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Egypt is one of the countries on my list of Top Ten Places to Go, and this photo is also a little foreshadowing of a post to come next week.

Photo credit:  SXC

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That’s what happens when you turn professional ice-sculptors loose on a huge block of ice. 

You can see the process, as well as the results, at the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks Alaska, February 27th ““ March 25th.   

The process all starts the same way, with large square blocks of solid ice.  The results are as varied as they are spectacular, and represent the efforts of over 100 sculptors from around the world.  By March 10th, all competition will be completed, with the sculptures lighted and on display.

To give you an idea of how much ice we’re talking about, teams (one or two persons) in the Single Block Classic competition starts with a 3 x 5 x 8 foot block of ice, weighing in at approximately 7,800 pounds.  In the Multi-Block event, teams of 4 persons each start with 10 blocks of ice measuring 4 x 4 x 3 feet, with each block weighting around 3,000.  That’s 30,000 pounds of ice! 

The Ice Park is now open from 10 am to 10 pm daily, and the Single Block competition is complete and on display.  You will also see an ice tribute to Susan Butcher, the famous Alaska dog musher and four-time winner of the Iditarod sled Dog Race. 

Admission to the Ice Park is $8 for adults, $4 for youth ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under.  A season pass is available for $25 for adults and $10 for youth.

Depending on when you visit the Ice Park, you’ll see various stages of the competition or the completion of sculptures.  You can find a full schedule here, but I wouldn’t get caught up in scheduling the “best” time to go.  I’ve been through the Park during the championships many times over the years, and it doesn’t really matter when you go ““ there’s always something amazing being created.  Although the weather in Fairbanks this time of year drops to ridiculously low temperatures at night, if you are able, dress warm, button up, and go through the exhibit at night.  The lighting of the sculptures and park make for truly dramatic displays.

For those who are unable to visit the Ice Park to see these beautiful creations, enjoy the Web Cams and get a look at some great ice sculptures.

Photo credit:  Ice Alaska

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At the World Parrot Refuge on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, winged residents get lots more than a mere cracker.

This non-profit, educational facility operated by FLOPRS (”For the Love of Parrots Refuge Society”) provides a “Home for Life” for previously owned pet parrots.  Parrots have a very long life span, so it is very likely that they will have a need for more than one owner over their lifetime.  Many parrot owners fail to foresee or plan for this, making it increasingly common to have parrots turn up in shelters.  The Refuge is a home for life for these parrots, and it does not adopt out.

The estimated cost to care for a parrot in a good quality sanctuary is approximately $10/week.  This amount covers a healthy diet, shelter, warmth, light, safety, free-flight enclosures, and skilled veterinary care.  That doesn’t sound like a lot of money, but with current residency at over 500 parrots, which, unfortunately, seems to increase daily, it is easy to see how the World Parrot Refuge has its work cut out for it. 

The Refuge is open to the public every day, from 10 am ““ 4 pm, and visitors have the opportunity to meet and learn about these amazing birds.  The Refuge is located at 2116 Alberni Highway in Coombs, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. 

Visitors to the Refuge are occasionally treated to up close and personal meetings with the avian residents, and many birds enjoy being cuddled and fussed over.  If you can’t visit in person, you can meet the residents online via the Parrot Gallery.  Parrot lovers can also support the work of the World Parrot Refuge through its Adopt a Parrot program.

Photo credit:  SXC

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Vermont is located in the northeastern part of the United States, an area typically referred to as New England.  With a colorful, independent-thinking history, Vermont was once an independent nation known as the Republic of Vermont.  Today, Vermont is a small state, both is total area, 45th of 50, and population, 49th of 50 (only Wyoming has less people).

Vermont is frequently called the Green Mountain State, although it is unclear where the name comes from.  One theory is that it is called that because the state is more heavily forested than neighboring states.  Another theory is that the name came about because of the existence of green-hued shale.  Whatever the official explanation, fall brings about beautiful panoply of color. 

The state capital is Montpelier, and the largest city is Burlington. 

Vermont is the leading US producer of maple syrup, and the sap running is a tourist draw, along with the visitors attracted to the colorful fall foliage.  In the winter, with mountains full of snow, skiers head to the hills at numerous resorts.  In the summer, those same resorts, along with others, offer summer mountain experiences of hiking, fishing, and boating.

Some interesting Vermont trivia:

• It is the only state in the lower 48 that does not have a Target store
• It is the only state whose capital city does not have a McDonald’s restaurant
• Former presidents Calvin Coolidge and Chester A. Arthur were born in Vermont

Politics thrust Vermont into the limelight in 2000, when then Governor Howard Dean signed into law legislation passed by the General Assembly sanctioning benefits of marriage to gay and lesbian couples.  The little state became a big cog in American politics.

Photo credit: SXC

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Today is Admission Day for Florida, our 27th state, admitted to the Union on March 3rd, 1845.

Florida is located in the southeastern part of the country, with the Atlantic Ocean flanking one side, and the Gulf of Mexico the other.  Ponce de Leon named it, and many believe that it was in Florida that he claimed to have found his fountain of youth.

