Blue Wave Ted

After a while, seeing too little differences between beaches, most of the activities become a tad … boring.  Here’s a couple of ideas of things to do to keep the experience fresh.

Forget looking out the window from the boat — the adventure always lies in active participation. When it comes to unique and extreme sports, I’m talking about actually getting in the water, seeing firsthand what those tour guides are always on about.

Think kayaks, pedal boats, surf boards, wind surfing and the like. Here are a couple of suggestions for obviously unique and exciting ‘extreme’ adventures:

Glass Bottom Boat – Okay, so you may not be into the whole “sport” thing of being a tourist. That’s okay too. There are several boat rides that provide people with a clearer view of the ocean via glass bottom boats. The Discovery, a glass bottom boat in the Key West, provides waterside tour to groups, and presents tourists with various interesting spots to photograph.

Once the boat hits the reef, passengers are invited below the decks for a unique treat: a viewing room that provides a panoramic view of what’s directly underneath, tilted at 45-degree angles, the viewing window tours are provided with interesting commentaries and anecdotes from the knowledgeable crew.

Beach Trampolines – Talk about extreme — trampolines are already an adrenaline rush, combine that with water and what do you get? A greater sense of gravity, and its effect when applied to water. (Read: major splash) Quite popular in British waters, beach trampolines are for rent everywhere from Hastings to the White Beach Bay.

Imagine a water park, the extreme fun for even the most demur in the family. Imagine that water park was moving, and you had to catch up with it, while in mid-air, falling at a constant rate. (P.S. Science is extreme!)

One Man Subs – In lay man’s terms, a motor scooter with a big dome on top. So maybe you don’t feel like powdering up to wear a wetsuit, or maybe you’re not up to learning how to breathe through your mouth — then this extreme water sport activity might just be for you.

A popular attraction in the Caribbean, you could rent out these one-man subs and feel the excitement of the underwater lifestyle, as you cruise the waters in style. The big dome that covers the head constantly provides breathable air, which enables normal breathing underwater. You could spend a fortune traveling to the Bahamas to get in one of these, or you could simply try joining this contest that I found, which includes a FREE trip to the Grand Bahamas as a prize. And if there was a word to be married with extreme, it’s luck! Good luck in trying out these unique and extreme water sports ideas!

As much as I’m deeply fascinated with the skies and the waters — there’s still more left to discover: the underground.

Seeing photos online makes me think: did the modern world just build over an existing world? Are we as close to the ground as we think we are? It’s crazy, even far-fetched. But then you hear about government bunkers underground in deserts, and wonder, what are people trying to hide? The world underneath our feet are as much a part of the modern world as the skyscrapers and towers that are all over nowadays.

Here are three underground worlds that I would very much like to discover one day.

Paris Catacombs – Everybody says it’s the city of love and whatnot, right? The crazy, crazy thing is, underneath the city lies a massive catacomb and mazes lined up with the remains of the dead, dating back to several centuries back.

In the seventeenth century, most of the churches in Paris had their own burial grounds — though it reached a point where the cemeteries had too many corpses, that it caused diseases in neighboring districts because of improper burials, open graves, and the earth just filled with decaying organic matter.

To solve the problem, an idea by then Police Lieutenant General Alexandre Lenoir to move the corpses in the abandoned quarries discreetly seemed like a viable idea. Not only did this eliminate the spread of disease, it also meant that the corpses were under the city itself. To save precious space, the bones were lined up along the walls of the quarry that was once covered by graffiti.

London Underground – This is also known as “The Tube” is the world’s oldest underground railway system. Built by several companies at first in London’s underground, it has become an integrated passenger transportation system. The Underground has 268 stations, making it the easiest and fastest way to get around London. Not only that, but it also makes it the world’s longest underground railway.

It is also one of the main contributors for spreading the arts — via its Platform for Arts and Poems Underground projects. Posters and billboards also get noticed immediately, with the bulk of people who use the underground transport daily. It has also been featured in several works of fiction, like Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, and also in songs, such as The Jam’s “Down in the Tube Station at Midnight.”

It was named “The Tube” because of the cylindrical shape of the tunnels.

New York’s Subway System – We’ve seen the subways of New York far too many times in movies and television. However, did you know that deeper below it lies more? The subway, which is the most easily visible part of the underground still has a couple more layers to it than we thought. Just above the subways are mostly power lines and forgotten pipes and cables that give the city its much-needed juice. Below the subway, however, is the sewage system, home of several myths, such as albino alligators. Below that is the city’s foundation to the earth, as most of New York is built on bed rock. And below that — is the city’s way of building a new underground network, as men are hard at work installing air ducts for the city’s new artery.

