ROAD TRIP 2011 - 1st STOP: SAVANNAH

Last time in Europe, we met a charming British couple who were self professed 'Bumblers'. When they traveled, they never took formal tours & rarely read guidebook that told them what to see. Instead, they'd arrive at a place and wander (they called it 'bumbling around'). Sometimes they'd miss an over hyped, over crowded, over photo-ed  tourist spot, but felt that 'simply roaming about' offered special travel opportunities that most may miss. They always were very happy, always a pleasure to be around &  always 'bumbled' into interesting places.

Together they've been bumbling around the globe for over 30 years.

At noon today, Sandy & I began our multi week east coat road trip a bit like our English friends. Jumping into my Prius, we headed north. Our only plan was to be in Charleston by sometime tomorrow when we will stay with 2 new friends Adrian & Peter (thanks to the 'airbnb' website).

But today - we could go anywhere/stop anywhere we wanted.

As the miles flew (fueled by a great 2 hour 2002 'live' Paul McCartney 'fab one' concert cd), thoughts of Orlando, Daytona, St. Augustine or Jacksonville stops faded (the 100 degree outside temp was a factor) & we sped by those exits. 

Crossing the Georgia boarder around 4  a sign told us that the state was glad that we had 'Georgia On (Our) Mind(s)'.  Another said Savannah was only about 80 miles away. A little more than an hour away?  Hmmmmm... suddenly a S'town stop was definitely on our minds.

So, we drove into Savannah with no plan, no hotel, no idea of what was happening around town. We were going to bumble. Could we possibly succeed like our UK pals?

(Unfortunately, the pics we took are not transferring from my computer to this blog sight (you have to go to my facebook page - Jack Yuken - to see them),  so I'll have to bumble through our evening in Savannah sans visuals.)

We found ourselves in front of the West Bay Street Quality Inn & took advantage of their off season special (according to locals, 'the season' here is April, May July & October) & began to bumble on foot.

Famous for its tree filled squares, we bumbled into 3: Wright Square (where Creek Indian top honcho Tomo-Chi-Chi is buried),  Johnson Square (where the impressive Nathaneal Greene Monument shadowed a few impromptu chess matches) & Chippewa Square (where Forest Gump said the 'Life/box of chocolates' line - but don't expect to sit on his  bench, it was just a movie prop).

Then we seriously bumbled past the City Market,  the cobblestoned River Steet shops/restaurants in buildings dating back to the early 1800s, the Greek columned US Custom's House, the Old Cotton Exchange,  a pair of horse drawn carriages & the paddleboats that sail the Savannah.

This town's main 'street artist product' seems to be hand folded 'flowers' made from palm fronds. They are available on many street corners/parks & are hawked by their creators. We chatted with 'Gullah Man' - the self proclaimed  'artistic ambassador of love' who has at least a 1/2 dozen videos on 'You Tube' demonstrating his prowess. 

Before heading home we enjoyed an Atlanta brewed Sweetwater 420 Ale  at One Eye'd Lizzies,  a street musician's concert back at the City Market on Barnard Street & yet another Sweetwater (we do like to support local businesses - especially if their product involves hops) at Wild Wings  (where - much to the surprise of WW regulars - we had 8 topped with 'Braveheart', the hottest of the hot.  As we left, two locals actually stopped & congratulated us for our cast iron stomachs. Would THAT happen on a 'tour'? I think not.). 

All in all, a really great unplanned evening.

Our British friends would be proud.

   

  

Don't Get 'Sliced' At The Mouse

A new scam is hitting some unaware Orlando visitors right in the old peperoni.

Many folk coming back to their hotel after a long day at Disney, Universal & Sea World are just too danged tired (or broke) to go out for dinner. Nothing may sound more tempting than a  delivered pizza (with all the toppings) to be enjoyed in the comforts of your Motel 6.

Unfortuately, not all 'pizza' entrepreneurs have ethics of Papa John. In fact they don't care about delivery in 30 minutes - but only your credit card numbers.

These  non 'Chef Boyardees' are slipping official looking flyers under motel doors promising all things pizza for a fab price. You call, give you credit card # & all that's delivered is a piping hot finacial headache for you in the form of mult- Visa charges & - the gift that keeps on giving - identity theft.

This all can be avoided the old fashioned way - look up the # in the phone book or ask the desk clerk for suggestions. Hopefully his English is better than my Indian.

BTW, Sandy & I are going on a multi week road trip up the USA NE coast. I've rented out my condo & she's sold her home, so we're free to travel & will be writing about our adventures, misadventures & discoveries on this blog.

Talk to you tonight.

IS IT TIME FOR THE LITTLE MERMAID TO RETIRE?

You've all seen the above statue. Ok, just in case, it's the famous 'Little Mermaid' that has been sitting in Copanhgen's Harbor since August 1913 (give or take a few months here and there - I'll explain later).

