Mont Saint-Michel

The Mont Saint-Michel castle was built by William de Volpiano, an Italian architect. Mont Saint-Michel actually began as a monastery rather than a defensive structure like most other castles. The fortified commune experienced a history of tides due to its unique island location. Accumulated silt has reduced Mont Saint-Michel's island position but recent constructions of a hydraulic dam are returning Mont Saint-Michel to an island.

An elevated light bridge is being built as the natural land bridge is unreliable due to the changing tides. Located in Normandy, France, this Romanesque architecture attracts an astounding 4 million visitors each year.

Images via Dreamdestinations.ro.

Images via Wikimedia.

Images via Fotosmilitares

The street view may remind some of the magical school of Hogwarts. The night captures of the entire Mont Saint-Michel on the other hand just displays enchanting beauty.

Would You Take The Risk?

The Devil's Pool is possibly the world's most dangerous pool as it is situated 360 feet (~110 meters) on top of Victoria Falls. Located in Zimbabwe, Africa, there are also various hippos and crocodiles inhabiting the Zambezi River that forms the Victoria Falls. The Devil's Pool is known in aboriginal legend to be cursed by a female spirit looking for her former lover. The locals believe that her calls can still be heard and are the causes of the deaths that occur there. Since 1959, there have been 17 victims from the Devil's Pool.

Devil's Pool remains a popular tourist spot for the adventurous regardless of the geographic dangers. Clive Andrews traveled to the Devil's Pool in 2003 and published his experience in the UK newspaper The Mirror:

"I’m perched precariously on a slippery rock jutting out of the Zambezi. Just a few feet in front of me the mighty river cascades over the Victoria Falls, plunging 100 metres into the gorge below.

No matter how many times my guide, Vincent, insists that it’s safe to dive in, I just can’t see what’s going to stop me being swept over the edge and pureed on the jagged rocks at the bottom.

But it’s taken me nearly an hour of stumbling over boulders in temperatures of more than 40°C to get to Devil’s Pool and I’m not going to give in. So I grit my teeth and take the plunge — after Vincent jumps in first, of course.

The current takes hold immediately, carrying me towards the edge. But, before I can be dragged to a watery grave, I’m stopped by a natural rock wall just beneath the surface. As well as saving my life it allows me to peer over the edge and down into a deafening explosion of rainbow-coloured spray. A truly incredible sight."

Victoria Falls is neither the tallest or widest waterfall but it is the largest based on sheer combined area. Exploring Devil's Pool is fraught with peril but might just be worth it for a once in a lifetime view of majestic natural beauty.

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Namba Parks (Osaka, Japan)

Namba Parks is a shopping complex connected to a 30 floor office structure known as Parks Tower. This popular retail spot was designed by Jon Jerde of The Jerde Partnership in the former location of the Osaka Stadium. There are eight levels accommodating its visitors with gardens, specialty stores, trendy entertainment and diverse dining options.

Although Namba Parks look just as great during the daytime, the night time appearance with strategically placed lighting genuinely brings out the beauty of the entire complex.

The curvature in the structural design contributes to the uniqueness of Namba Parks. I can see why this area is considered a hot spot suited for recreation and celebration.

The variations in style is evident from the interior hallways. Some people say they dislike architecture expressed by multiple styles and culture but I believe the alternating appearances are a strength of Namba Parks. The varying styles generate appreciation from groups of visitors whom may of experienced certain types of design but not all from Namba Parks.

Namba Parks is worth of praise as it clearly stands out for its ability to deliver a robust experience.