Is Albuquerque worth visiting? I don’t think under normal circumstances you should make Albuquerque a special destination. Would I go again… in a heartbeat, but I think that had more to do with the company than the city itself. I went with my best friend; I think we could have fun in Antarctica. This is not to say there weren’t a lot of interesting nooks in the city. It is just that when measured against other places (especially if you are bringing your family) you may want to reconsider. Having said that, if you are forced to go there are certainly ways to have a good time.

The Landscape

The surrounding mountains are actually very nice. I have always been a fan of the mountains; Albuquerque is engulfed by beautiful ones. It is then like someone dumped a combination of the little towns found in the South and something out of North Korea in the center of them. One would think they went out of their way to make this place look as ugly as possible. There are some decent houses, but even those are surrounded by God awful, half-built, soulless buildings. Somehow what you see in Breaking Bad is a pretty version of the city. Is Albuquerque worth visiting for the beauty…NO! If you must there are two areas which you will spend your time (neither of them is in the “war zone”, the area between San Mateo and Wyoming on Central Ave.) The two sections to visit in Albuquerque are Downtown and Old Town.

Downtown

Be careful or you will miss this one. I almost did, even when standing on top of it. This is the more “fun” section where everyone goes out. By everyone I mean the tweakers, strung out on meth. Yes, there are non-drug addicts also, just not many of them. I never saw a Downtown so empty on a Friday night. Really this area is dead during the day, and only somewhat lively at night.

I guess the best bars were the strip clubs, so many women just coming up to me, not sure if it was my paper money or my full set of teeth! Dining wise, I really enjoyed the food hall 505 Central. It had a great bar and better food than the one in the Sawmill Market, and I loved the vibe. Downtown itself is not very big by most cities’ standards and some of the bars have weird rules. I was going to recommend Boots and Bourbon, but they wouldn’t let me in the second time because I looked drunk. For the record, I had three drinks at this point. No sir, I am not drunk… and you are making it hard for me to get that way! A small area with bars and breweries, that is about 3 or four blocks. It is your only game in town at night. Is Albuquerque worth visiting for its downtown? Nope

Old Town

Definitely the more aesthetically pleasing of the two areas, it is the section of the city where you go with your family. If you hate them and won’t take them to Disney that is. It is small as well, but busy during the day and dead at night. Is Albuquerque worth visiting just for Old Town? Once again No! It is your typical touristy area, if you want a bad key chain, T-Shirt, or bottle opener this is your place! Having said this, there are some good wine stores and if it is a nice enough day, it is great to sit outside and drink. You can also walk to the overpriced Sawmill market, an expensive food hall that was just mediocre. There are some other places to eat in the area that I will get into in later posts. For now, if you have any decency and a family stay in Old Town.

The Food = Not Impressed

I tried… really, I did, but the food was only OK. I like to eat, and I ate a lot, but many of the meals were clear misses. The first thing you need to know is that Green chiles are huge here. They are known for their Tex-Mex. I had Green chiles on multiple occasions and did not enjoy them in this city. Now I loved the Green chiles in Denver and had delicious homemade chiles in another life, but here in Albuquerque, they just didn’t get them right. All the Mexican was missing a spice level that I expected. We did our best to try as many of the top spots as possible, they all were just OK. My favorite was TINO’S TACOS in the food hall. I thought it would be a drunk night throw away, but it was pretty good.

The food scene did start improving, but I wouldn’t say this is a foodie destination. More chiles on everything, good Hot dogs at the Doghouse, a local spot that was in Breaking bad. I didn’t really try the fine dining, because that is harder to find then Bigfoot riding a unicorn in Albuquerque. Bottom line, the food was decent, but I wouldn’t describe it as good. Oh, as a side note, buy some Pepto, you’ll thank me later.

The Atmosphere (The Feel of Albuquerque)

I always judge a place by how quickly I see someone going to the bathroom in the street. 3-Minutes, that is all it took. Many people think of Breaking Bad when they think of Albuquerque, given the show was filmed there. For me, it felt more like an episode of the Walking Dead. The amount of tweakers strung out on meth was unbelievable (and sad, yes, they are out of their minds, but they are also human beings). It has decimated an already depressing city.

Maybe Albuquerque is worth visiting just to scare kids straight. Nancy Regan has nothing on these people when it comes to antidrug ads. Being yelled at by a crazy lady. Seeing a man take a #2 in a dumpster, and the number of solo conversations was unbelievable.

The whole place looked like an alternate universe. There were even addicts in Old Town, although not as many. The buildings were old, at times in the middle of town at a reasonable hour there was no one around. Not even a car, hell not even a dog barking. Every city has a feel (but Charlotte), the feel you get from Albuquerque is depression.

Is Albuquerque worth visiting? At Times I Thought Yes

Even after the subpar food and depressing environment I still had fun. This might have had more to do with my friend joining me. Misery loves company… and it loves Tequila. I had both. We were able to scrap together a damn fun trip. Every city has its spots, whether it be a drunken visit to the rattlesnake museum (really a glorified pet store without puppies) or one of the many breweries. Albuquerque can be an adventure.

There is plenty to do outside of drinking and eating subpar Mexican food. If you like hiking, you can go see the Native American drawings that must have been done by their kindergarten class. The desert is nice and there are plenty of trails to explore. Of course, there are a lot of deserts in America, but if you are in Albuquerque, might as well hit theirs. Noticed I didn’t mention balloons. This trip wasn’t in ballooning season so I cannot speak to it. If you love hot air balloons, then Albuquerque is worth visiting at the right time.

Bottom Line: Is Albuquerque worth visiting?

While it is possible to have a great time in Albuquerque, there are certainly better places in the Southwest to visit. Hell, there are better places in Iran, I am sure. This is an interesting city. I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it, but if you are forced to go, accept it for what it is and have a great time! Just know when to quit!

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I saw enough to confirm what I had heard previously. November is an odd month for travel. Not cold enough for snow (usually) yet cold and not comfortable by any means. It didn’t really have a holiday feel either. Europeans do not really start celebrating Christmas in early November like we do here in the United States. Hell, we start in August, so maybe they are on to something. Really Paris in November is a mixed bag as far as the good and the bad are concerned, you will have to decide what is important to you when traveling.

The Weather (average Temperature 54F/39F)

This might be the biggest reason to avoid Paris in November. According to this site here it rains about 10 days out of the month with the remainder usually being cloudy. I can confirm this. The temperatures usually hover around the 50s during the day, colder at night. To me this isn’t all that bad since I like cooler weather, it certainly beats a scorching hot Summer. Yet, it was the type of cold that I do not like since it is wet, bone chilling at times.

The rain is what took away from my experience the most. They weren’t kidding when they said November is one of the wettest months. Now, mind you I was only there three days, but it was three days of on and off rain. Our first night, we almost needed to canoe to our restaurant. Other times weren’t so bad. Luckily, we were able to get to the Eifel tower when it was dry, but for the most part we were drenched walking the streets. I like strolling in a city, that is how you get a feel for it, rain certainly will take away from the experience.

One other thing to consider is Paris in November has less daylight. Since you were born on planet earth this might not be a shock to you. Still, it is something to consider, less sunlight means it cools faster. Paris is beautiful at night, that is if the rain isn’t blocking the views.

Things to Do

Like every month in Paris, you should walk around when you can. As mentioned, the weather in Paris is unpredictable. If your trip is anything like mine, you will spend most of your time either dodging raindrops or inside. Lucky for you Paris has some amazing museums (assuming you like Museums).

The Louvre is a must. You don’t go to Paris without seeing the Mona Lisa, might as well skip the Eifel tower as well. Just a warning, she is an unimpressive wench, but you need to see her anyway. The other exhibits are fantastic, the Louve is one of those bucket list museums for art and history lovers. It is a perfect way to spend a rainy day in Paris. Other museums like Musée d’Orsay, are also available, but I just had three days in Paris, and I had to eat.

Speaking of which the food in Paris is outstanding, I will get deeper into that in other posts. Eating and drinking always seem to be a great way to spend a wet day. I sat at a bar outside for over an hour and killed part of a rainy night. That was one of the more relaxing evenings I have had when traveling. You should try a lot of different foods in most cities, but when visiting Paris bring your sweatpants. Kidding, we Americans are already getting looked at like there is something wrong with us, do not give Parisians any ammunition!

A little planning goes a long way. We all have super computers in our pockets, you can easily time when the weather is good. Take that time to go for a walk or jump on a hop on hop off bus. Yes, I know they are for tourists, but I still like them. Plus… I was a tourist on this trip.

The Crowds

I do not have much to compare it to, but they say Paris is a lot less crowded in November than the more popular months. I can confirm that I was not overwhelmed with people. Not sure if that was the rain or the lack of visitors, but it was not a hassle. That is not to say the city was empty. There were still major lines at the Louve and Eifel tower. Still, I could breathe as opposed to Tokyo, (or even Madrid) in which I felt overwhelmed at times.