Commissioned after Carlsberg Beer Barron Carl Jacobson was smitten by ballerina Ellen Price's tutu as she 'plie -ed' through a Copanhagen Royal performance of 'LM',  Edvard Eriksen began sculpting it in 1909. Dame Price agreed to model (but not au natural) so Mrs. Eriksen was drafted as possibly one of the first recorded body doubles. 

Although the 'Wee Merm' is Denmark's top sight (with over a million gawkers yearly), it may be time to retire this tiny sea dweller for the following reasons:

1. LISTEN TO WHAT MANY OF THOSE 'MILLION' ACTUALLY SAY. When standing in front of her little-ness, you'll constantly hear some variation of the following: 'I didn't realize she was so small'.

Yes, the maid is a very under whelming  barely over 4' tall. Only the smallest children & maybe Danny Devito have to crain their necks in her presence.  After the few required pics and fewer seconds, most tourist are scrambling for the quickest cab to Tivoli.

2. PEOPLE REALLY DON'T LIKE HER. She has been abused like no other. Over the years the petite one has been: beheaded (at least twice), had her arms Venus de Milo-ed & been splashed with paint (usually red - although some thought she'd look pretty in pink) numerous times.  

Once, a very modest vandal painted her a bra. In '03 she blasted off her perch by a couple of  full sized sticks of dynamite.

More recently she's been draped in a burqa  & on March 8, 2006  (in honor of International Women's Day) she was splashed green, had the date written across her and a 'not so little' dildoe - the size of which may have made Ron Jeremy proud - was placed into her demure hand.

Is this the way you treat something that you like? I don't think so.

3. SHE'S BEEN GONE BEFORE. The miniscule miss left her rock a couple of times already & Copanhagen continued on just fine. There was, of course, the dynamite incident. And more recently she flew to China for almost a year for the 2010 Expo. People got accustomed to her not being there.

4. IT'S NOT EVEN THE ORIGINAL. What your traveling mega miles to see is only a copy. That's right. According to Wikipedia, the original is in the possession of Sculptor Eirksen's heirs in a secret location. If you want to see a copy watch Piers Morgan  any night instead of a Larry King rerun & save the air fair.

5. IT'S LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. One of the reasons for the height challenged one's popularity is where she sits. She's about a ten minute hike (on the way to town) from where the cruise ships dock. That's thousands of people everyday basically forced to walk by, so naturally they'll stop to take a look, thus inflating her numbers.

(By the way, eveyone not on crutches who sails into Copanhagan should avoid any ship sponsored tour and walk into town. It's a beautiful harborside stroll that ends at the picturesque Nyhavn Harbor - a great place to start discovering this unforgettable European city.)

But back to the question at hand, what could possibly take the place of the little one if she vacated her rock?

How about grander sized statue that is original, modern, only 5 minutes from the cruise ships, would look natural with anything you placed into her hand & would put a big smile on the faces of at least the male half of our international travelers? -

International travelers, let your voices be heard.

IRENE PUTS THE 'BLOW' IN BLOWING ROCKS

A typical day at Blowing Rocks

The picture above was not taken in Hawaii or California.  It's what most tourists see when visiting the beach at  Florida's Jupiter Island 73 acre Blowing Rocks Preserve - the largest Anastasia Limestone shoreline on the US Atlantic coast.

These rocks (also known as 'Coquina' from the Spanish for 'Cockleshell') are composed of shell/coral fragments, sand & fossils (you can actually see the remains of clam & oyster shells & pieces of large snails in the limestone). Some scientists believe they are 120,000 years old.

What makes this really unique is that Coquina usually is underground or underwater. Why these rocks are 'sunning' themselves is anybody's guess.

'Ok' (you may yawn) 'But where is 'Blow' in 'Blowing Rocks'? '

For that, my friends,  you need a little help - say from a bit of storm sea surge & the proper tides.

This morning passing Hurricane Irene gave the proper push at the proper time with the proper tide:

Blowing Rocks with a little help from Hurricane Irene

Water can shoot up to 50' into the air

Waves push under the Coquina & pop out holes in the rocks forming geysers that could make "Old Faithful' blush.

Pre-wave Coquina hole

Post-wave

Don't try this at home, kids. (Sandy seconds before 'the incident')

Yes, this is a spectacular sight - and in person you just don't have the visual but also the audio (very much like a 'crack' of thunder as water hits rock) BUT before you jump in the car and run to Blowing Rocks (or any beach, for that matter) at the first storm warning - think. These storm surges can be strong & unpredictable.

Yesterday, a bunch of rock standing gawkers (a few miles south) got too close & were knocked  into the sea. All were rescued (thank god), but some went home via a side trip to the ER.

Even we weren't spared. While walking back to our car at Coral Cove park- 

(Ok, we're cheap. It does cost a couple of buck - each - to enter the Blow zone. But if you park at  CC and walk down the beach about 1/2 mile....)

- anyway, a surprise wave & suddenly we were in waist deep water. Sandy was knocked down &  was almost dragged out to sea (no kidding). Her  I-Pod wasn't so lucky &, sadly, will never play another song.  Ah, the sacrifices we make to bring you this blog.

