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  • This was a good day.  This shot was taken at sunrise.  We had our own boat and were slowly making our way down the river at dawn.  I hired a couple of musicians to play on the boat.  It was a beautiful sunrise.<br />
Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042301L-10.jpg
  • This photo is something called the Arti ceremony.  It took place at night with a river of candles floating away from the platform.  There were two drummers there as well with giant drums that they would use to create a hypnotic beat as the ceremony went on.  Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042201G-08.jpg
  • I met this Sadhu on the Ghats in Banaras.  The colors of this place are truly amazing!  Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042301T-19.jpg
  • Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042201K-24.jpg
  • Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042101E-22.jpg
  • I met this Sadhu on the Ghats in Banaras.  The colors of this place are truly amazing!  Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042301S-1.jpg
  • Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042201O-29.jpg
  • Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042101E-09.jpg
  • Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042101E-07.jpg
  • Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042301K-01.jpg
  • Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042101E-21.jpg
  • I met this Sadhu on the Ghats in Banaras.  The colors of this place are truly amazing!  Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042301N-12.jpg
  • I met this Sadhu on the Ghats in Banaras.  The colors of this place are truly amazing!  Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042301T-23.jpg
  • Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042201B-03.jpg
  • Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042101K-02.jpg
  • I met this Sadhu on the Ghats in Banaras.  The colors of this place are truly amazing!  Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042301V-29.jpg
  • Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042201O-37.jpg
  • Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042201D-25.jpg
  • Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042101I-1.jpg
  • I met this Sadhu on the Ghats in Banaras.  The colors of this place are truly amazing!  Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042101P-2.jpg
  • I met this Sadhu on the Ghats in Banaras.  The colors of this place are truly amazing!  Banaras is the most visited pilgrimage destination in all of India. It is one of the seven Holy Cities, one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites, one of the Shakti Pitha sites, and the most favored place for Hindus to die and be cremated. Countless hymns and myths speak of the waters of the Ganges as the fluid medium of Shiva's divine essence, and a bath in the river is believed to wash away all of one's sins. Kashi is also traditionally called Mahashamshana, "the great cremation ground". Hindus believe that cremation at the holy city insures moksha, or final liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Because of this belief, dying persons and dead bodies from far-off places are brought to Kashi for cremation at the Manikarnika and other cremation sites (five principal and eighty-eight minor cremation/bathing sites lie along the Ganges).
    042301T-06.jpg
  • A bird of prey flys into the sunset.
    040601G-02.jpg
  • Geikie Gorge near Fitzroy Crossing <br />
<br />
Kimberley Plateau - Western Australia <br />
<br />
Geikie Gorge (known locally as Darngku) is located within the grounds of Geikie Gorge National Park, 20km from Fitzroy Crossing, 1831 km northeast of Perth and 420 km east of Broome in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. Believed to be one of the best-known and most easily accessed, the gorge is named in honour of Sir Archibald Geikie, the Director General of Geological Survey for Great Britain and Ireland when it was given its European name in 1883. Along with Tunnel Creek and Windjana Gorge, Geikie Gorge is part of an ancient barrier reef that developed during the Devonian Period. The walls of the gorge are 30 metres high. The eight kilometer gorge was created by the flowing waters of the Fitzroy River, which still flows through the region and the wildlife present in the Gorge includes: the freshwater crocodile, Leichhardt's sawfish and Coach-whip stingrays.
    101801C-16.jpg
  • Grand Canyon National Park is the United States' 15th oldest national park. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the park is located in Arizona. The park's central feature is the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, which is often considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The park covers 1,217,262 acres (1,901.972 sq mi; 492,608 ha; 4,926.08 km2) of unincorporated area in Coconino and Mohave counties.<br />
<br />
The Grand Canyon, including its extensive system of tributary canyons, is valued for its combination of size, depth, and exposed layers of colorful rocks dating back to Precambrian times. The canyon itself was created by the incision of the Colorado River and its tributaries after the Colorado Plateau was uplifted, causing the Colorado River system to develop along its present path.  This image was taken on the south rim of the canyon.
    091315-168.jpg
  • Grand Canyon National Park is the United States' 15th oldest national park. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the park is located in Arizona. The park's central feature is the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, which is often considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The park covers 1,217,262 acres (1,901.972 sq mi; 492,608 ha; 4,926.08 km2) of unincorporated area in Coconino and Mohave counties.<br />
<br />
The Grand Canyon, including its extensive system of tributary canyons, is valued for its combination of size, depth, and exposed layers of colorful rocks dating back to Precambrian times. The canyon itself was created by the incision of the Colorado River and its tributaries after the Colorado Plateau was uplifted, causing the Colorado River system to develop along its present path.  This image was taken on the south rim of the canyon.
