spring, after the accumulation of votes by the committee, new inductees to the hall of fame are announced. This includes the hall of the Exemplars in Racing, or the exclusive circle of the greatest riders in America, Horses who have performed exemplary performance in their careers in the Hall of Fame, Jockeys, and even Trainers.

The museum holds a very rich collection of the history of horse breeding, riding, and training. It doesn’t matter if you are merely fascinated, or if you are an avid horse enthusiast. This is the perfect place for you. New York National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame offers a walk through the rich history of equine sports in America.

Albany City Hall
Photo by: albany_tim, Creative Commons

The city of Albany is the second oldest city in the United States and one of the last remaining settlements from the original thirteen British colonies. The streets of Albany are peppered with imposing structures, each showcasing unique architectural styles of visionary architects and highlighting the important developments that have occurred in the Empire State’s capital. One such structure is the Albany City Hall. (more…)

Tagish Lake, Yukon Territory Skagway, AK
Photo by: Alan Vernon, Creative Commons

The US government’s purchase of Alaska from the Russian Empire in 1867 was a much ballyhooed transaction. People couldn’t believe that the government, under the auspices of then-US Secretary of State William H. Seward, plunked down $7.2 million for what was deemed by even the Russians themselves as a liability. When gold was eventually discovered, especially in the nearby Yukon Territory, the US government had the last laugh. One area in particular that greatly experienced the mad Alaska Gold Rush was Skagway which was deemed as the “Gateway to the Klondike” in the Yukon region.

The Skagway of today is a far cry from how it used to be back in the mining days. Prospectors flocked by the dozens to Skagway because they believed that it was the best way to reach the rumored goldfields in the area. When gold was indeed discovered in the neighboring Yukon Territory, the number of prospectors increased. Some, however, decided to stay back due to the difficult trek and they were the ones who established the first stores, offices, and saloons of Skagway.

Today, it’s a first-class borough, a popular cruise ship stop, and one of the busiest towns during summer visitor season. There are a variety of tours to choose from if you want to explore Skagway. If you want to encounter the forest and marine wildlife of Skagway, cruise down the Lynn Canal corridor, or even witness for yourself the sights seen by the prospectors during their sojourn, Skagway can accommodate you. Aside from the tours, there are also numerous museums, show gardens, shopping centers, and hiking trails.

Other attractions include “Days of ‘98/Soapy Smith Show,” which reenacts the life of Skagway’s most infamous outlaw Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith, and the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake, where you can learn how to pan for gold and actually try it out for yourself in the Liarsville gold fields.

“If eyes were made for seeing, then Beauty is its own excuse for being.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is a slippery slope to take when it comes to identifying who is the most beautiful woman in the world. Before we go forward, here is a gentle reminder for some men, a woman who is your wife or girlfriend should top your list on who is the most beautiful woman.

We’ve heard the saying, “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder,” this true, always. We can never agree. Since the beginning of time, the human race has been obsessed with the idea of beauty, physical beauty. Women have a foothold in the area of beauty. Kingdoms have risen and fallen because of women; men have killed each other and have gone to great lengths to woo the object of their affection in every possible way.
There can never be an accurate list as to who is the most beautiful woman or women in the world. You cannot even set criteria as to how to define what true beauty is. Here are some of who have been at the top of many a list. Remember, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman…”

Audrey Hepburn

Gwyneth Paltrow

Angelina Jolie

Charlize Theron

Nicole Kidman

Halle Berry

Juliette Binoche

Grace Kelly

Monica Bellucci

Natalie Imbruglia

Bridge over Stow Lake
Photo by: permanently scatterbrained, Creative Commons

If you want a simple yet memorable vacation with your family, then try visiting San Francisco’s Stow Lake located at Stow Lake Drive East. This rather minute recreation area at the heart of the Golden Gate Park is perfect for those who want to have a peaceful time with friends, relatives or family members.

