Updates!

I'm not in much of a writing mood today, but I wanted to give you all some updates on what's been going on with me, my travel plans, theALTERNAtraveler's funds, and some more sh- uh, stuff.

If you're wondering why I haven't posted any reviews lately, it's because I haven't taken a trip anywhere since December. As you hopefully recall, theALTERNAtraveler's main goal is to save $10,000 to take 25 trips in one year. The reviews I've posted since theALTERNAtraveler began (in May of 2007) have been "practice runs" and have provided me with some interesting content for my site; content to keep people reading and browsing and donating to the project. I intend to resume taking some practice trips soon, but right now I have to be very frugal if I expect to put anything into the travel savings account for the future. I am looking into some side work that will hopefully **crosses fingers** up my monthly income by quite a bit. Wish me luck and remember, donations are ALWAYS welcome and just $5 will get you a free gift in the mail. Every little bit helps!

Another way you can help keep my site traffic flowing is to GUEST BLOG! If you've been somewhere awesome and feel like writing a brief synopsis of your trip or a helpful review of a cool venue or attraction you visited, please PLEASE do it. theALTERNAtraveler project is for everyone, and there's nothing I love more than posting a witty email or article written by one of my fellow anti-tourists. Link love all around, too! Get some hits on your blog from me, and I'll get some from you, all well you get the chance to show off your writin' skillz and help others to find some unique entertainment possibilities. You can submit through my MySpace mail at www.myspace.com/theALTERNAtraveler or through my regular email at theALTERNAtraveler@yahoo.com.

Mainly, I just want to assure everyone that this project has not been abandoned. As soon things improve monetarily, I will be back to posting deposit updates every two weeks. Until then, don't leave me! I'm working my butt off to give this project the time, money and interest it deserves. I can't wait until the day that I take off for my first of 25 vacations. I know it's going to be the most amazing feeling I've ever had. I know it.

In the meantime...

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Ooh! Ooh! I almost forgot - I finally uploaded all the videos from my trip to Omaha and Iowa City (December '07). See below. Reviews from Iowa City are in the works, too.

theALTERNAtraveler - Omaha & Iowa City (Part 1)


theALTERNAtraveler - Omaha & Iowa City - Part 2


theALTERNAtraveler - Omaha & Iowa City - Part 3


theALTERNAtraveler - Omaha & Iowa City - Part 4


theALTERNAtraveler Kisses the Black Angel of Iowa City

Just wanted to give myself a pat on the back...

I forgot to mention that a couple travel sites gave me a nod recently...


Back in December, http://www.roadsideamerica.com/ posted a mini write-up I did about the Black Angel of Iowa City, along with a photo I took of the statue. I was totally flattered and I can't believe I forgot to post a link here! I love, love, love this site. You can see my write-up here.


In January, a site that's relatively new to me, http://www.travelerseyes.net/, was kind enough to post my mission statement and a link to my page. This traveler has been keeping her eye on Travelers Eyes ever since. You can see the post about me


Thanks again, guys. I really appreciate the exposure. :)

Omaha & Iowa City Photos

Here are the photos from Omaha and Iowa City. I am in the process of writing reviews and editing videos, so those will not be posted until tonight or tomorrow.



(Mouse over photos for captions.)

Be back on Sunday...

I got my new car last night, which means I'll be taking off for Nebraska and Iowa tomorrow, as planned. I'm going to leave around 10 a.m., because unless I have to make it to an airport, I want to sleep in on my days off! It is a vacation, after all.

I'll be staying in Omaha on Friday night, then I'll head to Iowa City to stay Saturday night. I printed out a bunch of possible places to check out on the trip, but mainly I'll be playing it by ear. I was really hoping to book on night at a cute bed and breakfast-style place in Iowa City, called the Bostick Guest House, but I've called twice, left a message, and never heard back. Looks like I'll be checking in somewhere on a whim, which is fine with me. Super 8's have never done me wrong.

I also wanted to include a list of travel supplies that I like to bring with me on trips. Maybe this will help some of you out the next time you're packing for a weekend getaway:

Clothing Items

1. TWO OUTFITS PER DAY
One comfy outfit for daytime sightseeing, and one a little dressier, should the occasion arise. As I've said in the past, I like to look pretty on my vacations. No one is imposing a time limit on you, so give yourself a few extra mirror minutes. It always makes me feel better.
2.TWO PAIRS OF SHOES
Again, one VERY comfortable pair and a nicer pair for evenings. Vacations are not the time to try out new shoes - you don't want to end up with blisters and sore feet the first day of your trip.
3. PLENTY OF UNDERWEAR
Need I say more? Remember when your mother used to tell you to put on clean underwear before you left the house? Yeah, don't take that advice lightly.
4. SOCKS/NYLONS/TIGHTS
I always forget these, for some reason.
5. SWIMWEAR
Bringing a swimsuit is always handy (and sunscreen, if that applies to your destination). It seems that whenever I don't bring my swimsuit, I end up in a hotel with a sweet pool or hot tub that I wish I could use.

