Lisa Niver's Blog: We Said Go Travel, page 440

Las Vegas: The Entertainment Capital of the World

Sin City. Entertainment Capital of the World. Gambling Capital of the World. The Marriage Capital of the World. The list of nicknames for Las Vegas goes on and on. Whatever you want to call it, Las Vegas has something for everyone wanting to visit here from kids all the way up to senior citizens. No matter what you want to do, Las Vegas can accommodate you. By the time you leave, you might even have your own nickname for this truly one of a kind city.

The Las Vegas Strip, courtesy of Wikicommons

Las Vegas, located in the desert near the border of California in Nevada has become the place to go for entertainment in the US. This all began before World War II, but boomed after the war when servicemen came back to the USA to celebrate their victory. From 1952 to 1957 nine casinos were built and by 1960, over 10 million people were visiting yearly, pumping more than $250 million into the casinos. However, gambling was not the only attraction. Movie stars and the biggest bands and musicians came to Las Vegas to entertain. With all the casinos and entertainment options, what is the most popular place? Today, the MGM Grand Resort Las Vegas is the place to be seen, the place to stay and the place to be entertained.

So, what exactly is there to do in Las Vegas? By far the most popular thing to do here is gamble. There are more than 120 casinos here offering more gaming options than you can imagine! From backgammon to high stakes poker, slot machines to horse racing and sports betting, Las Vegas has it all when it comes to gambling.

Another popular activity is to see the fabulous shows. Over the years, famous entertainers such as Elvis, David Copperfield, Prince along with many more have called Las Vegas their home. Today, each casino has their own headliner entertainer to attract tourists to their casino.

A popular activity for middle aged tourists between the ages 21-mid 40′s are the world famous nightclubs and dance floors that operate 24 hours a day and feature some of the world’s best dj’s and musical acts. These venues can accommodate up to 6,000 people each. In an average 24 hour day, more than 20,000 people can visit any one club, making this one of the most popular things to do.

Children are also on the list of tourists that come to Las Vegas. Tours to the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon are one of the most popular activities for them. Day trips to these two attractions are wonderful for families as well and are two sites that are on the “must-see-list” of many travelers around the world.

Grand Canyon courtesy of Wikicommons

 

Obviously, Las Vegas has something for everyone plus much much more. The list of things to do above are just the tip of the iceberg for activities to do. The list of activities goes on and on. Coming to Las Vegas is an adventure that everyone should embark on at least once in their lives.

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Independent Exploration in China?

Independent Exploration in China? 

During our first sabbatical year, George and I traveled to several places I had always wanted to see like the Xi’an Warriors in China. After college in 1990, I studied ceramics for several years and learned to throw pots in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. I took class on Tuesday mornings with an incredible group of artists and grandmothers. They adopted me and at lunch often would discuss my latest date, job decision or other issue in my family. Dottie took me to her tailor when my dress for my sister’s wedding arrived but did not fit. She also taught me about Chinese brush painting and the Xi’an warriors.

Traveling in China independently in 2009 led to several language problems. We carried a wordless book with us and attempted to learn to speak. In Kunming, a man was cooking meat kabobs on the street and we pointed to our pictures of a cow, pig and lamb. He pointed to lamb and said “Chuggah.” So we went happily on our way believing we had learned a new word.

We entered a local store to buy ice and sodas. We could not find ice so we pointed to the photo of ice and the lady said “Chuggah.” That did not seem quite right. How could “Chuggah” mean lamb and ice? A kind gentleman intervened and explained that the store did not sell ice and “chuggah” means “this one.” We had many other humorous moments during our six weeks of travel as well as discovering many fantastic sites like The Great Wall and Three Gorges.

I can highly recommend travel in China and would understand that many feel the language barrier is too much for independent travel.  My friends who live in Beijing have recommended Wendy Wu China Holidays as a great tour operator. We noticed that many Chinese travel in groups in their own country. I found that surprising since they understand the language!

