This is part 32 of the puzzle series Around the World in Many Days. Each part is solvable on its own.
Dear Puzzling,
Today, I have toured some lovely small lakes in Britain. I have seen Chinese wall paintings depicting balls of fire, heard street singers performing songs from the Gatsby musical, and listened to a knowledgeable Dane’s lecture on how to deal with depression. So far the experience has been wonderful.
No, wait. Actually, today I have had to temporarily leave my vehicle by an avenue in New York City to explore the city’s central area. I have looked for amusement on parallel streets and walked south to see some fossils from the Jurassic era. I have also met an actor in Blockbuster and visited Madison Square Garden.
Just kidding. In all seriousness, though, today I have visited a mall in the District of Columbia and spotted many geographic landmarks in the surrounding area. I have met a player representing Washington in the hockey league, and listened to a guard express his identity by singing a Socialist anthem. It’s been a really cool experience for me as a world citizen.
I can’t believe it. That is still not it. Okay, this time for real. I am at a Scandinavian location that you might find in an atlas. Arriving here was a rocky ride, but since I’m a taurus it hasn’t bothered me all that much. Moving around has been a bit of a challenge, especially since there is a superstition in this place that if you take three right turns in a row you have to pour some salt under a table to ward off bad luck. Luckily an Olympic athlete I met earlier has agreed to give me a ride in his Ford Sierra.
Oh no, that wasn’t it either. Today I have visited a huge forested area somewhere east of the Mississippi. I have crossed a historic hiking trail and walked to an overlook spot with magnificent views. I have seen a lot of wildlife including some deer and many different types of birds. I have also passed by numerous waterfalls on my way. There is a lot to explore in this place, actually.
No no no no, silly me. Now I remember. Today I have visited one of the Miracles of the ancient world. The fauna here is like nowhere on Earth. I have seen a talking bear, some kind of cow-horse hybrid, and a war dog from World War II. I also met a mascot representing the “Volunteers”, whatever that means. He and the bandit chasing us got into a fight on top of old… What was it? Oh yes, an old quartz mine. Sorry, my memory of it is still a little hazy.
Can you guess where I really am?
Love, Gladys.
Gladys will return in An International Affair.
