Author: roamngrow

Machu Picchu – The Lost Incan City

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Was it a citadel, a summer get-away for the Inca Emperors or was it a fortress protecting something stunningly valuable? While archaeologists and historians search for answers, millions of tourists flock to the mystical paradise of Machu Picchu to soak in the mysteries, explore the engineering feats of the Incas and glide (metaphorically) over breath-taking panoramas atop the mountains!

Located at about 2,800m atop the Machu Picchu mountain, there are many

Iconic view of Machu Picchu

Iconic view of Machu Picchu

sectors in the citadel, including the temples, streets, plazas and agricultural terraces (Read details here). The structural features and genius engineering concepts put to work half a century ago, coupled with the mysteries and myths of the purpose of the architecture qualifies it to be one of the new wonders of the world. UNESCO rightfully has recognized it as one of the Heritage Sites, and is constantly working on ensuring the sustainability around it.

A Brief History of Machu Picchu and the Incas

Classic civilizations from pre-historic era have always spurred up close to water bodies, such as the Egyptian civilization by the mighty river Nile, Indus valley civilization by river Sindh, to name a few. Aztec and Mayan civilizations of central and south America, also flourished near water bodies. A relatively new Inca civilization, dating back to the fifteenth century, thrived in the Andean highlands, before Spanish conquests in the 1530’s. The Inca empire stretched from present day Argentina to southern Colombia, but did only managed to reign for less than a century.

How the Inca developed cutting edge engineering, architectural and agricultural feats, without use of wheels, iron works, draft animals and currency, gives rise to a plethora of questions. Researchers did not even find an established writing system, which spawns the mysticism around the Inca empire and its achievements.

While present day Cusco (Qosco in ancient Incan tongue) was the capital of the empire, Machu Picchu remains to be the most iconic Inca archaeological site. Even though no concrete evidence of the actual purpose of the site is available till date, the intricate designs of the roads, irrigation systems, structures, temples and agricultural areas at such a remote location, suggest it was built for something worthy of protection.

Since no evidence of iron-works can be found in the site, we have to assume that the Inca mastered the art of stone masonry. Large blocks of uneven stones cut and placed to hold large structures in place without mortars, in an earthquake prone region, make modern day engineers envious.

How to get to Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is located at a remote location atop the enormous Machu Picchu mountain. The iconic site is extremely controlled to traffic, and is only accessible in a couple of different ways, albeit some variations can be made available. Train, bus, hikes or a combination of the three, depending on time and effort, are required to get to the Machu Picchu ruins. See details of transportation options below.

Ten Important Things to know before going to Machu Picchu

What is in Machu Picchu?

As the most recognizable symbol of the classic Inca empire, Machu Picchu holds a number of mysteries that have yet to be answered. Surrounded by the hill of Huyana Picchu, the massive mountain of Machu Picchu and the rushing Urubamba river, the ruins contain clues to unearth the reasons for its mere existence and glimpses of the civilization.

Notable structures and sectors:

  • Agricultural Sector: Built in the southern slopes of the complex up to the Intipuncu (sun gate), the incredible series of terraces facing the rising sun were used for agriculture around the year. Scientists have found clues that the soil and the architecture helped the Inca sow a variety of seasonal produce to secure food for the inhabitants. The construction likely had another purpose that establishes the engineering genius of the Inca – to stabilize the complex in an earthquake prone zone.
  • Urban Sector: The central plaza separates the upper and lower sections of the urban sector. The configuration of these areas, surrounded by the drainage channel (or the moat) and access gate highlights the differences in both the inhabitants of these two regions and the purpose. The Sun Gate (Intipuncu) acts as the regal gate controlling the access to the plaza from the classic Inca Highway (now known as the Inca Trail). Although there are still variations among the archaeologists about the purpose of this plaza, ranging from being a religious center to a fortress, there are clues in the small rooms with tiny holes indicating that these may have been used to hold prisoners.
    • Various structures are apparent in either section of the urban sector. Storehouses located at the right after passing the entrance gate, having small (12’x12′) rooms with tiny holes likely to allow sunlight, may have been used for storing grain or as workshops. Royal palace can be seen from afar that is unique in its fine stonework and arrangement of chambers around a beautiful private patio with a view of the central plaza.
    • Walking up the stairs from the central plaza, is the Sacred Plaza, where the Temple of the Three Windows and the Temple of the Altar can be found. The trapezoidal windows facing the rising sun, and the facade facing the central plaza where the public ceremonies were held.
  • The Intihuatana: It is the pyramidal structure at the top of the elevated ground, and is shaped like a truncated pyramid. This can potentially be used as an observatory, and may have been used like a sundial. Precise function of this structure, as of the others, remain a mystery, but the elevated location can also mean a way to locate enemies coming from afar through the river valley.
  • Temple of the Condor: Located at the lowest sector of the site, this has a unique feature that calls for a bit of explanation. V shaped rock was carved to appear like a flying condor. The grandeur design with intricate rock carvings to display the widespread wingspan and the collar around the bird’s neck makes an incredible view. Artifacts discovered around it suggest it may be used for worshiping the magnificent Andean Condor, and the surrounding cells used for keeping the most important mummies.
  • Temple of the Mortars: An iconic feature of the site is the Mortars sector, which can be entered through a double jamb doorway implying the significance of the area. Surrounding this area, are the storehouses with tiny windows facing the east side. Food grains and other essentials were likely stored here, depicted by the clear chambers and duct-like systems for airflow.
  • The Watchman’s Hut
  • View from the Watchman’s Hut
  • Doorway to the Citadel
  • Agricultural sector from the storehouses
  • Passageway to the Central Plaza
  • View of the Urban Sector
  • View of the Urubamba Valley
  • Central Plaza
  • Llamas were reared for meat and fur, sometimes used for sacrifices
  • Llama sighting at the central plaza
  • Sacred Rock
  • View of the Temple of Mortars
  • View of the Agricultural Sector from Temple of Sun
  • Putucusi
  • Temple of the Condor
  • Stone work without mortars
  • Huyana Picchu

Things to know before going to Machu Picchu

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Okay, so you want to go see the lost Inca city up in the mountains? Unlike many other mystical sites around the world, it is not an easy one to get to or even plan for. Thankfully, travel bloggers over the internet has made it an easier job, but one needs to spend a lot of time trying to figure out the steps to ensure their trip to Machu Picchu is worry free.

  • Peru Rail Expedition
  • Urubamba River view from Train ride
  • Town of Aguas Calientes
  • View of the Urubamba Valley
  • Llamas in Machu Picchu
  • Peru Rail Vistadome

Since going to Machu Picchu does require planning well in advance, follow these simple but crucial steps below to ensure your trip to Machu Picchu is all set.

