This land is large with winding white sand dunes interspersed with turquoise rainwater lagoons. Lencois Maranhenses has an area of ​​about 1,500 square kilometers, made up of many large, deep white sand dunes. So at first glance, it looks like a desert. (Photo: Whenoneearth) Because it is located just outside the Amazon basin, this area often receives huge rainfall around the beginning of the year. Rain created a unique scene. Because of the low, flat terrain, when the rainy season lasts, clean water gathers in the valleys between the dunes, and at the same time, a layer of anti-permeation rock under the sand prevents water from seeping into the ground. As a result, blue lagoons between the fine white sand dunes were formed. Because of that uniqueness, this place is often called “the flooded desert”. (Photo: @flymaniacs) The many types of fish that can thrive in freshwater lakes are thought to have come from birds that carried their eggs from the sea. The park also possesses its own unique flora and fauna that have adapted to the periodic drying up of the area. When the dry season comes, the area of ​​the lake decreases, and the creatures inside are also reduced. (Photo: Whenoneearth) (Photo: Whenoneearth) Endless deep turquoise lakes winding through white sand dunes create a natural landscape that is both unique and beautiful. The special thing is that when taking photos, depending on the angle of the shot, visitors can “fool” netizens that they are in the middle of a large, arid desert or sunbathing on a clear blue water beach despite the fact that not so! (Photo: G-switch) “Wetland desert” is most beautiful during the period from July to September when the lakes are at their fullest. From October to November, there are strong winds blowing from the sea continuously, which hinders tourism because of dangerous sand flying. In addition, between January and June, the amount of rain in the national park is quite heavy, leading to longer nights than days, making the beauty of this place no longer show perfectly. Therefore, if you want to fully experience the attraction of Lencois Maranhenses National Park, it is best to come here between June and September because then the lakes are relatively full and it is not too sunny. There is also not much rain, so it is easy to visit and check-in freely. (Photo: @lencoismaranhenses) (Photo: Whenoneearth) (Photo: @lencoismaranhenses) (Photo: @lencoismaranhenses)

Floating houses are no longer a strange idea to residents living in rivers, lakes and swamps, but their designs are quite simple and not as diverse as modern ground-floor models. However, Suzanne Stefan’s 2021 Housing Award-winning project from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) offers a new perspective for those who prefer floating homes. Stefan designed a floating house on a floating foundation made in the 1990s that is close to the beach and has access to a garden near Portage Bay. The house consists of a single floor with a total area of ​​60 square meters. The exterior walls are clad in dark cedar and Richlite, a synthetic material made from plastic blotting paper. The house uses sliding doors to save space. The inside of the house is divided into two zones. One side consists of the common spaces – open kitchen and dining area, separated from the living room by retractable fabric curtains. The rest of the house has two wood-paneled bedrooms and a bathroom. The designer used glass doors in all rooms except the bathroom to create a sense of open space for the house. The floor is made of whitewashed oak and pine. In the kitchen, stainless steel was used for the countertop and backsplash. The house has 3 skylights, allowing natural light to comfortably enter the house.

