Episode 1/26

@ Moscow, St Basil's Cathedral
Ray Charles and George now know where to find Fantastic Buildings, as they have been given a free map! Before unfolding it, they read the cover:
Icon
A tour of the world in miniature awaits the pets on this exciting part of their travels! They will visit some far-away continents and see iconic architecture from the US, Canada, Australia, Asia and Europe. Some locations will be very familiar—others perhaps less so!
Moscow, St Basil's Cathedral
Located in Red Square, this unique building is one of the most famous landmarks not only in Russia, but in the world. Building was completed in 1561.

Episode 2/26

@ Sydney Opera House, NSW, Australia
"There are so many bucket list places here, aren't there, Ray Charles?" said Flutter. "I think we're so lucky to be able to tour the world in miniature, as it were!"
"I agree, Flutter," said Ray Charles.
Sydney Opera House, NSW, Australia
After an international design competition launched in 1955, won by a Danish architect in 1957, construction of the building (in the Expressionist style) was finally completed and the building formally opened in October 1973.

Episode 3/26

@ Toronto, Canada
“Do you think we should try and learn a new language, you know, of one of the places we're visiting, Ray Charles?” asked ypmblessed.
"Well, it's a good idea for the long winter evenings ahead, but which one would we go for?" asked Ray Charles. "One of the European tongues? Or perhaps Japanese? Which language is easiest to learn?"
"Esperanto," said ypmblessed, choosing another toffee from the bag.
Ray Charles frowned and studied the route map. "I don't think we're going to E-Esperanzia—Esp-erantino—what's the country called?"
Toronto, Canada
The most highly populated city in Canada (around 3m people). Originally called York, it was renamed Toronto in 1834. Over 160 languages are spoken in the city. It is famous for its high-rise buildings and skyscrapers. The most famous of these is the CN Tower, an icon of the city, standing at 1815.3 ft (553 m). CN stands for Canadian National, the railway company that built it.

Episode 4/26

@ Gateway Arch in St Louis, Missouri
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Ray Charles," said Ugie, "for this experience alone?" Ray Charles, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Gateway Arch in St Louis, Missouri
Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri

Episode 5/26

@ Thanksgiving Chapel, Dallas, Texas
Ray Charles was very happy to meet Dai here! They both swapped tales of their experiences of their travels so far!
Thanksgiving Chapel, Dallas, Texas
The spiralling stained glass windowed ceiling of the Thanks Giving Chapel recreates the Fibonacci sequence in Dallas, Texas

Episode 6/26

@ Tyskebryggen, Bergen, Norway
“I could stay here forever, Ray Charles,” said mucki. “This is an amazing place!” “Well, you never know what lies ahead, mucki. I wouldn't be surprised if the next stop is even better!” said Ray Charles.
Tyskebryggen, Bergen, Norway
Bryggen has for centuries been a lively and central part of the city. The pier has been ravaged by many fires and the great fire in 1702 left the whole town in ashes. When the buildings were rebuilt, the old building pattern was followed so that Bryggen's profile stands as it has stood since the 12th century, untouched by changing times. The pier in Bergen was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List of Common Cultural Heritage in 1979 and Bergen then became a World Heritage City. It was said that Bryggen shows a unique cultural tradition about how the Hanseatics in the 14th century used Bryggen as a trade centre and housing. Hidden behind the iconic facade of Bryggen is a secret world of passages, small shops, galleries and studios. In the former warehouses and Hanseatic offices, designers and artists have now taken over. The ships to and from Norway have been replaced with textile design, jewellery design, illustration, knitting, photography, books—and a cosy cafe.

Episode 7/26

@ Porvoo, Finland
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Ray Charles," said George, "for this experience alone?" Ray Charles, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Porvoo, Finland
Porvoo is the second oldest city in Finland and is located 30 miles from the capital, Helsinki. Its red shore houses are well-known landmarks, and were once used to store merchandise and exotic delicacies from distant lands. With traditional cobblestone streets, the town is home to and inspiration to artists, it is famous for its cuisine, and it has some famous chocolate makers!

