Richard Monk Profile and Articles

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1). Overview of Egypt for Travelers
From Pyramids to the Valley of the Kings, the Arab Republic of Egypt oozes history. If you are considering traveling to Egypt, you should know the following about the country.

Overview of Egypt for Travelers

Egypt has plenty of land, but much of it is sparsely inhabited. This leads to a situation where the vast majority lives within relatively compact urban places.

2). George Washington - The Best President?
George Washington was the first president of the United States and considered one of the best.

George Washington is a much-admired person in many respects. As the first president of the United States, he set the course upon which the current three-branch system of federal government is based. George Washington is perhaps the one person who can most claim the title of Founding Father.

3). An Overview of the Sun
The Sun is the centerpiece of our solar system, the gravity force that keeps everything together. Here is an overview of this source of our existence.

An Overview of the Sun

The Sun is a star, one of billions in the known universe. It is similar to other stars you see in the night sky, but is prominent in our lives because we orbit it once every 365 days.

4). The Arctic and the Melting
The Arctic is located at the top of Planet Earth, the location of the North Pole and rumored home a certain Santa Clause. Here’s an overview of the Arctic.

Long thought to be a continent covered in ice like Antarctica, we now know the Arctic is a small land mass covered by ice that spreads well out from the land. Put another way, the area is mostly a giant flow of ice.

5). An Overview of Asia
Asia is the largest continent when measured by landmass and human population. Following is an overview of Asia.

Asia is considered one of the seven continents. This continental definition, however, is far broader than many people think. Under the seven continent methodology, Asia stretches from Japan in the East through Russia in the West. It encompasses Saudi Arabia and everything above Asia.

6). Overview of Peru for Travelers
Peru is located on the upper west coast of South America. If you are considering Peru as a travel destination, following is an overview of the country.

Overview of Peru for Travelers

Historically, Peru was the location of the dominant early cultures in South America. The city of Caral has pyramid remains dated to between 2000 and 2600 BC, which may make it the oldest city in the world.

7). Overview of Columbia for Travelers
Until roughly 30 years ago, Columbia was a peaceful country. Rebel groups and the influence of cocaine production have changed that. Here’s an overview of Columbia for travelers.

Overview of Columbia for Travelers

The Spanish first colonized Columbia in 1525. Full independence was claimed in 1813. In 1819, Greater Columbia was formed which included modern day countries Columbia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama.

8). Polar Bears in Trouble
Polar bears have long fascinated us. With their thick, white coats, they look incredibly cuddly, particularly the cubs. In truth, they are the biggest and most powerful bears on the planet. Alas, they may be added to the endangered species list.

Polar bears are an amazingly beautiful animal. Unfortunately, they are under a lot of pressure as a species due to climate change in the Arctic.

9). The Puzzle That Is The Atlantis Enigma
One of the great mysteries and puzzles of our time is Atlantis. Despite the passage of thousands of years, no one has been able to solve the enigma of Atlantis.

The Puzzle That Is The Atlantis Enigma

Plato was the person that started all of the trouble regarding Atlantis. In his Timaeus and Critias narratives, he talked of Atlantis in glowing terms.

10). The Earth as an Onion
Despite thousands of years of gazing at the stars, we’ve never found another planet like Earth. Who would’ve thought looking inward would reveal the Earth is formed like an onion.

A Complicated Planet Indeed

When discussing the onion-like nature of the Earth, it is important to mention there is some debate as to what constitutes a layer of the planet.

11). An Overview of China for Travelers
China is often left out of discussions of early civilization which is a mistake since it was one of the first. If you are taking a trip to China, here is some background information your should know.

An Overview of China for Travelers

The official name of the country is the People's Republic of China. China covers a land mass of over 3.7 million square miles, making it a large country indeed.

12). Greek Civilization – What About The Women?
The men of ancient Greece are well known, from Hercules to Alexander the Great. Greek women are rarely mentioned and one has to wonder why?

Greek Civilization – What About The Women?

Ancient Greece was very much a patriarchal society. Sports were reserved for men. Literature, politics, philosophy and so on were as well. At least, this is what men wrote in the various publications we have from that time.

13). An Overview of Kenya for Travelers
Kenya is stunningly beautiful African country that has seen its share of good and bad times. If you are traveling to Kenya, the following information will give you a head start.

An Overview of Kenya for Travelers

Kenya is a crossroads country in Africa, which means a little bit of various African countries reside there. More than 40 languages are spoken and as many as eleven different ethnic groups can be identified.

14). An Overview of Switzerland for Travelers
The official name of Switzerland is the Swiss Confederation. If you are considering visiting Switzerland, you should know something about the country.

An Overview of Switzerland for Travelers

Switzerland is uniquely positioned in Europe because it sits on the crossroads of many routes. Although not as important in modern times, the geographic position explains the odd situation where the official languages of the country are German, Italian and Romansch.

15). The Earth is a Hot Rod
For many years it was believed the Earth was the center of the Universe. Alas, this was disproved for a number of reasons including the fact the planet was moving quickly through space.

The Ultimate Turbocharged Vehicle

Once our egotistical view of being the center of the universe was disproved, the goal of figuring out how fast we are moving through space came front and center.

16). Overview of Brazil for Travelers
The Federative Republic of Brazil is the largest country in South America. Following is an overview of fun loving Brazil for travelers.

Overview of Brazil for Travelers

Indigenous peoples have populated for a long, but undetermined, period. European influence began with Pedro Alvares Cabral when he claimed Brazil as a Portuguese colony in 1500. In a little known development, Brazil actually became the location of the Portuguese government in 1808 when Napoleon chased the royal family out of Portugal.

17). Overview of Costa Rica for Travelers
The Republic of Costa Rica is located in Central America and is an amazingly beautiful country. Following is an overview of the past and present of Costa Rica for travelers.

