More Airline Cuts

I know there has been a flurry of airline related blogs recently, but I just could not help writing about this subject a bit more.

Honestly, at this point it has become funny. So US Air announced (well last week) that they are going to now charge for all non-alcoholic beverages. Aaaahhhhh, yes kids make sure you bring your money because nothing is free anymore! Now soda, fruit juice, coffee, and bottled water will all cost you $2 and the cost of alcoholic beverages will rise to $7. I would just like to briefly comment on the fact that a can of 'the most crap beer ever produced on the planet' (aka budweiser) will now cost you almost the equivalent to a 12 pack in stores.

Like I have said before the airlines are obviously struggling and need to do whatever then can to survive, but this just sucks. I am notorious for never having cash with me, I cannot imagine not even being allowed water on a 4 hour plane flight. This whole issue is just all the worse since we cannot even bring liquids on the plane anymore (a rule which I am sure the airlines are loving!)

I would like to pose the question as to what else airlines can charge us for? I laughed out loud at the suggestion of a yahoo blogger who thought pay- toilets could be in our future. Pretty soon those unprepared individuals are going to start hitting up their seat-mates for cash, "please man, I gotta go!" Read more...

Fun with translated signs!!!!!!

I thought we all could use another installment of funny translated signs:












































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The Misconceptions of Tours

One thing Jessica and I have learned over the last year or so is that people have a lot of misconceptions about taking tours as a vacation, or as a part of a vacation. Truth be told, I should raise my hand first, as I too used to have the same misconceptions. A couple of years ago I would have responded to tours by saying some of the following:

Why would I want to be ushered around with 85 people following someone waving a flag annoying everyone at every major site visited?
I don't want to be on a bus full of people driving around from place to place listening to someone on a megaphone.
Why would I want to have every second of my vacation planned.... I'm on vacation to relax!

While it is true that there are tour companies that run tours like the points mentioned above, 98% don't (thank goodness). In fact, I have been blown away by the different offerings of tour companies, their professionalism, expertise, access to behind the scenes locations, the structure of the tours themselves, and the ability to take such tours for an amazing price. I thought I'd list some of the finer facts of what tours have to offer for travelers while abroad:

1. Nearly every tour company has limits to the number of people allowed on each trip. Typically, the maximum number allowed on any given trip is between 6 and 15 people. Essentially we're talking about 3-4 couples or families. Furthermore, nearly every tour company has private tours as an option as well. This means private guides, transfers, meals etc for you or your group. And while most people think this is substantially more expensive, you'd be surprised how often the price is nearly the same or nominally more.

2. The level of expertise of local guides is a huge asset while traveling. How many times have you been to a historical site, museum, building, or archaeological ruin, and wondered of its significance and/or history? Having a knowledgeable local guide really enhances the experience as you learn infinitely more than you will on your own. And by the way, any reputable tour guide doesn't carry flags!

3. Most tours do not plan every second of every day. In fact, nearly every tour company provides as much free time as they do planned tours. It's typical that a standard tour has transfers, lodging, internal flights, some tours, some meals, and a few extras included in their packages but provide built in free days or portions thereof. Sure, you can find tours that will keep you busy the entire time your gone (some people prefer this), but by and large tour companies know people want to relax as much as they want to sight see.

4. Tours can be customized. Any time you are looking at a pre-set package on a tour operator's Web site, know that most tour operators post itineraries as much as suggestions as they do canned packages. If you want to take a trip that includes 90% of a trip online but without one day or activity, ask them to amend it. You'd be surprised how often trips can be changed (this is especially the case on private trips).

5. You don't have to take a tour for your whole vacation! If you like to explore cities on your own, and see adventure in getting from point A to point B, then a two-week tour probably won't make much sense to you. That said, why not hire a guide for a day in a region you want to learn more about? Or in a museum full of art you'd love to know the history of? There are plenty of options out there for every travel personality. Read more...

Falling in love with Granada

Oh Granada how I do love you! You are the city in my dreams; ethereal, beautiful and brimming with historical significance. I feel like I might be cheating on Sevilla by this admission (since it was actually the city I lived in) but in all honesty it can not triumph the wonder of Granada.

