I've been reading a few blogs and websites that detail people's around the world trips. Each page I read I have more ideas and inspiration about where to travel. And each website leaves me wanting to do my own round the world trip. But there are a few reasons this would never work out.
1. I'm a princess. Well not really but I really really like things like warm showers, comfortable beds, and not having to go to the bathroom in a hole. I've been debating hiking the Inca Trail for about a year now. But that's as far as I'm willing to go. I much prefer a Hilton. Or even better, a Ritz Carlton (not that I could afford to stay there).
2. I fly nearly everywhere. I get car sick easily so I prefer to fly. Which could get pretty expensive if we're travelling the world. And if I get car sick in a comfortable late model lovely rental car, can you imagine how I'd be feeling on one of those crazy busses careening through the mountains? No thanks.
3. I'm too logical and too much of a control freak. Quitting my job to travel the world? Gasp! That is too crazy for me. Not being in control of things that happen when travelling? It could give me a stroke. I'm able to keep my control freak away for our 2 week trips (and trust me it's hard). But I wouldn't be able to keep it tucked away for an extended period of time.
4. The thought of wearing the same clothes for 6 months to a year makes me break out in hives. As does the thought of having to leave my pretty shoe collection behind. I've gotten good at packing. I took a carry-on for 2 weeks in Brazil. I'm taking a carry-on for 10 days in Costa Rica. But I know I will come home soon and have access to all my pretty clothes. Plus the thought of packing for so many different climates is just too overwhelming. Bikinis for the beach and parkas for the mountains? Arrggghhh!
5. I don't like my husband that much. It's okay. He doesn't like me that much either. Actually, we like each other a lot. But spending pretty much all day, every day, together for such a long time would really wear on us since we're such independent people. Especially as The Husband travels for work and we're often apart, all that togetherness would really be a shock to us. We need our alone time and I think that would be difficult to find when we're in a small hotel room and there's few other people around to speak English with. Plus, don't you run out of things to talk about?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
1000 Places to See Before You Die
The Husband got this book as a Christmas gift and I was being nice and not opening it until he had a chance to look at it first. He's been busy since Christmas travelling to Michigan, Ohio, and then a whirlwind tour all through England for work this past week so he finally got to crack it open tonight.
I suspect this book could be very dangerous. It will give me too many ideas for travel which is always costly. It will also deter me from my studying when school starts next week. After reading each entry I like to look it up on the internet as well.
The Husband also wants to have a race about who can complete the list first. He's crazy if he thinks we can get anywhere near these 1000 places. Luckily we didn't like the first place listed in the book anyway so we're off to a start for crossing some places off our list. It's a hotel near where he stays in England but first of all it's $400/night. Secondly, it's so fancy and ornate it's just not our style at all. It looks like Buckingham Palace and we much prefer things with cleaner lines and that are more modern.
After a quick glance through the book I'm not sure how they came up with some of these things. Gorgeous places that I've been to in Europe weren't in there and neither was one of our favorite attractions in South America, Sugarloaf in Rio. Yet I saw a hotel that I basically read sucks on Trip Advisor and a restaurant in Chicago that I'd never even heard of!
One thing to keep in mind is the book was published in 2003 (and hasn't been updated). Which means the research was done even earlier. Prices for some things listed are probably double now and I'm sure there are things that might not even be open any longer.
I'm sure the book will provide many things to add to the must-see list. We're also going to hit up some local things on the list. For instance, can you believe The Husband has never been to the Art Institute here in Chicago?
I suspect this book could be very dangerous. It will give me too many ideas for travel which is always costly. It will also deter me from my studying when school starts next week. After reading each entry I like to look it up on the internet as well.
The Husband also wants to have a race about who can complete the list first. He's crazy if he thinks we can get anywhere near these 1000 places. Luckily we didn't like the first place listed in the book anyway so we're off to a start for crossing some places off our list. It's a hotel near where he stays in England but first of all it's $400/night. Secondly, it's so fancy and ornate it's just not our style at all. It looks like Buckingham Palace and we much prefer things with cleaner lines and that are more modern.
