I thought I’d finish out the week with a post from the Ultimate Thailand Explorers Archive. Today’s post is about my first, real, Thai meal in Bangkok. It was the beginning of my palette expansion as I started to conquer my fear of eating “strange” foods.

Have a great weekend.

*****

Hey Explorers,

We just came back from dinner with the 4 other finalists and had a great time. We’ve seen everyone from their photos and videos, but meeting them in person is completely different. Tonight was also our first Thai meal in Thailand (breakfast and lunch had a mix of food). Lots of people love eating new foods. Brian is one of them. Ben on the other hand…

As you heard, Ben is a nervous eater. He’s the kind of person that orders the same thing at the same restaurant each time he goes out. There’s nothing wrong with that. But this trip is all about bringing Thailand to you. This means Ben’s going to try all sorts of new foods he wouldn’t ordinarily. He’s doing this for you.

Brian, by the way, became a member of the Clean Plate Club. He’ll try, eat and finish virtually anything. He enjoyed tonight’s meal. So those are the two perspectives we’re bringing to the table (pun intended). Brian will tell you all about the meals he’s had and how delicious they were, while you can watch Ben step outside his comfort zone and eat new foods.

There’s all sorts of great food here in Thailand – but you’ll never know unless you try it. So while team B Squared is trying new foods this week, challenge yourself to try something new in your life. Maybe it’s eating vegetables, starting a new exercise routine or asking your boss for that big promotion you deserve! Whatever it is, try something new and comment about your experience here. In the meantime, stay tuned for more culinary tales and if you’re proud of Ben for eating something new – vote for him today and everyday until January 8th.

We’ll see you out there.

I love wine. Pinotage, Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot. You’re an instant friend if you bring a bottle over to the house. So naturally when I travel, I seek out delicious wines. And if you’re in Cape Town, wine country is just a short drive away.

There’s plenty of wine estates and vineyards in the cape, and most offer free tours and sampling. But for a decent afternoon of tasting, check out the Spier Wine Estate in the Stellenbosch region. It’s easy to make your trip to Spier a full half-day. There’s a Cheetah Sanctuary, full-service restaurant and more.

But of course, you’re here to drink…er…taste wine. So here’s a lesson in tasting vino for those of you who would like to sophisticate your palette.

I’ll see you out there…! After I finish this bottle of Pinotage.

With all that being said, today’s post is from Vancouver. Two weeks ago I literally spent 25 hours in the city. I was attending a conference at the new Vancouver Convention Center. After touching down in the city, I took a walk along the Vancouver Seawall. Here’s what you can see along the way…

1. Start: Is that a Blue Vuvuzela?

I’ve spent too much time in South Africa that now I think I’m seeing vuvuzelas everywhere. Turns out it’s just a blue sculpture on the side of the convention center.

2. Follow the path along the water

The scenery is spectacular.

3. Soak up the Sun at Harbor Green Park

Take a break and lie on the grass. When was the last time you felt the feeling of grass?

4.Watch the Seaplanes take off and land

And if you have the time and money, why not take a ride in one yourself?

5. Admire the Boats Docked Along the Seawall

My Canadian readers will enjoy the name of the boat: Prairie Oyster

6. Chart Your Path Through Stanley Park

You could spend a few hours here walking it’s paths, so wander aimlessly or if you’re short on time, make a plan.

7. Swing by the Aquarium

You can pay to go in, or watch the whales and seals for free. They’re just around the corner.

8. Have a Picnic in the Park

Bring your own, or purchase from the grill.

9. Finish: Return & End at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Torch

It’s located right next to the Vancouver Convention Center. Be sure to check out the Killer Whale Sculpture too. It’s pixelated.

Today’s Lesson: Sometimes a stroll through a city, in it’s simplicity, can be the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Cheap, good for your health and unexpected surprises may delight you along the way.

What’s your favorite city to walk in?

I’ll see you out there…!

The Essentials

For More Information: Here’s the official information from the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation. I’ve also posted additional photos from my walk along the Vancouver Seawall on Facebook.

Costs: Absolutely free, except for meals or bike rentals.

How to get there: Start at the convention center, located downtown and follow the water. You can’t get lost. Just ask where the Olympic Torch is located and you’ll be all set.

Suggested Time to Experience Fully: Depending on your pace, budget at least 2 hours. Remember, however far you walk away, you have to walk that distance back. Cabs are available around Stanley Park if necessary.

Best Time to Visit: I’ve only been in summer. It was perfect. The weather was warm but not hot. Everything was green. It was perfect.

Ben Recommends: Have lunch at a restaurant along the seawall and ice cream in the park. Bring a book to read or a blanket to lay out on the grass. Just enjoy the day by doing nothing. Relax.

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It started with an idea. If you were to call in sick this summer, where in Central Florida would you go? We asked for your input, you voted on your favorite, and that’s where we went: Mount Dora.

