Around The World In 80 Treasures

Dan travels from the peaks of the Peruvian mountains, to the distant wilds of Easter Island; deep into the rainforests of Brazil and to its capital, Rio. Surviving crocodile infested rivers and the digestive challenge of fresh guinea pig, Dan reveals treasures celebrated and secret on this journey.

Dan’s journey takes him from the mysteries of Mayan tombs to the symbol of the modern age â€" the Statue of Liberty; and from the drama of the giant warriors at Tula to Thomas Jefferson’s elegant home in Virginia. Also on the trip -- Diego Rivera’s "Man, Controller of the Universe" in Mexico City.

Giant termite mounds, edible juicy ants and erotic cave paintings are the treasures Dan Cruickshank unearths in the Australian Outback. Even the brilliance of Sydney harbor cannot rival the wonders of ancient Australia. Then on to the wonders of Indonesia and the ceremonies of the dead of Sulawesi.

Ancient and modern clash deliciously in Japan, while the Terracotta Army and the Great Wall of China expose the brilliance of ancient imperial China. Exhausted by his travels, Dan seeks solace and tranquility in a Japanese temple and meditation garden.

Dan Cruickshank travels around India and Sri Lanka. In Calcutta, he tangles with a 10-armed naked goddess and is moved to passion in the Cave of Heavenly Maidens. Everything becomes clearer when he meets the triple breasted goddess, Menakshi.

Dan journeys to some of the most mysterious countries in the world, where the weary Western traveler cannot be sure of a warm welcome. Then Dan heads for one of the glories of the ancient world â€" the great city of Persepolis.

Dan goes in search of the Ark of the Covenant, the legendary great gold box which held the original Ten Commandments handed down to Moses by God. The rest of his journey takes him from Jordan to Israel and Palestine and finally to Ethiopia, Africa's Garden of Eden.

Dan is in Africa, 'the most beguiling and enchanting of continents'. In Mali, he finds the Djenne mosque, which is the largest mud building in the world. Then he continues west to Songho and Africa's most isolated tribe, the Dogon. A Dogon mask once inspired Picasso to paint.

Dan explores subterranean caves at Goreme. Then he travels on to Istanbul, where he visits the Hagia Sofia. Next up is Russia, where Dan is suitably impressed by the Moscow Metro, Solovki Monastery, and St. Petersburg. And on to Poland and Germany for more fascinating finds new and old.

Dan's first destination is the most dangerous place on Earth just a few years ago " Mostar and its bridge spanning the Christian and Muslim worlds. Next, he heads for the Parthenon in Athens, then on to Italy , France and Spain. Dan is astonished by the unrivaled brilliance of the Alhambra.