Flip Flop Caravan

How to Celebrate Australia Day outside of Oz

2012-01-26T09:00:00.017-05:00

Today marks the 224th anniversary of British rule in Australia - i.e. its a day for a huge effing party! As!

Start your day off with a slice or two of toast smothered with Vegemite. ~~Mmmm Vegemite~~ Sick. Wash it down with a cuppa Earl Grey - or some water. And then drink the tea.

Dress head-to-toe in green and yellow. Yeah, sure, the colors of the Australian flag are red and blue, but green and yellow are the official national colors (what's the deal with that anyways!?!). Draping yourself in the Aussie flag is also an option. Wear thongs (flip flops).

Change your screensaver to a photo of koalas or kangaroos or the Opera House.

Watch a few episode of Summer Heights High.

Rock out to any/all of the following: Kylie, John Butler, Triple J, AC/DC, Bee Gees.

Be sure to sing Men at Work's Down Under, all day long.

When greeting people ask, "How ya goin?" Every time. No exceptions.

And for that matter, use as much Aussie slag as possible:
No worries mate - it's okay
Ta - thanks
Such a bogan - uneducated hick
Heaps - a lot
It cains - hurts like a mother...
Hooner - total douche-bag
I love your jumper - nice sweater
I'm off my trolly - so wasted right now

And you should be. Off your trolly that is.

Drink your weight in Carlton Draught, Pure Blonde, VB and Bundy (if you can't find Bundy, any awful, bottom-shelf rum will suffice).

Host a barbie. I mean a huge, multi-grill, enough-meat-to-stop-hunger-in-ethiopia, barbecue. Eat as much of said meat as possible and cover everything in sauce (ketchup).

"I come from a land down under!"

Stuff your face with Tim Tams, freddos and Pavlova cake.

Dance the night away to house beats. Or, go to a concert, drink a few more Bundy & Cokes and appreciate the fact that your drunken slurs are staring to sound like a proper accent. Try not to munt (throw up).

Happy Australia Day!

*Some photos contributed by Alison Ramey, Sue Sweeney and Dominic Flannery

10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About the Great Wall of China

2012-01-23T11:55:00.004-05:00

新年快乐! Happy Year of the Dragon!

In honor of the Lunar New Year, here are some quirky facts about China's most beloved and well-known monument.

10. Watchtowers are strategically placed along the entire 5,500 miles of wall and each watchtower has its own name (like Fairy Tower, Wangjing Tower and East Tower with Five Holes).

9. It took all types to build the wall; soldiers, commoners, criminals and peseants. During the Han and Qin Dynasties, being banished to the far reaches of the empire to construct the wall was a special punishment for criminals (re: don't be bad!).

8. Rice flour was used as mortar.

7. The Chinese invented the wheel barrel - a direct result of constructing the wall.

6. Only a fraction of the wall has been preserved - not surprisingly, sections near major cities are in the best condition.

5. The eastern-most end of the wall juts out into Bohai Bay at Laolongtou.

4. There is an annual marathon along the wall. Only bad-asses need apply...

3. ...because much of the wall is really, really, really steep! Hello, vertigo.

2. Even though the wall is the longest man-made structure on earth, you CAN'T see it from space (damn you Ripley's Believe it or Not and your lies).

1. It took over 2,000 years to build the Great Wall and as legend has it, "for every brick laid down, one laborer's life was lost." No wonder its known as, Longest Cemetery Ever Built.

Mind you head.

Photo Friday: Sydney Harbour Bridge

2012-01-20T10:09:00.001-05:00

Yesterday marked the 80th anniversary of the day that the two sides of the Sydney Harbour Bridge were joined.

Sure it didn't actually open for another three months, but joining the sides of such a colossal undertaking was an incredible accomplishment. The bridge still holds the records for being the world's tallest steel arch bridge and the widest long-span bridge.

Today, thousands of steel rivets rest on the harbour floor beneath the bridge; workers dropped them constantly during construction.

I was shocked to learn that there were no safety procedures for laborers - no harnesses, no hard-hats, nada.

Photo courtesy of Alison O'Brien

Whaaa? Given that, its miraculous that only 16 of the 1,400 workers died in the course of constructing the bridge.

Especially when you consider how windy it is at the top!

Doing the Harbour Bridge Climb today, all you have to focus on is putting one foot in front of the other and not falling over - I couldn't imagine actually having to focus on building something at the same time.

But, the workers were lucky to have the best view of Sydney on a daily basis (though I image their attention was directed more at not plummeting to their death than soaking in the scenery).

Nowadays, To even set foot on the bridge arch requires an hour-long orientation and safety briefing.

That includes learning how to use the harness and tether, getting all fancy in a grey and blue jumpsuit and climbing around on a mock section of bridge before being guided to top.

But my hats off to everyone who toiled, labored, planned and made the bridge possible because its an icon for Sydney, a beautiful structure and a view to envy.

*For more Photo Friday, Delicious Baby's the spot!

STOP SOPA

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

Did MLK Have a Passport?

2012-01-16T09:07:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty sure he did considering he accepted his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Sweden.

But even if he didn't, I think he was more a man of the world than most.

He just got it.
That we're all different, but are really the same.
That we're all connected and the actions of a few affect the lives of many.
That we need to take time to listen to and understand each other.
That we need to be inquisitive/creative/assertive/optimistic.
He just got it.
And he was far more eloquent than I...

"We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now."

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."

"All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem."

"Only in darkness can you see the stars."

"Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better."

"Nothing in this world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."

"Everything we see is a shadow cast by that which do not see."

Happy Birthday Mr. King!

*Some photos courtesy of Bobbi Jo Annal

Know Before You Go: Niagara Falls

2012-01-11T09:01:00.000-05:00

Why Go?
5. The first person to survive the Falls in a barrel was a 63 year old female teacher.
4. Niagara is the world's second-largest waterfall.
3. Niagara is often listed as one of the Natural Wonders of the World
2. Nearly 20% of the world's fresh water flows over the Falls.
1. Pictures don't cut it - seeing it in person is pretty bad-ass.

American Side:
Close Encounters
From Terrapin Point on Goat Island, you can get within feet of the Falls.

Rest Your Head
There are plenty of hotels within walking distance of the Falls. Given the current exchange rate, there are more hotels at affordable rate in New York than in Ontario.

Quality Hotel was a block from the Falls & had a view of Ontario

$50/night (plus $30/night for the pup)

Put it in Park
Niagara Falls State Park ($8/vehicle/day) provides easy access to the Rainbow Bridge border crossing, Prospect Point Observation Deck, Cave of the Wind tour of Bridal Veil Falls and the ever popular Maid of the Mist boat tour.

Feed Me
Hope you like Indian food! Every few blocks has an Indian restaurant, yet the only Asian cuisine is at Koi in Seneca Casino.

You Want to go to Canada, eh?
You can walk ($0.50), drive ($3.25) or bike ($0.50) across the Rainbow Bridge into Canada. Crossing time can be a few minutes or a few hours depending on the season. FYI, they typically won't stamp your passport unless you specifically ask them to!

Canadian Side:
The Northern side of the Falls is far more commercial than its American counter-part; you can find every sort of tourist trap: wax museums, haunted houses, arcades, a butterfly house (?), a water park, and loads of shopping.

Close Encounters
The $12 price tag is well worth a trip to Journey Behind the Falls; tunnels cut under Horseshoe Falls for an up-close-and-personal glimpse of the cascade.

Put it in Park
Table Rock at Queen Anne Park ($15/vehicle/day) is steps from the Falls, the Canadian Visitor's Center, Journey Behind the Falls and an easy walk to the casinos and a plethora of dining options.

Feed Me
You can find anything imaginable: Thai, Mexican, Chinese, Texas BBQ, American, Italian, Indian, Japanese, you name it! Note: eateries can get busy and rowdy - the drinking age is only 19.

You Say "Mist," I say "Rain"
Don't be fooled, "mist" means "you're going to get soaked". Raincoat, poncho, umbrella, waterproof housing for your camera - be ready.

Spin Me 'Round
The view from the Skylon Tower is incredible - of the Falls and of Toronto on a clear day. If you eat a meal at the Rotating Restaurant at the top (a reservation is a good idea), admission to the observation deck is free too! ($10-15 value)

____________

When to go

High season is May-September. During that time expect to spend a lot of time standing in line at all attractions, view points and at the border (crossing can take 1-2 hours).

In the low season, accommodation is much cheaper and there are far fewer tourists. The trade-off, however is sub-freezing temperatures and the closure of some attractions (Maid of the Mist).

Christmas at Onguiaahra aka Niagara Falls

2012-01-09T11:31:00.001-05:00

Onguiaahra (meaning "the strait") is the original Iroquoian name for Niagara Falls - it was changed by Jesuit Missionaries in the 1700's.

For Christmas this year, I opted to forgo my holiday traditions in California and instead stay on the East Coast. Enter a rental car, a mini road-trip with my pup and the Falls.

I'd never been before, but had always wanted to see the legendary deluge.

Dixon was pretty apathetic

When I arrived in Niagara Falls, New York, I was surprised by what I found; casinos, countless hotels, and chain restaurants (TGI Friday and Hard Rock Cafe, I'm looking at you).

And then I looked across the Niagara River into Ontario. Whao. Vegas of the Great White North.

Not only were there numerous casinos, amusement parks and flashy light, but during the winter months there's also a holiday faire, nightly fireworks and an evening lights show on the Falls.

Beyond the well-placed tourist distractions, was Niagara. As expected, the world's second-largest waterfall was breathtaking!

I still can't quite wrap my head around the fact that 150,000 gallons of water cascade over Niagara every second!

