Plaosan Temple in Indonesia is a Buddhist site, over a thousand years old

The Plaosan Complex (also called Candi Plaosan) is made up of two major groups, with large temples plus hundreds of smaller buildings. One temple group sits among rice fields, while across a road, the other group is in the village.

The north group, Plaosan Lor, is the best preserved. It has two large Buddhist temples, and 174 smaller buildings around them known as Perwara temples. Most of the Perwara are now in ruins, and archaeologists believe there are still more of these small temples buried underground, as yet unexcavated.

Dwarapala stands guard outside the temple at Plaosan

At the entrance to the main temples stand guardian statues known as Dwarapala. The exterior walls of the temples are elaborately carved with fine reliefs, and inside you will find impressive large statues. The smaller buildings are shrines and stupas - rounded structures containing sacred relics.

Relief carving at Plaosan

In the early 9th century, King Rakai Pikatan was married to Queen Sri Kahulunan. The Queen was a Buddhist, and inscriptions at Plaosan indicate that she had this temple built, or that it was a gift to her from the King. Meanwhile, the King was a Hindu, and he built the magnificent Prambanan temple nearby.

Most tourists visit Prambanan, but few seem to make it to this site, though it's not far away. If you visit Plaosan Temple, this will seem like a blessing, since it's quiet, peaceful, and atmospheric as you walk through the site at your own pace.

Plaosan is located in Bugisan village in Central Java, Indonesia. It's only about 20 minutes from the more famous Prambanan, and if you're in the area, it's well worth a visit.

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The island you're imagining is Moorea - the quintessential South Pacific island.

The island of Moorea, surrounded by its sheltering reef and turquoise lagoon

Moorea is frequently a stopping place for sailors, who brave a long Pacific crossing to reach here. But you don't need to spend weeks on a sailboat to find this island paradise - it's just eight hours on a direct flight from LAX.

Moorea, Tahiti and French Polynesia

Moorea is part of French Polynesia, a far flung set of islands in the South Pacific. The 118 islands in French Polynesia are spread over a million square miles in the Pacific Ocean, yet their total land mass is miniscule. It's equivalent to breaking the tiny state of Rhode Island into 100+ pieces, then scattering them over an area bigger than Western Europe.

The most famous island is Tahiti. You've probably heard of Bora Bora too. Both of these and Moorea are part of the 450-mile long chain called the Society Islands.

It always seemed a bit odd to me to have this English name "Society Islands", when everything else in the country has exotic names like Tuamotu, Huahine, and Nuku Hiva. The answer is that this group was named by Captain Cook in the 1700s, supposedly in honor of the Royal Society which was sponsoring his expedition.

Thatched bungalows over the water, in the magical lagoon at Moorea

Moorea is one of the "high islands" in French Polynesia, with a jagged volcanic peak (now extinct) that rises steeply from the waters. Around the island is a ring of coral called an atoll. Inside the reef is the calm lagoon, with its aqua-colored shallow water. Outside the reef, the waves break, and it drops off quickly to the deep blue depths of the Pacific Ocean.

There aren't any cities on Moorea, just a number of small towns. Instead of KFC, you'll see actual chickens walking around. Most of the island is rural, with pineapple plantations, fern covered cliffs, and waterfalls. It's a peaceful place, where you just want to relax and savor the natural beauty.

One of the tiny motus around Moorea. How about snorkeling and a picnic here?

What to do - Moorea's lagoon and watersports

When you arrive in Moorea, you may not want to do anything beyond lying in the hammock gazing at the water, or spending romantic time with you sweetie. After all, you're on vacation to unwind and relax, and this is one of the most romantic spots you'll find anywhere.

Butterflyfish in Moorea

Sooner or later, you'll want to get out and experience more of the island, and that starts with the beaches and water sports. There are plenty of beaches around the island, and the water of the lagoon is crystal clear and calm, protected from the waves by the surrounding reef. Swimming is easy, and snorkeling is fabulous.