Before the formal declaration of Civil War, Florida seceded from the Union, and became a founding member of the Confederate States of America.  Full representation was restored in 1868.

For much of its existence, Florida was the least populated southern state.  By the mid-20th century, however, many residents were leaving the frigid weather of the northeastern US, looking for the temperate climes found in Florida.  Today, Florida is the second most populated of the southern states (behind Texas), and is the fourth most populated state in the country ““ quite a turnaround.

The capital city is Tallahassee, the largest city is Jacksonville, and the largest metropolitan area is Miami.  Other large cities include:  Tampa, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Orlando, and Ft. Lauderdale.

Tourism is the largest industry in the “Sunshine State,” as Florida is known, in large part due to its warm, tropical weather and hundred of miles of beaches.  There are scores of amusement parks, and supporting businesses, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, SeaWorld and others.

For such a sunny state, however, Florida has its share of extreme and severe weather.  Central Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States, the state has the highest average precipitation of any state in the country, and tornadoes and hurricanes have become an all to frequent occurrence.  On a brighter note, however, snow if very, very rare.

Trailing tourism in the state economy is agriculture, mainly citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruit, tangerines), but also sugarcane and celery.  Other Florida industries include phosphate mining, and the aerospace industry.  Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center (photo of launch pad at right) are both located in Florida.

While rich in many things, Florida has its share of poverty, too.  The 2002 Census revealed that Miami was the poorest city in the United States.  By the time of the 2004 Census, they had moved up a little, to the third poorest city.

I’ve been to Florida many, many times, primarily visiting the Miami and Orlando area.  In fact, I’ll be in Florida again this month, and am looking forward to the respite from the unseasonably cold Seattle weather.  Here are a couple of my favorite things to do when I’m in Florida:

• Tours of Kennedy Space Center
• Looking at memorabilia at the Astronaut Hall of Fame
• Shopping at Ron Jon’s Surf Shop
• Wading in the Atlantic Ocean and frolicking on the sand in Cocoa Beach (anyone else out there remember Cocoa Beach from the television show “I Dream of Jeanie?”)
• People watch along Ocean Drive in South Beach

Of course, there are still lots of things left on my list of things that I’d like to do or see:

• Take an airboat ride in the Everglades
• Spend some relaxing time in the Florida Keys
• Visit the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersurg

What are your favorite things to do in Florida?

Photo credit:  Launch pad, Miami Beach

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San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade

This year’s parade promised to be no less spectacular than years past, with over 100 entries that include floats, elaborate costumes, fierce lions, firecrackers, and the newly crowned Miss Chinatown and her court.   You won’t want to miss the Golden Dragon.  It is over 200 feet in length, and takes a crew of over 100 people to carry and parade the dragon throughout the streets.

The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade started back in the 1860’s as a way for the Chinese community to share their culture with those unfamiliar with it.  Combining the Chinese culture with a strictly American tradition ““ a parade ““ it was an effort to become part of a new culture while maintain the traditions of a lifetime.

In 1959, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce took over the responsibility and direction of the Parade, moving it to the evening and making it a torchlight parade.  The Parade and accompanying two-week festival has grown to become the largest celebration of Asian culture outside of Asia.

Reserved bleacher seating for this year’s parade has already sold out, so you’ll have to find a spot along the parade route to view the festivities.  The streets will be more crowded the closer you get to Chinatown.  Or, watch from the comfort of your home or hotel room on KTVU/Fox 2, or KTSF, Channel 28 (Chinese broadcast).  The parade lasts about two and a half hours.

I’ve been in the San Francisco area for most weekends the past couple months.  However, this weekend I’ll be in a different part of the country and will be missing the parade.  If anyone gets some great photos, please let me know!

Photo credit:  flickr

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I noticed that Sound About Philly has added a new walking and podcast tour, this one called Philly Noir.  It’s a walking tour that covers African American culture, history, and experiences (past and present), and includes food, the arts, history and sports.  There are 11 tour segments, and you can download, and then mix and match them based on your interests and time. 

Here’s a sampling of some of the segments:

• Delilah’s/Geechee Girl Rice Café at 12th Street & Filbert.  Oprah named it the very best spot for macaroni and cheese (in photo).  I LOVE mac ‘n cheese!
• Philadelphia Music Walk of Fame at Spruce Street & Broad.  Hip Hop to Jazz and everything in between, a treasure trove of musicians that put Philadelphia on the music map.
• African American Museum at 701 Arch Street.  Making sure that the African American heritage is not lost ““ to this generation, or to the ones to follow.

Lots of GREAT suggestions that are worthwhile in putting together my own personal tour of Philadelphia.

There are other podcast walking tour options available from Sound About Philly, including some user created tours.  There seems to be something that will appeal to a wide variety of interests.

 If you have any suggestions about what to see and do in Philadelphia, please leave them in the comments.  (For those of you who read my post on Travel Resources for Planning Your Next Trip, this is part of the email phase of the research.)

Photo credit:  flickr

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Kansas, a state that I’ve not yet visited, is smack dab in the middle of the country, and is, in fact, home to the geographical center of the contiguous United States.  Its capital city is Topeka, and its largest is Wichita.

