Chris Backe's Blog, page 82

Destination: the Personal Computing Museum (Brantford, Ontario, Canada)

Go on, admit it – you miss your Commodore 64 (or Tandy or old-school Apple).

Established in 2005, this museum-in-a-garage is bound to bring back plenty of nostalgic feelings, and remains an opportunity to showthe still-working tech to your kids.

Although only open one day a month, this museum covers plenty of tech dating back to the 70’s and 80’s – and most of the devices are interactive.

Each machine seems set up for a specific game or program – look for a financial planning program as old...

Forget about Machu Picchu. Go on this one-day Cusco Archeological Tour, a cheaper and better version of the ‘Incan trail’

Saqsaywaman,Qenqo,Pukapukara, andTambomachay – oh my.

Cusco, Peru is best known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, that seemingly exotic and horrendously overpriced destination I’ll probably never visit. This is One Weird Globe, however, which means I’m here to give you a less-touristy alternative that’s at least as awesome.

That alternative has no clear name, so let’smake an obvious one up:the one-day Cusco Archeological Tour.It’s a trip that will take a few hours at minimum and a full day at...

Destination: the bizarre catacombs of Enrique Torres Belon (Lampa, Peru)

This daytrip from Lake Titicacais about as offbeat as you can get.

Despite being relatively close to the world-famous Lake Titicaca, Lampa, Peru is not where you’d expect to find a grand old colonial church or a freaky collection of skeletons.

And yet, here they are.

After making your way to the church, you’ll need to find the person able to let you in. This may not be a challenge, as there’s unlikely to be a crowd when there isn’t a service. Keep your eye out, pay them, and they’ll take you...

Random pictures: the ‘Chris being ridiculous’ edition, part 2

Traveling can be a serious thing. It can also lead to great photo ops. Here’s me at my sillier side.

We start in Canada’s Wonderland, which has some seriously entertaining rides for every age group and thrill level.

The ants…. they’ve taken over… HELP!! Seen in Lima, Peru.

Yep, I’m a globehugger.Seen near the last equator site on this postin Ecaudor.

12 left, 24 right, 36 left, then… PULL!! Seen as part of the outside wall of the iconic Honest Ed’s store in Toronto.

Don’t you just hate i...

Destination: the Canadian nuclear bunker for the end of the world (Ontario, Canada)

It’s not everyday you come across some end-of-the-world planning.

Everyone calls it the Diefenbunker, but when this Cold War nuclear bunker was built from 1959-1962, they were simplyEmergency Government Headquarters.Several dozen of these bunkers were authorized by John Diefenbaker, Canada’s then-Prime Minster, during the height of the Cold War. Dubbed ‘Diefenbunkers’ by his political opponents, this was one of the largest bunkers constructed. Supposedly capable of withstanding the blast of...

The street art of Toronto

Toronto’s street art could fill an entire book. Presenting some of the sights I’ve seen throughout the city.

Unlike street art seen in Lima, Toronto’s graffiti / street art can be seen in many different parts of the city. No ‘one place to go’ to see it all – and because Toronto is such a large city,it’s going to take you quite some time.

What are we going to do, Toto?

The Fruity Lisa?

Love thebig and bold colors – and of course the Ms Pac Man.

A lot going on in this cityside mural, but l...

Navigate the World with Google Maps: 9 Quick Protips

Having spent years navigating the world with little more than an iPhone and the free Google Maps app, I’ve noticed there are more than a few quirks to it.

Quick note: while I’m sure the Android version of the map has some of its own quirks, I’ll have to focus this post around my own experiences with the iPhone app.

Turning on Wi-Fi pinpoints your location more accurately, but not necessarily faster

You’ve probably seen the message at least a couple times – turning on Wi-Fi without connecting...

Everything you wanted to know about becoming a digital nomad but were afraid to ask

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a digital nomad, it’stime to get real.

This isn’t a decision to make lightly or quickly – and thechoice will last with you for a lifetime. I’ve tackled 15 of the most common questions I’ve heard – and once you get down to the comments, please ask your own questions!

What is a digital nomad? Where can you get started as a digital nomad? Can I become a digital nomad? Should I become a digital nomad? Howmuch time do I need to prepare? How much money...

Random pictures: the Toronto edition

Toronto, you were a great home for two months. Here are some of my favorite photos that didn’t make it into other posts.

Too cute! Seen as the salsa festival along St. Clair West.

That same festival brings out some interesting characters…

Don’t worry, they won’t be here for much longer. (I’m really not sure if this is the person’s last name or if there’s another meaning at play here – there was nothing on the opposite side.)

Is this street art… or just a defective, leaky drain? Hard to sa...

Where To Go Instead: 9 Famous Places and their Better Alternatives

Some well-known places are genuinely wonderful. Some just have a good marketing team. Here are ninelesser-known places to check out and have a better time for less money or hassle.

Go on, admit it – part of the reason you might travel to a place is to say you’ve been there. Y’know, to the famous landmark everyone’s heard of. If you’ve done this already, though, you probably already know some of the pitfalls of taking the same road as everyone else.

It’s time to think differently. So here we g...