Arkansas, Highway 9E

 

After enjoying beautiful Scenic Bypass 7, it is time to head back to Little Rock.

 

I make a right turn and let the camera run as I navigate a rolling and curving two lane road to enjoy more “Arkansas Fall Foliage” before the setting sun steals its awesome beauty.

 

 

 

 

Estonia, A Wooden Submarine, A Wooden Submarine

 

 

Besides just enjoying this beautiful walled-in and fairytale city, I head over to Lennusadam to view a bit of Estonia’s maritime and military history.

 

 

 

 

At Seaplane Harbor about a twenty minute walk from Old Town I experience some very cool exhibits including a submarine built in1854. It is not a yellow submarine but more interestingly it is a wooden one.

 

 

 

A 1854 Wooden Submarine

 

Other neat ships here, Estonia’s first combat vessel, “The Griff” built in 1976 for the former Soviet KGB.

 

Also anchored here, Estonia’s  Flagship, an almost 100 year old icebreaker that is powered by steam.

This is definitely a one of a kind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estonia, The Dance Of Death

 

 

For a glimpse of Tallinn’s history, I take a walk to St Nicholas church which began construction in the early 13th century.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful Stained Glass

 

The church itself has it's own unique history including being bombed by the Soviets in World War II.

 

Housed here are some of the country's most famous art works and artifacts among which are beautiful gold and silver chalices and platters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Danse Macabre

 

Danse Macabre, “The Dance Of Death” probably Tallinn's most famous medieval painting, at least a part of it, is also found here.

This painting that was the topic of many sermons reminds us that no matter what your status is in life, death unites us all.

 

 

Estonia, A Late Night Introduction

 

 

Just a two hour ferry ride from Helsinki and I am in Tallinn, Estonia.

 

 

 

 

 

Surprisingly it is much colder here than in Helsinki although I have journeyed about 80 miles south.

 

 

By the time I settle into My City Hotel it is late in the evening.

However, this is a perfect time for me to bundle up and explore this medieval city by foot.

 

 

 

Down narrow streets that are softly light with amber lighting, I eventually make my way to a delicious serving of “Mojito Chicken Tango”.

 

 

Tallinn At Night

 

At midnight I am having some of the best wings I have ever tasted at Clazz Restaurant as I enjoy some musical tunes with an Estonian flavor.

Tibet, One Step Closer To EBC

 

After about an hour roadside stop 5000 kilometers from Shanghai, we are back on the road again one step closer to reaching EBC, Mount Everest Base Camp.

 

Our lunch stop turns out to be an interesting one as it is the most filthy restaurant that I have ever eaten in (that I know of).

The floor is littered with so much trash that it almost seems as if we are eating at a land fill.

 

 

 

However, as Forrest Gump might say, “.. but the food was decent”.

 

 

 

 

 

Past more prayers flags along an amazing landscape, soon from the comfort of a warm van I am glancing at a landmark that tells me we are getting closer to our ultimate destination.

 

 

Amazing Landscape

 

Although the howling wind is cold and bitter I leave my comfort zone and step outside for a better glimpse of Mount Everest in the distance. At over 15,000 above sea level I take in great views without supplemental oxygen.

 

 

With bright blue skies accented with white clouds, the weather could not be much better to experience this exhilarating feeling.

I think this is something many dream about but only few get the chance to do. I am one of the lucky ones.

 

 

 

We have one more hotel night stay before we actually reach EBC and we spend the afternoon strolling the town that is the gateway to the highest point on the planet.

 

 

As the sun begins to fall for the evening it takes the temperature rapidly down with it.

 

 

 

 

 

My hotel room which has no heat becomes like the inside of a freezer. This presents a challenge as I try to go to sleep. Even fully clothed from head to toe, lying on my mattress is like being on a block of ice.

The sun cannot return quick enough and radiate the chilled air as I am not really prepared for life at 15,000 feet.

 

 

 

Finland, Around Helsinki And Suomenlinna

 

 

My second day in Finland starts in church but will end like my first day here, on a boat.

 

 

 

 

 

This morning I get to experience the inside of Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral and it is just as magnificent as the outside. A few moments of being awed and I descend a small hill to Market Square.

 

 

Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral

 

As if sensing my temporary confusion, a gentleman approaches. In less than five minutes we are sitting together on a ferry and he is drawing me pictures as we sail away to Suomenlinna.

By the time our journey is over I have a better understanding of Finland and Suomenlinna. 

I also now know what that “strange” Finnish fish pastry is, “Kala .. Kukko”.

 

On Suomenlinna a historical maritime fortress, I initially follow the blue route.

However, I have a planned detour thanks to my fellow ferry passenger who was so kind to give me some island tips.

 

 

This island which is one of eight is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds an important part of Finland's history. There is a small amount of inhabitants here year round but this place really becomes popular during the summer months.

 

 

Russian “Military” Church

 

Except for an occasional almost freezing wind near portions of elevated coastline it is beautiful and exciting to enjoy this island. The views it gives from the ocean to the mainland are amazing.

