International Sights Trivia Quiz

Answer: Observatory with the world's largest stone sundial

The Jantar Mantar is an observatory with nineteen astronomical instruments, all constructed from local stone, marble and brass, including the world's biggest stone sundial. This sundial gives the local time of Jaipur to an accuracy of two seconds. The observatory dates back to 1738 and was built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh, but the use of the sophisticated instruments was described in old Sanskrit texts, some as early as the first millennium B.C.
Walking into the Jantar Mantar without knowing what it is gives you the impression that you are in a bizarre architectural/art museum.

(Question by malama)

Answer: The Coral Castle was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

Edward Leedskalnin, an immigrant from Latvia, starting building the Coral Castle in 1923 and worked on it until his death in 1951. There is even a two story tower where Mr. Leedskalnin lived. According to the brochures given out on tours, Mr. Leedskalnin built the tower to get over being left in the lurch the day before his wedding to a girl he only referred to as his "Sweet Sixteen." To this day, no one understands how a man just over five feet tall and weighing maybe one hundred pounds, working alone, could cut one ton blocks, shape them, and then move them into place with such precision that no mortar was needed to hold them together. In fact, while Hurricane Andrew flattened the city of Homestead, not a single block budged in any of the formations. While the castle was under construction, a sign hung at the gate offering tours for 10 cents: just put the dime in the can and ring the bell and he'll come down. Tours are still available today, but at a sightly higher price. For more information on the Coral Castle, please visit the website coralcastle.com

(Question by Irisse)

Answer: Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

These words were spoken by President Reagan in 1987 in front of the Brandenburg Gate. The Brandenburg Gate has been considered a symbol for Germany for more than two centuries. Napoleon had the quadriga on top removed as a war trophy, the Nazis celebrated their seizure of power with a torchlight procession through the gate, and after WWII it was a symbol of the cold war until President Reagan spoke those words. The reopening of the gate in 1989 was accompanied by jubilation of many people. Since then, the Brandenburg Gate has become a symbol of the Unified Germany.

(Question by malama)

Answer: The lower slopes of Devil's Peak, Cape Town

The memorial was designed by Sir Herbert Baker. The grounds on which it was erected in 1912 were part of Rhodes's estate, most of which he left to the nation. The upper campus of Cape Town University is also situated there. Part of the estate was developed into the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.
Matopo Hills is the site of Rhodes's grave.

(Question by Pam1239)

Answer: True

It took some time coming - the Severn Crossing was built more or less on the site Thomas Telford proposed in 1824. It includes a bridge across the Wye between Wales and England, and the Severn Bridge. The Severn Bridge goes from Beachley in Gloucestershire, which lies on a peninsula between the Wye and the Severn, to Aust, also in Gloucestershire. This beautiful suspension bridge is one of the most recognisable sights in the UK. It had a huge positive impact on the economy of south Wales.

The toll charged has always been controversial - it was originally 2/6 (12.5p) for a car and has risen steadily, reaching £6.50 in 2012. The same toll applies to the Second Severn Crossing, which was built in 1996. The toll is charged for vehicles travelling one way, and has been described as a tax on entering Wales.

(Question by Upstart3)

Answer: Chair

The beautiful Duncan Phyfe chair is 30 feet tall, located in downtown Thomasville, and is a visible reminder of the furniture industry which once thrived in central North Carolina. Nearby High Point once was called the "Furniture Capital of the World" and Thomasville was long known as Chair City.

(Question by Ladyleo)

Answer: Maya

The remains of these cities are testimony to the extraordinary achievements of the pre-Columbian Maya civilisation.

The Mayan people of today retain their identity, languages and culture, and are found in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador.

(Question by Upstart3)

Answer: To vomit profusely

The Merlion, a statue at Marina Bay in Singapore (with a much bigger brother on Sentosa, an artificial island just south of the city), was originally designed as a logo for the Singapore Tourism Board. Soon after the country's independence, the statue itself was built and has since become a national icon fronting Singapore's skyline. It shouldn't come as a surprise that it has made its way into the language - stemming from the fact that the Merlion spouts water incessantly, "to merlion" is used when somebody vomits heavily (for example, after drinking). Even medical professionals have been heard to make use of the term!

(Question by cairnster)

Answer: Camping events

The largest island in Dorset's Poole Harbour, Brownsea is a nature reserve, particularly known for its red squirrel population and diverse birdlife.

In 1907, Baden-Powell set up a camp to test his ideas as he developed his plans for the Scouting movement as set out in his 1908 book "Scouting for Boys".

(Question by Upstart3)

Answer: Capricorn Coast

The Capricorn Coast straddles the Tropic of Capricorn. It is a great attraction to tourists interested in nature and water activities, with beautiful beaches and attractions such as Great Keppel Island and the Southern Great Barrier Reef.