Paricutin Volcano

Paricutin Volcano, Mexico – A volcano from corn field

Paricutin Volcano

Born on a Saturday evening (February 20, 1943) in a village by name Paricutin in Mexico; this volcano has the credit of being one of the youngest in the world. It was a fine Saturday evening; when Dionsio Pulido a Tara scan Indian (a native ethnic group of Mexico) went in to his corn field hearing an array of unusual sounds; for his horror what he saw was his farmland getting caved in and thunderous rumbling sounds coming out. Fumes with the foul odor (that of rotten eggs) emanating from the fissure. The poor Tara scan family did not foresee that a volcano was having its birth in their farmland. The enfant terrible swallowed not only Paricutin the village of its origin but the neighboring San Juan Parangarikutiro.

The youngest; but the fastest.

In one way Mr. Dionsio Pulido can sigh in relief; though he lost his farmland he can claim ownership of one of the Seven Wonders of the World; because this volcano was born in his farmland! Paricutin is located in the Michoacan State of Mexico. Since its birth in 1943 it grew fast and almost reached three fourth of its present size within one year of its inception.

Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt or Transversal.

Map of Paricutin Volcano

The birth of a volcano; taken place in a populated place; that too from within a cornfield was a very rare occurrence. This place known as the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt (The ‘Transversal’ that passes across Southern Mexico in east-west direction) has the credit of owning more than 1400 volcanoes; many of them still active. Among these 1400 the Paricutin is the ‘fastest’ growing one in the pyroclastic (eruptive stage) itself it reached a height of 336 meters.

What is a volcano and how is it formed.

1943 eruption

People for generations have feared, admired and worshiped volcanoes but only recently they were brought under scientific research and study. The core of the earth is made up of molten materials made up of different materials like silica, magnesium, sulfur etc remaining in high temperature and pressure. Volcanoes are mere outlets for the release of this pressure. Some weak area closer to the pressure zone will finally give way for the release and the magma flows out spewing lava and other contents. It may either burst or flow out; this process is determined by the temperature of the magma, gases dissolved in it etc. The lava cools of after contacting atmosphere and rocks are formed (such rocks are called igneous rocks), it is these deposits that accumulate and become the volcano. The Paricutin is a telling example and there are even eyewitness; still alive to tell the story.

Tierra Caliento terrain.

Paricutin from Las Cabañas

The Paricutin is located about 200 miles from Mexico City in an elevation of 10,400 feet above sea level. It has at present a height of 1391 feet (424 meters) and occupies 10 sq km or area with solidified lava and another sq km with volcanic sand lying scattered all around. This volcano is in a climate region called Tierra Caliento which is about 3000 feet above sea level and known for its long hot summers and mild winters. Cactus forests, Tree Ferns, Mossy Orchids and other flowering plants are abundant in this region. Many species of snakes (most of them non poisonous) coyotes and mountain lions are also found in the area surrounding the volcano.

A research lab of a volcano.

Cinder cone in 1943

As the origin of it was in a populated area scientists could watch every stages in the formation of a volcano and they could use all the modern devices to study the process in detail, perhaps the most significant aspect of the Paricutin Volcano is its birth and growth in the eyes of modern science. For scientists this is a ‘Cinder Cone’ (a cone shaped mount around a volcano) type volcano which is ‘monogenic’, meaning simply this ‘with a single vent’. Ever since it erupted initially and the second one in 1953 this volcano is growing up far faster than any of its peers. At present the solidified lava

The church bell-tower tells it all.

San Juan Parangaricutiro Church

Paricutin has the credit of one of the most harmless volcano as its initial eruption even though it occurred in the middle of a village and it covered the entire village of Paricutin (it is in the name of this village the volcano is named) and adjoining village of San Juan for its birth. Its eruption was slow enough in the pace so that people could find a secure shelter some where; while the entire village was covered by the debris thrown out of the volcano (ejecta) a church bell tower still stands up above all telling its presence to the visitors. The latest eruption in 1952 no one was dead from the flow of lava that flowed 50 feet below its rim, but the lightening that occurred in volcanic clouds caused the death of three persons.

