The Other Side of the Grand Canyon...Page, Arizona

Somewhere in the northeastern corner of Arizona, lies the town of Page.  It's past the narrow beginning of the Grand Canyon and above the Cameron Trading Post.  At the moment, they've had a partial road collapse on route 89 and you even have to take a 45 minute detour to get there if you come from the south somewhere like Flagstaff.  Here's the thing.  You can go to the Grand Canyon's south rim and see all the beauty you can absorb.  There's dining, lodging, hiking, burro travel, tours to Phantom Ranch, and even a train.  It's amazing.  I admit that.  But, if you never go to the lands along the north rim, you'll be missing something amazing.

Page, Arizona is the home of Lake Powell.  Lake Powell was largely formed when the upper Colorado River was regulated by Glen Canyon Dam.  The sandstone that is the lake and it's edges make for a colorful landscape that also gives the feeling of being on an entirely different planet.  There are many who would argue that it's the most beautiful lake in the world.  It covers an enormous area stretching up into Utah, and is one of the best places in the world to go house boating.   There are several companies along the shores of Lake Powell that rent houseboats out by the day and week for the tourists, as well as wave runners, speed boats and fishing equipment.  It's one of the biggest water recreation areas in Arizona topped only by Lake Meade.  Along it's shores you will find many tributaries to investigate, and with a permit, you can visit the Rainbow Bridge, the worlds largest natural bridge.  Be careful to be respectful when visiting this monument.  It's on Navajo land and it is a sacred point to them.

Page is a wonderful little town, and it's directly on the Navajo Reservation.  There's a good portion of this town devoted to the tourists.  There's every imaginable hotel chain, there's a Walmart, and they have a McDonalds with the best view I've ever seen.  Most people, myself included, don't really bother to take pictures of the town, because there are so many beautiful things around to look at.  It just gets overshadowed by the art that God provides.  I can say that there are a ton of shops devoted to both the ridiculous souvenirs that we all love to buy and the native handicrafts that are purely works of art.  So the shopping here is amazing.  I don't normally mention that, but there it is.  There is also the Indian culture to absorb.  There is amazing food to be tried, those beautiful handicrafts I mentioned and then there's the dance.  In the summer, which is the height of tourist season here, a couple of nights a week, the locals will put on a dancing demonstration, and if you like, they will teach you to join in.  Page is a great place to use as a hub for your north rim area adventure.

While you're in the area, you need to take the road trip out to the north rim of the Grand Canyon.  There's not as much to do out there as there is on the south rim, but the views are amazing.  Even the drive through the Kaibob Plateau on the way there is amazing.  The seasons  are more defined along the north rim.  It snows there in the winter...a lot.  You should check to see if the north rim is open if you plan a spring trip.  Sometimes the snow can block the roads well into May.


Once you arrive at the north rim, you will notice the difference between it and it's counterpart.  Here you can look back to the days of Teddy Roosevelt, when the national parks system was new.  The Grand Canyon Lodge was built in 1928 with all the grandeur of the day.  It's stone facade and rustic yet grand interior has made it a draw on the north rim even to this day.  There are rooms available in the lodge, excellent dining and cabins for rent on the property if you want to do it the old fashioned way.  But the best part to me was the view.  You can sit on the terrace of this amazing old lodge and look out over the Grand Canyon.  It's hands down the best view anywhere of this stunning natural wonder.
 
While you're out touring the nether regions of the Grand Canyon, you have to stop at both Lee's Ferry and the Cameron Trading Post.  If you like to stop along the way and find kitchy things to see, these are for you.  Lee's Ferry is an abandoned town, founded by the man who some credit with finding the Grand Canyon.  I'm sure lots of people knew it was there, but the story is good.  Down in Lee's Ferry there are more natural sights to see.  This is where you can hike amongst the red dunes.  They're a sandstone formation the looks like striped dunes.  They're fascinating and shouldn't be missed.  The Cameron Trading Post is a wonder perched along the edge of the river right at the bridge on the road headed for Page.  This place has great Navajo Tacos.  I had to throw that in.  It also has some amazing shopping.  The place is huge and has every handicraft and every stupid little souvenir you've ever seen.  They also have a complete clothing department, and groceries.  It's spectacular.
As you drive back to Page, you'll pass the Red Cliffs which glow in the sun, and you'll wonder what else could make your trip special.  This is where the adventure truly begins.

Antelope Canyon is one of the most unusual places I've ever been.  There are many slot canyons, as they're called throughout the Arizona/Utah area.  Antelope Canyon lies directly on Navajo land, is sacred, and is the most famous one in the world.  In order to go into the canyon, you must go with a native guide, so if someone who is not a native offers to take you there, don't go.  It's against the laws of the Navajo Nation.  Now, you can drive out to the desert and meet up with the tour, or you can just ride from Page.  The giant tired trucks that take you to the canyon are quite a fun ride.  They do bounce a bit, but it's all part of the adventure.

