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I had the privilege to spend a once in a lifetime vacation with my mother one year before she moved to heaven. I still remember nearly every detail of this 2001 vacation. It was one of those wild and crazy adventures that remind us, sometimes we just need to sit down, shut up, and hang on.My mom was from Louisiana, my dad was vintage arkey from Arkansas, but I lived my whole life in Oregon. I romanticized everything southern and indulged myself once a year when I visited my mom and other family in Tennessee. I loved the accents, the food, but mostly I lived for the spring storms.My entire life I dreamed about going to Mardi Gras. (I named one of my cats Marty which is Mardi in an Oregonian accent.) Once I even bought the shiny beads in a Tennessee gas station to hang in my Oregon car. Life happened and as I got older I realized I probably couldn’t endure that kind of celebration anymore.One late night I was wasting time on the computer when one of those annoying ads popped up. However, this ad seemed to have a farsighted wisdom that I will be forever grateful. It was advertising a steam engine paddlewheel boat that cruised up the Mississippi river. My moms birthday is June 11 so this will be the best birthday present everI ordered the brochures and poured over where we could afford to sleep. We are both proud coupon clippers and not inclined toward extravagance. This is my treat, but I know my mother would not be comfortable in an expensive suite when all we needed is somewhere to sleep and change our clothes. All things considered, I booked a room behind one skinny post and near the back of the boat. The beautiful brochure diagram didn’t reveal the vibrations and rumble of the paddle wheels. The first night trying to sleep gave me the perfect opportunity to use my favorite New Orleans phrase, Laissez les bon temps rouler. “Let the good times roll.”I booked our reservation one year in advance and kept a brochure picture in my billfold. I made a mixed tape of Cajun and bluegrass music, experimented with a recipe for gumbo and practiced saying “New Orleans” in my best Cajun accent. My mom scolded me about my fake southern accent and said, “you better not embarrass me.” It was a fun year spent in anticipation.I was packed and ready to go when I heard something about a possible hurricane brewing. Three days before I left, they changed the category to tropical storm Allison. My mother’s name is Alice. It was a sign.I called the cruise line to make sure our trip was still a go. They nonchalantly told me it would only be a tropical depression and that’s not much more than a big sprinkle on the gulf. So, I flew into Nashville and my mom and I flew together on down to New Orleans.We boarded before noon and the sky showed no signs of erupting into the most mind-blowing lightning performance I’ve ever witnessed. Then, suddenly, it happened. The extreme wind brought a million-megawatt lightshow that produced an orchestra of thunder. I had a flashback to my youth and the Ken Kesey daze.We settled in our room which was a bit smaller than a standard jail cell. No matter. We will be playing bingo and listening to banjo in the public rooms.In the far distance I noticed a black line that appeared so solid I thought it was the edge of a mountain ridge. Nope, within the hour our world was night-dark at noon. I’m used to wind at the coast in Oregon, but this wind was sinister, it seemed aggressive like a bully. Hats are definitely out of the question and I didn’t bring any bungee cords to tie down my fancy southern belle dress.The steamboat was loaded, and the calliope played loud screechy music for our sendoff. We pulled out to the middle of the big muddy Mississippi and headed into the wind for a 3-day journey with our new best friend, Allison.Night moved in and the Captains dinner was served.The steamboat was surprisingly stable in the water and the typical Cajun cuisine was served. The French influenced dishes are considered rustic because they used whatever was available and in season. They were mindful of the fragile Yankee palate and gave you the choice of spiciness. My Mom warned me about the spicy food but as a grown up, I was sure I knew everything because I read about it on the internet. I chose the middle flavor only once and simply