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August 2024

Shibam, Yemen #Shibam, Yemen #ancient #architecture #mud-brickbuildings

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Shibam, Yemen

Daily Location Fact #54: The Walled City of Shibam, Yemen

Fact: Shibam, often referred to as “the oldest skyscraper city in the world,” features mud-brick towers, some of which rise over 100 feet high.

Exploring Shibam: The Ancient Skyscraper City of Yemen by Travel With Glen

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome to the Desert Manhattan
00:00:52 A Legacy in Mud and Time
00:02:07 Crossroads of the Ancient World
00:02:52 A City Forged in Clay
00:03:45 Towers of Mud, Reaching for the Heavens
00:04:33 Staying Cool in a City of Clay
00:05:17 Life Inside Shibam’s Towers
00:05:56 A Tapestry of Tradition
00:06:46 The Rhythm of Life in a City of Towers
00:07:31 Guardians of an Earthen Legacy
00:08:29 A Constant Battle Against the Elements
00:09:17 Balancing Progress with Preservation
00:10:11 Conflict and the Uncertain Future of Shibam
00:11:03 A City at a Crossroads
00:11:49 An Inspiration for the Future
00:13:24 A Testament in Mud and Time
00:15:52 Leaving Shibam, Carrying its Legacy

The Walled City of Shibam: Yemen’s Ancient Skyline
Nestled in the desert landscape of the Hadhramaut Valley in Yemen, the walled city of Shibam represents a striking example of early vertical urban planning. Known for its distinctive mud-brick high-rise buildings, Shibam has stood the test of time, maintaining its architectural integrity and cultural significance for centuries.

Historical Overview
Founded in the 2nd century AD, Shibam served as a trading hub on the incense route. Its high walls and towering structures were originally designed as defensive measures against Bedouin attacks. This architectural style not only protected its residents but also maximized limited space within the city walls.

Architectural Significance
Shibam’s towers, which number around 500, are constructed from mud bricks made from the local soil, straw, and camel dung, showcasing an ancient technique of sustainable architecture. These buildings, some reaching 11 stories high, are considered the earliest examples of urban high-rise apartment buildings. The city’s layout, with narrow streets and shadowed pathways, creates a natural cooling effect essential for coping with the desert heat.

Cultural Heritage
Shibam is often called “the Manhattan of the desert” by travelers, reflecting its skyline reminiscent of a miniaturized metropolis. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, highlighting its global cultural and historical importance. Preservation efforts are critical, as the city faces threats from weather erosion and political instability.

Social Dynamics
The design of Shibam also speaks to the social practices of its time. Families lived in tower houses, which facilitated close-knit communities and collective defense. The ground floors often served as shops and storerooms, while families occupied the upper levels, effectively creating a vertical community structure.

Preservation Challenges
Maintaining Shibam’s earthen structures requires constant care. The city has faced numerous restoration challenges, especially following rainstorms that can cause significant damage. International and local efforts focus on preserving its architectural legacy while introducing modern techniques to stabilize and restore the ancient buildings.

The Future of Shibam
As Yemen navigates ongoing conflicts, the future of Shibam hangs in the balance. Preservationists and historians are tirelessly working to ensure that this architectural marvel continues to stand as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience.

Video Series Structure for Shibam
Introduction to Shibam and Its History
Architecture of Shibam: Design and Materials
Daily Life in Ancient Shibam
Shibam’s Role in the Incense Trade
Cultural Tales and Legends of Shibam
UNESCO and Global Recognition
Challenges of Preservation
Architectural Innovations and Techniques
Community and Family Structure in Shibam
Impact of Weather on Mud-Brick Buildings
Modern Shibam: Changes and Continuities
International Efforts in Restoration
Tourism in Shibam: Impact and Opportunities
Comparative Architecture: Shibam vs. Modern Skyscrapers
Conclusion: The Future of Shibam

Join us tomorrow for another daily location fact. Today’s fact was brought to you by Travel With Glen. Keep discovering with “Travel With Glen” and uncover the world’s hidden stories, one place at a time!
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Travel With Glen Books

