landscape Archives - Wanderboomer

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The fragile, moon-like landscape of the Galápagos Islands lures more than 100,000 visitors each year despite the archipelago’s remote location 600 miles off the west coast of mainland Ecuador. Ever since Darwin‘s famed visit aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835, travelers have been enchanted by its history, exotic vegetation and wildlife.

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In order to protect the eco-system of this UNESCO World Heritage Site as much as possible, the Ecuadorian government restricts the number of cruises that can visit each island at any one time. But you don’t have to worry about missing out: each of the 13 major islands, from the oldest in the East (Española) to the most recent (Fernindina) in the west, offers unique flora and fauna diversity for an extraordinary experience.

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To plan your own escape to the Galápagos Islands, choose from among a variety of tour options, including 8-day small-ship cruises, shorter-stay lodge-based day trips, and combined land/islands packages. Visit Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism site or discovergalapagos.com for more information.

In case you missed the travelogue of my own 2011 journey to the Galápagos, you can catch up on my stories here:

http://bit.ly/12CrGLs http://bit.ly/10Bvo84 http://bit.ly/Z4pXhV http://bit.ly/XoJd9q

http://bit.ly/10BvTyT http://bit.ly/XoJiK8 http://bit.ly/Yc8o0H http://bit.ly/Zxc8vt

http://bit.ly/10Bx0ia http://bit.ly/16J79ae http://bit.ly/XzY4Ai

What about you, wanderboomers? Have you visited the Galápagos Islands yet?

Highclere CastleBasSijpkesflickr (450 x 335)

Photo courtesy of Bas Sijpkes – flickr

If it takes you longer than 10 seconds to recognize this icon, then count yourself among the few not hooked on public television’s hottest show sensation since Upstairs, Downstairs and Brideshead Revisited: Masterpiece Theater’s Downton Abbey.

At its heart, this period melodrama speaks of romance – the will-they-or-won’t-they drama between Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley as well as Anna and Bates, the head housemaid and the Earl of Grantham’s valet.

The romance extends beyond the characters’ conflicts to the lush landscapes of the English countryside, the period costumes, and a time when life was less hurried and more well-mannered.

My travel money is on Wanderboomers who will want to check out the beauty of Highclere Castle for themselves, perhaps hoping to live vicariously through the lives of Downton Abbey’s characters, perhaps wistfully reflecting on times past, or perhaps imagining how it would feel to call this castle home.

If you are among those hopefuls, here’s what you need to know:

Highclere Castle, Gardens and Grounds is celebrating an Easter Opening, 7 days a week, between April 1st and Sunday April 15th. May dates follow from the 6th – 8th, and in June from the 3rd – 7th. Summer dates begin July 1st and end September 13th.

Admission to the castle is by pre-booked tickets, available for purchase after February 1st 2012.

Photo credits: flicker, top two photos by JBUK_Planet, bottom right by HerryLawford

What about you, Wanderboomers? Are you planning a trip to the home of Downton Abbey in 2012? Where have you been inspired to travel from your readings, movie or TV viewings?

G is for Getaway to the Galápagos Islands

Visit Downton Abbey in 2012

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