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You know the feeling when you anticipate something so much that you tend to idolize the picture and when it actually happens, it turns that your expectations surpassed the real thing by miles? Yes, it's called a disappointment, and it happens way more often than it should when traveling to the most famous vacation destinations and places to visit. These days most people don't wear rose-colored glasses, they opt for an Instagram filter instead. Which is why traveling has become so disheartening—where are those idyllic beaches that you saw online? It was better when we could only read about those exotic places to travel and imagine them; now, ruined by Instagram, your travel ideas will never match up to reality.

So come, join us—pull back the veil and see the Truth of travel impressions for yourself. Bored Panda has collected this list of travel expectation VS reality. Which false advertising photo has the best let-down photo? You can also check out these famous places to go zoomed out to show their surroundings.

More info: (h/t: traveltriangle)

#1

Visiting The Great Wall Of China

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Zhu Difeng Report

#2

Taking Photos With Leaning Tower Of Pisa In Italy

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Martin Parr Report

#3

Admiring Mona Lisa In Louvre Museum, Paris, France

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sergeymk Report

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ElnetoCibrian
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was there, totally true There was people waiting only for the selfie, nobody was even looking Lisa :(

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#4

Having A Picnic Near The Eiffel Tower In Paris, France

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LRD Report

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JoannaHey
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually it depends when you go. That picture looks like it is from a special event not a normal day. Normally it's more locals who picnic and most of them leave Paris in the summer.

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MauricioSilva
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that`s not fair, when i went to paris im may 2015 it was like the first photo

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NormanGoh
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This website is very misleading with photos showing special events, rather than normal days

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ClemKoami
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually this one was taken on 14th Juy, French National Day.... ;-)

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ClemKoami
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only when big event or musical show - you can see the scene under the tower

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KendalBrenneman
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

noooo I've picnicked there and had plenty of space. It's only been crowded on Bastille Day in my experience.

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MagdalenaCzumak
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not actually true...I been to Paris for some time and it was never like that on the Eiffel tower area, it was free you could set up a massive ballon on it, like no people and I was ther for the whole day

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KingaKiss
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It must be before the firework of 14th July. Otherwise it's not like that.

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roberto paulson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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Donna Young
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stayed in estate practically across the street from the Eiffel Tower. Looked at out the window at night. Beautiful

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Nanda
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On a normal day, it's like The fist picture. On a special day, it's like The second one. You can choose.

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JoanaPereira
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

second photo is during the national holiday, we can see the stage under the eiffel tour!

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BeatrijsAnckaert
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Paris has become awfull to visit, everywhere you go ......sacré coeur-stairs have even become very dangereous to climb....too many tourists.................. :(

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CuriousCat
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is during a holiday.. you can almost always get space for a picnic near the tower..

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SarahSilverstone
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not what it's usually like. There must've been a special event, or it was a SUPER busy Saturday afternoon in the summer etc.

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RichSalas
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was more like the first photo when I was there, but all the grass was fenced off for maintenance.

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ClemKoami
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only when big event or musical show - you can see scene under the tower

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VioletCadburry
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No problem if you go in March. The grass is blocked off so no one gets to picnic.

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TedLogan
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I slept under the Eiffel Tower 10 years ago, I woke up in the middle of a punk-party at 4 in the morning.

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LucBézier
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not true, most of the time it's pretty easy to find a spot with very few people.

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ZenaKitson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wasn't that busy when I went. It looked more like the first picture.

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OlivierChriv
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Between spring and summer, this place called "Champ de Mars" in Paris is not crowded like that everyday. It must have been a special event like the music day around June 20th or a special event before the fireworks on July 14th etc... Last but not least, this place is huge, so anybody is more than welcome !

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YisolYA
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It really depends on the day, and whether there is an event that day or not, or summer, etc.

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TenchyJefferson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Been there a few times and it was never that crowded . that must have been during some sort of festival or holiday.

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EricAdams
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not true! The main photo seems more like it. When I was there, several people were sitting on the ground and a few walking, but there was no such crowd! Though SHE was gorgeous!

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AmyFaith
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't go during peak holiday times. Everywhere on a sunny day anywhere in the world is the same.

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KadriKapp
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great opportunity! If you don't like the person who you came with, you can always swop seats with the one who sits next to you

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JaninMatuschak
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been to Paris a couple of times and it was never this full near the Eiffel Tower. oO I think there was some kind of event there...hence the stage in the background. That's also a pretty misleading image.

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HeatherWilson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just go in February. The lawn is pretty vacant then. And too cold for a picnic. But you have much smaller waits!

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NicoleLawrence
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have been there in the summer and it is no where near this busy. I think a lot of these pictures were taken during festivals or concerts.

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Melina Pothier
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People are so unoriginal. Why must everyone go to the tourist trap spots everyone has already visited? Find something new!

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LaviniaNegru
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

exactly..lots of people, a looot of dirt and bad wine. Paris is not at all what they advertise....

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SylvieStojanovic
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I`ve been there a long time ago and it was not like this at all....

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#5

Learning A New Hobby On A Ski Trip

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More Kids Than Suitcases Report

#6

Sunbathing In The Famous Beach Of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

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miguelangelpulidoj Report

#7

Taking A Peaceful Gondola Ride In Venice, Italy

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Lumi Toma Report

#8

Relaxing On The Gorgeous Beaches Of Maldives

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Alexander Brown Report

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NataliaBerowska
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually the difference between this images is simple. One was taking in expensive hotel where probably someone cleans the beach and other was taking on the public beach where inhabitants don't give a sh*t about it.