  1. Plan Early: A trip to Machu Picchu is like no other destinations. Due to restrictions (mostly due to sustainability and conservation) on visitors to the site and extremely high demand, we strongly recommend planning and booking the trip at least 3 months in advance. Peak season is June-August, so it is even harder to get bookings.
    • If you are planning to hike the famous Inca Trail, spots get filled even earlier.
  2. Stay in Sacred Valley: Although many tourists make Cusco their ‘base camp’, we found it more rational to go straight to Sacred Valley for a couple of reasons –
    • Distance: It is closer to Machu Picchu (~2 hours less train ride) than from Cusco
    • Altitude: Sacred valley is at a lower elevation than Cusco (3,399 meters), so getting acclimatized to altitude is easier this way
  3. Tickets to Machu Picchu: Even before worrying about transportation to Machu Picchu, book tickets to Machu Picchu site. (Check availability here). There are three different options:
    • Machu Picchu Mountains + Machu Picchu Site – Machu Picchu mountains are located above the site and takes a bit longer to hike, but less strenous than Huyana Picchu. Tourists opt for this if Huyana Picchu tickets are not available.
    • Huyana Picchu Mountains + Machu Picchu Site – Climbing up the steep slopes of Huyana Picchu, albeit worth the hike, is a strenous one. It takes about 2 hours to climb. Need tickets 4 months in advance (in peak season, even this may be too late)
    • Machu Picchu site only – Need at least 3-4 hours to soak in the experience. Tickets are NOT sold at the gate, and must be booked at least 3 days in advance.
  4. Transportation to Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu is located at a remote location, with the closest town being Aguas Calientes. Below are the two options to get to Machu Picchu:
    • Public Transport: A train – bus combination is the easiest –
      • Sacred Valley/Cusco to Aguas Calientes: Two train operators (Peru Rail and Inka Rail) operate trains between these two locations, with very similar service offerings. We took the Peru Rail Expedition train from Ollyantaytambo station at 6 am. It takes about 2 hours to get to Aguas Calientes.
      • Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: From the station in Aguas Calientes, you will need to walk about 5 minutes, cross the river bridge into the town of Aguas Calientes. Buses leave from there every 10 minutes taking tourists up a spiral road to Machu Picchu. This trip takes about 30 minutes, and no other vehicles are allowed on this treacherous road. Please note that there is typically a long queue to get on the bus. If traveling with a lap infant, you can skip the line and get in front. It is a perk available at most places in Peru (Yay to new parents).
    • Hike the Inca Trail: With a 8 month old on the lap, we did not even think of this route, but it is an incredible journey, we hear! Many tour companies offer their guided tours for this iconic 3-4 day tour involving hiking, camping, climbing. We were told that it is closed for operations in February though.
    • There are a few other variations of getting to Machu Picchu, such as longer and more adventurous Jungle trail, Choquequirao tour, Salkantay Mountain trek, etc. Some travelers choose to walk down from Machu Picchu on the same road as the bus takes you up. The views, are typically incredible, unless cloud/fog cover.
  5. Early bird catches the worm: Unless you are staying in Aguas Calientes, getting to Machu Picchu before 8am is unlikely. But catching the first train out of Ollyantaytambo can get you to the gate by 8am. Remember to buy the tickets for Machu Picchu accordingly (tickets are allotted in two ranges – morning and afternoon). Getting to Machu Picchu early has its perks –
    • Fewer people: Quite obviously, the earlier you get to the Machu Picchu site, chances are you are going to get nicer snaps without people ‘photobombing’! The bus lines are shorter and the treacherous climbs up and down the uneven stone steps are easier.
    • Weather: The weather so far high up in the mountains can change dramatically, very quickly. Chances of catching the sunny portion of the day is higher earlier in the day
  6. Guided Tour: Getting a guide is highly advisable in the ruins. Unless you already have booked a guided tour, you can hire a guide on site. It was unclear to us prior to reaching Machu Picchu, whether a guide is mandatory. It turns out that you can definitely go in without one, albeit may not get the full picture, literally. Guides can cost about $20-$40 per person, be sure to negotiate as there is ample supply. We got together with another family of two, to get a better deal of $60 for all 4 of us.
  7. Passport: No you are not going to another country; you can stamp your passport at the exit door. Great memorabilia to keep!
  8. Photo Ops: First sight of the incredible Machu Picchu ruins are going to blow your mind, especially if you have seen the iconic photo for a long time. But a travel blogging trade secret is to carry a colorful dress or hat or even a photo prop to capture a photo with Machu Picchu ruins in the background. Peruvian alpaca shawls work wonders, just saying!
  9. Llamas: No, Llamas are not everywhere in Machu Picchu, but about 15 of them can be seen lazing around in the meadows. Do not hesitate to take a picture with them if one gets close to you, as if you do it in Cusco, be prepared to pay the person with the Llama!
  10. Housekeeping: A few mundane, yet crucial things to carry in your bag are –
    • Printed Tickets – No cellphone signal up here, and the ticket agents only accept printed tickets (as of September, 2019)
    • Water bottles – There is a kiosk to buy overpriced water bottles, so better to carry your own
    • Snacks – Dry snacks suitable for any hikes
    • Loose change – Primarily for restroom use. No services within the site. There is one restroom at the entrance that charges about 1 Soles, payable in exact cash/coin
    • Rain gear – Weather is unpredictable up here. So carry a poncho or rain jacket with you; umbrellas are cumbersome when you have to hike up and down uneven stone steps
    • No selfie sticks or tripods – Leave these at home or hotel, these are not allowed within the site

Now that you have everything you need for a memorable Machu Pichu trip, check out what you expect to see and get smarter on the mysticism of the classic Inca civilization here.

Essential Tips and Travel-Hacks for Traveling with a Baby

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In our quest to explore the cultures around the world, we have to navigate many challenges, some driven by life-altering events. Last year, we had an angel step into our lives with her tiny feet, but already has managed to leave large footprints. Lifestyle alterations (read sacrifices sometimes) aside, the journey so far have been fun.

But our philosophy of indulging into diverse experiences wouldn’t stop, rather include the baby in them as early as possible, no matter how daunting it is. Why should arrival of a little one chip away from the goals we set as a couple?

Following the above rationale, with apprehension, we did a couple of long distance trips involving multiple flights and timezone change, and a couple of road trips. The experiences have been incredible to say the least. Of course the pace and the tight itineraries had to go, but within the first 12 months of the baby, she would be done with 15 completed flights of various lengths (3-10 hours). I think you should start slow to keep pace with the development of the immune system, but wouldn’t stop stretching it every now and then – a big for the baby’s adaptability lessons!

