Psychogeography (Yes - it's a new concept to me, too.)

I just read a really interesting article about a new book that's just come out - Psychogeography: Disentangling the Modern Conundrum of Psyche and Place, written by Will Self. It's a collection of essays about walks he's taken all around the world.

As far as I understand, psychogeography is a practice that involves experiencing places by "becoming one" with your surroundings...

From Reference.com:

Psychogeography was defined in 1955 by Guy Debord as the "the study of the precise laws and specific effects of the geographical environment, consciously organized or not, on the emotions and behavior of individuals." . A more straightforward definition is that it is "a slightly stuffy term that's been applied to a whole toy box full of playful, inventive strategies for exploring cities. Psychogeography includes just about anything that takes pedestrians off their predictable paths and jolts them into a new awareness of the urban landscape." The most important of these strategies is the dérive.

Check out the article here. I don't enjoy walking long distances (or short distances, for that matter - I'm fat, ya know), but I'd sure love to read about someone else doing it.

The next time you want to buy me a gift, make it this book, please.

Random Travel Fun

Until I get my ass moving and post the Iowa reviews and my latest videos, here are some random travel links to keep you occupied...


It's all in the name - check out all the latest travel gadgets here!
http://www.travelgadgets.org/

Looking for a close and clean restroom? Check this site for toilet listings in major cities.
http://www.mizpee.com/

Want to rid your travel photos of pesky tourists? Peep this FREE software. (No, I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds SWEET!)
http://www.snapmania.com/info/en/trm/

More travel gadgets...
http://www.vagabondish.com/12-killer-travel-gadgets-every-geek-needs/

Finally, another blog about everything travel:
http://www.vagabondish.com/


Happy surfing! If you find any links you think I might be interested in, please send them my way. My email address is theALTERNAtraveler@yahoo.com.

P.S. The photo contest is now closed! All entries and the winning photo will be posted by Jan. 1, 2008.

Omaha, NE (12/14/07 - 12/15/07)

Omaha, NE

I got a late start on my weekend trip to Omaha and Iowa City, not leaving my home until nearly 2:00 p.m. on Friday afternoon. I decided to make a video diary of the whole trip, which you will find in chronological pieces, inserted between my reviews. Unfortunately, the audio on them isn't too great, being that I filmed most of them while driving... I know, how safe! And speaking of driving, don't look at my speedometer readings in the videos - I had a bit of a lead-foot all weekend. Haha! Oh, and did I mention that about an hour into my trip I realized that I forgot my business cards in my other purse? Yeah, guess I should have listened to my own advice about making a list and checking it twice.

theALTERNAtraveler - Omaha & Iowa City (Part 1)


Date(s): 12/14/07 - 12/15/07
Airfare/Gas: Approx. $30 in gas (thanks to the new Prius!)
Spending: Approx. $70
Lodging: $65 for one night in hotel
TOTAL COST: Approx. $165


REVIEWS:


Super 8 Motel - Omaha Aksarben
7111 Spring St.
Omaha, NE 68106
(402) 390-0700
www.the.super8.com/omaha03824

Price Details: $65 per night (2 double beds, smoking)

Like I've said before, a Super 8 is a Super 8. The beds were comfy and the staff was friendly. I ended up getting caught in a snow storm as soon as I arrived in Omaha - and let me tell you, there's nothing more exciting than being stuck in a small hotel room all night, watching Something About Mary and Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and ordering Pizza Hut. C'est la vie! I made the best of it and used the time to look over travel guides and make an entry in my video diary (see below). I'm very thankful that I decided to stay in and didn't risk braving the storm outside, because over the course of the next two days, I counted 21 cars in ditches between Omaha and Illinois.

theALTERNAtraveler - Omaha & Iowa City - Part 2



Sapp Brothers Truck Stop
9905 Sapp Brothers Dr.
Omaha, NE 68138
(402) 895-2121
http://www.sappbrosts.com/

Amenities: Restaurant, Gift Shop, Service Center, Gas Station, Health Center, etc.

** FEATURING: Giant Water Tower Coffee Pot **

After a nice long sleep on Friday night, I headed to the Sapp Brothers Truck Stop to eat lunch at their cafe and check out the giant coffee pot that I'd read about on http://www.roadsideamerica.com/.

Before I made it into the cafe, I stopped and looked around in the gift shop. First, I located the CD section, hoping to find a Willie Nelson disc... it was there that I found all types of musical genres represented, including, but not limited to, classic country, contemporary country, holiday country, blues country, etc., etc.... and yet, no Willie Nelson. Damn. Next, I found a whole display rack of Jesus shirts, based on popular commercial logos. I thought these were hilarious, so I took a few photos of my favorite ones. In fact, I liked them so much that after breakfast, I went back to the shop and purchased one (tongue in cheek, of course). Check out the photos - I think they could induce a laugh in anyone (except the guy who designed them).

I wandered into the cafe and ordered up a "plain ol' grilled cheese and fries," seeing as the one on their menu came with a few different types of cheese and was made on a fancy marble rye bread. I also ordered coffee, and it turned out that this restaurant is one of the smart ones that actually puts the pot on your table - I know Colonial and IHOP do this, too. Genius. The service was friendly and the food was great (even though my sandwich still arrived on the marble rye, despite my request). The menu was standard for a diner, but most recipes had a home-cooked flair to them.

Before I left, I took some photos of the giant coffee pot. I've heard that it lights up and steam comes out of the spout, but, unfortunately, I didn't get to see it in action. It was cool, though!


Durham Western Heritage Museum
(located inside Union Station)
801 S. 10th St.
Omaha, NE 68108
(402) 444-5071
http://www.dwhm.org/

Admission: $7 Adult (senior/child discount, members free)

Originally, I had planned on visiting the Joslyn Museum, but while I was sitting at Sapp Brothers waiting for my grilled cheese to come, I made a last minute decision to check out the Durham Western Heritage Museum instead. I can go to an art museum in Chicago any time I want, but when can I visit a museum inside a beautiful, historic train station in downtown Omaha? Not very often.

As soon as I pulled into the train station's parking lot, I knew I had made the right decision. The building was amazing! It was built in 1931 and is credited as being one of the midwest's finest examples of art deco architecture (and rightly so). Upon heading inside, I saw that its interior was just as magnificent as its exterior. There was a giant Christmas tree on display, and the giant windows added to the magical sight. From the ceilings to the floors, I could have spent an hour admiring the decor.

After my awe ceased, I paid a $7 admission fee and checked out the museum. They had a temporary exhibit that I was very interested in, called "The Enemy Within: Terror in America - 1776 to Today." Honestly, I went in expecting it to be biased, pro-Bush, and anti-Islamic... what I found was quite the opposite. The exhibit featured a comprehensive look at the history of domestic terrorist and foreign agents, dating all the way back to 1776, including communist groups, radical hippie associations, and the Ku Klux Klan (which I found to be the creepiest and most moving installment). I found the whole exhibit so interesting, in fact, that I didn't get to the rest of the museum! It will remain open until January 6, 2008.

The photos I've included in this post are merely a snippet of what I took while in Omaha. You can view the rest of my photos on my Flickr account, on my MySpace, or as a slideshow in a previous post, titled "Omaha & Iowa City Photos."

Omaha & Iowa City Photos

Here are the photos from Omaha and Iowa City. I am in the process of writing reviews and editing videos, so those will not be posted until tonight or tomorrow.



