0108, 2011

Moscow (Red Square at Night)

World Cities & Harbors
429

For centuries, the city of Moscow has been a seat of political influence and a focus of global attention. In the heart of Moscow lies the historic Red Square, lined with dazzling government buildings that have survived the test of time– as well as occasional war and unrest. Some of the sights here include the State Historical Museum, the St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the fortified Kremlin compound, which was originally protected by little more than a wooden fence. Ironically, the term “Red Square” does not refer to the color of the buildings or from the square’s history as a communist capital. The name comes from the Old Russian word krasnaya, which used to mean “beautiful.” However,

2807, 2011

Split Rock Lighthouse

Lighthouses
470

Built in 1910, Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most distinctive features on the Minnesota coast. Sitting atop a 602-foot cliff, the light can be seen for 22 miles and aided Lake Superior ships until it was decommissioned in 1969. Today, the light is only lit for special occasions, although its lens still spins. Split Rock Lighthouse sits on the northern shore of Lake Superior in what is now Split Rock Lighthouse State Park in Two Harbors, Minnesota. Ken Navarro is an award-winning contemporary jazz guitarist. His impressive discography of nineteen top charting albums showcases his appeal to a wide range of listeners with inspiring compositions and superb guitar performances. Links Split Rock Lighthouse Split

2707, 2011

Santa María del Mar, Peru

Tropical Beaches
424

The Santa María del Mar district of Peru is well known for its beautiful beaches. Just south of the country’s capital of Lima, this relaxation destination seems to have it all– pristine sand, a rolling surf from the Pacific Ocean, and a perfect boating harbor all framed by bold rocky slopes. Farther back from the beach are restaurants, a club, and numerous rental houses and apartments for seasonal visitors. Though there are not many nearby hotels, some apartments and houses can be rented for a daily or weekly term. Alexander Zonjic has performed on stages around the world as a solo performer, with his own group, and as part of jazz great Bob James’ band. An

2607, 2011

Bryce Canyon National Park

Scenic Earth
411

The western part of the United States is filled with many fascinating landscapes, but Bryce Canyon National Park is particularly unique. Carved by rain and frost wedging in the limestone of Utah’s Claron Formation, this stunning landscape is known for its hoodoos– weathered rock spires– and its bizarre terrain that includes numerous amphitheaters and maze-like valleys. Covering 56 square miles, Bryce Canyon is one of the smaller national parks, but it spans more than 2,000 feet of altitude. This means several distinct climate zones can be found within the park, each with its own plant and animal life. The varied landscape is perfect for hiking or biking, or for relaxation and meditation when the sun is

2507, 2011

Seattle (Elliott Bay Waterfront)

In this eScapes video– a sample of our 500th completed episode— we take you to the waterfront of Seattle, Washington. This harbor in Puget Sound’s Elliott Bay was a center of activity in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when these piers were used by foreign traders and gold-seekers heading to Alaska. As Seattle’s shipping industry modernized during and after World War II, many old piers were functionally replaced by larger ports with better machinery. Today, Pier 57, featured in this scene, is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions, including a hand-carved carousel that is one of the oldest in North America. Those seeking a more relaxing time can sit and watch

2207, 2011

Puno, Peru (Floating Islands)

Scenic Earth, World Cities & Harbors
437

The Puno region of Lake Titicaca in Peru has been home to the Uros people since before the Inca empire. The Uros people are known for their unique floating islands. For hundreds of years, this culture has made its home on artificial islands made from interwoven reeds from the lake. Traditionally an isolated hunting and fishing society, the Uros have in modern times expanded to the mainland, and have found new sources of income in the tourism focused around their islands. Peter White is an English smooth jazz guitarist who played with several artists, including a 20-year span as accompanist and writer for Al Stewart, before launching a solo career in 1990. With several Top 10

2107, 2011

Rome

World Cities & Harbors
517

Rome may be the most important city that has ever been built. The capital of an empire that controlled the entire Mediterranean region, most of Europe, and significant parts of Asia, Rome’s influence on the fundamentals of Western civilization is unmatched. Western language, art, religion, government, architecture, medicine, and much more are all rooted in Roman innovation. Many Rome sights featured in this eScapes scene hint at the civilization’s cultural legacy. This eScapes scene features the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Minerveo obelisk, an iconic Roman arched bridge, and the ruins of the Roman Forum, the former center of Roman democracy. Boney James is a saxophonist who, despite his resistance to being labeled as strictly

1907, 2011

Kansas City Rainstorm

American Cities
449

Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri and a state economic and cultural capital. This is reflected in the buildings of the downtown area. Prominent in the cityscape and featured in this eScapes video are the oblong headquarters of H&R Block and the historic Mainstreet Theater. Kansas City sits at the edge of the “Tornado Alley” of the United States. Though tornadoes in the city have been uncommon, it often experiences severe weather such as ice storms and flooding. However, less extreme storms like the one in this scene provide beautiful views of glistening city streets and dazzling lightning displays. Peter White is an English smooth jazz guitarist who played with several artists, including a

1807, 2011

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse (Night)

Lighthouses
223

The Point Cabrillo Light Station, located in Mendocino County, California, is a California State Historic Park. The lighthouse indeed has a long and interesting history. First lit in 1909, it was a guide for a record number of ships carrying lumber to rebuild San Francisco after its 1906 earthquake. It later adopted new technology when it became a monitoring station for the now-defunct LORAN electronic navigation system. Since its construction, the lighthouse has been maintained by a variety of owners and keepers, and is now owned by California State Parks and managed by the Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association. The grounds includes several outbuildings including vacation rental homes. The intricate lantern shown at the end of this

1607, 2011

New York City Harbor

The one-of-a-kind atmosphere of New York City is evident in the skyline of Lower Manhattan as seen from the mouth of the East River. Just as iconic as the skyscrapers are the spaces between them: the famous New York City grid layout provides clear lines of sight for miles down the long streets parallel to the Hudson River. A short ferry ride from Battery Park (visible at the beginning of this eScapes video) is the Statue of Liberty. The most enduring symbol of New York City, as well as the entire United States, the popularity of the statue is rivaled only by the iconic Empire State Building, which was the tallest building in the world from