Interesting facts you didn’t know about the Grand Canyon

I’ve always said it’s a pity that most of us don’t get the chance to visit this entire world and enjoy all its breathtaking sceneries.

However, this doesn’t mean we should stop trying and hoping that one day will get to accomplish all the things and ideas in our heads.  Let’s make baby steps and see where they can take us, right?

I’m sure you’ve all heard about the Grand Canyon – it’s not only one of the most visited destinations in America, with more than four million people visiting each year, but also a place full of history and beauty.

That’s why I have decided to talk to you today about some interesting facts about this amazing landmark.

1.    Members of one Native American tribe still live inside the canyon – The Havasupai Indians (which means “people of the blue-green waters”) live in a village located near Havasu Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River that often sees flash floods.

According to grandcanyontourist.com, Supai Village is only accessible via helicopter or horse and mule trails that climb in and out of the canyon. Visitors are welcome, but they’ll have to pay an entry fee of $35 per person.

The Grand Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world

2.    The Grand Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world – The Tsangpo Canyon in Tibet is actually deeper and longer than the Grand Canyon.

3.    You can’t buy bottled water in the park – According to quirkytravelguy.com, as of March 10, 2012, the Canyon is officially eliminating the sale of water in disposable containers. This decision came after a study determined that 20 percent of the park’s waste came from plastic water bottles.

Don’t worry if you get thirsty, because the park has free water stations throughout, so bring your own water container and fill it up as much and as often as you like.

You can’t buy bottled water in the park

4.    There aren’t any dinosaur fossils at the Grand Canyon – The explanation is that the rocks here are far older than the dinosaurs. Therefore, the fossils you find are simple prehistoric creatures such as corals, sponges, and trilobites.

5.    The weather can vary dramatically between the North Rim and the South Rim – The North Rim is considerably higher in elevation, and as a result is quite a bit cooler and more unpredictable, with the possibility of snow almost year round.

According to grandcanyontourist.com, as a result, the North Rim is only open to visitors in the late spring, summer, and early fall.

The weather can vary dramatically between the North Rim and the South Rim

6.    You can get from one side of the canyon to the other in 5 hours – Until now, nobody has built a bridge across the canyon, even though North Rim and South Rim are only about 10 miles apart straight across.

Therefore, according to quirkytravelguy.com, if you want to get from one side to another, you’ll have to drive all the way around the canyon – 215 mile.

7.    The Spanish “discovered” the Grand Canyon in 1540 while searching for native riches – Francisco Vázquez de Coronado was looking for the mythological Seven Cities of Gold when his expedition encountered the Grand Canyon. They explored the canyon only briefly due to lack of water.

Many people die here

8.    Many people die here – According to quirkytravelguy.com, in 2009, 12 people died there – one from a heart attack, one from suicide, and 10 from accidents.

And that’s not all – Approximately 53 people fell to their deaths from the canyon rims from 1925 to 2005, with another 48 deaths inside the canyon. On rare occasions, people have even driven their vehicles straight into the canyon off the South Rim, Thelma and Louise style.

9.    The Grand Canyon was a holy site for the native peoples in the area – Long before it became a popular tourist destination, people have been making trips here, according to grandcanyontourist.com. The canyon had important spiritual meaning for the Pueblo Indians, and therefore the focus of many pilgrimages.

10.    You can hike from one side to the other – quirkytravelguy.com says that it’s a 21-mile hike, which means that you’ll have to camp within the canyon overnight to complete it. And temperatures inside the canyon can be up to 30 degrees hotter than at the rim. Definitely not a trip for beginners!

There aren’t any dinosaur fossils at the Grand Canyon

Related:
10 Most Incredible Canyons around the World

10 Most Amazing Platforms around the World

15 Epic Landscape Formations

10 Best Romantic Restaurants in New York City

If you want to impress someone special, choosing the right restaurant can make all the difference. These restaurants offer romantic atmosphere, as well quality food and service that are sure to impress — whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary or another special occasion.

Daniel

Original post by gonyc.

1. Savoy

This warmly lit restaurant feels more like a country inn — complete with a roaring fire in the colder months. Dine on fine American cuisine and if you’d really like to impress, reserve for the chef’s special menu.