Kansas was originally home to large numbers of Native Americans who hunted buffalo on the prairies.  After the Civil War, scores of immigrants moved to Kansas, turning the prairies into farmland.  Large in geographical area (15th), but small in population (33rd), Kansas today leads the nation in wheat production, and is one of the most productive agriculture states.

Because of diminishing populations in Kansas, referred to as Rural Flight, the state and federal government are offering programs of free land and tax breaks as a means to attract newcomers.  Still, there are over 6,000 ghost towns in the state.

Most of the treks from the east coast to the west went through Kansas, and you’ll find remnants of numerous historic trails.   The California National Historic Trail, Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, Oregon National Historic Trail, and the Pony Express National Historic Trail are just a few.Kansas is also home to the world’s largest ball of twine (in Cawker City), the Eisenhower Library (Abilene), the ending point of the Chisholm Trail (Abilene), a museum that honors suffragette Carrie Nation (Medicine Lodge), Boot Hill Museum (Dodge City), the Wizard of Oz Museum (Wamego), and the Kansas Cosmophere and Space Center (Hutchinson), with is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute.

For me, Kansas has always been one of those states in the middle of the country, that I really haven’t had a lot of interest in getting to.  I tend to think of it only when I watch the “Wizard of Oz” when Dorothy says “We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto.”  Learning a little more about the history of the state, and the pivotal role that it played in our country’s emerging history, makes me dismiss it a little less.

While it’s not moving to the top of my list, there’s definitely something for me to see and do in Kansas.

Photo credit:  flickr

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Michigan is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, only Lake Ontario is missing, and has the longest freshwater shoreline of all the states.  Because of this unique geography, the state boasts more recreational watercraft than any other.  Not surprising since an individual is never more than six miles from a natural water source.

Residents of Michigan reference their residency within the state claiming to be Uppers (also called “Yoopers”) or Lowers (also called “Trolls” because they live below the Mackinac Bridge), referring to the upper and lower peninsula. 

Lansing is Michigan’s capital city, and Detroit the largest.  It’s a big state, ranking 8th in population and 11th in geographic area.

When most people think of Michigan, they think of the Detroit area and the auto industry.  Yes, there are still auto manufacturing plants there, but the economy now turns more on high tech industries and research and development.  The UP also relies heavily on tourism.

I visited Michigan while on a driving vacation with a friend.  We had flown to Ohio, picked up another friend, and then the three of us drove to car racing event in the Detroit area.  It was an exhausting trip; I don’t remember a lot, but I’ve been there. 

I’d eventually like to return and see some of the UP, in the summertime, perhaps spending a little time on Mackinac Island (in photo).  I find it amusing that an island in a state that has been so reliant on the auto industry prohibits cars on the island.

Photo credit:  Mary McGuire

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The Festival opens this weekend, so you need to make plans today if you’ll need to travel or make hotel arrangements.  Opening weekend is always the busiest, so you may want to consider going later in the event, which runs through January 28th.  If you’re in the area already, it’s just a matter of transportation and tickets, both of which are do-able with a little effort.

Chances are, you will not be able to score a hotel in Park City at this late date, but it’s always worth a try.  If that doesn’t work, Salt Lake City is a 45-minute drive away, so look for something there.  Other areas to look for a room include Provo, Sundance Village or Ogden.

You may have seen paparazzi photos from previous Sundance Film Festivals.  The stars always so look so chic, and well-dressed and groomed at all times.  The festival calls in “mountain chic.”  Well, just a reminder here, it’s January and you’ll be in Utah, and there’s snow and it’s cold.  So dress warmly (layers are always good), bring hat and gloves, and a good pair of snow boots for walking around.  If you’re lucky enough to score an invite to a private party, you’ll find people dressed in all sorts of attire.

Don’t forget that this is ski country, so bring your sticks or board and check out the snow at Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort, or The Canyons Resort.  You never know whom you’ll run into while schussing down the mountain.

Although you may be hanging out with the rich and famous, or, more likely just hanging out watching for them, the Film Festival is remarkably inexpensive.  Tickets to individual screenings are $15 (advance purchase), and most are followed with a Question & Answer session with the director and sometimes the cast.  If you’re willing to take your chances on day-of-show tickets, the price drops to $10.  Tickets are now available online, with a variety of passes, and individual ticketing options.

Once you’re at the Festival, shuttles will take you between most venues and hotels, on a nearly 24-hour schedule.  Park City Transit has enhanced its free, citywide public transit system with additional bus service.  The Sundance Resort operates a shuttle between the resort and Park City, a 1-hour ride, for $20/person one-way.

If you’ll be at the Festival, be sure to take your laptop.  Park City is a wireless city, so there’s no reason you can’t email friends about your daily events and star sightings.  Be sure to put me on that email list, too.

And if you can’t get to the Festival, you can always check out Festival merchandise online.  When people ask if you went, just smile and stare off dreamily.

Get complete information on attending the Festival, along with tips on how to make the most of the event at the Sundance website.

Photo credit:  flickr

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