smelled the 5-star cayenne pepper category.I won’t even attempt to justify the crazy amount of food I ate except, it was included in the ticket and I wanted to get my money’s worth. I got to eat fresh gumbo and a gator gar. Yumm!The big meal and noisy rain gave my mom a headache. She retired to the room and I went out to explore.There aren’t indoor passage ways on this vessel so a visit to the bar one deck up took courage and resolve. I wanted the full flavor experience, so I bolted down the deck and up the stairs to a fully stocked teak wood bar. The spacious window revealed the wild, wicked, weather had arrived. It might have been a little scary, so I took the Cajun cure and ordered a Hurricane. It was a very sweet dark rum and passion fruit that lit my brain and corrupted my soul. Double Yummy!The second day we stopped at the famous Oak Alley Plantation. I desperately wanted to see inside but it’s a good long walk and the umbrellas we were given were more like old fashioned parasols. We stood and watched it rain for a while. We kept saying, “it’s got to lighten up some time,” and then it would rain even harder. It was 80 degrees and we were already wet with sweat, so what the heck, we made a mad dash down the trail. The house and history were worth the effort and we enjoyed a sweet mint julip to keep our spirits high.Our final stop was Baton Rouge, the capitol of Louisiana. We were to have a day of sightseeing that included tasting nutria and turtle soup. There was to be a zydeco band and jitterbug dancers. That didn’t happen. They announced the whole city was without power and many streets under water. We were offered free passes to the gambling boat or a greyhound bus ride through the city. We both are a little tight with our hard-earned money, so we chose the bus.We were the only ones out of the 150 people that chose the bus. It was a real hoot. Our driver kept us entertained with bawdy stories and interesting history. We saw the “Little White House,” which is a scaled down version of the real thing that was built by a colorful past Governor. In 1928 the Governor, Huey Long, was one of those unusual guys that nearly got himself impeached and then was eventually assassinated by his opponent’s son-in-law. (government people can be so interesting) He built the governors mansion to look like the white house because he “wanted to know what it would feel like to be President.” (Perhaps Trump should have started as Governor of Louisiana?)The rain had slowed a little, but no power in the city so nowhere to go except back to the boat for more great food and drinks. We headed back down the Mississippi in the dark. The wind would whip up in such big gusts they put a stick of wood through the door handles to keep them from flying open. On the way back, we were traveling with the wind and arrived in port 6 hours earlier than usual.It was reported we got over 12 to 15 inches of rain the first 2 days and only 6 or 7 inches on our last day. Some people on the boat were from Houston and got updates from family it had already rained 20” the second day and freeways were under water.Many people would think the storm would surly ruin such a well-planned vacation, but for us it added a lively layer of BS stories to tell the family when we got back to Tennessee.My mother died barley a year later. The brain cancer she had was fast growing so I don’t know if it had already formed. I do know I wouldn’t change a thing. We giggled like little girls, bought silly souvenirs, and experienced an amazing encounter with mother nature.I don’t know if it was providence that spoke to me, but I learned not to ignore your heart when it shouts at you. It would have been so easy to tell myself it was to expensive or a silly grown up fantasy. I am so happy I had this magnificent vacation with my mother.

