This past week was all about change and decisions. Two things I don’t know much about and don’t enjoy. But one particular decision I did really enjoy! I pretty much got to look at a map and pick ANY place on this earth to go and visit. Just let that sink in for a moment. ANY place on this earth (that’s accessible by commercial airplane). So I sat there for a long time picturing myself looking at ruins in Greece, laying on the beach in Thailand, riding a gondola in Venice, and eating authentic pizza in Italy. What!?! How could I choose? This decision was getting harder than I thought. Maybe I would set up a map on the wall and throw a dart and wherever it landed surely I would go there. No…. that just wouldn’t do.  So I closed my eyes and pictured myself in a place, a place where I have always wanted to go, a place I had heard about so much growing up, a place that if I didn’t take this opportunity I might never get to go again.  And while I have always wanted to go to Greece, Israel, and a myriad of other locations I know in my heart my travel days are NOT over, nor will they ever be, and eventually I will get to those places. But this location… This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

So I’m curious… if you had this opportunity- where would your dream locale be? Please leave a comment in the comments section- but don’t be too convincing because my mind is made up!

Last weekend we headed up to Northern Arizona for a little well needed R&R. It was beautiful. The weather was in the mid eighties, we were regaled with countless thunder and lightening storms, and we were able to enjoy the beauty that comes with peace and quiet and good company.

Have you ever been up to Northern Arizona? About four hours north of PHX are the small towns of Show Low, White Mountain Lake and Snowflake, AZ. Not entirely typical of what you would expect when you think Arizona- especially in the summer. The response I typically got when informing people where I was headed- won’t it be hot there? Actually it was a lot cooler there then it was in Salt Lake City!

If you are looking for a luxurious getaway- this probably isn’t your spot. A family vacation? Sure there is plenty to do. You can head to the painted desert, the Petrified Forest, even the Grand Canyon. But we were satisfied slowing down, spending time with family, and enjoying the sunsets and fresh air.

There is a lot of history there. Especially for my family, and since I spent some summers there growing up it was rather nostalgic. Some of the time was spent making sure things were where I left them. I was rather disappointed a few times but I guess after six years things do carry on. Funny how that works right? In your mind a place will always be as it was when you left, no matter how much time has elapsed.

Viva Las Vegas

It used to be Las Vegas was about 25 cent shrimp cocktails and going there with a pocket full of quarters in hopes that you would double or even triple your investment. Those days are long gone and now are the days of luxury, high rollers, lush, and anything else sinful by nature. However, this is not always true either. Las Vegas has done a rather good job at marketing themselves as a family city. Casinos offer roller coasters, movie theaters, food courts, and arcades to keep the kids at bay so the parents can gamble. Las Vegas is truly a city where anyone can find something to do and be happy.

Even the penny pinchers (i.e. me) can find solace as there is a load of free stuff offered on and off the strip in Las Vegas. Some of my favorites are:

On the Strip:

The Bellagio Atrium: I love the atrium and it changes for each season and holiday, so it is something you can visit every time you go and it will always be different. It’s a family favorite.

MGM Grand Lions Habitat: In the middle of the casino there is a special habitat made and maintained just for lions! Usually during the day there are about two adult lions. They also have a lion expert there to talk to you about the lions, their likes and dislikes, and some educational facts. It’s really actually cool. And in the morning you can go and they have baby cubs you can get your picture taken with (not free).

M&M World: I have been there a lot and while walking around the shop is fun and they have some cool products, not very many people know they also offer a free 3-D show! It’s on the top floor and you have to be there at the right time to experience it (ask someone about it).

CBS Television City at MGM: a place where you can watch and rate upcoming shows on CBS. It’s a little time consuming (about an hour) but it’s a different and can be fun- depending on the show.

The Volcano at the Mirage is kind of fun as well as the pirate show, Sirens at Treasure Island (although not to sure if the pirate show is for kids), or you could check out the Fremont Street Experience (a great place to find the deep fried twinkie). If you do go down to Fremont don’t forget to look up and see the cool LCD screen shows.

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A long time ago…before I started training for a marathon, before thebabytravels learned how to projectile vomit and before the Alaskan cruise, I was in Minneapolis for a few days. I was just in town for work and it wasn’t the typical vacation, but I did manage to experience a few things unique to MSP even though time and transportation was limited. Here are a few things to check out when you’re in town.

Twins Game:

I used to live in MN, in fact I grew up there. Claiming that you are a Minnesotan means something. It means you’re able to survive falling through the ice on frozen ponds, you can treat 7 kinds of poison ivy and you’re a Twins fan. I grew up watching the Twins on TV with my grandpa and we frequently went to games at the Metrodome. When I found out that work was taking me to the Twin Cities the first thing I did was arrange to see a Twins game with my pal Chris. The brand new Target Field is a spectacular place to see a game and I was grateful to be able to catch a game in its inaugural season.

Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Well stocked buffets, spotless state rooms, flawless dinner service- these are all the things you see and expirience while aboard a cruise ship on vacation. But unbeknownst to most behind those service doors is a well oiled machine of crew members and maintanence organizing everything from laundry and room service, to keeping the ship running smoothly and of course steering it in the right direction. Celebrity Cruises was kind enough to let us take a peek behind the scenes of what most cruisers don’t get to see and share with you some things you may not know about your floating vacation.

Officers at the Bridge

This is the Bridge where the Captain spends most of his time. The bridge serves as the navigational, command and control center of the ship.

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