The coral reefs all around the island are teeming with colorful tropical reef fish. There are plenty of places where you can easily swim from the beach to a great snorkel spot, and watch the fish to your heart's content. Depending on where you're staying, you can probably do this right from your hotel's beach.

If you want to head out further, you can take a guided snorkeling trip that will lead you to schools of rays, or a boat trip that drops you off on one of the motus (the tiny islets that are part of the atoll reef) for a picnic lunch. Scuba divers can venture into the deeper waters outside the reef, to see sharks or giant manta rays.

Take a tour around Moorea for stunning views of the island

What to do - Ashore on Moorea

Take a day to check out the rest of the island, and you won't be disappointed. You can rent a car and do the circle-island road yourself, or you can take a guided 4x4 trip that visits some more rugged areas.

Bright, tropical flowers

Either way, you will discover sleepy seaside villages with pastel-colored houses. You'll find lush forests, tumbling waterfalls, and bright tropical flowers like hibiscus and birds of paradise. You can visit a pineapple plantation, or just pick up some of the harvest at a roadside stand.

You can also take a hike along rainforest trails, past lush valleys and up to lofty overlooks. It may be warm and humid for hiking, but this gives you a close-up view of the island that you just don't get from a vehicle.

Exploring more of French Polynesia

It doesn't take weeks to get to Moorea anymore, but still - while you're here, it's fun to explore more of the islands if you have the time.

The island of Tahiti is close enough that you can take a day trip to Tahiti from Moorea. Bora Bora is further away, but you could catch a flight there to spend a couple of nights.

If you're really adventurous, you could venture further afield to the Marquesas (including Paul Gaugin's island, Hiva Oa), or the Tuamotus (with black pearl farms and great scuba diving). Those islands are way off the beaten path, and getting there is an adventure in itself.

Moorea travel tips

• Where it is - Moorea is part of French Polynesia, in the South Pacific. It's about halfway between California and Australia, and as far south of the equator as Hawaii is north.
• Getting there - You fly into Papeete, the largest city on the main island of Tahiti, arriving at Faa'a International Airport (airport code PPT). It's about an 8-hour flight from Los Angeles.
  From Tahiti, you can either catch a very short flight to Moorea (it's only 11 miles), or take a ferry. The high-speed ferry takes just 30 minutes. Flying is easier, but the ferry always seems more fun to me.
• Where to stay - There are a moderate number of choices on Moorea, that cover a wide range, from small pensions to high end luxury resorts. If you want the picture perfect over-water bungalows, it's going to cost you, but it's definitely very cool.
  If you're hoping to snorkel right off the beach, then check out what different resorts offer for that. Some have great snorkeling right there, others you'll have to swim further or take a boat.


Another wonderful sunset

• Weather - Temperatures are perfect all year round, with highs in the mid-80s (F) and lows around 70. Temps are steady through the year, but rain varies, with the rainiest months being Dec to Feb. See Weather averages for Moorea.
• When to go - You'll find the most sunny days if you visit during the driest months of June to October.
• What to bring - You'll want lightweight beach wear for sure. If you're staying at a high end place, bring some nice resort wear, otherwise you can go casual. A few other items:
  • A waterproof camera is great to catch some underwater shots.
  • Bring plenty of sunscreen, since you'll pay higher prices for less selection if you buy it there.
  • If you want to tour the interior of the island (recommended), bring some bug spray.
  • If you want to go snorkeling and already have your own equipment, then bring your mask and snorkel. You can rent gear here, but your own will probably be better.
  • Bring a flashlight in case you end up walking at night, since the roads can be very dark.
• What else? - French Polynesia is a pricey destination, though Moorea isn't as expensive as Bora Bora. Booking a package deal with airfare and hotels might save you money. Drinks in a bar can add up, so you may want to get a bottle of wine to enjoy as you kick back on the deck of your little thatched bungalow. Did I mention it's romantic?

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Italian nobility have been dining here for centuries, and now you can, too.

