Traveling this winter

As for most Christmases, I flew home to Wiesbaden, Germany to visit my mom. Luckily I flew on December 15., right ahead of the snow storm that hit Europe and now has seemingly traveled across the Atlantic to the East Coast (obviously I know this isn't the same storm, but it is fun to imagine).

Tomorrow, we are flying to Barcelona for New Years and I am hoping that the weather is, yet again, on my side. This will be my first trip to Barcelona and I am very excited for: slightly warmer weather, speaking Spanish (and learning some Catalan), seeing the beauty of the city and people and most of all to capture everything I can through the lens of my Nikon D80!!!!

I wish you all a safe and happy New Years.

Bienvenidos a Panama

Panama is one of my favorite places to visit because it's such a beautiful country. It also helps that I have family there.

Check out my latest post for Being Latino that shows great images of this must-see country.

Traveling Alone

Have you ever traveled by yourself to a place you really wanted to visit?

Some might think it weird to travel alone, just as they might think it weird to go out to dinner or to the movies by yourself. I know of people who have traveled by themselves and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. They were able to experience things and meet other people they may not have had they traveled with friends or family.

You may ask why would people travel alone. It may simply be the fact that no one else wants to go to the same place you do or may not be able to afford it. But should that be a reason to not go? Here are some benefits to traveling without a companion.


These thoughts were inspired by the following video:

Why do you travel?

After a short break, I'm back to explore the world of travel even further and will open with the question of why you travel.

That is the ultimate question. There is no doubt that travel is enjoyable. It gives us the time to get away from ins and out of daily life and to experience a whole new world.

But what is your actual goal for traveling? I have nothing against relaxing on a beautiful beach that can be considered paradise, but there is more to traveling than taking all you can get for your money.

While you are taking and experiencing, what mark are you leaving on the place you're visiting? Do you make the ever effort to speak the native language and learn the customs? Are you aware of important issues and events taking place?

Or if you're on business, do you have the time to get outside of your hotel - even if only for a 20 minute walk?

Oktoberfest in the USA

As mentioned in my post about Oktoberfest in Germany, it is possible to celebrate this festival within the U.S. Many cities, breweries or bars host events.

In La Crosse, Wisconsin the fest is recreated as it can be experience in Germany. Philadelphia, a city proud of its micro brews will not leave you dry with Free sampling of German beers at Bell Beverage on Sept. 24, McGillan's month-long celebration which started on Sept. 2.

Not only does Philly celebrate Oktberfest, but Sept. 16 also marks the start of Philly Beer Week, which is actually a 10-day celebration of the acclaimed "Best Beer-Drinking City in America".

For other festivals across the U.S. check out this top 10 list of events.

The right luggage

An important part of traveling is choosing the type of luggage that suits your trip, you and your budget. With the plethora of luggage types available it can be a daunting task (as is any shopping trip) to choose the right one if you don't know what you're looking for.

Personally, my favorite is the Samsonite Spinner. These pieces have four wheels instead of the regular two and allow for easier transport. However, traveling over cobblestone or through snow is not the easiest. Second in ine to the spinners would have to be duffel bags, which I feel allow for easy packing. If you risk making you bag heavy it is also possible to find duffel bags with wheels.

How to pick the right luggage offers some great advice as does this eHow article.

What is your favorite piece to travel with?

Safe travels.

Oktoberfest 2010

There are only three days left until Munich's official Oktoberfest (Sept. 17 - Oct. 04) begins with the tapping of the first beer barrel at noon on September 18. Oktoberfest lovers will be glad to hear that the celebration of beer is actually extended by two days this year. On September 17, visitors will be treated to reconstruction of Oktoberfest as it was celebrated in past centuries.

Originally, the fest celebrated the marriage Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig's marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It has now evolved into a celebration of the drink that Germany is well known for and brews in many varieties. For more info check out Oktoberfest.de.

As this is a well-known fest in Germany, especially among those who love beer, it might be a little late to make a last-minute trip to Munich. But don't worry, this is an annual event which will take place from Sept. 17 - Oct. 03. 2011 and Sept. 22 - Oct. 07. 2012. If you want to go, I recommend you start planning now.

But not to worry, Oktoberfest is celebrated world-wide. Stay tuned for more info.

Safe travels.

Latino Heritage Month in Philly

September and October are great months to be in Philadelphia (actually any month is) because they mark the celebration of Latino Heritage Month. This is a chance to get acquainted with, closer to and to celebrate the Latino culture; a celebration that can then be continued throughout the year.

