Bonus Article:The Sistine Chapel

"The Creation Of Adam" by Michelangelo

     As the world holds their collective breaths in anticipation of the selection of a new Pope, I cannot help but reminisce about how absolutely beautiful the venue they will choose him in is.  The Sistine Chapel has to be one of the most incredible place on Earth.  It was constructed in 1508, with the sole intention to be the Pope's personal chapel as well as the location where the College of Cardinals would pick the future leader of "The Holy Sea".  This chapel is about 5,900 square feet and is elegantly adorned with completely amazing works of art.  Most people are familiar with the iconic "Creation of Adam" but did you know that the entire ceiling is covered with equally spectacular frescoes by Michelangelo?  These panels chronicle the major events from "The Old Testament" as well as images of the major players in it.  This intricately decorated room is also home to Michelangelo's monster piece, "The Last Judgement".  This massive fresco is located directly behind the chapel's alter and encompasses the entire wall of this stunning tribute to the most high.  "The Last Judgement" consists of hundreds of saints descending from Heaven to heroically do God's bidding.  You can clearly see the influence of science, especially anatomy on Michelangelo's work, by the minute details of the muscular bodies of the saints.  As a sidebar, if you look to the lower right of the colossal work, you will see St. Bartholomew.  This poor saint was skinned alive on his way to martyrdom and if you look carefully, you can see Michelangelo's face on the skin that he is holding.

     So, if you ever have the opportunity to visit Vatican City, than make an effort to see this gorgeous chapel for yourself and see why it is used for inspiration to choose the spiritual leader of over a billion people.

"The Last Judgement" by Michelangelo

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Knives On A Plane

     It's official, the T.S.A has lost their minds!  For years, The Transportation Security Administration has banned passengers from bringing on small knives, mini baseball bats, hockey sticks and snow globes onto planes.  This has been a precaution to avoid another incident like September 11th.  Personally, I have felt that this was a tad extreme, but a necessary evil.  Who would want a tragedy like this to occur again.  So why on earth would these geniuses go back on these obvious discions.  Could it be the Sequester and the budget cuts that come with it or is it the fact that we haven't had a terrorist attack in years.  Either way, I feel that this is a major under sight by The United States Government to allow these changes.  First of all, they are allowing individuals to bring on blades, that are twice the length of the weapons that were used to take the three planes on 9/11.  Do we feel that terrorist have lowered their ambitions in the last twelve years.  As for the snow globe decision, why not allow an item with less then 3oz. of liquid onto a plane?  If you can bring on a bottle of aftershave, why not an adorable keepsake from Disney Land or New York City?  And lets not forget about those collectible baseball bats.  How many times does one get to see a true landmark like Wrigley Field or Fenway. For a baseball enthusiast, these are hollowed grounds and who wouldn't want to take home a memento from them.  Now you can.  T.S.A finally came to their senses and realized that a would be terrorist could never take over a plane with a 12 inch stick.  So maybe budget cuts can lead The U.S. government and it's various entities to some reasonable decisions, but they are truly taking a risk with this decision to allow knives on board a plane.

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Home Of "The Black Beauty"

The Guinness Storehouse

     When you think of Ireland, what comes to mind? Breath taking pastures and the most beautiful rolling green hills imaginable, how about four leafed shamrocks for good luck, or maybe a delectable plate of corned beef and cabbage. What about a pint of a good dark stout? Nothing epitomises Ireland more then the iconic Guinness. If you have not had the opportunity to savor this velvety textured, creamy, rich flavored beer then you are missing out on an absolutely memorable experience. Especially when tasted on the emerald isle, it does not travel well, and what better place to enjoy this beverage, then at it's birth place,The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.

