Encircle the World: Dick Ebert’s world portfolio lets you visually travel to 50 countries. But these are only for starters. There are photos of over 400 global cities on Encircle Photos. So when you Explore the World Daily, your bucket list will grow very long. Enjoy!
From the Battery platform, better known as The Lookout, at the former British fort Shirley Heights is this magnificent view of the southernmost point of Antigua. In the foreground is Fort Tyler at the end of the small peninsula stretching into English Harbour. On the right is Falmouth Harbour. In the background are Sugar Loaf (1,042 feet) and Signal Hill (1,207 feet).
Shirley Heights, The Battery, Antigua and Barbuda
How many winter days have you daydreamed of this idyllic scene? Sitting next to a single palm on a gorgeous beach during a perfect warm day. No phones. No emails. No reality. Just the joy of watching a sailboat floating peacefully along the Caribbean. Perfection!
Manchebo Beach, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard # 55, Aruba
The most beautiful architectural surprise in Nassau is The Cloisters. This was part of a 12th century monastery for Augustinian monks from Montréjeau, a small village in southwestern France near Spain’s border. In the 1920s, this lovely colonnade was purchased by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. In the early 1960s, Huntington Hartford acquired it as part of his development of Paradise Island. The reassembly across from Versailles Gardens was a two year project skillfully performed by J. J. Castremanne and finished in 1968. In the center is a white statue named Silence.
The Cloister, Paradise Island Dr, The Bahamas
This close up of the 404 foot northern tower of the Cathedral of Our Lady, which was finished in 1518, lets you see the intricate lacelike stone and gilded clock. Inside is a carillon that contains 49 bells. The largest bell called Karolus weighs over 14,000 pounds and requires 16 people to help ring it.
Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
The majestic Christ the Redeemer statue stands atop the 2,300 foot Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro. This Jesus Christ figure has outstretched arms symbolizing peace. It was made from sandstone and concrete in 1931 and is the world’s tallest Art Deco statue at 124 feet. Although you can travel through the Tijuca Forest National Park for a close inspection, this icon of Brazil can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.
Cristo Redentor, Parque Nacional da Tijuca - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil
People casually familiar with the Angkor Archaeological Park might assume this large, four-faced sculpture is part of Bayon. Instead, this 13th century gopura is located along the fifth enclosure (outer wall) of Ta Prohm. The image represents Lokeshvara who is a bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. Some historians believe the likeness is of Jayavarman VII’s father. Dharanindravarman II was the King of the Khmer Empire from 1150 to 1160.
Ta Prohm, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
This stunning mural of two women’s faces is called “The Belonging Action” in Vancouver, Canada. Look deeper to see the stories of people who migrated to British Columbia. Melanie Schambach and 80 artists worked for five months in 2011 to create this colorful, 24 by 32 foot masterpiece in Harbour Center between Homer and Cordova Streets. It was partially funded by the Celebrate Vancouver 125 mural program. It is outstanding!
422 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2V2, Canada
These people standing on a long wooden pier (Muelle Frutillar) are enjoying a gorgeous scene. In the foreground is Lake Llanquihue. At 330 square miles, this glacier-formed lake is Chile’s second biggest. The snowcapped mountain in the background is Volcán Osorno. This still active volcano has an elevation over 8,700 feet. It is part of the Southern Andes range.
Avenida Philippi & Jorge Montt, Frutillar, X Región, Chile
Facing Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China is the Gate of Heavenly Peace. This is the entrance to the Imperial City. It was first built in the Ming Dynasty in the early 15th century. The 1.5 tonnes portrait over the gate is of Mao Zedong. He was also called Mao Tse-tung or Chairman Mao while he was the head of the Communist Party of China from 1949 until 1976. This passage leads to the Meridian Gate or the southern entrance to the Forbidden City. The Chinese Imperial palace contains over 900 buildings.
Gate of Heavenly Peace, Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China
The three-toed sloth is the perfect animal to photograph in the wild: they don’t move fast and they are always smiling. For a chance to see a Bradypus variegatus in the forest, walk the trails at either the Refugio Gandoca Manzanillo or Parque Nacional Cahuita. Both parks are south of Limón. You might also spot this brown-throated sloth hanging from trees during a boat ride along the Tortuguero Canal north of the city. For a guaranteed close up, visit the Jaguar Rescue Center near Puerto Viejo or the Sloth Sanctuary close to Cahuita.