    062215-062.jpg
  • Grand Canyon National Park is the United States' 15th oldest national park. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the park is located in Arizona. The park's central feature is the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, which is often considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The park covers 1,217,262 acres (1,901.972 sq mi; 492,608 ha; 4,926.08 km2) of unincorporated area in Coconino and Mohave counties.<br />
<br />
The Grand Canyon, including its extensive system of tributary canyons, is valued for its combination of size, depth, and exposed layers of colorful rocks dating back to Precambrian times. The canyon itself was created by the incision of the Colorado River and its tributaries after the Colorado Plateau was uplifted, causing the Colorado River system to develop along its present path.  This image was taken on the south rim of the canyon.
    062215-011.jpg
  • Grand Canyon National Park is the United States' 15th oldest national park. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the park is located in Arizona. The park's central feature is the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, which is often considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The park covers 1,217,262 acres (1,901.972 sq mi; 492,608 ha; 4,926.08 km2) of unincorporated area in Coconino and Mohave counties.<br />
<br />
The Grand Canyon, including its extensive system of tributary canyons, is valued for its combination of size, depth, and exposed layers of colorful rocks dating back to Precambrian times. The canyon itself was created by the incision of the Colorado River and its tributaries after the Colorado Plateau was uplifted, causing the Colorado River system to develop along its present path.  This image was taken on the south rim of the canyon.
    062215-065.jpg
  • Grand Canyon National Park is the United States' 15th oldest national park. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the park is located in Arizona. The park's central feature is the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, which is often considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The park covers 1,217,262 acres (1,901.972 sq mi; 492,608 ha; 4,926.08 km2) of unincorporated area in Coconino and Mohave counties.<br />
<br />
The Grand Canyon, including its extensive system of tributary canyons, is valued for its combination of size, depth, and exposed layers of colorful rocks dating back to Precambrian times. The canyon itself was created by the incision of the Colorado River and its tributaries after the Colorado Plateau was uplifted, causing the Colorado River system to develop along its present path.  This image was taken on the south rim of the canyon.
    091315-257.jpg
  • Grand Canyon National Park is the United States' 15th oldest national park. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the park is located in Arizona. The park's central feature is the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, which is often considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The park covers 1,217,262 acres (1,901.972 sq mi; 492,608 ha; 4,926.08 km2) of unincorporated area in Coconino and Mohave counties.<br />
<br />
The Grand Canyon, including its extensive system of tributary canyons, is valued for its combination of size, depth, and exposed layers of colorful rocks dating back to Precambrian times. The canyon itself was created by the incision of the Colorado River and its tributaries after the Colorado Plateau was uplifted, causing the Colorado River system to develop along its present path.  This image was taken on the south rim of the canyon.
    091315-038.jpg
  • Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian Inca site located 2,400 meters (7,875 ft) above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 km (50 mi) northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows. The river is a partially navigable headwater of the Amazon River. Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", Machu Picchu is one of the most familiar symbols of the Inca Empire. It was built around the year 1460, but was abandoned as an official site for the Inca rulers a hundred years later, at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Although known locally, it was said to have been forgotten for centuries when the site was brought to worldwide attention in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, an American historian. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It is especially important as a cultural site and considered a sacred place.
    053100K-7.jpg
  • Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian Inca site located 2,400 meters (7,875 ft) above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 km (50 mi) northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows. The river is a partially navigable headwater of the Amazon River. Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", Machu Picchu is one of the most familiar symbols of the Inca Empire. It was built around the year 1460, but was abandoned as an official site for the Inca rulers a hundred years later, at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Although known locally, it was said to have been forgotten for centuries when the site was brought to worldwide attention in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, an American historian. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It is especially important as a cultural site and considered a sacred place.
    053100E-15.jpg
  • Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian Inca site located 2,400 meters (7,875 ft) above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 km (50 mi) northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows. The river is a partially navigable headwater of the Amazon River. Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", Machu Picchu is one of the most familiar symbols of the Inca Empire. It was built around the year 1460, but was abandoned as an official site for the Inca rulers a hundred years later, at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Although known locally, it was said to have been forgotten for centuries when the site was brought to worldwide attention in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, an American historian. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It is especially important as a cultural site and considered a sacred place.
    053100E-4.jpg
  • Grand Canyon National Park is the United States' 15th oldest national park. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the park is located in Arizona. The park's central feature is the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River, which is often considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The park covers 1,217,262 acres (1,901.972 sq mi; 492,608 ha; 4,926.08 km2) of unincorporated area in Coconino and Mohave counties.<br />
<br />
The Grand Canyon, including its extensive system of tributary canyons, is valued for its combination of size, depth, and exposed layers of colorful rocks dating back to Precambrian times. The canyon itself was created by the incision of the Colorado River and its tributaries after the Colorado Plateau was uplifted, causing the Colorado River system to develop along its present path.  This image was taken on the south rim of the canyon.
