10 Most Beautiful Geological Wonders

Outside of Belize, a country in South America, is almost perfectly circular hole whose diameter is 0.4 km. The water depth in this hole -145 m, which gives it a deep blue color. Tourists from around the world are immersed in the great blue hole in Belize, to admire the amazing species of fish in its clear waters. It is believed that this magnificent geological object formed billions of years ago, when the water rose above the caves.

Our planet is the greatest and most beautiful creations, which are so remarkable place that is simply breathtaking. Many of them were formed naturally, such as the eruption of a volcano or meteorite fall. 09 more after the break...

02. Eye of the Sahara

In the Sahara Desert in Mauritania is one of the most amazing geological wonders, Eye of the Sahara, which is also called the structure Rishat. In the middle of the bare desert land can be seen like a bull's eye formation, with a diameter of 50 km. The crews of space ships even use eye Sahara as a guide. Initially anticipated that the eye has been called the Sahara of a meteorite on Earth. But now scientists believe that this creature was formed geological uplift and erosion of land.

03. The Gates of Hell

Darwaza is a city in Turkmenistan, where there is an impressive geological formation, called the Gates of Hell. This hole in the ground have inexhaustible supplies of fuel gas. It is believed that about 35 years ago, geologists who drilled the ground to detect the gas, dug too deep and the ground failed. Geologists did not dare climb into the hole to pick up their equipment. Fearing that poisonous gas could come from the land, they set fire to gas in the hole, and since the fire is burning here permanently.

04. Icy Tower Erebus

On the coldest continent, Antarctica is Erebus, a volcanic mountain covered with hundreds of ice towers. The towers are located at a height of 20 meters and constantly emitting steam. When the steam in the cold, the inner walls of the towers grow and expand. These earth geological creations like the tower on the planet Mars, the satellites of Saturn, Jupiter and Neptune. This constantly active volcano is another miracle of nature, where there are ice and fire. Last Erebus erupted in 1978.

05. Diabolical boulders

Australian aborigines, who live here are called Devilish boulders Charles Carl (Karlu Karlu). These huge round boulders of red granite are located amidst beautiful landscape. The diameter of these boulders can be from 50 cm to 60 m in cross section. Some are very bizarre way, balancing on each other. Diabolical boulders were formed millions of years ago when molten magma was under the sandstone and cooled to form granite. Years, and environmental factors have caused the erosion, so today we can observe these amazing natural phenomena. For Australian Aboriginal Devil boulders have special spiritual significance.

06. Reed Flute Cave

Reed Flute Cave in Guangxi autonomous region in China is a famous landmark, also known as the Palace of Natural Art. Natural limestone caves filled with wonderful and bizarre formations like icicles and rock formations with the additional effect of colored light. This geological object has been named in honor of the cane, which is found outside the cave and used for making musical flutes. Its length is about 240 m and a vast territory, which is an impressive landscape. The object is ancient, since its walls with inscriptions during the reign of the Tang dynasty, dated 792 BC

07. Salar de Uyuni

Salar de Uyuni in southwestern Bolivia. This geological wonder is the biggest dried salt lake, situated more than 3000 meters over the Andes, with area greater than 10 000 km ².This unique landscape formed by multiple layers of salt and water. In the middle of the marsh salt thickness is 10 m. When it rains, Salar de Uyuni is immersed and looks like a huge mirror. It is believed that it was formed at the confluence of the geothermal springs and salt lakes. At this point, several kinds of pink flamingos gather to breed.

08. Antelope Canyon

The most frequently photographed canyon in the southwestern United States is Antelope Canyon. It is located on Navajo land in Arizona. Navajo people call it Tse bighanilini, which means "place where water runs through rocks." Antelope Canyon is divided into two separate Canyon, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon.

Since the rain water flows through this place, it smooths out the rocks, giving them a curving form. Antelope Canyon was formed during the severe flooding that caused erosion of rocks, which opened the passages where the deep open corridors with interesting shapes of the rocks. In 2006, authorities closed the Antelope Canyon in 5 months because of flooding.

09. Chocolate Hills

More than 50 miles? Province of Bohol in the Philippines, has settled the geological creation, called the Chocolate Hills. In fact, on these hills is not chocolate, but all the hills, which, according to some estimates, from 1268 to 1776, look chocolate-brown in the dry season. Chocolate Hills are the third National Geological Monument in the Philippines, and they are depicted on the flag of the province of Bohol. Chocolate Hills are the perfect uniform shape and the height is about 30-50 m. According to one version, they were formed by self-destruction of an active volcano. According to legend, they were formed from the tears of a giant who has lost his love.

10. Stone Forest

Reserve Tsinzhi du Bemaraha, Madagascar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place where you can see the Stone Forest. The Stone Forest consists of a high and broad diffuse limestone, covering an area of 666 km ², being similar to the limestone towers. Locals warn that this is the place where you can not walk barefoot, since the terrain is fairly steep. In the Stone Forest home to unique animal species such as white lemur.