While here you can tour the lake by renting paddle or row boats. You can take pictures of seagulls, turtles and geese while boating. Feeding the ducks is also one of the notable activities done by most of the visitors. You can also tour the whole park by renting bikes. There are several types of bikes that you can choose from, including: mountain bikes, kiddie bikes, tandem bikes, and cruise bikes. If you are the adventurous type, then you can hike the side of the waterfalls together with your friends. Make sure that you bring your digital camera because you can capture a scenic view of the city on top of the falls. Health buffs can also jog or run along the trails of the park.

The Lake is certainly proof that vacations and tourist destinations do not have to be extravagant or high-profile for travelers to enjoy or have fun. What matters most is how you and your loved ones share the experience all together.

San Francisco Famous Landmarks

Governors Mansion State Park
Photo by: Daderot, Creative Commons

Formerly known as the “Historic Governor’s Mansion of California,” the Governors Mansion State Historic Park is currently on the list of the National Register on Historic Places in America. The park served as the official residence of the governor of California during the early years. George Pardee and Ronald Reagan were among the leaders who lived in the mansion. Situated along the city’s 1526 Street, the mansion today serves as venue for public ceremonies and community-led events.

The Governors Mansion was completed in 1877 by Albert Gallatin. The mansion has a 30-room “Italiante Victorian” mansion by a group of merchants led by Gallatin. In 1903, the California State purchased the mansion and used it as the official residence of the governor. The mansion also has a variety of furnishings from former Californian governors. The furnishings that are currently displayed in the mansion include Governor Hiram Johnson’s velvet sofas as well as chairs, Earl Warren’s collection of rugs made from Persia and Pardee’s Steinway 1902 Piano. The mansion underwent a series of renovations during the past decades. The mansion’s fading corners were recently repaired and several old windows were replaced with modernized designs.

The Mansion was recently included in the list of “48 Top California State Parks” under the “Deficit Reduction Program” of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in January 2008. The mansion is open daily to local residents and tourists. In 1982, Governor Jerry Brown refused to hold residence in the mansion. The state of California decided to sell the mansion to several private authorities during the same year.

Downtown Mesa, Arizona
Photo by: Ixnayonthetimmay, Creative Commons

Should you ever find yourself in Arizona’s Valley of the Sun, be sure to stop by the city of Mesa. Located within the Eastern Valley area of the Phoenix Metropolitan, Mesa is the third largest city in the entire state of Arizona.

With a convenient location in the Sonoran Desert, considered as one of the country’s top outdoor recreation playgrounds, and a continuously growing metropolitan area, the city of Mesa has an interesting mix of luxurious and laid back leisure ambience that attracts tourists from all over. Part of Mesa’s allure to tourists is its warm climate filled with bright, sunny days and cool, breezy evenings. One need not tote an umbrella in Mesa because the area rarely receives rain every year and almost never experiences snow during the winter season.

It also helps that the city of Mesa has an intriguing and highly diversified culture with tons of interesting indoor and outdoor recreational activities to keep their guests preoccupied throughout their trip.

There’s adventure abound in Mesa, regardless whether you prefer to seek it indoors or outdoors.

For outdoor enthusiasts, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Mesa and the Arizona desert landscape from the air, land, or water! Mesa’s aerial adventures include taking a hot air balloon ride, chartering a plane, or, if you’re adventurous enough, hang gliding. Enjoy the rugged Mesa trails up close by exploring it like conquistadors on horseback, Jeep/Hummer tours, mountain biking, or through the Mesa hiking trails. Being located in the desert, water sports are aplenty as well in Mesa with visitors having their pick from canoeing, fishing, swimming, to river rafting.

If you’re in the mood for a little indoor adventure, Mesa has a lot of interesting museums and infrastructures to check out as well. Must-see locations include the Mesa Arts Center deemed as the largest arts and culture complex in the state, Arizona Museum for Youth, Mesa Amphitheatre, and the Mesa Arizona Temple among others.

Sitka Harbor
Photo by: Robert A. Estremo, Creative Commons

One can hardly miss the strong influence of the Tlingit tribe in every major town in Alaska. You can’t walk anywhere without seeing or hearing about the legacy of one of Alaska’s major tribal societies that walked the lands of Alaska before the arrival of the European settlers. Yet the true and original home of the Tlingit among the many communities will always be Sitka.