Antelope Canyon has an upper and a lower section.  The most popular is the upper section.  It's the easiest to get to and doesn't fill up with water very often.  The canyon is only about a quarter of a mile long, but it's amazing.  In the beginning, the red rocks glow in the sun, but as you get further into the canyon, the magic starts.

The walls grow higher, the pathway gets narrower, and the colors change almost continually as the sun moves across the sky.

Water carved these amazing slot canyons with their curves and twists, but the sunlight brings out the full beauty.

No two pictures are alike.  You feel like you've been transported somewhere when you're walking through the canyons.  It's an experience that you can't get from a picture.  You simply have to be there.

So, take a walk on the north side.  Come to Page and make it the hub for your north rim adventure.  Stay on a houseboat on Lake Powell, visit Glen Canyon Dam, see the Cameron Trading Post, Red Cliffs and Lee's Ferry.  Visit the north rim of the Grand Canyon, and enjoy the Navajo Culture in Page.  And, by all means, take the time to have the real adventure of a lifetime.  Visit the slot canyons--mainly Antelope Canyon, and have an experience that you'll never forget.
Things that you do have to remember for this trip.  Make sure that you go with a guide to Antelope Canyon.  Make sure that you have a permit to go to Rainbow Bridge.  Make sure you book your houseboat before the season begins.  Be prepared for detours on route 89.  Be aware that the seasons in the area are somewhat harsh at times.  Not all of Arizona is warm year round.  And by all means, have lunch at that McDonald's with a view.  Enjoy!
http://visitpagearizona.com/activities/adventures-and-tours.html?page=2
http://www.cityofpage.org/
http://www.page-lakepowell.com/
http://page.arizona.com/
http://www.zionnational-park.com/grand-canyon.htm
http://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/grand_canyon/north_rim.html
http://www.americansouthwest.net/arizona/lees_ferry/
http://www.camerontradingpost.com/index.html
http://navajonationparks.org/htm/antelopecanyon.htm
http://www.lakepowell.com/glen-canyon-history.aspx
http://grandcanyonlodgenorth.com/lodging/
http://www.antelopecanyontours.com/pages/1/index.htm
http://www.antelopeslotcanyon.com/ 
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html

Ten More Things That You May Not Have Been Aware of...USA

There are things that we just miss, because we've overlooked it, no one talks about it, or we just never even thought about it.  Here's some of those things.
1.  In Oklahoma City, OK this year, they will be holding the 62nd Annual Square Dance National Convention.  I know what you're thinking, but it's not the old barn dance that you've seen on TV.  These dancers have spent a long time in classes learning the moves that make square dancing popular.  If you think you've heard it all, try doing a move called a bucket of worms.


2.  Have you ever considered cruising the St. Lawrence Seaway?  It's not the Caribbean Cruises that we've all heard about, but then again, I haven't heard of them breaking down all over the place.  There are several cruise options on the Seaway, but one of my favorites is the Pearl Seas Cruise of the Thousand Islands area.  It's relaxing, old world and beautiful.

3.  How about a night on the town in Little Italy, New York City?  There is nothing quite like a warm summer evening dining outside in front of the restaurant with the streets blocked to traffic and street performers all around.  There's wonderful music to dance to, and as always, the great authentic Italian food.  Not to mention, it always looks like Christmas in Little Italy and the views are way better than you might think.
 
4.  My family talks non stop about the NASCAR Racing Experiences around the country.  But, did you ever wonder if you could drive an Indy Car?  Yes you can.  The Indy Racing Experience is waiting for you at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  Here's your chance to get off the beaten path and away from NASCAR for just a moment and try a different kind of racing.

5.  Ithaca, New York is one of those unique places in the world.  It's green, it's gorges, and it's full of food of all kinds.  The Moosewood Restaurant is famous the world over for it's amazing vegetarian cuisine, and their cookbooks are some of the best sellers of all time for vegetarian.  There are also over 100 other fabulous restaurants in this amazing city.  You can find some of the best Thai food outside of Thailand, there's an authentic Irish Pub with music too, there's great Mediterranean and so much more.  Then if you need to bike it off, you can rent a bike from several locations around town.  You can also hike it off in any of the several beautiful gorges that give the town it's slogan...Ithaca is gorges!

