theALTERNAtraveler

Updates!

2008-04-17T14:09:00.003-05:00

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

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

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

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

In the meantime...

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

theALTERNAtraveler - Omaha & Iowa City (Part 1)

theALTERNAtraveler - Omaha & Iowa City - Part 2

theALTERNAtraveler - Omaha & Iowa City - Part 3

theALTERNAtraveler - Omaha & Iowa City - Part 4

theALTERNAtraveler Kisses the Black Angel of Iowa City

Tomb Sweeping Day

2008-04-03T10:49:00.006-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find the Best Fuel Prices in Your Area

2008-04-01T16:03:00.008-05:00

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

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

2008-04-01T09:19:00.005-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

2008-03-26T16:10:00.005-05:00

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

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

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

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

ATTN: Aspiring Nomads

2008-03-20T16:51:00.003-05:00

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

8 Tools to Travel Long-Term & Live Rent Free

St. Patty's Day is not for me.

2008-03-17T16:36:00.007-05:00

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

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

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

Oh, yeah - Erin Go Bragh!

Vote for my favorite KJ - Rockin' Rick!

2008-03-14T14:33:00.003-05:00

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

YOU DID IT!!! Once again we are voted into the finals for Suburban Nitelife
Magazine's best of the Burbs!
Now, we need you even more than ever! The finals voting takes place now
through March 15th. WE NEED YOUR VOTES!!! Log on to: www.nitelife.org.

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

You will find us under the following catagories:

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

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

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

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

Hand me my soapbox. STAT.

2008-03-13T12:12:00.008-05:00

<--- That's not me, just to clarify. :)

Grandma Sally's Waffle House is the inspiration for this soapbox rant; or, more specifically, my inspiration was the observation I made while I was there a couple days ago, enjoying a delicious lunch...

I stopped at this awesome family restaurant for lunch to see my longtime friend Joanie, a current Grandma Sally's waitress who used to work at a diner my friends and I frequented in high school (R.I.P. Cozy Corner). After chatting with her for a while, I sat back to enjoy my soup and salad. I had brought a book with me, but I wasn't in the reading mood, so I decided to "people watch" instead. What caught my eye? The owner.

He was standing at the cash register counter, panning his eyes over the crowd that filled his restaurant. Now, I'm no mind reader, but I recognized the look on his face - it was a look of pride.

I know the look well, because it's the same look that I get on my face everytime someone links to my blog or writes me an email with a destination tip or comments on one of my posts. I've seen this look a thousand times in the past, especially while growing up - it's the same look that I would see on my dad's face each time he gained a new customer at his paper supply business. It's the same look that my mother and brother would get on their faces when a customer would call to tell them how satisfied they were with a sign that one of them had painted for a local business. It's the same look of pride that reminds me that most small business owners will do anything they can to make their customer's experience the very best it can be.

This particular man looked out over his bustling restaurant for only a minute, smiled to himself, then went right back to working that cash register. When was the last time you caught a glimpse of someone's well-deserved pride spreading across his or her face?

We all shop at big stores and buy name brand goods; sometimes, it's just easier that way (and many times it's cheaper, too). All I ask of you is that you make sure that when you're done spending a cool $300 on that new Olympus digital camera, you get your finished photos framed by that friend of a friend who owns the little shop on Main Street. He'll appreciate it, and, in turn, so will you.

I got a new jobby job!

2008-03-11T16:37:00.002-05:00

Updates, updates, updates…

I got a new job! I started yesterday and so far it’s going well. I accepted a sales assistant position, so I will no longer have to worry about making a revenue goal each month. Why is this wonderful? Besides the awesome-ness of not having to guess what my take-home pay will be at the end of each month, due to the rise and fall of commissions, it also means that I will be able to make planned deposits to theALTERNAtraveler with every check. My budget is going to be so much easier to calculate from now on.

The only downside of taking on a new job is that my vacation time starts all over again. I will have to wait six months at my new company before I am able to take any vacation time, so for a while, weekend trips will be my only option. That’s not a bad thing, though – I love weekend trips! I am going to go somewhere between now and the end of May – probably to Wisconsin – and then I’ll take a longer trip over Memorial Day weekend – most likely to Killeen, TX, where my dear friend Nicki Brown now resides.

Good things are on the ALTERNAhorizon!

Stay tuned for another soapbox rant about supporting small businesses. My wide mouth is itching to blabber on and on about a beautiful experience I had at a local diner (Grandma Sally's in Naperville, IL) yesterday.

Cheers and a good day to all! I'm happy a pig in poo. :)

Finally - a deposit!

