Chris with Excel Travel (2024)

10/06/2024

Monday, June 10 (2024)

TRAVEL TRIVIA - The Answer

Yesterday I posted:

QUESTION:

Where in the U.S. can you drive down Santa Claus Lane?

ANSWER?

North Pole, Alaska!

All of you were correct!! YAHOO!!!!

WHEN NELLIE AND CON MILLER arrived in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1949, they didn’t have anything with them except for their two children and $1.40. Con became a merchant and fur buyer in the area, but he would also put on an old red Santa suit and entertain the village children; he would do anything to carve out a living for himself in this new frontier and the kids couldn’t have been happier to see their first St. Nick.

Only a few years later, the Millers had cobbled together enough money to built a trading post just outside of Fairbanks. They named it the North Pole, but when a young visitor recognized Con and asked if Santa was building a new house, they changed the name of the outpost to the Santa Claus House and decorated as they thought one of St. Nick’s home might look.

Just 20 minutes by car from Fairbanks, Drive along Santa Claus Lane and admire the streetlights decorated in candy cane motifs. Visit the Santa Claus House and browse holiday-inspired gifts for everyone on your list. The Santa Claus House is the “official” home of Santa Claus and welcomes thousands of people from all over the world. You can embrace the season with a charming letter from Santa to friends and family back home with an authentic North Pole postmark. Live reindeer and an opportunity for a photograph with Santa Claus at the festive Santa Claus House are available year-round.

10/06/2024

WHERE AM I?

[Hint]: This country occupies the Jutland Peninsula, extending north from the heart of continental western Europe.

This is a main attraction for many visitors. It opened in 1843 and is the world's second-oldest amusement park.

ANSWER?

COPENHAGEN (DENMARK)

PLACE:

TIVOLI GARDENS!

Tivoli Gardens opened on August 15, 1843, and is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world.

Tivoli's founder, Georg Carstensen (b. 1812 – d. 1857), obtained a five-year charter to create Tivoli by telling King Christian VIII that "when the people are amusing themselves, they do not think about politics".

From its beginning Tivoli included a variety of attractions: buildings in the exotic style of an imaginary Orient: a theatre, band stands, restaurants and cafés, flower gardens, and mechanical amusement rides such as a merry-go-round and a primitive scenic railway. After dark, colored lamps illuminated the gardens. On certain evenings, specially designed fireworks could be seen reflected in Tivoli's lake, a remnant of the moat surrounding the city fortifications.

Tivoli is always evolving without abandoning its original charm or traditions. Georg Carstensen said in 1844: "Tivoli will never, so to speak, be finished", a sentiment echoed just over a century later when Walt Disney said of his own Tivoli-inspired theme park, "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."

09/06/2024

WOULD YOU BELIEVE ....

This unique roadway connects the Danish capital of Copenhagen to the Swedish city of Malmö. The Øresund, designed by the Danish architect George K.S. Rotne, was opened on July 1, 2000.

One setback was caused by the discovery of 16 unexploded World War II bombs on the seafloor. Understandably, these had to be securely removed and disarmed before work could continue.

Pretty amazing!

09/06/2024

COVER PHOTO

Sunday, June 9 (2024)

The Egyptian pyramids are ancient masonry structures located in Egypt. Sources cite at least 118 identified "Egyptian" pyramids.

Approximately 80 pyramids were built within the Kingdom of Kush, now located in the modern country of Sudan. Of those located in modern Egypt, most were built as tombs for the country's pharaohs and their consorts during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods.

09/06/2024

WHERE AM I?

[Hint]: This country occupies the Jutland Peninsula, extending north from the heart of continental western Europe.

This is a main attraction for many visitors. It opened in 1843 and is the world's second-oldest amusement park.

I'll post the answer tomorrow, Monday, June 10.

Have fun ...

09/06/2024

Here's to the close of another week and hoping everyone had a good weekend!

Are you up for a TRAVEL TRIVIA CHALLENGE?

