Contest #107 Answer: San Marino

The most serene Repbulic of San Marino, an independent country surrounded by Italy.  It is the oldest sovern state and constitutional republic (enacted in 1600) in the world.

Those rising to the top:

  • Karel
  • Milosh, Serbia
  • Munden
  • Dennis S
  • Pan

Contest #106 Answer: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, Africa

photo: Thomas Huston

In the Crater Highlands of Tanzania,  where the lions, and wildebeest roam, is the large Ngorongoro Crater – the answer to contest #106.   This crater is thought to have been created by an enormous volcanic explosion some 2 to 3 million years ago.  The area around the crater is known as the Ngorongoro Convservation Area (another World Heritage Site) and is home to Africa’s big Five, the rino, lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo among many others.

Those who ventured out on Safari with a correct answer:

  • Milosh, Serbia
  • Munden
  • Pan
  • Charlie my boy (who has been there!)
  • Karel
photo: Schuyler S., edited by Daniel Schwen
photo: Schuyler S., edited by Daniel Schwen

Contest #105 Answer: Babylon, Iraq

From the ancient palace of Nebuchadnezzar and one of the original 7 wonders of the world, the Hanging Gardens,  to the lavish modern palace of Saddam Hussein, and the evidence of War, here we find Babylon.   This single image might be one of the most historic contest featured so far.

The prominent circular mound and Palace atop is the more modern castle of the fallen dictator.  The ruins to the east are the ruins of the palace of Nebuchadnezzar, including the reproduction of the Ishtar Gate.  Just to the south is Camp Babylon.

Those who stand correct with History:

  • Milosh, Serbia
  • Pan
  • Munden
  • Dennis S
  • Karel

Contest #104: Labadee, Haiti

Welcome to Labadee…” says the sign.  On the island of Hispaniola in the western Caribbean, you can find the poorest country in the western hemisphere, Haiti.  About 78% of the 8.7 million people live on less than $2.00 per day.  Unfortunately the country has been plagued by a long history of government corruption and political violence.

Isolated from the rest of the country, the port of  Labadee is actually a private resort operated by the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.  Thousands of tourist come here every week on the mega-cruise boats.   Despite Haiti’s difficulties, they are working hard to develop the untapped tourism industry, hopefully one of these days the cruise boat tourist will get an opportunity to see more of Haitian UNESCO treasures like the Citadel and Sans-Souci Palace.

Those on the correct cruise:

  • Milosh, Serbia
  • Munden
  • Pan
  • Karel

© Rémi Kaupp, CC-BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons