Where In The World?

The Arab League demanded that Syria end the violence toward its people.

Palestine bid UNESCO for full membership, UNESCO said yes and the U.S. cut funding to UNESCO.

These are headlines that CNN was publishing today. How well do you know this region of the world or any of the impact of these newsworthy events on our lives?

If you are up for a really good challenge, try to name the countries in this geography game:

Map the Middle East

Viaggiatore and I have used it several times to learn and remember the geography in this area of the world.
I only wish they had map games like this for the whole world as well as one for the better known astronomical bodies of our universe.  Wouldn't that be a fun learning tool!

Good luck with it!

Avistrum- Fall from Grace - Bloodthorne's Trial

How the trial ended...

From Hogwarts to America: Welcome To Avistrum

It seems that almost everyone knows this young man and his friends...




The story of Harry Potter enthralled readers around the world. Then, the movies came out and the fascination with his world and story knew no bounds!

What a great escape! Wouldn't it be incredible to go to school HERE:

Wouldn't it be amazing to be able to step into the story and be able to be part of it?

Unfortunately, we can't all live close enough to Hogwarts Academy to attend.

Fortunately... there were some witches and wizards who created a sister academy to Hogwarts, right here in America.

Welcome to Avistrum Academy of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Avistrum began humbly (as all things do); it started as a fan table at a convention in Denver.

It has since grown to epic proportions.

What Avistrum really is:

Avistrum is a very dedicated non-profit interactive theatre group that has created a way for people of almost every age to use their imagination and step into the world of Harry Potter to play for a bit. It begins with the Avistrum website. This is a forum where the school exists online and where one can create a student and interact with professors and other students within the school, online, and follow various storylines.

...but then the magic happens!

What Avistrum becomes at showtime!:

Twice a year, the school materializes for real and the whole thing comes to life. There are 4 houses; replicated after Hogwarts in the same colors you knew from those stories. Parador (Gryffindor), Enigmus (Ravenclaw), Lobostro (Hufflepuff) and Colubrae (Slytherin). Each of the 4 houses has a House Ghost and a Head of House. There are several Professors, a nurse, a groundskeeper & keeper of keys, a Quidditch Coach for the 4 house Quidditch teams, a librarian, 4 house prefects, 2 Head Boys, there is a Deputy Headmistress, and of course, the Headmaster of Avistrum Academy.

The spring show at Starfest in April, is a small sampling of what is to come in the fall. There are classes to attend, crafts to make, all the staff is on hand, faces can be painted and photo ops are taken on the Quidditch pitch with real Quidditch equipment. This is also where the Tri-Wizard Tournament is held every year for claim to the coveted cup!

It is a glimpse into the real deal that comes 6 months later...

The school semester is held at MileHiCon (lasting one weekend in October) and Opening Ceremony begins on Friday night with a sorting ceremony, and all the new students are sorted. There are always many returning students who flock to the opening ceremonies as there is always a new part of the actively running storyline that happens in real time in real life for the students to be part of... and it unfolds!

All weekend there are classes, some of which have been: Potions, Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, Charms, Divination, History of Magic, Muggle Studies, Defense Against the Dark Arts and in the last couple of semesters; Dueling (which is enormously popular). During the weekend and during the classes, the students learn valuable lessons - while simultaneously the Villain(s) are skulking around the school causing trouble and making mayhem of all sorts... but the students are wary!

Moments of (scripted) drama that are played out by the faculty and staff, keep the students participating in the ongoing and unknown story - until (after the final Quidditch match on Sunday) the Villain tries to do their dastardly deed and is foiled and defeated by the students! Everything they've learned all weekend is something that enables them to win the battle!

The current storyline has actually been put into video with quiet a bit of excitement coming this weekend at Starfest when some unprecedented secrets will be uncovered and chaos will ensue!

Headmaster Dowling is defending Professor Kraven Bloodthorne in a trial before the Wizengamot (wizard judges) who are charging him with several crimes that he does not remember committing. Students will be able to watch this trial live on the Wizarding News Network (TV) in between classes this weekend. Their classes will focus on proving Professor Bloodthorne innocent.

In this video, we see Professor Kraven Bloodthorne, who has been locked up in Alcatraz Wizards Prison, being interrogated by Wizarding Senator Oswald Kensington; who is no stranger to the halls of Avistrum Academy. Kensington has caused all kinds of trouble at the school. Headmaster Dowling comes to rescue Professor Bloodthorne just in time... the trial this weekend will definitely be something to watch!

