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I have been around for many millions of years. I span from Canada down to the Southwest of the United States. In some areas I reach over 14,400 feet and in other areas I have no peaks. At one time my plains had Mammoth and Ancient Bison, but now I’m inhabited by furry creatures such as bighorn sheep, lynx and the wolverine. I have been home to the Apache, Cheyenne and Sioux tribes. Famous people have traveled my land in hopes of new exploration or riches in the likes of Lewis and Clark and Sir Alexander Mackenzie. I am known for many of my national parks, some having waterfalls, geysers and hot springs. You can camp at my parks and go fishing, though some campsites are only accessible by foot or horseback. You could have bears come up to you begging for food while you’re fixing your own plate over…
Where am I? I’m on the East Coast of a large continent without too many countries where dolphins swim in my waters. My boardwalk is filled with unique shops where you’ll find that one of a kind gift. I have a landmark taffy store called Dolles’ where you can buy a few pieces or a box to share with friends. Even though I’m next to the ocean I have a farmer’s market where you can enjoy locally grown produce. I also have farms nearby where you can pick your own strawberries and blueberries depending on the season. Different times of the year I have festivals either at my beach or the beaches surrounding me. There is even the annual Elvis festival. Every October there is a celebration for Halloween and let’s not forget Oktoberfest! But don’t wait until Oktoberfest to have a beer. Head over to our famous pub and…
I am nestled in one of the states in New England. Along my streets are bookstores, places to shop for that unique gift and you might find some “Ivy” a few blocks away. In my town I have a Pulitzer winning mural in one of the many museums that can be found here. I host a variety of museums including the largest British collection of art, paintings, sculptures and rare books in the whole United States. There is a museum for art that hosts a collection of over 100,000 pieces in its permanent collection; anything from modern art to the historically famous. Most of my museums are free. If you love books there is an enormous rare book and manuscript library that will blow your mind. The stacks of books are endless. You will find yourself not wanting to leave. It seems like every city is has their own “Little…
I am on an island in a pristine part of the world with powdery white sand between my toes. Everywhere there are animals, some prehistoric-looking like the marine iguanas and others, just plain rare. The crescent-shaped beach has a long path leading to it from the town through the foliage and scrub. The length of the pathway keeps at least some of the development at bay. As I walk along it I see birds that hop down the low stone walls next to me. They are not afraid of me. I get closer and am surprised that they still don’t fly away like they would at home if I was that close. Surfers practice on the waves, but I walk on further until I see the mangroves and the still turquoise pools where the pelicans play, reef sharks swim, and the kayakers slide out into the natural world. Do you…
No matter what time of year I am always ready and waiting for someone to explore my grounds. I stay cold until April when the sun comes out and my snow melts away. By the summer you’ll be able to hike. If you're into extreme biking I have the trails for you. Bring some of your friends, make a picnic and go fishing on my lake. Not everyone wants to be outdoors and I do have some of the most exquisite lodges and casinos where you can escape from everyday life. Summer is quite beautiful here, but I’m known for my winter months. Guests come from all over to ski my mountains and cross-country ski my trails. You can go ice skating, snow tubing, and I even have sledding trails; almost anything you can think of to do in the snow is here. As you explore my region you will…
I am designed to look like the days in Rome or Greece when gods and goddesses ruled the earth. As you explore my grounds you will notice I have more than one garden each with its own unique qualities. You can rest on stone benches as you admire the bronze statues and fountains as well as over 300 different kinds of plant life. The main garden has a magnificent 220 foot-long reflecting pool. At each end of the pool there is a statue sitting atop a rock above the water. If you want a tranquil place for meditation, visit my east garden. It has a spectacular fountain and behind it a mosaic sitting area to rest. My other garden grows the same variety of fruits and herbs used in the first-century. The plant life will be labeled so you know exactly what you’re seeing and smelling. As you enter the…
My location is an incredibly fashionable place to be. Not to brag... but I have been a trendy retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since the Roman times.The country I run through has nicknamed me Lario. I am of glacial origin, and I'm shaped very much like the character "Y". I am the third largest lake in my country and one of the deepest throughout my entire continent.To this day, I remain a very popular tourist attraction with many artistic and cultural gems. Without name-dropping, I can tell you that many celebrities have homes on my shores... and that one American leading man in particular speaks often about how much he loves coming to his home on my shores.Where am I?