    062215-008.jpg
  • Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian Inca site located 2,400 meters (7,875 ft) above sea level. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 km (50 mi) northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows. The river is a partially navigable headwater of the Amazon River. Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", Machu Picchu is one of the most familiar symbols of the Inca Empire. It was built around the year 1460, but was abandoned as an official site for the Inca rulers a hundred years later, at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Although known locally, it was said to have been forgotten for centuries when the site was brought to worldwide attention in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, an American historian. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It is especially important as a cultural site and considered a sacred place.
    053100P-01.jpg
  • Horseshoe Bend is a horseshoe-shaped meander of the Colorado River located near the town of Page, Arizona, in the United States.  The overlook is 4,200 feet (1,300 m) above sea level, and the Colorado River is at 3,200 feet (980 m) above sea level, making it a 1,000-foot (300 m) drop.  The rock walls of Horseshoe Bend contain a variety of minerals, among which are hematite, platinum and garnet.
    091415-032-HDR.jpg
  • Columbia River Gorge, Oregon - United States <br />
<br />
This section of the Columbia River Gorge, just east of Portland, Oregon has the highest concentration of waterfalls in the United States.
    080303-31.jpg
  • Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southwestern Utah in the United States. The major feature of the park is Bryce Canyon, which despite its name, is not a canyon, but a collection of giant natural amphitheaters along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce is distinctive due to geological structures called hoodoos, formed by frost weathering and stream erosion of the river and lake bed sedimentary rocks. The red, orange, and white colors of the rocks provide spectacular views. Bryce sits at a higher elevation varying from 8,000 to 9,000 feet (2,400 to 2,700 m).<br />
The Bryce Canyon area was settled by Mormon pioneers in the 1850s and was named after Ebenezer Bryce, who homesteaded in the area in 1874. The area around Bryce Canyon became a National Monument in 1923 and was designated as a National Park in 1928. The park covers 35,835 acres (55.992 sq mi; 14,502 ha; 145.02 km2) and receives relatively few visitors compared to Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon, largely due to its remote location.
    062415-07.jpg
  • This shop was the only shop in the medina that sold camel meat.  How many places in the world would you see a camels head hanging in a food shop where they are butchering meat for you?  It's places like this that make this city truly unique and such a pleasure to visit.<br />
<br />
The Holy City of Fez, a jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization, is an outstanding and well-preserved example of an ancient capital of the Almoravids and the Almohads in the North African context, despite the destruction of the city and the transfer of the capital to Rabat. The Medina of Fez in its old, densely packed monuments - madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - is the memory of the capital founded in year 192 of the Hegira (808) by Idriss II.<br />
<br />
The ancient city, home to the oldest university in the world, is composed of two distinct centres. One is the quarter of the Andalous, a population that fled from the Umayyad masters of Cordoba and who came to settle definitively on the right bank of the Fez. The other is the quarter of the Quarawiyyia, a people emigrated from Kairouan in the 11th century who chose the left bank of the river to develop their activities.<br />
<br />
Despite the destruction of a considerable part of the city by the Almoravids, the dynasty that took power in the 11th century, the two quarters grouped around two major monuments, the Jama el Andalous (the Mosque of the Andalusians) and the mosque of El Karaouiyne, have preserved their identities intact in the old city of Fez el Bali.<br />
<br />
In the 13th century, after the Merinid conquest, when the city found itself constrained within its walls, a new city, Fez el Jedid, was founded directly to the west, in ah 674 by the sultan Abou Youssouf. It replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. In the 14th century a Jewish quarter, the Mellah, was joined to the newly founded city. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the Medina date from this period.<br />
<br />
Since then, the twin cities have led a symbiotic existence
    042214-0575.jpg
  • This view of the medina (old city) of Fez was taken from the hills outside of the medina.  Fez is located between the Rif mountains and the Atlas mountains in northern Morocco.  It's a beautiful area and the views of the area are quite beautiful, particularly in the spring.<br />
<br />
The Holy City of Fez, a jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization, is an outstanding and well-preserved example of an ancient capital of the Almoravids and the Almohads in the North African context, despite the destruction of the city and the transfer of the capital to Rabat. The Medina of Fez in its old, densely packed monuments - madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - is the memory of the capital founded in year 192 of the Hegira (808) by Idriss II.<br />
<br />
The ancient city, home to the oldest university in the world, is composed of two distinct centres. One is the quarter of the Andalous, a population that fled from the Umayyad masters of Cordoba and who came to settle definitively on the right bank of the Fez. The other is the quarter of the Quarawiyyia, a people emigrated from Kairouan in the 11th century who chose the left bank of the river to develop their activities.<br />
<br />
Despite the destruction of a considerable part of the city by the Almoravids, the dynasty that took power in the 11th century, the two quarters grouped around two major monuments, the Jama el Andalous (the Mosque of the Andalusians) and the mosque of El Karaouiyne, have preserved their identities intact in the old city of Fez el Bali.<br />
<br />
