The Pena Palace: The Most Magical Place On Earth Or At Least In Portugal

The Pena Palace In Sintra, Portugal

     Have you ever seen something so bizarre, so unique that you have to pinch yourself to believe that it is real.  For me, the Pena Palace in Sintra would definitely fall into this category.  It is a castle that defies belief and summons up visions of childhood dreams on a grandiose scale.

     The Pena Palace is an amalgamation of styles, colors, and shapes like no other place on earth and was the brainchild of the flamboyant Prince Ferdinand.  He was born in 1816 and grew up in the National Palace.  This traditional home to the Portuguese royalty was confining to the young prince and left him wanting something more, something to call his own.  Granted the National Palace is a very grand palace with hundreds of rooms, beautiful frescoes, and incredibly carved wood everywhere, but it seemed to lack the panache that the future king of Portugal wanted for himself.  But how would he go about it?  How do you create a legacy for yourself? 

     The answer came to him when he went to Bavaria to visit his cousin Ludwig.  For those who do not know, "Mad King" Ludwig designed one of the most incredible castles in all of Europe, Neuschwanstein.  This place is so iconic, so beautiful that Walt Disney used it as the inspiration for his "Sleeping Beauty's Castle" at Disneyland.  Anyway Ferdinand was so impressed with his cousin's masterpiece, that he decided to make one for himself. 

     So like any self respected monarch, he called on the best architects in the land and began to create his legacy.  He incorporated Moorish and Visigoth motifs in his new palace as a way of honoring Portugal's past as well as contemporary trends like Neo-Baroque and Neo-Gothic.  The final result is a brightly colored fantastical palace that is fit for any European royalty.  The place is full of Islamic arches and classic castle turrets.  It is truly a massive palace full of obscure and contradictory styles that seem to be taken out of a fantasy world and placed in the roughed foothills of Portugal.  It truly is a sight to behold and the best part is that Ferdinand selected the top of very a large mountain for the Pena Palace to be built upon.  This would way it would give it the most stunning of views possible and he could look down on his childhood home and smile, knowing full well that the whole valley would have to look up at his life long ambitions.

     I personally love seeing the results of one man's vision and how it can become a reality.  The Pena Palace is truly the fulfillment of this life long dream and an amazing place to see for yourself.

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"Our Lips Meet Easily, High Across The Narrow Streets" : A Stroll Through The Alfama

The Alfama of Lisbon, Portugal

     Have you ever walked down a narrow cobblestone road and felt that you have just step back in time.  This is the case for me, every time I venture down the medieval streets of the Alfama.  I do not know if it is the little old ladies that are clad from head to toe in black heading down these quiet little lanes on their way to the market, or could it be the laundry gently blowing in the wind as it hangs between the rod iron balconies.  Either way this classic neighborhood has a rustic charm and ambiance that is seldom scene in this modern age. 

     To adequately experience this tremendous neighborhood, you need to stroll through it's characteristic lanes for yourself.  I would begin at the highest point in Lisbon, Castelo de Sao Jorge (The St. George Castle).  This formidable castle overlooks the sprawling city below and provides the onlookers with the most breath taking of views.  Here you can see a plethora of red tiled roofs and white stucco walls all against the deep azure of the Tejo River.  From the castle you descend into the old sailors quarter, also known as the Alfama.  This throwback to a begotten era, is a collection of gritty maze like streets that date back to the 700's.  They were originally designed to twist and turn to disorient and discourage invading armies that planed on attacking the castle.  Unlike the rest of Lisbon, this jumble of roads and buildings survived the great earthquake of 1755 and thus has retained it's original grandeur, from it's crumbling statuary to the hand painted tiles that were imported from Brazil to keep these buildings insulated from the relentless heat of the Mediterranean sun.  These tiles are a beautiful reflection of the cities very long and turbulent history.  Some of them are decorated with elaborate geometric designs, which are heavily influenced from the days when the Islamic Moore's ruled this part of the world.  Other designs impart a deep seated devotion to God which is exhibited in religious scenes and famous portraits of well known and beloved saints that are prayed upon to protect the various families still living within the Alfama.  While others depict scenes of everyday life in simplistic, in yet elogant ways.  The best thing about these gorgeous tiled walls is that these artistic treasures are everywhere and create yet another layer to this unique montage.

