Just the other day I found an article about a continuing garden exhibit of Chihuly glass sculptures in Seattle, Washington and that had me remembering our visit to Fairchild Gardens in Miami some twenty years ago.
If you live near Seattle or are visiting put this garden on your list of must see attractions.
Chihuly has exhibited his glass sculptures in gardens all over America and some twenty years ago we visited Chihuly at Fairchild an exhibition featuring the stunning glass artworks of Dale Chihuly displayed throughout the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, Florida. The intricate and vibrant glass sculptures complemented the lush botanical surroundings, creating a unique and unforgettable experience.
Dale Chihuly is an American glass artist and entrepreneur. He is well known in the field of blown glass, “moving it into the realm of large-scale sculpture”. His innovative glass sculptures push the boundaries of traditional glassblowing. Chihuly’s vibrant and elaborate creations often draw inspiration from nature and are exhibited in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Pictured above is an image of Mendenhall Glacier and it’s only a bus ride out of Juneau Alaska. Managed by the National Park Service it features numerous hiking trails and a great Visitor’s Center.
Glacial lakes like Mendenhall Glacier’s lake above, are a special feature of many glaciers and most offer a unique ecosystem. Formed as a result of glacial melting, they are typically found in regions where glaciers have retreated, leaving behind an accumulation of rock, dirt an ice forming a dam, called a moraine, in front with a depression that fills with meltwater. Glacial lakes are known for their crystal-clear water from the lack of sediment runoff that gives the water an incredible blue color. This contributes to making the area landscape visually striking as the area around the lake creates an environment for rapid growth of trees and other vegetation.
Up on a glacier
Anatomy of a Glacier
The dynamics of a glacier has more to do with snow fall than warming temperatures. Glaciers begin their life at higher altitudes with accumulating heavy snowfall. Scientists call this a glacier’s accumulation area that’s always caused by a wealth of heavy snowfall. As the snow compresses from the weight of additional snowfall it turns to ice that slowly pushes down and forward into lower elevations. The mass of ice pushing forward is relentless sheering off earth and rocks and carrying them with it much like it’s a very slow motion river. The other end is a glacier’s terminus called the ablation area, located at lower elevations, it loses ice through melting (downwasting) or calving if it ends at the sea. As it melts and retreats it leaves behind the accumulated dirt and rock creating a moraines which act as dams for the melt runoff. A glacier’s terminus or face advances when more snow and ice amass than melts, and it retreats when melt exceeds accumulation. When melt equals accumulation, a glacier achieves equilibrium and its face remains stationary. Whether the glacier’s face is advancing or retreating, glacial ice persistently glides down-valley shaving off anything above the geological bedrock.
Hubbard Glacier calving into the sea
Mendenhall Glacier outside of Juneau (pictured below) is a classic of this glacial process. It shows evidence of advancing until the mid eighteenth century and has been retreating since. The retreat is mostly caused by reduced snowfall at its higher elevations. Alaska’s Hubbard Glacier (pictured above) is actually still growing (advancing) but mostly seems static because it is calving into the sea.
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with From Cartagena, Columbia to Ushuaia, Argentina the South American continent is an amazing land of natural wonders and human accomplishments. Explore the islands of the Galapagos or hike around Iguazu Falls, climb up to Machu Picchu or cruise through the Panama Canal. You can even cast off for a trip to Antarctica or walk…
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In the main square of the historic walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia is a statue of a man and while nobody is sure how it started, people now rub his nose as they pass by. The constant rubbing of the statue removes the old dark patina exposing a bright, shiny brass probosces.The statue is of Marin Držić who was a Croatian writer from the Republic of Ragusa. He is considered to be one of the finest Renaissance playwrights and prose writers of Croatian literature. At least Cyrano de Bergerac didn’t have people rubbing his nose all the time!
Marin Držić
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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a modern city known for its skyscrapers like the Petronas Twin Towers, expansive shopping malls, and an exciting nightlife. The city offers a mix of traditional and contemporary architecture, representing its diverse cultural heritage.