Personal Supplies

1. SHOWER SUPPLIES
I always use whatever is in the hotel, but keep in mind that body wash, face wash, and apricot exfoliating scrubs will not be there waiting for you.
2. TOOTHBRUSH and TOOTHPASTE
I have an extra toothbrush and toothpaste in my travel bag at all times. If I bring my regular one, I'm sure to leave it at the hotel.
3. TAMPONS AND/OR PADS (for ladies and thoughtful boyfriends/husbands)
Getting your period on vacation sucks, but it happens. Be prepared!
4. HAIR STUFF
A hair dryer is usually in the hotel bathroom, but I always bring one, just in case. I use the shampoo they provide, but there may not be conditioner there. Also, hair ties and clips can be invaluable when crappy weather strikes.
5. MAKE-UP
I bring the minimum - foundation, powder, mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss. That's my minimum (in fact, I keep those items in my purse at all times), which I've heard is still a lot. Do your thang.
6. PURSE AND/OR WALLET
It may seem obvious, but it's very easy to forget in the midst of all the other vacation excitement. I like to move to a more organized purse before I leave for vacation, and that leaves me wide open for forgetting money, I.D., tickets, and things of that nature. Just like Santa, you should make a list and check it twice.

Other

1. CAMERA
Don't leave home without it! Don't forget extra batteries or a charger.
2. PHONE
Even if you're going to keep it turned off, you should still have it with you in case of emergencies. Don't forget the charger!
3. NOTEBOOK & PENS
Memories, ideas, phone numbers, directions, cool places... these are all things you may want to write down.
4. BOOK
I like to bring a book with me, especially if I'm traveling alone or taking a plane. It's great for solo meal times at restaurants, coffee sessions, and nighttime in the hotel room.
5. MUSIC
If you're driving somewhere, make a travel mix on CD, tape, or iPod! See mine at the bottom of this page for an example. And if you're using a portable device, don't forget to bring extra batteries or a charger.

If you can think of anything I forgot, let me know! Comment away, fellow anti-tourists.

I borrowed my mom's digital camera, since mine has been missing for nearly six months now, so I should return with plenty of photos and hopefully a video or two. I'll talk to you all next week!

More info on the Black Angel of Iowa City

Here's a link to a little more info about the superstitions and history surrounding the Black Angel of Iowa City:

http://www.icgov.org/documents/oaklandhistory.pdf



Here are a few of the myths, if you don't feel like following the link (lazy!):

- No University of Iowa coed is a true coed unless they have been kissed in front of the Black Angel.
- Any girl kissed near her in the moonlight will die within six months.
- If a girl who is innocent of men and the world is kissed in front of the Angel, the angel will return to its original color, and the curse that turned it black will be lifted.
- Touching the Angel at midnight on Halloween means death within seven years.
- Anyone who kisses the Angel will die instantly.
- Every passing Halloween causes the Angel to turn one shade darker as a reminder of the people she has killed.

When I visit, I'm totally going to tempt fate and kiss the statue. Hope I don't catch anything, like DEATH! Spoooooooky.........

What about Omaha AND Iowa City???

After surfing the web all afternoon, I'm well on my way to planning a fantastic trip to Omaha. Not only that, but I've decided to add another stop to my itinerary - Iowa City, IA.

I know, I know... Omaha and Iowa City... how exciting! Trust me, I've gotten plenty of emails all week saying "Why Omaha?" so I understand that most of you probably think I'm out of my mind to add another exciting hotspot to this trip. Well, here's the thing, kids - part of theALTERNAtraveler's philosophy is that EVERY town has something cool to check out.

Anywho, I found a great website today - www.roadsideamerica.com - that has all the info you could ever need on "odd" tourist attractions throughout the U.S. For instance, did you know that Omaha houses the world's largest ball of stamps, as declared by Ripley's Believe It Or Not? Neither did I, until today. In the midst of my website surfing, I found something that sounded neat - the Black Angel of Iowa City. So guess what? I've decided to stay one night in Omaha and one night in Iowa City, seeing as it is on my way home.

I also found an all-night truckstop that features the "World's Largest Coffee Pot" and what looks to be a beautiful art museum in Omaha.

My trip is coming together nicely and I'm getting very excited. I'll keep you posted...