The best nativity scenes in the world

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The construction of nativity scenes is a typical practice that takes place during the Christmas season in countries that cultivate Christian religious tradition, especially Catholic. It is the representation of the birth of Jesus Christ and also the exaltation of the rural world. In large cities, this practice within homes is a particularly fun activity for children, who enjoy seeing the representation of rivers, mountains, and work in the countryside. Below we present a selection of the best nativity scenes in the world constructed with original materials that have been deserving of records and prizes in past years.

 

1. In 2011 Mexico was awarded two world records for the construction of the world’s largest nativity scene, with 20,000 square meters and 57 different scenes, and for the number of figures that exceeded a thousand. It was installed in the parking lot of the Azteca Stadium, where thousands of citizens and tourists visited it, astonished throughout the Christmas season.

 

  1. The largest carved wooden nativity scene in Europe is located in Rajecka Lesna, in the north of Slovakia. It is a masterpiece of Jozef Pekara, which took 15 years to complete. It is 8.5 meters long and 3 meters width. This scene is made up of hundreds of figures representing the life and culture of the Slovak nation, while they are animated by means of a mechanical system. This incredible work can be visited all year round and attracts tourists from all corners of the world.

 

 

  1. In the Spanish region of Malaga, chocolatiers built a spectacular nativity scene of over 60 square meters entirely of chocolate, employing over 1400 kilos of raw material. In it, they represented in a detailed way the streets of the city of Malaga, the beach of the Malagueta, its Cathedral, the Castle of Gibralfaro and the image of Jesus The Captive.

 

 

  1. Local and guest sculptors from neighboring countries (Ireland, Czech Republic, Portugal, Russia, Denmark, etc.) were gathered in Gran Canaria to build the largest sand nativity scene in the world! In 1,000 square meters and using more than 2,000 tons of sand these artists created a simply magnificent ephemeral work.

 

 

Amazing, don’t you think?

Die Waldspirale in Germany

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This impressive building in Darmstadt, Germany was designed by the artist, sculptor, and painter Friedensreich Hundertwasser and planned with the help of architect Heinz M. Springmann in the late 90s. Die Waldspirale translates to “wooded or forest spiral” and it is a residential complex of 105 apartments that has become one of the most visited buildings in the country.

 

This singular building design is known for its undulating facade, visibly influenced by the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Besides being the residence of several people, it also has common areas that are open to the public; as a kiosk, a cafe, a bar, and some recreation areas for children.

 

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The Waldspirale is an asymmetric residential complex in which, creativity and ingenuity of the builders, who designed facades are spirally windows of different sizes, uneven doors, among other wonders can be noticed. Its incredible facades are worthy of admiration from any angle and they offer breathtaking views.

 

 

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The vegetation is an important part of this building, as it has several outstanding green areas dedicated to enhance the ecology of Germany. Adding color to green plants, all walls, fences, and domes of the building are covered with bright and varied colors. Also, the horizontal lines on the facade are an allegory of the different layers of the earth and its sediments that were deposited over millions of years ago.

Five unmistakable symptoms that shows you are infected with the travel bug

A female dayhiking in Arches Park.

Several cases have been reported related to chronic traveler syndrome of the travel bug, an increasingly common condition among people, regardless their nationality and age. If you or someone you know has any of the following symptoms, it is very possible that they already have been infected with the bug.

 

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Lives with a suitcase at the door. He or she may have been detached from most of their belongings and have become extremely practical. It is common to hear them say “everything I got fits in there”. If you note a sort of pride in those words, you definitely are in front of an infected.

 

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Dreams, eats, breathes travel. They only read travel-related books, bring up the rarest references of inhospitable places in the world during conversations, their social networks are saturated with travel photos, and their inbox are filled with flights promotions.

Seems to live in a parallel world and only “travel language”. IATA codes, vaccination center, and passport renewal, and other paperwork that is complicated for a normal person, and perhaps somewhat tedious, the infected person seem stress-less and even seems to enjoy them.

Attacks of rage and / or panic. You should be cautious if you suspect someone has this condition when bringing up news on someone else’s travel, or showing them the Instagram account of someone who travels, you can trigger a crisis of envy and despair in the infected subject.

 

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Finally, when you ask about their plans and life expectations, you discover that they have replaced all of their dreams to travel. Their job is now just a means to an end, they do not seem interested in going out every weekend, or worried at all about finding someone to marry; and the worst, they are still wearing that “I love NY” t-shirt for more than a year, and they do not seem to care.