I would say Paris did not feel touristy, even in the tourist spots. No one selling selfie sticks, a few trinket salesmen, but not many. It felt authentic. This may be due to the fact that November in Paris is the low season, possibly all the grifters have gone home. I think it is fair to say that November in Paris is emptier than in other months.

Expense

Lower Crowds and the off season naturally translate to a lower cost to visit Paris. Although the cheapest months are December through February, you should be able to find some decent deals in November. Having said this the city was still not cheap on my stay.

Airfare was better and is always cheaper in the offseason. My Flight was less than $1000 to Madrid, then just $200 more to Paris. You always have to time it right, these days it is difficult to find a good deal.

As for the hotel, I searched high and low and found a good, not great hotel in Paris for around $230/night. Whether or not you consider that cheap depends on how you travel, but it was more expensive than anything I dealt with precovid. Paris is an expensive city, traveling in the offseason will allow you to do it for less.

It is Still Paris

Regardless, what the weather and temperature are like you are still in Paris, and Paris is an amazing city. I am not going to feel bad for you if you “have to” be in Paris in November. The art, the food, the culture, I believe it would be hard not to have a good time there.

Yes, rain can be annoying, but do not let it detract from your trip. You are in one of the premiere cities in the world, I assume you can make the very best of it.

Conclusion: How is Paris in November

Whether you would want to travel to Paris in November depends a lot on your personal preferences. I would rather have a little rain than 90-degree heat with a ton of tourists all around me. Yes, there may be better months to visit, but I still would be shocked if you had a bad time visiting Paris in November.

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If I were to give an honest review of the Grand Tulum Riviera in Playa Riviera, I will say the following. It is probably a nice enough resort for what you get. Less expensive than most, but really nothing to draw me to the place. The fact that it was more of a family spot than an Adult only establishment further hampered my enjoyment.

The Grand Tulum Riviera Maya in Playa Riviera is what it is. A resort, which offers what resorts do and nothing more. Lying around drinking cheap booze among tourists is all one does here. Not a lot that I loved or even liked about this spot, and I certainly wouldn’t go back, yet I feel some people will enjoy it. After all it did get a decent score on the various hotel sites. Let me break down this review of the Grand Tulum Riviera by room, food, atmosphere, and the beach.

The Room at the Grand Tulum Riviera

No Review of the Grand Tulum Riviera would be complete without looking at the room first. It was adequate, no more no less. First the positives, the room was a nice size. It had two bathrooms in it, which is much more than I needed having only one arse. Still in case I took a soccer mom home from the karaoke bar one night (and we both ate bad shrimp) I am sure it would have been appreciated. Also, if you are a couple going to a resort, like most people it might be beneficial. I also had a full living room and a separate bedroom.

The balcony was nice, although I think I got lucky with my view. Some people’s balcony faced the walkway, but mine overlooked a garden. I got to see a bunch of strange animals from my room, which is always interesting. It was a great place to drink one of the free beers they gave you in the fridge.

Speaking of which, the fridge was a complaint of mine, it is supposedly stocked, but with two beers and the bars closing early, I think they could do better. I was in a resort with free alcohol everywhere, two Dos Equis is stingy. Plus, I think there was one water and some soda, all of it felt cheap, especially for $250/night. I have been in hotels in Europe for $125/night that gave me free carafes of port (with refill).

The room although big was a little worn. It was nice in the sense that I didn’t see any bugs, it just needed a refresh. The couch was old and if you look closely, you can see signs of neglect. I get it, there are a ton of rooms, but still have standers. Overall, I would say that it was acceptable, just not mind blowing.

My room was a bit far from everything, there were trollies, but they didn’t come as frequently as I would like. It was just close enough to make taking the trolley a hassle. Besides, I wasn’t in a rush. That is all I have for my review of the Grand Tulum Riviera in terms of the room. To sum it up it was not bad, not great.

Review of the Grand Tulum Riviera: The Food

I think this was the worst part about the resort. The food was terrible, yet there was plenty of it. The combination of free and disgusting food is not a good one. I mentioned in my other post that all-inclusive resorts normally have terrible food, they took it to a new level. There were some bright spots, but not many.

I will begin with the “snack shops”, I tried to like these, I really did, they just made it so hard. The burger bar had the worst burgers on the planet. It was also swarmed with racoons, perhaps that was the meat? I am just asking the question because it didn’t taste like beef. The fries were equally disappointing they didn’t even make good drunk food. As a glutton for punishment, I tried their fish tacos, just mush, everything tasted awful at the snack bars. Not sure why the below guys kept showing up.

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Moving on to the petri dish of a buffet. Kids running everywhere, touching everything. In the seated area (inside) there were birds and racoon-like creatures roaming under the guests’ feet. Not to mention it was hard, if not impossible to get a drink or refill on your coffee. The only thing I liked was the omelet bar, not a lot of options but at least I know it was fresh and no kids’ grubby hands were on it. All I wanted was sushi when I got there. I had what they called Sushi and it was not satisfying. I know it is a buffet, but do you have to go out of your way to use low quality items?

My stay allowed me to receive one free meal “sit down” at the Grand Tulum Riviera. Depending on the length of your stay you get more. My choice was Japanese (to get my desired sushi), it was four courses and while better than the buffet it was still not a culinary destination. Probably getting sushi in Mexico was a stupid choice, but in my defense all the Mexican restaurants were booked. I did give the waiter a nice tip regardless and he proceeded to get me f*cked up with a full bottle of wine and a Tequila shot sampler. It is safe to say I can’t remember the whole night.

The Alcohol at Grand Tulum Riviera

As with most All-inclusive resorts the alcohol was free and yet I could not get drunk, except that one night. The drinks they made were so weak that a 10-year-old would complain. They had specialty cocktails served out of a coconut or pineapple, for $5, which had neither alcohol nor coconut in them. By the end I was switching to beer, which didn’t help my poolside body. How am I going to get the previously mentioned soccer mom into my room if I am bloated on beer? So yes, the alcohol is free, but they don’t put enough into the drinks, so it all worked out.

The Atmosphere

If I were to describe the atmosphere at this resort, I would say basic. It is connected to a couple of others in the same family, which I kind of wished I have visited. The pools were nice and clean, to me there weren’t enough bars in the hotel. Everything sort of screamed average. The atmosphere was fine, it felt like a resort you would see on a sit com or something.

There is a small shopping area that is part of this resort that I liked. You can get free drinks here as well; it was a nice way to break up the monotony of the hotel. The place just lacked character. It was crowded with tourists and didn’t have much substance to it. As mentioned all the rooms are clustered together which made it feel repetitive.

Other Amenities

I hit the gym one time and it was OK. I got scolded for not wearing a mask in the empty gym, even though people are packed together in all corners of the hotel. The equipment felt a bit old, and it did fill up somewhat fast, (hench the need for a mask) making it difficult to work out. This is why I only went once, if I wanted the planet fitness experience I would have stayed home.

In the center near the lobby there was a coffee bar that served drinks later in the afternoon. There was a live band singing the same old tired songs live bands always sing. Who wants to hear Brown Eyed Girl? Therefore, I passed. I didn’t go into the Dolphin exhibit either, they charged extra, and I wasn’t that interested in seeing a caged dolphin for a fee.

Service

How would I describe the service? Not very memorable. Not bad, just not great. The workers seemed overly busy which made it difficult to get help. I mentioned the buffet, I waited so long for a drink that I finally gave up and left. Coffee was the same problem. I guess the service wasn’t terrible, but I didn’t feel taken care of either.

The Beach

The most disappointing part of my stay at the Grand Tulum Riviera (besides the food) was the beach. I get that the hotel doesn’t own the gulf, but this beach was pathetic. This was a destination forced upon me, I didn’t do my normal research. I don’t know why I was expecting clear beautiful beaches, but that isn’t what I got.

The first thing I noticed was very few people were in the water (if any). For good reason. The floor is incredibly rocky, almost dangerous. The hotel set up some chairs along the side, but that is it. No beach bar, seaweed everywhere, I rather fill my bathtub up and throw some goldfish in, it would have been more pleasant. If you are going to the Grand Tulum Riviera for the beach, pick a better location… or country even.

Review of the Grand Tulum Riviera

Here ends my Review of the Grand Tulum Riviera. How would I rate it? Completely average and forgettable. It was nice because I was in a resort, but I was bored and underwhelmed. Needless to say, I will not be recommending the Grand Tulum Riviera. My final score in this Review of the Grand Tulum Riviera: 5 out of 10

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More than most cities Rome has a lot of “must see attractions”. For example, you cannot go all the way to the Italian capital and not visit the Colosseum, even if you only have two days in Rome, some things are mandatory. Can you get to the major places to fill up your Instagram account with just two days in Rome? I would say yes, but you will have to hustle.

First things first, you need a plan. That includes where to stay on your trip and where to dedicate your precious time. As I write this it is difficult, Rome has so many beautiful things to see, 2 days in Rome is a tease. It will be enough time to realize why you need to go back and dedicate more days to this wonderful city. If I had to do two days in Rome, the below is the schedule I would use and the area I would make my home base.

