Deadvlei is a spectacular region of the Namib desert and one of the world’s most striking, well-preserved desert landscapes. The huge pan, or vlei, is surrounded by towering sand dunes as far as the eye can see, reputed to be the highest in the world. It was formed after rainfall, when the Tsauchab river flooded, creating temporary shallow pools, where the abundance of water allowed camel thorn trees to grow. When the climate changed, drought hit the area and the trees died. Camel thorn trees (Acacia erioloba), Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia, Africa Deadvlei
Giraffe is the tallest animal in the world, reaching up to 5.5 m. height and the biggest ruminant (up to 1,900 kg weight). Each animal has a unique patch pattern on its body. Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis), Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa The right timing...
Trekking around Pokhara, Sarankot, Nepal, Asia A young boy from Nepal
Tarangire National Park in Tanzania is famous for its huge number of baobab trees and has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Tanzania. Tarangire river that crosses through the park, is the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, Africa Paradise on earth
Sossuvlei is a spectacular region of the Namib desert and one of the world’s most striking, well-preserved desert landscapes. The huge pan, or vlei, is surrounded by towering sand dunes as far as the eye can see, reputed to be the highest in the world. Sossuvlei, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia, Africa On a giant sand dune
A famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Often referred to as «The Lost City of the Incas», it is perhaps the most familiar icon of the Inca World. Machu Picchu Archeological site in Peru
The mane of the adult male lion, unique among cats, is one of the most distinctive characteristics of the species. It makes the lion appear larger, providing an excellent intimidation display; this aids the lion during confrontations with other lions and with the species’ chief competitor in Africa, the spotted hyena. The presence, absence, color, and size of the mane is associated with genetic precondition, sexual maturity, climate, and testosterone production; the rule of thumb is the darker and fuller the mane, the healthier the lion. Sexual selection of mates by lionesses favors males with the densest, darkest mane. Lion (Panthera leo), Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa Like a pussycat...
Sossuvlei is a spectacular region of the Namib desert and one of the world’s most striking, well-preserved desert landscapes. The huge pan, or vlei, is surrounded by towering sand dunes as far as the eye can see, reputed to be the highest in the world. Oryx – Gemsbok Race (Oryx gazella), Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia, Africa Life in the desert
The kopjes of Eastern Africa tend to be a refuge for life in the Serengeti of Tanzania and Kenya. Where the soil is too thin or hard to support tree life in large areas, soil trapped by kopjes can be dense with trees while the surrounding land contains only short grass. Hollows in the rock surfaces provide catchments for rainwater.[10] Many animals have adapted to the use of kopjes, to include the lion, hyrax, and an abundance of bird and reptile life. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, Africa The road to Kopje
Foal, Lake Kerkini, Greece, Europe Running free
Vikos-Aoos National Park, Zagoroxoria, Greece, Europe Early morning frost
The Urubamba Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is located in the Andes close to the Inca capital of Cusco and below the ancient sacred city of Machu Picchu. It contains numerous archaeological remains as well as villages of indigenous people. Sacred Valley, Peru, South America. Peruvian boy
Common or Hanuman langur is a large primate which is venerated by Hindus as a god. It is known for its unique association in the forest with the cheetal (or spotted deer), each warning the other of the approach of predators, mostly tigers and leopards. Hanuman Langurs (Semnopithecus entellus), Ranthambore National Park, India, Asia Reflections
Lake Kerkini, Greece, Europe Like a fairy tale...
Lilacbreasted Roller (Coracias caudata), Chobe National Park, Botswana, Africa A great catch!
