Haunted Frankenstein Castle - Germany

 Frankenstein Castle is also known as Burg Frankenstein, is a castle located in Germany. It was built at altitude 370m of one of the peaks of the Odenwald mountain range south of the German city of Darmstadt ( Hesse land ), 35km from Frankfurt, and overlooking the Rhine Valley. 

Castle Frankenstien

Castle Frankenstein is famous because of the Gothic novel Frankenstein or Modern Prometheus (1818) by Mary Shelley, an English writer. She is widely believed to be inspired by her visit in the early 1800s to the castle.

Although the castle of Frankenstein was first mentioned in chronicles around 1252, it was actually built by Lord Konrad II Reitz Von Breuberg before 1250 on land he had inherited as a dowry to his wife. He subsequently called himself von und Frankenstein. The existence of the German Frankenstein clan has been documented since then. The Frankensteins were a powerful and wealthy family in those days. Their possessions included Darmstadt, Hesse, as well as other German lands.

Frankensteins castle has been the object of many conflicts between its heirs and other contenders throughout its history. It was divided in 1363 and became the property of two families, Lords and Knights Frankenstein. The castle was often used as a fortress in those days. Knights of Frankenstein were protected by the solid defensive capabilities of the building. The fortress tower had a suspension bridge connected to the gate and massive fortress walls built in the early 15th Century. Fortress fortifications were strengthened after the invention of cannons with great destructive power. Frankenstein castle Germany was therefore expanded and modernized in the 15th Century.

After several territorial disputes and a series of lawsuits among the Frankensteins, the head of their family, Lord John I, decided to sell the Frankenstein home to the Landgraves in Hesse-Darmstadt in 1662. Although its new owners rented the castle, it was occasionally used as a refuge and hospital, as well as a military prison. The castle was finally demolished in the 18th Century.

Frankenstein's Castle

Frankenstein's Castle Germany — Archduke Hesse-Darmstadt Ludwig III restored the castle in the middle 19th Century. The restoration was done in an awkward and imprecise manner. Today, the two towers that were so distinctive of the castle's overall appearance are historically inaccurate.

Frankenstein Castle Halloween — Darmstadt Germany Frankenstein's castle has become a popular tourist attraction in the XXth Century. A restaurant was constructed there in the 1960s. However, it has been criticized for its poor architecture that isn't appropriate for the castle's overall appearance. burg Frankenstein Halloween, the castle hosts the annual Halloween celebration, which is the largest in Germany, every year since 1970. 

Burg Frankenstein

Legends and myths

Frankenstein castle Darmstadt Germany — Johann Konrad Dippel was born at the castle in 1673. Although he called himself "von Frankenstein", he did not have any connection with the castle's former owners. Dippel, a prominent scientist and alchemist, was also a doctor. He lectured in Germany, Holland. Denmark. Sweden. Russia. For this, he was persecuted everywhere by the Christian church. Dippel's main objective was to find the secret of eternal living. Dippel's oil was one of his scientific discoveries. It was made up of animal parts, including blood and bones. Dippel oil can still be used in medicine. He was known to have killed animals during his many studies on anatomy. He also conducted experiments on dead bodies which he then exhumed at a local cemetery. Some of his experiments included boiling human parts in a large pot to make an artificial body. Another experiment was to transfer a soul from one body into another using a funnel, grease, and a hose. Frankenstein's castle was offered to the scientist in return for the elixir, which he claimed he just discovered. However, the offer was rejected.

Scientists' deaths are shrouded with the same mystery that his lives. He disappeared once, but he was then found in his laboratory during a seizure. His body parts were scattered all over the place.

Many believe Dippel was the prototype of Victor Frankenstein Germany, who is the main character in Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein (1818).

Frankenstein Location

Google Map

Burg Frankenstein, 64367 Mühltal, Germany

Colossi of Memnon - Historical landmark in Egypt

Two monumental statues, the Colossi of Memnon or el-Salamat (also known by el-Colossat and el-Salamat), represent Amenhotep III (1386-1353 BCE), of Egypt's 18th Dynasty. They are situated west of Luxor, Egypt and face the Nile River. The statues depict the seated King on a throne with symbols of his mother, wife, and the god Happy. Each figure is 720 tonnes and stands 18 meters tall. They were carved from single blocks made of sandstone.

Coloss

Colossi of Memnon Statue – They were built to protect Amenhotep III’s mortuary complex, which used to be behind them. The huge complex was destroyed by floods, earthquakes, and ancient practice of using older monuments as material for new constructions. It is now largely gone, except for two monumental statues that once stood at its gates.

Colossal seated statue of a Pharaoh – Their names derive from Memnon, the Greek hero who died at Troy. Memnon, an Ethiopian king, was killed by Achilles the Greek champion. He was fighting on the Trojans' side against the Greeks. Memnon was praised for his bravery and combat skills, which earned him the title of a hero among the Greeks. 

