Thwarting The Bad Guys 3

Peruvian Traffic

     One disturbing trend that seems to be emerging in traveling to impoverished lands is the snatch and grab.  This occurs when an individual or a group of bandits will wait until traffic comes to a complete stand still.  When this happens, they will stealthily approach a taxi and either open the door or reach through the window.  Before you even know what is happening, they will grab a purse or a laptop or a suit case and take off with it.  This new trend in burglary, has become an absolute epidemic in Lima, and several other financially impoverished lands.  One might ask why are they targeting taxi cabs?  Quite simply, because they are easy hits with unsuspecting tourists toting lots of valuable goods.  So what precautions can a person take to protect themselves and their property?  First of all, after you get into a taxi cab, make sure that the doors are locked.  This will limit the access a would be thief will have have to your stuff.  Next, keep your windows rolled up or if the heat is extreme, only slightly crack the window.  This way no one can jam their arm into the car.  Finally, avoid pulling out valuable items like a laptop or a camera in public.  I know that you might feel secure in a locked cab, but several criminals have been known to break a window if they feel that they can get away with a high priced piece of electronic equipment.  Hopefully, these simple tips can help you avoid being a victim to this brash and dangerous form of crime.

For video of these crimes occuring in Lima, checkout these links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR3l1RpZnw4

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/20/world/americas/peru-traffic-gang-crime/

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That's Amore!

A gondolier in Venice

     When most people think of true romance, they typically think of those adorable cafes in Paris, or those beautiful sandy beaches of the Caribbean.  How about the ever charming canals of Venice? 

     If you ever want to share a truly romantic experience with that special someone, than take a gondola ride under the stars.  This is the ultimate way to experience Venice.  Slowly gliding down these enchanting water ways with only the moonlight and a few sparse lights from former palaces, illuminating your path.  People will tell you that a gondola ride is either a tourist trap or very expensive, but if you have not tried it before, than definitely don't miss out on this incredible opportunity.  An average gondola ride will set you back about 100 Euros for half an hour and it will cost you about 150 Euros to take one at night.  Now after you recover from the sticker shock, realize that this is for a boat rental and can be shared between several individuals.  Up to six people can rent a gondola at one time, but they typically only have two seats that are together.  So plan accordingly.  For a discount, try booking a gondola on the back alleys.  Here the prices are much softer and thus you have more opportunities to bargain on the price.  Also, when booking a gondola, you should also find a driver who speaks English.  This way he can enlighten you on the sites that you will encounter. 

     Now if you really want to make that moment truly amazing, than rent a few musicians.  Several of the gondolier stands have them near by and will charge about 110 Euros for the ride.  Oh, and do not ask your gondolier to sing for you.  Many like to remind their customers in broken English, that "there are two types of people in the world, singers and lovers.  And I'm no singer!" 

     Imagine riding through these moonlit canals with that special someone all cuddled up next you, and a pair of musicians serenade you with the beautiful melodies of "Venezia La Luna e Tu." Now that's Amore!

Me and my honey sharing a romantic ride through the canals in Venice

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Planes, Trains, And Automobiles

Rail Italy

     Who wouldn't want to take a leisurely ride down a canal in Amsterdam after visiting a charming, fairytale inspired castle in Germany.  Or have breakfast in a romantic cafe in Paris and later that day have afternoon tea in London.  This is one of the allures of traveling to Europe, the ease to visit more than one city or even country in a single trip.  But just what is the most effective way to do this? 

     Well, it truly depends on your itinerary.  If you are not in a hurry or you want to spend sometime in a specific area, then you should rent a car.  This is a great way to get acquainted with a particular region, and gives you the flexibility to stay and eat way off of the beaten path.  This is the optimal way of seeing The Ring of Kerry in Ireland or the rolling countryside of Tuscany in Italy.  However, renting a car can limit the scope of your trip.  You may only have the time to see a small portion of a specific country and you may have to navigate through those extremely narrow streets of towns that were not designed for cars.  Can you believe that architects in the middle ages didn't have the foresight to make roads wide enough to accommodate 21st Century traffic?  Also, it takes much longer to travel by car than by either train or plane.

     European trains on the other hand are fast, extremely efficient, and clean.  You can board a train in the morning and be in another amazing city by the afternoon.  This is true for Madrid and Barcelona, Venice and Florence, Vienna and Prague, and so many other possibilities.  The trains in Europe are so fast that it can be quicker to take a train from London to Paris, than it is to fly there.  This is true when you factor in the time it takes to travel from the airport to the city center.  The downside to taking a train is the cost.  Some train rides are more expensive than taking a plane, especially if you use one of the local air carriers to get you around the continent.  The other major drawback to taking the train is the travel time.  Trains are much quicker than driving and even quicker than short flights like Paris to London or Rome to Florence or Brussels to Amsterdam, but they still take much longer than flights that cross the continent, like a trip from Lisbon to Berlin.