Seven Wonders of The World Video

New Seven Wonders of the World on YouTube

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I.Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza (at the mouth of the well of Itza) Pyramid Yucatan Peninsula Mexico was built in the 6^th century AD by the Mayans. It is a collage of various architectural styles happened due to cultural integration between different civilizations.

II.The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a massive 4150 miles long barricade built to block the invading armies of Huns, Mongols, Turks as well as numerous nomads who were engaged in looting and killing of people at random.

III.Taj Mahal Agra India

Taj Mahal Agra India was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in the sixteenth century as mausoleum to his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in her early age in a child-birth.

IV.Petra of Jordan

Petra of Jordan located in an ancient city of Petra, Jordan built on a terrace in Wadi Musa (Valley of Mosses) was capital of Arab Kingdom of Nebastius.

V .The Coliseum of Italy

The Coliseum of Italy was built in AD 80 is the forerunner in design of the modern stadium. Built by Emperor Titus for a 100 day long marathon game including the duel between gladiators, who had either to kill or die before the spectators.

VI. Machu Pichu of Peru

Machu Pichu of Peru represents a wonderful Incan culture that prevailed in South America around the 15^th century.

VII . Christ the Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro Brazil

Christ the Redeemer of Rio de Janeiro Brazil A giant statue of Jesus Christ; standing straight (stretching his hands in the role of redeemer of souls) which is a 125 feet tall structure located on the Mount Covocado.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef image courtsey: eb.com

The treasure of Oceania.

The region of the mid-south Pacific Ocean where Australia, New Zealand and numerous small islands (about 25,000) scattered is known as the Oceania. The Oceania has much geographical exclusivities for its credit; but Great Barrier Reef that spans 2000 kms near Australia is the most prominent among them. It is the largest coral reef in the world (the second largest is the Belize Barrier Reef of Central America) located in the Coral Sea off north–east part of Australia almost parallel to Queen’s Land. This rare natural wonder comprises of about 900 islands and more than 3000 coral platforms all formed by millions of years of biological activity has been approved as the icon of Queen’s Land.

Great Barrier Reef Map courtsey: gbrmpa.gov.au

The Coral Polyps, their self less service.

Unbelievable but true is the fact that these huge ‘mountains’ are aragonite structures created by a type of miniature animals known as ‘Coral Polyps’ belonging to the group of Sea Anemones and Jelly Fishes (colonial cnidarians). The Coral Polyps are very special types of ‘animals’ which are shaped like flowers, and live in enormous colonies consisting of billions of such animals. Each animal during its life span leaves an amount of calcium deposit (which functions as their exoskeleton) on which a new one finds its shelter thus the process goes on. These so called animals have no brain, heart, ear or even eyes, are engaged twenty four hours in absorbing calcium rich minerals from the surrounding sea water and converting it to hard calcium deposits that is the coral reef, a self less service for the welfare of the mother earth!

Symbiosis.

The lives of the Coral Polyps are dependent (rather it is a symbiotic relationship) on a special type of algae by name Zooxanthellae. Coral Polyps carry these yellowish brown algae in their body, Zooxanthellae produce necessary oxygen for the breathing and nutrients for the polyps in addition they help in the removal of wastes that get accumulated on its body. In return the algae get ‘lodging’ facility in the body (cytoplasm) of the polyps. This type of natural arrangement existing in nature between two types of being is known as symbiosis. The problem with symbiosis is that one animal cannot live without the other.

Barriers and Atolls, Bank Reef etc.

The Great Barrier Reef image courtsey: smh.com.au

The Coral Reefs are of many types, Fringing Reef, found in the shallow waters of seacoast and leaves a shallow lagoon with beautiful fish varieties, The Apron reef, Barrier Reef is that remains detached from mainland looks like a mountain range. Patch Reef, Ribbon Reef, Table Reef etc are shaped as their names denote (Table Reefs are comparatively larger). Atoll is ring shaped group of islands (may be continuous) that encircle a lagoon. The Barrier Reefs are located off the coast and are dotted with deep water bodies in between coat and the reef. The groups of coral islands also have lakes with bluish water in between. These Great Barrier Reefs that stretch more than 2000 km in length occupy more than 20,000 sq kms and each year they are engaged in the manufacturing of 500 million tons of calcium compounds!