Granada itself is located the Andalusian province of Spain nestled in the Sierra Nevada's. Over the centuries this location became vital for the kingdom, to ensure the fortified military complex could see any approaching armies. Sitting on top of the highest hill is the famed Alhambra, which can be seen from most parts of the city. The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means "red or crimson castle", perhaps due to the hue of the towers and walls that surround the entire hill of La Sabica which by starlight is silver but by sunlight is transformed into gold. Within its palace walls have lived some of the most influential historical figures, such as Fernando and Isabella, Emperor Carlos V and much later in history, the author Washington Irving.

Within the city, an intricate grid of alleyways decorated with Moorish arches, still exists from Middle Ages where it was the site of the Great Bazaar of Granada. Now most of this portion of the city is filled with tourist shops, but there are still a good amount of old Moorish inspired tea shops. While sitting on cushions on the floor, you can order up infused teas or if you are bold enough try smoking from a hookah pipe.

The wonders of Granada are endless and I definitely recommend making a stop there when in Spain. It is so very worth it! Read more...

Euro 2008

Although this may be stretching the limits of travel posts, I am going to chat about it anyhow.... I love soccer (at least the global version anyhow... not sold on MLS yet), and right now the Euro Cup is currently underway. I was first turned on to this sport while backpacking through Europe in 2000 during the Cup eight years ago. Those Europeans are obsessed with their teams, and it's contagious. Anyhow, love it. I've been following the action this year, and randomly came across the following video that I think is hysterical (and incredibly impressive) so I thought I'd post it for your enjoyment. So, here it is (bear with it as it gets better as it goes on):

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Alternative Energy for Cruise Ships???

Could it be possible? We have seen some people convert their cars to biofuel (used cooking oil as a source of clean burning energy) but can it be, Cruise Ships are now using this method?

Well...no, not really. But, one cruise company, Fred. Olson, a company out of England, is trying to get one step closer to this endeavor.

Fred. Olson has signed an agreement with Bio Driven of Canterbury, a start-up company which is involved in creating high-quality bio-diesel. Under the agreement, waste cooking oil from Olsen cruise ships will be collected and transformed through a carbon negative process into a clean and efficient fuel. Matt Grimes, Director of Logistics for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said: “We are very excited to be working with Bio Driven, as we are always looking for ways to make our operations more environmentally friendly and to recycle our waste material, so this venture is a “win win” situation for everyone.”

Basically alternative energy is still in its infancy, but it is wonderful to see companies making positive steps. Since Fred. Olson produces about 40 tons of waste cooking a year, I think this is a much better use than simply dumping it. I wish more cruise companies would follow suit. Read more...

My Ten Funniest Travel Stories

Every time I speak to someone coming back from a far off place, it's not long before we begin swapping stories about the hysterical situations we managed to get ourselves into. Now I'm sure there is some psycho-analysis behind my travel style lending itself to somewhat hysterical happenings, but friends, that's another story for another time. Let's concentrate. I want to hear stories from our readers about absurd, hysterical, or comical things they've seen/heard or done while abroad. And no request here at Pangaea goes without a quid pro quo, so to get started, here's my top ten list of weirdest or funniest things I've seen myself while abroad:

1. I once traveled around Norway in a yellow van full of 17 people. We're not talking about a bus here either folks; picture a standard size van, with enough body parts hanging out of the window to draw any stare within a square mile. This is not the end of the story though. My Dad was one of the unfortunate souls who was half in the van, half out. At a stoplight outside of Bislett Stadium in Oslo, a lunatic woman came from nowhere yelling God knows what in Norwegian. Upon reaching the van she grabbed hold of my Dad and spent what was likely the longest light of my Dad's life trying to pull him out the window. Ole, our only resident Norwegian, explained afterward that the woman was quite fond of my Dad's eyes. To this day, I've never seen a funnier look than my Dad's frantic face as he fought to stay inside that van.
2. Last time I was in Thailand with my buddy Coy, we arrived at a hotel and were told the rate for our room was $4 more than we had expected because the room, "included Bigfoot free of charge." Enough said, we'll take it.
3. I stayed in a hostel with a buddy of mine once and we were given a third roommate we later named "The Brazilian Stomper." He spent the entire night jumping from his top bunk onto the floor making the whole room rattle. After a minute or so passed, he'd climb back up into his bed and repeat the jump. This went on for hours.
4. I worked in Tokyo for several months, and loved to find the most bizarrely translated signs. One of my favorites was my trash can. Somehow "trash can" was mistranslated to read: "It's here. Let's Supreme Can!"
5. Along those same lines, while at a restaurant in Prague I saw a menu item (that wound up being a local river fish) that was translated to English as: "His wife in the garlic." Do you even need to ask if I ordered it or not?
6. While in Egypt we met a shop owner, who upon finding out my friends name was Dave, started yelling "Beckham!" Beckham!" He proceeded to close his store for us, sit us down on the floor, serve us tea and cigarettes (none of us smoke), and show us Roman artifacts unearthed on his Grandfather's farm. Classic.
7. There is a hostel in Interlaken, Switzerland that is named Funny Farm. I won't get into all of the reasons here, but suffice to say the name barely cracks the surface of how crazy this place really is. By way of example, the showers are located in the corner of a dance club on premises. Walking through strobe lights and dj's to get to the showers is bizarre. Having your fingernails and soap glowing under the black lights while showering is ever weirder.
8. In a random neighborhood in Tokyo on a morning run, I once made a run for it and hid in a tube slide thinking I saw a lion. Why wouldn't there be a lion in Tokyo? I was prepared to take kids out, push people aside.... It's every man for themselves when a lion is on the prowl in Roppongi. Made sense at the time.... Long story short, it was a freakishly large red dog shaved to look like a lion (mane, tail, you name it).
9. So out of sync from jet-lag, my friend and I went to bed at 4pm in Paris once. We woke in the morning, showered, and went for breakfast. After eating eggs, we noticed it seemed to be getting dark. My buddy asked a woman in front of a hostel, "Is it day or night?" Confused, she said, "night". We had slept two hours and thought a day had passed. Awesome.
10. Last time I flew to SE Asia, I brought Ambien for my buddy and I to sleep through the flight. We figured we'd take our Ambien with a beer to "cheers" the trip. Let's just say Ambien and a beer is not a good idea. We later found about a half hour of video footage on his camera with us rambling on about lasagna and bread (not served on the flight by the way) that neither of us remember in the least. Read more...

One tiny suitcase....too many products

Now that United Airlines announced that they will also be charging for checked bags (ugh), I thought we all could use a lesson in how to avoid paying additonal fees and carry on your luggage. Now I do not think men suffer from this same affliction, but I always check bags because of that annoying 12 oz liquid regulation. I never buy hair/face/ make-up in sizes small enough to bring them on the plane. But now companies are getting smart and offering travelers small size options (in clear containers) so they will not get hassled at the x-ray line. Or if not hassled, have all your neatly packed items riffled through in public.

1. Grab and Go- Portable products for men. Again, men have it easy when it comes to the amount of beauty products they need to haul around, but this is still a great idea for packing light and checking everything.

2. Drugstore.com- Has cleverly added all travel size items on one page so you can buy them all at once. Now you may ask, why not just so the the regular drugstore and buy the travel size items? Because, pert-plus is just not a good option for me.

3. Clinique- Has a great, travel simply set, with only the basics. As long as you are not planned to go to a gala ball, this is all the make-up you need.

4. SKS- makes travel containers so you can just add your personal products into TSA sized containers. I am never this organized to do this before time, but it is not a bad idea. Read more...

When Good Ideas Go Bad

Have you ever seen an idea, proposal, law, or entire company that has the unfortunate distinction of being a good idea gone bad? You know what I'm talking about here: A great idea to start that wasn't quite carried out all of the way, or thought through entirely... I stumble across these once in awhile and I happened upon one this week that I thought I'd share. This week's good idea gone bad revolves around UNESCO's World Heritage list.

For those of you not familiar UNESCO's World Heritage List, it is a UN entity that (according to their Web site):

Seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.

Sounds good to me. Basically, sites that we all love to visit such as the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef, the Pyramids, and 848 other sites around the world (to see the full list, click here) are named to the list and protected. Cool. No brainer. Here's the problem though:

The UN has created this list (good), but doesn't provide any funding (real bad). Think about this one for a second: These sites are instantly recognized as the "it" places to see in countries around the world when they are named to the list. Every year, new sites are listed, announced, and generate a tremendous amount of buzz. Hmm.... in turn, tens of thousands of new people flock to these areas that didn't know about them beforehand. No funding + thousands of people = damage to historical sites. Or as travelport puts it:

UNESCO Sites:
Even more ironic is the mounting concern that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is actually speeding the demise of the planet’s most venerable places by designating them World Heritage Destinations. World Heritage status carries with it no funding, but brings an onslaught of tourists that many of the 830 sites “of outstanding value to humanity” are unable to sustain, especially the ones in developing countries.

UNESCO's mission statement about "protecting" these areas lists eight bullet points on how they plan to accomplish such "protection". Six of the eight points listed start with the word "Encourage". So here's my news flash: As much as I'd like to think that states, countries, and governments will automatically fund sites that UNESCO "encourages" them to protect, we all know better. And until UNESCO starts funding these newly (and existing) named sites, I'd just assume not name them at all. Read more...

Pack Less. Weigh Less. Pay Less?

Thank goodness when I saw this new 'advertisement' for Derrie Air, I was alerted at the beginning that it was a prank. I have a tendency to believe almost anything and most likely I would have been all excited until someone explained it to me.

Luckily, it looks like I am not the only gullible person out there. The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News ran ads about this new fenom airline that describes itself as the "world's only carbon-neutral luxury airline, where you don't have to choose between living the high life and saving the planet". Can you see why I got so excited??!!

This fictitious advertising campaign created by Philadelphia Media Holdings and was meant to prove to its clients the power of visual media while basically making people laugh. With advice such as, "The magic comes from our one of a kind "Sliding Scale"—the more you weigh, the more you'll pay." or "Nine out of ten scientists agree"

Truthfly, I was more interested to learn about Dick, the owner and mastermind behind Derrie-air (no pun intended). In his youth Dick lived off a diet rich in Mississippi fish and thus "This unusual diet flooded his brain with Omega-3 fatty acids, to which he credits his remarkable business acumen."

F-ing brillant. This is really marking at its best! Read more...

Gambling While on a Cruise

I have a quasi-fascination with how many entities in this country have managed to circumvent the bans on gambling in the United States. The most well-known example of this is of course the casinos that can be found on Native American Reservations. Other examples include riverboats, online gambling forums that are "based" in other countries (though accessible here), venues with fast horses and greyhounds, random places in Nevada and New Jersey, and the ever-popular cruise ship. We often get a lot of questions about gambling while aboard cruise ships, so I thought I'd highlight some of the finer details here. First off, if you're wondering how US cruise ships manage to have legal gambling, the answer is simple: Because you're in international waters (though most don't wait until they are)... Here are some random facts for you on how these casinos differ from everyone's favorite playground, Las Vegas.

1. With all due respect to Charles Barkley and John Daly, there are no high limit rooms/tables on cruise ships. If you want to lose a fortune, you'll probably have to do it in $5 increments (though I guarantee you it can be done).
2. Forget about perks or comps. If you do succeed in losing that fortune, unlike Vegas, you're not going to get your room comped. At best you may get a handshake from a pit boss, but that's about it. That's not fair, you say? Well, here's why Vegas comps things for their high limit winners/losers: Because they don't want you to go to another casino. On a cruise ship you don't have that option, so unless you threaten to jump overboard and swim for Monte Carlo (side note: not advisable), you're out of luck.
3. Most boats (if not all) are on a cash basis. I say that because most things on board you can just have charged to your room, but that's not the case in the casino. You'll have to pay cash to play.
4. Dealers are MUCH nicer and MUCH more patient than at other gambling establishments. For those of you like me that have nearly had your hand lopped-off at a craps table for not holding the dice or betting correctly, you'll appreciate this difference. Gambling on cruise ships is seen more as a form of entertainment than a revenue producing affair for the ship, so dealers are more willing to explain things, take their time, and have an overall better temperament.
5. Most cruise lines allow you to gamble at 18 rather than 21 (and the ones that don't will usually let you if you're with someone 21 years or older).

On other random note: Disney is about the only major cruise line without a casino (die to it's family-oriented cruises). Good luck at the tables! Read more...

Good vs Bad- the question of all inclusive

So I just returned from four days in Cabo...I meant to blog everyday, but somehow laying by the pool with a fruity cocktail seemed to triumph finding a computer and blogging. I blame the delicious frozen concoctions.

So I thought I would do a little re-cap for you all. We ended up staying at Dreams Los Cabos, a very beautiful all inclusive resort where the staff could not have been kinder and the rooms all had ocean views. Well to be honest, we could see the ocean from our room, but I would not necessarily qualify it as an 'ocean view'. However, it hardly mattered as the rooms were enormous and we did not spend much time in them anyway. I cannot give this resort enough praise.

