International Mafia
We sat around a table in the lobby of the “President” hotel, 20 accented voices in chorus arguing about the proper way to play the card game “mafia”. Argentina asserted it was played with two people adopting the role of guardian. Estonia refuted this, claiming that only one person was chosen as guardian but three people got to be the “mafia”. Meanwhile, Brazil confusedly turned in her seat...
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Niagara: A Trancendental Experience
Awe. The sense of being in the presence of forces far beyond our comprehension and control. The sudden clarity of knowing that no matter how powerful we become, there are some things in this world that will forever dwarf us, that will continue existing long after our own brief lives have been exhausted. It’s a hefty dose of amazement, spiked with a good deal of fear and respect, all churned together...
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Precipice of the Unknown
Crack! The sound of thunder brought me to my senses, standing at the peak of the second highest mountain in the northeast. Cadillac Mountain was shrouded by heavy white clouds, illuminated only by the trickle of afternoon sunlight and the promise of rain. The slim outline of my father was obscured by thick fog. I stood alone. It was an afternoon in early August that brought my family hiking. Every...
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The Joys of Bar-Hopping in Valladolid, Spain
When I reflect on my adventures in Spain, and on subsequent conversations with friends who have also been fortunate enough to make the trip, I find that the first words in recounting our respective experiences are often the most telling. References to time spent on the beach, in the Prado, and in Madrid’s shopping district (which, I’m told, looks eerily like that of New York–who knew there were...
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Lost
I couldn’t see the ground in front of me, much less my two hands grasping at the path ahead. The sky was dark, filled with thin clouds blotching the moons helpful rays. As I hiked up the cliff, I stopped and groaned to myself to see another several hundred yards of a steep, uphill climb. Finally, the rocky, ankle breaking trail ended to a clearing high up atop Urraca Mesa. I sat down along the edge,...
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The Moment I Was Aware of A Cruel World
I tend to confuse myself and others. I am an extreme pessimist, I expect the worst. Yet I have an upbeat attitude, and have the willingness to hope for things. I think global warming will depleat the planet, and corrupt politicians will hurt others, but I have a hope that humans will do what they believe is the right thing to do, and people will stop ignoring the signs of a dying planet. I have...
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Fueled by Fire: Remembering the Spark that Started it All
At the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, a dull cluster of houses, mud-yellow fields, and indoor shopping centers make up my mother’s new home away from home. A year ago, she reluctantly abandoned the cosmopolitan jewel of San Diego for the monotonous asphalt city of Colorado Springs, the result of a hapless business contract that took her from her family and left her with nothing but an air mattress...
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Grandmother and Granddaughter Bond over Roman Infrastructure (Literally!)
"50 YEARS OF ADVENTURES" advertised the world map in my grandparents' family room. It was covered with colorful pins stuck in exotic places that some may never have even heard of. My grandparents were world travelers, and I wanted in on their experiences. After having been waiting for ages, my wish came true on my fifteenth birthday. My grandma gave me a card which detailed that she'd take me to...
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Chicago, Illinois Attractions
With museums, theatre and outdoor fun galore, Chicago is a happening destination for family travelers of all ages. You can plan a visit at any time of year -- it's never too windy in our book. So even if the Obamas showed you all of their favorite Chicago haunts, read on and you may learn about a few more attractions from us. (FTF may receive an affiliate commission through some links in this story.) ...
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The Top Disney World Deluxe Resorts
Wondering which of the deluxe Walt Disney World properties is worth the big bucks? It largely depends on style and location; some are built around the Magic Kingdom, some are adjacent to the other theme parks. While the Magic Kingdom resorts are easily serviced by monorail, we urge families to pick the resort closest to their favorite park to minimize the walk/ride time. What Disney World luxury...
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Fall Festivals Heat Up The Caribbean
Put on your dancing shoes to get your groove on, because the Caribbean’s biggest cultural music festivals are heating up during the Fall season between the months of September and November. From Aruba to the Dominican Republic, Anguilla, Dominica or Jamaica to Mexico and all across the islands, prepare to be blown away by the biggest cultural events of the year. We find that...
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Club Meds Of Morocco
Combine an exotic locale, millenia of history, and a comfortable resort atmosphere populated by like-minded families and voila! You have the three Club Meds in Morocco, each an all-inclusive and family-welcoming resort. Let's take a look. Club Med Agadir is one of the region's oldest resorts, an Atlantic Ocean beachfront environment in a purpose-built resort area not far from...
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