Displaying items by tag: asmara

Constanța Casino
If you are looking for something cool and unique, Constanța Casino cannot be beaten! It was commissioned in 1900 and first opened to the public in 1910. It was one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau in the region. But, hard times came quickly and it was the first hospital during WWII and then the restaurant till 1990 when it was completely abandoned.

The Lotus Farm
The Lotus Farm is basically a large lake producing thousands of lotus flowers which are harvested to create a unique, silk-like textile. Lotus is, of course, used in Khmer cuisine as well. Pretty much all parts of the plant are edible but we prefer the dried seeds. They have a nut-like flavor and are often sold dried in western countries. Lotus farm makes for a nice, non-touristy detour from the main route and you can get a good picture of how people live in Cambodia.

Aral Sea
Once a third largest, sweet water mass on the planet, the Aral Sea is just a sad reminder of our destructive nature today. Long drive from Muynak - where one can see last local ships, anchored in sands 150 kilometers from the nearest water - the Aral Sea is an eerie site today. Dead, lifeless and completely abandoned, this area is a true treat for dystopia seekers. The drive there is 4 hours long, through the steppe and some stunning geology.

Ashgabat
There is no place like it in the world; wide boulevards, marble skyscrapers, unique and strange monuments, and an eerie lack of people during the day. Make sure you take one day for monuments sightseeing only. There is a big number of them all over the town and they are quite compelling. Don't miss the world's largest enclosed ferris wheel and the Monument to Neutrality. Basically, wherever you turn, there will be something unusual and unexpected. Ashgabat is a real treat.

Giant Tortoises of Aldabra
Seychelles is home to the world's largest population of Aldabra giant tortoises, native to the Aldabra Atoll. These ancient creatures can live for over a century and are a true symbol of the Seychelles' unique biodiversity. Visit the Aldabra Atoll or other sanctuaries to get up close and personal with these gentle giants and learn more about their fascinating life and conservation efforts.

Leptis Magna in the Rain
Most visitors picture the Libyan desert as dry, sunbaked, and unchanging—but every so often, the skies open up. When rain falls over Leptis Magna, it feels like walking through a dream. Water runs along 2,000-year-old Roman drains, puddles form in the market square, and marble columns shimmer in soft light. The ancient stones seem to breathe again. Few people are lucky enough to witness this moment—but if you do, you’ll never forget it.