May 31, 2005
Mother Nature Takes Center Stage in Denver
By Shannon Dexheimer
Take a journey to an awe-inspiring destination only capable of Mother Nature's creation. Nestled in the foothills of the
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a one-of-a-kind wonder - there's nothing else like it in the world. It has the power to captivate everyone's interests - from history and geology to Rock 'n Roll.
One of the greatest things about Red Rocks is that it's a "no tour guide required" kind of experience. As you approach the amphitheatre you'll quite honestly just be awe-struck. Its ambiance says it all.
Visitors can stand on the stage that has been graced by some of the premier musicians in the world - from The Beatles to U2.
A new 30,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art visitor center commemorates impeccable past performances and provides a historical look at the nearly 300 million year-old rock formation. A video takes you from the history and building of the amphitheatre to excerpts from the many performers who say there's no other venue like it.
While you're there, grab a bite to eat at the Ship Rock Grille and get a taste of Old West culinary delights. On the menu you'll find things like buffalo burgers and rattlesnake empanadas (which I have to admit, I tried rattlesnake just to say that I tried it and it really does taste just like chicken)!
Whether you catch a concert under the stars or take a geological journey of your own, Red Rocks is a must for everyone to truly experience what
For more information, or to check out their concert line up, please visit http://www.redrocksonline.com/index.tml.
SoGoNow.com by: Guest Author on: 6:23 PM
Red Rock Canyon
Less than 30 minutes away from the strip is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The park is a wonderful example of desert wildlife and spectacular scenery.
A 13 mile loop weaves in and out of the canyon with plenty of scenic turnoffs. Hiking is plentiful and a visitor can get great maps at the Visitor’s Center.
I wouldn’t suggest running or walking the asphalt loop (I’ve put in quite a few miles on this loop but lately it is overran with cars and traffic.) the Grand Circle Trail that starts behind the Visitor’s Center and weaves in and around the loop is easy to follow and will keep your lungs away from exhaust fumes.
Red Rock is known as a premiere rock climbing area. You may get lucky and see climbers ascending and descending the sandstone faces.
Wild burros are found many times in and around the canyon. They bite, don’t feed them.
The White Rock Loop Trail at the 7 mile pullout is a great hike. It is 6 miles long, other great and shorter hikes can be found in this area as well.
To get to the Red Rock Canyon from the strip get on I-15 heading north and take the Charleston Exit west. Drive 15-20 miles and you will see the signs directing you to the park. It costs $5.00 to enter but you can park at the entrance for free and walk to the Visitor’s Center if you want to save the cash.
SoGoNow.com by: Kellie Archuletta on: 4:42 PM | What do you think? (1)
Viet Nam Baby
There is something about the drop-dead gorgeous Vietnamese ladies dressed in tradition clothing with beautiful hair, smooth soft skin, looks and body to die for and a finger halfway up their nose twisting their fingernail around inside their nostril until they manage to gorge out a big booger that may have otherwise impaired their breathing, that just doesn't align with my image of the Vietnamese lady! I am not talking about the hooker out of Full Metal Jacket walking up to the American GI's and saying, "You got girlfriend
The problem with all the articles that you read almost weekly in the travel section of the Sunday paper is that all the writers were "Guests of the Tourism Board of Vietnam" and flew "Courtesy of Vietnam Airlines". I am sure that I would be struggling to find a bad word to say if had arrived in
Catching the boat from
With as much bus as boat we made our way across the Delta to Can Tho where we had a home stay for the night. The home stay was a little different to what I had expected. It was more like 20 people sleeping in an average size house in suburbia than the "traditional Vietnamese family" setting that we picked from the glossy brochure that promoted a number of different tours of the Mekong Delta. It was pleasant none the less and a good opportunity to meet fellow travelers and in the case of those who weren't quick enough, to share a bed with them.
I always enjoy floating markets, and the Mekong Delta has no shortage of them. Whether they be just a few dug out canoes selling fruit and vegetables to the larger markets of a couple of hundred boats selling everything from a cold beer at 6am to cabbage. In the Mekong Delta fruit and vegetable sellers tie the produce to the end of a long stick or length of bamboo at hoist them 10 meters in the air so that everyone in the market knows who is selling what.
As part of our tour we stopped at fish farms, rice paper mills, incense stick production lines and at an ethic minority people's mosque, which I sure was the highlight of the trip for the girl who had just finished her military service in Israel.
Whether it's a good thing or a bad thing,
Once in Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City as it is called now it was time to chill out and wash the dust of a Cambodian drought from my throat with some of the local beverages and catch up on my email for a couple of days while Suminda went to all the museums and to the Chu Chi Tunnels. The Chu Chi Tunnels are one of the highlights of
As with most cities there is a central area in which most of the tourists stay, and here I found one of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at, Cappuccino. There were two Italian restaurants next to each other, so if you go, be sure to get the right one. It was great to catch up with my Vietnamese friend, Thuy while we were here. Just 100m down the road is the GO 2 Bar. Look out for the waiter called Anton. Buy him a drink and pre order all your drinks in the happy hour with him and you can get away with having a reasonably cheap night. The pavement area can be a little harder to relax in though because there are constantly street sellers hassling you. Never fall for the game of scissors, paper, rock with the kids to buy some chewing gum off them. If I didn't give mine away I'd still be chewing mine.
