#places to explore

[visitheworld]

St. Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland (by World Walkerz)

[hiddenromania]

Fundătura Ponorului by Dascălu Andrei Ionuț

[kristo-flowers]

Damvallei nature resrve, Ghent, Flanders, Belgium

[tripsforthesoul]

Next on the Bucket List: Spain

Spain is a stunningly vibrant nation that has plenty to offer all who visit, including breath-taking architecture, scenic spots, delectable cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage. I'll be breaking down some possible activities to include in your itinerary, there being endless things to do when traveling to this new and exciting area!

Activities and Attractions

Each Spanish city has a distinctive charm and offers something different for everyone who visits. The most widely visited locations are undoubtedly Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and the island of Ibiza, all of which have a ton to offer for tourists and locals. Spain has a rich and intriguing history, and visiting museums and art galleries is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the country's culture. Some of the most renowned museums are The Prado Museum and El Prado in Madrid and the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, all of which are tourist-favorites. If you want a different setting, there are many ancient castles and gothic cathedrals to visit in Spain, Lorca Castle and Burgos Cathedral being some of the most prominent to visit and admire. There is no doubt that Spain has some of the most stunning beaches in Europe, including Costa Brava, Costa del Sol, and Costa Blanca.

Festivals are popular in Spanish culture, where traditional eccentric dress is worn. At these festivals, there is flamenco dancing, tomato fights, bull races, contests, parades, and tons of Spanish cuisine. This is a great way to be immersed into Spanish culture whether you're alone or with a group! As we all know, Fútbol is a very popular and celebrated sport in Spain, and attending a match is another unforgettable experience for spirited fans of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. 

Food

Moving forward, Spain is known for its unique and tasty cuisine and each region typically has specialty foods. A very popular dish is Paella, which includes rice stuffed with saffron, vegetables and meat. Gazpacho, Tortilla Espanola, Patatas Bravas, and Pulpo a la Gallega are just a few of the most versatile options offered throughout the country. It is a known custom that Spanish residents eat dinner between the hours of 9 and 11 pm, so plan to have lunch between 2 and 4 pm so you're not famished waiting til dinner. Venturing out of your comfort zone and trying something you wouldn't normally eat is encouraged, and you should be openminded about everything because it might become your new favorite!

Transportation

Public transportation makes travel efficient and easy, and Spain has a great system that ranges from trains, buses, to metros, etc. These options are typically very cheap and will allow you to venture from city to city in the timely manner and help you navigate the country with ease and minimal stress! If you aren't fluent in Spanish, having a translator app is very useful for when you're on the road, though the majority of residents typically speak some degree of English.

When planning your trip to Spain, I highly recommend that you see all the things that this amazing country has to offer so you can appreciate and experience the beautiful Spanish culture and scenery. Everyone should have Spain on their bucket list, as there are endless things to do and an incredible culture that you just have to see for yourself!

[wanderlustt-101tn]

Harpeth River State Park

Visited 11/6/23

Narrows of the Harpeth

Trails were short so if you’re looking for a long hike this probably wouldn’t be the best option, but if you do decide to walk the trails you won’t be disappointed. The bluff overlook trail is a half mile but you go up extremely steep steps and will warn you there is no safety barrier on either side. As you arrive at the top you’ll be greeted by a panoramic view of the Harpeth River. If you bring your little ones on this trip please make sure to be careful and keep eyes on them.

After enjoying the view and making the trip back down if you make a left it’ll take you on another half mile trail along the backside of the limestone bluff leads you to Montgomery Bell's Pattison Forge where a small waterfall comes out of the historic tunnel. I suggest going during summer or after some good rainfall

Sadly it hasn’t rained much lately but was still cool to see in person. It’s listed as industrial landmark on the National Register of Historic Place

Things to know:

The park and canoe access sites are on private land there is no camping or overnight parking.

While walking up the bluff it’s best to keep your hands free since there is a little bit of climbing.

Best to pack light and remember what you hike with you hike back out with.

Dogs can walk the trails just remember to have them on a leash and if you take them to the bluff be careful.

Park hours

April to September: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

November to February: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

October and March: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Things I liked and disliked about the park:

I liked the trails weren’t hard the steps was really my main issue but will gladly do it again to see the view at top.

I enjoyed how peaceful it was even if it was a short hike.

I didn’t like how going up the bluff trail there wasn’t a railing or safety barrier. Could be dangerous if someone missed a step or something..

