Updates!

I'm not in much of a writing mood today, but I wanted to give you all some updates on what's been going on with me, my travel plans, theALTERNAtraveler's funds, and some more sh- uh, stuff.

If you're wondering why I haven't posted any reviews lately, it's because I haven't taken a trip anywhere since December. As you hopefully recall, theALTERNAtraveler's main goal is to save $10,000 to take 25 trips in one year. The reviews I've posted since theALTERNAtraveler began (in May of 2007) have been "practice runs" and have provided me with some interesting content for my site; content to keep people reading and browsing and donating to the project. I intend to resume taking some practice trips soon, but right now I have to be very frugal if I expect to put anything into the travel savings account for the future. I am looking into some side work that will hopefully **crosses fingers** up my monthly income by quite a bit. Wish me luck and remember, donations are ALWAYS welcome and just $5 will get you a free gift in the mail. Every little bit helps!

Another way you can help keep my site traffic flowing is to GUEST BLOG! If you've been somewhere awesome and feel like writing a brief synopsis of your trip or a helpful review of a cool venue or attraction you visited, please PLEASE do it. theALTERNAtraveler project is for everyone, and there's nothing I love more than posting a witty email or article written by one of my fellow anti-tourists. Link love all around, too! Get some hits on your blog from me, and I'll get some from you, all well you get the chance to show off your writin' skillz and help others to find some unique entertainment possibilities. You can submit through my MySpace mail at www.myspace.com/theALTERNAtraveler or through my regular email at theALTERNAtraveler@yahoo.com.

Mainly, I just want to assure everyone that this project has not been abandoned. As soon things improve monetarily, I will be back to posting deposit updates every two weeks. Until then, don't leave me! I'm working my butt off to give this project the time, money and interest it deserves. I can't wait until the day that I take off for my first of 25 vacations. I know it's going to be the most amazing feeling I've ever had. I know it.

In the meantime...

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Ooh! Ooh! I almost forgot - I finally uploaded all the videos from my trip to Omaha and Iowa City (December '07). See below. Reviews from Iowa City are in the works, too.

theALTERNAtraveler - Omaha & Iowa City (Part 1)


theALTERNAtraveler - Omaha & Iowa City - Part 2


theALTERNAtraveler - Omaha & Iowa City - Part 3


theALTERNAtraveler - Omaha & Iowa City - Part 4


theALTERNAtraveler Kisses the Black Angel of Iowa City

Tomb Sweeping Day

The company I'm currently working for has a factory in China with whom we converse on a daily basis. Today, we received an email letting us know that they would be closed on April 4th & 5th in honor of Tomb Sweeping Day.

"Tomb Sweeping Day?" you wonder, "What is that?"

Since I didn't know what it was either, I did a little Googling and this is what I found:

"Celebrated two weeks after the vernal equinox, Tomb Sweeping Day is one of the few traditional Chinese holidays that follows the solar calendar-- typically falling on April 4, 5, or 6. Its Chinese name "Qing Ming" literally means "Clear Brightness," hinting at its importance as a celebration of Spring. Similar to the spring festivals of other cultures, Tomb Sweeping Day celebrates the rebirth of nature, while marking the beginning of the planting season and other outdoor activities."

"With the passing of time, this celebration of life became a day to honor past ancestors. "

Very interesting. You can read more about it here. Cheers to learning new things everyday.

Find the Best Fuel Prices in Your Area

Don't let your road tripping dreams die because you're feeling the effects of rising fuel prices! Go to http://www.gasbuddy.com/, then type in your zip code. In no time at all, you'll be ready to fill 'er up while using the least amount of your hard earned greenbacks as possible.

I want to meet "Sam's Pals." Don't you?

I'm almost positive that I've previously written about my desire... no, my need... to visit the Dead Pals of Sam Sanfillippo. If not, I'm about to write about it now; if so, I'm about to write about it again.

Sam's perky taxidermy collection is another oddball attraction I discovered on RoadsideAmerica.com. (Could I be a bigger champion of any one website? Doubtful.) Apparently, Mr. Sanfillippo has a taxidermy museum in the basement of a funeral home in Madison, WI, with a bunch of little critters set up in all sorts of fun poses. From the little info I've found on this place and on Sam, I've gathered that the animals are donated to him; therefore, I find it perfectly acceptable that they be made into some lively dead art.

