Unique Ways to Get Around

We are all used to traveling by airplane, car, boat, and trains, but sometimes you find yourself having a unique way to get from one place to another. Some might require a sense of adventure and some are just for fun, others are literally the only way to get from point A to point B. Throughout time, people have found ways to improve how they travel or overcome obstacles that keep them from getting to their destination. Even in this age of technology and modern innovation, simple travel solutions can still be found, especially in remote areas. Here are a few of the unique ways that we’ve gotten around, but certainly not all of them. We aren’t sure which of these might considered the most unique because we enjoyed them all for the experience that they provided. What is the most unique way that you have travelled?

Paddling in a Small Canoe in the Amazon
How About a Horse-Drawn Sleigh or a Snowcat
Cable Car Ride Across the Rhine River
Whitewater Rafting
Riding Camels in the Desert
Rowing with Their Feet in Vietnam
Riding the Funicular in Budapest
Getting Into Carrasco National Park in Bolivia
Sailing in a Faluka
Horse-Drawn Carriage or a Tuk-Tuk
Trolley Car in San Francisco
Soaring Through the Jungle
Pirate Ship in the Marina
Not Necessarily Unique, but Bicycles Outnumber People in Amsterdam
Check Out Line of Snowmobiles
Cable Cars in Gibraltar

 

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Located outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Valley Forge National Historical Park preserves an important part of the history of the United States. During the Revolutionary War, the site served as the campsite of the Continental Army commanded by General George Washington. Although it would end up being a source of national pride, it was almost the disastrous end to the budding country. With limited supplies and a harsh winter, although not as harsh as made to believe by popular myth, between 1,500 and 2,000 soldiers died from disease and malnutrition. Fortunately, they overcame the hardships and were able to gain independence for the country.

Monument in the Park
Reproduction of a Log Cabin
Canons Aimed and Ready

It was during their time at Valley Forge that the fledgling army trained to become an actual military force. Because of that, Valley Forge is often referred to as the birthplace of the American Army. Today, it is a wonderful park with reproductions of the huts where you can find actors portraying life as it would have been in 1777 when the soldiers trained at the camp. You can also visit Washington’s headquarters, which was certainly more comfortable than the log cabins that the average soldier lived in.

Inside of a Hut
Actors Taking a Break (Notice the Cell Phone)
Farm House

In addition to preserving an important piece of history, the park is also just that, a park with plenty of walking trails and open grass areas where you will find plenty of people jogging, picnicking, or simply enjoying a day in the sun. We lived in the area shortly after we were married and spent many weekends enjoying the park. We even celebrated our first wedding anniversary by riding horses in the park, which is a wonderful memory of ours.

Open Fields
Statue of General Steuben
Chapel

When visiting the Philadelphia area, you should definitely make time to go to Valley Forge.  With over 3,500 acres to explore, it is a great place to learn about the history of the early army as well as to enjoy a nice day in the park. Be sure to check the park’s calendar of events as there are a variety of things to see or participate in throughout the summer months.

Historic Building
Chapel Tower
Another Monument

 

Enjoying Food During Our Travels

Eating local food when traveling is a wonderful way to experience the culture and try dishes that can’t be found where you live. We try to go to as many places and try as many different types of foods as we can during our trips, even if it means stopping at several locations over several hours. We have shared these experiences over the past few years and decided to take the time and review them once again. These are some of our favorite food locations that we’ve visited during our varied travels.

  1. The Food of Hanoi, Vietnam

    Phở
  2.  The Food of Cochabamba, Bolivia

    Pique Macho
  3.  The Food of Iceland

    Ling with White Wine Cream Sauce in Iceland
  4.  The Food of Prague, Chech Republic

    Deer with Bread Dumplings in Prague
  5.  The Food of Budapest, Hungary

    The Original Goulash Stew in Budapest
  6.  The Food of Tuscany, Italy

    Fresh Zucchini Ravioli in Italy
  7.  The Fusion Food of Lima, Peru

    Asian Soft Taco
  8.  The Food of Romania

    Stuffed Cabbage and Grape Leaves with Polenta in Romania
  9.  The Food of Scottsdale, Arizona

    Carnitas Burrito Served Enchilada Style
  10.  The Food of Strasbourg, France

    Hearty Dish
  11.  The Food of Ecuador

    Lamb with Rice and Potatoes
  12.  The Food of New Orleans

    Crawfish Etouffee
  13.  The Food of Panama

    Lobster Thermador
  14.  Eating in Egypt

    Mixed Grill
  15.  The Food of Amsterdam

    Clams and Linguini
  16.  The Food of Carlsbad, California

    Seafood Skewers – Incredibly Delicious
  17.  The Food of Heidelberg, Germany

    Pork Stomach in Germany