But, if you use your head - stay far enough back & (for goodness sake) leave your I-pod at home - you could safely enjoy views as spectacular as these:

And not have to run to Best Buy after.

FREE THE "CONSTRUCTION WORKER IN YOU' AT NEW VEGAS DIG

For all you doctors, lawyers, dentists, business folk & everyone else out there who know that they've always had a manly construction worker secretly lurking inside - a new Vegas attraction offers the perfect solution.

'Dig This' - the 1st 'Heavy Equipment Playground' in the USA - has had its customers donning hard hats while operating real Caterpillar excavators & dozers since May.

The brainchild of Colorado's Ed Mumm,  this 'super sized sand box' offers numerous ways to play at 'heavy lifting', but all programs include the following steps:

CLASSROOM SAFETY & EQUIPMENT ORIENTATION is where trained instructors  review all equipment safety rules, controls & give you an overview of what 'earth moving feats' you will perform. You're issued a very, very bright safety vest and - the best part - your very own official 'Dig This' hard hat.

Hey, at that 'other place' you only get an overpriced pair of mouse ears. What wimps!

IN CAB ORIENTATION. You're buckled into the actual Caterpillar 315CL Hydraulic Excavator or the D5G Track-Type Tractor & Mr. Instructor goes over every control. Testosterone is rising.

WARM UP.  Via 2 way radios, Mr. I talks you through a few minor feats, giving you new found confidence - hopefully.

THE BIG DIG. This is it - a major 'dirt excavation' exercise! When - or if - you ace this, there could be two more digs - time & your pocketbook permitting.

AWARD CEREMONY. You're 'excellence in the field' is rewarded with an official Dig This Certificate of Accomplishment. Hooray, now you can finally replace that moldy old law/med/PHD diploma with something of real value.

RETAIL THERAPY. Following old Walt's 1st rule of all amusement attractions - always make them exit through the gift shop - now you get to buy all the 'Dig This' manly memorabilia  that your newly calloused hands can grab.

They even throw in a free shuttle from strip hotels. Yowza!

Ok,  before your necks get too red from all the excitement - be aware that having manly man fantasies do not come cheaply:

According to Dig owners, a 'BIG DIG' is the most popular ticket. Here you'll buy 3 hours & drive either a dozer or excavator (with all the above mentioned 'training' & digging) for $400.

A MEGA DIG is really a double Big Dig (you do both a dozer & excavator) where you can really leave your mark on Mother Earth for $750.

For those with shorter manly attention spans, the MINI DIG (90 minutes) is $210.

If you say that you can't put a price on manly fun, there's always the DIG & DIVOT (a DIG & 9 or 18 holes at Badlands Golf Club), EXCAVATE & EXFOLIATE ( a DIG & a trip to the Trump Spa) or DIG & DESTROY ( a DIG & shooting a sub machine gun, 12 gauge shot gun & machine gun).  Call them for costs.

Try any these and you may discover that the really BIGGEST DIG is in your wallet.

It's not easy (nor cheap) to be a man.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN 'HO, HO' HOSTS LEWIS BLACK COMEDY CRUISE

For all of you who need a couple of pre-Thanksgiving yuks or actually want to brush up on your standup skills while sailing on (what we hope will be) hurricane-less seas, Royal Caribbean is offering its 2nd Annual Lewis Black Comedy Cruise November 6 -13 from Port Canaveral.

Black will float this boat with his parents - parents?!? (who - according to their good son - were very popular on the initial sailing. Hmmm) & comedians Kathleen Madigan, John Bowman, Vic Henley, Mike Wilmont, Greg Proops, Jeff Stilson , Tim Wilson & Mark Metcalf ( better known as 'The Maestro' on Seinfeld & Animal House's infamous Douglas C. Neidermeier - the man who was killed by his own troops in Viet Nam).

For prices starting at $1199 per (Ok, that's $1199 in the world of 'Cruise Ship Brochure' speak. It DOESN'T INCLUDE Port Charges, Taxes, Administration Fees & Gratuities which tack on an extra $324.17. Airfare & transfers to the boat are also on you.), you will enjoy:

HEADLINE PERFORMANCES nightly by featured comedians.

EVENING OF CHAOS with the entire line up.

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL book, cd & autograph signings/photo ops with Black & other's (hopefully not his Mom & Dad).

Plus you can attend 'Bingo' hosted by Madigan, 'Catch A Sinking Star' - a standup workshop - or watch 'Animal House' followed by q&a with Metcalf.

Oh yeah, you'll also get all meals & the use of all the A-1 facilities on the beautiful Freedom of The Seas.

Between laughs you may want to check out the port stops: St. Maartan, St. Thomas & Coco Cay.

And - for those who like your jokes 'Black' without sugar - it's promised that there will be no watered down typical 'cruise ship style' comedy. You will get their complete, uncensored,  'F' bomb dropping acts. 

Think Mama Black is packing a few bars of 'Ivory' to wash out sonny boy's 'you know what' just in case?