Now, I must admit I had never stayed at an all-inclusive before. I know that some people seem to love the atmosphere and others might find the seclusion too stifling. So I thought I would help out anyone who is considering the pros and cons of staying in an all inclusive resort.

The Good:
1. Makes sticking to a budget very easy. Additionally, you have a much better idea of how much you are spending before you go since all meals and drinks are already included.
2. The drinks just keep on coming!
3. If you are going with a big group there is no need to hassle over the bill.
4. If you want total relaxation, you do not need to leave the hotel.
5. You can order room service all night long.
6. Lots of activities: volleyball, water basketball, cooking classes, drink making classes.
7. Did I mention everything is free?

The Bad:
1. These hotels often are very secluded so if you like to go exploring, hotel location often makes it a little difficult.
2. Depending on what type of all inclusive you stay at, the restaurants can be very limiting.
3. Sometimes these resorts have very strict rules (like all bars close at 8 pm) so before you book be sure to read the fine print.
4. Choice of destinations can be limited, if you choose an all-inclusive you will most likely be limited to Mexico or the Caribbean. Read more...

Travel Junkie

I think I might be a travel junkie. They say the first step is admitting it, so there you go, I'm addicted. In fact, I may have a problem. Hmm.... A travel junkie, huh? Yep. That's right, full-blown addiction here folks. I'm talking raging veins when I'm away from it, a tendency to not stop thinking about it, and it's certainly a vacuum for all things financial. Am I alone here?

The last trip I took out of the country was Thailand/Cambodia early last year and it seems like an eternity ago. As my next trip can't come soon enough, I typically fall into a predictable pattern of the next best thing: Being frustrated that I'm not away traveling, looking at trips online, imagining I am on them, having my excitement level go through the roof, realize I'm dreaming, getting frustrated that I'm not traveling. And so the pattern continues. Yes, these are the tales of a travel junkie.

Now at the moment I seem to be full-blown in the middle of the cycle where I am imagining myself on some of these trips. Since this travel addiction has me here, I figure I'll just go ahead and take you all down with me and share some trips out there that have piqued my interest. Warning: You may read about these trips and in turn become frustrated like me that you're not there. This is my attempt to warn you.... hence removing any responsibility I may have for said travel fantasy behavioral swing...

- Machu Picchu Mountain Lodges Trek; Wildland Adventures
- Hidden Monasteries of Tibet; Wilderness Travel
- Namibia Explorer; Ker & Downy
- Passage to Indochine; Asia Transpacific
- Futaleufu River Rafting; Bio Bio Expeditions Read more...

Packing 101

After re-reading all of the conversation sparked by my American Airlines post last week, I thought I'd write another entry to talk about a class that should be taught in every grade-school around the world: Packing 101. Recent moves by airlines, and my experience traveling, has taught me two things: One, the airlines will continue to try and find ways to nickel and dime travelers, and two, people don't know how to pack. I mean seriously folks, how many times have you been at the airport and seen the couple pushing 12 bags towards check-in? Or how many people do you know that get away for the weekend and can't seem to find a way to bring less than three bags? What do you people possibly need that requires so many bags?

I know this is tough for you excessive packers out there so you may need to sit down: It is possible to get away for two, three, or four days with just a carry-on. Okay people, deep breaths... get a paper bag if you need to... it can be done. Here are some helpful packing tips to avoid having to pay (certain) airlines, and/or chronic back pain later in your life:

1. Roll your clothes: Sounds a bit odd I know but your clothes are going to be wrinkled anyhow, why not save space? Plus, what hotel, condo, or home doesn't have an ironing board? This method is a great way to save a ton of space. Try it. You'll be surprised.

2. Limit yourself to two pairs of shoes: Unless you've got a black-tie event to be at, you should be able to get by with two pairs of shoes for a long weekend. I can't tell you how many people I've traveled with that bring three or four pairs of shoes along and then just wear one pair for three days. I know folks, you want options, and if you want to pay for an extra bag be my guest, otherwise this is an easy way to save the most space.

3. Use extra space: Make sure you take advantage of all those cool side pockets and containers. This space is great for underwear and socks once you're done packing. Also, make sure to use the space inside of your shoes for odds and ends, as well as the pockets on the outside of the bag.

4. Know your limits: The standard carry-on bag dimensions allowed by most airlines is 45", or a 22" x 14" x 9" bag. Make sure you've got a nice bag that uses every inch of it! Read more...