Sunken Roman statue at Baiae, Italy As humans spread across continents and populations exploded, trade between civilizations became more frequent. Coastal settlements allowed larger ships to come and go, increasing trade and boosting the local economy, with many port towns being built as a way to access rare goods and wealth. have. But the riverbank is not always a safe place to settle down. Saeftinghe Swamp, Netherlands A swamp in the Netherlands known as the Sinking Lands of Saeftinghe, the area was once a prosperous village. In the 13th century, humans drained the swamp so that they could build on the fertile land; they also built dykes around the reclaimed land to protect it from flooding. Much of the land around Saeftinghe was lost in the flood of 1570. Dutch soldiers fighting in the war for independence from the Spaniards were forced to destroy the last dyke barrier. while defending Antwerp, allowing Scheldt’s waters to take over the town. However, a local legend tells a slightly different story, blaming the flood of 1570 on the rampage of a mermaid held captive by the townspeople. Today, the settlement is buried under layers of sand and clay, although bricks have been recovered that may have belonged to a monastery due to the floods. Caribbean Pirate Paradise The Caribbean pirate’s paradise of Port Royal, Jamaica was known as “the worst city on Earth”, before a devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami pushed two-thirds of the town under waves. The violent shaking liquefied the sand beneath about 2,000 brick buildings, which were displaced and appeared to flow into the sea. Of the town’s estimated 6,500 inhabitants at the time, 2,000 are believed to have perished in the earthquake and tsunami. More than 3,000 people died from injury and disease afterward, according to UNESCO. Salt beach in Germany This place was once a busy trading port. Rungholt’s exact location – long regarded as a legend – remains unclear, although artifacts and evidence of tillage found in the Wadden Sea suggest its existence. a trading port. The flood of Saint Marcellus, also known as the “Great Drowning of Men”, is believed to be the culprit behind the town’s disappearance. High tides caused by extratropical cyclones ravaged the coasts of northern Germany and Denmark, killing thousands. Atlit Yam, Israel The oldest settlement ever discovered in the Mediterranean with interesting rock structures such as Scotland’s Stonehenge. This Neolithic village lies 8 to 12 meters deep under the Mediterranean Sea, hidden for more than 8,000 years until marine archaeologist Ehud Galili discovered it while surveying sand for shipwrecks in 2014. 1984. It is now considered one of the oldest underwater settlements ever discovered. Careful excavations have uncovered rectangular houses with fireplaces and the remains of a dry rock well. One of the most interesting finds is a megalithic structure – similar to Scotland’s Stonehenge – built around a stream, made of seven giant stones weighing around 600 kg each. Burial sites and human remains have also been excavated. One study suggested that a tsunami may have caused the settlement to be abandoned. Baiae, Italy Baiae was once a spa town in Rome that was famous for its debauchery. Underground pressure in the area causes the land to rise and fall, and much of its ancient history is now below sea level. Notably, the underwater remains of the Pisonian Mansion and the statue of Nymphaeum decorated by Emperor Claudius were sunk deep into the water. In addition, several prominent Romans visited the resort town during its heyday, including Julius Caesar, emperors Hadrian and Septimius Severus, generals Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great) and Gaius Marius and politician Lucius Licinius Lucullus. Underwater city for over 3,000 years in Greece Hy The city of Pavlopetri, Greece has been submerged for more than 3,000 years. The ruins of Pavlopetri were discovered in 1967, and analyzes of building materials and pottery shards show them to be about 5,000 years old. The town remained above ground for 2,000 years before it could be sunk by earthquakes. The layout of the town has been perfectly preserved 4 meters under the waves, with streets, buildings and tombs eroded over time but still visible. At least 15 buildings have been identified. Thonis-Heracleion, Egypt A statue of a Nile god found underwater is important evidence of the area’s existence. Located northwest of Alexandria on the Nile Delta, Thonis-Heracleion was a famous trading port before earthquakes weakened the land and dragged it under salt water. The area is full of artifacts, but the colossal 6-ton statue of the Nile god Hapi is one of the most important finds among the ruins.