It is an incredibly fun way for children (and their adults) to pretend and use their imaginations. It is an opportunity for new friends to be made, for old friends to play together, for some to escape into a world they would rather be in and for others to expand their skills at acting.

In a few days, Viaggiatore and I will give you a photo sampling of the staff, students, classes and some of the exciting drama that has unfolded over the last few years. It's been quite an adventure, and the truly exciting depths of the Tales of Avistrum are yet to unfold!

Therapy ~ Bring It On

We are waist deep in March Madness. I have a new theory. The name "March Madness" refers to the insanity of so many games in so little time, as well as the frustration that consumes a person as their brackets begin to resemble target practice at close proximity.




It is also my belief that the Ides of March came late this year; instead of the annual date of March 15th when a disbelieving Caesar was assassinated (stabbed to death in the senate) by 60 co-conspirators, it came during March when a disbelieving nation watched UNI beat Kansas.

I've decided to use my brackets as floor mats in my car; I'll get more use out of them.

I still have 3 teams in the final four, so we'll see how it goes.

Just A Note Or Two

A: Viaggiatore and I are very glad to be back! It's been a long break this time. Too long!

B Flat: Congratulations to Michelle of Bleeding Espresso for winning the Wandering Expedition! We may have one again at some point in the future... Viaggiatore and I do love to travel! So does Michelle, as it turns out!

C: Scarlett was extremely lucky and got to do a photo shoot/story with Harrison Ford this last Saturday. His fiance Calista Flockhart and their son were there as well. I will not post all the really good shots, because those are for publication elsewhere, but here's a sweet hello from them to you:

D: There is another upcoming journey which Viaggiatore and I will be posting about soon! We haven't seen the ocean since April and it's time to go again; although I have a feeling it will be much too cold to put our toes and paws into the waves! We'll enjoy the creme pie and delicious Italian food from the little Italy neighborhood in the northern part of this old seaside town. We'll walk trails and beaches, see stunning works of art and even drop in on Harry Potter! Of course, we couldn't visit Harry without bringing Mr. Black along for the adventure! Photos and stories to come in a few weeks.

E: Viaggiatore and I are off to enjoy Turandot from the Met Opera tomorrow night; no photos but definitely comments from that, to come soon as well.

Until we wander back again!

Wandering Into A Bath ~ Destination Thirteen

Congratulations Vanilla! She won the latest point in the Wandering game! Excellent work!
We were indeed visiting the Skeleton Coast of Namibia, and if you haven't checked this haunted ruin of a graveyard out, it's well worth a look!

Current points:

Michelle: Bleeding Espresso 4 points
Rel: Under The Microscope 2 points
Hearts: Guilty With An Explanation 2 points
Lee: Dancing Crow 2 points
Vanilla: Absolute Vanilla 1 point


As soon as Vanilla found us, we were off again!
Viaggiatore and I have turned and gone in the opposite direction, to go have a very special bath!

Destination Thirteen~

Between the Ankh and the Crescent, a former capital city where every ruler built his own palace.
The bath of the first is now filled but once a year.
Once an emporer's bath, it is now a shrine.

What have we gone to see?

Wandering Into Sand & Sea ~ Destination Twelve

We are wandering off again!

Congratulations to Lee of Dancing Crow, who won the last point! Great job! That was a tough one. The scores now stand as follows: Michelle (Bleeding Espresso) has 4 points, Heart in SF (Guilty With An Explanation) has 2 points, Rel (Under the Microscope) has 2 points and Lee (Dancing Crow) has tied them with 2 points! Fantastic work everyone!

If you haven't started playing then join in! We have a long way to go and right now the possibilities are wide open! Viaggiatore (the lion on the beach at the top of the page) and I are wandering around the world throughout the year 1893. Everything that we are seeing will either have been invented, discovered or existed by that year. At the end of the journey, whoever has the most points (earned by guessing where we are or whom or what we've gone to see) will win The Wanderer's Treasure Bag!

Viaggiatore and I love the sea. But we're not quite there yet... where have we gone now?

Destination Twelve ~

By an ocean of water and still it is sear.
A cemetery of ships too far from the waves.
A very deep beach.

**extra hints**

We are south of Angola... and it is very dangerous here. There is but one way into these foggy gates of hell and no way out.

Good luck!

