Creepy Sites to Visit (in PA!)

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            I love anything creepy or scary. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been a horror movie junkie. I love the adrenaline rush that comes with them. In the small town I grew up in, it was one of the only things that provided thrill from terror, besides occasionally messing around with a Ouija board. Which never really happened. So horror movies it was. My friends and I used to go to outdoor haunted mazes around Halloween, which always got us to thinking how scary it would be to actually visit some supposedly haunted site. Of course, we didn’t actually know of any, besides my one friend’s grandparent’s house that apparently had ghosts. (Whenever her family went to visit, she would stay at my house). Because as much as we adored horror and thriller movies, we never actually put ourselves in a situation that could be potentially scary. I mean, we all once “camped” outside in my friend’s massive backyard out near a farm and basically huddled together at every slight noise we heard.

           

www.weirdus.com/states/pennsylvania

            Just as my friend’s and I share this love for the terrifying unusual (when safely cuddled under blankets), so did my dad. One day he came home and shared a book with me that he bought: Weird Pennsylvania. It had tales of alleged ghosts and oddities in our state. Some were even close to us. I remember reading this book with my dad when I was younger and contemplating taking a small road trip to check them out. It’d be inexpensive, interesting, and a cool way to travel within your own state. And heck, you might even get some cool stories from it.

            So maybe one day I’ll get a group of friend’s together, hop in a car, and check out some of these sites for a scary thrill:

www.weirdus.com/states/pennsylvania

Devil’s Road, the setting for M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village, where misshapen trees lead up to the Cult House, which has various rumors surrounding it’s use, including Satanic practices or association with the DuPont family, who may have participated in some vague cult’s ceremonies. Apparently it is not uncommon to still see activity in the woods, and those brave enough to check it out have reported being chased off the road by black SUVs or followed by red trucks. Creepy… maybe I’ll stay in the car for that one! Actually, considering the state has attempted to stop thrill-seekers by making you susceptible to fines, I would gladly settle with a look out the window as I pass by.

Devil's Den
publications.usa.gov

Farnsworth House
gettysburgdaily.com

The Ghosts of Gettysburg. At the National Military Park, or more specifically at Devil’s Den, a rock formation at which a battle of the Civil War occurred, which I actually have already visited (albeit on a fifth grade field trip in the bright sunlight…) you can supposedly see spectral shadows, and may even get a visit from a young ghost called the “Helpful Hippy of Devil’s Den,” who gives advice on the best area of the rock formation for a picture. And while you’re in Gettysburg, check out the Farnsworth House Inn which is known for it’s paranormal activity, some of which is turned into lucrative entertainment, and some that is too disturbing for visitors, such as the figure of man in an upstairs room, sobbing and carrying a child, or in the cellar, where a voice can be heard softly singing, accompanied by chilling temperatures.

            There’s so many more, but these are the ones I remember distinctly reading when I was younger. I think they were the ones that seemed particularly bone-chilling, and therefore intriguing, to me. If I ever get the guts to go on a road-trip around our weird state, some of these sites will definitely make the list. And if you’re interested in checking these out yourself, here’s the website, with an abridged version of the list:

 http://www.weirdus.com/states/pennsylvania/index.php

Keep Your Feet Happy

costo.com

            The first time I travelled abroad, my mom was freaking out about my packing choices. All I heard was how this dress was too short, that shirt would be too hot, and those shoes would hurt my feet. Like any teenager, I generally ignored her and packed what I wanted. I didn’t want to look like some lost American tourist in a fanny pack and clunky sneakers. I wanted to be comfortable but still look somewhat fashionable (the stereotypical, excepted concerns of a teenage girl). I rolled my eyes but let her pack Band-Aids and Neosporin for me if I got blisters.

           

shoestation.com

            A few weeks before I was set to leave, we sat down and scoured the Internet for shoes that would satisfy her rules for practicality and my wishes for good aesthetics. We finally decided on a pair of leather flip-flops that were designed for people walking long distances. They were marketed as ideal for travel, and guaranteed no blisters. And I hated them. I wore them, sure, but most of the time I ended up slipping on shoes I actually liked and was more comfortable in. I knew shoes I had already broken in would keep me happier than new, stiff, leather sandals. But my mother was worried, and didn’t want me to run into any problems my first time travelling on my own – for that I’m grateful because I thankfully avoided suffering feet the whole trip. My one friend wasn’t so lucky, and wore new sandals the second day in Germany. She had horrible blisters for the rest of the trip, and hadn’t anticipated getting them. I was grateful my mom had the foresight to pack me a little first aid kit so I could help out my friend.

toms.com

            Even though I made fun of my mom for being overly concerned, I definitely learned that it helps to be prepared – but it is also best to stick with what you know you’ll be comfortable in. You don’t want to risk being hurt after the first day of the trip – it’ll make the rest a lot less enjoyable. Overall, I was glad to have my dependable, comfortable shoes with me to keep my feet happy.  But if you’re about to travel and can’t think of any shoes that wouldn’t stress your arches, consider Tom’s shoes. They worked great for me and I still wear them around campus. I don’t want this post to turn into a huge advertisement, but they really are my favorite shoes, are great for travel, are stylish (boys can wear them too!), AND when you buy a pair, they donate a pair to needy children in struggling countries. Remember, when you’re travelling, keep your feet happy! 

