Atlas Obscura Travel Challenge

I don’t think I’ve mentioned lately how much I love Atlas Obscura. In addition to their map of obscure travel destinations, they also have a ton of really interesting articles on topics ranging from food to culture to why people hate tourists.

Recently, I came across this article and was totally inspired.

New goal: travel to each of these landmarks, get photos, and lay them out side by side with these in-progress photos!

Honestly, it’s just an excuse to go to a bunch of these places. (Not that I really needed one, I suppose.) I’ve already been to a couple of these landmarks, and the rest are going on my list, for sure.

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Paris | The Eiffel Tower

A photograph by Louis-Ãmile Durandelle of the construction of the Eiffel Tower, taken in January 1888. In this photo, the tower is reaching its first level; it was completed on March 31, 1889. — Atlas Obscura | A photograph by Louis-Émile Durandelle of the construction of the Eiffel Tower, taken in January 1888. In this photo, the tower is reaching its first level; it was completed on March 31, 1889. COURTESY OF THE GETTY’S OPEN CONTENT PROGRAM

Hong Kong | Bank of China Building

Hong Kong's Bank of China building under construction, 1988. — Atlas Obscura | Hong Kong’s Bank of China building under construction, 1988. MATTHEW LAIRD ACRED/CC BY-SA 3.0

Sydney | Harbor Bridge

I haven’t heen here yet. On the list!

London | The Underground

Atlas Obscura | Excavating for the London Underground, Great Northern and City Railway, London, c. 1903. THE PRINT COLLECTOR/GETTY IMAGES

I have been here, but I have no pictures. Must be rectified. On the list!

Rio de Janeiro | Chris the Redeemer

Atlas Obscura | Christ the Redeemer statue under scaffolding prior to its unveiling, Rio de Janeiro, 1931. BETTMANN/GETTY IMAGES

I haven’t been here. On the list!

Atlas Obscura | Manhattan Bridge, March 23, 1909. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/LC-USZ62-100104

I’ve definitely been here.

Panama | Panama Canal

Atlas Obscura | Concrete construction at Gatun Lock site, Panama Canal, c.1910. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/LC-USZ62-117345

I haven’t been here. On the list!

Jakarta | National Monument

Jakarta's National Monument under construction, 1963. — Jakarta’s National Monument under construction, 1963. NATIONAL MONUMENT OFFICE/PUBLIC DOMAIN

On the list!

London | Trafalgar Square

An 1844 photograph by William Henry Fox Talbot of Nelson's Column under construction in Trafalgar Square, London. — Atlas Obscura | An 1844 photograph by William Henry Fox Talbot of Nelson’s Column under construction in Trafalgar Square, London. COURTESY OF THE GETTY’S OPEN CONTENT PROGRAM

On the list!

Sydney | Opera House

On the list!

San Francisco | Golden Gate Bridge

This one made me tear up a little. As much as I love New York, I really miss home sometimes.

Atlas Obscura | The beginnings of the Golden Gate Bridge, 1934. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/LC-USZ62-122793

How do I not have a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge? How is that possible? I literally lived less than 4 miles away from this bridge. (Most people in San Francisco do, to be fair. The city is only 7mi x 7mi, right?)

2 thoughts on “Atlas Obscura Travel Challenge”

Arnie says:

September 19, 2018 at 11:43 pm

Hi Kaitlin, it’s your old (literally) pal Arnie. Enjoying your blog!! I just got the Culture Trip app. Do you know it? Good stuff by worldly and not so worldly travelers.
Are you in NYC now??

LikeLiked by 1 person

1. kaitlin says:
  
  September 19, 2018 at 11:49 pm
  
  Yes! I’m in NYC for the foreseeable future 🙂 How are you? I miss you guys!! Culture Trip is awesome. I also really like Thrillist for insider tips on cities.
  
  LikeLike

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