When Vacations Attack

Well this guy wasn't exactly on a vacation...He is a photographer and videographer and he got pretty darn close to a Black Rhino! Click here to see the video. I hope I never get caught in a situation like this! EEK!!!

{Source, screenshots from the YouTube Video}

P.S. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Travelers You DON'T Want Sitting Next to You on a Plane

I saw this article and thought that it was a funny/good topic to talk about on a travel blog :) So here is a list of people you might get stuck sitting next to, some funny, some not so funny.

1 - The smelly person - this is the person that doesn't shower and reeks of body odor!!!
2 - The snorer - a snorer...even worse on an over night flight
3 - The sleep talker - I can't imagine sitting next to some that talks in their sleep! 
4 - The sleep walker - Same with this one, I hear that this is a side effect of ambien which many people take to help them sleep on planes! 
5 - The I have the cold/flu person - Unfortunately I became this person mid flight the last time I was coming home from Europe. About 1/2 over the Atlantic I came down with the cold...I'm sure from another passenger! 
6 - The dead person - This one is not meant to be funny. When I was in high school a friend of mine was traveling to Paris on a full flight and the passenger next to him passes away. Since the flight was full, he was stuck there. 
7 - The awkward person - Just someone is a little weird. I sat next to a guy traveling to LAX and he didn't speak a word of English. Every time the flight attendant came buy and asked if he needed anything he would just point at what I was getting. It was just a little strange.
8 - The talker - Having to sit next to someone who is a chatty Cathy is never any fun if you don't like to talk on planes. When we were flying from Kauai to Oahu the young man behind us was talking to his seat mate and asking her all sorts of inappropriate questions like, "how much money do you make as a nurse?", "can you write me a recommendation?", "how much money does your ranch make?" of course she didn't answer and I could tell she was uncomfortable. 
9 - The lovers - Once on a flight there was a couple that was so all over each other that the flight attendant had to tell them to please sit properly with your feet on the floor. (She had her legs propped up on him and was pretty much sitting in his lap...get a room...and not one 35,000 ft in the air!)

Have you ever had to sit next to any of these people? 

Places to See Before They are Gone FOREVER

When reading the title of this post you have to say forever like the kid form The Sandlot...FOR-EV-ER, FOR-EV-ER, FOR-EV-ER...if you don't know what I'm talking about you have to youtube it! Anyway, I found this article from Yahoo! Travel about worldly sights to see before they are gone for good. Its quite the list and spans the whole world! I hope to make it to some of these places some day.

The Maldives
Why to go now: The Maldives is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean and is the lowest country on the planet with an average elevation of five feet above sea level. Made up of thousands of coral islands and reefs spread over nearly 56,000 square miles, this surfing and diving paradise is naturally more ocean than land. But if sea levels continue to rise due to climate change, the Maldives may end up completely submerged within 100 years.

 {Photo: Steve Allen / Getty Images, source}

Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Québec
Why to go now: An idyllic island getaway in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Îles-de-la-Madeleine's white sand beaches and sandstone cliffs are steadily eroding. Strong winds have always been part of life on the islands, and they make for notable kitesurfing. But Canadian Geographic reported last year that the high concentration of sea ice currently shielding the archipelago's shores from destructive storms is disappearing. Climate researchers estimate the protective ice will be gone sometime between 2050 and 2090. Currently, anywhere from four to 43 inches of coast are lost each year and intense storms can destroy up to three feet along certain cliffs.

The Mongolian Steppe
Why to go now: Known for its vast grassland plains surrounded by mountains and desert, Mongolia is the most sparsely populated independent country in the world. But the legendary steppe of Genghis and Kublai Khan will not remain untrammeled for long. Mineral exploration is threatening the country's age-old nomadic way of life. Fueled by a mining boom, Mongolia's economy grew at a record 17.5 percent in 2011. According to Citigroup Global Markets, it will continue to grow at an average of 9.7 percent, the fastest in the world, through 2030. That means the great wide open spaces of Mongolia are shrinking at an ever faster pace.

