Africa's wild animals black-white photography

Giraffes in Evening Light, Maasai Mara 2006

Elephant Exodus #2, Amboseli 2004

Abandoned Ostrich Egg

Buffalo With Lowered Head

Elephant Herds Crossing Lake Bed in Sun D

Elephant with Tattered Ears

Elephants Moving Through Grass

Elephants on Bleached Lake Bed

Giraffes and Dust Devil

Giraffes Battling in Forest

Giraffes with Migration Trail

Gorilla On Rock

Lion CU Portrait

Lion Under Leaning Tree

Lion with Monolith

Lions Head to Head

Rhino on Lake

Rhinos in Lake

Lion Before Storm II- Sitting Profile

Zebras Turning Heads

Cheetah and Cubs

Wildebeest Crossing

Lioness Against Rock

Baboons in Profile

Hippos on Mara River

Elephant With Exploding Dust

Elephant Exodus

Cheetah and Cubs Lying on Rock

Lion Windswept

Sitting Lionesses

Cheetah in Tree

Giraffe Fan

Elephant Mother and Two Babies

Elephant Herd

Buffalo Group Portrait

Portrait of Lion Standing in Wind

Giraffes Under Swirling Clouds

Chimp Portrait With Hand II

Lioness with Cub Feeding

Lioness Looking Out Over Plains

Giraffe Looking Over Plains

Lioness In Crater

Leopard in Crook of Tree

Elephant Mother and Baby Holding Leg

Chimpanzee Posing

Elephant Ghost World

Rhino in Dust

Elephant Cathedral

Giraffe and Baby in Trees

Elephant Drinking

Why the animals of Africa in particular? And more particularly still, East Africa? There is perhaps something more profoundly iconic, mythical, mythological even, about the animals of East Africa, as opposed to say, the Arctic or South America.
Photographs by Nickbrandt

Tags: Africa's wild animals, black & white, wild animals photography, black and white Photographs

Horsetail Fall – The Firefall of Yosemite Park

Horsetail Fall, located in Yosemite National Park in California in 1890. it is world famous for its rugged terrain, waterfall and century-old pine trees. it covers 1200 sq km and the "fire" waterfall of el capitan is one of the most spectacular of all scenery.is a seasonal waterfall that flows in the winter and early spring. The fall occurs on the East side of El Capitan. There are a few days every February where this fall is lit up by the setting sun and reflects a bright orange.

This waterfall descends in two streams side by side, the eastern one being the larger, but both quite small. The eastern one drops 470 m (1,540 ft) and the western one 480 m (1,570 ft), the highest fully-airborne waterfall in Yosemite that runs at some point every year. The waters then gather and descend another 150 m (490 ft) on steep slabs, so the total height of these waterfalls is 650 m (2,130 ft). The image shown here is taken during a brief time during the winter, near 21 February at sunset, made famous by Galen Rowell's photograph.

The fall is best seen and photographed from a small clearing close to the picnic area on the north road leading out of Yosemite Valley east of El Capitan.

the spectacular view of the waterfall is created by the reflection of sunlight hitting the falling water at a specific angle. this rare sight can only be seen at a 2-week period towards the end of feburary. to photograph this rare event, photographers would often have to wait and endure years of patience in order to capture them. the reason is because its appearance depend on a few natural phenomenons occuring at the same time and luck.

1st, is the formation of the waterfall - the water is formed by the melting of snow and ice at the top of the mountain. it melts between the month of december and january and by the end of february there might not have much snow left to melt.

2nd, is the specific angle of the sunray hitting the falling water - the sun's position must be exactly at a particular spot in the sky. this occur only in the month of february and at the short hours of dusk. if it is a day full of clouds or something blocking the sun, you can only take pictures of your own sorry faces on the waterfall. it coincides with the fact that the weather in the national park at that time of the year is often volatile and unpredictable. it compounds to the difficulty of getting these pictures.

Mysterious Scissors Dancers of Peru

Performed in the axial and southern highlands of Peru, the Scissors Ball is a acceptable accident that tests the concrete and airy backbone of the participants.

Westerners usually attention “La Danza de las Tijeras” as a concrete analysis area two men accept to prove their ability and attrition to pain, but to the humans of the Andes, this ball is a angelic ritual. The dancers, alleged danzaq, accomplish difficult stunts and leaps, alleged atipanakuy, accompanied by the music of a violin, a harp and the complete of the scissors they anniversary authority in their hands. So abundant about not arena with scissors, right?