In the 13th century, after the Merinid conquest, when the city found itself constrained within its walls, a new city, Fez el Jedid, was founded directly to the west, in ah 674 by the sultan Abou Youssouf. It replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. In the 14th century a Jewish quarter, the Mellah, was joined to the newly founded city. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the Medina date from this period.<br />
<br />
Since then, the twin cities have led a symbiotic exist
    042214-0135.jpg
  • This view of the medina (old city) of Fez was taken from the hills outside of the medina.  Fez is located between the Rif mountains and the Atlas mountains in northern Morocco.  It's a beautiful area and the views of the area are quite beautiful, particularly in the spring.<br />
<br />
The Holy City of Fez, a jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization, is an outstanding and well-preserved example of an ancient capital of the Almoravids and the Almohads in the North African context, despite the destruction of the city and the transfer of the capital to Rabat. The Medina of Fez in its old, densely packed monuments - madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - is the memory of the capital founded in year 192 of the Hegira (808) by Idriss II.<br />
<br />
The ancient city, home to the oldest university in the world, is composed of two distinct centres. One is the quarter of the Andalous, a population that fled from the Umayyad masters of Cordoba and who came to settle definitively on the right bank of the Fez. The other is the quarter of the Quarawiyyia, a people emigrated from Kairouan in the 11th century who chose the left bank of the river to develop their activities.<br />
<br />
Despite the destruction of a considerable part of the city by the Almoravids, the dynasty that took power in the 11th century, the two quarters grouped around two major monuments, the Jama el Andalous (the Mosque of the Andalusians) and the mosque of El Karaouiyne, have preserved their identities intact in the old city of Fez el Bali.<br />
<br />
In the 13th century, after the Merinid conquest, when the city found itself constrained within its walls, a new city, Fez el Jedid, was founded directly to the west, in ah 674 by the sultan Abou Youssouf. It replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. In the 14th century a Jewish quarter, the Mellah, was joined to the newly founded city. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the Medina date from this period.<br />
<br />
Since then, the twin cities have led a symbiotic exist
    042314-251.jpg
  • This view of a mosque against the backdrop of the Rif mountains was taken from a rooftop inside the medina (old city) of Fez.  Fez is located between the Rif mountains and the Atlas mountains in northern Morocco.  It's a beautiful area and the views of the area are quite beautiful, particularly in the spring.<br />
<br />
The Holy City of Fez, a jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization, is an outstanding and well-preserved example of an ancient capital of the Almoravids and the Almohads in the North African context, despite the destruction of the city and the transfer of the capital to Rabat. The Medina of Fez in its old, densely packed monuments - madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - is the memory of the capital founded in year 192 of the Hegira (808) by Idriss II.<br />
<br />
The ancient city, home to the oldest university in the world, is composed of two distinct centres. One is the quarter of the Andalous, a population that fled from the Umayyad masters of Cordoba and who came to settle definitively on the right bank of the Fez. The other is the quarter of the Quarawiyyia, a people emigrated from Kairouan in the 11th century who chose the left bank of the river to develop their activities.<br />
<br />
Despite the destruction of a considerable part of the city by the Almoravids, the dynasty that took power in the 11th century, the two quarters grouped around two major monuments, the Jama el Andalous (the Mosque of the Andalusians) and the mosque of El Karaouiyne, have preserved their identities intact in the old city of Fez el Bali.<br />
<br />
In the 13th century, after the Merinid conquest, when the city found itself constrained within its walls, a new city, Fez el Jedid, was founded directly to the west, in ah 674 by the sultan Abou Youssouf. It replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. In the 14th century a Jewish quarter, the Mellah, was joined to the newly founded city. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the Medina date from this period.<br />
<br />
Since then, the tw
    042214-0743.jpg
  • The narrow pathways and streets of the medina (old city) in Fez, Morocco add so much to charm and feel of this city.  These parts of the city are very old.  You can feel it as you walk through the medina and take in the surroundings.<br />
<br />
The Holy City of Fez, a jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization, is an outstanding and well-preserved example of an ancient capital of the Almoravids and the Almohads in the North African context, despite the destruction of the city and the transfer of the capital to Rabat. The Medina of Fez in its old, densely packed monuments - madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - is the memory of the capital founded in year 192 of the Hegira (808) by Idriss II.<br />
<br />
The ancient city, home to the oldest university in the world, is composed of two distinct centres. One is the quarter of the Andalous, a population that fled from the Umayyad masters of Cordoba and who came to settle definitively on the right bank of the Fez. The other is the quarter of the Quarawiyyia, a people emigrated from Kairouan in the 11th century who chose the left bank of the river to develop their activities.<br />
<br />
Despite the destruction of a considerable part of the city by the Almoravids, the dynasty that took power in the 11th century, the two quarters grouped around two major monuments, the Jama el Andalous (the Mosque of the Andalusians) and the mosque of El Karaouiyne, have preserved their identities intact in the old city of Fez el Bali.<br />
<br />
In the 13th century, after the Merinid conquest, when the city found itself constrained within its walls, a new city, Fez el Jedid, was founded directly to the west, in ah 674 by the sultan Abou Youssouf. It replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. In the 14th century a Jewish quarter, the Mellah, was joined to the newly founded city. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the Medina date from this period.<br />
<br />
Since then, the twin cities have led a symbiotic existence without losing their own character.
