Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Central Asia


This week I took my travels to the region of Central Asia. I was able to do a variety of different activities while I explore the area. I first traveled to the country of Tajikistan, after visiting the area for some time I decided to visit the towering mountainous region of the Himalayas. So, here is what I did!
Tajikistan:
The first stop I had to make while visiting Tajikistan was the beautiful Glacial lake located in Tajikistan’s Sughd Province. The lake is named Iskanderkul, also known as Lake Alexander, the lake itself lies at an altitude of 2,195 meters of the northern slopes in the Gissar Range of the Fann Mountains. The lake’s glassy, blue surface is truly an eye-opening site to witness, something you might see out of a mythical dream!
The country of Tajikistan is a very mountainous region, much of the land being taken up by it’s towering mountain ranges. There wasn’t a site in the country that wasn’t truly magnificent. I continued my travels by seeing the different mountain ranges that the country is home to. The Pamir Mountains – a junction with the Himalayas and Tian Shan, Karakoram, Kunlun, Hindu Kush, Suleman and Hindu Raj ranges. The Fann Mountains (the first place I visited with Iskanderkul Lake).
My trip to Tajikistan allowed me to experience an environment like no other, the trip was truly one to never forget, once again!
Image result for lake iskanderkul
Image result for pamir mountains
Related image
The Himalayas:
Of course, one cannot simply visit Central Asia without seeing the grand-daddy of all mountain ranges, the Himalayas! Although the Himalayas lie mostly throughout the country of Nepal, the mountain range is in junction with many other ranges throughout Central Asia. The Himalayas form a barrier between the Plateau of Tibet to thee North and the Alluvial plains of the Indian subcontinent to the south. As you may already know, they are the highest mountains in the world, with over 110 peaks reaching elevations of 24,000 feet or more!
Not only are the mountains filled with snowy glaciers and mind-boggling heights, but they are in fact inhabited by 52.7 million people – spread across five countries being Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan. Since we were to visit the Central Asian countries this week, I spent my time exploring the region along the border of China. Being able to see the variety of cultures throughout the Mountain Range was an experience to never forget. Each tradition that these cultures holds has its similarities, but each are still so different! Yet another trip of a lifetime!
Related image
Image result for the chinese himalayas culture
Image result for people of the himalayas




Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Russia


This week I was given the opportunity to visit the Russian Domain. The entire experience I had visiting the country was astonishing. I took my time to give a hand to the homeless children in Russia. After taking some time at in the city of Moscow, Russia to help, I also took some time to visit the mind-blowing lands of Siberia. So, here’s what I did!
Moscow, Russia:
I decided it would be a wonderful opportunity while visiting Russia to give a helping hand. Through an agency, I decided to volunteer in Moscow, Russia’s largest city as well as it’s capital. The city is unfortunately home to a handful of issues. Due to it’s high living expenses, the city makes it difficult for those who are less fortunate to get by.
While I was in Moscow I worked with an agency devoted in the elderly, disabled, and war veterans, as well as the homeless (children included). While volunteering I was able to help serve in soup kitchens, aid in the orphanages, teach English to both children and adults, along with a variety of other volunteer work in community centers. The entire experience was one to remember, it was extremely eye-opening to see the issues that are present throughout the area. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to help those that are in need.
Not only was I given a great experience volunteering with the people of Moscow, but I also got to see a lot of beautiful city!
Image result for homeless moscow
Image result for moscow winter
Image result for moscow winter

Siberian District, Russia:
While I was visiting the astonishing District of Siberia, I was able to see a variety of natural beauty throughout the area.
The first place I decided to visit was Lake Baikal. Lake Baikal is a massive lake, located in the mountainous region of Siberia, just north of the Mongolian border. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake on Earth, holding a whopping maximum depth of 5,387 feet! The lake itself is surrounded with a handful of wonderful hiking trails, perfect for sight-seeing. Visiting in the cold months allowed for some perfect ice-skating and dog-sledding as well!
The next stop I made in Siberia was less-so a stop, but more of a trip! I was able to hop onto the Trans-Siberian Railway! The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railroad in the world, with a mind-boggling 5,771 miles of rails. The Great Siberian route allows for you to travel the entire country just by sitting in the train. The train passes by some magnificent sites that you can view through the large windows. The train also stops by some of the more significant towns and cities allowing you to take in more of the country. I can surely say this railway is the perfect way to take in the natural beauty in the Russian Domain!
Image result for lake baikal
Related image
Image result for trans siberian railway inside
Image result for trans siberian railway winter