As for the Xi’an warriors, when we arrived I was so excited to have my dream come true of seeing them that I simply jumped up and down! George remembers:

“The visual highlight was Pit 1. Nonetheless, the actual story behind the terracotta warriors was even more intriguing. Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, had an army of life-size warriors fabricated to battle with him in the afterlife.  These artifacts, produced around 210 BC, were not discovered until 1974; local peasants who were searching for a new well site accidently unearthed the archaeological site. The terracotta warriors varied in height depending on rank, generals being the tallest. Since the excavations had commenced, warriors, chariots, and horses had been uncovered. The estimated quantity of warriors in the three pits amounts to eight thousand soldiers, one hundred and thirty chariots, and five hundred and twenty horses. Inconceivably, the majority of these estimates still lay below ground. In fact, Pit 1 was impressive because of the massive quantity of warriors that had already been uncovered. Pit 3, in contrast, was relatively small. Pit 2, although massive in size, was only excavated in one small section. Only in Pit 1 were hundreds of terracotta warriors visually lined up and prepared for battle.” Excerpt from Traveling in Sin, our memoir of our first sabbatical in Asia.

If you travel with Wendy Wu China Tours, you will be able to see many of the sites we discovered but might not have as many funny language stories! I hope that as 2013 comes to a close you are happy with your year of risks and adventures and if you have yet to see your dream site in person, you plan a trip for 2014!

 

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The Magic of Christmas Markets in Europe

December is one of the most colorful months in Europe. And we have Christmas Markets to “blame” for this. A Christmas Market is basically a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas. They most often open around the start of Advent (which in 2013 starts on December 1) and close sometimes between Christmas and New Year’s Day. There is a handful of them which open as early as mid-November and close after mid-January.

Christmas Markets originated in the Germanic world. Their history goes back to the Late Middle Ages. The oldest one is the market held in Vienna (from 1294), followed by Munich (1310) , Frankfurt (1393) and Dresden (1434).

In recent years, Christmas Markets have started to appear in other European cities. Budapest (Hungary) is home to a rather interesting one in Vorosmorty Square and you’ll be able to find Christmas markets in Prague (Czeck Rep. )- a very popular one -, Sibiu (Romania) or Bucharest (Romania).

It still beats me why I am so fascinated by Christmas Markets. Despite being born in early December, I am not a fan of cold at all and I would rather fly south for the winter. However, my family has decorated the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember and I am still keeping the very same tradition.

And I’ve always had a thing for the smell of cinnamon and gingerbread. Every time I smell cinnamon I am transported back to childhood, watching grandma – may God rest her soul – make gingerbread and eagerly awaiting to eat a fresh batch.

Maybe that’s why I always get ginger bread and mulled wine from the Christmas Market. In recent years, I also started to buy small decorations for the tree. They are a nice reminder of the markets I’ve visited.

As I am typing these words, I am less than 72 hours away from my train to Vienna. I’ll be spending my 33rd birthday in this lovely town. And of course, I plan to check out at least one of the Christmas Markets which take place here. Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square) is home to 150 stalls every winter, while the near by Christmas village on Maria-Theresien-Platz offers another 70 stalls to check out (and leave your money at).

On our way back home, we’ve got the Budapest Market in Vorosmorty Ter on our radar. We’ve already been twice (2011 and 2012), so why not make it a tradition?

Happy Holidays!

Photos by Traveling Cricket and may not be used without permission.

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Movies in Malaysia

Our latest news from Malaysia:

Hello from Malaysia! We left Central America, had a brief stop in Los Angeles and are now in Langkawi, Malaysia. We enjoyed Tune Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and the Armenian Street Heritage Hotel in Penang and will share photos, movies and more from there soon!

A year ago, George and I were traveling in India and now we are in Malaysia working on taking our India videos and photos and making them into movie stories to share! One of my favorite writers, Seth Godin recently wrote “Stories are the way we navigate our world, our chance to make sense of who we are and what we do.” We look forward to making sense of three months in India. During the last year and a half on the road, we have had to replace nearly all our electronics. The moral of the story is don’t forget to back up all of your files! A giant thank you and debt of gratitude to our friend, Steve, who managed to recover our photos and videos from our broken external drive and make our movie making this month possible!

