Balloon Trip – Vilnius

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Steven

I had been to balloon festivals before.. but never taken the next step. Until I visited Vilnius, Lithuania.. It was a great experience .. from watching the balloons inflate to….

Lift-off

The view after take-off…

It was quiet, peaceful.. exciting and relaxing..

Of course, it’s difficult to get a shot of yourself in a balloon.. but you get the idea, I’m sure.

Definitely something I want to do again…

Happy Travels!!

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Some Thoughts..and Photos.. After 100 Posts

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Steven

I have been thinking about the past three years.. and before.. Some randomness since, I just realized, I have made 100 blog posts..

I lived and worked in the good old USA for almost my whole life.. Electrician by trade and a really good one at that. Houses, offices, department stores.. pulling wire, running conduit, installing lights, switches.. you know.. everything a good electrician does..

Working 60+ hours a week..waiting for that wonderful 2 week break I knew was coming once a year.. That time when I could leave the worries and the stress behind, at least for awhile..

Vacations at that time meant jumping in the car and driving..New states..new cities..Disneyland. Oh sure, occasionally I would be able to afford a trip to Mexico..maybe the Caribbean (I absolutely adore the Caymans) but, mostly, it was “road trips”. Road trips are a fantastic way to explore, but let’s face it..traffic, rest stops, car problems..these things don’t lend themselves to the most relaxing trip..

Me in 1995 Pikes Peak, Colorado

Then .. an amazing thing happened.. I landed a job in Columbia, South America.. Maintenance supervisor in a coal mine of all places..

Coal Mine Electrical Supervisor in Columbia..

14 days on.. 7 days off .. with 2 weeks paid vacation and enough money to actually start traveling.. Of course after 14 straight 12 hour days, I didn’t really feel like getting out on my off time. Long flight back home to Colorado and a week to recuperate and get ready for the next shift.. Good experience but not what I was really looking for.

So back to the 60+ hours a week when the ROF came.. the road trips to Las Vegas, Memphis, etc etc..

I read an ad one day about a job opportunity working for a company that did contract work for the US Embassies overseas.. I applied.. and was hired..

Thus the new life in Kyiv, Ukraine and a whole new world appeared before me…

I had found the perfect job.. 40 hours a week.. tons of holidays and 2 weeks paid leave a year.. which I take 16 – 24 hours at a time. Let’s face it, 300 dollars will buy a plane ticket to almost anywhere in Europe from here.. and 4 days in Paris or Prague is a wonderful way to spend a long weekend.

This chance happening in my life has allowed me to explore new countires, expand my way of thinking about different cultures and, hopefully, improve my outlook on life..and my photographic skills..

So far.. Poland, France, Italy, Greece, UAE, Hungary, Sweden, Cyprus, Georgia, Spain, Turkey, and the Czech Republic..

Let’s face it.. most Americans don’t travel outside the country because it is so expensive.. and so far to go.. I have been given an opportunity (granted through a lot of hard work and perseverance) that few people get.. I plan to enjoy it, revel in it.. there is beauty everywhere..and I plan to find it wherever I go.. Next stop Bucharest and Ploiesti, Romania..

I hope you feeling like joining me in this journey .. 100 blog posts so far.. and still many many miles to go.. We will be exploring 6 more countries in the next few months..

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Come along.. Let’s Travel!!

What about the In-Betweeners?

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Steven

5 Star hotels in Rome … World Class chefs in Paris … Exclusive shopping sprees in London…

There is alot to be said about “Luxury Travel” .. Of course there is. 10,000 articles in magazines, blogs, and internet posts a month tell you where to find the most luxurious hotel, the most decadent spa, or that exclusive island get-away filled with pampering and a fulfillment of all your desires.. All inclusive resorts that include a relaxing massage at the end of the day.. romantic dinners on your private balcony .. or maybe, even, a private driver to show you the sights.. Luxury .. It is possible, especially if you bring an extra suitcase full of money..

Then there is the other side of the coin.. the far end of the spectrum.. “Budget Travel” .. A vision of hostels, 1 star (or less) accommodations, eating out includes a restaurant on wheels and a, quite possibly, some kind of “food on a stick”. No frills here.. just a place to sleep, a shared bathroom and trying to vacation on 15 bucks a day.. It can be done..and if you follow all the online advice, use some common sense, and are prepared, it can be done quite easily and with a reasonable degree of comfort, if not privacy.

But what about the people like me? The “In-Betweeners … The people who love to travel and want to be comfortable. Affordably comfortable.. We aren’t afraid or unable to pay for the extra couple stars.. an occasional taxi ride or eat out at a nice restaurant.

In my mind, there are basically three types of In-Betweener:

1. The Budgeter – This guy has EVERYTHING planned and paid for before he
leaves on trip. The plane tickets, the hotel, the transfers, the tours and,
quite possibly, meals.. He has travelers checks in the exact amount
he is allowed to spend.. Restaurants, tourist attractions, taxi rides,even,
souvenirs have all been included in the budget. Nothing is left to chance. This is
both good and bad.. good because it alleviates a lot of petty worries but bad,
because we all know, that the unexpected has been known to enter the vacation world..