(Mouse over photos for captions.)

Money, money!

New account balance! I love watching it grow, don't you?

TOTAL BALANCE: $1555.98
** $90.43 from Donations **

REMAINING TOWARDS GOAL: $8,444.02

Thanks for the donations. I really appreciate it!

Be back on Sunday...

I got my new car last night, which means I'll be taking off for Nebraska and Iowa tomorrow, as planned. I'm going to leave around 10 a.m., because unless I have to make it to an airport, I want to sleep in on my days off! It is a vacation, after all.

I'll be staying in Omaha on Friday night, then I'll head to Iowa City to stay Saturday night. I printed out a bunch of possible places to check out on the trip, but mainly I'll be playing it by ear. I was really hoping to book on night at a cute bed and breakfast-style place in Iowa City, called the Bostick Guest House, but I've called twice, left a message, and never heard back. Looks like I'll be checking in somewhere on a whim, which is fine with me. Super 8's have never done me wrong.

I also wanted to include a list of travel supplies that I like to bring with me on trips. Maybe this will help some of you out the next time you're packing for a weekend getaway:

Clothing Items

1. TWO OUTFITS PER DAY
One comfy outfit for daytime sightseeing, and one a little dressier, should the occasion arise. As I've said in the past, I like to look pretty on my vacations. No one is imposing a time limit on you, so give yourself a few extra mirror minutes. It always makes me feel better.
2.TWO PAIRS OF SHOES
Again, one VERY comfortable pair and a nicer pair for evenings. Vacations are not the time to try out new shoes - you don't want to end up with blisters and sore feet the first day of your trip.
3. PLENTY OF UNDERWEAR
Need I say more? Remember when your mother used to tell you to put on clean underwear before you left the house? Yeah, don't take that advice lightly.
4. SOCKS/NYLONS/TIGHTS
I always forget these, for some reason.
5. SWIMWEAR
Bringing a swimsuit is always handy (and sunscreen, if that applies to your destination). It seems that whenever I don't bring my swimsuit, I end up in a hotel with a sweet pool or hot tub that I wish I could use.

Personal Supplies

1. SHOWER SUPPLIES
I always use whatever is in the hotel, but keep in mind that body wash, face wash, and apricot exfoliating scrubs will not be there waiting for you.
2. TOOTHBRUSH and TOOTHPASTE
I have an extra toothbrush and toothpaste in my travel bag at all times. If I bring my regular one, I'm sure to leave it at the hotel.
3. TAMPONS AND/OR PADS (for ladies and thoughtful boyfriends/husbands)
Getting your period on vacation sucks, but it happens. Be prepared!
4. HAIR STUFF
A hair dryer is usually in the hotel bathroom, but I always bring one, just in case. I use the shampoo they provide, but there may not be conditioner there. Also, hair ties and clips can be invaluable when crappy weather strikes.
5. MAKE-UP
I bring the minimum - foundation, powder, mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss. That's my minimum (in fact, I keep those items in my purse at all times), which I've heard is still a lot. Do your thang.
6. PURSE AND/OR WALLET
It may seem obvious, but it's very easy to forget in the midst of all the other vacation excitement. I like to move to a more organized purse before I leave for vacation, and that leaves me wide open for forgetting money, I.D., tickets, and things of that nature. Just like Santa, you should make a list and check it twice.

Other

1. CAMERA
Don't leave home without it! Don't forget extra batteries or a charger.
2. PHONE
Even if you're going to keep it turned off, you should still have it with you in case of emergencies. Don't forget the charger!
3. NOTEBOOK & PENS
Memories, ideas, phone numbers, directions, cool places... these are all things you may want to write down.
4. BOOK
I like to bring a book with me, especially if I'm traveling alone or taking a plane. It's great for solo meal times at restaurants, coffee sessions, and nighttime in the hotel room.
5. MUSIC
If you're driving somewhere, make a travel mix on CD, tape, or iPod! See mine at the bottom of this page for an example. And if you're using a portable device, don't forget to bring extra batteries or a charger.

If you can think of anything I forgot, let me know! Comment away, fellow anti-tourists.

I borrowed my mom's digital camera, since mine has been missing for nearly six months now, so I should return with plenty of photos and hopefully a video or two. I'll talk to you all next week!

Free Movies at the Historic Paramount Theatre in Aurora!

Every winter, the historic Paramount Theatre in Aurora (23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL 60506) runs a series of free movies on Tuesday nights. This year, they are playing such hits as Jaws, The Godfather, Superman, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. They start on January 8th and run each Tuesday for six weeks. You can't get a better price than free! Not only that, but this could be the last chance for most of us to see these features on the big screen.

The Paramount is so beautiful inside! I know they've remodeled it recently, too, so I'm sure it's even more amazing than the last time I was there.

Here's the movie schedule and their website:

Paramount Theatre

23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL 60506

(630) 896-6666
Click here to download a full brochure of upcoming events.

Jan. 8 - Superman

Jan. 15 - James Bond Dr. No

Jan. 22 - The Godfather

Jan. 29 - Dirty Harry

Feb. 5 - Jaws

Feb. 12 - Raiders of the Lost Ark

In addition to movies, the Paramount features plays, musicals, comedians, musical acts and other special events all the time. See their website for more information, and join their mailing list while you're there. Supporting the local arts community is sooooo important, no matter what town you live in. The people behind the scenes work very hard to bring a little culture into the lives of us heathens, so make sure they know that you appreciate it. You can support them monetarily through donations, or even by just buying a cocktail and some popcorn to enjoy during the movie or show. Word of mouth goes a long way, too!

Hope to see you at some of these showings!

New Wheels & Flat Tires

I went car shopping on Saturday! And, yes, I did decide to go with the Prius. Unfortunately, the dealership didn't have one in stock, so I have to wait for them to call me about it this week. I need, need, need it by Friday if I'm going to make it to Nebraska this weekend. Why? Because I am not taking my P.O.S. of a Chrysler Sebring - it gets flat tires constantly. Until I got this car four years ago, I had never replaced a tire. I've replaced each of the four tires on the Sebring at least once, if not twice. And as a bonus "good-bye gift" from my current ride, as soon as I left the Toyota dealership I got a flat tire! I had to call roadside assistance and all that good stuff, because it was way to cold for the me to change the tire myself. The last thing I need is to get a flat tire during a snow storm out in Nebraska.

Do you know how to change a tire? If not, you should. Especially you ladies! I mean it. Stop letting everyone else do these easy, yet intimidating, tasks for you. Here's a little help below, and I suggest you file this info in the "Just in Case" folder of your brain.



Cheers!

More info on the Black Angel of Iowa City

Here's a link to a little more info about the superstitions and history surrounding the Black Angel of Iowa City:

http://www.icgov.org/documents/oaklandhistory.pdf



Here are a few of the myths, if you don't feel like following the link (lazy!):

- No University of Iowa coed is a true coed unless they have been kissed in front of the Black Angel.
- Any girl kissed near her in the moonlight will die within six months.
- If a girl who is innocent of men and the world is kissed in front of the Angel, the angel will return to its original color, and the curse that turned it black will be lifted.
- Touching the Angel at midnight on Halloween means death within seven years.
- Anyone who kisses the Angel will die instantly.
- Every passing Halloween causes the Angel to turn one shade darker as a reminder of the people she has killed.

