MJ’s Travel Favorites 2-7-10
It’s been a long, busy week, and I’ve been traveling. I spent five days in Sacramento, doing a little touring around the city (I didn’t realize the area had so much to offer), and meeting with other friends and acquaintances who love travel as much as I do. After returning home, I found myself exhausted and suffering from a bit of a situational cold. Heavy coughing isn’t attractive! All this busyness means that I didn’t get much travel reading done this week. In fact, I’m still playing catch up on reading posts from all the great travel bloggers that I follow. So today, ...
192 Countries in New York City
Visiting the United Nations Headquarters is a little like visiting 192 countries all in one locations. Located along the East River, at 760 United Nations Plaza, on First Avenue between 42nd & 48th in New York City (map), the complex consists of the Secretariat Building, the domed General Assembly Building, the Conference Building and the Hammarskjold Library. Although located well with the city limits, the complex is considered international territory, and, exception by agreement, is subject to the laws and jurisdiction of the United States, the state of New York, and local laws. [caption id="attachment_4611" align="alignright" width="300" caption="United Nations Headquarters and view ...
The Roman Coliseum: Birthplace of Civilization
The Coliseum in Rome is the largest remaining monument of Imperial Rome, and is the top landmark in a city that's full of landmarks. Built between AD 72-80, the Coliseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater and was the center of the city of Rome. It was the first and the largest (it covers about six acres) permanent amphitheater built in the Roman Empire. The exterior of the building consisted of four floors – three tiers of arches and an attic. On top of the attic was a series of brackets and sockets that allowed a shade to be pulled over the ...
Making Money: Bureau of Engraving & Printing
It's all about the money. Always has been. Apparently always will be. At least it is at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). The BEP prints all the Federal Reserve notes (translation: Money) at facilities in Washington DC and Ft Worth, Texas. Coins are produced by the US Mint. The BEP also prints other specialty items, including engraved White House invitations, and other security documents for various governmental agencies. [caption id="attachment_4570" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Bureau of Engraving & Printing in Washington DC"][/caption] Free tours are offered at both facilities, and provide an overview of the steps in the money making process. I toured the ...
MJ’s Travel Favorites 1-16-10
It’s been a week of horrible news from Haiti, and travel bloggers have been covering the devastation following the earthquake right along with all the major news networks. They’ve also been instrumental in stepping up to the plate, and finding various creative ways to raise money to help in relief and rebuilding efforts. I can’t choose one fundraising campaign over another, nor one charitable organization over another, so I will simply ask you to read what people are doing and consider donating or starting a project of your own. [caption id="attachment_4556" align="aligncenter" width="575" caption="Rubble from the Earthquake in Haiti"][/caption] Now, on to other ...
Travel & Travel-Related Magazines On Sale
Just because I get most of my travel information online doesn’t eliminate my interest in getting information the old fashioned way – in print. With so many newspaper travel sections (and newspapers entirely, for that matter) and magazines cutting back or closing, those print publications that I read and enjoy are becoming ever more precious to me. To be honest, though, I need to stretch my purchasing... [Read more]
MJ’s Travel Favorites 2-7-10
It’s been a long, busy week, and I’ve been traveling. I spent five days in Sacramento, doing a little touring around the city (I didn’t realize the area had so much to offer), and meeting with other friends and acquaintances who love travel as much as I do. After returning home, I found myself exhausted and suffering from a bit of a situational cold. Heavy coughing isn’t attractive! All... [Read more]
A Florida Vacation at Rosemary Beach
While I’m very much a big city gal, there is something special about getting away to a smaller beach community. It forces you to slow down your pace, wander and explore a little bit, and it’s a great way to enjoy a vacation as part of a real community, instead of being part of a nameless group of tourists. If that’s a vacation style that you could embrace, take a look at Rosemary Beach a charming... [Read more]
Phantom of the Opera at The Venetian, Las Vegas
Seeing one of my favorite musicals, Phantom of the Opera, in a Las Vegas environment, was a chance that I jumped at. This Phantom is an all-new production, reuniting the original creative team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Hal Prince. It’s the same storyline, including all the songs, but has new staging and illusions that are perfectly Vegas-inspired. Without giving away some of the twists and turns... [Read more]
MJ’s Travel Favorites 1-31-10
It’s been a busy week for travelers, with increases in checked baggage charges, crazy passenger antics, and reports that travel will probably not be rebounding much in 2010. Those dedicated to travel still keep traveling, and writing about it, giving us lots to read this week: Intelligent Travel says farewell to Butterstick. Four and a half years ago this baby panda captured our hearts,... [Read more]
BOOK REVIEW: Cruise Confidential Details Life at Sea
Everyone loves a behind-the-scenes look at the travel industry, and I’m no exception. When I talk about the things that happen on a flight, people often can’t believe the stories – and more than once I’ve been accused of making things up. Believe me, with what we see every day, we don’t have to make this stuff up! Cruise Confidential It was with that frame of reference that I picked up... [Read more]
192 Countries in New York City
Visiting the United Nations Headquarters is a little like visiting 192 countries all in one locations. Located along the East River, at 760 United Nations Plaza, on First Avenue between 42nd & 48th in New York City (map), the complex consists of the Secretariat Building, the domed General Assembly Building, the Conference Building and the Hammarskjold Library. Although located well with... [Read more]
The Roman Coliseum: Birthplace of Civilization
The Coliseum in Rome is the largest remaining monument of Imperial Rome, and is the top landmark in a city that’s full of landmarks. Built between AD 72-80, the Coliseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater and was the center of the city of Rome. It was the first and the largest (it covers about six acres) permanent amphitheater built in the Roman Empire. The exterior of the building... [Read more]
MJ’s Travel Favorites 1-24-10
I’ve been traveling most of this past week, with some time in Washington DC the first part and then some time in Spokane toward the end. Keeping up with my favorite travel bloggers is made easy with my feed reader, but nothing can compensate for a busy schedule with little time to read. This week’s list is short, but don’t take that to mean there isn’t great stuff to read here! Grab a cup... [Read more]
Making Money: Bureau of Engraving & Printing
It’s all about the money. Always has been. Apparently always will be. At least it is at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). The BEP prints all the Federal Reserve notes (translation: Money) at facilities in Washington DC and Ft Worth, Texas. Coins are produced by the US Mint. The BEP also prints other specialty items, including engraved White House invitations, and other security... [Read more]
