My Favorite & Most Popular Travel Posts of 2017

In case you missed any, here is a list (and links) to my favorite and most read blog posts of 2017.

My Favorite Blog Posts

Jerusalem, Israel: 10 Days in the Middle East

The Middle East. Just uttering the phrase causes some to lament on the conflict and instability that has tormented the region throughout history. Others think to the setting of religious stories ...

Almaty, Kazakhstan: Don't Whistle After You Drink Milk Champagne in a Yurt

Thinking about whistling in Kazakhstan? Think again. Formerly part of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan declared independence in 1991, however we learned ...

Top Ten Tips for Traveling Coastal Croatia

With picturesque red-roofed towns dotting its nearly 2,000 miles of coastline, the south central European country of Croatia has become a hotbed for ...

Saint Petersburg, Russia: Scarlet Sails on the Neva River

Bidding farewell to memories of a dark, frosty winter and embracing the long, summer days, the people of Saint Petersburg, Russia enjoy "white nights" ...

Bethlehem, Palestine: Three Christmases and a Broken Tree

Despite the ever-present tension and sporadic violence recently, we were so close to Palestine territory already being in Jerusalem that we felt we needed to see  ... 

Most Popular Blog Posts (Based on Page Views)

Only in Japan: Top Ten Extreme Experiences I had this Week

I'm in love with Japan. From the tranquil gardens and artistic sashimi plates, to the bullet trains and beer ...

The World Reacts to a Trump Presidency

2016 was an incredulous year rocked by tragedy, scandal and upset. But of the many torrid events, one will be remembered in perpetuity ...

Airport and Airplane Etiquette: Twenty Tips to Keep You Friendless

Fixed schedules, tight connections, long lines and communal spaces, air travel creates the ideal environment for making friends. If you aren't in it to chat ...

Havana, Cuba: 9 Tips for Your First Trip

Guest Blogger: Wes Milligan. The lure of fresh mojitos and Cuban cigars have piqued your interest, and now you want to travel to Havana. Before you book your trip ...

Siem Reap, Cambodia: Ancient Temples and Tarantula Kebabs

Would you like to watch the sun rise over temples that date back to the 12th century? Does a tarantula kebab, scorpion salad or ant-stuffed spring roll sound appetizing?

The World Reacts to a Trump Presidency - January 2017

2016 was an incredulous year rocked by tragedy, scandal and upset. But of the many torrid events, one will be remembered in perpetuity.

People around the globe have been fixated on the U.S. presidential election with its outcome having repercussions not only in the United States, but sending shock waves felt the world over. With the inauguration this week, I asked my friends living outside of the U.S. to share their thoughts on how a Trump presidency may impact them, their country or the planet.

Here is the world sounding off:

KENYA: "There's a fair bit of anxiety in Kenya and the continent at the moment. While Trump has signaled he will be going for a quid pro quo relationship if current trade, aid and other humanitarian assistance is to continue, many doubt he understands the complexities of modern day Africa. The continent is witnessing fast-paced development and a growing middle class is now hungry for luxury goods and other conveniences. In approaching the continent, he needs to understand that many are looking east more and more. I believe his presidency will see China's influence grow in Africa." - Wanjiku, 34

GERMANY: "Donald Trump is a ticking time bomb. His statements worry us and we are scared." - Alex, 37, and Christoph, 37

IRAN: "The people of Iran are hopeful. We are waiting for Trump to get rid of the Ayatollah. The former administration caused more suffering and suppression for our people. If there is no real threat of war, our dictator can relax and escalate bullying in and out of the region. Dialog doesn't work with murderers who use religion to promote their agendas." - Mehrdad, 37

AUSTRALIA: "I'm completely freaking out about the Trump presidency. Combined with Brexit and the upcoming French and German elections, it feels like we're on the verge of World War III. If that happens Australia will be forced to choose between our Commonwealth (the U.K.), our Asia-Pacific neighbours, and our big brother and best friend, the U.S.A." - Amy, 36

UNITED KINGDOM: "People worry about the big red button and all the harm he will do but Trump isn't a dictator. He can't really go ape and get away with it without approval. Yes, he's appointing like-minded folks and is going to make changes, but don't we always hate change?" - Jason, 38

MEXICO: "It is still unknown what [Trump's] actual official policies will be but I can anticipate a good level of hostility towards us in one form or another. I will personally avoid the U.S. for a while until its government establishes a clearer position on foreign policy ... and by the way, that wall will never be constructed!" - Roberto, 35

PAKISTAN: "I was a big fan of 'The Apprentice.' Trump is not the idiot that he pretended to be during the campaign. He was playing everyone. He is a very sharp guy in disguise. I think he will be good for the world politically; the U.S. will hopefully mind their own business since his main focus will be on the American economy and his own wealth. As far as him being against Muslims, lol, he was just being a politician to win the votes of white conservatives. He's fooled the whole world!" - Imran, 36

CHINA: "Trump being elected president is an absolute joke. How could a business person be elected president? The Chinese government is now waiting to see what his attitude towards our country will be. Right now we aren't seeing anything in the Chinese media illustrating Trump's policy on China." - Kevin, 34

MALTA: "I think Trump will inspire a lot of right-wing Maltese people to take a stand to 'make Malta great again.' This makes me sad." - Luca, 25

ARMENIA: "Trump is very unpredictable and slightly mad. If he keeps his ties with Turkey, like Obama, it won't be good for Armenia, but if he improves relations with Russia and recognizes the genocide, it would be great for our country." - Elena, 37

TURKEY: "I feel it may be problematic to visit the United States after he takes over. I believe immigrants in the U.S. will have more pressure when extremist attacks occur in different parts of the world." - Olgun, 30

JORDAN: "I was relieved when Trump won. To us in Jordan, Clinton represents the establishment and a war was inevitable. It's time for the common, good Americans to have their voice heard. Trump is not my best choice but he accomplished the mission by cutting off the mainstream establishment." - Nizar, 50

BRAZIL: "We all know that water is the new petrol. Climate change is a reality which amazingly is denied by Trump. I wonder if he will raise his military power against Brazil and Argentina due to our supply of running water. I heard last week that the U.S. is building a military base at the Iguacu waterfalls. If that is true, I pray for God to help us as our water may be endangered." - Rodnei, 38

