Wander Lord

Interesting on art, nature, people, history

Category Archive: Countries and cities

St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow


St. Basil’s Cathedral, which stands in Moscow’s Red Square, was built for the Russian Czar Ivan the Terrible 460 years ago. According to legend, when it was completed Ivan lived up to his nickname and had the architect blinded, so that he could not build another.
The Cathedral’s domes have had to be repaired many times over the centuries, as the parts made of iron quickly rust, necessitating replacement every seven or eight years. Later the iron-clad patterned domes were given protective plating of durable copper. The job took about 40 tons of copper. The pieces were hand-forged to templates, and after being riveted were mounted on the domes.
The Cathedral was built on Red Square in 1555-1561. It is rightfully considered one of the main symbols not only of Moscow, but of the whole of Russia.
At the place where the cathedral is now, in the 16th century there was a stone Trinity Church. There was a defensive moat that stretched along the entire Kremlin wall along Red Square. This moat was filled up only in 1813. Now in its place there is the Soviet necropolis and the Mausoleum.
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Galapagos Islands – unique place

Galapagos Islands – unique place

Galapagos Islands – unique place


Galapagos Islands are the Islands at the End of the World. Here you can find tortoises as big as a bathtub and giant lizards that look like dragons. The word galápagos means “tortoises” in Spanish.
The archipelago stretches in the Pacific Ocean west of the Ecuadorian coast. The islands, the oldest of which appeared about ten million years ago, and the youngest still continue to form, are inhabited: more than twenty-five thousand people constantly live here.
The glory of the Galapagos was created by Charles Darwin. There he began to create his theory of evolution.
The Europeans learned about the Galapagos Islands thanks to Tomas de Berlanga, a priest who sailed to Peru and went off course. This happened in 1535. Since 1832, the Galapagos began to belong to Ecuador. Three years later young Charles Robert Darwin came there.
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Amazing city of Queen of Sheba

Amazing city of Queen of Sheba. Ruins of ancient Marib

Amazing city of Queen of Sheba. Ruins of ancient Marib


Queen of Sheba is one of the most famous biblical characters. She is first mentioned in the Third Book of the Old Testament Kings. And although her existence is considered unproven, the image of Queen of Sheba had a significant impact on the folklore and literature of the peoples of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
In our days, filmmakers have repeatedly use this character in their works. But where was her country?
Scientists had been trying to enter the city of Marib where in ancient times the legendary Queen of Sheba ruled. However, its location for a long time remained a secret that was carefully kept by the local Arab tribes and the authorities of Yemen. In 1976, another attempt to enter the coveted city was made by the French. They corresponded with the Yemeni authorities for seven long years, until they obtained permission to visit the ruins by one person who was only allowed to examine them. And then they decided to send a Parisian photographer from the Figaro magazine, who knows how to shoot with a hidden camera.
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Mexico – Ring of Fire

Mexico - Ring of Fire

Mexico – Ring of Fire


Mexico is a unique country. The Spanish conquistadors, who once came to these lands, persistently instilled their customs to the local Indians, but, despite this, the Mexicans managed to maintain their traditions. The culture of modern Mexico is an incredible mix of European and Native American cultures, making this country one of the most unusual and distinctive in the whole world.
The first people appeared on the territory of modern Mexico at least by the 20th millennium BC.
In ancient times, it was inhabited by many powerful tribes, the most famous of which are the Aztecs and Mayans.
Believers from all over the world come to Mexico City to see the main shrine of Latin America – a cloak with the image of the Holy Virgin of Guadalupe.
Here is the only volcano on the planet the beginning and end of growth of which were recorded by scientists. For 8 years, the Paricutin volcano, which appeared in the middle of a local resident’s field, reached a height of 424 meters.
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Equatorial Guinea – interesting country

Equatorial Guinea – interesting country

Equatorial Guinea – interesting country


Equatorial Guinea is a rather unusual country. It is not particularly popular among tourists, and in general, local customs and traditions are shrouded in a halo of mystery. Here are interesting facts about this little-studied corner of the planet.
The country has three official languages: Spanish (approximately 65% of the population speak it), French (one third of the inhabitants know it) and Portuguese. In addition, there are many local dialects.
It is in the 4th place for infection with various diseases, so vaccination before traveling to these parts will not be superfluous. Vaccination against yellow fever is the main document for entry. Without papers confirming the vaccination, you simply will not be allowed into the country.
Until the 70s, all diseases were treated with folk remedies and shaman spells, and since then medicine has not stepped forward too far.
Equatorial Guineans have two names: Spanish and African.
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Singapore – Lion City

Singapore - Lion City

Singapore – Lion City


Singapore is a small island nation in Southeast Asia and it is also the name of the country’s main island and of its capital city. The official name is the Republic of Singapore. Its area is 692.7 square kilometers and it consists of a main island and sixty-three islets just south of the tip of the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Singapore Island is shaped like a diamond. It is one of the most well-to-do Asian nations because it has been a busy world shipping port. A narrow body of water separates Singapore and Malaysia.
Singapore is sometimes known as the Lion City and its symbol is a merlion, fish with the head of a lion. A holiday dedicated to this mythical animal is celebrated every September.
Most people speak the Malay language, but Mandarin Chinese, Tamil (an Indian language), and English are also official languages.
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Rose inspired festivals

Rose inspired festivals

Rose inspired festivals. Portland Floral Carnival


The queen of flowers, Rose is celebrated in many countries, it is the subject of worship and fervent love. Rose inspired festivals are held in Moldova, Mordovia, Estonia, Spain, Venice, etc. Since ancient times, the rose has been the object of worship and admiration. The earliest information about the rose can be found in ancient legends: it was enjoyed in ancient India at such high level that even existed a law according to which everyone who brought a rose to the king, could ask him for anything he desired. In Bulgaria rose is given in special honor, and it is one of the main symbols of the country.
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