     Now pause and take a deep breath.  That overwhelming aroma that is coursing through these shaded lanes is a wonderful combination of clams being slow cooked in olive oil and garlic as well as the saltiness of the near by sea.  As you continue your decent to the river, you will inadvertently stumble across those quintessential moments that will allow you to see what everyday life is like in the Alfama.  Be it a couple of older gentlemen playing a game of cards in the Largo Santa Luzia or a group of young kids reenacting last nights futbol match in a small ally way.  As you wined through these tight little lanes, you will undoubtedly hear the haunting sounds of Fado reverberating through the streets.  This heart wrenching music is the national obsession for the Portuguese and it is the soul of these roughed streets.  In fact, if you come down here at night, you will be quick to discover that the bars are full of extremely talented locals lamenting about love and of love lost. 

     As you finally arrive at the river, look back and remember the rustically charming neighborhood that you have just visited, because in this era of constant change and modernization, the Alfama is definitely a romantic vision of what yesterday was like in this part of the old world.

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There Is No Such Thing As A Free Ride, But I Would Beg To Differ

United Airlines Accidentally Gives Away Airline Tickets

If you haven't herd  yet, last week United Airlines made a colossal mistake.  For several hours, they were selling tickets for as low as $0.  Yeah, you herd right, free airline tickets!  Could you imagine, getting to travel anywhere for free.  Now if you were one of the lucky few to capitalize on this mistake of epic proportions, then you know that there is still a few airport taxes associated with these incredibly cheap seats, but still a flight from Los Angeles to Memphis for seven dollars is still a deal to remember.  So how did these auspicious circumstances come about?  Well, it was a simple case of operator error.  One of United's technological "experts" just happen to key in an incorrect number and alakazam, free airline tickets.  As of the latest info that I could gather, United has been quite reluctant to divulge the exact number of free tickets that they accidentally gave away, but the rumor is, is that it could be in the thousands.  Talk about making a costly mistake!  So if you are one of the chosen few who happen to snatch up one of these illustrious "golden tickets", I would like to say to you, congratulations on your amazing windfall and of course bon voyage!

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Helping The Children Of The World, One Shot At A Time

Young Children From The Village Of Savora, Kenya

     Have you herd about Walgreen's newest promotion?  If you have not, then check this out, if you purchase a vaccination from their Healthcare Clinic between now and October 14th they will provide a life saving vaccine to a child in a developing nation.  How cool is that?  If you are like me and need to get that upcoming flu shot or plan on getting a Yellow Fever Booster for that next trip to the tropics, then you could help a child in need.  For those who don't know, only one in five children world wide have proper immunization from common childhood ailments like mumps, measles, rubella, and polio.  These disease are extremely deadly and are very common with kids.  Also, did you know that in Africa, over one million individuals die from malaria each year.  This is again a disease that could be easily treated with medication.  However, the access to these medications are limited and in desperate need in certain parts of the world.  So for a business like Walgreen's to go the extra mile in this era of corporate greed, is astonishing, and I would like to commend them on this magnificent promotion.  I  would also like to suggest that if you are planning to get a shot this fall, then at least consider getting it at your local Walgreen's and help a child in need.

To learn more about this great promotion or about Walgreen's partnership with the United Nations Foundation Shot @ Life Campaign then check out this link:

http://www.walgreens.com/topic/shotatlife.jsp?ban=tert_shotatlife

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Great Itineraries: Lisbon

Arch of Triumph, Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a city that most people are completely unfamiliar with.  Is it because of the small number of tourists roaming the cobble stone boulevards or is it the lack of world famous sites?  I don't know, but if you have not had the opportunity to see this incredible city then you should most certainly do so.  The first thing that tourists will immediately notice, is that this place is chalked full of remarkable architecture.  You can see an amalgamation of styles from the past thousand years on each and every street block.   You can see everything from Medieval winding streets in the Alfama, to exquisite Manueline in Belem to Neo-renaissance in Baxia.  Lisbon will have something for everyone and it will amaze visitors with it's stunning array of architecture.  Throw in a mixture of extremely kind locals and a diverse populace from it's former colonies and you will have a cultural experience that is unseen in Europe.  So if you are looking for a truly unique opportunity that is slightly off of the beaten path then come to Lisbon and be prepared to be amazed.

