While many of us embrace the idea of being able to go into any Parisian department store and pick out whatever we like, most of us have wallets that would groan at the effort. The truth is it costs enough to fly to the City of Lights and pay for the hotel and all of your meals; after this, many tourists are just about broke. There are ways to soothe your low-money syndrome; learn what to do in Paris that literally won't cost you a dime.
It's an impossible notion to visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Many of us delight at the very prospect. Again, you don't need to open your wallet to visit Paris' most famous attraction. Stand underneath this huge structure and you will be amazed at how tiny you feel as you gaze upwards. A little bit of back history: Although it seems like the Eiffel Tower has been a French landmark for centuries, it was actually only finished in the late 1880s. Parisians were hostile to the idea of this "ugly" thing gracing their land but now recognize its importance to their city.
Although there is an admission price, if you decide not to actually enter the tower, you can still come back at night to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle with countless lights. It's an amazing sight and human description cannot do it justice. Just make sure you have a camera that shoots at night. It would be a shame to miss the pictures you could get of this spectacular sight.
Moving on from the Eiffel Tower, the scope of free or almost-free attractions might seem to get a bit smaller. This is not necessarily so. Another beautiful place where you don't have to spend a dime to take in its beauty is the awe-inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral. This is quite easily one of the loveliest places in Europe and perhaps in the world. Not many gothic churches have stood the test of time as beautifully as Notre Dame (Our Lady). Take time to enjoy this medieval cathedral that was begun in the 12th century. Take note of the arches, towers and stained glass windows that have been the subject of numerous of photos and stories. It doesn't cost a thing to look, right? Don't forget to keep this in mind as you walk around the fantastic Notre Dame, snapping pictures and feeling the history of this dynamic place.
After your visit to Notre Dame, stop off at the Romanesque Arc de Triomphe. You may want to know the story behind its existence before you visit. The Arc de Triomphe was the brainchild of none other than France's infamous Napoleon Bonaparte, who wanted the world to remember his wartime successes. The design is partly the work of Jean Chalgrin and was created to resemble the ancient Roman arches that can still be found in Italy. If you have the good fortune to get close, take notice of the extremely detailed work that was done to create countless artistic flourishes. Driving along at night (though perhaps not the best thing to do in Paris traffic) will provide a view of the Arc de Triomphe that will linger in your mind long after you return home.
For another eye-opening attraction that won't make your wallet groan, stop by Paris' Place de la Concorde. It may look harmless to the untrained eye, but if you were to step back about two hundred years, you would see some gruesome executions. It was the days of the French Revolution, and it was here that Marie Antoinette met her end. She was not the only one killed at this place, however. Many others were guillotined during those bloody times, and you may want to take a moment in silence as you stand at this now-peaceful spot, remembering those who lost their lives.
Walk around the Place de la Concorde, sit down and relax, enjoy Paris' often rainy but pleasant atmosphere. Take some pictures of the greens and perhaps some self-portraits at this historic spot. See if you can spot a famous landmark in the distance. There are very few things in Paris that do not have a long or at least a very interesting history.
Now, for an attraction you may have never heard of, visit the Pont Alexandre III. This is a lovely bridge that spans Paris' famous waterways. There are not many notions more romantic than standing on a Parisian bridge and looking out over the water to the City of Lights. The bridge was begun in 1896; Russia's Nicholas II set down the block that would officially begin the work on the bridge. Nicholas' father Alexander provided the bridge's name. Don't forget to take a moment to soak in your surroundings and actually register that you are overlooking Paris!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Illuminate Your Vacation: East Coast Lighthouses
It has been my pleasure to have visited many lighthouses in my travels up and down the East Coast. There is something majestic, mysterious and awe-inspiring about the sight of a lighthouse perched high above the water. No matter what the color scheme or design, each separate tower seems beautiful to those who love the sea. If you're taking a trip along America's Atlantic coastline, you'll be surprised at how many lighthouses you will encounter. This is just a small smattering of the structures that light the coast, but in my opinion are some of the most beautiful.
