- StumbleUpon. Mystical, Magical & Magnificent Monasteries in Meteora (20 Pics) - StumbleUpon. The caves in Meteora, Greece, had inhabitants for fifty millennia, but due to raids, “hermit monks” moved to the safety of sandstone rock pinnacles in the 9th century and began building monasteries. More monks and nuns came, building more monasteries perched high upon the cliffs. Wikipedia reports, “Access to the monasteries was originally (and deliberately) difficult, requiring either long ladders lashed together or large nets used to haul up both goods and people. This required quite a leap of faith — the ropes were replaced, so the story goes, only ‘when the Lord let them break.’” UNESCO World Heritage says, “The net in which intrepid pilgrims were hoisted up vertically alongside the 1,224 ft. cliff where the Varlaam monastery dominates the valley symbolizes the fragility of a traditional way of life that is threatened with extinction.”
Photo #1 by Vaggelis Vlahos A view of Meteora monasteries in Greece. Photo #5 by Gabriele Quaglia The Holy Monastery of St. Switzerland - StumbleUpon. Switzerland In June 2011, we spent a week in Switzerland, flying into Geneva, with an initial stop in Montreux, followed by a picturesque stay in Wengen, located above the Lauterbrunnen valley. The alps provided a stunning backdrop to explore the area. During our stay in Wengen, a small village that is accessible by train or foot, the main sound heard was cow bells.
We took day trips and hikes in the Interlaken area of central Switzerland. The village of Wengen where we stayed in an alpine chalet/hotel, above the Lauterbrunnen valley. Lauterbrunnen below, with its iconic waterfall. The train system in Switzerland is excellent. The train to Jungfrau. In the village of Lauterbrunnen. Another scene from Lauterbrunnen. Alpine cable cars rise into the fog above Wengen. The lakeshore village of Brienz. Brienz. Lucerne. Alpine village of Murren. Artist H.R. Besides cows, goats and sheep tend to be outfitted with bells. A cog train at Kleine Scheidegg. Relaxing with a plate of charcuterie under Mt. - StumbleUpon. - StumbleUpon.
Creative photos by Chema Madoz | haha.nu - the lifestyle blogzine - StumbleUpon. Incredible Wildlife Photography | Peachy Green - StumbleUpon. Wildlife — By Stephanie on January 11, 2010 at 10:58 am Canada goose protects her young Ever have one of those moments when you think to yourself, “Boy, I wish I had my camera?!” Well, you can enjoy the good fortune of the photographers who were not empty handed when they shot these amazing animal pictures. These high-speed images are treasures that tell stories we rarely get to see – let alone capture – in stunning detail.
Incredible wildlife photography like this takes a steady hand and sharp eye. And perhaps just a bit of luck! Bringing home the bugs.... If you oohed and ahhed over the first couple of pictures, you might have to prepare yourself for the next image…. open wide! All in one bite? The best wildlife photography is often expressed through the unexpected. Hey! What is more adorable than a curious monkey – particularly one that wonders what all the photography fuss is about?
Among cute animal photographs, you’ve gotta agree… this one tops the charts! Ready for my close-up! Yikes! - StumbleUpon. - StumbleUpon.