Eno River State Park - Durham, North Carolina

While Durham, North Carolina, might justifiably conjure up urban images of a populous southern city, the outlying areas of Durham have a lot to offer. Durham has a population that exceeds 200,000 in a metropolitan area which includes Raleigh, North Carolina, with a population that reaches over a million and a half people. With numbers like that, it would seem as if people were crushed together in a tight urban sprawl. Well, the urban sprawl fingers out in different directions from Raleigh and Durham, leaving vast gaps of undeveloped lands. Parks like Eno River State Park ensure that the Urban Sprawl will leave vast tracts of native forest untouched for future generations to enjoy.

Eno River State Park
6101 Cole Mill Road
Durham, North Carolina 27705
919-383-1686

Eno River State Park is part of the North Carolina State Park System. The 3900 acre park is open year round with the exception of State Holidays. There are several entrances to the park. Few’s Ford Road which is open from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM during the Winter months (November through February), 8:00 AM until 9:00 PM during the Summer Months (May through August) and 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM during the Spring and Fall months. The Cole Mill, Pleasant Green and Cabe Lands Access points close thirty minutes earlier than the Few’s Ford Access. There is a Park Office located on the property which opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 4:30 PM.

Eno River State Park has plenty of activities for family fun. A great day trip or overnight excursion on a budget. I have not camped at Eno River State Park, but the rates are very reasonable. Along with camping, Eno River State Park has fishing, canoeing and hiking trails. There are plenty of activities for the entire family.

Camping – There are several campsites available at Eno River State Park. There are three Group Campsites, which require advance reservations. The Group Campsites are inexpensive, running one dollar per person per night with a minimum nine dollars per night reservation. Two campsites are located at Buckquarter Creek. These campsites are equipped with three 15’ X 15’ tent pads, picnic tables, grill and firepit. The campsites can be reserved individually or together for groups exceeding the fifteen person limit at each site. The maximum capacity using both sites is thirty. The two sites share a toilet which does not involve plumbing. The nearest parking area is about a mile hike from this campsite, so it is not too far to hike in tents/poles and other gear needed to set up camp.

Cox Mountain Camp is located off of the Cox Mountain Trail overlooking the Eno River. The campsite accommodates between 6 and 26 campers. The campsite is equipped with picnic tables and two firepits. There is one toilet available at this campsite. The tent pads include four 15’ X 15’ tent pads and a smaller 10’ X 15’ tent pad. The nearest parking area is approximately a half mile hike from the campsite.

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Budget Car Rental

I have rented from Budget Car Rentals three times over the past two years. I have also had one rental from Budget Truck Rentals. All of these experiences have been good, with a minor glitch on my first car rental at LAX two years ago.

I flew into LAX in 2007, expecting a friend to pick me up at the airport. He was tied up which meant I was stuck trying to find a ride. There are shuttle buses that come by the airport to take travelers to the nearby car rental businesses. Budget showed up first, so away I went.

When I arrived at the Budget rental location I was greeted by a line that serpentined around the lobby all the way to the front doors. Intimidating to say the least. I did not have a reservation and worried that I was wasting my time in the tediously long line. The line moved quickly for the length...there were several terminal operators processing customers. It took me nearly an hour to get to one of the operators, who was cordial and knowledgeable. She quickly assessed my needs and got me into a rental car with very little trouble. I provided the necessary documents and was told to wait out front for my car to be brought around. A few minutes later I was dumped into LA traffic...at four in the afternoon on a Friday. At least the car was comfortable and the brakes worked good. The brakes got more use than the gas pedal as I trudged through traffic.

Returning the car during my first rental was a breeze. I filled up the gas tank at a nearby gas station, having left ample time for the pit stop, rental car return, shuttle ride and airport check in. I was still concerned about the turn-in process considering the extensive time I spent waiting to get into the car. I pulled into the lot where several lanes were marked for turn in. I was quickly approached by a man holding a handheld processing device. He examined the car for damage, entered the mileage and printed a receipt by the time I had unloaded my sparse luggage. I was puzzled. Is that it? That's it. Just as quickly as I could get out of the car, it was processed back in and I had my receipt.

My next experience with Budget was last Spring when my sister received her Master's Degree. My children and I flew to her graduation, picking up my brother on the second leg of our flight. My brother handled the rental car arrangements with Budget before our flight. We arrived at the pick up desk located inside the airport and were quickly processed (there was no line). The attendant asked if we wanted to pay for a full tank of gas in advance, which we agreed to do. The price per gallon for the full tank was a few cents cheaper than the going rate outside the airport at that time. In exchange for paying for a tank of gas (which at that time was around fifty dollars), we were permitted to return the car with an empty tank. Returning a car to the rental company with an empty tank used to be a sure recipe for sticker shock. So fifty dollars was a great deal.


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Casino Rama (Ontario, Canada)

I spent last week at Casino Rama in Rama, Ontario. Rama is located about an hour and a half driving distance North of Toronto, just outside Orillia, Ontario. The location makes this desination a bit secluded, which can be a good thing or bad depending on your reasons for visiting. I do not gamble (although I have been known to drop a few dollars in the casino). Casino Rama is located in an area with no attractions in the immediate vicinity. Orillia is a short ten minute drive away, and has several attractions that provide distraction without necessarily being a destination type vacation. In other words, if you are looking for a place to hide out and relax for a few days, Casino Rama is a great destination, if you are looking for things to do, Toronto might be a better choice.