There are parades, shows, art, dancing and much more as is detailed in Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month en Filadelfia.

Do you know what's happening in your area to celebrate Latinos this month?

Also, don't forget to check out the blog BeingLatino for coverage of everything Latino.

Safe travels.

Autumn travel

In many parts of the world summer is ending and the weather is getting cooler. This is one sign that fall is upon us or just around the corner. It is a time of change that expresses itself in an explosion of color, mostly red, orange and yellow.

What better time to take a road trip to experience the way your country or the world changes. You could take walk around your city park, a drive to your state park and pair that with a refreshing hike or cross state lines to compare how nature changes across the country.

If your bold and have the time and money make this comparison around the world. For trip ideas check out Fodor's or the Travel Channel.

What are your favorite places to visit in the fall?

Safe travels.

Exciting trips: surf and yoga

Have you ever come across a trip that sounds absolutely amazing and makes you want to leave immediately and start having a great time?

While this is generally true about all travel for me, I am especially excited about Holly Beck's Suave Dulce - Women's Surf & Yoga Retreat. The week-long retreat includes surfing, yoga, food and many other activities in Nicaragua. I've always wanted to surf and this seems like a great opportunity.

A similar trip is also offered in Tofino, British Colombia.

What trips or places are you excited to explore?

Safe Travels.

Philly Restaurant Week

It's that time of year when restaurants open up their doors for amazing deals during Center City District Restaurant Week.

From September 12-17 and 19-24 participating restaurants will offer three-course lunches for $20 and three-course dinners for $35. Many places also offer great happy hour deals, so take advantage and discover what the Philly restaurant scene has to offer.

I definitely plan on going to a couple restaurants and will share my experiences. If you go, please feel free to share yours.

Happy eating and safe travels.

Alternate Travel: home exchange

One step up from couch surfing is a concept called Home Exchange. In existence since 1992, it provides travelers the opportunity to stay in members' houses during their vacation.

Just as in the movie "The Holiday" (the website was featured in it) two travelers exchange their homes at the same time, saving them money on hotels. Advantages highlighted on the site are: living like a local, meeting neighbors, being able to cook for yourself, connections with exchange partners can evolve into life long friendships and many more.

While site membership is $9.95/ month for an annual unlimited membership or $15.95 for a three-month membership, the home exchange itself is free.

Safe and exciting travels.

Travel Don'ts: not speaking the language

                                      Photo Nicolle Morales Kern

How easy would it be if you could travel and not worry about expressing yourself in another language? If the prospect of creating new sounds and words doesn't appeal to you, then maybe travel is not for you.

That may sound harsh, but the whole point of traveling to a different country is to experience a new country and culture and this includes the language. A key aspect of understanding a culture is through language and if you expect tourists coming to the US to speak English, you should be willing to try at least some expressions in the local language.

Exactly for this purpose there are plenty of phrasebooks that can prepare you for your trip. It cannot be expected that you'll be fluent in the local language, but the important aspect is to make an effort. At least be able to greet people, know food phrases and directional phrases. Most locals might switch to English when they notice you're from out of town, but they will appreciate that you made an effort.

You might prefer online phrase books, for example through Rough Guides,that can easily be downloaded or a pocket guide, available through Lonely Planet, that you can easily take along wherever you go. Of course, these are not the only places to get phrase books that can also be found at your local book store or library.

If you prefer to learn a language more fluently, check out my article on where to learn languages.

Alternative Travel: Couch Surfing

If hostels are not you're desired method of travel but you still have a budget to stick to, another alternative is couch surfing. In 2009, I published an article that took an in depth look at what couch surfing involves.

Basically, you register an account with the site that connects you to people around the world who are willing to let you stay on their couches during your stay in their city. In return, you let them (and others) sleep on your couch when they need it.

While I have never engaged in couch surfing, friends who have traveled in this way only have great things to say. A great advantage is having someone locally who can point you in the right direction for the best places to visit, eat and party.

On your next multi-state or - country journey, try couch surfing and enjoy a whole new world.

Safe travels.

Philly Naked Bike Ride

September 5 marks the 2nd annual Philly Naked Bike Ride (PNBR) as the Philadelphia City Paper reports. Starting at dusk riders will meet and ride in the nude, in underwear or with body paint (it's clothing optional). Naked bike rides are happening in many countries throughout the world.

To find out where the ride starts participants have to sign up for the email list at PNBR's website. If you're wondering why people gather to ride bikes naked, the World Naked Bike Ride site states the goal is to celebrate cycling and the human body.

So if you don't yet have any plans for this labor day weekend, check out the Red Bull Flugtag on Saturday and PNBR on Sunday.

