Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

Photo of La Tomatina Festival courtesy of www.arteyfotografia.com

It’s the last Wednesday in August. You know what that means!

What… you don’t?

Today is the day for La Tomatina festival! What is La Tomatina? Well, more specifically than “the most epic food fight EVER”, it is a festival in Buñol, Spain where people gather to throw over 50 metric tons of past-ripe tomatoes in the streets. It’s messy, its crazy, and most of all, its just really tomato-ey.

Originating in 1944 or 1945, this messy brawl has mysterious origins but a strong modern presence. La Tomatina is held annually and attracts anywhere between 20,000-40,000 tourists there to participate in a week of fun leading up to the tomato fight.

On the final Wednesday in August, the Palo Jabón event, in which people try to climb to the top of a greased pole to collect a ham–yes, a ham—prefaces the tomato fight. Around 11am after the ham is dropped, water cannons signal the start, trucks dump the load of tomatoes into Plaza del Pueblo, and the chaos begins.

But it’s not all unbridled fun. Of course, there are a few rules, like the banning other projectiles and a mandate that tomatoes are squashed prior to throwing… and other than that, its pretty much a free for all for one hour where alliances mean nothing, acquaintance is unimportant, and the only thing of significance is to hit as many people with tomatoes as possible.

If you are lucky enough to be near Buñol, or even Valencia, for the final week of August, make your way to Buñol for one of the strangest festivals you may ever attend.

Ever been to La Tomatina? How about another super messy festival? Let us know about it in the comments below! (Click here if you have trouble loading the comments: Gettin’ [Tomato] Saucy at La Tomatina)

Image provided by Rick Romancito

Summertime always makes me nostalgic for my hometown of Taos, NM.  Taos is one of those places that lingers, sticks to you, gets under your skin. They don’t call New Mexico “The Land of Enchantment” for nothing. There’s something about the never ending blue skies, the smell of chamisos (sagebrush) and the protective gaze of Taos Mountain that seduces the senses. There really isn’t a bad time to visit Taos, but if you’re looking for a cultural experience like none other, time your visit during the Taos Pueblo Powwow.

Taos Pueblo is the oldest still inhabited Native American community and is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a National Historic Landmark. The Red Willow people of Taos Pueblo have been living there for over 1,000 years. To say this site is historically rich is an understatement.

This weekend from July 13^th – 15^th you can experience the culture of Taos Pueblo while being introduced to the music and dance of different Native people from all over the nation.  There will also be booths from which you can purchase jewelry, pottery and many other mediums of arts and crafts. While there, be sure to eat some fry bread and red chile for me – seriously, you will never find red chile like this anywhere else. It is the best! Yes I said it, the best!

While you may not want to leave the Pueblo grounds, take some time to walk around Taos. You may just happen across the many murals that were done by the father of yours truly . . . here is a hint.

Have you seen this mural? Where is it located?

For more details on the Taos Pueblo Powwow, click here.

Image provided by Flickr Rob Sinclair

What do you think of when you hear the words Rocky Mountains? Jagged mountain ranges? Big open skies? Breathtaking views?

What if I told you that not only could you get all of the above, but you could also throw world-class entertainment into the mix? Pack your bags, you now have another reason to visit Colorado, aka the Rocky Mountain State. What is it? Well, Red Rocks Amphitheater of course!

What is Red Rocks Amphitheater? It is a geologically formed amphitheater that provides acoustic perfection! It is the only one of its kind in the world! Based on that alone, it’s not hard to understand why we Coloradans are obsessed with Red Rocks. You can literally fulfill all of your summer needs here.

• Exercise: This is one of the best places to get your fitness on. Once the weather starts to warm up there are so many Boot Camps that you can partake in. Join a group or go alone–running the stairs at Red Rocks is no joke. Best part is as long as there isn’t a show or festival going on the park is free!
• Hike: Walking around the Amphitheater can be a trek in itself, but the area surrounding contains some great hiking trails.
• Film on the Rocks: Wait, what?! Yes, during the summer Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Denver Film Society, and the Arts & Venues Denver collaborate to bring iconic movies to the masses at an affordable rate.  You can find me this year at the showings for Spirited Away and (ahem) the Notebook – Ryan Gosling – I’m just sayin’.
• Concerts: I mean hello! Red Rocks is a favorite place to play for so many artists. And I am going to say it; there is no such thing as a bad show at Red Rocks. Seriously, Yanni, would be amazing here – no offense to the Yanni fans out there. You have: your favorite bands, the massive, awe-inspiring sandstones that give the venue its name, panoramic views of Denver and guaranteed amazing sunsets!

I can go on and on but it won’t do you any good. This is something you need to experience for yourself.  Trust me, one show here and I am certain you too will prefer to spend your summers on the rocks.