The Karnali River, Nepal
Why to go now: Originating on the Tibetan plateau and cutting through the Himalayas to India, the 315-mile Karnali is Nepal's longest, largest and wildest river. For serious floaters, it's also one of the planet's premier rivers for multiday rafting trips, featuring clear water, consistent flow and big Class V rapids. Unfortunately, the abundant water and fast flow make the river a prime prospect for hydropower development. The Nepali government is seeking investors and financiers for a large dam project on the Upper Karnali. If built, the dam would generate electricity for export to China and India at the expense of world-class whitewater.

{Photo: Getty Images, source}

The Galápagos Islands
Why to go now: The sheer number of endemic species inhabiting the Galápagos Islands, an archipelago 620 miles off the coast of Ecuador, inspired Charles Darwin to formulate his evolutionary theories and write “On the Origin of Species.” Many of the species that live on these actively volcanic islands are found no place else on Earth, including marine iguanas and giant tortoises. More than 100,000 tourists visit the Galápagos annually, resulting in the introduction of invasive species like pigs (smuggled in by workers) and rats (stowed away on boats) and landing the destination on the World Heritage Site Danger List from 2007 to 2010. Environmentalists warn that the islands aren't yet in the clear. Tourism continues to rise 12 percent year over year with the infrastructure alone threatening to forever alter the once isolated islands.

The Ecuadorean Amazon
Why to go now: Deep in the jungle at the headwaters of the Amazon lives one of the most isolated ethnic groups in the world. The Huaorani, an indigenous people who've only been in contact with the so-called civilized world since the mid-twentieth century, harvest jungle fruits and hunt in much the same way as they presumably have for thousands of years. And they do it through virgin forest. Unfortunately, oil interests in the region have put their way of life, and the pristine environment, at risk. The government of Ecuador originally asked that the international community raise funds to offset potential oil revenues – an effort to justify keeping oil development out of the Amazon that was considered tantamount to blackmail. Nevertheless, development is coming and it's coming fast – bad news for both the Huaorani and the myriad birds and other animals that call the region home.

Glacier National Park
Why to go now: In 1850, Montana's Glacier National Park had 150 glaciers, a number that has dwindled to just 25 today. Glacier recession models predict that in about 15 years, none will remain. And while the park is famous for retaining nearly all of its native plant and animal species, including the grizzly bear, the ecosystem could change dramatically when the glacier-fed cold water is gone. The glaciers — arguably the park's chief tourist draw — will be gone, and, of course, the park's own name will become a misnomer.

{Photo: Getty Images, source}

The Athabasca Glacier, Canada
Why to go now: Alberta's iconic Athabasca Glacier is the most visited glacier in North America, thanks to a convenient location just off Highway 93 between Banff and Jasper. It dramatically spills down from the Columbia Ice Field, the largest ice field in the Canadian Rockies. Athabasca's visibility and popularity make its rapid recession all the more distressing. The glacier has been melting for about the last 125 years, losing half its volume and receding nearly one mile. It's currently receding at a rate of 6.6 to 9.8 feet a year.

The Dead Sea
Why to go now: One of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth, the Dead Sea is the world's original health resort. Herod the Great and Cleopatra allegedly took dips in the mineral-rich waters, which have been said to relieve ailments ranging from psoriasis to osteoarthritis. In the past four decades though, the lake has shrunk by 30 percent and sunk 80 feet. The culprits? Surrounding countries tapping the River Jordan, which is the Dead Sea's sole water source. At the current rate, experts predict the Dead Sea will be gone within 50 years.

London/Paris Link-Up

Yesterday Debbie at Buisson International joined a link up hosted by Selena at Oh, The Places We Will Go and her co-host Amy from Créatrice Mondial. It's actually a link-up for both Paris and London. Since I have only been to London that is what I'll talk about! :) I visited London in the summer of 2008 with some friends that were on my study abroad adventure with me (this is a re-post from March 5, 2011). You can also see my plans for Paris sights and food by clicking the links. 