WHAT IF A HURRICANE HITS WHILE ON A CRUISE SHIP?

As you know, Hurricane Irene is now storming through the eastern Caribbean on it's way to becoming a possible catagory 3 or (yikes!) 4 force of destruction. No joking, right now even worse than 'driving to the airport to pick up your in-laws for a two month visit' is being on the 3rd or 4th day of your Bahamian cruise.

But it doesn't necessarily mean that Irene is saying 'Goodnight' to your long planned vacation.

As we speak, more than a dozen ships are sailing the Caribbean. Question: Guess how many are canceling the cruise & 'pedal to the metaling' it back to homeport? Answer: None.

Instead they'll sidestep the storm in a few different ways.

Some are 'changing the order' of stops (you might be in Cozumel on Tuesday instead of Friday etal). Others are 'reversing the order' ( instead of visiting Labadee, Jamaica, Grand Cayman & Cozumel you'll visit Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica & Labadee. Oh, what a sacrifice!).

Some will 'switch itineraries' (instead of sailing the Eastern Caribbean, say 'hello' to the Western). Still others will drop a stop (did you REALLY want to see Coco Cay?).

But, as of this second, they ALL are going to complete the previously planned cruise length.

Ok, it might be just a wee bit bumpier than normal (you are sailing in hurricane stirred water, after all) & you might see some damage that wasn't included in the brochure pics (see the previous parenthesis).

But some cruise lines might give you a 'ship credit' (a few 'on board' bucks good for drinks, souveniers, chiropractic adjustments, etc.) as 'good will' compensation for the extra jostling. And actual cash back for the 'port charges' that were collected (but not paid) for the skipped port.

However,  as long as your cruise lasts as long as it was originally planned - you probably won't be getting any other refund.

So, how do you avoid having your trip disrupted by hurricanes? One good answer would be - 'Don't book a cruise during hurricane season!' ('Oh, so that's the reason it was so much cheaper than going Christmas week').

Although Caribbean 'Hurricane Season' runs from June through November  - August, September & October  are the usually super storm months. You don't have to be Einstein's half brother to avoid booking during these 'blow me down' days.

But, if the offer of low prices is one that you just can't refuse, a good trip insurance policy isn't a bad idea.

However, since all travel policies AREN'T created equal, make sure it (and even its finest print) covers all of your needs.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC'S NEW POLICY - 'WEEPERS WILL BE WARNED'

All you 'sniffle at the drop of a hat' folk will be spared packing an extra crying towel in your carry ons thanks to those uber sensitive people at Virgin Atlantic.

Realizing that 55% of all passengers 'well up' up during certain inflight movies & a whopping 41% of men (Men?!?) admit pulling a blanket over their heads as a ruse to hide their airline tears (women, again prove to be the more clever of the species by simply faking it with the old but always usable 'there's something in my eye' trick), Virgin will now issue a 'weeper warning' before any film that could start the water works running.

The first two 'WW' carrying balling possibilities are  'Just Go With It' & 'Water For Elephants'.

Historically, the top 3 tear jerkers (voted by flights that obviously nobody named Arnold, Sly nor The Rock were on) are: 'Toy Story 3', 'The Blind Side' &  'Eat Pray Love'.

Since most men I know would be in tears just at the thought of having to sit through 'Eat Pray Love' -  that flick shouldn't count.

I don't know about you, but for airlines to keep me from crying on airplanes they have to offer: a  comfortable seat,  leg room for someone taller than a munchkin, food that tastes better than its plastic packaging, films starring guys like Arnold, Sly & Rock & a flight attendant at least a decade younger than my grandmother.

WANNA PLAY IN THE MUD? VISIT THIS ICELANDIC ICON

No, you're not looking at a swimming pool for practicing mimes.

These are two of the 400,000 revelers each year who enjoy the benefits of slathering - not great gobs of Marcel Marceau-ish white face goo but - handfuls of 'skin renourishing' Silica mud all over their bodies at Iceland's world famous geothermal spa - The Blue Lagoon.

Located about 40 minutes from Reykjavik (buses run about every hour from town & also from your cruise ship dock), TBL holds 6 million liters of seawater (which is renewed every 40 hours), averages about 100 degrees, is naturally germ free (so no additives - like chlorine - are necessary) & was voted 'Best Medical Spa Worldwide' by Conde Nast readers. 

And it's open all year long. 

Imagine the pictures you can send home - with you happily soaking dead center -  with snow on the ground & temps below zero? Plus, fewer winter guests means that you could have the place almost all to yourself.


Priceless.

Day passes start at 30 euros (about $43). That buys you use of the Lagoon, 2 steam baths, a sauna (followed by a cold outdoor shower), a great waterfall to stand under for a natural massage & all the Silica mud that you could possibly smear. 

This supersonic white mud is in wooden boxes all around the Lagoon & is yours for the using. Lagoon mavens recommend rubbing it all over your face & body - but definitely, DEFINITELY, keep it out of your eyes! 

