The best tourism ad ever

If you have five minutes and a set of headphones, click on this link www.pomegranatephone.com and check out the best tourism ad ever. After you've explored the phone, click on the "Release Date" tab and find out what genius country came up with this phenomenal concept.

Have fun!
kat

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SoBe anyone?

No, not the drink.

I can hardly hold myself together. Two more days of sitting through Evidence and Transnational Law and I'll be sitting on the beach. Two more days of shivering in the snow and I'll be basking in the sun. Two more days of law school food and I'll be downing as much Cuban fare as I can get. I'm going to Miami!!!!!



JBJ, Xan, (two of my travel companions to Orlando a few months ago) and I are headed to the sandy beaches and nudity-friendly bars of South Beach for a little over a week. We'll also be chilling in the Keys for a few days. I am so excited. Xan's parents have some sort of amazing Marriott card/pointage that got us free hotels for almost all of the nights, plus we'll be sleeping on someone's couch for a few days and staying in a couple of Time Out- recommended hostels for a couple of nights as well. So I'll have plenty of places to review when I get back! Not to mention that I'm taking three travel guides from three of my favourite companies so I'll be writing reviews of all of them!

Since we'll be staying at a few hostels, and my laptop is my life, I will be leaving the MacBook at home. Sad. I suspect that I cannot survive 10 days without it, but since I am seriously considering leaving it in the U.S. for the three to nine months that I am abroad, I will consider this a short training session. To keep up with all of my travels, follow along on Twitter (www.twitter.com/kambertc), I'll be twittering on my phone whenever anything even mildly exciting happens.

Also, be sure to subscribe so that you know when I get back and start writing about my adventures. The Miami series promises to be a good one and you're not going to want to miss it. The great thing about subscribing is that each post comes straight to your email so you don't have to keep visiting the site for updates!

Do you have any Miami travel tips or suggestions for me??

Travel well,
kat

p.s. I just got my travel alarms and metallic luggage tags from Belle Hop and they're fabulous. This is definitely a travel company worth visiting!

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HELP!

I am a first line freak. Any time I write a play, a story, a legal memo, anything, I absolutely have to come up with the first line first. "Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself" is one of the greatest first lines in history. It's right up there with "Call me Ishmael" and "Quiet as it's kept, there were no marigolds in the fall of 1941".

So, here I am, trying to start a book. I have the stories, I have the words, I have the desire and the sufficient boredom with law school. And yet. I can't find an opening line. And I simply cannot write without one.

So here is my plea for help: What is your favourite opening line? If you were to write a book about travel, what would your opening line be? What's your favourite line from a book? A magazine? A bathroom stall door? I am in need of inspiration people. Please, help me out.

Feel free to comment below or email (kat@bapworld.com) if you have any fabulous ideas. I have writer's block. Also, if you have any tips on writing your first book, that would be awesome too. Stephen King's book, On Writing (the only book of his that I can read without having nightmares), was a fabulous help. I highly recommend it for anyone getting into the writing business. But tips from other folks would be welcome as well. I'm new to this. But I know it's what I want to do.

Thanks for your help!

Travel well,
kat

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Book Review: Travels by Michael Crichton

Michael Crichton has always been one of my literary heroes. He is one of the few authors who manages to write didactic stories filled with intrigue, adventure, and travel. I was incredibly sad when he died. Since the sixth grade I have been trying to read as many of Crichton's novels as I can and when he died I thought I had read all of them. That is, until I discovered Travels. Travels is one of four non-fiction books written by Crichton that I never knew about. Written in 1988, the autobiographical novel recounts the stories of some of Crichton's more adventurous journeys around the world. It also chronicles Crichton's journeys into the world of psychic phenomena. After surviving the graphic first 80 pages about Crichton's med school days (there's a reason I'm becoming a lawyer...), the rest of the book was a non-stop page turner.

After reading this book I have a much greater appreciation for the brilliance of Crichton's work. His experience with gorillas in the jungles of Nairobi was probably instructive for Congo, his anthropological interests must have influenced what I consider his second best work (after Jurassic Park), Timeline. I was cringing with jealousy during most of the book, wishing that I had climbed a landslide in Pakistan, scuba dived past a team of sharks in Tahiti, and lived through an elephant attack in Kenya. There's even a chapter about what can happen when you have a dangerously naive travel partner, I will be copying this and sharing it with everyone I travel with from now on!

In spite, of perhaps because of, Crichton's scientific background, he is more open than most to the psychic world and writes about it extensively. However, if that isn't really your thing, the book is conveniently broken up into short stories so you can skip any of the paranormal mind-bending chapters!

Travels is the honest and open biography of a man who constantly faced his weaknesses, overcame his prejudices, and kept traveling until he figured out what he was running away from. Michael Crichton's brilliant works of fiction have always been an inspiration to me and his non-fiction has proven to be equally as fascinating. If you are passionate about travel, planning your own trip, or just want to escape somewhere exotic while you're stuck in your own living room, Travels is a phenomenal read and I highly recommend it.

