12-01-2012

Philippines. Mindoro
In the seas around the Philippine archipelago the fishers might come across a Belcher’s sea snake (Hydrophis Belcheri) in their nets. This snake makes the Guinness World Records as the most poisonous not only among sea snakes but of all snakes on the planet.

16-12-2011

Myanmar (Burma) | Bagan
The enchanting archeological zone comprises thousands of pagodas, stupas and other buildings constructed in the ancient capital of Bagan (formerly Pagan) kingdom (mostly in XI—XIII centuries).

14-11-2011

India. Ladakh. Leh
Leh, the capital of the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, is located in the Indus Valley in the Himalayas. The prominent history of the city is brightly reflected in its architecture, notably the royal palace, known as Leh Palace, the Sunni Muslim mosque and the Namgyal (also called «Tsemo Gompa»), founded around 1430.

20-10-2011

Czech Republic. Prague
Situated on both banks of the Vltava river, Prague boasts many bridges, including the renowned Charles bridge the foundation stone of which was laid personally by King Charles IV in 1357.

26-09-2011

Thailand. Bangkok. Thonburi. Wat Arun Rajwararam
Wat Arun, one of Bangkok’s main Buddhist temples and landmarks, was named after Aruna, the personification of the dawn in the Hindu mythology. The first sun rays of the morning bring about the spectacular light reflections (iridescence) off the stones of the temple’s central prang.

18-08-2011

Canary Islands. Tenerife. Parq Nacional del Teide
The hardened lava scenery of the the Teide National Park, the most popular national park in Spain, was a stage for episodes of such movies as One Million Years B.C., Star Wars and Clash of the Titans.

14-07-2011

France. Paris
In Paris each traveler will definitely find a route most to his or her own liking and interests. History lovers won’t miss Les Invalides under the dome of which the remains of the Emperor Napoleon I Bonaparte were entombed.

14-06-2011

Italy. Sardegna
The sea coast of countless bays, transparent emerald water abundant with fish in just a meter from the land and the sands to cater to any liking — the second largest island in Europe is fairly regarded as one of the best and the most pure in the region.

15-05-2011

Montenegro
Montenegro is prominent for its warm Slavic hospitality and scenic mountainous and sea landscapes among which the Bay of Kotor stands out being the southernmost fjord in Europe and the only one in the Mediterranean Sea.

18-04-2011

Russia. North-west. Kaliningrad
Despite war-time destructions, Kaliningrad (former Koenigsberg) preserved numerous fortifications that for centuries served for the town’s defense as well as old German buildings, and many historical buildings have been restored in recent years.

14-03-2011

Philippines. Luzon. San Pablo. Villa Escudero
Impressively scenic everyday life of a traditional Philippine coconut plantation is witnessed by numerous guests of Villa Escudero — the central sight of San Pablo, Laguna.

21-02-2011

Austria. Wachau. Weissenkirchen
Weissenkirchen, Wachau. This tiny Austrian town in the Wachau valley has a talking name which refers to the white church built in here in the 14th century. The church is surrounded by massive walls and towers to serve as a fortification.

06-02-2011

Thailand. Bangkok. Rail Transit Network
Besides the underground metro system (MRT), Bangkok is also serviced by the elevated rapid train system (BTS), or simply the Skytrain. Its formal name is the Elevated Train in Commemoration of HM the King’s 6th Cycle (72nd) Birthday.

17-01-2011

Italy. Venice. Grand Canal
Venice’s authentic flavour is formed not solely by its unique channels and architecture but by the city’s inhabitants and visitors. Incredibly diverse are the faces you come across in Castello, one of Venice’s six sestieri (municipal divisions dating back to the 12^th century)!

13-12-2010

Russia. Moscow Region. Borodinskoe pole
In the historic Borodino battlefield one can still experience the 19th century environment and try on the outfits of the age. «The Steadfast Tin Soldier» is a military and historic event for children that is held here every last Sunday of May.

24-11-2010

Czech Republic. Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov on the Vltava River started around Krumlov Castle in the 13th century. Presently the castle is second largest within the Czech Republic and up to today it boasts Baroque music concerts held in simulated candlelight.

07-11-2010

Cambodia. Angkor
«Angkor» means «city» in Khmer. The city’s wooden residential and public buildings decayed quickly in the hot and humid climate — so nowadays Angkor is a temple city. Its grand temples were constructed from stone blocks without cement or any other fastening materials.

12-10-2010

Philippines. Luzon. Lucena
Take a look at how ordinary people live and work in one of the typical Phillipine cities. Lucena is locally classified as a highly urbanized city which is among 25 most developed cities in the Philippines.

