Fairbanks beyond the lights...

   Fairbanks is not all about the lights. There are way more, depending on the time the year you decide to go. Going to the visitor center is a must. There will you learn all that is going on in town at the moment. People there  are very friendly. 

   I missed the dog sledding race by just a couple of days, but got there for the World Ice Art Championship. Amazing work those guys do... Not only require talent but lots of patience... 

   The Trans-Alaska pipeline system is probably the most impressive sightseeing in Fairbanks. It refers to 800 miles (1,287 km) of the pipeline with the diameter of 48 inches (122 cm) that conveys oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, Alaska. From Pump Station 1 it takes an average of 11.9 days for oil to travel the entire length of the pipeline to Valdez, a speed of 3.7 miles per hour (6.0 km/h). It is worth it checking out.

    Furthermore you can visit Chena Hot Spring and their ice museum, those I didn't have time to go, but the reviews are pretty good.

Celestial Rays of lights

   After spending 3 nights waiting the Northern Lights, on March 11th, 2012 in the Alaska's sky she started shinning shy and quiet. Slowly she started dancing getting greener with eventual pink rays. Soon she dominated the sky with slow seductive movements, it was almost like I could hear her. For over one hour the celestial rays of lights made the sky her stage. She overcome any expectations I had, making it impossible to find words to express such perfection.

My First Day in Alaska

   Cranky and in a bad mood kind of people is what you expect to find in a place where the winter last almost all year and when the summer comes they have no nights, right? Wrong. People here are very friendly and warm. They are ready to help and answer the most stupid questions and a very talkative.
   My first day in Fairbanks was rather calm.  After sleeping in I went for a walk. First stop was the visitor center. Gather a bunch of information and went to some shopping to get ready for my dream night. Got a tripod, mittens (yes i forgot mine), hand/feet warmers and snacks. The day was beautiful. Very sunny, not even a single could in the sky. All I need now is that the clouds stay away. The aurora active forecast for tonight is very high. So now just crossing the fingers.

The Dreams Ligths

Organizing a trip to Fairbanks isn't necessary an easy task. You can find good information on the net. There are limited number of flights to Fairbanks and they can get quite pricey. The good news is that good hotels can be found during the winter for a good price. The biggest fear is that after all the preparation, investment and a long, long flight I don't get to see the famous lights. Oh well, for sure if I don't try I won't see them...
I think the best two websites with information about Alaska and Fairbanks are:

http://www.travelalaska.com

http://www.explorefairbanks.com


Take the necessary time to explore them.

I could find a fare amount of information about the Northern Lights. I think the most helpful is the Geophysical Institute that gives a lot of information about the Northern Lights and even an Aurora forecast:


http://www.gi.alaska.edu

I hope that helps everyone that also dream with the Northern Lights.

Istambul - If I have had more time...

    I have no regrets about my trip to Istanbul. I had an amazing time. However, the point of blog is not only share my experiences but, help other people to prepare their trip.

You can find a fair amount of information on the website posted bellow:

http://www.travelturkey.com/pyt.htm


   If you have time I suggest you could include on your trips other cities that will enhance your experience:


   Cappadocia This city is know for its unique moon-like landscape (the "fairy chimneys"), underground cities, cave churches and houses carved in the rock. 
   Pamukkale "the Cotton Castle", white world of travertines surrounding cascading shallow pools filled with thermal waters. 
   Ephesus where you will find well-preserved ruins of the Roman city on the west coast.
   Troy where you will find the trojan horse. Needless to say anything else, right?


   I wish everyone planning to go to Turkey a fantastic experience!

Four Days in Istanbul

   After 4 days in Istanbul I have to say that it is way more than I expected (and I expected a lot). The key is to stay in a hotel close to main attractions (Sultanahmed) and you won't have to expend money on transportation. Fours days were enough to grasp the essence that is ancient Istanbul. From all the attractions I chose to explore in detail the Haghia Sophia, Topkapi palace and the Blue Mosque. Using the sight seeing bus I got glance of the main attractions of Istanbul. I didn't really have time to explore the Asian side of the city, but couldn't resist just to cross the Bosphorus Bridge to be in Asia for the first time. The only down side of Istanbul is the amount of harassment and scams made for tourist. Often times you start a negotiation in Turkish Lira and they try to finish in Euro or you order something from the menu and they will try to charge differently from what you ordered. The other way they try to trick you is a local that comes to you with the excuse of "practicing their English" and drag you to an expensive Rug store. Overall the experience was amazing. I really want to come back in Istanbul and other parts of Turkey.

2012 season - Istanbul to start

   Istanbul meet all the requirements of my 2012 plan: the prices of the hotels are very affordable, Istanbul is in a distance that I can get there, explore and get home within 5-6 days and there is one of the wonders of the Ancient World (Haghia Sophia). The city has so much to offer that I am having hard time planning the itinerary. It is exciting going to the only city built in 2 different continents, with over 3000 years of history and where I can learn about so many civilizations.

   Packing shouldn't be too complicated since I am just expecting cold days this time of the year (unfortunately with some rain). And, to make my trip safe hubby is coming along. :)

Good to go.