Temple of Poseidon Archeological site built in the 5th century BC, Cape Sounio, Greece, Europe Temple of Poseidon at sunset
Among the big cats, only the tiger and jaguar are strong swimmers. Tigers are often found bathing in ponds, lakes, and rivers. During the extreme heat of the day, they often cool off in pools like this one we found in Ranthambore. Tigers are excellent swimmers, and are able to carry prey through the water. Ranthambore National Park, India, Asia Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris)
The Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) commonly abbreviated to just Night Heron in Eurasia, is a medium-sized heron found throughout a large part of the world, except in the coldest regions and Australasia. These birds stand still at the water’s edge and wait to ambush prey, mainly at night or early morning. They primarily eat small fish, crustaceans, frogs, aquatic insects, small mammals and small birds. During the day they rest in trees or bushes. Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), Lake Kerkini, Greece, Europe Early morning patrol
Female zebras mature earlier than the males, and a mare may have her first foal by the age of three. Males are not able to breed until the age of five or six. Mares may give birth to one foal every twelve months. She nurses the foal for up to a year. Like horses, zebras are able to stand, walk and suckle shortly after they are born. A zebra foal is brown and white instead of black and white at birth. Plains Zebra – Chapman’s Race (Equus antiquorum), Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa Mother care
Τhe jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world. An immense mausoleum of white marble that was built in Agra between 1632 and 1648 by the order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third and favourite wife. A labour of love… UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agra, India, Asia Taj Mahal
Savanna Baboons (Papio cynocephalus), Chobe National Park, Botswana, Africa Mother care
Οne of those huge, drifting expanses of sand dunes, located in the west end of the Sahara desert. Α magical landscape, where the dunes are fascinating, changing colour from pink to red at different times of the day. It is also a great place to appreciate the immense, clear desert sky. Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius), Erg Chebbi, Morocco, Africa Sunrise in Erg Chebbi on edge of the Sahara
Trekking around Pokhara, Sarankot, Nepal, Asia Nepali little brother and sister
Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris), Ranthambore National Park, India, Asia I am watching you!
This large antelope (weighs up to 240 kg) is found in grassland near woodland and water where it eats grass. Despite its name, waterbuck does not spend much time in the water, but will take refuge there to escape predators. Females gather in herds of up to 70 individuals. Kruger National Park, South Africa Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)
Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is the tallest animal in the world, reaching up to 5.5 m. height and the biggest ruminant (up to 1,900 kg weight). Each animal has a unique patch pattern on its body. Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa Three of a kind
Lion (Panthera leo), the king of the African carnivores, eats everything from tortoises to giraffes. When prey is plentiful, it spends 20 hours per day conserving energy, becoming active in early afternoon and late at night. Lion roars to announce its presence and hearing its roar, which can reach a distance of 8 km, is one of Africa’s most unforgettable experiences. Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa The king
In Hinduism, sadhu, or shadhu is a common term for a mystic, an ascetic, practitioner of yoga (yogi). The Sanskrit terms sādhu (“good man”) and sādhvī (“good woman”) refer to renouncers who have chosen to live a life apart from or on the edges of society in order to focus on their own spiritual practice. The sadhu is solely dedicated to achieving the fourth and final Hindu goal of life, moksha (liberation), through meditation and contemplation of Brahman. Sadhus often wear ochre-colored clothing, symbolizing renunciation. Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, Asia Sadhu (Holy man)
Zagoroxoria, Epirus, Greece, Europe Monodendri village
Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus), Lake Kerkini, Greece, Europe Ready for landing
The Flap-necked Chameleon, is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a large chameleon, reaching 35 centimetres (14 in). Like other chameleons, this species can change colour and pattern to suit the surroundings. Colouring ranges through various shades of green, yellow and brown. There is usually a pale stripe on the lower flanks and one to three pale patches higher on the flanks. These chameleons lay 25 to 50 eggs in a hole dug in soil, which is covered over again by the female. Food includes grasshoppers, butterflies and flies. Flap-necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis), Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa Flap-necked Chameleon
The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II at his then new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1734. This boy was working on restoration. Jantar Mantar Observatory, Jaipur, India, Asia Every day life (III)
The Eurasian Spoonbill or Common Spoonbill is a wading bird, breeding in southern Eurasia from Spain to Japan, and also in North Africa. Most birds migrate to the tropics in winter, with European breeders mainly going to Africa, but a few remaining in mild winter areas of western Europe. It occurs in marshy wetlands with some open shallow water, nesting in colonies in trees or reedbeds. Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), Lake Kerkini, Greece, Europe Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
