You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion
Challenges: Year Long Help 2022
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Side Trips
I am only making the one.. until I finish Badge 1Personal side trip- https://m.facebook.com/1974cadillacra...
The installation consists of ten Cadillacs (1949-1963) buried nose-first in the ground. Installed in 1974, the cars were either older running, used or junk cars — together spanning the successive generations of the car line — and the defining evolution of their tailfins.[1]
Location -Amarillo TX- I can't think or hear Amarillo without sing George Straits song- Amarillo by Morning. Read a book that has Morning in the title.- Riley in the Morning
About- Standing along Route 66 west of Amarillo, Texas, Cadillac Ranch was invented and built by a group of art-hippies imported from San Francisco. They called themselves The Ant Farm, and their silent partner was Amarillo billionaire Stanley Marsh 3. He wanted a piece of public art that would baffle the locals, and the hippies came up with a tribute to the evolution of the Cadillac tail fin. Ten Caddies were driven into one of Stanley Marsh 3's fields, then half-buried, nose-down, in the dirt (supposedly at the same angle as the Great Pyramid of Giza). They faced west in a line, from the 1949 Club Sedan to the 1963 Sedan de Ville, their tail fins held high for all to see on the empty Texas panhandle. Text from roadsideamerica.com- Stanley Marsh was a third. Read a book that is 3rd in Series.- Redemption
Souvenir- "The 2nd amendment is my gun permit" t-shirt. A gun is fairly useless without ammo. Read a book with the word Ammo or Bullet or has one on the cover. A Bullet for Cinderella
That's such a cool site!! I like your tasks too.
I also made one. I'll make another when I get to badge 2.Badge 1 - Side Trip
De Vreedzame Krijger (The Peaceful Warrior)
1. Location: Venlo, The Netherlands
Venlo is very well-known for it's carnival tradition. Colors associated with carnival there (and in all of the province of Limburg) are red, yellow and green.
Task: Read a book with all three colors (red, yellow and green) on the cover.
About: The message sent by The Peaceful Warrior is 'Stop! Until here and no further!' It's meant to encourage people to guard their personal boundaries and freedom. The bigger goal behind the peaceful warriors is to spread them all over the world, wherever they're needed.
Task: Read a book that's set on at least two different continents
Souvenir: Iconic and powerful photograph of The Peaceful Warrior during the floods of the summer of 2021. This photograph was sold 650 times and raised €30.000 for victims of the floodings.
Task: Read a book with a cover that's at least 50% water.
Side trip: Arm of Stonewall Jackson
1. Location: Stonewall Jackson's arm is buried off of Constitution Hwy in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Read a book where the United States' Constitution plays a key role (explain the role), or the word Constitution is in the title.
2. About: Stonewall was mistakenly shot in the arm by one of his own men during the Battle of Chancellorsville during the American Civil War. He was taken to a field hospital tent where his arm was cut off. The next day Stonewall's chaplain retrieved the arm and buried it in the small plantation cemetery of his brother, who lived a mile down the road. A few days after that, the rest of Stonewall died.
Read a book which takes place during the American Civil War.
3. Souvenir: You can pick up a replica of this famous Stonewall Jackson painting at the Battle of Winchester showing Jackson waving to his troops - notice he has both arms.
Read a book where an arm is prominently displayed on the cover.
The Madrid 
This is a rest area on highway 20. Totally well known and often joked about. You cannot miss the dinosaurs.
Location: It is between Quebec and Montreal,
task: Read book where MC travels.
About: the Madrid was sold a few years ago. The new owners destroyed the scary building and rebuild a new one and called it Madrid 2.0
Task: read the 2nd book in a series,
Souvenir: well, it has to be a dinosaur!
Task: Read a book about or with dinosaurs in it
Side tripMonument to Slaughtered Animals, Wrocław, Poland
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/m...
https://www.inyourpocket.com/wroclaw/...
http://susanives.com/2021/08/02/monda...
