The Unscripted Life

26/12/2020

26/12/2020

02/11/2020

04/09/2020

This time we are hopping on a 6E flight to go on a magical journey around the world. Come join us.6e

25/08/2020

"What is this lively place?" asked Scorch. Verum replied, "This is Manhattan’s Greenwich Village area, known as the Bohemian (avant-garde) capital and the happy place of artists. It is where artists feel that they can freely express themselves. Back in the 1920s and 1930s, actors, dancers, and singers gathered here to perform at the Vaudeville Theatre and make their name in the industry." "We must visit the jazz clubs here and listen to some good jazz music," said Orak. "And the IFC Centre, too, please! They show amazing documentary films," said Verum. The Mysticals clicked many photographs with the fine buildings of Greenwich Village.

24/08/2020

"Today, I want to visit the Wall Street," said Verum. "What’s that?" asked Scorch. "It is a street in the Lower Manhattan area of NYC. It perhaps takes its name from an earthen wall built here by the Dutch in 1653 as prevention against an expected English invasion. Even before the American civil war started, the street was considered the nation’s financial capital. The Wall Street District (or the Financial District) houses great financial institutions like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the NYSE Amex Equities, headquarters of various investment banks, brokerage firms, and the likes," replied Verum. The four went gaga looking at the elite buildings here and the formally dressed people that marched in and out of them, shouting numbers on their phones and sipping espresso!

23/08/2020

As soon as the Mysticals saw the Niagara Falls and set their curious eyes on the roaring water, their jaws dropped to the ground! Before Verum, Orak, or Scorch could stop him, Felix flew close to the falls and tried to touch its water. But the mere sound of 1,50,000 gallons of water diving from a height of over 30 m scared him and he said, "Nope," and went back to the helicopter. Then Orak asked the others, "Did you know that Ontario in Canada and New York in the USA both share the falls? There’s a Rainbow Bridge between the two, in case you want to cross into the other country. All you need is your passport!" "I could listen to the falls all day! It’s pure paradise," said Scorch.

22/08/2020

When the Mysticals arrived at the Guggenheim Museum, they were stunned by its unique shape. Felix thought that it looked like a stack of giant white onion rings. Then Verum looked into her crystal ball and explained, "The museum was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. And when it was completed in 1959, some critics made fun of it and others praised it." "How could anyone ever dislike the design of this museum? It’s so much nicer to look at than a regular square-shaped one!" thought Scorch. Orak added, "It is said that people are more fascinated by the way this museum looks rather than the masterpieces it has inside by Picasso, van Gogh, Po***ck, Monet, and Degas." The four spent quite a few hours here, admiring every masterpiece which caught their eyes.

19/08/2020

"I want to see the Grand Central Terminal today. That’s where Alex, Gloria, and Melman were caught, trying to catch Marty who was trying to run away to Connecticut, in the Madagascar movie," said Felix. And that’s how the Mysticals landed here. "It’s beautiful!" said Scorch, looking at the station. "I agree. After all, it is decorated with Italian-marble ticket counters and Tennessee-marble floors. The ceiling of its main concourse has 12 constellations painted in gold leaf, plus 2,500 stars!" explained Verum in an excited tone. "Look at the clock there!" pointed Felix. "Ah, yes. That is one of Grand Central’s main attractions - the four-faced opal clock. It is the meeting point of New Yorkers, for they often say, ‘meet me at the clock’, and since it is above the Information Booth, hundreds of questions are answered here every day," said Orak.

19/08/2020

"I want to see the Grand Central Terminal today. That’s where Alex, Gloria, and Melman were caught, trying to catch Marty who was trying to run away to Connecticut, in the Madagascar movie," said Felix. And that’s how the Mysticals landed here. "It’s beautiful!" said Scorch, looking at the station. "I agree. After all, it is decorated with Italian-marble ticket counters and Tennessee-marble floors. The ceiling of its main concourse has 12 constellations painted in gold leaf, plus 2,500 stars!" explained Verum in an excited tone. "Look at the clock there!" pointed Felix. "Ah, yes. That is one of Grand Central’s main attractions - the four-faced opal clock. It is the meeting point of New Yorkers, for they often say, ‘meet me at the clock’, and since it is above the Information Booth, hundreds of questions are answered here every day," said Orak.

18/08/2020

Upon reaching the Rockefeller Center, Felix looked at the elevated buildings around him and asked, "What is this place?" "You can call it a 22-acre city within a city. It took nine years to build this America’s first multiuse retail, office, and entertainment space. There are a total of 19 buildings in this group," said Verum. "And what's this statue?" asked Felix. Orak replied, "That's Atlas. He was a half-man, half-god giant from Greek mythology and was a Titan. After the Titans were defeated by the Olympic Gods, Atlas had to carry the world on his shoulders as punishment." "Whoa! He looks so heroic," exclaimed Scorch.

