Small Town America

Spending the day cruising the countryside.

A halo in the clouds.

Just a cool shot of something I caught out the window. A halo surrounding the shadow of our airplane that was cast on the clouds.

The show goes on

Anyone who has stayed at an all-inclusive resort has experienced "The Show". Love it or hate it from the guest end, the staff works hard to put on a big show almost every night at most resorts. These people work all day and put on their show after dinner. The good ones engage you in the fun and keep you from turning on the TV.

Some guests nap or sleep late just to be able to enjoy the casino, disco and night time entertainment. Some use the resort as a home base from which to explore the neighborhood  and skip the night life. Some do both and burn the candle at both ends.

Basically, like all vacations,  you need to find what makes you happy and go with it. Just be sure to have a day or two to recover from your vacation when you get back home.

A Museum worth a visit

Speedway Motors is internationally known. I had never heard of them. They operate out of a huge warehouse facility in Lincoln, Nebraska and provide parts and equipment for every racing or street enthusist. They have been in operation for a long time.

But little-known is the museum that the Smiths have developed regarding transportation and racing. Here you will find a vast collection of automobiles and racing memorabilia as well as the motors that made history. Many are displayed in period correct surroundings. Everything from soapbox derby to the Bonneville Flatts and Indy cars.  Upstairs there are enough pedal cars, both original and restored, to fill an Olympic size pool, toy cars, lunch boxes and Buck Rogers memorabilia just add to the fun.

Here is the website. If you are ever in Lincoln, Nebraska and love automotive history you should stop by on one of their open days and go for a tour.

https://www.museumofamericanspeed.com/

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Passing through

 When I think about going to a new destination, I usually research a bit to know where to stay and eat and a bit about what to expect as far as weather and things to see. Looking up in awe at a pyramid you can't help but feel that even the locals are but travelers just passing through.

So many times we have gone somewhere, not expecting anything special and we are totally blown away by the feeling that although there is no place like home, every place is a home. Our lives are like lives of people in other countries. We are lucky to be well enough off financially to be able to travel and experience the diversity of culture.

Always count your blessings and experience the people and the past when you travel.

Now Sapphire, Rivera Maya

 The Now Sapphire was a resort we visited in late November. The weather was cooler the whole week, but the sunshine on the beach or pool warmed a body nicely. The entire place was beautiful and restful with fountains and reflecting pools that ran along many walkways and buildings.

 More water. On this trip I was recovering from a torn up knee and so I spent much time lounging. Everyone at this place was very nice and efficient. Our room was pleasant and we had a balcony overlooking the grounds and with an ocean view which I am afraid I took for granted and spent little time on. Knowing I would need to elevate my knee and use a lot of ice, I packed a soft sided lunch bag cooler and ziploc bags. The Spanish word for ice is "hielo, por favor"

 And the view from our room...

Brendon's Dream...

Sleeping on the Great Wall of China

TRAVEL STORIES — BY BRENDON ON 09/04/2011 12:05 PM

"No matter how big or small, every one has a travel dream. That dream can range from sampling every brewery in your home state or climbing a local mountain to running with the bulls in Pamplona, joining the mile high club (the new Airbus does not count), getting wasted at the Rio Carnival or being romanced on the Eiffel tower. One of my most compelling travel dreams has been to sleep on the Great Wall of China.

The first time I walked the Great Wall was at Simatai a few years ago during China’s Spring festival with a tour group from a Beijing youth hostel. While admiring the view from an ancient gate house after a several hour walk on the wall, I was struck by the idea of just how cool it would be to sleep on the wall. From that moment on I’ve been slightly obsessed with the dream of sleeping on the wall."

Read more here:

 http://chinatravelgo.com/sleeping-on-the-great-wall-of-china/

 Brandon tells how he planned the trip right down to his equipment and bus/train plans and what section of the wall he chose. Other blog posts on the Great Wall that are really informative.  Have fun!