Lifestyle Strategies, Travel, Adventures--Todd's Wanderings » travel photo

Travel Porn: Shiraito Waterfall Karuizawa, Japan

Todd Wassel — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:52:14 +0000

Secluded waterfall in Japan anyone?

This is a new feature here on Todd’s Wanderings. Well, that’s not true, I have been delivering beautiful photos (pat on the back) for a while now. Travel Porn is the new name to this section and delivers visual stimulation from around the world each week (most likely Fridays when I’m not stuck in a backwater somewhere). If this doesn’t get you hot, bothered, and fantasizing about your packed luggage (carry on, roll on, backpack, whatever turns you on) you might not be a traveler…

Shiraito Falls is located in the summer resort area of Karuizawa in Japan at the base of the active volcano Mt. Asama (3 1/2 hour drive from Tokyo). Seventy meters of fine, silky, sexy strands of groundwater fall like threads from the rock face. I love a good waterfall in the hot summer months, and in the fall the trees around explode in hues of red, orange and yellow. Yes, it is as beautiful as the picture suggests, but be careful of the crowds in the dead of summer.

I usually post pictures from my travel porn box, but if you want to guest post with you own visual stimulation (any type of media goes) contact me and we can discuss.

Travel Porn: Shiraito Waterfall Karuizawa, Japan is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Where in the World? Dangerous Driving

Todd Wassel — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:01:00 +0000

Nothing like an open side to help you feel the road

Update:

The winner is Leng…who guessed, Bangkok, Thailand! Personally, I wanted more street guesses!

Thanks again to Kelsi for this great shot and making us all dream we were in Thailand right now. Here is why this place is so special to her:

This place is special to me personally because it is the capital city of the country where I serve as a Peace Corps volunteer and it is a place I can meet up with my friends. I love this picture because it reminds me of the rush of soaring through the streets of Bangkok with the open night air against my face.

Leng gets the prize this week. So check out Globe Nomads, and follow his journey around the world.

Welcome to the weekly Where in the World? Travel Photo Contest! We have a great list of travel photos and bloggers lined up to challenge your world travel knowledge each and every Friday.

If you’re new or never bothered to actually read what I write, each week I post a beautiful picture (at least I think so) either from a featured travel blog guest (see below for details on how to guest post) or from my own travels and you guess where it is. Due to the popularity of featuring other travel bloggers I plan to host other peoples’ travels and photos for as long as there is interest (get in touch!).

This week’s photo comes from Kelsi and her beautiful notes on life’s journey over at Some Sojourns.

The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country, City, and Road (no just joking)!) will win a link back to their blog and all the fame and glory associated! Congratulations to David who won last weeks contest by knowing the oldest and deepest Lake Baikal in Russia.

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below (comment luv should take care of the second part).

Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention. Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments and stories (don’t forget the praise) are welcome!

Let’s invite as many people as possible! Please consider tweeting or sharing on Facebook

Be a Guest Photographer

If you’re interested in having your photograph featured then send me an e-mail through my Todd’s Wanderings Contact Page with the Subject line: Photo Contest Friday. Don’t forget to tell me which site your coming from and I’ll be in touch and explain how to send the photo. Keep in mind that your photo should be awesome!

The photograph should be your own and should have a few small clues in the photo to help the reader out if they’ve never been there (no, I don’t follow this last rule myself all the time…but it’s my website). I’ll link to your page and talk you up as the guest poster. I can be very flattering when I want to be.

Oh, and it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. You should be an independent travel blogger. I love helping the little guy…or gal.

Where in the World? Dangerous Driving is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Where in the World? Stunning Lake

Todd Wassel — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 06:23:05 +0000

: Follow the posts down to the lake. Do you know where you’re going?

Update:

The winner is David…who guessed, Lake Baikal in Russia!

Thanks again to Magda for a beautiful photo. Here’s what she had to say:

This photo was taken on the Olkhon Island on the Lake Baikal in Russia. Lake Baikal is world’s oldest and deepest lake as well as the largest source of fresh water on the planet. Olkhon is the largest island on the lake and for centuries the local people have believed it to be a spiritual place. Shamanism is a very strong cult on the island up to this day. Olkhon is not only mysterious but also a very beautiful place.

David gets the prize this week. So check out his great blog Ogijima that is all about the beautiful islands in Japan’s Inland Sea. Personally, I love this area of Japan.

Welcome to the weekly Where in the World? Travel Photo Contest! We have a great list of travel photos and bloggers lined up to challenge your world travel knowledge each and every Friday.