I was also completely unaware that Niagara is actually made up of two separate Falls; Bridal Veil Falls (USA) and Horseshoe Falls (Canada), separated by Goat Island.

Bridal Veil on the left, Horseshoe on the right

There's a bit of rivalry between the New York and Ontario Niagara Falls and while both have stunning views, I have to admit that the Canucks win the battle of "Best Views of the Falls."

They've got tunnels for a view behind the Falls and ariel views from the Skylon Tower.

During the winter the uber popular Maid in the Mist boat tour is on hiatus - and rightfully so, as portions of the Falls often freeze.

While I had expected there to be a fair amount of snow, given the season, Niagara was snow-less. But, it was plenty icy.

Plus, the "mist" from the Falls provided a steady downpour on the Canadian side.

Being a non-traditional Christmas, I had to have an unconventional holiday dinner. Sushi and sake seemed appropriate!

My time at Niagara Falls proved to be an ideal chance to unwind and have a low-key holiday. Not to mention, I got to cross it off my List List!

Mist through the trees at dusk.

Photo Friday: Mount Vernon, VA

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today, January 6th, is the last day of the 12 Days of Christmas - the time between Christmas and Epiphany.

Mt Vernon, the estate of George Washington, takes the 12 Days of Christmas very seriously.

The Mansion at the estate is decorated to the nines for the holidays and all rooms are made-up as they would have been in the late 1700's; ready to receive Colonial party-people decked out in their finest wigs and over-sized buckle shoes or rib-crushing, corseted dresses and lace bonnets.

The property sees over a million visitors annually, but only a few thousand get to tour the third floor of the Mansion, as its only open to the public from Dec 1 - Jan 6 each year.

No photography inside the Mansion unfortunately.

The third floor is comprised of three guest rooms and the bedroom that Martha Washington moved into after George died in 1799, as the marital bedchamber was closed and sealed after his death (a perk of living in a 10-bedroom mansion I suppose).

The estate, at nearly 50 acres, contains the Mansion, gardens, sprawling farmland, slave quarters, Washington's tomb, forested areas, a harbor, plus a sparkly new Visitor's Center with several museums and numerous theaters.

While packed with information and exhibits spanning Washington's life (including his wooden teeth!), I found the museum to be rather overwhelming; large-scale dioramas, video presentations, flashing lights, narrations and sound effects reminded me somewhat of a Japanese anime cartoon.

The outdoor exhibits were far less seizure-inducing. On special display during the holiday season were Liberty (the turkey that Obama pardoned around Thanksgiving) and George's camel (?).

Apparently, good ol' Georgey had a thing for exotic animals and in 1787 paid 18 shillings to have a camel on the grounds for the 12 Days of Christmas. Whatever floats your boat I guess.

Aside from leaving with a renewed sense of holiday cheer, my visit to Mt Vernon rekindled an innate feeling of patriotism and ultimately a new-found respect for the man at the root of the USofA.

*For more Photo Friday, Delicious Baby is the spot!

Vegan in a Strange Land

2012-01-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

I've been vegan for just over a year now and have learned the ins and outs of navigating the lifestyle.

Obviously eating out can be challenging at times, but most restaurants are accommodating with special orders and substations.

So when I headed to Puerto Rico's El Conquistador Resort, I figured finding things to eat would be a breeze. Wrong!

Food-wise, those five days at the resort were the most challenging I've faced yet. Everything was cooked in butter and/or topped in meat.

And special requests were met with a quizzical look, a run into the kitchen and the inevitable "no, we can't do that."

After the first day, I simply started carrying trail-mix and apples with me everywhere so I'd have something to eat in lieu of the non-vegan resort meals.

Surprisingly, when I got "off campus" a world of food presented itself.

Mofongo (smashed plantains and casava), papaya salad and grilled plantain cakes were welcome trail-mix alternatives.

The most amazing vegan platter at La Estacion

All made vegan-friendly simply by asking, what a concept!

Luckily, most cocktails passed the vegan test too.

Frozen Mojito

Why Hello 2012...

2012-01-01T09:06:00.000-05:00

...fancy seeing you here.

A good friend shared this video with me last week and the only thing I could say after watching it (with my hands over my mouth the entire time) was, "WHOA."

Seriously, WHOA.

If this doesn't make you want to get outside, then you're an agoraphobic or maybe just a hobbit.

People Are Awesome

I'm not big on making resolutions, but after seeing this, I resolve to get outdoors more in 2012!

Photo Friday: El Yunque Rainforest

2011-12-30T07:22:00.000-05:00

Aside from being the largest dedicated forest area in Puerto Rico, El Yunque National Forest's claim to fame is that it is the only rainforest within the US National Forest System.

View from El Yokahu Tower

Located between San Juan and Fajardo, El Yunque makes an ideal day trip.

Considering the dire financial situation of the Forest System, I fully expected the facilities to be antiquated or at least a bit run-down.

Boy, was I wrong! The towering Visitor's Center was spotless and appeared to be only a few years old.

Throughout the rainforest, well-maintained hiking trails made it a breeze to get around.

To be honest, El Yunque was better cared for than many National Parks in the continental US.

Not to mention, it was stunning and we nearly had the entire forest to ourselves.

2011 in Hindsight

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

2011 has been a FABULOUS year! As in, maybe one of my favorite years ever. And the craziest part about that statement is that I only left the country once, when I spent a total of seven hours in Canada just last week.

How can that be!?! Here's how:

1. I moved to a great new city
2. I traveled extensively domestically (20 US states/territories)
3. I got to start over

*******
In February, I loaded up a minivan and relocated to Washington, DC from California via a nine state roadtrip with one of my best gals from college.

2010, though full of international travel, was a really rough year. So when 2011 rolled around, I saw it as a mulligan for my entire life, and DC was at the center of that.

I immediately fell in love with the city; its vibe, arts, people (not to mention its thriving brunch and happy hour culture).

I moved into an apartment and neighborhood that I adore and that feel more like home than anywhere has in a long time.

I found a stellar group of DC-based travelers/bloggers for monthly DCTravelTweetups, joined a group of 15 scholarly ladies in what is probably the best book-club in the entire US and became Co-VP of Events for the Social Media Club of DC.

Between museums, embassies, concerts, protests, rallys and gallery events, there was never a shortage of things to do.

I got to listen to the Dalai Lama speak in July, spent Easter morning at Arlington Cemetery, stood outside the White House the night Osama bin Laden was killed, "survived" Hurricane Irene and the DC earthquake and feel as though I've discovered how to thrive in a city that I become more enamored with on a daily basis.

And DC has been a great launching point for heaps of domestic travel. 2011 included trips to:

- Los Angeles, CA - Crossville, TN - Chicago, IL
- San Diego, CA - Oklahoma City, OK - Milwaukee, WI
- Lake Tahoe, NV - Williamsburg, VA - Madison, WI
- Lake Havasu, AZ - Ocean Beach, MD - OshKosh, WI
- Gallop, NM - New York City - Fajardo, Puerto Rico
- Amarillo, TX - Boston, MA - Sacramento, CA
- Little Rock, AR - Outer Banks, NC - York, PA
- Nashville, TN - Wilmington, NC - Buffalo, NY
- Memphis, TN - Myrtle Beach, SC - Niagara Falls, NY
- Portland, OR - Richmond, VA - Annapolis, MD
- Santa Cruz, CA

PLUS, I went to Niagara Falls, Ontario for my very first visit to Canada!

2011 meant saying goodbye to my maternal Grandmother, but saying hello to my adorable Goddaughter, Hannah.

In the process of moving and traveling within the US, I've been able to cross a few things of my Life List too:

- Get a tattoo in honor of Bridget and Hayden (May 2011)

- Sing on Stage (live-band karaoke, July 2011)
- Visit Niagara Falls (Dec 2011)

- Spend Christmas abroad (kindof - Canada, Dec 2011)
- See the Grand Canyon (Feb 2011)

- Max out my IRA (year 2 of a 5yr goal)
- Visit all 50 states - knocked out 5 more new ones, plus Puerto Rico.
- Live in a big city (DC baby!)

While my passport might only have been needed once, I still had a stellar year and look forward to what 2012 has in-store!

Cheers!

Tis the Season

2011-12-25T04:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays from fliplopcaravan!

Currently celebrating the season at Niagara Falls.

Cheers, tidings and goodwill to all!

Photo Friday: Creatures of Puerto Rico

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

For some reason, when I left for Puerto Rico, I had in my head that I would see a myriad of tropical birds gliding from tree to tree. I was waaaay off base. Aside from the occasional stray sea gull, the only birds I saw the entire time I was on the island were those caged by the resort.

However, there were enough other critters roaming around that I wasn't too disappointed.

Centipedes

Tiny Snails

Giant Snails in the Jungle - this one was about the circumference of a baseball

Tiny Hermit Crabs on the Beach

Coqui - Local Tree Frogs (that sound like birds)

Iguanas near the Beach

Iguanas in the Trees

I loved walking around the resort and stumbling upon new wildlife. But, there was one creature that I NEVER actual saw, but was left thinking about far after I returned home...the mosquitos.

I came home with 83 little souvenirs in the form of bites. But if that's the price for nearly a week in the Caribbean, I'd say I still came out ahead.

For more Photo Friday, head to Delicious Baby!

Living it up in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

2011-12-21T09:29:00.000-05:00

When I found out that I was going to be sent to Puerto Rico to work a conference for my day job, I was giddy. It was the first time that travel had intersected with my job in a major way and just the thought of packing made me excited.

And then I actually thought about it some more...this was for work, meaning that the attached price tag would not be my responsibility and that the accommodation selected would probably be much different than what I would normally select for myself.