There is no public transportation from the Toronto Pearson Airport to Casino Rama. A cab would be prohibitively expensive, so the only reasonable way to get to Casino Rama is to rent a car. I rented from Budget at a rate of Fifty Dollars a day Canadian. Finding the hotel and casino from the airport was relatively easy. There was heavy traffic due to my arrival during the evening rush hour. For that reason, it took me nearly twenty minutes to travel down 409 to 400 North. It took another twenty minutes to clear the heavy traffic on Highway 400. After the traffic thinned a bit, the 100 KPH speed limit was actually attainable. Around Barrie, Ontario, Highway 11 broke off taking me into Orillia. In Orillia, I exited on Highway 12 and followed the signs for approximately ten minutes until I got to the hotel. I traveled approximately five roads from the time I left the airport until I pulled in to the hotel…so my concern about getting lost ended up being unfounded. However, the instructions provided on the casino rama website would have gotten me lost.

I parked in front of the hotel during check in, which was quick and painless. After checking in, I parked for free in the ample casino parking lot. Because the weather was starting to turn cold (it was in the 50s all week), it appeared that the hotel and casino might have been a bit off-season. Judging on the size of the parking lot, it might be a trickier deal during peak season. I was able to park very close to the entrance to the hotel, but the massive parking lot stretched a great distance from the hotel but was mostly empty. I returned to the large hotel entrance and soaked in my surroundings. The check in desk and concierge are located on the left, while two restaurants cover the right side. The glass elevators are visible behind a large waterfall directly ahead. A small seating area finishes the picture, located in front of the waterfall. The three elevators rise quickly, providing a brief view of the hotel exterior as it rises above the lobby area.

Checking into my hotel room, I find that it resembles many Marriott’s that I have stayed at in the past. If I didn’t know any better, I would have guessed that it was a Marriott right off the top. The room was divided by an imaginary line created by a couch facing toward the entertainment center. Behind the couch on the far wall is a plush bed with steel blue-gray silk pillow cases and orange and brown accents. There is a fireplace on the wall on the far side of the couch. The fireplace is operated by a switch on the wall which activates a timer which automatically shuts the fireplace off after about an hour. The large television was the old-fashioned tube type, but provided an excellent picture. The large screen was easily viewable from the bed which was a good distance from the television. The mattress was plush but firm, providing the exact level of comfort that I look for in a mattress. The room was neat and clean.

A quick survey of the room revealed that there was not a coffee pot available. I have noticed the same at the casino hotels in Las Vegas…they must not want you to spend much time in your room. The newspaper is not delivered to the room in the morning, but is available at the concierge station. There was a safe located in the closet for valuables. The bathroom runs the length of the room, making it one of the largest bathrooms I have ever had in a hotel room. The spacious bathroom has a sink followed by a large glass shower stall followed by the commode. On the opposing wall is a bathtub. The shower stall was wider than your average bathtub shower, providing plenty of space to maneuver while you are showering. The glass door did not appear to shut all the way and there was no clasping mechanism to keep it closed. The water did not appear to escape from the shower, but I thought it odd that the door didn’t shut securely. I was impressed with the impeccable condition of the glass shower enclosure. As an owner of a glass shower, I can attest to the difficulty in keeping this type of shower clean…the cleaning staff did an exceptional job.

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Empire State Building

The Empire State Building was built in 1930, during the Great Depression. The Depression actually cut the anticipated cost of construction in half to about $25 million dollars. The building stands tall caddy corner from Macy's Department store on 34th Street in mid-town Manhattan.

The Building is 102 stories tall, with a viewing deck on the 86th floor, that is open to the public. The tickets for the viewing deck run $9.00 for adults ($7.00 for military) and $4.00 for children 5-11. There are often long lines, and a series of elevators that must be navigated to get to the top, so be sure and allow yourself enough time to get to the top, and spend a little time once you get up there. I would recommend scheduling at least an hour of your day, to get to the top and look around.

The Empire State Building has a great history, and is one of the readily identifiable features of the New York skyline. The building has a rich history, having hosted visitors from all over the world. Once the world's largest building, it still maintains a mystique that is all it's own. The viewing deck allows for a 360 degree view of the city, that is absolutely spectacular. There are coin viewers that allow visitors to get a closer look of the city, as well. The wind is often strong, and may even frighten the faint-hearted. On cooler days, be sure and bring a jacket up.

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Rome

ROME, ITALY
When I think of Rome, I instantly think of the Vatican, the Coliseum, the Forum, the Arch of Constantine, and Trevi Fountain. There is so much to do, that you can hardly do it in one trip (unless you plan very carefully). I did not have time to do it all, so I will share the experiences that I had. There are many ways to see the city, and plenty of organized tours are available. Walking tours provide the best opportunity to experience everything Rome has to offer, so wear a good pair of walking shoes, and take a trip back through time.

The Vatican
I have already posted an article on the Vatican, which can be found at:

Read A Complete Review On The Vatican

The highlight of my trip to Rome, was my visit to the Vatican, and better yet, the Sistine Chapel. Admission to the Sistine Chapel is not very expensive. The artifacts displayed throughout the Museum (Sistine Chapel) are amazing. Numerous marble sculptures, rugs, paintings, stained glass pieces, mosaics, etc. are displayed throughout the tour leading to the Sistine Chapel. If you appreciate fine art, don’t miss this tour.

