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World Tour 3: Grand Cayman thru Malaysia { 50 images } Created 16 Dec 2014

World Tour – 3 continues to sample some of the most exciting locations in the world. Use Encircle Photos to build your bucket list, recall past trips or plan your next one. New travel guides are added almost weekly. Return often to see what you have missed.
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  • Beach at Alternative Cruise Ship Dock in Savannah, Grand Cayman<br />
Cruise ships going to Grand Cayman typically arrive at George Town. When the Caribbean waves are rough, many ships are turned away while a lucky few anchor off the southern shore. This alternative port in Savannah is stark, congested and not convenient to tourist sites. Yet there is one refreshing advantage: after touring the largest of the Cayman Islands all day in the bright sunshine, a quick dip in the water near Spotts Public Beach is heavenly.  Plans were approved in 2015 to build a new, $200 million cruise ship terminal.
    Grand_Cayman-Savannah-Beach_Other_Sh...jpg
  • Saint Theodore Lighthouse near Argostoli, Greece<br />
The Lighthouse of Saint Theodore was constructed at the command of Charles Napier while he was the British High Commissioner of Kefalonia during the early 19th century. After it was destroyed in 1953, the Fanari was rebuilt within seven years following its original circular design surrounded by 20 Doric columns.  The popular light stands 26 feet tall at the end of a short, rocky peninsula.
    Greece-Argostoli-Saint_Theodore_Ligh...jpg
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus Columns in Athens, Greece<br />
In Greek mythology, the king and father of all gods is Zeus who received the gift of lighting and thunder from a Cyclopes and ruled the sky while his siblings Poseidon and Hades controlled water and the underworld respectively.  The Olympian Zeus sanctuary in Athens, Greece was built in his honor.  Construction of the huge temple began in 515 BC and was finally complete by Roman Emperor Hadrian over 600 years later.  It was destroyed by a Germanic tribe in 267 AD. These 55 foot, marble, Corinthian columns are the few that remain from the original 104.
    Greece-Athens-Temple_of_Olympian_Zeu...jpg
  • Old Fortress From Garitsa Bay in Corfu, Greece<br />
This view of the Old Fortress from Solomos Square along Garitsa Bay shows how enormous it is: 1,968 feet long and 656 feet wide. The huge wall in the foreground is one of two bastions flanking its main gate. They are named Martinego and Savorgnan after the engineers who designed them. The Greek temple is St. George’s church. At the peak is a lighthouse called Castel a Terra. On the left is a bell tower. This fort survived three attacks by the Ottomans during the Sieges of 1537, 1571 and 1716.
    Greece-Corfu-Old_Fortress_Garitsa_Ba...jpg
  • Athenian Treasury at Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece<br />
The Sanctuary of Apollo, the god of the sun, music and poetry, is in Delphi.  When Apollo, who was the son of Zeus, killed a giant serpent named Python with his arrow in 586 B.C., the first Pythian games celebrated his victory.  This evolved into the Olympics.  The ruins at this site, once considered the center of the world, date from the 6th to 4th century B.C.  They include temples, a theater, a stadium, altars and more.   This is the Athenian Treasury, a gorgeous Doric marble structure.  It housed the spoils from the 490 B.C Greek victory over the Persians in the Battle of Marathon.
    Greece-Delphi-Athenian_Treasury-Temp...jpg
  • Weathered Fishing Boat at Old Port Harbor in Mykonos, Greece <br />
A Greek jewel in the Aegean Sea is Mykonos Island.  Its white-washed buildings, cobble-stone streets, windmills, pristine beaches and active night life are a magnet for tourists. Next to the main town of Chora is the Old Port Harbor. Here you’ll find weathered fishing boats and Agios Nikolaos Church which has the blue dome in the background.
    Greece-Mykonos-Weathered_Fishing_Boa...jpg
  • St. John the Theologian Mosaic at Monastery on Patmos Island, Greece<br />
After the crucifixion of Jesus, his apostle John was banished to the Greek island of Patmos where he wrote the final chapter of the New Testament, the Book of Revelation, in the Cave of Apocalypse.  In 1088, an Asia Minor monk named Hosios Christodoulos acquired the island and built a monastery to Saint John the Devine in the town of Chorá while also preserving the cave.  This mosaic symbolizes the monk gifting the monastery to Saint John.
    Greece-Patmos_Island-St_John_Theolog...jpg
  • San Francisco el Grande Church in Antigua, Guatemala<br />
Antigua was once the glamorous capital of Guatemala before two devastating earthquakes in the 1700s left it mostly abandoned. Now the ruins are a tourist attraction. Within eight-by-eight blocks, a visitor can walk along the narrow, cobblestone streets to see the remains of former churches, arches and plazas plus convents and monasteries. A stunning example is the San Francisco Church with its twisted columns, religious statues and bell towers. This Spanish-American Baroque monastery was built in 1702 and destroyed in 1773.
