Sunday's Special Spot - Hollywoodland

I love movies. Main stream, indie and documentaries, I love 'em all. I enjoy going to the movies and watching the award show of award shows. So in honour of the 85th Academy Awards (which is airing today) today's spot is Hollywood!

The original "Hollywoodland" sign, erected in 1923, was an advertisement for a new housing development. Initially intended to last for only 18 months, this sign (without the "land") has become synonymous with American movies, celebrity and the red carpet.

I found this image on BBC News here.

Sunday's Special Spot - Dawson City, Yukon

GOLD! GOLD IN THE YUKON!! 

Dawson City was the epicentre of the Klondike Gold Rush, turning the area around the Tr'ochek Hwech'in First Nations' fishing camp into a 40,000 person frenzy in search of riches from 1896 to 1899. Named in 1897 after geologist George M. Dawson, Dawson City served as the capitol of the Canadian Yukon Territory from 1898 - 1952, after which Whitehorse was named the capitol.


Old gold rush buildings barely standing, Dawson City, Yukon, Canada.

Now, Dawson City (pop 1300) offers travelers history, events and spectacular natural beauty. Dance hall girls and gambling at Diamond Tooth Gertie's; hiking and breathtaking scenery at Klondike River and Tombstone Territorial Park; Gold Panning Championships in the summer and the Yukon Quest dog sled race in the winter; viewing the Northern Lights and experiencing the midnight sun, I can see why Dawson City would be amazing to visit at any time. It's on my list of places to go.

The photo is from Flickr. It was taken and is owned by travfoto.

The Appeal of...Part III

Africa, where life began for us homo sapien sapiens. We evolved and grew from this place and then wandered out to, well in essence, where we are now. Both the world's second largest and second most populous continent, Africa appears to me as distant as the moon, literally and figuratively. So many countries, so many cultures, so many rumours one hears of its state of being (true or not) and so many amazing animals. It is not a wonder that Africa attracts my attention.







I can thank my two BFFs for some of the incentive over the years. One BFF's mother spent time in Africa many years ago. My other BFF actually lived in Africa for several years. From them I listened to tales about this great land mass. And finally, the biggest draw for me comes down to cats,BIG CATS. And elephants. And giraffes. And Timon and Pumbaa (come on, I loved The Lion King). So where do I plan to go?

The Appeal of:

Tunisia:

Some of you will laugh, others will shake their heads and finally some will be agree wholeheartedly. I want to go to Tunisia to see the planet Tatooine. Yes, I want to visit Tunisia to see the Star Wars set. As I said here, my reasons for wanting to go somewhere are varied. It is a straightforward reason of why I mainly want to visit. The cities of Tunis and Sfax are a draw as well and it is accessible via ferry from Malta.

South Africa:

Remember how I said my BFF lived in Africa? Well, South Africa was one of those countries. Capetown to be exact. So, naturally, I want to visit the country where she spent so many years (and it would be great if she joined me - hint hint). I also want to know about the country that gave the world that great man, Nelson Mandela. 

Namibia:

Easy enough - I want to volunteer at N'a/an Kuse Foundation in Namibia (outside of Windhoek). They do wonderful work with wildlife (Carnivore Conservation, Wildlife Sanctuary) and the local San Bushmen (Lifelines Clinic, Clever Cubs School). Check out their Thank You Video for 2012 supporters:



Does that not look fantastic?? I will post my video up here when I go there.

Three continents down and 3 more to go. Next up is Asia!

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - ALBANIA

Albania, a country I can honestly say I am not that familiar with. However, looking at photos of its rustic landscape and time-worn cities I know it would take me in and enthrall my senses. 


Butrint, Albania

From the bustling capital city of Tirana to sweet waters of its Ionian coast beaches to the rugged Albanian Alps, this country beckons.

Photo taken and owned by filip.molcan on Flickr

Well said

I am feeling encouraged and rather surprised. Surprised at myself. Although I will not go into details I do want to say that I discovered that I had reached a small yet significant goal. I am not quite sure how I accomplished it but I did! Yay me!!