The agent of the danzaq and their Scissors Ball is buried in mystery, but some anthropologists accept they appeared in 1524, during the apostasy adjoin Spanish colonial rule. According to old Spanish chronicles, Huancas (pre-Hispanic deities) bedevilled the bodies of aboriginal adolescent men, acceptance them to accomplish an impossible-looking ball signaling the acknowledgment of the Old Gods to vanquish the Christian God of the Spanish. As we all know, that didn’t happen, but the attitude of the Scissors Ball was kept animate by the Andean people.

It’s about absurd to accept anyone can achieve this affectionate of acrobatic moves, while administration a brace of scissors fabricated out of two alone bedding of metal, 25 cm each, but the danzaq do abundant more. To appearance airy superiority, they go through a alternation of challenges that cover afraid aciculate altar through their bodies, bistro bottle or walking on fire. The Scissors Dance is sometimes performed continuously for hours, until one of the competitors proves his superiority.

The best Scissors Dances can be witnessed in Ayacucho, Apurimac, Arequipa, Huancavelica and Lima.

Tags: Mysterious, Scissors, Dancers of Peru, Extra Ordinary Dancers

World's Fastest Snail

World Snail Racing Championships People gathered from around the globe

People in Congham, Norfolk, have been racing the shell-dwellers at their annual fete for 25 years.

The annual gathering sees about 250 people from as far away as Malawi bring their hard-backed friends along to race.

This year it was pesky plant-eater Terri who set his owner on a silvery trail to fame if not fortune.

In his quest to become the world's fastest snail, the slimy competitor slithered 13 inches to the finish line in 2 minutes 49 seconds.

Owner, 27-year-old Claire Hopkins, from West Raynham, Norfolk, said: "We only came by chance so this is quite unexpected, I feel quite privileged to win."

The creatures who win the preliminary are then entered into the final at the end of the day.

Snail master Neil Riseborough, 50, said: "This is the snail racing world championships, all the rest are imitations. If you don't win the final here then you're not a world champion."

The victor claimed a silver tankard filled with lettuce, and the prestigious title of "Fastest Snail in the World".

The current record was achieved in 1995 at two minutes.

Source :- The Sun

Realistic Body Painted Shoes Illusion

Incredibly rendered on the bare foot.

Tags: Realistic Painted, Body Painted, Shoes Illusion

Haymaking Festival

World's Largest A trim haymaking festival 2010 kicks off in Serbia, on July 18, 2010. haymaker Festival in Rajac is a traditional Serbian economic and tourist manifestation. It is believed to be the biggest haymaking festival in the world, which is held every year at the end of July.





Source :- China Economic Net

Travel Romantic Beaches | Destination for romantic couples

Whether you are a fresh couple or you are celebrating your 50th anniversary, beaches are an ideal destination for romantic couples. Escape with your sweetie to an intimate island getaway like Hawaii or the spectacular Bora Bora. Take a walk on the beach or the shoreline at sunset or in the moonlight. Cuddle on a blanket with candles all around, while you stare at the stars and listen to the waves crash.... Magical

Whether you decide one of our picks on most romantic beaches or choose somewhere else, feeling the breeze on you skin, relaxing in the sand will sure heat up your relationship or marriage.

1.Hawaii - Truly paradise

Hawaii is one of the biggest honeymoon destinations in the world. Whether you are in Kauai, Maui or Big island, Hawaii offers excellent options for couples. Here you will find blue lagoons, lush rainforests, hidden gardens, cascading waterfalls, wild rivers running through rugged canyons, and soaring volcanoes. And oh, those beaches, you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.The possibilities for adventure -- and relaxation -- are endless.. The last, but definitely not least, thing that should be on your list of things to do is a luau. You cannot visit any Hawaiian island and not enjoy a luau. Hawaii is truly paradise.

2.Bora Bora - Unforgettably stunning

Bora Bora is known as the most famous island in the world and remains the island of all dreams. Don't think you can't get here. The view of Bora Bora from the airport is truly breathtaking, and as you travel across the spectacular lagoon you will soon understand why it is the main area of attraction for most visitors. Of course, the lagoon is the centerpiece. The colors are simply breathtaking. Some say there are more than five shades of blue/turquoise as you are coming over the lagoons and reefs. You can wade in it, swim, snorkel, scuba, jetski, windsurf, or just take it in as the most wonderful piece of nature it is. It's really up to you. And believe us when we tell you, your vacation to Bora Bora will never be forgotten.

3.Aruba – Bonbini

Bonbini, in the native language of Papiamento, means "Welcome". Welcome to Aruba. When you land in Aruba, you just have to admit there's a part of paradise located here. This tiny island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela, is huge with contrasts. And if its true that opposites attract, then this could well be the most attractive island of them all. One shore of Aruba is shallow with pristine white sand beaches, while the other side is rocky, deep and rough seas that open to the sea. As you explore and get to know Aruba, you'll soon begin to notice the smiling faces everywhere and as any traveler here will tell you, must surely be among the most welcoming places on Earth. So, sit back, relax or explore, there are many things to do, places to go and see.