ESTONIA: "Based on where Estonia is located and how angry European and Russian relations have become, it's going to be playing with fire. Not sure how Trump will work with Estonia's female president and if he'll ignore NATO being needed to secure borders with Russia." - Helju, 58

RUSSIA: "The U.S. should stop thinking that their internal affairs are so influential that they can change the world." - Daria, 33

PHILIPPINES: "We need a reality check. We're all living in our own bubbles. No one noticed the angry old man in the street. Hence, Duterte, Brexit and now Trump." - Mia, 43

THAILAND: "This is the first time I've seen Americans fight each other. Trump brings conflict and war. He will also bring back some business to the U.S. instead of expanding production in Asia or Thailand. This means that the U.S. dollar will strengthen in Thailand and cause a low volume of imports." - Kannika, 64

ISRAEL: "We've been very disheartened with the past administration and disappointed in their lack of support for Israel. Trump's disapproval of the recent U.N. resolution gives our people hope that the future U.S. administration will be more favorable." - Charles, 54

CANADA: "I fear that [Trump's] reactive, myopic and egotistical approach will lead to global economic disruption with the result being a deepening gap between rich and poor. Canada needs to maintain a neutralizing position and Trudeau has the opportunity to demonstrate real leadership if he can make things work. The optimist in me feels the best case scenario is that [Trump] continues to make errors in judgment so that [the U.S.] can quickly build a case to impeach him." - Tamara, 42

FINLAND: "[Trump] is like a teenage boy getting a driver's license and his first car. Anything can happen! If Mr. Trump copes well with Mr. Putin and the economical sanctions towards Russia are stopped, Finland will get a lot of benefit." - Vesa, 59

RUSSIA: "I am curious to watch how this rather unprofessional-looking type will rule a country like the U.S. Does he really have as much power as people think? If he starts doing bad things, Americans will be able to stand against it. They have a long history of fighting for their rights and freedoms, unlike Russians, and I hope they have not lost that skill." - Anna, 31

CAMBODIA: "If the new president keeps playing games with China, my country will be affected. My government is in strong support of One China." - Peou, 44

PORTUGAL: "It's certain that Trump's presidency means a step back in the fight against climate change globally. World peace and stability is a wildcard at this point, but Portugal is usually a neutral country and I don't expect it to be affected in any particular way." - Octavio, 39

INDIA: "The new president wants to focus on jobs for Americans which means more insourcing rather than outsourcing. This could have huge impact on business being carried out by U.S. entities that have centers in India. One thing that could work in India's favor, however, is that [Trump] doesn't like China and they are currently our largest competitor and threat to India-U.S. trade." - Karthik, 38

THAILAND: "Trump is not the right man for the U.S. presidency because of his uncompromising personality. The U.S. may lose their political alliances because of his meager political experience. The U.S. will confront huge problems both inside and outside of their country." - Manit, 76

COLOMBIA: "Trump will change global geopolitics in that there are many issues that leaders will not take seriously and will affect relations. The important thing is that he be well-advised and the advisers forget their partisan disputes. Countries like Colombia and many in Latin America are not important to the U.S. and I don't think that will change." - Diego, 38

ICELAND: "Our country is focused on Trump - even the smallest things he does hit the news. Some speculate Trump and Putin will have their first meeting here in Iceland. I'm not excited about it; I think it'll be a circus." - Reynir, 51

TANZANIA: "Mr. Trump seems inclined to launch nuclear war. He thinks he can run a country like he has been running his personal business. U.S. citizens need to find a way to trim his erratic thoughts before he puts them into action. If not checked he might turn back all the good efforts intended to make the world better." - Switbert, 59

IRELAND: "I'm scared! The might of the American army under that man's control and his loose, poorly-chosen words could case consternation and unrest around the world." - Conor, 37

CHINA: "Having Trump as president is like the whole world playing Russian roulette. As a 70-year-old battle-tested businessman, he has picked up some bad habits. He will have to learn to treat other countries with respect otherwise there will be no happy ending." - Fiona, 28

ESTONIA: "I hope Trump will fix relationships with Russia and the world economy will start to grow again. He is a businessman and must know these things easily." - Kairi, 40

RUSSIA: "I assume that with Trump as president the U.S. and Russia will fight less." - Tatiana, 34

THAILAND: "I worry about corruption similar to what we've experienced in Thailand because Trump is a businessman. The Thai economy may be affected due to a decreased tax duty in the U.S. on domestic products. This will encourage cash flow and trade in the U.S. but many other countries will suffer in terms of profits." - Krerkwich, 37

UNITED KINGDOM: "The morning I woke up and found that Trump was to be the next president of the United States I was in the same shock as following Brexit. I feel that both results were heavily influenced by a disillusion with mainstream politics and maybe an apathy towards what the world has achieved over the last fifty years. I do not think America will be any greater than it was before the election, and personally I think [Trump's] legacy will be a step backwards for the U.S.A. on the world stage." - Craig, 44

PHILIPPINES: "There's a lot of fear going around, but I want to see what really happens on 'day one' rather than listen to all the noise from the media, social media and even [Trump's] own Twitter account." - An, 43

Today is "day one" and now the United States and the world will have a front row seat to the inner workings of a Trump presidency. No matter what side of history you are on, the world has greater hope if you take the time to see it differently through someone else's lens.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii: A Civilian "Lost" in the Pacific - August 2016

Guest Blogger: Stephanie Anderson
Avid Tennessee Vols Fan, Expert Communicator & Fashionista

I’m on a boat.

Compared to some of my friends (specifically Kimberly Leupo), you could definitely call me a timid traveler. Other than Jamaica, I’ve limited my travels to the States and our great neighbor to north, Canada. And while I may not have found myself lost in any foreign countries on my most recent vacation, I did get the chance to get lost on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the Pacific. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience, and I think the trip qualifies me as a Girl Lost in the World.