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Travel With Glen Books

Glenis Graham is a seasoned expert in cybersecurity and digital forensics, with a diverse background that spans over two decades with the US Navy and the Department of Defense. His extensive experience in problem-solving and critical missions around the globe has endowed him with unique insights into resilience, adaptability, and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome challenges. Beyond his professional career, Glenis has embarked on a journey of personal growth and exploration, channeling his experiences into guiding others on their paths to wellness and happiness. His passion for travel and culture has enriched his perspective, making him a profound advocate for the transformative power of joy in enhancing personal well-being. In his debut book, “Strength Through Joy: Enhancing Well-being and Personal Growth,” Glenis shares his integrated approach to finding balance and fulfillment through joyful living. His writing combines practical advice with relatable anecdotes, encouraging readers to cultivate joy as a fundamental component of their lives.

Journeys in Joy Series invites readers on an enlightening path to personal transformation through the power of joy. Each book in this series explores different facets of how joy profoundly influences our well-being, relationships, work-life balance, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Author Glenis Graham combines his extensive experience in problem-solving and personal development with practical advice and heartfelt insights, guiding readers through accessible and transformative practices designed to enhance their daily lives.

From understanding the foundations of joy to applying its principles in various life areas, the series offers a comprehensive roadmap for anyone seeking to enrich their existence with greater happiness and fulfillment. Whether you’re looking to deepen your emotional awareness, strengthen your relationships, or simply find more contentment in your everyday activities, the Journeys in Joy Series provides the tools and inspiration needed to embark on a rewarding adventure of personal growth and joyful living.

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Lake Hillier, Australia  Lake Hillier, pink lake, Western Australia

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Lake Hillier, Australia Lake Hillier, pink lake, Western Australia

Daily Location Fact #53: Lake Hillier, Australia

Fact: Lake Hillier of Australia is known for its striking pink color, which remains consistent even when water is taken from the lake.

Lake Hillier: Australia’s Pink Marvel
Located on Middle Island, the largest of the islands in Western Australia’s Recherche Archipelago, Lake Hillier delights onlookers with its vivid pink hue. This distinctive color comes from the presence of the microalgae Dunaliella salina. Thriving in high-salinity conditions, this algae produces carotenoids, a pigment also found in carrots, which paints the lake its unique pink.

Exploring Lake Hillier: A 15-Part Series by Travel With Glen

Timestamps:

00:00:00 A Sea of Pink
00:01:12 A Closer Look
00:02:44 A Captain’s Log
00:03:13 Land Ahoy!
00:04:02 A Pink Puzzle
00:04:53 The Microscopic World
00:06:04 A Dash of Carotenoids
00:06:28 Life in Extreme Environments
00:06:57 A Lake’s Cradle
00:08:17 A Delicate Balance
00:08:57 An Island Sanctuary
00:09:38 A Symphony of Life
00:10:23 A World of Extremes
00:11:18 Adapting to Salt
00:12:03 The Hidden Network
00:12:49 Sentinels of Change
00:13:22 A Fragile Paradise
00:14:01 Guardians of the Pink Lake
00:14:45 The Future of Pink
00:15:19 A Shared Responsibility
00:15:48 Whispers from the Past
00:16:32 A Lake of Legends
00:17:16 Pink Paradise Preserved
00:17:56 A Hue For The Future

Spanning about 600 meters in length and surrounded by a rim of sand and dense forests of paperbark and eucalyptus trees, Lake Hillier stands in stark contrast to the adjacent blue Southern Ocean. Despite its salty waters, the lake is safe for swimming, although it remains largely undisturbed by swimmers, primarily due to its remote location.

The lake was first documented in 1802 by British navigator and cartographer Matthew Flinders, who took samples of the pink water and noted its peculiar color in his journal but could not determine the cause. Today, while much is understood about the lake’s biochemistry, it retains an air of mystery, largely because of its isolated setting.

Lake Hillier isn’t just a curiosity; it supports a unique ecosystem adapted to saline conditions. In addition to Dunaliella salina, the lake is home to various species of salt-loving bacteria and archaea, which not only contribute to its rosy tint but also interest scientists studying extremophiles—organisms that flourish in harsh conditions.

The best views of Lake Hillier are from the air via helicopter or by boat from cruise ships that pass nearby, as access is limited to protect its fragile environment. The lake continues to be a focal point for scientific research and a popular subject for photographers, mesmerized by its surreal aesthetic.