After a quick glance through the book I'm not sure how they came up with some of these things. Gorgeous places that I've been to in Europe weren't in there and neither was one of our favorite attractions in South America, Sugarloaf in Rio. Yet I saw a hotel that I basically read sucks on Trip Advisor and a restaurant in Chicago that I'd never even heard of!
One thing to keep in mind is the book was published in 2003 (and hasn't been updated). Which means the research was done even earlier. Prices for some things listed are probably double now and I'm sure there are things that might not even be open any longer.
I'm sure the book will provide many things to add to the must-see list. We're also going to hit up some local things on the list. For instance, can you believe The Husband has never been to the Art Institute here in Chicago?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Follia
I wish I had pictures for my first official blog post about a restaurant. But unfortunately I forgot the camera at home in my excitement to feed my famished stomach.
It was girls night out last night for me and a friend. We chose Follia since it's located right down the street from me. Which was lucky since there was a snow storm. We teetered over there in our high-heeled boots which was a mistake but what shoes were we supposed to wear? Flats would have gotten snow in them, heels were a mistake since it was slippery. But we were not wearing snow boots to this trendy restaurant.
The restaurant was very modern and trendy inside with a small bar in the middle. We split a bottle of pinot grigio that was very good. We shared two appetizers - caprese di bufala and prosciutto e parmigiano. The mozzarella in the caprese was amazing. Some of the best in the city You get a huge chunk of it right in the middle of the plate surrounded by seasoned tomatoes. The tomatoes were excellent for this time of year. The prosciutto was also wonderful although the parmigiano was only so-so.
For dinner we split a pizza. We chose the pizza casereccia which was a white pizza with mozzarella, gorgonzola, fresh tomatoes, and mushrooms according to the menu. I loved the hint of gorgonzola in the pizza. Not overpowering at all. I don't think I found a single mushroom in the pizza though (which is good because I'd planned on picking them out anyway). However, the pizza was a little overpowering with the amount of herbs on top (which was not mentioned on the menu).
Other negatives were I found the trendy plastic chairs to be fairly uncomfortable. Also, the prices listed on the website were much lower than the prices listed on the menu when we got there. Looks like they have some updating to do.
It was a good meal although not my favorite Italian in the city or even the neighborhood. You can also get the pizzas next door at Fulton Lounge. After perusing Fulton Lounge's website it also looks like you can get the caprese there too.
It was girls night out last night for me and a friend. We chose Follia since it's located right down the street from me. Which was lucky since there was a snow storm. We teetered over there in our high-heeled boots which was a mistake but what shoes were we supposed to wear? Flats would have gotten snow in them, heels were a mistake since it was slippery. But we were not wearing snow boots to this trendy restaurant.
The restaurant was very modern and trendy inside with a small bar in the middle. We split a bottle of pinot grigio that was very good. We shared two appetizers - caprese di bufala and prosciutto e parmigiano. The mozzarella in the caprese was amazing. Some of the best in the city You get a huge chunk of it right in the middle of the plate surrounded by seasoned tomatoes. The tomatoes were excellent for this time of year. The prosciutto was also wonderful although the parmigiano was only so-so.
For dinner we split a pizza. We chose the pizza casereccia which was a white pizza with mozzarella, gorgonzola, fresh tomatoes, and mushrooms according to the menu. I loved the hint of gorgonzola in the pizza. Not overpowering at all. I don't think I found a single mushroom in the pizza though (which is good because I'd planned on picking them out anyway). However, the pizza was a little overpowering with the amount of herbs on top (which was not mentioned on the menu).
Other negatives were I found the trendy plastic chairs to be fairly uncomfortable. Also, the prices listed on the website were much lower than the prices listed on the menu when we got there. Looks like they have some updating to do.
It was a good meal although not my favorite Italian in the city or even the neighborhood. You can also get the pizzas next door at Fulton Lounge. After perusing Fulton Lounge's website it also looks like you can get the caprese there too.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Staycation in Chicago
I've always wanted to do a staycation in Chicago. I'm thinking this summer I may take some time off since I have way more vacation days to use than The Husband. If you can come in the summer I highly recommend it. Chicago has gorgeous weather in the summer and a lot of outdoor activities to do. I always say that if Chicago had weather this great all year round it would be the best city in the world. Skip the winter. It's miserable. Even people who live here don't want to be here. It's very windy, frequently rainy or snow, and the sun is never out. Even worse after a lot of snow it is a slushie mess that requires rain boots to walk around the city. Here's some of my recommendations for activities. I'll do another post on restaurants.