(1) In 2015, 66 million people visited Orlando, more than any other destination in the world.(2) Long before tourism, the most popular industries in Central Florida were cattle, cotton and citrus.(3) You can experience the cattle country in Kissimmee, in the downtown area, at the annual rodeo and at a working cattle ranchwhere you can ride horses.(4) Showcase of Citrus is a working citrus farm just west of Walt Disney World, and in nearby Lake Wales is Florida's Natural Growers, where Florida orange juice is made.(5) Orlando businessman Dr. Philip Phillips once owned 5,000 acres of citrus, perfected the canned orange juice process and sold his company to Minute Maid in 1954 for $50 million.(6) Dr. Phillips is now the name of an affluent neighborhood that's home to "Restaurant Row," named for the grand number of upscale eateries on Sand Lake Road.(7) The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, which opened downtown in 2014, was named among the "50 Coolest Places in the World in 2015" by Travel + Leisure.(8) Legend has it that the city of Orlando was named for the character in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” Rosalind and Rowena are other names found in the city.(9) Gatorland was the first theme park to open in Orlando in 1949. Its main attraction was a 15-foot gator, said to be the biggest in the world.(10) After Disneyland opened in California in 1955, Walt Disney began buying up thousands of acres of swampland in Kissimmee, Florida.(11) Walt Disney World opened in 1971, 5 years after Walt Disney died.(12) Among the original rides at the Magic Kingdom were Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Carousel of Progress, the Mark Twain Riverboat, It's a Small World, Tomorrowland Speedway, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Carousel, Mad Tea Party, Swiss Family Treehouse, the Country Bear Jamboree and the Enchanted Tiki Room, all of which are around today.(14) Universal Studios opened in Orlando in 1990 with Nickelodeon, Back to the Future, E.T., Ghostbusters and The Bates Hotel. Of those, only E.T. is still open.(15) The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened at Universal's Island of Adventuresin 2010. Disney had the rights to Harry Potter first, but sources say J. K. Rowling went with Universal for better collaboration.(16) The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley is reported to have cost more than half-a-billion dollars.(17) Celebrities with ties to Orlando include Arnold Palmer, Justin Timberlake, Carrot Top, Christina Aguilera, Wayne Brady, Ryan Gosling, Brittany Spears, Mandy Moore, Kevin Richardson and Aubrey Peeples.(18) Tiger Woods' infamous fight with his ex-wife took place at his mansion in Windermere, an upscale suburb of Orlando.(19) Bubba Watson ended up buying Woods' house, which you might have guessed, is located on a golf course.(20) The most famous player for the Orlando Magic is Shaquille O'Neal, who wears a size 17 shoe.(21) Paul McCartney owns a condo in Winter Park and likes to eat at Briarpatch.(22) Mr. Rogers wrote “Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” as his senior thesis at Rollins College. You can see his lakefront home aboard a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour.(23) Orlando's City Hall was blown up for a scene in "Lethel Weapon 3" featuring Danny Glover and Mel Gibson. Orlando's mayor had a cameo.(24) Other movies filmed in Orlando are "SHARKNADO 3," "Sisters," "Apollo 13" and "The Waterboy."(25) Orlando has 100 lakes, many of which are the result of sinkholes. Rose Lake, an infamous lake formed from a sinkhole in Winter Park, was mentioned in the hit HBO series "The Sopranos" as a good place to hide bodies.(26) Lake Eola in downtown Orlando is the result of a sinkhole and is a whopping 80 feet deep.(27) Orlando is the Lightning Capital of America.(28) Central Florida is home to Shingle Creek, the source of the Florida Everglades, and yes, also thousands of alligators.(29) The number of visitors in Orlando each day is equivalent the population of Atlanta—with half the interstate. Orlando's population is 2.3 million.(30) Orlando is home to the world's largest McDonald's and the world's largest Disney store. The McDonald's unique menu includes waffles, brick-oven pizza and made-to-order omelets.To learn more about Orlando's history, quirks and claims to fame, spend the day with OTown Tours or visit the Orange County Regional History Center.