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Take a Journey

A few months ago I discovered the fabulous new webzine, Her Journey Mag and the phenomenal editor-in-chief, Danielle Fontus. Danielle is a talented and ambitious young BAP with a passion for travel. Her Journey Mag is a travel zine for young women offering articles about travel, direction, and how to get where we're going in our lives. Her Journey is a magazine for both the literal and inner journeys that we are all traveling at this point in our lives. To celebrate the release of the newest issue today, I interviewed Danielle about her journey, her magazine, and why all BAPs should get out there and start journeys of their own. Enjoy!


kat: You're such a young woman to have started a travel magazine! What motivated you to do so and how did you get it started?

DF: I did a study abroad program during undergrad, and that was my biggest and most independent travel adventure. While there, there were several times when I wished I could share my experience with my friends. During a 6-week trip to Trinidad where I really absorbed everything around me, I had the same feeling. I wanted everyone to have a similar experience. While in Trinidad I jumped right into the project, and I am learning every step of the way!

kat: What is your personal travel history? What are your favourite places and where do you still want to visit?

DF: I used to visit family in Florida every summer, have passed through most of the states on the east coast and have visited a few other cities: Hollywood, Seattle and Las Vegas. During my study abroad program, I saw Scotland, London, and Paris. I’ve also taken a few trips to Trinidad and Tobago, which has left the biggest impression on me thus far. My immediate travel to do list includes New Orleans, Brazil, Dubai, Sydney and Italy.

kat: There are a lot of travel magazines out there, what makes Her Journey different?

DF: Those travel magazines do not cater specifically to young women who are also seeking direction in life. It’s our mission to fill that void. We want to share the joys of travel while also equipping our readers with the resources necessary for their individual journeys to success.

kat: What are some of the highlights of the new issue?

DF: I certainly think this is the best issue yet, but I’ll let you all be the judge. In the Spring 2009 Issue you will find tips on maintaining a successful long distance relationship, words of wisdom from a survivor of abusive relationships and recommended date spots around the country.

kat: What do you think are the top three things that stop BAPs from traveling, and how can they overcome them?

DF: Lack of exposure, fear and money. So many of us are not even aware of what other countries have to offer. Some are simply afraid of what is unfamiliar. Although finances can present obstacles, overcoming the mental restrictions is much more important. After that first taste of a new place, you’ll be hungry for more.

kat: What's next for you and Her Journey? Where does the future lead?

DF: You can look forward to our next issue in May and then our anniversary celebration in August. The future is not fully planned out yet, but I am excited about the possibilities.

Check out Her Journey Mag's new issue at www.herjourneymag.com, sign up for updates, and be sure to tell them that kat sent you!

Travel well,
kat

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Safety First

My mother, like all mothers, is all about the safety. Whether I'm in Rome or Ann Arbor, jogging or driving, alone or in a crowd of millions, she constantly worries about my protection. Sometimes I answer the phone to the greeting, "Are you in a trunk?". No, really. So, of course, now that I am in the beginning planning stages for my upcoming summer/fall semester travel plans, my mother's first concern was safety. Granted, since I'm not exactly going to Poughkeepsie, I can understand her concern. But now, her worries are over. Sort of. At least alleviated a little bit.

I was shopping on Belle Hop, looking for a luggage tag to replace my cute little Scottish man who snapped on the way to Orlando, when I found these awesome personal safety devices. One is an alarm that you put on your wrist, the other for your door, and both emit a high-pitched squeal or something to ward off attackers and attract attention. Genius. They're also both right around $10 ($8.90 for the personal alarm and $11.90 for the door alarm) at Baggage for Less, which is even better.

If you're traveling, running, or even just paranoid, these little alarms might be just right for you or your daughters. And even if you don't ever use them, at least they'll make your mother feel a little better.

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If you must eat on the Mall

I don't usually recommend eating in touristy areas. The food is generally bad, always expensive, and usually McDonald's. The food in the Smithsonian museums usually qualifies as all three. However, while visiting the incredible new National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian, I was amazed. The architecture and design of the building is beautiful. The Fritz Scholder exhibit is stunning. I had never heard of him but his art and the way he revolutionized the way Native Americans are painted is fascinating. Look him up. They also had a great exhibit on Native Americans in the 21st century. The museum is interactive, educational, and incredibly well curated.


But the amazing part was the food court. The food in this place is phenomenal! All of their dishes are based on the traditional fare of different Native American tribes and it was without a doubt the most impressive display of fresh, healthy, delicious food that I have ever seen in a museum or, indeed, any place tourists frequent.

If you are on the Mall, near the Mall, or trapped in a museum with a hungry child and an even hungrier stomach, stop at the Native American museum and treat yourself to delicious and educational at the same time. And yes, just a little bit overpriced!