Location
Poland. From 13th century until 18th century on these streets animals where slaughtered
Read a book set in Poland or in medieval times
About
Since the monument is in the honour of slaughter animals
Read a book about veganism or animals ( nonfiction)
Souvenir
At the moment there are statues of a goose (with an egg), two pigs, a rabbit, a rooster, a calf and a goat.
Read a book with one of these animals on the cover.
Badge 1 - Side TripTerry Fox National Historic Person Plaque
1. Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, CANADA
The Terry Fox Monument, located outside Thunder Bay, marks the location where Terry was forced to stop his Marathon of Hope on August 31, 1980.
Task: Read a book published in August of any year.
2. About: Terry Fox lost his leg to osteogenic sarcoma when he was 18. In April 1980, he began his Marathon of Hope, a run from the east coast of Canada to the west coast, to raise money for Cancer research. After 143 days/5,373 kilometres Terry was forced to stop running outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario when the cancer reappeared in his lungs.
Task: Read a book that has a MPG of Medicine or Health
3. Souvenir: Terry Fox: A Story of Hope
The first authorized biography written specifically for young readers.
Task: Read a book with the word Hope in the title.
A tribute to 2021 Museums!
The Topiary Park in Columbus Ohio
a one a kind, unique interpretation of Georges Seurat’s post-impressionist painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grand Jatte, Topiary Park is — fairly specifically, and somewhat surprisingly — the only topiary representation of a painting in the world. The art installation was officially dedicated in 1992 and consists of 54 people, eight boats, three dogs, a monkey, and a cat, all in the form of topiary sculptures made of yew trees.
Side trip Carhenge - Alliance, Nebraska
1. Location: Alliance is a city and the county seat of Box Butte County, in the western part of the state of Nebraska, in the Great Plains region of the United States.
Read a book set on the Great Plains.
An Uncommon Enemy 398 Hardcover pages
2. About: When its creator, Jim Reinders, began constructing Carhenge in a Nebraska field in the late ‘80s, he decided to copy the style and circular orientation of the original Stonehenge, which he'd visited and studied in England. Only this version would come with a twist: Instead of stones, the monument was built using classic American cars.
I can't stop thinking of Reindeers when I read Jim's name. So what the heck, are there really any books with Reinders (one "e" in deer) out there? Turns out there is. It's called...wait for it...I Spy Farting Reinders!: Fun Guessing Game For Boys And Girls 3-5 Year Olds Funny Story For Toddlers About a Reindeer Who Farts!. So I clicked the Amazon link and it was not found. THANK GOD!
I'm going with ~ Read a book that involves "Reindeer".
3. Souvenir: A Car, of course!
Read a book set around the American Car industry.
Hahahaha, Almeta. You can still read that book if you smell it, sorry, spell it "reindeer". Go for it. Sounds good.Oops, no. It's out of print. I wonder why?
Giant Wooden Sasquatch, Gray, Georgia, USAhttps://www.roadsideamerica.com/attra...
1. Location: Gray is a small town in Central Georgia. Read a book that takes place in a small town.
2. About: Sasquatch, also called Bigfoot, are large, hairy, human like creatures. It seems to represent the North American counterpart of the Himalayan region’s mythological monster, the Abominable Snowman, or Yeti. Read a book about one such creature.
3. Souvenir: The Giant Sasquatch carving in Gray, Georgia is carved by chainsaw. Read a book with the word “chainsaw” in the title or a picture of a chainsaw on the cover.
Sharon wrote: "Giant Wooden Sasquatch, Gray, Georgia, USAhttps://www.roadsideamerica.com/attra...
1. Location: Gray is a small town in Central Georgia. Read a book that takes ..."
Oh! I love him.
Side trip: Alto de Perdón, Navarra, Spain
Metal sculpture by the artist Vicente Galbete, on the pilgrimage route of Camino Francés, on the Alto de Perdón, roughly translated as the Hill of Forgiveness.