Attractions
Cubs game at Wrigley Field - highly recommended. Make sure to hang around the Wrigleyville neighborhood afterwards for some drinks. It's a great party atmosphere.
The beach - highly recommended if you are a midwesterner without access to water. I still think it's the coolest thing that there's a beach right downtown. Easy to get to by public transportation. Great outing if you have a bigger group. There's beach volleyball as well. There's also a nice path that you can walk, jog, rollerblade, or bike next to the lake/beach. It gets a little crowded on nice days so watch out that you don't run a kiddo over if you're on a bike.
Architectural boat tour - highly recommended. Do the one offered by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. They're the experts. The CAF also offers tons of different tours everyday if you're an architecture buff like myself. Walking tours, bus tours, lunchtime tours, happy hour tours, boat tours. http://www.architecture.org/tours.aspx
Chicago Greeter - highly recommended. The best part of this tour is you have a private tour guide. For free! I've never actually used this service but I used a similar one in Buenos Aires that was fabulous. So knowledgeable and passionate. We tried to get one in NYC but they were booked up way in advance so they must be good. I think I may sign the in-laws up for this when they come to visit though. They also offer some tours in Millenium Park that you don't need to sign up for in advance. http://www.chicagogreeter.com/
Hancock Building - highly recommended. But not the Observatory. Instead of paying $10+ to take an elevator up to the observatory, go to the Signature Lounge and get a $10 cocktail. Skip it if it's cloudy though. You won't be able to see a thing. Please don't be the tourist in a crappy t-shirt though. This place is classy. Alternatively, you could eat dinner at the Signature Lounge but since I've never eaten there I can't vouch for how good the food is. http://www.signatureroom.com/
Art Institute - recommended. Currently the city is awaiting the opening of the new modern wing of the museum by Renzo Piano. Expect large crowds this spring or early when it does happen. Currently the museum is free (except for special exhibits) on Thursday evenings. In the summer I think sometimes Friday evenings are included as well. If you can't make it on a free night the cost is currently $12. http://www.artic.edu/aic/
Museum of Contemporary Art - recommended. I really like the MCA. Probably because I don't get as overwhelmed here as I do in other museums since it's a more manageable size. Admission is free on Tuesdays. Other days is a $12 entry fee but the museum is closed on Mondays. http://www.mcachicago.org/
Millenium Park/Grant Park/Buckingham Fountain - recommended. If you're going specifically to see the fountain go at night on the hour to see the light show. The fountain doesn't run in the colder months either. The parks have a lot of events. From ice skating in the winter to everything under the sun in the summer. There's concerts, festivals, a restaurant, the famous Bean (formally known as Cloud Gate). You can rent Segways or bikes or you can mini-golf. http://www.millenniumpark.org/
Frank Lloyd Wright Tour - recommended. This is actually located in the suburb of Oak Park but it's easily accessible by the el (green line) from the Loop. Probably a must for serious architecture buffs, but enjoyable for everyone else. There's a couple different tours available, most being $12. Probably best to book in advance. http://www.wrightplus.org/
Field Museum - recommended. This is a great museum for people with kids. Lots of hands on stuff to do. There's a pirate exhibit coming up that could be especially fun. The Field Museum is located on museum campus along with the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. If it's nice you can walk from the loop (a mile or more). Or else you can take the bus, taxi, or there is parking available on site. Absolutely do not drive down there if there is a Bears game though. A bus is your best bet since a taxi will be expensive with all the traffic. Admission starts at $15 for adults. Free days follow some crazy schedule but are listed on the museum's website. http://www.fieldmuseum.org/
Lincoln Park Zoo - recommended. The Lincoln Park zoo isn't anything special in terms of zoos so I wouldn't go out of my way for it. But if you've got kids with you, are a huge animal love, or are just walking through the park it's a nice stop. The best part is the zoo is free! http://www.lpzoo.org/