The Coliseum
When I think about Rome, the most visible picture that comes to my mind is the Coliseum. The coliseum has been around since about 79 AD. The stadium was once covered in marble. However the remains are simply a skeleton of the once grand arena. There once stood a 90 foot statue of Nero, which they called Colossus. Here in Chicago, there was a debate a few years ago about building a new stadium, with a retractable dome. The cost of adding the retractable dome was a major issue in the news (since taxpayers had to foot the bill). Well, the Colosseum had a retractable dome. It sounds like an umbrella-type device, that was attached to the roof. A group of Sailors were kept on stand-by, to deploy the roof, in case of inclement weather. The stadium was even capable of being flooded to stage sea battles. Admission to the interior of the Colosseum is a few dollars, and is only worth the cost of admission, if you absolutely want to see it. There really isn’t a whole lot to see inside. You can see the destruction caused by earthquake, erosion and pilferage of the marble, from the outside. TOURIST WARNING: First of all, Rome is full of scoundrels who will help you to part with your money. Stay in groups whenever possible. Also, you will see many Roman soldiers outside the arena dressed in full Roman armor. They will ask you if you want your picture taken with them, but fail to state a price until afterwards. They will try to hit you up for more than the picture is worth. They wanted 10,000 Lira each, when I was there, which is about six or seven dollars (and the picture is taken with your OWN CAMERA!) Negotiate a price before hand, if you are interested in getting a picture.

Capitoline Hill
Before you ascend the large staircase leading to Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill), you will notice some ruins that have been dug out below street level. This is an ancient apartment building. The ancient street level is about thirty feet or so below the current level. The streets of Rome were not a good place to walk at night. Obviously, they didn’t have indoor plumbing, and the method of expelling human waste was to dump it out the window. Because this was illegal, most people did so under cover of darkness. Sometimes to the demise of some poor soul walking the street after dark.

After climbing the stairs to Capitoline Hill, you will observe several buildings. A couple of these house museums, which I did not take the time to visit. I was on a walking tour, and we only remained in this area for a few minutes, while our guide explained the layout of the land. The temple to Zeus is located behind where the current buildings stand. After crossing the plaza you come to a ramp-like sidewalk that descends along the ruins. There is a statue of Romulus (for who Rome is named) and Remus, his brother. They are suckling a wolf. Of course, the t-shirt vendor there sells t-shirts which depicts one of the brothers spitting out the milk, stating “this stuff sucks” in English. It is obvious who this type of humor is catered to.

After passing this monument, there is an ancient drinking fountain. Rome was unique because of the many aqueducts that were designed into the city. The fresh water from this fountain is said to have been running for centuries. There is a place on the fountain where you cover a hole with your finger, allowing the ice cold water to spring up like a drinking fountain. Ingenious. More importantly, refreshing. The cold water hits the spot on a hot Roman day.

The Forum
The Forum is located in the massive ruins which lie between the Capitoline Hill and the Colosseum. Looking out across the remains of the Forum, you can see two hills. It is believed that these hills contained the original inhabitants of Rome. The Forum was the center of ancient Roman life. Political discourse, trading, bartering, and public gatherings were conducted in this area. During Mussolini’s reign, he built a road from the Colosseum to the Palazzo Venezia, where he used to deliver his speeches. This roadway has become a major artery, and lies directly over some of the ancient Forum landmarks. The via Sacra (Sacred Way) is located here. This is said to be the way that warriors returned from battle, on their way to pay respect at the Temple of Zeus. There are several other ruins that have been identified, and which your walking tour guide will definitely explain.

Trevi Fountain
From the Colosseum, my tour group boarded a bus for the walled section of Rome. The Pantheon and Trevi Fountain are located in this part of the city. Trevi Fountain is an interesting landmark. The fountain is massive, and displays an awesome amount of attention to artistic detail. The fountain is part architecture, part statue. I was really impressed by the fountain. The area was very touristy. It looked like an easy place to part with your money, so keep that in mind. Pickpockets are very common in crowded areas like this.

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Renaissance Hollywood

I recently spent a week at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel. My experience at this hotel was excellent, although it seems that they tend to offer more twin beds than King sized rooms. I had booked a King and was told that they did not have any available when I checked in. I inquired if there were any being cleaned and was informed that there probably would not be any more even if I waited a while to check in. I decided to go ahead and take a twin room when the very friendly desk clerk advised me that she had a “27” room, which is the Handicap Accessible room on each floor. I asked if this room might be needed by another customer with special needs but was assured that there were plenty of these rooms available. I decided to go ahead and take the room.



One thing that the desk clerk made clear to me was that the “27” rooms are very close to the elevator and that some customers complain about the noise. I asked if the mechanical room was adjacent this room and was advised that it is not…the noise is more related to the traffic coming off the elevator (other customers talking loudly). I was in a room adjacent to the mechanical room when I stayed at the Toronto Sheraton Town Centre and had to have my room changed. This room did not have any of the mechanical noise from my prior experience and I did not have any problems with other customers talking loudly or excessive elevator traffic outside my door. In terms of noise, I found this hotel to be rather quiet.



As you look back onto the Lobby after checking in, you can see out the front glass doors to the front drive, which shields the main road using a large black granite waterfall. At night, the project their logo onto the water. There is a bar to the right as you enter the hotel, which opens into the Lobby. The Concierge is located to the left with a small gift shop and ATM machine secreted behind their desk along with several advertisements for local attractions. The bellhop desk is located in front of the check-in desk and has a complimentary M&M Machine with uniquely colored (grey, brown, ruddish) candies dispensed from a large gumball like machine. There are complimentary water stations on either side of the Bellhop desk, which are filled with ice water and melons. Refreshing. The lobby is open and inviting.

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Beach Cove Resort (Myrtle Beach, SC)

In early November of each year, I have the privilege of attending a conference in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at the Beach Cove Resort. The week I'm there is usually during the change of season, so it is hard to predict what type of weather you will have. However, it is usually warm enough to enjoy the water. (They have an indoor pool just in case).