    042214-0508.jpg
  • The Holy City of Fez, a jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization, is an outstanding and well-preserved example of an ancient capital of the Almoravids and the Almohads in the North African context, despite the destruction of the city and the transfer of the capital to Rabat. The Medina of Fez in its old, densely packed monuments - madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - is the memory of the capital founded in year 192 of the Hegira (808) by Idriss II.<br />
<br />
The ancient city, home to the oldest university in the world, is composed of two distinct centres. One is the quarter of the Andalous, a population that fled from the Umayyad masters of Cordoba and who came to settle definitively on the right bank of the Fez. The other is the quarter of the Quarawiyyia, a people emigrated from Kairouan in the 11th century who chose the left bank of the river to develop their activities.<br />
<br />
Despite the destruction of a considerable part of the city by the Almoravids, the dynasty that took power in the 11th century, the two quarters grouped around two major monuments, the Jama el Andalous (the Mosque of the Andalusians) and the mosque of El Karaouiyne, have preserved their identities intact in the old city of Fez el Bali.<br />
<br />
In the 13th century, after the Merinid conquest, when the city found itself constrained within its walls, a new city, Fez el Jedid, was founded directly to the west, in ah 674 by the sultan Abou Youssouf. It replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. In the 14th century a Jewish quarter, the Mellah, was joined to the newly founded city. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the Medina date from this period.<br />
<br />
Since then, the twin cities have led a symbiotic existence without losing their own character. Fez is at once an astonishing city-museum and one of the largest Islamic metropolises in which the various demographic strata have determined the greatest variety of architectural forms and urban landscapes.<br />
<br />
Having been deserted since
    042214-0730.jpg
  • The narrow pathways and streets of the medina (old city) in Fez, Morocco add so much to charm and feel of this city.  These parts of the city are very old.  You can feel it as you walk through the medina and take in the surroundings.<br />
<br />
The Holy City of Fez, a jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization, is an outstanding and well-preserved example of an ancient capital of the Almoravids and the Almohads in the North African context, despite the destruction of the city and the transfer of the capital to Rabat. The Medina of Fez in its old, densely packed monuments - madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - is the memory of the capital founded in year 192 of the Hegira (808) by Idriss II.<br />
<br />
The ancient city, home to the oldest university in the world, is composed of two distinct centres. One is the quarter of the Andalous, a population that fled from the Umayyad masters of Cordoba and who came to settle definitively on the right bank of the Fez. The other is the quarter of the Quarawiyyia, a people emigrated from Kairouan in the 11th century who chose the left bank of the river to develop their activities.<br />
<br />
Despite the destruction of a considerable part of the city by the Almoravids, the dynasty that took power in the 11th century, the two quarters grouped around two major monuments, the Jama el Andalous (the Mosque of the Andalusians) and the mosque of El Karaouiyne, have preserved their identities intact in the old city of Fez el Bali.<br />
<br />
In the 13th century, after the Merinid conquest, when the city found itself constrained within its walls, a new city, Fez el Jedid, was founded directly to the west, in ah 674 by the sultan Abou Youssouf. It replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. In the 14th century a Jewish quarter, the Mellah, was joined to the newly founded city. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the Medina date from this period.<br />
<br />
Since then, the twin cities have led a symbiotic existence without losing their own character.
    042214-0599.jpg
  • Bryce Canyon National Park is located in southwestern Utah in the United States. The major feature of the park is Bryce Canyon, which despite its name, is not a canyon, but a collection of giant natural amphitheaters along the eastern side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce is distinctive due to geological structures called hoodoos, formed by frost weathering and stream erosion of the river and lake bed sedimentary rocks. The red, orange, and white colors of the rocks provide spectacular views. Bryce sits at a higher elevation varying from 8,000 to 9,000 feet (2,400 to 2,700 m).<br />
The Bryce Canyon area was settled by Mormon pioneers in the 1850s and was named after Ebenezer Bryce, who homesteaded in the area in 1874. The area around Bryce Canyon became a National Monument in 1923 and was designated as a National Park in 1928. The park covers 35,835 acres (55.992 sq mi; 14,502 ha; 145.02 km2) and receives relatively few visitors compared to Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon, largely due to its remote location.
