Hotel rooms are an essential part of the traveling experience, but how do you decide where to stay, without breaking the budget? Don't get me wrong, nothing is better and more relaxing than an elegant room. Personally, I have stayed at some great hotels, like The Westin in Denver, The Grand Palladium in Montego Bay, and the Hotel Claris in Barcelona, just to name a few. If you have a very large budget for a trip, then by all means splurge on a sweet and enjoy that Jacuzzi and 62 inch. plasma TV, and how can you go wrong with a walkout balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower or the Manhattan skyline. You only live once, right? However, most travelers cannot afford to stay in the lap of luxury when they travel. In fact, most travelers tend to travel on a budget and for many of them the biggest mistake is spending too much on their room. This wasteful spending can cause travelers to feel regret when they return home or keep them from spending money on the important things like museums and attractions, you know the things that you have come all this way to see in the first place.
So how do you select the right hotel for you? First, prioritise the amenities that matter most to you. The most important factor should be location. A centralized location is the key to a successful trip and an amenity that I will gladly spend more on. A centrally located hotel for most cities will be close to a majority of the culturally significant sites and near all of the good restaurants. This will typically save you on your transportation costs. Thus, you will not have to spend money on taxis or public transportation to get you to and from your hotel. Don't forget the time and hassle this can cause. The one exception to this, is when you are staying in a U.S. or Canadian city with cheap and easily accessible parking, and you have a rental car. Then, staying in the suburbs will save you a bundle.
Another important amenity to think about is cleanliness. Who would want to stay in a hotel, where the conditions are so appalling that the roaches are high tailing it out of there. In all seriousness, avoid staying in a filthy room. Places with blood soaked sheets and mold covered walls will completely ruin your trip and may traumatize you for years to come.
One of the most important things to consider when selecting a hotel room is safety. No matter how big of cheapskate you are, and I will usually take the cake, do not put yourself or your love one's at risk. It is never worth it! Thus, do your research before booking a room and stay out of really shady neighborhoods. One thing that I have learned is, if you put yourself in a bad situation, bad things have a tendency to happen.
Other things to consider, does your room come with a view? Hotels with great views, usually offer much cheaper rooms without the stunning views. Does your hotel have a pool? Are you going to use that pool? If not then finding a hotel without one can save you money. Most hotels without pools are usually cheaper than ones that do have them. Does your hotel offer free or discounted breakfast? By having one or several of your meals competed, you can save a great deal on your trip. However, if you are in a city like Paris, than eating out in an out door cafe is part of the fun. Thus, do not spend extra on a hotel that serves you breakfast. Are you a light sleeper? Then stay in a quieter part of town, and avoid those party areas like The French Quarter in New Orleans. This will help you have a better trip. Nothing can ruin a vacation like a total lack of sleep.
After you evaluate all of these options, you will be in a much better position to choose the right hotel for you. Personally, in the United States, I will typically spend about $60 to $80 a night for a hotel room that meets these criteria. These rooms are clean, no frills, safe, and usually centrally located. Chain hotels like Days-In, or Best Western can usually accommodate my needs. Remember, you are probably not going to spend that much time in your room to need thus added perks. I know what your thinking, how can I find a hotel this cheap in New York or San Francisco? It takes time and additional resources, but I have found decent hotels in both cities for around $150 a night. Try to utilizing web sites like hotels.com and other websites that specialize in filling up unsold rooms. In Europe, you can find great mom and pop hotels for around 100 Euros a night. In fact, the last time that I was in Paris, I stayed in the quaint neighborhood of Rue Cler, only four blocks from the Eiffel Tower and two block from the Metro. the place fit all of my needs and then some. The place was remarkably clean, centrally located, very safe, quiet and above all, only cost 115 Euros a night. In Sydney I stayed in a beautiful bed and breakfast in The Rocks for 120 Australian Dollars a night. To stay only one block from the French Quarter in New Orleans I only payed $89 a night. So it is truly possible to find a reasonably priced rooms in that dream location that you are traveling to.
Here are some of my inexpensive hotel recommendations
Paris:
Hotel du Champ de Mars
7 Rue du Champ de Mars
www.hotelduchampdemars.com
Florence:
Hotel Il Bargellino
via Guelfa 87
www.ilbargellino.com.
Sydney:
The Russel
143 A George St.
www.therussell.com.au
New Orleans:
Best Western St. Christopher
114 Magazine St.
1-504-648-0444
www.stchristopherhotel.com
Sources for other cheap hotels
www.hotels.com
www.expedia.com
www.orbits.com
www.travelocity.com
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
The Modernista's, Cutting Edge Even Today
One cannot travel through Barcelona without being completely captivated by the incredible architecture. From the organic masonry and tile work of Parc Guell to the imaginative spirit of Casa Batillo to the shear magnitude and ornateness of La Sagrada Familia, this city is blessed with a plethora of astonishing buildings and statuary. During the turn of the twentieth century, an artistic movement was taking shape throughout Europe and the United States and it's name was Art Nouveau (popularly known in Catalan as Modernisme. From 1888 to 1906 this movement changed the world of architecture for ever. It broke from tradition and embraced the modern. It's artists played with glass, tile, iron work and brick to create over the top buildings with natural and mythical inspired themes that have lasted the test of time and are still regarded as advent gard.