During the off season, room at the Beach Cove Resort are very affordable. The conference rates we normally pay are in the sixty dollar range. If you decide to visit during the height of tourist season, you are going to pay a lot more than that (you can expect to pay over two hundred dollars a day during the Summer, and are required to stay at least four days). The regulations for Myrtle Beach are common, and the pricing at this resort is competitive. If you DO plan on visiting during the Summer, it would be a good idea to get your reservations in well in advance. They maintain a high occupancy, even during the off season.

The Beach Cove Resort is in close proximity to many attractions, and a short drive from the attractions in Myrtle Beach proper. North Myrtle Beach has a House of Blues in walking distance to the resort. I visited the House of Blues on my last trip, and enjoyed the live band they had with no cover charge. They are other venues nearby where you can catch a show (Alabama Theater, Carolina Opry, Legends in Concert and the Palace Theater are all very close). There are miniature golf courses on just about every corner. Within a short drive you can find scuba diving, fishing charters or dolphin watching trips. There are many more attractions ten miles down the road in Myrtle Beach.

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Renaissance Atlanta Concourse Hotel

When I was preparing to travel to Toronto, I decided to fly out of the Atlanta airport, and spend a day in Atlanta in conjunction with my trip. I prefer to stay at Marriott and was looking for the best deal that I could find. While browsing through the information on the Marriott website, I discovered a deal I couldn't pass by.

The Renaissance Atlanta Concourse (a Marriott property) at the Atlanta Airport has several deals to choose from. The one that caught my eye was free parking. Yes, free parking. Up to seven days following your stay. So, I paid for one night at the hotel (my stay was under a hundred dollars, but they go upwards of two hundred dollars a night depending on when you travel). With airport long-term parking running 9 or 10 dollars a day for surface parking (24 dollars a day for covered) you can see the substantial savings of having free parking. The parking lot at the hotel is also un-covered surface parking, but it is very close to the hotel, providing a greater sense of security. The hotel provides a shuttle to the airport, which took approximately fifteen minutes. The shuttle runs twice an hour and is a comfortable ride.

The lobby of this hotel appears to have undergone recent renovation. It is an expansive, open hotel interior with a true Marriott feel. The valet, doormen and check-in clerks were all exceptionally friendly (which is one reason I prefer to stay at Marriott). The glass elevators provide a broad view of the hotel, overlooking the large restaurant/bar on one side and the lower level conference rooms on the other side. I visited at the end of August. It appeared that they were renovating the conference area on the lower level while I was there. Reviewing their website indicates that they recently underwent an 18 million dollar renovation, which is probably what I witnessed during my stay there.

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Chicago's Navy Pier

Navy Pier in Chicago began as a building project initiated in 1909. This project envisioned five piers along the waterfront, with a major pier reaching a mile and a half into Lake Michigan for recreation as well as freight and passenger shipping. Construction lasted from 1914 through 1916 at a cost of 4.5 million, a paltry sum, compared to the 150 million dollar renovation project that Chicago undertook in 1994 to redesign the pier. Since the upgrade of Navy Pier in 1994, it has been a major tourist draw in Chicago, hosting over 8 million visitors a year.

Boats and Cruises
One of my favorite attractions on Navy Pier are the tourism boats. The last boat ride I took on Lake Michigan was on one of the speedboat rides, known as the Sea Dog. More information on these tours can be found at www.seadogcruises.com. The cruises last about thirty minutes, and take you on a tour of the Chicago skyline. A combination of sharp wit and knowledge of the landmarks make for a fun-filled tour of the waterfront. This particular ride is especially recommended for younger visitors. If they sit near the sides of the boat, they are bound to get a face full of Lake Michigan. Other boat rides include a Schooner Ride, dinner cruises, architecture cruises and charter boats. Tickets for these events can be purchased in advance on-line or by phone, or they can be purchased dockside at the pier.

Rides, etc.
Navy Pier is home to several carnival type rides. The centerpiece of these rides is the giant Ferris Wheel, which offers a phenomenal view of the city (from the top). Let that Chicago wind blow you around a little for a thrill. Other rides include an old fashioned carousel and a Wave Swinger (another way to feel the Chicago breeze). These rides run around five dollars each. Other attractions at the pier include Miniature Golf, Rope Course, Funhouse Mirror Maze, Light Tower, 3-D simulation ride and of course, the IMAX Theater. There is something here for children and adults of all ages.

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Edisto Beach, SC

Edisto is a "throwback" beach. The limited business expansion at Edisto prevents commercialization. For this reason Edisto maintains her charm. Edisto is comprised of beach houses that are rented out by individuals through a couple of real estate companies based in Edisto. The cost isn't any more expensive than what you would pay at a resort at Myrtle Beach, but you won't have the traffic, the nightlife or the headache. There is actually plenty to do without a bunch of restaurants and boardwalk shops.

Beach Time
I will start with Beach time, because that is what Edisto offers in abundance. Miles of sandy beach with salty ocean air cooling things to a tolerable temperature. The beach is great for sunning, swimming, sports, or treasure hunting. A wide variety of seashells seem to find their way onto the shores of Edisto. Beach visits may also include a sighting of the protected Green Sea Turtle. These turtles nest along Edisto Beach. Their nesting grounds will be marked with plastic orange fencing. Because the ratio of housing to beachfront is minimal, the beaches are seldom crowded. Especially when I visit during the first week of August. Edisto is made up (primarily) of beach houses. The majority of this beach services two streets worth of housing...not a lot of houses.

