5 tons of water fall off into the ravine every single moment, roaring, raising steam and disseminating spatter in all directions. ‘Liquid wall’ of Iguazu Falls extends its crescent on the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
Noise of stream, as if someone forgot to turn off tens of thousands taps, can be heard from the distance of several kilometers to fade in… Finally, a valley filled with numerous cascades (275, to be precise) greets your eyes. Tourists, vested in raincoats, gather on viewing platforms, add amazed exclamations to the sounds of falling water and wonder who has created such beauty.Photo wanderlust.co.uk
There are a couple of answers to that. Local legend has it that waterfalls are the outcome of unshared feelings of ancient Indians’ supreme god who fell in love with a native woman called Naipi and demanded that the chieftain of the tribe, and concurrently the father of the girl, give him his beloved. The severe father, who didn’t dare to stand up to the “Great One” agreed, of course, despite entreaties of the heiress to leave her alone for she had already got herself a groom, although not a divine one. On reception of a square ‘no’ the couple decided to run away. Their way went through a river. They were oaring in attempts to get to land as soon as possible and hide in impenetrable jungles but the rejected potential husband noticed them, got outraged and put his huge foot down into the river – and this was how the waterfalls emerged. Trivial scheme as for myths: gods + mortals + unhappy love = wonder of nature.Photo steppestravel.com
In opposition to the fairytale, scientists, as always, suggest their own theory. In this case – the one of the falls being volcanogenic. Out of enormous amount of lava high rocks were formed and later rains ‘overfilled’ local river so it started falling over blocks to create a tremendous complex.
“Poor Niagara…” – that’s all that the first lady of the United States Eleanor Roosevelt managed to utter on visiting the place. Yet, she wasn’t even looking at the entire panorama from a helicopter! For present day’s tourists it won’t be a problem, well, except, perhaps, a financial one – the flight will cost 110 dollars. Those who want not only to see but also to literally ‘feel’ the waterfalls will have to lay out half the price. Tourist boats will take them for a tour along rivers that tons of water fall off into. When speeding together with the rapid flow of Parana that waters on the side of Paraguay, or Iguazu itself, that stems from the territory of Brazil and Argentina, it is as if one is melting in the huge stream and feels like its part.Photo travellocal.com
275 water points of interest are joined by another one… When we were children running out after a summer rain, abruptly replaced with clear weather, we used to admire a colorful arc bestriding the blue sky, not understanding how and why it appeared. When we found out that it is a reflection of sun rays in steam or fog, its mysteriousness in our imagination faded a little. But a rainbow over Iguazu is something special, first of all, because it is there almost all the time, even after dark. Formation of the night ‘septicolored’ is nearly the same as of the day one, only Sun and Moon exchange places to create natural illumination. But particularly religious local Indians perform their rituals, chant praises for the multicolored celestial rim that is believed to be a secret shaman sign…
If all the magnificent Istanbul is considered as the heart of regional trade, one of its most luxurious streets, Bagdad Avenue, is, certainly, the main artery. Having appeared there, even rejecting shopping with the whole heart, one feels hardship while trying to keep him balanced and not succumb to temptation to go to the ships and markets. Even though, apart from that, there is something to do here.
Lisbon is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in Europe, however, its territory is difficult for living and building due to its steep hilly terrain. Portuguese metropolis is situated on seven densely populated hills. That's why its hallmark is three funicular railroads and the elevator, without which tourists and residents would be much in trouble moving around the city.
Marina Orlova is a project manager in a cultural and public organization. Working on one of her international projects, she met her love - Wim, a guy from Belgium. She succeeded to visit his country only when Ukraine obtained visa-free regime and Marina shared with OUTLOOK her observations about how the Belgians live, what they eat for breakfast and how they relax.
One of the smallest capitals of the world – Malé – offers to have a look at the country’s, not 5-star hotel’s, places of interest and to get closer to life of ordinary Maldivians, not people from a room next door. First association that comes to mind at the mention of the Maldives is something azure and pastoral.
Once upon the time, Pygmy peoples lived on the west coast of Africa. They did not have any conflicts with anyone. When they were hungry, they went hunting, picked up nuts and bananas. Then the Mpongwé and the Fang tribes came. After them, the Portuguese arrived and named these lands Gabon. They were followed by the French who acquired the land and declared it as their colony.