Overview of Costa Rica for Travelers

Christopher Columbus discovered Costa Rica and the indigenous people living there in 1502. The Spanish subsequently colonized it. The name of the country, Rich Coast, comes from their mistaken belief that gold was prevalent.

18). An Overview of South Africa for Travelers
The Republic of South Africa was once the home to apartheid. A movement and a man, Nelson Mandela, changed that. Here is an overview of the country for travelers.

An Overview of South Africa for Travelers

As recently as 1991, apartheid was the rule of law in South Africa. The term means separate and effectively divided the country along racial lines in practically every element of society.

19). The Aurora Lights
Lights in the sky have fascinated us for thousands of years. The lights in the far north and south of our planet are some of the more famous ones.

What was in that Soup?

Travel to Antarctica or the Arctic and you’ll start thinking you are having hallucinations. During the evenings, the sky will literally glow.

In the Northern Hemisphere these lights are known as the aurora borealis.

20). An Overview of South America
South America is located in the Southern Hemisphere between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Following is an overview of South America.

South America is defined as all the land south of the Panama Canal. The stark figures on South America categorize it as a middle of the pack type of content. Covering roughly 6.9 million square miles, it is the fourth largest continent covering approximately 3.

21). An Overview of Liberia for Travelers
The Republic of Liberia was on of the more stable African countries until a massive civil war. For extreme travelers, the war is over and Liberia is back on the map. Here’s a look at where the country has been and where it is going.

An Overview of Liberia for Travelers

Liberia means the land of the free. It is a fitting name considering the country was established by freed slaves from the United States in 1820.

22). Those Amazing Penguins
The movie, The March of the Penguins, has raised a great amount of interest in penguins. One never imagined penguins to be so driven. Here’s an overview of the amazing penguins.

Known as the little tuxedos, penguins have always seemed a bit odd as animals go. All of that changed, however, with The March of the Penguins, a movie about Emperor Penguins.

23). An Overview of Belgium for Travelers
Located on the European mainland, Belgium often is short-shifted in discussions of Europe. Following is an overview of Belgium for travelers.

An Overview of Belgium for Travelers

Belgium is located on the coast of the North Sea between Holland, German and France. The name comes from the Belgae, a celtic tribe.

Belgium’s geographic location places it at the crossroads of much of Europe, particular in relation to the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.

24). An Overview of Poland for Travelers
Poland has a unique history in Europe, often pulled between Russian and Western interests. It you are planning a trip to Poland, here is some background information your should know.

An Overview of Poland for Travelers

The official name of the country is the Republic of Poland. It covers an area of roughly 120,000 square miles, about the same size as the State of New Mexico in the United States.

25). An Overview of Japan for Travelers
For such a tiny total landmass, Japan has left an undeniable stamp on human history. If you are considering Japan as a destination, here is an overview of the country.

An Overview of Japan for Travelers

Extending along the eastern coast of Asia, Japan is a country consisting of a collection of islands. The mainland, as we think of it, is the island of Honshu.

26). An Overview of France for Travelers
Throughout history, France has always played a pivotal role in Europe. From Art to Politics to Architecture, it is a fascinating place. Here is some background information to consider before your trip.

An Overview of France for Travelers

The official name of the country is the French Republic. The French Republic covers an area of 220,668 square miles.

27). An Overview of Austria for Travelers
Although Austria is rarely in the headlines these days, it was once part of a dominant European power. Following is an overview of this postcard country.

An Overview of Austria for Travelers

With its prime location in mainland Europe, Austria was a major player in economic, military and political terms when it was known as the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

28). Overview of Argentina for Travelers
Located in South America, Argentina is a beautiful and passionate place. Following is an overview of Argentina for travelers.

Overview of Argentina for Travelers

Argentina covers roughly 1.1 million square miles and is the second largest country in South America. Due to its unique location, practically every climate imaginable can be found in some part of the country.

29). The Odd Seven Continents Theory
Viewed from space, the Earth appears to have four or five major landmass areas depending on your viewpoint. Despite this, we hold on to the illusion there are more continents.

As we all learned in grade school, there are seven continents. A quick look at a globe, however, reveals this basic assumption is just flat wrong. In particular, how can Europe be considered a continent when there is no clear division with Russia?

To the surprise of many, the Arctic is not classified as a continent.

30). The Olympic Games Were Not Always So Friendly
The modern Olympics we see are often held up as a continuation of the first games. While the basic idea of sporting events is common to both, there is much that is different.

The Olympic Games Were Not Always So Friendly

The original Olympics were actually only one part of four games held during the year. The others were the Nemean, Isthmian and Pythian Games.

31). Overview of Greece for Travelers
From the Olympics to My Fat Greek Wedding, Greece has always been a cultural centerpiece in the history of man. Summing up its contribution requires a small library, but here is an overview.

Overview of Greece for Travelers

Greece was home to some of the earliest advanced civilizations. From the Minoans of the second BC millennium to Mycenaeans who established the basis of the current language, the country has produced cultural, philosophical, political and sport advancements unrivaled by others.

32). An Overview of Germany for Travelers
Germany has experienced a tumultuous history: starting a World War, being divided into two countries and much more. If you are planning a trip, here is some background information you should know.

An Overview of Germany for Travelers

The official name of the country is the Federal Republic of Germany. Germany covers a landmass of over 135,000 square miles and is about the size of the State of Montana.

33). An Overview of Norway for Travelers
Norway is a Scandinavian country in northern Europe and a beautiful place. Following is a summary of background information you should know before taking a trip.

An Overview of Norway for Travelers

The official name of Norway is the Kingdom of Norway. The country covers an area of mainland and accompanying island territories. The total size of Norway is approximately 150,000 square miles.