Tune Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Thank you to the over 320 writers who chose to share their stories in our Gratitude Writing Contest and to all of you who helped promote our contest. We will continue to publish the entries on our site until they are all live and then plan to announce the winners in Jan 2014. A new contest with larger prizes will begin after the New Year!

We have been writing about our summer travels in the Philippines and Palau and recently the Palau Pacific Resort asked to use our sunset photo as their electronic holiday card!

Recent Huffington Post Articles: Sustainable Travel about the book, Looptail, the company G adventures, Carpe Dateum, Seize the Date! Which seems ever so relevant as this week is our 4th wedding anniversary and next month will be seven years from our first blind date!

Johnny Jet shared our story about Palawan Above and Below the Water, and Curated Quotes included us in an article 40 Best Travel Quotes from 40 Best Travel Bloggers!

We appreciate all of you who read our newsletters, articles, website and BOOK! Thank you to everyone for your support of our journey and all our writing. Connect with us on  Facebook,  Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest,  SlideShare,  Twitter, and YouTube.

Lisa and George (Click here to sign up for this newsletter. )

Lisa and George eating Ice Balls on Armenian St, Penang

Traveling in Sin is a TOP TEN Hot New Release! from Lisa Niver Rajna

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Koh Rong, Cambodia: One Among the Stars

I have been to a place where the sky is in the water and the stars swarm around me. It is Koh Rong off the coast of Cambodia and it boasts a heaven like none I’ve ever visited.

By day it is ordinary: azure sky, white sand, tilting palm trees, and transparent waters. The sunsets boast soupy violet and electric-peach clouds, whose impressions cast a warm glow onto an opaque, gently rocking ocean.

But Koh Rong only reveals its greatest secret to its more daring visitors after the sun is buried. At that point, the sky and the ocean are the same bottomless indigo, painting the Earth clean. The ocean whispers and a briny breeze coasts across the waves. In the distance, an inky slip of an island is the only point that distinguishes the horizon.

Above it is the purest night sky I’ve ever seen. Stars scatter the great abyss, winking sapphire, ruby, gold, and diamond white. I lie back onto the cool, slightly damp sand and stare. Between the tiny twinkling suns are eddied mists, vast swirls of golden dust flung across the dark canvas. Whole solar systems and great stampedes of rock belts are visible to the imagination here.

I am looking at time itself. Some of those burning disks have already been extinguished, an echo of their lighted glory racing through space to feature in Earth’s majestic night sky. It’s impossible to think the world could be more tremendous than this. But then I enter the water.

The evening is cool and the water even cooler, raising the goosebumps on my skin. I immerse myself to the waist and stand still. All is quiet but for the awed shrieks of a group of backpackers some twenty feet away. ‘Move your arms!’ They yell at me.

I obey the command, sweep an arm broadly through the water, and gasp.

There are golden stars in the sea as well, but they are not stationary. They cling to my body, outlining my arms, my fingers. Their light ebbs and flows. Further down, I can see glowing mist covering my legs when I kick out. These stars feed off my every movement.

A community of phytoplankton, tiny glow-in-the-dark creatures invisible outside night time, have come to dance with me. I lead and they waltz. I wave my hand and their cast smears a golden rainbow in my wake. It is a beautiful symbiosis; their play lights my way while my movement triggers their illumination.

It is cold and my teeth chatter, but this aquatic celestial heaven has me captivated. My peripheral vision is gone, the distant inky island and the closer ghostly shore vanishing along with it.

Before me is only supreme bliss. I alternate between lying on my back, buoyed by the waters, and flipping over to entertain the stars below. Overhead I see a sky devoid of moon but replete with planets and suns. Then I pull myself upright and watch the phytoplankton synchronise with my balletic twirls and groovy hand waves.

I have no idea how much time has passed when I remove myself from the water. It feels now as though my glow-in-the-dark friends have become apart of me – or perhaps I have become one with them. My body settles back onto the sand, but my soul has been buoyed to the heavens, to glow among the stars and simultaneously remains in the ocean, to dance brightly with the night’s secret creatures

About the Author: Amanda Bensted manages A Roamer Therapy, a travel blog that explores what makes travel wonderful, exhilarating, exasperating, and most importantly of all, so addictive.

