Thanksgiving was established as a holiday in1863 during the American Civil War. It was supposed to bring the country together when Americans were the most divided they had ever been. Thanksgiving was seen as a way to unite the divided country, remember our pioneering spirit, and heal the wounds of war.

The real first Thanksgiving (with the pilgrims and Native Americans and all that) happened a lot differently, of course. It was more in line with the old tradition of celebrating the harvest (and the fact they survived that first year!).

As I spend the day away from America (yet again), I can’t help but miss it a bit. There’s something very special – and very American – today. Being with family and friends and doing nothing but eating. But Thanksgiving is also about pausing long enough between the turkey and the pumpkin pie to give thanks for all the blessings of life.

So, as I think about this day and what it means, I myself can’t help but be thankful. As 2011 draws to a close, I can’t help but think about the incredible year this has been and all that I have to be thankful for.

I’m thankful that I got the chance to become an author. I never thought I’d wake up one day and have a major publishing house (Penguin) e-mailing me, eager to put one of my ebooks into print. I’m still in shock and can’t wait to walk into Barnes and Noble and see my book there.

I’m thankful for all the amazing people who read my website. I’m still not sure why you do it, but I thank you for filling my comment section with thoughtful discussion. It makes me strive to be better and produce great content.

I’m thankful for all the people who write mean not-so-constructive comments on the site, too. They keep me on my toes, make me explain everything in detail, and inspire a lot of posts. I am motivated by their negativity.

I’m thankful for all the people who send me e-mails telling me that I inspired them to set off around the world. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to leave the world a better place; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—This is to have succeeded.” I still find it shockingly amazing that I inspire people. This alone makes everything matter.

I’m thankful that I’ve had such an amazing opportunity to travel for five years. I never expected this trip to last so long, but it has and I’m blessed for it.

I’m thankful for all the other travelers I’ve met on the road. When I get jaded, their excitement reminds me why I started in the first place.

I’m thankful for all the amazing bloggers out there. It’s great meeting them as I travel the world, and it’s great to have people out there who share my love of the Internet and travel.

I’m thankful for being able to make it online. Having this website, being able to work from a beach in Thailand, and doing what I love is the best job in the world. I never want to see a cubicle again.

I’m thankful for all the wonderful friends and great family I have. They are nothing short of awesome.

Mostly, I’m just thankful for life and having so many great things to be thankful for. I live this amazing existence, and I often wake up thinking, “Damn, life really is good. Maybe too good. Am I dreaming?” I’m really lucky to be able to do that. You never know how quickly life can change, and 2011 has been a very good year so far. All good things must come to an end sometime but until then, I’m just going to ride this wave as long as it goes.

Reading the news about the down economy, unemployment, social strife and suffering around the world, I am reminded just how lucky and fortunate I am to have a job, my health, and a good network for friends and family.

Because sadly not everyone is. So today as you give thanks for your own blessings, I hope you remember and help those in need. Not just today but everyday.

Everyone should always have at least one thing to be thankful for.

What are you thankful for today?

The United States is the fattest country in the world with fully 33% of the population being obese.

Atlanta International Airport is the world’s busiest airport.

College Park, Maryland has the oldest functioning airport in the USA.

Point Roberts, Washington cannot be entered or exited without going through Canada. Both nations have immigration points of entry despite a population of less than 1,000.

Wisconsin has more lakes than Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes.

The longest stone arch bridge in the world is the Rockville Bridge in Marysville, Pennsylvania.

Salt Lake City has a law against carrying an unwrapped ukulele on the street.

The Hollywood Bowl in California is the world’s largest amphitheater.

The first motion picture theater opened in Los Angeles in 1902.

Tallahassee, Florida was the only Confederate state capital that did not fall to the Union during the Civil War.

Maine grows 98% of the nation’s blueberries.

Wabash, Indiana was the first electrically lighted city in the world.

Pensacola, Florida is actually the oldest city in the US. It was settled in 1559 by Don Tristan de Luna.

The first public university in the United States was the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Kentucky has the largest cave system in the world – the Mammoth cave system has over 200 miles of caves.

Wyoming was the first place in the USA to allow women to hold office and vote.

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France in 1884.

Though the statue is associated with New York City, it is physically located in New Jersey

Some of Gandhi’s ashes can be found in the Lake Shrine Temple near Los Angeles.

The first person to become president who was born in a hospital was Jimmy Carter.

Arlington National Cemetery was once Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s plantation.

Manhattan’s Chinatown has the most Chinese residents in the Western Hemisphere.

The original London Bridge was transplanted to Lake Havasu, Arizona, in 1968.

American Indians were not US citizens until 1924.

The King of Thailand is technically an American citizen. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1927.

The United States has no official language.

The word “sideburns” comes from the American Civil War and named after General Ambrose Burnside.

Harvard was the first university in the United States and founded in 1636.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson had a bet on who would die first. The both died the same day on July 4th, 1826, each thinking the other had outlived the other.

New York was once ruled by the Dutch and called New Amsterdam.