First Things First: Where to Stay in Rome

I have only been to Rome one time, but I will say that I was extremely happy with my hotel and its location. The hotel I used was the HOTEL INDIGO Rome St. George, I have stayed at a Hotel Indigo a time or two around the world, this property was better than any others I have visited. The real gem of this hotel is the neighborhood, Trastevere.

The Trastevere neighborhood is worth visiting Rome for itself. I need to include exploring the area, even if you only have two days in Rome. Beautiful cobblestone streets, statues and fountains that are hundreds (if not thousands) of years old, it is what you expect Rome to be. Although popular it is a bit quieter than some of the other areas of Rome and is recommended as your home base. Since we have established where you should stay, let me begin with your two-day itinerary for Rome.

Two Days in Rome: Day 1

I am going to make some assumptions, that you have two full days in Rome and not 48 hours. There is a difference, but you can adjust this schedule however it suits you. You will want to hit some of the major things early, and quickly. Eating is optional in the morning, I recommend a pastry or sandwich, there are usually bakeries scattered around. Some hotel establishments offer a free breakfast, but I was never big on those, they are too cookie cutter for me.

Day 1: Morning Colosseum

As mentioned earlier, you need to see the Colosseum, it is the law when visiting Rome for the first time (not really). You only have 2 days in Rome, so set your alarm clock early. You can take a tour that lasts about three hours, or you can go it solo. Either way, just make sure you pay the extra money to skip the line. Time is more precious than money, you do not want to get there and have an hour wait. Of course, these days that is not likely.

I personally would just buy the skip the line ticket and go on my own. You can purchase a self-guided tour that will give you some of the history. The Colosseum is a must visit, but I was not enthralled with it. I liked it yes, but it is not worth three hours plus travel time a tour will take when you only have two days in Rome. Pop in, look around, learn some history and leave. It is time to eat. If you do nothing else, please follow this piece of advice…Do not Eat near the Colosseum, it is a waste of money and hunger.

Lunch: Wine, Cheese and Prosciutto

The restaurants near any tourist site are going to be twice as expensive and a third as good. They will be easy to spot, someone who is not of Italian descent will be attempting to usher you into their eatery. A better bet is to find a nice wine bar or small pasta guy. Surprisingly enough I was not overall thrilled with the food in Rome, but there were high points. Labottega Pastificio con Cucina Roma, which is right next to your hotel, is a great place to grab a quick (but authentic) pasta and keep moving. When I was there, he was open at 9:30am, looks like these days he opens at noon.

If you want to sit down and grab some wine (you are in Rome after all) there are great spots all over the area. My go to was Vino Olio, near the hotel in Trastevere. Just be careful, you only have a limited time in Rome… I spent many hours just enjoying the delicious bread and buffalo Mozzarella while sipping on some of the best wine of my life.

The Pantheon

The good news is you knocked out the Colosseum, the bad news is you are about 25% through your 2 days in Rome. My goal is to get some quick wins. You will be on foot most of the day, mainly because there is no better way to explore this city. The Pantheon was my favorite site in Rome, this beautiful building is about a 15-minute walk from the aforementioned Trastevere neighborhood.

The Pantheon is a newer building, it burnt down in a fire in 80AD and was rebuilt in 116AD, making it less than 2000 years old, practically a baby! It is located right next to the Piazza della Rotonda, you can kill two birds with one stone, seeing both the Pantheon and the famous Fontana del Pantheon. If you have time, grab some wine and just suck in the atmosphere. Like the Colosseum, stay away from the food in this area, although it is hard to mess up prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella. You will see a steady increase in tourists in this spot as well as the next few places I will lead you.

Spanish Steps

Go another 15-minutes on foot North (well North east) and you will come across the Spanish steps. Built in 1723 these steps were built to link the Bourbon Spanish Embassy, and the Trinità dei Monti church. I would not say these were amazing, in other cities they would be, but when compared to the rest of Rome, the monument is almost average. Still they are a quick thing to knock off your list of things to do in two days in Rome.

A word of caution, you will notice an increased collection of selfie sticks and restaurants with English tourist menus. The area is crowded with visitors, almost overwhelmingly, or at least it usually is during non-apocalyptic years. Maybe you will not want to eat around here, but gelato is generally good in Rome. Just be careful and avoid the places where it is piled up to the sky, that is fake gelato. After hanging around the Spanish steps and getting your photos, it is onto your next destination.

Trevi Fountain

Another quick must see in an overly touristy area is the Trevi Fountain. As luck would have it both the Spanish Steps and the Trevi fountain were closed when I visited Rome years ago. I was able to see both, just not fully experience them. It is my hope your luck is better, in this year there is no telling. Finished in 1762 it is one of the more well-known fountains on the planet. The design is beautiful, if you can wade through the millennials taking selfies, it is worth the struggle. Ok, you saw it and you only have 2 days in Rome…keep moving! Once again, we are venturing off on foot.

The Roman Forum

I realize I have you walking a lot, but there is a method to my madness. One of the most historically significant sites, the Roman Forum is a must stop on any visit to Rome. The Roman Forum dates to 500BC and was a center of Roman activity. It was used by many Romans as a place for public announcements, public affairs, criminal trials, a marketplace and even gladiator matches. Julius Caesar himself expanded the area when it became too crowded.

If you are a history nut like me, this is mandatory on your two days in Rome. The area is stocked with museums and buildings to explore. So much of it was in relatively good shape, it makes me wonder why I cannot get a house that does not start to fall apart after three years. I imagine you have seen enough for today and tomorrow will be busy as well so I will give you some ideas as to how to spend your night.

Dinner/First Night in Rome

As mentioned, you are going to want to stay clear of any restaurant that is close to a major attraction. Rome unfortunately is full of tourist traps; you will need to do some digging to find a good place. So many spots have closed this year and I would be dishonest if I said I could accurately recommend a restaurant. Your best bet is to find a nice, highly rated trattoria. I never had a bad meal in a trattoria, they are non-formal Italian eateries, usually family run. Whatever you do, have it picked beforehand so you do not waste too much time. At night stroll the neighborhood of your hotel, grab some wine and relax, it was a long day!

Two Days in Rome: Day 2

I wish I can tell you there will be less walking, but I would be lying. Rome has a lot to see and you were the one who only allotted 2 days in Rome. Your first stop is not technically in Rome, hell it is not really in Italy at all…that would be Vatican City.

Vatican City

Vatican City is big, I mean it is a city after all. You can easily spend a full day here and not see all of the grounds. There are what I consider “must sees” when visiting this Catholic city. It is recommended that you get a tour, you will save yourself a lot of headaches and wasted time. Many tours last 9-hours, but I recommend the 4-hour tours since you have limited time in the area. Make sure the tour you choose has the following stops.

St Peter’s Basilica

My tour brought me to St. Peter’s Basilica closer to the end. After a description of the building I was able to walk around freely. This building is home to the famous la Pieta statue (seen above). This is the nicest church I have ever seen, which makes sense since it is where the Pope is located. As a side, do not bother dipping your wedding rings into the holy water, it does not prevent divorce.

Sistine Chapel

No arguing, you need to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece. It is stunning and historical, but there were some things that surprised me. First, no talking… and the guards are anal about this. Secondly, no photos, which I did anyway (then lost the pictures). The most famous panel, the Vatican Palace, is a lot smaller than you would imagine. The Sistine Chapel is why you dedicate 25% of your two days in Rome to the area.

Vatican Museums

Surprisingly enough one of the richest, oldest, and most powerful organizations in the world has an amazing art collection. This is where a tour is both good and bad. Tours show a lot, but I found myself running past priceless artwork from Michelangelo and Raphael. They bring you to the best spots, but you barely have time to appreciate it. Still the Vatican museums are heaven for any history or art lover.

The Vatican is huge and if you are lucky the Pope will be giving a mass when you are visiting. Even if you aren’t, there is so much art it is breathtaking. To me one of the reasons to travel is to experience history, the Vatican City does this in ways you cannot even imagine. If you do not like this area, we cannot be friends.

Lunch

Given the time you spent walking, you will probably want to sit down. Rinse and repeat the lunch from the previous day. I personally love wine and I love Buffalo Mozzarella so that would be my late afternoon snack (again). Your tastes are different I am sure. You will also want to get some gelato on the way to your next stop. The road leading up to the Castel Sant’Angelo had the best gelato of my trip.

Castel Sant’Angelo

A lesser known attraction in Rome, but still outstanding, is the Castel Sant’Angelo. The place is practically brand new, since it started in 135AD. It was originally commissioned by Emperor Hadrian, and later was transformed into a military fortress. A interesting tidbit is that in time it was connected to the Vatican so the Pope could escape if there was a war. This is exactly what happened in 1527, when the pope used it as a refuge.

Ok, enough history lessons, why should you see it? Well it is awe inspiring. The building itself is like a maze and it is interesting to see how old forts were set up hundreds of years ago. Get all the way to the terrifying top and see some amazing views of the city as well as the Castel Sant Angelo angel which was put up in 139AD. This Castel truly embodies the history and art that is Rome.