The comfy traveler

I am lucky enough to be blessed with the gift of sleep. What I mean by this is I can pretty much sleep any where or at any time without a problem. But I am aware that most travelers are not so lucky and have a very hard time becoming comfy enough to get in a quick nap. My boyfriend is a perfect example of this.... I call him 'high-maintenance sleep guy'. So due to the fact that I am leaving for Cabo tomorrow (insert high pitch squeal of joy here) I thought I would showcase some good products for making travel as comfy as possible.

1. The cabin cuddler- you might look like a giant swaddled infant, but these things sure are comfy! I am always freezing on plane rides and these keep you so warm. Plus you don't have to use a airline blanket that probably has not been washed in two years.

2. For those of you fearful of all the germs lurking on a plane, this is a good investment. Its called the plane sheet and it is literally just that. Plus, I love the patterns!

3. And who wants to use those old outdated neck pillows? Why not just go all out and have a pillow in the shape of a monkey? Technically it is made for kids, but still.

4. Magellan's self inflating seat cushion. Not for people just out of hemorrhoid surgery, this pillow alleviates pain in your lower back caused by continuous sitting. Read more...

I'm Never Flying American Airlines Again....

As Jessica alluded to the other day, American Airlines (AA) is now going to start charging $15 to their passengers for checking a bag.... (Head shaking). I saw this last week and thought to myself, Well, I'll never travel with them again. That was until today when I decided to change my stance to be: Not only am I not going to travel with AA again, but I'm going to tell others not to, and make fun of them as much as possible. This all came about today as AA released the following idiotic statement of the year:

American Airlines says its new $15 fee for a first checked bag will affect fewer than one in four customers and won't lengthen lines at boarding gates..

I actually re-read the statement to see if there was a footnote that stated the PR rep. for AA was actually a small child, or an otherwise ignorant human being who had never been to an airport. Unfortunately there was not, and I was left to break this insane statement down for you. This just in: Not only will AA charge you $15 to check one piece of luggage, their incredibly intelligent analysts actually think only one in four people check luggage, and this move won't lengthen lines..... Have they actually ever been to an airport? Don't they realize that those desk clerks lengthen lines two-fold already when they don't have an extra procedure to perform? Between security and decreasing flights, lines are out of control as is. I'm pretty sure AA's next brilliant announcement will be that their "analysts" are positive that by adding this fee, people won't attempt to bring larger bags on the plane. Uh, right....

My other favorite component of this AA release is that their PR people must have been sitting around saying, "I know! Let's compare what it would cost to ship a piece of luggage as a way to justify the charge." Right.... I guess that would make sense if people didn't already know that you have plenty of room to take it on the plane at no extra cost to the airline. I think their PR folks are doing a great job over there. I hope they gave them a discount on the charge to at least $10 per bag..... Read more...

When rocks fall

Today we have a travel story from our guest blogger, the wonderful, talented and very handsome Mitch..........

Driving a rental car in a foreign country is something everyone should try at least once. It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone, visit places rarely seen by tourists, and find out once and for all if you suffer from road rage.

Last October, I had a blast driving a car around the Dordogne region in southwest France. I was able to set my own pace and see quaint villages that public transportation rarely visits. Renting a car gave me the opportunity to cram in as many destinations as possible each day. I call this phenomenon “turbo travel.” On a side note, Chris agrees with me that Rome can in fact be seen in a day.

Halfway through my trip I’m driving through a small town somewhere in France. The surroundings are beautiful and I can’t believe how blessed I am to be in Europe again. I see a sign at the base of a cliff with a caution sign indicating “Beware of Falling Rocks.” I don’t think much of it and keep driving along the winding roads. Two minutes later I hear a loud bang followed by the sound of broken glass behind me. I turn my head around and keep driving, unable to see what had happened. Inexplicably, I forget about the incident until I’m getting into my car 3 days later. Above the passenger side door I see a huge dent I know that no rental car agent would miss. Ah…so that’s what the noise was. The car was damaged, I had purchased no additional insurance, and my French was nonexistent on a good day. Somehow, after checking the car out, the agent told me everything looked okay. I couldn’t believe my good luck.

Despite my close call I still feel that renting a car is the way to go. I wouldn’t drive around Paris but in the smaller towns you’re afforded much greater flexibility. That being said, just watch out for falling rocks. Read more...