Gulp. Could it have the same affect as our parents warned us about masterbation? Impossible.... I hope.

Anyway... don't worry if you forget a towel, robe or even bathing suit. They all can be rented and are clean & soft.

Of course, for a few more Euros there are private lounges, lagoon side bars/restaurants, a hotel & a ton of spa treatments - remember this is a world class spa stop.


But could any of you really refuse a 'salt glow' or an 'algae wrap' followed by an 'energy shot'? I didn't think so.


Packages are available that do lower costs & put them in the somewhat affordable range even if you're not traveling with Donald Trump.

Check out their website:

http://www.bluelagoon.com/

This is a 'must see' if you find yourself in Iceland. 

But remember, if you overhear someone say, 'Here's mud in your eye' - duck! -
just in case.

'FLOAT' THROUGH WAITS AT AMSTERDAM AIRPORT

Say you found yourself with a multi-houred layover at Amsterdam's phenomenonal Schipol Airport. What to do?

In the past you'd have to settle with killing the time by eating a good meal (or drinking one) from over two dozen restaurants/bars, buying any item imaginable from about 100 shops, getting a massage, new 'do' or pedicure.

Then there was book reading at the airport library, gambling via the on-site Holland Casino, perusing a Rembrandt or two at the airport's Rijksmseum branch, strolling through a tree laden indoor park or even taking a 15 Euro shower that included soap, shampoo, shower cap, towel, hair dryer and a drink (What? No 'happy ending?).

Kinda reminds you of JFK, LaGuardia & Newark, right?

But those same crafty Dutch - who put the extra 'c' (for cannabis) into coffee shops - realized that Schipol needed something more to really 'hold some water' with waiting fliers. So guess what they created: a bus that would drive you to the city, cruise down a  'splash zone' ramp to float through Amsterdam's famous canals & motor you back- on dry land - to the airport. All in under 3 hours & for less than $60.

Named  the 'Floating Dutchman',  the 48 passenger bus/boat combo made its initial run/sail last month.

And, so far, it's making a big splash with travelers.

Check out it's website:  http://www.floatingdutchman.nl/en/

Now if they just added even one coffee shop stop,  this 'Dutchman' (and its passengers) could be not only floating, but also flying.

19TH CENTURY FIJIANS REALLY LIKED 'TO SERVE MAN'

Want to go where (a hundred or so years ago) when the locals had you for dinner - they REALLY had you for dinner? Then a trip to Fiji's Naihehe Caves in Sigatoka Valley just might whet your appetite. 


Until the latter part of the 19th century, the human version of 'dog eat dog' (cannibalism) was practiced in Fiji. Yes, when these islanders 'got fed up with you', it was usually followed by a hearty belch.


Today not only can you visit the 'kitchen' (ritual platform & all) & see the 'oven' (that looks very much like a hole in the wall where the local chefs placed the 'dinner to be' with a bunch of hot rocks that did the job), but you will enjoy a 'bilibili' (native bamboo raft) ride, be a guest (sometimes of the local chief) at a Kava ceremony, lunch/mingle with the locals & (depending on the tour) enjoy unlimited soda & beer on this day long journey.


And it's all for around $65.


Beat that Rachel Ray! 


Ok, you'll also have to walk though knee deep water & duck through a very low/very wet/very dark cave (so leave the tuxes & patent leathers at home), but the historically leaning food-a-philes who survived this trek say that unless you're recently released from a hospital stay - you'll do fine.


And think of all the cooking tips you might pick up for your next South Seas themed cocktail party.


A few companies offer this trek, but 'Adventures in Paradise' has nabbed some good reviews.
Check out their web site: http://www.adventuresinparadisefiji.com/htm/cave.htm

Oh yes, if you want to have a vegetarian lunch, you have to tell them in advance. For the less than strong stomached - considering the subject of this tour - it might not be a bad idea.

'Et Tu, Caesars?' - Vegas Big Wheels Collide

Two Las Vegas high rolling honchos are vying to be the desert town's big wheel - literally.

Since May, Sin City developer Compass Investments has been building a gigantic retail/restaurant/ entertainment project anchored by a roller coaster & the 'Skyvue Las Vegas Super Wheel' - a 500' ride that would dwarf UK's ever so popular 'London Eye'.

Standing on one end of the strip (directly across from Mandalay Bay), the Super Wheel's forty 25 passenger gondolas will have an unblocked/breath taking view of the richest desert real estate in the world.

Opening date: late 2012 or early '13.

Mr. Ferris would approve.

But since England's Eye hosts 3 million plus riders per year, the sound of possible ker-ching-ing cash pricked up ears halfway down the strip.

Guess what those innovative Caesar Palace folk just announced for their back yard - a gigantic retail/restaurant/ entertainment project anchored by the 'Las Vegas High Roller'. A 550 foot 'you-know-what' that will not only dwarf the Skyvue, but  be the tallest in the world. Opening date: 2013. Ouch!

If only Mr. Ferris got residuals.

