East o' the Sun West o' the Moon

Those that guessed Serbia for the last quest are absolutely correct.  The way north, or the north way.   Today we are going north. 

Europe's highest waterfall (6th in world) longest coastline, deepest lake and deepest undersea tunnel (in the world) you don't mess around here.  The rugged coastline is riddled with fjords and islands (over 50k), then going inland it is mostly mountains.

The Viking age was characterized by expansion and emigration by Viking seafarers.  According to tradition, Harlad Fairhair unified them into one in 872 after the Battle of Harfrsfjord. Thus becoming the first king of this land.  He ruled with a strong hand causing many to leave the country to live in surrounding lands.  In fact cities like Dublin, Limerick and Waterford were founded by these countrymen. 

In 1349, cries of 'the Plague' ran through the streets here.  The resulting deaths radically altered the country, a loss of over 50% of the population.  leaving it in a period of social and economical decline., leaving the country very poor.  Although not the only country to suffer the Black Plague, this country too a little longer to recover because of the small scattered population.  Before the plague, the population was only about 500,000 people.  After the plague, many farms lay idle while the population slowly increased. The few surviving farms' tenants found their bargaining positions with their landlords greatly strengthened.

A didjaknow: this country is the 5th largest oil exporter and 3rd largest gas exporter?  I did not. Also interesting is that they have some of the highest gas prices in the world, ironic? From 1966 to 2012 the companies have drilled 5085 oil wells,  3672 are utviklingsbrønner (regular production); 1413 are letebrønner (drilling and surveillance); and 1405 of these have been terminated  I'll be honest, a part of me really wants to go here, WHY DOESN'T IT TIP OVER??

 

 

Religion is a no joke here with most of the population being registered as baptized members of the Church of .........  Many remain in the state church to participate in the community and practices such as baptism, confirmation, marriage and burial, rites which have strong cultural standing. About 77% were members of the Church of .........on 1 January 2012. In 2011, about 66% of all newborns were baptised and about 65% of all 15-year-old persons were confirmed in the church. But, only 20% say that religion occupies an important place in their life, the fourth-lowest such percentage in the world. The practice of wooden churches is a thing of the past, and not many exist anymore, but of the ones that do most reside here.  They are called Stave Churches, the one blow is one of the largest.

There is a legend telling about the erection of church and how it was built in three days.

Five farmers (Raud Rygi, Stebbe Straand, Kjeik Sem, Grut Grene and Vrang Stivi) from Heddal had made plans for a church, and they decided to have it built. This is how it happened:
One day, Raud Rygi (one of the five men) met a stranger who was willing to build the church. However, the stranger, set three conditions for doing the job, one of which must be fulfilled before the church was finished:
Raud had three options: fetch the sun and the moon from the sky, forfeit his life-blood, or guess the name of the stranger. Raud thought the last would not prove too difficult, so he agreed to the terms
But time began to run out. All of the building materials had arrived during the first night, and remarkably, the spire was built during the second. It became clear to Raud that the church would be finished on the third day.
Down at heart and fearing for his life, Raud took a walk around in the fields trying to figure out what the stranger's name could be. Still wandering about he had unconsciously arrived at Svintruberget (a rocky hill southeast of the church site) when he suddenly heard a strange but most beautiful and clearly audible female song:

Hush-hush little Child,

Tomorrow Finn will bring you the Moon and the Sky.

He will bring you the Sun and a Christian Heart,

so pretty Toys for my little Child to play a Part.

 

Nidaros Cathedral is a Church of ......... cathedral.  Built over the burial site of Saint Olaf, the king  in the 11th century, who became the patron saint of the nation. It is the traditional location for the consecration of the King. It was built from 1070 to 1300, and designated as the cathedral for the Diocese of Nidaros in 1152. After the Protestant Reformation, it was taken over by the Lutheran Church in 1527. It is the northernmost medieval church in the world.

 

 

Uh fish died in Lye anyone? (Lutfisk)

 gross  And the most popular cheese is brown.  ew.

 

Like TV?  You have to pay a $300 licence fee yearly!

 

The Government spent US$ 7 million on the construction of a doomsday vault (seed vault) on the arctic island of Svalbard. The purpose of the doomsday vault is to preserve plants seeds from around the world in case some of them should become extinct.

 

The bad A-Ha is the only internationally successful music group to come from here, and are considered national icons.  Take On Me..... now it is stuck in your head.!

 

 

 

They also claim to have invented modern skiing, the cheese slicer and aerosol spray.  Along with 12 Nobel Prize Laureates. These folks use their brain. 

 

 

But most fun are the folk tales.  We have Beauty and the Beast, they have East of the Sun West of the Moon.  A whole slew of stories and tales that are dear to these people but on the top of their list are Trolls.  Trolls are such a part of their culture that several towns are named after trolls.Trollheimen, Trollstigen, Trollhatten and Trollveggen.  Even landmarks like the Trolls Tongue.

 

 

Last but not least, we cant forget the Royalty. 

 

 

their Web Page = Royals

Don't CHEAT, I'm watching you.

Do as the Romans do

For those that guessed last week, the answer was FRANCE!  I was surprised at how many facts and landmarks I was able to find that I didn't already know.  I think I was more shocked and how many of my facts I did know were just Paris not France facts.  I should be the last person to assume a whole country is just one city.  It was fun, thanks for playing.



This week we are not traveling too far away, but it is much less known.  With the bigger cities having upwards of 2 million people it is amazing to think how much goes on in the world that we are unaware of.

