March 31, 2005
Hoboken Nights
How does that old Sinatra lyric go?
"The best is yet to come, and won't that be fine
You think you've seen the sun, but you ain't seen it shine."
Yep, I've never been much of a Sinatra fan, but sometimes I just can't get that line out of my head as I'm cruising down Jersey Ave towards the river. And there's that sign, "Welcome to Hoboken, Birthplace of Baseball and Frank Sinatra." Well ain't that America, to quote another erstwhile crooner. 
Sidling down Sinatra Boulevard I can stare across the Hudson at the skyscrapers of Manhattan, their spindly summits seemingly within reach. Eight million people are just a long toss away, but all I can see are a few lumbering barges pulling out of the docks. The river before me, polluted with industrial grime and cement-shoed mob informants, laps peacefully with the breezes.
Walking on Washington Street I pass Benny Tudino's, where I've sat a dozen times before. The man at the counter (perhaps Benny himself) always hands me a slice of pizza that's so big I have to use two hands to hold it up to my mouth, and it still flops in the middle. Then there's Mission Burrito on 4th Street, a seedy looking place but a source of stomach-stretching Mexican fare.
On this night I'm destined for Trattoria Saporito, a little Italian joint on Washington. Photos of Tuscany line the walls and an old Italian ditty blasts from the speakers above. A roundish man with a bushy mustache greets me, gesturing to a table by the window. I hide a smile after recognizing his resemblance to a certain Italian plumber from Nintendo. He pours me a tall glass of mineral water and begins to recite the specials in his slow, Indo-European inflected English. There seem to be more specials than menu items, and I struggle to absorb all of the information. Seafood stuffed salmon and red clam linguini sound tempting, but I settle on the manicotti. It doesn't disappoint.
With the sun setting I stumble out of the restaurant, tipsy from red wine and overeating. The college kids are starting to come out; a few of them play Frisbee on an Astroturf field by the river. Businessmen in tailored suits and well-cropped haircuts are streaming out of the train station after a long day of work in the city. The streets are becoming crowded with the honking horns and near-accidents that signal the start of rush hour. This is by no means a fun place to drive.
I eventually arrive at Sullivan's, where I meet up with few friends. Cigarette smoke hangs heavy in the air, as it does in every other bar in the state. The drinks are cheap and the mood is cheery, but after a few rounds we feel that we must pay our respects to the other establishments on Washington Street. First there's Dippers, an unremarkable place but they've got some hearty ales on tap, so I'm happy. Just down the street is Farside, where darts and Photohunt amuse us for far longer than they should.
Our final stop for the night is Whiskey Bar, one of those old-time country bars ironically located in the heart of a metropolis. We play an embarrassingly bad game of billiards and converse with the friendly patrons around us. A man I don't know slaps me on the back in a display of inebriated comradery, splashing Yuengling Lager all over my hands. Up on the stage a young man wearing a dirty red t-shirt and horn-rimmed glasses wails on a guitar riff while the tattooed vocalist does her best Robert Plant impression.
Finally calling it a night, we make a quick stop at Spa diner for some cheese fries and toasted club sandwiches, greasy but delicious. On the journey home we shiver in the breezes blowing off of the river. Traversing through the sidestreets we attempt to anticipate the oncoming autos that seem to appear out of nowhere with horns blaring and lights flashing, fully realizing that these motorists are not too keen on stopping for pedestrians. Hey, this is Hoboken, only the strong survive.
SoGoNow.com by: on: 10:15 PM | TrackBack
Prague Old World Charm
Prague had long been a vacation destination that I dreamed about. I was thrilled to realize that the reality is even more enchanting than the dream. Our vacation was fun for the entire family. We saw castles, churches, operas, and cemeteries. Now is the time to go before west transforms this medieval city. The prices are still reasonable and the locals are friendly.Prague is a city of artists.
The Charles Bridge is covered with artists selling paintings and other art. Musicians set up in the square and on the bridge and perform many types of music from opera to jazz. We went to Prague and as a family of three ate every night for about $20.00. The food was great. My husband scoped out the Budvar Beer Hall and led me and my son to a large wooden table. We had the traditional Czech meal of goulash, my son had a great chicken noodle soup, both were delicious and the beer was as good as advertised.Prague has three Opera houses. 
The Estates Theater is where Mozart’s Don Giovanni premiered.
I think Prague is a sogonow location because although they have joined the E.U. they haven’t switched to the euro yet. Once the switch is made prices will go up, usually by about 40%. (A beer is about $1.40 U.S. in Prague and in the E.U. countries a beer is $4.00 U.S.)
I also think Prague is a sogonow location because we were fortunate enough to go up into the Powder Tower and the Clock Tower, these sites are small, I would expect both locations to become more exclusive in time as they will be unable to withstand a huge crush of tourists. The entire Old Town has retained its old world charm in the picturesque medieval buildings, cobblestone streets and sidewalks.Prague has so many interesting sites and amazing activities and things will change as they become more westernized. The time to go to Prague is now.You will not regret the trip and when your friends venture to Prague 10 years from now you can say things like “I remember when you could…….”
SoGoNow.com by: Kellie Archuletta on: 2:17 AM | What do you think? (1)
March 30, 2005
Airboat with Captain Gator Bruce
Wow! What a ride, 90 minutes of amazing scenery, wildlife, an
d fun. As we were riding out to our embarkation point my mother was so excited she said "I can't wait to get on the boat, it will be loud but I want to go where airboats go." When asked where airboats go she said, "I don't know, but they take you where you can't go by foot." That was a prophetic statement. Captain Gator Bruce introduced himself, and reminded us that we were 5 minutes late. We boarded the boat with 2 other tourists, put on our earmuffs to block out the roar of the airplane engine powered motor, and away we went.
As soon as we got started it was an amazing ride. I felt like I was in a Hovercraft. We just skimmed over the water and water grass. We would buzz within feet of alligators and watch them dive in the water. If they chose not to dive into the water we would get some amazing pictures. We saw all types of birds and wildlife, we even saw cows on the patches of marsh grass.
When we stopped deep in the Cypress Marsh off the St. John's River , Captain Gator Bruce gave us a brief overview speech and opened up for questions.
My most pressing question was "Why don't the gators eat us?" Captain Gator Bruce explained that the gators were much more scared of us in an airboat since we were bigger than they were. He proceeded to tell me that he wouldn't let my 12 year old son swim among the gators at night but we were O.K. (Whew!) I then asked why the gators didn't eat the cows, (I saw cows and gators only 10 feet away from each other in some areas), and Captain Gator Bruce said that the 13 foot alligators could put down a calf but not a cow. I guess it was the same analogy that applied to my son and me. Captain Gator Bruce also explained that if a gator did eat a cow the cow would be digested whole, bones and all. Gators are like snakes in that respect.
