Down Foreign Alleys

Adrenaline is one of the biggest motivators in life. Whether it's out of fear, love, adventure, or all of the above it's to be assumed that most people have felt this in their lives. Daring feats of climbing, jumping out of airplanes, encountering wild animals, and extreme sports are some of the most obvious of avenues to find adrenaline. However, there are simpler things that can lead to this sensation as well. 

Travelers are some of the greatest advocates of adrenaline (if I do say so myself). Besides all of my stories about extreme events I find that there are smaller moments when your heart rate really rises. Traveling through crowded alleyways at top speeds has to be one of them. Now that's not to say that cab drivers in the US don't get crazy from time to time, but from my experience it's foreign alleys that are the most thrilling. Whether I'm in the Middle East or Europe there's just something about flying down narrow streets that makes my palms sweat just a little bit. 

Sure, there are dangers and at times it is completely unsafe and reckless. A gentle reminder - you always have the right and power to ask your driver to slow down if you are uncomfortable. Not every person behind the wheel drives like a maniac either, so please don't twist my words. Locals are typically the ones who can get you anywhere at top speeds or take you for a detour that will cost you a pretty penny.

Have fun, enjoy the ride, but above all be safe and enjoy your destination.

-CS  

This is an alleyway in Rome from 2009. Just around the corner was the Trevi Fountain.

Look Up

A lot of travel writing can, at times, come off as repetitive, redundant, and borderline obvious. However, I like to think that the more information one can provide for others potentially creates some kind of habit that might help when they're on their own travels. Sure, you obviously will look around when you're walking around historic buildings and cities you've never been to, but maybe you're too overwhelmed and anxious about being wherever you are to do so mindfully.

The provided picture is one I took in a hallway in The Vatican and is more of an obvious location where you would certainly be tilting your head upwards. Ceiling artwork is incredible throughout history and some of the most intricate works you will find. Take, for instance, that you're walking through a crowded building or a museum on a trip to somewhere foreign. It's not always so obvious that there might be century old artwork hanging above your head. 

Next time you're in a hurry someplace new where you're overwhelmed with beauty - don't forget to look up (and breathe). 

-CS

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Respect the Railing

Whether you're a self - proclaimed travel connoisseur or someone who just likes to take trips from time to time know this; there is a certain etiquette that comes into play while roaming about. Whether you're a citizen of the country, a traveler from afar, or just simply walking down the street there are things to be aware of. Capisce? 

One thing that I found hard to grasp as a wee traveler was staying behind the line, railing, string, glass wall, private door, etc. I was pushing that boundary quite a lot. Now I'm not saying that you shouldn't explore and see what else is beyond the typical, but there are big issues with areas where communities and cultures are trying to preserve things. Human disruption hinders preservation and potential progress in times like this.

This photo was taken in Pompeii in 2009 where things were being restored right before our eyes. It would make sense to most that you need to stay behind the metal railing, but unfortunately these things must be said. 

I have this similar mindset about trails but we'll get to that another day...

-CS

*Below I have included some books on a few beloved locations with etiquette information. Don't be so prideful that you don't do research on culture because it could save you embarrassment and uncomfortable situations later - bigger than if you stumbled across a string to restricted lands. (click the images for more information)