Adventures for Anyone

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Let's Test Your Travel Trivia! What is it?

Okay guys! I'm giving you a hint. I'm putting in a quick entry, just to see who knows what about some special places around the world. So, 10 questions. What is it? That's the theme. The answers come with it.

1. Question: What is Shibuya!

Answer: That's the world's busiest intersection in downtown Tokyo, Japan. Shibuya Crossing is a landmark in Tokyo and a must see for visitors. The crossing is so busy that no one really knows how many people use it each day.

https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/shibuya-crossing/3016

2. Question: What is a Falkirk?

Answer: The Falkirk is The Falkirk Wheel, and it's an elevator for boats. Located in the town of Falkirk (also a correct answer here), Scotland; the wheel was designed to commemorate the millennium. It opened in 2002, and connects two canals that are at vastly different elevations.

https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/falkirk-wheel/

3. Question: What is Oymyakon?

Answer: Oymyakon is a village in the Yakut Republic of Siberia, and it is one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth. Oymyakon is a primitive village by modern standards and is home to the Pole of Cold. The Pole of Cold is the marker for the coldest temperatures in the northern hemisphere.

https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/climate-weather/photos/7-of-the-coldest-places-in-the-world-to-live/oymyakon-russia

4. Question: What is Eldgja?

Answer: The Eldgja is a designated area encompassing a giant volcanic fissure in the southern highlands of Iceland. It is the largest volcanic canyon in the world. Home of some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and the famous Ofaerufoss Waterfall. The waterfall used to have a basalt bridge naturally across it, but it collapsed just before I got there in the 1990's. It's beautiful irregardless.

https://www.icelandtravel.is/attractions/eldgja/

5. Question: What is Batagay?

Answer: The Batagay Crater lies in the far north of Siberia near the village of the same name. It is a natural occurrence of melting permafrost, believed to be started by deforestation. Currently, it is a harvesting ground for South Korean scientists looking to clone a Mammoth. There are Mammoth carcasses surfacing on a regular basis in the crater, just waiting to help the cloning process.

http://siberiantimes.com/science/casestudy/news/n0678-200000-year-old-soil-found-at-mysterious-crater-a-gate-to-the-subterranean-world/

6. Question: What is ICP?

Answer: The International Center of Photography. This is the thing that I had to throw in from New York City. I love New York. This institute, museum and art gallery is located on the Bowery in Manhattan. The exhibits are unique and it's a great way to spend some time off the beaten path in New York.

https://www.icp.org/

7. Question: What is Manaslu?

Answer: That's the 8th highest peak in the Himalayas. Manaslu Mountain was first ascended by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu from Japan in 1956. Therefore, the mountain has always been considered the Japanese Himalaya.

https://www.nepal.com/attractions/mountains/manaslu/

8. Question: What is Al-Fahidi?

Answer: Al-Fahidi Fortress is one of the few truly historical sites in Dubai. It is a historical site, history and art museum. Perfect to offset all the modern wonders in the area.

https://www.inspirock.com/united-arab-emirates/dubai/al-fahidi-fort-a312149437?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bing_Search_Attractions&msclkid=27d816016dc81a208d934ac088e9c659&ad_acc=ipar

9. Question: What is Cotopaxi?

Answer: Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the highest volcanos in South America. It lies south of Quito, Ecuador. It last erupted in 1904, and is currently a great adventure spot. There are several companies that take tours up the volcano.

https://www.summitpost.org/cotopaxi/150311

10. Question: What is Umoona?

Answer: Umoona Mine and Museum is a must see if you stop in to the mostly underground town of Coober Pedy, Austraila. Almost lost in the outback of Australia, Coober Pedy is a treasure trove of Opals and full of mines to retrieve them. It is also one of the hottest places in Australia causing most of the locals to live and work in cave like dwelling to get out of the heat.

https://www.cooberpedy.com/umoona-opal-mine/

Travelers love the off the beaten path. Hope you enjoyed the quiz. Catch you when I get to wander a little more. Enjoy!

