iceland - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T15:48:21Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/icelandA Quirky Christmas to All! 10 of the World´s Weirdest Yuletide Traditionshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/unusual-christmas-traditions-of-the-world2023-12-24T10:05:00.000Z2023-12-24T10:05:00.000ZJosé Balidohttps://tripatini.com/members/JoseBalido<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12332141285,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12332141285,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12332141285?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Krampus_Salzburg_2.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;">MatthiasKabel</span></a></p>
<p><br /> All across the world, all sorts of holiday activities– both religious and secular, age-old and relatively new – are in full swing during this season, including festive lights, special street markets, trees, Santa and elves everywhere, and the rest of it. But a handful of places feature oddities which range from whimsical to scary to occasionally potentially offensive. Here´s a particularly memorable top ten:</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Austria & Germany: Demonic Doings</strong></span><br /> <br /> December 5 is celebrated as <strong>St. Nicholaus Day</strong> in parts of <strong>Europe</strong>, particularly Austria and Bavaria, where it´s also known as <strong>Krampusnacht</strong>. It´s when folks dressed up as the half-goat, half-demon <strong>Krampus</strong> – thought to be rooted in pre-Christian folklore and used to scare kids into behaving – run rampant through the streets of various towns and cities, mock-terrorizing all and sundry but particularly the little ones. Charming bit of holiday cheer, eh? In my opinion it´s enough to keep the couches of <strong>Sigmund Freud</strong>´s descendants full for the rest of their lives. <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Iceland: The Boys Are Back in Town</strong></span> <br /> <br /> In the 13 days leading up to Christmas, Icelandic kids get visits from the “<strong>Yule Lads</strong>,” a series of characters rooted in Icelandic folklore, with names like “Spoon-Licker” and “Door-Slammer,” and each with distinct personalities and behaviors, ranging from nice to naughty. Good little tykes might get good little gifts, and the bad ´uns rotting potatoes. So lick them spoons and slam them doors!</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12331483460,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}&width=800"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12331483460,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}&width=800" alt="12331483460?profile=RESIZE_930x&width=800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/truusbobjantoo/2177868558" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;">Truus, Bob & Jan too!!</span></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/truusbobjantoo/2177868558"><br /> </a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Italy: Which Witch?</strong></span></p>
<p>Never mind Santa Claus, here on the eve of the <strong>Epiphany</strong> on January 6th (the 12th day of Christmas) a friendly <em>strega</em> (witch) called <strong>La Befana</strong> comes overnight to leave good children candies and presents and the bad ones lumps of coal (though since every kid (though since every kid has likely been bad once or twice during the year, in their stocking they´ll also get dark-colored rock candy, to symbolize coal).</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Japan: Finger-Lickin´ Weird</strong></span><br /> <br /> Though Christians make up just 1½ percent of all Japanese, but all the secular Yuletide trimmings are out in full force here. And the strangest tradition – which started as a marketing stunt in the 1970s – has many of the locals eating fried chicken at <strong>KFC</strong> on <strong>Christmas Day</strong>. WTF, you might say? Well, <strong>Colonel Sanders</strong> does look a little bit like Santa, don´t you think? Leave it to the Japanese. 😉</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Netherlands: Sooty Is the New Black</strong></span><br /> <br /> Like the Teutons have Krampus, on St. Nicholas Day the Dutch roll out <strong>St. Nick</strong>´s sidekick <strong><em>Zvarte Piet</em></strong> (<strong>Black Pete</strong>),– depicted as a “black Moor” in blackface, colorful Renaissance garb, red lipstick, and curly-haired wigs – who hands out cookies and candies to kiddies. Naturally, in this day and age blackface is frowned upon by many, so many places have a more politically correct version dubbed <strong><em>Roetveegpiet</em></strong> (<strong>Sooty Pete</strong>), with the actors´ faces streaked with black makeup (though who knows, maybe after the recent <strong>Geert Wilders</strong> election, full-on Zvarte Piet might just make a comeback!). And by the way, Piet can also be found to an extent in the Flemish part of <strong>Belgium</strong> as well as the Dutch <strong>Caribbean</strong> islands of <strong>Aruba</strong> and <strong>Cura</strong><strong>ç</strong><strong>ao</strong>.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Norway: Sweeping Brooms Under the Rug</strong></span></p>