For being an important park I thought there would be a little more history to learn or more information signs. I also didn’t like how there wasn’t much trail markers but with it being a short distance probably don’t need them.

I didn’t like how small the parking lot was but you can also park at different locations so that’s nice.

Overall it was a great park and would easily go back.

[svesunevaznenaspramnje]

italy 2023🇮🇹

[babyblue-docie]

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, in New Mexico 📍

[victoriajamessl]

La La Land

Featuring Wasabi, Lyrium, EQUAL and Luas I went exploring to find a sim that would compare to the image I had in my head and knew I found it when I visited Lost Angeles….hence the title of this post. Everything I am featuring today can be found at the new round of The Fifty which opened yesterday. The jogging outfit including fanny pack and visor are from Luas, Kelsy Sunglasses from EQUAL,…

[journeyindexsblog]

TOP 5 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN GUATEMALA

If you’re looking for great places to visit in Guatemala, then keep reading. The Republic of Guatemala is a large, Central American country with much to offer its visitors. Guatemala has abundant natural attractions, including volcanoes, the Peten jungle, coffee farms, and waterfalls. Some of the most popular places in Guatemala include Chichicastenango, Antigua, Tikal, and Lake Atitlan.

Haven’t you always wanted to travel to Guatemala? There’s the Tikal National Park which features over 1,000 buildings and pyramids. Travelers can take a boat ride on Lake Petén Itza and visit the local Mayan village of San Juan La Laguna. The Yaxha archaeological site houses some of the oldest Mayan ruins found so far–dating back to 1,400 BC.

HERE IS THE LIST OF BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN GUATEMALA

At first, Guatemala is not the most appealing tourist destination, and however, this country has a lot to offer. If you are looking for an adventure vacation, head to Lake Atitlan. This volcanic lake surrounded by volcanoes offers world-class paddling and canyoning. For those interested in history. The Tikal ruins are also worth visiting.

CHICHICASTENANGO

ANTIGUA

TIKAL

LAKE ATITLAN

QUETZALTENANGO

There are many beautiful places in Guatemala. There are more than 20 different national parks. These areas provide a variety of habitats. There are various wildlife and plants and nature hikes for those who enjoy the outdoors.

[fairy-godmothers-house]

[ur-daily-inspiration]

These Tiled Steps In San Francisco Glow At Night From The Moonlight

[inviewadventures]

Best Snorkeling Gear for Travel

If you’re heading out on a vacation or a fun adventure and need the best snorkel gear for travel, you’ve come to the right place. The sets listed are perfect for those who are starting out and those who are more experienced. And those looking to save money will definitely find budget-friendly options. While some resorts will lend you snorkeling gear for a price, buying your own will ensure that it fits properly and the gear is clean.

Beginner Snorkeling Gear for Travel at Budget-Friendly Prices

Cressi Palau SAF Set

The Cressi Palau Short Fin Set is a good bet for novice snorkelers. This one has been on the market for over two decades. Since it’s for beginners, it only comes with a few features – like offering a panoramic view – but it’s a simple option that works well underwater. It has a silicone skirt to ensure there won’t be any leaks, and the Supernova “dry” snorkel keeps water out of the breathing tube. It also comes with a storage bag, so it’s easy to carry. Most reviewers note that it’s comfortable and easy to use. You can find this one on Amazon for $75.00.  

Seavenger Aviator Snorkeling Set with Gear Bag

If this is your first time snorkeling and you’re wondering if you’ll use the equipment long-term, an excellent no-frills option would be the Seavenger Aviator Snorkeling Set with Gear Bag. The kit includes a beginner-friendly dry-top snorkel, mas, short fins, and a mesh carrying case weighing only about two pounds. There are a lot of different colors and sizes available, so it’s a great choice whether you’re looking for one for yourself or a child (currently at $42.99).

Best Snorkeling Gear for Kids

Talking about best snorkel gear for travel, if you’re heading out with your little one, this adorable set by Mares is a great choice. It comes in three colors for boys and girls. It’s comfortable, affords the protection they need, and is available at Amazon for $42.98. Most reviewers love it because it’s good quality; the flippers are comfortable, the snorkel has a splash guard, and it comes with a backpack.

Best Snorkeling Gear for Travel – For the More Experienced Diver

Phantom Aquatics Rapido

This set comes with a panoramic mask, and features tempered glass, expanding your field of view to see more while diving. The snorkel offers superior dry performance and a removable mouthpiece. This set also comes with an EZ Equalize nose pocket, which allows you to adjust to the sea pressure. The dry snorkel keeps water out and is comfortable.

