Here are two sunset pics from last night. From Roksøy, Sortland in Vesterålen, a few minutes drive from my house. Great colours, and much clouds...

Each summer, countless visitors across the country enjoy taking their families to zoos and aquariums all across the United States. There’s something about watching wild animals that’s captivating. There’s a level of curiosity that entrances both children and adults as they view the animals in a habitat where they can get up close and personal and learn more about them.

Let’s get it clear about hipsters. A hipster is cool. Where hipsters go, you’ll want to go, too. The classic definition of a hipster is:

Florida Culture for the Week of August 18 By Josh Garrick

August 22 – Lengua Materna Offers ‘Messages’ by Hispanic Artists

When you think of Paris, what words come to mind? Eiffel Tower, the Seine, Moulin Rouge, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Lachaise Cemetery, baguettes, macarons, crepes, shopping… am I right?

When you ride the rails to Red Rock, it is almost as though you expect the clock to be at High Noon, and Gary Cooper to be waiting as you alight on the long platform at nearby Coff’s Harbour, from the aptly acronym-ed, Xpress Train (XPT). Hardly a bullet train, more a “hold-ster” really, although it was sparsely peopled when I rode it.

Why do I write? Why do you care? You may have seen the blog hop that’s been going around this summer, where travel writers share why they write. It’s a fascinating look at how all of us share our journeys. As you may surmise, each writer is different – and inspiring.

Have you ever read a book with such an extraordinary sense of place that you either felt at home –or longed to feel at home– there? Have you ever traveled to a place where you immediately felt at home? What is the unique draw of these places? And why do these places affect each of us so differently?