Day 1

• 9:00 A.M.         Head to Sao Jorge Castle by a vintage 1920's trolley car
• 9:30 A.M.         Take in some incredible views of this beautiful city from the ramparts of this former royal palace
• 11:00 A.M.        Stroll through the Alfama and admire the roughed beauty of the old sailors quarter
• 1:00 P.M.           Lunch
• 2:00 P.M            Take in the majesty of the historic old town of the Baxia and it's unique cobblestone streets
• 3:00 P.M.           Checkout the impressive Romanesque cathedral of Se
• 4:00 P.M.           Take in the breath taking views of the city from the Barrio Alto
• 5:00 P.M.           Sao Roque Church
• 6:00 P.M.           Have an evening cocktail at The Port Wine Institute 
• 7:00 P.M.           Diner

Day 2

• 9:00 A.M.          Take a trolley to Belem
• 9:30 A.M.          Gasp in amazement at the sheer beauty of the Monastery of Jeronimos
• 11:30 A.M.        Head to either the Maritime Museum or The National Coach Museum
• 1:00 P.M.           Grab a memorable snack at Casa Pasteis de Belem
• 2:00 P.M.           Relive Portugal's glory days at The Monument To The Discoveries
• 4:00 P.M.           Climb the picturesque Belem Tower
• 7:00 P.M.           Sit down to an authentic diner and a soulful Fado show

Day 3

• 9:00 P.M.           Take the train to Sintra
• 10:00 P.M.         Visit the former summer residence of Portuguese royalty at the National Palace
• 12:00 P.M.         Have lunch in this cute but touristy town
• 1:00 P.M.           Be mesmerized by the most remarkable castle in all of Europe at the Pena Palace
• 3:00 P.M.           Climb through the ruins of an 11th century Moorish Castle
• 5:00 P.M            Head back to Lisbon
• 7:00 P.M.           Have one last meal in this amazing city

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Is Travel Insurance Truly Worth It?

The Stunning Caribbean, Montego Bay, Jamaica

     Have you ever been in the middle of booking a dream vacation to a breathtaking island or to that chic mountain ski resort, and seen that offer for travel insurance?  Most people instantly click no thanks and move on, but should you actually consider it?  It is only a small amount of money, between 30 and 80 dollars per person, but if you are like me, you want to get the most for every dollar you spend.  So how do you decide if this extra expense is worth it?  There are several key factors that you have to consider before you can truly know if this is the right decision for you.

     The first of all, where are you going and what time of year is it?  If you are heading to the Caribbean, Mexico, or the gulf coast to soak up that incredible sun and to swim in those turquoise waters, then you need to remember that hurricane season runs from August through October.  So if you are planning on taking advantage of the cheap deals here, be prepared to be flexible.  Hurricanes are relatively easy to track and it is easy to know when to cancel your trip.  This way you can move your trip to a safer and drier locale.  So if you are planning on traveling to this part of the world in the late summer and fall, I would highly recommend getting the insurance.  This way you are not out those precious vacation dollars and you can rebook some where else, or be forced to pay those ridiculous cancellation fees.  This same strategy can be used when you travel to places with bad winters.  If you are traveling in and out of Denver, Montreal, New York City, or any other city with a reputation for deep snow, I would strongly recommend that you get the insurance in the winter time, November through February. This way you can avoid being snowed in or have your flight canceled due to sever weather. 

     Besides bad weather you should seriously consider spending the extra money if there is a decent chance that something may interfere with your travel plans.  You know, real world issues like the potential birth of your first grand child, those cute little babies can come early, or if you have a history of health issues that might keep you from traveling.  Who would like to lose out on their vacation money because they could end up in the hospital.  So if there are any reasonable complications on horizon, then I would definitely spend the extra cash.  However, if these sort of complications are nowhere in sight, then I would emphatically say no and use that money on better things, like another mai tai or a decadent desert.

     So for me, I personally feel that travel insurance can be a small investment for a large piece of mind, but it can be just one more unnecessary cost to that dream vacation.  Thus, only you can judge what is the right thing for you.

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September's Letter From The Editor

Hanging Out At The Belem Tower

     What do you get when you take a former colonial giant with an elaborate seafaring past, toss in an eclectic mix of cultural influences from Asia, Africa, and South America, and then throw in the beauty of the Mediterranean for good measure?  You have one of my favorite cities in all of the world, Lisbon, Portugal.  This ancient city is an amalgamation of jaw dropping architecture, sublime food, and some of the most friendliest people on Earth.  This month, we are going to explore this magnificent city, and all of it's incredible treasures.  We will meander through Lisbon's unique and vibrant neighborhoods as well as be amazed by the spectacular architecture of Belem.  We'll also savor one of the most incredible pastry on the planet and stroll through lavish palaces that the Portuguese royalty use to call home.  So join us as we venture through this magnificent city.