Legend has it that the Tlingit natives arrived at Sitka many years ago after sighting the smoke from Mount Edgecumbe in Kruzof Island. When the Russians arrived in 1799, conflict ensued between the two factions over Sitka territory at the Battle of Sitka. The Russians successfully drove off the tribe into the forest and established Sitka as the capital of Russian America. It was here in Sitka that the historic turnover from Russia to the US took place in 1867.

The town of Sitka is near the Tongass National Forest, deemed as the world’s largest temperate rainforest, just off the outer coast of the Inside Passage. Sitka has the fourth biggest population in all of Alaska. Access to the area is limited, however, by air and sea. It’s no surprise that the largest harbor system in all of Alaska is located here.

Sitka has many points of interest for the tourists who visit like the Alaska Raptor Center, a volunteer operation that oversees the welfare of the indigenous bald eagles and Sitka National Park, the oldest federal park that spans 113 acres of rain forest scenery, just to name a few. Aside from spectacular scenery and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife sight-seeing, one of the things Sitka residents are proud of is their unique history which combines their native Tlingit heritage with Russian influences.

These two influences are greatly seen in their infrastructures. The Sitka residents continuously strive to preserve the arts of their ancestors within their community and generously share these unique performances with their visitors.

London Bridge over Lake Havasu
Photo by: Ken Lund, Creative Commons

When the famous London Bridge was “falling down” during World War II, what the catchy nursery rhyme forgot to say what happened to it afterwards. In 1968, the remnants of the first London Bridge was dismantled and brought back, stone by stone, to a fledgling community by Lake Havasu in Western Arizona.

The city of Lake Havasu first started out as a rest camp for World War II Army Air Corps along the shores of Lake Havasu. After the war, American businessman Robert P. McCulloch purchased 3,500 acres along the eastern side of Lake Havasu, originally intending to transform the peninsula into an island of sorts. In 1964, Lake Havasu City was established, using remnants from an early 20th century mining town for the present city’s foundations.

Next to the Grand Canyon, the London Bridge of Lake Havasu City, Arizona is the second most popular attraction in all of Arizona. To add to the bridge’s English feel to it, you can find an “English Village” complete with Tudor-style buildings located just beneath the bridge. Spanning across Colorado River’s Lake Havasu to Thompson Bay, the London Bridge stretches out for 930 feet long.

For university students however, Lake Havasu City isn’t just “that place where one can cross the London Bridge”. By the time Spring Break rolls around, the community is flooded with the armies of party-hearty college students who hang out by the lake’s shores by day and dance the night away in clubs once night falls.

Lake Havasu City doesn’t just attract the young. Starting from March until September, boaters and vacationing families trek to Lake Havasu City to experience its clear waters, beautiful scenery, and small town hospitality. There are plenty of things to do in Lake Havasu City like swimming, water skiing, fishing, and boating. When the winter season hits, visitors and retirees coming from the colder regions head for Lake Havasu to enjoy its milder winter weather.

Sacred burial site in Flagstaff
Photo by: Molly258, Creative Commons

Whether you’re coming from the north, west, east or south roads, once you approach the Northern Arizona territory, sooner or later you’ll find yourself smack dab in the city of Flagstaff. Situated at the crossroads point where Interstate 40, Interstate 17 and Highway 89 intersect, Flagstaff has been welcoming tourists passing by to see the Grand Canyon for years.

But don’t easily dismiss Flagstaff as just another road stop. After all, Flagstaff didn’t get the nickname “City of Seven Wonders” for nothing.

Aside from being the gateway to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is surrounded by some of Arizona’s natural wonders namely, Coconino National Forest, Oak Creek Canyon, Walnut Canyon, Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater National Monument, and the San Francisco Peaks. Humphrey’s Peak, the highest summit among the San Francisco Peaks and in all of Arizona, is located just 11 miles north of Flagstaff.

With the combination of the city’s elevated location, low humidity, and the surrounding pine forests, Flagstaff experiences mild weather conditions ideal for exploring and enjoying the diverse and natural beauty of the great Flagstaff outdoors. While the sun may be a bit intense during the daytime due to the altitude, Flagstaff nights are particularly chilly.

