Switzerland: The Multi-Cultural Country

This is some info I collected about Switzerland. Switzerland is a multi-European country, that cultures adopted from France,Italy, and Germany. Switzerland also has very diverse history from other European countries. 

Government

Head of Government: President Didier Burkhalter (since January 1, 2014)

·       Flag:

·       Capital City: Bern

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 Economy

Currency: Franc

Industries:

·       Tourism

·       Machinery

·       Chemicals

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History

v Switzerland was a Roman Province until 4^th Century A.D.

v Napoleon united the Swiss in the 19^th century, but it became a modern day federal republic in 1848.

v When the Swiss were invaded by the Germans the French caused German and French influence.

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Geography

Ø The Swiss Alps span 125 miles, and average an altitude of 5,576 feet.

Ø The Jura Region has rocks and fossils dating back to the time of the dinosaurs from the Jurassic Period.

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Culture

   Soccer is very popular in Switzerland.

   They have their own cheese, Swiss cheese.

   Their national holiday is Swiss National Holiday, on August 1.

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Demographics

   

Sources

§  www.swissworld.org

§  www.swissinfo.ch

§  www.all-about-switzerland.info

§  www.cia.gov

§  www.about.com

§  www.timeanddate.com

§  www.nationsonline.org

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Amazon: The Deadliest Rain Forest On Earth

The Amazon rain forest in South America is the largest rain forest on Earth. It covers 2.124 million sq miles (5.5 million km²). This rain forest contains the Amazon river, exotic animals, and majestic views. But what you don't know that Amazon rain forest has some of the world's most dangerous animals on the planet.

Let's get to know more about these wild beasts of the jungle, if you dare.....

   

BULL SHARK : This shark have the ability to live in saltwater 

areas and freshwater areas. They live in the Amazon River.These sharks will attack humans who are swimming in the river but the animal mistakes them for prey or is just curious. These sharks can grow up to 7 - 11.5 feet (2.1 to 3.4 meters) and weigh up to 200 - 500 pounds ( 90 - 230 kilograms ). These creatures also live in the Mississippi River.

ELECTRIC EEL : The electric eel can discharge electricity by using cells called electrocytes which can release up to 600 volts. Even though this animal looks similar to an eel it is mostly related to carp and catfish. These animals are nearly blind so they create 10 volt charges that helps them notice their surroundings. Electric eels can grow up to 6 to 8 ft (1.8 to 2.5 m) and weigh up to 44 pounds(20 kilograms). 

FRESHWATER STINGRAY : It is very surprising to see a stingray in the Amazon River. Like other stingrays, it has a poisonous tail that can cause pain and even death. They can also can camouflage with the riverbed. 

ARMY ANTS : These ants very destructive. They don't stay in one mound, they move continuously and set up temporary homes. An single ant bite is equivalent to a wasp bite. Their bites can send a full grown man into shock. They can take on any animal bigger than itself. 

These are only few of the dangerous animals you will encounter in Amazon rain forest. If you see any of these animals, it's always wise to move slowly away from them before it’s too late!

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Denali : Alaska's Frontier

Denali National Park is a place full with exotic nature, rare views, and is home to North America's tallest mountain, Mt. McKinley, or as the natives call it, Denali which means "high one". Denali National Park is very large. In fact, the park itself is bigger than the state Massachusetts! This park is divided into three sections. They are the taiga, tundra and alpines. 

Denali is well known for its diversity of wildlife. Most of the 

exotic animals thrive in the lowest region- The Taiga. You can meet moose, beavers, lynx, wood-frog, opus beetle here. The wood-frog is the only amphibian found in the park. The tundra is the next. Trees cannot grow in this region because part of the soil is frozen and turns into permafrost. so only the plants with short roots can take hold in thin layer of soil. The wildlife here includes arctic ground squirrels, caribou, collared pika. Tundra is also sanctuary for dall sheep, only white sheep found in the world. That's the reason, Denali is the national park. The tundra predators are gray wolves and grizzly bears!

The alpines covers half of the park , is at highest altitude and extremely dry. In Denali, crevasses can be a hundred feet deep and wrong step can be last. Only one creature lives here, ice worm. They are adopted to live in cold temperature,if temperature rises above 40F, Ice worms starts to melt ! The higher up in the alpines, temperatures drops even further. The only one creature can withstand this- the humans. 

Almost 1,100 people try to scale Mt. McKinley every year. Though, only half make it to the top !

The outer limit of Denali is the highlight of all. Well above the wilderness and in to the thermosphere an aurora borealis occurs. The Denali is the perfect spot to view this dazzling display of light.

  

In the lower level of the Denali Visitor Center is a place where you can express what Denali means to you. Here is my most favorite thought shared by past visitors,

"Denali means new adventures, experiences, sensations, sights and knowledge. My job as I leave this beauty is to let it change me and my treatment of the world."  

And that's what true Denali is... !

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Australia's Deadly Wildlife

  Australia is the most popular destination nowadays. Even though, for travelers it's paradise getaway , but it's also home to some of the most venomous and deadly animals of the planet. These creatures can kill you in mere seconds.

