I could write a book

If there's one thing I'm discovering over the years, its that the most interesting things to do while traveling -- and I mean the grown-up, actually worth doing things -- cost way.too.much.money.

I love guidebooks. I'm partial to Lonely Planet seeing as they're Australian and the books read just as well as they inform. I love their Shoestring Guides. BUT I think someone should (maybe me?!) write a book titled something along the lines of How to See the World And Not Pay a Cent.

So perhaps I shouldn't boast about it but I found a way into the Museum of Natural History in New York City without paying. When we went to Shanghai, we wanted to make it to the viewing platform of the tallest building. It isn't the tallest building in the world but it has the tallest observation deck in the world. The Shanghai World Financial Centre is 492 m (1,610ft) tall. Its the tallest building in China and is in the top ten tallest buildings in the world, and it looks like a giant zipper in my opinion. Or maybe a bottle opener. But a Samurai sword? Supposedly it looks like the end of the blade of a Japanese Samurai sword before they put the handle on it. Not the sharp, pointy end, the other end that has the handle attached to it. Anyway its a pretty amazing view from the top -- if you can afford to pay the 100Y a person to get there. Or if you go into the Park Hyatt behind...well lets just say, we got five people up there for the price of one by buying sundried tomatoes, olives, and mushrooms. You could techically stand up there for free until they kick you out but if you want to hang out for awhile...well the food was just as delicious as the view!

Rachel -- 2nd of October, 2009