Dinner:  La Pergola

You only have two days in Rome and one life so why not have a blowout meal to close things out? I did not visit this establishment, but it is on my bucket list. La Pergola is Rome’s only three Michelin star restaurant and widely regarded as worth every star. You hit this city hard…go out with a bang! Afterwards you can find a nice spot and drink wine until the sun comes up and you must go to your next city.

Other Attractions

If what I gave you did not have you running around enough, here are a couple of other things to fill your time. Rome is filled with various churches, relics, ruins, and museums. There is a reason why people spend more than 2 days in Rome, it is full of things to do and see.

1. Capitoline Museums – You can fit this in when visiting the Roman Forum, but it is not a quick walk. The Capitoline Museums has invaluable pieces of art such as the Capitoline wolf (I have a weird thing for this piece) among other works. If you like museums and have some extra time, look for the Capitoline museum.
2. Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli – A small, somewhat empty church that is a bit out of the way. It may seem like just another church in Italy (which in it of itself is not a small deal), but it houses one of the most unique relics I have witnessed, the chains that held Saint Peter. There also happens to be Michelangelo’s statue of Moses in this church, among other amazing artworks. It really packs a lot in for a small church.
3. Villa Borghese – If you like a little green with your ancient relics hit up the Villa Borghese, the third most popular park in Rome. The Villa Borghese is a beautiful grounds with a lot to do. It may be tight for your two days in Rome, but if you can find the time it is worth it.

Conclusion: 2 Days in Rome: A Rome Itinerary

Look at some old things, walk around, eat…. look at more old things, this is your itinerary for Rome. The above are the major attractions I would hit if I only had two days in Rome. The city is beautiful, and you will be tired, maybe next time you devote a bit more time to the city many consider the birthplace of civilization. Rome is both great and disappointing, the history is amazing, but the tourists are usually plentiful. When things open again, maybe it will not be so crowded, and you can enjoy your two days in Rome!

The post Two Days in Rome: A Loose Itinerary appeared first on Man in Flight.

Everyone has a slightly different definition as to what constitutes a staycation, for me it is a vacation out of your home or hometown. You are taking time off work and treating it like an actual vacation. Sitting on the couch watching T.V. for a week to me is not a Staycation, that is just wasting time. You need to get out and try something new. Novelty is key when it comes to travel (read more about this here). The goal is to create a different atmosphere in or near your home.

With a little thought you can transform not only these tough times into a great staycation atmosphere, but any time you want to get away without leaving your hometown. Below are my 15 best staycation ideas for couples.

1. Bring the Vacation to Your Home (with a little help)

If you want to you can transform your house into a vacation spot and make a night of it. With a few tweaks you can turn your house into a romantic staycation destination. First, hire a maid service to clean your entire home. You have cleaning people while away, so it makes sense to do this during your staycation. If you look hard enough you can even have someone leave mints on your pillows and turn your towels into a swan sculptor.

For dinner hire a private chef to cook an extravagant meal, preferably from a place you never have been. A four-course feast from a cook that specializes in Chinese may make you feel like you are in Beijing. If room allows, set up a romantic bartender and band in your backyard. If you cannot go away, spend a night or two making your home feel less like your home and more like a destination. I understand money could be an issue, but you are saving cash on airfare! This will take a bit of planning, but when coming up with staycation ideas for couples, turning your house into a romantic destination is a good place to start.

2. Spend the Night at an Expensive Hotel

This is dependent on where you live, most of us have at least one really nice hotel within 25 minutes of our home. Why not spend a night or two enjoying a 5-Star establishment? Many have spas, a pool, room service, etc. You can hide away in the hotel for two days and forget that a pandemic is even occurring (you must keep the T.V. and internet off).

Of course, this works even in normal times. It will be surprising how much it feels like you are away just by spending a night out of your house, even if it is right down the road. Once again money can be an issue, but this is a staycation, which has to take the place of a real vacation.

3. Be A tourist in Your Own Town

This works a lot better if you live in a major city not a small town with only a traffic light and a peach stand. It always surprises me how many people have not explored the area where they live. I am from Long Island, 45 minutes from New York city, yet I did not visit the Empire State building until after I moved to North Carolina. I hear this all the time, no locals go to XYZ, it is for tourists.

Well strap on the fanny pack, grab your partner it is time to start exploring. Most likely there are at least three things you never have done in your town. It does not have to be as big as the Statue of Liberty. Find some weird museum you never knew was there or go to a park on the opposite side of town. A simple search of “things to do in X” will show you what you have not seen. String a bunch of these together and you may be shocked about how little you know about your own area. Do not forget to buy the refrigerator magnet from any local venders that are still on the street.

4. Expand Your Radius

Maybe this is pushing the definition of staycation, but you should be able to hop in the car and drive to the next town or city over. I am not saying drive to the Grand Canyon (unless you live near the Grand Canyon), just that you should expand your radius maybe 30 miles or so.

By doing this you will find a lot of unexpected treats. Remember the purpose is novelty, seeing a different area will help you to find a novel experience. It is strange how different it can feel just 45 minutes out from your home. Here in Charlotte, a 20-minute ride from the center of the city to the outskirts results in a whole new experience. Take a map and make a circle of anything that is 30 miles away or so, see what you find. Maybe find a hotel in this area. Is it still a staycation? Given it is my website, I say yes.

5. Google Wineries Near You

This is one of my favorite staycation ideas for couples, because sometimes a man just needs a drink. There are a surprising number of wineries close to most areas of the United States. Even if the wine is not great, I cannot remember having a bad time at a winery. There are certainly wineries that I cannot remember, but that is beside the point.

Grab an Uber, spend the day drinking wine and relaxing. After you have had your fill hit a local hotel. Many wineries have hotels close by or even on the premises. If you cannot find a winery, a distillery or even good brewery might suffice. Just make it a place you do not visit often, preferably big enough to make a half-day out of it.

6. Go to an Expensive Spa

When it comes to staycation ideas for couples, spas are great alternatives. If we are to be honest, almost all women love spas. If we are being really honest, men love them as well. Come on, a massage, a steam room, maybe a jacuzzi, what is there not to love. Look for a good one, someplace that you can spend at least three hours pampering her (and yourself) in. You may come out as a different person. Of course, this is all dependent on spas being open where you live.

7. Explore Nature

Hiking is a great couple’s activity with the added bonus of built in social distancing. One good thing about hiking trails is that they are pretty much everywhere. You may have to drive to hit some, but they are out there. Even New York has Central park, which has almost 60 miles of trails. Getting outside and back to nature helps us deal with the stress that is going on around us.

A couple of more staycation ideas for couples in regard to nature. How about a picnic in the park? Grab a bottle of wine (check local laws) a blanket, maybe some good cheeses and make it romantic. If you live near the water, have a boat take you out. You and your partner can enjoy fishing or just being out in the quiet. Clearly this only works if you are near the water (sorry Nevada).

8. Plan a Food and Drink Tour

This is my favorite of the 15 staycation ideas for couples, although it may take a little planning. Find an area (or two) around town that has a group of restaurants within walking distance and hit them all. Unless you are me, you may just want to have a couple of apps at each place and move on, or you will get full quickly. I recommend doing this in a completely new part of town or at places you have never been before.

Most cities have an area with a couple of Vietnamese or hipster places all lined up in a row. Just get online and give yourself a loose roadmap as to which spots you will hit. If you live in a smaller area, with few places close to each other, Uber is your friend, especially if you are drinking.

9. Lock the Door and Throw Away the Key

These are staycation ideas for couples, so you can do what couples do. Go into your room, close off the world. Have a couple of bottles of Champaign in there, have meals delivered and just enjoy the quiet time. The key is not to find your way back to the couch or the laundry. You need to make a conscious effort to keep it a staycation and not an ordinary day (with chores etc..). Therefore I recommend closing off the rest of the house and lounging in bed with each other all day. As a side, keep the TV off as long as possible.

10. Camp in Your Back Yard

Have a tent? No… buy one on Amazon here. If you have a backyard, turn it into a campsite for a night. This is a fun way to stay at home while still feeling like you are away. Trick is to not go inside for a certain amount of time. Well, I am not saying pee in the bushes, so go inside for that…but spend the night in the (hopefully) quiet and enjoy your home and partner. Just be careful not to freak out the neighbors with a campfire.

11. Attend a Class

I like this idea because it combines learning something new and time with your significant other. There are a ton of different classes out there (of course some may be on hold for now). Still there are many online group classes where you can learn a new skill. You can also tailor this to a place you want to visit in the future. Learn German if you want to visit the country. Maybe learn about Italian wines if you plan on visiting Italy after the world stops ending. There are a lot of different avenues to take, to at least prep you for future travel.

12. Turn a Section of Your House or Backyard into a Vacation Spot.

This tip could cost you some money, but if you do not think you will be traveling soon then turning your home into a getaway can pay off for years. It could be something large like adding a pool or jacuzzi to your backyard or something smaller like transforming a unused bedroom into a game room or bar. Make it a place where you can get away from it all while not going farther than your driveway. You will be surprised how much enjoyment one gets by just transforming their home into a mini vacation area. Yes, one of the more expensive staycation ideas for couples, but hopefully it will be a place of relaxation far after we need to take staycations.