As a traveler, I’m always out looking for bargains — and how could I not? (And here I spout out details of rising prices, but I won’t even go there.)

For me, trips are usually a sensible balance between extravagance, discovery and bargaining. Extravagance, because it usually it — not many people get to hop around planes — and I DO spend a massive amount for each trip, so each one has to be worth it. Discovery because, it’s the fun part about traveling — discovering the differences you have with the world, and accepting it. And finally, bargaining, because, as for what I’ve said about extravagance, trips are very expensive affairs.

Internet commerce has, essentially changed the way people travel. When looking for great deals, we usually end up googling what the best destination is, for the lowest price possible. Blogs such as TripAdvisor and TravelBlog have helped in informing me about what’s hot … or not in terms of travel, while forums such as Aardvark travel provides quick answers to questions you may have about a particular place, and the experiences people have had there.

So now I’m here to share a quaint little find — a travel promo by Luxury Link! If you’ve never tried auctioning for a trip, then maybe now’s the time to try. The support has been excellent and this is by far my favorite service in terms of traveling to the more exotic locales.

Their Win A Trip contest is a bit of a mystery — from the frontpage of the site, it’s not easily seen, but yes, it does exist! And you can enter the raffle from any day until September 30. Of the five resorts as prizes, I’m looking to win the one in The Fairmount Orchid, Hawaii — I just love the place. Wish me luck!

If you’ve been in a relationship long enough, then you know that taking a trip together IS A VERY BIG step. As fun as it may sound, you’re going to learn first-hand that surviving a trip together can either make or break a relationship.

You ask, how come? Picture this, right now, in the moment, you and your partner are a happy couple, surrounded by familiar friends and familiar territory — think that, while replacing the happiness with uncertainty, familiar faces with sometimes-strange or sometimes-beautiful faces, and the familiar hang-outs replaced by a totally new environment. Will you be the same happy couple? Or will it tear you apart? (Hopefully it’s the former.)

Here are a couple of tips I’ve compiled (based on experience with my lovely travel-companion-of-a-wife) over the years. Hopefully they help you survive the ordeal.

Planning For Two. Forget spontaneity — you’ll come across surprises long enough after your butt cramps from sitting way too long on a trip. Take into consideration that you’re not just planning for you, but for the couple. By writing down which tourist spot you plan to visit, alternate routes (when driving) and budget allocation, you can avoid conflicts like you getting into an angry fit at the wheel, your partner deciphering a map … while you miss that right turn.

Anticipate Conflict. You want to take photographs; she wants to go shopping. While it’s cool that you both have varied interests, it’s even better if you’re in agreement. Did you both even agree to the trip? Try giving each other exploration time, maybe an hour or so — and you can both trade stories afterwards!

Prepare For Shiny Shiny Eye Candy. You WILL get distracted at the beach, or in town — your partner WILL notice. Come on! You’re both in an alien planet — think like you’ve only got each other to rely on while on a trip.

Try New Things Together. Is there a special dish that a place is known for or a landmark that you simply have to visit? These are the sort of things that your friends will find endearing, when you’re telling them the story as a couple, and you both have different points-of-view.

Drop The Wanderlust. That log museum sure sounds exciting — but wait, are you in the “tourist” line of thought? While there are interesting things the world over, it’s YOUR special trip! Forget the scenery for a while and spend some quality time as a couple — it could be as simple as cleaning up for a nice dinner, or dropping the ‘wander’ from ‘wanderlust.’

So yeah. Still nothing new — except for TV!

Whenever I’m at home, I feel like one of The Simpsons in the way that, I am always, always in awe with the tv. The bond’s quite unhealthy, if I might add — sometimes I love that there’s just waaaayyyyy too much shows to catch, and not enough time, and also hate the fact that sometimes, out of all the number of channels I get, there’s nothing to watch.

I am, however, a bit partial to Showtime. Weeds is back! The chronicles of Nancy Botwin continues. (I don’t advocate drug use in any way, I’m just a big Mary Louise Parker fan.) Since the town from last season was engulfed in flames in the finale, the whole operation from Celia’s house is busted.

Nancy starts a fire in their home, as the family moves onward. This season, we see Nancy get out of the pushing business, and instead go into the trafficking business.

A new character is introduced, new town and new dangers — If I might add, this is one of those great shows that I just can’t help but talk about most days, because of the interesting premise and topic, and it looks like we’re in for another season of drug craziness.