A great way to see and gain an appreciation of this modernisme movement in Barcelona is to follow this self guided tour of The Eixample. The Eixample or expansion began in the 1850's when the old city became to confined for the people living there. Thus, many wealthy individuals began to commission homes to be built outside of the original town walls. These new homes were heavily restricted by building codes that were in place at the time of construction. The new homes were only allowed to be a specific height, depth and length. So new home owners utilized an ever increasingly ornate design to show off their wealth and prestige. A great starting place for this walk is Placa De Catalunya. This is the center for public transportation in Barcelona and the beginning of Passeig de Gracia. Follow this broad boulevard past cafes, upscale boutique and some amazingly ornate buildings. These building are covered with intricate design motifs and eloquent statues. Not to be missed are #35 Casa Lleo Morera, #41 Casa Amatller (which is accented in a clever amalgamation of Moorish and Gothic styles and topped with gabled roofs which are reminiscent of the Netherlands) and #43 Casa Battllo (the house of bones). Casa Battllo was designed by Antoni Gaudi, the leading innovator of the Modernisme movement. This home was designed to depict the slaying of the Dragon by Saint George, who happens to be the patron saint of Barcelona. If you look really carefully at this building, you can see Gaudi's vision. The roof is designed to be the spine of the Dragon, the windows create the beasts face and the skull shaped balconies represent the bones of its victims. The chimney is a four sided cross, this is used to represent the sword being driven into the Dragon. The most amazing thing about this innovative home is that this was created in the 1880's. No one in this era had ever seen anything like it before. Gaudi was a true innovator and simply way before his time in the architectural world.
Another half mile down Passeig De Gracia is Casa Mila. Casa Mila or "The Quarry" is another brain child of Gaudi. This time, he utilized a more organic approach to designing a home. This structure looks like it could have been molded out sand, the walls are full of curvature and the chimneys are uniquely shaped and everything is covered on a very light brown tile that is strikingly similar in color to the beaches near by. The best part about Casa Mila and Casa Batllo besides their uniqueness is the fact that you can take a guided tour and see the interior of these cutting edge homes.
From Passeig Gracia, take the Metro to see La Sagrada Familia. This is home town hero, Antoni Gaudi's crowning achievement. Started in 1883 and still in progress today, this church is the symbol of the Barcelona. The church is a mixture of natural and biblical motifs and is without a doubt the most ornate facade I have ever witnessed. Gaudi's vision was to have every scene of the bible carved into the Church's facade. The North side was completed in Gaudi's life time and best reflects his original vision of the cathedral. The South side was completed after his death and was the vision of Josep Maria Subirachs. His controversial "Passion Facade" is more cubist in nature than Gaudi's organic "Nativity Facade" but in my opinion very captivating, none the less. Make sure to set aside at least two hours for the cathedral, it is that impressive.
Finally, take either bus 24 or 92 to Parc Guell. Parc Guell was originally designed as a housing project and quickly became yet another medium for Gaudi to work his magic on. This park is a delight to visit, with it's storybook houses, it's lizard fountain and let's not forget about the world's longest park bench. All of these marvels are covered in brightly colored tile mosaics. When Gaudi had the park built, he had his workers scower the city for broken plates, dishes, and bottles to create this kaleidoscope of colors. This is a magnificent place to let the kids burn off some pent up energy or to people watch or simply to rest and absorb all of these amazing sites that Barcelona has to offer.
www.sagradafamilia.cat
www.casabatllo.cat
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=parc+guell&qs=IM&form=QBIR&pq=parc+&sc=8-5&sp=1&sk=
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=casa+amatller+barcelona+spain&qs=AS&sk=AS1&FORM=QBIR&pq=casa%20amatll&sc=5-11&sp=2&qs=AS&sk=AS1
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Lleo+Morera&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=lleo+morera&sc=0-9&sp=-1&sk=
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=la+sagrada+familia&qs=IM&form=QBIR&pq=la+s&sc=8-4&sp=1&sk=
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=casa+mila+barcelona&qs=IM&form=QBIR&pq=casa+mi&sc=8-7&sp=2&sk=IM1
A great way to see and gain an appreciation of this modernisme movement in Barcelona is to follow this self guided tour of The Eixample. The Eixample or expansion began in the 1850's when the old city became to confined for the people living there. Thus, many wealthy individuals began to commission homes to be built outside of the original town walls. These new homes were heavily restricted by building codes that were in place at the time of construction. The new homes were only allowed to be a specific height, depth and length. So new home owners utilized an ever increasingly ornate design to show off their wealth and prestige. A great starting place for this walk is Placa De Catalunya. This is the center for public transportation in Barcelona and the beginning of Passeig de Gracia. Follow this broad boulevard past cafes, upscale boutique and some amazingly ornate buildings. These building are covered with intricate design motifs and eloquent statues. Not to be missed are #35 Casa Lleo Morera, #41 Casa Amatller (which is accented in a clever amalgamation of Moorish and Gothic styles and topped with gabled roofs which are reminiscent of the Netherlands) and #43 Casa Battllo (the house of bones). Casa Battllo was designed by Antoni Gaudi, the leading innovator of the Modernisme movement. This home was designed to depict the slaying of the Dragon by Saint George, who happens to be the patron saint of Barcelona. If you look really carefully at this building, you can see Gaudi's vision. The roof is designed to be the spine of the Dragon, the windows create the beasts face and the skull shaped balconies represent the bones of its victims. The chimney is a four sided cross, this is used to represent the sword being driven into the Dragon. The most amazing thing about this innovative home is that this was created in the 1880's. No one in this era had ever seen anything like it before. Gaudi was a true innovator and simply way before his time in the architectural world.