<p>Instead of being wholly gung-ho about <strong>Christmas Eve</strong>, superstitious Norwegians take the alarmist view it´s a night when witches and malign spirits wake up and look for brooms on which to take joy rides hither and yon. Quick, stash ´em!</p>
<p><br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12331478096,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12331478096,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12331478096?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/es/foto/caganer-gm499399498-80205375?phrase=caganer" target="_blank">agafapaperiapunta</a></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Spain: Catalonia Is Full of Shit</span> <br /> </strong><br /> Catalans are traditionally a bit scatological, and they’ve got not one but two traditions to prove it. First is a Christmas log called <strong>Tió de Nadal</strong> or <strong>Caga Tió</strong> (“pooping log”), a hollowed-out bit of rustic wood – usually around a foot long – with a smiley face and draped with a blanket. When kids smack it with sticks, they´re rewarded with candies, nuts, <em>turrón</em> (holiday nougat), and little gifts which get “pooped” out of its back end.<br /> <br /> More explicitly fecal-centered, the <strong><em>caganers</em></strong> (shitters) are small figurines which have adorned Nativity scenes and other holiday décor since at least the 18th century. They depict bare-assed peasants (inevitably dudes) in their traditional red caps, in the act of squatting and taking a dump. The idea is that they´re fertilizing the earth and thus bringing good luck. In recent years, variations have arisen of <em>caganers</em> depicting politicians and other celebrated figures both real and fictional – from Hollywood celebrities to the <strong>Pope</strong> to <strong>Darth Vader</strong> – meant as a satirical device to cut them down to size a bit.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Sweden: Giving Up the Goat</span> </strong><br /> <br /> This one´s particular to the little city of <strong>Gävle</strong>, in central Sweden a couple of hours north of <strong>Stockholm</strong>, which every holiday season since 1966 has put up a humungous <strong><em>Gävlebocken</em></strong> (<strong>Gävle Goat</strong>) made of straw – their version of the “Yule goat” which harks back to Norse mythology (the chariot of the thunder god <strong>Thor</strong> was pulled by a pair of goats). Anyhoo, contrary to the Swedes´ law-abiding reputation, most years the big guy ends up vandalized or even burned down despite efforts to protect him. Such kidders!</p>
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<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12331481898,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}&width=1000"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12331481898,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}&width=1000" alt="12331481898?profile=RESIZE_1200x&width=1000" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Christmas_spider_ornaments_ukraine.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;">Erika Smith</span><br /> </a></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Ukraine: Itsy Bitsy Spiders</strong></span></p>
<p>Plenty of Ukrainian Christmas trees feature ornaments in the form of spider webs. This comes not just from the tradition of spiders bringing could luck, but more specifically from an old western Ukrainian folk tale. It seems a family too poor to decorate their tree woke up on Christmas morning to find it covered with cobwebs. Then when they opened the windows, the sun´s rays turned the webs into gold and silver. Yuletide wonder restored and bye-bye poverty! Now if there were only some magic that could make these damn invading Russians disappear.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Venezuela: Roll ´Em!</strong></span></p>
<p>In capital Caracas, not only do some kids (and a few overgrown kids) set off firecrackers in the streets on Christmas morning, but quite a few caraqueños whimsically whizz themselves to church for Christmas mass on roller skates. The city authorities even close down key roads to facilitate this curious custom.</p>
<p><br /> .</p></div>Exploring Awesome Iceland on 4 Unforgettable Tourshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/iceland-travel-tourism-attractions2023-04-21T07:05:00.000Z2023-04-21T07:05:00.000ZCraig Lebrauhttps://tripatini.com/members/CraigLebrau779<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11029762476,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11029762476,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11029762476?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://data.worldbank.org/country/IS" target="_blank"><br /> <br /> <br /> <strong>Iceland</strong></a> is known for its breathtakingly beautiful natural wonders, including cascading waterfalls and majestic glaciers. But there's so much more to discover. On an unforgettable journey across the real Iceland, you'll get to explore some of the country's hidden gems, from and rugged landscapes and beautiful beaches (yes!) to fascinating cultural attractions. Along the way you'll learn more about the fascinating history and culture of this captivating country. So come join us and experience the best of Iceland on an <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/iceland-tourism-rebound-pandemic/index.html" target="_blank">unforgettable tour</a>.<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11029767889,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11029767889,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11029767889?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://visitreykjavik.is/city-areas" target="_blank">Visit Reykjavik</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Reykjavík<br /> </strong></span></p>