Colossi of Amenhotep III – Greek tourists who saw the magnificent statues linked them to the legend of Memnon rather than Amenhotep III and this link was further suggested by Manetho (3rd century BCE Egyptian historian) who claimed Memnon's father and Amenhotep III were one person.

Singing Statues Egypt – After one of the statues started making sounds that could be interpreted as oracles, the Greek writers called the whole complex the Memnonium. The Colossi has been a popular tourist attraction since ancient times. Today, graffiti that was left on the base by thousands of people from thousands of years back can be seen.

The Colossi of Memnon

Memnon Egypt – Numerous chasms opened in the ground after the 1200 BCE earthquake. Hourig Sourouzian (Armenian/German archaeologist) has done extensive restoration and excavations to reveal that the complex was composed of three pylons each with colossal statues. 

Colossi of Memmon – The rectangular Temple complex at the far end was made up of a peristyle Court surrounded with columns. Four of the statues have been restored, and eight more are still in need of restoration. There are 200 statues or fragments of statues in the Luxor Museum.

Colossi of Thebes

Colossus of Memnon Egypt – Although the modern Arabic name for the Temple of Memnon is Kom el-Hatan is the name it goes by, the Temple of Memnon is more commonly known as the Temple of Memnon in Rome. Memnon, a hero in the Trojan War and a King of Ethiopia, led his armies across Africa to Asia Minor to defend the city. However, Achilles killed him. Memnon, which means the Steadfast and Resolute, was thought to be the son Eos the goddess of dawn. Because of the cry of the northern statue at dawn (see below), Memnon was often associated with colossi that were built centuries before him. This became the Colossus of Memnon. The entire Theban Necropolis was eventually referred to as "the Memnonium", which is a reference to him as "Ruler of West" in the same way Osiris, who was the chief of the west.

William de Wiveleslie Abney, a 19th-century historian, noted that the Arabs called these statues "Shama" and "Tama", and gave them the name of Sanamat when they spoke of them together.

Colossi of Memnon Egypt

Colossi of Memnon

Al Bairat, Al Qarna, Luxor

Google Map

Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III

 

A Floating Markets Around The World - 2022

 A Floating Market can be described as a market that appears on the river, the main traffic route—a place where both the buyer and the seller use the boat to transport their goods. The floating market is typically located in sections of the river that are neither too broad nor too narrow. The river section must not be too wide or too short. Many floating markets were established in areas where water transport was necessary. They are primarily tourist attractions and can be found in Thailand and Indonesia, Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka.

Floating Market – Southeast Asia

Guava floating Market, Bangladesh

Kurian, in Swarupkathi, is a 200-year-old floating marketplace that has been a tourist attraction and the most scenic floating market. The guava floating market is an exceptional market. Every day, hundreds of tourists come from worldwide to see the beautiful market and the surrounding area. The guavas are harvested from nearby orchards by farmers who then transport them to the river in their boats. Every day, hundreds of these boats are filled with guavas and brought to the river. All trade takes place over the water.

Floating Market Thailand

Floating markets in Thailand are popular tourist attractions. They allow both domestic and international tourists to enjoy the riverside shopping culture. Today, floating markets are mostly kept in operation for cultural and tourism purposes. In the past, Thailand's vast network of waterways was the primary means of transporting goods throughout the country. Vendors would gather in specific spots, and locals would travel by water or land to buy various household goods. Floating markets became obsolete as land transportation improved. Thailand market boats are an integral part of Thailand's history. These are some of the places you can still shop from the old days.

Floating Market Bangkok

Amphawa floating market

Floating river market Thailand, Although Amphawa floating marketplace is smaller than Damnoen Saduak floating market, it is still authentic and attracts almost exclusively Thais. Although it is an evening market, some stalls can be opened at noon. It is open from 1600 to 2100 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It is located in the Amphawa District of Samut Songkhram Province, 72 km from Bangkok. Due to the popularity of the area, food stalls have sprung up along the river banks and extended into surrounding buildings. A popular activity in Amphawa District, especially during the waxing moon nights, Bangkok floating market tour is renting a boat and viewing the flickering fireflies at night.

Damnoen Saduak floating market

Riverside market Bangkok, Everybody wants to visit Damnoen Saduak, the oldest and biggest floating market in Thailand, to learn more about the vibrant local life. Discover the unique features of this floating market in Bangkok. A unique floating market can be found on the river, located in the middle of Bangkok. Damon Saduak, which in Thai means "convenience marketplace," is a market that meets at the Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Province, 100 km southwest Bangkok. Visitors will enjoy shopping in this market as it is the busiest and one of the famous floating markets Bangkok.