Another half mile down Passeig De Gracia is Casa Mila. Casa Mila or "The Quarry" is another brain child of Gaudi. This time, he utilized a more organic approach to designing a home. This structure looks like it could have been molded out sand, the walls are full of curvature and the chimneys are uniquely shaped and everything is covered on a very light brown tile that is strikingly similar in color to the beaches near by. The best part about Casa Mila and Casa Batllo besides their uniqueness is the fact that you can take a guided tour and see the interior of these cutting edge homes.
From Passeig Gracia, take the Metro to see La Sagrada Familia. This is home town hero, Antoni Gaudi's crowning achievement. Started in 1883 and still in progress today, this church is the symbol of the Barcelona. The church is a mixture of natural and biblical motifs and is without a doubt the most ornate facade I have ever witnessed. Gaudi's vision was to have every scene of the bible carved into the Church's facade. The North side was completed in Gaudi's life time and best reflects his original vision of the cathedral. The South side was completed after his death and was the vision of Josep Maria Subirachs. His controversial "Passion Facade" is more cubist in nature than Gaudi's organic "Nativity Facade" but in my opinion very captivating, none the less. Make sure to set aside at least two hours for the cathedral, it is that impressive.
Finally, take either bus 24 or 92 to Parc Guell. Parc Guell was originally designed as a housing project and quickly became yet another medium for Gaudi to work his magic on. This park is a delight to visit, with it's storybook houses, it's lizard fountain and let's not forget about the world's longest park bench. All of these marvels are covered in brightly colored tile mosaics. When Gaudi had the park built, he had his workers scower the city for broken plates, dishes, and bottles to create this kaleidoscope of colors. This is a magnificent place to let the kids burn off some pent up energy or to people watch or simply to rest and absorb all of these amazing sites that Barcelona has to offer.
www.sagradafamilia.cat
www.casabatllo.cat
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=parc+guell&qs=IM&form=QBIR&pq=parc+&sc=8-5&sp=1&sk=
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=casa+amatller+barcelona+spain&qs=AS&sk=AS1&FORM=QBIR&pq=casa%20amatll&sc=5-11&sp=2&qs=AS&sk=AS1
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Lleo+Morera&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=lleo+morera&sc=0-9&sp=-1&sk=
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=la+sagrada+familia&qs=IM&form=QBIR&pq=la+s&sc=8-4&sp=1&sk=
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=casa+mila+barcelona&qs=IM&form=QBIR&pq=casa+mi&sc=8-7&sp=2&sk=IM1
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Is It Really Necessary To Be At The Airport Two Hours Early?
Do you really have to be at the airport at least two hours in advanced? Most of the time, this is not the case. Most people can arrive at the airport an hour early and still make their flight but be warned, this is a very risky proposition. There are just too many things can go wrong, and cause you to miss that flight. For instance, TSA is progressively getting more and more strict with their regulations and will continue to do so. Thus, it will consistently take longer and longer to get through that gauntlet, that we call an airport security line. One can circumvent these lines and annoying hassles with the express passes that most airports offer, but can you truly justify spending a hundred dollars to cut twenty minutes out of your wait? Also, many airline companies have a tendency to reroute planes to gates that are completely on the other side of the airport. This will make it more difficult to catch your plane in a tight situation. In fact, this has happened to me the last two times that I have flown out of Dallas. Of course, lets not forget about the unforeseen troubles that can arise. Forgotten id's will most certainly create some difficulty making that flight in time. How about the great equalizer in life, traffic. One time, I was leaving Atlanta on a picturesque Saturday morning and hit the construction zone from hell! I was traveling down I-75 with ease and was excited that me and my wife were going to arrive with plenty of time to spare. That is, until I came over a hill and saw the sea of glowing red lights. The road construction team took this majestic super high way from six lanes to one in a mile of space. I started to get impatient after waiting half an hour to get a quarter of a mile. So I had to do something quick. I was not going to miss that plane and spend one more night at my In laws! Just kidding guys. I actually love my in laws but anyway, I got off the interstate and zig zaged through that city as fast as I could. I knew that if I headed east, I would eventually catch I-20 and this could get us to the promised land. So once we found this alternative road, I cranked that Chevy Impala rental car as fast as it would go. I was incredibly impressed that I was able to reach speeds in excess of a 145 mph in a rental vehicle. So as I pushed this car to the limit and did my best Jeff Gordon imitation when it came to passing the car that I encountered, I was able to just make that flight back to Denver. My wife and me were quite literally, the last passengers to board that flight. Now if I did not give myself a two hour window, I would never have been able to make that flight. Thus, it's just like my mother always told me, " you are an adult and can make decisions for yourself". So I should not preach to you about cutting it too close, and the very expensive repercussions that can come from it; like paying for a new ticket at premium prices, an unexpected hotel room, more meals out, another night with the in laws, just to name a few. Personally, I would much rather kick back and relax an the airport, enjoying a vente mocha latte and a good book, than stressing over the chances of missing a flight. But everyone has their own priorities. So this holiday season make sure to consider these pitfalls before you leave for that flight.
