Palestine is a geographic region.
There is also a territory occupied by Israel called Palestine or the State of Palestine; that includes the West Bank and Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem.
Palestinian Territories or Occupied Palestinian Territories also mean the West Bank and Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem.
And then, in between and around, is Israel.
It’s complicated, let’s leave it like it is,
tomorrow, one more confusing information.
No, I’m not going to talk about politics as I mentioned yesterday, but only want to explain some of the wordings I decided to use.
I wasn’t sure how to call this month series. It could be “Israel & Occupied Territories”, or “Israel & Occupied Palestinian Territories”. I chose the name “Israel & Palestinian Territories” that sounds to me the most neutral. At the end, my goal is to show you my travel impressions from a given area.
This month, I’ll show you my pictures from the trip to Israel and Palestinian Territories. I want to show you interesting places I’ve visited and don’t want to talk about politics or current situation at all. I know, it may be not fair, but this is way too complicated for the travel blog, and I don’t feel competent enough to write about it.
So please, enjoy all places and pictures and let’s not talk about politics.
Today, is the last day of 2019 year and the last day of the month with my travel impressions from Sri Lanka. I have to say, I’ve visited Sri Lanka kind of by accident, but I enjoyed my trip a lot. 🙂
I hope you like my pictures and enjoy traveling with me. 🙂
I wish you a Happy New Year!
Atamasthana are eight sacred places in Sri Lanka.
They are connected with the Buddha’s visit to the island.
The eight places are:
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi,
Ruwanweli Dagaba,
Thuparamaya Dagaba,
Mirisawetiya Dagaba,
Lankarama Dagaba,
Abhayagiri Dagaba,
Lova Maha Paya,
and Jethavanaramaya Dagaba (today’s picture).
They are situated in Anuradhapura.
The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa is listed as a World Heritage Site,
and there are many good ruins, I mean reasons, for it. 😉
The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa is another must-see place in Sri Lanka,
definitely, it’s one of my favorite sites in the island.
Sigiriya is interesting from each point of view.
Don’t miss the gardens of Sigiriya!
Sigiriya is one of the most visited and most famous tourist attraction in Sri Lanka.
It’s even called (mostly by locals) as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
While visiting Sigiriya, pay attention to the amazing paintings/frescoes!
Sigiriya (Sinhagiri or a Lion Rock) is an ancient rock palace and fortress.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and absolutely a must-see place in Sri Lanka.
Elephants live in Asia and Africa.
In Sri Lanka, you can relatively find the wild Sri Lankan elephants
or meet them in special sanctuaries.
Sri Lanka is a highly populated island.
Buddhism is the main religion in Sri Lanka, but based on the people’s clothes and appearance I’d say that Hinduism is the most popular there.
Mihintale is a small town with many historical sites.
Mihintale is known as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Kandy is also known for the festival called “the Esala Perahera” or just “the Festival of the Tooth”.
It takes place annually in June or August.
It’s basically a large, colorful procession with the tooth of Buddha.
I’ve seen it and felt a bit sorry to all elephants…
Kandy is one of the biggest cities in sri Lanka.
It has many diverse tourist attractions, but the most famous is the Temple of the Tooth.
The Temple of the Tooth has a tooth relic of the Buddha and it’s a must-see place in Sri Lanka.
In the Horton Plains National Park you can find a stunning place called “World’s End” and “Mini World’s End”, that are 2 cliffs. 🙂
Absolutely worth visiting!
Horton Plains National Park is a lovely area with rich flora and fauna.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When I think about Sri Lanka in general, the Horton Plains National Park somehow doesn’t fit to my image; of course it’s part of sri Lanka, but also something that you may not called as “Sri Lankan”. 😉
And, in the Horton, you’ll find a toilet with such a nice view;
ok a bit cloudy…
and yes, no glasses in this windows. 😉
Sea turtles can be seen in the ocean around Sri Lanka,
and also in the sanctuary, where people take care of them and realise to the ocean.
Sri Lanka has a reach wildlife.
Sri lanka it’s not only temples and ruins but also nice nature.