A unique eco-system.

The Barrier Reef being a live mass require congenial atmosphere to flourish, temperature should be between 18 to 30 degree C, water should be saline and clear enough to allow sunrays in. Barrier reefs, Atolls and coral islands are all variants off same system. They jointly create a very rare and valuable eco system where numerous fish like Angel Fish, Parrot Fish, Damsel Fish, Butterfly Fish etc. algae, and many lower types of animals like Sea Cucumber, Shrimps, Spiny Lobsters, Star Fish etc. In a survey conducted in 1997 more than 93,000 species of plants and animals have been discovered from the barrier reef ecosystem. About one third of the total species of beings live in the barrier reef system. Deforestation makes the rivers filled with silt that flows direct in to the see.

Great Barrier Reef image courtsey: businessweek.com

A rude shock.

Deforestation is a main issue that works havoc on the reef, the disappearance of trees makes surface soil without support and it along with silt flows in to river and finally reaches in to the sea. These silt blocks sunlight beneath the sea and kill the symbiotic bacteria and thereby causing the death of the coral polyps. Industrial units discharge waste to the sea and effluents from crowded cities deposit it in to the sea. These effluents act like nutrients to some harmful bacteria and algae that invade the reef. All these are ringing death knell of this valuable system that has formed by billions of years. It is shocking to read that a major part of the barrier is on the verge of death.

A recognition.

The world has recognized the value and importance of the reef and it has been given the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981. More than 2 million tourists visit the reef each year and Australian tourism is much dependent upon the reefs for its revenue sources. The responsibilities related with the protection of reef are entrusted with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. This Authority has the hard task to protect the environment while facilitating amenities to the tourists who come from the whole part of the world for pleasure as well as study.

Tourism.

Great Barrier Reef image courtsey: liveandletdive.googlepages.com

Tourism is the main income of the Great Barrier Reef area, the revenue it receives is over 1 billion dollars. The visitors to this reef are with varying demands some for sheer pleasure, others want to spent holidays in luxury, there are adventurers, and there are visitors who are aware of the rarity of the barrier reef phenomenon and want to understand it in person. Linder man, White Sunday, Hamilton, Day dream, Hook (all islands) Hardy Reef, Whit Heaven Beach are some of the destinations visited by cruisers, tourists can have sight seeing all around the places and avail great company along with.

Facilities.

There are about 700 approved tour operators of which more than 65% actively engaged in facilitating amenities to tourists. There are glass bottomed boats for viewing the corals by sitting in the boat, There are scuba diving facilities, semi submersible vessels, snorkeling gears (a tube and fittings to breathe while under shallow waters) rowing boats and etc provided. Those who are interested in fishing can pass time by catching fish. Those who have come to study the system has a good chance as educational tours are also here.

As it is in the case of most of the good tourists’ spots, here also the tourists who come for mere pleasure or just for spending a holiday; return with a lot of information and awareness; that they would never have acquired sitting at home.

Related Reading

• Coral Reefs
• Belize Barrier Reef
  

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon –Arizona USA

Grand Canyon

The earth on which we live in has unbelievable features; if not fully convinced of the statement go and see the Grand Canyon, any one will agree with a shock and awe that the earth is a real wonder. Looking on the rim one may find the ‘really grand’ canyon as a giant crack on the face of the earth; it may look as if the Mother Earth got cracked in to two, but scientists claim it has been made by the erosive effect of the Colorado River that flows thousands of meters down the ridges.

Some millions and some billions.

As per scientists the canyon is the creation of the Colorado River; its running waters engaged in non-stop erosion activity; that has taken to take away the rocks; and carved out such a canyon. Need a pinch of salt to digest? If so, how many millions of years it would have taken to rob of so much mass of rocks? No definite answer several millions, that is all! What would be the age of the rock that got caved in as the canyon, the answer is “several billions”.

Really grand canyon!

Grand Canyon map courtsey: utexas.edu

The Grand Canyon - central part of the Grand Canyon National Park- is in the state of Arizona. This location was first discovered by Coronado a European in 1540. The Grand Canyon National Park is 4927 sq km in area is the largest national park in US. It is located in a plateau at about 8200 feet above sea level. This canyon located between two rims (the North Rim and the South Rim) is 20 to 29 km wide (from one rim to the other), and depth between 3000 to 5000 feet; the canyon is about 500 km long.