Cape May Lighthouse in New Jersey is an off-white tower soaring to the skies. It reaches a height of over 150 feet. The stunning lighthouse, built in the mid-1800s, is still used to help sea-farers find their way home. You can visit the Cape May Lighthouse and take a tour if you think you can weather the climb! The view would be well worth it, but it seems a daunting task to many.
Along the coast of New Jersey there is a place once named Anglesey that is situated near the tourist resort of Wildwood. The lighthouse in question is called Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and is certainly one of the most beautiful buildings of its kind. Instead of sporting a huge tower that reaches to the clouds, Hereford Inlet is a short Victorian-style building with a handsome red roof and a squat tower that houses the all-important light. It sits high up, near a cliff, and so doesn't need to stretch tall to guide ships at sea.
The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is as mysterious on the inside as it is on the outside; while media boasts of the lighthouse's hauntings, visitors take a tour through the place that was also once the keeper's home. Staircases are hidden behind walls, and narrow iron steps take you higher and higher until you reach the light tower. From here you can see the bleak, choppy waves.
For a bit of history, the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was originally built in the 1800s in a gothic style but moved to its current spot at a later date. When I visited, gardens and walkways tapered off in a lovely fashion to a cliff where you could see miles out to sea. It was a wonderful experience and helped to further my knowledge of the lives of those who depended on the ocean for their livelihood.
Heading down further south to Georgia, you may wish to stop off at the quaint and romantic St. Simons Island. Although you can't see the original (you can thank soldiers during the Civil War for that!) you can stop by the newest version of the 19th century lighthouse. St. Simons Island Lighthouse is a tall, white tower stretching over the narrow sandy beaches and St. Simons' rustic pier. A children's play area and a sort of family-friendly park stretch below its tower, and tours are available. Once you enter the lighthouse grounds you will see a picturesque brick building at its base; this was the keeper's quarters. The admission to tour the lighthouse is very reasonable, ranging from $5.00 for adults to $2.50 for children (over the age of 6 and under 12). If you are traveling with children younger than 6 they will be admitted free.
When you reach Florida you will see one lighthouse that stands out from the rest if only by virtue of the historic city it watches over: quaint St. Augustine, Florida. The St. Augustine Lighthouse, rebuilt and renovated throughout the years since its 19th century construction has more than its fair share of treachery and legend. The current lighthouse is a beautiful black-and-white tower located on Anastasia Island.
Although the island (located across from St. Augustine) is very commercial and tourist-oriented, the lighthouse seems to be on the quieter, more unspoiled end of the island. You can see the brick keeper's house and visit a spacious gift shop. For the admission price of $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for kids, you can visit the grounds and the museum. The admission to the tower itself is a bit different, ranging from $7.75 adult to $5.00 for a child's admission. You should know which parts of the complex you will want to visit before you arrive. Don't be afraid to climb the tower. The view of the city from the top of the tower will be one you won't soon forget.
Cape May Lighthouse in New Jersey is an off-white tower soaring to the skies. It reaches a height of over 150 feet. The stunning lighthouse, built in the mid-1800s, is still used to help sea-farers find their way home. You can visit the Cape May Lighthouse and take a tour if you think you can weather the climb! The view would be well worth it, but it seems a daunting task to many.
Along the coast of New Jersey there is a place once named Anglesey that is situated near the tourist resort of Wildwood. The lighthouse in question is called Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and is certainly one of the most beautiful buildings of its kind. Instead of sporting a huge tower that reaches to the clouds, Hereford Inlet is a short Victorian-style building with a handsome red roof and a squat tower that houses the all-important light. It sits high up, near a cliff, and so doesn't need to stretch tall to guide ships at sea.
The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is as mysterious on the inside as it is on the outside; while media boasts of the lighthouse's hauntings, visitors take a tour through the place that was also once the keeper's home. Staircases are hidden behind walls, and narrow iron steps take you higher and higher until you reach the light tower. From here you can see the bleak, choppy waves.
For a bit of history, the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse was originally built in the 1800s in a gothic style but moved to its current spot at a later date. When I visited, gardens and walkways tapered off in a lovely fashion to a cliff where you could see miles out to sea. It was a wonderful experience and helped to further my knowledge of the lives of those who depended on the ocean for their livelihood.
