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Aimée de Jongh
Visiting the refugees on lesbos
In October of 2017, three comic authors went to the Greek island Lesbos for a week,…
A graphic journalism contest in six African countries - Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Mali and Bénin.
Hellhole on Lesbos
There's no way to go but forward
By Ahmed Mohammed Omer (text) and Alice Socal (comic)
Drawing the Times was initiated by the Dutch graphic journalist Eva Hilhorst.


From the rugged moorland in the north to the beautiful limestone valleys in the south, the Peak District is a rich and diverse landscape full of amazing places to visit. One of these is the village of Hartington, which lies east of the River Dove in the White Peak area, around a 90 minute drive from Greater Manchester.
At first glance this village feels a little different to others within the Peak District. The buildings are more generously-proportioned than the tiny cottages you’ll find elsewhere, while the village is centred around a large square with a charming duck pond.
These impressive buildings give you a glimpse into Hartington’s past as a prosperous trading hub. The village was of great importance to the local rural community during the Middle Ages and it was granted a market charter in the 13th century.
It later became known for its cheesemaking after the Duke of Devonshire opened a creamery in the 1870s in the village. The creamery produced Stilton, its own unique Dovedale cheese and other varieties such as Buxton Blue cheese.
Although the original creamery closed down in 2009, the village’s cheese-making heritage is still celebrated at The Old Cheese Shop, which is famous for its variety of cheese and attracts visitors from far and wide. More local produce can be found at The Village Stores, housed in an impressive three-storey building. It sells everything you could want, from fresh sandwiches to local beers.
Hartington’s prosperous past is evident elsewhere in the village. The grand Hartington Hall, a 17th century manor house, where Bonnie Prince Charles allegedly once spent the night, is now a youth hostel - and probably one of the grandest ones in the country, with log fires, oak panelling and stained glass windows.
YHA Hartington Hall has a range of accommodation options, from shared dorms, private rooms and even bell tents outside. It's ideal if you're looking for a warm and cosy base to explore the surrounding area from.
Another place to stay is The Devonshire Arms, located in the heart of the village. A Grade II-listed building, it has three boutique bedrooms while the dog-friendly pub serves a range of classic dishes, bar snacks and seasonal specials.
On Hartington’s doorstep is miles upon miles of gorgeous countryside to explore. The Tissington Trail and High Peak trail, two major national cycle network routes, pass close to the village. Three miles away is the starting point of the Manifold Way, an eight-mile walking and cycle trail along the route of a former railway.
To the south of the village, Beresford Dale and Wolfscote Dale both offer beautiful walks and for amazing views of the area you can climb the top of Wolfscote Hill. To the north is Pilsbury Castle, a scenic spot where a castle once stood, although the remains are long gone, it’s still a pretty location with grassy mounds and a rocky outcrop.
- The incredible loft-style Greater Manchester Airbnb with a huge bathtub in a surprising part of the city
- Where the city's best chefs and restaurant owners eat out in Greater Manchester
- Inside the gorgeous village less than an hour from Greater Manchester with a surprising connection
- Two Manchester restaurants named in top 100 restaurants in the UK
- The stunning reservoir walk in Greater Manchester with a cosy pub at the end


I started this year’s Bastille Day with excitement and in a celebratory mood. I’ve only been in France a couple of times on Bastille Day, but I always celebrate wherever I am in the world.
By afternoon, though, excitement and celebration had turned to tragedy with the breaking news of a mad man plowing through a crowd in Nice. I began seeing photos of Nice everywhere on social media… in the way those of us who have visited think of it: charming, welcoming, and beautiful. I ended up posting the carnival ride shot in the Tuileries on Instagram because I love the joy and carefree feeling it evokes, even in times of great sadness. 🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷
Time to clear something up. Where am I from, many people have wondered… France? Non. Netherlands? Nee. U.K.? Nope.
I come from beautiful Kansas City, Missouri, USA. I just have trouble staying in one place for long, and I’ve quite liked it that way all these years. And this is my bike. 💚🚲 The bike that my mom bought me at an estate sale a few years ago for $35. It was brown and had been neglected for probably 30 years. For my birthday last year, my parents had it repainted for me to match the #fallingoffbicycles logo. 🎂💚🚲 And here we are together at a real KC gem, the @nelsonatkins Museum of Art. 🏸 Even though where I’m from is considered by some as “flyover country”, there is much to do and see here… like pose with giant shuttlecocks. 😉😂
It’s time again for one of my favorite times of year… the three weeks of the Tour de France. This year it began in one of the most extraordinary places in all of France, Le Mont St-Michel. It just so happens that I visited Le Mont St-Michel last week and was able to see this incredible place for the second time. Even having seen it before, I walked up to the Mont with my mouth slightly ajar, completely in awe of it. If you’ve been, you know what I mean. It’s such an enchanting place with as rich a history as one could imagine for a tiny island.
Le Grand Départ ended at the WWII beaches of Normandy (3rd image), where I visited with my family in 2008. The beaches are absolutely splendid and yet there is an eerie silence that is difficult to ignore. What a grand start, indeed, to this year’s Tour de France with these two beautiful spots!
A “friend” on Instagram congratulated me under one of my photos the other day for my Huffington Post feature. I had no idea what she was referring to, as I hadn’t been notified of any mentions from them. Indeed after a little googling, I did come across the article featuring 20 accounts worth following if you suffer from wanderlust. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I have a little ‘catch me if I can’ thing going… no one ever knows where I am; and, frankly, sometimes my own head is spinning from all the moving around. And yet, in spite of all the stress, fatigue, and exhaustion that can often accompany travel, I cannot live without it. And I even prefer my travel to happen with great frequency. For this reason, I feel very honored to be considered worth following for this particular topic. Pop on over to my account and join me as I travel across Europe.
Here’s a continuation of the photos from Rome. I wandered (as I do everywhere) for hours and hours by myself looking for picturesque scenes and vibrant colors typical of Rome. I even wore a vibrant skirt, myself, in case there were any nice spots to shoot with me in the shot. I particularly love the façade photo, as it shows the many colors of the City, as well as lots of beautiful vines and lanterns. Check my website and etsy soon for prints for sale.
A few hours to myself in Roma, and I headed straight for a neighborhood I largely missed out on last time I was in Rome. The Rione Monti neighborhood keeps appearing in my Instagram feed, so I was eager to shoot there this trip. I hope you enjoy the photos and watercolors from the shoot. Check my website and etsy soon for prints for sale.
It took me until late last night to realize that the rainbow I saw on Sunday – the first I’ve seen in months – was timely and especially meaningful. 🌈❤💛💚💙💜 The Universe brings us what we focus on most, so by all means let us focus on LOVE. 💗✌🏼


On its Pacific coast, Guatemala is bordered by Mexico to the north and El Salvador to the south. On its Caribbean coast, it is bordered by Belize on the north and Honduras on the south.
This category is for pages about Guatemala written in English. Pages in Spanish are under World/Español/Regional/Guatemala
. Esta categoría es para páginas escritas en inglés sobre Guatemala. La descripción deberá estar en inglés. Todas las páginas sobre Guatemala en castellano deberán estar en World/Español/Regional/Guatemala
Listed in Embassies and Consulates categories are entities such as Embassies, Consulates, High Commissions, Permanent Representatives and de facto equivalents. Information on their formatting, and on the arrangement of related categories, can be found in the FAQ of Society: Government: Embassies and Consulates.
Please suggest only sites relating to the city of Guatemala, not for other communities in the departamento.
Individual lodging establishments - including hotels, motels, inns, vacation rentals, bed and breakfast establishments, hostels, resorts, and other "specialized" lodging - are listed once in the directory, under the Locality category where the establishment is physically located.


Delmy & Brandan had a truly magical wedding at the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Kingsmill Resort provided the wedding couple with a stunning VIP honeymoon sweet, which set the foundation for a fabulous ambiance. The grounds at the resort were something out of a movie. As for the bride and groom, Delmy was stunning in her elegant wedding dress and Brandan was sharp with his modern grey suit. We captured beautiful details and created stunning imagery. One of our most famous fine art signature edits was from this wedding.
The location was special to Brandon, as when he was a child, he would vacation at the Kingsmill Resort with his family. HE had dreamed about getting married there his whole life and his dream finally came true. The couple’s friends and family traveled down from New York City to watch this beautiful couple exchange their vows in a beautiful outdoor ceremony, overlooking the ocean. The ceremony was truly a fairytale and they are truly a magical couple.