And quietly flows the Colorado!

In the bottom river Colorado flows quite like a thin blue thread stretched between the desolate setting and rugged terrain. It would be hard to assume that such an innocent river could make this vast expanse of a canyon and still keep on flowing as if does not know any thing about the origin of the canyon!

Money spinner.

This area though placed in a remote corner of Arizona has turned out to be a virtual money spinner to US, as each year the numbers of tourists who visit the spot keep on increasing and to the visitors to US Grand canyon remains in the top of their wish list. The Grand Canyon National Park has been declared a National Park by the US government in 26^th February 1919. The UNESCO has also approved it as World Heritage site.

Some precautions before visit.

Grand Canyon

As pleasure seekers from US as well as those around the world come here for enjoyment, tourists who are not accustomed with realities may face problems. June to mid September is the ideal time for visit. About 4 million people visiting this park every year and the South Rim is the favorite location of 90% of them.

Not a city!

• Grand Canyon is not a city; but a remote location those who come without advance booking in the lodges as well as personal belongings will be in trouble.

• During seasons traffic will be heavy and be prepared for snarls that can make anybody restless (avoiding peek season is the only way out).

• Servicing of vehicles would be difficult (keep the vehicle fit check the spare tire), refilling of fuel will be problem, so come with the tank full.

• Take enough water as well as food items (otherwise will have to beg for a bottle of water!).

• It is good to take an extra set of car keys as loss of a set should not make you a lost child.

• Parking of vehicles will also be an issue for those who come late, hence be an early bird (better leave the car at the gate and take free bus facility).

• There are few rain shelters take an umbrella because the weather; as it is every where is quite un-predictable.

• South Rim is about 7000 feet above sea level (people with Asthma or claustrophobia better avoid walking through the trails).

Hikers beware!

Grand Canyon

Hiking is a thrilling experience but Grand Canyon is no ordinary hill! Only those with good health should try it. Even those with experience in hiking should spend two days one for the descent and spent night in a secure place and start climbing next day. Take enough water with electrolytes to keep body cool as the temperature may rise up to 41 degree Celsius. There may be confrontations with rattle snakes (very common in the locality) just ignore it and mind your business.

Feeding or going near wild animals is not only risky but there is fine for such activities as it is illegal (leave the wild as wild).

Facilities!

Grand Canyon

The efficiency that is found in facilitating maximum convenience to the tourists along with ensuring their safety is a demanding task, but the same is managed here with marked efficiency. Canyon View Information Plaza is open 365 days and provides necessary guidance to tourists. They also provide rest rooms and a good library for visitors. There are more than one vantage point in short walk distance like Mater Point. There is free shuttle service Grand Canyon Village Desert View or take the Hermit road to the rim in 13 km distance where private vehicles are not allowed.

Tour options.

There is no dearth for packaged tour organized by tour operators, programs which are tailor made fit for age groups as well as all pockets. All facilities can and should be previously booked for ensuring availability. There are helicopter ride enabling visitors to see the ultimate details of the canyon the multicolor hues of the rough terrain scattered along with boulders of many shapes. There is one option more thrilling that is rafting through the Colorado River to the canyon; it is dove-tailed with helicopter down an up to save time and energy at the cost of some money.

Hualapai Reservation.

There are Red Indian villages in the southern side of Colorado River; inhabited by Hualapai Tribes (hualapai in native language means ‘people of tall pine’ denoting the lush pine forests where they originally lived). This settlement is about 150 sq km in area and population is 1350 these people live in a world of their own and the tribal chieftains still wield power over the community. Law and order are maintained by Bureau of Indian Affairs. Yavapai and Havasupai (who live nearby) are related tribes. The contact with modern culture and life style has wreaked havoc in their culture, now alcoholism and obesity has become prevalent.

Business of selling dreams!

