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Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Things I Never Thought of...This Week's After Easter Fast Five!

 



I have to start this week's blog by letting you all know that I have a lot of fun finding some truly interesting things in travel.  I remind myself every day that pushing myself outside my comfort zone in whatever way makes for some of the most interesting trips in my life.  Always make sure that you're doing something new and different.  It keeps life fresh!


And now, on with this week's fast five!


















1.    The Yazidi Holy Site of Lalish, Kurdistan, Iraq.  This is the last place that most of you would expect me to talk about.  Iraq, one of the most unstable parts of the Middle East.  True.  I can't argue with any of that.  However, there's the region of Kurdistan and the people there who have managed to separate themselves a great deal from the fluctuating rest of the country.  Lalish is a unique place to visit, and one of the most peaceful and friendly places in the whole of the Middle East.  Yazidism is a monotheistic religion and if you'd like to know more about it, check the links below.  It is practiced in areas of Kurdistan, Syria and Turkey.  The holy town for Lalish is virtually uninhabited, in that only the Emir lives there.  It is a beautiful spot and a pilgrimage site.  Remember this one.  If you go there, make arrangements for a visa to Kurdistan.  You will need an extra visa to visit any of the rest of Iraq


https://adventuresoflilnicki.com/lalish-iraqi-kurdistan/


https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230803-in-pictures-the-protectors-of-a-7000-year-old-faith



https://thekurdishproject.org/history-and-culture/kurdistan-religion/yazidi-ethno-religious-community/



https://spirit-travelers.com/en/visit-lalish-yezidi-iraq/



https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g676534-d16881765-Reviews-Lalish_Temple-Duhok_Duhok_Province.html
























2.    scUber, available at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.   We've all heard of Uber.  It's that ride share app that get's you home safe at night after partying.  Well, check this out.  Do you like to dive?  I mean scuba dive?  If so, we all know that the greatest place in the world to go diving is the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.  Well, whether you're on Heron Island at the Great Barrier Reef or in Port Douglas to the north, you can rent a submarine or scUber.  It goes down to 30 meters and it's a one of a kind ride.  So, consider it when visiting the most famous reef in the world.


https://teq.queensland.com/au/en/industry/what-we-do/marketing/scuber 



https://www.fastcompany.com/90354591/uber-australia-launches-a-submarine-experience-called-scuber 



https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/05/29/tourists-are-invited-dive-the-great-barrier-reef-with-rideshare-submarine-scuber



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grLSpuNx4UM


https://uncrate.com/scuber-ridesharing-submarine/

























3.  Magnetic Island, North Queensland, Australia.  This is one of those great side visits if you happen to be in North Queensland and possibly diving the Great Barrier Reef.  This island is a peaceful outdoor fun paradise reachable by ferry and a great place to spend some time.  There's lots of outdoor activities including more diving.  There are places to stay, hiking to do, food to try and it's just that someplace that most people don't know about.  But, what does Magnetic Island have?  If you're visiting Northern Australia, it's the place where you'll find the largest colony of Koala Bears in that part of the continent sized country.  








































4.    Rooftop Reds, Brooklyn, New York.    All I can say here is that I never know what I'll find in Brooklyn.  Brooklyn is one of the most inventive places on Earth.  Every time I go there I find something new and different.  So, for all you wine lovers, I give you Rooftop Reds.  This is a winery located in the old Navy yards and it's on the roof.  I'm not kidding.  You can go there, try wine, have some snack food, listen to live music, and get some sun.  It's quite unique and just one more reason to spend your NYC time in Brooklyn.  Check the dates before you go.  This one is seasonal for good reason.










































5.    Camping in New York City.  Is it camping?  Is it glamping?  Is it yurt living?  Maybe a tiny house?  What on Earth is going on on Governor's Island?  Well, here's the scoop.   Governor's Island has gone into the wellbeing business with The Collective.  They offer several styles of accommodations at the retreat.  You get pampered, have amazing views of the city, and get away from it all.  All a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.  Governor's Island is a national historic site and was once a home of the military.  Those days are long gone and the island has become a great place to get outdoors in the city.  In addition to pampering, there's museum areas to explore, you can rent a citybike, and numerous other activities.  This stay will cost you a bit, but what an experience while in the Big Apple!