The original capital of the United States was Philadelphia. Washington D.C. became the capital in 1790.

The United States Navy has the second largest air force in the world. The United States Air Force has the first.

The United States debt per person is 45,000 USD.

George Washington used to grow hemp.

The Republic of Ragusa, now part of present day Croatia, was the first country to recognize the United States in 1776.

John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln in a theatre and was found in a warehouse. Lee Harvey Oswald shot Kennedy from a warehouse and was found in a theatre.

All three major 1996 Presidential candidates, Clinton, Dole and Perot, were left-handed.

The dome on Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home, conceals a billiards room. In Jefferson’s day, billiards were illegal in Virginia.

The United States outlawed Alcohol in 1919 with the 18th amendment. It was legalized again in 1933 with the 21st amendment.

Women got the right to vote in the United States in 1920.

In America, you can drive a car when you are 16, vote and own a gun when you are 18, buy alcohol when you are 21.

The United States is a republic with three branches of government: legislature, executive, and judicial.

Louisa Adams, wife of John Quincy Adams, was the first (and only) foreign-born first lady.

Ohio is listed as the 17th state in the U.S., but technically it is number 47. Until 1953, Congress forgot to vote on a resolution admitting Ohio to the union.

The population of the United States is 307 million.

40% of Americans don’t believe in Evolution.

18% of Americans believe the sun revolves around the Earth.

63% of young Americans can’t find Iraq on a map.

The top 1% of Americans own 33% of the wealth in America, more than the bottom 50% combined.

The bottom 50% of Americans control 2.5% of the nation’s wealth.

Nine out of 10 Americans can’t find Afghanistan on a map, even if you give them the advantage of a map limited to Asia.

Gerald Ford was the only man to be both President and Vice-President but who was not elected to either post.

When Harry Truman left office in 1952 he got in his own car and drove himself back to Missouri.

Andrew Jackson was the only U.S. President to believe that the world is flat.

President Taft got stuck in his bathtub on his Inauguration Day and had to be pried out by his attendants.

George Washington’s false teeth were made of whale bone.

George Washington had to borrow money to go to his own inauguration.

Ronald Reagan was the oldest President elected to office.

The Baby Ruth candy bar was actually named after Grover Cleveland’s baby daughter, Ruth.

The Pentagon is the largest office building in the world by area.

32% of all land in the US is owned by the federal government.

The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper.

Last month, I had a few extra days before my trip to the Galapagos Islands, so I decided to go back. It was the perfect place to spend a few days, even though I had no reason to be there. I didn’t have any friends to meet, or wild bachelor parties to attend. I went for the simple joy of it, and I discovered that going to Las Vegas alone isn’t that bad.

I was worried I’d end up in my hotel’s casino a lot. I not only ended up in my hotel’s casino, but I also spent time in every other casino. I decided to embrace being on my own and see all the casinos I could in Vegas. I was on a mission to review Vegas! So in my two visits to Vegas, I’ve seen the following casinos:

The Luxor – This place is a dump. The rooms here are awful, the service crappy, and the Internet service is slow. The casino is okay and there are a few good restaurants around but I would never stay there. Or, even go back and visit.

Caesar’s Palace – I expected more of a Roman feel from this place. Maybe it’s because when I used to play Nintendo, the Las Vegas game had their logo on it and I only pictured this place as really great. I guess what you see in video games isn’t true! I liked the pool area here but the shopping area leaves a lot to be desired. I didn’t see anyone dressed like an ancient Roman in the place, which was disappointing. However, Caeser’s did seem to have the best big name shows though.

The Bellagio – A classy, classy joint. In fact, it might be a bit too classy for me. They have piano players, fancy restaurants, the most famous poker room in Vegas, a huge casino, and a very nice shopping area. I really like the Bellagio, and that fountain show is every bit as awesome as Ocean’s 11 made it out to be.

Mandalay Bay – I like this place a lot. They have a great pool area and a lazy river where you can just sit, float, and relax. They’ve also got a huge casino, tons of good restaurants, including an excellent wine bar and sushi restaurant. I would stay here again.

MGM Grand – This place seemed more family-oriented than the other places I visited. I can’t say much about the rooms but I did enjoy the bars, and the casino floor had a lot of table games. The shows and vibe were much more family oriented than other hotels on the strip.

Hard Rock – I wasn’t a fan. Other than the fact that it has Nobu (great sushi), I couldn’t find anything I liked about it.

The Palms – The place to be: hip and trendy with a giant pool area, great clubs, and a large casino floor.

Monte Carlo – I wasn’t over impressed with its mediocre restaurants and shopping venues. It seemed like it had its hay day years ago. Their casino is big but with so many other choices on the strip, I’m not sure I’d spend the money to come here.

New York, New York – I like the interior. It’s busy and crowded just like New York. The casino floor is a bit small but there are some good New York-themed restaurants and bars. They have a roller coaster but it was closed when I went.