Canal del Tortuguero, Limón Province, Costa Rica
In the early 11th century, the sea-facing, 40 foot thick walls of Fort Lovrijenac were constructed in three months to fend off a pending Venetian attack. Nicknamed “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar,” St. Lawrence Fortress stands on a 121 foot cliff along Pile Bay near the western edge of Old Town. Above its entrance is an inscription from the Aesop fable “Of Dog and the Wolf.” It says, “Freedom is not sold for all of the gold in the world.” Fans of the HBO series “Game of Thrones” will recognize this as part of King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
Ul. od Tabakarije 29, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
The initial inhabitants were the Caiquetío, an Arawak Indian tribe. Soon after the Spanish arrived in 1499, they named it Curaçao because they believed the island “cured” sailors of scurvy. The Dutch conquered it in 1634. Today, Willemstad has a population of about 150,000 people. It is the capital of this constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the foreground is a late 18th century cast-iron cannon. The 24 pounder next to the Queen Emma Bridge points across St. Anna Bay towards Otrobanda.
Kon. Emmabrug, Willemstad, Curaçao
During the mid-16th century, Denmark was plagued by civil wars plus political and religious upheaval. Therefore, it was common for Dutch noblemen like Frands Brockenhuus to build a fortress to defend their estate and family from attacks. The design of the Egeskov Slot included a wide moat, three foot walls, battlements, arrow slits plus machicolations for dropping stones or scalding oil from the towers onto attackers below.
Gade 18, 5772 Kværndrup, Denmark
The origin of the white, straw and brimmed Panama hat is actually Ecuadorian. The streets of Montecristi and El Chorrillo are lined with closet-sized factories where they bleach the toquilla palm leaves, strip them into threads and then weave the hats with a loom or by hand. This woman was the matriarch of one family business. While caring for the grandchildren, she greeted the shoppers and placed a hat on any man who came within arm’s reach.
Calle 2, Montecristi, Ecuador
A short distance from Cairo is the country’s most iconic archeological treasures. The Great Sphinx was built around 2,500 BC. This 240 foot statue has the shape of a lion with the face of Pharaoh Khafre. The likeness is magnificent despite the missing nose. In the background is the Pyramid of Khufu. Also called the Great Pyramid, it is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids surrounding the Sphinx. This architectural marvel is over 450 feet tall and consists of 2.3 million limestone and granite blocks.
Great Sphinx of Giza Al Haram, Giza Governorate, Egypt
The River Avon, also called the Bristol Avon, flows for 75 miles and cradles the east and south edges of Bath’s old town. This is the visual apex. On the right is the Pulteney Bridge, named after its investor Sir William Pulteney. The very wealthy 5th Baronet commissioned architect Robert Adam to build this arched span in 1769 so he could easily reach the city from his Bathwick Estate across the river. The 148 foot length is lined with shops. On the left is a three-level, crescent-shaped sluice gate. The current Pulteney Weir became operational in 1972. Yet, Bath had two water-powered mills dating back to the early 1600s. From this vantage point you can also appreciate the Newmarket Row (left), Victoria Art Gallery and the tower of St Michael’s Without (right).
Beazer Maze Spring Gardens Rd, Bath BA2 6PW, UK
High on a hill in the Katajanokka neighborhood is the stunning Uspenski Cathedral. The Byzantine-Russian church was built in 1868 using bricks from the Bomarsund Fortress after it was destroyed during the Crimean War. The church’s best architectural feature is a dozen gilded onion domes representing the Apostles. They surround the larger central dome symbolizing Christ. Uspenskin Katedraali was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Uspenski Cathedral is Western Europe’s largest Orthodox church. It is also the seat of the Archdiocese of Helsinki.
Kanavakatu 1, 00160 Helsinki, Finland
It is so exciting to be standing next to the Louvre Pyramid and Pavillon Richelieu in the Napoleon Courtyard of the Palais du Louvre. Formerly a palace, the museum opened in 1793. It now has a collection of over 35,000 pieces spread across 14 acres of space. The Musée du Louvre welcomes nearly ten million visitors a year. Most people want to catch a glimpse of its famous resident, Mona Lisa.
10 Place du Carrousel, 75001 Paris, France
This white portico with Corinthian columns and the frieze of paired griffins is the entrance to Casino Baden-Baden. Apparently, the famous actress Marlene Dietrich called it “the most beautiful casino in the world.” Whether you agree that its elegance still warrants that description, what can’t be disputed is that Kurhaus is Germany’s oldest casino.
Kaiserallee 1, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
This is the world’s most famous Doric temple. The Parthenon was dedicated to the goddess Athena when it was built on a citadel overlooking Athens, Greece. It is one of several archaeological ruins at the Acropolis of Athens. Others include temples and sanctuaries plus two theaters and remnants of other structures. Most of these buildings were constructed during the 5th century BC.