      The first thing that you will notice when you arrive at The Guinness Storehouse is that this is not your typical brewery tour, it is an immersion into the world of Guinness. This sprawling exhibit consists of interactive displays on brewing, including how this iconic stout is made, video's of classic advertisements, cooperage demonstrations, how they make the barrels to store the freshly brewed Guinness, and of course The Gravity Bar. The Gravity Bar is the highest pub in Dublin, featuring spectacular 360 degree views of the city and simply an incredible place to savor a free pint of Guinness. Some might ask why all of the hype over an Irish beer? Besides the fact that Arthur Guinness started this company in 1759 and it has become one of the most successful corporations on the planet. In fact, over 10 million pints are consumed everyday. It is that Guinness is representative of the people of Ireland. It has become synonymous with good times, great company, and rich character; all of which the people of Ireland have prided themselves on and it is hard to miss when visiting this enchanting land.

 

So the next time your in Dublin, swing by a local pub or even better yet, The Guinness Storehouse and enjoy "The Black Beauty" that is Guinness.

www.guinness-storehouse.com

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Avoid Yellow Fever, See Your Doctor!

A Mosquito carrying Yellow Fever

     The other day I walked into my doctor's office and announced that I have arrived for my travel vaccinations.  The nurse looked at my chart and said "are you ready for this?"  I confidently replied "sure, what's a couple of shots!"  She exclaimed "sir you and your wife are scheduled for 13 shots!"  And I said to myself, "oh, the joys of traveling abroad."  I know this seems a tad extreme to get this many shots, but when traveling to remote corners of the world, you never can be too careful.

     I am currently preparing for an amazing adventure to East Africa.  A place full of incredible wildlife, diverse cultures, and exceptional beauty.  Yet, their are paroles as well.  Be it yellow fever, Malaria, Rift Valley Disease, Dengue, African Sleep Sickness, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Travelers Sickness and many more deadly illnesses that most people would truly want to avoid.  To do this, you must come prepared.  This means that you should check with your physician at least a month before you begin your memorable adventure.  This way he or she can make sure that you are up to date with your inoculations as well as prepare you for this upcoming journey.  Many medications will take a week or more to take an effect and give you the immunity needed to avoid these deadly maladies.  Also, a good physician can keep you up to speed with the latest information on epidemics that are running rampant in the part of the world that you plan on visiting.  This way you can go on the trip and be quite knowledgeable of the current situation.  You can also consult the CDC for the latest in travel health advisories.  Hopefully, these simple tips can help you stay healthy on your next trip abroad.

Center For Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/

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Great Itineraries: Dublin

A pub in The Temple Bar District

     Dublin, Ireland is one of the most charming cities that I have ever had the opportunity to visit.  The city is a collection of old churches, beautiful parks, and rambuncious taverns. If you enjoy architecture, then stroll through Trinity College and the adjacent Merrion Square to see the truly characteristic side of Dublin or if you adore history, then check out The Book of Kells at The Trinity College Library or see some incredible artifacts from Ireland's Celtic past at The National Museum.  Do not forget that Dublin is the home of Jameson Whiskey as well as the iconic Guinness Brewery.  These delicious libations have a way of fueling the jubilant atmosphere of those great pubs down in The Temple Bar District.  This is where you will see the most genuine side of the city.  The pubs are where you can meet and get to know the locals.  Enjoy a pint or two with them and you can gain a real sense of what Ireland is truly all about.




Dublin Castle

Day 1

• 8;30 A.M.     Stroll around the elegant grounds of St. Stephen's Green
• 9:00 A.M.     Experience the incredible architecture of Trinity College
• 9:30 A.M.     View the legendary Book of Kells at Trinity College Library
• 11:00 A.M.   See some amazing ancient artifacts in The National Museum
• 1:00 P.M.      Lunch
• 2:00 P.M.      Tour the former seat of power at Dublin Castle
• 4:00 P.M.      Learn how Ireland's most famous whiskey is crafted at The Jameson Distillery
• 7:00 P.M.      Diner in The Temple Bar District
• 9:00 P.M       Enjoy a pint and some local music at a pub in The Temple Bar District

Day 2

• 9:00 A.M.     Retrace the steps of Ireland's patron saint at St. Patrick's Cathedral
• 11:00 A.M.   View the most impressive church in all of Ireland at Christ Church Cathedral
• 1:00 P.M.      Lunch
• 2:00 P.M.      Learn about The Irish Rebellion at The Kilmainham Gaols
• 4:00 P.M.      Savor a pint at the highest bar in all of Dublin at The Guinness Storehouse
• 6:00 P.M.      Have another great and entertaining diner at The Temple                                                                                                     Bar District