     So what mode of transportation should you use to get between point A and point B.  Well, it truly depends on where you are going to.  For short distances and to remote locations it's advisable to get a car.  Intermediate trips should be made on the rails.  Finally, if you are criss crossing the continent, then take a budget flight and enjoy the extra time that you will save.  This should provide you with some idea on how to get around this extraordinary land.

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Romance In Paris

The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

      When people think of Paris, they envision a city steeped in romance. A magical place with quaint outdoor cafes, iconic views of The Eiffel Tower and accordion players serenading you to the most wonderful of melodies. A place that embodies the concept of romance. Well, for many locals and tourists, this Paris can be difficult to find. With it's crazed drivers, inpatient store clerks and crowded museums, the place can be overwhelmingly chaotic and can quickly loose it's charm. However, by heading to the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, you will find the romance that Paris is known for!

This charming neighborhood dates back to the 1200's when monks used to smash grapes to create inexpensive table wine. In the 1800's, an abundance of cheap wine fueled the growth of this sleepy little village and led to the propagation of roaring and racy night clubs like the "Chat Noir" and "The Moulin Rouge". Both are found on today's Pigalle, which lies on the edge of this neighborhood. So what happens when you take cheap alcohol and add in flashy dancing girls, you get starving artists like Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Renoir spicing up the place. In fact, you can still visit each of these remarkable artists homes, that are spread throughout Montmartre. To this day, Montmartre is the place to buy inexpensive art from aspiring artists. Who knows, maybe one of the numerous street art merchants could be the next Pablo Picasso.

Montmartre

     Besides being a mecca for past and present artists, Montmartre is home to a plethora of adorable cafes and brasseries, dishing out some of the most delectable of culinary confections that Paris has to offer. This is great place to get a cup of cafe creme or a glass of incredible Burgundy wine and people watch. Sitting at outdoor cafes and watching the spectacle that is Paris, go by is a must for travelers and a favorite past time of Parisians. While you take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern day Paris, make sure to try the house specialty. Parisian's other major past time, is savoring amazing food. After having the most memorable bowl of bouillabaisse and a side order of buttery escargot, head to the iconic Sacre-Coeur. Sacre-Coeur Basilica with it's famous white onion domes, sits prominently on the summit of Paris' highest point. This beautiful church was finished in 1919 and is ornately decorated with mosaics of Christ and his dedicated followers. This jaw dropping church is an absolute must see for believers and nonbelievers alike.

After visiting this elegant house of worship head outside and find a seat on the extensive staircase in front. This is without a doubt the most stunning view of Paris. You can make out many of the iconic landmarks that are spread throughout the city, including Notre Dame, The Pantheon, and of course a spectacular view of The Eiffel Tower. Locals and tourists flock to this spot every afternoon to take in this breath taking view of the city and to watch as the sun slowly sets upon it. What could be more wonderful and romantic than taking in this scene with the one you love?

Once you witness a sunset at Sacre-Coeur, you will know why this city is a place for lovers and is considered the most romantic city of earth!

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Leave The Kids At Home

     Have you ever been on one of those very exhausting flights, and all you wanted to do is get some rest before you land.  As you finally settle down, it happens, you hear the high pitch scream of an adorable little baby.  Or you feel that annoying thump of a very energetic and extremely bored five year old kicking the back of your seat.  These annoyances can simply ruin a relaxing flight.  If this has ever happened to you , then do I have great news!  Asiana Airlines has just announced that the first seven rows of their business class will be children free.  Starting next month, they will require children under the age of 12 to sit towards the back of the aircraft in economy class.  This is just one part of Asiana Airlines attempt to create a more peaceful atmoshpere for their customers.  Besides eliminating children in their business class, Asiana Airlines will have thick curtains to muffle noise, softer lighting for relaxation and even softer seats for comfort.  The one drawback to this move towards ultimate comfort is that these new innovations are only going to be implemented on their Trans-Pacific flights.  So if you plan on heading to Singapore for a shopping spree or to Shanghai for that business meeting, than try out this new and improved way to fly in utter luxury.

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Bonus Article: Let The Good Times Roll!