Tour Boats
There are several tour boats, as well as fishing charters located right on Edisto Island. Among these tours are Dolphin watching tours, as well as a tour out to the State Park on a "seashell trip." I would suggest a fishing charter, if you are going to drop money on a boat trip. If you swim in the ocean at Edisto Beach, there is a very good chance that the dolphins are going to come visit you. I have had dolphins swim within twenty feet of me...there is something just a bit disconcerting about a dorsal fin circling you, when you just finished watching "Shark Week" on the Discovery Channel. If you are interested in collecting seashells, I would suggest walking North up the beach along the State Park...there are tons of seashells to be found littering the shoreline. The seashell boat trip will yield very little in the way of seashells. More information about tour boats can be found by contacting the tour operators at:
Island Tours and T'ings - Jan Poston- 1914 Highway 174; Edisto Island, SC 29438 - 843-869-1110; Lucky Strike Boat Tours - Capt. Dillard Young: 3731 Dock Site Road 843-869-0663; Pon Pon Guides Unlimited - PO Box 441; Edisto Island, SC 29438 - 843-869-7929; or, Rainbow's Inn, Inc. - Bill & Jeanie Rainer; P.O. Box 205; Edisto Island, SC 29438 - 843-869-2613.

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Delta Airlines

When I lived in the Chicago area, most of my flights were on United, which has a major hub in Chicago. After moving to the south (not too far from Atlanta), I discovered the joy of Delta Airlines. I had to make several cross country trips in the past two years from Atlanta to Los Angeles. The first flight I took was on American Airlines. The trip was so bad, I changed my return flight plan, and booked with Delta. American had me on a commuter jet to Dallas, where I switched to another commuter jet to Los Angeles. The flight took longer than it should have, with an unnecessary layover. On my return flight via Delta Airlines, I found out what traveling cross country should be all about.

I recently traveled to Toronto on United Airlines, and like many other airlines, they are now charging for snacks or light meals on their flights. If you want a bag of cashews, you can certainly have one…for a fee…you can even order a six dollar sandwich. No thanks. I don’t know how Delta’s shorter flights are, but on the cross country flights I was on, I got a light box lunch. It wasn’t a lot…just enough to hold you over. The lunch box had bread and cheese, crackers and a shortbread cookie. It may not be a full-fledged meal, but they didn’t charge for it, and it was actually pretty good.

I hate traveling by airplane. I am not one that can sleep on an airplane. I am awake the whole time even if I am dog tired. When I get tired and restless, my legs start aching a lot. If I am on an airplane with narrow leg space, that aggravates the problem. Delta Airlines has decent leg room, although probably not much more than any other airline. I normally try to get an exit row to take advantage of the extra leg room, when available. The seats are comfortable, and because the cross country aircraft is a large aircraft, the ride has been very smooth on the trips I have taken.

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Sheraton Town Centre (Toronto)

I attended a conference at the Toronto Sheraton in August 2007. As we pulled in to the large covered driveway (and parking area) I was thinking that the hotel wasn’t very impressive. But as I walked through the large sweeping revolving doors, I was welcomed by a huge atrium, covered on one side with a glass wall, which revealed a beautiful garden and waterfall. The check in desk was to my left as I entered, and I was quickly pointed in the right direction by a friendly bellboy. Check was quick and seamless. I asked the desk clerk about the nearest money exchange. At that point in time, Canadian dollars were trading at 91 cents to the US Dollar. However, the minimum fee at an exchange was $3.75. The desk clerk traded two hundred dollars with me, dollar for dollar. So, in effect, I paid a fee of $1.80 to change my money even. Surprisingly, the Canadian dollar has overtaken the US Dollar, so I don’t know if the hotel still offers this exchange rate.

Finding my hotel room was easy enough, but after a week, I still got turned around every time I took the elevators. I’m not exactly sure why…it’s just the layout of the hotel. Upon settling in to my hotel room, I noted that the hotel had extremely comfortable beds, and plenty of layered bedding to suit your level of comfort. There were several pillows, for those of us that like lots of pillow beneath us. The bathroom was a fair sized bathroom, but was not necessarily extravagant. In fact, I might call it a bit drab. Having said that, it was fully functional and was very clean. While staying in this room, they changed out or televisions (they did this on every floor), replacing the television in the room with a 32” flat screen.

The work area in the room was adequate, but not spacious. They charged a fee for internet in the room, but did provide free Wi-Fi access in the lobby, as well as several computers, which provided a one-hour time limit for hotel guests (per day). I logged into a computer in the lobby, using my room number and name to log in. I didn’t hit the maximum time, but I’m sure the computer automatically boots you out once you hit the time limit. There is a large television and small lounge area adjacent to the computers and a bar type area where laptop users can log on to the Wi-Fi in the same manner as the computer users log in. I ended up using the internet in the room, which charged a fee for each 24 hour block of time you log in for. I believe the fee at that time was $9.99 Canadian, but it may have been $11.00. Either way, it was a competitive rate, or I would not have used it.

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Marriott Crystal Gateway (Atlanta, GA)

I have stayed at this hotel on three separate occasions. The first time in 2003 for three weeks, I stayed two nights in 2005 and again last year. I like this hotel because I prefer to stay at Marriott properties and it has convenient access to Reagan National Airport.

When I stayed at his hotel, my parking was arranged, so I did not have to pay any fees. However, without special arrangements, the parking runs $19.00 per day. That seems fairly high, but is actually par for the course in this area. If you are flying in to Reagan National Airport, there is a shuttle that will transport you back and forth from the Airport to the Hotel. During my visit in 2005, I flew in to Reagan National and took the shuttle. The shuttle was a short trip.

This hotel has a huge lobby and there is a steady bustle of people coming and going. Because of the close proximity to the Pentagon, there are lots of uniforms in and out of the hotel. The lobby has a Starbucks cart for morning coffee, in case you don't have time or desire to fix coffee in your room.