Reservations are required for a ride with Captain Gator Bruce. The ride is $35.00 per person and worth every cent. You can contact Captain Bruce by phone (407)568-7601 or visit the website www.airboatride.com.
SoGoNow.com by: Kellie Archuletta on: 9:22 PM
Madrid: Top Six Things to See or Do
Living in Spain for six months allowed me to learn a new language and feel like a native in one of the greatest cities in the world. For three months I lived in Madrid, a cosmopolitan city with a chic, young urban crowd that blends perfectly with the older generation. A city that somehow manages to combine gruffness with cultural sensitivity.
It is one of my favorite cities in all of Spain, and I had enough time to learn the inns and outs of the city. For those of you who have limited time in the city and cannot spend three months like me, I have come up with a highly biased list of the top six things to see or do in the city.
My top six list is as follows:
1) Real Madrid Soccer Game --(Metro: Santiago Bernabéu, Line 10). Walking into the Santiago Bernabéu stadium on game night is like attending a Superbowl every single week. The 90,000 seat stadium thunders with soccer fanatics who follow Real Madrid like a religious cult. Passionate and serious about soccer and the team, the ferocity of the attendees is an experience you will never forget.
One important thing to be aware of: Never, ever root for the opposing team unless you bring twenty close friends who are built like minivans. (Visit www.realmadrid.com for more information.)
2) Museo del Prado - (Metro: Atocha or Banco de España) - I am amazed at the number of paintings and sculptures that rival the collections of the top art museums of the world. Their Goya selections are especially noteworthy.
3) Tapa Crawl -- Tapas are like little appetizers that you often eat as a part of a pre dinner snack fest. This can be one of the best ways to see the city at night as you gallivant from bar to pub to restaurant savoring these tasty little delicacies. I recommend starting near Plaza Mayor and head in the direction of the Puerta del Sol (the center of Madrid). For the truly adventurous, try "orejas" which are otherwise known as pig ears.
4) Bull Fight -- (Metro: Las Ventas) Watching a bullfight is grotesque, inhumane, unfair to the bull and I refuse to watch another one. But even so, I would recommend watching at least one, because it is a true Spanish cultural event that has to be seen to be understood.
Madrid's main bullring is called La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas del Espíritu Santo but many of the natives call it "Las Ventas." You can order tickets online or just purchase them outside the bull ring like I did. If you are going to be there in the heat of summer it is worth the extra price to pay for the shaded side, shielding yourself from the midday sun.
5) Late nights followed by "churros con chocolate" -- Madrid has some of the liveliest nightlife in the world. It is a place where things do not really begin happening until at least midnight and is one of the few places where you will see sixty-five year old grandmas partying until seven in the morning. When you are red-eyed, a little dizzy, and need a place to sit down, nothing beats closing your night (or morning by this time) with churros con chocolate. These are sometimes referred to as "Spanish doughnuts" and they are different from churros in the states. They are long, not powdered with cinnamon and sugar, and you can choose between thick and thin. They are served with a cup of thick, fattening chocolate that you dip your churro into. If there is a heaven, this is its ambrosia.
6) Retiro Park (Metro: Retiro)-- This is Madrid's equivalent to Central Park. Stroll along the park on a pleasant day and you will treated to street performers, revolving art exhibitions, a boat lake, the Crystal Palace and the sounds of live music by better- than-average bands. You can also take your jogging shoes and run along the dirt track lining the park.
Coming up with my top six choices for Madrid is like trying to pick who your favorite kid is: It just shouldn't be done. But I did it and would like to mention some other honorable mentions in case you do make it to Madrid:
The honorable mentions include the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor (central square of Madrid), Campo de Moro (a small park filled with peacocks, towering trees, and plenty of room to meditate), and eating Paella.
Notes:
For two good websites on Madrid check out www.gomadrid.com and www.madridcitytourist.com.
For a great message board on Spain and Madrid go to www.madridman.com, where you can post questions and look up answers to any questions you might have. I used this feature a lot before I visited Spain, and while I was living in Madrid.
SoGoNow.com by: Marcel Hovsepian on: 2:57 PM | What do you think? (1)
March 29, 2005
Discovering Vacationland
Dangling precariously from the rusted exterior of old pickup truck lumbering through the streets of Bangor, Maine is a pockmarked and dirt-smeared license plate. The silhouette of a lobster, its claws upraised in aggression despite its red color (indicating a previous boiling), appears behind the elevated numerals. And down at the bottom, partially hidden by mud and rust, is a campy slogan that attempts to sum up the entirety of the state in one crudely fashioned word: Vacationland.
As far as license plate slogans go, the Maine motto serves at least as a positive description. Certainly not as wantonly autonomous as neighboring New Hampshire (Live Free or Die), or as sappily poetic as South Carolina (Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places), Vacationland invokes thoughts of smiling parents and children barbequing next to their RV camper on a warm summer evening. This is an apt portrait of the state, though not in the wintertime, when skin-biting Nor'easters whip up the coastline. 
I can still smell the briny saltwater that splashed up against my face as I sat in the back of an old rowboat that had been outfitted with a sputtering outboard motor. I was on my way to visit a friend who owned a cabin on a little island off the Maine coast. The raggedy semblance of a life preserver hung around my neck; it seemed more likely to tangle my arms than to provide actual flotation in the event of an emergency. I was just off the coast of Mount Desert Island, at the heart of Acadia National Park. This was up north, farther than most tourists venture, allowing for a real slice of authentic New England coastal living.
Barnacled old lobster boats steamed in and out of Bar Harbor, while the sailors onboard pulled on their rubber overalls and prepared to harvest the day's catch. Our little dingy weaved in between these larger boats, out of the harbor and destined for a tiny little piece of land hidden somewhere in the mist. With only a beat-up old compass as a guide, we eventually entered the Cranberry Isles, where I discovered the oceanic haven of Sutton Island. Seemingly cut off from the rest of the world, these tiny islands that dot the Maine coast are replete with coves for snorkeling and rocky beaches for wasting the day skipping stones. 
On previous trips to Maine I had stayed further south down the coast, sleeping on thin mattresses in rustic old cabins with temperamental plumbing. This is the heart of the tourist industry, the narrow strip of the state that runs from Kittery to Old Orchard Beach. Here, every town seems to be a clone of the last. Beaches are sandy with the occasional rocky outcropping featuring seaweed and tide pools. Moving inland one finds row after row of cottages that appear to have been built on the assumption that modern humans desire neither refrigeration nor splinter-free floorboards. Very homey, but stick to the hotels unless you're tough enough. Boardwalks run along the shore, usually featuring tiny little souvenir or antique shops, as well as the requisite arcade or rickety old rollercoaster. 