A Mardt Gras Float at The Presbytere

     Nothing beats the fun and excitement of Mardi Gras.  From the alcohol related debauchery to the intricately decorated floats with masked men and women slinging colorful strands of beads, Mardi Gras has it all, and for the people of New Orleans, this isn't just a wild party, but it is an institution.

     Now if you cannot make it down during the two weeks of February when Mardi Gras completely consumes "The Big Easy", than head to The Presbytere where Mardi Gras is celebrated all year long.  This former home to the priests of St. Louis Cathedral, has been converted to a museum that focuses on Mardi Gras and everything that goes with it.  They have everything a novice or a regular to Mardi Gras could ever want.  You can see actual full size floats from the previous years festivities and beautiful costumes from the legendary Zulu Parade.  They also have exhibits featuring some of the most elegant gowns and jewelry that have been wore to the many balls that are thrown each year to commemorate this celebration.  They also have several incredible videos, displaying the previous years festivities.  They even have restrooms designed to look like Port-O-Potties.  The museum is essentially an amalgamation of colorful displays and cases upon cases of artifacts, which provided the visitor with both a historic context to these festivities and gives the viewer, a true sense of what this celebration is all about. 

     So if you miss the revelry of Mardi Gras, than head to The Presbytere and "let the good times roll!"

One of the colorful Mardi Gras costumes on display

A great video on The Presbytere
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3rrjJ9gbHs

The Official site to The Louisiana State Museum
http://www.neworleansonline.com/directory/location.php?locationID=1280

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The Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Foutain, Rome, Italy

   I have been asked several times in my life, what is the most romantic place on earth?  There so are many great choices to choose from.  How about Venice and it's charming canals, or the elegance of Paris and it's cafes, what about those turquoise waters of The Caribbean?  All are exceptional choices, but for me, it has to be The Trevi fountain in Rome. 

     The Trevi Fountain is a ginormous flood lite water fountain, accented with Neo-Classic statues which are very reminiscent to those created by the ancient Greek and Romans.  This two story behemoth was constructed in 1762 by Nicola Salvi and is still, to this day, the most visited water fountain in all of Rome.  Is it the baroque eloquence of the statuary or is it the shear enormity of the structure.  You can literally hear this amazing water fountain from blocks away.  For many people, the main draw of this 18th century masterpiece is the superstition behind it.  Legend has it, that if you toss a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain, then you will return to this amazing city.  For me, it has always been the atmosphere.  The place is just overflowing with energy.  Kids running around playfully, people laughing and being just full of life.  To me there is nothing better than sitting in front of this outstanding fountain, holding hands with that special someone, while accordion players stroll by serenading couples in love.  Every time my wife and I visit Rome, we typically spend the evening in front of these beautiful statues, sharing a sumptuous chocolate and mint flavored gelato, and a tender kiss with each other.  Personally, when I think of romance and love, I am tenderly reminded of my time at The Trevi Fountain.



My wife Maggie tossing a coin into the Fountain

 

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Is It More Divine To Use Cash Than Plastic?

St. Peter's Basilica

     The Vatican Museum hosts one of the greatest collections of art in the world.  From classic Greek and Roman statues like Apollo Belvedere and Laocoon to Renaissance masterpieces by Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci to the legendary Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo.  If you plan on seeing any of these incredible works of art in the near future, than bring some cash.  This is because the Vatican has stopped taking credit and debit cards, to be more accurate, The Deutsche Bank Italia has pulled it's authorization for taking money digitally.  This decision is based on the fact that The Vatican has not fully complied with European Union safeguards against money laundering.  So where does this leave the unsuspecting tourist?  Well, it means that you are going to need some cash the next time you visit this amazing micro country.  The spectacular museum alone will set you back 14 Euros a person, unless you battle the crowds on the first Sunday of the month, when the museum is free.  Don't forget to bring some extra cash for those cool souvenirs from The Holy Sea.

     So until The Vatican can get their financial house in order, we as tourists need to be prepared and make sure to bring more than enough cash or you might miss out on this amazing museum.

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Great Itineraries Venice

The Grand Canal

     In all my travels, I have never encountered a city quite like Venice.  From it's incredibly charming canals to it's energetic and vibrant people, the place is simply Divine.  The onion domes and gold mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica to the iconic Rialto Bridge, the architecture of this city is spectacular and hearkens back to it's economic grandeur during the middle ages.  One will quickly notice that Venice is horribly plagued by both tourist and pigeons alike, but wait until the evening when they both flutter away and you can see the romantic side of this beautiful city emerge.  Make sure to take that special someone on a gondola ride under the moon light and you will immediately be reminded of why this is truly one of the most romantic cities on the planet.