It is dedicated to pilgrims who have walked the Camino and was erected in 1996. One of the monuments includes the engraving Donde se cruza el camino del viento con el de las estrellas, which translates into English as "Where the path of the wind crosses that of the stars".
1. Location: Navarra, Spain
The sculpture is located about 750 meters above sea level.
Task: read a book with at least two of the numbers 7, 5, or 0 in the number of pages.
2. About
The sculpture depicts a number of pilgrims either on foot or on horseback as they make their way along the Camino to Santiago.
Task: read a book where somebody travels very far from their home.
3. Souvenir
The sculpture is made of metal.
Task: read a book with something made of metal on the cover.
Oooh - Camilla, I may have to snag that site and write my own tasks for it. I had a hard time finding roadside attractions in Europe. I really like Peggy's too.
Almeta wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Giant Wooden Sasquatch, Gray, Georgia, USAhttps://www.roadsideamerica.com/attra...
1. Location: Gray is a small town in Central Georgia. Read a b..."
I love him, too, Almeta! We live right next door to Gray in the neighboring town and never knew he was there. Yes! We are driving over to see him!
Leslie wrote: "Badge 1 - Side TripTerry Fox National Historic Person Plaque
1. Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, CANADA"
That's where I'm from!! Cool!
Janice wrote: "Oooh - Camilla, I may have to snag that site and write my own tasks for it. I had a hard time finding roadside attractions in Europe. "I was peeved when I noticed that you had already included tasks for "set on the Iberian peninsula", "pilgrimage", and "horses", they would have fitted perfectly for this.
Hope to see this in real life next summer.
I think you did a great job coming up with tasks for that site, Camilla. I'd be tempted to read about hiking the El Camino Trail. I read The Camino: A Journey of the Spirit and watched The Way with Martin Sheen. I think it's a fascinating subject.
Sue Q wrote: "Leslie wrote: "Badge 1 - Side TripTerry Fox National Historic Person Plaque
1. Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, CANADA"
That's where I'm from!! Cool!"
That's awesome! I had the privilege of seeing that monument years ago. I'm from Terry Fox's side of the country, so it meant alot :)
Badge 1 - Side trip - Maui, HawaiiKihei, Maui, Hawaii: Life-Size Whale Statue
1. Location: The island of Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands at 727.2 square miles and is the 17th largest island in the United States. An eye-catching landmark in Kihei is a nearly life-sized 49-foot humpback sculpture which weighs in at 10 tons. It is located at the forefront of Kihei's major recreational center, Kalama Park.
Task: Read a book set on an island
2. About: In Hawaiian culture the Koholā (Humpback Whale) are sacred for grace, intelligence, and beauty. They live in peaceful co-existence and community. As they swim they bring energy of harmony to all of us. Their songs teach us that we can live with aloha, love each other, and understand our oneness, and take care of Mother Earth.
Task: Read a book set in a conservation area, for example a national park, marine park.
3. Souvenir: Opal Maui Whale Tail Sterling Silver Anklet
Task: Read a book with person on cover wearing an anklet, bracelet or necklace.
Badge 2- Side Trip (Yes, I'm being optimistic and believe I'll complete at least 2 badges)
The Gum Wall - Seattle Washington
1. Location: Seattle, Washington
The Market Theater Gum Wall is located in an alleyway in Post Alley under Pike Place Market in Downtown Seattle.
Task: Read a book with all the letters of SEATTLE in the title.
2. About: The Market Theater Gum Wall is a brick wall covered in used chewing gum. In 2009 it was named one of the top 5 germiest tourist attractions. It is estimated there are over 250,000 wads of gum on the wall.
Task: Read a book with more than 250,000 ratings.
3. Souvenir: Seattle Gum Wall Glass Magnet
Task: Read a book from the Type Most Colorful Covers Listopia
Ooooh I've been there Leslie! :DGreat tasks too :D
Peggy wrote: "Ooooh I've been there Leslie! :DGreat tasks too :D"
The wall is so gross, but so cool at the same time :)
Lol yes, exactly my thoughts. Even pictures kind of gross me out, when I think about them too much. I had no idea there are souvenir magnets by the way.