In the long stretches that I stay in the house, the DVD player does much of the work. Popping open the Band of Brothers tin, I found that the feeling I had before during my first run of the series is back.

Seeing the progression of the men from boot camp to victory? As a man, brotherhood is a sacred thing — when you have run through the tough times with someone, there’s an instant bond, making the tiny triumphs even better. Imagine that, times a thousand, as casualties pile up, beloved characters just disappear.

The serious shock and feeling of repulsion as the concentration camps were discovered? The true sense of victory when they won over smaller skirmishes? I love me some war movies, but this series, without having to squeeze into 2 hours is up there in the top 3. The documentary segments were fun as well, I still remember wondering which veteran was represented by the actor in the series.

Watching this again over the weekend has inspired me to hit up some of my buddies, of whom I haven’t seen for the longest time. And now, off it goes to the shelf, to be re-opened in a couple of years again. Who else loves this series?

Things I’m looking forward to in the next couple of months:

The Vietnam thing is on! Looking forward to discovering a couple of surprises in this new place. Although I am still looking for tips online as to where the best places are in Vietnam.

Hanoi is probably the top in my list of must-see places. It’s one of the first things that ring in my mind when I hear the word “Vietnam.”

There’s also Ha Long Bay and Sapa — both of which I am very much looking forward to visiting. I hear that trekking is a possibility in Sapa, so I’m looking forward to much of that. Exploring the mountains of a new place? It’s on!

On the other hand, I might like to mention that while my Vietnam plan is ongoing, I’m also planning a separate trip to Bali. I just loved it the last time, so it’s a definite must-visit place again for me.

I missed out on the glass boat ride, so that’s probably the first thing I’ll do one I get my shoes there.

Traveling is, in a way, oxygen for my feet — the more sights I visit with my own two shoes, the more I feel like I’m stamping my way, leaving my mark as I walk.

Happy trails to all the other travel nuts out there!

While researching some possible destinations in Vietnam, I’ve come across something I’ve never really written about before: art.

The word “Vietnam” has always been frequently associated with war, and times of hardship, but has anyone ever seen any of the works by Nguyen Thanh Binh? Or photographs from Phan Tu Trang?

According to Nguyen Qui Duc, art curator and author, “It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that art is big business in Vietnam. But a lot of money is changing hands in exchange for modern canvases, woodblock prints, or paintings on silk and the Vietnamese bark paper, giay. Gallery owners talk of selling individual works for tens of thousands of dollars, and some are financing frequent trips to the United States, Europe, and Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo. Meanwhile, artists in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An are boasting about the houses they’re able to build for themselves as a result of their commercial success.”

And for good reason, too — the combination of styles such as Chinese realism and just plain absurdist vision has critics all around the world talking — the increase in tourism of Vietnam has greatly contributed to the interest in the Vietnamese art scene, and will probably even skyrocket further, given the proper chance to compete with big names.

Collectors and critics alike are won over by the style, expressiveness and creativity that Vietnamese artists bring to the table, even hosting projects such as an artist exchange, where several artists are sent over to the US to for visits and residencies.

There are even several art shops that sell reproductions, various recreated works by Dali and Van Gogh are on display, as Vietnamese artists are hard at work in small confined spaces, expertly recreating works by famous Vietnamese artists before them.

Not only does this give the art scene there some exposure, but it also necessitates for a growing interest in the works of previously undiscovered gems into the limelight.

Several big publishers in the US have even published stories about the resurgence of the art scene, therefore creating bigger and bigger interest in them.

Many people are thinking that not much has changed over the last decade, but that’s only because the artists are now selling directly to collectors. Several of probably their best works are probably never going to be seen by the general populace, and it’s not because they lack interest, it’s quite the opposite.

As I’m told, techniques of the famous Vietnamese artists are passed down from generation to generation in art classes, in various universities dedicated to preserving the medium, such as the University of Fine Arts in Hanoi.

While I may never know how to properly critique art (because in my mind, art is a subjective experience) I know what I like when I see it. Therefore, in my visit to Vietnam, I’m pretty sure I’m going to take a trip down the artsy-fartsy lane, maybe check out several galleries and shops along the way, to see if I can take a chunk of that culture home with me.

A staple in everyone’s travel packing nowadays is a camera — and boy, it’s been around since the days of film! The cool thing about digital cameras is that companies are always coming out with new ones every week — this makes the costs for the previous models lower — and 7-8-9-12 megapixels can be cheap nowadays. Then we could argue about professional photography, and dslrs and, well, this isn’t about that.