Top Ten Archaeological Trips

By now you all know how much I love archaeology, ancient ruins, and the destinations in this world that are home to these magnificent places. Several years back I made my own top ten list of these destinations and promised myself that I'd do everything in my power to visit them. Several of these sites I have already visited, several more are scheduled, and a few more I hope to see later in life. I thought it would be interesting to list my top ten list with my thoughts on each. Obviously there are hundreds of worthy candidates, and I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts on any sites they think should be put into the list. So without further adieu, here is my dream list:

1. The Pyramids, Egypt: The Pyramids of course are probably the most well-known site in the world. And really, this entry should just say "Egypt." The Pyramids are incredible, but you also have to include Luxor, The Valley of the Kings/Queens, Memphis, The Sphinx and Abu Simbel. This is a check-mark for me as I have been to Egypt (and am dying to go back).
2. Petra, Jordan: In terms of "take-your-breath-away" rankings, this may be #1. For those of you that aren't familiar with this place, it's in Southern Jordan and consists of an entire city carved out of rock. There is some debate around when this city was built, but what is known is it belonged to the ancient Nabataeans. Most well-known is the treasury as you exit the siq (was profiled in Indian Jones and the Last Crusade), but fewer people realize that the treasury is just one of a hundred different parts of the city. I think the most spectacular place is the Monastery at Petra (you have to climb over 800 carved stairs up the canyon to get there). I have also had the good fortune of exploring this site as well.
3. The Colosseum, Rome: I think everyone is familiar with the Colosseum; an amazing feat of construction in the old city area of Rome. I was able to visit this site in college on a 3-month backpack trip around Europe.
4. Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Wow. I think of all the places I have been, this may have been the most incredible overall. This site is in the jungles of Cambodia and is as immense a complex as I have ever seen (you really need no fewer than three days here). First built in the 12th century, this fabled lost city is an architectural masterpiece combining Hindu and Buddhist influences.
5. Machu Picchu, Peru: Nestled in a natural setting on the eastern slopes of the Andes lies Machu Picchu, the Incan Empire's defining piece of architecture. The complex was built around 1450, and not re-discovered until the early 1900s. I have not been to this site yet, but promised to see it for the first time with my sister, so hopefully I can make that happen soon.
6. Mayan Ruins of Central America: I grouped these Mayan sites together because there are so many I'm not sure I can separate them. That said, the most incredible examples are Tikal in Guatemala, Copan in Honduras, and Chichen Itza in Southern Mexico. The Mayans are known for their elaborate and highly decorated ceremonial architecture, temple-pyramids, palaces and observatories (all built without metal tools). This massive civilization lived from 2600BC - 300AD. I am planning to see both Tikal and Copan in August.
7. Great Wall, China: Built and maintained from the 6th century BC until nearly the 16th century AD, this construction is over 4000 miles long and at its height was manned by over a million men. This construction (along with possibly the Pyramids) is my leading candidate for the most spectacular accomplishment in all of history to present-day. The sheer size of the Wall is almost not comprehensible. I have not yet been to the Wall, but will someday plan to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall sections and the North Pass of Juyonggua.
8. Old City Jerusalem, Israel: The Old City of Jerusalem only covers one square kilometer, but packs more history into its space than perhaps any other place in the world. In addition to it being the historical epicenter of the three major religions, the number of archaeological sites are almost too many to list: The Western Wall, Temple Mount, Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock, and The Cardo ... just to name a few. I spent some time here a few years back and feel like I barely scratched the surface.
9. Teotihuacán, Mexico: This often forgotten site can be summed up in one fact: At it's height in the 1st century AD it was larger than any city of the same era in Europe.... including Rome. I have not yet been here, and haven't planned a trip yet to do so.... Anyone want to come with me?
10. Mesa Verde, Colorado: This is the wild-card of the group, but if you've been here you'll know why I've included it. Mesa Verde was built by the Old Pueblo people (Anasazi's) that thrived in this region from 600AD-1300AD before mysteriously disappearing. The most well-known complex here is the Cliff Palace: A multi-story apartment complex built into a 325-footlong, 90-foot-deep, 65-foot-high cliff. The building had 200 rooms and 23 underground ceremonial rooms (kivas) used for social and religious rituals. There are 400 other cliff dwellings in the National Park as well. I climbed up into this site as a kid and it alone sparked my lifelong fascination with lost cities and archaeology. Read more...