One of the better ways to see
From Saigon we traveled to Mui Ne. Arriving at 4am we strung up our recently purchased two dollar hammocks from
The next morning we got up early and watched the sunrise from the sand dunes of Mui Ne. The Sand dunes were one of the redeeming features of the area, and I would recommend skipping it and heading straight to Nha Trang or Dalat for those of you on time constraints.
Despite this, Mui Ne did hold some educational value for one of my traveling partners when she found that the beach was not in fact, freshwater and was part of the
Dalat was our next stop. Both Suminda and I loved the whole French feel of the place. Nestled in the mountains and slightly inland Dalat charmed us with its fresh crisp air and more relaxed, European feel. From the Citroen's and Vespa's to classic European architecture, the flower mad city of
Nha Trang is the party city of
For 250,000 Dong, which is about 15 USD or 20 AUD, Suminda and I bought a substantial seafood feast from a street vendor, which included a massive lobster and a hoard of other varieties of seafood as well.
Swimming at the beach in Nha Trang can be a dangerous activity. As inviting as it looks, a walk down the beach before you take a swim might be enough of a deterrent. As I surfaced from underneath a small wave I was greeted by an aqua bog, quite large in size and with bits of chilli hanging out of it. Needless to say, I got straight out of the water and headed for the nearest vendor of that great antiseptic fluid that kills all germs and can get rid of the taste of even the foulest of foods, beer.
The boat trip we took in Nha Trang was well worth it. Our tour guide for the day was The Strongman and the day cruise was a great place to meet people and have a fun day in the sun. The tours are cheap and lunch is included so if you go there take yet another tour.
Hoi An can be reached by an overnight bus from Nha Trang. I am a big fan of overnight buses and when you are on a shoestring budget they save you a nights accommodation, and get you to your next destination. My record was four nights in a row (
Hoi An is great for clothes shopping. You can get a tailor made suit overnight at nearly every shop for 28 USD. Both Suminda and I went on a shopping spree of tailor made clothing and shoes for the two days straight, stopping only to go for runs on the beach. Suminda wanted to learn how to ride a motorbike. She had a little go in Dalat and did quite well, but still scared me, so I decided that the beach on the sand first thing in the morning would be a good place for her to practice. I rode the bike onto the sand and down to the harder wet sand. Unfortunately, a small wave wet the electrics of the bike before she could have a go and the next hour was spent pushing it back to the road and listening to opinions of eight Vietnamese men who all wanted to have a go at fixing it. One young chap spoke English quite well and helped us out and then, three up on the motorbike, came to the
The second was the boat tour we took to see the Royal tombs. After paying our 25,000 dong, we boarded the boat and were given a menu. "If you would like something other than green beans and tofu for lunch you would have to order it now". At extremely high prices I decided that I would rather take the risk of finding something on the way. The first place we stopped at along the famous
Sapa was by far my favourite place in
Unfortunately, like most ethnic minorities no matter where you go in the world, the rest of the population doesn't treat them as well as other people from there own ethnicity. Any help you give these people is greatly appreciated, none of them would even think about begging, and there smiles are something I will remember for a long time.
Ha Noi. The capital of
Ha Noi is a good place to do some shopping and chill out. There are a few nice restaurants around and the food here was probably better than anywhere else in
The single most disappointing thing about Ha Noi was the lack of celebration in the city during the Tet Festival. I expected it to be one of the bigger Lunar New Years festivals I had been to, but in
SoGoNow.com by: Allison Myers on: 12:07 PM | What do you think? (4)
Anzac Trails
Hello Everybody. Right now it's 0330 in the morning and I'm killing time till my train at 0700 so I thought now is as good a time as any.
I think I last left off in
I left
The next day I joined my Anzac day tour, where we proceeded to once again get boozed at a country club type thing. It hurt getting up at 0600 to go to Gallipoli the next morning. Oh, and somewhere along the way I lost my phone. The Anzac day ceremony was fantastic though. We got there about 2300, and had to walk around two km to get to the dawn service site coz our bus was number 223 in line, but we managed to score seats in the stands, so we had a good vantage point. Before the dawn service, they had a prelude, with a massive sound and light show, and all the while HMAS Anzac was circling the bay all lit up. When they played the last post, I've never seen so many people stand in silence in my life. Unfortunately, there were also a couple of larrikins who weren't in silence.
From there we walked up the hill to Lone Pine (The Australian cemetery) to the Federation guard demonstration and Australian service. I never would have thought it would be so patriotic, but everyone was breaking into the anthem and a Mexican wave lasted for about five minutes.
After that I walked up to Chunuk Bair, the furthest the allied troops got, and I tell you what, I really feel for those guys, in full pack running up those hills with bullets raining down on them. It was a steep and tiring climb.
I'm so glad that I went, it was definitely an experience to remember. I'd like to go back again when its not Anzac day, and just chill out and explore properly for a couple of days.
P.s. I was NOT one of the people who left rubbish lying around, although it was pretty hard to find a bin, and I definitely DID NOT sleep on any graves. We were as disgusted by that as everyone else.
SoGoNow.com by: Allison Myers on: 10:44 AM
Treasure Island
Being a 15 year resident of
When Treasure Island and my son were both much younger we would go to see the pirate battle in front of the hotel. Afterwards we would go to the arcade and look at the skeleton pirate and play some pirate themed games, possibly purchasing a pirate hat in the gift shop.
Well, time marches on and the
Mystere is still the Marquee show (luckily that hasn’t changed). The prices range from $60-$95. My husband and I went for our anniversary one year and I highly recommend it.
