Category Archives: Mystery Snapshots

January 22, 2010 · 8:07 am

Back to the Euro

Happy Friday, people!

Is it just me, or does wanderlust get even MORE intense as winter turns slowly into spring? This happens to me every year. The holidays pass, a couple long weekends appear on the horizon, and I can barely contain my fantasizing about where to run away, even if it’s only for a few days. Currently, I have February 12th to 16th FREE. To me, a long weekend like that is better than gold. Last year, I spent it in Miami (boy was I happily surprised with that place, which was like being in an ostentatious, model-filled version of Latin America), but I need help figuring out where (and with whom) to escape to this year… Thoughts?!

Let’s travel back to Europe for this week’s Mystery Snapshot…

Provided by the lovely Dawn R., please tell me which European city this might be. Then, tell me which languages are spoken there… (That is kind of a hint, for those who like hints.) Ready, set, GO!

7 Comments

Filed under Contributor, Mystery Snapshots

January 9, 2010 · 9:43 am

We’re Pretty Too

As many of you know, this past Thursday was Travels with Tavel’s six-month birthday…

Happy half-birthday T w/ T!!

I want to share some state-of-the-blog information (and a celebratory Mystery Snapshot, see below), because these numbers wouldn’t exist without you guys, my loyal daydreamers. I had not been counting, but when I woke up and looked at the date, January 7, it occurred to me that I had started T w/ T on July 7 — exactly six months (to the DAY) earlier. Then, when I looked at the total number of blog hits, I saw a mathematically beautiful number: 3,600.

The math was easy: 3,600 hits over six months = 600 hits per month = 150 hits per week = an average of about 21.4 hits per day. I don’t even know what those numbers mean in comparison to any other blogs, but all I can say is that they made me so happy and PROUD. If nothing else, this means I’m not the only person out there who fantasizes about travel. There is a lot more I plan to do with T w/ T, so brace yourselves because the next six months are going to be even more FUN!

On Thursday, I had my highest hit-count in one day. Until then, the most hits the blog had gotten in one day was 127. Well, on T w/ T’s six-month birthday, it got 230 HITS! I take that as a good omen, and cannot wait to see where we go from here (in the world, and with the blog).

Don’t worry, I wouldn’t leave you with this many words and no photograph!

Today’s Mystery Snapshot comes from my favorite cowgirl, Schuyler Dudley. Yes, she took this photograph. Tell me where in the UNITED STATES this photo comes from: the state, mountains, region… Get as specific as you can. A horse-lover myself (and one who has never been to mountains like these), I am immediately putting this place on my places-I-must-go-in-the-US list.

Mystery Mountains and Horses

7 Comments

Filed under Mystery Snapshots

December 30, 2009 · 8:29 am

Mystery Stroll

Today, I present you with a beautiful mystery snapshot taken by the wonderful Lisa A. This will be the last mystery snapshot of 2009, so give it your best! Just so that we’re all clear, I’m looking for MANY MORE mystery snapshots, travel stories, travel discussion topics, and travel tips… from YOU. Send ideas and photos to: travelswithtavel@gmail.com. Let’s make 2010 the most wanderlusty year yet, full of both wandering AND lust! Oh and see that little tab on the top right of the screen where you can sign up for an email subscription? Why don’t you go ahead and do that so I can stop harassing everyone on Facebook with my blog updates.

Now, back to the mystery snapshot.

Tell me where this is – the country, region, island, continent, exact spot… Whatever you’ve got! Then tell me why you think that, and any other comments/reflections you have about the image.

5 Comments

Filed under Mystery Snapshots

Tagged as Dominican Republic

August 12, 2009 · 8:34 am

Barthelona, and Mystery Snapshot 6

Wow, you are so smart. Congratulations Missy, Dawn, Lisa, Naomi, Geordie and Shannon for guessing the city and – for some of you – identifying the exact buildings! A special high-five goes to Tom H. for remembering one of the most special people in Barcelona: Tio Rafael, the creaky, farting, hilarious old man with whom I lived for four months. More on him another time.

Last week’s mystery snapshot showed two examples of Gaudi architecture in Barcelona (or as Geordie wrote, “Barthelona”), Spain. Unfortunately, my photos barely do it justice. Feel free to share your own photographs or impressions of the Gaudi buildings! (I’ll post them in the next entry…)

Antoni Gaudi (1852 – 1956) was known for his extremely unique and funky architecture, which has since become one of the most recognizable symbols of Barcelona. Rather than sticking to geometric shapes, he mimicked the curves and movement of nature through his designs. Anyone who visits this city MUST visit some of the Gaudi buildings and parks — Park Güell, Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, etc — because there is nothing quite like it. As playful and spontaneous as the architecture is, the homes are remarkably functional and livable, and yet still ethereal.

Unfortunately, I have to stop there. I was without a laptop for several days (enjoying Portland, Oregon), so I’m going to have to go right into the next mystery snapshot, but we will surely come back to Barcelona…

MYSTERY SNAPSHOT 6!

Please tell me where this street can be found, and what is unique about the city. (Look closely, there is a hint inside the photo!)

Mystery Street

3 Comments

Filed under Mystery Snapshots

Tagged as Spain

August 5, 2009 · 8:11 am

Funky

This week, I am providing you with TWO mystery snapshots that are closely connected.

Tell me what European city they come from, and — if you can — what connects the two buildings…

Funky

Funky two

13 Comments

Filed under Mystery Snapshots

Tagged as Spain

July 29, 2009 · 8:10 am

The Hills

It’s time to add some nature to the mix…

Where in the world can these colorful hills be found?

Region and country will do (the more specific, the better). If you can come up with one of the two official names for these hills (or both) you will officially blow my mind. Guesses are welcome. Be creative!