In case you are wondering, I have flown over sixty six times and have never missed a flight! knock on wood!
In case you are wondering, I have flown over sixty six times and have never missed a flight! knock on wood!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Goodbye To Twinkies; An End Of An American Tradition
On Friday morning, I woke up and discovered that The Hostess Corporation was going out of business. This was the saddest news I could have ever heard. Besides the fact that 18,000 hard working employees were losing their jobs, it marked the end of an era for America. Most Americans are still in disbelief that there will be no more Twinkies, no more Ding Dongs or Ho Ho's, no more Snowballs, and above all else, no more Hostess Cupcakes! What a truly tragic day for the American consumer.
So many of you are probably wondering why a travel blog is devoting an article to a snack foods? Because, they are more than just sweet treats. For my generation, they were a pivotal piece of American culture. People my age grew up on these delicious munchies. In the Norman Rockwell era of the 1950's, apple pie and baseball were synonyms with America, the same could be true for Ding Dongs, Ho Ho's and video games for the 1990's. They were a quintessential part of everyday life. For me, these treats are reminiscent of my childhood. When I was little, my father used to take me and my brother every Saturday morning to the convenience store to visit my mom. She was unfortunately stuck working the weekends to make ends meet. So as we would hang out there with her, my brother and me would always get to choose a snack. For me, it was always the same, a two pack of the best tasting chocolate cupcakes ever made and a chocolate milk to wash it all down with. Looking back, it is amazing that I don't weigh at least 400 pounds, but these were the days when junk food reigned supreme. This weekly tradition has over the years became one of my many cherished childhood memories.
As the day went along, I started to talk to several of my friends about this untimely and tragic loss, and was quick to discover that many of them also had similar and heartfelt memories of these decadent and beloved snack cakes. I never quite realized how such a small and seemingly inconsequential thing could contribute in our daily lives and help to identify our experiences as being truly American. In fact, this odd phenomena of American culture was felt throughout my home town of Denver. As soon as The Hostess Corporation decided to close there doors to the public after 83 years, people immediately started to buy up the last few precious packs that remained on the selves. Within three hours, there was not even a crumb left for us devoted chocolate lovers and sweet tooth addicts to find. Some did it to horde these treasures, others to make a profit. World famous tennis player, Maria Sharapova, who's guilty pleasure is to consume the iconic and cream filled Twinkie, immediately bought up a life time supply of them. For those of you who are unfamiliar to Twinkies, they are so full of preservatives that they can easily last a hundred years and still be as good as the day they rolled off of the assembly line. Where as others have placed them on EBay and are now selling a box of them for as much as $500 a piece. These used to retail for around $3 a box. Can you believe it! Who knows, maybe in 80 years, someone will bring out a Twinkie on Antique Roadshow and it will be worth a small fortune. Stranger things have happened. I know America will move on to other obsessions that will define what life is for us. We always do, but for future generations, who may not get to experience the guilty pleasure of devouring these delicious and truly iconic treats, I feel immense regret. I couldn't imagine what life would be like without these wonderful junk foods. For me, this marks the end of an era in American culture. Thanks to my dear readers for tolerating this twist in topics but I simply had to say goodbye to my dear friend the Twinkie!
http://money.msn.com/top-stocks/post.aspx?post=6d7b095e-e558-4dc4-83e9-1859d177e676&ocid=ansmony11
If you were as devastated by the closing of the hostess factory as I was please chime in, I would love to hear about your experiences with these iconic treats or let us know which of the amazing treats you are going to miss the most.
So many of you are probably wondering why a travel blog is devoting an article to a snack foods? Because, they are more than just sweet treats. For my generation, they were a pivotal piece of American culture. People my age grew up on these delicious munchies. In the Norman Rockwell era of the 1950's, apple pie and baseball were synonyms with America, the same could be true for Ding Dongs, Ho Ho's and video games for the 1990's. They were a quintessential part of everyday life. For me, these treats are reminiscent of my childhood. When I was little, my father used to take me and my brother every Saturday morning to the convenience store to visit my mom. She was unfortunately stuck working the weekends to make ends meet. So as we would hang out there with her, my brother and me would always get to choose a snack. For me, it was always the same, a two pack of the best tasting chocolate cupcakes ever made and a chocolate milk to wash it all down with. Looking back, it is amazing that I don't weigh at least 400 pounds, but these were the days when junk food reigned supreme. This weekly tradition has over the years became one of my many cherished childhood memories.