Heading down further south to Georgia, you may wish to stop off at the quaint and romantic St. Simons Island. Although you can't see the original (you can thank soldiers during the Civil War for that!) you can stop by the newest version of the 19th century lighthouse. St. Simons Island Lighthouse is a tall, white tower stretching over the narrow sandy beaches and St. Simons' rustic pier. A children's play area and a sort of family-friendly park stretch below its tower, and tours are available. Once you enter the lighthouse grounds you will see a picturesque brick building at its base; this was the keeper's quarters. The admission to tour the lighthouse is very reasonable, ranging from $5.00 for adults to $2.50 for children (over the age of 6 and under 12). If you are traveling with children younger than 6 they will be admitted free.
When you reach Florida you will see one lighthouse that stands out from the rest if only by virtue of the historic city it watches over: quaint St. Augustine, Florida. The St. Augustine Lighthouse, rebuilt and renovated throughout the years since its 19th century construction has more than its fair share of treachery and legend. The current lighthouse is a beautiful black-and-white tower located on Anastasia Island.
Although the island (located across from St. Augustine) is very commercial and tourist-oriented, the lighthouse seems to be on the quieter, more unspoiled end of the island. You can see the brick keeper's house and visit a spacious gift shop. For the admission price of $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for kids, you can visit the grounds and the museum. The admission to the tower itself is a bit different, ranging from $7.75 adult to $5.00 for a child's admission. You should know which parts of the complex you will want to visit before you arrive. Don't be afraid to climb the tower. The view of the city from the top of the tower will be one you won't soon forget.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
The Essence of India: A Travel Guide
If there has ever been a place that stuck out most in the imagination, that place must be India. The very images it conjures up are foreign and exotic, waiting to be explored. Elephants ridden by white-robed figures, and beautiful scenery dotted with Hindu temples scamper across our minds when we imagine traveling to this far-off land. Many people do visit India, for many different purposes. It may be a spiritual calling, a desire to set up roots in the land of their ancestors, or just a curiosity, wondering if the place is really as awe-inspiring as the brochures say it is.
Rest assured, India meets all the criteria for a breathtakingly beautiful country, and in fact it exceeds it. If you're planning a trip to one of the most exotic places in the world, rest assured you will find plenty to see and do here. No one can claim boredom while traversing India's shores. If you're not sure where to start, a great starting point is Calcutta. Once you've arrived, you should have a checklist of the things you want to see, and allow yourself a certain amount of time to see each attraction. You may want your list to include some of these great trips:
1. Dakshineshwar Kali Temple. This striking place contains 13 separate temples and is a religious haven for many Hindu faithful. Built during the 1800s, Dakshineshwar can be toured free of admission and closes each night at 10:00 P.M. The temple is not located right in Calcutta but is part of the area. It is easy to imagine spending hours milling around one of India's many temples, dreaming and allowing the ambiance of the area to permeate the soul. Many choose to do so, and Dakshineshwar is a great place to experience the solitude. Be warned, though: if you don't want to share your solitude with the local population or other tourists, come at dawn right when the complex is opened.
2. St. Paul's Cathedral. You might think a Christian cathedral is quite out of place in India, a country known for its Buddhist and Hindu traditions. That is part of what makes St. Paul's a good place to explore. Stop by and stare at the stained glass and the Renaissance artwork, appreciating the missionary efforts to this area that most people probably considered "uncivilized" in the 1800s. Bishop Wilson, who had a big part in establishing St. Paul's, is buried here as well. Take at least half an hour to make sure you see everything this peaceful church has to offer.
3. No trip to a foreign country is complete without visiting a museum that helps to explain something about that country's identity. You can find out more than you ever imagined at the Jadu Ghar or India Museum. Constructed in the late 1800s, it has an old and venerable history and is probably India's biggest museum. Here you can browse many galleries each with their own exhibits and collections that better explain the past. This attraction may not interest small children, so you might want to consider another excursion if you desire to keep the peace in the family!