<p>On your <a href="https://guidetoiceland.is/book-trips-holiday/holidays-vacation-packages" target="_blank">vacation package to Iceland</a> you'll definitely want to spend at least a couple of days exploring the capital city (pop. 140,000), roaming its streets to explore its history, culture, and attractions both old and new. You will get to see iconic landmarks including the <strong>Hallgrímskirkja Church</strong>, <strong>Parliament House</strong>, <strong>National Museum of Iceland</strong>, and <strong>Perlan</strong>, a unique exhibition of the country's natural beauty including volcanoes, glaciers, caves, northern lights, and more, brough to life with cutting-edge interactive technology. And of course along the way, you will also visit a variety of traditional Icelandic shops and cafés, such as <strong>Kaffi Vínyl</strong> and <strong>Geysir</strong>., and you can also dip into Rekjavík's cool nightlife, including rock and alternative music bars and clubs.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/opalsson/3905929777" target="_blank"><br /> </a></em><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11030539681,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11030539681,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11030539681?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://pixabay.com/es/photos/g%C3%A9iser-strokkur-g%C3%A9iser-strokkur-3242005/" target="_blank">Hans/Pixabay</a></em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Golden Circle Tour</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="https://guidetoiceland.is/book-trips-holiday/nature-tours/golden-circle" target="_blank">One of Iceland's most popular tours</a> takes you on a full day through some of its most stunning and breathtaking sights. The top three stops along this circuit <strong>Thingvellir National Park</strong>, with historical sites from the Viking era (this is also where Europe's first parliament met, in 930 CE) and views of the <strong>Almannagjá</strong> rift valley; <strong>Gullfoss</strong>, a double-cascade waterfall created by a glacial river; and <strong>Geysir Geothermal Park</strong>, home to various fumaroles as well as the eponymous <strong>Geysir</strong> - which actually no longer erupts, but another one nearby called <strong>Strokkur</strong> (above) does, to a height of up to 35 meters (115 feet), every few minutes.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11030542287,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11030542287,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11030542287?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sunrise_In_Reynisfjara_Beach_Iceland_Travel_Photography_%28246300325%29.jpeg" target="_blank">Giuseppe Milo</a></em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The South Coast<br /> </strong></span></p>
<p>From <a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/beaches-reykjavik-iceland" target="_blank">black-sand beaches</a> to towering glaciers, you'll be amazed by the breathtaking views that await you down here at every turn. Along the way you can explore small fishing villages and marvel at the massive sea cliffs. You'll also have the chance to get up close and personal with one of Iceland's most impressive natural wonders, the spectacular <strong>Skogafoss</strong> waterfall, 25m (82 ft.) wide and with a drop of 60m (200 ft.). You can also stop at striking <strong>Reynisfjara Beach </strong>(above), known for its columns of basalt rock and awe-inspiring waves.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11030917099,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11030917099,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11030917099?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/travelourplanet/51607854584" target="_blank">Fabio Achilli</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Westman Islands</strong></span><br /> <br /> The <strong>Vestmannaeyjar</strong> are an archiplago of 15 small islands is accessible by ferry and provides some of Iceland's most spectacular natural beauty. Your tour will take you through the streets of the largest (13.4 square kilometers/five sq. miles) - as well as the only one that's inhabited (pop. 4,500) - called <strong>Heimaey</strong>, founded in 900 CE and where you can explore volcanic formations, walk along another dramatic black-sand beach, spot puffins and whales, and take in the majestic views of the islands and their shoreline. You can also visit the <strong>Eldheimar Volcano Museum</strong>, where you can learn about the 1973 <strong>Eldfell</strong> volcanic eruption that threatened to destroy the island.<br /> <br /> <br /> For more information, check out <a href="https://www.visiticeland.com/" target="_blank">VisitIceland.com</a> and <a href="https://visitreykjavik.is/" target="_blank">VisitReykjavik.is</a>.</p>
