Thursday, April 07, 2016

F is for the Falkland Islands



There are a number of places that begin with an F that I desire to go.  There's France and Finland.  I’ve never stepped foot in either country but have seen them from a distance (France from a ship and Finland from a town in Tallinn, Estonia).  But instead of heading to either destination and since I already been to the Faroe Islands (which I love to return--my 1000th post on this blog was about that visit), my bucket list for the letter F is the Falkland Island.  This small British archipelago is made up of two main islands and have a population a less than three thousand, most are descendants of Scots and Welsh settlers.  The people on the Falklands make their living from the sea and from farming (primarily sheep).  I might not have known much about them, but back in 1982, there was a “splendid little war” in the Falklands after Argentina (who claims the islands) invade.  Britain put together a fleet and in a war that was mostly involved naval and air warfare, retook the Falkland Islands.  More soldiers and sailors were on the island than residents.  There were 900 deaths, equivalent to 1/3 of the population.  The islands location in the South Atlantic provide for unique wildlife habitat, especially birds and sea mammals.  I would spent my time on the island hiking and birding (especially penguins).  Supposedly, the town of Stanley (the main town on the islands) has exciting nightlife, but I would believe it when I see it.   The idea of renting an isolated cabin and holding up for a month or two beyond the internet, eating seafood and lamb while writing a book also sounds enticing.
Kelp Goose

Rock-hopper Penguins 
The easiest way to reach the Falklands is to fly from Chili.  Argentine is closer but since they still claim the islands, there are no friendly contacts.  The island is also a stopping point for excursions for the Antarctic.  To learn more about visiting the Falklands, click here.


What remote places would you like to visit?

20 comments:

  1. Sounds like a lovely place to visit! Peaceful.

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  2. I know as much about the falklands as I just read in your summary of the war in this post. I'm sure there is a much more interesting story about that if I were to search. But I need another book for my pile like I need another hole in my head!

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    1. I have not read any books on it, but I remember the war and since moving here, have a friend who was in the British navy on a submarine and we've talked about it a few times

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  3. Replies
    1. The Falklands are also pretty stark, with rocky hills and a jagged coastline

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  4. I'm impressed by the size of those penguins - or maybe it's the camera angle. Either way, impressive photos of the Falklands.
    Congrats on your 1000the post! That's awesome, and you're way ahead of me after 6 (or maybe 7 - I lost track) years of blogging. =)

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  5. It looks like a beautiful place. I would love to see the penguins and other wildlife there too.

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  6. I never thought this isolated place worth fighting over. I bet Argentina could have negotiated for these islands but they foolishly decided to flex their muscles, which turned out to be pretty darn weak.

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    1. Interestingly, from what I read, Margaret Thatcher had suggested earlier in her cost-cutting reign about giving it to Argentina in order to save money, but the war changed that. It does seem like a lot of people died for what happened.

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  7. The issue with the Falklands as dealt with in the UK and Europe generally was the Cold War strategic one. It became a fairly open secret that the old oceanic cable network was being used as a tool to keep track on Soviet subs. But I think the geopolitical game where NATO didn't want the narrows controlled by countries friendly to the USSR.
    Me. I'd like to see Shackleton's grave on South Georgia. My ex gf has been down that ways quite a bit.

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  8. I remember that little Falkland Islands war! Thanks for bringing it to mind again. Strange how what is one day news everywhere, is suddenly past and forgotten. France I've visited several time. Finland never and Falklands would be very interesting to see. Loving your travelog of the future.

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  9. It would be worth it just to see those penguins!

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  10. The images are beautiful. I think I'm partial to beach scenes these days.

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  11. Yes! I would love to take the fam to the Falklands. Gota love those penguins.

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  12. How beautiful! I'd go for the birds alone, the beauty would be the icing on the cake!

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  13. Such lovely creatures and a gorgeous land! This A-Z on the globe is really fun.

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  14. I was surprised to read the Falklands War was that long ago.

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