Savoy Basics:
70 Prince St.
Between Crosby and Lafayette Sts.
212-219-8570

2. The Place

This West Village restaurant offers all of the romance of New York’s finest restaurants, but with a more affordable price tag. The menu features both American and pan-European cuisine.

The Place Basics:
310 W. 4th St.
Between Bank and W. 12th Sts.
212-924-2711

3. Gramercy Tavern

Danny Meyer’s restaurants are reknowned for impeccable service, and Gramercy Tavern is no different. Serving creative American fare, Gramercy Tavern is the perfect place for a perfect meal, from start to finish. Reservations suggested, though the tavern area has reduced prices and a no-reservation policy.

Gramercy Tavern Basics:
42 E. 20th St.
Between Broadway and Park Ave. So.
212-477-0777

4. Union Square Cafe

Another Danny Meyer destination, Union Square Cafe offers great service and delicious fare in a comfortable setting. Union Square Cafe is friendly to vegetarians. Reservations suggested, though the bar area offers you an in without a reservation.

Union Square Cafe Basics:
21 E. 16th St.
Between Fifth Ave. and Union Sq. West
212-243-4020

5. One If By Land, Two If By Sea

Often considered the most romantic restaurant in New York City, One if By Land, TIBS is housed in a former carriage house that features nightly live piano music and working fireplaces. Exposed brick and dim lighting make this a great destination for a romantic evening.One If By Land, Two If By Sea:
17 Barrow St.
Between 7th Ave. S. & W. 4th St.
212-228-0822

6. Blue Hill

With an annual Valentine’s Day tradition of serving a “hands-free” meal, Blue Hill offers an off-beat take on your typical romantic evening. Serving American cuisine, Blue Hill builds a menu focused on seasonally available produce from the Hudson Valley.Blue Hill Basics:
75 Washington Pl.
Between Sixth Ave. and MacDougal St.
212-539-1776.

7. The River Cafe

If it’s the perfect view that makes you feel romantic, you can do no better than The River Cafe on Brooklyn’s waterfront. Featuring delicious food combined with professional, attentive service, The River Cafe is well worth leaving Manhattan for the food alone, but the view of downtown Manhattan makes this an irresistable choice.The River Cafe Basics:
1 Water Street, Brooklyn
718-522-5200.

8. Daniel

If you really want to dazzle your date, Daniel is among New York City’s most impressive restaurants, with prices to match. Decor reflects Daniel Boulud’s appreciation for Italian Renaissance design, but the menu features creative French cuisine. 3 Course Prix-Fixe $96.

Daniel Basics:
60 E. 65th St.
Between Park and Madison Aves.
212-288-0033

9. The Sea Grill

Overlooking the ice rink at Rockefeller Center, The Sea Grill is a great choice for a romantic evening, assuming your date likes seafood. From oysters and clams to herb crusted skate, the menu offerings reflect a range of seafood options all well prepared and very fresh.The Sea Grill Basics:
19 W. 49th St.
Between Fifth and Sixth Aves.
212-332-7610

10. Balthazar

I must admit, I’m a bit prejudiced, since Balthazar is where I went for dinner after I got engaged, but if being transported to a bustling Parisian bistro is your idea of romance, this is the perfect destination. Steak frites are fabulous, as is the onion goat cheese tart.

Balthazar Basics:
80 Spring St.
Between Crosby & Broadway.
212-965-1785

 

Amsterdam Insider Tips

Welcome back city lovers to another Friday edition of I Heart My City. This week Keith Jenkins, traveler and writer behind the Velvet Escape blog, gives us his insider’s tour of Amsterdam. Read on to discover some of Keith’s great tips, like where to score the city’s best Flemish fries.

Original post via National Geographic.

Amsterdam is My City

Amsterdam’s Begijnjof (Keith Jenkins)

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the Begijnhof or Nunnery in the heart of Amsterdam; a tranquil place with beautiful houses and trees. It’s simply a magical place.

When I crave Dutch (or Flemish) fries, with mayonnaise of course, I always go to Fleminckx (Voetboogstraat 31, a small lane between the Spui square and the Heiligeweg). Simply the best fries in town!

