1. Chopstick Hill, Hua Hin, Thailand. It's known as a few things like Monkey Mountain as well. Hua Hin Province is south of Bangkok, along the shore and the hill is along the coast of the city by that name. There are multiple buildings there, including Wat Khao Takiab, the temple and most visited part of the hill. There is also a 20 meter high Buddha there. Another feature of this attraction are the Macaque Monkeys. They live on the hill and there are a lot of them. You are allowed to interact with them and feed them. Feeding guidelines are posted and there is food you can buy there to feed them with. Just one more great thing to do while in Thailand.
3. Bolivia's Las Cholitas, La Paz, Bolivia. Now, I know you weren't expecting me to mention lady wrestlers, especially in Bolivia. Neither was I. However, while you're in the country to visit the salt flats, you will spend some time in La Paz. While in the city, this is the hottest ticket in town these days and shouldn't be missed. These lovely indigenous ladies put on quite the show, skirts and all. They most often hold matches/shows on Thursdays and Sundays with tickets as low as the equivalent to $13.
4. Post Office Bay and the World's Most Unusual Post Office, Floreana Island, Galapagos. Created by whalers back in the day, this is a post office box with no formal services, no stamps, no locks, and no delivery people. The way it works is unique, and strangely effective. You write a letter, leave it in the barrel, and someone who visits from its final destination could take it and deliver it for you. While there, everyone is encouraged to take a look and see if there's any packages going to addresses close to them, so they can deliver it. Believe it or not, it's been working since the 1800's and is a great little stop on any Galapagos tour.
5. What on Earth is a Repositioning Cruise? This is one of my favorite discoveries this year. I'd never heard of this before, but it makes perfect sense. I'm not much for cruising, but I have friends who are. Over the years, I've heard them mention that they'd traveled on a ship previously. I also noted that when they had traveled on said ship previously, it was an entirely different cruise. So, as I'm learning, cruise ships get moved once in a while. This is when a Repositioning Cruise happens. Say a ship needs to change routes from a Baltic route to a Caribbean route. The ship has to sail between Rotterdam and Miami. If you want, you can take that trip. It's a cruise for really cheap in most cases. There tend to be long routes, many trans Atlantic or Pacific. It's a budget friendly way to take a fabulous trip! I really want to do this!
There you have it. This week's fast five and some of the more unusual things I've seen recently. I do intend to take advantage of some of this group so there will be some great assessments of them in the future not too far. If you like the unusual, like seeing Bolivian women wrestle, stay tuned for more great unusual ideas for travel in the future. I continue to look for the side trips and great budget ideas which appeal to folks like me who don't have a lot of money, but want to experience life. For now, make the most of the time you have. See the world, experience life, and enjoy!