Angkor Wat today

Modifications to steepest steps
Since the 1990s, Angkor Wat has seen a resumption of conservation efforts and a massive increase in tourism. The temple is part of the Angkor World Heritage Site, established in 1992, which has provided some funding and has encouraged the Cambodian government to protect the site.[41] The German Apsara Conservation Project (GACP) is working to protect the devatas and other bas-reliefs which decorate the temple from damage. The organisation's survey found that around 20% of the devatas were in very poor condition, mainly because of natural erosion and deterioration of the stone but in part also due to earlier restoration efforts.[42] Other work involves the repair of collapsed sections of the structure, and prevention of further collapse: the west facade of the upper level, for example, has been buttressed by scaffolding since 2002,[43] while a Japanese team completed restoration of the north library of the outer enclosure in 2005.[44]
Angkor Wat has become a major tourist destination: attendance figures for the temple are not published, but in 2004 the country received just over a million international arrivals,[45] of whom according to the Ministry of Tourism 57% planned to visit the temple.[46] The influx of tourists has so far caused relatively little damage, other than some graffiti; ropes and wooden steps have been introduced to protect the bas-reliefs and floors, respectively. Tourism has also provided some additional funds for maintenance—approximately 28% of ticket revenues across the whole Angkor site is spent on the temples—although most work is carried out by foreign government-sponsored teams rather than by the Cambodian authorities.[47]

New Zealand comprising of beautiful Wonders (worth seeing)

White Island:
It is an active volcano which is name by Captain Cook who always thought it to be covered with white clouds and therefore it got its name as ‘White Island’. It is located at the Bay of Plenty which is headed toward the north of the island. This island was also a location for sulfur mining which resulted in a great disaster because of a massive volcanic eruption. To visit this place helicopter and boat trips are available which leave daily from Whakatane.


Milford Sound:
It’s a fjord where number of boat tour operations takes place which are operated from Harbor. Many trips are made to this wonderful place which leaves from Queenstown as it is nearest to Milford. Milford is also famous for hiking and tracking and is most popular around the world. It has limitations for the hikers that are not more than 40 per day. Visiting this place during rainy days you can get the most beautiful site of number of waterfalls running on the walls of sounds making this place heavenly.

Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers:
These are the only present glaciers on the Pacific which ends at the tropical forests. You can walk along these beautiful glaciers but not very close to it as it always pose a danger of falling ice which can be dangerous for your lives. These are the only glaciers which are advancing since 1980’s.

Poor Knights Islands:
It is known for one of the 10 best dive locations in the world and is named by Jacques Cousteau. These islands are located north end of the North Island shows the exclusive geographical features of New Zealand as you dive through it to the Poor Kinights to the glaciers. To experience it adequately visit it from Whangarei or Tutukaka which is on north of Auckland. This beautiful island is protected by marine reserves and a place worth seeing.

Rotorua:
It is an area where nature’s warmth can be experienced, meaning that it consists of geysers and geothermal spas which can be experienced by us. You can also find boiling mud and pools of scalding water in the parks of this area. You can also make it out when you are coming close to this area because of the dominance of sulphur smell which is very much prevalent here. It is a place of geothermal attractions as well as water sports and you can visit it by driving from Auckland.

Tongariro National Park:
This national park is not only a home of various beautiful landscapes but also a home of three active volcanoes which are named as Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro. This park has most exclusive with consisting of spectacular and fascinating natural features.It is also listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Tongariro track is also known for hiking destinations for backpackers. It also consists of the one of the most extravagant ski slopes in the country. It is a place to be visited to experience the adventures and thrills which it offers.

All Blacks:
It is a sports team of New Zealand which is only associated with a single country. New Zealand is popularly known for its sport i.e. Rugby. All Blacks are New Zealand’s national rugby union team which is being played since 100 years. It originated its name from a typo in a British newspaper which wanted to change the name of Kiwis to All Blacks. They are famous for a traditional dance known as haka which is known as a Maori War dance which they perform before starting of the match. Though they always ranked near top of the world’s ranking but could win only a single world cup.

journey around the world.

Fall 2006 Semester at Sea Fall Trip ( Aug. 25th to Dec. 7th 2006)

This is my window for all of my friends and family to share in my experiences I and the rest of my classmates will enjoy on our 100 day journey around the world.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are a soothing site to behold, and in my opinion, one of nature’s greatest creations. The continuity of water as it cascades down the landscape seems to always takes whatever problems and worries I am encountering at the moment and puts them into perspective. Because in the grand scheme of things, most obstacles we encounter in life are insignificant.