This covers two separate days — on the first day, we spent our morning in Voss and then took a train over to Bergen where we grabbed some lunch and then rented a car to drive to Tyssedal, where we spent a few hours driving through the Norwegian countryside and alongside the Hardangerfjord. On the second day we had a short drive to Trolltunga where we spent the entire day hiking, after which we were unable to do much but grab dinner in our hotel and then catch some rest to relax our sore muscles.
See & Do
- Voss: Sleepy little town right in the middle of Bergen and Flam. Although it shares the same name, the expensive bottled water is actually not from this town. Most people continue directly to Bergen from Flam, but Voss is a nice stopping point if you want to spend a little more time exploring the Sognefjord area as it has easy road access (located on the main road between Oslo and Bergen), as well as solid public transit connections to nearby attractions (either via bus or train).
- Hardanger Bridge: One of the longest suspension bridges in the world–longer than the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco–this bridge was constructed in 2013 to shorten the driving time between Oslo and Bergen. Prior to 2013, you would have had to take a ferry to get across the Hardangerfjord. What’s even more impressive is that the connections on either end are tunnels, leading to a cool looking roundabout that’s inside a tunnel. The 150 NOK toll (~$18.50 USD) is quite a hit right in the wallet.
- Tyssedal: Tiny little working class town with an amazing looking hydro-power plant right at the base of the fjord. Its main claim to fame at this point is being a convenient stopping point for hikers on the way to Trolltunga as well as a blue glass monument in a never-ending spiral pathway.
- Trolltunga: In a word: wow. There are plenty of resources online to get you started on the world-famous Trolltunga hike. In fact, this hike is the main reason many people travel to Norway in the first place. We picked up some Shanghainese students who were looking for a ride to the hike and set out early in the morning, and arrived at the trailhead around 8am.
The first 1km is a pretty intense vertical climb, and the signpost telling you that you still have 10km to go is pretty demoralizing.
I can’t in all honesty say that it gets any easier, as there is another steep climb from about 3.5km – 5km. Once you reach the top, you are granted an amazing view of Lake Ringedalsvatnet, and you’re also greeted with chilly winds and the beginning of snow and ice on the ground.
We had to hike the remaining 6km through thick snow and ice (in the middle of August no less) for a total of 11km one way. At this point you’re well above the tree-line so the terrain is like the surface of the moon.
Once you reach the end of the hike for a well deserved break and lunch, you’ll have to wait in line with everybody else for the famous pic on the troll’s tongue rock that’s sticking out. Be careful here! The rock is actually a lot wider than it looks in pictures, you never really feel like you’re in danger of going off the edge. There’s a large crowd in this general vicinity celebrating their accomplishment–it almost feels like you’re in the middle of a city at a tourist attraction rather than on a remote mountain.
11km – 1km (heading back):
Unfortunately, you’ve got a long way to go to get back…it seems easy in theory, because it’s almost all downhill, but your knees will not be happy at all by the end. In retrospect, the first 10km was just a lot of time consuming walking downhill, and though the downhill parts were a bit tough due to the wear on the knees, in retrospect it was nothing at all compared to the last kilometer downhill.
1km – 0km (heading back):
It rained a bit during the hike, so the steep vertical descent was a complete muddy and slippery mess all the way down. There are ropes to help you descend, but in reality they are just going to end up giving you rug burn and muddy hands since they’ve been exposed to mud and rain. The last kilometer probably took as long as the previous 4. Reaching the asphalt felt amazing. There’s a tap to wash off your boots and pants so that you don’t track too much mud all over your vehicle (might be wise to have a few clean towels/sheets stored in the car).
Some additional notes and thoughts on the hike:
I would strongly recommend bringing good, sturdy hiking boots, NOT sneakers (there is a good chance you’ll be hiking through mud and snow on steep inclines). Make sure you bring layers as the temperature changes dramatically throughout the hike, and also wear clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit muddy. It may be warm at the bottom, but it gets really windy after the second peak. And then it starts heating up again as you warm up from the hike a little while after that. Etc. Don’t forget to pack a good lunch as you’ll be famished by the time you get to the top. Don’t worry too much about bringing water as there is plenty of fresh, flowing glacier water available throughout the hike (but you should probably bring a water bottle or something at least). Get there early as the hike will take about 8-12 hours depending on your fitness level (we took about 10 hours, started ~8am and ended ~6pm). Timing the hike to take place during daylight is not a huge concern during summertime as it doesn’t get dark until very late at night. If you drive, parking is 120NOK for 14 hours.
Eat & Drink
- Godt Brod Marken: Stopped by this place on our way to pick up the rental car. Apparently it’s a Norwegian chain with several locations, their sandwiches were pretty solid. You can pick the type of bread and ingredients you want. Their coffee (had a latte and cappucino) and dessert bread is also pretty good (we had the almond bun). 79 NOK per sandwich. 42 NOK for dessert.
- Lunch from Tyssendal Hotel: The hotel offers sandwiches for you to bring on your hike. You can also order coffee only if you brought your own thermos which we did not. We both got the chicken with bacon baguette. It was made with good quality meat and vegetables. 95 NOK each.
- Dinner at Tyssendal Hotel: After the hike we were too exhausted to go out anywhere further and had a meal in the hotel restaurant. I’m not sure if it was just the mood after the hike, but the food was really quite good (schnitzel & fish and chips) and the beer was one of the best I’ve had in my life. 295 NOK for two-course meal.
- Tyssendal Hotel: A nice enough place that’s super convenient to the Trolltunga hike. Most people stay in Odda, which is just down the road, but this hotel is pretty much as close as you can get, and it’s in a charming, tiny little town (seriously, it’s tiny–I wouldn’t even really consider it a town, maybe more like a housing complex with a supermarket). There’s a supermarket within walking distance to stock up on necessities, but note that the rooms don’t come with a refrigerator (not sure if that’s an option available upon request, we didn’t ask). One thing that unexpectedly got us was that there’s no elevator–fine, it’s just a 3 story building so it didn’t seem like a huge deal until we were done with the Trolltunga hike. Climbing up (and down) 2 flights of stairs was really not fun at all in the shape that our knees were in after the grueling hike.
- 08/05/2015 – 08/06/2015


Subtotal: $0.00 USD
The Afghanistan 1,000 Afghani banknote is part of the family of notes issued in 2012 with enhanced quality. This particular banknote is in uncirculated condition and is TAP authenticated. It features the bank logo and the Blue Mosque in Mazari Sharif on its obverse. On the reverse of the banknote is a mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Durrani who was the founder of the Durrani Empire or the modern state of Afghanistan. This 158 x 66 mm paper note has an 8.25-mm wide holographic stripe as well as a 1.25-mm windowed security thread with a demetallized 1000. The banknotes watermarks consist of Cornerstones and the Mausoleum of Mirwais Khan Hotaki who was a ruler of Greater Afghanistan.


Better understand how landscape planning exercises the social and environmental responsibility of reconciling the public’s needs through high-tech developments with conservation and innovative planning. Critical topics include:
Awards programs are a way to not only recognize and applaud those individuals and organizations whose achievements exemplify excellence, but also to provide learning opportunities for everyone whose lives and passions involve higher education. A 2013 juror, Peter Schaudt, will share observations and trends from this year’s landscape and planning entries and award recipients. Specific topics covered will be a general summary of the awards breakdown, sustainable measuring systems, sustainable landscape planning, transit transitions and the Urban Campus, and then, the actual award recipients. This presentation will also give insight for those who plan to submit projects for SCUP’s early 2014 award’s deadline.
Discover how projects can articulate the mission of a college or university.
Recognize innovations in Campus landscape planning.
Discuss how the effective use of materials and aesthetic choices demonstrate the highest quality of design.
Consider opportunities to apply new innovations on your own campus.
Ditch or Dutch? Increasing coastal water levels have begun to affect the very idea of shared responsibility. This panel will present the many adaptation options from examples worldwide that include coastal industries and private interests to manage the increasing risks of living on the seaboard.
Determine how to design infrastructure, buildings, and public spaces that can resist flooding without compromising other values.
Understand flood resistance as a zoning, planning, and architectural problem.
Learn about research on the performance of structures in floods and violent winds
Recognize how to interweave design, communication, and participation strategies that are not top-down techno-managerial solutions.
The debate is under way between "urbanism" and "landscape urbanism". Which approach is better for creating healthy urban environments and green infrastructure? This presentation discusses how landscape architects are well positioned to serve the public well-being from the regional scale to the specific building site.
Acquire a working definition of green infrastructure and its evolution through history.
Determine the scales by which green infrastructure can be applied and the criteria by which it can be integrated with the design of urban landscapes.
Understand what a systems approach to green infrastructure means and how this supports the planning and design spheres of practice.
Learn through successful case studies how green infrastructure becomes a model for the planning and design of urban space.
Coastal Louisiana is a national treasure and one of the most productive estuaries in the world. However, like many areas along our nation’s shores, Louisiana is facing growing threats from climate change, sea level rise, and increasing flood risk. This webinar discusses how Louisiana is addressing this problem through an ecologically-based planning framework described in Louisiana’s Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast and is creating a more sustainable coastal landscape and resilient communities through the implementation of large-scale Coastal Ecological Restoration projects. Presenters will discuss ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive statewide planning framework to prioritize restoration and protection projects, as well as site-level planning, design, and implementation of restoration projects in a range of ecologies across the Louisiana coast.
Understand an integrated, systems-based approach to environmental analysis, planning, and design - with emphasis on basin-scale ecosystem restoration.
Become familiar with working in linked socio-ecological systems, the need for interdisciplinary planning teams, and the importance of incorporating holistic ecological, economic, social, and cultural goals, objectives, and performance criteria.
Understand the complexities of implementing large-scale barrier island and marsh creation projects.
The Complete Streets movement has focused much discussion on the opportunities for healthier and more humane public streets. This panel, in particular, will focus on the Take Back the Boulevard grassroots initiative in Los Angeles as a case study for how communities can self-organize to bring about Complete Street improvements.
Learn how landscape architects can be a catalyst for Complete Streets.
Learn key first steps in organizing for change.
Discover partnerships with community organizations and political offices that are vital to success.
Understand the challenges and opportunities of communicating change to a wide audience.
Infrastructure--from streets and sidewalks to bridges and elevated rail lines--remains our cities' most vast yet untapped resource for transforming the public realm. Drawing on New York City's strategies and on-the-ground experience, this session offers critical lessons and approaches for designing dynamic streetscapes and public spaces at multiple scales.
Evaluate streetscape design principles and practices in the context of New York City.
Classify strategies and methods of redesigning spaces beneath and adjacent to elevated infrastructure.
Comprehend the tool kit and application of streetscape furnishings developed for New York City.
Discuss methods, guidelines, and policy recommendations for reclaiming and designing spaces for greater public benefit.
Abandoned rail lines, once economically interwoven but psychologically marginal to city life, can become new, welcoming trails and greenways. They facilitate civic connections, unlike older parks intended as escapes from the city. This transforms cities into desirable places to live rather than districts inhabited primarily by necessity and not choice.
Comprehend the transformative potential of abandoned rail lines as recreational paths and linear parks.
Internalize the current national context for rail-trail conversion, with a focus on urban areas.
Take the vanguard on specific roles for landscape architects to convert rail lines into linear parks.
Accept the relationships among the various public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders that are necessary to implement successful rail conversions.
From abandoned parking lots to lush rolling hills, gardens, and meadows, Tongva Park is the new green heart of Santa Monica. Developed under the scrutiny of urban foresters and eclectic horticulturalists, the resultant planting design offers a model of sustainability for similar projects--one that carefully balances environment and culture.
Determine the management process for large park-planting designs from aesthetic, cultural, and environmental perspectives.
Understand how sustainable landscapes can incorporate both native and non-native plants and multi-zone landscapes.
Learn effective design approaches to establish large-scale Mediterranean meadows and create multi-storied landscape habitats within urban environments.
Explore the challenges, changes, and opportunities encountered during construction.
There is an emergent landscape being created by petroleum extraction. This is becoming a national landscape issues, yet few landscape architects are involved in policy discussions associated with these mining practices. This session looks at how landscape architects can participate in planning, mitigation, and policy for the current fracking boom.
Learn the basics of the technologies that are driving the current boom in U.S. oil and gas production.
Examine how these technological changes impact land-use patterns, landscapes, and communities.
Understand policy approaches to lessening the impacts of fracking and legal limits on what regulators can demand.
Look at ways that landscape architects can and should be required by law to oversee mitigation of the adverse effects of these extraction techniques.
Retrofitting Suburbia has started a national trend, and many of our communities are initiating planning and rezoning efforts to apply these principles, but without taking into account the nature and scale of the application. This session explores realistic solutions for improving smaller-scale suburbs while demonstrating common mistakes to avoid.
Through examples of "sprawl repair" and the "suburban retrofit," understand the importance of scale and context.
Understand how Retrofitting Suburbia is being grossly misapplied throughout smaller communities, as well as the importance of regional perspective.
Explore a range of case studies demonstrating gaps in the tool kit and common mistakes in applying New Urbanism and Smart Growth principles.
Understand how to test ideas, ask the right questions of your project, and most effectively apply the appropriate planning tools.


