To Our Devote Readers,
I am truly sorry about Saturday's (October 27th) article not being published as usual. I was abroad procuring material for future blogs that we are looking forward to providing you, our devote readers with. In the up coming weeks, we will have several articles based on my recent adventurers in Brazil, namely Rio de Janerio and it's amazing people! We here at The Thrifty Adventurer pride ourselves on providing you the reader with up to date material to help guild you in your personal travel experiences and thoroughly apologize for any inconveniences this caused. We would like to ensure our devote readership that as of today, Tuesday October 30th, we are back to our bi-weekly publication (Saturday's and Tuesday's) as well as a new feature, coming soon! Travel Guilds, a once a month suggested itinerary to some of my favorite cities and regions throughout the world. We look forward to continue producing great material for you our chariest readers, who without, this blog would not be possible!
Sincerely,
Christopher Morrison
Writer and Editor
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
House Of The Dead: St. Louis Cemetery Number One
When people think of New Orleans, they usually picture jazz laden bars or the elegant french quarter or incredible Cajun cuisine. What about cemeteries? New Orleans possess some of the most amazing and iconic cemeteries in the country, and it's darling is St. Louis No. 1. This legendary house of the dead is a collection of crumbling tombs and beautiful statues of cherubs and morning widows. It is a labyrinth of twisting paths covered in Spanish moss, that snake through family owned crypts that date back to the 1800's.
One might wonder why are all of the bodies buried above ground? Well, when a hurricane or heavy rain strikes "The Big easy", coffin's have a tendency to float up out of the ground, and people would find corpses scattered throughout the city. Nothing better than to find grandma's body laying face down in a gutter on Bourbon Street! Thus, all of the bodies in New Orleans are placed in above ground tombs and for wealthy individuals, family owned mausoleums. One other benefit of using a mausoleum instead of a burial in the ground, is that you can conserve space. When you place a corpse in a cement box in the hot Louisiana sun, it will turn to ash within a year. Thus, these tombs essentially work like a crematorium and allow for future relatives to be placed within. In fact, after a year or so, the reminents of the deceased family member are pushed to the back of the crypt. This is done so the newest family member that has pasted on has a place to rest. This system has been used for hundreds of years.
Besides the macabre beauty of this place, why is St. Louis Cemetery one of the most visited attractions in New Orleans? Simply it is where the who's who of New Orleans call home. Almost every well to do french family in the city has a crypt here (wealthy English families are buried in the Garden District at Lafayette No. 1) as well as many local celebrities. You can see the the pyramid shaped tomb that actor Nicholas Cage has built for himself. In spite of the many plantation owners, wealthy business men, and mayors, the most visited grave in the entire cemetery belongs to Marie Laveau. She was the most famous and powerful voodoo priestess New Orleans has ever known. Even though she pasted in 1891, her tomb is typically covered with offerings of candles, flowers, pennies and other voodoo related items. These are left for The Voodoo Priestess in order to gain favor with her spirit. Most locals will warn that messing with evil spirits and the dead is not the best of ideas, and they are probably right. So leave the voodoo rituals to the experts and enjoy the simple beauty of this crumbling necropolis. After a visit to St. Louis No. 1, you will quickly discover why this is just another reason to visit this charming city.
http://www.graveaddiction.com/1stlouis.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePqA-vtsP74
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaJP8w-jW2k
One might wonder why are all of the bodies buried above ground? Well, when a hurricane or heavy rain strikes "The Big easy", coffin's have a tendency to float up out of the ground, and people would find corpses scattered throughout the city. Nothing better than to find grandma's body laying face down in a gutter on Bourbon Street! Thus, all of the bodies in New Orleans are placed in above ground tombs and for wealthy individuals, family owned mausoleums. One other benefit of using a mausoleum instead of a burial in the ground, is that you can conserve space. When you place a corpse in a cement box in the hot Louisiana sun, it will turn to ash within a year. Thus, these tombs essentially work like a crematorium and allow for future relatives to be placed within. In fact, after a year or so, the reminents of the deceased family member are pushed to the back of the crypt. This is done so the newest family member that has pasted on has a place to rest. This system has been used for hundreds of years.
