SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - COSTA DEL SOL

The pale gray skies are weighted with rain that comes down in a slow drizzle. The air is cool and damp, so much that you can both smell and feel it. A peek of sun is wanted yet I must rely on my imagination for now. Today is the last of the sunshine series and we head off to the Costa del Sol of Spain.

The south of Spain is home to this region of 300 days of sunshine in the province of Malaga. A rich history fills the area's past. Tourism slowly made its impact on the Costa del Sol in the early part of the 20th century, increased in the sixties and seventies and boomed in the later years of the 1900s and current 2000s.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons - Olaf Tausch

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - COLOGNE CATHEDRAL, GERMANY

My first trip to Europe was with my dear friend Izabela. After spending three weeks in England I met up with her in Amsterdam. That began our super fast fun 3.5 week tour of The Continent. One of our stops was in city of Cologne (Koln), Germany. The hostel we stayed in was on one side of The Rhine River and we crossed a bridge twice daily. One our way to the city centre we would amble past the stately gothic Cologne Cathedral. This stunning building that took centuries to build looms along the Rhine and is a source of pride for its cities inhabitants. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most visited sites in all of Germany. 

Although I found the exterior intricate and stunning, it was the inside that wowed me. Ornate, elaborate and a bit foreboding I found myself looking skyward to its detailed ceilings, in awe of the art of its architecture. A small person in a giant world. 

Photo credit: Flickr - Sanjib Behera

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT: PIAZZA NAVONA

The city square was a central meeting place in ancient cities. Even in a more recent histories they have maintained that social aspect - a place for citizens to eat, drink, sing, dance, discuss and formulate ideas. In 15th century Rome, over its first stadium, Piazza Navona was built. Later, during his papacy, Pope Innocent X shaped it into a tribute for his family, who's palace faced the piazza. Restoration of both his family palace and the Sant'Agnese in Agone church along with the commissioning of Bernini's famous Fountain of Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi) boasted the baroque style of the time.  Additional fountains at either end of the piazza add to its architectural beauty. 

Today this stunning plaza remains a (pedestrian) gathering place filled with restaurants, cafes, artists and a place to share memories with family and friends 

Photo credit: Flickr - O Snail

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - TRANSYLVANIA

Hallowe'en is just around the corner and this will be the finale of my eerie series. So why not end off where Bram Stoker began his infamous tale (despite the fact that he never visited Transylvania).

Transylvania is found in the central region of Romania, encompassed to the east and south by the stunning Carpathian Mountains. It is dotted with some amazing medieval towns filled with Gothic castles, historic fortresses and stunning natural beauty.



The hauntingly exquisite Bran Castle. Known as "Dracula's Castle".

Photo Credit: Flickr - Vince Dovey

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - EDINBURGH CASTLE

Carrying forward with the eerie, the city of Edinburgh, Scotland is considered the most haunted in all of Europe. Within it is the most haunted spot in Scotland - Edinburgh Castle. Encompassing a history that spans centuries, this remarkable castle has seen the some of the the worst in torture, battles and imprisonment. It is not surprising that such a macabre past would elicit the notion of ghostly sightings.

Built on Castle Rock, this 'haunted' locale has been the subject of paranormal studies and ghost hunts. Reported spectral 'sightings' and 'phenomenon' include phantom prisoners, a headless drummer, drops in temperature, feelings of clothing being tugged or skin brushed when nothing is around. It is enough to send shivers down your spine. Do you dare to explore the dank, grim corridors and corners of this infamous haunt?

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons, owned by Kim Traynor

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - SANTORINI, GREECE

Any moment that Greece is mentioned my mind inevitably thinks of the white washed, blue domed buildings of the island of Santorini. One of the Cyclades island group, Santorini is without doubt the most familiar of all the Greek Isles. It is located in the Aegean Sea, 200km/120mi south of the Greek mainland. It was created from a volcanic blast that destroyed what once was a lone island and created this caldera.

This photo of Santorini is courtesy of TripAdvisor

History, an arid climate, good food, stunning views and beaches of white, black and red makes this a locale one that is heaven to the senses.