It is a serious issue that needs to be fixed. It is affecting polar bears, penguins, and everyone else in the entire world. This issue is Global Warming.
Global warming is an issue for the entire world because it is causing the ice caps to melt and there are large climate changes that are affecting all people; 1975 was the first time people were aware global warming.
The recent excessive rate of the burning of fossil fuels is the leading cause of global warming along with the greenhouse effect. Burning 1 gallon of gas creates 20 pounds of CO2 in our atmosphere.
Greg Seaman from the Eartheasy Blog said, “Scientists are documenting the rapid melting of glaciers. ... Scientists have concluded that human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, is the major driving factor in global warming. For centuries, the production and absorption of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases was in balance.”
The more people drive cars that consume fossil fuels the worse this world wide issue gets. The burning of fossil fuels has drastically increased in the last 30 years. The average car emits 12,000 pounds of CO2 a year.
According to some students at Coleytown Middle School, Global Warming is not affecting our school community right now because we as a school are not dependent on the weather or temperature. We still have school if it is cold outside; but it will affect us in the long hall because global warming is causing ocean levels to rise and the ice caps to melt and this is endangering multiple species that could go extinct.
Max Szostak said, “I don’t think so because we are not currently, directly affected by this because we don’t have any issues with climate change at our school, but it will affect us later.”
However another student, Logan Blend, said, “I think global warming does a little bit because the climate change affects whether or not we have a snow day but the climate change is not making it colder, it is making it warmer, so it has little effect right now.”
So Global Warming does affect our school directly but it does affect the whole globe overall because it is making the climate worse.
The more people burn and use fossil fuels, the more Global Warming gets worse. The damage People and Global warming already did can not be fixed but people can and need to prevent it from getting worse.