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Sikkim, India: An Enchanted Sojourn

It was a three years back when the summer vacation had already begun, and like every year I took a journey with my parents. In most part of India summer is horrendous and Sikkim provided the promise of a ‘great escape’. Located in the north eastern part of India, is one of the smallest state, but a ‘jewel’ among all the north eastern states.

After a long tiresome when we reach the capital city of Gangtok there was a sense of awe which gulped me. I have visited many popular and quaint hill stations of India. But what was so special about Sikkim? The answer lies in the sacredness of the place. The air brought the sounds of Buddhist prayer bells to the ears, and the smell of momos and thupkas to the nostrils. The small prayer flags of different colours with different scripts can be found swaying with the gentle mountain breeze.

The paradox was stark! On one hand the place lies on the border of China and India (nations that are always at a conflict) and the other hand the place was so serene, calm and peaceful with lowest crime rates. The fall of innumerable, silent springs can be heard at night, as music to the ears. The flowers were not only numerous but also were all huge in size and growth due to the natural fertility of the area. As I stood near the door of my hotel room, I saw the red faced sun rising from the snow capped distant mountains; it was more than just ‘captivating’. It was a ‘visual spirituality’, treat for the soul of a girl raised in crowded and polluted cities.

Our first visit was Nathula Pass. A place where you climb on the a few steps and on the mountain pass you can find yourself standing on the border between India and China (in pic). Many tourists were shaking hands with the Chinese soldiers on the other side. As soldiers from both countries stood almost face to face in minus temperature for days, the humane side becomes visible. It then strikes you that for any country to be safe, there are many a beings; nameless and unknown who sacrifice their ‘all’ so that our lives can be better.

A particular journey that we took in Sikkim was memorable. It’s called the ‘zero point’ located at 15500 feet altitude. As we drove for eight hours on the hairpin roads, it felt like an adventure. Tourists need to halt at Yumthang for the night and visit zero point the next morning. As we reach Yumthang, I realized how far I am from ‘civilization’. The village was surrounded with snows covered mountains from all around and the cold was almost unbearable.

Small hotels dotted the areas to provide minimum lodging and boarding for tourists. We found our cellphones dead since there’s no tower for phones. Electricity was there but voltage was so low that the lights seemed like lanterns. Internet and television is unimaginable. For the first time in my life I lost contact with a mad, wild world out there. All these in a well known tourist stopover! But yes it felt so good, so relieved! As we reached the small lodge, dinner was served, hot rice, dal, and fried beans. The dining hall was dark and there were few candles, everyone in the lodge had dinner together. There was one long table with many chairs. No one knew each other. We were a group of strangers from all over India; yet everyone was passing the dishes to one another and helping each other in serving the food. The cook would bring the hot food stuff in small interval. But due to extreme cold weather, the food would become almost cold as we put it in our mouths! The lodge had little facilities except for minimum food, many blankets and some soaps but the caretakers were warm people who tried their best to serve all with so much care, which was touching. The people who lacked contact from our ‘globalised, civilized world’ are in fact so civilized than most from the ‘other world’. Next morning we visited zero point played all day with snows that shinned like diamonds in the morning sun.

The 2011 earth quake devastated Sikkim and caused most harm to Yumthang. I do not know what happened to that little lodge, the caretaker brother and sister duo, the lovely girl who sold popcorn and clicked a picture with me, and the drivers who were pleasant company on long trips. I hope they all are still safe somewhere as intact as my memories.

About the Author: Abhinita Mohanty: I am pursuing my masters in Sociology from University of Hyderabad. I have a passion for travelling as I believe it teaches you more about life.

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Canada: Three Trips to Confederation

There’s one way over the bridge and no stopping till the other side.