Besides the macabre beauty of this place, why is St. Louis Cemetery one of the most visited attractions in New Orleans? Simply it is where the who's who of New Orleans call home. Almost every well to do french family in the city has a crypt here (wealthy English families are buried in the Garden District at Lafayette No. 1) as well as many local celebrities. You can see the the pyramid shaped tomb that actor Nicholas Cage has built for himself. In spite of the many plantation owners, wealthy business men, and mayors, the most visited grave in the entire cemetery belongs to Marie Laveau. She was the most famous and powerful voodoo priestess New Orleans has ever known. Even though she pasted in 1891, her tomb is typically covered with offerings of candles, flowers, pennies and other voodoo related items. These are left for The Voodoo Priestess in order to gain favor with her spirit. Most locals will warn that messing with evil spirits and the dead is not the best of ideas, and they are probably right. So leave the voodoo rituals to the experts and enjoy the simple beauty of this crumbling necropolis. After a visit to St. Louis No. 1, you will quickly discover why this is just another reason to visit this charming city.
http://www.graveaddiction.com/1stlouis.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePqA-vtsP74
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaJP8w-jW2k
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Who Says There's No Such Thing As A Free Lunch?
The other day, me and a dear friend of mine were having lunch together and she brought up the fact that "things are costing way too much nowadays". As a whole, she certainly has a point. Gas prices, utility bills, even the price of groceries are constantly increasing. This got me thinking, is there anything that is still affordable any more. Well of course there is, in fact some of my most memorable experiences have costed very little, if anything. How about spending two Euros on a cup of cafe creme at a charming outdoor cafe in Paris. The cup of coffee alone is worth the flight to France and the atmosphere is absolutely priceless. How about sipping a succulent mai tai for $1.20 while watching the sun gently setting on the turquoise waters of Negril. When in Rome, do as the Romans do and check out the spectacle that is the Pantheon. It is without a doubt, the best preserved example of ancient roman architecture in the world and is absolutely free! And let's not forget there is no waiting line either! When in Sydney, it is mandatory for visitors to see the iconic opera house. It costs about $10 dollars to tour this iconic building but the true highlight is the exterior facade and there are numerous locations to view it for free. Most people are really surprised to learn that all 23 Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C. are entirely free as well as most of the monuments throughout the city. Thus, a trip to Washington on the cheap can include stops at the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, the new Martin Luther King Memorial and Arlington Cemetery; and not even cost a dime. Of course a stroll through the romantic French Quarter in New Orleans or a walk down the technicolored "Strip" in Las Vegas are completely free and completely unforgettable. If you are an art aficionado, you can view the most legendary works of art for nothing, that is if you time your trip around the various museum free days. Thus, you can see The Mona Lisa (Louvre in Paris) and The Sistine Chapel (The Vatican Museum in Rome) for nothing! Granted free days at these museums are chaos incarnate, but when on a budget it can be worth it. Speaking of incredible art you can view for free, don't miss The Modernesma architecture throughout Barcelona. The city is a cornucopia of this cutting edge style, from the Eixampla to La Sagrada Familia to Parc Guell; and all can be experienced form the outside for free. For some fun with the kids head to Pike's Place Market in Seattle. Here you can watch fish mongers hurdling large fish to each other. Or if you want to have a truly mindblowing experience, spend about $2 and take a bicycle rickshaw through the streets of Old Delhi. This can give you a peak into what life was like over 400 years ago and give you memories to last a life time.
It might be pricey to travel around the world to see these amazing sites, but when you get there you can have many inexpensive and memorable experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life.
These are just a few of the many things you can see and do for little to no money. If you have come across any more in your travels, feel free to drop us a line. I would love to hear about them, and I think other readers might as well!
It might be pricey to travel around the world to see these amazing sites, but when you get there you can have many inexpensive and memorable experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life.
These are just a few of the many things you can see and do for little to no money. If you have come across any more in your travels, feel free to drop us a line. I would love to hear about them, and I think other readers might as well!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Montmartre: A Slice Of Romantic Paris
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.
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!
https://www.google.com/search?q=montmartre+paris&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=d9-CUOOXLqKOyAHIo4CIAg&ved=0CB8QsAQ&biw=998&bih=586
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.
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!
https://www.google.com/search?q=montmartre+paris&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=d9-CUOOXLqKOyAHIo4CIAg&ved=0CB8QsAQ&biw=998&bih=586
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
"Fool Me Once Shame On You! Fool Me Twice Shame On Me!" Part 2
When traveling we can experience some of the most amazing experiences of our lives. You could swim in The Great Barrier Reef, or see The Taj Mahal, or enjoy a nice bottle of Chianti in Tuscany. Like wise, one can encounter some serious drawbacks, like loosing your wallet or camera to pickpockets or spending a fortune on a drinking tab that you did not earn. There are many people out there with the sole intention of parting us away from our money. Here are a few of the prevalent scams that you should be aware of and how to avoid them.
