Tag: <span>travel</span>

America's first embassy Morocco Architecture

America’s first embassy in Morocco

Hello fellow Americans, Did you know that Morocco was the first foreign country that recognized the newly-formed USA? This picture is of the second-floor-plaza level of the first embassy and also the first American public property outside the United States. You can go there too, for free. Donated at the time by a grateful Muslim government. I was there in 2008 when I perused the archives for my own amusement while my local guide stayed in the lobby under guard. This building is filled with historic documents and photos of our American past, but its in Africa. Its an amazing place.

America's first embassy Morocco
America’s first embassy in Morocco
Beijing Summer Palace Architecture

The symmetry of Chinese temple architecture.

Personal-Travel-Photo-Review: observing the symmetry of temple structures in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Xi’an, China, 2010.

Beijing's Western Lake
Beijing’s Western Lake
Xi an Bell tower
Xi an Bell tower
Xi an Bell tower
Xi an Bell tower
Xi an mosque
Xi an mosque
Beijing Summer Palace
Beijing Summer Palace
Guanzhou Temple
Guanzhou Temple
Architecture

The defensive wall of Xi’an, China.

Personal-Travel-Photo-Review: the defensive wall of Xi’an, China, 2010. If you ever get the chance to bike the 8.5 mile wall of Xi-an, do it. (That’s me on the bike) Originally constructed in 618 – 907ce, (modified 1368-1644) it is one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world with elegant corner guardhouses. They have an annual festival on its ramparts consisting of colorful cartoon characters. Inside the wall is a mix of modern and ancient neighborhoods, including ancient temples and one of the oldest Muslim quarters in China because it was on the silk and spice roads. Xi-an is also the home of the Terracotta-Warriors. Fascinating place!