The Georgia Guidestones-An Unusual Landmark

The Georgia Guidestones are an unusual landmark. A lot of landmarks were purposely made to draw in tourists, such as the Eiffel Tower. Some landmarks are naturally occurring like the Grand Canyon. In Georgia, the purpose of the Guidestones, which are also referred to as the American Stonehenge, was quite different. There's a lot of information on the Internet about the stones, but here's a brief summary so you don't need to interrupt this article to find it.

Basically, the Georgia Guidestones are a granite monument arranged with a center rectangular tablet surrounded by four upright rectangular tablets joined by a capstone. Each of the outer rectangular tablets has a message presenting Ten Principles for Living an Age of Reason. The ten different principles are written in eight different languages on each side of four different upright slabs of granite. The capstone has four ancient languages represented espousing an appeal to reason. The stones also have the feature of being arranged astronomically. The unusual way in which they came to be by an anonymous sponsor that called himself, “R.C. Christian” adds to the mystery of what the messages all mean. The stones are a curiosity and controversial and best described by this quote: “raised the stones from local curiosity to the subject of national notoriety among conspiracy theorists and Christian dispensationalists.” In a book at the local library from the mysterious sponsor, Mr. Christian himself, states that the stones are a “message for human guidance” and that, “They are intended to stimulate discussion and logical compassionate action.” Being an adventurer myself and having the Guidestones within driving distance for a daytime road trip, off I went with my friend and my daughter.

My first impression was that they were not as big as I thought they would be. I think the air of mystery and a lack of perspective from the photos and videos contributed to that. While there, I searched the internet to see how they compare to Stonehenge. The Guidestones are only four feet shorter than the tallest tablet at Stonehenge. As far as the area, the Guidestones also don't cover a large land area. Another thing that was striking was the defacement of the stones. There was some pretty raunchy graffiti present as well as comments about the stones being representative of the anti-Christ and how they needed to come down. Other than the disgrace of the graffiti, the area was clean and overgrowth kept to a minimum. There were also some interesting features on the explanatory stone that was just to the west of the Guidestones. It referred to a time capsule that was buried underneath, but the date to open it was left out. From all the research, it was not ever clear whether there was truly a time capsule under the center stone. Also apparent were the many misspelled words on the tablet.

There were some other visitors to the Guidestones while we were there. There was a family that had some business in the area that came to visit and an older couple from 30 miles away that told us they had always heard about them, but this was the first time they had ever visited. We had an energetic discussion on what they thought the principles meant and how they had stirred up controversy. We also talked about how there were no markings or widespread pointers to the area other than the small sign right at the short roadway leading to the area of the Guidestones. It was obvious that we all thought that we found the experience to be thought provoking and a purposeful trip to do nothing other than to see them.

It's unfortunate that there are groups that think that the Georgia Guidestones represent the anti-Christ and are a message about the annihilation of 2/3 of the world's population. The Guidestones are off the beaten path, but it's worth it to go because it is interesting and different.

Here comes a rant...

Being the wife of an airline pilot is challenging. My husband is gone for 3-5 days at a time. Since he doesn't have a whole lot of seniority, he is on call and has to be at the airport within 2 hours of a call if he hasn't gotten advanced notice. He has to work holidays, including this Christmas. Since there was a blizzard in the middle of the country, he and his crew and fellow travelers were stranded. Now the problem is compounded by the fact that many of his fellow pilots have called in "sick" and they are having trouble getting holiday travelers to their destinations. His fellow pilots (with more seniority) have also complained because with the furloughs at the airline they now have to work four day work weeks instead of the 2 and 3 day weeks they had prior to our American economy tanking. I think his colleagues need a serious reality check. Unemployment is over 10%. They make salaries close to six figures a year with generous benefits. A little gratitude for being able to work in an industry that is doing everything it can to survive even in the best of times and empathy for their colleagues that have not enjoyed the benefits of longevity with a company as well as holiday travelers trying to get to spend time with friends and family-now that is the true spirit of Christmas. Bah humbug to the pilots that called in sick and feel entitled!

Airline Lounge Passes Make Great Gifts for the Traveler on Your Christmas List

Airline Lounge Passes are available for a one day stay. If you have a traveler on your Christmas list, this would make a great gift. This is really great
if you have someone you know with a long layover that could use a little refreshment and relaxation. I know I would have loved to have one for a trip to Dusseldorf when we had a six hour layover. I didn't sleep well on the trip over and after the layover it was another 2 1/2 hour flight to our final destination. Here's a list of the major US airlines that offer one day lounge passes. Each has various ammenties that may include Wi-Fi, Conference Room, Full-service bar, Complimentary Bar, Showers, Putting Green, Smoking Area, Children's Area, Music Room, Food for Purchase, airline customer service, fax machines, newspapers, concierge service, Some also have rules such which typically revolve around conducting yourself in a business-like manner. Check each airline website for specific details. Here's a list of airline's club locations:

Delta:
Acapulco,Mexico; Adelaide, Austrailia;Anchorage, Ak; Atlanta, GA; Barcelona, Spain; Berlin, Germany; Boston, MA; Brisbane; Australia; Canberra, Australia; Cancun, Mexico; Chicago (O'Hare), IL; Chihuahua, Mexico; Cincinnati, OH; Cuidad Juarez, Mexico; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; Frankfurt, Germany; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Geneva, Switzerland; Guadalajara, Mexico; Hong Kong, China; Honolulu, HI; Jacksonville, FL; Johannesburt, South Africa; London (Heathrow), England; Los Angeles, CA; Manila, Phillipines; Manchester, England; Melbourne, Australia; Memphis, TN; Merida, Mexico; Mexico City, Mexico; Miamia, FL; Milan (Malpensa), Italy; Milwuakee, WI; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; Monterrey, Mexico; Munich, Germany; Nashville, TN; Newark, NJ; New Orleans, LA; New York (JFK), NY; New York (LaGuardia), NY; Orlando, FL; Paris, France; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; Raleigh-Durham, NC; Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil; Rome, Italy; Salt Lake City, UT; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Santiago, Chile; Sau Paulo, Brazil; Seattle/Tacoma, WA; Seoul, Korea; Sydney, Australia; Tampa, FL; Tijuana, Mexico; Tokyo, Japan; Vancouver, BC; Washington DC (National); West Palm Beach, FL; Zurich, Switzerland.

American Airlines:
Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Bogota, Columbia; Boston, MA

Continental Airlines:
Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Boston, MA; Cleveland, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Guam; Honolulu, HI; Houston (Intercontinental), TX; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA; New York (LaGuardia), NY; Newark, NJ; Panama City, Panama;
San Antonio, TX; San Francisco; Seattle, WA; Washington DC (National).

US Airways:
Boston,MA; Buffalo,NY; Charlotte,NC; Greensboro,NC; Hartford/Springfield,CT; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY (LaGuardia); Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Pittsburgh, PA; Raleigh/Durham, NC; Tampa, FL; Washington DC (National).

Paris in January?

If you ask people about when to visit Paris France, most will probably talk about Spring. It's a popular time for tourists and locals alike, and why not? The weather will be sunny more often the later you go in Spring, and by the end of April and into May the gardens will be blooming.

Winter in Paris-are you crazy? Yes, we were. On our way back from Greece this year, we had to stay overnight somewhere in Europe before catching a flight back to the United States. We usually go through Germany, but but the flights were cheap and we had a good 1/2 day available to spend there. Off we went. It was cold! There was no snow so the gardens weren't buried under and the Eiffel Tower was not closed due to ice. We bundled up a got to hit the highlights which included a stop by the Eiffel Tower and a boat trip up the Seine. There were still plenty of tourists, but not so crowded during the typical high season. We also got a 4 star hotel close to the Metro and all the sites for a little over $100 US. We would still like to see Paris during one of the other seasons for the most enjoyable time to visit. Either way, a 1/2 day wasn't nearly enough and we would go back again. I think no matter what time you go, the City of Lights is wonderful anytime of the year.

When's The Best Time To Go?

If you're ever wondering when it's the best time to go somewhere on a trip, there's a website for that. It's called, of course, Best Time to Go. It has it's own search engine where you put in the month you want to go and the place you want to go. It also tells you about holiday times for your destination, cruise information and passport information. They also feature some interesting articles on topics like supernatural places and health secrets of travel doctors. There are also a few travel journal entries from fellow travelers.

I think it's best feature is a comprehensive collection of useful travel sites. It has links to such sites as where to find a private guide in Europe, internet cafes around the world, finding a public toilet, traveling with pets and so much more.

What a great little gem not only to find out the best time to go somewhere, but on lots of hard to find information and information on things you didn't even know you needed. Check it out-click on Best Time to Go.

TSA Self-Selecting Security Lanes

TSA has self-selecting security lanes. If you don't know what that is, it refers to black diamonds, blue squares and green circles. I know you may be thinking, “Huh?!” These are the color coded signs at TSA airport checkpoints designed to expedite you through the security process. According to the TSA, those lanes are working. Every time I've ever been to Atlanta, they don't ever seem to have them going. As a matter of fact, not at any other airport I've been to since they've had them up.

In the last year or so, the U.S. Transportation Security Agency, the TSA, has implemented a plan that they hope will speed up the screening lines at U.S. airports.

Instead of having just one security line for everyone, there are three lanes. They are color coded, and the TSA has chosen to model them after signs on ski runs that tell skiers where the hill is difficult and for experts, or where it's moderate, or easy.

The Black Diamond Lane is for "Expert Travelers". This is where frequent flyers go. People who know the routine and can get through the checkpoint quickly. They are familiar with the rules and procedures, have their plastic bag of liquids packed correctly and out of their carry-on, and they are prepared and ready to go through.