Chris Morrison
Writer and Editor of
The Thrifty Adventurer

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Around The World In 80 Plates Or At Least A Quick Jaunt In Five Epic Dishes

Escargot At Café Du March

When I travel to a new place, the thing I look forward to the most is the food.  Most of my readers are familiar with the fact that I love to eat.  Be it a juicy prime cut of beef in San Antonio or a sweet and tangy slice of New York style cheese cake in lower Manhattan.  What can I say, I simply love food, and this week I am going to share with you a few of my most favorite eateries from around the world.

1.) When it comes to Asian food, the best that I have ever had the pleasure of devouring is the Yum Cha at East Ocean Restaurant.  This sensational restaurant lies in the heart of Sydney's Chinatown and will provide you with the most incredible dumplings that you will ever have the opportunity of trying. 

East Ocean Restaurant
421 Sussex Haymarket
Sydney, Australia

http://www.eastocean.com.au/

2.) For seafood, there is nothing quite like Hyman's.  This Charleston institution offers an array of sea food that is unrivaled anywhere.  Be it a helping of delicious shrimp and grits, crispy blue crab cakes, or flaky grilled flounder, this place has it all, and locally caught to boot.

Hyman's Seafood
213 Meeting Street
Charleston, South Carolina

http://hymanseafood.com/

3.) If you want an authentic taste of Paris then try Café du March.  If you are after an amazing meal or want to try some traditional fare like duck confit, bouillabaisse or crème brule, then this adorable little bistro will show you why Parisian cuisine is simply c'est tres magnifique! 

Café du March
38 Rue Cler
Paris, France

Regretfully this wonderful establishment does not have a website.

4.) If you are out for a gourmet taste south of the border then try the spicy flavors from The Blue Corn Brewery.  This elegant restaurant and brewery produces excellent food and great beer that has captivated locals for years.

The Blue Corn Brewery
4056 Cerrillos Rd.
Santa Fe, New Mexico

http://www.bluecorncafe.com/

5.) Lastly, if you are in search for that quintessential Italian meal, then try Trattoria der Pallero.  This family owned and operated establishment will make your taste buds shout for joy, or at least say delizioso!  Here you will receive a five course meal with wine for only 22 Euros a person, and each incredible course will make you wonder if this could be heaven or at least a sneak preview of it.

Trattoria der Pallaro
Largo del Pallaro 15
Rome, Italy

http://www.trattoriaderpallaro.com/

So if you are looking for a great place to get a bite to eat, then try one of these legendary places of epicurean delights.

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Beau Jo's Pizza: A Unique Slice Of Colorado

Beau Jo's Legendary Mountain Pie

     When people ponder Italy's most influential gift to America, the pizza, the age old argument is sure to ensue.  What is the best pizza out there?  Is it the thin, cheesy, "New York Style" that pizza aficionado's will protest that it has to be folded in half to be consumed.  Or is it that ever alluring deep dish pizza from the "windy city" with it's thick crust and tangy sauce.  Personally, I love them both.  Each style if done right are simply delicious, but have you ever tried Mountain style pizza.  Beau Jo's Pizza, has crafted the most unique version of this Italian classic that you will ever have the pleasure of trying.  This truly original establishment has been severing mouthwatering slices of mountain pie to their patrons since 1973.  The original Beau Jo's was built in the picturesque and historic mountain town of Idaho Springs, Colorado.  The pizzeria is housed in an 1800's building and is decorated with a montage of authentic mining equipment and old west memorabilia.  It creates a truly memorable experience for it's vast array of customers.  Besides it's lively atmosphere, Beau Jo's Pizza has built it's massive cult following with it's unique and truly delicious food.

     What makes this pizza so remarkable?  First of all, they start with the freshest ingredients that Colorado has to offer.  Be it savory, homemade Italian Sausage, or the spiciest of jalapeno peppers that the Rocky Mountains have to offer.  They simply have a plethora of ingredients that will satisfy every pallet out there and then smoother them in the gooiest of mozzarella cheese.  Toss in the fact that you can select five different sauces to accent your pie with and you will have an incredible pizza.  However, we're not done yet.  Imagine placing all of these delightful offerings onto the most amazing crust ever!  Beau Jo's crust is what makes their mountain pie so legendary.  This delectable crust is over two inches thick and tastes like the freshest, most flavorful French Baguette that you could find on the streets of Paris.  It is not uncommon to see eager customers eating the crust first with a heaping glob of sweet clover honey. 