    062415-63.jpg
  • This view of the medina (old city) of Fez was taken from the hills outside of the medina.  Fez is located between the Rif mountains and the Atlas mountains in northern Morocco.  It's a beautiful area and the views of the area are quite beautiful, particularly in the spring.<br />
<br />
The Holy City of Fez, a jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization, is an outstanding and well-preserved example of an ancient capital of the Almoravids and the Almohads in the North African context, despite the destruction of the city and the transfer of the capital to Rabat. The Medina of Fez in its old, densely packed monuments - madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - is the memory of the capital founded in year 192 of the Hegira (808) by Idriss II.<br />
<br />
The ancient city, home to the oldest university in the world, is composed of two distinct centres. One is the quarter of the Andalous, a population that fled from the Umayyad masters of Cordoba and who came to settle definitively on the right bank of the Fez. The other is the quarter of the Quarawiyyia, a people emigrated from Kairouan in the 11th century who chose the left bank of the river to develop their activities.<br />
<br />
Despite the destruction of a considerable part of the city by the Almoravids, the dynasty that took power in the 11th century, the two quarters grouped around two major monuments, the Jama el Andalous (the Mosque of the Andalusians) and the mosque of El Karaouiyne, have preserved their identities intact in the old city of Fez el Bali.<br />
<br />
In the 13th century, after the Merinid conquest, when the city found itself constrained within its walls, a new city, Fez el Jedid, was founded directly to the west, in ah 674 by the sultan Abou Youssouf. It replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. In the 14th century a Jewish quarter, the Mellah, was joined to the newly founded city. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the Medina date from this period.<br />
<br />
Since then, the twin cities have led a symbiotic exist
    042314-239.jpg
  • The narrow pathways and streets of the medina (old city) in Fez, Morocco add so much to charm and feel of this city.  These parts of the city are very old.  You can feel it as you walk through the medina and take in the surroundings.<br />
<br />
The Holy City of Fez, a jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization, is an outstanding and well-preserved example of an ancient capital of the Almoravids and the Almohads in the North African context, despite the destruction of the city and the transfer of the capital to Rabat. The Medina of Fez in its old, densely packed monuments - madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - is the memory of the capital founded in year 192 of the Hegira (808) by Idriss II.<br />
<br />
The ancient city, home to the oldest university in the world, is composed of two distinct centres. One is the quarter of the Andalous, a population that fled from the Umayyad masters of Cordoba and who came to settle definitively on the right bank of the Fez. The other is the quarter of the Quarawiyyia, a people emigrated from Kairouan in the 11th century who chose the left bank of the river to develop their activities.<br />
<br />
Despite the destruction of a considerable part of the city by the Almoravids, the dynasty that took power in the 11th century, the two quarters grouped around two major monuments, the Jama el Andalous (the Mosque of the Andalusians) and the mosque of El Karaouiyne, have preserved their identities intact in the old city of Fez el Bali.<br />
<br />
In the 13th century, after the Merinid conquest, when the city found itself constrained within its walls, a new city, Fez el Jedid, was founded directly to the west, in ah 674 by the sultan Abou Youssouf. It replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. In the 14th century a Jewish quarter, the Mellah, was joined to the newly founded city. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the Medina date from this period.<br />
<br />
Since then, the twin cities have led a symbiotic existence without losing their own character.
    042214-0605.jpg
  • The narrow pathways and streets of the medina (old city) in Fez, Morocco add so much to charm and feel of this city.  These parts of the city are very old.  You can feel it as you walk through the medina and take in the surroundings.<br />
<br />
The Holy City of Fez, a jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization, is an outstanding and well-preserved example of an ancient capital of the Almoravids and the Almohads in the North African context, despite the destruction of the city and the transfer of the capital to Rabat. The Medina of Fez in its old, densely packed monuments - madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - is the memory of the capital founded in year 192 of the Hegira (808) by Idriss II.<br />
<br />
The ancient city, home to the oldest university in the world, is composed of two distinct centres. One is the quarter of the Andalous, a population that fled from the Umayyad masters of Cordoba and who came to settle definitively on the right bank of the Fez. The other is the quarter of the Quarawiyyia, a people emigrated from Kairouan in the 11th century who chose the left bank of the river to develop their activities.<br />
<br />
Despite the destruction of a considerable part of the city by the Almoravids, the dynasty that took power in the 11th century, the two quarters grouped around two major monuments, the Jama el Andalous (the Mosque of the Andalusians) and the mosque of El Karaouiyne, have preserved their identities intact in the old city of Fez el Bali.<br />
<br />
In the 13th century, after the Merinid conquest, when the city found itself constrained within its walls, a new city, Fez el Jedid, was founded directly to the west, in ah 674 by the sultan Abou Youssouf. It replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. In the 14th century a Jewish quarter, the Mellah, was joined to the newly founded city. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the Medina date from this period.<br />
<br />
Since then, the twin cities have led a symbiotic existence without losing their own character.