And then, of course, there's the seafood, as the Mainers (Mainites?) seem to know best. Restaurants that line the shore are no doubt required by law to serve some time of ocean-related cuisine, if not completely dedicating their menus to the fare. I have dined on the meatiest lobsters and crisply fried scallops that modern chefs can offer, almost always while immersed in an authentic nautical atmosphere. Many visitors to Maine will choose to take the gastronomic challenge upon themselves. These are the people that you see walking down the boardwalk carrying a brown paper bag that seems to be moving ever so slightly. These are the people who will prepare the lobster feast themselves, after first assuring their children that the creatures will not mind being dropped into boiling water; perhaps they will even enjoy it. 
For a different type of Maine experience, many people choose to move away from the coast, and away from the crowded boardwalks. The land around Lewiston is peppered with ponds and lakes that can serve as a smaller counterpart to the Atlantic. In the early morning hours the mist settles over these waters as kayaks and canoes slide silently through the waves. Boaters lean over to pick water lilies and try not to make a sound as they approach the loons floating near shore. Local tennis courts and mini-golf courses offer other means of entertainment, and the seafood dinners are still plentiful. This is a place where time loses all meaning and a pervading dedication to leisure abounds. This is vacationland after all.
SoGoNow.com by: on: 10:08 PM | What do you think? (1) | TrackBack
Thai Cooking Schools in Thailand
Before taking a Thai cooking class, my cooking skills ranged from making peanut butter sandwiches to pre-packaged microwavable goodies. Ask me to prepare dinner for two and my fingers would immediately gravitate to the nearest phone to call delivery. So as I sign up to participate in a Thai Cooking class in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I am a little apprehensive.
But as I wait outside the Libra Guest House at 8:00 am, waiting for the cooking day to begin, my fears are ameliorated. Most of the people in my class know about as much about cooking as I do. As our two teachers arrive, their radiant smiles greet us before their voices. They tell us what we are going to do for the day and they give each of us a picnic basket and a free recipe book. We were going to begin by going to the outdoor market to pick up the fresh ingredients for our meals.
As we walk among the incredible array of food stalls and produce, I am amazed by the sheer variety of food products. I have no idea there are numerous types of ginger, each one specific for certain dishes. Walking among food vendors is an educational experience in itself. I smell, feel and pick the vegetables that we are going to use with the help of our chef. She has us touch and smell the herbs. We taste-test numerous foods ranging from sticky rice with taro inside to jackfruit, which looks like the porcupine of the fruit world with its sharp needles and circular shape.
After two hours of gallivanting around the outdoor markets, we arrive back at the cooking school. We dawn our chef hats and apron. We are giving a mortar and pestle and for thirty minutes we hand chop the chilies, the lemon grass, kafir lime and other ingredients and then pound them with our pestle to make the curry paste.
When our hands are numb from the preparation we bristle at the suggestion of preparing our dishes like this back home. We all are a little more appreciative of electricity, blenders and anything that makes our cooking easier. 
We gather our ingredients and take them over to our cooking stations. We watch our instructor, Nan, demonstrate how to make our first dish--Green Curry with Chicken--her dexterous cooking skills a pleasure to watch. In her accented English she warns us not to bring the fire to high, not to overcook the chicken, and shows how to use all of our senses to know when our creations are done. She also illustrates the importance of balancing opposites, such as sugar and sour, in traditional Thai cooking.
After the demonstrations, we take our freshly prepared ingredients to our individual cooking stations and like intrepid nascent chefs, we cook our first Thai dish. When we all finish, we pour our curries into our bowls, walk over to our low table, sit on the floor and cannot wait to dig in. We smell our food taking in the pleasurable aroma of hard work and grit. I finally taste my food and to my great surprise, my dish has come out perfect. As the day progresses we make five more dishes: Sweet and sour chicken, Pad Thai, spring rolls, spicy prawn soup, and banana and coconut cream in syrup. Each dish successful and incredible.
By the end of the day I am filled with a sense of accomplishment with each taste of my delicacies. I have made friends with my six co-chefs as we swap stories, share experiences, and compliment each other's food. I have learned more in one day that I have learned in twenty-five years of not cooking. And most important I have enough leftovers for two more meals.
When I arrive back in the states, I can't wait to try out my new cooking skills. I am so proud to have learned what I did, and I want to share that knowledge with those close to me. I find a nearby Thai market, gather up some the necessary ingredients and put out the phone calls to my family--the harshest critics. I sit my family around the table and prepare a Thai feast. Amazing enough, they ask for seconds.
Tips:
- If in Thailand choose a cooking school in the northern part of the country. The classes are cheaper and the food comes in more variety.
- Make sure you choose a cooking school that includes a trip to the market. If you don't know how to buy your ingredients, you won't know how to cook your food.
- In Chiangmai, Thailand, I was very impressed with the Libra Cooking School. Email them at libra_guesthouse@hotmail.com.
- Book a cooking school once you get to Thailand. Do Not book it from the states. If you book from the states you could easily pay hundreds of dollars. The total cost for me in Chiang Mai, which included enough food for two days: Only about $13.00.
- Do not arrive to cooking school on a full stomach. You will eat plenty during class. I learned the hard way.
- For good Thai recipes check out www.atasteofthai.com/recipes.cfm.
SoGoNow.com by: Marcel Hovsepian on: 4:54 PM | What do you think? (1)
Wet and Wild
Spring. The time of year when the weather finally starts to heat up and layers of clothes are peeled off to cope with the warmer temperatures. In Florida right now we have had a burst of hot weather and humidity, which has made if feel like summer time down here already. When the clothes start to stick from the heat and the mugginess of the humidity sets in, I want instant relief from the hot weather, but what's the best solution? Beach? In Orlando, 
the nearest beach is about an hour away, too far. Pool? Instant relief, but I'm craving something more exciting and fun. Slip N Slide? Close, but bad experiences of sliding over rocks and sprinklers underneath that yellow slide on the grass have caused too much physical and emotional trauma. Solution.......Wet N Wild!!!
Wet N Wild theme park located on International Drive in Orlando is the best water amusement park for cooling off and enjoying a day of fun and excitement. Voted by Amusement Business magazine as America's number one water park, the park offers a variety of fun rides in addition to the standard wave pool and lazy river. Although it's certainly a great place for kids, it also has a way of unleashing any adult's inner child making it ideal for the whole family.