     The pizza at Beau Jo's is so phenomenal that people have been known to travel from hundreds of miles away to devour this delicious treat, and with seven locations, Beau Jo's is making it easier and easier to try this Rocky Mountain original.  So the next time that you are in the Denver metro area, head to Beau Jo's Pizza and see why this iconic pizza has captivated the taste buds of Coloradans for decades!

Beau Jo's Pizza:

http://www.beaujos.com/

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Am I Nuts For Eating This?

Eating Rocky Mountain Oysters at The Buckhorn Exchange

     When you try The Buckhorn Exchange, you are going to have a dining experience like no other.  Here you are going to get a unique taste of the old west.  Be it amazing food or incredible atmosphere, the place will truly be a memorable experience.

     As we follow our lovely hostess to our quaint booth, I am immediately captivated by their extensive decor.   The Buckhorn Exchange is well known for their immense collection of old west memorabilia.  They have everything, from Native American headdresses and turn of last century photos, to a wide range of antique weapons and a plethora of animal heads.  In fact, they have over 250 trophies, including white tailed deers, plains antelopes, fully stuffed mountain lions, and a massive moose that hangs over the hand carved 120 year old bar.  This upstairs bar, is a great place for a nice cocktail, and a place to catch some live folk music.  Quite simply, the place is overflowing with old western charm, that you would expect from the oldest restaurant in Denver.  This magnificent eatery was opened in 1893 and has been faithfully serving it's die hard clientele ever since.

     Besides the eclectic decor, The Buckhorn Exchange is world renown for it's incredible cuisine.  Here you can savor a juicy prime cut of beef, buffalo, or elk, and all are grilled to order.  Besides thick traditional steaks, they have a wide range of other exotic dishes, like fried alligator, braised ostrich, a southwest chips and rattlesnake dip, and Colorado's most iconic dish, Rocky Mountain Oysters.  For anyone who is unfamiliar with the epicurean delight that is Rocky Mountain oysters, they are bull testicles that are lightly breaded and fried to a light golden brown color.  The Buckhorn Exchange serves them with a zesty cocktail sauce and a creamy homemade horseradish sauce to dip them in.  As a whole, the place is legendary for it's wild game and an excellent place to try these unique culinary treats. So, the next time that you are in Denver and are after a truly unique and delicious culinary experience, then try The Buckhorn Exchange. 

Buckhorn Exchange
1000 Osage St.
Denver, CO. 80204
303-534-9505
www.buckhorn.com

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It's Never Good When A Statue Gives You The Finger!

Mary Magdalene, By Giovanni D;Ambrogio

    Did your mom ever tell you not to touch things that don't belong to you.  Well, a neurosurgeon from Missouri is learning this rule the hard way.  About a week ago, he was perusing the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo in Florence, Italy, when he saw a six hundred year old statue by Giovanni D'Ambrogio.  Most people would carefully admire this artistic treasure, but this gentleman decided to measure his hand to this depiction of Mary Magdalene.  As you can imagine, this did not go well.  To the absolute shock of this American tourist, the finger broke off this Renaissance masterpiece.  To his credit, he found the nearest security guard and told him what happened.  So far, it looks like the restoration team at the Duomo Museum will be able to restore the statue to it's former greatness, but it is undetermined what the outcome will be for this careless tourist.  Personally, I feel that this gentleman should have to pay for the restoration of this statue, but we shall see.  I also hope that this be a lesson to anyone who just has to touch everything in sight.  So remember when it says please do not touch the artistic treasures, this simply means Do Not Touch!

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Panforte: A Sienese Treat

Panforte, Siena's Sweet Treat

      Christmas is a season synonymous with many things.  Fighting tooth and nail through an army of  unruly shoppers for that perfect gift.  Or the smell of pine irradiating from that ginormous Douglas fur in the living room.  Let's not forget about that blinding display of Christmas lights illuminating from the neighbor's house.  But what about the fruit cake?  You know that horrendous tasting slab of cake that people have a tendency of pawning off on unsuspecting family members and coworkers. The one, that people will either re-gift and give to that one aunt that no one really likes or simply use as a door jam.  I have good news for everyone who has ever encountered this neon colored abomination that only an absolute lunatic would attempt to call a pastry!  I give you The Panforte, Italy's amazing version of this Christmas cliche.