There is upscale restaurants and shopping in the casino. The big haunt of my lady friends is Kahunaville. We have spent many a night out at this club. The drinks are expensive ($18) but larger than anything I’ve ever put a straw in. The bartenders perform amazing bottle tossing shows, and the service is excellent. If you want to get really drunk this is the place for it; last time I went I ended up on stage doing the hokey pokey during dueling pianos. I was actually better off than my friends that ended up puking in the parking garage. 
SoGoNow.com by: Kellie Archuletta on: 12:40 AM
Fairytale Setting in Segovia
People vie for a surrounding straight out of a storybook as an escape from the realities of life. Though this seems impossible, the creators of fairytales don't just make up these mystical, magical places from the depths of their imaginations. Instead, they find inspiration in picturesque locales which serve as the backdrops for their tales. Take Walt Disney for example: the infamous castle found at the center of Disney World was modeled after the Alcazar castle in Segovia, Spain. This famous castle, also the site where Queen Isabel granted Columbus the financial backing he needed to discover America, is only one of many characteristics that make Segovia a fairytale landscape. 
The twisting alleyways blocked off from automobiles and the Romanesque architecture makes Segovia a unique destination that embodies Old World Europe. Wear good walking shoes and be prepared for winding slopes and cobblestone pedestrian pathways in order to fully explore and appreciate all of Segovia's distinctive medieval flair. This town, located upon high ground between the channels of the rivers Eresma and Clamores, offers scenic views from the top for those with enough stamina and drive.
Roman Aqueduct of Segovia is the best preserved of its kind in all of Europe and stands as a symbol of the city. Built between the late first and early second centuries, its 20,400 stone blocks are neither cemented nor stuck together by any substance and remain intact to this day. Another historic site worth seeing is the Cathedral of Segovia. The tallest building in Segovia, this 16th century Cathedral built in the Gothic tradition can be seen from most anywhere in the town.
The Plaza Mayor serves as the center of town where most outdoor cafés are located. On a nice day the outdoor terrazzas are perfect for people watching over a cup of thick hot chocolate, or try Segovia's specialty, roasted suckling pig, the aroma of which fills the streets. Stop in one of the characteristic bakeries along the way and sample a trufa, or a rich chocolate truffle so intense in flavor you will need a glass of water to chase it down. The olden times meet modernity in the many trendy shops that dot the winding, narrow paths. While many of the independently owned stores are touristy, big name chains can be found including Lacoste, Zara, and Pull and Bear, the European equivalent of an Abercrombie and Fitch.
A compact town situated just 52 miles outside of Madrid Segovia makes the perfect day trip to break away from the commotion of city life. Just an hour and a half by bus or a two hour trip by train, Segovia's charm is sure to entrance the curious visitor.
SoGoNow.com by: Allison Myers on: 12:22 AM
May 30, 2005
Pele's Park
Hawaii can be a carefree place, but at times the islands offer a bit of danger. If you happen to find yourself walking on Hawaii's Big Island and come across a woman dressed in red and walking with a white dog, it's best to heed the words of cautious wisdom told by the natives, for this is no ordinary passerby. Treat her with respect, and pray that her fiery temper does not erupt.
In the shadows of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, two snow-tipped peaks that climb out of the blue Pacific waters, lies Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. At the heart of the park is a spring of liquid rock that flows from out of the black land into the steaming ocean water. This is Kilauea volcano, one of the essential destinations on a Hawaii vacation, and also home to a certain temperamental deity.
Many years ago, somewhere near the Tahitian Islands, Haumea, Goddess of the Earth, was about to have a child. The newborn she bore was named Pelehonuamea, and she come into the world with fire in her eyes. Her uncle Lonomakua, keeper of the flames, decided that she was worthy to inherit his knowledge of fire, and he passed on to her all that he knew. Pele eventually was blamed for the burning of her native island, and her jealous sister Namaka forced her to leave. Pele made her way to Hawaii, where she fought and defeated 'Aila'au for control of the island.
Pele has evidently become friendlier in recent years, because she is eager to allow visitors into her home. Patrons to the park are treated to a display of mythological power, and also to a startling beauty. This part of the island lacks the lush vegetation and green forests that the rest of the Hawaiian Islands provide, for it is constantly assaulted with the ravages of a volcano. The brilliant colors of tropical flowers are replaced with bright yellow sulfur deposits, and the heat comes not only from the sun, but also from the ground.
Legend holds that Pele eventually took up residence in Halema'uma'u crater, a cauldron of lava within the caldera of Kilauea. When walking toward the crater, one sees smoke rising out of fissures in the ground, emitting toxic gases and reminding us that the heart of the volcano is still awake. Despite these ominous signs, Pele's home is hardened over now; what was once a boiling lake of lava is now cooled into a black crater.
Pele, like any volcano goddess, is prone to losing her temper. The slightest provocations can set her into a violent rage, and she likes to demonstrate her power in magnificent ways. Walking along the lava fields, one very quickly realizes the magnitude of this power. Black rivers of hardened magma flow down the slope of the park, and the ground underneath shows the contours of a once gushing stream of lava.
Unlike, say, Yellowstone National Park, there is no Old Faithful precision to Kilauea. Paved roads are swallowed up by the magma, and park workers must constantly find new places to send visitors. With just a little bit of luck, and some guidance from the rangers, one can usually bear witness to the red river of lava coming out of the earth. This is not a sight soon forgotten, nor is the oven-like heat easily escaped. From here the molten rock flows into the ocean, creating a plume of smoke as it hardens and forms a new piece of land. Pele likes to show that she can both destroy and create land, and for this she is often known as Pele-'ai'honua, Pele the Eater of Land. 
