Wanderlust Challenges discussion

Ongoing Challenges

Capital of the Month
1. Capital City Latitude/Longitude Fun #1

World Landmarks
1. The Statue of Liberty

Exploring Cultures & Holidays
1. International Dance Day

Seasonal Adventures
1. Along The Silk Road: Uzbekistan

Discovery Challenges

Travel Bingo

National Parks of the World

Road Trip USA

Spell the World

Smorgasboard

Travel Through History

Fifty Nifty US States

Challenges Completed July 2021
2 Capital of the Month
1. July 2021 Republic of Palau's Capital: Ngerulmud - Finished
2. July 2021 Ngerulmud Spell Out

Capital City Longitude/Latitude Fun #1
Duration: July 4, 2021 to Completion

1. Ottawa
Latitude: 45.421530
5 - Series #5 - Sentenced to Death by Lorna Barrett
234 - Page Count - Breath Eyes Memory by Edwidge Danticat
41 - WTR# - On Chesil Beach
50 - WTR# - Who Is Maud Dixon?

Longitude: -75.697193
577 - Page Count - Divine Evil
1939 - Publish Date - The Big Sleep
6 - Series# - Murder on the Half Shelf

2. New Delhi
Latitude: 28.613939
368 - Page Count - Shed No Tears
9 - WTR# - Dracula
39 - WTR# - The Road
21 - WTR # - The Shadows

Longitude: 77.209021
2021 - Publish Date - Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay
77 - WTR# - White Feminism
90 - WTR# - Swimming in the Deep

3. Wellington
Latitude: -41.286460
264 - Page Count - Here For It by R. Eric Thomas
60 - WTR# - Verity
148 - Page Count - Annie John

Longitude: 174.776236
62 - WTR# - The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
476 - Page Count - Project Hail Mary
771 - Page Count - The Goldfinch
3 - Series # - A Cajun Christmas Killing by Ellen Byron

4. Brasilia
Latitude: -15.794229
422 - Page Count - One Last Stop
195 - Page Count - Rich Dad, Poor Dad
97 - WTR# - The Joy Luck Club

Longitude: -47.882166
1847 - Publish Year - Wuthering Heights
26 - WTR# - The Thirteenth Tale
86 - WTR# - Mercy

5. Cape Town
Latitude: -33.924869
336 - Page Count - The Corpse Flower
489 - Page Count - A Tale of Two Cities
92 - WTR# - Man's Search For Meaning

Longitude: 18.424055
25 - WTR# - The Butterfly Garden
44 - WTR# - Hana Khan Carries On
1850 - Publish Date - David Copperfield

6. Madrid
Latitude: 40.416775
7 - WTR# - Sense and Sensibility
40 - WTR# - The Quiet American
75 - WTR# - Long Bright River
416 - Page Count - Emma

Longitude: -3.703790
70 - WTR# - Boyfriend Material
93 - WTR# - Pachinko
370 - Page Count - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

World Landmarks - The Statue of Liberty
Duration: July 4, 2021 - September 3, 2021

5. The seven spikes radiating from her crown are meant to be a halo of light known as an aureole. The number seven was chosen to represent the world's seven seas and continents. You can access the crown by climbing 354 steps inside the statue but it is strenuous and equivalent to climbing 20 stories.
*Read a series book #7 or read a book with a royal character that could wear a crown (tell us who).
Not the Killing Type by Lorna Barrett

(view spoiler)[
1. The Statue of Liberty, fashioned after the Roman goddess Libertas, sits on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Her original name is "Liberty Enlightening the World" and she welcomes visitors to the US and proclaims freedom for all people around the world.
*Read a book that takes place in New York city or read a book with a statue on the cover.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

2. Designed by French architect and sculptor, Frederic Bartholdi, Liberty was gifted to the US by France to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. The tablet in her hand reads JULY IV MDCCLXXVI. He created a smaller replica for France which now stands on its own man-made island in the Seine.
*Read a book you received as a gift or read a book whose author's first or last name begins with F or B.
Sentenced to Death by Lorna Barrett

3. Construction of the statue began in France in 1875. It was then disassembled into 350 pieces and brought to the US in September of 1885 where the 89 foot pedestal was ready and waiting for it's lovely lady. A year later, assembly was completed and Lady Liberty was opened to the public on October 28, 1886.
*Read a book that was published in September or October or read a book that has at least 350 pages.
Shed No Tears by Caz Frear

4. Made of copper sheeting over an iron frame, the statue arrived in the US looking like a shiny new penny. It took roughly 20 years for the oxidation to patina Liberty to the greenish-blue hue she is today.
*Read a book with a green or blue cover or read a book that starts with a letter in COPPER.
Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay

6. The torch in the right hand of the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of enlightenment and was meant to enlighten the path to freedom. The original copper flame was replaced with 24 carat gold plating during a restoration project initiated by President Ronald Reagan in 1984.
*Read a book with a light or flame on the cover or read a book where a restoration project happens (tell us what was restored).
Under Currents by Nora Roberts

7. For a period of sixteen years, the nine arc lamps originally placed in the torch allowed the Statue of Liberty to function as a lighthouse and during that time the statue was under the operation of the Lighthouse Board. But it wasn't as functional as they hoped and the cost soon outweighed its effectiveness. In 1924 it was declared a National Monument and operation of the statue was transferred to the National Park Service.
*Read a book that takes place in a National Park or read a book with a lighthouse on the cover or mentioned in the text (share text location and phrase).
Dracula by Bram Stoker (hide spoiler)]

International Dance Day
Duration: July 18, 2021 - September 17, 2021

Challenge Link

SECTION ONE: About International Dance Day
Please Complete All Three

2. Every year, since its creation in 1982, an outstanding dance personality is selected to write a message to be shared to the world. ITI organizes a Gala Celebration event in a host city, with dance performances, educational workshops, humanitarian projects and speeches made by ambassadors, dignitaries, dance personalities and the selected Message Author for that year.

✽ Read a book with a MC who is a dancer OR a book with an event in it that includes dancing.

SECTION TWO: Dances from Around the World
Choose 5 Dances to Complete

Commercial Photography BALLET: Ballet originated in the 15th century in Italy and France and
by the 18th century had spread throughout Europe. It is without a doubt one of the most famous and highly technical of all performance dances and is often considered the core of all modern dance. Often set to story-driven orchestrated music it is a poised and graceful style of dance that requires much training and technique.

✽ Read a book that takes place in Italy or France OR read a book with a MC whose first name starts with a letter in BALLET.

Commercial Photography BELLY DANCE: As it has for thousands of years, belly dancing still thrives today. Originally known as Raqs Sharki, it was an Arabic social dance from Egypt. It has evolved to take many different forms depending on the country and region, both in costume and dance style. All over the world, professional dancers perform this exotic dance as entertainment, though it is also a dance to do for fun or even fitness with friends and family.

✽ Read a book that takes place in the Middle East OR a book with a title that has two consecutive LL's in it
Killer Green Tomatoes by Lynn Cahoon

Commercial Photography BHANGRA: The Bhangra originated in the Punjab region of India as a folk dance for the celebration of the harvest. It is now a fun and flamboyant dance performed across India at all kinds of social occasions. It has become famous by its use in Bollywood films produced in the country. In fact, this energetic and jovial dance is creating quite a phenomenon and spreading all over the world.

✽ Read a book that takes place in India OR read a book with a fun and flamboyant character (tell us who).

Commercial Photography FLAMENCO: This expressive dance emerged from the Spanish cultures of the Iberian Peninsula in the 1700’s. It consists of three elements: cante (the song), baile (the dance), and guitarra (guitar playing). Each has its own traditions, but the word Flamenco is most often associated with the dance with its percussive footwork and intricate hand, arm, and body movements. Its popularity has moved across the world and Japan’s Flamenco schools now outnumber those in Spain.

✽ Read a book that takes place in Spain or Japan OR read a book that is part of a trilogy.

Commercial Photography OTEA: This traditional Polynesian dance from Tahiti is characterized by its vigorous hip shaking to spirited fast percussions. The dancers re-enact stories of everyday life with their hands while their hips are in constant motion. This technique is most impressive when the dancers maintain their hips shaking while executing the formation changing choreography. It is often performed at luaus with the dancers in elaborate costumes incorporating long "grass" skirts and decorated headpieces.

✽ Read a book that takes place on an island in the Pacific Ocean OR read a book with an ocean scene on the cover.

Commercial Photography POLKA: Polka is a European dance with a Bohemian origin. The word “pulka” is derived from the Czech phrase for “half-step,” which refers to the dance pattern of lightly stepping from one foot to the other. The dance migrated to the US with Eastern European immigrants and remains quite popular in areas of the Midwest and Great Lakes Region. For most people, polka is linked at the hip with the accordion, and indeed, it's the force behind every polka band.

✽ Read a book that takes place in the US Midwest OR read a half step series book.

Commercial Photography TANGO: This partner dance is loaded with history, romance and passion. Originating in the 1880’s in Uruguay and Argentina, it is a dance associated with style and expressiveness. It is most difficult to master and never fails to amaze each time it is performed. But this is not just a dance for professionals; in cities all over the world there are hundreds of milongas or special dance clubs that give tango classes and stay open all night so you can dance the night away.

✽ Read a book that takes place in South America OR a book tagged Romance on its GR Homepage.