One of my favorite rides is the Black Hole, a two passenger raft that goes down a winding enclosed tube surrounded by pitch bla
ck darkness. You can't see where you are going and all of the sudden..BLAM...you hit a ring of light and are stopped by the water at the bottom. Definitely worth a repeat just to figure out what just happened. Then there is the bomb drop. Not for the weak of bladder, you step into an enclosed WWII shaped bomb capsule with only a tiny window to look out in front of you. All of the sudden, the floor drops out from under you and next thing you know, you are hovering barely over a slide that goes straight down to the bottom before being submerged in water.
If your life flashing before your eyes before hitting the water isn't your thing, then perhaps just grab a raft and lounge in the wave pool. Every fifteen minutes, a horn will blow and ocean size waves will begin to loll back and forth. The park also has several volleyball nets and even a stage with a DJ for those that feel like busting a groove. In addition the park also boasts a mechanical wakeboard pulley system for those looking for a thrill beyond just the water slides.
Whether or not you are visiting and looking for a break from the intense heat at the theme parks, or just a local looking for an alternative to the pool, Wet N Wild offers a great water park experience for everyone. There are plenty of single and multi passenger rides and plenty of options for children. So go and get out of the heat and hit the water. Just remember to pack the sunblock!
For more information check out www.wetnwild.com
Annual passes are available and Florida residents receive a discount. Also be sure to check out their calendar of events as the park hosts several different events throughout the year.
SoGoNow.com by: Scott Rusnak on: 1:53 PM
March 25, 2005
Turkey Creek Sanctuary
Blue tarps still reign from the devastating hurricanes but the area beckons an outdoors person. Turkey Creek Sanctuary is a real hidden gem.
The Visitor's Center is at the beginning of the trail. This is a must do if you have small children or are a hands on person. Several microscopes are set up to view plant life and turtle shells and snake skins are on display to touch and hold. You can also get maps of the area for a mere .50c.
I had a wonderful hike with a local friend on the boardwalk, 1.5 miles in length. We had some excellent views of Turkey Creek and I even saw quite a few Tortoises. The flora is really interesting and the Sky Blue Lupine was blooming.
This stop is well worth the
time to unwind, and have an authentic
SoGoNow.com by: Kellie Archuletta on: 11:04 PM
Gatorland - Orlando's best half-day attraction
Have you ever seen Gator Wrestling? Have you ever wanted to? Head to Gatorland and quench this desire. Our group spanned 3 generations, and we all had a great time. It was Spring Break, overflow parking was packed, but once inside the park, room was abundant.
When you first walk into the park you are greeted with at least 8 large open air, gator habitats filled with gators. I was impressed and awed. Some of the gators shared habitats with turtles.
As you walk through the park the alligators are close enough to touch. Some people were purchasing hot dogs to feed the gators. I saw one boy put his hand so far into a habitat that I was sure he would lose his arm in a tragic biting mishap but I guess the gator was so full of chicken hot dog that he wasn’t tempted for the human version.
We saw the Gator Wrestlin’ Show and it was fabulous. All the basics were covered. Corny jokes, wrestling and the famous butterfly when a wrestler keeps the alligators mouth closed with his own chin). After the show for $10 you can get into the sand pit and get your picture taken wrestling with the alligator. My son and I both couldn’t resist the temptation and we have the photos to prove it.
I had a great time at the park and it is well worth the trip if you are in theSoGoNow.com by: Kellie Archuletta on: 10:46 PM | What do you think? (1)
Squeezing a Nation into Ten Blocks
Tired and hungry, I knelt down to pay my respects to the golden deity sitting before me. With sweat plastering my hair against my forehead and calluses hardening on the bottoms of my feet, I felt a weariness creeping through my bones, a reminder of the journey that had led me from the pasta laden tables of Sicily, across borders and between towering mountains of stone until finally delivering me to this Far Eastern temple. A particularly svelte looking Buddha sat cross-legged on a lotus leaf in front of me, his hand upraised with thumb and ring finger interlocked, a look of divine tranquility plastered on his face. After taking a few moments to absorb the serenity of the moment, I gathered my belongings from around me and left the expansive halls of the shrine, just in time to catch the Q train home for Jeopardy!
This particular journey took place within the microcosm of ethnicity located in lower Manhattan. Walking south on Mulberry I had crossed over Canal Street, the pavement boundary that separates Little Italy from Chinatown, and divides this small portion of the city between cultured European society and composed Oriental extravagance. Strolling along the lavish Chinatown avenues, I found myself beset with lush decorations and bustling street activity. An old man, his long graying hair pulled under a black felt cap, squatted on a milk crate and moved his fingers furiously as he worked a piece of black rubber into the sole of a shoe. His cobbling was accompanied by the staccato Cantonese dialect with which he and his companions conversed. Just a little further down the street, an old woman in a fraying robe held the palm of a young compatriot and espoused the prophecies that will come to fruition in this year of the rooster.
The alluring scent of incense wafted out of a nearby shop, entering my nostrils with a soothing aroma and enticing me to enter a store entitled Jade Garden. Inside the shop I found a diverse array of aged artifacts and authentic cultural baubles. Porcelain statues of Ming Dynasty warriors lined the shelves above, as if intimidating me to buy one of the sets of finely engraved chopsticks. A buffet of teapots, teacups and teaspoons lay in boxes and on shelves, and a stack of ancient papyrus scrolls were wedged into a nook between cases. Were I an antique expert, I imagine I could have found some priceless treasures. As it was, the cramped space inside the store began to make me nervous. Not wanting to literally embody the clichéd bull in the china shop, I left quietly before my knobby elbows could send a priceless ceramic crashing to the ground. 
Outside of the shop the commerce continued, with street displays from neighboring stores intermingling to form a long expanse of statuettes, antique coins, and clay figurines. Nestled in between these displays was a pharmacy, though not of the Rite-Aid variety. Looking in the window I saw a collection of teas, each one proclaiming to cure a specific type of ailment. Concoctions labeled "Clear Voice Tonsil Smoother Tea" and "Pimple Solution Tea" lined the storefront. Not expecting any acne breakouts or tonsil-straining speaking engagements, I passed on the teas. More interesting was a nearby variety shop, a mini-Wal-Mart of sorts, that hawked everything from authentic karate uniforms to Chinese language videotapes. I perused a selection of books on topics such as "Chinese Tui Na Massage" and "Chinese Praying Mantis Boxing." 