Aria – This my favorite hotel. I love the high tech rooms, the pool area, outdoor club, delicious (though expensive) clubs, and modern look and feel to the hotel and casino. It has a good buffet, too. I stayed at the Aria Hotel because a few of my friends from Blogworld stayed and loved it. The ultra modern and tech savvy rooms blew me away. They had USB ports and power outlets all over the room, and I could control everything from my TV. It was like I was in Bill Gate’s house, except everything worked and nothing turned into a blue screen.

The Venetian – Another expensive and high-end casino, this old school casino is both opulent and beautiful. It reminds me of the Palazzo’s shopping area, and it’s a consumer’s shopping dream. If I had money or simply liked shopping, I’d do all of it there. Best shopping on the strip. Plus, they have great restaurants in the Palazzo too. The only cheap thing at The Venetian is the buffet.

The Cosmopolitan – I didn’t get to explore much of this casino. I only saw their restaurant area, which is pretty nice. They have a chandelier bar that goes down three floors and free pool tables on restaurant floor. I’ll definitely be going back.

I still haven’t had that wild Vegas vacation yet but you know what, there’s a lot you can do in Vegas without going crazy. One day I’ll get my Vegas vacation but even alone, simply walking around, I grew to love Vegas even more and I’ll be back there again.

Editor’s Note: Aria gave me free accommodation, a free dinner, and a free buffet pass. Moreover, I’ll be updating this list when I go back to Vegas and return to some of these hotels. You never know. I may change my opinion on them. Nothing is absolute.

We all have pre-conceived notions and perceptions of different places. We all have our own prejudices and opinions based on what we have read and heard over the years. Stories from the news, the internet, and our friends create an image in our minds. As long as I can remember, I’ve always had pre-conceived notions about Los Angeles. I thought it would be polluted, a giant traffic jam filled city with vain wanna-be celebrities. Los Angeles was a sprawling city with no culture.

When I visit L.A., I see all of these negatives. It would be hard not to. But I often wonder if I see those things more because of my preconceived notions and feelings about the city. I’ve been to many cities that are run down, dirty, full of pretentious people, or have bad traffic. Los Angeles isn’t the only city in the world like this. Bangkok is no spring chicken, Barcelona needs a good scrubbing, and rush hour in Tokyo is no joke. Yet while I see these things in other cities, they seem to bother me as much as they do in Los Angeles.

There are some legitimate things I dislike about Los Angeles. I don’t like cities that are too big to get around. NYC may be big, but it’s easy to get around. Bangkok has a good transit system, and Tokyo is gigantic but you still navigate public transportation fairly easily. Yet everything in L.A. is spread out and you need to drive get places. I like cities with good public transit and Los Angeles doesn’t have it. Moreover, L.A. has no neighborhoods. It just seems to sprawl forever, and it’s filled with too many people trying to make it. Everyone I meet in L.A. is trying to make it as an actor or as a writer of a screenplay.

Yet these things don’t really make L.A. “hateable.” None of these “issues” are super off putting and I’ve had many fun moments in L.A. with my friends. So why is that I hate Los Angeles so much? Where does this visceral reaction come from?

I think back to my recent trip to Ottawa. It was a city I knew nothing about, and I was able to form my own opinions about the city right on the spot. I loved Ottawa. It was great. Often when we travel, we see cities not as how they are but how we expect them to be. We take our knowledge with us and use it as a lens to view the city. When we think of Amsterdam, we think of pot and prostitutes, so that’s what we see. We go to Bangkok and see the dirt and pollution because we know it to be a “dirty” city. Often times, we visit places and do things that further our preconceived notions of the city. We go experience romance in Paris or party on the island of Ko Phangan. And it is in cities we often know the least about are often the places we love the best. We aren’t looking for things that fit into the mold our mind has made. We simply just take the city as it is with no expectations and no disappointments.

Fighting preconceived notions is an important part of traveling. The images and notions in our head can paint a bleaker picture of a place than what is really there. They can color our thoughts on cities in ways that don’t often reflect reality. Yes, I hate L.A., but I suppose if I really thought of it, it’s not that bad of a place. I would rather be in many other places in the world but I can see that there’s something for people in Los Angeles.

Maybe one day I’ll live in Los Angeles and love it. After all, I despised Bangkok at first and now it’s one of my favorite cities in the world. Stepping back from my emotional knee jerk reaction to the word Los Angeles, I see that there are some things that make the city worth visiting and make it worth living in. After all, it’s near the beach, it’s warm throughout the year, there’s a lot to do, good sushi, and an affordable cost of living. Plus you get to spot celebrities all the time. (O.K., maybe that’s just something I would enjoy!)

We all have preconceived notions about places in the world. When we visit a place, we often see that place through that prism in our mind, which distorts what that city really is about. Sometimes we just need to just step back, breathe, and judge a place on its own merits with unclouded eyes. And so maybe it’s not that I hate L.A. but hate the version in my mind and, after nearly 30 years of only picturing that L.A., that is all I can see right now.

People often see what they want to see. I think as travelers we need to be conscience of that. Billy O’Reilly thinks Amsterdam is a cesspool but when I go there, I see canals, beautiful buildings, and friendly people. Is he seeing what he wants to see just like me and Los Angeles?