Day 1

• 9:00 A.M.          Stroll around St.Mark's Square
• 9:30 A.M.          Admire the grandeur of The Doge's Palace
• 10:30 A.M.        View the tragic Bridge of Sighs
• 11:00 A.M.        Behold the artistic majesty of St. Mark's Basilica
• 1:00 P.M.           Lunch
• 2:00 P.M.           Climb The Campanille for breath taking views of the city
• 4:00 P.M.           Experience the historic side of Venice at The Correr Museum
• 6:00 P.M.           Diner
• 8:00 P.M.           Take a romantic ride gondola ride under the stars 

Day 2
9:00 A.M.          Check out the most amazing market in all of Europe at The Rialto Market

10:00 A.M.        Enjoy the views and maybe sneak a kiss at the top of The Rialto Bridge

11:00 A.M.        Be mesmerized by the artistic genius of Titian at The Frari Church

1:00 P.M.          Lunch

2:00 P.M.          Either view Venetian Renaissance art at The Accademia or an exceptional        collection of modern art at The Peggy Guggenheim Collection

4:00 P.M.          Take a relaxing cruise down The Grand Canal on a vaporetto

6:00 P.M.          Diner

8:00 P.M.          Enjoy a cocktail or two while listening to the dueling orchestras on St. Mark's Square

Day 3
There are several great day trips by train to take:

To the west, you can explore Padua for the Pre-Renaissance art of Giotto at The Scrovegni Chapel (reservations required) and The Basilica of St. Anthony.

Or you can have some fun with Shakespeare (Don't forget to feel up Juliet for a good love life) and see some spectacular Roman ruins in Verona.

Lastly, Vicenza is worth a stop to view some incredible architecture by the innovative Palladio.

If you coordinate these trips right, you might be able to see two of these majestic Italian cities of the Veneto in one day, but experiencing all three in a single day is quite the challenge.

To the south of Venice, there is the town of Ravenna and some of the best preserved Byzantine mosaics anywhere.

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A Mile High Of Orange And Blue

     Back in December, I kept up my annual tradition and made the trek to Sports Authority Field at Mile High.  I always try to catch at least one Bronco game a year and can you blame me?  There is nothing quite like attending an NFL football game.  Is it the camaraderie of over 72,000 orange and blue clad fans, and getting to share their collective joy or sorrow, depending on how the game plays out.  Or is it the chance to see a phenomenon like Von Miller sacking an unsuspecting quarterback.  Maybe its the food?  How can you go wrong, consuming a two pound nacho piled high with grilled chicken, moist tomatoes, spicy jalapenos, creamy sour cream, and tons of gooey cheese.  Don't like nachos, how about Bar-B-qued pulled pork sandwiches or hot wings or even an Asian noodle bowl.  Mile High stadium has everything a hungry spectator could ever want.  Many come for that party like atmosphere, with gorgeous cheerleaders dancing to hip tunes by Ozzy Osbourne, The Blackeyed Peas and Psy.  Nothing better than a little Gangnam Style after a few beers.  The experience alone makes it worth coming, but toss in a competitive team who can go toe to toe with the leagues elite and you have a receipt for a good time!  In case you were wondering, Payton and the boys feel just a tad short this season, and were knocked out in the second round of the playoffs by The Baltimore Ravens.  Well, maybe next year!

The Broncos Official Site
http://www.denverbroncos.com/

Some great videos of Mile High Stadium and The Denver Broncos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vENvSO7Tmdg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP5psSSawMY&feature=endscreen&NR=1

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February's Letter To The Readers

 

Amore, Laska, Lieben, Love.  You know, that warm, bubbly feeling that drives people to do stupid things and has inspired countless Taylor Swift ballets.  It is one of the most influential factors in my life, and will be the main focus of February's articles.  We will take a ride down the Grand Canal in a gondola, sip a cafe creme in "The City Of Lights", and hold hands in front of The Trevi Fountain.  For my wife and me, The Trevi has always been the most romantic place on earth and while on the subject of love, I have to say that I am by far the most luckiest guy out there. Because Maggie, my wife of six magnificent years has always been the most loving and supportive gal I could ever asked for.  Thanks honey.  Anyway, we will also be swing by Mile High Stadium, and catch a Bronco game to get us in that Super Bowl mood.  Finally, we will continue our Great Itineraries series with Venice.  So from all of us at The Thrifty Adventurer, we hope you have good travels and embrace that special somebody in your life.

Christopher Morrison
Editor and Writer of
The Thrifty Adventurer

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