I Could Totally Live There (part 1)

While thinking about possible posts, I decided it would be fun to do a top ten list of sorts. In this case, ten houses (or castles or palaces, really) in which I wouldn't mind living. As it turns out, there are way too many to limit this to ten. So I'll just start with a few and go from there, every so often. Plus, it’s a huge pain to upload all the pictures.


Anyway, the keyword here is ostentatious. I'm really only talking about ridiculously grand, fabulous, waaay over-the-top places. And, since we're civilized here at Travel Rambling, there are a few rules:


1. These are all places I've been. And generally been inside. I may bend that part a little.

2. They must be habitable. As in, there must be a ceiling and enough walls to keep out rain/animals/ax-wielding psychopaths etc.

3. They have to at least be somewhat open to the public. No (currently) private houses.

4. All these places are or were meant to be lived in.



Okay, on with the list!



Number 1: Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal



Since this amazing palace actually inspired this post, I figured it would be a good place to start. Located on a mountain in Sintra Portugal, this is one of the most bizarre looking buildings I've ever seen. It was built in the mid-19th century but I think there was a monastery on the site before the palace was built and that was somehow incorporated. The result is strange but really amazing. I honestly think the building looks like it belongs in a fairy tale or something. First, the exterior colors are varied and bright. Some of it's red, some yellow, and some blue and white tile. There are numerous towers built in various styles. Also, the thing is absolutely enormous. I don't think I could ever see the whole thing, let alone fit it all in a picture. Unfortunately, photography is prohibited inside but there are some pictures (worth seeing) on the Wikipedia page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pena_Palace). I can't seem to find any pictures of the part I liked best which consisted of rooms opening out into a courtyard.

Even better than the palace itself (maybe…) is the incredible view. I do have pictures of that:

Note the Moorish castle on the top of another hill. I’m not sure if the palace is as precarious as I remember it. I’m a little (or a lot) afraid of heights and walking around the walled perimeter was just a little bit scary. In fact, I think one woman in the group had to turn back. So, maybe avoid that part in bad weather.


Number 2: Versailles Palace, Versailles, France

(Yeah, that's just a corner...)


Sure, everyone knows Versailles, Louis XIV's palace in France. How could I not include it? It's not only huge and fancy but a symbol of the French monarchy. Located just outside Paris, Versailles would be an ideal home for someone who likes the suburbs. A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll city. Close enough to count.

What is there to say about Versailles that hasn’t been said? Well, the grounds are pretty fabulous:

Not to mention the interior:

And the front gates are pretty imposing. Good for scaring off the peasants who don’t travel in large packs (if that’s a concern).

For another, slightly less fancy royal chateau in France, try number 3:

Number 3: Fontainebleu Chateau, Fontainebleu, France

What’s there to say about Fontainebleu? Well, it’s big. It’s grand. It’s got a great front yard.

Fontainebleu’s setting is much more rural than Versailles’s is. If you’re royal and in need of a palace but would prefer a country setting, Fontainebleu would be a great choice.


Number 4: Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee

Graceland (where Elvis lived, remember?) is definitely worthy of a high rating on the Tack-O-Meter and therefore worth a mention here. Yes, the kitchen is carpeted. Since Graceland was already covered here (http://mytravelrambling.blogspot.com/2010/01/bsc-in-usa-part-1_14.html), I won’t go into detail.

I just have to say, it’s really tough to upload a lot of photos. If anyone knows of an easier/better way than the standard Blogger way, please let me know!

Digging for Diamonds

As someone from New York, I've rarely given much thought to the uneven square-shaped southern state that is Arkansas. For a long time, my knowledge of Arkansas was limited to Bill Clinton and Hot Springs National Park (which I've never visited). However, there's quite a bit more to Arkansas than that. With that in mind, let's talk about Arkansas.

With the nickname The Natural State, it's obvious that much of what Arkansas has to offer somehow involves nature. And I guess a state park/diamond mine does fit into that category. I first learned about Crater of Diamonds State Park, apparently the world's only public diamond mine, from the side of a U-Haul truck. As soon as I realized you could dig for real diamonds in a real mine and keep what you found, I knew I had to go there. Several years later, while driving from Colorado to Florida, I finally had my chance.

Crater of Diamonds is located near the tiny, pretty much middle-of-nowhere town of Murfreesboro. It's a little hard to get to but definitely a worthwhile trip. First stop? The diamond discovery center. Featured there is an exhibit with the history of the mine and the park, some samples, and information about diamonds. After that, it's off to the rental desk. (I think I skipped the paying admission part... Oops. It's cheap though.) After acquiring a bucket, digging tools/shovels, and sifters and a quick mining lesson, it's off to the mine.

I know when I hear the word "mine", I picture a shaft, darkness, and those funny little carts. Well, Crater of Diamonds is not at all like that. In fact, it's a plowed field that looks more like this:

At Crater of Diamonds, there are two digging methods: the wet method and the dry method. When I was there, only the wet method was allowed and oh, it was messy. Here's the basic process:

1. Fill a large bucket with dirt.

2. Lug the bucket (and sifters) to a nearby pavilion with giant tubs of water for sifting.

3. Fit your two sifters together and place them in the water along with a clump of dirt.

4. Work through the dirt (now mud) to filter the grains of sand out and leave the rocks behind.

5. Repeat.

6. (unofficial) Talk and share stories with your fellow miners. Some of them might be regulars with good advice.

7. Once you're fed up (or have found some diamonds), wash off at the uh, washing off station. You will be gross.

All in all, it's a good way to get really dirty. What could be more fun than that? Plus, there's a nice pool right there, perfect for the hot summer months, like when I was there.

So, did I find any diamonds? Sadly, no. Neither did anyone else while I was there. I did find some nice rocks though and their on-hand expert told me what I had found. Since it's finders keepers, I did keep the rocks but as souvenirs, they don't quite live up to diamonds. Oh well, maybe next time.

More information: http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com/