Four Museums for 2012

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Of course, there are far more than four museums on OffbeatTravel.com but we thought we’d highlight just a few to whet your desire to find more.

The National Liberty Museum – Philadelphia, PA
Created to celebrate our nation’s heritage of freedom and the wonderful diverse society it has produced, the museum includes exhibits honoring 1000 men, women and young people of all walks of life who have helped make the world a better place, array of hands-on exhibits that demonstrate easy, practical and fun ways to resolve conflicts peacefully, and a gallery devoted to the contribution of immigration to the diversity of American society. National Liberty Museum also maintains a unique collection of more than 100 works of fine art which reflect the theme of the fragility of liberty.
It’s one of our Museums of Peace and Tolerance

Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:
It’s still rock ‘n roll to me! On a recent visit to Cleveland, I had to be forcibly removed from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Everyone else was in the van, waiting. I was still trying to see even more, and I had already been there several hours. And I’m only the teenist bit sorry about it.

The experience starts in the lobby. The piped in music, Bob Seger’s Night Moves and Simon and Garfunkel had me singing along out loud. I probably looked crazy, but then, I consoled myself “they’re probably used to it.”

A mix of changing exhibits and permanent videos and displays. The variety and depth of experiences left me gasping. Read about Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows in Chicago’s Navy Pier

“You can’t miss it,” explained the woman behind the information desk, “just follow the path and when you see carpeting, you’re there.” Feeling a bit like Dorothy following the yellow brick road, I walked past stores and shoppers, strollers and even stages for indoor performances seeking the first museum devoted solely to stained glass windows in the United States. This free museum, which opened in February, 2002, is located in Chicago’s major entertainment/shopping mall, Navy Pier, and visited by an astounding 3.5 million people a year.
Lear more about Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows

Jesse Owens Museum Oakville, Alabama

The story of Jesse Owens is both difficult and easy to sum up. His greatest moment was surely in 1936 when the Olympic Games were held in Berlin under the watchful eye of Adolf Hitler.

Hitler’s vision of the perfect racial group was that of pure Aryan stock. They were perceived to be the smartest, fastest, and superior race according to any and all criteria. Hitler’s goal was to prove that to the world and was certain the Olympic Games would cement his vision, that his athletes would show the world their superiority. So, when Jesse Owens, poor black man from rural Alabama blew by the competition to win gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 400 meter relays he humbled Hitler’s vision and the tyrant himself. Owens’ actions made an eloquent statement about hard work, effort, and ability independent of racial heritage.

The Jesse Owens Museum in Oakville, Alabama focuses on Owens’ beginnings in a tiny sharecropper’s cabin and his amazing feats of physical prowess. The museum includes a replica of the tiny cabin, theater, timeline of Owens life, a wonderful statue of Owens surrounded by the Olympic rings, picnic area, long jump pit and sports fields.
Learn more about Jesse Owens at the Jesse Owens Museum

Three Cities with Great Wall Murals

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I’m a fan of art in public places. Museums are lovely — and no one would suggest that oil paintings and water colors be mounted outside where they would sustain weather damage — but there’s something special about living your daily life amid art. Walking down the street and happening upon a huge mural, or a sculpture adds a new dimension to the day – like finding a small treasure.

But some cities and town have made a concentrated effort to cover their building walls with murals.

Here are three of the best.
Probably the best city in the USA (and perhaps the world) for wall murals is Philadelphia. It boasts both the Magic Garden and their sprawling murals. Mosaic Walls and Huge Murals
Outdoor art thrives in Philadelphia. Yes, there are monuments and sculptures, but there is also wall art like few cities can provide. In fact, I don’t know of any city that offers both 3,000 and growing murals along with extensive beautification by the folk art mosaics that grace the walls of South Street Philadelphia.

Philadelphia’s Magic Garden
In the world of folk art mosaics, few can match the scope and complexity of Isaiah Zagar. Not only has he transformed blank (and often unloved) walls into vibrant art, glittering with mirrors, glass, and tile, but the Magic Garden itself includes a fully mosaiced indoor gallery and a massive outdoor labyrinth of tile, found objects, and mirror.