17/08/2020

After seeing the man-made attractions of New York City, the Mysticals wished to see a little of nature. So, Verum suggested that they go to Central Park in Manhattan. On reaching the park, Felix said, "Whoa, it’s so big! And because of all this snow, I feel like I'm in some winter wonderland!" Orak read from his travel book, "We can ski on the wide-open meadows of the park and do ice skating in the Wollman Rink or Lasker Rink. We must also visit the Central Park Zoo to meet the cute seals, sea lions, penguins, and snow leopards. And then, we'll go sledding on Pilgrim Hill or Cedar Hill on the fresh snow!" Verum added, "We'll also stop by the Bethesda Terrace, see the Bethesda Fountain, and climb the Belvedere Castle for a great view of the park."

16/08/2020

"'Whoa! This part of NYC is so full of life," said Felix. "I agree. The skyscrapers are twinkling as if hugged by a billion fireflies. And look at all those big LCD screens attached to the buildings! They’re changing their display almost every minute,’ said Scorch, falling in love with where she was. "This is the famous Times Square, guys! It’s the intersection area of the Seventh Ave and Broadway. Originally, it was called ‘the Long Acre Square’. It is considered the best place on Earth to spend New Year’s Eve," said Orak. "Why New Year’s Eve?" asked Felix. "There’s this ceremony that takes place where a massive New Year’s Eve ball goes down from the One Times Square building, as soon as the clock strikes 12 on the 31st of December, every year. Countless people gather here to witness the event and celebrate!" explained Orak.

16/08/2020

"'Whoa! This part of NYC is so full of life," said Felix. "I agree. The skyscrapers are twinkling as if hugged by a billion fireflies. And look at all those big LCD screens attached to the buildings! They’re changing their display almost every minute,’ said Scorch, falling in love with where she was. "This is the famous Times Square, guys! It’s the intersection area of the Seventh Ave and Broadway. Originally, it was called ‘the Long Acre Square’. It is considered the best place on Earth to spend New Year’s Eve," said Orak. "Why New Year’s Eve?" asked Felix. "There’s this ceremony that takes place where a massive New Year’s Eve ball goes down from the One Times Square building, as soon as the clock strikes 12 on the 31st of December, every year. Countless people gather here to witness the event and celebrate!" explained Orak.

15/08/2020

"Wow, that’s a reallyyy tall building, guys!" said Felix, looking at the Empire State Building from the helicopter. Orak replied, "That’s right, Felix. Did you know that it is the world’s first 100+ storey building? There are altogether 102 storeys! And here’s the cool part: its construction took only one year and 45 days and was ready to open its doors in 1930." Verum added, "The big mural on the lobby’s ceiling shows a celestial sky adorned with 23-carat gold stars, gears, and sunburst. At night, its 200-foot crowning spire illuminates by the tower lights which twinkle with an ever-changing combination of colours!" "Do people live here?" asked Felix. "Not really, Felix. There are offices of big companies in this tall tower," said Orak.

14/08/2020

The Mysticals boarded a ferry and went to see the Statue of Liberty first, before they could see any other icon of New York City. Verum said, "This mammoth structure was designed in 1865 by French intellectual, Édouard de Laboulaye, as a monument to the republican principles shared by the USA and France. Then the French sculptor, Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, came here in 1871 to select the site. He went to Paris and worked on the 46-m-tall figure for over 10 years. He then shipped the statue to New York, erected it on a small island, and presented it to the public in 1886. The structure has an iron skeleton designed by Gustave Eiffel (the genius who created the Eiffel Tower) and a copper skin fixed to it by flexible metal bars." Scorch was amazed by how elegant the statue looked. "Can we get a closer view of the statue?" asked Felix. "Of course! We can buy tickets, climb its 162 steps, and admire its making from the inside," replied Orak.

13/08/2020

"After being amidst nature in Finland, I wish to see tall skyscrapers, different cultures, art, and an urban scene," said Orak. Verum looked into her crystal ball and said, "How about we visit New York City then? To art lovers, it offers the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). You can experience being in different continents at the same time due to the 200+ cultures that live here. One minute you're slurping hot, spicy noodles in Chinatown, and the next, you're tasting coffees in the upscale area of Nolita! The city's icons like the tall Empire State Building, the long Brooklyn Bridge, the multiuse space of Rockefeller Center, the Financial District of Wall Street, and the lovely Statue of Liberty never fail to impress anyone. And while we're there, we must definitely attend a show in the many theatres of Broadway, watch a ballet performance, hear jazz musicians play, and enjoy a music concert in Williamsburg." Orak replied, "That sounds splendid! Let's go to NYC." Verum added, "Scorch, I think you'll love NYC, too, since it's very well known for its food. It's also a fashion capital, famous for its prestigious event, the New York Fashion Week!" Scorch replied, "I'm in!" The four then landed on the Brooklyn Bridge, ready to explore the city of dreams.