The old Hawaiian priests used to offer meats and flowers as sacrifices to appease the temper of the Volcano Goddess, and natives today will often present her with 'ohelo berries as a sign of deference. A visit to her home will surely command respect even from the staunchest of atheists, since the essence of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a profound awe of the power of nature. It is easy to feel meek when faced with the raw power of volcanic forces. It's also easy to lose track of time when witnessing such a spectacular display, so try to devote more than a few hours to the park.
Oh, and one more thing: tempting as it may be, it's advisable not to take any of the black lava rocks as a souvenir. Pele hates that.
Source: Pele: Goddess of Hawaii's Volcanoes, by Herb Kawainui Kane.
SoGoNow.com by: Allison Myers on: 9:41 PM | What do you think? (1) | TrackBack
The Best of Paris
Best café. The stylish Vavin Café (18, rue Vavin; Métropolitain subway stop: Vavin), between Montparnasse and the Jardins du Luxembourg, is one of the best people-watching spots in town. Best walk... http://www.cookinglight.com/cooking/hl/travel/article/0,13803,1052789-1052857,00.html
In Paris, the café is like a second home-it's where many Parisians congregate to gossip, debate, or just connect with others. Start the day at any of the 12,000 cafés within Paris city limits, order a café crème (espresso with milk), and drink it leaning at the bar. As established café rules dictate, prices are lowest at the bar, a bit higher when seated inside, and highest for prime outdoor tables. But nurse your coffee or drink as long as you'd like, because once you procure a café table, the spot is yours for as long as you desire. Read a newspaper or sit and daydream.
SoGoNow.com by: Guest Author on: 5:59 PM
Hong Kong: Fun on a budget
HONG KONG (AP) -- Visiting Hong Kong brings out the urge to splurge. Travelers are surrounded by glitzy shopping arcades filled with boutiques and stores selling the hottest fashions and the latest electronic gizmos.
But it's easy to have a great time on $20 a day -- just over 150 Hong Kong dollars -- in the city whose name means "Fragrant Harbor" in Chinese.
A good place to start is on one of the old wood-sided streetcars.....
http://www.cnn.com/2005/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/06/06/hong.kong.budget.ap/index.html
SoGoNow.com by: Guest Author on: 5:55 PM
May 28, 2005
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
Australia: America's Bizarro World
By Ruth Carlson photos by Rich Carlson/Foto-OP
Remember the "Seinfeld" episode when Elaine started hanging out with a new group of friends who looked like Jerry, Kramer and George but acted the opposite? Elaine's new friends read books instead of watching movies, volunteered at charities rather than goofing around, and acted courteously, not obnoxiously. Jerry said it was like the time Superman discovered a parallel universe called Bizarro World.
During a recent visit to Australia I discovered it's the United State's Bizarro World. At first glance, New South Wales looks like California. The hip residents are athletic, activities center surround the water, and the weather is temperate. But their summer is our winter, they drive on the left side, and although they speak English, it sounds like a foreign language. Their big city also seems friendlier and cheaper than ours.
My husband Rich and I went for a weeklong visit in January-summertime. I wanted to stay in a trendy high-rise hotel in Sydney's harbor but my husband begged for Bondi after reading it was rated one of the world's best beaches. As our bus rounded the corner into town, I gasped at the views: on my right side, sparkling blue water lapping onto a white sand beach in the shape of a half moon, and on my left, "Backpacker's Welcome" signs. The latter made me briefly consider staying on the bus back to Sydney, but as the Aussies say, "No worries mate." Our hotel, Ravesis, is a Bondi Beach landmark that was recently remodeled in a Wallpaper magazine style. It's still only two stories tall...thanks to stringent control, Bondi is restricting high-rise buildings, unlike some beach areas in Honolulu and Miami. Our room had a 180-degree ocean view that we forced ourselves to leave occasionally for Ravesis' open-air bar and restaurant.
Since we arrived in Bondi Beach on New Year's Day, there was only restaurant open, the Blue/Orange.
After grabbing a table on the sidewalk, we tried to order smoked salmon and roasted vegetable sandwiches and ran into that language barrier. "We don't have sandwiches, " explained the waitress, "only focaccias."
Fortunately, a blond woman at the next table interpreted for us. She
turned out to be an expatriate (wouldn't you know it) who was
recovering from a brain tumor. She recommended that we ride the Bondi
Explorer bus... a suggestion I attributed to her lingering illness.
Normally I wouldn't be caught dead on a tour bus, but it turned out to
be a great way to get familiar with the area and plan our week. For $30 Australian dollars, you can hop off and on the bus anytime during the two-hour tour. The chi-chi shops at Double Bay tempted me but my
husband had the opposite idea- saving money.
Although Sydney is only about 15 minutes away, we got into the laid back beach lifestyle and found it hard to leave the beach. Fortunately there's plenty to do in Bondi. Each morning we stopped at a health food store for espressos, homemade muffins and fresh squeezed juice. My favorite was passion fruit and mango.
The barista always asked if we'd gone swimming yet, no matter the weather. The water was too cold for me but if you take the plunge, swim between the flags or the lifesavers, (don't call them guards), won't rescue you. Here's another warning you won't see posted on the beach: all Australian men wear tiny black Speedos-no matter their age or weight. On the other hand, only young women sunbathe topless. Hmm, maybe there was another reason Rich insisted on Bondi. At the southern end of the Beach you can hike along a paved walkway to the small town of Bronte. It takes about 40 minutes unless you stop and gape at the incredible ocean views. Be sure and stop for lunch at the Swell Bar in Bronte. Cheers!
