Washington D.C.

What an amazing and fantastic city, our nation's capital! We packed A LOT into the three days we had, so keep that in mind as your continue reading. The best thing you can do for yourself is make a list of what you want to see and do prior to going on your trip. You won't be able to do it all, unless you have a solid week there and are willing to go full steam the entire time. It would take you about three days just to go to all of the Smithsonian Museums, so just pick out a couple that sound the most interesting to you. But if you only have three days and want to get a taste of the best of DC, prepare to walk until your feet and ankles are swollen and your knees curse your every step. If you're wondering if it's worth it, yeah, it is!
Day One

Smithsonian National Zoo: Fantastic and highly recommended. Beautiful habitats, lots of animals including my personal favorite the Giant Panda. Their animals all seemed so healthy and happy, it made our visit really wonderful. It isn't so big that you spend a lot of time walking between exhibits, but it's spread out enough so as not to feel crowded. You won't see giraffes or rhinos, but you'll see cheetahs, orangutans, and an elephant nose shrew!
Free. $10-$20 for parking.

Arlington National Cemetery: This is a humbling and beautiful place. Be prepared to walk, it's very large. Here you can visit JFK and Jackie Kennedy's graves with the Eternal Flame, the Tomb of the Unknowns, the Mast of the USS Maine, Robert E. Lee's house and much more. If you have a loved one buried at Arlington the visitor center can help you in finding a grave. The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns takes place at the top of the hour every hour until 5:00, at which point it becomes a restricted area to all civilians.

Free. Hourly parking fee.

Lincoln Memorial

Monuments: How you choose to see the monuments comes down to how far you want to walk, which ones you want to see, and the rest of your plans. It's difficult to park around them, so once you find a spot take it. The distance from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial is just short of a mile with the WWII, Korean, and Vietnam Memorials in between. So here's how we did it.

Washington Monument: We started here. It was dark when we got here, and seeing these structures at night is beautiful. I suggest planning to see the monuments twice, once at night and once during the day (especially around sunset). Right as you turn toward the Lincoln Memorial you'll see the WWII Memorial, a beautiful fountain feature. Then start walking along the Reflecting Pool to the Lincoln Memorial. If you are facing the Lincoln Memorial the Vietnam Memorial is to the right of the Pool and the Korean War Memorial is to the left of the pool. These two should really be seen during the day.

Vietnam Wall



Iwo Jima Memorial

Now you'll have to get back in your car and drive to the Iwo Jima Memorial. And good luck, we drove around it three times before giving up and parking on the street to walk. And although we did not go to the Jefferson Memorial, I can tell you you'd have to drive to that one as well.

Free to see all monuments, but the Washington Monument does require a time specified ticket if you want to go to the top.

Day Two:

Me on the Capital Steps

Capital Building: We just walked around it. Took pictures. Moved on. However, tours are conducted and there is a visitor's center.

Free, but ticket required for tours.

Supreme Court: Another look and go on our part. But again, you can take a self guided tour or visit lectures and exhibits.
Free.

Library of Congress: This one we went into. The inside of this building is breathtakingly beautiful. Tours are available and are the only way to look inside the Main Reading Room. I'm not sure what else you see on the tour, but on your own you don't see much other than the large, two-floor main lobby.
Free.

National Archives: Home of the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and the Constitution. This was the only building we stood in line to enter (about ten minutes) and then stood in line on the inside to see the documents (twenty minutes). Photography is no longer allowed. National Treasure is no longer a plausible movie.
Free.



Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Natural History Museum: This is a great, and quite large museum. We didn't go into every exhibit hall, just picked what sounded the most interesting. Highlights for us included the Dinosaurs/Hall of Paleobiology, the Hope Diamond and the Hall of Mammals. I imagine kids would have a great time here.
Free.

Fords Theatre: The infamous theatre where Lincoln was shot. And yes, you can see the both where he was sitting very clearly and it is memorialized. The theatre itself is beautiful, and small. We saw A Christmas Carol for a very reasonable price and it was fantastic. No seat is a bad seat since the stage is large and the auditorium small. Across the street is the Petersen House, where Lincoln died hours after being shot.
Tickets must be bought for shows. Theatre tours require tickets, varying price. Petersen House is free.

Day Three:

Smithsonian National Museum of American History: This is a huge museum. So plan to either skip a lot, or spend a lot of time here. It covers about every stage of American history that you can imagine with lots of fascinating exhibits and items. Highlights include the original muppets, the hat Lincoln was wearing before he was shot, Dorothy's ruby slippers, one of the first teddy bears, a hall of dresses worn by our First Ladies, and a hall that takes you through each of the major wars America has been involved in. It does get tiring (just because it's so expansive), there's lots of reading (which to be honest we mostly skipped), and probably isn't the most exciting place for young children.
Free.

White House and Visitor's Center: The Visitor's Center is about a block from the White House. A few exhibits and information centers, but that's the best detail I can provide as we didn't spend but three and a half minutes there. So we walked on down to the sidewalk in front of the White House and took a gander. Pretty cool, nothing but a iron fence and a lawn with its own zip code between you and that big ol' house. Well, all that plus the snipers on the roof. We easily got a picture taken of us in front of the White House, but during a busy season I imagine it's pretty hard to accomplish pictures without tons of other people in front of you. There's only about a...oh, I don't know...twenty yard viewing area. And go ahead and feel paranoid, you are being watched. ;o)
Free. If you want to tour the White House you'll have to write your Member of Congress, which must be done at least 30 days in advance. **UPDATE** As of March, 2013 White House tours have been cancelled indefinitely. 

