Sights Archives ⋆ The Passenger

March 23, 2025March 23, 2025

Bundeshaus

The Bundeshaus in Bonn served as the provisional seat of the German Bundestag and Bundesrat from 1949 to 1999. Initially constructed as a pedagogical academy between 1930 and 1933, it was repurposed after World War II to host the newly established West German parliament. The original building was expanded with additions like the ‘Langer Eugen’ office tower in 1969 and a new plenary chamber by Günter Behnisch in 1992, which emphasized transparency and democracy.

March 23, 2025March 23, 2025

Poppelsdorfer Schloss

The Poppelsdorfer Schloss in Bonn is a Baroque palace built between 1715 and 1753 on the site of a former medieval water castle. Originally named ‘Clemensruhe’ after its founder, Elector Joseph Clemens, the palace was designed as a pleasure residence with symmetrical architecture and an inner courtyard. It later became part of the University of Bonn in 1818, housing scientific collections and the Mineralogical Museum. The Poppelsdorfer Allee, a tree-lined avenue with historic charm, connects the palace to Bonn’s city center, offering a picturesque approach for visitors.

March 18, 2025March 20, 2025

Kindertransport

The Kindertransport was a rescue effort between 1938 and 1939 that saved nearly 10,000 predominantly Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe, bringing them to safety in the United Kingdom. Liverpool Street Station in London played a pivotal role as the arrival point for many of these children. To honor this history, a memorial titled ‚Kindertransport – The Arrival’ stands outside the station.

February 21, 2025February 28, 2025

Laguna de Tiscapa

The Laguna de Tiscapa is a volcanic crater lake in the heart of Managua, Nicaragua, offering panoramic views of the city. Perched on its edge is the Sandino Monument, a towering silhouette of General Augusto César Sandino, the revolutionary leader who fought against U.S. military intervention in Nicaragua during the early 20th century. The monument, erected in the 1990s, stands as a powerful symbol of national resistance and pride. The area surrounding the lagoon has historical significance, as it once housed the presidential palace and later the notorious Somoza family’s military headquarters. Today, the site serves as a tourist attraction and a place of reflection on Nicaragua’s tumultuous past.

February 21, 2025March 1, 2025

Plaza de la Revolución

Antigua Catedral de Santiago Apóstol, Managua

Located in the heart of Managua, Nicaragua, the Plaza de la Revolución is a significant historical and cultural landmark that embodies the nation’s revolutionary spirit and rich heritage. Formerly known as Plaza de la República, this expansive square has been witness to numerous pivotal events in Nicaragua’s history. It served as a focal point during the Sandinista Revolution and continues to be a gathering place for political demonstrations, cultural events, and national celebrations.

February 20, 2025March 1, 2025

Las Isletas

The Isletas de Granada, a group of 365 small islands scattered in Lago Cocibolca near the city of Granada, were formed thousands of years ago when the Mombacho volcano erupted, ejecting massive amounts of rock and debris into the lake. Today, these islets serve various purposes, from private residences and vacation homes to hotels and eco-tourism destinations. Visitors can explore the lush vegetation, observe diverse wildlife, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the imposing Mombacho volcano.

February 19, 2025March 1, 2025

Mombacho

Volcán Mombacho, the iconic house mountain of Granada, Nicaragua, stands as a majestic natural landmark just 7 kilometers from the city. Visitors can easily reach the base station by bus or rental car, where they are greeted with an exciting adventure up the steep volcano. At scheduled times, published on the official website, tourists are transported up the mountain in trucks or pick-ups. This unique mode of transportation often provides Europeans with a thrilling and unfamiliar experience of riding in the loading area of a pick-up truck, adding an element of excitement to the journey.

February 16, 2025March 1, 2025

Arenal

Volcán Arenal, an iconic stratovolcano in Costa Rica, dominates the landscape near the town of La Fortuna. Standing at 1,633 meters, this once highly active volcano has been in a resting phase since 2010 but remains a breathtaking sight and a major draw for tourists. La Fortuna itself is a small, relatively unremarkable town that serves primarily as a base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders. While the town offers basic amenities and accommodations, visitors typically spend little time there, instead focusing on the numerous outdoor activities in the area.

February 15, 2025March 1, 2025

Sloths

Sloths are fascinating creatures known for their slow-moving lifestyle and unique adaptations to life in the treetops. These arboreal mammals spend most of their time hanging upside down from branches, using their long claws to grip tightly onto tree limbs. Sloths have an incredibly slow metabolism, which allows them to conserve energy and move at a leisurely pace. They sleep for up to 20 hours a day and only descend to the forest floor about once a week to defecate. Their diet consists mainly of leaves, buds, and occasionally fruits, which they digest slowly over the course of several days.

February 14, 2025March 1, 2025

Poás

Parque Nacional Volcán Poás is a wonderful natural attraction in Costa Rica, featuring one of the world’s largest active volcano craters. To visit the volcano itself, visitors must book a timeslot in advance online, as access is carefully regulated to protect both the environment and visitors’ safety. This system ensures a more organized and less crowded experience while exploring the otherworldly landscape of the crater and its surrounding areas.