Having said that, here are eleven things a parent has to keep in mind in order for the trip to be safe and worry free. Below is the top 15 things that will help you navigate the world with that tiny soul:

  1. Flight Seats: Bassinets are over-hyped. They do not work for all babies, and typically only one parent gets to sit near the Bassinet. We tried ‘lie-flat’ business class seats as well. But the best option for us had been the middle seat in the 3-seat sections in Economy+ or Premium Economy. It gives the baby the best of both worlds – parents on both sides and a flat bed to sleep!
  2. Flight Tickets: Most airlines allow babies to travel after they are about 2 weeks old. But for leisure travel, you will likely not embark on it before they are at least 3 months old. While you don’t need a separate ticket, make sure to call the airline to add the baby to the itinerary. You will need to pay the taxes portion of a ticket. In domestic (US) flights, you will not need a boarding pass, but in International segments, you will need a separate boarding pass (along with an ID).
  3. Airport Security: I always recommend getting the TSAPre membership if you are planning frequent travel, but with a baby you may well get the privilege. Check with gate agents, and even TSA agents.
  4. Priority Boarding: Even if you are not an Elite airline member, parents carrying babies get priority boarding privileges. Use it unabashedly, as the benefits of boarding the plane and settling down with the baby before the jet-bridge-traffic-jam, is of tremendous advantage.
  5. Baby Jet-Lag: It is real, even though it may not be apparent. Timezones screwing up baby’s sleep cycles may be daunting but can be managed. First of all, plan for more days proportional to the time change. Keeping them engaged and awake until the desired sleep time may work in some cases. Use of melatonin for adults, so that you can take turns to keep awake during the nights when she wakes up, could be helpful too.
  6. Baby Essentials: We read about not over-packing diapers and wipes in other blogs. But in our experience, please do not undercut these two and formula (if applicable). Although in every place in the world, you will find diapers and wipes, the quality that the baby is used to may not match. Stressful times for the parent(s) and the baby if that happens. We ran out of wipes in South America, and although could buy different kinds there, none came close to the ones we use at home. I’d say over pack on baby food and formula! Cannot stress this enough.
  7. Navigation: While it is easier to think about carrying the stroller and car seat with you in international trips (assuming within the US, you’d have to carry both), there might be more comfortable alternatives.
    1. Stroller – Unless you have the strollers that can fit in the airline bins, you have to gate-check it in the jet-bridge. Chances of loss, theft and damage are egregiously high – it happened to us and it took me 2 months to replace a part that would make the stroller usable again. Also, depending on the destination, strollers may be barely used. Such as in a beach destination or rough terrains, you cannot even roll the stroller! Alternative is to use a baby carrier, which can serve many other purposes.
    2. Car Seat – In many countries outside North America and Western Europe, car seats are not mandatory. While it is not the safest option to ditch the car seat, many cars in LATAM/Asia/Africa won’t even have a provision to put a car seat (especially a rear facing one). We used the baby carrier in combination with the passenger seat belts to secure the baby and the carrying parent, in Central America and Latin America. If renting a car, it is much more comfortable to rent a car seat along with the car. If you must carry the car seat, get a carrying pack that can be put on as a backpack.
  8. Accommodation: Although we do not have a preference towards hotels or AirBnB’s, both of which have pro’s and con’s that are pretty obvious, it is pretty much horses for courses. Based on our experience, ‘private rooms’ in AirBnB’s do not work too well for us. We have experimented with Cribs and co-sleeping in King beds; both went well. Couple of hacks for baby related work –
  9. Sterilizing Bottles/Nipples: Although there are portable products available in the market, we have used a kettle borrowed from the hotel to boil water and sterilize nipples in the ice basket. Exactly same physical principle, to get the same results.
  10. Bathing: We have an inflatable bath-tub for the baby, but more often than not, it is easier to give her a bath in the shower.
  11. Eating Out: While on trips, you will go to the restaurants, shacks or even Michelin star restaurants. Depending on the baby, they may or may not be comfortable with surroundings (e.g. sound, light, temperature). We generally have a chair appendage and an alternate lie-flat plan handy on each restaurant trip.
    1. High chairs are not always available, but even when they do they are not comfortable for a baby who is just learning to sit upright. We have invested in a portable baby camp-chair , that has been a life saver, mostly because she has adapted to it, and can now comfortably sit on it, attached to anything.
    2. Life-flat option: An upscale restaurant manager once taught this to us. We were dining on the beach in a warm tropical evening, and the baby needed to sleep. So the manager brought two chairs with side hand-rests, fit them facing each other, a blanket to mimic a mattress, and voila. She slept under a blanket of stars shining brightly on her happy face! We have used this tactic in airport lounges, restaurants, and everywhere possible. As parents, there is no room for maintaining decorum!
  12. Trust but verify: I have read a lot of literature about finding a nanny or baby sitter services for your date night on a trip. I will bet my life (and bank accounts) to not indulge in these propositions. But if you have to, read reviews, ask hotel managers, and random people; still do not hand over baby duties to someone you do not know, especially in a country you are just visiting. Please do not!
  13. Call it a day: Finally, even with a lot of planning and above tools at your disposal, things can (and will) go wrong! As back up of the back ups, please have the plan ready to throw in the towel, and abort all plans, when things are going out of control. Or even, take a breather, skip an activity or miss a bus. Give the baby some time to recover, lest she falls sick, that will derail your entire trip. Lose a battle to win the war!

Based on our experiences, adding a Diaper bag Check-List should that help. And as you could tell by now, I am big fan of back ups. So adding commentary where I recommend adding backups.

Diaper Bag Packing List (with back up plans)

*Added our favorite products and Amazon links as well for your perusal

  • Diapers (of course) – Supply for transit time plus 50%
    • 50-75% of diapers for the trip should be in a carry on luggage (Trust me on this, lest there is a flight cancellation or delay)
  • Diaper changing mat – Super useful when you have to change diapers anywhere, literally. We have changed diapers on restaurant benches, airplane seats, back seat of a car, trunk of an SUV, on the grass in a park, and even altars in a cathedral! Diaper changing mat to the rescue.
  • Wipes – One pack in diaper bag, one each in check in and carry on. Learn the translation in local language, if traveling abroad should you have to buy some there.
  • Food – If formula fed, keep the bottles with formula handy in the diaper bag, enough to last the travel time. Formula container and extra bottles MUST be in the carry on bag. We prefer Comotomo bottles for its ease of adjusting to pressure.
  • Backup clothes – At least 2 backup sets of clothing as throw ups may happen on the road. Airplanes get cold and dry, in case of flights longer than 3 hours. We prefer thicker, fleece type sleep sacs or suits for longer plane rides.
  • Blanket – Must have for the road. Have a back up or two in check-in bag.
  • Toys – To keep the baby entertained. But we have found simplest of things like a menu card, napkin or small plastic water bottles double well for toys. So be creative and play around with the baby’s choice of entertainment.
  • Snacks and Water Bottles – We have found TSA or Airport security agents to be lenient with liquids over 3oz. when it comes to baby food, especially if it is still packaged and sealed. But try to limit the items that are larger than 3oz.
  • Bibs – We prefer to use waterproof bibs, e.g. Bumkins, for travel.
  • Ziplocs and trash bags – Keep a bunch of small-medium ziplocs for food and utensil storage. We use our dog’s poop bags as proxy for trash bags to keep diapers and soiled clothing.
  • Binkies and clip – If your baby is interested in pacifiers, they can be your best friends while take off and landing since they tend to help normalize the ear pressure.
  • Nose Aspirator and saline spray – A product like Nose-frida, as baby’s nose tend to get clogged in sudden changes of pressure, humidity and temperature.
  • Med Supplies – Thermometer, baby Tylenol, diaper rash cream, band-aids.
  • Sanitizers – Finally, multiple travel packs of sanitizers and disinfecting wipes should be in a diaper bag, especially for babies younger than 1 year. Airplane seats, arm rests and trays are notoriously overpopulated with germs (fact).