So color me tickled when I found out that I would be staying at the gargantuan and gorgeous Waldorf Astoria property, El Conquistador Resort, in the coastal town of Fajardo.

A resort? Me? The girl who has slept in countless airports, parks and waterfronts to avoid forking over the cash for another night of accommodation? Yeah, that girl.

As expected, the grounds of the Resort were immaculate.

The entire property backed to a 300-foot cliff that can only be navigated by a funicular cable car. (Which was great in theory - until it broke down and stranded about 50 of us at the base of cliff.)

El Con had everything imaginable for a Resort; water parks, a casino, pools, golf courses, night clubs, restaurants, a mammoth conference and events center.

And then there was the private island, Palamino. A private island? Seriously?

A place created to cater to the every whim of a tourist on a beach vacation - snorkeling, scuba, wind surfing, horseback riding, hiking, jet-skiing.

A place where cash is not currency and only your room card allows you access.

I had to hike around to the back-side of Palamino just to find a place that wasn't inundated with people. Beautiful? Yes. But not exactly a place for relaxing in solitude.

My room was comfortable, well manicured and a far nicer place than I usually lay my head while traveling. That being said, it felt a bit sterile and lacked any sort of personality.

But let's be honest, I didn't spend much time in the room anyways. How could I when there was an infinity pool calling my name?

And with the Golden Door Spa just down the path from my room?

And with hundreds of acres of lush property to explore?

Breadfruit Tree

Staying at El Conquistador was a complete novelty for me; a new experience in travel.

And while I can see why it would appeal to many people, I ultimately grew tiresome of the meticulously crafted, "perfect vacation" environment that was being served up with a Mai Thai chaser.

For me, what lay beyond the Resort ("off campus" as the real town of Fajardo was referred to), was far more interesting.

On Coming Home

2011-12-13T09:57:00.000-05:00

Arguably, the most unpleasant part of any trip is the whole "going home" part. The travel time seems longer; the luggage heavier and the Welcome Home to do list more daunting.

Personally, I have a knack for missing flights and sleeping in airports. Sure it results in more time away, but its rarely comfortable and only belabors the journey home; drawing out the inevitable return to reality.

Another airport overnight

BUT, there is one part of going home that I actually love. Certainly a long shower and my own bed are lovely, however, its that first minute when you walk in the door, that I savor.

Before you settle in. Before you unpack. Even before you turn on all the lights. That minute when everything is still, silent and just how you left it.

Of course its all your own stuff, but somehow it seems alien and only vaguely familiar. It always feels for a split second like just maybe you walked into the wrong place. The feeling only lasts a minute, but I adore it.

Maybe its a strange, subconscious, last-ditch effort for one final moment of the unknown. But more-so, I think I relish the notion that home can somehow feel new and fresh and foreign.

It might be but a fleeting mind game, but its the reason I don't mind heading home; its something to look forward to!

Photo Friday: Beijing in Food

2011-12-02T09:46:00.000-05:00

One of the best things about Beijing is the grub.

Steamed Dumplings on the Street

There is quite literally something for everyone; from super cheap, traditional street food to 5-star international cuisine and everything in between.

Breakfast: Cucumber & Seaweed Salad, Rice and Tofu Balls

And I mean everything!

Yogurt in Ceramic Jars, Consumed with a Straw

Diet Coke

Veggie Sammy

Fruit on a Stick and Jumbo Cotton Candy

Roasted Chestnuts

Dragon Fruit and Pineapple

Bread, Egg, Tea

Enjoying "colorful" menu options...

Spiced Donkey Meat with Soya Bean Sauce Flavor

Pork Joint with Garlic Sauce

Simmered Chicken with Turtle

Stewed Turtle in Nutritious Sauce

Potstickers

Peking Duck with Plum Sauce

Coffee

Almond Juice

Braised Chicken

Fresh Fruit & Green Tea Ice Cream

Mmmmmmmm!

*For more Photo Friday Glory go to Delicious Baby!

What the Heck is a Hutong?

2011-11-30T11:54:00.000-05:00

Throughout Beijing, pockets of traditional housing can be found. These neighborhoods - Hutongs - are made up of housing units called siheyuan.

Essentially, a siheyuan is a four-walled structure with a courtyard in the middle, meaning that its exterior is a sheer wall with a small walkway for access to the inner courtyard.

Entire neighborhoods are comprised of such dwellings, creating an intricate network of alleyways.

These neighborhoods are Hutongs.

While the number of Hutongs has declined in past decades to make way for high-rises and new development, many that remain are now protected as cultural treasures.

Spending time ~~wandering~~ getting lost in Hutongs is an experience not to be missed in Beijing.

And perhaps the best place to temporarily go missing is the Hutongs around Houhai and Qianhai Lakes.

Walking the alleyways and peering into familial courtyards offers a glimpse of subtle details of traditional living:

Ma Jong

The promenades surrounding Houjai and Qianhai Lakes serve as venues for everything from water writing to badminton and provide a place for friends to gather outside of the siheyuans.

*Some photos contributed by Conor O'Brien

Beijing's Old Drum Tower

2011-11-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Situated a mile north of Jingshan Park (on the same north/south axis as the Imperial Palace), the Old Drum Tower was the center of time-keeping in dynasties past.

The highest pavilion of Jingshan Park to the south.

25 drums, known as the Watchman's Drums, were given a beating every hour, on the hour before such things as watches existed.

The drums are located on the second floor of the tower (a very tall second floor at that) that is open-air, thus allowing the sound to permeate the city.

Today, the tradition continues with hourly demonstrations of the drumming of yore.

The 25 Watchman's Drums consist of one large drum and 24 smaller drums made of tautly drawn cowhide.

Every aspect of the hourly drumming is ritualized; from the slow, formal entrance procession and initial beats, to the coordinated poundings of militaristic precision.

And every part of the drum is used to create elaborately layered sounds - the cowhide itself, the sharp corner where the hide meets wood and the metal grommets that fasten the hide to the drum's body.

We were captivated!

Photo courtesy of Conor O'Brien

Old Drum Tower Performance

Photo Friday: Jingshan Park, Beijing

2011-11-04T08:49:00.000-04:00

Just a stone's throw from the northern Shenwu Gate of the Imperial Palace, lies Jingshan Park.

Originally built when political power moved to Beijing, the artificial hills that make up the park now offer some of the best 360 views of the city.

The White Pagoda of Beihai Park (west)

The Drum Tower in the distance (north)

East Beijing

The Imperial Palace (south)

Though we only caught the basics (due to Chinglish signage), the park apparently is a pivotal component to the Feng Shui of the Imperial Palace.

Five peaks dot the park; each topped with an open-air pavilion.

Providing an escape on weekdays from the hoards of tourists that flood the Imperial Palace, the park itself become a center of recreation for locals on the weekends.

Viewing sunset from the highest pavilion offers a unique (and eerily quiet) overview of the city. Not to mention, perhaps the best view of Beijing pollution, as it alters and blurs the colors of the setting sun.

For muchas mas Photo Friday, Delicious Baby is the spot!

Zombie Silent Disco

2011-11-02T11:16:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things about living in Washington, DC is that there is always something going on; something new to try.

My good friend Bruce (whom I met while living in Denmark) decided to hang out in the District for a long Halloween weekend.

By the time Sunday rolled around, we had gotten our fill of costume parties and were content to watch football all day and grab a drink at one of my favorite watering holes on U Street, Marvin.

As we chatted over a few beverages, we noticed a strange group of people enter and subsequently take over the patio. The group was strange not so much for the fact that they were all dressed like zombies, but because they were all wearing white headphone and dancing in complete silence.

What the?

Turns out we were smack dab in the middle of a Silent Disco pub crawl. Riiight. I still didn't get it. But being a curious gal, I found one of the event organizers, Matt Khan to figure out what the heck a Silent Disco was.

Matt Khan

For $10 each, Bruce and I were outfitted with our very own pretty, white wireless headphones, that blasted music on two channels - one of which featured a live DJ.

Khan, along with college buddy Mark Owens, founded InkahootZ Presents in 2007 in Charleston, South Carolina before moving the operation to DC. In addition to hosting Silent Discos, InkahootZ also manages local artists and produces charitable events.

Matt Khan & Mark Owens

As latecomers to the party, Bruce and I obviously weren't dressed in zombie garb, but InkahootZ offered up some free face paint to get us up to speed.

The headphones used are imported from Australia, where Silent Discos have been popular for years. The trend is just starting to gain traction in the US and Khan and Owens hope to expand their operation as interest grows.

For having no idea that such events even existed, I'm now taken with the concept. By nature, Silent Events are localized, often featuring battling DJs and eliminating issues associated with noise curfews.

Additionally, each participant controls their own channel and volume settings - a brilliant feature in my book, as most clubs typically blast music just a little too loud (or maybe I'm just getting old).

Sure, its a bit strange at first, but by the end of the night I found myself disappointed when Khan came around to collect my headset.

The Silent Disco was one of the most unique and fun events I've been to in a long time.

And luckily, InkahootZ has setup a solid operation that will have them silently partying all over the District for some time to come.

Check out more information about the Silent Disco movement and InkahootZ Presents.

The Dead of Prague

2011-10-31T18:33:00.001-04:00

In honor of All Hallows Eve...

Prague is a city known for a bit of mystery. Its an ancient place that (at least for me) drums up images of castles at dusk and dark, narrow, winding alleyways.

Its fitting then, for such a place to have an iconic graveyard.

The Old Jewish Cemetery in the heart of Prague is home to an estimated 100,000 soles.

Which is shocking when you look at the space - for that many people, its not much real estate.

The cemetery was used for over 300 years and when space ran out, a new layer of dirt was added for more bodies to be buried.