6.  Here it is.  Did you know that Cedar Point has been ranked the best roller coast amusement park in the world for most of the last decade?  It's in Sandusky, Ohio, for heaven's sake.  They have, count them, 16 roller coasters, most of them world famous and some of them have been around for years, like the Blue Streak and the Corkscrew.  There are tons of other rides in the park, so there's something for everyone, but remember, the best amusement park in the world is just over in Ohio.

7.  It's here.  Sandboarding.  It's all the rage, and one of the best places to do it is the Imperial Dunes in southwestern California.  There aren't rental places that I know of just yet, but it is allowed, along with all the ATV's, dirt bikes, and dune buggys you can muster up.  It's a great sport, but remember to allow yourself to get used to it.  It's definitely not like being on the water.
 
8.  Just in case you missed this one, several years ago London Bridge was sold, and the owner moved it brick by brick to Lake Havasu, Arizona.  Not only is the Lake Havasu area a beautiful place to go boating and in general spend your time, but London Bridge is there too.

9.  I love this one.  Only in Vegas can you spend a couple of hundred dollars and have the privilege of playing with heavy equipment.  It opened only a couple of years ago, so if you haven't been to Vegas lately, you missed it.  They have bucket loaders, backhoes, and all kind of wonderful toys for your biggest boys and girls.

10.  Michigan is a great place.  There are so many unique things there to do and see.  I spent half my life traveling in Michigan, and I can attest to that.  But, if there's one thing that I can say is unique about Michigan, it's the dune rides.  There are dunes up and down western Michigan along the shores of the great lake that bear's it's name.  Silver Lake Dunes is the place to go however.  You can take a ride in dune schooners, or you can bring your own vehicle.  This is the only place in duneland that you are allowed to do that.  It's great fun.

So, if you are looking for something a little different to do this summer, I hope you enjoy these ideas.  It's all great fun, and it's all right here in the U.S.  Enjoy!

http://www.62nsdc.com/
http://pearlseascruises.com/store.php?crn=229
http://www.littleitalynyc.com/gethere.asp
http://www.indyracingexperience.com/t-DriveIndyCar.aspx
http://www.visitithaca.com/dining/
https://www.cedarpoint.com/things-to-do/roller-coasters#panel1-3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OZHRSWKvEc
http://www.golakehavasu.com/activities/more_to_do/london_bridge.aspx
http://www.grandcanyontourcompany.com/digthis.html
http://www.thinkdunes.com/ 
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings

Leptis Magna...Yes, It's in Libya

We've all seen pictures from Libya.  We've seen them on television and on the web and in the paper.  They're pretty scary.  I'll admit that.  But, have you ever traveled to a place that you've heard on the news is scary?  I don't mean someplace that you will be killed, but someplace that's in flux and just becoming a solid free country?
It's not what you hear all the time.  Sometimes, you'll go there and find people who are just itching to tell you their story of freedom and conviction.  Sometimes, you'll find people who want to know all about where you come from, because they weren't allowed to have contact with people from your country until last year.  Sometimes they just want to show you the beauty that you never get to see on television.

They call it Leptis Magna.  It is an ancient city previously inhabited by the Romans.  It's perched along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea between Misrata and Tripoli.  Although the city has been around since the time of the Phoenicians, the Romans really made it spectacular.  Lucius Septimius Severus, a hometown boy became emperor and this was his favorite place on Earth.  It's probably the most in tact Roman ruins on the planet, and there are tons of things to see.

The theater is almost completely in tact.  It's almost as though it's just waiting for the people to arrive and the show to start.
 
The Four Season's Mosaic is just one of the many works of art that are still completely in tact from Leptis Magna.  The whole place is like an open museum.  It's a whole city lost in time.

You can see where the town forum use to be.

 The Romans even had bath rooms...well they had entire bath houses, but they're plumbing ideas were very forward thinking for the time.  There was a trough of water that ran below these seats.  You can figure out the rest.