I was first launched in April of 1943 and have been to Pearl Harbor, the Caribbean and Hawaii. I was involved in many wars but was decommissioned in March of 1974. Since then I have become a national museum available to everyone. I sit on a famous river that is next to an island made up of city life. While you are visiting me you can watch an eight minute movie that will tell the history of how I came about and where I’ve been. There is the Bell 47 helicopter you can climb into and pretend you’re flying, or take a ride in the A-6 Cockpit simulator. If you’re into 3-D, I have an XD theater that will blow your mind. Every Saturday night during the summer you can sit on my deck, bring your lawn chairs & snacks, and watch a feature movie. Parents and groups have…
I have palm trees and cliffs next to my beaches. You can also find Eucalyptus trees in my city. Surfers come to play on my waves. I am known for my dolphin and whale watching and have restaurants next to my beaches where you can have a fresh seafood dinner overlooking the sunset. I have hosted weddings and family gatherings. Over twenty beaches line my coast and there is a protected marine preserve. Tours are hosted to see the sea lions, seals and life in the tide pools. In my hills and cliffs you can go hiking, bird watching or even find an equestrian trail. There are over 100 art galleries with public art everywhere to be seen and enjoyed. You may even find a bench that is artist inspired. The land I’m on was relatively recently ‘discovered’ and named in the 1800’s. If you wanted to take a day…
This beautiful coastal town is famed for its coves and secret beaches surrounded by steep cliffs. Its turquoise water is translucent and the sand is pure white. The port is home to many cafes and restaurants to experience the excellent local cuisine as well as numerous yachts to explore this rocky coastline. Surrounded by vineyards that make a prized white wine, this country produces numerous prize-winning vintages.Located in a country visited by many tourists, this area is especially crowded in the summer months, when city dwellers flock to the shore.On a continent known for its cultural contributions to the world, with much of its great artwork hailing from this region. Do you know where I am?(scroll down to enter your vote)
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Situated in a land of castles this classic one has a drawbridge out of a fairytale. Entering the medieval structure with its thick stone walls that seem to chill the air, you can imagine how royalty lived ages ago. Building began on this castle in the 14th century and it was of great strategic importance. The castle was rebuilt after WWII. It is now a popular local tourist destination close to the much lauded capital city of this country well off the tourist track. Have a boatman take you out on the lake, but barter in the local language since not much English is spoken here with the older generation. Located between two historic superpowers and occupied by both at various times this country is in a region that finally achieved independence recently. Since then their economy has gone through rapid growth and its own real estate bubble and stabilization. This country's…
Situated in a valley known for its mystic properties, this ancient city sits on terraced cliffs like steps leading to the heavens. In its time it was a massive project consisting of huge monoliths carried up the mountains and stones cut at sharp angles fitting into each other like a puzzle. There are debates among archeologists as to how the monoliths could have been carried so high and how the stones could have been carved with only the stone or bronze tools of that time which seems to be impossible, adding to the mystery. Also, work was stopped on the project all at once under unknown conditions.The town has expanded around the ruins with tourist shops and hotels. The air is thin here and many foreigners suffer mild signs of altitude sickness. Located in a country of many climates from seashore to high mountains to tropical rainforest with flesh-eating fish,…
Follow these clues to enter our contest, win your next vacation!This circular road which features castles, beaches, villages, churches, and waterfalls, is one of the main tourist destinations in this country. It’s popular with tour groups who climb into big buses which are only allowed to travel in one direction; for if they were to meet another bus along the skinny road they wouldn’t be able to pass. Despite the narrow lane it is considered a must-see destination.This vista is at its outer edge where the ocean stretches unhindered to another continent. There are also many quieter sheltered coves where one could swim in the chilly water or take a long walk along the beach. Many poets have found inspiration in the lush landscape, rugged rocks, and powerful ocean.This country is an island nation known for lots of green – it helps that it rains almost every day. It has…
Follow these clues to enter our contest, win your next vacation!I am standing in the hundred degree heat climbing the narrow steep steps of this pyramid to see the incredibly preserved stucco and limestone mortar decorations on these ruins. The elaborate decor hides a tomb and differs from other major ruins of the area which are mainly carved out of stone. Discovered recently, the excavation of the site is not complete, as the process of cutting the jungle away takes time. However, it does seem that the jungle preserved the ruins better than humans would have, as the site appears completely intact with nothing missing. Palapas have since been built over the most extensive carvings to protect them from the elements. This would have been a great city at the height of its civilization and is named after a jaguar. The state where the ruins lie is one of the…
Where I am may seem obvious, but be careful. I am part of a small area estranged from its original country, inside a country that is itself extremely small. My country borders only one other, and is on the sea. Visit my country if you want a taste of the first world in a part of the world surrounded by less wealthy nations. Visit my country if you want to experience one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, eat great food, see one of the cleanest cities the world over, and experience a nation that may just be more advanced and modern than your own. Where am I?
