How Low can you Go?

So, a change in events. Hubby got canned. We are still going to Alaska, but we will def. be going budget. So really the decisions will be monetary based. With that said I am going to merge the trip details into a new blog to aid in my new air of positivity. Check it out: A year of happiness.

Alaskan Media Mayhem

So, one of the best parts of traveling for me is Music. Usually, I like to see live music and take in what the culture has to offer. Using ipod music only when there is a void of cultural sound and indigenous music. However, since I will still be in America and live music is often hard to find in the wilderness, I want to expand my musical horizon. I will download anything that you suggest barring that I don't already know it and hate it. Your suggestions will make the soundtrack of my trip. This is huge because each trip is filled with memories and music often triggers those memories.


Examples:
Amsterdam reminds me of the Rhythm and Drum Festival and Common. Perhaps, the whitest rap show in the world. They also had street Rave/Parade and lots and lots of techno.

Ecuador- Manu Chao for sure. If you don't know who he is, you best get down downloading.

Paris- Jazz of ourse.

The list goes on and on.

So post your comments and hopefully this new soundtrack will embed you in my memory as well.



Books- On every vacation I buy a book. This may seem like a small feat for you, but as a librarian I never buy books. On vacation I always buy books. I only buy one, and I read relentlessly when I have time. We do so much on vacation it is hard for me to read more than one. I like to read things either from the country I am in, or that will inspire me. I don't really have any good ideas for reading material. I like books that will inspire me or touch me in a small but profound way. I have areading list, with some titles on it (Last exit to Brooklyn, the Monkey Wrench Gang, Olivia Kittenridge, and more), but none of them seem a good fit for this trip. So, if I get three suggestions they will eb the next poll.

Remember, this blog doesn't exsist without you. BTW, I booked the cabin with no indoor plumbing.

Decisions... Decisions

So, I guess the Denali Perch Cabins is our winner. I have to say I find it intriguing that everyone picked the only place without WIFI. Well, perhaps the Panormama Pub next door has Free Internet. Nothing better than drunken blogging, Aye. Do they say Aye in Alaska or just Canada? I will have to review my Tina Fey clips on You Tube. Also, how the hell do you spell it? Is it Aye or Ay?

Anywho, the next decision is whether or not we get a cabin with indoor plumbing. A lot, of you are cringing with horror at the thought right now, but I assure I am OK with whatever you decide. And given that my cell phone died today, our house has to have a termite seal (don't ask.. I think it is a way to make money off me..), and I really want a mini-van (yes I can see you cringing again) saving 40 bucks a night might be worth it.

Indoor Plumbing: Pro's - I think this one is a no brainer, so I won't insult your intelligence by expounding. Con's- these cabins are really close together so there would be no listening to music on the porch, not to mention the drinking and smoking.

Outhouse Living: Ok, maybe outhouse is a little dramatic. Communal Bathhouse might be more appropriate. I tried to find a pic of it on their site, but alas they have none. If I was superstitious, I would take this as an ill portent.
Here is what is they say about it: The bathhouse has a side for women and a side for men. Each side has two showers and two toilets, so there will never be a line. Keep in mind we camp alot (and will be on this trip as well) and this bathroom arrangement is standard when camping.

Pro's - I save about $120 that can go toward Ice Climbing or a Helicopter ride. Privacy on our front porch for the aforementioned activities. Might make for an interesting Blog post if I get bit on the bum by a bear on my way to the bathroom.

This is going to be a short vote, since I hope to make a reservation tonight. 2 1/2 hours. I can't believe how much fun this is turning out to be. Thanks for playing choose Seis's adventure.

Alaskan Adventure

Hubby and I are going to Alaska. We need to plan. We are leaving in just over a month. We need to determine everything. You know the usual:

Where to stay.. Where to Eat... What to do...

We are not decision makers. So in attempt to displace guilt and abjure responsibility, I am leaving the decisions to our friends the readers. Think of this as one of those choose your own adventure novels you read as a kid. Occasionally, I will play Encyclopedia Seis (Encylopedia Brown books were also a fave of mine and since the aforementioned books had no consistent main character, I adopted this one) and try to determine how this adventure will turn out. Think of this experiment as interactive blogging. I suggest you put it into the reader, because when we are actually on vacation we will need decisions fast. They may also get posted on my facebook acct. or Twitter due to mobile necessity. I have not told my hubby about this for three reasons:

1. He thinks Blogs are stupid and has banned me from having One.
2. He would hate the idea of anyone (but me of course) making decisions for him
3. He would all of a sudden try to take control of planning that would end abysmally.

So, our first decision is where to stay in Denali National Park. I will list the Pro's and Con's of all the Budget accommodations we have listed along with a link. The poll will close in 24 hours. Every Vote counts.

Carlo Creek Lodge - Pro's- Reasonable Prices, WiFi, and remote creek side cabins w/porches Cons- No Restaurant/Bar Only Available accommodations may mean moving to different cabin during our stay

Denali Perch Resort - Pro's - has in house Cafe and is Next Door to Panorama Pub, Breakfast included. Con's - The cabins with Private Bathrooms are very close to one another and are farther from the creek.

McKinley Creekside Cabins - Pro's- has a restaurant, which offers packed lunches, WIFI, Can be booked through Expedia and has good reviews Cons- farthest away from park, cabins are close together

Poll will be up for 24 hours, because tommorrow I have to make a reservation.