13. Have a Night of Luxury

Speaking of expensive staycation Ideas for couples, why not have a blowout night of luxury. Rent a ridiculously nice sports car or take a limo around town. Go to the most expensive restaurant in your area and go nuts. Cap the night with a place that serves $22 drinks on top of any rooftop. Even if you do not feel like you are on vacation, most likely your wallet will!

14. Try a Scavenger Hunt or Escape Rooms

I have always loved escape rooms, they are a very entertaining way to burn off a hour or two and they are a great way to bond with your partner. Or they may cause you to want to kill each other because you are stuck in a room together and trying to work on something. Just know you most likely will not win unless you are both Stephen Hawking.

Scavenger hunts can be fun as well. I am guessing there are websites in most major cities that can help you plan one. If not, get a reliable friend to make something up, it is a great way to do a new activity around your hometown.

15. Combine Multiple Things on this List

All these ideas can work on their own, but what if you combined them? If you started your day with a breakfast from a unique restaurant… then checked into a hotel with a Spa. Have a blowout dinner at night, the next day take a limo to a foodie tour or winery. Come back and chill in your hotel using the pool and other amenities. You would feel like you are on vacation. Yes, this will cost some money, but so does any vacation.

You can also combine things at home. Lock yourselves in your room during the day and go camping or hire a personal chef at night. Just be creative and treat your time off like an actual vacation, not just a day at home.

Additional Staycation Ideas for Couples

Turn Off Anything Work Related: I wrote about how people waste their PTO in this article here. This can be especially tempting to do when you are home instead of being away. Some A-hole might ask you to respond to an email or call you, before you know it you spent your staycation basically at work. Avoid this by turning off your phone and computer, unless you are a doctor or fireman, the world can live without you for a day or two.

Go Someplace New: Novelty is the name of the game here, go someplace different Going out to eat at the same restaurant you visit weekly is not a staycation, it is just your routine. Travel is about mixing it up, so make an attempt to do this. This also includes hanging out with friends, these are staycation ideas for couples, concentrate on your partner.

Ignore all Chores: Clean up after yourself sure, but we do not do laundry or vacuum the house on vacation. You could hire someone to do this, if not just ignore the mess. Concentrate on your partner not your daily routine.

Conclusion: Staycation Ideas for Couples

Times are tough, the idea is to mix it up to make you feel like you are away. You will not be able to replace a trip to Sicily (read more about my experience here). I lost a lot of trips due to the current situation, and it hurts, but that does not mean I give up any hope of travel. Use your imagination, you may find you will have more fun than you realized.

The post 15 Staycation Ideas for Couples appeared first on Man in Flight.

The purpose of writing this travel wish list is twofold. First, I hope to provide inspiration to those (at a future date) that will be traveling again. Secondly, if someone has done something on my travel wish list, tell me if it is worth my time and money. I plan on hitting every nook and cranny of this world before I leave it. I just want to prioritize the best things first. Below is my personal bucket list as it stands currently.

As a side, a lot has changed in my personal life due to the Covid gods. My financial situation, physical health, and relationships all took a hit (by a nuclear bomb). This travel wish list reflects my new desires, as well as some of my older aspirations.

1. Jaco Beach, Costa Rica

As a soon to be single man, what better place to start than Jaco Beach, Costa Rica. I know what you are thinking, he is back to his old tricks again, like in this post regarding Thailand here. While I cannot deny I may indulge in certain behaviors if the opportunity presents itself, this is not my only (or main) motivation. Right now, that kind of activity is not in my realm of thought.

Funny thing, I never was much of a beach person. This last 3 months and the months that are sure to follow make me want to sit by the water with a cold beer in hand. Jaco has a lot to offer besides lounging, there are surf lessons, crocodile tours, Zip lining in the rain forest. The rain forest is the biggest draw for me. There are also casinos and poker houses…this just seems like a guy’s trip and I do not have to travel 23 hours like Thailand. The first place on my travel wish list has been picked to just get away from it all and get a bit crazy.

2. Great Wall, China

This one may be a bit of a pipe dream for now. The United States and China are not exactly on the best of terms. Whether or not you can see the site from space is irrelevant, the Great Wall is just one of those childhood travel bucket list items. From the time I was a little kid The Great Wall of China was an awe-inspiring destination. The history, the size, it is the perfect excuse to visit China. That is if we ever can visit China again.

3. Grand Canyon, U.S.A

Pack up the station wagon and grab the 2.5 kids we are heading to the Grand Canyon. This fell on my travel wish list because no self-respecting travel blogger should have missed the Grand Canyon. To be fair I have flown over the Grand Canyon more times than I can count, but that is not the same. Unless I can die from taking a selfie, I do not consider myself a visitor to the Grand Canyon. There is a bonus of it being in the United States, so I do not have to worry about travel restrictions.

4. Swim in a Shark Cage, South Africa

Yeah, this seems sane, and not something I thought of when I was plowing through a bottle of bourbon. I want to get into a cage in freezing cold water and let Great Whites try to eat me through this cage. I have seen video of people doing this and it looks terrifying. So why not? I feel if I do this, I do not have to sky dive to prove my courage. I would rather get eaten by a shark than fall to my death. Thank god for Covid, right now I am just talking Sh*t

5. Eiffel Tower, France

This might seem like another one of those basic things, but I just never have gotten around to see Paris. After visiting Rome, I try to avoid the more popular tourist destinations. I find too many of them to be expensive and mostly overhyped. Regardless, my goal is to plan a larger trip with Paris as one of the stops as soon as all of this clears up. Any proper travel blogger should at least try and go to the Eiffel tower. I will have a croissant and a smile and move on. Something inside me just knows this will be a disappointment, but I must do what I have to do.

6. Fly First Class to Singapore

It is not so much as I want to see Singapore, although I do, just not a great need. The thought of flying first class to this destination will be amazing. My former editor told me her story of being in a private pod for the 20-hour flight. Every once in a while, there would be a knock on her door to taste what the chef whipped up. I can get used to that. A bonus to having your own pod means no need to social distance. When I can swing this, it may be one of those flights that they will have to peel me out of.

7. Jerusalem, Israel

It may be time to make amends with my creator after some of the partying I plan to do. What better place to do this than the holy land? Jerusalem is one of my top three bucket list destinations. The country has always fascinated me. The food, the history, the people, everything seems amazing. Let me know in the comments if you have been and what to expect. I cannot think of a better place to find peace than the birthplace of Christianity (and many other religions). This is why Jerusalem falls to the top of my travel wish list.

8. See Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

One of the “New 7 Wonders” according to some. I have never been to South America; we had our reasons as a couple to avoid the continent. Now those reasons are in the past, so I can go to Brazil. I have technically seen one Christ the Redeemer, but it was in Lisbon (read my review of the city here). I want to lay eyes on the original, while simultaneously seeing Brazil. Maybe it is a check the box kind of thing, but I want to do it all the same. Unfortunately, these days Covid is making Brazil just as difficult to travel in as the United States.

9. Singita Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania

I had plans before the great Covid gods have forsaken us to go to South Africa and stay on a nature reserve. There was a river where you can see the hippos and the crocodiles chowing away from the balcony of your hotel room. I was excited at the opportunity to sit listening to the animals while drinking some brandy. Plus, I hear that hippos are really friendly and let you ride them (this is a joke, please do not ride the hippos!). Alas, the trip that was planned is no more. I vowed to do something like this and my research brought me to Tanzania. Since I am already going to South Africa to get eaten by sharks, might as well hit another country for the reserve.

10. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

While I have nature on my mind, let me hit the great barrier reef, I imagine the snorkeling in the Great Barrier reef must be fabulous. Really, I am trying to find a good reason to go to Australia. I know, I know, everyone always wants to go, but I never had a great desire. The people look great, it just reminds me too much of America. If I am traveling 20 + hours I want to land someplace strange and unfamiliar. Now if I go snorkeling, I can knock off a continent, country, and experience off my list in one foul swoop. If you are reading this tell me the country is worth a day of my life in a tin box!

11. Have a Pint in Ireland

The Irish just look like they are always having a good time and from what I hear they are some of the nicest people on the planet. This item on my travel wish list is one of the easier ones to accomplish. Once the world stops burning, I will hop on a plane and take a week when given the chance. Ireland looks like a beautiful place, and everyone I have spoken to has loved it. So, the food might not be the best in the world…this is what beer is for.

12. Taj Mahal, India

Call this another check mark, but it must be done. India has never been one of those places that screams for me to visit it. This is exactly why I should go. Sometimes your best trips are from places you least expect them. Even if I do not particularly like the area, at least I can see one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world. If anyone has visited this site, I would love to hear more about it. I trust readers more than I trust random websites. So please leave a comment below.