Doi Wai floating market

Thailand river market, The Don Wai floating market place is located near Bangkok in Sam Phran District of Nakhon Pathom Province along the Tha Chin River. The floating water market Thailand is known for its variety of food, including stewed Java barb and salty soup and Chinese stewed duck. Moreover, it is not far from one of the most prominent temples of Nakhon Pathom, Wat Rai Khing, which can be reached by boat on the Tha Chin River.

Taling Chan Floating Market, Bangkok, Thailand

The float life of Taling Chan floating marketplace, also located in Bangkok, can be found near Khlong Chak Phra, just before the Taling Chan District Office, adjacent to the Southern Railway Line. The market is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Also, rent a boat to get to other nearby attractions, like floating markets, or pay homage at Luang Pho Dam (an ancient sacred Buddha image located at Wat Chang Lek). This floating market is also one of six designated no-smoking areas within the Bangkok project for 2019.

Bangkok floating market Thailand

Kwan Riam Floating Market, Minburi, Bangkok

Thai floating market, Kwan Riam floating market place is located in Ain Min Buri District of Bangkok, close to Khlong Saen Saep and one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand. Its name derives from the names of characters in a Thai romance-drama novel titled Plae Kao. Khlong Saen Saep was used for the background of this novel.

Thailand Market

Khlong Hae Floating Market

Thailand water market, Khlong Hae floating market is the first and only floating market in Southern Thailand presently. It is located in Hat Yai District in Songkhla Province and blends Thai Buddhist culture with Muslim cultures of floating Thailand.

Indonesia floating market

Lok Baintan Floating Market, South Kalimantan, Indonesia

The most well-known traditional floating market is Lok Baintan, which is located in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan's capital. Lok Baintan is located along the Martapura River, approximately 30 to 45 minutes by car or 50 to 60 minutes by boat from Banjarmasin. This market, named after Lok Baintan village, is dynamically moving along the river stream. It started at the Lok Baintan village's upstream and ended at the river's downstream. Jukung, a traditional wooden boat, is the main mode of transportation at this market. Like any other market, traders will approach you with fruits, breakfast foods (Nasi Kuning and Soto Banjar), coffee or tea, local souvenirs and many more.

Floating vegetable market on Dal Lake, INDIA

Floating vegetable market, Tourists in Kashmir's valleys are most interested in the Sabji Bazaar, which is a vegetable market. This is an informal market in which individual sellers gather at the lake's centre, district Srinagar. It is the second-largest wholesale market in the world after the one in Vietnam's Mekong delta. The lake does not have any permanent shops. Local traders operate their normal business from this floating market using their boats. The market does not encourage partial or selective selling. It focuses on wholesale sales. You can find tomatoes, turnips and leafy vegetables among the items on sale. They are all grown in this rich ecosystem. This market also sells the popular Kashmir flower.

Floating market Vietnam

Floating market in Can Tho, Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Vietnam floating market – The Mekong Delta's three largest floating markets are Cai Rang Floating Market, Can Tho City, Vietnam and Cai Rang Floating Market. There are many boats that can be seen at the market's shops and stalls. You will be amazed at how busy and vibrant the Cai Rang floating marketplace is located in Can Tho province. Larger boats anchor in the morning and create lanes for smaller boats to weave in and out. You will find hundreds of boats laden with bananas, papaya, and pineapple on the waterway.

Mono Lake (California) - 2022

 Mono Lake, an ancient saline lake, is located in California's Sierra Nevada at the eastern end. It is home to millions of birds and trillions of brine shrimp. The tributary streams supply water to Los Angeles, which is nearly 350 miles away. After an unsuccessful legal battle against excessive diversions, continued advocacy has proven that balanced solutions provide enough water for people and the environment.

Mono Lake California

Lake Mono, a saline-soda lake in Mono County in California, was formed as an endorheic basin terminal lake at least 760,000 years old. Lack of an outlet can cause high salt levels in the Lake, making it alkaline.

Mono Lake History – Mono Lake formed around 760,000 years ago. This is a result of the Long Valley eruption. The ash layer is covered by sediments that suggest Mono Lake may be a remnant from a more enormous, older lake that once covered large areas of Nevada and Utah. This would make it one of the oldest lakes in North America. The Mono lake max depth was approximately 900 feet deep at its highest point during the most recent Ice Age. West of the Lake can be seen prominent shorelines known as strandlines.

Mono Lake, California

Mono Lake Yosemite – Mono lake location, at the northern end of the Mono Inyo Craters volcanic chain, is currently geologically active and close to Long Valley Caldera. The Mono Lake area is still experiencing volcanic activity. The most recent eruption was 350 years ago. This resulted in the formation of Paoha Island. Panum Crater, located on the south shore of Mono Lake CA, 13 miles east of Yosemite National Park. It's near the town of Lee Vining, California, is an example of a combined Rhyolite dome/cinder cone.