The Parthenon Temple, Zeus' Triangle, Athina 105 58, Greece
Antigua was once the glamorous capital of Guatemala before two devastating earthquakes in the 1700s left it mostly abandoned. Now the ruins are a tourist attraction. Within eight-by-eight blocks, a visitor can walk along the narrow, cobblestone streets to see the remains of former churches, arches and plazas plus convents and monasteries. A stunning example is the San Francisco Church with its twisted columns, religious statues and bell towers. This Spanish-American Baroque monastery was built in 1702 and destroyed in 1773.
San Francisco el Grande, Calle de los Pasos 6, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Several tribes led by Árpád banded together to conquer the Carpathian Basin. The resulting Magyar Conquest of 895 marked the formation of Hungary. To help celebrate the country’s 1000th anniversary, architect Ignác Alpár created an amalgamation of 21 historical Hungarian architecture styles using wood and cardboard. The popularity of the temporary exhibit resulted in a permanent version of Vajdahunyad Castle being built in 1908. This fairytale landmark is located on Szechenyi Island within Budapest’s City Park. You will be thrilled to visit this attraction from the moment you see the lakeside reflection of Vajdahunyad Vára.
Budapest, Vajdahunyad vár, 1146 Hungary
Mumbai is wall-to-wall people with a population of about 20 million. The atmosphere is crowded and dizzying. But the world’s seventh largest city can also be elegant and beautiful. This woman is wearing a satin saree or sari, an unstitched cloth draped over the body. She is entering the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum. When the city’s oldest museum opened in 1857, it was the Victoria and Albert Museum. The name honored the then reigning queen of the United Kingdom and her husband.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Byculla, Mumbai 400027, India
The first tower built along the bluff overlooking the River Nore was a motte and bailey design constructed towards the end of the 12th century by Richard de Clare. Also known as Strongbow, he was a Norman lord and the 2nd Earl of Pembroke. His son-in-law and very successful knight, William Marshall, is credited with building this marvelous castle. It was finished in 1219, six years before he died as the British Isles’ second richest man. After a period of ownership by Gilbert De Bohun, the elaborate citadel transferred to James Butler in 1391. The Butler family maintained ownership until Arthur Butler sold it to the city in 1967. The rose garden in the foreground is part of the 49 acre estate.
The Parade, Collegepark, Kilkenny, Ireland
The Dome of the Rock in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel is of historical and religious significance to Muslims, Christians and Jews. Built on the Temple Mount in 691 AD, the dome is covered by an aluminum bronze alloy with gold. The greatest significance is inside. The Foundation Stone (the Rock) represents the spiritual joining of Heaven and Earth. This famous landmark is maintained by the Jordanians.
Dome of the Rock, Old City, Jerusalem
The centerpiece of the Piazza del Duomo or Cathedral Square is the medieval Pisa Cathedral. Construction on Italy’s first Pisan Romanesque church began in 1063. The spectacular marble façade of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta features blind arcades, arches, columns, three bronze doors and a dome. Wow, it is beautiful! Did you also notice the iconic leaning bell tower behind it?
Piazza del Duomo 1, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
During the 14th century, nobleman Saionji Kintsune built the Kitayama-dai villa here. In 1397, it was acquired and expanded by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. He called his lavish retirement estate Kitayama-den Palace. During the 15th century, his son, Yoshimochi, converted the elegant property into Rokuon-ji (Deer Garden Temple). More commonly, this national treasure is referred to as Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion Temple. The surrounding lake is aptly named Kyoko-chi meaning Mirror Pond. Dotting the reflective water are ten islets. The results: absolutely stunning!
1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
Al-Khazneh is a magnificent example of 1st century Nabataean architecture and the most photographed façade in Jordan. The 141 foot tall Treasury was carved into a massive cliff along the valley of Wadi Musa. Some believe this Valley of Moses is near where the prophet miraculously drew water from a rock during the Exodus. The Treasury is also where Harrison Ford sought the Holy Grail during the climax of “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”
Al-Khazneh al-Siq St, Petra, Jordan
The initial 200 foot drop of the Kuang Si Falls is spectacular. However, the subsequent falls and pools that form downstream are very unique and beautiful. The tan, rust and cream colored ledges are limestone deposits called travertine. The aqua blue pools are cold yet an ideal swimming hole for a hot afternoon in Laos.
Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang, Laos
In 963 AD, Siegfried, the Count of Ardennes, built a fortification that he called Lützelburg which means “Little Castle.” This is how Luxembourg derived its name. Over several centuries, it expanded into three rings of walls with 24 forts and 14 miles of casemates built into rock that housed thousands of soldiers. This view from Bock Promontory shows some of the ruins along the Alzette River.
10 Montée de Clausen, 1343 Luxembourg
This gorgeous dome on top of St. Paul’s Cathedral greets you as you approach Mdina, Malta. On the left is one of the Roman Catholic church’s two bell towers. This beautiful Baroque structure was designed by Lorenzo Gafà and consecrated in 1702. It replaced a previous church from the 13th century that was destroyed during an earthquake in 1693. These timelines seem old until you learn the town’s fortified walls were first built in 700 BC.
Triq Ta'L-Infetti L-Imdina, Malta
Martinique is known as “Île aux Fleurs” meaning the “Island of Flowers.” Every spring you can see a kaleidoscope of blooming colors that justify this nickname. One example is the bright red petals of the royal poinciana growing along the roadside. Also called the flamboyant, this tropical wildflower makes a perfect picture frame for the sailboats moored in Cul-du-Sac du Marin.
Marina du Marin, Boulevard Allegre, Le Marin, Martinique
People who visit the Mayan ruins at Tulum are quickly surprised by the heat. The average, year-round temperature is 88° and the site offers no shade from the intense Mexican sun. So bring your bathing suit. When you get too hot, walk down the staircase, go for a refreshing dip in the Caribbean Sea and then spread your towel on the sandy beach. What a perfect combination: ancient ruins without ruining your sunbathing time.
Carretera federal 307 Cancún - Chetumal Km 230, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
While strolling along Persat’s shoreline, you will find numerous palaces previously owned by captains of the Venetian navy, shipbuilders and former elite families. During its history, this town had the prestigious Nautica naval college, was the home to four successful shipyards and harbored over 100 ships. You would hardly guess its illustrious past by seeing the modest boats tethered in the bay.
Muzej grada Perasta, Perast, Montenegro
There are almost 4,000 lakes in New Zealand. Those near the Southern Alps seem as uninhabited and unspoiled as they were when first cut by glaciers. This gorgeous example is Lake Moeraki near Haast on the west coast of the South Island. Nearby is a rare Kiwi colony (think small bird with a long beak and not the fruit).
8756 Haast Hwy, Haast 7886, New Zealand
Oslo’s nickname is Tigerstaden or The Tiger City. In 2000, residents wanted to celebrate their millennium in grand fashion. Part of the ceremonies was erecting this 14.8 foot bronze statue by Elena Engelsen in front of Jernbanetorget, Oslo Central Station. Tigeren has become a favorite among tourists and locals. Sometimes the fierce sculpture can scare even the bravest of little boys.
Jernbanetorget, 0154 Oslo, Norway
Ever wonder where the dividing line is between Central and South America? This is it: the Bridge of the Americas. This steel arch bridge is 5,425 feet long and has a clearance of 201 feet above the Panama Canal. The United States commissioned it while controlling the Canal Zone. This critical link of the Pan-American Highway was completed in 1962 by John Beasly & Company.
Bridge of the Americas & Carr. Panamericana, Panama City, Panama
The tribesmen of Papua New Guinea are proud people despite their extreme poverty. The average family lives on less than $400 a year. Many tribes have a limited connection to the modern world. This man is wearing the traditional face paint of a Huli Wigman from the Southern Highlands.
Bramell St, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Follow these tourists through the front gate of the Pena National Palace. Built upon the ruins of a Hieronymites monastery that was destroyed during a 1755 earthquake, this summer palace for Portuguese royalty was started in 1840 by King Ferdinand II and completed the year he died in 1885.
Park and National Palace of Pena Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra, Portugal
Saint Basil’s Cathedral anchoring the south end of Red Square was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in 1554 and finished in 1561. The iconic landmark consists of eight brick churches in perfect symmetry around the ninth tallest one. The Cathedral of Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat is stunning with its towers, scales, arches and onion domes. Originally all white, the rainbow of colors was added in 1860. Thankfully, this former Russian Orthodox church survived attempted demolition by Napoleon in 1812 and Joseph Stalin in 1936.
St. Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square, Moskva, 109012, Russia
David Hume was an 18th century philosopher who attempted to explain human thought, morality and behavior. He was also the author of the best-selling, six-volume books called The History of England published from 1754 through 1761. This nine foot, bronze statue by sculptor Sandy Stoddart stands near the High Court Building on the Royal Mile. In the background is the famous crown spire of St. Giles’ Cathedral.