National Aquarium: Tiny, tiny, tiny. And underground. You won't be seeing anything you haven't seen in every other aquarium, in fact you'll be seeing a lot less. Fish, an octopus, some crocs, and a turtle or two. One of the few places you even have to pay to get in to, and not really worth it. Going as slow as possible we were in there maybe 30 minutes. It's on the same block as the White House Visitor's Center, but keep your eyes peeled for the sign and door, they hid it.
$9 for adults, $4 for children under 11.

Old Post Office Tower: A beautiful building, with a tower that is the third tallest structure in DC. Take the elevators up to the 270 foot high viewing area for a beautiful 360 degree view of the city. Great views of the Capital Building, White House, Lincoln Memorial, and Washington Monument. There are a few stores and eateries in the Post Office as well.
Free.

National Museum of Crime and Punishment: By far the most fun of all the museums we went to. Very interactive with police training simulators, a safe cracking simulator, a fingerprint station, and much more. You can escape a prison cell or become part of a police line up. See a realistic crime scene and then follow the evidence through the crime lab and autopsy to solve the crime. Plus an entire hall dedicated to real life criminals and killers. I highly recommend two things for this museum...give yourself plenty of time (a couple of hours) and go when it won't be too crowded. I don't know when it wouldn't be crowded, other than winter, but it probably isn't nearly as fun if 45 people are in line in front of you to try the simulators.
$19.95 for adults. $14.95 for children 5-11. Free for educators.

Chinatown: Great for a meal. Lots of restaurants from upscale to casual to choose from. Not much shopping like most Chinatowns, but still fun for a walk through and dinner.

As a couple of side notes...we stayed outside of Baltimore every night but one and drove into the city. With light traffic it took about an hour and a half. Driving in the city isn't too bad if you're a confident driver but you'll want GPS and parking is a bit of a task. You'll save yourself a lot of aggravation if you're willing to leave the car somewhere and walk or take taxis (or venture onto the subway or bus system). I recommend November as a good time to go. Yes, it is cold. But the general population of any given city block seems to be pretty low compared to say, June. It's well worth the trade off of having to lug around a heavy coat, scarf, and gloves. And last, be prepared to be scanned and searched everywhere you go. Which kind of goes without saying. But seriously, they have their fish in the National Aquarium on lock down.

New Natural Wonders

Each year a list, called the World Heritage Sites, is compiled by the United Nations. This list contains some of the world's most amazing places and sites. There are currently over 180 of these sites spanning over 77 countries. Included on the list are natural wonders that are described as "unique, irreplaceable, and authentic."

Check out this article from Yahoo! Travel to see this year's list of new World Heritage Sites additions.

OR, if you'd like a more visual representation of why these places made the cut, check out this slideshow from Budget Travel.

Travel and Fashion

Lets mix a little fashion and travel. Robin Barcus Slonina's newest project, titled "States of Dress" does just that. She has been traveling the country designing and contructing state dresses, a dress that represents the state in style. She hopes to make a total of 50 dresses. Check out her first eight dresses. If you want to read more check out Slonina's blog.

Guidebook Downfalls

While this blog is like a cliff's notes of the cliff's notes on a travel guidebook, I found this story (link no longer available) on what Guidebooks Won't Tell You interesting. So first, you go read the article, and then I'll tell you my take on those ten items.

1. We're Already Out of Date: Well, so am I. But that's why I tell you to check my facts, prices, or tour information out for yourself. I can only speak about how things were when I went. But in this ever changing world, just because prices were low in 2009, doesn't mean they still are.

2. No News is Bad News: While I'm not going to sit here and trash any place I've been, I will tell you about any bad experiences I've had. The good news, I'm not paid or endorsed by any particular place or business, so I have no reason to fluff up how wonderful anything is.

3. We Haven't Actually Been There: That is sometimes true of the Feature City blogs. But I'm going to tell you if I've been there or not. And if it's somewhere I haven't been, I've done research on what I'm writing. I'm not writing facts all willy-nilly. I also like to provide you with lots of links so you can research and see for yourself.

4. We're Relying On You to Catch Our Mistakes: This one's simple, I don't make mistakes. No, just kidding. I try very hard not to. It's true there's no edit beyond me or Melissa, but we make sure our information is accurate before we post it and that the links work. I even use the spellcheck button, because I'm the world's worst speller. But if you do catch a mistake, or something that is no longer accurate, please leave a comment and we'll fix it up!

5. That "Easy" Hike is Only Easy for Experts: This one truly is simple, I don't hike. But if I did, and I said it was easy, trust me, it's easy. But I'm pretty sure I mentioned that walking up the Spanish Steps was difficult, if that's any indication.

6. We Ruined that Secluded Spot we Mentioned: While I'd like to boast so many readers that a secluded spot I mention could possibly become the next travel mecca, I seriously doubt that will happen. I cannot be blamed.

7. We're Terrified of your Smartphone: Nope, not me. That just means you can access this blog wherever you are!

8. Going to Estonia? We Don't Really Care: No one is sending me anywhere, so maybe you could see a blog on Estonia one day. But this is actually a pretty valid problem with my blog. If I have no interest in going there, you aren't going to see a blog on it. Sorry.

9. We're Tourists Too: Duh, that's why this blog is here. This would come into play when you're reading my travel tips for any given place. I can tell you what traditions/customs I observe and pick up on, but I can't make you seamlessly blend in to any foreign or regional culture.

10. Don't Take All of Our Advice: I would never expect you to do that, although I think I give fairly sound advice. But you know what, I don't mind crowds. So maybe I say going to Cancun during college spring break is a fine idea, maybe you disagree. It's advice, not a rule.

