Here is a tip about how to navigate in GNOME-the fast way. While on the desktop (with no window focused), press the / key to open the Nautilus navigation bar.
To navigate to a specific location type the folders path in the bar.
Also, you can navigate to the special locations, using the paths as they are presented on killer tech tips:
burn:///
Opens the CD Writing Window.computer:///
Shows Computer, lists the disk partitions
fonts:///
Lists the available fonts.
ftp:///
Connects you to the specified ftp address.
network:///
Lists network locations.
smb:///
Opens the Samba (file sharing) Window.
system-settings:///
Opens the System Settings Window.
themes:///
Lists the available GNOME themes.