Vote The New 7 Wonders of Nature World Final

The 28 finalists were chosen, out from previous 77. The final New 7 Wonder will be announced next year after the votes were collected. So you have your time now and cast your vote on your favorites!

But alas! Among 28 places, I have never been to one. So I'm just blind voting for the coolest and the ones I'd really want to be there. The first should be Komodo Island, to support the only Indonesian finalist. Hell, who am I kidding... It's the island of the freaking Komodo dragons! The closest cousins to awesome dinosaurs!!! THE dinosaurs, hello!!! Thanks to the dragons, this particularly one island -between thousands of Indonesian beautiful islands, is definitely worthed to be in the top 7 Wonders of Nature World. Right on! Here for you dinosaurs!!

awwww look at him.... just tell me one reason why not to vote for these guys
(image)

Read a bit about Komodo Island on the official 7 Wonders Site. Or simply wiki it.

Did I mentioned that the island is also beautiful?
(image)

My other votes go to the following:
- Maldives, for the breath-taking beaches and underwater world. Representing the islands that are really threaten by global warming and climate changes.
- Amazons, this is obvious. No other place has the diversity, the size and the beauty of it.
- The Great Barrier Reef, for the grandest underwater world.
- The Angel Falls, for its majestic.
- Matterhorn/Cervino, from the Alps world. (I wonder why Himalayan Mt. Everest didn't managed to finals, anyone?)
- The Dead Sea, another obvious choice.

Vote can be made here. Happy voting!

Italy: Beautiful and Picturesque Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre literally means five lands, which represents five Italian coastal villages on dramatic steep cliff setting, facing Mediterranian Sea. It's located just outside of Toscana (Tuscany), on the coast of Liguria.

Cinque Terre

We came there last month (May 2009), when the sun was shining a bit too much on the spring days. I have nothing to complain about that. The only problem that it was 1st May holiday which also marked the beginning of tourist season. Yes, it was packed with visitors, especially on the afternoon when half of the Italy had woke up and came to Cinque Terre. The towns were so crowded and you couldn't hardly get somewhere to sit during lunch time. Fortunately, the trail wasn't as crowded as I expected. I don't recommend to go here on Summer, for sure.


View Larger Map

Hotel Europa, Levanto
We stayed in Hotel Europa in Levanto, a town just North from Cinque Terre. Levanto is one of favorable place to stay as it's not as expensive as in the five villages and plenty of carparks are available. Please note that to get to villages by car are not only hard, but also almost impossible to find a parking place. Also, consider to book your hotel ahead! We're lucky to get rooms for us in Hotel Europa one week prior our stay, the other hotels and B&Bs were either full or had unreasonable price tag.

La Spezia --a bigger town on the South from the five villages, is another option as it's also connected comfortly with train.

Our stay in Hotel Europa was pretty straightforward. We arrived very late --almost at midnight, parked the car, slept, woke up in the morning, went to find a carpark on the other side of the town, had breakfast and then checked out. To save cost, we booked 1 big room for 4 people, instead they gave us 2 double rooms for the same price. Awesome! The staff were friendly eventough not so fluent in English. The hotel was small, a bit rustic, but neat and clean. I must warn that the street outside was loud, even pass midnight. We didn't care because we're so tired and slept easily.

(this is a big image, click to enlarge)

Train to Vernazza
Though Vernazza is not the first village between the five, we decided to skip Monterosso because we didn't have a lot of time. So we were only walking the trail through the towns Vernazza - Corgnilia - Manarola - Riomaggiore.

We took a (supposed to be 9 o'clock) train from Levanto to Vernazza, but the train was late more than half an hour. The good thing was it was only 10 minutes ride until Vernayzza and the ticket was cheap --€1.40 one way. There was an option to purchase a Cinque Terre Train Card for €8.50, which included unlimited train for a day and compulsary Cinque Terre Card (€5).