Check out their website for more information about the history, geology, and events at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Who would you love to see at Red Rocks? Better yet, what was your favorite show at Red Rocks?

Enjoying The Denver Chalk Art Festival

I love festivals. My kids love festivals. I admit it – we are the festival kind of people. We love themes and all that people do to embrace and celebrate them.  I’m also not embarrassed to say that kitschy equals better in the rating of festivals. The joke in our family is if there is a crowd, my husband deliberately goes the opposite way. I, on the other hand, run towards it to see what all the excitement is about. That many people can’t be wrong!

Our community seems to have an abundance of festivals. I’m positive yours does too – you just need to uncover them.  A quick Google search for our state + festivals led me to multiple sites with calendars full of festive celebrations.  We have paid tribute to dragon boats, peaches, chalk art, apples, summer, fall and multiple nationalities and cultures just to name a few.

If you are new to the festival scene, this summer is the perfect time to get acquainted. The lazy days of summer combined with long daylight filled hours make them super easy to enjoy.

When I travel, I like to see if the trip coincides with any celebrations big (or small) in our destination.  If you are like me and love a crowd celebrating, then a festival might be just what the doctor ordered to enhance your connection with the community you are visiting.

I’ve rarely met a festival that I didn’t love. There’s a certain sense of camaraderie that develops when strangers get together to celebrate a common (or random) interest.  But then again, that sums up travel and why many of us love to explore our world.  Common experiences and settings often breed alliances and friendships that make this a small world after all.

Do you love festivals? What unusual festivals have you experienced? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

Image provded by Flickr user Sean Buchan - MacKinnon Photography

Friend: “Did you know Denver brews more beer per capita than any other city in the US?!”

Sonja: “Awesome! That would come in handy, if I liked beer.”

Friend: “Wait, what? That’s like saying you don’t like to snowboard”

Sonja: “I don’t like to snowboard”

Friend: “You, Sonja, are in the wrong state ”

This is a conversation I often have. Yes, I am very much a fish out of water living in the Rocky Mountain State. I am not a fan of winter sports. Why? Well, I am a huge klutz, my legs are constantly covered in bruises and the idea of strapping myself onto a board/skis and gliding down a mountain sounds like an accident waiting to happen. Now don’t worry, I won’t knock something til I’ve tried it… I’ve tried it and it’s not for me.

The same goes for beer. If I am handed a beer, I will take a few sips put it down, only to return to it 1 hour later when it is warm and flat… and who wants a warm, flat beer? Every time I inform someone that I don’t like beer they seem to take it as a challenge. As if no one has ever tried to convert me. It’s all well intentioned and who would I be to turn down a free drink? Crazy, that’s who.

Why is this so strange? So I don’t like beer, so what? Well I live in Denver, Colorado and went to college in Boulder. To say these two cities love their beer is an understatement. There are so many local breweries and microbreweries in the state that it really is odd that I have not found ONE beer that makes me crave it on a hot summer day.

I’ve decided that in 2012 I will expand my horizons, make a conscious effort to try new things, so I’ve decided that I will do my best to develop at least an appreciation for beer. You may never catch me purchasing a Growler but who knows I may surprise you and invite you out for a “cold one”.

So where to start?

1)   Check out this list of Top 10 Denver Area Breweries and Brew Pubs. Favorites include: Wynkoop Brewing Company – the oldest brew-pub in Denver, Great Divide Brewing, Del Norte Brewing, and of course Coors with their famous brewery tours.

2)   Boulder Beer Company: Colorado’s first microbrewery. Stop in to grab some grub and sample a few beers direct from the source.

3)   Avery Brewing Co: I actually used to attend deaf events here when I was an undergrad; it was a great way to practice my ASL.  American Sign Language Night is on the 1^st Tuesday of every month and is open to everyone. Don’t know ASL? That is ok; this is a great way to learn! ASL Night is on hold till August so you have time to at least get the alphabet down!

4)   Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery: There are 3 locations and they all offer great food, great brews, which equals a great time.

Even better, plan your visit around one of Denver’s famous festivals!

1)   Summer Brew Fest - July 27, 2012 – Held at Denver’s Mile High Station, this festival features 125+ brews from 45+ craft breweries as well as live music, food and more. If that doesn’t win you over, this is a great way to give back while getting your “swerve on”. Summer Brew Fest benefits the Swallow Hill Music Association which promotes the art of music in our community. Check them out!

2)   Oktoberfest - September 21-23 & 28-30, 2012 – Held in Denver’s Ballpark Neighborhood, come celebrate German heritage through music, dance and of course beer! If you have kids, don’t worry, Denver’s Oktoberfest is an event with fun activities for the whole family!