<p> </p></div>5 of My Favorite Gorgeous Places to Visithttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/5-gorgeous-places-to-visit2018-11-08T11:00:00.000Z2018-11-08T11:00:00.000ZPaul Johnsonhttps://tripatini.com/members/PaulJohnson<div><p><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/Zhangye_Danxia.JPG/800px-Zhangye_Danxia.JPG" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/Zhangye_Danxia.JPG/800px-Zhangye_Danxia.JPG?width=800" alt="800px-Zhangye_Danxia.JPG?width=800" width="800" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zhangye_Danxia.JPG" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>YubYub41</em></span></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Our planet is a beautiful place, and one lifetime is barely enough to experience it. Count yourself lucky if you can visit at least three of these five places chosen by <a href="https://www.edwardgranlund.com/">Edward Granlund</a>, travel enthusiast, which are some of the most breathtaking and gorgeous places on Earth.</p>
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<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Kauai, Hawaii</span><br /> <br /> </strong></p>
<p>One might call this a paradise, and you wouldn't be wrong in doing so. It's also one of the rainiest places on Earth, so prepare your raincoats because it's raining cats and dogs here. Palm trees, picturesque wildlife, amazing aquatic life, white sand beaches - you name it, Kauai has it. </p>
<p><br /> One of the activities here is kayaking, by river or sea, enabling one to see marvelous sights such as valleys, caves, waterfalls, and secluded beaches. But if you'd prefer to go by land, you're welcome to do so. In fact, Kauai is famous for its hikes. “Explore the lush jungle up close and personal-- just remember that you might encounter scratchy plants,” stated <a href="https://www.edwardgranlundsecurity.com/">Granlund</a>.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Zhangye National Geopark, China</strong></span></p>
<p><br /> The Earth's paint palette, Zhangye National Geopark (top), is famous for its amazing painted mountains. These rainbow-colored heights are caused by weathering and erosion, and they have created some breathtaking artwork. But if China is out of reach, there is another rainbow mountain called Vinicunca, located in Peru, which comes in a more triangular form.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009308879,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009308879,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009308879?profile=original" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://pixabay.com/en/beach-railay-thailand-paradise-3573351/" target="_blank">rungthip37</a> </em></span></p>
<p><strong><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;">Railay, Thailand</span></strong></p>
<p><br /> A wonderland beach peninsula only accessible by boat due to limestone cliffs, Railay contains beautiful white sand beaches accompanied by caves and lagoons. Some activities include rock climbing, paddleboarding, sightseeing, hiking, and even clubbing. If you're feeling adventurous, you can zip line across the land and do other aerial activities, as well as go scuba diving and snorkeling. Enjoy speedboat tours for more high-speed exploring. There is no traffic, just footpaths and boats, making Railay beaches perfect for chilling away from all the roarings of motor engines.</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Northern Lights, Iceland</strong></span></p>
<p><br /> Not feeling chilled enough? Explore Earth's natural disco by visiting Iceland and you will be. Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis and Norðurljós in Icelandic, are collisions between gaseous particles in our atmosphere and charged particles released from Sun's atmosphere, resulting in beautiful light shows. Unfortunately, it's not guaranteed that you will see such a miracle when you visit, so it's a good idea to plan other activities, too, such as exploring gigantic glacier valleys, mountains, and vast icescapes, or freediving under the ice.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://pixabay.com/en/pagoda-bagan-myanmar-temple-burma-1029326/" target="_blank"><em><br /> </em></a> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009309073,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009309073,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009309073?profile=original" /></a><a href="https://pixabay.com/en/pagoda-bagan-myanmar-temple-burma-1029326/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>3dman_eu</em></span></a><br /> </p>
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<p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">The Temples of Bagan, Myanmar/Burma</span><br /> </strong></p>
<p><br /> If you're feeling zen, maybe it's time to explore some Buddhist temples and pagodas. During the height of their kingdom, over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries were built in the Bagan plains. Only 2,200 of them have survived the harsh earthquakes. Once you pay an entry fee, you have the freedom to explore the immense plains at your own leisure. Most of the temples can be explored, too, and there are designated viewing areas that provide a gorgeous sight of the meadows, especially at dusk or dawn. The most striking way would be by hot air balloon, but there are more ground-based ways, too, such as air-conditioned taxis, bicycles, and even good old horse and cart.</p>
