Guess Where I Am…? ?

From time to time, I post a photo of some magical place on the planet we’ve visited recently with the question ‘Guess Where I Am…?’ I’ll provide the location and information pertaining to the photo. If you are so observant and well traveled as to get many of the answers correct, you can be assured you are living the Voovacious Lifestyle!

All aboard and enjoy solving the puzzle…!!!!


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer:

Napa Postal Mushrooms! We came upon this glorious stone mushroom installation in front of the post office while wandering through Napa Valley wine country. The long shadows of the autumn light made for a dynamic, interesting composition.

 


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer:

¿Cómo se llama Mr. Llama? I had a wonderful conversation with a lovely llama at Harley’s Goat Farm in the charming coastal town of Pescadero recently. After swapping stories and goat jokes with this wooly sentry, Brian and I had the pleasure of attending a 6-course farm dinner in the loft of the old barn on the property. The fresh, delicious cuisine, the ambiance of candlelight, and meeting new friends, all made this an exceptional experience!

 


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer:

We went to the 64th Annual Sausalito Art Festival over the Labor Day 3-day weekend. Known as the ‘Premiere Waterfront Art Festival’, the event brings the best of unique, refined artistic talent together with music, great food and wine. It also happens to be one of the most prestigious shows in the country, gathering talent from around the globe.

After an amazing day of fun, saturated with the brilliant talent we had taken in at the festival, we were greeted by the beautiful and iconic Golden Gate Bridge. As we left the Marin tunnel to pop back to the San Francisco Peninsula, I couldn’t help but revel in our glorious day! ?

 


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer:

Giants Game! I took this photo while attending a San Francisco Giants game at AT&T Park during my birthday week. It was an exciting, close game against the Pirates. As you can see from the photo, it was a glorious day in the city. What a perfect way to celebrate my special week! Go Giants!!! ? ⚾️ ?


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer:

When attempting to photograph a troop of Rhesus Macaque monkeys in the wild, always keep a watchful eye on the dominant male of the harem…

This naughty little monkey climbed my long braid just like it was a jungle vine and mounted my head, while whooping loudly. I’d swear all the female monkeys in the troop were laughing with delight.

The photograph above was taken in the hot, steamy jungles of Bali, Indonesia. I feel like a part of my heart was left there. The lovely people, the wildlife, the incredible scenery, the dancing, the elaborate ceremonies, the absolutely amazing food, all still call to me in my dreams. I suppose there is only one option before me. I’ll need to return back there again. Only this time I’m going with the man of my dreams, Brian!  ?  ?  ?

 


Guess Where I Am…?

 

Answer:

We visited Elephant Butte Reservoir located on the Rio Grande in New Mexico, just 5-short miles (8.0 km) north of the quaint little town of Truth or Consequences. The name “Elephant Butte” refers to the volcanic core making up the island at the center of the reservoir, which is said to resemble the shape of an elephant reclining on it’s side. The reservoir and the surrounding land are part of the largest state park in the state of New Mexico, Elephant Butte Lake State Park.

If you get an opportunity to stop into the small town of Truth Or Consequences, don’t forget to experience the nightly karaoke…!!! (*Don’t ask how we know about this activity. That information will be revealed in a future post about our adventures RV-ing through the majestic Southwest…!)


Guess Where I Am…?

 

Answer:

Massive Mandala On The Beach!
As we were driving along the coast, somewhere between Half Moon Bay & Santa Cruz, when we came across this huge mandala created on a sandy beach.
 
A mandala (Sanskrit: मण्डल, circle) is a geometric concentrically structured pattern representing the cosmos or the universe. In many spiritual traditions the creation of a mandala is a practice to invite focus, meditation or an induction into trance state. Mandalas are also used to establish a sacred space.
 
What I found fascinating was that the artist of this massive, detailed work spent hours creating it, knowing the tide would return to wipe it clean within a few short hours. However, for the time it was visible, it most certainly established a sacred place of fine beauty on the beach for all to enjoy. If anyone reading my blog knows this remarkable artist, please thank them for us! 