Wall Mural Project
It began in 1984 as part of the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network. Muralist Jane Golden was hired to redirect the energies of the graffiti writers to constructive mural painting. In 1996, Mayor Ed Rendell announced that the Anti-Graffiti Network would be reorganized into the Mural Arts Program.

Over 3,000 murals later, the city of Philadelphia is transformed into a city of art, wall art. Huge, community-pleasing, tourist-attracting, artist-loving creations.

Tucumcari, New Mexico
Follow the map provided by the visitor center through the 17 wall murals of Tucumcari. Painted by Doug and Sharon Quarles their art performs magic, turning brick into canvas for their murals celebrating the town’s history and culture, including the Mother Road.

Cuba Missouri
Cuba, Missouri is another small town bypassed by the passing of the Main Street but the town rebounded with a program of painted wall murals that earned Cuba the appellation of Route 66 Mural City. There are 12 outdoor murals on business walls along historic Route 66. The murals depict universal themes from the city’s history. In homage to Route 66, include three panels on the side of one of the historic Route 66 Phillips Petroleum Gas Stations.

Why do the pseudo-hip think it’s cool to trash Albuquerque?

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Sandra Vergara trashes the city that welcomed her - Albuquerque, NM

New Mexico is a starkly beautiful state. Our mountains reach over a mile into the clear blue sky. Our wide-open vistas beckon hikers, bikers, and road-trippers. We are friendly but not intrusive, and generally we all get along because of a live and let live attitude.

On the other hand, I’m from New York, and haven’t quite reached that level of serene acceptance, at least when it comes to stupidity.

So, when I hear those who think they are cool (or hot, depending) trash the city of Albuquerque, it quite pisses me off. The latest apparently is the destined for obscurity Sandra Vergara, a star in the movie “Fright Night”, which was shot in Albuquerque.

On a recent TV interview she demonstrated the serious limits of her exploration of the city. The host of the show asked Vergara if the shoot was in Albuquerque. Vergara responded, “Unfortunately.” She goes on to say, “Nothing against Albuquerque. There’s two things Genghis Mongolian barbeque and P.F. Changs and a strip club and it was the only place that had alcohol and I had to go.”

I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt – she was busy and didn’t have time to drive up to the top of the Sandias and watch the sun set over the city. Perhaps she’s not much on theater and so didn’t explore the dozen offerings each weekend. I’m sure her shooting schedule stopped her from taking a trip out to Acoma to tour the Sky City. As for alcohol? We have some fun clubs, but we’re not a week night late night party town. You want to get drunk at three in the morning, do it at home. It’s a lot safer if you’re not on our roads.

Feel free not to come back. Not even for our Balloon Fiesta – largest in the world. Or, the Gathering of Nations, one of the top events in the country. Or any of the other attractions, events, and festivals that we love and enjoy.

What I can’t understand, or forgive, is that she thought so little of us that it was easy to trash the place that welcomed her. And was so shallow that she gave in to a glib response.

Fright Night? What’s that?

Three Best Gardens in North America

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Photo by Neala

Butchart Gardens in Vancouver, British Columbia

Maybe it’s the cold weather that has me thinking about my favorite gardens, but whatever the reason, they’ve been on my mind.

Morikami Japanese Gardens in Delray Florida.
This was the very first garden I visited that inspired me to love Japanese Gardens. Since then, I try to visit every on I come across. But none have touched me the way Morikami has.

The 16-acre gardens, unified with a theme of the history of Japanese gardens, are reached by a graceful curving bridge designed to create a transition from the stress of day-to-day living into a gorgeous kaleidoscope of flowering bushes and sculptured trees. Black olive, gumbo limbo, Japanese Yew, several species of myrtle as well as pine and bamboo form forests. Flowering shrubs such as gardenia and orange jasmine scent the air.

A main path meanders along the lake and trees for about 7/8th of a mile. It’s a fairly easy walk with no steep inclines, although if you leave the main path there are some steps and occasional rougher footing. For those who enjoy exploring, there are charming detours to unexpected bits of history and tranquil niches. Read more about Morikami Japanese Gardens

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan
When next I fell in love with a garden, it was in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Center combined the exquisite beauty of nature with the creative spirit of sculpture. What could be more impressive than strolling the paths surrounded by both forms of beauty? Not much could touch that experience.
Frederik loved sculpture and his wife Lena loved gardens, and so this loving couple joined not only their lives but their passions to create seasonal gardens, a world-class Sculpture Park, meandering nature trails, and a charming children’s garden. Take a tram tour then explore on your own.