So there you have this week's fast five!  I hope you enjoy it.  There are so many new and interesting things happening all the time in the world of travel.  The options for adventures and experiences keep exponentially growing.  Take time to look not only at places but at experiences.  After all, it shouldn't just be the place of a lifetime, it should be an unforgettable experience too.  So, find that adventure, pack your bags and enjoy!

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Wednesday, March 27, 2024

A Little Random, but Still a Good Fast Five for 3/27/24!


 



















1.    The 5th Annual World Nomad Games.  Now, this started a few years back and the original home was in Kyrgyzstan, but it is now held in Kazakhstan.  It's the world championships of some sports you can only see in the Steppe lands.  You will find all sorts of unique contests from wrestling to falconing and some extremely unique sports on horseback.  You will also find fantastic examples of regional foods, arts and crafts and you'll experience something you've never even dreamed of.  It's like visiting a whole new planet, and it's an experience you'll never forget.  So, if you've got the gumption to visit the area, do it in the fall and be there for these one of a kind games.


 https://worldnomadgames.kz/en


https://whereandwander.com/world-nomad-games-2021/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn-LIjQVkm0


https://yellowwoodadventures.com/adventures/world-nomad-games-kazakhstan-2024/world-nomad-games-2024



https://www.responsiblevacation.com/vacations/festivals/travel-guide/world-nomad-games




















2.   Walk on The Columbia Ice Field, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada.  Banff and Jasper are probably two of the national parks in the world that I'd like to visit most.  Haven't had the chance...yet.  That being said, while touring these parks, there's something you shouldn't miss.  Jasper National Park has a tour that takes you out to walk on The Columbia Ice Field.  Most of the time, walking glaciers and ice fields is very involved and can take days and you must have a guide.  Jasper National Park can take care of it all for you in a few hours and check it right off you bucket list.  A great addition to a visit in the area.








































3.    Cuba stuff.   I wanted to pause and talk a little bit about some oddities you may find in Cuba.  For years, Cuba had a dual money system where they had different Pesos for travelers and locals.  Reportedly, they've consolidated their system and we shouldn't be running into this anymore, but it can still be an issue in some places and with digital payments.  Keep your eyes open and know the difference so that you don't end up with useless money.









Part 2.    Where should you stay as an American while visiting Cuba?  This has changed over the years as well.  When the country became open for tourists, it's not surprising that Americans were treated a little different.  Problems between the two governments, people being a little cautious on both sides of the deal.  It happens with a rocky history.  These days the best advice is to stay in an international chain of some kind.  Cuba has some great resorts, so go and have fun.  Just be careful where you book as an American.






























4.    Take a Float in the Dead Sea.  I know, there's a lot of problems in the Middle East.  However, that almost never changes.  Salt has fascinated people for thousands of years.  The Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth and it's salt content is legendary.  People have sworn by the recuperative powers of salt for eons and this is one of the most famous places in the world to give it a go and take a float.  That being said, we know that Israel and the Palestinians are at war right now, but the good news is that you can visit the Dead Sea while on a tour of Jordan.  So, if you decide to visit Jordan, keep the Dead Sea in mind.






































5.    Collect some Maui Trade Dollars.   I like to collect money when I travel, but in the United States, that doesn't normally happen.  However, if you get the opportunity to travel to Hawaii, you might get that chance.  Maui Trade Dollars were designed to honor the culture of that individual Island.  Each of the Hawaiian Islands has their own culture and personality.  Maui decided to make something truly unique that everyone could have.  The trade dollar can be spent as money at many places while on Maui, so make sure you take advantage of this interesting and one of a kind experience while visiting Maui.
















There you have it.  This week was a bit random, but I just couldn't pass up passing on some good information that I received.  Travel is an adventure at best, but can become a disaster.  I always advocate making some plans before you leave.   Not that you should strangle yourself with an itinerary, but make sure you check out how money works, political climate with your country, weather, crime, war, and other things that could have a huge impact on your good time.  Most places in the world can be visited irregardless of who they're at odds with.  You simply need to be careful.  So, instead of trying to avoid every questionable country on Earth, just do your research, plan accordingly and enjoy!



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