That happened 12 times and resulted in an elevated maze of tombstones.

Yet, even though the concept of layer upon layer of bodies is rather ghoulish, the cemetery is actually a quiet and peaceful reprieve from the city.

Happy Halloween blogland!

Photo Friday: What am I Eating!?!

2011-10-28T11:03:00.001-04:00

As a kid, Chinese food was one of my favorite types of cuisine. A plate of chow mien and sweet and sour chicken could make any bad day better.

As it turns out though, real Chinese food is much different. And like any cuisine, there are some pretty off-the-wall "delicacies."

To try out some of the more novel food items that China had to offer, we spent an evening at the Dong Hua Men Night Market in Beijing.

Photo courtesy of Conor O'Brien

The market had anything and everything (literally), waiting to be cooked and consumed.

From tame steamed veggie dumplings to the more exotic pork belly potstickers,

To candied fruit on a stick and mounts of curious vegetables or meat.

And then things got weird.

Being an adventurous crowd, we went for it; trying one strange thing after another.

Pig Intestine Sandwich

Stinky Tofu

Sauteed Snake Skin

Water Beetle

Some of it was alright and some was just plain awful (the snake skin was the worst!). Eating water beetle looked like this:

Photos courtesy of Conor O'Brien

We finished with a dessert of fried balls of rice and bananas. Thankfully we all had stomachs of steel and no one got sick.

For me, the most interesting part of the market (beyond watching travelers eat who-knows-what) was the fact that I didn't actual know what half of the stuff was. Some had English translations and some of the vendors spoke a little English, but a lot of it was a mystery and an absolute gamble.

For more glorious Photo Friday, head to Delicious Baby!

Why Tourist Attractions Suck

2011-10-26T09:16:00.000-04:00

You're in Beijing. For the first time.
Excited to see the city and probably to see the Big 5:
- Tiananmen Square & Mao's Mausoleum
- The Forbidden City (Imperial Palace)
- The Egg
- The Pavilions of Jingshan Park
- Olympic Park

The only problem is, everyone else is excited to see those places too.

You decide to spend a day exploring the Forbidden City, home of emperors and political power in China for over 500 years. Sweet!

"This place is huge. Sure there are a lot of tourists, but its not that bad," you tell yourself as you're herded shoulder to shoulder through the Meridian Gate into the Outer Court.

And there before you stands a stunning display of palatial buildings, halls and terraces. And you get to experience it all - along with hundreds of your nearest and dearest fellow travelers.

Don't forget to stop at one of the many kiosks to buy some authentic Chinese souvenirs.

Want a closer look inside any of the halls? Say to see the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Tai He Dian)? Or the throne in the Hall of Central Harmony (Zhong He Dian), where the Emperor would rest on his way to attend important events or hold court? Get in line.

And then start throwing elbows, if you actually want a chance to see anything. Or, stand on your tip toes, raise your camera overhead and snap a few shots. Obviously, this is a moment you'll want to be able to revisit through pictures in the future.

Done with the Outer Court? Head to the Inner Court which was the living quarters for the Emperor and his family.

But be warned - this is just like a Disneyland ride; keep your arms and legs close to your body and hold on tight as you're moved by the crowd through the Qianqing Gate.

Once in the Inner Court, you can linger close to any number of tour groups to learn something new - just look for 30-50 people wearing matching shirts and/or hats or for someone yelling while holding an umbrella or flag in the air. That's your tour guide!

Photo courtesy of Conor O'Brien

Want to know why this building (which looks exactly like every other building) is so special? Luckily, there are descriptions outside each one (courtesy of American Express - obviously?).

Assuming you can push enough people out of the way, you might be able to read it.

If you have any energy left, be sure to accept an invitation from one of the pleasant, English speaking "students" who want to show you their artwork. Follow them to the "gallery" and have your pick of anything you'd like to buy. All authentic paintings by "students" - so authentic you'll see them in shops all over the city.

That should be enough to leave you feeling like an accosted, pushed, hassled, scammed, claustrophobic mess.

Photo courtesy of Conor O'Brien

Man-o-man, this is real Beijing!

And just think, you get to have this exact same experience at every other tourist attraction in the city! Happy Travels!

10 Reasons You Should Travel the Trans-Siberian Railroad

2011-10-24T09:13:00.000-04:00

1. Get Cultured - Take in a ballet at the Bolshoi in Moscow, a throat singing performance in Mongolia or a Chinese opera. A little too classy for ya? Then sing along to accordion music in a Russian pub, try a hit of snuff with your hosts in the Gobi Desert or show off your dancing skills on a Saturday morning in a Beijing park.

2. Challenge Yourself - Throw yourself into an environment where you don't know the language, can't read street signs or a menu and have to navigate through two continents. Sink or swim little fish.

3. Personal Growth - Cheese-ball I know, but see #2. If you can overcome the challenges of this trip, there's no way you'll go home without having gleaned some wisdom about yourself.

4. Become a Vodka Shot Pro - You will take many, many shots and you will develop mad skills.

5. Embrace Mother Russia - You might have learned about Russian history at some point in school, but (if you're like me) you really didn't learn jack. Russia gets a bad rap, but this journey will be a first-hand re-education about a nation whose actions helped shape the world we live in today. Plus, you'll get chills just from standing in Red Square.

6. Try New Cuisine - Ever wondered what mutton tastes like? Craved a feast of traditional Peking duck with plum sauce? Wanted to try a Cowberry smoothy? (Ever even heard of Cowberries before?) Expand your mind and your palate.

7. Make Kick-Ass Friends - When you're on a train for days on end, confined to your sleeping car and the dining car, you will make fast friends. Russians who want practice their english and share their culture (#4 like whoa) and travelers from all over the world who you can commiserate with about how loudly your cabin-mate snores.

8. Enjoy a Slice of Humble Pie - Not everyone has the luxury of gallivanting around the world and traveling. Just the same, not everyone has the luxury of running water or electricity or even their own freedom. Witnessing this first-hand is an education for sure.

9. Find Inner Peace - Or something like that. Ever have that feeling like you're just a small fish in a big pond? See how you feel when that pond is the expanses of the Gobi Desert. Try a minimalist lifestyle, chant with monks, embrace isolation. Namaste.

10. Try a New Mode of Transportation - Train, bus, hydrofoil, cab, alpine roller coaster, bike, personal driver, ferry, minivan, shuttle, horse, ski lift, camel, tram, subway, rickshaw. Take your pick.

*BONUS - it will be the journey of a lifetime. And that's reason enough!

Photo Friday: Olympic Park, Beijing

2011-10-21T09:16:00.000-04:00

The Olympic Park of 2008 that we all watched ~~feverishly~~ obsessively on TV from a distance, was all drama, flare and extravagance. Do you remember the Opening Ceremonies!?!

via bbc.co.uk

So when I ventured out to the Park (via the new subway line that was built specifically for the games) I expected to be dazzled.

While the structures were just as towering and spectacular as I had imagined, I was underwhelmed.

The space felt empty, dead, abandoned. And it was for the most part. There weren't even the throngs of people that I had come to expect at every tourist attraction in the city.

It seemed like an utter waste. I mean how much money did China invest in building this place?? Four billion? And now it just sits there; a empty space of concrete and steel.

I couldn't help but feel the lunacy of it. In a nation where millions of people have been displaced by natural disasters and killed by pollution and hundreds of millions more live in poverty, the powers that be chose to throw money at an event to ~~show~~ prove their power and importance.

And now that the show's over, the problems are still there and the glorious global stage is a metaphorical vacant parking lot.

It is however, a prime spot for kite vendors. So hey, that's job creation right?

For more Photo Friday goodness, head to Delicious Baby!

When Your Travel Dreams Come Crashing Down

2011-10-19T09:02:00.000-04:00

Every trip is different. But any given destination remains the same for everyone. Every tourist visiting Rome sees the coliseum; every visitor to Paris, the Eiffel Tower.

So is there really such a thing as a truly unique, original, one-of-a-kind trip?

I thought there was. Part of my desire to travel the Trans-Siberian Railroad was that it very distinctly was NOT Rome or Paris. It was a route less traveled - a destination that still felt raw and unspoiled by tourism. Hell, I didn't even know of anyone else who had ever done it before.

The first day on the train provided an enthralling, off-to-the-unknown sort-of a feeling. Like central Russia was some kind of uncharted territory. And it was, for me.

But the more people I met, the more travelers I talked to, the more I realized that we were all doing the exact same thing. My "unique" trip was just one of many. Everyone spent a few days in Moscow and saw Red Square, the Kremlin and St. Basil's. Everyone stopped in Irkutsk and made the pilgrimage to Olkhon Island and stayed in the exact same hostel. Everyone did a multi-day caravan in the Gobi Desert.

What's more? Every single person I met personally knew someone else who had completed the journey before. By the time the train rolled into Beijing, it felt as though there were few people who hadn't done the Trans-Siberian.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. So much for having a wholly original travel idea! Does such a thing even exist anymore? Are there places that haven't been passed though by thousands of travelers already? Places that Lonely Planet hasn't boiled down to a basic city map and accommodation suggestions?

I felt deflated, crestfallen. I was still enamored with the trip and the experience, but somehow it had lost a bit of its shine.

Its not lost on me that the Trans-Siberian is still (comparatively) an exotic and lesser explored destination. And that I went about it in a different way than most travelers; others typically made four stops along the way, Moscow, Irkutsk, Ulaan Baator, and Beijing. I opted to make 11.

In this way, I did have a trip uniquely mine and saw more of the country than those who stayed on the train for days on end. (I probably saw more of the country than most Russians have!)