After breakfast one morning, before it got too hot, we decided to try the Bondi Beach golf course. We only played nine holes after learning 18 holes was just 9 holes twice! It's worth the $10.00 fee just for the view-crashing waves below the cliffs on one side and the Sydney harbor bridge on the other. My par earned a "good on ya" from the manager who
reminisced about the time he played golf with John Wayne at Pebble
Beach.
On Sundays, starting about ten, young artists and fashion designers set up stalls at the Bondi market. It's less well known than the Paddington market but it's cheaper and you get a chance to talk with the sellers. Often the designer's mother or sister is staffing the booth and they told me their labels are sold in stores-at higher prices. It's getting hard to find unique souvenirs on trips... the same Puma purse I admired in Sydney was at a Nordstrom store when I got home. Australia's markets are the place to discover one-of-a-kind styles. I bought a bracelet with tiny pool balls and a lace top by Bella Lupa-watch out Colette Dinigan! My husband snagged a cutting board...cheaper than one he saw at Paddington. I was tempted by
halter-tops made out of vintage scarves, fuchsia Indian saris, clothing using pieces of kimonos and the same surf styles currently on the New York runways.
One of the highlights of our trip was the romantic Flicker Fest. We saw movies under the stars in the intimate, outdoor Bondi Pavilion. For only a few dollars you can watch international short films and help judge them by filling out a survey. I gave high marks to a Claymation about a transvestite singer and a movie about an Aborigine young man meeting his relatives. At intermission, we eavesdropped on aspiring filmmakers networking at a makeshift tiki bar.
On the way home we stopped at the Bondi Hotel where I was becoming addicted to putting a dollar in the slot machine. Gambling is legal in bizarro land. When I jumped up and down after wining eight dollars, the manager jokingly gave me a card for gamblers anonymous.
Most evenings we took our time over dinner watching people strolling down Campbell Parade. Australians feel they are entitled to stay at a table all night and we had to beg the waitress for a check-unlike the bum's rush you get in the States. Hugos, which has padded benches outdoors complete with pashminas for the night chill, is the place to see and be seen. Gelbison's Pizzeria is the local hangout and it's BYOB. Just pop
round the corner to the bottle shop and buy a local Shiraz wine. One
night we went to a local fish market and picked out a marlin steak.
They deep-fry or grill your choice and throw in some chips (French
fries). For dessert, how about a deep-fried milky way bar? That's one
trend they can keep in Bizarro World!
When we got up the energy to visit Sydney, we used public transportation. Talk about opposites--it was cheap, safe, and easy to navigate and we never had to wait longer than ten minutes! We bought a five-day pass to make our life easier-it works for bus, trains and ferries. Buy your ticket at a newsagent store or on the bus.
I recommend you ride a ferry at least once during your stay to see the Sydney skyline from the water. It's a cliché- but true -that the opera house looks like a flock of birds taking flight. We took a boat to Manley because it was highly recommended, but this tourist trap town disappointed us.
When you do venture into Sydney, go to a local hangout-- a yacht club. If you live outside the immediate radius, they give you a free visitors pass. Try that at the exclusive St. Francis Yacht Club in San
Francisco! The clubs have restaurants; bars and often slot machines. We had lunch at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. There was something wild about eating lunch on a picnic bench next to million dollar boats. Just don't be too adventurous like me and order the baby squid. On the way out, stop by the lobby for unique gifts. We left with hats and shirts with the yacht club logo, sponsors of the famous Sydney to Hobart race.
Here's another insider tip: every January, the city sponsors a month long arts festival. Plays, art exhibits and music performances take place all over the city. At the free outdoor performance called Sticky, gymnasts wrapped a huge erector set with tape and set it on fire before 3000 people sitting on the steps outside the Opera House. That same night, Rich and I scored tickets to La Pasion Segun San Marcus, or The Passion according to St. Mark at the Opera House. The biblical story is told with a symphony and singers and dancers with Cuban/African influences. During the concert, the audience sat primly in their seats but they made up for it at the end, stomping their feet and whistling for encores. Even if you don't see a performance, spend a night hanging out in the Opera House area. The streets are alive with musicians and outdoor diners.
You can't leave Sydney without visiting the shopping shrine: the Queen Victoria building called "the most beautiful shopping center in the world" by Pierre Cardin. January means after Christmas sales-up to 75% off! I scored a wool black skirt at Saba, and my husband got a purple shirt at Politix. (Yes, -purple-remember we were in Bizarro land). On the first floor, there is a large Lush store so we stocked up on the shampoo soap and fizzy bath balls...and my husband's basket was piled higher than mine!
The Oxford/Paddington neighborhood is also worth a visit
for cutting edge styles you can't find at home like the Scanlan &
Theodore boutique. Be sure and stop for lunch or dinner at Arthur's
Pizza, a Sydney institution.
We didn't think Darling Harbor
lived up to its name, with the exception of the Maritime museum. My
husband admired the old fiberglass runabouts that reminded him of his
dad's and I enjoyed the documentary on the first woman to sail solo
around the world.
There are many reasons to visit Sydney. The friendly people, the scenery, the culture, the fresh fish and the shopping. But most importantly, you'll find yourself acting differently like buying purple shirts or riding tour buses. At the end of the Seinfeld episode, Elaine is disillusioned with her Bizarro world and returns to the old gang. But as much as I like California, I am in love with Bondi. You know what they say-opposites attract.