Unless you’re a member of the U.S. Military, specifically the Navy, chances are slim you’ll ever have the opportunity to board and sail an aircraft carrier. Sure you could tour one of the many decommissioned carriers that are open to the public, like the U.S.S. Midway in San Diego, CA, or the U.S.S. Yorktown in Charleston, S.C., but trust me when I say it doesn’t compare to living a week on a boat, in a stateroom with two roommates, surrounded by planes, helicopters and thousands of active duty members of the military.

So how did I get the chance to jump onboard? It’s called a Tiger Cruise – a chance for family and friends of active duty service members to see up close what life is like onboard a ship during deployment. My ship/boat was the U.S.S. John C. Stennis and I was a guest of my fiancé’s brother – a helicopter pilot based out of San Diego. My fiancé and his father were also on the cruise.

We were heading from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to San Diego, and were ready for a once in a lifetime experience. So what’s life like for five days on a boat with 5,500 people? Here are some of the highlights…

Living. I’m going to break this section up into key terms…

• Berthing – Your room. Your home away from home. My room was designed to hold two officers. Unfortunately, we had to fit three female adults in there. I was late to the party, so I was gifted the cot for the trip. Home sweet home.
• JanPam (a.k.a. PamJan) – The celebrity couple name for my two roommates – Jan and Pam. They were both moms, both nice, and both stole my bed options. Did I mention I got the cot?
• The Head – Call me spoiled, but I’ve made it through life without having to use a communal restroom. That is until I found the Head. I’m still not quite sure how I made my way to it each time, but I did. Thank goodness…
• The Wardroom – Food! Who knew you’d basically have food available to you at all hours of the day? Not to mention diet coke.

Entertainment.

How do you stay entertained for six nights on a boat? Concerts and movies of course. Each night the hangar turned into plane storage/a concert venue/movie theatre. It was a great way to pass the time and especially fun when sailors were invited on stage to sing, play drums, guitar, etc.

While we weren’t hanging in the hangar bay (see what I did there?), I was excited to find televisions on the ship. Unfortunately, I’m the kind of person that can’t live without television. Luckily for me, the televisions had four channels – two of them basically devoted to the Olympics in Rio. There’s nothing better than cheering on America, while floating on an American ship, with some of the country’s bravest. Go America!

The really cool stuff.

Pearl Harbor – I visited Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial last time I was in Hawaii. If you haven’t been to Pearl, it’s something every American should do at least once in their lifetime. As you can imagine, it’s a different experience when you’re on a naval vessel – getting underway from the pier and transiting out from Pearl Harbor to the sea. Everyone gathered on the flight deck as a guide took to the P.A. system to tell us the story of the attack on Pearl Harbor, complete with stories behind various towers, ships, and other landmarks. As we left Pearl Harbor we passed battleship row, along with the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and nearby U.S.S. Missouri. We passed Ford Island on one side and the majority of ships moored in the present day naval station, many of them ships of foreign navies stopping off in Pearl before their long voyage home following the completion of the international war games, known as RIMPAC, just a couple days prior. We passed naval drydocks, some colorfully cursed by history, Hickam Field, home of the Air Force’s most advanced jet fighter the F-22 Raptor, and Honolulu International Airport before exiting into the open ocean.

 

The Airshow – By day three of the trip the skies and seas were clear and the pilots and their aircraft were ready to take to the air. The Stennis carried four distinct aircraft; two variants of the F-18, the Super Hornet and the Growler, one specializing in air superiority/ground attack, the other in targeting enemy radar stations. The second was the E-2 Hawkeye, with its giant rotating radar dome, serving as the carrier’s eyes high in the sky. The third, the Hawkeye’s bigger brother, the C-2 Greyhound, was charged with delivering personnel, supplies and mail to the ship. Finally, there was the MH-60 Seahawk helicopter – the rotary winged workhorses of the fleet.

They all took to the sky for an aerial demonstration, at first passing one by one as the show’s narrator explained the role and mission of each. Some took turns firing their guns into the distance, shooting rockets into the sea and launching flares, while others flew by the ship in tight formation at low altitude and high speed. Watching everything land on the flight deck was a show of its own – betting whether or not a plane would catch the first, second, third or fourth arresting wire (they’re what keep the planes from falling off the end of the deck; catching the third wire is considered a perfect landing).


Floating City – Carriers are referred to as floating cities, and that’s no joke. With the capacity to hold 6,500 officers and crew members, the Stennis has more people in it than many rural communities here at home. There’s a post office, general store, barbershop, hospital and even a jail. Everything needed for life at sea can be found on the ship. It’s completely self sufficient. Being nuclear powered, the carrier can go indefinitely without refueling; only needing to be replenished with food, supplies and jet fuel to stay at sea and continue its mission.

I could go on and on about all the cool things I experienced, the people I met and the respect I have for anyone and everyone who spent the last seven months on that boat. I’d only spent five days and knew I’d enjoyed my time, but was ready to be back on land. But maybe no one was more ready than the family and friends who had gathered on the dock to meet their loved ones; to see them, to hold them for the first time in seven months. Seeing their faces, their signs and even their tears, definitely put my five day, once in a lifetime trip, in perspective.

Athens, Ohio: "Asylum for the Insane," Flashback - March 2002

The Ridges, once referred to as the Athens Asylum for the Insane, is a former health services facility located in the hills of southeastern Ohio. The facility no longer houses patients but is now maintained by Ohio University.  

A travel destination in its own right, the former mental health facility still attracts visitors from all over the country; those interested in history or many intrigued by the many haunting tales walk the grounds daily.

 

While I attended Ohio University from 1998-2002, I was captivated by the ornately decorated mansion that towered over our campus. Majoring in journalism with a minor in psychology, I dedicated a significant period of time to researching the facility and creating a website to educate others on the history of mental illness and The Ridges. While the University-hosted website is no longer available, the content has been cited frequently in online publications, periodicals, books and movies. Included below is an excerpt from the former website inspired by The Ridges.

_________________________________________________________________________________

"The History of Mental Illness"

by Kimberly Leupo (2002)

1st Revolution: Hospitalization

2nd Revolution: Moral Management

3rd Revolution: Societal Cooperation & Interaction

Treating public illness has long been a process of trial and error guided by public attitudes and medical theory.