Wandering South ~ Destination Eleven

Welcome Lee of Dancing Crow (go check out the photos; they are fantastic!), and well done on winning the latest point! Keep trying and give these fine folks a run for the prize! Michelle at Bleeding Espresso has 4 points, Heart in SF at Guilty With An Explanation has 2 points, as does Rel at Under the Microscope - 2 points, and Lee of Dancing Crow now has one. Great job, everyone! There is more to be done...

We've left the Mediterranean, and now Viaggiatore and I are heading south, just a little, we will be wandering across a great continent! Now we are looking for a common thing the world over, but in a very special and specific place.

Follow the clues and find out where we've gone to now! Earn the point and you're one step closer to winning The Wanderer's Treasure Bag!


Destination Eleven ~

"And from the belt of the world, you shall bring from the highest mountain of fire, that which calms a fever"


What are we seeking?

Wandering Through History In Medius Terra ~ Destination Ten

Congratulations to Heart in SF! She won the latest point in the Wandering Game! The score is now as follows: Michelle at Bleeding Espresso; 4 points, Rel of Under The Microscope; 2 points, Heart in SF of Guilty with an Explanation; 2 points! Great work everyone!


If you haven't played yet, get in the game! We've got many places to go and things to see!


Viaggiatore just loves knowledge (see his book there in his photo?), so we will make one last stop in this region, before going south. Where have we gone now?

Destination Ten ~



1. The tales were rolled

2. They burned and destroyed them

3. Temples of knowledge and knowledge in temples



Best of luck!

Wandering In Medius Terra & Euripus ~ Destination Nine

The Wandering Game continues... positions have shifted a bit; Michelle at Bleeding Espresso has four points, Rel at Under The Microscope has two and Heart in SF at Guilty With An Explanation has one.
See if you can catch up! The winner (after several stops around the globe) will be awarded with The Wanderer's Travel Bag! Details about that are in the first Wandering post.
Come along and play with us! Try to figure out where Viaggiatore the Shameless Lion and I have gone off to this time!


Destination Nine ~

~Dug a long ditch for a shorter sail

**HINT**
...Sue is here.

Wandering Into Medius Terra ~ Destination Eight

Viaggiatore and I have wandered away to one of our most favorite places on the globe. We'll be in this area for a few stops.

The Wandering game has really taken off! Michelle at Bleeding Espresso now has four points, HeartinSanFrancisco from Guilty With An Explanation and Rel from Under the Microscope are tied with 1 each and 2 steps behind the mask has made several concerted efforts, for which Viaggiatore and I are quite delighted. The owners of these three blogs, by the way, are excellent writers and photographers, all three, which is one of the myriad of reasons why Viaggiatore and I love them so much. It would be worth your time to wander off to their pages to read a little, and I'd bet you'll be so glad that you did.

Life is too short to lurk. If you are reading but not playing, you are missing out. Get in the game! We've got a whole world to see, and plenty of time for everyone to make their mark! We are racing for a wonderful prize, The Wanderer's Treasure Bag! It's very special, there is only one of them in the world and we are giving it away to the winner!

So come along then, and play with us! Don't miss out!

Now then...

Destination Eight~

Sometimes as land
Sometimes as sea
Survival played out
For the entertainment
Of Emperors

Best of luck!

Wandering High & Low ~ Destination Seven

My goodness! What a journey, and we've barely begun it!

If you haven't started playing this game, GET GOING & START! There's plenty of time! Here's the gist of it:

Viaggiatore and I are wandering around the world in the year 1893. Everyone, everything and every place we are visiting will have existed up to or in this year.

Everyone is competing for the Wanderer's Treasure Bag! See the first Wandering post for the wonderful surprises within it!

Michelle at Bleeding Espresso is hot on our tails! She has 3 points, Heart in SF and Rel from Under the Microscope have 1. Get in the game and see what you can come up with!

Viaggiatore and I saw the Black Prince's Ruby in the UK... now we've wandered just a little ways south, and UP!

Destination Seven ~

1. The high crossroads, as on the hinge of an oyster...

2. Titled to two yet governing itself

3. Three valleys granted by Charlemagne's charter


....and an extra hint, because this one is tricky...

~Near the mountainous home of a mountain of a dog...

Good luck!

Wandering Westward ~ Destination Six

The game is afoot! Michelle of Bleeding Espresso has 2 points, Heart in SF has 1 and Rel from Under the Microscope also has 1! Very exciting thusfar!

Viaggiatore and I have left the Taj Mahal and have headed west! Please remember that we are wandering throughout the year 1893...

What in the world have we gone to see now?


Destination Six~

1. A ruby that isn't, for a king who never was

2. Lost and found,

3. Now displayed in Great State


Good luck!!