Feature City: Knoxville, TN

Today's feature city is Knoxville, and Melissa and I have been there. This past year actually, and we both agreed it was a great city.

Now the first thing we noticed while walking around was the tall golden globe that hovered over the city.

It's a part of the World's Fair Park. The park is located at the site of the 1982 World's Fair and is a beautiful spot to sit and relax. The Sunsphere was constructed in 1982 for the fair and remains as an observation deck that visitors can ride elevators up to free of charge. The park also contains some amazing water features, including interactive fountains and a geyser.

These particular water features are actually along side the Tennessee River.

Down by the Tennessee River you can walk along the banks, have dinner at Calhouns, or take a boat out. If you want to get fancy you can book a trip on the Star of Knoxville, an authentic paddlewheeler, or the Volunteer Princess, a 100 foot luxary yacht.

If you want to spend a day inside you can visit the East Tennessee Discovery Center, full of exhibits for life sciences, physical sciences, and earth sciences, plus a Planetarium. Prices are low with adults at just $4. If you're in more of an artistic mood head over to the Knoxville Museum of Art, which is free of admission costs. And if you're more sports minded there's something for you too, the University of Tennessee Football Hall of Fame and The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.

In town for a concert like Melissa and I were? You're in luck if it's at the Valarium, a great bar and music venue. You could also see what's going on at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium & Coliseum or the Bijou Theatre.

If it's a beautiful day outside go ahead and just walk around downtown Knoxville. Keep an eye out for the water fountains and interactive water featurs throughout the city, as well as the thriving parks. Just a short drive away from downtown, I recommend the Knoxville Zoo.

I think Melissa and I would both tell you that Knoxville is a great city for a weekend getaway. Book a hotel close to the center of downtown and enjoy some time strolling, or hop in your car for one of the many activities you can find close to downtown. Visit http://www.knoxville.org/ for more information.


For some extra fun...here's the blog I wrote after we got back from Knoxville earlier this year.

Upon arriving in the city we very easily find our hotel. We go inside to check in, are greated by the doorman (yes the doorman) and walk into this beautiful lobby. So beautiful it causes me to say "Damn girl, are you sure this is our hotel?" It was, our reservations were there. But our room wasn't ready. So to pass the time we decided to walk on downtown and check out the city. We walked through the Market, to the old Worlds Fair Park (which was inhabited by a disgusting amount of children wearing strange animal hats, singing songs). From there we walked down to the Tennessee River. By the time we got down to the river we were very hot and tired of walking. We played in some of the water features that are all over the city (It's like a mini Vegas when it comes to water), and sat by the river watching the geese. Then we tried getting back to the hotel. And we succeeded, after walking up a painful hill, crossing a bridge to try avoiding crossing 39 lanes of interstate traffic, and spending some quality time on Gay Street.

Thankfully the room was ready and we crashed. Several hours later we were forced from our room by hunger. We headed back to Gay Street cause that seemed to be the most popular area and found a good brew house to eat at. Before that though we went and saw Shrek 3. In 3-D. And let me tell you briefly about this theater. It was super nice. And during the commericals, before the previews started they wheeled in a cart of popcorn and candy. So you barely had to get out of your seat to get any. I'm now actually wondering if you had just shouted across the room what you wanted if they would have brought it right to you. For a heafty price, of course.

So the next morning we woke up and headed to the zoo. The Knoxville Zoo is great. And it's the first zoo I've ever been to that had a cheetah. Bonus points for that, even if it was being lazy and trying to hide behind a tree. We spent a couple of hours there, then went back to the hotel to relax.

There's actually much more to this blog, but it's not travel related, so you don't get to read it. :o)

Venice Billboards

A topic on today's yahoo news raised some interest for me. It seems there is great debate over the large billboards currently covering many of Venice, Italy's famous landmarks as they undergo renovations. Places such as the Ponte Sospiri (the Bridge of Sighs) and Doge's Palace in St. Mark's Square are currently plastered with billboards advertising Rolex, Coca-cola, and Bulgari. Major players in the art world have written an appeal to Venice's mayor, Giorgio Orsoni, that the advertisements be taken down, citing the disappointment they feel Venice's 17.5 million visitors this year will feel when they are gazing upon ads instead of famous landmarks.

Orsoni has replied saying that the ads are necessary to help fund the renovations. The Palace alone is an estimated cost of over 3.5 million dollars. A balance is trying to be reached between finding the funds to restore these badly-in-need-of-repair buildings, and keeping the ads that bring in those funds at a tolerated level.

I can say from experience that yes, I was disappointed when I arrive in Venice and saw the Ponte Sospiri was currently just a big sign trying to get me to buy a watch. And sure, it ruined my perfect little idea of what the Grand Canal ought to look like. In fact, I tried to find a picture of the ads from my trip to post, and it seems I didn't take any of the Ponte Sospiri. And I can say without a doubt that it must have been because of the giant ads. However, if it comes down to giant signs for a couple of years, or these magnificent buildings falling down...well, in my opinion, bring on the ads.

World's Most Remote Hotels

Whether you wanna sleep under ground, or sleep under water, these remote hotels have you covered.

Bloomfield Lodge in Cairns Australia requires a chartered plane, a drive through the Outback, and a trip down river to reach. At Kokopelli's Cave in New Mexico you'll take a ladder to get to your room, which is 70 feet underground in a cave. And if you want to stay at Jules Undersea Lodge in Florida, you'd better know how to scuba dive. Otherwise, you won't be getting to your room.

So if you want to get away from it all, be sure to check out the full list on Forbes. - Link no longer available.