Vegas business mavens mostly agree that although one world class wheel would be a plu$, the town 'ain't big enough for  2'.

But so far both Compass & Caesars are lustfully staring at the Brit Eye's profits & neither is blinking.

Does this mean that Vegas is doomed to have two big wheels? Not necessarily so.

According to Overhead Bin @ MSNBC.com, there have been at least 3 Vegas mega wheel projects announced over the past decade. So far, none have been built, so all this wheel jabber could just be spin.

If that's the case, 'Ferris fans' out to ride the biggest still have to jet halfway around the globe for a whirl on the 541' Singapore Flyer.

For those who like their thrills a little closer to home,  Dallas' Fair Park boasts the less than half as big Texas Star that at 212' is the biggest in the USA.

But you have to move quickly - it's only running for October at the Texas State Fair.

The Most Romantic Cities In The World

If you'd like to treat your sweetie to a romantic holiday, but know that you belong to the ever growing male dominated group of the 'romantically challenged', fear not.  The folks from The Knot' website have done the all the heavy, lovey dovey, geographical lifting for you by naming the ten most romantic cities in the world.

Ok,  it's really meant for honeymooners, but - hey - some of us are so 'challenged' that we need to pull out the big guns.

And they really name 11 cities instead of 10, but when you're in love - who's counting?

The 'amour' filled cities are:

1. Paris

2. Venice

3. A tie: Rome & Florence

4.  New York City 

5. Honolulu

6. Barcelona

7. San Francisco

8. Vienna

9. London

10. Prague

New York City?!?

Hey, I'm sure they don't mean two tickets to a Ranger's game & a Coney Island with mustard from a street hotdog stand, but why don't you check out their site:

http://wedding.theknot.com/honeymoons/honeymoon-planning/articles/the-10-most-romantic-honeymoon-cities.aspx

just to be sure.

Beware of Flying Roman Babies w/o Money Belts

Rome is infamous for having some light fingered locals. 


A few years back - on the day after leaving the Eternal City - I read an account of a train station police sweep netting nearly 30 pickpockets. 


That's 30 pickpockets on a fairly slow, late fall weekday! Imagine the crew working a busy summer weekend? 


And that happened on the very same day & from same station where I left Rome.  


I silently thanked Rick Steves & his money belt advice.


Today, most tourists are aware of the scam where a group of children approach, with the most doey eyed of them all (usually a very young, sad faced girl) holding out a newspaper or piece of cardboard. If you allow them to get too close, the paper/cardboard goes under your chin & you can't see (or feel) all the tiny hands that are deftly picking your pockets.


But have you heard the one about the flying baby?


With this trick, a woman carrying a 'baby' trips and catapults the 'infant' on to the ground in front of you. Sometimes her aim is better & the 'baby' actually lands into your arms. 

Confusion reigns & your pockets/bags are fleeced (usually by those same small children who are looking for new work since everyone is now aware of the newspaper/cardboard scam), before you realize that the 'baby' you're holding is a wrapped doll or a bunch of rags.

Oh, those resourceful Romans!

The morale - always wear a money belt, refuse to play catch with strangers & let flying babies lie.

HUNTING 'LIONS' IN FLORIDA FOR A $1,000 PRIZE

Florida has been invaded by lions - lionfish, that is.

These poisonous non natives have no natural enemies, are gobbling up local fish & breeding like underwater rabbits.  Scuba, snorkel & free divers can help 'cull the herd' & win quite a few 'fins' by signing up for 'lionfish derbies'.

Basically, derby teams have a day to catch as many lions as they can. This past weekend in Palm Beach County the team who snagged the most hooked a cool grand. Plus the largest & smallest lion netted $500 each.

REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation - who sponsor the derbies) is also hoping the catches spawn restaurant interest in adding lions to local menus. It's supposed to taste like a cross between grouper & snapper.

And you thought it would taste like chicken.

Two more derbies are planned for this year:  August 20 in Key Largo & November 5 in Key West.

For more info: http://www.reef.org/

Where else can you hunt 'lions' & get swimmer's ear at the same time?

YOU CAN BE A PART OF BRITISH HISTORY - AND IT'S FREE!

On your next London visit, you can become part of British history by attending a ceremony that has taken place every night at the exact same time for 700 years (Ok, there was one night in 1942 when - due to an eagle eyed Nazi bombardier - it started just a wee bit later). And it's at the Tower of London - the Ceremony of the Keys.

Don't beat yourself up if you've never heard of it. Our London landlords Bernard & Michael, who rent a room in their beautiful canal side flat (with a delicious breakfast - Michael makes the best scones in Britain),  know the town from 'A through Z' & hadn't heard of it either.

Basically, the 'Ceremony' is the official locking of the gates of the Tower by the Chief Yeoman Warder ('Beefeater' to you & me).  It includes armed guards, ceremonial marching, drawn weapons, the 'Queen's keys', verbal challenges, a bugle solo & a chance to see a part of the Tower of London at night & without the crowds.