It’s a joy to carry a camera around to capture the sights, moments and, well the lovely travel buddies you have along. The sad part is, if you’re too accustomed to taking the photos, you may not know how to look good in ‘em.

I mean, for photos you take, you could always manipulate on photo-editing software, but for the ones you don’t have control over? It’ll be instantly uploaded, with or without your blessing. To save yourself from this kind of worry, here are a couple of tips, so that you could photograph better.

For your smile, think happy thoughts — the ones that make you all giggly and tingly on the inside. That’ll help produce genuine happiness on your photos. Remember: people can tell when you’re faking! Ever had a photo taken where your smile was too wide and all your gums were showing? Try lessening that unflattering pose by practice. (Plus, some teeth whitener won’t hurt.)

Hide that neck! Always, always raise your head and slightly look down when taking photos, this avoids the double-chin look. Imagine that you’re a giraffe trying to squeeze into the frame.

Add dimension. Remember that a photograph, or an image is in 2D — try to add dimension by bringing a side of your body closer to the camera. (This is especially true for men — we tend to look the camera head-on, making most photos look stiff.) Try bringing one of your shoulders closer to the camera, or try posing at an angle. Experiment!

Remember to look slightly ABOVE the lens, not directly at it. I have several photos where it looks like I’m looking somewhere else, I look cross-eyed, and so on.

Find out your best angle. Try looking over your photos — have you noticed that one of your friends has the exact same look in every photo? That friend may have found what looks good for her when it comes to getting photos taken. Determine your best angle by looking at the mirror. Does getting a shot from the right make it look like you have comb-over hair? The funny thing is, most people look just directly at the mirror, that’s why they haven’t seen what they look like from different angles.

Dress for timelessness. Dress rules apply, only take in consideration the lens of the camera. Stick to solid colors to avoid looking wide or narrow — horizontal stripes and vertical stripes, respectively. I mean, you only get to share this slice of time for future generations once, why spoil your kid’s eyes?

Have fun, practice! If these tips are hitting home for you, then think about this, do you even like getting your photo taken? Maybe you just don’t get your photo taken too much. You can always practice at home and instantly see the results, and if you’re not happy, you could change! Relax, and have fun sharing that beautiful smile for the world!

Mischievousness and laughter is a part of all of us. Everyone loves a comedian! We have genres dedicated to it, and many businesses thrive on making people laugh as well. People from all walks of life, all over the world, prank and joke each other every day. We even have a day of the year dedicated to pulling pranks! But not all pranks are created equal. Here are ones which fooled enough people to become the few of the world’s best.

1. Swiss Spaghetti Harvest – Considered the best prank ever, it only goes to show how gullible people are, or how willing they are to agree with an authority. On April 1, 1957, the BBC news show Panorama reported that Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop, thanks to a mild winter and the absence of the dreaded spaghetti weevil. Richard Dimbleby, the show’s well-known and respected anchor, talked about the spaghetti crop as footage of families pulling pasta off trees ran in the background. The audience responded quickly and overwhelmingly, phoning the station to ask how to grow their own!

The prank was conceived by Charles de Jaeger, who had been planning it for years, and was only able to implement his plan on the day with the anchor’s help and a small fund from the show’s director. Very few people knew about it, and even the head of BBC was partly fooled! It was generally well-received and has since then inspired a number of spinoffs.

2. War of the Worlds – Not a deliberate prank, but still a great one! On October 30, 1938, a radio show was broadcast. It was an adaptation of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. The story was so convincing that despite saying that it was fictional four times during the show, people believed that we were being invaded by Martians! Since radio was the prime medium at the time, and planes were still relatively new, many people thought that the broadcast was real! Many consider this to be the greatest accidental hoax in history.

3. Rickroll – Now for something more modern. Known as an internet prank phenomena, this is when people are fooled into viewing a video of Rick Astley’s 1987 song “Never Gonna Give You Up”. This is a classic bait-and-switch prank. Many major websites have used the phenomenon to prank their viewers. Youtube linked the Rickroll video to all of their featured videos for April Fools, and even Livejournal got in on the joke and introduced a new advisory board member, whose profile led to a Rickroll. It’s even spread to real life, with Rickrolling occurring in some TV shows, sports stadiums, and even in a train station! It’s also used in the campaign against Scientology. The man himself, Rick Astley, finds the phenomenon funny and bizarre, and says that he won’t capitalize on the sudden popularity.

Personally, pranking for me is a funny way of bonding with people over a good laugh. Me and by friends used to do it all the time. Ever pranked someone good? Tell us!