SoGoNow.com by: Guest Author on: 10:44 PM
Santorini: An Island Paradise
By Danielle Seaton
There comes a time in every college student's study abroad experience when the urge to pick up and travel somewhere fabulous becomes too strong to resist. This urge usually occurs between one and three times a week (five if you're in exam mode), and you must be ready to give in.
Give in and go to the Greek island of Santorini (officially known as Thira), as it is regarded by many as the most spectacular of all the Greek islands. Greece was my destination of choice for spring break and I wasn't disappointed. With Santorini's dazzling white and blue buildings, amazing beaches and interesting history, I was able to fulfill (most) of my wildest dreams.
Santorini's history is especially unique. Santorini is the epicenter of what was probably the biggest volcanic eruption in recorded history. Greece is known to be an earthquake zone of pretty minor eruptions, but apparently Santorini missed that memo. Here, the eruptions have been so violent through the centuries, that the shape of the island has changed several times. The last major earthquake measured a 7.8 on the Richter scale in 1956, killing large amounts of people and destorying most of the houses on Santorini and its neighboring islets. To see Santorini today is remarkable, one would never even begin to think that this island ever had any sort of turmoil. I also prefer not to think about volcanic eruptions and earthquakes while on vacation, though I DO like to speculate about the fact that Santorini supposedly made up part of the lost continent of Atlantis.
My friends and I flew from Athens into Santorini's airport, which is not much more than a strip of tarmac, but the idea of lounging around in one of the most beautiful islands of the Mediterranean was good enough for me.
We stayed in Perissa, home of the one of the best black sand beaches on the island. We could tell this from the massive number of hotels and restaurants lining the tiny beach road. However, even though there were more hotels per square foot than I'd ever seen in my life, Perissa was blissfully deserted. We arrived right before tourist season officially began (tourist season is May-Oct). I recommend coming before tourist season if you're highly allergic to hordes of people or the sun. However, the people on Santorini are extremely polite and friendly, always willing to give you a ride or offer up advice on where to eat and what to see.
Our hotel was indeed, a white building with blue trim, like most of the buildings on the island. When choosing a hotel, you don't need to use as much discretion as you would anywhere else in Europe, as even the cheapest hotels are clean and safe. We paid about 20 euros a night for our hotel, which is standard for a double room. Another option, for those who are looking for long term accomodations, is to rent a room or an apartment. Slightly more expensive, this is a good idea if you are going to be staying for more than a week.
There is more to do in Santorini besides lie on the beach (though that's nice too), such as visit the ancient city, visit the other islands of the caldera, swim in hot springs, climb the volcano, have some ouzo (Greece's national drink...careful, if you don't like licorice, this will be an interesting surprise), watch a sunset, ride some donkeys, etc...
I reccommend taking a boat tour of Santorini and its surrounding islands, the islands of Thirasia, Nea Kameni and the islet of Palia Kameni. Just bring your sea bands and dramamine if you are prone to seasickness, because no matter how many times people tell you that sailing through the Aegean is like skating over a sheet of glass, chances are, you will be sick. The tour starts off at the dormant. Santorini's volcanic history is visible everywhere, in black sand beaches, lava layered cliffs pouring into the sea, earthquake-damaged dwellings, and in the soil's fertility, but the island of Nea Kameni, the actual site of the volcano is the true gem.
There are only a few well worn paths leading to the volcano on Nea Kameni and that's it, but it offers a breathtaking view of the main island of Santorini. There are piles of lava everywhere, which offer a dazzling contrast to the blue green water and the sulfur infused soil that we walked upon. Don't expect any magma, the volcano IS dormant (I only say this because I forgot that if a volcano is dormant, there will be no molten rock), but when you get close to the center, you will feel the temperature rise.
The islet of Palia Kameni, where the Hot Springs are situated, was the next stop on our tour, and by hot springs, I mean lukewarm springs and lots of red mud and a sulfuric smell. The boats cannot dock on this island, so you will have to swim a significant length to get to the hot springs, and the water will be cold. Our guide said we would have to swim 30 meters; we had to swim 500. This is by no means an obligatory visit, but it was exciting to say that we swam in the Aegean to get to some ancient hot springs.
The island of Thirasia is perhaps the most beautiful part of Santorini with sheer cliffs overlooking the Aegean, and several whitewashed buildings against a sky that is almost impossibly blue. Only 300 people inhabit this island, and they are mostly fishermen. You will find wonderful fish kebabs in almost every restaurant for very cheap. You do have to hike for about 20 minutes (or take a donkey for 3 euros) up steep steps in order to see the true beauty of this island (and to eat some great food). Be sure to bring good walking shoes, lots of water, and sunscreen or else though you may happy, you'll end up dehydrated with calluses on you feet and a nice sunburn that will keep you warm for days.
Catch the sunset at Oia, back on the main island, for the end of your day. There are several restaurants perfectly situated for your viewing pleasure. I have rarely seen sunsets as beautiful as these, do not miss it.
If you are interested in shopping, your best bet is Fira, the capital of Santorini. Here you will find jewelery stores jammed side by side, most of them selling their jewelery at insane prices. However, everything seems to be negotiable here, so try and ask for a discount and see what they say. There are also several clothing stores, but you're going to pay a hefty price. Fira is the only place where brash commercialism seems to have taken over, but it hasn't diminished Fira's dramatic aura. Views from the edge of the caldera of the multi-colored cliffs are beautiful, and at night, the caldera's edge is a festival of lights.