Traveling is about opening yourself up to new experiences and places. It’s about letting go of the preconceived notions we have about people and places. Going to places without prejudice and any expectation is the only way to really “see” a place. We need to drop our guard and be open to new things. Otherwise, we’ll always end up only seeing the image in our mind. Otherwise, we’ll always just end up hating L.A.

For more information on the United States, visit my country and city guide to US travel.

Boston isn’t a city to rush through. Unlike many other destinations, people who visit Boston tend not to do it in a day or two. It’s as if they already know this is a relaxed city that deserves a bit more time. I think you can get a very good feel and overview of Boston during a four day visit. Here’s an itinerary that will allow you to see the best of what Boston has to offer:

Day 1
Freedom Trail

The Freedom trail is a 2.5 mile walk through historic Boston. It takes you through all the major historical sites and monuments. To see all the sites on the trail, you can expect it to take up most of your day. Given all the walking that is involved, I would make this the only activity of the day given all the walking that is involved. You’ll want to take your time and see all the sites. After all, Boston has a very long history. It may be “super touristy” but it does an amazing job of presenting the history of one of America’s oldest cities.

Lunch in Faneuil Hall- The Quincy market in Faneuil Hall is the best place to stop and eat lunch on the Freedom Trail. There are about two dozen different places to eat. You can get just about anything here from Greek to Sushi to sandwiches and everything in between. Since you’re in Boston, try the clam chowder as it’s a local New England specialty.

Day 2
Boston Commons

Start your day in Boston Commons, a giant park that sees plenty of people on warm summer days. There are lots of different paths to take, including frog pond where kids and adults can cool off. During the winter, there is skating on pond. Boston Commons is also a great place to go people watching.

Boston Public Gardens

After your early morning walk, head across the street to the public gardens. You can take a swan tour through the pond in the middle of the gardens or you can simply stroll around and see some pretty flowers.

Walk around the Back Bay- The end of the park meets Boston’s back bay, our version of New York’s SoHo and West Village. This is where Boston’s elite and wealthy live and nearby Newbury Street is our Madison Avenue, with lots of expensive shopping. The brownstones and tree line streets make for a joyful leisurely stroll. It’s peaceful and very beautiful. Stop at the park on Commonwealth Ave to sit and watch the people and cars go by.

Lunch on Boylston- Move towards Boylston Street and eat lunch out on the patio of one of its many restaurants. If you want to spend a bit more money, eat on Newbury Street. Stephanie’s is good for both food and emptying your wallet. Snappy sushi has great lunch specials and Kashmir has delicious (and spicy) Indian.

Copley Square and Trinity Church- Copley Square is a great little park where you can buy discount theater tickets, listen to musicians, and gaze up at the Hancock Tower. You can also go into Boston’s Trinity Church, which is one of Boston’s oldest and I think most beautiful.

Charles River

Double back towards the Charles River and walk the riverfront. If it’s summer time, you might be able to catch a free show at the Boston Hatch Shell or go sailing on the river. If not, it’s still a nice walk along the river where you’ll encounter runners, kids playing, and even some sports.

Museum of Science – At the end of the riverfront is the Museum of Science. If you aren’t too tired, check out the museum and the Omni Theater in it. Though many of the exhibits are for kids, its still one of the best museums in the country. Their outer space exhibit is outstanding.

Day 3
Visit the Aquarium- Boston’s aquarium is one of the better ones I’ve been to. It’s really well done, the fish aren’t all cluttered into a few small tanks, and there is a lot of information about how to protect the oceans.

Explore the North End

The historic North end is the heart of Boston’s Italian community. You’ll hear just as much Italian here as you will the Boston accent. In the morning, you’ll see little Italian grandmas shopping while the grandpas have their morning espresso. It’s like being in Italy, except in Boston. You’ll find the best gelato outside of Italy here.

Head Up to the Prudential Tower – Once you’re out of the north end, head back towards Copley to see the Prudential Tower. You can go up the tower and get a bird’s eye view of the city.

Arnold Arboretum

Over two hundred and sixty acres of free public space are open from sunrise to sunset. There are running trails, gardens, open lawns, and tons of flowers from all over the world. Relax among the plants and take a step back from the fast pace of the city. This place is much quieter than the Public Gardens and offers a wider variety of plant life. They also have a great Bonsai tree collection.

See a Game – Boston is a sports town. Throughout the year you’ll find various sports teams in actions. Bostonians are die hard about their teams so you’re sure to witnessing some intense feelings when you go. If you really want a Boston sports experience, go to a Red Sox’s game. If you can’t get in, hang out around the bars near Fenway. Just never, ever, ever root for the Yankees!

Day 4
Take a Free Tour of Harvard

Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest university in America. Head to its home in Cambridge (Harvard Square Red Line train stop) and join a free tour. Learn about the university’s history, architecture, programs and myths. When you’re finished, wander around the eclectic offerings of Harvard Square. There are a lot of good street musicians here. (Tracy Chapman got her start here.)