13. Eat A Katz Pastrami Sandwich, New York

I know, low hanging fruit…I mean up until a few months ago ridiculously low hanging fruit. I am probably the only person to grow up in the state of New York and not have visited Katz deli. I have had yokals from Ohio tell me how great their sandwiches are, yet it escapes me. Funny thing is, I love pastrami and I visit New York often. At first part of me thought it was a tourist trap. Then I was always so full on soup dumplings I could not eat there...(read more about my trip to New York here). Whatever my “reason” I am a poor excuse for a New Yorker for not visiting Katz.

14. Eat My Way Through San Sebastián, Spain

When it comes to food cities, San Sebastián is rumored to be one of the best in the world. Ever since I saw an episode when Anthony Bourdain visited, I have been wanting to go. I love Spain in general, this city in particular has some of the best restaurants in the world. It seems the area is both well known and underrated, which is nice. I will be able to eat some of the best food of my life and avoid tourists.

15. Disappear for a Week (or longer) in Montana

I am planning a trip now, where the end of the destination will be Montana. I do not think I will spend a week just there, but at least I can see the state and know if I want to keep this on my travel wish list. The idea of just turning it all off appeals to me greatly. There is too much noise today. The world is ending, I am continuously reminded of my own life unraveling. I just want to be immersed in the quiet. A place where I am not being notified of every email and news story. The more I write this, the more I realize I am going to take this trip sooner rather than later.

16. Angeles city, Philippines

Ahhh, back to the old me for now. I have heard things about this city, just amazing things. After listening to wonderful, great tales of the Philippines and I am ready to jump back into it. Well, not now, but in a year or two I should be mentally ready. This trip is dependent on how my life rolls out. It looks like it is rolling that way, so I am ready for the debauchery and fun.

17. Machu Picchu, Peru

I love a good hike and Machu Picchu, Peru might be one of the world’s best. This trip was in a couple of my top two choices, yet I always seemed to choose the other choice. From the looks of it, there is not much to dislike about this adventure. The history is amazing. The views are beautiful, and I am immersed in nature. I will even get the opportunity to eat a guinea pig or two, how can anyone pass this up!

18. Pyramids, Egypt

Another must see in the world in my humble opinion are the Pyramids of Egypt. The Great Pyramid of Giza as it is officially called is one of the seven wonders of the world. The original, not all the new lists that come out (and mentioned earlier). These pyramids are another must for any self-respecting travel blogger, therefore they make my travel bucket list.

19. Forbidden City, China

Another travel wish list item to China, where the U.S. does not have the best relationship. The Forbidden City is a palace complex in central Beijing, China. China has fascinated me for a long time (hence it is on this list twice). I never visited the country. I did sprint through an airport in Beijing, I do not think that counts. Maybe it is just the word Forbidden in the title, but I want to see this site.

20. Get New Pieces of Art from All The Places I Visited

This one is personal. Whenever visiting a place, we would pick up art work from the area. Usually something local, it reminded me of that moment and the day whenever I saw it. The little café we were in when we saw the picture from Rome. The street vender in Lisbon selling sketches way too cheaply. It brings me back to that time. Well, when you and your travel partner go your separate ways things have to be divided up. In my case it was all divided one way, but the painting from Prague. I will not let myself lose all the memories from these wonderful places, therefore I am going back to each and grabbing some more art for myself.

Travel Bucket List Places To Revisit

Besides, strictly for art, there are some places I want to double down on because I loved them so much. Call them repeat travel wish list items. The three places below top my list of areas I want to return.

Pattaya, Thailand

Again, read my full review here, this is just a place for me to cut loose. As mentioned, a man needs to go crazy every once and a while, it is good for his soul. Thailand did that for me the first time, and I expect to get similar results.

Santorini, Greece

The most beautiful place I have ever visited. The food was amazing, I could stare out into the Mediterranean for hours. Maybe one of the happiest weeks of my life, just from everything that the island had to offer. It is a definite revisit. If you have not gone, put it on your travel wish list. Read about my trip to Santorini here.

Palermo, Sicily

While you are at it, put Sicily on your list. This is real Italy, Rome was Disney land, so was the Amalfi coast. Sicily felt real, the food was amazing, the people were awesome. Palermo is my favorite city in the world. I have two posts that you can read to get more information about Sicily here and one about safety here. This city may very well be my home base one day. If you are making your travel wish list, consider Sicily.

Conclusion: Travel Wish List

This is just a start, I realize I left a lot off but if I hit all these places, combined with the countries I have already visited it is a rather good life. Most likely I will update this list and hopefully make an entirely new travel bucket list. For now, I am ready to hit the road…if we only did not have a worldwide pandemic. If you have seen something on the list, please tell me about it!

The post My Travel Wish List -20 Bucket List Travel Ideas appeared first on Man in Flight.

When I heard there was a new country that was now bordering the United States, I knew it had to be my next destination. I whipped open TripAdvisor to find the best hotels and flights for this mysterious place. I was a bit confused to find no information, my guess is the country is so new there was not a lot of data on it. Expedia also did not have any direct flights to Chaz, I am guessing their airport is not up and running just yet. Luckily, (Seattle intl.) is a close by alternative. The resourceful nature of CHAZ residents will have their airport running smoothly soon.

One advantage-it seems that Chaz is the only country in the world not affected by Covid-19. While we in America can’t go to the gym, they are having a 24-hour drug filled block party! These one-semester Berkley hippies are so advanced that they did in days what the rest of the world still can’t…stop the disease that is ravishing the planet. So much so that CNN, who once called protestors Covid idiots, is now praising this dreamland. Just one of the many reasons to visit this utopia!

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Currency Exchange

I wasn’t sure what the currency was of this great nation, so upon arrival I looked for the currency exchange booth. I was directed to a Chick Fil a (that was a test, it was a Sonic, Chick Fil A is not allowed within their borders) and handed the cashier a $20, I asked for Chaz dollars. I was given 5 cups of “the good ice” that was requested by many protestors. This could be bartered for any other good or service in CHAZ, especially the tofu steak stands that are scattered around the nation. I was also told I could use any form of edibles or just read from a copy of Das Kapital and I would have free access to all the resources this nation has to offer. I knew I had to act quickly to grab some accommodations before my currency melted. I felt pride already just being close to this nation…M.C.G.A. Amirite?? You can buy a Chaz currency printer from the Amazon link below.

The Good Ice

Immigration

As of now you do not need a passport to get into CHAZ, but that isn’t to say there is not an immigration “system” in place. Pulling up in the beautiful, police free country I am stopped by two heavily armed men. It is strange that a liberal paradise such as this has built a wall so fast it would make Trump turn a brighter shade of orange. For a police free zone, those heavily armed guards sure looked like they were in charge, but all they did was check my ID and ask questions. They did say that it was run Antifa, a group I assumed to be some sort of well known hot-yoga studio. They were perplexed as to who I was, but I promised to help them erect a statue of Greta Thunberg later on in the day so they would let me stay.

The Atmosphere

I always get a buzz when entering a new country, but Chaz had a Unique, but familiar buzz that I have not felt since college. Just by smelling the air, I was suddenly care free, and for some reason, an intense craving for Doritos and Devil Dogs engulfed me. Every one of my senses was on firing on all cylinders from this paradise. My ears heard the pitter patter of hacky sack, with a inordinate amount of Phish playing. Every once in a while, I heard “F- the police” whispered in the wind…ah paradise.

As for my eyes, I can only compare it to Rome. Rome is like a museum; art is around every corner. CHAZ also has art around every corner, but instead of beautiful religious relics, it was lovely boarded up shops along with misspelled, misaligned profanity on spray painted walls. This truly is the next coming of the Renaissance age.

It was so exciting to be in a place that embraced freedom of expression, speech, and thought, unlike here in the United States. As I walked past the Fox News reporter that was being curb stomped, I was eager to find my hotel.

Accommodations

One critique of the CHAZ hotel industry, the plush 5-star hotels you would expect from a hippie dreamland were not built yet. I had the choice between a 1-star tent or the back of a half-burned squad car. Some of the lucky ones were able to sleep in the People’s Stations, but you needed to have a two-inch beard (man or woman) in order to enter. I had to act quick, (since my currency was turning to soup), so I grabbed the first tent I could find. There were two well-nourished Hipsters going at it, but the didn’t mind me being there (I think they preferred it). Amenities were less than what I am used to in a hotel. The shared bathroom was in fact a porta-potty, that smelt of digested vegan hotdogs and sprouts. I could have also use the local tree, it was closer, but there was usually someone sleeping under it.

Things to Do

There was plenty of activities to keep me occupied during my stay. The list can go on and on, but below is what stood out.

Walking Tour

First thing in the morning, I make my way down to a walking tour. We were told to meet at the toppled statue, The girl leading the tour was hiding from financial companies due to the fact that she had three-hundred-thousand dollars of student debt from her advanced degree in Destroying Toxic Masculinity: Neuter them all. Most of the tour was of food trucks and the various artwork mentioned earlier. She was very versed in history, explaining how capitalism was the source of all evil (besides men). At the end of the tour, she made it clear that she worked really hard and deserved to be fairly compensated for the fruits of her labor.

