Short articles for your coffee break
Ol Doinyo Lengaï (“Mountain of God” in the Masaai language) is a unique volcano.
Located in Tanzania, it is the only volcano that emits natrocarbonatite, which is a lava with relatively low temperatures (about 500-600ºC), and much more fluid than silicate lavas.
More info: Ol Doinyo Lengaï
Ivan Aivazovsky is considered one of the greatest marine art painter.
The Russian painter of the 19th century distinguished himself by his work on light, painting realistic translucent waves.
More info: Ivan Aivazovsky
In Catalonia, castells (“Castle” in Catalan) or human towers were raised to the level of art, they can reach a height of 15 m (about 50 ft).
In 2010, castells were declared by UNESCO to be the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
More info: The Art of Castells
Ġgantija (“Giantess”) temples are the oldest megalithic temples of Malta. The older and larger one dates back to 3600 BC.
Gozitans (from Gozo island) used to believe the temples were built by giants. Some of the limestone blocks weigh over 50 tons and exceed five meters.
More info: Ġgantija Temples
The palace of winds (Hawa Mahal) in Jaipur counts 953 windows and balconies.
Built in 1799, the palace was intended to accomodate women from the royal harem. Because of the architecture they were able to observe everyday life without being seen.
More info: Hawa Mahal
Great Salt Lake is called the “American Dead Sea”.
Covering an area of around 1,700 square miles (4,400 km²), Great Salt Lake has a salinity that ranges from 5 to 27% depending on the lake’s level.
More info: Great Salt Lake
The photo of this building is not altered.
Krzywy Domek means “Crooked Little House” in Polish. Built in 2004, it is currently a part of a commercial center, located in Sopot (Poland). The place combines culture and art with business.
More info: Krzywy Domek
Pražský orloj is the oldest astronomical clock still operating.
The medieval clock was built in 1410 by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň and Jan Šindel. It is located in the Old Town Square in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
More info: Prague Astronomical Clock
The Caribbean reef squid (Sepioteuthis Sepioidea) has the highest eye-to-body ratio in all the animal kingdom.
Divers commonly sight this species over the inshore reefs in the Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean region.
More info: Caribbean Reef Squid
In Nepal Gurung people, also called the Tamu risk their lives to hunt honey.
Twice a year, they climb a long ladder to obtain honey from the giant Apislaboriosa bees on top of the cliff. Before starting the hunt they perform a ritual to worship the cliff gods.
More info: Honey Hunters
The Coffee Corner 