For your next city stop, you might want to visit Bangalore. Before actually visiting the main city, stop outside of town at the Belur Temple. Another peaceful retreat, this temple was built in the 12th century and covered with amazing architecture and decoration. You can find shrines and places of contemplation here, but as with Dakshineshwar, you'll want to arrive as early as possible before tourists try to take over the grounds! Once inside the complex you will be amazed at the amount of detail that went into creating this spiritual haven. Artwork and delicate masonry abound.
Another destination located outside the city is Bannerghatta National Park. This is like a small zoo and a park all in one, and you can find a zoological garden, safaris, beautiful scenery, and much more. This park covers over 20,000 acres and is home to many animals from "normal" creatures like lions and birds, to unusual animals like elephants and wild pigs. Take at least a day here to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. Children will enjoy getting close to their favorite mammals, and adults will appreciate the beauty of the landscape. Safaris are also a good choice for a great family vacation.
Rest assured, India meets all the criteria for a breathtakingly beautiful country, and in fact it exceeds it. If you're planning a trip to one of the most exotic places in the world, rest assured you will find plenty to see and do here. No one can claim boredom while traversing India's shores. If you're not sure where to start, a great starting point is Calcutta. Once you've arrived, you should have a checklist of the things you want to see, and allow yourself a certain amount of time to see each attraction. You may want your list to include some of these great trips:
1. Dakshineshwar Kali Temple. This striking place contains 13 separate temples and is a religious haven for many Hindu faithful. Built during the 1800s, Dakshineshwar can be toured free of admission and closes each night at 10:00 P.M. The temple is not located right in Calcutta but is part of the area. It is easy to imagine spending hours milling around one of India's many temples, dreaming and allowing the ambiance of the area to permeate the soul. Many choose to do so, and Dakshineshwar is a great place to experience the solitude. Be warned, though: if you don't want to share your solitude with the local population or other tourists, come at dawn right when the complex is opened.
2. St. Paul's Cathedral. You might think a Christian cathedral is quite out of place in India, a country known for its Buddhist and Hindu traditions. That is part of what makes St. Paul's a good place to explore. Stop by and stare at the stained glass and the Renaissance artwork, appreciating the missionary efforts to this area that most people probably considered "uncivilized" in the 1800s. Bishop Wilson, who had a big part in establishing St. Paul's, is buried here as well. Take at least half an hour to make sure you see everything this peaceful church has to offer.
3. No trip to a foreign country is complete without visiting a museum that helps to explain something about that country's identity. You can find out more than you ever imagined at the Jadu Ghar or India Museum. Constructed in the late 1800s, it has an old and venerable history and is probably India's biggest museum. Here you can browse many galleries each with their own exhibits and collections that better explain the past. This attraction may not interest small children, so you might want to consider another excursion if you desire to keep the peace in the family!
For your next city stop, you might want to visit Bangalore. Before actually visiting the main city, stop outside of town at the Belur Temple. Another peaceful retreat, this temple was built in the 12th century and covered with amazing architecture and decoration. You can find shrines and places of contemplation here, but as with Dakshineshwar, you'll want to arrive as early as possible before tourists try to take over the grounds! Once inside the complex you will be amazed at the amount of detail that went into creating this spiritual haven. Artwork and delicate masonry abound.
Another destination located outside the city is Bannerghatta National Park. This is like a small zoo and a park all in one, and you can find a zoological garden, safaris, beautiful scenery, and much more. This park covers over 20,000 acres and is home to many animals from "normal" creatures like lions and birds, to unusual animals like elephants and wild pigs. Take at least a day here to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. Children will enjoy getting close to their favorite mammals, and adults will appreciate the beauty of the landscape. Safaris are also a good choice for a great family vacation.
Things to See and Do in Chicago
If you've got a trip to the Windy City coming up, chances are it's for business rather than for a vacation. Though Chicago is the third-largest city in the U.S. behind New York and Los Angeles, it doesn't get nearly as much publicity as a tourist destination, either from domestic or international visitors. That's really unfortunate because there is actually a wide variety of fun and exciting things to do no matter where your interests lie. Let's take a look at some of the more popular tourist spots that visitors to this great city should see.