16-09-2010

India. Ladakh
«Little Tibet» — that’s how Ladakh, a historical region in the North of India, is often referred to. In these remote and truly scenic mountain spots you will find Ladakh monasteries, or gompas, where monks and nuns still live and study today.

23-08-2010

Thailand. Chiang Mai. Maeram
Historically, women of the The Kayan Lahwi (Padaung) tribe wear rings that elongate their necks. In Thailand, one can see the Burmanese women that follow this tradition in several villages, including Maeram near Chiang Mai.

07-08-2010

Austria. Wachau. Duernstein
Vintage wines are not the sole attraction of the old Austrian castle Kellerschloessl (the Wine Cellar) in Duernstein. The castle’s interior boasts pieces of art — humorous as well as truly realistic — most of which, of course, depict the life of the Wachau wine-making region.

24-07-2010

Canary Islands. Tenerife. Buenavista del Norte
Canarian traditional pastries are best to taste in El Aderno pastry shop in Buenavista del Norte. It is considered to be one of the best bakeries in Tenerife — it even caters for the Spanish royal family!

11-07-2010

Peru. Arequipa. Santa Catalina Monastery
Àt their daughter’s entrance to Santa Catalina Monastery (Monasterio de Santa Catalina) the richest Spanish families paid a dowry of up to 2,400 silver coins (currently equivalent to US $50,000). Today, approximately 20 nuns live behind the brightly painted walls of the convent and the rest of the territory is open to public.

25-06-2010

Myanmar (Burma)
Looking at idyllic sceneries, ancient Buddhist temples and bright clothes of the Burmans, it’s easy to forget of the rough fate endured by this country, presently under military rule. Up till now Myanmar (the country’s official name endorsed by the UN) is referred to as Burma by many states that reject the name change made by the military regime in 1989.

10-06-2010

Uzbekistan. Samarkand
«The blue sky and golden stars will always be over Samarkand», that’s what Timur (Tamerlane), the great conqueror of Asia in 14-15th centuries was saying about the capital of his empire.

21-05-2010

Philippines. Tanduay Distillers Inc.
Local elderly as well as Europeans highly regard «Tanduay» rum — the most popular brand in the Philippines! You are welcome inside the plant that boasts 155-year history of producing rum and other spirits. The quality of «Tanduay» alcohol has been noted by numerous international awards.

10-05-2010

France. Paris
«If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a movable feast» (from Ernst Hemingway’s letter to a friend, 1950). You are welcome to share this feast with us!

26-04-2010

Thailand. Cuisine
Don’t start your Thai food photo journey if you feel hungry — the risk is great that you set off to a nearest Thai restaurant! Thai cuisine conquered the entire world and is famous for its subtle taste harmony in the immensely diverse combinations.

14-04-2010

United Kingdom. Oxford
Have you known that many scenes from the blockbuster Harry Potter movies were filmed in Oxford? Today the city with the oldest university in Britain welcomes not only students and film makers — Oxford with population of about 165,000 people is yearly visited by over 9 mln. tourists.

25-03-2010

Thailand. Chiang Mai (Suburbs). Wat Doi Suthep
«If you haven’t been to Wat Phratat Doi Suthep — you haven’t been to Chiang Mai», that’s what the locals say. Erected in the 14th century, Wat Phratat Doi Suthep became a Buddhist center in the Kingdom of Lanna and still remains a sacred site for many Thai people attracting numerous pilgrims.

10-03-2010

Vietnam. Hanoi
Up till today Hanoi is often poetically referred to as the «Ascending Dragon» (Thăng Long): Emperor Lý Thái Tổ that ruled to erect the city and make it the capital claimed to have seen a dragon ascending the Red River. In October 2010 Hanoi will officially celebrate its 1000th anniversary — you’ve still got a chance to attend the festivities in this friendly and truly Asian city.

24-02-2010

Thailand. Bangkok. Siam Ocean World
The Siam Ocean World contains 4 mln. litres of water and is inhabited by 30,000 of marine animals. This is where one may dare to glance into a shark’s jaw or smile to a lively seahorse!

12-02-2010

Canary Islands. Tenerife. Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto-de-la-Cruz that became the first Canarian resort in the 19th century has preserved its traditional colonial charm up to our days. Tourists join in the leisurely rhythm of town’s life and enjoy the beaches with black volcanic sand. For construction of the most popular Playa Jardin beach about 230.000 m3 of volcanic sand was elevated from the bottom of the sea.