Additionally, check in bag should hold the following –

  • Bottle washing kit (travel size dish washing liquid and bottle washer)
  • Baby Sunscreen
  • Baby insect repellent
  • Hat and sun protective clothing
  • Portable nipple sterilizer (we have used these microwavable packs)
  • Travel size bath soap and shampoo, plus baby towels

Please feel free to share your experiences as well, so that we can be prepared in our next trips.

Gastronomic explorations

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Food and Nightlife in Aruba

Return to Aruba

No matter what your preferences are while on the road, getting to know a culture is best done over a meal and/or some drinks. Like all other Caribbean islands, Aruba does have a plethora of restaurants and cuisines to choose from. But Dutch influence in the island is quite apparent when you look for places to eat or drink. We are listing down some of our favorites and popular places including the truly local restaurants.

  • Aruba Ariba
  • Wacky Wahoo
  • Dutch Pancakes
  • Sunset from Flying Fishbone
  • Beach seating in Barefoot Restaurant
  1. Bare Foot Restaurant: Topping our list for ambiance, food quality and service. We found a seat on the beach right after sunset, enjoying the warm sea breeze and soft sand under the feet. The cocktails (e.g. Aruba Ariba) are to die for, and the delectable Caribbean cuisine better than all other fancy restaurants we tried. Definitely a must do for at least one dinner while in the island. Good for Dinner
  2. Papiamento: Elegance and fine dining at its best. Not a sea-side restaurant, but with the outdoor seating nestled with plants and a large pool, dinner time is going to lit up for sure. Fairly expensive, and mostly caters to cruise ship tourists. You won’t get a local flare, but if you are looking for a good time with family and friends to splurge, you are in the right place. Good for Dinner
  3. Wacky Wahoo’s: Now, our favorite local-ish restaurant is this gem in the Noord area. Has a ton of seafood delights, and well trained servers eloquent in multiple languages, who can share interesting anecdotes about the food and cuisine. At a medium price point, worth a visit if you are in the area. Good for Lunch/Dinner
  4. Kamini’s Kitchen: Well, in the south side of the island, while hopping between beaches, stop by this place that locals flock to. From the typical fried seafood to well seasoned Caribbean jerk dishes, and the casual chats with fellow patrons, this is a place you will not regret. Good for any meal
  5. Linda’s Dutch Pancakes: Finally, a breakfast item that you cannot miss while in Aruba are Dutch Pancakes. While there are a few options to choose from, we found Linda’s to be the best in terms of ambiance and options. All outside seating with only ceiling fans to cool off, so may be dress accordingly. Good for Breakfast

While there are a ton of restaurants around here, but if you would like to cook, there are numerous supermarkets (mostly Asian) and grocery stores here to buy standard items including local stuff. In terms of drinks, our favorite has been the ‘Aruba Ariba’.

Outside the above, there are several beachside restaurants like “Flying Fishbone”, “Matthews’ Restaurant”, “Faro Blanco”, etc. to satisfy the pallets. There is a local brew of beer called Balashi, a lager style, turned out to be really nice.

Check out our Tripadvisor reviews for the above places here.

Aruba: 4 Day Itinerary

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Back to Aruba Home

Whether you are looking for a calm and serene time disconnected from the stress and maddening crowd, or a hardcore water-sport enthusiast, your time in the Caribbean can be rewarding if you choose carefully. While you cannot necessarily go wrong in your choice of the island (out of hundred-odd named ones), a bit of high level planning will help you focus on the goals rather than deal with the travel management.

Some travelers tend to combine Aruba and Curacao in a week long vacation, for good reasons. Some even take advantage of a cruise vacation to see (rather just setting foot on) the island(s). But if you really want to immerse a bit on the culture, learn history, and soak in the pristine waters of the Caribbean, we recommend at least 4 days in Aruba. Here is a suggested itinerary (especially if you are traveling with kids or elderly) –

Day 1:

Arrive in Queen Beatrix International Airport which is located in the middle of the island on the western side. Unless you are planning on staying in the resorts in one of the ‘all inclusive’ packages, please consider renting a car as taxi fares are exorbitant and hard to hail at some times during the day.

Head to the hotel/Airbnb or accommodation. If you arrive before sunset, get to a beach close by or check out one of the fabulous beach-side restaurants while sipping on those Aruba Ariba’s. No better way to feel welcome to the little Caribbean getaway. Relax, walk around and get some groceries from one of the local supermarkets.

Day 2:

Start your day early today, get breakfast from one of the dutch pancake houses, and start driving. We are going to skip the beaches for now, rather indulge in some history.

If you are staying in the north (Noord area), head to the Old Dutch Windmill for a quick stop and photo ops. Unlike other tourist attractions, this is a barely maintained artifact, but depicts the history of the island from the 1700’s when it was under Dutch regime. 15-30 minutes later, drive to Casibari Rock Formations on the mid-eastern side. This site is not marked that well, but GPS should take you to the right spot through the unpaved roads. Spend about an hour, hike the stone formations to get a 360 degree panoramic view of the island.

Grab a cola or a beverage of your choice from the shop across the street, and head East towards Bushribana Gold Mill Ruins by the coast. The ruins are in fairly dangerous situation, so climbing not recommended. But a stop here is absolutely necessary due to something more than the ruins themselves. Walk towards the coast and you will start to step on some rocks with sharp edges. Take a deep breath, you will be standing atop a dead coral reef! We talk about climbing a glacier and standing at the top of a mountain, but how many times would you be walking over Coral reef without damaging it further? Walk around closely keeping an eye on where you step; one mis-step could lead to some injuries due to slippery rocks and sharp edges. In this wide expansive reef, you may spot some crabs and shells, but may also spot some solidified fresh salt deposits. Pretty cool, huh?

While you are here, don’t forget to drive up to the “Natural Bridge”. It is recommended to use a 4×4 to get there, but a regular car/SUV can handle the bit of unpaved roadway. But you cannot go farther than the Natural Bridge and the gift shop. If you are carrying your swimsuit and water shoes, take a plunge in the Natural Pools created because of the presence of the limestone. Proceed with care though, as the rocks are slippery, no lifeguard and no structured access points. On your way back to the Western side of the island, stop at the Ostritch Farms and take a few pictures with the huge cacti all around you.

If you have started early enough, grab some packed lunch from a supermarket, and head to the Arikok National Park. Please note, you will need a 4×4 to access the attractions (Natural pool, Fontein Cave, etc.). It is a protected environment so car traffic is controlled. The entrance to the park closes at 3.30pm, so get in as early as possible. You can rent a 4×4 ATV to tour the park. You will need a solid 3 hours to even graze the surface of what the park has to offer.