To escape the daily grind of blogging, I head into town for a leisurely stroll along the canals or an afternoon at one of the many terraces to people-watch. Any of the terraces at Rembrandt plein (square) is a good bet for an entertaining afternoon.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in the countryside just north of Amsterdam. There are many options but my favorites are the area around the little village of Schoorl (simply ‘Holland At Its Best‘) or the islands of Texel or Vlieland with their endless beaches and dunes.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken on the drawbridge that crosses the Groenburgwal canal. Amsterdam is very photogenic and there are many great spots for a memorable picture. When you’re on the bridge, keep an eye out for Amsterdammers on their bikes to avoid being run over!

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Saturnino (my favorite Italian restaurant) it has to be the sirloin steak with black truffles and porcini mushrooms.

Locals know to skip the canal tours and check out options for hiring a boat instead. It’s so much more fun to hire a boat, pack a picnic basket and cruise through the canals at your own pace. The canals of Amsterdam offer visitors a unique window into the history of the city and the lifestyle of its inhabitants.

When I’m feeling cash-strapped I go to my favorite neighborhood restaurant: Eten aan de Rijn. I love to cook but I enjoy eating out just as much. Eten aan de Rijn has a daily three-course menu for 25 euros. Excellent food and the owners Jaap and Nadja are great company!

For a huge splurge I go to one of the Michelin star restaurants in or near Amsterdam. My favorites include Ron Blaauw (in the village of Ouderkerk just outside the city) or ‘T Amsterdammetje and Tante Koosje (in the gorgeous village of Loenen aan de Vecht, about a 30-minute drive from Amsterdam).

Keith Jenkins

Photo ops in my city include the bridge that crosses the Groenburgwal canal, the Begijnhof and my absolute favorite spot in the city, the intersection of the Keizers and Leidse canals. The best vantage point is the rooftop of the NEMO science center.

If my city were a celebrity it’d be George Clooney; sexy, mondaine and despite its age, far from past its prime!

The most random thing about my city is how cosmopolitan it is. Almost 200 different nationalities live here, making it a very vibrant town with a broad array of cultural activities every day of the year… and all that within a village-like setting!

My city has the tallest men. The Dutch are some of the tallest people on this planet. Honestly, I sometimes feel like a dwarf (and I’m not particularly short!)

My city has the most diverse, sexy women.

In my city, an active day outdoors involves cycling around town (a daily activity) or into the nearby countryside (I love the route that follows the Amstel River down to the village of Ouderkerk). Rowing (in the Amstel River) is also a popular sport among the locals.

My city’s best museum is the Van Gogh Museum (I’m a big fan of Van Gogh). Amsterdam is famous for its museums and rightfully so. There are many of them, from the Rijksmuseum (with its stunning collection of Rembrandts) to the Hermitage (a branch of its famous namesake in St. Petersburg), the Tropenmuseum (Tropical Museum) and the Museum of Bags and Purses. Did I mention the Sex Museum?

My favorite jogging/walking route is along the entire length of the Keizersgracht– my favorite canal. It’s an excellent walking route through the heart of the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start at the canal’s intersection with the Brouwersgracht. You’ll pass the wonderfully atmospheric Jordaan neighborhood, the shopping haven in the Nine Streets neighborhood and many stately houses before reaching the Amstel River. I can also recommend the route along the Amstel River to Ouderkerk. As you leave the city behind you, you’ll pass beautiful windmills, grazing cows and sheep, and historic mansions.

For a night of dancing, go to Jimmy Woo. Or, for live music, check out Muziekgebouw aan ‘t Ij (the Music Center at the harbor front) for an eclectic variety of musical performances and great views of the harbor.

The FEBO, a Dutch institution, is the spot for late-night eats. It’s a quirky experience as you eat ‘out of a wall’ but you have to try it!

You can tell a lot about my city from its different neighborhoods.

You can tell if someone is from my city if they’re on a junk-like bike.

Keith Jenkins

In the spring you should head to the tulip fields a short drive outside Amsterdam around the town of Lisse.

In the summer you should join in the fun at the Vondel Park.

In the fall you should see the autumn leaves in the Amsterdamse Bos (the Amsterdam Forest).