<p><a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1588" target="_blank">Bagan is listed as a World Heritage ¨sacred landscape¨ by UNESCO</a>.<br /><br /></p>
<p>These places only exist on Earth and are unique in the cosmos, and there are thousands upon thousands of gorgeous sights, lands, and cultures - and they're waiting to be explored by someone just like you.</p>
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<p><em><strong> </strong></em></p>
<p><a href="https://ideamensch.com/edward-granlund/"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Edward Granlund</em></span></a> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>is a diligent student actively completing a degree in cybersecurity. He skillfully retains his technical competence while the artistic, social, and adventurous facets of his personality flourish. An avid skier, CrossFit devotee, and gifted stock picker, Edward regularly embraces opportunities for personal growth and, because of his innate talents in cybersecurity, his remarkable workplace skills continue to thrive.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em> </em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Edward Granlund around the web:</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://edwardgranlund.wordpress.com/">https://edwardgranlund.wordpress.com/</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://www.thriveglobal.com/authors/12040-edward-granlund">https://www.thriveglobal.com/authors/12040-edward-granlund</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://medium.com/@edwardgranlund/edward-granlund-5d3f25dbc9c1">https://medium.com/@edwardgranlund/edward-granlund-5d3f25dbc9c1</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://patch.com/maryland/westminster/edward-granlund-five-laws-govern-behavior-internet-users">https://patch.com/maryland/westminster/edward-granlund-five-laws-govern-behavior-internet-users</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/edward.granlund.37?ref=br_rs">https://www.facebook.com/edward.granlund.37?ref=br_rs</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://vimeo.com/273025295">https://vimeo.com/273025295</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZXCq4VdEgU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZXCq4VdEgU</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://www.crunchbase.com/person/edward-granlund">https://www.crunchbase.com/person/edward-granlund</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://about.me/edwardgranlund">https://about.me/edwardgranlund</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://www.wesrch.com/electronics/articles-details/articles-paper-EL11TZ000AAHV-edward-granlund-on-cybersecurity-things-you-should-consider-to-stay-safe-online">https://www.wesrch.com/electronics/articles-details/articles-paper-EL11TZ000AAHV-edward-granlund-on-cybersecurity-things-you-should-consider-to-stay-safe-online</a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em> </em></span></p></div>7 Brilliant Spots to Spot the Aurora Borealishttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/northern-lights-aurora-borealis-destinations2018-05-13T13:30:00.000Z2018-05-13T13:30:00.000ZKelly Ansonhttps://tripatini.com/members/KellyAnson<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009254278,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009254278,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009254278?profile=original" width="750" /></a><br /> <br /> The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are one of the most breathtaking sights one can ever experience. The mixture of unearthly colors display including magenta, emerald green and turquoise is so worth watching. You would be lucky enough if you get to see pink, red and purple also.</p>
<p>It´s not at all easy to spot the northern lights, however the best time to see them is from late September to late March. During these months the nights are longest and skies are darkest. Seeing the aurora in full moon days is quite impossible as the sky is bright around new or full moon.</p>
<p>Some places in the world are better than others to see the northern lights when it comes to visibility and accessibility. So if you're thinking ahead to fall/winter travel, give a thought to these seven spots: :</p>
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<p><strong><a href="http://res.cloudinary.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1451482793/clients/norway/northern-lights-tromso-norway_2-1_a8b03e36-f1cd-46be-939e-ebf6d70c41e2.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://res.cloudinary.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1451482793/clients/norway/northern-lights-tromso-norway_2-1_a8b03e36-f1cd-46be-939e-ebf6d70c41e2.jpg?width=700" alt="northern-lights-tromso-norway_2-1_a8b03e36-f1cd-46be-939e-ebf6d70c41e2.jpg?width=700" width="700" /></a></strong></p>
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<p><strong>Tromso, Norway</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> To see the Northern lights at their best, Tromso (aka Gateway to the Arctic) is your dream place. This Norwegian town is located in the heart of Northern lights oval. There are extremely high chances of catching the auroras, as during winter months of November to January, Tromso sees hardly any sun. Pick up the best <strong><a href="https://www.norwegiancoastalcruises.com/" target="_blank">Norwegian Coastal Cruises</a></strong> to go Tromso and catch the fun.</p>