Start: Nur-Sultan (Astana) Finish: Ashgabat
Physical rating: High
Special diets catered: Vegetarians
Tour code: KFSSC
Group size: 1 - 12
Tour operated in:
Extra tourhub saving: $177
Beginning in the futuristic cityscapes of Nur-Sultan (until recently, Astana), join your small group on an epic exploration from Kazakhstan, through mountainous Kyrgyzstan, the remote lands of Tajikistan, Islam-influenced Uzbekistan, all the way to grand Ashgabat in Turkmenistan. For those counting, that’s five Stans. These vast lands are still oft bypassed, despite offering outstanding beauty and fascinating sights. The allure lies in the heritage of the Silk Road, where ideas, culture and people flowed from East to West, and in the soaring mountain landscapes that still play host to a traditional nomadic lifestyle. Journey through cities featuring reminders of Soviet occupation and out into the stunning wilderness, where ancient history and welcoming hospitality will illuminate a region often left out of the tourist light. Central Asia doesn’t get much more comprehensive than this.
Welcome to Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in the hotel lobby. Recently renamed Nur-Sultan in honour of the long serving first president, the city was purpose built to become th capital city of Kazakhstan in 1997. Similar to Washington D.C. in the United States or Canberra in Australia, Nur-Sultan is a planned city with the Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa as its master mind. Now, Nur-Sultan is one of the most vibrant cities in Central Asia. If you arrive early, take the time explore and admire the futuristic city skyline. Join your leader in the evening for an included local dinner tonight.
This morning, head off on a city tour with your leader and see some of the most impressive designs of this ambitious new city. Visit Nur-Astana Mosque, built in 2005 – with its capacity of 5000 worshippers inside and an additional 2000 outside it is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. Then you'll stop at Palace of Peace & Reconciliation, a pyramid shaped conference hall that's considered to be Astana's symbolic center. You'll also visit the President's Culture Center which houses an array of exhibits that tell of the past, present and future of Kazakhstan, and of course, as its name suggests, the many achievements of it's President. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish.Included Activities:-Nur-Sultan - City tour
Today, take an early morning flight from Nur-Sultan to Kyzyl Orda (approximately 1.5 hrs) and from here you'll head to one of the most unique destinations on this trip, Baikonur (approximately 3.5 hrs). Located on the desert steppe of Kazakhstan, Baikonur has been leased to the Russian Federation until 2050. The town was originally constructed to service a huge space base that dispatches astronauts and supplies (and during the Soviet Union, cosmonauts) to the International Space Station. Firstly named Zarya (Russian for sunrise) it was renamed Baikonur by Russian president Boris Yeltsin in 1995. We will have some free time this afternoon and evening before our in depth tour of the sights tomorrow.
Get ready for a full day of exploration today. Visit the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world’s first and largest operational spaceport. Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite, was launched from here. Stop in at the nearby museum where you’ll see a range of space artifacts, and check out the cottage once occupied by Russian astronaut Yuri Gagarin, the first human to ever venture into outer space.Included Activities:-Baikonur - Yuri Gagarin Museum & House-Baikonur - Cosmodrome-Baikonur - Space Museum
Today is another travelling day, this time by train. Drive back to Kyzyl Orda and from there it's around 7 hours to the next destination – Turkistan. Grab some snacks, sit back and relax as the epic landscape rushes by. Located in southern Kazakhstan, the city of Turkistan contains more historical relics and cultural sites than any other place in the country. Your train will arrive in the late afternoon. We'll visit the main attraction of the Yasaui Mausoleum tomorrow morning, but you'll have the option to see it illuminated at night today.
Location: Turkistan, Shymkent
Accommodation: Overnight Sleeper Train
Head out on a city tour this morning, the highlight of which is a visit to the Kozha Akhmed Yasaui Mausoleum, Kazakhstan’s most iconic building. The blue and while-tiled Mausoleum is the final resting place of a great Turkic holy man and Sufi. Built by Tamerlane, it is said that three visits here are equal to one visit to Mecca. As it is a religious site, we recommend that women wear a headscarf when entering. In the surrounds you'll find a rose garden, other monuments, an archeological museum and a mosque, which are all included in the entry ticket. Continue the journey to Shymkent (approximately 4 hours) by private vehicle, stopping at the ancient settlement of Otrar on the way. It was first excavated in 1969 and has a history dating back to the first century AD. Remnants of palaces, mosques and bathhouses can still be seen today. It is also where Genghis Khan's army is said to have fought heroically (though unsuccessfully) when the Mongols first invaded Central Asia. There'll be some time to spend in Shymkent before boarding the overnight train (approximately 11 hours) to Almaty.Included Activities:-Otrar - Ancient settlement-Turkistan - Yasui Mausoleum
Location: Altyn Emel National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in Almaty, grab some breakfast and drive the 240 km (approximately 3.5 hours) out of town to the spectacular Altyn-Emel National Park, where you will spend the next two days exploring. This is the largest national reserve in the country and preserves many rare plants and animals, including zheyran (goitred gazelles), argali sheep and kulan (wild donkeys), which you may be lucky enough to spot during your time here. The program may vary depending on the weather and season. Taigak Gorge houses the Kyzyl Lauyz Petroglyphs where you can make out ancient Tibetan inscriptions of the words 'Om Mani Padme Om', as well as images of hunting, farming and celebrations.There are also the Besshatyr Burial Mounds, which date from the sixth century BC when this area was a shrine of the ancient Saks people. Tonight you'll stay in a simple guesthouse within the national park where lunch and dinner is included.
Location: Altyn Emel National Park, Almaty
Explore the sights not visited yesterday, of which the best-known is the Singing Barkhan – a sand dune extending 3km and up to 120m high. It gets its name from the way the fine sand hums in windy weather and the view from the top gives a great panorama of the surrounding Djungarian Alatau, Sogety, Boguty and other mountains. In dry, windy weather, the sand dune's song can be heard up to a few kilometres away. These mountains have revealed preserved remains of prehistoric animals including giant rhinos, crocodiles and turtles, and many compare the huge, conical mountains to the man-made Egyptian pyramids. Return to Almaty tonight after a full day in the park.
Today embark on a full-day guided city tour of Almaty. The development and wealth you’ll see on display as you walk the streets comes from the country's main export – oil. Kazakhstan is one of the world's top five oil-producing nations in the world. Visit Central Square and the colourful Zenkoff Cathedral in historic Panfilov Park, dedicated to the 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow against German tanks in WWII. Check out the fascinating Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments and the State Historical Museum, which features a great collection of ancient relics. Finally, summit Kok Tobe Hill for great views over the city before returning to the hotel after a long but fulfilling day. Included Activities:-Almaty - Central State Museum-Almaty - Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments-Almaty - Kok Tobe Hill-Almaty - Panfilov Park-Almaty - Medeu-Almaty - Zenkov Cathedral
Location: Almaty, Karakol
Today before saying goodbye to Kazakhstan, stop at spectacular Charyn Canyon (approximately 4 hours' drive). The colorful formations of different shapes and sizes are no less impressive than the Grand Canyon in the United States, (though it's much smaller!). Continue to the border and enter the mountainous nation of Kyrgyzstan. Tonight you'll stay in the peaceful town of Karakol.
Included Activities:-Charyn Canyon - National Park
This mainly Russian town was officially founded on 1st of July in 1869 by the military. At this time the town already had a lage population of military officers, explorers from the Russian Geographical society, merchants and artisans. The town’s Soviet name was Przhevalsk after the Great Russian explorer of Central Asia and China, Nikolai Przhevalsky. His last expedition ended here and he is buried on the lakeshore near Karakol. Stroll along Karakol's streets spotting Russian-style 'gingerbread' houses. Visit the Dungan Mosque, Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, a local market and the Przhevalsky Museum. After lunch, drive for about 1 hour for a hike (approx. 2 hours) in the picturesque Jety Oguz Valley, aka Seven Bull Valley. Your leader will guide you through the forest to a waterfall (with jaw dropping panaromic views). Return to Karakol for the night.Included Activities:-Karakol - Dungan Mosque-Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral-Karakol - Przhevalskiy Museum-Karakol - Jeti Orghuz Canyon Hike
Today is a full day's drive to Bishkek along the northern shore of Issyk Kul – the second largest alpine lake in the world after lake Titicaca in South America. The views are lovely along the way, especially seeing Issyk Kul surrounded by snow capped mountains. On the way, you'll stop at Cholpan Ata, visit a petroglyph's site and take a short boar ride onto the lake to enjoy its sheer size and scale. Arrive in Bishkek in the late afternoon. Included Activities:-Cholpan Ata - Petroglyphs
Take a trip down memory lane today with a city tour showcasing the country's fascinating history. The centre of the city is Ala-too Square, which was known as Lenin Square in Soviet times. Lenin used to stand in his concrete overcoat in the middle of this square, proudly gesturing towards the mountains. A great place for a wander is Dubovy (Oak) Park, where you'll find a few open-air cafes. The century-old oaks here and all along Freedom Avenue make Bishkek one of the greenest cities in Central Asia. In the afternoon, you'll have some free time to further explore Bishkek. Quite the contrast to the relaxed quiet streets, square and parks in the city center, Osh Market is noisy, crowded, and a perfect peek into local life. You'll find all kinds of things on sale here from spices and fruits to clothes and carpets. Get together with your travel mates and enjoy an optional dinner together tonight to celebrate a great journey through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.Included Activities:-Bishkek - City TourOptional Activities:-Bishkek - Osh Market - Free
Have a day at leisure to explore Bishkek. You'll have realised by now that it's a relaxed city of wide streets, trees and parklands, and a palpable Soviet past. The State Museum of Fine Arts is the city's premiere museum and TSUM Department Store in the city centre is renowned for having the best range of Kyrgyz souvenirs for shopping. There’s another group meeting scheduled at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll be briefed on the next stage of your adventure, perhaps with some new travel pals joining you!
Location: Chychkan, Toktogul, Kok-Bel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Bishkek and travel to Toktogul (approximately 6 hours) though spectacular mountain scenery today. This is an urban settlement in the Jalal-Abad province of Kyrgyzstan. You will arrive in the early evening, then enjoy a night of free time. Due to the limited options in this area, the accommodation tonight might be in Chychkan or Kok Bel rather than Toktogul. Your leader will advise you in Bishkek as to where you will stay for your departure.
Travel onward from Toktogul to Kyrgyzstan's second city, Osh (approximately 8 hours). Located in the Fergana Valley in the south of the country, Osh is often referred to as the capital of the south. It has a mostly Uzbek population, which is evidence of its proximity to the border. While you are here, you'll visit Suleiman's (Solomon's) Mountain, a site of huge Islamic importance that dominates the centre of the city. While the walk is not strenuous for those with good fitness, you will need sturdy footwear as there are many slippery and steep steps and slopes. You will also visit Osh Bazaar, one of the biggest markets in Central Asia. As well as browsing this intriguing bazaar, here you can change some money into Tajikistan Somani for the journey ahead. Depending on the arrival time, some activities in Osh will be scheduled for tomorrow instead of today.Included Activities:-Osh - Suleiman's Mountain-Osh - Bazaar
After a morning of exploring Osh, continue to Sary Tash (approximately 3 hours). On this journey you will cross the Taldyk Pass (3615 m). Conveniently located in the Alai Valley, bordering Tajikistan, Sary Tash is a junction for explorers heading off in many directions on the road to Osh, Murgab (Tajikistan), and Kashgar (China). You will spend the night in a basic guesthouse or homestay in this small, remote village at the junction of the Silk Road.
Location: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Murghab
Today we drive to Murgab (approximately 6–7 hours). First, after breakfast, drive the 50 kilometres from Sary Tash to the Kyzyl Art Pass (4280 m). In this spectacularly remote spot, you will cross the border from Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan. Remember to be patient as officials work through the various permits and procedures. Once inside Tajikistan, you'll make your way down the 95 km to Karakul Lake for lunch, with yet more dramatic scenery and photo opportunities along the way. Karakul Lake is too high to support aquatic life and is the largest out of 800 lakes in the Pamirs; these lakes were created by earthquakes, tectonic activity and glaciers. The final 135 km today takes you to Murgab via the Ak-Baital Pass (4655 m), the highest pass on the Pamir Highway and in the former Soviet Union. Murgab is located in a valley at approximately 3000 m above sea level, surrounded by high peaks. This region is inhabited mainly by Kyrgyz people. From here, on a clear day, you can see Muztag Ata (7546 m), the highest mountain in the Pamirs. While here, your hosts will prepare you a simple dinner and breakfast – homemade bread, plov (rice pilaf) and fried eggs or porridge. Keen stargazers will be treated to a great display on a clear night, with very little light pollution affecting views of the night sky.Included Activities:-Tajikistan - Karakul Lake
Today is another long day of breathtaking driving (approximately 10 hours). Drive through the picturesque Alichur valley, over the Khargush Pass (4344 m), to the Wakhan Corridor. As you enter the Wakhan there are amazing views of the Pamirs to the right and of the Hindu Kush to the left. On the other side of the pass you will cross through another check point and travel along the Afghanistan border. In contrast to the previous village stays, the surroundings here are more fertile, with families growing tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbages and flowers on their own garden plots. A stop will be made somewhere along the way for lunch in a local chaikana (teahouse/cafeteria). Tonight you will stay in a traditional Pamiri house, which consists of a large pillared central room where all home life takes place. Home cooking awaits – perhaps lagman (noodle soup) or shorpa (meat and vegetable soup). After dinner your hosts will roll the mattresses and you'll share a sleeping area with the rest of the group.
Location: Pik Mayakovski