But after all, you are here to enjoy the beaches too, and we are right about on time to hit the western coast and enjoy a brilliant sunset. Head south to Baby Beach. On your way down there, you can either stop for a drink and snack at Kamini’s Kitchen or stop for a refreshing coconut from a street-side vendor. Beware, they’ll ask for exorbitant prices, so haggle a bit beforehand. While Baby beach is more tourist friendly, and attracts snorkelers, it does not have a good vantage point for sunset. Closer to sunset, head to Rogers beach, literally 2 minutes away. There are no restaurants/establishments here, so not quite the sunset experience you may be looking for, but a quiet experience nevertheless.

Day 3:

More pancakes to start the day, followed by some tanning time on the beach. For snorkeling, we found Mangel Halto beach to be interesting. There is not much of a signage around, so is a quiet beach with not many people around. The expansive beach may not be the most picturesque but the shallow waters surrounded by mangroves makes it a fantastic spot to snorkel or just enjoy the warm waters. Need to get there a bit early to reserve a nice spot under the palapa’s.

For some refreshments and some beachside lunch, head up to Manchebo Beach where Matthew’s beachside restaurant serves nice lunch fare. For the afternoon siesta, head to Eagle Beach which is also a great place to watch the sunset.

Indulge yourselves for some late evening dinner in the classy on-the-beach restaurant Barefoot Cafe.

Day 4:

Grab some coffee, and head north to the California Lighthouse. Have breakfast in the Faro Blanco restaurant while admiring the panoramic vista of the island. Walk up the lighthouse and try to see if you can spot Venezuela coastline.

Depending on whether you are looking for a casual day on the beach, or some water-sport, drive down to Arashi Beach or Palm-Eagle Beach. Rent an umbrella for merely $20-$25 for the day (less than half that of Miami South Beach), and sip on those Ariba Aruba’s or Aruba’s local lager, Balashi. If you are in Eagle beach, snorkel or dive to the ship wreck Antilla. We were traveling with a 4 month old, so had to skip this but heard about the coral formations and the abundance of marine life.

Instead, we headed down south again to the restaurant Flying Fisherman for some dinner while watching sunset, with either dipping our toes in water or sand. Incredible experience albeit at a fairly high cost.

Next day, we pack up and head back to the airport. This itinerary can technically be consolidated into three full but hectic days, or one can head down to Curacao for 3 more days.

Las Vegas

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Welcome to the Sin City. They say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! No matter how much is written for this incredible place that truly never sleeps, you could never get enough.

Bit of History

Located in the middle of arid Mojave desert, Las Vegas was found as an oasis (where you get water in the middle of a desert) by the trading parties traveling to Los Angeles in late 1800’s. Urbanization began in early 1900’s with the railroad linking Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, along with the building of the Hoover Dam in 1930’s. Showgirl theaters and Casinos were built by the construction mafia to entertain primarily male workers and businessmen around the area. It was not until late 1930’s that gambling was legalized. First set of hotels or resorts built in 1940’s served gourmet buffets and entertained affluent tourists. Out of the early hotels, only Flamingo still remains in business. Mob activity was reduced in the post-war period and it saw a rapid boom in the Las Vegas casino scene. Major hotels like Sahara, Sands, Riviera, popped in. Biggest stars like Frank Sinatra and other entertainers flocked to perform in the hotels.

Foundation of modern day Vegas was mainly built in the 1970-80 period, with mega resort boom coming in the 1990’s. The biggest names, Rio, Excalibur, MGM Grand, Treasure Island were built in 1990’s, and Wynn, Aria, Encore and Cosmopolitan in 2000’s.

Things to do in a perfect weekend

Unlike other big cities, Vegas can be covered in one weekend. But, and a big caveat being, you are likely going to come back for another weekend or ten. It is a hit or miss for most people – you either love it or you don’t. We are big Vegas fans, and have been there at least 5-6 times. Below are a few things that you can easily cover in your first trip to Vegas. Be sure to check out the key things to remember and fun facts below.

The Strip of Las Vegas is a 4 mile section of the Las Vegas Boulevard going north-south. Most of the major hotels and casinos are in this section.

  • Hotels and Casinos: You are in Vegas, so it makes sense to play a table game or two (some call it gambling). If you are a Poker and Blackjack player, be sure to play a few games in different hotels to get the full experience. A few hands in Bellagio and Caesars Palace is very different from the cheaper casinos in the northern side of the strip. Below are a few key ones you should visit (South to North):
    • Luxor: Egyptian themed hotel with obelisks and sphynx.
    • Excalibur: Disney’s Aladin themed hotel
    • New York, NY: The casino is NYC themed with street names and major architectures. Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building replicas are displayed in the facade. Be sure to check out the roller coaster.
    • MGM Grand: Famous MGM lion statues and an indoor zoo.
    • Paris: Check out the Eiffel Tower replica, play in the Paris themed casino, or try some french pastries. Take the elevator up to the top of the Eiffel Tower during the evening to see the incredible Bellagio fountain show.
    • Venetian: Venice themed hotel with a replica of a canal inside where you can take a gondola ride flowing under the bridges. Get a gelato and check out the flagship designer stores while you are here.
    • Bellagio: Probably the most notable and famous for its dancing fountains. Fountains show is every 30 minutes every day. Our favorite place to gamble in the casino.
    • Caesar’s Palace: Our favorite hotel to stay. It features replicas of the roman architecture inside, including some of the famous fountains (e.g. Trevi) of Rome.
    • Mirage: Check out the volcano and pirates show every evening.
    • Stratosphere: Although a low end hotel compared to the rest above, this towering hotel is a special mention due to the three insane thrill rides at the top – Insanity, Big Shot and X-scream.
  • Entertainment Shows: Vegas hosts a number of regular shows and some featured shows by marquee entertainers. Some sort of event or heavyweight artists’ shows happen in pretty much every weekend in the year. We recommend choosing one or two among the below regular shows for a complete Vegas experience –
    • Cirque du Soleil shows – Zumanity, O, Ka, Mystique
    • Blue Man Group
    • David Copperfield
    • Crazy Horse
  • Foodie Paradise: Not surprisingly, Vegas boasts an incredibly high number of hottest restaurants owned by celebrity chefs of the current time. You can also choose to survive on cheap but delicious food, or hoard on the sumptuous buffets around town. Below are some good sampling of food from all ranges that we love:
    • High Rollers: Woolfgang Puck’s Spago in Bellagio, Scotch 80 Prime in the Palms, Bardot Brasserie, Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants in Caesars and Planet Hollywood, Emeril Lagasse’s Fish House in MGM Grand.
    • Hot Buffets: Most of the hotels have brunch or dinner buffets; our favorites are the buffets in Bellagio, Caesars, Aria, and MGM Grand.
    • Cheap Eats: Hit the Fashion Show mall and the malls across the street from Aria for many cheap eats including tacos, shrimp rolls and pizza slices. Check out this article for more info.
  • Don’t forget to go to Vegas downtown for Fremont Street Experience and the Mob Museum.