The first time I was only nine. I watched out the window, saw the blue ocean, the shadows of the clouds, the sides of the bridge rushing by. I imagined people landing on the island at night in canoes and rowboats. The grey road slid under me, lighting me up with its vibrations, the music of the tires.

We floated over the endless bridge, long as the horizon, making you think, undeniably, of the machinery humanity brought even to this small island. It was good being nine, to think only of beaches and swimming in the ocean. The ocean was a strange concept, an endless pool of water that was an initiation to the rest of the world, the gateway to the crushing doubt and yet surety of the planet. Here we had arrived, and here we would eventually end.

I

didn’t think about it like this when I was nine. There were too many siblings to annoy and scabs to pick. There is a tourist center on the other side of the bridge, and there we stopped and picked up maps, candy, and camera film. We spent the next days on beaches, in museums, feasting on fresh lobster.

The second time I was twenty. The bridge was the same but now I was driving. My attention was the road, and the calm cars who knew they were on the way to Casual Canada, the place that took itself less seriously. The place that was one of the real sanctuaries left in the world. My passenger took pictures from the window, realizing we were suspended unnaturally above the ocean, and that it would be smart to take pictures while we drove so defiantly.

The sun warmed the car while we kept the windows down for air, and so we could be closer to the moment, more involved somehow. We were friendly with all the other cars. We were all brothers and sisters in that line, friends somehow aligned with a vision—where we wanted to be, we were there. The cars coming at us were the enemy, defeated. Why they were leaving we couldn’t seem to guess, it felt like the inevitability of the ocean. Two tides, one oncoming, one receding, one no more blameworthy than the other.

At the other side of the bridge we bought salt water taffy, and it was the best tasting candy in the world.

The third time was a year later. The roads were familiar, the network of veins and arteries that crossed the land were intuitive, memorable and chartable, already the adventure had taken on some familiarity. The roundabout that led to the bridge was the same, it gave three choices of three provinces, and still we chose the bridge.

The bridge hums as cars cross it, comically large and comically lyrical, humming off-tune to all the travellers, like a tone-deaf mother singing her children to sleep. We stop at the store to buy taffy, and remember everything there from the year before. From this side of the bridge you can see the toll booth, standing like a border crossing, with an outhouse-type structure for the employee working the booth, and a peppermint divider over the road. There’s a sign that posts the charge for leaving the province. They charge people to leave but not to arrive.

The island has one cost, only the cost of desertion.

About the Author: Stephen Koster has been to Prince Edward Island three times. If you had read the story you would know this. In his spare time he skips over stories to read bios. Find him on Facebook.

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Greece: Awe-inspiring Resilience on the Tiny Island of Rhodes

Awe-inspiring Resilience on the Tiny Island of Rhodes

Samantha Katz

I have a bit of a fascination with tiny Jewish communities in unexpected places. I know it’s random, but it’s just my thing. Having grown up in the Northeast US, where I’ve always enjoyed freedom of religion and been surrounded by large Jewish communities, I’m amazed when a community somewhere else in the world has survived the tests of time and persecution. Since being Jewish has always been a strong part of my identity, whenever I travel I investigate if there are any Jewish sites, museums, or synagogues to visit and make sure to fit them into my typically packed schedule. However, there is one experience that stands out for me above the rest.

While planning a solo trip to Greece in July 2012, I discovered that the island of Rhodes in the eastern Mediterranean has the oldest synagogue in Greece, with an attached museum telling the story of the 4,000-strong Jewish community that once thrived there. In addition, from a practical standpoint, Rhodes was accessible by plane, had a medieval old town and pretty beaches, and seemed like it would be a safe place for a lone female traveler. Time to book!

Then things got interesting. I discovered that the 30 Jews living on Rhodes today and other Rhodesli Jews who live in the US, Israel, and other parts of Greece gather on Rhodes annually to memorialize the entire Jewish community that was deported to Auschwitz concentration camp in July 1944. Incredibly, I would be visiting during that time. The schedule of events included Shabbat (Sabbath) services and dinner, a memorial event in the town’s central plaza, and an additional gathering in the town’s Jewish cemetery. I was immediately awestruck by the community’s dedication to preserving its memory. While I felt intrusive participating in the memorial events, I knew the opportunity to join a Shabbat service and dinner would be unforgettable and meaningful. I immediately sent an email to an address I saw on the website and crossed my fingers someone was monitoring the inbox and would be open to taking in a stray Jewish traveler from Los Angeles with no personal ties to Rhodes.