The restaurant is inside a marvelous grotto, perched over the sea

The setting

The town of Polignano a Mare lies in southeastern Italy, high on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The rocky shoreline has been beaten by the sea for millions of years, carving out myriad caves and grottoes.

Atop the cliffs, narrow streets wind through the ancient town, twisting between whitewashed buildings. In the rocks below, the largest of the caves has been transformed into the Hotel Ristorante Grotta Palazzese, a unique restaurant and hotel.

Dine at this fabulous restaurant, inside a limestone grotto over the Adriatic

The restaurant

Imagine how many romantic moments have happened here, since high ranking nobles held banquets here in the 1700s. Lords and ladies, foreign dignitaries and important visitors, all enjoyed elaborate dinners in this very cave.

The restaurant is in a large, vaulted cavern that's open to the sea air, with waves breaking on the rocks 100 feet below. Outside, moonlight reflects off the sea, and fishing boats ride the swells, plying their trade. As you enjoy the magical scene, waiters bring lobster and shellfish, fresh from the sea.

Travel tip - This restaurant is only open May to October. If you visit in the winter, you can still enjoy a lovely stay, but it won't include dining in the grotto.

After such a nice dinner, why not stay for the night?

The hotel

Polignano a Mare is on the Italian coast between Bari and Brindisi, and the town has a long history to go with its lovely setting. If you'd like to stick around for a while, you can check out one of the rooms at this 4-star hotel, where luxurious suites and rooms are carved out of the rock. Modern amenities and antique furnishings add to the unique atmosphere.

You'll be staying in the middle of the picturesque old town, with its winding streets and sea views. And in the evening, I know a great place for dinner.

For more information, see
Hotel Ristorante Grotta Palazzese

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Polar bears live a lot of their lives out on the ice floes, so how can you get to see these animals in person? The place to go is Churchill, Manitoba, in northern Canada. This is the "Polar bear capital of the world".

The polar bear is the master of his domain, and he knows it

Polar bears, Lords of the Arctic

Polar bears are the largest land carnivores in the world. Adult males are enormous - up to 10 feet tall, and almost 1,500 pounds. It's more than twice the size of a Siberian tiger, and for short distances they can run at up to 25 miles per hour.

Perfectly adapted for their arctic life, polar bears spend most of their life at sea, living on moving sheets of ice. These predators have a diet of seals, and can scent their prey over a mile away, under three feet of ice.

A polar bear investigates the tourists

You wouldn't want to encounter one of these powerhouses on their own terms, out in the snow. But what could be more fascinating than watching them from a safe place?

Watching polar bears in Churchill

The town of Churchill, Canada, on the shores of Hudson Bay, give you a chance to do just that. Every year, hundreds of polar bears migrate right through this little town, which makes it a perfect viewing center.

When summer melts the sea ice, polar bears are forced onto the land. They live on the tundra for a season, then as winter sets in, the bears migrate back to the shore, and gather waiting for pack ice to freeze over the Bay.

In Churchill, you can board a tundra buggy - a unique vehicle designed to move across the snowy ground and provide safe viewing of polar bears. The enormous wheels raise you above bear level, even though they sometimes get up on their hind legs to see what's inside.

For the most daring, you can also take guided walks in bear habitat. Don't do this unless you are with a professional guide who knows about the bears and how to stay safe.

Awww... How cute! A mom polar bear with two cubs.

Polar bear travel guide

• Where it is - Churchill is in Canada, in the northern end of the province of Manitoba. The town is in a rugged area near Hudson Bay.
• Weather - It's cold! In November, the average daily high is 16 degrees (F). Of course, that's why the polar bears love it! See weather averages for Churchill.
• When to go - October and November are the prime months for the polar bear migration, and November is the best of all. In November, you may also be able to see a display of the northern lights, though Aurora borealis is most prevalent January to March.

Not a sign you see everyday!