     The panforte or as I like to fondly think of it as Italy's most tasty pastry, is a collection of honey, nuts, dried or candied fruits and a menagerie of delightful spices that make this dense and tasty cake a mouthwatering experience, especially when it is blanketed in confectioners sugar .  This circle of tasty goodness comes from the medieval town of Siena, where it is regarded as a staple of their incredible cuisine.  You cannot pass by a bakery or pastry shop in town and not see humongous stacks of these delicious cakes all wrapped up in the most alluring of packages.  These sweet treats are traditionally brought to someone's house when invited to diner, much like Americans do with a fine bottle of wine.  Now if you ask an Italian for his or her receipt for panforte, you will be thoroughly disappointed.  A Sienese family will guard that receipt with more diligence, then Fort Knox with it's gold.  So to truly taste this magnificent treat you might have to catch the next plane for Tuscany or try the receipt I provided at the end of this article.  I hope that this new variation of  a Christmas classic might give you a new perspective on fruit cake and finally prove to the world that this pastry can be delicious and not something that the dog would turn it's noses on!

If you would like to make this delicious pastry at home, I provided a link to a good receipt at food.com:

http://www.food.com/recipe/panforte-248338

For some great fruit cake humor, take a gander at these links!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZufy-FxK0A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQfWWWTE8K4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNy96wYnNsg

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They're Back!!!

A Large Plate of Twinkies and Cup Cakes

    My devoted readers may remember way back in November, when I gave an emotional and heart felt good bye to America's favorite snack food, the Twinkie.  You know, those delicious yellow cakes with the creamy filling.  This tragedy occurred, when the Hostess Corporation filed for bankruptcy and closed it's doors.  This looked like the end of the iconic Twinkie and it's tasty cousins.  This beloved snack cake was an intrical part of my childhood and its loss was truly the end of an era.  It is amazing, how the loss of something so trivial to some, could mean so much to others.  I personally felt like a precious piece of my childhood was taken away from me and that I would never get it back!  Above all else, to think about how horrible it would be for my future children not to get the chance to devour a creamy Twinkie or a chocolaty Hostess Cup Cake. 

     For those who also feel my pain, I have great news for you.  They are back! Due to some financial restructuring, and some deal making with the unions, the Hostess Corporation was able to make "the sweetest comeback in the history of ever!"  So after all of these laborious financial wheeling's and dealings, the Hostess Corporation has began to ship these decedent yellow cakes to stores all over the country. They have been very hard to get a hold of due to the shear excitement of their return.  In fact, in my home town of Denver, most markets are having a difficult time keeping them on the shelves, but they are out there.  So be patient and you may get the opportunity to savor these delectable delights again.

My original article about this incredible obsession with these tasty treats:

http://thriftyadventure.blogspot.com/2012/11/goodbye-to-twinkies-end-of-american.html

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Happy Anniversary!

Happy Birthday Thrifty Adventurer!

     Today marks the one year anniversary of The Thrifty Adventurer.  I cannot believe that it has been a year since we began providing cutting edge travel advice and sharing our world wide adventurers with you.  It has been a challenging but fun filled year bringing you amazing tips, and tales from the road.  It has been an absolute wonderful experience, and I feel so lucky to be able do this for my amazing fans.  Which I would like to thank, for spending your precious time with us.  Because without you we would not be here.  So from all of us at The Thrifty Adventurer, we would like to give you, the fans, a big appreciative shout out, and an even larger thank you!

Chris Morrison
Writer and Editor of
The Thrifty Adventurer

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Feijoada: Brazilian Comfort Food

 

My Wife Maggie Digging In To A Plate Of Feijoda

     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 unappetizing 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 manioc 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 Janeiro, 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!

Casa da Feijoada
Rua Prudente de Moraes 10
Impanema, Brazil

Regretfully, they do not have a website to checkout

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August's Letter From The Editor

Eating A Mountain Pie At Beau Jo's Pizza, Idaho Springs, Colorado

     I'm a foodie.  What can I say, I love food.  I simply adore it!  And not just one type or style of food, but I everything, be it an elegant three course meal at a Michelin star restaurant or a juicy burger at a tiny hole in the wall.  I truly enjoy trying a diverse array of food and with my versatile pallet, I have had the opportunity to have eaten some of the best food the world has to offer, and all this month I wish to share this passion with you.  Throughout August, we will explore the wide range of cuisines that I have encountered in my travels as well as highlight some of my absolute favorite eateries.  So joint me on this month long culinary journey as we tantalize those taste buds and enjoy what the world has in store for us!

