All our reviews

Taken as a whole Baku is, in my opinion, “worth a journey”. However, the medieval part of it, which has been inscribed as a WHS site, is not particularly notable or interesting in itself – “worth a visit” for an hour or so if you are already there but a bit lost in the modernity of Baku and lacking the scale and atmosphere of some other such Central Asian medieval cities. Perhaps its most amazing aspect is that it even survived the changes in Baku during the Oil boom and the Soviet era.

There are however a number of sites on the WHS Tentative list around Baku which should not be missed including the petroglyphs and “singing stones” at Gobustan and the Zoroastrian Fire Temple in the suburb of Surakhany. A number of more modern sights are also “worth the journey”:-

a. many fine buildings from the 19th century “oil boom city”

b. the “surreal” environment in the oil fields around the city with pipework, “nodding donkeys” and seeping oil everywhere

c. the artificial islands and roads leading from the shore to oil wells stretching far out into the Caspian

One of the more breathtaking experiences of my life. The combination of tranquility and chaos that the water features bring about is something everyone should be so lucky to experience.

Villa d'Este will always have a special spot in my memories!

Fantastic! Full of mistery (if you like Templars and their history) but written description miss in a lot of rooms and places (particular in the last part of the visit) and the famous manuelino style window is covered with lichens! I think it's not a good situation for a UNESCO's world Heritage.

Bye

I just came back from a trip to Zimbabwe (Aug 2004). Great Zimbabwe was one of the stops on our ten-day safari. It was nice to forget about all the bad press and experience this great piece of Zimbabwean history. I felt frustration, but was really not surprised, when our wonderful Zimbabwean tour guide told us how, for centuries, white man repeatedly tried to rewrite history, arrogantly refusing to believe Africans could be capable of creating this remarkable village. Our guide always explained these historical events with such class; with perhaps a slight hint of regret in his speech but never making derogatory comments about whites or anyone else. He had obvious pride for his ancerstors and was honored to tell us all about it, which is how we found most of the people we've met all over Zimbabwe. While alot of the structures in the ruins have been turned upside down and stripped by treasure hunters, what remains is definitely worth seeing. You don't often get the chance to sit where kings previously sat and you can't help but feel perhaps they are looking down on you today. Do it either pretty early in the day or towards the evening to avoid the midday heat, and bring water.

I have been to Croatia several times because my father was born in a small village near Split. This summer was the first time I actually toured the Palace, and it is truly fabulous. The church and the museum upstairs are definitely worth seeing. Holy relics contained in their sarcophagus were fascinating, as were the many artifacts such as crowns, chalices, and robes worn by former bishops and priests. The palace is in great shape (people live within the walls) and was obviously well built. On the outskirts of Split, there are miles of ruins but the most impressive is the aquaduct. One small complaint about the palace is that there was a fee for entering the museum and some other parts of it.

This Drakensberg story is one of retreat, beauty, relaxation and good eating.. The drive towards the Drakensberg Mountains swept over the undulating foothills down side-roads that snake along meandering countryside to our first destination Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse. Cleopatra is tucked away in the beautiful Kamberg valley in the Drakensberg Mountains, it is a gourmet getaway where attention to detail is evident everywhere. The dining room and lounge are extended over a trout-filled dam that looks out across the water to the stunning mountains of the Southern Berg. It is a magical place - a secluded luxury hideaway where the most important factor is not to come here if you are on a diet!

The build up to dinner was an event in itself with all the guests meeting at 7pm for drinks and given an entertaining, detailed account of the gourmet meal that was to follow by Richard the chef and owner. Everything is hand prepared on the premises, some of the sauces (the highlight of most plates) take up to three days in creation. It's three fabulous starters each, in our case a plate of meltingly succulent scallops, then a rich, baked butternut soup with a dollop of creamy pesto and a plate of Mozambican king prawns. A small freshening sorbet provided Richard the time for final preparations of the main course, an elaborate plate of choice lamb cuts on rosti with three different chutneys, and rounded off with a rich chocolate concoction, perfectly offset by homemade orange-infused vanilla …

I have been to the Pueto Princesa Subterranean River National Park just last week, Aug. 11, 2004. It was an exciting day for me. My husband and my companions braved the rain just to get there. The sea was swollen and murky so it was a little bit scary. But excitement at seeing the world-famous underground river got the better of us. I was most impressed by the length of that underground river. It was amazing nature at its best! I've seen many rivers big and small, but underneath the earth? I thought this was one of a kind. You gotta see it too! Especially during the rainy season! 'Cause that makes it even more exciting!