Lakemono – Limestone columns dominate mono Lake's surface. These limestone towers are mainly composed of calcium carbonate minerals like calcite (CaCO3). This limestone rock is also known as tufa. It is limestone that forms at low to moderate temperatures.

Mono Lake Tufa Towers – It was created to protect the stunning "tufa towers", calcium-carbonate and knob formations from the interaction of freshwater springs with alkaline lake waters. It covers the Lake's surface and the wetlands, which are a sensitive habitat for the 1 to 2 million birds who feed and rest at Mono Lake every year.

Mono Lake Park – Salts and minerals from the Eastern Sierra streams have been a part of the Lake's long history. The Lake has a very high level of salt and minerals because it is evaporating each year from freshwater.

Mono Lake Tufa Towers

Tufa is the name given to the unusual rock formations found along Mono Lake's shores. Beautiful Tufa towers can be seen from the shoreline. They are also a critical habitat. There are many Tufa formations at Mono Lake. The towers along Mono's shoreline are the most striking and impressive.

Formation of the Tufa tower

Mono Lake Tufa – Mono Lake is either a soda lake or a lake that is very alkaline. Alkalinity refers to the number of bases in a solution and how well it can neutralize acids.

Both bicarbonate (HCO3+) and carbonate (CO32+) are based. Mono Lake is very rich in dissolved organic carbon. Through small springs, subsurface waters reach the bottom of Mono Lake. These subsurface waters have high concentrations of calcium ions, which causes a lot of calcite to form around the spring orifices. The lake's bottom was where the tufa formed. The formation of the well-recognized towers of tufa took decades, if not centuries. The tufa towers rose to the surface of the lake and became the magnificent pillars we see today.

According to the lake's limnology, it has approximately 280 million tons of dissolved salts. The salinity of the lake varies depending on how much water is present at any one time. The average salinity of the lake was 50 grams per litre (g/l) before 1941 (as opposed to 31.5 g/l in the world's oceans). The lake had reached its lowest point of 1,942m in January 1982. By January 1982, the salinity was nearly doubled to 99g/l. It was 78 g/l in 2002. The lake is expected to stabilize at a level of 69 g/l over the next 20 years.

Mono Lake experienced a period known as "meromixis" after the water diversions were ended. Mono Lake used to be "monomictic", meaning that the deeper and shallower waters mixed well at least once a year, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the deeper waters. The deeper waters of meromictic lakes do not experience this mixing. Instead, the deeper water layers are more acidic than the water near the surface, and often almost devoid of oxygen. A lake's ecology can be drastically altered by becoming meromictic.

Mono Lake Camping

Mono Lake Basin – Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area, Mono Lake allows dispersed camping. The Tufa State Natural Reserve is surrounded by the Scenic Area. The Tufa Natural Reserve is a state-owned area that lies 6,417 feet above the original lake shoreline. Some areas, including those located above and far from the lakebed, are permitted for camping. Camping permits are required.

To protect nesting birds, visitors must stay at least one mile from Negit and Paoha Islands.

You can find campgrounds outside of the immediate Mono Lake region. The closest campgrounds can be found in the Lee Vining Creek canyon, and towards Saddlebag Lake. These campgrounds do not offer reservations. Further south tufa mono lake, can find campgrounds in June Lake Loop.

Mono Lake Swimming

Mono Lake swimming is a memorable experience that you will never forget. Feel like you are floating because of the high salt level in the water. It's almost like floating in Israel’s Dead Sea. You have the chance to be a buoy.

The water may feel slippery or soapy. The high level of carbonates in the water causes this effect. The pH of alkaline water is 10. This is a very high pH, considering pure water's pH of 7.

The lake water is rich in minerals, in addition to its high salt content. A dip in the water is like going to the spa because of its many health benefits. Many people believe that swimming in the lake can cure almost any condition.

There are many people who visit Mono Lake, but very few take a dip. Mono Lake isn’t crowded.  Maybe for summer because it can get quite cold in winter and autumn.

Mono Lake Facts

• The Lake's salt content is increasing! In 1940, the salinity was 48 g/l.

• It was 88 in 2015. In 1982, there was a short period when the Lake's volume was very low because of a drought. The salinity was 99g/l for that brief time! Mono Lake is two- to three times saltier than the ocean because of its high salinity!

• Mono Lake is empty of fish. Why is that? They can't survive in the salty Lake! However, the Lake is home to a large number of brine shrimp.

• Mono Lake's unique chemical signature seems to change year after year. You'll find sulfates, carbonates, and chlorides when these compounds are dissolved into the water. Borates, a chemical compound, and Potassium are also abundant in the water.

• Mono Lake is home to one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet. This ecosystem, composed of algae, brine shrimps, alkali fly, and more than 80 species of water birds, is complex but fragile.

Mono Lake Pictures

Mono Lake Map

Google Map