If you don't have a car, you can rely on public transportation, i.e. one bus that fills up quickly, so it would be best to rent a car or a scooter if you want to see the island. Taxis are another option, and they are very cheap, so you won't have to break the bank in order to take one.
You will eat very well here. One thing I like about Greece in general, is that all of the food is very fresh, and it is always indicated on the menu whether or not something was frozen before cooked. Try the moussaka and of course, a Greek salad. For those of you who are more adventurous (or who are like me and like weird things), the octopus salad would be a good choice. Grapes thrive in Santorini's volcanic soil, and the island's wines are famous all over Greece and beyond. The Greeks also drink ouzo, which is an alcohol with a very strong licorice taste. They will usually give it to you for free along with your meal. It's an acquired taste, one I don't think I'll be acquiring or inquiring about any time soon.
Santorini has a great deal to offer, and is a wonderful place to relax and just get away from it all. Late April-early May is the time to visit, just before all the tourists get there, but it will still be warm.
There are five flights daily to and from Athens for about 80 euros one-way per person. The ferry is a cheaper bet, however, those who get incredibly seasick being on a boat for 8 hours like I do, you might want to skip this option.
SoGoNow.com by: Guest Author on: 10:22 PM | What do you think? (1)
Anniversary Narrows
Only 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip lays an area of incredible beauty in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
My friend Joe sent me pictures to entice me to take this hike and I was not disappointed.
We started out early one warm May morning. The hike starts out on a small road that is easy hiking. We passed by the Las Vegas Rock Club agate mines. There are all kinds of small mines so watch your step if you choose to get off the main trail.
We were also lucky enough to see many types of wildlife; desert tortoises, horny toads, bats, turtles and buzzards.
Once we entered the
You can get to the Anniversary Narrows by traveling east on Sahara Avenue to Hollywood, take a left on Hollywood, drive on Hollywood to Lake Mead take a right, and drive to the Lake Mead entrance area, keep driving east, when you come to a fork in the road turn left to Colville Bay. The trail head is at the 16 mile mark, park in the lot beside the road. Head east, when the road washes out, turn to the north and hike up the road. Whenever you have a chance always take the left hand fork. You will not be disappointed in the hike.
SoGoNow.com by: Kellie Archuletta on: 6:09 PM | What do you think? (3)
May 27, 2005
The Backpacker Commandments
There are those that travel posh. There are those that travel without budgets, seemingly oblivious to the amount of money they spend. And then there are those who travel clinging to each dollar as if it were their last. Frugal and low on cash reserves, these curious beasts are what I like to call "the backpackers."
Most innocuous (once you can look beyond their gruff exteriors), backpackers are the feared overlords of the cheap deal. Looking for ways to save their hard-earned cash, these gridiron types search for ways to save money as religious zealots search for salvation.
But many backpackers are lost in their ways and need to know what to expect. What they need is a code: As Moses was given the Ten Commandments to govern the lives of the true, I give you the "Backpacker Commandments," to guide you away from your forsaken ways and into the land of the travel promise land--on the cheap of course.
And so it is said:
- Thou shall pack light: If thou backpack is too heavy thou shall immediately fall prey to a spine that resembles the question mark in nature. Packeth half of what you need, and then taketh half of this.
- Thou shall learn key phrases in the native language of the country you are visiting: Such phrases can include, "Where can I find a bathroom?" or "How much does this trinket cost?" or "Where can I find a good cockfight?"
- If thou is Canadian thou shall stitch the Canadian flag onto your backpack: This is done to protect the embarrassed Canuck from accidentally being mistaken for an American. Yes, I know this is too ghastly to think about for those of you living north of the border.
- Thou shall wear the finest earplugs the stores shall selleth: This will keep out typical dorm-room noises such as strident toenail clipping and drunk chatterbox travelers who find it hilarious to wander in at 3:00 am and trip over every bed in the hostel.
- Thou shall carry an extra copy of identification and passport: A smiling face and quizzical look shall never get thee past security in an airport.
- Thou shall learn how to sleep on eleven-hour bus rides: This includes those where there are live chickens and natives who like to use your shoulders as a pillow.
- Thou shall never extol the virtues of American football over European football while traveling in
England: This is doubly important in a pub. And remember, never say, " Manchester United Sucks" if in Manchester--unless you would like your kidneys rearranged like a balloon animal. - Thou shall learn to go without proper personal hygiene: Thou shall, however, bring extra-strength deodorant.
- Thou shall pack light: Your eyes do not deceive you. This is the second time thou have seen this. Packeth light you must.
- Thou shall converse with other backpackers: One musteth find information on the latest parties, the hot spots, and places to scour for food.
- Thou shall respect all cultures thou come across: This excludes cannibalistic cultures and seedy-looking natives with intoxicating wine-never trust those with wine too good to be true.
- Thou shall forgo proper nutrition: One must learn how to survive on bread, sugar, and small doses of butter. The occasional deli meat shall also be accepted.
- Thou shall always keep an eye on your bags in the train stations: Trust I, there will be others with an eye on your bag.
- Thou shall bring a small notebook to record thoughts and take notes: Later when you are reminiscing about the places you have goneth, you will be able to remember more than, "Do you remember that place we went to that looked like a really tall electrical tower." With written notes you will remember this place was known as the
Eiffel Tower. - Thou shall never place a banana in the bottom of your backpack.
