Monday 29 July 2013

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - RUINS OF PETRA

***I apologize for the delay and hope that this will not become a habit in the future. Please enjoy it on this Monday***

The city of Petra, located in Jordan is an ancient city that is home to some of the world's most incredible archaeological sites. Not only are they of historical and cultural importance they hold a unique beauty.


The Treasury (Al Khazneh) is believed to have been built in 312 BCE

This ancient area of the world was the hub of the Nabataen culture from the 4th - 6th centuries, though there are indications that the territory had far older inhabitants. Hidden from the modern world until 1812, The Ruins at Petra are considered by many as one of the places to see before you die.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons, owned by Bernard Gagnon

Tuesday 23 July 2013

SASQUATCH vs CANDY

NATIONAL QUESTIONER BREAKING NEWS!!!

Developing story - Will the twin Sasquatches know as "Quatchi" have to fight to retain their titles as the mascots of Eeva's impending RTW trip?

Inside sources reveal that there has been drama building since the arrival of Ms Brown (of M&M candy fame). The elegant and eloquent Ms Brown has caused somewhat of a ruckus, being so bold as to sit under the twin's beloved Canucks flag. Quatchi 1 has not handled the situation well, having retreated to his "safebox" in the closet  He has yet to come to terms with this potentially devastating event. Friends are worried that Quatchi 1 may just stay in hiding if Ms Brown overtakes the roll of mascot. 




Quatchi 2, however, seems to have embraced the presence of Ms Brown after her arrival from M&M World in Las Vegas, NV. It would appear that Quatchi 2's recent trip to Ontario has opened him up to taking risks, including befriending the charming yet potentially mascot-position stealing Ms Brown. He has taken to her classy demeanor and bold style. Is this honest admiration or is a more sinister intention brewing under those fuzzy blue earmuffs? Time will tell.

Despite the boldness of Ms Brown, insiders say she is not interested in the role of mascot. One source said "She's too big - it's easy to travel with the small ones." Another was concerned that she may get wrecked. Ms Brown herself has not made any comments on the matter.

Despite the mascot rumour mill, ultimately it will be up to Eeva to determine the roles. Until now, nobody has asked her. The National Questioner has the exclusive. This is what she told us: "Yeah, Ms Brown is awesome but backpacking is not her style. I see her joining me on other types of trips such as a girls weekend to Vegas or a sun vacation to Cabo. Paris and Spain would definitely be her style, sans the backpack. The Quatchi's need not worry. They are defo back packing material. And if a traveler is met en-route with out an accompanying mascot, one of them may be up for adoption - to a good home of course." 

There you have it. The quandary of the mascot's roles has been resolved. Both sides appear to be happy, even though Quatchi 1 is still in hiding...or perhaps just snoozing. In a related story, none of the toys have been of any interest to the resident cat, Piper and they can rest easy that they will not become cat toys.

Sunday 21 July 2013

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - SHARK BAY, AUSTRALIA

On the western coast of Australia,1200 km (800 miles) north of the city of Perth, lies an incredible "W" shaped bay that is home to hundreds of bird, reptile, amphibian and marine life. Its geology ranges from stunning cliffs to beautiful lagoons all along a 1,500 km (932 miles) coastline. This extraordinary locale is Shark Bay

hamelin pool stromatolite shark bay western australia

A sensational sunset at Hamelin Pool in Shark Bay. In the 1990s this unique 10,000 km area became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spectacular area it is.

Photo credit: Flickr. Owned by Rosalia C

Sunday 14 July 2013

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - FREETOWN CHRISTIANIA

Freetown Christiania is micronation found within the city of Copenhagen, Denmark. To quote Wikipedia: "Micronations, sometimes also referred to as model countries and new country projects, are entities that claim to be independent nations or states but which are not recognized by governments or major international organizations."

Okay, so it's not a REAL country but it is a real place. The area it is located in has had various incarnations. More recently, prior to it becoming Christiania, it was deserted military barracks. In 1971 it was taken over by "The Hippie Movement" and the "The Squatter Movement". Although it's almost 1000 residents call it a free nation, most recognize it as commune.

CHRiSTiANiA •••

Christiania has had a colourful and eventful history, that is for certain. From officials trying to have it closed, tourists flocking to get an eyeful and idealists aiming to live simply to dubious characters around the infamous "Pusher Street" and old buildings in disrepair and then re-done, there appears to be no lack of adventure to be found in the unique community.

Photo credit: Flickr. Owned by KP M (alibaba0)

Monday 8 July 2013

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA

***Sorry that this is a day late! I hope you enjoy it regardless***

On the northern coast of Colombia, South America lies the city of Cartagena, once fortified for protection against pirates, it is now a thriving city based on industry, construction, commercialism and tourism. Although the city was found in 1533 C.E. by the Spanish, it has been home to numerous indigenous peoples as far back as 4000 B.C.E.


 San Felipe de Barajas’s fortress, Cartagena, Colombia
This magnificent walled city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, along with Cartagena's port and monuments.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons, owned by: Martin St-Amant (S23678) 

Monday 1 July 2013

~SIGH~

Today is July 1. Canada Day. My favourite holiday. I love birthdays and I love Canada so the two together is awesome. This year, however is not as joyous as years past. This year is kinda sucky. This was supposed to be the day that I start my big adventure. HA - I am not so lucky.

Little over a year ago I made a proclamation right here on this blog. I followed through on what so many had suggested I do - pick a date! I did. I picked today, July 1, 2013. And here I sit in my living room with no goal attained. Disheartening it is. 


Me, crying

So why did you not go away you ask. Well the polar opposite happened of what I anticipated. It was akin to a ginormous boulder placed on my path. One that I had trouble going around or over. I oft hear that if you visualize your dream it will happen. Set a plan and a goal, set a date. I  did that and I get squat. It is frustrating and disconcerting (stomping feet and shaking my fists)!! 








So that is how I feel today. I will still enjoy this day because it is a great day for a great country. I know that much of my previous situation has changed, as have I. I continue to learn, continue to plan and I will go. I am just sad that today was not the day.