4.Barbados

You have dreamt of relaxing on a beautiful sandy beach under the warm afternoon sun without a care in the world..... You have decided you need a break from the burdens of everyday life and that it is time for a trip to a tropical paradise.... OK, now all you need to know is where is Barbados. If you look at Barbados on the world map you will see that this Caribbean island is shaped like a pear with the stem end pointing towards the north, standing slightly outside the arc of the Lesser Antilles. Barbados is one of the most visited of the Caribbean islands. Along the west and south coasts resorts abound sheltered from the turbulent Atlatic Ocean and the easterly trade winds taking full advantage of the white sands and crystalline waters. What many people are unaware of is the spectacular beauty that lies beneath the surface of the sea where coral reef snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles are just some of the myriad recreational pursuits available. Warm clear Caribbean sea, rolling hills and valleys, and those beautiful white sanded beaches. A touch of British charm, great food, lots of activities, and everything else that you would need for a romantic vacation in the sun.

5.Saint Thomas

Saint Thomas is an island in the Caribbean Sea, part of the Virgin Islands along with St. John and St. Croix. St. Thomas is famous for its beaches and shopping, bed and breakfasts, an island that caters to couples and families. There is a limited party scene so you will get peace and quiet as you stare into your lover's eyes. What could be more romantic than a Caribbean sunset, a secluded Caribbean beach, a candlelight dinner or dancing under the Caribbean stars ?

6.The Bahamas

If gorgeous beaches, bright sun, sheer white curtains blowing in the breeze, beautifully designed contemporary rooms, elegant meals are your cup of pina colada, check out Bahamas. Whether you want resorts that are in the midst of the action or removed from it, they have your choice in the Bahamas -- after all, there are some 700 islands in the archipelago. Ample places to kick back, order a pina colada, and let the sun and the sunsets work their magic. The Bahamas has the perfect conditions for romance and love. With breathtaking panoramic views, the softest sandy white or pink beaches, the sunsets that slow dance with the sea and the musical waves lapping on the shore around your ankles, so happy to greet you. You feel like you are the only two on the beach. No footprints but yours. No crowds, no reservations for dinner.

7.Jamaica

Find the perfect romance In Jamaica for your next vacation. A country whose motto is "One Love", Jamaica is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. Jamaica has hundreds of miles of beautiful coastline. The beaches of Jamaica are some of the finest in the Caribbean. Some beaches are lively, fun-filled places, packed with young sunbathers listening to loud reggae music, other beaches in Jamaica are serene, secluded stretches of white sand perfect for relaxing and unwinding. So a couple could be forgiven for spending their entire heavenly vacation basking in the seductive warmth of the ever-present sunshine, while sipping exotic tropical drinks and gazing out at the endless expanse of aquamarine sea. Jamaica is so much more than just a beach, it's the perfect couples getaway.

8.The Seychelles - Tropical heaven

Conveniently located at the intersection of heaven and earth, these Indian Ocean islands are a place with picture-perfect stretches of powder-white beaches, lagoons that sparkle like diamonds and sunsets to die for. It's exotic; out of the way location makes it a great place to get to know your loved one. There are golf courses, spas, fishing trips, and tropical drinks. Honeymoon here and you'll never want to leave.

9.The Maldives

Locate on the equator, southwest of Sri Lanka, these islands are one of the most awesome destinations. A thousand breathtaking islands with sun, sand and sea, huge lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise. It is a perfect natural combination for the a tropical island wedding, honeymoon or holiday destination. The most inviting part of Maldives is the Maldives Islands and beaches, which offer relaxed atmosphere to calm your mind and soul. The soft white Maldives beaches, the clear blue waters, the lush green plantations, the glittering sands and the stimulating palm lined walkways offer a different ecstasy to all tourists. Winter is the best time to enjoy vacation in Maldives. Visit Maldives during December to March to enjoy a dream vacation.

10.The Belize

The islands out in the reef give couples a chance to get away from everyone on private beaches and explore the fish filled waters. The rain forests, reefs and ruins of Belize abound with natural and cultural diversity create an exotic backdrop for romance, adventure and relaxation. Explore the inland rain forests and ancient Maya ruins, take the plunge into the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere are only few of the attractions. A tropical romantic vacation adventure set in distinctive luxury ecolodge and a collection of private, thatched-roofed bungalows provides sultry comfort. A breathtaking destination for couples wanting a different kind of romance.

Tags: Bora Bora, Travel famous Beaches, Romantic Places, Tropical Beaches, Breathtaking Places