GoThe hoot of traveling by JihoNation

Among all the places we had planned to visit, Pompeii was on the top of my list. I was always intrigued by its history from what I have read in books and saw in documentaries. Buried by the ashes of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, around four to six meters of ashes has engulfed this part of Naples for 1,700 years.

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We left Roma in the break of dawn to go to Naples. Half excited and but mostly half awake, we quietly enjoy the little over two hours of train ride. Once at Naples we took another train and got off at “Pompeii Scavi”. The excitement was so overwhelming for me since I am sucker for visiting ruins and archeological sites.

Unlike the Colosseum we did not do a tour, but rather just walked around ourself. Further we ventured away from the tourist group, the silence settled in and soon got transported in time. We imagined what it must been like to live in this tranquil area back in AD 79s. Kids running around the plaza, going to the market with the family, coming home for supper after a long day, and then falling into slumber. Then the next day all is gone in a snap. It made me realize, there are something just out of one’s control–life comes and goes like rain drop. Better enjoy every minutes like it’s my last and every second like it’s my first.

Day Dreaming

If there is a doggie heaven on Earth, one of them is this place. There are these just chill dogs everywhere and most of them seems to sleep all day. They do not care if a person is near by or making noise, they just REM right through it. When awake they just wonder around and keeping an eye on this place. I wondered if they are the previous residence reincarnated as canine, because you can tell they owned this place.

Frozen in time

Besides the ruins, seeing the original residence of this place was a must for me. Unfortunately the main museum was under renovation, so we only saw two of them. Even so two was better than zero. These are plaster mold of the people in their exact position when they were flashed by the heavy ashes. The facial expression, body posture, all was so detailed it was eery. Instantly just casted away into Hades in a blink of an eye, it is unfathomable.

Tips

• In Naples, if someone offers you to take you to the train to go to Pompeii refuse it. We got suckered in and cost us 10 Euro–as tip. Simply find the Circumvesuviana (Napoli to Sorrento) and get off at “Pompei Scavi”. It is a 30-40 minutes train ride. Or ask the tourism office in Naples (opens at 9:00am) They are extremely friendly (grazie mille Julia) and helpful.
• Bring water bottle and some food. Unlike Roma not all water fountains are for drinking. But the one meant to be for drinking will have a clear sign. Food there are pricey, so eat the food you brought but support the local economy by buying coffee and gelato.
• Some told us to spend the whole day there, but six hours seemed just right for us. We visited about 25% of the whole village, but it was good enough time to really enjoy every aspect of it.

There is something welcoming about waking up to a fresh salty air that reminds me od home. The warm east sun, HD clear sky, and the fresh dew on your tent. That was our two mornings while camping in Assateague Island National Park.

It was early April and four of us embarked in yet another quick get-away. I choose Assateague Island National Park this time for its whitish beach, the roaming scene of wild horse and the fact you can camp right on the beach. Assateague is one of my special places in Maryland to visit.

Early April Camping

It gets cold at night! Come prepared. However, it is still worth is to be in a tent, snuggling, as the wind teases you while the cold creeps up right behind. It is the challenges and struggles that composes a good memory. At night time we had the luxury of having a full clear night, so with the help of Star Walk on my Ipad we saw Orion, Cassiopeia, Big Dipper, Draco, Leo, Mars, Venus, and Jupiter. This little app is great for night entertainment.

The day time was a bit brisk, but nothing a quick walk can warm up.

Travel

From Baltimore it is a straight shot down to the coast, taking about 3.5 hours. Put on some tunes (in our case we listened to Learning German audio book) enjoy the fresh air and in no time we were down there.

View 2012 assateague national park in a larger map

Tips Along the Way

• There is a difference between the Assateague State Park and National Park. Check each one to see which suites you best.
• After crossing the Bay Bridge you will see various fruits and vegitable farmers’s market like vendors along the road. They are worth the stop. Leave those oily and sadly chips behind and enjoy the freshness along the way. There are also some BBQ stands as well so do try them out as well–yumm~. This time around we did not see them open, but during peak season you cannot miss it.
• If you need last minute supplies or firewood, check out Assateague Market in Berlin. From the National Park it is about 2.5 miles north. If you are getting firewood get it in bundles and ask for a discount with a smile–we got 10 in our case. If you prefer organic foods and vegitable it is better to pack it before you leave, their price are not for the faint of hearts.
• Bring a bicycle, there are spacious bike trails.
• The National Park has three walking trails (Life of the Marsh Trail, Life of the Forest Trail, and Lifes of the Dunes Trails). They are all very easy to do takes around 30 minute for each loop, no special gears required. See Assateague Island National Seashore Maryland Map
• If you want to camp right now the beach go to spot 104. You have to reserve this way in advance, this is one of the hottest ticket. Though we went before the peak season it was still packed and could not get it : (. Assateague Island National Seashore Campground Map
• Do not feed or touch the wild horses. You will see this everywhere once there. Learn more about the Assateague’s Wild Horses
• Here is the full listing of maps in information for your visit.

BREATHE OF NEW YORK
First of the many trips to such an electrifying city.

While walking around Montreal, the first thing I noticed was how quiet it was for a city of this caliber.

I could still hear manmade noises all around, but it was only ambient rather than in your face like an infomercial. The sound of the French language was deeply welcoming, like breakfast after a long sleep. Metaphysically, I could smell history in the brick and mortar in Old Montreal. I was impressed by how well the bicycle system is woven into the city’s infrastructure. Bixi (rentable bicycle) stations—and bike lanes—are ubiquitous.

Something else I couldn’t help but notice about Montreal was the eyes of its people. Everyone has an aura of innocence, something I feel listening to 60s pop music. People are genuine and kind, not to mention very fashionable. Towards the end of the trip, I was most interested in capturing faces and their expressions. I could imagine living and working in Montreal, and I can see why everyone from here loves this city.

I will miss Montreal like summer in the middle of December.

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