When I visit, I'm totally going to tempt fate and kiss the statue. Hope I don't catch anything, like DEATH! Spoooooooky.........

1st Ever ALTERNAphoto Contest!

That's right! I'm holding the first ever ALTERNAphoto Contest! Here's the lowdown...

• THEME: Best "Tourist" Photo
• DESCRIPTION: Looking for a chance to show off your best cheesy tourist photo? Do you have a photo of yourself posing in front of the Capitol building, waiting at the airport, buying a beaded necklace from a Mexican street vendor, getting your hair braided in the Bahamas, hanging out in front of the Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas, etc., etc.? The funnier and more cliche the better!
• GUIDELINES: Photos must have at least one person in them and they must belong to you, because cheaters never prosper... unless they're really clever and charming. I will post all the entries and will choose a winner on January 1, 2008, who will receive a free gift from theALTERNAtraveler! Bonus props to anyone who sends me a photo in which they're wearing a fanny pack!
• SUBMISSIONS: You can email your photo entry to me at thealternatraveler@yahoo.com. Along with the photo, please include:

1. First name (or nickname)
2. Caption for the photo
3. Website or blog URL (I'm all about free publicity and sharing!)
4. I will also need your full name, mailing address, and email address, if you would like to be in the running for that free gift (I will not share this info).

• DEADLINE: Tuesday, 12/25/07, by midnight.

Good luck, everybody! You only have a couple weeks to submit your photo, so get moving! I hope I get lots of entries!

Another Deposit & Help Needed

Hey, everybody! I made another deposit today...

TOTAL BALANCE: $1,380.90
** $81.02 from Donations **

REMAINING TOWARDS GOAL: $8,619.10

At this rate, if I want to reach $10,000 by Dec. 31, 2008, I need to pull in approximately $22 per day from this point on. My average deposits every 14 days are 129.99, which works out to about $9.28 per day, which means I am QUITE behind. If you can spare it, donations are soooo helpful. If you can't spare it, which is totally understandable, you can still help by spreading the word about my blog:

1. If you have a "Links" section on your blog, post me there: http://www.thealternatraveler.com
2. If you're on MySpace, add me as a friend and put me in your Top 8 (or 12 or 16 or whatever): http://www.myspace.com/thealternatraveler
3. If you've stumbled across my business card, share it with a friend
4. If you're bored at coffee time, bring me up in conversation
5. If you're a regular reader, subscribe to my feed

Eventually, I will reach my goal, and your help will be invaluable in doing so.

Thanks, guys! I'll be posting more news about the upcoming Iowa/Nebraska trip soon. Keep on truckin'!

What about Omaha AND Iowa City???

After surfing the web all afternoon, I'm well on my way to planning a fantastic trip to Omaha. Not only that, but I've decided to add another stop to my itinerary - Iowa City, IA.

I know, I know... Omaha and Iowa City... how exciting! Trust me, I've gotten plenty of emails all week saying "Why Omaha?" so I understand that most of you probably think I'm out of my mind to add another exciting hotspot to this trip. Well, here's the thing, kids - part of theALTERNAtraveler's philosophy is that EVERY town has something cool to check out.

Anywho, I found a great website today - www.roadsideamerica.com - that has all the info you could ever need on "odd" tourist attractions throughout the U.S. For instance, did you know that Omaha houses the world's largest ball of stamps, as declared by Ripley's Believe It Or Not? Neither did I, until today. In the midst of my website surfing, I found something that sounded neat - the Black Angel of Iowa City. So guess what? I've decided to stay one night in Omaha and one night in Iowa City, seeing as it is on my way home.

I also found an all-night truckstop that features the "World's Largest Coffee Pot" and what looks to be a beautiful art museum in Omaha.

My trip is coming together nicely and I'm getting very excited. I'll keep you posted...

Want to know more about RSS feeds?

I know there are many people out there who aren't familiar with the modern wonder that is an RSS feed, so when I found this great video today I had to share it! Watch the short video below, then subscribe away to all the blogs you love (including mine, I hope)!

Subscribe in a reader

Omaha it is!

Omaha, NE and Buffalo, NY have been the two most recommended places for me to visit next month, and out of the two, I chose Omaha.

Why, you ask?

First of all, it's closer. It should only take me about seven hours to get there, as opposed to nine or nine and a half to get to Buffalo; seven hours of solo driving time should be plenty for me. Secondly, I know next to nothing about Omaha, which makes it that much more exciting for me to visit.

From what I've heard, Omaha has some neat little shops and venues and museums. Anyone ever been there? I'd love some recommendations of places to visit and things to do. I did order a visitor's kit today, but that will take about 2-3 weeks to arrive.

TIP: You can order FREE visitors' guides from the tourism websites of most major cities.

To add to my excitement, I should be getting a new car in the next week or two. I've decided to purchase a Toyota Prius hybrid. It should be perfect for all the road trips I will have coming up in the next couple of years. It's maiden voyage should be this trip to Omaha. Sweetness!

Narrowing down my options...

I've come up with some ideas for next month's solo trip. I've narrowed it down to places that are within approximately nine hours of my home, as I'll only have a weekend and I'd like to enjoy a nice, quiet drive instead of flying anywhere.

540 mi to Kansas City, KS - 9 hrs
300 mi to Louisville, KY - 5 hrs
540 mi to Memphis, TN - 9 hrs
470 mi to Nashville, TN - 8 hrs
480 mi Omaha, NE - 8 hrs
540 mi to Buffalo, NY - 9 hrs
470 mi to Charleston, WV - 8 hrs
350 to Cleveland, OH - 6 hrs
360 to Columbus, OH - 6 hrs

Now I just need to look up some info about each town and decide where I'm going to go. I've never been to New York, Nebraska or West Virginia, so I'm thinking one of those states may be my destination. I'll keep you posted, and, as always, any input is welcome!

Blogs from Solo Trip to Vegas (May 2006)

I found the blogs from my last solo excursion to Las Vegas, when I was planning my move and looking for an apartment and a job.

5/1/06 - 8:54 a.m.

It's 8:54 a.m., which means I've been on my own for approximately 45 minutes. My brother brought me to the airport this morning - I played him the old Ben Nation episode about the conjoined twins, since he hates my music but has more than a apssing interest in those who would have once been considered "side show fodder." We had a good laugh.

I left my book in the car, so I've already stopped in the airport book store. They had the newest Palahniuk, so I picked it up... I figure between that and my iPod I should be distracted from my usual flight anxiety (side note: missing that Valium today...). I guess I'm really doing this. It feels both strange and comforting to be sitting here alone, listening to the strangers' conversations that surround me. If only I had read DaVinci Code, then I could jump in.

Need nicotene!

5/1/06 - 2:54 p.m.

Cafe in Henderson Fiesta

Man, traveling really swings you around by the balls! I'm finally at my hotel in Henderson, at the diner inside, enjoying a cup of coffee and a cigarette (grilled cheese soon to follow). My plan of attack?

1. Eat grilled cheese - yum.
2. Play a little blackjack, just to get rid of the bug.
3. Nap! I'm beat.
4. Shower and refresh - to begin my night.
5. Drive around Henderson - familiarize myself.
6. Note any potential jobs/apartments.
7. Eat dinner.
8. Go to a local bar - if I can't find one in Henderson, there's a divey blues spot in Vegas called Shifty's that I'm looking forward to checking out.
9. 24-hour cafe!!! Denny's? Haha.
10. Get a good night's sleep for tomorrow's interview.

