An Amusement Park Ride?

This video of a train going through a flooded underpass in Argentina seemed humorous to me on a couple of levels, not the least of which are the people with umbrellas in the center of the picture.



However, I didn't notice them until the second time I watched it. The first time I watched it, I immediately thought of the Whitewater Falls ride at the Carowinds amusement park near Charlotte. If you watch this second video, you'll know why.



Maybe I'm just anticipating Carowinds opening with a new owner, new rides - and a new season - Spring! Yep, all of the above.

Trans Siberian Railway

At the risk of sounding like a complete Google fanboy, I'll add one more Google offering into my list of vacation posts. Google has put together a mashup from several of its own sources into a virtual trip along the Trans Siberian railway.

The user can use the standard Google map navigation tools to zoom in/out and drag/scroll to different areas of the route. Clicking the blue line along the route loads the correct video and positions to the correct offset within the video. Since semi random selections might not pick up the most picturesque sections, there is also a travel route with starred entries that can be chosen.

There are also some preselected soundtrack options available and other features to explore.

Saving the discussion of the merits of virtual reality vs actual reality for another time, this seems like a neat use of technology to me. It provides an insight into a 150 hour journey that it is very unlikely that I'd ever pursue in real life. For that, the view of the 12 Russian regions and 87 cities is more than enough for me.

So whether its for exploring the Russian vistas or the use of technologies, give it a try. It somehow seems appropriate for a snowy day in Charlotte as well.

Enjoy!

Virtual Vacations

Time spent on the computer for many people is a form of escapism.  Similar to being immersed in a good novel, the experience can expand one's horizons.  The analogy isn't perfect and both mediums certainly have their strengths.  However, at the risk of sounding too much like a Google fan, Google Streetview can present some amazing sights.  Amazing enough to provide some very interesting escapes.

With only a little Googling, some popular tourist sites can be found like: Big Ben, the Eiffel tower, the Roman Colosseum, even Yellowstone National Park.   Some, like Mount Rushmore are not nearly as detailed.  As you consider your own to search for, think of how close the camera car can get, as well as any travel restrictions in the area or country chosen.

Google has had its share of privacy issues with capturing unintended street views, however any image taken is public by its very nature, if not timing.  Legalities and liberties aside, its a great diversion.

I don't know how much time was spent following these links, or creating some of your own, but I hope you enjoyed this virtual vacation.  It definitely saves money on travel!

BBQ Season

Actually, it is coming close to vacation season. How do I know? Everywhere you turn there are advertisements (with unusually deep discounts this year) to book your vacation now. However, I've always preferred to assemble my own "vacation packages", frankly on a scale well below what the ads portray.

So influenced by Madison Avenue and armed with the false confidence that precedes any trip planning, I wondered what would be a good (great?) vacation to plan. Then I remembered The NC Barbecue Society Historic Trail. Some families retrace historical events from times in the nation's history, so why not do the same on the state level - with some great food thrown in as a bonus?

The Society makes them all sound good, although there are obviously going to be a lot of favorites left off any "best of" list. Additionally there were restrictions such as only two sites per town. I can personally vouch for Hurshey's, Lexington #1 and Bridges. Especially Bridges.

If you're just a little curious, I've mapped the whole tour (less Cobb & Son, which I couldn't find) via Google maps - all 15 hours of driving. Will we really turn vacation season into BBQ season this year? I doubt it, but it was fun to plan.

Now maybe if we can get school credit for the trip, hmmm...