If you’re new or never bothered to actually read what I write, each week I post a beautiful picture (at least I think so) either from a featured travel blog guest (see below for details on how to guest post) or from my own travels and you guess where it is. Due to the popularity of featuring other travel bloggers I plan to hots other peoples’ travels and photos for as long as there is interest (get in touch!).

This week’s photo comes from Magda and her beautiful photography travel blog Destination World.

The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country, PLACE!) will win a link back to their blog and all the fame and glory associated! Congratulations to Dave who won last weeks contest by knowing the the old stone bridge in Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below (comment luv should take care of the second part).

Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention. Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

Let’s invite as many people as possible! Please consider tweeting or sharing on Facebook

Be a Guest Photographer

Oh, and it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. You should be an independent travel blogger. I love helping the little guy…or gal.

Where in the World? Stunning Lake is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Where in the World? Ancient Stone Bridge

Todd Wassel — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:13:07 +0000

Do you know where this ancient and famous trading bridge lies?

Update:

The winner is David…who guessed, Old Bridge, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mostar was named after the “bridge keepers” who guarded the Stari Bridge (old bridge), which was rebuilt in 2004 after being destroyed in the conflict.

David hasn’t won in a while here but he is back and gets the prize this week. Dave doesn’t have a blog so while I wait for Dave’s choice of links I’m including an APPEAL to Help Japan: My Experience During the Japan Earthquake.

Welcome to the weekly Where in the World? Travel Photo Contest! We have a great list of travel photos and bloggers lined up to challenge your world travel knowledge each and every Friday.

If you’re new or never bothered to actually read what I write, each week I post a beautiful picture (at least I think so) either from a featured travel blog guest (see below for details on how to guest post) or from my own travels and you guess where it is. Due to the popularity of featuring other travel bloggers I plan to hots other peoples’ travels and photos for as long as there is interest (get in touch!).

This week’s photo comes from…ME…yes, I am stepping back into the contest scene.

The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country, Bridge AND City!) will win a link back to their blog and all the fame and glory associated! Congratulations to Rebecca who won last weeks contest by knowing the South Australian Outback like, well, the back of her hand.

Ff you have bothered to read all the way down here you deserve a hint: film set.

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below (comment luv should take care of the second part).

Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention. Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

Let’s invite as many people as possible! Please consider tweeting or sharing on Facebook

Be a Guest Photographer

Oh, and it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. You should be an independent travel blogger. I love helping the little guy…or gal.

Where in the World? Ancient Stone Bridge is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Where in the World? Another World?

Todd Wassel — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 09:31:02 +0000

This is not Mars but some people think it is...

Update:

The winner is Rebecca…who guessed, Coober Pedy, South Australia!

Thanks again to Laurence and his universe. Here’s what he had to say:

“It is an awesome place, somewhat reminiscent of Mos Eisley, only without so much scum and villainy, plus nearly everyone lives underground to escape the heat. The surrounding landscape and attractions are also surreal, with names such as the Moon Plain and The Painted Desert – it’s not hard to see why it was chosen as the set for Pitch Black, which is set on an alien planet.”

Rebecca gets the prize this week. So check out Cadence: Planning and Design, it’s not travel blog but they can help you design a peaceful living environment. Sounds nice to me

Welcome to the weekly Where in the World? Travel Photo Contest! We have a great list of travel photos and bloggers lined up to challenge your world travel knowledge each and every Friday.

If you’re new or never bothered to actually read what I write, each week I post a beautiful picture (at least I think so) either from a featured travel blog guest (see below for details on how to guest post) or from my own travels and you guess where it is. Due to the popularity of featuring other travel bloggers I plan to hots other peoples’ travels and photos for as long as there is interest (get in touch!).

This week’s photo comes from Laurence over at Finding The Universe, you’ll have to check out his site to see if he’s found it or not yet.

The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country, Name!) will win a link back to their blog and all the fame and glory associated! Congratulations to Jerick who won last weeks contest by knowing Iran’ 33 arch bridge in one of the closest races we have had yet.

Ff you have bothered to read all the way down here you deserve a hint: film set.

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below (comment luv should take care of the second part).

Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention. Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

Let’s invite as many people as possible! Please consider tweeting or sharing on Facebook

Be a Guest Photographer

Oh, and it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. You should be an independent travel blogger. I love helping the little guy…or gal.

Where in the World? Another World? is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Stone Face: Friday Photo Contest 34

Todd Wassel — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:13:34 +0000

She seems quite happy to have her face pressed to the floor. Where is she?

Update:

The winner is Justin…who guessed, Basilica Cistern, Istanbul Turkey!