 


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer:

 

We took this photo while strolling along the Embarcadero in San Francisco. This exciting sculpture is called ‘Cupid’s Span’, created by famed pop artist Claes Oldenburg and his wife, Coosje van Bruggen?

The brightly painted fiberglass-and-steel sculpture stands approx. 60 feet (18 meters) in Rincon Park at the foot of the San Francisco Bay Bridge. Installed in 2002, the artist’s inspiration for this piece was San Francisco’s reputation as the ‘City of Passion’, invoking the mythological account of Eros shooting his arrow into the center of the earth to make it fertile. Many have commented that while Cupid’s bow is symbolic of love, the shape of this magnificent work also evokes sailing ships and the Bay Bridge itself.

At Le Voov! we tip our hat to both Oldenburg and van Bruggen for their beautiful addition to our city, as well as the D&DF Foundation for commissioning the piece.  ????❤️

 


Guess Where I Am…?

 

Answer:

We had an enchanting visit to Safari West in the heart of California’s Sonoma wine country recently, where this picture was taken. Commonly known as the ‘Sonoma Serengeti’, Safari West is comprised of 400 acres cradled in the mountainous area above Santa Rosa. Visitors are welcome to wander the trails and partake in the open-truck safaris to experience over 1000 exotic African species of mammals and birds within the natural habitat of this beautiful wildlife preserve.  ?? ?

Founded in 1993 by Peter and Nancy Lang, Safari West has developed into a Shangri-La paradise equipped with daily tours, fine wine and food, and lush tent accommodations reminiscent of a luxury safari on the Serengeti. However, it is only an hours’ drive from the San Francisco Bay Area! ?

With their goal of promoting conservation and providing educational opportunities, Le Voov! is proud to support the amazing efforts of the Lang family and their team at Safari West!  ?

Please keep an eye out for our upcoming article this autumn, when Le Voov! will embrace a more in-depth tour and provide you with all the fabulous details of our adventures at the incredible Safari West!  ?

 


Guess Where I Am…?

 

Answer:

We took this picture while vacationing with family friends in Lake Tahoe, California. Every time I look at this photo it makes me smile with the memories of our exciting day sporting around the lake in a speed boat, dragging a tube with some member of our party white knuckled, trying to hang on for dear life! This was followed by the inevitable yipping and howling after the individual on the tube was projected, at high velocity, through the air, and touched down in the water with an exhilarating splash.

As you can see in the photo, Lake Tahoe is a spectacularly crystal clear, cobalt blue mountain lake tucked deep in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. On a historical note, Tahoe is also the second deepest lake in the United States. There is a community-based group called Keep Tahoe Blue that has worked tirelessly to maintain this pristine natural resource by addressing pollution and invasive, non-indigenous species, while protecting access to the shoreline for all.

  Here at Le Voov! we commend and support the efforts of this active community in the Tahoe area. Our hats off to you Keep Tahoe Blue!!!  ? ?  ?

 


Guess Where I Am…?

 

Answer:

On a rainy day last December, we visited the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, which is affiliated with University of California, Santa Cruz.  To celebrate the seasons, they had decorated the giant whale skeleton out front with thousands of Christmas lights. After our tour, the sun broke through the clouds and provided a lovely rainbow right over the facility. What a glorious treat! ?  ? ?

 


Guess Where I Am…?

 

Answer:

Last 4th of July, we spent a glorious night watching the San Francisco Fireworks from Angel Island State Park. We took the Blue & Gold Fleet ferry service out from the Embarcadero and enjoyed an afternoon of great food, celebration, and merry making with hundreds of other people. Once the fireworks got started, there was clapping, whistles and singing from all around the port. What a wonderful place to enjoy our country’s Independence Day! ??  ? ? ?

 


Guess Where I Am…?