381 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PW, UK
The Roman Bridge derives its name from when it was built by command of Augustus. He was the first Emperor of the Roman Empire who reigned from 27 BC until 14 AD. The crossing over the Guadalquivir River was reconstructed in the early 8th century by Al-Samh, the Arab governor of Al-Andalus. This was the Muslim territory comprising most of today’s Portugal and Spain. Additional renovations and expansions occurred during five centuries yet it has largely maintained its medieval appearance. The 820 foot length of Puente Romano is supported by 16 arches. The landmarks in the background are (left to right): The Bishop’s Palace, Triumph of San Raphael, the Puerta de Puente and the Mosque-Cathedral.
Puente Romano, 14009 Córdoba, Spain
Side-by-side at Gothenburg’s harbor are two of its famous landmarks. On the left is the Barken Viking, the Nordic countries’ largest sailing ship at 387 feet. The four-masted barque was launched in 1906 as part of Denmark’s merchant fleet, decommissioned in 1950 and is now a hotel and restaurant. On the right is the distinctive Skanska Skyscraper. Although formally called Lilla Bommen, the red upper floors earned it the nickname The Lipstick Building. Near the top of Läppstiftet’s 282 feet height is the Götheborgs Utkiken observation deck.
Jussi Björlings plats Christina Nilssons gata 1, 411 04 Göteborg, Sweden
Few settings are more romantic than sitting on a bench close to your partner along Quai de Beique in Ouchy. The promenade is encircled by hundreds of gorgeous tulips and pansies. Who needs words when you can hold hands while marveling at the beauty of the Alps from across Lake Geneva along the southern shore?
Place du Général-Guisan 1006 Ouchy, Switzerland
This golden figure of a half-man, half-bird is called a Kinnara. It originally comes from Hindu mythology but has been adapted in Thailand. The creature, which can fly between the mystical and human worlds, marries a Kinnaris. Their love is everlasting and their life is one of perpetual pleasure. This statue is at Wat Phra Kaew in the Grand Palace.
Na Phra Lan Rd, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
Ephesus was a Greek city of half a million people dating back to 10 BC. This archeological gem is located on Turkey’s western coast. Although only a small portion has been excavated, it is an amazing collection of Greek and Roman ruins. The site includes temples, a theater and a basilica. The most impressive is the two-story, 52 foot façade of the Library of Celsus. It once contained over 12,000 scrolls. This magnificent structure was built as a tomb in 117 A.D.
Celsus Library Acarlar Mahallesi, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey
About 25,000 cranes have built exceptional architecture across Dubai’s skyline, including the world’s tallest building and three islands in the shape of a palm. In contrast, the oldest building from 1787 is the Al Fahidi Fort. It is now the Dubai Museum. This woman, who is wearing an Abaya long black robe with a Hijab head scarf, is standing in the fort’s courtyard.
Al Fahidi, 8 58 St - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
A large percent of the 9,000 people living in Punta del Este, Uruguay serve wealthy tourists. The visitors flock to this quaint resort town for the nightlife and beaches. Brava Beach is very popular for sunning and swimming. In the center is this monument to the drowned. La Mano, or The Hand, consists of five giant fingers protruding from the sand. The concrete sculpture by Mario Irarrázabal has become a local landmark since the dramatic artwork was erected in 1982.
Brava Beach, Punta del Este, Uruguay
Thiên Hâu Temple in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, reveres Mazu. The sea goddess was born in 960 A.D. and is the protector of sailors and fishermen. The Chinatown entrance features small porcelain figures below two sea serpents. These delicate, blue and tan figurines with pointed ears fill the courtyard roofs. This leads to the altar with three bronze Thiên Hâu statues in brightly colored robes. Throughout the pagoda are urns filled with burning joss sticks and conical incense coils. The result is a heavy smoke that drifts and twirls everywhere.
710 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường 11, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Caerphilly Castle is a spectacular medieval fortress, the largest in Wales and the second biggest in the U.K. Its concentric design sits on a 30 acre island protected by manmade lakes and moats. Most of it was built within three years (1268 – 1271) by Gilbert de Clare, the 7th Earl of Gloucester, during his quest to control an ancient county of South Wales called Glamorgan. The castle was attacked numerous times until it was mostly in ruins by the end of the 15th century. Refurbishment began in the late 18th century and continued under various members of the Stuart family through 1950.
Caerphilly Castle, Castle St, Caerphilly CF83 1JD, UK