They had roads, temples, basilicas, and many homes for their citizens.  It was a large city and a modern one for the time.  It stands today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is probably what has kept it safe during the Gaddafi era.  One of the perks of visiting the site of Roman ruins is the fact that it is in Libya.  Let's face it folks, there aren't a lot of tourists yet in this land, and that makes it someplace that isn't crowded.   Many times you can visit the ruins and have the whole place to yourself.
   And then there's Misrata.  We're all used to seeing this city torn to pieces from the revolution.  It's coming along.  It still has a long way to go.  There are certain sections of town that look like a modern city.
There are other sections that still need work, but the locals are hopeful of their future.  The area is still largely in flux, because they are still in what they call a gray area as to where the country is actually going politically, but they hope that whatever is ahead, it is better than Gaddafi.
 The healing has begun.  As is necessary for any people that has been through hard times, the Libyans have made a War Memorial Museum to honor those who gave their lives for freedom.  This is not like any museum I've been to.
This museum, in addition to having many artifacts that they will protect for all time, has some things that you won't see anywhere else that I know of.  There are wall after wall of pictures of the people who were killed in the conflict while fighting for their country's freedom from tyranny.  They are honored in prayer by their visiting friends and family.  There are home made weapons out front.  It's the only exhibit I've ever seen of makeshift weapons from a war.  We all know that it was necessary for the rebels to make their own weapons, since there was no way to buy conventional ones.
I think the most shocking thing that I saw in this museum was the television.  They show footage of Gaddafi's  last days.  They show him being dragged through the streets in his blood stained shirt, crying.  It's sobering to say the least, but just like the museum at Auschwitz, it seemed necessary.  It's the victim's way of assuring that this will never happen again.
But what is it like to visit a place like  Misrata?  Well, you can visit the market, meet people, go to the beach, and enjoy the scenery just like you would anyplace else.  It's just that you will being doing this in Libya.  Isn't that enough to call this one an adventure?
So, get in touch with a Libyan tourism company.  Can't stress that enough.  You will need to make special preparations to visit this country.  I would only go with a local company.  There are tricky visas to get, there are language barriers, and the militia still has iron clad control over most areas of the country.  What does that mean?  Well, you will see people with machine guns in camo on the streets.  They are there for your protection.  There will be a ton of checkpoints.  They are there for your protection.  How dangerous is it?  Not as dangerous as you would think.  I'll be honest, I wouldn't go to Benghazi.  I don't know that I would spend a lot of time in Tripoli.  There is still a lot of unrest there.  But Misrata seems more calm and ready to move along.  The people are warm and friendly and love to tell their stories of triumph in the revolution.  It's a must see and do.
Enjoy!

http://www.libyatravelandtours.com/libya-tours/
http://www.africanworldheritagesites.org/cultural-places/frontiers-of-the-roman-empire/leptis-magna.html
http://looklex.com/libya/misurata.htm
http://www.politicaltours.com/tours/libya-after-the-revolution
http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/us/2013/05/11/ab-bourdain-libya-misrata-war-museum.cnn
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http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/183
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http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_951.html
http://www.visitlybia.com/
http://www.livius.org/le-lh/lepcis_magna/lepcis01.html
http://libyacoast.com/
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http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings

I Love Hyde Park, New York!

I love Hyde Park, New York.  I'm a big fan of Poughkeepsie, it's next door neighbor on the Hudson as well.  Ever since I first saw the Hudson River through the eyes of the Roosevelt's, I've been hooked.  This is an area somehow partially lost in time.  There are old time diner's, roller skating rinks, drive in theaters, and of course a bunch of stately manors that once housed some of America's most elite.

First on our Hyde Park tour is the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt.  This is a beautiful home to stop and take a tour of.  It's not wildly fancy like some other homes that I have toured.  It's big, it's a labyrinth of bedrooms, but it's not gilded and has no thrones.  Also on the estate you will find the hub for historic homes and such in the area, the visitor's center.  This place is great, because you can get all your tickets for the area, shop in the gift shop, eat at the cafeteria, and watch a movie about the lives of FDR and Eleanor.  The movie is a must see, just in case you normally skip those like I do.  This one is really good and tells you things that you probably never knew about the Roosevelts. Also, there are the statues outside where everyone stops to pose for a picture.

There are several buildings on the property to look at from the stables, to caretaker homes, there's the library and museum, and a beautiful garden.  The library is under renovation, but will be reopening at the end of June.  It's a notable library, because it was the first presidential library and it was built while FDR was still in office.  Did he build it as a monument to himself?  No, he just needed someplace to keep his some 21,000 books.  In the garden you will find more than just flowers.  FDR loved his estate, and therefore, he is buried there with his wife and their two favorite dogs.

One thing that I love about the estates of Hyde Park is the views.  The grounds are the best parts of these mansions.

FDR's house is an expanded version of the original.  The lavish library/living room/office and parlor is the most elaborate room in the house.  I did love the stairway, which is one of many in the house.  Then there was the elevator that FDR used after he was confined to his wheelchair, which is the only elevator I've ever seen in an old estate home.  Most of the interior of the house was bedrooms.  The redesigning of the house is interesting.  The bedrooms are like a labyrinth with one room running into another so you have to pass through the front rooms to get to the back ones, which I would think would be intrusive if someone was trying to sleep.  It's different.
Now, one of the best things about the tour of FDR's house is the guides.  So what if the interior isn't really worth looking at?  The guides are going to tell you the best stories about FDR and his family.  It's totally worth the time for that.  So, let's recap.  Great movie to see.  Great stories from the guides.  Beautiful grounds to wander.  History in a whole new light.  Good trip.