3)   Denver Beer Fest – October 5-13, 2012 – Held at various locations throughout Denver, this is a great way to experience the “Suds City”. Get a taste of what each eclectic Denver neighborhood has to offer.

4)   The Great American Beer Festival - October 11-13, 2012 – Held at the Denver Convention Center, this isn’t a mere tasting, this is the mother of all beer festivals! Last year 466 breweries were in attendance. They poured over 2,000 types of beer to a crowd of 50,000 “tasters” packed into the Denver Convention Center, a space roughly the size of 5 football fields! If you don’t like beer after this event, well, there really is no hope!

Don’t live in Denver? Now you have a reason to visit! Come during any of the times listed above to attend a festival or come out and make your own! Just remember to be safe, be courteous and have fun! While you’re at it, why not take a break from drinking to get to know our city by taking a quick tour. Whether to get the lay of the land or to head up into the beautiful Rocky Mountains, you can find tours in and out of the city at grayline.com/denver.

What are your favorite breweries in the Denver/Boulder area? (Click here if you can’t see the Facebook comments field below: “Of all my favorite things to do, the utmost is to have a brew”)

Image Provided by Flickr User Mark Sebastian

Raise your hand if you’re a procrastinator! If you’ve read any of my other postings, you know that my hand is definitely in the air. This horrible habit can make it rather difficult to plan a vacation. Surprise, surprise, this Memorial Day weekend is no exception. Why didn’t anyone tell me that the end of May was already here?! Wasn’t it just Easter? That being said, I refuse to allow a three-day weekend to slip through my fingers, and neither should you! I have spent the majority of my morning, when I should have been working, piecing together my last minute vacation. To my delight, all is not lost! Thanks to the magic of the World Wide Web (does anyone still say that?) I never have to learn my lesson and neither do you. Check it…

To celebrate the true spirit of the holiday, here’s a list of Memorial Day events including parades, fireworks, musical performances, wreath-laying ceremonies, picnics and more.

Of course the 3 day weekend is also a great opportunity for some R&R so here’s a great article with 5 last minute vacations to do on a budget; yes I said the B word. They have some really great tips to save you money. You can go to Chicago, NYC, Las Vegas, Orlando, or Miami! I don’t know about you, but since I live in a land locked state, the beach sounds like the perfect way to spend this long weekend.

If flying is not an option this year and you’re driving to your destination, I found the best article on foxnews.com. It gives you a list of all the rest stops you should avoid around the country, mostly on the east coast. Yes, rest stops can be creepy, but the main reason you would want to avoid these are because of the crowds. Who knew?

So now that you know where you’re going and how you’re getting there, where are you going to stay? If crashing on someone’s couch, floor, or lawn is not an option, don’t worry I’ve got you covered. Besides the usual last minute websites like Priceline.com and Hotwire.com, here’s a list of hotels around the country that are offering deals for this holiday weekend! Here’s a little secret about using this Frommer’s award winning website – you get better deals if you call them. I know how archaic that sounds, who calls anyone anymore? Just ask yourself if talking to someone for a few minutes is worth saving some money. Your answer may be yes, it may be no, either way it’s a win-win.

Regardless of your political stance, please take some time to remember why we have this holiday. Thank you to the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives.

Did I miss anything? What are you doing this Memorial Day weekend? Let me know in the comments below! (If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here: Tips for a Fun Last Minute Memorial Day Weekend)

Armed for Songkran- Photo by Talen of thailandofsmiles.com

The moment you’ve locked eyes with your target, it’s already too late. You maintain an intense stare to hide the fear in your soul and fumble around your waist to prepare your gun.

You raise it to your shoulder and put your hand on the trigger. It feels light in your arms. Half tank at most. Will it be enough?

You choke down the rest of your hesitation knowing that this is your last moment and your only chance to protect yourself… to defend your pack… to salvage any degree of pride that you once had before this terrible game began. 

By the time you work up enough confidence, something unexpected happens.

 Attacked from behind. You hadn’t even though to watch the rear! You’re finished. Ice Water.

What is this battle royale, this sardonic hunting game, this death match? I’ll give you a hint… it’s not the Hunger Games. Its Songkran, of course!

Every April, Thailand shuts down and gears up for–the ultimate in youthful fantasies—a nationwide water fight spanning 3 days. Shelves are stocked with themed weapons, some serious enough to put super soakers to shame, all just a fill away from becoming your biggest asset for the next few days.

People of all ages and nationalities congregate into city centers throughout Thailand, and load up buckets, squirt guns, water balloons, coolers, and even water tanks in preparation for the fight. Songkran is wild and indiscriminate fun, as strangers sneak up and blast each other in the ear with sea water. Walk the streets at your own risk as, gun or no gun, you’re a prime target. Sit in a songtaew and literally get hosed by every bypasser.