The business acumen of America is visible everywhere, entrepreneurs here know how to do business and make money, they know that here people are out to seek some pleasure, and tour operators leave no opportunities unexplored in rendering all sorts of services and facilities to the visitors; and as a result money flows here mightier than River Colorado while the tourists satisfaction level rises above South Ridge; That is American dream!

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, South America

Iguazu Falls image courtsey: worldleader.com.ar

Not one or two ... 275!

These torrential falls about 275 of them within a distance of 2.7 km some of them about 82 meters in height, the deafening sounds of all combined, all closely accessible has such an impact that anyone who has a heart gets overwhelmed. ‘Iguazu has a daily beauty in it which makes Niagara ugly!’ it made Eleanor Roosevelt who remarked with a sigh “poor Niagara” comparing Iguazu with Niagara of her native land. Niagara Falls –the pride of her continent –where millions stand in ovation; a not so much heard of waterfall from a remote corner of the world; outsmarting Niagara came something like a shock to the former first lady.

A trump card.

These falls altogether 2.7 km in length comes between Argentina and Brazil; have the added advantage of easy access either from Foz do Iguazu of Brazil or Parana and Puerto Iguazu of Argentina. It was Alvar Nenez Cabesa who discovered the falls in 1541; it still remained there un-noticed to be explored by Baselli in the 19^th century. One of the falls is named after him. Now this site is accessible even by train in the Argentina side. The Andes Altiplano is an ecologically unique region and it has much more in store to delight visitors; but Iguazu Falls remain as the trump card in pulling most of the visitors to these regions, it is a virtual money spinner for both Brazil and Argentina.

All aces.

Iguazu Falls - Devil's throat from the Brazilian side

For Latin America being number one in geographical features is only a matter of habit as it has ever remained numero uno in this aspect. Andes is the longest mountain range in the world, Amazon Forests (most dense rain forest on earth), Amazon River (the largest river on earth), Angel Falls (the tallest water fall on earth), Atacama Desert (the driest part of the land), La Paz (the highest state capital), Titicaca Lake (world’s highest navigable lake), Puerto Taro (southern most city in the world), Machu Pichu (center of Inca Culture) are just some of the surprises South America has to offer.

Story time!

There is a myth about these falls prevalent among the natives; though it pictures God Almighty in a poor light it is quite imaginative. Once upon a time in a village near the river there lived a beautiful village damsel by name Naipi. Seeing her charm none other than God fell in love with her and approached her parents to give her in marriage. Parents found the ‘boy’ suitable and immediately agreed! But for the misfortune of the Almighty the girl had a lover by name Taroba; and both fled in a canoe through the river Iguazu. God Almighty was not magnanimous enough to spare the young couple and chased and overtook them. Then with his magic sword the Almighty in a rage cut the river and the earth in to two! It is believed that the couple fell in the gorge thus formed and perished. But Iguazu still keep on falling!

The throat of the devil!

Iguazu Falls Map courtsey: shalgo.com

Iguazu Falls are in the River Iguazu between Argentina and Brazil, the whole areas come under the Iguazu National Park Argentina and Iguacu National Park Brazil both UNESCO approved World Heritage Sites since 1984 and 1986 respectively. One of the spectacular sights is the ‘Devil’s Throat’ (Gargantua do Diablo) the ‘U’ shaped falls, where water from a horse shoe shaped platform falls in to a deep semi circular gorge, the massive fall of water from a height of a 24 storied building is nothing but awesome. The roar of falling water frightens anybody and thus it has got this strange name Gargantua do diablo; meaning devil’s throat! It is no wonder that these falls are called so as the water discharged during peak time is about 400,000 cubic meters, and the sound produced must be proportionate! The water is collected in the canyon flows in to River Rio Parana in Argentina.

visitors guide.

There are bus services from various points of Puerto Iguazu in every 45 minutes. During seasons there is consistent flow of tourists to this location. Iguazu has been recognized as the 8^th wonder of the world by National Geographic and remains as a crowd puller during season. Once inside the location there are services of authorized guides available who can talk most of the important languages in the world.

A meaningful visit.

December to February is times of heavy rains and the falls can be seen at its wildest form; but there may be problems as hilly tracts may be damaged due to the rains and tour operations may be closed. March to August is best as the rain may be over and clear atmosphere will offer better vision. Most visitors fly from Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro as if in a hurry have a look and return as if it is a single fall; but at least two days are required to pay a meaningful visit, one full day at the Brazilian side and one for the Argentinean locations.