The Sears Tower
The fabulous Chicago skyline is dominated by the Sears Tower. Constructed in 1974, this 1,454-foot structure is still the tallest building in the United States, and still ranks as the fourth tallest in the world. The Sears Tower is primarily used as an office building, but the Skydeck on the 103rd floor is open to the public. It is said that when visibility is good, you can actually see parts of four different states (Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana) from the observation deck.
To make your visit to the Sears Tower as pleasant as possible, I suggest the following: first of all, take the train. Driving and parking in the city is a nightmare (not to mention very expensive). Second, arrive either early in the day or late in the afternoon. During peak daytime hours, you could end up spending a lot of time waiting in line. If you arrive right when the doors open at 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., you should have no trouble getting in without much of a wait. Third, plan more time than you think you need. A lot of people figure that a visit to the Sears Tower will take less than an hour. Of course you could finish that quickly if you really had to, but most guests find the view to be so beautiful and mesmerizing that they just can't pull themselves away. It's best to go there with a flexible schedule.
Navy Pier
When the weather is good, nothing beats walking around Navy Pier for an afternoon. Navy Pier is a tourist hotspot, and even attracts its share of locals as well. There are plenty of shops for you to browse through, restaurants (and a beer garden) for you to visit, and activities for the kids, such as an IMAX theater and a children's museum.. In the summer, there are often special events that you won't want to miss. While you're there, you'll have to be sure to take a ride on the Ferris wheel, which will afford you with another grand view of the city.
This is another place that you won't want to drive to. While there is a parking lot near the premises, it's almost always full no matter what the day or hour. Instead of driving to the Pier, you can actually park at the Shedd Aquarium and take a so-called water taxi.
Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is another of Chicago's great family attractions. It is very easy to find and admission is free (though you do have to pay for parking), so there's no reason to miss out. Although the zoo grounds are relatively small compared to some of the city zoos across the country (this certainly isn't the San Diego Zoo, for example), there are still over 1200 animals of more than 200 different species that you can see.
Once you've had your fill of walking around and looking at the animals, you might want to rent a paddle boat and have fun in the lagoon. While paddling, you'll be treated to an awesome view of downtown Chicago. In addition to the paddle boats, other attractions include a carousel, train, Safari Audio Tour, and a children's zoo. You'll also find several souvenir shops and cafes for your shopping and dining pleasure.
The Art Institute
If you want to add a little culture to your trip to Chicago, I recommend visiting the Art Institute. Located on Michigan Avenue in the heart of the city, the Art Institute is one of the true symbols of Chicago. Outside the museum you'll see the statues of two lions that were made famous by a movie called "The Ghost and the Darkness."
As with most museums, the Art Institute has a regular, permanent collection of its own, and also frequently hosts traveling exhibits that are on loan from other museums or personal collections. You'll probably have to pay extra to see special exhibits, so keep that in mind if you're dealing with a tight budget. Admission is free every Tuesday, so if you can plan your visit accordingly, that would be another way to save money.
The Art Institute's regular collection features works from such masters as van Gogh, Picasso, Dali, Monet, Gauguin, and more. The collection consists of objects dating back to antiquity, as well as works from most of the major movements in art throughout history all the way to modern times.
Take in Some Live Blues Music
The Chicago music scene is varied and distinct, meaning that you can go to just about any kind of concert you want -- and blues is no exception. It would be a shame for you to visit Chicago and not duck into at least one blues club for a drink and a few sets of great music, or to spend an evening in a restaurant enjoying a fantastic meal with live music in the background. There are lots of different clubs and restaurants that you can go to, and since music tastes vary so much, I'm not going to recommend a specific one. Suffice it to say that you can either go to a national chain like the House of Blues or to a club that is well-known only to the locals.
Catch a ballgame at Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field, located at the famous intersection of Clark and Addison, is one of the oldest ballparks in baseball. It is of course home to the Chicago Cubs, and during the major league baseball season, which runs from April to September (many optimists might say October), you can easily purchase tickets to catch a game in person. I recommend sitting in the outfield bleachers if you can, just for the experience of it all. The Bleacher Bums are definitely a different breed of fans!
