St. Nicolaas Boat Club: a Different Way to View Amsterdam

A ride on Amsterdam's canals

For many, Amsterdam is notorious for its coffee shops and gritty red light district. The real attraction of Amsterdam however lies in the city’s layout of canals which gives Amsterdam its true charm. While visiting Amsterdam, there are two popular ways to view the city. One is by bike, which you will see thousands of as you walk through the streets. The other is by boat. From the point of view of locals and tour guides alike, there is nothing else like seeing Amsterdam by a canal ride. You see a whole new perspective of the city from the canals than you would by walking besides them.

Return From the Dead



Rowing on Lake Bled, Slovenia last month

 Hello Everyone! I apologize for the long hiatus. I was traveling for the past month and wanted to update with a new article, but traveling is so time consuming that I just did not have time! Luckily after a month of traveling I have bunch of new article topics so expect one next week on canal boat rides in Amsterdam. Over the next year you can also expect new articles from the other side of the world, South East Asia! Starting in August I will be living in Vietnam for 10 months and hope to do some traveling to near by countries as well. Lots of exciting things coming up! Check back next week. -Melissa

The Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War: Fort Sumter

Fort Sumter, SC

One-hundred fifty years ago this month marks the starting point of the bloodiest war ever fought on American soil, the Civil War. In 1861, Southern States seceded from the Union to form the Confederate States of America, due to issues over states rights and slavery. President Abraham Lincoln was determined to preserve the Union at all costs, even if this meant going to war.

Up, Up and Away: Finding the Lowest Airfare

With the price of oil soaring, it’s becoming more and more expensive to fly. Because of this toll, many people have been discouraged from traveling.  However, if you know when and where to look, you can easily find a flight a fair rate. Take my recent flight buying experience for example. After searching a couple of weeks on various websites, I was able to book a non-stop flight from Newark to Amsterdam for $575. If I were to book this flight now, I would be paying almost $500 more!

Booze, Beads, and Cabbage? St. Patrick's Day in New Orleans

New Orleans St. Patrick's Day Parade

Most people associate New Orleans with Mardi gras, its French heritage and Cajun cuisine. Few however associate this party city with St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish and Cabbage. Unless you are native to New Orleans or just happen to be in town for the week of March 17^th, little know of the annual St. Patty’s Day parade that has marched down Magazine Street for the last twenty-nine years. Although New York City may host the world’s oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebration, New Orleans in my personal opinion throws the wildest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world!

Villa Jovis: the Hidden Gem of Capri

The rocky beaches of Capri

From far away, this tiny island off the coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula appears to be only a gigantic rock sitting out in the middle of the sea. As you approach however, bright colors and the shape of Italian villas begin to define themselves as the island of Capri slowly begins to make its way out of the 

morning fog.

Tour London on the Cheap!

The Yeoman Warder and me at the Tower of London

With the British pound almost doubling the American dollar, London can be one of the most expensive cities in the world for visiting Americans. However, do not let this factor scare you out of visiting this wonderful metropolitan. If you do not care for staying in fancy hotels and eating at four star restaurants, one can easily do London for cheap! One of the best 

things about visiting London is that many of the main museums are the cost of my favorite four letter word; free!