Commercial Photography TINIKLING DANCE: This dance originated in the Philippines and imitates the movements of a local bird called ‘Tikling’. Bamboos are tapped on the ground in order to create patterns of beats and a pair of dancers mimic the graceful actions that the bird makes in order to escape the bamboo traps set by the farmers. They must move quickly to avoid getting a foot caught by the fast-moving poles.

✽ Read a book that takes place in eastern Asia OR read a book with a bird on the cover

(view spoiler)[
1. International Dance Day is a global celebration of dance, created by the International Theatre Institute (ITI), which is the main partner for the performing arts of UNESCO. The event takes place every year on April 29th, the anniversary of the birth of Jean-Georges Noverre, the creator of modern ballet.

✽ Read a book that was published in April OR a book with a title that starts with a letter in UNESCO.
Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat

3. The day strives to encourage participation and education in dance through events held on the date all over the world. Creativity is encouraged and cities have participated by hosting charity dance performances, street dance festivals, or even free lessons at dance schools or universities. So this April 29th, take to the dance floor and celebrate the wonderful art form with the world.

✽ Read a book that was educational (tell us what you learned) OR read a book whose total page count includes 2 AND 9 (in any order).
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-Perez

Commercial Photography HOPAK: Named after the Ukrainian term hopaty, which means “to jump”, Russians and Ukrainians have been performing this dance since the 16th century. Originally performed by military men as a dance of victory, it is a predominately male dance, composed of visually and technically amazing acrobatic feats, including many jumps, squats and spins.

✽ Read a book that takes place in Ukraine or Russia OR read a book written by a male author.
The Cold Cold Ground by Adrian McKinty

Commercial Photography IRISH STEPDANCE: This traditional Irish dance is quite popular today and performed all over the world. The dance can be performed solo or by a group and is characterized by a stiffened upper body while performing quick and intricate footwork that is a combination of ballet and tap dancing. The charming rhythm patterns and artistic flows created by the feet is a true delight to witness.

✽ Read a book that takes place in Ireland OR read a book with an intricate plot line.
Divine Evil by Nora Roberts (hide spoiler)]

Along the Silk Road: Uzbekistan
Duration: July 18, 2021 - October 17, 2021

Challenge Link

Day 1: Tashkent

* Read a book set in a city (tell us where) OR read a book where the word "earthquake" is mentioned (share the text).

* Read a book about a book OR read a series book #8 or #9.

Day 2: Fergana Valley and Aral Sea

* Read a book with an MC who works in agriculture (tell us how) OR read a book whose title begins with a letter that can be found in FERGANA.

* Read a book with a body of water on the cover (post cover) OR read a book published between 1989 and 2014.

Day 3: Khiva

* Read a book that sits at #50 on your TBR (sorted any way) OR read a book where all the letters of the word KHIVA are found in the title (in any order).

* Read a book with a towering building on the cover (post cover) OR read a book whose author’s first and last initials are found in KALTA MINOR.
The Perfect Marriage by Adam Mitzner

Day 4: Khiva

* Read a book with a ruler in it (tell us who) OR read a book with a cover that you really like (post cover).

Day 5: Bukhara

* Read a book where a city or village is destroyed by an enemy or a catastrophic event (tell us briefly what happens) OR read a book set between the 12th and 19th centuries.

* Read a book with a character who is a teacher or a professor (tell us who) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in BUKHARA.

Day 6: Bukhara

* Read the last published book in a series OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in MAUSOLEUM OF ISMAIL SAMANI (three word minimum).
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

* Read a book where the MC goes shopping OR read a book tagged TRAVEL in its GR homepage.

Day 7: Shahrisabz

* Read a book where the MC is or was a soldier OR read a book set in Asia.

Day 8: Samarkand

* Read a book that has more than 2700 ratings on its GR page OR read a book with characters from different cultures or religions.
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

* Read a book with at least one star on the cover (post cover) OR read a book whose author’s first and last initials are found in ASTROLABE.
A Cajun Christmas Killing by Ellen Byron


Day 9: Samarkand

* Read a book where a famous monument is mentioned (share text) OR read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in REGISTAN.

Day 10: Samarkand

* Read a book where the MC visits a graveyard OR read a book where the first letter of every word in the title can be found in SHAH-I-ZINDA NECROPOLIS (three word minimum).
The Spanish House by Cherry Radford

(view spoiler)[
Day 4

* Read a book with a 2, 1 or 8 in the total page count (share page count) OR read a book where a character works with wood (tell us briefly what he does) .
Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat

Day 7
* Read a book published in April OR read a book with a mostly white cover (post cover).
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-Perez

Day 9

* Read a series book #1, #7 or #17 OR read a book with an animal on the cover (post cover).
The Cold Cold Ground by Adrian McKinty

Day 10

* Read a book where a family's history is important OR read a book that takes place in a real (not fictitious) location that starts with a letter in SAMARKAND.
Divine Evil by Nora Roberts (hide spoiler)]