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- Mensaje D. Hepburn 2012
- Canción de World-Harmony-Run
- Presentación
- Fotos: Aspiración de Unidad Mundial
1. Visit World Heritage sites and local cultural or historical locations
Examples of World Heritage and other national or local cultural or heritage sites visited by the World Harmony run.
This page includes examples and links from Australia, Austria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Luxemborg, Montenegro, Nepal, New Zealand, Russia, USA, Zimbabwe.
Also includes other additional interesting National or local cultural or historic locations in: Czech Republic, Germany and Italy.
Excerpt from 2 Messages of Davidson Hepburn, President of the General Conference of UNESCO.
Refering to Harmony Run visits to World Heritage Sites:
- "I was delighted to see the Run visit a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in recent years, creatively drawing attention to the efforts of the international community to protect the unique offerings of so many cultures around the world." - from message to "all participants of the World Harmony Run, 2011 and beyond"
- "Runners and other participants, you perform a great service by encouraging people to experience and value the heritage of others."- message for "World Harmony Run 25th Anniversary:Toward 2022 and a Oneness-World"
Photo highlights - countries and dates below
Australia
22 Jul 2008
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05 Nov 2010
Tasmanian Wilderness
In a region that has been subjected to severe glaciation, these parks and reserves, with their steep gorges, covering an area of over 1 million ha, constitute one of the last expanses of temperate rainforest in the world. Remains found in limestone caves attest to the human occupation of the area for more than 20,000 years.
more at Unesco World Heritage site list: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/181
Leaving the wilderness...
Austria
01 Aug 2010 Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn
Unesco list description: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/786
a group picture on the spectacular Emperors' Balcony!
See also: Historic Centre of ViennaUNESCO List Description: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1033
An inspiring Peace Bridge in Austria
3 June 2010: Puchenstuben - Ternberg
Shortly before we reached Reichraming, a little girl from the community,
very eager to hold the torch, accompanied us to town.
...to an especially significant location - a Peace-bridge, built by
young people from Austria, Israel and Palestine, symbolising hope of
Israel and Palestine living together harmoniously in the future.
See also Austria sub page:
For more example photos: /theme_photos/heritage/austria
Canada
Otttawa
The Rideau Canal, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec was our next stop; it is a beautiful building overlooking the Ottawa River and Parliament Buildings.
choice of the Murney Tower as the final location for this fun-filled
day, was to celebrate and recognize the importance of this UNESCO World
Heritage site.
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09 Sep 2008
Historic District of Old Québec
Québec was founded by the French explorer Champlain in the early 17th century. It is the only North American city to have preserved its ramparts, together with the numerous bastions, gates and defensive works which still surround Old Québec. The Upper Town, built on the cliff, has remained the religious and administrative centre, with its churches, convents and other monuments like the Dauphine Redoubt, the Citadel and Château Frontenac. Together with the Lower Town and its ancient districts, it forms an urban ensemble which is one of the best examples of a fortified colonial city.
See more at UNESCO World Heritage site listing: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/300
Croatia
19 May 2010
Historic City of TrogirUnesco world heritage list: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/810
Czech Republic
22 May 2011
23 May 2011
Český Krumlov
World heitage site list:whc.unesco.org/en/list/617
24 May 2010: Vimperk - Klatovy
750 year old town of Klatovy, an historical and architectural jewel.
Outside the stunning city hall building with the members of the Council who welcomed us.
Great Britain and Northern Island
Ireland 24 March 2009: Ballycastle - Letterkenny
The world famous Giant's Causeway.
It was quite a way down from the parking lot to the actual causeway. Although not that far if you're a giant!
UNESCO Heritage site Listing: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/369
Giant's Causeway is a remarkable geological phenomenon resulting in hexagonal basalt columns rising out of the sea.
The team catches some air at the Giant's Causeway.
.... back up the hill.
Great Britain 21 Jun 2911: Keswick - Windermere
Castlerigg Stone Circle
We auspicously and conincidentally visited Castlerigg Stone Circle on the summer solstice.