2. The No Planner – With this type of traveler we reach the other end of the scale. Other than transportation, nothing is planned.. All out, fly by the seat of your pants adventure. You have seen them.. they are the ones asking the taxi driver to take them to a reasonable hotel.. They don’t have a reservation but hope for the best.. They are at the front desk asking “So..what’s there to do in this town?” They experiment ..they follow whatever path takes them. They are there for the experience..and that works until the credit cards are maxed ..or they run out of cash.. But they will cross that bridge when they get to it.

3. The True Betweener – This is where I am.. the true In-Betweener..Hotel reservations at a 3 or 4 star hotel.. breakfast included, of course. Airport transfers taken care of in advance … and maybe a pre-booked Hop-on/Hop-off bus tour to visit the “must see” sights. No real plan after that.. we know what we want to do..we know how much we want to spend.. but if we do a little more or less…or spend a little more or less, that’s ok.. It’s a vacation, not boot camp. We want our comfort. We want our privacy. We want time to enjoy and relax without breaking the bank. We are looking to experience the local life and indulge ourselves in local fare and celebrations. But while we may eat at a pizza slice off a food truck, we are also not adverse to a Michelin fine dining experience. We do a little research, we make a few plans.. but we also just explore and enjoy.

Which type are you?

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Stockholm from the Water

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Steven

Exploring Stockholm by boat is pretty amazing.. Clear views of the city away from the jumble of people make for a very enjoyable experience.

Cruising through the canals and harbors offer you a chance to see the city from a different perspective.

The clear blue skies and gentle breeze made it a trip to remember and an experience to look forward to again.

There are tours to suit almost everyone.. If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon in Stockholm, highly recommend seeing the city from the water. Here is a link to get you started… City Discovery

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5 Things to Consider before you Go Anywhere

Posted on July 17, 2014 by Steven

5 Things to Consider Before You Go

#1 – Pack for the location and activities..
Nothing says “Hi, I am a tourist ” like a Hawaiian flowery shirt on Nordic Ice Climbing trip. Sure, it may be an awesome shirt..but is it appropriate?

#2 – Check everything .. then check it again. and again...
Camera batteries? Memory cards? Power adapters? Sunscreen? Passports? Money? Few things can spoil a perfect 1st day more than discovering an essential item has been left behind.. With that being said, unless you are being dropped by parachute into the Amazonian rainforest, the Congo, the Austrailian outback, or other somewhat secluded locale, don’t worry if you forget the shampoo..or a toothbrush. Most cities around the world have what is called “markets” where you can actually buy such things

#3 – Don’t try to pack EVERYTHING
And while you are packing, don’t pack everything.. If you are taking a trip for a week..pack for a week.. 4days..pack for 4 days.. a weekend..pack for the weekend …you get the idea? While carrying an I-Pad or laptop can ease some of the flight or commuting time, it can be a waste of time as well… do you really need an I-Phone, I-Pad, laptop, GPS? C’mon..take one.. leave the rest. And while you are at it..leave the worries, frustrations and cares behind too.

#4 – Plan / Prepare for Airport Security
Remember when going to the airport was fun? Yeah, neither do I… Even before the complex security rules, it was never the awesome experience that we wanted it to be.. Remember the rules..play by them. You can wait until your destination to become the lone wolf party animal you were always meant to be. Some of the simplest things make airport security faster. Wear slip on shoes, easier off and on.. don’t wear a belt … don’t pack liquids … no knives, guns, explosives or the like (and yes, a wooden souvenir mace counts) … laptop /I-pad go in a seperate tub for x-ray have them out and ready.. and believe it or not, a little courtesy goes a long way.

#5 –  Learn at Least Some of the Local Language
It doesn’t matter if you are crossing the globe..or crossing the street, you are a visitor.. a tourist. You can eat with the locals, party with the locals, shop with the locals..but you are not a local. Before you go, learn a few words of the local language. The phrases – Hello, Thank you, Please – at the very least. A a friend of mine from the US visiting me in Kyiv, Ukraine, actually complained that “they didn’t even have the common courtesy to speak English” . All I could think, with my mouth hanging open, was “Huh? Are you insane?” Be considerate, learn a few phrases .. Local people mostly tolerate mispronunciation and they always appreciate the effort.

This should probably be another point..BUT.. while you are learning some phrases in the local language, try and understand the local customs too.. Show respect and be considerate with traditions and a ways of life that you might not understand.. Remember, you are a guest..a visitor..

Here’s a helpful link for language … Busuu for I-Phone/I-Pad. I am learning Russian but there are alot of languages available.

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Stockholm – City Hall

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Steven

Stockholm City Hall

The Town Hall in Stockholm, Sweden is a major tourist attraction with a purpose. It serves as the building for the Municipal Council of Stockholm and is the venue for the Nobel Prize banquet..