https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred/settings
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/928833
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16665814.Terri_Dixon
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred
https://www.instagram.com/ninakindred1/
https://www.pinterest.com/ninakindred/
https://twitter.com/NinaKindred
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/store/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.picfair.com/users/ninakindred/uploaded-recently
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts
https://ninakindred.wixsite.com/ninakindredgroup/connections

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Meeting Janet Evanovich

There comes a time in life when you realize that you just need to make time to do some things on that bucket list that's been knocking about your head. A couple of years ago I had a bout with cancer and have been having some unsettling cells monitored ever since. I've spent the bulk of my life working and the rest of my life raising a family and doing some light travel. I decided recently, that there were some things that I wanted to do. There were also some things that I didn't realize I wanted to do, but when they came up; I knew it was something that I couldn't pass up. That was how I felt when I heard about Mark My Words, the author interview and discussion series at The Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT. When I read that Janet Evanovich was going to be the author at last fall's session; I knew I had to go.

I have been a huge fan of Janet Evanovich for decades. Look Alive Twenty Five was the book being released at the time of the event, and I couldn't wait to go. The tickets were moderately priced and included a copy of the new book. As luck would have it, no one could go with me that night. That normally would make me rethink the event altogether. I don't like to go to events alone. I prefer to share them with someone dear to me. But, this was the time that I didn't let that stop me. I hopped in my car after work and took off for an evening of intellect, creativity, insight, and jokes.

The Mark Twain House is a landmark in Hartford, where the author spent several years living with his family. There is also a museum there and the Harriet Beecher Stowe House is also on the property. It's a classic property and the tours are great. I particularly like the haunted tour that they do a few evenings a year. It's worth checking into.

It's the stunning Immanuel Congregational Church across the street where they have the Mark My Words series. The church has cathedral like qualities and it worth a tour on its own. The acoustics are fabulous though and made it easy to hear the discussion from anywhere in the sanctuary. I sat off to the side, and saw every minute and heard every word. It was a great event.

I was glad I decided to go for it that night. Janet Evanovich is charming, elegant, and funny. She gives honest answers to all questions. She loves the characters she writes about almost as much as I do. She gave great advice to all of us aspiring writers too. But, the one thing that I wasn't aware of was that there was something else after the interview and discussion.

That's right, I got to meet her and she autographed my book. We talked for a few minutes and I can tell you that I was thrilled. She was happy to answer my questions, and made sure that I stayed to have my picture taken with her. So, should you take a chance on a whim? Yes. Life is too short not to take the opportunity to meet some of you heroes. Janet Evanovich is one of mine, and I hope to meet some more of my heroes before I go into that dark night.

After four long years, I have been cleared of all impending cancer issues in my body, and I'm feeling pretty good. I like to think that my ambition to continue writing has something to do with that. I'm sure that Janet Evanovich is one of the heroes that keeps me writing. Take a chance at the last minute. Do something great. Enjoy!

https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/928833
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts
https://marktwainhouse.org/
https://marktwainhouse.org/events/category/mark-my-words/
https://www.evanovich.com/
http://www.ctvisit.com/hartford
https://www.go-connecticut.com/Hartford/
https://www.visitconnecticut.com/hartford_central/visitor-information-centers/
http://www.ctvisit.com/experience/history
https://www.tripadvisor.com/SmartDeals-g33804-Hartford_Connecticut-Hotel-Deals.html
http://www.ctvisit.com/stay

Friday, March 15, 2019

Derby Line, Vermont

The view is absolutely beautiful from the top of Jay Peak, not far from Derby Line, VT. Derby Line is a tiny little town with not much going on in northern Vermont. Why am I writing about it? Let me just say that it exemplifies our border issues.

