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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