For all Chinatown voyagers, the most alluring attraction will be the food. I entered the district hungry and ready to feast, but found that it took some time to decide between the multitude of options. Formal restaurants abound in Chinatown, each one overflowing with patrons seeking a genuine Oriental dining experience. Live lobsters and crabs stared out at me from the window of the Mandarin Court, their crustacean faces apparently intended to stir my appetite. Walking south I passed by the New Beef King, on Bayard Street, which offered a selection of Chinese beef jerky including spicy, fruit, and oyster flavored varieties. Continuing on I eventually came to the Vegetarian Dim Sum House, tucked away on Pell Street, where I sampled the Sweet and Sour Napa rolls. I was tempted to try the vegetable-stuffed Treasure Balls or the fresh squeezed watermelon and papaya juices, but decided to look elsewhere.
Often, the best place to find good food is right out on the street, a fact that became increasingly clear to me. Food stands are plentiful on Mulberry Street, where vendors sell quarts of strawberries for one dollar and a selection of rare citrus and melons for no more than two. At one point I saw a cart holding an assortment of nuts, dried fruit, and other strange products. Not able to read any of the labels, I bought something that looked like white seaweed and tasted like salty potato chips. I eventually made my way to a roadside stand where a middle-aged man and his wife were working speedily to dispense heaping bowls of hot noodle dishes. I feasted Egg Mei Fun and fresh spring rolls, a meal that was delicious, filling, and left my wallet only two dollars lighter.
Satisfied with my meal I made my way east toward the Mahayana Buddhist Temple, location of the aforementioned Buddha. The architecture of the building is aesthetically pleasing, and offers a sort of sanctuary within the bustle of the surroundings. Right next-door is the station for the Fung Wah bus, which transports travelers from New York to Boston for $15. 
Left off of my itinerary on this particular trip was the Museum of Chinese in the Americas, a fascinating collection of artifacts and information that displays the merging of Chinese culture into the American melting pot. I did however make a quick trip to Southeast Asia, located on Baxter Street, a sector where Thai and Vietnamese restaurants flourish. Worn out from my travels I headed home, with a quick stop in Italy for some hot antipasto.
SoGoNow.com by: on: 9:06 PM | TrackBack
Six Flags Great America
Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, I was able to experience dozens of amazing cultural events. I attended theater productions, frequented some of the most famous museums in the country and was able to experience the benefits of a large city and of small country towns. Despite my love of the cultural arts, one of the things I most looked forward to every year was the opening of the Six Flags Great America theme park in Gurnee, Illinois. Located north of Chicago, every year Gurnee is flooded with people of all ages seeking to experience the thrills Great America has to offer. I have been to Great America dozens of times and it continues to be a fun way to spend a warm, summer day.
Great America is not for those looking for a calm, carnival atmosphere full of family friendly rides. Great America is best suited for those who get their thrills from thrill rides. Those who can handle standing in line for an hour or two, heart pounding with anticipation, only to board a steal contraption that sends their stomachs into their throats. And after their stomach finally settles back into its rightful place, they get in line and do it all over again. Nothing beats the excitement and catharsis of a really good coaster. And Great America is known for them. There are lots of other rides at Great America, but the best reason to go is to experience the coasters.
The newest rollercoaster in Great America is Superman-The Ultimate Flight.
If you thought the line for Raging Bull was bad, wait until you see the line for Superman. I'm not really sure how I feel about this ride. I've ridden it three times, and it still hasn't wowed me. This is mostly because of the uncomfortable and bizarre position you are in during the ride. When you get on the ride, a shoulder harness and lap harness is placed over, as per a usual ride. Than your ankles are strapped back with ankle harness. Than you are flipped so it appears as though you are on your hands and knees. This is supposed to be so you can stretch your arms out and fly like Superman, but ultimately it's just uncomfortable. The biggest problem I had was I constantly felt like my legs were slipping out of the ankle straps. It was hard to enjoy the ride when I felt as though I would fall out of it. However, the one redeeming quality is the loop. The position you are in makes it so, unlike most rides, when you are on the bottom of the loop you are on your back. The feeling is indescribable and very unique. This ride is worth trying, but may not become a favorite.
Another superhero themed ride located in Great America is Batman-The Ride. Although Batman has been around for many years, it is still one of my favorites and never fails to thrill me. First of all, Batman concerns itself with atmosphere. When you are waiting in line, it is supposed to feel like you are in Gotham City. A police car collides with a fire hydrant spraying water everywhere, the Batman theme song plays, and graffiti litters the walls. The graffiti if fun to read when you are in line, especially if you are a Cubs or Sox fan. The interior of the building leading up to the boarding area for the ride, is dark and dank. On the ride, you sit in ski lift like chairs with your feet dangling in the air. Take them seriously when they recommend you secure loose items. Many a flip flop has been lost on this ride. The ride is short, but is full of corkscrews and loops that make the ride thrill packed. This ride has withstood the test of time.
A ride that has truly withstood the test of time and the development of new and better coaster technology is the American Eagle. The American Eagle is a classic, wooden rollercoaster with no loops or twists or crazy harnesses. You are packed two by two in a traditional rollercoaster car and held in by nothing more than a lap bar. The climb to the top of the 147 foot drop is full of creaking wood and nervous glances at the ground far below. And than comes the challenge, can you hold your arms up for that entire 147 foot drop? I've never been able too. I've been too busy clutching my lap bar frantically.
After the first major drop there are several small hills that make your stomach jump slightly. The coaster is enjoyable because it retains a sense of purity. It doesn't need fancy gimmicks to be thrilling and fun. However, you can ride the ride backwards which is an entirely different experience. But I'm a simple girl, and the forward facing, lap bar clutching ride will always be close to my heart.
My new favorite ride at Great America is Vertical Velocity. Like on Batman, you are put in ski lift like chairs. However, Vertical Velocity is not full of twists and turns. It consists of two tall towers connected by a straightaway used only for propulsion. The ride reaches a speed of 70mph in 4 seconds. You zoom up the first tower facing forward, than down backwards and up the second tower backwards so you are looking down at the ground. The ride literally takes your breath away. And even the most manly of men will scream their lungs out. Vertical Velocity is flawless.
The Iron Wolf is the only coaster in Great America where you are in a standing position. Like Superman, this ride is difficult to enjoy because the position is so uncomfortable. However, it is interesting to take a 360 degree loop in a standing position. Just be prepared for how uncomfortable the standing platform is between your legs.
The Whizzer is the first rollercoaster I ever went on and over a decade later, it still retains its charm. This is the perfect family coaster. It is also the perfect coaster to ride on with a boyfriend who hates rollercoaster. The design of the car is unique. Two people can ride in one car but one has to sit between the others legs and then you are both seat belted in. As you can see with the minor safety restraints, this is not a heart-clutching ride. However, it is worth doing, especially at night. When you make the first minor drop you pass by a pool of water and into some dark trees, the dark of night enhances the experience innumerably.
