shireybill's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Iceland

Diamond Beach

A black sand beach where glacial fragments wash ashore and look like sparkling diamonds.
Thingvellir, Iceland

Þingvellir Church

This beautiful, historic church looks like something out of a simpler past.
Thingvellir, Iceland

Þingvellir

The picturesque birthplace of Icelandic democracy is drenched in the blood of its brutal past.
Reykjavik, Iceland

Monument to the Unknown Bureaucrat

Iceland's tribute to its thankless civil servants.
Iceland

Búðakirkja

This black church sits alone among a field of lava rock.
Iceland

Gullfoss (Golden Falls)

If a glacial river suddenly diving into a sheer chasm via a dramatic, multi-stage waterfall isn't peak Iceland, it's certainly close.
Iceland

Haukadalur Geothermal Field

This valley of hot springs and boiling mud pots is home to the record-holding "Geysir," which originated the English word.
Iceland

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Strange rock formations tower above the river that snakes through this enchanting Icelandic canyon.
Iceland

Jökulsárlón

Iceland's largest lagoon is home to stunning multi-colored icebergs.
Reykjavik, Iceland

Hallgrimskirkja

One of the tallest buildings in Iceland, and perhaps, the most visually impressive.
Iceland

Svartifoss

The unique waterfall in Iceland's south features a backdrop of geometric black lava columns.
Grindavík, Iceland

Blue Lagoon

Medicinal spa created with the discharge from a geothermal energy plant.
Amman, Jordan

Old Signs of Amman Museum

Home to over 1,000 street signs, this museum offers visitors an opportunity to travel over 70 years back in time.
Amman, Jordan

Umayyad Palace

This restored eighth-century palace is a shining example of ancient Umayyad architecture.
Amman, Jordan

Roman Theater of Amman

This exceptionally well-preserved ancient marvel also houses a small museum dedicated to Jordanian folk tradition.
Wadi Rum Village, Jordan

Wadi Rum

Known as the "Valley of the Moon," this Jordanian wadi is one of the most amazing desertscapes on Earth.
Jerash, Jordan

The Ruins of Jerash

Gladiators battle and chariots race daily in the ruins of a once-great Roman city.
Petra District, Jordan

Little Petra

A more chill but no less fascinating version of the famous ancient archeological site.
Petra District, Jordan

Petra

An ancient capital city that dates back 3,000 years old and harbors many surprises.
Luxor, Egypt

Hatshepsut's Myrrh Tree

This unassuming tree stump reportedly traces its roots to the famous pharaoh queen's reign.
Cairo, Egypt

The Hanging Church

Standing atop 2nd-century Roman ruins, this church is one of the oldest and most iconic in Old Cairo.
Nagoa Ash Shatb, Egypt

Temple of Kom Ombo

One of its engravings is believed to be among the first representations of medical and surgical instruments.
Aswan, Egypt

Unfinished Obelisk

The largest known Ancient Egyptian obelisk.
Ibsheway, Egypt

Wadi al-Hitan (Valley of the Whales)

Egyptian treasure trove of fossils documenting the whale's transition from land mammal to sea creature.