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!