Where the Sidewalk Ends January 27, 2008

If there were an “end of the world”, as in “where the sidewalk ends”, would it be a popular tourist destination? And if so, how popular? Disneyland popular? This was a question posed by a small group of people sitting near us when we were out to dinner the other night. They were arguing adamently about it for a very, very long time: yes it would be a tourist destination, but how could you fit that many people at a point at the end of the world; how much would one charge given that it would probably be popular; what kind of souvenirs could one sell; is there upkeep involved, does the edge of the world erode periodically into nothingness; would one need mega-insurance to handle someone falling over the edge (presumably into abyss)…

While I am sure that the space at the end of the world would be a popular destination among a very large set of people, I’m not sure I would ever travel there unless they assured me it was safe in the same way that, say, Niagara Falls is safe: it’s unlikely that I would tumble over the Falls, but there they are, anyway. I’m also not sure what there would be to “see” at the edge of the world? What *does* abyss look like? Are there trees and “nature”, or is it just dirt? Might there be an actual sidewalk, a la Shel Silverstein? Oh, it’s all so philisophical! (I might say “deeply philosophical”, but then you’d know I was lying.)

“The end of the world as a popular tourist destination” … a topic that I think should be addressed more frequently in highschool and college debate. You have 30 seconds… GO!

Sharp Diamond Mitties January 26, 2008

Here’s another mittie pattern for those long plane rides! It’s colorwork, so it’ll keep your mind and hands occupied. Be sure to travel with someone else so that they can hold your yarn. These mitties can be completed quickly so that when you arrive in Reykavik, you will be prepared!

Sharp Diamond Mitties Pattern – warm, winter colorwork!

Beyond… to Switzerland January 3, 2008

I think we might go to Switzerland in lieu of Russia this year. Numero Uno likes the outdoors, and while I am an indoors-person to the bitter-end, I figure there must be something special about walking in the Alps. It’s like an outdoor museum, I think, and I like museums! The compromise is that hikes won’t be ridiculous uphill battles (I hear there are trams to take you up a lot of the way where you can then just walk up and down over meandering peaks) and that there will be no day-long or overnight hikes — I want to be back in “civilization” long before dark.

I’ve never thought much before about wanting to see Switzerland, but now that I think about it, it has been placed on the list of places I would like to see (luckily for this trip, I think). However, since it has never been in the Top Ten, I think we will fly open jawed into another city prior to visiting Switzerland and then out of Zurich. It looks like it might be a ten day trip, which means four days in one place, six in the other (or something similar). I was thinking of six days in Switzerland, specifically and four in one of Paris, Milan, Venice, or Frankfurt (Frankfurt because it’s a really cheap flight from the US right now). Each are between 3 and 5 hours by train from Zurich, closer and further from other places in Switzerland. There are a few places in Switzerland that have been recommended to me, besides the larger cities of Bern, Zurich, etc. Oeschinensee, Murren, and Kandersteg come to mind first; Kandersteg is in Interloken which is where my friend Boris used to vacation, so it can’t be all bad! Boris is not outdoorsy. Lakes, mountains, trams… everything one could ask for in Switzerland.

I have also heard that the train/bus system around Switzerland is quite excellent and complete, so there would be no need to rent a car: a plus! And even though Switzerland is rumoured to be one of the more expensive European nations to visit, it can’t be more expensive than a trip to Russia would end up! (Or can it!?) Tonight should begin the planning phase, although surely real planning won’t begin for at least two weeks. We’re like that.

Russia? Or beyond? January 2, 2008

I have for a while been considering a trip to Russia for the springtime.  I was going to go in the winter, when tickets and lodging are cheap, to experience the “true” Russia — freezing cold temperatures of 17degF below, snow all over the ground and buildlings, warm fur outerwear, people huddling together as they walk… but then I was reminded of what a wimp I am in the cold.  I would love to see it and experience it, but when I want to get out of it… well, it would probably still be there hampering my “tourist” experience.  So, the springtime, it is!

The flight would go into Moscow where we would stay for probably 3 days to see the museums, cathedrals, subway, and get a short handle on the culture.  Then we would travel to St Petersburg where we would stay about 6 days.  There are all kinds of historic museums, palaces, cathedrals, and shiny, gold things to see, from my understanding.  And there’s vodka.  I was told that, not knowing the language, it would be best to get a driver/escort to show us around, translate for us, and keep us from overpaying due to the language barrier.  An escort makes the trip seem less spontaneous somehow, and a Visa is kind of a pain, but I can handle that.  I just really, really want to see a part of Russia.

But then I keep thinking of how I haven’t really seen much even of Europe.  And maybe it would be an easier (and cheaper) trip to go to Hungary or Germany or Belgium or Switzerland this year.  Maybe then I could see Swiss watch makers in action or go walking through the Alps or drink German or Belgian beer or eat real crepes or see Budapest.  And then I wouldn’t have to hassle with the visa to Russia or the cultural barrier.  But I also wouldn’t see the shiny things or be a part of the culture that I kind of can’t comprehend without seeing it first person.

So which will it be?  Because this is supposed to be a spring trip, decisions have to be made soon, and maybe because it’s a spring trip, I’ll take the easy way out.  Stay tuned to find out what happens while I ponder over the next destination!  Or if maybe I win a contest!