FAMOUS PLACES AND POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS WE HAVE BEEN TO
[Places To See Before You're Too Old]
%%%%%%%%%: May Peace Be Upon You :%%%%%%%%%
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26 June 2009

Balikpapan. East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Balikpapan is a seaport city on the eastern coast of Borneo island, Indonesia in the East Kalimantan province, a resource-rich region well known for its timber, mining and petroleum export products. Two harbors, Semayang and Kariangau - ferry harbour, and the Sepinggan International Airport are the main transportation access to and from the city. The topography of the municipality of Balikpapan is generally hilly (85%), with only small areas of flatland (15%), particularly along the coast and surrounding the hilly areas. The hills are less than 100 meters higher than the adjacent valleys. The altitude of Balikpapan ranges from 0 to 80 meters above sea level. Prior to the oil boom, Balikpapan was an isolated Bugis fishing village. The etymology of Balikpapan's name (lit. balik is behind and papan is a plank) came from a folk story where a local king threw his newborn daughter into the sea to protect her against his enemies. The baby was tied beneath some planks, which were discovered by a fisherman.

22 June 2009

Wai-O-Tapu, New Zealand

Wai-O-Tapu (the English meaning - "Sacred Waters"). A Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity. Located 27 kilometres (20 minutes drive) south of Rotorua on SH5, the Visitor Centre provides the gateway to New Zealand’s most colourful natural volcanic environment. Visitors can walk at their own pace and absorb the unique features including the world famous champagne pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. The natural bush setting adds another dimension to the experience as does the guaranteed daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser at 10.15am.

University of Auckland, New Zealand

The University of Auckland (Māori: Te Whare Wānanga o Tāmaki Makaurau) is New Zealand's largest university and the top-ranked New Zealand university in the THES - QS World University Rankings. Established in 1883 as a constituent college of the University of New Zealand, the university is now made up of eight faculties over six campuses, and has more than 39,000 students at April 2006.[3] Over 1300 doctoral candidates were enrolled at the University of Auckland in 2004. It offers a wide range of programmes including Arts, Business, Education, Music, Teacher Training and Special Education, Architecture, Planning, Nursing, Creative and Performing Arts, Theology, Science, Information Management, Engineering, Medicine, Optometry, Food and Wine Science, Property, Law, Fine and Visual Arts and Pharmacy.