Cinque Terre: The rainbow of Italy

Written by Andrijana Bogoevska (Stamp My Passport)

Sitting at home, on one rainy Sunday evening, I wondered how it would be if it was already summer. Normally, from one thought, it goes to another, and I asked myself where I would like to be at that very moment. I went back to 2005, to Cinque Terre, Italy. 

I will describe the place and the whole region of five villages, with only one word: Spectacular! And only one suggestion: it's a must go!

It was summer and I was studying Italian, so I decided to go on a summer course in Florence, Italy. I have to admit, I made a great decision. It was a one month summer school, with a guide, who was responsible for the whole group.

One weekend the guide suggested for us to go at the beach and have some fun swimming. So we went by train (easiest way to travel in Italy) to this place so called Cinque Terre. Honestly, I was expecting some small Italian town with a beach, but when we came there, we were surprised by the view. It was astonishing.

Cinque Terre is a region of five villages. Each village is unique, but very similar at the same time. They are close to each other, so once you get there, you can move from one another walking through the path made in between the rocks, and at the same time enjoying and gazing upon the magnificent view of the sea. The villages are made in the rocks by the beach, so the houses are moving upward and all of them have a super view of the sea. They are colorful and the streets between them are tiny and typically Italian. When you move across the tiny streets on the both sides you have small Italian coffee bars and restaurants. This is the place where you can eat one of the best cooked pasta dishes in the Mediterranean or the one and only, Italian pizza. According to me, the best cuisine is the Italian. On this place you can enjoy the sea, the view, the food, the architecture... Here you can simply enjoy life!

I have to admit, we did not swim, and here I make a confession that a week later I escaped the group, traveled three and a half hour in one direction and enjoyed in everything this place have to offer. I will never regret for that =)

Tip:

Italy has an expensive accommodation (and it is not very luxurious for the money you pay). So, the places like Cinque Terre are even more expensive, because it is an attractive and famous tourist area.

Photo gallery:

Source:
Photo 1 [http://tesorotreasures.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/06420cinque20terre1.jpg]
Photo 2 [http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/22200000/Cinque-Terre-italy-22260554-2272-1704.jpg]
Photo 3 [http://www.smokvina.hr/common/a6/s/22954/cinque-terre-italy_fe.jpg]
Photo 4 [http://yabbedoo.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/cinque-terre.jpg]
Photo 5 [http://blog.thebecker.com/images/content/cinque_terre_08.jpg]
Photo 6 [http://cinqueterre.a-turist.com/images/cinque_terre_vernazza.jpg]
Photo 7 [https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCp4D-uTOcn_ujm8mEfdDTit8WAuAXMpKlT-anJFpD9MFdDNaO_kUQlSuHKYi0JcGnVpASyTTUCfXoDipyOKRfZB9hwR8Wcdq7dN-FuOlnw_3t5e5Q8arS3ajBHX_aGIZoKgz93XwenCc/s1600/CinqueTerre02.jpg]
Photo 8 [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/IL_gigante_nelle_Cinque_Terre.jpg]
Photo 9 [http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/494/cache/manarola-cinque-terre_49411_990x742.jpg]
Photo 10 [https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEpdxndhOYDS1_AUQnWb4r-kFw0eV2UXP5w-lRrNsZmVoKuVYb5qB5uVZhKKEnOU5S64O_Zy9fmNLUWY8xsGoe29tp7cwE4kzI-GfbeZo6GrlAqSn_ShlbiMQiv4OX2Gl9aE4rrs7Qn4/s1600/map.gif]
Photo 11 [http://www.fastlanemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/riomaggiore-cinque-terre-italy012.jpg]


Andrijana Bogoevska
(Stamp My Passport)

Bioluminescencent Light in the Ocean: Neon-blue phytoplankton glowing at night (Vaadhoo Island, Maldives)

Written by Ljupka Andonovska (Stamp My Passport)

I think that bioluminescence is the most mesmerizing natural light given to us by nature. "Stress" has never looked so ethereal and heavenly beautiful. But lets start from the beginning. 