I recently visited a very dear family friend who lives in the small town of Derby Line. I took a picture while standing in her back yard. The picture of the cornfield behind her house is in Quebec, Canada. And that is the most normal circumstance I saw there. The border in this town is bizarre. It used to be a non issue, because all of the folks in the area are related and friends. There didn't used to be any issues crossing the border and no one in particular really cared. Now, you need a passport, and most of the locals carry it at all times, just in case they need to cross the border. They never had strict border policies until terrorism came along. Now, they have been forced to use their meager budget to convert local buildings into border checks.

The church is in Vermont. The view from the church is Canada. Once again, the locals always enjoyed the lake, but now it straddles the border. Complicated. In this area of Derby Line, the closest grocery store is in Canada, but there are certain items that can't cross the border, so the locals have to travel to another town in Vermont to finish their grocery shopping. Most of the residents of Derby Line carry both Canadian and American money on them all the time.

The library really hit home. It was built so that the Canadians and the Americans could share it. It sits on the border. Literally. The Canadians and the Americans now each have their own assigned entrance. There is a border patrol person sitting in a car down the street watching to make sure that no one crosses the border at the library. I was taking pictures of the stone line that marks the border outside the library, and the border guard repositioned his car to watch me better. No, I didn't try to cross the stone border. But this is life in Derby Line. Bizarre.

That being said, the area is great and full of friendly people. We went to Canada and to the small towns on the other end of the lake. We had a great time and there were no terrorists. There were no people trying to climb a wall to illegally come into our country. It was a perfectly wonderful shopping trip to the little shops of the local Quebec towns. It was scenic and wonderful. It was a great afternoon.

We also visited the resort at Jay Peak in Vermont. They have a gondola ride to the top of the mountain for a scenic view, an indoor water park, and an indoor hockey arena in addition to the wonderful ski resort and hotel. Just don't be surprised if your cell service goes out because you're too close to Canada. The same problem comes up in Derby Line. My cell service tried to latch onto the signal coming from the closest tower which was across the border and it took me hours of dealing with my service to get it back to normal afterward.

Derby Line, Vermont and the area are beautiful. The people are warm, friendly and kind. The scenery is fantastic. The food and shopping are great. Just make sure you bring your passport. The border is a little weird here, and politicians should come and take a look at it. It really paints a picture of what's wrong with the world. As far as a place to visit, I'll be back later this year. Enjoy!

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/12/us/canada-usa-border.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/SmartDeals-g57227-Derby_Line_Northeast_Kingdom_Vermont-Hotel-Deals.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g57227-Activities-Derby_Line_Northeast_Kingdom_Vermont.html
https://informationcenter.vermont.gov/centers/derby_line
https://www.facebook.com/places/Things-to-do-in-Derby-Line-Vermont/113921685287505/
https://www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/derby-line-vermont-0209
https://www.gsa.gov/historic-buildings/us-border-station-derby-line-vt
https://www.tripsavvy.com/what-to-do-in-magog-quebec-4137672
http://www.magogquebec.ca/en/
https://www.easterntownships.org/towns-and-villages/45075/magog
https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/9968
https://www.facebook.com/Haskellopera/
https://derbyvt.org/test/library/
https://jaypeakresort.com/
https://www.vermontvacation.com/towns-and-regions/northern
https://www.visit-vermont.com/northern/
https://www.visit-vermont.com/northern/attractions/
https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts
https://ninakindred.wixsite.com/ninakindredgroup/connections

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Working in an Amusement Park

When I was young, I wanted to go to Cedar Point for the summer and work. It seemed like the ultimate job. They had dorms and everything there, so you could stay for the whole summer, get away from your family and make money. It also sounded like a dream come true to work in the place where I hung out off and on every summer. Cedar Point was one of my favorite places on Earth, because while my friends wanted to party and go shopping; I wanted to ride roller coasters and every other ride on Earth. I guess I was a geek, but I didn't care. A kegger could not compare with Roller Coasters.

So, I applied and made my plans and awaited my call (there was no email back in the dark ages). I was all set, until my parents found out. The minute they heard my plans it was a big resounding "NO!"