Safe and exciting travels.

Are hostels what they used to be?

Traveling the world can be an exciting adventure. For those on a budget, youth hostels have often been an affordable option that allow for a few nights stay in a city before adventuring/ backpacking on to the next one.

But it seems that hostels are no longer what they used to be. Formerly, travelers used to be able to head to any city and show up at a hostel when they arrived. Traveling in such a manner may have given you a sense of freedom to stay in a location for as long as desired. However, now it seems it is a requirement to book hostel rooms (often shared with other people) in advance and also pay a booking deposit.

You do have the choice of staying in a dorm or private room and prices will range accordingly from $10 - $45 per night depending on when and where you stay. Prices in Europe are higher due to the exchange rate. Alternatively, you might consider staying in a one- or two-star hotel if you aren't really particular about where you stay.

For more information about staying in hostels check out Back Pack Europe. A wide range of sites such as Hostels.com, hihostels and Europeanhostels can help you with booking in any country.

Do you have any backpacking or hostel stories?

Safe Travels.

Labor Day

The first Monday in September (this year September 6) marks Labor Day, a national holiday dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. We also mark that day as the unofficial end of summer.

Around the world, labor day is traditionally celebrated on May 1 and is also known as May Day and is characterized by dancing around the maypole and other ancient customs associated with the celebration of spring.

One event happening on Saturday, September 4 in Philadelphia is the Red Bull Flugtag. At 1 p.m. 34 teams will show and test their homemade flying machines by soaring off a 30-foot high flight deck. This is the first time that Flugtag (= "flight/ flying day"in German) will be in Philadelphia and it will be interesting to see the designs dedicated to human-powered flight.

Location: Camden Water Front, Pier 1
                1 Cooper St, Camden, NJ

Gates open at 11 a.m. and the first flight is at 1 p.m.

Most of all this event is FREE and vendors will be on sight selling food and beverages, including beer.

Getting Sick

Something thing that really takes the fun out of traveling is getting sick, whether it's a cold, a stomach virus or an upset stomach. But it's easy to forget that it is just as easy to get sick while you're at home.

While I didn't travel anywhere this past weekend, my bought of food poisoning this past weekend reminded me of my trip to Sharm El Sheikh in 2005.While I did manage to get my scuba license, the rest of my trip I was confined to my bed with what I thought was an upset stomach and later found out was appendicitis.

Not being able to eat at all and barely retain fluids coupled by severe stomach cramps is not enjoyable, but are the symptoms of an upset stomach, food poisoning or a more severe illness.

Whether abroad or at home here are some tips to help avoid getting sick:

1. Find out if it's safe to drink tap water and if it's not, stay away from drinks that may be prepared with it, ice, swallowing water in the shower and brushing your teeth with sink water.
2. Wash your hands frequently.
3. Eat fruits with a peel and that have been thoroughly washed.
4. In hot climates make sure to eat fresh meat and food that is cooked in front of you, especially in open air markets.
5. Trust your instinct: if food looks like it is bad or has been sitting out all day (and isn't meant to) then don't eat it. If in doubt, ask when the food was prepared.
6. WikiHow suggests adding a cap full of vinegar of lemon juice to every 8 oz. you drink to create an acidic environment that most microbes can't live in.
7. Carry Pepto Bismol for quick relief.
8. Drink hot tea, for example green tea or chamomile, which provide useful antioxidants and calm your stomach.

While it's not always possible to avoid getting sick, I hope these tips help you. If you know of any other tips that should be shared with the world, please share them.



Safe travels.

Traveling Don'ts: Menus with Pictures

My mom has always had a rule when we travel: Never eat in restaurants whose menus have pictures in them.

You know the type I'm talking about. They are usually located in the tourist areas of a city and the pictures take over pretty much the entire menu. Such was the case on this past Christmas trip to Roma. While walking the narrow, cobble-stoned streets around the  Pantheon restaurant hosts stood in the doorway calling out to tourists to entice them to sit for a meal. The menus were prominently displayed to the side of the door and any possible guest could simply look at the food served.

I don't know about you, but it reminds of fast food places here in the US and I find that eating in such a restaurant will guarantee a mediocre or bad meal. One of the advantages of traveling is tasting local dishes and the best places to do that are restaurants that the locals eat in. So don't be afraid to explore your destination.

Safe Travels.

New Megabus destinations

Megabus is a wonderful bus service that offers a great alternative to the Chinatown buses in Philadelphia. I have never used Chinatown buses, but from what I hear Megabus is cleaner and not smelly, has air conditioning and WiFi - essential for any traveler.