One odd scam that is becoming common, is The Broken Camera. A fellow tourist will approach you and ask kindly to take a picture of them with their camera. Seems harmless enough, right? You agree and attempt to take a picture, but to the horror of the other "tourist" his camera breaks. He will start to blame you for breaking his camera and demands that you pay him for a new one. Know that his camera was designed to fall apart the moment you used it and that you actually did not break it. Also, realize that he is counting on you to pay him off to avoid a scene. Do not do this! Stick up for yourself and offer to call the police. This will discourage the would be con artist, or you could simply walk away and the con artist will come to the realisation that you will not pay him and he will move on to the next unsuspecting tourist.
Next, when in London or Paris avoid unfamiliar clubs and bars. There are many bars and nightclubs in SOHO and "Pig Alley" that will extort money from unsuspecting travelers. They do this by either having inside doors with no handles on them and force you to spend a certain amount before they let you leave. Also, there are places where after a drink or two, you will get an outrageous bill that exceeds 200 Euros! When you complain about the bill, they bring over a very large, burly fellow, who offers to rearrange your smile unless you pay "your tab". So to avoid these pitfalls, only go to bars and clubs that have been recommended in guild books or by locals that you trust (hotel concierges are usually trust worthy when it comes to these types of recommendations).
Lastly, when in the Carribean, avoid buying marijuana or other soft drugs. The big scam in Jamaica, is that a guy will come up to you on the beach or in a shopping district, and try to sell you some marijuana. If you buy some from him, he will go and tell a police officer near bye, that he saw a tourist smoking a joint. The cop will approach you and search for the drugs. You then go to jail for possession of an illegal substance, and the dealer will get a small reward for his "tip" to the cops. Thus, the dealer makes money from both you and the cops, while you spend six months in a very nasty jail cell. The moral of the story, don't buy drugs when you are abroad, unless you are in a place where drugs are legalized, like The Netherlands. It is just not worth it!
Hopefully, this will help you avoid trouble on your next trip or at least make you aware of the potential dangers that await unsuspecting tourists.
One odd scam that is becoming common, is The Broken Camera. A fellow tourist will approach you and ask kindly to take a picture of them with their camera. Seems harmless enough, right? You agree and attempt to take a picture, but to the horror of the other "tourist" his camera breaks. He will start to blame you for breaking his camera and demands that you pay him for a new one. Know that his camera was designed to fall apart the moment you used it and that you actually did not break it. Also, realize that he is counting on you to pay him off to avoid a scene. Do not do this! Stick up for yourself and offer to call the police. This will discourage the would be con artist, or you could simply walk away and the con artist will come to the realisation that you will not pay him and he will move on to the next unsuspecting tourist.
Next, when in London or Paris avoid unfamiliar clubs and bars. There are many bars and nightclubs in SOHO and "Pig Alley" that will extort money from unsuspecting travelers. They do this by either having inside doors with no handles on them and force you to spend a certain amount before they let you leave. Also, there are places where after a drink or two, you will get an outrageous bill that exceeds 200 Euros! When you complain about the bill, they bring over a very large, burly fellow, who offers to rearrange your smile unless you pay "your tab". So to avoid these pitfalls, only go to bars and clubs that have been recommended in guild books or by locals that you trust (hotel concierges are usually trust worthy when it comes to these types of recommendations).
Lastly, when in the Carribean, avoid buying marijuana or other soft drugs. The big scam in Jamaica, is that a guy will come up to you on the beach or in a shopping district, and try to sell you some marijuana. If you buy some from him, he will go and tell a police officer near bye, that he saw a tourist smoking a joint. The cop will approach you and search for the drugs. You then go to jail for possession of an illegal substance, and the dealer will get a small reward for his "tip" to the cops. Thus, the dealer makes money from both you and the cops, while you spend six months in a very nasty jail cell. The moral of the story, don't buy drugs when you are abroad, unless you are in a place where drugs are legalized, like The Netherlands. It is just not worth it!
Hopefully, this will help you avoid trouble on your next trip or at least make you aware of the potential dangers that await unsuspecting tourists.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
When Is A Hurricane A Good Thing? When It's At Pat O'Brien's!