Museum of Science and Industry - recommended. This is another great place for kids with lots to do (and adults as well!). It is kind of out of the way, about 6 miles south of downtown, so it's probably best to drive there. Tickets start at $13 for adults. Free days are random (and mostly in January and October), but check their website. http://www.msichicago.org/
Shedd Aquarium - recommended. Right now the Oceanarium is closed and is due to reopen in June of 2009. To me this is one of the main reasons to come to the Shedd so check the aquarium's website for updates before arriving. The dolphin show is great and has an absolutely beautiful view of Lake Michigan. In the summer they have a great program called Jazz at the Shedd with jazz music and drinks after work on Thursdays. Entry for adults starts at $16. Free days don't include any of the cool exhibits like the Komodo Dragon or dolphins or penguins so I don't think it's worth going on those days. http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
Adler Planetarium - recommended. I've actually never been to the planetarium but I've heard it's pretty cool Ticket prices start at $10 for adults. They have a special thing called Far Out Fridays on Friday evenings. Free days are listed on the website but are generally on Tuesdays. http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/
Chicago History Museum - recommended. I've actually never been here either but have been dying to go. Chicago history has always fascinated me even before I lived here so I can't wait to go. Admission is $14 but free on Mondays. http://www.chicagohistory.org/
Hull House Museum - not recommended. I went here once last summer because I was able to walk there from my house, plus it's free. If you're a huge Jane Addams fan (and really who is?) then I'd attend. It's generally not convenient to where most tourists stay and there's so many other things to do in the city.
Navy Pier - not recommended. Skip skip skip. This place is full of tourists, extremely crowded, and very expensive for activities, food, and drinks.
Evening Attractions
Ravinia - recommended. Ravinia is an outdoor music venue north of the city in the suburbs. However if you take the Metra there is a stop right at the entrance. Ravinia offers concerts by all different kinds of artists. Bring a picnic and hop on the train. There's also restaurants available on-site. http://www.ravinia.org/
Second City or other Improv - recommended. Chicago is known for it's improv comedy. Chris Farley, John Belushi, and Tiny Fey? All Second City Chicago Alumni. Second City tickets are $20 on weekdays and $25 on weekends. There are many other improv shows that are worth seeing as well in the city. http://www.secondcity.com/
Theater District - recommended. Theatres are located down in the Loop area. Currently Wicked has been running for years and is the big "to-see" in Chicago but that will be shutting down in a month or so. http://www.theatreinchicago.com/
Blue Man Group - recommended. A unique theatre experience in the Lakeview neighborhood. Tickets start at $49. http://www.blueman.com/
Shopping
Magnificent Mile - This is what everyone thinks of when they come to Chicago. There's a couple malls, a Nordstrom, Macys, and Bloomingdales. Most of the stores are ones you can find in any mall across America, just giant-sized.
State Street - located down in the Loop. This is where the original Marshall Fields, now turned to a Macys, is. There's also a lot of bargain stores such as TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack.
Oak Street - located on a side street off of Michigan Avenue, this is where you go if you're rolling in the dough. Here is where the big designers are located. Prada, Barneys, Hermes, and Yves Saint Laurent are located here along with some fancy bridal shops.
Southport corridor - right off the brown line el stop. This is one of the places to go in the city for boutique shopping. You won't find much of a tourist crowd here.
Armitage and Halsted streets - off the brown line Armitage stop. Also full of boutiques and some upscale stores. There's a Barneys, Lululemon, Benefit cosmetics, and a couple consignment stores full of some very nice clothes.
Bucktown - off the blue line Damen el stop. More boutiques. Bucktown has more of a hipster vibe than Southport or Armitage.
Sports
Chicago is home to the Cubs (baseball), White Sox (baseball), Bulls (basketball), Blackhawks (hockey), and Bears (football).
If you're able to get Cubs or Bears tickets don't miss those games. The rest aren't that exciting unless you're a huge fan plus they can get pretty pricey.
Attractions
Cubs game at Wrigley Field - highly recommended. Make sure to hang around the Wrigleyville neighborhood afterwards for some drinks. It's a great party atmosphere.