The check in process is quick and painless. If you have a confirmation already on file, it's a matter of providing a credit card to be swiped for incidentals, cutting a room key, and getting directions to your room. The hotel is large but not difficult to find your way around.

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MGM Grand (Las Vegas, NV)

I just returned from Las Vegas. I split my trip between the Luxor Hotel and the MGM Grand. This was my second stay at the MGM Grand, both of which included accommodations in the MGM Grand Grand Tower. Between the Luxor and the MGM Grand, which are the only Las Vegas Hotels I have actually stayed in, I prefer the MGM Grand. Walking through many of the other Casino Hotels, there are a few that I would definitely stay at, but I consider MGM Grand to be an excellent value for the money. The Wynn is definitely an attractive hotel, but the cheapest promotional rate at the Wynn runs around 200 dollars nightly and does not cover multiple nights, compared to promotional rates at the MGM Grand which start at 100 dollars per night.

The MGM Grand sits at the South end of the Las Vegas Strip. The cab ride from McCarran International Airport is less than ten minutes. I took the cab from the airport to the Luxor, which is located very close to the MGM Grand and paid thirteen dollars for the cab fare. Cabs are located on one side of the baggage claim area, while shuttle transportation is located on the other. The shuttles run six dollars from the airport to the hotel. The cab lines can be excessive. They have a cattle chute like you might find at the airport, which has five very long serpentines in it. The line was nearly full when I arrived, but moved rapidly. The wait was less than a half hour for the cab, even with the crush of people waiting.

Checking in at the MGM Grand was quick and painless. Because I was switching hotels, I needed to be out of the Luxor by 11:00 AM. I took a cab directly over to the MGM Grand, where I was quickly greeted by a customer service representative. The check in desk is an impressive counter with numerous clerks waiting to assist customers. I was directed to a clerk who allowed me to check in even though my room was not yet ready. I checked my bags with the bell desk which is located adjacent to the lobby. Check in went quickly. I was advised that my room was currently being cleaned and that I could return to get my room number and keys in one hour (approximately 12:30 pm). Upon my return an hour later, I was immediately waited on by another customer service representative and obtained my room number and pass key. I called the bell desk to have my bags delivered and was advised that there was a half hour wait. Impatient as I am, I opted to pick the bags back up from the bell desk and carry them to my room myself. There was still a brief wait for my bags to be retrieved from the storage area.

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Marriott (Atlanta Airport)

During my recent trip to Las Vegas I decided to fly out of Atlanta, taking advantage of the Park and Fly program. I had the Atlanta Airport Marriott confused with the Renaissance where I stayed last August. When I arrived at a different location than I was expecting I was confused but pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed my stay at both of these hotels, taking advantage of the great savings on parking. My room was 115 dollars for one night and seven days parking. Additional days run eight dollars per day.

The Valet prepared a parking pass for me before I entered the hotel. The pass covered my full week and was to be displayed in the front windshield. After entering the front lobby I was directed to check in using one of the kiosks located in the lobby. The kiosk allows you to select the type of room you require from the options available. Check in took about two minutes. After completing the electronic check in, the key cards for my room were created.

I grabbed my luggage and proceeded to my room up the bank of elevators adjacent to the lobby. The first thing I noticed on entering my room was that the room seemed smaller than I expected. There was a nice work area for business travelers along with internet access that requires payment of a fee. Marriott has a plan called Wired For Business which includes internet access as well as unlimited local and long distance calling for a charge of $12.95. That rate is fairly competitive with the going rate for internet access and includes the phone service. I think most people have cell phones these days, but if you don't or if you are on a minutes plan, this is one way you might save some money during your trip.

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The Luxor Hotel And Casino

I recently visited Las Vegas, splitting my visit between the Luxor and The MGM Grand Hotel. I booked my reservation on-line for 89 dollars the first night and 99 dollars the second night. The total was just over two hundred dollars with taxes. After returning from Las Vegas, I have received offers from the Luxor with rooms as low as 69 dollars per night, which are extremely low for any decent hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.

I took a cab from the Airport, which was thirteen dollars plus a tip. The shuttle runs six dollars per person. The ride from the airport took about five minutes. Upon arriving at the Luxor, it is difficult to get the entire feel for the property. The exterior pyramid shape with beacon on top seems sort of small from the outside. A giant lion guards the entrance to the interior.

As you enter the Luxor, prepare to be amazed. If you have even the slightest appreciation for architecture, you should be truly awe struck by the massive room you find yourself in. The interior of the pyramid section of the hotel is an open design. walkways around the exterior of the building take you to the individual rooms. Rooms located on the lower levels are accessed through glass elevators. The other levels are serviced by an inclinator which is an elevator that rides at an angle up the sides of the pyramid. From inside, you can see all the way up to the top floors. The view is somewhat obstructed by the structures concealing the inclinators, but the view is truly breathtaking. The entrance is also adorned by statues and sculptures that set the ancient Egyptian theme.

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Airtran Airlines

The answer to what might be left to consider lies in what you expect from an airline. Even with cost cutting affecting many amenities on an airline, there are issues like customer service, aircraft comfort, aircraft safety and terminal issues that all affect your trip. I was very concerned with my very first trip on Air Tran, when I attempted to call customer service in advance of my flight regarding seat assignments. I waited a long time on hold to finally talk to a representative who was rather rude to me and was unable to explain company policies to my satisfaction. A subsequent call to customer service alerted me to the fact that my first representative was both rude and wrong. The second representative addressed my needs adequately and was far more pleasant to deal with. Maybe my first impression needed further investigation.