25-01-2010

Thailand. Pattaya (Suburbs). Park Mini Siam
Imagine yourself Gulliver in Mini-Siam park with its collection of miniature models of famous architectural and historical monuments both from Thailand and other countries. A visitor can enjoy a bird's-eye view on the world and even reach an arch of the Eiffel tour.

08-01-2010

Russia. Siberia (Eastern)
Endless lands of Krasnoyarsk Region and Buryatia have preserved its primordial beauty that impresses anyone. Baykal Lake that is poetically referred to as “the Blue Eye of Siberia” embodies the stern grandeur and might of these territory.

27-12-2009

Thailand. Chiang Mai
For many Thailand is beach, the Sun and the sea — and it's all true. But you won't get disappointed by the northern Thailand either — try Chiang Mai! Here's a suggestion for a day in Chiang Mai — explore the sights of Vat Umongmakhater in the morning, escape from the noon heat in one of the chilly halls of Chivokkomaraphat and get a Thai massage class, and finally, when the Sun goes down, venture into Riverside Bar.

07-12-2009

Italy. Venezia. Castello
Venice’s authentic flavour is formed not solely by its unique channels and architecture but by the city’s inhabitants and visitors. Incredibly diverse are the faces you come across in Castello, one of Venice’s six sestieri (municipal divisions dating back to the 12^th century)!

26-11-2009

Thailand. Bangkok. Grand Palace
On the first visit to Bangkok it’s a must to attend the Grand Palace – the official residence of the Kings of Thailand. The Palace dates back to 1782 when General Phra Chakri proclaimed himself King (he was named Rama I) and became the founder of the current-ruling House of Chakri of Siam (now Thailand). Today Thailand is ruled by King Bhumibol Adulyadej Rama IX.

06-11-2009

Switzerland
Swiss clocks, banking secrecy in Switzerland, Swiss chocolate... Get rid of the stereotypes — and you'll fall under the natural charm of this mountainous country and its unique culture that blends the traits of France, Germany and Italy.

25-10-2009

Thailand. Pattaya
One of Thailand’s most renowned resorts that hosts up to a million tourists a year won’t disappoint you. When the sunny day at the beach gives way to darkness, one can’t resist joining the night party and participating in the unforgettably bright carnival.

06-10-2009

Austria. Krems an der Donau
A visit to wineries is a must during one’s trip to Krems, an ancient Austrian town – it boasts more than a thousand-year history of wine-making. The classic Krems grape varieties are Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.

11-09-2009

Russia. Caucasia. Bezengi
It's the highest and the roughest for alpinists highland of the Caucasus. Six out of the eight «five-thousanders» are located in Bezengi: Dykh-Tau (5204 m), Koshtan-tau (5151m), Shkhara (5068 m), Pushkin (5100 m), Dzhangi-tau (5058 m) and Mizhirgi (5025 m).

14-08-2009

Thailand. Chiang Mai
Thinking about a journey to Thailand, don’t forget about Chiang Mai. Founded in 1296 (much earlier than Bangkok), the city is fairly regarded as the cultural capital of Thailand. Today there are more than 300 Buddhist temples («wat» in Thai) in Chiang Mai.

22-07-2009

Philippines. Luson. Tayabas.
Where else would one see so many beauties in their exquisite traditional dresses? In May Flores de Mayo (from Spanish “flowers of May”), or Santacruzan (from Spanish “Holy Cross”) festivals are celebrated throughout the Philippines.

12-06-2009

Ecuador. Mindo
A house without walls... How organically it fits into the surroundings! Built solely out of natural materials, this house on the Andes slope was devised and designed by its owners themselves — in the local construction tradition.

16-05-2009

Tenerife. Canary Islands
«But, i’ faith, you have drunk too much
canaries; and that’s a marvellous searching wine,
and it perfumes the blood ere one can say ’What’s
this?’» William Shakespeare King Henry IV (Part 2, Act 2, Scene IV)
Discover the lure of Tenerife and Canary wine today!

21-04-2009

Austria. Wachau
First human beings inhabited this area thousands of centuries ago... Nowadays the Wachau valley that spreads along the Danube river is in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. The wine produced in this region (first of all, of Grüner Veltliner variety) is renowned well beyond Austria borders. Keen on admiring the picturesque landscapes of the valley or learning of the local viticulture? Welcome to the Wachau!