We, as humans, have always perceived Earth as our home and humanity as such has always made the same mistake of early presumption, that we all know and recognize every single thing which exists, breathes and thrives on this planet. We act as the omniscient species that know everything. But there is so much more, which we can't even begin to understand, living organisms that appear more alien than anything our imagination was able to create. Even here, on this planet of ours, which nature decided to spray in blue and green hues, at some instances, we can feel and experience the most outlandish-like moment, a concept we have always stereotyped and connected only with the far, unknown and outer space. So, as mother nature likes to play with the abstract theme of "stress", into the physical world which surrounds us, at more than few locations on Earth, there is a phenomenon known as Bioluminescence - It's a phenomenon caused by marine phytoplankton in sea and ocean water, which when under "stress" or agitated by touch, strike or similar, it glows in a neon-blue color at night, making the view for the bystanders, spectacular. 

One of the most famous spots to see this beauty is the Vaadhoo Island, part of the Maldives atolls. Still, it is confirmed to appear all over the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. Those who have seen this and walked along the coast of this island, say that it looks like someone put the stars from heaven down on earth to illuminate the ground we walk on, as the very footsteps which are imprinted in the sand, are colored in neon blue. For others it is the most romantic gesture by nature ever created, and also perfect for honeymooners who visit this island. For others it is simply a chance to feel like they are on some other planet in the universe, as the occurrence itself is not common for us humans to link to the possibilities of what we think our planet is capable of. 

It is definitely a must for the travel junkies, and for those who have their bucket lists ready: this is a very important one to add and highlight!

Here is a more scientific explanation by National Geographic for those who are more curious about it:

"The biological light, or bioluminescence, in the waves is the product of marine microbes called phytoplankton. "Various species of phytoplankton are known to bioluminesce, and their lights can be seen in oceans all around the world. I've been across the Atlantic and Pacific, and I've never seen a spot that wasn't bioluminescent or a night that [bioluminescence] couldn't be seen. The glowing blue water is easily visible from the air—something pilots use to their advantage. Aircraft carrier-based jet pilots "often follow the trail of luminescence left in the wake of their ship to find their way back after a night mission, " - marine biologist and bioluminescence expert Woodland Hastings of Harvard University. Red tides—often rusty-hued in daylight—can occur all over the world and are caused by large-scale algae blooms. Some red tides, contain phytoplankton that emit bursts of light when agitated. The study authors propose that, as dinoflagellates (Dinoflagellates—the subjects of the recent study—are single-celled organisms, but some of them are big enough that you can actually see them with the naked eye) float, movement in the surrounding water sends electrical impulses around a proton-filled compartment inside the microorganisms. The electrical pulses open the voltage-sensitive proton channels, triggering a series of chemical reactions, which ultimately activate a protein called luciferase that produces the neon blue light. Similar phytoplankton are found in lakes, but they aren't bioluminescent. That's one of the enigmas about bioluminescence: Why has it never evolved in fresh water? Some dinoflagellates can produce toxins that are harmful to fish, humans, and other creatures. Scientists think bioluminescence may also be a form of defense for the life-forms. Much like a rattlesnake's tail, the light could act as "a signal that alerts a predator that it might be a bad idea to eat this prey. According to another idea, called the "burglar alarm" theory, bioluminescent phytoplankton use their light to hopefully attract the attention of secondary predators, which might attack any creature trying to consume the marine microbes.
Harvard's Hastings, who has spent his life studying marine bioluminescence, encourages people to go out to a beach at night to witness the living light show for themselves. Pictures, he says, can't truly capture the experience. 
Bioluminescence is also evident in a large number of organisms that live at depths where sunlight never penetrates, mostly using it as warnings for predators, others as cloaking device, etc."

-----------

'Glowing Blue Waves Explained', Published March 19, 2012, National Geographic, Source: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/03/pictures/120319-glowing-waves-ocean-blue-bioluminescent-plankton-science/

Some of the most common places to witness this natural phenomenon:

• the Florida Everglades
• the Vaadhoo Island in the Maldives
• the coast of Leucadia, California
• the Texas coast
• Bioluminescent Bay (often called Bio Bay), Puerto Rico

Youtube links:

Alien footsteps on beach in San Diego, Bioluminescence (Red Tide) makes Avatar footsteps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXw6WJ0RCT8

Bioluminescence Surfing - Red Tide - Bioluminescent San Diego, 2011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HcQlQlKt2w

TIP: It is a great view for night surfers!