This is considered by many a highly quality set at a reasonable price. You can pick this one up at Amazon for $73.29. It also comes in various colors, so you’ll surely find something that meets your preferences. 

Cresi Big Eyes and Supernova Dry

Another great option is the Cresi Big Eyes and Supernova Dry. This one is more expensive; you can find it on Amazon for $62.95, but it has some neat features. The first is the ‘Big Eyes’ on the mask. It’s an inverted tear-drop lens to make downward visibility easier and manage your bc-mounted gear. Also, the mask is made from high-grade silicone, so you don’t have to worry about leaks. The Supernova dry is another cool feature that has a dry-top valve. It seals the breathing tube when submerged under water. If any water does get it, there is a lower purge valve so you can quickly expel it. Many people like this set because it’s comfortable and easy to use.

Continue reading on: Best Snorkel Gear For Travel

[hiddenromania]

Holbav Nature Reserve in autumn colors

© Janoka82 | Dreamstime

[kristo-flowers]

Spring in Gentbrugse meersen, Ghent, Belgium

[kithj]

games (mostly text-based) about houses and places-- exploring them, haunting them, feeding them:

childhood homes (and why we hate them) - after a decade, you return home.

return - a text-based horror game about coming home.

singing from the far side of the hill - about a trans woman, homeless after a bad breakup, who rents a stranger's spare room. it's a decision she comes to regret.

anatomy - Explore a suburban house, collect cassette tapes, study the physiology of domestic architecture.

leave house - leave house

the open house - We at Northtree Real Estate (in partnership with Optix Dynamix Labs) are proud to present our new, state-of-the-art, open house simulator!  Come and take a quick tour of 15615 Hollow Oak Lane, a familiar and comfortable showcase home in one of our premier developments!

what girls do in the dark - This little game is based off one of the greatest fears they had as a teenage girl: showing up late to a stranger's slumber party.

unbecoming - a sonically-textured interactive horror fiction exploring cycles of trauma and unspeakable forces of nature in a mythic rural American landscape.

13 laurel road - an interactive fiction game about the relationships we have with places and reconciling with trauma. You play as a young man named Noah who has been tasked with picking up some things from his cousin’s old house.

domvs - a gothic mystery game in which you rely on your environment to uncover the truth.

flesh, blood, & concrete - you find yourself in a vast, empty apartment complex.

i am still here - a short, unconventional ghost story and vignette reflecting on the end of a long lockdown.

vacant - Film a ghost-hunting show.

[wanderlustt-101tn]

J. Percy Priest Dam/Lake

Visited 11/4/23

This gorgeous lake is located in North Central Tennessee. The dam was built at mile marker 6.8 on Stones River. The dam was built for a few reasons the main one being reduced the risk of flooding in Nashville. It took 20 years to build and was completed on June 29th, 1968.

With 11 miles of shoreline covering an area of 14,000 acres this is the place to be for all water and outdoor lovers. The lake is managed by the U.S. ARMY Corps of Engineers and is one of the most popular recreational areas to be in Nashville. Not only was the dam built but also two hydroelectric power plant were also constructed on the lake.

Things I loved about visiting Anderson Road &J.Percy Priest Lake

The calming environment from listening to the birds to the water hitting the rocks and the ducks quacking around while they swim together. Doesn’t get any better

How even if there’s a lot of people visiting it’s a large area and can easily find a section to yourself to relax.

Since the lake is so big there’s plenty of parking. You’ll just have to decide where you want to start at.

Beautiful views, different variety of trails

There was lots of activities to do, rather it’s walking alongside the lake, boating, fishing,camping, hiking, horseback riding ,swimming and even water boarding.

Also on the same property as Nashvilles shore’s. So like you really can’t go wrong with a water park and a beautiful lake like this one.

I liked how Stone River Greenway offers different walking trails and even has a dog park.

Things I didn’t like:

How much trash there was meanwhile there trash cans everywhere I looked! If I had a pair of gloves and some trash bags with me I would of picked it up. But seriously! So many beer cans, cigarette buds or packs soda bottles etc. You’d think people would use common sense and whatever you take with you you’d bring back and throw away.🤦‍♀️

Wasn’t enough benches.

Broken glass scattered on the rocks that you walk on. (Anderson Road.)

How the parking was for Anderson Road

All in all it’s a beautiful place but would be better if there wasn’t people’s trash everywhere.