Let's see if you can guess the answer to this one, with answer to be posted tomorrow (Monday, June 10).

QUESTION:

Where in the U.S. can you drive down Santa Claus Lane?

[Hint]: This city hosts the World Ice Art Championships, where talented artists from around the globe showcase their creativity and skill every year. Plus, it's Christmas all year round.

See you back tomorrow with the answer.

03/06/2024

Monday, June 3 (2024)

COVER PHOTO

THE PITONS - St. Lucia

These lush twin peaks rising straight from the Caribbean Sea are one of the most famous sights in St. Lucia.

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pitons Management Area, the Pitons boast diverse geological features such as fumaroles and hot springs, as well as historical rock carvings and ample wildlife-viewing opportunities. At more than 2,600 feet, Gros Piton is the taller and easier of the two to climb, though Petit Piton looks nearly identical in height when seen from the north.

27/05/2024

Monday, May 27 (2024)

A bit late, but here's the answer to the TRAVEL TRIVIA question I posted before the computer crash.

QUESTION:

Which are the only two countries in the world that officially begin with “The”?

ANSWER:

Some of you answered correctly with BAHAMAS (The Bahamas) being one. The other may not be all that familiar but it's The GAMBIA.

The Gambia is a small West African country which is geographically surrounded by Senegal. It gained its independence from the UK in 1965 and is heavily dependent on peanut production.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

27/05/2024

Monday, May 27 (2024)

I haven't been on FB for over a week due to a computer crash. I'm now back up and running, new laptop, so will resume the travel postings shortly. What a nightmare it was as you can do only so much off your cell (lol).

Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

18/05/2024

Friday, May 17 (2024)

TRAVEL TRIVIA

I haven't posted in awhile due to work, which is good, but have missed posting the Trivia.

Here goes and will post the answer on Sunday.

QUESTION:

Which are the only two countries in the world that officially begin with “The”?

See you back on Sunday with the answer.

HINT? I can't as I'll give it away!

18/05/2024

Friday, May 17

WHERE AM I?

Here's the reveal ...

THE ARCTIC CATHEDRAL
TROMS, NORWAY

Tromsdalen Church or the Arctic Cathedral (Norwegian: Tromsdalen kirke, Ishavskatedralen) is a parish church of the Church of Norway in Tromsø Municipality in Troms county, Norway.

The modern concrete and metal church was built in a long church style in 1965 using plans drawn up by architect Jan Inge Hovig. The church seats about 600 people.

The glass mosaic is one of artist Victor Sparre’s most prominent works. It depicts God’s hand from which departs three rays of light: one through Jesus, one through a woman and one through a man. The glass work contains many symbols and generates considerable attention among visitors.

Today, the church attracts visitors from around the world and has become a landmark in Norway.

17/05/2024

Friday, May 17 (2024)

WHERE AM I?

[Answer to be posted end of day]

[Hint]: It holds the title of being the world’s northernmost Catholic mission and inspired by this region's nature.

17/05/2024

Friday, May 17 (2024)

COVER PHOTO

NORWAY'S NORTHERN LIGHTS

This month, Skies around the world lit up with extraordinary colors overnight due to a rare solar weather event.

The aurora borealis and australis — the northern and southern lights — stunned those who ventured outside to take in the views, providing amateur photographers with the opportunity to take some truly spectacular pictures.

A geomagnetic storm of a strength not seen for two decades was behind the phenomena.

NORWAY is indeed a magical destination to witness the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. The optimal months for experiencing the Northern Lights in Norway are from late September to early April. During this period, there are more hours of darkness due to the polar night, which enhances your chances of spotting the auroras.

Northern Norway is a prime location for witnessing the auroras. This region boasts multiple islands, deep fjords, and steep mountains, making it one of the world’s most beautiful and interesting places to see the Northern Lights.

Remember, witnessing the Northern Lights is like watching a celestial ballet of light across the night sky, with colors ranging from green to blue and even pink or violet. Whether you’re hunting for the auroras or simply enjoying the magical winter light, Norway promises an unforgettable experience!