Together with Bess Auer from Orlando Travel & Event site, Central Florida Top 5, we planned to spend the day in Mount Dora, to check  out how to make the best of your sick day. And while Bess called me that morning to say she had some surprise personal business to attend to, Brian and I continued on our adventure. We’ll connect with Bess again in the future.

So what can you do in Mount Dora if you call in sick from work?

If it’s your first time to Mount Dora (like it was for me), start your day by checking out the Old Train Station. It’s now the Chamber of Commerce which has friendly folks who can help plan your day.

Old Train Station

Ben Planning His Day

Before you leave, be sure to see the old train schedule machine. In yesterday you would select your city by spinning the dial and finding your route. It’s an original.

Spin the wheel to find your route.

There’s also the old switch that would alert the train that there were passengers to pick up.

Pull the levers to alert the trains

With our day planned, we walked to the lighthouse and relaxed on a nearby bench. Catching a breeze, and taking a break from the hectic pace of live. The lighthouse is the only inland, freshwater lighthouse in Florida.

The Mount Dora Lighthouse

Brian relaxing on a bench

Next up, a stroll down Donnelly Street. This is the main shopping street in town. Antique shops, cafes and other specialty stores could keep you busy browsing and window shopping all afternoon. Piglets Pantry caught my eye and thus I officially started my 2010 Christmas Shopping!

Donnelly Street

For every taste, Mount Dora offers plenty of restaurants. With menus posted outside, I could have indulged all day in ice cream, fudge, wine and real food too! Each restaurant has it’s own unique charm. Multiple return trips to try out these new dining options are definitely in the future.

But on today’s trip, we selected Mt. Dora Sushi. Active on twitter (@MtDoraSushi), and having supported our call in sick initiative, we thought we’d pay them a visit. This was especially an adventure for me since I’ve never had sushi before.

A very comprehensive sushi menu

Bento Box

Ben eating from the BENto Box: California Roll

Prices were right, food was great, portions were excellent; it was a great spot for lunch and a perfect way to end the day.

What’s your favorite restaurant, shop or attraction in Mount Dora?

Today’s Lesson: I’ve lived in Orlando for 5 years now and never made a trip to Mount Dora. Who would have thought that this small city would offer so much. You’ll never know until you make the trip out there yourself. Find a small town in your community and see what adventures you might uncover. With summer quickly coming to an end, take advantage of the beautiful weather and explore a new part of your world.

I’ll see you out there…! Unless I’m sick of course, but I may still see you out there anyway.

Don’t forget, more photos, videos and stories are available on my Facebook Fan Page.

The Essentials

For More Information: If you’d like to call in sick yourself (or just make a day trip on the weekend), check out What To Do In Mount Dora. They’ve got everything you need to plan your day. They’re also on twitter @MountDora.

Attraction Costs: You can make this day as cheap or as expensive as you want. Whatever your budget, you’ll find a way to enjoy the day. We kept things low, but trolley tours, boat tours and other activities are available.

How to get there: You can take OBT all the way up and continue on 441. You’ll see signs. It’s quite easy – but the directionally concerned  should Google it.

Suggested Time to Experience Fully: Depends on your schedule. We were there for about 4 hours. We could easily have made it 6 with the inclusion of more sightseeing or shopping.

Best Time to Visit: Mount Dora is a “festival town” according to the Chamber of Commerce. Special events are scheduled throughout the year. Summer is quiet and hot, while the Spring is their busy season.

Ben Recommends: Make the trip to Mount Dora and explore with your own interests in mind. If you want to shop, shop. It you want to eat, eat. If you want to…(you get the picture). It’s a charming old town that will remind you of days gone by. A break from the scenery and sameness that living in Orlando can sometimes bring.

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Sitting in an auto dealers waiting room isn’t really good for anything except wasting time. But on Saturday, through serendipity I heard on the television that the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile was going to be in Orlando. Now, with 3,000 more miles to go before I needed to sit in that dreaded, shredded, paddingless chair, I charted a course to one of America’s most beloved icons.

Where is the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile?

That’s the question I’ve asked myself many times. Along with the hamburger, I’d say the Oscar Mayer hot dog is America’s culinary gift to the world. Since 1936 this 65mph hot dog has traveled America’s highways and byways. If you’re lucky, perhaps you’ll pass it driving along the road.

This summer the Wienermobile (actually 6 of the Wienermobiles), are traveling the country.You can find out where they are on their map. I stumbled across it in the parking lot of Walgreens in Winter Park, FL.

Most folks had their photo taken outside the vehicle, but I wanted to check out the inside! I asked the lady at the Wienermobile if she could open the side door. She agreed and voila, I was standing in the cab of America’s most beloved icon. In less than 10 minutes I was on my way back home.

Mission Accomplished.

Today’s Lesson: Do something spontaneous. It doesn’t have to be long and take up the whole day. In fact, quick, spontaneous adventures are often the best because you have the rest of the day to do what needs to get done, and, more importantly, they put a smile on your face! What’s the best spontaneous adventure you’ve had? Share by commenting.

Check out the rest of my photos with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile on Facebook. And for more fun you can check out the official blog of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

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