I am located in an alley nearby several large streets, on the southern side of the river that divides the capital city of this island nation. I am in an oceanside city in a country with one of the highest emigration rates in the world. Considered a small and relatively quiet city, nary a building here stands taller than 22 stories.People visit this country for the beautiful green scenery, the rich history and even to see the occasional castle. However, it would be foolish to say the main draw is anything but the pubs. This alley is somewhat of an aberration, as the city I am in is not known for any sort of graffiti or street art.I am located near many other countries, but share a border with only one.If you can't name the alley, can you name the nearby streets?
I am standing on a natural rock formation on the southeastern coast of this island state. This rare geological feature, caused by natural erosion formed in flat-lying sedimentary rock, gives the appearance that the rock has been cut into rectangular tiles with raised edges. There are several other interestingly named geological attractions to see on this narrow isthmus of land, but the area also holds a lot of history. Back in this island’s penal colony days, this stretch of land formed a natural gateway to the peninsula that was used to house convicts. Dogs were chained to posts along the neck to keep prisoners from escaping, although many tried. Legend has it that one ambitious convict attempted to hop down the isthmus in a kangaroo skin, but gave himself up when two guards tried to shoot him for their dinner. Do you know where I am?
Looming large in the distance at 2829m, I stand tall over a small village. About 1,000 people live in the fertile plane that surrounds my peak, though the vineyards and fields that grow corn, beans and fruits are tattooed with smaller peaks and lava flows of varying age. I may appear quiet at the moment, but I most recently erupted in 1995 destroying much of the arable land and sending villagers fleeing for shelter elsewhere. The remote village is surrounded by sheer faces of what was believed to be a larger peak of 3,500m that crumbled into the ocean thousands of years ago. Far below the crater, there are villages and small cities around the island with a population totaling almost 40,000 inhabitants. The 40,000 of my island, named for a particularly violent eruption in 1680, make up only about one fifth of the nation’s population. I am the fourth…
I’ve taken the funicular to a hilltop overlooking this picturesque colonial city; capital of a central state that bears the same name. With its winding maze of cobblestone streets and narrow alleys, traveling by foot is by far the most convenient method of transportation here. Every autumn this city is host to an international arts festival honoring a famous Spanish novelist. The festival features recitals, concerts, plays and exhibits from both international and local artists. At night visitors can follow groups of performing university students, known as estudiantinas or callejoneadas, on a walking tour of the city’s most famous sites. The students tell jokes and stories in between songs, keeping the crowd entertained well into the night. One of the most memorable stops on the walk is a pathway so narrow that two people can lean from balconies on either side to exchange a kiss. Legend has it that two…
I’m at the southern tip of a country that’s been in existence since the early 1500s. I’m in a sprawling Memorial Park dedicated to the 550,000 soldiers and 100,000 civilians who died fighting in a violent battle for control of the land I am now standing on.
The waterfalls I am standing at are the focal point of a 1,800 acre historical nature park. This park is known for offering visitors a first-hand experience of the ancient lifestyle and traditions of this tropical paradise.
