One Million Mind Tabs

Traveling to Europe for the first time?  I'm no "Rick Steves" - but from a non-Rick Steves European traveler and tourist like me, I hope you get the information you need that will help you determine your itinerary and hear some advice I had to learn the hard way.   I went to 9 countries in Europe on a fast-paced 3-week guided tour after college, and then 6 years later I went to Europe again for a 2-week family vacation to 6 countries. I will list the  top recommended  things I did, and let you know if you need to know any specific tips. European countries mentioned in this blog: The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Czech Republic. I also listed general tips at the bottom that every traveler should know before traveling to Europe. Enjoy!    When in The Netherlands / Holland: Things to eat/drink: Gouda cheese Frites (french fries -- with mayonnaise...originated in Belgium) Indonesian or Oriental food (very authentic

Before you go on a cruise (especially for first time cruisers), you'll want to have an idea of what to expect before you just take off on a 5+ day vacation... on a boat... in the middle of the ocean. Even after being on multiple cruises, I still get nervous and stressed out before I go on a cruise because I don't want to forget something, do the wrong thing, or have anything less than a great experience. Cruises are great vacations for many reasons and I believe everyone should take a cruise at least once in their lifetime. So I hope this list will help prepare you on what to pack, what to do, and other tips for having the experience of a lifetime. Important Documents Passport or birth certificate Passport must be valid through entire trip. If your last name has changed but you haven't gotten a new passport, you must register under the name that is shown on your passport.  Valid ID / Driver's License Have 2 "copies" of passport and

If you're looking to throw a unique and fun Christmas party for your friends, family gathering, or company, there are many options out there when it comes to themes, activities, and more. So, what's it gonna be? Fun and Unique Christmas Parties: Gingerbread House Decorating Contest All guests bring their own GB house kit Host provides extra decorating candies, icing, etc. Everyone votes for their Top 3 favorite GB houses Winner with most votes wins a small prize White Elephant / Chinese Christmas Gift Exchange Everyone brings a gift of X amount Gifts can be funny, gag, or nice -- unless the host says otherwise. You can also do themes -- all alcohol gifts, all gift cards, all gift baskets, all homemade gifts with it's recipe/instructions, etc. For rules on how to play, go here . For White Elephant exchange themes, go here . Establish the rules before the game begins. Scavenger Hunt For ideas, go to:  https://www.pinterest.com/explore/christm

AUTHOR'S NOTES I wrote this story years ago, just for fun. I found it while going through my childhood bedroom at my parents house. Just in time for Halloween! If you're a book worm or a horror fanatic, and find unanswered questions or things that don't quite match up, give it some grace.... my high school days were just the beginning of my "story" writing experience. I still think it's a fun read. :) ________________________________________________________________________ The Dark Spot Prologue                  I’ll never forget that day — the day when the world seemed to stand still. I reminisced how the night before that day was cold and quiet, different from any other night we experienced that year. The night was so still; something seemed wrong. I wasn’t sure if I was the only one who noticed the eeriness. It was the darkest night I had ever seen. In fact, it was so dark that without any lights on in the