Christopher Morrison
Writer and Editor of
The Thrifty Adventurer

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Great Itineraries: Jaipur

Hawa Mahal, The Palace Of Winds

One of the most unique and exotic cities that I have ever had the opportunity to visit is Jaipur, India.  It is a place of incredible beauty and extreme poverty.  A place full of charming people and rambunctious camels.  A city where there is more jewelry stores than grocery stores.  It is a desert land is full of incredible palaces and forts as well Hindu temples and intense markets.  This is a place where Rudyard Kipling and One Thousand and One Arabian Nights intersect.  This is a place where you can get lost in an exotic world and let your imagination run wild. 

Day 1

• 9:00 A.M.           Stroll around the elegant City Palace
• 11:00 A.M.         See the cutting edge astrological observatory at Jantar Mantar
• 1:00 P.M.            Have a relaxing Lunch
• 3:00 P.M.            Hire a bicycle rickshaw and take a tour of this exotic city
• 4:00 P.M.            View the gorgeous Hawa Mahal
• 6:00 P.M.            Have an incredible diner at one of a plethora of excellent restaurants.

Day 2

• 9:00 A.M.           Take an elephant to the top of the amazing Amber Fort
• 1:00 P.M.            Lunch
• 3:00 P.M.            Check out one of the incredible bazaars for some shopping and an opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique culture
• 6:00 P.M.            Have one last memorable diner in this remarkable city

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Your Future Is Written In The Stars: A Trip To Jantar Mantar

The Jantar Mantar Observatory

For centuries, man has looked to the skies for inspiration, be it the natural beauty of an elegant sunrise, or for divine prophecy in the stars.  For the people of India, astrology is not just a quirky science, but a major facet of life.  They carefully look at the constellations, the phases of the moon, and the positions of the planets, to see when it is an auspicious time for a wedding, or to a have a baby, or to start a long journey.  They have even used these celestial patterns to determine if they should go to war or not.  In the exotic city of Jaipur, you can see to what lengths the maharajahs of old would go to see the future.

     Here at the Jantar Mantar, you can see how important this field was to the ancient maharajahs.  This observatory is full of the most cutting edge astrological technology that 1700's had to offer.  Jai Singh II, the maharajah of Jaipur, had dozens of bizarre looking devices built to study the sky.  This included the worlds largest sun dial, many yantras, which can precisely track the movements of specific constellations and several other tools that can tell time to the millisecond.  Many of these devices are still extremely accurate and are just as effective as most of our current instruments.  Which to me, is completely remarkable. 

     So why all of the hoopla?  Well as I alluded to earlier, if a Maharajah can accurately decipher the patterns that lie within the stars then he will be able to predict the future, and thus if a maharajah knows the future or at least knows if the outcome will be favorable then he can keep his subjects content and continue to rule. He will also know when to marry off his daughters, and when to go to war with other kingdoms.  So you can see why Jai Singh II and many other ancient rulers would crave this all so important knowledge of the future.  So if you are ever in Jaipur, you should checkout this impressive looking observatory and see what the future has in store for you.

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You Asked For It, You Got It!

The Great Wall Of China

I am constantly asked, "what kind of deals are out there"?  So I figured that I will show you a few of the incredible deals that are available for those who look. 

If you have ever dreamed of seeing the orient, then checkout this interesting deal on Groupon.  If you book by the 31st of July, you can go on a ten day trip to China for as low as $1,299 per person.  This deal features round trip airfare from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York, and includes luxury accommodations in Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Suzhou.  It also includes an English speaking guild.

http://www.groupon.com/deals/ga-affordable-asia-4-china?p=13&utm_source=channel_getaways-deals&utm_medium=email&sid=6bc6880e-9c5d-4b79-9a93-d85f474384f3&user=29dbecfd0d7319551f21d4e4e4d360254450f31e6cf7601b7bcc3da9f4d8fb61&date=20130723&s=body&c=link&d=getaways_deal

What could be more enjoyable than a romantic ferry ride down a charming canal or seeing the city of light from the Eiffel Tower?  Gate 1 Travels is offering an eight day trip to Amsterdam and Paris for as low as $1299 per person.  Of course this deal is only available until July 29th, so act fast!