Essaouira is a city in the western Moroccan economic region of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, on the Atlantic coast. Since the 16th century, the city has also been known by its Portuguese name of Mogador or Mogadore. The Berber name means the wall, a reference to the fortress walls that originally enclosed the city. From the time of its rebuilding in the 18th century by Muhammad III until the end of the nineteenth century, Essaouira served as Morocco’s principal port, offering the goods of the caravan trade to the world. The route brought goods from sub-Saharan Africa to Timbuktu, then through the desert and over the Atlas mountains to Marrakech. The road from Marrakech to Essaouira is a straight line, explaining the King’s choice of this port among the many that the Moroccan coast offers. Harbour fortifications, Essaouira, Morocco, Africa Ramparts of Essaouira, Morocco
The African buffalo is a very robust species. It is up to 1.7 metres high, 3.4 meters long. Savannah type buffaloes weigh 500–900 kg, with males, normally larger than females. Other than humans, African buffalo have few predators and are capable of defending themselves against (and sometimes killing) lions. Lions do kill and eat buffalo regularly, but it typically takes multiple lions to bring down a single adult buffalo. African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer), Kruger National Park, South Africa African Buffalo
Young Plains Zebra – Chapman’s Race (Equus antiquorum), Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa Playing time
Young Lion (Panthera leo), Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa Young Lion (Panthera leo)
Solitaire, Namib desert, Namibia, Africa Solitaire
Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, Africa Lonesome cowboy
Tarangire National Park in Tanzania is famous for its huge number of baobab trees and has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Tanzania. Tarangire river that crosses through the park, is the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. African Elephant (Loxodonta africana), Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, Africa Baobab Tree
Deadvlei is a spectacular region of the Namib desert and one of the world’s most striking, well-preserved desert landscapes. The huge pan, or vlei, is surrounded by towering sand dunes as far as the eye can see, reputed to be the highest in the world. It was formed after rainfall, when the Tsauchab river flooded, creating temporary shallow pools, where the abundance of water allowed camel thorn trees to grow. When the climate changed, drought hit the area and the trees died. Camel thorn tree (Acacia erioloba), Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia, Africa Camel thorn tree (Acacia erioloba)
Great White Heron (Casmerodius albus), Olifants River, Kruger National Park, South Africa Tranquility
The Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) is a bird in the crane family Gruidae. It occurs in dry savannah in Africa south of the Sahara, although it nests in somewhat wetter habitats. This animal does not migrate. There are two subspecies. The East African B. r. gibbericeps (Crested Crane) occurs from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo through Uganda, of which it is the national bird, and Kenya to eastern South Africa. It has a larger area of bare red facial skin above the white patch than the smaller nominate species, B. r. regulorum (South African Crowned Crane), which breeds from Angola south to South Africa. Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), Attica Zoological Park, Athens, Greece, Europe Grey Crowned Crane
Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) and Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Lake Kerkini, Greece, Europe Cormorants' gathering at sunset
Patmos (Greek, Πάτμος) is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea. One of the northernmost islands of the Dodecanese complex, it has a population of 2,984 and an area of 34.05 km2 (13.15 sq mi). Patmos’ main communities are Chora (the capital city), and Skala, the only commercial port. Other settlements are Grikou and Kampos. The churches and communities on Patmos are of the Eastern Orthodox tradition. In 1999, the island’s historic center Chora, along with the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The monastery was founded by Saint Christodulos. Patmos is also home to the Patmian School, a notable Greek seminary. Chora, Patmos, Dodecanese Islands, Greece, Europe Chapel of love
Sossuvlei is a spectacular region of the Namib desert and one of the world’s most striking, well-preserved desert landscapes. The huge pan, or vlei, is surrounded by towering sand dunes as far as the eye can see, reputed to be the highest in the world. Oryx – Gemsbok Race (Oryx gazella), Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia, Africa Sossuvlei
The Himba people are an ethnic group of about 20,000 to 50,000 people living in northern Namibia, in the Kaokoland region. They are a nomadic, pastoral people and they breed cattle and goats. They wear little clothing, but the women are famous for covering themselves with otjize, a mixture of butter fat and ochre, possibly to protect themselves from the sun. The mixture gives their skins a reddish tinge. This symbolizes earth’s rich red color and the blood that symbolizes life, and is consistent with the Himba ideal of beauty. Sesfontein, Kaokoland, Namibia, Africa Himba People
Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), being the fastest mammal on earth (it can develop an up to 110 km/hour speed limit), is by far the best hunter among the African big cats. Its successful attempts are mostly due to cheetah ’s approaching the prey hidden and certainly due to its unrivalled speed. Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), Namibia, Africa Made for speed!