16/04/2024

Tuesday, April 16 (2024)

Tuesday's TRAVEL TRIVIA

Here's the question I posted over the weekend:

QUESTION:

Which city is situated on two continents?

ANSWER:

ISTANBUL

Although Istanbul is considered one city, part of it sits on the continent of Europe, neighboring Greece and Bulgaria; the other part sits on the continent of Asia, neighboring Syria, Iran, and Iraq beyond Turkey’s borders.

The result is a cultural and ethnic melting pot, a cosmopolitan city with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and modern Turkish structures—a skyline of domes and minarets in mosques, churches, and synagogues, palaces, castles, and towers.

16/04/2024

Monday, April 15 (2024)

WHERE AM I?

[Hint]: The city was first named Christiana after its king; declared as the European Green Capital in 2019 and in 2013, was ranked as the most expensive city in the world to live in.

ANSWER:

OSLO, NORWAY

We had the pleasure of visiting this amazing and beautiful city when on a Baltic cruise awhile back and believe me, you'll want to return again ... and again ... and again. The people could not be friendlier! There's so much to take in and visit, but for me, seeing the Viking Museum was a jaw-dropping event.

OSLO, Norway's capital, had a long history dating back to the Viking Age.

After a fire in 1624, the city was rebuilt by Christian IV and renamed Christiania. It regained its original name of Oslo in 1925.

Swedish chemist and inventor Alfred Nobel established prizes for advances in the fields of Chemistry, Literature, Peace, Physics, and Physiology or Medicine. The prizes were first awarded in 1901. All are awarded in his native Sweden except for the Nobel Peace Prize. It was Nobel's wish for that specific prize to awarded in Oslo.

No one knows for sure exactly why he chose to honor ‘peace’ with a prize. Nor is anyone sure why he chose Norway to bestow the award.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee believes that it was his friendship with peace activist Bertha von Sumner which led him to choose Peace as a prize. Other scholars argue that it’s likely his way of making amends for inventing dynamite – a substance responsible for a great deal of violence and death during his lifetime.

14/04/2024

Sunday, April 14 (2024)

WHERE AM I?

[Hint]: The city was first named Christiana after its king; declared as the European Green Capital in 2019 and in 2013, was ranked as the most expensive city in the world to live in.

See you back on Monday with the answer.

14/04/2024

Sunday, April 14 (2024)

Are you ready for Tuesday's TRAVEL TRIVIA?

Here you go, and will post the answer on Tuesday.

Have fun, and also a great Sunday.

QUESTION:

Which city is situated on two continents?

[Hint]: It's one of the oldest and largest cities in the world and was the ancient capital of many empires.

See you back on Tuesday with the answer.

14/04/2024

Sunday, April 14 (2024)

[COVER PHOTO]

CAPPADOCIA (Turkey)

Cappadocia is a historical region in Central Anatolia, Turkey.

In a 2021 CNN piece the author writes:

"It’s a landscape that looks almost alien. Soft tufa rock – spewed from volcanoes millennia ago to create a series of ethereal “fairy chimneys” that have been shaped and sculpted by nature. This is Cappadocia.

"Rising above the Anatolian Plains of central Turkey, this historic region is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing in thousands of tourists every year. Many take to the skies in hot air balloons as the sun rises, all the better to get a view of the rock formations whimsically referred to as “fairy chimneys” that come in all shapes and sizes – cone ones, pointy ones, even some suggestive ones."

"Nature may have created this landscape, but it was ancient civilizations that turned and adapted it to their own purpose. Local people have worked hard to preserve this history and the traditional cultures which have grown in its wake."

11/04/2024

Wednesday, April 10 (2024)

TRAVEL TRIVIA

Here was the trivia question posted:

QUESTION:

Which North American country’s name translates as “Rich Coast”?

You are all way too good with these trivia questions ... round of applause ...

ANSWER:

COSTA RICA!