    Guatemala-Antigua-San_Francisco_Chur...jpg
  • Boy Watching Waterfalls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens in San José, Guatemala<br />
Near the Poás National Park in San José, Guatemala is the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.  It includes two miles of walking paths through a rain forest and has five waterfalls.  The scenery is spectacular.  It also includes animal exhibits and a large butterfly garden.  The area was nearly destroyed by an earthquake in 2009 but has since been rebuilt.
    Guatemala-San_Jose-Boy_Watching_Wate...jpg
  • Introduction to Budapest, Hungary<br />
This is the “Pearl of Danube.” What a jewel it is! The stunning cityscape of the West Bank was originally Buda and Óbuda before merging with Pest on the East Bank in 1873. Budapest is consistently ranked among the prettiest and top European cities to live, work and visit. The ferry boat is floating towards the iconic Chain Bridge. The tall spire on Castle Hill is Matthias Church. The white, Neo-Romanesque towers in the center are part of Fisherman’s Bastion. The terrace offers the best panoramic view of the Pest side.
    Hungary-Budapest-Introduction.jpg
  • Contrasting Architecture in Eger, Hungary<br />
The architecture in the Belváros section (old town) reflects its illustrious history. Eger’s first castle where this photo was taken dates back to the mid-13th century. On the right is the Ottoman Minaret, evidence of the Turkish occupation in the 17th century. Most city landmarks were built during the prosperous 18th century when Baroque design was fashionable. The Minorite Church in the center is the best example. The proliferation of this style led to Eger’s nickname, “The Baroque Pearl of Europe.” In 1836, the Cathedral of Eger on the left was finished. The Basilica’s Neoclassical appearance by architect József Hild features two, 177 foot towers flanking a 59 foot wide dome.
    Hungary-Eger-Contrasting_Architectur...jpg
  • Panoramic View of Gullfoss on Golden Circle, Iceland<br />
The visual climax of Golden Circle is Gullfoss, the best waterfall in Iceland and frequently rated among the world’s top ten. From its origin at the Langjökull Glacier, the Hvítá River flows for 25 miles before reaching this arrowhead-shaped fissure. This was carved by a glacier outburst about 10,000 to 13,000 years ago. Then the torrent of brown water cascades three times before seeming to disappear into the earth. This sensational view from near the visitor center is enhanced by dancing rainbows. You can enjoy this dramatic display of nature for free.
    Iceland-Golden_Circle-Gullfoss_Panor...jpg
  • Gunnuhver Hot Springs at Geopark on Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland <br />
Gunnuhver Hot Springs is a spectacular display of geothermal activity at the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark. The closer you get along the boardwalk, the more you are awed by the thundering power of the boiling water within its 65 foot wide fissure and the giant fog of scalding, thick steam. The namesake is an 18th century woman. Locals suspected Gudrun (or Gunna) was a witch. Her ghost was accused of killing a judge and terrorizing the peninsula until tricked into falling in this cauldron.
    Iceland-Reykjanes-Geopark_Gunnuhver_...jpg
  • Gatklettur Arch Rock at Arnarstapi on Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland<br />
As you walk towards the coastline of Arnarstapi, the stunning beauty of Gatklettur is revealed. You will stare at it in awe. Arch Rock features a stone bridge over a circular opening created by the sea. The azure waters of northern Faxa Bay can be calm and transparent or have violent, crashing waves.
    Iceland-Snæfellsnes-Arnarstapi_Gatkl...jpg
  • Observing Powerful Skógafoss in South Iceland <br />
One of Iceland’s most spectacular sites is Skógafoss. This powerful display (classified as a ledge and cataract waterfall) is 49 feet wide and plunges 197 feet. You can get very close to feel the incredible energy of the Skógá River as it cascades over the cliff that once loomed above the ocean; the coastline has since receded three miles away. Then climb about 500 steps to the elevated observation platform. This assent is also the start of Fimmvörðuháls, a popular 14 mile hiking trail winding between the Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers.
    Iceland-South-Skógafoss_Observing_Po...jpg
  • Atlantic Puffin at Stórhöfði on Heimaey in Westman Islands, Iceland <br />
Sometimes it is unexplainable why a place or thing is high on your bucket list. So was my quest to photograph an Atlantic puffin while in Iceland. Immediately after disembarking the ferry to Heimaey, I drove my rental car to the southernmost tip off the island. The cliffs surrounding Stórhöfði hosts the world’s largest colony of common puffins from mid-April through August. These birds are adorable. Standing only eight inches tall with a 21 inch wingspan, their colorful beaks and triangular eyes accented with a red ring makes them appear like an animated Disney character.