Not to say that making more stops made the trip any better or worse than staying on-board. In fact, several travelers I encountered were confused about why I would disembark so frequently; "The point is to ride the rails, start to finish. That's the point of the Trans-Siberian," they would say.

Same trip, different priorities and expectations. And I guess that's the real point. We might travel to a place that has been visited hundreds of thousands of times before, but our personal expectations and experiences with that place are what makes it unique - not the place itself.

Now, I look back on the trip with the same enthusiasm I had when I began - although it might not be anything new to the world of travel, it was brand spankin' new to me!

Photo courtesy of Conor O'Brien

27 for 27

2011-10-17T09:16:00.000-04:00

Every year for my Birthday I make a To Do List for the next year. I'm hopefully optimistic that I can complete these 27 things in the next 355 days. (Here are the lists from 25 and 26 if you're curious)

1. Finish Anna Karenina
2. Get to Canada (finally!)
3. Host Couch Surfers
4. Spent time with my Goddaughter
5. Complete a marathon
6. Go to a Washington Capitals game
7. Tour the White House
8. Join a sports team
9. Travel with a friend
10. Upgrade my photog equipment
11. Learn to use said photog equipment
12. Sleep under the stars
13. Try being gluten free for a month
14. Max out my IRA
15. Enter Dixon in a dog competition
16. Fly a plane
17. Make a pilgrimage to Tahoe
18. See a show at the Kennedy Center
19. Project365 - photo a day
20. See NYC at Christmas time
21. Sea kayak
22. Try acupuncture (i.e. get over my fear of needles)
23. Sit in on a session of the Supreme Court
24. Become more tolerant of country music
25. Watch Gone with the Wind
26. Go rock climbing
27. Smash a plate against the wall

27 is gonna be a good year...game on!

26 for 26: The Results

2011-10-11T22:00:00.000-04:00

Each year I make a list of things to accomplish before my next birthday.
These are the results from last 365 days:

1. ~~Contribute to a publication~~ - Maybe not an actual publication, but I did become a recurring character on a webcast radio show. I am the voice of Patty Patute, Radio Zarape News Correspondent.

2. ~~Move to a new city~~ - In February I loaded a van in California, drove across the country and moved to DC!

3. ~~Do something outrageous for someone I love~~ - In April one of my best friends ran the Boston Marathon (she's a rockstar!) and there was no way I was going to miss flying up and cheering her on!

4. ~~Fly a kite in Central Park~~ - March 2011...it wasn't pretty, but I tried.

5. Sea kayak - Fail. But, I will next month in Puerto Rico. And I did kayak on the Potomac River.

6. Run a marathon - Also fail. However, I'm slated to run the CIM in early December.

7. ~~Visit a few new countries~~ - Russia, Mongolia, China, South Korea and Japan! Yee! Plus six new states (Oklahoma, Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois & Wisconsin)

8. ~~Start a snowball fight~~ - There was some snow thrown right around Amarillo, TX on the journey east.

9. ~~Give Guiness another shot~~ - It happened, but its still not my fav. I am a disappointment to my Irish ancestors.

10. Catch a UO football game live - Gah! I wish! However, there is a strong Duck contingent in DC and our bar has been affectionately dubbed, Autzen East.

11. Read Anna Karenina - I've joined two book clubs since moving to DC, so I read quite a bit. As for Anna...I started it. But let's be honest here, Tolstoy was a wordy SOB and this thing is gonna take awhile. Maybe by next birthday...

12. ~~Yoga 55 times~~ - 55 exactly.

13.Set up an Etsy page for my sister's photography - Massive failure on my part.

14. ~~Ride a camel~~ - Back at the end of October, I did it! And in the Gobi Desert no less!

15. ~~Bake homemade bread~~ - Swedish rye bread (inspired by a visit to the Swedish embassy here in DC)

16. ~~Max out my IRA~~ - On course for the year

17. ~~Stand on the Great Wall of China~~ - Last November and it was AMAZING!

18. Help fund 10 new Kiva projects - Nearly; nine new projects funded in places like Tajikistan, Paraguay and Rwanda. Love Kiva.

19. ~~Get a massage~~ - Got a lovely massage in Beijing from a tiny woman who shockingly, was stronger than Randy Savage.

20. ~~Volunteer~~ - I joined the Social Media Club of DC over the summer and now I'm a volunteer on Event Planning team. The group puts on killer panel discussions, happy hours and networking events for social media folks in the city. #wicked

21. Make a veggie burger from scratch - No dice. The only excuse for this is pure laziness.

22. Try to paint something pretty - A lack of paint, brushes and canvas is to blame for this one. I did, however have some photos printed on canvas to decorate my apartment (1/2 credit?)

23. Visit the fam in Australia - Sorry fam. :(

24. Take a sailing lesson - Does a fly fishing lesson count??? Both activities involve bodies of water? Okay, that's a stretch. No credit.

25. ~~Spend a day at the Met~~ - Not a whole day, but a glorious afternoon.

26. ~~Pick a random city in the US & spend the weekend there~~ - Ocean City, Maryland. Oh, yeah. Its like the Jersey Shore with (maybe) fewer STDs.

Official Results...16.5 of 26 completed. Not too Bad, but I can do better this year!

Photo Friday: Tiananmen Square

2011-09-30T16:02:00.000-04:00

As the world's largest public square (and a major item on my Life List), we made a b-line to Tiananmen Square as soon as the sun was up on our first full day in Beijing.

The imposing Zhengyang Gate

Chairman Mao's Mausoleum

Monument to the People's Hero

Great Hall of People

Everything about the space was larger than life; the buildings, the monuments, the expansive area.

And the largest projections TV screens I've ever seen in person.

Not surprisingly there were hoards of people everywhere.

Most were tourists, but there were also scores of "photographers" (I use that word veeery lightly) mulling around, demanding to know if we too would like a photo taken. Um, no.

We were perfectly capable of taking our own photos.

Kelly, Conor, Lara, Denis

Brother and sister

What was far more interesting (and goose-bump inducing), in my opinion, were the cameras not in the hands of the "photographers."

That's right, every single light-pole was monitoring our every movement. [We later found out that many "tourists" in and around the Square at any given time were actually plain-clothed government agents.] Talk about feeling watched.

Tiananmen Gate/entrance to the Forbidden City

Naturally, we took it very seriously.

T Square at night

*For more Photo Friday, roll over to Delicious Baby!

Adios Trans-Siberian Railroad!

2011-09-26T21:48:00.000-04:00

After over a month of traveling through Estonia, Finland, Russia and Mongolia, we rolled into Beijing and officially concluded the Trans-Siberian Railroad. A bittersweet moment for sure (it was the conclusion of my DREAM trip after all), but I was eager to explore China!

I'd love to say that I was enamored with Beijing from the moment I stepped off the train, but alas, that was not the case.

First glimpse of the city

Certainly, I expected a lot of pollution (as Beijing is home to almost 5 million cars) and after years of frequenting L.A. I thought I was prepared. But I was shocked. The air was literally thick with pollution and it was only a matter of days before I developed a minor cough.

Right off the bat, Conor and I wanted to book our train tickets to Shanghai in a few days; a task that was much easier said than done. It took nearly an hour of running back and forth all over the station for one customer service desk to another, before we finally located the right window.

Duh. Gotta love Chinglish

Its no secret that cabbies all over the world can be sleazy, money grubbers, particularly when its clear you are a foreigner. But never in my life have I experienced such egregious dishonesty - and from an official taxi stand no less. We were charged 8x what the fare actually should have been! Outrage doesn't even begin to describe the feeling.

Fuming, we dropped our bags at the hostel and eased our anger with a walk to the south end of Tiananmen Square.

Further consolation was found in the form of curbside veggie dumplings that were so good we nearly forgot about being taken advantage of. (Nearly...)

As I crawled into bed that night (a real bed; a major upgrade from the third class bunk on the 30 hour train ride from Ulaan Baator I had been working with previously) I couldn't help but smile. I had completed the Trans-Siberian railroad - a life goal, achieved. And, there was so much more travel ahead!

Photo Friday: Border Crossing into China

2011-09-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

Every border in the world has its own style, vibe and quirks. Some are painless and the authorities greet you with such apathy that you question whether or not they've processed your paperwork at all. Others seem to be in sadistic competition for "World's Most Tedious/Annoying/Confusing/Sketchy/Slow Border Crossing."

Considering that China requires entry Visas, I guessed that the border experience would lean towards the latter.

After hours barreling through the empty expenses of the Mongolian countryside we made it the border. It was nearly 11pm when the Mongolian officials boarded the train, collected our passports and disappeared. (Sidenote: I hate when border agents take my passport out of view - turns my stomach in knots!)

When they finally nonchalantly reappeared, over an hour had passed. After they disembarked, the train lunged forward a bit more, stopped and then took a sharp left turn into a warehouse. What the?

The doors at each end of the car were locked. Curious, we looked out the window and saw several men meandering around in hardhats. Then, the entire train jolted up. As in, into the air. On a giant jack.

What was happening? Well, as it were, China (in its decades-long quest to safeguard itself from outsiders) decided to buck trend and create its own rail system with tracks of a different width than any other country in the world.

Basically, they made it impossible for foreign train to just roll into the country. We were jacked up in the air, so that the meandering workers could swap out the existing train rails in favor of the noticeably narrower Chinese ones.

Photo courtesy of Conor O'Brien

The process can take anywhere from three to eight hours. And, in the mean-time all passengers are sequestered on the train and bathrooms are off limits.

Photo courtesy of Conor O'Brien

Rails switched (only three hours later), we were lowered to the ground and met by a string of border officials. They collected, processed, returned, and rechecked our passports and customs forms before searching our bags. The process felt more like an interrogation than any other border I'd been through especially given the late hour.

