Tag Archives: Peru

Nazca Lines in Peru: A Photo Gallery

Nazca is the capital of the Nazca Province located in the Ica District of the Ica region of Peru.

The Nazca Lines are a group of very large geoglyphs made in the soil of the Nazca Desert in southern Peru. They were created between 500 BC and 500 AD by people making depressions or shallow incisions in the desert floor, removing pebbles, and leaving differently colored dirt exposed.

For decades anthropologists, ethnologists, and archaeologists have studied the ancient Nazca culture to try to determine the purpose of the lines. In general, one common hypothesis is that the Nazca people created them to be seen by the deities in the sky.

The Nazca Lines were designated in 1994 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Most lines run straight across the landscape, but there are also figurative designs of animals and plants. The individual figurative geoglyph designs measure between 0.4 and 1.1 km (.2 and .7 mi) across.

The combined length of all the lines is over 1,300 km (800 mi), and the group cover an area of about 50 km2 (19 sq mi).

The lines are typically 4 to 6 inches deep. They were made by removing the top layer of reddish-brown iron oxide-coated pebbles to reveal a yellow-grey subsoil.

The width of the lines varies considerably, but over half are slightly over just over 1 foot wide. In some places they may be only 1 ft wide, and in others they could reach up to 6 feet wide.

Some of the Nazca lines form shapes that are best seen from the air, though they are also visible from the surrounding foothills. The shapes are usually made from one continuous line.

The figures vary in complexity. Hundreds are simple lines and geometric shapes; more than 70 are zoomorphic designs, including a hummingbird, spider, fish, condor, heron, monkey, lizard, dog, cat, and a giant human.

Other shapes include trees and flowers. Furthermore interesting to note, the largest lines are about 370 m long.

Because of its isolation and the dry, windless, stable climate of the plateau, the lines have mostly been preserved naturally for ages.

How To Get Here

The high, arid plateau stretches more than 80 km (50 mi) between the towns of Nazca and Palpa on the Pampas de Jumana, approximately 400 km (250 mi) south of Lima.

The main PE-1S Panamericana Sur runs parallel to it. The main concentration of designs is in a 6 mi by 2 mi rectangle, south of San Miguel de la Pascana hamlet. This is the region where most of the notable geoglyphs are visible.

Nazca People

A Nazca Female Figure (made of sperm whale tooth, shell and hair)

Although some local geoglyphs resemble Paracas glyphs, scholars believe the Nazca Lines were created by the Nazca culture.

Nazca society developed and flourished over 1500 years. Their history can be divided into four phases: the Proto Nazca (100 BC – 1 AD), the Early Nazca (1–450 AD), Middle Nazca (450–550 AD), and Late Nazca (550–750 AD).

Strongly influenced by the preceding Paracas culture, which was known for extremely complex textiles, the Nazca produced an array of crafts and technologies such as ceramics, textiles, and geoglyphs.

They are known for two extensive construction projects that would have required the coordination of large groups of laborers:

  1. Nazca Lines, immense designs in the desert whose purpose is unknown, and
  2. Puquios, underground aqueducts for providing water for irrigation and domestic purposes in the arid environment.

Note: Several dozen Puquios are still function today. Think about that! Talk about ancient engineering!

Palpas glyphs

The Paracas culture is considered by some historians to be the possible precursor that influenced the development of the Nazca Lines. In 2018, drones used by archaeologists revealed 25 geoglyphs in the Palpa province that are being assigned to the Paracas culture.

Many predate the associated Nazca lines by a thousand years.

Some demonstrate a significant difference in the subjects and locations, such as some being on hillsides.

Paracas Candelabra, Peru

Chinchas glyphs

Further north from the Nazca, Palpas region and along the Peruvian coast are other glyphs from the Chincha culture that have also been discovered.

The Fall of Nazca Civilization

From 500 AD, the civilization started to decline and by 750 AD the civilization had fallen completely. This is thought to have occurred when an El Niño triggered widespread and destructive flooding.

Evidence also suggests that the Nazca people may have exacerbated the effects of these floods by gradually cutting down Prosopis pallida trees to make room for maize and cotton agriculture.

These trees play an extremely important role as the ecological keystone of this landscape: in particular preventing river and wind erosion.

Gradual removal of trees would have exposed the landscape to the effects of climate perturbations such as El Niño, leading to erosion and leaving irrigation systems high and dry.