Photo gallery:

Source:
Photo 1: [http://impressivemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Maldives-beach.jpg]
Photo 2: [http://www.placestoseeinyourlifetime.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Vaadhoo-Island-Maldives-4.jpg]
Photo 3: [http://mmbiz.qpic.cn/mmbiz/zKBwDdu8U8HxtwKTvBmQlGFpUKiahRdkiaJ7HOc7BntYTK0ZqPgjz0dkvBZz8xvQtODfIWw40fk5ZeujCAgJhTog/0]
Photo 4: [http://rozinfocus.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/grid-cell-27677-1384298994-12.jpg]
Photo 5: [http://gizmodo.uol.com.br/wp-content/blogs.dir/8/files/2011/01/BioLuminescence_17.jpg]
Photo 6: [http://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bioluminescent-phytoplankton-glowing-organism-will-ho-5.jpg]
Photo 7: [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/Bioluminescent_dinoflagellates.jpg]
Photo 8: [http://mostbeautifulplacesintheworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/bioluminescent_plankton_by_dreammywonderland-d4s6kei.jpeg]
Photo 9: [https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE7WjqNVCi8Fpw6dm3STOb76sYHuJODs1ELW-9HEE2-gzSVLFN4OqAWU2KaPVcoLAp7U9amfKZHKrGCw8YvszJcvOU4AwLPAfl6tNxRPze-V3fhtD5GqQXFS4V0qyWqW9X6XU20c29nzG/s1600/DSC_4382.jpg]
Photo 10: [http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/XP0qbJNKIYY/maxresdefault.jpg]
Photo 11: [http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/Py-J1ZazHDM/maxresdefault.jpg]
Photo 12: [http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article9072217.ece/binary/original/p1.jpg]
Photo 13: [https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtBVfcpX1Ck4lecqSvqBPaLFOjQ8dWzQ4h4XF_FBiOE4Z7gG-gwgrnQ3L3C7IxhOQbiSShqHsQTG4_vhphgVpqyGbbH0pmdfv-JSuv1b-iOm_DC_8nYtKte89pceGRg2spy9o35p2-f8K/s1600/13.jpg]
Photo 14: [http://dphotoc.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/puerto-rico-dad-bioluminescent-2011.jpg]

Vaadhoo Island, Maldives

Ljupka Andonovska

(Stamp My Passport)

The golden 'Firefall' - Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park (California, USA)

Written by Ljupka Andonovska (Stamp My Passport)

'The best things in life aren't things.' - Art Buchwald

As this well known aphorism and quote says, life is too short to overindulge into the material world which surrounds us. People should enjoy more and firmly grasp the moments filled with glimpses of happiness and pure joy alongside with their family and friends. It's the untouchable world in our lives that counts. 

There is one rare and rather unique experience which is able to put a smile on one's face while gazing upon one of the most incredible and breathtaking views in the world. 

Horsetail Falls Yosemite by Stan Rapada

This spectacle known as the FIREFALL or the Falls of Fire, takes place in California, USA, at the Yosemite National Park's Horsetail Fall, on the east side of El Capitan, a vertical rock formation located on the north side of Yosemite Valley. It's a seasonal and ephemeral waterfall, flowing only twice a year, in winter and early spring. If all conditions are in order, if there is enough water, if the waterfall is flowing with enough water in February, and there is a perfect sunset on the horizon, the sun starts to illuminate the waterfall and the falling water is colored in hues of gold, orange and red, making an impression and a perfect illusion of a liquid gold falling at around 470 m of height! It's like the water drops are staring to transform into liquid lava particles. For around two weeks in February, the sunset is 'kissing' the waterfall and it is creating a deep golden glow.  