Episode 8/26

@ Copenhagen, Denmark
“Seeing these places makes me want to go to there and spend a week or two, Ray Charles,” remarked Alice HopHop.
"Well, I guess that's the point of travel, isn't it?" said Ray Charles. "To broaden your horizons and so on."
Copenhagen, Denmark
Axel Towers Copenhagen, Denmark. Axel Towers Copenhagen is an abstract contemporary architectural office building and consists of five cylindrical towers made of metal, copper and glass.

Episode 9/26

@ Haga, Gothenburg, Sweden
Ray Charles is enjoying Fantastic Buildings when star comes along. "Look! A special prize!" says star. Ray Charles looks down and sees something valuable. star generously lets Ray Charles keep it!
Purple Gothic Window
Keep a sense of privacy but still allow sunlight to shine through any window with this exquisitely crafted gothic-style purple stained glass window.
Haga, Gothenburg, Sweden
An historic area of Sweden, this 19th-century worker's district is now lined with shops. Haga is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Gothenburg. The pedestrian street Haga Nygata is lined with well-preserved houses, many in the characteristic Gothenburg style called "landshövdingehus" with one floor in brick and the rest in wood. Today they house plenty of independent shops and cafés.

Episode 10/26

@ Hagalund, Sweden
Arvin looked at the previous stop on their map. “I didn't even know that place existed, Ray Charles, and I feel I should have done!”
"What, the whole country?" said Ray Charles.
"No, silly! That particular place. Still, I know about it now!"
Hagalund, Sweden
This locality is very near to Stockholm. It is known for the blue highrise buildings "Blåkulla" which, against a rather strong and long-lasting opinion, in the beginning of the 1970s replaced a picturesque working-class and craftsman neighbourhood built in the 1890s and portrayed by artist Olle Olsson Hagalund.

Episode 11/26

@ Musée du Louvre, Paris
“Seeing these places makes me want to go to there and spend a week or two, Ray Charles,” remarked Barista.
"Well, I guess that's the point of travel, isn't it?" said Ray Charles. "To broaden your horizons and so on."
Musée du Louvre, Paris
The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and an historic monument in Paris, France. A central landmark of the city, it is located on the right bank of the Seine in the city's 1st arrondissement. Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is the most popular attraction.

Episode 12/26

@ Temple, Beijing, PR China
“What have you got in your tote bag, Flip Flop Flap?” asked Ray Charles. “It looks very full!” “I’ve come prepared for anything, Ray Charles,” responded Flip Flop Flap. “There’s deck shoes, snowshoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, flippers, walking boots, Wellington boots—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Temple, Beijing, PR China
Beijing is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its history can be traced back 3000 years. It’s about as old as London, six times older than New York, and ten times older than Sydney. The city retains a wealth of historical sites, Beijing’s long and rich history has left behind an abundant historic and cultural heritage, including seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Ming Tombs, Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian and the Grand Canal.

Episode 13/26

@ North Jakarta, Indonesia
Felix examined the current scenery open-mouthed. “I must say, Ray Charles, I had no idea things could look like this in—what's this country again, Ray Charles?”
Grinning, Ray Charles told him. "I'm sure it doesn't all look like this, though!"
North Jakarta, Indonesia
This lively and colourful container port also has a passenger ferry. Not far away is the VOC Shipyard, dating back to 1628. This is the former trade office and ship repair of the East Indies Trade Company. It was the centre of the trade routes that stretched from Japan to Cape Town, from the Spice Islands to Persia. The place is now a restaurant, also called the VOC (Very Old Café), but still maintains historical interest.

Episode 14/26

@ Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh, Agra, India
From across the road, LILJE surveyed the current stop on their map. “Would you fancy living there, Ray Charles?”
"Well, it's certainly a bit different to where we live," said Ray Charles. "But I could get used to it, I daresay!"
Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh, Agra, India
An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.

Episode 15/26

@ Petra, Jordan
“Do you think we should try and learn a new language, you know, of one of the places we're visiting, Ray Charles?” asked nicki.
"Well, it's a good idea for the long winter evenings ahead, but which one would we go for?" asked Ray Charles. "One of the European tongues? Or perhaps Japanese? Which language is easiest to learn?"
"Esperanto," said nicki, choosing another toffee from the bag.
Ray Charles frowned and studied the route map. "I don't think we're going to E-Esperanzia—Esp-erantino—what's the country called?"
Petra, Jordan
Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, where ancient Eastern traditions blend with Hellenistic architecture.