However, I'd like to let the PCSD know that people should be warned not to eat at the park because it is affecting the monkeys there. They get attracted to people's food and would therefore try to snatch the food. Aside from affecting their behavior, they might also get diseases from people like colds and other viruses that are food-borne. We know how deadly viruses become when they mutate as a result of the combination of human and animal virus interaction. So please...ban eating at the park! thank you.

kizhi afternoon 2004

soft & warm august wind - sunday afternoon - divine

sun above the landscape - eternal water onega. the island

was full of good energy, the beauty of wooden architecture

was like a medicine for my restless mind. i realized that

history is like liquid - i felt it in my veins. and when i heard the bells ringing... i became a part of a large

sacred system.

fascinating!

a.m.

I used to live in the Blue Mountains, I pretty much grew up there.I since moved to another part of australia that is hours away from the Blue Mountains and i just wanna say this.It is the most gorgeous place in the world and its my biggest regret that i had to leave. I count down the days when I can see it again.To all you mountain goats, dont do what i did and leave. Its the stupidest thing I did.But at the same time, when I lived there it really used to piss me off when I saw all these people move up there and cut down all the bush just so they could build an ugly great mansion! no offence, but you guys are crap! your not doing any favours for the area! surely you want your kids to see the mountains as you saw it! not like another Sydney!! Also another thing I miss heaps about the mountains is how laid back and non judgemental people were, especially in Katoomba. So all up i'll just say one more thing, if u are going to visit or move to the mountains think about the environment!

Mahabobodhi Complex is very interesting. You can feel the anciant atmosphere and the "faithful buddhist scenario". Is it possible to see old stupas, little and big Buddha statues, tibetan devots, monks, tourists, prayers, poor people, children and dogs (!)living in peace inside complex.

The train travel between Varanasi and Gaya is, too, absolutly interesting. Trains are old, ugly, dirty...sensational!

I've been to Nessebar twice. First time was in 2002, second time was August 2004. I brought my daughter along and she was really impressed by not only Nessebar but Bulgaria overall. My wife comes from Plovdiv, Bulgaria.We meet in Germany. My other intrest of Bulgaria, especially Plovdiv, is its place in our Christian History. I agree with the afore mentioned comments of Nessebar, and Bulgaria. I would love to live and work on the Black Sea Coast. Between,Nessebar and Primisko.

Gough Island is the "ultimate" for us "WHS collectors"! But how to visit this "oh so remote island" where no one is even allowed to land - so important is it to keep its ecosystem pristine!

Note that the UK has 3 remote island sites - StKilda, Henderson and Gough - added in 86, 88 and 95 respectively. Mrs Thatcher so disliked UNESCO and its then Secretary General Amadou Mahtar Mbow (in fact the US, which left in 84 in protest at his policies, has only recently rejoined) that, during her period in government, UK failed to register much of its undoubted heritage. But these remote islands were favoured and remain a remarkable trio - so unlike many of the other WHS which are heavily marketed, subject to high entrance fees and overcrowded with tourists (albeit that WHS recognition also helps stimulate conservation of others).

In March 2002 we were lucky enough to achieve, albeit for a few hours, the ambition of visiting Gough Island and seeing some of its unique fauna. Each year, between late Feb and the end of April, the Russian vessel "Professor Molchanov" (on long term charter to a Dutch expedition company but still with Russian crew) is repositioned from its Antarctic cruising grounds to the Arctic via UK/NL. This trip is available to those with time (7 weeks) and money (not so much really considering the experience!!). En route from the Antarctic Peninsular it takes in most of the mid Atlantic islands - …

The most beautiful site on earth,

I came to The Lebanon ( land of my Father )for my second time in 1994, the first time was in 1989 but I was unable to visit the Holy Cedars because of the war, so in 1994 my cousins Carlos, Kerellos and Carla Keyrouz drove me to the Holy Ceaders.