The colonial American society referred to those suffering from mental illnesses as ‘lunatics” which interestingly enough was derived from the root word lunar meaning, “moon.” Through astrological reasoning it was believed that insanity was caused by a full moon at the time of a baby’s birth or a baby sleeping under the light of a full moon. Colonists declared these lunatics possessed by the devil, and usually they were removed from society and locked away.

Those considered lunatics were grouped into two categories: mania and melancholy. The only medical procedures centered around the idea of catharsis. Colonists believed to cure an individual it was necessary to undergo cathartic medical treatment, and to either catalyze crisis or expel crisis from the individual. Such medical procedures involved submerging patients in ice baths until they lost consciousness or executing a massive shock to the brain. Means to expel crisis from the patient included inducing vomiting and the notorious “bleeding” practice. The bleeding practice entailed draining the "bad" blood from the individual; unfortunately this inhumane practice normally resulted in death or the need for lifelong care. At best the odds were one in three that this procedure would actually lead to an improvement in the patient’s health. Although the colonial era’s methods of handling the mentally ill and medical procedures could be considered barbaric by present- day standards, the vast majority of people were content because the lunatics were no longer visible in society.

Around the turn of the 19th century, Europeans introduced a new approach to the treatment of the mentally ill known as “Moral Management.” This approach was based on the belief that the environment played a vital role in the treatment of the mentally ill. Creating a more domestic environment, beds, pictures and decorations replaced shackles, chains and cement cells. It was thought that recovery would more likely occur if conditions and surroundings resembled the comfort of home. Treatment also took a more benign approach. Phrenology was introduced which studies the shape of the brain to explain illnesses and render diagnosis. Animal magnetism was another popular practice, concentrating on the benefits of hypnosis and relaxation. Problems surfaced, however, with patients becoming unruly due to lack of restraints, and concern arose with how patients were to occupy their time. To combat these issues, work programs and recreational activities were devised for patients in asylums significantly moving to bridge the gap between society and the hospital. 

A pivotal point in the history of the mental illness was the Civil War. After the Civil War in America a great number of servicemen suffered from postwar trauma; war wounds that were emotionally and mentally ingrained as opposed to physical injuries. These inflicted persons were passed on to state mental hospitals and asylums, where the public displayed much interest in their care and treatment. Although, the public eye watched very closely how their ‘war boys’ were treated, institutions had no choice but to reinstate old procedures due to the serious issue of overcrowding. Restraints and shock therapy were reintroduced, along with new drug treatments such as opium.

To accommodate the rising need to find placement for those suffering from mental illnesses, asylums began opening all over the country. Thomas Story Kirkbride was a designer of asylums at the time, and became well- known for his popular architectural ideas.

With aid from the state and federal money, the community of Athens adopted the Kirkbride Plan and constructed their own mental asylum. Doors opened in January of 1874 with the institution dawning the name “Athens Asylum for the Insane.” The asylum was an attractive, ornate structure built to please the public’s eye but also to withstand the harshest conditions from within. The original 544-room construction consisted of two staggered wings branching out from a central building. The architecture was such that it allowed exit and entrance only from the center building and the design was ideal for cross- ventilation and patient control. The design called for the least disturbed patients to be placed closer to the center building to encourage interaction with the staff, and as the patients’ conditions worsened their placement would extend respectively throughout each wing toward the back of the structure.

The institutional compound grew into a very efficient community housing farms, a dairy barn, greenhouses, a transportation system and graveyards. The patients took part in tasks both indoors and out to benefit their living situation, much like that of a family. In accordance with European ideals at the time, patients at the Athens Asylum also engaged in recreational activities such as dancing, picnics, boating and church. All up and coming communities housed large and attractive asylums; it wasn’t uncommon to see postcards circulating featuring picturesque asylums with beautiful landscaping. The reputation of these institutions was significantly impressive leading parents and friends of patients to have increasing confidence in their patient’s care. Thus helping in small part to lessen the stigmatism associated with the mentally ill.

With the strengthening credibility of these institutions, the populations skyrocketed. It was common for homeless people, tramps and hobos to become ‘patients’ of the asylums seasonally for shelter and food, and then "elope," or slip away when the good weather returned. Families would often submit their elderly relatives to asylums because they lacked the resources or time to deal with them appropriately. The problem with overcrowding developed because the institutions had no established criteria for accepting or rejecting patients into their care. Rapid growth in populations caused patient care to suffer. In the Athens Asylum the patient population jumped from 200 to nearly 1800, with an insignificant alteration in staffing. The community found that these institutions were an easy means to remove unwanted people from society. There was no effort to provide any other programs or support, because the state was paying for the asylum.

The severe overcrowding led to a sharp decline in patient care and once again, the revival of old procedures and medical treatments. Restraints returned. Instead of sleeping in single rooms as the Kirkbride Plan had designed, patients were sleeping in wooden cribs stacked three patients high. Ice water baths were once again used, along with shock machines and electro-convulsive therapy. And in the early 1930s the notorious lobotomy was introduced into American medical culture.

The original lobotomy was a medical procedure where the neural passages from the front of the brain were surgically separated from those in the back of the brain. The common result of this procedure was the patient forgetting their depressing or discouraging feelings or tendencies. This was a very delicate, time-consuming procedure that required great skill and training from the practicing surgeons. Because the lobotomy appeared to effectively alter the mental health of patients, great effort was invested into developing a more practical procedure with similar desired results.

To the satisfaction of his peers and the mental health community, Walter J. Freeman developed the trans-orbital lobotomy. This new medical procedure could be performed quickly and required limited after-care for the patient. The procedure was performed as follows:

• To induce sedation, inflict two quick shocks to the head.
• Roll back one of the patients’ eyelids.
• Insert a device, 2/3 the size of a pencil, through the upper eyelid into the patients’ head.
• Guided by the markings indicating depth, tap the device with a hammer into the patients’ head/ frontal lobe.
• After the appropriate depth is achieved, manipulate the device back and forth in a swiping motion within the patient’s head.