Day 3

Take a day trip to either

• Cork and kiss The Blarney Stone
• Or revisit Celtic Ireland at Bru na Boinne
• Or see the scenic side of Ireland by arranging a trip to The Ring of Kerry

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Blarney Castle Or Why I Thought That Hanging Upside Down Over A Six Story Drop Was A Good Idea At The Time

Blarney Castle

     For a fun and relaxing day trip from Dublin head to Blarney Castle.  This famous Irish site is located just outside of the city of Cork and is just a two hour ride by train or a leisurely four hour drive by car.  When you arrive at the castle, the first thing you will notice, is the elegant park grounds.  Blarney Castle is located on some of the most picturesque scenery Ireland has to offer,with it's rolling green hills and a slow moving stream, it will immediately remind you of why you came to Ireland in the first place.  As for the castle, it is a massive fortified tower, which is about six stories tall and dates back to 1446.  Although it is currently unfurnished, and very much in disrepair, the place definitely has a charming quality about it.  In spite of it's condition, most travelers come to Blarney Castle to kiss it's infamous stone.  Legend has it, that if you kiss The Blarney Stone, you will forever be blessed with "the gift of gab".  Sounds easy enough, right?  First of all, you have to climb a six story medieval tower, which amounts to over 350 steps.  Once you make it to the top of this windy tower, you have to lean over backwards, over a three foot gap in the floor and smooch the  large stone.  You will have an attendant holding you, while you make this death defying act, but it is most certainly not for the faint of heart or those who are absolutely terrified of heights.  However, if falling to your untimely demise does not bother you, then this can be a lot of fun and the views from the top of the tower are absolutely amazing!

     Why all of this hype about a stone?  Well, according to legend, The Blarney Stone is a piece of The Stone of Scone, or the a piece of the royal thrown of Scotland.  It was originally from the Holy Land where it was Jacob's stone from the bible and later brought to Scotland during the crusades.  The stone was finally brought to it's resting place when Robert the Bruce gave it to Cormac Laidir MacCarthy as a reward for the support he gave him during the battle Bannockburn.  The Blarney Castle became famous when Queen Elizabeth of England asked the Lord of the castle for his loyalty.  Instead of committing his loyalty to a bunch of foreign invaders, he simply lavished the Queen with compliments.  She became so infuriated with these remarks, that she claimed that Lord Blarney was full of untruth.  Thus, the saying that someone was "full of Blarney" was created.

    So does the stone really work?  Well my wife will be the first to tell you that I never know when to keep my mouth shut.  So as for flapping my gums constantly, then I would whole heartily agree with with that, but as for gaining an elegance to my speech, well not so much.  However, for another aspiring traveler, who knows?

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March's Letter To The Readers

Enjoying a pint at The Gravity Bar in Dublin

     How can you not enjoy Saint Patrick's Day?  Green beer, emerald clad parades, fast footed dancers, corned beef and cabbage; there are just so many things that make this holiday great.  As an Irish American, well my father is Irish anyway, St. Patrick's Day has always held a special place in my heart.  So March's articles will be centered around "The Emerald Isle".  I will explain why I thought it was a good idea to hang upside down over a six story drop to kiss a stone.  We will enjoy a pint in the rambunctious and fun filled Temple Bar District, as well as retrace the steps of a legendary saint.  Finally, we will learn how Guinness, the national brew of Ireland is made.  Also, we will also continue our great itineraries series with a trip to one of the most absolutely charming cities in the world, Dublin.  So hopefully those Irish eye's are smiling upon you and may you always have a pleasant and enjoyable journey ahead.

Christopher Morrison
Writer and Editor of
The Thrifty Adventurer

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To my devoted readers,
     There will be some alterations to my publishing cycle this month.  I will be in Kenya conducting research for future articles and may not have the Internet access that I am accustomed to.  Sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks for your continued support!