Times have changed 

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What Are Ley Lines? A Mystical Travel Route Across Earth

The ancient wisdom and old tales always hold a mysterious lure for common folk. One such myth is the Ley lines which supposedly covers the entire Earth. It’s invisible to the human eye but a special magnetic field or earth’s energy can be sensed if one walks over it.

What is a Ley Line? What is its significance? And above all, what is the reason for the existence of it?

Ley Lines

Scientifically speaking, Ley lines are like an energy grid system. They are often straight and move along in all directions. They connect various places of ancient religious and spiritual significance, often including human-made megastructures.

Spiritually speaking, these paths were known to almost all ancient civilizations. For example, to the Germans, these were known as “Heilige Linien”, to the Irish, “Fairy paths”, to the Chinese, “Dragon Lines”,  to the Peruvians, “Spirit Lines”, and to the Australian Aborigines, “Song Paths”. These routes and landscapes are believed to have spiritual significance.

In 1929 the term Ley lines first held its importance. If you take a closer look at the world map then you can see that many important structures are at a straight line path from each other. Not only that the distance between them is also geometrically meaningful. For example the Stonehenge, Great Pyramids of Egypt, and Great Wall of China.

Many people believe that Ley Lines are grid lines of Earth which hold the energies of Earth. There are many theories behind the puzzle of Ley Lines or The Old Straight Track. Below are a few to sate your curiosity.

 

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Magnetic Field of Earth

According to the Chinese Art of Feng Shui, every building, every stone, every tree, every object should be in a position of harmony with the Earth’s magnetic and spiritual energy field. They believed that the dragon currents or the Earth’s magnetic field flowed in the grid of Ley Lines.

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Earth has its own magnetism, and maybe the Ley Lines are the imaginary lines along which the magnetism of the Earth flowed. It is also a belief that the dragon currents determine the routes of sun, moon, and planets.

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Astronomical Alignments

Astronomical alignments of the Ley Lines is not a common hypothesis. The first significant Ley line to be traced was determined from crossing through Stonehenge.

To our ancient ancestors, the earth’s landscape was a canvas upon which humans connected points on the ground with points in the sky. The Sun, Moon, Stars, and the change of seasons was critical to our species survival. Most megalithic constructions are connected in a straight line or triangular pattern.

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This St. Michael’s Ley Line runs from Great Yarmouth to Penzance. The interesting fact about it is – it follows the path of midsummer sunrise, and connects Stonehenge, Glastonbury, and Avebury which are all ancient Megalith sites.

 

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Spirit Ways or Death Roads

Spirit ways or Death Roads is the most mysterious theory of all. In most of the cultures, there are beliefs that the soul takes it path after death. We had seen evidence in history when the dead bodies got buried with valuable goods that were required in after-life.

 

There are many Funerary English traditions in which the paths of the dead get marked. Mourners carry pebbles which they threw at certain spots on their way to the grave. And it was a way for souls to know the route (as believed).

British also followed –no going over a bridge twice holding a corpse. All these traditions point towards the existence of an unseen spiritual path, something like the Ley Lines.

Dream Time

The Aborigines of Australia believe that there was a time in history called the – Dream time. It is at this time that the Creative Gods came to this land and traversed the country.

 

And they laid certain paths called “Turingas” which hold energies. At certain times of the year, the energy in this paths gets revitalized and fertilizes the countryside.

Spirit Lines of Inca

The Incans believed the presence of supernatural energy on Earth, that is why they created “Ceques” or “Spirit Lines”. These lines were sacred pathways and often marked by stones, springs, and temples. Most of them ended at the foot of Holy Mountains.

 

 

You will not find the explanation of Ley Lines in any geography book because officially they do not exist. But the idea of a hidden network of energy lines across the earth is intriguing enough to fire the imagination, and hence it became a New Age interest.

What do you think about these ancient energy tracks? Will you walk one of these to seek what you may be seeking?

 

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Hot & Sizzling Vintage Photos of Sunbathing & Tanning

Sunbathing became a trend when tanning became a beauty standard. In the Renaissance time, paleness set the bar for beauty, but in 1923 Coco Chanel accidentally popularized the bronzed skin. She was on a Mediterranean Cruise when she got sun-burnt.

Now, the fashion icon set a trend for the privileged classes that tan was the new sexy. Here are 15 photos from the last century which tell us a story of how sun-bathing evolved.

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There were Tanning Booths in beaches called Solarium. As you can see “Let the sun bathe your skin” was the tagline of the booths. But Here are two women outside a tanning booth in St. Petersburg, Russia 1929, trying out a tan which says tanning is “life-giving” and “curative”. The bronze skin seriously started to become a craze among the people.