Getting there was a bit of a mess! We took a bus to the “cheap airport”, Sandefjord, near Oslo and landed at the “cheap airport” near London, Stansted. When it was all said and done, I’m not sure if taking the cheaper flights was worth it since we had to take so many buses and trains to get to our final destinations. We made it to London and met up with her uncle briefly (he had to finish his work day) and he showed us were we would meet up with him for dinner and the play we were seeing that night. So we had some lunch and then walked around the River Thames and popped in the Museum of Modern Art.

The play we saw was The Buddy Holly Story! During the play they kind of interacted with the audience and asked someone where they were from…well they were from Japan…but how fun it would have been if they had picked us and we got to say, “Lubbock, TX!” It would have been awesome (since we went to Texas Tech). So we did and headed home via our feet and strolled by Buckingham Palace, and the Queen was home too! The next day we went to the Tower of London and took the tour with the only female Beefeater (they are the “guardians of the Tower of London”) but it was very cool to be somewhere that is so old and see things that are so old! And of course, it’s part of my family history! My mom’s cousin has been able to prove that one of our family members was a bastard child of King Henry the VIII (one of many bastards I’m sure!) so it was just really neat! We walked by Big Ben many times and then went to Saturday mass at Westminster Abby! Very cool and the boys choir was so angelic. Then we went for a sunset ride on the London Eye (the best way to see London I am sure, and you must do it at dusk! Så vakkert)! When everything was all said and done I think we figured we walked 15 miles in 2.5 days! Talk about cardio!

I loved seeing all the amazing sites and taking in the history of it all. I would love to go back and explore some more one day!

Top left corner - Big Ben; Top right corner - London Eye; Bottom (Left to Right) - Abby Road, London Phone Booth, Beef Eater

Today, I have linked up with 

Selena at Oh, The Places We Will Go and 

Amy at Créatrice Mondial for 

Cheers, Madame!

Pinspiration

This month's pinspiration is Thanksgiving themed. We usually don't do anything for Thanksgiving because we have been on vacation for the past 3 of them! Hawaii I miss you *tear* But this year we are in a new house so I thought it would be nice to have my family over and have our first Thanksgiving in our new home.

Since we don't usually have Thanksgiving we didn't have a lot of fall decor so when I saw this on the Silhouette Blog I thought, "hey, that's cute and looks easy to make." I went a bought some card stock and started messing around on my Silhouette. Its not like we need place settings because there will only be 5 of us but still, I thought it would be fun. Here are some pics:

From the Silhouette Blog

 {Source}

Made by me!

I think I did a pretty good job if I do say so myself! To make the leaves curl a bit I just wrapped them around a pencil.

Do have any fun fall crafts or decorating ideas?

A Plan for Paris: Food

So my plan for eating while we're in Paris is to pretty much focus on loaves of bread and desserts! haha. I have come up with a list of stops based on TripAdvisor reviews, the Travel Channel, and some blog reviews. Here we go...

Dessert

Galetta Cafe

This place is know for their crepes! And what is a trip to Paris without trying a crepe?!?!

Angelina

They are know for their rich hot chocolate served with a small pot of whipped cream and their Mont Blanc Cake that is a combination of meringue, light whipped cream and chestnut cream vermicelli. 

{Mont Blanc source; Hot Chocolate source}

Amorino

Famous for their ice cream and how its served! Almost looks too pretty to eat...but you know I will!

{Source}

Laduree

Known for their pastries and macaroons! I am hoping to make multiple stops here! 

{Debbie Buisson, Source}

Berthillon

As seen on Anthony Bourdain's The Layover and on Samantha Brown's Travel Channel's shows I thought this place is another good stop for some sweet, sweet ice cream!

Meals

La Cuisine de Philippe

Near Luxembourg Gardens and sort of close to the hotel.