Things to Remember

  • Do not fall into tourist traps of ‘cheap girls in the hooker cards’ or ‘cheap tickets to enter an upscale club’. Those will surely get you into trouble or cost you money at the very least.
  • Do not miss out on grabbing a craft cocktail from numerous bars and pubs in the strip. Although you may have to shell out some money.. its worth it.
  • Go to a party on Friday or Saturday night. XS in Wynn and Encore beach club are our favorites. Club in Aria and Caesars are pretty cool as well.
  • You are not going to the beach, but still pack your bikinis and swim trunks. Best parties in the strip are in the pool side – check out the parties in Aria, Wynn, Cosmopolitan.
  • Believe it or not, smoking is still allowed in all casinos barring a few like Wynn, Cosmopolitan and Aria.
  • Drinks are free as long as you tip the rotating waitresses and keep playing in the tables. Do not expect quick service or even quality cocktails here.. obviously!
  • Even if you would love to bring out your fancy outfits and high heels, there is a lot of walking around here. The distances between hotels are way longer than they appear. So plan accordingly and recommend leaving the stilettos for the evening parties.
  • Lastly, have fun gambling, drinking, partying, dancing, whatever pleases you; just try not to get married and get into trouble with the cops. Not funny, these things happen. 🙂

New York City

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Back to US Atlantic Coast

A lot of literature is written about the history, culture and architecture of the financial capital of the world. Known as the Big Apple, it has the energy and personality like no other city in the world. Having traveled to and worked in the city, we can safely state that there is no way you can get a sense of all that the city has to offer in one trip. If you are in search of the best the city has to offer, and only have a weekend to spare, follow the itinerary below for a holistic view of the cityscapes and find spots to hang out only locals know of.

Duration: Fri-Sun      Best Time to Visit: Year around, but fall/summer preferred

Brief History

You cannot understand the city vibes and neighborhood charm unless you are aware of the history of the city and the ups and downs the city has gone through in the modern times. Its history goes back to the 1500s when it used to be a Dutch trading post. The area around the city in 1600s was called the New Netherlands, and the present day Manhattan was named New Amsterdam ruled by the Dutch West India Company. Between 1660 and 1670, the English troops and Dutch fought several times to establish rights for the city. In the end, in 1674 under the Treaty of Westminster the city was surrendered to England. The English promptly named New York in honor of the Duke of York.

Like other large cities of the era, New York saw a number of epidemics, famines, great fires and conflicts including the battle of Long Island in the Great American War in 1776. It was the first capital under the newly minted constitution of the United States.

There are four boroughs of the city separated by the East River and Hudson River, with Manhattan being the largest island. The other three are Queens, Brooklyn and Bronx which were incorporated into the city in 1898. With the opening of the subway in 1904, Harlem Renaissance during the prohibition era and economic boom during the world wars, saw the rapid development of the city into a mega-metropolis becoming modern day hub of architecture, culture and economy. Some of the tallest and grandiose structures, like the Empire State Building, World Trade Center, Chrysler building, Flat Iron building and the Rockefeller Towers mark the iconic city skyline that glitters in the dark. Rapid economic boom drew immigrants from all around the world, and that created ethnic neighborhoods around the city, including a Chinatown.

Suggested Itinerary

The itinerary below will begin from a casual Friday evening and span the whole two weekend days.

Friday Evening in Midtown

  • If it is summer and before dark that you reach midtown, spend some time in one of the roof top bars or in Central Park for a stroll. After dark, come back to Times Square. Spend some time people watching and taking as many pictures as you want when the screens light up the night.
  • Since it is a relatively easy day, it may make sense to catch an evening Broadway Show or get a drink at one of many stand up comedy clubs in the area.
    Times Square Collage.jpg

Saturday Morning in Lower Manhattan/Staten Island

  • Start the day at the 9/11 Memorial to commemorate the lives lost in the terrifying attack. Avoid wasting time for the elevator ride up to the One World Observatory.
  • Walk to the Woolworth Building which is one of the oldest sky scrappers in the city. The Trinity Church on Wall Street is a historic church dating back to the 1600s.
  • Walk around Wall Street where all the big names of the financial world do business. The New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve Bank are only within a couple of city blocks. Don’t forget to take a picture with the Raging Bull.
  • For some snack or lunch, walk to Chinatown. Try not buying any designer bags from the street. Bring some cash as the best food options only accept cash. Try the noodles in Xi’an Famous Foods (vetted by Anthony Bourdain) and get a boba milk tea (bubble tea).
  • Walk south to Battery Park which gets its name from the 17th century battery that the Dutch and English colonies established to protect the city from any naval invasion. Take the Ferry to Staten Island and return back immediately. It is a completely free ride both ways, and you can enjoy sweeping views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty in the Liberty Island. Check out the ferry schedule here.
    • If you want to visit the Statue of Liberty up close, you can choose to take the Statue Ferry from Battery Park but we do not recommend fitting it in a tight weekend schedule. It takes 3-4 hours round trip to go to the island, walk up the crown or pedestal, and return back with an optional stop at Ellis Island.

Saturday Afternoon in Brooklyn

  • After coming back to Battery Park, walk to the Brooklyn Bridge and walk across it. Many movies and TV shows have made this iconic bridge famous. On your way across the bridge, from the Brooklyn Promenade, you can get another panoramic view of the city skyline, especially in the afternoon.

Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge from lower Manhattan
  • Get a coffee in the Brooklyn Roasting Company and walk around Brooklyn Heights. When it’s time, you can grab a bite at Junior’s or Bedouin Cafe.
  • No better way to end the day with a nice evening drink at one of the quaint rooftop bars in summer while you appreciate the charming Brooklyn Neighborhood.

    • Sunday Morning 

    • Today we go into the artsy side of the town. Walk the Highline for another view of the downtown amidst the morning mist. Grab brunch in Chelsea neighborhood which is a chic ambiance. Walk in the interesting streets in the Greenwich Village while checking out the scenic facades and stores. Walk north to Washington Square for people watching. Tip – if you are into street photography, this area is one of our particularly favorite spots for some candid shots.
    • Take a cab up to Central Park. Find the Bethesda Terrace and Belvedere Castle. Spend some time walking or biking in the trails while tasting some delicious treats from the food trucks. Regardless of your preference of Art, we recommend spending the next 2-3 hours in one of the greatest art museums in the world – Metropolitan Museum of Art (a.k.a. The Met) or Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art (a.k.a. MOMA). You cannot do both, but definitely go into one of these. Both have famous paintings from the impressionism era to modern times, from Manet, Monet to Dali’s.
    • If it is close to dark, walk south along the 6th street. Take a picture with the famous Love sculpture, people watch on the Rockefeller Plaza, and check out the world famous designer flagship stores along 5th and 6th avenue.
    • Farther down south is the iconic Grand Central Terminal, that hosted so many movie scenes.
    • Walk to Bryant Park for an incredible experience especially during the holiday season (Nov-Dec).
    • At this point, with a heavy feet and fulfilled heart, drop your shopping bags in the hotel or drop anchor at one of the midtown roof top bars to delve into the sights you explored.