@Janice: you mentioned having a hard time finding European road side attractions. I think they're just not that much of a thing here. And the ones we have are often more serious (statues, remembrance, art) than quirky. All the world's 'largest weird things' are probably on your side of the world! No huge egg whisk or chest of drawers here ;-)
Peggy wrote: "Lol yes, exactly my thoughts. Even pictures kind of gross me out, when I think about them too much. I had no idea there are souvenir magnets by the way."
The magnets are at the KOBO Art Gallery at Pike Place Market. They have beautiful glass art.
Side trip 2(just in case I ever get to badge 2)
Sverd i fjell, Hafrsfjord, Norway
The monument is named Sverd i fjell, which means Swords in rock. The monument is made by Fritz Røed (1928-2002), and was unveiled by King Olav in 1983.
1. Location
The monument is located in Hafrsfjord, Norway. This was where Harald Fairhair gathered Norway into one kingdom in 872.
Task: read a book set in Norway or written by a Norwegian author.
2. About
The monument consists of three swords that are fixed into the ground. They symbolise peace, unity and freedom.
Task: read a book with a sword on the cover.
3. Souvenir
The hilts of the Viking swords are taken from swords found in different parts of the country.
Task: read a book about vikings.
Odette wrote: "Badge 1 - Site 5 - Side trip - Maui, HawaiiKihei, Maui, Hawaii: Life-Size Whale Statue
1. Location: The island of Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands at 727.2 square miles and is..."
Is it your foot (and anklets) in the picture?
Peggy wrote: "Odette wrote: "Badge 1 - Site 5 - Side trip - Maui, HawaiiKihei, Maui, Hawaii: Life-Size Whale Statue
1. Location: The island of Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands at 727.2 squa..."
My foot has no resemblance to that of the model in the picture!!
The photo is from online advertisement of souvenirs from Kihei, Maui. I liked the underwater shot with the little fish swimming around!
Haha! It is a nice picture :) I figured maybe you had visited and actually bought that souvenir.
LOL I loved the "giant things on the side of the road aren't really a European thing" from Peggy, and then minutes later Camilla is like "HOLD MY GIANT SWORDS!!"
My less flippant response to that, is that while you guys have had thousands of years of cultures who make monuments, which may have these historical, cultural, religious, artistic meanings you have so much on the side of the road.But don't negate what you have in Europe for this challenge. Lexx made me promise to stop pulling over for random attractions/sites/ruins in Ireland as it took us FOREVER to get anywhere. There was SO much to see. Sure, it wasn't a giant fibro sheep with its balls out like 80kms down the road from us, it was a 3000 year old dwelling or a 500 year old ruined abbey or a sculpture or a monument. But it was literally on the side of the road.
So even looking past the ruins and the castles and the prehistoric dwellings (I cannot believe I am typing that) you guys have so much cool cultural art and stuff in Europe. Which you and Camilla have already showed us.
Thanks Rus, I think that's a good explanation for why we have giant things as well, but often not as quirky as the world's largest egg whisk. Although there were several examples in the ones Janice posted from the US, Canada and Australia that also have a much more serious background and are actually really awesome.
Leslie wrote: "Badge 2- Side Trip (Yes, I'm being optimistic and believe I'll complete at least 2 badges)
The Gum Wall - Seattle Washington......"
I bet no one leans against the wall while waiting to enter the theater. ;D
I chose this one too! Your tasks are much more imaginative than mine. I am inspired!
Location: The Market Theater Gum Wall can be found in downtown Seattle.
Read a book set in Seattle, Washington, USA
About: It’s exactly what it sounds like – a giant wall, measuring 15 feet high and 50 feet wide, that’s covered in pieces of chewed gum several inches thick. After attempting to scrub it away a couple times, theater workers decided to just let it be. Soon tourists and locals alike were adding their sticky contributions to the wall.