 

Answer:

We snapped this picture just off the side of Highway 29 while visiting the Napa Valley wine country in Northern California. The mustard flowers were in full bloom while the grapes were still dormant. Stay tuned for another fabulous Napa Valley tour coming this autumn! ? ?

 


Guess Where I Am…?

 

Answer:

On a recent trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we were mesmerized by the massive jellyfish exhibit. Watching the colorful cast of gelatinous characters undulate before us was such a peaceful, relaxing experience. The music from Disney’s Fantasia danced through my head as we observed their graceful movement. I also kept thinking that this would be wonderful place to hang a hammock and take a nap! But, alas, the tens-of-thousands of other aquarium guests may not have appreciated my wish for a peaceful siesta, and perhaps would have disturbed my slumber….  ?????? ?

 


Guess Where I Am…?

 

Answer:

We snapped this picture at Disneyland, Anaheim CA during the evening World of Color Light Show, set to the timeless tunes of classic Disney. This spectacular event was followed by an amazing blaze of fireworks bursting in the sky above us. What a fun way to celebrate life with the family…  ?

 


Guess Where I Am…?

 

Answer:

This photograph was taken from our bed at dawn from the Arenal Observatory Lodge, Smithsonian room, in Costa Rica. We had arrived the night before in darkness, under a sky filled with massive lightning and bomb-like thunder. The road was flooded and when we finally arrived, we fell into a deep slumber with the sound of the rain dancing on the floor to ceiling windows. This was our very first visual of the Arenal Volcano. What a glorious way to awaken from a night of magnificent tropical dreams…

We plan upon touring Costa Rica again and will provide a detailed account of our wild fun and adventures. Stay tuned…!   🙂  ?  ?  ?  ✈️

 


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer:

Indy 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana. My sweetie and I enjoy exploring exciting, new places & events together. This year the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 took place on Sunday, May 29, 2016. For the first time ever in the history of Indy racing this event was completely sold out, with a full-house of 350,000 people in attendance.

Rookie Alexander Rossi won the historic 100th run after recently joining the Andretti Autosport team. The 24-year old Rossi is a native of Nevada City, California. Way to do us proud Alexander!!!!

Truly, it is one of thrills of my life to feel these cars fly by at 200+ miles an hour. Luckily, our seats were in the shade of the paddock, directly across from the racing pits. British driver Pippa Mann was the lone woman racing this year, and successfully finished in the 18th spot. Pole speed for this year’s race was 230 MPH!!! ?

Thank you to everyone who has served, past and present, in the armed forces to defend our freedom in America. ??  Wishing all a very happy Memorial Day Weekend!!! 🙂  ??  ✈️

 


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer:

The Fire Octopus at the Maker’s Faire, San Mateo, California. This annual event is a perfect showcase of science, innovation, creativity and resourcefulness to celebrate the Maker’s Movement. The Maker’s Faire brings together scientists, teachers, tech enthusiasts, crafters, engineers, tinkerers and hobbyists to explore the realm of possibilities for the future. It’s taking place at the San Mateo County Event Center this weekend. Go out and experience this fun, family-friendly event! Enjoy!!!!   🙂  ?  ?

 


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer:

The Druid Cemetery, Cuffey’s Cove, Mendocino, California. Honestly, it is unclear why there is a Druid cemetery in Mendocino, and the more locals I spoke to, the wilder the stories became.

As many of you may already know, the Druids were highly educated, well respected members of society during the Celtic Iron Age. They made up the socially high-ranking professionals, comprised of doctors, lawyers, astronomers, poets, mathematicians and scholars, which provided them great influence within the political arena. However, because they opposed Christianity, within a few hundred years, their society, along with almost all historical context of their philosophies were virtually erased from history. Apparently, the remaining folks must have fled to Mendocino at some point in time…???

If anyone has more details on this mysterious matter, please don’t hesitate to contact me to clarify. Thanks!   🙂

 


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer:

We enjoyed the NASA exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry while visiting Chicago recently. Brian really liked getting a feel for what it would be like to play in a space suite!  🙂  ✈️

 


Guess Where I Am…?