The Botanical Gardens

Who knew that Berkley dropouts had such advanced botany skills? I never heard of the technique of just dumping a bunch of soil right on fully formed grass then planting kale and “herbs”; pure genius. I was assured that this is all that was needed to feed the entire community… this and the handouts from old guilty liberals and woke corporations. I do believe someone even planted an Impossible Whopper in hopes to get a plant based hamburger tree.

The People’s Station

The true highlight of CHAZ…the former police precinct. Who knew that all you have to do is get rid of the cops and the bad guys would turn into peaceful, caring people? I was allowed into this station on a temporary basis, but I had to give the rest of my good ice, which was mostly water anyway. I asked how they will stop crime and was told we don’t need the police to do that. If someone nefarious were to enter (most likely a Trump Supporter) to commit a crime, they will pray to the Care Bears who, upon arrival, will spread love and replace every crime with pure togetherness.

Local /Tourist Tensions

Whenever an area becomes too popular, there is always a push back from locals who live there and can’t handle change. Some complained that they could not drive down the road in their own neighborhood, while others said the patchouli perfume thickening the air was making them sick. After all the new citizens did for the former owners (capitalist pigs, really), like air out their shops by getting rid of those pesky windows, still old residents complained.

The good people who invented CHAZ are trying their best to help community relations. I was invited to a meeting with a local business owner as we asked for donations. My only job was to glare at him while rubbing the machete knife in my hand. After some gentle convincing (gut punches), he gave us all the money in the register and his complete stock of gummy bears.

Trying to Speak with Their Leader

I did attempt to speak with Raz Simone the incredibly famous rap star, whom no one has heard of, and the leader of this great nation. I don’t think there were elections, but who am I to speculate unsubstantiated about such a free land. Unfortunately, Chris Cuomo got there before me, and I assume he was tying Raz’s shoes. He was on his knees in front of him for a long while, so I guess there must have been a knot or something.

Conclusion

As of writing this I believe that CHAZ is being transformed into CHOP, but since when I was there it was CHAZ, that is what I will keep calling it. Maybe the world would be better off if we were all more like CHAZ. Every lawn with a big patch of dirt poured on it, every window a brick thrown through. A place where there is no need for the police, especially when you have anarchists’ claiming to be in charge. A place where free ideas are encouraged unless you disagree at all with the narrative, then they cancel you. A world where streets aren’t for driving, but for meditating and setting up conversation couches. CHAZ is so groundbreaking that these new residents don’t even need to work, they can be at this amazing street festival for weeks. I miss my time in CHAZ, but at least my eyes aren’t bloodshot anymore.

Like I said this is meant to add humor of the utter insanity that is going on in America. Regardless of how bad it seems it is probably still better than Charlotte (read my review here)!

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I will touch on the utter absurdity of this train of thought later, but I have been noticing a reoccurring trend, in which people are being chastised for wanting to see the world. Those who are too cowardly to travel, come up with new and exciting ways to “travel shame” the rest of us.

The desire to have others live by the standards of the average has been happening for years…(it’s why we have Applebee’s…). People being made to feel guilty for taking international excursions is nothing new, it has just been highlighted by the Covid-19 outbreak. Between environmentalists, social justice warriors, and even jealous coworkers, it is now suggested that travelers are somehow evil….

The “Rich” Caused the Spread of the Corona Virus

Stating that rich international travelers are responsible for the spread of this disease is not only wrong but is also meant to divide us. There is a constant game of class warfare that colleges and the media love to push, blaming the world’s problems on the well-off.

First, the entire premise of the article is irresponsible…and dishonest. The assumption that only the wealthy travel internationally is wrong. I personally know unemployed people who used nothing but credit card points and stayed in hostiles for years. Many people who live in the US (a melting pot of immigrants..) often just want to go home and visit their families…I am hardly ultra-wealthy myself, yet I have been to about 25 countries. International travel isn’t just a rich man’s game…but this article wants to shame you into staying at home because your “privilege” is causing a pandemic. Well, they can go #@# themselves.

Some of the poorest people in the world travel internationally. Look no further than the refugees in Europe or the immigrants in the United States that traveled through multiple countries in search of a better life. International travel is a class free endeavor, as is the writer of that article .

Contrary to what these justice warriors like to say, you are NOT perpetuating some kind of “inequality” by traveling. You are NOT spreading diseases and destroying the world either. International travel can’t and shouldn’t be stopped long term, especially because of a virus. Whenever something happens the blame game is all around us, and “rich” international travelers happen to make a convenient target.

You are Exploiting the People of the Country You Are Visiting

I touched on this in my article about tourists, many people say that over tourism is ruining local economies for the locals. Is there some truth to this? I would be the first to say, yes. Does this mean we should not travel to these locations? Of course not. You are not exploiting anyone simply by wanting to see the world. That isn’t to say there aren’t things you can do to help to kill the tourist traps and support more local establishments, but that isn’t really your job.

Let us not forget, it takes two to tango and many places rely heavily on the tourists that they serve. For every cart with cheap mugs and selfie-sticks, there is most likely a local behind it trying to make a living. It could be argued (because it is true) that you are doing more good than harm by traveling internationally.

I find it funny that the same people who love to talk about how closed-minded Americans are the same ones that travel shame us. How are people supposed to learn about other cultures if they don’t leave their front porch? Of course, if most Americans did this then these people wouldn’t be able to judge them for being closed minded, for the keyboard heroes stopping travel is a win-win.

Once again these “shamers” not only show their hypocrisy, but also their ignorance of the people they are supposedly helping. Destroying the lively hood of people in the name of “protecting them” has the opposite effect.

Flight Shaming

Since we now take our orders from a foreign teenager, people are now being” shamed” for flying. Apparently, the environmental impact of flying is going to cause the seas to boil and the ground to burn. In fact, we should be sitting under our beds with our solar powered nightlight, dimly lit, eating kale; do not go outside, you might step on a bug!

Does flying contribute to Co2 emissions? Of course, it does, but so do a lot of things. The people who “flight shame” will still drive to concerts, watch TV, go to Starbucks, and buy patchouli oil. Even the trucks that drive their kale to Whole Foods has an effect of the environment. Where do we draw the line as to what activities are acceptable and what are not? I am sure Greta will let us know.

As a side, I wonder what the end game is of these flight shamers? Do they want to put all the airlines out of business? I guess the thousands of workers in the aviation industry can open up vegan smoothie shops instead. Surely, we can help lower global warming without setting our technological advances back 100 years.

Your “Friends” and Coworkers

This is the “must be nice crew…the ones who are too cowardly to actually go anywhere. They will then turn around and guilt you like an Italian grandma who you forgot to call at Christmas for actually living your life. Some people may not be in a position to travel because of a temporary hardship. Others just set their lives up to fail and they can’t conceive of how you are able to see the world. Most can travel but have convinced themselves they can’t, because that is what is easier. Regardless of their situation, the motivation to shame you by some is the same: jealousy, contempt, and outright disrespect… but F’ck em.

No one has a right to guilt your life choices. You shouldn’t have to lower yourself, because co-workers can’t (or won’t) live the life they want. Travel isn’t for everyone because travel can be uncomfortable. When you see the world, you show them what they are too cowardly to be. Don’t live your life by another standards, live life by your own.

Conclusion

If you want to travel, travel…do not let anyone let you feel as if you are doing something wrong. This world is full of people who want you to live by the rules they set. Travel seems to be the target of the month for some of these wanna be crusaders. Live your life the way you want to and see the world…OK rant over!

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The town, which is located on the Amalfi Coast, was our first stop of three in Italy (Sicily, and Sorrento being the other two). On the surface Positano was beautiful, but not all that shines is silver (it cannot be compared to gold…unless you are amongst fools). Positano was like going on a date with a model only to find out she has a hairy back, webbed feet and a bad laugh…

Maybe it is just the way I travel, I like to explore, I love good food and I like to be a bit uncomfortable. Also, it is nice to get some deals on these activities, food and wine especially. Deals that are usually common around Europe. Positano had none of these qualities, in fact it represented everything I hate about travel, but first…

The One Thing I liked About Positano: The Views

I will keep this short, there is one thing that prevented this area from being a total train wreck. It is beautiful, deceptively so, it tricks you into thinking you are in paradise. Driving along the Almafi Coast you will see spectacular views. The large cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea were lined with expensive homes and hotels. I have always loved a good view and it is fair to say Positano had a lock on the 360 panoramic version of breathtaking scenes. When compared to Santorini, not so much, but there is no denying that it was still spectacular. Now that that, is out of the way, let me tell you why you shouldn’t go…

Reason #1) It is a Tourist Trap

Positano was about as authentic Italian as an Olive Garden in Utah. I like walking the streets and hearing the locals talk back and forth in Italian, and that is not what I heard. The main dialect was Becky from Georgia, asking where they can find spaghetti and meatballs. The area was almost entirely filled with Americans. The “locals” in the area don’t even try to speak to you in their native tongue. My wife speaks conversational Italian, and she was refuted at every instance.