 Right up the road is the Vanderbilt Mansion.  This place was built by Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt.  Frederick was the grandson of the Commodore himself.  This is the smallest of the Vanderbilt estates, with only four floors plus attic, one wing and 54 rooms.  Inside, where they will not allow you to take pictures, there are thrones, french furnishings, carved wood and all the gilding that the Vanderbilts were famous for.  If you like to look at the lavish lifestyles of this family, this one will not disappoint.
What you will enjoy about this tour once again are the stories.  Frederick and Louise had no children, so they left the place to a niece of theirs, who worked with FDR to turn the place into a historical attraction.  In the meantime, FDR used parts of the house to house his secret service agents.  You'll love the stories, I promise.

Now, once again, the grounds are magnificent.  The gardens are beautiful with all the arbors, brick structures, statues, ponds and fountains.  You could spend hours wandering the gardens of this fabulous estate.  The views of the river are amazing as well, and here they encourage you to take the trails that run along the river so that you can get a really good look.
The historic sites in Hyde Park are beautiful.  There is also Val-Kill, Eleanor Roosevelt's home, the Mills Mansion, Hyde Hall, and the CIA--Culinary Institute of America.
The Culinary Institute of America is one of the oldest and most respected cooking schools in the country.  If you don't know of anyone else who has studied there, how about Anthony Bourdain?  That's right, that travel foodie on television.  This school has been schooling some of the world's best chefs since 1946, and you too, can take part in all they have to offer.  There are restaurants on the premises where you can sample the student's wares that they've learned to prepare.  But here's the cool thing for you budding foodies out there who don't have the time to go and get a degree.  They have non-credit courses for non-students.  You can look at their catalog and choose from a huge selection of one day courses for only $250 apiece.  It's a great way to spend a day with world class instructors.  Then afterwards you can impress all of your friends with a gourmet dinner party.

Hyde Park is more than just mansions and cooking schools.  This community is somewhat frozen in time, and that's what makes it great and that's what makes it an "Adventure for Anyone."  You can look around the country these days and only find a handful of these places.  The Eveready Diner has been around since the 1950's.  It still looks the same, inside and out.  They still serve egg creams, but are still very highly regarded by critics.  They've even been featured on the Food Network program, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives hosted by Guy Fieri.  It's a great way to step back in time.
And if eating in the fifties isn't enough for you, there's a rollerskating rink right out back.  Roller Magic is a state of the art genuine roller skating rink.  And up the street from there, just across from the FDR estate, is the Hyde Park Drive in theater.  It's all right here folks.  You can spend a whole weekend in the 1950's.  It's nostalgia at it's finest.

 Now, if you want to see something amazing from old to new, there's a park for you in Poughkeepsie, which is Hyde Park's neighbor to the south.  The Walk Across the Hudson is a great reuse of old.  It used to be a train bridge, and was falling to ruin.  Now, with the help of several organizations, it's a completely restructured bridge, hundreds of feet in the air, providing a great view of the river valley and a really nice walk.  It's strong enough to hold a car, but made for pedestrians.

From up on this magnificent bridge you can see for miles with amazing panoramic views that include the Catskill Mountains and the lands almost all the way to West Point.  You will see commercial and personal boats alike traversing this shipping lane, and you will also hear and see the trains as they follow the shores of the mighty Hudson River below.  If you like the outdoors, this one's for you.
So, just to recap, FDR's house, Vanderbilt Mansion, old time diners, skating rinks and drive-ins.  A giant walking bridge over the Hudson.  Oh yeah, all the gourmet food you can both eat and cook.  It's a great place to visit.  I've always loved the area, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Enjoy!

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http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings

Frontier Towns of Cambodia

I'm not much for the wild west, but here's one that seems worth checking out.  This is the gate in Poipet, Cambodia.  This town is a wild west like town, that used to be a stronghold for the Khmer Rouge on the border of Thailand.  It's part of the Pailin Province, and is famed for it's precious gemstones and, you got it, gold.

Although most of the sapphires, rubies, and gold are gone, people still come from all over to seek their fortunes.  It gives the area that feeling of the wild west.  In both Pailin City and Poipet, there are casinos, bars, and dives where you can see and meet ladies of the world's oldest profession.
Now, should you take a walk on the wild side?  Sure, why not?  The Khmer Rouge is all but over.  The locals like to meet foreigners and show them their country.  It's a great culture shock style vacation.  If you've seen Vegas one too many times, then pull over and check this area out.