Thanks again to Chirs and his great travel blog. Here’s what he had to say:

“This is from the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul near Hagia Sophia. This underground cistern was built by the Romans under Emperor Constantine. After the Turkish conquered the city in the 1400s they did not discover the cistern for over 100 years until someone got suspicious why locals were able to fish from their basements. This particular picture is a column with a statue of Medusa at the base. “

Justin gets the prize this week. So wander on over to Justin Was Here and let him know that your were There.

Welcome back to the Friday Photo Contest! We took a short break and but are back, are bigger than ever (not really) and we have a great list of travel photos and bloggers lined up for every Friday (that part is true).

If you’re new or never bothered to actually read what I write, each week I post a beautiful picture (at least I think so) either from a featured travel blog guest (see below for details on how guest post) or from my own travels and you guess where it is. Due to the popularity of featuring other travel bloggers I plan to hot other peoples travels and photos for as log as there is interest (get in touch!).

This week’s photo comes from Chris Christensen and his widely popular Amateur Traveler, for those who love to travel.

The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country, City AND Place!) will win a link back to their blog and all the fame and glory associated!

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below (comment luv should take care of the second part). The only hint you get is that this place is “hidden.”

Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention. Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

Let’s invite as many people as possible! Please consider tweeting or sharing on Facebook

Be a Guest Photographer

Oh, and it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. You should be an independent travel blogger. I love helping the little guy…or gal.

Stone Face: Friday Photo Contest 34 is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

A Little Bit of Freedom: Travel Photo Contest Friday 33

Todd Wassel — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:22:31 +0000

Do you think she's jumping towards beauty or away from it?

Update:

The winner is Arti…who guessed Cinque Terre, on the Italian Riviera, but she never told us if she jumped too!

Thanks again to Jade and the rest of the Vagabond 3 crew. Here’s what she had to say:

“We took this photo on one of the last days of our RTW trip. We were in Cinque Terre, overlooking all these people jumping off the nearby rocks. This moment summed up our entire experience- living in the moment, being free and jumping into life with our eyes wide open. Besides being a gorgeous and relaxing weekend away from London, Cinque Terre will always hold a very special place in my mind for showing me the freedom of loving what you do and sharing that with the people you love.“

Arti gets the prize this week. So wander on over to My Yatra Diary and check out some of her travels.

Welcome to Travel Photo Contest Friday, wow that’s a mouthful! If you’re new or never bothered to actually read what I write, each week I post a beautiful picture (at least I think so) from my travels (and sometimes from a featured guest…see below for details on how guest post) and you guess where it is. Actually, there has been such a swell of interest that for the time being the photos are from other travel bloggers and their adventures.

This week’s photo comes from Jade, Bob and Rob and their travel blog Vagabond 3, 3 people 1 large world and a run to see it all.

The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country and Place!) will win a link back to their blog with the anchor text of their choice in this post (keep it clean and relevant).

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below (comment luv should take care of the second part). Last week Katrina won by not guessing Florence, Italy. This week we keeping it hard with few hints. But I guess I’ll give you one large hint, it is NOT in the Americas.

Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention. Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

Be a Guest Photographer

Oh, and it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. You should be an independent travel blogger. I love helping the little guy…or gal.

Sponsor: If you are thinking of taking the leap and hitting the road consider leaving your stuff in storage London. They have clean and tidy lock ups available for the traveler who doesn’t know when they will be back.

A Little Bit of Freedom: Travel Photo Contest Friday 33 is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Petra Jordan Photo Essay: A Walk Through History

Todd Wassel — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 12:39:38 +0000

I threatened earlier a photo essay of Jordan was on the way, well now I’m following through. Please take the photos in the context of my article Petra Lives up to Expectations, and be prepared for an upcoming wild video of my donkey into the surrounding mountains. Petra is one place that I can whole heartily recommend to anyone. If it’s not currently in your bucket list, throw it in and make sure it’s on top.

The road to Petra starts out wide and open, but still filled with ancient monuments.

The Siq is a long canyon with steep sides forcing you to accept your place in the Universe.

The canyon walls allow you but a sliver, pressing you forward.

The walls of the Siq hide many secrets including this ancient carving of a camel and its merchant.

Nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of the Treasury.

The swirling winds whip up the sand somehow making the area even more magical.

The constant winds and infrequent rains have covered the bases of most tombs up to 15 feet or more.

Its not all ancient monuments. The locals rent out camels and donkeys to tour the area.

Not all of the tombs in Petra were elaborate. These were made for important merchants and soldiers.

Of course the mountains are also dotted with the tombs of royalty.

Desert sun and dark tombs.

The burial area is lost to the sands as we make out way to the hidden Monastery.