The Blue Square Lane is for "Casual Travelers". This would apply to travelers who are familiar with the rules and regulations, but they may take a bit longer to sort out the plastic bag, the computer, the shoes... and they just don't want to feel rushed at the checkpoint.

The Green Circle Lane is for "Families and Passengers with Medical Liquids". If you're really not sure what you need to do as you go through security, this lane is for you. It's for families with small children, strollers, and liquids for children. Passengers with special needs should use this lane if they need assistance or extra time.

You are allowed to take more than 3 ounces/100ml of "medically necessary liquids" outside of the one quart plastic bag, but these must be declared to a TSA Officer. If this applies to you, you should use the Green Circle Lane where possible.

Though it's up to individuals to choose the appropriate lane, the TSA says the honor system seems to be working. According to them, the black-diamond lanes are 21 percent faster on average. So far 50 airports have the new lanes in place.

The self-selecting lanes seems to be lowering the stress and anxiety levels of all passengers. Expert travelers don't feel that they are being slowed down, and families are able to take their time with all the things they have to carry for the kids. The TSA officers are happier when you aren't so stressed so everyone wins.

So no matter what level of traveler you are, if you see those Black, Blue and Green signs at the start of the security line, choose the level that suits you best, and everyone will be on their way with fewer problems.

I haven't really seen a difference. Comment and let me know about your experience.

Travel to Huntley, IL for the Turkey Testicle Festival

One of the things I always tell people is to try to travel somewhere while there is a festival. You get food, entertainment, and shopping all in one stop. Well...here's an unusual festival. Check it out.

Dealing With Canceled Flights

Dealing With Canceled Flights

Bad weather this weekend again has delayed and canceled flights. Although the priority of the airlines is to get passengers to their destinations without delay, safety is a priority, so here's an article for you if you find yourself stuck at the airport dealing with a canceled flight.

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Canceled flights are a headache for everyone. Believe me, the airlines don't like to cancel. It starts a whole domino effect. Not just for your flight, but for flights at down line airports all through the day. Planes end up in the wrong places with crews that can't fly them because of time regulations.

Probably the most common reason a flight is canceled is weather. Sometimes this is pretty obvious, like if you're sitting in the middle of a snow storm, and no one is moving anywhere.

Sometimes you look outside, and it's sunny and calm. How can the flight be canceled for weather like that? Think about it. The weather might be occurring somewhere else. Maybe there are severe thunderstorms on the East Coast, and that's where the flight is coming from. Maybe the flight is coming from sunny Florida, but it's coming THOUGH a hub in the middle of one of those storms. Maybe there is a sandstorm in the Sahara or a typhoon in Japan. Weather anywhere in the world can affect your flight if it is a long haul flight.

Another reason flights may be canceled is mechanical problems. If this is the case, you want them to cancel, but it's hard not to feel frustrated anyway.

Or a flight could be canceled because there have been delays, and now the crew has been waiting for too long. There are rules about when they can fly and when they can't. You really don't want pilots who have already been on duty for the past 14 hours to get in the plane and fly you. Pilot fatigue contributes to a lot of air mishaps.

If your flight is canceled, the second you hear that your plane is not going anywhere, call the airline's toll-free number. (It's a smart idea to have it programed in your cell phone.) Get into the line at the counter, especially if it's fairly short, but make that call while you're standing in line. There's a good possibility you'll get rebooked more quickly on the phone than at the counter where a couple of overwhelmed airline employees are being swarmed by a plane full of disgruntled fliers.

Ask what your options are. Actually, it pays to have an idea of alternatives before you get to the airport. True, most times you won't need to use the alternatives, but with canceled flights, the sooner you can act on those alternatives, the more apt you are to get on your way while everyone else is still looking them up.

Most airlines will rebook you, with no fees or penalties, on the next flight on which space is available. NOTE: Delta airlines automatically books you on the next available flight. Not necessarily on the next flight... the next flight on which space is available. During holiday periods or really bad weather situations, this could be more than just hours. If you seen the news the last few years, you know it can even be days! NOTE: If you book your travel with an online service like Expedia or Priceline or others like it, your priority for getting on the next available flight is dead last. Always try to book your flights directly with the airline on their website. You can always sign up at the website for notification of their weekly deals, too. Oftentimes, you'll be notified of the deals long before the online booking services.

If the wait seems too long, ask the agent if there might be a seat on another airline. Remember they are in competition, but airlines will often endorse your ticket to another carrier to try and get you on your way in a timely fashion. You'll have the most luck if the flight is on a partner airline.

If these things don't work, suggest solving your flight problem by connecting through another city or going to another airport. Remember, all of these suggestions only work if your canceled flight is pretty much an isolated situation. If all the airlines are canceling flights, as they must in bad weather, ....patience is the only thing that will work. Remember that if you are rude to the gate agents, ticket agents and customer service agents, you'll will not get the best service you can get. They really are trying to accommodate you while having to work out a tough situation. Politeness and a smile would be welcoming and could go a long way for you.