Today is one of the most active days of the trip so take advantage of the chance to stretch your legs! After breakfast there's the option of hiking to an interesting petroglyph site above the village. The images, carved into the rocks high above the village, depict goats, caravans, horses and Ismaili symbols. You'll hike up a gravelly slope for at least 30 minutes (depending on fitness) before the first carvings are visible. There is little shade and it's hard going, but it's well worth the exertion, especially after so long in a vehicle. Next you will drive to nearby Vrang, where on a cliff-side pitted with caves stands a Buddhist complex with 4th-century origins. It's another climb to get there, but the path is flatter in places and not as physically demanding as the hike to the petroglyphs. Continue to Ptup via the stunning valley that follows the winding river (approximately 3 hours). You'll stop en route for lunch. Ptup is the location of your next Pamiri homestay in the traditional Wakhan style. The multi-generation family who live here have a beautiful garden and house with a flush toilet and shower with solar-heated water. While you're in Ptup you'll visit the stunning Yamchun Fort, which some claim is the most spectacular sight in the country. To get to the fort you'll follow very windy, narrow mountain roads, so for safety reasons this journey will be made well before nightfall. Access to the fort itself is via a tricky scramble down and along the rocky valley. The views out over the valley are amazing. If time and road conditions permit, you might be able to visit Bibi Fatima hot springs too.Included Activities:-Langar - Petroglyphs-Vrang - Buddist Stupa-Ptup - Yamchun FortOptional Activities:-Ptup - Bibi Fatima Hot Springs
From Ptup you will travel to Khorog (approximately 6 hours), which after our village experiences might seem like a bustling metropolis. You will pass through Ishkashim, perhaps stopping for lunch there, and continue along the Afghan border. Look out for the watchtowers and border crossings which, despite the proximity of the countries (sometimes only 100 metres apart), are few and far between, with very little contact between people on each side of the divide. Also watch out for ovrings, the spectacularly scary footbridges that Afghans have built along the cliff faces in order to be able to commute from one village to another. The contrast across the river valley here can be quite stark in places. Tajikistan is undoubtedly a poor country; in general the roads are sealed and buildings are connected with electricity, but over the river you will see locals living in much simpler conditions. You'll often be able to get a wave from your neighbours across the river as you travel along. Once in Khorog you will be in the capital of the Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). Here you'll stay in a guesthouse or hotel with private bathrooms. Perhaps enjoy a dinner at an Indian restaurant in town – one of the city's best.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Time to explore Khorog's sights today, including the bazaar. As you wander throughout this intriguing marketplace, your leader will be able to point out to you which stalls are selling Afghan goods from our neighbours across the river. There will also be time to check out the lovely botanical gardens that are perched high above the town, which boast some great panoramic views, and the curiously quaint Regional Museum. Included Activities:-Khorog - Regional Museum-Khorog - Pamir Botanical Gardens-Khorog – Bazaar
Set off to Kala-i Khum (sometimes written Kalaikhum), a small town on the Pamir Highway (approximately 10 hours). Today is mostly a travel day, and since the town is so far away, most groups will arrive too late to be able to explore on arrival. Tonight's accommodation is a guesthouse or homestay which sometimes also accommodates other independent travellers. The guesthouse is multistory, so be prepared for some steep steps to get to and from the sleeping spaces, dining area and bathrooms. There is a simple shower, some running water and both a flush and pit toilet in the courtyard. Dinner is included again this evening, perhaps local style dumplings.
Enjoy some breakfast at the homestay before setting off for the nation's capital, Dushanbe (approximately 8 hours). In Dushanbe we stay for two nights in hotel with private bathrooms. For dinner tonight, the group might head out on the town to a Middle Eastern restaurant – one of the city's finest – or to a popular Chaikhana which has been in operation since Soviet times.
Check out the local central parks, fountains and monuments, with the option of visiting the main bazaar or Soviet-era Central Department Store for some souvenir shopping on our city tour toady. Just outside of Dushanbe (around 30 km) is the 18th-century Hissor Fort. Though this fort is being heavily restored, its colourful 20th-century history makes it quite an interesting visit. Back in Dushanbe, you'll check out the excellent Museum of National Antiquities. This relatively new museum reflects Tajikistan's diverse pre-Islamic cultural heritage, with exhibits from Bactrian, Buddhist, Zoroastrian and Hindu eras. The giant sleeping Buddha on the second floor may well be the highlight here. Included Activities:-Dushanbe - City Tour-Dushanbe – Hissor Fort-Dushanbe – National Museum of Antiquities of TajikistanOptional Activities:-Dushanbe – Haji Yakoub Mosque & Madressa - Free
This morning, drive north to Penjikent (239 km). From Dushanbe we start climbing to the top of Anzob pass sitting at 3373 metres, and then decend to Ainy before heading to Penjikent through the mountains. Penjikent is strategically located on the way from Samarkand to Kuhistan – the mountainous area between Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Iran, now known as Fann Mountains. It was the last stop on the way to or from the mountains so the economy boosted with every caravan stopping here. After lunch, head to southeast edge of the town where the ancient ruins of Sogdian era Penjikent were found. It is a unique monument of pre-Islamic culture in Central Asia dating back to the fifth to eighth century AD.
Location: Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Samarkand
This morning, head to the border between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan (approximately 70km). The border crossing can be a length process and has only recently been reopened, but after making it into Uzbekistan, it'll only be a short drive to the legendary Samarkand. Marco Polo described Samarkand as a 'very large and splendid city,' a truly breathtaking place that conjures up images of ancient splendour of the Silk Road. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time in the city. Maybe check out the remains of the remarkable medieval observatory developed by Ulug Beg, Tamerlane's (Amir Timur) brilliant astronomer grandson. These days, only half of the underground semi-circular track can be seen, but there is an the excellent small museum close by. Or visit the Afrosiab Museum with its fine collection of treasures unearthed from the site, including world famous 10th century frescoes. Tomorrow, there will be a full day city tour that include some of the key highlights in Samarkand.Optional Activities:-Samarkand - Afrosiab Museum-Samarkand - Siob Bazaar - Free-Samarkand - Ulugbek's Observatory
Be blown away by the sights you'll take in today. First, the great central square of Samarkand, the Registan. Then, Guri-Amir, where Tamerlane is buried, and finally the enormous Bibi-Khanum Mosque. Then we drive to Konigil village in the outskirts of the city for a special lunch with a family who have been making paper by traditional methods as long as they can remember. After lunch we'll
learn about this unique way of paper making from mulberry. Returning to Samarkand, visit the impressive Shak-i-Zinda ensemble of mausoleums. This unusual necropolis has monuments from the 14th and 15th centuries, reflecting the development of the monumental art and architecture of the Timurid dynasty and is photo worthy at every turn.Included Activities:-Samarkand - Shakh-I-Zinda-Samarkand - Registan-Samarkand - Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum-Samarkand - Bibi-Khanym Mosque-Samarkand - Paper making workshop & home cooked lunch
Head to Tashkent (approximately 4-5 hrs on private vehicle), the capital city of Uzbekistan. After arrival, your leader will take you on a short orientation walk. You'll have a free afternoon to explore this one of the largest cities in Central Asia. Choose to visit the exciting Chorsu Bazaar, the State History Museum, or the Abdul Khasim Medrassah with its hujra cells used as metalwork and craft workshops to produce jewellery and other goods, or the Khast Imom Complex. In the evening, get together for an optional dinner with your fellow travellers to toast to Tashkent.
Tashkent blends Russian and Uzbek style, with extravagant mosques that sit alongside modern highways and Soviet monuments. Today is free to do as you please in Tashkent, perhaps taking in some of the contemporary architecture from the observation deck at Tashkent Tower, which offers sweeping views over the city. You’ll have another briefing at 6 pm today, where you’ll meet your tour leader and new travel group to talk about the next stage of your Stans adventure. Until then, it’s time to choose your own adventure – best done with a somsa (savoury meat pastry) in hand.
Take morning flight to Urgench (90 minutes) and transfer to colourful Khiva (45 minutes). Many global powers have laid claim to this city over the centuries, from khans to Silk Road traders and the Soviet Union. Get acquainted with Khiva on a tour of this walled-city. See the incredible blue-tiled Kalta Minor Minaret and the Mohammed Amin Khan Madressa. Explore the Kuhna Ark, the 'citadel within a citadel' which once housed the Khan and his family in the 17th century, then get a good look at this attractive city from the Ak-sheikh Baba Observatory. Finally, visit the Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum, a complex constructed in honour of the famous 13th-century poet, craftsman and fighter. A popular pilgrimage site, the mint-coloured dome that tops the main mausoleum is stunning. Spend the rest of the day as you wish. Maybe ask your leader where to grab the best plov (rice, meat, and carrots). The city is a photographer's delight, particularly in the evenings when the sun begins to set and fading light glints off turquoise tiles, so make sure you have your phone or camera ready to snap some pictures.Included Activities:-Khiva - Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum-Khiva - Kuhna Ark
Khiva is particularly magic at dawn when the streets are empty. Later, you leader will guide you through some of the city’s other impressive monuments and buildings. Visit the towering Islom Hoja Minaret, the tallest building in Khiva. Explore Juma Mosque, the roof of which is propped up by 212 wooden columns and designed to let in sunlight. If you want a peek at Uzbek luxury, look no further than the Tosh-Hovli Palace, which was built in the first half of the 19th century. Wander through elaborately decorated courtyards connected by labyrinthian corridors. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax. Included Activities:-Khiva - Islom Hoja Minaret & Medressa-Khiva - Juma Mosque-Khiva - Tosh-Hovli Palace
Location: Köneürgench, Darvaza
Say goodbye to Uzbekistan and cross the border into Turkmenistan at Khodjeyli (Xo‘jayli). Meet the new leader who will be your key to local secrets, food and highlights for the rest of your journey. From the border, make a 1.5-hour drive to the World Heritage-listed Konye-Urgench. Once a centre of the Islamic world, it suffered destruction at the hands of Genghis Khan and the Timurid dynasty and fell into decay until the 20th century. But it still has tonnes of monuments from the 11th to 16th centuries, including a mosque, mausoleum and the 60-metre-high Gutlug Timur Minaret. Continue your journey with a 4-hour drive by 4WD to Darvaza Crater. This astounding 70-metre-wide hole in the Karakum Desert is permanently aflame. Soviet oil prospectors started drilling in 1971 expecting to find oil, and the ground collapsed to form the crater. Worried about the gas released into the air, they deliberately set the crater on fire to burn off the excess, expecting it to last a few weeks. As you’ll see today, they were wrong, and the crater has been burning ever since. Watch the sunset over the 'Door to Hell' from your nearby camp, and enjoy a Turkmenistan-style barbecue for dinner. Included Activities:-Darvaza - "Door to Hell" Crater-Konye-Urgench - City tour
Location: Erbent, Ashgabat
Hit the sand again in the 4WD, making the 4-hour drive to Ashgabat with a stop along the way at the tiny settlement of Yerbent. The community here live primarily in yurts that are tucked between the sand dunes. Check out the local monument that pays tribute to the group of socialists that died in the Basmachi Revolt in 1931, then continue to Ashgabat. Little is left of the original Russian Imperial city as most of it was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1948, and today the city centre is a bizarre mix of futuristic and outrageous public buildings. Get a sense of Ashgabat old and new with a tour that takes in both the ancient settlement of Nisa and the National Museum of Turkmenistan. Enjoy a free afternoon in this mind-bending city. Look out for the ornate, golden telephone booths, screens broadcasting official ceremonies on a loop and imposing statues of the president.Included Activities:-Yerbent - Village visit-Ashgabat - National Museum of Turkmenistan-Ashgabat - Nisa ruins
Take a full day to wrap your head around this desert city on an immersive guided tour taking in the four pointed minarets atop the Ertugrul Gazi Mosque and the the extravagant Independence Monument. This sculpted park is filled with statues of Turkmen heroes (and controversial politicians) that line paths that lead to a golden dome and a (surprise!) massive minaret. From this lavish ode to Turkmen identity, continue to the Neutrality Arch, which despite its name has a provocative history. Then travel outside of the city to the Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque, the mausoleum of former Turkmen leader Saparmurat Niyazov, before heading further out of town to the ruins of Anau. The crumbling remains of the medieval mosque still attract the devout, who come to pray and make offerings. After a day full of sightseeing, maybe spend the evening relaxing at your hotel.Included Activities:-Ashgabat - Anau ruins-Ashgabat - Independence Monument-Ashgabat - Neutrality Arch-Ashgabat - Turkmenbashy Ruhi Mosque & Family Mausoleum of the First President of Turkmenistan-Ashgabat - Ertugrul Gazi Mosque
Rise and shine for the 5-hour drive to Mary (pronounced ‘Mah-rih’). The somewhat ostentatious displays of wealth in the city can be traced to the long-running gas and cotton industries. Stop en route for lunch and to roam through the ruins of Abiverd. This fascinating archaeological site was an important trading town from 652 AD until the 12th century, and you can still see ancient shards of pottery scattered on the ground. Arrive in Mary in the afternoon and settle into your hotel.
Location: Merv, Mary
Take a 40-minute drive to Merv, also known as Margiana or Margush, and enjoy some time to explore Turkmenistan's most recognised site. This sprawling World Heritage site is home to numerous walled structures from various periods spread across a 1200-hectare area. See impressive columns smoothed by wind and time at the Greater Kizkala and walk hills that were once the fortress walls of Erk Kala. While not the most impressive visually, Gyaur Kala dates to 400 BC and has a fascinating history. Spend some time exploring these relics of grand empires and then return to Mary for a free afternoon. Maybe visit the Mary Regional Museum. Housed in a palace of white marble, the museum features archaeological displays and exhibitions on traditional Turkmen life and culture.Included Activities:-Merv - Big & Small Kizkala-Merv - Erk Kala & Gayur Kala-Merv - Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum
Glittering Ashgabat awaits your return today, so make the 5-hour return drive to the City of White Marble. Enjoy a free afternoon to spend as you wish before an optional dinner with your travel group.Optional Activities:-Carpet Museum
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the hotel at any time.
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The project was conceived through a planning initiative by the Mississippi Development Authority as a multi-modal transportation corridor designed to enhance both economic development and energy efficiency. The entire project will consist of an 18-mile, low speed multi-lane parkway style road situated between the Byram Community at I-55 in the southern portion of the Jackson Metropolitan Area, extending northwestward to the Norrell Road Interchange at I-20 in Clinton. The design concept further calls for sidewalks, pedestrian walking trails, and biking trails along with access limitations to ensure public safety and enhance levels of service.
Waggoner completed the route evaluation and NEPA documentation services. The FHWA approved a FONSI for this approximately 18-mile project.
Specific work efforts include identification of five alternate routes for the 15-mile corridor; traffic modeling of existing and future conditions; evaluation of environmental impacts, including wetlands and floodplains, threatened and endangered species, historical and archaeological, noise, land use and farm lands, socio-economic, air and water quality, noise, hazardous waste sites; and other related issues.