 

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The travel bug is highly contagious and there’s still not cure to treat it. It is advisable to be patient and learn to live with it. Take precautions if you want to keep your job and your family’s stability, pay your Netflix subscription in time, and assume the fetal position to calm your anxiety for traveling if it’s necessary.

 

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The technology behind the Olympics

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On August 5th this year will be held the biggest sporting event in history, technologically speaking. These Rio 2016 Olympic Games will be the first in which technology and the connectivity of attendees and spectators play a major part in the event. In the past, there were few users who watched sporting events through their smartphone, this year the International Olympic Committee and the hosts face a challenge in terms of connectivity.

During the 2012 Summer Olympics only 29% of mobile users had a smartphone, this year the percentage has risen to 45.2%. In addition to connectivity issues, there have emerged themes as the resolution on mobile devices and the speed with which information travels. The results of each athlete must be transmitted to everyone in less than half a second. Because of this, a dedicated team has worked more than 200,000 hours testing and looking for any failure.

 

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On the other hand, the quality of audio and video available on television will also be a technological breakthrough this year. Several platforms will transmit the competitions in 4K resolution, in high dynamic range, and in Dolby Atmos. This type of sound can be fully enjoyed with a home theater previously installed. It is estimated that by Tokyo 2020 emissions will be carried out in 8K, which multiplies by 16 every pixel in Full HD.

As for the technology used in the organization of the Olympics, more than 300,000 accreditation cards and special identifications have been designed. The system with which they are made is similar in security to the one used in passports. Each of the cards gives the user exclusive access to avoid confusion or overcrowding.

 

 

This way, Rio de Janeiro is prepared to meet more than 4,000 million estimated viewers this year. 2016’s Olympic Games are expecting nearly 11,000 athletes, 45,000 volunteers, and 400,000 visitors who have traveled far to support their compatriots in this beautiful event that only happens once every four years.

 

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Medals of Rio 2016

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Like every four years, all eyes are on every detail of the Olympics in question. A favorite theme of everyone is the design of the medals that will be awarded to the best athletes in each discipline. This year, Rio de Janeiro shines with a both artistically and technologically innovative design.

 

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The Olympic Committee announced in June 2016 the design of the Olympic and Paralympic medals. Each with a weight of 500 grams, the medals will be manufactured under strict guidelines of sustainability, and celebrates the cohesion between the strength of the athletes and the power of nature.
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Following the idea of sustainable medals, athletes who win the highest prize will be entitled to a gold medal, which material was extracted without the use of mercury. Meanwhile, the silver and bronze medals are made of recycled material. As for the design of the medals, one of the faces features leaves, the symbol of historic victories. On the other side of the medal, the image of the goddess Nike was placed, as well as the Panathinaiko Stadium and the Acropolis, which are Greek symbols, to continue the tradition they started in Olympia more than two thousand years ago.

The ribbons that hang from the medals are made of recycled PET in 50% of them, while their cases were produced of wood from sustainable and socially responsible areas.

 

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The Paralympic medals, are made with truly amazing sensorial technology. Commonly, athletes kiss or bite their medal when they receive it, now a new ritual will be enforced. Thanks to the new design, medals now produce a sound from inside, which will become a new way to feel the victory. Sounds vary depending on the metal of the medal.

In general, these Olympics were designed thinking in the idea of sustainability and friendliness to the environment. Podiums where the winners will be awarded will be reused as furniture at the end of the Olympics.

Moscow

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Perfect for any day or night trip, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and the capital of the country. Famous for its cultural side, Moscow has a lot to offer to those looking for a great adventure in foreign lands.

The nightlife in Moscow is perfect to break the ice between locals and tourists. One can find incredible clubs, or quiet cafes; from indie rock nightclubs to contemporary museums with coffee places. Visit Tverskaya Street for the best shopping places in town; along this street visitors can find the most exclusive boutiques and brands to take home the perfect souvenir.

For those searching for the traditional russian side, the Red Square is the perfect stop. Being the heart of Moscow, one can experience the magnificence of St. Basil’s Cathedral, as well as the greatness of the Kremlin. This is the place to learn everything about the history of Moscow, its culture and late dynasty.

Visit the Bolshoi Theater to enjoy the most amazing performance; from a classical Tchaikovsky overture, to the most innovative and contemporary russian arrangements. One can’t miss the russian ballet with decades of trajectory; enjoy the folk russian dances, such as Barynya, or the bold and impressive Bolshoi Ballet shows.

