Herkimer County Fair - The Bomb

In some ways, all county fairs are the same. We went to the Herkimer Fair today. Yup, the carnies were there, the tilt-a-wheel. the stale cotton candy. The livestock competitions featuring reluctant farm animals and exuberant farm children.  We had fun in spite of ourselves.

Last year we had a great day at the Prince Edward Island Fair - which was about 3 times the size of Herkimer.

Today was about 85 degrees and even the carnies were having trouble toughing it out.  Still a blast, even though the kids left yelling that they hadn't had enough fun.

Maid of the Mist is Marvelous

We made it to the falls. Fabulouus. What an amazing site. We weren't the only ones there. It is quite popular. We stood in line 15 or 20 minutes to get on the Maid of the Mist. It was worth every minute.

But I have to say, Once you've enjoyed the amazing natural phenomenon, you leave the waters behind and enter the world of The Tourist. Some have said that the Candian side of the falls is not as touristy. We didn't get to the US side so I can't compare. But I'll say I couldn't imagine a more touristy site. I called it the Disneyland of Canadian. James, my 11 year old, called it Paradise!

Buffalo Wings

We're here in Buffalo to visit Niagra Falls. Wow, but we made a great detour to enjoy the best Buffalo Wings I've ever had - right at the point of origin. If you're ever in the neighborhood, you must go to Frank and Teressa's Anchor Bar. It is the self-proclaimed site of the original buffalo wing. These babies will melt  in your mouth. The blue cheese dipping sauce, the spicy sauce. They were divine. Planning a trip, check out Anchor Bar. Frank and Teressa also share their fantastic recipe on the website. Hungry for wings, check it out.

Singapore - More To See

I strolled through downtown Singapore, to explore this place that is at the crossroads of Asian trading routes. As part of my exploration I ended up at the Asian Civilization Museum. It was fascinating. The building was the old Empress or Princess Palace - a great heritage building.


The exhibits were nicely done - showing the multiple cultural influences that helped to shape this place into the polyglot wonder it is today. I took some snaps at some of the more wonderous items exhibited. I think you'll agree they're amazing.

Next Stop on My Fan-Cation: Cheyenne Wyoming - Frontier Days

Since this vacation is really just a fantasy, I can go anywhere, anytime.  I'd like to do things in some natural sequence, so I decided since I was already in Wyoming, I'd stop in to see the rodeo at Frontier Days.  Has anyone been?

I went years ago and it was so much fun.  Clowns and cowboys and rodeo princesses. The whole nine yards.We did get a comment on the blog that there are just a few select activities going on in Cheyenne.

One person posted that her most memorable moment was the sight of tumbleweeds drifting by.  I say, that is a good demonstration of a laid back atnosphere. Perfect for vacation time!

First Stop on my Fan-cation: The Wild Wild West

Have you been to the American West.  It's pretty cool.  I've spent time in lot's of great places there. Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico. 

But because this is my fan-cation - and I have the luxury of traveling back in time. I'm taking the family to Yellowstone Park.  To a time when you could see lot's of gushers, not just Old Faithful (from a distance).  Here's a scene I'm hoping to catch on the trip.

Sherman, set the way back machine to 1915, please.

To get a better look at the photo.take a look here.

This Summer I'm Going on a Fan-cation

Last summer we had a stay-cation like so many others. I hate to repeat myself.  Since we don't have the money to travel, I thought why let that stop me.  I'll just take virtual trips to all my fantasy destinations.  I already have the postcards to send home.  And hey, I'm already home. Saves me postage. 

I'm putting together my itinerary right now and am open to suggestions. Where is your fantasy destination?

For sure, I'm going to Paris.  I'd like to go back to Stockholm, its beautiful this time of year.  Maybe I can squeeze in a trip to Napa Valley, too.

So many places, and so little time.  Drop me a line with your suggestions.

Hong Kong Harbor Is One Of a Kind

During my trip last week, I was able to watch some unbelievable scenes in Hong Kong harbor.  It is a bustling place with ships large and small.  Love it.

A Different World

I was in Hong Kong last week and came back with some photos that captured the differences between Boston and Hong Kong.  I love both - and I appreciate the differences.  (Can anyone help me with the Chinese characters?)

Post Prague Pondering

My brother in law is coming to visit this week.  He and his wife live in Prague.  We visited them last summer and had a fabulous time.  Riding the trolley system, eating Mexican food and visiting castles and the Barbie Museum.  So many surprises tucked into one city.  Of course, we hadn't expected the Mexican food - but my 8 year old couldn't live without nachos for a week.

We had a lovely dinner at dusk in Old Town Square.