"There's a natural law of karma that vindictive people, who go out of their way to hurt others, will end up broke and alone." - Sylvester Stallone _ One of my favourite places on earth... Monument Valley on the border of Arizona and Utah. _ Some days can be a challenge and people around us may let us down. But that's why it's so important to treasure memories like these which stir our souls and of course keep close those dear friends which help you become a better person. _ I'm grateful today for the kind people in my life, as I'm neither broke nor alone I must be doing something right. And I remember that those who are jerks will get their just desserts... At least that's what Rocky says. _ #landscape_lovers #haveabeautifulday

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"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." - Nelson Mandela _ Arc de Triomphe at the western end of the Champs-Élysées in Paris. It's one of the most famous landmarks in the city. _ Around this 50 m (164 ft) high landmark are twelve radiating avenues, which attests to its prominence and historical significance. The arc was commissioned after the victory at Austerlitz by Emperor Napoleon at the peak of his fortunes and finished in July 1836. In December 1840, brought back to France from Saint Helena, Napoleon's remains passed under it on their way to the Emperor's final resting place at the Invalides. _ Did you know: On 7 August 1919, Charles Godefroy successfully flew his biplane under the Arc. Jean Navarre was the pilot who was tasked to make the flight, but he died on 10 July 1919 when he crashed near Villacoublay while training for the flight. _ During my short visit to Paris I used my @tepwireless hotspot for Internet access. Love it! _ #famousplaces #igersparis

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Why Long Distance Bus Travel Is Better For The Environment… And You

Growing concern over climate change has led to an increased desire to travel more responsibly. Find out why bus travel is growing in popularity and how it helps the environment too.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." - Albert Einstein _ There's a lot of social media buzz about United Airlines, and all the heat is quite rightly deserved. _ There is something powerful about when humanity stands up for what is right, regardless of unbalanced laws and undeserved intimidation. Those few with "perceived" power should be scared of the masses. You and I are the ones with real power. The power to make good choices everyday. And the power to stand up for what we believe in. _ And I believe in peace. _ Shot in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel. This is the biblical location where Jesus prayed and sweated drops of blood before being betrayed by one of his closest friends. It's a very significant location to see this particular rock mosaic. _ Did you know: The word "Jerusalem" means "city of peace". And ironically throughout history Jerusalem has been destroyed and rebuilt 44 times, making it the most rebuilt city anywhere in the world. _ This city reminds me that no matter what challenges face you, we have the choice to live in peace. The peace that can only be found within. _ #peace✌

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"When everything is moving and shifting, the only way to counteract chaos is stillness. When things feel extraordinary, strive for ordinary. When the surface is wavy, dive deeper for quieter waters." - Kristin Armstrong _ Yellow algae bloom along the coast of the Kinneret in Israel (also known as the Sea of Galilee). _ On this particular day there was not a breath of wind, and a low still haze settled over the lake creating an eerily otherworldly scene. _ This sea used to be the primary fresh water source for this tiny country but now desalination plants and recycled water provide the bulk of the country's needs. _ #landscape_lovers #natgeolandscape

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"You must not for one instant give up the effort to build new lives for yourselves. Creativity means to push open the heavy, groaning doorway to life." - Daisaku Ikeda _ Doorway to the sky. _ At Beit She'an in Israel. One of the best preserved Roman ruins in this country. _ Originally settled in the 6th millennia BC, this small city became the administrative centre for Egyptians after they conquered the region. After being destroyed by fire, it was rebuilt by Canaanites, then it was conquered by the Philistines. After defeating the Jewish King Saul, his body was hung from the city walls. After being incorporated into the Israelite kingdom under Kings David and Solomon the Assyrians conquered. It was further conquered by more civilisations and rebuilt. Now most of the ruins which can be seen are from the Roman era. _ It's safe to say a lot has happened here. _ #history #archeology

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"There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism." - Alexander Hamilton _ Masada - one of my favourite places in Israel. This was the location of the Jews dramatic final stand in their rebellion against the Romans in 73AD. A place of heroism and defiance against oppression. 960 Jews hiding in the mountaintop fortress had the choice between living as slaves or dying as free people. They chose the latter. _ If you're not familiar with the story of Masada, I highly recommend looking it up or watching the 1981 TV miniseries called "Masada". _ This isolated rock plateau rising 400 metres out of the Judean Desert overlooks the Dead Sea (at the top of this photo). _ The Snake Trail (in the lower right corner of the photo) takes at least an hour to climb, and best done earlier in the morning. Or you can choose the easier option (like me) and take the cable car up. _ #bestintravel #gorgeous_shot

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"A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows." - Francis of Assisi _ Stunning sunbeam shining through the dome of the Church of the Holy Seplechure in Jerusalem. _ The structure at the bottom of the shot is the shrine built around the tomb believed to be where Jesus was laid after dying on the cross. _ Millions of pilgrims visit this sacred location every year. Originally built in 335 AD, it was demolished in 1009 AD and rebuilt in 1048 AD. _ While in Israel I used my @tepwireless Internet hotspot. Check out the full review on travelwithbender.com. _ #awesome_earthpix #gorgeous_shot

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