Author: menno

There was a time when a sword considered the Queen of the Weapons. This is true to quite some extent, as over the ages, a sword has possessed the beauty in its forms and the art of adorning it. A lot of skill and sophisticated knowledge was required to make a sword. In addition, a good amount of skill and knowledge was required to wield a sword efficiently. It is safe to say that swords have had quite an extensive history and has evolved and morphed into many forms. Therefore, swords are classified into various groups and subgroups, the list…

Ask people an example of a marsupial, and they will probably say kangaroo. But there are many more species of marsupials, more than three hundred. Moreover, this number is only increasing as more and more species are discovered. Until the 1990s, all these species were placed in the order of Marsupialia, but today marsupials are divided among seven orders. Most of the species live in Australia and fall into the superorder Australidelphia (including the monito del monte, which occurs in the southern Andes). The rest of the marsupials fall under superorder Ameridelphia and occur in the Americas. What is a…

The cute, woolly wombat is a pouch animal that occurs only in Australia and on Tasmania. It resembles a cross between a bear (albeit a small one) and a badger. Wombats (Vombatidae) belong to the order of climbing mules, but climbing is not exactly their favorite activity. That may be explained by the fact that the wombat is not very good at it… But it can dig like the best of them! Their burrows, in which they spend most of the day, can be found to a depth of up to 3 meters and the associated corridors can be up…

A geyser is a hot water spring from which a large amount of water occasionally squirts out. These extraordinary natural phenomena can be found all over the world and are definitely worth admiring. Want to know which geysers you can visit best? You can read it in the top 10 famous geysers. 10. Geysir Andernach – Germany Believe it or not, there is a geyser in Germany, namely the Geysir Andernach. This geyser is unique, which is mainly because it is not actually natural. It was created by drilling a hole in the earth in 1903. It is also the…

When you think of a beach, you probably think of pearly white or golden sand. Many beaches indeed look like this, but there are also several beaches with black sand. This black sand gets its color from volcanic lava. Want to know where to go when you want to relax on a black beach? This is the top 10 black beaches. 10. Playa Negra – Costa Rica On the outskirts of the city of Cahuita in Costa Rica, you will find Playa Negra. This beach, of course, gets its name from the black sand you’ll find there. It is not…

The term hot spring is, of course, obvious. These are sources of hot water that occur naturally in various places on earth. In these springs, the water is heated by the heat in the earth’s core, after which the hot water bubbles to the surface. There are numerous hot springs that are visited by many tourists, but some are more famous than others. Here are the top 10 most famous hot springs in the world. 10. Hot Springs of Deception Island – Antarctica Large parts of Antarctica are not easily visited, but Deception Island is one of the few safe…

The landscape of Iceland is world famous. Here you will find not only impressive glaciers and splashing waterfalls, but also a number of high mountains. A number of these mountains can also be climbed by beginners. Are you curious what the highest peaks of this country are? You can read it in the top 10 highest mountains of Iceland. 10. Kerling – 1,538 meters high The peak of Mount Kerling is the highest point in northern Iceland. It is a mountain made of basalt that is over 1.5 kilometers high. There is no obvious path to the top, but a…

Modern-day submarines are a fine example of ultra-modern technology. However, this is preceded by a history of about 160 years. Already during the American Civil War (1861-1865), primitive predecessors of submarines were used in combat. The development of submarines gained momentum thanks to the Irish inventor John Philip Holland, who in 1897 developed a submarine with a petrol engine, electric motor and batteries. A limited number of military submarines were already deployed in the First World War, but especially in the Second World War the German U-boats posed a serious threat to warships and Allied supply ships. Today, the US…

When you think of islands, you may think of the Caribbean, Spain or Greece. Yet Germany also has a number of large islands that are certainly worth a visit. Are you curious about the nature and culture in these special places? You will discover it in the top 10 largest islands in Germany. 10. Amrum – 20.46 square kilometers You will find the island of Amrum in the German Landkreis Nordfriesland. It is a modest island with a total of about 2,300 inhabitants. On the west side you will find extensive beaches, where it is possible to enjoy the refreshing…

The continent of Asia has many large countries such as China, Russia and Mongolia, but those are not the only countries. It also has numerous countries that are many times smaller in area. The ten smallest Asian countries are listed below. 10. Kuwait (17,818 km2) The country of Kuwait is located on the Persian Gulf between Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The country is not known for its beauty, but for its oil. For example, it does not have water in the ground due to the desert climate, but instead liters of oil. It is therefore no secret that Kuwait is…