2008-02-22T11:17:00.003-06:00

Well, in the midst of my financial woes, I had to retract some of the money I had put aside for my travel project. It's been a hectic month for me, and I think it will take a little time to get back on my feet... but I started today! I was able to put back $322.43 into the account. Once I get my tax refund back, I should be able to pay off a little personal debt and put even more back into theALTERNAtraveler, and hopefully buy us (me and YOU) a new digital camera for use on future trips!

TOTAL BALANCE: $904.65
** $90.43 from Donations **

REMAINING TOWARDS GOAL: $9095.35

Due to my money problems, any plane rides I had expected to be taking in the next couple months will have to be pushed off. I'm hoping to get in a cheap weekend trip once the weather warms up around here... maybe at the end of March? I'll keep you posted. My plans are constantly shifting and transforming, and I'm okay with that. Gotta keep on moving forward.

I swear that I'm still alive!

2008-02-05T11:57:00.000-06:00

Things have been bonkers in my little world lately, hence the lack of posts and trip planning. My monetary state is still bothersome and I'm hoping it will straighten itself out soon. I've been in a position where I am not able to follow my number one financial rule - pay yourself first (or pay theALTERNAtraveler first, as it is). I will work it out. Traveling on a budget is my specialty, after all... the unfortunate part is that I currently have NO budget. This Friday, there will be a deposit, no matter how small. During these tough times, I need to remember that every dollar can count towards something fantastic, as long as I allow it to.

In other news, I went to see one of the free movies at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora and it was AWESOME! They've remodeled a lot since I was last there. The Godfather was playing, and it drew quite a crowd. Aside from the obnoxious mother yelling at her child in the seats right behind my friend and I, it was a great time (we ended up moving seats after half an hour and the rest of the showing was pleasant). It was my first time ever viewing The Godfather, and it turns out that I have quite the crush on the young Marlon Brando.

Tonight Jaws is playing, which I would love to see on the big screen, but I had a last minute doctor's appointment come up. I hope one or two of you will go enjoy it for me. It's a 7:30 p.m. Don't miss it!

Boo. :(

2008-01-18T11:39:00.001-06:00

Due to some rather severe financial shortcomings, I was not able to deposit any money into my travel account last Friday. Hopefully my next paycheck will allow me to add more than my usual 10% next week.

In other, and happier, news, I am planning two trips for the beginning of 2008 - Texas in February and Reno/Las Vegas/California in March. I'll be visiting some of my best buds in each location and I can't wait!

As I think I mentioned before, my awesome parents got me a portable GPS for Christmas. I've been able to test it out a few times now and I LOVE IT! It is sure to become my most valuable travel accessory and I would recommend that anyone who is serious (or not so serious) about their road trips should pick one up. They are worth the money. Mine is a Garmin brand, and I am totally satisfied with its performace thus far.

Cheers to everyone, and I will be back soon... hopefully with a little extra cash!

REMINDER: Free movies at the Paramount started a couple weeks ago! Read the post here and come on by if you're in the area.

And the winner is...

2008-01-03T08:54:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately, I didn't get many submissions to my first ever photo contest... fortunately, the ones I did get were awesome! Here they are:

Gerald (NV)

Eiffel Tower, Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

Eli & Her Mom (IL)

White House, Washington, D.C.

Lyndsie & Terry (IL)

Ed Debevic's Restaurant, Chicago, IL

Laura & Jeff (GA)

Boating

Mikey & Jess (ND)

Papago Brewing, Scottsdale, AZ

"The Head Squisher"

Jason (ID)

Disney Cruise

"Don't I look good in pink?"

Thanks, guys! I really appreciate your submissions.

And now... the moment you've all been waiting for... or not... the winner of the first official ALTERNAphoto contest is:

GERALD!!!

I can't believe he had the exact photo that I cited as an example in the contest rules. For this, and for his flowing rockin' locks, GERALD WINS!!!

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

2007-12-31T09:48:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-27T14:27:00.001-06:00

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)

2007-12-19T15:33:00.002-06:00

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

2007-12-18T10:51:00.001-06:00

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!

2007-12-18T10:47:00.001-06:00

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...

2007-12-13T15:39:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-12-12T16:59:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-10T10:02:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-03T15:43:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-12-03T13:38:00.000-06:00

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:

First name (or nickname)
Caption for the photo
Website or blog URL (I'm all about free publicity and sharing!)
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

2007-11-30T11:33:00.000-06:00

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:

If you have a "Links" section on your blog, post me there: http://www.thealternatraveler.com
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
If you've stumbled across my business card, share it with a friend
If you're bored at coffee time, bring me up in conversation
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'!