The Giant Drop is not a rollercoaster, but it is still a thrilling experience. Unlike the Tower of Terror in Disney World, you are not enclosed in a building during this ride. You are strapped into a seat on the outside of a 200 foot high post. You zoom up to the top of the post with all of your friends and strangers watching the look of terror on your face, than drop down so fast you barely realize what's happening until you've stopped at the bottom. This is not a ride to visit after the day's funnel cake.
Great America is a great place to visit in the summer, especially for those seeking to have a hair-raising good time. Great America is crowded almost all summer, so it's best to try and go on a weekday if possible where crowds are slightly less. Also, purchase a ticket at your local Jewel or Dominick's to save money on admission, because tickets can get pricey.
Raging Bull is said to be Great America's tallest and fastest rollercoaster. The first drop is taken at a 60 degree angle at 70mph. That doesn't seem very fast on paper, but when you are in an open-sided car with only a plastic lap restraint holding you in and you are 200 feet in the air, 70mph takes on a whole new meaning. Lines for Raging Bull are usually long, especially if you visit during peak season. So be prepared to wait more than an hour. However, that first drop is more than worth the wait. Especially if you are able to finagle a seat in the front. That first drop is the best part of the ride. Your heart pumps as you begin the slow climb to the top, and just when you think you can't take it anymore, the breaks lock and you are at the crest of the hill. Before you have time to appreciate the view of the park below you (and search for your car in the parking lot), you are sliding over the hill, and wham! the descent begins. The rest of the ride is relatively tame compared to that first drop, but it's those first moments that keep everyone returning for another ride.SoGoNow.com by: Jessica Marschke on: 8:55 PM | TrackBack
Florida "a worthy scuba destination"
Scuba diving is a hobby that will over time start to control your travel plans, it may start off as just something different to do while you are on vacation, but with only a couple of good dives this will soon escalate into a full fledged passion. It is no secret to divers from the
The only acceptable alternative that the
The next stop of our trip to
SoGoNow.com by: Michael McConnell on: 7:29 PM
Top 5 Door County Restaurants
By: Kara Hardman
For the past few years, my boyfriend and I have taken an annual, week-long vacation to Door County, Wisconsin. My boyfriend has visited Door County every year since childhood and introduced me to the exquisite beauty of Door County. And while we enjoy the hiking, shopping, sightseeing and miniature golf courses immensely, I find that I have grown to appreciate the food most of all. Over the past few years I have been able to experience a variety of cuisine from up and down the peninsula.
Here is my list of the top five restaurants in Door County--all are must eats:
5) Northern Grill and Pizza- located in Sister Bay. I went to Northern Grill and Pizza on purely a whim. My boyfriend and I were shopping for the week's groceries at the local Piggly Wiggly and happened to pass the Northern Grill and Pizza. It looked interesting, so we stopped in later in the week and we were very pleased that we did. The Northern Grill serves everything from burgers to steaks to pizza. The Northern Grill has the down-home feel one would expect in a bar in Northern Wisconsin. There is a large wooden porch to wait on if you have to wait for a table. Inside, the atmosphere is dark and smoky, smelling of fresh wood. We ate outside on the patio. The atmosphere was very casual and summery. Plastic tables, plastic chairs and the smell of bug spray in the air. There is even a small playground for children.
My boyfriend tried a chicken sandwich and was pleased with the tenderness of the chicken. I tried the Bruschetta Pizza. It was perfect. The pizza was delicious and unique, but not unique that non-adventurous types wouldn't enjoy the taste. The sauce was delicious and the portion was perfect for me.
4) Findlay's Holiday Inn- located on Washington Island. At least once during our visit to Door County, my boyfriend and I take the car ferry over to Washington Island--located off the coast of the Door County Peninsula, the island is not inhabited by many year round. However, in the summer, tourists come to enjoy the quaint atmosphere and beautiful forestry. They also come to enjoy the breakfast at Findlay's Holiday Inn.
Hidden inside the interior of the island, Findlay's Holiday Inn has no affiliation with the Holiday Inn Chain Hotels. The Inn maintains a cozy, warm feeling. Even the dining room is slightly cramped, but not in an undesirable way. And the food is delicious. The Inn makes its own breads and jams. And often has a breakfast special. The specials are always worth trying. I have been able to sample delicious apple pancakes and heavenly French toast. Get there early though, breakfast is only served from 7am to 10:30am.
3) Wilson's Restaurant- located in Ephraim. Wilson's is well known to tourists and locals alike for its ice cream. The small, old fashioned restaurant, facing the water, is packed all summer. In fact, the crowd often trails out the door in their search for the perfect ice cream. The outdoor patio is full of patrons enjoying tall sundaes and cones and mouth watering burgers.
If you can squeeze into a table on the patio, it's the perfect place to sit and people watch as you enjoy the amazing food. However, the restaurant inside is usually quieter and less crowded. The bacon cheese burgers is thick and tasty. And Wilson's fries are a perfect complement to any sandwich.
Dessert is a must at Wilson's. There are numerous sundaes but one of the best desserts is one of their ice cream cones. Watch out for the jelly bean inside. Wilson's puts a jelly bean in the bottom of each cone to prevent drippage. Another yummy option is one of Wilson's milkshakes. They are the thickest, most delicious milkshakes on the planet. And I've learned from the past, you can not share one with someone. You have to get your own.
2) Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant- located in Sister Bay. Al Johnson's is probably the most well known restaurant in Door County. Even those who haven't eaten there recognize the name. This is because of the famed goats that graze on the grass covered roof.
Al Johnson's is a must see for tourists. It is always crowded. If you visit Door County in the summer expect at least at half an hour wait on weekdays and over an hour on weekends. But the wait is well worth it. So, put your name in and take the time to browse the interesting gift shop or even some of the other shops located near the restaurant. There is also a park across the street that offers beautiful views.
When you are finally escorted to your table, by one of many identical looking waitresses in traditional Scandinavian costumes, open the menu to the breakfast section. Al Johnson's is known for the breakfast and they serve it all day. The best item on the menu--the Swedish pancakes. Thinner, lighter and more buttery than traditional pancakes, these pancakes are delectable. Especially when you coat them with butter and fresh lingonberry sauce. I learned the first year I visited that syrup is a big no-no amongst those in the know. Order a side of bacon or sausage and some American potatoes and your stomach will thank you for days. Also, if the morning is a little chilly, try a cup of hot chocolate. Serve in a metal cup, the hot chocolate is sweet and comforting. And the mounds of whipped cream will make you feel young again. The menu is full of delicious choices, but breakfast is what keeps me coming back for more.
