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Imagine a sea of sparkling, clear blue water speckled with multicoloured coral. Imagine crabs, turtles, dugongs, sea snakes and hundreds of species of fish swimming among this coral. Now imagine this scene stretching out for more than two thousand kilometres, or 1240 miles! This is the Great Barrier Reef, which is so expansive it is said that if you dived along it every day of your life you would not see it all.

Rome is a city of fountains. As you wind your way down narrow lanes and through busy streets, you are sure to pass many a piazza graced with a fountain spread out before you. These unique works of architecture couple grandiose designs with the refreshing presence of cascading water. For those who have visited Rome, it may not surprise you to learn that there are in fact an impressive 280 fountains in the Eternal City. And the most famous of all is the Trevi Fountain.

Central Park is a haven for New Yorkers and a tourist’s paradise. Nestled among some of the tallest buildings in one of the most densely populated cities in the world, Central Park stretches out, taking up 840 acres of prime real estate. It is first and foremost an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Some may think the city was built around the park, but it is entirely man-made, a tribute to modern architecture and landscaping. And it might not exist today had the people of New York not fought for it for over 150 years.

Although a tiny city- state, the Vatican City boasts many cultural and religious gems in its small boundaries. It’s famous for being the smallest country in the world, at less than 50 hectares, or 120 acres. And its permanent population is less than 1000 people. But it is home to the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica, ten museums and many lush gardens! And as the world centre of the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican is a place of enormous interest to pilgrims and art lovers the world over.

Which Roman building has been used as a military fortress, a Christian church, and a fish and vegetable market during the course of its long life? The answer is the Pantheon, whose majestic columns and magnificent dome ensure its place as one of Rome’s most impressive architectural feats. Its ability to be transformed to suit different religions and cultures has ensured it has lasted for millennia.

Times Square stands proudly in the centre of New York City. Broadway meets Seventh Avenue in a place where tourists meet and fall in love with New York. The bright lights and billboards that seem to stretch on forever are just part of what makes Times Square so famous and so attractive. It is also the centre of New York’s famous Broadway theatre district and is the place where millions of people come together to bring in the New Year.

Where can you find Ancient Greek and Roman artefacts sitting with twentieth century French impressionist masterpieces? Where can shining suits of armour be compared with traditional Korean dresses? One of the world’s largest and most encyclopaedic collections of art lies in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Affectionately known as The ‘Met’, it is the largest art museum in the Western Hemisphere, housing over 2 million artefacts.

In the heart of South America lies the Pantanal, the largest freshwater wetland system in the world. An area the size of France, most of the wetlands lie in the Mato Grosso region of Brazil. Often overshadowed by its more glamorous cousin The Amazon, the Pantanal actually has the greatest concentration of wildlife in the Americas. And environmentalists say it is in just as much ecological danger as any of the world’s rainforests.

The Empire State Building towers above the midtown district of New York City. Its solitary spire now stands out on the city skyline, no longer matched by the twin towers of the World Trade Centre. It is once again the tallest building in the city. But it is no longer the tallest in the world, a title it held for an unmatched 40 years. Its quiet elegance reflects the functionality of its form as well as the distinctive Art Deco style. It is a symbol of American commercial ambition and it is a symbol of the American Dream.

‘Conflict diamonds’ are precious gems that have been sold on the black market to finance violent rebel groups, terrorists or oppressive governments. They almost always originate from poor, underdeveloped countries located on the African continent. It is estimated that conflict diamonds account for up to 15 percent of the world’s traded diamonds.

Learn about the nature of Extinction with iMinds insightful knowledge series. Extinction means the death of a species of animal or plant. When you think of extinct species, you probably think of dinosaurs. So it may amaze you to know that 99% of all species that once lived on the earth are now extinct!

Learn about the history of the Dalai Lama with iMinds insightful knowledge series. The term ‘Dalai Lama’ refers to a lineage of religious leaders in Tibetan Buddhism in the region of Tibet. ‘Lama’ is a word which refers to a Tibetan Buddhist teacher; while ‘Dalai’ comes from the Tibetan word for ocean. So the term Dalai Lama can be interrupted as “ocean of wisdom”; which shows the confidence Tibetan Buddhists have in their leader.

Bondi Beach is an icon of Australian culture. This one kilometre, or 1090 yard, strip of golden sand lures thousands of tourists and locals every day with its promise of sun, sand, and exposed skin. It is Australia’s see-and-be seen spot. Here, the world sheds its clothes, waves crash, and cultures collide. Located only seven kilometres, or just over four miles, from Sydney’s business district, Bondi is known as the beach with a city built around it.

The will to win. The desire to be the best. The need to lift heavier or run faster than anybody has done before. These are all important motivators for success in sports. But they also contribute to the incredible pressure on athletes to do whatever it takes to improve their performance. The practice of ‘doping’ in sports has been around for over a century. And yet it is only quite recently that there has been widespread disapproval of it.

Two thousand years ago the mighty Roman Empire spanned most of Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa. At its heart was the capital city of Rome, the city to which ‘all roads led’. Inside this city, the great ruins of the Colosseum are a lasting reminder of the majesty of this great empire. But the gigantic sports arena that is the Colosseum also reveals a dark side of ancient Rome. For the arena’s purpose was as a ground for gladiatorial combat. And in its wildly popular four-hundred-year history, the Colosseum would witness the deaths of thousands of humans and animals.

The Spanish Steps are one of the most visited destinations in the Eternal City of Rome. This graceful staircase sits like the tiers to a great amphitheatre. But rather than a stage to watch, those seated here can watch the drama and intrigue of Italian life from the safe distance of an inconspicuous spectator. People-watching is a great Italian pastime and these steps form the prime place for it in the buzzing capital of Rome.

Learn about the development of the Electric Car with iMinds insightful knowledge series. Imagine never having to go to the service station to fill up your car. And imagine owning a car that doesn’t pollute the planet. Such notions may seem fanciful, but to eco-conscious manufacturers they are goals to strive for!Electric vehicles, or EVs, are those which are powered by an electric motor that receives its current either from rechargeable storage batteries or other sources of electrical energy.

The Rockefeller family has been one of the most influential in American history. Universities, halls and parks all bear the name of and are dedicated to members of this prominent New York family. Over the last hundred years, the Rockefellers have spent billions of dollars in acts of philanthropy or charity. They have had a hand in moulding the modern-day New York City. And the Rockefeller Centre stands as the Rockefellers’ greatest and most influential real estate contribution to this city.

Learn about the mystery of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine with iMinds insightful knowledge series. The lost Dutchman’s gold mine is said to exist in the Superstitious Mountains in central Arizona in the southwest of the United States. Whether this mine actually exists or not is another question. Stories that tell of its discovery have taken on mythic proportion. According to legend, it is the largest gold mine in the world. To find it would beget an untold fortune. So who wouldn’t give it a try!

All good business ideas need some form of money in order to grow. Whether a business is brand new or still emerging, it is critical it has money to move forward. When a business starts out, money is generally invested by entrepreneurs themselves. Also, an entrepreneur’s family and friends often invest in the business. But what happens when more than the available money is needed to take a business to the next level? Who can the entrepreneur look to, to realise their dreams?