Deadvlei is a white clay basin located near Sossusvlei, inside Namib-Naukluft Park in Namibia. It is also written as DeadVlei or Dead Vlei, the name meaning “dead swamp” (from the English word dead, and Afrikaans vlei, a lake or swamp in a valley between the dunes). (Photo: Worldkings) This is a white clay basin located near the famous sand dunes Sossusvlei. In this area are scattered hundreds of dead acacia trees – trees that once thrived when the Tsauchab River flooded the land. About 900 years ago, the river began to change direction, causing Deadvlei to gradually become arid. Over the years, the dead trees were dyed black by the sun like bare bones on the sand. However, they do not disappear over time, instead decomposing, the bare branches stuck for hundreds of years in the middle of the white clay swamps turned black in the heat of the desert. (Photo: Gypset Magazine) When the sun rose from the sand dunes, winding like a silk in the distance, the corpses of the trees in Deadvlei still stood for hundreds of years and were stunningly beautiful. At the foot are the hard white mud strips of rock, above the blue sky and around are the sand dunes transforming in the magical bright sunlight. (Photo: Gypset Magazine) At the edge of Deadvlei, visitors can climb the “Big Daddy” also known as the “Crazy Dune” known as the tallest sand dune in the world. To climb to the top of the dune can take about 1.5 to 2 hours. But the hard work will be rewarded with a beautiful view that is reduced to eye level. (Photo: Worldkings) This is one of the places for visitors to see the clearest sky on the planet. Red sand dunes, blue sky make the scene of dead swamp appear more fanciful, in resonance with the morning mist, salsola shrubs and nara melons can still exist, giving life to the barren forest, making the scenery here so unique that visitors cannot see these strange things anywhere else in the world. (Photo: Wolfgang Steiner) (Photo: Wolfgang Steiner) The best time to visit is early morning and late afternoon. This is not only the best time of day to take photos, but also avoids the harsh noonday sun. If you want to visit at sunrise, you should arrive at the gate early before opening time, between 6am and 6:45am. If you come in the afternoon, you need to note that the closing time is from 5:15 to 6:15 pm. (Photo: Travel News Namibia) (Photo: Deviating The Norm) (Photo: Deviating The Norm)

In particular, thanks to the opening of the road along Lap An lagoon, many eco-tourism sites in the area were discovered and exploited, contributing to creating jobs and improving the lives of many households. in the area. And Do Waterfall in Bald Coconut is one of the eco-tourist destinations that in our opinion you should come to experience this summer. If you depart from Hue, follow Highway 1A to Phu Loc, cross 2 passes Phuoc Tuong, Phu Gia, look to the right, you will see a wide lagoon with a soft winding road bordered by a picturesque landscape. drawing – That is the lagoon and the road along Lap An. You can choose to turn right from the foot of Phu Gia pass, or continue to go straight towards Lang Co town and turn in, leisurely follow this road for a few more kilometers, to the territory of Bald Dua village, you will see a signpost. ; Or simply ask the locals, anyone can show you the right way. Clear water for guests to enjoy swimming and bathing The road to Thac Do is very easy to go, low-rise 4-seater cars can also come to the place. The waterfall originates from the top of Bach Ma mountain, when it rumbles, when it travels through the green primeval forest canopy of the National Forest, to Bald Coconut, the water poured over many years has created 3 successive lakes. connected, transparent. Each lake is about a hundred square meters wide, enough for visitors to enjoy bathing and swimming. At the bottom of the lake, which is not too deep, there are many small stream fish swimming, working hard to find moss to eat, or hiding in the rock holes that make the children love to dive and catch them tirelessly. From the lakes, guests can go upstream, just a short distance to check-in, cool off with pure white water. Those who want more can find a certain niche, sit with their backs to the massage water comfortably without having to be afraid of charging fees and calculating “tips”. Of course, care must be taken to avoid locations with a lot of moss to avoid dangerous falls. Eating and drinking, shacks are served by local people, simple and reasonable prices. The food is fresh and delicious, but in general, the scenery is so fresh and beautiful, everything feels delicious. In the first years, go to the place to find the shack before ordering. Later on, tourists heard the voice coming back a lot, the service was also “pro” gradually, there was a Fb page, there was a phone number for customers to book in advance. I just hope that the business people here know how to respect and preserve the landscape, which is also preserving their source of life. Must raise awareness of environmental protection, awareness of preserving beautiful views for the lake and waterfall. Avoid the situation where everyone does, strong everyone wins, leading to damage to the destination, tourists turning away is a waste and a waste. Sunny days have sounded very acrid. Get in the car, Thac Do is on duty. You will surely be satisfied. https://dulich.petrotimes.vn/