 

Answer:

This picture was taken at the Puerto Vallarta Zoo in Mismaloya, Mexico. Just prior to this photo being taken, the giraffe bent down and licked the sweat from the back of my ear!! Feeding a giraffe a carrot from my mouth was also a pretty thrilling experience!

We enjoy visiting zoos all over the world, and this zoo is most certainly my favorite to date! The enclosures are expansive and creatively designed to allow the animals plenty of room, while maximizing viewing. You can pay a bit extra and get a bag of food to feed the animals. It’s definitely worth it because the animals are so close to you!  ??  ✈️

 


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer: 

Hotel Sofitel, Redwood City, California: Dale Chihuly’s Glass Chandelier

This amazing explosion of blue and green blown glass greets the eye in the lobby of the Sofitel hotel. I first became acquainted with Chihuly’s ethereal mastery of glass sculpture while visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium exhibition entitled “Jellies: Living Art” in 2002. Photography of his work is gorgeous, but viewing it with your own eyes is nothing short of pure magic!

 


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer:

Rooftop of The California Academy Of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA.
This was always my favorite place to go as a child. Newly remodeled in 2008, the natural science museum now features a living rooftop with over 1.7 million California native plants, which opens to allow natural ventilation throughout the building. If you get the opportunity for a visit, don’t forget to stop by the alligator pit and say ‘hello’ to Claude, the albino American gator.  ?  ?  ?
Adult admission is $35 and family memberships are available for $250/year. http://www.calacademy.org/

 


Guess Where I Am…?

Photo courtesy of the fabulous photographer *Karen Gheno. Please see my About page for details regarding *The Sisters.

Answer:

San Francisco Bay, California, USA. The photo of the Stämpfli Express was taken by one of my talented masters rowing teammates Karen Gheno in December 2015. I’m in the #7 seat from the bow (back/left side) of the boat!

This 24-person boat is currently touring the U.S. from Switzerland. Our rowing club, Bair Island Aquatic Club (BIAC) is one of only three clubs in California to have the privilege of rowing this masterpiece of Swiss engineering. The Stämpfli Express, built in 2001, accommodates 24 scullers, with 48 oars, as well as a coxswain to direct the 44 meter (144ft.), 420 kilogram racing shell. That’s the length of a full-grown Blue Whale and it’s baby calf!!!

We had the incredible opportunity to bring this behemoth up to racing speed on the calm waters of the S.F. Bay, as the rosy fingers of dawn greeted the horizon. Wow, what a treat!

Thank you to all who made this dream come true!!!!!  🙂  ???

 


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer:

Spires at Antoni Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. Construction of this amazing cathedral began in 1882 and as of 2015 was approximately 70% completed. To honor Gaudi’s commitment to the design and construction of this extraordinary structure, a final completion target date of 2026 has been projected to mark the 100th anniversary of his passing. The annual construction budget is 25 million euros ($28 million+ US). If you have an opportunity to visit, the entrance fee is 15 – 20 euros ($17 – 22 US)  ??  ✈️

 


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer:

Bunny Foo Foo‘ is located at Hall Wines, California, USA, right off highway 29 in St. Helena, CA. This 35ft. (10.6M) tall rabbit was constructed with 3.3 metric tons of stainless steal by Lawrence Argent. (Completed in 2014.)  Happy Spring/Easter to all!  🙂   ?  ? ?

 


Guess Where I Am…?

Answer:

Harley’s Goat Farm, Pescadero, California, USA. This sweet little goat is only 1-day old. She smelled just like a newborn baby and her soft ‘naaying’ melted my heart. Owner of the farm Dee Harley is praised internationally for her amazing, award winning goat cheese. Stop by the shop to taste them all! Yummy!!!! *Please check back with Le Voov! for a full post about Harley’s Goat Farm…   🙂  ??

 

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