1) Mission Grille- located in Sister Bay Wisconsin. My boyfriend and I found Mission Grille by accident. The first year we visited Door County together, we were looking for a new restaurant to try and spotted the Mission Grille on one of our drives. We thought it would be a typical grille, like the Northern Grill. However, when we entered we found ourselves inside one of the most beautiful and charming restaurants we had ever seen (And we were completely underdressed).
Constructed from an old mission, the Mission Grille looks nothing like an old church on the inside. The restaurant is lit with candles and maintains an amazing sense of elegance. Seating is also available outside on the patio, which is where my boyfriend and I sit when the weather permits. The tables are small and have the look of a cafe in Paris. Each table has a candle and the hedges are surrounded by twinkle lights.
The wait staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They offer to explain any unknown dishes on the menu and recommend wine choices for each dish.
The food is amazing. I can honestly say I've had the best meals of my life at the Mission Grille. Lunch is a less expensive option for those who need to mind their pocketbooks. The Mission Grille offers a variety of salads, sandwiches and pasta. And for something different, you can try the Peasant Lunch. The Peasant Lunch includes a bowl of their homemade soup, fresh fruit, cheese and fresh bread. This meal may be called a Peasant Lunch, but you will truly feel you are eating like royalty.
Dinner is pricier, but well worth it. Start off with the Bruschetta with walnut pesto. Thick slices of French bread are topped with walnut pesto, and huge chunks of tomato and fresh mozzarella. Follow that with one of their many incredible entrées. My boyfriend usually has the prime rib which is tender, juicy, and always cooked to your specifications. I recommend the Pecan Encrusted Salmon served with lingonberry sauce, garlic and parmesan mashed potatoes and fresh veggies. The piece of salmon is huge and tastes fresh. The lingonberry sauce adds the perfect texture and sweetness to the salmon. The mashed potatoes are delicious. They are unique because the skins are still on, but the potatoes are creamy and light. Also, check out the specials. Last year I was treated to pork tenderloin with mango chiptole sauce. This was the best meal I've ever had. The tenderloin melted in my mouth and the sweet and spiciness of the sauce was unforgettable. If you are not full after your entree, try one of the numerous desserts available. I recommend the champagne sorbet.
Door County has so many amazing restaurants, it was hard to pick just five as my favorite. And I hope to find even more restaurants that I enjoy in the future.
SoGoNow.com by: Guest Author on: 6:53 PM | What do you think? (1)
March 24, 2005
Among Mountains and Dinosaurs
Ask one of the good-ol'-boy Vermonters sitting on a threadbare stool at Libby's Blue Line Diner and he'll tell you the truth. Forget about that tired-out legend of the monster who lives in the murky waves of a cold Scottish Loch, scientists and rogue adventurers have spent years trying to find her, and with nothing to show for it. If you spend a little time up here on the shores of our lake, you'll start to believe that our stories are a little more probable. You will catch yourself staring at the surf as if it holds beneath it a treasure that countless before you have tried vainly to capture. You will start to believe that every irregular ripple and surfacing dorsal appendage could be a fleeting glimpse of this titanic beast. There is a creature that swims in the halcyon waters of Lake Champlain, and she's bound to show herself soon. 
So goes the legend of the Lake Champlain Monster, a Mesozoic leftover that materializes in the visions of nautical raconteurs who journey out of Burlington's docks. She is the inspiration for countless local tales and children's fantasies. Her form appears in hazy snapshots, and in the neon-green scales of Champ, the embodiment of the monster who serves as the sassy, t-shirt flinging mascot of a local minor league baseball team. When you're in Burlington, the creature is more than just fairy-tale. She is real; we believe it, and sooner or later you will too.
This is the passion of Burlington, Vermont, a final outpost before the Canadian border, and a vibrant burg that bursts with youthful energy and geographic splendor. Big enough to offer a multitude of cultural and recreational activities, but small enough to kindle a community of sociable citizens, it is the kind of town that evokes an eternal fondness from its natives (myself included) and a warm remembrance from its visitors.
Drive over the crest of a hill on Main Street, past the green park expanses and through the festive fraternity houses, and all of a sudden a portrait of New England majesty appears. The hill slopes lazily downward into the main city strip, giving way eventually to the lake, its placid face freckled with sailboats. Rising up from the water in the distance are the lofty heights of the Adirondacks, their interconnected peaks staring down on the city and offering convenient crags for the sun to duck behind in the early evening twilight.
As the light recedes, a busy stretch of cobblestone continues to buzz. Church Street, just off of Main, invites patrons to explore its homage to classic market shopping. Packed with shops, restaurants, and bars, the marketplace pulses as the central artery of a city that is just beginning to awake. Carhartt-clad college students and fanny-packed parents with kids in tow emerge from their homes to walk the street in search of homemade jewelry, vegetable-based energy drinks, or familiar faces. Autos are blocked from this street where pedestrians walk freely and the contemporary world seems distant.
With daylight waning and stomachs gurgling, the Burlingtonians sit down to dine at one of the decadent culinary quarters that surround them. Some indulge in butter-soaked seafood at Perry's Fish House. Others sit outside on the Church Street cobblestone at Leunig's, while a solitary saxophonist plays his cool jazz tunings inside. Or perhaps they drive to Tortilla Flat to reside on a deck overlooking the Winooski River while enjoying Margaritas and Chimichongas.
After a satisfactory repast, the inhabitants of Vermont's largest city may begin to dream of frothy suds and cheerful revelry, so they make their way slowly through the heart of downtown, perusing the surrounding nightlife. Genial twentysomethings stream in and out of What Ales You, a bar unique not only for its punned moniker but also for its dollar drafts and retro-saloon atmosphere. Just up the street and around the corner, a local folk-rock singer is tuning his guitar at Red Square, where pricey drink prices are filtering in only the more wealthy, and/or financially irresponsible crowd. But the real place to be, the real Mecca of the Green Mountain State, is right on Main Street. This is Nectar's, a pub and nightclub renowned for slopping brown gravy on top of its french fries, and also for launching the career of a certain band of neo-hippies prone to extensive musical meanderings. Sit down for a bite to eat here; the gravy fries are great, but the Phish is better.