Southwest AirTran Merger

Curious what this merger could mean for travellers? I'll sum it up for you really quickly. The bottom line is more routes, which will lead to fewer cancellations and delays. Southwest will now fly out of an additional 37 cities, including newly acquired Atlanta and new routes to Mexico and the Caribbean. Also, these routes will all fall in line with Southwest's policy of no baggage fees. However, fares to larger cities, specifically hubs in the Northeast, will probably increase in price. And the discount flights currently offered by Southwest and AirTran may be no more due to the decrease in competition.

If you want to read the entire story, click here. - Link no longer available.

Traveling Food

Shine, from Yahoo, has created for us today a list of the Top Ten Food Trucks in the US.

Looks like there's a meal for everyone just rolling around out there, including vegan friendly meals from the Cinnamon Snail. I don't know about their name, but the vegan S'mores doughnut looks to die for. And maybe while I'm in DC I'll come across Fojol Bros. of Merlindia, serving up their authentic Indian food. I'm pretty sure Melissa would spend some time tracking down The Frysmith of LA, who uses french fries as a basis for his meals.

So if you can't make it out to a restaurant for lunch, just wait and see what comes rolling down the street.

High Style Camping

Yahoo Travel has put together a list of places you can Sleep Under the Stars. But this is nothing like camping. With prices ranging from $120 to $3,500 a  night you're getting more than a sleeping bag.
In Kenya you can stay at Loisaba Wilderness Lodge and sleep on a bed 10 feet off the ground and built on an old Land Rover axle. The Lion Sands Private Game Reserve in South Africa allows you to sleep in a posh tree house where you're likely to hear a lion roaring during the night. And if you'd rather spend your night out on a deck surrounded by kangaroos, kookaburras, and dingoes head off to Blue Mountains Private Safaris in the Blue Mountains National Park of Australia.

And should you travel to any of these amazing places, pray for sunshine and clear nights!

Top Ten Castle Hotels

Who doesn't want to spend the night in a castle (on a side note...Melissa, stop laughing...it's just a CASTLE). Yahoo Travel has put together a list of the Top Ten Castle Hotels from around the world.

If your passport is a little rusty don't worry, just head up to New York and stay at the Castle on the Hudson. Although this castle never housed a royal family, it is full of rich history and contains much of the original interior and woodwork from its construction between 1897 and 1910. If you were to book a room for tonight, you'd be looking at prices from $195-$595 a night.

The castle that caught my attention the most is the Taj Lake Palace in India. It floats. In the middle of Taj Lake. And it's all yours for 18,000 Indian Rupees, or a surprisingly low $395.00 a night. The hotel floats, it's gonna cost a little. I wonder if that price includes transportation from land to the hotel. Maybe you have to swim. Pack light.

Be sure to check out the other castles picked by Yahoo Travel too!

Seattle, Washington

Today's feature city is Seattle, Washington. I haven't ever been to Seattle, or Washington, but I have some family and friends out there so I'm hoping someday soon. It's always nice to travel somewhere to see someone you know, and it certainly helps you make sure you see the "must sees" of the city. But you should still have a good idea of what is important for you to see and what you wouldn't mind skipping. Great Aunt Mildred might want to spend half a day at the Museum of Knitting History (does that exist somewhere?) but maybe you have better ideas of how to spend your vacation.

The Space Needle is an obvious must. It's what sets this city sky line immediately apart from others. While you're at the Needle do some shopping at the all in one gift shop and grab dinner at Sky City, a restaurant at the top of the building that spins a full 360 degrees as  you dine. And if you just can't make it out to Seattle this weekend, watch the sky line from one of their four webcams.

Pacific Science Center. is sure to offer a day of fun and learning. Just a quick peek at their home page will make you want to visit and play around. With permanent exhibits on dinosaurs, the human body, animals, and technology (among several others) you're sure to be able to spend a day. Featured exhibits rotate, so be sure to see what's coming or currently on display. For the next few months visit the Harry Potter Exhibit or Mindbender Mansion. And before you leave catch a show at their IMAX theater.

Experience Music Project Science Fiction Museum. It's a mouthful, and it's a new one on me. A museum of music and science fiction with permanent exhibits on subjects from guitars to space travel, and a current featured exhibit on music legend Jimi Hendrix. This museum even boasts a Science Fiction Hall of Fame.

Woodland Park Zoo. I'm always up for a trip to the zoo while on vacation. With 15 exhibit zones you're sure to see something wild!

The Underground Tour sounds like something truly amazing. This tour takes you on a guided trip under Seattle's streets and sidewalks, where the original streets and storefronts of Seattle are now located. Learn the history and take a peek at the renovated subterranean city.

Last but not least it seems customary to Ride the Ducks. It's the only way to tour Seattle from land and the water!

I'll leave finding the restaurants to you, but I hope some people who live in or have visited Seattle can leave some comments about their favorite things to do and places to eat.

And here's some helpful advice from my cousin who lives in Seattle.

When I saw that pop up I got mad for a minute thinking you had been here and never called me! I'm so glad Seattle is on your list of places to visit. It is gorgeous and I know you would love it! Ride the Duck is definitely a must do! The tour is fun, but the drivers make it an experience. As well as the Zoo, you need to go to the Aquarium as well and if time allows the Pt. Defiance Zoo in Tacoma (about 45mins) and the Cougar Mountain Zoo...with more exotic animals (close to my house).

A MUST DO is a ride on the ferry to Bainbridge and visit the wineries and tour the quaint town of Poulsbo. That is my very favorite thing to do.
Also a walk along Alki Beach is a way to see Seattle from the water side and a beautiful place to have a picnic.

Sooooo much to do and see. And if you come..you have a place to stay and a tour guide to boot!!