As the day went along, I started to talk to several of my friends about this untimely and tragic loss, and was quick to discover that many of them also had similar and heartfelt memories of these decadent and beloved snack cakes. I never quite realized how such a small and seemingly inconsequential thing could contribute in our daily lives and help to identify our experiences as being truly American. In fact, this odd phenomena of American culture was felt throughout my home town of Denver. As soon as The Hostess Corporation decided to close there doors to the public after 83 years, people immediately started to buy up the last few precious packs that remained on the selves. Within three hours, there was not even a crumb left for us devoted chocolate lovers and sweet tooth addicts to find. Some did it to horde these treasures, others to make a profit. World famous tennis player, Maria Sharapova, who's guilty pleasure is to consume the iconic and cream filled Twinkie, immediately bought up a life time supply of them. For those of you who are unfamiliar to Twinkies, they are so full of preservatives that they can easily last a hundred years and still be as good as the day they rolled off of the assembly line. Where as others have placed them on EBay and are now selling a box of them for as much as $500 a piece. These used to retail for around $3 a box. Can you believe it! Who knows, maybe in 80 years, someone will bring out a Twinkie on Antique Roadshow and it will be worth a small fortune. Stranger things have happened. I know America will move on to other obsessions that will define what life is for us. We always do, but for future generations, who may not get to experience the guilty pleasure of devouring these delicious and truly iconic treats, I feel immense regret. I couldn't imagine what life would be like without these wonderful junk foods. For me, this marks the end of an era in American culture. Thanks to my dear readers for tolerating this twist in topics but I simply had to say goodbye to my dear friend the Twinkie!
http://money.msn.com/top-stocks/post.aspx?post=6d7b095e-e558-4dc4-83e9-1859d177e676&ocid=ansmony11
If you were as devastated by the closing of the hostess factory as I was please chime in, I would love to hear about your experiences with these iconic treats or let us know which of the amazing treats you are going to miss the most.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Fala Ingles?
One of the most frequent questions that I am asked is; is it necessary to speak a foreign language when traveling abroad? The answer really depends on several factors. First of all, where are you traveling to. If you are heading to Western Europe, then you will be fine with only speaking English. I have traveled all over Western Europe and have had little difficulty communicating with locals. (Unlike in the United States, people in other countries are typically fluent or at least proficient in more than one language and English is typically used.) One thing you will quickly discover, is that larger cities and areas that are frequented by tourists, the language barriers are much more manageable. So when you see the canals of Venice or have a cafe creme in a cafe in Paris, you should not have much trouble communicating with locals. Now as you venture off "the beaten path", you will discover that the language barrier progressively gets more challenging. People in small towns and villages, typically see less tourists and sequentially have less of a need to speak English. So when you visit some of the smaller hill towns in Tuscany or Provence, you will have a more difficult time communicating. As you travel to more exotic locals, the language barriers will certainly intensify. When I last traveled to Brazil, I was surprised at how few people spoke and understood English. Rio de Janeiro is a very cosmopolitan city, yet English speaking tourists do not frequently travel there. So me and my wife had to rely on our concierge to write down addresses on the back of hotel business cards to fully utilize the taxi system. We also relied heavily on our tour book guild to decipher menus at restaurants. In spite of these challenges, we were able to get around fine and order what we wanted without problems, and ultimately had a great time in a beautiful country. This experience was very reminiscent to my travels in India, where I had to use very similar techniques to communicate with non-English speeking Indians (there are many people in India who only speak Hindi). So to have a much smoother trip when traveling independently to an exotic locale, you should try and obtain as much foreign language skills as possible. It will make communicating much easier, but it is possible to travel to a foreign land and not speak the language. To accomplish this, you have to be very patient and dilligent in your efforts to communicate.
Personally, I believe that mastering a foreign language is very difficult, but if you cannot master a language then one needs to at least learn a few of the basic phrases before they travel abroad. These few phrases (hello, good bye, do you speak English, thank you, where can I get a cocktail, etc...) will make your trip go smoother and help you build a repore with the people you meet. It is down right rude to assume that everyone you meet speaks English. So ask if he or she does speak English before you start to ask questions in our native language. You will be amazed how a few parlez-vous or hablo or fala ingles will go over with the people you meet. Also, be very patient with the people you converse with. They may need time to process your questions before they answer. Also, enunciate your words so it is clear what you are saying. Talk slowly, so they can understand what it is you are trying to convey. Make sure to use common phrases or words for things. If you need to use the rest room ask for the toilet. If you want to take a picture say photo. Lastly, do not get discouraged if you are having trouble communicating, simply ask another person the same question. Some people are better at communicating than others. Hopefully, these tips will help you have a more pleasant and enjoyable trip.
Personally, I believe that mastering a foreign language is very difficult, but if you cannot master a language then one needs to at least learn a few of the basic phrases before they travel abroad. These few phrases (hello, good bye, do you speak English, thank you, where can I get a cocktail, etc...) will make your trip go smoother and help you build a repore with the people you meet. It is down right rude to assume that everyone you meet speaks English. So ask if he or she does speak English before you start to ask questions in our native language. You will be amazed how a few parlez-vous or hablo or fala ingles will go over with the people you meet. Also, be very patient with the people you converse with. They may need time to process your questions before they answer. Also, enunciate your words so it is clear what you are saying. Talk slowly, so they can understand what it is you are trying to convey. Make sure to use common phrases or words for things. If you need to use the rest room ask for the toilet. If you want to take a picture say photo. Lastly, do not get discouraged if you are having trouble communicating, simply ask another person the same question. Some people are better at communicating than others. Hopefully, these tips will help you have a more pleasant and enjoyable trip.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Feijoada
As I sit in this quint but elegant restaurant, sipping my sweet and sour flavored caipirinhas (caipirinhas, is a sugar cane and lime based cocktail), I am immediately struck by the smell coming from the kitchen. The whole restaurant is enveloped in this enticing aroma of slow cooked pork and garlic! These smells are so natural and typify every day life to Brazilians. Because when they think of comfort food, they are immediately reminded of feijoada.
