Passport should be here shortly.

Well, my passport is now en route. It should be here in about two weeks. I went to the local US post office to order one. For those of you who are interested in international travel, you better plan at least 4-6 weeks in advance.

Here is what you'll need for a first time applicant:

* A completed DS-11 application form.
* One of the following: Previously issued and undamaged U.S. Passport, Certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth Naturalization Certificate or a Certificate of Citizenship.
* If you apply in person, you will also need 2 photos, a drivers license, military or government ID.
* You will also have to pay a fee, which is about $100.00.

Europe 2009: The Weather Map

For those of you looking to travel to Europe, I found a great site that uses the Google Maps API and overlays information about current weather statistics. I have posted an embedded map below. If you want to generate your own code, please check out this page.

Things to do: Munich, Germany

Visit the Dachau Concentration Camp

Dachau was Germany's first concentration camp, started in 1933 because the prisons were overflowing with people the government didn't like. They didn't have enough money to just build more prisons the way we do in our War on Drugs, so the Nazis built work camps like Dachau. Dachau was not setup to be an extermination camp like Auschwitz however almost 30,000 prisoners were killed here, and many others lost their lives due to other causes while at the camp. The exact numbers are hard to determine.

I'm positive this will be one of the more sobering times of the trip, but the history cannot be forgotten. If you decide to do this, you should allow at least 3 hours of time. Dachau is suburb located 45 minutes from downtown Munich. The best way to get there is to take the S-Bahn (S2) to Dachau station, and then follow the signs. Bus service runs regularly between the station and the camp. It's a 10 min walk from there to the main entrance. The Memorial Site is open on all days except for Mondays, between 9 am and 5 pm. Entry is free but paying a guide is highly recommended.


Visit the Munich Hofbräuhaus

The world-famous Hofbräuhaus was founded in 1589 and has since been one of Munich's most popular tourist attractions. This place is everything that Bavaria is all about. It is a huge beer drinking hall and you'll see all the traditions of a Bavarian beer drinking place. Long wooden tables and benches, beer which is only served in 1 liter sized glasses (the beer "Maß"), giant pretzels on sale - to soak up the beer and an ompah band playing traditional Bavarian brass band music. I've also been told by a reader that they also play some modern pop/hip-hop. This should certainly be interesting. :)


I have a lot more to post. I just have to finish doing some editing. So check back.

Things to do: Interlaken, Switzerland

Ok. I've been waiting and doing my homework on Switzerland for awhile now. I finally think this post is ready to go. Switzerland looks like a hidden gem in Europe. Everyone thinks of Berlin, London, Paris, Rome etc as the place to see but Switzerland should not be forgotten.

Interlaken is frequently visited by adventure-seeking backpackers throughout the year. The town is home to numerous backpacker-friendly hostels and companies that provide guided services in skydiving, canyoning, hang gliding, paragliding, and skiing, to name a few.

Canyon Swinging? I found a great blog that has some good information and video of a girl who attempted it.

Skydiving? Interlaken has it! In fact this is one of the things I would love to do. If I could knock out two of the things on my all time "gotta do" list within a two week span, that would rock! From the homework I did, skydiving in the Swiss Alps will set you back no less than $300 and it is all or nothing. There is certainly no wuss out money back policy.


If you seek the thrill like I do, Skydive Interlaken is your place to do it. One of my friends Josh, just came back back from a trip to Europe. Here is his video of him skydiving in Interlaken:



Canyon Diving? For more information on Canyon Diving in the Swiss Alps, check out our previous post here.

Hostels? After you are worn out from all the extreme sports, Balmers is a great place to wind down the day.

Nightlife? You probably won't find much in Interlaken. I've heard from multiple sources that nightlife is almost non-existent. The best bar is Metro Bar which happens to be at Balmers!



Last Two:
Groove Armada - Lightsonic
Kings of Leon - Crawl

Things to do: Paris, France

Take a free walking tour.

The best way to see Paris is on foot, and there is no better way than with an experienced tour guide. Sandeman's New Europe offers a free 3.5 hour walking tour through the heart of historical Paris highlighting the Latin Quarter, Notre Dame, the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens and the Eiffel Tower. The tour guides live off of tips, so tips are appreciated.

The free tour meets daily at 11am in front of the fountain at Place Saint-Michel in the Latin Quarter. To get there, take Metro Line 4 to Saint-Michel and exit the station using the exit Fontaine Saint-Michel.

Visit The Eiffel Tower

Few things symbolize Paris like the Eiffel Tower. It is found on postcards, paintings, books, tee-shirts, and even home furnishings like lamps are fashioned into the recognizable shape. Of course, a trip to Paris simply isn't complete without a trip to the Eiffel Tower.

New Paris Pub Crawl

(Thanks for the tip Jacqueline) If you had a couple of weeks, you could probably figure it all out on your own. But we will only be here a few days, and we need someone to show us the way. So one option we have is the New Paris Pub Crawl. It is a favorite amongst travelers looking for a fun night and to check out the scenery.

How much? €12 gets you unlimited vodka shots all night long and a dedicated expert leading the pack. When? Every night of the week at 9 pm.

Paris After Dark

On a Paris night, the cheapest entertainment, especially if you're young, is "the show" at the tip of Ile de la Cité, behind Notre-Dame. It attracts just about everyone who ever wanted to try his or her hand at performance. The spontaneous entertainment usually includes magicians, fire-eaters, jugglers, mimes, and music makers from all over, performing against the backdrop of the illuminated cathedral. This is one of the greatest places in Paris to meet young people in a sometimes-euphoric setting.

Also popular is a stroll along the Seine after 10pm. Take a graveled pathway down to the river from the Left Bank side of pont de Sully, close to the Institut du Monde Arabe, and walk to the right, away from Notre-Dame. This walk ends near place Valhubert, is the best place to see spontaneous Paris in action at night. Joggers and saxophone players come here, and many Parisians arrive for impromptu dance parties.

Niiiiiice.