If what they show in cinematograph is true than a typical samurai appears to be austere, taciturn and even slightly unsociable person. But this image in actual fact doesn’t get in line with reality... You don’t believe it? Our journalist Elena Rasenko suggests you make sure of it for yourself.
Elena Rasenko has visited Armenia and shares with readers the original charm of the country in which one really wants to stay. Armenians treat their national treasure - khachkars - very reverently and respectfully. These are processed and refined cross stones with a unique ornate pattern. So OUTLOOK proceeds with its story about Armenia.
For many tourists France is mainly Paris with long queues to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, as well as neighbouring sights with royal chic, or Mediterranean resorts. But OUTLOOK author while travelling through the country decided to go to the north, to Normandy! Our readers are welcome to read series of travel essays about a journey to the Atlantic Ocean by Kornei Gritsyuk...
In the world there is an unusual place where the biggest number of twins are born. Although at first glance it looks like a mystical coincidence, statistics makes you believe in miracles. The Indian state of Kerala can boast of a village where unusual things happen. Kodhini is the place with more twins than anywhere else in the world. Actually, there is almost no explanation for this.
It is just as hard to imagine a Japanese who doesn’t eat fish as to picture a Scott who doesn’t drink whiskey. OUTLOOK journalist Elena Rasenko will tell you about a unique place where successors of samurai purchase fine seafood for their tables.
Incheon is considered to be sea and air gateway to South Korea since it has one of the country's largest seaports and the most spacious, world-class airport in the region. The city is growing rapidly: within just a hundred years it developed from a modest port settlement to an ultramodern industrial and tourist hub.
Green slopes covered with heather moorland, deserted suburban roads, narrow streets with small cottages and gardens emitting heady fragrance - it seems that British villages are unchangeable through the passage of time. Like stilled scenery for heroic fantasy fiction, each of them has its own story about great battles, brave warriors and legendary artefacts.
I was heading to this Caucasian state all by myself to completely strange people. Prior to the trip all my friends and relatives warned me more than a dozen times about harsh temper of the hillmen and painted a vivid picture of what kind of difficulties were expecting me, a young woman travelling alone.
Spiegelgasse is originated from German collocation ‘Mirror street’ or ‘Mirror alley’. However, it is not the biggest and the most important street in Zurich. Moreover, it is vice versa, incredibly short and narrow… Well, being situated in the quiet nooks of the old city in such a way that no tourists could see it.
OUTLOOK journalist Elena Rasenko came back from Japan and launches a special series of articles devoted to this country. Warning for very sensitive readers: Beware! After reading, you will get a keen desire to break away, buy a ticket and fly to such a marvelous and fascinating Land of the Rising Sun!
Travelling around the globe lure increasingly every other year and it is so upsetting when all kinds of obstacles arise on the way of undertaking trips. OUTLOOK offers you not to get desperate if you cant set on a journey. Today we suggest you get inspired with movies in which one city or another plays equal part to actors ones. Well tell you about five films that, alongside having artistic merits, educate as good as habitual tour guides do.
After the legendary Frenchman Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his colleagues invented and perfected self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, scuba diving firmly entered the list of the most popular, but unfortunately, unsafe hobbies. OUTLOOK warns and talks about the most extreme places to do scuba diving.
Having taken the passport and good mood, go to the so-called "Near Abroad" - Bulgaria - the country where ancient architecture is successfully combined with a relaxing sea breeze. Do not you believe? But OUTLOOK is sure that Pavel Khomenskyi through his photos will be able to convince you! Bright and in its own way majestic Sofia - this is a must see! Let's go with us!
This amazing African country strikes tourists by odd mixture of cultures. There isn’t a thing you cannot see in Senegal! Retro cars of French origin; cows idly walking along the road; horse-drawn carts... Yet, there are more than enough surprises it its historical and cultural capital city of Saint-Louis.
Icy island of Greenland was first discovered by the Norwegian Vikings. This fact is surprising since this nomadic tribe had enough courage to penetrate into the harsh Arctic climate. We will not delve into searching for reasons which led warlike people to edge of the earth, but supply the modern traveller with the list of core Arctic attractions with a unique Greenlandic touch.
Photo wanderlust.co.uk
Photo steppestravel.com
Photo travellocal.com