Now, let's fast forward nearly 40 years. I've lived my life. I've all but raised my family, had my big management job, written a couple of books, and traveled the world. I've survived kidney stones and cancer. I've put up with my husband for more than 20 years. I've lived in New England nearly half my life. I've been there done that, but what I still had never done, was work in an amusement park. The urge had never gone away. My family suffers from vertigo and can't enjoy going to amusement parks anymore. It seemed like just the right time for an adventure. So, I applied to work in an amusement park for the summer. And not just any amusement park--America's oldest theme park. Lake Compounce.

So, you may ask yourself if I'm writing because I tried and no one wanted an old woman to work for them? Nope, I was immediately contacted, interviewed and hired to run rides. The young people who are actually running the park, thought it was great that I wanted to take my turn at what is normally a great summer job for kids. Before I knew it, I was trained to run three large rides and was ready to go with my uniform and rain gear for a summer that I would never forget.

The summer of 2018 was one of the wettest summers on record in New England. Those of us who worked in the park, were a group of hearty souls. I spent my summer operating the Sawmill Plunge log ride, The Twister, and The Pirate Ship. I spent my summer making sure that everyone followed the rules, stayed safe and were wildly entertained getting wet, spinning around and swinging back and forth. After four months of this I can say without a shadow of a doubt, it was one of the best times I ever had at work. Working kids are great. I met some of the most wonderful teenagers I've ever known. I was worried that it might be hard working with the enormous age difference, but it wasn't. We all had so much fun that there were a lot of tears on my last day.

I waited almost 40 years to do something that I'd always wanted to do. They don't like it when employees go online and discuss working there, so I waited. I think the management would be pleased with my assessment though. After all the team ride nights, random trips on the bungee swing, associate luaus and such, I can say I'm happy I did it. I'm happy that I didn't decide that I was too old and had missed my chance. If you've ever dreamed of it, do it. There are so many perks, so many happy memories, and so many new experiences in doing a job that may be deemed beneath you at an older age; well--I was tempted to reapply when I got invited back. I can't this year, but I was sorely tempted. Never miss out on a chance to make up for something that you never go to do as a kid. It made me feel young, if only for a short time and gave me memories that I will cherish.

Now, before I go, I want to let you know that Lake Compounce has become a three season amusement park with a campground and water park for the summer. They have one of the original haunted graveyards in the fall and one of the original holiday lights at Christmas. My family and I have enjoyed all of it for years.

The park opens in May each year and has been in operation for over 170 years. Every year there's something new, but still plenty of classics. It's a great place to spend your time.

Christmas brings all kinds of lights, Santa Clause, ice sculptures, and select rides for hearty souls. It's a lot of fun for the kids and everyone. Everyone is looking for that special family thing to make a family tradition out of at Christmas, and Holiday Lights is the perfect thing.

So, should you go to work in an amusement park? If you've always dreamed of it, sure. If not, probably not. I fall in the former group, and I'm so glad I did it. Here's to making dreams of running giant rides and making kids smile come true. Enjoy!

https://www.lakecompounce.com/
https://www.cedarpoint.com/
https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred/settings
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts
http://www.ctvisit.com/
https://www.visitconnecticut.com/state
https://newengland.com/today/travel/new-england/new-england-amusement-parks/

Thursday, November 15, 2018

If You Like Lighthouses, Then You Should Visit Long Island and the Sound

Lighthouses are some of the world's most beloved and adored pieces of architecture. I grew up with the wonderful lighthouses on the Great Lakes of Michigan, Huron and Erie. When I moved to New England, I started investigating the many mountain ranges and numerous waterfalls of the region and neglected to do much in the way of investigating the shore. In the last couple of years, I have spent more time in State Parks and along the shores of New England than I ever have before. This last summer I spent some significant time tooling around Long Island. It's close by; only a ferry ride away, but I never went there. I thought it was time, and I was right. I saw my first lighthouse on my first ferry ride across Long Island Sound. At that time, I didn't realize that there were over 25 of them in the area. I had a lot to do.

