This past weekend I jumped on a short flight over to Chicago to visit my friends Rob and Aaron for the weekend. Rob and I have been friends for over 25 years (wow... I just thought about how long that is!), so we are an example of those friends who are always connected - you know the kind... we see each other a couple times a year and "pick up where we left off". It's great to have people in your life who really get you - those friends where no explanations are needed - you just meet each other where you're at in your life and compare notes. A great way to check-in an reconnect with someone who know you, especially those times when you really need it. A good friend is one who knows who you are and can remind you when you forget. * Travel tip: Try to combine visits with friends and family when you plan your trips!
In addition to reconnecting with Rob I was glad to be back in Chicago. Between visits for concerts, sporting events, and former working trips (one of my former clients was CNA - the big red tower!), Chicago has always been one of my favorite Midwestern cities. Why? Because it's so very easy to navigate. Unlike some of the uber-windy, circular, twisty, curvy cities like Paris or London (which are fantastic cities, don't get me wrong...), Chicago is extremely easy to navigate - especially by foot. Between the easy to follow grids of streets and parks, and the efficient "L" (or elevated train) system, getting around town is a cinch. And with the wide variety of sports, entertainment, arts and cultural events, Chicago offers something for everyone.
A highlight of my weekend was visiting The Art Institute of Chicago during their Free February campaign. Yes, that's right - admission to the AIC is free the entire month! A great opportunity to get people out of the house and in to the galleries. The Institute is famous for its classic architecture and central location, but what I like best about AIC is the eclectic mix of paintings, sculpture, furniture, and artifacts from a worldwide collection. For example, you walk into a gallery, see a painting from a collection of local Midwestern artists and then suddenly, voila! - an original Monet or Van Gough. How cool is that?! In addition, the AIC features specialty traveling shows and exhibits. My sister Becky and I visited the King Tut exhibit back in 2006 and really enjoyed it. * Travel tip: Before you travel somewhere take a moment to Google the city/region and find out "what's happening" while you're visiting.
As February moves into full swing and "cabin fever" has the ability to hit those of us here in the cold snowy Northland, take the opportunity to get out and enjoy something new and different to keep you fresh. Visit a local art gallery, museum or exhibit (in Minneapolis, see what's happening at MIA or The Walker); so see a great show (visit the new Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis or Park Square Theatre in St. Paul); or just go visit friends and family (insert friend or family member whom you haven't visited in a long time and keep meaning to, here). The important thing is to keep moving - it stimulates your creativity and keeps you active, interested and healthy. * Travel tip: Even traveling across town or going to stay friends or family for a night/weekend can provide enough refreshment and help you to "reboot".
Get on the move and experience the world!
Mr. Michael
This past weekend I decided to take advantage of the off-season low travel fares and take a quick hop over to Amsterdam for a visit. I took this trip for many reasons, but the main reasons were to:
- Force myself out of my comfort zone
- Rack up an additional 10,000+ frequent flyer miles
- Visit the Anne Frank House and Museum
- Have some good European food!
So with those goals in mind I set out on my adventure. Since (the new) Delta airlines is consolidating the previous Northwest Airlines hubs around the nation, Bemidji Airport was selected to continue--and expand--operations, so I was able to book a flight from Bemidji to Amsterdam (connecting in Minneapolis, of course) in one ticket, and at a great price. I booked my flight, secured a small room in a cheap Amsterdam hotel online, and packed my backpack. BTW, traveling light is part of my new RRR strategy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) - another goal of mine for 2010. * Travel Tip: Avoid checking luggage--stick with carry-on bags: you'll save money, learn to pack simply, and bypass the baggage claim!
I flew to Minneapolis, had a short layover, boarded my overnight flight to Amsterdam on the A330 Airbus--one of my favorite jets--and since the flight was only 75% occupied I was able to re-seat myself as soon as the cabin door was closed. (*Hint: I will write another entry about "tips for flying happiness" in a future posting) Naturally, I chose a window seat with an unoccupied seat next to me so I had elbow room. Did you know you can do that? Just ask a flight attendant if you have questions. *Travel Tip: For more information about which seats rock and which do not, visit seatguru.com
When I arrived at my hotel, I checked in, grabbed my camera, and went for a walk. Today I was headed towards my "tourist destination of the day" - the Anne Frank House. Now the Anne Frank House has an amazing history and even though I'd been through Amsterdam 5 or 6 times throughout my travels, I'd never had a chance to visit the house and museum. So this was my day to do it. In addition, I'd promised my friend Shawn and my niece Natalie that I'd get them each a brochure from the tour. Incidentally, Shawn is playing the part of Anne's brother, Peter, in the production of Diary of Anne Frank at Park Square Theater in St. Paul this winter. Go check it out!
The tour of the Anne Frank House was very powerful and moving. I wasn't allowed to take snapshots inside the house so they can preserve the integrity of the original wood, paint and wallpaper. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the self-guided tour, attention to detail in the museum, and all of the informational placards and videos installed throughout the building. It was a very touching experience and it reminding me how important our families and friends are to us... in Anne's case, how friends and family came together to love and support one another in a time of great panic and fear. I left the museum feeling grateful and thankful for my family and the fact that I don't have to live in fear as Anne and her family did during the war. * Travel Tip: Use contrast to instill an attitude of gratitude.
That evening I had a light dinner, did a little more souvenir shopping, and got back to my hotel early to do some writing and listen to music. I'm always stimulated creatively when I travel - it's part of exploring the world! As a traveler, I've often think about the benefits of travel (at least for me), and I imagine that any change of environment is good for anyone - a change in perspective brings insight and introspection. This trip helped me to keep my wheels turning and the gears of my creative spirit from getting rusty. After all, I've gotta keep moving... I'm Michael on the Move :o)
Get on the move and experience the world!
Mr. Michael
This past weekend I jumped on a short flight over to Chicago to visit my friends Rob and Aaron for the weekend. Rob and I have been friends for over 25 years (wow... I just thought about how long that is!), so we are an example of those friends who are always connected - you know the kind... we see each other a couple times a year and "pick up where we left off". It's great to have people in your life who really get you - those friends where no explanations are needed - you just meet each other where you're at in your life and compare notes. A great way to check-in an reconnect with someone who know you, especially those times when you really need it. A good friend is one who knows who you are and can remind you when you forget. * Travel tip: Try to combine visits with friends and family when you plan your trips!
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