The Ultimate Packing List

My last post was about packing and this one is about packing too. While I was stumbling on Stumbleupon, I found a page were they give advice and specifics on what to take depending on your trip. I thought this was a really cool tool if you are completely lost and have no idea what to take. If you're interested, click here and you will be able to know what to take with you.

Top 5 Packing Tips

Here are some things you might find useful if you have any travel plans. I find these very effective and they do save you some time while you're away.

1. Money
Always take money with you! Whenever you get hungry or thirsty waiting for your ride to come, you will need money. Remember to exchange some cash to the local currency before you travel. You can also take a card as long as you know how your bank works in the country where you're going to.

2. The Map
Studying the map during the night while you're on the trip helps to save some time and plan your route ahead of time. If you prefer technology, a GPS will work perfectly, but those who don't operate with technology, like me, well, maps work perfectly too. Also, make sure your MAP is updated with any new built roads bridges, or short-cuts, this will also help you save time.

3. The Shoe
Its fine if you want to look fashionable in the jungle but, walking in heels in the rainforest or a museum an entire day, might not be the most comfortable solution. Take your old pair of sneakers with you without hesitation. No matter where you are, you will walk, like it or not, short and long distances so make the most of it and be efficient. Take your sneakers and leave your heels for another day.

4. The Clothes
Personal experience has taught me that no matter where you're going or how long it is, you won't need more than 5 pairs of clothes. You will most likely be able to wash your clothes at some point, if not, wearing them twice won't kill you. Be prepared for the climate in the place where you're going. Don't judge a climate or a weather. Check the internet for updates or ask someone you know about it. Take with you a bathing suit and a sweater. These two things don't take up much space and will make a difference once you have them on, don't forget, you might get surprised and you better be prepared for it.

5. The Bag
Depending on where you are going, the size of the bag changes. I suggest that no matter where you're destined, take a small bag. The size of the bag and the amount of luggage you take with you determine your efficiency in airports and moving around from place to place. If you are carrying something big it will take you twice as long to get in a car than it would if it were a small bag. If you are taking with you only the necessary things, you won't need a huge bag and your life will be a lot easier.

There's also a bunch of other things you should take, like a hat, your bathing stuff, but that's obvious. Remember that travel agencies also help, if you're taking a tour, they already have everything set for you and you don't have to worry as much. Packing isn't a very big deal but it does get you places if its done correctly. Don't forget to pack everything a day or two before your trip so you have enough time to go get anything that is missing. :)

This guy has good reasons to pack lightly. Yes, he is funny but he's very right.

Listen to the World

So, I haven't written much recently so I thought that I would post something about one of my favorite TV channels. First of all, I have always a been a national geographic fan and I thought it was very cool that they had their own music channel with music videos of artists from all over the world. I'm also a very musical person and I love to find new different tunes. I usually spend my free time looking at the genius recommendations on my itunes account. But when I'm in another mood, I tend to listen to whatever is on the natgeo music. I've been listening to the music they put for quite a while now and let me tell you, they have some of the best selections in music. From Colombia native, Shakira, to Canada's Michael Buble, or Nigeria's Keziah Jones, this channel is full of different rhythms and songs in different languages. I think it is one of the most intresting TV channels ever. It not only includes very well-known musicians but it also includes emerging artists making their own name. I personally find it very cool that someone came up with this idea, my love for travel isn't just about going to the place, visiting some landmarks and then going back home. In that case, I would just rather stay and go on some virtual tours on the internet. I prefer to engage with locals and learn why that landmark is where it is or, why they wear this and not that. Part of engaging with locals is learning their tradition. By listening to the world, you get an idea of how musical tradition has evolved and developed in India, Germany, or Brazil. I love this channel and I encourage you to watch it instead of the plain old Mtv.
These are some of the songs I discovered while I was watching the videos on this channel:
1. Breakeven by the Script (Ireland)
2. Watch the Sun Come Up by Example (UK)
3. Lemonade by Planet Funk (Italy)
4. Homesick by Kings of Convenience (Norway)
5. Peace Song by Bob Sinclair and Steve Edwards (France)

This video below is one of my favorite songs my M.I.A. whose half from Sri Lanka, half from the UK. This song was also featured on the soundtrack for the 2008 Academy Award winning movie Slumdog Millionaire. So, I don't really like rap that much but I really like this song so I hope you like it too.

1000 Places to See Before You Die: The Ultimate Guidebook

I was recently watching a show on the travel channel about this just-married couple that decided they wanted to travel the world. They chose to do this following the book by Patricia Schultz, 1000 Places to See Before You Die. Well, I can't say I've read the book, but my dad bought it a while ago and he read bits of it. During this episode of the show (titled the same as the book), the couple was headed towards Hawaii. I had never really been interested in Hawaii, I hadn't even thought it would be a good place to visit. It never crossed my mind that such a faraway archipelago would amuse me in any way... How wrong I was! Once the show was over I was glad it had taught me something: never underestimate any destination. If you are a teenager, like me, don't ever doubt your parents' decision for a vacation. It may sound lame or uncool at first, but once you're already there it WILL be worth it and you will learn something while you experience a different environment, culture and routine. We are very fortunate to have a world this big so that we don't run out of places.