Read a book involving theater workers.
Souvenir: The tradition began in the early ‘90s when patrons of the theater started leaving chewed gum on the wall and including little coins in it. Some of the gum is shaped like works of art, making for excellent photos. (It should probably go without saying, but as this is one of the least hygienic tourist attractions around, you probably shouldn't test out old gum you see on the wall...)
Read a book with coins on the cover.
Rusalka wrote: "LOL I loved the "giant things on the side of the road aren't really a European thing" from Peggy, and then minutes later Camilla is like "HOLD MY GIANT SWORDS!!""ROFL! And don't forget all the hot Viking men!
Peggy wrote: "Thanks Rus, I think that's a good explanation for why we have giant things as well, but often not as quirky as the world's largest egg whisk. Although there were several examples in the ones Janice..."Agree, there are some great ones there.
I may have edited my response and hadn't seen you had replied. I wasn't sure it was relevant and removed, but I think is now.
I said that some of the side of the road sites in the US, Canada, and Aus are a bit more kitch and new as we have indigenous cultures who weren't super into monument building, unlike Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Where we have thousand year old sites in our countries, you are more likely to have to be shown them by people in the know, than pull over to a tourist attraction sign.
Simplification though, which is why I whole heartedly agree with Peggy's point.
Camilla wrote: "Rusalka wrote: "LOL I loved the "giant things on the side of the road aren't really a European thing" from Peggy, and then minutes later Camilla is like "HOLD MY GIANT SWORDS!!""ROFL! And don't f..."
They want you to hold th... nevermind...
I... I'm just going to go to bed.
Sue Q wrote: "Leslie wrote: "Badge 1 - Side TripTerry Fox National Historic Person Plaque
1. Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, CANADA"
That's where I'm from!! Cool!"
you are??? I worked on and off for 5 years in TB (a lonnnng time ago.)
Rusalka wrote: "Also, kitch is cool too."So true! I'm much more tempted to try to work the kitchy road side attractions into my challenge than the serious ones.
Peggy wrote: "@Janice: you mentioned having a hard time finding European road side attractions. I think they're just not that much of a thing here. And the ones we have are often more serious (statues, remembran..."That was what I gathered when I was doing my research.
Rusalka wrote: "LOL I loved the "giant things on the side of the road aren't really a European thing" from Peggy, and then minutes later Camilla is like "HOLD MY GIANT SWORDS!!""ROFL!
I've enjoyed the conversation about kitsch vs serious. I am kind of haunted by The Hill of Crosses in Lithuania.
Peggy wrote: "Rusalka wrote: "Also, kitch is cool too."So true! I'm much more tempted to try to work the kitchy road side attractions into my challenge than the serious ones."
Yeah, me too. I set out to read more books about "Indigenous and Marginalized Voices" next year, but I can't resist the sillier side trips.
Esther wrote: "Sue Q wrote: "Leslie wrote: "Badge 1 - Side TripTerry Fox National Historic Person Plaque
1. Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, CANADA"
That's where I'm from!! Cool!"
you are??? I worked on and o..."
Oops, I'm not from Thunder Bay, I'm from the West Coast where Terry Fox lived (close to Vancouver). I have visited Thunder Bay though!
Almeta wrote: "Leslie wrote: "Badge 2- Side Trip (Yes, I'm being optimistic and believe I'll complete at least 2 badges)
The Gum Wall - Seattle Washington......"
I bet no one leans against the wall while waiti..."
That's awesome. I'm glad you liked this one.
Can you imagine bumping into the wall and getting your hair stuck in some of the "fresh" additions. Yuck!!!
You'll love this one...!! A book club & more
Books mentioned in this topic
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (other topics)Silver Bay (other topics)
Tales from the Cafe (other topics)
Weathering With You (other topics)
Your Name (other topics)
More...
Confused about souvenir tasks? please read.