Grilled cheese is here and the waitress offered me ranch dressing with it. Bleh. Guess that's how they roll out west.

One more note - renting a car is expensive! Way more hidden fees than I expected... hope my limited funds last all week.

Rice out.

*** Ammendment 5/6/06 ***

I did not accomplish anything that night. I fell asleep in my hotel room at 5:00 p.m. and slept until the following day. Oops.

5/2/06 - 3:26 p.m.

The Coffee Bean on Maryland Pkwy.

I'm currently sitting outside at a friendly coffeeshop on Maryland Pkwy., a busy drag that runs alongside UNLV; home to cafes, restaurants, tattoo shops, thrift stores and laundromats... the heavy traffic is more calming than one would expect.

Let's see... updates...

Most importantly, I found a place to live. A friend of the family introduced me to his niece, Vanessa. She's been an invaluable help to me and is a great person in general. She is taking me to a small get-together tonight to introduce me to some people she thinks I'll get along with. Yesterday, she showed me a condo that I plan to rent. It's affordable and nicer than anywhere I've ever lived. Thank you, Vanessa. Her uncle also got me another job lead at the City of Las Vegas. My interview with the paper supply company went great, but it's still unknown as to whether they'll be hiring once I relocate.

On Tuesday night, I met some friendly tattooed strangers at the blackjack table - Daveena and Patrick. We hung out later that evening and Patrick called me last night, too. Apparently, he has quite the crush on me - he keeps telling me how cute I am and that he wants to take me out on a date. He builds custom Harleys and sculpts; very cool guy and nice as pie, although I can't yet say if I'd be interested in dating him.

Actually, it must be something in the air here, because today at lunch I met another guy named Bobby, who also asked me out... I gave him my number and told him to call me in a month if he still remembers who I am. Ha. Confidence boosters all around here.

I'm surprised at how friendly everyone has been - I've met waitresses, barristas and bus boys galore who all want to give me a hand up in this new world of Vegas. They're all transplants, too, as is most everyone here. This new community of strangers has been even more inviting than I could have predicted.

Well, I'm off to the mall to buy a new outfit for tonight's shindig... apparently the host is a photographer who's done work for Abercrombie & Fitch - I know, what am I doing?!? Having a great time and keeping an open mind, that's what.

See you guys Friday night at White's. =)

P.S. I've already gotten highlights, botox, hooker nails and breast implants (or "fakies," as I so affectionately refer to them as.)

And that's all she wrote, folks. Just a taste of the types of blogs that will be coming after my trip next month. Cheers!

Money, Solo Vacations & Memoirs

New total en el banco!

TOTAL BALANCE: $1,228.61
** $81.02 from Donations **

REMAINING TOWARDS GOAL: $8,771.39

I've had some good ideas thrown at me about my trip next month... I think I'm going to head south a couple states, though still not exactly sure where. I'd like to take a nice eight or nine hour drive, alone with my thoughts, and enjoy a good cup of coffee once I get to my destination. Those are my only two requirements. =)

I'm excited to go on a solo vacation again. I haven't done that since May of 2006, when I went out to Vegas to look for a job and an apartment. I kept a journal on that trip, and I intend to do the same on this one. If I can find the old one in a timely manner, I will post it here.

As most of you already know, after I take my 25 trips in 2009, I plan on writing a travel memoir and trying to get it published. On this blog, I stick to mostly reviews, tips and recommendations, but the book will be a very personal account. If I post too many narratives on here after my launch date, you won't care to read my book when it comes out! You know what they say - why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?

By the way, what did everybody think of the videos I posted a while back? Did they make your experience with my blog more enjoyable? Let me know, because if you liked them, I will post more in the future.

Have a great weekend!

Any ideas???

I've got a three day weekend coming up from December 14th through 16th. Where shall I go? I think I want to make this next one a solo trip... I could use a little "me time."

In other news, it was "Buy 10, Get 10 Free Books" at the local Thrift & Dollar on Friday. I had the day off and spent an hour or so picking out 20 "new to me" books. Some interesting ones I found are listed below:

Zen Driving by K.T. Berger

This book is supposed to teach you how to make every driving experience peaceful and beneficial to your being. I'm really stoked about reading it.

The Best American Travel Writing 2005 by Jamaica Kincaid

Can't wait to delve into this one either! I hope it's inspirational.


I also got a book all about female business travel, but I can't remember the damn name! Poo. If I remember, I'll post it later.

Talk to you soon, duders! In the meantime, why don't you subscribe to my blog (below) or comment on my recent videos. Gracias...

Enter your email address:

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The Benjamins

More money in the bank for theALTERNAtraveler! Thanks, guys, for the donations that keep coming in and for the new subscriptions. If you've donated, you'll be getting your free gift in the mail soon (it takes a couple weeks to receive them)!

TOTAL BALANCE: $1,152.41
** $81.02 from Donations **

REMAINING TOWARDS GOAL: $8,847.59

Thanks for reading! I'll be planning a new trip soon. In the meantime, check out some of my favorite blogs:

Debo Hobo
One Week Job
Rambling Traveler
Reason To Wander
Travel Betty

Traveling With Your Pet

My friend Laura (from Georgia) sent me an email about putting up some tips for traveling with a pet:

"i have a suggestion for you, this is something jeff and i have been
having to deal with recently... traveling with your dog!!... i think pet owners
would be interested to read about your tips for that kind of travel. it was just
an idea i had because it is a pain in the ass finding pet friendly hotels and
dealing with the restrictions they have..."

Well, I have never traveled with a pet, and I (unfortunately) don't have one with which to make a test run. Since I can't personally help you out, I decided to turn to my friends at ehow.com, as I've been very impressed with a lot of the travel articles I've found on that site. Lo and behold...

• How to Find a Dog-Friendly Hotel
• How to Find Pet-Friendly Vacation Destinations

There are also a slew of state-specific "pet-friendly travel" articles,
if you just look around on the site.

Hope this helps, Laura! Thanks for the input and for your support.

=)

P.S. I love getting these types of emails! I am here to help my readers in any way possible, so keep them coming.

Milwaukee, WI (10/20/07 - 10/21/07)

Milwaukee, WI

My trusty, and always amiable, travel companion, Brown, and I visited Milwaukee, WI last weekend. We booked hotel accommodations ahead of time, but aside from that we made no plans. We like to wing it, and we're generally pretty good at it, too.

We started out the trip with an impromptu car karaoke sesh of theALTERNAtraveler's unofficial theme song, "Never Been to Spain" by Three Dog Night. You can check out the video below...

theALTERNAtraveler (Milwaukee 10/20/07) Car Karaoke

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Once we arrived in Milwaukee, we had some coffee, got lost a lot, had a delicious Italian dinner, and were misled to a dance club by a well-intentioned cabbie. In between all these events, we also took a lot of photos and a couple more videos, which you can find posted throughout this entry.

