Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Inspirational Thoreau Quote


" Men come tamely home at night only from the next field or street, where there household echoes haunt, and their life pines because it breathes its own breath over again; their shadows, morning and evening, reach farther then their daily steps. We should come home from afar, from adventures, and perils, and discoveries every day, with new experience and character. "


-Henry David Thoreau
Walden AKA Life in the Woods
page 196

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

REI Lincoln Park Garage Sale - Chicago




REI Lincoln Park Garage Sale

When: July 26th 2009 at 9:00 AM

Where:
  • 1466 North Halsted Street
  • Chicago, IL 60642




More Specifically:
  • 41° 54.476' N
  • 87° 38.891' W
  • Cost: FREE but must be an REI member

Whats the deal?: It is time for the Lincoln Park REI to clean out their stockpile of returned items, imperfect gear and outdated stock. Typically available is all types of camping and hiking gear, as well as shoes and clothes and even sometimes kayaks and biking items. They advertise that prices for could be up to 60% off, although at a previous REI garage sale, I have seen items discounted more than that. Get there early, for a better chance of snagging the best items. Previously I have purchased a "REI Rentals" 3 man tent for $20 at the REI Oakbrook Terrace Garage Sale. I will be there this time, and I hope you are there too...but hopefully behind me in line.


Thursday, July 2, 2009

Holy Roaming Empire



Yesterday I made a very impulsive decision. I read an article that basically said that anyone thinking about planning a trip should buy airfare immediately to avoid paying more as gas prices rise. I had been thinking about going to Berlin for a trip, but then changed my mind. I decided that rather than spend more time in Germany, which is an absolutely amazing country, but one that I had been to before, I would go to Italy instead.

I did some research and discovered that for people under 26 years old, STA Travel had some affordable airfare to Europe. I found a deal and immediately booked a flight for myself from Chicago to Rome via Philadelphia. I fly September 11th arrive early on the 12th and will be solo in Italy until I meet up with my friends in Munich on the 18th.

This being my first solo international trip, I am a little nervous, but also I am excited. From what I have read, traveling alone is one of the best ways to see a country, and experience the culture. Being a very social person, I don't think I will have too much trouble finding fellow budget travelers to accompany me on day trips to Vesuvius, or Capri, or Pompeii.

My itinerary is still completely in the air, but I know I want to spend some time in Naples, Rome, and maybe Venice, if I have enough time, and depending how much I want to rush myself. I still need to make a tentative travel plan, find places to stay(most likely hostels), buy a eurail pass, and figure out other the more minor details. I will post more details as I discover them, and will post an itinerary if I make one.