As bright summer days dawn over Burlington, the grandeur of the natural surroundings is revealed in stunning brilliance. Mountaintops emerge to the east; in a few months their crests will be swathed in white powder and teaming with alpine enthusiasts. Cyclists and rollerbladers trek down the bike path toward the pebbly shores of North Beach, their sweating brows cooled by breezes wafting off from the lake. Sailboats and kayaks dip their bows into the water and prepare for a day of lackadaisical cruising. Underneath their hulls swims a group of divers, flopping their fins in the current as they explore the barnacled shell of an old colonial-era warship lying in the silt, perhaps sunk in a raging battle between the Redcoat navy and the upstart Green Mountain Boys. And just below them, just barely out of sight, an old sea creature floats lazily over the rocky bottom of the lake, waiting for the next time that she will pop her head above the breakers to give someone else a new story to tell. 
SoGoNow.com by: on: 6:53 PM | TrackBack
Einstein at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles
Living in
With their revolving exhibits there is always something new to explore. My new favorite is on Albert Einstein. Running through May 29th, nothing will give you as intimate of a portrayal of the man who has become the apotheosis of genius. As I walked through the exhibit I learned the complexity behind the man. From reading his original handwritten notes on the Theory of Relativity to his deeply troubling entreaties to President Truman about nuclear weapons, one gets a sense of a man who was more than just a lab coat and figures.
The demonstrations and pieces on his theories, the mysteries of black holes, and the elemental basics of relativity left me leaving the exhibit with more than an understanding of Einstein. Certain general scientific principles that escaped me in the past were made wonderfully simple to understand. The exhibit has reinvigorated my curiosity to learn more.
Upon leaving the gallery, there is an excellent array of books and articles on Einstein that go beyond autobiographies. Some books explain his theories while others explore Einstein's relationship to God. One book in particular that my girlfriend picked up at the exhibition, written by Corey S. Powell, is entitled "God in the Equation: How Einstein Transformed Religion." This book has had a profound influence on her appreciation for life and I am currently enjoying this fascinating book.
The Einstein exhibit runs until May 29th, 2005, and even if you cannot make it before then, the Skirball's permanent exhibition and continuously changing works, art, tours and educational programs make it a worthwhile visit anytime.
Information:
- The Einstein exhibit costs $12.00 for general admission, $10.00 for group rates, and $8.00 for students and seniors.
- The website for the Skirball center is www.skirball.org .
- Take advantage of their guided tours. They are very informative and helpful.
SoGoNow.com by: Marcel Hovsepian on: 4:31 PM
March 23, 2005
Be Aware of the Time-Share
Upon arriving in
If you don't know what a time-share is, it is joint ownership of vacation property by several people who take turns residing in the premises for fixed periods. We were enticed by an online ad promising a severely discounted stay in a
Our pamphlet tells us to arrive promptly at 7:30 in the morning at a large travel agency. When we show up we are surprised to see myriad other families and couples who have also come to take advantage of a cheap deal. We check in and wait for our names to be called.
Each of the attendees is paired with a salesperson that will show us around for the day. Our guy, Tony, is the archetypal salesman. His slicked-back hair, garish gold ring and grey polyester suit are a throwback to the '70s. He thanks us for taking time out of our vacation to "learn about this exciting new opportunity."
We crawl into the back of his outdated, white Oldsmobile and he drives us around
As we drive around, Tony, his crabby voice tinted by too much tobacco over the years, begins to give us what I like to call his "sob story." He tells us about his life: His military service, his wife and kids, and how he lost all of his money in the stock market. He had to come out of retirement because of that stock market blunder, a fact he mentions numerous times that day. He tells us he just needs to sell a few more time shares and he can finally retire...again.
After his spiel, Tony takes us to a buffet breakfast where we are met by the rest of the group we saw earlier in the day. All of us timidly eat together, growing chummier with our salespeople as the morning passes. Tony asks about our vacation habits and what we do for a living. Basically he is asking us if we can afford to buy the time share and is also planning his sales tactic: "You don't vacation a lot, then a time share would be a perfect opportunity to start. "You do vacation a lot, then a time share would make it even easier."
After our whole group finishes polishing off our plates, we get back in our cars to finally see the time-share. We arrive at the location and our pleased by what we see. The buildings look like well-kept condominiums, complete with staff, reception room and pool area. Tony walks us around, hinting at the sumptuous décor and fine trimmed greenery.
The rooms sleep up to six people and we would be given the option of having housemaids clean our room each day just like a hotel. The pastel colored walls, Jacuzzi bathtub, and comfy furniture seems to make for a nice stay.
After Tony feels we have seen enough, we enter the moment of truth: It is sale time. Tony takes us to a large reception hall where the rest of our guests are being herded in like cattle. Beneath the din of calculators clicking and the sales pitches being tossed around the large room, we get a feeling of desperation in the room-salespeople aggressively trying to sell, their prey trying to say no. The tour, the breakfast, the camaraderie between us and Tony, and the sob story are all tools to get us to feel obligated to buy.
We sit around a circular table and Tony starts to tell us about how we are in luck because we are being offered a Red Royal Crown Property. By purchasing the
Tony tells us all of the benefits of owning a time-share: Two weeks of vacation every year or every other year depending on which package we buy; the ease of having our accommodations already worked out; the investment of a lifetime.
When Tony believes he has us engaged, he whips out his calculator and shows us the price: A whopping $19,000. Bristling at the outrageous figure, I kindly decline. But Tony shows us how easy it is to pay for through monthly payments. He also forgot to mention the five hundred dollar fee that we have to pay each year for maintenance, whether we take a vacation or not.
Trying to be as cordial as possible, I have to decline the offer again. Undeterred, Tony asks for a moment, walks over to a large man in a blue suit and comes back. "O.K. O.K." he says. "You guys are young; I asked my manager and he said we can offer it to you for $15,000." He then tells us that this price would only be offered today. Once again we decline.
He takes a moment, looks at us with pain, and says he will be right back. This time he comes back with his "supervisor" who asks us to step into another room. The supervisor, an older gentleman with a handshake that can break bricks, takes us to his office. He says he realizes the price might be too high, so he is willing to offer it to us for $9,000. "These time shares are selling like flap jacks" he says, and "we would have to be crazy not to take the deal." We say we are obviously mentally challenged and walk out.
Tony, sensing we still did not take the bait and knows there will no sale, grudgingly takes us back to the travel office. His previous chipper demeanor is now stolid and gruff. He thanks us and drops us off so we can receive our hotel vouchers.
While we are driving, animated conversation replaced by biting silence, I begin to think. I wonder if we made the wrong decision. Did we really pass up a great deal? As I ponder what it would be like to own a time-share, I start to think about the whole idea of a time-share and it seems almost comical. What if the same idea was applied to other purchases in our life?
Say, for instance, we buy a juicer. Not just any ol' juicer, but a top of the line Juiceman Ultra Plus 3000 Turbo Killer juicer. Because we are using