I felt my pulse quicken when I saw a response the very next day. I couldn’t believe it! I was warmly welcomed to join the service and dinner and even have a private tour of the museum if I wished. I immediately began to wonder if the usual Shabbat dinner of matzah ball soup, chicken, and kugel I was accustomed to would be replaced with grape leaves, Greek salad, and stuffed peppers.

The synagogue looked nothing like the Ashkenazi synagogue I grew up in. The main room had beautiful stone walls with wooden benches. Men and women sat separately on opposite sides of the room facing each other, with the pulpit in the center in traditional Sephardic style. The rabbi had flown in that morning from Athens, as the remaining Jewish community is too small to support a rabbi full-time.

I was immediately welcomed in and introduced to everyone – admittedly there was a fascination with the stray Angeleno – and ushered in to sit amongst the women. One woman asked me in broken English if I had a boyfriend – I guess Jewish mothering is a global phenomenon! While I didn’t understand the Greek parts of the service and the Hebrew melodies were very different from the ones I had grown up with, I had the chance to observe the scene in front of me and reflect on how grateful I was to be part of welcoming in a beautiful Shabbat evening on a tiny island in the eastern Mediterranean with a community that insisted on solidarity. I may have come from 7,000 miles and a whole world away, but I felt like I was among my own. I truly couldn’t believe I was part of something so awe-inspiring.

Following services, it was time to eat. Again, some things are universally Jewish! I was not disappointed. There were in fact grape leaves and stuffed peppers, as well as challah, hummus, babaganoush, a variety of salads, several fish dishes, and lots of wine. I had the chance to speak with several families and learn about their relatives’ stories from before the war in times of prosperity, and after the war in times of rebuilding. I felt so grateful to be sharing this experience with them to honor the past and look to the future.

Just when I thought my experience couldn’t be any richer, some serious Greek dancing ensued. Circling, jumping, crouching, and everything you’ve seen in My Big Fat Greek Wedding! It was amazing to see the resilience and celebration of life following the horrific events of the past. I will never forget this remarkable experience with the Jewish community of Rhodes.

About the Author: Samantha has been traveling non-stop since studying abroad in Belgium while in college. While her favorite places include San Sebastian, Bali, Japan, and Santorini, her number one happy place is home in Los Angeles. Sam works in product development for a company that makes insulin pumps and glucose sensors for people with diabetes, and she is grateful for the company’s generous vacation policies that enable her travel habit. Find her on Facebook.

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Phuket: Thailand’s Island Utopia

Where in the world can you experience an all you can eat buffet with seafood that was caught that day and cooked to your liking for next to nothing? Where in the world can you paddle a kayak in the sea to go rock climbing and then lounge on the beach afterwards? Where in the world can you island hop one day, visit pristine rainforest the next and then go out hiking the next? It’s not Australia, Brazil, the Caribbean islands or anywhere in the Mediterranean Sea, it’s Kantary Bay Phuket.

Phuket (pronounced Poo-ket) is located in southern Thailand off the west coast and is the country’s largest island. Many tourists consider Phuket the premier holiday destination of Thailand, as it offers some of the best beaches in the world and some of the best food anywhere in the orient. However, visiting a beach is just the beginning of what this island paradise has to offer. Visiting the rainforest, island hopping, rock climbing and sea kayaking are other fantastic activities that are on the menu for this truly one of a kind island.

Patong Beach, courtesy of Wiki Commons

Today, one of the most popular day trips is to visit one of the oldest rainforests in the world.  Just a few years ago, little known Khao Sok National Park was not on the radar of any traveler.  However, it is becoming a very popular destination as it is just a two to three hour drive north from Phuket.  Here, jungle trekking to crystal clear waterfalls and elephant riding reigns king. There are also tours to the gorgeous Cheow Lan Lake, where vertical limestone cliffs encompass the emerald blue waters.