'Gates of Hell' ritual sacrifices were a deadly geological magic trick
Passages to the underworld
In temples to Pluto, scattered throughout the ancient Roman world, uncanny sacrifices reinforced fear and respect for the god of the underworld. These "Plutoniums" were also known as "Gates to Hell" because they were thought to be passages from the underworld to the surface.
From these passages flowed the deadly "breath of Kerberos," the three-headed hellhound. During rituals, Roman priests would lead sacrificial animals to the gates, where the animals would mysteriously sicken and die, in view of the pilgrims in the temple above.
Demystifying an ancient ritual
Now Professor Dr. Hardy Pfanz, a volcano biologist from the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany, has built a case for just what the "magic trick" behind these rituals is. He's studied the ruins of a Plutonium at Hierapolis in Turkey, and found that vents at the site emit concentrated and toxic streams of carbon dioxide. Because of the arrangement of the temples around the sources of the gas, it killed the sacrificial animals, but not the priests or pilgrims in the audience.
CO2 can be produced underground by volcanic activity, or by seismic activity - friction and heat breaking down carbonate rock deep underground. This gas rises to the surface, but CO2 is heavier than air so it pools in low lying areas forming carbon dioxide lakes. At the Plutonium in Hierapolis, according to Dr. Pfanz, these lakes would have been up to a meter and a half deep. This meant sacrificial animals - sheep or cattle - led to the temple floor would have breathed the CO2 and asphyxiated. He surmises that priests would have stood with their heads above the level of the gas - perhaps on raised platforms or pedestals, and the audience would have been quite safe on seats well above.
No longer deadly (mostly)
Most of the ruins of Plutoniums around the Roman world today don't have emissions of carbon dioxide. These vents open and close over geological time, and most are probably currently inactive. Dr. Pfanz says it's just fortunate that the temple at Hierapolis is still active and his team was able to study it.


