We go online to check our email, connect with friends, look up recipes, and search for information (both inane and informative). Most of us have been homebound the last few months and websites became our only portal to the changed world outside. It’s hard to say when many of us can travel again, but at least it’s now easier than ever to travel virtually. My screen time has certainly gone up, but I have at least discovered websites that connect me to some of my favorite places or at least places I’d love to visit someday. I hope these virtual travels bring brightness to your day.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Flowers, flowers, and flowers. Spring is the season of budding flowers and new beginnings. Some gardens may not be accessible now, but at least the are on the good ‘ol net. My hometown botanical garden, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, has been keeping track of their flowers in bloom. I didn’t realize that rhododendroms had such delicate beauty. Meanwhile, peonies are peeking out and boldly proclaiming their presence and roses herald the arrival of summer.
Museu del Ter
As a lifelong city girl, I don’t get to hear birds chirp often. I’m lucky to see the occasional colorful tropical bird in Asia and cardinal in NYC. The Museu del Ter has a lovely section celebrating river birds. These migratory birds follow the course of a river, sometimes traversing continents! You can listen to the bird calls by clicking on each bird through this link (but I can’t get it to work on my computer, but can do it through my phone!)
Nature Trust (British Columbia)
Take a moment, relax, breathe deeply and take a virtual visit to one of the money beautiful sites throughout British Columbia. My best friend visited a few years ago and the pictures were simply breathtaking. The natural vistas, piercing blue skies, and clear waters are the kind of retreat I’d love. I can imagine my kids truly frolicking here without a care in the world. While you can only see pictures at Nature Trust, I love their descriptions of the scene as well.
Taj Mahal – Google Arts and Culture
The Taj Mahal is truly one of the great Wonders of the World. This towering marble mausoleum is Emperor Shah Jahan’s last love letter to his wife. This interesting view from the top lets you peek at the details more closely. Marvel at the semi-precious stones nestled among the marble and the perfect symmetry of the four minarets and pavilions surrounding the main dome. I’m fortunate I have visited this iconic site and hope to again with my kids.
Cherry blossoms in Japan
One of my bucket list destinations was to see the cherry blossoms in Japan. I was fortunate enough to do that a few years ago. Of course, this has not been the year to travel and we are just past the season now. But Japan’s Weather news compiled the top 10 Sakura videos and seeing the cherry blossoms makes me a bit happier.
Way back before the pandemic, I had planned to visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for the cherry blossom festival this past spring so it was nice to be able to be able to experience it virtually. We just did some virtual tours of the Smithsonian. Totally recommend.