Tips for Making Layovers Less Annoying

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            Layovers. They are awful. They can be way too long when you just want to get on your next plane to be one step closer to you destination, but not long enough to allow you to leave. These are the times when you fall into a weird airport daze and collapse on some remotely comfortable chair and sort of sleep. This usually just results in light dozing and possibly embarrassing drool, and then maybe waking up just in time to run to your terminal. They can be too short and have you sprinting to catch your flight, without any “benefit” of an airport nap. They can be extremely long, but at odd hours of the night limiting and disbanding your entertainment or sightseeing options. Or they can be just long enough to allow you to allow you to grab a bite to eat and gaze wistfully out the window, wishing you could explore whatever city you are briefly in. I think being in a city, essentially trapped in an airport, without being able to experience it is one of the biggest temptations in travel. I was in the Heathrow airport for about 45 minutes and I wanted so much to just blow off my flight and experience London! Instead I just bought a Toblerone bar to snack on, even though it would be so easy to just walk out those doors and set off to see the world. But instead you have to kill time, rush around, or daydream about adventures you could have.

This doesn't have to be you!
theonion.com

So, I thought I would include tips, some courtesy of Venere Travel blog, on how to make layovers slightly more bearable:

1.                    Find entertainment in the airport, such as Internet cafes, cinemas, bookshops, or sleep pods.

2.                    Write out your postcards that you know you’ll neglect doing when you actually have exciting things to see.

3.                    Use the time to study up on the culture and language of your destination – it’s important to know customs and key phrases!

4.                    Meet interesting people also on layovers. They are just as bored as you and might have crazy stories, travel tips, or interesting souvenirs to share. And you might just make a new friend.

5.                    Sit back with a cup of coffee and people watch. Observing people is human nature, and can be relaxing and is surprisingly good at passing time.

6.                    If you feel like shopping, explore the duty-free shop.

There you have it! But if you’re looking for city-specific layover time-passing ideas, check out http://www.layoverguide.com/. 

Rome, Inexpensively

Wikipedia

          This post will follow the theme of the previous one: European travel on a budget. And, by request, I will be covering Rome this week! I’ve always wanted to travel to Italy – it holds so much charm. It’s one of those places that I just want to explore. Like, rent a car and drive everywhere type of exploring. Have you ever seen Letters to Juliet? It takes place in Verona (the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet), and the beauty of the country stunned me. So, without further ado, here’s how to be fiscally responsible and make the most out of Rome.

rome-in-italy.com

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            First, and perhaps most impressively, the Pantheon is free of charge. For those of us who aren’t entirely history buffs (I’m guilty…), the Pantheon is a temple to the gods of ancient Rome, built by magistrate Marcus Agrippa in 27-25 BC (and rebuilt in AD 120 by Emperor Hadrian) to memorialize Actium’s victory over Antony and Cleopatra. It is most well-known for its distinctive perfectly spherical shape attached to a porch with sixteen Corinthian columns. The Pantheon also houses the tombs of painter Raphael, Vittorio Emanuele II (the first king united Italy had), and his heir, Umberto I. As well as massive amounts of history, the Pantheon also has an artistic appeal – the rare Gothic Murals of the Madonna and Child from the 7^th century is visible above the alter. So there you have it: one of Rome’s most prominent landmarks and pieces of history completely free.

livinginrome.com
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           Second, for those who are more inclined to openness and wish to escape the city, you could take a stroll or a bike ride on the Appia Antica. No cars are allowed on the ancient road on Sunday, so (for free) you can take a leisurely walk and view famous sights, depending on what trail you take, such as the San Callisto catacombs, the moments of the “Regina Viarum,” where you can see a Roman suburb housing tombs and villas, ancient walls along beautiful countryside, the Almone river and its springs, aqueducts, and much, much more. Here is the website for the complete trails, maps, and attractions:




http://goeurope.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=goeurope&cdn=travel&tm=983&f=10&su=p531.56.342.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.parcoappiaantica.it/en/testi.asp%3Fl1%3D1%26l2%3D3%26l3%3D1%26l4%3D0

photoatlas.com

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            Third, on the last Sunday of every month, you can visit the Vatican, the religious and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. This usually costs fifty lucre. However, you can not simply walk into the Vatican. Reservations are required, but it would be an undoubtedly unique and amazing experience. It is also possible to secure reservations for only 10 Euros to get an hour and a half tour of the archeological excavations under the Vatican or for the viewings of the Sistine Chapel. For reservations and information regarding dress code and the Vatican history and facts, visit this website:http://goeurope.about.com/od/vaticancity/Vatican_City_Information_for_Visiting_the_Vatican_in_Rome.htm

Ai Balestrari
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            One of the most expensive costs of travel, once you’ve arrived, is food. So check out these delicious yet inexpensive restaurants in Rome: Ai Balestrari on Via dei Balestrari 41, which features a strolling guitarist and speciality Roman meals such a fried artichockes and spaghetti in a pecorino cheese and pepper sauce, Da Franceso in the Piazza del Fico, which has various pastas and an antipasta bar, or Da Augusto on 15 Piazzo de’ Renzi, an affordable pizza and pasta joint that’s a favorite among locals. 



Sites used:
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1V1Z8g/www.divinecaroline.com/22241/77202
http://goeurope.about.com/cs/rome/a/rome_free.htm (great list for more free attractions in Rome)

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-pantheon