During the Khmer Rouge years, many refugees made their way from all over to this spot in the mountainous border region of Thailand and Cambodia.  Many of them still live in Ba Hoi Village.  This is a major tourism factor in the Pailin City area.  People can come from all over and see what being a refugee is like, still today.  They can talk to the people and hear their stories.  It's amazing to hear first hand what happened to these people and their families during the war years.  It's incredible to see how they survive still today.

But, don't think for a second that you won't be seeing any ancient temples because you've left the normal tourist areas of Cambodia.  Wat Khaong Kang is a Buddhist teaching center that sits right in the city limits.  It is a beautiful place to visit.

O'Tavao is one of many beautiful spots where you can enjoy nature in Cambodia.  It's only 5 km from Pailin City, and it is a refreshing and beautiful place to visit.  You can also go to Go-Ay Mountain and Kbal O'Chra.  There are many wonderful places in the area to enjoy nature, go hiking, or even look around for left over gold and gems.  Just make sure that you follow the worn paths.  I can't stress enough that Cambodia is still rich in land mines.  You need to be careful when going out into nature in this country.  Ask a local or take a guide, but at the very least, don't get off the beaten path.  Literally.
 

Now, Pailin City, and Poipet are not high class modern cities.  The cities are still what Americans would classify as third world.  You will find child pick pockets and such, but don't let it scare you.  These cities are real and friendly, and they're learning how to appeal to the rest of the world and make money.

The casinos have arrived, and with them all the high end resort hotels you could hope for.  There are a few in Pailin, and several in Poipet, with more coming all the time.  Being on the border makes these areas extremely popular for gamblers and vacationers alike.  You can come here and play all the regular games, eat good food and stay in five star hotels.  It's quite the varied lifestyle that you see in both of the cities.  It brings a lot of money into the cities and and country.
 

So, you can see all different kinds of life in the Pailin province.  It seems as though two completely different worlds have come together in a mad paradox along this border.  You can meet the locals, and the refugees.  You can play in the wilderness, as long as you don't go near the land mines.  You can pan for gold if you like.  You can stay in a five star resort hotel and play in the casinos all day and night.  It's an amazing confluence of culture.  It's an extreme mix of old and new.  There's also a lot of ways to learn about the Khmer Rouge in the area.  You can even go to the wats and see the lives of the Buddhist monks.
 
It's beautiful.  It's mystical.  It's like no place else on Earth.  You can even go from here to Thailand, because the border is spitting distance from both of these cities.  However, do not try to cross from Thailand to Cambodia in Pailin City.  Do it in Poipet.  Trust me.
Have you seen enough of the major tourist cities in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam?  Come here to the wild near east and get a taste of something that is all but gone from the rest of the world.  Come and see what it's like to live in a frontier on the edge of a new world.  You won't regret it, and you'll learn more than you ever bargained for.  Will you be happy with what you come away with?
Most likely.  Enjoy!

http://www.uvm.edu/rsenr/gemecology/cambodia.html
http://www.cambodiatips.com/travelguide/pailin/
http://www.casinocity.com/cambodia/poipet/
http://www.holidaypalace.com/hotel-collection/holiday-poipet/
http://www.cambodia-travel.com/information/poipet.htm
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/cambodia/northwestern-cambodia/poipet
http://www.tourismcambodia.com/hotels/cambodia/pailin/
http://pailin.info/
http://www.tourismcambodia.com/travelguides/provinces/pailin/what-to-see.htm
http://www.tourtocambodia.com/maps/Pailin.htm
http://pailincity.net/
http://www.agoda.com/asia/cambodia/poipet/poipet_resort_casino.html
http://www.tucantravel.com/country/overview/cambodia
http://www.aboutcambodiatravel.com/pailin-attractions.php
http://infocambodia.com/index.php/pailin-province 
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings

There's Some Little Things That Make Ocho Rios Worth Checking Out

Every fool in the universe knows that Jamaica is a beautiful spot in the world.  Everyone knows that the beaches are beautiful, the music is Reggae, and the food is excellent.  It is the quintessential Caribbean vacation.  We know that.  What don't we know?  That is the question.
I turn to the north side of the Island, to the area of Ocho Rios.  This is a beautiful area, complete with awesome beaches and great water activities, but there's more here than the norm.

Dunn's River Falls is one of the best known spots in the Ocho Rios area.  It's beautiful.  Everyone should stop there, because not only can you view it, photograph it, and swim in it; It's a great place to do some climbing up the rocks.  It's a unique experience, because it's not every waterfall that you can climb.  It's a beautiful place and should be on your list.