Because this new form of lobotomy could be performed so quickly and easily, the trans-orbital craze swept the nation’s asylums. Freeman himself performed over 3,000 lobotomies and was labeled the traveling lobotomist. Trans-orbital lobotomies were performed on hundreds of Athens Asylum patients in the early 1950s. In a local newspaper, on November 20, 1953, the headline read “Lobotomies are Performed on 31 Athens State Hospital Patients,” and the article boasted that nearly 25 of those who received the surgery would be able to go home to their families. Freeman and the trans-orbital lobotomy stirred up harsh criticism from those who learned of his flamboyant methodology. Due to the number of complications and deaths that resulted from the procedure, it was referred to as “psychic mercy killing” and “euthanasia of the mind.” This was by far mental health care’s darkest hour.

Along with the common use of lobotomy procedures in asylums, electro-convulsive shock treatment continued to be a dominant practice. The numbers continued to rise in the institutions, and caregivers and attendants remained scarce. Rumors of abuse and neglect flooded communities who once were proud of their community asylums. In the 1950s, the Athens Asylum reached its peak population of nearly two thousand patients.

Shortly after the asylum population explosion in the mid 1900s, when mental health treatment was arguably at its worst, an apparent salvation emerged. Psychotropic medication was pioneered. In 1954 the medical community introduced an anti-psychotic drug called Thorazine for the treatment of the mentally ill. In rapid succession, other psychotropic medications became available making it possible to cut substantially the length of time patients stayed in mental institutions. This breakthrough led to a significant decline in asylum populations, and the gradual discontinuation of less humane treatments and procedures.

Reflecting the changes in the treatment of the mentally ill brought about by drug therapy, and state and federal public policies in the 1960s, state institutions changed their procedures resembling the previous moral management revolution.  There was an emphasis on protecting the human rights of the mental patients that had historically been overlooked. New employees were hired to be less hierarchical and environmentally-controlling as their predecessors. Treatments were geared to the individual and proved to be more effective then group cure-alls. There also was a notable move to de-institutionalize mental patients. In 1960 there were over 500,000 patients in mental institutions in America. It had become increasingly clear that there were many inmates in asylums in custodial care who were able to function in society with adequate out-patient care. Institutions continued to provide 24-hour, long term in-patient care, but now introduced outpatient services, day and night hospitalization, diagnostic services, pre-care and after-care, and more extensive training and research.

Simultaneous with the breakthrough in medical treatment, the community mental health movement became a centerpiece of President John F. Kennedy’s congressional program. There were concurrent shifts in insurance coverage for the mentally ill provided by the Comprehensive Mental Health bill in 1964, and the Medicare and Medicaid Acts in 1966. All of these national movements led to a reduction of the use of existing mental health hospitals and an explosive growth in private hospitals, general hospitals with psychiatric wings, and community mental health centers. As a result states greatly restricted long-term, full-care services in state mental institutions in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

In 1972, a federal court ruled that patients in mental health facilities could no longer work at institutions without pay. The impact of this ruling further changed the nature of the mental health center, for now the remainder of the agricultural pursuits and dairy farming had to go, as well as the upkeep of much of the grounds. The institutions didn’t have enough money to pay the patients for their contributions and also didn’t have adequate finances or staffing to occupy patients with their new found abundance of free time. The cost of housing patients increased dramatically; patients became bored and felt they lacked the purpose they once clung to, thus the need to de-institutionalize was more prevalent than ever.

As more patients were de-institutionalized, cottages and buildings were gradually closed at the Athens mental institution. Budgets because increasingly restricted and utilities to unused buildings had to be cut off. Farming and dairy activities gradually ceased, leaving large tracts of land fallow.

During the de-institutionalization process, three out of every four patients were released from the Athens Asylum. The relocating trauma was great; patients were released to their families, nursing homes, and half- way houses. The homeless population soared with its the mentally ill population representing nearly a third. The state pushed this process along by offering monetary rewards for decreasing the number of full-time patients in asylums.

By the mid-1970s the long and short-term inpatient population at the Athens Asylum for the Insane was reduced to 300-400 patients. In 1981, the management of the 344 acres of land which housed the Athens Asylum was transferred to Ohio University. The number of patients in mental institutions in the United States was reduced to 100,000 by 1986.

In 1993 the doors to the Athens Asylum closed and its remaining patients were bussed to a smaller, newly built mental health center across town. Ohio University has since renovated the buildings of the former asylum and uses the complex for classrooms, offices and a museum.

The Nameless Women Who Shaped My Travel Perspective - March 2016

As I sat staring out the airplane window, I heard the thud of a large backpack landing in the overhead bin above my head. A woman with short dark hair shoved into the seat next to me. She sighed loudly and began talking to the seat back in front of her, "I can't believe I made it. The flight from Belize City was delayed two hours, and I literally had to run to catch this plane."

Belize City, I thought. That sounds cool. I was tired but decided to take the bait and engage in a conversation. "Why were you in Belize?" I asked. The woman explained that she and a friend had planned a week-long vacation to the Central American country but at the last minute, her friend had to cancel. My seatmate went on to tell me that even though her friend bailed she decided to travel to Belize on her own and had a fabulous time exploring ancient ruins, lazing on beaches and making new friends.

I studied the seemingly-normal-looking 20-something woman and asked in disbelief, "You traveled to another country by yourself? Weren't you scared?" She shook her head shrugging off the questions, and for the next hour described every last detail of her exciting, solo adventure. As I drove home from the airport that night I thought to myself: It's perfectly acceptable to travel by yourself. Be fearless; you may even make some new friends along the way.

Fast forward to three years later. I'm in my office staring at the computer. I've made up my mind that I'm quitting my job and am already enrolled in graduate school on the other side of the world. The email in front of me is from an American student at the university I'll be attending. It reads something like this: "Everything in Australia is different than it is back home. My parents send me care packages once a month with my favorite foods and much needed supplies. Make sure you bring plenty of soap, shampoo, make-up, and all the brands you like from home because they don't have anything like it over here. Everything is really expensive, too. Bring your own sheets and a lot of warm clothing. No one believes it, but it gets cold here in the winter."