Now food... http://tomdouglas.com/index.php/restaurants/serious-pie Serious Pie is a fun, intimate place for some gourmet pizza, you have to have at least lunch at Ivar's - fast food seafood but an icon in Seattle.http://www.ivars.com/
Of course you HAVE to go to the original Starbuck's at Pike Place Market. OH! And Top Pot Doughnuts!! http://www.toppotdoughnuts.com/ YUM!! There are hundreds of wonderful places to eat. 

Wanna Shop Through Other People's Luggage?

Well you can at the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, AL. This store holds exclusive contracts with all major US airlines that allows it to buy lost luggage still unclaimed after 90 days. Then you get to come in and buy it at discounted prices. Need an $18,000 Swiss Watch? It's yours for $9,000. Some unlucky bride didn't get her wedding gown back after that location wedding in the tropics, but now you can have it for half the price.

Check out the full story at Yahoo Travel or visit http://www.unclaimedbaggage.com/ to see what deals you can find! If you visit the store's site, make sure you "Unpack the Bag" to see some of the more interesting items they've found in lost luggage,and then you can tour the store.

And if you want to avoid having your valuables sold to the public because you lost them during a flight, check out Unclaimed Baggage Center's Luggage Travel Tips.

Feature City: Charlotte, NC

Starting a new line of blogs on this blog...Feature Cities. There will be no particular reason these cities are featured (most likely) and I may or may not have been there. But this way we get a little flavor to the blog beyond where I, or Melissa, have been. Hope you can find something interesting, someplace you know, or someplace you want to go.

Charlotte, NC

I'm starting the blog with a city close to home. I visit this city a lot for shopping, concerts, and sometimes just dining out.

My tops pics of what to do are:

Carowinds - An amusement park located half in North Carolina and half in South Carolina.

Discovery Place - A science center for kids and big kids alike, also featuring an IMAX.

Mint Museum - Not money, but art, of all sorts.

Concord Mills - Part of the great Simon Malls chain, where you can shop til you drop.

Charlotte Motor Speedway - Catch a race at the main track or the zMax Dragway.

NASCAR Hall of Fame - New in 2010!

Top places for nightlife/shows:

NC Music Factory - Fantastic place for live shows from the hottest names in music (Road Runner Mobile Ampitheater, The Fillmore), weekend dance parties (Halo), a bite to eat (Wet Willie's, Mattie's Diner), or to catch the game (Black Bear Saloon).

The Alley Cat - A great little bar with live music or DJs.

Coyote Joe's - Great place to catch some of today's hottest country stars, or just have a drink and do some dancing.


More more ideas and information check out this site.

So True.

This little picture in a local restaurant made me smile.

And it's so true! Just in case you can't make out what it says, it's "How great would live be if we lived a little everyday."

Top Ten Foliage Spots

Top ten places to see amazing fall foliage.

NC makes another list!! Ten amazing places to see the beautiful colors of fall, ten (technically eleven) amazing states. I'm ready for sweaters, scarves, and pumpkin pie!

Myrtle Beach, SC

I truly love Myrtle Beach. I not only enjoy the ocean, but I love all the different kinds of attractions MB has to offer. Kasey and I decided try parasailing at Ocean Watersports. After we paid, we put on life jackets and waited to be put in a group. A banana boat takes you to the parasail boat. The ride on the banana boat is an experience in itself. It's fast and sometimes bumpy! Hold on tight! When you reach the parasail boat, the fun begins. You are attached to a harness and you feel like you're sitting on a swing. Kasey and I got strapped in and the workers told us to relax and have fun. As soon as the boat starts going again, you start flying up. Words can't possibly describe the feeling of parasailing! It's so amazing. It's like flying. The water below you is beautiful. Word of warning, the workers like to "dump" you in the water! They'll lower you down until you touch the water and then put you back up. They take your pictures as well. You can order them later if you want to. When every one's ride is over, you take the banana boat back to shore. I highly suggest parasailing. It's one of my favorite things to do.

Kasey and I are always looking for new things to try. We've both been horseback riding in TN, and Kasey found a place where you can horseback ride on the beach. We went in Nov., so it wasn't as hot as it would have been in the summer. You don't have to be a trained rider to ride these horses. Trust me, I'm pretty terrified at first when I get on a horse. I've only been horseback riding twice. The horses know exactly where to go and you're never alone. The guides are always there riding with you. We rode the horses for an hour, I believe. I loved it! It's such an incredible experience. You're able to watch the waves crash into the shore. It's an experience that I'll never forget.

Do you like to shop? I have four words: Broadway at the Beach! According to one trip advisor Broadway is the number one attraction in Myrtle Beach. There's more than just shopping there. You have restaurants, an IMAX 3-D Theatre, Ripley's Aquarium, and night clubs. I've also learned there's a zipline and ropes course, Soar and Explore, and a Wonderworks that's being added in 2011. Broadway also has fair rides that you can enjoy at The Pavilion Nostalgia Park. You can spend quite a bit of time there. If you like the band KISS, there's a coffee shop dedicated them. There's also a ton of restaurants. I'm ready to back! Now would be great!

There's also a House of Blues in Myrtle Beach. It's a neat restaurant and it's also a concert venue. So, if you're in the area check and see what bands might be playing. If you go on Sunday morning, they have Gospel Brunch. You could also check out their Murder Mystery Dinner Theater.
There's so much to do in Myrtle Beach. You can easily spend a week or just a few days. No matter how much time you have, you'll always find something fun to do! Until the next time! Happy traveling!

