Look and Wonder at Singapore's Gorgeous Gardens by the Bay

No, this is not the new set for James Cameron's Avatar sequel but Singapore Gardens by the Bay, the new botanical garden, which has undeniably an "avataresque" feeling and, as you will see, is gorgeous.

Located near Singapore bay and behind the beautiful Marina Bay Sands hotel it's a not-to-be-missed destination for anyone who visit the state city. Why? Not only because the two green houses are architectural wonders and include rare botanical species but also because of these huge "solar trees" which use the light of the sun they catch during day time for a spectacular night show that last 20 minutes each evening. Here are some day and night pictures shot recently, click on each to enjoy them in glorious high- resolution!.

Below, The Marina Bay Sands Hotel at night.

The top of the hotel has the shape of a boat and the Marina Bay Sands is probably now Singapore's icon. The white building in the front is the new Singapore Science and Art museum.

If you go to Singapore you must visit the Marina Bay Sands, not only because it's stunningly beautiful outside and inside, but also because it has the highest infinity pool in the world - 150 meters long - right on the top, at the 55th floor...

...and also because the view of Singapore from the "Sky Park" - from where i've shot the Gardens by the Bay aerial shots above - is fantastic at night.

All pictures - except the last one - copyright Alain Littaye. No use or reproduction without written authorization.

Felix Baumgartner Historical Jump from 39 Km Above Earth

Except if you're living on another planet you probably heard about this incredible achievement that Austrian parachutist Felix Baumgartner did yesterday by jumping from an altitude of 128000 feet ( 39 km ) above the Earth - the edge of space and almost five times the height of Mount Everest! - and broke the sound barrier at a speed of 1 341,9 km/h. After a 4.20 minutes free fall he successfully opened his parachute and landed near Roswell, New Mexico. Whatever one can think about this, Felix Baumgartner is an amazing exploit that require to be extremely bold - and of course a perfect training and impeccable preparation, technically speaking. 

Why the millions of people who watched LIVE yesterday Felix' jump were so amazed? Not only because of his boldness, which again was incredible, but also because until he did it the simple idea of a human being breaking the sound barrier by jumping from 39000m was something unthinkable. In the true meaning of the word, i.e that the idea sounds so insane that you wouldn't even have think about someone doing it. That's all the beauty of Felix achievement. Not only he did it and landed alive but he did something that just a few days ago (not to mention hundred years ago) was beyond imagination. 

In the world we're living in which people are more and more ( and sadly ) blasé, Felix Baumgartner succeeded to stun everyone. And for all this, i salute you, Sir, and congrats Felix for his truly remarkable achievement.

Now, for those of you who didn't watched any video of Felix exploit i've found for you the best available, and you better don't miss them as knowing about it is one thing, but watching Felix jump will help you to understand how amazing his jump was.

If you're in a hurry here is a short one that will show you in two minutes or so the whole thing - BUT i strongly recommend to watch the full video right after this one.




Here is the full video of Felix jump. You'll see how bold one needs to be to do this.





Of course cameras were everywhere to film Felix jump, including on his pressurized suit and here are some shots from the cameras placed on him. As you will see during his long free fall he began to turn on himself and it had been hard for him to get the control again, something he definitely had to do to avoid to lose consciousness, which would have been fatal.




Another video, filmed before Felix jump that will give you a bit more of technical explanations, all this with nice CGI images.




The official CGI video looks great!



Of course there was a press conference after Felix jump and if you want to hear in his own words what Felix said of his stunning jump, have a look at the video below.




Pictures and videos: copyright Red Bull Stratos