If you're running out of time use a donkey to reach the Monastery high up in the mountains. While it only costs 5 dinars (about $8), you have to negotiate your way through unhappy donkey handlers for choosing others over them.

The path up the mountain is steep but exhilarating.

I was more than content on my donkey looking out from the top

As you round a corner the force of the Monastery overwhelms you.

There is of course way more to see in Petra. These are but a few of my pictures from a full day spent exploring the city. However, to truly see the full ruins you need about 3 days. A journey at night with the Treasury lit by candles is another sight not to miss. I couldn’t show you everything or you might not be tempted enough to visit!

If you enjoyed this photo essay I would very much appreciate you sharing it with a friend, by e-mail or your social media of choice. I’m hoping to expand Todd’s Wanderings in 2011 and can only do it with your help.

Petra Jordan Photo Essay: A Walk Through History is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Holy Mountain Pass: Travel Photo Contest Friday 31

Todd Wassel — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 10:41:22 +0000

I'm breathless just looking at this photo...maybe from a hike (Hint!)

Update:

The winner is Jason…who guessed Thorung La Pass, Annapurna Circuit, Himalayas, Nepal. Well, OK, he didn’t say Nepal, but I think we can assume he meant it. Seriously, I’m not that inflexible!

Thanks again to Connie and tranquil mountain photo. Here is what makes this mountain pass so special to Connie:

“Reaching the peak of Thorung La Pass at 5614 meters, after trekking through the amazingly beautiful Nepalese Himalayan mountain range for 12 days was an amazing accomplishment for me. I had never embarked on such a physically and mentally draining task and although it was certainly difficult on most days, not to mention absolutely freezing at the Pass, every single second was worth it! ”

Jason gets the prize this week so please check him out at Alpaca Suitcase.

This week’s photo comes from Connie and her travel blog Connvoyage. Connie is a woman after my own heart, traveling the globe and engaging in a variety of environmental and humanitarian projects. It doesn’t hurt that I also love mountains, and as you can see Connie has a great back country photo.

The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country and Place, be specific!) will win a link back to their blog with the anchor text of their choice in this post (keep it clean and relevant).

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below. Last week no one won with the Autumn skyline drive in Virgina, USA. This week we are making it harder on all of you. So good luck and let the guessing begin!

Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention. Yes, I also get behind on my stumbling responsibilities, but they always get down and I love to stumble at once.

Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

Be a Guest Photographer

Oh, and it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. You should be an independent travel blogger. You big companies have more than enough SEO stored up to get you through the winter.

Holy Mountain Pass: Travel Photo Contest Friday 31 is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Autumn Skyline Drive: Travel Photo Contest Friday 30

Todd Wassel — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:31:23 +0000

Can't resist the urge to get on the road! Where are these riders heading to?

Update:

The winner is…No One. I really hate it when this happens, but know you get introduced to a new beautiful spot in the world. This photo was taken on the Skyline Drive (the blue ridge parkway) just outside Luray, Virginia.

Thanks again to Chip for his challenging but beautiful picture. Here is what makes this skyline so special to Chip:

“Shot this during my current bicycle tour around the United States. After a thousand miles or more of flat lands through the great plains, it felt good to be back on real hills again. Riding the parkway in the autumn was one of my big goals this year, and it was great to hit it during the peak of Fall colors. While the road through this popular destination was choked with RVs on the weekends, mid-week it was just me, the motorcycle touring folks, and day after day of perfect cycling.”

No prize to give out this week. Good luck next week and get your memories (or search engines) warmed up.

This week’s photo comes from Chip over at Big Rhino Dog. Chip has a great blog where he posts amazing photos of the day as he travels on his bike with no end date in site. If you ever wondered what your life would be like if others got to see it all, then check out Chip. He’s learned to make the most of life by sharing it with others and making sure he doesn’t waste one second on something not worth his time.

The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country and Place Name) will win a link back to their blog with the anchor text of their choice in this post (keep it clean and relevant).

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below. Yeah, its a bit harder this week, but I know you are up to the challenge. There is a winner for last weeks contest Desolate Beauty, but I’m traveling in Jordan and have run out of time to post. Check back on Monday and all will be revealed.

I will also stumble the latest post of anyone who leaves a comment even if the winner has already been picked (up until next Thursday). Chip will also join in on the stumble love as well! Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention. Yes, I also get behind on my stumbling responsibilities, but they always get down and I love to stumble at once.

Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

Be a Guest Photographer

If you’re interested in having your photograph featured then send me an e-mail through my Todd’s Wanderings Contact Page with the Subject line: Photo Contest Friday. Don’t forget to tell me which site you’re coming from and I’ll be in touch and explain how to send the photo. Keep in mind that your photo should be awesome!

Oh, and it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. You should be an independent travel blogger. You big companies have more than enough SEO stored up to get you through the winter.

Autumn Skyline Drive: Travel Photo Contest Friday 30 is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Desolate Beauty: Travel Photo Contest Friday 29

Todd Wassel — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 11:32:45 +0000

Color is your only clue this week! Good luck and let the guessing begin.

Update:

The winner is Michael…who guessed Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia . Runner up mention Jade who guessed Salt Flats in Bolivia, but the local language wins each time

Thanks again to Lindsay and her humor and tequila filled travel blog. Here is what makes this salt so special to Lindsay:

“It has a few names, and it’s location is not directly in a city, but in the middle of Salar de Uyuni, in the Daniel Campos Province, Potosí Department, Bolivia.

To be brutally honest, it is special to me because I went through a bad break up in La Paz, and when I jumped on the salt flats tour, I was in such awe of its ‘awesomeness’ that I totally forgot all about… umm… what was his name again? ”

Michael gets the prize this week so please check him out at Go See Write .

This week’s photo comes from Lindsay over at The Traveler: World Travel Guide . Lindsay has a great sense of humor while delivering sweet sweet travel trips, trying to balance tequila, travel and staying out of trouble. Luckily for us she gives us a healthy does of all four.

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below. We took a week of because you are all just too smart and have traveled way too much (both compliments by the way. The last winner was Caz with the Dragon Back Rice Terraces in China. For the past few weeks the answers have come fast and on the first guess SO this week we are making it harder on all of you. So good luck and let the guessing begin!

I will also stumble the latest post of anyone who leaves a comment even if the winner has already been picked (up until next Thursday). Lindsay will also join in on the stumble love as well! Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention. Yes, I also get behind on my stumbling responsibilities, but they always get down and I love to stumble at once.

Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

Be a Guest Photographer

If you’re interested in having your photograph featured then send me an e-mail through my Todd’s Wanderings Contact Page with the Subject line: Photo Contest Friday. Don’t forget to tell me which site you’re coming from and I’ll be in touch and explain how to send the photo. Keep in mind that your photo should be awesome!

Oh, and it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. You should be an independent travel blogger. You big companies have more than enough SEO stored up to get you through the winter.

Desolate Beauty: Travel Photo Contest Friday 29 is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Rice Paddy Terraces: Travel Photo Contest Friday 28

Todd Wassel — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 09:05:19 +0000

Where are these famous rice paddies? I wonder if the rice tastes as good as they look?

Update:

The winner is Caz…who guessed the Longshen Rice Terraces, also known as The Dragons Back Rice Terraces in China (OK she only said Longshen China).

Thanks again to Andrea and her educational travel blog. Here is what makes these rice terraces so special to Andrea:

“It’s a special place because the terraces are stunning. They were mainly built during the Ming dynasty, so are about 500 years old. The lower terraces are at 380m, while the highest part is 880m, so there are 500 meters of stunning photographs at every turn. One of the best parts of Longshen are the female porters, who moonlight as manic pashmina sellers in the evenings. They have a wonderful humor that breaks through any language barriers. The family homes that are run as guesthouses also make it a special place to stay. Longshen is a wonderful break from the crowds and pollution of China. Although the hike can be done in a day, you can easily spend a week here.”

Caz gets the prize this week so please check and her husband Craig out over on y Travel Blog. It’s one of my favorites and I featured it in my amazing travel bloggers list.

This week’s photo comes from Andrea and her travel blog Travel Teach Travel. Andreas a woman after my own heart, working and traveling her way around the world. She’s a self professed horrible tourist (she doesn’t see the major sites! what did you think I meant???), and she injects a nice sense of humor and realism into the long term travel trade.

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below. Last week Norbert won in record time Berlin, Germany’s Holocaust Memorial. This week we are making it harder on all of you. So good luck and let the guessing begin!

I will also stumble and review the latest post of anyone who leaves a comment even if the winner has already been picked (up until next Thursday). Andrea will also join in on the stumble love as well! Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention. Yes, I also get behind on my stumbling responsibilities, but they always get down and I love to stumble at once.

Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

Be a Guest Photographer

Oh, and it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. You should be an independent travel blogger. You big companies have more than enough SEO stored up to get you through the winter.

Rice Paddy Terraces: Travel Photo Contest Friday 28 is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Blocks of Light and Shadow: Travel Photo Contest Friday 27

Todd Wassel — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:39:38 +0000

You might need a wider view to guess where these stone blocks of light and shadow are filed.