Flagstaff also has an equally diverse history ranging from Native American tribes to its early pioneer settlers. Learn more about the rich history and culture of Flagstaff as you make your way to the historic downtown district where you can find a number of early 20th infrastructures like the Hotel Weatherford and the Orpheum Theater still in operation along with the remaining motor courts and vintage courts from the old Route 66 days and museums that showcase the diverse influences that shaped Flagstaff.

Numerous weekend festivals are held throughout the year. Seasonal festivals include the Hopi and Navajo Festivals of Arts and Crafts, Pride in the Pines, the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival, and the Made in the Shade Beer Tasting Festival during the summer months and the spring Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival.

Doors to Grace Cathedral
Photo by: jdnx, Creative Commons

At the San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral, everyone is welcome to have a quiet and serene moment any time of the day. This is one of the tourist spots that every traveler should include on their itinerary. There are several places to explore and one of the more popular ones is the labyrinth. The Grace Cathedral also has an art collections that is truly beautiful to see.

In the Cathedral, several collections that date back centuries are on display.There is also a pipe organ with amazing sound quality that is played at certain times of the day. Children are welcome inside so long as they are closely supervised.

The cathedral opens as early as seven in the morning on weekdays. When you are inside the cathedral, you should remember to look up to check out all the intricate paintings and designs all over the church’s ceiling.

San Francisco Famous Landmarks

Fairbanks Train Station
Photo by: Ron Reiring, Creative Commons

Life is full of surprises. Just ask the inventors of some of the most important gadgets in the last century alone. Better yet, look at Christopher Columbus and his so-called discovery of America: landing on the shores of America wasn’t in his plan but it went on to become his life’s greatest achievement. The city of Fairbanks was founded in an almost similar manner.

The second largest city in the state of Alaska was accidentally founded by one Captain E.T. Barnette in 1901. Barnette, a known swindler, banker, and Yukon riverboat captain, originally intended to organize a trading post by the Tanana River. He found himself stranded on the Chena River instead after the riverboat carrying him was forced to turn back. Barnette initially planned to move on, but as luck would have it, gold was being uncovered in a location not more than 12 miles away from him. The gold rush brought business to Barnette’s trading post until it eventually became a settlement, named Fairbanks after then-Vice President Charles Fairbanks. Barnette was the first mayor of Fairbanks.

Fairbanks is located just 358 miles to the north of Anchorage and acts as the center for most of the smaller villages scattered in the neighboring wilderness. Though Fairbanks is also relying on its tourism industry much like Anchorage, the citizens of Fairbanks offer a cozier, small-town feel to their accommodations.

Fairbanks’ position within the rings of the North Pole’s aurora oval provides Fairbanks a great opportunity to view the Northern Lights, one of the city’s most popular natural attractions. Much of the events are focused on the winter, though the city has its share of interesting summer attractions like the 44-acre Pioneer Park, a theme park focusing on the history of Fairbanks and doubles as a community park; water adventures like rafting, canoeing, and kayaking; marine tours that showcase the marine wildlife of Fairbanks; access to four of the town’s hot springs; and a honest-to-goodness riverboat tour courtesy of the Riverboat Discovery that not only explores Chena and Tanana Rivers, but also includes interesting bits about Alaska as a whole.

Rooftops at Nome, Alaska
Photo by: Sir Mildred Pierce, Creative Commons

Not too many towns can say that their name came from a typo error. Fortunately for Nome, Alaska, this lore definitely makes for interesting trivia. As the legend goes, a British mapmaker misread a map annotation wherein an officer who traveled along the Bering Strait region wrote “Name” beside a nameless cape. Instead of “Name,” however, the mapmaker indicated it as “C. Nome” (Cape Nome) instead. That’s just one of the many theories by the residents of Nome about the origin of their town’s name.

Nome has figured prominently in Alaska’s Gold Rush history. During the Gold Rush, discovery of gold at the sands along the coast of Nome’s beaches caused a surge in the population. In a span of one year, the population ballooned to 10,000 and is even estimated to have reached twice that in a space of ten years. A large gold pan along with statues of the Three Lucky Swedes who first uncovered Nome’s gold can be visited between Bering Street and Seppala Road.