• What to take - Obviously a good camera is high on the list! Aside from that, if you're traveling in Oct/Nov, you'll want multi-layered clothing (including long underwear), with a warm waterproof parka, boots, hat and gloves. Picture polar bear habitat, and dress for that.
• Where to stay - Churchill has a moderate selection of hotels and B&B's. You can also stay in a fly-in lodge north of Churchill to be even closer to the bears, or a tundra lodge with mobile accommodations like massive tundra buggies with sleeping compartments. Another option is to see the polar bears on a one-day package tour from either Calgary or Edmonton.
• What else to do in Churchill? - You can go dog sledding, visit the Eskimo museum, or watch the northern lights if you're lucky. If you visit Churchill June to Aug, you can go kayaking with beluga whales, though the bears aren't normally around then.

For more information on polar bear vacations, see Everything Churchill.

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The Inca ruins at Pisac, Peru, stand stop a terraced mountainside

The Inca ruins of Pisac

The town of Pisac is in the Sacred Valley of Peru, not far from the current city of Cusco. High on the crest of the hillside above town is a set of ancient Inca ruins. Built about the same time as Machu Picchu, the Inca site of Pisac was an important place, that controlled a route from Inca cities to the rain forest border.

The Inca ruins at Pisac have incredible vistas and fine stonework. There are four major areas in the ruins, with altars, baths, irrigation channels, fountains, and steps carved into the rock. The Temple of the Sun is magnificent, and a fascinating feature is the Intihuatana. This is an outcropping of rock that was carved into an Inti - a "hitching post for the sun", set up to mark the changing seasons.

Stone walled Inca ruins in the Intihuatana sector at Pisac, Peru

The entire hillside was terraced by the Incas for agriculture. Enormous amounts of topsoil were hauled from lower elevations up the mountain, so that they could raise plentiful crops at this high altitude. They were so successful that the terraces are still in use today.

These terraces are also the basis for the name of this place. The narrow rows are reminiscent of the wings of a partridge (pisaca), a type of bird that is common here. This lent the name to the village and the ruins.

A woman at the market at Pisac

The village of Pisac today

The modern town of Pisac is in the Sacred Valley, and it's a picturesque village with narrow streets and a colorful town square. The town's main claim to fame (aside from the Incan ruins above) is the market held in town three days a week. (The largest market is on Sun, with others on Tues and Thurs).

At the market, locals come from all around town with products for sale. Everything from rice and potatoes, to handmade alpaca wool products, is sold here, and it's fun to spend an hour or two looking around. Local people haggle over produce, bartering for supplies. Many local handicrafts are sold, including silver jewelry and musical instruments.

Visiting Pisac, Peru

Most people visit Pisac as a day trip from Cusco. Some people do it as part of an organized day tour of the Sacred Valley that includes Pisac as well as Ollantayambo and Moray. If you're short on time, this can be a good option.

If you have the time and inclination, it's not hard to explore on your own. You can get here from Cuzco either by public bus or in a rental car. While the group tours may rush you out of Pisac with little time to look around, on your own you can wander about the ruins to your hearts content (and without the crowds). The ruins are high above the town, so you can either hike up, or take a taxi to the top then walk back down.

Many people rate the Inca ruins at Pisac right up there with Machu Picchu. With far fewer tourists, there's more atmosphere here, and the setting is truly incredible. If you can squeeze the time into your Peru vacation, Pisac is certainly worth a visit.

View from the mountainside down over the terraces, to the village of Pisac, Peru

Comments? Questions?

Have you been to the Pisac, or would you like to visit this fascinating place in Peru? Join the conversation, and leave any comments or questions below. Thanks!

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Walking through history in Boston

Architecture from different eras in Boston

The premier tour of Boston is a self-paced walking tour along the Freedom Trail. This is a brick-lined route that takes you past important sites from the American Revolution, as it winds 2.5 miles through the city. It's a great education for adults and kids alike, and will bring a lot of old history lessons to life.

