This is part 18 of the puzzle series Around the World in Many Days. Each part is solvable on its own.
Deаr Puzzling,
This is an I Have No Idea What I’m Doing crossword. The clues are a mix of 10 standard crossword clues, 11 cryptic clues and 10 printer’s devilry clues, in no particular order. “Sneak” answers (thin lines with circle at the top) are written downwards starting from the numbered cell. “Addler” answers (thick rectangular lines) climb upwards from the numbered cell as indicated. “Across” answers start from the bottom left corner and make their way upwards row by row, each sharing one or more letters with the previous answer. Note that this means that the answers on every second row are written right to left.
The large letters and cells shaded in dark grey form an Akari puzzle (also known as Light Up). The letters A to E in the grid stand for the numbers 0 to 4, each used exactly once. Figure out which letter correspond to which number and fill the grid by placing lamps in unshaded cells. A number in a cell indicates how many lamps are adjacent to that cell (horizontally or vertically). A lamp illuminates every cell it sees horizontally or vertically. Lamps cannot see through shaded cells. In the filled grid, every unshaded cell must be illuminated by at least one lamp, and no lamp must be illuminated by another lamp.
Today I have visited an important religious site. People have travelled far and wide to see this place for centuries, and I guess today it was my turn. Can you guess where I am?
Love, Gladys.
Akari on Penpa+
Crossword on Penpa+
Across
8a. Papers displaced in unexpected event, leading to stress (6)
8b. Sort of oven from part of South Asia (7)
8c. Italy's Senate loses its decision making Po west - Han, 50% of the members are present (6)
8d. Everyone seems to love The Return of the King, but I think I tome film (7)
8e. One of the principal villains in the series is do lore bridge (3)
8f. Stories like that of Io: "Thy S&M is perverted!" (5)
8g. She described her Fanta King, place in a magical land (6)
8h. Standing and thus foul (8)
8i. Among Fox's no how's are The Simpsons and Ally McBeal (6)
8j. The con stabs, eventually enrolled in the Police Academy to follow in their father's footsteps (6)
8k. To properly enjoy as a UT wig, whisk to beat your skin (6)
8l. A member of the US Navy's special forces (4, abbr.)
8m. The cougar I safe pec, i.e. sin North America that's very widely spread (5)
8n. Works out love in order to get aboard ship (6)
8o. Mark tours Los Angeles with no particular direction (6)
8p. One frequenting the Forum? (5)
8q. Australians and New Zealanders in WWI (5, abbr.)
8r. Area containing many embassies, one near Connecticut (3, abbr.)
8s. Brown fellow's excursion (7)
8t. Terrible mentor is behind student's right to cause distress (7)
8u. Located in northwest Iran, Azerbaijan's capital city (6)
8v. Tortilla chips with melted cheese (6)
8w. Many aquatic species have lived in this type of environment and proceeded along the surface of the water quietly (5)
Sneaks (down)
1. Tavern in The Simpsons (4)
2. Way to greet a modern-day 8p (4)
3. Republican assault taking control of location of Parliament Building (6)
6. Piece of music with accompaniment for one singer (4)
7. This setback should node Rus from accomplishing our goal (4)
Addlers (up)
4. One teaching Tibetan Buddhism (4)
5. Musicians recording some of their ide ape recorder (6)
9. Opposing forces devastated Yemen (5)
Gladys will return in Layers upon Layers.