Destination Unknown Trivia Quiz

Answer: Rapa Nui

Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, is a small Polynesian island known for its unusual stone Moai as well as its desolate location. The island was at one time home to a thriving culture of 15,000 people, but by the time it was discovered by Europeans in 1722, the population has decreased to around only 2,500 people. Deforestation and overpopulation led to starvation and even cannibalism.

This small island ecosystem, and its subsequent collapse, should be a lesson to everyone on the planet as to what can happen when nature is not preserved and protected. I decided that my visit to this sad and haunting location was over. I lay against a Moai that was still embedded in the ground and dozed off.

Answer: Istanbul, Turkey

I had arrived at the ancient city of Istanbul, Turkey. The cuisine of Turkey uses lots of nuts, yoghurt, and vegetables. Turkish coffee, known for being very strong, is made in a small long handled pot known as a cezve. The majestic Hagia Sophia was built in 537 A.D. and has served many purposes through the centuries.

It has been a mosque, a Greek Orthodox cathedral, and today serves as a museum. After walking through its historic streets, I decided it was time to go to bed. I found a local imaret (Turkish inn) and lay down to sleep. I glanced down at the opal ring wondering where it would take me next.

Answer: Lascaux, France

Discovered, or should I say rediscovered, in 1940, the Lascaux Caves in the Vezere Valley of France are some of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of pre-historic art on our planet. These images of hunting scenes depict over 100 different animal figures and are known for their rich colors, intricate detail, and their beautiful flowing lines. Most of these paintings have lasted thousands of years without fading due to the natural removal, and replacement of air in the caves does not cause deterioration.

Their locations high on the walls of the cave have led scholars to believe that when they were painted the floor of the cave was much higher than it is today. I closed my eyes to take a nap wondering which unknown location I would find myself in next.

Answer: England

I had arrived in the county of Wiltshire, England, home of at least thirteen of these hill figures. The Bronze Age Uffington White Horse is believed to be the oldest in the country and is over 370 ft. (114m) long. It was created by digging deep trenches into the hill and exposing the underlying white chalk beneath.

As I enjoyed some tea and crumpets, I wondered about who made it, and why it was made. Both matters are points of debate among scholars. After enjoying a long hike in these lush surroundings, I found a room at a local inn and lay down for the night.

Answer: Los Angeles, California

Located in the southwestern part of Los Angeles, California, the La Brea Tar Pits are thousands of years old. Natural asphalt bubbles up from the ground but is often covered with fallen leaves, water, and dust from the air. This disguise led to the deaths of thousands of prehistoric animals, whose bones have been discovered in the pit, perfectly preserved.

The pits are an oasis of calm tranquility hidden amongst the hustle and bustle of a large urban area. After a morning of exploring this natural landmark and its adjacent museum, I decide it might be a good time for a nap.

Answer: K2

After agreeing with my Sherpa guide that I need to stay behind in the warmth of the tent, I start reading about this remote mountain. Mount Godwin-Austin, or K2 as it is more commonly known, is often listed as the second highest mountain on the planet.

The study guide left for me to read tells me that one in every five climbers who attempt this ascent die on the mountain. These facts, as well as the sound of wicked winds whipping around my tent, make me glad I decided to stay behind. Although beautiful to look at, climbing this 8,000 ft. mountain is not found in my bucket list.

Some warm tea and the glow from the heater help me to doze off, eager to see what unknown destination is next.

Answer: Australia

Located in the Flinders region of South Australia, Magnetic Hill is one of many gravity roads in the world. The surrounding terrain provides an optical illusion that a downhill slope looks like it is an uphill slope. Leaving a car out of gear will produce the illusion that the car is rolling uphill. I realize that the trees in the area are leaning and that the horizon is obstructed depriving me of important points of reference.

After enjoying this natural phenomena, we drive on to the small town of Orroroo so that I may enjoy a light lunch (and possibly a nap).

Answer: Alberta

I have arrived at Canada's oldest national park, located in Alberta, Canada. After booking a room at the prestigious Chateau Lake Louise, I depart on an outing in which I am able to tour glaciers, the Rocky Mountains, and lush coniferous forests. Convinced that I have just seen one of Canada's most beautiful locations, I return to my room and order dinner.

After sipping a warm brandy, I lay down, with some trepidation, wondering where I will end up next.

Answer: No

The answer would be no; I am not in Scotland. I am actually in Gondar, Ethiopia. I am looking at Fasil Ghebbi the ancient palace of the Ethiopian emperor Fasilides. This palace was built when Emperor Fasilides decided (in 1636) to break with the old tradition of making constant trips across his nation while in power.

He founded the capitol city of Gondar and was responsible for the building of this unique stone castle. After touring this incredible building I retire to a local inn for a meal of spicy lamb stew and bread, followed by some of the wonderful coffee grown locally in the region.

As the evening draws to an end, I lay down to sleep. I glance at the opal ring on my finger, knowing that, soon, it might be time to take it off.

Answer: Yes

I must be exhausted. I was definitely wrong in thinking that I was in Iceland when I had actually arrived in Argentina. The sound of the falls is like thunder, and a lovely rainbow is visible. I already knew these falls were part of the Iguazu River, which borders both Brazil and Argentina.

The number of the waterfalls varies depending on the water level of the river. I sit back and enjoy this gift of mother nature, marveling at its power and beauty.