    042214-0502.jpg
  • This view of the medina (old city) of Fez was taken from the hills outside of the medina.  Fez is located between the Rif mountains and the Atlas mountains in northern Morocco.  It's a beautiful area and the views of the area are quite beautiful, particularly in the spring.<br />
<br />
The Holy City of Fez, a jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization, is an outstanding and well-preserved example of an ancient capital of the Almoravids and the Almohads in the North African context, despite the destruction of the city and the transfer of the capital to Rabat. The Medina of Fez in its old, densely packed monuments - madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - is the memory of the capital founded in year 192 of the Hegira (808) by Idriss II.<br />
<br />
The ancient city, home to the oldest university in the world, is composed of two distinct centres. One is the quarter of the Andalous, a population that fled from the Umayyad masters of Cordoba and who came to settle definitively on the right bank of the Fez. The other is the quarter of the Quarawiyyia, a people emigrated from Kairouan in the 11th century who chose the left bank of the river to develop their activities.<br />
<br />
Despite the destruction of a considerable part of the city by the Almoravids, the dynasty that took power in the 11th century, the two quarters grouped around two major monuments, the Jama el Andalous (the Mosque of the Andalusians) and the mosque of El Karaouiyne, have preserved their identities intact in the old city of Fez el Bali.<br />
<br />
In the 13th century, after the Merinid conquest, when the city found itself constrained within its walls, a new city, Fez el Jedid, was founded directly to the west, in ah 674 by the sultan Abou Youssouf. It replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. In the 14th century a Jewish quarter, the Mellah, was joined to the newly founded city. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the Medina date from this period.<br />
<br />
Since then, the twin cities have led a symbiotic exist
    042314-257.jpg
  • This view of the medina (old city) of Fez was taken from the hills outside of the medina.  Fez is located between the Rif mountains and the Atlas mountains in northern Morocco.  It's a beautiful area and the views of the area are quite beautiful, particularly in the spring.<br />
<br />
The Holy City of Fez, a jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization, is an outstanding and well-preserved example of an ancient capital of the Almoravids and the Almohads in the North African context, despite the destruction of the city and the transfer of the capital to Rabat. The Medina of Fez in its old, densely packed monuments - madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains - is the memory of the capital founded in year 192 of the Hegira (808) by Idriss II.<br />
<br />
The ancient city, home to the oldest university in the world, is composed of two distinct centres. One is the quarter of the Andalous, a population that fled from the Umayyad masters of Cordoba and who came to settle definitively on the right bank of the Fez. The other is the quarter of the Quarawiyyia, a people emigrated from Kairouan in the 11th century who chose the left bank of the river to develop their activities.<br />
<br />
Despite the destruction of a considerable part of the city by the Almoravids, the dynasty that took power in the 11th century, the two quarters grouped around two major monuments, the Jama el Andalous (the Mosque of the Andalusians) and the mosque of El Karaouiyne, have preserved their identities intact in the old city of Fez el Bali.<br />
<br />
In the 13th century, after the Merinid conquest, when the city found itself constrained within its walls, a new city, Fez el Jedid, was founded directly to the west, in ah 674 by the sultan Abou Youssouf. It replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. In the 14th century a Jewish quarter, the Mellah, was joined to the newly founded city. The urban fabric and the principal monuments in the Medina date from this period.<br />
<br />
Since then, the twin cities have led a symbiotic exist
    042214-0127.jpg
  • Monument Valley (Navajo: Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii, meaning valley of the rocks) is a region of the Colorado Plateau characterized by a cluster of vast sandstone buttes, the largest reaching 1,000 ft (300 m) above the valley floor. It is located on the Arizona-Utah state line near the Four Corners area. The valley lies within the range of the Navajo Nation Reservation.  The area is part of the Colorado Plateau. The elevation of the valley floor ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 feet (1,500 to 1,800 m) above sea level. The floor is largely siltstone of the Cutler Group, or sand derived from it, deposited by the meandering rivers that carved the valley. The valley's vivid red color comes from iron oxide exposed in the weathered siltstone. The darker, blue-gray rocks in the valley get their color from manganese oxide.  The buttes are clearly stratified, with three principal layers. The lowest layer is the Organ Rock Shale, the middle is de Chelly Sandstone, and the top layer is the Moenkopi Formation capped by Shinarump Conglomerate. The valley includes large stone structures including the famed "Eye of the Sun".