Date(s): 10/20/07 - 10/21/07
Airfare/Gas: $35 in gas
Other Transportation: Approx. $50 in taxi rides
Spending: Approx. $60
Lodging: $92 for one night in a hotel
TOTAL COST: $150 each (all expenses were split evenly between both travelers)


REVIEWS:


Super 8 Motel - Milwaukee Airport
5253 S. Howell Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 481-8488
www.the.super8.com/milwaukee03384

Price Details: $92 per night (2 queen beds, smoking)

This hotel is what it is - a Super 8. Our room was clean and the staff was polite - when requested, they called a cab for us, and they also put up with our late night pizza delivery inquiries. The only problem with this place was that it was very close to the Milwaukee Airport, which is not that close to downtown. All hotels located in the downtown area ran between $150 to $250 per night, so we decided to go with the cheaper option. Did you know that cheaper is not always more cost effective? I do now. Next time I would think of springing for a more conveniently located hotel, considering we spent over $50 in cab fares to be transported to and from the Super 8 and to multiple bars downtown. You travel, you learn.

TIP!!! Compare the price to book your hotel directly, as well as through a 2nd party website...

We were originally going to book this Super 8 through priceline.com, but after checking the hotel's website, we found that it was a couple dollars less expensive to book directly through them; sometimes it can run the opposite way, however. Check all your options before charging that card!

EXTRA [TRIVIAL] NOTE: They only had a pencil, not a pen, provided in the room. What's up with that?

theALTERNAtraveler Stalks Some Dudes (Milwaukee, WI 10/20/07)

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Jackpot Vintage Clothes & Collectibles
435 E. Center St.
Milwaukee, WI
Jackpot Clothing on MySpace

We stopped into Jackpot Vintage because it was across the street from a coffee shop that we decided to hit up (Fuel Cafe, see next review). It's a cute little store with nice quality clothing at low prices. I wanted nearly every dress I laid my eyes on! Great stuff. Bonus! While at the coffee shop across the street, I came up with a new slogan for Jackpot: "Best priced vintage - for fatties!" Although they had mostly "regular" sized clothing, there was quite a selection of plus sized mixed in. As a voluptuous lady, I found a lot in there that I could have fit my big, sexy buns into, which is very unusual for a vintage clothing store. Extra kudos to them!

Fuel Cafe
818 E. Center St.
Milwaukee, WI
(414) 374-FUEL
http://www.fuelcafe.com/

Fuel Cafe. Gulp.

I was mega excited to stop into Fuel Cafe, as I'd visited it two years before with other friends and I'd loved it. Unfortunately, it has changed since then. First of all, it went non-smoking. I guess for some people that will be a plus, but not in my book. And not just because I'm a smoker, either... atmospheres change when smoking goes away. Secondly, I'm a big fan of "greasy spoon" diners, and I remember this little indie/hipster cafe smelling of foot the last time I was there, with poor ventilation and dingy table tops... and all of those aspects, when rolled together, gave Fuel a feeling like no other coffee shop I'd ever been to. No more stank. I also remember the coffee being quite tasty, and this time Brown and I were both disappointed with our drinks. On a couple positive notes, the walls were still covered with fliers of local events, and they were kind enough to let me put a stack of my business cards by their register (which I'm sure they'll throw away after reading this...). Eh. Things change.

Why should you visit Fuel? Because they're a small business who really cares about and supports their local community and indie scene. If you're a smoker, just go in the spring so you can sit outside.

In addition to Fuel, I'd suggest a visit to their sister cafe, Comet, which is also non-smoking, but has a clean, modern look to match their clean, modern air.

The Shops of Grand Avenue
275 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53203
http://www.grandavenueshops.com/

Brown and I wanted to search for new outfits for the evening, so we stopped by the mall in downtown - The Shops of Grand Avenue. It's a great mall (I've been there before), but we didn't realize until paying for parking and walking in that all but two of the stores close at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. So much for our 6:05 p.m. arrival time! We had to stop by the nearest Target instead. Boo.


Dino's Pizza Restaurant
4252 S. Howell Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 744-0990

After driving around town for an hour or so and getting lost numerous times, we finally found a restaurant that looked enticing - Dino's Pizza Restaurant - a small, casual Italian restaurant near our hotel.

We each tried an Italian margarita, which adds amaretto to the classic formula. It was a bit sweet for my tastes, but it made for a nice dessert drink after our meal. Then we dug into some fried cauliflower, which came with a homemade cheese sauce. Honestly, what would a trip to Wisconsin be without a little cheese? We finished dinner with our entrees, chicken parmesan and mostacolli with Italian sausage. The marinara sauce that came with each had a unique sweet flavor. All in all, our meal was awesome, as was our waitress, who we chatted with for some time.

Oh, yes, and our entire feast, including drinks, was only $28! You can't beat that.

NOTE: We had a group of drunken adults at the table next to us, and one of them had a hilarious "beer call" that he repeated over and over again throughout the night: "P.B.R. me A.S.A.P.!" Nice.


Art Bar
722 E. Burleigh St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 372-7880
http://www.artbar-riverwest.com/

I love me some Art Bar! Art Bar is a bit of a hike from the downtown area, but it's worth the trip. Inside, you'll find rotating art and photography exhibits from many local artists. The atmosphere in this place is amazing - it's dark, but not too dark, alive with color, and friendly and welcoming as can be. In addition to having all sorts of art to gaze upon, you can also play a board game or utilize the pool table. Last time I was there, they had a game of "Beer Bong B-I-N-G-O" going. From what I've seen and heard, there are always special events happening here (you can find a very comprehensive listing of such events all over the city in their free entertainment guide mke, which you can pick up at malls, gas stations, etc.).

Unfortunately, by the time Brown and I arrived at Art Bar, it was pretty dead inside (and it was only 11:00 p.m.). We stayed for a drink, checked out the artwork, then called a cab to head back downtown.

Franklin's???
N. Michigan Ave. (near corner of E. Wisconsin St.)
Milwaukee, WI

Well, according to the entire internet, the bar our ever-so-helpful cabbie took us to does not exist. Perhaps I have the name wrong... because I disliked it too much to remember. If anyone reading this knows of a bar named Franklin's, please let me know so I can add some more info here.

Anywho, on with the review...

I told our taxi driver that we wanted to go to a regular bar downtown - not a dance club, not too crowded, just a laid back hang-out. He agreed and seemed quite happy to help, but then he dropped us off at Franklin's...

Brown and I walked in (pessimistically, I should add, after seeing the crowd gathered outside the door) and found ourselves surrounded by ladies in short skirts and men with frosted hair. The line, or rather, the cattle yard-like herd, to get to the bar was so thick that it took me 20 minutes to get a drink. I automatically felt "out-hipped," which I don't take kindly to. We decided to give it the old college try and stayed for two drinks, watching drunken idiots bump and grind on the small dance floor. All in all, neither of us could wait to get out of there and back to the comforts of our hotel room.

Our short time at Franklin's did have two entertaining points - (1) the music was hip-hop-o-licious and (2) we witnessed a scene straight out of the Encyclopedia of Stereotypes - four fantastic black dancers trying to teach a bumbling white girl some moves, to no avail.

We flagged down a cab at about 1:30 a.m. and made a bee-line for the hotel, where I got to watch 54 before drifting off into a well-deserved sleep.


Copper Kitchen Family Restaurant
3935 S. Howell Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 482-1315

We rounded out our trip with breakfast at a local diner. The prices were as good as the food, which was delicious. Check out the video below for a little taste...

theALTERNAtraveler Eats Breakfast (Milwaukee, WI 10/21/07)

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...AND LAST, BUT NOT LEAST, THE PHOTOS!!!

My first press recognition!

I've had one of my articles reposted by a band that I reviewed - that's my first recognition as a credible press source!