You can join a group tour, but the Freedom Trail is easy to do on your own. There is a lot of information provided at the stops along the way. A few of the 16 sites along this history-steeped trail are:

• Boston Common - America's oldest public park, this dates to 1634. It's a pleasant park today with shady trees and paths.
• Boston Massacre Site - A deadly confrontation here in 1770 raised tensions and inflamed anger against the British, part of the escalation leading up to the American Revolution.
• Old North Church - This church is where the lanterns were hung "One if by land, two if by sea", alerting people to British troop movements during Paul Revere's famous ride in 1775. Paul Revere's home is another stop on the Freedom Trail.
• Faneuil Hall - Nicknamed "the Cradle of Liberty", the meeting hall upstairs was the scene of many town meetings and protests against the British.
• USS Constitution - This historic sailing ship is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Thanks to some special construction, cannonballs fired at her bounced off, earning the nickname "Old Ironsides".

Doing the whole trail is quite a bit of walking, especially since you'll also want to walk around at individual sites along the way. You don't have to do it all at once, though. Another alternative is to take one of the trolley tours that cover sights along the Freedom Trail.

Cannons aboard the historic sailing warship USS Constitution

Other fun things to do in Boston

Kids like the sea creatures at the Aquarium

There's a lot more to Boston than history. On a rainy day, the museums and indoor attractions are a good bet. Art lovers can head to the Museum of Fine Arts or the Institute of Contemporary Art. If you're traveling with the family, children enjoy the underwater creatures at the New England Aquarium, and the hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Science.

Strolling along the waterfront is always interesting, with boats of every description moving through the harbor. You can get out on the water on a harbor cruise, for a different view of the city. One unusual option is the Duck boat, an amphibious vehicle that starts on land, then drives right into the water for the rest of the tour.

Pubs in Boston

Boston has a sizable Irish community, and is known for its authentic Irish pubs. You'll pass several as you walk the Freedom Trail, so you can stop for lunch or to quench your thirst.

If you remember the old Cheers TV show, a special treat is to stop by the Bull and Finch “Cheers” bar across from Boston Common. The outside stairs and entrance were featured on the TV show, and the TV show’s bar is on the second floor. The casual food is good, and they offer an excellent selection of beer, including the local Boston beer Sam Adams. You can even sit in Frasier's spot at the bar.

Sit where the regulars did, at the famous bar from Cheers

Unique food options in Boston

In the morning, Dunkin' Donuts is the place to go for great coffee and fresh donuts. Sure, they have Starbucks here too, but Dunkin' Donuts is a New England institution that originated in nearby Quincy, in 1950. They're practically ubiquitous here, so you're bound to find one near your hotel.

Quincy Market is right next to Faneuil Hall (on the Freedom Trail). The market has dozens of food stalls that sell New England specialties like lobster rolls and whoopee pies, as well as pizza, seafood and ethnic foods from around the world. This makes a great stop for lunch as you're touring the town.

For a break from sightseeing, Quincy Market makes a good lunch stop

For drinks or dinner with the best view in town, try a romantic evening at Boston's Prudential Center. Take an elevator all the way to the "Top of the Pru". You can watch the city lights below as you wine and dine, with a live jazz band playing in the background.

Trivia:  Boston has a unique weather forecast display. Look at the lights on top of the old John Hancock building, and remember the poem:
Steady blue, clear view / Flashing blue, clouds due /
Steady red, rain ahead / Flashing red, snow instead.
If you see flashing red in the summer, don't worry - a freak snow storm isn't on the way. In summer, it means the Red Sox game is canceled.