Hungary
14 may 2010 Budapest
"We can have harmony if we have a deep reverence for Mother Nature."
7,000 children join in Harmony and art event. Next to the plaza is Heroes Square, at the end of Andrássy Avenue which is part of World Heritage related to Budapest
Children joined for pictures holding the torch and banner with the very impressive warriors on horses watching in the background.
Another group of children had other significant Historical figures in the square watching them.
Local participants and international runners took the banner to two other sites in Budapest mentioned on World Heritage Preservation list
- Including the Banks of the Danube, and
- The Buda Castle Quarter
Iceland
05 Sep 2006
Þingvellir National Park.
UNESCO World Heritage Site listing description:
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04 Sep 2005
Þingvellir national park. Þingvellir, which literally means "parliament plains", was the site for the parliament of the Icelandic chieftains founded as early as 930.
Not only is Þingvellir a place of historical depth, it is also a place where one can see the awesome forces of nature at work, as the runners found out as they ran from scenic Öxarárfoss waterfall through Almannagjá canyon, a canyon which was formed when the two tectonic plates of North-America and Europe pulled away from each other. Almannagjá is thus a reminder of the unlimited power of nature and the terrible beauty that sometimes ensues, and Þingvellir is a testimony of the young and wild, yet pure and beautiful nature of Iceland. Due to its connections to the nature and the history, Þingvellir is, therefore, in many ways a sacred place, a spiritual heart of Iceland of sorts.
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18 Jul 2011
Beautiful village of Þingeyri (Thingeyri) - Now is a Peace Blossom.
The Mayor made a very nice speech about the importance of the World Harmony Run and its great contribution to peace all over the world.
Ceremony plaque was inaugurated on a huge rock that is known as Gunnars Rock, and has now become known as the Gunnar´s Peace-Rock.
Þingeyri(Thingeyri) is now a Sri Chinmoy Peace-Blossom Village.
Ireland
Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne
The three main prehistoric sites of the Brú na Bóinne Complex, Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, are situated on the north bank of the River Boyne 50 km north of Dublin. This is Europe's largest and most important concentration of prehistoric megalithic art.
More at World heritage site listing : http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/659
21 Mar 2009 - Newgrange,
some of the team paid a visit to Newgrange, a remarkable megalithic tomb that dates to 3200BC.It is part of the Heritage site "Ensemble of the Bend of Boyne" described above.
We were also joined later by the nearby Boyne running club
They helped us with some fast and fun miles ...
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16 Sep 2007
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Other Cultural Site of Interst in Belfast:
Thanksgiving Square Belfast
22 Mar 2009
Running into Belfast we came across a remarkable "statue of harmony...that symbolizes the oneness of humanity."
The team gathered around the Thanksgiving Square plaque to give thanks for all the enriching experiences we were blessed with today and will be blessed with in the coming days of our incredible journey around Ireland.
The Text on the Sign:
Thanksgiving Square Belfast
"This female figure represents various allegorical themes associated with hope and aspirations, peace and recondiliation and is derived from images from Classical and Celtic mythology. Her position on the globe signifies a unified approach to life on this earth. It encompasses oneness, while celebrating the diversity of culture that exists in our global village.
"The aim of the sculpture is to bring people togetherr and to change hearts and minds; to make bridges across the divides in our community. To work towrds a peaceful, happy existence for everyone on this planet by respect for each other, their cultural heritages and all our aspirations.
"This symbol creates a tangible first statement of our long term objetive in bringing peple together to foster a happy and fulfilling life for all and a sense of gratefulness for all that live has given us. "
Japan
24 April 2010: 広島～周南市 Hiroshima
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
Unesco World Heritage site list: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/775
Luxembourg
04 Jul 2007
City of Luxembourg: its Old Quarters and Fortifications
Because of its strategic position, Luxembourg was, from the 16th century until 1867, when its walls were dismantled, one of Europe's greatest fortified sites. It was repeatedly reinforced as it passed from one great European power to another: the Holy Roman Emperors, the House of Burgundy, the Habsburgs, the French and Spanish kings, and finally the Prussians. Until their partial demolition, the fortifications were a fine example of military architecture spanning several centuries.
seee more at UNESCO wrld heritage site listing:
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/699
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09 Sep 2006
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06 May 2005
Montenegro
14 May 2010
Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor
Note: The limits of the World Heritage site coincide approximately with the crests of the natural sinkhole formation. At both ends, the site is bordered by the national parks of Orten and Lovcen, making a vast protected natural area.