Anywho... for over a week I've been trying to find someone to go see this place with me next Saturday. It's only about 2 hours away from my home and it would be a perfect night away - head up to Madison, check out the animals, head just a few miles away to Ella's Animatronic Deli (another RoadsideAmerica find that I can't wait to see), go out to some bars, spend the night, and on Sunday make the short drive home, well-rested and satisfied to have left the state for a bit. Nobody has said yes to my pleas for companionship yet. It's not even that spontaneous of a trip - we'll only be gone for about 24 hours and you still have five days to prepare yourself for a night away. Come on, people. Live a little.

Wish me luck in finding someone to accompany me, and take a minute to check out the links to Sam's taxidermy collection and Ella's Deli.

Ooh! There's one more thing! I found a new blog to worship - Escape Adulthood with Kim & Jason. This awesome couple is on a mission to cure "adultitis," and I am proud to be a champion of their cause, as well. Read some of their posts and you're sure to leave the site inspired to stop acting your age. Amen, Kim and Jason. Amen!

Just wanted to give myself a pat on the back...

I forgot to mention that a couple travel sites gave me a nod recently...


Back in December, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/ posted a mini write-up I did about the Black Angel of Iowa City, along with a photo I took of the statue. I was totally flattered and I can't believe I forgot to post a link here! I love, love, love this site. You can see my write-up here.


In January, a site that's relatively new to me, http://www.travelerseyes.net/, was kind enough to post my mission statement and a link to my page. This traveler has been keeping her eye on Travelers Eyes ever since. You can see the post about me


Thanks again, guys. I really appreciate the exposure. :)

ATTN: Aspiring Nomads

I just found an amazing article on www.vagabondish.com about how to work long-term travel into your life with little or no cost out of pocket. This is something I would love to do someday... after I've taken my 25 trips in one year, I think it'd be great to get away, write those memoirs, and not have to worry about bills for a while! It's really a wonderful article with tons of helpful links for any aspiring nomads out there. I highly suggest you peep it. :)

8 Tools to Travel Long-Term & Live Rent Free

St. Patty's Day is not for me.

Once again, I missed the dyeing of the Chicago River for St. Patrick's Day. It happened on Saturday the 15th. Whoops. Since I missed this time-honored tradition, here's a photo I ganked from one of my favorite travel blogs (http://www.debohobo.com/), so we can all just pretend that I was there to capture the magic for you...


I'm sorry, but St. Patrick's Day is just one of those holidays that makes me want to stay within five minutes of my humble abode (along with New Year's Eve). I hate going to bars and waiting 30 minutes for a drink only to have it knocked over by some drunken idiot before I even reach my table... and that's assuming that I got to the bar early enough to grab a seat between all the sweaty bodies looking for a little green beer or Jager Bomb action. I like to drink and I like hanging out at bars, but I don't like drinking and hanging out at bars on St. Patty's.

Anywho, I hope that you all enjoyed this holiday for me. If you have any photos or tips of awesome places to hang out for "party holidays" such as this one, send 'em my way.

Oh, yeah - Erin Go Bragh!

Vote for my favorite KJ - Rockin' Rick!

I just got this email from my favorite karaoke jockey in the area, Rockin' Rick. Please read it and take a second to vote for him for Suburban Nitelife Magazine's Best of the 'Burbs Contest. If you've never been to his karaoke at Ernie McCann's in North Aurora, make it a point to stop by sometime. Now go on with your votin' selves! We've only got until tomorrow to vote. Thanks, guys! (See the email with voting link below.)

YOU DID IT!!! Once again we are voted into the finals for Suburban Nitelife
Magazine's best of the Burbs!

Now, we need you even more than ever! The finals voting takes place now
through March 15th. WE NEED YOUR VOTES!!! Log on to: www.nitelife.org.

Remember, vote everyday, you may use more than one e mail account to vote several times in one day, but be sure to leave at least half an hour between voting
sessions!

You will find us under the following catagories:

Rick, with Rockin With Rick Karaoke...Best male KJ
Rockin' With Rick Karaoke...Best Karaoke company
Ernie McCann's...Best karaoke club
Mike Lowy...Best Musician
Rockin with Rick Music videos @ The Muddy Duck...Best Promotional

PLEASE GET YOUR FRIENDS, LOVERS, AND OTHERS TO CONSIDER VOTING FOR US AS WELL!
We have been to the top before, it would be so cool to do it again!

Thanks for your support, winners will be announced on March 31st!

Keep Rockin'..........Rick