 

At one point I can look across the open seas and see the white towers of Senate Square Church radiating in the distance.

 

 

 

 

Canons from years gone by still stand guard over the sea routes to the mainland but thankfully their glory days are long over. Although signs of Finland war history remains it is nice to be able to relish the tranquility this island now offers.  

 

 

Suomenlinna Fire Power

   

As I leave Suomenlinna after a few hours of climbing hills and navigating tunnels, I can see how it is so easy to spend a whole summer day here.

 

 

Back after my 2 Euro fifteen minute ferry ride, I briefly browse the street vendors ending their day at Market Square.

 

 

 

 

With souvenir magnets at 5 Euros, I do not see any real bargains here and move on. Amazingly, a block away in a store I find better souvenir deals like three magnets for 12 Euros.

In a few hours I will leave Finland but there is one more site that I am interested in seeing. About a 20 minute walk away I find a few moments to relax as inspirational music fills the otherwise still air.    

 

 

Temppeliaukio Church

 

Sitting inside of Temppeliaukio, a church carved out of rocks with mostly natural lighting, I reflect on how fortunate I am to see another part of the world and to experience another culture from its people to its food and its religion. My hope is always that more will get to do the same.

Estonia, here I come.

 

 

Sweden, Biking Around Stockholm

 

 

For me, one of the advantages of staying at budget minded places like hostels is getting reasonable options to enjoy the flavor and culture of the place I'm visiting.

 

 

 

 

As I check out of City Backpackers Hostel, I make some inquiries about sights I would enjoy seeing in Stockholm and the best way to see them. My original plan was an about 3 hour organized tour “Hop On Hop Off plus Boat Tour” for about 360SEK.

 

 

City Backpackers Bicycle

 

With nice weather promised for the rest of the day, instead of a 360SEK tour I hop on a rented bike from City Backpackers and save myself 310SEK in the process.

 

I set off on my own self guided tour of the city and have an enjoyable time seeing some of the sights of Stockholm on two wheels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finland, I Am Not Finish With You, Yet

 

At eight fifteen in the evening I am on the cold and windy sundeck of the Amorella as the lights of Stockholm slowly fades in the distance.

 

On a moonless night I am making a ten hour journey across the Baltic Sea to Turku, Finland.

For about $70 US dollars, this time of the year I have a cabin all to myself onboard a Viking Line cruise ship.

 

 

The Amorella turns out to be more fun than expected with a line up of entertainment from karaoke, to live bands, and casino slots. Sleep comes at a premium and the ten hours pass too quickly.

Within a few hours of arriving in Turku I am in the Finnish capital, Helsinki. A light cold rain is falling as I leave the central bus station but I have an immediate love for this cosmopolitan city that is so alive and vibrant.

 

 

Trams and traffic are moving in every direction around me yet their sounds are lost on me as I admire unique structures and awesome buildings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Square Cathedral

 

 

About a 20 minute walk from the city center I arrive at my accommodation for the night and what a surprise. With Hellsten Hotel And Apartments I have booked a single room for the night but at check in I am upgraded to an apartment that is so large “I can play baseball in it”. My bathroom even has a sauna in it. Nice.

This time of the year darkness comes early and the light rain is still falling as I set out to explore some of Helsinki by night. My journey takes me to an unknown part of Finland's history for me.

 

For 5 Euros, I am freezing as I am standing about 200 feet above the city with the wind howling across the open observation deck of the Olympic Stadium Tower.

Yes, Finland hosted the Olympics in 1952.

 

 

 

 

 

New York, This Place Is A Zoo, Really A Zoo!

 

After many times and years of visiting New York, with a little determination and subway patience, I finally head to a part of the “Big Apple” that I have always wanted to visit.

 

It turns out there are really a lot of animals here although not as many as I expected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polar Beer From Coke Commercials

 

I guess during this time of the year even some New Yorkers need a break from the hustle and bustle of summer.

 

On a nice fall afternoon I get to see another part of one of my favorite cities and like always it is fun to be here and in the Bronx.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweden, A Taste of Scandinavia

 

My introduction to Sweden came as a child with a few words that may be familiar to many others, “Bork de Bork, de Bork, it is time to put on make up.. it is time to dress up right.. “.Since then it has been Abba and Ikea.

 

 

About two hours after becoming airborne from Frankfurt, I touch down in the Capital of Scandinavia, Stockholm.

 

 

 

 

A short stop at the Tourist Information booth which is very nice and 99SEK (US$15) later I am on my way to the city center.

At a McDonald's just outside of the main train station with free Wi-Fi available, I book a room for the night at City Backpackers a ten minute walk away.

For about 190SEK (US$35) I will have a bed in a 4 bed dorm room. Not bad considering most regular hotels near the city center are north of US$120.

 

 

A stop at House of Kebab for an affordable stomach filling dinner and I am ready for an afternoon nap not too long after checking in at City Backpackers.

 

 

 

 

On a brisk Sunday evening with a light rain occasionally falling I take my customary night time walk around the city. As I walk back to the Central Station, I am a bit disappointed that most of the cities famous buildings are not well lit for nighttime photography.