Moscow has everything for adventure and culture seekers. It is also full of natural green spaces worth visiting. Discover this amazing Russian city and fall in love with its cultural greatness, people, and wide activities.

Machu Picchu

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Latin America hides the most beautiful secret prehispanic places in the world. Machu Picchu is one of these mysterious destinations that are a must see, at least once in a lifetime. Belonging to the Inca Empire, these ruins are hidden in the Andes Mountains, are are a top destination of Peru.

Be sure to explore the ruins with a guide, so you can learn everything about the history of the place and culture. Ask your guide about the Temples of the Sun and the Condor, as well as the Sun Gate and the Intihuatana rock.

For adventure lovers, the Huayna Picchu is the peak near the ruins, is available to hike and explore its magnificence. Its access is limited to 400 people per day, and the ticket includes a visit to the Moon Temple. This destination is not for the weak hikers, not for its difficulty but for the height it reaches.

For more cultural references, visit the new Museum Manuel Chávez Ballón at the base of Machu Picchu. Also, the Sacred Valley surrounds the ruins and it is home of small towns. In addition, Peru is internationally known for its delicious gourmet cuisine; be sure to visit one of its top restaurants to taste some of the prizewinning dishes they offer.

It is important to mention that this royal Inca state was named by UNESCO as a World Heritage State and it dates back to 1400 AD. Be sure to learn all of the special indications to respect the sacral identity of the place.

Ibiza

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Almost a synonym for “party”, Ibiza is internationally known for its nightlife greatness and its beautiful mediterranean beaches. It houses more than 100 miles of coastline with more than 50 beaches, innumerable restaurants and bars.

Ibiza’s crystal clear waters are perfect for watersports enthusiasts. Visit Playa d’en Bossa for the best water adventures jet skiing and flying like a superhero with a water hoverboard. For the best places for cliff diving, visit San Antonio and ask for tour packages to have the best of times. You can also practice windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, scuba diving, wakeboarding, and deep sea fishing.

Visit Ibiza’s Upper Town or Eivissa Dalt Vila, which is the oldest area in the island. Here, you can meet the 14th century cathedral of Santa Maria d’Eivissa, Ibiza’s harbor, and the Necropolis of Puig des Molins, a traditional burial cemetery. This part of town has been named by UNESCO as World Heritage for its beautiful architecture.

For nature lovers, the small island of Es Vedra is a uninhabited reserve where visitors can find beautiful local flora and fauna. Enjoy spectacular sunsets, practice trekking, and take pleasure in the mysticism of this magnificent natural place, famous for UFO sighting.

Ibiza is the perfect destination for party lovers, but it also offers so many natural sites worth visiting. Be sure to book your trip on time to enjoy everything you want to in this little but vast island. We assure you won’t regret visiting this incredible Spanish destination.

Auckland

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Auckland, New Zealand is the perfect place to visit if you are travelling with kids. This beautiful city has amazing activities to enjoy in a family trip, from theme parks, to amazing museums and beautiful beaches.

Enjoy as many parks as you want, because Auckland has 26 regional parks to find a perfect place for a picnic, or explore nature and practice some sports. Meet the dense and beautiful local rainforest, or learn about the landscapes and natural diversity in Ambury Regional Park, Auckland Botanic Gardens, Hunua Regional Park, Shakespear Regional Park, just to mention a few.

You can also enjoy the stunning beaches in the area, such as Matakana and Orewa, or amazing islands like Hauraki Gulf Islands and Oneroa. In these beaches you can enjoy a family barbecue, surf, swim with local fauna, snorkel, or practice kayaking.

Be sure not to miss the Wynyard Quarter, a recently opened waterfront space where you can enjoy a meal while watching your kids having the time of their lives in the marine-themed park. Auckland is full of possibilities to have a great time anywhere in the region. We guarantee you will not have any time-out in your schedule.

Icelandic Hákarl

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This national dish is translated to treated shark and it is literally a Greenland shark that has been cured with a particular fermentation and that has been drying for five months. This is one of the least tasteful dishes in the world and, even chefs and strange cuisine connoisseurs such as Anthony Bourdain and Gordon Ramsay dislike it. It is known to be an acquired taste dish because of its particularly strong smell of ammonia and fish.

 

The shark is left underground to ferment with its own internal fluids to be drained, making the meat safe to eat. First-timers are advised to pinch their nose while eating the first bite because the smell is so strong it could make them gag or vomit. Even though eating Hákarl could be disgusting for some tourists, locals consider it a delicacy and enjoying it is associated with strength and courage.