Lighthouse of Alexandria

This light house of Alexandria was one of useful wonders among all seven wonders of world (for sailors to return to Great Harbor). This is a small point that differentiates it from rest of wonders of world. The mirror which was mounted on this lighthouse could reflect light more than 35 miles off-shore. Of 6 ancient destroyed wonders, this was last to be destroyed around 1480 AD.

Location: On ancient island of Pharos, now a promontory on harbor of city of Alexandria in Egypt.

Description: This lighthouse was built around 280 BC and was around 134 m in height. This was built in city of Alexandria. The light house had a good mirror which can reflect sun light to a very long distance. Mythical stories used to say that this mirror was used to burn enemy ships. The Macedonian conqueror, Alexander during his successful reign, had tried establishing approximately 17 cities in name of Alexandria. The only one survived long was one in Egypt. That too even this city was not completely built by Alexander. The completion of construction of this city was achieved by his commander Ptolemy I Soter. Ptolemy connected Alexandria to Pharos island by a bridge. It was realized that sailing in this coastal region is very dangerous. That is why he decided to build a light house. This project was initiated during Ptolemy's reign in 290 BC and completed after his death by his son Ptolemy Philadelphus. Sostratus who lived in same time as Euclid, was architect. This used to remain in harbor for centuries. This wonder of world also depicted in Roman coins that time.

Discover the Real New Zealand

One of major attractions of visiting New Zealand is possibility of losing yourself in its rugged and wild countryside. The desire to be alone and at one with nature frequently leads New Zealand tourists to buy travel guides in hopes of finding advice on ‘getting off beaten track’. To get off beaten track, however, you need to throw away your travel guide… and discover real New Zealand.

Where is real New Zealand?

You certainly don’t find real New Zealand by buying a travel guide that thousands of other tourists already own. If you do that, you will end up on a supposed unbeaten track with hundreds of other ‘bulk produced tourist guide’ readers. The real New Zealand is not a tangible location, it is not a hidden village in mountains or by sea, it is not a beach, nor a farm, nor a quiet city corner. You will find real New Zealand in people of land and their rich culture. Discover real New Zealand by fishing with a Maori (an indigenous New Zealander), or shearing sheep with a Pakeha (a European White New Zealander), or singing karaoke with one of countries broad range of immigrants. While they come in a variety of shapes, colours, and sizes, all New Zealanders are proud to communally call themselves ‘Kiwis’. It is through eyes of these Kiwis that you will discover real New Zealand!

How do you find real New Zealand?

Just ask. I am serious, all you need to do is ask. New Zealanders are known worldwide for their friendly and open personality. It isn’t just a rumour; further into New Zealand you go friendlier locals become. Admittedly, Auckland is not friendliest part of country, but then big cities never are. But even in Auckland you will normally find at least one local who is happy to give you sound advice on what to see, where to visit, and how to get there. Leave Auckland behind (after a good visit to cities wonderful attractions) and you will quickly find yourself surrounded by good-natured Kiwis, ready to show you what New Zealand is all about.

Tips for getting conversation started

1. 1.Look lost. Trust me on this, Kiwis always feel sorry for someone who looks lost, and because we love to show how well we know our land, chances are we will walk over and offer help.
2. 2.Go into nearest open store and ask for directions, making sure shopkeeper hears your accent. This is particularly effective if English is your second language.
3. 3.Be honest. Simply walk up to someone, tell him or her you are a foreign tourist, and you would like to discover real New Zealand. They will probably call in some assistance from friends and family and plan rest of your New Zealand holiday with you.

Good places to find real New Zealand

Northland
Do not confuse Northland with North Island. Northland is basically comprised of all of land north of Auckland. Northland stretches from Orewa, a popular beach village 20 minutes north of Auckland, to Cape Reinga, northernmost point of New Zealand. Northland offers many beautiful unspoilt beaches, wonderful diving, and some of New Zealand’s most important history. Add to this that Northland embodies a full Maori culture and you have discovered an open doorway to Real New Zealand.