In the winter you should catch a speed-skating competition along the canals (if the ice is sufficiently thick). It’s an unforgettable experience!

A hidden gem in my city is the Our Lord in the Attic Chapel in the Amstelkring Museum. It’s a hidden church with an intriguing history and a gorgeous interior!

For a great breakfast joint try Bagels & Beans.

Don’t miss the Holland Festival in June, the leading performance arts festival in the country. Visit IAmsterdam for info about events in the city.

The best way to see my city is to walk. Amsterdam is very compact so everything’s within walking distance.

Many things could only happen in my city. Amsterdam is (in)famous for its tolerant attitude, that acts like a magnet for many free-thinkers and progressives from around the world. Having lived here for twenty years, not many things surprise me these days.

My city should be featured on your cover or website because it’s arguably one of the most multi-faceted cities in the world. Its cosmopolitan landscape, liberal mentality, world-class museums, stunning canals and fascinating history merge to exude a unique charm that’s simply captivating.

Southern Lakes among Lonely Planet’s top regions for 2012

Queenstown and Southern Lakes has been named one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 regions to visit next year.

The publisher’s seventh-annual Best In Travel book is a collection of top 10-lists covering everything from the best cities to the best-value destinations to visit in the upcoming year.

Queenstown and Southern Lakes is eighth on the list of ‘best regions’, in the company of gems such as the island of Hvar in Croatia, Canada’s Maritime Provinces and coastal Wales.

New Zealand-based Lonely Planet author Sarah Bennett said the inclusion of the South Island region on the list was two-fold.

Queenstown was known internationally as an adventure playground where people could go skiing in the morning and waterskiing in the afternoon, she said, but the area’s beauty could also not be discounted.

“I think anyone that’s been there knows that the scenery is actually surreal – it’s so beautiful it’s surreal and we hear that all the time.”

Aside from Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau were singled out for special mention in the Southern Lakes entry.

Bennett said although Wanaka often felt “a little bit like a poor cousin”, it offered a lot of the same charm as Queenstown on a smaller, quieter scale.

It is also the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, a place Bennett described as “paradise”.

“Once you’ve been to that area, to the Southern Lakes, it could ruin you for travel for the rest of your life.”

Tony Everitt, CEO of Destination Queenstown, said featuring in Best in Travel 2012 would bring significant benefits for the region’s profile.

“To receive this kind of endorsement by Lonely Planet is priceless for Queenstown and the Southern Lakes as well as New Zealand,” he said.

“Lonely Planet is a giant of the travel industry so making it onto their top 10 must-visit regions for 2012 will give our region global recognition and provide inspiration for their readers to visit.”

The guide’s top country to visit next year is Uganda, a place Bennett said was an “emerging tourist destination”.

“People think of Uganda [and] they think of civil war and they think of Idi Amin and those are two reasons not to travel to a country, for sure, but that era is over…

“The actual trouble in Uganda is in very small pockets and very defined areas and for the most part, they’re welcoming tourists. They’ve got the infrastructure but it’s still at an early stage.”

Bennett said Uganda would particularly appeal to travellers seeking an intrepid safari adventure.

London was named the top city to visit next year and the northeast of the United States was deemed the best-value destination.

LONELY PLANET’S TOP TRAVEL PICKS FOR 2012

Best regions

1. Coastal Wales
2. La Ruta Maya, Central America
3. Northern Kenya
4. Arunachal Pradesh, India
5. Hvar, Croatia
6. Sicily, Italy
7. Canada’s Maritime Provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island)
8. Queenstown and Southern Lakes, New Zealand
9. Borneo, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia
10. Poitou-Charentes, France

Best cities

1. London, England
2. Muscat, Oman
3. Bengaluru (Bangalore), India
4. Cádiz, Spain
5. Stockholm, Sweden
6. Guimarães, Portugal
7. Santiago, Chile
8. Hong Kong, China
9. Orlando, Florida, USA
10. Darwin, Australia

Best countries

1. Uganda
2. Myanmar
3. Ukraine
4. Jordan
5. Denmark
6. Bhutan
7. Cuba
8. New Caledonia
9. Taiwan
10. Switzerland

Via nzherald.co.nz