http://www.gate1travel.com/thedeal/130722/amsterdam.aspx?utm_source=thedeal&utm_medium=email&utm_term=130722&utm_campaign=amsterdam&advid=BCEE9096-F29A-40F2-A0AE-C74C68CC8122&bdid=F1823B80-C425-4E7E-9140-836520865549

Are you the type of person who just loves to stretch out on a beach and soak in some sun?  If so, then do I have a deal for you!  How about a 3 night stay in a luxurious hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  This deal includes round trip airfare from Fort Lauderdale, three nights in an ocean front room at The Conrad San Juan Plaza and for only $379 per person.

http://www.travelzoo.com/vacations/caribbean/-379-Puerto-Rico-4-Star-Oceanfront-Weekend-Escape-w-Air-1521511/?ptl=done&rating=&tppct=

Remember that most deals like these have several hidden charges, or catches like blackout dates, so keep this in mind and read those fine prints before booking.  I hope that this gives you some ideas on the types values that are out there, so go out and find yourself that trip of a lifetime.

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Nothing Says India Like Riding An Elephant!

Riding An Elephant To The Amber Fort

Have you ever done something so amazing?  So over the top, that you have to pinch yourself to believe that you are not dreaming?  The last time that I was in Jaipur, I had one of those surreal experiences. I was given the unique opportunity to ride on the back of an elephant with my wife Maggie to an abandon palace.  Talk about one of those truly magical experiences. 

     About seven miles to the north of Jaipur, lies the scenic Amber Fort.  This former royal palace was constructed in 1592 by Raj Man Singh, as the main home for the Kachawah Raj Puts, and remained the center of politics and commerce for this part of India for centuries.  The place is simply massive, with hundreds of rooms and countless buildings which are all surrounded by thick ramparts and formidable gates.  The whole structure is precariously perched at the summit of a very large hill, with extraordinarily steep cliffs surrounding it. This defensive position and thick imposing walls provided immense protection to the city and her people,  The sixteenth century was a time of fierce conflict been warring Maharajahs as well as from barbaric tribes from the north.  So a series of defensive structures were a true necessity back then, and an absolute breath taking site for visitors today.

     As we arrive at the base of the hill, I am struck by the colorful sight of the elephants.  There had to be at least twenty of these massive animals, and they were all lined up like large books on a shelf.  Each of these magnificent creatures were garbed in bright red and vibrant blue adornments, and they looked like they were ready to visit a royal palace or at least ready to tote two middle aged Americans to the top of a hill.  So we proceeded to climb to the top of a rickety wooden platform in order to mount our rambunctious elephant.  Here we sat in a very comfortable basket, as our young turban clad driver got our elephant moving up the steep paved path.  We slowly rock back and forth as we patiently ascend to the entrance of the fort.  From here you could see the gorgeous blue waters of Maota Lake and the roughed deserts that spread throughout this region of India.  As we approach the intricately crafted main gate, you cannot help but feel that you were in the middle of a tale from the Arabian Nights or a Rupert Kipling novel. 

    As we passed through the gate and into Jaleb Chowk or the main court yard, we are serenaded by a man playing a sitar.  Talk about setting the mood for this incredible place.  We dismounted the elephant and continued up a series of staircases to the palace.  Here you can see the Diwan-i-Am or Hall of Public Audiences.  Here the Raj would hear the complaints of his people and make official rulings in disputes between individuals.  This part of the palace complex is adorned with thick alabaster panels, ornate wood carvings, and frescoes of Hindu deities.  For a place that has been abandoned since the early 1800, it is in exceptional condition.  As you continue through the fort, you will come across a hall of mirrors.  This room is full of elegantly carved mirrors that were imported from Belgium, in an era where mirrors were more valuable than gold.  Also, you will discover a series of fine gardens in the middle of this ancient palace.  The Char Bagh Garden is still well maintained and provides a lush contrast to the dry aridness that surrounds the Amber Fort.  Finally, keep your eyes open, because you will periodically come across a large troop of Hanuman Langur that roam the palace.  These are the official monkeys of India and they are simply adorable. 

     So as we board a vintage World War II jeep to take us back down the slope of the hill, I look back at the Amber Fort, and cannot believe how incredibly fortunate I am.  I have traveled all over the world and have seen some amazing things, but this was truly an experience to remember!

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