Boston travel tips

• Where it is - Boston is in Massachusetts, on the east coast of the United States.
• How to get there - Logan Airport in Boston (airport code BOS) is a major international airport, with many flights arriving from near and far.
  If you're traveling the eastern seaboard of the US, and want something a bit different, you could also take the train. The Acela Express provides high speed service between Boston and New York, Washington DC and a few other cities.
• Getting around Boston - Ditch the car. Parking is very expensive and the town is pedestrian friendly. The subway and public transportation is very extensive.
  If you are flying in or out of Boston’s Logan airport, you can take the water taxi across Boston Harbor into town. It's a quick and very scenic boat ride. If the weather is bad take the T (subway) or a taxi.
• Weather - Weather here can be capricious, and the local saying is "If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes." It's useful to look at the weather averages, but always take these with a grain of salt - you could find something very different. See Boston weather averages
• When to go - If you want to do outdoor activities like walking the Freedom Trail, then May to Oct typically have the best weather. Fall foliage season (Sept to Nov) can be pretty but busy. If you don't mind a bit of cold and rain (or snow), you'll find attractions less crowded Dec through March.
• Where to stay - Boston has hundreds of hotels and lodging options. One notable possibility is the Marriott Long Wharf. This hotel has an ideal location on the waterfront next to the Aquarium and IMAX theatre. It is also near the Freedom Trail and just a few blocks from Faneuil Hall.
• What to take - Layered clothing is best in all seasons, with a waterproof rain jacket. Weather here is unpredictable and changeable. You could find balmy days in March, blustery days in August, or even a day with both.

Comments? Questions?

Have you been to the Boston, or would you like to check out this historic city? Join the conversation, and leave any comments or questions below. Thanks!
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But if you want to see something even more impressive, come for the Chugen Mantoro festival in August, when thousands of lanterns are lit in a magical display.

A row of bronze lanterns hanging at the Kasuga Taisha shrine

The Kasuga Taisha shrine

The Kasuga Taisha shrine is a major Shinto shrine in the city of Nara, Japan. This National Treasure was founded to protect the city. For hundreds of years, people have said prayers here for good health and safe homes.

This famous shrine dates back to the year 768 AD. For many centuries, the shrine was completely rebuilt every 20 years. This Shinto custom was intended to renew the construction and purify the site. Kasuga Taisha has been rebuilt perhaps 50 times over the years, until this custom was discontinued. The current version of the shrine was built in 1893.

Kasuga Shrine is a study in vermillion and green. The main gate leads to a number of different halls and primary shrines. There are also a dozen smaller enclaves in the woods around the main complex.

But the most famous aspect of Kasuga Taisha are the lanterns - thousands of them, all donated by worshipers. There are over 2,000 stone lanterns along the pathways outside leading to the shrine. When you reach the interior, you find hundreds more lanterns. Inside, they are hanging lanterns of bronze.

One of the smaller enclaves at the Kasuga shrine in Nara

The Chugen Mantoro lantern festival

At the Kasuga shrine, the lanterns are are lit twice a year for special Lantern Festivals, and it's spectacular. Imagine thousands of lanterns glowing along the pathways at night, reflecting in the river, and illuminating the interior of the shrine with their soft, dancing light.

Chugen Mantoro (August 14-15) is festival dedicated to the respect of our ancestors. All of the lanterns are lit, and there is a somewhat mysterious atmosphere. The lights are said to show the way back to earth for past ancestors, who who return to visit each year.

Thousands of lanterns are lit for the Chugen Mantoro festival

Nara travel tips

If you're in Nara to visit the Kasuga Shrine, you can also see the nearby botanical gardens, just a short walk away. This unique garden is based on Japan's oldest poetry collection, the Manyoshu. The garden displays about 250 kinds of plants mentioned in those poems. There is a lot of wisteria, and the garden is particularly lovely when it is in bloom.

Nara makes a good day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, though you could stay here overnight, too.

The best times to visit are:
* February 3 (spring lantern festival)
* August 14-15 (Chugen Mantoro lantern festival)
* Late April to early May (when the wisteria is in bloom at the botanical garden)
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And last, but not least - did you know that you can party there on Halloween? Could there be a cooler place for All Hallows Eve?

The real Frankenstein castle. Who knows what monsters lurk within?

Frankenstein, the Castle

In the mid-1200s, Konrad II Reiz von Breuberg built Frankenstein Castle on a hill near Darmstadt, Germany, and gave himself the title Lord Konrad von und zu Frankenstein. From what I can tell, it's really a case of "somebody built a castle then named themselves Frankenstein", rather than "somebody named Frankenstein built a castle". But nevertheless, there really was a Frankenstein who built this castle.