Update:

The winner is Norbert…who guessed the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, Germany.

Thanks again to Jonny and his fun travel and photography site. Jonny is a man of few words so here is what Wikipedia has to say:

“The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (German: Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas), also known as the Holocaust Memorial (German: Holocaust-Mahnmal), is a memorial in Berlin to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, designed by architect Peter Eisenman and engineer Buro Happold. It consists of a 19,000 square meter (4.7 acre) site covered with 2,711 concrete slabs or “stelae“, one for each page of the Talmud arranged in a grid pattern on a sloping field.”

Norbert gets the prize this week so be sure to check him out over at Globo Treks

This week’s photo comes from Jonny and his aptly named Photography and Travel. If you like travel and beautiful images then this is a site for you.

The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country, City, and Place Name) will win a link back to their blog with the anchor text of their choice in this post (keep it clean and relevant).

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below. Last week Jeremy outperformed his way to winning over the crowd at the Amphitheater in Amman, Jordan.

I will also stumble and review the latest post of anyone who leaves a comment even if the winner has already been picked (up until next Thursday). Jonny will also join in on the stumble love as well! Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention. Yes, I also get behind on my stumbling responsibilities, but they always get down and I love to stumble at once.

Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

New Feature: Be a Guest Photographer

Oh, and it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. You should be an independent travel blogger. You big companies have more than enough SEO stored up to get you through the winter.

Blocks of Light and Shadow: Travel Photo Contest Friday 27 is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Ancient Arena: Travel Photo Contest Friday 26

Todd Wassel — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:23:09 +0000

Let's see who battles their way to the first correct guess!

Update:

The winner is Jeremy…who guessed Amphitheater in Amman, Jordan and who may have been the fasted correct answer recorded yet!

Thanks again to Nicole and Cameron and their fun world traveling Canuck blog.

Jeremy gets the prize this week. So wander on over to Living the Dream and check out his great travel and lifestyle site. It happens to also be one of my favorites so do spend some time and dig around, you will be very happy you did.

This week’s photo comes from Nicole and Cameron who together are Traveling Canucks. They are two adventurous Canadians exploring the world with over 49 notches on their country list.

The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country AND City) will win a link back to their blog with the anchor text of their choice in this post (keep it clean and relevant).

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below. Last week Merav canyoned (yes the past tense of canyoning…if it were a verb) his way to a win in Namibia’s Fish River Canyon.

I will also stumble and review the latest post of anyone who leaves a comment even if the winner has already been picked (up until next Thursday). Cam and Nicole will also join in on the stumble love as well! Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention.

Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

New Feature: Be a Guest Photographer

Oh, and it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. You should be an independent travel blogger. You big companies have more than enough SEO stored up to get you through the winter.

Ancient Arena: Travel Photo Contest Friday 26 is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Snaking River Canyon: Travel Photo Contest Friday 25

Todd Wassel — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:12:03 +0000

Amazingly beautiful, but we'll never know how to get there unless you can guess the place!

Update:

The winner is Dawn…who guessed Fish River Canyon in Namibia, the second largest canyon in the world (after the Grand Canyon)!

Thanks again to Dave and his truly professional travel photo site. Here’s what he had to say about Fish River Canyon:

“Fish River Canyon was an out of the way stop on our epic cycling journey from Cairo to Cape Town. We had been cycling for almost 4 months at this point and instead of keeping to the smooth paved roads all the way to the finish, the race directors decided to take us off road one more time to Fish River Canyon. The roads were rough and the weather somewhat miserable. After a long day of riding we finished in a camp on the outside of the canyon. We set up our tents and then we were shuttled to this outlook for a steak dinner. It was worth it to say the least. Great food and a breathtaking view. Who could ask for anything more?”

Dawn gets the prize this week. So wander on over join her Guided Walks in New Zealand.

This week’s photo comes from Dave and his travel photography website Picture the Planet. Dave’s a professional photographer and one half of Canada’s Adventure Couple. I can’t say enough great things about his photography and travel habits. And now Dave and his wife Deb have started leading photography tours. Their next one is in India and I encourage everyone who loves travel and want’s to learn more about photography to sign up. The 10 day tour starts on January 27th and the 14 day tour starts on February 8th, 2010.

The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country AND Canyon name) will win a link back to their blog with the anchor text of their choice in this post (keep it clean and relevant).

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below. Last week Aaron stormed the Castillo de San Felipe Fortress in Colombia first.

I will also stumble and review the latest post of anyone who leaves a comment even if the winner has already been picked (up until next Thursday). Dave has agreed to join in on the stumble love as well! Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention.

Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

New Feature: Be a Guest Photographer

If you’re looking to help increase the visibility of your blog, drive more traffic, or just share your pretty pictures then why not be a guest photographer for Photo Contest Friday on Todd’s Wanderings! If you’re interested in having your photograph featured then send me an e-mail through my Todd’s Wanderings Contact Page with the Subject line: Photo Contest Friday. Don’t forget to tell me which site your coming from and I’ll be in touch and explain how to send the photo. Keep in mind that your photos should be awesome!

Oh, and it goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. You should be an independent travel blogger. You big companies have more than enough SEO stored up to get you through the winter.

Snaking River Canyon: Travel Photo Contest Friday 25 is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Colorful Cathedral: Travel Photo Contest Friday 23

Todd Wassel — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:09:41 +0000

Pray that you'll be able to answer correctly where this beautiful cathedral is.

Update:

The winner is Katrina…it must be the good Karma from nominating 2 charities

Thanks again to Jasmine and her wonderful picture and awesome blog. This has been one of most commented contests yet! Here’s what she had to say “The answer is Leon, Nicaragua, home to the largest cathedral in Latin America, historical and art museums, Sandinista revolution stronghold, and a sweltering hot climate.” I do love a good revolutionary stonghold!

Katrina get a bit prize this week. Not only a link to her wonderful blog Tour Absurd, BUT also links to her more than worthy charities:

Children of Ethiopia Education Fund – http://coeef.org/
Amani Children’s Home – http://amanikids.org/

Welcome to Travel Photo Contest Friday. If you’re a new friend, each week I post a beautiful picture (at least I think so) from my travels (or now a featured guest…see below for details) and you guess where it is. This week’s photo comes from Jasmine and her fun travel blog Jasmine Wanders. No, I didn’t just pick Jasmine’s site because her Blog Name is similar to mine. Give me a little more credit. Check her out, it’s worth it!

The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country and City…smiley faces for partial answers) will win a link back to their blog with the anchor text of their choice in this post (keep it clean and relevant).

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below.

I will also stumble and review the latest post of anyone who leaves a comment even if the winner has already been picked (up until next Thursday). Hopefully, we can convince Jasmine has agreed to join in on the stumble love as well. Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention.

Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

New Feature: Be a Guest Photographer

The photograph should be your own and should have a few small clues to help the reader out (no, I don’t follow this last rule myself all the time…but it’s my website). I’ll link to your page and talk you up as the guest poster. I can be very flattering when I want to be.

Colorful Cathedral: Travel Photo Contest Friday 23 is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Old Fashion Transport: Travel Photo Contest Friday 22

Todd Wassel — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 11:17:19 +0000

Beach, Ocean, People, Horse, Boat. This picture has everything...except and answer to Where!

Update:

The winner is Dave…again…come on people don’t let him beat you next week!

Thanks again to Simon and her wonderful picture. Here’s what she had to say “I shot the photo in Brazil, in one of the many small fishermen villages in Cearà state (don’t ask me the village name, I’ve seen too many…). What makes the place special? The never ending untamed beach, the wild sea and the local fishermen transporting their goods on the small buggy pulled by a tired horse. The feeling of being in a place where time has a different measure, life is hard and nature is wild. But also a place full of charm, and so touching.” The image is just as calming as Simon’s words.

Dave, got to pick his link this week and boy did he! In dedication to his new daughter Miriam, born 10/10/10, he’s sharing “one of my favorite web sites, a site I think TW readers will really like, Omniglot” a website guide to writing systems and languages of the world!

Welcome to Travel Photo Contest Friday. If you’re a new friend, each week I post a beautiful picture (at least I think so) from my travels (or now a featured guest…see below for details) and you guess where it is. This week’s photo comes from Simon and the amazing travel blog Wild About Travel. That’s right, you’ll have to visit and dig around Simon’s site to find out possible places this picture comes from. Trust me, it’s worth it!

The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country and State…HINT) will win a link back to their blog with the anchor text of their choice in this post (keep it clean and relevant).

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below.

I will also stumble and review the latest post of anyone who leaves a comment even if the winner has already been picked (up until next Thursday). Hopefully, we can convince Simon to join in on the stumble love. Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention.

Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

New Feature: Be a Guest Photographer

If you’re looking to help increase the visibility of your blog, drive more traffic, or just share your pretty pictures then why not be a guest photographer for Photo Contest Friday on Todd’s Wanderings! If you’re interested in having your photograph featured then send me an e-mail through my Todd’s Wanderings Contact Page with the Subject line: Photo Contest Friday. I’ll be in touch and explain how to send the photo. Keep in mind that your photos should be awesome!