UNESCO World Heritage Site list: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/125
...with an incredible view....
Nepal
17 Jan 2011: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur
Unesco World Heritage site list: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/121
New Zealand
New Zealand 17 September: Taupo – National Park
Tongariro National Park
unesco heritage site listing: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/421
We ascended into the World Heritage Tongariro National Park.
The mountains now seemed to be staying put for the time being, but were certainly growing before our eyes.
By now the beautiful glowing white of the snow was starting to respond to the late afternoon light and this brilliant, clear, sunny day was shining and fading towards evening.
Mt Ruapehu – a truly magnificent and awe-inspiring presence.
Russia
27 Sept 2010 - Moscow
Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
Unesco listing World Heritage Site: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/545
22 sep 2919 - World Heritage sites
Владимир, Дмитриевский собор (1193-1197). Входит в Список Всемирного культурного наследия ЮНЕСКО.
г. Владимир, Золотые ворота (1158-1164). Входит в Список Всемирного культурного наследия ЮНЕСКО.
24 Sep 2010 -Орехово-Зуево - Ногинск
Marking sacrifice of war for participants and their families
and walking distance away in a childrens park
a monument to a future of peace
22 Sept 2010 - Лысково - Нижний Новгород
19 sept 2010 -Йошкар-Ола - Чебоксары
Памятники Чебоксар.
Материнский наказ: "Благословенны дети мои, живущие в мире и любви".
USA
Some High Lights
More details and photos of USA at:/theme_photos/heritage/usa
Mesa Verde
UNESCO listing: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/27
USA 27 May 2006: Mancos, CO to Bluff, UT
Mesa Verde, a large flat topped mountain. Mesa literally means ‘table’ and verde is ‘green’.
31 May 2010 - Mesa Verde - up close with cattle
Yellowstone
unesco list: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/28
USA 4 July 2010: Yellowstone, MT
USA 6 July 2010: Yellowstone, views
Yellowstone Park: moose, buffalo, and geysers were represented.
...a spectacular display of geyser gusto from Old Faithful and...
USA 7 July 2010 : Yellowstone continued...
10 April 2008
USA Statue of Liberty
unesco world heritage site list: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/307
Monticello and the U.of V. in Charlottesville
world heritage site listing: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/442/
14 August 2011
19 April 2008
20 Apr 2006
See also USA sub page:
For more heritage example photos: theme_photos/heritage/usa
Zimbabwe
31 October: Victoria Falls
we carried the torch around the falls, we found that everybody loved the idea of the World Harmony Run.
The Acting High Commissioner of India for Namibia, Mr RK Nagpal, his wife Mrs Premlata Nagpal and his friend Dr BM Harbola and Mrs Pramila Harbola happened to be visiting Victoria Falls. He said that as soon as he saw the words "World Harmony Run" he got a thrill in his heart. We met them all at various stages of our journey around the falls and it felt like we were old friends at the end of our journey around the falls.
Unesco listing at: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/509
Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site
05 Nov 2010
Great Zimbabwe is the remains of a medieval city of some 10,000 to 20,000 souls which was built in the 1200s and flourished until the late 1400s. Its spectacular stone remains are evidence of a sophisticated and highly developed society. The ruins of this city are now recognized as a world heritage site.
The call of this attraction proved too attractive and, in search of harmony and the ‘rapprochement of cultures’ in this UN and UNESCO 2010 special year, the team headed for this notable site.
Other Additional local cultural or historic locations