10-03-2009

Solovetsky Islands. Russia
The Solovki tempt and lure. Both pilgrims and tourists. In summer and in winter. For the first time and over again. One can attend every single place here within a couple of days — and yet an entire life time won?t suffice to learn everything about the Solovki. Over 50 photos have been added to different sections on the site.
Attention! You risk getting «solovized» as they say in Russia. The website won?t be held responsible for possible magnetic attraction to the Polar circle.

16-02-2009

Norway. Tromso
Waterfalls, mountains, fiords, glaciers and islands — these all belong to Norway?s majestic nature that originated myths and tales of trolls that inhabited hills and forests of far North. Stop by in Tromso — it?s the most northern university town in the world situated 350 km to the North of the Arctic Circle. Warm waters of the Gulf Stream provide for the mildest climate among all other high latitude locations in the world.

19-01-2009

Russia. Moscow. Metro
Many say that no subway in the world can match the Moscow metro in its beauty. “It’s a museum!”, was the first exclamation of Tim MacFarlane (Wisconsin, USA) as he descended to Paveletskaya subway station.

13-12-2008

USA. Wyoming
Passing an arch of shed elk antlers, you will find yourself at the town square of Jackson, a gateway to the world renowned Yellowstone National Park. Established in 1872, Yellowstone was the first national park in the world.

20-11-2008

Thailand. Bangkok
Bangkok is also known as Krung Thep («The City of Angels») or Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit. The latter translates as “the city of angels, the great city, the eternal jewel city, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn".

29-10-2008

Italy. Valle d'Aosta. Aosta
Italy — Rome, Milan, Venice... But have you heard of Aosta? Founded by the Romans in 25 BC, the town is the heart of Valle d’Aosta province and is now an impressive museum of ancient Roman monuments and ruins (by the way, very well preserved) under the open skies.

25-09-2008

Peru. Machu Picchu.
Close your eyes and relocate to the 15th century, to the mighty Inca Empire! Today, in the 21st century, you can still intensely feel the invisible presence of the town’s masters in the severe ruins of Machu Picchu – watch closely!

16-05-2008

Chile is astounding by its geographic...
Chile is astounding by its geographic shape but there are more surprises here. The world’s driest desert is Atacama, the Easter Island is farthest from an inhabited place (by 2500 km) and the most…!

19-04-2008

Co Chang. The “non-tourist” Thailand...
Co Chang. The “non-tourist” Thailand – take a look at a monkey school in the daytime and fishery in the ocean waters in the night!

26-03-2008

Uzbekistan. Formerly Bukhara was located...
Uzbekistan.
Formerly Bukhara was located on the Silk Road... Take a look at the miraculous architectural sights of this ancient city which has existed for over 2500 years!

04-03-2008

Russia: "Moscow... how many strains are...
Russia:
"Moscow... how many strains are fusing
in that one sound, for Russian hearts!"
what store of riches it imparts!"
From the epic 19th century romance Eugene Onegin by Alexander Pushkin (chapter 7).

02-02-2008

Russia: Solovetsky Islands. The rich...
Russia: Solovetsky Islands. The rich history of these isles that were shut from a stranger’s eye carefully preserves brightest and darkest pages. What are the Solovetsky Islands like today?

27-12-2007

Peru. Don’t miss your chance – only once...
Peru. Don’t miss your chance – only once a year, in a traditional island Amantani on Lake Titicaca you can witness a New Year’s fiesta of the Quechua Indians

09-11-2007

Philippines, Metro Manila. Giant prawns...
Philippines, Metro Manila. Giant prawns and shoats, juicy mango and fresh tuna - you will long remember the bright colours of the Philippine market and its lively merchants!

31-07-2007

Thailand, Pottaya (Suburbs) - after...
Thailand, Pottaya (Suburbs) - after a wild night in Pattaya you won’t take a day-time nap – who can skip local exotics such as the elephant show or alligator farm?

26-06-2007

India, Delhi: Lal Qila, or the Red Fort...
India, Delhi: Lal Qila, or the Red Fort is one of the capital’s major treasures. It is from here that Jawaharlal Nehru proclaimed the independence of India on August 15, 1947.

26-06-2007

India, Delhi: the Jama Masjid is India’s...
India, Delhi: the Jama Masjid is India’s largest mosque. It preserves authentic items that belonged to prophet Muhammad. The courtyard of the mosque is 4000 sq.m and can hold up to 25,000 people at once.

31-05-2007

Tenerife, the Canary Islands. If you...
Tenerife, the Canary Islands. If you haven't had a chance yet to see bananas growing, take a look at the banana plantations that were started in 1855.