Not far away, we get into more off the beaten path attractions.  Discovery Bay isn't far from Ocho Rios.  It's in St. Ann, and it's more than just a bay with beaches and such.  This is where many locals will argue that Columbus first made landfall on this island.  There is a new park there, called Columbus Park that's full of artifacts from the time period.  They even have cannons.  Who doesn't love cannons?  Most things are out in the open where you can touch them and get a real idea of what they were.  Did Columbus really land there first?  Who knows, but it's a great little park, and since it's right on the bay, there are still great views.

Another little gem will be found just outside of Montego Bay.  They have a local Rastafari Indigenous Village that is open to the public for tours.  If you've ever wondered what the Rastafari were about, and believed that it had to have more to it than smoking pot and growing dreadlocks, then you should take the time to stop by.  They will guide you to their village, show you their lifestyle, take you to their farm and herb garden, introduce you to their music, tell you about their beliefs of how to make the world a better place, and cook their food for you.  They also have hand made arts and crafts to sell, and in general, give you a view into their world.  It's something that you won't get to do anywhere else, and it's a window to another world for anyone to look through.  It's a great experience with good food and music, and time spent with a colorful people that you won't soon forget.
Now, the village is one aspect, Columbus Park is another.  It exemplifies the diversity of this small island nation within a few miles.  Now, if you're looking for more traditional Jamaican experiences, there's always the beach.  On the other side of the island you can visit plantations and see where the pirates used to come ashore at Port Royal.  It's a beautiful island with resorts and beaches and cities and mountains.  It's something that you won't soon forget.

But, I think that bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River is one of the most unique things that I could have hoped to see in Jamaica.  This is one of those rare experiences that everyone should make sure they get to before the leave Jamaica.
This three mile trip is normally a romantic interlude, but anyone can enjoy it.  Many Celebrities have enjoyed this trip from Queen Elizabeth II to Johnny Cash.  It only lasts about an hour, but it's so memorable.  From the moment you start at Rafter's Village where you can enjoy snacks, souvenirs and a full service bar, you will love the experience.  It's like the Jamaican gondola experience, complete with legends.
The Martha Brae legend tells of a witch who outwitted the Spanish in their search for gold.  It's a great tale, and you shouldn't miss it.  The story of how the witch pretended to take the Spaniards to where the gold was in a cave up the river, and left them there to drown.  It's quite something, but the guides will tell the story way better than me.
 
There are so many things to do in Jamaica.  It's not a sedentary vacation.  You can go white water rafting, zip lining, ATV riding and so much more.  You can go on a pirate cruise, you can visit Margaritaville.  It's all great.
But, when on the north side of the island, take a little time to try out the less obvious.  Check out where Columbus may have first landed.  See what it's like to be a Rastafarian.  And don't miss out on the legend of the Martha Brae and the bamboo rafting experience.  It's a great way to enjoy a wonderful island nation, and it's a great way to get out of the resort hotel for just a little while and see more than just the seafood buffet.
Enjoy!
http://www.rastavillage.com/about-us/about-rasta-village
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/jamaica/northern-jamaica/discovery-bay
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Columbus-Park---Discovery-Bay-s-new--hot-spot-_11654057
http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/ocho-rios-jam-jam-joch.htm
http://www.visitjamaica.com/what-to-do/attractions.aspx
http://www.montego-bay-jamaica.com/what_to_do.htm
http://www.jamaicarafting.com/
http://www.jamaica-irie.com/
http://tourochorios.com/whattodo.html
http://ochorios.com/
http://www.ochoriostour.com/ocho-rios-tours-excursions.htm
http://www.dunnsriverja.com/
http://reggaesumfest2013mjtravelgroup.eventbrite.com/#
http://ziplinejamaica.com/ 
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings

Where Else but Masada, Does the Desert Look Like This?

There are so many things to see and do in Israel that it could take a lifetime to see and do it all.  It's amazing that there is so much history both of the world and of religion in one tiny slice of real estate.  Nearly all of the world's major religions have deep and profound connections to this tiny country.  There are forever disputes over who has the rights to what parcel of land in this region.  There is a lot to learn about this amazing place.
Now, I suppose that it would make sense to visit Jerusalem.  Possibly Nazareth, Galilee, and Bethlehem too.  But that will be a lesson in some history and a whole lot of religious doctrine, so I thought that it would be fun to suggest looking into something a little off the beaten path.
It's called the fortress of Masada.  This is one of King Herod's monuments to paranoia and a showcase to his opulent wealth.  It comes with a whole lot of history too.