It is 100% enjoyable & is a much better show than the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

And it's quick. It takes just slightly more than a half hour from when you enter the gate to when you're back on the outside cobblestones.

The best part - it's free (sort of, I'll explain later). But you do have to do a little bit of work to snag a ticket:

You must apply in writing (a phone call nor email doesn't make it) & include: 

• Names of all attendees
• Two possible dates you can attend for at least two months in advance (three months in advance if you wish to attend in June, July and August)
• A self-addressed envelope together with the requisite British postage stamps, or a minimum of two 'Coupon-response international'.  Please note that American or other non-British stamps are not valid in the UK.

Please post applications to: Ceremony of the Keys Office Tower of London LONDON, EC3N 4AB Great Britain Tel: +44 (0)20 3166 6278 International Reply Coupons are readily available.  For American visitors, please seewww.usps.com for details. 

Please bring the original ticket issued by the Tower of London.  Visitors will be admitted to the Tower under escort at 21:30 hrs (9:30pm) precisely. 

The above 'how to apply' suggestions were copied directly from the Tower's official website & should be followed to the letter.

I do have some suggestions:

 -include as many possible attendance dates. We listed 9 dates and got OUR LAST ONE.           The tours are small & do fill up very quickly.

 -don't expect to walk through the gate before 9:30. The beefeater at the gate will watch the waiting crowd with a bemused look but - no matter what - he won't open the gate a nano second before.

 - don't be late. They really won't let you in.

 - do pee before you enter. There are no WC stops inside.

 - after your ticket & bags are checked, you will be told to 'wait under the arch'. That's where you should stay. A few ticket holders ventured onto the bridge & we're verbally chastised. 

 - expect your Beefeater guide to tell you humorous tales, but don't be surprised if the butt of some of these gentle jokes are Americans. Laugh & the world will laugh with you.

 - BEEN THERE HINT: when you walk inside and you stop in front of the 'Traitor's Gate', try to be as close to the center of the gate opposite it as possible. Soldiers silently march down the stairs on the inside of the gate & stand there (I must admit, it's a bit of an unnerving sight). If you aren't near the center to look though, you won't be able to see them & miss out of some of the fun.

 - your Beefeater guide will advise men who are wearing hats to doff them when the Queen's Keys go by. Some didn't & none were drawn & quartered.

 - your Beefeater guide will also advise you not to talk nor take pictures during the ceremony. Listen to that advice after all, remember what happened to Anne Boleyn just a few steps from you.

 - your Beefeater guide will also tell you that the soldiers footwear make the cobblestones slippery. Believe them & hope that every gun has a safety. A soldier's 'Halt, who goes there' was punctuated by a slight slip on my night. I've talked to people who've seen soldiers hit the ground. Why they don't issue rubber soles is a mystery.

 - when your Beefeater guide tells you to move quickly following the soldiers when they enter the gate - do move quickly.

Following these suggestions will make your participation in this very British historic event a success.

Oh yes, the 'sort of free' comment. There is no official fee for enjoying the Ceremony of the Keys, but there is a suggestion for a 'five pound donation'.

Our Beefeater guide made his own 'suggestion' about this donation, 'You'd be better off spending it at a pub for a pint.'

We did & he was right.

WHERE IN THE WORLD CAN YOU GET THE BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK? DON"T LEAVE OUT EUROPE!

Less than a decade ago you could get nearly $1.50 Canadian for your American dollar. Today, you'd be sacrificing  your 1st born (in gratitude to the exchange gods) if that same dollar got you 90 cents north of the boarder.

Anyone who turns on a news station or (heaven forbid) picks up a newspaper knows that the American greenback is tanking.

Does this mean that the only way you can now afford to see the world is by watching the Travel Channel (assuming you still can afford cable)?

Not necessarily.

This spring, website 'Price of Travel' released their 1st '3-STAR TRAVELER INDEX' which compares the daily cost of two people (sharing hotels/transportation) while visiting 40 major European Cities.

And, they didn't have you eating in soup kitchens, hitchhiking around town or bunking in '20 to a room' fleabags. They even factored in a museum visit plus a few beers into the equation!

Here's their 'calculation criteria' to determine the cost for each city (as copied from their website):

• One night in the cheapest 3-star hotel available with a good location and mostly positive reviews. Hotel prices are per person based on double occupancy, so the full nightly rate is double what is listed for each city here.
• Two 3-kilometer taxi rides per day (one ride paid per person)
• One cultural attraction, such as a popular museum, per day
• Three meals per day using the top end of the range of our “budget meals” for each city
• Three beers (or wine) each day as an “entertainment fund.” Non-drinkers might have dessert and coffee or attend a local music performance instead, so this is a general benchmark that should be proportional for each city.

So you won't exactly be roughing it.

