1. The Kelpies and Helix Park of Falkirk, Scotland. Kelpies are a mythical shape shifting water horse of legend in Scotland. They are probably created after the large workhorses of the country and legend says that they appear as kind spirits but lure children to the river where the demon comes out and the end is tragic. I don't know what I think of the legend, but the three hundred foot high statues are amazing. There's an adventure park and water fountain to play in, a visitor's center for shopping and information needs. It's, of course, near the Falkirk Wheel and there are lots of trails for hiking in the area. One of my favorite parts is that you can book a tour of the sculptures. That's right. You can go inside. Not that you would travel to the area to look at some statues, but it's a vibrant area of Scotland with a lot to do and this is just a small part of it.
https://www.thehelix.co.uk/visit/kelpies-tour/
https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/the-helix-home-of-the-kelpies-p889261
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsz5jKCq2iQ
2. Rent a cabin or farmhouse in the wilds of Iceland. I can't recommend this one enough. Whether you want to see the northern lights, go hiking, help with a sheep roundup or just get away from it all; there's no better experience than renting a remote cabin in Iceland. I did this once a while ago. Rented a farmhouse that's used during the fall roundup, but during spring and hiked the Eldga. It was wonderful. It was a real house, so we could cook, shower, sleep and everything as though we lived there and we did for a week. It's a one of a kind experience, especially during the extreme light or extreme dark seasons; depending when you want to come and what you wish to see. You won't see the northern lights during the light season. Just a fact.
https://elevenexperience.com/optout
https://www.iceland-like-a-local.com/travel/stay
3. Arnarstapi Cliffs of Western Iceland. If the cabin you rent happens to be on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, you'll have the opportunity to visit these basalt cliffs. There's a natural arch within them called Gatklettur, and it's one of the few remaining basalt arches in the country. Nevertheless, this area is also home to a glacier, a volcano and a small village that dates back centuries. This is the Western fjords part of the country, providing dramatic views that you can't get anywhere else.
https://www.introducingiceland.com/arnarstapi
https://www.icelandroadtrip.com/iceland/places/what-to-see/west/arnarstapi-village
https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/the-magical-snaefellsnes-peninsula-part-iii
4. Sliding down Cerro Negro in Nicaragua. That's right, I said it. I'd probably kill myself if I tried this one, but what a rush! You do have to hike with your board to the starting point. It is a live volcano. It just looks like so much fun! Pilas, an eco cooperative operates most of the activities. They provide guidance and equipment for the sliding. It's not for the feint of heart; that's for sure, but it is one of the few locations in the world where you can slide down a volcano.
https://vianica.com/attraction/7/cerro-negro-volcano
https://www.visitcentroamerica.com/en/visitar/cerro-negro-volcano/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNUcA3h4VyE
5. The watermills and waterfalls of the town of Jajce, Bosnia. There's something I bet you never thought about. Bosnia is beautiful and hilly and full of interesting places and is just now starting to fall on the tourism map. Jajce is an ancient walled town with an enormous, beautiful waterfall right in the middle of town. But that's not all. Long ago the town warmed to hydrodynamics and built a network of watermills to harness that power. The mills aren't in use today, but they are a great site to visit in the countryside of Bosnia.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/watermills-of-jajce
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/watermills-of-jajce
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLZpRZDV1H4
https://www.agencija-jajce.ba/video-galerija/#
So there you have it; this week's five. They are a little out there, but they all are unique. Remember, travel is about finding the different, the unique, the one of a kind. Anyone can take a tour or follow the leader and go to the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building. Being a traveler is different. It's about experiences. It's about doing something that not everyone else has done. It's about following your own muse. I try to give ideas about exactly that kind of travel and will continue to do so. I'm still going my own way and finding my own travel treasures and can't wait to share them all with you. In the meantime, get out there, find something truly different and amazing and enjoy!
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