Hang out in Harvard Square

See the eclectic mix of life in Harvard Square. Walk around, stroll into used bookstores and coffee shops and watch artists, vagabonds, locals, and college students all mingle with each other. There are some cool little shops in “The Garage”

Take the Sam Adams Brewery Tour – After four days of sightseeing, you deserve a beer or five. Sam Adams Brewery offers free tours of its brewery. Sam Adams is a major brewer in Boston and locals drink it widely and frequently. Tours start mid-afternoon and depart every forty-five minutes. You get a few free samples along the way. If you are not over 21, don’t worry, you can still go but you just can’t drink.

Boston is a great city and I’m not just saying that because I grew up there. I’ve never encountered a person who hasn’t liked it. Come to Boston and find out what a great city this is. This 4-day itinerary will give you a good overview of the city at a nice relaxing pace. You’ll be moving around a lot so make sure you get an unlimited “T” pass (train pass). If you have more time, you can squeeze in some of those other activities too. But why rush such a beautiful place?

For more information on the United States, visit my country and city guide to US travel.

Prosperity Dumplings

Located in Chinatown, this place has amazing dumplings at an even better price. The restaurant serves five dumplings for a dollar. You can’t go wrong with prices like that. The pork dumplings come fried or steamed, and there’s a nearby park where you can sit down to eat if this tiny place is full. And if you want more for later? You can buy 50 frozen dumplings for $8!

Mizu

As a sushi lover, many of the places I ate at this summer were sushi restaurants. One of my favorites was Mizu. The sushi is excellent and their prices are reasonable for sushi in NYC. There’s a large selection of fish, the quality is great, and they have a wide combination of rolls. Make sure you try the Botan Shrimp, King Salmon, and Naruto Roll. A large dinner for two with sake will cost about $130 dollars. The only downside is that the restaurant can get very loud when full.

Johns on Bleecker

Pizza in New York is an institution and I admit I’m no pizza guru. To me, it’s either bad, good, or really good. I can’t make those fine pizza distinctions like some New Yorkers can. I qualify John’s as really good. The thin style pizza comes in huge portions big enough to serve three. Service is quick, but expect to wait during dinner for a table. The only downside is that there’s no slices for sale. You need to get a whole pie. The upshot though is that the leftovers are just as delicious and probably won’t last long in your fridge.

5 Napkin Burger

Looking for a huge sloppy burger and french fries? Try this place. Their burgers are quite thick and juicy. You can get them covered in cheese and bacon. The name is misleading though as you’ll need more than 5 napkins with this burger. It comes in a buckle busting portion too. Beyond the burger, they have great sandwiches and salads, and the friend pickle and pastrami appetizer is really good. (Tasty but not filling.) When you’re finished, wash it all down with a thick milkshake.

Nobu

Another sushi restaurant, Nobu is one of the most popular sushi restaurants in the world. They have over 12 locations around the world, but the New York City and LA restaurants are the most famous. This is not a place to come to on a budget. Dinner will set you back a few hundred dollars, so you might be better off coming for lunch if you want to save money. Nobu is a mecca for sushi lovers, and if you come to NYC and can afford it, eat here. It’s worth every penny. Beyond the sushi, I recommend the rock shrimp tempura. It melts in your mouth.

Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is more a collection of food places than a single restaurant. It’s extremely popular and a great place to pop into when you need some groceries, a meal, or snacks. You’ll find good Thai food here and Amy’s Bread has amazing French loaves. The Lobster Place has decent sushi but I really enjoy their clam chowder and, as a New Englander, I know clam chowder. If you want a meal with local and organic food, try the Green Table. The food there is excellent the everything is well portioned. I would say it is my favorite place in Chelsea Market to eat. They do very good drinks too. It’s not cheap but it makes for a nice date place.

Locanda Verde

You’ll find great Italian food in Tribeca. Their brunch is really great, with plenty of unique dishes to sample. Come for dinner for a more traditional Italian meal. The food is very flavorful, the portions large, and you might even spot a celebrity or two. You can’t fail to be impressed with their wine list, which is longer than their menu. During the summer, Locanda Verde is especially popular with people who want to dine outside.

Shake Shack

The original restaurant is located in Madison Square Park, and their newest branch is in Times Square. Expect long lines at both locations especially during line time. Guests have been known to wait up to an hour for a chance to eat here. I waited 45 minutes for my burger. The burgers don’t always live up the hype, but going there is an experience. Standing in line for an hour with everyone else is pretty social and a good way to spend a warm afternoon. And in a place called the shake shack, the shakes must be good. (They are.)

Hill Country BBQ

This is Texas BBQ at its finest. Located on West 26th, Hill Country is a great place to get messy with some ribs. The menu draws its inspiration from the grand old meat-markets-turned-barbecue-joints of Central Texas. With their distinctive, dry-rub style, Hill Country’s brisket, sausage, ribs and other meats are smoked low and slow. And like any good rib joint, Hill Country has a large selection of beer and tequila.