Let's take a look of Australia's deadly wildlife : 

 

BOX JELLYFISH : Box jellies aka sea wasps live primarily in the coastal region of Northern Australia. The smack is nearly 

invisible and their venom is considered to be among the most deadly in the world, containing toxins that attack the heart, nervous system, and skin cells. 

SYDNEY FUNNEL WEB SPIDER : You can describe it as most deadliest spider in the world. It produces highly toxic venom in large amount and has large dagger like fangs to inject. It has a bite strong enough to break through a human toe nail. 

SALTWATER CROCODILE : It is the world's largest reptile. They are camouflage attack predators , So can be extremely dangerous. An average size saltwater crocodile has a bite force of 5,000 pounds. 

BLUE RINGED OCTOPUS : It's a pretty creature to look at, but don't attempt to touch one. Despite its small size, it is considered to be one of the world’s deadliest venomous animals .The toxin in the southern blue-ringed octopus’s venom is 1,000 times more powerful than cyanide.

These are only a few of the many deadliest animals you encounter in Australia. If you already have other creatures on your list, feel free to share!

    

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From Expedition: Everest to Mission: SPACE

You can get info about Disney World from so many sources. But the only way to learn about this unique destination is to experience it. Disney World takes you on a fabulous journey of fantasy, thrills, and beyond our Earth. Makes everyone from child to adult gleeful. There are never ending activities that keep you busy and you are never get tired of it. Here are my favorite things to do at Disney World.

Expedition: Everest

This fast ride involves you going through Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. When you go to a section of a piece of track that's completely ripped off, your cart goes backwards faster, than it was going forward! Then you get plunged into darkness and you meet up with the legendary beast of the Himalayas, the Yeti. This ride is slightly scary but still its worth it to ride it. 

Kilimanjaro Safaris

This safari is the same, if you were on a real one in Africa. On the safari you get to meet up with some animals such as crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, etc. You even get to meet up with lions. Don't worry, the lions won't attack you! 

Maharajah Jungle Trek

In this trek you get to meet up with some animals in Asia. There are fruit bats, birds, Komodo dragons, and tigers. The tigers, really handsome animal !!

DINOSAUR

Take a journey 65 million years again the time of the dinosaurs.You get to encounter dinosaurs, and one mad carnivorous dinosaur! This ride is slightly scary.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster  

This ride is the fastest ride in Disney World. There are loops, turns, and drops. This is the most thrilling ride, in my opinion.

Fantasmic

This show is a must see. The show is the story of Mickey defeating the evil monster that all the villains from the Disney movies created. But make sure you avoid the wet zone in the cold winter nights. If you have to sit in the wet zone bring a poncho or a rain jacket.

   

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

This tumultuous ride is different than any other ride I experienced. Instead of a normal track, you drop several stories so fast, that you can't feel your seat!

Toy Story Midway Mania !

On this ride, you need to have quick reflexes. If you are a toy story fan, you will giddy over this game with Woody. 

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

This coaster takes you back to the age of cowboys and Indians! There are deeps, dives and curves that blitz you.

Splash Mountain

As name indicates, you can guess, this is wettest ride. At first it moves slow and easy going and you think it's gonna be kiddy ride but wait, it plunges 5 stories into river soaking you wet.

Space Mountain

This is indoor roller coaster that takes you beyond the earth. It zooms you through space. Only the drawback- seats are uncomfortable !

Test Track

What I like about this ride is that you get to make your own car. Then you get test the car on several things. But the best part is saved for last, when you whats its top speed!

Mission: SPACE

Become the first people to land on Mars! This ride is virtual. There are two teams. There is Green Team where there are no special effect, or the Orange Team which does have special effects. I like the Orange Team better because you actually can feel that your in space!

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Dancing With The Sharks

My last visit to NASA turned into a pleasant surprise. I would have never imagined that I will watch "a shark show" at the space center.  In Seaworld they don't have any shark shows. I was so mesmerized by the show so I couldn't resist the urge to recommend this show to you.

In this show there were real life sharks! The sharks were nurse sharks and they only attack people when they are threatened. The co-host of the show explained that the main host will be diving in with the sharks. He informed us that the diver (the host) has encountered some problems with sharks.

For example one time the diver got bitten in the head once but it wasn't that bad because these animals have small teeth. But the diver still dives because the sharks were rescue sharks and the government doesn't allow them to be released into the wild so the sharks had to rotate between zoos and rescue foundations. When the diver dived in the tank with sharks, I was tense because I thought the he was going to get ambushed by a shark! But luckily he didn't. Then he did something hilarious. He grabbed a nearby shark and pretended to dance with it!. He also ride on the sharks, pretend to play music on(shark as) guitar etc.

When he came out he got a shark tooth. He was feeling generous that day, so he said that he would give everyone a shark tooth. I really believed what he said but it was a trick! He said that you have to get the teeth yourself and for that you have to enter in the shark tank. The show was really awesome and remember, the next time you visit NASA make sure to see the shark show first!

You can get more info about this show HERE.

  

There are also other absolute must see attractions at NASA , about those I'll write sometime soon. So keep reading...

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