Episode 16/26

@ Mount Fuji, Japan
“Do you think we should try and learn a new language, you know, of one of the places we're visiting, Ray Charles?” asked Mittens.
"Well, it's a good idea for the long winter evenings ahead, but which one would we go for?" asked Ray Charles. "One of the European tongues? Or perhaps Japanese? Which language is easiest to learn?"
"Esperanto," said Mittens, choosing another toffee from the bag.
Ray Charles frowned and studied the route map. "I don't think we're going to E-Esperanzia—Esp-erantino—what's the country called?"
Mount Fuji, Japan
Japan’s Mount Fuji is an active volcano about 100 km (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo. Climbing Mount Fuji (3776 m/12388.45 ft) must be on many a bucket list! Most people try to time their ascent in order to witness the sunrise from the summit. It is recommended taking two days for the ascent and descent, with an overnight stay in a mountain hut. You may hear Mt Fuji being referred to as "Fuji-san"—"san" being a Japanese honorific and is a title of respect.

Episode 17/26

@ Incheon, South Korea
Ray Charles is admiring some Fantastic Buildings when Robby comes along. "Look! Another special prize!" says Robby. Ray Charles looks down and sees it. Robby generously lets Ray Charles keep it!
Green Gothic Window
Keep a sense of privacy but still allow sunlight to shine through any window with this exquisitely crafted gothic-style green stained glass window.
Incheon, South Korea
Sorae Ecology Park was formerly South Korea's largest salt field. It is now a tranquil park featuring salt marshes, migratory birds, observation areas and a nature centre. Incheon, a South Korean city near to the capital, Seoul, is a major transportation hub, with an ultramodern international airport, railway connections and its harbour is the starting point of many a boat tour.

Episode 18/26

@ Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand
Ray Charles was excited to meet up again with strips. They both took a moment to admire the amazing scene around them.
Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand
The Sanctuary of Truth is perhaps the most iconic structure in Pattaya. Intricately carved entirely from teak wood with no metal nails being used, the hall on the headland to the north of Wongamat Beach is a unique structure. Neither temple nor palace, despite looking like a hybrid of both, it was commissioned by a local business tycoon to act as a place of appreciation for philosophy, art, culture and faith, without being tied to a single religion.

Episode 19/26

@ Torun, Poland
“Do you think we should try and learn a new language, you know, of one of the places we're visiting, Ray Charles?” asked Leena.
"Well, it's a good idea for the long winter evenings ahead, but which one would we go for?" asked Ray Charles. "One of the European tongues? Or perhaps Japanese? Which language is easiest to learn?"
"Esperanto," said Leena, choosing another toffee from the bag.
Ray Charles frowned and studied the route map. "I don't think we're going to E-Esperanzia—Esp-erantino—what's the country called?"
Torun, Poland
Torun is a historical city on the Vistula River in north-central Poland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its Museum of Gingerbread, in which visitors can make gingerbread, guided by the master of bakery, a gingerbread witch and craftsmen.

Episode 20/26

@ Leiden, Netherlands
“Seeing these places makes me want to go to there and spend a week or two, Ray Charles,” remarked Lars.
"Well, I guess that's the point of travel, isn't it?" said Ray Charles. "To broaden your horizons and so on."
Leiden, Netherlands
The birthplace of Rembrandt, and with the second oldest university observatory in the world (founded in 1633) the city of Leiden with its countless beautiful museums, canals, and ‘hofjes’ or inner courtyards is well worth a visit. If you visit Leiden in spring, you will also find yourself in the centre of the flower-bulb region! Before setting sail to North America on the Mayflower, the Plymouth Colony Pilgrims lived and worked in Leiden for around 15 years. Their exodus from England eventually became one of the most important stories within American national history and their time in Leiden is memorialised at the city’s American Pilgrim Museum.