The very first thing that comes in mind when one hears the name of Rajasthan is hot weather, deserts and sand dunes.​But it is not true. The reality is far away from this. I have been in rajasthan for 6 years and believe me that was the best time of my life in every sense. Rajasthan is rich in each and every aspect.​(Green Rajasthan!!​)First of all, a place is known by the people live there and people of rajasthan are good at heart and soul.​​​​Everyone knows about the rich culture and beautiful places of rajasthan. It is indeed a fabulous realm of maharajas and their majestic forts and lavish places. It is a land of deserts and jungles, camel trains and tigers, glittering jewels, vivid art and vibrant culture. There are enough festivals here to fill a calendar and an artist’s palette, and the shopping and cuisine are nothing short of spectacular. It is the must-see state of India.Temples are amongst the famous attractions in Rajasthan. These magnificent temples are mostly influenced with the architecture style of 8th century. Great symbol of religious faith and belief and source of ultimate harmony of the state. Here are few shrines that you must visit in Rajasthan:Monkey Temple: A Temple with a Difference- Situated about 10kms from Jaipur in Khania Balaji town, the Monkey Temple is also known as Galtaji Temple. Try not to carry any bags in your hand when you visit the Monkey temple, the notorious tribe of apes present here can be uninvited guests. ;p​​​Dalhanpur Temple Ruins: It will be all together a new experience for you to visit this beautiful place that sprawls in the 2 sq km on the bank of the river Chappi (54kms from Jhalawar City). Carved Pillars, Sculptures and Torans are what will catch your eyes here.​​Govind Dev Ji Temple: Worship the Prince of Vrindavan in Rajasthan- Situated in the famed City Palace is one place that you must visit in Jaipur. The temple is located between Chandra Mahal and Badal Mahal and is known for its gorgeous Radha Krishna deity. It is believed that after getting instructions in dreams from Govind Dev Ji (Lord Krishna), Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II got the idol from Vrinadavan to become the central deity in the City Palace complex.​​​Moti Dungari Temple: Seek Blessings of the Lord Ganesha- Influenced with the Scottish castle architecture, Moti Dungari Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is highly revered. This 18th century temple sprawls in 2kms of area and is situated in the palace of Rajmata Gayatri Devi. The architecture of the temple and the central deity of Lord Ganesha is what you should look out for here.​​Forts are best plcaes to visit in Rajasthan! A reflection of creativity and the might of the rulers of Rajasthan, these forts are something that you should set your eyes on when you are travelling to Rajasthan. Here are few forts and palaces that should be in your to do and see list for Rajasthan.Sunset View of Jaiselmer Fort: Witness Nature’s Best-​​City Palace and Museum: Stroll in the Royal Alleys- Located in the heart of the city of Jaipur, City Palace is one of the most important places of tourist interest in Rajasthan. The majestic residence of the royal Kachwaha Rajput clan gives you plenty of reasons to visit this place.​​Amer Fort: Nothing Short of a Fairyland- Now this piece is a classic, right from the fairyland! Amer Fort is situated 11kms from Jaipur and is known for its marvelous architecture. Each portion of the palace is exquisitely designed and will leave you awe-ispired!!​​Jal Mahal: Fall in Breathtakne who visits Jal Mahal for the first time exclaims AND truly it is!​​Jantar Mantar: Observe the Wonderful Astronomical Heritage- Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II’s masterpiece indeed! Reflecting his love for science, Jantar Mantar is one of the best places to visit in Jaipur. The structure is honoured as the World Heritage Site in India under the criteria III and IV.​​Nahargarh Fort: Witness the Resplendent Vista of Jaipur- Another jewel from the lap of Jaipur,Nahargarh is named after Nahar Singh, who is believed to have haunted the place and hindered the construction of this palace. The legend has it that in order to pacify the spirit of Nahar Singh a temple was constructed in the palace.​​Jaigarh Fort: Celebrate the Victory of Royalty- Reckoned to be the part of Amber Fort, as the fort is believed to be attached with the later through a passage, Jaigarh or Victory Fort is another marvelous example from the book of Rajputs. Visit the Cannon foundry situated inside the fort and also witness the world’s largest cannon known as Jaivan Cannon here.