Another great day trip from Phuket is to take a ferry to the twin islands of Koh Phi Phi. (pronounced Ko Pee Pee) These islands were nearly destroyed by the tsunami that hit in 2004, but today are thriving and welcome tourists with open arms. Here, snorkeling, kayaking, cliff jumping and bird watching is popular. In the 1990′s, only the most adventurous tourists came here but today, the twin islands are world known for their beauty.  Getting here is only a ferry ride away from Phuket.

Koh Phi Phi with longtail boats, courtesy of Google Images

Not too keen on a rainforest adventure or island hopping nearby? No problem. Another great excursion is to rent a kayak and paddle out to limestone cliffs in Phang Nga Bay. The limestone cliffs here are heaven for rock-climbing enthusiasts, who come from all over the globe to take up the challenge of climbing them. Climbing gear is readily available for hire here, if you don’t want to bring your own or don’t have any.

Southern Thailand is great to visit year round as the tropical weather is constant. Nice sea breezes cool the island so the temperature rarely gets above 30°C (85 °F) and rarely dips below 20°C (70 °F). Rainfall is constant throughout the year, but never rains for more than an hour per day, leaving the rest of the day sunny and perfect for outdoor adventure.  

Obviously, visiting this island utopia should be on any vacationer’s list as there are activities for everyone from honeymooners to backpackers, independent travellers to families.  Phuket is one destination that you don’t want to miss!

 

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USA: To spend a night in Reno

To spend a night in Reno By MaiLynn Stormon-Trinh

Born as snow melt from the Sierra Nevadans in Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River runs eastward onto the Paiute Tribe Reservation and into Pyramid Lake. The icy waters, wild in parts and almost stagnant in others, flow directly through the heart of downtown Reno, Nevada. So “Renoites”, as we either fondly or bitterly describe ourselves as, call the Truckee ours.

Someone once told me it is one of the only large rivers in the States that runs from lake to lake, rather than into the sea. I am sitting down by the banks of the river tonight thinking about this assertion. I have never bothered to validate it but right now, an epiphany tells me this is why the Truckee is irrevocably special. Out of the 120 miles the river travels, the waters are never lost in the expansion of the ocean. The river stays with us.

It’s apparent that some nostalgic ecstasy has overcome me tonight, one that I imagine Dorothy must have felt when she opened her eyes again after clicking her red, shiny heels together. It’s this river, I am convinced, that has brought on this philosophical idealism.

I’ve been away for the past seven months in Florence studying Italian, Renaissance art and many other things that won’t be found anywhere near where I am sitting right now. While traveling around Italy and the rest of Europe, I’d spent a fair amount of breaths explaining a little about what Reno is, but mostly justifying what it is not. Reno has a hard reputation. If someone has heard of it all, their preconceptions about it most likely exist around gambling, prostitution, quick marriages and even quicker divorces.

Reno has come a long way from the days when it inspired sadism in Johnny Cash’s songwriting. But the truth be told, this town’s sin laden past is still very much a part of its fabric.

Just take tonight. Thanks to the nearby casinos and their flashing lights, the late night sky is glowing with florescent pinks, neon greens and other colors that most places buried after the 80’s. The local “river rats”, the young louts who make the riverbanks their mischievous playground, are starting fires down by the water and throwing things into it that spark and explode. My friends Mike and Andrew are singing loud, off-key renditions of Neil Young songs and folks who pass by don’t even bother to give them a glance.

To an outsider, this city coined as “The Biggest Little City in the World” must seem like a freak show. But right now, I’m finding it hard to remember why a blush of shame often burned my cheeks when I told the haughty Italians where I was born.

This river, this place, this night is beautiful. And the Arno doesn’t stand a chance against the mighty, spiritual crux that is the Truckee River.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MaiLynn is a Reno, Nevada native who calls Wellington, New Zealand (for now). She blogs about ever evolving search for home and sense of “identity” in strange places with strange people all over the planet.

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