Costa Rica is a county in the Central American region of North America.

Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Panama to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, as well as a maritime border with Ecuador.

Costa Rica is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world with jungles, cloud forests, volcanoes, beaches, rainforests, and abundant wildlife. It is also a paradise for adventures, explorations, and laidback vacations. It's often regarded as one of the most biodiverse countries worldwide, making it a perfect place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

09/04/2024

Monday, April 8 (2024)

WHERE AM I?

WHAT AM I?

Ready for the reveal?

This structure is located in HELSINKI, FINLAND and is the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Church of Rock.

The church is the result of an architectural competition won by the architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen in 1961.

Excavated directly into solid rock, the Temppeliaukio church is situated in the heart of Helsinki, at the end of Fredrikinkatu. Because of its special architecture, the church, completed in 1969, is one of the main attractions in Helsinki.

The church hall is covered with a dome, lined with copper and supported on the rock walls by reinforced concrete beams. The interior walls are of rugged rock and rubble wall. Before noon, the light spreads from the row of windows surrounding the roof periphery to the altar wall, where an ice-age crevice serves as the altarpiece. Due to its excellent acoustics the church is a popular venue for concerts.

07/04/2024

Tuesday's TRAVEL Trivia

(Answer to be posted on Wednesday)

QUESTION:

Which North American country’s name translates as “Rich Coast”?

[Hint]: It is smaller than Lake Michigan and measures only 285 miles from northwest to southwest, and It has no army since 1948 and is one of the happiest countries in the world with an exceptional life expectancy.

See you back on Wednesday with the answer.

Have a great Sunday and great week ahead!

07/04/2024

Sunday, April 7 (2024)

[COVER PHOTO]

HELSINKI CATHEDRAL
Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki Cathedral is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki and was a tribute to the Grand Duke of Finland, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. It was originally built from 1830 to 1852.

The cathedral was originally known as St Nicholas’s Church but later changed in 1917, after the independence of Finland.

The cathedral is a major landmark of the city and one of the most famous structures in Finland.

07/04/2024

Sunday, April 7 (2024)

WHERE AM I?

WHAT AM I?

I'll post the answer tomorrow, but I will say it's not located in the U.S.

Hint: It's located in Northern Europe, has saunas everywhere and its country once ruled by Sweden, followed by Russia.

As for the structure, it's known for its marvelous acoustics, is carved right out of the bedrock and draws architects from around the world.

See you tomorrow for the answer.

Have fun with it ...

06/04/2024

Friday, April 5 (2024)

TRAVEL TRIVIA (ANSWER)

Ooops! Was supposed to post my answer on Tuesday but it's been a hectic week and just now had the time to sit down and post the answer to this trivia question:

QUESTION:

Which is the largest island of the Mediterranean Sea?

ANSWER:

SICILY!

Without a doubt, Sicily is the largest island located in the Mediterranean Sea.

The 9,927 square miles belong to Italy. The geography of Sicily is full of rolling land with tall volcanoes overlooking the agricultural landscape below. This island experiences mild, wet winter and hot, dry summers which are typical of the Mediterranean. Inhabitants come from Roman, Spanish, Greek, French, Albanian, Norman, and Swabian descent (to name a few). The most heavily populated city is Palermo with 1,044,169 people.

See you back for more Travel Trivia in the next few days.

Have a great weekend everyone.

01/04/2024

Monday, April 1 (2024)

WHERE AM I??

Okay, I'm impressed with everyone who got this right.

Yep, it's STONE MOUNTAIN, located in ATLANTA, GEORGIA!

Stone Mountain Park is 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta. The largest high relief sculpture in the world, the Confederate Memorial Carving, depicts three Confederate figures of the Civil War, President Jefferson Davis and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. The entire carved surface measures three-acres, larger than a football field and Mount Rushmore.

Work on the carving didn't begin until 1923 due to funding problems and World War I. The carving was completed in 1972.

Chris with Excel Travel

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