Throughout the summer and early fall this year, I visited several lighthouses in a few different ways. I passed one while on the ferry every time I went. I went to the one on Sheffield Island on a tour from Norwalk, CT. They are literally all over. Some are beautiful like the one on Sheffield Island. Some are old and in ruins, but there are so many to see. Some are very hard to get to like the one on Shelter Island. Some you can only see from shore like the one off of Orient Point, NY. I tried to pick the ones that would allow me to see a lot of the area without missing other things along the way. It's a tough balance, but I think we did pretty well.

Most of the lighthouses that I visited had amazing views both of them and from them. I visited three that had guided tours. I learned a lot of history while I was there. Some of the lighthouses in the area were commissioned by George Washington. Some were used by spies during the Revolutionary War. They are amazing. Many of them are still in use today. The most famous ones, like Fire Island and Shelter Island are a little tricky to get to. Shelter Island requires an expensive ferry. Fire Island can also be reached by ferry or a tricky causeway. Some, like Sheffield Island require a guided tour and a boat to get a pretty long way to reach it. Montauk point is a tedious drive during the summer. But, the payoff is amazing. The lighthouses are beautiful.

Montauk Point Lighthouse was commissioned by George Washington, and is one of the most beautiful lighthouses around. The drive is difficult, but it's worth it. Montauk, the lighthouse, and the views are all worth it. Just remember, it's at the end of a very tough neighborhood. It's just past the Hamptons, which is a neighborhood that I don't care to visit much. I love the little bed and breakfasts, but the residents are a bit much and don't seem too fond of tourists. You can see the beaches if you can find an unrestricted place to park. Good luck with that. Make the drive to Montauk. You'll love it out there on The End.

Now, the north fork of Long Island was a little different. Orient Point, and the State Parks which are the beaches on that side largely, were amazing. We saw beaches, watched the ferries come in and out and saw lighthouses. The view was amazing and the people were friendly and a lot more down to Earth. Sorry, south fork, but you guys are kind of outer limits. By the way, Long Island Terminology calls them the north and south forks.

The north fork is where we found Horton Point Lighthouse. This was another gem with a lot of history, great views, and an amazing beach below it with a whole lot of steps. The people there were getting ready to go home for the day when we arrived, but took time out of their afternoon to give us a tour anyway. Great people on the north fork. We learned more about George Washington and his impact on the area and saw a lot of great sights.

I did not investigate western Long Island. I went across on the Port Jefferson/Bridgeport ferry many times this summer. I purposely investigated only eastern Long Island. While I was out East, I discovered that there are nearly 30 vineyards and wineries on the north fork. They are literally everywhere. What we realized was that we were in someone else's land of Oz. I don't drink wine, but I wanted to partake in the festivities, so we went Cider Tasting at Woodside Orchards. There were a lot of travelers there trying out the different hard ciders and we joined in. The crowd was fun, the owners were fun and the cider was good. It was a really good time. So even though we aren't wine people, we had a great afternoon.

So, what to do after looking at lighthouses, laying on the rocky beach and tasting wine and cider? You go and hang out in Port Jefferson and wait for the ferry. Port Jefferson is that place that you could spend the day hanging out in and never see another part of Long Island. It comes with amazing shopping, beaches, old and unusual hotels, more sweets than I've ever seen in one place and seaside dining. The whole downtown is accessible on foot and you can get a map of it at the visitor's center right next to the ferry terminal. It's that cheap way to get away for the day. You don't have to pay the extra to take your car on the ferry. It's great.

The one thing that I found that you need to watch out for while traveling to and from the mainland to Long Island is the weather. You have to make your reservations in advance when you take your car in the summer in particular. You can go on standby, but that's sketchy at best. The weather in New England can be temperamental as it was this last summer. We learned how to have a good time in bad weather. There are lots of outlet stores and movies to tide you over while the weather rages on. I can say that no matter how bad the weather was, we managed to have a good time. That says a lot.