New Orleans is a city known for many things; mind blowing food, soulful jazz, welcoming people full of charm, and above all else, a great place to get a drink. For a city legendary for it's libations, it possesses a countless number of bars and clubs to consume them in. However, no trip to "The Big Easy" would be complete without a stop in the world famous Pat O'Brien's. This establishment is like no other on Bourbon Street. It is massive, with three different bars to sip that mint julep or sazerac in. Including a piano bar featuring two talented players dueling it out, and an incredible tropical patio that could have come from anywhere in the Caribbean, if it wasn't for that characteristic southern hospitality that the wait staff exudes.
Pat's also has one thing that few other bars on Bourbon Street possess, and that is class. Most bars on Bourbon Street are tacky hole's in the wall, pushing out sickly sweet, slurpy like concoctions to collage students. Where as Pat O' Brien's is full of charm, eloquence, and has a genuine since of fun. It is sometimes rowdy and rambunctious but always meant in good spirits.
Many people are surprised to find out that the "Hurricane" was invented right here. Owners Charlie Cantrell and George Oechsner stumbled across this phenomenal concoction during World War II and now this city is synonymous with this amazing cocktail. The drink consists of varying types of rum and passion fruit juice then served up in a large 28oz. hurricane lantern shaped glass. For those who go for the ridiculously large food offerings like a five pound burgers or a table size piazza, Pat O' Brien's offers the magnum size hurricane. It is a three gallon Hurricane that you have to drink standing up. Bring some friends and try polishing one of these monsters off!
Anyway, as I sit at a charming Cafe style table, under a collection of palm trees and hibiscus flowers, devouring my delicious ruby red hurricane, I cannot help but think how Pat's is just another quintessential example of what makes New Orleans a must see for travelers!
www.patobriens.com
Pat's also has one thing that few other bars on Bourbon Street possess, and that is class. Most bars on Bourbon Street are tacky hole's in the wall, pushing out sickly sweet, slurpy like concoctions to collage students. Where as Pat O' Brien's is full of charm, eloquence, and has a genuine since of fun. It is sometimes rowdy and rambunctious but always meant in good spirits.
Many people are surprised to find out that the "Hurricane" was invented right here. Owners Charlie Cantrell and George Oechsner stumbled across this phenomenal concoction during World War II and now this city is synonymous with this amazing cocktail. The drink consists of varying types of rum and passion fruit juice then served up in a large 28oz. hurricane lantern shaped glass. For those who go for the ridiculously large food offerings like a five pound burgers or a table size piazza, Pat O' Brien's offers the magnum size hurricane. It is a three gallon Hurricane that you have to drink standing up. Bring some friends and try polishing one of these monsters off!
Anyway, as I sit at a charming Cafe style table, under a collection of palm trees and hibiscus flowers, devouring my delicious ruby red hurricane, I cannot help but think how Pat's is just another quintessential example of what makes New Orleans a must see for travelers!
www.patobriens.com
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Saving On Hotel Prices By Choosing The Best Day Of The Week To Stay
Did you know that the price of your hotel room will fluctuate based on the day that you stay there. Depending on the city that you are staying in, hotel rates can be higher or lower on the weekends. When you travel to a city that has an abundance of tourist attractions or a beach, the rates will typically be higher on the weekend. Some of these cities include San Diego, New Orleans, Montreal, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Venice, Savannah, and Las Vegas. If you plan on traveling to a city that is more well known for business than for pleasure, than the rates are higher on the week days and one can find bargains on the weekends. Some of these type of cities include Brussels, Toronto, Milan, Berlin, and Madrid. Now if you plan on seeing more than one city on your next trip, you should make every effort to schedule around the lower rates. Thus, if you are planning to visit the "Low Countries", then head to Brussels on the weekend, when the European Union and The United Nations people are out of town and then take that canal ride in Amsterdam during the week when "the locals" (German and French tourists) are busy at work. This strategy will reduce your expenses, especially for business style hotels, and help you minimize crowds for museums and chic restaurants. This strategy can be utilized when you travel to Toronto and Montreal, Barcelona and Madrid, and to a lesser extent Milan and Rome (Romes rates rarely drop, because of the government business on week days and a plethora of site seeing opportunities all week long), as well as Savannah and Atlanta (like Rome, Atlanta's rates are fairly consistent). Thus, by manipulating your itinerary around these rates you can save yourself as much as 25% on your next stay! And who wouldn't want to save some money on their next hotel room.
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