I meandered alone peacefully through an unfamiliar public park. I was making my way to a museum someone had recommended, but the day was so beautiful I wasn’t in a rush to get there. I knew the museum was located in the northern section of the park near a bridge; and sure enough, there it was.
I am located in the western part of my county’s capital; nestled in a cosmopolitan district with a reputation for being contemporary and fashionable. I’m also known for the large number of oversized Victorian townhouses and the private gardens that accompany them (only residents are given keys).
I am riding in a safari vehicle which stops in front of a water hole. Less than 30 feet away is a group of 40 Kalahari elephants. It's spring, and there are baby elephants following behind their mothers, trotting on uncertain little legs to keep up.
I’m in one of those weird dreams that you won’t be able to help obsessing about the following day. Surreal characters of all shapes and sizes are frozen in time, but I am moving. What ever could it mean? And, how will I avoid completely over-analyzing my subconscious thoughts? Finally, I realize that I - like many others - have been entirely swept away by one of America’s most fantastical treasures.
This small church is the oldest in its city and the most historic. It has been named three times: once after the infant Jesus; the second in 1690 after a victory in battle with an arch enemy trying to capture the city; and a third revision after being saved from another attack due to the shipwreck of the intruders in 1711. The church is seen as the protector of the city for those victories. A miniature replica of a vessel that brought the defending army in hangs from the ceiling close to the fort shaped alter.
For all of my aesthetic beauty, my technology was “green” long before the term was coined. Driven by the flowing river in days past, my job was to scoop up water in small receptacles attached to each of the many spokes of my giant wheel and empty the contents into an advanced aqueduct system. I still turn today in this ancient city, although not as much as I did when the land I irrigate was still in agricultural use. When I rotate, my wheel creaks and squeaks – it is often referred to as “singing”.
I am standing on an absolutely pristine beach with soft, pure white sand and turquoise water so clear that I can see every detail at the bottom of the sea. The clarity makes this island as well as the 700 other islands that comprise this country a prime spot for diving, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and yachting. This district sits on 360 islands and cays – with the two main ones linked by a small bridge and most of the outer islands and cays uninhabited. All together the archipelago consists of over 2,000 islands and cays and has almost perfect weather year round, even during most of its notoriously destructive hurricane season.
I am standing in the midst of a vast national park surrounded by wildlife and open terrain. Commanding the attention of anyone within miles, this colossal mass erupts from the surrounding foothills. 56 million years of crystallization led to the evolution of the majestic snow-capped mountain before me. Withstanding extremely harsh weather, the mountain endures high winds, frequent snowfall, and temperatures as low as -75 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills of -118 degrees Fahrenheit.
I am standing in the middle of a desert barren of plant life except for a solitary mesquite tree. This 400-year-old tree flourishes despite the lack of a water source, and the mystery behind its survival draws thousands of visitors each year. From afar the tree is merely a small speck of green amidst miles of sand, and could easily be mistaken for a mirage.
I am standing at the southwestern tip of a country located on an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. I am in the city that lies perilously close to this monstrous volcano, which showers the local inhabitants with a light ash almost every afternoon.
I am standing in the European countryside, surrounded by lush orchards, the smell of citrus blossoms, rolling green hills…and about 20 acres of concrete. This arrangement of massive cement structures around me is actually a memorial, built in the late 20th century after a devastating earthquake rocked this region in the 1960s, reducing the town that once stood here to rubble. These huge cement bases are laid out to form a footprint of the original town, and travelers who come to awe at this huge outdoor sculpture can walk the labyrinth, remembering the victims and listening to the silence of a ghost town.
I am touring one of the most striking geological phenomena in the southwest of a large, powerful country. As we approach from the highway the typical high desert terrain of the nearby area gives way to bright brick-red cliffs and peaks. This unique geography was created over millions of years by the awesome power of both water and earthquakes. The thrust fault (fracture in the earth's crust) created enough force to drive one crustal plate over the top of another. This results in the oldest rocks on the bottom of the upper plate resting directly above the youngest rocks of the lower plate.