Aptly enough, the best time to make a visit to Nome is during the winter season. The adventurous would especially enjoy Nome during the winter because of the vast landscape. There are also numerous events and activities lined up during winter like sled dog rides and races. As the final stop in the world famous Iditarod Sled Dog race, it’s only fitting that Nome ends it with a bang by holding two weeks’ worth of celebrations for locals and their visitors. Another must-see in Nome is the Aurora Borealis; nature’s much anticipated light show visible during the months of November until March.

For the foodies, it’s an imperative that you stop by the local seafood stores to buy the much sought after Norton Sound King Crab as this is probably the only place you can score these crabs for a bargain price.

Ketchikan Harbor
Photo by: mathplourde, Creative Commons

In the olden times, the inhabitants of Southeast Alaska (comprised of various Native tribal societies like Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian) relied greatly on the bodies of water surrounding the area. Aside from being the major means for transportation, they also relied on these waters for fish. Then and now, the residents Southeast Alaska continue to rely on the waters of Southeast Alaska to drive their fishing industry which has now expanded to commercial fishing and contributes to the success of their other major industry, tourism. One area in particular is the city of Ketchikan which is more popularly known as the “Salmon Capital of the World”.

Located on Revillagigedo Island’s western coast, Ketchikan lies near on the tip of Alaska’s southern boundary and usually serves as the first port of call for cruises coming in to Alaska. The town is named after the Ketchikan Creek that continues to flow at the heart of downtown. Tlingit natives were said to be some of the earliest settlers in the area, setting up a fishing camp by the shores of the creek. When commercial fishing industry caught wind of the abundant salmon inhabiting the creek, they promptly established a township. Ketchikan attracts scores of tourists annually, though a large percentage of visitors are sport fishermen who want to take advantage of the rich waters of Ketchikan Creek.

Aside from the outdoor activities, Ketchikan is regarded as one of the best small arts communities in the country due to the numerous shops and art galleries that showcase works from local artists. There’s also the Totem Heritage Center which has an impressive collection of native tribe totem poles dating back to the 19th century and other cultural treasures. Ketchikan may be the “Salmon Capital of the World,” but it has more to offer than just sport fishing.

We all aspire to get a higher education. Choosing where to go for college is always a big decision. Getting the best education goes hand in hand with choosing the field of study you intend to pursue. Not only do you get a quality education but the prestige of being associated with that university. (more…)

Octagon House
Photo by: grahamc99, Creative Commons

San Francisco is known as a city with many tourist attractions. Aside from the Golden Gate Bridge, which is very famous all over the world, there are other sights to see like the museums and art galleries that house impressive and interesting collections. One of the museums that you should visit is San Francisco’s Octagon House.

Many people visit the house because of the oddity of the house structure. Even if you do not go inside the house, the mere exterior of the house can be the attraction itself. This building is one of the two surviving octagon homes in the city and it was built in the 19th century. The Octagon House in the Marina/Cow Hollow neighborhood was built in 1861. During the 19th century, people had the idea that if they lived in a house with an octagon shape, they would live happier and healthier. This is the reason why there were many octagon houses during the 19th century.

Today, the Octagon House serves as a museum that holds early American portraits, furniture, pewter, silver, both English and Chinese ceramics and looking glasses. You will see a lot of unique items and historical documents from during the American colonial and federal era. When you are inside the Octagon House, you will feel that you are back in the 19th century and you will also learn a lot of things regarding the history of America. The Octagon House is being managed by National Society of Colonial Dames of America. It is only open during the second Sunday and second and fourth Thursdays of the month.

San Francisco Famous Landmarks

The world’s tallest mountains are some of the most majestic and beautiful things that one can be blessed enough to witness in their lifetime. They are all located in Asia and each reach an altitude of over eight thousand meters in height. There are only fourteen mountains in the world that can boast such a height. Below are the ten highest of these fourteen mountains.