It happened to be Halloween night, but in hindsight I'm glad we hadn't celebrated with costumes and libations - I don't think they would have gotten it and it would have drawn a lot of attention.

After over five hours, we got moving again, bound for Beijing. Verdict: the Mongolia - China crossing wasn't the worst, but certainly raked up points in the categories of confusion and slowness.

For more Photo Friday glory, hop over to Delicious Baby!

Into The Orient

2011-09-14T20:00:00.000-04:00

When I was little I adored going to my Grandmother's house (still do!). She had collections of every sort and had all manner of family heirlooms and memorabilia. There was always so much to look at and explore.

The lovely Grandmother

My Great Grandparents traveled to Asia in the 1970's and brought back clothes, camera equipment and several brilliant hand fans. But never in my childhood was the destination referred to as Asia; it was always The Orient. I loved that name - how grand and mysterious it sounded!

Great Grandparents (in 1982)

I used to sneak into the front room of my Grandmother's house, pull open the middle drawer of the nightstand, gather up its contents and spread them out on the bed. That drawer housed collections of beaded purses, spectacles and the Oriental fans.

Though the fans were numerous, I always selected my favorite to carefully open and examine. I loved every detail of it; the delicate script, the gracefully blue and green outlines of mountains and storks and fishermen.

Then I would silently sachet around the room - beaded purse resting in one hand, Oriental fan fluttering in the other - before stuffing everything back into the drawer (technically speaking I wasn't supposed to play with the collectables).

Childhood me (tragic)

As I boarded an intricately decorated Mongolian train, that would take me on a 30-hour journey from Ulaan Baator to Beijing, I found it difficult to contain my excitement. I was about to enter The Orient for the first time!

An Afternoon at the Pentagon Memorial

2011-09-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

The day before the 9/11 tenth anniversary I walked over the Potomac River on the 14th Street Bridge to the Pentagon.

I was surprised to find the bridge lined with American flags, each labeled with the name of one of the 184 victims at the Pentagon.

While preparations for the Anniversary were well underway, the Memorial was still open to the public.

Just beyond the Memorial's entrance is a line marking the direct flight path that American flight 77 took into the building.

In the Memorial park, each victim is remembered by an engraved granite and steel bench that hovers over a pool of water.

Benches facing the Pentagon indicate that the victim was one of the 59 passengers on American flight 77, while the remaining 125 benches facing away from the building indicate victims killed inside the Pentagon.

Each row of benches coordinates to the victims' year of birth as does the bench position in the park.

Many benches were decorated with flowers, notes and personal items.

An unexpected feature of the park was a free audio tour available by calling a local number (202-741-1004 if you're interested in listening) that explained the park layout and events of day, interspersed with interviews of survivors.

On the morning of 9/11/2001, I was a junior in high school in Sacramento, California. While the gravity of that day was apparent, being on the opposite coast provided a certain amount of detachment.

In DC yesterday, it seemed that everyone in the city was reliving their first-hand experiences from that morning. Recalling evacuations, panic, relief efforts, school closures and effected friends and family.

Via cnn.com

Photo Friday: Mongolian Cuisine

2011-09-02T14:00:00.000-04:00

Oodles of noodles, mutton, pickled veggies, current jam, dry biscuits, hot dog doughnuts, fried eggs, rice, soup, Mac Cereal, sweet bread and Mongolian BBQ. Wash down with current tea or milk tea and repeat.

*More Photo Friday glory at Delicious Baby!

Tips & Tricks for Gobi Living

2011-08-31T16:30:00.000-04:00

Don't leave water bottles in the van overnight! They will turn into blocks of ice and be completely useless.

Bring a metal water bottle - At night, fill that sucker up, place it on the hearth until hot, then stuff it in a spare sock and throw it into the bottom of your sleeping bag. Ta-da, instant foot warmer (at least for the first hour or two anyways).

Pack candles & lighters/matches & flashlights - These probably won't be provided and you'll be in utter darkness in the evenings without them.

Don't freak out if you hear sounds in the night - Its probably just the sheep.

Photo courtesy of Conor O'Brien

Be proactive and collect firewood - Preferably before it gets dark, so you can keep the hearth burning as long as possible.

Create space - Sleeping in close quarters can make getting dressed a challenge. Sure, you can ask people to stand outside while you change, but sometimes the extreme weather makes that cruel and unusual punishment. Instead, hang a blanket or sleeping bag from the Ger rafters and make a private dressing room.

Bring paper and pens - Group games help to pass the time.

Learn to love milk tea - You will be drinking a lot of it!

Thinking of the Outer Banks, NC

2011-08-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

In light of Hurricane Irene battering the Eastern seaboard over the weekend, I was reminded of a recent trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Irene slams a pier of the Outer Banks, NC via TIME

The same pier in calm water in May 2011

Visiting the Outer Banks during the off season, I found the coastal community to be rather charming.

Sure, like most popular beach communities, the main thoroughfare was lined with souvenir shops and kitschy restaurants, but the general lack of people made those things irrelevant.

I also saw something I had never seen anywhere else in the United States...a drive through liquor store! Whaaat? Part of me was infatuated with the concept while another part wondered what the island's drunk driving rate was.

The beach was nearly deserted during my stay, which made for relaxing evening walks and morning runs.

The pier in the distance

Evening fishing

Seeing the shoreline so empty, I could only imagine how chaotic the summer high-season must be.

*Although there was much hype and anticipation regarding Irene in the DC area, the storm passed without leaving much damage. I never lost power and aside from some high winds, constant rain and downed tree limbs, Irene seemed to pass like any other storm. Best wishes to everyone who was effected by Irene.

Photo Friday: Mongolian Horhag Feast

2011-08-26T15:00:00.000-04:00

The last day of our caravan was spent alomst entirely in the van. By the time we reached our camp for the evening, the sun was already low in the sky and we felt like caged animals. A hike was absolutely vital!

Up into the hills we went. The hike was nearly silent, save for our huffing and puffing, as we focused on streching our legs.

Donning our Gobi's warmest, by the time we crested the hill we were dripping sweat and our legs ached.

Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Simone Winston-Silk

But the view quickly took hold of our attention.

It was a sea of golden brown laced through by a glistening river and there wasn't another sole or Ger in sight.

We'd gotten used to the isolation of the Gobi, but rarely had we seen the desolate landscape from above.

Back down at camp, we played with the resident dogs and goat before dinner.

And dinner that night was a feast! Our hosts prepared a traditional Mongolian Horhag BBQ for us. We were excited, but couldn't help but wonder, "What the hell is Horhag!?!"

Turns out, its mutton (more mutton? really?). But, its prepared on the hearth by layering meat on the bone, red-hot stones and vegetables (yay veggies!)

I'll admit I was a bit crestfallen (aside from the veggies). We'd had mutton for lunch and dinner for the past week straight and simply looking at the slabs of meat made my stomach turn (mind you, I put vegetarianism on hold for this trip).

But a girl's gotta eat, so I had a few bites. And immediiatly felt ill. I had reached my meat threshhold.

Our driver Jackie showed the boys how Men properly eat the meat clean from the bone. For a little man, he packed away an impressive amount of mutton!

Although the guys did their best, they were put shame by the petite Mongolian.

By the time we rolled into bed, everyone was stuffed silly, tired and so ready to get back to Ulaan Baator the next afternoon for a shower!

*Want more Photo Friday? Its at Delicious Baby!

Phallic Symbols and Monks

2011-08-24T07:30:00.000-04:00

*This post is brought to you straight from my trusty 'ol Netbook. I've been having some major computer issues with not only my iMac, but my MacBook as well (wtf Apple?). I forgot how cumbersome posting from the Netwbook was - apologies if there are any formatting errors. The last time I used this puppy, I was stranded at Narita Airport in Tokyo, trying to fly home to California. For the nostalgia, I am grateful. For being relegated to the Netbook due to a massive Apple Fail, I am not.

Onward...

From the peacefully calm Erdene Zuu Monastery, we made a quick trip into the nearby foothills. We had been told that we would be visiting a sacred place, renowned for its positive effect on fertility.

We expected a quite, spiritual place tucked behind one of the golden hills. What we saw, was a giant phallic statue. "Yes, it is, big penis statue. For the monks," our guide Deegii informed us with a giddy smile on her face. Hu?

Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Simone Winston-Silk

Apparently, the original statue (which is still standing, but is much more modest) was placed on the rolling hillside (said to resemble female genitalia) to remind the monks of Erdene Zuu to remain celibate.

What started as a less than conspicuous warning to the monks, morphed over the years to become a bastion for fertility. Ten years ago, the larger statue was constructed - "they need greater reminder these days."

Today, Mongolians from all over the country, travel to the statue to increase fertility. Women, desiring to become pregnant, sit upon the old statue and pray before tying a blue prayer flag to a nearby Ovoo. Men, seeking to boost fertility, place their hands on the new statue while chanting quietly.

Though we were somewhat shell-shocked and confused by such an overt symbol of sexuality in what we had to come to find a very modest nation, it was clear that the intention was honest and good natured.

Although, we wondered if the statue really needed to be so blatant - it didn't leave much to the imagination.

Photo Friday: Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia

2011-08-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Located on the outskirts of Kharhorin, Mongolia, Erdene Zuu was once the center of Buddhism in Mongolia; from 1596-the early 1940's the Monastery housed the highest ranking monks and supported the religion throughout the country.

When the Communist Persecution swept Mongolia in the 1940's, Erdene Zuu was left in ruins as monks fled for their lives and nearly all the temples were destroyed. The reconstruction and restoration efforts are still underway.

Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Simone Winston-Silk

Today, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Monastery is regaining some of its former glory.

The main Tsogchin Temple and the Western Praying Temple showcase salvaged artifacts from before the Persecution as well as new relics. The juxtaposition is meant to symbolize that a bright future is possible from a dark past.

The temples are colorful and intricately decorated. Visually, its nearly overwhelming compared to the surrounding barren landscape.

Photo courtesy of Conor O'Brien

More than anything, Erdene Zuu stands as a testament to the resilience of the Mongolian people.

*For more fab Photo Friday, head to Delicious Baby!

Traditional Mongolian Music 101

2011-08-17T11:00:00.000-04:00

Everything you never knew you wanted to know about traditional Mongolian music.

Wooden Flute (tsuur)
Made from hollowed-out and sanded tree branches, the sound of the flute is meant to mimic the tones of waterfalls.

Horse-Head Fiddle (morin khuur)
Used in nearly every type of traditional performance, the horse-head fiddle resides at the core of Mongolia's culture and national identity. Each fiddle has two braided strings made from hundreds of strands of horse tail hair; one represents male energy and the other female. Its considered a symbol of Mongolia.

Lap Harp (yatga)
The harp was an instrument traditionally tied to status and was only played in monasteries. Its 12 strings represent the orders within monasterial hierarchy.

Throat Singing (khoomkij)

The sound emitted in throat singing is actually made by producing two tones at once. Only one performer sing at a time, but their voice is often accompanied by an instrument. Throat singing was an essential tool in preserving oral histories, as the songs and poems depicted not only daily life and nature, but great warriors and battles as well.

While Americans have the saying, "hands are the best tools," Mongolians have the saying, "throats are the best instruments."

_________

During an overnight stay near the Kharhorin Monastery, we were treated to a performance by the adorable Shuieen Aylguu. (Seriously, look at him!)

He had perfected his craft over decades and made a living performing and selling his music. And you know we came home with one his CDs (autographed no less!)

While the tones produced by each instrument differed greatly, there was one massive similarity - they were all hypnotic and relaxing.

We sat transfixed by the music, that is, almost transfixed. We were joined by an older solo-traveler (maybe mid-60's) who clearly was not too big on personal hygiene. Let's just say his presence was a slight olfactory distraction.

However, it wasn't difficult to gather that the music was a direct reflection of Mongolian life; everything was in harmony, calm, slow and melodic.

Certainly, throat singing is a acquired taste, but knowing the skill and control needed to produce the bi-tonal melodies commanded our attention and respect.

*Some photos contributed by Conor O'Brien

Photo Friday: My Horse is an Ass!

2011-08-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

Once we arrived at our Ger, we had to wait about an hour for our host family to return from getting supplies.

After brief introductions, we were whisked outside and thrown onto horses; sundown was approaching and our hosts wanted us to get a ride in before it got too dark.

I'm not sure I'd call Mongolian horses real horses. They were very short and stout and would fall more into the Pony Category in my opinion. These horses though, had incredibly long tails that brushed the ground behind their rear hooves (I'd never seen tails so long!).

We received fair warning from our guide Deegii - these weren't your typical riding/show horses! They weren't domesticated in the least and as such could be very unpredictable and dangerous.

Some members of the group had never ridden a horse before and needed a crash course in How-not-to-get-Bitten-Kicked-Bucked-off-or-Trampled-to-Death. It was a very uplifting and reassuring course for the newbies.

Murtaza was placed atop a black horse that Deegii described as, "crazy and wild and fast." An interesting choice considering Murtaza had never ridden before.

Of the group, Lara and I were the only ones with extensive riding experience and everyone else seemed quite nervous to be riding wild horses. Frankly, I was nervous too, as it had been year since I took lessons.

I quickly fell back into the swing of things, although I felt like a giant on that tiny horse!

In my head, the horse was named Apricot because he's an orangey color - very original, I know. We got along swimmingly at first, but Apricot turned out to be a complete ass-hole.

He kept trying to bite and start fights with the other horses. This dude could have been a cast-member on the Jersey Shore given his antics!

Lara's horse suffered the brunt of Apricots wrath. We physically had to keep them separated so they wouldn't bite and buck.

"Go" in Mongolian is "Cohcox!" (pronounced ch-ook!) and we yelled it in the deepest most assertive voices we could we could muster.

Lara and I attempted to get a gallop going, but the horses either didn't have that much pick-up due to their midget status, or (more likely) they were just stubborn little punks.

Riding was a blast although, again, it was freezing. We kept switching the reigns from hand to hand - left hand held on, while the right got some relief in a coat pocket and vice versa.

After that evening ride (and following the camel riding debacle) I determined that my lovely gloves, purchased in Novosibirsk, Russia, were completely useless. You'd think that Russia (of all places) would have the whole "making gloves" thing down. Apparently not.

Not cool Glove Lady!

*Dig Photo Friday? Get some more at Delicious Baby!

**Some Photos contributed by Conor O'Brien and Jacqueline Simone Winston-Silk

Frozen Waterfall You Say?

2011-08-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

Back in Ulaan Baatar, our guide Deegii promised that during our caravan we'd get a glimpse of a "Frozen Waterfall." Sounded great, but following our experiences with other areas possessing lofty titles, (i.e "The Place with Trees," that turned out to be low-lying shrubs) we weren't sure what to expect.

Unloading from the van, we saw an icy stream in the midst of an otherwise flat area; nothing resembling a waterfall in sight.

Our doubts mounted, but Deegii assured us that there was a waterfall just a short walk down the stream.

And man, she wasn't kidding. The flatland and stream suddenly gave-way to a gapping hole in the Earth.

And there before us was the waterfall, frozen as promised. It was massive and went far beyond what any of us had imagined to be possible.

Look at those little people on the ridge for perspective!

The Gobi is a desert, right?

The chicas - Deegii, Lara, myself and Jacqueline

The waterfall was truly frozen solid - something I've never seen before! It was a stunning sight of ice and rock.

We took turns hurling ~~rocks~~ boulders over the side of the 25 meter cliff, thinking that we might break the ice below.

No dice - those boulders did nothing but bounce on the surface without even leaving dents.

Gawking at the waterfall, we were shocked to turn around and see our Ger for the evening off in the distance.

Fifteen minutes of walking through the golden countryside - past yaks and horses - and we found all of our gear already unloaded from the van and deposited in our Ger.

Yaks!

We settled in, looked out our front door and got a view of what our evening had in store...

Mutes and Mare's Milk

2011-08-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

Following a night of lodging, in an actual town and not in a wayward Ger hundreds of kilometers from anything else, we decided to stock up on supplies before leaving civilization again.

We hit up a pharmacy (there were some tummy/digestive issues within the group that needed to be addressed), a grocery store and an outdoor market.

The market had everything; rolls of linoleum flooring, spare motorbike parts, clothes, toys. It also had an open-air pool hall where we watched children and men battle each other to clear the tables.

I was meandering the stalls when I noticed an old man approaching my brother, Conor. Suddenly, the man was running his hands over Conor's chest, back, arms and hands. Was inspecting his neck, ears and mouth; all without saying a word.

I was transfixed and highly entertained at Conor's clear confusion and (polite) discomfort.

Turns out our new friend was a mute medicine man, who routinely examines foreigners for health ailments and then, naturally, expects to be paid for it.

Our guide Deegii came by during the examination and burst out laughing, "You must pay him now. Never let him touch you!" Like a good unknowing foreigner, Conor handed over a few tögrög and we all had a good laugh.

As a reward?/further punishment?/continued cultural immersion? Deegii took us to a vendor selling Airag. A traditional and popular alcoholic beverage, Airag is fermented mares milk.

Personally, I'd read about the libation before getting to Mongolia and was stoked to be able to try it. The others were not so enthusiastic. Especially when they saw how it was served...from large, uncovered, unrefrigerated, plastic vats and then poured into a semi-clean metal bowl.

Obviously the sanitation was questionable at best, but sometimes you just have to look the other way (when in Rome). The Airag didn't smell awful per say, but it didn't smell particularly appetizing either.

The taste? Very yeasty. And foamy - almost thick. It didn't taste anything like milk.

Everyone gave it a try, though tolerances for the drink varied widely. I didn't think it was horrible, but I'm not sure I could have downed a whole bowl by myself.

After this very enlightening market visit, it was back into the van and back out into the open steppe.

Power to the Solio

2011-08-07T11:00:00.000-04:00

***Sponsored Post***

As mentioned, electricity was a rare thing during my time in Gobi Dessert. With countless hours spent driving in remote areas, listening to music helped pass the time. But what happened when the iPod battery died?

In came a lovely little device called a Solio. Basically, its a solar charged external battery that can give new life to a wide array of electronic devices like phones and, you guessed it, iPods.

There are several styles/models - some come with suction cups to adhere to windows and others have carabiniere hooks to attach to the outside of a backpack or purse (talk about clever!).

The gracious folks over at Solio hooked me and my brother up with not one, not two, but three different models (each!) to test out and photograph as we traveled the Trans-Siberian Railroad. Here's my take...

Pros:
- Compact, light-weight and portable
- Very durable (I wasn't exactly delicate with them - they all met the ground rather abruptly a time or two and yet continued to function like champs).
- I had no prior experience with solar or external battery anything, but I figured them out (re: user friendly).
- By clicking a button, you can see (in illuminated lights) how much charge the Solio has left.
- Obviously it charges via the sun, but it can also be charged by electrical outlet.
- Its ideal for long stretched sans electricity or if you happen forget the proper adaptor (yeah that happened).
- The variety of styles allows you to pick the best option for your needs.