Worried about the new frontier I'd soon find myself in, I bought a monstrously large suitcase and loaded it with all of the goods I would need to survive for the next year. I packed everything from bar soap to blankets, and threw in four tubes of my favorite brand of toothpaste for good measure. But wouldn't you know it, upon settling into my new city, I learned that they had grocery stores just like ours at home. Rows after rows of shelves with bar soap, blankets and toothpaste. Even though I didn't see all of the brands I was accustomed to buying, I found what I needed and I survived. That girl from the emails who I had never met taught me a valuable lesson: Travel light. The differences between where you go and home are part of what makes traveling an adventure. Embrace the culture around you and be open to trying something new.

Still on the other side of the world a couple years later, I got to talking with another woman while playing pool at an outdoor bar in Thailand. She was from Sweden and had a shocking nest of blond curls perched on top of her head. "How long are you on holiday?" I asked casually. "When do you head back to Stockholm?

"I'm not going back," she smoothly replied and pointed to a man playing cards at the bar. "That's my husband. We live here." Covered in tattoos and with a permeating white smile, she shared her story about how she had come to Thailand on vacation with friends, fell in love with a local and got married. They had been together for quite a while, and she had no intentions of going back to what she described as a boring and cold place miles away from anything worthwhile. Wow, I thought. How bold of this girl to travel so far from home to a place so different and bravely establish a new life for herself. A vivid example to support my building suspicion: Home is where you want it to be. Home may not always be a place or the country where you are from, but can be anywhere you feel comfortable and are surrounded by those you love.

As we travel through life, countless people cross our paths and influence our decisions. With each of these women I shared only a passing exchange, but they left impressions on me that would shape my travel perspective for a lifetime. Though I may not remember their names, these women's experiences continue to inspire me to this day. 

My Favorite & Most Popular Travel Posts of 2015

In case you missed them, here is a list (and links) to my favorite and most read blog posts of 2015.

Most Popular Blog Posts (Based on Page Views)

Havana, Cuba: A Romance with the Past
I've never felt more suspect than when I boarded my first class flight to the Caymans - for the weekend - with no checked baggage ...

Mission Accomplished: 100 Countries
Background: Growing up my family didn't travel internationally. Aside from a few trips to Canada, we spent our vacations and long weekends ...

Parikkala, Finland: The Lost Maiden's Freezing Glance
Tucked in the southeastern Finland birch forest hugging the border with Russia is the small town of Parikkala. The sleepy town was once home ...

Ten Most Obnoxious Travelers: Don't be that Guy
After having crisscrossed the globe for more than a decade I feel I can talk honestly about the cast of characters I've encountered on ...

Dahab, Egypt: Flashback - October 2007
I was terrifyingly close to dying in Egypt. About six months prior to my visit to Dahab, Egypt I had certified to scuba dive in Phuket, Thailand ...

My Favorite Blog Posts

Merzouga, Morocco: Camping in the Sahara Desert
From Marrakech it took two days driving through steep mountains, grassy hills and rocky desert plains to reach Merzouga ...

Hostel Nightmares: How to Avoid Sleeping with the Maid
Hostel: an establishment that provides inexpensive food and lodging for a specific group of people, such as ...

Fifty United States: Our Journey Off the Beaten Path
Guest Blogger: Pauline Leupo, In today's day and age there are a variety of ways to keep our minds and bodies active. Some people are collectors ...

Bunol, Spain: Life Lessons from a Tomato Fight
Every year on the last Wednesday of August, tens of thousands of people flock to the La Tomatina Festival ...

Top Ten Bizarre Foods: My Stomach Has Been Violated
Throughout my travels I've eaten a lot of questionable food - sometimes out of curiosity, often times to be polite ...

Imatra, Finland: Southern Boy Brings Spice to the Nordic
Guest Blogger: James Strange, You can take a boy out of the south, but you can't take the south out of a boy. The first rule of adaption ...

The Whirlwind Life of a Bi-Continental Commuter - December 2015

Breakfast in St. Petersburg. Lunch in Paris. Dinner in Atlanta. Sleep wherever there's a pillow.

For the past year I have been continent hopping on a regular basis. In January I packed my bags and moved from Memphis, Tennessee to Imatra, Finland. Due to my husband's assignment in Russia, our company graciously allowed me to continue work in my new locale. The only catch was that I needed to be back in the U.S. for monthly meetings and be available at any one of our 42 manufacturing sites around the world if duty called.

While I've traveled for business the majority of my career, this new travel expectation of being "on the road" about fifty percent of the time was considerably different. In order to maintain my health and lock down my sanity, I've had to operate under a new set of principles and practice a few habits religiously.

Relationships. When your schedule is erratic, it can be hard to cultivate and maintain important relationships. Whether it's scheduling lunch with a friend or arranging a simple phone call, everything is more difficult when you are juggling time zones, jet lag and other commitments. Having an international phone plan helps a lot as well as being organized with your daily agenda. I routinely block out periods of time when I travel to connect with family and friends. Also having clocks and apps set on multiple time zones helps keep my various appointments in order.

Sleep. Two weeks in one country and two weeks in another with a eight-hour time difference can lead to a life where you are in a constant blur and never really get with it. Jet lag is real and can be debilitating. My philosophy is to sleep as much as I can, whenever I can, wherever I can. The only way I've found to cope is to listen to my body. Melatonin and other over-the-counter sleep aids can be helpful but the key is training your body and your mind. Forget about what time it is at home and try to adapt to your new time zone as quickly as possible. Don't worry about how you look sleeping on the plane or if the airport floor is cold; slip on your eye mask, pop in some ear plugs and try to your best to catch a few z's.

Packing. For me, if I can't carry it on the plane, it can't come. These days checking bags is a gamble even with the best laid plans, and I just can't afford to be without my belongings upon arrival. This means typically packing for up to three weeks in a roller board suitcase and backpack. To make the monthly ordeal more efficient, both my toiletry (liquids) bag as well as my make-up bag include duplicates of all of my essentials. That way I never really unpack these items but instead refill or repurchase when necessary. Being smart with clothing packing means knowing if laundry options will be available and thinking through the various outfit requirements of the trip. As a rule, I tend pack mix and match neutrals that don't wrinkle easily and are lightweight. You can throw in a few accessories for a pop of color and a jacket to dress up. I've also found that rolling your clothes as opposed to folding them makes them easier to find and organize.

Brand Loyalty. One piece of wisdom my Dad imparted on me early was to sign up for all the travel loyalty programs offered. Whether it's airlines, hotels or rental cars, ensure you are enrolled in all of the plans available as you never know where your travels may take you. That being said, loyalty is paramount. Do your research to determine which programs have the best perks (that don't expire!) and are most convenient. Select a plane/hotel/car provider and plan your travel with them religiously. Before long you'll be reaping the benefits and swimming in upgrades.

Traveling as much as I have over the last year has definitely been exhausting, but at the same time it's been an incredible opportunity to see more of the world. I won't lie that occasionally I find myself having "wake up envy" ... that tinge of longing to be like those who get to enjoy the comfort of their own beds, know what's in their fridge and can navigate life in somewhat of a routine. Of course, I know at some point life will slow down for me and my bi-continental commuting days will come to an end, but for now I'm looking out the window and enjoying the view.

Around the World Ticket: Flashback - June 2007

Looking to see the world? Have a bit of time on your hands with a list of places to go?

Want the flexibility to roam the land without being locked into a schedule?

Then maybe an around the world ticket is for you.

Often considered an urban myth or written off as something that must be ridiculously expensive, let me tell you, the coveted around the world ticket is real ... and it's a very, very good thing. In 2007 I set out to backpack from Sydney, Australia to New York City westward. I had seven months and a limited budget. Knowing in advance where I wanted to go and that I'd be back in the U.S. once more before my trip, I did a little bit of research.

While I knew I'd be taking advantage of hostels and public transport, I needed a way to get from one country (or continent) to the next without dropping a lot of cash for one-way airline tickets. I stumbled upon a deal offered through American Airlines that provided various around the world ticket options for either a continent-based or distance-based fare.

I selected a mid-range ticket calculated on distance with the flight path of: New York --> Honolulu --> Auckland --> Christchurch --> Sydney --> Singapore --> Shanghai --> Beijing --> Bangkok --> New Delhi --> Moscow --> St. Petersburg --> Vienna --> London --> New York. At that time the ticket was less than $5,000 U.S. and afforded me the ability to fly as well as travel overland to my next scheduled destination.

At the time of my trip, and for several similar programs today, the conditions of the ticket were:

• Ticket price is set by number of stops, distance and/or continents traveled.
• The stops included must be detailed in your itinerary and are fixed upon purchase.
• The trip needs to begin and end at the same location.
• The journey must end within one year of beginning.
• Dates of travel can be changed at no additional charge at any time throughout the trip.

My seven-month-around-the-world-backpacking journey was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The around the world ticket allowed me the freedom to extend one leg of my trip to get scuba certified in Phuket, was flexible enough to modify plans for volunteering in India after a Himalayan mudslide, and afforded me the peace of mind to take a last-minute detour to Egypt. The flexibility was reason enough for this to be the right option to me, but after doing the math, it was hard to beat the price as well. I would encourage anyone to look into this option if they intend to cover a lot of ground regardless of their travel time.

Websites for more information:

• OneWorld - Partner airlines: American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airlines, Airberlin, Cathway Pacific, Iberia, LAN, TAM, Qantas and Sri Lankan Airlines
• SkyTeam - Partner airlines: Delta Airlines, Aeroflot, Aerolineas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, Alitalia, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Czech Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Saudia, Tarom, Vietnam Airlines and Xiamen Airlines
• Star Alliance - Partner airlines: United Airlines, Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA AIR, EGYPTAIR, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Portugal, THAI and Turkish Airlines
• Nomadic Matt - "The In-Depth Guide to Buying an RTW Ticket"

Ten Most Obnoxious Travelers: Don't be that Guy

After having crisscrossed the globe for more than a decade I feel I can talk honestly about the cast of characters I've encountered on my travels. It hasn't been uncommon for me to befriend someone and after a while hear, "Typically I don't care for Americans, but I like you. You're different." Let's be serious; that's B.S. I'm an American. If you like me, reshape your preconceived notions.

That being said, I'm going to throw out a disclaimer: this post zeros in on what society often considers taboo, stereotypes. Although not the end all be all and not true for everyone you meet, stereotypes are kernels of truth devised from a common perception so that we can best prepare ourselves and safeguard our sanity. So don't be a hater but instead commiserate with me as I describe the random lot I've experienced over the years. 

1. The Loud-Mouthed American. Let's put it out there right up front: the typical American who is brave enough to leave U.S. topsoil is a loud talking know-it-all. Whether they have been collecting factoids for a lifetime or read it all in the guide book on the way over the ocean, they will be the first to tell you what's up and which way is which in a foreign land. If you don't hear him from a mile away, you can surely recognize the guy with his white gym socks pulled up to the knees, fanny pack and ten-inch camera lens.

2. The Leaf-Loving Canadian. Yes, I know you've weeped quietly in America's shadow for too long and are sick of being mistaken for a Yankee, but come on. Do you really need to plaster the maple leaf on everything from your backpack to underwear? As soon as you mutter an affirmation-seeking "eh" or reference Tim Hortons people will know where you are from and all will be right in the world. Let's all hold hands and chant together "hail to the great white north."

3. The Stinky Traveler. This isn't country-specific but some cultures are more likely to be culprits than others. You know who you are. For the most part travel hygiene comes with minimal expectations: just shower regularly and slap on some deodorant each day. I don't care if you comb your hair. But if people clutch their noses or lose consciousness when you reach into an overhead bin or grab the bus safety strap, that's not okay. In the same regard, show some consideration and don't bring your sauerkraut pickle sandwich or onion breath when you know we'll all be traveling in close quarters for a while. Regular bathing is encouraged, passing gas on public transportation is not. 

4. The Travel-Boasting Australian. The Australian culture is unique in that due to its remote location or maybe its strange allegiance to the queen, young adults are encouraged to take a "gap year" between high school and university, or before the real world, to travel. Because of this accepted cultural norm, Australians (and Kiwis from New Zealand) are everywhere and often travel in packs. We know you've been everywhere, seen everything and still consider your home the most righteous on the planet. Spare us your gnarly travel stories and enjoy the moment with the rest of us.