This book gives you 1000 different locations over the globe that are worth going to. Doing everything in this book is definitely part of my to-do list before I die. The title is very appropriate for the book's content. Given that I like to read but I lack enough time to do so, I also have some books on my to-read list related to travel that I'll be sure to include on a post soon. I enjoy traveling and living the experience and I think that books like these encourage you and make you fonder of your world. So, I haven't read the book, nor have I been to as many places, yet I saw that episode of the show. There's not much I can tell you other what I already have, but I do recommend you take a look at the book and give it your own judgment. I personally think it is a fun guide-book or at least it gives you ideas. I hope I can give you a more accurate review soon on it, in the meantime, if you have a chance, stop by a book shop and look at it!

To be honest, the real reason to why I'm actually giving it a space on this blog is because I think it is one of most creative guidebooks ever written. Actually, more than a guidebook, its like an idea book. If you know what I mean, yes, like a little kid's craft book. Just like that. Anyways, it gives you many options to chose from. Maybe even one of them is a couple of hours away from you. Well, this ended up being a book review on something I haven't even read which is quite sad. So yes, as I said before, I'll read it!

Oh, and by the way, there are new releases that are part of the same book collection. Now there's many byproducts relating to this book. For more information on those, take a look at the link below.
http://www.1000beforeyoudie.com/

The Travel Blog

For anyone who loves to travel, needs suggestions, destinations, likes to read blogs or just wants something to do with their time, check out the Travel Blog. It is complete with information about the destinations on all seven continents! I just discovered it and I'm already reading everything it says!

London Calling!

So for my first post I decided I would start off with one of my favorite cities in the world(that I've been to at least). Almost three years ago I went to London with family. Actually, it was my first time ever to Europe so I guess that it meant a lot more than it would if it was my third time there. So, London. It's just a fantastic place. From the wonderful parks, to the amazing feats of architecture, London is simply the place to be.

With some of the most incredible landmarks and museums, London excels in having some of the most varied restaurants. Although England is not famous for its boiled food, the many cultures that have immigrated to the UK have brought some of the world's best recipes with them. From India to Japan to fusion food, London has a great selection of restaurants to chose from. However, if you're on the go, and you're not in the mood for any formalities, fish n' chips would be a great choice. You can find fish n' chips on almost any corner. Also, don't forget the pubs! Oh yeah the pubs and the carveries are some of the greatest places to have a taste of well known roast beef with gravy. Finally, the beautiful victorian tea rooms with their delicious scones are a great alternative if you wish to dine lightly.

London is one of the world's busiest cities, nevertheless it holds plenty of historical sights and buildings were people still find the time to visit. Beginning with the Beautiful Westminster Abbey, built around 1045-50, being the burial sight for renowned British politicians, authors, poets and royalty. Including the tombs of William Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth I, and Winston Churchill, it has also been the setting for almost every coronation in British history. Another important landmark is the tower of London. The "tower" is note really a tower. It is a building with a courtyard and several rooms. One of its many uses was a prison for royal prisoners. Today, it holds the crown jewels. A sight worth seeing. It also holds an ample display of medieval armor, from a knight's armor, to Henry the VII's horse's armor and the huge jousting equipment. Both Westminster and the Tower of London are beautiful landmarks that really give London historical credit.

Another place worth visiting is Harrod's. I was never actually inside this gigantic department store, but I've seen pictures and I've been told how splendid it is. I guess I'll have to go back to London some time soon and give you an eye-witness review of the place. There were also other places I could not go to that are just another excuse to persuade my parents to take me there one more time. I missed Shakespeare's globe theater, and Abbey Rd. Imagine actually standing were famous English muscians have stood! Abbey Road is definitely on my list for places to go to. Specially being such a Beatle fan! Well at least, I can tell you about one place that I did go to. Hamley's. It is the coolest toy store ever. If you have any little kids around you, Hamley's is sure to blow their minds away.

If you are looking for a peaceful outing to a park it is easy. Go to the nearest Tesco, get yourself some bread, salad and drinks. After you are all ready, pack your party and go to a park for a picnic. While I was there, I visited Kensington, the old home of a famous slavery abolitionist. After his death, his home is now a museum and the rest of his land was made into a park. With live music and beautiful fields, it is the perfect setting for calm and relaxed family-time.

So, although I had a great time outdoors, there were a couple of musical shows that left me singing and dancing all the way back to the hotel. The Phantom of the Opera and The Sound of Music. These two theatrical acts with the fantastic Andrew Loyd Webber and Roger and Hammerstein music were experiences that reminded me of the beauty of musical theater. It is shows like these that remind you of the value of theater and all the hard work put into it.

I suppose these are all good reasons and justification as to why London is the way it is. I guess that my one-time visited tourist experience has a very limited perception of what London is really like. In any case, it is safe to say that London has a vibrating pace that I fell in love with. For the past three years, every time I have traveled, I always come back to London as one of my top cities. Well, if I missed anything, I'll be sure to post it later.

Technical Delays

Hello again! Sorry for the late posts. I'm still gathering some pictures I want to include and some music. The next posts will be up as soon as I have this ready! (hopefully soon)