My flight was scheduled to depart Atlanta, Georgia for Las Vegas, Nevada. The two days prior to my flight were tough days for the Atlanta area. Tornadoes laid waste to the city and hit outlying areas killing several people. The hailstones were the size of tennis balls. Needless to say, many flights were cancelled and backed up onto the date that my flight was scheduled to depart. The Atlanta Airport was a nightmare from the moment I stepped into the terminal. The line at the ATA Counter (like every other airline) was zigging and zagging far beyond the serpentine set up to handle large crowds. I had an early flight and started to become concerned about my standard "two hour prior to departure" arrival time. An attendant came around asking for anyone that was on my flight to follow her. We were walked to a remote check in terminal that was practically empty. We checked in quickly and our bags were checked in for us at the remote terminal. We were then escorted to the security check point to clear security. The quick check in allowed some cushion for the lengthy waiting lines at the security check in where everything became bottle necked. Security moved things along quickly and I made it to my terminal in plenty of time for my flight.

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National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial

I have a confession to make. Many years ago I worked in Washington DC. My daily commute on the Red Line dumped me in Judiciary Square, which is home to the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial. My morning and evening trudge through the Memorial made me blind to the ultimate sacrifice made by so many of my brothers and sisters in law enforcement. I stopped once or twice to find names of people I knew to pay homage, but for the most part, I hurried past without considering the gravity of the Memorial I was breezing through.

In the intervening years, I have lost other friends, but have not come to the Memorial to honor their memory. It is a difficult issue...one that might be far too common in the law enforcement community. I believe there is sometimes a tendency to jade yourself to death and focus on the next task at hand. It becomes very easy to lose yourself in your work and ignore the elephant in the room. Every day...as I prepare for work, my primary duty for that day has always been to come back home. When our brothers and sister "end their watch" we grieve and move on. I lost a co-worker last year in a shoot out. It hit me different this time and I'm not sure I really know why. I made a resolution that I would attend the Memorial Services this year in honor of his service. I'm glad I made that decision. It is amazing how differently the Memorial appeared to me when I viewed it with fresh eyes.

The Memorial doesn't have the subtle effect of the Viet Nam Memorial, which slowly envelopes you with it's height. The Memorial could almost be missed by visitors as just another marble garden in a city full of statues and stone. The low walls stand waist high and create two semi-circles opening on either end to "E" Street and "F" Street. The Memorial is guarded on each end by sculpted lions, a noble and fierce creature that embodies the strength of the men and women whose names are recorded within. The Memorial is inscribed at the ends with scripture and quotes that embody the work that these men and women performed. Among these inscriptions are words to the effect of In Valor There is Hope...It is not how these men died that made them heroes, but how they lived their lives...

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The White House (Washington DC)

When I think of all of the Monuments, Museums and Attractions in Washington DC, I consider the White House to be the Crown Jewel. Many of the sites in Washington are free to the public. The majority of these attractions can be visited on a whim without prior planning, reservations or notification. The White House is not that easy. The White House is the private residence of the President of the United States as much as it is a public building. Scheduling a tour of the White House requires prior planning which still does not guarantee a visit.

Short of knowing someone, the best way to obtain a tour of the White House is by submitting a request to your State Senator's office. When you submit your request, you should include the names, social security numbers and dates of birth for everyone you intend to bring with you. This will ensure that the proper background investigation can be conducted prior to your arrival. Submitting the request more than a month in advance will enhance your chances of getting a tour. You can submit requests up to six months in advance which would be even better. By having a flexible schedule for your vacation, you may increase the likelihood of securing a visit. By providing a wider range of dates, your representative in Congress will have a better opportunity to secure your date. For additional information regarding White House tours, you can call the event line at 202-456-7041 (24 hours a day). The White House also has a visitor's center located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue.

If you are lucky enough to secure a tour date you will be provided information about your tour. If your Aunt Mildred decides she wants to come along with you on vacation at the last minute, she may as well stay at the hotel during your White House trip. Last minute additions are not permitted. There is a guest list maintained at the entrance to the tour. If your name is not on the list, you don't visit. Pretty simple. Leave your bags at the hotel, too. You are not allowed to bring purses or other bags on the tour with you and there are not any lockers available to secure your possessions. Cameras are also not permitted on the tour, so you should leave them at the hotel with Aunt Mildred. After you are confirmed on the guest list, you will be required to pass through a magnetometer prior to beginning your tour.

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Courtyard (Alexandria Pentagon South)

When I book travel reservations I tend to go for Marriott properties first. My recent trip to Washington DC was no exception. I have previously stayed at the Crystal City Marriott which is an exceptional hotel very close to public transportation. That hotel was unavailable during my trip so I opted instead for the Courtyard by Marriott - Pentagon South. Judging by the name of the hotel, I thought it might be close to the Pentagon, which would also make it close to mass transit. I was wrong on that count. The hotel is directly off of I-395 making it readily accessible by car. If you intend to drive into the city, then this hotel is conveniently located several miles from the Fourteenth Street Bridge. That can be a lifetime during rush hour, but a short trip during off peak hours. If you plan on using public transportation to get into the city, then you are in for a long trip.