The concept of the feijoada, dates back to colonial days, when the Portuguese used Rio as a loading zone for their bounty of gold and precious gems. Back then, meat was an expensive commodity and the well to do bought the best cuts of pork. So with the shoulders, ribs, tenderloin, chops and so forth gone, or too pricey for the common folk to buy, what would the average person get? Well, they would purchase the left overs; the pigs feet, snout, ears, skin, and tail. Now I know this may seem very unappetising to many, but they would take these left over portions and slowly cook them in a pot for hours upon hours with black beans, garlic and onions until they became an amazingly flavorful stew. As time went on, this "poor man's stew" became a Saturday tradition amongst both rich and poor alike. Nowadays, this Brazilian delicacy is served up in fancy restaurants all over the country.
Here in my favorite restaurant in Ipanema, Casa de Feijoada, they serve this remarkable dish with sides of fried plantains, rice, orange slices, fried mantioc flour, pork rinds, collard greens, and rice. The portions, as you can tell, can easily feed a small army. Great news for foreign travelers, who are not as adventurous but want to experience this iconic Brazilian dish, Casa de Feijoada can substitute the exotic cuts for more pedestrians pieces of the pig, like ribs and tenderloin and even beef stew meat. Or you can try it the way I like and have these added to the traditional cuts, creating the ultimate version of Feijoada. So next time your in Rio de Janerio, stop by Casa de Feijoada. Order their legendary version of this stew and wash this massive spread down with the national drink, a caipiriahas and you can have an opportunity to experience a true slice of Brazilian life!
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=feijoada&qpvt=feijoada&FORM=IGRE
Casa de Feijoada
The concept of the feijoada, dates back to colonial days, when the Portuguese used Rio as a loading zone for their bounty of gold and precious gems. Back then, meat was an expensive commodity and the well to do bought the best cuts of pork. So with the shoulders, ribs, tenderloin, chops and so forth gone, or too pricey for the common folk to buy, what would the average person get? Well, they would purchase the left overs; the pigs feet, snout, ears, skin, and tail. Now I know this may seem very unappetising to many, but they would take these left over portions and slowly cook them in a pot for hours upon hours with black beans, garlic and onions until they became an amazingly flavorful stew. As time went on, this "poor man's stew" became a Saturday tradition amongst both rich and poor alike. Nowadays, this Brazilian delicacy is served up in fancy restaurants all over the country.
Here in my favorite restaurant in Ipanema, Casa de Feijoada, they serve this remarkable dish with sides of fried plantains, rice, orange slices, fried mantioc flour, pork rinds, collard greens, and rice. The portions, as you can tell, can easily feed a small army. Great news for foreign travelers, who are not as adventurous but want to experience this iconic Brazilian dish, Casa de Feijoada can substitute the exotic cuts for more pedestrians pieces of the pig, like ribs and tenderloin and even beef stew meat. Or you can try it the way I like and have these added to the traditional cuts, creating the ultimate version of Feijoada. So next time your in Rio de Janerio, stop by Casa de Feijoada. Order their legendary version of this stew and wash this massive spread down with the national drink, a caipiriahas and you can have an opportunity to experience a true slice of Brazilian life!
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=feijoada&qpvt=feijoada&FORM=IGRE
Casa de Feijoada
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
How To Avoid Jet Lag Or At Least How To Minimalize It
Who would want to be half way around the world, all excited to check out the Colosseum or take a cruise on a canal in Amsterdam, only to be too tired or sick to enjoy them. This unfortunate situation occurs, way to frequently to travelers. So what really is jet lag and why does it effect some people and not others? Jet lag is a physical condition where an individual experiences exhaustion, head aches, disorientation, disruption of sleep and even nausea. It essential is a mixture of dehydration and a lack of sleep, and will effect every person differently. So how can you avoid ruining your trip, especially if you are in a place for only a short period of time and do not have the time to acclimate?
The best way to avoid jet lag is to take care of your health. One way to do this, is to rest up. The major cause of jet lag is exhaustion. Most travelers do not get enough rest before their trip as well as on the plane. They are usually rushing to get everything ready for their big trip or are just plain excited for this memorable vacation. How can you not get excited to see Paris or Rome for the first time, but get your rest. You are going to need it! Plan and pack days earlier, this will limit undue stress and make it easier for you to sleep the night before the trip. Next, skip the in flight movie. I know it might be tempting to see that latest action flick or the newest romantic comedy, but you will be better off with the sleep that you might be able to get instead. Besides, sleeping on the plane will help you to acclimate to your new time zone that you will be arriving in and give you the rest that you will want, when you get to your final destination.
Another great way to avoid jet lag is to keep hydrated. Jet lag, like most illnesses can be keep in check with lots of fluids. So before you leave and throughout your trip, drink lots of water or orange juice, that vitiam C can keep your immune system going, and definitely avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages on the plane. These have a tendency to dehydrate one's system.