Preserving Lake Hillier is essential for both its ecological significance and its status as a natural wonder. Ongoing efforts to study and safeguard the lake ensure it remains a part of Australia’s natural heritage, continuing to captivate both scientific curiosity and the general public’s imagination.

Join us tomorrow for another daily location fact. Today’s fact was brought to you by Travel With Glen. Keep discovering with “Travel With Glen” and uncover the world’s hidden stories, one place at a time!
https://join.vacabee.com/digistore24/#aff=buycosta – membership access to wholesale travel pricing

https://play.google.com/store/books/series?id=b31EHAAAABAqYM

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Chocolate Hills of Bohol #Chocolate Hills

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Chocolate Hills of Bohol

The Chocolate Hills: Nature’s Art in Bohol
Situated in the Bohol province of the Philippines, the Chocolate Hills are a geological formation that comprises at least 1,260 hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers. These hills are famous for their rounded, symmetrical shapes and uniformity, resembling giant molehills that dot the landscape.

Discover the Enchanting Chocolate Hills of Bohol! by Travel With Glen

What makes the Chocolate Hills fascinating is their formation process and seasonal color transformation. These hills are made of grass-covered limestone. The grass, which is lush and green during the wet season, turns a rich brown in the dry months, giving the hills their ‘chocolaty’ moniker. The hills’ colors contrast sharply with the surrounding vegetation, making for a striking landscape that appeals to visitors and photographers.

Geologists attribute the formation of the hills to the uplift of coral deposits followed by erosion and weathering. This natural process created the peculiarly smooth, conical, and almost identical shapes of the hills. The entire area was declared a geological monument in 1988, acknowledging its special scientific importance and its value to the country’s cultural heritage.

Despite their fame, the hills are inaccessible for hiking, but viewing decks and resorts in the area provide splendid vantage points. Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan towns offer some of the best views, allowing visitors to appreciate the expanse of these natural formations.

The local lore adds an intriguing layer to the Chocolate Hills. One tale tells of two feuding giants who hurled rocks and sand at each other. Their battle lasted for days, and once they left, exhausted, the mess they had created settled into the rows of picturesque hills. Another story describes a heartbroken giant whose tears, after the death of his beloved, turned into these hills.

Today, the site is not only a premier tourist attraction but also a focus of conservation efforts. The government and local communities work to preserve this unique landscape while promoting sustainable tourism practices. The Chocolate Hills continue to attract scientific interest as well, with researchers studying their extensive cave systems and the rich biodiversity of the surrounding areas.

The Chocolate Hills remain a testament to the dynamic processes of Earth and the enchanting tales of human culture. They serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between preserving our natural heritage and welcoming the curious eyes of the world.

Join us tomorrow for another daily location fact. Today’s fact was brought to you by number 52. Keep discovering with “Travel With Glen” and uncover the world’s hidden stories, one place at a time!
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You Won’t Believe Which Airline Has the Most Legroom! #AirlineLegroom

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You Won’t Believe Which Airline Has the Most Legroom!

Discover the secrets to finding the airline with the most legroom for your next flight! Whether you’re a frequent traveler or planning a long-haul journey, comfort is key. In this video, we reveal the top airlines that offer extra space for your legs, ensuring a more pleasant travel experience. From budget carriers to luxury airlines, we’ve done the research to bring you the best options. Say goodbye to cramped seats and hello to comfort. Tune in to find out which airlines top the list and how you can book the most comfortable flight possible. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more travel tips and guides!

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Wholesale Travel With Glen #wholesaletravel #traveldeal #travel

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Travel Industry in 2024: What’s New?

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Discover the top 3 travel trends shaping the future! 🌍✨ Sustainability is at the forefront as travelers increasingly choose eco-friendly destinations and accommodations. Digital nomadism is soaring, with remote workers seizing long-term visas to explore new horizons. Adventure travel is booming, with extreme sports and thrill-seeking experiences captivating globetrotters worldwide. Dive into these exciting trends and see how they might inspire your next journey!

If you enjoyed this video, please like and share it with fellow travel enthusiasts.

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