Le Tournebievre

Close to hotel and the pictures of the food look amazing! It is also very close to Notre Damn and Pont de l'Archeveche which will make for some good pictures!

Tentazioni

This is close to the Moulin Rouge so its an option when we visit that area

Chez Toineete

This too is close to the Moulin Rouge. This is my first choice out of the two.

Little Breizh

Close to hotel with good reviews so its an option for dinner.

Bakery

Poilane

Poilane has been baking yummy breads since 1932 and I can't wait to try some!

Eric Kayser

Again, saw this on Samantha Brown's Travel Channel show and must stop in!

Where are some good eats you recommend in Paris? Let me know!

See my Plan for Paris: Sights here.

In 2013 We Missed Hawaii

For the past few years November hasn't just been the second to the last month of the year. Its been the month when the new Twilight movie came out (lame, I know) and it has been the month when we would travel to Hawaii...and we're kind of missing it. After we decided that Thailand and Cambodia wasn't feasible (you can read about that here) we were really torn on where to go. The wanderer in me wanted to go to some place new in different ... but Maui is new and different ... since we have only been to Kauai and The Big Island. In the end we decided to head to Europe and see some new sites! This will be my husbands first time to Europe and I hope he loves it as much as I do! ... But in the mean time we are missing and day dreaming about the Aloha State!

Here are some fun things you might not have known about Hawaii. (original article found here)

1. The Hawaiian language comes with a bit of a learning curve. For starters, there's only a 13-letter alphabet and every word—and syllable—ends with one of five vowels. 

2. The state of Hawaii consists of 8 main islands, the biggest of which is called, the Big Island. The Big Island's official name is Hawai'i.

3. The Big Island's getting bigger—by more than 42 acres each year—thanks to Kīlauea Volcano. It's been erupting for 30 years!

4. Mauna Loa, the world's biggest volcano, is also on the Big Island. Astronauts once trained for moon voyages by walking on its hardened lava fields. Most recently, six NASA-funded researchers spent months on the northern slope simulating a Mars space station.

5. Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee, cacao, and vanilla beans. (Also: It can take up to five years to grow a single vanilla bean.)

6. The Aloha State's also good at growing ... people. It's got the highest life expectancy in the United States.

7. The people of Hawaii consume the most Spam per capita in the U.S.

8. No matter how old you are, only people with Hawaiian ancestry are called “Hawaiians.” People of non-Hawaiian ancestry—even those born and raised there—call themselves “locals."

9. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Hawaii has the highest percentage of Asian Americans (38.6 percent) and multiracial Americans (23.6 percent) in the United States. It also has the lowest percentage of White Americans (24.7 percent).

10. Regardless of ancestry, most families traditionally celebrate a child's first birthday with a luau.

11. No celebration's complete without a lei. The flower garlands come with strict rules. For starters, it's impolite to refuse a lei, remove it in front of the person who gave it to you, or wear one that you intend to give to someone else. A lei should never be thrown away. Instead, it should traditionally be returned to the earth, ideally to where its flowers were gathered. And it's bad luck to give a tied lei to a pregnant woman, as it suggests an umbilical cord around a baby's neck.

12. There are no seagulls in Hawaii. The closest thing is the white tern, a seabird that lays eggs directly on tree branches without building a nest to protect them. 

13. Hawaii has its own time zone 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. It's also one of two U.S. states that does not practice Daylight Saving Time. (Arizona's the other one.)

14. Barbecue aficionados in Hawaii prefer meat smoked with guava wood, instead of hickory or mesquite.

15. The state gem isn't a gem at all. Black coral is technically an animal, but it's often used to make jewelry.

16. The Aloha State is one of four that have outlawed billboards. (The others are Alaska, Maine, and Vermont.)

17. Snakes are also outlawed. The only legal serpents are housed in zoos. Good to know one cant get you when you are hiking around!

18. When you picture a beautiful Hawaiian getaway, you might imagine a black or white beach. They also come in yellow, red, and green.