Despite being a major city, Kuala Lumpur boasts numerous green spaces like the KLCC Park, Perdana Botanical Gardens, and Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve.
The city is also an international destination with a reputation as a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide range of culinary delights from traditional Malaysian street food to international cuisines. Jalan Alor, Lot 10 Hutong, and Bangsar are popular food destinations.
Getting Around
Kuala Lumpur offers a variety of public transportation options, including LRT (Light Rail Transit), MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), monorail, KTM Komuter, and buses, making it easy to navigate around the city.
Kuala Lumpur Tourist Pass: This pass provides unlimited travel on the LRT, MRT, monorail, and buses within the city for a specified number of days (usually 1, 2, or 3 days). A KL TravelPass Single starts at US$17.00. More information HERE.
Touch ‘n Go Card: Although not exclusively for tourists, this card can be used for all public transport, including buses and trains. It can be topped up at various locations.
KL Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: This is a double-decker bus service that allows tourists to hop on and off at various attractions around the city, making it convenient for sightseeing.
Ride Share – The most popular ride sharing service in KL is Grab Ride-hailing featuring a mobile app that gives a fare estimate and finds you a ride instantly. It offers built-in safety features with payment, tipping and rating options. For convenient ride share and online taxi booking in KL, use the Grab app.
Currency– Is the Malaysian Ringgit. -MYR 1.00 US Dollar = 4.68 Malaysian Ringgits. Credit cards are welcome and there are ATMs available but take care where you use them.
Attractions
The Petronas Twin Towers Explore the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, one of the most famous landmarks in Kuala Lumpur. Visitors can go up to the sky bridge and the observation deck for panoramic views of the city.
Discover Batu Caves Take a trip to the Batu Caves, a series of caves and cave temples located just outside of Kuala Lumpur. The towering golden statue of Lord Murugan and the 272 steps leading to the caves make it a popular attraction.
Experience Bukit Bintang & Jalan Alor Indulge in shopping, dining, and nightlife at Bukit Bintang, a vibrant shopping district in Kuala Lumpur. After shopping, head to Jalan Alor for a diverse range of street food options.
Tipping – Tipping generally, in Malaysia is not expected. If you do tip after good service, it will be appreciated. Don’t tip much more than RM 2-10 ($2 to $4) in most situations like restaurants and hotels.
Where To Stay
If you’re planning a few days in Kula Lampur a good guide to accomodations is HERE.
The Lennon Wall in Prague, Czech Republic, started during the 1980s as a tribute to John Lennon, and was inspired by the song Imagine. It became a symbol of peace and non-violent resistance to an authoritarian order. It was a political focus point for young Czechs rebelling against the communist regime.
The Lennon Wall, Prague
The wall lives on even today as over the years, the Lennon Wall transformed into a graffiti-covered symbol of global ideals such as love and peace. Visitors are encouraged to contribute by painting or writing on the wall, creating a constantly evolving piece of art.
The spirit of the Lennon Walls has spread to a number of different countries and regions, both physically and digitally, as a form of expression and social resistance. These walls often serve as spaces for people to voice their thoughts and emotions.
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About 125 miles north of the city of Avignon along the Rhône River in France is Doux Gorges. The area features some of the most beautiful and remote wilderness in France and attracts hikers and bikers from all over.
A network of railway lines was constructed around Vivarais between 1898 and 1903 to provide access to markets for farms and vineyards in remote areas of the region. When the Vivarais railway network closed in 1968, a group of enthusiasts decided to acquire it and some of its’ rolling stock.
In June, 1969 a service operation started between Saint-Jean-de-Muzols and Lamastre. The Meyzieu Tourist Railway Company (CFTM) was created, supported by a group of volunteers who restore and maintain the railroad rolling stock. In February, 1970 access was restored to the railway station at Tournon, and the new Tournon – Lamastre line, 21 miles long, was officially opened for full service in April 1970. All Aboard!
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