Lake Kerkini (Greek: Λίμνη Κερκίνη), in Greece, is an artificial reservoir that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive marshland. Lake Kerkini is one of, if not the, premier birding site in Greece, as it is situated along the migratory flyway for birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea and beyond. The area surrounding Lake Kerkini has been declared a National Nature Reserve and is protected by the International RAMSAR Convention. The lake is a paradise for bird watchers and nature photographers and presents thousands of birds (227 species), riverside forests, extended areas covered with water lilies and a great fish variety. Another unique feature are the buffalo herds in the surrounding area; furthermore, there are at least 10 amphibian species (frogs, salamanders, tritons), five snail species, 19 reptile species (lizards, snakes, turtles) and a great variety of insects, which play an important part in the food chain. Lake Kerkini, Greece, Europe Sunrise in Lake Kerkini
Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomus ludovicianus), Attica Zoological Park, Athens, Greece, Europe Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomus ludovicianus)
The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta. It is formed where the Okavango River empties into the Kalahari Desert, where it creates a vast seasonal swamp and one of the most important wet lands on earth (200,000 large mammals and countless birds). Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa On a mokoro trip
Temple of Poseidon Archeological site, built in the 5th century BC, Cape Sounio, Greece, Europe Temple of Poseidon at sunset
Ngorongoro Crater is a large, unbroken, unflooded volcanic caldera. The crater, which formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself some two to three million years ago, is 610 m (2,000 ft) deep and its floor covers 260 km2 (100 sq mi). Aside from herds of zebra, gazelle, and wildebeest, the crater is home to the “big five” of rhinoceros, lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. The crater plays host to almost every individual species of wildlife in East Africa, with an estimated 25 000 animals within the crater. Plains Zebras (Equus burchellii), Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, Africa Ngorongoro Crater
Sossuvlei is a spectacular region of the Namib desert and one of the world’s most striking, well-preserved desert landscapes. The huge pan, or vlei, is surrounded by towering sand dunes as far as the eye can see, reputed to be the highest in the world. Sossuvlei, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia, Africa On a giant sand dune (II)
Lion (Panthera leo), Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa Paw
Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) is the tallest animal in the world, reaching up to 5.5 m. height and the biggest ruminant (up to 1,900 kg weight). Male giraffes often fight by necking. Battles can be fatal, but are more often less severe, generally ending when one giraffe surrenders to the other. The longer the neck, and the heavier the head at the end of the neck, the greater the force a giraffe is able to deliver in a blow. After a necking duel, a giraffe can land a powerful blow with his head, occasionally knocking a male opponent to the ground. These fights rarely last more than a few minutes or end in physical harm. Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis), Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa Ready to fight!
Cirsium vulgare (Spear Thistle) is a species of the genus Cirsium, native throughout most of Europe, western Asia, and northwestern Africa. It is also naturalised in North America and Australia and is as an invasive weed in some areas. It is a tall biennial or short-lived monocarpic thistle, forming a rosette of leaves and a taproot up to 70 cm long in the first year, and a flowering stem 1–1.5 m tall in the second (rarely third or fourth) year. Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Lake Kerkini, Greece, Europe Backlit
Amorgos (Greek: Αμοργός) is the easternmost island of the Greek Cyclades island group. An area of 126.346 km², and a population of 1,859. The island was featured in Luc Besson’s film “The Big Blue”. Kalotaritissa, Amorgos Island, Cyclades, Greece, Europe Lonely boat
The mane of the adult male lion, unique among cats, is one of the most distinctive characteristics of the species. It makes the lion appear larger, providing an excellent intimidation display; this aids the lion during confrontations with other lions and with the species’ chief competitor in Africa, the spotted hyena. The presence, absence, color, and size of the mane is associated with genetic precondition, sexual maturity, climate, and testosterone production; the rule of thumb is the darker and fuller the mane, the healthier the lion. Sexual selection of mates by lionesses favors males with the densest, darkest mane. Mature male Lion (Panthera leo), Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa Mature male Lion
The lechwe, or southern lechwe, (Kobus leche) is an antelope found in Botswana, Zambia, southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, northeastern Namibia, and eastern Angola, especially in the Okavango Delta, Kafue Flats and Bangweulu Swamps. Lechwe are found in marshy areas where they eat aquatic plants. They use the knee-deep water as protection from predators. Their legs are covered in a water-repellant substance which allows them to run quite fast in knee-deep water. Red Lechwe (Kobus leche), Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa Red Lechwe (Kobus leche)
Bhaktapur is an ancient Newar town and the third largest city in Kathmandu valley. Once it was the capital of Nepal during the great Malla Kingdom until the second half of the 15th century. Bhaktapur is listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artwork. Bhaktapur, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, Asia Nepali girl