Happy, happy, happy am I.

Wanna see it? It's at www.myspace.com/katvictoriamusic (as their latest blog entry).


P.S. Milwaukee reviews are nearly done! I'll have them posted ASAP.

I've got their blessing.

I finally told my parents about theALTERNAtraveler project and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they are both 100% supportive of the idea. In fact, my dad told me that about 20 years ago he considered creating a travel magazine of his own. Who knew?

You didn't think I pulled this wit, charm and intelligence from the back of my trousers, did you? It's genetic.

Silvie's Lounge, Chicago, IL (10/12/07) & XO Underground, Morris, IL (10/13/07)

My friend Daniel's band, The day after..., paid a visit to the Chicagoland area a couple weeks ago. I got the chance to check them out at two venues I've never been to before, including Silvie's Lounge in Chicago and XO Underground in Morris, IL. You can find reviews of both below...



Silvie's Lounge
1902 W. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 871-6239
http://www.silvieslounge.com/ (which they apparently don't update very frequently...)

Silvie's had a very nice atmosphere - it was clean, dark, and larger than many Chicago venues I've experienced. It was divided in half, with one side being the bar and the other side housing the stage. The cover was only $5, but I assume it varies depending on which bands are playing. I don't have too much to say about Silvie's, except that I liked it. There was nothing spectacular or awful about it, and the drink prices were of average pricing for a big city bar.

The stand-out part of my evening at Silvie's was the singer (and her amazing band) that went on after The day after..., named Kat Victoria. Their soulful, funky melodies and harmonies blew me away. Their stylings didn't match with the rest of the bands on the bill, but for once this was a blessing. I picked up a CD, and will definitely be listening to the singer's buttery voice often. They are local to Chicago, and will be playing another show in November. I urge you all to check it out - their tunes made me shake my thang, which I am not easily prone to do. You can find them here on the web.


XO Underground
425 E. Rt. 6 (located in Evergreen Plaza)
Morris, IL
(815) 416-1050
http://www.xounderground.com/

XO Underground is an all ages venue. Normally, this is a big turn-off for me (as a 25 year old), but they had so much going for them that it didn't matter. Just look at their website, and you'll see that they are truly jacks (or jills) of all trades there. They are a store (akin to Hot Topic), a hookah lounge, a music venue, and much more. They have a "cereal bar" (see photo below), which was pretty cool, and they also serve pizza. Between the high ceilings, the chain link fences, and the comfy couches, they've got the atmosphere nailed, too. Did I mention that they also had a great sound man and accoustics?

Best of all, it is truly a passionately run small business. The owner was there collecting money at the door (the cover charged ranged from $7-$10, depending on what time you arrived for the show) and helping to set up the bands. I got to talk to her for quite some time and her heart is truly with the XO Underground.

NOTE: Since this is an all ages venue, they do not serve alcohol. It is, however, B.Y.O.B.! My advice? If a band you like is playing there, don't skip their show just because it's an all ages place - you'll miss out.

Milwaukee, here we come...

I'll be walking out the door to go to Milwaukee in about 20 minutes. No plans in mind yet, but we did book a hotel. It was $91!!! Damn. But it's very close to downtown, and the last time I went there I sprung for the much cheaper alternative and ended up paying the difference in cab fares.

See you tomorrow... most definitely with reports of an awesome trip!

10% of Goal Acheived!!!

theALTERNAtraveler is now officially over 10% of goal savings!

TOTAL BALANCE: $1004.00 (10.04% of Goal)

** $9.10 from Donations **

I've given out my first free gift. You could be next! Just donate $5 or more and I'll get that bad boy out to you. Click here to donate.

REMAINING TOWARDS GOAL: $8996.00

It's all happening. I can't believe I'm already at 10% of my goal. Thank you, thank you, everybody. Keep reading, keep passing along the word. Ficky ficky now.

P.S. Two more posts should be up by the end of the day - reviews from last weekend and plans for the upcoming weekend trip to Milwaukee.

P.P.S. Want theALTERNAtraveler delivered right to your inbox everytime there's a new post? Subscribe below.

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What an awesome weekend!

I had my dear friend's Vegas band, The day after..., in for a visit over the weekend. They are currently on an east coast tour, so I got to see two of their shows at two venues I've never visited before. I'll be adding some new reviews in the next couple days.

In the meantime, check out their MySpace here.

Also, I am hitting up Milwaukee, WI with my friend this upcoming Saturday. I'm looking forward to that, for sure. I'll keep all you awesome readers posted.

Jazz & Wine @ Walter Payton's Roundhouse, Aurora, IL (10/10/07)

Aurora, IL - Jazz & Wine @ Walter Payton's Roundhouse

My friend Missy won tickets to Jazz & Wine night at Walter Payton's Roundhouse in Aurora. It was my very first wine tasting and it was a blast! Read all about it below.

Date(s): 10/10/07
Airfare/Gas: It's right down the street from me...
Spending: $0 (Since my friend won the tickets, they were free. Normal admission is just $10!)
Lodging: N/A
TOTAL COST: $0
REVIEWS:

Jazz & Wine
Walter Payton's Roundhouse
205 N., Broadway
Aurora, IL 60505
(630)892-0034
http://www.walterpaytonsroundhouse.com/

Admission: $10 (tickets in advance or at door)

It was by chance that I stumbled across such a fun and inexpensive activity to fill an otherwise mundane Wednesday night...

First of all, let me tell you a little about Walter Payton's Roundhouse. It is a restaurant, bar, micro-brewery and entertainment venue in downtown Aurora, IL, right next to the train station. (Too young to know who Walter Payton is? Read a little about him here.) It has a very nice atmosphere, but the drink prices tend to be a little out of my price range so I usually only go there for special events or to attend their comedy club, ComedyComedy.

Anywho, on the last occasion that my friend Missy went to their comedy club, she won tickets to a monthly event held there called Jazz & Wine. Being the lovely friend that she is, she invited me along. Jazz & Wine night includes, you guessed it, jazz and wine! A wine tasting is held from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., then a jazz concert begins in the room next door.

Until last night, I had never been to a wine tasting. On the way there, I commented to Missy that I just hoped they didn't make us spit it into a bucket like I'd seen on T.V. (Hey, a little wine buzz never hurt anyone...) I was a little nervous, but relaxed once I got there, seeing some people dressed to the nines and others in jeans, all scuttling about from table to table. There were six different wineries featured, and we tasted a bit from each. We spoke to all of the hosts and hostesses and they were great about answering all of our wine-related queries. After a half an hour or so, we were toasty warm and mingling like pros (No limit on the number of samples you were allowed. Uh-oh!). We both found a few wines and a champagne that we enjoyed a lot, and Missy walked out with two purchases - the wines ranged in price from $8.95 (one of our favorites, White Cin from the Fox Valley Winery) to $23.99 (from Planeta Winery, which we both found to be the most knowledgeable and extremely friendly to boot.) The most unique flavors we found were at the table for the Napa Ridge Winery, where we found a spicy picante wine from Chile and an almond champagne.

After the tasting, we moved to the adjoining bar to watch the Nick Besisi Groove Project, which was pretty standard easy jazz. They were all great musicians, but nothing new or exciting to brag about.

All in all, it was an extremely fun, inexpensive and relaxing evening.

NOTES: I spoke with the manager, Nick, who informed me that Jazz & Wine takes place the 2nd Wednesday of every month, excluding December through March. During the summers, it is held outside in the courtyard area. See the website for more info.

