🏝️ The NYC Island No One Can Visit | Bulletin #120

This week: on island time 🍹

January 29, 2025

Famara Playa 📍 Lanzarote, Canary Islands 📸 Francesca Rauseo

Ever heard the phrase "Whistle while you work"? Well, on La Gomera in the Canary Islands, they take it literally, as "whistling" is the official language! Once used by shepherd to communicate over long-distance, the ancient Spanish dialect "Silbo Gomero" is making a comeback, thanks to its mandatory inclusion in island schools. We’re actually speaking it right now—can you hear it? 🎵

THIS WEEK IN AWA AWESOMENESS

🫶 Hey Santa Cruz
🛶 Historic havens in Slovenia
🚂 Hawaii train time
🏴‍☠️ X marks the spot

SANTA CRUZ EXHIBITION IS NOW OPEN

If you find yourself in California’s Santa Cruz County, by golly do we have some news! Accidentally Wes Anderson: Adventures in Santa Cruz is officially open for viewing at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. Go see AWA on display in a real life museum!

In Case You Missed It

While many of us are enduring the cold weather, we thought a tropical reading escape might be enjoyable, so we went searching for some island-themed treasures and think we’ve found the “X”. Just don’t forget to apply your sunscreen liberally!

🗽 An island in NYC you’ve never been to
🪑 The world’s largest porch
⚓️ The Bermuda triangle has been solved
🍹 The birth of the Piña Colada

Rātana Church 📍 Raetihi, New Zealand 📸 Alan Liefting

FROM FARM TO VILLAGE

In 1918, the son of Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana—a champion plowman and wheat stacker—fell terribly ill. The healing process of his son led to the birth of a new town: Rātana Pā.

Lake Bled📍 Bled, Slovenia 📸 Natalia Bolotskaya

ONLY ACCESSIBLE BY BOAT

Dedicated travelers have been making pilgrimages to Lake Bled for hundreds of years – specifically to the tiny church located on the tiny island at the center of the not-so-tiny Lake. Which, of course, is only accessible by boat.

Laupāhoehoe Train Museum📍 Laupāhoehoe, Hawaii 📸 Seamus McMahon

TRACK TO THE PAST

While no rails populate the Big Island these days, railways are still very much appreciated around these parts. Hop aboard on a ride through Hawai’i’s railroading past, and how one day in April will live in infamy.

97 PERCENT

That how much of the Galapagos Islands were declared a National Park (the country's first!) by the Ecuadorian Government. The other 3%? It's a strictly regulated area where local Galapagueños reside.

PS: Only one “post office” serves the entire volcanic archipelago. And by post office, we mean a literal wooden barrel where visitors leave unstamped letters hoping passing ships will deliver them. Current delivery time averages 3-6 months.

Hey! We know the beaches and palm trees are a lovely escape from your inbox but don’t forget: There’s a secret link to be found! With just a little effort, you could be the proud winner of an AWA Passport Holder to accompany you on all your international Adventures. We promise you can go back to your hammock after you find it 🍹