Xtreme Geography: Bhutan “Land Of The Thunder Dragon”
December 13, 2008
Bhutan is one of those countries that you don’t hear that often about. Bhutan lies between India and China, which may factor in to why this nation is often overlooked on people’s vacation planners. That may be why Bhutan could also be one of the world’s best kept secrets.
Bhutan is situated near Nepal and lies smack-dab in the middle of the Himalayan mountains. It’s seclusion from nearby neighbors has forced the nation into a state of poverty. Most Bhutan’s live on less than $1,000 per year. This majestic Buddhist nation didn’t even have a paved road till the 1960’s, something else that may attest to it’s seclusion.
The “Land of the Thunder Dragon” name comes from the turbulent weather brought on by being in the Himalaya region. Often violent storms will sweep down on the nation from the upper altitudes and bury it in high winds and snow. Bhutan’s weather isn’t always turbulent though. Especially if you arrive before the monsoon season that begins near the start of June.
Xtreme Geography: Tristan de Cunha or “The Loneliest Island In The World”
December 2, 2008
When we think of remote places and out of the way adventures our minds usually settle on the North or South Poles, or perhaps a tropical wonderland in Central America. Sometimes getting away isn’t really ‘getting away’. People have even suggested that most good places have been found and that exploration is dead in it’s ‘Old World’ sense. I beg to differ.
Tristan de Cunha: The Loneliest Island in the World
Questing For Adventure recently highlighted an article that discusses the most remote place in the world where people actually live. The answer was quite intriguing and pointed to an article featured on the Dark Roasted Blend blog.
Tristan de Cunha lies between South America and Africa. How remote is it? One ship journeys to the island one time a year to deliver mail, supplies, and visitors. It is 2,300 km away from the nearest land mass, St. Helena. 230 people actively live, survive, and inhabit this far off island paradise.