The beach - highly recommended if you are a midwesterner without access to water. I still think it's the coolest thing that there's a beach right downtown. Easy to get to by public transportation. Great outing if you have a bigger group. There's beach volleyball as well. There's also a nice path that you can walk, jog, rollerblade, or bike next to the lake/beach. It gets a little crowded on nice days so watch out that you don't run a kiddo over if you're on a bike.
Architectural boat tour - highly recommended. Do the one offered by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. They're the experts. The CAF also offers tons of different tours everyday if you're an architecture buff like myself. Walking tours, bus tours, lunchtime tours, happy hour tours, boat tours. http://www.architecture.org/tours.aspx
Chicago Greeter - highly recommended. The best part of this tour is you have a private tour guide. For free! I've never actually used this service but I used a similar one in Buenos Aires that was fabulous. So knowledgeable and passionate. We tried to get one in NYC but they were booked up way in advance so they must be good. I think I may sign the in-laws up for this when they come to visit though. They also offer some tours in Millenium Park that you don't need to sign up for in advance. http://www.chicagogreeter.com/
Hancock Building - highly recommended. But not the Observatory. Instead of paying $10+ to take an elevator up to the observatory, go to the Signature Lounge and get a $10 cocktail. Skip it if it's cloudy though. You won't be able to see a thing. Please don't be the tourist in a crappy t-shirt though. This place is classy. Alternatively, you could eat dinner at the Signature Lounge but since I've never eaten there I can't vouch for how good the food is. http://www.signatureroom.com/
Art Institute - recommended. Currently the city is awaiting the opening of the new modern wing of the museum by Renzo Piano. Expect large crowds this spring or early when it does happen. Currently the museum is free (except for special exhibits) on Thursday evenings. In the summer I think sometimes Friday evenings are included as well. If you can't make it on a free night the cost is currently $12. http://www.artic.edu/aic/
Museum of Contemporary Art - recommended. I really like the MCA. Probably because I don't get as overwhelmed here as I do in other museums since it's a more manageable size. Admission is free on Tuesdays. Other days is a $12 entry fee but the museum is closed on Mondays. http://www.mcachicago.org/
Millenium Park/Grant Park/Buckingham Fountain - recommended. If you're going specifically to see the fountain go at night on the hour to see the light show. The fountain doesn't run in the colder months either. The parks have a lot of events. From ice skating in the winter to everything under the sun in the summer. There's concerts, festivals, a restaurant, the famous Bean (formally known as Cloud Gate). You can rent Segways or bikes or you can mini-golf. http://www.millenniumpark.org/
Frank Lloyd Wright Tour - recommended. This is actually located in the suburb of Oak Park but it's easily accessible by the el (green line) from the Loop. Probably a must for serious architecture buffs, but enjoyable for everyone else. There's a couple different tours available, most being $12. Probably best to book in advance. http://www.wrightplus.org/
Field Museum - recommended. This is a great museum for people with kids. Lots of hands on stuff to do. There's a pirate exhibit coming up that could be especially fun. The Field Museum is located on museum campus along with the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. If it's nice you can walk from the loop (a mile or more). Or else you can take the bus, taxi, or there is parking available on site. Absolutely do not drive down there if there is a Bears game though. A bus is your best bet since a taxi will be expensive with all the traffic. Admission starts at $15 for adults. Free days follow some crazy schedule but are listed on the museum's website. http://www.fieldmuseum.org/
Lincoln Park Zoo - recommended. The Lincoln Park zoo isn't anything special in terms of zoos so I wouldn't go out of my way for it. But if you've got kids with you, are a huge animal love, or are just walking through the park it's a nice stop. The best part is the zoo is free! http://www.lpzoo.org/
Museum of Science and Industry - recommended. This is another great place for kids with lots to do (and adults as well!). It is kind of out of the way, about 6 miles south of downtown, so it's probably best to drive there. Tickets start at $13 for adults. Free days are random (and mostly in January and October), but check their website. http://www.msichicago.org/
Shedd Aquarium - recommended. Right now the Oceanarium is closed and is due to reopen in June of 2009. To me this is one of the main reasons to come to the Shedd so check the aquarium's website for updates before arriving. The dolphin show is great and has an absolutely beautiful view of Lake Michigan. In the summer they have a great program called Jazz at the Shedd with jazz music and drinks after work on Thursdays. Entry for adults starts at $16. Free days don't include any of the cool exhibits like the Komodo Dragon or dolphins or penguins so I don't think it's worth going on those days. http://www.sheddaquarium.org/
Adler Planetarium - recommended. I've actually never been to the planetarium but I've heard it's pretty cool Ticket prices start at $10 for adults. They have a special thing called Far Out Fridays on Friday evenings. Free days are listed on the website but are generally on Tuesdays. http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/
Chicago History Museum - recommended. I've actually never been here either but have been dying to go. Chicago history has always fascinated me even before I lived here so I can't wait to go. Admission is $14 but free on Mondays. http://www.chicagohistory.org/
Hull House Museum - not recommended. I went here once last summer because I was able to walk there from my house, plus it's free. If you're a huge Jane Addams fan (and really who is?) then I'd attend. It's generally not convenient to where most tourists stay and there's so many other things to do in the city.