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#9

Walking Around Santorini Island, Greece

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paowmagazine Report

#10

Checking Out The Breathtaking Glory Of The Taj Mahal, India

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Marvin Bartels Report

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#11

Enjoying Your Private Moments On The Beaches Of Thailand

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Gunter Flegar Report

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NotchimineMette
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This place was way more crowded when I was there. And the petrol fumes were stifling... I was sooo upset.

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#13

Watching The Stonehenge During Sunset, United Kingdom

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Crisher Entertainment Report

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AmyFaith
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THIS IS SUMMER SOLSTICE. Normally you aren't allowed this close to the stones, so this picture is misleading.

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#14

Visiting Pyramids Of Giza In Cairo, Egypt

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Edward Ewert Report

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Ada-LeeQuirk
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Best to arrive either very, very early n the day, or later in the afternoon or evening. And bring a lot of bottled water, it's hot as blazes and waiting in one can be very overwhelming. Plus I wouldn't advise going up in the pyramid if you have any claustrophbia. It's hot, dark, and has no air flow.

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#15

Climbing Mount Everest, Nepal

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Barry Bishop Report

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ArekCzuchraj
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hillary Steps always crowded , beside there is 4-6 weeks weather window and from it only 2 weeks for summit attack , as well sinc 90's commercial tour operators took over this rock , from first climb in 53 numbers of 'climbers' went ballistic , you have money , you go everest ... Fukcud up a bit

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#16

Hanging Out At The Spanish Steps In Italy With Your Sweetheart

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PeterJot Report

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YanayTsabary
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who is this model?? I swear to god I see her everywhere it's starting to get creepy

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#17

Admiring Little Mermaid In Copenhagen, Denmark

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wallpaperswiki.com Report

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JesperBové
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No matter what, the first one is photoshopped, she is not sitting with open water in the background but in the harbour of CPH. And yes she is tiny, hence the name, Little Mermaid.

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#18

Enjoying St. Peter's Square Before Entering The Beautiful Basilica In Vatican City

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Erik Gamache Report

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Kostas
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this line moves very fast. it's just for the metal detector and dress code control

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#19

Walking In Sheep Meadow, In New York's Central Park, United States

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Ekabhishek Report

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DanielGagliano
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

its not even the same day wtf lol one is winter and one is summer what a joke how many of these are lies like this

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#20

Visiting The Acropolis Of Athens, Greece

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imgur.com Report

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VaggelisKaradimas
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, the photo "after" shows Propylaia of Acropolis and not Parthenon. The temple is at the back of the photographer.

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#21

Visiting Hall Of Mirrors In The Palace Of Versailles, France

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Wikimedia Commons Report

#22

Admiring The Glorious Niagara Falls, Which Marks The Border Between Canada And USA

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KP Tripathi Report

#23

Exploring Arashiyama Bamboo Forest In Japan

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Daniel Peckham Report

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ClaudiaLandry
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It really isn't that bad actually. Quite a pleasant walk and not that much people, especially in the morning.

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#25

Walking By The Howrah Bridge In Kolkata, India

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soumikdatta09 Report

#26

Exploring Antelope Canyon Arizona, USA

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Cebb Photographies Report

#27

Having Family Fun Time At The Water Park

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AP Report

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DavidGallagher
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The family appears to be in a hotel, and swimming pools in hotels are often empty enough. As for public pools in China...I'm sorry but no amount of heat would ever make me want to dive in there. How is that remotely enjoyable? I'd have a panic attack.

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#28

Admiring Wat Rong Khun Temple In Thailand

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Ying Tong Low Report

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ClarPanganiban
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We've been here on a touristy season and there's not this much people. Maybe it just depends on the time and season? These two photos are not even the same angles! lol. So one-sided.

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#29

Enjoying James Bond Island In Thailand

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Joan Gamell Report

#30

Getting Goosebums In Front Of The Ancient Temple Of Abu Simbel In Egypt

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Walter Weinberg Report

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LauraGary-Domingue
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know if I'd want to get the "goosebums." Is that like the chicken pox?

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#31

Walking Across The Capilano Suspension Bridge In Vancouver, Canada

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Michelle Lee Report

#32

Visiting The Forbidden City In Beijing, China

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panoramio.com Report

#33

Swimming With Dolphins

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cubawanderer.com Report

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Arty
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you don't swim with dolphins! You touch some poor animal prisoner in a few square meters. Please don't do that!

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#34

Visiting The Sydney Opera House, Australia

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Neal Mcfarlane Report

#35

Tasting Thailand’s Exotic Food In Bangkok, Thailand

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HellonEarth2006 Report

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DanielBonadiman
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These two photos are from different places, one photo is from a floating market outside of Bangkok way less crowded than the one close to the city.

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#36

Anytime You're Admiring The Blooming Sakura Trees

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Satoko Kawasaki Report

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DanielBonadiman
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These two photos are from different places, one in in Kyoto and the other probably Ueno park in Tokyo. This comparison makes no sense.

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#37

Exploring The Amazing Architectural Details Of Gaudi's Casa Mila In Barcelona, Spain

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Mike Report

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JuliaKalcheva
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Casa Mila was covered for restoration in 2014, that's old news! Last October was amasing and fully uncovered!

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#38

Admiring The Breathtaking Machu Picchu Scenery, Peru

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Ricardo Shuck Report

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WendyMargarita
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

GO EARLY! I was there before the influx of tour buses came in! And it was sooooo worth it!

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#39

Exploring The Pristine Temples Of Angkor Wat, Cambodia

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Trey Ratcliff Report

#40

Enjoying A Hike In Yosemite National Park, United States

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Mike Oria Report

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LillianBlackburn
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having spent considerable time at Yosemite I can say the second photo is of a very touristy 'scenic view', but there are plenty of places to be all alone, if you are willing to get out into the woods.

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