1. Small bathhouse 2. Herod's palace-villa 3. Storerooms 4. Apartment building 5. Snake-path gate 6. Casemate-wall 7. Zealots' living quarters

8. Underground cistern 9. Southern bastion 10. western palace 11. Throne room 12. West gate 13. Synagogue 14. Large bathhouse

Masada, or citadel, which is pretty much what the word actually means, was a massive fortress built just before the time of Christ, by King Herod.  It was one of seven massive fortresses that he had built throughout his kingdom.  It was a combination of preparation to be under siege, and a show of his power and wealth.  He had Roman baths, which were controversial in the area at the time, huge storerooms to stash supplies in, and an opulent palace-villa where he lived.  It was an imposing fortress that covered the top of the plateau 1,200 feet above the desert floor, overlooking the Dead Sea.  There were several sections to the fortress which made it a self contained entity, that could survive a long time under siege.

Everything was taken into consideration.  There were towers where they raised and housed pigeons for food.

They had deep caverns to hold collected rainwater to drink.
The whole place is amazing, and it's well worth a look.  The guides are very knowledgeable and will tell you all of the amazing history of the place.  Herod was prepared for his fate.  But no one could have seen what was coming years later.
In 66 CE a group of Jewish religious Zealots, as they have been called, took refuge in the old fortress to escape the conquest of Jerusalem by the Romans.  They had plenty of stored preserved food left over from Herod's time, and thought that they would be fine living there.  The problem being that a few years later, the second temple in Jerusalem was destroyed and the Roman's decided that it was also time to deal with Masada.
The Romans descended upon the fortress where the resistance was holed up, and prepared to enter the citadel.  Going against Jewish law, the occupants staged a mass murder/suicide to avoid being captured by the Romans.  Only a woman and five children were found alive, which is quite possibly why the story is still known today.
Now, the fortress is here for our viewing and education.  It is a place that is steeped in history and teaches us a valuable chapter in Israel's history.
 

Now, we know a little about the history.  What about actually going there?  Well, it's best to not go in the middle of summer or in the dead of winter.  The summer brings about such heat that they will not let you walk the paths to the fortress unless you go early in the morning.  In the winter they don't have the beautiful light show at night that goes with the historical performances in the amphitheater.  So, pick your poison there.  Also, do not be concerned if you can't make the 15-20 minute walk from one side or the hour long hike from the other.  There is a cable car to help you along the way.  There is a lot of ground to cover within the fortress itself, so there will still be walking to do.  I always say bring water.  This is the desert.  bring a hat for the sun too.  There is a gift shop where you can get a drink if you don't have enough.
Now, I did mention that Masada overlooks the Dead Sea, right?  Well, that's the other part of this one.

After wearing yourself out climbing around Masada, it's time to take a dip in the world's most salt concentrated body of water.  This baby has a higher saline concentration that the Great Salt Lake in Utah.  And here's the catch.
The Dead Sea is known for it's therapeutic effect on people.  It's a well known belief that salt helps many ailments, and this water is full of it.  People come to soak in this water because they want to feel better.  They want to ache less.  People come here and rub the black mud from the area all over their bodies, because the minerals in this earth are healing and make people feel better.  It's not unusual to see people covered in black mud around this sea.  It's what they come here for.
The Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth, coming in at 417 feet below sea level.  The Jordan River empties into it, but so slowly that the salt collects faster than the water,  thus the high salt content.  There are no fish or other living creatures in this sea.  One end of it is an industrial collecting grounds for the salt.

One of the most endearing qualities of the Dead Sea is that anyone can just float around in it.  The high salt content makes us humans way more buoyant.  Most people lay in the water and read or watch the world go by.  It's a truly unique experience.
So, even though the Middle East is never the most placid and stable place in the world, they have so much to offer that it would be a shame to take it off your bucket list because of terrorists.  Take a chance and come to the desert world of Masada and the Dead Sea.

http://www.bibleplaces.com/deadsea.htm
http://www.extremescience.com/dead-sea.htm
http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Tourist%20Information/Discover%20Israel/Geographic%20Regions/Pages/The%20Dead%20Sea%20General%20Info.aspx#Paragraph1
http://www.bibleplaces.com/masada.htm
http://www.israeltour.com/categories/about/masada.asp
http://www.chabad.org/special/israel/points_of_interest_cdo/aid/588226/jewish/Masada.htm
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/341444/jewish/The-Rock-and-the-Menorah.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nae2k47qOw
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Archaeology/Masada1.html
http://www.israeldiscoverytours.com/
http://www.yallatours.com/israel/index.shtml
http://www.israel-guides.net/private-tour/mysterious-masada/
http://www.desertecotours.com/english/dead_sea_massada.asp
http://www.guidedtoursisrael.com/dead-sea-tour.html 
http://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
http://pixels.com/profiles/terri-dixon.html
http://www.zazzle.com/imagings

While you're there, if you like a lot of hiking and climbing, check out Qumran and the caves of the Dead Sea Scrolls too.
Enjoy!