Leave the iPhone in the hotel, invest in some good artillery, and join in on one the most entertaining endeavors into Thai culture. To read more about Songkran in Thailand, check out Bring Your Dry Bag ‘Cause  You’re Gonna Get Soaked!

If water fights are not your thing, then mid-April in Thailand is not your thing. However, here are a couple other messy festivals you might enjoy around the world!

• La Tomatina Festival, Spain: Food fights just got specific. An hour long tomato fight erupts in the streets of Buñol, Spain every August.
• Boryeong Mud Festival, South Korea: If mineral rich dirt is good for your skin, obviously a mud slinging battle in the streets of Boryeong, South Korea for 9 days will leave you radiant. Go in July for some really dirty fun.

What’s the craziest festival you’ve heard of? (click here if you can’t see Facebook comments below)

Sailing by Catamaran to Isla Mujeres

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” No, I’m not I’m not talking about Christmas. I’m talking about Spring Break! You’ve been cooped up in the library, hiding from the cold, and studying for what seems like an eternity. Whether or not the snow has melted yet in your neck of the woods, somewhere out there a beach is calling your name.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you still haven’t planned anything. Why? Well, I like to think it is part of my charm. “I work well under pressure.” When in reality, I am a slacker, an expert procrastinator. So what to do? Slink back to your hometown and watch Golden Girls re-runs with your mother? Ha, fat chance.

Pull up the sleeves to your CU sweatshirt, or whatever your respective school may be, and go here. Cancun, Mexico is consistently one of the top destinations for spring break and I’ll even save you the thinking part by giving you the top 5 fun things to do in Cancun:

1. Coco Bongo Nightclub If you don’t check out the clubs, then why in the hell are you in Cancun and not some sleepy resort? Put your game face on cause this place is nuts! (no really, we’re talking midgets on the bar and millions in pyrotechnics)
2. Sail by Catamaran to Isla Mujeres – To me, this is the perfect day in Cancun… cruise out into Caribbean blues with unlimited booze, tropical jams, reef snorkeling, beach club, spinnaker sailing, shopping, sunset views…
3. Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins Tour – It’s one of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World for a reason. Spare a day of wasted face photos to get one of you with a giant freakin pyramid. And if you plan it right, you can use the bus ride to and from the ruins to catch up on some much needed Z’s.
4. Captain Hook’s Pirate Cruise & Dinner Show – Practice your best “arrrgh” for this booze cruise on a real wooden Pirate Ship. Nuff said.
5. Zip Lining Through the Jungle – Not many people think zip lines when they think Cancun, but you should because it’ll probably be the funnest thing you ever do! Let loose for over 2 miles of screaming through the jungle.

With the links provided above, you have all you need to plan a spring break trip that is so EPIC people will think you’ve been planning for months! Now go, be safe, try to get some sleep, and remember… Stay Hydrated!

What’s your craziest Spring Break story? Tell us all about it in the comments below! (click here to see Facebook comments if you can’t already)

Ahhhh, St. Patrick’s Day – one of those special holidays that people all over the globe just love to celebrate. And with the luck of the Irish, it falls on a Saturday this year.

Originally established as a religious holiday to commemorate Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, the day has progressed into a full-on party in many cities in the US and abroad. With block parades, bagpipers, feasting, dancing, and copious amounts of beer – green beer that is, it’s no wonder that every year on March 17th, everyone is feeling a little Irish, and a lot lucky.

If you’re in the US and looking for something fun to do on St. Paddy’s Day this year, check out this list of America’s Best St. Patrick’s Day Parades. If all of this green celebration inspires you to visit the place where it all began, click here for fun things to do in and around Dublin.

“May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.”

~Irish Blessing

Tell us about you celebrate in the comments below! (click here if you can’t see Facebook comments)

Happy Fat Tuesday, you party animals! This pre-lenten tradition is celebrated all over the globe and under different pseudonyms, but today we’re going to check out the American version and its epicenter, New Orleans.

For all of you lucky (or nuts) enough to be in NOLA for the celebrations, here’s hoping you’re stocked up on headache meds and electrolytes for tomorrow morning. For everyone else, check out what you’re missing here. When you get crazytown jealous of everyone there, go ahead and eat your emotions – king cake, recipe here. (Don’t blame us if you chip a tooth on the creepy plastic baby). Mardi on!

How are you celebrating Mardi Gras this year? Let us know in the Facebook comments below. Even if you miss Mardi Gras this year, check out all the fun things to do in New Orleans year round. (Click here if you’re having trouble viewing the Facebook comments)