    Even after miles of walking and hundreds of photos, be rest assured that we only covered a small percentage of what NYC has to offer. Be sure to check out our other posts on art and culture, and food scene in New York for your future travel needs.

    Fun Facts and Things to Know

    • The megacity is the world capital of finance, culture and media. It is also the home of the world headquarters of United Nations.
    • Once you have seen the glittering Times Square, try to avoid at any cost, unless you want to catch a Broadway show. It is a traffic nightmare with the number of tourists around. Chances of a pick-pocket or petty theft are high in crowded times.
    • Do not waste your money on attractions that boast view only (e.g. top of the Empire state building or World Trade Center). These are expensive, and also a waste of time to stand in line for 2-3 hours for a glimpse of the cityscape for 15 minutes.
    • Best way to absorb a sweeping view of the famous New York City skyline is from the Jersey side across the Hudson River. Couple of locations to pack your tripod and capture a panoramic view are – Fort Lee Park and Palisades Park. If you drive along the River Road in Edgewater, you can find a spot for a view as well, for free.

    NYC Skyline from Edgewater NJ
    NYC Skyline from Edgewater NJ
  • Try not to stop in the middle of the sidewalk to take pictures.
  • Do not fall into those tourist traps. If someone on the street is selling an incredibly cheap offer (for a show or a memorabilia), it is likely not genuine. There are often offers for a show and dinner for less than $10; you will likely find that it involves a minimum spending requirement.
  • Do not use public bathrooms/restrooms. Try to use a ‘pay-per-use’ or in a coffee shop after you buy something.

    • Eat, Stay, Love

    • Eat at top notch restaurants and the food-trucks around the city. But try to look for a NY Health and Safety rating of A posted in a yellow placard. If not, use your judgement lest there are food related problems spoiling your trip.
    • For a foodie, you may be competing with yourself to try all the NY delicacies. Must try ones are – Bagels (lox and schmear), NY Style Pizza, Halal Brothers Chicken and Rice, Dim Sum in Flushing, Ramen in East Village. Plus if you can try one of many Michelin Star marked restaurants around the city.
    • In terms of accommodation, it is no secret that NYC can be super expensive. Although you may find a cheap Airbnb, we recommend avoiding it due to city laws and housing crisis created by short term rentals. Here is one article for more details.
    • Hotels outside Manhattan, especially in Brooklyn and Queens can be cheap. But check reviews and the neighborhood before booking. Tip – Hotels in lower Manhattan are cheaper during the weekends since the prices are higher in the week for business travelers.

    Navigating the Megacity

    • Hailing a cab (yellow ones, not Uber/Lyfts) can be an experience for a foreign visitor. The right way to do so is to stand away from a bus stop on the side walk and lift your hand up confidently at a 45 degree angle. Contrary to many other cities, cabs are better options than rideshare apps in NYC, as cabbies know the roads much better than a casual driver from the suburbs.
    • Although a cab ride might be interesting, walking in many cases are much more convenient. Subway/public transport is good but can be sketchy in late evenings in specific neighborhoods.
    • But do not try to walk the entire weekend. It is best to follow the itinerary above so that you can walk around in a neighborhood and take a ride to the next.
    • It is recommended to not drive in the city for a foreign visitor. Even if you are bringing a car, try to park in the hotel or other longer term parking spots, then walk or take a cab.

    Chasing Fall Foliage – VT 100

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    Back to Road Trippin’

    “Two roads diverged in a wood.. I took the one less traveled by..”. This post is neither about taking the untested path to glory nor an analysis of the misunderstood poem “The Road Not Taken”. So why the reference? It’s because the poet called Vermont his home for the most part of his life, and that there are great wilderness trails here to lose track of time and find your beautiful destination in a desolate cliff.

    For this coverage of one of the most beautiful road trips in the country, we chose the peak fall foliage time in October to travel a good part of the scenic VT-100 state road. As part of the journey, we will pass scenic churches peeking out of colorful foliage, charming towns and cute country stores.

    Suggested Duration: 1-2 days       Time: Fall/Summer       Start at: Wilmington, VT or Jeffersonville, VT

    Itinerary

    While you can begin the journey at either the north or south end (Jeffersonville or Wilmington), we started the 2 day trip from the north. We will point out the key points of interest, and interesting by-ways. Find a downloadable map of the route below.

    Before we get into the sites, wanted to first cover the coveted Covered Bridges of Vermont. There are about 100 of them still remaining, and each has a character that is worth visiting. Most of them were built to carry people, animals and horse-drawn carriages across rivers and forks. The truss system that supports the weight of the bridge is actually above the bridge instead of traditionally below in other bridges. This helps the woodwork to sustain winter storms, spring thaw, and flooding river waters. All covered bridges are now protected by law. We will point out the noteworthy bridges below, but sample a few from the following – Chamberlin Mill, Gates Farm, Seribner, Poland, Power House, Grist Mill and Red Covered Bridge.