Old Fashion Transport: Travel Photo Contest Friday 22 is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Hungry Sheep: Travel Photo Contest Friday 21

Todd Wassel — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 10:40:07 +0000

Hmmm, not sure they know where they are going. Do you know where they are?

Update:

The winner is Alicja! Although to be fair she was on the hike! The picture was taken while hiking up Mount Korab in Macedonia. It is the highest peak in BOTH Macedonia and Albania as the peak is right on the boarder. The hike up covers some truly amazing mountain scenery and as expected is in the middle of nowhere, creating a scene that many of you guessed was out of Nepal or the Central Asian States. The shepherd in the picture was quite happy to chat for a while but very disappointed that none of us smoked cigarettes…there aren’t really any stores nearby. Stay tuned for longer articles on hiking Korab as well as Macedonia’s other main peak Tito.

Alicja doesn’t have a website but we will figure out a prize!

Welcome to Travel Photo Contest Friday. If you’re a new friend, each week I post a beautiful picture (at least I think so) from my travels (or now a featured guest…see below for details) and you guess where it is. This week’s photo is actually from my lovely wife Kay, the keeper of Kay’s Kitchen. The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country only, but mountain is welcome too…HINT) will win a link back to their blog with the anchor text of their choice in this post (keep it clean and relevant).

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below.

No one has guessed correctly from last week’s Impossibly Blue Tropical River, so I’ve decided to keep the contest open until the river is identified! To help you on your way here is a MAJOR HINT: Mainland South East Asia. Good luck with Country and River name (its on the backpacking path)

I will also stumble and review the latest post of anyone who leaves a comment even if the winner has already been picked (up until next Thursday). I’m a bit behind on the Stumbles and reviews as I’m swamped with work at the moment, but don’t worry I always get you in the end. Yes, the prizes heavily favor the blogging and travel geeks amongst us. If you don’t have a website, then leave your favorite website or better yet a charity that deserves attention.

Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

New Feature: Be a Guest Photographer

If you’re looking to help increase the visibility of your blog, drive more traffic, or just share your pretty pictures then why not be a guest photographer for Photo Contest Friday on Todd’s Wanderings! If you’re interested in having your photograph featured then send me an e-mail through my Todd’s Wanderings Contact Page with the Subject line: Photo Contest Friday. I’ll be in touch and explain how to send the photo. Keep in mind that your photos should be awesome!

Hungry Sheep: Travel Photo Contest Friday 21 is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Impossibly Blue Tropical River: Travel Photo Contest Friday 20

Todd Wassel — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:47:24 +0000

Looks like paradise, except the fish bite! Where do you think this picturesque river is?

Update:

The winner is Brett!

The picture was taken in In Kanchanaburi, Thailand at Erwan National park and waterfall of the same name. Just down the street from where the Bridge of the River Kwai story was based, this beautiful river and waterfall system is full of little fish who eat away at your dead skin. Strange feeling but definitely worth the trip. The bonus is that you’ll likely be one of the few foreign tourist there as most will be down at the beaches of the southern coast.

Brett’s prize is a link to his very cool Travel and Foodie blog: Our Tasty Travels.

Welcome to Travel Photo Contest Friday. If you’re a new friend, each week I post a beautiful picture (at least I think so) from my travels and you guess where it is. The first person to guess where this picture was taken (Country, and River’s name…yes we are being strict this week) will win a link back to their blog with the anchor text of their choice in this post (keep it clean and relevant).

Leave your guess and recent post in the comment section below. After spending a week to “just” reflect on a beautiful Croatian sunset, we are back with a difficult but beautiful spot in the world. There are not many clues here, but I did give a hint in the photo caption.

Good luck!

Guesses aside, all comments are welcome!

Impossibly Blue Tropical River: Travel Photo Contest Friday 20 is a post from: Todd's Wanderings

Beautiful Friday: Croatia at Sunset

Todd Wassel — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 05:37:22 +0000

Sunsent on the water in Croatia

Today there is no Photo Friday Contest, and instead just a beautiful view from my recent road trip through Croatia. This photo was taken at sunset in the marina that makes up half the town of Skradin down river from the famous Krka National Park. Skradin is your gateway to the Krak National Park where the river flows through the forest collecting in pools created by biochemical processes and resulting in thousands of waterfalls. My next post will be a photo journey through the park and its amazing waterfalls, but today I want to leave you with a beautiful start to the weekend.

Beautiful Friday: Croatia at Sunset is a post from: Todd's Wanderings