Blue Water Grill

Located in a former bank, the three-floor, heavily marbled space is usually filled with business diners, couples, and tourists. The seafood menu has delicacies from all over the world. They have a good wine selection too. I highly recommend the King Crab legs. Blue Water is located right in Union Square, so after dinner it’s easy to go out on the town or catch a movie at a nearby theater.

You could eat out every meal and never get to all the amazing places to eat in New York City. I never got to Todd English’s restaurant or Mario Batali’s many places. I never got to sample the ethnic food in Brooklyn, or even Little Italy. I hear there is a lot great Cajun food down in Staten Island. There’s just too many places in NYC. But I can promise you that if you come here and try any of these places, you are in for an excellent meal.

For more information on New York City? Check out my city guide to NYC for more in depth travel information.

Day 1
Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

Though the line is really long, if you get here early you can avoid most of it. (Come late and you’ll have to wait a few hours.) Though the Statue of Liberty is interesting to see, the real highlight is Ellis Island where you can learn about the immigrant experience. If the line is too long, take the free Staten Island ferry for photos of the statue.

Battery Park

Hang out here for music performances, street performers, watch all the people who are willing to wait for hours to see the Statue of liberty, or just relax. It’s a large and hectic park but a great place to just sit and rest for a bit.

Wall Street

Take a look at the bull, get your photo taken, and then walk to Wall Street and see where the bankers of America destroyed the economy. You often hear people demanding their money back!

Lunch: The Financial district is a great place to catch a bit to eat. I recommend Ulysses Folk House. They have a great outdoor patio, a good menu, and a wide selection of beer.

Trinity Church

Trinity Church is one of the oldest churches in America. The church isn’t the original building but it’s still beautiful church to see. Around its graveyard you will find the graves of many famous Americans, including Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers.

City Hall

New York’s city hall is a great piece of architecture, has a stunning park, and a fountain, and a circular tablet about the history of the site.

Brooklyn Bridge

Right near city hall, the Brooklyn bridge is an easy 25 minute walk if you don’t stop. Stopping to take photos and meander will make the walk about 40 minutes. You get a lot of great views of the city from the bridge.

Dinner: Since you are already in Brooklyn, have dinner here.

Night: If you aren’t too tired, head to the Lower East Side or East Village for some eclectic student, art, and bars.

Day 2
Empire State Building

This historic building is a landmark in New York City. The 1930′s art deco interior is beautiful and the view from the top is breathtaking. You can get a real feel for how densely populated New York is. Get there early or during lunchtime to avoid the lines.

Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station is the city’s historic train station. Meant to be torn down, it was saved by Jacqueline Kennedy who raised money for its preservation. There are free historical tours on Wednesday.

Rockefeller Center

This area is always filled with hustle and bustle. Wander around Rockefeller Center to see where they film The Today Show, eat good food, and take the elevator to the “top of the rock” and get another bird’s eye view of the city.

Times Square

The lights of Time Square are mesmerizing. No matter when you come here, it will always be packed. During the summer, there are pedestrian areas where you can sit, hang out, and people watch. If you aren’t shopping or eating however, there isn’t much to do but it’s a fabulous place to people watch.

Lunch: Located on 44th and 8th is the Shake Shack, a great burger and shake place. The original is located down in Madison Square Park but even at their new branch, be prepared to wait up to an hour for your meal. The service is quick but the line is long.

Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)

After lunch, head over to the MOMA for lots of beautiful modern art, some weird modern art, and some great impressionist art. Van Gogh’s starry night is here. On Friday’s after 4 p.m., the museum is free.

Frying Pan

After a long day of sightseeing, head west to The Frying Pan, a bar on a barge on the Hudson River. Here you can drink with the after work crowd as you watch the sun set down over the river. Try to get here early because by around 6 p.m., most of the tables are taken.

High line

The High Line is a converted train track that is now an urban walking park. It goes from 22nd street down to the meatpacking district. After a few drinks at The Frying Pan, head down to the meatpacking district for dinner by walking through the high line. Or sit down, relax, and watch the traffic go by from the viewing area on 16th street.

Dinner in the Meatpacking district: The meatpacking distinct is where the trendy, rich, and celebrities come to be see and to be seen. Yet despite its upscale nature, there are some affordable places to eat. I recommend Fig and Olive or Pastis.

Night: If you want a night out, you are right close to the West Village, which has some nice bars to hang out in.

Day 3
Central Park

A great way to relax in the city and leave the crowds behind is to spend the day in central park. It’s free, there are lots of little paths to walk, and, since it covers over 40 blocks, it’s easy to spend hours upon hours wandering around. During the summer months, there are often free concerts and theater productions in the park too.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is one of the biggest museums in the world and, if you only see one museum in New York, I would recommend this one. They have a wide array of art, historical artifacts, photography, and other exhibits. There’s even a real Egyptian tomb in here. There is a lot to see here to budget a lot of time. Just doing it in a few hours doesn’t do this place justice.

Lunch: Eat somewhere on the Upper East Side.