The drive there wes absolutely beautiful but the sight of this magnificent Forrest of God was breath taking, I wish the whole world could see them, I have NEVER forgotton this experience, I pray to God my health will allow me to see them just once more.

I have searched for paintings or prints of the Cedars but so far I have not been able to find them, that is why I am on the net now and found your site.

Keep up the good work

May God Bless you and keep you in good health now and Always

Chris Karooz

The Temple of Borobudur

One of the Ancient Wonders of the World, not to be missed in life time. A wonderful creation with beautifully architectured with a blend of true culture.

The Borobodur Temple complex is one of the greatest monuments in the world. It is of uncertain age, but thought to have been built between the end of the seventh and beginning of the eighth century A.D. For about a century and a half it was the spiritual centre of Buddhism in Java, then it was lost until its rediscovery in the eighteenth century.

The structure, composed of 55,000 square meters of lava-rock is erected on a hill in the form of a stepped-pyramid of six rectangular storeys, three circular terraces and a central stupa forming the summit. The whole structure is in the form of a lotus, the sacred flower of Buddha.

This coming 26-29 september 2004 Indonesia Tourism Board along with Event Organizer Pacto Covex are organising a special event called Royal Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo [TIME] 2004 at Yogyakarta, the city of Borobudur. Royal TIME 2004 is a strategic international event that will help showcase Yogyakarta and Java to the international tourism market.

So, Selamat Datang!, welcome to Yogyakarta! Hope you enjoy your stay there and trust you will enjoy TIME 2004 and the Javanese way of life. Finally, you are guaranteed to receive warm hospitality and a genuine welcome from the people of Yogyakarta and are proud to show their heritage to the world.

I had received pretty mixed reviews about Vienna so I was not expecting much when I arrived. However I was stunned when I got to walk around, the wealth of Grand Buildings, Statues and Fountains left me pretty awe-struck.

My first experience arriving was at dusk on a beautiful summer evening when I walked around the Ringstrasse as it was being lit up. During this stroll I even caught a choir in Stephansdom.

In addition to the listed buildings in the centre I also really enjoyed visiting the unique architecture of Friedsensreich Hundertwasser, located just a short walk away.

I was massively impressed by the city and there is so much to see that I would have no problem going back for another long weekend.

Hi there!

Recently I have seen photographs of El Fuerte after restauration by UNESCO. Great work! Me and my wife visited El Fuerte in 1998.

In the past years I have done some research on the meaning of 'El Cascabel':one of El Fuerte's most significant features.

The 263 diamantshaped curves on El Cascabel and the view direction of the two parallel shafts of El Cascabel ( azimuth 71"0')show the importance of Venus, the morningstar.

It was Garcilaso de la Vega in his ancient chronicles of Peru who mentioned this temple for the first time.

In his description he speaks about he stone images of two condors (cunturs) that could be found on this hill. One cuntur was depicted in flight 'as to swoop on it's pray' and one cuntur with 'it's back turned to the spectator as in shame'.

Both images still can be seen on El Fuerte although they haven't been published before and are also unknown by UNESCO.

Besides that one particular spot one El Fuerte should be protected very well because this spot marks the (unknown and not-published)images of the mythical Manco Ccapac and Mama Occlo and also the images of two Llamaheads (offers?).

The writings of Garcilaso de la Vega show us that El Fuerte was pretty famous in Cusco and he writes:

"the painting still existed in good condition in 1580. In 1592 I asked a creole priest who had come to Spain from Peru if he had seen it and what state it was …

The Grand Place is absolutely stunning. It's one of the most beautiful architectural gems I have every seen in Europe. It is spectacular both in the morning and in the evening when moat of the building on the square are lit up. Truly not to be missed!!

I think I can find out the whole history of Britain inside the Westminster Abbey. There has a monument for Sir Winston Churchill near the exit of the Abbey. He was not buried at Westminster. He was buried inside Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, which is also a World Heritage Site

A truly glorious place. This must be one of the most unique spots on the entire planet. I loved the time I spent there and desparately hope to visit again.

If you are in the area, don't hesitate! Go!

Actually, it is a circular wall with 4 large towers at 4 directions. This is a little Great Wall in Hwasong. I have walked half of the city walls. I enjoyed the view to the city so much at the top of the hill in the west parts of the walls.