Photo credit: Trip Advisor

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - SARDINIA

Italy's Mediterranean island of Sardinia is a sought after destination for beach lovers and sun worshipers. In addition to it's warm summer weather it has a history that reaches back to 1500 B.C.E. It is one of the oldest pieces of land in Europe. It is now a semi-autonomous state of Italy.

Photo credit: Riviera VIP Services Blog

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - PIHTIPUDAS CHURCH (FINLAND)

It was my momma's birthday yesterday! So in her honour I am posting a photo of the church that is well known in her home town. She grew up in the region of Central Finland, in the small village of Pihtipudas. As a child I can remember her lovingly working on a needlepoint project of this very church. She told me how lovely it was and that she had fond memories of it. One day I will visit this church that holds a spot in my mother's heart (even though I myself am not religious) to honour her.

Pihtipudas Church

This area of Central Finland (Keski-Suomi) has numerous lakes, 140 in all. The village also entertains an annual javelin carnival. I can not wait to visit. 

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons. Owned by Elijas Walteri

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - BULGARIA'S BLACK SEA

Who doesn't like the beach? Many a region has them however some areas are better known than others.  The Caribbean, The Mediterrean, Southern California, The Dead Sea and Australia's Gold Coast ring familiar.  Although some others are not as recognized they are still as spectacular. The Bulgarian Riviera on The Black Sea is well known to locals. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain has been growing in popularity with foreigners.



Hours of sunshine and 130 km(80 miles) of beautiful beaches beckons sun worshipers from near and far. It's international recognition continues to rise.


Photo credit - Flickr: JurgenBOT

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 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)

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - CAMINO DE SANTIAGO DE CAMPOSTELA

The Camino de Santiago de Campostela - "The Way of St James". A long name for a long pilgrimage. Referred to simply as "The Camino"  this age old pilgrimage begins at the Pyrenees Mountains in southwestern France and winds its way across the landscape of northern Spain on it's most popular route. Twisting its way through green fields, bustling city streets and rocky outcrops it terminates at the cathedral of Santiago de Campostela, clear across the country in Galicia, Spain. Although there are many routes along The Camino, the most familiar route takes pilgrims roughly a month to traverse the trail. Dotting the way are "refugios" or refuges for weary pilgrims to lay their heads.



When I first learned of The Camino I was instantly intrigued. Why would one want to do such a trek? Could I do such a trek? There are oodles of reasons that thousands upon thousands make this journey. Some for religious reasons, others to see if they can do it and even more to find themselves on the way. My reason? Simply to see if I can do it....and bragging rights: "I walked across the north of Spain...oh yeah."  Well not entirely but would be cool to make that proclamation. So in several years, once my RTW trip has been completed my next adventurous goal is The Way of St James. The question is - are you coming with me?

Photo credit: Ron Albers (Flickr)

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - BERLIN

Some structures remain the same over the years while other change, figuratively speaking. Today's city has one of those monuments.  Constructed between 1788 and 1791, Berlin's Brandenburg Gate was originally erected as a city gate and represented peace. Years passed as did governments and rulers. Since then the gate has symbolized triumph, victory, militarism, division and now freedom and the re-unification of Berlin and Germany.

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany

Brandenburg Gate, which in was closed off in 1961 as part of the Berlin Wall that separated West Berlin from communist East Berlin was opened after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. In 2001 the gate was renovated and restored to it's original glory.

This photo is from Wikimedia Commons. It was taken and is owned by Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de 

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - TURKEY

In trying to decide on today's spot I encountered some difficulty. Not because I did not know which country to choose but which area of it to opt for! Turkey offers so much - it is permeated with history and culture yet maintains a modern flair with eco-tourism, adventure travel and pure beauty in a Mediterrean climate. I have yet to meet someone who has been to Turkey and has not liked it. I can't wait to visit!!




The Cappadocia region, found in central Turkey, is home to much history and natural volcanic rock vistas. Ancient "fairy chimneys" populate the view around Goreme. Due to the soft nature of these "chimneys", the locals created carved homes, churches, temples and other structures into them.

Photo copyright by Moyan Brenn

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

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!