American Museum of Natural History

Made even more famous by the Night at the Museum movies, this museum also requires a lot of time. It’s very extensive and the exhibits are very detailed. I wouldn’t try to rush it. You’ll learn a lot about nature and human society. I particularly like the exhibit on the origin of humans as well as the section on space.

Dinner: Anywhere you desire. Just make it back in time for the Broadway show!

Broadway show

You can’t go to New York City, the theater capital of the world, without seeing a show. Highlights include: Wicked, Avenue Q, Memphis, The Lion King, Mamma Mia, and American Idiot.

New York City is a big place with a lot to do. Three days is barely enough to squeeze these activities in, let alone finding time to visit all the boroughs like Queens and Brooklyn. If you are coming to New York City, and have the time I would recommend coming here for at least 5 days. However, if pressed for time, following this tips could give you a full three days of fun and excitement in the city that never sleeps.

For more information on the United States, visit my country and city guide to US travel.

Shopping Hours- I love convenience. I like knowing that if it’s 8pm at night on a Sunday I can go shopping or do a quick errand. This one of the reasons I love Asia so much. There’s no such thing as closing time. I love how that happens in America too. Late dinner? Forget the olive oil? No problem! The supermarket is still open. It’s Sunday at 7pm and your computer breaks? No problem! Best Buy is still open. In so many parts of the world, shops and services close at 6pm and on Sundays. It’s inconvenient, especially if you work a regular job. I don’t need 24 hours, just shops that adjust to working hours.

Service – I like being waited on and having attentive servers and people in stores who are friendly and helpful. I like having people who hello, please, thank you. It’s nice, especially when you are not looked at funny for saying it yourself. People have this impression that Americans are loud and obnoxious but American politeness is grossly unappreciated by the world.

Taco Bell – It may be awful food but I love it. You can only find it in America and when I come back home, I gorge on it. I just hope Taco Bell realizes the untapped market of American expats they have and starts to expand overseas. My kingdom for a Gordita!

Good Sushi – I could never live in a place without good sushi and I’m always sad to find bad sushi when I travel. They say America has the best sushi outside Japan. I’d agree. While I’ve found good sushi in London, Paris, and Melbourne, the menu is never as extensive as in America and it is usually very expensive. I miss being able to eat fresh, mouthwatering fish from an extensive menu. Even in places like Denver, you can find amazing sushi. When I return to America in June, sushi will be the first meal I have off the plane.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – In all my travels, New Zealand is the only country I’ve found this chocolate and peanut better goodness in. Whoever invented this should win a Noble Prize. They are so good they make my mouth water just thinking about them. I have no idea why I can’t find them in other countries but I can’t wait to eat them. I was so excited to find them in New Zealand, I ate 5 packets in a row.

Independent Films- As a film buff, I miss watching good independent films. While overseas, I always hear about good movies that I’ll never get to see. I’m still waiting for Up in the Air and I’m now also going to miss Youth in Revolt. If I’m lucky, iTunes will have one or two but mostly, I miss out on all the good Fox Searchlight and Focus Features movies that remind me that the future of Hollywood isn’t lost yet.

24 Hour Cable News- I miss cable news because, when I watch it, I’m reminded how much better my life is when I travel and don’t watch it.

Hulu – Once in awhile Saturday Night Live has a good skit, which you can watch on Hulu. I can’t watch since I’m not in the US and I’m far too lazy to set up proxy server. Surf The Channel meets all my TV needs but having Hulu to watch these clips would be nice. I’m still behind on all the good Sarah Palin spoof clips.

Diversity – I missed the diversity of America. I like being able to hear a million different languages from a million different people as I walk through cities. I like being able to get food from all over the world. In Asia, getting good Mexican is not impossible but pretty hard. In Europe, finding good Japanese or Korean food is the same. I’ve yet to be impressed with the Japanese food in New Zealand. Or the Mexican. And my kingdom for some Ethiopian food or a good falafel. Say what you want about America, but the diversity in culture, food, and people is something that is lacking in many parts of the world. We’re a melting pot and it’s beautiful.

I like going home. It gives me a renewed appreciation for the little things in America I miss. It refreshes my batteries and gives me a break from everything. These things aren’t enough to keep me home forever. No, there’s still too much to see out there…but I sure could use a good movie and some sushi right about now.

For more information on the United States, visit my country and city guide to US travel.

The traditional account for the origin of the fire is that it was started by a cow kicking over a lantern in the barn owned by Patrick and Catherine O’Leary. Mrs. O’Leary and her cow were quickly vilified but this was more a reflection of anti-immigrant sentiment at the time than any real proof. Eventually, the city absolved Mrs. O’leary and her cow in the 1990s of any wrong doing.

But out of this tragedy the city was built anew- wider streets, steel and brick buildings, and more green space. Chicago architecture remains some of the best in the world. Beginning in the early 1880s, architectural pioneers of the Chicago School explored steel-frame construction and the use of large areas of plate glass. Chicago had some of the first modern skyscrapers. William LeBaron Jenney’s Home Insurance Building is often considered to be the first to use steel in its structural frame instead of cast iron. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School influenced both building and furnishings design. Folks like George Fuller also helped shape architecture and design. Much of Chicago is in this late 19th century/early 20th century American Gothic style that was the definitive style for many buildings across the country.