We offer the most reliable, fast and fun way to travel
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Come enjoy the easiest way to get to your destination, with the peace of mind that your flight is 100% Carbon Neutral
Don't lose valuable time on the road when you could be spending an extra night in this wonderful hotel!
Finca Exotica is an ecolodge, organic jungle farm and botanical garden right on Carate beach with over 125 species of tropical fruits planted. In the last 8 years we have planted well over 1000 trees plus bamboos, spices, medicinals and foods with the goal to become a place for sustainable living. So, whether you want to swing the permaculture shovel with us or just enjoy the fruits, whether you want to hike Corcovado National Park or enjoy the longest, still unspoiled beach of Costa Rica...
Welcome to Finca Exotica where the sweetest water keeps flowing.


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On Tuesday morning California officials trekked into the mountains to share some exciting and unusual news: the state’s snowpack measurement is just about average. Across the state, the snowpack came in at roughly 110% – a measurement that is exceedingly rare in a changing climate.
The fourth survey of the year, conducted at the beginning of April, is considered one of the most crucial. It serves as an indicator for how the state’s water supply will fare through the drier, warmer seasons ahead. The snowpack acts as a water savings account for the state, supplying roughly 30% of California’s water and slowly refilling reservoirs, pumping rivers and streams and wetting soils during the dry, warm seasons as it melts. April typically marks the shift out of the precipitation season, which is why this snowpack measurement carries so much weight.
“Average is awesome,” Karla Nemeth, the director of the California department of water resources said, flanked by the governor, Gavin Newsom, and other officials in front of the picturesque slopes covered in white. “We have had some pretty big swings in the last couple years but average may be becoming a less and less common feature of snowpack in California.”
The manual survey conducted at Philips Station in the Sierra Nevada showed 64in of stacked snow, or about 113% of average for this location. As the threat of increasing extremes on both sides of the hydrological spectrum loom large, these “normal” numbers are considered a cause for celebration.
A smaller snowpack showcases the risks of scarcity and drought that may be looming in seasons ahead. One that is large, like last year’s, has the potential for floods and slides as the weather warms. But at just about average, “we are sitting in a good spot”, said Dr Andrew Schwartz, the lead scientist for Central Sierra Snow Laboratory. “That means we can carry forward the benefits of last season for another year.”
The snow measurement in 2023 was alarmingly large. Last year’s April measurement came in at 237% of average, after the state suffered some of the driest weather in its history. “These extremes are becoming the new reality and that new reality requires a new approach and a new sophistication in terms of the way we address and manage our water,” Newsom said during the press conference on Tuesday morning.
Newsom joined water officials after the manual measurement to highlight that the state is taking key steps to plan for a more precarious future, improving the resiliency of water infrastructure, engaging more deeply with Indigenous leaders on sustainability and increasing the flexibility of regulatory systems among them. The 2023 plan, announced on Tuesday, adds to a blueprint that has evolved over the decades, updated every five years.
“By 2040, in a matter of years,” the governor said, “scientists say we will be living with about 10% less water.” He added that officials are exploring desalination, more storm water capture, water recycling and other strategies to better use what is available.
The April measurement came after a slow start to the season, when rain totals outpaced snow, leading water managers and scientists to worry that the state might see a “snow drought”. But with the help from some strong, cold storms, the snowpack bulked up quickly at the start of the year, a trend Schwartz said is starting to become the new normal.
Now managers will be looking closely at temperatures, which will determine how quickly the snow melts. Even with a strong spring snowpack, a fast melt-off could leave less water available in the system to capture and store.
Changes fueled by the climate crisis have created new complications when it comes to planning, especially because temperatures can be hard to forecast. And far more needs to be done to secure water in an uncertain future.
“Climate is what you expect and weather is what you get – and we got some interesting weather this year,” said Jeffrey Mount, a senior fellow at the PPIC Water Policy Center. California’s water system is designed around an average year, he said, with averages helping decision-makers determine adequate regulations, distribution of water rights and reservoir management. “Yet it’s the last kind of year you would expect to have.”
The wet periods are getting wetter and the dry periods drier in California’s already highly variable climate, and some experts were bracing for a swing back to drought following last year’s deluges. Instead, the state was given a gift.
“We came into the season with our reservoirs in good shape, we put a substantial amount of water back in the ground, our demand was low because our soils were so wet, and now we have back-to-back good years,” Mount said. What matters now is what California does with it.
Groundwater, an essential part of California’s water supply that provides roughly 40% of water used by farms and communities, has not bounced back after being overdrawn during times of drought. Roughly a third of monitored wells are below normal levels and hundreds of wells are at an all-time low.
But with a strong snowpack and the water flowing readily on the surface, the badly needed reprieve has bought the state more time to make key changes. “It is a chance to have intelligent conversations about the future,” Mount said. “Sometimes the emergency is the great motivator to get things done, but it is nice not to have that distraction.”
The two strong water years come at a time when the state is working on new, more sustainable strategies to better store and distribute water when it is abundant to plan for when the hydrological coin inevitably flips. Mount said it will be crucial for the public and for decision-makers to not lose sight of the next drought.
But there will be disagreements ahead on how to chart the best path forward. During the snowpack announcement, Newsom took a moment to plug his controversial Delta Conveyance Project, a plan that has been in the works for decades, which would use a tunnel to carry water from the Sacramento River and pump flows into the northern end of the California Aqueduct. Diverse coalitions of environmentalists, tribes, fishing groups and state legislators have criticized the plan, but Newsom heralded it as “foundational” and “critical”, calling it “a climate project”.
Two strong water years have offered the space for decision-makers and communities to look closely at options and opportunities. But conditions can change rapidly, especially as the climate crisis turns up the dial.
“For the public and the legislature, the biggest challenge is that people lose interest in making the difficult choices that have to be made to plan for and respond to the future,” Mount said. “Every single water manager still wrings their hands every day because 365 days from now we could be having a very different conversation.”


Grave concerns persist for some 20 million people in the Sahel. Recurrent conflict, erratic weather patterns, epidemics and other shocks continue to weaken the resilience of households across a region still suffering chronic levels of food insecurity and malnutrition.
An estimated 20.4 million people remain food insecure at the start of 2015. At least 2.6 million people have already crossed the crisis threshold, 70 percent of whom are in Niger, Nigeria, Mali and Chad where insecurity and poverty compound food insecurity.
Epidemics continue to demand urgent attention in 2015. Besides cholera, meningitis, Lassa and yellow fever, more recently, Ebola has been posing a serious threat to the Sahel region and has already impacted Mali, Nigeria, and Mali directly.
Beyond the chronic threats of food insecurity, malnutrition and epidemics, violent conflict in and around the Sahel region has led to a surge in population displacement. The region begins 2015 with some 2.8 million people displaced; over a million more than in early 2014. With escalating conflict in northeast Nigeria, an estimated one million people have been internally displaced. Some 150,000 Nigerian refugees have fled to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon. The volatile security situation in northern Mali continues to have a devastating impact on civilians, hampering the return of refugees, affecting markets and preventing the full restoration of basic services. Some 133,000 Malian refugees remain in Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso and more than 80,000 Malians remain internally displaced. As in Nigeria, high levels of insecurity in northern Mali also greatly impact the ability of humanitarians to access those in need. (Sahel: A call for humanitarian aid, 12 Feb 2015)
Due to the ongoing crisis in the Lake Chad Basin, Chad is now the seventh largest refugee-hosting country in the world with over 750,000 displaced persons, the majority of whom are refugees or Chadian returnees who fled from the Central African Republic, Libya, Nigeria, and Sudan. At the end of August, the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sahel called on the international community to ramp up its support in response to the multi-faceted humanitarian challenges affecting the country. (OCHA, 27 Aug 2015)
On 9 December 2015, United Nations agencies and partners launched the Sahel humanitarian appeal for 2016. The regional plan calls for US$1.98 billion to provide vital assistance to millions of people affected by crises in nine countries across Africa’s Sahel region. (OCHA, 9 Dec 2015)
As of 19 August 2016, the Humanitarian Response Plan for the Sahel was 28% funded. (OCHA, 26 Aug 2016)
Appeals & Funding
- Sahel 2016 | Rapport de suivi périodique numéro 2 (Avril - Juin)
- Sahel Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) 2016 EN/FR
- Humanitarian Needs Overview EN/FR
- 2014-2016 Strategic Response Plans: Sahel Region EN/FR; Burkina Faso; Cameroon; Chad; Gambia; Mali; Mauritania; Niger; Nigeria; Senegal
816 aid workers reported killed, kidnapped, injured or assaulted between January 2015 and June 2016
In 2015, open sources reported 515 aid workers killed (179), kidnapped (129) and assaulted or injured (207) in 234 severe incidents. During the first six months of 2016, open sources reported 301 aid workers killed (129), kidnapped (75) and assaulted or injured (97) in 122 severe incidents.
Heavy rains expected to further increase risk of flooding in West and East Africa
Africa Weather Hazards
The persistence of above-average rainfall continues to increase both short-term and long-term rainfall surpluses and trigger flooding throughout many areas in Sudan, South Sudan and western Ethiopia. Above-average rainfall is forecast to continue over the region, further worsening the potential for flooding over many downstream areas of eastern Sudan during the next week.
Flooding risks remain over East and West Africa, while Central America remains drier than normal
Africa Weather Hazards
PROJECTED FOOD ASSISTANCE NEEDS FOR FEBRUARY 2017
IN FOCUS & FOOD INSECURITY HOTSPOTS
Drought has left 23 million requiring food assistance in Southern Africa.
An outbreak of fighting in South Sudan has caused new displacements and food price increases in the capital Juba. The South Sudan IPC update for April 2016 estimated that 4.8 million people (40 percent of the population) would face severe food insecurity in the May–July 2016 lean season.
Bilan et leçons du séisme au Népal, lancement des versions française et espagnole du CHS, fin des différentes missions d’accompagnement des ONG de l’Observatoire en Haïti, qui a fermé ses portes en 2015, participation aux travaux préparatoires du Sommet humanitaire mondial, implication aux côtés des institutions françaises et européennes dans des thématiques telles que l’environnement, la gestion des risques et catastrophes, le lien urgence-développement, etc. : petit aperçu d’une riche année 2015 pour le Groupe URD.
The passage of Tropical Storm EARL expected to partially mitigate dryness over Central America
Africa Weather Hazards
Consistent and aboveaverage rain over the past few weeks has led to moisture surpluses throughout much of Eastern Africa. Torrential rain is forecast to continue over western Sudan and the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea, likely to elevate the River Nile and Al Gash River levels further and potentially resulting in flooding over many areas of Sudan during the next week.
Looking back at an eventful year, our Annual Report for 2015 covers areas such as: the results and lessons learned from the response to the Nepal earthquake; the launch of the French and Spanish versions of the CHS; the end of the different NGO support projects by the Haiti Observatory, which closed in 2015; the preparations for the World Humanitarian Summit; and work carried out with French and European institutions on topics such as the environment, risk and disaster management and LRRD.
During Q2-2016, FAO’s global cereal price index fell by 6 percent year-on-year but it is 3 percent up compared to Q1-2016. The increase is because of rising maize and rice prices. The FAO global food price index has increased and almost returned to the levels of June 2015 (-1%), because prices particularly for sugar and oil increased significantly.
The real price2 of wheat is 20 percent below Q2-2015.
This is because world supplies are at record levels thanks to increased production as well as beginning stocks.
As of 31 July 2016, UN-coordinated Humanitarian Response Plans (HRP), Flash Appeals and Regional Refugee Plans as covered by the Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) require US$21.9 billion to meet the needs of 96.9 million people affected by humanitarian crises in 40 countries. The appeals are funded at $7.2 billion, with unmet requirements totalling $14.7 billion. Overall, donors have contributed $13.7 billion towards humanitarian operations in 2016 and pledged a further $814.4 million.
This issue of Nutrition Exchange is our sixth and we continue to profile the writing of those working at national and sub-national level. This issue contains 13 original articles from Bangladesh,
Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Niger and Somalia and two with a regional and geographical perspective.
In West Africa, market availability was good in June with supplies from above-average 2015/16 regional harvests, and international rice and wheat imports. Markets remained disrupted throughout the Lake Chad Basin and in parts of Central and Northern Mali. The recent depreciation of the Naira has led to price increases across Nigeria and reduced purchasing power for livestock in the Sahel (Page 3).
29 juillet 2016, Rome -**Un rapport élaboré par les deux agences onusiennes alerte sur le sort de millions de personnes vivant dans les 17 pays touchés par des conflits prolongés et qui se trouvent actuellement en situation de grave insécurité alimentaire. Selon le document présenté au Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU, ces conflits entravent également les efforts mondiaux visant à éradiquer la malnutrition.**
Heavy rains may lead to flooding in East and West Africa, dryness persists in Central America
Consistent and above average rain over the past few weeks has led to moisture surpluses throughout much of Eastern Africa. Torrential rain is forecast to continue over western Sudan and the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea, which is likely to raise the River Nile and Al Gash River levels further and potentially result in flooding over many areas of Sudan during the next week.
Briefs for UN Security Council highlight how millions of people remain trapped in a vicious cycle of violence and hunger
Joint FAO-WFP news release
29 July 2016, Rome - Protracted conflicts affecting 17 countries have driven millions of people into severe food insecurity and are hindering global efforts to eradicate malnutrition, two UN agencies have warned in a report submitted to the UN Security Council.
PROJECTED FOOD ASSISTANCE NEEDS FOR JANUARY 2017
Globally, millions of vulnerable people are experiencing increased hunger and poverty due to droughts, floods, storms and extreme temperature fluctuations as a result of a climatic occurrence: El Niño. This phenomenon is not an individual weather event but a climate pattern which occurs every two to seven years and lasts 9-12 months. The 2015/2016 occurrence is one of the most severe in a half-century and the strongest El Niño since 1997/1998 which killed some 21,000 people and caused damage to infrastructure worth US$ 36 billion.