Travel well,
kat

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A letter to the local airport authorities

To Whom It May Concern,

I don't ask for much when I travel.  Relatively short lines.  Friendly staff.  A short, minimally-intrusive pat down by a marginally attractive security guard.  The basics.  I enjoy your food courts, with their overpriced beverages that I can't bring into the airport but somehow can bring onto the plane and deliciously fattening McDonald's breakfasts that leave me queasy on the plane.  I take time to ponder who would be buying a Samsonite suitcase after they have entered the airport and checked their baggage.  And I am a big fan of the new Express Spas. Thank you for that.  

However, I do have one request.  I really must insist on universal free wifi.  I mean, really.  I'm not sure if you've noticed while testing out the new puffer machines in the security lines, but it's 2009.  Everyone has laptops.  You know, those things we have to take out of our bags so the x-ray machines can do their best to erase our motherboards?  Well, everyone has one.  You know what we could use them for?  Free wifi. 

And I know you're working hard to ensure that we have plenty of time to admire the new decor that every airport has been working on for the last 20 years by delaying our flights.  Our artistic sides thank you for that.  You know what would make it better? Free wifi.  

Surely you've noticed, while walking through the terminals on the way to your private jets for your tee time in Cabo with the CEO of Morgan Stanley, that the 50's are over.  TWA no longer exists.  Howard Hughes isn't perfect an aerodynamic wonder and beautiful stewardesses in perfect teal uniforms aren't pouring out our drinks (that we now have to pay for) or serving the food (that is no longer offered) with a smile.  Things have changed.  Stewardesses don't smile.  There are buses nicer than most planes.  And you know what those buses have?  Free wifi.

I am attaching a list below.  This is a list of airports with free wifi.  If you are on it, thank you.  I will always try to schedule my flights to land in your technologically advanced halls, and I'll even be sure to buy a little snacklet to fortify myself for the two train rides and three mile walk to my next gate.

If you are not on the list, straighten up and, well, fly right.  Get rid of Boingo and T-Mobile hot spots.  Nobody wants to pay for that.  Free wifi won't cost you much, and what you'll get in customer appreciation will more than make up for it.  Oh wait, you run the airports.  You don't care about customer appreciation.  Well... people will buy more things.  Far more.  And they'll fly in your airport.  And they won't riot. 

Join the revolution.  Be the change you want to see in the world.  Refresh everything.  

Give us free.  Free wifi, that is.

Sincerely, your frequent customer,

kat

Airports with free wifi 

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A Better Way to do Ben's Chili Bowl

One of the first things people asked when they heard that I was going to D.C. was, "Are you going to Ben's Chili Bowl?".  Apparently, people watched just enough CNN to know that Bill Cosby, and most recently, President Obama, were granted free chili dog privileges for life, thus granting Ben's "must-see touristy chili dog place" status for life.  Originally, I had no intention of visiting said chili slinging establishment, but, budding travel writer that I am, and always willing to please my audience, I hopped the Metro to the U Street station and walked across the street to see a man about a chili dog.

(photo courtesy of davidwalters on flickr.com)

Can you believe there was a line?

Around the corner?

You have got to be kidding me.

I stood in line, calling my aunt to inform her that it was, in fact, because of her that I was forced into this situation, for about 20 minutes.  It took about that long for me to get to a point where I could see inside the door, where I noticed that the bouncer (yes, they have a bouncer) was letting groups in a few people at a time to stand in a twice-wrapped line inside the restaurant.  Just as I was considering the ethics of faking a blog post, I heard the bouncer telling the couple in front of me that they could get the same food, plus a beer, at the bar next door.  They looked skeptical.  I was not.  I hopped out of that line as fast as my boots could take me and jumped into the bar, conveniently called, Next Door.

It was heaven.  A beautiful bar, smooth jazz, great service, and Ben's without the drama.  Lovely.  They even had a Ben's merchandise store upstairs (although, when I went up to grab a souvenir for my aunt, they were closed and there were no hours posted sooo... who knows).  I grabbed a bar stool, ordered a Corona and a chili dog, and sunk into my food in less time than it would have taken me to get past the velvet rope at Ben's.

There are, of course, a few drawbacks.  The food is slightly more expensive at Next Door. Honestly, the $2.00 extra was well worth the extra hour of my life.  Also, I agree with the locals, the food is really nothing to shout about.  The hot dog tasted like a Ball Park and the chili tasted canned.  Apparently the sausage dog or whatever is supposed to be good too but I wasn't privy to a tasting menu!  

On the plus side, Ben's is cash only but Next Door accepts credit cards.  Score!

If you insist on visiting Ben's Chili Bowl, because you like it or just to say you did, go for it.  But go to Next Door.  Just a little exclusive tidbit from me to you.  See why you read this blog? :-)

Ben's Chili Bowl is located at 1213 U St NW in Washington D.C.  Take the Green line to the U street station and look right across the street.

Anyone have any other little tourist trap tidbits to share?

Travel well!

kat

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A Week in Obama's America

Hey all! 

My new piece on Indie Travel Podcasts is up!  Head on over to www.indietravelpodcast.com and read my piece about some of the museums I visited in D.C.!

Happy Monday!

kat

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