And the '3-Star Traveler Index' top ten European Bargains are:

1. SOFIA, BULGARIA - $46.91 per day

2. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - $55.77 pd

3. KRAKOW, POLAND - $58.96 pd

4. BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - $60.98 pd

5. WARSAW, POLAND - $80.12 pd

6. ISTANBUL, TURKEY - $80.21 pd

7. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - $85.45 pd

8. ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - $91.32 pd

9. TALLINN, ESTONIA - $93.11 pd

10. NAPLES, ITALY - $94.33 pd

Check out their website -

http://www.priceoftravel.com/1020/europe-3-star-traveler-index-for-2011-compare-40-cities-by-price/    

- for complete details.

Happy traveling!!!!!!!

What If Fatty Arbuckle Is Your Airplane Seat Mate?

Since the latest Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index shows that a whopping 63.1% of adults in the U.S. were either overweight (36.6%) or obese (26.5%), you have a pretty good chance that eventually you could be sitting next to someone who's greatest fantasy in life is that he/she can fit into one ever so tiny coach airplane seat. Fantasies are fine, until a layer or two of it 'noodges' over into your assigned space.

So what can you do if you're the 'Laurel' to a seat mate's 'Hardy?

The answer is - move quickly.

Before someone can say, 'Seatbelt extender' you should discreetly (and hopefully out of ear shot ) explain the situation to a flight attendant. If the plane has empty seats, one of you can be moved to new found comfort. Problem solved.

But what if it's a full flight?

Then you have to move even more quickly - as in before the cabin door is closed.

Most airlines have a written policy dealing with 'customers of size' (here's United's -http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,52985,00.html & American's -http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/extraSpace.jsp?anchorEvent=false&from=Nav).

In a nutshell, most airlines want a passenger to fit in a seat WITH BOTH ARM RESTS DOWN. If this is impossible, then the passenger usually has to buy a 2nd seat for the extra girth BEFORE getting on the plane.  

But if someone with 'extra baggage' is already on the plane, fails the arm rest test & there are no free seats, he/she can be asked to leave the flight & will be booked on another one where two seats can be reserved.

The passenger will usually be charged the same fee for the 2nd seat as paid for the 1st. Some airlines will actually refund the extra seat fee to the passenger if the flight is not full on take off.

If the 'arm rest failing' passenger refuses to leave the flight.... please don't refuse. As Mr Rogers might ask, 'Can you say fines & jail, boys & girls?'

But all of this has to transpire BEFORE THE CABIN DOOR IS CLOSED.

If you wait until it's locked & bolted, the term 'squeeze play' may have new meaning for you.

Bedbugs Still Putting on the Bite

Although the only blood suckers the press seems to be writing about these days are Washington politicians, innocent travelers are still encountering hungry bedbugs in  North American hotels.

According to the Bedbug Registry (Yes, Virginia, there actually is a bedbug registry) - 'these retro pests are spreading extremely quickly across American and Canadian cities'.  Yikes!

And the news gets worse - '...they have become an especial nuisance for hotels, dorms, hospitals, movie theaters, libraries, and other public spaces.' Double yikes!

But I'm safe - you may say - when I stay in a clean, brand name 4 star hotel, right?

Au contraire according to the BBR-ers -  'You can't tell whether a building or hotel room has them based on cleanliness - the bugs can thrive anywhere there are cracks and crevices to hide in.'

Are you scratching yet? 

A look at their official 'where bedbugs are dining' map


shows the greatest concentration of attacks in the northeast but since - 'Bed bugs are easy to transport in luggage and very hard to get rid of' - they could be anywhere'.

So what do you do?

According to those BBR pessimists - 'Until a reliable, safe pesticide becomes available, avoiding bed bug encounters will be the only reliable way to ensure they don't spread into your own home'.
http://www.bedbugregistry.com/

Does this mean we're doomed to have a travel-less life? Maybe not.

A company called 'Greenbug' claims to have an all natural product (made from cedar) that can kill bedbugs in one minute.

Unfortunately, you'll have to remove your bedding, wear a respirator & safety goggles, bring your fogger (imagine the fun of getting that through airport security) & make your hotel room look like 1940s London for at least 4 hours. Obviously not practical for over night stays.

Take a peek at their video on YouTube -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bssaPYS7GDc&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
and decide for yourself.

A more portable idea may be the 'Bugstop Suitcase & Case' sold by the Allergy Guy.com

For $39.99 you get what looks like a big bag to put around your suitcase. They suggest -
'After using your suitcase cover just fold it up and place it in the pouch that is included .When you get home throw the pouch with cover into the dryer for 15 minutes to kill any eggs or live bugs.' 

Hmmm. But how do I get the cover & bag - that could be loaded with eggs or live bugs - home? Put it inside my suitcase?

'We do not guarantee that you won't get bed bugs while traveling, but we do guarantee that bed bugs can't get into your suitcase while it is encased.'

Where do I take the 'encasement' off? In the hotel where more bedbugs can hop on? In the street outside the hotel? I'm confused.

Maybe the allergic one can tell us  - http://www.theallergyguy.com/us/Bugstop_Suitcase_Cover_with_Carry_Pouch.html.

But maybe those doom and gloom guys at BBR aren't so buggy afterall.