Patmos (Greek, Πάτμος) is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea. Its main communities are Chora (the capital city), and Skala, the only commercial port. The churches and communities on Patmos are of the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Patmos is mentioned in the Christian scriptural Book of Revelation. The book’s introduction states that its author, John, was on Patmos when he was given (and recorded) a vision from Jesus. Early Christian tradition identified this writer John of Patmos as John the Apostle. As such, Patmos is a destination for Christian pilgrimage. Visitors can see the cave where John is said to have received his Revelation (the Cave of the Apocalypse), and several monasteries on the island are dedicated to Saint John. In 1999, the island’s historic center Chora, along with the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Chora, Patmos, Dodecanese Islands, Greece, Europe Daybreak in the backstreet alley
Lake Kerkini (Greek: Λίμνη Κερκίνη), in Greece, is an artificial reservoir that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive marshland. Lake Kerkini is one of, if not the, premier birding site in Greece, as it is situated along the migratory flyway for birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea and beyond. The area surrounding Lake Kerkini has been declared a National Nature Reserve and is protected by the International RAMSAR Convention. The lake is a paradise for bird watchers and nature photographers and presents thousands of birds (227 species), riverside forests, extended areas covered with water lilies and a great fish variety. - The human intervention usually retracts or takes negative action against the natural processes, Kerkini lake is a rare example, where the gentle human handling had the exact opposite result.Lake Kerkini, Greece, Europe Poppy fields
The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta. It is formed where the Okavango River empties into the Kalahari Desert, where it creates a vast seasonal swamp and one of the most important wet lands on earth (200,000 large mammals and countless birds). The Okavango is produced by seasonal flooding. The Okavango River drains the summer (January–February) rainfall from the Angola highlands and the surge flows 1,200 kilometres in approximately one month. The waters then spread over the 250 km by 150 km area of the delta over the next four months (March–June). The flood peaks between June and August, during Botswana’s dry winter months, when the delta swells to three times its permanent size, attracting animals from kilometres around and creating one of Africa’s greatest concentrations of wildlife.Angolan Reed Frog, Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa Angolan Reed Frog
The Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus) is a member of the roller family of birds. It is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula, preferring open woodland and savanna; it is largely absent from treeless places. Usually found alone or in pairs, it perches conspicuously at the tops of trees, poles or other high vantage points from where it can spot insects, lizards, scorpions, snails, small birds and rodents moving about at ground level. The sexes are alike in coloration. Juveniles do not have the long tail feathers that adults do. It is also the national bird of Botswana. Lilacbreasted Roller (Coracias caudata), Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa Full of colours
Jaguar, the third largest feline after tiger and lion, lives in the dense rainforests of Central and South America. It is a largely solitary, stalk-and-ambush predator, and is opportunistic in prey selection. It is strongly associated with the presence of water and is notable as a feline that enjoys swimming. Attica Zoological Park, Athens, Greece, Europe Jaguar (Panthera onca)
Giraffe groups can range from over 40 individuals to only a few individuals with the latter being more common. Female giraffes associate in groups of a dozen or so members, occasionally including a few younger males. Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis), Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa Giraffes' gathering
Sossuvlei is a spectacular region of the Namib desert and one of the world’s most striking, well-preserved desert landscapes. The huge pan, or vlei, is surrounded by towering sand dunes as far as the eye can see, reputed to be the highest in the world. Dune 45 is so called because it lies 45 km past Sesriem on the road to Sossusvlei. It is also known as “the most photographed dune in the world”; because of its unusually simple and fascinating shape, and its proximity to the road, that make it convenient for visitors to stop by and take pictures. It is 80 meters high and it is not very steep, so that it can easily be climbed. Dune 45, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia, Africa Dune 45, Sossuvlei
In Hinduism, sadhu, or shadhu is a common term for a mystic, an ascetic, practitioner of yoga (yogi). The Sanskrit terms sādhu (“good man”) and sādhvī (“good woman”) refer to renouncers who have chosen to live a life apart from or on the edges of society in order to focus on their own spiritual practice. The sadhu is solely dedicated to achieving the fourth and final Hindu goal of life, moksha (liberation), through meditation and contemplation of Brahman. Sadhus often wear ochre-colored clothing, symbolizing renunciation. Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, Asia Sadhu (Holy man)
The Metéora (Greek: Μετέωρα, “suspended rocks”, “suspended in the air” or “in the heavens above” – etymologically similar to “Meteorite”) is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars, at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains, in central Greece. The nearest town is Kalambaka. The Metéora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Access to the monasteries was originally (and deliberately) difficult, requiring either long ladders lashed together or large nets used to haul up both goods and people. This required quite a leap of faith – the ropes were replaced, so the story goes, only “when the Lord let them break”. The Holy Trinity Monastery (Greek: Μονή Αγίας Τριάδος) is the oldest among those present at Meteora, having been built in 1476. The monastery was featured in the 1981 James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only”. Monastery of the Holy Trinity, Meteora, Greece, Europe Monastery of the Holy Trinity, Meteora