This sight seems familiar!

Iguazu Falls

One who have never visited Latin America in his life may seem these locations very familiar ‘looks as if I had seen it somewhere’, it is true all people who have watched the blockbuster movies ‘Godzilla’, ‘The Mission , ‘Moon raker’ have seen these locations with awe have seen them. The names of the films mentioned are just few there are numerous films shot in these sites making them familiar even to the most confirmed couch potato!

History of dry up!

Iguazu Falls

The Argentinean side is best for closer views and easy access where as the Brazilian side offers a wild panoramic view. There had been times when the river got completely dried up upsetting the visitors, because there will be no waterfall without water! But no reason to worry as such events occurs only once or twice in a decade and even that will be only for short period like one or two weeks.

Germany

Germany

Berlin Town Hall Germany image courtsey: iho-ohi.org

Germany is the founding member and leader of the 27 member European Union; and fourth largest economy in the world. Germany’s rising from the ashes of the World War 2 to this status is nothing short of a miracle, reminding the legendary bird; Phoenix. On 1815 with the defeat of Napoleon; the winners of the war (Britain, Russia and Prussia) reached in an agreement in sharing the area; and Germany was formed as a confederation of the 39 smaller adjoining regions. A Parliament was formed at Frankfurt in the name Bundestag. But it was William Bismarck who made it the present Germany by annexing all the areas with German culture. Germans call their nation Deutschland, their currency (before the advent of Euro) Deutschmark and their bank Deutsch Bank.

The West and the East.

The end of the World War 2 changed whole dynamics of history; Russia came under the Communist regime and it took over control of the eastern European regions like Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Albania etc; the eastern portion of Germany cut out from the rest was also one among these. This portion (the so called German Democratic Republic) was cut off from the rest of the world. While the Western portion (Federal Republic of Germany or the FGR) adopted capitalism; the alliance with US, Britain, France brought new currency, investment and development. When impoverished people of the eastern portion began to migrate to west in search of job, food and water (all these were not available in the east!) the German Wall was built.

A wall between hearts.

Destruction of Berlin Wall in Germany image courtsey: defence.gov.au

East Germans were fleeing to west despite the threat of being shot! There is no statistics of how many were shot dead. the communists came to understand that there will be no people to be ruled! On 13^th August 1961 the wall (45 km in length) was built by the East German Forces to check migration of people from east to west. This wall was intended to check Fascism as per the GDR authorities! The wall made residents of West Berlin virtual prisoners. On 1973 on an agreements reached between America, Russia, France and Britain; residents of both Berlins were allowed freedom to travel. October 18^th 1989 saw an end to the most hated icon of Germany.

German Airlift.

The West Berlin was trapped in the communist portion and land-access to it was denied compelling the Western Alliance to airlift materials required for the bereaved city. Two hundred thousand flights were operated day and night to meet the day today requirements of about two million residents. This mega operation (known as the Berlin Airlift) unheard of so far; lasted until Soviet Union called off the blockade in May, 1949. On October 18^th 1989 the wall was demolished by the people, its stones are now a novelty and bought by visiting tourists as a memento (even other concrete scraps are sold as German Wall remnants by some ‘smart’ ones!)

Stats.

Map of Germany coutsey: lib.utexas.edu

Germany is located in the middle of Europe and its capital is Berlin. Germany is Federal Republic; its Head of the state is Chancellor. Its independence day is 3^rd October 1990 (the day both Germanys got united. It has an area of 558554 sq km and a population of 82.5 million and its official language is German. Protestant Christians and Catholics form the majority of the population (about 35% each), Muslims form about 5%. Germany has a coastline of 2389 km; Frankfurt and Hamburg are the main ports. Germany’s northern boundary stretches from North Sea to the Baltic Sea. Germany is rich in neighborhood as there are so many nations (clock-wise France, Luxemburg, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Czech, Austria and Switzerland).

A virtual ‘power house’ of Europe.