However, have you ever wondered where this huge treasure of knowledge, from drawings, historical books or records of artistic quintessence, is kept? The answer is papyrus. Traces of majestic history, primitive knowledge from one of the first human civilizations recorded on papyrus, passed from generation to generation. Therefore, the papyrus has become a symbol of culture, spirituality and history of ancient Egyptian society, as well as the precious heritage of modern Egypt. Paper roll of papyrus. (Source: UK McClung Museum) Ancient, versatile The papyrus papyrus is one of the oldest known plant species known to mankind and Egypt is considered the origin of this plant. The papyrus grows in the swamps on both sides of the Nile River, relying on the sediments of the Nile to nurture and grow. The oldest recorded record of the appearance of the papyrus tree is that of the Greek historian Herodotus, in 450 BC: “The papyrus grew from the swamps, the body was fine. cut and processed into different products, the lower rhizome is eaten or sold ”. The ancient Egyptians discovered the value of papyrus in everyday life. Not only was the main material in papyrus paper production, papyrus also had many other uses in the daily life of ancient Egyptians. The lower stems and roots can be eaten raw or grilled. One can chew on the papyrus stalk, swallow the water and then spit the pulp like gum. Papyrus is also braided as a rope, fishing net, even a boat or decorative details on a boat. In households, papyrus can be used as firewood for cooking, knitting into everyday items such as bags, corks, bed sheets, carpets, curtains, slippers … In the medical field, dry papyrus ash is used to treat skin diseases (caustic, calluses …) or prevent cold sores from developing. The Papyrus habitat is wetlands along the banks of the Nile. (Source: African Plants – A Photo Guide) Witness of history In ancient Egyptian cosmology, the world was created when the first god stood on a mound emerging from the infinite darkness, indistinguishable between darkness and water. Every year, this mound will emerge from the water with the papyrus. Therefore, the papyrus is the symbol of fertility, rebirth, the germ of creation. In that sacred sense, the ancient Egyptians used papyrus as amulets, funerals, mummies or paintings in temples. Amulets made from the papyrus tree are worn around the neck, sewn on a mummy’s scarf, or placed under the mummy’s head to help the deceased feel as warm as they were alive despite having stepped foot into the afterlife. The paintings on the walls of many tombs show that papyrus was used in ceremonies or funerals. The attendees at the ceremony often carry papyrus stalks as an offering to the gods. There is an opinion that when thinking of Egypt, people immediately think of papyrus. The ancient Egyptians invented papyrus paper for so long, so long that it is impossible to determine the exact time. Much of the history of Egypt and the ancient world came to the modern world through information written on papyrus. The use of papyrus paper from the I Dynasty, 3100 BC is recorded on frescoes in the shape of a scroll, and is also considered an image of a book. So how was papyrus produced by the ancient Egyptians? First, they pulled the papyrus stalk out of the swamp, tied it in bundles and brought it to the processing plant. Then, the stalk is cut into thin slices, soaked in water for several days to soften. Finally, the slices are layered, squeezed out of water and strengthened adhesion. The papyrus is dried, which can be glued to increase length depending on the intended use. The image of the papyrus tree is used as a decorative detail on the boat. (Source: UK McClung Museum). Ancient papyrus is found in many places, but mainly in tombs. During the 1903-1920 excavation at the village of Deir al Medina (the residence of those working for tombs in the Valley of the Kings), in the city of Thebes (now Luxor) by the Italian Egyptologist. Leading Ernesto Schiaparelli, historians found 16 meters of papyrus, known as the “Book of the Dead” on the tomb of the main craftsman Kha and his wife Merit (built around 1386-1349 BC ). This is an ancient Egyptian religious document, another name is “The Book of Light” or “The Letter”, a collection of spells and spells recorded to help the soul of the dead to the next world. the other through “Underworld Gate”. The book was written by many priests over a period of 1,000 years. Originally, this book was inscribed in hieroglyphs in pyramid mausoleums and served only to the Pharaohs. However, by the New Kingdom period (1550-1352 BC), this book was copied on papyrus by priests and used for princes, officials, and the upper class. The letter will be read during the mummification process and left in the tomb of the dead. Kha and his wife Merit in front of Death Osiris sitting under a papyrus tree in the Underworld. (Source: UK McClung Museum). Wait for the day “reborn” Today, under the influence of topography, environment and the development of modern settlements on the banks of the Nile, the papyrus tree is almost extinct in Egypt, and as a result, papyrus paper making has gradually faded. one. A small village in Egypt, one of the last to retain the papyrus tradition, is called Al Qaramous (Al Sharqia province). Artist Atef Mohamed Shehata is one of the few artisans in the village who also harvests papyrus and produces papyrus paper. Papyrus seeds are planted and it will take about a year to reach harvestable maturity. After harvest, the tree will regrow in about 1-2 months. Once upon a time, the whole village was covered with papyrus tree, but up to now, the area of ​​this tree is only about 4 hectares. At the end of the finishing process, the papyrus will be sold to other artists in the village, one of which is painter Saied Tarakhan. Finally, paintings on Papyrus paper will be sold at souvenir shops. However, the Covid-19 epidemic broke out, causing a significant decrease in the number of tourists, directly affecting the livelihoods of the villagers, who mostly depend on the harvest and sale of papyrus paintings. Tarakhan artist had to leave all of the studio’s painting staff and partially shut down the workshop. However, with the craftsmen Shehata and Tarakhan, papyrus has become a sacred part of life. They will continue to preserve the tradition of papyrus and papyrus painting for many generations to come, with the same hope that this tradition will continue to be restored, more brilliant and true to the meaning of the “rebirth” of the papyrus species. .