Cons:
- Almost the entire panel has to be in sunlight for it to charge; you really have to watch out for moving shadows.
- It doesn't have an adaptor to charge, say, a camera battery and it isn't powerful enough to support a laptop.
- If you're in transit, it can be tricky to find a constant source of sunlight.
- Through a window, the charging process slows down considerably.

Overall thoughts:
I would recommend Solio to anyone wanting to charge a phone or iPod - it really is a beautiful thing to have a brand new charge no matter where you are! However, if you're headed somewhere that doesn't get a lot of sunlight, this might not be the best product (unless you plan to charge it in an outlet).

As technology continues to improve, I have no doubt that devices like these will only get better and more efficient.

And, I will say that my brother and I used the Solios throughout our trip...from Moscow to Beijing to Seoul to Tokyo, we came to rely on them for the (slightly ridiculous) amount of electronic equipment between the two of us. I now habitually take them with me on all of my trips!

*Product photos taken by Conor O'Brien*
**Disclosure: Solio provided products for testing and sponsored this post. However, all the opinions are my own.**

Photo Friday: Camels & the Khongor Sand Dunes

2011-08-05T14:00:00.000-04:00

Riding a camel had long been on my Life List, so when we reached the famed Khongor Sand Dunes in southern Mongolia and discovered that we would get ride camels to and on the Dunes, I was elated.

The Dunes themselves were a sight to behold as we drive through the tundra. At over 300 feet tall, we spotted them from miles and miles away.

Even further beyond the Dunes, we could also see the Altai Mountains. The juxtaposition of gray, sky-high mountains, tan sand dunes and brown flatlands was unreal. As Laura described it, "It looks like someone seriously fucked up a movie set! Its like Sahara meets Into Thin Air."

Regardless, the contrast was stunning.

Unfortunately, the next morning, when we saddled up and rode to the Dunes, was the coldest morning of the entire trip.

A violent and relentless wind thrashed over the steppe and our position, perched atop camels, did anything but offer shelter. The first five minutes were tolerable.

What started for me as a morning of excitement, getting to do something for the first time, quickly turned into a war with my will-power to not cry.

I'd long thought that I suffered from poor circulation as my hands and feet can get abnormally cold at the drop of a hat. Today was a blaring reminder.

As the wind stung our faces and threatened to unseat us from our camels, all I could do was look down at my hands and feet.

Look down to make sure that my feet were still in the stirrups and that my hands were, in fact, still holding the reigns. I couldn't feel them, so I needed visual confirmation.

Taking photos (which I do compulsively) was torture. The simple act of holding and steadying the camera and depressing the shuttle became a laborious and agonizing struggle.

After what seemed like excruciating hours walking through the brush and over frozen streams, we finally reached the base of the Dunes. (In reality it took about 25 minutes.)

I wish I had been able to enjoy it more.

Had be able to suppress my discomfort and run and down the Dunes. But, I couldn't. I unsteadily walked a few feet from the seated camels and turned my head away from the wind as best I could.

When we finally re-mounted the camels, I wanted mine to run back to camp as fast as physically possible. However, camels are stubborn beasts and mine preferred to amble at the back of the pack and stop to eat the brush at his discretion. Not being able to exert any force on the reigns, I was at his mercy.

I was little help later when everyone loaded up the van to leave the Ger. Graciously, I was given the "hot seat" in the van - the one seat that felt the heat first and got the warmest throughout the day.

I think everyone thought I was being a drama queen, until they saw how white my hands were and saw the grimace on my face as they started to warm up. It felt like knives stabbing every square centimeter, over and over and over.

It took almost 2.5 hours of holding my hands in front of the heater for me to regain full dexterity.

That morning is my only regret from the trip. Or maybe its just a good reason to go back someday and enjoy the Dunes properly.

*Some photos contributed by Conor O'Brien and Jacqueline Simone-Winston Silk
**For more Photo Friday, Delicious Baby is the place to be!

Water and Light

2011-08-03T15:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the smallest, most common things - those things we take for granted everyday - can be the most luxurious indulgences when we have to go without. They become special treats to be savored in the moment and cherished in memory.

Such was the case when we stayed in (gasp) a town during our caravan. The town, Arraikheer, might not have had paved roads and we might have still slept in a Ger, but there was electricity and, drumroll please....a shower!

Well, not A shower, but many showers. At a bath-house. That we had the privilege of paying to use. And the icing on that deliciously watery cake? There were hair dryers and flat irons, oh my (for a fee of course)!

I won't even pretend that that wasn't the best tögrög I spent in the Gobi. Not to belabor the point, but the shower was a heavenly experience - I felt like a real girl again!

The only downside was that after I was all sparkly and clean, I had to put on the clothes that I'd worn the day before. You win some, you lose some.

And then there was the electricity. In. Our. Ger! Well I never...

With six travelers (two of them serious photogs) all with cameras and iPods that were either dead or running on their last ounces of juice, being able to recharge was necessary and delightful. Sure we had to create a rotation to make sure that everyone got their fair share of low-voltage power, but what a treat.

Had we been a clever bunch (as electricity was not guaranteed) we would have split up the photo taking duties to ensure that at least one camera was functional the entire trip. However, we were all far too giddy to NOT take photos.

Another bonus of electricity? The single lightbulb in the Ger meant that we could actually see by something stronger than candlelight. Oh, to be able to see what you're attempting to eat or read or write in your journal!

Had there been toilets with plumbing, I might have fainted. As there were not, I was conscious of every moment of the light-filled night.

Yol Valley, Mongolia

2011-08-01T18:00:00.000-04:00

After a morning of gawking at the glowing Flaming Cliffs, countless hours were spent driving to the South Gobi.

The scenery shifted from rugged red rock to golden flatlands to snow-covered tundra.

The Yol Valley (situated at the base of the Altai Mountains) is home to thriving wildlife during the summer months, making it one of the top attractions in the Gobi.

In the winter however, about the wildlife to be seen are condors flying overhead.

Even though the ground was covered in snow, we decided to have a little hike up into the valley.

The stream that runs through the Yol was (mostly) frozen over, creating a crossing hazard that took us some time to navigate. There was a lot of hesitant leaping and delicate tip-toeing involved.

My boots were not exactly the best choice for traipsing around on snow and ice and I found myself laid-out on my back more than a few times.

Compared to hour after hour in our van/home, being out in the fresh air of the valley was divine. And silent. And shocking not as chilly as we had anticipated.

July Travel Inspiration

2011-07-31T11:08:00.000-04:00

Things that made me want to globe-trot this month...

the goods:

AFAR Mag (par usual) - Straw beach tote - Neutragena Ultra Sheer sunblock -

Spotify! - Havaianas - Brita's new filter water bottle - Jack & Ginger dress

the links:
Madagascar has long been on my "To Go" list; here's one reason why.
Captivating Moments - Catching Sunset at Avenue de Baobab, Madagascar
- Wild Junket

July has been en fuego and all I want to do is lay-out on one of these icebergs.
Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage   - Velvet Escape

I'm a sucker for good macro shots and these underwater pics blew my mind!
Dominican Republic: Day 4   - My Beautiful Adventure

This was listed as the Most Beautiful Post for the My 7 Links project. No joke.

Namibia by Dune, Full Moon & Hot Air Balloon - Mira Terra

I got schooled by this post. My childhood education has failed me.
8 Things You Probably Got Wrong About the Great Pyramids in Egypt    - foXnoMad

Everything about this post just feels refreshing.
Photos of Brazil    - Brendan's Adventures

I have not been able to get this shot out of my head. Bliss
Travel Photo - Sunset Over Wadi Rum Desert    - LandLopers

Such a great interpretation of Once-in-a-Lifetime travels, or rather One of Many.
What happens when your once-in-a-lifetime adventure is over?
- The Fearful Adventurer

the quotes:
Travel quotes heard around DC.

"I cannot wait to be in the Pacific Northwest...I'll be able to wear microfleece!"

"I'll be in Istanbul for 10 days next month. Hopefully the cradle of civilization will be cooler than this cauldron of heat."

"We were in Thailand...finally I had to say to that tuk tuk driver, 'boy, you had better let me out this thing or we're gonna have words!'"

"Where were you last birthday?...Oh, Malawi, that's right."

"When I came back from six months of traveling and I had exactly $12.00 in my savings account."

"You have to go to Kenya! A trick we have there...tourists will try to ask for directions using their pocket translators. We just look at them blankly until they finish and then in English say, 'Okay, so go two blocks and then take a right...'"

Photo Friday: Morning at the Flaming Cliffs

2011-07-29T17:00:00.000-04:00

I had always had the notion that the Mongolian tundra was a completely flat expanse. As I quickly found out, the terrain is wildly varied and transitioning from snow-capped mountains to flatlands to sand dunes to cliffs in one day was par for the course.

Aptly named, the red rock Flaming Cliffs (also called Bayanzag) appear to be on fire when the sun hits them just so.

Getting there first thing in the morning gave us the benefit of seeing the area in all its glory.

From the top of the cliffs, we could see for miles and miles in every direction.

And what did we see? Absolutely nothing.

Talk about feeling isolated and cosmically insignificant.

Though the cliffs are gorgeous, they aren't famous solely for their aesthetics; they're the site of many important paleontological discoveries. In the 1920's, dinosaur eggs were unearthed here - the first ones ever found anywhere in the world!

Such discoveries drew scientists from all over the world and unfortunately left the area stripped of most of its pre-hostoric artifacts and fossils (almost all were taken out of Mongolia by foreign researchers). Just yet another example of a country being robbed of its natural resources for the benefit of the first world.

Photo courtesy of Conor O'Brien

*For more lovely Photo Friday, head to Delicious Baby!