**EXTRA HINT**

We are in Great Britain... what special thing have we gone to see?

Wandering Through India ~ Destination Five

The game is on! Michelle of Bleeding Espresso is currently in the lead with 2 points to her credit, and Heart in SF is right behind her with 1. Let's see what changes! If you haven't played yet, get in the game!

Viaggiatore and I are off again, to our last destination in India. We've made it a little more challenging this time... to find the clues, you have to complete the crossword puzzle. Once done, the words in the puzzle will lead to you our location!

Where in the world have Viaggiatore and I gone?

Down:

1. Devotion of heart

2. 3rd rock

3. Tribute

Across:

1. Amazement

2. Sleep

3. Harmony

4. Tomb

**A word of caution**

You must provide the location ~with~ all the words in the puzzle to win this point!

Good Luck!!

Wandering Photo Album

Wandering the world is getting exciting! The game continues...

The next destination will be up a little later today! Come back, read the clues and see if you can figure out where Viaggiatore and I have wandered off to now!

You must remember that we started in the year 1893....

A quick look back at where we've been so far:

We stopped to visit Jack London while he was in the Yukon looking for gold!

We headed north into Canada to see this wonder of transportation, the Featherstonaugh Car; the first electric automobile.

Sadly, this 1893 original was the first and last of its kind for a *very* long time.

We trekked to the Holy Cave of Amarnath

to see this: ice Shiva Lingam which waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon!

Then we visited Potala Palace, which is the true home of the Dalai Lama, although he hasn't lived there since 1959. It is an incredible place!

Wandering In India - Destination Four

The sojourn continues, as Viaggiatore and I leave the Holy Cave of Amarnath and head off to our next destination. So far, the game is tied; HeartinSanFrancisco and Michelle of Bleeding Espresso have each gotten one point towards winning the Wanderer's Treasure Bag!

There are many stops along this journey, and many opportunities to win! Come and play!

Use the clues to discover where Viaggiatore and I have gone this time!


Destination Four~

1. Masterless monastic brothers abode

2. The Ocean Teachers true sanctuary

3. Nestled among a triumvirate of guardians


Where have we gone to now?

Wandering Off To India ~ Destination Three

The game continues! Viaggiatore and I have left Canada and are now headed off to India! Use the clues to find out where we have gone, and earn a point towards winning the Wanderers Treasure Bag!

For more details on the game, take a quick peek at this post.

Destination Three:

1. Shravan has come and the sojourn begins

2. In lunar cadence does the rime wax and wane

3. Divergent paths through mountain and valley converge at the heights of heaven

...and an extra hint, because this one is tricky:

Shrine of the cold triumvirate, beyond the five rivers...


Good luck!!

Wandering ~ Destination Two

Congratulations Heart In San Francisco for getting the first one! Excellent!

We are off to the second destination... please keep in mind, we are still in 1893. Viaggiatore and I heard of a marvelous creation that we absolutely must go see. What is it?


Destination Two

1. Ecologically the best idea still, to get over around or through the hill

2. Two to a bench, and charged, fifteen before she died

3. With bells and whistles for a comfortable ride


Best of luck!

Wandering Games With Scarlett & Viaggiatore

We are going to play a travel game!

Viaggiatore and I have decided to begin wandering again. We are going to wander through the world in and after the year 1893... the year of the Chicago Worlds Fair; The World's Columbian Exposition.

We're going to make a game of it... please play along and try to figure out where we are, who we are visiting or what we've found!

We'll be wandering for several weeks, making many stops. We'll leave 3 clues at each destination for you to figure out. So there will be plenty of opportunities to play!

The blogger that has offered the most correct answers will win our Wanderer's Treasure Bag at the end of the journey!

The Wanderer's Treasure Bag contains the following:

1. One Compass - for use in finding your way
2. Around the World in 80 Days - Jackie Chan movie, for good laughs & world wide adventure
3. One World Map - new or antique, your choice
4. One travel mug for refreshment along the journey
5. One travel bag in which to carry it all


Have fun and GOOD LUCK!!!

I will offer hints, if you get stuck in a rut along the way...


Destination One!
Viaggiatore and I have gone to visit a friend... in 1893... whom have we gone to see?

Clues:

1. "Do not waste your days by trying to prolong them, but rather, use your time!"

2. A razzle dazzle oyster pirate who sealed his fate with Sophie

3. A Dawson digger, mining the mind, his golden words so far from kind

Okay! Let's see who can figure this first one out...