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The Presidential Bucket List...so far

      I mentioned in my introductory post for this blog that I have a number of bucket lists related to travel goals. In this bucket list I combine my love for travel with my love for history. My earliest historical interest was focused on the U.S. Presidents (which grew exponentially during a road trip between 2nd and 3rd grades). In fact, it was on this road trip with my parents and grandmother that I crossed the 1st two presidents off of the list.      It is important to note what criteria I use to determine what qualifies as an official presidential site. Most of the earlier presidents do not have "libraries" like all of the presidents from Herbert Hoover to the present have. Additionally, after a president leaves office it takes a fair amount of time for a library to be established. Our two most recent presidents, Obama and Trump, do not yet have libraries built/open. It is not just libraries that I consider as qualifying sites. Additionally I also count homes, birthplac
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Airports: the Good, the Bad, and the Meh

      As an avid traveler I have passed through more than my fair share of different airports over the years. Almost 50 by my count. I decided to compile a short list of the ones I like a lot, the ones I barely tolerate, and the ones that just missed out on being on the good list. I've taken a lot of factors into consideration when determining the lists. Ease of getting to and from a particular airport were considered for the ones that I have departed and/or arrived from. This includes in some cases the ease of picking up and returning a rental car. Airport layout is definitely a factor, especially when it comes to layovers between flights. How well the terminals and concourses are marked as well as the ease of navigating between gates is extremely important (especially in foreign airports). Airport amenities (shops, eateries, restrooms, etc.) can make or break a longer layover. Overall comfort in the gate areas (ample seating, options for charging portable devices) is important to
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Welcome and Introduction

    Hi everyone and welcome to my second themed blog. In this blog I will explore different places to which I have traveled. Included will be suggestions of sites to see, things to do, and even places to eat. One thing to consider when reading...while I may at times recommend things that are good for families with children it will be less than frequently than some other travel blogs. The reason is quite simple:  I do not have children nor have I traveled with them (except on rare occasions). When it comes to dining suggestions, I will tend towards less expensive options. I've never been one for fancy restaurants (probably because I am one of the pickiest eaters I know).     To date I have traveled extensively throughout the United States (37 states; 3 more if you count airport layovers) and in parts of Europe (14 countries). I've also spent a short time in Mexico (Cancun) and a quick trip to Toronto. Of the 37 states I have visited I have been to 17 different state capitols (mo
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