    1. We begin at the town of Cambridge, VT to take Vermont’s main street, the VT-100 Southbound towards Smuggler’s Notch. Fill up your appetite and caffeine requirement in the artistry town of Jeffersonville.
    2. Gristmill covered bridge with its truss system is up ahead within the first few miles.
    3. Smugglers Notch resort is a nice getaway in summer and a popular ski resort. The name Smugglers Notch probably comes from the fact that during the prohibition era when trade with Canada were restricted, some of the caves here were used by smugglers to carry goods and alcohol across the border.
    4. Smugglers Notch Pass is one of the best scenic mountain passes. Through narrow one lane turns, in the fall and summer, this roadway proves to be extremely photogenic. It is closed to automobiles in the winter, but cross country skiing and snow mobiles frequent the pass for an incredible experience. Feel free to park on the side and take a trail up the hill through the caves. Not a difficult climb, but descend very carefully due to the damp rocks.
    5. Stowe Resort area is a nice spot to park the car and take a gondola ride up to the higher vantage point. If schedule permits, grab a meal here as well with fine dining options. From the parking lot, in the fall you can see snow covered higher altitudes amalgamating with the exuberant fall foliage in the lower altitudes. If you are lucky, cloud and fog cover may provide an incredible view up top.
    6. About 20 minute drive in a side road to the Mt. Mansfield (4,300′) summit through the winding Toll Road for incredible views of the Lake Champlain. Only 1/4th mile is paved, so a AWD car is better suited, but regardless a great experience.
    7. Apart from maple syrup, Vermont is also known for its dairy products. Vermont has a great cheese scene, plus the famous Ben and Jerry’s ice cream factory. The most visited attractions make it a busy place. Kids would love the sampling of 53 flavors. The flavor graveyard is an interesting place to learn about the flavors that did not make it to the market!
    8. Vermont is also known for its apples and fresh pressed ciders. A great place to try sweet ciders, both hot and cold, and fermented hard ciders, and famous apple cider donuts in Cold Hollow Cider. Stop for a bit in the Cabot Annex for some delicious cheese and lake Champlain chocolates for a tasty stop.
    9. Past Waterbury, you will be able to spot the 4000 ft. high Camel’s Hump peak in front of you. Mad River will be accompany you throughout the journey. Notice that the river flows north to drain into the Lake Champlain. Several byways like 100A and 100B, will take you to several non-touristy spots along the way to learn a bit more of Vermont. We will press on 100S.
    10. Stop for the next Covered Bridge at the Village Covered Bridge which allows car traffic, but take the walkway to the other side for a nice peek at the river underneath.
    11. For sweeping views of the valley, take the Appalacian Gap road. Takes about 30 minutes round trip through the winding but fun road. Another optional side trip is on the Lincoln Gap road for a unobstructed views of the western sides of the Green Mountains and upstate New York.
    12. A quirky little town of Warren is an interesting side trip, even if you do not stop as it will bring you back to Rt-100.
    13. A must-see stop is the Moss Glen Falls, even if it is just 35 foot fall. A quick stop at the pull out and a 5 minute walk to the falls and the pool will provide great photo ops.
    14. Next part of the road, you will drive along the Green Mountain National Forest having multiple trails, campgrounds, ski tracks and recreational areas. Middlebury Gap Road (Rt-125) is your ‘path less taken’. It gives access to a special place – Robert Frost Interpretive Trail (~1 mile long).
    15. Thundering Brook Falls on River Road is another nice stop to make. If you drive past the waterfalls south towards the Rt-100, you will pass by a less traveled but pristine water body called the Kent Pond. The white unpaved road along the lake with fall foliage reflections on the turquoise water makes it an incredibly picturesque setting.
    16. Along the southern portion of the scenic drive, we will see lakes like you will spot churches in Rome, Italy. In an early afternoon with clear skies, you will be welcomed with a treat to the eyes and the lens at Black Pond, Amherst Lake, Echo Lake and Lake Rescue which are some of the largest water bodies in the state.
    17. A quick side trip to the historic homestead of the 30th president of the US, Calvin Coolidge, can be interesting if time permits.
    18. Our favorite village in the entire stretch and warrants a stop at Weston. Check out the historic Vermont Country Store and the Weston Country store for memorabilia, coffee and maple flavored ice cream.
    19. As we pass through another quaint town of Londonderry, the road begins to flatten and straighten a bit more. At the right time, this portion of the road will give ample opportunity for fall foliage picture compositions – with the red hut in the foreground and a placid lake in front of the mountains full of vivid color. So slow down lest you miss out on these unmarked wonders that will make your drive worthwhile.
    20. After you pass through other towns and communities, our trip will wrap up in Wilmington, VT. But one last gem that we want to point out, is the Molly Stark state park towards Brattleboro. A pull out on the right side of the road gives you a sweeping view of the mountain ranges to the east, south and west.

    Things to Remember

    • If you are chasing fall foliage, or leaf peepers as the locals say, you can keep a track of the ‘peak’ timing through these websites (e.g. Vermont Foliage Tracker, New England Fall Foliage Map) or follow these Instagram handles (@VermontTourism), etc.
    • The big box retailers are fairly absent from Vermont, making a Starbucks run or your favorite fast food joint, harder to locate. The route 100 goes through quaint towns with coffee shops and food joints. Pick up your supplies for the road here.
    • Finding accommodation is tricky in the Green Mountain state. While the state is mostly safe, we would recommend finding hotels or Airbnb’s relatively early as there is not much of supply either.
    • For the most part, VT 100 is a scenic by road, so traffic may move slowly often. Plus parking in the trail sites can be tricky as most spots do not have a large parking lot. So budget 2-3 hours more to your day itinerary.
    • Vermont is extremely pet friendly, so if you want, take your puppy with you. They will have a great time walking the great American outdoors.
    • Fun Facts – Vermont has no billboards! First US Patent was issued in Pittsfield. First higher education school for women was established here. It was the first state to abolish slavery in 1777. First successful energy producing windmill was set up in Vermont. And, GMO labeling was first made constitutionally required in Vermont.

    Map View of the Tour

    Here is a quick snapshot of the route and a downloadable map

     [googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1iKbGQtq6rJOBsZRNsAozrRCS-MDLlRQX&w=640&h=480]

    Looking back in time: Geological perspectives on Canadian Rockies

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    If you are in the Canadian Rockies, you must be wondering, why are the colors of these lakes so blue? Why are some of the cliffs so sharp and some are blunted? What is the difference between a Glacier and an Icefield?

    Formation of the mountains

    • 500 million years ago, this area was by the ocean and by the equator. This is where Pacific oceanic plate and American continental plates met. Heavier oceanic plate colliding with lighter continental plate created something like a ‘big bang’ 500 million years ago, causing sedimentary rock to rise up like a ‘fold’. If you look closely towards the bare cliffs around you, you can see clearly visible layers. The extreme pressure of the tectonic shift caused the whole sea bed, which had layers and layers of sediments over the ages, to rise up. The top most layer is the most recent, albeit millions of years old.
    • Since it was the tropics back then, an abundance of sea life and fossils can be found in the layers of sedimentary rock here. Different layers have different colors and texture from different types of rock like brittle shale, softer limestone or sandstone. Some contained hydrocarbons due to vegetation (forming into coal) and animals (forming into petroleum).
    • What is currently British Columbia, was formed during this tectonic collision from magma. But the Rockies were created from sedimentary layers pushed up; that is why you will not find any igneous rocks, like granite, here.
    • If you look carefully, the sedimentary layers are not parallel which it was when it was formed. The layers also seem to have broken along a vertical line. Due to high pressure from the weight of the rocks above, a fault develops which is essentially a crack. The rocks on either side of the faultline, slide up or down, thereby creating a phase shift. Other types of faults, caused by tectonic movements and glacier forces are also visible throughout the Rockies creating shapes.
    • Another factor to consider is the weathering by wind and glacier movement for millions of years, causing some cliffs to be extremely steep and some peaks somewhat blunted.

    Color of the Lakes

    Heavy and thick glaciers formed most of the lakes in this area. As gravity pulls the glaciers, the incredibly heavy ice grinds the rock into rock flour. It is so fine and light, it takes long time to settle down at the bottom of the lake. Bright sunshine is absorbed by the rock flour and only blue light from the spectrum is reflected. That’s why the color of the lakes are such vibrant blue, especially when the sun shines the brightest.DSC_1812

    Glacier vs. Icefield

    Best analogy to understand this is to think of the Icefields as a lake and glaciers being the rivers coming out of the lakes. Most glaciers are formed from the icefields, and follows gravity. Movement of glaciers is much slower compared to a river, comparable to growth rate of your fingernails. There are a number of glaciers in the Canadian Rockies, with the Athabasca glacier and Saskatchewan glaciers being the largest and most significant. Most lakes and rivers in this area are fed by one of these glaciers, thereby creating some of the purest form of water. Columbia Icefield is one of the largest ones in the world. It is a staggering 200 square kilometers wide and at areas more than 200 meters deep. You can spot flanks of the icefield on top of peaks and plateaus from the entire stretch of the Icefield Parkway.

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