At the moment the company services 13 states, Washington D.C. and Canada. A great new improvement is the addition of 10 more destinations from Philadelphia. So after you've walked your way around the historic City of Brotherly Love you can hop on a bus to A.C. (Atlantic City), Boston, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Toronto, Buffalo, State College, Washington D.C., Syracuse and Harrisburg.

While it is a requirement to order your tickets online, prices can range from $1 - $20.

On Your Own Two Feet

Whether you decide to book your trip with a travel company or go it on your own, the one thing I would highly recommend is checking out your destination of choice on foot. It is one of the easiest, cheapest and healthiest ways to learn about the place you’ve chosen to visit.

Depending on where you go, you may stay in a hotel that offers trips and packages and while it is nice to go on these, nothing beats exploring on your own (with a little help from locals). What I would suggest is contacting people (family, friends, Facebook even) who know the area before hand or talk to the concierge at your hotel.

If you need some help getting started on walking tours, check out some of the links below…otherwise have fun with your maps.

Tip: Getting lost or wandering down a street on a whim can lead to great discoveries, just stay safe when you do it.



http://www.theconstitutional.com/

http://www.walkingadventures.com/

http://spiritsof76.com/

http://www.bigonion.com/

http://www.sfcityguides.org/

Back to Traveling

Do you love to travel?

I certainly do and while this blog has veered off topic for a while, I thought it was time to get back into its original purpose...and that is all things related to travel.

Stay tuned for posts relating to modes of travel, locations, cool events and more. If you know of anything I should be talking about please let me know.

I find this quote fitting:
"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." ~St. Augustine

Safe travels, wherever you may go

Left unsaid

That little green dot
Is so tempting to click
To establish a connection
But something tells me you'll go gray
If i do
So different from the calls
The frequent texts
The inclusion in past times
Offered others the illusion we were more
Than recent friends
Trips to other places
Riding shotgun always
Turned to routine and thoughts never spoken
As caresses no longer lingered
All I want to know is why
We can no longer touch the sky
In a place I felt I could be me
And I wonder how I went from beautiful to silence
Questions that can't leave my lips
As the appearance of needy
Is not desired
And while most likely of my creation
It holds my tongue
Sleepless nights are not mine
And they say to move on
Take my pick from the rest
Which if desired
Can be arranged
I just wanted your words
Didn't think we'd ever say
Have a good life

*NAMK Feb 9, 2010

For the love of the famous

Drexel just celebrated the end of its Homecoming week with a concert headlining Jay Sean and Sean Paul. It is an understatement to say that many students were extremely excited about these artists, in total 3,000 students and their guests attended the concert.

I also enjoyed the musical artistry of these main acts as a photographer and I am happy that I was able to get some great shots (to be posted soon). My All Access Pass allowed me to stand in the space between the barricades holding back concert goers and the stage. This not only gave me "front-row" seats to the performers but also to the enthusiastic, screaming fans - the majority of which were female. They screamed when he was announced, they screamed when he appeared. When asked by Jay Sean who were the real fans, where the pretty girls were etc, the only collective response was screams.

I have simply never been able to understand the obsession for stars. I mean the undying devotion to each and every song, multiple posters on walls, and exclamations of "that's my future husband or baby-daddy". I mean the need to know everything about an artist, to follow their every move and to be willing to do anything to meet them. I feel that this leads to an imagined connection to a person (the key word is person) that you have never met.

I have great respect for artists and appreciate their contributions to the world, but I see them for what they are: people who are making a living with something they are passionate about.

I'm not saying it is wrong to "love" a star or artist, but I would just like to understand what leads to them being held up on a pedestal above the rest.

What do you think?

"I"

The following poem was inspired after I read Ayn Rand's "Anthem" - highly recommended reading!It's still a work in progress, I just felt like posting what I already had.

Have you discovered your "I"
The part that must not die
Powered by the beat of your heart
From which all gets its start
The point of your existence
Found on the path of most resistance
Much easier to fold to the will of others
Under the guise of being 'brothers'
Taught the highest is the common good
Following rules as you should
Sticking to the beaten path
Suffering the silent wrath
And the demands of your self
That has long been on a shelf
Causing a sense of unease
That you can't/ don't/ won't do as you please
To develop your full potential
Worth more than paper credentials
The embodiment of all you stand for

To Speak or Not to Speak?