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Sunbathing might be the goal but it is very important to have sun protection. The harmful UV rays from the sun lead to the melanoma. So people started using sunscreen to protect their skin. And what better way than a traditional umbrella to do so?

 

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Hence It was, Find the Tan, yet seek the shade. This image is from 1939, where women lounge leisurely in the sun beneath the umbrella and apply sunscreen.

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The Popularity of sunbathing was insane. Here are some sun-bathers in Positano, Italy in 1959. But Their number was so huge that the fishermen in the beach had to move away their boats to accommodate the sun-bathers. So, The Summer trips to beaches grew with tanning vogue.

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Soaking the sun rays wasn’t all that attracted the travelers to the beach. It was, of course, the Vitamin-Sea as well. Although, here we see Two Romanian girls posing before swimming in Bucharest, 1930.

Spruce Girls wearing wood veneer bathing suits holding an umbrella Washington.

 

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It isn’t the tan only which makes you look good but also the water which cleanses your skin naturally.

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Hotness does soar with the temperature on the beach. And here is a woman just trying to relax in Trujillo beach, Peru. Oh Yeah, the photographer managed to click a selfie long before the front camera came to practice. 

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Spring Break soon became time for students to get wild and have fun in the beach towns. And, why not? Two Students lying down on the car in Daytona Beach, Florida 1973, creative, isn’t it?

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This photo is of the Padre Island, Texas in 1980. Here Women relax on the beach, with the oil pumps in the background. And the White sandy beaches are perfect for summers and tan.

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This might look weird… But these are goggles which sun-bathers used to protect their eyes. The photo dates back to 1995 Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island.

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After a century of Coco Chanel’s bronze skin too, the tan trend lives. And with that came the beach bodies- where you can find the beaches sprawled with muscular hunks and gorgeous beach babes.

And if it is the Spring break for students like it is in the picture then Boom — it is Fun 101. This picture is from Cancun, Mexico

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And at the end of the day, after the sun’s heat is minimal and the sun kisses the horizon – it feels surreal to just sit and admire the view around you. That is what the girls in the image are doing in one of the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Grace Riordan makes an attractive vintage beach study, 1938.

Sunbathing mother and the naked cute baby.

Basking in the golden rays of the sun has been a craving of humans throughout time. The beach has always been – calm, serene and surreal.  Go, get your share of sun and shade before “the dog days of summer.”

Do you know why are they called so? Well, our next post is about its story. Stay tuned.

 

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Top 5 Harshest Places to Live on Earth

We all find reasons to visit exotic places around the world. There are some places though that may strike your wanderlust despite being opposite of a dream-vacation-land.

In this blog post, I want to take you on a tour of the world’s top 5 harshest places that are impossible to explore for long because of the natural conditions.

Mother Nature births beautiful places in the different environment. Some of them are in the harshest environment. These sites are not only impossible but fatal to live in. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, venture out on your own free will.

Dallol, Ethiopia

Many times we think of shoving someone’s head in burning sulfur. Our anger is wrong! But did you know there is a place where you can do so? Dallol in Ethiopia is a volcanic site. The rugged terrain has sprawling volcanic lakes.

These hell-like lakes are not just any lakes; they are full of acid and sulfur.

So, if you want to go near it, then go at your own risk. The temperatures here reach an average of 35 degrees Celcius all the year round.

It is unfortunate to say that, Dallol is the hottest inhabited place on Earth! Yes, you read that right, it is inhabited. People who live here have no means of transportation, not even roads. You can travel on the hot volcanic terrain on a camelback.

Le Rinconada, Peru

After reading about the hottest inhabited place, let us move on to the highest inhabited place. Le Rinconada is in Peru. You can say it is a quaint town in the Peruvian Andes.

This little town is not so small after all. It has people flocking to it, because of the gold rush. Even at the height of 16,700 feet where people should suffocate for oxygen, people settle here. Talk about gold motivation! The highest spot on earth, where people live offers gold as bribe in place of oxygen.

 

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Atacama Desert, Chile

The wide expanse of wilderness spans across four countries, making it the largest non-polar desert. Atacama desert might cover Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina but it’s the part of Chile that is the harshest to live in.

The temperature here rises to 50 degree Celsius. And it hardly receives an annual rainfall of 0.51 Inches. With little to no water for hundreds and thousands of miles in Chilean Antofagasta, how is a man gonna survive? That remains the biggest question.

Oymakon, Russia

When we talk about extreme places, we see they are either bone-freezing cold or brain-melting hot! But there is a place in Russia that happens to experience both types of climates. Now, this is what extreme tourism is all about. Whether you believe it or not Oymakon is the coldest inhabited place on earth.

