- Information
- Traveler Advice
- Forums
48HourVisit.com
Planning a short visit? Check out 48HourVisit.com, your online guide for short stays and weekend getaways. Ad
The Glossary
Semey Travel Guide
Semey is one of the horrific examples of a nuclear-ravaged town. This is because Semey had been notorious during the Soviet Union period as the location of the Semipalatinsk (Russian for seven-chambered city) Test Site. Nestled in the grassy steppes of Northern Kazakhstan, the area was used by the Soviet military for test explosions of an estimated 460 nuclear bombs between 1949 and 1989, until it was shut down in 1999 following a staggering amount of protests against the massive radioactive fallout in the environment.
In spite of such afflictions under Soviet communism, Semey stands as a place of hope, and has the reputation of being one of the most fascinating and striking tourist destinations in the country. Established by the Russians in 1718 primarily as a military fortress, it served as an important bridge between Siberia and Central Asia with the construction of the Turkestan-Siberia Railway. Though it is not really known for its flora and fauna, the town, however, boasts of the vast Semey Ormany State Forest Natural Reserve - which is home to a diverse collection of rare and endangered wildlife such as Corsac foxes, steppe harriers, golden eagles, Eurasian black grouses and steppe polecats.
Perhaps, Semey is most famous and remembered for its very rich culture and history. It takes pride in being the hometown of the country's revered father of modern poetry, Abay Ibrahim Qunanbayuli. Taking up schooling in the then-Semipalatinsk, he became a reformer of European cultures using liberal Islam. Semey also houses numerous museums such as the Abai and the Dostoevsky Museums that document its heritage and influences. What stands out, however, is the town's anatomical museum - a memorial dedicated to the victims of its nuclear past. It displays the heartbreaking horrors of radiation with its compiled examples of terrible genetic mutations that affected the surrounding populace, especially the unborn children. That is in fact a gruesome reminder of the cruel side of science.
User blogs:
Cheaper galactic spaceliner unveiled
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
In our Magazine
Summer Destination to Avoid: Gulf of Mexico
EPA is failing to do their job monitoring the air and reporting factual data. The people need to be made aware that their lives and long term livelihood are at stake because of the air quality in Gulf of Mexico.
How to Avoid Traveling Troubles
Traveling to a certain destination might not become memorable if there are too many troubles along the way. Remember that even the best trips are usually not trouble-free. Follow these tips that help lessen the hassles.
Unique Toys from Japan
Japan is known for its fascinating, and sometimes, eccentric culture. From anime, karaoke, to advanced technology, the Land of the Rising Sun always has something unique to offer.