Navy Pier - not recommended. Skip skip skip. This place is full of tourists, extremely crowded, and very expensive for activities, food, and drinks.
Evening Attractions
Ravinia - recommended. Ravinia is an outdoor music venue north of the city in the suburbs. However if you take the Metra there is a stop right at the entrance. Ravinia offers concerts by all different kinds of artists. Bring a picnic and hop on the train. There's also restaurants available on-site. http://www.ravinia.org/
Second City or other Improv - recommended. Chicago is known for it's improv comedy. Chris Farley, John Belushi, and Tiny Fey? All Second City Chicago Alumni. Second City tickets are $20 on weekdays and $25 on weekends. There are many other improv shows that are worth seeing as well in the city. http://www.secondcity.com/
Theater District - recommended. Theatres are located down in the Loop area. Currently Wicked has been running for years and is the big "to-see" in Chicago but that will be shutting down in a month or so. http://www.theatreinchicago.com/
Blue Man Group - recommended. A unique theatre experience in the Lakeview neighborhood. Tickets start at $49. http://www.blueman.com/
Shopping
Magnificent Mile - This is what everyone thinks of when they come to Chicago. There's a couple malls, a Nordstrom, Macys, and Bloomingdales. Most of the stores are ones you can find in any mall across America, just giant-sized.
State Street - located down in the Loop. This is where the original Marshall Fields, now turned to a Macys, is. There's also a lot of bargain stores such as TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack.
Oak Street - located on a side street off of Michigan Avenue, this is where you go if you're rolling in the dough. Here is where the big designers are located. Prada, Barneys, Hermes, and Yves Saint Laurent are located here along with some fancy bridal shops.
Southport corridor - right off the brown line el stop. This is one of the places to go in the city for boutique shopping. You won't find much of a tourist crowd here.
Armitage and Halsted streets - off the brown line Armitage stop. Also full of boutiques and some upscale stores. There's a Barneys, Lululemon, Benefit cosmetics, and a couple consignment stores full of some very nice clothes.
Bucktown - off the blue line Damen el stop. More boutiques. Bucktown has more of a hipster vibe than Southport or Armitage.
Sports
Chicago is home to the Cubs (baseball), White Sox (baseball), Bulls (basketball), Blackhawks (hockey), and Bears (football).
If you're able to get Cubs or Bears tickets don't miss those games. The rest aren't that exciting unless you're a huge fan plus they can get pretty pricey.
Useful Websites
www.transitchicago.com - The Chicago Transit Authority's website. This website is useful if you're going to be taking the bus or the el. It lists prices for tickets and also has a feature that will plan your route for you. Keep in mind bus drivers will not give you change, you must have the exact amount.
www.yelp.com - Especially helpful for restaurant reviews. However, stores, spas, hotels, and anything else you can think of are reviewed as well.
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/chicago/ - For anything I haven't included on here.
http://chicago-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g35805-Chicago_Illinois-Hotels.html - Hotel advice. Since I live here I can't really recommend many hotels.
http://www.amalfihotelchicago.com/ - I love this hotel. We stayed here on The Husband's company dime when we came to the city to look for apartments. My favorite part is the happy hour they host every day with tons of food - things like mozzarella, prosciutto, and delicious bread. They also have drinks, including their specialty, Amalfitinis.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Pura Vida!