    091615-052.jpg
  • Monument Valley (Navajo: Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii, meaning valley of the rocks) is a region of the Colorado Plateau characterized by a cluster of vast sandstone buttes, the largest reaching 1,000 ft (300 m) above the valley floor. It is located on the Arizona-Utah state line near the Four Corners area. The valley lies within the range of the Navajo Nation Reservation.  The area is part of the Colorado Plateau. The elevation of the valley floor ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 feet (1,500 to 1,800 m) above sea level. The floor is largely siltstone of the Cutler Group, or sand derived from it, deposited by the meandering rivers that carved the valley. The valley's vivid red color comes from iron oxide exposed in the weathered siltstone. The darker, blue-gray rocks in the valley get their color from manganese oxide.  The buttes are clearly stratified, with three principal layers. The lowest layer is the Organ Rock Shale, the middle is de Chelly Sandstone, and the top layer is the Moenkopi Formation capped by Shinarump Conglomerate. The valley includes large stone structures including the famed "Eye of the Sun".
    091615-062.jpg
  • Monument Valley (Navajo: Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii, meaning valley of the rocks) is a region of the Colorado Plateau characterized by a cluster of vast sandstone buttes, the largest reaching 1,000 ft (300 m) above the valley floor. It is located on the Arizona-Utah state line near the Four Corners area. The valley lies within the range of the Navajo Nation Reservation.  The area is part of the Colorado Plateau. The elevation of the valley floor ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 feet (1,500 to 1,800 m) above sea level. The floor is largely siltstone of the Cutler Group, or sand derived from it, deposited by the meandering rivers that carved the valley. The valley's vivid red color comes from iron oxide exposed in the weathered siltstone. The darker, blue-gray rocks in the valley get their color from manganese oxide.  The buttes are clearly stratified, with three principal layers. The lowest layer is the Organ Rock Shale, the middle is de Chelly Sandstone, and the top layer is the Moenkopi Formation capped by Shinarump Conglomerate. The valley includes large stone structures including the famed "Eye of the Sun".
    091515-128.jpg
  • Monument Valley (Navajo: Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii, meaning valley of the rocks) is a region of the Colorado Plateau characterized by a cluster of vast sandstone buttes, the largest reaching 1,000 ft (300 m) above the valley floor. It is located on the Arizona-Utah state line near the Four Corners area. The valley lies within the range of the Navajo Nation Reservation.  The area is part of the Colorado Plateau. The elevation of the valley floor ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 feet (1,500 to 1,800 m) above sea level. The floor is largely siltstone of the Cutler Group, or sand derived from it, deposited by the meandering rivers that carved the valley. The valley's vivid red color comes from iron oxide exposed in the weathered siltstone. The darker, blue-gray rocks in the valley get their color from manganese oxide.  The buttes are clearly stratified, with three principal layers. The lowest layer is the Organ Rock Shale, the middle is de Chelly Sandstone, and the top layer is the Moenkopi Formation capped by Shinarump Conglomerate. The valley includes large stone structures including the famed "Eye of the Sun".
    091615-044.jpg
  • Monument Valley (Navajo: Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii, meaning valley of the rocks) is a region of the Colorado Plateau characterized by a cluster of vast sandstone buttes, the largest reaching 1,000 ft (300 m) above the valley floor. It is located on the Arizona-Utah state line near the Four Corners area. The valley lies within the range of the Navajo Nation Reservation.  The area is part of the Colorado Plateau. The elevation of the valley floor ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 feet (1,500 to 1,800 m) above sea level. The floor is largely siltstone of the Cutler Group, or sand derived from it, deposited by the meandering rivers that carved the valley. The valley's vivid red color comes from iron oxide exposed in the weathered siltstone. The darker, blue-gray rocks in the valley get their color from manganese oxide.  The buttes are clearly stratified, with three principal layers. The lowest layer is the Organ Rock Shale, the middle is de Chelly Sandstone, and the top layer is the Moenkopi Formation capped by Shinarump Conglomerate. The valley includes large stone structures including the famed "Eye of the Sun".
    091615-287.jpg
  • Monument Valley (Navajo: Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii, meaning valley of the rocks) is a region of the Colorado Plateau characterized by a cluster of vast sandstone buttes, the largest reaching 1,000 ft (300 m) above the valley floor. It is located on the Arizona-Utah state line near the Four Corners area. The valley lies within the range of the Navajo Nation Reservation.  The area is part of the Colorado Plateau. The elevation of the valley floor ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 feet (1,500 to 1,800 m) above sea level. The floor is largely siltstone of the Cutler Group, or sand derived from it, deposited by the meandering rivers that carved the valley. The valley's vivid red color comes from iron oxide exposed in the weathered siltstone. The darker, blue-gray rocks in the valley get their color from manganese oxide.  The buttes are clearly stratified, with three principal layers. The lowest layer is the Organ Rock Shale, the middle is de Chelly Sandstone, and the top layer is the Moenkopi Formation capped by Shinarump Conglomerate. The valley includes large stone structures including the famed "Eye of the Sun".
    091515-002.jpg