Temperature drops to a deathly low of -67.7 degrees Celsius. But after the tiring cold weather, residents of Oymakon are set to deal with the scorching hot summer. Two sides of the coin are just the same in Oymakon; the only difference is one is hot and another cold.

Death Valley, USA

The name assigned to this national park in California suits it perfectly. While we talked about the hottest, driest, and highest places on earth; Death Valley somehow must have smirked behind our back. It is a must-mention in the list of harshest places.

Where the Atacama Desert receives the lowest rainfall, Death Valley witnesses the hottest of temperatures. It is hard to live here for more than the twelve hours; you may die of dehydration.

Temperatures reach a high of 51 degrees Celsius, then how is any human supposed to survive here? Yes, Death Valley is a National Park in the US and hundreds of thousands of tourists do visit the park (only if for few hours).

 

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5 Pilgrimages That Could Change Your Life

Five centuries after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a new trend started to dominate people’s imagination. Pilgrimages in ancient history were about seeking repentance, healing, or self-transformation.

Be it Christian, Hajj, or visit to the Ganges. In our modern world, pilgrimages have a whole new meaning.

Adventurers of our time, in the twenty-first century, continuously try to explore new horizons. A pilgrimage is a journey inward. Be it a long hiking trail or climbing the tallest mountain or walking an ancient path…it is a journey that has a power to transform lives.

Here are five of my favorite modern pilgrimages which will change your heart and instill courage in your soul. From the holy cleansing of the soul to an adventure like none other. Let’s begin.

Inca Trail, Peru 

The old remnants in Machu Picchu hold significance in history as well as religion. Every year from July to September thousands of pilgrims walk on the Inca trail in Peru. If you want to test the waters but don’t want to take risks, then book with a travel guide company.

Only 200 tourist pilgrims can have the visiting pass to Machu Picchu. The trail is only 43 kilometers long; but due to the elevation, it will put you through pain (you might curse the gods). But finally, when you reach the ruins, you will feel like you are blessed to be here.

Camino De Santiago, Spain 

Santiago de Compostela is the cathedral that houses the body of Saint James in Northern Spain. There are many roads that lead to the cathedral. But the most preferred and UNESCO heritage site is Camino de Santiago.

The onset of pilgrimage is from St Jean Pied de Port. You can trek this 780 kilometers long trail through an entire month. Your legs will get stronger, and you can have an insight of Spanish culture.

Mount Kailash, Tibet

Tibetan culture welcomes any pilgrim who is ready to attain Nirvana. The lofty Mount Kailash is an intriguing chunk of landmass, with mystical powers. If you are successful in making 108 rounds of it, then you can achieve Nirvana (a Hindu religious belief).

Keeping that aside, let us pay attention to the 52 Kilometer long hike, that takes you around the mountain. Avoid winter months, particularly November-January, which is cold and uncomfortable, to say the least.

Canterbury, England

This one is called the Pilgrim’s Way to Canterbury. History and Canterbury are woven together. The Saint Thomas Beckett did not receive the honor when he was alive. He died on this trail from London to Canterbury.

Beckett performed miracles and attracted a lot of followers, which was the reason behind his death. (Silly kings of olden days.)

Now the trail from Winchester to Canterbury is not available for pedestrians. But there is another trail North Downs way, which will lead you to Canterbury. Walking through the 180 kilometers, you can have a glimpse of the beauty of rustic England.

Kumano Trail, Japan

In the Kii Mountains in Japan, there are three shrines which lead to Kumano. These ancient trails winds through the south of Osaka. It is the next UNESCO pilgrimage walk after the Camino de Santiago (in northern Spain).

Unlike other pilgrimages that tax your body and challenges your fitness, Kumano trail has classy hotels and hot springs on the way to relax your aching body. But please keep in mind though, this 6 weeks long pilgrimage can get monotonous at times.

To fight the boring vibes, you can visit the many shrines, nature, and nearby tea plantations.

So are you ready embark on a pilgrimage? If yes, which one are you planning for? Let me know in the comments.

 

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10 Unusual Spots To Add To Your Travel Bucket List

Cheers to the wanderers, gypsies, explorers, travelers, and the free-spirited. You will see many new and unexpected additions to the travel list in here. So, refresh your bucket list with these amazing travel destinations.