Vernazza viewed from above

Walking from Vernazza to Corniglia
Vernazza is located on the sea level, while Corniglia is located about 100 meter above from the sea, so you can guess that there's quite a lot of climbing. To add insult to the injury, between them there are higher cliffs, which means there are more climbing to do.

The best thing from gaining height was the view. One could see how beautiful the area from above. Approximately 90 minutes of walking were needed to complete this part of the trail.

Oh my.. look at the view... wait.. let me catch my breath first.

and there we go, Corniglia, high above the sea.. also, time for 2nd breakfast

Walking from Corniglia to Manarola
From 100 meter above the sea, you need to go down again. No problem! Well, say it to the hordes of people from the opposite side! There are these stairs with a total of 370+ steps for them to climb. A plank of compliment is available for them who survived and wanted to take a picture of their victory against the evil stairs.

After passing the ugly train station and some abandoned cottages, you can carry on the trail for about 45 minutes until you reach Manarola or go downstair to the rocky beach to have a nice sunbathing.

good luck, you only have 370 steps to climb!

the way to Manarola

Manarola.. colorful facades, and lots of tourists

Walking from Manarola to Riomaggiore
This part is the easiest walk, which is only 20 minutes long. Known as the Via del'Amore or the "Path of Love", this path is flat and favored by the couples in love for the view and romantic symbol. One part was fully written and carved with couples' names and love padlocks. There was even a man proposing a young lady when we went passing by. Yeah, how romantic! I think it was a common event there.

Via del'Amore.. easy and romatic.. what can you ask for more?

don't forget to leave your symbol of love

Boat back to Vernazza
This was my most favorite part on the journey. We took a boat trip from Riomaggiore to Vernazza --the beginning of our trail. One way boat ticket to Vernazza was only €6.50. And like many other scheduled things in Italy, you can never know when is the boat coming. The boat was so frequent but the tourists were just overwhelming. Fortunately, we didn't wait for so long.

The main reason we took the boat was to enjoy the five villages in a different prespective, but soon we realized that this way was the most pleasant and have the best view of Cinque Terre. I greatly recommend the boat ride.

and that's Corniglia, the only village who doesn't have access to the sea

That Video on Indonesia Tourism

Simply beautiful. But hardly shows even half of Indonesia has to offer. If you can afford the time, there are literally thousands of remote and pristine natures all over Indonesia for you to find and admire.

Slovenia: More Soča Valley

I'm posting more pictures from Soča Valley as I promised.

fishing season
location: where river Soča meet smaller river Tolminka

Gorizia Italy and Nova (New) Gorica Slovenia -->they just don't want to let it go :p
location: from Saint Sabotin hill

river Soča from above
location: from Saint Sabotin hill

the spring of river Tolminka
location: near town of Tolmin

near the spring of river Tolminka
location: near town of Tolmin

the spring of river Tolminka
location: near town of Tolmin

canoes on Soča
location: near town of Kobarid

river Soča
location: between town of Kobarid and Tolmin

a small town of Most na Soči (bridge at Soča)
location: viewing point above Most na Soči

smaller village surrounding Most na Soči (bridge at Soča)
location: viewing point above Most na Soči

panorama of Most na Soči (left) and Tolmin (right)
location: viewing point above Most na Soči

click picture to enlarge

For more information about the beautiful region of Soča Valley Slovenia, visit my previous post.

Slovenia: Soča Valley

Soča Valley is a region on western Slovenia, where river Soča is flowing. It stretches from Triglav National Park until Nova Gorica on the South. The beautiful landscape is a 96km-long valley squeezed between rolling hills and surrounded by mountainous Julian Alps. It's a popular place for adventure tourism and for people who desire nature. Many battles between Italian and German/Astro-Hungarian occurred there during the First World War, thus many monuments were built on the region to remember the battles and soldiers that died fighting them.


View Larger Map

Soča What?
The river is pronounced socha (like in Chuck Norris) in Slovene and recognized as Isonzo in Italy, where it ends and meets the sea. The total awesomeness of the river is the color, which is turquoise. Yes, it can be seemed unreal and radioactive-like for the first time, but one soon be amazed and attracted by its allure. The Slovenians have always glorified it with poems as the river is their national pride.