The transportation/location issue is the only detriment I found with this hotel, so I will begin by expounding on the negative. The hotel has on site parking which runs ten dollars per day. You can enter and exit as much as you want without incurring additional charges. Your room key allows you access to the parking garage which is covered but detached from the hotel. If you plan on taking public transportation into Washington DC, you have several options. There is a Metrobus stop across Seminary Road which runs behind the hotel approximately one block from the front entrance. I used this option once to get into the city. The bus required a twenty minute ride to arrive at the King Street Metro Station in Old Town Alexandria. I looked longingly at the Embassy Suites across the street from the Metro stop as I started the second leg of my journey. The bus ride was $1.35 followed by a $1.85 non-rush hour train ride to the Mall (South Capitol Metro Station). During rush hour, I believe the price goes up about a dollar. The train ride was an additional half hour added to my commute. My next trip into DC happened during rush hour. I decided to drive to the Van Dorn Street Metro Station which advertised Park and Ride. All of the spots in the parking ride were filled (otherwise parking would have been $4.50 per day). I ended up driving to the Eisenhower Metro Stop where I paid ten dollars for parking. I needed to get to the White house for a tour and had limited options as time was running short. The Metro trip added close to another three dollars during rush hour (it was $1.85 on my return trip). I secured parking in the city during other trips, relying on a friend with a parking pass in the city. Driving into the city was not treat...a ten mile drive took more than half an hour. If you have to pay for parking in the city, you can expect to pay more than ten dollars per day if you can find an open lot. I prefer to use the Metro, which makes this hotel very inconveniently located.

National Archives Experience

Who knew that document storage could be so much fun? The National Archives (and Records Administration) is tasked with maintaining records and documentation on all three branches of Government. Established in 1934 by statute, the National Archives also maintains responsibility for the Presidential Libraries. The National Archives is located just North of the National Mall (Entrance is at street level on the Mall side of the building). The building is located at the corner of 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Admission to the National Archives is free.

Upon arrival at the National Archives I found a place at the end of a relatively short line. There were approximately thirty people ahead of me awaiting admission to the facility. I am certain that the National Archives controls the number of visitors at any given time. However, the line moved quickly, seemingly slowed only by the security screening located just inside the doors. It was hot and muggy the day I went, and the wait outside was not comfortable. A longer line might require some protection from the elements. My wait, fortunately, was five or ten minutes. The security screening is less intrusive than an airport screening, requiring visitors to place metal objects in a screening box and then passing through a magnetometer. I managed to set off the alarm, which required a secondary screening with the wand. I was quickly wanded and waved on.

The National Archives can be a bit of a rat maze. The exhibits are marked with overhead signs directing traffic towards various displays. The most popular exhibit within the National Archives is the Rotunda For The Charters of Freedom. This rotunda is located on the "Main Level" which is actually a level up from the street entrance. Prior to entering the Rotunda you will find a display of the Magna Carta secured in a glass document casing. The display provides information on the historical events leading up to the creation of the Magna Carta by English Barons. As you pass the Magna Carta display, you will find a serpentine cattle path that you must wait in for admission into the Rotunda. There was a very long line at this exhibit with more than one hundred visitors waiting to be admitted. The line moves surprisingly fast. The exhibits in the Rotunda do not require an excessive amount of time to view, and there are groups of visitors (read that school field trips) that take up a lot of room in the line but traverse the displays rapidly. The documents which hold the honored place within the Rotunda are the prized possessions of the United States...they include the Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States and Bill of Rights. A brief history of the documents is included in the exhibits.

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Hampton Inn (Brunswick, Georgia)

During a recent trip to Brunswick, Georgia, I had intended to stay at the Embassy Suites. The Embassy Suites previously had a pet friendly policy, which changed sometime after I made my reservation. After arriving at that location to find that my reservation would not be honored, I found myself in need of a pet-friendly hotel. I ended up at the Hampton Inn a few miles away. The Hampton Inn is a Hilton property like the Embassy Suites, was a bit less expensive and had allowed me to stay with my puppy.

Hotel rates in Brunswick, Georgia tend to be a bit skewed. It is difficult to give an assessment on bang for the buck because the market in this area is not indicative of the value that you are getting. The Hampton Inn advised me that they had recently switched to a flat rate of $109 per night plus lodging taxes which brought it to just under $125 per night. There was an additional flat fee of $25 for pets, which covers your entire stay. That actually worked out a bit cheaper than the fifteen dollars per night that the Embassy Suites was going to charge me.

My first impression of the hotel was very favorable. The lobby has been recently remodeled, giving it a polished appearance. There is a large dining area across from the front desk with several small tables for breakfast diners (breakfast is free). The clerk was friendly and efficient. After completing my registration he provided a map of the property and showed me where my room was located. He advised that this end of the hotel was currently empty and that I should find parking immediately in front of my room. He was correct.

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Embassy Suites (Brunswick, Georgia)

I have stayed at the Embassy Suites in Brunswick, Georgia several times. In the past, my experiences have all been positive. My most recent experience anything but. Overall, the good outweighs the bad regarding this hotel and I intend to stay at this hotel in the future.

The Embassy Suites is probably the nicest hotel in the Brunswick, Georgia area. It is an older hotel attached to the Brunswick Mall but it has been undergoing extensive renovation. The Embassy Suites costs a little bit more than the other hotels in town but you get a lot more for your money. There are also several hotels in the area that have a good National reputation that are dives. I have stayed at many of the hotels around Brunswick, but I prefer the Embassy Suites. The location is great, with the mall a short walk through the interior of the hotel, which opens directly across from the movie theater inside the mall. There is a Ruby Tuesday immediately to your left and a Food Court a bit further down. There are also a host of other restaurants located within a mile of this hotel. Parking is free.

The entrance to the Embassy Suites isn't as spectacular as some of the flagship hotels, but it does have a very well manicured lawn between the entrance and the parking lot. The camouflage of the lawn and garden give the hotel entrance a nicer profile than it would if it appeared like you were simply using a different entrance into the mall. The interior of the large lobby opens up to tables on the right, the mall entrance directly ahead and elevators and the Front Desk to your left. Beyond the front desk is a hallway to the weight room and pool and the dining room.

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