THRILL WALK, SWITZERLAND

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Buckle up for the incomparable thrill in Switzerland. It is not new that Switzerland does everything in its power to attract tourists. But on June 9th, 2016, Schilthornbahn AG opened the new “Thrill Walk” cliff path at the Birg mid-station.

The walk consists of railings, glass and air segments which even scare off the bravest hearts. At the height of 3000 meters, a 200-meter long walk is a sheer madness! But braving the odds is what explorers are best known for. The effort and courage pay off when you reach the observation and see the panoramic view.

FOOD INK, LONDON

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After taking London by storm, Food Ink is now ready to take over the world. This pop-up restaurant uses 3-D printing technique to cook a three-course meal. If you want a quirky dining experience, then be ready.

Food Ink embarks on a world tour this year. Although a three-course meal costs $250 per head, the experience of tasting tech-food is epic. Jazz up your bucket list and at least head for having a look at how the 3-D chef works at Food Ink.

PIKE PLACE MARKET, SEATTLE

Pike Place Market is not just a 40-year-old market in Seattle. It is the largest food market in America. A hefty amount of money was invested in improving the Marketplace. An extra of $34 million ensures the building of more stalls.

And an extra 30000 square miles will let shoppers wander easily rather than clumsily in the marketplace. It is the best place in America for food enthusiasts as well as those who want to buy something local from the artisan shops.

BELMOND ANDEAN EXPLORER, PERU

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The scenic hike to Machu Picchu is now a different thing altogether and is a top addition to your bucket list. Peruvian rail launched the Andean Explorer which takes ten and a half hour to trail through the quintessentially beautiful landscape of Andes.

There is an open-air car that allows you to take pictures of the stunning landscape, and not just that the services of the train are beyond luxury. Drink in the natural splendor while experiencing the symphony of Peruvian music.

ROTTNEST ISLAND, AUSTRAL

 

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Rottnest Island is all set to open the Pinky’s Eco-Retreat and Beach Resort. This resort emphasizes sustainable tourism. Hence there are eco-star tents. There are options according to price for all kind of travelers, starting from $75. It has a café, restaurant, bar and a deck to give you a fantastic view of Perth.

Not just the facilities but the 63 stunning beaches play a major role in tempting visitors. Come, and be part of our generation’s move towards a new travel trend: Sustainable tourism, at one of the best islands in Western Australia.

TALAMANCA, COSTA RICA

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Talamanca in the Southern Caribbean region of Costa Rica is home to an indigenous tribe of Bribri. The individual tour guides of this region planned to open a tour agency. A tourist can choose an itinerary focusing on rivers, farms, forest, indigenous reserves, wildlife or a combination of all these.

The costs of the tour are cheap, approximately $40 per person, and it started from April 2017. Live like the Bribri ancestors amidst the pristine natural landscape. This ought to be on your updated travel bucket list.

ALL BLACKS EXPERIENCE, NEW ZEALAND

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With the increase in tourist numbers, New Zealand needs more all-season attractions to lure tourists. All Blacks is a step towards it. This attraction will stand in Wynyard quarter. Everybody knows about the passion of Rugby in New Zealand. All Black’s Experience is to immortalize the great players and the passion. The event is held in Auckland.

AMERICAN REVOLUTION MUSEUM, PHILADELPHIA

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While refreshing your bucket list this year, keep in mind that the world is now obsessed with the current American Politics. If you want to enhance your knowledge of America’s political history, then the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadephia is your place.

The museum opened on April 19, 2017. It exhibits everything that shaped the history of American Politics. The three-story building just two blocks away from Liberty Bell displays the historical tent of George Washington (second floor). It is the same tent he used during the War of Independence. There is also a Museum shop and café on the sidewalk to engage the estimated 500,000 tourists/annually.

LAVA CENTRE, ICELAND

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Want to unveil the mysteries of nature? Lava Center is an Earthquake and Volcano center in Hvolsvollur, Southern Iceland. Those who want to explore the fiery heart of Iceland can take a tour here.

From molten lava oozing out of Volcanoes to record-breaking earthquakes, everything is within an arm’s reach. And the best thing about it is the proximity to Iceland’s other tourist attractions. What are you waiting for? We all agree that Iceland is a destination to be explored.

AMERICAN WRITER’S MUSEUM, CHICAGO

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All those who have a writer’s streak, here is what your heaven looks like. The American Writers Museum founded in 2010 in Chicago, Illinois displays many exhibits related to writers. It represents everything that is American Literature and writing.

It opened in April 2017 this museum boasts exhibits like Writer’s Hall, Word Water Fall, The mind of a writer, Children’s Gallery, Writing across America.

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