The tower is accesible daily by elevator (or stairs for the adventurous) and tickets must be purchased for a specific time because only 30 people are allowed at a time. Tickets cost 40 SEK. The tower is open daily from 9:15 until 15:55 (Sept – May) and 17:15 (Jun – Aug)

City Hall at 12:00 AM..Yes it is still almost daylight

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Packing – Priorities

Posted on July 9, 2014 by Steven

Anytime I decide to take a trip.. day trip or longer to a new city, my first thought is “Hmmm..what cameras do I want to take?” The basic bag, sure, but what extras do I need?

Of course that depends on what I plan to shoot.. and when..

Cloudy? Bright sunny mid-day? Low light?

Will I be shooting architecture, weird stuff (always have time for door shots) or people on the street?

Okay.. probably all of the above.. so let’s just pack the standard gear.

1st in the bag, as always, my go to camera..Nikon D3200 w/16-85mm attached..

D3200 w/ 16-85mm

Since I hate to change lenses, next in is the D40 with a 35mm prime..

D40x w/ 35mm Prime

And because change is sometimes necessary, extra lenses – 10-20mm macro wide angle and a 55-300 mm zoom..

Extra Lenses

Filter kits – UV, Polarizers, and Variable ND filter..check

Filters

Cleaning cloths and dust blower , extra batteries, memory cards… check

Extension tubes (for macro) … check

Point and click back-up camera (my fav right now is the Samsung NX1100)..check

Throw in the I-Pad…and a small flashlight, remote trigger and a couple of gallon size ziploc bags.. and I am packed..All this goes in the backpack… a Lowepro 150…

Now that the equipment is packed… time to get myself ready..

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Happy Travels!!

Shot of the Day – Out and About in Kiev

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Steven

Arch at Night

The plaza around the “Friendship Arch” is not near as crowded these days.. due in part to what has been happening around the country for the past few months…Still, at night..lit up in rainbow colors, it is a pretty sight.

Andrew’s Descent

With St. Andrew’s standing guard at the top of the hill, Andrew’s Descent winds down to the Podil district. The narrow cobblestone street is home to a host of vendors selling everything from paintings to antique uniforms..and every souvenir in between..

House of the Weeping Widow

Drains flowing into the eyes of face mounted at the top of the building, lets water drain down her face…hence the name.. When it rains..she weeps

Parliment Building

The Parliment Building of Ukraine

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

It never ceases to amaze me. the things you can find just walking around your home town.. Try it.. explore your city.. Let me know what you find..

Happy Travels!!

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Hotels – Best Price Guarantee?

Posted on June 14, 2014 by Steven

Best Price Guarantee? Really?

Almost all websites claim to have the best price.. How is that possible? Is the best price on Booking.com necessarily better than the best price on Agoda? Or Expedia? Or Hotels.com?

There is really no way to compare. This is due to a couple of factors. First, to compare the rate, your stay would have to be on the exact same dates, in the exact same room, with the exact same amenities. You would have to book the room at the exact same time on the exact same date. Cancellation policies, arrival and check-in times all have to be taken into account.. and still, the prices will be different.

Why?

It’s simple..websites get different rates depending on how many visitors they drive and how many bookings get made.

Still, there are ways to get good pricing on hotel stays.. My preferred website is Booking.com.. I always start there and check my prices. Then off to Hotels.com and Agoda.. Next, I will check Expedia, Kayak, and Orbitz.

I use those sites to pick 3 possibilities…and finally, I will go to the hotel’s website and check again.Sometimes, you will find that a hotel will offer a special deal not found on one of the travel sites..

A little patience and a little research will go a long way to helping you find the best price for your stay..

I have added a few links to get you started…If you need help planning or want me to do a little research for you.. send me a message.. I will be happy to help

Now ..get out and explore!

Happy Travels!

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Shot of the Day – St. Panteleimon’s Cathedral (Kyiv)

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Steven

St. Pantheleimon Nunnery is a wonderful Eastern Orthodox cathedral located neighbourhood of Theophania. It is considered a high point in Russian Revival ecclesiastical architecture. It can be most easily reached by taking the Blue metro line to the Ipodrom stop and marshrutka #768 to the end of it’s run.. Then a short walk down hill to the park entrance.. Total cost – 5 uah for transportation … park entrance is free.

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Tag Archives: Travel

Balloon Trip – Vilnius

Some Thoughts..and Photos.. After 100 Posts

What about the In-Betweeners?

Stockholm from the Water

Stockholm – City Hall

Packing – Priorities

Shot of the Day – Out and About in Kiev

Hotels – Best Price Guarantee?

Best Price Guarantee? Really?

Almost all websites claim to have the best price.. How is that possible? Is the best price on Booking.com necessarily better than the best price on Agoda? Or Expedia? Or Hotels.com?

Shot of the Day – St. Panteleimon’s Cathedral (Kyiv)

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Best Price Guarantee? Really?

Almost all websites claim to have the best price.. How is that possible? Is the best price on Booking.com necessarily better than the best price on Agoda? Or Expedia? Or Hotels.com?

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