13/08/2020

"After being amidst nature in Finland, I wish to see tall skyscrapers, different cultures, art, and an urban scene," said Orak. Verum looked into her crystal ball and said, "How about we visit New York City then? To art lovers, it offers the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). You can experience being in different continents at the same time due to the 200+ cultures that live here. One minute you're slurping hot, spicy noodles in Chinatown, and the next, you're tasting coffees in the upscale area of Nolita! The city's icons like the tall Empire State Building, the long Brooklyn Bridge, the multiuse space of Rockefeller Center, the Financial District of Wall Street, and the lovely Statue of Liberty never fail to impress anyone. And while we're there, we must definitely attend a show in the many theatres of Broadway, watch a ballet performance, hear jazz musicians play, and enjoy a music concert in Williamsburg." Orak replied, "That sounds splendid! Let's go to NYC." Verum added, "Scorch, I think you'll love NYC, too, since it's very well known for its food. It's also a fashion capital, famous for its prestigious event, the New York Fashion Week!" Scorch replied, "I'm in!" The four then landed on the Brooklyn Bridge, ready to explore the city of dreams.

10/08/2020

The four Mysticals have been traveling around the world and discovering something new everyday. Scorch has decided to start her own video channel to document their adventures and learning. This is what they did in Turkey! Don't forget to subscribe to MysticLand TV on YouTube.
Go Turkey

The four very excited Mysticals made their way to Turkey and spent an entire day at the Hagia Sophia. Here is Scorch's report on their adventure.

03/08/2020

"It's our last day in Finland. Let's make it super special!" said Scorch. "How about we visit Santa Claus, then?" suggested Orak. "He's in Finland today?" asked Felix with joy. Verum replied, "Yes! And every other day. His office in the city of Rovaniemi is open all through the year and you can go in to meet him and chat with him!" Felix said, "Then, in that case, I'm going to tell Santa what I want for Christmas this year." Orak said, "Sure, Felix. We can even ask him to sing a few carols for us since he loves singing. And later, I'd love to go for a ride on his sledge with his reindeer!" Once the Mysticals reached Rovaniemi, they spent quality time with Santa and even clicked a photograph with him.

02/08/2020

"Everybody pack your sleeping bags! We'll sleep under the stars tonight!" said Verum with joy. "Sleep under the stars? Let's do it!" replied Felix with a whole new level of happiness. The Mysticals then reached Lapland, as planned. "So, why are we sleeping under the stars today?" asked Scorch. "To see the Northern Lights! Or as they call it 'the Aurora Borealis'. It's a natural light display in the sky which is seen especially in the polar regions. They occur when charged particles from the sun enter Earth's magnetic field and crash into the atoms in our atmosphere, many small light-bulb-like things called photons. This light display is a mixture of red, green, pink, and purple. It's so beautiful that millions of people across the world come to Finland just to see these lights!" Then Felix suddenly screamed, "Everyone, look! It has started! The sky is lit with the pretties colours ever!"

31/07/2020

"Let's go see Finland's natural beauty," suggested Felix. Orak looked at the country's map and said, "Here. Urho Kekkonen National Park. Let's go here," and opened a portal to the national park. "We can trek here!" said Scorch with excitement. Verum replied, "Yes, we can. This very large national park is home to wolverines, bears, golden eagles, and thousands of reindeer! When we're tired, we can rest in a jungle hut for a while. Our trek will be blessed with amazing sights of the Rumakuru Gorge, Pääsiäiskuru Gorge, the old Suomunruoktu hut, the Sokosti Fell (the highest hill in the Urho Kekkonen National Park), and the Luirojärvi Lake." On reaching the lake, Felix immediately dived in to wash away his fatigue.

30/07/2020

"We're in Finland and we ought to see a castle. Can you look into your crystal ball and find one?" Scorch asked Verum. Verum replied, "My crystal ball shows me the Turku Castle which has stood over the river Aura estuary since the 1280s. It says here that it has been a defensive bastion, a majestic court, an administrative centre, a prison, a storehouse and a guardhouse. In the 17th century, Per Brahe, the Swedish nobility, ruled Finland from here. The exhibition of the castle will show us the castle's history." Once they reached there, Orak said, "It is the largest fortress of Finland and so, there's a lot to see here. We must remember to visit the Children’s Castle Knight’s Hall where we'll get to dress as knights and princesses and know what it's like to be in a medieval court! It even has a Mini-court, Castle Workshop, the Castle-Elf’s treasure chamber." Felix said with joy, "I can't wait to see it from the inside!"