5:15 PM - 6:30 PM
[G03-P13] "Intermediate term forecast" based on seismic intensity data base for understanding the usual seismisity
Keywords:Seismisity, Earthquake forecast, Seismic intensity data base, Homogeneous Poisson Process
The purpose of introducing the "Earthquake forecast" in our report is NOT to propose an original physical model nor statistical model developing the reliable method for earthquake forecast or prediction through the scientific discussion. The main purpose of this report is to introduce simple example to citizens to understand the common seismic activity based on the usual seismisity data. Therefore, we choose the seismic intensity database of JMA, not the earthquake catalog, to provide the parameters for our model, as intensity is easy to imagine the effect of earthquake, personally. The probability to feel fairly strong earthquake within several month to one year would be shown in a simple format understandable by anybody. Such kind of simple information would be helpful to realize the usual seismic activity, as well as to consider the individual risk mitigation action imaging the more destructive and less frequent earthquake occurrence.
The statistic model used for the "forecast" is Homogeneous Poisson Process, which presume minimum number of a priori parameter, the average recurrence term of the events based on the record of past events. We will show the example of "Intermediate term forecast" as the target term with three months and one year for 2015, and unit areas with each prefecture (Fig.1). As the evaluation of the "forecast" shows that the "Success rate" is around 70% to 90% and the "Alarm rate" is over 50%, it would be appropriate to understand usual seismic activity through this "forecast" like idea.


A Review of Data Sources and Techniques used for Landslide Visualization
Keywords:Visualization, Landslides, Slope Failures, Techniques, 3D Visualization, 2D Visualization
Landslides are slope failure disasters threatening human life and destroying infrastructures. Landslides happen suddenly and cause huge losses. Landslide visualization can provide information and an overview of slope movement and landslides. This study reviews the visualization of landslides by analyzing literature published on this topic from 2018 until February 2023. This study used publications from the ‘Web of Science’ (WOS) and ‘Scopus’ in the last five years to get the latest information on this topic. This study has examined trends in the number of publications and sources of publication, study areas, visualization techniques and datasets used, and visualizations produced in either 2D or 3D. The number of publications shows an increasing trend, and the journal that publishes the most articles is ‘Remote Sensing’. Areas from China are often chosen as study areas in this topic, followed by Slovenia. There were 19 visualization techniques identified through the article, and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was used frequently in 3 publications. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data is used in most articles (8 articles) compared to the other 10 data, which are Digital Terrain Model (DTM), Knowledge Template, Electromagnetic VLF-R Data, Cloud Data of Discrete Points, Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) Data, Electric Resistivity Tomography (ERT) Data, Airborne Lidar, Target Ground Sampling Distance (GSD), Area of Interest, and in situ Data. Landslide visualization in 3D form is produced in most articles compared to 2D. The analysis shows a preference for 3D visualization over 2D, although both techniques are employed due to their unique advantages. The review exercise reveals a rising publication trend, highlighting the prominence of 3D visualization techniques and the popularity of DEM data in landslide visualization studies, while also suggesting the need for more recent and comprehensive research in this field.


With its lively city centre, spectacular beaches, and dazzling harbour, you will soon fall in love with Sydney's lifestyle.
In 2021, Sydney was ranked as the 4th safest city in the world (EIU Safe Cities index) so you can feel relaxed and comfortable getting around the city.
Sydney has a good public transport network. The college is in a very convenient central location in the city close to Town Hall train station making it easy for you to get to school and get to work.
On a student visa you can work for up to 40 hours per fortnight while studying. Jobs are easily available so you can support yourself while studying and SELC has flexible timetable options to suit your working hours.
Sydney has on average more than 340 sunny days per year. Summers (from December to March are hot); winters (June to August) are mild with an average daily temperature of 15 degrees.
Sydney's warm climate means that there's a huge range of outdoor activities for you to do all year round. Sport is very popular in Australia and if you’re looking for an adventure there are many opportunities for you to try new things - scuba-diving, surfing and bushwalking are all possible within the Sydney metropolitan area.
Sydney is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia. It is lively by day and night with world-class cultural and social entertainment. Whether you prefer concerts, cinema, restaurants, nightclubs or pubs you’ll find plenty here to please you.
Sydney is the gateway to amazing sights and experiences in New South Wales and the rest of Australia. Spectacular beaches, rainforest and the gorgeous Blue Mountains are all just a short drive away. Day trips to the most popular destinations can be purchased from our travel desk.
There's a large international student community in Sydney and Australians are very friendly and welcoming. In shops, restaurants and on the street you’ll be surprised at how easy going people are.


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Six new COVID-19 deaths reported, including three from Minnehaha County
The South Dakota Department of Health reported six additional deaths of residents with COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the total number of deaths to 2,115.
All six were men and three were from Minnehaha County. One was 40-49, two 50-59, one 60-69 and two 70-79.
The state also reported 585 new cases, and active infections versus recoveries increased by 17. A total of 142,330 have tested positive for coronavirus and 132,490 have recovered.
New infections included 132 Minnehaha residents and 30 in Lincoln County. Brown County recorded 22 while Codington County had 27. Pennington County accounted for 131 cases.
The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 fell to 203. Nearly a third of those were receiving intensive care and 47 were on a ventilator.
New vaccinations for COVID-19 included 548 state residents. Through Wednesday, 70% of the state's eligible population had received at least one dose of vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


A small tract in deepest East Oakland preserves some very old sidewalks. The stretch of 104th and 103rd Avenues between International Boulevard and E Street — call it Iveywood West — features the following curiosities.
These arrows in the pavement point away from the street. On the north side of 104th, they appear to correspond to the edge of driveways. On the south side, they don’t. On 103rd they only appear on the south side.
Both streets also have stamped in the concrete what I assume are lot numbers. This is on 104th.
And this is on 103rd. They don’t correspond to the addresses.
The sidewalks are very consistent in appearance. I don’t recognize the maker’s style, so I can’t say who laid them down, but I believe they date from around 1910. The 1912 map suggests that the landowner was Ludovina Ivey. She was Ygnacio Peralta’s daughter and developed large tracts of Oakland near the San Leandro line. (She also owned the undeveloped land now preserved in King Estates Open Space.) Google Maps calls the adjacent neighborhood Iveywood.
I’ve seen lot numbers and arrows in one or two other places, but I can’t recall exactly where. If one of you knows of any, please add a comment.
Another odd thing is the appearance of many of the driveways.
They appear not to have been included in the original sidewalk, but instead were put in shortly afterward by a separate contractor. A few, like this, were made by sledgehammering the curb. Almost none are stamped by their makers, and the workmanship is often poor. I have the impression that the neighborhood was laid out without providing for driveways, under the assumption that ordinary people didn’t own cars.
In other news, I found two more sidewalk marks worth preserving here. As these continue to crop up, I’ll post them each week.
1945 – C. Valenzuela
1211 104th Avenue
Unlike my previous example from 1945, this uses only the last two digits of the year.
1951 – Wm. Ward
4250 Fair Avenue
Only the second Wm. Ward mark I’ve found.


First, make sure that your campgrounds icon is turned on.
When these icons first appear on your map, this means that there are campgrounds in the area.
One reason for the icons disappearing could be because you zoomed in to the map. As you zoom in, your Park filters start taking effect- and you may have disabled certain campgrounds due to filtering. To view all campgrounds in the area, simply turn off the filter.


Business travellers and commuters in the United Kingdom continue to steer clear of public transport, preferring to drive rather than travel by bus or train, new data from Transport Focus shows. Click here to read the full story.
Having tracked transport usage over the past four weeks, the independent UK watchdog says survey results show public transport has remained consistently low.
Before the outbreak, 43% nationally used public transport at least a few times a month, while 80% used the car.
But just 2% of respondents said they had used a bus in the past week, which has remained unchanged since Transport Focus began its weekly survey.
In terms of trains and the London Underground, usage has again remained unchanged over the period, with only 1% of respondents saying they had travelled on either.
More than a third (36%) of respondents said they were avoiding public transport on Government advice, unchanged from the previous week.
Two out of five respondents (39%) said they would not use public transport for any reason until they felt completely safe.
A consistent six out of 10 (60%) said they will more likely to drive in the future.
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