So on that encouraging note I am posting a few quotes about travel and adventure, for a boost.

"The road goes ever on and on down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow, if I can, pursuing it with eager feet until it joins some larger way where many paths and errands meet." J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit)

"Tourists don't know where they've been, travelers don't know where they're going." Paul Theroux

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain

"Not all who wander are lost." J.R.R. Tolkien (Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings)

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Lao Tzu

"Life is a book and those who don't travel read but a page." St Augustine

"Who lives sees much, who travels sees more." Arab proverb

"To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries." Aldous Huxley

"Once in awhile it really hits people that they don't have to experience the world in the way they have been told to."  Alan Keightley

"When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money.Then take half the clothes and twice the money." Susan Heller

"What am I doing here?" Arthur Rimbaud

"Home is now behind you, the world ahead." J.R.R. Tolkien (Gandalf, The Hobbit)

The Appeal Of...Part II

Ah Europe, how I love thee! I have been to Europe on numerous occasions. I always am enamored by its countless charms. It is a continued love affair since I have barely dipped a toe into the history, architecture and beauty that is all of Europe. I have been enthralled by western Europe but have yet to experience eastern Europe, an area that elicits much ardor from its admirers. Sadly,my stint in Europe will be shorter than I desire, primarily since it can be a costly endeavor. 







Although cost is a consideration I can not leave it out entirely. My heritage is in Europe (Finland) and it is time I come to know this aspect of my family's history. That is an integral part of my plan. Visits to other areas of Europe are also swirling in my mind. Here listed are my intended "targets", many  I hope can be manifested into my travel tales:


The Appeal of:

London, England

L-O-N-D-O-N -- enough said.  In actuality this will likely be a means. Ryanair has flights from London to Tampere, Finland at reduced costs. Therefore it is a logical destination to include in my European leg. And I like London.

Paris, France

If anyone has to ask why I want to return to Paris, then they do not know me at all. Alas, I may not be able to return to my beloved Paris on this trip. Then again...

Finland

My heritage, my history, me.

Riga, Latvia

This may result in being only a station stop. Air Baltic flies from Helsinki to Baku via Riga. A possible stay here will hinge on flight costs and times.

Baku, Azerbaijan

This place is a must-see for me. I confess that my geography has been lax for many world areas (bad Eeva). Azerbaijan is one of those that my knowledge is minimal, if non-existent. I happened upon a Youtube video commercial by chance, an accidental click that piqued my interest. A former Soviet state that is now a mix of old and new, Azerbaijan has captivated me. I will also visit outside of Baku to see the contrasts of city and country. Considered neither Europe nor Asia, I plot to see as much as I am able.

Turkey

Another desired locale that is a "maybe". So much to see and learn in a country steeped in history. Istanbul, a city that is both part of Europe and Asia by way of the Bosphorus. A world of the past in Cappadocia. It will be hard to resist trekking to this much desired place.

Greece

Again, another "maybe". In all honesty, Greece will only be a destination if a good friend of mine    is able to go pending time, finances and our ability (or lack thereof) to plan.

Malta

An archipelago country in the Mediterrean Sea, Malta has seen its share of rulers. From Greeks and Romans to Arabs and Normans, onto Napoleon's armies, the British Empire and finally independence, I am intrigued by this small country. How can I not visit and stay awhile?

There it is, my intended stops and a few hopefuls. I hope this comes to fruition. Next stop: Africa!

Sunday's Special Spot - Seychelles

When I think of the Seychelles I see blue and white: blue skies, blue waters and white sand. My mind's eye sees this African archipelago as the most stunning paradise in the Indian Ocean. Every photo I have seen re-affirms these beautiful visions in my head. ~Sigh~...to lounge and bask in the sun on one of these glorious islands, with 115 to choose from.




I found this photo on Flickr. It was taken and is owned by pixluser.