We leave for Costa Rica in less than 3 weeks now. It's definitely a much needed vacation to escape the nastiness of Chicago's ugly, cold, and grey winters. We've been trying to get on a winter schedule for our yearly vacation for a couple years. The last 3 years we've taken a vacation in the fall which I think is the best time of year around here.
Costa Rica is a small country but there is so many different areas to visit that we had a hard time narrowing down the choices. We decided to rent a car for the week and drive so that we wouldn't be stranded at our hotels and could see a little more of the country.
We start with a rafting trip down the Pacuare River. That night we stay at the Pacuare Jungle Lodge. The only way to get there is by rafting in. They have no electricity and everything is brought in by the whitewater rafts. It's a luxury eco-lodge and we're very excited about it.
Then we head up to the volcano at Arenal for a few nights. We are staying at the Arenal Nayara. While staying there we plan to hike to the La Fortuna waterfall the first day, then go canyoning the second day, and finally the third day we're doing the Sky Tram/Skytrek tour. We're also going to try out the new hot springs at The Springs Resort. We're hoping it won't be incredibly packed since it's new.
Our last stop is down in Manuel Antonio. We stay for 2 nights at Hotel Parador. We are going ATVing since we absolutely loved it while in Mexico. We're also going to spend a day hiking and giong to the beaches in the national park. And of course we're hoping to spot some monkeys.
Costa Rica is a small country but there is so many different areas to visit that we had a hard time narrowing down the choices. We decided to rent a car for the week and drive so that we wouldn't be stranded at our hotels and could see a little more of the country.
We start with a rafting trip down the Pacuare River. That night we stay at the Pacuare Jungle Lodge. The only way to get there is by rafting in. They have no electricity and everything is brought in by the whitewater rafts. It's a luxury eco-lodge and we're very excited about it.
Then we head up to the volcano at Arenal for a few nights. We are staying at the Arenal Nayara. While staying there we plan to hike to the La Fortuna waterfall the first day, then go canyoning the second day, and finally the third day we're doing the Sky Tram/Skytrek tour. We're also going to try out the new hot springs at The Springs Resort. We're hoping it won't be incredibly packed since it's new.
Our last stop is down in Manuel Antonio. We stay for 2 nights at Hotel Parador. We are going ATVing since we absolutely loved it while in Mexico. We're also going to spend a day hiking and giong to the beaches in the national park. And of course we're hoping to spot some monkeys.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Megabus
The Husband and I bought bus tickets to visit the in-laws for Christmas on the Megabus. A total of $4.50 for 2 round trip tickets and a booking fee. We take a taxi there this morning even though it's close enough to walk. It's been raining and snowing and there's gigantic puddles everywhere. We get to the bus stop and it's mobbed. Apparently the geniuses booked all the busses to leave at the same time. There's also supposed to be one bus that goes to Ann Arbor and continues on to Detroit. Between overbooking and the bus last night not running because of snow, they need 3 busses to get all the passengers to Michigan. People are pushing, no one has any idea what's going on, and we stood in the rain for 45 minutes before getting on a bus. Oh and my feet are soaked from the rivers of water that are running in the street and sidewalks.
I'm at a rest stop in Michigan now where I will be having some fried chicken for lunch on Christmas Eve. That's right, I'm classy like that. The actual bus is pretty nice. There's wifi and they're going to be showing Anchorman after the rest stop. It sucks that our rest stop is 30 minutes though. All in all quite the experience and you get what you pay for.
I'm at a rest stop in Michigan now where I will be having some fried chicken for lunch on Christmas Eve. That's right, I'm classy like that. The actual bus is pretty nice. There's wifi and they're going to be showing Anchorman after the rest stop. It sucks that our rest stop is 30 minutes though. All in all quite the experience and you get what you pay for.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Next Year's Plans
The Husband has tons of free air miles saved up and it doesn't look like travel for work is going to slow down any time soon either. We've been looking into some international trips that take advantage of our miles.
We talked about doing Paris or Amsterdam for a long weekend over Labor Day or else later in September for our anniversary. I've already been to Paris but it was on a school trip in high school and I was only 16 or 17. I'm sure it's much different as an adult where I can actually drink since I don't have to follow school rules and I'm not in a tour group.