29/07/2020

Scorch was flipping through Orak's travel book to know more about Finland. Suddenly she screamed, "No way! A snow castle???" Verum and Orak rushed in to find out why Scorch scream. Then Scorch held the book up and showed them the page which had a photo of a snow castle. Verum smiled and said, "That's Lumilinna, the snow castle of Kemi. It is a Lapland winter highlight!" Excited to see it, the Mysticals ran to Kemi. On seeing the castle, Felix wondered, "Wouldn't the snow castle melt after winter is over?" Orak replied, "Absolutely! That is why, this snow castle is rebuilt every year, that too, with a different architectural design. Inside, you'll find adorable snow sculptures, a cosy hotel, a restaurant, and a chapel. The temperature in the snow castle is always around -5°C!" Scorch looked at the white, gorgeous castle and said, "It's the perfect fairy-tale wonderland. Let's go in!"

28/07/2020

"Today, we're getting on a ferry!" said Verum enthusiastically. "Why? Where are we going?" asked Felix. Verum replied, "To see Suomenlinna, the sea fortress of Helsinki! It comprises of six islands which can only be accessed by sea and was built around the mid-18th century. We'll visit many museums and see the fancy fortress walls and the country's last remaining WWII submarine. We can even have a picnic on its unending patches of green grass. Also, we'll get to see the Russian church built in 1854 which doubles as a lighthouse for both sea and air traffic! When we're there, we mustn't miss seeing the Monumental King's Gate which was built around 1754 as a two-floor fortress wall with a double drawbridge and a stairway. We must also walk through the fortress's secret tunnels." "It sounds like a fun place," said Orak. Then Felix and Scorch said in unison, "Let's get going already!"

27/07/2020

"One more, one more! Let's see one more cathedral of Helsinki!" screamed Felix with excitement. So, Verum looked into her crystal ball and said, "All right. Yesterday, we saw a white cathedral and today, we'll see a red one! Come on, let's go!" The four then arrived at the Uspenski Cathedral. "What a beautiful church! And how unique it looks!" thought Scorch. Orak summoned a book from the MysticLand Elementia library and read, "This is the Uspenski Cathedral built in 1868. Its classic golden onion domes with red-brick walls shows the impact of Russian architecture on Finnish history." The Mysticals spent quite a lot of time admiring its beautiful exterior.

26/07/2020

"We're in Helsinki right now, the capital city of Finland. Let's go see it!" said Scorch with joy. Then Verum looked into her crystal ball and said, "How about we see the Helsinki Cathedral today? It has become the symbol of the city and a landmark for those arriving by sea." Felix flew towards Verum and nodded his head with a big smile. When the four reached the Cathedral, they immediately fell in love with it and couldn't believe that it was built all the way back in 1852. Then Orak read from his book, "This chalk-white neoclassical church with a large green dome surrounded by smaller domes was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel. Sculptures of the 12 Apostles (the group of early Christians who travelled around the world, telling people about Jesus Christ) placed on the cathedral's roof guard the city. The interior has a subtle decoration with three statues of reformation heroes like Martin Luther, Mikael Agricola, and Philipp Melanchthon." After seeing the cathedral, the Mysticals took a lovely photo with it.

25/07/2020

The Mysticals were lounging in their dorm room in MysticLand Elementia when Verum jumped up and said, "I say that we go up north next! I don't think we've seen the cold, northern region of Earth." Then Orak quickly opened up Earth's map and said, "I see a beautiful country here called 'Finland' located high up north." Verum looked into her crystal ball and said, "Finland is named 'the happiest country in the world'! It is famous for: a charming network of national parks filled with really tall trees; 1,88,000 blue lakes; winter which brings in snow, Northern Lights, a sledge ride steered by dogs or reindeer, and the opportunity to stay in a hotel made of ice; and the chance to meet Santa Claus in his office all year round!" "This place sounds like a winter wonderland, Verum! Let's go see this magical country," said Scorch, hurriedly packing her bags for Finland. Orak then opened a portal and brought everyone to Finland.

24/07/2020

When the Mysticals arrived at Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, they walked through its natural tunnel created by countless bamboo trees on either side. "This emerald green tunnel of bamboo trees is so cool. And it makes the air so clean and refreshing!" said Felix, pointing his wand at a very bright green tree. Verum said, "We must reach the top of the grove and rest at the Okochi-Sanso Villa there. In the villa's teahouse, we'll be served a Japanese sweet treat and some hot matcha tea. There's also a Nonomiya Shrine here where daughters of the Imperial family used to purify themselves before turning into shrine maidens at Ise Jingu. Maybe that's why this shrine is considered the most important shrine in Japan." At the end of the trip, the Mysticals bought quirky bamboo goods made from the bamboo of the grove.