Different Seasons

The beautiful pictures of  different  seasons, 17 more images after the break...

World’s Top 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live

10. Bern, Switzerland

The country's capital is home to several major Swiss companies including Rolex, Toblerone, Swisscom and The Swatch Group, as well as the foreign offices of American companies, such as eBay, Cisco and Ingram Micro. Bern is popular for its lower taxes, as well as liberal labor laws. To top it off, the city has managed to retain its cultural heritage. Old Bern has been recognized as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site for being one of Europe's best examples of a medieval town. The city, which is filled with diverse historical attractions, was home to Albert Einstein from 1903 and 1905, during which he developed his groundbreaking theory of relativity. Human resources consultant ECA International has drawn up its latest list of the world's most expensive cities for U.S. expatriates. The survey examined 400 cities and regions across the world, and measured a basket of common items purchased by foreign workers in U.S. dollars terms, including food, clothing and electrical goods. 09 more cities after the break...

09. Kobe, Japan

Kobe is one of Japan's busiest container ports. It is also the point of origin and namesake of the world-renowned Kobe beef. While Japan is the only Asian country surveyed where the cost of goods in the ECA basket has fallen, it is the most expensive country for foreign workers in U.S. dollar terms. That's a largely a result of the appreciation of the yen over the past six months, as well as the already high cost of goods and services.

08. Geneva, Switzerland

Situated along Lake Geneva in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, Geneva is regarded as the global center for diplomacy. It's home to many United Nations agencies, as well as the World Trade Organization, Red Cross and World Economic Forum headquarters.

One quarter of this picturesque city is made up of public parks, making it a popular destination for U.S. expatriates looking to relocate. Geneva is also well known for its haute cuisine, boasting more restaurants per capita than New York City.

07. Luanda, Angola

The capital of Angola has seen an influx of multinational companies looking to tap the country's rich energy reserves. The country is also rich in other goods, exporting coffee, diamonds, sugar, iron and salt.

But a three-decade-long civil war has devastated Luanda's infrastructure, driving up the cost of goods and services. From haircuts to gym memberships to fast-food meals, nothing comes cheap in the city. A one-year gym membership reportedly costs $2,500 and a haircut can cost upwards of $150.

06. Zurich, Switzerland

Despite its low tax rates, Switzerland's largest city ranks as the fifth most expensive for expatriates. A large reason for this is the rapid appreciation of the Swiss franc, which has strengthened 27 percent against the U.S. dollar in the last year.

The country's business center is the base for many leading financial institutions, including Credit Suisse, Julius Baer and UBS. In addition to its position as a European financial hub, Zurich is famous for its watch companies and chocolate makers, such as Lindt & Sprüngli.

05. Yokohama, Japan

As Japan's second-largest city, Yokohama is a major commercial center for the Greater Tokyo Area.

The port city has a strong economic base, particularly in the biotechnology, semiconductor and shipping industries. Carmaker Nissan and Fujitsu semiconductor have moved their headquarters to the city.

Yokohama also is a budding artistic hub. The city is gearing up to host its triennale art event from August to December this year, with artists from around the world exhibiting their works at venues around the city.

04. Stavanger, Norway

The discovery of oil in the North Sea during the 1960s, converted this quaint metropolis into Norway's petroleum capital. Over 50 energy companies have offices in Stavanger, making the city home to hundreds of expatriates working in the oil and gas sector.

During the recent economic downturn, Norway's oil wealth meant the government could sustain economic growth with a lavish stimulus program. The country also has one of the world's most generous welfare systems, including public schools that offer free, high-quality education.

It is the high cost of food and transportation that make Stavanger No. 4 on the list, however. Food prices in Norway are around 50 percent higher than the euro zone average, with meat, sugar and cereal products being the most expensive products.

03. Nagoya, Japan

Known as Japan's most dynamic region, Nagoya is located 165 miles west of Tokyo. It is the hub for most of Japan's manufacturers, and produces a large portion of the country's automobile and aircraft parts.

A number of Japanese automotive companies are headquartered in Nagoya, including Toyota and Honda. Fortunately, these manufacturing plants were largely unaffected by the impact of the March earthquake and tsunami, which struck the region north of Tokyo.

02. Oslo, Norway

Oslo has been the second most expensive city for expatriates for six years in a row — that's thanks to the relative strength of the Kroner, which has appreciated 16 percent against the U.S. dollar over the last year, and the resilience of the Norwegian economy during the financial crisis.

This hub of Norwegian trade is the home to the world's largest shipping companies, shipbrokers and maritime insurance companies.

The city also boasts of one of the world's most extensive and efficient metro transportation systems, and an environmentally friendly tram system. Efficiency comes at a price, however — a one-way ticket on public transportation costs around $5.60.

01. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world, with a movie ticket costing $24 and the average taxi fare at $8.

As a global financial center, the city is home to headquarters for many of the world's largest investment banks and insurance companies. Tokyo is also one of greenest cities in the world. Despite having a population of more than eight million, it has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions in Asia-Pacific. The city has been praised for its comprehensive transportation policy, under which the city's entire taxi fleet is being converted to electric vehicles.

World’s 10 Most Colorful Chinatowns Share

1. Singapore

Singapore's Chinatown, once home to the first Chinese settlers in what's now a heavily Westernized city-state, is one of its few distinctly Asian neighborhoods. The enclave was home to the area's earliest Chinese settlers. Several of its institutions, such as the Heritage Centre, Food Street, and Night Market, preserve the culture of its original inhabitants, while some areas of the district are designated national heritage sites. Many historic buildings remain as relics of the past, as well as to complement the otherwise modern landscape. More after the break...

We have compile a list of most colorful Chinatowns in the world. Take a look at the some wonderful photos of these world's  great Chinatowns. Please feel free to drop your comments.

2. Melbourne

Melbourne boasts the oldest Chinatown in the world, established during Victoria's Gold Rush in 1854. Catch the world's longest Chinese dragon– the Millennium Dai Loong Dragon tops 100 meters — in action as it is brought to life by 200 people during the Chinese New Year parade.

3. Kuala Lumpur

The capital of Malaysia was actually founded by Chinese tin prospectors in the 1850s, who played a pivotal role in the city's transformation from a jungle settlement to a center for the tin mining industry. The Chinese remain the city's dominant ethnic group and control a large proportion of the country's commerce. Chinatown, known locally as Petaling Street or Jalan Petaling, is famous for its food stalls and night market, where shoppers can load up on fresh produce and counterfeit DVDs, watches and purses (don't forget to haggle).

4. Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

Arriving in Georgetown, Penang, off the west coast of Malaysia after a long journey from Thailand, you may almost think that you accidentally traveled all the way to China. The city's Chinatown is one of the largest and best preserved in the world, with everyday sights and sounds reminiscent of a small city in China. Most residents are descended from Chinese immigrants who arrived in Penang during the colonial era and made their fortunes as traders and shopkeepers. Many of their original shops are still intact today.

5. Toronto

In the most ethnically diverse city in the world, residents have their pick of seven Chinatowns. The city's main Chinatown was formed in the late 1960s, when many businesses in the original Chinatown were forced to move. Since the 1980s, the Greater Toronto Area's Chinese community has migrated to the suburbs of Scarborough, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Markham, and North York, where shopping centers are reminiscent of Hong Kong's malls and street stalls.

6. New York

New York's first Chinese residents began arriving in Manhattan's Lower East Side in the late 19th century to escape discriminatory measures on the West Coast. In the 1980s, the neighborhood eclipsed San Francisco's as the largest Chinatown outside Asia. But don't overlook the city's other Chinese enclaves – in Elmhurst and Flushing in Queens, and along Avenue U and 8th Avenue in Brooklyn. In fact, Flushing's Chinatown has now surpassed Manhattan's in size.

7. Vancouver

There's a reason this city has been nicknamed "Hongcouver." In the years leading up to Hong Kong's 1997 handover to China, waves of wealthy immigrants flooded the city. The mayor, Sam Sullivan, even speaks Cantonese. Vancouver's Chinatown dates back to the early 20th century, although recent arrivals have headed for the suburb of Richmond, where many of the Chinese restaurants are considered the best outside of Hong Kong.

8. San Francisco

The city's Chinese New Year parade, an annual event since the 1860s, is the largest Asian cultural celebration outside of Asia. Chinatown may seem like a tacky tourist trap, but one cannot ignore the history and significance of one of the world's best-known Chinese quarters, once the stomping grounds of Sun Yat-Sen and Amy Tan. The original enclave, built in the 1850s by settlers who had arrived during the gold rush and railroad days, would be the world's oldest had it not been destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. Since the 1960s, much of the city's Chinese community has moved into the Sunset and Richmond districts, while newer immigrants often settle in the suburbs around the Bay Area.

9. Yokohama, Japan

Yokohama Chinatown is the largest throughout Asia, in developing the environment when the Port of Yokohama was opened to foreign trade in 1859 because many of the Chinese traders and settled here. The roads and streets of Chinatown is marked by nine flashy colors, but the gate was found at all.

10. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok Chinatown is famous just as Yaowarat or Sampeng, after the strolling nearby, Bangkok's Chinatown is as old as the city itself. In the late 1700s, as a young Bangkok city expanded, Chinese merchants were asked to move. They settled here near the river where they have since that time will be quick to this point. The tourists will be fast to show the "Traimit Wat temple", which the largest houses gold Buddha, weighing in more than five tons. Do not miss the great shopping opportunities, especially the items on display in the old Chinese pharmacy.