Make sure to stop at the magnificent The American Horse. This 24-foot tall 15,000 pound casting by Nina Akimu is based on the design by Leonardo da Vinci. There are only two in the world – the other is in Milan, Italy. All this courtesy of Meijer who heard about da Vinci’s horse and was determined to make da Vinci’s vision real. Read more about Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Center

Butchart Gardens in Vancouver, British Columbia
Recently I visited Victoria, British Columbia. A city that offers fabulous pastry, great strolling, and some fine attractions. But it is also quite near the amazing Butchart Gardens. And, once again, I fell in love.
This is easily one of the finest gardens on the North American continent. Located on Vancouver Island about equidistant from Victoria and Vancouver, no visit to the Vancouver/Victoria area would be complete without spending the day enjoying these spectacular gardens.

Oddly enough, much of the topographical interest of the gardens comes from its origin as a limestone quarry. Robert Butchart made his fortune in cement, quarrying the abundant limestone in the area and in manufacturing Portland cement. The process of quarrying the limestone created an enormous pit. When the limestone was exhausted, there was a humongous crater in the ground that was spectacular for its ugliness.

Jennie Butchart may have known nothing about gardening, but she knew beauty. When the family settled in the area she began to create gardens surrounding the house. The exhausted quarry represented both a challenge, and a unique opportunity. Read more about the world-class, National Historic Site of Canada Butchart Gardens.

Out in the Countryside of Romania

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I’m riding through Romania, past fields of grapes, cabbages, onions, potatoes and stalks of harvested corn and even fruit orchards. Romania is strongly agrarian country with rich agricultural land and we’re rolling through small family farms. The people of the villages produce all their own food – eating what they grow. Horses pull carts of dried corn stalks. We pass wineries. Tradition is strong outside the city, and we pass woman wearing traditional clothing – colorful scarf, long skirt colorful and patterned.

As we tour the country, cities, villages, and hamlets, I finally realize what I haven’t seen, not even in the Bucharest. This is not a country of sculpture, or really of outdoor public art of any kind. There are statues of famous people, and memorials, but there are no murals and few pieces of sculpture. The only piece of whimsy I saw was the recently erected sculpture in front of the National Theater.

I’m told that gas is ferociously expensive. As I sit in the bus in the town of Bacu, I see cab drivers lined up waiting for passengers. But when the first cab in line gets a fare, all the drivers get out and push their cars, rather than start and stop the engine as they move up in line.

The dubious architectural legacy of Communism is seen throughout the cities – featureless concrete blocks, often in stages of disrepair and rehabilitation. These apartment buildings were thrown up as fast housing – functional but not inspiring. And when there is little money, refacing their aging exteriors is a luxury.

In one tiny town we enjoyed a traditional pastry – a sweet roll filled with sweetened cheese. Although different in form, it reminded me of the cheese danish I ate as a child growing up in NYC. It was a doubly delicious moment.

Periodically we past huge nests on electric poles. I’m told there are stork nests.

Now we are driving through Sucavea in Moldavia and the architecture has changed. These are traditional houses with ornate design elements worked into horizontal strips on the walls, on the trim and edging on the exterior corners of walls, sometimes worked into the facade itself. These are concrete blocks buildings made individually distinct and lovely through these design elements.

There are small inns and restaurants for the travelers. But despite this, tourism hasn’t yet caused an explosion of souvenir shops. My advice for those looking for “shopping opportunities” is that when you find one… you might want to take advantage of it. Especially if it’s local handcrafts. There are very few of them. Mostly, you’ll find them along roadsides in towns. Occasionally in a tourist attraction.

Everywhere we go, scenes of domestic peace abound. An old couple sit under a canopy in their yard dotted with an apple tree and children’s yellow plastic slide. In the background up on the mountain a horse grazes placidly. In another yard, sheep chew down weeds. We pass a horse-drawn cart filled with milk cans.