Africa is the second largest continent in the world, with more than 54 countries spanning an area of ​​30.3 million square kilometers. The country has a number of impressively large countries, but there are also a few tiny states in between. Here you will discover the top 10 smallest countries in Africa. 10. Burundi – 27,830 square kilometers The small country of Burundi is located between Congo-Kinshasa, Rwanda and Tanzania. It is a country with an eventful history, as over the years there has been much conflict between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes living in Burundi. Hundreds of thousands of…

In the north of Europe you will find the British Isles. This archipelago consists of countless tiny islands, but there are also huge islands in the group. Do you want to know which of these thousands of islands are the largest? You can read it in this top 10 largest British Isles. 10. Mainland (Orkney) – 523 sq km Mainland is part of the Orkney Islands, an archipelago in the north of Scotland. The island gets its name from its size, as it is the largest and most important island in the group. Major cities such as Kirkwall and Stromness…

The first plane took to the air more than a hundred years ago. After that first famous flight, it has become more and more common to fly from A to B. Nowadays you can choose from hundreds of airlines, but there are a number of airlines that have been offering flights for decades. Which those are? You will discover it in the top 10 oldest airlines that still fly. 10. British Airways British Airways was founded in 1974, when four older airlines merged to create one large airline. So you could say that British Airways is actually much older, with…

A volcano is sometimes enough to scare people, but how about a supervolcano? These are volcanoes that can cause a so-called super eruption, with a force that ejects a thousand cubic kilometers of debris, ash and lava. The pressure in these volcanoes is enormous, making them a great danger to people in the area. Do you want to know more about super volcanoes and are you curious about the largest supervolcanoes in the world? You will discover it all in these top ten. 10. La Garita Caldera In the southwest of the American state of Colorado you will find the…

The underwater world is filled with the most beautiful animals. We are not only talking about fish, but also about coral. Colorful coral reefs consist of tiny creatures that live in large colonies. Some resemble flowers, while other coral species resemble stone. These different colors and textures make coral reefs beautiful to behold. Are you curious about these special pieces of nature? You can read more about it in the top ten beautiful coral reefs. 10. Apo Reef Apo Reef can be found in the Philippines and the second largest coral reef in the world. The surface of this coral…

They are known as one of the most intangible animals in the wild: the snow leopard. They are almost never seen by humans and therefore do not stand for anything known as the ‘spirit of the mountains’. What do you know about the snow leopard, also known as the snow panther? They are very well adapted to their cold living environment The snow panther lives in the cold mountains of Asia. Among others in Tibet and Afghanistan. It can be freezing cold here. But thanks to their thick fur, 5 centimeters on the back and 12 centimeters at the abdomen,…

From tigers to small fluffy pets. Cats are available in every size and not every cat is safe. These are the ten largest felines that roam our planet. 10. Caracal This feline is most common in Africa and Southwest Asia. This species grows up to 91 centimeters long and is recognizable by the feathers on the ears, which is why it is sometimes called the desert lynx. However, he is related to the lynx. The caracal is active at night and mainly hunts rabbits, smaller monkeys and rodents. 9. Clouded leopard The clouded leopard has the forests of Southeast Asia…

Predators feed (mainly) on meat and / or animal material and form an order of mammals. The top 10 largest predators living on land, determined by weight, are populated exclusively by bears and felines. Other groups of carnivores you encounter in the country are canines and hyenas, and marten-like, literally a whole different order of magnitude! More than 270 species of predators have been described today, these are the 10 largest living on land. 10. Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) One animal you probably did not expect in this list is the panda bear they only nibble away kilos and kilos…

Bats are a nightmare for some people, while others think they are beautiful animals. Whatever you think of them, they can grow impressively large, there are flying foxes that have a wingspan of over 1.5 meters! Bats are mammals, which is special because they can fly. It is the only mammal that can fly. There are more than 1,200 different bat species, which means that 1 in 5 mammal species belongs to the bats. 10. Greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) The eared bat is the largest bat that occurs in Europe. The eared bat has a head-body length of 65…

Deer have a number of things in common: they are ruminants, even-toed ungulates and the males wear antlers. Although there are a few exceptions to the latter characteristic. For example, the Chinese water tree has no antlers at all, but male specimens do have two small tusks. And female reindeer also wear antlers a stroke less than that of the males, also called bulls. Because with reindeer and moose you are talking about bulls and cows, with deer about goats and goats, while with other deer you are talking about goats and hinds. In this article, we’ll take you through…

The Mariana Trench is an impressive piece of nature. This trough owes its name to the nearby Mariana Islands and has a depth of no less than 11 kilometers. That makes it the deepest stretch of ocean discovered yet. This impressive depth ensures that some special animals live in the Mariana Trench. Do you want to know which one? You read it in the top 10 bizarre animals that live in the Mariana Trench. 10. Dumbo octopus This octopus seems to come straight out of a cartoon. Not only does it have large protruding ears on its head, but also…

People are real speed demons. For years we have been developing the fastest cars, planes and boats. Thanks to smart techniques we can sail over the water at top speed, perfect for an adrenaline rush. Are you curious about the fastest boats of the moment? You can read it in this top 10. 10. South Bay 925 CR – 183 kilometers per hour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLRwkrBZzsA The South Bay 925 CR is a pontoon boat, but not just any pontoon boat. It is the fastest of its kind! It can reach a top speed of 183 kilometers per hour and at the…

Glaciers are in the spotlight these days. Global warming is accelerating the melting of glaciers. But what is a glacier anyway? A glacier consists of a mass of ice that moves very slowly like a very slow flowing river. That ice mass is created by snowfall. The snow must remain long enough for the ice mass to form. This condition is usually met in the high mountains and the polar regions. That is why you will find the largest glaciers in high mountain ranges (the Alps, the Himalayas, the Andes, etc.), and in Antarctica, in Greenland and Northern Canada. Under…

There is no shortage of mountains in Norway. This country has a total of 291 peaks with a height of at least 2,000 meters above sea level. A number of mountains in the country have reached impressive heights, providing plenty of challenges for mountaineers. Do you want to know what the highest peaks in the country are? You read it in the top 10 highest mountains in Norway. 10. Sentraltind – 2,348 meters high This mountain is part of a mountain range called Hurrungane, which can be found in the middle of Norway. This can be deduced from the name…

Germany is a vast country, with a wide variety of landscapes and reliefs. The highest mountains in Germany can be found in the south of the state of Bavaria, near the border with Austria. In many cases, the highest peaks are located exactly on the border between Germany and Austria. Today, the Zugspitze with a height of 2,962 meters is the highest mountain in Germany. Because the borders of Germany changed often throughout history, it was each time different mountains that were given the title of highest German mountain. For example, in the early twentieth century, until 1918, East African…

The landscape of Africa is beautiful and versatile. Here you will find rippling rivers, large sandy plains and impressively high mountains. Are you curious about the largest and most beautiful mountain peaks that Africa has to offer? You read it in the top 10 highest mountains in Africa. 10. Mount Choqa – 4,100 meters high In the Ethiopian region of Goijam you will find the impressively high mountain Mount Choqa. The mountain overlooks Lake Tana, but the nature on the mountain is quite limited. Here you will not find dense forests, but countless villages and other settlements. Up to a…

The highest mountain in the world is located in Asia, but there are also a number of incredibly high mountain peaks in South America. When you climb it, you feel on top of the world and enjoy a spectacular view. They are of course also beautiful to admire from a distance. Do you want to know which mountains are involved? This is the top 10 highest mountains in South America. 10. Nevado Sajama – 6,542 meters high The Nevado Sajama is located in Bolivia and is immediately the highest mountain in the country. The mountain has been put on the…

Whether it’s for their imposing size, great age, or their place in history. These trees have become celebrities of the plant world. 10. Bartek (Poland) This ancient oak tree located in Zagnansk is nearly 700 years old. Bartek is most famous for its royal connections; King Casimir III is known to have held court under it while King Jan III Sobieski is said to have rested under it on his return from the Battle of Vienna. 9. Queen Elizabeth Oak (UK) Located in Cowdray Park, West Sussex, the Queen Elizabeth Oak is a sessile oak estimated to be somewhere between…

The United States of America is a large country, both in terms of area and population. Much of the North American continent is taken up by US territory. The population of the US is nearly 327 million. This puts the country in third place in the ranking of countries according to population. The United States is a federal nation consisting of 50 states or states. Below are two lists of states of the US, arranged according to population and area. United States 10 largest states by population 10. Michigan Michigan is a state in the northeastern United States, bordering four…

Maybe the word “lagos” already makes you daydream? It means “lakes” in Italian. And beautiful lakes are abundant in the Mediterranean country. Even the Romans already appreciated this natural beauty. And they are just as enchanting as they were then. Enjoy the 10 most beautiful lakes in Italy that we have listed for you. 10. Lake Bolsena This lake can be found in the middle of the boot, an ideal stop on your way from Tuscany to Rome (or vice versa). It is a beautiful piece of water that was created after a volcanic eruption. This crater lake also has…