 

 

 

17th  Century House Of Nobility

 

I do get a treat as a set of stomping feet head towards me as I am standing below the entrance to the Royal Apartments at The Royal Castle. I watch as a group of soldiers are performing some type of nighttime routine.

In Old Town I am delighted when I come across, The Liffey, an Irish Pub. A nice selection of beers, a great atmosphere, live entertainment and “The Broncos vs. The Chargers”.

 

With a tall “Sleepy Bulldog” but unfortunately minus an order of wings, this is still one way to make a “Fantasy Pigskinner” feel right at home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arkansas, Fall Foliage

 

I leave what I still call Little Rock (LIT) Airport and head on 440West to 30East to 40West. My destination, Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway.

As I drive west along the interstate I have a decision to make. I have to be back in Little Rock this evening and I am not sure if I want to circle back from the North or South.

Should I see a part of the Ozarks or the Quachita National Forest. Fortunately, this time of the year I do not think I can go wrong with any choice I make. In the end, I decide to venture in the direction of the Ozarks.

 

 

Just off I-40W I make my first stop at CJ's Butcher Boy Burgers.

Although I am not sure if their burgers are “The Best In The State”, I would definitely give their fresh fries high marks.

 

 

 

Charged up with a tasty burger and fries, I am back on N Arkansas Ave (Route 7) headed north. It is not long before I begin to see telltale signs of why this is one of the most scenic roads to drive in the state during this time of the year.

 

Bright reds, mellow greens, soft yellows and soothing oranges along with falling leaves soon have me pulling off the highway to enjoy some of the things I love about fall. 

 

 

 

The air is fresh and once a car or two disappears in the distance, I take in the delightful sounds and peacefulness of nature.

 

 

 

A Beautiful Swing

 

At one stop I am taken somewhat back to my childhood as I spot a blue and white swing set surrounded by the greens, reds, purples, orange  and yellows of nature. I resist the temptation to trespass and be a child again encompassed by such beauty.

 

I do find a few friends along the way that are just as curious about me as I am about them.

However, I am still not sure what is up with the long faces although they seemed genuinely happy to meet me.

 

 

At one time Route 7 was a popular North-South road through the “Natural State” and some of the history of those days still remain along the highway.

 

 

A Double Decker

 

It must have been a fun time when a “Double Decker Outhouse” was a key attraction.

 

If that was not good enough for you could also purchase “Country Cured Hams” nearby.

 

 

 

 

 

A highlight of my trip is taking scenic views of the Ozarks at “Rotary Ann Overlook”, a historic rest stop along Scenic 7 Byway. Being here alone on a beautiful afternoon with a gentle breeze blowing is simply amazing.

 

 

 

Fall Foliage Ozark National Forest

 

With the threat of rain looming, my scenic journey through the “Natural State” begins to wind down as the sun heads west and takes the daylight with it.

 

I manage to hike a part of the trail towards “Pedestal Rock” but never quite get there.

However, my journey is rewarded by spotting a white tail deer off the trail that is startled by my presence.

 

 

 

As I drive a curving, dark and fun AR-16 back towards Clinton then Little Rock, the promised rain is beginning to fall but it in no way dampens my experience of seeing the wonderful colors of nature in Arkansas.

 

 

Chile, A Valle De Luna

 

From Calama Airport I set out in a rented Toyota 4x4 for San Pedro de Atacama about 70 miles away. My drive towards San Pedro covers some of the same areas that I had previously flown over less than an hour ago.

 

 

One site that peaked my interest from a few thousand feet above the earth turns about to be a memorial dedicated to 26 people executed here in 1973.

 

 

 

 

A brief stop and I am again driving across a desert landscape under clear blue skies. Although mostly barren the scenery with rolling hills and distant mountains is still enjoyable.

 

 

 

Desert Landscape

 

A sign for Valle de Luna and I find myself going down a dirt road where I am soon approached by a cloud of dust which turns out to be a group of cars heading in the opposite direction.The first car stops abeam me and the driver says something to me. My “no hablo espanol muy bien” starts him speaking a language that I understand.

Turns out they have been looking for Valle de Luna but without any luck. Further conversation and a group of us decide to give it a try together.

Parked at the beginning of a blocked off road, we lock our cars and I start hiking with a couple on vacation here from the southern part of Chile. I feel fortunate to have met them as they give me some history and tips of the area and their home country.

 

 

About twenty minutes of hiking and we arrive at the destination that we have been seeking.

 

 

 

 

 

From talking with a local we discover we have come up the back entrance to Valle de Luna. This entrance is closed to cars this time of the year because it has the potential to develop sink holes. 

 

 

We spend some time enjoying the “moon like” scenery with unique formations like “Tres Marias” then leave to watch the sunset from another area of Valle de Luna.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tres Marias

 

I watch from the ledge of a “Grand Canyon” type rim as the sun heads west and brushes the landscape with all shades of orange.

 

 

One of the more beautiful sunsets that I have ever seen.