The name "Firefall" pays homage to the Firefall event that once took place in Yosemite. It started in the summer of 1872, with an annual continuum for almost a century. Burning hot embers were spilled from the top of Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park to the valley 3,000 feet below. From a distance it appeared as a glowing waterfall. It was conducted by the owners of the Glacier Point Hotel. The 'firefalls' ended in January 1968, when the National Park Service ordered it to stop because of the overwhelming number of visitors it attracted, plus the fact that it was not a natural event. The hotel itself was destroyed by fire one year later and was not rebuilt. The Firefalls were performed at 9pm seven nights a week as the final act of a performance at Camp Curry. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yosemite_Firefall]

However, the fame which started to travel around the world, regarding this natural phenomenon, was actually created by photographer, Galen Rowell, who in 1973 took the first photograph of the Firefall known to the public, and the fame and popularity only increased with the rise of the digital photography, Internet and social media. 

Annually, hundreds of professional photographers, amateurs and tourists gather at Yosemite National Park, just to see a glimpse of this short theatrical play in which Nature is the main protagonist. Yosemite National Park spans over 3,000 km and attracts 3.5 million visitors a year.

Useful tips and info, if you ever decide to go & visit:

- Coordinates of the waterfall: 37.729124°N 119.628475°W
- Coordinates of the picnic area: 37°43’37.75″N 119°37’16.60″W
- Yosemite Entrance Fee is $20.
- Come early to get a good spot
- In order to take the perfect photographs and to pick a good angle and moment, the weather conditions must be right. If not, you are going to get back without a single shot of the 'golden waterfall'.
- Needed equipment for the perfect shot:
--- 200mm to 300mm lens to isolate the waterfall
--- tripod
--- cable release
- To see Horsetail Fall, park at the El Capitan picnic area (on Northside Drive west of Yosemite Lodge) or in turnouts just east of the picnic area. You can see the waterfall from the road. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm
- How to get at the waterfall: 
"There is a small picnic area (GPS below) about 1.7miles from Yosemite Village. From here, walk about 200m east to a small clearing. You cannot miss the spot. If you arrive at the correct time of the year, a group of photographers always eagerly awaits the sunset at this location. Pick a spot with a good view of the face of El Capitan. Try to position yourself further to the left of the group." - [How to photograph the Yosemite Firefall, http://ca.myphotoscout.com/2009/01/28/yosemite-firefall-horestail-fall/]

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyoa-QfeGho

Useful links:
http://yosemitefirefall.com/the-natural-firefall-horsetail-fall/
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm
http://ca.myphotoscout.com/2009/01/28/yosemite-firefall-horestail-fall/
http://www.yosemitepark.com/horsetail-fall.aspx
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1359143/Horsetail-Falls-The-amazing-2-000ft-natural-firefall-strikes-Yosemite-National-Park.html

Photo gallery:

Photo 1 (http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/02/21/article-1359143-0D46EFEC000005DC-241_634x980.jpg)
Photo 2 (Horsetail Falls under Moonlight - Photo and caption by Willie Huang - Horsetail Falls lit by the setting moon in the early morning hours. http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2011/entries/47354/view/)
Photo 3 (Feb. 22, 2012 - http://strawberry-ca.info/HT-fall-2-1.jpg)
Photo 4 (Map - Yosemite N. Park - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1359143/Horsetail-Falls-The-amazing-2-000ft-natural-firefall-strikes-Yosemite-National-Park.html)
Photo 5 (Moonlight - Darvin Atkeson - https://www.flickr.com/photos/liquidmoonlightcom/12627880424/)
Photo 6 (Falls of Fire, Photo and caption by Nikhil Shahi - http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/traveler-magazine/photo-contest/2011/entries/67389/view/)
Photo 7 (Photograph by Barbara Jordan/Getty Images, http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/yosemite-photos/#/yosemite-horsetail-falls_2058_600x450.jpg)
Photo 8 (Horsetail Falls during the day, Photo by Bill Hatcher - http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/yosemite-photos/#/yosemite-falls_2060_600x450.jpg)

Ljupka Andonovska
(Stamp My Passport)