Have you seen 9avin's photo of the goat in a red jumper? It's become something of a talisman for the web team here. Our good luck charm, mascot even.
If you haven't seen it yet, check it out. 9avin sent it in as part of our mini photo competition based on the theme 'Red'.
If giant insects are more your scene, check out the Koringkriek snapped by Tokoloshe. I was reminded of Japanese horror movies from the '60s. Tokoloshe's gallery of Kgalagadi wildlife focuses on the little creatures and makes a big impression.
That's just the tip of the iceberg though. Literally. Check out some other great photos, including austinmini's terrific set of photos from an Icelandic Adventure, in our photography section.
I know I say it every week but I love flicking through the new Just Back From section.
Philipjolly just got back from Bangladesh. He says avoid the night buses out of Chittagong and find yourself an English speaking rickhshaw driver in Dhaka. He has phone numbers, in case you're interested.
Carodragon just got back from two and a half weeks in the Outer Hebrides. She recommends South Loch, one of Lewis' 'secret' destinations. It's her fifth visit to the island so it's safe to say she knows what she is talking about.
Gilbert suggests swimming with whales in the Dominican Republic. Garymarsh6 recommends checking out the whirling dervishes in Istanbul. Antipodean reprobate KiwiJonesy just got back from Lac d'Annecy where he ate a lot of cheese and drank a lot of wine. His bag, apparently, is in Helsinki.
Over on the forum, Sergeant Pluck has grasped the role of agent provocateur posting two thought-provoking posts.
The first post addresses the age old question: "What exactly makes a cheesy travel photo?"
Pluck is totally over long-exposure water shots. Rhoda1 can't bear photos of folk in front of famous travel icons (her reasoning – you've just shown me a photo of the Colosseum, so I already know you've been there). Others slammed photos of family members 'holding' the Taj Mahal or 'pushing' the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I know they represent a David Brent-style cringeworthy 'zaniness' but I've always had a soft spot for them. I'm sad like that.
On a slightly related note, make sure you check out www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com. Always good for a laugh – especially on a slow Friday.
Pluck's other post addresses more serious concerns. In response to our list of Endangered Destinations for 2011, he asks the question: "How much responsibility should the media take for the plight of these places?”
It's a good question and it's stirred up some lively debate. Which, if I may so, is what we hoped the list would do when we published it.
Mattyboy876 has inadvertently started a Travellers Anonymous group by baldly stating "Hello my name is Matthew and I'm a travel addict."
Judging by the response on the forum he's not alone. MyWanderlusters were lining up to admit that they too were slaves to the crack that is travel (I must admit I silently raised my hand here in the office).
It's not just all tears and moral support though. Liz Cleere raised an interesting point – what exactly is it that we are addicted too?
Elsewhere pennyeulet is looking for people to travel with to New York, BevFlatman is looking for advice on campervans in New Zealand and denhamj wants to know if Baja California and the Copper Canyon are safe for solo travellers. Can you help them out?
Well, that's all from me this week. I'm out the door and off to Prague with the Adventurists. I'll be joining one of the teams taking part in their annual Mongol Rally.
If I enjoy myself too much my next dispatch could be coming to you from Ulan Bator...
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