I am on a day-hike, considered to be one of the best in its country. It is located in a national park that was established in 1887 as only the fourth worldwide. It was the first park in the world to be created by a gift of land by indigenous people; therefore the mountains have deep spiritual significance symbolizing the spiritual links between its community and its environment. In 1993, it became the first property to be inscribed on the World Heritage List for cultural landscapes.
I am standing on one of the largest Caribbean islands off the coast of Miami, known for its laid back lifestyle. The town I am in was ‘discovered’ in the 1970’s, yet it is still considered an up-and-coming popular tourist destination. In the late 1960’s, the only accommodation in this town was one house called Llandtrissant. There was nothing more than a lighthouse to guide ships around the rocky western coast and the population was mostly land crabs.
This building that looks like a small castle is actually a church and a Benedictine monastery from the Middle Ages. Apparently it was well protected, sitting atop a beautiful rock island/peninsula next to the town’s beach and surrounded on three sides by the oceans slapping waves.
This meeting house was built in 1940 to commemorate the centenary signing of a treaty that is the generally considered the founding document of the country it is in. Located in the South Pacific, 85% this island nation’s 4 million residents are of European descent, and 15% are descended from the native tribes.
At this sacred place, visitors from around the world inscribe their wishes and prayers on small wooden tablets, which are hung on hooks under a large tree in its inner courtyard. Shinto monks from the nearby temple convey the wishes to the gods while they chant and say their daily prayers. At the start of the New Year, the tablets are burned in order to symbolically “release” the prayers to the gods and the heavens, where it is believed they are granted.
This boulder – which looks like it’s about to topple at any minute – has probably been here longer than the ancient civilization that resides on this coastline. This is a land of temples, the sea and sun. One of its temples, located right on the shore, was the first in the area to be built of stone, and it even could allow the sea in to become a water shrine. Now there is a breaker wall built up to help preserve the structure from erosion.
I am standing in a small room overlooking the meticulously tiled courtyard of an ancient theological college. It is a stunning example of Arab-Andalous architecture. Its tile work and stucco decoration are complemented by exquisite cedar work carvings. The main courtyard has a low pool at its center built with more handmade tiles, and is surrounded by arched doorways leading to its lovely prayer halls. This pattern of a courtyard surrounded by rooms is replicated again and again as you follow the long hallways around the building. Mini-courtyards around mini-rooms (that some describe as ‘cells’ because they’re so small) are on the ground floor, and upstairs its same except the courtyards are replaced by balconies.
I am standing on large dunes overlooking a lagoon and a small traditional fishing village. This area is a National Park and the town has recently become a tourist beach haven. Hundreds of stairs lead to the top of these huge shifting sand dunes and stunning views.
I am in a dark cavernous world at high noon – it’s sweltering outside and ever so cool in here. The sandstone walls and sandy floor are lit by sunbeams that shine straight in at noon, and at other times they curl in and light the stratified walls their crimson, coral, and rose glory. As I walk through the narrow crevice with its sensuous sculpted walls, I remember that rushing water formed its curves.
I am standing at a medieval castle in the main city of a long isolated island off of a small seaside country. The castle is an imposing square building built of dolomite blocks. To get here I had to pronounce the island’s long name (heavy on the vowels) satisfactorily to the ticket purveyor.
I’ve ascended 365 steps and am standing at the largest Buddhist stupa in this small country. I am surrounded by monkeys, monks, and soldiers. It is an odd combination at one of the oldest holy sites in this area. From its high spot overlooking the valley – large eyes painted on all four walls peer out symbolizing Buddha watching over you. This stupa, near the capital city, was built over 2,000 years ago. Pilgrims climb its steps daily before dawn and circle its golden spire.
I am surrounded by stone. Stone houses, stone ovens, stones piled into fences to line the edge of olive groves. The people of this region chose to build their stone homes round, with cone shaped roofs, looking something like beehives. The houses have tiny windows and are naturally warm in winter and cool in summer.
I stand at the edge of the sea at the home of the most praised poet of this country. His surrealist style is mirrored in a fantastical custom-built home, now a museum, run by a foundation in his name. His extensive collections of everything from busts to bottles to boats fill the house and spill out into the yard.
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