As soon as your on the plane, change your watch to the time of your next destination. Even if it's daylight and your next destination is currently in the middle of the night. Also, periodically tell yourself that it is that later time. This mind over matter can ease you into acclimated for your new time zone.
When you arrive at your final destination, get some fresh air and exercise. It always amazes me how exercise can stave off jet lag. The best way to get that exercise is to check out one or two small sites. Walking around a museum or a church will do you wonders and get on good start to seeing all those wonderful sites that you have been so excited to experience.
Lastly, stay up as late as you can. If you can force yourself to stay up to nine or ten o'clock the first day, it will set your internal clock much quicker and by the next morning you will be acclimated to your new time zone. If you follow these suggestions, you will have a much more enjoyable trip and you might be able to avoid the dreaded jet lag or at least minimize it.
These are just a few of the ways that I use to avoid jet lag, but if you have any other ideas or suggestions, or horror stories, please tell us all about it! Me and the audience would love to hear all about it.
The best way to avoid jet lag is to take care of your health. One way to do this, is to rest up. The major cause of jet lag is exhaustion. Most travelers do not get enough rest before their trip as well as on the plane. They are usually rushing to get everything ready for their big trip or are just plain excited for this memorable vacation. How can you not get excited to see Paris or Rome for the first time, but get your rest. You are going to need it! Plan and pack days earlier, this will limit undue stress and make it easier for you to sleep the night before the trip. Next, skip the in flight movie. I know it might be tempting to see that latest action flick or the newest romantic comedy, but you will be better off with the sleep that you might be able to get instead. Besides, sleeping on the plane will help you to acclimate to your new time zone that you will be arriving in and give you the rest that you will want, when you get to your final destination.
Another great way to avoid jet lag is to keep hydrated. Jet lag, like most illnesses can be keep in check with lots of fluids. So before you leave and throughout your trip, drink lots of water or orange juice, that vitiam C can keep your immune system going, and definitely avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages on the plane. These have a tendency to dehydrate one's system.
As soon as your on the plane, change your watch to the time of your next destination. Even if it's daylight and your next destination is currently in the middle of the night. Also, periodically tell yourself that it is that later time. This mind over matter can ease you into acclimated for your new time zone.
When you arrive at your final destination, get some fresh air and exercise. It always amazes me how exercise can stave off jet lag. The best way to get that exercise is to check out one or two small sites. Walking around a museum or a church will do you wonders and get on good start to seeing all those wonderful sites that you have been so excited to experience.
Lastly, stay up as late as you can. If you can force yourself to stay up to nine or ten o'clock the first day, it will set your internal clock much quicker and by the next morning you will be acclimated to your new time zone. If you follow these suggestions, you will have a much more enjoyable trip and you might be able to avoid the dreaded jet lag or at least minimize it.
These are just a few of the ways that I use to avoid jet lag, but if you have any other ideas or suggestions, or horror stories, please tell us all about it! Me and the audience would love to hear all about it.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Futevolei
So when soccer crazed fans clash with Brazil's other obsession, hanging out on the beach soaking up the sun, what does a Cariocas (a citizen of Rio de Janeiro) do? You create a new sport, Futevolei and everybody is happy.
Soccer is a complete obsession for the Brazilian people. They eat and breath and sleep soccer. Go to the Maracana, the largest stadium in the world, and you can see first hand how obsessed this nation truly is. Seeing over 200,000 screaming, dancing, chanting and partying fans in fulforce is a site like nothing else out there! When the World Cup is on, the whole country of 191 million people comes to a screeching halt, everyone is glued to the nearest TV. In fact, the next World Cup takes place here in Rio de Janeiro in 2014 and you can tell, with all of the renovations and advertisements throughout the city. When you travel to Brazil, you cannot help but be bombarded by soccer and it's great players. They are everywhere. From beer commericals, to talk shows, to ads for shaving cream. You simply cannot miss the latest and greatest soccer celebrity hocking products to the masses or soaking up their stardom. Why all the buzz for this sport. Well, besides the fact that Brazil has won more world cup titles than any other country (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002), it is a sport that transcends economic classes. It does not matter if you are raised in a multimillion dollar mansion in Buzios or are from one of the favelas (extremely poor shanty towns) in Sao Paulo. With hard work and determination, any kid can become a futebol legend in this country.