I was luckily enough to find myself in this architectural wonderland at the end of July for TBEX. While driving across the country in 2006, I also finished my journey here. The city left a lasting impression on me and I was happy to visit again.

While the city is famous for a number of reasons, its biggest draw today is its green space and architectural beauty. There are many green spaces and parks throughout the city- the most famous being Grant and Millennium park, home to the famous Chicago Bean. Chicago has been “greening” itself in hopes of being the country’s most environmentally friendly city. There is even a rooftop garden on top of city hall. For me, Chicago’s most striking and best feature is its architecture. It has one of the most beautiful skylines in the country. Wide streets lined with American Gothic buildings and modern steel high rises make for stunning visual images and awe inspiring photos.

However, my trip wasn’t solely just spent waxing romantically over the architecture while walking in the parks. With my Chicago Pressbook in hand, I was determined to see as many sites as I could, especially since they were free. I explored the Chicago Aquarium, which also provides excellent views of the city. However, it sadly does not provide excellent information about the fish it features and I found it to be too geared towards kids having a good time and less geared towards providing solid information, especially about the poor state of our oceans. The displays were great and there seemed to be a lot of potential but overall, I was extremely disappointed.

As I museum lover, I made sure to visit quite a few. Though the details of me walking around museums are quite boring, I will nevertheless say the art museum near Millennium Park houses an amazing impressionist wing and I was very impressed with their Monet collection.

My favorite adventure in Chicago was to Navy Pier. Incredibly famous and never having been there before, I was eager to check it out before I left. Navy Pier is sort of like a carnival in a city. It contains some rides, a Ferris wheel, lots of restaurants, a Shakespeare theater, boat tours, an oddly large number of beer gardens, and even miniature golf. While the place itself is a little campy, with so many things to do there, it seems like it was a good place to walk around on a nice day, have a drink, take the kids, or even take a date.

Chicago’s beauty is everywhere and in everything. Moving at a relaxed and slow pace, even during rush hour, Chicago feels like it is perpetually Saturday. Combined with its beautiful architecture, lots of green space, and delicious food, Chicago is one of my favorite American cities (third behind NYC and Boston) and why no visit will ever get old.

For more information on the United States, visit my country and city guide to US travel.

Free Tours
New York is a great place to walk around. However, only seeing New York from the outside is half the story. Take some of the free tours to see the other half. On Wednesday, there is a free tour of Grand Central Terminal offered by the Municipal Art Society (they offer a lot of other tours around the city too). Trinity Church offers free daily tours when there are not services. The Brooklyn Brewery offers free tours on Saturday. Finally, Big Apple Greeters will pair you with a local New Yorker to show you around for a day with advance notice.

Take the Staten Island Ferry
That two hour long line to see the Statue of Liberty not appealing? Well, walk a few blocks to the Staten Island ferry. The free ferry will take you across the harbor and give you a good view of both the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline. The ride takes about 20 minutes.

Get Cheap Accommodation
New York hotels are not cheap. Most run $150 or higher per night if you want something decent. A good cheap option is to stay in a hostel. For a single room with tv, wifi, and private bathroom, I spent $90 per night. Considering the closest hotel to that price was a one star Econolodge, staying in a hostel is a good alternative. Moreover, you can find free accommodation via couchsurfing or craigslist, or try your luck with last minute hotels on Priceline.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to experience an interesting view of the New York skyline and harbor. It’s a long walk but good food and drinks (like the brewery) await you on the other side.

Get Cheap Theater Tickets
One of the best things to do in New York is to see the theater. Tickets though can run hundreds of dollars, especially for the new and popular shows. Luckily, there’s a way to get discount tickets. The TKTS stand, a product of the theater development fund, in Times Square offers 40-50% off select shows. You need to arrive at the counter the same day to see what they have but its usually a widespread and good selection. Be prepared to wait in line for about an hour. TKTS also have offices at the South Street Seaport and in Brooklyn.

Central Park for a Day
A great way to relax in the city and leave the crowds behind is to spend the day in central park. It’s free, there are lots of little paths to walk, and, since it covers over 40 blocks, it’s easy to spend hours upon hours wandering around. During the summer months, there are often free concerts and theater productions in the park too.

Free Museums
NYC is littered with some of the best museums in the world from the Met to the MOMA to the Guggenheim. Many museums offer free entry certain days of the week. The Whitney Museum of American Art is free on Friday, the Solomon R. Guggenheim has “suggested” donations after 5 on Fridays, the Museum of American Folk Art is free, the Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design is free on Tuesday evenings free, the Steuben Galler is free, the MET is free (suggested donation is $20) and the Museum of Modern Art is free after 4pm on Friday.

New York has a lot of budget activities- this is only a sample. Ask around and you are bound to find even more free and cheap activities to do in this expensive city.

For more information on the United States, visit my country and city guide to US travel.