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Showing posts from 2010

Betliar Manor2

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Here are some amazing pictures from the inside of Betliar Manor.  Really, it's almost a vulgar display of wealth!

Betliar Manor

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An amazing monument especially the interior (I'll post some pics of that later).

Where is this?/What is this?

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I don't believe you will ever guess but add a comment at the bottom of this post if by some miracle, you do know.

Around Betliar Manor2

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Here's an interesting statue behind the manor.  Speaking of the manor, I will begin posting pictures of the interior/exterior tomorrow.

Around Betliar Manor!

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There was an equestrian event taking place the day I visited Betliar Manor near Roznava.  As I recall, the event was held on the grounds behind the manor.  If you're interested in reading more about this famous location, I've included a link below: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betliar

On the Road to Roznava

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A church and a castle that I can't recall the names of.  Perhaps, someone can help me.  One clue, these were on the way/road (coming from the east) to Roznava in central Slovakia.

Modern Slovak Architecture

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I spent the night with a friend of mine in this small town just outside of Kosice, Slovakia.  All my pictures of Slovakia show older buildings but these are of houses in a modern residential area.  I really like the architectural style.

Lake Assal3

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Three more nice views.  You can see the salt in the water as it collects near the edge.  One thing I recall about this trip, none of my friends from Djibouti City wanted to come with me to the lake.  This was unusual, but they did give me a valid reason.  Since they were Issa, they felt uncomfortable traveling to an area that was predominately occupied by the Afar tribe.  I was safe but they weren't from their perspective.

Lake Assal2

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Some more from this amazing area!

Lake Assal

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This lake is the lowest point in Africa.  I wanted to dip my feet in the water but was told that certain parasites could penetrate the skin and cause all kinds of problems!  More pics to come.

On the Road to Lake Assal6

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Getting closer to the lake, be sure to take note of the rocks on the side of the road.  It gets worse (or better depending on your perspective).

On the Road to Lake Assal5

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Two more of the "locals."  Click on the picture to get a fuller/better view.

On the Road to Lake Assal4

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Continuing on my sojourn through East Africa, I had to take these pictures from inside the car and usually, on the move.  For various reasons, I was reluctant to stop.  First of all, I was concerned about being swarmed by the villagers who sometimes get excited when seeing a Westerner.  I was also suspicious of the other locals crossing the road in picture number three.  I had a feeling they weren't as docile (or orderly) as they intially appeared. 

On the Road to Lake Assal3

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Continuing on to Lake Assal.  The second pictures shows a small town I had to pass through on my way.  In later pictures, you'll see baboons crossing the road!

On the Road to Lake Assal2

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Some more of this barren land.  I always feared my car breaking down out here!

On the Road to Lake Assal

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Lake Assal is the lowest point in Africa and I will post pictures of it soon.  However, these pictures were taken early in the morning on my way out to the lake.  To be exact, they were taken about 20 miles outside of Arta, Djibouti.  Be sure to check the 'Djibouti' folder for more details concerning this trip.

Outside Djibouti City

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These pictures were taken near the beach just outside of Djibouti City back in '07.  The baby camel was using the tree to scratch itself.

Been Meaning to Post!

But, I keep getting sidetracked.  I also need to get on the ball and travel somewhere.  Hopefully, I'll do that in the next few months.

Hanami in Japan2

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Aren't the cherry blossoms a sight to behold?  I especially like the picture where you can see the castle past the blooms.

Hanami in Japan

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'Hanami' is when one views the cherry blossoms in the spring.  It also involves a lot eating and drinking while viewing.  Notice all of these in the pictures.  It's like a dream, isn't it?

Nagoya, Japan2

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Three more pictures, this time of downtown Nagoya which was always just a pleasant subway ride away.

Nagoya, Japan

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For those of you who have never been to Japan, you may not think these pictures very exotic.  They were taken from my balcony and show a neighborhood called 'Kurokawa' in Nagoya.  It was very convenient for me to live there as the subway was just across the street from my apartment building.  I also loved walking these streets in the evenings.  I lived in Japan from March through August '07.

Just A Reminder . . .

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to myself of what I will be returning to at some point in the future.  Another scene from 'Ananuri' in the Republic of Georgia.