#845 Port Lockroy, Antarctica

Seal Brains recipe for those living in Antarctica.

One of the coolest museums I've ever been to was extraordinary not because of what was in it, but where it was -- it was in Antarctica! With the cans of food, girly posters on the walls, the old wooden stove, and the recipe book open to 'Seal Brains on Toast' it was intended to be a glimpse of the past when the station was manned permanently (now it has 4 volunteers living there for the summer season only). It has a copy of the sleds used to cross to the South Pole out in front and even a gift shop and post office. The volunteers do not leave the island and have no boats (I want that job!) and the house was painstakingly restored to represent life as it was. 

Using for whaling in the early part of the 20th century, a whale skeleton's ribs dot the landscape of a nearby island. It was a British base through World War II and remained as a research station until 1962, even enjoying visits from the royal family. It lies on tiny Goudier Island, near Wiencke Island in the Palmer Archipeligo north of the Antarctic circle near the Antarctic Peninsula. One of the most amazing things in the museum that I remember seeing was the story of a tsunami that hit, when the residents went onto the roof after the bay was sucked dry! Can you imagine being in a place like that when there's an event like that!

The best thing of all, though, was the penguins that have made the island their territory and their little pathways and constant noise and smell meant it was truly a home. 

 

Because they are a charity supported by the British Antarctic Trust perhaps you would like to donate here.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Lockroy
http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/living_and_working/virtual/travel/lockroy.php

#877 Gibraltar, UK

There's something about being a Pillar of Hercules that helps to make a place amazing. A gigantic rock jutting up from the Mediterranean, Jebel-i Tariq, the original name for Gibraltar is just one part of the diverse historical heritage. Nice Mediterranean weather, infamous monkeys, a cool cable car and something that doesn't quite fit amongst the Spain that surrounds it... fish and chips!

Interesting facts:

• They voted in referendums in 1967 and again in 2002 to remain a British overseas territory, despite Spain's claim to ownership. It has been British since 1704.
• English is the official language, though most schools are bilingual with Spanish, and many other languages are spoken such as Berber and Arabic, Italian and Portuguese.
• They have been inhabited by Neanderthals, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Nasrids, Manirids, Umayyads, and of course the Spanish and British.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibraltar 
Images are original except for two postcards bought circa 2004.

#893 Edinburgh, Scotland

With its famous castle overshadowing the city, giving magnificent views over the Firth of Fourth, Edinburgh is a charming place! The high street runs along the edge of the park with the castle sitting above. Historically it was important, not only as the capital and home of the Scottish parliament, but before that as an Enlightenment center and a hillfort for the kingdom of Gododden. 

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edinburgh

#905 Stonehenge, England

One of the most beautifully preserved relics from the Stone Age is that of Stonehenge -- large solid beautifully shaped rocks remain standing and with the tops of arches also being used. Unfortunately this also makes it a crazy tourist trap for every visitor. I always think of it as being the "first" UNESCO world heritage site, even if that isn't true it certainly embodies the soul of the idea.

My own photos of Stonehenge are film and are completely buried deep in my parents garage, so not much chance of seeing them any time soon, but these are from Wikipedia -- isn't the fish eye amazing? Most visitors don't get that image.


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonehenge