Blogging again...we will see.

So...I am going on another trip across the world and it has been suggested to me that I blog about it rather than pretend to send emails. I am not anticipating anyone following faithfully, but I am going to try to blog at least every other day.

So, in just a few short days, I will be traveling to India!


I have to be honest and tell you that going to India has never been in my top 5 or top 10 travel destinations. But, in my quest to travel to every country possible, when the opportunity came to travel to India, I just couldn't say no. (Sorry, New Zealand...I promise to still come see you!)

I also have two other reasons for going. One, my good friend asked me to go (little did I know in the beginning that this meant be her travel guide). Two, I cannot pass up the opportunity to see the Taj Mahal. I have also wanted to see a place where the cow is worshiped...and can paint.


I have many work friends that are from India so I have been warned multiple times about the higher priced items for tourists, the need to drink bottled water and the fact that I am going to India during monsoon season (at least I like a good rain storm right?).

So, I put it to you...any advice? What do I need to remember to pack? What do I need to bring back?

South American Adventures

Here are some of Bergit's latest adventures in South America:

1 - Argentina - I got locked in a hotel bathroom and couldn't get out. When the maintenance man finally came he had to use his wrench to break the handle and get me out. Now I know why they all have phones in the restrooms.

2 - Argentina - We got a flat tire on the way to a meeting but were fortunate to have some people around who were able to help us put on the spare and drive to a place where they could patch the tire. Unfortunately, the next day as we were on the highway, it went flat again. So we had to change the tire again on the side of the road...thank goodness the spare tire still worked!

3 - We were lucky to find a GPS with maps of Argentina, Paraguay, and other South American countries. Unfortunately, Eva (as we fondly call it) has not led us to our exact location on a few occasions. Two of these times, we were looking for our hotel and she either has us on the wrong side of a one way street, or on the wrong street all together. Luckily we were still able to figure things out in the end.

4 - Paraguay - We ended up taking a 12:30 am bus from Argentina to Paraguay. This was not our desire, but it is how it happened. Once we crossed the border at 4 in the morning, we arrived at our hotel at 5:30 and requested our room. Well since early check in wasn't until 9:00, we had to pay for an additional night or stay on the couch for a few hours. Thank goodness we took the room. Big fluffy beds and lots and lots of pillows. I was out very quickly!

5 - Paraguay - We went to an open air market in Paraguay where there was a lot of things for sale. We found food (pineapple, every other kind of fruit, beef, etc.), shoes galore, sunglasses, watches, backpacks and lots of clothing.

6 - Argentina - In the streets we have seen a lot of fun things including protests, spray painters who make amazing art, a man laying on glass and having people step on him and even some tango. See the video for a taste of what was seen here:

More fun to come as Bergit continues on to Brazil and Iguazu Falls!

Buenos Aires, Argentina

OK, so I am currently in Buenos Aires and it is a much different city that which is found in the United States. As I mentioned before, the traffic/driving is amazing yet complicated (we will be driving later, so wish us luck). I am constantly surprised that we are still alive after the number of the times it seems like we were going to be crushed or even bumped from all sides. Just to show you some of it, I took a short video:

Ok, so you can't really see the crazy traffic in this video (I had a better one, but it is too big). But let me assure you that it is real!!

Not only has the traffic been an barrier, but the language has been also. I think most of us have experienced not understanding someone when they were out and about, even if it the person was not talking directly to them. This trip I have found myself in this exact situation. My Italian has helped my out quite a bit as it is also a Latin language. However, in attempting to respond to what I think I understood, I am not having as much luck. Although I attempt to drop or add a vowel to the word or even change my accent, it is still not Spanish. But, all in all, I am at least glad that I understand some things.

Where in the World is Bergit?

Many places outside your own home can show you new places, new ways of living, and new driving manuvers. I am currently in one of these places. So a quiz for those of you who do not have my current itenary. Where can you go where the following driving rules would apply:

1. There are no driving rules - at least not any that are noticably followed.
2. Drivers don´t stop for pedestrians...pedestrians stop for cars or get run down.
3. Blinkers and lanes are optional.
4. From a local ¨Roads are painted just to give someone a job.¨
5. From a local ¨Stop signs and signals are only suggestions.¨
6. You can be sold anything from the comfort of your own car. I have already been offered socks, a measuring tape, coffee mugs and a window wash.
7. People go into a crosswalk (dangerous I know), and hold up large signs advertising anything and everything.

Now if this still feels like a place you might know, let me give you a few more hints about this awesome place to help narrow it down. There are trees and parks all throughout the city. The skyline is non-existant (which is really nice), and the night life is filled with protests, dancing and men lying on shards of glass for money. Still don´t know? Stay tuned and I will get you the answer soon enough!

Where in the World is Bergit?

Any guesses on where one might find this type of ice adventure?

Salt Lake City Airport, Utah

Have you ever thought that if you just knew the number to the radio station that you could win that special trip for two or even the tickets to Disneyland? Have you ever dreamed of winning the lottery?

Well it turned out that I did just that! I broke down and purchased a round trip plane ticket from Ontario, CA to West Yellowstone, WY. The first leg of this trip went very smoothly. But the second leg turned out to be a very special ride on an Embraer 120 Brasilia. This plane has only two pilots and one flight attendant. It also has a max takeoff weight of 26,378 lb and a max landing weight of 25,740 lb. (I know, it makes you wonder what happens to the extra 638 pounds during the flight--watch out below!) Now, I know what you are all thinking...how can it be considered a lottery ticket, when she paid for the flight. Anyone can do that! That is true, but not just anyone can get kicked off of a plane (twice) and still get paid for it. What was my trick? Ranting, raving and creating a commotion? No. Fighting or swearing? No. I believe it was because I was traveling by myself and choosing a seat at the front of the plane on the hottest day of the year in Utah.

Here's what happened on Tuesday, Jun 17th before my flight was to depart at 4:50pm:
4:00p: Me, minding my business waiting for my connection flight to West Yellowstone. (Where is everyone else going?)
4:07p: Written and verbal request goes out to all passengers asking for volunteers (5) who would be willing to take a different flight. i.e. the next day or fly to a different city (Who wants to go to Boise?!?)
4:10p: One person volunteers. (I found this out later as I was not stalking the desk.)
4:12p: Another verbal request asking for volunteers. (I am on the phone with work and still don't hear any announcement.)
4:20p: Another verbal request asking for volunteers. (What was that?? Free what??)
4:25p: I decide against volunteering as my parents and two of my brothers are already at the cabin near Yellowstone waiting for my arrival. (No starting Yellowstone bingo without me!)
4:26p: Another verbal request asking for volunteers (come on someone!!)
4:30p: Airline worker requests for everyone on the flight to gather around. (A raffle??)
4:33p: Airline worker tells everyone that unless she gets 4 volunteers in the next few minutes she will have to have the computer 'randomly' select people who will not be allowed on the plane. (That can't be good!)
4:35p: The computer 'randomly' selects 4 people. An old woman, me (I was #2 and I knew it), and two Asian women who had not yet arrived.
4:36p: Everyone else is allowed to start boarding the airplane. (Why not pick a family of 4?)
4:37p: The two Asian women arrive and are very, very angry and confused at why they are not allowed to board the plane. (Aren't we all.)
4:46p: Old woman is allowed onto the plane. Two Asian women are even more angry and trying to explain over and over that they have a hotel and a car waiting. (Blah, blah, blah.)
4:47p: Another airline worker tries to explain that the computer 'randomly' selected people to be pulled, and that no one including the lady behind them (that was me), wanted to miss the flight.
4:50p: Word comes from somewhere that there is enough room and we can all make it! (Yippee!)
4:55p: Pilot explains to everyone on the plane that the reason some people were originally pulled is because the outside temperature had increased more than originally anticipated, and it was not safe to take off or land. (Throw out the flight attendant and all the peanuts!)
4:57p: A baggage handler come onto the plane and tells the two Asian women that they have to get off as the plane is unable to take off due to weight/temperature. They are sorry. (Were they really...I thought they were very annoying.)
4:59p: Same baggage handler comes onto plane and pulls me off the plane for the same reasons. (I hear my name as she was coming up the stairs.)
5:10p: The plane is now able to take off without me and I am stuck behind the two Asian women who are complaining again. (sigh!)
5:30p: Compensation!! Free lodging at the Radisson Hotel, 3 free meals (to be used at hotel or airport), and $400 dollars to use on future flights! (Thanksgiving and Christmas are paid for!)
6:30p: Me sitting in my lovely room at the Radisson with my coconut shrimp and salad.
Later: That evening Alissa and Shanell came up for a sleepover and a swim which was awesome! It made it a very enjoyable stopover even if I did get them the wrong room number initially, oops! Good thing no one else answered the door!

Next day: I was finally on my way to Yellowstone with some very lovely company (Dustin, Whitney and Cade) who joined me for the ride! You can bet I wasn't going to be caught traveling alone again!

Where in the World is Bergit?

Where in the world can you go and get a room like seen in the pictures below and only pay a small one time fee - 7.92 - with no strings attached!! This is not a joke or a hoax. I even had room service that served me coconut shrimp at no additional charge.

To prove that I didn't just get the pictures off the internet, you should be able to see my black shoes sitting next to the couch in the second picture.

Where in the World is Bergit?

I love to see animals in the wild, especially when you find them in places that are totally unexpected. For example, sitting on the top of this 4x4. I for one, was glad that I had a zoom on my camera so I didn't have to worry about what could have happened had I gotten too close.


Does anyone know where I might have found these amazing beasts? Not really sure? I will give you a hint - the habitat of lions span many parts, but are found mainly in Africa.

Milan Italy

I know this may be a shock to some of you, but nothing in life is 100% predictable. Sure, some things in life are known like always being able to find a McDonald's no matter where you go, but when you are dealing with people and your own expectations, you may or may not get what you think you will. Take for example my trip to Milan Italy. I assumed that because I spoke Italian to Italians, they would respond to me in a like manner. Not always the case. Many times I was required to respond to them in Italian multiple times before they would stop trying to respond to me in English. This became a major annoyance of mine as I traveled in Italy.I also assumed (subconsciously of course) that all things would look and be perfect when I arrived. Again I was wrong. For example, the Duomo of Milan is one of the world's largest churches, being second in size within Italy only to Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, and being the second largest Gothic cathedral in the world, after the Cathedral of Seville in Spain. Because of its history, size and placement in all the travel books, I was expecting a great view! Although books say it was completed in 19th century they were sorely mistaken! I saw scaffolding all over the building (which was ugly) and I couldn't keep it all out of my pictures. *Sigh*
Speaking of not being predictable, as I was gawking over the amazing scaffolding, a procession of Egyptians (or what looked like them) walked by with who could only be considered a princess and her entourage. As they made their gallant entrance, they made a less than gallant exit shortly thereafter as the police stormed in and took them to their office on the back side of the Duomo (I know this because I followed from a safe distance). I don't know if anything bad happened to them, but it was an unexpected surprise.
Another surprise came outside the Castello Sforzesco. For those of you who don't know, this is a castle in Milan that now houses several of the city's museum and art gallery collections. Since it was severely damaged in 1943 as a result of the allied bombardment, the castle itself was not as exciting as I had hoped. However, outside was another story. For one day only, they had set up a sand volleyball court in the middle of the plaza where the Swatch-FIVB World Wide Tour came to play for the people. It was an awesome event!I am sure you have all heard the saying "When life gives you lemons, find somebody you despise and squirt them in the eye," but I prefer "When life gives you lemons, make a pie and throw a party." I guess the Italians had the same idea!

Where in the World is Bergit?

OK, time for a new quiz. Extra points to the person who can tell me specifically: where this place is located geographically, what this place is called and what it is used for today. Good luck!

Island of Tasmania

Tasmania is an Australian island which is separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait. As you all guessed, the animal in the video is a Tasmanian Devil and they can be found exclusively on this island. We took an overnight ferry (very lovely) from Melbourne to Devonport (which is on the north side of the island). We then drove past the beautiful Lake Barrington (I am sure it was although I didn't get to see it, let alone take a picture of the sign - but that is another story) and ended up near the capital city of Hobart which is on the south side of the island.

The little devil was found at the Bonorong Wildlife Park. There we walked among all sorts of animals, such as kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, quolls, koalas and echidnas. I think the best way to let you experience what I saw, is to show you. So take a good look at the animals pictured below:

This is a Tasmanian Devil sunbathing:


This is a Koala sunbathing:

This is a Laughing Kookabura sunbathing (before and after the picture it was laughing at us):

This is a Kangaroo and her baby sunbathing (so darling!!):


This is a wombat, wishing it could be sunbathing:


One of the best parts about this park was that there were not any people walking around making noise or obstructing our view. The park was very open so we got to walk among the Kangaroos and feed them whenever they got close (which was often when we pulled out the food).

However, my favorite part was seeing the Kangaroos when they jumped. It was amazing!! I always thought that they would be bigger (like you see on TV) but these ones weren't that big.

We were told later that Kangaroos vary greatly in size - with the smallest being a musky rat kangaroo (which is about the size of a rabbit) and the largest is 5.3 foot tall red kangaroo which weighs about 132 pounds and is the largest surviving marsupial (a mammal with a pouch) anywhere in the world. So, now you know!!

Where in the World is Bergit?

I currently work for a GIS (Geographic Information Systems) company where we develop and use GIS software. This software can be and is used for many different reasons. A GIS can provide powerful information - not just how things are, but how they will be in the future based on changes you apply. As this is what I work with every day, I have added a satellite photo of a place where I have been (and where we used a GIS to map the area), and pose the question to you...where is Bergit?

Yellowstone National Park

Five Things You May Not Know About Me In Yellowstone National Park:
1 – I love to read books about escapes, tragedies or deaths of people (mainly stupid people) out in nature. Each year I go to Yellowstone, I buy a new book to add to my growing collection. So far I have Bear Attacks, Man Eaters, Danger Stalks the Land, and Death in Yellowstone (a classic). I particularly love watching people in the park that think they are faster than a buffalo (which can be larger than your car). It makes me feel like I am in one of my books...except for the part when I actually see them running and screaming for dear life. Any suggestions on which book I should read next?

2 – I play a type of bingo game in the park. It involves using the printed brochure as a guide to all the animals that I need to find during my entire trip. I have seen almost all the animals listed, except for that darn yellow-bellied marmot, the bighorn sheep, and the Pika. The hardest part about the game is that I force myself to start the game over each year. I was even given binoculars for my birthday so that I could find those little creatures.

3 – I really enjoy floating down the Snake River in a canoe or a raft. OK, I particularly love doing it in a raft because it takes twice as long and I have more time to enjoy the sun and scenery. My favorite part so far is Box Canyon because of the rapids and rocks that you have to dodge (or risk getting a hole in the raft). Although one can’t really float down the river in the park, I figure it should count since the Snake River does runs through the park.

4 – I have the worst geyser luck on the planet. The first time I went to see Old Faithful it was dark, so I only heard it. The second time I went to see Old Faithful, I missed it by two minutes and was told that I would have to stick around for another 90+ minutes before it would go off again. The third time I went, it went off as we were getting out of the car and I only saw it from a distance. If only I could see Old Faithful go off as often as I see warnings signs about buffalo goring's. *Sigh*

5 - My favorite time of day to go into the park is in the early morning - mainly because everything is just waking up (including people so it is less crowded). If you haven't had a chance to go to the park, I definitely suggest that you to find some time and take the drive. You never know, you might be surprised at who you end up following.

Where in the World is Bergit?

No matter where you go in the world, you can always find wild animals. Some are cute and cuddly and some...are not. I can tell you from experience, that it is much better to view them from inside your car behind a steal door rather then out in the open. Even better than that is when the animal is much smaller and further away from you, rather then standing at eye level right next to your SUV. Does anyone know where I am visiting?

Waverley Station in Edinburgh Scotland

Well sorry to say I will not be handing out any prizes this time...too bad it was a really good one. The picture was actually of Waverley railway station, which is the main railway station in Edinburgh Scotland. It is actually the second largest mainline railway station in the United Kingdom. If you look close you can see two Scottish flags in the distance. We flew into this gorgeous country on my favorite European airline, Ryan Air (seriously the best and cheapest - I paid about 10 US dollars for my flight).

We saw the Last Drop Tavern, where it is said that men who were sentenced to hang for such crimes as stealing a pair of boots or being a Protestant were taken to have their last meal while they prepared the gallows across the road. Just before leaving the tavern they were given one last whiskey. But no, I did not try it to see if it was any good.

The weather didn't exactly cooperate the entire time, but I don't mind a good rain every now and again especially when I have a hat and a jacket on (having curly hair helps).



We walked down the Royal Mile (which is a fancy name for a street in the old part of town) where we saw lots of shops and I rather enjoyed getting in the superman telephone booths (thank goodness I never saw anyone changing inside) and taking pictures of the bobby's (police) wandering around in the cold with no coats. OK so I always try to get pictures of the police in every country that I visit, but I do try to be careful that they don't see me, just in case they decided they don't want to be photographed and take my camera.

I really need to go back as the short time I was there really didn't allow my to see all of Scotland. Any suggestion on other places of interest that I need to visit?

Hong Kong Harbor

Have you ever tried to obtain something that just always seems to be out of your reach? Do you remember the frustration you felt when you found out you missed this item by seconds? If only you had been there sooner, you would have got this item that always seems to evade you. Do you remember the thrill you felt when you finally found what you had been searching for? Well this was my experience in Hong Kong.

Most tourists in Hong Kong are shopping, gambling, eating or visiting ancient temples. From the first day, all I wanted was just one good picture of a traditional Chinese junk boat with all the sails up. Now before you start laughing too hard thinking of me running up and down Hong Kong harbor chasing a "junk boat," just know that it was actually a Chinese Sailing Vessel that does not collect actual junk.
Now over and over I would see this boat...sometimes the sails would be down, sometimes the boat was turned sideways, sometimes this boat only had one mast up, sometimes the sun was in the way or it was too dark, but most of the time it had just past and my zoom just couldn't go out far enough in order for me to take that one perfect shot.
And wouldn't you know it, after I had decided that all was lost and I would have to leave before I could get the perfect shot, I got it. As I was wandering around the Hong Kong walk of fame (which happens to be along the harbor) looking at the hand prints of Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and many other people that I didn't even know existed but were obviously famous, there it was. Docked right next to an observation deck it sat waiting for me with its sails all set to go.

Now, I would like to say that I calmly walked up the observation deck, found the perfect angle, and then took my photo. However, I am sure if you would have been watching me, I probably looked like a crazy lunatic with a camera who was half walking, half running down the boardwalk hoping that the boat wouldn't leave before I got my perfect picture. But it was worth it!! The funny thing to note is that my Dad, who was on his way back from a meeting and on his way to meet me, had seen the boat as well and had diverted from his course just to take a picture for me. Of all the places to meet up in Hong Kong that is where he found me!

The Great Wall of China

OK, I either made this one too easy or someone did some sleuthing on the web for Amazing Race 6 locations...well the location is the Great Wall of China and I did originally think that this was the place the racers went on the show so that is why I took the other photo. Obviously I was sorely mistaken.

This was and is truly one of the wonders of the world. I can honestly say that I feel bad for the Chinese…can you imagine how many people it would have taken to build this 4,000 mile wall? It has been estimated that somewhere in the range of 2 to 3 million Chinese died as part of the centuries-long project of building the wall. No kidding!! They probably died from stair stepping all day!! I bet invaders took one look at the wall and said to themselves, "Don’t worry, if we wait long enough they will kill themselves off and then we can just walk in!”

As you can see from the picture, I did not need to wear my coat although it was a rather cold day in February. There were quite a few people that were making the climb, but after we reached the first lookout tower, many people turned back. I was going to be one of those people, but once I caught my breath (by exploring the tower) I figured I could do one more…and then one more after that. Near the top of our climb (this is relative because I think we reached many tops), it got very windy and it made it hard to keep going...that and I am a wimp. There I said it.

I did see some very funny signs in China and at the Great Wall, such as this one posted about cellphones ... I wonder which cell phone does this and how does it know that it is in a thunderstorm?

Now, you would think that the climbing down would be much easier. Well let me tell you that is a falsehood! I was weaving back and forth and my legs were shaking so badly on the way down you would have thought that I was punch drunk. I had to start jumping the stairs two or three at a time just to get myself down. But not to worry, ice cream and a hat was the perfect cure!