Posts & photos: THUY THIEM Friday, April 9, 2021, 14:34 + | Print The joy of being full of fish. In the months from September to March of the lunar calendar every year, Bau Gun (An My commune, Tuy An district, Phu Yen) bustles with the sound of dams at night. Over a long period of exploitation with environmental “complications”, people began to wish to preserve the lagoon as their livelihood. Job “chicks” feed through the day Bau Gun is a freshwater lagoon with immense lilies. With an area of ​​2.5 km², there is also a job here “chirping” fishing in the Bau. Each end of the year, in the September of lunar calendar, heavy rains pouring in from high places create the floating water season in Bau Gun. That is when the cocoons of caviar and snail eggs still buried in the mud, clinging to the grass tops are proliferating and proliferating. This is also the fishing season for people living in villages bordering on Bau such as Hoa Da village, Giai Son village, Phu Long village, Phu Hoa village. People fish in the plain with many different tools, depending on the type of fish catching, they have suitable fishing methods and times. Some tools can be mentioned as fish net, ignoring fish to lure, net to grab snails or a bamboo that locals call it to lure shrimp, crab … In order to get fresh and delicious fish, the farmer had to do a lot of work from preparing the fishing equipment to removing the fish from the net to be intact. In the past, to make a net, it took three to four days to complete. From the work of buying freight and weaving into a net, boiling boiling water through the net, then floating boats, lead pairs, each stage requires perseverance and meticulousness. But now that is better, there are ready-made fish nets on the market with reasonable prices. Doing this job, regardless of time, sometimes goes out and pulls the net two or three times a day. Those who work for a long time will have experience and know the direction of the water flow, when the fish runs to keep track of the time and place of fishing. At 1 am, when everyone was still asleep, Uncle Le Van Muoi (59 years old, Hoa Da village, An My commune) started a new job with fish nets on an old daily boat. This boat has been with me for several seasons of floating water and is my best friend on Bau Gun. Not only uncle, in that time frame, in the quiet night, we can hear the boats gliding on the water very clearly, asking each other: “So early today, uncle Muoi”, “Today Is it okay, Mr. Tu ”. At this moment, there are more and more lights, people, splashing water, fish fluttering in the cabin. Everyone was quick and hurried, looking forward to more fish in time for the first day of the market. White fish nets were pulled back at four o’clock in the morning, under a light in the middle of the yard, the uncle Muoi and his wife carefully removed each fish so that they were intact for sale at a high price. And the fresh tilapia, swimming in the brass. “The story of the bird, water fish is difficult to say, some days are many, some days are less. Everyday, we can sell 200 thousand dong only, some days we get a few dozen ”, said Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhung, wife of Uncle Muoi. Find a way to recover Field fishing in Bau Gun is considered a traditional profession every time the water season returns. The people following this profession are mostly men, after finishing farming, they prepare for a season of fishing to earn extra income. Because every water level comes back, Bau Gun has many fish and shrimp such as anabas, crayfish, catfish, trout, catfish, shrimp, crab, and snails, just fishing is enough for everyone to have a meal. delicious rice, bold home taste. What is more wonderful, after hard working hours, everyone has time to gather with the family rice tray, enjoy sweet cooked crayfish, add tomatoes, a few slices of chili, the aroma of seasoning vegetables. Adding a plate of water lily next to it is nothing. But in recent years, the number of fish and snails on the Bau gun has decreased significantly. Some types of high economic value such as crustaceans, snails, snails, black snails gradually disappear. That is a sign that the sneaky use of “electric batteries” in the fishing process, the destructive fishing style has greatly affected the reproduction and breeding of these types of aquatic products. In addition, the use of agrochemicals in the cultivation process at Bau Gun in the past is also one of the reasons for the egg cancer of aquatic species remaining in the mud, plants. Wishing to restore an old gun, some people are looking for ways to rebuild lost aquatic breeds by catching, farming, and buying seeds from other places to breed for breeding. . At the same time limit the use of agricultural chemicals to protect aquatic resources, step by step maintain traditional jobs here.