Neither of us have ever been to Amsterdam. The Husband is worried that people will think we're going for the weekend just to smoke pot. I would prefer to go to Holland in the spring though when all the tulips are in bloom. We had a great time just doing 2 days in London earlier this year so we think a weekend trip is doable.
Then as I was playing on Expedia instead of studying for exams I saw that this February there are some cruises through Asia for only $1200 for 2 weeks. In my mind I'm thinking we can use our free miles to get there and it's only $1200 including food so we only have to pay for excursions. Well first you can't use miles to fly into one city and out of another. Then next February's cruises are much higher priced that they're not worth it. And the most important thing - I completely forgot that I'd be in school next February and can't just take off for 2 weeks. I'm supposed to be studying but I can't even remember I'm still in school. I think I'm completely losing it.
After speaking to some of my favorite travel buffs, I think we've decided to try to do 2 weeks in Thailand next year right after Christmas. I was convinced cruising was not the way to see the countries. (But the thought of seeing so many countries in only 2 weeks is so tempting!) We are definitely looking at Thailand with maybe a stop in Cambodia or Laos. With free flights and cheap hotels available, this should be an economical trip. Probably cheaper than any 2 week trip we could do in the US, especially with our champagne taste. Plus we would get to go to an elephant training facility and ride elephants. How cool is that?
We are a little nervous about the food. The Husband is a very picky eater. He doesn't eat vegetables. He doesn't eat anything he doesn't know what it is. And I'm afraid 2 weeks of Asian food will just send him over the edge. He might be able to handle it for one night at home knowing his next meal will be a cheeseburger, but 2 weeks is a lot. Add to this my very sensitive stomach and it's a recipe for disaster. Luckily with the help of frommers.com I have identified several steak, Italian, and seafood restaurants in Bangkok to make him happy.
We probably won't actually decide if we're going until June or so but I think I'm going to pick up a couple of guidebooks at the library tonight anyway.
We talked about doing Paris or Amsterdam for a long weekend over Labor Day or else later in September for our anniversary. I've already been to Paris but it was on a school trip in high school and I was only 16 or 17. I'm sure it's much different as an adult where I can actually drink since I don't have to follow school rules and I'm not in a tour group.
Neither of us have ever been to Amsterdam. The Husband is worried that people will think we're going for the weekend just to smoke pot. I would prefer to go to Holland in the spring though when all the tulips are in bloom. We had a great time just doing 2 days in London earlier this year so we think a weekend trip is doable.
Then as I was playing on Expedia instead of studying for exams I saw that this February there are some cruises through Asia for only $1200 for 2 weeks. In my mind I'm thinking we can use our free miles to get there and it's only $1200 including food so we only have to pay for excursions. Well first you can't use miles to fly into one city and out of another. Then next February's cruises are much higher priced that they're not worth it. And the most important thing - I completely forgot that I'd be in school next February and can't just take off for 2 weeks. I'm supposed to be studying but I can't even remember I'm still in school. I think I'm completely losing it.
After speaking to some of my favorite travel buffs, I think we've decided to try to do 2 weeks in Thailand next year right after Christmas. I was convinced cruising was not the way to see the countries. (But the thought of seeing so many countries in only 2 weeks is so tempting!) We are definitely looking at Thailand with maybe a stop in Cambodia or Laos. With free flights and cheap hotels available, this should be an economical trip. Probably cheaper than any 2 week trip we could do in the US, especially with our champagne taste. Plus we would get to go to an elephant training facility and ride elephants. How cool is that?
We are a little nervous about the food. The Husband is a very picky eater. He doesn't eat vegetables. He doesn't eat anything he doesn't know what it is. And I'm afraid 2 weeks of Asian food will just send him over the edge. He might be able to handle it for one night at home knowing his next meal will be a cheeseburger, but 2 weeks is a lot. Add to this my very sensitive stomach and it's a recipe for disaster. Luckily with the help of frommers.com I have identified several steak, Italian, and seafood restaurants in Bangkok to make him happy.
We probably won't actually decide if we're going until June or so but I think I'm going to pick up a couple of guidebooks at the library tonight anyway.
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