Water comes from individual wells, and these are covered and turned into charming tiny buildings. Horses and carts abound.

All the houses have flower gardens – swatches of wildly colorful blooms, often dahlias, as well as corn or beans. Chicken peck in the enclosure. A cow munches. Hay stacks look like pieces of sculpture.

These people aren’t prosperous, but live with a frugality. Few cars, more walking and horse drawn carts. This is rural living almost from another era, but with electricity. Indoor plumbing is not guaranteed.

Read more about:
Bucharest, Romania: City of Culture and Architecture

Historic Sighisoara and Sibiu: Two Transylvania Gems

Painted Monasteries of Bucovina in Moldavia, Romania

On the Trail of the Real Dracula: The Truth and the Legend of Vlad the Impaler Dracula

Readers’ Top 5 Favorite Articles for August on OffbeatTravel.com

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Every once in a while we like to see what folks enjoy reading on OffbeatTravel.com So for the month of August, 2011 here is what is hot!

Porto, Portugal: A city with soul, wine, and beauty
Porto, Portugal, is a city with soul, populated with a genial and supportive community. The unhurried pace of life in Porto mirrors the graceful flow of ocean waves rolling on her shores and makes the strife in the world seem distant and remote. Brilliant blue skies set against red tile roofs and the sun glittering on the Douro River summon the anticipation of summer and the promise of adventures to unfold. Northern Portugal is a remarkable oasis for travelers in a destination-saturated planet.


Destination Paris: Landmarks, Monuments, and Neighborhoods
Paris and élan, intertwined in a never-ending liaison that forms the fabric of the city’s society. Virtually every street in Paris is alive with the hum of creativity. From the ornate architecture and gorgeous French couture, to the heady aroma of fresh café au lait and warm croissants wafting on the breeze, Paris defines the nuances of living art.

Pleasures of Ponce, Puerto Rico
I’m sitting at a table in the open air La Terraza restaurant in the Ponce Hilton hotel. The sky is a cloudless blue, the sun is shining and there’s a soft breeze. I’m having breakfast and watching a black bird raid the sugar, flying off clutching a yellow packet of artificial sweetener in his beak. I idly wonder what he’s going to do with it. He can’t possibly be using it for his coffee and there are other more appropriate nesting materials available. The sparrows seem to be doing fine with the bark of the palm tree. The parrot (in a cage) has his housing needs met.

Exploring Turkey’s magic Southeast: Mardin, Hasankeyf, Urfa
I was off to the mystical land of Mesopotamia, often called ‘the cradle of civilization’, the vast plane between the biblical rivers Tigris and Euphrates. As my head started to drop and my eyes to close I dreamed about Babylonian astronomers, Persian and Assyrian worriers, and the endless caravans of traders who have moved across the plateau for thousands of years. I came back to the present with a jolt, the coach was just pulling in for another, much needed, half hour stop to get a drink, visit the powder room and stretch my aching back.

Citygarden: An Urban Oasis Blooms in St. Louis
A public garden with spectacular landscaping and internationally renowned modern and contemporary sculpture in a completely open, accessible downtown setting.

Contraband Camp, Freedom’s Fortress, Shiloh Battlefield, and the Civil War in Corinth Mississippi

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It started out as a compromise. I wanted to see Memphis and Jim, my SO and military historian, wanted to see Shiloh Military Park. So we agreed to do both. I expected to spend a less-than-exciting day exploring Civil War history. And then, while driving around Corinth Mississippi I spotted a sign – Contraband Camp. Oh yes!

On a trip a few years ago to Hampton Virginia I had learned about Freedom’s Fortress and the Contraband. So I knew immediately what that sign in Corinth meant. There was a camp for escaped slaves where they found freedom and a new life.

Yes, I still drove Jim around Shiloh (the best part for me was the canon demonstration), but we expanded into the Civil War Interpretive Center in Cornith, and that Contraband Camp. And it turned into an article on Civil War, Contraband Camps, Freedom’s Fortress Shiloh, and history in Hampton Virginia, Shiloh Tennessee, and Corinth Mississippi. Quite a mouthful, but quite a lot of history, too.

It’s a park now, with trees and a wide plaza of grass. It bears the disquieting name of Contraband Camp, but in 1862 it teemed with people, emancipated people. Contraband was the appellation for escaped slaves. Their story is one of the little known but fascinating aspects of the Civil War. Some of it takes place at Freedom’s Fortress in Hampton, Virginia, but Corinth Missippi offers the Contraband Camp, the Interpretative Center, and nearby Shiloh Battlefield. Read more

OffbeatTravel Newsletter for August

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Here’s the feature articles for August on Offbeat Travel. If you’d like to get our complete newsletter delivered to your email click on Subscribe. We also include our special section on News Just for Subscribers.

Great trips are still possible even with the summer beginning to wind down. But one place you might want to make sure to put on you must-see list is Hasankeyf in Turkey. As Inka Piegsa-Quischotte notes, this ancient area will be flooded by a new dam. So, don’t put that trip off too long.

Otherwise, there are the Ancestral Puebloan ruins in Cortez Colorado, the new and old of Milan, birder delights in Texas, castles in Oman, Gaudi and more in Barcelona, and gold mining history in Cripple Creek.

Fall is a great time to travel – we’re planning on visiting Romania. Where are you going?

Like us? Then consider Liking us on our OffbeatTravelcom Facebook page

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Feature Articles
Exploring Turkey’s magic Southeast: Mardin, Hasankeyf, Urfa by Inka Piegsa-Quischotte. Inspired by an article about Hasankeyf, an ancient settlement on the banks of the river Tigris, soon to disappear under the waters of the Ilisu hydroelectric dam, I was on my way to explore Turkey’s southeast. I want to see Hasankeyf, her caves, mosques and emblematic medieval bridge before it all vanished forever. But not only Hasankeyf — Mardin, Urfa and Harran were also on my itinerary.
Read more at

http://www.offbeattravel.com/turkey-mardin-hasankeyf-urfa.html

Ancestral Puebloans in the southwest: Mesa Verde by Neala Schwartzberg. There is something inherently fascinating about old things, and the older the more reverential. In the USA, a country where “historic” references anything more than 100 years old, the remnants of the Ancestral Puebloans — which date back to 1000 AD– draw thousands in a pilgrimage to these ancient civilization that is in our own backyard. This civilization thrived for over 750 years from 550 to 1300 AD. Then, the dwellings emptied, leaving only the tantalizing remains of their villages.
Read more at http://www.offbeattravel.com/mesa-verde-national-park-ancestral-puebloans.html

Milan: A city with style and history by Caroline Crutchley. My previous visits to Milan, the fashion and commercial centre of Italy have been all about business meetings. Now as a travel writer, I can revisit the city of the north and saw it in a new light. The Grande dame has a big date in the near future. She is not only undergoing a facelift but a complete make over. In 2015, the Expo circus is coming to town. At the forefront of all Milanese minds is how to show off the city to the world with style. With lights like star ships for new arrivals to walk through at airports and stations, it will be like entering a new world. The new and the historic side-by-side.
Read more at http://www.offbeattravel.com/milan-new-image-historic-sites.html

Birding and More in the Rio Grande Valley of Southern Texas by Patrice Raplee. A breezy day blows the leaves of an olive tree, while Mocking birds peck at the tree’s green olives. And, the sound of Kiskadee birds ring out over the flowering gardens of Turk’s Cap, Lantana bushes and wild hibiscus. It is here at the Hidalgo World Birding Center and Pumphouse Museum that visitors catch a glimpse of the Rio Grande’s rich, natural beauty and how agricultural history was created. The Rio Grande Valley boasts nine world-birding centers and numerous nature areas where birders and outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe love to visit.
Read more at http://www.offbeattravel.com/texas-rio-grande-valley-birding-attractions.html

Castles in Oman: Nizwa and Jabrin by Keith Kellett. The problem with visiting places on a cruise is that you seldom get to stay anywhere long enough to really get to know it. This does, though, sometimes have a reciprocal advantage; if you DON’T like a place, you won’t be there long enough for it to be a big issue. But, Oman was a country in which we could have stayed longer. I felt that almost before we docked at around breakfast time. We entered the harbour at Muscat, the capital and chief port of the country, and rather rushed our breakfast, so we could hurry out on deck to see the ship entering the harbour. And then… came the castles.
Read more at http://www.offbeattravel.com/oman-castles-forts-nizwa-jabrin.html

Antoni Gaudi and Urban Living in Barcelona by Caroline Crutchley  Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia Spain, has long been a thriving city favourite. Since 1992 when the Olympic spotlight shone on it, tourism numbers have gone ballistic. Why is it that many just keep coming back for more? Well I think is because the city just keeps restyling and refreshing itself. And, without Antoni Gaudi and his art nouveau architecture, the rest of the world may have never discovered Urban Chic Barcelona.
Read more at http://www.offbeattravel.com/barcelona-architecture-landmarks-gaudi.html

Exploring Gold Mining History in Cripple Creek Colorado by Neala Schwartzberg. It was gold that lured farmers to Colorado, and it is gold that lures tourists to this not easily reached former boom town. In fact, it’s gold, in another form that turned Cripple Creek from ghost town to gaming town. The story starts in the 1890s when gold was discovered on the western slope of Pikes Peak. On October 20, 1890, however, Robert Miller “Bob” Womack discovered a rich ore and the last great Colorado gold rush was on, centered right in Cripple Creek area. Cripple Creek was also the site of one of the richest gold strikes in American history, the Independence found by W. S. Stratton. Almost overnight, the Cripple Creek Mining District grew from an isolated cattle pasture to an area of over 500 mines and a thriving town of an estimated population of 10,000, and produced an estimated $400,000,000 in gold.
Read more at http://www.offbeattravel.com/cripple-creek-gold-mining-attractions.html

Hope to see you soon — as a subscriber to our newsletter and News Just For Subscribers.

Singing with the Moody Blues

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A few months ago I attended my first Moody Blues concert. It was in the magnificent outdoor setting of Red Rocks, near Denver. It was glorious.

I have long loved the distinctive lush arrangements of the group, but somehow never got into the concert scene. Appalled by this huge hole in my experiences, and a lover of music and concerts, Jim bought two tickets.

I was delighted, and launched into my version of action. I set up a press trip to visit Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Garden of the Gods Lodge, and Cripple Creek. (Yes, I did, and as a result there will be no more of my planning of these trips with Jim. Imagine – he didn’t enjoy being on-the-go from 8 in the morning until dark without a break)

Anyway, Red Rocks was magic. We sat and listened to their golden hits while the sun set and the lights of the city twinkled in the distance. The weather was perfect, with just enough of a breeze to bring up memories of the 60s. Sniff, sniff? Could that be? Ah, yes. The scent of my youth. I was suddenly in a time machine, nodding to the music, enjoying the distinctive aroma of grass, and participating in a kind of mini-happening with people swaying to the music.

And I had the satisfying pleasure of singing with the Moody Blues live. Even if they didn’t know it.

It’s spam and a clear come-on for a sex website, but it sure made me laugh

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Spammers don’t usually bother targeting their messages, so although female, like many other women I’m often the target of all kinds of offers generally reserved for men.

The following made it through my spam filter, and is perhaps the funniest one I’ve ever read. I’ve removed the link, obviously.

Note the progression from a simply chatty note to “visit the site” and the growing number of references to sex.

And yes, it was written as one huge paragraph. The only thing I changed was that I put it in italics

