Who is Michael?

curve ball here. instead of a country I'm going to tell you about a place. Can you guess what it is, where it is?

This place has always been a place I want to go. One of those places you can walk to when the tide is down, but have to take a boat other wise. well now there is a road, stupid modernization.

It was built back in the medieval times and is set on a granite island, which is what has helped it last through time. Commissioned to be built by an Italian Architect in the 11th Century.

It is said that a Saint (its patron saint) once appeared here, but it was mostly built as astronghold and sanctuary during the wars and such. The little island actually has a little village with in the castle walls, population 41. HOW COOL!

Now it sits as a functioning monastery and of course tourist attraction.

One of my favorite scenes in the 1950's Scarlet Pimpernel was them racing to the castle to rescue Margarette in the castle, they are going across the low tide to this place, it was beautiful. Also the castles in Lord of the Rings are based on this structure.

Just a cool place. Anyone actually been there?

Did Joseph live here?

We all know by now that there is some unrest in the middle east. And here is no exception. Things are a little ugly right now, so I thought I'd point out some of the beauty. I saw this and it took my breath away. You could be swept away in the romance, history and awe of it all. (sorry it is so small)

This ancient city served as a waystation for caravans. Located in an oasis in the desert it was known as the Bride of the Desert. One of several places listed as a world heritage sight, there is no lack of history here. Even the Bible and prophets have spoken of this area. One of the legends of Mohammed claims, that on a journey from Mecca, the Prophet Mohammed cast his gaze from the mountainside onto the city, but refused to enter the city because he wanted to enter paradise only once – when he died. Some say this is where Cain and Able had their 'falling out' the apostle Paul made the great basket escape, and history is set.

Many people when they think of this area have only one thought... terrorists. Not true, most of the countrymen are among the most friendly and hospitable people and the country has enough gentle charms to go around. One thing to beware of though is the food. Once you start trying the local fair you might not ever stop, it's dangerously delicious. How can anyone be cranky when eating this fare?

Beehives. What comes to mind? Little white boxes, with honeycombes, and white overalls with a head cover? Do you think of home sweet home? or air conditioning? Try this out for size. Designed for the desert climate, the beehive homes keep the heat out in a few ways. Their thick mud brick walls trap in the cool and keep the sun out as well (beehive homes have very few, if any, windows). The high domes of the beehive houses also collect the hot air, moving it away from the residents sleeping at the bottom of the house.

In a place that vies for the title of the world’s oldest continually inhabited city, there is never enough to say.

Tea Time anyone?

Remember that great war in the US where we declared our freedom from British Rule? Big war big results. Irony is when a place, like here fights for rule but this time the WANTED British rule as apposed to the mainland merely 250 nautical miles away ruling and reigning. Of Course the Brits had to sail a measly 8,000 miles to get there. So victory for the British. It's all about what the people want. You may be surprised to know that this happened a mere 30 years ago. Also a note of Irony is that US supported the British in the war. Fly the Union Jack.

You may have guessed that this is another island nation. But unlike most island nations, you wont find crowds of tourists the Unspoilt beaches, islands and cliffs provide a haven for tons of species including Orville here (can you guess what movie he was in) You could share a beach with a Elephant Seals, while watching Killer Whales circling offshore. Well because you wont be swimming, brrrrrr.

Besides soaking in the crisp sun on the beach and observing the wildlife, there is always the adventure. The location alone would constitute as an adventure, and getting there could definitely be an adventure, and most people come here in search of getting somewhere else, a location anyone would consider a great adventure. But while here there are things you can also do. Are you into marathons? The Standard Chartered Bank, through their "Greatest Race on Earth competition, decided to sponsor extreme races. The highest, the most southerly, etc. One of those is here. Also, anywhere outside of the Capital City is considered 'Camp Area', I love camping, and camping here is a lifetime experience.

A unique landmark are the stone seas, a rock land form, made by erosion caused by freeze/thawing cycles during the last ice age. They are accumulations of boulders with material between them.

Most travel is done by boat or plane. An life is an islander life - slow and easy. Not much has changed from the British Settlement in the 1700 to the present, and the houses from the settlement still remain enhancing the ambiance. Or take a jeep excursion to see the little men in tuxes.

An untapped resource for tourism, AND oil. Seismic surveys show there is oodles of it.

Fi M Chan Gwrymiau

A country with out all the frills - no armed forces, or currency. A country with with thrills the highest peak in the world is named after an adventurer from here. A country with mystic roots - the official animal is the Dragon.

Rugby, who doesn't love Rugby, well these folks do, it is their national sport. And luckily they win their fair share.

The cute little bird in a tux is named after takes it's name from this nation.

Most people here speak a dialect of English, but over 21% of the population claim to speak the native ancient tongue.

Most surnames end with an 's'

Several famous folks come from this little known country.

Jessica, I know you are the only one who still reads this so I'm trying to make this hard for you!

but you will just cut and paste so don't read further unless you all ready know.

As a Bibliophile knowing that there is a place like this in the world, makes me a little giddy. There is a little village here that is called 'The Town of Books'. With over 30 bookstores that sell specialty and used books. It also houses two castles, BONUS. A self proclaimed Bibliophile declared the little town a monarchy and himself king. Calls himself the King of Hay.

Swamped with history and mystery, this place has a very strong culture. King Arthur himself is suppose to be originally from here. Castles and ruins abound. Several books have been published about the mythology.

there is so much more to say of course. I haven't touched on the beauty, the activities, the history, the AWESOME accents. So we'll just have to go and find out for ourselves.