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Showing posts from May, 2013

The tallest man-made structure in the world

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The tallest man-made structure in the world Photo Courtesy: Dimscale                 Some people dream big, really big. But even big seems like a small word for a 2,722 ft high gigantic dream called Burj Khalifa. Dubai saw this dream and turned it into a reality. This building is the tallest skyscraper in the world since January 2010. A visit to Dubai is incomplete without an up close look at Burj Khalifa. As the structure tapers at the top, its greatness can be easily underestimated from afar. But as you reach below it all you can do is stretch your neck as far back as possible and gape at the massive structure. It is very exquisite and beautiful! The way sunlight reflects from the glass windows makes the building stand out and shine brightly. At night the Burj is lit up in splendid lights grabbing attention in the black night sky.              Once you see this magnificent structure, it sets a standard for awe in your mind that no other building comes even close to it.

St. Stephen's coronation statue, Hungary

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St. Stephen's coronation statue, Hungary           This stunning statue is located in the small town of Esztergom on the Hungary-Slovakia border.  It is beside Esztergom Basilica which is the biggest building in Hungary. Surprisingly there is no mention of this statue on the designed-for-alluring-tourist websites. I didn't even know it existed till I was directly looking at it. It makes you forget the basilica towering next to it by its sheer presence. It overlooks a beautiful view of the serene Danube flowing between the small houses on both sides.            St. Stephen was born in Esztergom and was a devout Christian.  He spread Christianity far and wide in Hungary. In recognition of his efforts, Stephen was crowned King of Hungary in the year 1000 by Pope Sylvester II. After his demise he was canonized by Pope Gregory VII, making him Saint Stephen from King Stephen.          If only I had so much interest in history during school days. *sigh*