Princes, princesses and castles. Didn’t you dream of that when you were a small boy? When you grew up a bit, you sometimes went to a “real” castle with your mom and dad. Our continent is full of it, partly because of its rich history. Furthermore, it was dreams of the kings and queens who had lived there, noble families who lived in these fortified fortresses. The good news: you can still get out and about today. We have listed the 10 most impressive and largest castles for you. 10. Kenilworth Castle, England This second largest castle in England dates…

Do you like castles? Then you should definitely go to Germany on holiday. Here you can visit many beautiful castles. Ideal for beautiful walks. And all this in a fairytale setting. In this article we give you a top 10 of beautiful castles in Germany. 10. Lichtenstein Castle Lichtenstein Castle is located in Southern Germany. At an altitude of 817 meters, above the river Echaz, you imagine yourself in a medieval setting. Yet the castle is not as old as it looks: Lichtenstein Castle was built in the nineteenth century. At that time (the Romantic period) people were fascinated by…

Churches are immense buildings, usually from a distant past. They are decorated with pomp and circumstance. There is peace. They rise high above the other buildings and are located in the heart of the city. Many Christians, but also tourists, go there every year. These are of course churches. This is the top 10 Largest Churches in Europe. 10. Florence Cathedral (Italy) The Cathedral of Florence is also called Duomo (Dom) or Basilica di Santa Called Maria del Fiore. This cathedral is the symbol of the Italian city of Florence and is located in the center opposite the Baptistery and…

In Europe there are many waterfalls, from large to small, from high to low, from noiseless to clattering loudly. Every waterfall is different. The waterfalls in this list are very impressive. They are extremely high, strikingly unique, and have exceptional geothermal or other special qualities. These ten waterfalls are chosen from hundreds of waterfalls. They are a sight to behold, more than just a little water pouring down. 10. Waterfalls around the hot springs of Saturnia (Italy) The water at the bottom of the geothermal waterfalls near the village of Saturnia in scenic Italian Tuscany has been popular with bathers…

We all know that Italy is a beautiful holiday destination. Italy has a delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches and a rich and interesting history and culture. Combine these aspects with the relaxed island life and you will understand why we like to spend our holidays on an Italian island! That is why we have collected our top 10 most beautiful islands in Italy in this article, so that you can choose your favorite destination. 10. Filicudi Filicudi is a small island and has only 300 inhabitants, but it is really beautiful to see. The coastline is mainly surrounded by high cliffs…

Spain is associated with sun and beach. And on the mainland you can spend a lot of nice holidays. But the country also has islands where it is nice to stay. We list them all for you, they might be inspiration for your next holiday! 10. La Gomera Gomera is one of the smaller Canary Islands, but no less interesting. Especially if you are looking for peace and quiet, this may well be your destination. The island has not been developed specifically for tourism, so you will not find the large hordes of visitors like those on the other islands.…

Portugal is a beautiful country, rich in beaches and culture. The country has the best surfing areas in the world, a growing wine industry and challenging cities. Most famous among the Dutch are the southern region of Algarve and the capital Lisbon. But outside the mainland, Portugal also has beautiful islands! Most of them are on the Algarve coast. Either they belong to the Azores archipelago or they are located on the island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. The islands on this list all boast breathtaking nature and world-class beaches. Which Portuguese island are you going on holiday this…

Those who go on holiday to France usually stay on the mainland. That’s a shame, because France also has a number of beautiful islands that you should definitely visit. Are you looking for inspiration for your next vacation? Then read these top 10 most beautiful French islands. 10. Corsica Corsica is the largest and most famous French island. Located in the Mediterranean South of Monaco. The neighboring island Sardinia is also part of Italy. The great thing about this island is that it is largely undeveloped. About 40% of Corsica is a protected natural park, giving you a view of…

Almost every country has its own national parks. Sometimes these are protected areas of land where no one is allowed to just go, but often they are popular recreation spots for walkers and cyclists. Where one national park is only a few square kilometers in size, some national parks stretch for thousands of kilometers. Here you will find the top 10 largest national parks in the world. 10. Queen Maud Gulf Migratory Bird Sanctuary – Canada This national park is immediately Canada’s largest protected area. The park was established in 1961 to protect the large numbers of geese in this…