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The Glossary
With its surreal landscape, Assekrem is considered not only as an off-the-beaten destination but also as another "world" on earth. When viewed from the oasis town of Tamanrasset, Assekrem is barely distinguishable from the surrounding desert sands of Sahara and the rocky projection of the Ahaggar Mountains.
To photography lovers, Assekrem may be described as the place with the most beautiful sunsets on Earth—a contrast from the forbidding environment of the rugged and arid desert. Asskrem was heaven on earth to Charles de Foucauld. Around 100 years ago, this French monk and ex-army officer lived on the highest point of Assekrem right at the top of Ahaggar Mountain. He believed that to live in the mountain is to truly know and find his God.
Today, a steady flow of visitors from around the world declare that the place well worth the visit despite the bumpy and perilous road leading to it. Other than marveling at the lovely sunset, visitors are also lured to riding a 4x4 car to experience one real "ride" to the Atakor plateau noted for its "Tolkien-esque" features that are synonymous with the dry terrain and dark peaks of" Middle Earth."
Though it's bitterly cold at the top, pilgrims still trek the rocky track that leads to the site which used to be the sanctuary of Charles de Foucauld. It is now a convent run by Catholic monks and receives throngs of pilgrims annually from around the world. At the top, they can get to the small stone house where they can pray and later they can be in awe at the orange and pink hue of the sunlight that touches the tip of the Ahaggar Mountain which juts out of the Saharan skyline.
Other worthwhile items which lend variety and attraction to the visit to this corner of Algeria are a desert trek to the Algerian desert with the desert dwelling Tuareg, a climb to the summit of Jabal Tahat, or a short trip to the stunning landscape of Sahara Desert on a sturdy camel.
User blogs:
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News from http://news.ph.msn.com/top-stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3737940 Richard Branson unveiled Monday a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space. The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous ... Read full Blog post
Indonesia Eco Tourism
Tour Itenaray Day 01 BALI - LABUAN BAJO – RINCA ISLAND – KOMODO ISLAND (L.D) Pick up from your hotel in Bali and transfer to the airport, for flight to Labuan Bajo (West Flores) for approximately one and half hours. On arrival in Labuan Bajo airport, will be welcomed and met with our local representative or tour guide. Than transfer to the harbour to catch a boat cross to Rinca ... Read full Blog post
San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
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