PS - Other popular MB attractions include Alligator Adventure, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Myrtle Waves Water Park, Dixie Stampede, and the NASCAR Speed Park. Located in North Myrtle, check out Barefoot Landing for lots more shopping, dining, and entertainment. And if you're looking for someplace quiet and quaint to spend the day head on over to Murrells Inlet.

Worth Paying Less to Fly?

I'm not sure this would be a better way to fly, even if it did cost less than coach. Check out the new super small seats being unveiled at the Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas next week. This new seat is being likened to a horse saddle. Although not intended for flights much longer than three hours, I don't think I would be comfortable much beyond three minutes.

So who thinks it's just a way for airlines to make more money? Smaller seats, more seats per flight, and perhaps not paying that much less to feel like you're riding a horse to your destination? Pass.

24 Hour Hot Spots Across America

24 Hot Spots Across the Country (yahoo)

If you are an insomniac yahoo is here to help. Here's a list of a few stores, restaurants and businesses across the country open 24/7. None in NC this time. Guess we need our beauty sleep.

Italy and Switzerland Travel Tips

Italy

1. Money: The exchange really isn't too difficult. A Euro equals about $1.33. You can either round down to $1.25 or up to $1.50 to quickly figure out about what you're spending. Most things that you buy will cost about the same as they do in the US. The one major difference to that that I found was beverage. Over $4.00 for a glass of Coke, and no free refills. Be prepared to carry around a bunch of coins. You will have to convert your money. If you try to hand someone a US dollar they're going to look at you like you're paying with rocks. You can change money at the airport, train stations, and there are usually currency "vendors" in the middle of town. The ATMs, for a fee, will also take an American debit card and dispense Euros. You will also incur a fee if you use your debit or credit card for purchases, but they are accepted.

2. Language: You will run into a lot of people who speak English, but not nearly as often as you might think. Some waiters will grasp enough English for you to order, but that may be it. Tour guides are well versed in English, but people working ticket counters, small stores, and perhaps even at your hotel may not be. Our biggest issue with language barriers occurred in train stations. Figuring out where you want to go and where you need to be while purchasing a ticket and finding the correct platform can be difficult when there's no one you can ask. However, don't underestimate how far hand signals can get you. And never be afraid to ask someone if they speak English and if they can help you. Extra tip - ask people who don't look like they work wherever you are. The local people on the street are friendly and often speak English (of course use your own judgement on who to ask and how much about your plans to share).

3. Food and Drink: Not a single restaurant I went to in Italy offered free refills (other than THC), so if you're really thirsty, get water. Tipping your waiter/waitress is not a common practice. However, when you receive your bill you will notice a "sitting fee" added that is usually around 4 Euros. This covers the tip, the bread you are served, and any complimentary drinks you may receive (we did in fact receive complimentary wine in Rome).

4. Transportation: If you are traveling between cities trains are definitely the way to go. Very cheap, and fast. Try Rail Europe. Make sure you arrive at the station at least 45 minutes before your train is scheduled to leave. You might have a difficult time finding the platform if the station is very large. Cabs are also an easy way to get around and cost about as much as they do in the US. A cab driver can give you an estimated cost to where you want to go before you get in. The subway system in Rome is very simple, gets you most anywhere you need to go (or within easy walking distance) and a day pass is cheap.

5. Hotels: Hotels in Italy are very small. The bathrooms are even smaller. Showers can be smaller than the average US standing shower. Also, beside the toilet will be the bidet. Don't get them confused. And no, it is not a sink. Many hotels will give you an actual key instead of a swipe card (loved the quaintness of that detail) and some hotels may require you to leave the key at the front counter before leaving for the day. Hotel elevators (called lifts) are very small. Usually only large enough for two people, without too much luggage. And don't be surprised if your hotel doesn't even have an elevator and get ready to hike a few floors. The beds are small and close together and yes, that thing that looks like a vacuum hose in the bathroom is your hairdryer. Although no formal concierge, the person at the front counter can help you find your way or help you book a tour.

*Also, some areas of the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica are off limits for a woman if you do not have your shoulders and knees covered. A scarf or shawl over your shoulders is sufficient.

Switzerland

Pretty much all of the same things. But a few extras/differences:

1. Our hotel room was normal size, the bathroom too.

2. Things seem to cost much more in Switzerland. A Burger King value meal cost the equivalent of nearly $14. Souvenirs that would cost about $5 here, cost around $10 there.

3. The language is much more difficult. And it's not simply Swiss that they speak. There are three different languages spoken in Switzerland and the written language is not easy to figure out, key words are not anywhere close to English. However, you're still very likely to run into English speaking people who will help.

4. Take note of the traffic lights. It won't help you, it's just cool. They go green, yellow, red, yellow, green.

Switzerland: Zurich, Luzerne, Engelberg

I didn't hear music in the Alps, but they were amazing. So like I said we were supposed to have a non-stop train ride to Zurich. So imagine our surprise when the train stopped and we were told to get off...in Lugano. We get off with several other very confused passangers, wait while the situation is explained in Italian, and finally get the story in English. Our original train from Milan broke down, so we were put on a different one, but this one only went to Lugano. So we're told to get on a train that comes in 30 minutes. We got free coke vouchers though. We get on the next train with no problem, and after awhile on the intercom we hear that all passangers for Zurich must get off at the next stop. We have someone who doesn't speak Italian, and apparently no English asking us what do and what's going on. Like we know...Another passanger is able to help us and takes us straight to the train we're supposed to switch to. As soon as we stepped on the train the doors closed behind us and the train left. I know God was looking out for us on that one. The train station in Zurich, Switzerland was the most confusing one. We had no idea where to go or how to get to our hotel. We called the hotel and they told us to get on another train to the airport. It took a tourist information center to really understand what to do. They have the "big" trains, and then S trains, which are like subways, but above ground. They just go between smaller cities. We grabbed lunch at Burger King at the train station. A combo was 14 CHF...nearly 12 bucks! Ouch. Nearly the end of the vacation and near exhaustion we crashed when we got to our hotel. There wasn't anything we wanted to do in Zurich anyway. We were in the middle of nowhere.

