Heather's Blog

I traveled over to the Iguazu Falls, Which is in both Brazil and Argentina. On the Brazilian side you can get to the falls through the town Foz do Iguacu in the state of Parana. Walking along the walk way to see the falls you can here the rushing water and all of the birds flying around. When you reach the falls you can feel the mist and it amazing how big they are. I've never seen a water fall so big. They're so beautiful and with all of the colorful birds flying around it makes you feel like your in a postcard. Even though most of the falls are on the Argentinian side you still get an amazing experience. Brazil is such a beautiful country and the forests are so green. Iguazu Falls is a place you have to see in order to fully understand the true beauty of it.

Population: 198,739,269
GDP (per Capita): 10,200
Language: Portuguese

Rio De Janeiro is know world wide for it's amazing beaches. They're beautiful, and they water is warm. Besides from the beaches though, there one attraction that no matter where you are in the city you can see it. It's one of the Seven Wonders of the World and it is known as Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it's one of the tallest structures in the world. You feel so small when standing next to it but you get a beautiful view of the city. The monument is idolized by the people who live in the town and they are all extremely proud of it and their religion. The city is beautiful with a laid back attitude and they love tourist. The image of Christ the Redeemer will be stuck in my head forever and if your in Brazil you have to take the trip to go see it. It'll take your breath away.

Location: Eastern South America
Land Area: Mostly flat with some hills and mountains
Large Area of Water: Atlantic Ocean

Vancouver, British Columbia is a great city. You get both the mountains and the ocean to look at everyday. I fell in love with this city the second I got there. The views are amazing, especially at night when the whole city lights up and you can see the glistening of the ocean. Vancouver is a city full of arts and culture, with people from all over the world living here Vancouver has a little bit of everything for every ethnic group which makes Vancouver's population so unique. Everything in Vancouver just feel so clean and fresh that it's hard not to want to spend all your time outdoors. I loved being in Vancouver and being surrounded by such beauty. I was definetly taking pictures everywhere I went.

Population:33,487,208
Language:English and French
GDP (per capita): 39,00
Major Bodies of Water: North Pacific Ocean and Hudson Bay

Located in British Columbia in the southern pacific ranges of the coast mountains. Whistler is home to two of the world's most popular ski resorts, Whistler and Blackcomb. Whistler and Blackcomb form the largest ski resort in North America. Right now there is a lot of construction as they prepare for the 2010 Olympics, which is right around the corner. When you walk around the town it's so peaceful and your surrounded by natural beauty. The people hear are really nice and relaxed and you can tell they really care about the town and the mountains. The ski season hasn't started yet so I couldn't go snowboarding but the hiking is spectacular and it's a great place to just relax and enjoy the scenery. This is definetly a place I'll be back to, to go snowboarding.

Location: Northern North America, right above the U.S.
Land Area: Plains with mountains in the west

While in Ireland I decided to travel south and visit the Blarney Castle and the ever famous Blarney Stone. The Blarney Castle is located just outside Cork, which is the second largest city in Ireland. The Blarney Castle is a great historical monument and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Even though the castle is beginning to crumble and desinigrate there are plenty of rooms that you can see. At the top of the castle, you get to kiss the Blarney Stone if you want to. The Blarney Stone is the main attraction at the castle and as long as your not scarred of hanging upside down and kissing a stone that thousands of other people have kissed than I would say go for it and kiss the stone. I did and now I am supposed to have the gift of eloquence. Along with the castle there is also a mansion on the property which you can visit. Blarney Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions and it was definetly worth the travel time.

GDP(per capita): 45,300
Language:English and Gaelic