"emerald beauty" they say

map of Soča on Wikipedia

How to Get There
From West (Northern Italy), one can drive toward Gorizia (Italy) then crossed the border on the city Nova Gorica (Slovenia), where river Soča is also crossing the Italian-Slovenian border. This way, it would take 3.5 hours from Milan or about 2 hours from Venice. And driving North from Nova Gorica along the river Soča, you'll soon be greeted with the charming Solkan bridge, the longest stone arch train bridge in the world.

If you're not coming via Gorizia, another way is driving through a small country road connecting Udine (Italy) and Kobarid (Slovenia), approximately take 1 hour.

click to open an enlarged map
(map from Google Earth)

However, Soča Valley is not easily accessible from the North (Austria, Southern Germany, etc.). From Villach (Austria), one must go through Kranjska Gora (Slovenia) and then proceed toward Vršič, the highest mountain pass in Slovenia (1611 m). The scenery is spectacular and the road is winding. Descending down from Vršič, you will enter Soča Valley region, toward nearby town of Trenta. But due to heavy snow, the pass is usually closed during winter.

near Trenta, where Soča is only a few meters wide

If you happen to come from Ljubljana, you need to drive South West toward town of Idrija, then take a long and winding road along river Idrica until you reach Most na Soči. This can take more than 1.5 hours of driving.

Fortunately, there's a much more fun way if you're coming from North East (Bled, Jesenice, etc.); you can take the train! The train is old, infrequent and somewhat slow, but the scenery is awesome. And what's better, you can hitch your car into the train, then enjoy a different and beautiful perspective. Going through tunnels and enjoying scenery of the valley where river Bača flows while relaxing behind your dashboard and listening to the music, makes this way a really recommended one! The train starts on Jesenice and ends on Nova Gorica, but the auto trains (where you can put your car) only runs between Bohinska Bitrica to Most na Soči. Visit their official site to check the schedule.

click to open an enlarged map
(map from Google Map)

[please come again later for some pictures of the train ride]

There's also bus from Nova Gorica and Ljubljana servicing the area, but they're not that frequent. Another way is to hitchhike, which was a common thing Slovenian youth do in the past time. Some are still doing it today as it's relatively safe and easy.

The Towns
Along the river, charming small towns are scattered with green hills and snow-caped mountains backdrop. Bovec is the main tourist center, where wide range of tourist facilities are available.

Bovec, Kobarid, Tolmin and Kanal: Four main towns along Soča Valley
(map from Google Maps)

Bovec and Kanin
Bovec is a small town but flourished with tourism. There are some hotels and many inns, guesthouses and camping area in the town and the surrounding. It is much easier to station yourself here than other towns if you're planning to stay and explore Soča Valley. Visit their website for maps and more information.

town of Bovec with Kanin ski slopes above it, the yellow line is border to Italy and furthermore Austria
(view from Google Earth)

Bovec is the gateway to Kanin, the highest ski slopes in Slovenia. It is one of few slopes in the world that located higher than 2000 meters from sea, thus providing perfect snow to ski up to May every year. There's a long and comfortable gondola ride starting from Bovec to Kanin. And the view from the top is staggering, one can see Alpine mountain range on every side and Adriatic Sea on a distance! Yes.. Totally awesome! Visit their website for more information.

looking down to Bovec from Kanin (2245 m)

up up and away toward Kanin

For those who like to maintain their adrenaline level high, rafting is really popular sport in Soča. And beside this Bovec's world-class adventure sport, hiking is also widely popular. There are numerous trails around Soča, ranging from easy-walk-on-the-park to mountain climbing. These trails around Trenta is one example.

Fishing is another fantastic thing you can do along river Soča.

Kobarid and Tolmin
Kobarid and Tolmin are two towns you can reach less than an hour driving South from Bovec. They are about 20 minutes away from each other.