Mount Everest. Standing at about 29,029 feet (8,848 meters), Everest boasts the top spot for the tallest mountain in the world. It is located on the border between Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal, and Tibet, China and is part of the Himalayan Mountain Range. Although it is the tallest mountain and attracts many climbers of both advanced and limited climbing skill, it is one of the easier mountains to climb. Don’t be mistaken by what we mean by easier, there is still the danger posed by weather changes, winds, temperature and altitude sickness that can make such a long climb difficult, but the terrain is a lot more simple to take than some of the other tallest mountains like K2 or Nanga Parbat.

K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) is located on the border between Pakistan and China and is part of the Himalayan Mountain Range. It is the second highest mountain in the world and is a far more treacherous climb than Everest. In fact, one of every four people that attempts to reach the summit at about 28,251 feet (8,611 meters), dos not live to see the bottom again. Of all of the highest mountains, above eight thousand meters, K2 has the third highest mortality rate.

Kangchenjunga, once thought to be the tallest mountain in the world, was stated as the third highest mountain at 28,169 feet (8,586 meters) in 1848. Its name translates to “The Five Treasures of the Snow” and each of these peaks is said to represent the five repositories of God: gold, silver, gems, grain and holy books. This mountain is sacred to Kirant religion and because of this when the first expedition to the summit occurred in 1955; the British exploration team stopped a few feet away from the actual summit out of respect. A tradition which most teams that have successfully reached the summit have honorably followed.

Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain on Earth and is connected to Everest at the South Col. It is located on the boarder between Nepal and China and at it highest peak is about 27,940 feet (8,516 meters) high. This mountain is best known for its close proximity to Everest but is special in own right because it is the home of the steepest face of a mountain that is approximately 1.98×1.4 miles in size. This southern face has been the setting for any failed attempts, some notable fatalities and very few successful summit reaches.

Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world and is located about 14 miles east of Everest. It is located on the boarder of Nepal and China. It is an isolated peak that has the unique shape of a four-sided pyramid. There is another subsidiary peak that doesn’t quite meet up to the “eight-thousander” reputation called Kangchungtse, or Makalu II. It lies northeast of the main summit and is connected to it by a arrow saddle called Chomo Lonzo.

Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world and stands at about 26,906 feet (8,201meters) high. Like most of the other Himalayan Mountains, it lies between Nepal and China (Tibet). Its name in Tibetan means “Turquoise Goddess”. It was used as a warm up for climbing Mount Everest when people were first exploring the Himalayan Mountains and today it is considered the easiest of al of the “eight-thousander” mountains to climb.

Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest mountain in the world and is about 26,795 feet (8,167 meters) tall. It is located just north of central Nepal. Its name means “White Mountain”. The South and West faces of Dhaulagiri both feature massive drops; each rises over 4000 meters from its base, and each has been the site of epic climbs. This mountain, along with Annapurna, is home to a more dramatic scene than most of the other mountains, for they face each other while separated by a valley. This is an amazing sight to see, and one of the main reasons why, for thirty years, it was thought to be the highest mountain in the world.

Manaslu, when translated means “Mountain of the Spirit” and is the eighth highest mountain in the world. It is a part of the Nepalese Himalayans and stands at about 26,759 feet (8,156 meters) high. The mountain’s long ridges and valley glaciers offer feasible approaches from all directions, and culminate in a peak that towers steeply above its surrounding landscape. This is the most dominant feature when viewed from far way.

Nanga Parbat is the world’s ninth tallest mountain and stands at about 26,660 feet (8,126 meters) in height. Although the name is Urdu for “Naked Mountain”, for first half of the twentieth century it was known as “Killer Mountain”. It was called this because it used to be an incredibly dangerous climb to the top. Now however, it is less dangerous to climb, but still very difficult. This mountain is an immense and dramatic peak that rises above its surrounding area in Pakistan.

Annapurna is a series of peaks, the highest of which is called Annapurna I, which is the tenth highest mountain in the world. It is located in central Nepal and is approximately 26,545 feet (8,091 meters) tall. Its peaks are some of the world’s most dangerous to climb. In fact, they have a fatality rate of about forty percent.