    Iceland-Westman_Islands-Heimaey-Stór...jpg
  • Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, India<br />
Near the Gateway of India on Mumbai’s harbor is the five-star Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.  It has hosted world dignitaries and celebrities for over 100 years.  A few weeks after our visit in 2008, terrorists conducted 12 attacks around the city, killing 167 people.  31 of them died in this hotel when it was seized and burned during a three-day gun battle. It has since been restored.
    India-Mumbai-Taj_Mahal_Palace_Hotel.jpg
  • Abandoned Fishing Boats at Low Tide in Port Blair, India<br />
A welcome sign declares Port Blair to be the gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.  Home to an Indian Navy and Coast Guard base, these islands are in the Andaman Sea and closer to Thailand than India.  Near Haddo Wharf, however, was a less impressive fleet.  These abandoned fishing boats emerged from the mud during low tide.
    India-Port_Blair-Abandoned_Fishing_B...jpg
  • Desmond Castle in Adare, Ireland<br />
Desmond Castle’s history is as intriguing as its reflection on the River Maigue is beautiful. Although parts of it were built during the 13th century, the Fitzgeralds are credited with most of its construction. This was a Welsh-Norman family who became powerful feudal leaders in Ireland and given the title Earls of Kildare during the 14th century. Their reign ended after an unsuccessful insurrection against King Henry VII of England in 1536. The Adare Castle was then transferred to the Earls of Desmond. They in turn launched two unsuccessful rebellions against the crown. Their stronghold was seized by Queen Elizabeth I’s troops circa 1570. Its final demise came in 1657 when it was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s army. Sections were restored during the late 1990s. Tours of the medieval castle can be arranged from the Heritage Centre from June through September.
    Ireland-Adare-Desmond_Castle.jpg
  • Riverside View of Custom House in Dublin, Ireland <br />
A previous custom house was built in 1707 along Essex Quay.  It was replaced in 1791 with this neoclassical building constructed with Portland stone and designed by James Gandon. The Custom House served as a dock and warehouse for vessels plus conducted custom and excise taxation services.  Now it offices the Department of Environment and Community plus other local government functions. The landmark has a commanding view of the River Liffey from its position on the north bank.
    Ireland-Dublin-Custom_House_Riversid...jpg
  • The Long Walk in Galway, Ireland<br />
The Long Walk is a row of colorful buildings stretching along the river towards Galway Bay. They were constructed during the 18th century by descendants of John Eyre.  He was a captain in Oliver Cromwell’s army. After they conquered Galway in 1652, the Eyre of Eyrecourt acquired considerable property in the city. The land was handed down for generations.  This quay is now an Architectural Conservation Area. The graceful mute swan is swimming towards Claddagh, a former fishing village.
    Ireland-Galway-The_Long_Walk.jpg
  • History of Kilkenny Castle in Kilkenny, Ireland <br />
The first tower built along the bluff overlooking the River Nore was a motte and bailey design constructed towards the end of the 12th century by Richard de Clare. Also known as Strongbow, he was a Norman lord and the 2nd Earl of Pembroke.  His son-in-law and very successful knight, William Marshall, is credited with building this marvelous castle.  It was finished in 1219, six years before he died as the British Isles’ second richest man. After a period of ownership by Gilbert De Bohun, the elaborate citadel transferred to James Butler in 1391. The Butler family maintained ownership until Arthur Butler sold it to the city in 1967. The rose garden in the foreground is part of the 49 acre estate.
    Ireland-Kilkenny-Kilkenny_Castle_His...jpg
  • Stone Amphitheater at Cliffs of Moher near Liscannor, Ireland<br />
You are immediately impressed at your first glimpse of the Cliffs of Moher. As you walk south along the edge, the views get more incredible.  Nature spent 300 million years dating back to the Carboniferous Period carving this amphitheater of Namurian shale and sandstone. At the base is a network of water caves.  No wonder this has been the location of numerous movies such as “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and “The Princess Bride.”
    Ireland-Liscannor-Cliffs_Moher_Stone...jpg
  • Ladies View along the Ring of Kerry, Ireland<br />
One of the most picturesque landscapes along N71 is at Ladies View. In the foreground is Upper Lake, the smallest of the three Lakes of Killarney within Killarney National Park. What looks like a river in the background is called Long Range. It channels the flow to Lough Leane and Muckross Lake at the Meeting of the Waters. This lookout acquired its name after the personal assistants to Queen Victoria admired the scenery during Her Majesty’s visit in 1861.
    Ireland-Ring_Kerry-Ladies_View.jpg
  • Dome of the Rock in Moonlight on Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Israel<br />
The Dome of the Rock in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel is of historical and religious significance to Muslims, Christians and Jews. Built on the Temple Mount in 691 AD, its dome is covered by an aluminum bronze alloy with gold. The greatest significance is inside. The Foundation Stone (the Rock) represents the spiritual joining of Heaven and Earth. This famous landmark is maintained by the Jordanians.
    Israel-Jerusalem-Dome_of_the_Rock_Mo...jpg
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