Once upon a time the Germans ruled the Roman Empire, in recent past it could challenge the whole world (during the wars) and now it dominates the world with its list of great men in almost all fields from technology to philosophy, there is no end to the list of scientists, mathematicians, philosophers, statesmen; in one way or other they played major role in changing the course of the world history. Johannes Kepler (Astronomer 1571), Goethe (writer 1749), Nietzsche (philosopher 1844), Schiller (writer 1759), Beethoven (composer 1770), Richard Wagner (composer 1813), Karl Marx (1818)and Engels (1820)(Communist Manifesto), Albert Einstein (founder of Atomic Theory), Emmanuel Kant (philosopher 1724), Martin Luther (reformer 1483), Johan Guttenberg (1390, discovered printing 1448), Rudolf Diesel (inventor of diesel engine 1858), these are just some of the names whose deeds crown history’s pages.

Technology super power.

World’s best Universities, topmost scientists and technologists enabled Germany to in churning out products that could excel the best in the world, ‘kindergarten’ itself is a German word meaning kids’ garden; denotes Germans’ stress on education from early childhood. The GDP of Germany is $ 2.5 trillion and is growing at 1% per annum. Industry contributes about 30% of its economy. Its motor cars, heavy machineries, precision and electronic equipments, chemicals, garments, food products etc all contribute to bourgeoning export basket. ‘Made in Germany’ products are accepted by the whole world as durable and trustworthy.

A statement of luxury and ultimate pleasure.

BMW Sports Car courtsey: motorfresh.com

Germany is home to BMW, Walks Wagen as well as Mercedes Benz. Walks Wagen means car of the people. Its factory was built at Wolf berg in1937 for mass production to make it a common man’s car. BMW is a breed apart as it is a rich man’s pride possession. BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke meaning Bavarian Motor Works) is there for the last seven decades delivering its promise (‘Joy in Driving’ is its punch word) to customers world wide. It employs about a hundred thousand people to make cars with fit and finish; no competitor can deliver. Rolls Royce – the mother of all luxuries- is the latest addition to BMW’s stable when it acquired the brand from Walks Wagen in 2002.

Connoisseurs.

Germans connoisseurs as far as quality booze is concerned; wine and beer (wheat beer with lager) are most popular; the Berliner weise (beer with fruit juices) is very famous, wines made out of superb grapes procured from the Rhine valleys are specialties. German wines have a characteristic flowery or fruity aroma –peach, apricot, apple etc- and a ‘nerve’ that reflects the soil that bred the grapes. There are wines with spicy and herbal aroma. Silvaners, Muller Thurgau, Scheurebe, Rieslaner, Pinot Blanc etc are its own popular varieties of which Germans are proud of.

Food for thought.

Germany being a federation of different small states, its food habits also exhibit variations; for example Bavarians have dishes similar to that of their neighboring Switzerland and Austria, where as the western areas have similarities to French cuisines. The eastern portions prefer dishes like those of Eastern Europe.

Breads of different types either toasted or rolled with eggs, jam, honey etc is for breakfast; a strong tea is a must. Salted meat, pickles, cheese, ham, cornflakes, fried cereals, dry grapes etc are also breakfast items.

Dinner is the main food as it is everywhere, pork, chicken, beef, etc are cooked in various styles; rabbit and mutton are also favorite dishes for dinner. Shintcel has always been the masterpiece among German dishes. Trout, pike are favorites but salmon and tuna are also widely consumed.

Soft skills.

Not just wining and dining; Germans are a disciplined lot and their adherence to rituals, perseverance and will to work hard have made them jack of every games from football to philosophy. These all never mean that they lag behind in soft skills; as experts in music (especially classical), Germans are second to nobody, Richard Wagner, Beethoven, Bach etc are without peers.

History is just history,

Germany Flag

The bitter experiences associated with two world wars have made Germans wiser and they take every precaution to see that history never repeats, even the mention of the name of Fuehrer is scoffed off as a bad word. This nation is committed to give equal opportunities to every religions and state pay to the priests from its exchequer to promote spirituality so that the people never go back to the holocaust mindset. Germany is a vibrant nation and that looks forward and to see that it keeps abreast with the changing time, rather than wasting time over what has happened in yester years. History is just history but it is future that matters.