The Cubs play both day and night games, so when they're in town, chances are you'll be able to go to a game that fits in with your schedule. If you want to throw caution to the wind, you can probably wait and buy your tickets from the Wrigley Field box office on the day of the game. However, Cubs games do sell out quite frequently, especially during the summer months when school is out and the weather is fantastic. So if missing a game would crush you, I recommend that you play it safe and order your tickets in advance.
Indulge in a Deep-Dish Pizza
Many cities offer what they call "Chicago-style," or deep-dish, pizza. But for the most part, these imitations can't hold a candle to the real thing. Chicago has many famous pizza joints that specialize in deep-dish creations, with two of the best being Gino's East and Pizzeria Uno. Each of these restaurants has a full menu of mouth-watering pizza varieties to choose from, so rest assured that you'll get a great-tasting pie no matter what you like on your pizza. These places tend to be packed during traditional lunch and dinner hours, so if you can eat a little earlier or a little later than everyone else, you'll save yourself the trouble of a long wait. But be warned: once you've had an authentic Chicago-style pizza, you might not be able to settle for anything less!
The Sears Tower
The fabulous Chicago skyline is dominated by the Sears Tower. Constructed in 1974, this 1,454-foot structure is still the tallest building in the United States, and still ranks as the fourth tallest in the world. The Sears Tower is primarily used as an office building, but the Skydeck on the 103rd floor is open to the public. It is said that when visibility is good, you can actually see parts of four different states (Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana) from the observation deck.
To make your visit to the Sears Tower as pleasant as possible, I suggest the following: first of all, take the train. Driving and parking in the city is a nightmare (not to mention very expensive). Second, arrive either early in the day or late in the afternoon. During peak daytime hours, you could end up spending a lot of time waiting in line. If you arrive right when the doors open at 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., you should have no trouble getting in without much of a wait. Third, plan more time than you think you need. A lot of people figure that a visit to the Sears Tower will take less than an hour. Of course you could finish that quickly if you really had to, but most guests find the view to be so beautiful and mesmerizing that they just can't pull themselves away. It's best to go there with a flexible schedule.
Navy Pier
When the weather is good, nothing beats walking around Navy Pier for an afternoon. Navy Pier is a tourist hotspot, and even attracts its share of locals as well. There are plenty of shops for you to browse through, restaurants (and a beer garden) for you to visit, and activities for the kids, such as an IMAX theater and a children's museum.. In the summer, there are often special events that you won't want to miss. While you're there, you'll have to be sure to take a ride on the Ferris wheel, which will afford you with another grand view of the city.
This is another place that you won't want to drive to. While there is a parking lot near the premises, it's almost always full no matter what the day or hour. Instead of driving to the Pier, you can actually park at the Shedd Aquarium and take a so-called water taxi.
Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is another of Chicago's great family attractions. It is very easy to find and admission is free (though you do have to pay for parking), so there's no reason to miss out. Although the zoo grounds are relatively small compared to some of the city zoos across the country (this certainly isn't the San Diego Zoo, for example), there are still over 1200 animals of more than 200 different species that you can see.
Once you've had your fill of walking around and looking at the animals, you might want to rent a paddle boat and have fun in the lagoon. While paddling, you'll be treated to an awesome view of downtown Chicago. In addition to the paddle boats, other attractions include a carousel, train, Safari Audio Tour, and a children's zoo. You'll also find several souvenir shops and cafes for your shopping and dining pleasure.
The Art Institute
If you want to add a little culture to your trip to Chicago, I recommend visiting the Art Institute. Located on Michigan Avenue in the heart of the city, the Art Institute is one of the true symbols of Chicago. Outside the museum you'll see the statues of two lions that were made famous by a movie called "The Ghost and the Darkness."
As with most museums, the Art Institute has a regular, permanent collection of its own, and also frequently hosts traveling exhibits that are on loan from other museums or personal collections. You'll probably have to pay extra to see special exhibits, so keep that in mind if you're dealing with a tight budget. Admission is free every Tuesday, so if you can plan your visit accordingly, that would be another way to save money.
