Category: Fantasy
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Storm or Saruman: An Old Story from Switzerland
This tale was originally written as part of a daily email series to prove to loved ones at home I was still alive in far off parts of the world. It has been copy/pasted below in it’s entirety. Tonight I begin with a story. Yes, it’s the kind of story you usually hear from me,…
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Lauterbrunnen: The Last Homely House East of the Sea
In 1911, a nineteen year old by the name of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien traveled in a party of twelve companions to the scenic mountains of Switzerland. One of his favorite spots? Lauterbrunnen Valley. If that journey sounds oddly familiar, congratulations, you’re a geek. Over a hundred years later, when I found myself traveling to…
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Driving on the Left: From Lower Hutt to Putangirua Pinnacles
Driving on the left side of the road is a bit of an adventure unto itself. Nevertheless, when mass transit doesn’t reach where you need to go, you start practicing online driving simulations as soon as you confirm your driver’s license is valid in that part of the world. Despite living in New York City,…
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New Zealand Wellington Film Sites: There and Back Again
Not every Lord of the Rings film location in New Zealand is as sculpted and maintained as Hobbiton. In fact, few are. Part of the agreement between the filmmakers and the country was that any alteration to the land had to be undone afterwards. All construction removed, any damage healed, and even foliage replanted if…
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Hobbiton: The Perfect Size for your Inner Child
Everyone who knows of hobbits, knows about the height factor. The average sized human is going to tower over any building for halflings. But when I call Hobbiton “the perfect size for your Inner Child,” I’m not just talking about scale. This place is a wonderland for your inner child to be set free. The…
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New Zealand Airports: Dwarves, Dragons, and Eagles, Oh My
Shortly after The Fellowship of the Ring was released in movie theaters, New Zealand tourism increased from a steady stream to a flood. Knowing the likely motivations of many of these travelers, the country trademarked the title “Home of Middle‑earth.™” New Zealand airports reached out to WETA Workshop, who had lengthy experience crafting everything LotR…
Kaitlin
Adventurer, Strategist, Giver of Unsolicited Advice
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