​​Ishwari Minar Swarga Sal: Stand Tall and Enjoy the View- The Ishwari Minar is in fact the tallest building in Jaipur and that is the reason why you should visit it. You can climb up to the top of the minar to get the splendid view of the old city, for which the stairs lay well from the busy market of Chandpol.​​Umaid Bhawan Palace: Enjoy the Regal Walk-quite. Costly...but totally worthy!!​​Sheesh Mahal: All that Glitter is Mirror- The palace’s interior made largely of mirror, coloured glass and mosaic and with the petite of light the palace starts to glitter spectacularly. Therefore Sheesh Mahal is indeed one place that must be visited in Rajasthan.​​Hawa Mahal: Rendezvous with the Royalty- A prominent landmark of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is one place that you have to stop by. Relive the experience of watching the streets of Jaipur from here just like the women of the royal family who used to observe everyday life activities from the Jharokhas or Windows here.​​Gatore ki Chhatriyan: Where the Royal Lay at Peace- Once a cremation ground for the royals of Rajasthan, at Gatore ki Chhatriyan (Near Nahargarh Fort) you can see another marvel of Rajput architecture.​​Chittorgarh Fort: the Rajput’s Masterpiece- Considered one of the largest forts in India, the majesty of Chittorgarh Fort can by no means be ignored.​​There is adventure waiting on each street and corner of Ranjasthan AND all you have to do is to look for it whole heartedly. Few things you can try out in Rajasthan.Choki Dhani Ethnic Resort: Experience Authentic Rajasthani Hospitality- Hospitable… If you are in Jaipur and you haven’t visited Chokhi Dhani then you are at a loss. This is one place that gives you the real idea of hospitality and culture in Rajasthan. YOU just can’t help but fall in LOVE with this place.​Dune Bashing: Let the Adrenaline Take Over- Just what you need in the great Thar Desert! Dune Bashing has become extremely popular in Rajasthan, especially in Jaisalmer. A revived form of adventure, where you get to seat yourself on a jeep and loiter through the rugged desert in order to destroy the sand dunes, it is indeed adventure at its best!​Gypsy Snake Dance: Get Jiggy with the Kalbeliyan Tribe- You are simply going to LOVE it! Visit Jodhpur and you shall come across this hypnotizing performance by the nomadic tribe of Rajasthan called Kalbeliya Tribe.​Vintage Car Rally: Watch the Old Beauties Taking the Ramp Again-You shall be feeling enthralled if you have visited Rajasthan in January and February. The serpentine streets are taken over by the roars of Vintage cars at the Vintage Car Rally that is held annually about the same time. The royal march of cars will leave you awe-inspired for sure!​Abhaneri Step Well: Exalt the Marvel of Imperial Architecture: Similar to Rani ki Vav (Now UNESCO World Heritage Site in India), the Abhaneri Step Well or the Chand Baori in Dausa district is definitely a places to see. An ancient structure created in the 8th or 9th century to harvest rain water, it is something you must see in Rajasthan.​Royal Elephant Polo: An Experience of the Lifetime- Elephant rides are common in Rajasthan as it is a royal house of India BUT how about Royal Elephant Polo?​Shilpgram Museum: Exhibiting the lifestyle and culture of the state, Shilpgram Museum will be your guide to Rajasthan for sure. The museum is situated only 3kms from Udaipur and thus can be easily reached.​Speed Boating: An Adventure Ride that You Shall Cherish- Sagar Lake- an ideal activity to do in Rajasthan. In the hot climate of Udaipur, you shall love to get splashes of water over you while you ride a high speed boat. An absolute rejuvenation is guaranteed!​Trekking in Alwar: Traverse through Distinct Rajasthan- Adventure enthusiasts! Here is something that you are going to enjoy to the core…Trekking in Alwar. Unlike any place in Rajasthan, Alwar is blessed with lush green hills and salubrious climate and trekking in Alwar during winters can be an ideal activity for all you adventure buffs. Sariska-Alwar-Amber is the popular trekking trail.​Watch Puppet Show: Long Live the Traditional Entertainment Realm- This is one of those things that you cannot afford to miss out in Rajasthan AND if in case you are at Thar Heritage Museum in Jaisalmer, you must stop by to watch the Puppet Show in the evening.