At one point we were sitting at a restaurant and started talking to the couple next to us, I pointed out how many Americans were around. They said they hadn’t noticed, together we looked at twelve other tables, it was determined there was not one Italian eating at this restaurant. There is not a local spot in Positano, because there are very few locals (maybe 5?) that actually live in the town.

The touristy atmosphere can be witnessed in everything from the hundreds of trinket shops lining the streets to the band playing La Bamba (yes, that actually happened). I can’t tell you how many times I heard people say thank you in Spanish, as if all the languages are the same. The place is as big of a tourist trap as Times Square, even then 10x the trap, as at least the trinkets in New York aren’t $200.

Reason #2) It is a Rip-off

I felt like I needed to wear a chastity belt to avoid getting fucked in Positano. Everyone is up-selling, overcharging or just plain ripping you off. Restaurants were twice to four times as expensive as in Sicily, for much worse quality ( e’ tu microwave?) Yes, tourist traps are going to be more expensive, but this place is in a league of its own.

The trip didn’t start out stellar after losing my luggage, we finally get to our hotel, the Hotel Poseidon, a nice enough establishment. While we had a junior suite, the concierge was kind enough to offer me an upgrade for “very cheap” … only an extra 80 Euro a night. I know I lost my luggage, it didn’t mean I wanted to lose my innocence also. He was openly trying to screw me, in front of my wife no less. The room they showed was hot and had a balcony where one could play a scenic game of football… They didn’t even want me to look at the junior suite, which was perfect for us (and much cheaper). It was the first of many hustles.

Like when I realized that my luggage might never arrive, so I bought two shirts, a bathing suit, and a pair of shorts for nearly $300. After three days, I almost gave up and threw my wallet into the Mediterranean..

Reason #3) There is Really Nothing to Do

I like history, old churches, narrow alleys and places to explore. Positano has almost none of these. Remove the MAR Positano Villa Romana and I was struggling to find anything old, other than Gertrude from Long Island, who was looking for a casino. The Villa is under a nice, but unimpressive church and it is the only bit of history we could find…

We found ourselves walking the same beat up path over and over again. There wasn’t even a good bar scene, especially at night (the picture above was taken at 9:30). It was like a ghost town, in retrospect, fair fucks to them because I would rather be on my balcony then in any bar they had to offer.

The only thing to do there was shop for overpriced clothes! It was the second thing the hotel manager suggested that I should do after trying to upgrade our suite.

Positano is also home to a crummy beach, the chairs came with a charge of $80 for the day. I found myself in Italy…bored. I suppose one can take day trips, but why stay in a place you will be running from?

Reason #4) It isn’t Walkable

Not like there was anything to see, but the streets themselves are not easy to get around. They should give you a Sherpa as soon as you come into the town, because I felt like I needed one to help me up the cliffs they call streets. Unless you are part goat, you will not enjoy walking from place to place in Positano.

Secondly, the sidewalks range from tiny to nonexistent. There was almost no place to go when one of those scooters comes roaring out of nowhere. I don’t know if they just push the bodies off the cliffs to cover it up, but people are dying, DAILY, on those roadways…

One of my favorite things to do is stroll the streets, I hated Positano for taking that option away from me.

Reason #5) The Food wasn’t really good

Was this used to catch my Calamari or my actual meal?

‘I am in Italy, hungry and I can’t find a good meal’…is something that should NEVER come out of one’s mouth. Yet it happened on numerous occasions on our trip. There were a couple of decent places to eat, but seriously, the food was disappointing. Shockingly, it was also expensive. When I get a better pasta dish, with twice as much food, for a quarter of the price in Sicily, you know there are some problems. The food ranged from bad to just OK (there were some bright spots which I will mention in later posts).

I fasted for five days before the trip and we couldn’t get decent calamari (not fried, not grilled, just plenty of frozen calamari for Jim from Florida). Why is Santorini giving me a full grilled squid for about half the price of the slither I found in Positano? Santorini can be an expensive island, but they have pride in what they do and serve. I hated Positano for giving me so many underwhelming meals.

Conclusion

I hated Positano and I hate saying that I hated Positano. It was our first stop on an amazing Italy trip. Maybe it was the loss of luggage or the hotel trying to hustle me, but I can’t help feeling such disappointment…

I hated Positano because it was Italy-lite… it is the Epcot center built on a beautiful coastline..without the rides or the fun.

Positano is Italy for someone who doesn’t want to be bothered to step out of their comfort zone. It started our trip off badly..thank god for Sicily!

The post Why I Hate Positano, Italy appeared first on Man in Flight.

I am talking about the people who just suck the life out of you when traveling; the people who insist on not having fun or complaining when things aren’t perfect. The people who are the loud, soul sucking buzzkills for the rest of us. Complain in the airport when Delta or American fucks you, but not if it is raining. So without further ado, these are the types of tourists I don’t like.

The Literal Buzzkill

Here we are in New Orleans, sipping on a delicious hurricane. It was late, almost 11:00 am on a Saturday. When a couple walks up behind us, the husband asks his wife if she wants a drink…her response, “it’s a little early!” Who is keeping score in New Orleans when on vacation? Who the hell cares, I don’t get it, you are still living by societies tight arse, unwritten rules about drinking, when away from home? I know you are thinking you will be judged, but the only real reason you are being judged is that you are constrained by social norms…that exist in your head.

This idea goes for eating also, who are these people who don’t want to deviate from their diet while away? I don’t eat carbs (even though I LOVE them) is something that should NEVER be said or heard in Italy. So, if you are the type of person who eats healthy, goes running every morning, or looks at their partner crossed-eyed when he orders a second (or third) glass of wine while traveling…you my friend are a buzzkill… At least you won’t be in line when I am going for my fourth cannoli…

The Lounger

I get it, you’re tired, you work hard. You just want to rest all night and all day, but there is too much of a good thing. I don’t understand the person that would avoid seeing sights in lieu of sitting around the pool. If there is some crazy temple around the corner, but that is too much walking for you, you are also a buzzkill. This is especially true for whoever you are traveling with who wants to go explore and not sleep…you are buzzkilling them..

We can lay around the pool at home, when traveling around the world, you need to get out a see something you never have experienced before. Don’t tell me about how much walking it is or that you would rather be in a hammock. You might as well save the money; you are better off sleeping on your couch at home if you aren’t going to fully explore an area. There are ways to get your rest in while seeing a beautiful and unique landscape. Too many times I have heard people say, that something is too strenuous, let’s just hang out here by the pool. It is your life, you can vacation how you want, but if you would rather sip overpriced cocktails on the beach rather then explore a city, you aren’t a traveler…you’re a tourist.

The Unadventurous

If you are the type of person who won’t go out of their comfort zone when away I pity you. Seeing people lined up in front of an Applebees in Prague is a sad, sad sight. It pains me to witness this kind of behavior. A lot of people travel, without really traveling. A fast food burger tastes similar all around the world, no need to get one when away. Try that weird restaurant, you most likely will be pleasantly surprised.

This goes for attractions also. It puzzles me why people will wait in line for hours for one attraction.. a certain elevator… I will go to a small museum and it is like a ghost town. Some of my best travel experiences are from the little hidden away spots. If you hangout only in the giant square with the man who paints his body in all silver and doesn’t move, you may be a buzzkill.

The Changer

Every place has and should have, a unique feel and culture. A growing number of people keep complaining that things don’t match their close-minded view of the world; they want everyplace to look like a cheap Times Square or Vegas, with all of the regulations to craftily wrap up their insanity. To me you’re taking away one of the reasons I travel to other cities and countries…

I have heard for calls and read articles arguing to make the French Quarter a park (to limit alcohol and music) and to make things “safer” (America has been bubble taped, now bubble tape the world). A lot of times they use children as a crutch, of course the media doesn’t help. They love to over hype situations to make it seem like you can’t leave your bedroom. If you don’t like the culture of a place, don’t go there…there are plenty of Chuck E Cheeses on the planet. If you want to change a place because it doesn’t fit into your morals, you are a buzzkill to all travelers…

No Respect

The disrespectful are by far the buzzkills I hate the most. Little by little they destroy beautiful places. It may be something as small (and disgusting) as flicking a cigarette onto the beach, or something much more disgraceful like the arseholes who insist on carving their name into a 500-year old church. If you treat a foreign place like your local trailer park, you’re a buzzkill and a jackass. Even places like Bourbon Street deserve some respect, yet it is often treated like a trash heap…

Disrespect can be shown in other ways. Taking selfies at a cemetery or an area where a tragic event happened (blow-up dolls carried to the 9/11 Twin Tower’s Memorial will guarantee you an ass-whoopin’..I wish this was a hypothetical example..), being rude to locals or totally ignoring customs. These are just some of the many ways I have seen tourist act with total disregard for the country they are in. Respect other cultures don’t be a buzzkill…

Conclusion

I don’t care how you travel; I just want you to have your best experience. Don’t just vacation, EXPLORE, live your best life and get out of your comfort zone a bit. If you must act like one of the above, try not to be a buzzkill for the rest of us…

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