The Amazon forest was cut down in Brazil. Documentary photo: AFP / VNA According to a report based on satellite data by the Global Forest Monitoring Organization, Brazil was the most severely damaged, the area of ​​destroyed forest in the country was 3 times higher than that of the second ranked country, the DRC. . In 2020, up to 4.2 million hectares of primary forest in the tropics will be destroyed, 12% higher than the previous year. Altogether in 2020, the tropical regions will lose 12.2 million hectares of greenery, including forests and tree plantations, mainly due to agricultural activities. Researchers also pointed out that extreme heat and drought have also caused wildfires, burning vast forests in Australia, Siberia and deep in the Amazon region. The author of the report, Ms. Frances Seymour of the World Resources Institute said that these losses reflect a state of emergency in climate. This is not only an ecosystem crisis, but also a humanitarian disaster, loss of economic potential. The study has provided some evidence that the restrictions imposed by countries to prevent the COVID-19 epidemic are also impacting this trend worldwide, as it increases the rate of illegal exploitation due to the forests are no longer protected, or more people have returned to the countryside. The researchers warn that the worst consequences will happen if countries stop protecting forests for economic purposes. However, according to Ms Seymour, the “worst sign” of last year was that forests became victims of climate change, according to which wetlands are still burning. According to research, trees and soils absorb up to 30% more carbon produced by human pollution each year, so the rapid disappearance of tropical forests will result. Uncompensable damage to the Earth’s ecosystem. The researchers emphasize that destroying tropical primeval forests in 2020 will emit 2.64 tons of CO2, the equivalent of India’s annual emissions, or 570 million cars, or twice as much. the emissions of all vehicles circulating in the US. Ms. Seymour warned that the more the world is delaying preventing deforestation, or slowly pushing towards the goal of neutralizing emissions, the more likely it is that natural forests that absorb CO2 on Earth will disappear completely. In Brazil, the government has cut budgets for environmental programs, leaving many Amazon lands to be exploited for resources and agribusiness, resulting in 1.7 million hectares of primary forest being destroyed in 2020. , up 25% from 2019. Meanwhile, the Pantanal tropical wetlands, the paradise of ecosystems stretching from Brazil to Bolivia, also suffered many fires. Bolivia is the country with the third highest deforestation rate in the world in 2020. Indonesia is a bright spot when reducing deforestation rate by 17% compared to 2019 and for the first time in 20 years, it escapes the group of three countries with the highest deforestation rate in the world. Deforestation rate in Indonesia has decreased for 4 consecutive years. Last year wet weather, combined with government policies, had had a long-term positive impact on the destruction of primary forests, researchers say. Forests cover more than 30% of the Earth’s area, while tropical forests are home to 50-90% of all terrestrial creatures. Earlier this week, research published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution estimated that growing commodity demand in rich countries is accelerating deforestation in tropical regions. Recent studies have warned that to a certain point, deforestation in the Amazon threatens to change the climate of the entire region, turning tropical forests into savannas.