In this winter term of 2010 I am taking a class on Free Speech and Censorship. The subject we have been touching on is self-censorship in all aspects of life. The fact is that we are trained from a young age that it is inappropriate to speak on certain subjects depending on the situation and people we're talking to. But why is it that certain subjects are taboo around certain people? Think, for instance, of your family gatherings. Are your family members open to having a conversation about politics, sports, religion, abortion, and other sensitive subjects? Or are these topics discouraged because your grandparents or parents, aunts or uncles would get offended and then angry leading to a complete shutdown of any dialogue?
Or think of your facebook page. Is there content that you don't post or privatize because you are friends with family or employers? Why do you not make this content public?
Another scenario might be that you are in a conversation in which someone says something that offends someone else, will you correct the offender or do you let it go thinking it's not your fight to fight?
As a country, the U.S. is all for Freedom of Speech, but why is it that we don't practice or allow it when it comes to topics that make us uncomfortable? In my opinion, we suffer more from self-censorship as it is based on the fear of what other people might think of us. In censoring ourselves, we take away from dialogue that it is important to fully understanding a topic and how it influences ours and others' lives. Removing self-censors, however, is something that has to be practiced. Only through practice can we get past the grip of that uncomfortable feeling.

What examples do you have of self-censorship and what do you think of it?

- Nicolle

Gossamer Wings

Debris is falling
At a slower than wanted pace
Clinging to my newly forming wings
Not ready to let go
Keeping the thread
To old ways alive
A resort to comfort
In times of insecurity
Brought on by the elixir
That kills inhibition
The choice to evolve
To new colors
Cracked the cocoon
Only broken by the committment of action
Or the abstinence thereof
Past ways fall away
Piece by piece
Revealing the expansion
Of the rainbow
Ready to connect this soul
To the next world
In the journey of discovery
Of the light
That brightens with each
Metamorphesis
Not to be rushed
For gossamer wings
Tear at the slightest
Unnecessary movement
That strays from the process
Of evolution
The time it takes to grow
Savoured
As potential decisions
Compared to those of past
Are weighed
And with care
Not found wanting
As higher levels of clarity
Are reached
On the currents
Of the world's breath
And whisper promises
Of the great
That is to come
As what was and is learned
Turns into what is known
And lived
Second in nature
As much as the breaths
Taken every day
With the coming greatness
Soon to be achieved
Astonish not
At the effect
Just one beat
Of these rainbow wings
On the world.

- Nicolle

These Words

With you I can fly
Spread my wings and touch the sky
Your depth is my soul
The sweet release of control
Thoughts become so clear
Letting you go, brings you near
With you fantasy becomes reality
My deepest desires flow from me
Once I let you go
Your birth is set in stone
Your existence becomes eternity
Even after my soul has gone from me
With you I can live forever
Disappear my thoughts will never
Speaking to those after me
In eternity I am free
And they say no one is immortal
But it seems you have become my portal
Without you my world would be silent
Overpowered by my inner tyrant
Thoughts would merely disappear
Fighting others to become clear
But you provide that sweet release
A flow to never cease
A conduit to express mine
Until the end of time.

- Nicolle

My K-9

Do you see the trip wire?
And the K-9?
My team of professionals
Guarding what's mine
Meat doesn't entice
These fierce beasts
Poised to attack
Never conceding defeat
Responding only to my command
Not to any outside hand
For you could be just any man
Worthy of the treasure at stake?
Do you know and have what it takes?
What it takes is a connection
Built by love and affection
Based on a foundation of trust
Only then will they calm
Wary but calm
And allow you into the fortress
By far not homefree
But closer to me
And the part that most never see.

- Nicolle

Your Silence...

Your silence speaks volumes
Your mouth wont allow
Your stance reveals the disgust
Your words wont tell.

The awkwardness between us
Reveals a chemistry failed
Destroyed by a fault
That cannot be availed?

I crossed the line
In more ways than one
And I'm ashamed to admit
That my work cannot be undone.

To take back those words
I'd give everything in my power
To make things with you right
I'd travel back in time
Turning back the clock
Until everything's a dime.

Know that I am here
For when you are ready
To give sound to your silence
No matter how heavy.

- Nicolle 2008

Something More

See me as something more
Than you want me to be
More than the facade
You desire.

Look into my eyes
To the soul within
To the part of me
That guards my heart.

Seek not to own or conquer
But merely to compliment and uplift
See me for who I am
And let me discover
Who I can be with you.

For my love is
What I have to give
My knowledge
What I have to share.

Realize...
That without me
There is a you
And without you there is a me.

But take my hand gently
Treat my heart with care
For no matter what I say
I do want you there.


(c) Nicolle 2008