After a few hours of nap time (during which we were knocked out...I apparently got the remote and turned the tv off in my sleep, which was impressive because it took me forever to figure out how to turn the tv on and later that night I couldn't figure out how to turn it off...while awake) we got up and decided we needed dinner. It was pouring. So we asked the front desk where to go. Our options within walking distance were Italian (cause that's what we were hoping for), chinese, or mexican that wasn't that good. We went for the Italian but only cause it was closest. But we couldn't read the menu, it was 8,000 degrees, and the food was very expensive. So after sitting and debating about leaving cause we were scared of the guy who seated us, and was the waiter, and the bartender, and probably the cook. We finally scooted though and went to the chinese place. Which was really yummy! After dinner we took a walk down a trail alongside a little river and took note of the godzilla size slugs that came out after the rain. We picked up a music channel at the hotel that played mostly english songs so we spaced out to watch that until we went to bed.

The next morning we were supposed to be at the bus station by 9:15 for our tour. We made the scheduled shuttle to the airport, and the scheduled S train to the train station, but then got totally lost and couldn't find the bus station, which was supposed to be behind the train station. I called the tour place and asked for help, and she said she'd call and have them wait for us. Well no wonder we couldn't find it...it wasn't a station, it was a dirt field with buses parked on it. I guess in Switzerland station translates into large dirt circle. When we boarded the bus in was a trillion degrees (that's a lot hotter than the Italian restaurant had been) and we were quickly informed it was because it was against the law for the bus to idle. And our tour guide quickly informed the rest of the bus they were late due to waiting for two guests and we were only ten minutes late, so the tour would be fine. I repeat ten minutes late. We are running behind ten minutes. Gaaaaaaaaah So later when she asked if there were any Americans to wish them a Happy 4th we were a little slow in raising our hands. The entire bus already hated us. And we were the only two Americans.

The tour first went to the town of Luzerne. We went to The Lion Monument built in memory of the soldiers who died protecting Marie Antoinette. The area was beautiful, and very sombering. Then we rode into town and had about an hour to explore on our own. Kristen and I picked up Swiss army knives for gifts then wandered around the river and the town. We got a little turned around on the way back, went way out of our way actually, but were still one of the first back at the bus. So take that!

Lion Monument

Beautiful Luzerne

Luzerne

We didn't stop again until Engelberg, at the base of the Alps. We started off to the top of Mt. Titlis on a regular chair left. Like the kind you're sealed in on. Then we got into a large gondolla (not the boat) with everyone and rode up a little bit. Then we transfered onto a different gondolla, the floor on this one rotated. It was like the top of the Stratosphere in Las Vegas. It moved slowly, but was still a little unnerving when it started. Once we got to the top we were set free to be on our own for about an hour and a half. First Kristen and I headed to the glacier. You went through a door and actually walked into the glacier. It was wonderfully freezing in there. Different color lights lit up the walls and there was a place you could select different kinds of music. On the way out Kristen hit the "funk" button. I really wish I could remember what song started playing cause it was hilarious. Loved the glacier though. Then we rode the Ice Flyer. It was an open chair lift that just went in a big circle. You could get off at one point and go snow tubing, but we didn't have time for that. Aside from just generally taking in the sights the only other thing we did was wolf down some lunch. Then it was back down the three chair lifts and back to the bus. There's not too much to write about the Alps, but the views speak for themselves and they were amazingly beautiful. So check out the pictures for a vague idea of what we saw.

On the way up!

The rotating gondolla car

Inside a glacier...chilly!

It was pretty late when we got back from the tour. We grabbed dinner in the airport, deciding we needed to eat something Swiss-like before we left. So we had...I really don't know. A giant sausage thing and hashbrown cakes. It was actually really good. Tasted like we were eating breakfast at IHOP. After painstakingly packing that night we crashed until it was time to get up, check out, and head for our plane.

So that concludes my travel blogs for Italy and Switzerland. It was an amazing trip and Kristen and I have some wonderful memories. We were blessed to not have any real troubles and to have met some really friendly and helpful people. Check the travel tips blog for some specific things to keep in mind when traveling to Italy and Switzerland.

Milan, Italy

Unless shopping at Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, and Luis Vuitton is a regular occurance for you there's not much need for you to visit Milan, at least in my humble opinion.

When you exit the train station you're dumped right into a huge city. Might as well have been in New York, minus the flashy billboards, neon signs, and plentiful restaurants. Just lots of big buildings and traffic. We had to buy a map to find our hotel. The most expensive map of the trip. Fitting I suppose. We crashed for a bit at the hotel once we got there, and then tried to figure out how to see The Last Supper. The only thing we wanted to do in Milan. We quickly found out that just wasn't going to happen. If you want to only go see The Last Supper you have to book a reservation months in advance. Otherwise, you can book a tour, which would include The Last Supper. Tours for that day were booked, but there was a spot the next morning. So we head down the street to see if we can change our train tickets. We can, but luckily don't right then. Luckily cause as soon as we get back to the hotel to have the guy book the tour, we're told they filled the rest of the spots. In less than 20 minutes. So No Go on the Michaelangelo.