For the next few centuries, many generations of lords and knights of Frankenstein continued to live in this castle. Knights of Frankenstein? Really, it's true. I'm surprised they never made a movie with that name. After all, we had Bride of Frankenstein, Son of Frankenstein, Ghost of Frankenstein... Knights would have been an logical addition to the genre. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

In the 1700s, the castle was made into a military hospital and prison. Eventually it was abandoned in 1742, and sank into ruin. What remains today is an evocative shell of a castle. Most of the walls have crumbled and the great halls are open to the sky. The tower is still standing though, and the views out over the Rhine River Valley are as stunning as ever. You can tour the castle and get a good look at what's left. Most of the time, there aren't any monsters - just eerie remains.

The castle also has an intact chapel, that dates back to 1193. The chapel is still used for weddings. What goes through your mind when your fiancee suggests holding the wedding at Frankenstein's Castle?

Frankenstein, the Monster

Frankenstein is best known from Mary Shelley's novel of the same name - her tragic tale of the crazed doctor and the monster he creates. It's one of the top horror stories of all time, and has been recast and retold hundreds of times on film.

Boris Karloff as the monster, in the trailer for Bride of Frankenstein

So what's the connection between Mary Shelley's story and the real Frankenstein castle? Experts don't all agree, but here are the basics.

In 1673, a true-life mad scientist named Johann Conrad Dippel was born at Frankenstein Castle. Dippel was well known during his lifetime, and he pursued alchemy experiments to turn things into gold, without success. He also created Dippel’s Animal Oil, a rather gruesome distillation of various animal parts. Though he claimed it was a universal cure-all, it seems that didn't work, either.

Rumors were that Dippel also stole human body parts from a local graveyard for his experiments, and that an area priest warned that Dippel had created a monster. This is uncertain, but it's easy to see how such rumors could have gotten started.

Over a century later, in 1814, Mary Shelley took a trip on the Rhine River, and she passed near Frankenstein Castle. Did she hear about the infamous Dr. Dippel while she was here?

Soon after, Shelley entered into a competition with Lord Byron and others, to see who could write the best horror novel. She said the storyline came to her in a dream, and turned into the novel Frankenstein (published in 1818). Were Mary Shelley's dreams influenced by tales of the mad scientist from Frankenstein Castle? It seems probable, though we may never really know.

Frankenstein, the Halloween Party

So now you know... There really is a Frankenstein Castle, and there really was a mad scientist who lived there. In fact, they say that Dippel's ghost clatters around the place, and especially likes to sit on the chapel roof between Christmas and New Year's Day.

The castle is open to visitors any time of year, and if you're in the area it makes an interesting stop. But wouldn't this be the coolest place ever for a Halloween party?

That's what a bunch of American soldiers stationed nearby after World War II decided. They began to hold a yearly Halloween party at the castle, and the tradition continues today.

Yes, you really can party the night away, on Halloween in the real Frankenstein Castle.

Get more information:
* Frankenstein's Castle
* Frankenstein Halloween party

Note: Unfortunately, these sites are not in English, but you can use the handy Google Translate tool to read them.

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The cool and clever Scottevest travel vest

The Scottevest Multi-Pocket Travel Vest is without a doubt the coolest piece of travel clothing I have ever owned.

It has a plethora of specialized pockets, each designed and labeled for a purpose. You have pockets for your phone, camera, sunglasses, boarding pass, water bottle, and more. The women's vest has 17 pockets, and the men's Scottevest has a whopping 24!

In these days of airplane luggage fees (some companies even charge for carry-on bags), loading up the pockets on this travel vest is like having an extra free carry-on bag. It's convenient on the plane too, since everything you want is right there in your pocket, not in the overhead compartment or under the seat.

The weight of all your items is ergonomically distributed around your body, which is easier on your back than carrying another bag. It's also a lot more secure than carrying those valuables in a separate bag.

OK, so some other travel vests do have multiple pockets, but they generally look bulky, bumpy and frumpy. The Scottevest vests are designed to hold all this gear and still look streamlined and slim. Whether you've got it loaded up for a plane flight, or relatively empty for lunch at a trattoria, it's a good-looking vest you'll be happy to wear.