24-04-2007

Philippines, Baracay Island: its white...
Philippines, Baracay Island: its white sands enjoy fame far beyond the country’s borders. Taste the lure of the beaches and the culinary specialties as well as the daily life of the island.

28-03-2007

Volny Veter travel newspaper is holding...
Volny Veter travel newspaper is holding a meeting for the like-minded people passionate about travelling and bardic songs. Stories and films on outstanding expeditions and hikes will be featured. You are welcome to join on March 31st at 16:00. Address:37 Donskaya Street (Shabolovskaya Metro station), Moscow. Tel. 8-499-199-05-63, e-mail: v_veter@mail.ru

18-03-2007

Russia, the Barents Sea. Arriving in...
Russia, the Barents Sea. Arriving in the European North of Russia, you are getting immediately enchanted by the rough charm of its wild and yet untouched nature. Diving is possible in the Arctic waters too – discover the amazing underwater world of the Barents Sea.

26-02-2007

Tunisia.A diverse, colourful and magic...
Tunisia.A diverse, colourful and magic land of East. The noise of modern cities and the calmity of the ancient streets. One of the most ancient and most beautiful fishing towns is Mahdia - its past was rich in adventurous happenings.

06-02-2007

New York is known for its contrasts –...
New York is known for its contrasts – take a look at Harlem, a black neighborhood that is associated with poverty and lives a life of its own with eye-striking street fashion and local rules...

19-01-2007

Russia is a vast land that unites two...
Russia is a vast land that unites two continents, Europe and Asia. The core of Russia is deeply hidden in the ages and the country of the 21st century is the crown which takes its roots in the Muscovite Russia and the Russian Empire of Peter the Great.

17-12-2006

Cambodia - is the successor state of...
Cambodia - is the successor state of the powerful Khmer Empire. Angkor Wat temple that was built between 1112 and 1150 was devoted to Vishnu in Hindu religion. This is the largest religious monument in the world.

24-11-2006

Peru, Lake Titicaca, The Islands Uros,...
Peru, Lake Titicaca, The Islands Uros, or the Floating Islands: meet the descendants of the Uros Indians that have for centuries preserved their unique life style. They still use the totora reeds to build their floating islands, lodges and boats and also enjoy parts of the reeds as their food.

25-10-2006

Eñuador, Napo province. 120 new photos...
Eñuador, Napo province. 120 new photos from the Amazon selva (the Oriente). An unforgettable journey along the primary jungles, the Napo river, acquaintance with the Quechua Indian communities and much more...

29-09-2006

United Kingdom, Wales: the land of medieval...
United Kingdom, Wales: the land of medieval castles and splendid views. Approximately one fifth of the territory is regarded as National Park. Wales (autonym - Cymru) is surrounded by the sea from three sides.

22-09-2006

Philippines - the country of smiles and...
Philippines - the country of smiles and benevolence, 7107 islands and active volcanoes, vivid colors and juiciest mangoes, and "lechon"...

22-08-2006

USA, New York: a view from the inside...
USA, New York: a view from the inside (Hard Rock Cafe) or from the above (the 86th floor of the Empire State building), and other images from the streets of the Big Apple - as they nickname the city.

08-08-2006

India: Rishikesh is a holy town for the...
India: Rishikesh is a holy town for the Hindus and the informal «capital of yoga». In the mid 60s the Beatles came here for meditation. Today the town welcomes hinduism followers, meditation and yoga practitioners from any part of the world.

29-07-2006

The Canary Islands: Lanzarote is indeed...
The Canary Islands: Lanzarote is indeed an island of fire-spitting mountains! The island which is only 60 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide boasts about 300 volcanoes.

11-07-2006

United Kingdom. London - is one of the...
United Kingdom. London - is one of the most unique cities of the modern world. It survived conquests by the Kelts, Romans, Vikings and Saxons, two big fires, a plague invasion and bombing by the Nazis. Take a plunge into its charming atmosphere!

29-06-2006

India catalogue has been re-arranged...
India catalogue has been re-arranged and new photos have been added.

15-06-2006

India: unpredictable and enticing, the...
India: unpredictable and enticing, the land of ancient traditions is luring us with its colors, diversity and originality.

25-05-2006

Canary Islands: take a look at these...
Canary Islands: take a look at these unique volcanic island thrilling its visitors with amazing nature diversity and picturesque landscapes.

06-05-2006

Peru: a new catalogue featuring road...
Peru: a new catalogue featuring road sketches from the South of Peru is now on our pages.

11-04-2006

Beta version of the site is finally ...
Beta version of the site is finally working.