Episode 21/26

@ Barcelona, Spain
Chica looked at the previous stop on their map. “I didn't even know that place existed, Ray Charles, and I feel I should have done!”
"What, the whole country?" said Ray Charles.
"No, silly! That particular place. Still, I know about it now!"
Barcelona, Spain
View of Casa Mila, better known as La Pedrera, designed by Antoni Gaudi, the best exponent in modernist architecture.

Episode 22/26

@ Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England
Ray Charles and LoyaLloyd were entranced at reaching this stopping place and eagerly posed for a picture standing on either side of the new attraction they had just seen!
Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England
My family had a trip to Stonehenge when I was very young. I remember one could walk about the stones and even touch them. It was fenced off from the public in 1977, so one could only view the 5000-year-old monument from a distance of 10 yards. But intriguingly, it turns out the Neolithic folk who built Stonehenge wanted it fenced off from the riff-raff too, who couldn’t even see the site because of a huge wooden barrier! Archaeologists have found traces of the 20ft-high timber fence that snaked almost two miles across Salisbury Plain and hid sacred ceremonies from unworthy locals more than 5000 years ago. In other words, the tall fence kept the “lower classes” from seeing the activities of the “priestly classes”.

Episode 23/26

@ Mountjoy, Omagh, Northern Ireland
"This is an extremely varied tour, Ray Charles!" remarked Winter. "We're going from really grand edifices to small and cosy attractions!"
Mountjoy, Omagh, Northern Ireland
A wee gem of a working post office! Mountjoy Post Office is a very rural post office which has been at the heart of the community since the 1850s. Remarkably, it has been run by the same family for 113 years. Being at the heart of rural communities and giving them access to vital services is so important. This would not be possible without the incredible dedicated service provided by postmasters across the network.

Episode 24/26

@ Leadenhall Market, London, England
"I've bought so many souvenirs already my backpack's almost full!" said Noelle.
"Me too!" said Ray Charles. "It's great on this tour, isn't it?"
Leadenhall Market, London, England
Leadenhall is a thriving Victorian covered retail centre with a wide range of goods on sale. This market is one of the oldest markets in London, selling meat and fish as far back as the 14th century. The current green and red roof, however, was constructed in 1881 and made Leadenhall Market a popular attraction in London. Its cobbled walkways and glass roof make it an attractive place to shop, eat and drink or simply to relax. Famous visitors include John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Harry Potter! Leadenhall Market was the setting for Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter films.

Episode 25/26

@ Neuschwanstein, Bavaria, Germany
Ray Charles is considering the merits of another Fantastic Building when Sassy comes along. "Wow! That completes the set!" says Sassy. Ray Charles is amazed to have collected all three items!
Blue Gothic Window
Keep a sense of privacy but still allow sunlight to shine through any window with this exquisitely crafted gothic-style blue stained glass window.
Neuschwanstein, Bavaria, Germany
Few places on earth look more like a fairytale illustration! With its towers, turrets, frescoes and throne hall, Neuschwanstein (or Schloss Neuschwanstein, as it is called in German) looks like it was plucked straight from your favourite story book. Completed in 1892 the magnificent castle was opened to the public, where it quickly became, and remains, one of the region’s most visited attractions. King Ludwig, who had the castle built, was a great admirer and supporter of Wagner and the castle was built in his honour. Many rooms in the castle’s interior were inspired by Wagner’s characters. The third floor particularly reflects Ludwig’s admiration of Wagner’s operas.The Singers Hall, which occupies the entire fourth floor of Neuschwanstein also contains characters from Wagner’s operas. Neuschwanstein means “New Swan Castle” referencing the “Swan Knight”, one of the Wagner’s characters.

Episode 26/26

@ Icon
Ray Charles has seen enough buildings to plan his own town, and is tired out. Camo agrees it is time to go home and discuss which building they would most like to live in!
Icon
A tour of the world in miniature awaits the pets on this exciting part of their travels! They will visit some far-away continents and see iconic architecture from the US, Canada, Australia, Asia and Europe. Some locations will be very familiar—others perhaps less so!
Ray Charles has completed the quest! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can take part in "Fantastic Buildings"!