Instead we took the subway to the Milan Cathedral (which was actually almost worth the entire stop in Milan as unless you've been to this Cathedral before, you have seen nothing like it) and the shopping district. We went in a few stores then got depressed. Nothing even had price tags. Price tags might have at least made it amusing, but without price tags it just means if you have to ask you can't afford it. So we left that quickly behind us in our dust. For the life of me I can't recall eating in Milan, but I know we had some gelatto outside the Duomo (Cathedral). We probably had McDonald's or something, cause I really don't remember. Oh wait, it might be coming to me. Someplace small. Eh, I got nothing.

Milan Cathedral

Gellato!

That was it. That was our time in Milan. OH, I do remember where we ate cause the only thing I took with me from this city was my glass Coke bottle from dinner. We just had dinner at some sidewalk restaurant. I had noodles and pesto, and it was actually one of my favorite meals.

So while I certainly don't dissuade anyone from visiting Milan, have a plan of what you want to do and what you want to see. Get tickets well in advance for the Last Supper. And bring about $2,000 if you want to shop.

Venice, Italy

Venice was my favorite Italian city. As soon as you walk out of the train station, there's the water. We got a little turned around looking for the hotel, but it wound up being down this narrow little street right next to the train station. They kept calling it a street, I probably would have found it easier if they said your hotel is down this foot path. We had no specific agenda for Venice, so we just decided to head to St. Mark's Square. No, actually, we headed there cause that's where the Hard Rock was. So we had lunch at the Hard Rock, then headed into the square. There were some high end shops there that we looked in while we listened to Andrea Bocelli's orchestra practice. We took pictures of the square and then headed to the main bay of the Adriactic Sea, overlooking another Cathedral, which I can't recall the name of right now. We sat on the steps that randomly lead into the water and put our feet in the Adriatic Sea. It felt wonderful. I'd say we sat there like that for nearly an hour.

Beautiful Venice

In St. Mark's Square

Looking out over the Adriatic Sea

Then we decided to see how much a gondola ride would cost. I went to check and then returned to Kristen to tell her the price. But apparently walking away is a good thing, cause the guy came after us and dropped the price a bunch. So we agreed and off we went to his gondola. He was a great tour guide. He told us about Marco Polo, Casanova, and how the city was built. It's actually a network of islands, with every square inch of land built upon. The canals and everything were all already there naturally. He didn't sing, but he was a lot of fun anyway. And yeah it's a little expensive, but I'd recommend it as a great way to see the inner parts of Venice. Plus, hey, our guide stopped at an ATM for us. We had to get out of the boat, but talk about service. Then again, I guess he just wanted to be paid.

Taking a gondola ride

When we got back to land we walked up and down along the Sea and did some shopping. I think gellato was also had. I can't keep up with our ice cream consumption. We had dinner right off St. Mark's square and then strolled around just long enough to hear Andrea Bocelli sing for a few minutes. While we were waiting for Bocelli to start we made friends with the pigeons. If you held out your hand with bread (which we stole from our own dinner) they'd fly right onto your arms. I had one just perch on my shoulder for awhile. I wasn't even feeding him, he just chilled. I named him Paco. We stood there with those birds forever. I'm not sure exactly how or why we found them so amusing, but we weren't the only ones. The square was packed with people playing with pigeons.

After Bocelli we boarded the Vespetta, which is like the water bus, and headed back toward the hotel down the Grand Canal. When we got off our stop it was just so relaxing and pretty that we sat down on the steps again. I guess this is the point at which exhaustion caught up with us cause we just sat there and laughed for about half an hour. Over anything and everything. Even when we got back to the hotel we just laughed until a ridiculous hour.

At some point on this trip we tried to leave from the wrong train station. Might have been Venice to Milan, I don't remember. But when we entered the train station, our train number and time and platform were all displayed on the board. The train just never came. And that was because it left from a different station. We were able to catch another train about half an hour later though. Now I'm thinking maybe this was when we tried to leave Milan. But I know when we left Milan our original train broke down and we got a back up so instead of a non-stop trip we had to get off and change trains twice. The moral is...be prepared for anything and think quickly on your feet! And if you're in another country, learn to pantomime. 

Florence, Italy

Having cut into our time in Florence by half a day, we really didn't get too much time in this city. Maybe six hours or so. A good five hours less than we had planned. We had no clue what to do once we got off the train, so we just grabbed a cab to the hotel. It was....hotel....uhhh Montreal. Yes, that was the one. We grabbed a new map and headed to see the Duomo Firenze. The only thing in the city we knew about. So on our way we had dinner in a nice little square. We did some shopping in the square too. The find of the night was these little leather bracelets. I'm totally in love with mine. We took lots of pictures of the Duomo, and had gellato. That's another word I'm pretty sure I spell differently every time I write it. I just want to keep readers on their toes. Also, while you're in Florence and facing the Duomo, turn around and check out the Door of Paradise directly behind you. Having studied art I wanted to see Ghiberti's famous doors, but thought we missed them. Later while watching our video of Florence I spotted the doors as I passed right by them.

We were lucky enough to hear the bells ringing. Beautiful and mesmerizing.

We didn't really do much else in Florence to be honest. Wandered around a bit. Then crashed at the hotel. This hotel had a huge shower. It was half the size of a shower in the US...but that makes it HUGE in Europe. So I thoroughly enjoyed that shower. I could move. The only other thing I remember about the hotel was the blankets on the beds were yellow. I'm sure in thirty years I'll be glad I remembered that detail and documented it here.

The next morning we got a cab to the train station. And I'm so glad we did. He brought us to a different train station then the one we had arrived at. Ten points for the taxi driver and a lesson to be learned. And from there it was off to Venice...