5. The Chatty Seat Mate. (Also applies to bunk mate if staying in a hostel.) I know you're excited. I really do. You are on this plane/train/bus en route to somewhere awesome that most likely none of your friends at home have been or can relate. But you must understand, I partied until 3 a.m. last night, barely made this plane/train/bus ride and have a splitting headache. If I have my ear buds in or am reading a magazine, please don't see this as an invitation to chat me up. If you still don't get it, and I have to fake sleeping (or death), please just stop. You'll know the headache has subsided and the airplane safety pamphlet has thoroughly bored me when I smile back at you and ask you questions in return.

6. The Photo-Crazed Asian. I've been to some of the most spectacular spots on the planet: the Egyptian pyramids, Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal ... and there is one thing I can always count on: a self-absorbed Asian photobombing my priceless shot. I'm not sure if the peace sign is still the "in pose" or if they have somehow evolved to grow a selfie stick out of their torso, but Asians are everywhere and are the most photo-crazed species on the planet. It's not good enough to have three photos in front of that random disheveled palm tree, let me wait while you ... and your friends ... and your parents ... and the busload you came with take thirty happy snaps.

7. The Homesick Ruminator. Right now it's five o'clock back home. I don't care ... and neither should you! The purpose of traveling is to go somewhere you haven't been and experience something different. If you are constantly comparing the food, the dress, the people, and the culture to home and pining for the latter, you shouldn't have left the comfort of your couch. Do us all a favor and catch the next plane home. We are tired of hearing about it and no, we don't want to grab lunch at that McDonald's you spotted around the corner.

8. The Penny Pincher. Let's face it, we are all not like Paris Hilton and can't jet set endlessly around the planet. However, when you are on vacation you need to get in a vacation state of mind. You are there for the experience and often times you'll never be back so you need to make the most of it. Nothing is worse than a penny pincher on holiday holding everyone else back from having a good time. Save up, devise a plan and stay within your means; fun can be had on all sorts of budgets but it's important to know what you are working with before you leave so you aren't bringing everyone else down.

9. The Anti-Planner. In high school it was acceptable if you overslept and were late for class. Now that you are an adult it's time to put your responsible pants on. It's no longer cute or funny to oversleep and miss your train or crash in my hotel room because you forgot to book yours. You forgot to pack your toothbrush and need to borrow mine? Forget it. With all the information you could ever want at your fingertips, there's no excuse for poor planning. Get with the program.

10. The Condescending Jet Setter. Once you've been around the block a few times, it's hard not to fall in this trap. I consciously put forth an effort so not to be lumped into this camp. With a cheeky nod to the Australians, you're well-traveled and have experienced more adventures than one deserves in a lifetime, but be weary not to sour your newbie travel mates. Every city and each country in this world is unique and deserves to be discovered with an open heart and open mind. Check your past experiences at the door and dive into the moment ... if not for yourself, for everyone around you. 

These ten obnoxious traveler types continue to urke me and set my eyes rolling. Let this be a public service announcement: the first step in reform is self-awareness. If you are guilty of any of the offenses mentioned, there's still hope for you. Most likely, I'll give you a second chance but when you come to make amends be sure to being a bottle of whiskey and know when to bite your tongue.

Fifty United States: Our Journey Off the Beaten Path - September 2015

Guest Blogger: Pauline Leupo
U.S. Travel Enthusiast, Amateur Photographer & Decorative Spoon Collector

In today's day and age there are a variety of ways to keep our minds and bodies active. Some people are collectors, others are fans while still others tend to be more physically active. I’d like to think that, like a lot of people, I have the above three interests covered and more.

 

Twenty-eight years ago while my husband and I were moving to our fifth state for job purposes, we thought it would be an exciting challenge to visit all of the fifty states of America. With three daughters and a cat in tow, we moved to yet another state and continued our travels with more moves, vacations, colleges as well as visiting family and friends around the country.

 

From the east to west coasts, the midwest, north to south, the United States is a spectacular country. The terrain, as well as the food, cultures and landmarks vary from one area of the country to another. From natural wonders to man-made beauty, each state offers numerous photo ops with unique structures, humorous displays, historical sites, monuments and as much informational chatter as a brain can retain.

 

While everyone knows of the Golden Gate Bridge in California, the Empire State Building in New York and Disney World in Florida, I wanted to share some of the unique places "off the beaten path" we visited during our journey.

NORTH DAKOTA - MY 50th State, July 20, 2015; COLORADO - Silver Mine Tour; ARKANSAS - Hot Springs from the Observation Tower; NEBRASKA - Carhenge; LOUISIANA - The Bayou; TENNESSEE - ‘The Mighty Mississip'; MINNESOTA - Paul Bunyan Park; OKLAHOMA - Hometown of Roger Miller; MISSOURI - Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

VIRGINIA - Williamsburg Fifes & Drums March; NEW JERSEY - High Point, Highest Point in NJ; NORTH CAROLINA - Biltmore Estates, America’s Largest Home; PENNSYLVANIA -‘The Endless Mountains'; FLORIDA - Ponce De Leon Lighthouse, 203 steps; MASSACHUSETTS - Town of Agawam First U.S. Zip Code and Tobacco Barn; NEW HAMPSHIRE - Longest Wooden Bridge in the U.S.; OHIO - Erie Canal with Horse-Drawn Boats; ILLINOIS - Chicago's Willis Tower, 103rd floor

ALASKA - Mendenhall Glacier; NEW MEXICO - Puye Cliffs; HAWAII - View from Diamond Head; CALIFORNIA - Drive-Thru Redwood Tree; NEVADA - State with the Most Casinos; TEXAS - Leaning Water Tower on Route 66; WASHINGTON - Space Needle; WYOMING - Mammoth Hot Springs; MONTANA - Glacier National Park

 

By traveling to each of the fifty United States, I have felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment and have an undeniable appreciation for our beautiful and diverse country. Seeing the sights with my own eyes and experiencing a few of the ‘little things’ less publicized in each state have made it an awesome journey. A journey that I’m proud to say has been treasured because I enjoyed every place and every moment.