The Art Institute's regular collection features works from such masters as van Gogh, Picasso, Dali, Monet, Gauguin, and more. The collection consists of objects dating back to antiquity, as well as works from most of the major movements in art throughout history all the way to modern times.
Take in Some Live Blues Music
The Chicago music scene is varied and distinct, meaning that you can go to just about any kind of concert you want -- and blues is no exception. It would be a shame for you to visit Chicago and not duck into at least one blues club for a drink and a few sets of great music, or to spend an evening in a restaurant enjoying a fantastic meal with live music in the background. There are lots of different clubs and restaurants that you can go to, and since music tastes vary so much, I'm not going to recommend a specific one. Suffice it to say that you can either go to a national chain like the House of Blues or to a club that is well-known only to the locals.
Catch a ballgame at Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field, located at the famous intersection of Clark and Addison, is one of the oldest ballparks in baseball. It is of course home to the Chicago Cubs, and during the major league baseball season, which runs from April to September (many optimists might say October), you can easily purchase tickets to catch a game in person. I recommend sitting in the outfield bleachers if you can, just for the experience of it all. The Bleacher Bums are definitely a different breed of fans!
The Cubs play both day and night games, so when they're in town, chances are you'll be able to go to a game that fits in with your schedule. If you want to throw caution to the wind, you can probably wait and buy your tickets from the Wrigley Field box office on the day of the game. However, Cubs games do sell out quite frequently, especially during the summer months when school is out and the weather is fantastic. So if missing a game would crush you, I recommend that you play it safe and order your tickets in advance.
Indulge in a Deep-Dish Pizza
Many cities offer what they call "Chicago-style," or deep-dish, pizza. But for the most part, these imitations can't hold a candle to the real thing. Chicago has many famous pizza joints that specialize in deep-dish creations, with two of the best being Gino's East and Pizzeria Uno. Each of these restaurants has a full menu of mouth-watering pizza varieties to choose from, so rest assured that you'll get a great-tasting pie no matter what you like on your pizza. These places tend to be packed during traditional lunch and dinner hours, so if you can eat a little earlier or a little later than everyone else, you'll save yourself the trouble of a long wait. But be warned: once you've had an authentic Chicago-style pizza, you might not be able to settle for anything less!
Monday, February 20, 2006
Travel to Egypt: Taking Unique Pictures!
We have all seen the travel brochures. The huge pyramids towering to the skies, the stern visage of the ancient sphinx. You would think those of us who long to travel the world would find more exotic places to visit than "plain old Egypt." You will soon understand, however, that there is nothing about Egypt that is plain. Sure, some photo ops may be overused and trite, but then instead of snapping that quintessential picture, try to make it a little bit different!
The first "unique" picture you might want to get is a little difficult and will probably turn out blurred, but it would be well worth it for a "first glimpse of Egypt." Try getting a picture from the plane as you fly over this ancient and venerable country and get ready to start your great adventure. If you will be scrapbooking your trip or if you enjoy arranging photo albums, this will make a wonderful first photo for your travel album.
By all means, don't hesitate to take many pictures of the pyramids! Just because it's cliche doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. But try some new angles, too. Have a friend or family member stand at the base of a pyramid to emphasize the difference in size. If you're traveling with a group, try to stand around at least part of the pyramid holding hands.
Don't just photograph the sphinx. Get as close as you possibly can to this huge man-lion and photograph separate parts of the statue. Just a close-up of the huge paws will make an artsy shot. If you have a camera with zoom, trying zooming in just on the sphinx's face, its missing nose, and the cracks in its features. Don't just emulate others' pictures but try to be a photography creative artist and generate some ideas you wouldn't normally think of.
Cairo is a goldmine of photographic opportunities. Instead of snapping off endless pictures of the same thing, be inventive. Don't photograph a bazaar stall, but a particular item; something like a long gold chain that struck your fancy but you were unable to afford as one example. Focusing on particular items instead of the big picture is always a good idea to avoid dozens of nearly identical vacation photos.