Tolmin is the administrative capital of the area. The town itself is somewhat appealing, but the surrounding nature is something to die for. Tolminka Gorge is only 2 km away, it's an entrance to Triglav National Park. The trails on the area are around Tolminka river, a small river flowing through Tolmin that has the same character of Soča. With its picturesque shallow chute and brilliant color, the river is simply wonderful. Don't forget to cross the Devil's bridge and check the hot spring! Visit this site for more information about attractions around Tolmin.

Hotel Krn, the only hotel in town of Tolmin

a small bridge crossing Tolminka river

Almost every time when the weather is mild, people come from far places to enjoy paragliding above Tolmin. Visit their website for more information.

Tolmin and surrounding: viewed from Kobala, a favorite spot to start paragliding

paragliding above Soča Valley

where Tolminka river ends and meets Soča

village of Volce by river Soča

Kobarid is a smaller town and has road connection to the West (Udine, Italy). And personally, I think this is where the river Soča at its best shape. Suplemented with some cultural sites and natural feature like Kozjak waterfall, Kobarid does has a lot to offer. Some monuments and even a remain of what once a bridge, which was used by Napoleon to crossed his troops. Visit this site for more information about attractions around Kobarid.

small yet charming town of Kobarid

waterfall at Kozjak, near Kobarid

a small stream near Kozjak

Napoleon bridge near Kobarid

The Walk of Peace
Did I mentioned that this region was once belong of Venitian Empire, then Habsburg, then Italian, then Astro-Hungarian Empire, then German Third Reich, then Yugoslavia and finally liberated as part of independent Slovenia? Yes, you bet there was a lot of blood spilled. The last one was when Italian battled against Astro-Hungarian and German on First World War (the twelve battles on Isonzo front). Now people don't want it to happen again (nevermind World War II) and they promote peace on the region by building monuments, museums and made a program called The Walks of Peace.

imagine a line to the other hill: it is now official border between Italy (left) and Slovenia (right). Since implementation of Schengen treary, nothing separates them now, but on old days people died trying to cross this border.

an Italian monument above Kobarid, with spectacular view

one from many German cemeteries and monuments in the area

For further reading, visit a blog dedicated about Soča Valley that has compiled the stories and pictures about the topic.


That's about it. It's been so long since I want to post about Soča Valley, finally I can manage to make it. Needed a lot of preparations for the map illustrations, I hope they're clear enough.

[Please leave a comment if I mistakenly wrote some facts above, thank you]

Soča is worthy to be always have a place in my heart

A Reason to Travel Around The World: UNESCO World Heritage Site

For many people, vacation means sunbathing on the white sandy beach, hitting a jackpot on casino slot machine, pampering body and soul in spas, or seeking for bargain on souvenir markets. But do remember that we're living in a rich world, yes so wealthy in culture and nature, not merely economy and possession. There are thousands of things around us to be seen, touch, smell, and experience. Some has been there since the earth formed, some since the cradle of mankind and some evolves with human.

For some of you who would like to enjoy the world more than what your local travel agent has to offer, the world is almost unlimited. The wonders can be world-renown or local best-kept secrets, and all you need is a bit of research. There are tonnes of online references out there to look for, my favorites are lonelyplanet thorntree forum and wikitravel, which are free and so convenient. I thank people who spends a lot of their time contributing and helping each other.

Now I'm gonna spotlight a list that made by UNESCO and had been somewhat guiding me to pick interesting places when I'm planning to travel. This list is called World Heritage List. Yes, it sounds so familiar, as places are using this award in their slogans and advertisements. But we're rarely pay attention on it right? There's more than only a slogan. This list made to protect and preserve these places. Imagine what would happen if the developers just build whatever they want to bring money from tourist flocked the sites! Disaster! And this program also give incentive so that the sites benefit surrounding community (not only from tourists-generated income) and to mankind.


There are currently only 878 sites on the list. From Borobudur Temple to Ha Long Bay, these sites await you on your next trip around the world :)

Happy travel!

disclaimer: photo was taken from this blog