Thus, throughout Brazil, everyone plays the game. Young and old, rich and poor, boys and girls. They play in soccer fields, in parking lots, just about anywhere they can. In the 1960's soccer fans began to take up too much of the precious sand on Copacobana beach and were banned from playing it during the day. So innovative Cariocas started to play volleyball, the second most popular sport on the beach, but they added a twist, they refused to use their hands. The players could only use their feet, chest, head, and knees to get the ball over the net. This new sport of futevolei quickly gained favor with locals and is now one of the most popular activities for Cariocas to do. Futevolei is played up and down Ipanema and Copacabana beaches and one of the most fast paced and exciting sports you will ever watch. So, if you ever get to Rio de Janeiro, head to the beach, grab a local beer (Brahma is great) or a coconut and check out a match. You will have a very exciting and memorable time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNcSmEi2b78&feature=related
http://www.futevolei.com.br/
Soccer is a complete obsession for the Brazilian people. They eat and breath and sleep soccer. Go to the Maracana, the largest stadium in the world, and you can see first hand how obsessed this nation truly is. Seeing over 200,000 screaming, dancing, chanting and partying fans in fulforce is a site like nothing else out there! When the World Cup is on, the whole country of 191 million people comes to a screeching halt, everyone is glued to the nearest TV. In fact, the next World Cup takes place here in Rio de Janeiro in 2014 and you can tell, with all of the renovations and advertisements throughout the city. When you travel to Brazil, you cannot help but be bombarded by soccer and it's great players. They are everywhere. From beer commericals, to talk shows, to ads for shaving cream. You simply cannot miss the latest and greatest soccer celebrity hocking products to the masses or soaking up their stardom. Why all the buzz for this sport. Well, besides the fact that Brazil has won more world cup titles than any other country (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002), it is a sport that transcends economic classes. It does not matter if you are raised in a multimillion dollar mansion in Buzios or are from one of the favelas (extremely poor shanty towns) in Sao Paulo. With hard work and determination, any kid can become a futebol legend in this country.
Thus, throughout Brazil, everyone plays the game. Young and old, rich and poor, boys and girls. They play in soccer fields, in parking lots, just about anywhere they can. In the 1960's soccer fans began to take up too much of the precious sand on Copacobana beach and were banned from playing it during the day. So innovative Cariocas started to play volleyball, the second most popular sport on the beach, but they added a twist, they refused to use their hands. The players could only use their feet, chest, head, and knees to get the ball over the net. This new sport of futevolei quickly gained favor with locals and is now one of the most popular activities for Cariocas to do. Futevolei is played up and down Ipanema and Copacabana beaches and one of the most fast paced and exciting sports you will ever watch. So, if you ever get to Rio de Janeiro, head to the beach, grab a local beer (Brahma is great) or a coconut and check out a match. You will have a very exciting and memorable time!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNcSmEi2b78&feature=related
http://www.futevolei.com.br/
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Great Itineraries: Rio de Janeiro
When you think of Rio de Janeiro, images of breath taking beaches and iconic landmarks immediately come to mind and rightfully so. Rio is a city blessed with several of the most amazing beaches in the world (Ipanema and Copacabana) as well as spectacular rock formations (Corcovado and Pao de Acucar). Add in a hodgepodge of unique architecture (ranging from colonial to ubber modern), delicious food, some of the most kind and patient people I have ever encountered. Oh, and did I forget to mention one of The Seven Wonders of The World (Christ The Redeemer). A stay in this tropical paradise will certainly be a trip to be remembered!
Day One
As of the publication of this article, the trolley to Saint Teresa was shut down due to the untimely death of one of the local residences (a fellow fell underneath the trolly and was decapitated) and it does not appear that they have any plans to reopen it anytime soon. So if you do travel to Rio in the near future, ask your concierge before heading over to Centro to ride this iconic landmark.
Remember, this is only a suggested itinerary that encompasses many of the highlights of this sensational city, you should take into consideration your likes and dislikes. If you cannot stand meandering through a museum and adore shopping, then add in more time to check out the hottest trends at the local boutiques. Or if you read about a site that caught your attention then by all means check it out! Vacations are a personal adventure and you know what will make that next trip extra special and fulfilling.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSgvvbCQq9c
Day One
- 9:00 A.M. Take the cable car to the top of Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf Moutain)
- 1:00 P.M. Have lunch on Copacabana
- 3:00 P.M. Lounge on Copacabana Beach
- 7:00 P.M Have diner at one of the amazing restaurants near bye
- 9:00 P.M Have a cocktail at one of the incredible nightclubs in town
- 9:00 A.M Take the train through Floresta da Tijuca to Corcovado and see the epic monument of Christ The Redeemer
- 1:00 P.M. Lunch
- 3:00 P.M. Check out the beach scene on Ipanema
- 7:00 P.M. Diner
- 9:00 A.M. Head to Centro and check out the colonial architecture of the city
- 11:00 A.M. Have a snack or a light lunch at the legendary Cafe Colombo
- 1:00 P.M. Either head to the cobblestone streets of Santa Teresa or to the Museu National for a taste of the Brazilian Art scene.
- Or do some window shopping in Centro or Ipanema
- Or hit your favorite beach one last time
- 7:00 P.M. Have one last amazing meal in this great city
- Petropolis and see the Museu Imperial (home to the Brazilian Emperors)
- Paraty (One of the best examples of Portuguese colonial architecture in the country)
As of the publication of this article, the trolley to Saint Teresa was shut down due to the untimely death of one of the local residences (a fellow fell underneath the trolly and was decapitated) and it does not appear that they have any plans to reopen it anytime soon. So if you do travel to Rio in the near future, ask your concierge before heading over to Centro to ride this iconic landmark.
Remember, this is only a suggested itinerary that encompasses many of the highlights of this sensational city, you should take into consideration your likes and dislikes. If you cannot stand meandering through a museum and adore shopping, then add in more time to check out the hottest trends at the local boutiques. Or if you read about a site that caught your attention then by all means check it out! Vacations are a personal adventure and you know what will make that next trip extra special and fulfilling.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSgvvbCQq9c
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