If you were indeed able to afford that special trinket, have someone take a picture of you wearing or holding your special prize. If the locals are amenable, stand with someone in Egyptian garb. Thinking outside the box will help keep your photos fresh and different.
The key is to notice the details and have photos different from everyone else's, so with this in mind, you may want to visit the Nile. This is probably the most famous river in the world and is in many ways the life and breath of Egypt. Again, if you have a zoom camera it will come in handy. Don't just capture the river; capture what lies within. Get down on your knees, shoot into the water. Try to find a fish or other creature (of course here is a good time to point out that most cameras are not water-resistant and it will be very hard to explain to anyone how you dropped your camera in the Nile, so be careful!) Look for an unusual plant growing alongside the river to frame your photo.
Take numerous photos of your hotel, the exterior, the lobby, your room, but don't be too obvious about doing this. You'll want photos, but it's never a good idea while on vacation to let someone know you are a "typical tourist." Once you're in your bedroom, you'll want a view of the room in general and a shot out of the window (provided you have a good view). If you're staying in Cairo, for instance, and can see the pyramids or the sphinx from your window, it would make a great shot for either a scrapbook or an album.
For many of these photos you might want to use a tripod, especially for further-away shots that can get blurred if you shake a little too much. Don't forget nighttime shots, too. The pyramids are lit at night. A small tripod that can be folded and zipped away until using is always a good vacation asset.
The first "unique" picture you might want to get is a little difficult and will probably turn out blurred, but it would be well worth it for a "first glimpse of Egypt." Try getting a picture from the plane as you fly over this ancient and venerable country and get ready to start your great adventure. If you will be scrapbooking your trip or if you enjoy arranging photo albums, this will make a wonderful first photo for your travel album.
By all means, don't hesitate to take many pictures of the pyramids! Just because it's cliche doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. But try some new angles, too. Have a friend or family member stand at the base of a pyramid to emphasize the difference in size. If you're traveling with a group, try to stand around at least part of the pyramid holding hands.
Don't just photograph the sphinx. Get as close as you possibly can to this huge man-lion and photograph separate parts of the statue. Just a close-up of the huge paws will make an artsy shot. If you have a camera with zoom, trying zooming in just on the sphinx's face, its missing nose, and the cracks in its features. Don't just emulate others' pictures but try to be a photography creative artist and generate some ideas you wouldn't normally think of.
Cairo is a goldmine of photographic opportunities. Instead of snapping off endless pictures of the same thing, be inventive. Don't photograph a bazaar stall, but a particular item; something like a long gold chain that struck your fancy but you were unable to afford as one example. Focusing on particular items instead of the big picture is always a good idea to avoid dozens of nearly identical vacation photos.
If you were indeed able to afford that special trinket, have someone take a picture of you wearing or holding your special prize. If the locals are amenable, stand with someone in Egyptian garb. Thinking outside the box will help keep your photos fresh and different.
The key is to notice the details and have photos different from everyone else's, so with this in mind, you may want to visit the Nile. This is probably the most famous river in the world and is in many ways the life and breath of Egypt. Again, if you have a zoom camera it will come in handy. Don't just capture the river; capture what lies within. Get down on your knees, shoot into the water. Try to find a fish or other creature (of course here is a good time to point out that most cameras are not water-resistant and it will be very hard to explain to anyone how you dropped your camera in the Nile, so be careful!) Look for an unusual plant growing alongside the river to frame your photo.
Take numerous photos of your hotel, the exterior, the lobby, your room, but don't be too obvious about doing this. You'll want photos, but it's never a good idea while on vacation to let someone know you are a "typical tourist." Once you're in your bedroom, you'll want a view of the room in general and a shot out of the window (provided you have a good view). If you're staying in Cairo, for instance, and can see the pyramids or the sphinx from your window, it would make a great shot for either a scrapbook or an album.
For many of these photos you might want to use a tripod, especially for further-away shots that can get blurred if you shake a little too much. Don't forget nighttime shots, too. The pyramids are lit at night. A small tripod that can be folded and zipped away until using is always a good vacation asset.
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