​Zip Lining and Flying Fox: Swing in the Royal Air.There are basically two places that you can enjoy these activities in Rajasthan one at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and the other at Neemrana Fort, which is at a small distance from Delhi. Enjoy the splendid top view of the Chokelao garden and Rani Ser Lake while zip lining in Mehrangarh Fort.​Trekking in Mount Abu: To the Woods We Go!- This trek in Mount Abu is more like a wildlife exploration. Organized by a person called Charles, you can be a part of something unforgettable in Rajasthan.​Enjoy the Nightlife at Klay Oven: Become the Creature of the Night- Although nightlife is not a very popular culture in Rajasthan, you will have a night of your life in Jodhpur! Take the night slow while you sit in this posh club Klay Oven that overlooks Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Enjoy some classy cocktails or two and try some great flavours of Hookah here along with losing yourself to some brilliant music! If you are looking for a place to party in Jodhpur, your search ends at Klay Oven!​Bicycle through Jaipur: Peddle on the Royal Pavements- One of the most wonderful experiences in Rajasthan or to be precise in Jaipur would be to bicycle around the city.​Pony Ride at Nakki Lake: Ride a Good Horse! It is indeed a great feeling to ride a pony to stroll along lakeside. It is in fact one of things that you must try in Rajasthan and the best place to do so would be Nakki Lake in Mount Abu.​Spend a Day with Elephants at Dera Amer: An Elephant’s Day Out! Have you ever thought of giving an elephant a shower or painting its trunk? Well, if you have and you have the desire to do so, Dera Amer is a place for you. Located near Jaipur, Dera Amer is a wonderful place to be at!​Watch a Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema: Get Classy at Cinema- An opulent movie theatre, Raj Mandir is the major attraction in Rajasthan tourism. The meringue-style architecture keeps it class apart and you shall learn why once you get inside it.​Visit Bundi: Go Down Royal Memory Lanes-A popular travel destination, Bundi will take you down royal memory lanes. Adding to this exciting visit is the view of the Bundi Palace that seem to protrude from chain of hill here..​Participate in the Kite Festival: Make a Rainbow of Your Own- Makar Sankranti is the time that you have chosen to go to Rajasthan, then you must visit Jodhpur, where the annual Kite Festival takes place. The view is surreal with thousands of small and big kites soaring up in the sky… it is a rainbow REDEFINED!​Visit National Parks: Listen to the Wildlife Calling- There is always a wildlife calling in Rajasthan! Amongst many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, you are suggested to go to Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar and Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur. Enjoy jeep safari and spotting tigers like Machhli (Ranthambore) and several species of birds (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) in these famous National Parks in Rajasthan.​CHave Lassi: Sip and Slurp the Indian Beverage- If you are in Jaipur and you haven’t tasted the special Lassi at Lassiwala then you are certainly missing on something great!​Experience Hot-Air Ballooning: Soar Up in the Sky Keep the Eagle’s Eye! One of the most hair-raising experiences that one could come across is Hot-Air Ballooning. Soaring high in the sky and the view of the vista of the marvelous land of Rajasthan…​Visit Bhangarh: Be Ready to be Thrilled- Looking for an extra dose of thrill? Then you must visit Bhangarh Fort in Alwar district of Rajasthan. The fort remains in ruins and is believed to be haunted and is in fact one of the proven most haunted places in India.​Ajmer Sharif: Let There be Showers of Blessings- The holy resting ground of Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti, Ajmer Sharif has become one of the major attractions in Rajasthan. Situated in Ajmer, this sacred shrine is known for granting people their wishes.​Best Things to buy from Rajasthan..Jewellery and Gemstones​​​Paintings​​Carpets​​Metalworks​​Puppets​​​Fabric work​​The famous jutis​​Apart from all this, everybody is aware of the mouth watering food, rich culture, colourfull dresses there.​​​​​​​All these things can make anyone to plan a trip to Rajasthan.. So, plan a trip and enjoy in this beautiful state of India.