 

Romans were not just in Rome.  There are 18 Roman Emperors that were born here.  Constantine the Great was amongst them.  But Romans Emperors are only scratching the surface.  This countries history is riddled with Romans, Middle Ages, Ottoman Empire, WWII history etc.

Dotted with 5 national parks, 22 nature reserves, 31% forest, 10 major rivers, and mineral springs  this place is an undiscovered paradise.  They have had a few bumps that have kept them out of the high traffic tourist spots.  Part of the NATO bombing fallout and a fledgling recycling program gives them a slow start but there are some true hidden gems.

The hottest Hot Springs in the world are here up to 96 degrees F!  Yowsa!! The springs are known to have healing properties for things like Rheumatism, Skin Conditions, Neurological issues and others. 

Remains of the oldest human settlements have been found here, they are over 7000 years old.  And the Capital city is one of the oldest capitals on the continent, settled by the Celts in 3rd Century BC. 

Imagine what these streets have seen.  What will I see on them?

 

 

 

 

Monasteries and Fortresses and bridges oh my!

Saturated with such a Roman and Medieval Orthodox history, beautiful relics of architecture and religion are at every turn.

 

 

The Beograd-Bar line is one of the most scenic railways in Europe, with plenty of tunnels and bridges (including Mala Rijeka, the highest railway bridge in the world) and magnificent views of Dinar mountains. It's definitively worth to ride here on a daytime train.

 

 

 

 

 

Iron gates of the ..… Oh no I'm not saying which river, nice try.  Who says you need to go to NZ to feel like you are in LotR?   Just the Gorge alone how amazing is it, and all the ancient carvings and bridges, it take you to another world.  There was an island in this gorge that was a pivotal point of defense for the Turks complete with a fort, a mosque and thousands of twisting alleys.  A free port smugglers nest.  Right on the border it was often fought over by bordering countries.  But the dam went in and the island went under.  Now it is lost under the flowing waters

For all you SyFy nuts and Steam punk nerds .. the great Nicola Tesla is from this area.  Ooo the stories this place could tell

 

The Swiss claim the clock making claims but these great folks have been making clocks for hundreds of years before them.  What would the first clock look like??  I want to see.

 

Most last names here end in 'ic'

 

Over 90% of the worlds raspberries come from here.

 

I've kept it vaguer than most... good luck.

 

 

Map Head

I've recently read a book called Map Head by Ken Jennings, and it reminded me of my love for geography  Between that and my sister who refused to help me in the same breath she pressured me to start back up -I decided to give it another go.

First, if you like maps and or are a map head, I cant recommend Map Head enough.
Check out my review.
 


JTW IS BACK!!

I don't know how regular I'll be or how long it will last but I'm giving it a go.  This will be our 40th country!  I've added a new blip to the right listing the countries.

Today we are going to do a very well known country.  One that fascinates me to no end, and one that most people have very high on their travel wish lists. A country so rich in history it is hard to avoid it.  Musicals, Broadway Shows, Movies, Books, Fashion, Food, and so much more has been influenced by this country.  Not all the history is great, but not all is bad either.  Hopefully to keep you on your toes I will be able to find some fun facts that are not so well known.  It is so popular in fact in 2011, 79 million people visited here  That is more than the population of the entire country. It is harder than I thought it would be, even pictures they all have a recognizable landmark. bah!

This area has been inhabited for over 2 million years, Neanderthals, Greeks, Celts, Gauls, Romans, Pagans, Christians, Muslims they have all made their mark here.  But none more influential or integral to this countries than the monarchs.  Kings and Kingdoms they are what have defined this country for millennium. 

About the size of Texas, this country has seven mountain ranges, and five major river systems. Surrounded by 3 major waterways, and 5500km of coastline.  It's nickname is 'The Hexagon'


Millau Motorway Bridge is the worlds highest  and longest (cable styled) bridge.  Doesn't it just look like something out of a syfy movie? 


ok.. THIS PLACE!  After you stop gawking and this beautiful canyon then you can wonder through the beautiful and historic village and castle.   Also scattered among the trees are many oddly-shaped stone shelters, or caselles which have protected generations of shepherds from the elements.  It is said the whole of the earths history can be studied here.


Tarn Gorge, one of the most dramatic and deepest canyons in the country. Also one of its 39 UNESCO attractions.The ruined bridge, the cottage, the glass clear water, and the zoom out.  They say this is one of the most popular tourist attractions, and I have never even heard of it.. wha??  .

 
Saturated with quaint, beautiful, historical, bucklisty villages, there is no where in this country you can go w/o being blown away with the culture and awesomeness.



Did you know, this country loves food so much that an average of 2 cookbooks are published daily?  Famous for its Cheeses and Wines. It boasts over 350 different kinds of cheese, and wine comes free with your meals. 

The blue jeans you are wearing now?  Invented here. Also the origination of wearing white on your wedding.

Home Shopping via the Internet?  started here, these people love convenience and got the at home shopping set up as early as the 80's.

April Fool's Day is believed to have originated in here, in 1564, when the country started following the Gregorian Calendar. Those that did not know about the switch in the calendars, were mocked on this day as they continued to believe that 1st April was the first day of the new year.

The capital of this country, one of the most famous cities in the world, was originally named

Lutetia.

 

Sleeping Beauty, Puss in Boots, Cinderella... The father of Fairy Tales hailed from here. 

Charles Perrault is credited with the literary genre of fairy tales.  Also more Nobel prizes for literature come from here than anywhere else.

 Up until 1993 parents had to choose from an official list of names when naming a new baby.  Even now names are subject to rejection... oh that were the case in our country.

Can you guess w/o cheating? 

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.