My biznazz cards arrived!

When I went home for lunch today, what should I find waiting for me on my kitchen counter??? My business cards! They look great and I can't wait to start circulating them.

* You can click on the images below for a larger view.

Front:


Back:



If I've got business cards, that must mean that I'm a professional now. Right?

How to Make the Most Out of Your Vacation

I just wrote my first advice article on www.eHow.com. The copy is below, along with a direct link to the article. Feedback is welcome, of course!

http://www.ehow.com/how_2098142_vacation.html

Introduction

Everyone has taken a vacation and come home feeling more worn out than before they left. Learn to get the MOST out of your future travels...

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need
Only the desire to have a little more fun than usual!

Steps

Step One
First and Foremost, Remember That You're on Vacation to Have Fun!

Before you go on vacation, it's always a good idea to research the location and make a list of places you'd like to visit or things you'd like to do. However, if you don't get to everything on your list (or ANYTHING on your list), that's okay! Taking a vacation gives you the chance to get away from the time constraints and pressures of your everyday life - there is no need to make a strict itinerary and stick to it minute by minute. Let loose!

Step Two
Talk to Locals.

No one can give you more valuable insight into local hotspots than the locals themselves! Challenge yourself to talk to people everywhere you go. Most people are more than happy to put in their two cents, and sometimes two cents can be worth a lot. After someone gives you a good tip, put it to use. No website or travel book can compare to a real, face-to-face recommendation.

Step Three
Take the Time to Do a Little Bit of Nothing.

There is no rule that says every minute of your day needs to be outwardly productive - a little "me time" can go a long way. Relax, take a nap, read a book... appreciate your exciting new surroundings and drink them in with all of your being.

Step Four
Break Free from Your Normal Routines.

Do you work out every morning at 7:00 a.m.? Eat dinner at 5:30 p.m. every evening? Eat a sandwich for lunch everyday? Whatever it is that you normally do, DON'T DO IT ON YOUR VACATION! Vacations should be special, and this is the simplist way to insure that they feel that way. Even a night spent in the next town over can be amazing if you just let it.

Step Five
Lose Your Inhibitions.

Now, I'm not recommending that you go out, get drunk, and end up in Tijuana at noon on a Friday with no recollection of the previous three days... but I am recommending that you take some risks and leave your comfort zone for a bit. If you've always wanted to go to a nightclub but think you dance like an idiot, go anyway. Keep in mind that you'll probably never see most of the people you meet on a vacation ever again. And who knows? Maybe you'll win a dance contest and come home with more confidence in your moves than you ever thought possible. If not, nothing is lost. A vacation is a chance to live your unlived life.

Step Six
Treat Yourself.

Get yourself a massage or play nine holes on a world famous golf course. Eat an expensive French meal or throw down $100 on the roulette table. As I've said before, a vacation should be special. Don't break yourself, but don't miss out on something you really want to do. Give in to an impulsive desire and appreciate every second of your experience.

Step Seven
Dress Up.

Need a special occasion to wear that new dress? This is special. Make yourself feel beautiful and take an extra half hour to get ready before walking out that hotel door. You'll hold your chin a little bit higher and you'll have an extra bounce to your step - guaranteed. And don't be so hard on yourself - feel gorgeous, without shame.

Step Eight
Support Local Businesses.

Do you know who built the town you're enjoying? The guy that owns the corner coffee shop and the lady who opened the antique store down the street. Big tourist attractions get most of the attention, but they wouldn't even exist if not for small business owners. Treat them with the respect and appreciation that they deserve - you'll enjoy a more personal experience while helping others who really deserve it.

Step Nine
Finally, Bring Your New Attitudes, Stories and Experiences Home with You.

There is no better souvenir of a great time than a wonderful memory, a new hobby or a different outlook. Allow your vacation to change you, and share your stories with others to inspire them as well. Now that you've had the best vacation of your life, don't waste all that you've learned - apply it to your everyday life and smile a little more.

MOOLAH Update!

Not only did I make another deposit today, but someone else did, too - I got my very first donation!!! I ordered some schwag yesterday from my personal savings... theALTERNAtraveler business cards and the first in the series of free gifts (for you!) should arrive at my doorstep any day now.

Here are the updated totals:

TOTAL BALANCE: $792.83 (8% of Goal)

REMAINING TOWARDS GOAL: $9,207.17

In other news, I have a friend who's moving to Texas soon, and I'm planning on taking a trip down there sometime in the first half of next year. I've been through Texas a couple times on road trips, but I've never really stopped to look around. Planning, planning, planning...

FREE Gifts from theALTERNAtraveler!

FREE Donation Gifts at www.theALTERNAtraveler.com!

theALTERNAtraveler merchandise is here!!!

With each donation of $5 or more, you will receive a FREE gift! Over time, a series of free gifts will be offered, changing as I run out of their limited quantities. After each gift series is finished, the item will only be available for full price through my new online store (opening as soon as Series 1 closes). New items will be added often, so donate today!

All profits will be deposited directly into theALTERNAtraveler fund.

As a reminder of why theALTERNAtraveler project deserves your hard-earned buckaroos, please see the Mission Statement below and take a look at www.theALTERNAtraveler.com.

theALTERNAtraveler Mission Statement

theALTERNAtraveler is committed to showing the "anti-tourist" how to have a great vacation, particularly when they are under strict time constraints, are lacking in funds or will be traveling alone. In 2009, theALTERNAtraveler plans to take 25 trips in one year, with a total budget of only $10,000. Until her "launch date," she will take you through every step of her journey, including choosing her destinations, saving money, arranging travel time and seeking out unconventional points of interest. theALTERNAtraveler wants to share all of her resources and stories with you through her blog – www.thealternatraveler.com – and plans to write a complete memoir of her travel experiences, with the hopes of having them published in 2010.

Just click the link below to make your $5 (or greater) DONATION and get your FREE GIFT ASAP!!!

Donate Here!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, fellow ANTI-TOURISTS!

- Rice -

How to Keep a Travel Journal (Great article!)

I found a great article at www.eHow.com about how to keep a travel journal. It's a quick read with lots of great tips. Peep it here:

http://www.ehow.com/how_13115_keep-travel-journal.html

I'm planning another trip to Milwaukee!

My friend Brown and I are going to head up to Milwaukee, WI on October 20th. I'm so excited! We're going to to leave on Saturday morning and come back Sunday evening. I haven't been there in ages and I'm PSYCHED. I'll let you know how the hotel booking and itinerary planning comes along.

ALSO! I added a sweet little calendar over on the left hand side so all of you can see my upcoming trips. No effort stalking? You got it.

Any awesome spots in Milwaukee that you'd like to recommend?

I'm getting connected!

I finally called Comcast and they're hooking me up to that new-fangled internet thingy at my house on Monday. SWEET.

In other news, I'm having a Hellish week at work, so I suggest you fill your time with a couple of my favorite travel sites until I can put up some new and interesting posts. Peep 'em here:

www.43places.com

www.mytravelguide.com

Later, kids!

PHOTOS! Chicago, IL (9/9/07)

Look who finally uploaded some photos!!! If you can't see the slideshow below, you can view the pictures on my flickr account here. Enjoy!

R.I.P. MJ's Bar & Grill

I just heard that MJ's Bar & Grill (Las Vegas, NV), which I recently reviewed, has closed down.

Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in Las Vegas, as well as in many cities around the globe - local hang-outs being shut down because they can't compare to more well-known, common tourist attractions and venues.

Please support local independent businesses, both in your town and others. Through your patronage, you can help to give them a chance when they go up to bat against their corporate rivals.

theALTERNAtraveler bows her head over the passing of another great local spot...

Money in the Pot

I made a healthy deposit today of $164.04...

TOTAL BALANCE: $717.21

REMAINING TOWARDS GOAL: $9,282.79

I can't wait to see that first $1,000 sitting in my account! Seriously, I can't wait. I am very wrapped up with this whole project. I spend all my free time at work advertising it all over the web, updating my blog and MySpace, and thinking of ways to improve the planning. I admit, however, that I am slacking about getting the internet at my house. I keep forgetting to call Comcast. Boo.

Things to do:

1. Call Comcast about internet
2. Get business cards made
3. Convince people to make a donation =)

I have also been thinking about the rules and restrictions I will need to set for myself once my 25 trips officially begin. For instance, I will be working with a budget of $10,000 and I need to decide how to split it up per trip. Of course, some trips will be more expensive than others, so I can't evenly split the money into $400 per trip. I think I will have to set budgets on a per trip basis, but I will put a cap on my max per trip - $500 max, maybe? Also, will it be fair if I stay with friends for free in certain cities? I think that might be against my intentions of this project, which is to show EVERYONE how to take a cheap and fulfilling vacation, whether they "know people" or not. The same goes for any free things I could be offered. I am planning on telling people along the way that I will be reviewing and publicizing their businesses, but I need to make sure that no special treatment is given. I think if I am offered a free drink or something, I will just ask that the business put out some of my business cards to help me advertise. (Future recognition and business perks are already in my head. Uh oh.)

I am planning a trip to Milwaukee with my friend, Brown, hopefully in October. A little weekend getaway always does a body good. I have a three day weekend at the end of September as well, but I don't think I'll be traveling anywhere. I've recently moved into a new home and want to work on getting my office/art den arranged. That will be a vacation in its own right.

Thanks for reading, and please continue to fill out those surveys so I can post a few more. Have an awesome weekend!

Museum of Contemporary Art Recommendation (Thanks, Kristin!)

I got an email from the other day from my friend, Kristin (Chicago, IL), recommending that I visit the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. Peep it here:

i saw your blog about the art institute and i wanted to let you know about the museum of contemporary art..the MCA is located right by water tower place, one block away from the magnificent mile...one of the exhibits coming up is called sympathy for the devil: art and rock and roll since 1967

http://www.mcachicago.org/exhibitions/exh_detail.php?id=56

when i read your blog, i thought you might be interested in this...mca is also doing an exhibition of its permanent collection for its 40th year anniversary

now for the good stuff...on tuesdays, the mca is free all day and open until 8...sometime soon it will have 40 free days in celebration of the 40th anniversary...although im not sure when these are

hope you find this info useful..i love your idea for alternatraveler and wish you luck with your travel plans in the future...cant wait to read more!

kristin

I'm so excited to have readers contribute. This project means the world to me and building a solid foundation for it is only possible with the help of others. Thanks again, everyone.

Survey says...

I've only gotten five surveys! Come on, guys - it'll only take you a few minutes. Please??? Click here.

Daniel from Las Vegas, NV:

What is your favorite vacation destination?
"Iraq"
Why?
"Just the feeling of not knowing if you'll come back home is exciting."

Marie from Aurora, IL:

What is your favorite vacation destination?
"Tucson, AZ"
Are there any specific places or activities that you can recommend?
"Restaurants - La Indita (personal fav), Bisonwitches, The Cup Cafe @ Hotel Congress, The Grill, Oregano's

Clubs/Bars - The District (personal fav), Club Congress @Hotel Congress, Surly Wench, Monkeybox, Vaudeville Cabaret

Hotels - The Congress is THE BEST!!!"

Gerald from Las Vegas, NV:

What is your favorite vacation destination?
"It will be Albuquerque, NM in October."
Why?
"Because I'm going there for the Hot Air Baloon festival Oct 6th - 14th."
Comments:
"Maybe I will see you there."

Max from Aurora, IL:

What is your favorite vacation destination?
"Barcelona [Spain]"
Do you have a story to share about this place?
"I got drunk at a Jazz bar with my roommate. When we got home after climbing the stairs to our apartament, Raul and I looked down 4 flights of stairs through the curving stairwell to the ground floor and decided it would be a good idea to spit. We watched his spit fall to the bottom, land, and echo back to us. Then I went to spit but it just drooled down my chin and landed on the handrail."

Nicki from Oswego, IL:

What is your favorite vacation destination?
"Mexico"
Are there any specific places or activities that you can recommend?
"Rivera Mia, Cancun. Wave running tours are always fun."
Comments:
I'd like to go to England again too! That's another one of my favorite spots... amazing shopping!"

Great responses so far! I know it's not P.C., but the Iraq one really cracked me up, as did the story about Barcelona. Keep 'em coming!

I need your help in choosing destinations!

I need your help in choosing destinations for theALTERNAtraveler to visit. Please click this link to take my short survey. I can't wait to see your responses!

Cheers to mobile posting!

I can now post blogs from anywhere, thanks to the new Blackberry I just got. Sweet! I'm officially getting set up for life on the road.

Chicago, IL (9/9/07)

Chicago, IL - Day Trip

My friends Niki & Nicki (I know, it's adorable...) took me on a belated birthday day trip to Chicago on Sunday. They surprised me by taking me to the museum at the Art Institute of Chicago, as I had never, believe it or not, been to an art museum. After the museum, they took me to Millenium Park, where we ate cookie dough and drank champagne. It was a damn good day.

Date(s): 9/9/07
Airfare/Gas: Zilch (my dear friends paid for gas)
Spending: $27 ($12 admission + $15 lunch)
Lodging: N/A

TOTAL COST: $27

REVIEWS:

The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603-6404
(312) 443-3600
http://www.artic.edu/aic/

Admission: Adults - $12
Kids, Students & Seniors - $7
FREE on Thursdays from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Parking Garage: $20 all day parking

Originally, my friends and I only planned on staying at the Art Institute for an hour or two, but we enjoyed it so much that we stayed for about four hours. If you're unfamiliar with this museum, let me give you a point of reference - it's the one visited by Ferris and his friends in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

Some artists whose work I particularly enjoyed viewing were Roy Lichtenstein, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and Grant Wood. There was also an exhibit featuring Egyptian artwork, which I was really looking forward to but was a little disappointed with, as it was very small. On the flip side, I was unexpectedly impressed with their giant collection of Renaissance artwork. We didn't get to see all the exhibits, though, because they are building a new wing onto the museum. Next time, hopefully...

The museum is a lot bigger than it looks from the outside, and it was a bit confusing to navigate. They had plenty of security guards to point you in the right direction, but only if you knew the section number or building name, as they had no knowledge of specific artists or artwork.

We ate a light lunch at The Garden Restaurant, which is located in the courtyard, centered around a beautiful fountain. We had a wonderful waiter, Jonathan, for whom I made a sculpture, crafted from four different types of cheeses, in the form of a human head. He really appreciated it and took a photo with us.

All in all, it was a great time. I love being reminded of what a lovely and cultured city Chicago is.