SoGoNow.com by: Marcel Hovsepian on: 5:38 PM | What do you think? (1)
Pasta-eria Italian Restaurant
Every time I return home from college, after weeks of living off lucky charms and pizza the first thing I look forward to is my mom’s home cooked meals. When my mom lacks the time to create her savory Italian cuisine from scratch, the next best thing is a trip to a local Italian eatery called Pasta-eria. Tucked away in a corner off South Oyster Bay Road in
The delicious food makes the wait well worth it. The menu unfolds with a variety of options and is always supplemented with a laundry list of daily specials. The hardest thing, second to deliberating between at least five delectable dishes to order from, is stopping yourself from filling up on the bread basket. From garlic breads, rolls, and soft, chewy breads covered in marinara sauce and seasonings, the variety and deliciousness of bread presented makes it next to impossible not to make a meal of it alone. If you can’t get enough of this sampling of their homemade bread, Pasta-eria offers bruschetta, crispy garlic dough skins and garlic bread in appetizer portions.
In addition to traditional appetizers found in Italian eateries, such as Fried Mozzarella Sticks and Fried Calamari, Pasta-eria offers Maryland Style Crabcakes and Baked Clams Oreganate. In chilly weather, a cup of homemade Minestrone or Pasta e Fagioli soup will not only warm but also fill you up. You can order one of eight unique salads as an appetizer, side dish, or a larger portion as an entrée. Favorites include the Crispo Salad, a tossed salad with fried breaded chicken topped with mozzarella, and Insalate Pavarotti with crumbled Gorgonzola, crunchy peanut brittle, pine nuts and red onion over arugula and endive salad with Dijonnaise Vinaigrette.
At lunch time Pasta-eria offers an array of Pannini, sandwiches served and grilled on Chiapara rolls, and come with your choice of Cajun fries or soup. Though the Pannini are only offered at lunch time, the rest of the menu is available for both lunch and dinner and are popular choices at any time of day. Almost any meat dish can be made Parmigiana style, from veal, chicken, sausage, shrimp, and meatball to eggplant, and be served as a hero or a dinner, accompanied with your choice of salad or spaghetti with tomato sauce. The selection of pastas fit any appetite, from spicy to mild, plain with just garlic and oil or bursting with flavor and topped with any number of seasonings. Choose from an infinite number of pasta shapes and textures as well as type of sauce, whether white or red, creamy or tomato. A must-try and house specialty is their own Pasta Emilio, a combination of sausage and shrimp with ham, scallions and diced tomato in a light pink cream sauce over spaghetti. For the finicky eater or families with children, Pasta-eria’s brick oven pizza, made visibly in the front of the restaurant and available for take-out, offers yet another choice where you can’t go wrong. 
If you have room left after tackling the generous portions, indulge in a homemade dessert option, which changes daily and can be found listed on a board in the back of the restaurant. Relax and unwind over an espresso or cappuccino while you take in the European feel of the dining room surrounded by paintings of tiny villas on the walls and a gorgeous mahogany wine bar in the back. This family friendly restaurant attracts parents with young children who can watch the pizza’s creation as it gets tossed up in the air while they wait to be seated to the finale of the meal where kids can choose from their favorite flavors of Italian ices.
For a great meal away from home, Pasta-eria guarantees to satisfy patrons of all ages. Its variegated menu and food always comes out of the kitchen steaming hot to ensure you it has been cooked fresh and from scratch. The only negative aspect about this restaurant-pizzeria combo is there simply isn’t enough room, whether to fit its many patrons who line up to be seated in its cozy dining room or in your stomach to fit all the scrumptious dishes you’ll want to try.
Pasta-eria
(516) 938-1555
SoGoNow.com by: Allison Myers on: 12:52 PM
May 26, 2005
Game On
Although many couchjockeys prefer to sit at home and enjoy thumb-numbing action on their Playstation 2s and X-boxes, some still prefer to hit the place where videogames first made their mark.....the Arcade. Ah yes, the memories........ 
Visions of Street Fighter 2 and chants of "Hadoken" still echo in the back of my mind from the golden days of yesteryear. Fast-forward to the present. Fighting games have long since gone 3-D, Dance Dance Revolution is the norm and fewer arcades are in existence than the early 90s. Although choices are limited in Orlando, uber-expensive DisneyQuest or Pac-Man Cafe come to mind, a friend of mine came one day to show me the light to another option....Rocky's Replay. Located off of Semoran Blvd. sandwiched between Winter Park and the UCF area lies a small building that stands as a mecca of salvation for quartermunching otherwise known as Rocky's Replay.
Inside the place draws a mix of kids, teens, and adults with games that cater to everyone. The standard air-hockey table is present along with a slew of modern games and a mix of some classics as well to satisfy any gamer's appetite. Racing, fighting, shooting, dancing games, you name it they've got it. On top of that they've got some standard food fare including hotdogs, nachos, and cheese fries. Although the place is kid friendly, adults aren't in the cold either as the place serves beer and has ash trays dotted among the arcade cabinets.
Rocky's Replay definitely gives a good shot to any game addict needing a fix, without some of the hassle of the aforementioned larger game places. If you've got an hour to kill, definitely head to Rocky's! Game Over.
Rocky's Replay
407-260-0043
1121 Semoran Blvd.
Casselberry, FL
SoGoNow.com by: Allison Myers on: 7:45 PM | What do you think? (1)
Starlight on Ithaca
Standing on an old wooden deck in Ithaca, NY, overlooking the tributary waters of Ca