The pocket for your iPod or mp3 player deserves special mention. It's designed so you can access the controls right through the vinyl pocket. The cord is routed through a unique Personal Area Network(tm), so that the earbuds are kept right where you need them - in cute, convenient little earbud pockets right by the collar.

Now is that cool, or what?

Check out these unique travel vests at:
* Women's Scottevest Multi-Pocket Travel Vest
* Men's Scottevest Multi-Pocket Travel Vest
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Kick the adventure quotient up a level, by making it an exotic island country you've never been to, where traditional ways of life still exist outside tourist shows. You'll find this place at Samoa. This island paradise is halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, but seems like a million miles from "normal life". Perfect!

This scene makes me want to run away tomorrow, heading for the South Pacific and Samoa

Why travel to Samoa?

With the dreamy photo above, perhaps you don't really need any other reasons, but I'll give you a few anyway.

• The beaches are never crowded. You have miles and miles of beaches, with your choice of black or white sand.
• Around the islands are fabulous reefs with 200 kinds of coral and 900 species of fish. Like the beaches, the scuba diving and snorkel spots are refreshingly uncrowded, not overrun by tourists.
• The islands have tropical rainforests, with towering banyan trees, splendid waterfalls and brilliant tropical flowers.
• The weather is balmy all year round, with air and sea temperatures that facilitate instant relaxation.
• You can visit traditional nu'u (villages), meet the locals, and experience a distinctive culture (Fa'a Samoa, the Samoan Way), that stretches back 3,000 years.

A fire dancer performs in Samoa

The islands of Samoa

There are 10 islands in the country of Samoa, but not all of them are inhabited. They share a bounty of sandy beaches and beckoning turquoise water. The larger islands have rugged volcanic mountains, covered in tropical forest and laced with streams and waterfalls.

One of the stunning waterfalls of Samoa

Savaii is the biggest island, but Upolu is the one with the largest city and the international airport. You can take a ferry between the two to see them both.

Discover old Samoa on a teeny island

For the ultimate "get away from it all" experience, take a boat to tiny Manono Island. The island is small enough that you can walk all the way around it in a couple of hours.

This special place has four very traditional fishing villages, and no cars. Here, you can discover the old ways of Samoan life. Visit with the locals, and find out in person how they fish, eat, laugh, and live. If you cherish eye-opening cultural experiences, this is a great opportunity.

Staying in a beach fale

The traditional home in Samoa is a thatched roof bungalow called a fale. You'll see fales on beaches around the islands. They don't have any walls, which makes them breezy and comfortable. You sleep on a simple mattress under a sheet (and perhaps a mosquito net), with the peaceful sound of the waves lulling you to a deep and restful sleep. This is part of the Samoan Way, and you'll be missing out if you don't rent a beach fale for at least part of your stay here.

Stay in an open-air beach fale for the real Samoan experience

Samoa travel tips

• Where it is - Samoa is south of the equator, in the western Pacific Ocean near the international date line.
• Country clarification - The independent country of Samoa is different than American Samoa, though they are close to each other in the Pacific. Samoa used to be known as Western Samoa.
• Getting there - You fly into Faleolo International Airport, on the island of Upolu. Airport code = APW. You can take a ferry from Upolu to the other island.
• Weather - Temperatures are perfect, with highs in the 80s and lows in the 70s, all year round. See Weather averages for Samoa.
• When to go - You'll probably prefer the dry season (May to October). The rainy season (November to April) gets substantially more precipitation, though temps are still comfortable.
• What to bring - Lightweight beach wear is perfect at a resort. For women, a sarong would be a good choice for village outings. If you want to explore the interior of the islands, bring some decent shoes for walking. Sun screen and a camera are obvious essentials.
• What else? - Samoa is fairly traditional and conservative, so topless or nude sunbathing are frowned on. If you visit the villages, dress respectfully - you need more than a swimsuit for that.

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