OMG how have u been? I know we havent chatted in a while! totally my fault.. this computer im using freezes all the time. i have tired ot email you a few times with no luck.. ach! sooo sorry.. so whats been up? i am finally moving near you in a couple days.. i hope u didnt forget me? its me amdison lol.. in case u DID forget, we met on ms or cl not long ago.. so im gonna be living right near you and i dont know ANYBODY OMG SHOOT ME! i have my uncle and aunt there but thats not the same.. so can u show me around? help me find a job lol.. i get there next friday late afternoon.. im gonna nee dyour cell number also..ps – im recently single too so u can take me out and show me some real fun * wink wink * hahahha! so anyways im soo nervous about moving. its a load off my back that im gonna know someone there though. so i am happy we met online hehe :) I am hoping u dont have a girlfriend.. i am not a big fan of drama and stuff like that so just tell me if u do..SO I kinda think we should chat a little bit more before we meet. just to make sure we are not awkward and stuff. although i can talk forever about anything with anyone lol. u will notice that right away when we meet. so are u free friday to help me move some boxes and stuff? i hope so :) since i wont know anyone maybe u could also introduce me to some of you friends? are they nice? i am cool with gurls and guys lol.. guess u could say i am bisexual but whatever what girl isnt these days..so back to YOU mister… remind me what u do for work? for fun? what are your hobbies and what do you like sexually ? we have so mucht o get ot know about each other in such little time lol! as i mentioned i recently broke up with my ex. we were together for about 6 months but there was too much drama and my friends and fmaily hate dhim. he had no job and was quite disrespectful.. was also pretty lousy in bed.. i like foreplay and he always just wanted to go right to sex.. at least get me wet first ya know? selfish idiot. anyways so i feel free again now that i am single but i do kinda miss having that special someone to cuddle with ya know? so ur probably wondering how come i am moving right? well its a long story.. basicly i am broke for starters.. add to that the fact that i need to go back to school AND the fact that i ned a fresh start and there u go.. so i am gonna move and hopefully solve all 3 of those problems, the most stressfull one is my debt. i owe 8k on my visa ewwww. also i am trying to help my sister pay off her tuition fees also so shes counting on me. Speaking of which, do you have any good hookups to help me find a job? i would LOVE to be a bartender or somehting like that where I can make tips. I think i have a good look for it plus I am SUPER friendly. so here is some random stuff about me. i love star gazing, the outdoors, porn, foreplay, massages, the internet, shopping, doing my nails, sex, cooking, and watching movies. when it comes ot guys i just want someone who treats me the way i deserve to be treated. i can be such a good girlfriend and a total freak in bed. i am up for just about ANYTHING sexually.. serioulsy :) As for my current job doesnt pay that well but coming from where I lived it was my only real option. I am sure I told u about it but if i didnt i really hope u dont look down on me for it and can accept me for who i am. See I do this webcam thing where I basicly get paid to chat to people on cam and tease around a bit. I know its not the most MORAL job out there but i am desperate for money and its pretty easy money. i wanna get a real job though and thats another reason why i am moving. The job suits me cause i like tlaking to people and i am quite dirty minded so its the best of both worlds and i get paid for it hehe.. Anyways here is what i was thinking.. since my computer SUCKS and its hard for me to chat by email or instant messenger.. why dont u come chat me at my work site? i can totally get u in for free.. i have 2 free passes a month to share with whoever i like.. i havent ever given any out but i dont mind giving u one as we totally need to chat before i move. see you can login as a customer but ill give u a special link where u dont pay or get billed anything. its a special vip backdooor link… this woudl be the best palce for us to chat cause i am online all the time now trying to save as much money as possible for the move..also i will kick any other chatters out when i see u sign in. does this work for u? i understand if ur not cool with it.. i kno theres a lot of scammers out there so if u dont wanna chat there then i guess ill email u in a few weeks when i get my internet all set up in the new place. although i woudl really feel more comfortable chating wiht u before i move.if u do decide to come chat me online then u have to PROMISE me that u will not share the vip link with anyone.. for any reason.. its for YOU only baby i am trusting u.. once u sign in we can chat and u can see me on webcam also :) if u have one u can go on too.. oh la la hot.. and of ocurse u wudnt pay me for it ur my friend DUH! I am trusting u not to abuse it though cause once u sign in u can watch ohter girls naked for free too and i wudnnt want that.. YOUR EyeS BETTER ONLY BE ON ME hahahahha!! unless of course we watch them together :) So i am trusting u.. so u can trust me.. the link is at the bottom of the email. remember not to give it to anyone under any circumstances! i am online right now if u wanna come chat now.. its dead in here.. please come :( also.. u obvioulsy need a cc to sign into the site but thats just to prove u are not a minor…it says right on the vip link that its free since u are vip and u wont get billed anything.. ok im getting off here now.. im waiting for u baby. cant wait to see u and meet u and hug u and kiss u.. ciao for now.. xoxox

NOTE: Never provide credit card information when someone swears there will be no charge. Trust a sex site to not charge your card? And, there’s a really nice bridge for sale in Brooklyn.