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<p><strong><a href="http://idaaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Norten-Lights-Svalbard-5.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://idaaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Norten-Lights-Svalbard-5.jpg?width=700" alt="Norten-Lights-Svalbard-5.jpg?width=700" width="700" /></a></strong></p>
<p><br /> <strong>Svalbard, Norway</strong><br /> <br /> This northern Norway is the only place on earth where you can see the aurora borealis during the daytime also. Hunting these spectacular lights by boating or cruising is extreme fun. <strong><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svalbard" target="_blank">Svalbard</a></strong> is located on the higher latitudes so the chances of viewing aurora lights become more prominent. There are plenty of options of Norwegian Coastal Cruises to get you Svalbard for the northern lights viewing.</p>
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<p><strong><a href="https://guidetoiceland.is/image/188232/x/0/the-quirky-landscape-and-snowy-mountains-of-north-iceland-make-for-an-ideal-backdrop-for-a-northern-lights-display-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://guidetoiceland.is/image/188232/x/0/the-quirky-landscape-and-snowy-mountains-of-north-iceland-make-for-an-ideal-backdrop-for-a-northern-lights-display-2.jpg?width=700" alt="the-quirky-landscape-and-snowy-mountains-of-north-iceland-make-for-an-ideal-backdrop-for-a-northern-lights-display-2.jpg?width=700" width="700" /></a></strong></p>
<p><br /> <strong>Akureyri, Iceland</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> Akureyri gives you a full-fledged opportunity to catch glimpses of the aurora throughout the country. But for the more clear and visible view, the northern parts of this island are not meant to be missed. Iceland is largely clean and without pollution, which increases the chances of spotting the aurora more easily</p>
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<p><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009254478,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009254478,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009254478?profile=original" width="750" /></a></p>
<p><br /> <strong>Yellowknife, Canada</strong><br /> <br /> Aurora borealis are unpredictable, but the high latitude of this northern Canadian city (dubbed Aurora Village), makes sightings practically guaranteed sighting of aurora-viewing since this city sits at extremely high latitude. </p>
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<p><strong><a href="https://dynaimage.cdn.cnn.com/cnn/q_auto,w_1100,c_fill,g_auto,h_619,ar_16:9/http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.cnn.com%2Fcnnnext%2Fdam%2Fassets%2F170313170142-best-northern-lights-muonio-finland.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://dynaimage.cdn.cnn.com/cnn/q_auto,w_1100,c_fill,g_auto,h_619,ar_16:9/http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.cnn.com%2Fcnnnext%2Fdam%2Fassets%2F170313170142-best-northern-lights-muonio-finland.jpg?width=700" alt="http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.cnn.com%2Fcnnnext%2Fdam%2Fassets%2F170313170142-best-northern-lights-muonio-finland.jpg?width=700" width="700" /></a></strong></p>
<p><br /> <strong>Muonio, Finland</strong><br /> <br /> This town of 2,300 - 4½ hours by air from Helsinki - sees sunlight 24/7 for three consecutive months. After that it switches into dark and freezing months, making it possible to see the northern lights for the rest of nine months. Muonio is also popular with winter sports enthusiasts, especially Nordic (cross-country) skiers.</p>
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<p><strong><a href="https://i0.wp.com/airlinkalaska.com/wp-content/uploads/Fairbanks-Alaska-Northern-Lights-Web.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://i0.wp.com/airlinkalaska.com/wp-content/uploads/Fairbanks-Alaska-Northern-Lights-Web.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1&width=700" alt="Fairbanks-Alaska-Northern-Lights-Web.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1&width=700" width="700" /></a></strong></p>
<p><br /> <strong>Fairbanks, Alaska</strong><br /> <br /> You will be astonished to see the natural view of aurora borealis by standing at the top of Ester Dome hill for the clear view of the sky. Alaskans love to lie on back in the base camp and enjoy northern lights. You must go there are do the same for a memorable experience.</p>
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<p><strong><a href="https://thebarentsobserver.com/sites/default/files/styles/full_width/public/illustrasjon_is2.jpg?itok=-DR0y7MJ" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://thebarentsobserver.com/sites/default/files/styles/full_width/public/illustrasjon_is2.jpg?itok=-DR0y7MJ&width=700" alt="illustrasjon_is2.jpg?itok=-DR0y7MJ&width=700" width="700" /></a></strong></p>
<p><br /> <strong>Hurtigruten Cruises</strong><br /> <br /> This Norwegian cruise line is the best way to experiences this country's majestic coast and fjords, as well as its Arctic reaches including spectacular sailing. It helps if you like herring, though! ;)</p>
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