A Distant Place

Pukapuka is a coral atoll in the Cook Islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most remote islands of the Cook Islands. It is a triangular atoll with three islets with three small islets threaded on a reef, which encloses a beautifully clear lagoon. Together, the 3 islets comprise little more than 3 square kilometers of land area, yet on this small island an ancient culture and distinct language developed over many centuries.

The entire population is said to be descended from just 15 adults and an unknown number of children who survived a catastrophic storm and tidal wave (tsunami) over 300 years ago. 664 people inhabited the island as of the 2001 census.

Pukapuka is a place beyond the reach of the faintest echo from the noisy clamour of the civilised world. To this day Pukapuka is one of the most untouched and secluded places in the Cook Islands.

Couple of Pukapukan phrases:

• PEWEA: Hello, how are you? 
• KO LELEI WUA: I'm fine 
• ATA WAI WOLO: Hello/Thank you  

Mountain Troll Cabins

Norwegians have their own way of going green, and quite literally. For hundreds of years houses in Norway have been covered with turf. And they come in different varieties. Some are bright green and almost velvety. Others are golden and look like they’re growing wheat or oats. A number of turf roofs have flowers mixed in with the grass, and a few have small trees.

A smooth surface like a lawn or a green roof tend to absorb noise rather than reflect them as do other materials or construction.Also studies by German professor, Gernot Minke have shown that green roofs can reduce the effects of electromagnetic radiation.

The advantages of turf roofs (also called sod roofs) are many. They are very heavy, so they help to stabilize the house; they provide good insulation; and they are long-lasting.

Green Roofs in Norway have become a long-standing tradition, and it’s not common to see them dotting the country’s landscape – or in this case, essentially melding with the landscape. During the Viking and Middle Ages most houses had sod roofs, and in rural areas sod roofs were almost universal until the beginning of the 18th century. Tile roofs, which appeared much earlier in towns and on rural manors, gradually superseded sod roofs except in remote inland areas during the 19th century. While the tradition declined and almost became extinct with the introduction of corrugated iron and other industrial materials, steadfast national romantics revived the vernacular tradition. The renaissance of green roofs was also boosted by a growing interest in open air museums, mountain retreats, vacation homes and the preservation movement, and in turn many cultural and commercial institutions have integrated these roofs into the core of their design as an alternative to modern materials.

Every year, since 2000, an award has been given to the best green roof project in Scandinavia.

Green Life in a Tiny House

Dee Williams wanted a simpler, greener life - so she built her dream house, an 84-square-foot cottage on wheels, which is currently parked in a friend's backyard. Not only did she save money using salvaged materials (the front door came from a dumpster, for instance), but the entire house is small enough to fit into a standard parking spot. Says Williams, 'Right now, there's nowhere else I want to be.'

Williams’ trailer cottage is surprisingly roomy inside, largely thanks to its clever use of height. For example, Williams’ bed is in a loft above her kitchen.

Williams is proud to have fulfilled her goal of minimizing her ecological footprint. Her monthly heating bill is $6 and, thanks to solar panels, her electricity is free. Her approach goes against the national trend: Americans consume 40 percent of the world’s oil and 23 percent of its coal.

Google Maps Mania

Google maps satellite imagery is stunning. Even though we do not have time or dedication to travel around the world, google Earth maps can indulge our sense of adventure.
Here is a small collection of animal sightings. Most of them are from the National Geographic project "Africa Megaflyoer".

BIRDS

Birds in Colomiers, France. Coordinates: 43°37'47.57"N,1°20'28.49"E

White Birds sitting in a tree in Africa, east of Lubale. Coordinates: 0°13'7.95"N, 33°22'49.34"E

WHALES

Whales in Hervey Bay, Australia. Coordinates: 24°37'19.53"S, 153°17'30.00"E

ELEPHANTS

Small herd of Elephants in Africa. Coordinates: 10 54'13.84"N, 19 56'6.13"E

Another Herd of elephants. White bird joins in too. Coordinates: 10°54'13.16"N, 19°55'59.67"E

HIPPOS

Large pod of Hippos taking a bath. Coordinates: 6 37'46.20"S, 31 08'12.96"E

More African Hippos. Synchronized swimming? Coordinates: 12°10'55.15"S, 32°17'42.17"E

CAMELS

Camels, Donkeys and People Coordinates: 15°17'54.44"N, 19°25'46.66"E

Camels: Coordinates:  15°17'40.39"N, 20°28'47.38"E

SEALS

Seals. Coordinates: 18°26'45.41"S, 12° 0'44.23"E

HUMANS

This old African village town is made of slabs of salt cake. Coordinates:  19° 0'9.04"N,  12°53'36.06"E

Houses 2  Coordinates: 13° 1'12.07"N,  15°48'35.47"E

Have a stunning picture from google earth? Comment below!